By Sister Dana Van Iquity, Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun–
Sister Dana sez, “HAPPY FATHER’S DAY to all you fathers, gay Dads, leather daddies, and drag king fathers! You have raised some very fine folx!”
FATHER’S DAY is June 18 this year. This is a holiday honoring one’s father, or relevant father figure, as well as fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society.
We were invited to attend the FRAMELINE47 FESTIVAL LAUNCH PARTY, kicking off the 2023 SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL LGBTQ+ FILM FESTIVAL on May 17 at the Oasis nightclub. There they announced the full program and our first look at this year’s exciting films. https://www.frameline.org/
Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS), a program of SHANTI PROJECT, keeps people and their companion animals together. PAWS believes that no one should have to make the difficult choice of caring for themselves or caring for their beloved pets. They provide free comprehensive support services for pets of older adults and individuals living with disability or illness. PAWS presented their annual fundraiser, PETCHITECTURE, at the Fairmont San Francisco on May 18, welcoming canine guests and their humans. I was a bit disappointed because, in the past, on display were various forms of architecture for pets. Thus, the titled fundraiser. Alas, no habitats. The event was emceed by magician and circus performer Calvin Kai Ku. Dede Wilsey presented the “Dede Wilsey Champion of the Human-Animal Bond” award to Sherri Franklin, longtime animal advocate and shelter volunteer.
Mayor London N. Breed joined Senator Scott Wiener, elected city leaders, community members, LGBTQ advocates and allies on May 18 at the SF LGBT CENTER to announce D’Arcy Drollinger as first ever San Francisco’s DRAG LAUREATE. D’Arcy will serve as spokesperson for San Francisco’s LGBTQ community, as well as produce and participate in events and programs that celebrate the city’s rich drag history and diversity. Sister Dana sez, “Congratulations and conDRAGulations to D’Arcy, who is an excellent representative of our SF drag community!”
RAINBOW WORLD FUND (RWF) was honored to be the beneficiary of a special KREWE DE KINQUE (KDK) event and beer bust on May 20 at the Midnight Sun. Our new Royals, Krewe de Kinque King XX Mez & Queen XX Moxie, hosted their first benefit at KDK’s home bar. King & Queen XIX Mark & Tawdry presented a BIG CHECK from our Bal Masque XX to the RWF LGBTQ+ Ukraine Emergency Fund. KDK Queen VII Sister Dana was happy to hand out blue and yellow bracelets honoring Ukraine.
It was “HEKLINA: A MEMORIAL (She Would Have Hated This)” on May 23 in the closed off streets of the 400 Castro block and inside the Castro Theatre. The outdoor stage began with emotional words by Nancy French (executor, best friend). We held a “Moment of Silence,” followed by a “Community Cackle in Honor of Heklina,” mimicking Heklina’s well known laughter. It was a lengthy but fabulous show from 6–8 pm on the outdoor stage hosted by LOL McFiercen and Dulce De Leche. A continual slide show by Saint Gooch gave a thorough history of the drag icon that was Heklina. Then from8–11:20 pm, the Indoor Memorial was simultaneously live-streamed in front of the theatre. Peaches Christ, Drag Laureate D’Arcy Drollinger, and Sister Roma were emcees. The celebs performing and/or speaking included Katya Smirnoff-Skyy, Grace Towers, Cricket Bardot, Deena Davenport, Juanita MORE!, Pippi Lovestocking, Glamamore, Fauxnique, Suppositori Spelling, Raya Light, Jackie Beat, Sherry Vine, Cindy Wilson (of the B-52s); BenDeLaCreme (who faked rimming a guy onstage—which as we all know was Heklina’s specialty); Alaska (singing live “The Rose” while a giant b-hole was screened above, which Heklina would adore); Jinkx Monsoon; Heklina’s ex-boyfriend, the Icelandic pop star Páll Óskar, singing a cover of “Hyperballad” by Bjork; Trixxie Carr; Manuel Caneri; and The Lady Bunny (on a Ouija board, hysterically trying to contact the spirit of Heklina).Politicos giving inspiring speeches included Mark Leno, Senator Scott Wiener, Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, Jose Cisneros, Honey Mahogany, and Tom Temprano of EQUALITY CALIFORNIA. The night came to an end with a grand finale by Putanesca and her talented troupe with “The Last Beat of My Heart.” Heklina, my dear friend, you were deservedly, honorably, greatly celebrated!
