Two Decades of Knowing Kamala Harris and Why I Support Her Campaign for U.S. President
Last year, I received an invitation from the Vice President of the United States to attend an LGBT Pride Party at her residence in Washington, D.C. You can read a full report of how that trip went in the July 13, 2023, issue of this publication. During that trip and since then, I have reflected on why I was invited, why I was treated so well, and why the Vice President has continued to reach out to me. How did I get on that list? There is no better answer than the
By Donna Sachet
one Kamala Harris herself gave me when I asked her at the Naval Observatory: “I put you on the list.”
Please know that I recognize political expediency. I know that many have donated more money to the Democratic Party than I have. Many have given more hours working on individual campaigns, and many have more personal relationships with the Vice President than I can imagine. But every time I have had one-on-one time with her, she has reminded me that I was there for every one of her political campaigns. She demonstrates a remarkable memory or at least record-keeping skill.
I cannot remember when I first met Kamala Harris, but I have known her for at least 20 years. When she ran against Terence Hallinan, who had held the position of District Attorney for many years, and Bill Fazio, friends of mine encouraged me to get involved; among them was my good friend Mark Leno.
I met her and was impressed by her intention to challenge this entrenched politician, and I remember her commitment to addressing gun violence and domestic violence more aggressively, while questioning Halli-
nan’s low conviction rate and opposing the death penalty. I attended her victory party and she made a point of giving me a hug.
During her time as San Francisco District Attorney, I remember her creating a Hate Crimes Unit that included addressing LGBT violence, and joining then State Assemblyman Mark Leno’s campaign to ban gun shows at the Cow Palace. She stayed true to her opposition to the death penalty, even when pressured by Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer and Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown. We always spoke when we saw each other and she was a guest in my home on several occasions. We spoke about issues and we also chatted about high heels and lipstick colors.
Asian American,
her audiences and me that her mother, whom I had met by then, told her that it is great to be first, but don’t be the last; in other words, she advised Kamala to break barriers, but to encourage others to do so as well.
When Kamala ran for Attorney General of California in 2010, I gladly supported her campaign, attended a number of fundraising parties, and celebrated with her at her victory party. When she won that office as the first woman, African American, and
Kamala Harris Is the Perfect Choice to Make History ... Again
(Editor’s Note: San Francisco Police Commissioner Debra Walker, who formerly served on the Building Inspection Commission, is a past president of both the Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club and the San Francisco Arts Democratic Club. She has also served as an officer in the Women’s Caucus and the LGBTQ Caucus of the California Democratic Party, and is involved in numerous other efforts supporting women in leadership, the LGBTQ+ community, and much more.
She is additionally a talented artist who lives and works in one of San Francisco’s oldest artist cooperatives. She has created numerous iconic covers for the San Francisco Bay Times over the years, including the cover image for this latest issue. Walker is a friend and longtime supporter of Kamala Harris, with her passionate advocacy for the Vice President and U.S. presidential candidate evident in the cover image and in her words here.)
I met Kamala Harris when she was running for district attorney back in 2003. I was the president of the Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club. Most of the club was supportive of then DA Terrance Hallinan, but Harris did have some strong supporters in our membership. Even though the club didn’t endorse her in that race, she continued reaching out to discuss issues important to us.
She has always been a friend who supports our community and I have supported her in every race since then.
She is willing to listen to different opinions and really discusses ways to solve problems and move issues forward. She is exactly what our country needs at this time of tension and division.
As Attorney General, she won a number of cases against large banks, forprofit colleges, and telecommunication companies, resulting in payments and reimbursements to consumers. She also made the reduction of prisoner recidivism a major focus of her office. And we all remember her opposition to Prop 8,
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By Debra Walker
will follow after she shatters that barrier.
Kamala Harris will be the president that unites our country once again.
San Francisco Police Commissioner Debra Walker is experienced in advocacy, business and production management, organizing, motivating workers, and developing creative solutions. Walker is also a professional artist http://www.debrawalker.com/
Former State Senator Mark Leno and Donna Sachet with Kamala Harris
PHOTO BY JUANITA
Kamala is the perfect choice for our first woman president in our country’s history, and she has mentored so many other women leaders who
Artist Debra Walker in 2020 painted the mural at the Oakland campaign headquarters of Kamala Harris.
Photos courtesy of Debra Walker
Donna Sachet was an invited guest of Vice President Kamala Harris and First Gentleman Doug Emhoff at the 2023 Pride Reception held at the Vice President’s residence, an historic nineteenth century house at Number One Observatory Circle in Washington, D.C., built in 1893. WHITE HOUSE PHOTO
South
Kamala often reminded
GLBT Fortnight in Review
By Ann Rostow
Let’s Go, Brat!
I think all of us
Democrats can agree that Biden’s decision was correct and courageous. It has transformed this election from a likely defeat by a horrific coalition of self-centered xenophobes to the very possible ascent of the first woman to be elected President of the United States. But while Biden’s move was the necessary first step, it was the Democratic Party that took only 24 hours to turn that step into an extraordinary shift in political momentum.
This was the same Democratic Party that backed Biden’s primary campaign seemingly overnight in 2020 when it looked as if Bernie Sanders might win the nomination and lose to Trump. Despite the conventional wisdom that our party is a chaotic mess, we are the ones who are profoundly united, sharing a foundation underneath our various divisions; a commitment to basic American principles of freedom and democratic governance.
It was on that foundation that Democrats took action the instant Biden stepped aside. And it wasn’t just politicians and leaders. Harris raised over $80 million in 24 hours from small donors (including fifty bucks from Mel and me!). But, more than that, who could have predicted that virtually every potential Democratic candidate would make way for Harris and endorse her with enthusiasm and without hesitation?
Who would have predicted that a majority of delegates would pledge their support to Harris within a single day?
Who could have predicted this kind of solidarity? No one. On the contrary, most people would have assumed that it would take a week or two for things to shake out and for Harris (or someone) to build a consensus. That week or two, in turn, could have meant that the Democratic ticket missed the deadline for ballot printing in Ohio and other states where some kind of shenanigans that I haven’t really followed mean that the nominees have to be selected by August 7.
And there was every possibility, it seemed, that if Biden dropped out, a nominee would have to be selected at the convention in some kind of delegate free-for-all, entertaining for political spectators perhaps, but not likely to further the goal of electoral success. Instead, we are in a shockingly good position. (Knocked on desk.)
First, as mentioned, we have wasted no time whatsoever in transferring the Biden infrastructure, campaign staff, and money to Harris. She is off and running at top speed.
Second, we have taken the entire media spotlight off Trump, his trials, his vice presidential pick, his convention, and his ear. I mean really. It’s been all Trump, all day, culminating in an assassination attempt that thankfully missed by inches. (I hate him too, but I’m with John Donne: “Any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind.”) But think about it now. We’ll have the headlines focused on every aspect of the nascent Harris campaign, then on her vice presidential pick, and then on the convention. After that, it’s what, ten weeks to the election?
Third, through simple luck, our timing has caught the Trump campaign oddly off guard. They picked a MAGA bro for vice president as if the general election was a fait accompli. It wasn’t, and Vance’s Trump flip flop, extreme positions,
and unpracticed campaigning skills may come back to bite the Republicans. (Meanwhile, I’m hoping Harris picks Mark Kelly, the former astronaut who looks like he could take on a few Proud Boys singlehandedly. Please forgive me for basing my selection, Trump-like, on central casting.)
They also seem at a loss for words, accusing the Democrats of violating an unspecified “law” of some sort without any explanation. They are also trying to insist that Biden hand over the presidency based on the notion that if he’s not fit enough to serve four more years, he’s not fit enough to serve one more day. And Trump reportedly wants his campaign to be repaid for money he’s had to waste running against Biden, because the Democrats unfairly switched candidates, I read that somewhere, so take it as you will. At any rate, they’re a mess, although I’m sure they’ll reassemble themselves.
Fourth, Harris is not the same woman who ran for president in 2020. This is a good thing, because back then I thought she was
a little affected. Do you know what I mean? It was as if she was playing the role of a candidate. She was heavily stage-managed, and the rumor was she was a wishy-washy boss who could not intervene in staff disputes. I have never been worried about whether or not she’d be a good president, but based on what I thought back then, I have worried in the past that she might not be a good candidate.
But now she is not just a practiced campaigner; she is a practiced public servant. She has been Vice President for nearly four years. She is confident. She is a good speaker. She looks like a winner.
And finally, think about the issues she brings to the forefront of the campaign, starting with women’s health. Sure, Joe Biden was pro-choice. But he was also a devout Catholic and I’m not sure he really understood the connections between the “right to choose” and the myriad other aspects of related medical care; cancers, fertility, pregnancies gone wrong, birth control, endometriosis, what have you, which women face. Harris gets it and she speaks to it all the time.
Then there’s Israel’s crazy killing spree, an issue that has discouraged some GenZ voters (and others) from backing the Democratic ticket. Biden’s support for Israel may be in line with our country’s long-standing support for our key Democratic ally in the Middle East, but his support has been unmitigated. Harris’ is not.
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Held at her home in the Castro, San Francisco Bay Times co-publisher/ co-editor Dr. Betty Sullivan hosted with Ann Biderman a reception supporting the Kamala Harris for San Francisco District Attorney campaign in 2003.
PHOTO BY RINK
San Francisco Leadership Rally in Support of Kamala Harris
Leadership of the local San Francisco Democratic Party showed up in force on the morning of July 22, 2024, on the steps of City Hall to support Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for President of the United States in the November 2024 election.
A rolodex of top San Francisco Democrats, including Mayor London Breed, Controller Malia Cohen, City Attorney David Chiu, Democratic Party Chair Nancy Tung, and Democratic Party Vice Chair Emma Heiken, spoke to a group of hundreds of local supporters about why they support Vice President Harris.
Harris’ roots run deep in San Francisco, where she once served as the District Attorney. Attendees mixed and mingled to share stories of the current Vice President’s long career and impacts from San Francisco and the Bay Area to Sacramento and Washington, D.C. As a sign of unity, elected Democrats on the local and state level came together to voice their unwavering support for Harris, including San Francisco Bay Times
columnist and Assemblymember Phil Ting, Treasurer José Cisneros, and members of the Board Supervisors Melgar, Mandelman, Ronen, Peskin, Dorsey, and Safaí.
“In November, the U.S. will have the choice between a felon and a prosecutor, and I hope we decide on the side of public safety,” said San Francisco Democratic Party Vice Chair Emma Heiken “There are folks who jump into politics after making a bunch of money, and there are folks who have public service running through their veins. Kamala has public service in her blood and that’s why she’s my president.”
“There are people out there trying to tear her down. There are people who want to slip her up every step of the way. But we know the real Kamala Harris,” said Mayor London Breed. “And now it’s our job to show the country. We’re gonna have to travel to battleground states, we’re gonna have to hit the doors and the phones. Most importantly, we’re gonna have to register voters and show America what Kamala
Harris is all about and what San Francisco is all about.”
“When our fundamental civil and human rights are under attack, having our very own Bay Area sister vying for the highest office in the land allows for young, Black, POC, and LGBTQ+ people in this country to imagine that a better tomorrow is possible,” said Vice President of the San Francisco Young Democrats, Ernesto Cuellar.
“Trump has laid out a bleak future in his Project 2025. With Kamala Harris at the top of our Democratic ticket, we have a renewed hope that Trump’s perverse vision will not become our reality.”
“I know that Kamala Harris will lead our country with the wisdom of her decades of experience. She fights for the American people every day, just as she did in her first elected office as San Francisco’s District Attorney,” said San Francisco Democratic Party Chair Nancy Tung. https://www.sfdemocrats.org/
City Attorney David Chiu, along with other elected officials, civic leaders, and more, spoke at a large rally held on September 22 at San Francisco City Hall in support of the newly announed Kamala Harris for President campaign.
Who’s on First? What’s on Second?
In Case You Missed It
You can’t make this up. Summer 2024 so far has featured some of the wildest political shenanigans I’ve ever seen—and I lived through Watergate.
From the intense pile-on of ageist pearl-clutching that resulted from President Biden’s lower-than-low-key performance in the presidential debate on June 25, to the instant and equally intense whirlwind of misinformation, wild speculation, and conspiracy theories following the shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, to the revelations of horrors proposed by Project 2025, these past few weeks have tested the limits of anyone who cares about our country, and which direction it will be headed in after the November elections.
The pre-election intensity level is getting ratcheted up to extreme levels, and it is only July. Stock up on Tums and Xanax now to be able to survive until November.
The Republic National Convention (RNC) is now history. Biden has dropped out of the 2024 presidential race and is endorsing Kamala Harris. Things are changing daily, and by the time you read this, even more could have changed. I will not comment on the RNC, as I didn’t have the stomach to watch it.
But I do have a few things to say about the firestorm of misinformation and speculation that followed the shooting in Pennsylvania. It strengthened the fact that each of us has to take responsibility for how we consume and share information. In the age of social media, it is all too easy to get caught up in the frenzy. Try to take a minute, or two, or ten, to breathe, and remind yourself that someone has to be the grownup in the room. Within minutes of the shoot-
ing on July 13, social media was flooded with unfounded theories and speculation. Please don’t be the one sharing those.
And as for the major media: their insatiable need for clicks has led to a largescale abandonment of journalistic principles. Just compare the hundreds of articles and op-eds screaming for every last detail of Biden’s mental and physical health with the apparent lack of interest in his opponent’s health. Anyone who vies for the most demanding job in the world should have to prove they are up to it.
