DR. MARGARET CHUNG NELLIE WONG, KITTY TSUI, AND MERLE WOO
The San Francisco Bay Times is proud to announce its first-ever event honoring LGBTQ+ AAPI women leaders and allies! The event, held during Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month 2025, will also feature co-emcees Madeleine Lim, Queer Women of Color Media Arts Project Executive Director; and Nguyen Pham, former President of San Francisco Pride and President of the Mensa Foundation.
cheer them on as well as the honorees, who represent multiple generations. Some are renowned in their fields and known not only nationally but also internationally, while others are unsung heroines whose efforts continue to enrich the entire LGBTQ+ community.
Suggested ticket donation is $15 to benefit the Use The News Foundation and the Queer Women of Color Media Arts Project.
Madeleine Lim Nguyen Pham
Chinatown Pride 2025 to Take Place on May 24 With Theme ‘We
are Immortal!’
On Saturday, May 24, 2025, from 6–10 pm, the Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco (CCC) and Edge on the Square will present Chinatown Pride 2025: We are Immortal!, a neighborhood-wide Pride party that will build on Chinatown’s legacy as a refuge for free spirits, rebels, dreamers, and all who have fought and continue to fight for a just and inclusive world. The free evening event will feature a Pride procession led by artists from the Gay Asian Pacific Alliance (GAPA), with dance stops along the way; performances by API drag troupe The Rice Rockettes; a silent disco on the bridge over Kearny Street; hands-on art activities and activations; and much more.
“For 60 years, CCC has been a dynamic hub for art, social transformation, and community advocacy. As we celebrate this important anniversary, we recognize the urgent need to empower our increasingly marginalized LGBTQIA+ and immigrant communities,” says
Jenny Leung, Executive Director, CCC.
“This is such a powerful collaboration for Edge on the Square and CCC and represents an important moment for Chinatown organizations to take a stand together.”
The first Chinatown Pride was launched in 2021 by CCC, bringing together a virtual community during the height of the pandemic lockdown. Now in person for its second iteration and with expanded reach and impact through the co-presentation with Edge on the Square, the communal experience will unapologetically claim public space at this pivotal time.
“This year as we mark AAPI Heritage Month and Queer Trans Asian Pacific Islander Week, we are using our collective voice to uplift, center inclusion, and revel in radical joy. We invite the public to come resist and dance through
Chinatown in solidarity,” says Joanne Lee, Executive Director, Edge on the Square.
“In Chinatown, where every street holds the echoes of defiance and refuge, we dance,” says Candace Huey, Head Curator, Edge on the Square. “We transcend silence and oppression with vibrant aliveness and the bold, unyielding voices of a community that is resolute in its existence. ‘We are Immortal’ is not just a theme—it is a declaration that our identities, our histories, and our dreams defy the forces that seek to silence us.”
The evening party will begin at Edge on the Square (800 Grant Avenue) at 6 pm with an inaugural Chinatown Pride Procession led by artists from GAPA. Learning dance moves along the way, participants will journey on foot to several of Chinatown’s queer
AAPI Women Lead Empowers Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Women
AAPI Women Lead, founded in Oakland in 2018 by Dr. Connie Wun and Jenny Wun, is a community-based, intergenerational organization committed to ending violence and to uplifting stories of Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (ANHPI) women, girls, and non-binary individuals.
The organization continues to build on its foundation as an ANHPI queer, feminist, survivor-led and former sex-worker led nonprofit. It stands in solidarity with Black, Indigenous, and other marginalized communities, working collectively toward a world free from violence and oppression.
AAPI Women Lead launched The R.E.A.L. Institute, which is the first ANHPI community-driven research and education institute that is survivor-centered to end violence against ANHPI individuals.
The organizers shared: “At AAPI Women Lead, we believe healing and wellness are integral to liberation, so we use culturally reflective healing and wellness modalities to provide our communities with healing and wellness tools, to reclaim our ancestral forms of healing, and to build power in our communities. We collaborate with healing practitioners across the U.S.
historical landmarks and significant spaces such as the former Rickshaw gay bar, site of a 1943 raid and riot. The Procession will culminate on the open-air Dr. Rolland and Kathryn Lowe Community Bridge (pedestrian bridge spanning Kearny Street), renamed The Immortal Runway for this event. Audiences can enjoy performances by the Bay Area’s premier API drag troupe The Rice Rockettes and GAPA runway artists
(continued on page 18) (continued
Dr. Rolland and Kathryn Lowe Community Bridge
Jenny Leung
The Rice Rockettes
Standing Up for Birthright Citizenship: A Personal Reflection
6/26 and Beyond
Stuart Gaffney
My family has been in America for over 400 years. My father’s side of the family goes all the way back to Governor William Bradford and the Mayflower, and my mother’s side to Chinese immigration to Hawai’i in the late nineteenth century. Because of that, I’ve never wondered about the security of my own American citizenship. But when Donald Trump on January 20, 2025, issued an executive order attempting to limit the scope of the Fourteenth Amendment’s
guarantee of birthright citizenship, it still felt very personal to me.
My mother, Estelle Lau, was an American citizen by birthright citizenship. She was the daughter of Chinese immigrants, and her birth in 1924 was highly symbolic. It was the same year Congress enacted sweeping racist anti-immigration legislation, known by many as the “Asian Exclusion Act” because it effectively ended all immigration from Asia, except for very narrow exceptions.
The plain wording of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution established birthright citizenship. It reads: “All persons born or naturalized in the United
States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.” The Asian American community takes pride that it was a Chinese American who brought the lawsuit that resulted in the U.S. Supreme Court 1898 landmark decision affirming birthright citizenship for the first time–United States v. Wong Kim Ark. Wong Kim Ark was born in San Francisco in 1873, five years after ratification of the Fourteenth Amendment. Upon attempting to return home after an overseas trip, he was denied re-entry to the U.S. despite the fact he was born here, for the sole reason his parents were Chinese immigrants. He stood up and challenged his exclusion, achieving a victory that would protect countless millions of Americans whose ancestry derive from all around the world. My mother was one of the early beneficiaries of Wong Kim Ark’s insisting on his rights as an American and taking the legal means necessary to protect them.
The Wong Kim Ark decision held that the Fourteenth Amendment protects the citizenship of every person born on American soil, with the narrow common law-based exceptions of children of diplomats of a foreign country and children born of an enemy country occupying the U.S. (as well as American Indians at the time, whose birthright citizenship was later established by federal statute in 1924). Trump’s executive order attempts to undo that time-honored Supreme Court precedent by eliminating birthright citizenship for children who do not have at least one parent who is a citizen or green card holder.
Soon after issuance of the executive order, three separate federal district courts issued nationwide preliminary injunctions against its enforcement. Their decisions made the administration’s overreach abundantly clear. One judge wrote: “The way all branches of government have understood the decision for 125 years—Wong Kim Ark leaves no room for the defendants’ proposed reading” of the Fourteenth Amendment. Another explained the administration’s position was one “the Supreme Court has resoundingly rejected and no court in the country has ever endorsed.”
As such, it was very unsettling when the Supreme Court announced that it would hear oral arguments on an expedited basis on May 15, 2025, on the Trump
administration’s application to undo the nationwide aspect of the preliminary injunctions. The administration asks the Court to narrow the injunctions to the individuals who actually brought the lawsuits or identified members of organizational plaintiffs. Twenty-two states, the District of Columbia, and the city of San Francisco also challenged the executive order. The administration argues that those entities have no legal right to bring the lawsuits, and in the event the Supreme Court allows them to go forward, the preliminary injunctions should apply only to those states, and not elsewhere across the country.
Members of the high court’s conservative Republican supermajority likely decided to take the cases so quickly because they have long openly questioned the power of individual federal district court judges to issue nationwide injunctions. Because of that, much of the argument may focus on that issue, instead of the substantive issue of birthright citizenship. But if the conservative Supreme Court supermajority narrows the scope of the injunctions, chaos, confusion, and a flurry of new litigation and deportation actions will likely ensue immediately. The citizenship of numerous babies born after February 19, the executive order’s stated effective date, will be in doubt.
One of the judges who blocked implementation of the Trump executive order described birthright citizenship as “an unequivocal constitutional right,” which “is one of the precious principles that makes the United States the great nation that it is.” His words reflected those of the great abolitionist and human rights advocate Frederick Douglass, who repeatedly embraced birthright citizenship for Americans from all nations in his “Composite Nation” speeches he delivered from the late 1860s to 1875, contemporaneous to ratification of the Fourteenth Amendment.
