By Donna Sachet–
The Book of Pride: LGBT Heroes Who Changed the World, painstakingly compiled by Mason Funk, was unveiled at Opera Plaza’s Books, Inc. last week and it is chock full of memorable people, several of them familiar local individuals. After reading our own page within, based on interviews conducted nearly two years ago, all we can say is that we most decidedly walk upon the shoulders of those who went before us. The contributions to the LGBTQ Community within range from philanthropic generosity and tireless activism to proud presence and organizational leadership. Mason’s award-winning nonprofit OUTWORDS is determined to document the stories of the many who have shaped the LGBT struggle, advancing it in ways large and small, monumental and personal. Get your copy and take pride!
State Senator Scott Wiener revealed a lighter side when he hosted a reception for the LGBTQ Caucus of the California Democratic Party at Oasis on Friday, May 31. We happily co-emceed with him as hundreds of Democrats from across the State took time out of the important business of the convention in town that weekend to celebrate and party. Believe us, this group was ready to party! Very brief remarks from several elected officials were punctuated by drag performances by Khmera Rouge, BeBe Sweetbriar and Mercedez Monro. We’ll avoid overt political remarks here, but suffice it to say, the California Democratic Party is poised for action!
SF Pride must officially be here! The rainbow flag rose on June 3 above City Hall, where it will fly throughout the month in recognition of the LGBTQ Community. A dizzying array of city leaders gathered in the Mayor’s Office for this symbolic ceremony, including Police Chief Bill Scott, Sheriff Vicki Hennessy, Fire Chief Jeanine Nicholson, Treasurer Jose Cisneros, Chief of Protocol Charlotte Shultz, and Supervisors Catherine Stefani, Matt Haney, Ahsha Safai and Rafael Mandelman. After the ceremony, the Mayor spoke enthusiastically of the occasion and recognized the Grand Marshals of the Pride Parade, SF Pride’s Executive Director George Ridgely and the Board of Directors on the Mayor’s Balcony at a reception catered by Taste and sponsored by the Bob Ross Foundation. On hand were Teddy Witherington, Roberto Ordenana, Audrey Joseph, Bill Wilson and Anthony Morin. Everything points to another glorious and successful San Francisco Pride Parade and Celebration, June 29–30!
The Rainbow Honor Walk unveiled another eight plaques at Stonewall 50 Speakeasy, co-hosted by Google on Monday, June 3. This community space filled quickly to capacity as guests enjoyed free flowing wine, delicious hors d’oeuvres and silent auction. We emceed a short program with remarks from David Perry, President of the Rainbow Honor Walk Board of Directors; Rebecca Prozan, Head of California Public Affairs at Google; and Tarita Thomas, Chair of the Event Committee. Full-size mock-ups of the plaques soon to be placed up and down Market Street near the Castro honoring Chavela Vargas, Freddie Mercury, Marie Aqui, W.H. Auden, Josephine Baker, Gerry Studds, Alvin Ailey and Lou Sullivan flanked one wall, while a photo booth with whimsical props and staffed by Rusty Best and Suzan Revah beckoned guests near the entrance. An eye-catching video loop played on multiple screens featuring the honorees, memorable scenes from SF Pride and references to the Stonewall Inn in New York City as DJ Zanne deJanvier played related music. Among the guests were Wells Fargo’s Mario Diaz, AT&T’s Cammy Blackstone, City Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, John Newmeyer, Bruce Beaudette, Richard Landry, Larry Hashbarger and Joanie Juster. How refreshing to see so many interested in preserving our history and recognizing deserving pioneers and contributors! And what a way to kick off Pride 2019!
