By Donna Sachet–
Life is a constant barrage of contrasting events, often reflected in this bi-weekly column, ranging from exciting galas that support the work of worthy organizations to somber remembrances of friends and community leaders whose losses will resonate for years. Prepare yourselves, dear readers, for such a wide-ranging column herein.
Those who knew Gerry Roberts were certainly touched by the memorial produced by his good friends Lenny Broberg and Audrey Joseph on Saturday, October 7, at The Eagle. A handful of carefully selected speakers, including the two hosts, shared personal memories, decorative details were added by Gary Virginia, and we shared a song with the crowd assembled. Many stories circulated regarding Gerry’s generous spirit and the wisdom he willingly shared with younger folks. His long support of the Bare Chest Calendar was evident from the many participants present. Not only the Leather Community, but also the larger LGBTQ+ Community has lost a legendary leader.
After a quick wardrobe change, we headed from there to Beaux in the Castro for Love Shack, an Imperial fundraiser supporting the Reign of Emperor Michael Anthony Chua & Empress Cameron Stiehl-Munro. Hosts Cockatielia, Alexis Miranda, and Chablis assembled quite a show and the crowd ate it up! All money raised adds to the Monarchs’ charitable fund to be distributed at their step-down next year.
Our final event was at Terra Gallery for the annual gala of Horizons Foundation. Departing from their usual Fairmont Hotel location, the Horizons’ team this year offered a more relaxed format with various food and cocktail stations, a vigorous auction by the always entertaining Michael Tate, and a brief program led by Executive Director of Horizons Foundation Roger Doughty. We enjoyed catching up with SF Pride’s Suzanne Ford, Rebecca Rolfe, Marcy Adelman, Brandon Miller, and even the Bay Times own Betty Sullivan and Jennifer Viegas. Yes, it was an especially hot evening with a mountain of traffic problems, but loyal Horizons supporters ensured a successful event.
The Academy welcomed Nas Mohamed for a National Coming Out event sponsored by his medical practice Osra and others dedicated to ending worldwide injustices and international LGBTQ+ discrimination and persecution. Sister Roma hosted, Philip Grasso DJed, and Bebe Sweetbriar and others entertained. The East Wing of The Academy SF was transformed into a more intimate club feel with lighting, floral decor, and a glittering crowd. We continue to be amazed at the commitment of Nas and his tireless activism.
The SF Gay Men’s Chorus hosted friends of Jeff Lewy for a memorial at their headquarters on Valencia. Many of Jeff’s friends, including Bob Hermann & Dan Joraanstad, Deb Stallings, Roger Doughty,and family members, shared stories of his dedication to Horizons Foundation and the chorus, among many other philanthropic efforts, as well as expressing support for his husband Ed Eishen. We exchanged stories with several friends who date back to our membership in the SFGMC and were reminded of how many people share a love for this groundbreaking choral group. Memorials are never easy to attend, but this one was well done and gave Jeff well-deserved recognition for years of generosity.
Krewe de Kinque may have created a popular new annual event with their Friday the 13th Vampire Ball at the Cat Club. Over a hundred people, nearly all in vampiric costume, assembled for a fun night of fundraising for the SF Night Ministry hosted by BeBe Sweetbriar and DJed by Suppositori Spelling. KdK King Mez & Queen Moxie Penn are to be congratulated on creating this new event, which included select entertainment, Jello syringes, and lots of hardworking volunteers. With that many costumes, a costume contest was mandatory, this one for Scariest, Sexiest, and Most Creative with cash prizes and secret judges! This event got everybody’s blood churning!
The GLBT Historical Society has always been a favorite organization of ours, because if we don’t accurately record our community’s history, it will be written incorrectly or not at all. Their annual gala, Reunion, was last Saturday night at the Marines’ Memorial Club and attendance was in the hundreds. Also choosing a more relaxed format, this event had unassigned seating in a beautiful dining room and drinks and buffet food were offered in two adjoining rooms, along with silent auction items. Board of Directors Chair Ben Chavez Gilliam recognized key volunteers and staff during the VIP reception, followed by the main event, skillfully hosted by Sister Roma and Honey Mahogany.
We were pleased to see Supervisors Raphael Mandelman and Matt Dorsey among the widely diverse crowd. Joining us at our table were John Newmeyer, Joanie Juster, Michael Bongiorni, Chris Knight & Celso Dulay, Dan Bernal, and the last original member of the group that founded the GLBT Historical Society Greg Pennington. Others in attendance were Juanita MORE!, Terrill Grimes Munro, Kylie Minono, Manny Yekutiel, Tom Horn, and new Board member Matthew Goudeau. The highlights of the program were the presentation of two awards, one posthumously to Heklina and the other to Queer Ancestors Project; a powerful speech by Executive Director Roberto Ordeñana; and closing remarks from Mayor London Breed. We join all those present in looking forward to a building dedicated to the Society’s collection in the near future.
As we close this column, we reflect on the tremendous range of emotions the past few weeks have evoked. While celebrating at fundraising galas, giving tribute to recently lost community leaders, and spending time with treasured friends, a world of turmoil swirls around us. As we are continually bombarded by news of unprecedented acts of hatred, deep-seated animosity, and heart-wrenching tragedies, how do we proceed? Accurate information is paramount, as is a willingness to empathize, to share genuine emotion, and to search for goodness wherever it can be found. Feelings of hopelessness in the face of such international catastrophes can only be balanced with recommitment to active engagement at the local level. Check in with your own heart and you will find a path worth following.
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, October 19
AIDS Legal Referral Panel’s From the Heart
Annual Reception with food, drink, silent auction
Featuring tribute to Bill Hirsh
Julia Morgan Ballroom, 465 California Street
6–9 pm
$100 & up
www.alrp.org
Saturday, October 21
Maitri’s Works of HEART
Exhibit & auction of local artists’ work
2358MRKT Gallery, 2358 Market Street
2–5 pm
Free!
www.maitrisf.org
Saturday, October 21
Krewe de Kinque’s Remembrance
Monthly fundraiser with entertainment
Benefits Rainbow Honor Walk
Midnight Sun, 4067 18th Street
4–7 pm
$10 Beer Bust
https://tinyurl.com/289vthza
Saturday, October 21
HRC Annual Gala
Dinner & Program
Awards to Lesbians Who Tech, Gary Hilbert, & Joel Kim Booster
Special guest Zane Philips
Westin St. Francis Hotel, 335 Powell Street
5:30 pm
$375 & up
www.sfbayarea.hrc.org
Friday, October 27
Divas & Drinks
Bay Times Halloween party hosted by Donna Sachet
Shake It! Booty Band debut at D&D
DJ Rockaway, Extreme Pizza, Bacardí team
Costume contest with prizes
The Academy SF, 2166 Market Street
6–10 pm
$20
www.academy-sf.com
Saturday, October 28
Grand Opening of National Queer Arts Center
Hosted by SF Gay Men’s Chorus
170 Valencia Street
5–7 pm
By invitation only
www.sfgmc.org
Donna’s Chronicles
Published on October 19, 2023
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