Stating that every nation has a distinctive character or mission in the world, Douglass declared that U.S. “greatness and grandeur” lay “in the faithful application of the principle of perfect civil equality to the people of all races and of all creeds” and “the genius of our people” who are “gathered here from all quarters of the globe.” As John and I have spoken across Asia about marriage equality and LGBTIQ rights, we too have taken pride in (continued on page 18)
Wong Kim Ark
Frederick Douglass
Estelle Lau
May 2025 Update From District 8
View From the Dome
Rafael Mandelman President, San Francisco Board of Supervisors
(Editor’s Note: Please join us in welcoming back Supervisor Rafael Mandelman as a columnist for the San Francisco Bay Times Longtime readers of this publication likely remember his popular column that ran for many years, “A San Francisco Kind of Democrat.” It launched well before he assumed any office in San Francisco, with his first primary role in the city being his election to the City College of San Francisco Board of Trustees in November 2012. Since then, he was elected as District 8 Supervisor in 2018, and on January 8, 2025, he was unanimously elected as President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. He is the third out gay Supervisor to hold this lead seat; Harry Britt and Tom Ammiano
preceded him.
In his new column, View From the Dome, Supervisor Mandelman will provide updates on projects that he and his team are working on, as well as information about upcoming District 8 events and more.)
What We’ve Been Working On
EV Curbside Charging Hearing: With the State of California requiring that all new cars sold in California be electric by 2030, I have long been concerned that San Francisco was falling behind other cities in allowing the installation of EV chargers on our streets to serve EV owners who might not have an easily accessible garage in which to charge their cars. To that end, in summer 2023, I asked the Department of the Environment and SFMTA to collaborate on an actionable feasibility study and scalable pilot program to get chargers on sidewalks. The feasibility study has been completed, and the pilot has kicked off with the recent installation of two curbside chargers in Duboce Triangle. I subsequently requested a hearing on the EV charging study and pilot to allow the Board and public an opportunity to better understand next steps and challenges to building out effective and affordable EV charging infrastructure in San Francisco. With transportation responsible for nearly 40% of San Francisco’s greenhouse gas emissions, investing in EV infrastructure (of course, along with investing in robust, safe, and reliable public transit) will be an important element of meeting our cli-
NOTIFICATION: CONTRACTING OPPORTUNITY
DATE: May 8, 2025
FROM: Inder Grewal, Development Specialist
RE: Request for Proposals (“RFP”) for Hunters Point Shipyard and Candlestick Point Project Site Office Management, Outreach, and Administrative Support to the Mayor’s Hunters Point Shipyard Citizens Advisory Committee
The Office of Community Investment and Infrastructure (“OCII”) is seeking qualified applicants to submit proposals to provide: Hunters Point Shipyard and Candlestick Point Site Office Management, Outreach, and Administrative Support to the Mayor’s Hunters Point Shipyard Citizens Advisory Committee
Applicants must demonstrate a strong understanding of, and connection to, the diverse communities of Bayview-Hunters Point; experience conducting inclusive community engagement and outreach; and knowledge of the Hunters Point Shipyard/Candlestick Point Redevelopment Project. The successful consultant will be obligated to fulfill OCII’s Equal Opportunity Program (e.g., Nondiscrimination in Contracts and Benefits Policy, Minimum Compensation Policy, Health Care Accountability Policy, and Small Business Enterprise Agreement).
OCII’s Small Business Enterprise (“SBE”) Program is applicable to the Project with a 50% SBE participation goal. First consideration will be given in awarding this contract to OCII Project Area SBEs; followed by San Francisco-based SBEs; non-San Francisco-based SBEs will be used to satisfy SBE participation goals only if local SBEs are not available, qualified, or if their bids or fees are significantly higher than those of non-San Franciscobased SBEs.
Proposal submittals will be accepted until 4:00PM on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. To obtain a copy of the RFP, please visit: http://sfocii.org/rfps-rfqs-bids.
For questions regarding this RFP, please contact Inder Grewal at Inderbir. Grewal@sfgov.org.
5/8/25 CNS-3923445# SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES
mate goals. The hearing is currently calendared for June 2nd at 1:30 pm at the Board’s Land Use and Transportation Committee.
The Open For Business Contract Streamlining Act of 2025 has been described to us as the most comprehensive contract reform package in decades. The legislation, which I introduced on February 25th, will go in front of the Budget and Finance Committee on May 21st. This legislation has been a long time coming. Anyone who has attempted to contract with the City of San Francisco is well aware that our contracts are long and convoluted even for small dollar contracts, and processing times can vary from weeks to years! By judiciously streamlining various requirements that have been added over many decades, we hope to allow city staff to process contracts more efficiently, free up staff time, and attract more small businesses to do business with the city.
Castro Entertainment Zone Passes
Unanimously: The Castro Entertainment Zone legislation, which I introduced back in March, was passed on April 15th. Now, Castro merchants can sell to-go alcohol within the confinements of the zone during activations like Night Markets and the Castro Street Fair. We had previously passed legislation to allow a Cole Valley Entertainment Zone, which the Night Market there is already putting to good use. I am excited to see the Castro Entertainment Zone activated.
Castro Cultural District Expansion: In April, I introduced legislation to expand the Castro LGBTQ Cultural District to include neighboring Duboce Triangle, recognizing the Triangle’s historical ties to the Castro’s LGBTQ+ community. The neighborhood played a key role in the community’s post-Summer of Love migration from the Haight, was home to early LGBTQ residents like Harvey Milk, and housed landmark businesses such as Scott’s Pit, the city’s first lesbian biker bar.
Update on the Mission Dolores Historic District Designations: In March, I introduced legislation to establish two historic districts in the Mission Dolores neighborhood; Alert Alley and Chula-Abbey early residential historic districts. This legislation went to the Land Use Committee on April 28th and was passed unanimously.
These historic designations will help preserve 53 properties that reflect the neighborhood’s development before and shortly after the 1906 Earthquake and Fires, even as we revise our zoning rules and approval processes to allow more housing in every neighborhood.
Join Us for Pride
We would love to have you march with me and the District 8 office for San Francisco Pride! Every year the Pride parade is a great way to connect with community and enjoy everything San Francisco has to offer. This is a family and dog friendly event! RSVP here: http://bit.ly/2025PrideD8
Upcoming District 8 Events
Wednesdays, 3–7 pm: Castro Farmers’ Market, Noe & Market Street
Friday, May 16, 5–9 pm: Castro Night Market
Saturday, May 17, 10 am–4 pm: Noe Valley Garden Tour 2025
Tuesday, May 27, 3–7 pm: Noe Valley Night Market, Noe Valley Town Square
Rafael Mandelman is the San Francisco District 8 Supervisor and the President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. https://bit.ly/4iQvwvY
Castro Night Market
PHOTO BY MIKE KIRSCHNER
The Case of the Not So Missing Police Cars
Out of the Closet and into City Hall
Oakland City Councilmember At-Large, Rebecca Kaplan
In fall of 2024, the Oakland City Council passed critical Public Safety Resolutions to acquire new police cars to better serve vital needs. Many existing vehicles are very old and in poor condition, past their useful life and difficult to maintain. New vehicles would provide better service and would be more efficient as well.
The council resolution authorized the purchase, and then we learned that the vehicles had arrived at the dealership. We looked into it and discovered that there are 37 new vehicles for Oakland, and they are at the Ford Store San Leandro. We have been taking action to ensure the transaction is completed!
Thus began the case of the not so missing police cars, which required identifying why the payment wasn’t being issued for the vehicles, and then taking the steps needed to get it done.
Why is this so important?
Many of the vehicles in the city’s fleet—including police cars, fire trucks, and more—have exceeded their life cycle. The replacement of vehicles is essential for the uninterrupted and timely provision of emergency services. So, 37 cars have been waiting. Meanwhile, our first responder personnel have been forced to use vehicles that should have been retired a long time ago, and sometimes break down or become unavailable.
While we were working to solve the missing police cars, and looking into records of approvals for funding for vehicle purchases, we learned that there is also a pending order for fire trucks for the city of Oakland. The trucks are actively being built, are very much needed to help the fire department, and they should be ready soon.
However, there hasn’t been a council resolution to acquire them. So, to make sure there will be no impediment to getting the new fire trucks, we are including that acquisition as
District
City Council in 2008.
well. We also discovered that the fire trucks were prepaid, and so no new expenditure will be needed to approve that acquisition.
Now we can take action to improve our public safety response, improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our vehicles, save the cost and trouble of operating out-of-date equipment, and make use of existing funds that council authorizes for these purposes.
We have submitted to council a resolution to solve this, and authorize Oakland to acquire the new police cars and fire trucks!
elected to the
was re-elected in 2016 and 2020. Follow her on Facebook ( https://bit.ly/4k2DwdY ), Instagram ( kaplan_for_oakland), and X ( Kaplan4Oakland ).
Oakland Interim
Two Councilmember Rebecca Kaplan was
Oakland
She
San Francisco Pride Announces 2025 Community Grand Marshals
San Francisco Pride has announced that six Community Grand Marshals will be honored at the 55th annual LGBTQI+ Pride Celebration and Parade on June 28–29, 2025.
