Sister Dana sez, “June 19th is Father’s Day, so I want to be the first to wish all you fathers a very happy day! And that includes you leather daddies!”
In celebration of Harvey Milk’s 86th birthday, the HARVEY MILK LGBT DEMOCRATIC CLUB hosted a special matinee screening of the Oscar-winning documentary film, THE TIMES OF HARVEY MILK, at the Castro Theater on national Harvey Milk Day, May 22. The Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club was founded by namesake Harvey Milk in 1976. Today the Club continues Harvey’s legacy through political activism, electoral organizing, and building progressive power across communities and issues in San Francisco. This event was a rare opportunity to see the restored version of the film on the big screen in 35mm.
The Times of Harvey Milk, which premiered at the Castro Theatre in 1984, chronicles the political career of San Francisco’s first openly gay elected official from his rise as a neighborhood activist to a symbol of gay political achievement until his assassination in November 1978. Receiving international acclaim, industry awards, and selection for the National Film Registry in the Library of Congress, Rob Epstein’s documentary later became inspiration for Gus Van Sant’s 2008 Oscar-winning biopic, Milk. “At first, Harvey Bernard Milk showed few signs he would make history,” narrates Harvey Fierstein in the opening of the film. “Eighty-five years later, it’s hard to conceive what LGBTQ history, much less life in San Francisco, would be without him.” Amidst the mourning of the recent loss of many LGBTQ-centric social spaces and progressive cultural touchstones in San Francisco, this Harvey Milk Day was a crucial moment to celebrate one of the community’s most galvanizing leaders. Peter Gallotta, Co-President of the Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club, emceed the program and pointed out all the many important politicos in the audience. We closed the celebration singing the traditional “Happy Birthday Song” to Harvey.
KREWE DE KINQUE, the Mardi Gras-themed social and fundraising club, held its regular third Saturday beer bust fundraiser for JAZZIE’S PLACE, the LGBTQ homeless shelter, at The Edge bar. Queen VII Sister Dana was the door ‘ho’ collecting donations. Reigning King Sergio & Queen China Silk were hosts. King VII John Weber emceed the performers—including himself, China Silk, Queen IX BeBe Sweetbriar, Lady Cuki Couture, Piper Angelique, Christina Lady Bug, and Empress 42 Chika.
Carrying on the tradition of Gertrude Stein’s famed artist salons, Seth Eisen’s Eye Zen presented THE AIR MAIL SALON—uniting live performance and spectacular food to support the upcoming premiere of THE CHARLIP PROJECT, unearthing and elevating the legacy of beloved artist, author and choreographer Remy Charlip. We gathered at the home of renowned classical pianist Garrick Ohlsson and author Bob Guter, a stunning 19th Century Victorian in the Castro. Inspired by Remy’s famed “Air Mail Dances,” (choreography illustrated and sent to artists around the world to interpret) the salon spotlighted whimsical works by Remy’s friends and collaborators with artists working on “The Charlip Project.” The salon displayed a unique exhibit of Remy’s books, photos, memorabilia, and artwork. Promoting the legacy of Remy Charlip (1929–2012), sourced from a series of interviews conducted with Remy’s friends, family, and collaborators and over a year spent doing research in Remy’s archives, this work is unearthing his enchanting life story and artistic vision. Bringing together dance, live-drawing, puppetry, physical theater, and original music, “The Charlip Project” will elevate Remy’s story as an influential dancer, choreographer, theater director, picture book author, and artist who mentored numerous artists in New York, the Bay Area and beyond. eyezen.org
Frameline40 held a festive press party at Oasis to introduce THE KING OF QUEER FILM FESTIVALS, THE SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL LGBTQ FILM FESTIVAL, celebrating its 40th anniversary from June 16–26 with a new look and 11 days of groundbreaking films that reflect the diversity of queer stories from across the globe. (See cover and special section of this issue.) The sleek new logo design, through the phenomenal work of Premier Creative Sponsor Mucho, reflects the tone for Frameline as it forges ahead in a time of evolving media landscapes, larger political and social discussions about identity and expression, and emerging voices and stories still unseen by the mainstream. A new trailer debuted at the party. It will be shown on TV during the coming days. It’s a diverse bunch of queers putting on safety goggles and getting sloshed with various colors of paint and powders.