It should also be said that not all 80-yearolds need to be sent drifting off into the sunset in a Barcalounger. Think of octogenarian Mick Jagger tearing up the stage on his current tour. Age is just a number. It’s what you do with it that counts.
The View From Contingent #108
On June 30, I marched in the Pride Parade for the first time in several years, and it was every bit as glorious as I remembered. Our first-time contingent, comprising three small local cancer organizations—Bay Area Young Survivors, Cancer CarePoint, and Bay Area Cancer Connections—took on the challenge of being as fun and entertaining as the folks around us, while also getting across a serious message.
Last September I wrote here about cancer as an LGBTQ+ issue. While there isn’t as much data regarding cancer in LGBTQ+ communities as in general populations, the data we have seen so far indicates that LGBTQ+ people tend to have higher rates for certain cancers, and tend to have worse outcomes. This is largely due to the lack of access to affirming, inclusive health care. If you receive regular screenings, you are more likely to have cancer detected earlier and receive treatment earlier, leading to more effective treatment and better outcomes. If you don’t feel safe or welcome at the doctor’s office or local health clinic, or if your insurance company denies you coverage because of your gender identity, you are less likely to get the timely diagnosis and treatment that could save your life.
Access to welcoming, inclusive, timely health care is an equity issue. Fortunately, it is a fast-growing field of study and concern, and each year there are more resources available to help LGBTQ+ people find the culturally appropriate health care they need and deserve. As someone who works for an organization that provides services to people with breast or ovarian cancer, and that partners with other local organizations, I can tell you we are all out in the community doing a lot of education these days, helping people understand their risks, their options, and doing everything we can to make sure everyone feels welcome to come to us for the services they need.
As Contingent #108 marched down Market Street, we were overwhelmed by the response from the throngs along the route. People saw our signs: “Everyone is welcome
here,” “No one should face cancer alone,” and poured a lot of love our way. While each of our organizations provides somewhat different services, we all help people navigate the challenges of cancer with respect and dignity—and all of us provide these services for free. If you or someone you love is facing cancer, give us a call:
Bay Area Cancer Connections: https://www.bayareacancer.org/
BAYS (Bay Area Young Survivors): https://bayareayoungsurvivors.org/ Cancer CarePoint: https://www.cancercarepoint.org/
Save the Date for LeatherWalk 2024
Fall is just around the corner, and announcements are already coming in for key community events. The leather community is gearing up for LeatherWalk 2024, which will take place on Sunday, September 22. We’ll share more news about this event soon, but in the meantime, you can sign up to stay informed and receive updates about this year’s LeatherWalk as a Team Captain, Walker, Donor, or Volunteer by submitting your information at www.leatherwalk.org
Up Next
The stakes couldn’t possibly be higher in the upcoming elections. Sitting on the sidelines is not an option. Over the next few months, I will be writing a lot about the issues, about the dangers posed by Project 2025, and what each of us can do to step up and help. Stay tuned.
Joanie Juster is a long-time community volunteer, activist, and ally.
Joanie Juster
Queer Munich and the 25th International AIDS Conference
6/26 and Beyond
Stuart Gaffney and John Lewis
Greetings from Munich! We’re here to attend the 25th International AIDS Conference, which brings together an estimated 15,000 participants from all around the world to exchange the latest information, best practices, and lessons learned over the past 40 years of the pandemic. This year’s conference seeks to coalesce around a “unified and equitable response” to HIV/AIDS, grounded in “an evidence-based approach” that first and foremost “puts people first.”
Munich is a fitting place for the conference as a diverse international city with a thriving LGBTIQ community. Bavaria has a long, deep, and sometimes difficult queer history dating back centuries. In the second half of the 19th century, it was home to the famous gay Hapsburg monarch, Ludwig
II, best known for his creation of architectural jewels such as the magical Neuschwanstein Castle, the inspiration for modern-day Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle, and his passionate personal infatuation with and patronage of the great romantic composer Richard Wagner. Sadly, Ludwig II met a tragic end at age 22 under mysterious circumstances that continue to invite speculation nearly 140 years later. And undoubtedly, he suffered enormously as a gay Catholic king who had to repress his sexuality.
But Munich is also where Karl Heinrich Ulrichs, considered by some to be “first gay man in world history,” became the first openly gay person to advocate publicly for gay rights when, in 1867, he gave a speech urging the Congress of German Jurists to support a repeal of the state’s anti-gay laws. The themes Ulrichs sounded still resonate today. In a pamphlet he published about his speech, he referenced how societal homophobia had deprived gay people of their happiness and led some to suicide. Ulrichs proclaimed:
“Until my dying day I will look back with pride that I found the courage to come face to face in battle against the specter which for time immemorial has been injecting poison into me and into men of my nature.”
Thirty years later, Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld and other gay rights pioneers in 1897 founded what is considered the first LGBTIQ rights advocacy organization in the world, the dryly named Wissenschaftlich-humanitares Komitee or Scientific Humanitarian Committee (SHC). The mission of this broad-based organization, whose membership included physicians, academics, attorneys, and activists, was to repeal the notorious Paragraph 175 of German legal code (adopted in 1871 from Prussian law) that criminalized same-sex sexual activity.
Until the Nazis came to power in 1933, queer life in Berlin and some other places flourished within constraints with little if any enforcement of Paragraph 175. Gay artists, such as Helmut Kolle and Max Oppenheimer, emerged. The Nazis confiscated works of both artists as “Degenerate Art.”
During the Nazi reign of terror from 1933 to 1945, approximately 100,000 gay men were arrested for being gay, with half of them sentenced to prison, and up to 15,000 were sent to the concentration camps, according to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
One of the first concentration camps that imprisoned gay men was Dachau, located not far from Munich in Bavaria. In the camps, gay men faced ostracism at the hands of fellow nongay prisoners, exceptionally burdensome work details, and other abuse, including castration for some. It is estimated that approximately half of the gay men sent to the concentration camps died. Over the course
of World War II, approximately 800 gay men from Germany and Austria were sent to Dachau, with just over 100 documented deaths.
But today, we see the fruits of decades and decades of LGBTIQ people standing up for themselves and carrying forward the mission to which Ulrichs first gave public voice over 150 years ago. The artwork of Kolle and Oppenheimer and numerous openly queer artists is now displayed in galleries in Munich, Vienna, and
across Europe. Before coming to Munich, we attended the opening of EuroGames 2024, where thousands of LGBTIQ athletes from over 40 countries around the world came together for numerous sporting events. The games, which began in 1992, offer queer athletes of all different abilities the opportunity to build community by playing sports together in a completely safe space.
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Images courtesy of John Lewis and Stuart Gaffney
John Lewis and Stuart Gaffney attended the opening ceremonies of the EuroGames 2024 in Vienna, Austria, on July 17, 2024.
A celebration of flags of EuroGames 2024 participating nations took place on the steps of Karlskirche (St. Charles Church), in Vienna, Austria, on July 17, 2024.
Team Australia was all smiles at the opening ceremonies of EuroGames 2024 in Vienna, Austria, on July 17, 2024.
Financial Independence: How to Save and Pay Less to Uncle Sam
Money Matters
Brandon Miller
It’s not that I have anything against Uncle Sam, I mean we just had a huge party for him on the 4th of July, but I want you to hold on to as much of your retirement savings as possible. Want to have extra money to spend on picnic supplies and rosé this summer and next? Yeah, you do. Here’s a red, white, and blue guide to help you take full advantage of tax-saving opportunities as you build your retirement nest egg.
Contribute to a 401(k) Plan
This is retirement saving 101. If your employer offers a 401(k) plan, it’s a fantastic way to save for retirement and reduce your taxable income. Contributions made with
pre-tax dollars lower your taxable income for the year. In 2024, you can contribute up to $23,000, or $30,500 if you’re 50 or older.
Max Out Your IRA Contributions
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) are another excellent option. Traditional IRAs offer tax-deductible contributions, lowering your taxable income for the year. The contribution limit for 2024 is $7,000, or $8,000 if you’re 50 or older. Roth IRAs, on the other hand, don’t offer immediate tax breaks, but your withdrawals in retirement are tax-free. I’m team ROTH all the way because I’m for short-term pain, longterm gain.
Take Advantage of Employer Matches
This is essentially free money! Ensure you contribute enough to get the full match, which can significantly boost your retirement savings without additional cost to you.
Utilize a Health Savings Account (HSA)
An HSA is a great way to save for healthcare costs in retirement while enjoying tax benefits. Contributions are tax-deductible, grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are also tax-free. For 2024, the contribution limit is $4,150 for individuals and 8,300 for families, with an additional $1,000 catch-up contribution if
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Level Up Your Independence by Safeguarding Your Future With Asset Protection Planning
Trust Essentials
Jay Greene, Esq., CPA
While the Bay Area is known for celebrating independence, this July, let’s focus on a different kind of freedom: financial security through asset protection planning.
At Greene Estate, Probate, and Elder Law Firm, we help families achieve peace of mind through comprehensive estate planning. But true peace of mind comes from knowing your assets are protected. This July, take charge of your financial future with strategic asset protection strategies.
Why Asset Protection Matters
Life can be unpredictable. Unexpected events like illness, lawsuits, or long-term
care needs can threaten your financial stability. Asset protection planning safeguards your hard-earned assets, ensuring they’re available for your long-term goals and to support your loved ones.
Your Asset Protection Roadmap Building a strong asset protection plan requires careful consideration. Here are some key steps:
• Inventory your assets. Understanding what you own—property, investments, retirement accounts—is crucial for crafting an effective plan.
• Identify potential threats. Consider potential risks like lawsuits, creditor claims, or future long-term care needs.
• Explore asset protection strategies. There are various tools like trusts, LLCs, and proper titling strategies that can shield your assets, depending on your unique situation.
• Seek professional guidance. An experienced estate planning attorney can help you develop a personalized asset protection plan that aligns with your specific goals and risk tolerance.
Celebrating Your Freedom
Financial security and peace of mind are the cornerstones of true independence. By
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Message from Leadership
As the acting President of the GGBA, I write with a sense of history and awe of the strength and resilience of our community. For those who attended the 50th Anniversary Gala in the rotunda at San Francisco City Hall, I hope you spent some time reviewing the history of our organization. We will continue to stand up and to speak out for those who will carry on our mission of opportunity, education, and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community in the Bay Area.
I am grateful for the kind words and support from our members, our sponsors, and
Continuity and Consistency
NGLCC (National LGBT Chamber of Commerce) leadership. The Board sends a special thank you to our sponsors JP Morgan Chase and Wells Fargo for the programs that our GGBA members deliver and attend.
We invite you to visit our website and register for our events:
• Make Contact on August 13;
• GGBA Business Accelerator Program, Cohort 5, starting September 6;
• Annual Membership Meeting on September 10;
• New and Prospective Member Orientation (Date TBD).
I also hope to see many of you at the NGLCC conference in Palm Springs, July 30–August 2.
My Asks:
1. Attend GGBA programs and events.
2. Buy services and products from LGBTQ+ businesses, both locally and nationally.
3. Certify your business with the NGLCC and keep your membership current.
Our Board is working hard to continue the legacy of those who have come before us. Joining and participating on a volunteer working board is a big task. We have a strong core and are looking to add several board members who have experience serving on nonprofit boards with specific skills in digital communications, finance, governance, and/or marketing. If you are interested, please send an email indicating your interest to secretary@ggba.com
We intend to elect a full slate of directors at the September Membership Meeting.
We are the World’s First LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce. We are a vibrant and healthy community of entrepreneurs and business owners who bring light and love to the world. We are building businesses and changing lives.
For more information on the GGBA, please visit: https://linktr.ee/ggba
Nancy Geenen is the Acting President of the Golden Gate Business Association. She is also the Principal and Chief Executive Officer at Flexibility https://www.flexability.com/
GGBA Member Spotlight Gerald Wayne Newton, MSc., MSFP, FLP, of GWNth Degree Consulting
“Networking is currency,” says Gerald Wayne Newton of GWNth Degree Consulting, who is wellknown for building rapport with leadership, supervisors, managers, teams, staff, peers, customers, and clients alike. His background includes everything from serving as a White House Social Aide to being a marketing strategist for renewable energy firms. He has also extensively volunteered for the organization Gay For Good.
GGBA: Please tell us more about GWNth Degree Consulting.
Gerald Wayne Newton: The founding premise of GWNth Degree Consulting is simple: to enhance customer care, experience, and success through improved processes.
Since 2016, I have been a Commercial and Residential Solar Advisor, Broker, Consultant, and Educator. Understanding and trusting the solar journey can be confusing and overwhelming. GWNth Degree Consulting is here to help.
Additionally, I am a Life and Healthcare Broker with an emphasis on Medicare/ Medi-Cal. I have held my California Life, Health, and Annuities License since 2017. Throughout childhood growing up in rural northwestern Louisiana (Zwolle), I saw firsthand the impact on families and their communities when someone was uninsured or severely underinsured. I always thought to myself that there must be a better way. Now, I am part of the solution!
My top three guiding principles are: always do right by the client/customer (fiduciary), never make a mountain out of a molehill, and have fun!
GGBA: Why did you decide to create your business?
Gerald Wayne Newton: Necessity.
Shortly before retiring from the U.S. Coast Guard, I made my health the top priority. Since then, I consistently receive exceptional and unmatched healthcare at the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center (SFVAMC). Due primarily to scheduling, it would be practically infeasible to fully participate in many of the SFVAMC’s offerings/programs if I were a W-2 employee.
