By Donna Sachet–
Halloween in the Castro may never be what it once was, before city officials decided that the potential for crime, violence, and mayhem was too high. Highly publicized, and yet disputed, violent incidents in 2006 led the city to compel neighborhood businesses to close early, discouraging any assemblies or group activities. Gone were the “Muscle Sisters” coordinated arrival and promenade of buff gym bodies in fabulous drag. Gone were the creative group costumes, suggesting flight attendants, cheerleaders, Hollywood legends, and more. And gone were the impromptu costume contests, Super Hero antics, sardonic take-offs on contemporary figures, and popular local personalities exploring new presentations. We clearly remember languishing in front of Daddy’s on Castro Street, mourning the loss of one of the LGBTQ+ community’s favorite nights. Needless to say, the abrupt cancellation of Halloween in the Castro was controversial among local merchants, residents, and visitors, but many have forgotten those harrowing days.
For three years, leadership at City Hall attempted to steer Halloween partiers away from the Castro and towards other designated and supposedly safer locations. We were even featured on billboards throughout the city announcing these changes and cautioning the public against “bad behavior.” We’ll never forget disco superstar Martha Wash performing before a disappointingly small crowd on a parking lot near the ballpark. But alternative locations never panned out, and gradually, costumed revelers returned to the Castro. The worldwide reputation of Halloween in the Castro proved too pervasive and persistent to be extinguished, bringing us to 2024.
Halloween being on a Thursday, public events were announced for the weekend before and private parties were sprinkled throughout the week. We first emerged into the celebrations in the Castro on Thursday, October 24, when Patrik Gallineaux, Global LGBTQ+ Ambassador and VP at Stoli, came to town. He invited a small group of friends to a reception at Lookout honoring Michael Daniels, recently retired from a liquor distribution company. This gentleman helped legions of event organizers with product, decor, and swag over the years, adding immeasurably to so many occasions. He received a Change Maker Award, represented by a beautifully shaped vertical glass art piece. Among those attending were Gary Virginia, Al Treuter, Cecil Russell, and Skye Paterson, also visiting from Florida. Much to our surprise, a second award was presented to this humble columnist, who has certainly witnessed her share of change and who deeply appreciates receiving this Change Maker Award from Stoli and Patrik, who remains a treasured friend.
Friday night was much milder, leading to Saturday’s Heroes & Villains costume party at The Academy SF, Gary Virginia’s Disco Night at Midnight Sun, featuring BeBe Sweetbriar and Kippy Marks, and Glo on Noe Street, the neon and day-glow extravaganza presented by the Comfort & Joy folks from Burning Man. Costumes became increasingly creative and original, crowds grew larger and more diverse, and the spirit of Halloween appeared to return to the Castro!
After Halloween, we took our annual sojourn to Palm Springs for Pride. We love the desert this time of the year, when we can enjoy warm days and cool nights, take in the panoramic natural beauty, spend time with the many San Francisco ex-pats there, meet up with other visiting San Franciscans, and possibly make some new friends. Many of the bars and businesses are concentrated on Arenas Street, closed to traffic for Pride, creating a wonderful open-air central plaza for the thousands who attend. As is our general rule, we do not report extensively on private events, but we must mention the Richmond/Ermet (REAF) Aid Foundation’s Pride house party, hosted by our generous host Tom Ray in his sprawling, beautifully appointed home atop a hill overlooking Indian Canyon.
Featured performers included Kim Shroder Long, Gregory Douglass, David Burnham, Jason Stuart, and Lyena Antonyicq, with Palm Springs resident Lenny Broberg deftly handling the auction, all benefiting FIND Food Bank and the L Fund. This year, Tom received a lovely crystal award for his gracious hospitality from Ken Henderson & Joe Seiler, Executive Director and Chairman of the Board respectively of REAF. Otherwise, we are sure you missed the usually prominent presence of many San Francisco movers and shakers last weekend, including Don Ho, Gary Virginia, Briggs Hawley, Mark Paladini, Carlos Medal & Anthony Corbin, Rick LaTulippe, Kevin Lisle & Dustin Lee, CoCo Butter, Marc Pretscher, Matt Buchanan, John Zowine, and recent transplant to New York, Jon Folmsbee.
In closing, vacations are meant as a time to relax and rejuvenate, and this Palm Springs visit was exactly that. Yes, there was a general schedule of events, and believe us, we didn’t miss much, but more importantly, it was a weekend of relaxation without must-do obligations. We shared most of the weekend reuniting with Drew Cutler, a close friend visiting from the East Coast. Some friends come and go, but we are now confident that Drew will be with us for life and that is a good thing. Cherish your friends and let them know how you feel. Until next time … .
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
Donna’s Chronicles
Published on November 7, 2024
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