November 16, 2023 edition of the Bay Area Reporter by Bay Area Reporter

TDOR events planned

Lesbian confab eyes NYC

'Fellow Travelers'

ARTS

John Waters exhibit

The

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Vol. 53 • No. 46 • November 16-22, 2023

Spirit of Gay Games 2023 outshines COVID, politics, and doubters analysis by Roger Brigham

Courtesy Afrika America

Drag performer Afrika America was attacked November 6 after performing at the Midnight Sun.

Drag queen slashed in SF’s Castro district

by John Ferrannini

prominent Castro neighborhood drag performer was attacked late Monday with a knife, but says she is doing fine now. “Captain cranky pants over here,” Afrika America told the Bay Area Reporter. “I’m supposed to be doing other stuff with my life today, this week. That’s OK – life goes on, things happen.” A drag ambassador for Drag Out the Vote, which encourages people to register and vote in elections, America told the B.A.R. she had just wrapped up a performance at the Midnight Sun bar at 4067 18th Street and was waiting for a car from a ride-hailing app, at around 11:45 p.m. on November 6. “I literally live up the street,” she said. “As we were walking out, this guy and a gal were walking past a bar and they threw a bottle – but I want to make it clear they were just crazy, they weren’t aiming for gay people, but they were mad about something. They threw the bottle at a street light.” While America said they “weren’t aiming for gay people,” drag performer Nitrix Oxide, who was with America, said that the pair did hurl homophobic slurs at the group. “A guy and his girlfriend threw a bottle at a lamppost which shattered and they responded with f-slurs,” Oxide told the B.A.R. “Afrika and the other guy with us said they’d heard it. We basically told them to go away, knock it off.” America said she told them not to throw bottles, at which point “they started cursing at us and we said ‘just go.’” It was then that, in the words of Oxide, “the girlfriend pulled a knife.” America said that right beforehand, the woman repeatedly said, “I’ll cut you.” “She pulls out a knife and lunges at one of the guys, and I tried to disarm her,” America said, continuing that the two engaged in a physical struggle after that. “I didn’t feel the knife cut me.” The two suspects were able to get away. “This all happened in 30 seconds to a minute,” America said. “It was really fast. Then I realized ‘Oh shit, I’m bleeding.’” See page 12 >>

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f you read the superficial news reports and commentaries published in the final days leading up to the Gay Games events held in Hong Kong and Guadalajara, Mexico this month, you would have expected sparsely attended tournaments populated by athletes ducking bullets fired by Mexican cartels or constantly looking over their shoulders expecting to be kidnapped by communist party security officers. If you actually participated in the events, you would have found what is always present at the Gay Games: athletes and artists having the most joyous times of their lives overcoming obstacles and critics while transforming those around them for the better. In many ways, these may have been the most revolutionary and impactful Gay Games since the inaugural Gay Games four decades ago in San Francisco. That may sound unbelievable to the journalism hacks who pooh-poohed the games before they even happened, but then they weren’t competing or volunteering. They missed out on the magic. Leading up to Gay Games XI, which was delayed by one year and divided between two locales for the first time ever because of the onset of CO-

Courtesy Wrestlers WithOut Borders

Wrestlers posed for a photo while at the Gay Games in Guadalajara, Mexico.

VID-19 and Hong Kong’s imposition of severe travel restrictions, many news media focused on the unique challenges facing the Gay Games. They implied failure was inevitable. They ignored the unique opportunities and the extraordinary work that went into capitalizing on those opportunities. Outsports announced it would skip the Gay

Games altogether and declared the event had an undefined identity crisis. Most pre-Games news reports looked like they had been written by betaversion artificial intelligence bots assigned to write from formulaic scripts built on Google searches See page 4 >>

SF labor icon Baird, union head spar over Teamsters’ name

by John Ferrannini

legendary labor leader and longtime Castro resident is renewing a 31-yearold call for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters to change its name so it better reflects that the union’s membership is not made up solely of men. Allan M. Baird, a retired president and business agent of Teamsters Local 921, had led the famous 1973 boycott of Coors beer because of the Coors Brewing Company’s then-homophobic and anti-union stances. He famously teamed up on it with then-political newcomer Harvey Milk, a gay man who would go on to win a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977. Baird, a straight ally who has resided in the Castro since 1942, is now 91 years old. The longtime Teamster told the Bay Area Reporter during an interview at his home last week that he first initiated the discussion about changing the union’s name with its executive board back in 1992. While the exact phrasing of his proposed new name has changed since then, Baird told the B.A.R. he believes the union should now be known as the International Sisterhood and Brotherhood of Teamsters. As Baird wrote in his most recent letter to Teamsters President Sean O’Brien about the need to change the name, “especially when

John Ferrannini

Longtime International Brotherhood of Teamsters member Allan Baird is pushing for the union to add “Sisterhood” to its name and holds a letter he wrote to Teamsters’ leadership.

women have been organizing for some time now to seek parity in the workplace and protections from violence there and in the home, as well as full and equal inclusion in all aspects of daily life, and the sole right to make decisions themselves along with their doctors regarding their own health care, it seems only just and natural to see the Teamsters’ union reflect their right to equality under the law, in life, and in regard to our union.”

Three decades ago Baird said he didn’t receive a response from the union’s leaders. But he did hear back this year from O’Brien when he renewed his calls that the union change its name. O’Brien was not supportive of Baird’s proposal. “As for the union’s name, I understand your desire to remove ‘Brotherhood’ from the name,” O’Brien wrote to Baird in a letter dated May 18. See page 10 >>

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BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, and KEEP BEING YOU are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. © 2023 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. US-BVYC-0293 04/23

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<< Commentary

4 • Bay Area Repor ter • November 16-22, 2023

In difficult times by Gwendolyn Ann Smith

t was 1998 when Rita Hester, a young Black trans woman, was found dead in Alston, Massachusetts. Her passing led me to begin to chronicle our deaths, feeling that if we aren’t aware of those we’ve lost we won’t see the bigger picture of anti-trans violence. As a result, for the last quarter century, the middle of November has been consumed with the Remembering Our Dead project and the Transgender Day of Remembrance. I had hoped that by drawing attention to the vast number of people who are killed each year, simply because people hate and fear transgender people, that perhaps we could move the needle. The hope was that we would see fewer deaths, not more. Yet, I find we live in difficult times. Transgender people have been cast as the villains, painted as rapists and predators seeking to corrupt youth. Our rights are routinely under threat, as statehouses across the U.S., not to mention the governments in the United Kingdom and elsewhere, seek to remove transgender people from our lives and livelihoods, and do their level best to outlaw even the most basic care for transgender people. All the while, we have seen trans community events and drag story times attacked by violent bigots, seeking to shut down any public presentation of trans and gender-

Christine Smith

nonconforming behavior. Even large corporations have been affected, as Target was forced to remove merchandise for their store shelves after facing violence against their employees, and Anheuser-Busch faced bomb threats and boycotts all for the crime of making a single Bud Light beer can featuring the face of trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney. When I saw the first Transgender Day of Remembrance events take shape, I applauded our courage, our stand to create visibility of who we are and what we faced. Now, I dread seeing our determination used as a way to further attack us, and worry that a TDOR event could be the next target of a mass shooter seeking to purge transgender people from the world.

This year has seen more than two-dozen people killed due to antitransgender violence and hatred, with over half being Black trans women, and nearly 90% being people of color. They join the hundreds killed worldwide in 2023, and the thousands that we know of over the last 25 years. My community is no stranger to death, particularly in these difficult times. The thing is, if given a chance to thrive, you would be amazed by the people I’ve known who are trans, nonbinary, genderqueer, or gender fluid, who are drag performers of all sorts, and who are delightfully, wonderfully, unapologetically themselves. We have incredible gifts to offer, those of us who are wise enough to understand our gender identity in ways that many choose to never see, and who are able to express this in fashions few would dare to try. Our ability to see ourselves, present ourselves, and be ourselves informed every aspect of ourselves, and makes us better people as a result. I think that for those who hate transgender people – even though they always rankle at the term “transphobia” – it truly is a fear they feel. They see people who are not bound to identities in ways they cannot even envision, and that strength terrifies them in ways they also cannot express.

Yet to me, in these difficult times, that inner strength present in our community is the one thing that fuels my hope. This is a time that we, as a community, need to be there for each other, to hold each other through the pain and sorrow, to champion ourselves, to honor those we lost, and to join in a harmony of voice in recognizing that even as so many will seek to hold us down, we will still rise. This month I also want to note one more thing we’ve seen over the last few years. As bigots and internet trolls have sought to demonize transgender people, and as politicians have sought to use us as both a scapegoat for society’s ills and a distraction from their own malfeasance, we are seeing a change. Last week saw yet another November tradition play out – off-year elections. Yes, we did see transgender people win at the ballot box, such as state Senator-elect Danica Roem of Virginia, and Andrea Jenkins’ reelection to the Minneapolis City Council, but there’s much more. The right, after months of antitransgender bills becoming laws in many states, has seen many of them challenged in the courts. The mainstream media has continually

helped push an anti-trans narrative through opinion pieces, and there has been much intense hatred focused on transgender people and others who are gender-nonconforming. In many election battles, anti-trans sentiment was a part of the worst political advertisements. We saw, however, that none of this aided the right at the ballot box. Now, I am not so naive to expect this to change anything in the short term. We are moving into a presidential election year, and I can only expect that being anti-transgender is simply too dear to the right-wing to see them jettison it now. Yet, I don’t think it will serve them well, as voters are beginning to see through it all. So, that is what I wish to leave you with. We are bruised and battered. We are living with the trauma and pain. We hurt, both for ourselves, and for those in our community taken too soon. Yet, even now, in these difficult times, we can see possibility – and, yes, we can hope. t Gwen Smith will be speaking at the TDOR event at the Vallejo Naval Historical Museum on November 18. You can find her at www.gwensmith.com.

Supes’ panel advances Stud Bar’s liquor license by John Ferrannini

San Francisco Board of Supervisors committee unanimously approved a liquor license for The Stud – a necessary precondition before the iconic LGBTQ nightclub can open its new location in the South of Market neighborhood – just as the bar’s owners announced a telethon at the Castro Theatre to raise funds. “This was one of the nation’s most famed drag bars and one of the city’s oldest LGBTQ+ establishments, so I want to do what I can to support this,” said gay District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey, a member of the board’s public safety and neighborhood safety committee. His district includes the nightclub’s new location at 1123 Folsom Street. “I remember this from my drinking days – that’s how long ago that was.” Dorsey himself is a recovering addict, as he has talked about regularly. As the Bay Area Reporter previously reported, The Stud closed its location at Harrison and Ninth streets – where it’d been since 1987 – in 2020. However, the co-op collective that had bought the bar in 2016 vowed it would return. That return was announced at a news conference outside the new lo-

Gay Games

From page 1

of Gay Games history; they said damn near nothing about the sports events, the athletes, or the athletes’ insights. Commentators rightly noted the tightening political grip of the Chinese communist government on Hong Kong, with its crackdown on political activity and dissent, hostility against anyone or anything it perceives as a threat to social stability, and disturbingly vague references to the national security laws. They noted the two hosts combined drew a total of about 5,000 athletes and artists; and said 15,000 participants had been projected before the hurdles of COVID, political unrest, supply line disruptions and global inflation – failing to recognize that 15,000 was an inflated pipedream projection no LGBTQ+ sports

John Ferrannini

Honey Mahogany spoke at a September 5 news conference announcing the new location of the Stud Bar as Mayor London Breed applauds.

cation September 5, along with a campaign to raise $500,000 and hopes for a winter 2024 reopening. The online fundraiser’s webpage shows $56,807 has been raised thus far. Nate Allbee, one of the members of the collective, told the B.A.R. that “we’re still planning to open at the end of winter or early spring” next year. “We still need to raise funds to build out the interior: create a stage, green rooms, and dance floor,” he stated. “We have a telethon planned for the end of January. And we’re

currently looking for some hot daddies or mommas with money to invest who want to help save one of the most famous gay bars in the country.” Allbee stated the telethon will stream online and also be live at the Castro Theatre. David Perry, a gay man who is a spokesperson for Another Planet Entertainment, which manages the theater, confirmed Allbee’s information to the B.A.R. November 9, and said more information would be forthcoming later.

event has ever achieved. Political opponents in Hong Kong accused the Gay Games of trying to instill “Western values” for full acceptance of LGBTQ rights such as marriage equality and anti-discrimination protections for housing and jobs. Guilty! If the Gay Games didn’t stand by such values, there wouldn’t be much need for their existence. Pressure by the Chinese government to silence protest and politics was a constant in the minds of Gay Games athletes in Hong Kong. Hell, organizers reminded participants in daily emails to conduct themselves “appropriately;” follow all instructions; not to “initiate or carry out any kind of demonstration, political or otherwise;” obey all laws of China, especially those regarding national security; and that failure to do so could lead to people being kicked out of the Gay Games. Never before has any

host city felt the need to admonish participants to stifle their self-expression or political impulses. And therein lies the serendipitous service Hong Kong provided by operating despite growing political opposition and suppression, rather than collapsing. If the Gay Games had been canceled, the forces of oppression would have won. Instead they had to acknowledge our undeniable presence, our ability to dance and compete and smile and celebrate even in the darkest hours. I was not in Hong Kong; I cannot attest to the experience the athletes who were there had. But I have seen their myriad social media postings, and they are not comments of self-regret or disappointment. They are photographs and stories of triumph and joy and plans to do it all again three years hence in Valencia, Spain.

Allbee stated that $200,000 of the $500,000 has been raised in total, including contributions through the webpage and other donations. During the supervisors’ committee meeting, the San Francisco Police Department voiced no objection to granting the license. There were no letters of support or objection that’d been received. Rachel Ryan, president of the Stud Collective and general manager, thanked Dorsey for his efforts. As the B.A.R. previously reported, he shepherded legislation allowing for new nighttime entertainment on Folsom Street between Seventh and Division streets through the Board of Supervisors even though his election opponent at the time, Honey Mahogany, is also a member of the collective. Mahogany, a Black trans person, serves as chair of the San Francisco Democratic Party and is district director for Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco). Ryan said that this marks a homecoming for the Stud, whose original home was on Folsom Street, between 11th and 12th streets. At a time when other South of Market bars wouldn’t welcome people outside the leather scene, “the Stud set itself apart by welcoming everyone,” Ryan noted.

But it was during the era of the late drag artist Heklina’s Trannyshack (later Mother) parties that the Stud made its greatest impact on drag culture, Ryan said. Stefan Grygelko, better known as Heklina, died suddenly in London April 3. “We hope by securing this new space we can help keep San Francisco’s oldest queer bar around for generations to come,” Ryan concluded. Kevin Clark, a 21-year resident of the neighborhood, spoke during public comment. “I would like to heartily say we are very excited about the Stud’s return and we welcome them with open arms,” Clark said. Two others who described themselves as living on Langton Street, adjacent to the new location, also spoke to agree. District 2 Supervisor Catherine Stefani, a straight ally and chair of the committee, said that the panel often considers liquor licenses and in this case “we got it on as quickly as we could because we are very excited.” The committee voted 3-0 (the third committee member is gay District 4 Supervisor Joel Engardio) to forward the item to the full Board of Supervisors. t

Guadalajara

I was honored to receive the Federation of Gay Games highest honor, the Dr. Tom Waddell Award, during the opening ceremonies. was asked to give a brief speech accepting the award. I planned to talk about the importance of volunteering, and then give thanks at the end to Guadalajara. But as I sat in the stands waiting my turn at the microphone, I was enchanted by the sight of all of the volunteers scrambling backstage to make things happen. I saw joy and pride on anonymous faces, each expressing deep enjoyment at having the chance to make the event happen. I attended the first two Gay Games in San Francisco, and have participated in every Gay Games starting with the 2006 event in Chicago. Never have I seen such unfettered, spontaneous joy on the faces of the volunteers.

I was in Guadalajara. Those Gay Games were almost immediately cursed by tragedy. A popular American wrestler died on the eve of the Gay Games of an apparent drug overdose. A cheerleader suffered a traumatic brain injury while performing near the end of the opening ceremonies in the Pan American Games’ Scotiabank Aquatics Center. But as each of us mourned in our own ways and thoughts, the athletes and artists settled down to the tasks at hand. I did not see them quaking in their boots in fear of drug cartel hooligans. I saw athletes competing with the same fervor they always have. I saw coaches coaching, teammates partying and dining out together, and everyone rejoicing at the opportunity we had to compete with each other again. (By the way: best food ever for a host city and unbelievably inexpensive.)

