Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun–
By Sister Dana Van Iquity–
Sister Dana sez, “See y’all at the UP YOUR ALLEY fair! You don’t have to have a kink or fetish or love of leather—but it helps!”
UP YOUR ALLEY (also known back in the day as “Dore Alley Fair”) finally makes its long-awaited return to the infamous streets of SOMA at 9th and Folsom Streets (off Dore Alley)! On July 31, 11 am–6 pm, come get twisted with Steamworks, dance to the fair’s hot DJs, cruise the artisan goods at their vendors, and get dirty at San Francisco’s notorious leather and kink block party. Folsom Street events cultivates a safe, open, and inclusive environment for the kink, leather, and alternative sexuality communities while centering equity for BIPOC and LGBTQ people. https://tinyurl.com/4ssb2jd3
Trump would NEVER have been elected President if it wasn’t for the Electoral College. Fact: a Republican has only won the popular vote for president once in the past 30 years. And top Progressives like Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Robert Reich know we should abolish the Electoral College. But Republicans are doing all they can to keep it—because without The Electoral College, they’d never win another election! Sister Dana sez, “ABOLISH the Electoral College! Besides, I seriously doubt that even HALF the members ever even WENT to college!”
Senator Ted Cruz echoed Supreme Court Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas with remarks he made July 16 to the effect that the Court was “clearly wrong” in striking down barriers to marriage equality in 2015, according to NBC News. Cruz made the remarks on the July 16 edition of his podcast when discussing the 2015 ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, which ushered in marriage equality on a national level and abolished the state-by-state patchwork of legal rights available to same-sex families. Note that Cruz’s state Texas banned same-sex marriage in 2005. Cruz patterned his comments on Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito’s argument that abortion rights are not “deeply rooted in this nation’s history.” “Obergefell, like Roe v. Wade, ignored two centuries of our nation’s history,” Cruz parroted, according to CNN. “Marriage was always an issue that was left to the states. We saw states before Obergefell—some states were moving to allow gay marriage, other states were moving to allow civil partnerships. There were different standards that the states were adopting,” Cruz said. “And now every state must sanction and permit gay marriage,” he added. “I think that decision was clearly wrong when it was decided. It was the court overreaching.” Sister Dana sez, “Riiiiiight. Because the Court has NEVER overreached before! Never ever!”
LOCKDOWN COMEDY’S 2ND ANNIVERSARY SHOW was on Zoom on July 21. Hard to believe I’ve been with this show for two years! My, how lockdown flies! This program featured Ophira Eisenberg (NY), our own Marga Gomez (SF—whom I have absolutely adored since her early comedic days at EssEff’s Valencia Rose and Josie’s Cabaret), Rich Aronovitch (NY), and “The Geduldig Sisters”—producer Lisa Geduldig (SF & Florida), and her 91-years-young mother, Arline Geduldig (Florida). Be sure to catch the next show (every third Thursday) on August 18 with details here: https://www.koshercomedy.com/
The House passed THE RESPECT FOR MARRIAGE ACT that would federally recognize same-sex marriages, amid fears that the Supreme Court could nullify marriage equality. The bill repeals the disgraceful Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). More than three quarters of the Republican Party opposed the bill, which passed in a vote of 267 to 157. A staggering 157 Republicans voted to take this right away from us! So now we know where you stand, repugnant Repugnicans! But, alas, this bill faces an uphill battle in the Senate. Crossing fingers and stuffing ballot boxes. KIDDING!!!
Meanwhile, House Democrats and only eight Republicans passed a bill that would protect the right to purchase and use CONTRACEPTION without government restriction. Sister Dana sez, “Why do so many Repugnicans want lots and lots of babies born—yet won’t offer their parents any money with which to raise them?!”
Alarmingly, according to a recent mega-survey, one in five adults in America—equivalent to about 50 million people—believe that political violence is justified. And 7.1% said they would be willing to kill a person to advance an important political goal. Sister Dana sez, “The country is becoming a powder keg, and Trump is busily throwing matches into it!
Sister Dana sez, “Continuing to spread The Big Lie, last week, Trump accosted the Assembly Speaker of the House in Wisconsin to OVERTURN the 2020 Election. Unbelievable!
Starting on July 1, 2022, the SAN FRANCISCO MINIMUM WAGE has increased to $16.99. Employees that perform work in San Francisco, including part-time and temporary employees, must be paid no less than the San Francisco minimum wage, except for a small number of “Government Supported Employees” who are subject to an increase of minimum wage rate of $15.03.