SAN FRANCISCO PRIDE and ASIASF hosted a meet-n-greet with the cast of the trailblazing Fuse TV docu-series TRANSCENDENT. The TV show features a group of talented trans women from San Francisco, Bambiana, Bionka, L.A., Nya, and Xristina, as they navigate their professional, personal, and romantic lives while performing at the award-winning AsiaSF. Bambiana, Bionka, LA, Nya, and Xristina will be Grand Marshals at the upcoming 46th Annual San Francisco Pride Parade on Sunday, June 26. TRANSCENDENT was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award in 2016 for Outstanding Reality Program and is produced by the creators of RuPaul’s Drag Race and Big Freedia: Queen of Bounce. Season 2 of TRANSCENDENT premiered last night. “San Francisco Pride is at its best when we celebrate and honor our local heroes,” said Executive Director George Ridgely, “and we are incredibly lucky to have the Ladies of Transcendent as our Celebrity Grand Marshals this year.” The evening was a fabulous fundraiser for SF Pride, and featured performances by the Ladies of Transcendent.
We all wore our Classy Cat and Top Dog attire to the 21st annual Petchitecture gala at the Fairmont Hotel. Executive Director Kaushik Roy reminded us, “Shanti Project exists to enhance the health, quality of life and wellbeing of people with terminal, life-threatening or disabling illnesses or conditions. Through a continuum of services, including in-home and onsite patient and care navigation, emotional and practical support and preserving the human-animal bond, Shanti strives to achieve the highest medical and quality of life outcomes for San Francisco’s most vulnerable.” The evening raised approximately $200,000 in support of PAWS’ mission to maintain the human-animal bond. Shanti and PAWS have recently merged to provide services for both categories of people with life-threatening illnesses and those whose pets serve as their animal support.
The honorable Nancy Pelosi sent a video to welcome everyone and to speak of the blessed offerings of PWA through the years. The Honorable Willie L. Brown, Jr., spoke of the honorees and presented plaques. PAWS’ inaugural Champion of the Human-Animal Bond Award was presented to longtime friend and supporter, Dede Wilsey, and he offered a special tribute to the recently-passed Wilkes Bashford, who will always hold a special place in our hearts. John Lipp, former PAWS executive director, gave a moving speech, including a heart-rendering story of his initial scary diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease and how his pet dog kept him going through hard times. Live entertainment was provided by our lovely friend Paula West, who opened the show and closed it flawlessly–alongside her pet bulldog–with beautiful bossa nova numbers.
SASHA SOPRANO presented The DRAG QUEENS OF COMEDY 2016 at the Castro Theatre, featuring ten of the Most Outrageous & Hilarious Drag Artistes, hosted by BIANCA DEL RIO—RuPaul’s Drag Race winner—Season 6. Four hunky guys in their skivvies go-go danced as a pre-show teaser. LADY RED COUTURE sang live an uproarious ode to the Grindr app for gay sex to the tune of “Hello” by Adele. Bianca worked the crowd mercilessly with her usual politically-incorrect barbs. Sasha informed us of the trials and tribulations of being raised a Catholic Jew. COCO PERU (Girls Will Be Girls/Trick) sang live all about karma and what goes around comes around. VARLA JEAN MERMAN (Hush Up, Sweet Charlotte) sang live to Mariah Carey’s “I Need a Hero” song, but changed lyrics about her need in her contract to have her wig hair blown with an electric fan for effect, and a “Mexican laborer” onstage with a leaf blower–eventually blowing her wig off. LADY BUNNY (founder of WIGSTOCK, DJ, icon) sang her medley of hysterical, naughty parodies, followed by a filthy dirty version of the old comedy show, Laugh-In, as hosted by “Oldie Hawn.” ALYSSA EDWARDS (RuPaul’s Drag Race – Season 5) showed a “poppin’” video of herself in a drag montage, and then gave us Texas pageant realness. TRIXIE MATTEL (RuPaul’s Drag Race – Season 6) tried out her fanciest material about the trauma of breaking up. HEKLINA & PEACHES CHRIST (SF’s legendary drag stars) were a two-for-one special of the 2 DQs (lovingly) giving each other major shade with drag tips, followed by teaching two straight men how to fellate a banana without leaving any lipstick traces. Closing the show was the always entertaining BOB THE DRAG QUEEN (RuPaul’s Drag Race winner on Season 8) calling herself an SLW (Seriously Large Woman) and got crazy “racist” with the audience, kidding everyone about how fearful she was “to the white folks” as a black drag queen–including my delighted BF Kevin, and then woke up a startled sleeping guy in the front row. She was absolutely fierce! The entire show was nothing less than flawless!
