By Sister Dana Van Iquity, Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun —
Sister Dana sez, “We’re less than two weeks into 2023. So have we already broken our New Year’s Resolutions? No worries. Just take my do-over resolution: ‘I resolve to be the best me I can be in ’23.’ It’s foolproof!”
We went to the SF LGBT Center to meet with AGUILAS on December 7 as they unveiled the AEGIS sculpture in memorial to the 49 victims murdered in a mass shooting at PULSE, the gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, that occurred on June 12, 2016. Gay, immigrant, Latinx, Brazilian, and SF-based artist Wilson Ferreira designed the powerful piece. We heard additional remarks about the memorial from Eduardo Morales, Ph.D., Founder, AGUILAS; Renato M. Talhadas, Program Director, AGUILAS; and Jen Valles, Director of Programs, SF LGBT Center. The design of Aegis consists of a V-shaped shield engraved with the victims’ names. The 49 markings embedded in the metal shield that dissipates on its two sides also represent the victims murdered at Pulse.
SISTER ROMA’S DIAMOND BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION paid loving tribute at the Oasis on December 14 to the beloved San Francisco legend turning 60! We celebrated Sister Roma – drag nun, activist, fundraiser, event host, my dear friend for 35 years “in the Habit,” and so much more. I am happy to report that I still keep my souvenir “I Roasted Sister Roma!” hand fan – in honor of her 25th Anniversary with The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, when we “fanned the flames” to roast her at the Supper Club on June 20, 2012. But this 2022 night was not a roast. We mixed and mingled with surprise celebrity guests, heard heartfelt testimonials, and enjoyed command performances by some of Roma’s favorite performers including Mahlae Balenciaga, Dulce de Leche, Juicy Liu, Alex U. Inn, Empress Tilly, Madd Dogg 20/20, Bionka Simone, Ethylina Canne, Alotta Boutté, Steven Satyricon, Nicki Jizz, Rory Davis, Andrew Slade, and The Baloney Boys.
This was a fun fundraiser for The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence – hosted by Heklina and Michael “Shante” Youens with Honey Mahogany, Peaches Christ, D’Arcy Drollinger, Juanita More!, BeBe Sweetbriar, Donna Sachet, Alex U. Inn, and Michael Kuehl. Certificates of Honor and Recognition were presented to Roma from Senator Scott Wiener and Supervisor Rafael Mandelman. We Sisters gave a blessing, and then Officially Sainted D’Arcy and made the Oasis our Certified Sanctuary. For no reason at all, I think I might mention that Sister Dana’s alter ego, Dennis McMillan, turned 75 on January 1, 2023; and Dennis’ “altar” ego has served as a nun for 37 years. The SF SPI Order began on Easter Sunday 1979. I just have to say that I am so blessed to have Sister Roma in my life! Amen!
Elliott C Nathan held his SAN FRANCISCO GALLERY EXHIBITION opening reception at the 2358 Market gallery on December 8. Viewing his marvelous modern art pieces, visitors got to put on 3D glasses to make the art truly POP! I really enjoyed the series of jellyfish-like creatures because their eyes follow your movement around the room. I was particularly drawn to serial #A55 with its phallic depiction. And with serial #A52, I was “hung up” on the old fashioned rotary telephone piece. The artist told me if viewers wanted their own 3D spectacles, they should contact him at https://www.elliottcnathan.com/
Then on January 5, 2358MRK (2358 Market Street) held a reception to display 17 amazing artists from the Bay Area, including Nathan. But my fave artist is Clint Frederic Wiater with three of his encaustic pieces: “Iconic Castro” with the famous Castro Theatre neon sign; “Spirit of the Bay” including the well known Ghirardelli sign; and “The Fight Isn’t Over” depicting every imaginable protest placard to warm any activist’s heart. The entire show will continue through January 15. https://www.2358mrkt.com/
Sister Dana sez, “Regarding Trump selling his hideous NFTs online while running for President – I heard the greatest holiday movie pun: ‘This is HOW THE GRIFT STOLE CHRISTMAS.’ I guess the usual GREEN Grinch is now ORANGE!”
We were so excited to be invited to a special screening of ELVIS at CGV San Francisco on December 11. This was a “Golden Globe: For Your Consideration” viewing. The screening was followed by a Q&A with director/ producer / writer Baz Luhrmann and re-recording mixer Michael Keller. Spanning over 30 years, ELVIS explores Presley the artist and the man – through love, loss, his unprecedented rise to fame and the complex dynamic with manager Colonel Tom Parker – set against the backdrop of America’s evolving cultural landscape and the timeless music he gave the world.
DANCE-ALONG NUTCRACKER was a holiday experience unlike anything else! Each year, the glorious SAN FRANCISCO LESBIAN/GAY FREEDOM BAND blends Tchaikovsky’s classic The Nutcracker ballet with an entertaining theme. The result is a fun-filled original musical production brimming with wit, artistry, and ingenuity. This year, the talented cast emoted, sang, and danced their way through a parody version of the Nutcracker, SNOWBOUND – when a blizzard hit San Francisco on December 17 &18 at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. Actual (fake) snow fell from the ceiling. What joy after intermission to see the Band return in a parade wearing festive costumes! And when the “Dance Along!” sign flashed, the audience (some in rented tutus) pranced along with the cast. Sister Dana obviously did not appear classically trained in his attempt at ballet, but at least nobody threw snowballs at me! And I got to lead folx up and out of their chairs into a lively conga line. We rhythmically snaked along the aisles to the rousing music of the Band!
