Sister Dana sez, “Look for me, the totally rainbowed-out queer nun riding in the “San Francisco Bay Times” contingent in the Pride Parade. And if you see him walking around, for gawd’s sake buy him a cocktail – no one wants to see a sober nun!”
By Sister Dana Van Iquity
SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES threw a perfectly fabulous Pride Party for their staff, journalists, photographers, friends and fans at the LGBT Community Center. Special guest legendary singer/songwriter Cris Williamson sang some of her hits. Her music and voice became the soundtrack of an entire movement and were the cornerstone of what would become known as “women’s music.” The incredible DJ Lamont worked the turntable. Poetry was by Kit Kennedy. SF Bay Times columnists Rafael Mandelman & Zoe Dunning did a fantastic job emceeing. The always lovely Donna Sachet riffed and ran the raffle. Displayed throughout was the “Kiss for the Bay Times” photo exhibit of pictures flashed as our volunteers flashed “Kiss for the Bay Times” signs to last year’s Pride Parade onlookers on the sidelines. There is even a colorful photo of Sister Dana in full-tilt rainbow drag. The exhibit will be up for viewing in the Center past Pride Week.
The SF LGBT COMMUNITY CENTER’S Board held their PRIDE PARTY at the Center. Executive Director Rebecca Rolfe spoke of this “banner year for Pride,” but cautioned our work was far from completed. Music was by Ms. Jackson, exquisite entertainment by belly dancer Heaven Mousalem doing splits and twirls, and cartoonist Elizabeth Beier offered caricatures drawn. We mingled with Center board members and supporters, took a tour of the Center, played interactive games, enjoyed an open bar and hors d’oeuvres, and danced like everyone was watching! We took a special LGBT History Quiz adapted from GLSEN (GAY, LESBIAN AND STRAIGHT EDUCATION NET-WORK) with 26 questions such as, “When was the word homosexual first coined?” “Which empires were ruled for over two centuries by queer emperors?” and “When was America’s first gay rights group founded?” I scored a miserable eight correct, and am just about to turn in my Gay Card.
HARVEY MILK PHOTO CENTER & HARVEY MILK CULTURAL ARTS CENTER presented DON’T DREAM IT… BE IT! a fabulous photography exhibit kicking off Pride and a celebration of drag, theatre, music, and Love of Life! at the Harvey Milk Center for the Arts. Hosted by the one and only Peaches Christ in total rainbow and sequin drag, there was live entertainment, DJ, dancing, and refreshments. Fantastic, full color photography was featured from Mark Christopher, Marques Daniels, Molly DeCoudreaux, Nicole Fraser-Herron, Sara Gobets, Gareth Gooch, Jose A. Guzman Colon, Michael Johnstone, Dwayne Newton, Daniel Nicoletta, and Eric Stein. The photo exhibit runs now through July 18th. There is talk of making this an annual Pride event. 415-554-9522 Harveymilkphotocenter.org
THRILLPEDDLERS is presenting CLUB INFERNO: THE ROAD TO FAME CAN BE HELL, a glam rock musical based on Dante’s Divine Comedy at the Hypnodrome now through August 8th. Concept, book, and lyrics by Kelly Kittell, who wrote the original back in the year 2000; music & lyrics by Peter Fogel (also from them good old days), directed by Russell Blackwood, with clever choreography by Marilynn Fowler. It is one hell of a good time as we watch rock star Danté (played by Peggy L’eggs), die and descend into various deeper and deeper levels of inferno via the “hellevator” (going down?!) operated by Xaron (Birdie-Bob Watt), who gives passage to the dark kingdom, and is lovingly escorted by the poet Virgil (John Flaw). As Dante goes lower and lower into the pit, she encounters all manners of evil characters on their own level, such as lustful Cleopatra (Noah Haydon), a love struck Karen Carpenter (Amber Sommerfeld), Mama Cass (Leigh Crow), Isadora Duncan (David Bicha), and a murderous Lucrezia Borgia (also Leigh Crow). Despite the taunts of disgusting dancing demons, an attack by the three-headed Dog of Hell, and other nasty stuff, our heroes continue their journey. At the final circle, they encounter Judy Garland (Zelda Koznofski). But will Dante ever escape from horrendous Hades? You have to go to hell with her to find out, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 8 pm at the Hypnodrome, 575 10th Street. hypnodrome.org
