By Sister Dana Van Iquity–
Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun–
“Sister Dana sez, “The mean old Republican GRINCHES in Congress have refused to pass a relief bill for their citizens below. Their hearts are two sizes too small!”
The need to bring joy to Castro residents, businesses, shoppers, and tourists is stronger this year than ever before. CASTRO MERCHANTS have displayed a glorious Christmas tree with all the rainbow trimmings at Bank of America plaza. Fellow San Francisco Bay Times columnist Donna Sachet was among those who helped to light the tree. https://www.castromerchants.com/
Sister Dana sez, “As the carol goes: ‘make your yuletide GAY’!”
Senator Scott Wiener was sworn in for his second term in the CALIFORNIA SENATE representing Senate District 11, which includes all of San Francisco, Broadmoor, Colma, and Daly City, as well as portions of South San Francisco. He said, “Our priority needs to be helping struggling Californians, including working families, those without stable housing or at risk of losing their housing, and people struggling with food security, mental health, addiction, and other severe challenges.”
It was NAKEDSWORD‘s 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION, hosted by Tim Valenti & Sister Roma,for a virtual show jam-packed with celebrity guests, hilarious clips, and stunning performances. There were favorite moments from the “Tim & Roma Show.” Tim was surprised with a sainting by us Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. California State Senator Scott Wiener made an appearance; he had been portrayed as Supervisor Scott Cox in a video, “The Cover Up,” during the SF nudity ban. Also appearing were DQs Jackie Beat, Coco Peru, and Shangela, director Mr. Pam, Hollywood’s Bruce Vilanch, Margaret Cho, Jake Sheers, Kathy Griffin, and many more. DJ sets were by superstar producer Chi Chi LaRue & Alam Wernik. An added attraction was a special performance by Miss Pineapple 2020 winner Gemini Dai as Britney S lip-synching a sweet medley of Spears songs. https://nakedsword.com/
Sister Dana sez, “Zoom is a tremendous help while alone and sheltering in place. But I realize that lately all my friends are only in rectangles!”
Founded in 2017, THE ACADEMY is an LGBTQ+ social club open to all in San Francisco’s Castro District, focused on promoting genuine social interactions while offering engaging programming in collaboration with nonprofit organizations, local businesses, and leading community members. Located at 2166 Market Street, The Academy inducted the incomparable Juanita MORE! into THE ACADEMY LEGENDS ARCHIVE on December 4 via YouTube and Facebook streaming. Juanita has been a force of nature in San Francisco, reshaping nightlife, adding flavor to the food scene, and is a fashion icon all her own. “Loads of Love” to you, Juanita! Musical guest was Andrew Bundy, who premiered his newest piece, “Shame.” Donna Sachet and Liam Mayclem hosted this year’s ceremonies honoring the people who have made this incredible City LEGENDARY! “Architect Award” honors someone who has improved the community by creating a new institution or by vastly improving a community institution that already exists. Accepting was Manny Yekutiel. “Exemplar Award” honors those who set a good example for others in the community and embody values that we can all be inspired by. Accepting was Honey Mahogany.”Solidarity Award” was created this year to honor someone able to see beyond themselves and embrace the common humanity of others who might be part of a different group, who sees the ties that bind us together, strengthens those ties, and reminds us of our common purpose. Accepting were Shannon Amitin & Suzie Jennings for art in the Castro. https://academy-sf.com/
Jason Brock penned a perfect parody about Mister Trump’s reaction to the landslide election results based on Fleetwood Mac‘s “Landslide.” https://tinyurl.com/y485w7ma
Sister Dana sez, “Before C-19, I used to go out nightly to live entertainment or some fun party or special event. I was a social butterfly. But now my wings have been clipped. Worse than that, I have reverted into a caterpillar!
The Supreme Court has declined to take up a case brought by Oregon parents who want to exclude transgender students from school locker rooms and restrooms. The parents had demanded that trans students only use facilities that correspond with their sex at birth and not the gender with which they identify. Similar lawsuits have been dismissed by lower courts across the country. The decision to decline the case is a big win for transgender students.
The SF TRANSGENDER DISTRICT (first of its kind in the world) & HOUSE OF TULIP (Trans United Leading Intersectional, located in New Orleans) are two Black transgender-led and founded nonprofit organizations that work towards ending poverty in their local transgender communities and addressing homelessness. They held the “VIRTUAL WINTER GALA” on December 11. The theme: “House Keys not Handcuffs!” The festivities were flawlessly hosted by hilarious Diamond Stylz & Ts Madison Hinton (lovingly calling herself a “homosexual transsexual”). There were political celebrity special guest appearances such as Assemblymember David Chiu, Senator Scott Wiener, Mayor London Breed, Supervisor Matt Haney, and New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. Transgender District Co-founder Aria Sa’id spoke passionately of the mission. As did SFTD Co-founder Honey Mahagony. Live music performances ranged from The Voice‘s Tonya Boyd-Cannon to Wazi to Dawn Richard. Actors Indya Moore from Poseand Transparent‘s Ian Harvie appeared. And so many many more. Check out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPrYMWQIvAI
Sister Dana sez, “Polite people say, ‘Pardon me.’ But apparently so do White House criminals!”
