By Donna Sachet–
Anyone who doubts the validity or relevance of the Imperial Court of San Francisco need only have attended the recent 49th annual Gay Pageant: Where Dreams Come True at The Midway to witness first-hand an organization with over fifty years of traditions, experience, and structure adapt and appeal to the rapidly changing face of our LGBTQ+ Community! Not only did this event add titles to be more inclusive, but it also welcomed a wide variety of contestants, evaluated by a stellar panel of judges in a refreshingly new venue. First off, the Imperial Council has chosen to update all its titles to include the many iterations of self-identity, so that this annual pageant now selects a Mr., Miss, Ms., and Mx. Gay San Francisco. Emcees Imperial Crown Prince Tracii Chambers More & Imperial Crown Princess Katya Smirnoff-Skyy kept the audience on their toes, including an exhaustive listing of the judges’ accomplishments; we learned from them and choose here to simply list their and trust our readers to research their resumes: Lance Holman, Tita Aida, BeBe Sweetbriar, Sister Roma, Honey Mahogany, and Just Shannon.
Sage Sanchez Munro & Linda Summers completed their year as Mr. & Miss Gay SF that night with crowd-pleasing opening numbers, final walks, and fabulous costuming. Each of the five contestants went through the grueling competition on stage with categories of Creative Costume, Talent, Formal Wear, and Question. (An interview with the judges preceded the night’s competition.) Our head is still reeling with the sights and sounds of a truly entertaining variety of presentations, but personal favorites include the floral fantasy gowns and choreography of Mary Vice and Dottie Lux, tribal dancing by Jocquese Sir Joc Whitfield, mind-twisting androgynous flirtation by Hollywood Texas, and unforgettable stage presence and attitude from Ashlee Blow. The entertainment also included anniversary performances and video messages from former Mr./Miss Gays (Jada Miranda was divine!), Command Performances by Grand Duchess Bobby Friday, Sue Trowtower, and Amoura Teese, and a side-splitting pantomime by Their Most Imperial Majesties, Reigning Emperor Mr. David Glamamore & Reigning Empress Juanita MORE! As tradition dictates, all the former Gay titleholders present had a moment on stage and the house gave all due respect to the senior member of that group, Mr. Gay 1974 Ron Ross, truly a dedicated and beloved Imperial Family legend.
The Midway provided ample room for cocktails, snack foods, and hobnobbing while offering exciting new possibilities in lighting and other special effects on stage. This pageant ended, as they all do, with the announcement of the winners, but in this case, with only five contestants for four titles, all were acknowledged and congratulated by roaring applause. Note those names above, because our Monarchs plan to keep them quite busy during their year doing the work of the Imperial Court … raising money for worthy causes, hosting entertaining events, and developing the leadership of the future.
Gary Rahlf, fondly hailed as The Queen among his many friends, held his annual birthday celebration at 440, spilling out onto Castro Street and attended by dozens of friends whose relationships spanned decades. Gary’s generosity is matched only by his genuine love of life and he shared both of those attributes all afternoon. We joined party lover and creative spirit Gary Virginia for a few remarks on the microphone, some shout-outs to visiting supporters, and quite a few cocktails. Then it was time for the beautiful multi-colored birthday cake and obligatory song. Happy 77 to a dear friend and essential part of our crazy little coterie!
Last Thursday had us wondering if this pandemic was at last heaving its final breaths! Competing events overlapped, forcing us to set a tight schedule between three happenings and ultimately attending only one. Our readers will surely read details of the SF Pride Awards at Cityscape and Juanita MORE!’s in-person interview at Manny’s elsewhere, but only a chosen few got a tantalizing glimpse at the re-emergence of Celebrity Cruises. We were thrilled to reunite with the vivacious LaTonya Smothers Lawson, Regional Marketing Manager for Celebrity Cruises, as she and her team presented a convincing argument that cruising is back, it is safe, and it is calling for us! Celebrity is already known for their luxurious accommodations, careful attention to detail, and industry-leading special touches, but the focus that night was on their newest ship, Celebrity Beyond, and the on-board cuisine crafted by Michelin-starred Chef Cornelius Gallagher. Chef Matthew Dolan of 25 Lusk, the venue for the evening, provided previews of many of the gastronomical treats to be enjoyed on board. Despite all the harrowing news stories of the last couple of years, we encourage you to look into the massive response the cruise industry has taken to health and safety concerns and to trust this reputable community-engaged company. We look forward to seeing you on the high seas aboard a Celebrity Cruise soon.
As if to remind us that returning to the social whirl is not all simply fun and games, we accepted the kind invitation of Bevan Dufty and attended a rally and fundraiser at the charming home of City Treasurer José Cisneros for Malia Cohen who is running for California State Controller next June. Although the reason for the gathering was serious, i.e., getting a trusted and well-qualified person into this important elected office, the party was a spirited reunion of like-minded, politically savvy friends, including Christopher Vasquez, Mark Rhoades, John Weber, BART’s General Manager Bob Powers, PRC’s Brett Andrews, SF Pride’s Carolyn Wysinger, Liz Polo, and even Greg Bronstein.
The highlight of this most recent return to social activity was Saturday night’s Studio 54 styled dance at The Great Northern (previously known as Mighty). Our little gang, led and inspired by Suzan Revah and Rusty Best, dressed for the occasion with high expectations from Producers Jellybean Benitez and Julius Papp,and we were not disappointed. Classic Donna Summer, Diana Ross, Grace Jones, Le Chic, and more catapulted us back to the heydays of disco, as pulsing lights flashed, snow fell from the ceiling, and glitter sparkled everywhere. Has it really been nearly two years since we have lost ourselves on a dance floor with people we love? 2 am came much too soon … .
We hate to change the tone of this column so drastically, but we were informed last week of the death of Michael Pagan, creator and producer of Sunday’s a Drag, the hit show that ran for 12 years, many times with 2 shows per Sunday. Following so quickly after the news of Harry Denton’s death, it is hard to express our sense of loss. Michael inspired the cast, challenged the crew, promoted the show, and always made each of us feel special and appreciated. There will never be another like him.
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, October 21
Divas & Drinks at The Academy
DJ Rockaway, Bacardi specials, Bay Times partnership
Halloween costumes encouraged
The Academy, 2166 Market Street
7 pm–10 pm
$10
www.academy-sf.com
Saturday, October 23
Bearrison Street Fair
Return of in-person outdoor event
Bears of SF and Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence
Focusing on body positivity for all!
12–6 pm
Free!
www.bearrison.org
Thursday, October 28
LGBTQ+ Night with the Golden State Warriors
Chase Center
Special community performers
Commemorative souvenirs
7 pm
$50 & up
www.warriors.com/sfbaytimes
Sunday, October 31
HalloQueen Drag Brunch
Hosted by Sister Roma, DJ Juanita MORE!
Performers Carnie Asada, Roxy-Cotton Candy, Nicki Jizz, & more
Fairmont Hotel, 950 Mason Street
$125
www.opentable.com
Published on October 21, 2021
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