GGBA: Who are some of your role models, and especially those who helped to influence your business?
Gerald Wayne Newton: My phenomenal mom gets all the credit for my accomplishments! When I was 14, she made a very unpopular decision among the family and relentlessly stood by her final word. That one pivotal decision completely changed the trajectory of my life and I am forever grateful.
Another shero of mine is my dear cousin who took me, an “awnry” high schooler, into her home in Irving, Texas, and showed me a whole new world of possibilities.
GGBA: Why did you decide to join the GGBA, and how long have you been a member?
Gerald Wayne Newton: I joined the GGBA because networking is currency! Furthermore, I strongly believe if one does not support their community, they may not have one. I finally joined GGBA in May 2024 after knowing about GGBA for a few years.
GGBA: Although you have only been a GGBA member for a short while, has it helped your business so far?
Gerald Wayne Newton: I have benefited by sharing my professional passions with likeminded people, having solidarity with fellow business owners, and being comfortable seeking help from other GGBA members.
GGBA: Do you go to the GGBA monthly Make Contact networking events? Have they benefited you and your business, and would you recommend them to others?
Gerald Wayne Newton: Yes, yes, and yes! GGBA’s Make Contact events are fantastic opportunities to socialize while continuing to build your referral network. I highly recommend attending these events even if you are not a GGBA member. #Inclusivity #Representation
GGBA: What other advice would you give to someone who is thinking of starting their own business?
Gerald Wayne Newton: My top four things to keep in mind:
1. Quickly learn how to be comfortable with the uncomfortable.
2. Initially knowing any and everything about your chosen industry/sector is a myth. Press forward!
3. Authentically love what you do then you are never “working,” just enjoying your professional passion(s)!
4. And TEAM: Together Everyone Accomplishes More!
GGBA: Is there anything else that you would like to share?
Gerald Wayne Newton: I would like to thank the GGBA, Out Professionals, BNI Silicon Valley, and VBOC: Veterans Business Outreach Center for their amazing support and resources! Networking is truly currency!
Let us connect on LinkedIn: Gerald Wayne Newton, MSc., MSFP, FLP. For a complimentary consultation, kindly email me at GWNthDegree@gmail.com or call/text my business mobile: 707-394-6080
Gerald Wayne Newton
By Nancy Geenen, MA Ed., J.D.
Solar Installation - Commercial
Solar Installation - Residential before and after
Roland Schembari and Bill Hartman, Co-Founders
Randy Alfred, Founding News Editor, 1978
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Bob Hermann Sworn in as New President of the Rotary Club
of San Francisco
On Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at Hotel Nikko, Rotary District Governor Steve Wright led the swearing in of Bob Hermann, Jr., retired information technology administrator, as the new President of the Rotary Club of San Francisco.
Hermann and his husband Dan Joraanstad, a retired financial services advisor, are well-known in the Bay Area LGBTQ+ community through their respective leadership roles in the Golden Gate Business Association, the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, and other organizations.
Founded in 1908, the Rotary Club of San Francisco is the second oldest of over 34,000 Rotary Clubs in more than 200 countries around the globe. Its mission is: “Supporting healthy communities through strong friendships and active engagement.”
Following the Rotary Club’s traditions, Hermann selected a theme for his term as President. He chose: “Tradition, Teaching, and Transformation.”
http://sfrotary.org
San Francisco Public Works has advertised the Phase I - Street Infrastructure (Transbay Block 3 Park and Streetscape Improvements Project) (Event ID: SFGOV-0000009560) for bid on 7/5/2024 and the bids are due August 14, 2024 until 2:30:00 PM.
For More information on bid requirements see link: https://bidopportunities.apps.sfdpw.org/CaseLoad/GetFile/5799
GREENE (continued from pg 8)
taking proactive steps to safeguard your assets, you’re empowering yourself to face the future with confidence. This summer, invest in your financial well-being and celebrate the freedom that comes with knowing your assets are protected.
At Greene Estate, Probate, and Elder Law Firm, we’re dedicated to helping LGBT individuals, couples, and families build a secure future. We understand the unique challenges you may face, and we can tailor an asset protection plan that meets your specific needs. Contact us today for a consultation and let’s discuss how we can
empower you to achieve financial freedom and peace of mind.
Schedule a Consultation
Choose to secure your legacy, protect your loved ones, and gain peace of mind. Call us at 415-905-0215 or email us at obed@greenelawfirm.com to schedule your consultation. Your future deserves the attention to detail and care that you have established for your life.
Statements In Compliance with California Rules of Professional Conduct: The materials in this 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-to-date 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/
Dan Joraanstad (left) and Bob Hermann (second from right) with new members and officers of the San Francisco Rotary Club at the Welcome to the Club meeting on July 10.
San Francisco Rotary Club President Bob Hermann
PHOTO BY JIM PATRICK
PHOTO BY
BBy Donna Sachet
roadway & Beyond, the 30th annual Help Is on the Way musical benefit of the Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation (REAF), was a smashing success on Sunday, July 14, at Marines’ Memorial Theater. This is a benefit that we have attended every year since it began, after learning the story of its origin. Barbara Richmond and Peggy Ermet both lost their only sons to the AIDS epidemic and even in their grief wanted to find a way to fight this ravaging health crisis in memory of their beloved sons. Ken Henderson & Joe Seiler, friends of both families, answered the call and began to contact many of their mutual talented friends to get together to launch the very first Help Is on the Way. Although we didn’t know Ken & Joe, much less the two mothers or any of the performers, we were drawn to the amazing talent and the heartfelt cause. The star who stood out most clearly to us was Nancy LaMott, a beautiful and gentle singer who sang the theme song, “Help Is on the Way, ” written by David Friedman.
Over the course of the next 30 years, we befriended Joe & Ken, both mothers, many of the rotating cast of star performers, and even David, the composer. Somehow, REAF resonated in a very personal way, bringing incredible talent to San Francisco from television, theatre, film, and music, offering us the opportunity to engage personally with many of the talented performers, and raising significant funds to fight the AIDS epidemic, and more recently, additional important causes. We attended with various escorts, but never more wonderfully than with Richard Sablatura with whom we became sponsors of the event. We were happy to introduce Help Is on the Way and REAF’s various other special events to many friends who became loyal attendees. Having known both Barbara and Peggy, we were particularly honored to receive the inaugural Peggy Ermet & Barbara Richmond Memorial Community Hero Award.
This most recent Help Is on the Way was emceed by the star of Mrs. Doubtfire, Rob McClure, in complete costume and character, adding delightfully to the evening. Members of the touring cast of that show offered their singing, dancing, and comic talents to the show. Other featured performers included Debby Boone, Bruce Vilanch, Leo Roberts, Faith Prince, Jason Brock, Lisa Roman, and Sam Harris. A silent auction in the lobby and a brisk live auction after intermission raised additional money with three packages, two of which were doubled by generous donors. After the show, VIP guests and many of the stars from the show walked to the nearby Beacon Hotel for a reception with hors d’oeuvres and drinks. The animated conversations there echoed our own rave review of the show and our admiration for all that REAF has accomplished and will continue to do.
The Reigning Empress of San Francisco, Linda Summers, hosted the Imperial Council’s monthly fundraiser Pique at Beaux last Saturday and the Imperial Family showed up, money in hand. A variety of performers and titleholders showcased their best musical numbers, as Her Most Imperial Majesty emceed, called raffle numbers, and generally welcomed all attendees. Emperor XLV Nic Hunter led a brisk live auction, adding to the event total. As the event drew to a close, several voices, most notably Absolute Empress XXXIII Alexis Miranda, made a moving plea for more contributions, and as the total grew near a thousand dollars, more and more individuals stepped forward, contributing ten, twenty, and a hundred dollars. Pushing the final total past $1000 was amazing to watch, especially in support of our current Empress, the only modern Empress of San Francisco to reign without an Emperor.
Sunday’s a Drag at Club Fugazi’s Summer Series is off to a fantastic start with enthusiastic audiences for this showcase of drag talent. Don’t miss this unique show that takes you on a journey through San Francisco’s drag history. There are multimedia elements, special effects, and the best drag in town—all in this iconic theatrical space every Sunday in July, August, and September. Brunch is available at 11 am and the show starts at noon. We’ll see you there!
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
“If you think you are leading and turn around to see no one following you, then you are just taking a walk.”
—John C. Maxwell
Friday, July 26
Divas & Drinks Bay Times event at The Academy SF Join Mayor Breed and others to honor SF Pride leadership
Featuring the SF Pride Band, CHEER SF, DJ Christie James Emcee Donna Sachet 2166 Market Street 6–10 pm $15 www.academy-sf.com
Saturday, July 27
House of M’s Empress Show Alexis Miranda hosts Donna Sachet, Ehra Amaya, Galilea Avila, Pollo del Mar 1 pm show
Midnight Sun, 4067 18th Street Free!
Saturday, July 27 All the Tea
Gary Virginia’s classic tea dance disco party
DJ Sergio Fedasz Go-go dancers Emerson & Coco 2 for 1 cocktails, balloon drop 5–9 pm
Midnight Sun, 4067 18th Street Free!
Sunday, July 28
Sunday’s a Drag at Club Fugazi
Featuring SF’s most fabulous drag performers
Hosted by Donna Sachet Club Fugazi, 678 Green Street July–September, every Sunday Brunch at 11 am, show at noon $76 & up www.clubfugazi.com
you’re 55 or older. Ideally, don’t spend this money; let it accumulate and then you can roll it over for when you are in retirement when your expenses will likely be higher.
Consider a SEP IRA or Solo 401(k)
If you’re self-employed or own a small business, consider a SEP IRA or Solo 401(k). These accounts allow for higher contribution limits, offering substantial tax-deferred growth. For 2024, you can contribute up to 25% of your net earnings from self-employment, up to $69,000.
Utilize Catch-Up Contributions
If you are fabulous 50 or older, take advantage of catch-up contributions. These allow you to contribute more to your retirement accounts, providing additional tax savings. As stated previously, you can contribute an extra $8,000 to your 401(k) and an extra $1,000 to your IRA annually. Not too shabby!
Invest in Tax-Advantaged Accounts
Consider investments that offer tax advantages, such as municipal bonds, which are often exempt from federal (and sometimes state) taxes. Tax-managed mutual funds and ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) are designed to minimize capital gains taxes, helping your investments grow more efficiently.
Use a Roth Conversion Strategy
Another reason I’m Team Roth is that, if you expect to be in a higher tax bracket in
ROSTOW (continued from pg 4)
And much has been made of Harris’ background as a prosecutor, a tempting contrast with a convicted felon, but not one that really attracts me. Trump was convicted of a fairly arcane New York state law prohibiting the falsification of business records. So, the “felon” label may be accurate, but it’s hardly disqualifying to the electorate. Far worse was the civil charge of sex abuse, but there again, do we really want to pick a fight with Trump over his treatment of women? We’ve been there and done that over and over again with little impact. Meanwhile, the man is an incoherent lunatic and getting worse. We only have three months to make our case. Let’s focus on that.
And while we’re at it, let’s also focus on age. It’s so obvious that it goes without mentioning, but Trump is 78! Let’s pour it on! They can’t complain after what they did to Biden, can they?
Three months sounds like a very short campaign. But it’s not. I think we’re the only country that spends two years electing a president, while others change leadership with only weeks on the hustings. Plus, even with all the fuss and bother of primaries and debates, the electioneering doesn’t really start until Labor Day, or so they say. We haven’t even had the Democratic convention, so we have plenty of time. Indeed, it may be to our advantage that we can retain a feeling of novelty that the other side surely lacks.
I don’t know how long it will last, but I’m feeling pretty good right now for the first time in a long time. We can do this!
Another High Court Showdown?
The biggest GLBT news this week is the (not unexpected) decision by the Department of
retirement, you should consider converting some of your Traditional IRA funds to a Roth IRA. You’ll pay taxes on the converted amount now, but future withdrawals will be tax-free. This strategy can be particularly advantageous if you anticipate higher taxes in the future.
Defer Taxes With Annuities
Annuities offer tax-deferred growth, meaning you won’t pay taxes on your investment gains until you withdraw the money. This can be an effective way to manage your taxable income and grow your retirement savings more efficiently.
Plan for Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
Once you turn 72, you must start taking Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from your Traditional IRA and 401(k) accounts. Plan for these withdrawals to manage your taxable income and avoid penalties. Roth IRAs, however, do not have RMDs, which can be a significant tax advantage.
By strategically using these tax-saving steps, you can maximize your retirement savings while minimizing your tax burden. Start early, stay informed, and make the most of the available tax-advantaged accounts and contributions. Happy saving, and here’s to a financially secure retirement!
Education to ask the Supreme Court to step into the battle over the scope of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
I think it’s a bad sign that I’ve reached the point where I remember the year (1972) of the Education Amendments that spawned Title IX without looking it up. This means that we’ve been inundated with Title IX news, and not in a good way.
Here’s the situation, once again: The Biden administration has determined that Title IX, which bans sex discrimination in public education, includes a ban on sexual orientation and gender discrimination. Why did they make that determination? Because the Supreme Court said as much in 2020, when they ruled that a ban on sex discrimination in the workplace (under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964) included GLBT bias as well. If sex discrimination includes GLBT bias in the workplace, one would assume it also includes GLBT bias in education, right?
