Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun–
By Sister Dana Van Iquity–
Sister Dana sez, “May I wish a very early HAPPY FATHER’S DAY (June 19) to all the Gay Dads and Fathers of Drag Kings out there! Thanks to all for raising some very fine folx in the Community!”
Properly and proudly starting off PRIDE MONTH on June 1, the 2022 PINK TORCH PROCESSION from Oakland to San Francisco and THE PINK TRIANGLE GRAND LIGHTING on Twin Peaks took place. Only 30 unsung heroes in the LGBTQ community or advocates of the community were chosen for this extraordinary opportunity to carry the 5-pound pink LED torch. Torch Bearers were escorted by DYKES ON BIKESâ—with special encouragement from us Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and SF CHEER—along with throngs of supporters along the way. All throughout June, the gloriously lit PINK TRIANGLE will delight us in its ever-changing pink light patterns!
President Joe Biden has issued a proclamation honoring LGBTQ PRIDE MONTH that reflects his administration’s commitment to the queer community. Biden’s administration has been the most LGBTQ-friendly in history. “This month, we remind the LGBTQI+ community that they are loved and cherished. My Administration sees you for who you are—deserving of dignity, respect, and support,” Biden says in the proclamation. “As I said in my State of the Union Address—especially to our younger transgender Americans—I will always have your back as your President so that you can be yourself and reach your God-given potential. Today and every day, my Administration stands with every LGBTQI+ American in the ongoing struggle against intolerance, discrimination, and injustice. We condemn the dangerous State laws and bills that target LGBTQI+ youth. And we remain steadfast in our commitment to helping LGBTQI+ people in America and around the world live free from violence.”
Mayor London Breed joined city officials on June 1 to raise the Pride Flag at City Hall in honor of San Francisco’s 52ND ANNUAL PRIDE MONTH celebration. Participating were Senator Scott Wiener, Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, Supervisor Matt Dorsey, Fire Chief Jeanine Nicholson, Trans Historian and SF Pride Grand Marshall Andrea Horne, SF Pride Interim Executive Director Suzanne Ford, SF Pride Board President Carolyn Wysinger, and other community leaders.
Sister Dana sez, “In 2021, at least 19 GOP-controlled states passed 34 laws restricting the freedom to vote. We MUST defend democracy and pass voting rights laws!”
LOCKDOWN COMEDY came to us via Zoom on May 19 by longtime producer Lisa Geduldig. Comics featured were Maureen Langan (from NY), my ol’ SF pal Shann Carr (from Palm Springs), Nicole Tran (from SF, via Vietnam), and Lisa & her mother Arline Geduldig (from Florida). Lockdown Comedy has been running monthly on Zoom every third Thursday since July 2020. The June 16th Zoom will feature Dhaya Lakshminarayanan (SF), Joe Klocek (SF), Hilary Schwartz (NY), and, of course, Lisa and momma Arline. https://www.koshercomedy.com/
THE RUTH BRINKER STORY screened at the Castro Theatre on HARVEY MILK DAY (May 22) with a red-carpet premiere, Q&A after the film, and VIP after-party in the mezzanine. Ruth Brinker’s goal was not only to provide meals but also to revitalize the city’s sense of community and spend time with HIV/AIDS patients to end the isolation they experienced. Providing meals with love became the hallmark of her mission. The work of Brinker and her growing team of volunteers led to PROJECT OPEN HAND, the largest provider of nutrition to the HIV/AIDS community with sister organizations across the country. Brinker’s legacy carries on today as Project Open Hand has once again joined the frontlines in facing the crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic. This documentary is absolute genius!
Sister Dana sez, “Trump is ‘writing’ a book we will certainly not enjoy; he even warns: ‘You’ll be very depressed when you read it.’ Thanks for the heads-up, Donald!”
The Clift Hotel presents MOREBANG! Pride Party with Juanita MORE! and Go BANG!’s Steve Fabus & Jimmy DePre at the intimate art deco-inspired Redwood Room––a San Francisco institution, 495 Geary, June 10, 9 pm–2 am. This nonprofit event benefits the Q FOUNDATION, a San Francisco-based nonprofit that’s building a community where all people have a safe place to live. This affair welcomes nobodies, bright & dull stars, old & young creatives, and industry paragons. Evening or cocktail attire strongly encouraged. Prizes for the most dressed. Free admittance—21+, valid ID.
