By Sister Dana Van Iquity–
Sister Dana sez, “Terrifying Trump actually said regarding news reporters, ‘Just remember, what you’re seeing and what you’re reading is not what’s happening.’ Could he BE more fascistic?! Mussolini is cheering from his grave.”
Sister Dana sez, “But thank you, Ivanka, for sort of disagreeing with Daddy T that the media is not the enemy of the people. What a brave stand to take?”
So UP YOUR ALLEY FAIR happened on Sunday, July 29, 11 am to 6 pm on Dore Alley between Howard and Folsom, continuing on Folsom from 9th to Juniper and the adjoining block of 10th Street. And if rubber, sportswear, biker gear, skinheads, punks, or any variety of built, hairy men turned you on, then UYAF2018 had it! Located in front of the legendary Powerhouse bar, more than 15,000 fellow leather and fetish enthusiasts enjoyed participating in, or just watching, BDSM play at over 50 adult vendor spaces! But that event was only a “dress rehearsal” for the much bigger and badder FOLSOM STREET FAIR on September 30, same time but much larger perimeter. Hopefully the organizers will give back the usual authority of The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence instead of cutting back on our duties. Big mistake.
THE RED & ORANGE HOUSE (ROH) FOUNDATION, a nonprofit organization that believes in the power of art-making as medicine, presented AGAIN! AGE, SURVIVE AND THRIVE: Poems Created by Long-Term Survivors with HIV/AIDS (and those affected by the epidemic in San Francisco). This was a multimedia event at the SHANTI HQ in the Mission on July 26. It was poetry and visual artworks that honored the past, present, and future of these courageous BODYSCAPES artists who are members of HONORING OUR EXPERIENCE (HOE). They lived through the stigma, judgment, and terror of the epidemic AND the medical breakthrough! They told their stories of living for over 30+ years positive on their new journey—aging with HIV.
During the opening night reception, Bodyscapes artists recited their poems aloud to create a powerful healing dynamic. The audience was asked to engage with the Bodyscapes artists, hearing the words of their poems that were specifically about living with HIV/AIDS, taking in those words, and sending positive energy and thoughts of healing directly to the artists’ bodies. While each poet recited their poem, the image of the their Bodyscapes drawings were projected on the wall behind them. The drawings typically depicted images of the human body. The mission of ROH Foundation is to help children, families, and the elderly living with illness by using patient-family centered art-making experiences to speed healing. https://redandorangehouse.com
JUANITA MORE & SPARC held a reception at Spark HQ in the Mission on July 27 to announce the arrival of THE 7 INCH. This record collaboration between Juanita MORE and Sparc is part of her annual Pride Party event, which has helped to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for some of San Francisco’s neediest organizations. Juanita greeted me in her elegantly coiffed blue wig with a warm hug. This year Juanita has chosen TRUTH – (TRans yoUTH) as beneficiary, a joint program between Transgender Law Center and GSA Network. This program seeks to amplify the voices of trans and gender nonconforming young people by offering a safe place to share struggles, learn empathy and build public understanding. This vinyl record project contains two original tracks that were written, recorded and inspired by Juanita.
Side A—“Music to Beat Your Face to”—contains the sexy and sassy “Juanita’s Blues,” written for Juanita in 2003 and recorded by The Tammy L. Hall Trio. Side B—“Music to Put on Your Pumps”—contains a tune originally produced by David Beigel in 1996 and recorded by pop duo Tequila Gold. https://juanitamore.bigcartel.com/products
The monthly CASTRO ART WALK sponsored by CASTRO MERCHANTS happened on August 2 from 6 to 9 pm at nine member businesses in the neighborhood that featured art displays (and activities at some). There was also live music that evening in Jane Warner Plaza (Castro at 17th-Market Streets). Participating in the Castro Art Walk (and most likely continuing to exhibit all August) were: Art Attack, 2358 Market Street; Spark Arts, 4229 18th Street; Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Drysdale Properties, 2324B Market Street; Blackbird Bar, 2124 Market Street; Ruby’s Clay Studio & Gallery, 552A Noe Street; The Artist’s Gallery, 4406 18th Street; Local Take, 3979 17th Street; Brewcade, 2200 Market Street; and Dog Eared Books, 489 Castro Street.
I have to say that I am rather biased towards Spark Arts because the owner and curator, the enchanting Aviva Kanoff, always displays a massive number of artists on the walls and always includes incredibly talented live performers from drag to jazz to golden oldies and piano and other instruments. And second in my fave spots on the Castro Art Walk is Art Attack with dozens and dozens of different artists’ modes of expression on all four walls.
