By Sister Dana Van Iquity, Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun–
Sister Dana sez, “Did everyone remember to commemorate WORLD AIDS DAY by doing more than just wearing a red ribbon? It’s not too late to put this in our social media, and do whatever we can for AIDS organizations!”
WORLD AIDS DAY, designated on December 1 every year since 1988, is an international day dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection and mourning those who have died of the disease. Every year, hundreds of World AIDS Day events have taken place across the world to raise awareness and show support for people living with HIV. https://worldaidsday.org
The annual LIGHT IN THE GROVE and the 35th Anniversary of WORLD AIDS DAY at the National AIDS Memorial in San Francisco started on November 30 and December 1. Light in the Grove kicked off the commemoration on the evening of November 30 with glowing lights, disco balls, and hearts in the forest. Truly inspirational speeches were given inside the tent by John Cunningham, CEO, National AIDS Memorial, and Daniel O’Day, Chairman and CEO, Gilead Sciences, which devoted a special AIDS Quilt square: “Honoring Our Loved Ones.” The total raised through donations was $26,260. The Hope and Inspiration Award (inaugural award introduced in 2023), is bestowed upon an individual who has clearly exemplified through challenge and struggle what it means to be resilient, and who serves as an inspiration for the HIV/AIDS community. Lashanda (Tootie) Salinas definitely merited that honor. She is an active member of the Tennessee HIV Modernization Coalition; a Health Not Prisons advocate; and a member of The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation Council of Justice Leaders. First diagnosed with HIV at 16, in 2006, Salinas was unjustly imprisoned and charged with a crime for living with HIV, forcing her to register as a sex offender. She was instrumental in changing Tennessee state law to decriminalize living with HIV.
Sister Dana sez, “I cannot even imagine anyone being arrested for being POSITIVE. That positively blows my mind! No way!”
Overall that event was so uplifting and perfect—despite my complaint every year: there is not enough seating (especially for this ancient nun).
The December 1 noon event featured 5-time Olympic medalist and LGBTQ activist Greg Louganis, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, among so many others.
And adding to the commemoration on World AIDS Day, I walked right out my door to once again be moved, for the ninth consecutive year, to participate in INSCRIBE, a community sidewalk chalk art event. Created and coordinated by community activist and my friend George Kelly, this is the Castro’s annual colorful chalk celebration honoring the millions of people who have died of AIDS globally, and paying special tribute to the more than 15,000 men and women who died of AIDS who called the Castro their home. It is always recognition that AIDS is not over, and brings attention to the struggles and challenges that survivors still face!
Also on December 1, history was made on Capitol Hill. Prior to then, only five House members (all Democrats) have ever been expelled—years 1861, 1980, and 2002. George Santos became the sixth member of that infamous club. His reaction? “To hell with this place!” Sister Dana sez, “Among all his other crimes, Santos was a psychopathic liar. If only he could tell one last lie: that he was NOT GAY! Because I do NOT want him on my team!”
Sister Dana sez, “Otherwise, sashay away, Kitara Ravache!”
During Transgender Awareness week 2023, it was announced that PARIVAR BAYAREA and THE LGBT ASYLUM PROJECT forged an enhanced partnership under the CENTER FOR IMMIGRANT PROTECTION (CIP) making history with CIP being the first organization in San Francisco to provide comprehensive support to LGBTQ immigrants, centering TGNCI identities. The mission of CIP is to empower and advocate for LGBTQIA immigrants, ensuring their safety, well-being, and celebrating social belonging, while uplifting TGNCI identities, to belong in the U.S., and to build a community of light, love, and unity. They strive to provide comprehensive and accessible support services, including legal assistance and social integration, while promoting awareness, education, and acceptance. Since the last TRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBRANCE, reportedly 392 trans, non-binary and/or gender non-conforming people worldwide have died due to violence, suicide, or unknown causes. Of those, 25 were people living in the U.S.
A federal judge rejected Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s request to have an upstate New York man convicted of sending her threatening voicemails to pay $65,000 for her Georgia home’s security fence. Sister Dana sez, “Oh, MTG, you don’t need a fence—you’ve got a whole lot of assault rifles to keep you safe!
House speaker Mike Johnson has passed the funding bill—only with help from the Democrats and just a few Republicans. The country is saved—for now; but the whole ordeal will come back in January, the new deadline. President Joe Biden got to sign the funding bill, averting a Government Shutdown. Hopefully MAGA Mike will be ousted from speakership—as have his predecessors. Meanwhile tensions flared among Republicans. For example, Senator Markwayne (that’s not a typo; it’s his actual first name) Mullin tried to physically fight a Teamster Union Leader. And former Speaker McCarthy was accused of elbowing another Congressman in the kidneys. And don’t even ask why “normal” people have allowed Santos to remain a Congressman after all the overt lying and butt-kissing and fundraising skullduggery. So much chaos!
Sister Dana sez,“Hurry! Hurry! Step right up! Get your tickets now, because the circus (complete with clown cars) is coming to town!”
