(Editor’s Note: Kim Powell of Blue Water Ventures for decades has co-hosted outdoor adventures with “Betty’s List” and the San Francisco Bay Times. Members of our team have long admired Powell’s dedication to education, using the natural world as a classroom. Her excursions are often transformative, from individuals later deciding to go into environmentalist work themselves, to LGBTQ+ singles meeting during Powell’s expeditions and becoming now long-time devoted couples. Whether the trip is to the blue glaciers of Alaska, to California’s central coast for marine mammal viewing, or to the Amazon Basin with its tropical greenery, it is
sure to be a journey worth taking with Powell at the helm.)
In September of 1985, I led my first “eco-adventure” to a remote Georgia Sea Island. I was the leader of an energetic group of high school students from Baylor Academy. I recall the absolute thrill of sharing the ecology and human history of these fascinating islands that line the Georgia Coast, each island unique and revealing a dynamic history of Southern culture. My career as a naturalist educator had begun, a lifelong passion that remains my central focus.
After graduate school, I landed a so called “job” as a naturalist guide for Wilderness Southeast based in Savannah, Georgia. We worked with students of all ages and ethnic backgrounds, a tradition that has continued through Blue Water Ventures, an eco-adventure business based in Santa Cruz.
As the owner of Blue Water Ventures, I can say that this incredible journey of nearly 40 years has defined my life. Over the decades, we have trekked with students through steamy jungles, snorkeled expansive coral reefs, and visited remote villages in Central America. We have joyfully watched kids grow up in these villages and tearfully observed the decline of our planet’s magnificent coral reef ecosystem.
In more recent years, Blue Water Ventures has offered expeditions to the biologically rich Sea of Cortez, as well as to Tonga and Fiji, dramatic archipelagos dotting the South Pacific. The educational experiences that we have the unique opportunity to share are profoundly rich. No matter where in the world we are, we are always so thrilled to
Isaias Hernandez, aka the Queer Brown Vegan, is an environmentalist, educator, and creative devoted to improving environmental literacy through content creation, storytelling, and public engagements. A powerful influencer, Hernandez has thousands of followers at Instagram and produces informative, beautifully shot videos for his YouTube channel on important and timely topics ( https://tinyurl.com/3uymcu5r ).
Queer Brown Vegan is more than a moniker; it is an independent media platform that he started to bring intersectional environmental education to all. His journey to deconstruct complex issues, while centering diversity and authenticity, has resonated with a worldwide audience. He also collaborates with other leaders from the private
and public sectors to uplift and produce stories of change for his independent web series, Sustainable Jobs and Teaching Climate Together As a public speaker, he has presented for The New York Times, Harvard University, and many others.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, where he is currently based, Hernandez still has deep roots in the Bay Area. He earned his bachelor's degree at UC Berkeley in environmental science, and lived in Oakland after graduation where he enjoyed meals at Millennium Restaurant, which serves inventive, locally sourced vegan dishes. He retains ties with Oakland’s Greenlining Institute, an organization that seeks to advance economic opportunity and empowerment for people of color through advocacy, community and coalition building, research, and leadership development.
A compelling aspect of Hernandez’s work concerns Queer Ecology, which he addressed in a recent blog post ( https://tinyurl.com/yfac2p6j )
He wrote, “Did it ever occur to you that the animals, plants, and fungi might be queer? If not, that is exhibit A in our case for the importance of Queer Ecology, a field that challenges our heteronormative, cisnormative, and anthropocentric views of the natural world. It recognizes the fluidity and diversity of identities and relationships in both human and non-human realms. It aims to foster inclusive relationships with the environment and life that encompass and celebrate its broad spectrum, rather than limit it. It collapses systems of oppression and blooms a new regenerative perspective.”
He speaks from the heart. During his teen years, he worked with his father as a gardener for more affluent families and experienced backlash from his religious relatives about his emerging sexual orientation and identity.
“As the years went by,” he wrote, “I slowly became a small shell of myself, too sick to breathe the seas of sleep and believing that I belonged nowhere because I was Queer. I found the eeriness of the lost forests and outdoor spaces as a place to grieve. A place for pain so deep that I knew only the species that didn’t speak my language knew how to guide me back to my ancestors. I was feeling soulless and slowly started to climb from what seemed like endless vines against a cliff, a pathway that held my head high while I was looking for the glistening light.”
Through hard work, he gained financial and personal freedom as well as love and community. He also gained insight.
return home to Monterey Bay, an ecological treasure of the California coast.
Blue Water Ventures offers naturalist-led school field trips, family adventures, and programs designed for the LGBTQ+ community. We are passionate outdoor educators; we absolutely care about the natural wonders that we share with our audience.
As our planet is faced with many ecological challenges, from a rapidly changing climate to human population growth, we remain committed to educating students of all ages. We also remain hopeful that our planet will continue to flourish under the care of future generations.
Kim Powell is a Santa Cruz-based naturalist, guide, and the founder of Blue Water Ventures https://bluewaterventures.org/
As he shared, “The world we live in is queer. This isn’t a personal opinion; it is a scientific fact. Scientists have observed non-binary, homosexual, transgender, and intersex relationships and identities occurring as naturally in ecosystems as their hetero/cisnormative counterparts. Or rather, ecological relationships (ecosystems) don’t exist within binaries, but instead occupy a full spectrum of existence.”
“Queer ecology offers us a critical lens to understand these relationships through, beyond the narrative of the binary,” he continued. “When we’re limited or fixed in what we understand as natural versus unnatural, or appropriate versus deviant, we misinterpret the world around us. Hetero/cisnormative perspectives assert views like sex being
based primarily on biological reproduction and these values go on to shape human interactions with their environment, other humans, and non-human animals. What might happen if we prescribe values outside of cis and heteronormative norms? Queering nature is our connection to an expansive view that examines the wide possibility of relationships—not their limits.”
He also brings racial justice to the forefront of his work. Addressing the role that indigenous peoples play in protecting Earth’s biodiversity and supporting climate change mitigation, for example, he recently posted: “Indigenous autonomy has been determined to be a right of all Indigenous peoples and is inextricably linked to the protection
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Birthed from a belief that queer, Black women farmers need more representation and celebration in the growing world, Ashlee Johnson-Geisse founded Brown Girl Farms. Brown Girl Farms, located in the Hayward hills, is a small-scale family farm grounded in community. Ashlee and her wife Jen Johnson-Geisse live at the farm with their son Rylynn Anthony and farm dog Journey.
Ashlee created this intentional space during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in response to an urgent need for plant starts and fresh produce within the Bay Area community. She told the San Francisco Bay Times, “Brown Girl Farms serves to spread loving intention to community through market vegetables, African American heritage crops, and unique seasonal flower bouquets. Brown Girl Farms strives to center growing practices that reflect interconnectedness to the land and African Indigenous Agroecology practices. By supporting Brown Girl Farms and other local, queer, Black owned businesses tending to the land, you are supporting the earth and our local community this Earth Day!”
Here are just some of the practices, as described by Ashlee, that make Brown Girl Farms one of the Bay Area’s most ecofriendly farms:
Low Till
“Constantly turning the soil has detrimental effects on the microbial life and abundance of biodiversity that lives within your soil. We strive to lessen the use of heavy machinery like rototillers and mowers and instead allow decomposers like worms to loosen up and aerate the soil. We use hand tools like shovels, garden hoes, and digging forks to help cultivate and tend to the soil.”
Polyculture and Intercropping
“Rather than plant uniform rows of the same crops, we plant multiple crops in the same area, utilizing the symbiotic relationship plants have with one another. Marigolds are planted along with tomatoes to deter garden pests from the fruits; beans and other legumes are planted with kale and other leafy greens to fix nitrogen into the soil and support plant structure and growth; and sprays of pollinator-friendly flow-
ers and plants are nestled within various fruits and vegetables.”
Heritage Crops
“Honoring our blended family heritages and cultures, our farm values growing several AfricanAmerican heritage crops including collard greens, black eyed peas, sweet potatoes, yams, green beans, onions, turnips, greens, radish greens, and melons.”
Bees
“Although not always talked about or uplifted, beekeeping has deep roots and history within the Black community and we feel passionate about uplifting Black and Brown beekeeping. Beekeeping is a practice and tradition that was first recorded by Ancient Egyptians who kept bees and recorded beekeeping life through hieroglyphics. Here at the farm we partner with Happy Organics to manage our hive and provide education and nourishment to the community. Our pollinator field features a diverse range of pollinator friendly flowers and plants for the bees to enjoy!”
Chickens
“Chickens are a special part of our life here on the farm. We tend to a flock of chickens who provide us with beautiful farm fresh eggs as well as help us manage our produce scraps by feasting on them and turning them into manure! Our chickens also provide us moments of laughter and comfort!”
Seed Saving
“Here at the farm, collecting and saving seeds from various crops is an intentional and meditative ancient process for which we have much gratitude. By saving seeds we are able to reduce the amount of seed we purchase for the farm as well as select seeds from plants whose traits we favor. We love creating seed packets as an offering to community to carry on the power of growing nourishment.”
On a seasonal basis, Brown Girl Farms partners with local businesses for mobile grocery pop-ups. They also have an online farmstand and participate in a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) produce box program. Additionally, Ashlee has created
Soul in Your Bowl: Preserving Black Food Legacies, which is an audio series recorded at the farm about the importance of Black food and family legacy. As Ashlee shared, “My great-grandmothers were strong, independent, women who kept their family and faith lives close. Their love of cooking and use of African American heritage crops made an early and lasting impression on me.”
https://browngirlfarms.com/
In his over three decades of leadership, first as Director of Park Projects for the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy and now as Chief Park Officer for the Presidio Trust, Michael Boland has either helped improve or create some of San Francisco’s most iconic green spaces. Recently he announced that he will be retiring from his present role later this year, inspiring the San Francisco Bay Times to look back at his many achievements over the past 34 years.
Between 1990 and 1997, while at the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, he managed the planning and design for the $36 million transformation of Crissy Field. His other projects included the Alcatraz Island Master Plan and, of special importance to the LGBTQ+ community, the National AIDS Memorial Grove. An out gay man, Boland was the “Designer of Record” of the Grove, which also involved numerous other stakeholders and volunteers.
As Barry Owen wrote in a piece for The Frisc, the Grove is “a paragon of landscape design” that “is as much a destination for inspiration, pleasure, and joy as for remembrance and solemn reflection. As its creators understood, these are not opposites. Some come to the Grove to recall, mourn, and celebrate lost lives. But its orchestrated beauty also welcomes weddings, elaborate sit-down feasts, and the regular convening of exuberant flaggers, those West Coast whirling dervishes who gather to spread, twirl, and flutter gaily colored silk wings to pulsing dance music.”
After Boland joined the Presidio Trust in 2001, he played a key role in transforming the Presidio from a historic Army post to a world class national park site. Under his leadership, his team created a comprehensive trail and overlooks network, restored the Presidio’s rich mosaic of natural and cultural landscapes, and established national park experiences that serve urban youth.
The Presidio’s transformation reached a high point with the 2022 opening of Presidio Tunnel Tops: 14 acres of trails, gardens, overlooks, and youth play spaces built atop a reclaimed highway tunnel. Boland has also played a role in the transformation of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, America’s largest and most heavily visited urban national park.
It is work that, as Boland recently wrote, requires caring “deeply about making national parks welcoming to all, about protecting biodiversity and promoting environmental sustainability, and about working on a team dedicated to excellence in public service.”
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The solar eclipse of April 8, 2024, now known as the Great North American Eclipse, was visible across much of North America, from Mexico to the U.S. to Canada. While sky gazers here in the San Francisco Bay Area only saw the Moon cross about 35% of the Sun’s diameter at the eclipse’s peak, the spectacle was still breathtaking and memorable.
It was even more so for San Francisco Bay Times contributors Fred Sullivan and Jamie Botello, who used to live in the Bay Area but now reside in Durango, Mexico. They captured a series of three
Closer by, Bay Times team member Juan Davila was in Dolores Park watching locals watching the skies over San Francisco. The park’s grounds, where thousands recently viewed or participated in the annual Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Easter in the Park celebration, welcomed eclipse watchers who shared their blankets, refreshments, and more.
During live coverage from the Indianapolis Speedway on NBC News, anchor Lester Holt expressed the sentiment of many when he spoke of the awe of the moment when millions paused to view the shared phenomenon visible throughout our hemisphere.
Among the popular images shared on the internet was NASA’s Photograph of the Day for April 8, taken in space by the EPIC (Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera) on the DSCOVR (Deep Space Climate Observatory), showing the Moon’s shadow moving eastward across North America
California Henge
On Tuesday, April 9, 2024, just one day after the total solar eclipse, the phenomenon known as “California Henge” took place as it does twice a year in San Francisco. It happens when, at sunrise, the Sun lines up with California Street, shining between buildings and over the Bay Bridge in the distance.
You probably think your financial decisions to save or spend, buy or sell are based on taking in all the information at hand and selecting the right option for you. Psychologists know better.
The truth is, every decision you make is influenced by subconscious biases. Financial decisions are no different. You can do all the research you want on investing, but if you don’t account for your blind spots, your decisions might have unintended consequences.
Preconceptions can sometimes work in your favor, but just as often, they can cause you to lose money, opportunities, or sleep. And personal biases across the greater population can lead to market swings, bubbles, panics, and other irrational behaviors.
Researchers have started studying how human foibles impact portfolios, markets, and whole economies in a field known as behavioral finance.
Behavioral Finance and How It Helps You
Behavioral finance aims to explain why people make the money choices
they do. It combines economics with psychology—particularly cognitive reasoning—to identify the mental shortcuts people use to make decisions about how to spend, save, and invest their money.
What does it offer you? Being aware of the biases that can creep into your decision-making allows you to adjust your behavior and make more rational, and hopefully more profitable, choices.
Some of the most common biases include:
Herd Mentality
Following the crowd is common, whether that’s buying a hot stock or selling in a panic when the market drops. If you’re tempted to do what
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Jay Greene, Esq., CPA
As I reflect on the past decade of the Greene Estate, Probate, and Elder Law Firm, a deep sense of gratitude washes over me. For ten years, we’ve had the privilege of serving the vibrant families and individuals of the San Francisco Bay Area. Looking back, I’ve gained invaluable insights that continue to shape my approach to estate planning.
One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned is the universality of the human experience. While every client’s situation is unique, the core concerns are remarkably similar: a
desire to protect loved ones, ensure their wishes are carried out, and minimize the burdens of probate. Witnessing this vulnerability has solidified my commitment to clear communication, empathy, and building strong relationships with my clients.
Over the years, I’ve seen estate planning needs evolve here in the Bay Area. The ever-increasing cost of living has amplified the importance of tax-minimization strategies for our clients. The rise of digital assets has necessitated incorporating them into estate plans to ensure their proper management after someone’s passing.
At Greene Estate, Probate, and Elder Law Firm, we’ve adapted to these changes by expanding our service offerings. We now offer specialized planning for digital assets, MediCal applications, property taxes, and strategies to ensure a smooth business transition for family-owned enterprises.
