2012 10 04

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Bay Times’ Paul Pratt Talks with Melissa Etheridge Page 17

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Baseball Mojo

SF Giants Are Pro LGBT Editor’s Note: Special thanks to Staci and the Giants for their help in compiling this piece during an incredibly busy time for the team. That speaks volumes itself about their ongoing support of our community.

By Staci Slaughter

f irst-of-its kind partnership in the HIV/AIDS world was precedent setting, bringing together a professional sports team and the AIDS advocacy group to address an issue, which at the time was of epidemic proportions in the San Francisco Bay Area.

We are proud that the Giants have a longstanding history of supporting the LGBT community. In 1994, for example, the Giants became the firstever professional sports team to host an HIV/AIDS awareness game. As a result, the 2012 Giants season marked our 19th Until There’s A Cure game presented by Gilead Sciences and the Giants Community Fund. This

While great strides in HIV/AIDS treatment and research have been made, especially in the San Francisco community, we’re still not there yet. This means that the Giants will continue to devote a game each season to keep this issue in the forefront of our community until a cure is ultimately found. Plans for our 20th anniversary game with The Until

There’s A Cure Foundation are underway. The Giants, the Giants Community Fund, and many of our corporate sponsors throughout the years have additionally raised more than $2 million for numerous local community organizations that provide services and treatments to those living with HIV and AIDS. In addition to our signature Until There’s A Cure Day, the Giants have also lent our support to LGBT issues and awareness through our LGBT special events at AT&T Park and our team’s participation in the It Gets Better Campaign. The Giants were the first professional sports team to

join the campaign. It gained the support of Giants players and coaches, including Matt Cain, Barry Zito, Sergio Romo and Hensley Meulens.

They took a stand against LGBT harassment and other forms of bullying.

2012 marked the 10th annual LGBT Night with the Giants, featuring an average attendance of 1,500 attendees. It’s enjoyed a sellout capacity for the past three years. Each LGBT event includes a social gathering within AT&T Park, music, beverages, contests and local celebrity attendance, all exclusive to the LGBT Night special event guests. Long time community partners participating in

the Giants LGBT Nights include the Gay Softball Leagues, Lesbian/Gay Chorus of SF, Betty’s List, Bay Area Reporter and AT&T. A portion of the ticket sales to this special event have benefited many groups including the SF Gay Games, Gay Olympics in Cologne Germany, Team SF, SF LGBT Community Center and Cheer SF. Staci Slaughter, Senior Vice President of Communications for the San Francisco Giants, became the first female vice president in the history of the organization in 1999. She also currently serves on the board of trustees of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, the San Francisco Friends School and the Friends of the San Francisco Public Library.

Jehovah’s Witnesses Helped to Kill Prop 8

By Joel P. Engardio Will anyone thank Jehovah’s Witnesses for helping gay and lesbian couples win the right to marry?

Everyone knows Mormons took a lot of abuse for helping pass Proposition 8, the amendment that banned samesex marriage in California. But few realize how Jehovah’s Witnesses, that other door-knocking and gay-is-sin

religion, played a key role in getting Prop 8 declared unconstitutional.

have to wait until next June for a walk down the aisle.

to happen in America, land of the free.

By the time you read this in print, or soon after, we’ll know whether gays can start getting married again in California. If the U.S. Supreme Court refuses to hear the Prop 8 case ruled by a lower federal court, then we’ll be hearing wedding bells in a matter of days. But if the high court wants to decide the issue itself, we’ll

Either way, Prop 8 looks headed for history book shame. How then, did the most unlikely of groups -- Jehovah’s Witnesses -- help kill it?

Vaughn R. Walker, the federal judge who first struck down Prop 8 in 2010, boldly said it “was premised on the belief that same-sex couples simply are not as good as opposite-sex couples.” He also minced no words with the electorate: “That the majority of California voters supported Proposition 8 is irrelevant.” (continued on page 3)

One of the biggest outcries over Prop 8 was that the fundamental rights of a minority group could be taken away by popular vote, which isn’t supposed

Supervisor Wiener Introduces Legislation Restricting Public Nudity Supervisor Scott Wiener this week introduced legislation restricting public nudity in some public spaces while allowing it in other appropriate spaces. Specifically, the legislation would prohibit display of genitals and buttocks in city plazas, parklets, sidewalks, streets, and public transit.

The legislation contains a blanket exemption for street fairs, festivals,

and parades. Thus, nudity will still be permitted, for example, at Folsom Street Fair, Dore Alley Fair, the Pride parade, and Bay to Breakers. The legislation has no impact on nudity at beaches or on private property.

California state law does not outlaw public nudity and only bans “lewd” behavior, which the courts have in-

terpreted to exclude the simple fact of being naked. Berkeley and San Jose have enacted local prohibitions on public nudity. San Francisco currently bans nudity only in parks, port property, and restaurants but nowhere else.

The proposed ordinance resulted from a sharp increase in public nudity

in the Castro, including an almostdaily ad hoc nudist colony at Jane Warner Plaza at Castro and Market and frequent nudity on the streets of the neighborhood. Over the past year, a growing number of gay and straight residents, small business owners, and others have called for restrictions on public nudity in light of this extreme situation.

According to Supervisor Wiener: “While most people in San Francisco, myself included, have no problem with occasional public nudity, we’ve seen a shift in public attitude because of the over-the-top situation at Jane Warner Plaza and elsewhere in the Castro. Until recently, public nudity in our city was mostly limited to vari(continued on page 2)

Bill Supports Better Foster Care for LGBTQ Youth

By Dennis McMillan An Equality California-sponsored bill designed to make foster care safer and more supportive for LGBTQ youth was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown. Assembly Bill 1856, authored by Assemblymember Tom Ammiano and co-sponsored by the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center, will require existing training programs for foster youth caregivers to include information related to cultural competency and best practices for serving LGBTQ young people. The bill was approved by the Assembly by a 49-25 bipartisan vote, and the Senate by a vote of 23-13. The new law will go into effect on January 1, 2013.

“We applaud the Governor’s signature on this bill to help ensure that LGBTQ young people, who are among the most vulnerable children in our state’s child welfare system, have the security and comfort they deserve,” said Clarissa Filgioun, Equality California board president.

“We are also grateful to Assemblymember Tom Ammiano for his leadership and hard work to pass this important update to out-of-home care guidelines.”

LGBTQ youth are disproportionately targeted for harassment and discrimination in the foster care system.

This abuse is perpetrated not only by youth peers, but also in some cases by facility staff, foster parents and other service providers. When the abuse is between peers, the harassment has too often been condoned by facility staff or gone unaddressed.

“It is crucial that foster homes are supportive places for youth to grow and learn safely, but LGBTQ youth are disproportionately targeted for harassment and discrimination in the foster care system,” said AB 1856 author Ammiano. “AB 1856 will ensure that foster care providers have the training necessary to address the wide range of issues specific to LGBTQ youth.”

Aside from physical and verbal abuse or harassment, instances of unlawful discrimination against LGBTQ youth in foster care include confiscating LGBTQ supportive materials or prohibiting queer youth from receiving LGBTQ supportive services offered through queer youth groups or resource centers. There are also many cases of caregivers or service

providers refusing to use the youth’s requested name or pronoun, prohibiting the youth from wearing clothing consistent with their gender identity, or actively trying to change the youth’s sexual orientation or gender identity with so-called “reparative” or “conversion” counseling. While many of these instances of unlawful discrimination are prohibited under existing law, additional steps must be taken to educate caregivers on both the law and best practices to improve this situation.

Research indicates that unsafe and unsupportive foster home environments signif icantly contribute to homelessness among LGBTQ youth.

In a study of 400 queer homeless youth in San Diego, 64% reported that they ran away from at least one out-of-home placement due to harassment or assault, including sexual assault. A New York joint Task Force on Child Welfare and Safety reported that 70% of the LGBTQ youth study participants experienced physical violence in foster care, and 56% said that they lived on the streets at times because they felt it was safer than living in group or foster homes.

Power and Hope Mark Leno helped lead the efforts to beat back PG&E’s Proposition 16, which would have made it signif icantly more difficult for communities to implement CCA.

A San Francisco Kind of Democrat Rafael Mandelman Queer Power SF The Board of Supervisors’ September 18 approval of CleanPowerSF a program to provide San Francisco consumers with 100% renewable energy - was widely celebrated in activist circles as a great victory for the environmental movement and a blow to PG&E’s monopoly. Less widely acknowledged was the extent to which the vote represented the culmination of more than a decade of LGBT leadership on the issue.

It was back in 2002 that then-Assemblywoman Carole Migden secured passage of state legislation to allow local jurisdictions to establish Clean Choice Aggregation (CCA) programs. Tom Ammiano promptly enacted legislation at the Board of Supervisors to implement CCA in San Francisco, and in 2007 the Board approved the outline of a local CCA program. In 2010, Senator

PUC General Manager Ed Harrington, a former Milk Club Board member I might add, delayed his retirement to f inish development of the CleanPowerSF program. He was quoted in the Chronicle as telling the Supervisor’s Budget Committee: “This is the single biggest program that is even on the horizon within the city and county of San Francisco to make any difference toward any of the goals that you have set as board members in terms of having a change in greenhouse gas emissions and climate change in San Francisco.”

Supervisor David Campos was the lead sponsor of CleanPowerSF at the Board, and with the support of seven of his colleagues, including queer Supes Christina Olague and Scott Wiener, he managed to pass the program with enough votes to survive a threatened mayoral veto.

Congratulations to all on a courageous and important vote!

Giving ‘Em Hope Har vey Milk exhorted the queer community to elect our own. And this November, a number of LGBT folks will be on your local ballot.

Mark Leno and Tom Ammiano are seeking re-election to their f inal terms in the Senate and Assembly,

respectively. Longtime BART Director and transportation planning smartypants Tom Radulovich appears to be a shoe-in for re-election to the BART Board. David Campos is coasting to re-election in the uncontested District 9 Supervisor race, while Christina Olague is f ighting hard to hold onto her seat representing District 5. Joel Engardio, running in District 7, is hoping to prove a gay candidate can win west of Twin Peaks. Two queer candidates are running for the community college board: Student Trustee William Walker and yours truly.

Frustratingly, however, there are no out LGBT candidates running for School Board this year. With record numbers of LGBT families raising children and sending them to the public schools, and increasing awareness of the toll bullying takes on LGBT kids and the need to address it early and forcefully, I am amazed that our queer City has had no LGBT representation on the School Board for four years since Mark Sanchez left to run for Supervisor. Harvey would not be pleased.

Get Active Of course, most of us are hoping for an Obama victory in November. For those of you looking to do more than hope, Obama for America and the San Francisco Democratic Party need you. Head down to the coordinated election headquarters at 2278 Market Street (at Noe), and they will put you to work!

