By Sister Dana Van Iquity–
Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun–
Sister Dana sez, “Happy Halloween to all us queens! This is our high hallowed homo holiday. In other words, Happy HallowQueen!”
My friend and yours, Jason Brock, is posting Halloween songs from his HALLOWEEN CONCERTS all month long on YouTube. Do check them out and get a little holiday cheer despite all the terrible news we’re hearing. You know you can’t resist hearing Jason do “The Addams Family” and other spooky hits! https://bit.ly/3iIYOO1
THE NATIONAL LGBTQ TASK FORCE celebrated THE POWER OF US at the 24th annual Task Force Gala. “There are very few upsides to this pandemic,” said Executive Director Rea Carey, “but one of them is that hundreds of people from across the country are able to join us this evening.” The first-ever virtual Task Force Gala drew guests from all fifty states nationwide, and even a few international guests tuned in for the broadcast. Proceeds from the event helped support the Task Force’s QUEER THE VOTE campaign, which aims to drive voter participation in the 2020 general election.
“I am struck by our power,” said deputy executive director Kierra Johnson. “Our power is in our numbers, but our power is also in our diversity. We are on the coasts, but we’re also in the bible belt, we’re in the rust belt. We are immigrants. We have disabilities. We are America!” She concluded, “This is what the future is for us. It’s taking our power, it’s reclaiming this democracy, and it’s not taking anything less than what we deserve!” https://www.thetaskforce.org/
Sister Dana sez, “Here’s a To-Do List for triumphant President Biden: one = realistically deal with the virus; two = eliminate the Electoral College; three = give statehood and voting rights to Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico! Please!”
Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and Assemblymember Todd Gloria (D-San Diego)—Chair and Vice Chair of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus—have applauded Governor Gavin Newsom’s appointment of Justice Martin (Marty) Jenkins to the CALIFORNIA SUPREME COURT. Justice Jenkins will be the very first LGTBQ justice to sit on the California Supreme Court.
Sister Dana sez, “Trump’s COVID drug was tested using tissue from an aborted fetus. Trump has cut funding to ‘gruesome’ HIV cure research that involves cells from aborted fetuses. But that research is apparently good enough for his COVID-19 drugs. Hypocrite!”
Actor and activist Billy Porter narrates a stirring PSA for Equality California reminding LGBTQ+ and pro-equality voters to make their voices heard at the ballot box in the 2020 election. Californians and people across the country are mailing in their ballots as you read this! Be inspired by Billy’s message: https://go.eqca.org/a/watch-eqca-psa
Sister Dana sez, “I am so proud of the monumental movement of gay men everywhere who have snatched away the title of ‘Proud Boys’ from the white nationalist supremacist brutes and have adopted the term for themselves! Proud gay guys forever!”
Bivett Brackett, Tuquan Harrison, Diana Feliz Oliva, and Joshua Smith joined SF PRIDE‘s governing body when the Board convened for its meeting on October 7. While they are sad to see the wonderful Amy Sueyoshi, Nicky “Tita Aida” Calma, and Vice President Jake Little move on after years of service to the community through San Francisco Pride, they are delighted that Elizabeth Lanyon won reelection.
Randy Rainbow is at it again with his delightful parody of “If Mama Got Married” from the musical Gypsy—but now extra special with Broadway diva Patti LuPone in duet. Please enjoy “If Donald Got Fired!” https://www.broadwayrecords.com/randy-patti
Sister Dana sez, “What we learned from the VEEP Debate is that while Trump is an absolute bully, Pence is a calmer bully—but rarely answering the moderator’s questions and constantly talking way over his time limit. Kamala Harris definitely won as appearing far more vice-presidential than the current veep!”
Sister Dana sez, “Oh to have been a fly on the wall … er … I mean ‘hair’ of Pence at that debate!”
Members of the SISTERS OF PERPETUAL INDULGENCE, INC., and their friends came together to celebrate Ruth Bader Ginsburg on October 9 in Jane Warner Plaza at Castro and Market Streets. The Sisters sainted her with the title of “Saint Ruth Bader Ginsburg: Mensch of Magistrates, Mamele of Justice, Tzadik Notorious RBG of the Divine Striking Dissent.” SPI is not a religious organization, but we are made up of people representing many religions, spiritual practices, and faiths. We recognize and respect that RBG was proudly Jewish, and we did not feel by sainting her that we were in any way disrespecting her faith. We have sainted many people who identify as Jewish, including posthumously Supervisor Harvey Milk. In fact, Harvey Fierstein told me he was so tickled and said he couldn’t wait to tell his rabbi. We honored the life of our Notorious RBG to help make sure her legacy will live forever!
