By Sister Dana Van Iquity–
Sister Dana sez, “God bless the late Senator John McCain for his inspirational last words: ‘We weaken our greatness when we confuse our patriotism with tribal rivalries that have sown resentment and hatred and violence in all the corners of the globe. We weaken it when we hide behind walls, rather than tear them down; when we doubt the power of our ideals, rather than trust them to be the great force for change they have always been.’ Amen!”
GAPA (GAY ASIAN PACIFIC ALLIANCE) presented their third annual pageant, QUEST FOR THE PEARL, a jolly pirate-themed contest to find the next Mister and Miss GAPA, on August 25 at Herbst Theatre. Congratulations to this year’s RUNWAY 30 winners, Miss GAPA 2018, Miss Shu Mai and Mister GAPA 2018, Christo Roma! Both are now ambassadors and representatives of GAPA Foundation and the queer API community. This was also the stepping down of Mr. GAPA 2017 Danny Chung and co-titled Miss GAPA 2017 Ehra Amaya & Miss GAPA 2017 Mimi Osa. The other “Scallywags” aka Runway Contestants for Mr. GAPA were Namaste Pham, Robert Schulte, and Caretaker Danny. Other contestants for Miss GAPA were Mo Li Hua, Michimera, Loveyah Minora, Mocha Fapalatte, and Phoebe Cakes. After the Fantasy category of talent, and then the Formalwear category of two different interview questions, the results by the panel of judges were 1st runner-up now known as First Prince Caretaker Danny and Second Prince Robert Schulte, First Princess Phoebe Cakes and Second Princess Mocha Fapalatte. https://gapafoundation.org
Dozens assembled in SF Civic Center Plaza on August 26 at noon under the banner of “UNITE FOR JUSTICE” to demonstrate against the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. Mayor London Breed joined Congresswoman Barbara Lee, State Senator Scott Wiener, Assemblymember David Chiu, and other elected officials and community leaders for the Unite for Justice event. Protesters carried signs stating, “KAVA NOPE!” “Kava No!” “We Deserve a Justice for All!” and “Imagine if every criminal got to pick his judge.” This nominee is anti-woman, anti-gay, anti-immigrant, anti-progressivism, and pro-Trump (including his misguided belief that a sitting president cannot be indicted or impeached). Frightening!
On August 26, an evening rally was held in the Castro. Rev. Michael Cronin from MCC and the SF Chapter of Gays Against Guns (GAG) held a protest from 5–6 pm outside the FedEx at 1967 Market Street at Duboce to demand that they stop giving discounts to the NRA and to keep attention on the need for gun control! GAG chapters across the U.S. were holding rallies that day and will hold them on the 26th of every month until FedEx stops giving a 26% discount to the NRA.
August 26 was a very busy day. In San Jose, they celebrated LGBTQ pride with a PARADE AND PRIDE FESTIVAL after party in Plaza de Caesar Chavez. More than 80 contingents marched proudly and loudly down Market Street.
On August 27, the California Legislature passed SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 110, authored by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and Assemblymember Tony Thurmond (D- Richmond), calling on those in the medical community to recognize the human rights of individuals born with variations in their sex characteristics, sometimes referred to as intersex traits. Senate Concurrent Resolution 110 calls on the medical community to stop performing nonconsensual and often irreparably harmful sex assignment surgeries on intersex infants at birth. Instead, medically unnecessary surgery should be delayed until the intersex individual can decide for themselves whether to pursue surgery at all, at an age when informed consent is possible. This resolution, widely supported by the intersex community, is the first-ever successful piece of state legislation to explicitly recognize the bodily autonomy of intersex individuals, and to celebrate the bodily autonomy of intersex youth.
Kyrsten Sinema has won her primary to become the first openly bisexual person ever nominated for U.S. Senate by a major American political party. With a win in November, she’ll be the first female Senator from Arizona and the first bisexual member of the U.S. Senate.
Remember the trial of the homophobic baker at Masterpiece Cakeshop? Well, John Fisher, director and playwright of THEATRE RHINOCEROS, has written an amazingly authentic account in his latest brilliant play, MASTERPIECE. I was fortunate to attend a one-time stage reading at Spark Arts in the Castro on August 28. Four long tables were attached where the actors could read their parts. Opposite them was the audience, the court of public opinion. The prologue depicted the scene where the gay couple tried to order a wedding cake but was refused “for religious reasons” and later took the case to the Supreme Court. Fisher has quoted from the official Supreme Court transcripts (with a little necessary humor injected) as each actor has now become a judge. Following the disappointing verdict given to the cake maker, in the epilogue, Fisher ends with a surprise trans twist. He told me he doubted the play would ever be staged, and I begged him to mount this “masterpiece.”
