By Donna Sachet–
Chilly weather on Friday, March 24, did not impede a spirited group from gathering in the sprawling patio of The Academy for another successful Divas & Drinks, this timecelebrating Women’s History Month and the 50th Anniversary of the Gay Softball League. Sophia Andary from the SF Commission on the Status of Women and SF Women’s March kicked things off, followed by President of the SF Commission on the Status of Women, Dr. Shokooh Miry, both sharing thoughts on the importance of women in SF. Next, we celebrated the birthday of one of SF’s most generous volunteers, Joanie Juster. She seemed thrilled and, as always, humble. To introduce the next portion of the evening, Michelle Jester joined us to salute the many SF LGBTQ+ Community sports teams. Michelle’s partner, Mary Sager, was a co-founder of the Women’s Division of the Gay Softball League.
But first, we made a fast costume change, revealing a uniform of the SF Knockers, the only official drag team in the SF Gay Softball League, complete with glove and softball! The crowd was in stitches! (Special thanks to our friend Saybeline for the loaned wardrobe.) We then read a roll call, recognizing SF Gay Basketball, Different Spokes biking club, SF Gay Games and Sea Bowl bowling leagues, CHEER SF, Dykes on BikesÒ and Homoto motorcyclists, SF Fog rugby, Frontrunners running club, Tsunami Aquatics swimmers, and finally Team SF Gay Softball. Another surprise of the night was the appearance of Lenny Broberg, beloved member of the Leather Community, who now lives in Palm Springs. What better way to welcome him home than to entrust him with a live auction! Within 10 minutes, Lenny’s sharp auction talents garnered a top bid of $700 for a basketball personally signed by Jordan Poole and donated by the Golden State Warriors,with the money going to the Gay Softball League. Thank you, Lenny! Remarks from Vince Fuqua, President of the SF Gay Softball League, finished off this lively celebration of their 50th anniversary.
After a short break, Team Gay Softball, headed by Orlando Diaz, and Team Another Planet, led by Mary Conde, competed in Name That Tune, Divas & Drinks-style, with sports-related songs supplied by DJ Christie, courtesy of Olivia Travel. With evolving rules and creative scoring, both teams stayed on their toes, but Team Gay Softball League emerged victorious! Once again, all the elements of Divas & Drinks, including Extreme Pizza, Bacardí cocktails, raffle prizes, gift bags, and more, added up to a raucous evening of fun!
On Saturday, March 25, we joined Suzan Revah and Africa America for The Revival Dance at the rooftop deck of the Prosper Hotel. DJ Hawthorne drew folks to the dance floor and everyone mingled as if at a family reunion. The rare dry and warmer weather was perfect for the 360-degree view and a return to the dance floor. Afterwards, we tagged along with Africa America to a well-attended Ducal Court fundraiser at Beaux, where the party never seems to end.
And on Sunday, we saluted Martha Asten of the Cliff’s Variety Store family at Charles Sanderson & Kelley Wagg’s backyard party in the Castro. She’ll be moving out of the city, but still in the Bay Area and will remain active at the store. We were proud to present a certificate from Supervisor Rafael Mandelman with thanks and permanent SF citizenship.
April Fools’ Day took an interesting turn as we offered Song Pairings: An Evening of Wine & Song at The Academy. Michael Wells, Wine Director for the club and pianist/vocalists Russell Deason and Katy Stephan provided over 50 guests with a tasting of 6 wines bolstered by a variety of musical offerings, including a surprise performance by Eduardo Gonzales-Maldonado. Both Russell and Katy brought a variety of fabulous singing and piano to the event. The East Wing annex proved the perfect venue for small tables, lots of socializing, wine tasting, and musical delights. Don’t be surprised if this idea of The Academy partner Nate Bourg returns soon!
In closing, as enjoyable events begin to reappear in San Francisco, remember that many of them could not happen without volunteer support. Next time you see or hear of an upcoming fundraiser or other event that appeals to you, make a call and see if they need volunteers. Be a part of the revival of the good times in San Francisco!
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
Saturday, April 8
Drag Up! Fight Back!
Drag March & Rally from City Hall to Union Square
Produced by Sister Roma, Juanita MORE!, D’Arcy Drollinger, Alex U. Inn, Honey Mahogany, & more
11 am – City Hall
12:45 pm Union Square
Free!
https://tinyurl.com/DUFB48
Sunday, April 9
Easter in the Park with the Sisters: Peep Show
Legendary Dolores Park event
Music, drag, costumes, fun
Hunky Jesus & Foxy Mary Contests
Dolores Park
12–4 pm
www.thesisters.org
Saturday, April 15
Soirée 2023
SF LGBT Center’s annual gala
Hosted by Sister Roma & Honey Mahogany
Entertainment curated by Juanita MORE!, DJ Lady Ryan
City View at Metreon
$95 & up
www.sfcenter.org
Saturday, April 15
Krewe de Kinque’s Bal Masque XX: The 415
San Francisco themed Mardi Gras gala
Silent auction, go-go dancers, entertainment
Crowning of new King & Queen, Celebrity Grand Marshal
Benefiting LGBT Ukraine Emergency Relief Fund
The Cafe, 2369 Market Street
6–9 pm
$10–100
https://tinyurl.com/chneryf6
Friday, April 28
Divas & Drinks @ The Academy:
Celebrating Frameline47
San Francisco Bay Times-produced event benefiting Frameline
Bacardí team and much more
The Academy SF, 2166 Market Street
6–10 pm
$15
https://tinyurl.com/4sk6m4rs
Donna’s Chronicle
Published on April 6, 2023
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