By Sister Dana Van Iquity–
Sister Dana sez, “Each year on TRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBRANCE, we have paused to remember, honor, and mourn the lives of transgender people lost to violence in the last year. In 2024 alone, at least 426 transgender and gender non-conforming individuals have been lost—the majority due to anti-trans violence—with potentially more lost but unknown.
In 2019, the AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION categorized these trans losses as an “epidemic”—and it is one that has only continued to spread.
But within days of November 20th’s TDOR, the issue of transgender people and restrooms was blowing up on Capitol Hill. Sarah McBride became the first trans person elected to the U.S. House earlier last month. The Delaware lawmaker will take office in January … prompting Republicans to go into a moral panic over bathrooms. Transphobic extremist Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) introduced a bill reserving Capitol Hill’s female-only spaces for “biological” women only. The news-hungry Republican has since given multiple interviews misgendering McBride and blasting trans people as mentally ill. She has also been on a social media rampage (so far, more than 262 times on “X”) over the issue. Sister Dana sez, “Isn’t it about time to dump Musk’s nasty ‘X’ and join the libs over on ‘Bluesky’?”
Anti-LGBTQ House Speaker Mike Johnson issued a statement (ironically on the very same TDOR) saying anyone working on Capitol Hill must use public restrooms in fitting with their sex assigned at birth. McBride has previously called the bathroom issue a Republican-led diversion from the issues at hand. She posted a response to Johnson’s words online, saying she’d abide by the ruling: “I’m not here to fight about bathrooms. I’m here to fight for Delawareans and to bring down the costs facing families. Like all members, I will follow the rules outlined by Speaker Johnson, even if I disagree with them.” She continued, “This effort to distract from the real issues facing this country hasn’t distracted me over the last several days, as I’ve remained hard at work preparing to represent the greatest state in the union come January. Serving in the 119th Congress will be the honor of a lifetime—and I continue to look forward to getting to know my future colleagues on both sides of the aisle.”
Meanwhile Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) introduced a bill last week to legally erase transgender people, entitled the “Defining Male and Female Act of 2024.” He claimed that the bill would stop what he called the Biden administration’s attempt to “replace biological sex with dangerous radical gender ideology.” Sister Dana sez, “Well, so much for ‘colleagues on both sides of the aisle,’ riiight?!”
Senator Scott Wiener made a most encouraging statement, saying, “Here in California, my LGBTQ colleagues and I have spent years laying the foundation for strong protections against attacks on the transgender community. We’ve secured funds to provide legal aid to transgender immigrants, worked to address the unique health needs of trans people, and created a refuge for trans kids and families fleeing states that criminalize their health care.” He added, “I will never stop fighting against attacks on the transgender community’s basic dignity and existence. Thank you for your commitment to building a safer, more inclusive future for trans people—and all people—across California.”
PROJECT OPEN HAND held its 32nd Annual HAND TO HAND GALA on November 22 at The Hibernia. Reserved for exemplary community members who embody Project Open Hand’s founder Ruth Brinker in their selfless dedication and generosity, POH bestowed its highest honor, “The Ruth Brinker Visionary Award,” to WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN, the frontline organization that provides food relief to communities impacted by natural disasters and humanitarian crises. Last month, Project Open Hand emerged as a leader in the Food Is Medicine Coalition (FIMC), advancing public policy that supports access to food and nutrition services as well as providing life-saving nutrition to thousands of people in the Bay Area every day. POH received accreditation from FIMC with comment by POH CEO Paul Hepfer, noting, “Trust is a critical ingredient in all we do. For the last forty years, our clients, volunteers, and stakeholders have trusted us not only to serve meals with love, but to do so with the highest quality of food and service in mind. This accreditation is a recognition of this hard work, and a way to signal to our community that this will continue to be our priority.” Speakers for the event included POH’s VP of Programs Ana Ayala and Wendy Escobedo of World Central Kitchen.