SF AIDS FOUNDATION threw a small party at Strut in the Castro to celebrate their thousandth enrollment in the SF AIDS Foundation PrEP clinic. PrEP is taking the HIV pill Truvada every day in case of an exposure to HIV. It is highly protective, FDA-approved, and recommended by the CDC. Staff and friends gathered around a blue Truvada pill-shaped cake for the occasion. SFAF Director of Nursing Pierre-Cedric Crouch thanked the staff and volunteers, adding it was actually the 1,100th enrollment that day. sfaf.org
PRIDE ART SHOW, sponsored by Scissors & Cloth of San Francisco, is now open at the tiny little studio at 611 Hyde through June 30th. Artwork by Andrew Fisher, Thomasina DeMaio, Brian Moore, Matt Pipes, Morris Taylor, Elliott C Nathan, Rene Capone, and James Swainson is on display Tuesdays – Saturdays 1 pm–7 pm, open during Pride weekend and the GLBT Pride Parade special screening of Rumi Missabu’s 1972 Cockettes Cult Classic Elevator Girls in Bondage (James Bartlett). Curated by René Capone & presented by Miss Karen Imperial of The Bryant Street Gallery in Palo Alto, the gallery is showcasing world-class artists who reflect their vision of “Pride: Ritual, Independence, Determination & Endurance.” Among my favorites are DeMaio’s oils series, “Westlake Joes,” portraying the classic building, staff, and clientele of the famous restaurant, as well as depicting “Candlestick” Park; Taylor’s watercolors (especially the Monet-inspired gardens); Capone’s untitled Zebra boy, and Pipes’ series of bare-chested men, including “Our Time Is Now,” “Butterfly Effect,” and “Little Kiss.” And “doughnut” miss Moore’s sweet “Donut” series! 611hyde.net
Hurry! You only have a few more days to see Noël Coward’s PRESENT LAUGHTER – Part 2 of THEATRE RHINO’s Noël Coward Celebration on stage NOW at Eureka Theatre, 215 Jackson Street at Battery. Garry Essendine thinks the world of himself. And so do all his girlfriends and boyfriends. Present Laughter is one of Coward’s most personal and wittiest comedies. This semi-autobiographical comedy follows a self-obsessed actor in the midst of a mid-life crisis who freely indulges his considerable appetite for wine, wickedness, and sleeping late. The best of Bay Area talent hams it up: Carlos Barrera (Henry), Tina D’Elia (Liz), Adrienne Dolan (Daphne), Ryan Engstrom (Fred, who also plays Coward tunes on piano during acts), Amanda Farbstein (Joanna), John Fisher (Garry & show director), Adrienne Krug (Erikson/Saltburn), Marvin Peterle Rocha (Rolland), Adam Simpson (Morris), Kathryn Wood (Monica). Must end June 18, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, 8 pm; Saturday Matinees – 3 pm. The first act takes a bit getting used to, but the second act roars and rolls ahead with gay gusto! therhino.org
WHAT’S UP, SISTER DANA?
Sister Dana sez, “It’s Pride Month, so show yer pride and don’t miss these fun events!”