Underscoring this year’s theme, “Queer Joy is Resistance,” these five remarkable individuals and one local organization reflect the strength, diversity, and resilience of the LGBTQI+ community. They are being recognized for their ongoing advocacy, activism, leadership, and significant contributions to the Bay Area lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community, or to society at large.
“Grand Marshals play a vital role at San Francisco Pride by embodying the spirit of the mission to educate the world, commemorate our heritage, celebrate our culture, and liberate our people,” said Joshua Smith, President of the San Francisco Pride Board of Directors. “They serve as powerful symbols of visibility and leadership—honoring those who have paved the way for progress while inspiring future generations to continue the fight for equality, justice, and inclusion. Their presence celebrates individual and collective achievements and reminds us of the ongoing work to ensure every community member is seen, heard, and valued.”
“I am so proud of the work of the Board, the members, and the public in selecting the Grand Marshals for 2025 San Francisco Pride,” said Suzanne Ford, Executive Director of San Francisco Pride. “These people
and the organizations they represent are truly special. This year, showing up at SF Pride is a revolutionary act—we must be a beacon to the country and world that love and hope still exist! Young queer people everywhere will look to San Francisco as a place where they can still live their authentic lives unapologetically. We at SF Pride accept that responsibility and will not fail!”
Meet the 2025 SF Pride Grand Marshals
Jessy Ruiz - Community Grand Marshal, selected by the SF Pride Board of Directors
Jessy Ruiz is a key figure in the fight for the rights of the transgender and LGBTQI+ community in San Francisco. Her story of personal improvement, resilience, and commitment to her community reflects the positive impact of activism on marginalized communities. Through her work and her leadership, she continues to make a significant difference in the lives of those who need it most. She has worked for the last four years on the San Francisco Immigrant Rights Commission to improve the living conditions of immigrants and support the most vulnerable. This commitment is complemented by her work at the Mission Neighborhood Resource Center, an organization that provides services to the homeless and other marginalized groups.
“Being named a Grand Marshal is an honor that comes with enormous responsibility. More than a personal recognition, it is a tribute to the perseverance and strength of
our entire LGBTQI+ community. It is a reflection of the sacrifices, achievements, and challenges we have overcome over the years. For me, it is a reminder of the importance of continuing the fight for visibility, acceptance, and rights for all. I am filled with pride to be able to represent all those people who, like me, have fought to be seen, to live authentically, and to create a world where we can all be who we are without fear. It is, without a doubt, a privilege that I carry with an open heart.”
Jahnell Butler - Community Grand Marshal, selected by Public Vote
Known as “Jahnell Chanel” in the Ballroom scene, Butler is Associate Director of Trans Services at the San Francisco Community
Health Center and is a fierce advocate for transgender health and visibility, particularly within Black and Brown communities. Butler serves as the Overall Mother of the International Iconic House of Chanel. Her leadership extends into the founding and stewardship of Chanel Cares, the House’s nonprofit arm, which provides essential services, advocacy, and support to LGBTQI+ individuals navigating systems of marginalization.
“SF Pride is a heartbeat of our city that nourishes our community’s beauty, diversity, and resilience. For me, Pride means visibility, community, and power. It’s a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come while continuing to push for the future we all deserve.
The Castro Night Markets, which began in October 2024, are a series of recurring public events featuring local food vendors, merchants, and live entertainment on the 3rd Friday of select months. The events are free and open to the public, and are non-alcoholic events.
Queer-owned and Castro-based businesses have priority to be included among the various types of vendors: food, retail, non-profit information, community engagement, and more.
GLBT Fortnight in Review
By Ann Rostow
Where’s the Moon?
I was getting a head start on my column when I stumbled into a piece about how the people running the White House press office have decided to welcome social media news influencers. It was something like that, but what grabbed me was that one of the “new media reporters” was a conspiracy theorist named Kambree Nelson, who counts 625,000 followers on X.
Okay, that’s fine. They’re conservatives in addition to being out of their freaking minds, so let them sponsor some rightwing thinkers. But here’s what struck me. Kambree spent a week or so early last October speculating that the Moon had vanished. By implication, Kambree believed that the Biden administration, or some other nefarious liberal power player, had destroyed it.
“Has anyone seen the moon lately?” she asked on X. “I’ve been looking for 7 days.” Elizabeth, one of Kambree’s followers, expressed her concern as well. “I have not seen it at all,” she frowned. “It’s like it disappeared.”
“It has,” Kambree agreed. “Why is everyone silent about this? They are quiet about the white sun as well.”
(I gather that some people, Kambree included, believe that, somehow, the sun has changed from yellow to white.)
Another commentator, Andy, ventured that he had, in fact, just seen the Moon as well as the evening star, but Kambree was having none of it. “It’s not out,” she insisted. “None of my friends in 4 states can find it.”
Eventually, a community note explained that the Moon “can be difficult to observe in the days around a New Moon because only a small portion of the sunlight side faces Earth and because the Moon is above the horizon mostly during the daytime in this phase.”
I’m no Moon expert, and indeed this topic is bringing up memories of the time my college roommate and I signed up for “Rocks for Jocks” in order to fulfill our lab science requirement. Unfortunately, the easy A we expected turned into an incomplete when we realized the department had changed the class into a tough introduction to geology. Well, the Moon was involved somehow. I only remember passing around a piece of slate that we were supposed to identify. I found some chalk and managed to write, “Hi, My name is Slate,” on the sample, leading to much hilarity around the table as my classmates pulled out their magnifying glasses for lengthy examinations.
“Hmmm. Dr. Rostow, I believe we are looking at ... slate.”
“Dr. Nolen, you may well be right. Dr. Solomon?”
I also learned that the name of our moon is “Moon,” which is like naming Earth “Planet,” or naming a dog “Dog.” Not unheard of, but really? Other moons have cool names like “Titan” or “Euripides” (I’m guessing here), but we named ours “Moon?”
That said, even I recognized that the Moon comes and goes, waxes and wanes, if you will. More importantly, I knew instinctively
that were I ever to wonder where the Moon had gone, or why the sun looked pale, that the answer would not involve a nefarious evil genius with a giant ray gun or any kind of mystery for that matter. Instead, it would echo the lessons I might have learned had I made more of a point of attending my Geology 101 lectures.
Kambree, on the other hand, who seems to be 40-something with a teenaged daughter, appears to lack the capacity for rational thought. Yet she is one of presumably a small number of people who have been tapped by the White House as “new media” correspondents for the Trump administration. Orwellian doesn’t begin to describe it.
Hot Dogs
Over in Hungary, where the legislature recently banned Pride events, a satiric protest group called the Two-tailed Dog Party took to the streets of Budapest wearing all gray and denouncing colors. The group of several thousand carried banners saying things like: “Being Uniform Is Cool,” and, “Listen to Your Heart. Death to Colours.”
“I would strip [LGBT people] of their right to assembly, because they are all criminals,” protester Samuel Tar told Reuters. “They would like to express themselves, which is very harmful. Only I should be allowed to express myself, no one else.”
The Two-tailed Dog Party was founded twenty years ago, Reuters says. Last year, they actually won a local election, so who knows?
I didn’t intend to cover Hungary, just as I don’t intend to discuss another raid in Moscow, where last year some 42 police teams burst into gay-friendly clubs (I see here in LGBTQ Nation). But I couldn’t resist the Two-tailed Dog Party. I couldn’t resist the injection of humor into the dull darkness of the dictators’ world, a world that celebrates nothing funny, nothing interesting or beautiful, nothing sacred, or astonishing, or delicious. A world of tough, overcooked steak doused with catsup, made-for-TV wrestling, and kitschy accessories, run by smug dullards who want to impose their leaden gestalt on the rest of us.
And! While I was dabbling in GLBT news from Eastern Europe, I noticed that the last remaining “LGBT free zone” in Poland has been removed after six years of this type of anti-gay nonsense. The zones were symbolic, but they also served to illustrate why Poland was considered one of the most hostile countries in the EU as far as our community was concerned. That said, just as the zones were symbolic from the start—no actual laws targeted LGBT people in these areas—so the impact of their disappearance is equally vague.
This is just another reason I try to avoid GLBT news from the former Soviet Union. I’m always behind on the politics. There are confusing complications that I don’t like having to research. The EU rules are simply beyond me. I’ll see some banner headline about funds being cut off to some anti-gay country, and when I try to nail it down, I (continued on page 18)
Donna Sachet Birthday Celebration at The Midnight Sun
The light reflecting off Donna Sachet’s sequined ensemble and sparkling jewelry matched the mood of the lit evening on April 26, 2025, as Sachet was feted for her birthday by numerous friends at The Midnight Sun. Event host Gary Virginia, who regularly hosts epic events at this and other Castro gay bars, put out all the stops for the evening that began at 5 pm and lasted well into the night.
DJ Sergio Fedasz provided beats while go go dancers Emerson and Coco and flagger Josh Spaulding added to the festive mood. The performers included Carly Ozard, Alexis Miranda, Christina Ashton, and John Weber.