“President Biden should order background checks of Trump’s Cabinet picks,” said Frank Figliuzzi, former FBI Assistant Director for Counterintelligence. “The FBI has conducted background investigations of White House nominees since at least the tenure of President Dwight Eisenhower’s time in office.” Sister Dana sez, “But Trump would rather use private investigators to NOT do their job—while eventually eliminating the FBI entirely!”
Trump has picked for Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent, who is a married gay man with kids. If approved by the Senate, Bessent would be the first openly gay Cabinet secretary in a Republican administration. That’s the good news. The bad news is that he has no misgivings about working in the most anti-LGBTQ Cabinet ever—and that he donated over $3 million to Republicans and Trump’s campaign during that election cycle.
This community has always been about grassroots activism, accountability, and refusing to compromise on our values. We don’t play games with the truth. Sister Dana sez, “Unfortunately the usually progressive ‘Morning Joe’ political show on MSNBC-TV has quickly kissed the Trump ring. So how many more ordinarily democratic Cable TV news media programs will be suddenly smooching Trump’s hiney?!”
Hosted by the HARVEY MILK LGBTQ DEMOCRATIC CLUB, the 46TH ANNUAL MILK/MOSCONE VIGIL in honor of assassinated Supervisor Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone (November 27, 1978) took place in Harvey Milk Plaza on November 27 this year. We remembered Milk, Moscone, and those who have passed who were a part of Milk’s movement—which has been committed to fighting the police and military industrial complexes—as well as advocating for LGBTQ youth, immigrant rights, housing rights, and reproductive rights since it began. For decades, they have been fighting for these rights; and doing so during these next four years will be as important as ever. As Milk famously said, “We are here to recruit you!”
This year, the Milk Club centered on community members—not politicians—dedicated to fighting for our communities over the coming four years. Following a gorgeous musical prelude, speakers in Milk Plaza included Rev. Marvin K White, Minister of Celebration at Glide Memorial Church, with an extremely stirring poem; dear friend of Harvey and past SF Supervisor Carol Ruth Silver; Melissa Hernandez, strong socialist activist and VP of Membership at Milk Club; Randy Alfred, founding member of the Milk Club and founding news editor of the San Francisco Bay Times; Tommy Avicolli Mecca, longtime journalist, poet, and tenant-rights activist; Per Sia, drag artiste and co-founder of Drag Story Hour (which proudly started in The Castro); Angie Fa, past president (1992) of the Milk Club; and Vince Crisostomo, Director of Aging Services at the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and HIV Caucus. A truly motivating speech, a big thank you to all the previous speakers, and then a Moment of Silence was led by former VP of the Milk Club, Stephen Torres. We all boldly marched two blocks down the middle of Castro Street to Harvey Milk’s old Camera Shop (now Queer AF art gallery) for hot tea and brownies inside the cozy, warm studio.
Created by the WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, WORLD AIDS DAY since 1988 has been dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic and acknowledging HIV as the cause, having infected more than 85.6 million people globally and taken the lives of more than 40.4 million men, women, and children since the first cases were reported in 1981.
On November 30, the eve of the World AIDS Day National Observance, I always delight in attending this unique and inspiring event: LIGHT IN THE GROVE. This was a magical outdoor celebration of Love, Community, and Remembrance in the NATIONAL AIDS MEMORIAL GROVE in the heart of historic Golden Gate Park. The evening provided beautifully illuminated pathways with brilliant light displays (I loved the disco mirror spinning heart—so very LIT for the night!) highlighting enchanting dance and musical performances; and, of course, a moving candlelight reflection at the “Circle of Friends,” inscribed with the names of those who have lost their battle with AIDS. Inside the heated tent was a stunning nighttime display of the now official SF home of the AIDS Memorial Quilt. Amazing emcee Sister Roma introduced guest speakers delivering sincerely motivational speeches during a short but stirring program including National AIDS Memorial CEO John Cunningham and Gilead executive (presenting partner) Larkin Callaghan. Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi introduced via video our guest of honor, Dan Bernal, to receive the Lifetime of Commitment Award for his many contributions in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Over the decades, Dan’s accomplishments include serving as UCSF’s Vice Chancellor for Community and Government Relations, HIV/AIDS patient advocate on the Independent Citizens Oversight Committee of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, and former San Francisco District Chief of Staff for Speaker Emerita Pelosi.
