By Sister Dana Van Iquity–
Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun–
Sister Dana sez, “Tyrannical Trump ignited a firestorm when he suggested that voting by mail is ‘inaccurate and fraudulent’ (it’s not) and suggested we ‘delay the election’ (we won’t, and he can’t). That would be a blatant violation of the U.S. Constitution!”
Hosted by the hilarious Fortune Feimster and Gina Yashere, with a special performance by Chloe x Halle, the online 31st annual GLAAD MEDIA AWARDS on July 30 honored media for fair, accurate, and inclusive representations of LGBTQ people and issues. Visibility of LGBTQ people has always mattered, and this year it was more important than ever. LGBTQ people—especially youth—are now forced to isolate in homes and spaces that might not be affirming. As a result, LGBTQ media images are even more of a lifeline for LGBTQ people. I was bursting with pride (and tears) viewing this virtual awards program. Fortune and Gina opened with such a searing standup send-up of such current topics as mask deniers, “Karens,” and cancel culture, as well as a celebration of triumphs in the LGBTQ community. GLAAD President Sarah Kate Ellis was an inspiration in addressing issues of activism and equality. “Be loud, proud, and visible,” she emphasized. “Stay safe, stay strong, and stay together!”
So many folx received well deserved awards. But I am especially thrilled that my fave Netflix comedy, Schitt’s Creek, won and was accepted by proud gay actor, Daniel Levy. Also, I’m so happy that MSNBC news anchor (proudly lesbian) Rachel Maddow accepted her award. I was truly joyful watching Billy Porter accepting for POSE, glorifying New York City’s African-American and Latino LGBTQ and gender-nonconforming performers in ’80s Ballroom culture. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQx0W4_QnrQ
In response to a history of entrenched racism, transphobia, and other bigotries in the queer community-at-large, the Bay Area Queer Nightlife Coalition (BAQNC), a newly formed collective of Black, Trans, and Queer individuals, launched an anonymous QUEER NIGHTLIFE SURVEY assessing standards of safety and inclusion in popular queer performance and gathering spaces in the Bay Area from the perspective of their patrons and artistic collaborators. The survey data had gathered responses from 327 individuals of diverse identities, and after collecting and organizing that data, the BAQNC reached out to the venues in focus to share this information and to hopefully create an actionable plan for anti-racist policies, anti-transphobic policies, and other policies of active safety and inclusion for the Bay Area Queer nightlife scene to uphold.
Their first virtual event was on July 30, streamed on Twitch as a Town Hall in the spirit of learning and listening to Black and Brown voices involving noted establishments in the queer community. They used this town hall forum to directly work with venue owners, producers, and management to create spaces that are inclusive for all. This eye-opening, lengthy four-hour-long event, despite many technical problems, was a learning opportunity and a step in the process of anti-racism and queer inclusion. Management from SF gay bars were invited representing Badlands and Toad Hall, The Stud Collective, Jolene’s, The Eagle, and The Edge. https://www.twitch.tv/baqnc
BTW BADLANDS has sadly announced it is closing permanently after 45 years in the Castro. Later this fall a new bar, under new ownership, will open in the Badlands location. The name of the new bar and other details will be announced later.
Sister Dana sez, “These days this journalist worries that the Secret Grammar Police will suddenly gas me, kidnap me, and throw me into an unmarked van!”
BROADWAY CARES/EQUITY FIGHTS AIDS took its signature sensational striptease online for the first time with BROADWAY BARES: ZOOM IN, a celebratory virtual edition that streamed sizzling striptease featuring NYC’s hottest dancers on August 1. Though the stream was free, donations were welcome. Every dollar donated helped those across the country affected by HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, and other critical illnesses to receive healthy meals, lifesaving medication, emergency financial assistance, housing, counseling, and more. The donations also supported and championed organizations focused on social justice and anti-racism.
Full disclosure: I was a stripper back in the ’80s. Never mind that. There was no full nudity. The show was stupendously costumed and choreographed. Featured actors included Jane Krakowski, Judith Light, and Nathan Lane. There was plenty of backstage dish. There was even a debate of snaps vs. Velcro for quick undressing. I have four standouts. “Battleship” featured naughty nautical naval men; “Feminist Studies” had protesting and political women in burlesque; “African Mask” gave a jazzy jungle ambiance; and “In-Flight Entertainment” was a disco-riffic dance with sexy air attendants flying high in the sky. Check all this out at: https://broadwaycares.org/pre-event/broadway-bares-zoom-in/
And you can still donate at: https://donate.broadwaycares.org/campaign/stripathon-2020/c278505
Sister Dana sez, “I was so pleased to see the hearse carrying the late civil rights legend Rep. John Lewis stopping by Atlanta’s rainbow crosswalks in remembrance of his embrace of LGBTQ equality.”
