By Donna Sachet–
At times, we are desperately short on events to cover, urgently seeking out events of interest to our readers. This is not one of those times. The past few weeks have kept us frantic, hurrying from event to event and we now report to you here some of the many recent happenings in our vibrant community.
That long awaited pinnacle of San Francisco’s social calendar arrived on Friday, September 6, Opening Night of the SF Opera! We attended in the excellent company of Michael Loftis, decked out in white tie for the occasion. Starting in City Hall at the Bravo! pre-party, we chatted with Tony Bravo, Muriel Paul, Joma Petit, and others, while enjoying delicious dinner selections and chilled champagne in one of the Light Courts decorated with shimmering orbs, silver and white colors, and fragrant blossoms. At the appointed hour, we crossed Van Ness with hundreds of other well-heeled patrons to the Opera House, where opera benefactor and generous philanthropist Dede Wilsey greeted us as we entered. As always, glorious gowns and sumptuous jewelry abounded, as we caught up with John Newmeyer, Joel Goodrich, Heide Betz, Tom Horn, and more. Giuseppe Verdi’s Un Ballo in Maschera was the opening opera, featuring remarkable sets and lighting and incredible vocal performances. If one can get beyond the doubtful credibility of hidden identities and dated moral values, the drama and emotion of operas like this one are captivating. We were particularly impressed by the evocative visuals in Act II, conjuring up images of a graveyard and predicting the coming tragic finale.
After the performance, we returned to City Hall for another party, combining all the guests and revealing additional ravishing looks. We spent time with Salvador Tovar, Billy Repp, Christopher Wiseman, John Rosin, and others. After six hours of formality, we headed home with new memories of a truly grand San Francisco night and our profound gratitude for being included. Please support the rest of the season of the SF Opera, one of oldest and most revered in the nation, providing world-class entertainment of the highest order.
We combined a couple of events on Thursday, September 12, starting at The Academy for Amplify!, the annual celebration of CHEER SF, where thousands of dollars raised at various events during the year were distributed to worthy local recipients. The mood was positive and upbeat, especially when the biggest check of the night for $30,000 was presented to Maitri, represented by CEO Michael Armentrout. Next time you see CHEER SF spreading joy, know that they also spread financial support where it is needed.
We then made a quick costume change before heading to SVN, the long-vacant car dealership at Market and Van Ness, for Disco for Democracy, a dance party to support efforts of the Democratic Party. We think that Kamala Harris herself would have loved this event with music by top DJs Austin Millz and David Harness, roller skating on the roof, and smiles all around. Manny Yekutiel was the key organizer behind this fresh idea. The place was full of joyful warriors!
After months of work on the part of many individuals and the support of the Board of Supervisors and the Mayor, the rainbow flag at Castro and Market is now a a San Francisco Landmark, ensuring its protection in perpetuity. On Friday, September 13, an amazing group of city leaders gathered at the GLBT Historical Society Museum on 18th Street for official ceremonies, including signing of the legislation by Mayor London Breed, surrounded by Charles Beal of the Gilbert Baker Foundation, Suzanne Ford and Nyguen Pham of SF Pride, Patrick Carney of the Pink Triangle, Executive Director of the LGBT Historical Society Roberto Ordeñana, Supervisors Matt Dorsey and Rafael Mandelman, City Treasurer José Cisneros, and many others. Gary Virginia brought a beautiful framed portrait of Tommy Taylor, longtime caretaker of the flag, to the event. From there, we ceremonially carried a new rainbow flag to be raised on the Landmark Flagpole, as television cameras and press photographers captured the moment. Only because of the forward thinking and tireless efforts of many can we preserve our LGBTQ+ history and its many manifestations. Now, all who see that proud symbol waving over the Castro will know its meaning and be assured of its longevity.