Warning from Senator Scott Wiener: “The homophobe squad has descended on the Castro, telling us we’re going to hell because we’re LGBTQ.” He then stated sarcastically, “Super classy to disrupt a fun community event and lecture us how to live our lives.” Sister Dana sez, “Calling all drag queens, nuns, and fellow freaks! Come to the Castro and be as authentic and outrageous as you can be!
The CONGRESSIONAL LGBTQ EQUALITY CAUCUS has released its Inaugural Report on The Condition of LGBTQ+ People in the United States. Spearheaded by Chair of the Equality Caucus Representative David N. Cicilline, the report summarizes data relating to the experiences of the LGBTQ community in four key areas: Education, Economic Security, Health Care, and Housing. The report is intended to educate the public on the significant disparities LGBTQ people experience and to serve as a benchmark by which the country can judge its progress on LGBTQ rights in the years to come. Read the press release at https://lgbtq.house.gov/media-center/press-releases
Sister Dana sez, “The Insurrection of January 6th has come and gone, but on this two-year anniversary of the attack – is our democracy in any less peril?”
Twice-impeached former president Darn Old Trump has told LGBTQ Republicans that he and other conservatives will be “fighting hard” for them during his 2024 presidential campaign. Meanwhile, Trump is the most anti-LGBTQ president of all time. Trump made his pledge at the “Spirit of Lincoln” 45th anniversary gala of the queer conservative group The Log Cabin Republicans in his Mara-Loco hideout – just two days after President Biden signed the RESPECT FOR MARRIAGE ACT. Sister Dana sez, “Isn’t the title of ‘Gay Republican’ an oxymoron?!”
On December 24, SAN FRANCISCO GAY MEN’S CHORUS (SFGMC) rang in the holiday season with its Christmas Eve tradition of over 30 years, Holiday Spectacular: Home for the Holidays. We enjoyed all the holiday favorites, including Jingle Bells and I’ll Be Home for Christmas; silly songs like “Sugar and Booze;” classical choral works such as Sure on this Shining Night; but mostly I was thrilled with light-hearted originals – especially their holiday-themed Cher medley. Yes, I said CHER! Fabulous!!! Each time, a different drag Cher did everything from “Turn Back Time” to “Believe” to “I Got You Babe.” The entire show was choreographed to perfection – including tap dancing. There were costumes galore. And quite moving was their “Silent Night” done in sign language and complete silence. There was naughty humor of course, including their “Big Santa,” the Chorus’ “Santa-ized” version of “Big Spender” – hearkening me back decades ago when I used to be a male stripper dancing to that sweet number from Sweet Charity. This show was as advertised: SPECTACULAR!
The now completed Eight Hundred Forty-Five Page JANUARY 6TH FINAL REPORT definitely proves Trump was planning a coup a month before the January 6 insurrection. By December 7th, Trump had decided to pursue the fake elector gimmick. He had a “multi-part plan to overturn the election,” according to the 18 month long investigation. And even though it was entitled the “FINAL REPORT,” more transcripts keep coming in. Sister Dana sez, “It is finally time to fit the Big Orange Ogre into a matching big orange jumpsuit!”
Lockdown Comedy is on Zoom on January 19 featuring Keith Lowell Jensen (Sacramento), Eve Meyer (SF), Brett Jennings (Marin), and “The Geduldig Sisters” – Lockdown producer Lisa Geduldig and her 91 year young mother, Arline Geduldig (Florida). Since the monthly shows still cater to audiences of some 50-100 people monthly throughout the US and some internationally, and since the pandemic is not yet over, the show will continue on Zoom for the foreseeable future. https://www.koshercomedy.com/
Sister Dana sez, “As more and more lies are being exposed regarding Republican New York Congressman-Elect George Santos, the only lie I want to be revealed is that he is NOT GAY!”
January 21, 11:30am to 2pm is the RALLY AND MARCH FOR REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS! Gather at the Phillip Burton Federal Courthouse, 450 Golden Gate Avenue to rally. Then march together the short distance to Civic Center where the Walk for Life West Coast will hold its annual rally. Green is the symbolic color for abortion rights – in case you want to incorporate it into your look.
TWELFTH NIGHT is the official start of Mardi Gras season annually celebrated 12 days after Christmas. On January 8, KREWE DE KINQUE wore Mardi Gras masks, discussed details on our upcoming BAL MASQUE XX, paid tribute to our “Saints Above” members who have passed, held a New Years Wish candle ceremony, and we toasted the current King & Queen. “Let the good times roll!”
Sister Dana sez, “Happy LUNAR NEW YEAR on Sunday, January 22, Year of the Rabbit! Hop to it!
Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun
Published on January 12, 2023
Recent Comments