By Sister Dana Van Iquity, Words of Wisdumb from a FunNun–
Sister Dana sez, “Happy ST. PATRICK’S DAY (March 17) to everyone! It’s the one day in a year that I can approach total strangers and authentically command: ‘Kiss me, I’m Irish!’”
On February 6, a series of violent earthquakes with magnitudes as high as 7.8 struck Turkey and Syria causing widespread damage and thousands of fatalities. The earthquakes have been followed by numerous aftershocks. RAINBOW WORLD FUND (RWF) is a beautiful LGBTQ humanitarian organization. Folx can be part of the LGBTQ community’s response by making a donation to RWF’s TURKEY-SYRIA EARTHQUAKE AID FUND. RWF is working with in-country partners to deliver aid. Their funds are being used to provide food, temporary shelter, and emergency supplies. 100% of your donation will fund life-saving actions. Please specify “Disaster Recovery” when you donate online and are asked to designate your donation or when sending a check to Rainbow World Fund, 4111 18th Street, San Francisco, CA 94114. https://www.rainbowfund.org/
We were invited to a press preview screening of OF AN AGE on February 6 at Vogue Theatre. This very gay movie is set in the summer of 1999 as an 18-year-old Serbian-born, Australian amateur ballroom dancer experiences an unexpected and intense 24-hour romance with a friend’s older brother. Do not expect a happy ending—or even an ending at all. This very romantic and moving movie became available in theaters on February 17.
Some of us Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence did some pre-Valentine’s Day fundraising at WHOLE LOTTA LOVE BERKELEY on February 10 at Flux Vertical Theatre in Berkeley. It was billed as “The most rockin’ V-Day Celebration this side of the Misty Mountains returns to the East Bay for another epic year! We’re celebrating Zepp (Led Zeppelin’s music) and love with Burlesque, Aerial, and Pole performances that will leave you Dazed & Confused and wanting more!” And it did not disappoint. The female and male performers were amazingly talented. And we nuns managed to pull in a few donations toward our ongoing charity work. That was true love!
Sister Dana sez, “President Biden’s STATE OF THE UNION speech was more like a State of an ONION, because it brought TEARS of joy hearing all the achievements, unity, and inspiration; but then TEARS of sadness and rage with Governor Sarah “Huckster” Sanders giving her negative, lying, divisive rebuttal.”
ANY BOOK OF THE MONTH CLUB is the clever title of the February 25, 8:30 pm event at FABULOSA BOOKS, 489 Castro Street. Come ready to talk about books you love or thought you should like better. Fourth Saturdays of each month. https://www.fabulosabooks.com/
President Joe Biden is getting a new communications director at the White House as he gets closer to an expected reelection campaign. Ben LaBolt will be the first openly gay White House communications director, the White House announced. The administration tapped a veteran of the Obama-Biden years to lead the team. He will replace Kate Bedingfield, who had said in July that she was leaving the White House but stuck around and will now go by the end of the month. The communications director leads the White House’s strategy on messaging policies and goals, and generally works behind the scenes. Openly lesbian White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre remains in her public-facing position.
We truly enjoyed the cabaret show that RICHMOND/ERMET AID FOUNDATION put on, starring the Broadway touring cast of “MEAN GIRLS.” They took their night off to raise funds for REAF and BROADWAY CARES/EQUITY FIGHTS AIDS at the Marines’ Memorial Theater on February 13. America’s Got Talent star Shawn Ryan emceed and auctioneered along with drag queen extraordinaire D’Arcy Drollinger. The cast displayed their talents in so many different songs—including two queer ones: one gay love-lorn “I’m Not Afraid of Anything” (from Songs for a New World) and a lesbian love challenge: “Take Me or Leave Me” from RENT. There was comedy when Shawn gave his rendition of “If I Can’t Sell It, I Got to Sit Down on It,” and D’Arcy flawlessly lip-synched “If There’s a Wrong Way to Do It.” The entire show was brilliantly accompanied on piano by musical director Eric Huffman, who also mesmerized us in “The Prelude” on keys with Rachmaninov’s piano concerto while reciting prose. Stunning! And what fun it was whistling along with “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay!” Thank you, producers Ken Henderson & Joe Seiler, for yet another joyful evening of lively music!
Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor and United Nations ambassador, has announced her candidacy for president, becoming the first major challenger to former President Donald Trump for the 2024 Republican nomination. Sister Dana sez, “I think Trump and Haley should mud wrestle for the nomination. After all, they both love slinging mud!”
