By Sister Dana Van Iquity, Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun–
Sister Dana sez, “HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to all you mothers out there—be you biological moms, adoptive mothers, drag mothers, or other mothers! Bless you and your children!”
“Mother’s Day,” Sunday May 12 this year, is a celebration honoring the mother of the family or individual, as well as motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. It is celebrated on different days in many parts of the world, most commonly in the months of March or May.
Meanwhile Trump’s on trial while ex-first lady Melania is online selling $245 necklaces for Mother’s Day. Just what any mom wants: Melania’s signature on the back. Sister Dana sez, “Is there no END to Trump family grifting?!”
Sister Dana sez, “I’m so happy that Mayor Breed has announced that San Francisco Zoo will welcome pandas from China! Awww, so cute!”
SAN FRANCISCO COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER (SFCHC), which for 37 years has provided critical health care and social services in the Tenderloin and beyond, held its 37th annual SHOW OF HOPE GALA on April 19 in the Grand Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency San Francisco. Hosted by ABC7 Mornings Anchor (out and proud) Reggie Aqui, the gala celebrated the Center’s mission-critical work and raised funds needed to provide medical care, dental care, mental health care, housing, and serious social services for immigrants and communities of color, queer, trans, un-housed people, and people who are most impacted by oppression. The amazing event honored Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, with its “2024 Health Justice Champion Award.” Dr. Fauci graciously accepted and thanked the Center via videotape. And AsiaSF, the groundbreaking entertainment venue that celebrates, empowers, and has employed members of the transgender community for more than a quarter century, was honored with its “2024 Community Impact Award.”
“We are thrilled to honor Dr. Anthony Fauci and AsiaSF for their unwavering support and commitment to HIV+ and LGBTQ+ communities,” said SFCHC Chief Executive Officer Lance Toma. “Each in their own way has contributed to the health, wellness, and growth of our community and has inspired SFCHC to continue to offer proven, community-based solutions in San Francisco and nationally.” The Center was founded in 1987 in response to the 1980s AIDS crisis, specifically focusing on the impact of the epidemic on Asian and Pacific Islander communities. While remaining rooted in these communities, the health center welcomes anyone in need of its services with particular attention to LGBTQ+ and people of color communities. In 2015, it became recognized as a Federally Qualified Health Center enabling it to greatly expand its clinical capacity and outreach.
“The Show of Hope gala is our way of thanking all those who support us,” said SFCHC Board Chair Ben Plumley. “Coming together as a community to celebrate our accomplishments and honor those who champion HIV and LGBTQ rights gives us renewed strength and determination to continue the fight for health justice.” A very special performance by the lovely Ladies of AsiaSF and gorgeous Tita Aida closed out the awards ceremony, followed by almost everyone in the audience dancing to delightful disco by DJ Mod Girl.
KREWE DE KINQUE King XXI Robert & Queen XXI Vivianne Vixen Rose hosted HANKY SPANKY—another Saturday sexy Krewe de Kinque fun fundraising beer bust on April 20 at the Midnight Sun bar in the Castro. Sitting as official door ho, Queen VII Sister Dana offered complimentary consensual spankings with my little swatting paddle. And any genuine marijuana enthusiast knew that the day was on 4/20, so of course I wore a giant necklace of plastic weed leaves emerging from my leather vest. There was excellent live entertainment by fabulous KdK royalty’s local talent and a raffle as part of the benefit for the Leather Pride contingent in the upcoming SF PRIDE PARADE on June 30. Leather Pride is definitely part of the Parade’s “Beacon of Love.”
Sister Dana sez, “It’s a mathematical fact that the date of 4/20/24 is the same backwards and forwards. This phenomenon only occurs once every 100 years!”
UP YOUR ALLEY (also known as Dore Alley Street Fair, and Folsom Fair’s Little Brother) is July 28. And it’s that time of year again! Come join the Circle of Friends of the GRASS ROOTS GAY RIGHTS FOUNDATION on Saturday, May 11, at SF Eagle for the 35TH ANNUAL MARGARITA PARTY as they reveal the 2024 beneficiaries, DJs, and posters! Music will be by DJ Russ Rich. The REAL BAD Margarita Party is free for hosts, sponsors, and beneficiaries. All other guests will pay only $10 for unlimited margaritas from 12–3 pm. There will be no cost for entry. 100% of net proceeds will benefit The Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation, which is excited to announce that their extremely successful season of fundraising events allowed them to grant $240,000 to ten local LGBTQ nonprofits.
Former Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton summed up the Trump plan so distinctly: “Putin does what [Trump] would like to do—kill his opposition, imprison his opposition, drive journalists and others into exile, rule without any check or balance. That’s what Trump wants.”
HOLY STITCH!, a San Francisco-based custom jeans company and sewing school, announced its new location at 1059 Market Street, which will hold its Grand Opening celebration on Thursday, May 16. With installations and infrastructure by Geary and Hyde Designs, Holy Stitch! will house a retail store, tailor shop, classes, workshops, and special events.
