By Sister Dana Van Iquity–
Sister Dana sez, “The energy was electric, and the joy was contagious at the DNC! They might have topped the infamous dance party at the Democratic National Convention in 1996—although they didn’t dance the Macarena at the 2024 one.”
The 2024 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION in Chicago was a rousing, emotional, inspirational, JOYFUL success! Monday’s August 19 theme was “For the People”; Tuesday’s theme was “A Bold Vision for America’s Future,” when President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama utterly electrified the auditorium; Wednesday’s was “A Fight for our Freedoms,” and Vice President nominee Governor Tim Walz showed his skills as a coach leading everyone in an exciting pep rally—not to forget that HRC President Kelley Robinson gave a historic and emotional speech reminding us that progress is possible, and freedom means freedom for LGBTQ people! The Harris-Walz administration would build upon the most pro-equality administration in history. This ticket is our ticket to equality and liberation; and the final Thursday’s theme was “For Our Future” to give Vice President Kamala Harris all the glory and to show her tremendous ability to prosecute her rival. And let’s not forget when Democrat Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel addressed marriage equality and shouted, “I’ve got a message for the Republicans and the Justices of the United States Supreme Court: ‘You can pry this wedding band from my cold, dead, gay hand!”
Former Lt. Governor of Georgia Geoff Duncan, a Republican, shouted out, “I realized Donald Trump was willing to lie, cheat, and steal to try to overturn the 2020 election. Trump is a direct threat to democracy! His actions disqualify him from ever, ever, ever stepping foot in the Oval Office again! Let me be clear to my Republican friends at home watching: If you vote for Kamala Harris in 2024, you’re not a Democrat; you’re a patriot!”
Ousted Republican congressman Adam Kinzinger spoke out in support of Harris at the DNC, saying, “Make the right choice. Vote. Vote for our bedrock values. And vote for Kamala Harris!”
I think House Democratic Leader Representative Hakeem Jeffries summed it up best at the opening night, poetically saying, “We’re here to celebrate Joe Biden, elevate Kamala Harris, and eradicate MAGA extremism!” On that same Monday night, President Biden tearfully concluded, “I made a lot of mistakes in my career. But I gave my best to you for 50 years.” He added, “Like many of you, I give my heart and soul to our nation.”
However, the Trump campaign ain’t doing so hot. Trump has gone into low energy mode as Democrats have surged. No one is showing up to social pariah JD Vance’s events. Sister Dana sez, “We don’t just want to defeat Trump and Vance, though. We want to absolutely WIPE OUT Repugnicans this fall. We want a BLUE WAVE that will take back the House, expand our majority in the Senate, and swing crucial down-ballot races that so often get ignored during presidential elections!”
Curious about the vibrant world of gay artist, photographer, and fashion designer, Bill Bowers? I wanted to cover the August 22 reception at the SF LGBT CENTER for the official gallery opening of “BILL BOWERS CLOSET: FOLK, FUNK, FLASH,” which featured an iconic performance from the one and only Donna Persona, and an intimate conversation between Bowers and The Center’s Director of Cultural Programs Timothy Hampton. I had planned to proudly bring along the extraordinary purse and a gorgeous Mardi Gras poster that Bowers had given me; but I was stuck at home with a severely strained, very painful ankle. Nuntheless, we are in luck, because once I can get back out in public, you and I can enjoy the ongoing exhibit and more fun stuff at 1800 Market Street. https://sfcenter.org/
On August 30 at THE ACADEMY SF, THE SISTERS OF PERPETUAL INDULGENCE, and the SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES held an emotional SAINTING of multiple Emmy and James Beard award-winning television host Leslie Sbrocco, whose unwavering support of the LGBTQ community has helped countless individuals and local businesses! Leslie received a well-deserved sainting that honored not only her LGBTQ advocacy but also her efforts in the fight against cancer. As a stage-4 colorectal cancer thriver, Sbrocco dedicates significant time to charitable work to help others impacted by cancer. Sister Dana (The Lame Nun) was supposed to participate in the sainting ceremony, but unfortunately my mangled ankle kept me housebound and unable to use stairs. Therefore, much of my report is by my dear friend and fellow nun, Sister Roma, reporting back to me on August 31. “Last night was magical!” Roma shared. “Leslie was surrounded by family, her closest friends, and admirers. The SF PRIDE BAND and hostess Donna Sachet serenaded us with “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.” Many of the local restaurants who benefited from the exposure they received from Leslie as the host of CHECK, PLEASE! BAY AREA (now having wrapped up filming of its 19th season) were there, notably Brenda from Brenda’s Soul Food. Sister Merry Peter and Roma officially canonized her “Saint Leslie Sbrocco of the Bounteous Table and Joyful Sip.” After having been sainted—as a cancer survivor and television host—Leslie commented that she “gets up each day filled with gratitude for a chance to bring joy into the lives of others.” There was a Mayoral commendation and presentation of flowers to Leslie, Kristen Green (celebrating a milestone birthday), and Check, Please! Producer Lori Halloran. The event additionally included a perfect performance by former Beach Blanket Babylon star Renée Lubin, accompanied by renowned musician Dr. Dee Spencer, DJ Rockaway & DJ Olga T, and, of course, dancing and drinking!