OASIS, EssEff’s hottest new nightclub and cabaret theater, presents the return of the hit show SEX AND THE CITY LIVE! featuring some of the same team behind the sold-out runs interpreting the famous TV show by TV’s (transvestites, that is) from the past four years in SF. S&TCL! runs now through July 3rd,Thursdays-Saturdays, 7 pm. Each performance features two popular episodes with scripts from the TV show, each tackling modern social issues including sexuality, pansexuality, tantric sex, sexually transmitted diseases, safer sex, promiscuity, femininity, and of course, shoes – while exploring the complex differences between lasting friendships and true relationships. Directed by D’Arcy Drollinger with costumes by Tria, Sex and the City LIVE! features four of our most prominent drag performers including Sue Casa as Carrie Bradshaw, D’Arcy Drollinger as Samantha Jones, Lady Bear as Miranda Hobbs, and Hannukah Lewinsky as Charlotte York. Rounding out the cast are: Adam Roy, L. Ron Hubby, Jordan Wheeler, and Manuel Canari. The first episode examines the pros and cons of dating a bisexual and/or drag king. The second episode asks: how can you tell if you’re a good lover? Find out at Oasis, 298 Eleventh Street, sfoasis.com
THE ROYAL BRITISH THEATRE COMPANY is closing its 9-month run of ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS LIVE that saw all twelve episodes of TV’s Ab Fab Seasons 1 & 2 on-stage. The talented ensemble has included the following wonderful actors: ZsaZsa Lufthansa, Terry McLaughlin, Dene Larson, Raya Light, Annie Larson, Lisa Appleyard, Steven Satyricon,
J. Sykes-Inness, Ginorma Desmond, Nick Leonard, Karen Ripley, Randy Blaustein, Michele Jay, Adam Schaaf, Murray Smith, Bird McCargar, LaVale-William Davis, Coco Buttah, Craig Marotzke, Marie Cartier, Jeffrey Taylor, Nick Jones, and Nick Knave. The final shows are Friday, June 26th, and Saturday, June 27th, episodes “Poor” and “Birth” 8pm at the Exit Theatre, 156 Eddy Street. See Edina plunged into poverty by her ex-husbands and scheming daughter Saffy; See Patsy explode about her lost opportunities; See 3 live births on-stage! So glam-up and party with Edina & Patsy in the final episodes. These shows are literally absolutely fabulous, sweetiedarling, and if you miss them this time around (boohoo squish squish), catch them on their next round. theexit.org
The FRAMELINE 39 SF INTER-NATIONAL LGBTQ FILM FESTIVAL began with the zany trailer of drag queens in Oz discovering “There’s no place like here” – the festival’s witty slogan. Frameline Executive Director Frances Wallace spoke about the world’s largest queer film festival and introduced Director of Exhibition & Programming, Desiree Buford and Senior Programmer Peter L. Stein, as well as the board.
Exhibition & Programming, Desiree Buford and Senior Programmer Peter L. Stein, as well as the board. The festival opened with the highly controversial I AM MICHAEL by Justin Kelly with James Franco in the titular role of a gay activist turned ex-gay and fundamental minister in a true story. Co-starring as his lovers in a gay triad are handsome Zachary Quinto and Charlie Carver. For me, the final scene made me think the reverend just might have had second thoughts – although in real life he is “happily married.” Sister Dana sez, “See this tremendously moving movie when it comes to theaters or in DVD form!”
