By Dennis McMillan
Documentary on 1961 Homosexuality Rediscovered
A recently discovered hour-long documentary The Rejected, on the “homosexual problem” shows some differing views on homosexuality from several different standpoints. It was done by KQED in San Francisco and National Educational Television in 1961. Considering the year in which it was done, it’s amazing for its frankness and focus on homosexuality as a problem for homosexuals and society in general. Some people speak out asking for more tolerance and understanding; some sound even more progressive; a few others toe the conservative line. youtube.com/watch?v=5R4tYXX8hbw&ab_channel=metta8888
Kamala Harris Rejects Second Gay Murder Measure
California Attorney General Kamala Harris has rejected another attempt by an Orange County attorney to process a ballot measure authorizing the killing of gays and lesbians. In his first public comments since proposing the original “Sodomite Suppression Act” in February, Matt McLaughlin expressed outrage that Harris’ office, which is charged with preparing ballot measures, summarily dismissed his latest offering, the “Sodomite Suppression Mandate.” Harris’ office informed him that it was not moving forward with his new request and was returning his $200 processing fee. Like the first attempt, the proposal submitted on June 24 would legalize killing gays and lesbians by “bullets to the head” or “any other convenient method.” sacbee.com
Supervisor Wiener Declares Candidacy for California State Senate
Supervisor Scott Wiener, Democrat of San Francisco, announced his candidacy for the California State Senate, District 11. District 11 includes all of San Francisco, Daly City, Broadmoor, and Colma, and a portion of South San Francisco. The incumbent, Senator Mark Leno, is endorsing Wiener’s candidacy, as are Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Kamala Harris, Assemblymember David Chiu, State Senator Jerry Hill, Board of Equalization Member Fiona Ma, all 5 members of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, and numerous San Francisco and San Mateo County elected officials, labor unions and community leaders. scottwiener.com
“LGBT Life Outside the Bay Area Bubble” Offered Free
LGBTQ people living outside of progressive communities face a far different reality than many of us here in California; so two national experts will take a look at places where LGBTQ rights and equality generally lag, and how we can help advance equality across the country. The Horizons Foundation forum is July 14, 6-8pm, Merrill Lynch 8th Floor Conference Room, 555 California Street. To register: 415.398.2333 x103, horizonsfoundation.org
29th Annual AIDS WALK SF Happens July 19 in Golden Gate Park
AIDS Walk San Francisco on July 19 is a 10K fundraising walk in Golden Gate Park benefiting Project Inform and HIV/AIDS programs and services throughout the Bay Area. Since 1987, AIDS Walk San Francisco has raised $84 million for HIV programs and services in the Bay Area, and has grown into the largest AIDS fundraising event in Northern California. To register, go to sf.aidswalk.net
#MyNameIs Campaign Responds to Zuckerberg’s Comment about “Real Names” Policy
Members of the #MyNameIs campaign—a coalition of LGBTQ people, Native Americans, survivors of domestic violence and others whose accounts have been reported and blocked on Facebook—recently issued the following: “Despite Zuckerberg’s statement, Facebook hasn’t provided any hard data or evidence that its policy protects anyone. In fact, the policy is actually very poorly designed for that purpose. The #MyNameIs campaign has heard from thousands of people around the world, many with harrowing stories of being contacted by stalkers and former abusers, of being outed to homophobic family members or transphobic coworkers, or otherwise living in fear when they’ve been forced to use their legal name on Facebook. And that’s only that small slice of people who have reached out to a group of drag queens, artists, and activists in San Francisco.” mynameiscampaign.org
One Injured in Shooting at Civic Center Pride Celebration
An innocent bystander was shot after an argument between two groups of men turned violent at the Civic Center Pride celebration. According to San Francisco Police Department spokesperson officer Albie Esparza, officers were called to UN Plaza just after 6pm. Esparza says that several groups of men got in a verbal argument near or inside the Pride venue. The incident escalated when one of the individuals pulled out a gun and fired several shots at a 64-year-old male Pride celebrant. He was transported to San Francisco General Hospital and is in stable condition. Responding officers located “several possible suspects” on Market Street and detained them, Esparza says. This unfortunate incident echoes similar shootings that happened during or after Pride festivities in 2013 and 2014. sfist.com/news
Problems Occur After Changes Made to Dyke March
Hundreds of protesters splintered from the planned Dyke March route to protest changes made to this year’s march—as an act of defiance “in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and in protest against the displacement of people and queer community institutions in San Francisco,” according to a press release. Following the march’s old route, the splinter group overwhelmed a police barrier at 18th and Guerrero Streets and later closed the intersection in front of the Lexington Club, a bar whose closure this year has been taken as a symbol of San Francisco’s vanishing queer spaces. Problems began when leadership “decided to start the Dyke March 2½ hours early.” This year, organizers weren’t working with the Sisters of Perpetual indulgence to coordinate Dyke March and the Castro’s Pink Saturday, or rather, this year’s “Pink Party.” sfist.com
Rally Assembles After Third Vandalizing of LGBT Mural in Mission District
More than 150 demonstrators rallied in front of the Galeria de la Raza in the Mission District where an LGBT mural has been defaced for a third time. The first two times the mural was spray-painted. It was restored. But then someone set the wall on fire, which destroyed part of the painting. Politicians, artists, activists, and religious leaders gave emotional speeches about not dividing the Mission community, that queer Chicanos do exist, and that hate crimes would not be tolerated.