The Heart of the Matter
The most rewarding aspect of this journey is the personal impact we’ve made. We’ve helped families navigate the difficult conversations surrounding end-of-life planning, ensuring their wishes are documented and respected. We’ve facilitated the transfer of family businesses, preserving legacies for future generations. We’ve provided peace of mind to countless individuals, knowing their loved ones will be cared for after they’re gone.
Looking Forward
As we celebrate ten years of service here in California, I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished at Greene Estate, Probate, and Elder Law Firm. But our work isn’t done. We remain dedicated to providing personalized, comprehensive estate planning services that meet the evolving needs of the San Francisco Bay Area. We look forward to partnering with you for years to come, helping you safeguard your legacy and build a secure future for your loved ones.
Choose to secure your legacy, protect your loved ones, and gain peace of mind. Contact us at 415-905-0215 or obed@greenelawfirm.com to schedule your consultation. Your future deserves the attention to detail and care that you have established for your present life.
Statements In Compliance with California Rules of Professional Conduct: The materials in this
Dear members and allies of the LGBTQ+ business community,
Are you a small business looking to expand your footprint with local and national corporations?
Read more about the NGLCC (National LGBT Chamber of Commerce) and its certification program, which the GGBA sponsors.
The NGLCC is not just an organization but a vibrant community that plays a pivotal role in advocating for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. It acts as a direct link between LGBT business owners, corporations, and government, representing the interests of over 1.4 million LGBTowned businesses across the United States.
This makes it the largest organization dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for the LGBT business community globally, a community that you are an integral part of.
The NGLCC’s certification program is a unique opportunity for LGBTQ+owned businesses. It validates their status and connects them to a vast network of over 160 corporate partners who prioritize diversity. Partnerships with Wells Fargo, PG&E, Facebook, and BART ensure that certified businesses are integral to diverse and inclusive supply chains, providing them unparalleled
access to exclusive contracts and procurement opportunities.
The Golden Gate Business Association (GGBA) has successfully guided over 100 members to achieve national certification as NGLCC LGBT Business Enterprises (LGBTBEs). This certification requires that businesses be majority-owned, operated, managed, and controlled by LGBTQ+ individuals who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. They must also maintain independence from non-LGBTQ+ business entities and be headquartered and legally established in the United States.
The significance of this certification was further underscored in 2018 when the inclusion of LGBTQ+ businesses became a criterion for the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index. This marked a crucial shift towards broader corporate responsibility and inclusivity, highlighting the role of LGBTQ+ businesses in leading diversity within the corporate sector.
The NGLCC’s unwavering commitment to advocacy ensures that LGBTQ+-owned businesses, professionals, and business students can access financial opportunities, economic growth, innovation, and equality. As we champion these causes, we strongly urge all LGBTQ+ business owners to explore the transformative potential of NGLCC certification.
For those looking to elevate their business impact and explore new opportunities,
Founded in 1993 by owner Charles E. Symes II, Alegre Home Care has for more than three decades provided services for seniors delivered by experienced caregivers.
Symes, who has more than 35 years of experience in the caregiving field, began his work caring for his own family and then working for national and local home care agencies.
Alegre is the only LGBT-Certified inhome care agency in California, and provides services in San Francisco, San Rafael, Stockton, and surrounding areas. (A member of our team hired Alegre to help a relative in the East Bay and was pleased with the professional, considerate service.) Specialties include senior care and dementia care, and care includes companionship, housekeeping, meal preparation, personal care, medication reminders, errands, and more.
A key focus of Alegre’s work is to help people stay independent in the comfort and privacy of their homes, enabling the continuation of social life, hobbies, connections with friends and family members, and the enjoyment of being in a familiar setting.
Inquiries about care provided and employment opportunities are welcome 24/7 at 800-598-4777 or info@alegrecare.com
https://www.alegrecare.com/
the NGLCC certification offers a comprehensive pathway to success. Detailed information and guidance on navigating the certification process are readily available on the NGLCC website ( https://nglcc.org/ ). And a membership with the GBBA waives the registration fee for the NGLCC certification.
Let us continue to work together, hand in hand, to empower the LGBTQ+ business community. Together, we are fostering an environment where diversity is accepted and celebrated. Together, we can ensure that LGBTQ+ businesses survive and thrive, contributing robustly to our economic prosperity.
With commitment to our shared future and pride in our community’s resilience, Tony Archuleta-Perkins, MBA, MS President, Golden Gate Business Association
Tony Archuleta-Perkins is the founder and owner of Ide8 Real Estate. He has worked in finance for 25 years, ten of those years specifically as a fractional CFO. He has two master’s degrees: an MBA and a Master of Science in Real Estate. In addition to his educational and professional pedigree, ArchuletaPerkins has a passion for advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. He proudly volunteers and serves on two boards here in San Francisco: President of the Golden Gate Business Association and Treasurer of the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance, SF Chapter. He and his husband enjoy international traveling and scuba diving.
GGBA members and guests attending the April Make Contact, held on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, enjoyed the stunning rooftop views from the deck atop the offices of Brio Financial Group at 19 Sutter Street. A longtime member of GGBA, Brio is a “Paparazzi Sponsor” of the organization’s upcoming 50th Anniversary Power Connect to be held on Friday, June 7, at San Francisco City Hall.
For May, the annual Mega Make Contact will return, hosted by OutPro, with a celebration of San Francisco Small Business Week at the historic Stud bar at its new location, 1123 Folsom Street. The event will showcase the resilience, diversity, and vibrancy of San Francisco’s business community.
by Tony Archuleta-PerkinsTuesday, May 7
Small Business Week Mega Make Contact w/OutPro
6–8 pm
The Stud Bar, 1123 Folsom Street, San Francisco https://tinyurl.com/ytmhpjpb
Friday, June 7
GGBA Power Connect - 50th Anniversary Gala!
6–9 pm SF City Hall Rotunda https://tinyurl.com/mr3ukwwa
Tuesday, July 9
July Make Contact - East Bay!
6–8 pm
Bandaloop, 1601 18th Street, Oakland https://tinyurl.com/5d22258a
Tuesday, August 13
August Make Contact 6–8 pm Location TBA https://tinyurl.com/yhanmbnd
Tuesday, September 10
GGBA Annual (Membership) Meeting + Make Contact 6–8 pm Location TBA https://tinyurl.com/45yet4ph
Senate Bill 957: SOGI (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity)
Data Collection, an important bill for the future of LGBTQI+ Californians, is currently making its way through the California State Senate. This bill, authored by Senator Scott Wiener and co-sponsored by Equality California and the California LGBTQ Health and Human Services Network, intends to close gaps from previous SOGIrelated legislation.
Actionable and culturally-appropriate SOGI data collection and reporting is relevant for LGBTQI+ people for multiple reasons. Firstly, most large-scale studies, such as the U.S. Census, do not capture LGBTQI+ identities; given this dearth of data, state and local laws mandating SOGI data collection and reporting are one of few ways to gather information on the needs of LGBTQI+ communities. This data can then be leveraged to better understand, document, and address the issues impacting our communities, such as inequities in
access to healthcare, experiences of discrimination, and specific health outcomes affecting LGBTQI+ people.
Secondly, when SOGI data is collected and analyzed meaningfully, it can be used by advocates and decision-makers to allocate resources that will address the inequities and health needs we face. Simply put: without the research to show the need for specific health interventions, it is unlikely that decision-makers will be willing to spend money on those interventions.
Lastly, collecting SOGI data long term can shed light on trends and changes over time, allowing resource allocation to adapt as needs shift.
SB 957 comes on the heels of a report by the State Auditor that evaluated the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) progress in collecting, reporting, and using SOGI data as mandated by law since 2015. The 2023 State Auditor’s report—originally titled The California Department of Public Health: It Has Not Collected and Reported Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Data as State Law Intended —found that SOGI data in California has been collected inconsistently, thus resulting in inadequate data on the health status of LGBTQI+ Californians.
Specifically, the report pointed to various implementation gaps, ranging from lack of consistent policies in how SOGI data should be collected
and reported, to lack of guidance from the state to local jurisdictions, to most demographic forms excluding SOGI data questions (only 17 forms were found to collect complete SOGI data, out of 129 forms that collect demographic data overall).
After eight years of almost nonexistent SOGI data collection and reporting at the state level, SB 957 will amend existing law to require that the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) collect SOGI data from third-party entities (including local
health jurisdictions) on any forms or electronic data unless prohibited by federal or state law.
This bill will also require the CDPH to update the public and the legislature every year on its efforts to collect, analyze, and report SOGI data; improve services or program outcomes for underserved LGBTQI+ communities; and implement the recommendations from the audit report. Hopefully, if SB 957 passes, we will soon have accurate, meaningful, and actionable SOGI data to better understand and address the unique health needs of LGBTQI+ Californians.
To follow the progression of SB 957, visit https://tinyurl.com/yc75xfet
Pau Crego (he/him) is a queer and trans immigrant who has worked towards equity for trans and LGBTQI+ communities for almost two decades, both in the San Francisco Bay Area, and in Spain where he is originally from. His advocacy has included direct services, technical assistance, training and education, program design, and policy change. Crego worked at the Office of Transgender Initiatives (OTI) from 2017–2023, most recently serving as the Office’s Executive Director. He is also faculty in the Health Education Department at City College of San Francisco, and a published author and translator in the field of public health.
As I write this column, women have been dominating the news lately, for better and worse. I’ll get to the better (really, fabulous!) in a moment, but let’s start with one of the worst: the Arizona Supreme Court, whose justices on April 9 ruled to enforce an 1864 law (!) that bans nearly all abortions. The law, which predates Arizona’s statehood by nearly 50 years, provides no exceptions for rape or incest, only allowing an abortion if the mother’s life is in jeopardy. Under the law, it is suggested that doctors can be prosecuted for terminating pregnancies.
The backlash from women across the country was fast and fierce. Even many Republicans tried to walk back from the ruling, realizing how it had crossed lines that would wreak havoc in the lives of so many women—not to mention, alienating untold numbers of voters in a crucial swing state during an election year.
This ruling came just three weeks after Arizona State Senator Eva Burch gave a searingly personal speech on the senate floor, detailing, from her own long experience of difficult pregnancies, exactly why abortion is necessary healthcare. She has had to endure abortions and miscarriages in the past due to nonviable pregnancies. And now that she is once again pregnant with a nonviable fetus, she faces the reality of having to leave her own state for necessary healthcare, thanks to the extremist laws backed by her Republican colleagues—all of whom, by the way, walked out during her speech.
Arizona’s Democratic governor, Katie Hobbs, is doing everything she can to stand firm against this extreme Supreme Court ruling, and to protect the health care and bodily autonomy that Arizona women—and all people—need and deserve. And she emphasized the importance of the November elections. There are powerful forces trying to take women back to 1864. Don’t let them succeed.
And if you haven’t seen Senator Eva Burch’s speech, here’s the link; I guarantee it will be worth your time: https://tinyurl.com/Burch031824
Don’t Miss Patricia Racette Sings Piaf
One of the great singing actresses of our time is coming to San Francisco to present an evening of songs made famous by one of the greatest singing actresses of a previous generation.
Patricia Racette Sings Piaf is coming to the Presidio Theatre on April 19 and 20, and you should run to get your tickets now.
Once upon a time, back in the late 1980s, I was lucky enough to have the job of coordinating the national auditions for the Merola Opera Program— the world-renowned training program for young singers and coaches at San Francisco Opera. The job gave me a front-row seat to the beginnings of some legendary careers.
I will never forget the day a young woman showed up for her audition in New York. She was a bundle of raw talent and energy, and knocked the socks off the audition committee. She was signed immediately for the Merola Opera Program, progressed through SFO’s advanced Adler Program, and went on to a storied career starring
in opera houses around the world.
Patricia Racette’s rich voice, combined with her ability to plumb the depths of a character’s emotional truth, has made her one of the most captivating performers of our generation. She is also a forthright advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, coming out very publicly in a 2002 Opera News cover story. She insisted that Opera News include her comingout statement, saying that her sexuality and her relationship with her wife, Beth Clayton, were integral to who she is as an artist.
Don’t miss this concert. Get tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/RacettePiaf Women’s Sports in the Spotlight and a True Ally Stands Up Tennis great and social justice icon Billie Jean King famously said, “Sports are a microcosm of society.” The truth of this statement has been especially evident lately as we’ve seen the dual spectacles of women’s rights and bodily autonomy under attack by political extremists on one hand, while at the same time women athletes are making history, breaking barriers and records right and left. Just in the past month we have witnessed—among many others—these remarkable stories:
• 22-year-old Caitlin Clark, a senior playing for the University of Iowa Hawkeyes, became the highest-scoring basketball player—male or female—in NCAA Division 1 history. She has been shattering records and redefining what a female basketball player is capable of. March Madness soared to a whole new level as the NCAA women’s championship game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the formidable, undefeated South Carolina Gamecocks shattered viewership records, eclipsing by far the television audience for the men’s championship game. If you didn’t watch it, you missed an historic event, and one hell of a game.
• In March, Bay Area fans of women’s soccer got to cheer the new BayFC team, the first National Women’s Soccer League team in the Bay Area.
• The Bay Area’s newest professional baseball team, the Pacific League’s Oakland Ballers, signed a female pitcher, Kelsie Whitmore, as the first woman to play in that league.
• The San Francisco Giants’ Alyssa Nakken, who made history in 2022 by becoming the first woman to coach on the field in a regular season major league game, made history again by showing up for work at the ballpark on Monday April 8, fresh from maternity leave, with her husband and new baby in the stands.
• A feature film about a real-life female athlete—legendary distance swimmer Diane Nyad—was nominated for two Academy Awards, for the brave performances by Annette Bening as Nyad and Jodie Foster as her best friend and coach.
Tara VanDerveer, the revered head coach of the Stanford Cardinal women’s basketball team, announced her retirement from the post she had held since 1985. In January 2024 she
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Photos by Rink
A celebration of the PRC Integrated Services Center’s 5th anniversary was held on site at 170 9th Street on Wednesday, April 3. Guests enjoyed the opportunity to meet PRC’s staff and see first-hand the range of life-changing services offered.
Also welcoming guests were members of the popular Bare Chest Calendar annual fundraiser project.
Chief Executive Officer Chuan Teng recognized the generosity, dedication, and commitment of key volunteers and supporters, including Joey Castenada, Kippy Marks, Troy Brunet, Neil Figurelli, Suzanne Ford, “UK” Jouke Lanning, Liam Mayclem, Bobbee Trans Mooreman, Nguyen Pham, John Shumacher, Jimmy Strano, and Stan Wong.
