Donna’s Chronicles–
By Donna Sachet–
Yes, June is upon us and with it all those beloved traditions associated with LGBTQ+ Pride, many of which were cancelled or dramatically modified over the past two years of this pandemic. We couldn’t be happier to see so many people out and enjoying this magical time of year! And always keep in mind how many people the world over cannot even imagine the freedoms we exercise, especially when it comes to LGBTQ+ civil rights.
On the first day of June, high atop Twin Peaks, we joined a small band of stalwart individuals on a cold, but amazingly clear night for the lighting of the Pink Triangle. Over 25 years ago, Patrick Carney gathered a handful of loyal friends for a rather renegade project, to lay out strips of pink fabric in the shape of a triangle overlooking the entire city. His intent then and now, has been to reclaim a painful Nazi symbol of intolerance and hatred of those different from ourselves and to transform it into an international symbol of the perseverance and triumph of the LGBTQ+ Community against so many odds. This twenty-seventh version of the Pink Triangle has an added daytime element of motion with the addition of shiny pink streamers. We joined Sister Roma, the Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band, and singer Leanne Borghesi to set the mood before Patrick and Ben Davis of Illuminate led a short program. Amy Schneider of Jeopardy! fame read the history of the symbol, Consul General of Ukraine Dmytro Kushneruk shared the pain his country is currently suffering, and Mayor London Breed and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi spoke powerfully about their shared experience in the long struggle of our community. After a few other remarks from elected officials, the Mayor and Speaker led the countdown and the Pink Triangle lit up, followed by swirling klieg lights, a spectacle visible all over the Bay Area and, we are told, into outer space.
The following day was the official raising of the rainbow flag over City Hall, a tradition started by Mayor Art Agnos and attended this year by elected officials State Senator Scott Wiener andCity Supervisors Rafael Mandelman, Scott Dorsey, and Catherine Stefani. The ceremony started with an uplifting song performed a cappella by Artistic Director of the SF Gay Men’s Chorus Tim Seelig. An odd mood lingered in the air as reports of discord between SF Pride and the SF Police Department threatened to derail the day, and indeed, Pride itself. Hope dawned, however, when we noticed the presence of not just a large contingent from SF Pride, but also from SF Police, Sheriff, and Fire Departments. The flag went up, and at the reception afterwards, there were smiles all around as a hard-won compromise was announced, enabling full City representation in the SF Pride Parade. Ours is not a community, nor a city that always gets along swimmingly, but we also know how to find common ground and we are happy to say we did just that.
Thursday night, June 3, Another Planet Entertainment kicked off their Pride month at the Castro Theatre with a benefit screening of Gus Van Sant’s Milk. Before the film, we joined VIP ticketholders on a behind the scenes tour with David Perry,who later introduced representatives from the two beneficiaries of the night, Okan Sengun of the LGBT Asylum Project and this humble columnist of the Rainbow Honor Walk. Featured in the lobby were the names and faces of the recently approved 24 new Rainbow Honor Walk honorees. We couldn’t be prouder of the all-volunteer Board of Directors of this organization. Watching the film again 14 years after its release was a surprisingly moving experience, haunting in its reality and the proximity of the events. Another Planet has an entire range of special movies grouped by decade for your enjoyment during June, followed by a spectacular Frameline Film Festival. All indications are that the Castro Theatre is in good hands and you are invited to see films there as they are meant to be seen.
Space limitations restrict us from a more complete description of our recent sunset cruise on the Bay, but suffice it to say, Jerry’s Faeries brings you an extraordinary experience on a beautifully appointed ship with excellent attention and information. Check them out at https://jerrysfaeries.com/
Whether you choose to recognize Pride with honored traditions or newly created events with friends, marching in the SF Pride Parade or joining one of several other marches, dressed as colorfully as possible or simply awestruck at the progress we’ve made, we hope to see you out and about this month, head held high and energies focused on an even brighter tomorrow!
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, June 10
Judy Garland’s 100th Birthday
Celebrate this Gay icon with Connie Champagne & Donna Sachet
The Academy, 2166 Market Street
7 pm
$25
https://www.academy-sf.com/
Saturday, June 11
Spotlight on Hollywood
SF Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band directed by Dr. Dee Spencer
Guests Donna Sachet & Renée Lubin
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
8 pm
$50 & up
www.sflgfb.com
Saturday, June 11
Gypsy Love’s new single debutLoving You Is All I Do
Music video & live performance
Midnight Sun, 4067 18th Street
7–9 pm
Free!
https://tinyurl.com/2p87cuxt
Saturday & Sunday, June 11–12
AIDS Memorial Quilt Display
35th anniversary of Names Project
Reading of names of those honored & remembered
Robin Williams Meadow, Golden Gate Park
10 am–5 pm
www.aidsmemorial.org/quilt35
Tuesday, June 14
Upon This Rock book-reading
David Perry, author reads & signs
Fabulosa Books, 489 Castro Street
7 pm
Free!
Friday, June 17
Summer of Glitter Kick-Off
Chris Knight & Celso Dulay’s fashion show
Hosted by Donna Sachet, DJ Sergio
With BeBe Sweetbriar & Baby Shaques Munro
Benefits Larkin Street Youth Services & Q Foundation
The Academy, 2166 Market Street
6–9 pm
$15 & up
www.academy-sf.com
Saturday, June 18
LGBTQIA Night at SF Opera
Mozart’s Don Giovanni
Post-performance party hosted by Donna Sachet
SF Opera House
7:30 pm
$31 & up
www.sfopera.com
Sunday, June 19
Fairy Tales… where stripping prevails
Broadway Bares: SF Strips V
Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation benefit
DNA Lounge, 375 Eleventh Street
8 pm
$45 & up
www.dnalounge.com
Saturday, June 18
Leather & Lace, Krewe de Kinque’s Bal Masque
Mardi Gras-style ball
Benefits SOMA Health Center
Harvey’s, 500 Castro Street
9 pm–midnight
$25 & up
https://tinyurl.com/58dkbp9c
Thursday, June 23
Divas & Drinks
Bay Times Pride party
Hosted by Donna Sachet, DJ Rockaway, Bacardi specialties|
The Academy, 2166 Market Street
$15
https://www.academy-sf.com/
Friday, June 24
An Evening with Donna Sachet
Music, drinks, & conversation
The Academy, 2166 Market Street
7 pm
$20
https://www.academy-sf.com/
Saturday, June 25
Gary Virginia & Donna Sachet’s 24th Annual Pride Brunch
Gourmet brunch, Grand Marshals, entertainment, auction
Benefits PRC
Westin St. Francis Hotel ballroom
11 am–2 pm
$150 & up
Sunday, June 26
SF Pride Parade & Celebration
Market Street & Civic Center
10 am
Free!
https://sfpride.org/
Published on June 9, 2022
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