As reported by TMZ, wanna-be president Trump has been hit with a cease-and-desist order after video surfaced of him dancing to a Village People tribute band at his Florida Mar-a-Lago resort. The real band did not like the implication that they were Trump supporters. Trump’s attorney, Joe Tacopina, issued a statement to TMZ saying that they will “only deal with the attorney of the Village People, if they have one, not the wife of one of the members.” Sister Dana sez, “It’s NOT FUN to stay at the YMCA if it’s at the MAGA-Loco resort!”
Trump was actually urging GOP Congress members to let the U.S. default on its debt—which would have removed the safety net for veterans, seniors, and for the poor to middle class citizens. Sister Dana sez, “Well, what do we expect of a man who very seldom pays HIS debts!”
Members of GAYS AGAINST BLIGHT (GAB) held a news conference on May 26 in front of the Q Bar, located in the heart of the gayborhood at 456 Castro Street. The bar has been closed for over three years, is an eyesore, and is surrounded on either side by the equally blighted former Body retail store (above which Sister Dana lives) and Osaka sushi restaurant. GAB complained about blight in the Castro and shabby rainbow flags. “The Castro is the emerald of the Emerald City. We need to address the blight now, for a fabulous PRIDE MONTH we all can be proud of,” said Harry Breaux, a longtime civic volunteer. “Together we can enhance the Castro to be a special place in the lives of LGBTQI people.”
Riding the success of our monumental “Easter in the Park” and “Hunky Jesus” contest, we SF Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence held PROJECT NUNWAY 11: SANCTUARY at St. Joseph’s Art Society on May 26. This year’s fashion extravaganza showcased the theme, “Sanctuary,” inviting designers to explore the concept of safety, refuge, and healing through their runway looks. Each designer got paired up with a Sister, who walked the runway wearing their fabulous creations. We combined the worlds of fashion and philanthropy, featuring unique runway looks created from recycled and repurposed materials. All proceeds from the event benefited the valuable work of us nuns, which includes giving grants to underfunded organizations providing vital resources and support to marginalized communities. Sister Dana “werked” the runway in a magnificent lit-up outfit with a giant cross—all designed by Bridget McCracken of TRASH MASH-UP. Eight other Sisters walked, and the winner was Sister Guard N. O’Pansies designed by Andy Meckes and Linda Simitz-Meckes.
Reacting to Target’s and other big stores’ caving to anti-LGBTQ extremists demanding LGBTQ-positive wares be removed, Governor Gavin Newsom said, “There is a systematic attack on the gay community across the country. Wake up, America! This doesn’t stop here. You’re Black? You’re Asian? You’re Jewish? You’re a woman?” Sister Dana sez, “You’re a drag queen?”
According to recent research from the AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION (ACLU), 482 bills, and counting, have been introduced by politicians that seek to restrict LGBTQ rights, especially around issues of freedom of expression, access to healthcare, and non-discrimination laws.
Mayor London N. Breed joined California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, State Controller Malia Cohen, Treasurer Jose Cisneros, State Senator Scott Wiener, Supervisors Rafael Mandelman and Matt Dorsey, Drag Laureate D’Arcy Drollinger, and LGTBQ leaders and community to kick off San Francisco’s 53RD ANNUAL PRIDE MONTH. They celebrated at the Mayor’s City Hall balcony on June 2 with the annual RAINBOW FLAG RAISING.