DROP’N’GIMME FIFTY! was the fabulosa festive full-tilt celebration of JOHN WEBER’S 5OTH BIRTHDAY at Flore on September 1. This was BFF Emperor XXXVI John Weber‘s 50th birthday bash from 4 to 9 pm at Flore (one hour for every decade of his glorious life) as a community celebration in recognition of his years of community work and involvement. Catered food was southern and soulful. Gathered together were his peeps—the Imperial Court, the Ducal Court, the Krewe de Kinque social and fundraiser club, and The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence (well … moi). Emcees were Empress XLVI SF Saybeline & Grand Duchess XXXVI Landa Lake. Among the many many incredible performances were by songstress BeBe Sweetbriar, hoop extraordinaire Sean Eiserne Drossel Twomey, Krewe de Kinque XIV Lady Cuki Couture, future Grand Duchess MGM Grande, violinist extraordinaire Kippy Marks, Empress XLV Renita Valdez, Grand Duke Madd Dogg 20/20, and Grand Duchess Miss Shugana. But the hit of the night was surely by birthday boy John Weber doing Aretha’s “Natural Woman,” for which we could all relate as this awesome diva has passed over. DJ Jay Reezy dropped the beats for us to enjoy and dance to. And who could forget the truly decadent chocolate supreme birthday cake brought out as we all gleefully sang the “Happy Birthday Song” to the man of the hour?! What a man! and what a night!
Sister Dana sez, “If you’re as angry and depressed as I am every time you see that autocratic president’s orange face on the news, here’s a way to help relieve that anger and depression: simply give an energetic third-finger salute to the screen. Flip those birds to that terrible tweeter! Meanwhile, tie a string around your finger to remind you of these excellent upcoming events.”
The monthly CASTRO ART WALK sponsored by CASTRO MERCHANTS continues every first Thursday evening. The next is September 6 from 6 to 9 pm at ten Member businesses in the neighborhood that will feature art displays (and activities at some). There also will be live music from 6–7 pm that evening in Jane Warner Plaza (Castro at 17th-Market Streets). For a handy map of the art venues, see https://www.castroartwalk.com
THEATRE RHINOCEROS presents the Bay Area premiere of Chisa Hutchinson’s DEAD AND BREATHING for 15 performances (September 6–22) at Gateway Theatre, 215 Jackson Street. Story: Cranky old Carolyn Whitlock has been in hospice for far too long and just wants to die already. But she’ll have to work harder than she ever has in her privileged life to convince her over-sharing and very Christian nurse to help her end it. Through surprising humor and persistent questioning, Dead and Breathing investigates morality, mortality, and the intense tug-of-war between the right to die with dignity and the idea of life as a gift. www.TheRhino.org
San Francisco’s 42ND STREET MOON is presenting a special engagement of Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award-winning musical FOLLIES in concert, featuring music and lyrics by Sondheim and a book by James Goldman. Both performances will take place at the Alcazar Theatre (650 Geary Street) on Friday, September 7, and Saturday, September 8, 8 pm. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased through the Box Office at 415-255-8207 or online at www.42ndstmoon.org
Emperor Leandro Gonzales and Empress Pollo Del Mar in conjunction with THE IMPERIAL COUNCIL OF SAN FRANCISCO, INC. will present the 2018 GOLDEN GATE GAYMES hosted by Mr. Golden Gate Mikey T and Miss Golden Gate Scarlet Menzie. Join them for a day of fun, food and frolic at the Collingwood Park Baseball Diamond in the Heart of the Castro. Gather a team of 4 to compete in the games. Entry fee is $100 and includes food/beverage for all four team members. Prizes will be awarded after the always fun, sometimes infamous, “Lip Sync or Swim” contest. Games in the park will include Kickball (10 Run Rule), Corn-hole, Wheel of Misfortune, Spoon and Egg Race and Frisbee. Don’t want to compete? Come and spend a day in the park watching all of the fun. $20 at the gate gets you food/beverage and great seats in the bleachers. Help to celebrate the great work of Mikey T and Scarlett as they wrap up their year of service to their community. After the Park, everyone will head to Beaux to see who will be crowned the new Mr. & Miss Golden Gate 2018/19. https://www.facebook.com/events/316935798872112
As you likely know, LYRIC (based in San Francisco) is one of the oldest and most innovative youth development organizations in the nation serving LGBTQQ youth, with a strong focus on integrating racial equity in their programming. LYRIC is looking for a new Program Director to help lead the organization through a key period of strategic growth and expansion, overseeing a team of 15 program staff and leading and promoting leadership development opportunities for staff and youth participants. Additionally, the Talent Manager will be tasked with overseeing fundamental learning and development opportunities throughout the organization, equipping team members with the key tools and resources they need to drive impact. https://nonprofitprofessionals.com/
A new exhibition opens September 14 at the GLBT HISTORY MUSEUM marking the 40th anniversary of the defeat of a California ballot measure that would have banned lesbian and gay people and supporters of lesbian and gay rights from teaching in public schools. “THE BRIGGS INITIATIVE: A SCARY PROPOSITION” recounts the history of this turning point for LGBTQ rights. Sponsored by State Senator John Briggs, Proposition Six was part of a wave of homophobic ballot measures across the U.S. On November 7, 1978, Californians decisively voted down the measure. The No on Six campaign was the first to succeed in stopping anti-gay forces in the voting booth. Among the best remembered leaders of the effort was Harvey Milk, but many other groups and individuals also made vital contributions. “The Briggs Initiative: A Scary Proposition” opens Friday, September 14, 4127 18th Street, with a public reception set for 7 to 9 pm. The curators will offer introductory remarks, and light refreshments will be served. Admission is $5.00; free for members of the GLBT Historical Society. The exhibition runs through January 20, 2019.
