Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun–
By Sister Dana Van Iquity–
Sister Dana sez, “May I be the first to wish a HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY (May 8) to all you moms and drag mothers out there! Congratulations and ConDragulations! You have raised some very fine folx!”
Following an extensive nationwide search, SAN FRANCISCO GAY MEN’S CHORUS (SFGMC) Executive Director Chris Verdugo and Board of Directors Chair Glenn DeSandre have announced the appointment of Jacob Stensberg as the new Artistic Director of San Francisco’s premier choral organization. Stensberg succeeds Dr. Timothy Seelig who will retire at the conclusion of SFGMC’s Season 44 in July 2022. Welcome, Artistic Director Jacob Stensberg!
Happy CINCO DE MAYO! In honor of Emperor 32 Fernando, join your host Absolute Empress CHINA SILK as we celebrate the 20th annual “Cinco De MEOW” Party on Saturday, May 7, at the Cinch, 1723 Polk Street, Taco Bar at 4 pm, Show at 5 pm with emcees Emperor 28 John Carrillo and Empress 33 Alexis Miranda. Net proceeds benefit the Imperial Council of San Francisco, Emperors 50th anniversary Fund. https://www.sfimperialcouncil.org/
THE LEATHER & LGBTQ CULTURAL DISTRICT is marking their fourth birthday with an AUDACIOUS ANNIVERSARY party. The public is invited to come celebrate at this free adults-only event featuring entertainment, food, demos, and fun. Saturday, May 7, 5–9 pm, Folsom Street Foundry, 1425 Folsom Street. https://sflcd.org/
Sister Dana sez, “Nineteen other states are now considering passing similar Florida ‘Don’t Say Gay’ laws. Repugnicans are using fear and the use of the buzz words, ‘groomers’ and ‘pedophiles.’ It’s time for Democrats to stand up and really fight!”
THE CANNABIS COMPASSION MURAL had its grand unveiling ceremony on April 20 (better known as 4/20) at FLORE DISPENSARY, 258 Noe Street. Emcee Donna Sachet introduced proudFlore owner Terrance Alan. Cleve Jones, creator of the NAMES AIDS MEMORIAL QUILT, spoke. John Entwistle, husband of the late Dennis Peron, regaled us the history of compassion with the fight for medical marijuana as they lived it. (BTW Sister Dana used to work towards legalization of medical pot and also delivered it to grateful clients before it was legal way back in the day.) Director of THE CANNABIS TRAIL Brian Applegarth dedicated the mural as a Monument along the California Cannabis Trail. The community mural selection committee chairs, Kirstie and Cherie, spoke about the artist selection process and introduced the artist himself, Dave Van Patten, to explain his creative process and inspiration. After that, the big event happened at (naturally) 4:20 pm! Senator Mark Leno and Supervisor Rafael Mandelman dramatically pulled a golden cord, the shroud dropped, and to an awestruck audience, this gorgeous mural was revealed for the first time ever!
Senator Scott Wiener issued a statement on 4/20: “I’m proud to be authoring legislation to increase medical cannabis access across the state, support commercial cannabis retailers, legalize Overdose Prevention Programs (safe consumption sites), decriminalize psychedelics, implement a proven strategy to help people who are addicted to meth, and more. Last year, I passed a law that ends mandatory minimum prison sentences for nonviolent drug offenses.” He continued, “As many across the country celebrate this national celebration of cannabis, let’s remember that many people are still incarcerated for nonviolent drug offenses. Black and brown communities have long been disproportionately punished for the same cannabis usage that others have so freely enjoyed.”
Sister Dana sez, “The House has passed the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment, and Expungement (MORE) Act that would end the federal prohibition and criminalization of marijuana, providing individual states with the authority to be the primary arbiters of cannabis policy. Now the stubborn Senate must pass MORE!”
Last month I was happy to report on the super PAC, SOUTHERN PROGRESS—promoting progressive legislation and lawmakers in southern states—mounting the first billboard “SAY GAY” signs in Tallahassee, Orlando, and Jacksonville for a month. Now I am overjoyed to announce that HRC, The Human Rights Campaign in Florida, has rolled out a new billboard campaign in Tampa, Tallahassee, and Orlando, condemning Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law as well. Their signs sarcastically state: “Gov. Ron DeSantis Welcomes You to Florida – The Sunshine ‘DON’T SAY GAY OR TRANS’ State.” And again, I say, “Yay!”