There were two for one call and well drinks and birthday cupcakes for Sachet. At evening’s end, she was surrounded by bouquets of flowers, gifts, cards, many admirers, and even a fairy godmother-looking magic wand that was befitting of this San Francisco icon who has dedicated so much time to fundraising and other support of the LGBTQ+ community.
WBy Donna Sachet
e finished off the month of major galas at The Conservatory at One Sansome for EQCA’s annual fundraiser. Having served on their Board of Directors for several years, we were surrounded by familiar faces, including Bevan Dufty, Malia Cohen, Joe Sangirardi, Steve Bracco, Suzanne Ford, Leslie Katz, and Tom Horn. This gala differed from others with a less formal setting, lots of socializing, and a short program. Although there was some seating available, most attendees roamed the spacious interior, wandering from bar to buffet, catching up with acquaintances. (You know you are attending an event with widespread support when you find friendly seats at the AT&T and Meta table, which we did.) We attended in the excellent company of Ralph Hibbs. Awards were presented to Ivar Satero, former Director of SF International Airport, and Gigi Gorgeous, popular media personality, wearing a gorgeous white gown and mesmerizing the crowd. A simple fundraising appeal quickly reached its goal, ensuring that the work of this important civil rights organization continues in these difficult political times.
If you missed Gary Virginia’s All the Tea at Midnight Sun on Saturday, April 26, you missed one of the biggest and best bar parties of the year! And we are not writing that just because we also celebrated our birthday that day! Gary transformed the space, creating a VIP Lounge in front with incredible buffet table and decor, and invited a select few performers, including John Weber, Alexis Miranda, Carly Ozard, and Christina Ashton, to entertain between sets by go-gos Emerson and Coco and flagger Josh Spaulding. DJ Sergio Fedasz kept the place jumping until our own musical finale of “Last Dance,” complete with confetti explosions at the end, after which birthday cake and cupcakes were served to all. We can’t thank Gary, Moxie Penn, the Midnight Sun, and the many guests who showed up that day for this rousing party enough! Talk about making an old girl feel loved! The next day, we celebrated the birthday of this publication’s own Betty Sullivan at Catch French Bistro, while also raising money for the 2025 Dyke March. Alex U. Inn emceed the afternoon, auctioning and otherwise convincing the audience to dig deep for the cause. Nadirah Shakoor and Dee Spencer provided musical entertainment. If you haven’t yet checked out the weekly Mimosa event at Catch each Sunday, make plans now.
We spent the following weekend caught up in the many Castro neighborhood activation events that brought out enthusiastic pedestrian traffic. The Castro Merchants seem to have come up with a winning formula of Art Shows, Night Markets, and Block Parties to which the public is enthusiastically responding.
The Black Tie Club invited members from all over the continent to join together in San Francisco last weekend, including a Friday night dinner at three different restaurants: Catch French Bistro, Poesia, and Fable. We popped into each of those spots to welcome their membership ... as only the First Lady of the Castro could do! From there, we headed to Strut on Castro Street for an art exhibit, the following day to a block party on 15th Street, and wound up at a birthday party at 440 Castro for owner Gordy Boe. Kelly Houston lent his beautiful voice to the birthday song and there was delicious food and tasty cake for everyone. Quite a weekend in the Castro!
Our final report is on a years long traditional event started by the late Emperor Frankie Fernandez, whimsically called Cinco de Meow. Each year, friends and supporters of the Imperial Court gather to remember this gentleman with a raucous show, raffle, and revelry. This year, Emperor J.P. Soto hosted and Emperor John Carillo and Empress Alexis Miranda emceed the event at Aunt Charlie’s Lounge, where over the course of several hours, an exuberant group raised over $800, dollar by dollar, for the Emperors’ charitable causes. The climax of the day was the announcement of the new Chica Diva and Chico Chulo titles. Kudos all around for those who continue to honor Frankie with this annual event.
As we hope you can see from this column, things are looking up in San Francisco. People are out, events are happening, large and small, and recovery is on its way. Get out and enjoy yourself!
Donna Sachet is a celebrated performer, fundraiser, activist, and philanthropist who has dedicated over two decades to the LGBTQ Community in San Francisco. Contact her at empsachet@gmail.com
“When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.”
Maya Angelou
Friday & Saturday, May 9–July 26
Compton Cafeteria Riot
Written by Colette LeGrande, Donna Personna, & Mark Nassar
Immersive theatrical experience
835 Larkin Street
7 pm $75 www.tickettailor.com
Sunday, May 11
The Queer American Songbook
Jason Brock & Dee Spencer in song Co-presented with the SF International Arts Festival
Chan National Queer Arts Center, 170 Valencia Street
7:30 pm $25 & up www.sfgmc.org
Friday, May 30
Pride Renaissance Gala Benefits Queer Life Space Dinner, auction, program
Bobby Friday & Donna Sachet Carly Ozard, Kippy Marks, Mahlae Balenciaga
Swedish American Hall, 2174 Market Street 5:30 pm $80, $250 & up www.queerlifespace.org
PHOTO BY SHAWN NORTHCUTT
Donna Sachet, Warren Alderson, and Steve Scheitlin at Sachet’s birthday party at The Midnight Sun on April 26, 2025.
PHOTO BY RINK
SFO or PDX
TLC: Tears, Laughs and Conversation
Dr. Tim Seelig
Everywhere I go these day, the first question people ask is if I like Portland, Oregon. The second question is if I miss living in San Francisco. The answers are easy: yes and yes! Those are both understatements. I purchased my “recliner down by the river” in Portland almost four years ago and moved in the next year. Bobby Jo joined me soon after. I took the opportunity to show him the highlights. But you don’t really get to know a place until you have lived there a while. Now, three years in, I’m still learning. When I moved to San Francisco in 2011, it was to be my last move. I was planning to conduct the gay men’s chorus for 10 years, then retire. The pandemic stretched that to 11½. To be perfectly candid, the rising cost of living convinced me otherwise. Hence, Portland.
Before I go too far into touchy feely, we should get the basics out of the way. Interestingly, the actual cities are similar in population. San Francisco has 800,000 residents. Portland has 640,000. That’s where the similarities stop. The Bay Area has almost 8 million residents, while the Portland/ Vancouver/Hillsboro area has 2.5 million. (Vancouver, WA, is not in Oregon, but close.)
folks singing throughout their lives: the Bridging Voices youth choir, Portland Lesbian Choir, Portland Gay Men’s Chorus, and the newest, Portland Sage Singers, Q+ Elders and Allies.
For me, after figuring out how many of my Portland neighbors were queer, the city brought me directly to my next favorite thing: food. Portland is wellknown for its food trucks, while San Francisco is known for its Michelin stars. San Francisco has 26 Michelin-starred restaurants. Portland is a distant 0. But, oh, those food trucks! Portland has approximately 500 to San Francisco’s 200. Love our trucks. They’ve given me some of the best meals ever.
But what about the LGBTQ+ community? Well, San Francisco far surpasses Portland in that area. Estimates are that 17% of San Francisco residents are “family,” guaranteeing it is the “gayest place on Earth.” You all may remember that, after I had been here only three weeks, I gave an interview with John Stewart’s sidekick, the very handsome Jason Jones, on The Daily Show, defending San Francisco as the gayest city. San Francisco had been ranked #11 with Minneapolis coming in at #1. Well, Portland comes in at only 6.7% being in “the family.” That’s shamefully below the national average of 9.3%. I’ve got some recruiting to do!
Let’s talk about those singing queers. Each city has four. San Francisco has the grandaddy San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, Queer Chorus, Gay Asian Pacific Alliance, and the Golden Gate Men’s Chorus. Portland has
One thing both cities share is the challenge of learning the names of the neighborhoods. Most of them do not appear on GPS! San Francisco was so confusing; I wrote an entire article for the Bay Times about it. Portland is the same. Portland has no gayborhood. It would be hard even to rival the worldrenowned Castro! San Francisco has the bay with three bridges (maybe 4, depending on who’s counting). Portland has rivers and twelve bridges. We live on one of the rivers and next to (under) one of the bridges.
Both cities have lots of natural beauty and water, water everywhere. One provides much more “adult water.”
Portland has over 80 breweries and carries the nickname “Beervana.” San Francisco has only 20 breweries. We also have lots of distilleries, in case beer doesn’t do the trick.
Portland gets a little snow and a lot of melted snow falling from the sky ... 150 days a year. It’s why Portland is insanely green and has the Christmas tree as one of its iconic emblems. San Francisco gets only 68 days of rain and still manages to be green without the umbrellas! Both cities are stunningly gorgeous. My son came to visit recently, and in 31 minutes, we were standing at the base of the second highest waterfall in the U.S.: Mult-
nomah Falls. Gorgeous.
