By Sister Dana Van Iquity–
Sister Dana sez, “Trump lawyer ‘Rude Ghouliani’ keeps warning the presi-dense of a possible ‘perjury trap’ in the Mueller investigation. But how could Trump fall into a trap unless he lies and thus perjures himself? Oh wait, I know: Trump ONLY tells lies!”
ALL THE T ABOUT THAT D: “Drag Queens Talk Trade” was a lively forum at STRUT, the 470 Castro hub for queer health and well-being, on August 10, second floor. Although drag queens are celebrated as ambassadors and mascots of the gay community, it gets a little more complicated when it comes time to hook up. We joined in for a fun and interactive talk show event featuring local drag queens in conversation about their sexual exploits and experiences on hookup apps. Strut Community Organizer Baruch Porras-Hernandez welcomed everyone. Featured were Rock M. Sakura, Tamale Ringwald, and U-Phoria (Peter Griggs)—all three out of drag as men beneath the makeup and butt pads. Our hostess and emcee was the fabulous LOL McFiercen (Kevin Seaman) in full drag and makeup. And she isn’t called “LOL” for nothin’, cuz she is one fierce Laugh Out Loud drag queen! She posed intimate questions on a video screen for the panel of three to candidly (and hilariously) respond. Also, the audience was encouraged to share. Everyone had a great time learning and laughing. Hopefully this will become a regular event offered at Strut in the future. https://www.strutsf.org
THE PUPPET OF LOVE SHOW is now on display at SPARK ARTS in the Castro at 4229 18th Street through August 26. It features works that clever creator Wolfram Alderson describes as “illuminated sculpture-paintings.” The pieces average six feet high and five feet wide, and are multidimensional with complex elements on multiple planes—all lighted with incandescent and red LED light. The entire room is darkened (giving a magical mysterious effect) and lit only by mostly red lights and a little white light on a stacked column of boxes. All three walls display various images of “alien planet” love and the heart. For these alien creatures, the heart is much more important than the brain. For instance, on one wall, huge cement cubes spell out in block letters in German: “We are here to learn and love,” presumably from visiting aliens. Almost all of the art contains images of the human heart. Several years in to writing “Pupazzo Universo,” a science fiction epic, Wolfram has developed a series of illuminated sculptures based on characters and themes in the work, scheduled to be published this year in a children’s sci fi book. The work featured in the show is looking forward into time and imagining a future where love is the most powerful force in the universe, and what that might look like. All of the pieces in the show are essentially “Puppets of Love.” I had to giggle at the thought of Trump’s absurd “Space Force” one day trying to attack friendly, loving space aliens. http://wolframalderson.com/love-icon-show
Sister Dana sez, “For the first time ever, the Trump-led Federal Government will charge protesters for demonstrating in the Nation’s Capital. Truck Fump, you nasty orange autocrat!”
MAX is a social community for gay men and their friends. It stands for three things: Men, Activities and Xtra value. The goal is to work together as a group to provide gay men in the San Francisco Bay Area with a large roster of social events that offer the greatest value possible for a fair cost. They work as a team to create their own original programming, plus work in concert with other organizations to promote their events in order to provide as many social options as possible to members.
MAX (originally known as Men’s Associated Exchange) was established in 1988 in response to the AIDS crisis. Out of fear, many gay men had stopped going out; MAX’s purpose was to create a “safe space” for gay men to socialize. Within a short time, it had grown to over 1,000 dues-paying members who participated in dozens of activities each year. After an eight-year hiatus, MAX was revived in 2016. I attended MAX’s SECOND SUNDAY gathering on August 12 to meet all kinds of cool gay guys at Finn Town Tavern. The next MAX event was joining their partner organization, REAF, the RICHMOND/ERMET AID FOUNDATION, for their premier fundraising event of the year, filled with music, good food, a silent auction, and plenty of fun. Join them on Friday, September 7, from 6 to 8:30 pm for their monthly signature event, TGIF, at the Hyatt Embarcadero Eclipse Bar (5 Embarcadero Center, Atrium Lobby Level). https://www.maxsf.org/event-2901630?CalendarViewType
I was quite fortunate to get invited to the very last days of the venerable five decades-long gay men’s theater, NOB HILL THEATRE, on Friday, August 17. NAKEDSWORD STUDIO was filming a 4 scene DVD about “The Last Days of Nob Hill Theatre.” CEO Tim Valenti, Sister Roma, the incredible mr. Pam, and her hunky and talented right-hand Leo Forte, along with many others from the studio, were filming the last Epic Scene. It was a bittersweet night, but a grand way to say goodbye and salute the old girl.
Sister Dana sez, “Congratz to Christine Hallquist, a Democrat from Vermont, who became the first transgender candidate to be nominated for a governorship by a major party!”