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@sfbaytimes.com 2 BAY TIM ES OCTOB E R 4 , 2 0 1 2

ous street festivals and beaches as well as the occasional naked person wandering the streets. What’s happening now is different. Jane Warner Plaza is the only usable public space in the Castro and serves as the neighborhood’s town square. Use of this small but important space as a near-daily nudist colony, while fun for the nudists, is anything but for the neighborhood as a whole. This plaza and this neighborhood are for everyone, and the current situation alienates both residents and visitors. We are a tolerant neighborhood and city, but there are limits.”

Supervisor Wiener stressed that he did not rush to introduce this legislation, instead waiting to see if the

situation in the Castro would resolve itself without the need for a ban. “Unfortunately,” said Supervisor Wiener, “the nudity situation in the Castro, rather than running its course, has gotten more extreme. Many in the community have reached the end of their rope.”

Cleve Jones, a long-time Castro resident and labor, LGBT, and HIV advocate, expressed support for the legislation: “Every day thousands of people from every neighborhood travel through the Castro and Market Street intersection on their way to shop, go to work, attend classes, and visit friends and family. Visitors from all over the world come to see the Rainbow Flag, the Castro Theater

marquee, Harvey Milk’s camera store location, the GLBT History Museum and the many other wonderful features of the Castro. Like most San Franciscans, I am proud of our city’s diversity and multi-cultural heritage.

One of the ways we make diversity work is by showing sensitivity and respect for all people, and sometimes that requires compromises. I’m all for designated clothing optional spaces for my nudist friends, but the middle of one of the busiest intersections in San Francisco is not the appropriate location for a nude beach.”

Andrea Aiello, executive director of the Castro/Upper Market Community Benef it District, which main(continued on page 18)

HIV/AIDS News Biologists at UC San Diego have unraveled the anti-viral mechanism of a human gene that may explain why some people infected with HIV have much higher amounts of virus in their bloodstreams than others. Their findings, detailed in the journal Nature, could also shed light on the mystery of why some people with HIV never develop symptoms of AIDS. The biologists found that a gene called Human Schlafen 11 produces a protein that inhibits the replication of HIV in infected human cells by blocking the ability of the host cell to synthesize viral proteins.

“Some people with HIV develop AIDS rapidly and others can be HIV positive for decades and never really develop any symptoms of the disease,” said Michael David, a professor of biology at UC San Diego. He headed the research team. “It’s still unclear why that is, but one possibility is that the genetic variations in this protein, like in many other viral restriction factors, account for the differences in the susceptibility to the virus.”

Because Human Schlafen 11 specifically blocks synthesis of HIV proteins, the researchers are conducting further studies to see if variations in the Human Schlafen 11 gene can be correlated with disease progression in HIV infected individuals. If that

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(JEHOVAH’S continued from page 1)

turns out to be the case, the discovery could one day lead to the development of a diagnostic test for HIV infected individuals that would inform them of their likelihood of developing AIDS or, better yet, the development of a therapeutic drug that would prevent HIV infected individuals from ever developing AIDS.

project scientist in the lab, discovered that the Human Schlafen 11 protein was missing in a cell line used to produce large amounts of virus in the laboratory. “When we put Schlafen 11 back into the cell line, we got over 90 percent inhibition of virus output,” David said, confirming that the gene was critical to inhibiting virus replication.

“If it’s possible for the human cell to inhibit the synthesis of viral programs without affecting the synthesis of cellular proteins, it’s possible that at some point a drug can do that, too” said David. “But our discovery is just the tip of the iceberg. There’s a lot more work to be done. Whether this will have diagnostic or therapeutic value remains to be seen.”

David said that while Schlafen genes have been known for many years, his laboratory’s discovery is the first to shed light on how they work at the molecular level. His team is now collaborating with several groups to determine if other Human Schlafen genes have an anti-viral effect against other viruses, such as those that cause influenza and dengue fever.

Human Schlafen 11 is member of a family of six genes in humans and nine genes in mice that are induced in mammalian cells in response to various kinds of infection, specifically infections that result in the release of anti-viral proteins called interferons.

The first Schlafen gene was discovered in mice at UC San Diego in 1998 by Steve Hedrick, a professor of biology.

The researchers are also collaborating with scientists who oversee tissue banks containing DNA samples from thousands of individuals infected with HIV to determine whether variations in the genetic sequences of the Human Schlafen 11 gene can be correlated with the development of clinical symptoms in those individuals. David’s team is part of a collaboration called HIV Immune Networks Team or HINT, which is funded by NIAID at the National Institutes of Health to “use systems biology approaches to reveal how the early immune response defends against HIV-1 infection with a view toward blocking virus.”

David said his laboratory had spent the past eight years trying to figure out what role Human Schlafen 11 plays in human cells before discovering its unique role. He added that they were intrigued when Manqing Li, a

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This is where Jehovah’s Witnesses come in. On page 116 of Judge Walker’s ruling, he cites a 1943 Supreme Court case where the high court did a rare reversal of itself, acknowledging a mistake it made in a Jehovah’s Witness case three years earlier. What happened between 1940 and 1943 to Jehovah’s Witnesses gave Judge Walker in 2010 his most potent precedent to show that voter will does not trump the protection of minority rights.

In the 1940s, Jehovah’s Witnesses weren’t just unpopular and marginalized. They were seen as criminal and a threat to democracy. It was blasphemous enough that they preached there was no hell or trinity and went knocking on doors to say so. But they also refused to salute the f lag or say the Pledge of Allegiance.

Lillian Gobitas was among thousands of Jehovah’s Witness children expelled from public school for not saluting the flag. Her case went to the Supreme Court and a fundamental question was asked: Should a free society force its citizens to engage in patriotic ritual? In 1940, the court said yes. National unity was at stake.

But Jehovah’s Witnesses wouldn’t comply, saying the f lag salute is an idolatrous act of worship of a manmade symbol, which is forbidden by God. In response, mobs attacked Jehovah’s Witnesses in 44 states, burned their houses of worship and beat them. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt spoke out against the violence.

At the height of World War II, when the U.S. was f ighting nationalism in Germany and German Jehovah’s Witnesses were being put into concentration camps for refusing to do the Nazi salute, the Supreme Court revisited the case. A stunning reversal was announced June 14, 1943 – Flag Day.

In 2010, the value Judge Walker saw in the Jehovah’s Witness case was how Justice Robert H. Jackson in 1943 addressed the “tyranny of the majority,” a problem that’s been around since at least 1835 when Alexis de Tocqueville f irst wrote the phrase in his book “Democracy in America.”

The 1940 Supreme Court used “national unity” to justify forcing kids to salute the flag. It also said the threat of being expelled from school was a good way to achieve compliance. If anyone felt put out, the court said, they could seek remedy at the ballot box by asking the majority to see it their way.

When Justice Jackson got the chance to reverse the 1940 ruling, he tackled the ballot box notion head on. He wrote that the “very purpose” of the Bill of Rights was to protect some issues from the volatility of politics and “place them beyond the reach of majorities.”

“One’s right to life, liberty, and property, to free speech, a free press, freedom of worship and assembly,” Jackson said, “may not be submitted to vote.”

Judge Walker used Jackson’s line in striking down the 52 percent majority vote that had taken away the fundamental right of gay and lesbian couples to marry in California.

While we can thank Jehovah’s Witnesses for this precedent that aims to prevent tyranny of the majority, it should be noted they don’t like gay marriage. They consider it sin and aren’t afraid to say so. But not one Jehovah’s Witness voted for or supported Prop 8. Jehovah’s Witnesses are apolitical. Rather than forcing their (continued on page 10)

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BAY T IM ES O C TO BER 4, 2012 3 9/17/12 2:30 PM

National News Briefs compiled by Dennis McMillan

Seattle, WA - God Bless (NOT!) Homophobic Bishops - 9.20

Springfield, IL - Yet Another Anti-Gay Bishop Blathers Away - 9.26

Peter Sar t a in, t he Roman Cat hol ic archbishop of Seatt le, has warned that society would be harmed “ beyond repair” if Washington state voters approve Referendum 74, which would uphold a same-sex marriage law approved by lawmakers. Sartain called on Catholics to reject the law in a lengthy four-minute video posted on the church’s website. “We urge our Catholic people to uphold our consistent Catholic teaching on marriage for the good of the Church, society, husbands and wives and their children,” Sartain exhorted. “Therefore, we bishops reject the redef inition of marriage as a ‘civil contract between two persons.’” Sartain argued that marriage cannot be redef ined because God is the “author of marriage.”

The Roman Catholic Bishop of Springf ield, Illinois is warning that the Democrat ic Part y has endorsed “ intr insic ev ils” and consequent ly, voters who back Democratic candidates have put their eternal salvation at risk. Bishop Thomas John Paprock i has attacked Democrats for endorsing gay r ights and opposing the criminalization of abortion. He said those two planks demonstrate that the Democrats “explicitly endorse intrinsic evils,” while noting that he has “read the Republican Party Platform, and there is nothing in it that supports or promotes an intrinsic evil or a serious sin.” You mean, other than failing to feed the poor and heal the sick?!

Paprock i concludes back ing the Democratic Part y may put your eternal salvation at risk: “a vote for a candidate who promotes actions or behaviors that are intrinsically evil and gravely sinful makes you morally complicit and places the eternal salvation of your own soul in serious jeopardy.” He adds, “There are many positive and benef icial planks in the Democratic Party Platform, but I am pointing out those that explicitly endorse intrinsic evils. My job is not to tell you for whom you should vote; but I do have a duty to speak out on moral issues. I would be abdicating this duty if I didn’t say anything about the morality of these issues.”

He concedes, “Certainly there are pro-choice Republicans who support abortion rights, and Log Cabin Republicans who promote same-sex marriage, and they are equally as wrong as their Democratic counterparts.” And are also going to hell?!

“Thus, marriage is not a purely human institution. It springs from God’s own plan for the world, for the good of married couples, for the birth and rearing of children and for the good of all society.”

Sartain said that the church is opposed to discrimination based on sexual orientation but then added, “However, redef ining marriage as a means of dealing with important issues of equality and respect for all persons will not achieve the goal of defending the rights of all and would overturn centuries of common law.” Sartain spouted, “To suddenly change the God-given and time-honored understanding of marriage would be a ver y harmful thing for our state and for the world. Should marriage be redef ined in our state, the very foundational nature of marriage for the good and strength of human society would be harmed beyond repair.” Good to know Cordileone isn’t the only anti-equality bishop?!

Source: RightWingWatch.or

Source: OnTopMag.com Sacramento, CA - Governor Brown Signs Religious Freedom into Law - 10.1 Gover nor Jerr y Brow n has sig ned into law leg islat ion authored by Senator Mark Leno that clarif ies the religious freedom of clerg y members in California. Senate Bill 1140 reaf f irms the separation of church and state and clarif ies under state law that no member of clerg y will be required to perform a marriage that is contrar y to his or her faith.

