By Sister Dana Van Iquity–
Sister Dana sez, “Christmas came early for me—in the form of Impeachment Hearings, despite the two Grinches, Congressmen Nunes and Jordan!”
SOIRÉE ON THE BAY II was a fabulous fundraiser for RICHMOND-ERMET AID FOUNDATION (REAF) on November 13 aboard the docked Celebrity Eclipse ship, Pier 27. Starting with champagne and wine in the lounge, ogling the mermaids and mermen in the pool; then ship personnel offering a live band for dancing and watching acrobats perform; and for the grand finale: Franc D’Ambrosio belting out songs from his world-renowned stage role of Phantom of the Opera. Mayor London Breed presented certificates of commendation to REAF and to LaTonya Lawson of Celebrity. Everything was utterly ship shape!
Sister Dana sez, “Good news: Chick-fil-A says it’s going to stop donating to anti-LGBTQ organizations as it tries to expand its business into more liberal parts of the country and abroad. Hoorah! Our activism has finally paid off!”
THE AIDS MEMORIAL QUILT is moving to San Francisco under the stewardship of the National AIDS Memorial, while the Library of Congress will preserve the quilt’s vast archival collections. See the story on page 2 of this issue and watch the video of the important announcement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKl3PZzKgqs
ACADEMY OF FRIENDS 40TH ANNIVERSARY GALA KICK-OFF was held on November 22 at The Academy, 2166 Market. The Academy of Friends celebrated their 40th Anniversary Gala Kick-Off along with announcing their new partnership. We friends were there to hear about these exciting new developments and enjoy a few cocktails, as well as some delicious hors d’oeuvres. So now I can with much exhilaration mention that the Academy of Friends is partnering with THE LGBT ASYLUM PROJECT as a “long-term relationship,” including as their annual Oscar Gala beneficiary. Asylum Executive Director and co-founder Okan Sengun reminded us that being HIV+ abroad is often both illegal and punishable by death. He took pride that 100% of their HIV+ cases had successful outcomes. Oh, and BTW know that the Oscar Gala theme is Ruby Red (as the so totally proper 40th anniversary color). So put on your ruby red slippers and celebrate! Through their annual ACADEMY AWARDS NIGHT GALA, they have raised almost $9 million to support more than 73 HIV/AIDS service organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area. http://www.academyoffriends.org/
HARVEY MILK LGBT DEMOCRATIC CLUB sponsored “41- REMEMBERING HARVEY MILK & GEORGE MOSCONE,” which took place on November 27, starting at 7 pm in Harvey Milk Plaza. On November 27, 1978, Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk were murdered in cold blood. Every year, the Milk Club remembers the movement these men created and how their tragic and senseless deaths galvanized our communities to fight. We therefore gathered with candles and flowers at Milk Plaza in our vigil of reflection and to reaffirm our commitment to the vision these men had. A short audio-visual program was followed by a procession to the site of Castro Camera (575 Castro Street, Milk’s old supervisorial campaign headquarters) where those who knew them said a few words.
It was a busy night on Thanksgiving Eve with a BENEFIT FOR THE VICTIMS OF THE CASTRO FIRES at Oasis nightclub at 8 pm. This flawless fundraiser was hosted by us Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence with a helluva lotta gorge drag performances. As most people are aware, a large fire broke out across from the historic Castro Theatre early last Saturday morning, injuring two people and displacing at least 13 residents.
THE T-MOBILE WINTER PARK AT CIVIC CENTER celebrated the opening of its second annual season on November 22 with an official ceremony featuring remarks from California State Senator Scott Wiener, District 6 Supervisor Matt Haney, City Administrator Naomi Kelly, General Manager of the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department Phil Ginsburg, and Senior Community Engagement Advisor at the San Francisco Police Department Derick Brown. German Wheel Artist Cornell Freeney and 2019 U.S. National Champion Alysa Liu dazzled the crowd with on-ice entertainment, and 100 local youth from San Francisco City Academy took to the ice for the first skate of the season.
Sister Dana sez, “Here are some Upcoming Events you might want to check out as part of your Dear Santa Wish List!”
The 26th annual WORLD AIDS DAY NATIONAL OBSERVANCE will be held on Sunday, December 1, from 12 pm to 1:30 pm at the NATIONAL AIDS MEMORIAL. The observance is open to the public, free of charge. 2019 World AIDS Day Unsung Hero Honoree is Leslie Ewing, LGBTQ & AIDS Community Leader & Activist. Leslie Ewing is a longtime resident of the Berkeley/Oakland area who has dedicated much of her life to LGBTQ civil rights. On July 31 of this year, she retired as Executive Director of the Pacific Center in Berkeley, the oldest LGBTQ+ center in the Bay Area (and third oldest in the nation), offering vibrant youth programs, peer groups, counseling and psychotherapy, serving more than 3,000 people at four locations throughout Alameda County. She served for over a decade, helping the organization to grow, evolve, and better meet the needs of the thousands who benefit from its services.
Prior to that, the 10TH ANNUAL LIGHT IN THE GROVE fundraiser is on Saturday, November 30, 6 to 9:30 pm. This unique event has become an iconic San Francisco staple. On the eve of every World AIDS Day, the National AIDS Memorial is artistically-illuminated with brilliant light displays. Guests experience a candlelight reflection at the Circle of Friends and wander reflectively through the illuminated Redwood Grove to a warmly-lit tent where they will enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and a buffet dinner with musical and choreographed performances. This year’s Lifetime of Commitment honoree is Mario P. Diaz, former Wells Fargo Community Relations Senior Consultant, whose unwavering commitment, compassion, and generosity have resulted in myriad philanthropic partnerships with Bay Area organizations and communities. https://www.facebook.com/events/438252236809276/
Photos by Rink
HORIZONS FOUNDATION presents the 10TH ANNUAL STATE OF THE LGBTQ MOVEMENT. Join national and international leaders of the LGBTQ movement for a discussion on where our movement is headed as we approach 2020. December 3, 6 to 7:30 pm, San Francisco Public Library, 100 Larkin Street, Koret Auditorium. https://www.horizonsfoundation.org/
THE SAFEWAY HOLIDAY ICE RINK IN UNION SQUARE is celebrating a decade of DRAG QUEENS ON ICE! San Francisco’s most fabulous holiday tradition returns on Thursday, December 5, at 8 pm. To celebrate the milestone, this year’s event will feature new acts, audience surprises, and, of course, dozens of San Francisco’s fiercest drag queens. Emmy Award-winning radio and TV personality Liam Mayclem will join Donna Sachet as co-host of the event. https://unionsquareicerink.com/
Each year, the SAN FRANCISCO LESBIAN/GAY FREEDOM BAND blends Tchaikovsky’s classic The Nutcracker Ballet with an entertaining theme. The result is a fun-filled original musical production brimming with wit, artistry, and ingenuity. The talented cast sings and dances their way through a parody version of the Nutcracker. And when the “Dance-Along” sign flashes, the audience is invited to tug on their tutus and sashay along with the cast. DANCE-ALONG NUTCRACKER – NUTCRACKER IN SPACE is at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Forum, 701 Mission Street; Saturday, December 7, 3 pm & 7 pm and Sunday, December 8, 11 am & 3 pm. https://dance-along-nutcracker.sflgfb.org/
Sister Dana sez, “With all this evidence piling up against tyrant Trump, will Repugnican Congressmen eventually grow a pair, impeach and remove the presi-dense; or will the fool just save his orange skin and STEP DOWN?!!”
Published on November 28, 2019
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