By Donna Sachet–
Dr. Jerome Goldstein & Tom Taylor will long be remembered for their legendary house parties for the SF Gay Men’s Chorus, the Pride Band, and many other organizations, where food and drink were always in abundance. Their annual Christmas tree extravaganza on 21st Street became a world-famous tourist stop. And some groups will remember their more private financial contributions over the years to causes local and national, small and large. But many did not know of their personal dedication to the late Gilbert Baker and his iconic rainbow flag creation.
Jerome and Tommy were friends of Gilbert’s for many years, providing him encouragement and often financial help, even after he moved to New York. Their warehouse on Isis Street contained sewing machines, fabric, and a huge collection of rainbow flags, as well as a bed upon which Gilbert often flopped when exhausted. When Gilbert created the rainbow flag in 1978 at the request of Harvey Milk, he considered it a gift to the burgeoning LGBT community, forgoing any financial compensation or future rights. Many friends counseled him otherwise, but his mind was made up. As the flag grew in popularity, soon to be seen flying all over the world, some saw this as a missed financial opportunity; but Gilbert was an artist and had created a symbol and rallying point for his community as a gift.
As we look around at the few remaining pioneers of the early LGBTQ+ movement still active, we see many in a similar situation, living paycheck to paycheck, even after monumental contributions to our progress. Sometimes, we organize major events upon their passing to memorialize their place in the movement, as we did at the Castro Theatre when Gilbert died in 2017; but many times, their senior years are spent in isolation, privately concerned about day-to-day expenses, and feeling left behind. Jerome and Tommy were great friends to Gilbert and made every effort to assist him personally and to ensure that his rainbow flag would forever be properly remembered. Today, the Gilbert Baker Foundation continues to protect and defend the legacy of this man and his phenomenal gift.
Late in his life, Jerome Goldstein shared with us a personal dream of his to memorialize Gilbert with a life-size statue. He envisioned a park bench with Gilbert seated and the rainbow flag spread across his lap. He also wanted to represent their long friendship by including representations of both Tom Taylor and himself. This was to be an individual project, personally financed, sculpted by a respected artist, and placed in view of the public. Not many people we have spoken to even knew of Jerome’s dream. But, before he died in 2023, a bronze statue had been created.
Finding a home for it in San Francisco became problematic. Because of its size, legal and maintenance issues, including necessary approvals from the Arts Commission, this labor of love could not find a home … until Napa Valley College came forward.
Through a series of circumstances and a friendship with Greg Miraglia, Dean Emeritus and Pride Learning Community Coordinator there, this iconic statue was unveiled and dedicated in the lobby of the McCarthy Library on the campus of Napa Valley College on Friday, May 9, 2025, and we were there. We were joined by Ralph Hibbs for the short program, including remarks by College President Dr. Torence Powell, niece of Tom Taylor Angela Traeger, and the artist who created the statue, Dina Angel Wing.
We were honored to be asked to speak as well, as one of the few who personally knew all three people represented in the statue. We learned so much about this dynamic college offering four-year degrees, including studies in LGBTQ+ history and culture, and spent some time in the student Pride Room. It is heartwarming to know that this reminder of the history of the creator of the rainbow flag and his devoted friends will greet students, faculty, and visitors to the lobby of the library of Napa Valley College for years to come.
Never forget that you are living in what will one day be our history. Are you an observer, a participant, or a leader? What are we doing now to ensure key people and events will be remembered accurately? One day, we will look back on our actions or inactions with pride or regret. Don’t miss the opportunity to participate fully and dynamically. If not you, who?
Erratum: The annual Cinco de Meow Imperial event pays tribute to the late Emperor Fernando Robles, not Emperor Frankie Fernandez, as reported in our last column. Fernando is Emperor XXXII, After Norton, and died in 2015; Frankie is Emperor XXXIX, After Norton, and continues to live in San Francisco and participate in Imperial events. We deeply regret this egregious error.
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, May 22
Harvey Milk Day
A Protest of Joy
SF Pride Band, speeches, performances
Cast of Harvey Milk Reimagined
Jane Warner Plaza,
Castro & Market
March to Roxie Theater
4:30 pm Free!
Friday, May 30
Pride Renaissance Gala
Benefits Queer Life Space
Dinner, auction, program
Bobby Friday & Donna Sachet
Carly Ozard, Kippy Marks, Mahlae Balenciaga
Swedish American Hall, 2174 Market Street
5:30 pm $80, $250 & up
www.queerlifespace.org
Friday & Saturday,
May 9–July 26
Compton Cafeteria Riot
Written by Colette LeGrande, Donna Personna, & Mark Nassar
Immersive theatrical experience
835 Larkin Street
7 pm $75
www.tickettailor.com
Sunday, June 8
Sunday’s a Drag Featuring Donna Sachet & Friends
With Holotta Tymes,
Nikki Jizz, and Evian
Drag, pride, and community
on the 21st floor
of the Beacon Grand!
4:30 pm $25
https://bit.ly/4mqFJSz
Donna’s Chronicles
Published on May 22, 2025
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