Um, no! Trumpy judges have universally ignored the 2020 High Court decision, ruling that education is somehow different than the workplace. I’m sorry to repeat myself week after week in summarizing this illogical legal position, but the news keeps coming. We’ve seen a couple of federal appellate courts (the Sixth and Fifth circuits) refuse to allow Biden’s Title IX policy to take effect while conservatives challenge it in court. Now, Biden and company will force the Supreme Court, led in this case by Gorsuch who wrote the 6–3 opinion in Bostock four years ago, to take a stand. Meanwhile, several other red states have challenged the Biden interpretation. But since litigation in these places would obviously be subsumed
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/
by a High Court case, we can be excused for ignoring these lawsuits. Let’s do that.
God Have Mercy on Such as We
Do you know how Trump likes to point out that his uncle was some kind of big deal scientist at MIT? It’s something like that, and Trump likes to imply that this familial connection makes him, Trump, automatically brilliant.
Well, in yet another instance of imitating Trump in this column, I’d like to brag that my uncle, Eugene Rostow, was Dean of the Yale Law School from 1955 to 1965. In Trump style, I’d say this gives me exceptional legal credentials, but it also brings up a subject that has mystified me.
What’s with all these rightwing dingbats who graduated from Yale Law?
My grandfather, an immigrant from Russia, moved his wife and three sons to New Haven in order to give them a chance to win an annual scholarship to Yale that was reserved for local boys. My uncle and my father did so, and our family tradition was born. My uncle went to law school at Yale as well, and my father got his PhD. Subsequently, my super smart cousins went to Yale and Yale Law, as did my cousin’s son. We love Yale!
(I went as an undergraduate but survived by the skin of my teeth and did not come within spitting distance of Yale Law School. I spent my undergraduate years coming out of the closet, wearing old ripped t-shirts and jeans and skipping class. I remember seeing my sophisticated Aunt and Uncle approaching near the library and hiding behind a bush.)
The opening ceremonies featured performances by Vienna’s dynamic Schmusechor (Kissing Choir) and the fabulous Conchita Wurst, who in 2014 became overnight a queer superstar when she won the coveted Eurovision song contest. Accepting the award, Wurst, who is also openly HIV-positive, told the over 180 million viewers that she dedicated it “to everyone who believes in a future of peace and freedom,” reminding viewers: “You know who we are—we are a community, and we are unstoppable.” She repeated those words to the crowd last week at the Eurogames.
Earlier this afternoon, we walked by an old Nazi-era building in Munich, and instead of a swastika flying in front of it, we saw a large Rainbow Flag blowing brightly in the wind as it now appears to do all the time. Ulrichs would have been proud and gratified that Munich, where he gave his prophetic speech, is hosting the 25th International AIDS Conference, bringing hope to millions around the world.
John Lewis and Stuart Gaffney, together for over three decades, were plaintiffs in the California case for equal marriage rights decided by the California Supreme Court in 2008. Their leadership in the grassroots organization Marriage Equality USA contributed in 2015 to making same-sex marriage legal nationwide.
At any rate, the head of the Proud Buys went to Yale Law, as did JD Vance, and that nasty senator from Missouri, Josh Hawley. I learned from an essay by Harvard law professor (but Yale Law grad) Noah Feldman, that Clarence Thomas, Sam Alito, and Brett Kavanaugh also went to Yale Law. Of course, so did both Clintons, Justice Sotomayor, and many other moderates and liberals. But what’s with all the conservative jurists and rightwing loony tunes? Isn’t Yale Law a place of thoughtfulness and intellectual rigor?
Yes, as Feldman points out, and that’s the problem. Let’s say ten percent of the graduating class of Yale Law School is conservative. Those graduates are going to have their pick of conservative placements. The other 90 percent will compete for the “regular” jobs, including the Supreme Court and federal appellate clerkships. The conservatives, in turn, will rise faster, develop more connections, and perhaps go further than their liberal peers.
Moreover, Feldman writes, there’s a feeling of alienation to be a conservative on a liberal Ivy League campus in an elite law school, whether it’s Yale or Harvard or somewhere else. Some graduates carry an outsider’s resentment with them into the next stage of their careers, a phenomenon that could be mitigated by the schools themselves if they made more of an effort to transcend their inherent snobbery. I’m still not sure why Yale seems worse than the others, but perhaps I just notice it more. And now we have to put up with Vance.
Sing with me: “We are poor little lambs, who have lost our way. Bah, Bah, Bah.” arostow@aol.com
Paul Swan: ‘The Most Beautiful Man in the World’
Faces from Our LGBT Past
He was called “a modern Leonardo da Vinci,” “America’s most eminent exponent of classic dancing,” and a man who “follows most of the seven arts and does more in any one than most in their individual specialists.” Admirers described him as “a reincarnated Greek god” and “the Most Beautiful Man in the World.” He was so famous that theatergoers readily understood Adele Astaire when she upbraided her brother, Fred, in George Gershwin’s 1927 musical Funny Face, “As a Paul Swan, you are not so hot.”
During his long career as a sculptor, painter, muralist, poet, and dancer, Paul Swan was very hot indeed. Born in Ashland, Illinois, in 1883, he was raised in Crab Orchard, Nebraska, America’s heartland. He was a sensitive, artistic child and his family did not approve of his “strange quirks” and “unconventional behavior.” He chose his euphemisms carefully in a 1917 interview, when he described them as people who “are very orthodox and do not believe in the life I have chosen. They believe it wrong to cultivate personal charm.”
After completing his studies at the Art Institute of Chicago, Swan moved to New York, where he found work as an illustrator for the Butterick pattern company. His great opportunity came when he was inspired to do a life-sized painting of the great Russian-born actor Alla Nazimova in 1910, which he sent to her as a gift. She immediately put it on display in the lobby of her 39th Street theater, then commissioned him to create portraits of her as Henrik Ibsen’s most famous heroines
Nazimova’s patronage enabled him to travel first to Egypt and then to Greece, where he studied with sculptor Thomas Thomopoulos and began to explore dance, which he called “sculpture in motion,” as another way to express his ideals of the beautiful. Soon after, he performed at a gala organized by Thomopoulos, where his reception was nothing less than astounding. One journalist wrote, “No foreigner since Lord Byron has ever received such public acclaim.” Another, even more beguiled, called him “the reincarnation of one of our lost gods.” From then on, both dancing and art became his life’s passions. Described as an “aesthetic dancer,” he preferred using freeform movements and compelling gestures, not precise and highly formalized, traditional steps and structures to share his ideas. “I dance
to express those subtle emotions and hidden meanings,” he explained, “which help us to feel that life is somehow good and beautiful, and pass the news along.” Even though he rejected conventional performance, he became known as “America’s leading exponent of classic dancing.”
He was also being called, “The Most Beautiful Man in the World.” In 1913, the Burlington Weekly Free Press wrote, “When one first sees him an involuntary exclamation bursts forth, ‘Surely a Greek God in the flesh.’” “His popularity,” the newspaper proclaimed, “is second to none and he is worshipped by every class of men and women from high society to the Suffragists, for whom he appeared in public twice last winter with only a leopard skin to cover him.” If not his favorite costume, then it was certainly his most reported.
An article published under his name the next year explained why his appearance was so esteemed. In “my childhood I realized that I was gifted with the Greek type of beauty, and it has been my aim to cultivate this to my utmost.” He believed “the most perfect type of manly beauty” could be seen in the Hermes of Praxiteles, “whom some of my friends have been kind enough to compare with me,” and a statue of Antinous, “the favorite of the great emperor Hadrian.”
Physical beauty was not enough, however. In addition to “exercise and right living ... it must be said that beauty cannot exist unless the figure is inspired with grace and the poetry of motion. The face, too, must be intelligent and illuminated with the yearning for the beautiful,” and he urged “all boys and young men to keep the Greek ideal of beautiful before them.” If “we all loved true beauty,” he concluded, “the sin and ugliness that disfigure humanity would be impossible.”
According to Winnifred Harper Cooley, writing for the New York Sun, he really was that beautiful. “He is molded in perfect proportions. His face is as exquisite as if chiseled by Phidias for the youthful Apollo. The features are clearly cut as a cameo, the eyes blue and expressive, the hair soft and waving, of a pale brown, the brows direct and earnest, and the face glowing with the sunrise color. It is not merely the regularity of line that attracts, but the spiritual glow which animates every moment.”
cal that there is nothing mystical or uncanny or abnormal about [him], although it will be impossible to convert the plain, commercial, unpoetical American business man to any toleration of male beauty, or to convince him that one whose entire life is spent in the expression of beauty through dancing and painting is other than effeminate and contemptible.” Whether or not she was aware he was bisexual is unknown.
Swan began appearing before the public just as the image of the male ideal was changing. The new man “will be handsomer because he will be more harmoniously developed,” Elizabeth Aldrich wrote in The Omaha Daily Bee. An ardent suffragette, she stated, “The forces which have changed the traditional life of women are also changing the traditional life of man. While these forces are developing in her self-reliance and independence of thought and action, they are making him a kinder, more tender, more imaginative creature.”
the Roaring Twenties, blamed in great measure for the country’s economic and social ills, were largely repudiated. Once again, men were supposed to be masculine, virile, with all their traditional attributes—hardworking bread winners (when they could find a job), husbands, and fathers—not sexually ambiguous “sophisticates.” Women were expected to be housewives and mothers, not urbane socialites. Clark Gable replaced Novarro as MGM’s biggest star. Cooper became a strong, silent “hero on horseback.”
Swan continued to make New York his base of operation until the early 1930s, when he moved to Paris, which had adored him early in his career and continued to do so as both a dancer and an artist. Les études Poetique called him an “incomparable virtuoso” and he won awards from the Salon de Artistes for his sculptures, including one of composer Maurice Ravel, now lost. The war in Europe forced him to return to the United States in 1939.
At a time when notions of the ideal man were changing for many Americans, there were questions about his manliness. (His sexual desires were never discussed openly.) “Of course I have been maligned and abused and persecuted,” Swan told Cooley, one of the first women to call herself a feminist, “but the only thing I really want to impress upon people is that I am not abnormal or eccentric. Why should one be regarded as a freak because he admires the beautiful?”
Cooley understood that it was “necessary for me to impress upon the skepti-
Those forces were also making him appear increasingly androgynous, personified on magazine covers by the suave, cultured, immaculately tailored men painted by J. C. Leyendecker and glorified by such film idols as Rudolph Valentino, Ramon Novarro, Antonio Moreno, John Gilbert, Charles Farrell, and even the doe-eyed “It Boy” Gary Cooper. “These prettier, more effeminate male stars,” wrote historian William J. Mann, “represented a new era, when sexual ambiguity represented culture, culture inspired success, and success was considered sexy.”
These views changed during the Great Depression of the 1930s, when the values of
With his studio again in New York, Swan continued to work in the fine arts and present weekly dance recitals for another 20 years. In 1960, Life magazine lauded him as an “all-around man in the arts,” but by then critics considered his work old-fashioned and his renown faded. Five years later, when he appeared in two experimental films by pop artist Andy Warhol, Paul Swan and Camp, he complained, “I am the most famous unknown person in New York.” He died in 1972 at the age of 88.
Bill Lipsky, Ph.D., author of “LGBTQ+ Trailblazers of San Francisco” (2023) and “Gay and Lesbian San Francisco” (2006), is a member of the Rainbow Honor Walk board of directors.
Dr. Bill Lipsky
PHOTO BY CHARLOTTE FAIRCHILD
Paul Swan, 1926
Paul Swan painting, Young Boy with Pan
Paul Swan, 1926
Images courtesy of Bill Lipsky
Take Me Home with You!
SACHET (continued from pg 3)
challenging its constitutionality, and vehement opposition to Gay and transgender panic defense in court.
When Senator Boxer announced that she would not run for re-election in 2016, both Loretta Sanchez and Kamala joined the race. This was one of her toughest campaigns, but I again joined the fight. After Kamala won the endorsement of Governor Jerry Brown, Vice President Joe Biden, and President Barack Obama, the tide turned in her favor. That led to another wonderful victory celebration and the first time I met her husband, Doug Emhoff. Her time as a Senator was challenged by newly elected President Donald Trump, but she stayed true to her standards, opposing his Supreme Court nominees, Cabinet appointments, and unreasonable immigration policies, and fully supporting his impeachments.
Many of us were excited to hear of her 2020 presidential campaign, but it was shortlived. Nevertheless, shortly after curtailing that campaign, Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden announced that Kamala would be his running mate. As soon as I heard that news, I dialed the cell phone number I had for her, only to find it was no longer in service. I realized that Kamala had really entered the big leagues. As Vice President, she has grown into a seasoned statesperson, supporting her President, championing national causes, and broadening her international experience. I couldn’t be more excited to support her candidacy as President of the United States. As I reflect on the time I have known Kamala, I remember her as a person of principle, demonstrated in each of the offices she has held. I know her as a person who looks you in the eyes and talks directly to you. Again, I know that politicians must find ways to engage with a variety of people, but she has always made me feel valued. When I was invited to D.C. by her for that 2023 party, I made it clear to her Social Secretary that I intended to attend as Donna Sachet. I didn’t want any trouble with Secret Service or other security, even though my appearance might not match my documents. But it was important to me that the person who has called San Francisco home for 30 years, who has appeared at countless events in support of so many causes, and the person whom the LGBT Community knows be the person at that party in Washington. I cherish the answer I received: “Arriving in your drag person is not an issue at all ... . The VP is very excited you are coming and has also shared with us how important you are to her.” It doesn’t get much better than that!
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
,
Meet Boulder: Your New Best Friend!