See page 13 >>

Thankful for Our Community’s Diversity

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<< Community News

6 • Bay Area Repor ter • November 16-22, 2023

After assaults, trans woman upset at lack of SFPD response by John Ferrannini

Black trans woman tells the Bay Area Reporter the San Francisco Police Department isn’t doing its job after she brought two alleged assaults to its attention – including providing a picture and workplace information for one alleged assailant. “This frustrates me and it has me feeling some type of way about this,” Deanna Green said. “They’re not going to do anything when it comes to a [people of color] person of trans experience in this town being attacked.” The two alleged assaults, which occurred in the Tenderloin, are unrelated, Green said. The first was July 27 at Turk and Taylor streets. “I was standing up talking, waiting to use the bathroom and this cis straight man – heterosexual, not a gay male – was walking past me and the person using the bathroom,” Green said. “I present as a female. He butted into our conversation and said, ‘I don’t like you.’ It’s like, you don’t even know me, excuse me. He was talking to me; he reached in his pocket and reached for a knife and I was like ‘you need to remove yourself now.’ He started to charge at me with the knife and I tried to fight him but I pushed him off of me – he could’ve stabbed my face; it was a huge knife. It was just awful.” Green said she called the police who “never showed up.” “I went to the precinct and made a report,” she said, adding she had a picture of the alleged assailant and told the police where he worked. “They said they’d follow up with me and this person where they worked and nothing ever happened.” Then, on October 27 at Post and Larkin streets, Green was attacked again, she said. “It was another male, he was coming up the sidewalk, Larkin up to Post, and when he passed me, he pushed me and I was like, ‘I know you did not just touch me’ and he was like ‘fuck you, get out of the way’ and I was like ‘get out of the

John Ferrannini

The San Francisco Police Department is facing criticism from a Black trans woman who said she’s been attacked twice but police have not responded.

way? I’m not in your way,’” Green said. “I kept waiting for the person I was meeting on the corner and he said, ‘if you’re standing here when I come back, imma fuck you up.’ He went into the alley. When he came back he walked back to the corner where I was standing and he swung a [piece of] metal; it looked like a pipe.” Green stated in an email that before he pulled out the pipe “he stated he would kill me and cursed at me calling me a ‘gay bi---.’” Green said she sprayed him with pepper spray. “I had to subdue him,” Green said. “I don’t know what was going on in his head. He was not on drugs. He was in his right state of mind.” The police didn’t show up again, Green said, but she went to the precinct to file another police report. “Of course they didn’t, and I knew they weren’t going to show up,” Green said. “I haven’t heard anything.” Melissa G. Hernandez, a legislative aide for District 5 Supervisor Dean Preston, who represents the area, told the B.A.R. that Green’s story “is really concerning” and she should feel free to

reach out for assistance. Hernandez confirmed Green had not reached out as of November 14; she said she would let Preston know about the situation.

SFPD responds

Sergeant Kathryn Winters, a trans woman who is a public information officer for the department, stated to the B.A.R. that she could only locate a report on the July 27 incident. “On July 27, 2023 at approximately 4:29 p.m., an officer working the front counter at Central station was contacted by a reporting party who said they had been assaulted in the area of Turk and Taylor around 5:30 a.m. that morning,” Winters stated. “The reporting party told the officer that she was approached by the suspect who made a statement to her and then hit her. “The reporting party then hit the suspect,” Winters continued. “The reporting party said the suspect pulled out a knife and swung it at her, after which she pepper sprayed the suspect. The suspect the[n] fled the scene. The victim received a non-life threatening injury, for which she had sought medical attention for on her own.”

When asked if the department was going to investigate the incidents, Winters said in a November 1 phone interview, “I don’t have access to individual case files” and that “the suspect wasn’t fully identified. There’s nothing identifying who this individual is.” When this reporter told Winters that Green said she showed police a photo of the alleged suspect in the July 27 incident and told them where he worked, Winters said that didn’t match the information she had on hand. She did not respond to two subsequent email inquiries if information about the October 27 incident had been located. On November 14, Winters stated when asked again that “as I told you previously on that one, we have no record of anyone calling 911 or making a report on that incident based on the information you supplied.” Green alleged that “the police is not for people – they protect property, that’s what they do, and I’ve heard them out here say that. They’re not for POC people.” Winters stated in an email, “As for the statement that police are ‘only interested in protecting property, not people,’ I will say that our highest priority is to protect life. Every day our officers respond to calls for service where people are in danger, and those calls are not only of a higher priority from dispatch, but for our officers as well.” Winters stated in an email that “factors that can come into play with response times are nature of incident, other incidents occurring in the district that may tie up limited police resources, information given by reporting parties, and staffing.” Continued Winters: “Generally, when a crime is in progress, i.e. the suspect is still on scene and actively committing a crime, the call is coded as an A ‘ priority’ receiving a higher response priority. If a suspect has fled and there is no longer an immediate danger, the call is coded as a ‘B priority.’ If the incident being reported happened hours or days prior it is coded as a ‘C priority.’ Responses to B and C

priority runs can be longer depending on the volume of calls for service and the complexity of those calls and any other incidents occurring in the district. The coding of calls can also be impacted by the information available or given to the dispatcher at the time of the call.” Debra Walker, a lesbian on the city’s police commission, told the B.A.R. November 14, “Until I know more details I’m not going to comment. I’ll look into it.” Walker did say, “It’s one person’s word over the next. But it’s concerning if reports aren’t being filed.”

‘My life was in danger’

The B.A.R. reached out to Green about Winters’ response. Green said that if the department’s highest priority is protecting life, they should follow up with her. “My life was in danger. … They’re not gonna do anything? I guess there’s nothing to talk about,” she said. “This guy swung a pipe at me on October 27 up there on Post and Larkin. I still have bad anxiety about that type of stuff. “They don’t care about POC people in San Francisco and they don’t think it needs to be addressed. The next time, I could get killed,” Green said. “Some action needs to be taken, and I need some kind of satisfaction, some kind of relief, some kind of something. Nobody’s called me, nobody’s interviewed me. Nothing.” t The State of California offers help for victims or witnesses to a hate crime or hate incident. This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to cavshate.org.

Gay teacher wins Santa Clara college board race by Matthew S. Bajko

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an Jose teacher Clay Hale has won a vacant seat on a Santa Clara County college board. He returns LGBTQ representation to it and will now need to seek a full four-year term on the November 2024 ballot. Hale, a gay man, ran for the District 7 seat on the seven-person board that oversees the San José-Evergreen Community College District in the South Bay. Centered in downtown San Jose, it became vacant due to the resignation of gay San Jose City Councilmember Omar Torres, who won election to his city’s governing body last November. One of five candidates seeking to serve out the remainder of Torres’ term through the end of next year, Hale took the top spot on election night with 47% of ballots cast and has maintained that share of the vote ever since. According to the latest returns posted by the county registrar Monday afternoon, Hale’s total vote count now stands at 2,882. (A new update is expected Tuesday by 4:30 p.m.) He now leads second-place finisher, nonprofit education official Lisanna Dominguez, by 848 votes. Anthony Macias, a gay Republican who is a perennial candidate in San Jose, remains in last place with 234 votes, according to the unofficial tally. Hale, 28, who works for the East Side Union High School District, will be sworn into his seat December 12. He had declared victory in a Facebook post last Friday afternoon.

Courtesy Clay Hale

Clay Hale has declared victory in a Santa Clara County community college district race.

“Because of you and your hard work – from the day we launched our campaign to election night – we now have a teacher’s voice at the table advocating for the education all our students deserve,” wrote Hale. “Our campaign was driven by our commitment to prioritize the needs and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff above all else. I am grateful and humbled by your support.” Speaking to the Bay Area Reporter Monday, Hale said he would stand for election next fall for the full term. A first-time candidate with little name recognition in this year’s race, he said his being an out educator who will be a strong advocate for the college district’s LGBTQ students, staff and faculty really resonated with voters at a time when anti-LGBTQ groups are attacking school policies supportive of the LGBTQ community. See page 12 >>

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<< Open Forum

8 • Bay Area Repor ter • November 16-22, 2023

Volume 53, Number 46 November 16-22, 2023 www.ebar.com

PUBLISHER Michael M. Yamashita Thomas E. Horn, Publisher Emeritus (2013) Publisher (2003 – 2013) Bob Ross, Founder (1971 – 2003) NEWS EDITOR Cynthia Laird ARTS & NIGHTLIFE EDITOR Jim Provenzano ASSISTANT EDITORS Matthew S. Bajko • John Ferrannini CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Christopher J. Beale • Robert Brokl Brian Bromberger • Victoria A. Brownworth Philip Campbell • Heather Cassell Michael Flanagan •Jim Gladstone Liz Highleyman • Brandon Judell • Lisa Keen Philip Mayard • Laura Moreno David-Elijah Nahmod • Paul Parish • Tim Pfaff Jim Piechota • Adam Sandel Jason Serinus • Gregg Shapiro Gwendolyn Smith • Charlie Wagner Ed Walsh • Cornelius Washington • Sura Wood ART DIRECTION Max Leger PRODUCTION/DESIGN Ernesto Sopprani PHOTOGRAPHERS Jane Philomen Cleland Rick Gerharter • Gooch Jose A. Guzman-Colon • Rudy K. Lawidjaja Georg Lester • Rich Stadtmiller Christopher Robledo • Fred Rowe Shot in the City • Steven Underhill • Bill Wilson ILLUSTRATORS & CARTOONISTS Christine Smith

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Biden needs to nominate LGBTQ judges I

f LGBTQ voters need another reason to reelect President Joe Biden next year, we’ve got two words for you: federal judges. As we report this week, Biden recently celebrated the confirmation of his 150th federal judge, and while that is an important milestone, unfortunately, the number of lesbians and gay men who have been confirmed so far remains abysmally low at nine – including two in California. On Wednesday, Biden named his 10th LGBTQ judicial nominee, lesbian attorney and UC Berkeley alumna Nicole Berner. To date, there have been no openly trans or nonbinary people nominated for federal judgeships. With the likelihood of Republican former President Donald Trump becoming his party’s nominee, it’s critical that Biden win reelection – and the Democrats hold onto control in the U.S. Senate – so that federal judges continue to be nominated who are qualified and impartial. Too many right-wing federal judges were confirmed under Trump and his GOP predecessors, and they are now causing havoc in the courts. In some cases they are upholding state bans on gender-affirming care for trans youth. In Texas, a conservative federal judge appointed by Republican former President George W. Bush has already ruled that businesses don’t need to cover PrEP in their health plans. (That decision is currently under appeal.) It’s also important to understand that Trump is already making statements on the campaign trail that will have a chilling effect on many individuals should he return to the Oval Office. Axios reported this week that Trump’s allies are pre-screening loyalists for a power grab to centralize and expand Trump’s power at every level. “If Trump were to win, thousands of Trumpfirst loyalists would be ready for legal, judicial, defense, regulatory, and domestic policy jobs,” Axios reports. “His inner circle plans to purge anyone viewed as hostile to the hard-edged, authoritarian-sounding plans he calls ‘Agenda 47.’” This agenda, featured on Trump’s campaign website, runs the gamut from proposals stating

by Miles Borrero

LEGAL COUNSEL Paul H. Melbostad, Esq.

News Editor • news@ebar.com Arts Editor • arts@ebar.com Out & About listings • jim@ebar.com Advertising • scott@ebar.com Letters • letters@ebar.com Published weekly. Bay Area Reporter reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement which the publisher believes is in poor taste or which advertises illegal items which might result in legal action against Bay Area Reporter. Ads will not be rejected solely on the basis of politics, philosophy, religion, race, age, or sexual orientation. Advertising rates available upon request. Our list of subscribers and advertisers is confidential and is not sold. The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, and writers published herein is neither inferred nor implied. We are not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or artwork.

Bill Wilson

President Joe Biden was greeted as he arrived at Moffett Field in September.

“No Welfare for Illegal Aliens” to “Protecting Students from the Radical Left and Marxist Maniacs Infecting Educational Institutions.” He also has a plan to “Protect Children from Left-Wing Gender Insanity.” You get the picture. This will no doubt extend to people Trump nominates to federal judgeships. You can be sure they will be super conservative and schooled in right-wing orthodoxy promulgated by organizations like the Heritage Foundation, which has a well-funded “Project 2025” that aims to build now for a “conservative victory through policy, personnel, and training,” according to its website. “It is not enough for conservatives to win elections,” the website states. “If we are going to rescue the country from the grip of the radical Left, we need both a governing agenda and the right people in place, ready to carry this agenda out on day one of the next conservative administration.” Then there’s Trump himself. He was unhinged delivering a Veterans Day speech, not only denigrating his opponents but also lambasting Americans of all stripes. He suggested that those on the other side pose a greater threat than countries such as Russia, China, and North Korea.

“We pledge to you that we will root out the communists, Marxists, fascists, and the radical left thugs that live like vermin within the confines of our country that lie and steal and cheat on elections,” Trump said, repeating his false claims that the 2020 election was stolen. “They’ll do anything, whether legally or illegally, to destroy America and to destroy the American Dream.” That, of course, is nonsense. Trump is the candidate who threatens democracy, as has been pointed out time and again ever since he lost in 2020. There was the January 6, 2021 insurrection, of which he was keenly aware. There are the 91 counts against him over four criminal indictments, including those related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election. He will not stop at anything to get elected so that he can pardon himself. He wants to see extreme conservatives nominated to the federal bench. All of this comes amid an atmosphere of deteriorating rights for LGBTQ people, who have often counted on the courts to remedy legislative wrongs. Well, we can say goodbye to that avenue if Trump is elected. And make no mistake, his judicial nominees will sound reasonable at their Senate hearings, just as his three nominees to the U.S. Supreme Court did. Once the high court had its super-majority, one of the first things it did was overturn the right to abortion in Roe v. Wade in 2022. (In an interesting twist, all the states that have since had abortion-related items on their ballots have seen voters approve the right to reproductive freedom in one form or another, whether it’s enshrining that right in state constitutions, like last year in California or last week in Ohio, or rejecting limits.) Just as critical as seeing Trump defeated is Democrats holding on to their majority in the Senate, which approves federal judicial nominees. With the recent decision by West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin (D) not to seek reelection next year, that becomes a daunting task. In the meantime, Biden needs to use this last year of his first term to diversify the federal bench. In his comments marking the 150th judicial confirmation, he recognized that more diversity is needed. We want to tell him that diversity includes qualified LGBTQ people. t

Telling our stories as an act of resistance

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n 1999, before I even knew I was trans, I sat in a dark movie theater watching “Boys Don’t Cry.” I was a junior in college and one of the only people in the theater that afternoon. As I write in my memoir “Beautiful Monster: A Becoming,” upon first seeing Hilary Swank as Brandon Teena on the silver screen, “What are you? An angel? A god? I had never seen my kind before. ... For all I knew up until this point, we didn’t exist at all. We were made-up musings, dreams of a world that could be ... I had no words for it, no images. No context. I understood that Brandon was somehow a boy, but I couldn’t comprehend the complexity of it. ... “Still, in the belly of that dark, empty theater, a small ember of possibility sparked. A what if, a could be. ... And then my emotions plummeted from reverence to sheer horror – cover your eyes with your hands kind of horror – witnessing the sickening reality of the violence that took Brandon’s life. A violence inflicted on his gender, his sex, and every inch of who he was in the world. Meant to diminish, humiliate, and dominate in the most absolute and final way. By the end it was clear that whatever my connection to Brandon was didn’t matter, because it could and should never be acknowledged. It’s something to see yourself for the first time as such a sublime creature meeting such a violent end.” In 2023, 24 years later, it is something altogether different and much more horrendous to have seen myself over and over in other real-life beautiful people who have met similarly violent ends. This year alone, 22 trans people killed, 12 of them trans women of color. Back then we had no visibility. Now we have all the visibility. So much so that any Tom, Dick, JK, or Ron thinks they can argue and legislate us out of existence without even contending with facts, science, or evidence-based research. Our country, along with other colonialist powers around the globe, is laser-focused on upholding the system of white supremacist, capitalist, cis, hetero patriarchy it was founded on. But trans people know and live the truth: increased visibility can be exceedingly dangerous with no scaffolding in place to protect us from harm or help us get the care we need. Those of us in marginalized communities become casualties, our bodies policed and politicized endlessly.

Courtesy Regalo Press

Miles Borrero

So, where do we go from here? Where do we go in a world where disinformation is winning and unleashing a torrent of hateful, fear-driven laws meant to eradicate us? Where do we go when it seems likely things will get much worse before they get better? What do we do to counter the many forms of violence rising up against us? One essential act – of myriad efforts propelling our resistance – is to continue to tell our stories. Without our stories centered and told in our own voices, the movement for trans rights and trans lives risks being overwhelmed by misunderstanding, misinformation or, worse, hateful rhetoric. If and when we feel safe to do so, telling the stories of our full, human lives erodes the idea that we are different in a way that is monstrous. Six years ago, when I began writing “Beautiful Monster,” I thought I was compiling essays based on my long-running blog about how the rubber of yogic philosophy met the road of my life. But as disinformation about the trans community overran our political and cultural landscape, I realized the story that needed to be told was a different one. I had to tell my story. To simply share my humanity – in all of my quirks and questions and mistakes and growth. In the writing of it, I realized that sharing my vantage point was my own grassroots effort to push back against fear and the hate that comes with it. Because the thing that extinguishes fear is connection.

“Beautiful Monster” traces 40 years of navigating the pressures to perform femininity – half in Colombia, half in the U.S. – until my father’s impending death catalyzes something essential in my understanding of myself and my desire to transition. Within all its particularities, the story of my becoming and embracing my truest self is filled with the triumphs, heartbreaks, family dynamics, humor, spiritual pursuits, and relationships that all humans share. It encompasses so much more than my transition. And it is a love letter to my family, my community, and all the ancestors and spirits who have walked me along my path. I knew that love, humor, and connection had to be the starting points, in order to access the reader’s desire to listen and engage in the story as if it were their own. My greatest hope is that it provides a mirror of a regular human, moving through life with all of the regular human things – both for queer and trans folx searching for resonance in this world, as well as any reader having a regular human experience. Yes, our individual paths are unique, our stories divergent, and our walks of life distinct, but the broad base of our humanity is so wide within us, so shared, that it is much more compelling, ultimately, than any of our differences. This, to me, is the next frontier of trans visibility: stories of trans people living our full human lives, with hopes and dreams and joys and hilarious experiences. To push back against fear of the “other” by finding threads of commonality in the most mundane of details. To push back against sensationalized, reductive trans narratives that do not reflect who we actually are. The jury’s still out on whether minds that have been made up to hate us can be changed. But the heart – the heart is a muscle that can stretch and expand as much as it contracts. On this Trans Day of Remembrance, I grieve the beautiful, ordinary, unique trans lives we’ve lost, in all their exquisite wholeness. I remember Brandon Teena. I feel the pain of these losses, knowing how little separates me from each of them. I offer them my own story, in my own words, as a way of honoring the fullness of each of their lives. For my trans community, in resistance and as a prayer of protection, I offer you my story. t Miles Borrero, a trans man, released his new memoir, “Beautiful Monster: A Becoming,” last month.

