By Donna Sachet–
Happy Pride to all our loyal readers! From the Pink Triangle installation atop Twin Peaks to the newly painted rainbow colors adorning Jane Warner Plaza, from the fluttering rainbow flags up and down Market Street to the Rainbow’s Endspecialty cocktail offered at The Post Room of the Beacon Grand Hotel, this city knows how to show its pride. We hope you have enjoyed many fabulous events so far in June and that your calendar is as full as you wish for the final weeks leading up to the San Francisco Pride Parade & Celebration, June 28 and 29!
The Fifth Annual Wine Fest at The Academy on Saturday, June 14, offered members and guests a great night of local wine samplings, curated by Out in the Vineyard. Representatives from more than eight wineries were on hand to share their expertise and attendees enjoyed an evening with friends, sipping, swirling, and savoring. Delicious bites from Chef Tad of Classic Culinaire rounded out the experience.
One of our favorite events during June has become The Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation’s Broadway Bares, a fully staged set of vignettes featuring precise choreography with thematic music and colorful costumes that quickly disappear, much to the audience’s amusement. This year’s theme, Hex Appeal, provided a wide range of magical stories and featured talented dancers, as well as local personalities, like Leanne Borghesi and Lady Camden, and 1015 Folsom was an ideal setting, offering amazing technical elements and clear views for the entire audience. This event benefits The Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Watch for Broadway Bares San Francisco next June!
An essential part of SF Pride month is the Frameline Film Festival, which opened last Wednesday night at a new location, the Toni Rembe Theatre on Geary Street. This prestigious film festival brings a rich variety of movies to San Francisco viewers, as well as welcoming many of the filmmakers, actors, and others. Executive Director of Frameline Allegra Madsen and Director of Partnerships and Development Matthew Ramsey welcomed the crowd, directing their remarks around the Supreme Court decision released that same day, upholding a state law with serious and detrimental effects on transgender youth. Opening night featured the film Jimpa, starring John Lithgow and Olivia Coleman, and Director Sophie Hyde and actress Aud Mason-Hyde were present for a brief, but revealing, on-stage interview following the showing. Then VIP guests gathered for the Directors’ Reception, a chance for lively conversation about that night’s film and the entire upcoming festival.
Last Friday’s Castro Night Market brought local residents and many others out into the streets for a boisterous night of shopping, dining, drinking, and entertainment. The Castro was alive! The popular star-studded stage on 18th Street was emceed by Sister Roma and presented lots of local talent, as well as drag sensations Jorgeous, Kylie Sonique, and Willam and a special DJ set by Lady Bunny. This was a block party with something for everyone.
The next day, we hosted a Garden Party benefiting The AIDS Legal Referral Panel at Hot Johnnie’s, offering an open bar, delicious food, a quick auction, and hat contest. Board members, participating attorneys, and their guests enjoyed a well-deserved day-off from their grueling and indispensable work on behalf of clients and the joy of the afternoon was contagious.
That night, we headed to the Curran Theatre with Salvador Tovar for the SF Gay Men’s Chorus Pride Concert, Power, Pride + Pop, Oh My! A Musical Celebration of Trans and Nonbinary Voices. Artistic Director Jake Stensberg announced that all the featured soloists and storytellers that night were from the trans and/or nonbinary community. Special guest and accomplished songwriter Justin Tranter added a welcome element of humor and unabashed gayness to the event. Much of the music was unfamiliar, but definitely topical and moving, showcasing the nearly 300 singing voices, small ensembles, and lively dancers. The audience rose to their feet at the end in an unsurprising standing ovation.
Our weekend wrapped up with a wonderful Juneteenth show and fundraiser for Rafiki Wellness Center at Powerhouse Sunday afternoon, organized by an assembly of Black titleholders led by Emperor XXXVI, After Norton, John Weber. After a powerful, crowd-pleasing lineup of performers, a Soul of Pride talent contest presented four contestants. Board of Supervisors President Rafael Mandelman and State Senator Scott Wiener popped in with congratulations and certificates. The bar was delightfully crowded, the entertainment was first-rate, and $1500 was raised in a single event for a worthy organization.
As we enter the final weeks of SF Pride Month, please find your own way to embrace this amazing LGBTQ+ Community that remains a beacon for so much of the world. Never doubt that the world is watching and if we persevere through these troubled times, anything is possible and the future is bright.
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, June 26
Divas & Drinks
Bay Times Pride Celebration
10 Years of Marriage Equality
SF Pride leadership,
SF Opera singers
Bayard Rustin Coalition &
Soul of Pride Awards
The Academy SF, 2166 Market Street
6 pm
$15
https://bit.ly/3FT3BOx
Friday, June 27
SF Opera Pride Concert
Host Sapphira Cristál
Pre-show with Suzanne Ford, concert, dance party
with Juanita MORE!
War Memorial Opera House,
301 Van Ness Avenue
6:30 pm
$30 & up
www.sfopera.com/pride
Saturday, June 28
Pride Celebration
Civic Center
Free!
www.sfpride.org
Sunday, June 29
SF Pride Parade
Market Street
Free!
www.sfpride.org
Donna’s Chronicles
Published on June 26, 2025
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