SB 1140 also protects churches from losing their tax-exempt status if they refuse to perform a marriage that is contrar y to their faith. This paves the way for Prop 8 to be repealed, which remains to be seen until the US Supreme Court decides whether or not to take on the appeal made by proponents of the same-sex marriage ban (also whether or not t he Supremes take on t he Defense of Marr iage Act repea l).

These decisions could come as early as early October or as late as latter November.

Many states that allow marr iage for same-sex couples have passed similar laws clarify ing that relig ious denominations and indiv idual clerg y members are free to determine which marriages they perform.

Leno stated, “With momentum building in support of marriage for same-sex couples, and the Proposition 8 repeal case still working its way through the courts, we know it is only a matter of time before California will again have the freedom to marr y, making this clarif ication especially necessar y.” Amen!

Source: Off ice of Sen. Mark Leno

Alexandria, MN - Vikings Footballer Wants to Debate Anti-Gay Representative - 9.28 Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe wants to debate Rep. Mary Franson, R-Alexandria, over her opposition to samesex marriage. Kluwe, str8-but-not-narrow, recently defended marriage equality, saying, “Gay marriage won’t magically turn you into a lustful cockmonster.” Franson posted a call to arms on her Facebook page, claiming she was “under attack by those who oppose traditional marriage,” adding, “Because I am standing on my principles, the leftists who oppose marriage between one man and one woman are now funneling money to my opponent.” Franson included Kluwe’s equality statements.

Not one to back down from a fight, Kluwe quickly took the offense on his Twitter account: “Basically, I was pointing out the fact that it is very hypocritical of her to ask for a return to traditional values, when traditional values say she should have been in the kitchen, and not in office.” Kluwe continued, “Traditional values doesn’t just mean what you want it to mean. It can also mean some pretty bad stuff.”

During a debate with her Democratic challenger, Bob Cunniff, regarding homosexuality, Franson stated, “I personally do not believe it is normal behavior.”

Kluwe has been talking to Minnesotans for Equality - a group opposing the constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage - about organizing this debate. “We’re thinking of actually extending her an official invitation to see if she wants to do a debate,” says Kluwe. Asked if he thought she’d accept, Kluwe laughed. “I don’t think she will.” Too bad. That would be awesome!

McIntyre, GA - At Least Honey Boo Boo Loves Us Queers - 9.27 On TLC channel’s season finale of the bizarre hillbilly/toddler pageant reality show, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, audiences learned, “Ain’t nothin’ wrong about bein’ a little gay. Everybody’s a little gay,” out of the mouths of babes. This stunning advocacy is from a chubby tiny tot known as Honey Boo Boo, in a deeply red state, who frequently participates in toddlers in tiaras contests. In case you don’t watch the show (me neither), you should know that 17-year-old Anna gave birth to her daughter Kaitlyn, who has an extra thumb on her right hand. Anna doesn’t know “if there’s any other kind of gay dogs. Maybe Shih Tzus or Koala Bears.” Sugar Bear is HBB’s father. Lee, Sugar Bear’s baby brother, is gay and referred to affectionately as “Uncle Poodle.”

His sexuality was discussed at length on the episode, and while it wasn’t free of stereotypes (“You know gay men, hello, they know how to dance and make the moves,” said morbidly obese mother June, who calls any gay person a poodle), it’s encouraging to see a child so enraptured with her uncle not despite but because of his gayness. “I think she needs her Uncle Poodle before the pageant to teach her somethin’,” says June. “And, um, maybe he can give her some sass.” She eloquently concludes, regarding her gay brother-in-law, “He’s got a little fruit in his tank, what can I say?” I’m just hoping these people can’t vote.

Source: Gawker.com

Source: Blogs.CityPages.com

Local News Briefs Politics and Ice Cream Do Mix

San Francisco Named America’s Best City by Bloomberg Businessweek

The corrosive influence of money in politics is the target of a bold new campaign aiming to return government to the hands of the people. Ben Cohen, co-founder of gourmet ice cream maker Ben & Jerry’s, is headlining the campaign, along with Americans from all walks of life. Their credo is: “Money’s Not Speech, and Corporations Aren’t People.” Ben Cohen will be driving around SF in the Ice Cream Stamp Stampede Truck now through Oct. 9 giving away ice cream and stamping messages on customers’ dollars as a response to the fact that over 2/3 of Republicans, independents and Democrats all want to get money out of politics, and Congress isn’t doing anything about it. Stamp Stampede aims to have tens of thousands of Americans across the country use rubber stamps to print messages on currency supporting a constitutional amendment that gets money out of America’s political system. Yummy!

San Francisco has received the distinction as America’s Best City in Bloomberg Businessweek.com’s 2012 best places to live ranking. San Francisco topped their list of 100 American cities researched. Mayor Edwin Lee called it an honor, crediting “the good work San Franciscans have done.” He added, “San Francisco is committed to being the best place to live, work and visit, and there is nowhere else on earth where you will find the economic opportunities and world-class events found in our great City.”

“It doesn’t matter what issue you care about - education, poverty, Wall Street, spiraling healthcare costs, you name it - at the end of the day, the absolutely massive amounts of money in our politics is at the root of our problems,” said Cohen. “You can trace the root cause of our problems to the fact that corporations and the wealthy place their thumb on the political scales with massive donations.”

The constitutional amendment would support the principles that money is not political speech (which would overturn the Supreme Court decision in Buckley v. Valeo, 1976) and that corporations are not people (overturning the Supreme Court decision in Citizens’ United, 2011).

San Francisco ranked first overall due to an impressive performance across the board, with the highest score for education, ranking sixth in leisure and placing in the top 20 for economic factors and air quality. Because of the endless stream of international sporting events and cultural celebrations being held in San Francisco, thousands of tourists pour into the City every day and will continue to do so for years. The wealth of food trucks, restaurants, bars and parks make it one of the most unique and diverse places to live in the world.

San Francisco is set to host a number of large scale events – from neighborhood driven events like the Castro Street Fair to Hardly Strictly Bluegrass in Golden Gate Park to international events like Fleet Week and the 34thAmerica’s Cup World Series Races to highly anticipated sporting events from our hometown teams, the National League West Champion San Francisco Giants and the San Francisco 49ers. Three cheers for San Francisco!

Story by Dennis McMillan

Story by Dennis McMillan

BAY T IM ES O C TO BER 4, 2012 9

Professional Services

Why Ayn Rand perience with Rand’s philosophy, called “Objectivism,” suggests to me t hat it s appea l i s pr i ma r i ly psychological, not political.

Examined Life Tom Moon, MFT At t he end of Ay n R and’s novel Atlas Shrug ged—having caused the collapse of the U.S. government a nd t he nat ion’s i n frast r uct ure, having abandoned millions of his fellow citizens to starve in the ruins—super hero John Galt tells his fellow heroes at their secret hideaway t hat t hei r “st r i ke” is over and t hat it’s t ime to rebui ld t he world. Then there’s this transcendent a l moment : “ He r a i sed h i s hand and over the desolate Earth he t r a c e d i n s pa c e t he s i g n of the dollar.”

It pu zz les ma ny why t h is overw rought melod ra ma, w it h it s wooden characters and juven i le ph i losophy, cont i nues i n ever y generation to capture the imagin at ion of t hou s a nd s of (most ly young) devotees. My personal ex-

W hen I was sixteen, I devoured her b o ok s a nd fe lt i n s pi r ed by her rom a nt ic v i s ion of t he he roic ind iv idua l. The Object iv ist vow read s, “ I s wea r by my l i fe and my love of it that I will never live for the sake of another man, nor ask anot her man to l ive for mine.” It speaks to the adolescent “I consciousness” stage of development. Adolescents str uggle to f i nd t hem s e lve s , a c h ie ve emo t io n a l a ut o no m y, a n d b e c o me independent from their parents.

I n t h is st age, R a nd’s idea s ca n have a tonic ef fect, encourag ing the young to believe in themselves a nd t r ust i n t heir d rea ms. L i ke ma ny ot her s, I fou nd Object ivi s m c omp e l l i n g when I w a s i n t hat stage, and left it beh ind as I matured.

I n my t herapy pract ice, I’ve worked w ith patients who, while older, were also drawn to Rand.

Most of them had lost themselves i n “ You c on s c iou s ne s s .” T he y were en meshed i n ex ploit ive or c o d e p e n d e nt r e l a t io n s h i p s , or plag ued by i r rat iona l g u i lt a nd u n rea l i st ic not ion s of t hei r re sponsibility for others. For these pat ient s, a dose of Object iv ism gave them inspiration and courage to reclaim their lives.

But as people mature and assume adu lt res pon s ibi l it ies , most de velop “We consciousness.” While they value self-respect and indiv idua l autonomy, t hey a lso u nderstand that a fulf illing life involves int e rdepe nde nce — love of, obl igat ions towa rd, a nd ser v ice to their fellow human beings. For those who f ind the meaning and purpose of their lives in their relat ionsh ips w it h ot her s, R a nd’s philosophy is mostly irrelevant.

T here’s a t h i rd g roup wh ich i s also drawn to her ideas. Since she elevates self ishness to the status of the highest good, she provides the perfect ideolog y for right wing politicians with a social Darwinist agenda. It was Ayn Rand who w rote, “ I f a ny civ i l i zat ion is to survive, it is the morality of altruism that men have to reject.” Vice Presidential candidate Paul Ryan has said of this philosophy, “It’s t hat k ind of t hink ing, t hat k ind of w r it ing t hat is sorely needed right now.”

He r i d e a s m ay b e a h a r m l e s s phase i n t he l ives of t hought f u l young people, but when t reated as serious political philosophy by t he power f u l a nd t he r ut h les s , they have the potent ial to cause great harm.

Tom Moon is a psychotherapist in San Francisco. His website is tommoon.net.

Voting in Spite of It All

Don't Call It Frisco Stu Smith It’s that time of year again. An important election is almost upon us, but the mountain of mail that clogs my mailbox every day in support of this or that proposition or candidate frustrates me. Then I remember that even in my darkest, debauched hours I’ve always voted.

When I was growing up, I believed that President Eisenhower was the leader of the world and I idolized him.

I remember going to the Saturday matinees with a quarter and sitting in the theater all afternoon on a Saturday, having a soda, popcorn and a Sugar Daddy. The movie experience used to start with either “God Bless America” or the “Star Spangled Banner,” and I felt so thankful to live in a democracy with abundance. During many family meals, when I wouldn’t finish my dinner, my mom would ask me to finish everything because of all the people starving in China.

I began my political metamorphosis after high school and a six-month sojourn to Paris where I saw liberalism and a definite contempt for racism and colonialism. I returned home and started in Foothill College where conservatism still ruled the roost. By the time I moved into my junior year at San Jose State, the Civil Rights Movement was in full bloom and so were the Army McCarthy hearings that were a witch hunt finding “commies” under every shrub and bush.

