By Sister Van Iquity
Sister Dana sez, “Indiana Governor Mike Pence has a long history of threatening queer rights. His despicable record has not only relegated LGBTQ people to second-class status, but has also put their lives at risk. Over his career, Pence has opposed hate crimes legislation, attempted to divert HIV funding to be used for conversion therapy, written anti-LGBTQ discrimination into state law, opposed marriage equality, attacked LGBTQ families and more. Remember: this vice president candidate could be second in line for the presidency. Yikes! “
CASTRO STREET FAIR this year was slightly smaller and easier to get around, especially since organizers had the booths facing inward—allowing better pedestrian flow on the surrounding sidewalks. The Fair’s Information and Merchandise booth was conveniently located near the intersection of Market and Castro Streets, where people could pick up the official program and buy a limited-edition t-shirt of this year’s and past Fairs. This year there were fewer booths offering information about LGBTQ/HIV-AIDS organizations, and even fewer games booths. Entertainment was superior—starting with the San Francisco Lesbian Gay Freedom Band setting the tone of pride and joy, DJ Rose Gold, Fun Home by Curran Theater, rockin’ Adonisaurus, Cheer SF with amazing acrobatics in the streets, queer punk band Bitch Please, DJ Jim Hopkins, The Monster Show with fabulous drag queens, Above and Beyond the Valley of the Ultra Showgirls with rock musical DQs, feminists Vollmer, DJ Juan Garcia, Transcendent reality TV star Simone Gemini, DJ Markus, Prince tribute band The Purple Ones, DJMC2, DJ Adam Kraft, and synthesizing trio Beautiful Machines.
Sister Dana sez, “The Will & Grace cast have reunited ten years after the show’s finale for a new scene about the presidential election. Will and Grace are understandably mortified that Trump is the Republican nominee for president (which filthy rich Karen loves), Jack is an ‘unemployed, uneducated angry white man’ who is registered to vote in Pennsylvania, and convinced to vote for the right candidate in the end. And Rosario, as usual, has the last laugh.” Check it out at towleroad.com/2016/09/will-grace-reunion
CASTRO COMMUNITY ONPATROL (CCOP) celebrated their 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY at Espressamente Illy Café. Ten years ago in October of 2006 the leather community, CCOP founder Carlton Paul, San Francisco Safety Awareness for Everyone, SFPD Mission Station, and then Supervisor Bevan Dufty all came together to address serious safety concerns within the Castro and surrounding neighborhoods, and CCOP was born. Orange became the new fashion statement for late night attire, and they successfully trained 150 volunteers within the first few months of their creation. Against all the odds with respect to an organization established in response to a “crime wave,” CCOP remains active and arguably more effective ten years later as they moved quickly from an initial reactionary model to their current preventive and educational model.
Greg Carey was emcee for the event. Ken Craig presented an award to Senator Mark Leno, and Senator Leno presented a Certificate of Recognition to CCOP, remarking about the uniform colors, “Orange is the new black for CCOP.” Leno also presented a certificate to Ken Craig. San Francisco SAFE presented an award to CCOP. Founder Awards were given to Carlton Paul, Supervisor Scott Wiener, and Ken Craig. Community Pillar Awards were given to Leno, Wiener, District Attorney George Gascon, and Chief Greg Suhr (Retired). Community Guardian Awards were presented to San Francisco Safety Awareness for Everyone , Ptlr. Neil Fullagar, (C.G.) for 15 Patrols YTD, and Cpt. D. Perea, SFPD. Patroller of the Year Award for 26 Patrols YTD went to SPtlr. Kyle Wong, S.O. (C.S.G.). SPtlr. Alexander Upchurch, (C.S.G.) received a Certificate of Appreciation for 22 Patrols YTD).
“ERASED: BABI YAR, THE SS, AND ME” was a stirring dramatic Jewish memoir with song performed at the Marsh in San Francisco. The inspirational piece was written by Corey Weinstein, directed by Maya De La Rosa-Cohen, and starred Saralie Pennington, Tom Herz, and Weinstein in a truly poignant performance. The play was dedicated to the memory of Lazlo Frankovitz, born on January 10, 1944, in northwestern Romania to Rifka and Oskar. He died at Birkenau in the Auschwitz concentration camp before his first birthday.