Equality California Endorses Cisneros as SF Treasurer
Equality California has announced that it will endorse José Cisneros for reelection as San Francisco treasurer. Cisneros is running unopposed as treasurer of the City and county of San Francisco. He was first appointed to the position by then-Mayor Gavin Newsom in September 2004. He has since been reelected several times by wide margins. During his tenure, Cisneros has worked tirelessly to advance LGBTQ rights, fighting hard against Proposition 8 and serving on the board of Equality California Institute and the Alice B. Toklas Democratic Club. He steered the City successfully through the 2008 recession, has fought for the economic wellbeing of working families, and has used his experience in the tech and banking industries to enhance San Francisco’s taxpayer systems. eqca.org
United Nations Celebrates 70th Anniversary in San Francisco
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Mayor Edwin M. Lee, U.S. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, and LGBTQ leaders joined the Bay Area in marking the 70th anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Charter with commemorative events in San Francisco, including City Hall and the Fairmont Hotel. The Harvey Milk Foundation presented a Harvey Milk Medal to Ban Ki-moon for creation of the Free & Equal Campaign for LGBTQ equality. The anniversary commemorated events of June 26, 1945. With the World War II still raging in the Pacific, representatives of 50 nations then gathered in San Francisco to sign the United Nations Charter. unfe.org
Our Tomorrow Announces Grassroots Events in Over 40 U.S. Cities to Engage LGBTQ People in Conversation
Following last month’s launch by over 100 national, local and state-based LGBTQ organizations, “Our Tomorrow”—a campaign to engage LGBTQ people in a national conversation about their future—announced the survey will be part of events in over 40 U.S. cities and towns across the country throughout the summer. From town halls led by partner organizations to discuss people’s hopes, fears and ideas for the future of the LGBTQ community to PRIDE events and community forums, LGBTQ individuals throughout the country will have the opportunity this summer to take part in an open-ended conversation about their future. LGBTQ people everywhere are invited to participate in this dialogue by going to shareourtomorrow.org
Queer Nation SF to Hold 25th Anniversary Review
The GLBT History Museum offers a 25th anniversary reunion of Queer Nation veterans, a panel discussion with audience Q&A, and a slideshow that takes you back to that eventful year. The summer of 1990 saw an explosion of activism by queer San Franciscans and their allies, including the birth of Queer Nation San Francisco. The ragtag organization burned brightly, with outrageous street actions and ubiquitous fluorescent stickers. It flamed out quickly, but was deeply influential for a generation of activists. Due to strong interest, they are doing the event twice: first at 6pm and again at 8pm, Thursday, July 16, 4127 18th Street. glbthistory.org
CCOP Patrollers Ensure Safety at Day of Decision Celebration
As an integral part of the LGBTQ community since their founding in 2006, Castro Community on Patrol (CCOP) have been supportive of the many efforts and events which led to the successful Supreme Court decision, and they worked closely with the Day of Decision event organizers and SFPD Mission Station to help ensure a safe and fun celebration. As the crowd in the Castro increased, they assisted the event organizers to close down the 400 block of Castro Street to ensure attendee safety, and they worked with SF MUNI and DPT to help safely re-direct the Friday evening rush hour traffic around the road closure. castropatrol.org
AT&T Awards SF AIDS Foundation with $50,000 Donation
The $50,000 donation that AT&T presented to the San Francisco AIDS Foundation is part of Mayor Ed Lee and AT&T’s “SF Summer of Giving.” This is a campaign that will award $283,000 to eight community organizations over eight weeks in an effort to support and spotlight organizations that make San Francisco accessible and vibrant for everyone. Additionally, AT&T reps at the sponsorship booths encouraged Pride Parade attendees to make a 15-second video about what it means to “Live Proud.” beyondthearc.com
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