McCarthy also focused heavily on the homosexuals he claimed infiltrated and dominated the State Department and committed treason because homosexuals were subject to blackmail and would give up our national security rather than be found out.

I started out much like the family I was raised in, Republican with a conscience, or so I thought. In the 1970’s and 1980’s I began developing my own ideas of politics and social justice. Gay Rights was the new Civil Rights movement. I met young idealists like Roberta Achtenberg, who was running for office, and Harvey Milk.

They were so out they were in, and they scared me with their willingness to blow out their closet doors.

I’d had the good fortune of being in the Stonewall Tavern before the Stonewall riots during a police raid.

Because I was young and in a suit, acted straight, and pretended I had come in to this joint by mistake, the cops told me to “beat it” and I did.

Back home in San Francisco we had the Compton Riots, and it was the

same people who drove Stonewall: drag queens and hustlers. Vietnam stirred people who started openly challenging the system and actually fought it. I still tried to keep the closet door closed when I felt threatened by my homosexuality, but slowly my new heroes were helping me open the door. I started venturing into the freedom of being true to myself. I campaigned for Roberta and Harvey, as well as Richard Hongisto. I smoked dope with Timothy Leary and Joan Baez. Most of my peers considered them to be wild-eyed radicals, but I was hooked and I was out, finally.

Since then, I’ve supported many straight and gay leaders I believe fight for civil rights for all and justice too: Carole Migden, Tom Ammiano, Mark Leno…along with many others who lost elections, but fought hard for equality and acceptance. For 50 years my mailbox has been overf lowing with political junk mail, but I always try to pay attention to it, and to what the candidates are doing.

I have lived through a lot of history, and now I fight for what I believe in and am honestly who I am. Outcomes aren’t there for me to declare, but I want, and even demand, today the right to be a committed and passionate gay man who is no longer willing to hide his true identity. I get to vote for gay and straight candidates who litter my life, and probably yours, with stuffed mailboxes with true and untrue campaign promises. The right to vote, however, overpowers any disappointments. Exercise it.

(JEHOVAH’S continued from page 3) beliefs through legislation, they prefer to find converts by sharing a message.

Read more @ www.sfbaytimes.com 10 BAY TIM ES OCTO B E R 4 , 2 0 1 2

I know this personally. I come from an extended Italian Catholic family.

But my mom became one of Jehovah’s Witnesses when I was young. She took me door knocking all over town, offering Watchtower magazines and Bible messages. I broke my mom’s heart twice, first by not joining her religion and then by coming out as gay. While I’m sad my mom won’t attend my

wedding because of her religious beliefs, I respect her right to have them and am relieved that her religion isn’t doing anything to stop me from getting married. I wish all religions behaved this way.

I made a PBS documentary about Jehovah’s Witnesses called “Knocking.” It featured the Supreme Court case that would eventually help me gain the right to marry. The central theme of my film was how protect-

ing the rights of one unpopular group demonstrates the beauty and full potential of the Bill of Rights for every unpopular group to follow.

“Fundamental rights,” Justice Jackson wrote in 1943 and Judge Walker quoted in 2010, “depend on the outcome of no elections.”

Joel P. Engardio is running for District 7 Supervisor in San Francisco. This essay is adapted from a piece Engardio wrote for USA Today. His website is www.engardio.com

Sister Dana Sez Chester the Cheetah costumes giving out free bags of Lay’s Cheetos. Orange you glad they were there?!

Sister Dana sez, sorry PETA, but I don’t want to live in a world without leather!

FOLSOM STREET LEATHER FAIR was hot, despite occasional cool winds. Folsom Street Events has given back to the community nearly $5 million over its 29 years. This year the Fair had over 400,000 visitors.

As you entered the 9th Street gates, a huge sign in 36” high letters stated, “COCK.” It wasn’t until you turned the corner to see the other side wrapped around reading, “TAILS,” that you realized this was advertising a beer booth. 9X6 lube was available for free by PIY (pumping it yourself) from huge vats into little bottles provided. OinkMobile.com was giving away free porn and tee shirts. Next Door Videos also gave away free videos. My favorite poster: Obama dressed in leather with just one simple word commanding: “OBEY!” Quite a change from the Obama “Change” logo of yesteryear. Anti-circumcision activists called themselves “intactivists” and handed out info. Personally I prefer cut. But that’s just me.

Steamworks bathhouse offered their annual Naked Twisted Twister game (“right butt cheek: red”). Riley’s Furry Friends Heavy Petting Zoo had human animals (mostly tame), to pet and feed. This year, bi-ped doggies were featured everywhere. Also panda furries. Did not see that many drag queens this year, although Juanita More was serving up fierce Folsom finery. And someone dressed as a garden gnome. There were guys in

SF Public Health Dept. gave out info from HealthyPenis.org and provided a free dildo ring-toss game to win lube and condoms as a prize. The booth volunteers wore “Phil the Syphilis Monster” tee shirts reminding people, “I’m back!” SFPreventHiv.com gave complimentary HIV tests and f loggings, if desired.

The HIV Promise booth distributed happy face buttons if you promised to help fight the stigma of HIV. Tita Aida was in the Asian/Pacific Islander Wellness Center’s booth offering HIV tests as well as fortune cookies and condoms. The handsome, hunky Bare Chest Calendar boys were out selling their calendars to benefit AIDS Emergency Fund and Positive Resource Center.

The official merchandise booth sold souvenir “Folsom: the Daddy of Street Fairs” schwag. NaughtyPumps.com had a variety of fancy high tech electrical pumps for weenies, balls, butts, breasts, nips, and vajayjays, which I plan to review in the future.

Everywhere there were whips, f loggers, and every SM/BD piece of equipment under the sun for sale. But my favorite area was the erotic artists’ section - with all manner of awesome artwork to please us fervent pervs.

COCKTAILS WITH THE PRESIDENT was a wonderful Obamaraiser at the Imperial Palace of Donna Sachet, hosted by Donna, Rebecca Prozan, Bill Hemenger, and Geoffrey Murry. Over the past four years, President Obama has led the repeal of the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy; signed hatecrimes legislation into law; ordered his Justice Department to cease defending DOMA; and came out with a full-on defense of marriage equality.

But if Mittens wins, all of this could be

rudely revoked. So 46 days away from the Nov. 6 election, we activists gathered to listen to Zach Wahls - who had made an extremely moving speech to an Iowa state legislative committee on behalf of his two moms and samesex marriage in general, as well as a speech at the Demo Con - speak to us about his and the President’s support for gay rights and marriage equality. Zach revealed he was conceived in vitro in the Castro, yet came out hetero. The affable and articulate Zach is only 21, and well on his way to an awesome political career, despite his denial of such aspirations as yet.

He noted since Obama came out for same-sex marriage, most Demos are following suit, and by 2016, EVERY Democrat will happily join the current platform for full equality.

Zach urged everyone to come to the old Tower Records site in the Castro and help out at the phone banks to convince the “swing states” to vote Obama. I still question WHY the #@$& we have to use the outdated, unnecessary, unfair Electoral College with mandatory pandering to those country bumpkins (the “states that matter”); and why cannot we have just One Person = One Vote; but that’s what we got, and we gotta get ‘em on the right track. Meanwhile, get yer pals to vote LGBTQ equality and check out QueerTheVote. org! If your str8t friends have not registered, send them to Register2. rockthevote.com, unless they’re Repugnicans. Heeheehee.

The next day, Rep. Nancy Pelosi appeared at the Obama HQ in the Castro to remark, “We don’t take anything for granted; but we know that if we do our work - door-todoor, mano-a-mano, street-by-street, neighborhood-by-neighborhood, precinct-by-precinct, district-by-district - it is there for us to win!” Pelosi later added, regarding the overt Republican’t attempt to suppress Demo votes in other states, “Don’t agonize; organize!”

THE FAUX QUEEN PAGEANT returned after years of absence (having been established in 1995). A faux queen is def ined as a drag queen trapped in a real girl’s body. Former faux queens Bea Dazzler and Holy McGrail, along with Cameron Eng, produced the show, “The Next Generation,” in association with Klubstitute Kollective at Club DNA. Yes, it was a Star Trekkish theme. Emcees were Trixxie Carr and Drag King Leigh Crow as Captain Kirk. Celebrity judges were Heklina, Fauxnique, Criquet Bardot, L . Ron Hubby, Birdie Bob Watt, Ruby Tuesday, and Deena Davenport.

Contestants were Itty Bitty Titties, Juicy D. Light, Frida K-hole, Champyra, Connie A rtiste, and Rayne Beau Dazzler, with the winner of Faux Queen 2012 being Lady Satan. “I am an intergalactic hooker, sometimes known as C3P-Ho or Jabba the Slut,” she remarked. “This bitch has been fishing trick from Mars to Uranus. My space is the Final Frontier, where EVERY man has gone before. I am giving you Total Recall Realness!” First runner-up was Carnitas Wilson; 2nd runner-up was Cara Couture; Miss Guided got the boobie prize (I believe that’s meant for best real breastesses). I would have to say the most talented was Connie Artiste, who climbed a rope and swung from a trapeze in cum-f#ck-me heels while lip-synching high opera. Dazzling!

The last reigning faux queen, Hoku Mama Swamp, was unable to perform her step-down number (being in Hawaii), but sent an elaborate video.

Universe, get ready for ten new faux queens on the scene!

The opening reception for “Play Fair! The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Make Sex Safer,” heralded a new month-long exhibit at the GLBT Historical Society, 4127 18th Street, focusing on the first ever publication that launched the gay community’s sex-positive response to STDs and later the AIDS

crisis. In 1982, at the beginning of the epidemic, the Sisters produced a sassy brochure to get gay people talking about prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections. In the 30 years since, Play Fair! has been updated twice while retaining all its original potency, humor, and vitality. Mid-October will see the latest booklet edition, story and editing by yours truly, with a committee of hard working Sisters to see it through.

Online it’s at thesisters.org/playfair.

The Sisters gave $1,000 donation to GLBTHS. Senator Mark Leno sent a Certificate of Commendation to the Sisters. Curator Don Romesburg and Exec Direc Paul Boneberg praised the Sisters for this ongoing exhibit.

Go see ROSEANNE: LIVE! Velvet Rage Productions presents a delightful, almost full drag, live presentation of two of your fave episodes of this classic sitcom, the story of a working class family struggling with children, money, dating, and a bossy mother-in-law. Stars Lady Bear (sarcastic, caustic, “domestic goddess” Roseanne), Leigh Crow (happy-golucky, easy-going, burly hubby Dan), Heklina (snotty, precocious Darlene), Steven LeMay (angst-ridden, boycrazy teen Becky), D’Arcy Drollinger (mannish, awkward Jackie), Jordan Wheeler (young D.J., handsome date Fisher) and Martha Lipton (nagging mother Beverly, best friend Crystal).