When local businesses, artists, advocates, community members, and your favorite clown nuns gather enthusiastically, you just know it’s going to be a great event. On September 15, 7–11 pm at SOMArts Cultural Center, 934 Brannan Street, we SF Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Inc. bring you our outrageous annual event, PROJECT NUNWAY 9 TO 5: WORK! We’re eager to see how our crafty designers visually represent themes of labor, professionalism and the workplace as they adorn us nuns in recycled regalia. “Supermodel” Sister Dana will be working the runway with my fellow nun models. Along with the fashion, this unique experience includes outstanding performances by local artists all coming together to raise money for an outstanding local nonprofit serving the Bay Area’s most vulnerable residents. Our selected nonprofit is POSITIVE RESOURCE CENTER (PRC). The mission of PRC is to help people affected by HIV/AIDS, substance use or mental health to better realize opportunities by providing integrated legal, social, and health services that address the broad range of social risk factors that impact wellness and limit potential. We are excited to raise funds for such a great cause. If you’d like to know more about them, please visit their website (https://prcsf.org/). Featuring our fabulous talent: Emcees: Sister Roma & Steven LeMay with entertainment by DJ Legendary Spiider and Friends, Alex U. Inn & Momma’s Boyz, Baloney Boys, Queen Dilly Dally’s Royal Variety Show and Celebrity Judges: Heklina, Juanita More!, Empress Pollo del Mar, Emperor Leandro Gonzalez, & Kit Tapata. This is an 18+ age event, so leave the kiddies at home with their nannies. Or nunnies. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/project-nunway-9-to-5-work-tickets
CELEBRITY CRUISES presents SOIRÉE ON THE BAY and celebrates Love + Diversity onboard “Celebrity Solstice,” Pier 27, San Francisco on September 17, 6–9 pm. (See story on page 17.)
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soiree-on-the-bay-tickets-47214505858
VERASPHERE 25 YEARS: ART, LOVE, JOY is Friday, September 21, 6 to 9 pm at Harvey Milk Photo Center, 50 Scott Street. Come to the OPENING RECEPTION celebrating the collaborative Partners works of photography, costumes, and paintings by artists David Faulk (“Mrs. Vera”) and Michael Johnstone. Featuring the “Mrs. Vera’s Daybook” series of photographs, examining everyday life, alienation, magic, and long-term survival; costumes made with up-cycled items; and images of the Verasphere Group, an ever-expanding bunch that marches in Pride SF. Sponsored by San Francisco Recreation & Parks, Harvey Milk Photo Center Curator: Dave Christensen, Special Sponsor: Art Saves Lives, Thomasina DeMaio. https://www.facebook.com/events/1880961738652387
Bringing together a creative community of artists, galleries, art donors, art patrons, sponsors, and media, the UCSF ALLIANCE HEALTH PROJECT presents ART FOR AIDS to connect the art world with one of the nation’s leading HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ mental health organizations. Enjoy the excitement of the art auction while sipping cocktails and enjoying hors d’oeuvres from some of the Bay Area’s premier purveyors. All of the art and fun are at City View at the Metreon, 135 Fourth Street, Friday, September 21, 6 pm. Enjoy all the artists’ various works on all four walls! https://ucsfaids.ejoinme.org/artforaids2018
Sister Dana sez, “Dana Rohrabacher, the Orange County congressman known for his close ties to the Kremlin, said that Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions should resign after showing disloyalty to President Trump by refusing to shut down the Russia investigation. Dana has brought disgrace to both my Sister name and to my state. Neither I nor California is fascist, Mr. Trumpbacker!”
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