By Donna Sachet–
If you watched the live broadcast of the Inaugural ceremonies last week, we hope you felt the fresh breeze we felt. The contrast in the very same location between what happened on January 6 and January 20 couldn’t be clearer. Weeks ago, as fanatical followers of unproven conspiracy theories pushed barricades aside, then smashed windows and rammed doors open, rarely we have felt such a dark cloud over our country. Law enforcement professionals were quickly overwhelmed, people were injured, and five individuals lost their lives amid the senseless violence. As images of previous demonstrations filled our mind, nothing could compare to this maniacal violation of the hallowed halls of the United States Capitol building, threatening not just the constitutional business of our democracy, but also the very lives of elected officials, their staffs, and families. Never has such a foreboding storm cloud threatened such menacing possibilities, as the nation and the world watched live.
Exactly two weeks later, the U.S. Capitol gleamed in winter sunshine and a refreshing breeze of civility, tradition, and order filled the air. No, this wouldn’t be the Inauguration so many of us have come to expect with throngs gathered across the National Mall to witness the peaceful transfer of power from one administration to the next. The COVID-19 pandemic still rages, requiring extensive controls on public gatherings, and the violence of two weeks ago called for unprecedented security precautions, including eight-foot fencing, distanced seating, and a dramatically scaled back event. But somehow, a fresh wind of hope was able to clear the lingering residue of doubt in the election results, to sweep aside the monstrous insults and hurdles thrown by the outgoing administration, and to lift the much smaller audience above petty grievances and political party differences, if only for a day.
In a ceremony full of traditions that go back to the founding of our country, a new President and Vice President took their oaths of office while the entire membership of the Supreme Court, many senators and representatives from both parties, previous presidents and vice presidents, and families and friends looked on. Uplifting musical performances by Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, and Garth Brooks elevated the event, as did stirring poetry from National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman, encouraging spiritual words from members of the clergy, and even some mild touches of humor from a couple of speakers. We are not ashamed to admit that these eyes filled with tears as Kamala Harris took her oath breaking all molds of expectation as our newest Vice President. Even President Joe Biden’s rather lackluster Inaugural address struck the right tone to encourage us to look ahead without evoking too many dark shadows of the past. This was a day to look forward, buoyed by a crisp winter day in Washington, D.C., and an unmistakable breeze of clean fresh air.
Let’s be clear, however, that all is not instantly perfect again. We all know that the first burst of fresh air after a long dark spell is only a promise of things to come. Our national leadership has a long way to go, California continues to contend with multiple significant challenges, and this city that we love faces ongoing problems that have been exacerbated by a pandemic and all the damage it has caused to the very fabric of our lives. As a local columnist, it is here that we want to spend the remainder of this message.
We, as a community, must come to terms with the changed landscape. As a fundraiser, event producer, and creative performer, we are particularly focused on those aspects of change. Let’s look ahead to 2021. There will be no Imperial Coronation in San Francisco in February; this was recently confirmed by the Imperial Council that announced a postponement until April. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is delaying the 93rd annual Oscars ceremony, so will our local Friends of the Academy postpone, reconfigure, or cancel their annual gala? Krewe de Kinque, the fun-loving club formed here in San Francisco and inspired by the pageantry, traditions, and fellowship of New Orleans krewes, is facing their own dilemma. New Orleans has canceled Mardi Gras parades, parties, and other events; what should Krewe de Kinque do? And these are just special events. What about the ongoing fundraisers, celebrations, and other events that used to take place week in and week out at bars and venues throughout the year? In many cases, these were the events that bound us together as a community, while raising important funds for causes we believe in and for organizations we helped create and perpetuate. At a time when the calls for help are more and more frequent, the entrenched and proven support mechanisms for raising money from within our community have been decimated. So, where do we go from here?
Yes, we have come to loathe those over-used words like “pivot,” “reinvent,” and “new normal,” but they all relate to the process we are going through as we navigate this new and complicated world. So, what do we do? Like it or not, many organizations are learning how to stage virtual events; watch for them and support them with your donations. Many severely impacted businesses, trying to hang on through this pandemic, have turned to online fundraisers to enable them to meet financial obligations, retain employees, and plan for a return to business; seek out their websites and throw them your financial support. Individual performers and artistic groups whose livelihood was curtailed overnight are struggling to find new, creative avenues of expression; maintain your support of those who have brought you so much pleasure over the years with your Venmo, PayPal, and other online payments. Think about the money you used to spend on a regular basis and direct your generosity accordingly. Many of us have personally suffered job loss, fractured security, and/or less disposable income, so only you know your own comfort level with philanthropy, but don’t lose sight of the many needs you can address and the immense satisfaction that helping others brings.
The best outcome of all of this might be the discovery of new and creative ways to address old challenges. Maybe we’ll discover that some of our old habits no longer serve new needs. Perhaps that breath of fresh air wafting across the country will bring to San Francisco a rejuvenation of our cherished reputation for creativity, generosity, and diversity. With any luck, by the end of 2021, we’ll be able to look back on great new memories and look forward to excellent new opportunities.
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, February 13
All You Need Is Love:
REAF’s Virtual Valentine’s Spectacular
Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation cabaret show on YouTube Live
featuring Leslie Jordan, Bruce Vilanch, Spencer Day, Petula Clark & more
11 am
$25 & up
www.reaf.org\
Published on January 28, 2021
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