By Donna Sachet–
With so many joyful events and dynamic fundraisers back-to-back and so little time between to catch one’s breath and recap, this issue’s column may seem cursory, but let it be known that our community has celebrated the holiday season in style! Herewith, a very brief summary:
From a spectacular Drag on Ice in Union Square, where the longtime organizers presented us with a lovely trophy for Unparalleled Host and all the participants and their friends enjoyed a boisterous celebration afterwards at a nearby hotel’s penthouse club, to a packed crowd at Grace Cathedral for the annual lighting of Rainbow World Fund’s Tree of Hope, brilliantly decorated with simple origami cranes inscribed with the hopes of individuals from around the world, this was a season of likeminded people gathering to enjoy connection, purpose, and frivolity.
This year’s 33rd annual Songs of the Season, splendidly produced by Brian Kent, starring Kenny Nelson, Meghan Murphy, Kippy Marks, Brian Justin Crum, Leanne Borghesi, Sister Roma, and a surprise appearance by Charles Jones, with instrumentalists Dee Spencer, Roberta Drake, Trevor, Acebo, and Collin Williams, sold out both nights weeks in advance and raised a record $40,000 for PRC. What a stunning example of dedication to a cause, supported by a range of individuals and business sponsors, while enveloping the community in music, comedy, and love.
And we didn’t only attend events where we had some responsibility! We happily enjoyed the talent and creativity behind Golden Girls Live with Holotta Tymes, D’Arcy Drollinger, Matthew Martin, and Coco Peru at the Curran Theatre; Lisa Fischer performing her special style of jazz at The Jazz Center; a nostalgic matinee of Last Call at Maud’s at the Roxie Theatre; and our introduction to Debbie Wileman as an amazing Judy Garland in A Christmas Garland at the Strand Theatre. Members of the Imperial Court of San Francisco provided several chances to share in their special holiday fundraisers, including Imperial Crown Prince Nathan D’Aguiar’s Season’s Greetings Serenade at Midnight Sun and Emperor Bill Bulkley’s Mystique, celebrating what would have been José Sarria’s 103rd birthday, preceded by a high tea at Twin Peaks with many of the Empresses bedecked in stylish hats.
The San Francisco Bay Times continued their long tradition of a holiday party for friends and supporters, this time with Toast to the Season at the San Francisco LGBT Center, shared with the Golden Gate Business Association (GGBA). Hundreds joined in celebration and a silent and live auction, including Warriors and Valkyries merchandise, quickly raised thousands for the Use the News Foundation and the GGBA. And The Academy SF was not to be left behind, winding up their holiday season with Naughty or Nice, letting members and guests explore both sides of Santa’s list without judgement.
All in all, San Francisco and the LGBTQ+ community once again demonstrated its resilience and stamina, even in the face of daunting daily news at the federal level. Indeed, we celebrated the holiday season with gusto and will continue to find our joy with each other. As this season comes to a close, cherish the memories you’ve made and the people you’ve made them with, looking ahead to a 2026 full of opportunity!
Donna Sachet is a celebrated performer, fundraiser, activist, and philanthropist who has dedicated over two decades to the LGBTQ Community in SanFrancisco. Contact her at empsachet@gmail.com
Sunday, December 21
Sunday’s a Drag
Holiday spectacular Donna Sachet & friends return
Starlite
450 Powell Street
5 pm
$15
www.beacongrand.com/starlite
Wednesday, December 24
Holiday Spectacular:
Home for the Holidays
SF Gay Men’s Chorus
Davies Symphony Hall
4 & 7 pm
$30 & up
www.sfgmc.org
Donna’s Chronicles
Published on December 18, 2025
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