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    Donna’s Chronicles, “As we raced through May towards Pride Month…”

    By Donna Sachet–

    As we raced through May towards Pride Month, here are some highlights of recent events, limited by space constraints. On Saturday, May 20, the SF Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band conducted by Artistic Director Pete Nowlen presented Spotlight on the ’70s, a night of music from that era at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center. We joined the very talented Phaedra Tillery-Boughton as special guest singers for this fun-filled night of musical memories, including a live auction of travel and experiences, silent auction of band contributions, beautiful exhibit of band historical items, and the world premiere of Roger Zare’s specially commissioned Awakening.

    The following day, we presided over a ceremony at Harvey’s in the Castro where a pane of glass etched with the symbol of the original bar, Elephant Walk, was donated to the GLBT Historical Society. Moxie Penn produced the event, attended by Executive Director of the society Roberto Ordenana and others, some of whom had personal stories of the 1979 White Night Riots to share.

    Heklina, A Memorial (She Would Have Hated This) at the Castro Theatre needs its own article to cover all that came together for this wonderful and perfectly appropriate celebration of the life of this San Francisco beloved icon. From the outdoor video screens and live entertainment on a remarkably closed off Castro Street to every element of the program inside, including scores of Heklina’s friends on stage, in the audience, and on video monitors, this evening will never be forgotten, nor will Heklina.

    May’s Bay Times Divas & Drinks at The Academy honored Dr. Marcy Adelman, a tireless advocate for the needs of the aging LGBTQ+ population, especially evident in the creation of Openhouse, and her many friends and supporters showed up in numbers, including Kelly Dearman, Executive Director, SF Department of Disability & Aging Services; Jessica Rothhaar, Senior Public Policy Manager, Alzheimer’s Association; Mark Leno, beloved San Francisco political icon and community activist; and even the SF Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band, marching in under the baton of Mike Wong. Marcy’s humble remarks and challenge to continue efforts resonated throughout.Name That Tune pitted returning champion Team SF Gay Softball League against former champions Team Dykes on Bikes; those feisty dykes took the trophy. DJ Rockaway played crowd-pleasing music into the night.

    On the final day of the month, we joined Julian Marshburn at Oasis to hear SF Chronicle’s Tony Bravo interview on stage the legendary film star and activist Jane Fonda. To be in the presence of one of our all-time personal heroes was nearly indescribable. She shared personal memories of a lifetime of films, human rights struggles, marriages, and quirky interpersonal encounters, all the while looking gorgeous, but determined and inspiring.

    And, just in case you didn’t know what time of year it is, we attended two rainbow flag-raising events! First, we joined Mayor London Breed, many other elected officials, SF Pride representatives, community leaders, visiting dignitaries, Reigning Emperor Michael Anthony Chua & Reigning Empress Cameron Stiehl-Munro, and San Francisco’s own Drag Laureate D’Arcy Drollinger for the official raising of the rainbow flag over City Hall. Then, we headed to the Castro, as the Castro Merchants Association, led by new President Terry Asten, raised a sparkling new rainbow flag in Harvey Milk Plaza, aided by an assortment of Castro neighbors, heads of various organizations, and once again, the Reigning Emperor & Empress. Let there be no mistake; San Francisco Pride has begun!

    Some months ago, when a friend from the International Court System (Emperor Tom Hinton) contacted us about participating in an event in Redding, California, we appreciated the invitation, but needed much more information before committing. Where is Redding? What kind of event? What sort of venue? Who is the audience? Last Saturday night, all our questions were answered and then some.

    A small group of like-minded individuals committed to the Northern California LGBTQ+ Community formed NorCal OUTreach Project, led by Board President Phillip Moller. They devised The Show Must Go On, a gala benefit drag show in the historic Cascade Theatre, an Art Deco architectural marvel. The skilled production staff handled every detail with patience and professionalism. We co-emceed with Empress Misha Rockafeller of Sacramento a lively show featuring Sacramento’s DoMe Moore and Tilly Creams and local talents Kitty Mikaelson and Stacia to a sold-out audience of nearly 1000 people. 

    Rarely have we played to such an appreciative and enthusiastic crowd! Redding was ready to be entertained and they love drag!  Ticket sales and silent auction bids, plus generous individual and corporate sponsorships, combined to raise $30,000 to support NorCal OUTreach Project’s goals of LGBTQ+ visibility, acceptance, and appreciation. What a fabulous demonstration of the power of drag, the possibilities within smaller communities, and the far-reaching impact of Pride!

    And elsewhere in California, an acknowledged bubble of progressive politics and enlightened acceptance, knee-jerk reactions to the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence have revealed the continued misunderstanding and intolerance of others towards our proud community. We send out love and support to Sister Roma and State Senator Scott Wiener as they face discrimination and reproach in Sacramento.

    With San Francisco Pride right around the corner, look back proudly at the amazing progress we’ve made due to the tireless work of so many, feel the incredible power our LGBTQ+ Community as our Parade, Celebration, and countless independent events envelope the city, and find your place among the myriad organizations continuing to do the important job of defending our rights, protecting our most challenged citizens, and celebrating the beautiful diversity that makes San Francisco the city it is.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


    Calendar a/la Sachet

    Thursday, June 8:
    The Business of Pride
    Honoring LGBTQ+ business leaders & businesses
    Hilton Hotel, 333 O’Farrell Street
    5:30–8:30 pm
    $300
    https://tinyurl.com/yuw9v2sk

    Saturday, June 10
    SF Giants Pride Day
    Giants Pride jerseys for first 20,000
    Oracle Park
    4:35 pm
    Also, pre-game celebration of 50 years of Gay Softball
    and VIP Heklina Experience
    www.mlb.com

    Wednesday, June 14
    Opening Night of Frameline47 Film Festival
    6:30 pm – Sofia Coppola’s Fairyland, Castro Theatre
    9 pm – Opening Night Gala, Terra Gallery, 511 Harrison
    Sold Out
    www.frameline.org

    Saturday, June 17
    Pink Triangle Dedication
    Produced by Patrick Carney
    Annual ceremony with dignitaries
    Twin Peaks
    11 aM
    https://www.thepinktriangle.com/

    Sunday, June 18
    Father’s Day
    Honor those who have guided you
    Tuesday, June 20
    EQCA Pride Happy Hour
    Drinks, food, and entertainment
    El Rio, 3158 Mission Street
    6–9 pm
    $20–30
    www.eqca.org

    Thursday, June 22
    Divas & Drinks
    Bay Times party at The Academy
    DJ Rockaway, Bacardí cocktails, Extreme Pizza
    Pride Party & celebration
    Name That Tune ongoing competition
    The Academy, 2166 Market Street
    $20
    https://tinyurl.com/yyzsmtrn

    Saturday, June 24
    Gary Virginia & Donna Sachet’s 25th Pride Brunch
    Annual benefit for PRC, honoring SF Pride Parade Grand Marshals
    3-course brunch, drinks, program, entertainment
    Westin St. Francis Hotel, 335 Powell Street
    11 am–2 pm
    $150 & up
    www.prc-sf.org

    Sunday, June 25
    SF Pride Parade and Festival
    Market Street & Civic Center
    www.sfpride.org

    Donna’s Chronicles
    Published on June 8, 2023