On 8/18/18 at The Edge 4–7 pm it was “BACK TO SCHOOL” time with our favorite school teacher Diana Wheeler co-hosting with Krewe de Kinque King Garaje Gooch and Krewe de Kinque Queen Miss Chief the KREWE DE KINQUE monthly benefit. Some “students” got SPANKED for charity by Phys Ed Teacher Prince Joe Wolfe. Some earned a STAR on their foreheads. It was summer fun with the $10 Beer/Soda bust (Sister Dana was school nurse offering “medicinal” light beer. DJ Jack Rojo spun tunes during recess. Lunchtime Jell-O Shots were by Bill Hendrix. Entertainment was by a diverse group of kings, queens, imperials, and ducals, including Cadillac Barbie (Gary Brackett), Aja Monet-Ashton, Kippy Marks, Miss Chief, Leandro Gonzales, and John Weber giving a live, moving tribute to the late great Aretha Franklin. The beneficiary for our annual MARDI GRAS BAL MASQUE was proudly announced to be THE LGBT ASYLUM PROJECT, because in these times, it is CRITICAL we do all that we can to assist our LGBT family members from around the world who are facing threats and persecution upon their life or bodily harm or imprisonment, just for being their true identity selves; if not from their own homeland/government, but also amongst their own blood family members.
THE RICHMOND/ERMET AID FOUNDATION (REAF) presented HELP IS ON THE WAY 24 Concert and Gala Celebrating Music, Legends & Icons, Northern CA’s largest annual, star-studded show produced by REAF directors Ken Henderson & Joe Seiler. It was a festive benefit for MEALS ON WHEELS SAN FRANCISCO and AIDS LEGAL REFERRAL PANEL on Sunday, August 19, at the Herbst Theatre. Stellar stars who performed were Leanne Borghesi (singing a gritty “No Man Is Worth It”), Eileen Bourgade (on violin with “Concerto No. 2 in D Minor”), Debby Boone (with the really romantic “Moon River”), the veteran Broadway Baby Carole Cook (who is also a hysterical standup comic: recalling the good old days “oh, to be ninety again” !!! but also belting out “Before the Parade Passes By” resulting in a glorious standing ovation), Davis Gaines (changing “If Ever You Would Leave Me” from Camelot into the purposely egotistical “If Ever I Would Leave You,” and tossing out B&W headshots to the crowd (earlier he was much more serious with the emotional “This Is the Moment” from Jekyll & Hyde), Debby Holiday (giving the Beatles a run for their money with her sexy version of “Help”), Eric Krop, (showing off his amazing range to do “To Love You More”), Kimberley Locke (opening the show along with Holiday to disco an inferno of “Last Dance” and “It’s Raining Men” complete with umbrellas, and later Locke blessing us with the Queer National Anthem, “Over the Rainbow” and “For Good” from Wicked), Jai Rodriguez (serving as an excellent emcee and also singing “So Close” from Disney’s Enchanted). Alas, Paula West was ill and could not be there to sing her fabulous jazz routines that night, but Top Shelf Classics took us down to Motown with a marvelous medley. Mary Wilson of The Supremes sang the number based on The Supremes in Dreamgirls, the show-stopping “I Am Changing.” And for the grand finale, the entire cast bathed in our applause and standing ovations by singing the official “Help Is on the Way” theme song. What an incredible night!
Sister Dana sez, “Here are some august August events you should Autumn-atically write onto your calendars! Sorry not sorry for the puns.”
GAY ASIAN PACIFIC ALLIANCE (GAPA) seeks to further the interests of LGBTQ Asian & Pacific Islanders. Celebrate 30 years of GAPA RUNWAY in style at the VIP Reception. Mingle with special VIPs, GAPA’s Royal Court, and local celebrity guests. Enjoy free drinks + hors d’oeuvres, take photos, and kick back in the exclusive lounge. Doors open from 5:30 pm to a glorious runway show starting at 7 pm on August 25, and again during intermission at the beautiful Herbst Theatre Performer’s Lounge. Get your tickets and info at http://gapavip2018.eventbrite.com
On August 26, all across the country, Americans will stand united in commitment to our freedom and our future to demand that the U.S. Senate stop Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination for a lifelong appointment to the Supreme Court. This is the Repugnican right-winger who believes Trump is above the law and cannot be impeached. EssEff’s rally will be in Civic Center at 1 pm.
Eagle Beer Bust Benefit for TENDERLOIN TESSIE HOLIDAY DINNERS is on September 2, 3–6 pm at the Eagle, 398 12th Street. $15 for all the beer or soda you can drink, and it includes food. For those not wanting to do the Beer Bust, you can have just food for $5. M.C’s will be Michael Gagne (President of Tenderloin Tessie) and Steve Jirgl (The Pushy Man of Tenderloin Tessie). This charitable organization is a nonprofit that has been feeding the community of San Francisco on Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas for over 40 years. http://www.tenderlointessie.com
San Francisco’s 42ND STREET MOON has announced the cast and creative team for the upcoming special engagement of Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award-winning musical FOLLIES in concert, featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by James Goldman. Both performances will take place at the Alcazar Theatre (650 Geary Street) on Friday, September 7, and Saturday, September 8, 8 pm. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased through the Box Office at (415) 255-8207 or online at www.42ndstmoon.org
Sister Dana sez, “I was thrilled to hear that the LGBTQ civil rights group ResisDance Media was planning to disrupt the Unite the Right gathering in D.C. with ‘lots of raging trans and queer dancers, rainbow biodegradable confetti, bumpin’ beats, and fabulousness.’ Meanwhile a measly two dozen white nationalist Nazis were greeted by thousands of lovely lively anti-racism activists.”
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