Wednesdays: 7 and 9pm, 14 shows only, now through November 14 (no shows October 31st), Rebel, 1760 Market Street @ Octavia. $20 tickets in advance: brownpapertickets.com/ event/269721, $25 at door. The first show includes unexpected, embarrassing, devastating f latulence; the second deals with mother-in-law problems. The commercials are contemporary: be sure to yell along, “Hot Pockets” and “I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up!” Don’t miss this fun evening in Lanford with the Conners! (continued on page 18)

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BAY T IM ES O C TO BER 4, 2012 11

Take Us Out to the Ballgame Gay Giants Fans Rally on Facebook

By Gary Virginia Started just over a year ago, the Facebook open group “Gay San Francisco Giants Fans” now has 184 diverse members. They hail from local cities such as Vallejo, San Jose and r iva l tea m Oa kland, to as far away as Long Island, N Y. Daily posts from men and women chronicle the ups and downs of the team and players and run the gamut from injuries and records, to who’s hot and who’s not (on and of f the f ield!). Recently the group page was abuzz over a member-posted pic of ba rechested A ngel Pagan and Sergio Romo taken during a Lake Tahoe adventure.

Not ever yone is a fan of Facebook , founded i n 20 0 4, but it now boasts 955 m i l l ion act ive users as of June 2012 a nd became a publicly traded company in May of this year.

I see m a ny benef it s to soc i a l med ia g roups such as the Gay Gia nt s Fa ns page. Not ever yone can af ford to go to the local games, and others may not be as extroverted as those who wa nt to sit sa rd i ne- st yle w it h 41,000 other fans. Many times I’m watching the game at home a lone a nd w i l l enjoy t he l ivetime quips and cheers as members post “Timmeh, yer break in’ my hear t tonight” or “SF G i a nt s f a n f r o m N YC he r e .

Happy we clinched!”

Member s a lso post when t hey have tickets to sell or give away, or w i l l post where t hey’re sitt ing at home games. One av id fa n, Dea na Daw n, recent ly posted, “ I’m at t he ga me a nd I f inally got shown on the Jumbotron!” and included a self-pic beda zzled w it h br ight ora nge hair, costume and megaphone.

Gays have a lways played a role i n spor t s, eit her a s compet itors or at h let ic suppor ters

( pun intended). But v isibi l it y i s i nc r ea s i n g a s so c i a l mor es change. Former Pittsburgh Pirates ow ner Kev in McClatchy recently admitted he is gay (see page 14) during a New York Times i nter v iew st at i ng, “ I ’ve spent 30 years…not talking about my per sona l l i fe, ly i ng about my per sona l l i fe.” He added t hat he hopes his honest y w ill help bring about change in a sports cu lt u re t hat ha s been slow to a c c e pt g ay at h let e s , c o a c he s and executives.

The annual SF Giants LGBT Night was a sellout on May 29 with ticket purchasers split up all over AT&T Park. It’s obvious the LGBT community is avid about one of the hottest teams in baseball.

There’s also lots of excitement building for the new Castro gay sports bar “Hi Tops” slated to open in the former Lime restaurant location in November.

Social media can be impersonal at times, so the Gay San Fran-

Gary Virginia, Bay Times Co-Publisher Dr. Betty Sullivan and Donna Sachet at SF Giants LGBT Night Out. c i sco Gia nt s Fa n s g roup held their f irst public gather ing for the Giants vs. Dodgers game on Oct. 2 at the Edge bar. Named “Or a nge October,” t he pa r t y fe at u r e d fe s t i ve d e c or at ion s , munchies, f ive big screen T Vs, drink specials, a prize for “best d ressed fa n” a nd a sing-a long of traditional home game songs l i k e J o u r n e y ’s “ L i g ht s ” a n d

Freedom Band at Night Out. Photo by Billy Green

Matt Cain and wife Chelsea. Photo by Adam Bouska.

12 BAY TIM ES OCTO B E R 4 , 2 0 1 2

To n y B e n n e t t ’s “ I L e f t M y Heart in San Francisco.”

With hope, we’ll hear that victor y song right up to the close of the World Series. Until then, you c a n keep up w it h a l l t he d i r t by joi n i ng t he Fa cebook page, “Gay San Francisco Giants Fans.” Play ball!

NAGAAA Gay Softball World Series 2012 Champions A Division 1st: Atlanta Sluggers 2nd: Phoenix Roscoes Coors Light HP2 Toros 3rd: Chicago Menace 4th: Fort Lauderdale Noize

B Division: 1st: Long Beach Rounders 2.0 2nd: San Diego Spikes 3rd: Boston Cafe Club Angels 4th: Portland Brewers

C Division: 1st: Tampa Venom 2nd: Orlando Royalty 3rd: Atlanta Menace 4th: Houston Toros

D Division: 1st: Seattle Inferno 2nd: Tulsa Razors 3rd: Philadelphia Honey Badgers 4th: Twin Cities Titans

Masters Division: 1st: Seattle Strokes 2nd: LA Gang Grey 3rd: Chicago Sidetrack 4th: Twin Cities Line Drive

Photo Essay by Steven Underhill BAY T IM ES O C TO BER 4, 2012 13

Prop B Ensures Clean, Safe Neighborhood Parks and Playgrounds Kim Corsaro Publisher 1981-2011

2261 Market Street, No. 309 San Francisco CA 94114 Phone: 415-503-1375 525 Bellevue Avenue Oakland CA 94610 Phone: 510-846-8158 E-mail: editor@sfbaytimes.com www.sfbaytimes.com STAFF Dr. Betty L. Sullivan Jennifer L. Viegas

Guest Editorial

Co-Publishers & Co-Editors

Leslie Katz

Ayana Baltrip Balagas Design Direction & Production

In a dense urban city, our parks and playgrounds are incredibly important to the health and welfare of all our residents. Our parks and playgrounds are literally our backyards where we take our families to play, sit and read a book, take swim lessons, exercise our dogs or enjoy the sun.

Abby Zimberg Design & Production Juan Torres Advertising Executive Juan@sfbaytimes.com Robert Fuggiti Calendar Editor

Manny Apolonio Assistant to the Publishers

Barbara Brust / Lucille Design Webmaster & Technology Director

Michael Denison Business Manager

Juan Ordonez Distribution

assessment identified roughly $1.4 billion in renovations, ADA compliance, and seismic upgrades needed in our park system.

support that system both financially and by literally getting their hands dirty as residents pitch in to rake, weed and plant.

Prop B (the Clean & Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond) offers a sensible way forward. Placed on the ballot by Mayor Ed Lee and a unanimous Board of Supervisors, Prop B authorizes a $195 million General Obligation bond to enhance the city’s most visited parks and facilities, make seismic improvements to recreation centers and playgrounds, construct new waterfront parks, and help restore the city’s shoreline.

Because of that support, we’ve been designated as the number one urban park system in the nation by the Trust for Public Land. Prop B keeps our city on the right track to earn that award again, by investing in the infrastructure needs of our park system that was built over 150 years ago.

Because Prop B is part of the city’s Ten Year Capital Plan – which only sells new bonds as old ones are repaid – the measure will not raise property taxes. Passing Prop B today will save money down the road when the repair needs becomes greater and costs increase.

Parks and playgrounds in every corner of our city are essential to our quality of life and, indeed, are one measure of the “liveability” index of our city.

Prop B provides for strict standards of accountability, fiscal responsibility and transparency. In addition to complying with existing federal and state laws, Prop B is subject to a strict public oversight and accountability process.

Unfortunately, with more than 220 parks spread over 3,000 acres, much of the current park infrastructure is 60 – 80 years old. A 2007 independent

San Francisco is incredibly fortunate to have such a vast public park system in every corner of the City, and incredibly fortunate that our residents

The Mayor, all eleven members of the Board of Supervisors, The Democratic Party, Alice Toklas LGBT Democratic Club, the San Francisco Parks Alliance, the Trust for Public Land and neighborhood park groups in every corner of the City have come together in support of Prop B because they understand the critical need for park renovations.

Please support Prop B to keep our neighborhood parks clean and safe for everyone, in every neighborhood.You can view the parks, playgrounds and recreation centers that will be improved under Prop B at www.yesforparks.com.

Leslie R. Katz is a former member of the SF Board of Supervisors and a longtime member of the SF Democratic County Central Committee. She has her own government affairs consulting practice and serves on the Port Commission. You can reach her at lesliekatzdccc@gmail.com

ADVISORY BOARD Tracy Gary Nanette Lee Miller, CPA James C. Freeman Jim Rosenau Judy Young, MPH Gary Virginia Dixie Horning CONTRIBUTORS Writers

Rink, Sister Dana Van Iquity, Ann Rostow, Linda Ayres-Frederick, Annette Lust, Kirsten Kruse, Teddy Witherington, David Grabstald, Kate Kendell, Pollo del Mar, Linda Kay Silva, Heidi Beeler, Jeanie Smith, K. Cole, Gary M. Kramer, Dennis McMillan, Tom Moon, Paul E. Pratt, Terry Baum, Gypsy Rose, Karen Williams, Gary Virginia, Shar Rednour, Stu Smith, Zoe Dunning, Kathleen Archambeau, Robert Fuggiti Photographers/ Illustrators

Rink, Dennis McMillan, Steven Underhill, Phyllis Costa, Cathy Blackstone, Robert Fuggiti

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LGBT Night Out is held annually at the ballparks of the SF Giants and other Major League Baseball teams, including the Washington Nationals, San Diego Padres, Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies. In August of 2012, the first LGBT Family Day was held at an Oakland A’s game in conjunction with All Our Families Coalition.

Person of the Week: Kevin McClatchy dent and chief executive officer of the Phoenix Suns, for example, acknowledged his sexuality last year.

CALENDAR Calendar performers, clubs, individuals or groups who want to list events should mail, e-mail or fax notices so that they reach us by 5 p.m. the Thursday prior to publication. Please e-mail items to be considered for the Calendar to calendar@sfbaytimes.com. We cannot take listings by phone.

As to why McClatchy is speaking up now, he told the Times, “I’ve got a birthday coming up where I’m turning old,” said the 50-year-old. “I’ve spent 30 years -- or whatever the number is specifically -- not talking about my personal life, lying about my personal life.”

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR If you would like to write a letter to the editor with comment on an article or suggestions for the Bay Times, email us at editor@sfbaytimes.com. © 2012 Bay Times Media Co, Inc. Co-owned by Betty L. Sullivan & Jennifer L. Viegas Reprints by permission only.

