By Joanie Juster–
I attended Sunday services on July 23 at Calvary Presbyterian Church, in Pacific Heights. This is something I really should do more often, because services at this welcoming, affirming church always make me feel better about humanity, and fill me with a renewed commitment to do better toward my fellow human beings.
I attended this particular service because my friends at Calvary had put out an all-hands-on-deck call for support. The previous Sunday, July 16, their services had been disrupted by protesters harassing and intimidating parishioners entering the church. They shouted hateful and homophobic slurs, angry about Calvary’s recent Drag Bible Story Hour, and their support for the LGBTQ+ community in general.
How did Calvary respond to this attack? In a bow to practical concerns, yes, they increased security. But in typical Calvary fashion, they invited their congregation and the public to a special service the following week, focused on a loving response to hate. They stood their ground on continuing to welcome not just the LGBTQ+ community, but also marginalized communities in general—a commitment they fulfill not just in words, but in their community work every day.
The service was joyful, uplifting, loving, and thought-provoking. Guest preacher Michael Pappas, Executive Director of the San Francisco Interfaith Council, spoke powerfully on the need to counter hate with love. The choir, accompanied by Music Director Michael Conley, closed out the service with a moving contemporary hymn, “More Love, Less Hate.”
At the end of the service, we all gathered, full of joy and laughter, on the steps of Calvary on Fillmore Street, for a massive group photo celebrating Calvary’s 169th anniversary. Across the street, a small handful of protesters—not carrying signs or a microphone this time, but we knew who they were—watched us silently, scowling, and furtive. Frankly, they looked sad and miserable. This is what hate can do to you. The sight of our joy just seemed to make them smaller and more unhappy.
It was an uplifting and inspiring morning. But the line that really stuck with me was from Calvary’s Head of Staff, Reverend Marci Auld Glass, who quoted author Monica Guzman: “Whoever is underrepresented in your life will be overexaggerated in your imagination.” Stop and think about that for a moment.
I went diving into Google to find the rest of Guzman’s speech. Guzman is a senior fellow for public practice at Braver Angels, a cross-partisan grassroots organization working to depolarize America. The TED Talk I found focuses on seeing people whose beliefs are different from our own as, well, people, rather than just as adversaries. She warns of the dangers of hating or fearing those who may be different from us, who vote differently, or see the world differently. “Instead of people, you’ll see monsters. Instead of possibilities, you’ll see disasters. This is the challenge of a polarized world.”
It is easy for us to demonize and dismiss those who are different from us, and whom we don’t know. The challenge is to reach out and get to know the “other” as a human being, with their own value, and their own challenges. This is hard work; it takes courage and persistence, and an open mind and heart. And here’s the thing: people on both sides of the aisle need to practice it. I am in awe of all those on the front lines of this kind of work; it is extremely challenging. But we can’t just leave the heavy lifting to the professionals. If we are going to have a world where we can truly be neighbors, we all have to do our part. More love, less hate.
Popular Self-Defense Class Returning on August 19
The harassment and intimidation directed at Calvary Presbyterian Church on July 16 was a chilling reminder that we all need to take safety seriously. One practical way to act on that is to be prepared. In June, Castro Community on Patrol (CCOP), in collaboration with their safety partner Community Patrol Service (CPS), hosted a free beginners self-defense class for the LGBTQ+ community, in preparation for the San Francisco Pride festivities. They are now offering their popular “Beginners Self-Defense Training Class” again on August 19 from 1–5 pm at Most Holy Redeemer Church, 100 Diamond Street, SF.
Taught by martial arts Grand Master Ken Craig, the class takes attendees through a simple to understand, logical, and intuitive process to assess threats and escalate defensive techniques in response. The focus is on avoiding problems by remaining alert and walking away from trouble, if possible. De-escalation concepts are reinforced and tips for obtaining assistance and helping witnesses realize you need help are repeated to help lock them in. Finally, some simple physical defensive techniques are provided. The overriding focus is always to avoid physical defense, if at all possible. These popular classes are very low impact, easygoing, and fun, provide logical and simple techniques, and these techniques are easy to remember and implement. The class is suitable for anyone of 18 years or older. Necessary accommodations can be made for special needs if requested well before the class date.
Do yourself a favor and take this class. Beginner’s Self-Defense Training Class is free, but pre-registration is required. To register: https://tinyurl.com/SelfD8
Sally and Lunch at OpenHouse
Ever since it was announced that a documentary was being made about charismatic lesbian activist, educator, and author Sally Gearhart, anticipation has been building. The wait is nearly over; the film is nearing completion. On July 9, the San Francisco Public Library hosted an event that included clips from Sally, along with a panel discussion featuring Jewelle Gomez, Ruth Mahaney, Cherrie L. Moraga, and producer Deborah Craig.
If you were in San Francisco in the 1970s and 80s, Gearhart was a towering force of nature you couldn’t ignore. Her million-watt smile and quick wit would draw you in, where you discovered a passionate, radical spirit and fierce intellect. She co-founded the Women’s Studies Department at San Francisco State in the 1970s, was the first out lesbian to receive tenure at SF State, fought alongside Harvey Milk to defeat the hateful Briggs Initiative (which would have banned homosexuals from teaching in California’s public schools), wrote fantasy novels, and changed minds and our culture.
If you missed the July 9 event, don’t worry: come to OpenHouse on Sunday, August 20, for what promises to be another lively event—“Lesbian, Bisexual, and Queer Women’s Sister Circle Lunch & Sally Documentary.” The director and co-producer of Sally will be on hand to show most of the rough cut, talk about future plans for their film, and talk about how this fascinating, unforgettable, groundbreaking and sometimes controversial woman made history.
The filmmakers describe Sally as “both a wild lesbian safari and a timely and deeply moving meditation on the tensions inherent in revolutionary movements.” Sounds like a don’t-miss event: Sunday, August 20, 12–2 pm, at 75 Laguna Street. RSVP at rsvp@openhousesf.org
Save the Date: Russian River Pride
Pride is not just a week, or a month, or a season. It is celebrated throughout the year in different locales. Locally, it will continue in the Russian River this fall, with Russian River Pride on October 13–15. Organized by the Russian River Alliance, the collection of events will include dance parties, a health fair, art exhibits, films, a parade, and more. More details coming soon.
One Last Thing: Pippi Needs Our Help
One of the beautiful things about this community is that when someone needs help, the community responds. This became evident when Scott Coker Free, aka beloved drag performer Pippi Lovestocking, suffered a life-altering series of traumatic health issues over the past few months. The response to date has been heartwarming, but his recovery will be a long and expensive journey. Let’s all pitch in and do what we can to help him through this challenge. Cards, letters, supportive messages, and financial support are all needed and welcome. Donate here: https://tinyurl.com/GFMPippi
Until next time, folks. Enjoy Fogust!
Joanie Juster is a long-time community volunteer, activist, and ally.
In Case You Missed It
Published on August 10, 2023
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