By Sister Dana Van Iquity–
Sister Dana sez, “What will it finally take for the Repugnicans to dump Trump? World War III? God forbid!!!”
THE GLBT HISTORICAL MUSEUM held a special opening reception at their museum in the Castro for their newest exhibition, OUT/LOOK & the Birth of the Queer. “OUT/LOOK & the Birth of the Queer” explores the story of OUT/LOOK, a groundbreaking national queer quarterly published in San Francisco from 1988 to 1992. Embracing gender and racial diversity and bridging academic and community perspectives, the magazine developed an avid readership. The show and its associated programs, publication, and website are designed to spark intergenerational conversations about the legacy of OUT/LOOK and its era. Curated by E.G. Crichton, the exhibit features new works by 38 culture-makers, each asked to find inspiration in one of the 17 issues of the magazine. This diverse group includes writers, visual artists, performers, curators, activists and representatives of two organizations, all belonging to the two generations of queers who have grown up since the five-year lifespan of the magazine. “The last issue of OUT/LOOK was published 25 years ago, yet people still tell me they miss it,” Crichton said. “Members of younger generations I speak to—including the participants in this project—express surprise that we were already wrangling back then with intersectional identities, marriage equality, the politics of respectability, who decides our tactics for resistance, and other contemporary concerns.” Some of my favorite magazine headlines: “Summer of 1991: Art Against AIDS;” “Tom of Finland: the Gay Norman Rockwell;” “Lesbian Separatism;” “Legalizing Gay Marriage: a Must of a Bust?” and “Jody Foster Hugged Me.” The exhibition runs now through January 29, 2018, at the GLBT History Museum, 4127 18th Street and Castro.
HORIZONS FOUNDATION held its ANNUAL GALA DINNER & AFTER PARTY at the Fairmont Hotel as an evening of celebrating our fabulous community and honoring those whose significant contributions have helped us achieve so much progress in the LGBTQ movement. Board Chair of Horizons Richard Davis-Lowell welcomed everyone after an opening performance by The Singing Bois. The Leadership Award was presented to The Transgender Law Center, the Bay Area civil rights organization that advocates for transgender communities. The Visionary Award was presented to Cleve Jones by Roma Guy, longtime activist and old friend of Jones. He joined the gay liberation movement in the early ’70s—mentored by pioneer LGBT activist Harvey Milk. Jones’ latest achievement was authoring his memoir, When We Rise, which was then turned into the ABC TV miniseries. He was most recently one of the driving forces behind “No Hate SF,” a rally and fundraiser created in response to white nationalist demonstrations in the Bay Area. Horizons’ President Roger Doughty spoke of how the organization has joined with other vulnerable communities “to resist the drive to take this country backward.”
Wednesday, October 11, was NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY (NCOD) and was coincidentally the birthday of our beloved aforementioned veteran activist Cleve Jones. Three of us Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence with Cleve and Rainbow World Fund helped to host a bar crawl fundraiser for hurricane relief. It kicked off at the MIX in the Castro and travelled to other Castro bars. We worked for six hours shaking our buckets to receive truly generous donations from very caring customers.
Sister Dana sez, “It’s official. We are living in a kakistocracy, which is a system of government that is run by the worst, least qualified, most unscrupulous citizens!”
POSITIVE RESOURCE CENTER (PRC) presented their fundraiser, MIGHTY REAL GALA at the Four Seasons Hotel. This year marked PRC’s 30th anniversary, a major milestone in their history. They commemorated this achievement as they merged with two other nonprofits, AIDS EMERGENCY FUND and BAKER PLACES, to form a new $20 million integrated service agency for critical HIV/AIDS, mental health, and substance use services and programs—all of which was elaborated upon by PRC Board President Kent Roger and PRC Chief Executive Officer Brett Andrews. Among their Honorary Hosts were San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, House Democratic Leader, and Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom. Award honorees included Project Open Hand Former Executive Director Tom Nolan, biopharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences, Inc., and star of the original Dreamgirls and founder of the D.I.V.A. Foundation, Sheryl Lee Ralph. The D.I.V.A., Divinely Inspired Victoriously Aware, Foundation is a national nonprofit charitable organization founded by actress and honored AIDS activist Ralph in 1990 as a memorial to the many friends she lost to HIV/AIDS. The foundation stems from her deep concern for the lack of attention given to AIDS in the early years, and its potential to become a health risk not only for men, but also for women and children. After dinner, PRC hosted a festive after-party with music by DJ Lamont and dancing until midnight.
May I say congratulations to the new Mr. Gay San Francisco 2017–2018 Cesar Ayala and Miss Gay San Francisco 2017–2018 Ruby Red Munro!
