By Donna Sachet–
That promising glint of light at the end of this long and winding tunnel of COVID-19 was on full display in the Castro over the past few weeks. Krewe de Kinque’s Bal Masque XVIII, On the Radio, brought the color, magic, and revelry of New Orleans’ Mardi Gras to San Francisco on Saturday, March 27. In the sparkling sunshine, Grand Marshal Renel Brooks-Moon, Voice of the SF Giants, led a rollicking parade of costumed members up and down 18th Street and a dazzling show inside The Castro Stichery broadcast online included Deana Dawn, Christina Ashton, Olivia Hart, Kippy Marks, Miss Chief, Tawdry Hepburnn, John Weber, Kelly Rose, Garza, and in a triumphant return from New York, Carly Ozard. KdK King Omar Kubian and Queen Diana Wheeler stepped down and new King Colby Michaels and Queen Christina Ashton were crowned with all the associated pageantry. Proceeds from the event benefited Q Foundation. For at least one afternoon, the Castro glistened with purple, green, and gold, the colors of New Orleans Mardi Gras!
The following Saturday, Joe Mac hosted his annual and always well-supported Easter bonnet street sale in front of 440 Castro. The combination of warm weather, reopening businesses, and zany millinery brought out a bevy of celebrants, restless from cabin fever and anxious for human contact. Among the crowd, we greeted Mark Abramson, Leah Garchik, Matt McClelland & Ken Ferraris, Linda Lee, Lucy Mears, Darwin Bell, Terry Penn, Bruce Beaudette, Mike Lowden, Patrick Noonan, and many others. The bonnet carefully selected for us by Joe accented our red ensemble perfectly!
And on Sunday, the unstoppable Deana Dawn greeted hordes of friends for her street fair birthday celebration, also at 440 Castro. CoCo Butter outdid himself with a gorgeous cake topped with a remarkable likeness of Deana, from wig and eyelashes to gown and jewelry. Gary Virginia delivered a heartfelt and rhyming toast, joined by Kevin Lisle, Dustin Lee, Tyler Nelson, Leandro Gonzales, Kelly Houston, Gordy Boe, Deana’s sister Debra Hemrich, and even our faithful companion Peanut. You could feel the love!
Meanwhile, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence produced Rising Up with the Sisters online, hosted by Honey Mahogany and Alex U. Inn, including their crowd-pleasing Hunky Jesus and Foxy Mary Easter contests, opening them up to international competition. Hunky Jesus 2021 … Steven Satyricon, who produced and submitted a richly creative video with his friend Suzan Revah. Please don’t tell the Pope!
We hope our readers are watching the campaign for Emperor and Empress of San Francisco with as much interest as we are! Three final fundraising events appear in this column’s calendar, followed by Voting Day on Saturday, April 17. Consider your options, make your choice, and vote for your next Emperor and Empress!
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
Thursday, April 8
Nelly Queen: The Life & Times of José Sarria
Online screening of the new film by Joe Castel
7 pm Panel Discussion
8 pm Screening
$10 for pre-registered guests
Free for GLBT Historical Society members
www.glbthistory.org
Saturday, April 10
Night Shift with Nurse Ehra Amaya (Empress candidate)
Online variety show, sale, and auction
Benefits Imperial Council of SF
6 pm–8 pm
Donations encouraged
www.imperialcouncilsf.org
Saturday, April 10
SF LGBT Center’s Virtual Soirée
Inspiration, entertainment, community
Hosted by Liam Mayclem & Sister Roma
Entertainment by Juanita MORE!
6 pm
Sponsorships available, donations welcomed
www.sfcenter.org
Monday, April 12
Pillows with Mr. David Glamamore (Emperor candidate)
Co-hosted by Mary Vice on twitch.tv
Benefits Imperial Council of SF
9 pm
Donations encouraged
www.imperialcouncilsf.org
Friday, April 16
Beatpig with Juanita MORE! (Empress candidate)
Online at twitch
Benefits SF Queer Nightlife Fund
8 pm–9:30 pm
Donations encouraged
www.imperialcouncilsf.org
Saturday, April 17
Voting Day for Emperor & Empress
Details to follow
Residents of San Francisco, San Mateo, & Marin Counties
www.imperialcouncilsf.org
Friday, April 23
Imperial In & Out of Town Show
Online performances by local and international entertainers6 pm
Free, donations welcomed
www.imperialcouncilsf.org
Saturday, April 24
Imperial Coronation 56, online
Step-down of Reigning Emperor William Bulkley & Empress Mimi Osa
Crowning of new Emperor & Empress of San Francisco
Special recognition of anniversary Monarchs
4 pm
Free, donations welcomed
www.imperialcouncilsf.org
Published on April 8, 2021
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