It’s not just a rock, it’s a Boulder! Beautiful and brave Boulder is a gentle soul with an endearing personality and irresistible puppy dog eyes. She loves chicken and shows her gratitude with plenty of pets and kisses. Volunteers describe her as “a total sweetheart” who prefers human affection over playtime. Boulder enjoys short walks and plenty of time to sunbathe and soak up the love.
Boulder would thrive in a quiet neighborhood, as she’s a bit of an introvert and prefers a peaceful environment. This unique Boulder is truly one of a kind. Don’t wait. Adopt her today! Foster-to-Adopt!
Not sure if Boulder is the perfect fit? Try fostering her! Take Boulder home for a week with the intention of adopting her. If things don’t work out, you can always bring her back. Interested? Visit us or contact us at adoptions@sfspca.org to learn more.
Come meet Boulder at the SF SPCA! We welcome visitors from 11 am–6 pm (Wednesday–Sunday) and 1 pm–6 pm on Tuesdays. Please note, we are closed on Mondays.
https://www.sfspca.org/adoptions/
Let’s Go Home!
Here are two of the many pets now available for adoption at Oakland Animal Services (OAS):
Beatrix is one of the many adorable kittens waiting for their forever homes! Young kittens like Beatrix do better in pairs and she is looking for a home with her littermate Bethany. They are about 2 months old and full of playful kitten energy!
Zamboni is a charming boy and a quick learner—he has already learned sit, down, and paw, and he is eager to learn more! At the shelter, he enjoys attending daily playgroups with his doggie friends. This 2-yearold pup can’t wait to go home with you!
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
Beatrix
Zamboni
Boulder
AIDS Walk San Francisco 2024
AIDS Walk San Francisco, which this year was held on Sunday, July 21, 2024, has raised over $1 million to support multiple beneficiaries. As the organizers share, “[T]he event emphasizes not one voice, but many voices; not just services in one city; but rather the Bay Area wide effort to bring this epidemic to an end.”
Highlights from this year’s walk included the unveiling of a permanent bench at the AIDS Memorial Grove in the name of ABC7 News anchor Dan Ashley. Since 1994, Ashely has served as the emcee of the event’s opening ceremonies and provides invaluable assistance in pre- and post-event coverage.
In his remarks, Ashley, who was taken by surprise by the presentation, expressed gratitude to his colleagues and the entire ABC7 organization for their hard work and commitment to AIDS Walk SF for the past 30 years.
Congratulations also go to longtime AIDS Walk SF volunteer and San Francisco Bay Times columnist Joanie Juster, who is as of this writing one of the top five fundraisers for this year’s event.
Since its inception in 1987, the walk has inspired countless thousands of Bay Area residents to walk, donate, and volunteer in the fight against HIV/AIDS, raising more than $96 million for organizations across seven Bay Area counties. From its humble beginnings, the event has grown into, and remains, the largest and most visible HIV/AIDS fundraising event in Northern California.
In addition to Ashley and Juster, veterans of the fundraiser include Leslie Ewing, Mike Smith, Troy Burnett, Kelly Hart, and numerous others. Their commitment over the decades—participating even when going through their own personal challenges—has been unwavering and selfless.
Also thanked for their service were the individual walkers and teams credited with raising the highest totals of the year. 2024’s Top Walkers along with Juster include Tom Raffin, Glenn Good, Roland Zepf, and Chris Hightower. The Top Teams receiving recognition were those representing the National AIDS Memorial, the Castro Country Club, ALRP Legal Eagles, UCSF 360: Positive Care, and Santa Rosa Community Health.
http://www.aidswalk.net
Festival del Sole in Sonoma to Feature Robert Redford and Other Stars to Promote Environmental Awareness
The international Festival del Sole, started in 2003 in Tuscany, Italy, and now held in the Napa Valley, will take place this year from August 1–4 at The Green Music Center at Sonoma State University. The festival has become a beacon for some of the world’s most legendary performers, such as Sophia Loren and, this year, Robert Redford, as well as classical music stars and a chance to enjoy gourmet food and fine wines.
The 2024 Festival del Sole will include wine and culinary events presented by Domus Artium Reserve, including a Gala dinner and auction on Sunday, August 4, hosted by Buena Vista Winery and French vintner Jean Charles Boisset. It will benefit The Way of the Rain, the nonprofit founded by multimedia environmental artist Sibylle Szaggars Redford, who is the wife of Robert Redford. The couple are well-known for their support of the LGBTQ community, environmental and social justice causes, and more.
The Way of the Rain is one such effort and is dedicated to the mission of developing, producing, and performing educational and artistic performances to promote public awareness and support for the protection of Earth. The gala dinner will feature Buena Vista’s wines as well as a Bordeaux wine crafted by enologist Michel Rolland especially for The Way of the Rain. Renowned wine publication Vinous has curated a series of lunches and tastings at top wineries, including Freeman Vineyard & Winery and Three Sticks Wines.
The three-day festival will begin on Thursday, August 1, and will feature three premiere international musicians: Olga Kern, Nina Kotova, and Viktoria Mullova. They will perform a program of solo and chamber music. One of today’s most sought-after and versatile musicians, solo violinist and violist, conductor, and chamber musician Pinchas Zukerman, will perform on August 2 with cellist Amanda Forsyth, and pianist Michael Brown.
the October 2023 live presentation of Sibylle Szaggars Redford’s multidisciplinary staged music, art, and film performance at the Dallas Texas Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Hall, with a spoken word narration by Robert Redford and music composed by Tim Janis.
The Way of the Rain: Hope for Earth is an artistic portrayal of the formation of the universe, the evolution of the galaxies, and the eventual birth of planet Earth with all its elements. Scheduled to attend the screening and the gala dinner are Founder, President, and Artistic Director of The Way of the Rain Sibylle Szaggars Redford and Robert Redford.
Acclaimed tenor Joseph Calleja will take the stage on Saturday, August 3. With a nostalgic voice that routinely inspires comparisons to “legendary singers from earlier eras,” Maltese-born Calleja has made appearances on the world’s leading opera, concert, and television stages that have marked him as one of today’s most sought-after artists.
Concluding Festival del Sole on Sunday, August 4, will be a screening of the film The Way of the Rain: Hope for Earth as part of a Symphony for Our Planet, which will showcase
Barrett Wissman, who is the Chairman of IMG Artists, which is a global leader in performing arts talent management, said, “We are delighted to return to the wine country this summer to share the artistic level, tradition, and excitement the Festival del Sole became known for.”
Antonio Galloni, the Founder and CEO of Vinous, added, “I am delighted that my team has collaborated with Barrett and the Festival del Sole to develop enriching experiences for those who share our deep passion for wine and music. Each winery lunch will feature wonderful wines, exceptional hospitality, and a surprise musical performance.”
Partners include Domus Artium Reserve, which will donate wines and culinary experiences to the Festival Del Sole as well as curate wine and culinary programming. Hospitality partner Montage Healdsburg is located on 258 acres in the heart of California’s world-renowned Sonoma wine country. Built within the constraints of the natural landscape, the transformative hideaway offers 130 bungalow-style guest rooms and suites and 40 privately owned Montage Residences settled among oak trees and vine-covered hills with a contemporary aesthetic. Montage Healdsburg has generously donated rooms for major artists, participants, and partners at the Festival Del Sole.
To purchase tickets to Festival del Sole call 707-664-4246 or visit https://gmc.sonoma.edu/
Tickets for performances range from $45–$75.
For more information on attending the Gala at Buena Vista and the wine tastings and lunches, visit the Festival Del Sole website, www.festivaldelsolearts.com
Lazy Bear Week Is a Celebration of Community and Self-Acceptance
By David Barker
If you’ve ever wondered what Lazy Bear Week is all about, let me take you on a little journey. As a member of the Lazy Bear Fund team and a regular attendee, I can tell you that this event is a oneof-a-kind celebration of the bear community, and it’s packed with fun, acceptance, and purpose.
When we talk about the bear community, we’re talking about a group that’s wonderfully diverse. Originally, “bears” referred to larger, hairier men who embraced a more rugged look. But today, being a bear is about much more than just appearance. It’s about a shared attitude of inclusivity, body positivity, and self-acceptance. The bear community welcomes people of all sizes, shapes, and identities, making it a safe haven for anyone who wants to feel valued and respected.
Why Is Lazy Bear Week So Popular?
Over 28 years, Lazy Bear Week has become the epitome of what makes the bear community so special. Imagine a week filled with pool parties, sunset dances, campfires, hikes, and more—all set against the beautiful backdrop of the Russian River. It’s not just about the fun activities, though; it’s about personal connections and the sense of belonging. People come from all over to reunite with old friends, make new ones, and feel a part of something bigger.
One of the most powerful aspects of Lazy Bear Week is how it boosts self-esteem, particularly among gay, bi, and trans people. Many of us have faced societal pressures and stigma related to our bodies and identities. At Lazy Bear Week, those pressures melt away. Here, we celebrate uniqueness and support each other’s journeys. It’s a space where you can truly be yourself, without fear of judgment.
The acceptance and camaraderie found at Lazy Bear Week are crucial for personal identity within the LGBTQ+ community. It’s a reminder that we don’t have to fit into narrow definitions to be valued and loved. This acceptance fosters a sense of belonging that can be life-changing, helping individuals embrace their true selves with confidence and pride.
Supporting Worthwhile Causes
The funds raised during Lazy Bear Week are distributed via The Lazy Bear Fund grant program to a variety of nonprofits that make a real difference in people’s lives. We prioritize organizations that are dedicated to improving health outcomes, providing vital resources, and creating supportive communities for LGBTQ+ individuals. Recent recipients include Food For Thought, the Russian River Alliance, the Positive Resource Center, the Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus, Maitri, the MPACT Center for Global Action, LYRIC (center for LGBTQ+ youth), and The Spahr Center, among others.
A Personal Invitation
If you’ve never been to Lazy Bear Week, I highly recommend you join us. It’s a week of joy, acceptance, and community that you won’t forget. Whether you’re a bear, an ally, or just curious about what we’re all about, you’ll find a warm welcome waiting for you.
Come for the fun, stay for the community, and leave with a heart full of love and a renewed sense of self. That’s the magic of Lazy Bear Week. This year’s event runs from July 29 through August 5. More information is available at https://www.lazybearweek.org/ David Barker is the President of the Lazy Bear Fund, a grassroots nonprofit that has helped fund clinics, schools, food banks, and more with profits from Lazy Bear Week. The fund has raised nearly $2 million so far for numerous causes.
Photos courtesy of Lazy Bear Week
Fourth Annual Bearrison Street Fair in San Francisco Set for October 19
Are you a country or city bear? It is a great time to be both. While Lazy Bear Week offers a more rural escape, the Bearrison Street Fair brings bears out into the open in San Francisco at Harrison and 11th Streets. The fourth annual Bearrison Street Fair will take place on October 19, 2024, from noon to 6 pm.
A collaboration between the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Inc., and the Bears of San Francisco, the inaugural fair was held on Saturday, October 23, 2021. Since then, Bearrison has striven to provide an inclusive event for members of the adult LGBTQ+ community and promote body positivity for all. It also strives to build a more supportive, welcoming, and inclusive bear scene by representing a diverse array of cultures.
The approach carries over to the Bears of San Francisco, an organization founded in 1994 that is celebrating its 30th Anniversary. The Bears are part of an all-inclusive community-based association that benefits the greater Bay Area through fundraising, service, and socializing.
J.D. Vance may have brought facial hair back to the political sphere, but the bears of the LGBTQ+ community often wear it better. We are proud of them and for all they do to strengthen, empower, and enrich our community.
https://www.bearrison.org/
Holly Near’s Celebration at La Peña of Feminist and Gender
Fluid Musicians
Singer/songwriter and activist Holly Near led a concert at La Peña in Berkeley on July 12, 2024, celebrating and empowering feminist and gender fluid musicians. Also appearing were Tammy Hall, Jan Martinelli, Djérae Lucas, Mia Pixley, and Diana Gameros.
San Francisco Bay Times photographer Sandy Morris shared that it was a night of music, community solidarity, and empowerment that offered meaningful conversations that inspired change and fostered unity throughout the night.
Near is soon traveling to New England for a few other shows, but hopefully will be back in the Bay Area soon. For more information and updates: https://hollynear.com/
Top of your stack
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM BOOK PASSAGE
Devil Is Fine: A Novel (fiction - hardcover) by John Vercher
This is a story of a biracial American struggling to reconcile the past after inheriting a former plantation from the men on his white mother’s side of the family. It’s a moving, darkly humorous, and sometimes even scary read.
The Poet and the Silk Girl: A Memoir of Love, Imprisonment, and Protest (non-fiction - hardcover) by Satsuki Ina
The Poet and the Silk Girl is a memoir following the author’s Japanese American parents as they resist racist oppression and fight for their rights in 1942. This powerful and lyrical book is a must-read for anyone interested in resilience, healing, and a genuine look into history.
Moonbound: A Novel (fiction - hardcover) by Robin Sloan
Sloan presents a captivating blend of science fiction, fantasy, and literary fiction set thirteen thousand years into the future. In this imaginative world, advanced technology coexists with talking animals and new foes. At the heart of the story, the protagonist embarks on a daring mission to save his family and the world.
Upcoming Events
Sunday, July 28 @ 1 pm (free - Corte Madera store & live online) Michael Castleman, author of The Untold Story of Books: A Writer’s History of Publishing Castleman provides a thorough history of the 600year saga of publishing from a seasoned author’s perspective. He also explores the future of the book business, equipping authors with tools to help them thrive.
