Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun–
By Sister Dana Van Iquity–
Sister Dana sez, “September is gonna be a very busy month for Congress. It has to figure out how to fund government, how to deal with the debt ceiling, with infrastructure, with reconciliation—and that’s just a start of their to-do list! There are also the vital issues of voting rights and women’s rights. And, of course, domestic terrorism when everyone remembers the awful anniversary of 9/11!”
Meanwhile in the HOUSE, Reps Manchin, Sinema, and other Blue Dog Democrats want to be “partisan” and keep the Jim Crow filibuster, blocking any progress in President Biden‘s agenda.
Sister Dana sez, “We must bust the filibuster!”
Texas has created a blueprint for utterly abhorrent abortion restrictions, and Republican-controlled states are following suit. The ultra-conservative Supreme Court will no doubt allow all these draconian laws.
Sister Dana sez, “Congress is now obliged to codify Roe v. Wade!”
On August 23, over 150 people gathered near the SAP CENTER in San Jose to celebrate the grand reveal of BARACK OBAMA BOULEVARD, a newly renamed half-mile stretch of pavement that honors the 44th President of the United States. Bravo, Barack!
We joined THE IMPERIAL COUNCIL OF SAN FRANCISCO and THE GRAND DUCAL COUNCIL OF SAN FRANCISCO on August 24 at the Bank of America, Castro and 18th Streets, to celebrate Marsha P. Johnson‘s Birthday. This was an occasion to distribute and gather signed letters requesting the ultimate birthday present by having an actual, real honest to goodness U.S. Postage Stamp made to honor her and her heroic accomplishments for all. Marsha P. Johnson (1945–1992) stood at the center of New York City’s gay liberation movement for nearly 25 years. But LGBTQ rights weren’t her only cause. She was on the front lines of protests against oppressive policing. She helped found one of the country’s first safe spaces for transgender and homeless youth. And she advocated tirelessly on behalf of sex workers, prisoners, and people with HIV/AIDS. She was also known for her dashing outfits and flower headpieces!
In addition, the signed letters requested an honorary stamp for Latina civil rights pioneer Sylvia Rivera, (1951–2002), friend of Johnson, fellow Stonewall Riot demonstrator, and activist for low-income people of color, queer, and transgender rights. A third request was for José Julio Sarria (1922–2013), Absolute Empress I of San Francisco, founder of the International Court System, LGBTQ and Latinx activist, as well as the first openly gay person to run for elected office.
Whoever reads this and feels the importance of this request, can find additional info and a sample letter to print and send at https://www.lgbtqueenstamps.org/
Check out the regal and fabulous setting for SAN FRANCISCO GAY MEN’S CHORUS‘s latest music video at San Francisco City Hall! Direct from the Civic Center lawn and their homes, these singers (and dancers) strut, twirl, and sashay their way through “COME THRU MAMA RU MEDLEY” written by RuPaul Charles and Lucian Piane. Yes … that RuPaul! Sissy that walk!” https://bit.ly/3jjZhJW
On Saturday August 28, on the 58TH ANNIVERSARY of Martin Luther King Jr.’s”I Have a Dream” speech, we activists gathered at Castro and Market to raise awareness for the need to protect voting rights across the country. There has been an onslaught of Republican backed bills in nearly every state that aims to restrict the voting rights of likely Democratic voters, and these have to be stopped. A democracy only works when its constituents have free and fair access to the polls. This is a right that many Republicans are trying to limit unfairly. We proudly joined the nationwide movement to MARCH ON FOR VOTING RIGHTS. We met at Harvey Milk Plaza at 5 pm (bringing signs and other media). We mingled, engaged passersby, and yelled at cars. We had a few speakers with bullhorns. We chanted, “NO RECALL! Stop the Republican grab” and “VOTING rights are HUMAN rights for all!” We were happy to represent for San Francisco. Our mission was: “Stand up and march for fair, easy, and equal access to the polls for everyone, and show the country what San Francisco is about!”
Latest terrible tally: Republican legislators have introduced more than 389 bills in 48 states that would restrict voting rights.
The world’s first and only LGBTQ MARIACHI BAND just made their TikTok debut. Check out this rainbow delight! https://www.tiktok.com/@mariachiarcoiris/
Sister Dana sez, “Happy 82nd birthday to 1939 classic ‘The Wizard of Oz’! Keep clicking those fabulous, magical, red heels, Dorothy!”
The January 6 probe is demanding evidence from 11 GOP lawmakers. MAGA rioters committed over 1,000 assaults on police. Meanwhile a MAGA group is planning a September 18 gathering at the Capitol to demand justice for the “political prisoners” who rioted on January 6.