THE LESBIAN/GAY CHORUS OF SAN FRANCISCO presents the 38TH ANNUAL PRIDE CONCERT with special guests Golden Gate Men’s Chorus, Oakland East Bay Gay Men’s Chorus, and small ensembles from the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus on Saturday, June 11, 7–9:30 pm, First Unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco, 1187 Franklin Street. That’s a helluva lotta music, folks! facebook.com/lgcsfsings
HEATHER JACKS, an award-winning writer and bold expressionist, will be hosting an intimate speaking series from June until August in support of her current writing venture: a book about The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a leading edge Order of queer nuns. Held at the beautiful Spark Arts Gallery on June 16, 7–9 pm and in July and August, SISTERS SPEAK! will acquaint all attendees with the activism and dedicated work the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence perform on a daily basis. For more information, or to buy event tickets, visit sisterspeak.eventbrite.com
PRIDE IN TECH RECEPTION is Monday, June 13, 6-8pm at WeWork TransBay – 535 Mission Street, 14th Floor. Hosted by Orkut Buyukkokten, Kenzi Connor, David Currie, Lee Edwards and Rebecca Prozan. It’s a special after work reception and wine tasting with San Francisco as a welcome to SF’s LGBT tech community. eventbrite.com/e/pride-in-tech-reception
FRESH MEAT FESTIVAL 2016 is the 15th Anniversary Transgender and Queer Performance Festival at Z Space, 450 Florida Street (between 17th Street and Mariposa), Thursday–Saturday June 16–18, 8 pm (GALA! 15th Anniversary Gala Performance & Reception June 18). Transgender opera stars, North America’s same-sex ballroom champions, a gender-bending boy band, trans modern dance, gay hula, voguing, queer bachata dance and more celebrate 15 years of transforming culture, empowering audiences, award-winning transgender and queer artistry, fighting for justice, and building community. (See interview with Sean Dorsey in this issue for more info.) freshmeatproductions.org
Have a BALL with KREWE DE KINQUE Mardi Gras club every Third Saturday at the Edge, 4–7 pm! On June 18 at 4149 18th Street, King XIII Sergio Fedasz will be hosting while Queen XIII China Silk is away! Come catch the SWIMSUIT/UNDERWEAR CONTEST at 5:30 pm with prizes & Head Judge Queen VIISister Dana Van Iquity! Special Guest Performances with open show and DJ Jimmy Strano. The $10 Beer Bust includes unlimited beer/soda refills 4–7 pm. Jell-O Shots made by Sergio (You’ve been warned!). Enjoy the painful pleasure of SPANKS for Charity by King XII Joe Prince Wolf (OUCH! May I have one more, Sir?). No cover, 21+ ~ Let the GOOD TIMES ROLL with KDK!
FRAMELINE40: The King of Queer Film Festivals, the SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL LGBTQ FILM FESTIVAL, celebrates its 40th anniversary with opening night film, KIKI. More than two decades after Paris Is Burning, filmmakers Sara Jordenö and Twiggy Pucci Garçon’s vibrant documentary fast-forwards to the ballroom scene of today: an unapologetically flamboyant and political subculture centered on LGBTQ youth of color, for whom dance is far more than performance. Castro Theatre, 7 pm, followed by big gay party at Oasis.
SISTER SAYS: INDULGE and come celebrate Pride month with a beer bust thrown by your favorite leading-edge Order of queer nuns, THE SISTERS OF PERPETUAL INDULGENCE! If you dropped by for our May beer bust, then you already know the drill. Raffle Prizes! Jell-O Shots! Beer! FOOOOD! Put the FUN in FUNDRAISING with us! SF Eagle, 3–6 pm.
D’Arcy Drollinger presents: SEX AND THE CITY LIVE! every Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 7 pm, with special 9:30 shows added on Thursdays at Oasis—298 Eleventh Street @Folsom, now through July 2. Relive some of your favorite Sex and the City moments during this loving tribute to the iconic show, which finds four “young” “women” in search of the perfect relationship while looking gorgeous and knocking back plenty of Cosmopolitans. It’s dragalicious! sfoasis.com
Sister Dana sez, “The unthinkable is happening: Dangerous Donald Trump is surging in major new national polls. Now that he’s the GOP nominee, Trump is polling within the margin of error in a match-ups against Hillary Clinton. Her (as well as that of Bernie Sanders, before her) once substantial leads over Trump are gone. We simply cannot indulge in the fantasy that Democrats have this election in the bag. We cannot be complacent–or terrible Trump will triumph!”
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