Politics>>

November 16-22, 2023 • Bay Area Repor ter • 9

LGBTQ federal judges still lacking, says report by Matthew S. Bajko

In June, the U.S. Senate confirmed time of the report’s issuance, had ever P. Casey Pitts, an attorney from San been nominated to the federal judiciary his month President Joe Biden Francisco, to the United States District since the ratification of the Constitution. celebrated the confirmation of his Court for the Northern District of CaliAs of October there are now 21 out 150th federal judicial appointee since judges, according to the conference’s fornia. Two gay men have previously he took office three years ago. In markreport. It noted that 7% of adults in the served on the court, Vaughn Walker ing the milestone, the White House U.S. are estimated to be LGBTQ but and Martin Jenkins, but came out noted that two-thirds of the new judges only 2.4% of federal judgeships are held publicly after leaving the federal bench. are women and nearly two-thirds are by openly queer people. Walker is now retired, while Jenkins sits people of color. Biden has made progress compared on the California Supreme Court. “All of these men and women are to his predecessors, noted the report. “I think a lot of progress has been highly qualified, faithful to the rule of President Bill Clinton appointed made during this administration,” said law, and dedicated to the Constitution,” one out judge, and President Donald Zwarensteyn. “Nine openly LGBTQ stated Biden. “They come from profesTrump named two, while President lifetime judges have been confirmed sional backgrounds that have for far Barack Obama named 11 out judges and that is in less than three years comtoo long been underrepresented on the during his two terms. pared to Obama’s eight years when he bench – from labor and immigration “President Biden is poised to surpass only had 11. Our hope is that President Calabretta, courtesy U.S. District Court; Pitts, courtesy Altshuler Berzon LLP attorneys to public defenders and civil that record,” noted the conference in its Biden can certainly surpass where the Federal Judges Daniel Calabretta, left, and P. Casey Pitts, who rights lawyers.” report. Obama administration was.” both serve in California, are among the nine lesbian and gay Yet a recent report is once again highOn Wednesday, Biden announced his people nominated by President Joe Biden who were confirmed by lighting the ongoing underrepresentaA hurdle 10th LGBTQ judicial nominee by namthe U.S. Senate. tion of the LGBTQ community among The limited number of LGBTQ ing lesbian lawyer Nicole Berner to the federal judiciary. Since Biden took judges serves as its own kind of hurdle, be the first out judge on the 4th Circuit openly transgender or nonbinary per“We are seeing so many state legislaoffice in 2021, the U.S. Senate has connoted Zwarensteyn, because LGBTQ U.S. Court of Appeals. Currently general son nominated or confirmed to serve tures and federal elected officials unfairfirmed only nine out judicial nominees, nominees may question if they will feel counsel to the Service Employees Interas a lifetime federal judge, according to ly attack the LGBTQ community,” noted noted The Leadership Conference on welcome on the court to which they national Union, Berner has strong Bay the report. Of the out judges appointed Zwarensteyn. “It is really important to Civil and Human Rights in a review of are nominated. It may also lead them to Area ties, having attended UC Berkeley to lifetime tenures as district court contextualize who is really deciding LGBTQ federal judges it released this wonder if it is worth putting themselves as an undergraduate, masters, and law judges, they have served in just 10 states some of these critical issues that are refall. (https://civilrightsdocs.info/pdf/ and their families through the public school student. She also clerked in the – California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, ally coming through all of our state legOpenly-LGBTQ-Federal-Judges.pdf) scrutiny they will face by agreeing to be late 1990s for judges on the U.S. District Michigan, New York, Oregon, Pennsylislatures, state courts, federal courts, and “It is one of those issues that needs a nominee. Court for the Northern District of Calivania, Texas, and Virginia – in Congress and so on.” more attention,” Lena Zwarensteyn, “The confirmation process nominees fornia and the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of addition to D.C. and Puerto This isn’t the first time senior director of the conference’s fair have to go through can be, sometimes, Appeals. In a statement Maya Wiley, Rico. focus has been brought to courts program, told the Bay Area Requite brutal,” she said. “The treatment of president and CEO of The Leadership “It is critically important bear on the slow pace of LGporter in a recent phone interview. people of color and of LGBTQ people Conference, called Berner “a brilliant to highlight the role judges BTQ judicial nominations by In its five-page report with data as of and so on, quite frankly, is unacceptable.” lawyer whose critical professional and have in determining our the Biden administration. In October 24, the legal advocacy organiAs for seeing a trans or nonbinary lived experience is sorely needed and rights and who those judges February last year the LGzation noted that just three of the counjudicial nominee, Zwarensteyn told the will be a tremendous benefit to the are,” said Zwarensteyn, a BTQ law group Lambda try’s 13 federal circuit courts have ever B.A.R. she believes Biden should nomiFourth Circuit.” straight ally who worked Legal Defense and Educahad an out LGBTQ person serving on nate such an individual. To date, Biden has nominated several tion Fund issued a report ISO 12647-7 Digital Controlwith Strip 2009 of her LGBTQ 100 70 30 100 60 40 100 70 40federal 40 3 bench. 60 100 70 statistic 30 “is ap100 60 100 10 25 “I would 50 love 75 90 70 30 100 40 100 40 70 40 70 40 40 70 40 40 70 itAas 100 a lifetime judge. The to see a trans or100 nonbi20340people for40 the colleagues on compiling the decrying that in40his first year palling,” Zwarensteyn said. nary judge not only be nominated but Among his judicial picks have been judicial report. in office Biden “fell short on LGBTQ+ The document also highlighted that get confirmed, ” she said, adding that two gay men who were the first out The conference released it last month representation” with his appointments an openly LGBTQ person has never “there are so many qualified, fantasnominees to their federal courts to coincide with the annual LGBTQ for the federal judiciary. served as a lifetime judge on 78 of the 94 tic lawyers out there who are trans or in California. In February, former History70 70 Month30 30observance. It also70 70 30It30had 100 reported there being only 14 100 100 60 100 100 70 30 30 100 100 60 100 100 100 100 60 100 100 40 100 40 40 100 10 40 40 20 70 70 70 70 40 70 40 40 0000 3.1 2.2 2.2 10.2 7.4 7.4 25 19 19 50 40 40 75 66 66 100 100 100 80 70 70 100 federal district courts,70which amounts to nonbinary” who could be considered Sacramento County Superior Court wanted to bring more attention to who active federal judges who openly idenmore than 80%. The country has yet to for a nomination. “Anyone put forward judge Daniel Calabretta was conis serving as federal judges at a time tify as gay or lesbian, which was a mere see an out LGBTQ person nominated would probably regret personally what firmed to a seat on the U.S. District when numerous lawsuits are being filed 1.6% of the 870 Article III judgeships in for the U.S. Supreme Court. they would have to go through.” Court for the Eastern District of to block a host of anti-LGBTQ laws adthe federal judiciary. It also noted only T:9.75" To date, there has also never been an California. opted by state lawmakers. 20 openly gay or lesbian people, at the See page 12 >>

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<< Obituaries

10 • Bay Area Repor ter • November 16-22, 2023

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Lesbian activist Amber Hollibaugh dies by Cynthia Laird

ongtime lesbian activist Amber Hollibaugh, who resided for a time in San Francisco back in the 1970s, died suddenly October 20 at her home in Brooklyn, New York. She was 77. The cause of death was complications of diabetes, according to a statement from her family. Ms. Hollibaugh was a community organizer and author, perhaps best known for her 2000 book, “My Dangerous Desires: A Queer Girl Dreaming Her Way Home.” She was a selfeducated leading intellectual in the LGBTQ, feminist, sexual liberation, and economic justice movements, friends and colleagues noted. Her Bay Area connection occurred in the mid- to late-1970s and early 1980s. She was a co-founder of the San Francisco Lesbian and Gay History Project in 1978. In 1985, people held a public meeting in San Francisco that included members of the history project. Members of that group, along with the San Francisco Gay and Lesbian Periodical Archives, grew into the GLBT Historical Society, according to the society’s website. Ms. Hollibaugh was also involved in the campaign to defeat the statewide Briggs initiative in 1978. Proposition 6 on the California ballot would have banned gays and lesbians from teaching in public schools. Cleve Jones, a longtime gay activist, recalled Ms. Hollibaugh in a phone interview with the Bay Area Reporter. “She was quite extraordinarily charismatic,” Jones said. Ms. Hollibaugh, who was born June 20, 1946 in Bakersfield, California, came from a very poor family and was not formally educated, though she was extremely well read. Her partner, award-winning novelist Jennifer Levin, wrote in a Facebook post that Ms. Hollibaugh left “a chaotic and violent home at 16.” “She joined the women’s movement, studied Marxism by day, and supported herself as a stripper and sex worker by night,” Levin added. What struck Jones was that during the Prop 6 campaign, Ms. Hollibaugh, who was a member of the Bay Area Committee Against Briggs, or BACAB, found effective ways to talk to working class people about the initiative and how it would harm people. Jones also recalled Ms. Hollibaugh during the White Night riots that broke out in 1979 after a San Francisco jury convicted Dan White of manslaughter instead of murder in the assassination of gay supervisor Harvey Milk that had occurred on November 27, 1978. That same day, White, a disgruntled ex-supervisor, also shot and killed then-mayor George Moscone. “I remember standing on the steps

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Courtesy National LGBTQ Task Force

Amber Hollibaugh

of City Hall on May 21, 1979,” Jones said. “Rocks were flying and people were screaming for revenge and all the gay leaders were pleading for nonviolence. “Somehow, Amber got hold of the bullhorn and said, ‘I think we should do this more often!’ And all hell broke loose,” Jones said. “I’ll never forget that.” (Jones had posted a similar comment on Facebook after Ms. Hollibaugh’s passing.) Soon enough, police cars were set on fire as the riot spiraled out of control. Jones said that Ms. Hollibaugh was also a pioneer in fighting for the rights of sex workers. Levin remembered her partner. “Amber was a radical political organizer, a sex radical, a charismatic public speaker, and a passionate advocate for the most vulnerable and excluded among us: those who, through poverty or race or disability or sexual expression, have no piece of the pie and no place at the table, who were never invited to the table to begin with,” Levin wrote on Facebook.

Other activities

Ms. Hollibaugh moved to Brooklyn in 1981, according to the statement from friends and colleagues. She worked for the New York City Commission on Human Rights, where she was director of education for its AIDS division. She worked for the Gay Men’s Health Crisis in New York City for seven years and was founder and director of its Lesbian AIDS Project and subsequently the national director of women’s services. Ms. Hollibaugh worked as a senior strategist for Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders, or SAGE, where she was director of education, advocacy, and community building. She served in a senior strategist role for the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (now the National LGBTQ Task Force). endorse Richard Nixon’s 1972 and Ronald Reagan’s 1980 presidential campaigns. More recently, however, the union endorsed Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential race. Baird had first written O’Brien after he succeeded James P. Hoffa as the union’s leader in 2022. Hoffa is the son of late Teamsters boss Jimmy Hoffa, who disappeared in 1975 and is presumed dead. “At the time [in 1992] I was proposing the International Brotherhood and Sisterhood of Teamsters,” Baird wrote O’Brien. “At this time I think it is important to note our membership has changed beyond just gender considerations but also sexual orientation as well. Also of particular note I am happy that you stand with our Transgender Teamsters.” Unsatisfied with the initial response he received from O’Brien in the spring, Baird wrote two more letters to the union leader. (To date, O’Brien has

Prior to moving to New York, Ms. Hollibaugh lived in Chicago where she was the chief officer for elder and LBTI women’s services at the Howard Brown Health Center. Barbara Satin, a past faith work director and current consultant for the National LGBTQ Task Force, had known Ms. Hollibaugh for many years. “My early activism had focused on trans inclusion plus the affirmation of queer folks within faith settings – then I met Amber who introduced me to the beautiful, old LGBT community – my peer group,” Satin stated. “These pioneers, on whose shoulders we have built a burgeoning progressive movement, had hopes, expectations, fears, and concerns around aging that were seriously overlooked by the broader community. Through her work on LGBTQ aging at the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, including the publication of ‘Outing Age,’ the seminal work on the issue, Amber spotlighted the needs and expectations that our elders had and offered practical and appropriate responses to their difficult situations.” Satin, who noted that she is approaching her 90th birthday, stated that Ms. Hollibaugh added “an important element to my activism.” “Amber Hollibaugh still is my role model for doing activism with grace and style,” she stated. Levin stated that Ms. Hollibaugh “was trouble.” “Amber was relentless. Amber was a force of nature. She was maddening. She was dazzling. She had a generous heart and an old soul. And to say all these things is to describe only a small part of who she was,” Levin stated. In addition to Levin, Ms. Hollibaugh is survived by her stepsons, Mak Levin and Van De Laurier. A funeral was held in New York City October 29. A memorial service, open to friends, family and the community is being planned in the coming weeks. t not responded to either one.) “I respectfully disagree with your characterization,” Baird wrote in regard to how O’Brien defined the term brotherhood to be gender expansive. “It is critical to acknowledge directly the many women who are members of the union, like so many men are, and have been for so long. To that end, a more inclusive change seems called for. Adding the word ‘sisterhood’ is very different from removing the word ‘brotherhood.’” Added Baird in his most recent letter: “I am ninety-one years old, Brother O’Brien. I have worked to do this for thirty years. It is my sincere wish that you carry this through and join our Sister Teamsters with our Brothers in name with our mighty union. Please give this due consideration and a response to this letter would be gratefully appreciated.” See page 12 >>

Community News>>

November 16-22, 2023 • Bay Area Repor ter • 11

Trans remembrance events planned compiled by Cynthia Laird

David Hyman, another cultural district board member, said wayfinding is important. “I take joy and pride in the way San Francisco celebrates its neighborhoods,” Hyman said. “It would make this a visible declaration of our pride.” There was no opposition to the decorative street sign resolution, which is expected to be heard by the full board November 28.

vents are planned around the Bay Area to observe Transgender Day of Remembrance. The day, started by Bay Area Reporter Transmissions columnist Gwendolyn Ann Smith 25 years ago, is an effort to remember trans people killed by violence. Smith started the Remembering Our Dead project, of which the remembrance day is a part, in 1998, after Rita Hester, a young Black trans woman, was found dead in Alston, Massachusetts. Today, the Transgender Day of Remembrance, or TDOR, formally observed on November 20, pays tribute to the hundreds of trans people killed in the U.S. and around the world. Locally, there are a few events taking place. Smith will be one of the guest speakers at a TDOR celebration of life ceremony Saturday, November 18, from 4:30 to 9 p.m. at the Vallejo Naval Historical Museum, 734 Main Street in Vallejo. A flier for the event noted that Smith will be joined by speakers Jennie L. Thomas, Ph.D.; Mario Saucedo, president of the Solano AIDS Coalition; and Ms. Bob Davis, the founder and curator of the Louise Lawrence Transgender Archive, also located in Vallejo. The evening will also feature performances from On the Fringe Visual and Performing Arts and by Koko Chanel and her Court of Queens, and an award presentation to the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat for integrity in journalism. In San Francisco, a coalition of groups will hold a TDOR event Monday, November 20. It begins with a rally at 5:30 p.m. outside of San Francisco City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place. According to a post on Instagram, at 6 people will then march to the San Francisco LGBT Community Center at 1800 Market Street, where there will be a program from 7 to 9. The event is being organized by many organizations, including the Trans March, San Francisco Pride, the LGBT center, LYRIC, the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, the James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center at the San Francisco Public Library, the Transgender District, Bridge HIV of the San Francisco Department of Public Health, the Office of Transgender Initiatives, and the Trans Thrive program of the San Francisco Community Health Center. On the Peninsula, the San Mateo County LGBTQ Commission will observe TDOR Monday, November 20, with an event at the San Mateo Public Library, 55 W. Third Avenue, in San Mateo. An altar viewing takes place from 4:30 to 5 p.m., followed by the program and another opportunity to look at the altar at 6. According to an email announcement, the event will include a reading of names and call to action. The event is free. For more information and to register, go to https:// tinyurl.com/yckrpmzs. On November 14, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors approved a proclamation denoting November 20 as Transgender Day of Remembrance. County officials raised the transgender flag at Veterans Boulevard at the gateway to the County Center in Redwood City November 15.

Supes’ panel advances leather district signage

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors’ land use and transportation committee this week advanced to the full board a proposal to add placemaking signs to existing street signs at 26 intersections in the

MTT Way street renaming clears committee Courtesy SF Leather & LGBTQ Cultural District Rick Gerharter

Activists held signs of trans women who had been killed as part of the 2019 program for Transgender Day of Remembrance in San Francisco.

Leather & LGBTQ Cultural District in the South of Market neighborhood. The panel advanced the resolution on a 2-0 vote November 13, with acting committee Chair Supervisor Dean Preston (District 5) and Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin (D3) voting

to forward the item with a positive recommendation. Committee Chair Supervisor Myrna Melgar (D7) had an excused absence as she was returning from a trip to Japan, as the San Francisco Standard reported. The signs would help promote the cultural district, Bryan Dahl, a legislative aide to gay District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey, told the committee. Dorsey is sponsoring the proposal. San Francisco Public Works and the

A mock-up of the proposed placemaking signs for the San Francisco Leather & LGBTQ Cultural District.

San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency are aware of the plan, Dahl said. Bob Brown, who is president of the cultural district’s board, addressed the committee. “We’ve already made some inroads to establish our presence in that area,” Brown said, adding that the street signs would enhance the district and make people more aware they were in a cultural district.