The House has adopted by voice vote an amendment to the fiscal 2021 Defense appropriations bill that would effectively bring an end to the Trump administration’s severe restrictions on transgender people serving openly in the U.S. military. Introduced by California Democrat Jackie Speier, chairwoman of the HOUSE ARMED SERVICES MILITARY PERSONNEL SUBCOMMITTEE, the amendment would block the use of funds to implement policy issued in April 2019 that would bar transgender people from joining the military and even keep some transgender people who are already serving from staying in.
The GLBT HISTORICAL SOCIETY has unveiled an online version of its successful exhibition “ANGELA DAVIS: OUTSPOKEN,” which was on display at the Museum from February to September 2018. The exhibition draws on rare posters and ephemera from a private collection to highlight the journey of Black lesbian activist Angela Davis: from radical scholar, to political prisoner, to revolutionary icon, to public intellectual. https://www.glbthistory.org/angela-davis
Sister Dana sez, “I am deeply troubled that my boyhood idol, Madonna, is agreeing with quack doctor Immanuel’s conspiracy theories against masks, for Hydroxychloroquine, and that demons in dreams cause sickness. Oh Madonna, how could you?!”
Now in its 5th year, OURTOWNSF LGBTQ NONPROFIT EXPO 2020 will once again be the world’s largest LGBTQ resource fair! This virtual event takes place online August 15, 12:30 pm–4:30 pm. It is free to attend and offers Bay Area groups serving the LGBTQ community the opportunity to attract new clients, volunteers, board members, and donors. And it’s fun! https://www.ourtownsf.org/nonprofit-expo
For excellent entertainment, set your DVRs for KQED PBS-TV’s GREAT PERFORMANCES for music, dance, and such classic shows as Kevin Kline in Noel Coward‘s delightful Present Laughter! https://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/
SAN FRANCISCO GAY MEN’S CHORUS presents CRESCENDO: VOICES RISING, a virtual take on their annual gala on August 17, 7 pm. This year, SFGMC is thrilled to recognize Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award winning actor, producer, and advocate Billy Porter and philanthropist and human rights activist Ariadne Getty. The evening will also feature performances and appearances from special guests Alex Newell, Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, SFGMC, the Getty Family, Ken McNeely, Wilson Cruz, and more, as well as an announcement of SFGMC’s Season 43 programming. Registration is free at www.sfgmc.org/crescendo
After a comprehensive and competitive search, the LEATHER & LGBTQ CULTURAL DISTRICT Board of Directors is pleased to announce that my friend Cal Callahan has been selected as the new District Manager. https://www.sflcd.org/
GLBT HISTORICAL SOCIETY offers this informative The Evolution of Black LGBTQ Leadership discussion:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1j6E7rw0TI
Don Grundmann, a Christian white nationalist who heads The National Straight Pride Coalition, says the group will return to Modesto, California, to stage a “straight pride event.” The first “Stanislaus County Straight Pride Event” drew approximately 20 attendees and 200 counter-protestors.
Sister Dana sez, “When Trump continually uses the phrase ‘many people say,’ he is obviously referring to the many voices in his head!”
You can join Supervisor Rafael Mandelman and his staff, along with a weekly rotating special guest, every Friday for an online ZOOMSIDE CHAT where constituents can get the latest updates and ask important questions. To join, visit his Facebook page or email erin.mundy@sfgov.org
DRAG OUT THE VOTE is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that works with drag performers to promote participation in democracy. They educate and register voters at drag events online and offline, by organizing local and national voter activations. Led by fierce drag kings and queens across the nation, they advocate for increased voter access and engagement in 2020 and beyond. DOTV alarmingly says, “One in five LGBTQ people are not registered to vote.” https://www.dragoutthevote2020.org/about
Doing THE CENSUS is an important act of claiming visibility and power. Without representation, the values, needs and interests of LGBTQ Californians will go unheard. Deadline is September 30. https://sf.gov/information/about-census
Sister Dana sez, “I just saw the perfect pun as a political slogan: ‘BIDEN: ByeDon 2020’ and really hope that comes true! Bye bye!”
Published on August 13, 2020
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