Sunday, July 28 @ 2 pm (free - Ferry Building store SF) Andrea Freeman, author of Ruin Their Crops on the Ground: The Politics of Food in the United States, From the Trail of Tears to School Lunch
Freeman explores how food has been used in American law and politics to control marginalized communities throughout history—from George Washington’s orders to ruin Indigenous crops to the modern marketing of unhealthy foods to communities of color.
Freeman will discuss her book with Sanjay Narayan, Chief Appellate Counsel at the Sierra Club’s Environmental Law Program.
Saturday, August 10 @ 1 pm (ticketedFerry Building store SF) Yvie Oddly, author of All About Yvie: Into the Oddity
Dive into the unique life of Yvie Oddly, winner of Season 11 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, with their new memoir that chronicles their journey from childhood to stardom! Yvie gets vulnerable, sharing their experiences of coming out and coming to terms with their sexuality and gender, and how these aspects have shaped their artistic journey. Oddly will be joined by co-author Michael Bach. https://www.bookpassage.com/
Lessons in Teenage Biology by Jim Provenzano
Set in the 1970s, this pithy novella delightfully depicts the queer coming-of-age rollercoaster.
How to Be Queer: An Ancient Guide to Sexuality edited, translated, and introduced by Sarah Nooter
This is a handy little volume of Queer Theory from the world of Ancient Greece.
You Don’t Have a Shot by Raquel Marie
Need a gift for your soccer-loving lesbian niece? This rom-com romp might be just the ticket.
https://www.fabulosabooks.com/
PHOTO BY SANDY MORRIS
Hot Reads in the Summertime
Off the Wahl
Jan Wahl
Summer is a perfect time to cool off with a hot book. One I just finished has the best title ever: Sin in Soft Focus. It is subtitled Pre-Code Hollywood, by the fabulous Hollywood historian and photographer Mark Vieira. This is one of those gorgeous coffee-table-sized books, filled with photos and interesting text. From sexy Clara Bow to sultry Garbo, outrageous Mae West to hunky Gable and exotic Dietrich, the portraits of stars are gorgeous.
But it is the scandals that make it all such fun. This was a time of the struggle between Hollywood and its reformers. Underworld brutality mixed with sizzling sexuality in movies between 1930 and 1934, before the Production Code clamped down on all the fun. White slavery, profanity, illegal drugs, lustful kissing, and suggestive dancing mingled with tales about rough guys and tough dames ... who could ask for anything more? The tome has 275 photos and great stories. Whether they are about Crawford as the struggling shopgirl or a boozy Barrymore, this book is one wild read.
But why stop there? Mark Vieira continues the fun with Forbidden Hollywood: When Sin Ruled the Movies
It is classic Hollywood, uncensored. This time we take a deeper dive into the argument against “immoral” movies. We eavesdrop on production conferences, and follow nervous executives as they fight to hold on against conservatives.
The book spotlights 22 movies that led to the Production Code, such as Call Her Savage with Clara Bow, Red-Headed Woman starring Harlow, She Done Him Wrong with my role model Mae West, and Paul Muni shooting his way to glory in Scarface. Then there is Barbara Stanwyck climbing the corporate ladder on her own in Baby Face, and misfits seeking revenge in Freaks. It was a time of studio heads getting ulcers and a nation that was shocked, outraged, or very happy to see such films.
Vieira shares these fascinating stories and more in what is a splashy, glamorous, and insightful portrait of a sexy time in Tinseltown.
Alaska Bound
To change the subject completely: Any fans of Alaska out there? I am about to embark on my fifth trip there next week, but I will be aboard the Queen Elizabeth this time. As Sir Ian McKellen would say about the pairing: “an old queen on an old queen.” But they say the ship is quite beautiful. I will let you know! I got a heck of a deal with their last Memorial Day sale and upgraded like crazy; should be fun.
I always read up history and culture before I travel anywhere. Of course, I tend to go for the tawdry or controversial history, scandals, and wild personalities of a place. There is a remarkable book called Good Time Girls of the Alaska-Yukon Gold Rush by Lael Morgan. While the prospectors went up to find gold, many women went to mine the miners. In the boomtowns of Alaska, gold dust was common currency but the
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Sister Dana Sez: Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun
By Sister Dana Van
Sister Dana sez, “DORE ‘UP YOUR ALLEY’ STREET FAIR is right around the corner. You don’t HAVE to be into leather or latex or BDSM—but it helps! Come dressed to express!”
UP YOUR ALLEY is coming up on Sunday, July 28! This annual event has been around for 30 years, and it has grown from a small party on Ringold Street in the mid-1980s to a gathering of more than 12,000 people on Folsom between 9th and 11th Streets including Dore Street. There will be live music, go-go dancers, performances and demos, food trucks, beverages for sale, vendors to shop, and more!
On July 14, I was thrilled to attend the closing ceremony of the impressive, immense, three-dimensional paintings of a dozen of us Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence by Deidre DeFranceaux and the huge,
stunning photography of famous drag queens and LGBTQ folx by Gooch that were proudly on display at the 1275 Minnesota Street Project art gallery. I attended— as requested by the artist—in full-tilt rainbow pride nun drag to match the gigantic 6’6” 3D depiction of Sister Dana the Rainbow Nun.
A mere 48 hours after the Trump assassination attempt, on July 15 at the RNC in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, T-rump was declared the GOP candidate for presidency for the third time, and Ohio Senator (for just 18 months) J.D. Vance was chosen as his Veep candidate. Keep in mind that J.D. has recently publicly praised the fearsomely autocratic “ Project 2025.” Here’s what the BIDEN-HARRIS CAMPAIGN immediately brilliantly responded with: “Donald Trump picked J.D. Vance as his running mate because Vance will do what Mike Pence wouldn’t on January 6: bend over backwards to enable Trump and his extreme MAGA agenda, even if it means breaking the law—and no matter the harm to the American people.”
President Biden spoke energetically, eloquently, and inspirationally at the NAACP CONVENTION in Las Vegas on July 16. There he additionally addressed the issue of violence, when he emphasized, “Our politics has gotten too heated in this country. We all have the responsibility to lower the temperature and condemn violence in any form!” He added that we must remember
we are not enemies and that we are all fellow Americans. He urged, “Give hate no safe harbor!” And Biden pointed out that cooling political rhetoric does not mean he will stop telling the truth about Trump.
And just for fun, let’s look back at those extremely negative, vitriolic, and pejorative comments about DarnOld Trump that James David Vance has made in the past —before suddenly smooching the Orange Turd in a total turnaround of supreme sycophancy: “his rhetoric is abhorrence,” “an idiot,” “idiot if you voted for him,” “terrible candidate,” “unqualified,” “unfit for our nation’s highest office,” “noxious,” “I can’t stomach Trump,” “he’s leading the white working class to a very dark place,” “total fraud,” “reprehensible,” “never liked him,” “opiate of the masses,” “cultural heroin,” “cynical a-hole,” “America’s Hitler,” and that Vance was “a never-Trump guy” and would vote for Hillary Clinton rather than Trump in 2016. Sister Dana sez, “My, how Vance has now quickly eaten those words! Apparently, these days it’s okay to un-say!”
• she was a January 2019 candidate for President and in December 2019 withdrew from the 2020 Presidential Primary;
• in March 2020 she endorsed Biden for President;
• and in November 2020 she was elected United States Vice President.
If that ain’t experience —what is?
Of course, Vance began stating that the awful assassination attempt was the fault of President Joe Biden and his administration—which could not be falser. Biden has stressed over and over that violence is never the answer for America! Biden has called Vance “the perfect clone of Trump”— although J.D. is even more extreme and further right of the Donald. Note that Trump has admitted that Biden’s phone call to Trump right after the terrorist murder attempt “was very nice. He couldn’t have been nicer.” That will be the “nicest” thing we will ever hear DJT say about JRB.
President Biden and the terrible Trump kept being deadlocked in the polls. President Biden, in a nearly hour-long appearance on July 11, gave no indication then that he would consider dropping out—and made the case that the “gravity of the situation” at hand called for experience But on July 21, Biden passed the torch to his Vice President Kamala Harris. As a fellow San Franciscan, I am proud to cite her impressive résumé:
• 2004: sworn in as the SF District Attorney;
• January 2011, sworn in as California Attorney General and re-elected in November 2014;
• November 2016: she won a seat as U.S. Senator replacing Barbara Boxer and was sworn in January 2017;
At his July 21 afternoon stepping-down, Biden stated, “I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it’s been the best decision I’ve made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats—it’s time to come together and beat Trump!”
Harris immediately stated, “I am honored to have the President’s endorsement, and my intention is to earn and win this nomination.” She added, “I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party— and unite our nation—to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda.”
And after aging autocrat Trump’s boring, rambling, lying, exhausting, 93 minutes-long speech at the July 18 Convention, how dare we think Trump is a threat to any Democratic candidate?! Sister Dana sez, “Now we can stop the unnecessary nitpicking, hand-wringing, and bed-wetting about the coming November Election and Biden’s age. Kamala Harris WILL lead the overly-nervous Democratic Congress people into a Blue Victory and into saving our precious democracy!” But as we go to press, politics ain’t static. Polls rollercoaster up and down. Shift happens. Just let it be known that I have always adored Joe and Kamala!
Public libraries are under attack by Republicans who want to censor books and rewrite history. I’m so grateful for brave
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Iquity
Artist Deidre DeFranceaux and subject Sister Dana at the Minnesota Street Project Closing Nite
PHOTO BY CHRIS MICHAELSON
Sebastian Is an Intriguing Character Study of a Gay Writer
The excellent character study Sebastian, opening August 2 at the Landmark Opera Plaza, has Max (Ruaridh Mollica), a writer, secretly working as Sebastian, an escort. He is performing sex work as research for a novel he hopes to publish. Of course, his side hustle (no pun intended) distracts from his freelance work for a magazine, and it is only a matter of time before his two worlds collide.
Writer/director Mikko Makela keeps Sebastian interesting because of how Max handles the personal and professional conflicts he faces. Is he being self-destructive and feeling shame about living a double life? As he gets more involved with one particular client, is Max getting too deep into his work? Mollica’s high-wire performance blurs the lines—he is sexy and confident one minute, and full of anxiety the next.
Makela spoke with me for the San Francisco Bay Times about making Sebastian
Gary M. Kramer: There is an acknowledgement in the film that sex workers are stock characters in queer literature (and film). How did you bring a freshness to Sebastian?
Mikko Makela: It was really important for me to approach the topic of sex work in a completely nonjudgmental way— not bringing any moral question to it. Not thinking that there has to be some kind of trauma behind his decision to do sex work or that it would lead to trauma, either. That was the first important step. Then, I really wanted to look at this phenomenon of sex work facilitated by technology. In my encounters with the queer community in London, so many people I know have been involved in sex work more or less casually or professionally. It is through apps and the internet that has made it so simple for someone to cross that boundary and dip their toes into sex work. I wanted to look at that and how it has become so common for a large swath of young queer men—looking at it perhaps as another option of the gig economy in a modern metropolis. I would hope as well that the film’s other big focus on the creative process and writing is, I hope, something we haven’t really seen in a sex worker story before.
Gary M. Kramer: Max does firsthand research into sex work but lies that he has interviewed sex workers. What did your research entail and what can you say about your actors and how they performed?
Mikko Makela: I know a lot of sex workers whom I have interviewed and had discussions with. I watched documentaries and other films and read articles about it. It was important for me to make it feel very lived in and authentic. I tried to get the details right. Ruaridh, to my understanding, didn’t go through that kind of research process himself because he felt it is so much about this character’s journey as written in the script that to infuse it with information from other sources
would dilute it in some way. Of course, the big question that is implicit in the film— relating to the idea of research as well— is whether an audience’s enjoyment of the story or of a film or piece of art is predicated on the knowledge that the author or actor themselves are drawing on their own experiences. Where did they get that
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Film
Gary M. Kramer
information? That is an interesting question that I am trying to ask with the film as well.
Gary M. Kramer: There is a fantasy, a reality, and a performance in sex work, and Sebastian captures all of that brilliantly, often in a single scene. Can you discuss that layering of emotion in terms of what he has to do, what the client wants, and how he has to process it? He is constantly recalibrating his experiences.
Mikko Makela: That’s so much what I was trying to get at and capture—the idea of looking at himself from the outside as well—that participant/observer split. You question yourself: Am I doing this as Max or as Sebastian? Will he be willing to go further into a situation because he knows it will potentially lead to further material for his work? But also reversing that question: Would you live your life in a different way in order to be able to write about it, or is there a part in Max/Sebastian choosing a taboo subject in order to have the license to live it because it is for a higher purpose in a way?
Gary M. Kramer: What qualities did you imbue Max with?
Mikko Makela: I think he is full of contradictions, in his own eyes as well. He knows himself less well than he thinks he does. He has to discover things about himself. I think it comes from within him. I
wanted to use the character as a way to think about this body/mind split as well, and that is what he needs to work out for himself. He perhaps feels these two sides of himself are maybe incompatible, or he really has trouble forging them into a whole.
Gary M. Kramer: Does Max know why he is doing this? You suggest he knows himself less well. He justifies his sex work as research, but he is also combatting his loneliness and living vicariously through his clients and their experiences.
Mikko Makela: I think he has an inkling of the reasons, but it is about his feelings of shame that he wishes he didn’t feel. The difficulty for him is being able to say he is interested in doing sex work without having to tie it to an artistic pursuit. He is in this constant battle with himself, I suppose.
