By Donna Sachet–
Rarely are we so affected by an event that we are tempted to devote an entire column to that event, but out of respect for the holiday spirit, we shall limit it to a paragraph. The Rainbow Honor Walk is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to celebrate the historic impact of LGBTQ pioneers with commemorative plaques in the heart of the Castro District. We have proudly served on its Board of Directors for several years, currently as its President. Bronze plaques began appearing up and down Castro Street, 19th Street, and now Market Street over the past 10 years. Some names are instantly recognizable, some less known, but each is distinctly deserving of this recognition. Those plaques celebrate individuals from every walk of life, span decades of history, reach across the globe, and represent the great diversity of our LGBTQ+ Community in age, gender, ethnicity, and more. As has often been said here and elsewhere, if we don’t write our own history, it will be written by others and not necessarily with accuracy or proper perspective. Last week, this labor of love suffered the damage of wanton vandalism. We speak not of a simple nonchalant act of disrespect, but vindictive damage carefully inflicted with painstaking attention. The creator of these bronze plaques has been contacted to inspect the damage and determine what can be done, but it may require replacement or at least expensive repairs. Yes, we know that other acts of vandalism are rampant, from broken windows of stores and cars to graffiti scarred buildings and sidewalks, but this particular incident seems so personal. Our hope is that it is an isolated act without significant meaning or intent. Whatever the case, please know that the Board of Directors of the Rainbow Honor Walk will repair the damage and that they remain committed to this project, made possible only with the financial help of people like you, members and allies of the LGBTQ+ Community, who respect our history and want significant individuals to receive the recognition they so richly deserve.
On to jollier topics, the holiday season appears to be revving up to be busier and more festive than ever with nearly every event that was cancelled or went virtual last year returning live and in-person! Just peruse the nearby calendar of events to find something that appeals to you. Among them, we especially encourage you to join us in Union Square tonight for Drag Queens on Ice! For 10 years in a row, this shopping mecca downtown has been invaded by sassy drag queens and their admirers for an “only in San Francisco” merging of Gay apparel and mainstream holiday magic. Last year, the event was sadly cancelled due to COVID-19, but this year we are back bigger and better than ever featuring Dusty Porn, Mahlae Balenciaga, Khmera Rouge, Paju Munro, Jubilee & Jola Mercury, and for the first time ever Denali from RuPaul’s Drag Race. You can purchase VIP tickets online or join the hundreds of people who line the sides of the Safeway Ice Rink for all the fun. Arrive early to get your spot with the best view. We are delighted to return as your hostess and co-emcee for the 11th year, as the drag queen on the mic, not on the ice!
The other event we would like to highlight is the return of a live and in-person Songs of the Season at Hotel Nikko, Tuesday & Wednesday, December 14 & 15, 7 pm. For 25 years, we produced this event ourselves, sharing our love of music, the holiday season, and charitable work with all of you and featuring wonderful local talent in an intimate setting. Now, Brian Kent is the producer and he brings his own professional skill, talent contacts, and creative approach to the event. Guest stars include Sister Roma, Breanna Sinclairé, Charles Jones, Dan O’Leary, Effie Passero, Frenchie Davis, Kenny Nelson, and Leanne Borghesi with instrumentalists Roberta Drake and Rusell Deason.And don’t worry, both Brian and this humble columnist promise to sing a couple of holiday tunes for you. There has always been something very special about this annual fundraiser for PRC and we encourage you to get your tickets now to see for yourself. Gather some friends and expect music that will produce smiles, laughter, applause, and even a nostalgic tear or two.
With so many events in December, you are sure to find some that will get you into the holiday mood. We encourage you to take sensible precautions, coordinate with your friends and loved ones, and get out of the house. This is a very special time of the year; enjoy every minute!
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, December 2
Drag Queens on Ice
Union Square Holiday Ice Rink
Top drag queens take to the ice
Special guest Denali from RuPaul’s Drag Race
7 pm
Free!
Sunday, December 5
Celebration of Life for KC Dare
Hosted by Gary Virginia
Spoken & musical tributes
440 Castro
Noon–3 pm
Free!
Sunday, December 5
Help Is on the Way for the Holidays XX
Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation benefiting Project Open Hand
Auction & performances
Brava Theater, 2781 24th Street
6:30 pm
$45 & up
www.reaf.org
Monday, December 6
Tree of Hope Lighting
Rainbow World Fund
Hosted by Donna Sachet
Origami decorated holiday tree
Grace Cathedral, 1100 California Street
7 pm
Free!
www.rainbowfund.org
Sunday, December 12
Christmas Birthdays Are a Drag!
Celebrating José Sarria, hosted by Emperor XLVIII, A.N., William Bulkley
Emceed by Imperial Crown Princess Katya Smirnoff-Skyy, Joe Wicht on piano
Martuni’s, 4 Valencia Street
4–6 pm
$30
https://tinyurl.com/mmntf34x
Tuesday and Wednesday, December 14 & 15
Donna Sachet’s Songs of the Season
Presented by Brian Kent
Holiday Cabaret benefits PRC
Feinstein’s at Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason Street
7 pm
$60 & up
www.prcsf.org/songs
Saturday, December 18
Naughty & Nice
Holiday party hosted by Donna Sachet & Santa’s elves
Music, cocktails, desserts
8 pm–Midnight
www.academy-sf.com
Published on December 2, 2021
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