The legislation to commemoratively name one block of Grove Street adjacent to Davies Symphony Hall after former San Francisco Symphony music director Michael Tilson Thomas advanced to the full Board of Supervisors after the land use and transportation committee forwarded it with a positive recommendation November 13. Tilson Thomas, a gay man, is suffering from an aggressive form of brain cancer. He was appointed music director of the symphony in 1995 and served in that role for 25 years. San Francisco Mayor London Breed proposed the legislation last month.

BETTER

TOGETHER Giving Tuesday is a global giving movement that harnesses the power of people and organizations to change their communities and the world. Help us honor Matt’s passion to foster a more caring and just world by making a ﬁnancial contribution to the Matthew Shepard Foundation on Tuesday, November 28! Donate at bit.ly/MSF2023GT.

See page 12 >>

<< Community News

12 • Bay Area Repor ter • November 16-22, 2023

Drag queen

From page 1

America was surprised she didn’t feel the blade. “Her knife must’ve been so sharp I didn’t feel it cut me,” she said. “Cops came. I did a police report, gave a decent description of what they look like. I ran home.” America later received five stitches on her left forearm at the Kaiser Permanente Medical Center on Geary Boulevard. The San Francisco Police Department could not initially find a report of the incident but did several days after the initial online publication of this report. “On November 7, 2023 at approximately 12:06 a.m., San Francisco Police Officers were dispatched to the 4000 block of 18th Street on a report of a stabbing,” spokesperson Kathryn Winters stated. “Upon arrival, officers met with the victim who had an apparent laceration. The victim had already self-administered first aid and refused further medical attention. The

Political Notebook

From page 9

At the same time, added Zwarensteyn, various groups would work to find “ways we can help champion that nominee and really create a community of support to make that happen.” Biden has benefitted from Democrats controlling the Senate during his first term, meaning it has been easier for him and his party’s members on the Senate Judiciary Committee to push through his judicial nominees. The prolonged absence of the late California senator Dianne Feinstein due to illness had delayed the committee’s work earlier this year. After Feinstein died in September at the age of 90, lesbian Black Senator Laphonza Butler (D) was sworn into the vacant Senate seat. She is now a member

News Briefs

From page 11

The honorary MTT Way sign would hang underneath the official Grove Street sign (between Franklin Street and Van Ness Avenue), according to a news release from the mayor’s office. No street addresses would need to be changed under the proposal. The committee advanced the resolution on a 2-0 vote, with acting committee Chair Supervisor Dean Preston (District 5) and Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin (D3) voting to forward the item with a positive recommendation. Committee Chair Supervisor Myrna Melgar (D7) had an excused absence. (See above.) Speaking in support of the proposal

Gay teacher

From page 6

“We are really excited our community gave an opportunity for a teacher to create a more equitable education opportunity for students,” said Hale, who was joined on the call by his partner of eight years, Jonathan Cruz Ishii, a former teacher who now works in the ed tech sector.

Baird

From page 10

Longtime advocate for equality

Baird attributed his support for equality across the spectrum of race, sex, and sexual orientation from his mother’s remarks after he danced with a girl at a picnic. “She made me what I am,” he recalled. “We went to a picnic each year in Santa Rosa. I was there and a lot of the children my age were there, dancing with everyone. I came to my mother and she said, ‘you’re having a lot of fun.’ I said ‘her eyes are different from mine, they’re not as round.’

victim told officers that they had become engaged in a verbal altercation with the suspect who had been throwing bottles in the area. In the course of the argument, the suspect produced a knife and lunged at the victim. I [sic] struggle ensued over the knife and the victim suffered a laceration in the course of the struggle. The suspect fled the scene prior to officers’ arrival.” “No arrests were made and this remains an open and active investigation,” Winters continued. When told the news of what’d happened, gay District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman stated, “That’s awful.” “Unfortunately, stories like this have become all too common in San Francisco,” Mandelman continued. “We have an epidemic of untreated mental illness and substance use disorder. I am encouraged by the movement at the state level to expand the use of conservatorship, but there’s still a ton of work to make sure we have appropriate facilities to get very sick people the care they need.” Mandelman has long supported conservatorships, but San Francisco has lagged in using them even af-

ter a state law by gay state Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) was signed by then-governor Jerry Brown in 2018 that expanded who could be conserved. Last month, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 43 by lesbian state Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman (D-Stockton) that will modernize state conservatorship laws for the first time in 50 years, his office stated. According to a news release from Newsom’s office, the law updates the definition for those eligible for conservatorship to include people who are unable to provide for their personal safety or necessary medical care, in addition to food, clothing, or shelter, due to either severe substance use disorder or serious mental health illnesses. Oxide, who has been working as a drag performer in San Francisco for six years, and America, also a longtime fixture of the city’s queer cultural scene, agreed that working in nightlife often comes with risks. “It’s always been like this,” Oxide said. “I just always tell people, whether you’re seeing a show or if you’re a performer,

tell people where you’re going and it’s good to travel in groups if going to another bar – just always let people know what you’re doing and where you’re going next.” America said she felt obligated to get involved. “Everyone’s in an avoidance situation – ‘avoid the crackheads’ – and I do think they were on something,” America said. “But you can’t be afraid in your own community to support and protect each other. “Your streets will never be safe if you keep ignoring it,” America added. “It’ll get worse and worse and worse and then you’ll get pushed out and we don’t want that, but we also want to be sensitive to people living on the streets. That’s why we do have the care teams assigned when you see someone having an issue. That’s why there’s a lot more compassionate care, but when you have people threatening each other – I’m not trying to be Joan of Arc, but I am a superwoman.” The city’s coordinated street response program urges people who see others having medical or mental health emer-

gencies to call 911, and people who want to get help with support for unhoused people, encampments, syringes and hazardous waste to call 311. Street crisis response teams consist of paramedics, a behavioral health specialist, and a peer support specialist. Anyone with information is asked to contact SFPD at 415-575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411 and begin the message with SFPD at 415-575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411.t

of the judiciary committee, making her the first LGBTQ person to serve on it and able to give voice to personal experiences when LGBTQ equality issues are discussed. “I, for one, am incredibly excited to have her personal expertise on the judiciary committee,” said Zwarensteyn, adding that in particular on LGBTQ matters, Butler can “be an authority on those issues having lived it, worked it, and so much more.” Even though Biden now faces a rough reelection battle in 2024, he should not shy away from nominating LGBTQ judges, said Zwarensteyn. Who is being named to the federal bench should be top of mind for voters not just about Biden but also for who they are electing to be their state’s U.S. senator. “With the White House race and senators up for reelection, it is something

important for people to reflect upon. Every senator votes on every single lifetime judge,” Zwarensteyn said. Although Biden’s November 7 statement marking his 150th judicial confirmation milestone did not explicitly mention LGBTQ judicial nominees, it did acknowledge more needs to be done to diversify the federal bench. “We have more work to do, and I am committed to filling every judicial vacancy with appointees whose credentials, ability, and impartiality are beyond question,” pledged Biden.

book reported, Saltzman has ruled out seeking a fourth term in 2024. She is backing Ghosh’s bid to succeed her in the District 3 seat on the oversight body for the regional transit system. A mayoral appointee on Berkeley’s transportation commission, Ghosh and her husband lead walking tours of their East Bay city that include LGBTQ stories and are planning to launch one soon of San Francisco’s Mission district, as the B.A.R. also reported last week. “I think what we need at this time at BART, which has a lot of challenges ahead, is we need someone who can really represent the riders and take on the challenges BART has,” Saltzman told the B.A.R. as for why she is endorsing Ghosh. The District 3 seat includes Berkeley, Albany, El Cerrito, Richmond, San

Pablo, Pinole, Hercules, Kensington, El Sobrante, North Richmond, Rodeo, Crockett, and Port Costa. Ghosh is currently vice chair of Berkeley’s Planning Commission and serves on the board of TransForm, which advocates for smart transportation and housing policies. “For my first 15 years in the Bay Area, I didn’t have a driver’s license. BART connected me to my community, my job, and I even rode it to my wedding. I can’t imagine my life or the Bay Area without BART,” stated Ghosh, a landscape architect who emigrated from Bangalore, India. “I’m running for BART board because the system is facing a post-pandemic fiscal emergency. We need a seasoned transportation policy activist representing District 3 capable of navigating the complex challenges ahead.”s. t

Catherine Payne joined the symphony as a piccolo player in 1996; she said she was the first musician Tilson Thomas hired. Now a flute coach with the symphony, Payne said that Tilson Thomas “is beloved in San Francisco and around the world.” No one spoke against the resolution, which is expected to be heard by the full board November 28. One public speaker said that the arts shouldn’t be weaponized, though it was unclear what he was referring to.

According to a news release, this is the eighth year of the collaboration. “This year, more than ever, we are asking the community to please be generous in supporting this very worthy cause,” SFPD officials stated. Between now and Tuesday, December 19, individuals can purchase or drop off a new, unwrapped toy in any San Francisco Walgreens or any district police station. The toys will be collected by SFPD and donated to children during the holiday season. Last year, approximately 6,000 toys were donated at Walgreens stores in the city, the release stated. t

was gay former state senator and former San Francisco supervisor Mark Leno. He has been close friends with Tilson Thomas and his husband, Joshua Robison, for the last 50 years. “Michael’s given his life to the teaching and promotion of music,” Leno said. Priscilla Geeslin, chair of the symphony’s board of governors, said the body “wholeheartedly” supports the honorary street name for Tilson Thomas. She pointed out Tilson Thomas held a Pride concert at a time when LGBTQ rights were under attack and the symphony inaugurated Chase Center in 2019 with a concert featuring the rock band Metallica. Matthew Spivey, CEO of the symphony, also stated his support. “He fully embraced his role with style,

Saltzman endorses a BART successor

Monday saw the official launch of Barnali Ghosh’s campaign to succeed lesbian BART board member Rebecca Saltzman. As last week’s Political Note-

Spencer Lowell via SF Symphony

Former San Francisco Symphony music director Michael Tilson Thomas

SFPD’s holiday toy drive ramps up

The State of California offers help for victims or witnesses to a hate crime or hate incident. This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to cavshate.org.

grace, and vigor,” Spivey said of Tilson Thomas’ tenure as music director.

The San Francisco Police Department is once again partnering with Walgreens for its annual holiday toy drive for children in need.

Oakland race results

Meanwhile, queer family advocate Sasha Ritzie-Hernandez remains in second place in her race for a seat on the Oakland Unified School District board. She has trailed since election night behind retired educator and principal Jorge Lerma. The Alameda County registrar has yet to update the vote tally in the contest since last doing so on Thursday. At that time, Lerma remained in the lead

with 57% and Ritzie-Hernandez was at 42.60% of the vote, though her deficit had declined slightly to 517 votes. Friday morning Lerma posted, “We remain optimistic about the result and immensely grateful for each of your efforts.” The candidates are vying to succeed school board member Mike Hutchinson in the District 5 area covering several of Oakland’s eastern neighborhoods. Having been redistricted into

the board’s District 4 area, Hutchinson ran for the seat last fall. Due to a mix up by the county registrar, transgender married dad Nick Resnick had been declared the winner and sworn into office in January. But faced with a lawsuit over the results, Resnick resigned from the seat. Hutchinson was then sworn into office earlier this year. He backed Lerma to succeed him in the District 5 seat. The teachers union supported Ritz-

ie-Hernandez, a resident of the city’s Fruitvale district who uses both she and they pronouns. Also backing her candidacy were the East Bay Stonewall Democratic Club, the LGBTQ political group for Alameda County, and the school board’s sole LGBTQ member, queer District 6 trustee Valarie Bachelor, who was elected last year.t

And she said, ‘She’s an Oriental girl and their eyes are different, but you should respect them. You’re not different from anybody else. Always respect women, especially young women.’ That stayed in my head.” Baird said he also remembered Japanese- and German-owned businesses that were harassed on Castro Street during World War II; his family had moved to his current residence on Collingwood Street at that time. It was during his time serving in the United States Army in Korea that he learned even more about racism. Assigned to play in the band, due to a paperwork mix up, he was temporarily assigned

to a mostly-Black, mostly-Southern unit in an era when the army had only recently been ordered desegregated. “I was the only white man in that band,” he said. “They said, ‘We’ll show you the letters we get from our parents.’ Some were murdered, homes burned down. Nothing but violence. It’s horrible.” After being sent home due to illness, Baird recuperated in Sacramento before returning to the city and getting a job with the San Francisco Chronicle, where he held a union job aiding in newspaper delivery. When he had an issue he contacted the union, which corrected it, and after that he became more and more in-

volved with the local, eventually becoming president and business agent. Baird met Milk when the latter was starting to make a name for himself as the “Mayor of Castro Street,” running for supervisor and once for state Assembly. “I was walking down Castro with my wife and this guy said, ‘I want you to meet him’ and I said ‘who is him?’ and he said, ‘he’s a politician running for office and I understand you are into politics,’” Baird recalled. “I said, ‘I’m not into it much’ and he said, ‘He wants to help the people. He’s for everyone, not just the gays. He’s for every faith.’ And he was right.” Baird had his first conversation

with Milk in Milk’s Castro Camera store. “He talked to me about all the things he wanted to do to make the Castro better and San Francisco better,” Baird said. “He said ‘there’s not going to be any discrimination in San Francisco when I get finished.’” It was the beginning of a cooperative relationship between the straight union man and the gay civil rights icon. Tragically, Milk and thenmayor George Moscone were assassinated in City Hall by disgruntled exsupervisor Dan White on November 27, 1978. See page 13 >>

Community News>>

November 16-22, 2023 • Bay Area Repor ter • 13

Lesbians Who Tech considering move to NYC by John Ferrannini

esbians Who Tech announced in an email blast November 14 it is open to moving locations for its Lesbians Who Tech & Allies Summit next year. One possibility is holding it on the East Coast for the very first time. Its willingness to do so comes after business owners in its longtime home of San Francisco’s LGBTQ Castro district have voiced opposition to allowing it to take over a main street in the neighborhood once again in 2024. During this year and in 2022 the conference closed down Castro Street for use as a gated gathering area for its attendees. “Team, for the first time in 10 years we are open to a new location for our marquee Lesbians Who Tech & Allies Summit. This is HUGE and we want to hear from all of you. What city should host our 2024

Summit?” the blast asks. “Please vote today, and fill out this super short survey.” The survey asks only about two cities – New York City and San Francisco, where the conference has been traditionally held. The survey also asks about potential dates for the conference, which this year was held October 16-20. The email blast also states that this year’s summit in the Castro was “our best ever.” It comes after many Castro residents and business leaders made it clear they may not want to open their Golden Gate for the annual tech confab – at least if doing so entails the closure of Castro Street. As the Bay Area Reporter reported earlier this month, the Castro Merchants Association voted to oppose future closings of Castro Street to the event after concerns members had brought up with the tech group went unaddressed. These included

a barrier one merchant compared to an “armed camp” in the words of Auto Erotica owner Patrick Batt, and issues with garbage collection, street signage, and communications generally. Terry Asten Bennett, a straight ally who is president of the association and co-owner of Cliff ’s Variety at 479 Castro Street, was one of those who’d expressed her frustrations. She did not immediately return a request for comment November 14 about the confab’s relocation survey. “We have a voice that goes back to the city,” she’d said at the November 2 merchants’ meeting before a vote was taken. “The city respects that, and we’d be sending our position to the supervisors, the mayor, and ISCOTT [the SFMTA’s Interdepartmental Staff Committee on Traffic and Transportation]. I’ve been asked by other neighborhood associations where we stand on this.”

It scored 100% on the national Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index in 2021 and 2022.)

Baird is not alone in his wish for a more inclusive name for the Teamsters. Susan Englander, a bisexual woman who is political director of the California Faculty Association chapter at San Francisco State University, where she teaches, told the B.A.R. that the Teamsters and the association are currently joining forces on the picket line. The Teamsters and the association are urging the California State University system to bargain in good faith on longtime demands, with particular sticking points being over raises, health benefits, and a lack of gender-neutral bathrooms on campuses. Faculty at several of the state’s universities are holding one-day strikes next month, with those at SF

State planning to do so December 5. “Allan is a bulldog,” Englander told the B.A.R. “Twenty-five percent of the Teamsters’ membership is female today. That wasn’t true 50 years ago, and Allan wasn’t the only element of these changes, but I feel as though his work in our communities really shifted the ground in terms of the awareness of the union movement in terms of other people’s rights, the fact that other people became aware of union jobs and its benefits, and fought to get those jobs.” Englander helped Baird write the letters to O’Brien. “I’m not surprised Allan got this response,” she said. “Allan himself was a center of activity of motion and of change,” Englander added. “Thirty years later after Allan started this effort, he’s older. Allan is reaching the point he wants something to happen in this longterm effort he has put into changing the name of the Teamsters.”