Sacr a mento nat ive Kev i n McClatchy, the owner and CEO of the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1996-2007, recently came out in a New York Times

14 BAY TIM ES OCTO B E R 4 , 2 0 1 2

article. He now joins a handful of major league executives who have left the closet in favor of living openly and with pride. Rick Welts, the presi-

He continued, “Tens of thousands of people have played either professional minor league baseball or major league baseball. Not one has come out and said that they’re gay while they’re playing.”

In terms of his own situation, he admitted, “I’m sure people will criticize me because I came out later, and I

should have come out while I was in baseball and in the thick of it.”

Nevertheless, we applaud his decision, and hope that it will inspire other LGBT sports executives and athletes to come out. We all know of closeted individuals that still haven’t taken this important step, which can make such a difference to youths and others seeking role models.

McClatchy is also noted for his efforts to get PNC Park financed and built for his former team’s 2001 season. He also lobbied to have the 2006 All-Star Game played in PNC Park. “Kevin McClatchy saved the Pittsburgh Pirates,” Bud Selig said in 2007. “He assumed control of the franchise am id considerable t ur moi l and during the worst economic period in baseball history.”

The Week in Review Supreme Indifference

By Ann Rostow I confess I was overly giddy about the first day of the Supreme Court’s new session. Turns out that, as far as we were concerned, nothing happened around the conference table. No action was taken on the Prop 8 case, and indeed the case was reportedly taken off the schedule and put on the shelf for an unspecified future conference. (Cue: falling tuba note.)

As for our several challenges to the Defense of Marriage Act, only one of them was listed for the Court’s first conference, namely the Windsor case out of New York. Again, no action was taken up or down, and observers think the Court will wait until they can evaluate the entire collection of DOMA petitions before they begin their considerations. That said, Justice Ginsburg told a group of students the other day that she expects the Defense of Marriage Act will be on the docket this session.

In other words, after months of waiting for the justices to finish up their summer speaking tours and beach vacations, or whatever they do when the robes are off, we may face more weeks of idle speculation.

The whole thing reminds me of the last episode of Season One of The Killing. After investing many evenings watching the rain-soaked, gloomy, depressing murder case crawl along at a snail’s pace, Mel and I were ready for the final revelation only to be told that we had to watch Season Two at some distant future date in order to discover the murderer. No thank you, Mr. TV Producer! Not that I won’t keep turning on to the Supreme Court news, of course.

There was one good thing. The High Court refused to review the long-running legal battle between the National Organization for Marriage and the state of Maine. NOM was nailed after violating transparency rules for ballot measure campaigns, and chose to challenge the law. Unsuccessfully, it seems. Thanks for that, Court.

— Thirty-third Time’s The Charm Speaking of Maine, our prospects for legalizing marriage in the Lobster State next month look pretty good.

We’re actually up by double digits in all three proactive marriage plebiscites, namely Maine, Maryland and Washington. We’re also tied in the fight over an anti-marriage constitutional amendment coming up for a vote in Minnesota.

This doesn’t mean that we should look forward to victories. In the past, optimism in advance of gay rights votes has led us only to despair. We were told that we were winning the Prop 8 election, until we weren’t. We thought we’d come out on top in the last Maine marriage vote, until we didn’t. We have been Charlie Brown to the electorate’s Lucy, rushing towards the ball in full stride only to wind up flat on our backs staring at a cold blue sky as the voting public chuckles mockingly.

Yet here we are, poised again for a massive kickof f. Well, you know what? Our much ballyhooed record for losing marriage votes has got to change one of these days. Maybe November 6, 2012 will be that day.

Some High Court watchers think the justices will wait to consider the various marriage cases until after the election in order to gauge the public’s evolving views. That makes sense in a way. Rightly or wrongly, this Court

is not inclined to get way out in front of the American public. But just as significant is the possible expansion of the free marriage states from six to nine.

As you know, the Defense of Marriage Act doesn’t forbid states from legalizing marriage. It just prevents the federal government from recognizing married gay couples from those states where our marriages are legal.

Adding more states to that list would increase the likelihood that the Court would review the constitutional status of the Act. T hat sa id, t he nu mber s rea l ly shouldn’t matter. Six states or nine.

It seems inconceivable that the High Court would allow some of these marriages to win federal recognition, while others are denied. That’s what would happen if the Court ducked the cases, leaving intact a lower court ruling that struck DOMA throughout the First Circuit.

— Zing Me By the time you read this, you will have heard and digested the f irst debate. But as I write, I’m watching the debate clock tick down from ten hours to nine. The anticipation is killing me. Will Obama stumble? Will Mittens pull off a “zinger?”

Can it really be true that Romney has memorized a bunch of generic oneliners to toss into the debate like peppermints into a stewpot? Democrats can only hope so.

Meanwhile, as I wait along with the rest of the MSNBC audience, I’ve been watching a barrage of f lashbacks to earlier debate moments and I’ve been reminded of how biased I’ve always been in evaluating the performance of my own favorite candidate.

Gore’s sighs? At the time, I saw them as an effective non-verbal suggestion that Bush can’t get anything right.

Now I must agree he looks supercilious. At the time, Reagan looked senile and unpresidential. Now, of course, we all agree he had an adorable common touch. My point is that I am sure Obama will win tonight’s debate from my current perspective.

Would that I could judge the contest from the vantage point of history.

Of course, from the vantage point of history, the winner of the election seems to have won the debates as well.

If Gore had won in 2000, wouldn’t they now be showing some Bush blunders? Would Romney be practicing how to sigh on the sidelines?

I must add that I’ve always thought it was unfair to criticize Bush One for looking at his watch during his debate with Clinton and Perot. We now know that he was trying to indicate that Perot was over the time limit.

But he could also have been checking the status of the debate itself. The notion that he was bored and wondering how much longer he would have to stand at the podium was absurd.

That only illustrates the importance of optics. For example, will Mitt turn easily from one side to another? Or will he shuffle to his left and right like a windup toy? How frustrating that you know the answer, but I don’t.

— Crimes We Love to Hate In my home state of Texas, some small town bashers have painted “Leave or Die Fags” on the porch of two gay men. This, to me, has always been the epitome of a hate crime, and the

Professional Services reason that I support the often useless hate crime laws.

Hate crime laws are superfluous in a murder case. Who cares if the killer of a gay man or woman gets 88 years or 99 years behind bars? Likewise, many juries or prosecutors in assault cases seem satisfied to punish the assailant for the violent attack. They are far less inclined to add on a hate crime charge that requires a clear showing of antigay intent.

But for this type of offense, a hate crime law could be the difference between misdemeanor vandalism and a felony charge. These men are considering moving out of their home in the panhandle town of Clarendon, population 2,000. If someone out there is vicious enough to paint a death threat on their porch, can these men really sleep soundly at night?

And how does this incident affect the other gay men and women in Clarendon? At the very least, they’re keeping their closet doors shut tightly.

If someone painted “John Loves Mary” on the men’s driveway, they’d clean it up and think no more about it. So content matters. And motive matters. Just as society treats a premeditated murder more harshly than a crime of passion, a hateful vandal is accountable for far more damage than your average scofflaw.

Texas has a hate crime law that covers sexual orientation, but I think it’s been used twice in the last decade.

Let’s just say it’s not a tool that prosecutors reach for very often. So I’ll be watching to see whether hate crime charges are levied against these unsubs. If not, I think we can finally conclude that the Lone Star hate crime law is not worth the paper it’s printed on.

— From Russia With Hate St. Petersburg is now topping my list of most hateful world cities. The metropolitan mandarins have banned any gay friendly speech. And now, a Pepsi subsidiary may face criminal charges for a milk carton illustration that shows a farmer in the field with cows and a rainbow in the sky. We’ll see. Some right-wingers over there are urging legal authorities to charge the company with a violation of the no promo homo law. All I know is that I’m going back to calling it Leningrad from now on.

And what else is new, you may ask?

Well, I really should mention that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit heard oral arguments last week in the case of Edith Windsor, a lesbian widow who is challenging the Defense of Marriage Act in New York. Why am I reluctant to cover the hearing? Only because the Windsor case has also been appealed directly to the U.S. Supreme Court and I find the lawsuit’s trajectory confusing to explain.

I’m also loath to explore why the Oba m a a d m i n i st r at ion a r g ues against the Defense of Marriage Act under one interpretation of this (and other) DOMA cases, while arguing in favor of the law under a different theory. Why get into the weeds when a beautiful fairway lies ahead?

(In brief, the administration believes sexual orientation discrimination should be held to a high legal standard. If that standard applies, DOMA is unconstitutional. If a court were to use the lowest standard, however, the administration believes DOMA (continued on page 22)

Read more @www.sfbaytimes.com and check us out on Twitter and Facebook.

BAY T IM ES O C TO BER 4, 2012 15

Be Accountable for Your Deepest Desires ARIES (March 21 – April 19) Rejuvenate your work environment, Aries.

Enhance career success and boost your reputation by infusing more beauty and harmony into your daily routine. Reach greater heights by choosing cooperation over competition. better.

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20) You’re cracking new codes in your quest for personal truth, Taurus. Abstract concepts are revealing themselves more clearly now. Apply this newfound wisdom, and sanctify your sense of purpose.

Astrology Gypsy Love Ask a child, “What will you be when you grow up?” Chances are, the response is delivered with enthusiastic conviction: “A nurse!” “A firefighter!” “A rock star!” However, as time passes, pragmatism often trumps passion.

Fantasy and self-assurance are deflated by fear and doubt. Cosmically, we’re encouraged to validate our inner child now. Get back on the playground, and be more accountable for your deepest desires.

www.AstrologyByGypsyLove.com

GEMINI (May 21 – June 20) When weighing qualities that are conducive to creativity, your spontaneity is “non-negotiable.”

Surrender to the power of the unexpected, Gemini.

Only here will your artistry reach its fullest potential.

CANCER (June 21 – July 22) You’re formulating new domestic structures that can more effectively nurture your emotional and spiritual needs, Cancer. Much of this process relies on basic instincts. Strip down before you build up.

LEO (July 23 – August 22) Commit to the process of purging thoughts that sabotage your healthy outlook. Your state of mind intimately intertwines with your state of wellness, Leo. Master the art of mental levitation.

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22) Valiantly express your personal style now, Virgo.

Many will admire your courage, while some may resent it. Regardless, you’ll experience limitless gratification by serving your divine intention. Lead by example.

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22) Upheavals at home have cleared pathways for renewed self-discovery. What has your heart been hiding, Libra? Repressed yearnings warrant your attention now. Respond to the call with patience and love.

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21) You’ve recently managed to penetrate mundane barriers that previously prevented your personal growth. Uncover more answers by venturing between the lines, and further into your subconscious. Dream on, Scorpio.”

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 21) Creating a sense of constancy in life can be somewhat challenging for the zodiac’s perennial traveler. Remember, Sagittarius: When your roots stem from within, your garden can grow anywhere.

CAPRICORN (December 22 – January 19) Your point of view is crystalizing for all to see, Capricorn. There’s no need to manipulate others into a meeting of minds. Rather, consider each contrasting opinion a precious learning experience.