Sister Dana sez, “Be afraid. Be very afraid!”
LEATHERWALK returns this year as the traditional launch to SAN FRANCISCO’S LEATHER WEEK. Proudly produced by the LEATHER & LGBTQ CULTURAL DISTRICT, on Sunday, September 19, 11 am–3 pm we will walk together starting at City Hall, pausing at favorite neighborhood spots such as the Ringold Alley Leather Memoir, and watering holes, culminating with the LEATHER PRIDE FEST, presented by the SF EAGLE at Eagle Plaza, including a ceremonial raising of the Leather flag. LeatherWalk is more than a fundraiser. It is a community event that brings people together and symbolizes the LEATHER & LGBTQ presence in SOMA and their contributions to San Francisco. On-site registration and check-in begin at 11 am on the steps of City Hall (Polk Street side). Drop off any last donations, and get your collectible LeatherWalk 2021 pin. Program starts at 11:30 am, step off at noon. Departing from City Hall, the walk includes stops at Oasis, Powerhouse, Hole in the Wall, Azúcar Lounge, Leather Etc., Wicked Grounds, Cat Club, Mr. S Leather, and the Lone Star Saloon. https://sfleatherdistrict.org/lw/
Camila Cabello stars in a delightful musical reimagining of the fairy tale, CINDERELLA, which centers on the orphan raised by her horrible stepmother and stepsisters; but this maiden yearns not necessarily for true love from a handsome prince, but rather for commercial success as a fashion designer and upscale dressmaker. And she wouldn’t mind a happy ending as long as it isn’t the patriarchal one in the original, sappy fairy story. Co-stars include Idina Menzel, Minnie Driver, Nicholas Galitzine, and Pierce Brosnan, with Billy Porter as a modern, magical, mystical, very gay fairy “dragmother.” Even the mice are raving about this! Showing in select theatres and streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
CIRCUS BELLA is excited to announce its triumphant return to Bay Area parks now through October 3 with its 12th annual all new, open air, outdoor show: HUMOROUS. A Post-Pandemic Season of Shenanigans! This series of FREE performances, featuring some of the dazzling circus talent from the Bay Area and beyond, will delight and amaze audiences in a treasured family event for children of all ages. https://www.circusbella.org/humorous
Sister Dana sez, “Science tells us this new Mu virus is a ‘variant of interest.’ Well, I am not INTERESTED in getting sick, so BRING ON THE BOOSTERS!”
Lisa Geduldig, creator of LOCKDOWN COMEDY, changed it up a bit from only virtual to live in person with COMEDY AL FRESCO on September 2 from the patio of El Rio in San Francisco’s Mission District. The hilarious comedians who performed included Karina Dobbins, Arjun Banerjee, Bob McIntyre, Judi Leff, and, of course, Lisa. The show was also live-streamed.
Plagued by the pandemic, xenophobia, and crime, Chinatown has had one rough year. Nonetheless, tourists are starting to return and things are beginning to return to normal. To enliven their spirit, the community can look forward to its traditional 31ST ANNUAL AUTUMN MOON FESTIVAL returning in person to Grant Avenue in Chinatown on September 11 and 12, 11 am–6 pm. This year, festival director Eva Lee is excited to invite tourists and locals back into Chinatown in hopes of reviving some of the activity lost and reigniting the vibrant community. Co-entertainment coordinators, Max Leung and Cynthia Yee are bringing in some contemporary young, local musicians to add to the traditional dancers and the LION DANCE. The festivities will open with a parade on Saturday at 11 am on California and Grant led by Mayor London Breed and other civic officials, beauty queens, and cultural performers on a street stage for everything from lively music to martial arts. http://www.moonfestival.org/
It’s LATINX HERITAGE MONTH, so SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC LIBRARY is thrilled to announce ¡VIVA! at the Library. This is an annual celebration of Latinx heritage, cultures, and traditions with an array of exciting programs for all ages, from Spanish/bilingual story times to cooking classes, author talks to art and cultural presentations. Come celebrate! ¡Bienvenidos! http://bitly.ws/ging
ARTSAVESLIVES SIDEWALK SALON was held on September 5 as part of Sunday Slow Streets at Noe and Market. Thomasina DeMaio exhibited her art and curated local artists Carl Linkhart, Billy Douglas, Junara Greco, Alan Beckstead, Matt Pipes, Walker Dukes, and Bill Bowers. The Salon is now operating every Sunday, noon–5 pm. Go enjoy!
Sister Dana sez, “In case I haven’t nagged everyone quite enough: VOTE NO on the September 14 Recall of Governor Gavin Newsom! It’s easy: just check NO on the first page!”
Published on September 9, 2021
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