CUMMING UP – PARADE WEEK-END & BEYOND
ELTON: THE SING-ALONG will be performed by the SAN FRANCISCO GAY MEN’S CHORUS at the Nourse Theater, 275 Hayes Street, Friday & Saturday June 26th and 27th, 8pm. Celebrate Pride with the 275 handsome men of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus! They wrap up their 37th season with a rollicking, joyous sing-along, featuring the best of Sir Elton John. From the worlds of pop music, film, and Broadway, they’ve got it covered… with your help belting some of Sir Elton’s most iconic melodies! 415-392-4400 sfgmc.org
LGBT NIGHT AT AT&T PARK is Friday June 26th, 7:15pm, AT&T Park, 24 Willie Mays Plaza. Special package Includes ticket to the Friday evening game to watch the Giants take on the Rockies; admission to pre-game LGBT Night party in Seals Plaza from 5pm-7pm; and special LGBT-themed Giants T-shirt! Partial proceeds from each special event ticket will be donated to nonprofits in the LGBT community. 415-972-2298 sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com
PINK TRIANGLE: INSTALLATION AND COMMEMORATION CEREMONY is Saturday June 27th, 10:30am at the Top of Twin Peaks, 937 Cole Street. Volunteers are always needed for installation help with over 175 bright pink canvasses and thousands of steel spikes from 7-10am. It can be seen for 20 miles. Commemoration Ceremony at 10:30 am with elected officials and Grand Marshals. THE PINK TRIANGLE, organized every year by Patrick Carney, has been installed for each Pride weekend since 1996 as a visible yet mute reminder of man’s inhumanity to man. This will be the 20th Pink Triangle display. The community has embraced the pink triangle as a symbol of pride, though it was once used in an attempt to label and shame. We must remind people of the hatred of the past to help educate others so that what happened in the Holocaust won’t be forgotten and won’t be repeated. To volunteer: (415) 726-4914 or pat724car@gmail.com
PINK PARTY is Saturday, June 27th, 3-8pm in the Castro District, presented by the LGBT COMMUNITY CENTER. Wear your pinkest finery and come support local nonprofits! DJs and live acts on four stages, food vendors, and a new VIP area. Everyone will be asked to donate at least $10 at the gate, but you can access an express line by pre-registering and donating in advance online. Go to sfcenter.org to learn more. This all-ages event is alcohol and substance free and accessible at street level. ADA compliant bathroom facilities available. No one turned away for inability to donate.
REAL BAD presents REACH on Saturday, June 27th, 3pm at Oasis, 298 11th Street. Join the REAL BAD circle of friends as we celebrate the 5-year anniversary of REACH at San Francisco’s hottest new venue, SF Oasis! DJ Amy Alderman will be taking you on a high-energy journey of uplifting anthems and melodic vocal house! BE PROUD… DO GOOD, because 100% of net proceeds benefit local Bay Area nonprofits and the Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation. realbad.org
FAERIE FREEDOM VILLAGE is Sunday, June 28th, 11 am-7 pm, UN Plaza, Civic Center. Revel in the spectacular, natural and non-commercial oasis that offers heart-connected sanctuary in the midst of a busy street festival while also showcasing and celebrating queer creative spirit. https://www.facebook.com/events/ 406091562908276
MARK ABRAMSON will read from his memoir of San Francisco in the sexy 1970’s, SEX, DRUGS & DISCO: SAN FRANCISCO DIARIES FROM THE PRE-AIDS ERA, Tuesday, June 30th, 8 pm at Magnet, 4122 18th Street in the Castro. Free event, free food and drink. magnetsf.org
Sister Dana sez, “Disgraced former NAACP chapter president Racial … er … Rachel Dolezal revealed on the ‘Today Show’ that, in addition to identifying as trans-racial, she’s also bisexual. Nope. Sorry, dear, but you cannot march in our Parade!!!”
The post sisterdSister Dana sez, “Look for me, the totally rainbowed-out queer nun riding in the “San Francisco Bay Times” contingent in the Pride Parade.” appeared first on San Francisco Bay Times.