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18) You embody values that characterize our culture’s ingress into the “Age of Aquarius.” Ecstatic expansion waits behind mystical portals currently at your fingertips. Reach inside, and open wide.

PISCES (February 19 – March 20) You are a catalyzing presence among your tribe, Pisces. Now’s the time to attract kindred souls and incite global change. Don’t make light of this chance to make a difference.

Gypsy Love’s astrology readings have helped 1000’s of people attract what they authentically desire.

Home

Speak Up! Speak Out! Laugh Often!

Karen Williams Home is where the heart is, so the saying goes. Recently, I read that we can feel at home wherever we find ourselves in the world. Since I travel so much for performance work and speaking engagements, bot h of t hese st atement s about home resonate deeply with me.

My dad’s family is from Barbados.

I grew up with an unspoken love for their country of choice…America. As a teenager, I was marched around Brooklyn -- home of many West Indian emigrants -- with my grandmother as she knocked on doors to solicit support for Presidential candidate Shirley Chisolm,

also from Barbados. This early initiation into civic activism remains a vital part of my essential spirit.

T hough my g rand mot her is no longer in this realm, she would be proud of my recent participation as a member of an LGBT Leadership Council that lunched with our First Lady Michelle Obama. I felt so at home. Michelle’s warmth radiated in the room as she hugged each and every guest and posed for photos. We “vogued” together for the camera. We laughed and chatted while holding hands like childhood friends.

The message Michelle conveyed was clear—that the upcoming election is not about her or Barack or their family. It’s about preserving the democratic process. Addressing the high school senior seated next to her, Michelle posed the possibility that should that student decide to run for off ice in the future, would she strive as a politician to know her constituents and access their needs, values and dreams? Or would she simply try to gain the support of her rich and well-placed friends to obtain the office?

This discourse struck me because of its simplicity. Recalling grandmother’s patience as she talked to

her friends and neighbors about democracy as one of the beautiful attributes of American culture, I identif ied with the First Lady’s messages… messages that aroused that feeling of “home” that lives in me, no matter where I am.

America the Beautiful…land that I love…is f il led w ith physica l ly stunning landscapes. Each region possesses its own wondrous beauty. Starring with Olivia Travel on its recent cruise to Alaska, I once again experienced the lushness of the Pacif ic Northwest, witnessing glaciers in all their glory. Though a long way from my Caribbean roots and New York City upbringing, I still felt at home, filled with gratitude for experiencing this place, this country that is my home.

I am a stand-up comic, and in many places around the world I could be persecuted or even arrested for many of the things I say onstage.

That fact is never lost on me. Life is far from perfect in modern-day America. Yet the fact is that we get to fight for our rights, fight for our freedom, and f ight to ensure that our democratic process is maintained. I plan to do my part in the next few weeks. After all, THIS is one of the places I call home.

As Heard on the Street . . .

compiled by Rink

ALL PH OTO S B Y R IN K

Who is your favorite major league baseball player and why?

Melissa Garcia

Tilly

Michael Denison

Mike Pingatore

James Poole

“Hank Aaron, becasue he gave me me a signed baseball.”

“Brian Crawford, because he was a great ballplayer and a beautiful man.”

“Travis Buck, because he is a hot guy and fantastic ballplayer.”

“Tim Lincecum, since he is a wonderful pitcher.”

“Brian Wilson, because he a fine ballplayer and he is entertaining,”

16 BAY TIM ES OCTO B E R 4 , 2 0 1 2

Arts&Entertainment Melissa Etheridge Reconnects with Her Roots on “Fourth Street Feeling” Music

Paul E. Pratt The public knows so much about Melissa Etheridge. Since coming out in 1993 with career-def ining Yes I Am, her highs (motherhood, Grammy and Academy Award victories) and lows (“two failed relationships” and a much-publicized bout w it h brea st c a ncer) have played out in the tabloids.

It’s been a mixed blessing, says the iconic rocker, but it’s shaped her into the woman she’s become. She ruminates on all this, and lessons from her “ journey to becoming 50,” on her latest release, Fourth Street Feeling.

You “escaped” Kansas, “made it” in Hollywood, came out and now you’re writing a musical love letter to your hometown?

Yeah. I found out you can spend your whole life running away from your hometown or yourself, who you were back then, your fears or whatever else, but once you get out here in the world – my journey to becoming 50 – I found that I was only trying to reconnect with myself from my past. That was what I needed to do, and that’s what brings a kind of wholeness and happiness, when you can go back in your past and say, ‘You know what? I did the best I could. Everybody did the best they could.’ You realize your hometown wasn’t maybe as horrible as you thought; maybe that was just how you were feeling about yourself ? There’s a word – a ‘reunifica-

tion,’ maybe – but there’s a sexier word, which I can’t figure out.

Having achieved success you might have n e ve r imagin ed, you sing of wanting to escape this new reality?

(Laughing.) Because it’s not about the place you are. It’s not about where you go. It’s about how you feel.

You’re going to take you with you, no matter where you go, so you’ve got to heal that part. You can’t run away from it. It’s about healing your old self.

You came out nearly 20 years ago – when it was truly courageous. How wrong am I to hear a bit ing indict ment of people who still can’t or won’t do the same in songs like “Be Real” and “Sympathy?”

(Chuckles) Well, at the end of “Be Real,” it’s like ‘never mind, I’ll be fine.’ It’s really not my deal, it’s your journey. It’s ‘why can’t you be real?’

There’s a little spirit in that song.

The soul’s not inside the body, the body’s inside the soul. You can’t change who you are. You just need to celebrate who you are, and I try to show that. If someone takes it as a ‘biting indictment,’ they’re just being defensive – but it can be.

(Laughs.)

Do those in Hollywood who are completely ope n about their sexuality ban together?

Yes, we find we’ve known each other for a long time. There’s been a strong gay community in Hollywood since the ‘80’s. We banned together when AIDS just ravaged the gay community. It created a strong community.

It decimated the enter tainment industry, the homosexual community, but it bonded us together. I’ve known Rosie [O’Donnell] for 25 years. I’ve known Jane [Lynch] for the last 15 years. There’s a strong communit y of people who have decided, ‘I’m going to be gay, I’m going to stand here, and I’m going to keep doing this.’ Jane is a perfect example. She’s a genius actress, and we’ve matured enough now to see her talent and how amazing she is.

There’s a great community, which is very supportive, and those who are unable to come out stay as far away from us as possible! (Laughs.)

Fear of ‘guilt by association.’

(Laughing.) Oh, it would be awful!

You speak so openly of having two “failed relationships,” these extremely high-profile relationships that went sour…

(Chuckles.)

In some ways, you’ve got an entire community looking at the success of your relationships as validation for our relationships.

(Melissa’s tone audibly changes.) Yeah.

I know. That’s why… The first time it happened with Julie [Cypher], I was like, ‘I’ve let my community down. I’m a failure.’ I was making a big deal about the family, then breaking apart – that really ripped me apart. I felt like a failure. I felt like, ‘Look what I’m doing to the community.’ I felt like people were going, ‘See! Gay people are bad,’ or whatever. I just had to gather myself and say, ‘Look, I’m doing the best I can! This has to be happening to other people too, as we’re going through life and figuring out what we want in life and what we want our relationships to mean to us.’ I’m really on a journey of being in a relationship with myself, of loving myself, of being the best I can be

for myself. It’s the only way I’ll ever be any good to anyone else. That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it!

At the beginning of this album, you sing of your teenage self headed for the big city to find freedom. What would you say now, as a 50-year-old woman, to the young girl driving her daddy’s Delta 88?

I’d say, ‘Don’t worry about it.’ I’d say, ‘Just enjoy it as it is. Don’t judge it. Be in it. Live it! This is your 20s.

You’re going to be 30. You’re going to be 40. You’re going to be 50. But this is 20. Just live in it. You’re doing the best you can. Enjoy it. Love it.’

Wow! That’s your “It Gets Better” video right there!

(Laughing.) Yeah! It’s true. You’re going to be 30. You’re going to be 40. You will dress better! (Laughs.)

Interview with Butch Boi Artist and Activist Elizabeth “Oscar” Maynard Art

Kit Kennedy Congratulations on your October solo art show at AWE Gallery in San Francisco.

Thanks. I’m excited to showcase work from the Genderqueer project.

How did you come by the name Oscar?

I remember clearly. I was riding in a friend’s car during my second year of undergraduate when a butch challenged us to nickname ourselves. I settled on Oscar. It stuck.

Which Oscar?

Everyone thinks she knows which one. Actually, it’s Oscar the Grouch.

You grew up in South Carolina?

Yes, I lived in South Carolina for my first 23 years then moved to Ohio for undergraduate. Antioch radicalized me and gave me my travelling shoes.

Antioch alternates study and co-op experience. This rooted me in social

justice and helped develop my political gender voice and my academic one. It’s a work in progress.

So I put on those travelling shoes, and came west to work on an organic farm in Hawaii. Presently, I’m completing an M.F.A. at SFAI. You come from the Southern storytelling tradition. What’s the first story you remember being told?

Probably children stories that my mother read to me. Once a year, mom tells me the story about the day I was born. I grew up enveloped by stories.

It’s on my to-do list to capture my grandmother’s tales.

Stories are powerful. Sharing from that most vulnerable place in each of us, and proclaiming proudly and confidently are vital. I’m especially moved by stories about mental health.

What inspires you?

Without a doubt, collaboration.

Communities of people who self-select and contribute their stories. Also, I admit I’m a bit of a scavenger. On a successful dumpster-dive I garnered

blueprints, which I’m manipulating.

This is the basis for my current work.

residency or perhaps apprentice in a tattoo parlor.

About this new direction?

You’ll never be far from a good story.

I’m moving away from text, interviews and portraits. I’m imprinting those blueprints with scientific data as a means to visualize knowledge.

What makes you laugh?

Three things come to mind – small children, tourists, and an excellent story.

Spare time activities?

I recently had three weeks off. I love the ocean, gardening, art events, travel, making art just for myself, reading.

How would you describe yourself?

I’m pretty much an open book. Just turned 33 and a tad worried about gray hair.

That’s for sure. It’s in my blood.

To see Oscar’s work: AWE Gallery, October 2012 Opening reception: Saturday, October 6, 2012, noon – 5 PM. htt p:// awegallery.com SOM Arts, October 13-November 12, 2012 Calling on the Spirit to Face the Future: Dia de los Muertos 2012, Opening w ith ticketed reception O c t o b e r 12. w w w. s o m a r t s .or g a nd v isit ht t p://d ir t ysout hdyke. wordpress.com/2011/08/25/elizabethoscar-maynard/

Happy Birthday! Do you plan on staying in San Francisco after graduation?

ht t p://w w w.f l ic k r.com/photos/ elizabethoscarmaynard

Hope so. I’d like to work in community arts, teach, be awarded an art

Kit Kennedy is the Bay Times Poet in Residence.