In an effort to combat anti-LGBTQ hate and protect marriage equality, Assemblymember Evan Low and Senator Scott Wiener introduced ACA 5 on February 14. ACA 5 is a constitutional amendment intended to protect same-sex marriage with plans to remove Proposition 8’s (2008) discriminatory language from the state’s constitution that was approved by voters. Prop. 8 declared “only marriage between a man and a woman” as valid or recognized in California. “Californians believe in love, simply put. Repealing Proposition 8 is the right thing to do to ensure that marriage equality is protected now and for future generations,” said Assemblymember Low. “California leads the way in LGBTQ protections and cutting-edge pro-equality legislation, and our constitution should reflect those values.”
The every-third-Thursday LOCKDOWN COMEDY on Zoom was February 16, featuring five fierce comics: Jason Stuart (Palm Springs), Kate Willett (NY), Myq Kaplan (NY), Arline “Mom” Geduldig, and producer Lisa Geduldig (both from Flawrida). https://www.koshercomedy.com/
Marjorie Taylor Greene griped about there not being enough money for the chemical train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. Meanwhile, she is one of the many GOP legislators that voted against the infrastructure bill. In total contrast, President Biden offered “anything you need” to Ohio for the people suffering from the derailment. Sister Dana sez, “Well, talk about your train-wrecks—and I am not just referring to Ohio’s tragedy, but also to MTG herself! All aboard the crazy train!”
SAN FRANCISCO AIDS FOUNDATION & STRUT presents their next monthly art reception of OUR FELLOW MORTALS by Mementos Salvatruchos on March 3, 8–10 pm, 470 Castro. Because of Covid restrictions, there are no walk-ins, so you must request a free ticket at https://www.sfaf.org/
Taxation without representation was wrong in 1776, and it is wrong today. The people of WASHINGTON, D.C., pay the highest federal taxes per capita, but have no voting representation in Congress. Becoming a state would end this injustice—and also most likely turn out more liberal Congressional Democratic votes.
Now through March 4, THE HAND THAT ROCKS THE CRAWFORD plays at SF Oasis, 298 11th Street. This is a hilarious take on EVERY movie Joan should have been in. Starring the inimitable Matthew Martin as JOAN CRAWFORD. Mommie Dearest expects your presence! https://www.sfoasis.com/
We Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence presented a drag show fundraiser, UNLUCKY IN LOVE, at Ghost Town Brewing in West Oakland on February 17. Hosted by Sister Vina Sinfurrs, the stellar drag lineup included Ashle Blow, Viva Commotion, HeliXr, Postulant Mitchell Hada, and Sister Tilda NexTime; plus banter, a raffle, and other surprises.
Coronation 58 “RISE OF THE GOLDEN GODS” is on February 25 at Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SOMA, 50 Third Street. Doors at 5 pm and Coronation starts promptly at 6 pm. Congratulations to stepping down Imperials, Emperor Brent Daddy Munro and Empress Ehra Amaya, on a glorious reign! And pre-congratulations to their successors. There are so many events prior to and after Coronation that my word limit cannot write here, so be sure to get all the info at www.sfimperialcouncil.org
Sister Dana sez, “I’m so sorry to report that my ‘Happy 75!’ birthday balloon somehow escaped into the atmosphere and caused such a worldwide commotion! Oops!”
We “LET the GOOD TIMES ROLL” with our MARDI GRAS CASTRO BAR CRAWL (Fat Tuesday, February 21) produced by San Francisco’s authentic Mardi Gras fun and fundraising club, KREWE DE KINQUE! We had live entertainment at each stop. The festivities started with an indoor/outdoor party at 440 Castro bar; then we strolled over to KdK’s home bar, the world-famous video bar, Midnight Sun; next we headed over to the best view bar in the city, Lookout, with its New Orleans style cruisey balcony at Market and 16th streets; next stop was the historic Twin Peaks Tavern—the bustling intersection of the Gay Universe; and then if we were still standing, we staggered back to 440 Castro for a blowout finale until midnight—and the arrival of Ash Wednesday. Of course, the whole time we were suitably costumed, masked, and beaded for the occasion. Some of us carried green, gold, and purple umbrellas—the official color scheme of Mardi Gras. As the French may say, “Laissez les bons temps rouler!”
February 24 will mark the anniversary of one year since Russia invaded Ukraine. On February 18 at the MUNICH, GERMANY, SECURITY CONFERENCE, Vice President Harris reiterated the United States’ commitment to Ukraine, and for the first time officially accused Russia of WAR CRIMES. Harris firmly stated, “The United States has formally determined that Russia has committed crimes against humanity, and I say to all those who have perpetrated these crimes and to their superiors who are complicit in these crimes, you will be held to account.” Meanwhile it is believed that China may be providing lethal military assistance to Russia.
Sister Dana sez, “Are we perhaps, maybe, perchance on the verge of the beginning of a start of possible World War Three?”
Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun
Published on February 23, 2023
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