Also supporting Baird is Tizoc Arenas, a straight ally who is a business agent at Teamsters Local 223 in Gladstone, Oregon. He told the B.A.R., “Essentially I’m trying to help navigate sort of the processes to do this formally, but also I’m trying to organize and build support for this in our union. “In the past 10 or so years there’s a lot more progressivism [in the union] and folks are becoming less siloed, being exposed to other movements,” Arenas said. “Of course, there are folks who have issues with the name change. It’s part of our history and legacy. Once folks understand why the change is necessary, it’s like anything else we do in the labor movement. It takes education, it takes time and it takes a base of support. People within our union and outside of our union are generally supportive of it.” In a letter to the San Francisco Chronicle, which was not published,

Arenas wrote that “a name change for our union Allan believes honors the commitment our union has made to a more progressive ideological shift. I, for one, feel the same way – it is our hope to help continue to move our union and the labor movement overall in a more progressive direction.” Cleve Jones, a longtime gay community and Castro neighborhood leader who currently works for the UNITE HERE hospitality union, has known Baird since the 1970s. As the B.A.R. previously reported, Jones led a tribute march for Baird to his Castro residence during 2021’s Pride festivities. “Allan Baird is a union man and he loves his union and he’s been pushing this union to be better for decades,” Jones said. “Decades ago he built an alliance between Teamsters and the LGBT community. He spoke out against racism within the Teamsters and now he’s still pushing them on gender equity.” t

to know that after having failed in two previous bid cycles, hosting now would probably cost them any real chance to host in the future under more ideal circumstances. The inflated numbers by which mass media judged Gay Games didn’t matter to them; helping to make the Gay Games possible for the athletes who needed it now did. So I changed my speech. I thanked them for stepping in on short notice to save the Gay Games during a deep existential crisis, much as Chicago had done decades ago. I told them no one could ever deny their role in history. I told them

that for me, Guadalajara meant love. So yeah, attendance numbers overall were down this year. I don’t think that has much to do with politics or the global economy or the alleged changing role of global events for LGBTQ sports. Remember the early days of COVID? Remember all the social behaviors, such as working in offices or gathering for parties or shopping in grocery stores, that came grinding to a halt? Remember how damn near every sports event was canceled? Remember how when things started to normalize, a lot of people refused to return to offices and decided to

change jobs, even careers? A lot of LGBTQ sports clubs did not survive that disruption. Many folded; others took to Zoom training sessions. Some individuals trained on their own and lost connections with their teams. A year or two ago, when many athletes normally would have been training for tournaments such as the Gay Games, they were not. They may have lost vacation time with job changes, or moved on to other more manageable interests. So participation levels were destined to be down this cycle regardless. These Gay Games were not numerical failures;

they were successes built on shared values and commitments. They were testaments to the value and strength of the inclusive sports movement even in the face of overwhelming global challenges. A mere five thousand willing to duke it out in Guadalajara and Hong Kong? That’s great news for Valencia, host of the 2026 Gay Games. t

appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 28th of DECEMBER 2023 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner MICHAELA ROBERTS is requesting that the name UNNAMED BABY GIRL be changed to BROOKLYN ERIN ROBERTS. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 425 on the 30th of NOVEMBER 2023 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23558316

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401527

Baird

From page 12

In 1973, Baird took charge of a union strike against Bay Area beer distributors, including the Coors Brewing Company. Baird reached out to his neighbor, Milk, to build a coalition. Coors also had a 178-question employment application form, as Nancy Wohlforth explained in 2017 on the International Brotherhood of Teamsters’ website. “One question demanded: ‘Are you a homosexual?’ If you answered ‘yes,’ that terminated your application,” she stated. “Another demanded ‘Are you pro-union?’ If you answered ‘yes,’ that terminated you, too.” The successful boycott ended in the mid-1980s. (In some circles, the Coors boycott has never really ended, and it was only in more recent years that the Molson-Coors Company, as it’s now known, began enacting more LGBTQ-friendly policies for workers.

Gay Games

From page 4

And then the impact we were having on the lives of these volunteers hit me. I realized that although Guadalajara in recent years had been slowly building a reputation as an LGBTQ-friendly tourist town, never had its queerfolk had this kind of opportunity to shine in the spotlight, to garner attention supportive rather than hostile or indifferent. I suddenly understood why they had been willing to step in at the last minute under less than ideal circumstances. They had

‘Folks are becoming less siloed’

Courtesy LWT

A Lesbians Who Tech survey asks about holding summit in New York City or San Francisco.

The wording of the merchants’ resolution was specific to the street closure, and several expressed support for the conference continuing in the Castro if it were indoors, as in prior years. But the association was not able to come to a consensus on that matter and so did not vote on it. Batt, who said he closed his business at 4077-A 18th Street for the duration of this year’s confab, told the B.A.R. in response to the survey news, “I’m happy to see them go wherever they are welcome.” Leanne Pittsford, a lesbian who is the CEO and founder of Lesbians Who Tech, did not immediately return a request for comment Tuesday. In the past she has been adamant about wanting to maintain having the summit in San Francisco due to its being close to Silicon Valley, the epicenter of the tech sector.t

Roger Brigham is a former sports columnist for the Bay Area Reporter.

Legals>> CITATION TO APPEAR (FAMILY CODE § 7822) IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN MATEO, 400 COUNTY CENTER, REDWOOD CITY, CA 94063. IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF: ANDREA ARMANINO, ON BEHALF OF ANAVA ANN ARMANINO, A MINOR, FOR FREEDOM FROM PARENTAL CUSTODY AND CONTROL. CASE NO. 124306-A THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA TO: MICHAEL TERRELL JOHNESE-PRESTON

By Order of this Court, you are hereby cited to appear before the Judge presiding in Department 5 of this Court on November 30, 2023, at 2:00 p.m., then and there to show cause, if any you have, why the request of Andrea Armanino to have the minor Anava Ann Armanino declared free from your custody and control. Please be advised that should you be unable to afford counsel, and should you request it, the Court will appoint counsel to represent you. The address of the Court is 400 County Center, Redwood City, California 94063. Parties may be able to appear remotely. Information on the rules regarding remote appearances can be found at https:// www.sanmateocourt.org/court_divisions/family_law/calendars.php. Attorney for Petitioner: DEBORAH H. WALD (SBN 129936); THE WALD LAW GROUP PC, 100 BUSH ST #1900, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94104; (415) 648-3097. Dated: 10/16/2023, 9:20am; Janet Rey, Clerk.

OCT 26, NOV 02, 09, 16, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23558278

In the matter of the application of GABRIELLE LYNNE CAPILI, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner GABRIELLE LYNNE CAPILI is requesting that the name GABRIELLE LYNNE CAPILI be changed to GABBY DRAGON CALDERA. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do

OCT 26, NOV 02, 09, 16, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23558301

In the matter of the application of SIN YU NGAI, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner SIN YU NGAI is requesting that the name SIN YU NGAI AKA SINYU NGAI be changed to NATALIE SINYU NGAI. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N on the 26th of DECEMBER 2023 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

OCT 26, NOV 02, 09, 16, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23558302

In the matter of the application of HELEN POE HEONG SIM WU, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner HELEN POE HEONG SIM WU is requesting that the name HELEN POE HEONG SIM WU AKA POE HEONG SIM WU AKA HELEN POE HEONG SIM AKA HELEN P H SIM WU be changed to HELEN POE HEONG SIM. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N on the 28th of DECEMBER 2023 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

OCT 26, NOV 02, 09, 16, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE: JD22-3172 In the matter of the application of UNNAMED BABY GIRL, for change of name having been filed in

OCT 26, NOV 02, 09, 16, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23-558312 In the matter of the application of MAX MEREDITH VASILATOS, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner MAX MEREDITH VASILATOS is requesting that the name MAX MEREDITH VASILATOS be changed to MAX VASILATOS RASMUSSEN. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 21st of DECEMBER 2023 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

OCT 26, NOV 02, 09, 16, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23558310

In the matter of the application of MOLLEN K. KAIRIA, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner MOLLEN K. KAIRIA is requesting that the name KAIRIA be changed to NIA BETTY KAIGONGI. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 23rd of JANUARY 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

OCT 26, NOV 02, 09, 16, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA,

In the matter of the application of CHESTER VAN TRUONG & NGA THI PHUONG TRAN, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner CHESTER VAN TRUONG & NGA THI PHUONG TRAN is requesting that the name NGHI AI TRUONG be changed to SALLY ANNA TRUONG. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 23rd of JANUARY 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

OCT 26, NOV 02, 09, 16, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23-558313

In the matter of the application of ANDREW WESTBROOKE GEORGE, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner ANDREW WESTBROOKE GEORGE is requesting that the name ANDREW WESTBROOKE GEORGE be changed to ANDREW WESTBROOKE GIORDANO. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N on the 21st of DECEMBER 2023 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

OCT 26, NOV 02, 09, 16, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401657

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SPARTAN INTERNATIONAL CONSULTING, 132 LISBON ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112 . This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed DINO ZOGRAFOS. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/17/2023.

OCT 26, NOV 02, 09, 16, 2023

The following person(s) is/are doing business as BEST TRAVEL, 317 HYDE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MAI XUAN LE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 09/26.

OCT 26, NOV 02, 09, 16, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401669

The following person(s) is/are doing business as GUMMAAE, 447 SUTTER ST #405, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JEANNIE WU. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/28/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/18/2023.

OCT 26, NOV 02, 09, 16, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401671 The following person(s) is/are doing business as HIRAYA IMMIGRATION, 3229 B MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed RHODORA V. DERPO. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/13/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/18/2023.

OCT 26, NOV 02, 09, 16, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401446

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SMOOTH GHOUL DIGITAL, 1295 41ST AVE #103, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed PATRICK WHITE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 09/18/2023.

OCT 26, NOV 02, 09, 16, 2023

<< Classifieds

14 • Bay Area Repor ter • November 16-22, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401676

The following person(s) is/are doing business as NEW HAIR; NEW HAIR FOR MEN; NEW HAIR FOR YOU; NEW HAIR FOR MEN AND WOMEN, 490 POST ST #1505, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed THOMAS MCKAY. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/18/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/18/2023.

OCT 26, NOV 02, 09, 16, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401665

The following person(s) is/are doing business as HAWAIIAN DRIVE INN, 2600 SAN BRUNO AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94134. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed HAWAIIAN DRIVE INN INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/10/2010. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/18/2023.

OCT 26, NOV 02, 09, 16, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401655

The following person(s) is/are doing business as HAIR PLAY INC, 695 SAN JOSE AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed HAIR PLAY INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/17/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/17/2023.

OCT 26, NOV 02, 09, 16, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401629

The following person(s) is/are doing business as JLARAM HOTEL, 868 VALENCIA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a limited partnership, and is signed BALWANTSINH D. THAKOR & LATABEN B. THAKOR. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 05/05/2011. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/12/2023.

OCT 26, NOV 02, 09, 16, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401694

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SF CHEF DANIEL, 610 28TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed MURPHY TRADES LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/23/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/23/2023.

OCT 26, NOV 02, 09, 16, 2023

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF MARTIN SEYMOUR MORDKOFF IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO: FILE PES-23-306659

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of MARTIN SEYMOUR MORDKOFF. A Petition for Probate has been filed by JEREMY L. MORDKOFF in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco. The Petition for Probate requests that JEREMY L. MORDKOFF be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: NOVEMBER 20, 2023, 9:00 am, Dept. 204, Superior Court of California, 400 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA 94102. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined by section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Petitioner: ANNEMARIE MORDKOFF, 1 CATALPA CRES, PILESGROVE, NJ 08098-2729; Ph. (978) 257-1752.

NOV 02, 09, 16, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23558326

In the matter of the application of CHLOE ELIZABETH WHITEHEAD, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner CHLOE ELIZABETH WHITEHEAD is requesting that the name CHLOE ELIZABETH WHITEHEAD be changed to ZYRUS ELIZABETH WHITEHEAD. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 30th of JANUARY 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

NOV 02, 09, 16, 23, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23558336

In the matter of the application of JOHN YOUNES & ALEXANDRA DE CLERCK, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner JOHN YOUNES & ALEXANDRA DE CLERCK is requesting that the name LEO PAUL DOMINIEK YOUNES be changed to LEO PAUL ALEX YOUNES. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N on the 30th of JANUARY 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

NOV 02, 09, 16, 23, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23558335

In the matter of the application of CHOON SEON KIM, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner CHOON SEON KIM is requesting that the name CHOON SEON KIM be changed to AMY KYUNG KIM. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N on the 30th of JANUARY 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

NOV 02, 09, 16, 23, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401683

The following person(s) is/are doing business as PAPAYA ISLAND, 501 6TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ALBERT H. CHENG. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/20/2023.

NOV 02, 09, 16, 23, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401748

The following person(s) is/are doing business as LIFE’S SEASONS, 2770 PINE ST #202, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed DEBORAH L. ESTELL. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/27/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/27/2023.

NOV 02, 09, 16, 23, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401751

The following person(s) is/are doing business as JOP IDEAS AND TECHNOLOGY, 466 GEARY ST #1500, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JULIANO DE OLIVEIRA PORCIUNCULA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/30/2023.

NOV 02, 09, 16, 23, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401659

The following person(s) is/are doing business as OAK VALLEY CARS, 220 BAYSHORE BLVD, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MICHELLE SHAWNTA TONEY. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/01/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/17/2023.

NOV 02, 09, 16, 23, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401756 The following person(s) is/are doing business as BUDGET CLEANERS, 536 DIVISADERO ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed YARK HAR LEE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/29/2009. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/30/2023.

NOV 02, 09, 16, 23, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401755 The following person(s) is/are doing business as LOVE MY NAILS, 105 WEST PORTAL AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94127. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed YEN PHUONG TA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/01/2016. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/30/2023.

NOV 02, 09, 16, 23, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401760

The following person(s) is/are doing business as LASHED, 645 TARAVAL ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed VICTORIA CHAO. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/27/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/30/2023.

NOV 02, 09, 16, 23, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401619

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SIMPLY SF, 1001 BRANNAN ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed BRANNAN STREET FITNESS INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/01/2022. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/12/2023.

NOV 02, 09, 16, 23, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401620

The following person(s) is/are doing business as FITNESS SF CASTRO, 2301 MARKET ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SUPERBLOCK FITNESS INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/15/2012. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/12/2023.

NOV 02, 09, 16, 23, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401621

The following person(s) is/are doing business as FITNESS SF SOMA, 1001 BRANNAN ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed BRANNAN STREET FITNESS INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/15/2012. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/12/2023.

NOV 02, 09, 16, 23, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401625

The following person(s) is/are doing business as FITNESS SF EMBARCADERO, 2 EMBARCADERO CENTER, LOBBY LEVEL, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed EMBARCADERO FITNESS INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/03/2016. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/12/2023.

NOV 02, 09, 16, 23, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401677

The following person(s) is/are doing business as WESTHAUS, 595 PACIFIC AVE, FL 4, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed AVENUE 8 INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/19/2023.

NOV 02, 09, 16, 23, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401730

The following person(s) is/are doing business as NEW STAR ELL, 501 DIVISADERO ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed FIVE ZERO ONE GROCERIES INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/26/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/26/2023.

NOV 02, 09, 16, 23, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401700 The following person(s) is/are doing business as TIM’S SNACKS, 565-B ELLIS ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed TIM’S SNACKS (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/14/2023.

NOV 02, 09, 16, 23, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401714

The following person(s) is/are doing business as GOLDEN GATE APA, 3572 18TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed SAN FRANCISCO BILLIARDS LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/25/2023.

NOV 02, 09, 16, 23, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401728

The following person(s) is/are doing business as FINANCEPERIOD, 1446A RHODE ISLAND ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed HAWK ADVISORY LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/26/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/26/2023.

NOV 02, 09, 16, 23, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401570

The following person(s) is/are doing business as TEACH YOU TO FISH FINANCIAL, 601 VAN NESS AVE SUITE E, PMB 733, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed EAAC LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/25/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/03/2023.

NOV 02, 09, 16, 23, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23558330

In the matter of the application of KELLY MICHELLE HATFIELD, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner KELLY MICHELLE HATFIELD is requesting that the name KELLY MICHELLE HATFIELD be changed to KELLY MICHELLE HAUNT. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N on the 25th of JANUARY 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

NOV 09, 16, 23, 30, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23558331

In the matter of the application of ANTHONY MARK RAUS, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner ANTHONY MARK RAUS is requesting that the name ANTHONY MARK RAUS be changed to ANTHONY MARK HAUNT. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N on the 25th of JANUARY 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

NOV 09, 16, 23, 30, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23558325

In the matter of the application of ADON SEBASTIAN GERRARD, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner ADON SEBASTIAN GERRARD is requesting that the name ADON SEBASTIAN GERRARD be changed to ADON REYNOLDS. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 25th of JANUARY 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

NOV 09, 16, 23, 30, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23558348

In the matter of the application of KIDONG KIM, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner KIDONG KIM is requesting that the name KIDONG KIM be changed to ERIC KIDONG KIM. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 6th of FEBRUARY 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

NOV 09, 16, 23, 30, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401660

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SPIRITUAL PSYCHIC READER, 810 EDDY ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MARY MARKS. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/17/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/17/2023.

NOV 09, 16, 23, 30, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401746 The following person(s) is/are doing business as V&Z SERVICES, 1384 VALENCIA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed YANCY A. CASTRO BALDELOMAR. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/27/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/27/2023.

NOV 09, 16, 23, 30, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401782

The following person(s) is/are doing business as PERFECT HARDWOOD FLOORS SERVICE, 1130 CLEMENT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed DUC NGO. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/01/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/01/2023.

NOV 09, 16, 23, 30, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401783 The following person(s) is/are doing business as COMMON CLOTH, 1250 48TH AVE #4, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed WILLIAM J. MCCARTHY. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/01/2023.

NOV 09, 16, 23, 30, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401796

The following person(s) is/are doing business as LANDLINE HOME, 717 VALENCIA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ANTHONY J. LEO. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/02/2023.

NOV 09, 16, 23, 30, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401X

The following person(s) is/are doing business as COLIBRI DOULA SERVICES, 1638A BRODERICK ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed DANNHAE HERRERA-WILSON. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/01/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/03/2023.

NOV 09, 16, 23, 30, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401818

The following person(s) is/are doing business as D & S JANITORIAL, 237 MORSE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by a general partnership, and is signed DAVID OSVALDO ROSALES & SERAFIN CANELO SANCHEZ. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/04/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/03/2023.

NOV 09, 16, 23, 30, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401674

The following person(s) is/are doing business as HERRERA FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC, 1370 VALENCIA ST #A, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed HERRERA FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/29/2022. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/18/2023.