“TUBULAR INSIGHTS: REFLECTIONS FROM THE RABBIT HOLE” was an Art Opening for artist DAMON MCLAY. In this show, curiosity leads way to awe-inspiring, vibrant photographs using cylindrical reflections to create astonishing beauty from everyday objects. These will be on display all through October at Strut in the SF AIDS Foundation building, 470 Castro Street. For the past 12 years Magnet (now Strut), has been exhibiting the works of a local Gay or Queer artist once a month. Come for the art, the light snacks, and free wine and refreshments. Artist’s Statement: “This collection is about … embracing the possibility that with a slight shift of perspective the commonplace can become extraordinary. While these complex textures and colors may not feel familiar, they are, in fact, things you see every day. It’s within these moments that we can realize astonishing beauty that’s just waiting to be discovered.” It is the artist’s reflections of cylinders, pipes, and tubes—in the medium of dazzling 3-D photographic prints on aluminum. My personal faves were “Q,” which I interpret as “queer” with the letter in rainbow stripes, and the series of four “Duboce Park” representations in lush green colors of the park. damonmclay.com
SISTER DANA SEZ, “THERE’S NO DEBATE ABOUT IT, YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT THESE UPCOMING EVENTS!”
CASTRO STREET ARTSAVESLIVES Studio and Gallery presents LOCAL SAN FRANCISCO ARTISTS ON DISPLAY on October 14, 6–9 pm at the studio, 518 Castro Street. Artist/host THOMASINA DEMAIO is exhibiting amazing pieces by these artists: Gary Rocchio, Joseph Johnston, J B Higgins, Dale Wittig, Frank Pietronigro, Celia V Beatts, Joel Hoyer, Patrick Bear, James Windsor, Jack Stelneki, Bonita Cohen, and DeMaio. Live entertainment will be emceed by the fabulous comic MARGA GOMEZ. There will be free food, wine, and beer—as usual. This is always a delightful evening!
“LIVING HISTORY” is the GLBT HISTORICAL SOCIETY GALA on Saturday, October 15, 6–9 pm in the Green Room at the War Memorial, 401 Van Ness Avenue. The 2016 GLBT Historical Society Gala promises to be their biggest and most fabulous yet. Hosted by HONEY MAHOGANY of RuPaul’s Drag Race, and featuring performance artist Dia Dear, the formal dinner and silent auction will be filled with entertainment and fun inspired by LGBTQ history. Festive attire is encouraged. Your support ensures that the GLBT Historical Society will continue preserving and presenting LGBTQ history through their archives and museum, so they can grow their collection of important historical materials, showcase them in the museum, and preserve them for the benefit of future generations. You’ll also help the society as they plan for a new, world-class museum in San Francisco. glbthistory.org
HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN announces Saturday, October 22, is the 32nd Annual HRC SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA GALA DINNER & SILENT AUCTION held at the Westin St Francis Hotel on Union Square. Hundreds of the Bay Area’s most influential citizens will gather at this event to celebrate the strides HRC has made toward achieving equality for our community this past year, while preparing for the work ahead. sfhrcgala.org
THRILLPEDDLERS presents “SHOCKTOBERFEST 17: PYRAMID OF FREAKS,” the17th Annual Extravaganza of Terror & Titillation, now through November 19—Thursdays, Fridays, Saturday, 8 pm at The Hypnodrome, 575 10th Street. Limited Engagement—Only 22 performances! Plus 2 Special Halloween performances (both 8 pm): Sunday, October 30, and Monday, October 31, Halloween Night. This annual festival of Grand Guignol horror theatre and black comedies includes a scary lights-out spook show finale. Horrors! hypnodrome.org
TRANSGENDER LAW CENTER will celebrate 14 years of igniting change in the law, policy, and cultural climate so that people of all gender identities and expressions can live safely, authentically, and free from discrimination. At their annual gala, SPARK!, TLC will honor Slack Technologies for their visible support of trans advocacy and leadership in the Bay Area tech sector; The Porters, who are a fierce family of advocates for trans and queer youth; and a pioneer and “champion of change” for the transgender community, Ms. Dee Dee Ngozi Chamblee. The party is on October 20, with 6 pm Reception, 7 pm Awards Ceremony and Program at Julia Morgan Ballroom, 465 California Street. transgenderlawcenter.org/spark
