By Donna Sachet—
At the risk of sounding like a naive school girl with a childish crush, we report with giddy delight that the Kamala Harris who invited us a few years ago to the Vice President’s Residence in Washington, D.C., for an LGBTQ Pride Party and the most recent presidential candidate for office from the Democratic Party is the same warm, kind person whom we knew here in San Francisco and California! When we noticed that she would be speaking in Oakland last week as a part of her book tour, we snapped up the best tickets we could get. Then, we contacted Matthew Rothschild, the same gentleman and friend who was at the D.C. party a few years ago, to see if he would like to join us. He enthusiastically agreed, and, somehow, when our names were submitted as ticket holders, we were contacted to join in the meet-and-greet preceding the event! Needless to say, we were thrilled. Right away, we began to research the easiest and most reliable way to get to Oakland on a Tuesday night and settled on BART. Even given our mutual unfamiliarity with the BART system, we easily found our way on the Blue Line to Lake Merritt and the Kaiser Center for the Arts. Matthew was the perfect escort as we waited in a long line that eventually wound inside, and, after a little patient conversation, we were on our way to the guest of honor for a photo and greeting.
Having done our share of these very structured meet-and-greet events, our expectations were realistic. We welcomed the opportunity for a photo and the chance to thank Kamala personally for the spirited, positive campaign she had waged in 2024. Needless to say, security was tight and last-minute instructions included a caution against anything but standing next to her for a quick photo … no personal contact, no hug, no lingering. As we waited, we exchanged stories with Matthew of our several decades of friendship with and support of Kamala, which made the long hour of waiting fly by. Finally, we were next and there she was, dressed in an elegant, but simple, dark pantsuit, smiling with recognition, arms open to greet her old friends. Without another thought, we embraced and quickly filled our few seconds together with comments about the book, which we highly recommend, sharing regards from many other friends, and trying our best to express how deeply we had been impressed by her short-lived, but well-executed, campaign and her dignity since. After posing for a second for our photo, we separated, and, as she blew kisses, we couldn’t help but point out the high-heel pumps we had chosen to wear with our red pantsuit for the occasion; she laughed with amusement and gave us kudos for waiting in line with such fortitude.
Within those few seconds of contact, it became evident that the flurry of an unsuccessful national presidential campaign has not weakened her resolve, her compassion, or her humility. Kamala Harris is the same genuine person you will read about in 107 Days, the same person who served San Francisco, California, and eventually the nation as vice president, and the same person with whom we have shared laughter, frustration, and guarded optimism. Scoff if you must at our admiration for this individual, whom we have seen work so hard and accomplish so much, but never doubt that Kamala Harris is who she appears to be. We, as a nation, owe her so much and we, individually, will always deeply appreciate her kindness.
After a brief break in the social whirl that is San Francisco after Imperial Coronation, we encourage you to join us at one of the most enjoyable events of the spring season. Krewe de Kinque, Gary Virginia and King XXII John Brett & Queen XXII Olivia Hart invite one and all to Bal Masque XXIII on Sunday, March 15, 4–8 pm at The Cafe in the Castro. Imagine a New Orleans type celebration full of rich tradition and bawdy entertainment with costumes and decorations and then layer on the Oscar Ceremony playing live on multiple screens with all the suspense and pageantry of Hollywood. Those who fondly remember the days of the Academy of Friends annual parties will welcome a similar multi-sensory experience, including silent auction, Cajun cuisine, raffle, drink specials, and more. This festive event benefits Openhouse, our local nonprofit addressing the special needs of our aging LGBTQ population. This is one party you don’t want to miss. See you there!
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
Friday, March 13
Eat the Rich: Should Billionaires Even Exist?
Panel discussion with Peaches Christ, Celso Dulay,
Michelle Meow
Commonwealth Club
110 Embarcadero
6 pm $25
https://www.commonwealthclub.org/
Sunday, March 15
Krewe de Kinque’s
Bal Masque XXIII
Annual Mardi Gras ball & fundraiser
Entertainment, Oscar viewing party, New Orleans-style celebration
Benefiting Openhouse
The Cafe, 2369 Market Street
4–8 pm $25 & up
https://bit.ly/4aLg3uX
Tuesday, March 17
Trash Talk With John Waters
Screening of Serial Mom Castro Theatre,
429 Castro Street
7 pm $30 & up
www.frameline.org
Friday–Sunday, March 20–22
Mr. San Francisco Leather Contest
Ray Tilton & Tracii Ross Contest & other events Benefiting LYRIC
SF Eagle and other locations
https://mr-sf-leather.com/
Donna’s Chronicles
Published on March 12, 2026
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