A special shout out was given to San Francisco Bay Times columnist Joanie Juster, who was recognized as a “Volunteer Extraordinaire.” Also introduced was PRC staff member Tehya Fernandez, who became the organization’s first Housing Navigator and was acknowledged as a “superstar” in breaking down barriers to assist clients in securing housing.
https://prcsf.org/
Last year, state legislatures across the country proposed over 500 antitrans and anti-LGBTQ laws. These laws attack the trans community, bar DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs, and try to ban rainbow flags in classrooms; all are designed to strip the LGBTQ+ community of our rights and protections.
Like many queer Americans, I feel a sense of helplessness as I watch our rights being eroded. As a scrappy lesbian lawyer who spent over 25 years in the legal trenches of uber-conservative Salt Lake City fighting for the rights of Utah’s LGBTQ families, this regression is especially troubling. That’s why I am partnering with my old friend and fellow queer rights warrior Jackie Biskupski on The Fight for Family documentary project.
on the ground in Utah and across the U.S. during those fraught years before marriage equality.
In fact, Kate grew up in Utah, and she and I mis-spent our early legal careers together and found lots of “good trouble” in SLC before Kate moved to San Francisco to join NCLR.
In 1998, Jackie became the first out lesbian state legislator in Utah. She spent 13 years there fighting for Utah’s queer community under hostile conditions. Jackie went on to serve as Salt Lake City ’s first openly gay mayor and the first lesbian elected to run a capital city in the United States. Jackie’s hard work helped change the tide for queer Utahns. The 1990s were grim for Utah’s LGBTQ citizens. Gay teachers could be fired. Gay support clubs were banned. Additionally, unmarried couples had zero legal protections. To help address this legal void, I started completing second parent adoptions in Utah courts for lesbian and gay couples. With second parent adoptions, queer couples could ensure their children were legally connected to both parents.
The Fight for Family is capturing this important chapter of America’s queer history. The project will inspire our community and all families that look different to find their voices and fight back against oppressive right-wing agendas.
But in 2000, the legislature retaliated with a nasty bill banning gay adoptions. Jackie and I worked tirelessly behind the scenes to block the bill, but we were overpowered by the LDS-church controlled legislature. The gay adoption ban left a legal desert where queer families had few ways to protect their children. It took years of advocacy on Utah’s capitol hill and several court cases to slowly turn the tide.
Together, Jackie and I want to document our work with the LGBTQ+ couples and their children who helped change the face of the American family. But our efforts didn’t happen in a vacuum. Jackie and I could not have done our work in Utah without the legal and moral support of the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR). We worked closely with NCLR’s former Executive Director, Kate Kendell, and with now Legal Director Shannon Minter, who provided legal advice, briefs, case law, and boots
Currently in production, The Fight for Family features interviews with queer Utah families and their kids, as well as brave judges and activists who stood up for our rights. Even now, after the hard work of so many LGBTQ+ activists to ensure equal rights nationwide, so much is at stake.
We need you to help us tell this story and to energize our community in the face of right-wing attacks! Come join us for a fundraiser at Manny’s on April 25 from 6 pm to 8 pm, see exclusive clips from the film, and meet Kate Kendell, Jackie Biskupski, producer Jennifer Dobner, and me to learn more about the project. Check out our website
( www.thefight4family.com ) and donate to support the production!
Attorney Laura Milliken Gray, with former legislator and Salt Lake City mayor Jackie Biskupski, launched JL Productions in 2023 to capture the fight to protect LGBT families between 1996 and 2008.
https://www.thefight4family.com/
Equality California’s annual San Francisco Awards event is noted for bringing together legislators and other elected officials, activists, advocates, and community supporters to honor inspirational leaders whose work helps to create a better world for the LGBTQ community and all people. Held on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at the San Francisco Fairmont Hotel, the evening began with a cocktail reception followed by a seated dinner and awards presentation.
Hosted by RuPaul’s Drag Race star Coco Montrese, the program featured the honorees, Rep. Barbara Lee, Vanguard Leadership Award; Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, Ally Leadership Award; and the Lyon-Martin Community Health organization, Community Leadership Award.
Additional performers included Mahlae Balenciaga, Kataluna Enriquez, Milita S**nt, Fatima Reynolds, and Here Wynn. Co-chairs for the evening were Hon. Bevan Dufty, Hon, Rafael Mandelman, Hon. Phil Ting, Hon. Scott Wiener, Jason Chen, and Laura Zagar.
https://www.eqca.org
As many of you know, every year I spend an amazing week in June volunteering my time to support 2000+ cyclists to make their way from San Francisco to Los Angeles to raise funds for The San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles LGBTQ Center.
I do this because I believe in the work these two amazing organizations do. These organizations are working to end HIV/AIDS and the stigma associated with it by providing testing, prevention, and services.
I will once again be Captaining the Info Services Team, or as I like to call it, “The Snack Shack and Lost Stuff.” My team will be making sure Roadie Teams get their lunches, lost items are reconnected with their humans, lost people are redirected, and hugs are given to all those who want and need them.
I will be headed out on this week-long adventure in just about 2 months. It would mean a lot to me if you would be willing to support me by making a donation. And if you can’t, that is okay too, but if I don’t ask, I won’t know. https://tinyurl.com/mr3svpca
Thank you for supporting me in my everyday life as well. I appreciate you all.
Terry Asten Bennett is the General Manager of Cliff’s Variety and the President of Castro Merchants.
Among the favorite annual events for the Bay Area LGBTQ+ community is the Openhouse Spring Fling, held this year on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco. Emcee Sister Roma and Openhouse Executive Director Kathleen Sullivan welcomed the sold-out audience and led the way through an afternoon of unsurpassed community camaraderie and LGBTQ+ family connection.
Openhouse Co-Founder Dr. Marcy Adelman presented the Founders’ Award to Project Open Hand former executive director and longtime dedicated public servant Tom Nolan. Playwright, author, activist, and educator Jewelle Gomez received the Trailblazer Award and left the audience in stitches with her unmistakable humor and perspective. Artists Michael Johnstone and David Faulk received the GenOUT Award in recognition of their more than 25 years of creating joy through art and their original Verasphere world of experience.
After enjoying a gourmet lunch menu designed by the Four Seasons chefs, attendees were entertained and inspired by responses to the live auction, raffle, and call for giving led by Sister Roma. Following the close of the formal program, attendees were encouraged to enjoy the post-event happy hour celebration.
Congratulations to the entire team of Openhouse volunteers, supporters, and staff on the success of this always memorable annual gathering.
https://www.openhousesf.org/
Roland Schembari and Bill Hartman, Co-Founders
Randy Alfred, Founding News Editor 1978
Kim Corsaro, Publisher 1981-2011 2261 Market Street, No. 309 SaN FraNciSco ca 94114
PhoNe: 415-601-2113
525 Bellevue aveNue oaklaNd ca 94610
e-Mail: editor@sfbaytimes.com www.sfbaytimes.com
The Bay Times was the first newspaper in California, and among the first in the world, to be jointly and equally produced by lesbians and gay men.
We honor our history and the paper’s ability to build and strengthen unity in our community.
The Bay Times is proud to be the first and only LGBTQ newspaper in San Francisco to be named a Legacy Business, recognizing that it is a longstanding, community-serving business that is a valuable cultural asset to the city.
dr. Betty l. SullivaN JeNNiFer l viegaS co-PuBliSherS & co-editorS Beth greeNe, JohN SigNer, Michael delgado deSigN & ProductioN
kate lawS BuSiNeSS MaNager Blake dilloN caleNdar editor kit keNNedy Poet-iN-reSideNce J.h herreN techNology director carla raMoS weB coordiNator Mario ordoNez diStriButioN JuaN r davila voluNteer coordiNator
CONTRIBUTORS
WRITeRS Rink, Sister Dana
Nuestra Voz
Eduardo Morales, Ph.D.
The event will be partially funded by a grant from the Horizons Foundation and will feature entertainment, presentations, and food and drinks for attendees. Please indicate your intention to attend by registering at the AGUILAS website, https://www.sfaguilas.org
Registering will help to ensure we are prepared for the number of guests. At this event, participants who recently completed our leadership development program workshops will receive a certificate of completion for the level 2 advanced training offered in May of 2024 and funded by ViiV Healthcare Foundation.
AGUILAS was founded by grassroots community members in 1991 and became a 501 c-3 organization in August of 1999. The mission includes “creating a supportive, culturally sensitive environment for gay/ bisexual Latinos. AGUILAS strives to foster knowledge and pride of the
diversity of our language, culture, history, and spirituality. AGUILAS is committed to developing programs that promote health, well-being, and community building that foster positive self-identities, healthy relationships, and leadership skills.”
Since 1994, AGUILAS has obtained contracts from various local, state, and federal governmental agencies as well as many foundations and organizations such as REAF, Horizons Foundation, the Imperial Council of San Francisco, the Academy of Friends, and Our Town San Francisco. A complete listing of funders, along with AGUILAS’ numerous awards and commendations throughout the 30 years, are on our website.
The name AGUILAS was chosen by community members. It is an anonym that means eagles in Spanish and stands for Asamblea Gay Unida Impactando Latinos A Superarse, which basically translates to Assem-
bly of Gay United Impacting Latinos to Supersede and Rise Above.
We at AGUILAS hope you will join us in our humble celebration of 30 years in providing services. We look forward to seeing you at our celebration as AGUILAS moves ahead to continue to be of service to our targeted community for years to come.
Eduardo Morales, Ph.D. is a Professor Emeritus, retired Distinguished Professor, and current adjunct professor at Alliant International University. He is also a licensed psychologist and a founder and current Executive Director of AGUILAS, an award-winning program for Latinx LGBTQ+. Of Puerto Rican decent, he has received numerous distinguished awards and citations, including being named a Fellow of 12 divisions of the American Psychological Association.
Tenderloin Tessie Holiday Dinners will celebrate its 50th Anniversary on Saturday, May 18, 2024, from 1–4 pm at the First Unitarian Universalist Congregation located at 1187 Franklin Street, San Francisco. The public is invited to attend. There is no entry fee. San Francisco Supervisor Dean Preston will be the Guest Speaker. There will be a buffet dinner, 50th Anniversary Awards for exceptional volunteers and supporting businesses/organizations, and entertainment.
Although an RSVP is not required to attend, feel free to RSVP to Michael Gagne at 415-584-3252 to help us know how much food we should provide for our 50th Anniversary Dinner/Awards Event.
Tenderloin Tessie Holiday Dinners is an all-volunteer taxexempt (501c3) nonprofit organization serving holiday dinners at no charge to our unhoused neighbors in San Francisco on Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Marilyn Murrillo, Ed.D., MPH, MBA, MA, is the Grants Administrator and a Board Member for Tenderloin Tessie Holiday Dinners http://tenderlointessie.com/
The Shadow Doesn’t Know
I’m not sure what to make of the Supreme Court’s first ruling on the subject of transgender youth, effectively reinstating Idaho’s ban on puberty blockers, hormones, and surgery for minor kids. The state of Idaho had asked the justices to lift a preliminary hold on the law, which was issued by a lower court and upheld by the Ninth Circuit. In doing so, the Court did not make any pronouncements on the underlying subject, instead deciding that the lower courts’ hold on the entire law was excessive. The law will continue to be blocked only for the two transgender plaintiffs who were seeking puberty blockers and estrogen therapies.
On one hand, it’s not good. It just isn’t. On the other hand, no one likes the idea that a single judge can issue a sweeping injunction based on an initial complaint from one or two plaintiffs. Recall the insanity emerging from Judge Matthew Kazmierczak in Texas, who singlehandedly blocked the provision of abortion drugs throughout the country based on ludicrous legal theories until the High Court stepped in. In Idaho, the plaintiffs sought specific treatments yet the court denied all enforcement of the state’s much more extensive anti-trans statute.
The three liberal justices would have maintained the block on the law, while our buddies Thomas and Alito joined Justice Gorsuch in setting it aside, and Justices Kavanaugh and Barrett concurred with a separate statement. Three mini-opinions on a motion for relief from an injunction is unusual, as far as I understand it. Normally, the Court just sends out a
vague little paragraph, leaving legal mysteries for analysts to unravel.
I’m not done with this! Oh, I know its legal news and your eyes are glazing over, but bear with me.
The much talked about “shadow docket” has been decried by everyone on all sides of contentious issues, and as Gorsuch pointed out, it has exploded in the last decade. Gorsuch explained it better than I could (I admit with regret):
“Normally,” he wrote, “parties spend ‘their time methodically developing arguments and evidence’ before proceeding to a trial and final judgment limited to the persons and claims at hand ... . If they seek relief for a larger group of persons, they must join those individuals to the suit or win class certification. In [shadow docket] practice, none of that is necessary. Just do a little forum shopping for a willing judge and, at the outset of the case, you can win a decree barring the enforcement of a duly enacted law against anyone. Once that happens, the affected government (state or federal) will often understandably feel bound to seek immediate relief from one court and then the next, with the finish line in this Court. After all, if the government does not act promptly, it can expect a law that the people’s elected representatives have adopted as necessary and appropriate to their present circumstances will remain ineffectual for years on end.”
In his own statement, Kavanaugh (with Barrett) pointed out that, the process of deciding whether or not one side or another is likely to succeed on the merits of the underlying case is itself problematic. This kind of pre-judgment, determined without briefing or expert knowledge,
By Ann Rostowis built into the question of whether or not to issue a preliminary injunction against a challenged law. Once issued, however, it has an impact on how the case proceeds and, well, let’s just say it makes everyone think that the appellate court or the Supreme Court has basically already picked the winner. In a way, Justice Jackson was agreeing with this dilemma when she (and Sotomayor) argued that, as a rule, the High Court should give deference to the lower courts when they both agree to issue a hold.
Justice Kagan agreed with the liberals without comment, and the Chief gave no indication as to how he voted or what he thought.
I’m sorry that this important discussion of the shadow docket had to come at the expense of transgender kids in Idaho, but at least the Court made no statement about the actual law itself, which we know will wind up in their hot little hands before long.
I think we can all guess what some of the justices think. Justice Gorsuch made two gratuitous references to the fact that genital surgery for children and teenagers would still be legal unless the Idaho law was restored, as if little boys throughout the spud state were dashing into the operating theaters to have their dicks cut off while the injunction stayed in place. Indeed, I’ve written at length about the all-or-nothing approach to transgender youth health we experience in our country, and I’m under no illusion the High Court will miraculously take a broader view when a showdown arrives.
Meanwhile, a significant study commissioned in 2020 by the National Health Service in England has come to a close, concluding that the jury is out on the impact of hormone treatment for young people and, as Reuters put it, that “extreme caution” should be exercised when issuing prescriptions. On the other hand, experimentation with gender through dress and behavior is considered a normal and often useful process at an age when “rigid binary gender stereotypes can be unhelpful.”
Make of that what you will. As far as our advocates are concerned, any and all state intervention into transgender health policies is Bad News, mainly because the only states that want to intervene have GOP-led governments that want a flat ban on everything under the sun.
