By Donna Sachet–
We are passionate about making sure the history of our LGBTQ+ Community is recorded accurately and a big part of that is procuring that history from those who helped to make it. Organizations like the GLBT Historical Society and the Rainbow Honor Walk are important San Francisco resources and deserve your support and participation.
On a national scale, we support OUTWORDS, started by Mason Funk less than ten years ago, actively seeking out those who have participated in our movement across a broad spectrum of activities and capturing their stories in professional video interviews. We recently attended one of their few fundraisers, generously hosted by Robert Holgate in the beautiful penthouse community room of his high-rise, where we were joined by a remarkable collection of local leaders and activists, including Dr. Marcy Adelman, Doug Waggener, Win Pham, Suzanne Ford, Susan Stryker, Rebecca Rolfe, Roger Doughty, and even Lenny Broberg visiting from his home in Palm Springs. The brief program highlighted a few of the interviews in the current archive and in-person remarks from current supporters. As we spoke to many in the crowd, it became obvious that OUTWORDS could benefit from more exposure of this kind, since their mission and the high-quality videos they are assembling appealed to the entire room. Take a look at a few of the interviews available (www.theoutwordsarchive.org ) and you’ll recognize this as a project worthy of your support and financial contributions.
Our loyal readers know of our particular affection for the SF Gay Men’s Chorus, not just because it was one of the first groups we joined when arriving in San Francisco, but because of its seminal place in our community’s history, respected musical excellence, and ongoing outreach. We recently attended a special viewing of the documentary film Gay Chorus Deep South, five years after its release, at the Chan Queer Arts Centerand we’ve never been prouder of SFGMC. After considering many options, this chorus decided to hit the road on a tour of several cities in the southern United States, places more notable for the preponderance of churches than for Gay Pride Parades. Many singers in the chorus and Artistic Director Tim Seelig himself would be confronting familiar settings that held bitter memories of exclusion and intolerance. Nevertheless, they pushed forward. Watching the film there in SFGMC’s new building, surrounded by many who had joined the tour, was an emotional, sometimes painful experience, but the remarkable stories of persistence, pride, and new-found connections were so affirming. Following the film, a panel, including Tim Seelig, Chorus CEO Chris Verdugo, writer and director David Charles Rodrigues, Producer Bud Johnston, and singer Julian Francis Clift, moderated by current Artistic Director Jacob Stensberg, added background and insight into the tour. Find the film and watch it! And the next time you enjoy a SFGMC concert at Davis Symphony Hall or an ensemble singing for a local civic event, you will more deeply appreciate the brave contributions of this cherished musical group.
Equality California San Francisco celebrated 25 years of important work at their annual gala last Saturday at the Fairmont Hotel. Attendance has never been better and the program was tight, varied, and inspiring. We couldn’t have chosen better company at our table, invited by BART President Bevan Dufty and seated between City Treasurer Jose Cisneros and candidate for District 9 Supervisor Stephen Torres. We caught up with many politically active friends, including Sister Roma, Mark Leno, Leslie Katz, Lance Toma, Daniel Lurie, and Matthew Goudeau, as well as office holders City Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, State Assemblymember Matt Haney, State Senator Scott Wiener, and even Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis. Executive Director of EQCA Tony Hoang reflected on the challenges and accomplishments of this past year, Wiener delivered a particularly moving tribute to the late Dianne Feinstein, and awards were presented to Lyon-Martin Community Health, Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, and Representative Barbara Lee, who received an immediate and enthusiastic standing ovation. Between all the serious business, some of SF’s most talented drag performers livened things up and Coco Montrese of RuPaul’s Drag Race co-emceed. With such an important election in the fall at the local, state, and federal levels, it is encouraging to see such a committed and energized EQCA.
Our weekend wrapped up at Oasis for the Imperial Investiture of the Reigning Empress Linda Summers. A nice crowd of Imperial Court members and newly interested people gathered to see the Empress, looking fabulous in an hombre chiffon gown, major jewelry, and topped by her newly earned crown, announce her important court positions and to honor many attending. Entertainment was lively, the mood was festive, and we sensed a genuine confidence that this new reign is off to a great start. Watch for upcoming fundraisers and other events hosted by Empress Linda Summers as she continues the 59-year history of the Imperial Court of San Francisco.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.
Friday, April 19
Show of Hope
Annual SF Community Health Center Gala
Honoring Dr. Anthony Fauci & AsiaSF
Emceed by Reggie Aqui
Hyatt Regency SF, 5 Embarcadero Center
5:30 pm
$350 & up
https://tinyurl.com/2z7z5afk
Saturday, April 20
Soirée 2024
SF LGBT Community Center’s annual gala
Hosted by Sister Roma & Honey Mahogany
Entertainment by Juanita MORE! & LadyRyan
5:30 pm
$300 & up
$95 after-party tickets
www.sfcenter.org
Thursday, April 25
Divas & Drinks
A Giant(s) Birthday Party for Donna Sachet and
Dr. Betty Sullivan With the SF Giants
DJ Rockaway and special guests to be announced soon
The Academy SF, 2166 Market Street
6–10 pm
$15
www.academy-sf.com
Donna’s Chronicles
Published on April 18,2024
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