THE QUEENS OF THE CASTRO presents “HIGH SCHOOL IS A DRAG 4,” a yearly drag show benefiting LGBTQ+ youth. For over 4 years, QOC has set the stage on fire by bringing together drag talent to entertain and educate attendees on the importance and significance of drag. This year they return with an emphasis on drag within our San Francisco community with performances featuring local talent. This year’s theme is “Power Ballot/Highlights in LGBTQ+ history and politics.” Saturday, October 22, 7:30–10:30 pm, Mission High School, 3750 18th Street. Hosted by Sister Roma & BeBe Sweetbriar. queensofthecastro.com
Fresh from their success promoting Absolutely Fabulous the Movie, the company of ROYAL BRITISH COMEDY THEATRE presents “ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS: SEASON 3!” Oct. 27–November 19 at Exit Theatre, 156 Eddy Street. Starring: Terrence McLaughlin as Edina, ZsaZsa Lufthansa as Patsy, Lisa Appleyard as Justin & Christopher, Dene Larson as Saffy, Ryan Engstrom as Gran, and Raya Light as Bubble. With: Nick Leonard, Ginorma Desmond, Steven Sparrow, Lisa Darter, and Hilda Roe. Do not miss this deliciously wicked live interpretation of two classic TV AbFab faves, “Sex” and “Small Opening.” If you pass this up, so sad, it’s “squish squish, sweetiedarling! rbct.us
“NOCHE DE AMBIENTE” opens on Friday, October 28, at the GLBT HISTORY MUSEUM with a public reception set for 7 to 9 pm, 4127 18th Street. For decades, Spanish speakers in many parts of the Western Hemisphere have recognized the word “ambiente”—literally meaning “atmosphere” or “environment”—as a coded reference. Queer Latinas and Latinos have used the word to identify themselves, their distinctive cultures, and their spirit of resistance. The show at the museum opens a window into the meanings of “ambiente” as reflected in Latinx drag performance and LGBTQ and AIDS activism in San Francisco from the 1970s into the 1990s. The curators will make brief remarks to inaugurate the show. Wine and light refreshments will be served. Admission is $5; free for members. The exhibition will be on display in the museum’s Front Gallery through February 2017. Muy bueno!
glbthistorymuseum.org
“CASTRO CREEPY CRAWL – A HALLOWEEN MARCH AGAINST EVICTIONS” is Saturday, October 29, 1 pm in Harvey Milk Plaza. Just in time for Halloween, this spooky event reflects the specter of evictions haunting San Francisco! Join #AntiEvictionQueers in a Halloween march around the Castro to cast spells and exorcise the ghoulish spirits of greed evictions. Come dressed as your “favorite” leachy landlords, creepy politicians, rabid realtors, and spooky speculators! The #CastroCreepyCrawl will haunt them!
PROJECT INFORM is proud to announce their annual event, “EVENING OF HOPE – A NIGHT OF LIFESAVING FASHION,” on Saturday, October 29, 7 to 9 pm, 401 Van Ness Avenue. This wonderful event will take place at San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center in the stunning Green Room—decorated as a beautiful atelier! At the event, you can enjoy delicious food and drinks on the balcony, listen to music by Jason Brock and DJ Christopher B, attend the exciting live auction of distinctive experiences and destinations, and, of course, enjoy the fashion presentation of designers showcasing their one-of-a-kind condom couture! Most importantly, all proceeds from the event go to fight HIV and hepatitis C in the U.S. Project Inform is a national nonprofit that supports thousands of individuals and families each year. Come and help create the next generation without HIV and hepatitis C! projectinform.org
Sister Dana sez, “The good thing about Fleet Week was the sexy sailors. The bad thing? Those way too frequent, excessively loud jet planes made me feel I was trapped in a war zone!”
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