Enjoy cast members from the National Broadway Touring Company of FUNNY GIRL in a salute to many of the great divas from Broadway in THE DIVA’S TOAST on May 20, 7:30 pm, at the Marines’ Memorial Theater, 609 Sutter Street. This benefit for the RICHMOND/ERMET AID FOUNDATION (REAF) will feature Grammy Award-winner Melissa Manchester and special guest Bruce Vilanch. Cast members will be paying tribute to and singing songs made famous by many of Broadway’s biggest divas. This is one of the strongest casts ever, and the voices are said to be amazing. Who could ever forget Manchester’s hit power ballad, “Don’t Cry Out Loud”! https://www.reaf-sf.org/
THE GOLDEN GATE PARK BAND is San Francisco’s Oldest Musical Organization and has been running continuously since 1882. This is their 142nd season. Now through October 6, the band will be offering free shows on Sundays (except July 4 and September 2, Labor Day) at the Golden Gate Band shell. https://tinyurl.com/mrywpuvf
There has been a lot of talking about the landmarking of the GILBERT BAKER RAINBOW FLAG in Harvey Milk Plaza, and it is finally happening. On May 15, the flag landmarking will be going before the HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE. After that, the recommendation will be sent to the Board of Supervisors. If everything goes smoothly and Board President Aaron Peskin can be convinced to waive the 30-day waiting period, we should have a landmarked beacon of love flying over the Castro before Pride.
Mayor London Breed, Senator Scott Wiener, and the Office of Economic and Workforce Development have announced a new outdoor concert series in San Francisco. Taking place between May and October 2024, the SF LIVE series brings arts and culture into our parks and plazas through free performances curated by live music and entertainment venues that showcase a variety of local, national, and international talent. The events will take place across May and June at Fulton Plaza, Union Square, and the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater. https://sflivefest.com/
Extremist Justices like Clarence Thomas and Brett Kavanaugh have ABUSED their power and committed MAJOR ethics violations. Now, their corrupt crony Justice Samuel Alito wants to stop the Supreme Court Ethics Act in its tracks. Meanwhile Justice Elena Kagan has just called for a Supreme Court code of ethics! She stated, “It just can’t be that the court is the only institution that somehow is not subject to any checks and balances … . We’re not imperial.”
GAPA‘s ANNIVERSARY BANQUET & GALA will feature a keynote by Congressman Mark Takano, the first openly gay person of color elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Advancing GAPA’s mission for LGBTQ APIs to be seen, heard, and celebrated, the Banquet will further recognize Vince Crisostomo with the “George Choy Award of Recognition” and the “Red Envelope Giving Circle” with the “Doug Yaranon Community Ally Award.” Hosted by community icon Tita Aida, the Banquet will also feature performances by current GAPA Royalty Kiki Krunch and Lotus Party, as well as GAPA Men’s Chorus and members of GAPA Theatre. May 18, 5:30 pm, Marines’ Memorial Club, 609 Sutter Street. https://www.gapa.org/
I caught the final week of FOREVER PLAID running at 42ND STREET MOON. It is not a spoiler to reveal that “Forever” in the title meant the hereafter of Purgatory, and “Plaid” is the name of the somewhat failing rock quartet. But the singing and dancing was anything but failing. In fact, 42nd Moon has never failed to deliver the most entertaining shows with superior acting, dancing, and singing! Next up (June 6–23) is Steve Martin’s BRIGHT STAR! https://42ndstmoon.org/
Mayor London Breed appointed Honey Mahogany as the new Director of the Office of Transgender Initiatives (OTI) on May 6. Mahogany brings over 20 years of experience in government, nonprofit sector, and social justice community engagement, as well as a unique perspective as an LGBTQ artist and small business owner.
Don’t miss QUEER OPEN MIC NIGHT at STRUT on May 21, 7 pm. Every Third Tuesday of the month! Sign-ups for the performances (5 minutes each) are at 7 pm. https://www.sfaf.org/
HARVEY MILK DAY is a California state holiday observed annually on May 22 (Milk’s birthday). The day serves as a reminder of Harvey Milk and his legacy advocating for civil rights and the LGBTQ community. Milk was a prominent gay activist during the 20th century. He ran for office three times before becoming the first openly gay person elected to California public office, where he served as a City Supervisor. Join the COMMUNITY BENEFIT DISTRICT celebration of Milk’s life on May 19, 1–5 pm. Meet at 573 Castro Street (Milk’s old camera shop) to march with the LGBT Freedom Band to Jane Warner Plaza at 17th & Castro for speeches, music, and community.
A multitude of pro-Palestinian protests across the nation’s college campuses have become violent mobs—many incited by outside agitators who are not even enrolled in college—necessitating cops in riot gear. I am sad to note that my alma mater UCLA is embroiled in this fighting and barricading. Back in 1968, we UCLA students protesting the Vietnam War kept our actions nonviolent. Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino) and Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), Co-Chairs of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus, released the following statement: “We unequivocally condemn the abhorrent violence at UCLA. The violent actions of a few agitators do not represent our community, and are antithetical to our Jewish values.”
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said it best: “They have the right to protest as long as it’s within the law, and that it’s peaceful. Forcibly taking over a building is not peaceful.” President Biden agreed that protests must be legal and nonviolent.
As of May 4, more than 2,400 arrests were made at 46 universities nationwide. Meanwhile, University endowments show few signs of direct Israel defense holdings.
Sister Dana sez, “Hate speech does not belong in ANY demonstration! And do not do as the rioters did on January 6—turning into a violent, destructive, deadly uprising!”
Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun
Published on May 9, 2024
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