By Sister Dana Van Iquity–
Sister Dana sez, “The pro-DACA Dreamers’ semi-sensible Schumer-Rounds-Collins Immigration Bill was denigrated by the White House (or should we call it ‘the Orange House’?) because T-rump & Company said it would create ‘mass amnesty for over 10 million illegal aliens, including criminals.’ Plus, it would not allow a trillion dollars for a giant, stupid wall. No DACA deal? Give me a break!”
GLBT HISTORICAL SOCIETY hosted an evening reception entitled ANGELA DAVIS: OUTSPOKEN in their museum headquarters at 4127 18th Street—where the exhibition will be on display through May 20. Archivist/co-curator Lisbet Tellefsen helped put it together with her collection of posters. All across the wall says it all: “Liberation for All,” “Free Angela,” “Wanted by the FBI,” “An Icon,” and “Black, Beautiful, and Red.” The wall spells out the life of Davis: Falsely accused of complicity in a violent effort to free a Black prison activist who was on trial in Northern California, Davis went underground in 1970. The FBI responded by placing her on their Top Ten Most Wanted list (and a poster with her mug shot and fingerprints are included in this exhibition). By 1970, Davis would inspire activists and artists across the country and around the globe in the cross-pollination of Black Power, counter culture, and pop culture—all reflected in the posters, pennants, and various ephemera on display in this museum. After her arrest in October 1970, Davis became the center of an international mobilization, “Free Angela.” Committees formed across the nation and from other countries to free her. She was eventually found innocent and released from prison in 1972. Davis resumed speaking out against state violence, imperialism, and the carceral state. Five decades later, she remains outspoken and is one of the leading philosophers of freedom. The most impressive section to me is the display of proud, loud Davis on the cover of Out magazine, February 1998. glbthistory.org
Thomasina De Maio, local artist and curator, presented the FEBRUARY RECEPTION AND PARTY at her ARTSAVESLIVES studio and performance space on 518 Castro Street. Artists present on February 9 and whose pieces remain on display all month long include Michael Staley, Michael Lownie, Michael Lawrence, Martin Rosenthal, Hank Strohbeck, Lance Anthony Scott, Jerry Lee Frost, David Floyd Wright, Bill Bowers, DC Spensley, Bob Burnside, and Jack Stelnicki. Entertainment was by Irene McCalphin, who has curated the finest local talent, including Mojo DeVille, Jet Noir, Alillia Johnson, and Magnolia Black, giving us spoken word and dance honoring Black History month. It was truly an awe-inspiring night. Light refreshments were served. I can’t wait to find out what De Maio has in store for her March reception!
KREWE DE KINQUE held our annual BAL MASQUE XV, FLIGHT 420 at the Cafe in the Castro on February 10 and benefiting Larkin Street Youth Services. The theme, “Come Fly with Us,” reflected the recent legalization of marijuana in California—as represented in the club by a huge, overhead, blow-up airplane inscribed: “Flight 420” with a green marijuana leaf logo. KDK Queen VII Sister Dana was the official Bead Beyotch, draping complimentary colorful beaded necklaces over gleeful attendees. KDK King XIII Sergio Fedasz was our delightful deejay while VIP guests enjoyed Cajun cuisine cooked by KDK members along with hosted Stoli cocktails. Master of Ceremonies, KDK Founder & King I Gary Virginia, introduced stepping down King XIV Barry Miles & Queen XIV Lady Cuki Couture, followed by the “National Anthem” by KDK Member Aaron Priskorn blown on the horn.
Celebrity Grand Marshal Mark Leno spoke a few kind words of praise for our fundraising club, and then led the traditional Second Line Parade as we marched and sang throughout the premises to “When the Saints Go Marchin’ In.” Patrick Barresi, Larkin Street Youth Services Program Manager at AC/AC HIV housing space, talked about the function of Larkin Street Services. ACT I brought out King II Mark Paladini, Carlos Medal & Rick Latulippe with Mark singing “River Deep Mountain High” with his dancing pot joints accompanying. Queen II Deana Dawn lip-synched “Weed Instead of Roses,” while King IX Tony Leo acted as her dealer. King X Kippy Marks played “Captain’s Delight” on his electronic violin. KDK Member Miss Chief lip-synched “New Americana” with a confetti gun. Special Guest Ethel Merman live sang the hell outta a mash-up of “Purple Haze” & “Panama.” Rock on!
After a small intermission, Act II got underway. KDK Member Donna Sachet sang “Time Heals Everything.” King XII John Weber & Company sang “Mary Jane” and “Give It to Me Baby.” KDK Member Veronica Guevara as Tawdry Hepburn gave us “Marijuana (Please Do).” Queen VIII Garza executed some sexy Peruvian dance and lip-synched “Malambo No. 1.” KDK Member Kelly Rose had a marijuana green face to do “Cover Girl” for High Times. KDK Queen XIV Lady Cuki Couture did a riveting “Take Me Higher.” Speeches were given for the Step Down of King XIV Barry Miles & Queen XIV Lady Cuki Couture. The height of the night was the Crowning of KDK King XV Gooch & Queen XV Miss Chief. Congratulations! KDK Finale was a tableau of all us Kings and Queens, plus a Tribute to our Saints Above KDK Members: “Fly Away.” There was dancing until 9:30 pm, and then KDK King XV Garaje Gooch and Queen XV Miss Chief invited us all to celebrate at The Edge bar after the Bal Masque.