Both cities are desirable destinations. The cities are amazing, and the surroundings are some of the most beautiful in all the world. PDX has 500 flights per day. SFO, OAK, and SJC combine for a whopping 1700 per day.
Now to the good stuff. Tony Bennett was not wrong. Anyone who has spent any time in San Francisco leaves a big part of their heart there. I sure did. So much was packed into my 11 1/2 years there. I fell in love over and over with the city, its people, and every singer in the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. I carry with me a lifetime of events and memories that happened in San Francisco—from the highest mountain to the lowest valley. Experiences
like this meld you to the fabric of a city.
No other city has The Chan National Queer Arts Center. No other city has the National AIDS Memorial Grove with the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus’ Artists Portal. I’m so lucky to have been a part of both of those.
We are an interesting lot. We are taught to bloom where we are planted. I believe we are capable of that. I know I did that in San Francisco. I believe I am doing that in Portland. It is a gorgeous city full of heart and a desire to stay weird. I’m right at home.
Dr. Tim Seelig is the Conductor Laureate of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. http://www.timseelig.com/
Mimosa
DYKE MARCH
Mimosa Brunch Special Dyke March Benefit
Dyke March 2025 Committee leaders Crystal Mason, the San Francisco Bay Times team and Catch French Bistro Garcia-Sosa to create a memorable fundraiser and celebration Activist Alex U. Inn, who was honored later the same garnered applause from all attending with heartfelt remarks ees to open their wallets to support the return this year (Dedicated marchers still gathered at Dolores Park that https://bit.ly/44rmbaf )
Grammy-nominated recording artist Nadirah Lady Ryan presented by Olivia Travel delivered
A standing-room only crowd filled the historic previously housed The Names Project workshop Harvey Milk’s camera store.
First Lady of the Castro Donna Sachet, dressed koor in singing “Happy Birthday” to the Music by Black providing sound engineering.
Special guest speakers included San Francisco Rafael Mandelman and Curve publisher conclusion of 2025 Lesbian Visibility Week
Additional fundraisers are planned to support a Super Big Gay Dance Party with DJs Edaj event series on Saturday, May 10, 3–8 pm.
Special thanks to Susan Berston and artist
MARCH FUNDRAISER & BIRTHDAY PARTY
Special Event -
& Birthday Party
Mason, Judy Graboyes, and M. Rocket joined forces with Bistro managers Amira “Amy” Daboussi and Alberto celebration on Sunday, April 27, 2025.
day at San Francisco City Hall, served as emcee, and remarks about The Dyke March and prompted attendyear of the historic march that was cancelled in 2024. that year, as reported in the Bay Times in July 2024:
Nadirah Shakoor, local favorite Dr. Dee Spencer, and DJ delivered rousing music performances. historic space at 2362 Market Street that workshop and for a time was occupied by
dressed in signature red, joined ShaBay Times’ Dr. Betty Sullivan, with engineering.
Francisco Board of Supervisors President Franco Stevens, who acknowledged the Week activities.
support The Dyke March 2025, including Edaj & Olga T at El Rio in the Mango pm. http://www.elriosf.com artist Debra Walker.
JOIN SUZANNE IN GIVING BACK
TO SAN FRANCISCO PRIDE ON HER 60TH!
Get ready for a night of laughter and generosity at Suzanne in the Hot Seat: A Fundraising Roast for San Francisco Pride ! Join us as we playfully poke fun at San Francisco Pride’s dedicated Executive Director, Suzanne Ford , all in the name of a vital cause.
This special evening promises witty banter, hilarious anecdotes, and maybe a few surprises, all aimed at raising crucial funds to support San Francisco Pride’s ongoing mission to uplift and unite the LGBTQ+ community. Come prepared to chuckle, cheer, and contribute to the vibrant future of Pride in our city. Your support will help ensure that the annual celebration and the organization’s yearround advocacy continue to thrive.
Don’t miss the exclusive premiere of “Beyond the Rainbow” documentary by Antonio Contreras Aviance!
https://givebutter.com/c/rZHZh4
LGBTQ+ Asian American Films to Screen at CAAM Fest
CAAM Fest, May 8–11, 2025, at various Bay Area theaters, celebrates Asian American life and cinema. This year’s program showcases three features and six shorts that depict LGBTQ+ stories. Here is a rundown of what is screening.
Because of You: A History of the Kilawin Kolektibo (May 10, 2:30 pm, Roxie) is a vibrant 40-minute documentary that celebrates the lesbian Filipinxs group, Kilawin Kolektibo, which first formed in 1994 in New York. During candid interviews, several members describe their feelings about creating a community and developing a sense of belonging as well as their experiences of shame and racism. Archival footage from Dyke Marches, Pride, and Filipina Parades, along with a group camping trip, are enjoyable and convey the camaraderie. Codirectors Barbara Malaran and Desireena Almoradie admirably extend Kilawin Kolektibo’s mission, which is to give voice to and validate these often-marginalized queer Filipinx women who are actively looking for positive representation.
debut about AP (Sriram), a sex worker in Trashtown, who needs to raise $1,000 (and sacrifice a lamb) so tarot reader (the fabulous Big Freedia) can lift a “curse” placed on her. AP embarks on a series of encounters with various clients including Robert (Damian Young), who claims he may be gay, and a sexy character known as “The Mechanic” (François Arnaud), who is under house arrest. But her heart lies with Danni (Sadie Scott), a friend she reconnects with, who shares her adventures. This accomplished film, which was shot on 16mm, has style to burn, but it is wildly uneven. The ensemble cast give uniformly strong performances, yet several vulgar moments are likely to test viewers’ patience. But the last sequence with The Mechanic is fantastic. This picaresque is very “at your own risk,” as mileage will vary.
Mongrels (May 11, Kabuki, 6 pm), is a sensitively made triptych about an immigrant Korean family in Canada. Sonny (Jae-Hyun Kim) is hoping to start anew after the loss of his wife. He is hired by Scott (Morgan Derera) to rid the community of wild dogs that pose a threat to everyone’s safety—cue allegory to xenophobia. His ideas about strength and manhood make him mentally and physically abusive towards his teenage son, Hajoon (Da-Nu Nam), who may or may not be attracted to Scott’s son, Noah (Jedd Sharp). Meanwhile, Sonny has kept his wife’s death from his young daughter, Hana (Sein Jin),
who longs for her mother. Mongrels features rituals and symbolic acts as the characters try to develop a sense of self following loss, but the meanings can be ambiguous. Writer/director Jerome Yoo’s debut is subtle and beautifully lensed, but the queer content is minimal.
After What Happened at the Library in the Let It Out shorts program (May 9, Kabuki, 9 pm) is a compelling film that stems from a reallife experience writer and star Kyle Casey Chu had
while participating in a Drag Queen Story Hour at a local library. As the performer (Chu) processes social media responses as well as the actual event—seen in flashbacks—they are interviewed by a news reporter (Drew Benjamin), whose approach prompts both trauma and possible healing.
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Film
Gary M. Kramer
Clementine
Mongrels
Well-performed and edited, this is a powerful short about why drag matters and the emotional impact of homophobia.
There are three terrific queer shorts in the Coming of Age program (May 10, Kabuki, 5 pm). Clementine opens with Ly (Yên Sen), a transwoman, walking down the streets of New York catching glances. Arriving at her friend Noah’s (Joey Rose) apartment, she starts to eat a clementine and ponders female genitalia and pleasure. Noah provides a fun lesson in sex ed via a trip through a giant vagina. But Clementine gets serious and heartfelt as Ly explains to Noah and their friend Ave (Niala) that she is considering bottom surgery. Sen delivers a great speech about “if I had a vagina,” but it is the final scene where she reflects on her feelings that makes this thoughtful short resonate.
result. Taking a meditative approach, director Kirthi Nash’s moving short lets Paramita’s measured reflections sink in as they lead to not just a mutual understanding, but to a deeper, more meaningful mother/ daughter relationship.
Two excellent shorts are part of the Centerpiece shorts
program (May 11, Roxie, 12 pm). Correct Me If I’m Wrong is director Hao Zhou’s sensitive documentary about his family’s efforts to “cure” him of his homosexuality. The filmmaker’s grandmother tries exorcising the “she-boy,” hoping to extract female energy through a series of rituals, prayers, and practices including a “corn cure,” cupping, and qigong treatments. Zhou’s participation is largely passive; he endures these various sessions to appease his mother and grandmother who want him to get married and have children, but it is clear he will not and cannot change—especially when he expresses to his grandmother, “A fag will remain a fag.” Correct Me If I’m Wrong is a fascinating short about a cultural kind of conversion therapy. Moreover, it suggests Zhou’s family have to be the ones who need to modify their thinking, not Zhou.
Zari is a winning short about Neelu (Aesha Soni), who does not want to wear a sari at her sister Rita’s (Richa Kalra) wedding. When shopping for her sister, Zeyb (Kamal Batra) models a sari, and when Neelu returns to the store a few days later to pick up a blouse, she catches Zeyb dressed as “Zari” in a sari making videos. Director Shruti Parekh scores points for the bonding between these queer youths, as well as for balancing themes of tradition and acceptance.