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all. The 33rd Annual HRC yearly fundraiser, BAY AREA GALA DINNER & SILENT AUCTION, was held at the Westin St. Francis Hotel. Nearly 1,000 of the Bay Area’s most influential citizens gathered 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 in the year to come. The SF Bay Area chapter of HRC was proud to present the admirable winners of three local awards. Lyft received the HRC Corporate Equality Award for their exceptional commitment to equality for the LGBTQ community. The HRC Visibility Award was given to Billy Eichner, proudly open actor, comedian, and writer, a multifaceted force to be reckoned with. Eichner can currently be seen in a recurring role on the seventh season of Ryan Murphy’s FX anthology series, American Horror Story: Cult. Eichner stars alongside Sarah Paulson and Evan Peters, and has received rave reviews for his performance. The Ally for Equality Award was presented to Jeffery Wright, Tony, Emmy, AFI, and Golden Globe Award-winning actor who has enjoyed an illustrious career that has spanned the worlds of theatre, film, and television. Wright will soon be seen playing Bernard Lowe, in HBO’s reimagining of Michael Crichton’s 1973 film Westworld. The Charles M. Holmes Community Service Award was given to Linda Scaparotti, a stalwart advocate and strong voice for our community. As a Former HRC Board of Directors member, lifelong LGBTQ activist, and attorney for the community, she has been a tireless activist in the fight for equality. She is an energetic, visible leader for several LGBTQ organizations in the Bay Area including NCLR, Equality California, Horizons Foundation, Bay Area Lawyers for Individual Freedom, Spectrum Center, Our Family Coalition, and Open House. The whole wonderful evening turned into a rousing anti-Trump rally—including the president. Since joining HRC as president in 2012, Chad Griffin has steered the organization into an exciting new era in the fight for equality. From spearheading record-breaking investment in the 2012 elections that enabled unprecedented victories from coast to coast, to historic advocacy around the Supreme Court’s rulings striking down Proposition 8 and the Defense of Marriage Act in June of 2013, Griffin has brought renewed passion and energy to a fight that is inspiring Americans—LGBTQ and straight—all around the country.
Syesha Mercado provided live entertainment singing “We Will Rise,” which was also the theme of the evening. Syesha ended the 7th season of American Idol as second runner-up (and the last female standing), creating many memorable moments, like her stirring rendition of the classic “A Change Is Gonna Come.” She has been touring the U.S. and Japan in Dreamgirls in the role of Deena Jones since the newly conceived production of the stage musical opened at the Apollo Theater in Harlem in November 2009. There were dual after-parties on the Westin’s 32nd floor.
Sister Dana sez, “It would be awfully scary and spooky if you didn’t go to at least one of these pre-Halloween events!”
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER: LIVE! is playing (and slaying) live at the Oasis. In every generation, there is a chosen one. She alone will stand against the vampires, the demons, and the forces of darkness. She is the slayer and will strike a blow for laughter. D’Arcy Drollinger presents the drag send-up of the beloved sci-fi television series, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which was known for its groundbreaking themes and smart quips. D’Arcy’s direction is superb—especially with the beautifully choreographed fight scenes with sound effects. The cast is stellar and appropriately campy. With admission, you even get a free set of vampire teeth to be used for your safety at one point in the show. Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, now through Halloween, October 31. Stake it out! sfoasis.com
Join AHP (UCSF ALLIANCE HEALTH PROJECT) staff and volunteers on Friday, October 20, for the 21st annual ART FOR AIDS, starting at 6 pm at the City View at Metreon. Energetic bidding ensures that our HIV and LGBTQ community members, particularly those at greatest risk, can benefit from AHP’s behavioral and mental health care.
Saturday, October 21, from 7–10 pm, COMFORT & JOY will be bringing some radical queer fashion realness into the heart f the Castro with FREAK CHIC at the ArtSavesLives Gallery at 518 Castro. This one-of-a-kind fashion show will feature jaw-dropping, fabulously freaky looks by Bryce Rider, Bruce Beaudette, Jacob Perkins and Salamander, as well as divine dance and drag performances by Larissa and Llano, in a safe, inclusive space freed from constraints. Comfort & Joy is delighted to offer you this free event to help support local queer designers, spark inspiration, and share community, while you mix and mingle with classy refreshments.
Presenting the 2nd Annual MR. INTERNATIONAL FREEDOM CONTEST! This playful event celebrates international men as it benefits THE LGBT ASYLUM PROJECT, the nonprofit organization that provides pro-bono legal representation for LGBT immigrants who are fleeing persecution and seeking asylum in the United States. This year’s international contestants will represent Russia, China, Uganda, Morocco, Mexico, and the United States. Hosted by San Francisco nightlife legends Donna Sachet and Cip Cipriano, the event will be held on Sunday, October 22, from 7–11 pm at DNA Lounge, 375 11th Street. It will feature a musical performance by Russian pop singer and successful asylum seeker Igor Chudak, and an exotic dance by last year’s Mr. Colombia, Juliano Wade. San Francisco drag legend Juanita More will be presented with the first ever Person of the Year Award, in honor of her efforts that raised more than $38,000 for The LGBT Asylum Project this year. cipsf.org
Jason Brock presents his second annual HALLOWEEN SHOW! He’ll be singing songs that everyone associates with Halloween like “Thriller,” “Monster Mash,” Ursula the Sea Witch’s “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” and an original song that Jason wrote just for this show, “As Long as Halloween’s with You.” Esteemed composer/performer Dee Spencer will be playing piano, and the talented duo, the Coker Sisters will be guest vocalists. Martuni’s, 4 Valencia Street, October 25, 28, 29, 7 pm. jasonbrockvocals.com
Carve out some time to join Senator Scott Wiener, Supervisor Jeff Sheehy, President of the San Francisco Board of Education Shamann Walton, the San Francisco Parent PAC, and celebrity Drag Queen judges Mercedez Munro and BeBe Sweetbriar for a PUMPKIN CARVING CONTEST. The first 100 RSVPs will receive a pumpkin to carve. Saturday, October 28, 11 am–2 pm, Noe Valley Courts, 24th Street.
eventbrite.com/e/senator-scott-wieners-pumpkin-carving-contest-tickets
Sister Dana sez, “Hey, Trump, maybe you’re not smart enough to know that an IQ test stands for Intelligence Quotient—not Idiot Quality—the latter of which gives you extremely high marks!”
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