Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun–
By Sister Dana Van Iquity–
Sister Dana sez, “The disgraced President T-rump, who told more than 30,000 lies while in office, is launching his ‘Truth’ social media platform. Great news if you enjoy alternative reality AKA mistruth!”
THE GLBT HISTORICAL SOCIETY presented a virtual REUNION on October 21 with co-hosts Juanita MORE! & Sister Roma. Gala Co-chairs were Kylie Minono and Emperor 36 John Weber (who said he will be donating his future archives to the Historical Museum, as the first African-American Emperor, in 2008). Special speakers included California Attorney General Rob Bonta, SF Mayor London Breed (who announced $12 million set aside in the budget towards making a permanent home for the GLBT Historical Museum), California State Assemblymember (and now SF City Attorney) David Chiu, California Board of Equalization Member Malia Cohen, California State Assemblymember Evan Low, SF District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, California State Assemblymember Phil Ting, and California State Senator Scott Wiener. Interim Co-Executive Directors Andrew Shaffer and Kelsi Evans spoke of the many accomplishments of The Society—including bringing the original 1978 rainbow flag remnants designed by Gilbert Baker aka Sister Chanel 2001 into the Museum. Former executive directors, Terry Beswick and Susan Stryker, also spoke. (Read about Beswick’s new position on page 7 of this issue.)
For decades, The Society has celebrated History Makers at their fall Gala. The award is given annually to individuals for significant artistry and contributions to LGBTQ history and culture. The History Makers Awards went to Jewelle Gomez (a fellow Bay Times columnist), Daniel Nicoletta, and Frances “Franco” Stevens. And the Clio Award, presented to a group or individual for advancing understanding of LGBTQ history and culture, went to Tina Valentin Aguirre.
SEAN DORSEY DANCE company streamed a filmed excerpt of their dance, LOU (2009). To create Lou, Dorsey researched the lifelong journals of Lou Sullivan (1951–1991), a transsexual gay man who lived and died in San Francisco and was a trailblazing activist, organizer, and writer. Sullivan broke down countless barriers for trans people and was literally a friend to hundreds and inspiration to thousands. Before his death from AIDS complications in 1991, Sullivan bequeathed 30 years of his journals, letters, and papers to the GLBT Historical Society in order to leave a companion for other transgender people, to educate and open minds, and to ensure that the progress he had struggled a lifetime for would not be lost. The film included the heartbreaking and stirring duet “Perfect Day,” featuring dancers Sean Dorsey and Nol Simonse with audible quotes from Sullivan’s diary and music by Storm Miguel Flores.
Also on October 21, producer/comic Lisa Geduldig gave us her always funny, every third Thursday monthly LOCKDOWN COMEDY show on Zoom that featured Scott Blakeman (from NY, standing in for Karen Williams, who was suddenly ill), Avi Liberman (LA), Dhaya Lakshminarayanan (SF), and from SF & Florida: The Geduldig “Sisters” (Lisa & Mama Arline Geduldig).
On November 18, 7 pm, Lockdown Comedy continues its Zoom show with these comedians: Cynthia Levin, (LA), Dauood Naimyar (Oakland), Symply Courtney (Austin), and Lisa Geduldig (SF) and her 90-year-old mom Arline (Florida). https://tinyurl.com/4db8ke6f
Sister Dana sez, “When I hear the vaccine updates saying that they should be mandated—I take note that I really should date a man and help this health crisis!”
We SISTERS OF PERPETUAL INDULGENCE and THE BEARS OF SAN FRANCISCO held our inaugural BEARRISON STREET FAIR. Everyone was welcome to celebrate who they were or who they wanted to be as we promoted body positivity, diversity, inclusivity, and community. It was a fair for every bear and their friends on October 23, noon–6 pm at 11th and Harrison Streets. The latter day, teeny tiny droplets of rain occasionally bearly discouraged us courageous bear folx. There was live wrestling and many, many booths with alcohol, merch, and various orgs’ info available. Of course, my fave is always the BARE CHEST CALENDAR guys with those hunky chests helping to raise a treasure chest for charity. The main stage performances climaxed with the BOYS OF BEARLESQUE and an Oasis drag takeover. There were DJs all day gettin’ us dancin’; and we certainly enjoyed the “VIP Bear Garden” also serving this vodka-lovin’ nun with NEFT voddie!
