By Donna Sachet—
Believe it or not, the Castro is showing significant signs of recovery and renewal! Last Tuesday, Frameline Film Festival reopened the long-abandoned Hamburger Mary’s location on Castro Street as a ticketing and information station for filmgoers. Among those we ran into were Bevan Dufty, Sister Roma, Suzanne Ford, and Nguyen Pham. The place looked amazingly pristine, even after such a long closure. Director of Partnerships and Development Matthew Ramsey got things going and then Executive Director Allegra Madsen shared some of the excitement in the upcoming season. Drop by this new outpost soon and pick up a calendar of the June 17–27 Frameline Film Festival, the oldest and largest international LGBTQ+ film festival in the world, returning to the Castro Theatre for its 50th Anniversary. You are sure to find something that appeals to you!
We were honored to attend an exclusive fundraiser for SF Pride in a Pacific Heights event room with sweeping views of the city, including both bridges. Robert Holgate and Marcy Adelman hosted and honored Roger Doughty after decades of leadership at Horizons Foundation. The attendees represented a tremendous cross-section of our generous community, including Dan Bernal, Ed Eishen, George Ridgely, Suzanne Ford, Tom LeNoble, Antonio Contreras, and Joel Goodrich. After a brief update on the progress of SF Pride towards this year’s rapidly approaching celebration, guests were asked to reach deep and make a meaningful contribution to this nonprofit organization that brings so much to our city. Contrary to the beliefs of many, SF Pride does not just happen every June; it depends on our active engagement and financial support.
Jason Brock and Dee Spencer returned to Martuni’s last Saturday night, performing songs from the iconic 1971 album Tapestry by Carole King. The combination of this gorgeous, memorable album performed by two of our favorite musicians was impossible for us to resist! So, we grabbed Gary Virginia and headed to the best piano bar in town. The room was packed. Jason sang beautifully, and Dee performed with a wonderful sensibility to Carol’s music. We all left humming songs and remembering our first exposure to these gorgeous melodies.
SF Pride Band’s tenth annual Spotlight on Broadway last Sunday showcased new Artistic Director Matthew Fell, the band previously known as the Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band, and vocalists Leanne Borghesi (a great local talent and always a delight), Jae Truesdell, and this humble singing columnist. The newly remodeled Grand Theater on Mission Street provided a spacious and lovely setting with premium table seating up front and rows of chairs further back. The audience was encouraged to sing along with their favorite Broadway hits from Wicked, La Cage, West Side Story, Cabaret, Les Miserables, and more as the vocalists performed features as well as provided comic direction. Additional funds were raised with a silent auction and live auction of the opportunity to conduct the band for a single performance, won remarkably by a band member. Watch out, Matthew! What a great night it was performing with our very own Pride Band and helping them with their biggest fundraiser of the year.
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, May 22
Harvey Milk Gayla
Harvey Milk LGBTQ
Democratic Club
Celebrating 5 Decades of Activism
Awards to Mayor Barbara Lee, Martha Wash & more
SF Design Center Galleria
101 Henry Adams Street
6–11 pm $220 & up
https://bit.ly/3RMCoSW
Thursday, May 28
Second Annual Celebration of Bay Area AAPI LGBTQ+
Women Leaders & Allies
Bay Times-presented celebration, Dan Ashley of ABC7 TV, Emcees Madeleine Lim & Nguyen Pham
Special guest Margaret Cho Taiko Master
Tiffany Tamaribuchi
DJ China G
SF LGBT Community Center
1800 Market Street
6–10 pm
After Party at The Academy SF
10 pm–midnight $15
https://bit.ly/4fdNiev
Tuesday, June 2
The Business of Pride
Annual Celebration
& Awards Ceremony
Selisse Berry Legacy Leader presented to Dr. Marcy Adelman
Westin St. Francis Hotel
335 Powell Street
6–8:30 pm $250 & up
https://bit.ly/4dVuXAD
Saturday, June 6
Synchronicity:
Gypsy Love’s Release Party
World premiere hosted by
Donna Sachet & Suzan Revah
Kippy Marks & Go-Go Emerson
The Café, 2369 Market Street
6–9 pm $5 & up
www.eventbrite.com
Saturday, June 6
Heels for Hope
Maitri fundraiser
Hosted by Ginger Minj
with Fou Fou Ma & Johnny Stein
Marines’ Memorial Theatre
609 Sutter Street
$80 & up
www.maitrisf.org
Donna’s Chronicles
Published on May 21, 2026
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