Sister Dana Sez, Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun—
By Sister Dana Van Iquity–
Sister Dana sez, “This fool is wishing everybody on April 1st a Happy April Fools’ Day! I only wish the coronavirus was an April Fools prank.”
Mayor London Breed had announced that the Health Officer of the City and County of San Francisco updated a Public Health Order prohibiting all large group events of what was 1,000 and then went down to limiting 100 persons or more. And on March 16, the entire Bay Area became on partial lockdown. People were advised to stay home with the exception of necessities such as food, health, or safety. Grocery stores, medical offices, drug stores, hardware stores, laundromats, gas stations, and postal and delivery services are among those that will remain open at the time of this printing. Restaurants were ordered to move to takeout only. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) had earlier recommended all social gatherings of ten or more be canceled through April. Police, fire, and garbage services continue uninterrupted.
This shelter-in-place measure, definitely through April 7 and possibly through end of April, is necessary to slow the spread of novel coronavirus in the community and builds on the City’s March 6 public health recommendations. “We know that this Order is disruptive, but it is an important step to support public health,” said Mayor Breed. “We’re following the recommendations of public health officials to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community.”
The Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (DHSH) has set up multiple washing stations and anticipates setting up more. The stations are in addition to the existing Pit Stop program, which offers bathrooms and sinks along with needle and dog waste disposal.
Mayor Breed has announced a new policy that will allow City employees who are impacted by COVID-19 to get early access to their vacation time and paid sick leave. San Francisco is leading by example by allowing workers an advance of their paid time off in the event that they cannot work due to COVID-19 and related public health recommendations. The City is encouraging private companies to be similarly flexible with their paid time off policies.
Sister Dana and Juan Davila celebrating at Soiree on the Bay 2019
THE INTERNATIONAL TRANSGENDER DAY OF VISIBILITY (TDOV) is on March 27 this year. TDOV is an annual holiday celebrated around the world. The day is dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments and victories of transgender and gender non-conforming people while raising awareness of the work that is still needed to save trans lives. The holiday was founded in 2009 as a reaction to the lack of LGBT holidays celebrating transgender people’s successes. Across the country and internationally there has been an increased visibility of our transgender and GNC communities. Despite increased national media visibility, this year goes on record as one of the most dangerous years for transgender and gender non-conforming people, with alarming rates of violence, homicides, and suicides—specifically impacting trans women of color and youth. Together we can make change.
For a lovely, non-spiritual, relaxing meditation during these trying times, check out my friend Dr. Jallen Rix‘s site at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJf5Vm38vYw&feature=youtu.be
The San Francisco Department of Public Health announced in a newsletter that it re-opened the CASTRO-MISSION HEALTH CENTER (3850 17th Street) as a referral-only testing site for COVID-19, in an effort to augment the City’s health network. https://www.sfhealthnetwork.org/primary-care-3/castro-mission-health-center/
It’s time to complete the 2020 CENSUS! Starting now, we must fill out the census survey (only 9 questions long!) online, by phone or by mail. There’s a lot at stake for our LGBTQ+ community. Being counted in this year’s census is a fight for our future—a fight for fair representation in Congress and for programs that the most vulnerable members of our communities need to survive. https://my2020census.gov/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=equalityca&utm_content=
OPENHOUSE has decided to cancel all senior programs and group activities through the end of March. For more information or to request assistance with services/housing or just a call to feel connected, call their main number: 415-296-8995
SFLGBT CENTER‘s annual fundraising SOIRÉE has been postponed from Saturday, March 28, to Saturday, October 10. Adjust your calendar and join me in the fall. https://www.sfcenter.org/
Please take part in the Community Marketing & Insights (CMI) 14th Annual LGBTQ Community Survey! For over a decade, this survey has provided free data to help nonprofits, universities, and organizations better understand and serve the LGBTQ community. The report will be published on the CMI website for free download on approximately May 30. Previous surveys have had over 45,000 participants from 150 countries. https://survey.communitymarketinginc.com/se/359D342B06DB7A7D08D7CA16157CDF4100
THE AIDS MEMORIAL QUILT DISPLAY planned for April 3–5 in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park is being rescheduled for a date later this year. “We are following the lead of the City and County of San Francisco who announced the postponement of the 150TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF GOLDEN GATE PARK, previously planned for April 4,” said John Cunningham, Executive Director of the National AIDS Memorial, for the stewards of the AIDS Quilt. The Quilt display was expected to be one of the largest and busiest activities in the park for the Anniversary weekend, utilizing over 500 volunteers. “This was to have been the largest display ever in San Francisco,” said Mike Smith, Quilt Co-founder. “We had an incredible response from our call for volunteers, and many people had begun to make new panels for the Quilt to be added at the display.” Smith added, “With this renewed community support and with the Quilt now relocated here in the Bay Area, we look forward to announcing a new date as soon as the situation warrants.”
