By Sister Dana Van Iquity–
Sister Dana sez, “THE BEARRISON STREET FAIR is right around the corner. You don’t have to BE a bear to enjoy the fair—but do be a fan of the bears!”
We Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence (SPI) and the Bears of San Francisco (BOSF) invite you to join us for the 4TH ANNUAL BEARRISON STREET FAIR on Saturday, October 19, noon–6 pm at the intersection of Harrison and 11th streets. The whole footprint runs from Eagle Plaza on Harrison to 10th Street. And on 11th up to Folsom. Set in the Leather and LGBTQ Cultural District in SoMa, Bearrison Street Fair is “A Fair for Every Bear.” All genders and body types are welcomed, encouraged, and celebrated! SPI and BOSF’s goal for Bearrison Street Fair is an inclusive event for adult members of the LGBTQ community by promoting body positivity and cultural diversity for all, fostering a supportive and welcoming bear scene. Enjoy burly entertainment, including attendee competitions—building off the fan-favorite wrestling stage and the buns-out deadlift competition. Or perhaps participate in the Bouncing Booties Twerk-Off Contest. Drag Contest? Mustache and Beard Contest? Sooo many contests! The fair is free, but donations are always appreciated. https://www.bearrison.org/
Hosted by Honey Mahogany and Sister Roma, REUNION is an opportunity to gather to celebrate our vast queer past, honor the history makers who move our communities forward, and raise funds to keep LGBTQ history alive! Traditionally held in October to coincide with LGBTQ history month, Reunion is the GLBT HISTORICAL SOCIETY’s annual Gala. The 2024 event will include a reception, awards presentations, a silent auction, and the opportunity to connect with a wide range of LGBTQ history supporters. October 19, 5:30–9 pm, Marines’ Memorial Theatre, 609 Sutter Street.
https://www.glbthistory.org/
Thirty-one days before Election Day, Vice President Harris was on the ground of North Carolina, surveying the devastating damage caused from hurricane “Helene” and offering solutions to work with FEMA. Meanwhile that same day, Trump was in Butler, PA, (where a while back he had gotten his teeny tiny widdle ear lobe shot at) spreading lie after lie about Harris and FEMA. And mouthy Musk was at Donnie’s side touting T-rump’s “bravery under fire.” Lying, slick JD Vance had the audacity to shout out, “Donald Trump took a bullet for Democracy!” Sister Dana sez, “Oh, JDV, you’ve twisted it up again! No!!! Democracy did NOT require that Donald be shot. Democracy does not require an assassination attempt!”
Republican National Committee Co-Chair Lara Trump (just since March 2024) scared the Butler, PA, pro-Trump audience (and anyone with a sense of reality). She screamed (on what must have been Opposite Day), “This is no longer a fight between Republican versus Democrat; left versus right; it is good versus evil; and good is going to win this battle!” Well, goodness! Mrs. Eric Trump really needs to hold up a mirror to see a severe case of vice versa there!
Sister Dana sez, “Here we clearly see Two Presidential Candidates with two very diametrically different qualifications! Get everyone to Vote Harris and blue down the ballot before the November 5 deadline! Quoting marvelous Michelle Obama, ‘DO SOMETHING!’”
In a much later New York Times personal live-on-tape session, Vance was asked FIVE TIMES by the host of The Interview, Lulu Garcia-Navarro: Did Trump lose the 2020 Election? He refused to answer all five same questions in a row—dodging each same question with a question—along with repeated attacks against “Big Tech.” Sister Dana sez, “THIS incredible incident provides powerful ammunition for the Harris campaign!”
Join TRANSGENDER LAW CENTER for their annual SPARK event celebrating trans people thriving and fighting for liberation. Spark resources the trans- and BIPOC-led work—building power and demanding justice. October 18, 6 pm, Terra Gallery, 511 Harrison Street.
https://transgenderlawcenter.org/
Come on out to the SANCHEZ STREET BLOCK PARTY on Sunday, October 20, 12–3 pm. It’s, of course, on Sanchez Street between Clipper and 26th Streets. Live music, food, dancing! Fun for the whole family, face-painting, arts & crafts, and more.