HEELS FOR HOPE was a Variety Show Fundraiser for MAITRI on June 3 at Marines’ Memorial Theatre. Proceeds benefited Maitri Compassionate Care and their services for low-income people living with HIV/AIDS or recovering from gender-affirming surgeries. The incredible talent included Co-hosts Michael Tate & Mahle Balenciaga, hilarious comedian and lesbian icon Sydney Stigerts; the most up-and-coming funk & soul vocalist in the Bay Area, Tory Teasley; OutMusic Award winner and Billboard Recording Artist Brian Kent; and high camp drag from FOU FOU HA!
CIRCUS BELLA is excited to announce their jubilant return to the Bay Area Parks from June 8 to July 16 with 17 special performances. Its 14th annual, all new, open air, outdoor show BANANAS! offers a Modern Twist on One-Ring Circus to delight and amaze Children of All Ages. This free show features a diverse talented troupe of acrobats, aerialists, jugglers, and clowns from the Bay Area and beyond. https://www.circusbella.org/
Please help install the huge 28th annual PINK TRIANGLE of Twin Peaks in S.F. It’s a highly-visible yet mute reminder of inhumanity and recalls one the darkest chapters in human history. It is nearly an acre in size that can be seen for 20 miles, and is a giant in-your-face educational tool. June 10–July 1. http://www.thepinktriangle.com/
SHE LOVES ME, an enchanting musical, is coming to 42nd Street Moon! Get ready to be swept away by the heartwarming story of two feuding perfumery shop clerks in the 1930s who find love through secret pen pals. Opens June 10 to June 25, Gateway Theatre, 215 Jackson Street. https://42ndstmoon.org/
June 19th or “JUNETEENTH” is the oldest nationally celebrated recognition of the ending of slavery in the United States. On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed a bill declaring Juneteenth as a federal holiday. Also known as “Emancipation” or “Freedom Day,” Juneteenth cleverly references the date of the holiday, combining “June” and “nineteenth.” There will be a JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION at OPENHOUSE, 75 Laguna, 1–3 pm. https://www.openhousesf.org/
Lockdown Comedy on Zoom, Thursday, June 15, will feature Ying Vigilan (Seattle, via China), Víctor Pacheco (LA), Smita Venkat (SF), and “The Geduldig Sisters”—producer/comic Lisa Geduldig and her 92-years-young mother, Arline Geduldig (Florida). https://www.koshercomedy.com/
The Los Angeles Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence were recently awarded a “Community Hero Award” by the Los Angeles Dodgers for their 27 years of service to the LGBTQ Community. Bad news, because soon the Dodgers chose to rescind their award, succumbing to pressure from extremists outside California. Good news, because after a meeting with Dodgers staff, L.A. Sisters, and LGBTQ members, the Dodgers apologized and the Award was given back to the nuns! Hallelujah!
Juanita MORE! and Sister Roma are excited to welcome you to the annual FAIRMONT DRAG BRUNCH and Pride celebration, 950 Mason Street on June 17, noon to 3 pm. https://tinyurl.com/cywfm2yd
EQUALITY CALIFORNIA (EQCA) will be celebrating Pride in San Francisco on June 20 at El Rio, 3158 Mission Street from 6–9 pm. This year their Pride theme is REVOLUTION OF LOVE, celebrating the LGBTQ community and supporting the work Equality California is doing every day to advance LGBTQ civil rights and social justice. Each ticket includes drinks, food, and great entertainment. https://www.eqca.org/
Trump stomped all over our Constitution, incited an insurrection, and made our country the laughing stock of the world. He should not have a state park named after him! Sister Dana sez, “I think that ‘Donald J. Trump State Park’ in New York should be renamed ‘Representative Liz Cheney State Park.’ It would honor Liz Cheney’s dedication to our democracy—and make Trump FURIOUS!”
Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun
Published on June 8, 2023
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