It’s exhausting to write about, and I see from my news list that the full U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit just heard oral arguments on the trans ban in Arkansas, which has been blocked for now, first by a lower court and then by a threejudge appellate panel. The case went back to lower court for consideration on the merits of the law, and after the court ruled against Arkansas, the full Eighth Circuit decided to take review. I’ve kind of lost track of the other appellate rulings out there, although I can tell you that the Sixth Circuit has upheld laws in Tennessee and Somewhere Near Tennessee, in a case that has been appealed to the High Court (who have not responded as yet). And the Eleventh Circuit has given a green light to Florida’s ban as well. I could actually look this stuff up, but that would be kind of like cheating; like googling the answer to a crossword clue.
It was Kentucky.
Log Cabin Shenanigans
In the last few days, I seem to have become obsessed with various First Amendment court cases. Something about abortion access in Indiana, a lengthy essay about freedom of yada yada yada for abusive priests in Louisiana, the Oklahoma Supreme Court considering blah blah blah about a Catholic charter school.
I assure you, these various news stories fascinated me at the time, not so long ago, and I resolved to tell you all about them because the First Amendment is one of our very favorite subjects! Hmm, I see that the priest story is about Due Process, but you know what? We love Due Process stories too!
Just not today. I’m over it and don’t feel like revisiting any of this litigation. I just deleted a whole bunch of this and my spirits are already lighter for it. Forgive me.
I see that Melania has decided to speak at a Log Cabin Club fundraiser on April 20, much to the chagrin of a certain sector of the MAGAverse. The Log Cabin Club, as you know, purports to represent GLBT Republicans, although I’m not sure they like the Ts, and they are certifiable. They root for Trump and recently condemned Joe Biden for acknowledging the Transgender Day of Visibility because this year it fell on Easter, so Biden’s respect for transgender Americans was, I don’t know, rude to Christians? The same Christians who, when I was growing up, were once considered generous and kind people, eager to help their
(continued on page 18)
of our planet and climate. Science has proven that land remains intact in places where Indigenous rights are respected.”
In collaboration with Amazon Watch, he is helping lead an effort to put public pressure on banks that intend to finance oil company projects in the Peruvian Amazon. The goal is to encourage representatives of these banks to meet with the Indigenous delegation that is heading to New York City Earth Day. To learn more and to join in solidarity with that delegation, go to: https://tinyurl.com/yj65tmks
This is just one of several efforts that he is working on now. Dedicated and passionate about his work, Hernandez brings intelligence and thoughtfulness to all of his projects. The Queer Brown Vegan is an emerging leader on environmental issues at a time when such voices of reason are greatly needed. To learn more, visit https://queerbrownvegan.com/
BOLAND (continued from pg 4)
Whenever you visit any of the parks that Boland has helped either to establish or transform, give thanks to this remarkable, visionary leader who has dedicated much of his life to improving San Francisco and the city’s ecological footprint.
GREENE (continued from pg 6)
article have been prepared by Attorney Jay Greene for educational purposes only and are not legal advice. This information does not create an attorney-client relationship. Individuals should consult with an estate planning and elder law attorney for up-todate information for their individual plans.
Jay Greene, Attorney, CPA, is the founder of Greene Estate, Probate, & Elder Law Firm based in San Francisco, and is focused on helping LGBT individuals, couples, and families plan for their future, protect their assets, and preserve their wealth. For more information and to schedule an assessment, visit: https://assetprotectionbayarea.com/
JUSTER (continued from pg 10)
won her 1,203rd game as a head coach, becoming the head coach with the most wins in college basketball history, women’s or men’s. VanDerveer helped shape and redefine women’s basketball, and women’s sports in general, over her decades in the game.
ROSTOW (continued from pg 17) HERNANDEZ (continued from pg 2)
All of these accomplishments are extraordinary, groundbreaking, and worth celebrating. But one of the most important moments in women’s sports came during a press conference the day before the NCAA women’s championship game. The South Carolina Gamecocks’ storied head coach, Dawn Staley, was fielding questions from the press. Staley, 53, had a remarkable career as a player, and is now considered one of the greatest coaches in college basketball history. She is also direct, no-nonsense, and has no patience for bs.
So, here she was answering questions from the press the day before one of the biggest games of her career, and a writer with an agenda asked her whether “biological males” should be able to play women’s sports.
Staley looked weary, tired of having to swat away fools. Her look said, “Seriously? The day before the championship, that’s your question?!” But she didn’t let him phase her. She took a moment, then said, “I’m of the opinion, if you’re a woman, you should play. If you consider yourself a
woman and you want to play sports or vice versa, you should be able to play. That’s my opinion. You want me to go deeper?”
The troll-with-an-agenda, not able to take a hint, doubled down, asking whether Staley thought transgender women should be allowed to play. So, Staley doubled down, too, while acknowledging that she would be taking heat for doing so. “Yes, yes,” she said. “So, now the barnstormer people are going to flood my timeline and be a distraction to me on one of the biggest days of our game, and I’m okay with that. I really am.”
That’s what an ally does. She spoke her truth, standing up for the rights of transgender athletes to play and compete, and was willing to take the consequences on a national stage. And she had the last word, as her Gamecocks crushed the Hawkeyes the next day, capping their historic, undefeated season. Thank you, Dawn Staley.
Thank a Volunteer
April is Volunteer Appreciation Month. Look around you—there are volunteers everywhere, giving their time, effort, and skills to make our world a better place. Thank them; let them know how much you appreciate what they are doing. And better yet—join them. I guarantee your life will be richer for the experience.
Joanie Juster is a long-time community volunteer, activist, and ally.
everyone else is doing, take the time to think if it’s really right for you.
Most people think their successes are something they caused and their setbacks are due to external forces. So, you’re a genius when your stock rises, but a hapless victim if it tanks. This can tempt you to take on more risk than necessary or keep a losing investment longer than you should.
Mental Accounting
People have a tendency to allocate money for various purposes, putting it into separate “accounts” and treating it differently depending on which account it is in. The issue with this bias is that it can keep you from putting your money to its best use. For example, you may have a rule that, once you add money to your savings, you’re not allowed to touch it. But it may make more sense to pay down high-rate debt that costs more than your savings earn.
Value Attribution
All of us make, buy, or sell decisions based on values we attribute to the item, which may or may not be based in reality. For example, you might be willing to pay $200 for shoes from Nordstrom because you believe that they are high quality, but you would balk at that price if they were at Payless. An example of how this can hurt you is a losing investment that you won’t sell until it reaches the price you paid for it, even though cutting your losses might be smarter.
Behavioral finance has enormous potential to add to our understanding of what motivates people and moves markets, and it can lead to a wide range of improvements in the industry.
Space is limited!
Contact Dr. Betty L. Sullivan: text/phone 415-601-2113 e-mail bettysnie@aol.com
Good financial advisors have always understood that, while it may be a relatively new field of study for researchers, financial planning is as much art as science. Humans aren’t always rational, so you can’t base decisions solely on what makes financial sense. It’s our job to use what I call a reality overlay to make sure the plan fits the person.
neighbors and avoid judgment? Not so much anymore, I guess.
At any rate, the enigmatic Melania is either helping Trump to broaden his base, making a friendly gesture to GLBT Americans, or deliberately screwing around with MAGA sensibilities. I have no idea and I’m guessing neither do you.
Oh, I just found a comment about the Easter business from the President of the Log Cabin Club, Chris Moran: “Time and time again, the Biden-Harris Administration shows that it’s utterly tonedeaf when it comes to the priorities of average Americans,” Moran said. “Yes, this Administration has been marking March 31st as Transgender Day of Visibility for several years now. And yes, Easter moves around. But I’m awe-struck that nobody in the White House thought that it might be prudent to possibly move the trans proclamation up or back a day, so it didn’t directly conflict with the most important holiday in the Christian faith.”
Chris! There was no “conflict” here. It was not either Easter or Transgender Day of Visibility. It was both. Obviously, Biden had nice things to say about Easter as well so he overcame the twothings-at-the-same-time conundrum that seems to have flummoxed Mr. Moran, who added bizarrely that Biden’s transgender statement “shows that LGBT voters should seriously look elsewhere for leadership than the failed BidenHarris Administration,” who are “needlessly making it worse, not better, for all of us, with stunts like this.”
New Trans Victory Just Announced Alert! Just as I decided to throw legal news under the bus and fritter away my last column inches on One Million Moms comes news that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit has ruled in favor of a transgender girl who challenged West Virginia’s transgender sports ban.
This is a big deal, my friends. The Fourth Circuit is also poised to rule on transgender health care en banc, meaning the entire court will decide the fate of various unfriendly insurance programs in West Virginia and North Carolina, so we’ve been waiting for that giant ruling any day now. But these sports bans raise completely different issues, and arguably run
For example, a client might believe that paying off their house before retirement would be best, so they add $100 extra to their monthly mortgage payment. With a low interest rate and tax advantages, the numbers say that it would be better to invest that extra money each month. But I know my client would likely fritter away the extra cash rather than invest it, so it makes more sense to keep adding the $100 to the mortgage.
Bringing your hidden biases to the forefront can add another arrow to your quiver when you’re aiming for financial independence. Or you could just rely on your friendly neighborhood financial advisor to save you from yourself.
The opinions expressed in this article are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. It is only intended to provide education about the financial industry. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. Any past performance discussed during this program is no guarantee of future results. Any indices referenced for comparison are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. As always, please remember investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital; please seek advice from a licensed professional.
Brio Financial Group is a registered investment adviser. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Brio Financial Group 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/ MILLER
afoul of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 when applied to public school and college sports.
The case was a challenge from Becky PepperJackson, then 13, who took puberty blockers and transitioned to female in third grade. Becky’s spot on the girl’s track and field team was theoretically blocked by West Virginia’s 2021 “Save Women’s Sports Act,” and Becky sued the state, winning a lower court preliminary injunction against the law that was mysteriously reversed by the same court later in the proceedings. The lower court ruled against Becky’s Equal Protection claim, and also dismissed her Title IX claim based on the notion that you’re allowed to separate out genders when it comes to sports, which is somewhat true.
I have a vague memory of seeing that seemingly inexplicable development at the time and not wanting to have to figure out what the hell happened. At any rate, the Fourth Circuit took up the case and has now vacated the lower court’s Equal Protection decision and sent it back to the lower court for fact finding, which was not done originally. As for the Title IX claim, the majority reversed the lower court, finding that the discrimination Becky suffered was indeed a violation of Title IX’s protections. You may recall that this is the same appellate court that ruled in favor of high school trans boy Gavin Grimm, who won the right to use the bathrooms under Title IX.
I haven’t read the dissent, so sue me.
The majority pointed out that Becky never experienced male puberty with all its testosteroneinfused male sportiness, and that it’s possible a different scenario could exist in which competitive fairness, one of the state’s big reasons for the law, would come into play, so to speak. However, you can’t have a law that “protects” all cisgender girls from playing against all trans girls based on the idea that one of the trans girls will beat out one of the cis girls. Further, the West Virginia law only applied to girls, so trans boys were allowed to play on any team, a blatant example of sex discrimination right there.
Keep in mind that the full bench of the Second Circuit is about to rule on this question as well. So, yes, there will be more legal news for us to share. I can’t wait!
arostow@aol.com
By Donna Sachet
We are passionate about making sure the history of our LGBTQ+ Community is recorded accurately and a big part of that is procuring that history from those who helped to make it. Organizations like the GLBT Historical Society and the Rainbow Honor Walk are important San Francisco resources and deserve your support and participation.
On a national scale, we support OUTWORDS, started by Mason Funk less than ten years ago, actively seeking out those who have participated in our movement across a broad spectrum of activities and capturing their stories in professional video interviews. We recently attended one of their few fundraisers, generously hosted by Robert Holgate in the beautiful penthouse community room of his high-rise, where we were joined by a remarkable collection of local leaders and activists, including Dr. Marcy Adelman, Doug Waggener, Win Pham, Suzanne Ford, Susan Stryker, Rebecca Rolfe, Roger Doughty, and even Lenny Broberg visiting from his home in Palm Springs. The brief program highlighted a few of the interviews in the current archive and in-person remarks from current supporters. As we spoke to many in the crowd, it became obvious that OUTWORDS could benefit from more exposure of this kind, since their mission and the high-quality videos they are assembling appealed to the entire room. Take a look at a few of the interviews available ( www.theoutwordsarchive.org ) and you’ll recognize this as a project worthy of your support and financial contributions.
Our loyal readers know of our particular affection for the SF Gay Men’s Chorus, not just because it was one of the first groups we joined when arriving in San Francisco, but because of its seminal place in our community’s history, respected musical excellence, and ongoing outreach. We recently attended a special viewing of the documentary film Gay Chorus Deep South, five years after its release, at the Chan Queer Arts Center and we’ve never been prouder of SFGMC. After considering many options, this chorus decided to hit the road on a tour of several cities in the southern United States, places more notable for the preponderance of churches than for Gay Pride Parades.
Many singers in the chorus and Artistic Director Tim Seelig himself would be confronting familiar settings that held bitter memories of exclusion and intolerance. Nevertheless, they pushed forward. Watching the film there in SFGMC’s new building, surrounded by many who had joined the tour, was an emotional, sometimes painful experience, but the remarkable stories of persistence, pride, and new-found connections were so affirming. Following the film, a panel, including Tim Seelig, Chorus CEO Chris Verdugo, writer and director David Charles Rodrigues, Producer Bud Johnston, and singer Julian Francis Clift, moderated by current Artistic Director Jacob Stensberg, added background and insight into the tour. Find the film and watch it! And the next time you enjoy a SFGMC concert at Davis Symphony Hall or an ensemble singing for a local civic event, you will more deeply appreciate the brave contributions of this cherished musical group.
Equality California San Francisco celebrated 25 years of important work at their annual gala last Saturday at the Fairmont Hotel. Attendance has never been better and the program was tight, varied, and inspiring. We couldn’t have chosen better company at our table, invited by BART President Bevan Dufty and seated between City Treasurer Jose Cisneros and candidate for District 9 Supervisor Stephen Torres. We caught up with many politically active friends, including Sister Roma, Mark Leno, Leslie Katz, Lance Toma, Daniel Lurie, and Matthew Goudeau, as well as office holders City Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, State Assemblymember Matt Haney, State Senator Scott Wiener, and even Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis. Executive Director of EQCA Tony Hoang reflected on the challenges and accomplishments of this past year, Wiener delivered a particularly moving tribute to the late Dianne Feinstein, and awards were presented to Lyon-Martin Community Health, Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, and Representative Barbara Lee, who received an immediate and enthusiastic standing ovation. Between all the serious business, some of SF’s most talented drag performers livened things up and Coco Montrese of RuPaul’s Drag Race co-emceed. With such an important election in the fall at the local, state, and federal levels, it is encouraging to see such a committed and energized EQCA.
Our weekend wrapped up at Oasis for the Imperial Investiture of the Reigning Empress Linda Summers. A nice crowd of Imperial Court members and newly interested people gathered to see the Empress, looking fabulous in an hombre chiffon gown, major jewelry, and topped by her newly earned crown, announce her important court positions and to honor many attending. Entertainment was lively, the mood was festive, and we sensed a genuine confidence that this new reign is off to a great start. Watch for upcoming fundraisers and other events hosted by Empress Linda Summers as she continues the 59-year history of the Imperial Court of San Francisco.