NOV 09, 16, 23, 30, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401715

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401797

The following person(s) is/are doing business as THE PARTHENON, 582 SUTTER ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed HAVIN INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/25/2023.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SKYLARK, 3089 16TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed 3089 16TH STREET LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/28/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/02/2023.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401761

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401838

NOV 09, 16, 23, 30, 2023

The following person(s) is/are doing business as STRAND PARLOR SF, 2823 18TH ST #105, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed JUAN G. CORPORATION (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/20/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/30/2023.

NOV 09, 16, 23, 30, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401774

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SAN FRANCISCO ENDODONTICS, 500 SPRUCE ST #204, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118-2048. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed RALAN WONG DDS, INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 05/24/2004. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/31/2023.

NOV 09, 16, 23, 30, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401801

The following person(s) is/are doing business as J.AEBI COACHING, 2 APPLETON AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed JESSICA AEBI ENTERPRISES LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/01/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/02/2023.

NOV 09, 16, 23, 30, 2023

SUMMONS: NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: MATTHEW FISK, AN INDIVIDUAL; DOES 1-5, INCLUSIVE, YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: LENDMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, LLC, A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. CASE NUMBER: CGC-22-602924

NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below. You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courlinfo. ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courlinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case, as the person sued under the fictitious business name of Matthew Fisk. The name and address of the court is: Superior Court of San Francisco, 400 McAllister St. Room 103, San Francisco, CA 94012-4514. The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiffs attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is: DONALD DUNNING (SBN 144665); JAMES MACLEOD (SBN 249145), THE DUNNING LAW FIRM APC, 9619 CHESAPEAKE DR. #210, SAN DIEGO, CA 92123; (858) 974-7600.

NOV 16, 23, 30, DEC 07, 2023

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SARITA’S GRILL & BEER, 995 VALENCIA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed SARITA’S GRILL & BEER, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/07/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/07/2023.

NOV 16, 23, 30, DEC 07, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401803

The following person(s) is/are doing business as DUB CITY TOWING, 1155 INDIANA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed DUB CITY TOW LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/02/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/02/2023.

NOV 16, 23, 30, DEC 07, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401779

The following person(s) is/are doing business as WAU+LOVE CONSULTING; SF SUNSHINE PAWS DOG WALKING; BLACK SHEEP DESIGN CONSULTING, 1945 CLAY ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed THE WAU UNIVERSITY, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/21/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/31/2023.

NOV 16, 23, 30, DEC 07, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401739

The following person(s) is/are doing business as JENN BAN STUDIO, 266 CARL ST #B, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed JENN BAN STUDIO LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/20/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/27/2023.

NOV 16, 23, 30, DEC 07, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401889

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SUTRO HEIGHTS, CORPORATION, 659 45TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed UPLYFT ASSISTED CARE, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/01/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/09/2023.

NOV 16, 23, 30, DEC 07, 2023

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-0400621

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as BUN APPETIT; ME SO HUNGRY; WING MAN; MR CLUCK; SLIDERMEISTER, 320 11TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business was conducted by a limited liability company and signed by GOURMET HUB, LLC (CA). The fictitious business name statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/13/2023. The abandonment of fictitious business name statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/01/2023.

NOV 16, 23, 30, DEC 07, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401787

The following person(s) is/are doing business as KIMCAR JANITORIAL SERVICES, 523 NAPLES ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed DAMARIS L. CABRERA LIMA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/08/2020. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/01/2023.

NOV 16, 23, 30, DEC 07, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401839

The following person(s) is/are doing business as GREEN VALLEY LANDSCAPING SERVICES, 375 GARCES DR, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94132. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ALAN J. VARGAS VARGAS. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/07/2023.

NOV 16, 23, 30, DEC 07, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401866

The following person(s) is/are doing business as C&K BEAUTY SALON, 1551 NORIEGA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed BRIAN TOAN HUNG CHUNG. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/01/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/08/2023.

NOV 16, 23, 30, DEC 07, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401867 The following person(s) is/are doing business as GARDEN COURT, 1700 16TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JAMES D. GALLAGHER. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/09/2023.

NOV 16, 23, 30, DEC 07, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401879

The following person(s) is/are doing business as KAMALA BODHI WELLNESS, 109 BARTLETT ST #201, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed SAMANTHA HO. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/28/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/09/2023.

NOV 16, 23, 30, DEC 07, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401856

The following person(s) is/are doing business as 500 LEAVENWORTH APARTMENTS, LP, 500 LEAVENWORTH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a limited partnership, and is signed 500 LEAVENWORTH APARTMENTS, LP (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/29/2009. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/08/2023.

NOV 16, 23, 30, DEC 07, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as KASA REAL ESTATE GROUP, 595 PACIFIC AVE FL 4, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed AVENUE 8 INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/10/2023.

NOV 16, 23, 30, DEC 07, 2023

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‘Fellow Travelers’

Intoxicating and passionate tragic historical love story

Jonathan Bailey and Matt Bomer in ‘Fellow Travelers’

by Brian Bromberger

corching, jaw-dropping, steam-up-yourwindows explicit, raw with unwavering honesty – and not just the sex, but the emotions and pathos – are all on display in one of the best new streaming series of the year, Showtime’s “Fellow Travelers.” However, there exist a number of caveats that prevent this decades-long political thriller and doomed clandestine unapologetic gay love story – spanning the McCarthy years through AIDS – from all-time greatness. “Fellow” has an epic quality, which at times is chock full of tense intrigue, but is also tragic, infuriating, visually captivating, bittersweet, and ultimately, despite all its flaws, unforgettable and LGBTQ-appointment television.

Double lives

Based on Thomas Mallon’s magnificent 2007 historical fiction, its center is 1950s Washington, D.C. with all its paranoia, double lives, persecution of gay federal employees amidst the fight against communism, and political backstabbing. Former WWII hero, State Department official Hawkins “Hawk” Fuller (Matt Bomer) works for Democratic Senator Wesley Smith (Linus Roache), who is critical of Republican Senator Joseph McCarthy (Chris Bauer). Hawk is an ambitious, cunning political operative who meets younger lily white (in all senses) exuberant neophyte anti-Communist believer Tim “Skippy” (the nickname given him by Hawk due to his ingeniousness) Laughlin (Jonathan Bailey, “Bridgerton”) over drinks at Eisenhower’s 1952 election night victory party. Despite Skippy

imbibing milk, and the revelation he’s a former priesthood candidate but daily Mass communicant, sparks fly almost immediately. Hawk is skilled at picking up tricks at public restrooms, rough trade in bars, parks, and cruising sites, or ingénues at parties, always keeping his distance emotionally, compartmentalizing his life. He’s able to protect himself from any kind of intimacy (kicking guys out of bed in the middle of the night), with a veneer of utmost public discretion. Skippy is madly in love by the end of the evening, though tortured by his Catholic guilt for being attracted to other men. He tries to reconcile his sexuality with his faith. Hawk, through his extensive connections, secures a job for Skippy in McCarthy’s office because he can serve as a useful spy so as to protect Smith. Hawk will date and later marry Smith’s

daughter Lucy (Allison Williams, “Girls”) as a cover for his gay liaisons. Both Hawk and to a lesser extent Skippy, survive by lying to others and themselves, but also cutting off anyone who even slightly endangers them, even if it’s just gossip or innuendo. In the first four episodes, the series toggles forth between the 1950s and 1986 when Skippy is hospitalized in San Francisco dying of AIDS.

Aura of stealth

In 1953, Eisenhower’s Executive Order authorized a witch hunt for any government employees engaging in sexual perversion, considered a threat to rooting out Communists, because they were perceived easy blackmail targets, hence See page 16 >>

Charles White, JWPictures/©Academy Museum Foundation

‘Hairspray’ costumes, part of the John Waters exhibit.

The Pope of Trash enshrined John Waters exhibit at LA’s Academy of Motion Picture Arts Museum

he Barbara Streisand Bridge has little to do with La Dynamo’s nose. It’s a sleek pedestrian walkway connect-

ing what was once a May Company department store to a five-story glass-topped orb at the intersection of Fairfax Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles. These two buildings and their splendid outdoor courtyards comprise architect Renzo Pia-

no’s elegantly flowing Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, a new Los Angeles must-see. While this world-class museum officially opened in late 2021, it has only recently begun to benefit from a post-pandemic resurgence in tourism. Paired with Babs’ door-stopping new autobi-

SP EC IA

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ography, tickets for a stroll along her honorary pathway (and a visit to the museum as a whole) would make a terrific holiday gift for the Hollywood aficionado in your life. See page 17 >>

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<< TV

16 • Bay Area Repor ter • November 16-22, 2023

Showtime

Matt Bomer and Jonathan Bailey in ‘Fellow Travelers’

’Fellow Travelers’

From page 15

national security risks. The result was usually the victims losing their families, friends, and jobs, even blacklisted, not to mention humiliation. Some targets committed suicide because of the damaging publicity. This political context gives the series its suspense and aura of stealth, where the most innocent displays of affection can be disastrously misconstrued. Thus, the relationship between desire and anguish anchor the whole series. The Mallon novel ends with the death of Joe McCarthy in 1957 with a brief 1991 postscript. The screenplay, written by gay scriptwriter Ron Nyswaner (Oscar-nominated for “Philadelphia”) invents the second half, extending the Hawk/Skippy relationship into the 1960s and 1970s

amidst the backdrop of Vietnam War protests, gay liberation hedonism, and the San Francisco White Night riots in the aftermath of the Moscone/Harvey Milk assassinations and subsequent trial. It becomes heavily message-driven and almost a tutorial on gay rights. Skippy develops into a social worker and gay activist, finding salvation in community, while Hawk pursues a diplomatic career, fathering a son and daughter, the son killing himself with drugs. For Hawk, sex is a means to an end, but for Skippy it’s the foundation for a relationship. Inevitably, they are bound to disappoint one another other, each yearning for what they can’t have.

New characters

Nyswaner, presumably to make the series more diverse, invents a story line of Hawk’s ex-trick Marcus (Jelani Alladin), an aspiring journalist, who

falls in love with a femme nightclub drag performer Frankie (Noah J. Rickets). They both encounter racism as well as homophobia. Unfortunately, their combustible tale pales in comparison with the Hawk/Skippy melodrama and actually drags down the series. The plot seems like an afterthought and neither character is well developed. In fact, the second half of the series is weaker, as we are treated to a greatest hits medley of LGBTQ history, similar to the very mediocre “When We Rise” mini-series six years ago. Also concocted is Hawk’s lesbian secretary Mary (Erin Neufer) and confidante to Skippy. In the novel, she’s straight and gets pregnant after having an affair with a married man. In this series, she lives with another woman. But when that woman is threatened after refusing to date a heterosexual employee, Mary outs her to an investigator in order to save her own career. Again, both women are sketchily portrayed because there’s not much to work with in the script, which treats them subordinately. Mary has been reduced in importance from the book. Their existence in the series serves to show how cutthroat relationships could be, easily sacrificed when survival was the name of the game.

Electric alchemy

Showtime

Jelani Alladin and Noah J. Rickets in ‘Fellow Travelers’

The sex in “Fellow Travelers” between Hawk and Skippy is not gratuitous (okay maybe in one or two scenes, but I promise you won’t mind), but essential. The key is that in a world where they can’t express themselves publicly, their private moments become crucial because they can be who they really are,

NEW CONSERVATORY THEATRE CENTER IN ASSOCIATION W ITH SEASON PRODUCERS Michael Golden & Michael Levy Robert Holgate Lowell Kimble Ted Tucker

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PRODUCERS John Cavellini Jill Feldman Ken Prag & Steve Collins

revel in the urgent overpowering nature of their pent-up desires and ardor for each other, even if it’s a dominant/ submissive power dynamic. Only behind locked, closed doors can they be a couple and here sexuality gives insights into their characters, gamesmanship, and emotional resonance, as they live apart. None of this would work without the electric alchemy between Bomer and Bailey. Bomer may very well have the greatest role of his career, the gay Don Draper, a political Mad Men scenario, thrilling with his handsome charisma, stoic charm, and an uncanny smile. Bomer proves once and for all that he is more than a gorgeous face. There are times when you will loathe Hawk in his treachery, deceit, and recklessness and other times pity and cry for his inability to love, his turmoil of living a straight life, and the underlying sadness hidden behind a seductive persona. He’s matched by Bailey, buoyed by his optimism in only loving Hawk, while remaining entirely separate from him. He remarks that he’d spent his whole life trying to make God love him, but in the end all that mattered was that he loved God. And it’s the same situation with his love for Hawk.

Truth and fear

Book & Lyrics by Joel Paley Music by Marvin Laird DIRECTED BY DYAN MCBRIDE MUSICAL DIRECTION BY JOE WICHT CHOREOGRAPHED BY STACI ARRIAGA

“A SPIKED SHIRLEY TEMPLE OF A SHOW”

Both Photos: Showtime

Above: Erin Neufer in ‘Fellow Travelers’ Below: Chris Bauer and Will Brill in ‘Fellow Travelers’

Alison Williams is a revelation as Lucy Smith, managing to portray pathos and eventually the freedom to live the life she wants to lead. She’s underused, which is a shame. Her final scene with Skippy is heartrending. Sadly, the makeup in this series

is poor, since all the characters must age over 30 years. With such a large budget for a prestige production, more money should’ve been spent on believably maturing these characters with more quality prosthetics. The series wants to be relevant, even though it ends in 1986. The Senator Smith character says, “Our democracy is under attack by those who at times preach the loudest, hoping to sew fear within our imperfect but always striving union, a union defined by ideals which we hold to be true and selfevident that all men are created equal. That truth has been replaced with fear. It is fear that rots the bones of our American body. If we do not have good men and women seeking truth, then we do not have America.” It’s worth noting that this series profiles Roy Cohn (Will Brill), lawyer for Joe McCarthy who also mentored Donald Trump. Smith’s description couldn’t be more timely in 2023, as we seem bent on ignoring the lessons we should’ve learned in the 1950s. Both Bomer and Bailey present the strongest case yet for gay actors playing gay roles, bringing a raw authenticity, believability, and smoking hot passion that elevates this material to another creative level. Their story touches aspects of every LGBTQ person’s story. With all its inconsistencies, “Fellow Travelers” is easily in the top ten of television’s most memorable queer limited series. You cannot miss it. Just keep some Kleenex nearby, for the tears, of course.t www.sho.com/fellow-travelers

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Showtime

Jonathan Bailey and Matt Bomer in ‘Fellow Travelers’

Exhibit>>

November 16-22, 2023 • Bay Area Repor ter • 17

A recreated trailer in the ‘Pink Flamingos’ room

And there’s all the more incentive to visit this particular holiday season. Since late September, virtually the entirety of the museum’s fourth floor gallery space has played host to a sprawling multimedia tribute to the movie-making career of “John Waters: The Pope of Trash.” Babs’ Schnozz meets Odorama! For the gays, that’s a gift that’s heaven scent.

“Polyester” to immerse themselves in the aromas of dirty sneakers, Divine’s farts and huffers’ airplane glue. In a small screening room adjacent to the Waters exhibition, an excellent homage to New Queer Cinema and American avant-garde filmmakers runs in a continuous loop. Featuring commentary by renowned queer critic B. Ruby Rich, it includes clips from the works of groundbreaking directors including Todd Haynes, Rose Troche and Gregg Araki.

Deep Waters

Outspoken, no tokens

John Waters Exhibit

From page 15

The Waters exhibit, which runs through August, has been deemed “so respectful I could puke” by the “Pink Flamingos” director himself. But that show of respect is indicative of the museum’s unexpectedly open-minded overall approach to its subject matter. While there are plenty of crowdpleasing artifacts from other films on display – original costumes from “Edward Scissorhands,” “Black Panther,” and “The Terminator,” extensive exhibits on the making of “Casablanca,” “The Godfather,” and “Boyz in the Hood” (all through the end of 2024, at which point other classic films will be honored) – the entire visitor experience is rich in its specific acknowledgement of minority and female filmmakers. No doubt this pointed emphasis was sharpened by the fact that the museum opened in the wake of the Me Too and Black Lives Matter movements, but the resulting mission statement, past and planned exhibitions, and current offerings suggest that the effort is ongoing and in earnest. In a survey of world cinema, John Waters might not top the list of artistic visionaries, but as the Academy exhibition makes clear, his social impact, particularly in the U.S., has been powerful. Film clips drawn from his 14-feature career are organized by theme and demonstrate not just his gleeful passion for gross-out humor and kitschy kink, but recurring critiques of racial and sexual prejudice, celebrity culture, and mass media. Along with gorgeously displayed excerpts, costumes and set pieces, the exhibit lovingly showcases ephemera including “Pink Phlegm-ingos” barf bags distributed at early screenings of “Pink Flamingos,” a pair of Mink Stole’s signature cat-eye spectacles, and a hand-lettered flyer promoting one of the puppet shows Waters put on as a child in Baltimore. And of course there’s one of the original Odorama scratch-and-sniff cards that audiences used during

Queer and minority concerns are by no means given a token tip-of-the-hat by one temporary exhibit. In fact, another large area within the museum’s central “Stories of Cinema” exhibition is dedicated to the career of Pedro Almodóvar (through March 2025). And a thrilling wraparound video display of Oscar acceptance speeches provides compelling evidence of Hollywood’s reflection and amplification of changing social mores. Guests revisit Halle Berry’s receipt of the first Best Actress trophy ever awarded to a Black performer; Sacheen Littlefeather’s advocacy for Native American rights while declining Marlon Brando’s Oscar for Best Actor in “The Godfather”; Marlee Maitlin’s American Sign Language acceptance of her award for “Children of a Lesser God”; and Robert Epstein and Richard Schmeichen’s acceptance of the Best Documentary for “The Times of Harvey Milk” among many others. The museum’s permanent collection also includes iconic queer mementos such as the ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in “The Wizard of Oz,” a collection of zines handmade by Gus Van Sant, and a historical archive of LGBTQ-focused films that are regularly showcased within several screening series open to museumgoers.