We joyfully joined Mayor London Breed and Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, presenting CERTIFICATES OF HONOR to two legendary LGBTQ community icons, Donna Sachet and Betty Sullivan. The April 28 event at The Academy was a benefit for the nonprofit RAINBOW HONOR WALK. DYKES ON BIKESÒ escorted Betty and Donna to The Academy for the pair’s birthday week, giving us the opportunity to thank B&D for their decades of heartfelt service. Co-emceed by SF Pride President Carolyn Wysinger and former Pride President Gary Virginia, the evening featured the SF LESBIAN/GAY FREEDOM BAND in full marching regalia doing their trademark “California, Here I Come,” as well as entertainment from members of the SF GAY MEN’S CHORUS directed by Dr. Timothy Seelig singing “If You Were Gay” and a rousing medley from “True Colors” and more. SF CHEER was there to cheer us on! Star DJ Christie James of IHeartRadio was presented by Olivia Travel. The popular “Name That Tune” contest highlighted the champions, Team GGBA headed by Captain Krystal Drwencke, vs. the challengers, Team Women’s March headed by Captain Sophia Andary. Happiest of birthdays to Betty and Donna—my dear friends from decades ago and forever after!!!
Sister Dana sez, “At a recent GOP CA convention, the California Repugnican Party’s loyalty to Rep. Kevin McCarthy showed just how much T-rump remains the leader of the Party—even in a deep blue state like ours! Awful!”
THE RHINO EXTRAVAGANZA happens May 15, 7 pm, at The Gateway Theatre, 215 Jackson Street. THEATRE RHINOCEROS (the longest-running Queer Theatre in the World) will feature many of its stars—including Jesús U. BettaWork, Jennifer Ekman, Lillith Era, Rudy Guerrero, Keldamuzik, Justin Lucas, Leandra Ramm, Stan Stone, Elsa Touché, and many more! Fabulous show, food, and drinks. https://therhino.org/
HARVEY MILK DAY is May 22. One of the late Supervisor Harvey Milk’s major life themes was: “You gotta give ‘em hope.” This has also been a major tenet of the SAN FRANCISCO GAY MEN’S CHORUS’ mission. Thanks to a generous donation by David Falzone and his family, SFGMC has the privilege to highlight the work of young artists (12–24) so deeply impacted by the pandemic and give them hope through a scholarship. The awards are open to artists of all genres. Details on their website: https://www.sfgmc.org/
LOCKDOWN COMEDY has been running monthly on Zoom since July 2020. Since the monthly shows still cater to audiences of some 100 people monthly throughout the U.S. and some internationally, and since the pandemic is not yet over, the comedy will continue on Zoom for the foreseeable future. Produced by SF’s own comedian, Lisa Geduldig (who occasionally gets stuck in Florida with her mom, Arline Geduldig—both doing standup), the Thursday, May 19, Zoom at 7pm will feature Maureen Langan (NY), Shann Carr (Palm Springs), and Nicole Tran (SF, via Vietnam). Tix and info: https://www.koshercomedy.com/
An opening wine reception was held at the newest Castro SCHLOMER HAUS GALLERY, 2128 Market Street, for the delightful paintings by Kevin Sabo in a gallery entitled, WHO IS SHE? Go visit this show in the ’stro through June 4: https://schlomerhaus.com/
An artist-led pop-up studio is coming to the historic HARVEY MILK CASTRO CAMERA SHOP. As a gallery, boutique, and gathering space, QUEER A.F. will feature art across all mediums—with a focus on the work of underrepresented, disenfranchised, and emerging local Queer artists and makers while minimizing financial barriers. They will strive to provide access and opportunity to keep The Castro queer A.F. with a Grand Opening in June. https://www.queerartsfeatured.com/
Sister Dana sez, “A new NBC News bulletin has found that, in 2021, Republicans introduced 191 anti-LGBTQ bills in state legislatures. But this year, when it was only April, the number of bills was already up to 238. They just won’t stop!”
SING-A-LONG-A SOUND OF MUSIC is coming to the Castro Theatre on May 15, 11 am. For those of you not yet converted, Sing-a-Long-a Sound of Music is a screening of the classic Julie Andrews film musical in glorious, full-screen Technicolor, complete with lyric subtitles so that the whole audience can sing along. The evening begins with your hosts leading a vocal warm-up, judging the fancy dress competition, and teaching you how to use your items in your free interactive props bag. https://apeconcerts.com/
Celebrate ASIAN AMERICAN PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH with a trip to the ASIAN ART MUSEUM! https://asianart.org/
THEATRE RHINOCEROS invites you to a limited engagement, HARTS’ DESIRE, with Mark Nadler—live and in-person. Nadler, the man with the magic fingers on the keys and the voice of heaven, is back for an evening of queer fun and mayhem. Postponed in 2020 due to Covid, cabaret performer extraordinaire Nadler returns to San Francisco with an all-new show based on the lives of queer artists Moss Hart and Lorenz Hart. Performed entirely by Mark, utilizing the dialogue of Moss Hart and lyrics of Lorenz Hart, he presents a show the duo might have written if they had not had to stay in the closet. May 12–15, Gateway Theatre, 215 Jackson Street. http://therhino.org/
Sister Dana sez, “A.G. Merrick Garland has called the January 6 Probe the most urgent in history. Meanwhile, the RNC is attempting to sue the Committee to STOP their work! Unbelievable!”
Published on May 5, 2022
Recent Comments