42ND STREET MOON joyfully presents THE PAJAMA GAME at Gateway Theatre, 215 Jackson Street, now through June 19. This Tony Award-winning musical has one of the greatest scores of Broadway’s Golden Age, telling a timeless tale of romance in a workplace drama between factory management and middle-class workers, struggling to do more than just get by. It features the choreographic genius of Bob Fosse, and the immortal pop-hits “Hey There,” “Sssssteam Heat,” and the erotic “Hernando’s Hideaway.” This modern take on a comedy classic promises a night of laughter, song & dance, and heart. https://42ndstmoon.org/
The NATIONAL AIDS MEMORIAL will mark the 35th anniversary of the AIDS QUILT with an outdoor display in Golden Gate Park. It will feature nearly 3,000 hand-stitched panels—the largest display ever in SF! The free, public Quilt display will take place on June 11 and 12 from 10 am–5 pm in Robin Williams Meadow in Golden Gate Park, and requires the support of more than 600 volunteers. An opening ceremony and traditional Quilt unfolding will start at 9:30 am on the 11th, followed by the continuous reading of names of lives lost to AIDS aloud by volunteers, dignitaries, and the public on both days. https://www.aidsmemorial.org/quilt
Sister Dana sez, “Governor Gavin Newsom said it so well: ‘Another shooting. And the GOP won’t do a damn thing about it! We need nationwide, comprehensive, commonsense gun safety NOW!’ Hello to NRA: stop your lobbying to kill people!”
Sister Dana sez, “And President Joe Biden echoed the sentiment, saying, ‘When in God’s name are we going to stand up to the gun lobby?’”
Sister Dana sez, “And finally, Jason Pressberg, Executive Director, Brady PAC, stated, ‘This is the only country in the world that deals with this type of suffering. I’m sick of the thoughtless ‘thoughts and prayers’ that politicians offer us. Because the NRA pays them to do NOTHING!’ I say Amen!”
MARCH FOR OUR LIVES is on June 11 in Washington, D.C., and across the nation (100 local marches and counting). Join them in the next chapter in this fight for gun safety and find a march near you. https://marchforourlives.com/actions/
We kicked off Pride Month properly with MAITRI’s HEELS FOR HOPE, a variety show on June 4 at Marines Memorial Theatre highlighting talent from throughout our LGBTQ community to raise funds for Maitri’s compassionate care for people living with HIV/AIDS and people recovering from gender affirming surgeries. The night featured performances by comedian FC Sierra, the musical talents of Marcus J Paige and the Amelie Anna Quintet, high camp drag dance from Fou Fou Ha, with hosts/emcees Sister Roma and Ca Barbie Princess Helena Levin.
KREWE DE KINQUE charitable Mardi Gras-themed club presents BAL MASQUE XIX: LEATHER & LACE on Saturday, June 18, 9 pm to midnight at Harvey’s in the Castro! A private affair limited to 100 lucky guests, the evening features a wild show, Hurricane & Bar Bites specials, Jell-O shots, DJ Sergio Fedasz, Celebrity Grand Marshal, Second Line Parade, Crowning of the next King & Queen, and free beads distributed by KDK Queen VII Sister Dana. Presided over by KDK King & Queen XVIII Colby Michaels & Christina Ashton, the costumed and masked affair will benefit SOUTH OF MARKET HEALTH CENTER. Festive attire encouraged! https://tinyurl.com/KDKBALL2022
FRAMELINE46, the world’s largest LGBTQ film festival, takes place June 16–26. Featuring over 125 films and representing more than 35 countries, the 11-day festival includes 19 world premieres, 11 North American premieres, 10 U.S. premieres, 28 West Coast premieres, and 44 SF Bay Area premieres. It spans narrative features, documentaries, episodics, and shorts programs. With the theme “The Coast is Queer,” the all in-person festival will take place at theatres and venues throughout the SF Bay Area, including the Castro Theatre, Roxie Theater, SFMOMA, AMC Kabuki, and Proxy in San Francisco; and the New Parkway Theater in Oakland. https://www.frameline.org/
On June 1, Mayor London Breed nominated Debra Walker to the SAN FRANCISCO POLICE COMMISSION, the seven-member body charged with setting policy for the Police Department and the Department of Police Accountability (DPA) and conducting disciplinary hearings when police conduct charges are filed. Debra has served as the past president of both the Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club and the San Francisco Arts Democratic Club. Additionally, she has served on the board of the San Francisco Planning and Urban Research center and has chaired the San Francisco Live Work and Arts task forces. Debra has also served as an officer in the Women’s Caucus and the LGBTQ Caucus of the California Democratic Party. Congratulations, Debra!
Mayor London Breed has announced the creation of a new DRAG LAUREATE program included in her proposed two-year budget. In the coming months, city agencies—including the Human Rights Commission, Library, Entertainment Commission, and Arts Commission—will create a working group naming the first ever San Francisco Drag Laureate in the Fall of 2022 to serve as ambassador for SF to the LGBTQ, arts, nightlife, and entertainment communities.
Sister Dana sez, “Daily Kos put it succinctly: ‘It doesn’t matter when ‘life’ begins; no person can force you to use your body to save their life.’ Abortion rights now!”
Published on June 9, 2022
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