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
“Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less.”
—C.S. LewisFriday, April 19
Show of Hope
Annual SF Community Health Center Gala
Honoring Dr. Anthony Fauci & AsiaSF
Emceed by Reggie Aqui
Hyatt Regency SF, 5 Embarcadero Center
5:30 pm
$350 & up
https://tinyurl.com/2z7z5afk
Saturday, April 20
Soirée 2024
SF LGBT Community Center’s annual gala
Hosted by Sister Roma & Honey Mahogany
Entertainment by Juanita MORE! & LadyRyan
5:30 pm
$300 & up
$95 after-party tickets
www.sfcenter.org
Thursday, April 25
Divas & Drinks
A Giant(s) Birthday Party for Donna Sachet and Dr. Betty Sullivan With the SF Giants
DJ Rockaway and special guests to be announced soon
The Academy SF, 2166 Market Street
6–10 pm $15 www.academy-sf.com
On Wednesday, April 3, Castro Art Mart’s coordinator Lauro Gonzalez joined Donna Sachet and Peanut, Donna’s pup, outside the location of Fisch & Flore, formerly known as Cafe Flore, during the “soft opening” held in conjunction with the Castro Farmers’ Market re-opening ceremony held on the same day.
“I strive for truth in everything—in others and in myself.”
—Franc D’AmbrosioFranc D’Ambrosio sings with such skill, passion, and focus that audiences are left dazzled and mesmerized. It is little wonder that he has developed a loyal following beyond his holding the title of “The World’s LongestRunning Phantom” for his over 2,100 performances of playing the lead in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award-winning musical The Phantom of the Opera. D’Ambrosio is captivating on stage no matter the material, from romantic Broadway ballads to humorous stories about his colorful family in the Bronx. He even beautifully croons to his and Olympic figure skating champion Brian Boitano’s rescue dog “Hunter” ( https://tinyurl.com/5bj4n7c2 ).
While they have a home in San Francisco, D’Ambrosio often performs and teaches abroad. He has been doing so for decades and even lived and studied with famed tenor Luciano Pavarotti (1935–2007) in the summer of 1991, later founding the Lorenzo Malfatti Vocal Academy in Lucca, Italy, for students of opera and musical theatre.
Italian culture threads through his career. As the operasinging Anthony Corleone, son of Al Pacino and Diane Keaton’s characters in the seven-time Academy Award-nominated film Godfather III, D’Ambrosio performed the theme
song “Speak Softly Love” for both the film and Original Motion Picture soundtrack. A revised version of the movie debuted in theaters in December 2021 with a new title: Godfather, Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone.
In July 2022, D’Ambrosio was personally invited by the legendary Andrea Bocelli to perform in two private concerts at his estate in Forte di Marmi, Italy, accompanied on piano by Bocelli’s longtime composer and vocal coach, Maestro Carlo Bernini. Until meeting Bocelli at the first concert, D’Ambrosio was unaware that his performance in Godfather III inspired the iconic tenor
to record his own version of the Academy Award-winning theme song.
In addition to his acting and singing accomplishments, D’Ambrosio is a highly-regarded painter whose abstract acrylic paintings are displayed in San Francisco’s ArtHaus Gallery and in the permanent collection at the Museo Italo Americano, as well as in some of the most iconic homes in the U.S. and Europe.
What is not as well known is that D’Ambrosio has dyslexia and has worked to help others with the learning disorder. In 2020, he was a special guest at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music’s The Other Side of the Brain: Exploring Emotion and Music in Dyslexia, presented in cooperation with the UCSF Memory and
Aging Center and the Global Brain Health Institute. His generosity goes beyond that effort. In reaction to the refugee crisis in Ukraine, D’Ambrosio and Boitano began hosting a series of benefit concerts in 2023 across the U.S. to raise funds for the Western Dominican Friars, who provide food, shelter, medical and psychological care to refugees streaming into Poland from Ukraine. To date, he and Boitano have led the charge to raise over $1 million.
He will be performing on April 27, 2024, at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek for Dan Ashley’s annual fundraiser Rock the CASA benefiting Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) Contra Costa County, Friends of Camp Concord, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa. It will be the fundraiser’s 10th Anniversary, so the evening will also feature the Oakland Symphony, a special tribute to Tina Turner, and more.
Ahead of this event, we caught up with the multi-talented D’Ambrosio.
San Francisco Bay Times: Like Dan Ashley, you are a Renaissance man of so many talents: singing, acting, and painting for a start. Please share one of your earliest memories of feeling deeply connected to the arts.
Franc D’Ambrosio: My earliest memory
of feeling connected to the arts was being exposed to PBS as a child watching Great Performances Anything to do with music, singing, dancing, the history of the arts and entertainment—the performances—all of it intrigued me. I was riveted.
San Francisco Bay Times: Who, such as Luciano Pavarotti, were some of your most influential early influences?
Franc D’Ambrosio: Luciano
Pavarotti was definitely an early source of inspiration; I was fortunate to live and study with Luciano and his family in Italy for an entire summer in the late 90s, and it was magical. But well before that, my Mom and Dad had an extensive music collection of Italian singers like Mario Lanza, Jimmy Roselli, Dean Martin, Vic Damone—predominantly Italian singers in the 50s and 60s—(and also) Dionne Warwick. I would sit and listen to records for hours on end and couldn’t get enough of it.
San Francisco Bay Times: Speaking of Pavarotti, we fondly remember seeing him often in San Francisco back in the day—frequently shopping! When did you first visit San Francisco, and what was your initial impression of the city?
Franc D’Ambrosio: My first visit to San Francisco was when I was doing Sweeney Todd on Broadway and the producers flew me out for the first of two screen tests for Godfather III. They put me up in Little Italy because it was close to Club Fugazi where the interviews were conducted. I had never heard of Beach Blanket Babylon, which was in production there at the time, and I was mesmerized with all the big hats, wigs, and costumes backstage. Another vivid memory of that first trip to San Francisco was
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being introduced to Chinese food in Chinatown. It was incredible!
San Francisco Bay Times: Most of our readers likely know you from The Phantom of the Opera , The Godfather, and your incredible solo performances at venues such as Feinstein’s at the Nikko, which members of our team have enjoyed over the years. We admire how you have dedicated significant time toward helping, either indirectly through charitable work or directly through mentoring, youth who might not otherwise have such support. You have always seemed to have a passion for teaching. Please share why this is important to you, and how you hope to make a positive difference.
Franc D’Ambrosio: I benefited greatly from early scholarships and the mentoring of professor Lorenzo Malfatti, an American opera singer and voice teacher, which made it possible for me to put myself through school, take voice lessons, and spend significant time immersed in the culture of Italy. These opportunities made an enormous impact on my life and led to the pursuit of my career in music and entertainment. It’s so important to give back, and I love being able to help young singers fulfill their dreams. Lorenzo Malfatti had a significant influence in my life—so much so that I named my school after him (the Lorenzo Malfatti Vocal Academy in Lucca, Italy). It’s a charitable 501C3 organization, and we bring students from all over the world to Lucca every summer to study opera, voice technique, Italian language, acting, style,
and diction. Last year we raised enough money to provide scholarships to every member of the 2023 class.
San Francisco Bay Times: How did you first learn about Rock the CASA, and why did you decide to get involved with this year’s special 10th Anniversary fundraiser?
Franc D’Ambrosio: I became involved in Rock the CASA through
Franc D’Ambrosio: Art and Sculpture
my close friendship with Dan Ashley at ABC. Anything Dan associates himself with is handled with the utmost integrity, class, and philanthropic spirit, so when he reaches out to me, I will always answer the call. Dan is a mentor and pillar of our community. Whatever he becomes involved in is always of the highest quality, and the charities that will benefit from this year’s event are well-respected organizations that support youth in our community.
Children are our future and, like Dan, I feel a tremendous sense of responsibility to do everything in my power to help our youth succeed in life, both personally and professionally. I know first-hand how the support of others can change a person’s life in unexpected and surprising ways.
San Francisco Bay Times: What other projects are you working on now?
Franc D’Ambrosio: I still perform in concerts all over the world with my one-man shows celebrating the music of Broadway, and I am always working to raise funds for my school in Italy. Several years ago, I founded a group called The Four Phantoms In
Concert, and we just finished production on a PBS television special in late March. The show will air in late summer during PBS’s annual pledge drive. The Four Phantoms tour travels all over the U.S. and abroad, so between that and my solo shows, I stay quite busy.
No matter where I travel in the world, whenever I come back to San Francisco, it’s a comforting feeling to know I’m coming home.
For More Information
Rock the CASA on April 27: https://rockthecasa.org/
Franc D’Ambrosio: https://www.francdambrosio.com/
Jan Wahl
So, there I am at Davies Hall awaiting the arrival of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. Their Music in the Movies event was long on my calendar. Suddenly, those of us in the audience turned from the stage to the aisle. A gorgeous ballerina floated down, from tiara to tutu to a smile full of excitement and love for the audience. Onstage, she began to dance, sing, and make us laugh. This was dance and drag sensation Lady Camden, and I wanted to know more about her!
I learned that she was born and raised in London, trained at the Royal Ballet School, and for many years was a professional dancer for companies such as the Birmingham Royal Ballet, Slovak National Ballet, Sacramento Ballet, and San Francisco’s own Smuin Ballet. Rex Wheeler, aka Lady Camden, is now a choreographer at Smuin. She must have been a strong man, lifting and catching as well as beautifully swirling. In drag, she is on point, literally, and could be at home in any world-class ballet company. She is young and relatively new to the world of drag. I spoke with her by phone from her home in the Castro.
“I went pretty quickly from straight ballet to drag because of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 14,” Lady Camden told me for the San Francisco Bay Times. “All of a sudden, this Sacramento Queen (they called us by cities during COVID19) almost won first place. I went on tour two years after that, fell in love with San Francisco, and did a Christmas show at the Oasis. I started meeting fabulous people in our community.”
She continued, “I’m rooted basically in ballet, Spice Girls, and old London town. My mother is American and was hoping I’d keep up with ballet. I was always Billy Elliot, the boy who loved to dance. But I really wanted in my heart to be surrounded by theatrical drag. Also, I was injured at 26, so drag helped me tremendously in my recovery.”
“I ended up at Smuin Ballet and Oakland’s White Horse Bar,” Lady Camden added. “(Drag queen)
Mara Guevara was very helpful in giving me the opportunity to try things out and learn. When I left the ballet scene, I did two things: I learned about putting on makeup, and signed up for serious acting lessons.”
She said, “There are so many people I have looked up to along the journey: Marianela Nunez, who only gets better with age; Leslie Jordan, may he rest in peace, who made people smile; and Jinkx Monsoon of Broadway and television. I have admired her career.”
And here’s some great news! Lady Camden added, “I am creating a solo Pride show that will be on June 27 at the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre. It’s called Lady Land, and is a spoof of an old TV game show and a journey through the colors of the rainbow flag. The show with the remarkable San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus was proof I am meant to do this. I’ve made this place home.”
For tickets to Lady Camden’s upcoming June 27 show at the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, visit: https://tinyurl.com/34zweymt
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
The 67th San Francisco International Film Festival will take place April 24–28, 2024, at various Bay Area locations. The annual festival features a curated program of features, documentaries, and shorts from around the corner and around the world.
This year’s festival will open with Didi, director Sean Wang’s feature debut, set in Fremont, about a teenage Taiwanese American boy coming of age. The festival will close with Thelma , a wry comedy about the 93-year-old title character (June Squibb), who seeks revenge on a phone scammer. In between there will be tributes to Chiwetel Ejoifor, whose solid new film Rob Peace will screen, and Joan Chen, who will be honored for her debut feature as director, 1998’s Xiu Xiu: The Sent Down Girl.
killed. Although the film is hagiographic, Luther’s lush voice and music still generate goosebumps. Although Vandross was not crazy about being called “Doctor Love” because his songs were so seductive, it is hard not to feel all the love and respect the musicians, friends, and fans still have for him in this cinematic valentine.
Wakhri (April 28 at 2 pm, Marina Theater) is an empowering drama about women’s rights in Pakistan. Noor (Farya Mehmood) and her queer best friend Guchhi (Gulshan Majeed), decked out in drag, are first introduced in a nightclub where they dance and protest against the patriarchy. Noor, a single mother and schoolteacher, has long been independent, and while she is looked down on by members of her family, she fights to keep custody of her young son, and sets her mind on building a school for girls after the school where she teaches is being shut down. Needing money, Noor makes some fundraising videos, but when she poses on a stage as Wakhri, and advocates for freedom for women and against toxic masculinity and control, her video goes viral and galvanizes as many people as it angers. As Wakhri becomes a controversial figure—the story is inspired by influencer Qandeel Baloch—Noor’s safety is threatened. Wakhri is all about how Noor finds herself fighting for a cause and the positive and negative impact it has. The performances by screen newcomers Mehmood and Majeed are electric, and the film’s messages are heartfelt.
Luther: Never Too Much (April 25 at 8:30 pm, Marina Theater) is director Dawn Porter’s enjoyable documentary about the late singer, songwriter, and producer extraordinaire, Luther Vandross. Told through anecdotes by his friends and fellow musicians, as well as archival clips and concert footage, the film traces his life from being a “Motown child,” worshipping singers like Aretha Franklin and Dionne Warwick—with whom he would later work—to appearing on Sesame Street, singing backup, and collaborating with David Bowie and Bette Midler, and even working and singing commercial jingles. But it is his solo career where his incredible talent and ambition are fully realized, even though he was pigeonholed as an R&B musician and never quite achieved the crossover success he deserved and desired. Luther does address some of the singer’s troubles, including his ongoing struggles with his weight, his fear about the stigma of coming out, and a car accident in 1986 where his passenger was
The documentary Agent of Happiness (April 28 at 12 pm, Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive/BAMPFA) has Amber Kumar Gurung surveying various Bhutanese people about their level(s) of happiness as part of a project of nation state building. One of his encounters is with a non-binary individual who is mostly unhappy; they are treated
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Smuin Contemporary Ballet will close its 30th anniversary season with a powerful world premiere from one of today’s hottest names in choreography. Headlining the program is Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s Tupelo Tornado, a new ballet inspired by the life and music of rock and roll icon Elvis Presley. Also on the bill is Smuin Associate Artistic Director Amy Seiwert’s stirring Broken Open, Smuin artist Brennan Wall’s vivid Untwine, and Michael Smuin’s dreamy Starshadows
Featuring a thrilling mix of classical ballet and contemporary works, Dance Series 2 will take place May 3–12 at the Blue Shield of California Theater at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco (700 Howard Street) followed by runs in Mountain View, Walnut Creek, and Carmel.
