By Sister Dana Van Iquity
Sister Dana sez, “A proposal to raise the federal minimum wage to $10.10, an underpinning of President Obama’s economic agenda and an issue that Democrats hope to leverage against Republicans in the midterm elections, failed in the Senate. The vote was 54 to 42. Thanks for nothing, RepubliCAN’Ts!”
PROJECT INFORM held its annual summer fundraiser, SWIMWEAR FOR A CAUSE, at the Phoenix Hotel in the patio— raising over $30,000. Everything 2(X)IST has perfected in underwear (like premium fabrics and supportive, contoured fits) was translated into very comfortable swim shorts, trunks, and briefs featured on all the male models during the poolside fashion show. Guests kicked back in gorgeous outdoor decor by CORT while enjoying amazing music by djDCM, delicious food from Chambers eat + drink, unlimited cocktails, and striking City Models strutting their stuff in swimwear from Macy’s—all to raise awareness & support for Project Inform’s life-saving mission. Now don’t take my Gay Card away, but I have to say the female models were more flashy and fun than the guys. Also, their fashions were striking; whereas there isn’t much you can do with a Speedo but pack it well. Executive Director Dana Van Gorder explained PI’s mission: fighting the HIV and hepatitis C epidemics by assuring the development of effective treatments and a cure to reach “zero new cases and zero HIV deaths;” supporting individuals to make informed choices about their health; advocating for quality, affordable health care; and promoting medical strategies that prevent new infections. He thanked Deputy Executive Director for Development Henry Lucero for throwing a fabulous party. Serving up poolside realness and gorgeousness was Honey Mahogany of RuPaul’s Drag Race fame singing live from her latest album, Honey Love, two songs, “Feeling Good” and a delicious a cappella version of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep.”
MAITRI held their annual BLISS fundraiser, KALEIDOSCOPE OF COMPASSION, at Mission Bay Conference Center at UCSF. Executive Director Michael Smithwick spoke about Maitri’s mission: No one should have to suffer or die alone. Maitri provides compassionate residential care to men and women in need of hospice or 24-hour care, and cultivates the deepest respect and love for life among its residents and caregivers. At Maitri, they strive to provide the type of care that each of us would like to receive at the end of our lives – care that is dignified, non-judgmental, unconditional. They hold dear the principle that each resident has the right to determine the degree of choice and awareness with which to experience life and death. The six components of Maitri’s model residential care program for people living with AIDS are: nursing and attendant care; comfortable accommodations; food and nutrition; social work case management; resident activities; and volunteer programs. Maitri is the only AIDS-specific residential care facility in California focusing on the underserved community of those dying of or severely debilitated by AIDS.
Opening the event was a processional ritual by Jana Drakka and Issan’s Monks. Headlining the event were vocal performances by disco diva Freda Payne (“Band of Gold” fame) and jazz chanteuse Paula West, with performances by the Centrifugal Force flaggers and Mision Flamenca dancers. An exuberant auction with Mark Paladini and witty banter with emcee Sister Roma made the event lively and fun. I especially enjoyed a BLISS-ful massage by a member of San Francisco School of Massage.
KREWE DE KINQUE, the Mardi Gras themed charity fundraising club, held a Check Presentation on Cinco de Mayo at Lookout to SAN FRANCISCO NIGHT MINISTRY with $3,000 from our Bal Masque XI proceeds. Following that, we attended Night Ministry’s SACRED COCKTAILS at Lookout to hear inspiring messages to uplift the community with Gary Virginia, president of the board of Pride, to tell us all that’s new this year. Then we enjoyed a visit from Episcopal Deacon Vicki Gray about her book, Troublemaker, a collection of prophetic sermons about difficult topics, including being a transgender deacon. Next Sacred Cocktails is Monday, June 2nd, 6:30-8pm at Lookout.
For its 20th anniversary, SERIAL MOM the movie got the full Peaches Christ treatment, including an all-new stage show inspired by the movie; not to mention Misty Sutphin herself, pop culture icon RICKI LAKE, live and in person for a pre-show Q&A conducted by Ms. Christ. We learned that director/writer John Waters was a stickler for dialogue as written with no improv allowed. And that Lake’s Hairspray co-star Divine was angry she couldn’t be the daughter as Lake played; she had to be the mother. Divine, she revealed, taught her to walk in heels. Speaking of the movie, yes, Lake was upset that so many other actors played her part on Broadway and the silver screen. Her most memorable moment in her 12 years as talk show host was kicking Rev. Fred Phelps off her set after his homophobic remarks. Lake’s latest project is a documentary, Weed the People, about the healing benefits of medical cannabis.
The hilarious live show starred the very deadly D’arcy Drollinger as D’arcy Slutfin Serial Queen and Peaches Christ as Peachy Hinkle, the innocent victim of vicious, obscene crank-caller Serial Queen, who goes on a killing spree—offing drag rule-breakers and the impolite. Victims included Peggy L’eggs as Little Orphan Tranny with her dog Sandy (played by Cousin Wonderlette); Lady Bear (as “Pussy Willows” Rosemary); and James Arthur M (Scotty the perverted tucker-sucker). The show also featured the fantastic and erotic SexiTude company of over two dozen as the Dancing Suburbanites doing their clever choreography to Barry Manilow’s “Daybreak,” just like the movie; as well as the most apropos “Maniac” from Flashdance) – each dancer individually stabbed by Slutfin, and a bizarre appearance by Camel Lips (four lip-synching punk DQs with visible camel toe). The show totally KILLED! Whenever Peaches puts on a show, be sure not to miss it, because it is always FIERCE!
