Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun–
By Sister Dana Van Iquity–
Sister Dana sez, “I want to wish everyone a Very Happy Halloween—and especially a Really Festive Hallow-QUEEN!”
AT THE WAKE OF A DEAD DRAG QUEEN will be held LIVE courtesy of THEATRE RHINOCEROS at Spark Arts, 4229 18th Street in the Castro, October 28–November 14. This will be its West Coast Premiere by Terry Guest and directed by Tanika Baptiste. Courtney Berringers would like to welcome you to her wake! But—make no mistake—this ain’t your grandma’s funeral. This is a play about Blackness, Southern queerness, and the fine art of drag. From African Gods and Goddesses to Trina and Whitney Houston, At the Wake thoughtfully uses storytelling, drama, and drag to explore identity, illness, and the worlds we construct for ourselves. Come party at the wake. BYOH. Bring Your Own Heels! http://therhino.org/
Congratulations to the SF EAGLE in SoMa—having been given landmark status by the HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION and the SF BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, thereby becoming the third LGBTQ bar site in San Francisco to get this historic landmark distinction. The second existing such bar is TWIN PEAKS in the Castro. This will be the seventh LGBTQ landmark site in SF. Sister Dana sez, “I am quite pleased to announce our World Domination Plan is in full swing! Bwa-ha-haaa!”
Any supporter of the PRC community will want to check out their hot-off-the-presses 2020–21 IMPACT REPORT. First, read their statement: “What a year it’s been. We have faced a global pandemic, re-openings, and further shutdowns, racial unrest, protests, and a national conversation about the systemic issues our clients have struggled with for decades. Through all this uncertainty, one element remained constant: PRC’s commitment to helping its clients no matter what.” Now go to PRC’s amazing report: https://bit.ly/2YzuEIT
A vaccinated Miami rabbi and member of the Proud Boys has been offering mass conversions to instant Judaism with so far over 200 religious exemptions for vaccines as well as recommendations for unsafe nonmedical Covid remedies. Sister Dana sez, “There is a special place in HELL reserved for his kind of dangerous hypocrite!
Injectable HIV treatment is here. With CABENUVA, people living with HIV have another HIV treatment regimen that involves receiving an injection just once per month (no pills needed!). How’s it going? We heard from one person who said it’s “life-changing.” https://bit.ly/3AqshFl
The Biden administration is allowing a plan to move forward for raising a PRIDE FLAG and installing a permanent flag pole in Christopher Park, right across from Stonewall Inn and on federal property encompassed by the STONEWALL NATIONAL MONUMENT. Under the Trump administration, activists weren’t able to raise a flag pole or Pride flag despite repeated requests with the NATIONAL PARK SERVICE that were ultimately not accepted.
Sister Dana sez, “Biden is President, and Schumer is Majority Leader. They need to put the pressure on Manchin and Sinema, bust the filibuster, and move forward. No more nice guys. Primary them! Threaten their donors! Do SOMETHING, Democrats!”
Pat Robertson steps down as host of The 700 Club after 60 years spewing hate and lies on TV. The far-right televangelist who made some of the most ludicrous and hateful claims about LGBTQ people is finally going off the air. Sister Dana sez, “Ding Dong! The Witch is dead! And best witches to him!”
Section 3 of Amendment 14 to the U.S. Constitution states as follows: “No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any state, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any state legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any state, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may, by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability.” Sister Dana sez, “By simple majority, Congress can easily invoke Amendment 14 to Trump! Do it!”
ARTSAVESLIVES SIDEWALK SALON is now operating every Sunday, noon–5 pm as part of Sunday Slow Streets at Noe and Market. Thomasina DeMaio exhibits her art and curates local artists such as Carl Linkhart, Billy Douglas, Junara Greco, Alan Beckstead, Matt Pipes, Walker Dukes, and Billy Bowers. DeMaio credits Jeff Hastings, owner of the nearby LOOKOUT bar and restaurant for providing the booths, getting the proper permits, and organizing that space where artists have been able to show their work during the pandemic—when nowhere else was available. Go and enjoy! Also, DeMaio offers life drawing free every Saturday at Eureka Valley Rec Center in the Castro in the auditorium, 2–5 pm. Arrive early for socializing.