Paramita is a sincere and illuminating documentary featuring Parjna Paramita Choudhury, a queer South Asian woman who recounts in voiceover her coming out to her mother, how they each process that—sometimes with pain—and how Paramita was able to inspire her mother as a
Spring Will Come immerses viewers in Vietnam, where a narrator (Tôn Tôn Bo) describes her life and her relationship with Ly, whom she says she “had to convince I was better than all the boys.” But as they kiss passionately, a woman Ly owes money to disrupts them. Then another disruption occurs; Linda (Amy Le), an American woman, enters the house hoping to release the spirit of her father who used to live in the apartment, and forgive him. The sense of place is strong as the film takes viewers into the streets and stalls and buildings, but it is the poignant vibe of loss that makes Spring Will Come so tender.
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
Correct Me If I’m Wrong
Zari
Because of You: A History of the Kilawin Kolektibo
After What Happened at the Library
Paramita
Leave Signs
I recently read The New York Times Magazine “Extreme Voyages Issue” (March 16, 2025) and marveled at the adventures that people committed to because of curiosity, fun, or history. While there were a fair number of women writers and photographers among the contributors, there were no actual photographs of women in the issue. There were cartoonish drawings of females with an article on learning survival techniques and a piece on agoraphobia.
I felt the absence of actual images of intrepid women travelers deeply because women have so often been refused the right to adventure—men took to the road; women stayed in the kitchen.
Jewelle Gomez
Long and Winding Road
We know, of course, that’s not totally true. Women have been forging our way into unknown territory for ages, from Queen Amanirenas who commanded soldiers of Kush (25–21 BCE) to defeat Roman rule; to cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman in space (1963); to astronaut and physicist Sally Ride (1951–2012). No, we didn’t need a gaggle of media darlings to cruise into space pumping up PR for a man helping dismantle democracy.
Kidnappers, rapists, batterers, and harassers
lurk on every dark corner of streets and the internet trying to wield power over women and make us feel unsafe. Despite the dangers, admonitions, and anxiety that patriarchal culture continually throws in our path, we still take to the road.
I made my first big trip to West Africa alone when I was twenty-two. I traveled on a charter flight and got to
know folks when we landed but, essentially, I was on my own for the summer. There were a couple of scary moments and I wasn’t out as a lesbian. But I wouldn’t trade the experience of Ghana, Benin, and Nigeria for the safety of home.
Because I’ve been going to film festivals with the documentary about me, I’ve thought more about what it means for a woman of color to travel the world. There are so many possibilities for insults. Being snapped at in a fancy restaurant in London to remove dishes as I walked past a table on the way to the restroom is one of my favorites. However, the ignorance of others can’t keep a good woman down.
There are several online groups encouraging and advising people of color on travel including @BlackWomenOutdoors, @Black.Lesbian.Travels, and @LatinoTravelFest that post photos and info on the worldwide travels of women of color enjoying nature, festivals, and urban jaunts.
Of course, the premiere lesbian adventure source is Olivia Travel. Although I had my doubts about being on a ship with a thousand people, my trip to Alaska was the greatest adventure since I went to West Africa. And the vibe of that
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Jewelle Gomez
Woni Spotts
Bay Times Dines
Tariffs and Tommes
one of the best comfort foods, but there is little comfort in international food importing these days.
Under current policies, tariffs on products from most cheese-exporting countries went up 10% at the beginning of April. While, obviously, that will affect American consumers less than the threatened 20%–31% increases, the situation is still somewhat volatile. Also, in some cases, like certain sheep milk cheese, there are tariffs where there never were before.
So, what can you do (besides take political action)? My advice is to use this month to take advantage of cheese that is still at pre-tariff prices and at promotional pricing. Here are some great options:
Red Barn 5-Year-Aged Cheddar 16.99/ lb. regularly 21.99/lb.
Red Barn only makes cheese from farms that are humane-certified, owner-operated, and have fewer than one hundred cows. And
Reggie Jones at Central Coast Creamery makes a lot of great cheese, but this may be my favorite. It is sweet, milky, earthy, and sometimes has those little crunchy bits you love. This is an incredible price while it lasts. Iberico 9.99/lb. regularly 24.89/lb.
I don’t think this will last all month, but a couple hundred pounds just got delivered. It’s like a Manchego, but with goat, sheep, and cow milk, and you definitely taste all three. Usually, we think of this as a tapas or cheese-plate kind of cheese, but at this price, it’s good for any use. Get it while you can.
(Editor’s Note: Rainbow Grocery Cooperative this year is celebrating its 50th Anniversary. The store’s longevity is well-deserved and valued because this neighborhood gem—forever queer and environmentally friendly, and a lifeline for countless small businesses whose products are sold at the co-op—has many hard-to-beat departments. One of them is cheese! As the dedicated, talented staff at Rainbow say, “We love cheese to the point of obsession.”
Here at the San Francisco Bay Times, many of us agree and have spent hours mesmerized by the co-op’s huge selection of domestic, imported, organic, handmade, rennet-less, raw, goat, sheep, cow, vegan, water buffalo, and other cheeses. The Lesbian Feta couldn’t get any more Rainbow! It’s delicious and made exclusively from the milk of Lesbian breed sheep that graze on the sun-and-sea splashed hills around the village of Agra, Lesbos.
Each cheese has its own unique story, though, and has been lovingly selected by cheesemonger Gordon Edgar. He has worked at Rainbow for over three decades and is an internationally renowned expert on all things cheese. In this new column for the Bay Times, he will share some of that savvy and hopefully turn you into a turophile—lover and connoisseur of cheese—if you are not one already.)
Where folks will mostly feel this is in the range of $10–$25/lb. cheeses that are the backbone of any grocery store cheese selection. A lot of these are the equivalent of our commodity cheeses—cheddar, Monterey Jack, domestic Swiss,
Mild Cheddar/Monterey Jack 5.99/ lb. (everyday low price, but can change due to commodity trading)
We have always kept margins low on “People’s cheeses” like mild cheddar and Monterey Jack for our neighbors who need protein at the lowest possible price. It’s always easy to take a recipe and, at least partially, substitute these bargain cheeses. Your dollar will go farther for sure.
Good Deal Grotto
We have a sale area—affectionately known as “Good Deal Grotto”—where we sell off cheese that we are able to buy in cheap lots. Sometimes this cheese lasts a day, sometimes months, but it’s our way of passing on savings to you. If you don’t know where it is, ask a cheese worker and then check it out whenever you shop. You never know what you will find on a given day. Everything in here is either at least 20% off or under $15/lb.
Much of the talk at the cheese counter these days is, unfortunately, about tariffs, not what awesome cheeses we are sampling out that day. Imported cheese is already expensive, so the threat of capricious and random new tariffs is stressing out cheese eaters and, to be honest, cheesemongers. Cheese can be
etc.—in their home countries, so have been tasty and relatively affordable even after traveling across the world. The younger the cheese is, the quicker you will see the increases because a lot of imported cheese we sell was already in the country before the tariffs went into effect.
I should also note that many U.S.-produced cheeses will also eventually go up in price as well. Most packaging and cheesemaking equipment is made outside the U.S. Also, some American companies, especially goat cheese producers, supplement their local milk with frozen curd from other countries.
they make great traditional Wisconsin cheddars. It is super-sharp, bite-y, and fruity. Ewenique 19.99/lb. regularly 34.99/lb.
This is an aged sheep cheese from Paso Robles. Due to sheep genetics, we don’t make a lot of sheep cheese in the U.S., but the ones made here can be incredible.
Since Rainbow Grocery is a worker-owned cooperative, we are rooted in the Bay Area. We live here, work here, and a large percentage of the money you spend here stays in the community. We’ll get through these times together.
Gordon Edgar loves cheese and worker co-ops and has been combining these infatuations as the cheese buyer for Rainbow Grocery Cooperative since 1994. He serves on the American Cheese Society Judging and Competition Committee and is a member of the Guilde Internationale des Fromagers. Edgar has written two books on cheese—”Cheesemonger” (2010) and “Cheddar” (2015)—and lives in San Francisco with his adorable white mini schnauzer named Fillmore Grumble. He writes about grief, and sometimes cheese, at https://bit.ly/42IwYf0
Over the Rainbow Cheese Counter
Gordon Edgar
My Dinner With Andre(w): Part Two
Hello all—It’s Andrew Freeman and I am back! Once again, I am delighted to be filling in for my close friend David Landis, The Gay Gourmet, who is recovering from his shoulder surgery. He is doing well and will be back very soon, for the next issue. In my first column, I celebrated the art of the dinner party. And now, for part two, I will simply say, “Never underestimate the power of a good dinner party!” If you will indulge me, let me give you a few examples of what dinner parties have meant to me over the years.