LOVE IS LOVE IS LOVE is the title of the current Art Exhibition at STRUT, the gay/bi men’s Castro center of health and social wellness at 470 Castro Street, by OTH KHOTSIMEUANG. For the month of August, Strut is exhibiting his work on its gallery walls. Oth is a freelance Illustrator & Visual Development Artist working in animation and children’s books. He was born in a refugee camp in Nong Khai, Thailand, outside of Vientiane, Laos. The show “LoveisLoveIsLove” is a continuing body of work about celebrating the small fleeting moments of life. The work is also about increasing visibility of positive gay imagery with tenderness, humor and emotion, which is often absent in the sea of overtly sexual/body shaming propaganda that targets gay culture. His several dozen sweet cartoons (none of them titled) express an almost childlike innocence of two grown adult gay men displaying lovely love and tender emotion. Now I need to mention that Strut is calling for artists to display their works—paintings, sculptures, photography, etc.—on their gallery walls for a month of exposure. Submit your work by August 31 for consideration. https://www.strutsf.org
A protest was held at 1781 15th Street where two well-known drag queens, Alexis Miranda and Renita Valdez (AKA Fredy Miranda and Richard Padilla), are facing an ELLIS ACT EVICTION, part of what they feel is the de-gaying of a city known throughout the world as a refuge for LGBT people. Protesters demanded that the Ellis Act be withdrawn and Miranda and Valdez be allowed to stay in their homes. Miranda and Valdez are also suing their landlords, in part for what they say is unfair treatment based on “their sexual orientation, sexual expression, and practice of dressing in drag.” That lawsuit is scheduled for trial in November. “Where are we supposed to go?” asked Miranda, who is a bartender/show director at Divas Nightclub and Bar, the only transgender night club in California. “We, like so many other LGBT people, are being pushed out of SF. The city that once welcomed us is now letting profiteers come in and kick us out.” “Alexis is Latino and I’m Filipino and Latino,” said Valdez. “The Latino and the Filipino communities are also being pushed out. What is SF going to be without the diversity that it has always celebrated? We want to stay in our homes. That’s all we’re asking.”
Sister Dana sez, “I am both saddened and maddened that a new anti-liberal pro-Trump conspiracy group uses the capital letter ‘Q’ in its QAnon name. I love being Queer and am not anonymous about that. Meanwhile here are some cool Q events you can attend.”
PUPPETS OF LOVE- GLOW IN THE DARK OPENING NIGHT PARTY is Friday, August 10, 6 to 9 pm at SPARK ARTS in the Castro, 4229 18th Street. The “Love Icon Show” features works that artist/creator Wolfram describes as “illuminated sculpture-paintings.” The pieces average six feet high and five feet wide, and are multidimensional with complex elements on multiple planes—all lighted with incandescent and LED light. Supporting the larger illuminated works is a series of “explanatory paintings” depicting scenes and themes from a children’s book version of Pupazzo Universo. The entire exhibit is shown in the dark, adding to the mystery and magic that Wolfram strives to create in his exhibitions. The exhibit features a Massive Love Altar—over 9 feet tall—and Wolfram has made a Call for Exceptional Lovers to be photographed with the Altar. And that is only the first part of this extravaganza of living art!
https://www.sparkarts.com/special-events/puppets-of-love-glow-in-the-dark-opening-night-party
NOB HILL THEATRE is going out with a BANG! NAKEDSWORD STUDIO is filming a 4 scene DVD about the Last Days of Nob Hill Theatre. CEO Tim Valenti, Sister Roma, the incredible mr.Pam, and her hunky and talented right hand Leo Forte, along with many others from the studio will be there Friday, August 17, 7 to 11 pm at 729 Bush Street to film the last Epic Scene. Reserved seating available along with General Admission Tickets. Doors open at 7 pm, filming begins at 8 pm. All participants will need to bring a valid ID and sign a release in order to attend this event. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nakedsword-filming-nob-hill-finale-tickets-48335531877?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
SEX AND THE CITY LIVE, the uproarious drag send-up of HBO’s beloved series Sex and the City, has returned to the Oasis stage with two new episodes. Relive your favorite moments during this loving tribute to the iconic show, which finds four “young women” in search of the perfect relationship while looking gorgeous and knocking back plenty of cosmopolitans. The show features four of San Francisco’s most fabulous drag stars—D’Arcy Drollinger, Sue Casa, Lady Bear and Steven LeMay—playing homage to Carrie and the gang. Darren Star (creator of the HBO show) described this version as “funnier than it was on TV,” and I agree! For more info and tix (tell ’em Sister “Samantha” Dana sent ya), go to http://www.sfoasis.com
THE SAN FRANCISCO TRANSGENDER FILM FESTIVAL (SFTFF) seeks entries for their 2018 Festival (November 9 to 11). SFTFF accepts narrative, documentary, experimental, animated films and music videos. All work should be created by transgender/genderqueer people. They prioritize short films, but accept all screening lengths. Only submit ONE film. The absolute deadline is August 15. www.sftff.org
It’s “BACK TO SCHOOL” time with our favorite school teacher Diana Wheeler hosting the KREWE DE KINQUE monthly benefit at The Edge on Saturday, August 18, 4–7 pm, 4149 18th Street and Castro! Will you get spanked or sent to the corner? Or perhaps earn a star on your forehead? The Rev. Diana is bringing a paddle, so you’ve been warned! Come join the summer fun with the $10 beer/soda bust, a talented open show, DJ Jack Rojo, lunchtime Jell-O Shots, adult raffle prizes (wine, Stoli crushed, Fellow Barber haircut, Giants Bobbleheads, and more!). And, of course, you must have discipline with the “students,” so Sister Dana will be the typically angry nun with a ruler—and a donation box to be filled for charity.