House Speaker MAGA Mike Johnson has made a couple of truly alarming statements: “The reality is that PLANNED PARENTHOOD and all these Big Abortion, they set up their clinics in inner cities. They regard these people as easy prey.” He has insulted Jewish people in comparing abortion to “an American Holocaust.” He said, “We have to acknowledge collectively that man is inherently evil and needs to be restrained. That’s the problem with the radical left. They don’t acknowledge a God.”
Sister Dana sez, “If we are activists—or just political armchair quarterbacks; or Jewish or have any belief in a God—then we ‘lefties’ must vote the Repugnicans out of Congress, and not let their fearless leader Trump anywhere near the White House! This is a loud and queer call to ACTION!”
Pope Francis has been quite clear lately. He made several announcements giving trans people support inside the Church; and he’s been giving some financial and medical aid. Then, in a rare show of power, he personally fired one of the most anti-LGBTQ bishops. Sister Dana sez, “I’m not usually a fan of popes, but in this case: AMEN!”
New research has found that the children of gay dads conceived via surrogacy are happier and more well-adjusted than the children of heterosexual couples conceived naturally. The study—published in early November in Family Process—examined 67 two-dad families and 67 families with heterosexual parents, all from Europe. All children in the study were between 1.5 and 10 years old; and for the gay families, all children were genetically related to one of their dads. The study’s authors concluded that the results overall “refute concerns about possible detrimental effects on child development of surrogacy conception or of being raised by gay fathers.” Sister Dana sez, “Hoorah for Gay Daddies of ALL kinds!”
Former T-rump’s Chief of Staff John Kelly recently said this: “What’s going on in the country that a single person thinks this guy would still be a good president—when he’s said the things he said and done the things he’s done? It’s beyond my comprehension he has the support he has.” Sister Dana sez, “It’s nice that you finally woke up, John dear; now can you roust up and awake all the RepubliCAN’Ts from their Trump coma?!”
The annual, festive CASTRO TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY was on November 27, 6 pm outside Castro and 18th Streets (Bank of America). Everyone joyously celebrated the holidays with Mayor Breed, Donna Sachet, Senator Scott Wiener, Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, members of the SF Gay Men’s Chorus, the SF Lesbian and Gay Freedom Band, and Santa & the elves!Go check out this gorgeous gigantic tree addition to the Castro!
The annual HARVEY MILK CANDLELIGHT MARCH was also on November 27, 7 pm at Castro and Market Streets. This was a night of remembrance of the lives and untimely deaths of Supervisor Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone on the anniversary of their 1978 assassinations – and commemorating the spontaneous candlelight march on the night of the shootings. Everyone met at the Castro Station Milk Plaza, then marched two blocks up the street to the site of Milk’s old camera store for speeches by local celebs and recorded archival speeches from Milk.
Sister Dana sez, “In the debate between GOVERNOR GAVIN NEWSOM and Ron Duh Santass, our California Gov Gavin talked about Bidenomics and 14 Million jobs created; 3.9% Unemployment; the lowest Unemployment for Blacks, Hispanics and Women in history; the lowest rate of poverty in history; and so much more. Gavin was heels higher than his tiny, clueless opponent!
There is no better way to kick off the holiday season than by dropping trou, raising funds, and fighting for health justice! The annual SANTA SKIVVIES RUN is on December 10, 10 am. This underwear fun run/walk and fundraiser benefits SAN FRANCISCO AIDS FOUNDATION. The route weaves throughout the streets of the iconic Castro neighborhood, starting and ending at LOOKOUT on Noe and 16th. Info at https://tinyurl.com/5af6jhr3
A HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR is on Sunday, December 10,11 am–4 pm at Harvey Milk Center for the Arts, 50 Scott Street.
The CASTRO MENORAH LIGHTING is on Monday, December 11, 6 pm at Jane Warner Plaza, Castro and 17th Streets.
The SF GAY MEN’S CHORUS starts with the always fabulous HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR at Sydney Goldstein Theater in SF, 375 Hayes & Franklin Streets, and other locations. This is the grand preview to more, different, happy Holiday Spectaculars at the Castro Theatre on December 24 on 5 pm,7 pm, 9 pm. Oh, there is so much more info at https://www.sfgmc.org
Sister Dana sez, “ConDRAGulations to Chicago Drag Superstar Kara Mel D’ville! The ‘Bearded Bestie of Chicago’ won a $50,000 cash prize and was crowned Smirnoff’s Flavorite Queen in a fierce drag competition hosted by ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars’ royalty Shea Couleé!”
Ex-president Trump has idiotically compared himself to notorious mob boss Al Capone after being hit with a gag order several times, and purposely ignored those warnings. “If you looked at Al the wrong way … he blew your brains out. He was only indicted one time; I was indicted four times.” This unsettling mob talk followed with his use of hateful language direct from the Nazi playbook, Mein Kampf.
Sister Dana sez, “Mein Trumpf should not just have a gag order. This dangerous, awful autocrat should have a BALL GAG in his mouth at ALL times!!!”
Sister Dana Sez
Published on December 7, 2023
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