Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun–
By Sister Dana Van Iquity–
Sister Dana sez, “I wish everyone very HAPPY PRIDE—even though once again I cannot ride atop a cable car blowing kisses and flashing peace signs to y’all while gaily floating down Market Street!”
President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden have recorded a special PRIDE MESSAGE for the LGBTQ community. In part, Biden wants to “let you know how proud we are to stand with you, this month and every month” in the video. “Pride stands for courage, the courage of all those in generations gone by, and today who proudly live their truth,” President Biden continues. “It stands for justice.” Pride “stands for defiance in the face of injustice,” Dr. Biden adds.
“While I am proud of the progress my administration has made in advancing protections for the LGBTQ+ community,” says the President, “I will not rest until full equality for LGBTQ+ Americans is finally achieved and codified into law.” He concludes, “During LGBTQ+ Pride Month, we recognize the resilience and determination of the many individuals who are fighting to live freely and authentically. In doing so, they are opening hearts and minds, and laying the foundation for a more just and equitable America.”
I was thrilled to virtually attend CAN’T CANCEL PRIDE on June 4 hosted by Elvis Duran & Bebe Rexha with incredible performances by P!nk, Kylie Minogue, Leslie Odom Jr., Regard, Tate McRae, Years & Years, Brothers Osborne, Bebe Rexha, JoJo Siwa, Yola, Hayley Kiyoko, and Troye Sivan. Much needed funds were raised providing life-saving resources and services for organizations including GLAAD, SAGE, The Trevor Project, the National Black Justice Coalition, CenterLink, and OutRight Action International. https://www.cantcancelpride.com/
This PRIDE MONTH, calls are growing louder for Marvel to add more LGBTQ representation to its cinematic universe. Marvel came out in support of the LGBTQ community and even released a few comic book covers to mark the occasion leading up to Pride celebrations. But the real representation people want is on screen.
GOLDEN GATE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION (GGBA) held an online HISTORY OF PRIDE TRIVIA contest on June 8 presented by board member Aaron Lander and moderated by gorgeous, witty drag queens Yves Saint Croissant and Per Sia. The DQs did not disappoint with delightful performances as well. I even had the unexpected pleasure of singing “Mighty Real” as Yves lip-synched me! Better yet, I won one round in a three-way tie! How proud was I!
Sister Dana sez, “Please tell me why 21 House Republicans voted against awarding Congressional Gold Medals to Capitol Police who helped save their lives during the Insurrection! WHY?!”
MIGHTY REELS|PRIDE FOOTAGE THROUGH THE YEARS is available by the GLBT HISTORICAL SOCIETY. It is a quarterly program series that highlights moving images from the Society’s vast archives. For this inaugural event, they have screened video footage from the archives that depicts the evolution and joy of San Francisco Pride parades of years past. Featuring home movies, drag performances, amateur documentaries, and interviews with queer history-makers, the Mighty Reels program series provides an intimate look into the LGBTQ past straight from the camera lens of those who made it. Each program will feature a screening of materials from the archive followed by conversations with historians, community members, and activists on the significance of these images. I even saw my roots with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence! Indulgence! https://tinyurl.com/26263w78
The glorious DCappella group celebrates Pride Month with the stunning “THIS IS ME” music video of the Oscar nominated song from The Greatest Showman as an unapologetic declaration of identity and a message of resilience and empowerment. It is truly an anthem of Pride for the LGBTQ+ community. Enjoy! https://tinyurl.com/2bt55bpw
Join Gary Virginia and Donna Sachet for PRIDE BRUNCH 2021, A Taste of San Francisco Pride, with Gary and Donna visiting their favorite iconic sites across the City. This very special virtual event will celebrate San Francisco Pride with a welcome from Mayor London Breed, the Grand Marshals of the Pride Parade, online auction, entertainment, and much more! All proceeds from the event support PRC‘s HIV/AIDS and behavioral health services for those most vulnerable in our community. Saturday, June 26, 12 pm. https://tinyurl.com/emta7mmw
San Francisco’s Alex U. Inn and Juanita MORE!, organizers of 2nd ANNUAL PEOPLE’S MARCH & RALLY—Unite to Fight! say this “is a vision we have had for some time—to take SF Pride back to its roots and original route of 51 years ago, to keep police and corporations out of Pride, and make a way for ALL of our Trans and Queer Black, Brown, and Indigenous family to attend!” Rally on Sunday, June 27, 11 am from 1800 Polk & Washington Street and then march to the Castro. https://tinyurl.com/tpb5swa8
Sister Dana sez, “House Democrats have passed the bill to make Washington, D.C., a state. Now all we have to do is get the Senate onboard! No biggie, riiight?!”