Tupelo Tornado is Lopez Ochoa’s first creation specifically for Smuin. Set to a sound montage of tunes and interview soundbites, this new ballet takes an almost cinematic approach, delving into the cultural phenomenon that was Elvis, including the international hysteria he inspired among fans, as well as the demons he battled personally. Lopez Ochoa’s profile has continued to skyrocket since Smuin introduced Bay Area audiences to the Colombian-Belgian dancemaker in 2017 with the West Coast Premiere of her critically acclaimed Requiem for a Rose, called “intriguing [and] brilliant” by The San Francisco Chronicle. A globally renowned choreographer, Lopez Ochoa has choreographed works for more than 40 dance companies around the world including Dutch National Ballet, Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève, The Royal Ballet of Flanders, Ballet National de Marseille, Ballet Hispánico, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Ballet Nacional de Cuba, and New York City Ballet, among others.
Seiwert’s transfixing Broken Open which The San Francisco Chronicle called, “Fascinating. Fresh, challenging, and relevant. Endlessly inventive”—follows its world premiere with Smuin in fall 2015. Seiwert drew inspiration for Broken Open from the Kunsthaus Tacheles in East Berlin, a building where artists sought shelter after the Berlin Wall came down. A place with a grim history, it became a vibrant hub for beauty and expression, representing the idea of “something beautiful born from a scar.” Clad in graffiti stenciled costumes, Smuin dancers will bring to life this emotionally stirring work that will capture the power of art to transform and heal.
Seiwert was named one of “25 to Watch” by Dance magazine, and her signature choreography has been met with consistent acclaim, described by The San Francisco Chronicle as “keeping founder Michael Smuin’s legacy of unabashed showmanship alive.” Broken Open is set to a hypnotic score by world-renowned cellist and composer Julia Kent, who creates music using looped cello, found sounds, and electronics. Kent will perform live during Broken Open at the opening weekend performances of Dance Series 2 in San Francisco.
Wall’s Untwine for four couples is set to an updated version of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons reinterpreted by Max Richter. Originally presented in Smuin’s 2021 Choreography Showcase as a contemporary pas de
deux, Untwine was expanded into an octet for its world premiere on the company’s mainstage in 2022. Wall’s choreography debut was praised by Critical Dance for its “myriad of inventive spins,” while The San Francisco Chronicle called it a “spiraling force of torque.”
Finally, there will be Michael Smuin’s brief and dreamy Starshadows. One of his earliest works for the company, this evocative adagio explores the mystery and beauty of intimate relationships. Set to Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G Major, the dance features three couples set against an inky backdrop punctuated by stars.
Tickets are available by calling 415-912-1899 or at https://www.smuinballet.org/
Born in Public by Greg Mania
This Polish-American comingout-and-of-age tale takes readers from suburban New Jersey to the nightclubs of Manhattan, where artistically inclined queer weirdos can feel right at home.
Rough Trade by Katrina Carrasco
19th century queer opium smuggling in the Pacific Northwest provides a vivid backdrop for this propulsive crime thriller.
Please join us for a SLUTS Anthology Release Party on Thursday, May 9, at 7 pm! For more information and to sign up for guaranteed entry—this event is expected to sell out—go to https://tinyurl.com/yck8semy
https://www.fabulosabooks.com/
Rebel Rising: A Memoir (nonfiction - hardbound) by Rebel Wilson
From the scenestealing star of Pitch Perfect and Bridesmaids comes a refreshingly candid, hilarious, and inspiring book about her unconventional journey to Hollywood success and loving herself. Displaying writing talent and personal bravery, actress Rebel Wilson shares the extraordinary experiences that shaped her life.
Mona of the Manor (fiction - hardbound) by Armistead Maupin
Set in the early 1990s, the long-awaited tenth novel in Armistead Maupin’s beloved and enduring Tales of the City series follows the adventures of Mona Ramsey, now the widowed Lady of a glorious old manor in Britain’s golden Cotswolds, and her fabulous adopted son Wilfred, as they come to the aid of an American visitor with a troubling secret.
As delightful and engaging as Maupin’s earlier works, this new tale from a different city and by one of America’s best storytellers will not disappoint.
Dearborn (fiction- paperback) by Ghassan Zeineddine
Spanning several decades, Ghassan Zeineddine’s debut collection examines the diverse range and complexities of the Arab American community in Dearborn, Michigan. In ten tragicomic stories, Zeineddine explores themes of identity, generational conflicts, war trauma, migration, sexuality, queerness, home and belonging, and more. “I laughed, I cried, and I truly could not put this book down.” (Paula Farmer, Book Passage)
Sunday, April 21 @ 2 pm (free - SF Ferry Building store) Donna Levin, author of The Talking Stick
Please join us in welcoming Donna Levin joined in conversation with radio journalist (KCBS/ KQED) Peter Finch in celebration of her engaging new novel The Talking Stick. Four women find humor, truth, romance, and a better path forward by deconstructing memory and emotion—and expose a wannabe cult leader along the way. The Talking Stick is the adventure of Hunter and the three women who join her reclamation journey. After Levine and Finch’s lively discussion of the book, with a short reading included, the author will take questions from the audience and sign/personalize purchased copies.
Tuesday, April 23 @ 7 pm (ticketed event in-person at Dominican University & online) Amy Tan, author of The Backyard Bird Chronicles, in conversation with Keith Hansen
We are thrilled to welcome local author, legendary novelist, and great friend of Book Passage, Amy Tan, to Dominican University of California, for an evening celebrating the release of her latest book, a unique and mesmerizing reflection on birding, life, and the natural world lovingly illustrated by the author herself. She will be joined onstage by fellow birder, illustrator, and author Keith Hansen. Tracking the natural beauty that surrounds us, The Backyard Bird Chronicles maps the passage of time through daily entries, thoughtful questions, and beautiful original sketches.
Sunday, April 28 @ 4 pm (free - Corte Madera store) Brian Copeland, author of Outraged!, in conversation with Michael Krasny
This special event will be in celebration of local comedian and radio personality, Brian Copeland, and his debut crime thriller Outraged! Copeland will be joined in conversation with the Bay Area’s own Michael Krasny. The book features a TV investigative reporter and his sister, a San Francisco homicide detective, who look into the slayings of local cops who have shot unarmed African Americans yet faced no repercussions. Prepare to be engaged by the lively discussion with Copeland, who is the author of Not a Genuine Black Man, the longest-running solo play in San Francisco theatrical history, as well as the critically acclaimed memoir based on that work.
https://www.bookpassage.com/
“The cause of woman took an immense stride forward last night,” The Morning Telegraph stated in its review of Der Wald, performed for the first time at the Metropolitan Opera House on March 11, 1903. Praising Ethel Smyth (1857–1944), its composer, the New York City newspaper shared, “This little woman writes music with a masculine hand and has a sound and logical brain, such as is supposed to be the special gift of the rougher sex. There is not a weak or effeminate note in Der Wald.”
Other New York critics maligned the new opera for exactly the same reason. “Her work,” the New York World complained, “is utterly unfeminine.” Worse, she simply was not qualified to write about “the battle of lust with holy love for the soul of a man.”
“Woman with all her intuition cannot penetrate this corner of human experience. It is just the one thing in life she can never know, unless she ceases to be a woman.”
Smyth disagreed. She could be both a woman and composer.
Whatever the critics thought, the first opera written by a woman ever to be performed by the Metropolitan Opera—and the last the company presented for more than a century— was well received by “one of the largest and most brilliant audiences” of the season, who arrived, uncharacteristically, on time for the performance. At its conclusion, the applause “continued for ten or fifteen minutes, surpassing even the most generous for which the opera patrons are distinguished.”
Smyth may have been disappointed with the reviews, but she could not have been surprised they made an issue of her gender. Born in 1858 in Sidcup, an English village that is a suburb of London, she grew up in a world that regarded composition as “an unseemly area of practice for a woman.” A sweetly sentimental parlor song might have been acceptable, but chamber music, orchestral works, and certainly operas were for men to write. Defiantly, Smyth wrote them all.
“I feel that I must fight for [my music] because I want women to turn their minds to big and difficult jobs, not just to go on hugging the shore, afraid to put out to sea.” She well understood a certain amount of militancy would be necessary, urging female musicians and composers to “swear that unless women are given equal chances with men in the orchestra and unless women’s work features in your programs, you will make things very disagreeable indeed.”
Smyth knew who she was at an early age, writing privately to Henry Barrett Brewster in 1892, whose friendship, she admitted, was the most important of her life, that “it is so much easier for me, and I believe a great many English women, to love my own sex more passionately than yours.” She told the world the same thing in her memoir, Impressions That Remained, published in 1919: “My relations with certain women, all exceptional personalities I think, are shining threads in my life.”
Those “shining threads” included Lady Ponsonby (1832–1916), “women’s advancement” advocate; Irish writer Edith Somerville (1858–1949; and sewing machine heir and music patron Winaretta Singer, the Princesse de Polignac (1865–1943), who, according to Virginia Woolf (1882–1941), had “ravaged half the virgins in Paris.” Many years later she became infatuated with Woolf herself, who, feeling differently, said it was “like being caught by a giant crab.” They became good friends instead.
Smyth met Emmeline Pankhurst, a passionate feminist and leader of the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU), a militant all-women’s activist group, in 1910. Immediately impressed and quickly infatuated with her, she described the experience as “the fiery inception of what was to become the deepest and closest of friendships.” Not only did Smyth become “an ardent suffragette,” but she also stepped away from music for the next two years so she could devote all her time to the cause.
Her greatest contribution to the suffrage movement may have been The March of the Women, which she composed in 1910 and dedicated to the WSPU. Pankhurst herself introduced it at a rally in London in January 1911, where she welcomed activists recently freed from prison “back to the fighting line.” With lyrics by Cicely Hamilton (1872–1952), The March, which expressed the suffragettes’ goal for true equality, became the anthem of their movement. It was performed at almost all of their events.
On March 4, 1912, Smyth was one of some 100 women arrested for smashing windows in London to bring attention to the suffrage cause. Her particular target was the home of the Colonial Secretary, retaliating for his very sexist remark that “if all women were as pretty and as wise as his own wife, [they] should have the vote tomorrow.” For her militancy, she was sentenced to two months in Holloway Prison; Pankhurst was given the cell next to hers.
When conductor and great friend Thomas Beecham visited her in her incarceration, he witnessed a memorable, defiant performance of The March. “I arrived in the main courtyard ... to find the noble company of martyrs marching round it and singing lustily their war-chant while the composer, beaming approbation from an overlooking upper window, beat time in almost Bacchic frenzy with a toothbrush.” Beecham concluded that Smyth, encouraged to reflect and repent while in prison, “neither reflected nor repented.”
Always fiercely independent, Woolf described her appearance as that of “the militant, working, professional woman—the woman who had shocked the country by jumping fences both of the field and of the drawing room, had written operas, was commonly called ‘quite mad,’ and had friends among the Empresses and the charwomen.”
Were Smyth and Pankhurst intimate in every way? Woolf thought so, writing to her nephew Quentin Bell, “In strict confidence, Ethel used to love Emmeline—they shared a bed.”
Despite the controversy that swirled around her, Smyth was knighted a Commander of the British Empire in 1922, the first woman so honored for composition. She was well remembered. In his memorial broadcast on the centennial of her birth in 1958, Beecham called her “one of the most remarkable people of our time,” telling listeners that there were many “who cherish her memory, and we do so with admiration, respect, and a great deal of love.”
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.
The annual Season Opening Ceremony of the Castro Farmers’ Market was held on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, on Noe Street in the heart of the market location between the intersection of Market and Noe Streets and Beaver Street. Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association’s Manager Mia Simmons shared: “Spring produce is amazing. You can’t get better fruits and vegetables than at your Castro market now! We also have artisan cheeses, honey, seafood, baked goods, beef, hot foods, and flowers. Everything you could want is here.”
Leading the Opening Ceremony, in addition to Simmons, were emcee Donna Sachet (a San Francisco Bay Times columnist who has emceed this event for many years), Mayor London Breed, Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, and City Treasurer Jose Cisneros. The Castro Merchants Association, Co-Sponsor of the market, was represented by the organization’s President, Terry Asten Bennett of Cliff’s Variety.
The Castro Farmers’ Market will be held every Wednesday, 3–7pm, from now through November 20, 2024. https://www.pcfma.org/castro
Boichik Bagels
Boichik Bagels Founder/ Owner Emily Winston and her team welcomed San Francisco Bay Times lead photographer Rink to their new San Francisco location at 3665 Sacramento Street in Presidio Heights on Monday, April 8.
Fisch & Flore
Mayor London Breed, City Treasurer Jose Cisneros, and other community leaders joined former owners
J.D. Petras and Terrance
Alan along with the new owner Serhat Zorlu at the historic location of Fisch & Flore at the intersection of Market, Noe, and 16th Streets for a sneak preview on Wednesday, April 3.
Cove on Castro
Devoted customers, staff, and friends joined beloved owners Maurice and Solange Darwish at The Cove on Castro, 434 Castro Street, on Sunday, April 7, to celebrate their birthdays with matching cakes by baker Randy Moore.
As the “cheezelady” (read: someone who speaks and writes on the subject), I must confess I kind of panic whenever someone asks me my favorite cheese. Do I tell them my actual favorites, some, or all of which might require a trip to a special
By Laura Werlin (@cheezelady)cheese shop or online? Or do I suggest cheeses that aren’t necessarily my all-time favorites but ones that are easier to find, and equally important, to pronounce? It’s a conundrum!
Luckily for me, the Gay Gourmet has given me free rein to answer the “favorites” question in this column, and lucky you, all you need to do is refer to it until you’ve got the cheeses memorized, or better yet, in your fridge. Bonus: the Gay Gourmet himself has had one or two of these cheeses chez moi, so I’m pretty sure they have his imprimatur even in absentia.
With that, please enjoy this little romp through cheeseland with me. And in case you’re wondering, these really are my favorites. Or at least a few of them.
Comté
There is Comté and then there’s Comté ( pronounced ConeTAY). That’s because in this country, we receive this cheese as young as four months and as old as 24. While we’d just as soon think of ourselves as ageless, when it comes to this cheese, age matters. A wellaged Comté between 14 and 24 months—is like none other. A fourto six-month-old?
Uninteresting. A little background may help explain why.
Comté is made in three stages. First, the dairy owner milks the cows. Next, they bring the milk to the fruitiere, where it is turned into cheese.
Once the 80-pound wheels are crafted, they are placed on wooden shelves to drain until an affineur —the person who brings the cheese to its full expression— comes to retrieve them. During the cheeses’ stay in the aging caves—a matter of months or sometimes years—they are washed, brushed, turned, and tasted until the professional tasters (an enviable job) deem it ready for market.