THE CASTRO ART WALK is every First Friday of the month from 5–9 pm. Participating locations extend their business hours to host special events and share artwork with the neighborhood. Join the art walk for a self-guided experience through the creativity of the Castro! The next one is September 6. My faves are 2358MRKT (2358 Market Street), Strut (470 Castro Street), Fabulosa Books (489 Castro), and Welcome Castro (525 Castro). Maps and info at https://www.castroartwalk.com/
THE 28TH ANNUAL SAN FRANCISCO DRAG KING CONTEST is live on September 8, 7 pm, Oasis, 298 11th Street. https://www.sfoasis.com/
All hail The Kings! The show will also stream online for $20 at
www.watch.sfoasis.com
If DarnOld Trump was anyone else, he would already be in jail. His guilty verdict is more than enough to prove he is more fit for PRISON than he is for public office. But cowardly Republicans still protect him at every corner. It turns out that trying to overthrow our democracy might just be illegal. Sister Dana sez, “In that traitor’s own words: ‘LOCK HIM UP!’”
Since 2010, Oakland Pride has been influential and dedicated to educating the greater Bay Area and promoting equality, social justice, civic involvement, and responsibility within Oakland and neighboring communities. Their organization has a shared vision of providing an equitable platform, safe spaces, and events for the entire Oakland community. Their events celebrate Oakland’s rich and diverse queer community, support Oakland’s BIPOC businesses and nonprofits, and highlight the resources available to the community through a series of events throughout the year that lead up to Oakland Pride Weekend—a Festival and Parade. Oakland Pride is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. I am thrilled to announce that my newspaper, San Francisco Bay Times, has been named a Grand Marshal of the OAKLAND PRIDE PARADE, which will happen on September 8. If I can get my “mankle” (mangled ankle) out the door, I will ride with SF Bay Times. https://www.oaklandpride.org/
Sister Dana sez, “Remember back in the day when Democrats and Republicans could disagree without being disagreeable? But that has changed, thanks mostly to Trump, who insults and attacks anyone who disagrees with him.”
Join the QTAPI community in cheering on Mx., Ms., and Mr. GAPA contestants as they demonstrate their talents, show off their evening wear, and answer Q&A in competition to become GAPA Royalty at GAPA RUNWAY 2024: Chrysalis! Reigning Mx GAPA 2023 Lotus Party and Ms GAPA 2023 Kiki Krunch will be stepping down to welcome the next generation of titleholders! Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness, September 14, 7 pm. What is GAPA RUNWAY? It is a 30+ year community production that aims to showcase queer and transgender Asian and Pacific Islander (QTAPI) artistry, humanity, and excellence. https://www.gapa.org/
Sister Dana sez, “The Harris Campaign has raised half a billion dollars since her announcement. What a shame ALL that money has to be used to convince just a few ‘privileged’ people to vote. Abolish the Electoral College! Let’s go back to popular vote: One person, One vote!”
The CHEER FOR LIFE FOUNDATION and CHEER SAN FRANCISCO invite you to AMPLIFY! 2024 on September 12 at The Academy SF in the heart of the Castro. “AMPLIFY!” is an evening to toast to the impact made by their many volunteers, supporters, and beneficiaries over the past year—and to kick off their 2024–2025 fundraising year with a bang! Enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres and help raise funds to support important work being done right here in the Bay Area. 2166 Market Street, 6–9pm.
https://www.cheerforlife.org/
Now through September 15, THEATRE RHINOCEROS presents FALLIN, The Sequel to Billy, written and directed by John Fisher, at 4229 18th Street. The Colonel and Day are off to save the world again … this time, from nuclear destruction. The dynamic queer duo makes a return appearance in this action-packed comedy and next entry in the Special Forces Saga. https://www.therhino.org/
The horrific, cold-blooded, execution-style murder on August 31 of the six brave hostages in Gaza by Hamas demands three commands: immediate ceasefire; a two-states solution; and the ousting of autocratic, murdering Prime Minister Netanyahu!
The next monthly LOCKDOWN COMEDY show (on Zoom) will be the LAST one, and it will be in honor and memory of 93 years young Arline Geduldig, mother of Kung Pao Kosher Comedy producer and creator Lisa Geduldig. Arline, a monthly staple on the show, passed away in August. The show will take place on Thursday, September 19, at 7 pm Pacific and will feature comedy all-stars Wendy Liebman (LA), Scott Blakeman (NY), Eve Meyer (SF), Lisa Geduldig (SF), and comedy clips of her late mother Arline (Florida). Lockdown Comedy began monthly on Zoom in July 2020, and featured comedians from all over the U.S. and sometimes internationally. https://www.koshercomedy.com/
NATIONAL HISPANIC (LATINO) HERITAGE MONTH is annually celebrated from September 15 to October 15 in the United States for recognizing the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans (Latinx, Latinos, Latinas) to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. More about this will be in my September 19 column—where I will have more room to elaborate.
Sister Dana sez, “Will they? Won’t they? The Big Debate is scheduled for September 10 on ABC-TV. As we go to press, it is still uncertain whether T-rump will show up or chicken out. I am hoping it’s a GO, and the Orange Ogre will show his true, un-presidential, unhinged, lying, raging, idiotic self for ALL to witness!!!”
Sister Dana Sez, Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun
Published on September , 2024
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