Sister Dana sez, “What’s all this about raising the debt ceiling? Won’t it be more difficult to reach it – to dust or change light bulbs? But seriously, every time the debt ceiling needs to be raised, opponents of Social Security and Medicare-Medicaid hold our economy hostage with a ‘grand bargain’ to try to push through deeply unpopular cuts to our earned benefits. We cannot let the Repugnicans touch our entitlements!”
But on to better news. It was A PERFECTLY SUITED EVENING at HORIZONS’ annual gala dinner & casino party at The Fairmont, honoring Ambassador James C. Hormel – philanthropist, activist, and U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg (1999-2000). The evening also featured entertainment by Terry Bradford, whose past singing performances include duets with some of popular music’s biggest divas such as Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, and Sir Elton John. Jewelle Gomez presented the Leadership Award to Hormel as a force in our struggle for equality as both a donor and strategist. In the Bay Area, his name often leads lists of generous contributors to nonprofit organizations serving LGBTQs. He has played a key role in galvanizing the philanthropic and political response to HIV/AIDS.
In 2005, Horizons launched something not seen before – a single, permanent fund dedicated forever to the freedom and wellbeing of our community, built primarily through gifts. Executive Director Roger Doughty spoke of how Horizons exists to mobilize and increase resources for the LGBTQ movement and organizations that secure the rights, meet the needs, and celebrate the lives of queers. Horizons empowers individual donors and promotes giving as an integral part of a healthy, compassionate community. Horizons stewards a permanently endowed fund through which donors can make legacy gifts to ensure the community’s capacity to meet the future needs of LGBTQs.
Femcee Tita Aida brought out RuPaul’s Drag Race star Monica Beverly Hillz and Josh Klipp and the Klipptones to entertain at Sir Francis Drake for TRANSGENDER LAW CENTER’s annual gala, SPARK! celebrating 11 years igniting change. Awardees were honored: Shawna Virago with Vanguard award- “Shawna was a vital voice in TLC’s early days,”said Chris Daley. “She always pushed the organization to involve the community and be accountable to community needs, spending countless hours to help frame the organization and launch many of the programs that are still in effect today;” Kortney Ryan Ziegler, PhD with Authentic Life: “In his filmmaking, writing and community engagement, Kortney is forward thinking – he’s creating opportunities and visible space for transgender people broadly, and transgender people of color especially,” said Shawn Demmons; Lisa Mottet with Ally: “As she has improved the lives of those affected by her policy advocacy, she has also improved the lives of those she mentored and advocated for personally and professionally. This, in turn, has created a wider, more powerful movement,” wrote over 60 nominators nationwide; and Drs. Judith Lively, Jennifer Slovis, and Susanne Watson, Physicians of Kaiser Permanente of Northern California, with Community Partner awards: “These incredible women have changed the Kaiser experience for transgender community members in Northern California,” said Alix Sabin. “If you meet them, you’ll get goose bumps – they’re totally dedicated caregivers, authentic people, and world-class champions of transgender health care.”
SHANTI PROJECT celebrated its 39th anniversary with its annual signature dinner, COMPASSION IS UNIVERSAL, presented by The Honorable James C. Hormel & Michael P. Nguyen held at the Hilton Union Square. Emcee Janet Reilly introduced Shanti Executive Director Kaushik Roy, who said, “As the implementation of the Affordable Care Act continues, it is imperative for each local community to ensure their most vulnerable citizens continue to access appropriate care and support.” He added, “I believe Shanti has a significant role in how San Francisco embraces this challenge.” Shanti’s founder, Charlie Garfield, announced the largest gift ever pledged – a $600,000 donation from supporter Michael Murphy, whose wife Margo passed away from breast cancer in 2011. Garfield then presented the Margot Murphy Breast Cancer Inspiration Award to Jill Isenstadt, a Shanti volunteer for seven years. She began by running beading workshops for the Shanti Breast Cancer Program and, after a year, completed the Peer Support Training in 2007. She was with her client, Magna, for five years, and continues to facilitate monthly support group meetings for other Shanti volunteers.