The result is flavors ranging from nutty to brown butter, to beefy to roasted onion-y, to citrusy, grassy and a whole host of other flavors. The semi-firm texture helps ensure a lengthy finish. Suffice it to say that, after a taste of a particularly good Comté, you may very well look at the cheese and ask it, “Where have you been all my life?”
lovers who’ve been in California for a few decades have seen one of the Golden State’s prized cheeses come and go. Luckily, it’s back again and better than ever. That cheese is Franklin’s Teleme, a cheese so pudgy, creamy, milky, and tangy that it’s easy to eat your way through large quantities of it without blinking an eye. That’s not a bad thing.
The Franklin in its name is Franklin Peluso, whose family started making the prized cheese in the late 1920s in Pleasanton. Although it was ultimately tweaked to serve the Italian community in the Bay Area, the original Teleme was based on a Greek cheese. The square cheese, whose rice flour-dusted rind can barely contain the bursting-at-theseams cheese, isn’t the prettiest cheese once it’s cut; it’s messy in all its goodness. But melted in polenta, eaten atop olive oil-brushed crostini, used instead of mozzarella in a caprese salad, eaten on a sandwich—basically, any place you’d put a soft, oozy, mild cheese—Teleme is the ingredient that unquestionably levels up almost any dish.
Harbison
While we’re on the subject of creamy, anyone who’s had Jasper Hill Cellars’ Harbison usually loses their eyes in the back of their head at the mere mention of this incredible cheese. Pretty much every cheese made by Jasper Hill is genius, but they elevated the entire American cheese scene with the introduction of this cheese in 2011. Although bark-wrapped cheeses, as this one is, have been well known in Europe for over a century, it was a novel creation here. Inedible, of
course, the spruce bark, which is harvested from Jasper Hill’s own property, acts as a girdle for the uber creamy cheese that’s best served with a spoon. Flavors of mustard seed, ham, mushrooms, cream, and a hint of woodsiness (that spruce!) come to the fore, but it’s the seductive texture that keeps you coming back for more. And even with those descriptors, it’s nearly impossible to convey just how good this cheese is. It is one cheese where I can say it is more than a food; it is an experience. I urge you to experience it for yourself.
Oveja Añejo
On the other side of the Atlantic, a one-year-old Spanish sheep’s milk cheese rises to the top of “best.” That’s saying a lot given this is the land of sheep’s milk cheeses (Manchego, anyone?). Oveja Añejo, which translates to “aged sheep” or in this case, sheep cheese, is made in La Rioja from a breed of sheep called Assaf (Manchego is made in Castile-La Mancha from the Manchega breed). The texture of this rustic cheese is firm, almost crumbly, and you’ll find a few of those compelling little crystals that you find in aged cheeses scattered throughout. Also compelling is its golden color, and taste of nuts, brown butter, and a hint of fruitiness that round it out. Although it’s not as easy to find as some other cheeses, this cheese is worth the search.
Deer Creek The Blue Jay
On the other end of the spectrum is this unique blue cheese from Wisconsin. Deer Creek cheese has been making award-winning cheeses, mostly cheddars, since they opened their doors in 2006. They have been innovating ever since, and this cheese is the epitome of that innovation.
For one, it is a quintuple crème blue cheese. Huh? This means that instead of a triple-crème, a category that includes local fave Cowgirl Creamery Mt. Tam and the iconic Brillat-Savarin from France, The Blue Jay has even more cream than that. How much more? I’m not sure. But since butter itself starts at about 82 percent, you can guess that this cheese comes pretty close. And yet,
unlike butter, it’s both crumbly and creamy at the same time. Probably the most unique feature of this cheese is the surprise ingredient: crushed juniper berries. Not only do these give the cheese a wonderfully crunchy texture, but also the berries lend an earthy, piney, and yet sweet flavor. Unsurprisingly, this cheese is a slam dunk with a gin martini, or even better, if you stuff your martini olives with it (I highly recommend this!), but it’s also one of the best cheeses you can put on a cheese board. Even blue cheeseaverse people tend to make an exception for this cheese.
Although the stores listed here sell at least some of the cheeses, finding them can sometimes be a matter of timing. They might be in stock, and they might not. A rare cheese like Oveja Añejo admittedly will be tough to find, but Comté and Harbison are in almost all good cheese shops. Caveats aside, here are the places you’re most likely to find at least some of them. If you really want to be sure, then call ahead. And please—always taste before you buy.
Rainbow Grocery: all cheeses https://rainbow.coop/
Cheese Plus: Comté, Teleme, Harbison, The Blue Jay https://cheeseplus.com/
Bi-Rite Market: Comté, Teleme, Harbison https://biritemarket.com/
Gus’s Community Market (various locations): Comté, Teleme, Harbison, The Blue Jay https://gussmarket.com/
Little Vine (North Beach): https://littlevine.mypreview.site/
Whole Foods (various locations): Comté,
(Editor’s Note: San Francisco Bay Times sports columnist John Chen is an avid traveler. This year he has been looking back on some of the places he visited in 2023. See the February 8, February 22, and April 4 issues of the Bay Times for parts 1–3. Here is the fourth and final installment.)
According to the website Miami and Beaches, “Little Havana—the heart of Miami’s Cuban diaspora—is centered around Calle Ocho (Southwest Eighth Street), a vibrant thoroughfare lined with Latin-inspired restaurants, bakeries, fruit stands, cigar shops, rum bars, art galleries and music venues. It’s also where you’ll find the famed M á x imo Gómez Park (known as Domino Park). The street is lined with murals and other artwork, from the mosaic tiles near Domino Park depicting classic symbols of Cuban heritage.”
I lived in South Florida for two years in the mid-2000s and have visited the area numerous times since then.
However, it wasn’t until last fall that I finally ventured into the most iconic and historic neighborhood in Miami, Little Havana. It’s like growing up in Los Angeles and never dipping my toes into the Pacific Ocean.
Entering Little Havana, one can immediately see large, colorful rooster sculptures on various street corners. One was even erected in front of Starbucks painted in the same green we’ve come to associate with the coffee chain. I learned this was affectionately named the Rooster Walk. Roosters symbolize “strength and power” in the Cuban culture and the sculptures represent the spirit of Cuba.
Strolling down Calle Ocho, one couldn’t also help to notice the abundance of beautiful murals showcasing Cuban history, culture, and pride with some created using only colorful tiles. Even the exterior walls of McDonald’s were beautifully wrapped in Cuban inspired art, reflecting the identity of the community.
Next, we couldn’t help but waltz into one of several Cuban cigar shops and observe cigar making firsthand. We then made a beeline towards the oldest Little Havana restaurant and ordered a plethora of delicious authentic Cuban cuisine to sample. Finally, we stopped at the Little Havana Experience, a local art museum that specializes in the
famous Cuban collared shirt, the guayabera.
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Guarding the scenic northern Caribbean entrance into Puerto Plata, typical of most former imperial colonies, stands a defensive fort called Forteleza de San Felipe. While most people head straight to the beach when visiting one of the many Caribbean Island nations, as they should, we prefer to immerse ourselves into the local people, culture, and way of life. Upon landing, we headed inland to see sugarcane fields, dragon fruit farms, and papaya groves, and finally to a small village, Saballo, away from the touristy areas to learn more about the natives and their land.
Our tour group was invited into the countryside brick, sod, and straw house of Doña Catalina, who with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren live off the land with little modern conveniences and technologies. We got a firsthand look at how the men make a few of their daily essential tools, how the women sew household goods, and how the entire family helps to cultivate the land. The men also explained how the main house is strong enough to survive a lower category hurricane, but the surrounding adjunct, less essential structures must be rebuilt after every major storm. The highlight of our visit was learning how the family makes from scratch a large pot of sancocho, a traditional stew and a favorite of the Dominicans as well as other Caribbean Island peoples. The common ingredients for sancocho are meat, local vegetables, and starch, with seasonings consisting of fresh cilantro, garlic, onions, and thyme. Our pot included pork, chicken, yucca root, green plantain, pumpkin,
sweet potato, carrots, and corn. And it was delicious.
Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
Old San Juan, also nicknamed “la ciudad amurallada” (the walled city), is the cultural, historical and proud center of Puerto Rico, and one of our top bucket list destinations. In fact, old San Juan is not only the oldest city in the United States, but also the only one that preserved its fortification and walls. Standing guard on the western end of the walled city is Castillo San Felipe del Morro, constructed to protect San Juan from sea attacks and pirates. Castillo San Cristóbal on the eastern end overlooks the inlet and was designed to ward off any land invasion. Along with the preserved colonial city, Old San Juan has been tabbed a National Historic Landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
popular cuisine such as alcapurrias, bacalaitos, empanadillas, papas rellenas, pinchos, piononos, and fresh coconuts. We then strolled the walkway directly below the towering wall guarding Old San Juan until we reached a historical pier and “door,” Puerta de San Juan, the gate to la ciudad amurallada where dignitaries and the rich once landed and entered the city.
Fun fact: did you know Puerto Rico was the original name of San Juan and San Juan was the original name for Puerto Rico? When Christopher Columbus arrived on the Caribbean island in the late 1400s, he named it San Juan Bautista. In the early 1500s, the Spanish settlement moved from its more inland location to a more sea-going and trade friendly port named Puerto Rico or “the rich port,” enabling Old San Juan to thrive economically, politically and culturally.
On our visit, we found Old San Juan to be vibrant, lively, charming, and energetic. We walked along the boardwalk where street vendors sell various locally sourced goods and
Entering the walled city through Puerta de San Juan was like a nostalgic walk down history as we immersed ourselves into the colorful 17th and 18th century colonial architecture. Shops, museums, churches, tree-lined plazas, live performances, and local flavors were everywhere. There was so much to do, see, hear, feel, taste and experience. As the city’s official tourist guide holds, “Old San Juan is special in every way, known for its Old-World elegance, rich history, vibrant culture, five-century old forts, romantic ambience, exquisite food, and festive atmosphere.”
John Chen, a UCLA alumnus and an avid sports fan, has competed as well as coached tennis, volleyball, softball, and football teams.
Meet Groot , a wise and insightful dog seeking a forever home that respects his unique pace in life. Consider embarking on a trial adoption journey with Groot, fostering him for a week to discover if your stars align. Groot is not your typical explorer; he finds joy in the tranquility of his space, preferring to be the sole canine in a household where he can thrive in peace.
Although he is learning to coexist with other dogs, his ideal environment—not unlike that for many of us!— is one where he can retreat to his safe haven, especially when guests are around. The fostering period will offer a deep dive into understanding Groot’s preferences and needs, with our unwavering support every step of the way. If the fit isn’t right, you can return him without any fuss.
Are you ready to explore the possibility of adding Groot to your family constellation? Reach out to us at adoptions@sfspca.org or visit us to start this unique adventure with Groot. The SF SPCA Mission Campus is at 201 Alabama Street. Visitors are welcome from 11 am–6 pm (Wednesday–Sunday) and 1 pm–6 pm on Tuesdays. The SF SPCA is closed on Mondays. https://www.sfspca.org/adoptions/
Here are two of the many pets now available for adoption at Oakland Animal Services (OAS):
Lovable Lina is just about 1 year old and she is an ideal companion for outdoor adventures together! With her friendly disposition and impressive treat-catching skills, Lina will be sure to charm everyone who meets her. River is a friendly bunny—full of energy yet also happy to settle down and relax. He can be a little hand-shy initially but makes friends quickly, and will gladly accept face rubs and play time especially when fresh veggies are involved.
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
The “Fitness Tip” feature provides monthly tips offered by professional trainers and staff leaders at Fitness SF’s Bay Area locations. For ad ditional information: https//fitnesssf.com/
Here are some tips on how to do a perfect plank:
• Ensure Proper Alignment: Your body should form a straight line from your head to your heels. Avoid letting your hips sag or pike up.
• Engage Your Core: Actively tighten your abdominal muscles as if you’re bracing for a punch. This engagement is key to stabilizing your entire body.
• Position Your Elbows Correctly: Place your elbows directly under your shoulders to create a stable base. Your arms should be at a 90-degree angle.
• Focus on Your Breathing: Maintain steady, even breaths. Holding your breath can increase blood pressure and distract from muscle engagement.
• Distribute Your Weight: Spread your weight evenly between your elbows and toes. This balance helps reduce unnecessary strain on any single part of your body.
• Relax Your Neck: Keep your neck in a neutral position by gazing down at the floor slightly ahead of your hands. This alignment helps avoid strain. Remember, the quality of the plank is more important than the duration. Start with shorter intervals of correct form and gradually increase as you become stronger. Consistency and correct posture will lead to improvement over time.
By Sister Dana Van Iquity
Sister Dana sez, “HAPPY E ARTH DAY, everyone! Let us remember to hug and warmly embrace our Mother Earth! Because, according to climatedenying RepubliCAN’T antagonists, we’re just fine as long as we keep exploiting our Mama Planet. NOT!!!”
“EARTH DAY” is officially every year on April 22. But this one day has thankfully been extended to a full month every year. This year’s Earth Month theme is “Planet vs. Plastics.” Mayor London Breed had already joined the SAN FRANCISCO ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT (SFE), elected and city leaders, and community environmental advocates to celebrate the beginning of Earth Month at City Hall on April 3. “For decades, San Francisco has been at the forefront of the environmental movement, which means we earned our right to celebrate,” said Mayor Breed. “From our first-in-the-nation composting program to our groundbreaking clean energy programs and investments in environmental justice, San Franciscans have a lot to be proud of. We also know we have a long road ahead to achieve our bold carbon reduction goals, and it’s going to take all of us to do our part.”
The Earth Month Eco-challenge, running from April 1 to April 30, is a 30-day program focused on environmental and social engagement. Earth Month celebrations in San Francisco include the 2ND ANNUAL SF CLIMATE WEEK (April 21–27) that will emphasize the role of unity, innovation, community, and technology in creating a sustainable future among individuals, businesses, community organizations, and entrepreneurs. The in augural SF Climate Week in 2023 was one of the largest climate gatherings in the world. This year’s programming will include more events and more opportunities to get involved as a way to build a larger coalition to advance climate action.
Please allow me, dear readers, to do a possibly self-serving yet certainly well-meaning repeat of a paragraph from my previous column warning: “Dozens of conservative organizations have banded together to provide Trump a road map—known as Project 2025—to boost fossil fuels and limit government climate science. Climate Change-denying Trump has already said that boosting fossil fuels would be one of his top priorities. A proposed executive order in Project 2025 offers Trump-tator a path for that goal, laying out a total restructuring of the U.S. Global Change Research Program to diminish its role across more than a dozen federal agencies.”
Okay, I’m done quoting myself. I’m not a narcissist—I promise. But it had to be said again. We people who inhabit our beloved Earth must not allow politicians to manipulate and/ or rape our Dear Mother! She is precious!
Warning to lovers of democracy:
The Trump team is already planting seeds that The Election was stolen—many, many months before it happens. If they can’t win legally, they will cheat. Right now, midAPRIL , Trump allies (such as Stephen Miller, Steve Bannon, and
more villains) are hatching a plan to steal the NOVEMBER election if President Biden wins. Sister Dana sez, “Damn those despicable MAGA maggots!” And let’s face it: Trump is far more dangerous this election cycle, because he is trying to stay out of jail!