Cultural immersion

A thorough visit of the Academy museum’s 200,000+ square feet of exhibit spaces can easily take three hours of even the most casual visitor’s time. But a full day in and around the complex is highly recommended. The lower portion of the museum’s landmark orb houses a state-of-theart 1,000-seat screening room and auditorium where classic films and lectures by moviemakers and historians are presented almost every day. Many screenings are free with general museum admission ($25 for adults) and others are ticketed separately for $5-$10 (no museum ticket required). The Streisand Bridge leads visitors

Left: A panel with William S. Burroughs and John Waters Right: A ’Pink Phlegm-ingo’ barf bag

Left: A chapel room with stained glass tributes to John Waters and his notable film characters Right: A guitar and leather jackets from ‘Cry Baby’

to a spectacular 180º open-air observation deck with panoramic views of Los Angeles, Hollywood sign included. There’s an on-site restaurant, café and smartly stocked shop that’s scant on schlocky promotional items and strong on film history books, soundtrack recordings and other substantive souvenirs tied more to Los Angeles and the film industry as a whole rather than individual films and stars. The entire orb is balanced on massive support plinths, creating an

always-shaded sitting area beneath the spherical volume. It’s ideal for escaping the L.A. sunshine. Picnic tables make it a great spot to enjoy tacos and other street eats from the food trucks parked alongside the museum. The exhibits at the Academy Museum are so well curated and the physical spaces so airy and well-organized that, even after hours, you may never develop a sense of museum fatigue. If that’s the case, you’re in luck, because the grounds flow smoothly into the

campus of LACMA, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the La Brea Tar Pits Museum. But the Academy Museum itself is worth a special trip to L.A. It’s a showcase to one of the greatest American industries and the great diversity of the American people.t Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, 6067 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles. (323) 930-3000. www.academymuseum.org

t h e at r e r h i noc e ro s p r e s e n t s

a n e w p l ay b y k h e v e n l ag ro n e

therapy group

A CLUB FOR ALMOST-40S

D i r e c t e d b y Ta n i k a B a p t i s t e Supported by the Zellerbach family foundation and the arts leadership residency, a program of theatre bay area

NOV 9th - DEC 3rd, 2023 tickets: TheRhino.org Theatre Rhinoceros / 4229 18th St, San francisco in The Castro

Jim Gladstone

Part of the Pedro Almodóvar exhibit

America’s Premier and Longest-Running Queer Theatre

John Fisher, Executive Artistic Director

TICKETS

<< TV & Film

18 • Bay Area Repor ter • November 16-22, 2023

‘Travelers’ and tension

The Lavender Tube on ‘Fellow Travelers’ and ‘A Murder at the End of the World’ Fraught romance

Showtime

Matt Bomer and Jonathan Bailey in ‘Fellow Travelers’

Chris Bauer (as Joe McCarthy) and Jonathan Bailey in ‘Fellow Travelers’

by Victoria A. Brownworth

Carthy’s witch hunt for Communists? Or the Eisenhower who signed Executive Order 10450, which barred gay and lesbian Americans from being employed by the federal government? Eisenhower’s Executive Order claimed that a federal employee could be blackmailed because of their sexuality, so the federal government targeted gays and lesbians in what became known as the Lavender Scare. That Lavender Scare, which was directly linked to the HUAC hearings and McCarthy’s search for “Commies” and “queers,” is the foundation of the immersive new Showtime series, “Fellow Travelers.” Some series have touched us deeply as LGBTQ people, series that both broke taboo ground and also resonated with us because of their verisi-

he Christmas ads are in full swing, and started the day after Halloween, which is just wrong. Thanksgiving is right around the corner with holiday specials and movies close at hand, so now’s the time to watch some powerful series that will pull you in and keep you thinking and get you in the mood for early darkness and cozy nights on the sofa. The GOP has been pushing revisionist history as long as we have been alive, but regrettably, Democrats often do this, too, though usually in the spirit of bipartisanship (which we don’t

think you can have when the other party is fundamentally dishonest and, well, fascist). One thing we hear a lot of and see repeated like a mantra on social media is that there are moderate Republicans (there are not). A name invoked time and again is President Dwight Eisenhower. Our degrees are in history, so we always have the same response to this: “You mean the Eisenhower who executed Julius and Ethel Rosenberg? Did you realize they were only 35 and 37? Or the Eisenhower who fomented and supported the House UnAmerican Activities Committee (HUAC) hearings and GOP Sen. Joseph Mc-

‘The Holdovers’

militude as well as writing and acting that made us inhabit the characters and their milieu. We think immediately of “Pose,” “Heartstopper,” the two iterations of “The L Word” and “It’s a Sin.” Add to that list of series “Fellow Travelers,” which is just incredibly good and pulls the viewer in with a gut-wrenching immediacy. We’ve asserted for a long time that Matt Bomer was far more than just a pretty face and ripped body. He’s been great in so many series, but his prettiness has often gotten in the way of reviewers seeing past the perfect hair and chiseled features to his really superb talents. We’ve been watching Bomer since his soap days on “All My Children” and “Guiding Light” and he was the reason to watch “White Collar.”

Bomer is also a major reason to watch “Fellow Travelers.” His Hawkins “Hawk” Fuller is a powerful character who we believe throughout, and Bomer gives an incredibly nuanced performance that at times is truly breathtaking. The story, as Showtime describes it, is an epic political thriller and romance. Based on the 2007 historical novel by Thomas Mallon, “Fellow Travelers” follows political operatives Fuller and Tim Laughlin (Jonathan Bailey), whose paths converge at the height of the Lavender Scare of the 1950s. Despite the constant threat of getting caught, their deep, sexuallycharged and enduring love for each other only intensifies in the volatility of the ensuing decades. The couple’s fraught romance spans the Vietnam War protests of the 1960s, the drug-fueled disco hedonism of the 1970s and the AIDS crisis of the 1980s, from Washington D.C. to Fire Island to San Francisco. It’s a long and at times cataclysmic history, but they forge it together. Their oh-so-true love is what propels and compels them, and at times puts them in real danger. We watched “Fellow Travelers” while mourning the loss of our beloved wife of 23 years. So when Tim says to Hawk, “I’ve been in love with you my whole life; my great consuming love,” we felt that, we believed it, we knew it to be true. Because we lived it, through a different time, meeting our See page 19 >>

Frosty days at a 1970s prep school

by Brian Bromberger

hristmas has arrived early this year in the form of Alexander Payne’s career-resuscitating and first period film, “The Holdovers.” It took six years for Payne to recover from his first failure, the sci-fi “Downsizing” in 2017, after such acclaimed awardwinning films as “Election,” “The Descendants,” “Nebraska,” and the caustic 2004 comedy “Sideways.” “Holdovers” reunites him with “Sideways” star Paul Giamatti, both at the peak of their respective powers. It features a nostalgic leisurely-paced character study (i.e. “Dead Poet’s Society”) that Hollywood (read Miramax) no longer makes and is long due for a renaissance. There’s nothing new here, but like sipping brandy in front of a roaring fireplace. It’s soothing and exudes a perceptive wisdom, reminding us we live and die according to the relationships we forge, however temporary they may be. The scrooge here is curmudgeonly Paul Hunham (Giamatti), a rigid Ancient Civilizations teacher at the fictional elite Barton Academy boarding school near Boston in 1970. He treats his wealthy students with contempt, deliberately trying to flunk them so they won’t get into the Ivy League schools of their dreams. Hunham is loathed by students and faculty alike.

Not a vacation

When a fellow teacher gets excused because of his mother’s illness coupled with retribution from the headmaster, Hunham is forced to babysit the “holdover” students, who won’t be spending the Christmas holidays with their families. It’s not a vacation, but a mandatory study hall. Four of the students are helicoptered miraculously out by a fellow parent to a ski resort, leaving behind sassy, rebellious, trouble-maker 15-year-old Angus Tully (Dominic Sessa). He’s disinvited from a family vacation to St. Kitts, so his mother and new stepfather can take their delayed honeymoon. Also remaining is the prep school’s head cafeteria manager/chef Mary

Focus Features

Dominic Sessa, Paul Giamatti and Da’Vine Joy Randolph in ‘The Holdovers’

Lamb (Da’Vine Joy Randolph), who spends her first Christmas alone after her 19-year-old son, a recent Barton graduate, was killed in the Vietnam War. Because Mary couldn’t afford to send him to college, he was denied a student deferment, unlike his rich white classmates. The still-grieving Mary chooses to stay at Barton because it was the last place she spent with her son, watching reruns of “The Newlywed Game” on TV to pacify her. Lamb and Hunham share a penchant for drowning their sorrows in Jim Beam bourbon. Hunham and Tully are at each other’s throats from the start, with Hunham (a variant of human?) punishing Tully’s smart-aleck behavior with, “You just earned yourself a big detention,” and Tully replying, “Being with you is already one big detention.” However, it isn’t long before these three despondent lost souls start bonding, gritting their teeth and celebrating the holidays together. Along with a series of misadventures in a gym, bar, and hospital, the central event is a road trip to Boston, where Lamb will visit with her pregnant sister and Tully will try to reconnect with his absent father, a longtime resident in a mental hospital, the latter action leading to unforeseen consequences that will touch all their lives, especially Hunham.

Terse, funny, bitchy

The themes of a chosen family, with one who has lost family, another rejected by family, and the last one unable to form a family, will resonate with LGBTQ audiences, as will their sad backstories of outcasts trying to make their way in the world, and long-buried shameful secrets being revealed. The terse, funny, at times bitchy, crackling dialogue (Hunham accusing Tully of “hormonal vulgarism”) has its appeal as well. This is only the second time Payne (who’s won two Oscars for Best Adapted Screenplay) didn’t write the script. “Holdovers,” with the exception of playing President John Adams for HBO TV, is Giamatti’s best role, since his Oscar-nominated triumph as Miles Raymond, the depressed, wine aficionado, middle-aged English teacher in “Sideways.” Giamatti, the son of Yale University President A. Bartlett Giamatti, attended a boarding school and has intimate knowledge of the academic world, which helps him create Hunham as three-dimensional. Few actors do bitter and pompous as well as Giamatti. Due to a genetic disorder, Hunham has an offensive fishy-type smell, particularly pungent at the end of the day, sweaty palms, and a glass eye, all

Focus Features

Dominic Sessa and Paul Giamatti in ‘The Holdovers’

of which make him slightly nefarious but also vulnerable and hence defensive. His humbug exterior conceals his fears, but also when angry his rebellious nature emerges, enabling him to connect with Tully. Giamatti’s wild facial expressions reveal his loneliness and oddball penchant, which allows him to craft an empathetic portrayal of a wiseass broken man devoid of any dreams.

Tours de force

Randolph, who scored great notices as the police detective in Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building,” this season, is the world-weary calm referee in the storm. Her breakdown scene at a Christmas Eve party is a shattering tour de force, the kind of performance an actor waits for their whole career. It’s her ability to endure sassily despite heartache that will stir audiences. Sessa, in a star-making performance, is this generation’s Lana Turner, discovered by Payne at Deerfield Academy’s (where the film is shot) drama department, whose talent as a natural on film is evident from the first frame. It’s the best debut for a young actor since Lucas Hedges in “Manchester By the Sea.” Sessa easily keeps pace with his seasoned elders, willing to show the character’s teen angst and

rage fueling his spikes of self-destructiveness. We can safely predict all three actors will be nominated for Oscars in their respective categories, as will the film for Best Picture and Payne for Best Director. What is particularly outstanding is that the film feels like a time machine, transporting us back to 1970, pinpointing the decade’s eccentricities, ambience, and ethos. The movie also captures the melancholy and barrenness of a cold snowy New England winter landscape alongside musty, traditional ivy-covered buildings, aided by nostalgic period music (with the inevitable Cat Stevens track, but also the Allman Brothers). The bittersweet ending avoids any sentimentality and Hunham’s Cicero quote at the beginning of the movie, “Not for ourselves alone, are we born,” elicits the message that will run throughout the film, as all three characters realize they can learn from each other and change for the better. Earthshaking, no, but Payne and company have crafted one of the year’s best films, so give yourself an early holiday present and don’t miss this humorous, heartfelt paen to compassion for ourselves and each other.t focusfeatures.com/the-holdovers

TV>>

November 16-22, 2023 • Bay Area Repor ter • 19

ris Dickinson, Brit Marling and Joan Chen. “A Murder at the End of the World” is created, written and directed by Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij. Marling and Batmanglij also executive produced alongside Andrea Sperling (“Transparent”). And if you just can’t place that song playing in the opening, it’s Depeche Mode’s fabulous 1988 hit, “Strangelove.”

Nuovo romance

FX/Hulu

Emma Corrin in ‘A Murder at the End of the World’

Lavender Tube

From page 18

wife in high school in the halcyon – but still quite closeted – days immediately post-Stonewall. “Fellow Travelers” is both historical fiction and cautionary tale. It’s impossible to ignore the similarities between the harrowing McCarthy era and the current rising fascism of the GOP as more and more anti-LGBTQ laws are being passed in the states and the political tenor of the country turns decidedly extremist and anti-LGBTQ.

queer and in July 2022 added they/ them pronouns to their Instagram account. They later discussed identifying as non-binary in an interview with The New York Times. In 2022, Corrin became Vogue magazine’s first nonbinary cover star. Corrin plays Darby Hart, an amateur detective, and they are absolutely stunning. The series opens with Darby saying, “I sometimes wonder, would it have been better not to go? I think about it like a coin toss, when your life can go one way or another. When

Netflix

Andrea Di Luigi and Damiano Gavino in ‘Nuovo Olimpo’

you’re trapped at the end of the world, there’s no going back.” And therein lies the plot twist of this binge-worthy drama perfect for a cold winter night that has Agatha Christie killer cozy vibes all over it. As FX notes, “‘A Murder at the End of the World’ is a mystery series with a new kind of detective at the helm – a Gen Z amateur sleuth and tech-savvy hacker named Darby Hart (Emma Corrin). Darby and eight other guests are invited by a reclusive billionaire, Andy Ronson (Clive Owen), to participate

in a retreat at a remote and dazzling location. When one of the other guests is found dead, Darby must use all of her skills to prove it was murder against a tide of competing interests and before the killer takes another life.” In addition to Corrin and Owen, “A Murder at the End of the World” has some queer casting with Alice Braga, who in January 2020 revealed she has been in a long-term relationship with actress Bianca Comparato. It also stars “SVU” alum, Broadway star and out gay actor Raúl Esparza, plus Har-

Netflix just dropped the super sexy original gay romance/drama “Nuovo Olimpo,” which is set in 1970s Rome, where a casual encounter between Enea Monte (Damiano Gavino) and Pietro Gherardi (Andrea Di Luigi) at a movie theater turns into an unforgettable romance, until destiny pulls them apart. In Italian, with subtitles, the film was shot entirely in Rome, specifically in Municipio III and Monte Sacro and premiered at the Rome Film Festival on October 22, 2023. It’s gorgeous. Finally, as the war between Israel and Hamas rages on, it’s essential that you not look away. Some of the best reporting is being done by ABC’s chief foreign correspondent Ian Pannell, MSNBC’s Raf Sanchez and Ellison Barber and CNN’s Erin Burnett and Clarissa Ward. So for history past and present, you know you really must stay tuned.t

Parrys and thrusts

At its core, though, is that love story between the cynical Hawk and the younger, enthusiastic and eager Tim. When Hawk sits down on a bench in Lafayette Square next to Tim, it’s as natural as it is dangerous and the frisson between them is palpable. Hawk is jaded politically and knowledgeable about the police who patrol the park at all hours, including the broad daylight lunchtime of this not-so-chance meeting. He parries with Tim and jokes about Tim’s desire to hunt Communists and make the world safe from Stalinism. And when Tim says he is headed to noon Mass, Hawk’s eyebrow arches as he says he’ll imagine Tim on his knees in prayer. It’s an extraordinary scene. The sexuality in “Fellow Travelers” is a review in itself. It’s graphic, it’s real, and Bomer’s and Bailey’s respective husbands may not want to watch. It’s the pivot that propels this series from just another romance with historical overlays to a context in which we are reminded that passion can be all-consuming and that within these fraught times, life-altering. (Bayard Rustin, for example, went to jail for an assignation.) Is the sex hotter when you could go to prison and wreck your life? Maybe. It’s certainly the hottest gay sex we’ve seen on TV thus far that wasn’t actually porn. And it happens fast. It’s in the first episode and it’s gobsmacking. There are viable complaints to have about whether “Fellow Travelers” takes as many cinematic risks as it could or should, but if you’re seeking transgressive TV, this is it. The layers, the deceptions; it’s all captivating. So, watch this. And if you don’t have Showtime, buy a monthlong subscription and binge all eight episodes. You won’t be sorry. www.sho.com/fellow-travelers

Murder’s end

FX’s new mystery series, “A Murder at the End of the World,” which began streaming on FX and Hulu November 14, is just so very good. Filmed in Iceland and Utah, the stark white snowscape is both portent and backdrop for this compelling psychological thriller. Plus, “A Murder at the End of the World” stars Emma Corrin, one of the few non-binary actors on TV. Corrin played Diana, Princess of Wales in the fourth season of Netflix’s “The Crown,” for which they won a Golden Globe and were nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award. In July 2021, Corrin came out as

This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to https://www.cavshate.org/.