Senator Mark Leno presented the James C. Hormel Client Community Spirit Award to Matt Dorsey, communications director for the SF City Attorney’s Office for the last 11 years. Dorsey has led media strategy and outreach efforts to support the city’s nationally-significant legal actions to win marriage equality in California, protect consumers, and expand access to quality, affordable healthcare. He was elected to SF’s Democratic County Central Committee in 2012, where he now serves on the local party’s executive board as corresponding secretary. After being diagnosed with HIV in 2003, Dorsey became a Shanti client in the Shanti L.I.F.E. Program on the advice of a good friend. He has since become a strong Shanti supporter and a vocal advocate for the Shanti L.I.F.E. Program’s approach to HIV education and health-enhancement.
The Monarchs of San Francisco gathered in Twin Peaks bar on October 10th for an informal, but honored, toast in loving memory of SF’s beloved Steven Rascher, Emperor XVI of San Francisco, After Norton. Emperor Steven was one of San Francisco’s most iconic, noble, and finest emperors. Friends and family celebrated his always honest and noble contributions, along with the wisdom and love he inspired in each of us. Our honored brothers and sisters across North America were asked to join the 7pm toast, join us in spirit, and raise their glasses wherever they were in toasting the incredible life of our beloved Emperor Steven.
Visit www.glaad.org/spiritday and go purple on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr and all of your other social media sites. Let’s turn the entire world purple and send a clear message that bullying isn’t a good look on anyone. We need your help to make sure that when an LGBT young person logs online this week, they’re greeted by a tidal wave of support. Turn your profile pics purple and then, on October 17, don’t forget to show your spirit by wearing purple.
LADY BUNNY starred in her first EssEff full-length one wo-man show in almost half a decade, THAT AIN’T NO LADY! at the gayborhood nightclub Rebel. Her patter was fast-paced and action-packed with many glitzy costume changes, lotsa props such as squeeze bottles and dildoes, funny videos, and Bunny’s trademark gravity-defying bouffant wig. No lengthy monologues or sappy show tunes here. Since there were a lot of clever pop music parodies, it helped if you knew the tunes. But the show was sooooooo naughty that I really can’t say much more. Except she did do some hilariously evil treatment of the divas: Cher, Madonna, and Gaga. Not to mention bashing that Bieber brat. And she did dish the dirt on her gig at RUPAUL’S DRAG U on LOGO-TV as the Dean Of Drag giving straight female contestants “Lady Lessons” in couture, makeup, and manners. Lady Bunny was nothing short of filthy fabulousity! Catch her when in town again, because she promised me she would return.
The screening of GREY GARDENS with the world premiere of a special pre-show production, RETURN TO GREYGARDENS, starred Jinkx Monsoon as Li’l Jinkxy and Peaches Christ as Big Peachy, live at the Castro Theatre. Peaches outdid herself with witty parody, flawless direction, and superb acting by the entire cast, which included the inimitable Mink Stole as herself and Lady Bear as cousin Jackie Molasses. There were multiple dancing cats and raccoons; “Tea for Two” recitals; live (not lip-synched) singing; Jerry the handyman eating corn on the cob; and the Maysles Brothers “filming” the documentary. The show even had the super-patriotic American flag waving marching finale. As a special treat, Mink Stole sang “Bang Bang! He Shot Me Down” in French. In the immortal words of Jinkxy, “I love Drag Mother. I hope she doesn’t die.”
CUMMING UP!
AIDS LEGAL REFERRAL PANEL (ALRP) commemorates 30 years of serving the legal needs of people living with HIV/AIDS at JUSTICE FROM THE HEART, their 30th annual reception & auction, Wednesday, October 16th. Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, ALRP Panel Attorney Selby Lighthill, and Hanson Bridgett LLP to be honored with California Assemblyman Tom Ammiano hosting and special guest Ambassador James C. Hormel. The wine and food reception is in the Julia Morgan Ballroom at the Merchants Exchange in San Francisco, 6 – 9pm. (415) 701-1200, alrp.org.
HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN presents its 29th annual SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA HRC GALA DINNER & AUCTION on Saturday, October 19, 5pm, The Westin St. Francis, 335 Powell Street, (415) 397-7000. Come together with many of the Bay Area’s most influential individuals who will gather at this event to celebrate the strides HRC has made toward achieving equality for our community this past year, while preparing for the work ahead. sfhrcgala.org.
Get ready for a fun filled evening in support of a San Francisco philanthropic organization, SAN FRANCISCO BEAUTIFUL (SF Beautiful). Honorary Chairs David and Sharon Seto invite you to SF Beautiful’s annual TOGETHER FOR SAN FRANCISCO Masquerade Gala. This remarkable night begins with a VIP reception at 6pm, followed by the Young and Beautiful After Party at 9:30pm, Saturday, October 19th at the City View at Metreon, 135 Fourth Street, 4th Floor. (415) 421-2608, sfbeautiful.org.
Come let your freak flag fly on October 25th and join original Cockette RUMI MISSABU for a fun-filled romp of live performances including Carl Linkhart and Donna Personna with selected music videos, trailers & teasers of Rumi’s recent filmwork; Interiors, I Scare Myself, Tip-Toe Past The Witch with filmmaker James Kimba Anderson. Event will include an auction of Cockette memorabilia, the live world premiere of The Vampire, a rare screening of the COCKETTES 1971 cult classic Elevator Girls In Bondage. Oddball Films, 275 Capp Street at 17th. $10 limited seating, RSVP to: programming@oddballfilm.com or (415) 558-8117, info: oddballfilms.blogspot.com.
EVENING OF HOPE – A NIGHT OF LIFESAVING FASHION is this year’s must-see couture event by PROJECT INFORM, featuring femcee Heklina, complete with cocktails, culinary delights, VIP designer and model after-party, and music by DJ Kid Sysko and djDCM. Gorgeous models wearing fashion with a message – Condom Couture designed by local and national designers. These stunning signature pieces, partially made of condoms, are guaranteed to impress your inner fashionista! October 26, 6 – 11pm, City View at Metreon, 135 4th Street. projectinform.org.
Direct from Las Vegas, RANDY ROBERTS LIVE! is at the Alcove Theatre, 414 Mason at Geary Street, 5th floor, now through November 2nd, Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays, 9pm. Randy does flawless, spot-on impersonations of Cher with her hits, Bette Midler singing her classic “Otto Titslinger,” a feisty Cuban Miss America contestant, and himself in drag. It’s all live singing, and the voices and mannerisms are perfection. There is entertaining video between costume changes, and she even chats with the audience. brownpapertickets.com/event/438000. In addition, gender illusionist Randy will be performing a different style of show at Martuni’s, 4 Valencia Street at Market, October 21 & 28, 7pm, reuniting with famed jazz pianist and stylist Tammy L. Hall. brownpapertickets.com/event/454422. Seeing is believing!
GLBT HISTORICAL SOCIETY presents its annual UNMASKED gala October 24th, bringing together enthusiasts of LGBTQ history for a festive evening at the Regency Center, 1290 Sutter. The gala will support the public history initiatives of the society and its world-renowned GLBT History Museum. “Unmasked pays homage to the pioneers of our community, who have made it possible for GLBT people to take off our masks and live our lives openly,”says Paul Boneberg, executive director. “This year, we’re highlighting the historic contributions of Bay Area GLBT media and journalists – and we’ll be honoring two of our own longtime volunteers for their exceptional engagement with the work of the Historical Society.”Unmasked will feature entertainment, food, and a hosted bar. (415) 777-5455, unmaskedgala.org.
Pornocopia: latest flick pick is Timberwolves from ragingstallion.com. Woof!
Sister Dana sez, “50 House Republicans, led by Rep. Reid Ribble of Wisconsin, sent a letter to Speaker Boehner urging him to make cuts to Social Security benefits before the debt ceiling is raised and our government re-opened. And Paul Ryan published an op-ed asking for the same thing: cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid in exchange for an increase to the debt ceiling. Will this spiteful, ignoble, narcissistic RepubliCAN’T Congress EVER grow a heart?!”
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