On June 26, 2025, the day of the 10th anniversary of nationwide marriage equality, the San Francisco Bay Times at The Academy SF commemorated that legal victory with a recommitment ceremony involving couples, such as Stuart Gaffney and John Lewis, who were key to the fight for same-sex marriage rights. The co-emcees of the event, which was part of the Divas & Drinks series, were SF Pride President Emeritus Nguyen Pham (who is also the current President of Mensa) and drag legend Donna Sachet.
El Cerrito Mayor Carolyn Wysinger was the officiant, and was introduced by ABC7 News anchor Dan Ashley on the day of his own wedding anniversary to his wife. As Dan explains, his brother is a member of the LGBTQ+ community and he has always been a staunch ally. Dan is also a talented musician. Check out his hit song “Small Town Nights,” recently released!
Following the recommitment ceremony, the GLIDE Ensemble performed, including singing “Love Train” (watch for Dawn Dzurilla and her cute 18-year-old pup dancing along!).
Filmmakers Geoff Callan and Mike Smith attended and spoke about their award-winning 2005 documentary, Pursuit of Equality.
Donna Sachet performed a beautiful rendition of “Come Rain or Come Shine.” Internationally known burlesque artist Frankie Fictitious performed mesmerizing numbers, and her partner DJ LIVV was the DJ for the night. LIVV had asked guests for song favorites, and played them as they ascended the stairs!
Many of us danced the night away on Thursday night before Pride Weekend that also highlighted Lisa Williams and Lawrence Shine of the Bayard Rustin Coalition and Soul of Pride + their honorees, and Suzanne Ford, Celebrity Grand Marshal Harper Steele, and many others. The organizers wish to thank all those who donated raffle and live auction items, including The Golden State Valkyries, who donated a basketball signed by Kate Martin! (Imani Rupert-Gordon, the Executive Director of The National Center for Lesbian Rights won the item in the live auction.) Thanks also to Nate Bourg, who was celebrating his Birthday Week, and to Paul Miller of The Academy SF.
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