San Francisco Public Library is hosting the official book launch of There at the End: Voices from Final Exit Network—A Celebration of 20 Years with a discussion on October 22, 6–7 pm at Koret Auditorium, SFPL Main Branch, 100 Larkin Street, (lower level). The anthology, published in 2024, honors the 20th anniversary of Final Exit Network (FEN), an American nonprofit right-to-die advocacy group. The group’s mission is to uphold that mentally competent adults who suffer from terminal illnesses, intractable pain, or irreversible physical conditions have a right to die legally and peacefully. The book is a collection of unique first-person accounts that explore the range of emotions and processes of Final Exit Network clients as they come to terms with end-of-life decisions for themselves and their loved ones, and its specially trained volunteers who discuss their roles as guides and, often, confidants. Jim Van Buskirk, the book’s editor and Final Exit Network regional coordinator, will be joined by a FEN senior exit guide and an anthology contributor. The discussion is targeted toward those preparing for end-of-life decisions; friends and family members searching for information on how to best support those individuals who are considering this choice; physicians and other healthcare providers; and those interested in the storied history of the Right-To-Die movement.
Well, it turns out that Corey DeAngelis, a “PROJECT 2025” collaborator and anti-gay far-right activist approved by Trump, is a former GayHoopla gay porn star named Seth Rose. A regular Fox News contributor, DeAngelis was on Fox promoting his Trump-endorsed book while disparaging the American education system for its tolerance and acceptance of gays and LGBTQ rights. Sister Dana sez, “How many more former LGBTQ people will be suddenly jumping onto the horrendous PROJECT 2025 bandwagon?! Hypocrisy runs wild in MAGA-ville!”
Sister Dana sez, “If you too worry about DarnOLD Trump’s declining cognitive abilities, search online for the exquisite October 7 issue of ‘NY Times’ with the heading: ‘Trump’s Speeches, Increasingly Angry and Rambling, Reignite the Question of Age.’ Dementia much? It will shock you with startling evidence why he should be required to step down and shut up!”
Everyone danced (well … this nun hobbled in his new “gay purple” cane) and celebrated my amazing friend CLEVE JONES’ 70TH BIRTHDAY on October 11! What an appropriate day—additionally being National Coming Out Day as well! The glorious evening was at the Hibernia Bank, 1 Jones Street as a fun fundraising opportunity supporting Cleve Jones and his tremendous legacy of activism with the SF AIDS Foundation and the AIDS Memorial Quilt—both cofounded by Cleve. Attending celebs included Juanita MORE!, Sister Roma, Our Lady J, Chris Housman, Anthony Wayne, and the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. A Grand Procession with fanfare came from such groups as Royalty, AIDS Orgs, Drag Queens, Leather Folx, Comfort & Joy, us nuns, and more. For the grand finale, Cleve blew out his candles on this huge cake on fire! And we all got presents to wear in the form of beautiful buttons stating, “The AIDS Memorial Quilt: 35 Years of Love, Activism & Legacy.”
AIDS LEGAL REFERRAL PANEL (ALRP) is hosting its 41ST ANNIVERSARY ANNUAL RECEPTION on October 24, 5:30–8:30 pm at The Grand, 520 40th Street. This beloved tradition brings together hundreds of friends in the local legal community who make ALRP’s work possible. Proceeds support ALRP’s vital role in advancing and protecting the rights, dignity, and health of people living with HIV/AIDS in the Bay Area. I am excited to announce that former Mayor and Speaker of the assembly Willie Brown will be a special guest to present Representative Barbara Lee with the “Clint Hockenberry Leadership Award.” Also honored will be two-time Emmy Award winner Bruce Vilanch and ALRP Panel Attorney since 2007 Michael Rooney. Hilarious stand-up comedian and stand-out lesbian icon Marga Gomez will host. Guests will enjoy an open bar with ample hors d’oeuvres. https://www.alrp.org/
Sister Dana sez, “Does anyone possibly believe Melania had suddenly come to reason in her new ‘memoir video’ upholding a woman’s right to choose—or much more likely slowly easing a teeny tiny ‘metaphorical knife’ into hubby Trumpy’s back?!”