https://www.facebook.com/events/274122510011430
Their Most Imperial Majesties Emperor Leandro Gonzales and Empress Pollo Del Mar and the Court of Tamales con Pollo invite you to a beer/beverage bust benefit with net proceeds to benefit OURTOWNSF Nonprofit Expo 2018 at the SF Eagle from 3–6 pm on Sunday, August 19. In its 3rd year, OurTownSF Nonprofit Expo 2018 is free to attend and is “The largest SF LGBTQ resource fair ever!” with over 100 groups serving the SF LGBTQ community connecting them with new volunteers, donors and clients. The Expo is brought to you by OurTownSF in partnership with Eureka Valley Recreation Center & TurnOut. https://www.facebook.com/events/1876234716011975
THE RICHMOND/ERMET AID FOUNDATION (REAF) presents HELP IS ON THE WAY 24 Concert and Gala Celebrating Music, Legends & Icons, Northern CA’s largest annual, star-studded show. It’s a festive benefit for MEALS ON WHEELS SAN FRANCISCO and AIDS LEGAL REFERRAL PANEL on Sunday, August 19, 6 pm at the Herbst Theatre (VIP at 5 pm), 401 Van Ness Avenue. Scheduled to appear are Leanne Borghesi, Eileen Bourgade, Carole Cook, Davis Gaines, Debby Holiday, Eric Krop, Kimberley Locke, Valarie Pettiford, Jai Rodriguez, Paula West, Top Shelf Classics, Eric Rosenberg & Yelena Vayn and Mary Wilson. This is a fabulous evening and helps two truly worthy charities. https://www.reaf-sf.org
Tickets are on sale for LEFT COAST THEATRE CO.’s world-premiere production of COME HERE OFTEN? by LCTC Company members Erica Andracchio, Terry Maloney Haley, Neil Higgins, Rita Long and Chris Maltby and directed by Chris Maltby. You can’t live in the past. But if you don’t remember the past, you’re doomed to repeat it. What’s a minority community to do? With the world premiere of “Come Here Often?” Left Coast Theatre Co. tackles that question with the dedication of a gay man trying to get backstage at a Joe Jonas concert celebrating the fags, dykes, barflies and drag queens who blazed the trail for the rest of us and are cheering on the next wave of queer pioneers who are ready to make history. “Come Here Often?” drops in on the patrons of a mythical Castro neighborhood bar, The Parlour, at three pivotal periods in the struggle of LGBT people not only to gain equal rights and protections but also to literally become visible beyond the kitschy walls of bars like The Parlour: 1977, as Harvey Milk became the first openly-gay member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors; 1998, when Ellen DeGeneres came roaring out of the closet on TV just before Matthew Shepard was beaten and left to die on a lonely Wyoming fence because, well, that just happens in small towns; and 2018, when the world is seeing gay marriage legalized and LGBT people advancing across the board followed by another outbreak of senseless violence intended to push them back toward, if not into, their closets. Heavy stuff! “Come Here Often?” runs Wednesdays through Sundays, 8 pm at Exit Theater, 156 Eddy Street, from now to August 18. Tix and info at http://comehereoften.brownpapertickets.com
TOMFOOLERY: THE WICKED WORDS AND MISCHIEVOUS MUSIC OF TOM LEHRER is now playing at the Shelton Theatre at 533 Sutter Street through August 24. Tom Lehrer epitomized the era of satirical humor in the 1950s and 1960s, writing songs that were wickedly naughty yet not X-rated by today’s standards in any way. What is most amazing about Lehrer’s music is how timeless it has remained, dealing with subjects such as religion, love and nuclear weapons, without in any way dating the material. Turned into a musical revue by the producing genius behind Cats and Phantom of the Opera, Cameron Macintosh, Tomfoolery still is one of the most bitingly hilarious two hours of music you will ever hear. https://www.landmarkmusicals.com
Sister Dana sez, “I cannot believe terrible Trump threatened a total shutdown of the government if he doesn’t get his stupid, costly, unnecessary Wall! The only shutdown we need is to shut down Trump!”
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