By Donna Sachet–
We are relishing the opportunity to shed those long-worn masks when in a controlled environment, breathing fresh air, and making physical contact with friends. Our recent weekend at the Russian River was one of our first attempts to relax pandemic limitations and it transformed the experience. Last Sunday, we joined the Honorable Mark Leno in Sausalito for a birthday bash for movie buff and beloved radio and TV personality and columnist Jan Wahl. Her invited friends, family, and husband Russ put masks aside and filled Ondine, the lovely restaurant right on the water, as the weather opened up enhancing the gorgeous views. Birthday parties are always a love fest of sorts, but this one had a very special feeling, as individuals from various chapters of Jan’s life passed the microphone and shared personal stories, jokes, and even a tawdry tale or two! The room buzzed with entertainment legends, like Jon Provost, former child star who played Timmy Martin on CBS’s Lassie, and a granddaughter of Alfred Hitchcock, plus too many local television, radio, and theatre luminaries to name. Billy Philadelphia provided welcome piano music, joined by his wife Meg McKay for a vocal duet with carefully contrived lyrics. A gloriously constructed cake, reflecting Jan’s fondness for hats, topped the affair. We overheard a guest saying that more than simply glimpsing light at the end of the tunnel that they felt that light’s warmth on Sunday!
As Pride Month nears, widespread regret that there will again be no Pride Parade or formal Celebration in Civic Center will not dull the determination of our community to be recognized and celebrated. From movie nights at the ballpark to impromptu gatherings in the Castro, SOMA, and Polk, there are bound to be opportunities to mark the 51st year of LGBTQ Pride. Watch these pages for complete details as they become available and plan your own personal way to commemorate Pride with your close friends.
Two particular events come to mind. First, the annual installation of the Pink Triangle on Twin Peaks, the brainchild of Patrick Carney, will again be spectacularly lit and visible from June 1–30. Now in its 26th year, the Pink Triangle always attracts international attention as a skillful reclamation by the LGBTQ+ community of a hated symbol from Nazi Germany. Rather than evoking fear and criminal retribution, it now stands for resilience and pride. We loved the passing of the pink torch ceremony last year that started in Oakland and crossed the Bay and on up to Twin Peaks. Volunteers are always needed for preparation, installation, and take-down, so check out their website.
Second, Gary Virginia & Donna Sachet’s annual Pride Brunch returns for its 22nd year on Saturday, June 26, at noon in a virtual event, similar to last year, but featuring A Taste of San Francisco, as we accompany Gary on a whirlwind tour of well-known local sites. Sadly, last year’s brunch cook-off will not recur due to rumored vote tampering and/or injured egos. We hope to have video messages from this year’s Grand Marshals and other distinguished guests, a tempting silent auction, and brunch swag to add to your weekend. Individual tickets and sponsorships are available. Complete details appear on the website of our beneficiary, PRC.
Congratulations to AIDS Walk and all the enthusiastic participants in this year’s Live at Home version last Sunday. As one of the largest annual AIDS fundraisers, this event has been forced by the pandemic to rethink and reboot, but continues to raise significant money while engaging a loyal audience. Appearing on the list of top individual fundraisers are, not surprisingly, Tom Raffin, Glenn Good, Joanie Juster, Mike Smith, and Blake Spears, each tireless super-volunteers for years.This year’s virtual broadcast featured a cavalcade of celebrities, including Elton John, Rita Moreno, Billy Porter, George Takei, and Ann Margret.
So, as you begin to explore the possibilities beyond the pandemic, please pay close attention to the guidance of the Center for Disease Control and other reputable scientific sources. Continue to support those organization that need your support so much, even as they wind down virtual events and gear up to in-person occasions. June 15 remains a goal date for returning to some sense of normalcy, but it won’t happen overnight. Find your own comfort level with the absence of face coverings and social distancing. And whatever you do, resist the unproductive and selfish temptation to shame others. You never know anyone else’s full situation and should always err on the side of kindness. The journey ahead is a shared one, so make room for your neighbor and look forward with optimism!
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
Wednesday, May 26
GGBA Power Lunch
Virtual expo, networking, speakers
11:30 am–1 pm
$40–75
www.ggba.com
Thursday, May 27
Petchitecture, Pets Are Wonderful Support
Virtual gala for Shanti’s PAWS
6–7 pm
Free!
www.shanti.org
Thursday, May 27
Rainbow Reels: Celebrating Drama Queens & Heroines on the Silver Screen
Online screening of No Secret Anymore, The Times of Del Martin & Phyllis Lyon
And One Wedding & A Revolution
Guest speakers & door prizes
Benefit for Rainbow Honor Walk
7–9 pm
Donations encouraged
www.rainbowhonorwalk.org
Published on May 20, 2021
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