By Donna Sachet–
We were so proud and flattered to serve as moderator for the first Memory Keepers Initiative at the Chan National Queer Arts Center on January 11. Panelists Derek Barnes, Selisse Berry, and Alexis Miranda shared personal thoughts about the LGBTQ+ Community with the attendees, offering perspective and optimism. This is the first in a series, the brainchild of San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus Artistic Director Jake Stensberg, who hopes to stimulate more conversation about our past, present, and future. Watch for future events on February 29, April 18, and May 16.
Last Saturday’s Celebration of Larger-Than-Life for Michael “Shanté” Youens could not have been more perfect. Hosts Sister Roma, Chi Chi LaRue, and Ethylina Canne pulled out all the stops for a blow-out party at The Academy SF, featuring incredible passed hors d’oeuvres from Ryan Scott 2 Go, continuous slide show, DJ Sergio Fedasz, and select performers, followed by personal reflections by several guests. We attended with Gary Virginia and were pleased to catch up with Manny Yekutiel, Ron Huberman, Gus Bean, BeBe Sweetbriar, Dulce de Leche, Juanita MORE!, Mr. David Glamamore, Mercedez Munro, Honey Mahogany, Paul Miller, and too many Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence to count. Even Michael’s sister and a few other family members were there. What a beautiful and well-deserved send-off!
Imperial Court high season is upon us, as evidenced by last Saturday’s Imperial Crown Prince & Princess Masked Ball last Saturday at the Cat Club. Despite the cold and rain, Imperial Court members and supporters of Imperial Crown Prince King Khalil Munro and Imperial Crown Princess Nicole Duminic were out in force, many wearing masks and fantasy outfits. The attendees enjoyed a taco bar, no-host bar, and lively show, featuring title-holders and invited guests. These important titles were revived some years ago with the intent of developing future leaders and possible Emperor and Empress candidates, so watch those names in years to come.
Immediately following that Imperial event was Bal Masque XXI: Two Decades of Decadence, the major fundraiser of the year for Krewe de Kinque (KdK), bringing New Orleans styled Mardi Gras madness to San Francisco for 21 years! King Robert “Mez” Tucker and Queen Moxie Penn had a busy year, producing regular monthly events at Midnight Sun and even creating a new event, the Vampire Ball on Friday the 13th of October. The membership of KdK chose Urban Angels as the beneficiary for this event, reaching out to those experiencing homelessness and/or poverty by providing essential products and volunteer hours. The Café on Market Street was decked out in Mardi Gras decor for Bal Masque XXI and many of the long-held traditions of New Orleans were honored, including a Second Line Parade with Celebrity Grand Marshal Sister Roma,tableau show performed by club members and the Boys of Bearlesque, and the crowning of the new King and Queen of Krewe de Kinque, Robert Makowka and Vivianne Vixen. Jouke Lanning mesmerized with flagging, Rasa Vitalia drew guest caricatures as well as performing sword-swallowing, Gareth Gooch photographed guests in front of an elaborate Sparky’s Balloons backdrop, drink specials like Hurricanes flowed, a silent auction beckoned, and DJ Spazatron kept the party music going. Few San Francisco events offer so much for such a small admission fee, reflected in the rave reviews all over social media and truly a reflection of the production standards and attention to detail for which KdK Founder and King I Gary Virginiais known. Watch for video highlights soon on Gay Club TV with Marcelo Acevedo and next year, be there!
Keep your eyes and ears open for fundraisers thrown by candidate for Emperor Bob Glas and candidate for Empress Linda Summers, as they vie for your support during campaign season. It is hard to believe that the public election of a new Emperor and Empress is a San Francisco tradition for nearly 60 years! Since José Sarria was appointed our first Empress and the following year announced that the public would select a new monarch each year, the Imperial Council has administered this election. Participation has varied over the years with sometimes multiple candidates for each office and voters from the hundreds into the thousands. Those elected serve their community for a year, following many time-honored traditions, while adding new variations and modern adaptions. Over those many years, Emperors and Empresses and their respective Courts have raised significant funds for a wide range of nonprofit organizations, produced a variety of entertaining and well-attended events, and developed much-needed leadership within the LGBTQ+ Community. We are so proud to be a part of the history of the Imperial Court as Absolute Empress XXX. Join in our events, be sure to vote on February 17, and consider running for one of the Imperial titles yourself!
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, January 26
Divas & Drinks: A Date With Olivia
SF Bay Times presents monthly party
Donna Sachet hosts Guests Olivia Travel VP Tisha Floratos, comedian Marga Gomez, musician Aïma the Dreamer, DJ Rockaway, and the Bacardí teamThe Academy SF, 2166 Market Street
$15
www.academy-sf.com
Sunday, February 4
Give Back Sunday
Bob Glas fundraiser for Night Ministry
Aunt Charlie’s Lounge, 133 Turk Street
4–7 pm
Free!
www.imperialcouncilsf.org
Sunday, February 4
Queer AF
Linda Summers fundraiser for Castro Country Club
575 Castro
6–8:30 pm
Free!
www.imperialcouncilsf.org
Saturday, February 17
Voting Day for Emperor & Empress
The Cinch, 1723 Polk Street, 11 am–4 pm
Castro Muni Station, Noon–6 pm
Powerhouse, 1347 Folsom Street, 1–5 pm
Valid photo ID for SF, Marin, or San Mateo County
www.imperialcouncilsf.org
Donna’s Chronicles
Published on January 25, 2024
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