<< Music

20 • Bay Area Repor ter • November 16-22, 2023

Gilbert O’Sullivan

by Gregg Shapiro

ore than 50 years after Gilbert O’Sullivan’s Grammy-nominated breakout single “Alone Again (Naturally)” made him a household name, the singer/songwriter continues to record and perform concerts. Talk about

staying power! Not only was “Alone Again (Naturally)” nominated for Grammy Awards, it was also an international hit single, and the second best-selling single of 1972 (in between Roberta Flack’s cover of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and Don McLean’s “American Pie”).

Singer/songwriter at Swedish American Hall Talk about stiff competition! While there were domestically released singles following “Alone Again,” including “Clair” and “Get Down,” O’Sullivan never reached the same heights. Thankfully that didn’t stop or slow him down, with more than 20 albums to his name. O’Sullivan performs November 24 at the Swedish American Hall. Gregg Shapiro: Gilbert, in 2022, you released the triple disc, 67-track compilation “The Best of Gilbert O’Sullivan” (BMG) which was curated by you. In the past, it was usually the record labels that compiled this kind of collection. Did you have any input at all in any of the previous compilations released in your name? Gilbert O’Sullivan: Before owning the masters, I always had a fair amount of input on compilations released. Now, I have pretty much complete control due to owning them.

Gilbert O’Sullivan

first ever duet, and who better to ask than the great Peggy Lee? We flew to New York, sat with her, and recorded it in The Hit Factory, and because it was so special, we filmed it for a video. I told her that her two Latin albums were favorites of mine and in honor of her, on my recent “Latin à la G!” album, we reproduced a cover of hers.

What was involved in your process of selecting the material for this new “Best of ” set? First of all, it amazes me that I have so much material to choose from! But the nice thing with this latest compilation is that I’m able to pick tracks that aren’t necessarily well-known but liked by me. Would you mind giving a few examples? “Parrish,” “Missing You Already,” and “Victor E,” to name but a few.

s Cliff’s Variety ha

d e e n u o y g n i h t y r eve for the holidays!

If they don’t have it, you don’t need it!

Proud to support the community 479 Castro Street, San Francisco, CA 94114

Cliffs-Variety-Thanksgiving-2023.indd 1

“The Best of ” collection arrived 50 years after your stateside breakthrough single “Alone Again (Naturally)” was Billboard Magazine’s second biggest-selling single of 1972, sandwiched between “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” by Roberta Flack and “American Pie” by Don McLean. Do you recall how that made you feel at the time and how it makes you feel today? For me, success in the UK and Europe was never something I imagined could happen. That said, with “Alone Again” becoming such a huge success in America, I was truly excited and very happy then and now, with what we achieved, bearing in mind how difficult it can be to break into the American market. The song “Alone Again (Naturally)” refers to suicide, a subject that was sensitive at the time, and one that remains controversial to this day. Do you think you would have had the same success with the song if it was released now? For me success is always, first and foremost, writing and recording what I believe is a good song. And while not as commercial as some of my songs, I think the sentiment covering life not least death is a universal one. There is no reason why it wouldn’t be a success today, especially when you see the amount of young people who seem to love the song.

11/2/23 1:58 PM

ing queer artists such as Johnny Mathis and the Pet Shop Boys with Elton John. How aware are you of an LGBTQ following for your musical career? I’m not into how, what, or why in analyzing who likes my songs. They are there for anyone who might simply enjoy hearing them. “So What” and “Say Goodbye,” both included on “The Best of,” are infectious dance-pop. Do you know if they were ever remixed for club play, and if so, if they had any success in gay clubs? Nice (that) you picked “Say Goodbye.” Surprise choice! Anyway, “So What” was produced by the great producer Gus Dudgeon. A recent dancemix compilation called “Late Night Takes presents After Dark” has done a really cool mix of it. Check it out! You included the Peggy Lee duet “Can’t Think Straight” in the compilation. The song, which I think is delightful and pure camp, is bound to appeal to queer listeners, not just because of the presence of the diva Lee, but also because of the double entendre of the title. What was it like recording this song with Peggy? I’ve been a huge fan of Peggy. “The Folks Who Live On The Hill” is in my top ten favorite recordings. It was my

More than 30 years ago you were involved in a landmark case involving clearing the use of samples when you sued the late rapper Biz Markie for his appropriation of your “Alone Again (Naturally)” in his song “Alone Again.” Looking back on that lawsuit, which you won, how do you feel about the experience? There is no way I could have lost. It was an unapproved illegal use of the track. But I’m the one that had to hire expensive lawyers, go to New York, be the first on the stand in a court room, while Biz Markie and team didn’t turn up. Over the years, “Alone Again (Naturally)” has been covered by many performers, includ-

www.cliffsvariety.com

I’m glad you included “Take Love” and “Let Bygones Be Bygones,” a pair of songs from your 2022 studio album “Driven,” which are duets with KT Tunstall and Mick Hucknall, respectively. This is the first album I have done with two duets. I knew Mick Hucknall was a fan of my songs, and with us both having the same producer the opportunity to record came about with “‘Take Love,” as well as a great performance by KT Tunstall. Each are stand out tracks on the album. KT put her vocals on in California where she is based, and we only met when she came to London and filmed a video for the track. Many of your songs have a theatrical quality. Do you think you might have a Broadway or West End musical in you? Musicals dating from the early 20th century to the present are, and have been, a huge influence on my writing. Not so much lyrically, but musically with the likes of Berlin, Rodgers, Kern and Sondheim. It’s where you learn your craft. Ironically enough, a musical featuring my songs, entitled “Matrimony,” is on its way to being produced. You are performing in San Francisco at the Swedish American Hall in the heart of the Castro. Is there anything you’d like to say to your queer San Francisco fans in advance of the show? To anyone, not necessarily fans of my music, those coming to the concert will see and hear, and hopefully like, in over two hours, an up close and personal performance with myself and my guitarist Bill Shanley. Bill is a great guitar player who in the past has toured the States accompanying Ray Davies of The Kinks. Are there more US tour dates in the works for 2024? With the enjoyable reaction we have had performing in America over the last three years, bearing in mind prior to that our last concert was in 1974, we certainly look forward to being welcomed back, not least excited by the prospect.t

Gilbert O’Sullivan in 1971

Gilbert O’Sullivan with Adam Rosencrance, Nov. 24, 8pm at the Swedish American Hall, 2174 Market St. $47-$75. www.swedishamericanhall.com www.gilbertosullivan.co.uk

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<< Books

22 • Bay Area Repor ter • November 16-22, 2023

Vichet Chum’s ‘Kween’ by Laura Moreno

“K

ween” is the welcome new novel by debut author, playwright and actor Vichet Chum, the Texasborn, Lowell, Massachusetts-bred son of Cambodian immigrants. Although written as Young Adult fiction, readers of all ages will find “Kween” a compelling story told in a refreshingly honest voice. Chum offers an easy read, important content, life-like characters, and snappy dialogue peppered with endearing expressions, like “for the love of gods.” Fans of author Elizabeth Acevedo will adore Vichet Chum’s “Kween.” Meet Soma, the book’s main character, a bright 16-year-old high school girl who is left at home in Lowell, Massachusetts with her dictatorial, largely absent older sister while her parents are abroad. Actually, her father “Ba” has recently been deported. In an email, Ba reminds Soma that her name means legacy. Suddenly, for the first time in her life, she takes her name’s meaning to heart. And suddenly all she can think is that she must step into her legacy, now: “It felt loaded. Like it was a challenge. Not necessarily from Ba, but maybe from the universe.” On pure instinct, Soma gives herself permission to vent her feelings artistically. She puts together some beats and rhymes and “presses that red button.” Unedited and very unrehearsed, to her great surprise, and despite con-

siderable apprehension, her spoken word piece goes viral. Soon she considers entering a spoken word competition at school and begins to find herself. A memorable scene is when Soma comes out to her parents. It’s interesting to see how differently her parents now deal with coming out, as opposed to a generation ago when major family trauma loomed. Parents now know they are supposed to be supportive, even if they are fearful for their daughter’s future. After responding joyfully, even offering to buy Soma a new wardrobe or throw her a party, the following scene reveals their hidden strain: “I could hear them talking in their bedroom. Ma was crying. I spit into the sink and crept toward their door, which had accidentally been left open a crack. Ba sat next to Ma with his arm around her shoulder. He was comforting her.” Perhaps in the near future there will be no need for anyone to come out. We’re all just human. What I love about this book in particular is that while it is not about Cambodia’s history, it doesn’t shy away from it either. Soma and her friends must come to terms with the elephant under the carpet in the room: the wartime atrocities that so terribly affected their families in Cambodia. Chum handles very difficult material masterfully as they discuss their “parents’ time in dun dun dun . . . the genocide”

Debut novel delights and educates

Author Vichet Chum

not so long ago in the 1970s. One of the most exciting things about “Kween” is the attention the cover photo has garnered from the Southeast Asian community. Chum insisted on putting a dark-skinned Cambodian girl on the book-cover to represent Soma. To that end, he hired Cambodian photographer Mel Taing of Boston, and they cast Thatiana So, also of Boston, who is not only Cambodian but Khmer as well.

‘Chasing Bright Medusas’

An excerpt: “Sure, there were content warnings, but Evie was unabashed about detailing every sad, scary, horrible moment. She even soundtracked it with a cinematic score, as if to rattle those heartstrings like she knew what she was doing. The story ended in an epic, emotional conclusion with her parents being reunited at the refugee camps in Thailand as little kids. Everyone was crying (me included!) …

Sex: she was against it

Taylor comes to the point in a series of observations that culminate in the declaration, “Sex is, as so often in Cather, the worm in the apple.” Cather had even commented that Oscar Wilde was “deservedly” in prison. “Civilization shudders at his name.” Cather also had written to Louise

‘Kween’ by Vichet Chum, Quill Tree (HarperCollins) $15.99 www.harpercollins.com www.vichetchum.com

The perils of art

Biographer Benjamin Taylor

Pound that “it was manifestly unfair that ‘feminine friendships’ should be unnatural.” The letter, Taylor says, “prefers to talk about love most exalted, above the reach of mere carnality, herself as exceptional rather than homosexual. But that she was homosexual was obvious, astounded though she would have been to know it.” Discussing the letter, Taylor argues, “The pattern of her life was here being set. Sexual nature is what she intends to rise above.” In an attitude Proust himself might have cheered, Taylor adds, “[In Cather], sexual need is the flaw in human nature. She was against it; her great protagonists rise above it.” In the epilogue of Cather’s first great novel, “O Pioneers!” Taylor sees nothing short of “the full force of Chather’s antipathy to sexual love.” While Taylor is a scrupulous biographer (whose affection for his subject is unmistakable), his emphasis in “Chasing Bright Medusas” is on Cather’s writing, the growth of which he chronicles in detail. Today the author is still considered a master of “local color,” repainting her own experiences in Nebraska and the prairie states writ large. Taylor paints his subject rather as a

she was bringing us back to the seventies, unafraid to share our people’s history as if it were her own. Maybe it was hers to share, but I couldn’t help but be reminded that it was emotional territory I still hadn’t developed a relationship with yet.”t

Benjamin Taylor’s new biography of Willa Cather

by Tim Pfaff

y mom died just in time, before the tattled tale in the literary world was that Willa Cather was, duh, lesbian. An American literature teacher, Mom taught Cather’s “My Antonia” twice a year and read it each time. It would have curtailed her career – if not yet her life – if she had read Benjamin Taylor’s new biography, “Chasing Bright Medusas: A Life of Willa Cather” (Viking). As he did in his study of Proust, still the best in English, Taylor departs from the spent pattern of discussing a subject’s homosexuality in a separate chapter, usually last. Instead, he integrates it throughout his biographies, communicating its centrality in the authors’ lives. The two loves of Cather’s life were Isabelle McClung and Edith Lewis. “The attraction was immediate,” Taylor writes of the first meeting with McClung, in 1899, noting that it took place in the dressing room of actress Lizzie Collier, positing Cather’s lifelong love of the theater. McClung eventually married, which Cather deemed “a personal misfortune,” but the women remained close. “The two of them exchanged not fewer than three hundred letters over the years,” Taylor writes. When the copies were back in Cather’s hands, she burned them all. Cather initially hired Lewis as a proofreader at the magazine “McClure’s,” at which Cather came into her own as a writer. They spent the rest of their lives together. “As to appearances,” Taylor writes, “the two women gave it little thought. Two spinsters living together in order not to be alone excited little speculation. That the bond was connubial simply did not occur to people.”

cultured, cosmopolitan traveler who in spirit never left New York. After she first heard the violin prodigy Yehudi Menuhin in concert when he was a teenager, the two became friends for life. In a mere 150 pages of text (the scholarly notes are consigned to the end of the book), Taylor charts the path through virtually all of Cather’s major writing, most of it fiction, most of that the famous novels. “The Song of the Lark,” a longish novel Cather herself had reservations about, was based on the career of Wagnerian soprano Olive Fremstad. When Fremstad read it she said she could barely distinguish between the two of them. Taylor’s estimation of the novel is considerably higher than the author’s, but his larger point is this: “A lasting novel, according to Cather, is something you’ve lived through, not just a story you’ve read. ‘The Song of the Lark’ meets that test.” While, unlike Fremstad, Taylor never loses sight of where the woman Willa Cather, whom he calls “Willa,” and her personal experiences leave off and the resulting writer, “Cather,” begins. Taylor himself sees mastery in much of Cather’s prose, but, if roped

into naming “the masterpiece,” he concurs with the customary selection of “Death Comes for the Archbishop” as her greatest single work. But his efforts to elevate lesser known works, such as “Sapphia and the Slave Girl,” point not just to the trenchancy of its subject, abolition, but to the high quality of the writing giving words to it. The poet Wallace Stevens said of the book, “We have nothing better than she is.”

University of Nebraska

Author Willa Cather

The initially baffling title of Taylors’ study comes from Cather herself. Her first book for the publisher Knopf was entitled “Youth and the Bright Medusas,” which, Taylor says, “gathered all the best stories about young people and the perils of art.” In a letter to fellow author and sometimes friend Dorothy Canfield Fisher, Cather wrote: “You know, better than anyone else, what a long way I had to go to get anywhere. And you know, too, the difficulties of the road. It is strange to come at last to write with calm enjoyment and a certain ease, after such storm and struggle and shrieking forever off the key. I am able to keep the pitch now, usually, and that is the thing I’m really thankful for. But Lord, what a lot of life one uses up chasing ‘bright Medusas,’ doesn’t one?” Cather died of a cerebral hemorrhage on April 24, 1947. “She was at rest now,” Taylor writes, “done with chasing bright Medusas.” He quotes a touching comment by Edith Wilson: “She was never more herself than on the last morning of her life… Her spirit was high, her grasp of reality as firm as always. And she had kept that warmth of heart, that youthful, fiery generosity which life so often burns out.” Cather’s general mellowing at the end of a life of almost furious accomplishment, including a kind of peace-making with some kind of divinity, is the subject of the book’s touching final chapters. Her arrival at what she deemed a simpler, if not simple, style was for her among her finer achievements. As she had written of a late tale, “A Lost Lady,” “Whatever is felt upon the page without being specifically named there –that, one might say, is created. It is the inexplicable presence of the thing not named, of the overtone divined by the ear but not heard by the verbal mood, the emotional aura of the fact or the thing or the deed.”t ‘Chasing Bright Medusas: A Life of Willa Cather’ by Benjamin Taylor. Viking, 180 pages, $29. www.penguinrandomhouse.com www.benjamintaylorauthor.com

Past & Future Events>>

November 16-22, 2023 • Bay Area Repor ter • 23

Let’s talk cannabis. CASTRO • MARINA • SOMA

Marlena’s Birthday at Patricia’s Green

C10-0000523-LIC; C10-0000522-LIC; C10-0000515-LIC

Photo by Gooch

riends of Absolute Empress Marlena (aka Gary Mclain) celebrated the 84th birthday of the local icon at Patricia’s Green in Hayes Valley on November 12, across the street from Brass Tacks, the bar formerly known as Marlena’s from 1990 to 2013. Organized for several years by William Buckley (Emperor 48 After Norton) the party included a beautiful chocolate cake, champagne and soft drinks, and a lot of friends of Marlena, along with their dogs. Dressed in a black bonnet, a smart cerulean shirt, and a peacock broche with matching rings, Mclain said, “I’ve known some of these people for almost fifty years. I love them.” Asked about the new Brass Tacks, which replaced Marlena’s in 2013, Mclain complimented the new owners’ success. “And I still live upstairs. I’m not going anywhere.”t

Going out Professional headshots / profile pics Weddings / Events

StevenUnderhill 415 370 7152 • StevenUnderhill.com

Fall arts and nightlife events continue to intrigue (like Asheq SF at Oasis November 17; see photo), but with so many shows, exhibits and dance nights, it’s gotta be online, this week and every week on www.ebar.com.

Monday 8am

(last seating 9:45pm)

Tuesday 8am

(last seating 9:45pm)

Open Daily!

New Adjusted Hours

Wednesday 8am (last seating 9:45pm)

Thursday 8am Open 24 Hours

Friday

Open 24 Hours

Saturday

“I guess there’s just two kinds of people, Miss Sandstone, my kind of people, and assholes. It’s rather obvious which category you fit into.”

—Connie Marble (as played by Mink Stole in ‘Pink Flamingos’)

Open 24 Hours

Sunday 7am

(last seating 9:45pm)

Proudly serving the community since 1977. 3991-A 17th Street, Market & Castro 415-864-9795

Meet thousands of creatures under one living roof, and you’ll help us make ecosystems more resilient across the planet. Because every visit supports our mission to regenerate the natural world. Get tickets at calacademy.org AQUARIUM + PLANETARIUM + RAINFOREST + LIVING MUSEUM

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‘Tis the Season for Science

November 17, 2023 - January 7, 2024

Celebrate the season with falling snow, festive activities, and more!

11/13/23 4:56 PM