HARVEY MILK PHOTO CENTER held an opening reception on July 23 to announce its MEMBER, STAFF, AND VOLUNTEER SHOW at 50 Scott Street, exhibiting photos now through August 20. When you visit, be sure to go past the dark room (which was open for our inspection that day) on the left to view the unique collages using photogram, bits of flower pieces, and found objects. https://tinyurl.com/4sec75vk
SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES and THE ACADEMY present DIVAS & DRINKS: iHEART SUMMER! on Friday, July 29, 6–10 pm at The Academy, 2261 Market Street (between Sanchez & Church). Join the fun with hosts Betty Sullivan, Jennifer Viegas, and Nate Bourg with emcee Donna Sachet when we raise a toast to thank, celebrate, and honor volunteers who support and give their very best in the SF PRIDE PARADE. SF Pride President Carolyn Wysinger and other inspiring voices will be with us, plus the remarkable iHeart Radio star DJ Christie James, presented by Olivia Travel. https://tinyurl.com/2ajz5wdb
A DAY OF ACTION was held at 90 7th Street on July 18 at noon to “Demand HHS Quickly Increase Vaccine Supply and Distribution of the Monkeypox Vaccine.” The information/demonstration was sponsored by ALICE B. TOKLAS LGBTQ DEMOCRATIC CLUB, HARVEY MILK LGBTQ DEMOCRATIC CLUB, and SAN FRANCISCO AIDS FOUNDATION. Monkeypox is circulating in our community, and beyond, and the federal government must do more to respond to this urgent health concern. Monkeypox is not exclusive to our LGBTQ community, but we are already being blamed for the emerging crisis. We’re being told to limit contact with people, or just wear condoms. We need to fight stigma! Balance the need for population-specific messaging with non-stigmatizing, sex positive, health communication and public health response strategies. People aren’t educated in knowing that anyone can transmit MP, as simple as skin-to-skin contact. We are demanding a more robust response that actually addresses this growing health concern NOW.
The chief of the WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO) waited until July 23 to say the expanding Monkeypox outbreak in more than 70 countries is an “extraordinary” situation that now qualifies as a Global Emergency. Sister Dana sez, “Well, it was about time! Did we learn NOTHING during the first outbreak of AIDS?!”
As the Chairman of the SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES, Joe Manchin is responsible for regulating the fossil fuel industry and has enormous power over hearings on key climate policy issues. He has repeatedly ignored, stalled, or shot down attempt after attempt to transition our country away from fossil fuels to sustainable alternatives such as wind and solar. Sister Dana sez, “We must demand Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer replace Senator Manchin as Chair of the most important environmental committee in the U.S. Senate NOW!”
The RICHMOND/ERMET AID FOUNDATION (REAF) presents Help Is on The Way XXVI: BROADWAY & BEYOND on Sunday, August 7, 7:30 pm at Marines’ Memorial Theatre—609 Sutter Street (at Mason Street). This is a benefit for PROJECT OPEN HAND and REAF’S SMALL EMERGENCY GRANTS PROGRAM. This 26th Annual Gala—Northern CA’s largest annual, star-studded concert—features (in alphabetical order) Debby Boone, Leanne Borghesi, Garrett Clayton, Ava Nicole Frances, Julie Garnye, Jason Graae, Steve Knill, Shawn Ryan, Sally Struthers, Lisa Viggiano, Paula West, and John Lloyd Young. There will also be a VIP after-party with the cast at the new Beacon Grand Hotel, 450 Powell Street (formerly Sir Francis Drake). https://www.reaf-sf.org
SAN FRANCISCO PLAYHOUSE (Artistic Director Bill English; Producing Director Susi Damilano) is back presenting FOLLIES by James Goldman and Stephen Sondheim. It had been sadly postponed because of cast members’ COVID-19, but it is back now and happily runs through September 10. This is the first fully staged professional production of Follies in San Francisco. The musical won seven Tony Awards in 1972, closed on Broadway after 522 performances, and never went on a national tour. Enjoy such classic numbers as “Broadway Baby,” “I’m Still Here,” and “Losing My Mind.” All that AND tap dancing from the extremely versatile and talented cast! https://tinyurl.com/yzdfkxpc
Sister Dana sez, “Direct from the Office of STATING THE OBVIOUS, Attorney General Merrick Garland commanded, ‘No person is above the law in this country.’ Well, duh!”
Published on July 28, 2022
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