When I moved to San Francisco almost 30 years ago, I was a bit lost. I was a cocky New Yorker who thought I would spend a year here getting the experience and then hightail it back to the Big Apple. I was so tentative that I left all my belongings in storage and lived in a temporary furnished rental.
Then I was invited to a dinner party at my boss Niki’s house and the world seemed to open up for me. Niki lived in a stunning North Beach apartment and the group she brought together was truly diverse. At the heart of each of us was our love for restaurants, food, and deep conversation; I had found my people.
That night, I was seated next to a communications coach that Niki had hired to work with us. His name is Ward and, to this day, I am lucky to call him a friend. I was bitching a bit about my life in San Francisco—the city’s too slow, it’s three hours behind, the streets are confusing, blah, blah, blah. Ward patiently listened and then turned to me between bites of a delicious lamb roast (Niki is Greek) and said, “You know, Andrew, until you say yes to San Francisco, San Francisco won’t say yes to you. Go out and get yourself an apartment, settle down here, and get involved in something.” So, I did!
I found an apartment (a story for another time) and volunteered at Project Open Hand (where I met two of my besties who are now like my sisters) and I, along with an amazing group of women I worked with, started the San Francisco
Chapter of Dress for Success. Slowly, my love affair with San Francisco bloomed and it’s been going strong since.
During the pandemic, the power of the dinner party helped many of us get through it. As you know, my job is to promote the best chefs and restaurants this city has to offer. When the pandemic hit and we were all condemned to a life with no socializing, no restaurant visits, and only ordering in (or, for many, baking bread), I was miserable. I eat out every night. Restaurants are my lifeline and now I was watching my clients, many who are also close friends, fighting to survive.
I called Virginia Miller—a wonderful journalist and gal about town; read
By Andrew Freeman
shields), and the emotions we all felt. There were so many air hugs and tears of joy; we were finally together at last.
For my last example of the power of the dinner party, I want to spend a few moments exploring the incredibly special relationship that gay men have with their best girlfriends. These dinner parties are my favorites, especially when my girlfriends leave their husbands at home and we can let our hair down (I have so much), take our bras off, and just relax. I have so many wonderful girlfriends, whom I affectionately call my “work wives,” and our dinners are the best. Together, we have experienced restaurants in many countries, nights on the
on about our dinner—and we decided to introduce the world’s (yep, we’re cocky) first virtual dinner party series. Each month, we would pick a different restaurant, the chef would create a menu, and then we would arrange to have our guests order that menu and have it delivered on time for us all to hop on Zoom to gather around our virtual table. Our guests (about fifty per party) played games, shared stories, and then the chef would join us to talk about the menu. Despite the circumstances, these evenings were magical. They became a viral sensation (get it), and each party had its own energy and spirit.
When we were finally allowed out (remember those days of dining outside with the social distancing?), we decided to continue the tradition and started to meet in person. I will never forget our first meeting at the country’s first outdoor drag brunch at The Vault Garden (the queens wore face
couch eating edibles and munching on some delicious take-out, or exploring the city and discovering neighborhood gems. These women are my “fairy princesses” and I love them very much.
Now, on to this issue’s dinner parties, the guests, and my three questions. I had two wonderful dinners this time around. The first dinner was at Nopa’s newest hot spot: Altamirano Restaurant & Bar. It’s the newest concept by renowned Bay Area Chef Carlos Altamirano and his wife Shu. The eighth culinary venture for this dynamic duo, Altamirano showcases contemporary Cal-Peruvian cuisine, blending the authenticity of Peruvian flavors with the innovation and bounty of California’s agricultural landscape. The restaurant’s natural design elements pay homage to Altamirano’s Peruvian roots and his journey as a chef.
My guests were my wonderful friends Marcia, Joel, and Robert. The cocktails, wine, and dishes flowed, and by the end of the night, we were making plans to have homemade lasagna at Marcia’s sexy new apartment in the near future. I can’t wait! The next dinner was with my co-creator of the virtual dinner party series, Virginia. We went a bit retro and headed to The
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Andrew Freeman
Joel Riddell
Marcia Gagliardi
Virginia Miller
Robert Moon
PHOTO BY NICOLA PARISI
Altamirano
Cheers to All the Fabulous Women in My Life, and a Non-Alcoholic Rosé for Mother’s Day
Sbrocco Sips
Leslie Sbrocco
Recognizing and celebrating the amazing women in my life is something I try to do every day. But on this Mother’s Day, I want to shine a light on my closest female family members who support and love me unconditionally and are there to catch me when I fall. They are my heroes.
My mom is almost 90 years old and focused her life on her children: four girls Lisa, Linde, Leslie, and Lauren, and one boy, Tom. When she was 40 years old with five kids aged 10–20 years, my Dad died suddenly at 46 years old.
My mother became our world.
She went back to work, raised five awesome humans and was a friend to everyone she met. She still is! Beverly Jo (or BJ as we all call her) is a grandmother of ten and great-grandmother of eight. I get my fighting spirit from her and my positive outlook on life. BJ always has a beautiful smile on her face.
We lost my sister, Linde, to cancer ten years ago, and many of you know I’ve been a colon cancer survivor and thriver for four years now. Linde was smart as hell and hilariously funny. I miss her every day.
My sister, Lauren, lives close by and is another mother to my children. Selfless and successful, she gives so much of herself to others and is one of my rocks.
My sister, Lisa, is the eldest of us and has always been a guiding light of faith and strength. She lives in France with her family, but we see her regularly and all her kids and grandchildren.
Finally, there is my adored daughter, Grace. She is incredibly talented as an artist and graphic designer and I’m so
proud of her work ethic. She is loving, caring, and simply a fabulous human. We talk at least twice a day to check in. Since we live near my mother, Grace grew up with her as a huge influence. They share a special bond that includes a tattoo of my mom’s wedding photo inked on Grace’s arm!
To all the fabulous women in my life. I am one lucky girl to call you my family, friends, and colleagues. I love you!
Here is a wonderful new bubbly inspired by another remarkable mother.
One of the hottest trends in wine is offerings with no alcohol. This new entry into the market is a quality driven, yet quaffable, creation. It honors Elena Maza, who
is the wife of Nicolás Catena, head of Argentina’s most famous wine family. Elena requested of her daughter, Laura Catena, and the Catena Institute of Wine craft, “something lighter than traditional wine yet enjoyable as an aperitif before dinner.” This ethereal sipper is made with Airén grape juice from Toledo, Spain, using a specialized process that removes alcohol at low temperatures. Rose petals are then infused before bottling to capture a floral, citrus tanginess that makes your mouth water. It is a perfect sipper for Mother’s Day celebrations.
Author, speaker, wine consultant, and television host Leslie Sbrocco is known for her entertaining approach to wine and food. She has won multiple Emmy Awards for her work on PBS, which includes hosting the series “Check, Please! Bay Area,” “Check, Please! You Gotta Try This!” and “100 Days, Drinks, Dishes & Destinations.” www.LeslieSbrocco.com
Take Me Home with You!
A Dynamic Feline Brother Pair of Orange and White Sweetness
This dynamic duo of orange and white sweetness are more than just best friends; they’re brothers through and through. Preston and Paris grew up together in a loving home where they were affectionate, playful, and deeply bonded. Since returning to the shelter, they’ve been a bit shy as they adjust to all the recent changes, but their gentle, loving nature is still
very much there. They are just waiting for the right person to help it shine again.
Preston, the more confident of the two, is usually the first to peek out and explore. Paris, his loyal little brother, is never far behind, taking comfort in Preston’s lead and their unbreakable bond.
These two boys are looking for a calm, loving home where they can feel safe and loved once more. If you believe the best things come in pairs—and that all good friendships are better when they’re built on brotherly love—Preston and Paris might be the perfect match for you.
https://www.sfspca.org/adoptions/
Laura Catena (right) and her mother Elena Maza
Leslie Sbrocco and her siblings Lauren, Linde, Tom, and Lisa
Paris
Preston
Leslie Sbrocco’s mother Beverly Jo (“BJ”), sister Lauren, and daughter Grace
BJ and Grace Sbrocco, whose arm tattoo honors her grandmother
Sister Dana Sez: Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun
By Sister Dana Van Iquity
Sister Dana sez, “Haven’t the First 100 Days of Trump been just a breeze? Nope! More like a combination of hurricane, cyclone, and tornado!”
At the National Republican Congressional Committee Dinner, the Rump (with his usual hyperbole and over-exaggeration) lied, calling these “the most successful 100 Days in the history of our country.”