© 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
Super Friends NYC
SuperFriends NYC: Thank You to San Francisco Pride
This year was beyond BONGGA (Filipino slang for “fantabulous”)! Invited by the San Francisco Bay Times, Patrick and I flew to San Francisco to experience the kind of Pride celebration only the “Bay City” could put on. We arrived on Wednesday afternoon and were greeted with a cool breeze and crystal-clear skies—a fair-weather prediction of what was to come during our stay in this beautiful city. We had no idea how much fun we were in for!
SF Pride Press Reception
We were thrilled to meet Mayor London Breed, known for her commitment to the city’s diverse communities.
We were also welcomed by the energetic and charismatic Suzanne Ford, SF Pride Executive Director; Nguyen Pham, President of San Francisco Pride; Juan Davila, a legend for his fabulous and festive couture; the very adorable Nicole Adler, Grand Marshal and trailblazing advocate for developmental disabilities; and many other wonderful supporters and advocates of the community.
During the reception, perched atop the Hilton Hotel Union Square and surrounded by skyscrapers festooned with Pride flags, we heard rousing speeches of the community’s many luminaries. The message was clear: “Be proud and get ready for the time of your life!”
Divas & Drinks Pride Party
Pride icon Donna Sachet, looking illustrious as ever in her signature red dress, had just returned from a Pride Month celebration at the White House to host the event. Donna introduced me as the NYC correspondent for the San Francisco Bay Times. I got the opportunity to thank Dr. Betty and Jen and speak to everyone. The dazzling venue, the all-girl group Shake It! Booty Band, dancing, and drinking all made for an unforgettable evening. That night, everyone was a diva!
The Castro
The atmosphere in the Castro District was electric; the streets were alive with the celebratory spirit of Pride Weekend. The Castro, renowned for its rich LGBTQ+ history and culture, was decorated with rainbow flags, alive with pulsating music, and the streets were flowing with people in rainbow colors (and not to mention a lot of cute Bekis!). Two men casually eating pizza on the street in the nude reminded me, “We are
definitely in the Castro!”
It was an eye-opening evening, reflecting the unique and exuberant spirit that the Castro brings to Pride.
Launch of WELCOME!
Then there was the launch of Welcome!, a laser rainbow installation at the Ferry Building produced by Illuminate. The event was amazing with a dazzling array of colors projected across the building’s facade. Illuminate founder Ben Davis welcomed all, and State Senator Scott Wiener delivered a brief yet powerful speech that highlighted the significance of Pride and the vital role of community and inclusivity. The evening was a wonderful fusion of art, activism, and celebration, beautifully embodying the essence of the occasion.
The Parade
By Fernando Camino
enthusiastically. (I think she should rock that shiny outfit every day!).
We enjoyed the most perfect weather! We gathered at the San Francisco Bay Times’ double decker bus near Market Street with Dr. Betty, Jen, Callie, Liz, Juan, and the whole glorious Bay Times contingent. Everyone was giddy with excitement as we donned our hats and outfits, passed flags around, and got ready for the ride of our lives.
Dykes on Bikes kicked off with a bang— and roaring engines—the most inspiring congregation of sexual inclusivity imaginable: queers, trans people, lesbians, gays and bisexuals, and everyone in between and beyond—all united by pride, sexual openness, and the sheer joy of being who we are. I knew from that moment it was going to be totally BONGGA!
As the parade moved down Market Street, I mingled with marchers and chanted “Happy Pride!” with the crowds of spectators, all the while streaming live to SuperFriends across the globe.
Unlike NYC, there were no traffic interruptions, ensuring a smooth fourhour procession from start to finish. Mayor Breed, looking glamorous in her shimmering silver suit, greeted everyone
Those who came to watch the parade were just as memorable as the marchers. One group had set up a brunch table replete with cocktails. Singing and dancing, they belted out “Dancing Queen” without hesitation at my request.
I was also struck by the strong presence of Pinoys (Filipinos), which made me feel so at home. It is hard to adequately describe the exhilaration of this massive celebration—so many people, deliriously happy, all the beautiful smiles, the contagious euphoria, the powerful and moving sense of community.
Of all the Pride events I have attended in my life, the one in San Francisco—the gayest city in America!—is my favorite.
At the end, my hat, deflated and missing half of its feathers, was in shambles ... but never mind! We had a job to do: to make history and show the world how proud we are.
Thank you, San Francisco!
“San Francisco Bay Times” correspondent Fernando Camino is the host and creator of the “SuperFriends NYC” YouTube channel. https://bit.ly/46hLr1s
Photos courtesy of SuperFriends NYC
Donna Sachet with Fernando Camino at the Divas & Drinks Pride Party at The Academy
Fernando Camino with Mayor London Breed at the SF Pride Media Reception at the San Francisco Hilton
Fernando Camino with San Francisco Bay Times’ Juan R. Davila at the 2024 Pride Parade on Sunday, June 30
Carmel’s New Culinary Hits (and Misses) Bay Times Dines
The Gay Gourmet
David Landis
Every July, regular readers of this column know that we make a pilgrimage back to the magical burg of Carmelby-the-Sea. Why? Because our dear pound pups, Gaston and Alphonse, go apoplectic during the fireworks in San Francisco. Luckily, actress/singer Doris Day made Carmel one of the most dog-friendly villages in California. Even better for Gaston and Alphonse, no fireworks are allowed, period. So, we pack our bags (and our dogs), and we meander the 2 hours or so south of San Francisco to this beautiful seaside hamlet.
The natural beauty of Carmel—with its storybook cottages, miles-long and dogfriendly white sand beach, and cypress trees atop promontories overlooking secret coves—is reason enough to visit. But it’s also long been a destination for artists and artistic types. According to Wikipedia, “In 1905, the Carmel Arts and Crafts Club was formed to support and produce artistic works. After the
1906 San Francisco earthquake, the village was inundated with musicians, writers, painters, and other creatives, all arriving to the growing artists’ colony after their bayside city was utterly devastated. In 1906, The San Francisco Call devoted a full page to the ‘artists, writers, and poets at Carmel-by-the-Sea,’ and in 1910 it reported that 60 percent of Carmel’s houses were built by citizens who were ‘devoting their lives to work connected to the aesthetic arts.’”
The artistry is evident everywhere: in the architecture sporting Comstock homes with rolled eaves, through the fact that this community still doesn’t have real addresses (habitants have to go to the post office every day to retrieve their mail), and further evidenced by the fact that the township doesn’t allow street lamps, such that the night sky and its myriad of stars are markedly visible. Add to that the hundreds of galleries lining the downtown streets, offering enticing canvases depicting everything from landscapes, to abstracts, to modern realism.
The artistry doesn’t stop there. In the past decade or so, Carmel has evolved from a town of, frankly, mediocre food and restaurants. to one flaunting some of the best meals around (including a Michelin-starred entry!). That’s good news for visitors—but buyers beware. There are some great hits in Carmel, and still some misses. That’s where The Gay Gourmet comes to the rescue! Here are some of the new places to go, and some of the places you can skip.
Hits
One of the newest go-to entries is located smack-dab in the middle of Carmel Plaza
downtown. It’s called Nicolas Cocina de Herencia, a glamourous new elevated Mexican eatery. With its chandeliers and classy modern design, the restaurant has diners thinking they have stepped into one of the hottest new restaurants in Mexico City.
The menu specializes in Michoacan cuisine and mirrors the spirit of innovation, with such offerings as esquites (grilled street-style corn, off the cob, with cotija cheese in a creamy timbale-like shape); some of the most flavorful birria (meat stew) taquitos in a birria broth with fresh green salsa; yummy chicken enchiladas with poblano cream; and a tantalizing and unique birria queso fundido, with shredded instead of ground beef, flamed cheese, and handmade tortillas.
The cocktail menu is ingenious, with a Passion Mezcalita sporting a splash of fresh grapefruit, a Lychee Martini, and the expected Margarita (with silver tequila), among others. The wine list is extensive, with the local Monterey, Carmel, and California wines, but also interesting selections from Mexico as well. Adding to all this is the fact that Nicolas is dog-friendly, with an expansive outdoor patio to boot. And the service? Divine. We got our drinks within minutes, just like New York. My kind of place!
Salt Wood Kitchen and Oysterette at the Sanctuary is in an unlikely location in Marina, California (north of Monterey).
This out-of-the-way gem is helmed by two chefs whose résumé reads like a Who’s Who of culinary talents. Executive Chef Nestor Marin and Sous Chef Alex Manzo have worked at The French Laundry, Manresa, and the Post Ranch Inn , among others. And talk about dogfriendly! This restaurant has its own “Paw-tio” menu with dog treats, a smoked 24-ounce bone and dog bowls served with rice and local vegetables.
This relative newcomer (with new chefs, a sustainable and local approach, and a new menu) is a winner. We sat on the outdoor deck with a sneak peek of the ocean and firepits for those colder Monterey Bay days. Server Henry welcomed us immediately; his affable, yet knowledgeable manner let us know we were in for a treat. We started with an Italian Jermann
Pinot Grigio (dry and perfect for lunch), but the restaurant thankfully also has a full bar. Our first bites were raw Puget Sound and Baja oysters with cocktail sauce and mignonette. We followed those with the tastiest grilled Miyagi oysters. They boasted both a flavorful but not-too-spicy kimchi butter and chive sauce (reminiscent of Korean barbecue), as well as a passionfruit and jamón Ibérico (ham) accompaniment (a unique take on “land and sea”). The bread course is from nearby Otto’s Bakery, and is a sourdough and olive bread infused with Monterey seaweed (unusual, yet addictive).
Our next course was the California Caviar (white sturgeon from the Central Valley, my favorite), with toasted blinis, shallots, egg, chives, and crème fraîche—an elegant repast for whiling away a sunny afternoon. Our final course was the avocado toast with poached local eggs on Otto’s bread. Again, this main was distinctive and satisfying. All in all, this newcomer is on its way to Michelin recognition.
Cella Restaurant and Bar is a restaurant from famed chef Cal Stamenov and has been around for a while (and affiliated with Alta Bakery), but it’s new to me. It’s located in an old adobe in the historic center of Monterey. You feel like you’ve stepped into a modern, yet historic, recreation out of Steinbeck’s world. Insider’s tip: the indoor dining room is attractive; but outdoors in the midst of the old adobes and gardens is simply enchanting, like sitting in a park in Provence.
Carmel Beach
Salt Wood exterior
Bay Times Dines
Our starters included steak tartare with potato chips that was a savory and flavorful dish, with chervil, capers, and parsley; a from-the-garden salad with pistachio beemster cheese, pickled shallots, and walnut vinaigrette; and a summer salad with cauliflower, English peas, pecans, corn, and vadouvan (a type of French curry). For our mains, we had a delicious veggie risotto, complete with asparagus, morels, and English peas; scallops with succotash; and steak frites with bearnaise, accented by dill and spinach, and accompanied by duck fat potato fries. The perfect dessert was a delicate raspberry financier with white chocolate whip and almond streusel, which melted in our mouths.
Chez Noir is a must mention, as no list of great new eateries is complete without this Michelin-starred and award-winning restaurant in the heart of downtown Carmel. Chez Noir is deserving of all of its numerous accolades. The husband-and-wife team of Jonny and Monique Black are at the creative helm, and everything is first rate, from start to finish.
The modern interiors reflect the look of an upscale Parisian-inspired design, with a cozy and intimate bar where you can order à la carte. But the outdoor patio is another inviting dog-friendly spot, with heaters and a charming view of the Carmel street scene. The menu is a prix fixe one, yet the $150 charge per person is
attractive by San Francisco standards. Standouts include chilled oysters (with tomato, horseradish, and vodka), and grilled oysters (with vadouvan, tomatillo, and lime); Wagyu beef tongue salad (sounds unusual, but tasty); sweet corn triangoli (with nduja, scallion, and garlic); dry aged brandt steak with a rich duck terrine accompaniment; and a raspberry tart that is one for the ages. To top it off, we splurged on a bottle of Billecart-Salmon rosé champagne, which made for a very special occasion. Don’t miss Chez Noir—there’s nothing like it on the Coast, in Carmel, or in the Bay Area.
It’s not new, but we still love Little Napoli in downtown Carmel. The outdoor courtyard transports you to Italy, and the reliable Italian standards like pastas and pizzas are well executed in
(continued on page 30)
The Gay Gourmet for the San Francisco Bay Times, David Landis, along with Quince Chef Michael Tusk and Landis’ husband Sean Dowdall enjoyed time together at the recently remodeled Quince restaurant, where Chef Tusk took Landis and Dowdall on a personal tour of the reimagined kitchen space.
PHOTO BY EMMA K. MORRIS
Chef Jonny Black of Chez Noir
librarians who fight back against these bans! But, nevertheless, Republicans like Ron DeSantis (Duh Santis) are relentlessly attacking librarians and banning books that discuss race, LGBTQ, and women’s issues. This has got to stop! However, FABULOSA BOOKS at 489 Castro Street can order books to donate—sending to the scary red states for you.
https://www.fabulosabooks.com/
Over 200 singing members of the SAN FRANCISCO GAY MEN’S CHORUS —including HomoPhonics and The Lollipop Guild—brought their voices and passion to the 2024 GALA CHORUSES FESTIVAL in Minneapolis, Minnesota. From July 11–14 that city came alive with 200 electrifying concerts from 112 choirs, featuring LGBTQ international choruses, youth choruses, local choirs, and GALA ensembles. SFGMC closed out the conference as one of the founding GALA choruses and forbearer of the gay choral movement. Anyone could purchase a GALA Festival 2024 Streaming Pass to let the power of the music ignite their senses! https://galachoruses.org/
And congratulations to SFGMC’s Michael Tate, who was the recipient of the Heritage Award, honoring the individual who demonstrates exceptional commitment to the mission and vision of GALA Choruses, Inc. The Heritage Award recipient has had a meaningful impact on the direction and future of GALA Choruses, is a notable leader, and is recognized by peers and colleagues as a person of strong moral character, generosity, dignity, and vision. Sister Dana sez, “I have known Michael through decades of covering SFGMC, and he is also lovable and hilarious!”