Clara (Alix Feinsod), Fritz (Nick Setnik), and Uncle Drosselmeyer (Flynn De Marco) welcomed us aboard THE NUTCRACKER EXPRESS for THE DANCE-ALONG NUTCRACKER that went virtual on December 12 to benefit the SF LESBIAN/GAY FREEDOM BAND conducted by Artistic Director Pete Nowlen in his pajamas. We at home felt part of the show by dressing up in jammies or costumes for the scheduled train stops by our conductor (De Marco) to past places including Hawaii, 1960s Summer of Love, a royal ball (with Empress Mimi Osa), and outer space—all via former annual “Dance-Along” clips. We were quickly ushered “home” with our Freedom Band, playing just 8 bars of every imaginable holiday carol. Included in the show were the SF LESBIAN/GAY CHORUS, GAY FREEDOM BAND OF LOS ANGELES, and CHEER SF. Prima ballerina Sister Dana pirouetted privately in place in proper rainbow tutu. But the damn-demic did not permit the usual joyful people-to-people experience. Humbug!
HELP IS ON THE WAY FOR THE HOLIDAYS XIX was online on December 13, presented by RICHMOND/ERMET AID FOUNDATION (REAF). This 19th annual holiday gala benefited Raphael House and REAF. Producers Ken Henderson & Joe Seiler opened. The gala featured past performance clips over 18 years by such stars as Susan Anton, Adam Lambert & Catte Adams, Carol Channing, La Toya London, Leslie Jordan, Justin Guarini, Mary Wilson, Sally Struthers, Shawn Ryan, Nancy Sinatra, Sharon McNight, Jason Brock, cast members from Book of Mormon, Phantom‘s Leading Ladies, and way more. https://www.reaf-sf.org/home.html
Sister Dana sez, “Since all 50 states have certified the election results, and even SCOTUS has ruled against T-rump, can we PLEASE stop having these costly, futile, irrational lawsuits?!”
Now in its 28th year, “SONGS OF THE SEASON“—a benefit supporting PRC—returned virtually with star-studded talent, curated and hosted by Billboard recording artist Brian Kent. Beloved performers included habitual hostess/songstress Donna Sachet; Frenchie Davis (American Idol); Leanne Borghesi (NY/SF theater & cabaret artist); opera singer Breanna Sinclairé; singer/songwriter Kenny Nelson; electric violinist Kippy Marks; and vocalist/actor Dan O’Leary—allgiving us holiday cheer. Sensational show!
Sister Dana sez, “I worry that only the extremely wealthy and ‘connected’ will receive the very best $100,000 treatment for COVID-19. Alas, classism rules!”
Drag performer GottMik will be the first transmasculine contestant on RuPaul’s Drag Race. LA-based makeup artist Kade Gottlieb remarked, “It means so much for me to be on the show right now, especially being a trans guy going in. A feminine perspective of a trans guy.”
Bianca Del Rio and Peaches Christ will screen WHATEVER HAPPENED TO BIANCA DEL RIO? Find out what happens when two aging drag sisters live out their twilight years together in a hag-arrific house of horrors. “It’s one of my favorite movies ever,” Bianca Del Rio says. “There’s no modern equivalent of two actresses who hate each other as much as these two did.” Saturday, December 19, 6 pm and Sunday, December 20, 1 pm. https://peacheschrist.live/
Sister Dana sez, “Repugnicans who refuse to mask-up and cry ‘FASCISM,’ should take a long look in their mirrors and see the true fascist right in front of them!”
SAN FRANCISCO GAY MEN’S CHORUS (SFGMC) presents the all-virtual holiday extravaganza, (AT) HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS, on December 24, 5 pm, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the annual concert of joyous music—including world premiere of “Merry Everything”—as well as heartwarming videos, and a few surprises. Joining the Chorus are special guests including Tony Award winner Laura Benanti, RuPaul’s Drag Race champion Bianca Del Rio, the San Francisco Philharmonic, and more. https://www.sfgmc.org/
Answering the age-old question: “What are Jews supposed to do on Christmas?” is the solution: THE 28TH ANNUAL KUNG PAO KOSHER COMEDY (Jewish comedy on Christmas in a now virtual Chinese Restaurant). The laughs are on December 24 through 26. Well-loved comedians are Judy Gold, Alex Edelman, and Lisa Geduldig. Beneficiaries are SOUTHERN POVERTY LAW CENTER’s “Teaching Tolerance” and The Helen and Joe Farkas Center for the Study of the Holocaust. https://www.koshercomedy.com/
Sister Dana sez, “May I be the first to wish y’all a Very Happy QUEER NEW YEAR!”
Published on December 17, 2020
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