Meanwhile, in the latest polls, Trump’s job approval has sunk to historic lows. Statistics show that the current president has the lowest 100-day approval rating of any president in the past 80 years. Americans are criticizing his major policies—especially on tariffs. And T’s 1st 100 are the worst stock market since nasty Nixon’s reign. Michigan Representative Shri Thanedar has filed Articles of Impeachment against the
obvious autocrat—but with all the butt-smooching Repugnantcan Congress, we know there is no chance in hell of them releasing their firm attachment to T’s behind (both literally and statistically). Sister Dana sez, “When Trump told The Atlantic Magazine, ‘I Run The Country and The World,’ was that NOT grounds for impeachment?! Among the other 100+ reasons.”
I’m always thrilled when I can report good political news (so rare during these terrible Trumpian daze); but here are the latest setbacks in Court—riveting headlines that Dictator Donald is now suffering: in NBC News, “Judge blocks Trump bid to halt federal funding for sanctuary cities (that includes us San Franciscans),” and “Federal judge blocks portions of Trump executive orders on elections”; NPR, “Judge blocks Trump administration plans to dismantle Voice of America ”; Washington Post, “Two federal courts extend Deportation block under Alien Enemies Act”; and The New York Times, “Courts block Trump from withholding school funds over D.E.I., for now.” Sister Dana sez, “Extra! Extra! Read all about it: Most of red America citizens are falling out of love for their King!”
In 1966, three years before Stonewall, the Tenderloin district of San Francisco became the stage for one of the first acts of organized LGBTQ resistance in the
United States. The queens and transgender women who gathered at Compton’s Cafeteria weren’t just meeting for a meal— they were building community and finding strength in their shared struggles. When police harassment pushed them too far, they took a stand. Their bravery sparked a riot that changed the course of LGBTQ history. COMPTON’S CAFETERIA RIOT, playing now through July 26, Fridays & Saturdays 7–9 pm at 835 Larkin Street, is the story of their resilience, their defiance, and their fight for the right to exist. Written by Collette LeGrande, Donna Personna , and Mark Nassar, directed by Ezra Reaves, and produced by TENDERLOIN
MUSEUM—this is a late-night breakfast immersive and interactive theatrical experience bringing this groundbreaking moment to life. Come get served! https://www.comptonscafeteriariot.com/
EQUALITY
CALIFORNIA
(EQCA) held its April 25 EQUALITY
SAN FRANCISCO AWARDS at The Conservatory at One Sansome, where former San Francisco International Airport Director Ivar C. Satero received the “Ally Leadership Award,” and Gigi Gorgeous accepted the “Equality Visibility Award.” Gigi reflected on her journey to living her truth as a transgender woman and offered a powerful message for LGBTQ youth: “This award is for every young person who feels unseen, unheard, or unsure: You are not alone. You are powerful, you are worthy, and your story matters.” Influential leaders spoke, including Controller Malia Cohen , Senator Scott Wiener, Assemblymember Catherine Stefani, and President of the SF Board of Supervisors Rafael Mandelman
Commander-in-Thief Trump is assailing the beyond-reproach Democratic fundraising platform, ACTBLUE , by taking executive action and making his Department of “Justice” and A.G. Pam Bondi investigate for fraud or any other lie they come up with. ActBlue Communications Director Megan Hughes has responded, “The Trump administration’s and GOP’s targeting of ActBlue is part of their brazen attack on democracy in America. [This] escalation by the White House is blatantly unlawful and needs to be seen for what it is: Donald Trump’s latest front in his campaign to stamp out all political, electoral, and ideological opposition.” Representative Gerry Connolly, top Democrat on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, stated, “There is no room for grift, foreign influence, or corruption in our
elections.” He concluded, if Trump “was at all serious about cracking down on foreign corruption of U.S. elections, he would start by taking the ‘For Sale’ sign off his own back.”
As a reminder to what I stated in my last column, Andry José Hernández Romero is a 31-year-old, gay make-up artist and stylist, who enjoys theatre, costume design, and the arts. He is also an asylum seeker from Venezuela who had a scheduled asylum appointment but was wrongfully deported to a notorious maximum security “terrorism confinement” prison in El Salvador without due process of law. His story was recently featured on CBS News’ 60 Minutes. Now Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem need to be ordered to cease wrongful deportations and return Hernández Romero and others like him safely and immediately—and to afford all Americans, asylum seekers, and foreign nationals residing in the United States due process of law as required by the U.S. CONSTITUTION ! Hernández Romero has no criminal record and is legally seeking asylum in the United States due to credible threats of violence against him in Venezuela (not El Salvador) because of his sexual orientation and political beliefs. His kidnapping, deportation, and imprisonment is a wound against the entire community. Nobody has heard from him nor about him since his awful unlawful abduction.
That is why our queer community and allies boldly assembled and rallied for the BRING HIM BACK PROTEST on April 26 noon at Jane Warner Plaza, Castro & 17th Streets. It was produced by the SF Democratic Party, Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, and Oasis Legal Services. We fight for our community. My fave
(continued on page 40)
Dennis McMillan (aka Sister Dana) with author Kyle Casey Chu, whose novel The Queen Bees of Tybee County was featured at Fabulosa Books on Thursday, May 1.
PHOTO BY CHRIS MICHAELSON
Oscar Zamora Graves’
Fairytale Frolic Art Exhibit at Strut
Gay collage and assemblage artist Oscar Zamora Graves’ art opening party was held on Friday, May 2, 2025, at Strut. The exhibit will continue throughout May, and the artist will speak at Strut on Saturday, May 17, at 8 pm.
Graves’ artwork and jewelry is for sale. For more information, please visit his website ( https://www.oscarzamoragraves.com ) or email him at oscarzamoragraves@gmail.com
Photos by Rink
The Intercontinental San Francisco and Luce Restaurant since 2019. I was honored to join the table of judges for the first of the three clashes. Chefs Norma Whitt and Dennis Efthymiou hosted this year’s clash and the energy and excitement in the room along with the delicious menu was infectious. These evenings are open to the public (at exceptionally fair prices) so keep an eye out for next year’s competition.
And now, a “poor you” moment: I am lucky enough to be heading up to Sonoma for the Annual Healdsburg Food & Wine Weekend on May 16–18. I will be supporting our client chef Dustin Valette and his talented team at the signature events they are hosting at their fabulous spots The Matheson, Valette, and Roof 106. Bonus: I get to stay in Dustin’s cottage in the heart of Healdsburg. Yep, it’s tough work but someone must do it! Tickets are on sale now, so I hope to see you up there.
The Summary
It’s been a pleasure to spend this time with you all. Given the craziness of our world right now, the power of being with people (bitching, crying, laughing) will be more important than ever. With the volatile nature of our economy, I am nervous that restaurants will continue to struggle. So, get out there and eat!! Take a look at the following list for ideas. I am convinced that world peace will begin over conversations that start at dinner tables. Yes, I am a dreamer, but I believe in the power of food.
The power of love. The power of friendship. And, of course, the power of the dinner party. Dig in!
many women on a ship was a spiritual and sensual experience. Two things that every woman I talked with said were how safe they felt and how great it was to have someone else doing things for them for a change.
Great sources of inspiration and information are the Go Girl and Go Girl 2 anthologies edited by Elaine Lee ( https://www.ugogurl.com/ ). The books contain resources and essays about travel to countries around the world by writers like Maya Angelou, Aya de Leon, and Audre Lorde. From Greenland to Japan to South Korea to Jamaica, the idea of female independence radiates like a beacon.
Billboards and internet sites have sprung up posting emergency signals women can use to alert strangers when we need help— from ordering drinks with the word angel in it to the way you fold your hands behind
The Matheson Website: https://www.thematheson.com/ Instagram: @themathesonhbg
The Progress Website: https://theprogress-sf.com/ Instagram: @theprogress__sf
The Vault Steakhouse Website: https://www.vaultsteakhouse.com/ Instagram: @thevaultsteakhouse
Culinary Arts Program Website: https://www.ccsf.edu/ Instagram: @officialccsf
The Chefs
Carlos Altamirano Altamirano Restaurant & Bar @altamiranorestaurants
Dennis Efthymiou Luce/Bistro 888 @dennis_efthymiou
Jason Halverson The Vault Garden & Steakhouse @chefjasonhalverson
Dustin Valette
The Matheson, Roof 106 and Valette @dustinvalette
Norma Whitt
The Intercontinental San Francisco @chefnormalouise
Andrew Freeman is the Founder of af&co ( https://www.afandco.com/ ) and the Co-Founder of Carbonate ( https://www.carbonategroup.com/ ).
you. I’m glad someone is putting thought into how women can alert others that we’re in danger. That might help some women feel easier about going out into the world. But I’d be happier if more thought went into how men could be retrained not to think women are their prey.
Did I mention that Woni Spotts (1964–, @wonispotts) was the first Black woman to complete travel to every country and continent in the world in 2018?! Let’s go! Jewelle Gomez is a lesbian/feminist activist, novelist, poet, and playwright. She’s written for “The Advocate,” “Ms. Magazine,” “Black Scholar,” “The San Francisco Chronicle,” “The New York Times,” and “The Village Voice.” Follow her on Instagram and X @VampyreVamp
