By Donna Sachet –
The Academy SF presented the 2025 Legends Awards ceremony on Friday, November 7, and the Swedish American Hall was packed to the rafters in support of all the awardees. After cocktails and conversation, the evening formally opened with the rousing music of the San Francisco Pride Band under the direction of Mike Wong. We were then proud to step in as emcee for Sister Roma, who was serving as Grand Marshal of the Pride Parade in Palm Springs. Roma was kind enough to send a lovely video greeting.
Music continued with vocalist Verne Smith, the Queer Chorus, and soloist Courtney Merrell. The first award of the night, the Architect Award, was presented by Dr. Betty Sullivan and Jennifer Viegas, co-publishers of this publication, to Sara Yergovich and Danielle Thoe, business owners of the new Rikki’s bar at 2223 Market Street, named after the legendary Rikki Streicher. President of the SF Pride Board, Joshua Smith,presented the Diane Jones Solidarity Award to SF Pride Executive Director Suzanne Ford, who deserves so much credit for the proud continuation of our San Francisco Pride events. And SF Legend Juanita MORE! presented the Exemplar Award to tireless community activist Alex U. Inn.
At last, it was time to announce the newest member of the Academy’s Legends Archive and a video from Race Bannon set the stage. You could hardly contain the excitement in the room as Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi then took the microphone and shared personal stories of admiration and friendship before presenting the Legends Award to Cleve Jones. What an honor it was to introduce Pelosi, a true American hero and loyal friend to our community. And Cleve’s brief and humble acceptance speech left the audience in tears, followed by a fabulous standing ovation. Congratulations to all the awardees and to Nate Bourg and Paul Miller of The Academy SF for another stellar evening.
The next day, we turned our attention in an entirely different direction at the Imperial State Funeral of Absolute Empress XXV Marlena at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. The Reverend Lyle Beckman, who has a long history of friendship with the Imperial Court, led the ceremony with solemnity and respect. The formal procession of 11 Emperors and 18 Empresses was a demonstration of authentic significance and genuine affection for one of our own. For 60 years, the Imperial Court has supported the LGBTQ+ community and its rich history and undeniable connection was on full display. A group of direct family members filled a full pew and Marlena’s daughter spoke through tears. Other speakers included Queen Mother Nicole the Great; Emperor XXVIII John Carrillo, who organized the entire event; and Jay Harcourt, one of Marlena’s closest friends.
The room melted as Sharon McNight appeared through a side door to honor Marlena with a single song, delivered with emotion and purpose. In less than an hour, the formal event concluded and the crowd made their way to Hayes Valley and the green park in front of the bar formerly known as Marlena’s, once a beacon of drag entertainment and charitable fundraising. A festive show in Marlena’s honor sprang up on the pavement in the sunlight, featuring San Francisco Monarchs, to the boisterous approval of bystanders. That space will always hold special meaning for many of us, and, for that afternoon, Marlena’s bar was a vivid memory and so was Marlena herself. Long may she be remembered as the generous, caring, courageous leader she was.
Sunday, November 30
Light in the Grove
35th Annual Gala
Candlelight installations,
music, speakers
Emceed by Sister Roma
Lifetime of Commitment
Award to Race Bannon
AIDS Memorial Grove in Golden Gate Park
6–9:30 pm $300 & up
www.aidsmemorial.org
Monday, December 1
Castro Holiday Tree Lighting
Hosted by Donna Sachet
Music, cheer,
celebrity guests
Castro Bank of America
6 pm, Free!
Wednesday, December 3
A Season’s Greetings Serenade
Imperial Crown Prince Nathan D’Aguiar’s fundraiser
Music, toy drive, raffle
Midnight Sun
4067 18th Street
5 pm Doors, 6 pm Show, Free!
www.sfimperialcouncil.org
Thursday, December 4
Drag Queens on Ice
Union Square Ice Rink
6:30 pm, Free!
Saturday, December 6
Last Call at Maud’s
Award-winning film
Roxie Theater
3117 16th Street
3:30 pm
Reception at Rikki’s,
2223 Market Street
$15 & up
www.roxie.com
Monday, December 8
Tree of Hope Lighting
Rainbow World Fund
Grace Cathedral, Nob Hill
Hosted by Donna Sachet
SF Boy’s Choir,
Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence
6:30 pm, Free!
www.rainbowfund.org
Tuesday & Wednesday,
December 9 & 10
Songs of the Season
Produced by Brian Kent
& Donna Sachet
Holiday cabaret
benefiting PRC
Feinstein’s at Hotel Nikko
222 Mason Street
7:30 pm
$50 & up
www.prcsf.org/songs
Friday, December 12
Toast to the Season
San Francisco Bay Times
& Golden Gate
Business Association
Hosted by Donna Sachet, Aaron Boot-Haury,
& Juan Torres
LGBT Community Center
1800 Market Street
Bar, food, entertainment,
silent auction
6–10 pm
Free!
www.sfbaytimes.com
Friday & Saturday,
December 12 & 13
Holiday Spectacular
SF Gay Men’s Chorus concerts
Golden Gate Theatre
1 Taylor Street
7:30 pm & 1 pm
$35 & up
www.sfgmc.org
Saturday, December 13
Emperor Bill’s José Sarria Birthday Party
Hosted by Donna Sachet
& John Weber
The Café
2369 Market Street
5–9 pm
www.sfimperialcouncil.org
Saturday, December 13
Naughty or Nice
Annual Holiday Party
The Academy SF
2166 Market Street
7 pm–midnight
$45 or free for members
www.academy-sf.com
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 20, 2025
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