CUMMING UP!!!
The NATIONAL CENTER FOR LESBIAN RIGHTS (NCLR) is proud to announce that it will honor several heroes— including actor Meredith Baxter for her LGBTQ advocacy, and survivors of so-called “reparative therapy” for their courage in speaking out to protect other LGBTQ youth—in the movement for queer equality at its 2014 ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION on May 17th, 8pm at San Francisco’s City View at Metreon. NCLR’s annual signature event attracts a sell-out crowd of 1,500 people from across the country to celebrate victories in the movement for LGBTQ equality, and to honor those who have become role models through their unfailing commitment to justice. Well-known political humorist Kate Clinton is returning for a command performance as emcee. nclrights.org
CUAV (Community United Against Violence) and their members are at the forefront of redefining approaches to LGBTQ safety. From the “White Night Riots” of 1979 to challenging the systems that criminalize us in 2014, CUAV has been strapping on LGBTQ safety! Come celebrate CUAV’s 35 years of powerful work in our community at their 35TH ANNIVERSARY OPEN HOUSE on Thursday, May 22nd, 6:30-9pm at HQ 427 South Van Ness. cuav.org
Back by popular demand, GREASE SING-A-LONG returns to the Castro Theatre for what has become a Memorial Day weekend tradition. From Friday, May 23rd, through Monday, May 26th, audiences will don their best Grease-inspired costumes and warm up their vocal chords to participate in this much-anticipated special event. Hosted by Laurie Bushman and Sara Moore, the interactive event includes goody bags to get the audience in the Rydell High school spirit. Friday 7pm, Sat-Mon 2:30 and 7pm. castrotheatre.com
Drawing on materials from the personal archives of longtime bisexual activists as well as the holdings of the GLBT HISTORICAL SOCIETY’s archives, the BICONIC FLASHPOINTS: 4 DECADES OF BAY AREA BISEXUAL POLITICS exhibit will showcase never-displayed artifacts, video, and photos from key moments in the Bay Area’s bisexual political history. The show, Thursday, May 29th at 7- 9pm, is part of an ongoing series in The GLBT History Museum’s Community Gallery that partner community curators with exhibitions professionals to create new perspectives on Bay Area queer history. The curators include: Lani Ka’ahumanu, a BiPOL founding organizer, co-editor of Bi Any Other Name; activist, poet, educator, performer and visionary grandmother Emily Drennen, an outspoken bisexual and sustainable transportation advocate who loves spending time with her wife, Lindasusan Ulrich, a writer, musician, activist, and future Unitarian Universalist minister dedicated to a vision of radical welcome, and their foster-adopt son; and Martin Rawlings-Fein, a published author, bisexual and trans activist, filmmaker, and Jewish educator studying to become a rabbi. Museum is at 4127 18th Street and Castro. glbthistory.org
A&PI WELLNESS CENTER is excited to present their 7th annual BLOOM gala on Thursday, May 29th, 6:30-9:30pm at the City View Metreon, 135 Fourth Street, 4th Floor. Bloom is a cocktail gala designed for your enjoyment, benefiting our San Francisco communities. All proceeds directly benefit their programs that transform lives by advancing health, wellness, and equality for people of all races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities, and immigration statuses. They believe everyone deserves to be healthy and needs access to the highest quality health care. At A&PI Wellness Center, health care is grounded in social justice. apiwellness.org
Justin Hall, Ed Luce, and Jon Macy are the May artists at MAGNET, the gay and bi men’s hub of health and wellbeing in the Castro. They are presenting a gay comics’ three-way for your viewing pleasure. Stop by Magnet at 4122 18th and Castro to check out their work on the wall.
ConDRAGulations to Miss Conchita Wurst, who won the impressive (otherwise straight appearing) Eurovision contest (the most popular music contest in all of Europe) in Italy for his magnificent singing to “Rise Like a Phoenix,” dressed in immaculate gown and beard with a voice from heaven above! Ms. Wurst’s words as she accepted the trophy: “This night is dedicated to everyone who believes in a future of peace and freedom. You know who you are. We are unstoppable.” Awesome!
Oh, and good for you, Michael Sam, openly gay football player who got drafted by the St. Louis Rams! Touchdown!
Sister Dana sez, “ Today CEOs get paid 354 times more than the typical worker. Back in the 1980s, CEOs only got 42 times more—one of the reasons the economy used to work better for everyone. This growing income gap between the working poor and wealthy is the greatest threat to our country’s economy, growth, and stability. The only way Americans are going to have a fair shot is if we do something to control the unreasonable CEO-to-worker pay ratio, and California has a unique opportunity to lead the nation and reverse this growing trend. Tell state legislators to support SB 1372 to raise taxes on corporations that
pay their CEOs royally and treat their workers like serfs!”
Recent Comments