Then on Mardi Gras FAT TUESDAY, all the Krewe de Kinque members and friends went on a festive bar crawl throughout the Castro—decked out in our finest purple, gold, and green Mardi Gras colors in costumes, masks, beads, banners, and parasols. We started out at 440 Castro, then QBarSF, to Lookout for special Hurricane cocktails, then Beaux, off to The Café, over to SF Mix, and closing down the bar at The Edge. It was truly Laissez les bons temps rouler: let the good times roll! Oh honey, we ROLLED!
But was that not enough for us Krewe de Kinquesters? Nope, because on Saturday, February 17, we held a beer/soda bust fun fundraiser at The Edge with many gorgeous guest performers. Don’t miss our next KdK party at The Edge on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 4–7 pm. You can bet your shillelagh THIS Irish nun will be decked out in green!
Mayor Mark Farrell joined Supervisors Hillary Ronen, Jeff Sheehy, the Office of Transgender Initiatives and community advocates on February 14 on the mayor’s balcony to sign legislation that will require all-gender restrooms in Single Room Occupancy hotels in San Francisco. What a lovely Valentine’s Day gift!
With friends, supporters, and volunteers gathered in the Castro, MARK LENO officially kicked off his campaign for Mayor of San Francisco and opened his headquarters at 2390 Market Street to the public on February 17. Leno is a small business person, former CA State Senator, Assemblyman, and District 8 Supervisor. The “housewarming” event featured games, drag performances, and special guest speakers Board of Equalization Member Fiona Ma, Assemblymember Phil Ting, Supervisors Sandy Lee Fewer and Aaron Peskin. markleno.com
Sister Dana sez, “It’s the Year of the Dog, and the annual SF Chinese New Year Parade is on February 24. Here are some other great events I’d like to ‘parade’ before you.”
Due to popular demand, SAN FRANCISCO GAY MEN’S CHORUS is offering up a limited number of “show only” tickets for CRESCENDO at the Fairmont Hotel on Saturday, February 24. Come see Bob the Drag Queen, Neon Trees’ Tyler Glenn, Mary Lambert, Andrew Lippa, and more perform—for only $100! Get your tickets at sfgmc.org/crescendo
Written by four-time Tony winner Terrence McNally (Ragtime), IT’S ONLY A PLAY thrusts you into the middle of the behind-the-scenes shenanigans of a Broadway play. Beginning March 2nd through April 1st, it’s the opening night of hilariously harried playwright Peter Austin’s new play, and everyone has gathered at the daffy producer’s townhouse to await the reviews. Joining Peter are his television producer best friend, a hilariously washed-up Hollywood diva, a lethal drama critic, and more. Don’t miss this sharp satire about the business of big-budget theater, replete with impromptu selfies and celebrity take-downs galore, at San Francisco’s NEW CONSERVATORY THEATRE CENTER, 25 Van Ness & Market. nctcsf.org
TRANSITIONS by John Fisher is a world premiere about a Russian President, an American President, and a drag queen in this story about gender and sexuality in the world of geopolitics. It’s a surprising relationship between a young Republican and a no-nonsense drag queen almost setting the world on fire. In a moment of international crisis, this romance might just save the planet, as Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are about to find out. A satirical drama ripped from the world’s headlines in the tradition of filmmakers Billy Wilder and Oliver Stone. Playing February 24th through March 17th at Gateway Theatre (formerly The Eureka Theatre), 215 Jackson Street (at Battery). therhino.org
Curator and artist Catherine Merrill has returned to BACK TO THE PICTURE/ VALENCIA STREET in an exhibition, PARADISE LOST, focusing on the human figure. After last year’s highly successful exhibition, Catherine has enlarged her roster and collected all new works for the show. Come to the Closing Reception with the artists on Saturday, February 24, 6–9 pm at 934 Valencia Street. Artists showing include Jane Fisher, Sylvie Guillot, Susan Kirshenbaum, Catherine Merrill, Stephen Namara, Fernando Reyes, Rick Rodrigues, & Michael Ruiz. backtothepicture.com
Join ACADEMY OF FRIENDS for their 38th Annual AWARDS NIGHT GALA, UNDER THE BIG TOP, with ticket sales benefitting HIV/AIDS services in the San Francisco Bay Area. In typical Academy of Friends’ fashion, everyone at the event will enjoy food provided by the Bay Area’s finest restaurants and caterers, wine and champagne by amazing vintners along with a fun way to watch the 2018 Oscars. Sunday, March 4, 5–11 pm at City View at Metreon, 135 4th Street. academyoffriends.org
Sister Dana sez, “Trump sheds his ‘crocodile tears’ over the horrendous Florida school shooting, while never mentioning guns but emphasizing mental health. But Donald, you have taken over 21 million dollars from the National Rifle Association, and your Repugnican buddies’ budget utterly slashes mental health care. Hey, Congress, when WILL it be the appropriate time to address sensible gun control?! Maybe after the 19th school shooting this year?!”
Sister Dana sez, “If you’re fed up with a lack of common sense gun control, go to” everytown.org
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