One of the most inclusive, powerful, joyous, and celebratory films of the year was celebrated outdoors at Oracle Park on June 11 for the big, annual PRIDE MOVIE. And Lin-Manuel Miranda’s love letter to New York City, IN THE HEIGHTS, is also available to watch in theaters and on HBO Max. In the film version of this Broadway musical, Stephanie Beatriz and Daphne Rubin-Vega play Daniela and Carla, a beauty salon owner and employee, who are also lovers. In a recent interview, Beatriz discussed the significance of the decision to make the character queer in the transition from Broadway to film. “What was so gratifying to me as a person who is queer is to see this relationship in the film be part of the fabric of the community,” Beatriz said. “And to be normal, and be happy and functioning, and part of the quilt they’ve all created.”
ROCK THE YARD! Celebrating PRIDE MONTH was unfortunately postponed on June 12 because of a medical emergency and sound problems. But look forward to live entertainment, singing, disco, musical theater, EDM, classics, etc. with host Carly Ozard along with Maria Konner, Katya Smirnoff Skyy, and Alotta Boutte in the near future!
FIRST ANNUAL TENDERLOIN PRIDE FESTIVAL was on Larkin Street between O’Farrell and Eddy on June 19 (also known as Juneteenth), noon to 6 pm. Special guest host was the fabulous Tita Aida. There were drag shows, live music performances, special guest DJ’s, over 15 food booths, and 30 merchant vendor booths featuring art, clothing, and more.
Sister Dana sez, “Hooray and hallelujah for making it an official Federal Holiday for JUNETEENTH as the enshrined historical end of slavery on June 19! Meanwhile, Republican politicians are actively restricting voting rights all across America!”
One of the most important staples of TRANS MARCH is its RESOURCE FAIR. They have collaborated with SFMTA’s Shared Spaces to create a safe space, a street closure on Dolores Street (between 18th & 19th Streets) to host a Resource Fair that will be regulated with 100 guests per hour. This will take place on Friday, June 25, 11 am–4 pm. http://www.transmarch.org/trans-march-2021/
DON’T TOUCH THAT DIAL is 42ND STREET MOON‘s vivacious virtual tour of the beloved TV song themes of the Golden Age, courtesy of the clever cast and creative directors DC Scarpelli and Peter Budinger. We will begin with All in the Family and end up where everybody knows your name in Cheers. One of my favorite sections is the Wonder Women from Mary Tyler Moore to Maude to Laverne & Shirley. This is a charming love letter from these real-life lovers, DC & Peter. And lucky us: DC will put on drag for many of those well-loved characters. https://42ndstmoon.org/moonbeams/
PROM is a Pride Celebration with us Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, June 25, 6–10 pm under the Historic Dome. Get ready to be transported back in time to your high school gymnasium to relive nostalgic moments of Prom. Or better. Much better, darling! DJ, dancing, games, photo moments, drinks & bites inspired by cafeteria food (with a high-end twist)—a portion of proceeds will go to benefit the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and our many worthy beneficiaries. Tickets are $30 and it’s a 21+ open bar! Westfield San Francisco Center, 865 Market Street. https://tinyurl.com/mcyrh6kd
Join the SAN FRANCISCO LESBIAN/GAY FREEDOM BAND as they come together virtually with 12 additional Pride Bands from across the country on Saturday, June 26, 4 pm and 7 pm (2 showings) for LOUD & PROUD: A Celebration of Pride Bands from Coast to Coast! They will be covering musical genres from pop, symphonic, classical, modern, soundtrack, and more. Free, but register at https://loudandproudconcert.sflgfb.org/
Empress Juanita MORE! presents PRIDE 2021, focusing on reigniting LGBTQ+ nightlife in SF, Sunday, June 27, noon to 10:30 pm, 620 Jones Street. This year will mark the 18th year throwing one of the biggest parties in the City and will focus on helping the queer community most impacted by the pandemic—drag queens, entertainers, bartenders, and others who have lost their income with the closing of so many venues. Over the years, Juanita’s efforts have raised $900,000 for the LGBTQ+ community. Beneficiaries of this incredible nonprofit extravaganza include SF Bay Area Queer Nightlife Fund and the Imperial Council of San Francisco. https://tinyurl.com/ym2ss3sj
Sister Dana sez, “For 32 years, California has had a ban on assault weapons, and suddenly some Repugnican Federal judge declares it unconstitutional? Maybe we should really be constitutional and just fire flintlock muskets!”
Published on June 24, 2021
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