Get into the Halloween spirit at HALLOWEEN PIANO BAR with Jason Brock and Dee Spencer entertaining you! Friday, October 25, 7–11 pm at Catch French Bistro, 2362 Market Street. NO TICKETS—just walk on in! Jason and Dee will perform some spooky smash hits mixed in with their standard, sometimes hilarious, and definitely awe-inspiring favorites.
Produced by OPENHOUSE SF, in celebration of LGBT HISTORY MONTH, will be a guided tour of the GLBT HISTORY MUSEUM in the Castro! October 30, 2–3:30 pm, 4127 18th Street. But you must RSVP at rsvp@openhousesf.org or call 415- 231-5871
I see that among nine possible elementary school closures in San Francisco (due to some sort of alleged bankruptcy or deficits or other mysterious monetary matters), HARVEY MILK CIVIL RIGHTS ACADEMY (just two blocks from my place in the heart of the Castro) is on the chopping block. Closure decisions will be final, they say, in December. Quoting the late, great Harvey Milk, “All young people, regardless of sexual orientation or identity,
deserve a safe and supportive environment in which to achieve their full potential.” Sister Dana sez, “This is a safe space for LGBTQ kids and families. Do NOT shut down Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy—or feel the fiery wrath from this nun and fellow activists all over The City!”
SAN FRANCISCO PLAYHOUSE kicks off its 2024–25 season with the Olivier Award-winning comedy THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG. This fast-paced
farce packed with inventive theatricality finds the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society on opening night of its newest production, The Murder at Haversham Manor. As the incompetent theatre troupe attempts to stage this 1920s murder mystery, their production devolves into madcap mayhem. Lost props, forgotten lines, and poorly constructed scenery conspire against the clumsy cast, who fight for the show to make it to the final curtain call. San Francisco Playhouse Producing Director and Cofounder Susi Damilano, who has staged sidesplitting spoofs at the Playhouse including Noises Off, Clue, and most recently The 39 Steps, helms this hilarious whodunit. The Play That Goes Wrong goes on—now through November 9 at San Francisco Playhouse, 450 Post Street. It’s a fun farce full of slapstick silliness. It would be Wrong to miss this! https://www.sfplayhouse.org/
THE DAY OF THE DEAD (Spanish: EL DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS) is a holiday traditionally celebrated on November 1 and 2, though other days, such as October 31 or November 6, may be included depending on the locality. The multi-day holiday involves family and friends gathering to pay respects and remember friends and family members who have died. These celebrations can take a humorous tone, as celebrants remember amusing events and anecdotes about the departed. The observance falls during the Christian period of Allhallowtide (I suppose that means All Hallow Eve or All Saints’ Day). The Day of the Dead is largely seen as having a festive characteristic. It is also common to give gifts to friends such as candy sugar skulls, to share traditional pan de muerto with family and friends, and to write lighthearted and often irreverent verses in the form of mock epitaphs dedicated to living friends and acquaintances. Sister Dana sez, “Happy Day of the Dead to Everyone who celebrates the Day—however they may!”
Sister Dana sez, “Happy Holloweenie to all you ghosts, goblins, and whoever dons whatever costume you will wear on October 31ST. Halloween is the Gay High Holiday—so celebrate in style!”
LGBT HISTORY MONTH is an annual month-long observance of LGBT history and the history of the gay rights and related civil rights movements. It was founded in 1994 by Missouri high-school history teacher Rodney Wilson. LGBT History Month provides role models, builds community, and represents a civil rights statement about the contributions of the LGBTQ community. As of 2022, LGBT History Month is a month-long celebration that is specific to Australia, Canada, Cuba, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It is celebrated in October to coincide with NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY (October 11) and the first MARCH ON WASHINGTON for gay rights (1979).
Sister Dana sez, “Sorry I am so late in wishing everyone a HAPPY LGBT HISTORY MONTH, but I just learned about it myself. Dumb nun! Anyway, have a great one, and keep on making history!”
Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun
Published on October 17, 2024
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