Congratulations and deep respect to Dr. Rachel Levine, Assistant Secretary for Health, becoming the first transgender four-star officer across all eight uniformed service branches! “We have a unique opportunity with President Biden and Vice President Harris for equity, fairness, and inclusiveness for all aspects of life but especially for the LGBTQ community,” she said. “I have always been proud to advocate for the LGBTQ community and serve as a role model that everything is possible and there are no limitations. I hope this really inspires LGBTQ youth.”
Senator Sinema, who once condemned Trump tax cuts as “a bad deal for Arizona” that “explodes the federal debt, likely raises taxes on many small businesses, and makes it harder for Arizona families to get ahead,” is wishing that those very same tax cuts remain in place. Sister Dana sez, “Is this some kind of weird Dr. Jekyll/ Mr. Hyde Tony-awarding dramatic situation?! Or will the Final Act curtain reveal all the actors getting an overwhelming standing ovation?!”
A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC is now playing at the GATEWAY THEATRE, presented by 42ND STREET MOON. This romantic farce is based on the Ingmar Bergman film Smiles of a Summer Night, where couples meet, part, and reunite during a glorious “Weekend in the Country” —all under the watchful eyes of the wry family matriarch and a harmonizing Greek chorus. The beautiful Stephen Sondheim score contains his biggest hit in “Send in the Clowns.” This is The Moon’s first main stage production in 20 months! https://tinyurl.com/4b6pc9wx
Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner Lin-Manuel Miranda makes his feature directorial debut with tick, tick…BOOM!, an adaptation of the autobiographical musical by Jonathan Larson, who revolutionized theater as the creator of RENT. The film follows Jon (Academy Award nominee and Tony Award winner Andrew Garfield), a young theater composer who’s waiting tables at a New York City diner in 1990 while writing what he hopes will be the next great American musical. Days before he’s due to showcase his work in a make-or-break performance, Jon is feeling the pressure from everywhere: from his girlfriend Susan, who dreams of an artistic life beyond New York City; from his friend Michael, who has moved on from his dream to a life of financial security; amidst an artistic community being ravaged by the AIDS epidemic. With the clock ticking, Jon is at a crossroads and faces the question everyone must reckon with: What are we meant to do with the time we have? It is certainly the time to check this out! In theaters November 12 and on Netflix November 19
The mission of the HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN is possible with the time and dedication of the people who work tirelessly on a myriad of issues, programs, and initiatives. There are dozens of HRC staffers who partner with hundreds of volunteer board members and steering committees across the country. Through this partnership, for over 40 years, HRC has activated a nationwide network of 3 million plus members. We joined them in their virtual HRC IN ACTION LIVE! event on October 28 in support of the most dedicated activists and advocates to learn how HRC always takes action for Equality. I believe we need their help especially with upcoming midterm elections for an LGBTQ rainbow wave. Interim President Joni Madison welcomed us “with a future worth fighting for.”
Inspiring speakers included Board Chairs Jodie Patterson, Morgan W. Cox III, Liz Balcom, Percy Brown, Volunteer Director Kipp Colvin, Senior Vice President Jay Brown, Director Transgender Justice Initiative Tori Cooper, Director Historically Black College Program Leslie Hall, MSW, Director HIV Health and Equity J. Maurice McCants Pearsall, Senior Director Programs and Partnerships Ellen Kahn, Frank Gonzales and Stephen Chukumba of Parents for Transgender Equality Council, Director Strategic Outreach Nik Harris, Federal Club Community Manager Alex Kaye, Senior Development Officer – Major Gifts David Yu, White House and Senior Advisor on LGBQ+ Engagement Reggie Greer, Deputy National Campaign Director Justin Unga, Associate Regional Campaign Director Narissa Rahaman, Virginia House of Delegates Danica Roem, State Legislative Director Cathryn M. Oakley, Texas State Director Rebecca Marques, Alabama State Director Carmarion D. Anderson-Harvey, and Directors of Litigation Sarah Warbelow and Jason E. Starr.
We also enjoyed lively singing from artist and transgender advocate Shea Diamond. https://www.hrc.org/
PRC’s annual celebration of hope, resilience, and pride, MIGHTY REAL, is returning to the elegant Four Seasons Hotel on Friday, November 5, 6 pm. Come for an uplifting and unforgettable evening of incredible cuisine, wine, entertainment, and fun! https://prcsf.org/
Explosive new reports claim that AT&T has been integral in the creation and success of One America News: a network that (even worse than Fox-TV) through the spread of harmful lies about the 2020 election and COVID-19, has repeatedly put the health and safety of the American people in jeopardy.
Sister Dana sez, “Hello, AT&T? Wrong number!!!”
Published on November 4, 2021
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