The Trump campaign continued their attempt to woo LGBTQ voters by holding a closeted “Trump Pride” rally in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, on October 13—National Herpes Awareness Day. But the invitation shared on Twitter showed neither the words “gay” nor “LGBTQ”—just a rainbow-lettered “PRIDE” appeared. Who do they think they’re fooling?!
THEATRE RHINOCEROS hosted a Zoom, RANDY! The Story of Shilts, conceived and performed by John Fisher on October 15 about Randy Shilts, one of the greatest gay journalists of all time, who took on Dan White, AIDS, and the U.S. Military. From discos to sex clubs to battleships, he was always on the beat.
Sister Dana sez, “The last two Republicans elected president have LOST the popular vote, but WON the Electoral College—and some experts predict that T-Rump could get FOUR more years despite losing by MILLIONS of votes! We gotta demolish this so-called ‘college.’ Have they even graduated high school?!”
The 2020 GOLDEN STATE EQUALITY AWARDS were hosted by Angelica Ross. Some of my favorite highlights from the event included Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Rufus Wainwright’s moving tribute to the late Rep. John Lewis; Pete and Chasten Buttigieg’s inspiring acceptance speech; and the fact that EQCA raised $85,000 on the night of the event. https://uniteforequalitylive.org/
THE SF LGBT CENTER’s annual SOIRÉE went virtual on October 10 with Sister Roma emceeing and Juanita MORE! returning as Entertainment Director. Juanita was also our virtual bartendress teaching us how to make a Tenderknob Iced Tea (SF version of the Long Island Iced Tea). LadyRyan was Party DJ. Senator Mark Leno welcomed us giving the rich history of the Center as founding board member way back in 1995 when it was called the COMMUNITY CENTER PROJECT. Executive Director Rebecca Rolfe spoke of the importance to vote (and I might add: Vote BLUE). She lauded the over 900 Center volunteers. She addressed the way many of us feel these days—struggling to find a path forward. Stand-out performances were by Rahni NothingMore with some hot, fast jazz; Dulce De Leche lip-synching “I’m a Woman (W-O-M-A-N)”; and God’s Lil Princess as a drag queen Freddy Mercury in mustache doing Queen’s “I Want to Break Free.” It was a super swell soirée!
Sister Dana sez, “We in San Francisco are on Ohlone territory. The time is now for federal lawmakers to address widespread Native voter disenfranchisement and pass the Native American Voting Rights Act!”
During these challenging times, TRANSGENDER LAW CENTER is proud to continue their legacy of 18 years of doing what it takes to keep transgender and gender nonconforming people alive, thriving, and fighting for liberation. On October 16, TLC held the SPARK Virtual Celebration. “The COVID-19 pandemic has given everyone a glimpse into what trans and gender nonconforming people knew all too well—our local, state, and federal governments fail to protect far too many of us,” said Executive Director Kris Hayashi. “We know the TRANS AGENDA FOR LIBERATION will guide us through these difficult times.” We heard about TLC’s powerful work from clients, community, and staff. The event was hosted by Honey Mahogany, an appointed member of the SAN FRANCISCO DEMOCRATIC COUNTY CENTRAL COMMITTEE; co-founder of the COMPTON’S TRANSGENDER CULTURAL DISTRICT; and a legislative aide in San Francisco. Chico Chi, a queer, non-binary transmasculine DJ, spun the tunes for dancing. https://transgenderlawcenter.org/
SF GAY MEN’S CHORUS kicked off their virtual season on October 17, with a premiere of a new work by Andrew Lippa featuring Kristin Chenoweth and SFGMC. They began with the very apropos “Celebration.” Executive Director Chris Verdugo and Conductor Tim Seelig welcomed us in their pajamas. Homophonics and Lollipop Guild performed coronavirus’ “Under Pressure.” Martha Wash introduced choristers singing “It’s Raining Men.” The hilarious Mandrew Sisters sang “It’s My Party.” Sharon Stone & Wanda Sykes urged LGBTQs to vote. Chasten Buttigieg received the Inspiration Award. Those are just a few highlights of that fabulous 42nd birthday party online. View it at: https://tinyurl.com/y2ymsom5
Sister Dana sez, “I love what Speaker Nancy Pelosi rhymed regarding White House poison: ‘The Big Vote is the antidote.’ So true!”
Published on October 22, 2020
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