Sister Dana sez, “We can thank CA Democrat Rep. Katie Porter—after dogged questioning—for ensuring that the CDC provides free coronavirus testing for all. She MUST get re-elected!”
In response to the latest recommendations from the SF Department of Public Health, the GLBT HISTORICAL SOCIETY is moving its planned 35TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY fundraiser online. After collecting, preserving, and sharing our community’s diverse histories, you are invited to join them in celebrating this milestone of 35 years at https://www.glbthistory.org/35-years
There is good news about our Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence‘s annual EASTER CELEBRATION (commonly known as “Hunky Jesus”). Although it will not take place at Dolores Park on Easter Sunday for the public this year, we ARE having the “Hunky Jesus” and “Foxy Mary” contest online! For updates see https://www.thesisters.org/
Sister Dana sez, “If April showers bring May flowers; what do May flowers bring? ALLERGIES!”
Mayor Breed announced on March 14 that the Recreation and Park Department and the San Francisco Public Library began to operate libraries and indoor recreation facilities as emergency care facilities for children of parents on the front lines of the COVID-19 outbreak and low-income families. All 28 Library locations are closed to the public. However, the Library’s robust digital services will continue to give card holders 24/7 free access to eBooks, audio books, magazines, movies, classes, and more. https://sfpl.org/books-and-media/elibrary
Sister Dana sez, “For a little fun, watch Gloria Gaynor thoroughly washing her hands to her hit ‘I Will Survive.’ Priceless!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvqP5NRXf8g
EQCA has stated that the 2020 SAN FRANCISCO EQUALITY AWARDS, previously scheduled for Saturday, May 9, have been postponed to Friday, September 11, and will still occur at The Fairmont San Francisco.
On March 15, Governor Gavin Newsom closed all bars and night clubs in California as a protective measure for social distancing. Remarked Senator Scott Wiener, “I fully support the Governor’s decision to take these steps. We must flatten the curve on COVID-19, and the Governor’s directive will help significantly.” After that, all theaters were closed during the current lockdown.
But in a time of social distancing, the internet is proving a powerful tool for sharing the uplifting experiences that live performances can bring. Much of these shared experiences—of live music, performance and culture—are possible thanks to streaming audio and video.
Although cannabis dispensaries were briefly closed earlier this month, last week they were declared as providing “essential needs.” As the San Francisco Department of Public Health shared: “Cannabis is an essential medicine for many San Francisco residents. Dispensaries can continue to operate as essential businesses during this time, while practicing social distancing and other public health recommendations.”
On March 16, the first coronavirus trial began, but the final vaccine could take 18 months to develop. Even if initial safety tests go well, “you’re talking about a year to a year and a half” before any vaccine could be ready for widespread use, according to Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
Sister Dana sez, “An NBC News piece back in February 26 noted that Trump’s decision to downsize the White House national security staff—and eliminate jobs addressing global pandemics—was likely to hamper the U.S. government’s response to the coronavirus, according to veterans of past disease outbreaks and experts who have studied them. Nice timing, rump!”
Published on March 26, 2020
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