Excellent news: THE SAFETY ACT has been signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom . Governor Newsom has demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the LGBTQ community by signing this critical bill into law. With this landmark legislation, California will strengthen protections for LGBTQ youth in schools, protect educators who create safe and affirming classrooms, and provide resources for LGBTQ youth and their families to have conversations about identity on their own terms and at their own pace. Gratitude goes to Assemblymember Chris Ward for introducing this bill, to the Legislative LGBTQ Caucus for their leadership, and to other legislative allies and coalition partners who lined up to show their support. LGBTQ youth across our state can now breathe a sigh of relief knowing that they’re protected from being forcibly outed without their consent.
Judge (if we can even call her such) Aileen Cannon has DISMISSED the entire Classified Documents case to SAVE Trump’s orange ass from jail. Trump MUST face consequences, and we can’t let his MAGA cronies like Cannon break the rules and bend the truth to prop him up any longer. MSNBC-TV’s Lawrence O’Donnell has warned us that Trump could reward Cannon with a spot on the Supreme Court if he wins in November. It would be a DISASTER! Sister Dana sez, “She should be disbarred! Fire the Cannon! Boom!”
It is good news that President Biden is finally weighing the possibility of some major Supreme Court reforms. These include term limits for justices, expansion, and an enforceable Code of Ethics. U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez had already introduced “Articles of Impeachment” on July 10 against U.S. Supreme Court Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito. And before that, she and Representative Jamie Raskin had introduced the “High Court Gift Ban Act” to prohibit Supreme Court justices from receiving gifts valued at more than $50, marking a significant step towards restoring faith and integrity in the embattled Roberts Court. Sister Dana sez, “Throw all the bums out— except the three true Justice Women (Elena Kagan, Sonia Sotomayor, Ketanji Brown Jackson) who continue to fight for democracy and against MAGA autocracy! They are SUPREME; the other six are INFERIOR!”
The SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES and THE ACADEMY invite you to DIVAS & DRINKS at The Academy for A Beacon of Love for SF PRIDE and a PARIS SUMMER OLYMPICS Watch Party on July 26, 6–10pm, 2166 Market Street (between Sanchez and Church Streets). With Mayor Breed and other officials, we will cheer Olympians and San Francisco PRIDE leadership, since their staff and volunteers achieved a feat that is perhaps even more challenging than winning Olympic Gold: a well-attended, peaceful yet joyous “2024 Pride Parade and Festival”! THE SAN FRANCISCO PRIDE BAND and CHEER SF will help celebrate SF Pride leaders and volunteers along with we who support the San Francisco Bay Times Emcee Donna Sachet will kick off the evening that will also include a performance by 2024 Pride Grand Marshal and American Idol star Tory Teasley and an after-party led by iHeartRadio star DJ Christie James https://www.academy-sf.com/
This year’s SAN FRANCISCO PRIDE PARADE AND CELEBRATION was certainly a success! As SF Pride Board President Nguyen Pham said, “We all should be proud of what we achieved this past Pride week, including our successful SF Pride weekend. Our tireless staff deserve particular flowers on a job supremely well done.” Their work at Pride continues as does the celebrating of The Beacon of Love! So join them at their APPRECIATION PARTY on June 27, 1–4 pm at the SF Eagle, 398 12th Street, as they honor their volunteers and award the prize for “Best Theme Contingent” in the parade. In the running for that prize are Glide Memorial Church, Free Mom Hugs, United in Spirit, PFLAG, and Swords to Plowshares. Also visit their website to view extraordinary photo galleries from their Official Photographer Program. https://sfpride.org/
Sister Dana sez, “OLYMPICS coverage begins July 26. But why am I recalling that terrible time in 1982 when we wanted to have our proud GAY OLYMPICS—but got sued and forced to rename it to GAY GAMES?!”
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LANDIS (continued from pg 29)
a neighborhood eatery that doesn’t break the bank.
Misses
The newish Foray restaurant in the Stillwell Hotel I would call a work in progress. It shows great promise, but several of our dishes were over salted and we had to send them back. The design is beautiful and inviting. I’d give them another chance, but also give them time to iron out a few issues.
Also, we have always loved Lucia at the Bernardus Lodge in Carmel Valley. The sunny setting is picture-perfect, and the temperature is always at least 10 degrees warmer than Carmel-by-theSea. Most of our meal was very good: fresh Beausoleil oysters, a tasty, homemade mushroom soup, and the chef’s own homemade chili. But one of the true tests of any restaurant is if they can make a proper burger. We ordered ours medium rare, and it came out medium well— and although we ordered it with cheese, it arrived cheese-free. It’s hopefully a one-off thing, and I’d return because I wish this restaurant the best.
Bits and Bites
Back to real hits, Little Original Joe’s (LOJ) on Chestnut at Scott has been a super hit from day one. There’s good reason. The menu offers a streamlined version of Original Joe’s in North Beach and is tailor made for the neighborhood: a full bar, pastas, salads, specialty pizzas, and a few of the classics like chicken parmigiana. We started with a phenomenal Negroni and their house made black cherry spritz; both were excellent.
We split the light and tender beef carpaccio, which was some of the best anywhere in the city. Our second course was “Nancy’s Caprese,” a salad with tomatoes and mozzarella with fresh basil. LOJ’s does what so many restaurants should do: roast the tomatoes!
Our main was the Casarecce pasta accompanied by a spicy sausage ragù, with just the right amount of heat, and topped uniquely with a fennel pollen. The service?
As at any Original Joe’s restaurant, it’s always impeccable, friendly, welcoming, and well-informed. The restaurant doesn’t offer reservations yet, so go early—or wait until it’s on Open Table.
Wayfare Tavern is smart to offer Burger Fridays —and they are a deal. The “Tavern Burger” is topped with Marin brie, and it’s moist and flavorful. Plus, you get a martini (or draft beer), all for the affordable price of $29! You can sit inside in the club-like room with private booths, but they also have a few outdoor tables on Sacramento Street as well. Go now; they’ll be moving to another nearby location soon.
The Gay Gourmet recently sampled a few liquors that are among my favorites: longtime fave Amaro Montenegro has been at the top of my list of tastiest Amaros: it’s made from 40 botanicals and its deep, concentrated flavors are mellow with a delightful aftertaste. It’s been described as “sweeter and fruitier than most bottlings,
braced up by mild bitterness. The flavor profile is like a citrus-tinged sarsaparilla.”
New to me is Singani 63, a Bolivian brandy, which is floral yet fruity with notes of white pepper and caramel as well. A colleague says it’s best to try it neat to fully appreciate all the aromatics; but he also suggests mixing a “Singroni”: equal parts Singani 63, sweet vermouth, and Aperol. It’s a perfect summertime cocktail! Junipero Smoked Rosemary Gin is locally made Junipero Gin, which launched the “birth of American craft gin” in 1996. This new flavor has “a strong juniper core, supported by soft campfire smoke. It has a big structure of juniper and bright citrus notes, with a balance of soft, smokey herbal complexity.” As a gin afficionado, I’m a bit of a purist. But I always like to challenge my palate. Junipero’s new flavor adds rosemary and Lapsang Tea, and pushes me to continue to evolve my approach to gin.
Chef Kathy Fang of FANG restaurant has now partnered with Ritual Coffee and Smitten Ice Cream to offer some interesting, new menu items. This is yet another reason to return to her delicious modern Chinese eatery.
Graton Resort & Casino is celebrating summer with the opening of its latest music venue, B-Side Lounge. Located within Bistro 101, this new space features live entertainment, weekend DJs, Sunday brunch parties, and more. B-Side Lounge offers an electrifying atmosphere with a wide range of music, both old, and new. The space features a glamorous full bar, premium lounge seating, and a lively dance floor. The menu offers a selection of local craft beers on tap and specialty cocktails, as well as nonalcoholic drinks.
Nicolas Cocina de Herencia: https://bit.ly/46idH48 Salt Wood Kitchen and Oysterette: https://bit.ly/3yirOK3 Cella Restaurant and Bar: https://www.cellarestaurant.com/ Chez Noir: https://www.cheznoircarmel.com/ Little Napoli: https://bit.ly/4de58JP Foray: https://www.forayrestaurant.com/ Lucia Restaurant and Bar at Bernardus Lodge & Spa: https://tinyurl.com/566h24ff Wayfare Tavern: https://www.wayfaretavern.com/ Amaro Montenegro: https://amaromontenegro.us/ Singani 63: https://bit.ly/4fbZxWd Junipero Gin: https://juniperogin.com/ FANG Restaurant: https://www.fangrestaurant.com/ Graton Resort & Casino: https://www.gratonresortcasino.com/ David Landis, aka “The Gay Gourmet,” is a foodie, a freelance writer, and a retired PR maven. Follow him on Instagram @GayGourmetSF or email him at: davidlandissf@gmail.com Or visit him online at: www.gaygourmetsf.com
JAN WAHL (continued from pg 21)
rarest commodity was a woman, especially one setting out to keep a man warm, if only for a half hour. Morgan introduces us to the gold rush demimonde—the underworld of prostitutes, dancehall girls, and entertainers.
Leaving behind hometowns and constraints of the post Victorian era, the “good time gals” crossed geographic and social frontiers, finding both independence and hardship. History has ignored these women, and I am grateful to Morgan for her research and fascinating writing about them. The common traits she found with this vast array of women from different classes, ethnic groups, and backgrounds were stamina and courage. Women in the states then were fighting for rights and sometimes contesting the double standard, opting to get away from a life dictated to them to the wild North.
But why not just go to Alaska and get married? Men were desperate and able to afford this. Yet these women, often intent on profit, were looking for gold themselves. (Keep in mind that wives then had to file in their husband’s names.) They all had a major sense of adventure. A few opted out for the hotel trade, laundry services, and restaurants. But Morgan gives us the good time girls, and you will love reading about them.
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
Round About - All Over Town
Photos by Rink
San Francisco Bay Times lead photographer Rink regularly adds to his collection of images from events, shops, and more at locations in the Castro and other neighborhoods throughout San Francisco. He recently enjoyed performers participating in the second year of the Summer of Music program that takes place in six neighborhoods throughout the city through September. The program is a partnership of the Civic Joy Fund and Noise Pop. Check for upcoming dates on the schedule: https://bit.ly/4cOFlZ6
Twin Peaks Tavern, 401 Castro Street
Cliff’s Variety, 479 Castro Street
Welcome Castro, 525 Castro Street
Bastille Day Party, Bernal Heights
Santa Skivvies Run/Walk Benefit Kickoff Party at Lookout
Santa Skivvies Run/Walk Benefit Kickoff Party at Lookout, 3600 16th Street
Cliff’s Variety, 479 Castro Street - Rainbow Bag
Sisters Coffee Shop, 506 Castro Street
Rainbow Flag Folding Party 2024
Photos courtesy of Gary Virginia
A team of volunteers, including Joanie Juster of the San Francisco Bay Times and photographer Bill Wilson, gathers each year in July to carefully fold and store San Francisco Pride’s rainbow flags that fly throughout June. In addition to sharing refreshments and conversation, volunteers have the opportunity to learn more about the history of the Rainbow Flag and how its origins are connected to the annual celebration of Pride Month.
STREET CAM
http://sfbaytimes.com/
Pismo A-Frame Portable Beach Tent
For an easy to set up sun shade that lets the breeze flow through, the Pismo A-Frame Portable Beach Tent is an ideal choice.
$120.99
Tarana Backpack Cooler
An insulated cooler backpack is pretty cool, but a cooler backpack made out of 14 recycled water bottles? That’s the Tarana Backpack Cooler, and it’s sustainably cool, which is even better!
$74.99
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/
“The
“24–26
Michael Chua
“The dates for the Las Vegas Imperial Coronation and hotel rates”
compiled by Rink
Bobbi Doll
“How to make eggplant parm”
Jokie X. Wilson
“The FAQ for the Mossword Meltdown 2024 event in Oakland!”
JP Soto
inch luggage—a dilemma? Hard or soft? Not decided yet”
Linda Summers
Imperial Court titles and how they originated”
4th Annual Tenderloin Love & Pride
Wearing his signature multi-colored wings, San Francisco Bay Times volunteer coordinator and artist Juan R. Davila represented the Bay Times on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at the 4th Annual Tenderloin Love & Pride event.
Held along Larkin Street between O’Farrell and Ellis, known as “Little Saigon,” the festival drew a large crowd of participants and included local vendors and community information resources, two free food booths, rapid HIV and HEP C testing, live drag performances, and multiple DJs
The festival is hosted by Tenderloin Pride and the Tenderloin Merchants Association with support from the SF Department of Public Health’s Stop the Hate project, Trans Thrive, The San Francisco Community Health Center, and The Lotus Project for API queer men and transgender women sponsored by the UCSF Alliance Health Project.
Photos courtesy of Juan R. Davila