We joined Gary Virginia at one of the community’s most creative annual events, Chrysalis, GAPA’s Runway Pageant last Saturday at Herbst Theatre. Once again, the crowd was exuberant, the costumes were fantastic, and the competition was intense. Returning for the 30th year, emcees Nyguen Pham aka Sir Whitney Queers and Jezebel Patel kept the audience in stitches with topical references, sharp humor, and good-natured banter. Stepping down were Mx. GAPA Lotus Party and Ms. GAPA Kiki Krunch, showcasing fabulous costumes and touching performances. Beyond the contest, the appearance of the Producer of the event, Jethro Patalunhug aka Virginia Please, in a fabulous floral ensemble brought down the house. Ten competitors faced five judges in multiple categories, as the enthusiastic crowd cheered on their favorites, especially during the talent portion of the pageant. The judges faced no easy task! Finally, after hours of fantastic costumes, crowd-pleasing talent, and witty responses to questions, the winners were announced: Kalypso and Ari Ola. (Ari’s contestant number with a rice theme will go down in history as one of the most original ever.) What a night!
We finished the evening back in the Castro at 440 for a special guest set by DJ Lester Temple, courtesy of Paul Goodyear. The bar was electrified with excitement as Lester spun vinyl for a couple of hours, bringing back vivid memories of nights at Dreamland, I-Beam, Trocadero Transfer, The End-Up, and more. His birthday arrived at midnight, so we celebrated with cupcakes and celebratory toasts.
Cosmic Jungle, the 52nd annual Mr./Ms./Miss/Mx. Pageant of the Imperial Council of San Francisco, attracted 8 worthy contestants and an enthusiastic crowd of supporters last Sunday night to the Harvey Milk Center for the Arts. Reigning Empress Linda Summers kicked things off with a rousing Latin number, emcees Emperor XXXVIII Stephen Dorsey and Absolute Empress LI Emma Peel kept the evening rolling along, and an esteemed panel of judges did the hard work of selecting the winners. To say the competition was intense would be a gross understatement; each contestant brought their best in costuming, personality, talent, and more. Additional entertainment included anniversary numbers by former Gay title-holders and the stepping-down Mr. Gay Josue Henriquez and Miss Gay Nikita Vega. When all was said and done, the results were announced: Mx. Gay San Francisco Sue Trowtower, Miss Gay SF The One and Only Rexy, runners-up Xochhitl and Joryss Basaid, Ms. Gay SF Bettyie Jayne, runner-up Ladycuki Couture, and Mr. Gay SF Josue Henriquez (for the second year in a row), runner-up Candi Mint Mercury. Heads were crowned, sashes adorned, and flowers distributed, as the crowd went wild.
One more special moment at the pageant was the recognition of all the previous Gay title-holders present, starting with this humble columnist who was crowned in 1992 as Miss Gay San Francisco, followed by many familiar faces and several more recent Imperial participants. How time flies! Our take-away? Follow your dreams; don’t wait for them to be delivered to your door. Congratulations to the Imperial Council for continuing this significant historic pageant for 52 years!
If the past few weeks are any indication, San Francisco is alive and well. Get out of the house and join the fun!
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
Saturday, September 21
Grand Opening of
Catch French Bistro
Cleve Jones, Dr. Dee Spencer, Donna Sachet
Champagne, speakers,
and entertainment
2362 Market Street
5–7 pm
Free!
www.catchfrenchbistro.com
Thursday, September 26
Divas & Drinks
Bay Times event at
The Academy
Hosted by Donna Sachet
DJ Olga T
The Academy SF,
2166 Market Street
6–10 pm
$15
www.academy-sf.com
Saturday, September 28
Grand Ducal 50th Coronation
Grand Duke Ray Ray &
Grand Duchess Christina Ashton
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, 1500 Van Ness
6 pm
$65
www.sfducal.org
Saturday, September 28
Magnitude
Brian Kent’s Folsom Street
main dance party
DJs Brian Maier,
Thunderpuss, GSP
SVN West, 10 Van Ness
9 pm
$100 & up
www.folsomstreet.org
Donna’s Chronicles
Published on September 19, 2024
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