Meanwhile, Trump is busy trashing the election opportunity of mail-in ballots. This anti-democracy demon has said mail-in voting is “cheating.” He has called it “automatic fraud.” He has declared it a “disaster.” He has insisted it creates “corrupt elections.” Over and over and over—he spouts how he wants to do away with the mail-in option!
Sister Dana sez, “Trump has become lazy in his negative name-calling. He called the former presidential candidate as “CROOKED” Hillary Clinton. Now he is calling current presidential second-term candidate as “CROOKED” Joe Biden. Get another adjective, LAZY LOUSY Donnie!”
RFK Jr. was on CNN on April 1 saying, “Biden is a threat to Democracy,” because he claims he was censored by the CDC for his false vaccine claims. But that started in early 2020 under Trump. Sister Dana sez, “Don’t believe this APRIL FOOL and his falsification of facts! He will go down as the worst presidential candidate spoiler ever!”
How has the Gaza war (now in its sixth month) affected needed meal deliveries? We are recently mourning the attack of Israeli drones on clearly lettered trucks from “World Central Kitchen.” Israel’s Autocratic Prime Minister BB-brain Nuttin’Yahoo blithely explained, “This happens in wartime.” No, no it does not just happen. He called this a “grave mistake.” This was no mistake. Seven aid worker volunteers (one an American) were targeted and killed. It’s a fact: human beings should have food and water. Period. Yet more than 200 aid workers have been killed in Gaza since the war between Israel and Hamas began. Food is not a weapon. Ceasefire now! WCK’s founder José Andrés calls on Israel to “Stop killing civilians and aid workers!” I hope we can find it in our hearts to donate to this more than worthy cause, World
Central Kitchen. It does not take sides; it just delivers. So far, WCK has delivered 1.75 million hot meals across Israel and 43 million meals in Gaza. https://wck.org/
Sister Dana sez, “Ousted former House Speaker McCarthy recently praising Rep. Marjie ‘TeeGee’ Greene is like a horribly mangled accident victim saying to the guy who ran over him: ‘I still think you’re an excellent driver.’ Whaaat? Call in the irony police, please!”
SF Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin , who we’ve known is running for SF mayor for over a month now, was finally ready to make his official announcement, but first he leaked it to KPIX and KGO news. Peskin reportedly said he plans to run a “positive” campaign; and the Mayor Breed campaign is already trashing him. Peskin’s official campaign launch was April 6 at Portsmouth Square in the heart of Chinatown and the heavily Chinese district that Peskin supervises and is no doubt counting on as Breed’s popularity with Asians seems to dwindle. Sister Dana sez, “This is now a 5-way race, but I am not even naming those three moderates—we need progressives ONLY!”
Presented every first Sunday by ARTYHOOD.SF, ArtGasm features the Castro’s fabulous, and fiercest queens & queers at Noe and Market Streets, noon–6 pm. I went on April 7 for this block party art-fest of queer unadulterated joy! The delightful drag show began with femcee Per Sia lip-synching the hell outta Gwen Stefani’s hit medleys such as “Just a Girl.” Then the founder of CASTRO COMMUNITY ON PATROL, Greggy, spoke of CCOP’s recent loss of funds from internal embezzlement (which this Sister of Perpetual Indulgence knows way too well). Greggy was acting as security for ArtGasm— as well as keeping all of Castro relatively safe. Next up was Crop Top in pink leopard doing Debby Harry’s “Call Me” and some version of “Tainted Love.” She really took us back a few decades! Cool! Next, out strutted mustachioed Meat Flap in all-macho cowboy gear (plus a pink ten-gallon hat) giving us “Born
(continued on page 37)
So, I canceled my Castro gym membership. With 25 years between us, it felt like a front-page breakup.
Q uitting the gym is unheard-of for a longtime single guy like me. The gym has been described as our tribe’s church, the de facto non-alcoholic collective.
Post-pandemic, things have changed. The communal feel has been replaced by patrons focused on their phones, which at one point was illustrated by all the squat racks being occupied with guys deep in their scrollings. It’s the opposite of the tribal feel.
T hese realizations hit hard the weeks I had this Acura and Genesis waiting for me after the workouts, and I was grateful for these machines rising up to meet me when feeling the gym’s absence.
I was surprised that the as-tested prices of $53,595 Integra Type S and $57,100 G70 RWD 3.3T were so close in price, because the Acura clearly has close ties to the frontwheel drive Honda Civic, while the rear-wheel drive Genesis feels like a step up in features and finish.
Yes, but Genesis doesn’t offer the Acura’s six-speed manual transmission, which is as slick-shifting as ever. Rowing your own gears is the best way to extract all the fun from the Integra Type S’s 320-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, as it loves to rev.
It’s in the upper revs where the Acura makes the most power, and it hits
KRAMER (continued from pg 25)
your ears with a glorious wail. All your senses are provoked to go faster, making the Integra Type S a rabblerouser of the first order.
T he peaky slant to the Acura’s performance means the lower registers are a bit milder than you’d expect, and around San Francisco, where there’s less opportunity to unleash the revs, the Civic comparisons come to the fore. There is nothing wrong with that, as the Civic is a fine car in its own right, but going from stop sign to stop sign keeps the Integra Type S’s enhanced personality a touch out of reach.
Not so with the Genesis G70 3.3T, which pulls 365 horses from its twinturbo V6 engine. The larger engine and ready-fire turbos jump this G70 3.3T off the line as if it had spent its downtime doing deadlifts. It’s bold from the word “go,” and its available torque feels abundant, even when you’re just tootling around the Mission on your errands.
Inside, the tested Integra Type S was dressed with vivid red accents that complemented the rev-me-up engine exhortations. The instrument panel has structure and trim that’s very similar to the Civic and Accord, which again is more than adequate and might not be a factor if you haven’t had much wheel time in the Hondas.
T he Genesis contrasted that with the brand’s convincingly upscale furnishings, with diamond-patterned coverings on the seats and door panels. Before you is a control layout presented in simple shapes and clear displays.
S o, the Acura and Genesis are athletic in their own ways; the choice depends on how you want to flex and express.
Philip Ruth is a Castro-based automotive photojournalist and consultant with an automotive staging service.
SISTER DANA (continued from pg 36)
with care by their mother, who is dying of cancer and fears for her child’s future without her. Another interesting episode features the three wives of a man who is very happy; however, his spouses are better connected to each other than to him—especially when he is angry. Agent of Happiness provides an interesting peek into a little-seen world and culture, which alone makes it worthwhile, and it will likely prompt viewers to consider their own happiness index.
The short I Did Not Wake Up Dead Today (April 27 at 12 pm at Marina Theatre) by non-binary director Erin Macpherson, features a teddy bear (playing the director) talking about their depression. “I am not eating, not sleeping, not thinking, not feeling,” Erinbear says in a visit with their therapist. They feel like crying all the time. As they have a bike accident, talk with their mother, and go on a date (with a taxidermist, no less), they grapple with their thoughts about suicide. Macpherson’s short is perceptive in its expression of their depression.
In addition, two films with queer connections—the documentary Seeking Mavis Beacon , about the “face” of the famed typing software, and the feature Sing Sing , starring out gay actor Colman Domingo as an incarcerated man involved with a prison theater troupe—were not available for preview. For tickets, showtimes, and additional information, please visit https://sffilm.org/
© 2024 Gary M. Kramer
Gary M. Kramer is the author of “Independent Queer Cinema: Reviews and Interviews,” and the co-editor of “Directory of World Cinema: Argentina.” He teaches Short Attention Span Cinema at the Bryn Mawr Film Institute and is the moderator for Cinema Salon, a weekly film discussion group. Follow him on Twitter @garymkramer
This Way” (but not L ady Gaga’s version— a male singer; Carl Bean did the original). Closing the first half of the show was Vendetta i n fabulous faux fur being a girl doing “I Wanna Be That Guy.” Ahem! That title could be wrong—but the performance was sooo right! This drag show was full-tilt fantastic, courtesy of the superior spinnings by my Krewe de Kinque buddy DJ Sergio Fedasz. And I was thrilled to meet up with artist friends: photographers JB Higgins and Gooch, plus The Verasphere including Mrs. Vera (David Faulk) and Michael Johnstone. See you all at the next ArtGasm on May 5— Cinco de Mayo!
Reminder: 42ND STREET MOON’s production of the musical FOREVER PLAID runs only from April 18 to May 5 (“Cinco de Mayo”) at San Francisco’s Gateway Theatre, 215 Jackson Street. https://42ndstmoon.org/
Sister Dana sez, “The long-awaited SOLAR ECLIPSE came and went on April 8. It’s a good thing we don’t live in ancient times, when the sun “disappeared” causing frightened natives to think they had displeased their gods and felt the need to burn sacrificial witches as retribution!”
On April 8, Trump said that abortion rights should be left up to the states—remarks having finally come after months of mixed signals. Sister Dana sez, “Way to straddle the fence just for votes, Donald Chump! You are now and forever a CRIMINAL!”
In conversation with Baruch Porras Hernandez on April 8 at FABULOSA BOOKS, 489 Castro, Sister Dana was quite privileged to hear a live reading of this amazing funny/sad/ way gay book, BORN
ArtGasm is a queer block party held on the first Sunday of each month, 12–6 pm, at the intersection of Noe and Market Streets in San Francisco’s Castro neighborhood. Open to all ages, the event features shopping with local artists, dancing and LBGBQ+ culture. https://www.artyhood.org/artgasm/
TO BE PUBLIC by Greg Mania. This memoir chronicles his life as a “pariah prodigy.” Every queer needs to get this historical, hysterical soft cover treasure. And yes, “Mania” is both his Polish birth-name and now utterly fabulous author name: MANIA! T he reception at the Castro MUSEUM by members of the GLBT HISTORICAL SOCIETY on April 11 officially opened their latest exhibition, You Are Here: Claiming Your Place in History. There I got to chat with staff—including Executive Director Roberto Ordeñana, Director of Development and Communications Andrew Shaffer, Senior Manager of Museum Experience Leigh Pfeffer, Development & Events Coordinator Sailor Galaviz, and Finance Director Daniel Bao ( happily snapping photos with his old-fashioned Polaroid camera). https://www.glbthistory.org/
After four years of searching, legendary 58-year-old LGBTQ bar THE STUD has found a new home at 1123 Folsom Street; so news & culture site, 48 Hills, gave us a sneak peek before the official grand opening party later on April 20. We were also celebrating 48 Hills co-founder, Stud co-owner, and local nightlife legend Marke B’s faux-50th birthday. The night was Drinks! DJ Rolo! Dancing! Drag! and more surprises as we celebrated two great local, independent, and historic institutions.
The 2024 San Francisco 25th Anniversary EQUALITY AWARDS were given on April 13 at the Fairmont Hotel. Attorney General Rob Bonta welcomed us with both good tidings and bad warnings for our futures. This year’s EQCA co-chairs were: Honorables Bevan Dufty, Rafael Mandelman, Scott
Wiener, Jason Chan, and Laura Zagar And their 25th Anniversary statewide co-chairs were: Honorables Malia Cohen, Ricardo Lara, Fiona Ma, Alex Padilla, and Tony Thurmond EQUALITY CALIFORNIA (EQCA) was thrilled to honor Lyon-Martin Community Health Services with the Community Leadership Award for their dedication to the LGBTQ community This exciting event was hosted by none other than RuPaul’s Drag Race’s own Coco Montrese! Awards were also given to Rep. Barbara Lee (Vanguard Leadership Award) and Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra (Ally Leadership Award).
Join KREWE DE KINQUE King XXI Robert & Queen XXI Vivianne Vixen Rose for HANKY SPANKY—another sexy & fun KDK benefit on April 20, 4–7pm at the Midnight Sun in the Castro! It’s a benefit for the L eather Pride contingent in the SF Pride Parade. At 6 pm we’ll have a contest with a prize for whomever dressed best in with the HANKY SPANKY theme!
The SAN FRANCISCO MIME TROUPE (SFMT) will present their Concert Festival, a fundraising day of festivities, music, art, dancing, art auction, and more! The all-day event will take place on April 27, 2–10 pm at the historic SFMT Studio at 855 Treat Avenue.
https://www.sfmt.org/
Sister Dana sez, “Apparently 2024 is the new 1864. Since Arizona Supreme Court has ruled that a 160-yearold 1864 ARCHAIC abortion ban is ENFORCEABLE, they must also rule that only cannons and muskets are allowed as gun rights today!”
Photos by Rink and Chris Michaelson
Members of The Stud Collective welcomed guests to the famous bar’s new location, 1123 Folsom, on Friday evening, April 12, 2024. The soft opening was a benefit for 48 Hills and was billed as “Marke’s Faux 50th” party.
Many in the Bay Area’s LGBTQ+ community have been awaiting the reopening of The Stud, which was closed for four years after the former owner sold it during the heart of the COVID19 pandemic.
In addition to collective member Marke Bieschke, also attending were Rachel Ryan, David Schnur, John Bret, Sister Zsa Zsa (Mark Kleim) and many more.
Entertiners Dulce de Leche and Mary Vice performed, and DJ Rolo was on hand spinning tunes throughout the evening.
The Stud’s grand opening will be held on Saturday, April 20. To find out how you can volunteer to help with preparations: info@studsf.com
A new exhibit of art and photography by Xiangqi Chen, artistin-residence at the Chinese Cultural Center (CCC), opened at the Chinese Queer Museum on Friday, April 12. The museum is located at 41 Ross Alley in Chinatown.
San Francisco Bay Times photographer Rink attended the opening of the show that will continue through Saturday, June 29. A schedule of additional activities, to be held in conjunction with Chen’s exhibit, will take place through April, May, and June. To be included are films, panel talks, pop-up performances by Chinese queer and feminist artists, and additional exhibits.
Chen has been a central figure in the LGBTQ+ movement in China for over two decades, and the exhibit at the Chinese Queer Museum represents a new chapter in her activism, brining Chen’s journey and stories to life through the medium of a museum for the first time.
http://www.cccsf.us
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ince our founding in 1936, Cliff’s Variety has been constantly growing and evolving in response to the needs of our customers. Our buyers strive to keep our selection fresh, on-trend, and competitive. We carry the best of everything from hardware & tools to cookware, garden supplies, toys, crafts, and gifts. We also offer re-keying and lock repair, knife sharpening, glass, acrylic & wood cutting. Light fabrication, pipe threading, and cable crimping are among the many other services we offer at Cliff’s Variety. If your project has gone a little beyond your abilities, we’re here to help.
https://cliffsvariety.com/
Pregame Community Performances in Willie Mayes Plaza, O’Doul Plaza, and on the Field
San Francisco Bay Times Seating: Lower Box 127 • Lower Box 132 • View Reserve 307
Tickets:
https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/UseTheNews24
For more information, contact Sarah Stringer at sstringer@sfgiants.com
Gates Open: 11:05am First Pitch: 1:05pm Presented