We spent most of last week visiting Key West for the very first time as the guest of Patrik Gallineaux and Skye Paterson for the 6th Annual Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic. Although we rarely travel during our own Pride month, this trip proved the perfect catalyst for our San Francisco celebration. We met wonderful members of a tight-knit and dedicated LGBTQ community, including Mayor Teri Johnson, Sushi, Jennifer McClain and Alan Beaubien, participated in wildly enthusiastic and publicly supported bar events, and even endured the unbelievable heat and humidity along with activist Eddie Reynoso, singers Debby Holiday and LaToya London, travel writer Troy Petenbrink, Swiss Stoli rep Miguel deLima, Real Housewives of Dallas’ LeeAnne Locken, comedian Bruce Vilanch and personality Lance Bass. We unveiled a fabulous wall mural by Lisa Marie Thalhammer, whose art appears on the second LGBTQ themed Stoli bottle commemorating Stonewall 50. San Francisco’s own finalist David Facer of Badlands/Toad Hall competed admirably, advancing to the finale on Saturday night outdoors on Duval Street, but the winner was Sam Benedict representing Club Cumming in New York City. We all joined the splendid Key West Pride Parade the next day and Stoli presented thousands of dollars to local nonprofits as part of the event. Thank you for this special opportunity, Patrik and Skye, and thank you, Key West, for the hospitality and memories! Now, on to San Francisco Pride!
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
Every Sunday
Sunday’s a Drag!
The Starlight Room
Sir Francis Drake Hotel
10:30 am Brunch, 11:30 am Show
$75 inclusive
https://starlightroomsf.com/sundays-a-drag
Friday, June 14
Disco Coalition
Series of Happy Hour tributes to Queeros
Salute to José Sarria, benefits Castro Country Club
5–8 pm
Lookout
3600 16th Street
https://www.discocoalition.org/
Saturday, June 15
Daytime Disco w/Wayne G
1–6 pm
Virgin Hotel Rooftop
250 4th Street
$25
https://briankentproductions.com/
Sunday, June 16
Broadway Bares: San Francisco Strips IV
Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation benefit
Bruce Vilanch, Jai Rodriguez, Cassandra Cass, Leanne Borghesi
8 pm
DNA Lounge
375 11th Street
$45 & up
https://www.reaf-sf.org/
Thursday, June 20
Frameline Film Festival Opening Night
Vita & Virginia
7 pm
Castro Theatre
$35 & up
https://www.frameline.org/
Friday and Saturday, June 21–22
Queens, San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus
Imperial Court, Grand Ducal Council, Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence
June 21, 8 pm, June 22, 2:30 pm & 8 pm
Sydney Goldstein Theater
275 Hayes Street
$25 & up
https://www.sfgmc.org/
Sunday, June 23
Marc Huestis Presents
Frameline Festival’s special presentation
Impresario of Castro Street book release
6:45 pm
Victoria Theatre
2961 16th Street
$15 & up
https://www.frameline.org/
Monday, June 24
Dress Up Like Mrs. Doubtfire by Will Zang
Through the Windows by Peter Barma & Bret Parker
Frameline Film Festival
Castro Theatre
1:30 pm
$15 & up
https://www.frameline.org/
Wednesday, June 26
Equality Federation LGBTQ Mixer
6–9 pm
Salesforce Tower
415 Mission Street
$35 (but now sold out)
https://bit.ly/2wr2OwW
Friday, June 28
Trans March 2019
11 am–8 pm
Dolores Park
Free!
http://www.sfpride.org/
Saturday, June 29
Gary Virginia & Donna Sachet’s 21st Annual Pride Brunch
Benefiting PRC, honoring Grand Marshals of Pride Parade
Tito’s Handmade Vodka & Korbel sparkling wine
Silent & live auction, raffle, speaking program
11 am–2 pm
Westin St. Francis Hotel, Union Square
$125 & up
https://prcsf.org/
Saturday, June 29
27th Annual SF Dyke March
Dolores Park
11 am–6:30 pm
Free!
http://www.sfpride.org/
Sunday, June 30
San Francisco Pride Parade: Generations of Resistance!
Market Street from Embarcadero to Civic Center
10:30 am start time
FREE!
http://www.sfpride.org/
Sunday, June 30
Frameline Film Festival Closing Night
Gay Chorus Deep South
Castro Theatre
$35 & up
https://www.frameline.org/
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