On December 1, WORLD AIDS DAY, the GLBT HISTORICAL SOCIETY opened Focus on Living: Portraits of Americans with HIV and AIDS, a powerful photography exhibition by San Francisco-based photographer Roslyn Banish. “My goal has been to humanize HIV/AIDS, to get beyond the stereotypes and statistics,” said Banish. “In the end, I hope we are all more knowledgeable about the disease. I especially hope we are more compassionate and understanding of those brave souls who, despite enormous challenges, have managed to stay focused on the business of living.” The exhibition will be featured at the GLBT Historical Society Museum in the Castro at 4127 18th Street through March 2025.
Also on World AIDS Day, 9 am–9 pm, once again the always creative George Kelly hosted the 10th annual INSCRIBE on the sidewalks of Castro Street. This was the yearly opportunity for us to remember those we have lost to HIV/AIDS by inscribing their names in provided chalk on the sidewalk.
Kick off the 2024 holiday season with the SAN FRANCISCO PRIDE BAND at the DANCE-ALONG NUTCRACKER “Mission: Nutcracker!” It’s part comedy musical, part dance-it-yourself ballet, and part symphonic concert. This year, audience members will hear music from James Bond, Pink Panther, and the Tchaikovsky Nutcracker Ballet—while they help junior detective Clara and spy-in-training Fritz work to find the stolen Golden Nutcracker. Yerba Buena Center for the Arts—Forum, 701 Mission Street, Saturday, December 7 at 3 pm & 7 pm and Sunday, December 8 at 11 am & 3 pm. https://sfprideband.org/
“SONGS OF THE SEASON” is back for its 32nd year, bringing enough cheer to light up all eight nights of Hanukkah and the 12 days of Christmas! Join me at Feinstein’s at the Nikko, 222 Mason Street on December 10 and December 11, doors at 7:30 pm with show at 8 pm for two unforgettable nights of music, laughter, and good cheer. Expect heartwarming carols, laugh-out-loud holiday skits, and dazzling performances by local favorites and international talent. Founded by drag personality Donna Sachet and produced by Billboard recording artist Brian Kent as a benefit for PRC, these singing stars are joined by Leanne Borghesi, Brian Justin Crum, Charles Jones, Kippy Marks, Kenny Nelson, Sister Roma, Dr. Dee Spencer, and Roberta Drake. https://prcsf.org/
KATYA, A HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR, one of San Francisco’s most beloved and cherished holiday traditions, returns for an unprecedented 17th year as the Countess Katya Smirnoff-Skyy makes her annual appearance down Feinstein’s chimney on December 13 and 14, 8 pm. Katya will make your Yuletide GAY with her drag madcap melodies and mirth—songs ranging from classic holiday fare to full-on disco! Feinstein’s at The Nikko, 222 Mason Street. https://www.feinsteinssf.com/
CIRCUS BELLA is back and invites you to its Big Top Tent with KALEIDOSCOPE, San Francisco’s newest Holiday Tradition. Performed in the round under a Colorful Big Top Tent for a limited engagement of 29 performances, the show runs from December 13–January 5. Located at the intersection of Beale and Howard Streets. https://www.circusbella.org/
President Biden finally pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, on December 1. Sister Dana sez, “It’s the perfect ‘eff-you’ to Trump and his Repugnican MAGA maggots making such an absurd fuss over the ‘Biden laptop’!!!”
And as more and more votes are counted, they prove that Trump has now won less than 50 percent of the popular vote. That’s the narrowest popular vote victory margin in decades. Sister Dana sez, “I really don’t believe in so-called ‘mandates.’ But a man TO DATE is a good thing!”
Sister Dana Sez, Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun
Published on December 5, 2024
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