By Sister Dana Van Iquity, Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun–
Sister Dana sez, “Happy MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR., MONTH! Yes, I said ‘MONTH,’ because the Reverend Dr. King deserves more than just one DAY!”
He deserves an entire month because Dr. King is celebrated and remembered in an annual Federal holiday on January 5. Because MLK’s teachings are widely accepted, and his legacy is cherished; also, because his life’s work was—and continues to be—both critically necessary and deeply radical. And much can be said as well for the people who work at GLIDE FOUNDATION. As they celebrate their 60 years of service in this beloved community, GLIDE is both a respected institution in the fabric of San Francisco and a radical and disruptive force fighting for inclusivity and justice. Their work is not complete; and they are committed to being the love, hope, and change that we want to see in our queer community and everywhere. Their Glide Forward initiative is expanding GLIDE’s services beyond their home in the Tenderloin and across this city as they continue to strive for the all-encompassing, radical thinking and doing what Dr. King and the Reverend Cecil Williams helped them to imagine.
On January 15, GLIDE participated in the annual MLK MARCH at Yerba Buena Gardens. Each year GLIDE marches in celebration of the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. The march began at the San Francisco Cal Train Station and ended at Yerba Buena Gardens. After the march, folx joined them at Yerba Buena Gardens for a spoken word and civil rights program hosted by Minister Marvin K. White, along with an uplifting and stunning performance by the GLIDE Ensemble. I will conclude this paragraph with the incredibly poetic and empathetic words by Reverend MLK: “We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”
Elsewhere on January 15 MLK Day, our wonderful Vice President Kamala Harris headlined an annual event by the NAACP, the nation’s oldest civil rights group, which included a prayer service and a march to the South Carolina House of Representatives in Columbia. On those steps she emphasized one of Democrats’ central election messages: President Joe Biden and his Democrats need voters’ help to protect Americans’ rights from Republicans. Harris warned everyone that some of our freedoms are at risk—including voting rights, LGBTQ rights, and a woman’s right to abortion. She exclaimed, “Let us not throw up our hands; because it’s time to roll up our sleeves!” Harris continued, “So with faith, hope, and optimism, we will fight! And when we fight, we win!”
President Biden marked the holiday by volunteering for PHILABUNDANCE, a hunger relief group in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania—a state his aides regard as a must-win in November. There he loaded packages with fresh fruit and milk onto a conveyer belt in a warehouse.
In Iowa—a state that had rejected him in the caucuses eight years ago—The Almighty Orange Trump finished ahead of one of his main rivals, Ron Duh Santass, who has now dropped out and endorses T-rump. Tricky Nikki Haley took a distant second place to you-know-who (Triumph = minus “i” and “h”). Sister Dana sez, “I could care less about the outcomes of the coldest caucuses in history—unless voters are somehow convinced to leave the Repubs and go Demo! Yes, I know: ‘Dream on, Sister Dana, dream on!’”
A small but mighty group of protesters known as the COALITION TO STOP PG&E’S RATE HIKES gathered in front of the Public Utilities Commission in San Francisco on January 11. They pointed out that PG&E customers are already paying more for our utility bills this year, and another proposed rate hike could make our bills go even higher. They are calling on regulators to roll back rates to 2023 levels, and reject the proposed increase in May. They said these rate hikes could lead to serious financial consequences for many Bay Area customers. “Twenty million people in California already live paycheck to paycheck,” said Erica Hidalgo of the Coalition. “Every aspect of our cost of living has gone up since the economic crisis by the COVID pandemic. We cannot and should not have to take on yet another financial burden like this.”
“This rate increase is an unmitigated attack on working class Californians,” said an unnamed speaker. “One-fifth of Bay Area households already report having to forego rent and basic utilities to meet the rising utility cost. This increase will lead to many further evictions!” The demonstrators burst into applause and shouting. They carried big placards stating: “Roll Back the Jan. 1 Increase!” and “Stop the PG&E Rate Hikes!” Sister Dana sez, “P as in Pig & Gee that’s a lotta dough—must stop milking us poor utility users to pay for their supposed losses!”
During the February 2021 impeachment trial speech in which Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell called Donald Trump “practically and morally responsible” for the deadly terrorist January 6 Attack on the Capitol, McConnell stated that impeachment alone was never intended to be “the final forum” for justice. “Trump is still liable for everything he did while he was in office—as an ordinary citizen,” he said as he sought to explain away the vote he had cast to acquit Trump. “We have a criminal justice system in this country,” McConnell continued. “We have civil litigation. And former presidents are not immune from being held accountable by either one.” Unfortunately, later when McConnell was asked if he still believes Trump isn’t immune from prosecution, he dodged the question, saying, “Well, my view of the presidential race is that I choose not to get involved in it, and comment about any of the people running for the Republican nomination.” Sister Dana sez, “In the past, I was very close to kinda sorta almost rooting for Mitch—but now I see he is still smooching Trump butt and remains a feckless RepubliCAN’T!”