Despite the violence and discrimination we see, our trans communities have shown time and again that they have the brilliance, commitment, and care needed not only to support one another but also to usher in a better world for all people. We joined them for SPARK, TRANSGENDER LAW CENTER (TLC)’s largest annual gathering, to celebrate the ways we are rising up together, and for each other. Funds raised at SPARK helped TLC continue to change law, policy, and attitudes so that all people can live safely, authentically, and free from discrimination regardless of their gender identity or expression. “SPARK 2021” was virtual, free, and open to all on October 14.
THE TRANS AGENDA centers the lives and voices of trans people of color, who have too often had to advance their collective liberation from the margins. Trans justice is migrant justice, disability justice, racial justice, environmental justice, reproductive justice, economic justice, and gender justice. An agenda for trans liberation is a blueprint for liberation for all.
Co-host Joshua Allen is a writer, artist, model, and activist from Brooklyn, New York. In 2016 they founded the BLACK EXCELLENCE COLLECTIVE, an organizing hub for and by Black LGBTQI+ young people. Outside of their organizing work with the collective, Josh has produced a number of visual arts projects such as “Sex Dreams” and “Lifeblood,” and recently joined the “2020 For Freedoms Awakening Billboard Campaign” as a participating artist.
Co-host Basit Shittu is a non-binary Black Nigerian-American performance artist, singer/songwriter, musician, screenwriter, and actor. Their creative practices are rooted in cultivating radical empathy, embracing vulnerability and unique expression, and finding power and strength in existence. Their art is cultivated from their passion for telling stories, and shedding light on perspectives that are often neglected.
Terri Fells-Edmonds gave an extremely moving recital of the names of 42 transgender people lost to senseless violence—including her own daughter in June. Executive Director Kris Hayashi gave an inspirational message speaking about “times like these with anti-abortion, anti-trans, anti-Black—but together in community … we will take on cases that others would not take.” Special appearances were by Laverne Cox who was interviewed by Katie Couric,when Laverne noted, “We are in the best of times and the worst of times.” She pointed out that 35 states have passed legislation against trans youth. Also giving props to TLC was activist, author, and Queer Eye star Jonathan Van Ness and activist, public speaker, and poet Alok. The playlist for the lively dance party was by Chico Chi, a queer, non-binary transmasculine DJ, creative, and fashinistx based in Minnesota.
I highly recommend this immensely informative PBS-TV doc, CURED. Homosexuality was considered a mental illness to be “cured,” but brave, bold LGBTQ activists fought back. Also headlined lovingly: “20 Million Gays Cured!” https://to.pbs.org/2Z0xnv0
THE GLBT HISTORICAL SOCIETY will present a virtual REUNION on October 21 at 6 pm with co-hosts Juanita MORE! & Sister Roma. Special speakers will be California Attorney General Rob Bonta, SF Mayor London Breed, California State Assemblymember David Chiu, California Board of Equalization Member Malia Cohen, California State Assemblymember Evan Low, SF District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, California State Assemblymember Phil Ting, and California State Senator Scott Wiener. They will present History Makers Awards to Jewelle Gomez (a fellow San Francisco Bay Times columnist!), Daniel Nicoletta, and Frances “Franco” Stevens, and the Clio Award to Tina Valentin Aguirre. https://bit.ly/3DKFcnq
Miss bear hugs? So do we. Join us SISTERS OF PERPETUAL INDULGENCE & THE BEARS OF SAN FRANCISCO for the inaugural BEARRISON STREET FAIR. Come as you are or in nothing at all. Everyone is welcome to celebrate who you are or who you want to be as we promote body positivity and community. It’s a fair for every bear and their friends. Live entertainment. October 23, 12–6 pm, 11th and Harrison Streets. I can bearly wait! https://www.bearrison.org/
You’re invited to Senator Scott Wiener‘s annual PUMPKIN CARVING CONTEST with celebrity drag queen judges Juanita MORE!, Mercedez Munro, and D’Arcy Drollinger! Pre-scooped pumpkins will be provided. Noe Valley Courts, 4320 24th & Douglass, October 30, 12–3 pm. No Youngkin pumpkins allowed! Others RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/4fj8xa96
Sister Dana sez, “Go PURPLE on SPIRIT DAY, October 21, and take a stand against bullying! You better—or else! Just kidding. But please do.”
Published on October 21, 2021
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