There is ample evidence to support that cannabis has legitimate medical uses, and yet the federal government’s current classification considers cannabis as equally dangerous and addictive as heroin or ecstasy. That is simply not the reality. California Attorney General Rob Bonta has urged the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to reclassify cannabis. “The federal government must reschedule this controlled substance to allow for medical use, open avenues for research opportunities, and legitimate cannabis businesses to thrive,” says A.G. Bonta. Sister Dana sez, “It is “HIGH” time pot become legal in both federal and state cases. Free all prisoners with wrongful weed convictions!”
On January 13, friends and family of MICHAEL “SHANTÉ” YOUENS gathered at The Academy SF for A CELEBRATION OF LARGER THAN LIFE, the only way to honor someone who lived his life to the fullest. His expression of joy, eagerness to make us laugh, unending loyalty, and willingness to come to our assistance in any situation will be sorely missed—but never forgotten. He was loved and he loved you and me!
There’s a new fee on wine and liquor in California. As of January 1, wine and spirits bottles cost a little more in California. That’s because these containers are now eligible for redemption at recycling centers for the first time, just like beer cans and soda bottles. So, while you’ll pay a deposit on them upfront, you can get that money back if you return your empties. Sister Dana sez, “Oh no you don’t! Do not further tax my boxed red wine and vodka! Are you trying to make me SOBER?!”
The friend of us queers, Jennifer Coolidge, won a well-deserved “Supporting Actress” Emmy on January 15 for the amazing TV dark drama series THE WHITE LOTUS. Ms. Coolidge has said she “loves the gays” many, many, many times. In her acceptance speech she joked, “I want to thank all the evil gays,” who tried to murder her character in the scary series.
Also at the 75th annual Emmys, two presenters, Ken Jeong and Joel McHale, delivered the coveted trophy for “Outstanding Reality Competition” to RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE. RuPaul bragged, “We have released into the wild hundreds of drag queens!”
Hannah Waddingham and Colman Domingo presented the annual “Governor’s Award” honor to GLAAD for its four-plus decades of work fighting for fair and authentic LGBTQ representation on TV. President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis gave a truly moving acceptance speech.
The “Outstanding Variety Special (Live)” prize went to the Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium, giving the legendary musician Sir Elton EGOT status for getting Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards.
And while we are talking Emmy awards, I was thrilled to death to watch THE BEAR star Ebon Moss-Bachrach passionately (for more than a moment—ten whole seconds) kiss his co-star, real-life chef Matty Matheson, after the FX/Hulu series won “Best Comedy.” Two male stars fervently, extensively, lengthily, open-mouthed smooching on stage! I was exhilarated! I must say, the Emmys were pretty gay. If I’d had a fag fan on hand, I would’ve been werkin’ it to filth!
It was the best Mardi Gras party in San Francisco hosted by the only authentic “krewe” in the city! Krewe de Kinque’s Bal Masque XXI celebrated “TWO DECADES OF DECADENCE” 2004–2024 on January 20 at The Café, at Market and Castro streets! Kicking off the festivities and leading the Second Line Parade was Celebrity Grand Marshal Sister Roma. Upon arrival, guests received beautiful free beads happily handed out by Queen VII Sister Dana, Official Bead Bish. Many partygoers wore the official colors of Mardi Gras—green, gold, and purple. Many wore colorful masks as well as formal or fetish wear. It was “anything goes” with a romping good time on par with Bourbon Street, where they say, “Laissez les bons temps rouler!,” or in English: “Let the good times roll!” Folx could get fun caricature drawings. There were dancers and flaggers with amazing music by DJ Spazatron. The fast-paced tableau show featured MC and club founder King I Gary Virginia and fab-u-lust live entertainment by royalty and others. King and Queen XX Mez & Moxie hosted the evening until it was time for them to step down and reveal the next royals being crowned. Congratulations to King and Queen XXI Robert Makowka & Vivianne Vixen! All Ball proceeds supported the impactful work of URBAN ANGELS SF, which provides dignity and hope to unhoused men, women, and children living in San Francisco, and those living at the poverty level, by rallying community support to provide them with frontline aid.
The ex-president faces a $370 million penalty in the civil trial that threatens him and his family business. So, what did Trump do on January 11? He rebuked the judge directly in his civil fraud case. “Control your client,” the judge had to tell his lawyers. Judge Arthur Engoron—who had denied Trump permission earlier to give a closing statement at the trial—cut him off and recessed for lunch. The same happened on January 17 during the defamation trial when another judge threatened to throw Trump out for his obnoxious behavior.
Sister Dana sez, “Donald is like a wild chimp that can’t be trained or controlled. So, why do we expect this feral beast to EVER be tame and civil? This animal is dangerous, and he might even bite!”
Sister Dana Sez, Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun
Published on January 25, 2024
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