Image of GenderQueer artist Izz created by Elizabeth Oscar Maynard

See more Stories @sfbaytimes.com

BAY T IM ES O C TO BER 4, 2012 17

Fifi & Fanny

Music Shelley MacKay Have you ever heard of Fifi & Fanny?

If not, you are missing out on some of the most hilarious, queer entertainment in the Bay Area. Fifi & Fanny is a collaboration involving Carolyn Eidson (Fifi), Kristine Poggioli and Stephanie Lynne Smith (Fanny).

Carolyn, who recently left her day job as an insurance broker to pursue her career as a comedian and filmmaker, says, “I feel like I’m living my dream.”

Kristine provides her expertise in tech, marketing and creative support.

Stephanie is a concert pianist, musical director and worship leader who has always been on the performing artist track.

Carolyn and Stephanie met at “gay church” where they shared a “lovehate relationship with organized religion.” In 2006, they were asked to co-host a talent show at MCCSF’s annual retreat. They found it was easy to work together and had immediate chemistry. By the summer of 2007, Fifi & Fanny were created and debuted their first show at The Jon Sims Center. With inf luences from The Carol Burnett Show and Saturday Night Live, it was a musical comedy variety show featuring a bubbly quick-witted blonde in a tutu (Fifi) and another blonde, sarcastic and saucy, in a seethrough black top (Fanny) along with a cast of queer characters.

“We write our material to take the edge off [charged topics] and help

people see things from a dif ferent point of view through comedy,” says Carolyn. “People are so weird.

There’s material everywhere,” says Stephanie. Over the last four years, the show has evolved with various story lines about Fifi & Fanny running a whorehouse in “BumF$#k Texas” with a cast of quirky whores and clients. They are currently working on a full-length parody musical comedy about the whorehouse for the spring of 2013.

The duo’s love-hate relationship and extensive experience with organized religion also gave birth to their mock services, The Church of Fifi & Fanny.

Imagine skittles for communion while “Pour Some Sugar On Me” plays, a “homo-ly” (as opposed to a homily), the Holiday Hotdog and Fifi & Fanny’s mission at the heart, “healing the world one laugh at a time.”

They touch people in a humorous way while encouraging them to question why they believe what they believe. The next service is the “Harvest Mooning” on October 26th and 27th at 8pm at the Shari Carlson Studio.

“Wear loose clothing,” says Stephanie with a smirk.

From the duo’s various live shows came their short Friday Films that anyone may subscribe to for free on YouTube. These cover topics from Fif i’s wig shopping to working out at home. Currently they are editing the best of their films into a pilot they will submit to a contest. “Hopefully we will get some exposure that way.

Maybe in a big way,” says Carolyn.

Their ultimate goal is to get picked up as a sitcom for a network like Comedy Central. We hope they do.

Get tickets for The Church of Fif i & Fanny’s “Harvest Mooning” on BrownPaperTickets.com by searching “Fifi,” subscribe to their YouTube channel by going to their website fifiandfanny.com, and save the date for their spring musical comedy, 2/213/9 at Phoenix Theatre.

(SISTER DANA continued from page 11)

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18 BAY TIM ES OCTO B E R 4 , 2 0 1 2

Remember The Party presents WE ARE FAMILY: DISCO! with DJ Jerry Bonham, at City Nights, 715 Harrison Street on Sunday October 7th from 6pm to 3am. A salute to San Francisco’s famous dance spaces like the Trocadero Transfer, Dreamland, the I-Beam, etc., and how a truly fabulous disco party was thrown during the ‘70s and

39T H A N N UA L C A ST RO STREET FAIR is Sunday, October 7th, 11am - 6pm. Last year the Fair raised and distributed $80,000 to 35 local nonprofits. Founded by Harvey Milk in 1974, the Fair offers a multitude of booths with information, souvenirs, merchandise, food and drink, and live entertainment on several stages. More info: CastroStreetFair. org.

early ‘80s. $25 tickets @ remembertheparty.com or $30 at the door. A portion of the proceeds go to Under One Roof.

For more t ha n 6 0 yea r s, S A N FR ANCISCO BEAUTIFUL - a group of citizens, neighbors, friends, and philanthropists - has been in-

tegral in making San Francisco the extraordinary place it is today. “Together for San Francisco: A Masquerade Soiree and Auction» is Saturday, October 13th, Westin St. Francis Hotel, 6pm to 1am, black tie, festive. Surprise guests and entertainment. Wear a mask and/or costume and work the runway! Tix and info: sfbeautiful.org.

Next “Sister Dana Sez” look for detailed report on astonishing SF AIDS FOU NDATION 30TH A N NIVERSARY celebration, The Call: A Story in Four Acts. Riveting!

(NUDITY continued from page 2) tains public spaces in the neighborhood, echoed those sentiments: “The Castro belongs to everyone, and our public spaces need to be for everyone.

The nudity situation at Jane Warner Plaza has dramatically shifted the vibe of that space and made it an undesirable location for many Castro residents and visitors. This plaza, like our neighborhood, needs to be for everyone, not just a single group.”

Terry Asten Bennett, president of the Merchants of Upper Market and Castro (MUMC) and owner of Cliff ’s Variety, also expressed support: “Our neighborhood businesses rely on our residents and visitors to survive, thrive, and create jobs. The occasional naked guy walking by was not a problem, but the sharp increase in public nudity in the neighborhood, particularly at Jane Warner Plaza, has had a negative effect on the neighborhood. While some may love the spectacle, it undermines business in

the neighborhood and makes it unwelcoming to many. The situation is untenable.”

Dennis Richards, past president of the Duboce Triangle Neighborhood Association, stressed the mixed-use nature of the Castro area: “Our neighborhood has gay and straight residents, many neighborhood-serving businesses, residents with kids and without kids, visitors of all stripes, and three elementary schools. The neighborhood is for everyone, and while the Castro has always been and needs to remain edgy and forward-thinking, the level of public nudity here has gone well beyond that. It’s become obnoxious and unwarranted.”

Public nudity in San Francisco has been prohibited in parks (Parks Code section 4.01) and on Port property (Port Code section 3.1) for many years, and Supervisor Wiener’s legislation would extend that ban to

other public spaces. The legislation adopts the long-standing penalties in the Parks Code, with infraction tickets for the first ($100) and second ($200) offenses in a twelve-month period. Unlike the Parks Code and Port Code, which provide for a mandatory misdemeanor charge for the third offense, Supervisor Wiener’s legislation allows for either an additional infraction ticket ($500) or a misdemeanor citation for third and subsequent offenses within twelve months. According to Supervisor Wiener: “The goal here isn’t to punish people but rather to get them to put their clothes on.”

Conviction for violations under this ordinance would not constitute a sex offense for purposes of the state sex offender registry.

The legislation adopts the provisions in the Parks Code and Port Code exempting children under 5 from the restrictions.

POP ROX

By K. Cole

Around About San Francisco’s Leather Weekend continues to grow, with some 400,000 attendees enjoying the fetish free-for-all this year. Photos by Rink and Steven Underhill depict scenes from Donna Sachet’s Pre-Folsom Street Fair Brunch, the annual Leather Walk by Sandy (Mama) Reinhardt’s Family benefitting the AIDS Emergency Fund, the Grand Ducal Coronation welcoming Grand Duke Moe Jo and Grand Duchess Paloma Volare, and revelers and booth scenes at the famous Folsom Street Fair.

NELLY FURTADO “The Spirit Indestructible” Looking back on her early history, Nelly submits this simple and easily digestible pop nibblet as a follow up to her last Spanish-language release. No barriers shattered here, but for creating a smooth review of where we’ve been for the past five years and integrating rap and pop as only she can, I think this will wind up stuck in my player for a while.

Best Cut: “Bucket List” Location: Embarcadero Bar, early happy hour

Photo by Rink

NO DOUBT “Push and Shove” Never has Gwen and Company sounded more L.A. and more remote from the rest of the country with this dense, mechanical production of pop. True to her roots, yes, and dangerously pushing back the clock to the 90’s, it’s new but at the same time declaring for this band. They’re really hoping nothing has really changed, ah but it has.

Best Cut: “Dreaming the Same Dream” Location: Rage, West Hollywood

Photo by Steven Underhill

PINK “The Truth About Love” Yep, she’s still angry. Lot’s of explicit bare-knuckle boxing sure to satisfy the unsatisfied among us. But backed up against the wall of angst are still some great ballad gems that really show the incredible vocal skills hiding behind the armor. I’m a sucker for a good rock ballad.

Best Cut: “The Great Escape or Blow Me…hummm” Location: Washing dishes at Savor

Photo by Rink

Photo by Rink

ANITA BAKER “Lately - Single” Oh my, that silk is so soothing! After seven years off the music-go-round, Anita returns with this single harking the upcoming release of “Only Forever” – the full-length CD slated for release this month but yet to drop. If you consider yourself in love with love, set the mood with this tune for a good, long candlelit dinner.

Best Cut: “Lately” Location: Dinner, The Slanted Door – K Cole has been reviewing music for major publications since it came via snail mail on cassettes. Submissions to Pop Rox by local LGBT artists encouraged. Join on Facebook.com/PopRox-Bay-Times-San Francisco or send it in to: K Cole, Katharinecole@yahoo.com.

More News, Stories, and Arts & Entertainment Photo by Steven Underhill

Photo by Rink

@sfbaytimes.com

online

BAY T IM ES O C TO BER 4, 2012 19

Historically speaking, the Bay Times began in 1979 as a Calendar for the LGBTQ community. The title was Coming Up!

See many more Calendar items @ www.sfbaytimes.com

compiled by Robert Fuggiti

Chef Charles Phan – SF Commonwealth Club. $12 members/$20 non-members. 5:30 pm.

(595 Market St.) www.commonwealthclub.org. Charles Phan, Executive Chef and Owner of The Slanted Door, will teach the fundamental techniques and ingredients involved in the preparation of his native land’s cuisine to enable home chefs to recreate some of his signature dishes.

Shocktoberfest 13: The Bride of Death – Hypnodrome Theatre. $25-$35. 8 pm. www.thrillpeddlers. com. The Thrillpeddlers present an evening of horror and unhinged comedy. Thru November 17.

OUT Ladies Night – Café Flore. Free. 5:30 pm to 10 pm. The Bay Times and “Betty’s List” host this fun night with drink specials and DJ Flirty G. Fleet Week – Pier 30/32. $15+.

1 pm to 5 pm. (Pier 30/32) www. fleetweek.us. San Francisco opens its arms and piers for the 31st annual Fleet Week. Thru October 6.

Hardly Strictly Blues Grass Festival – Golden Gate Park.

Free. 11 am to 7 pm. (Golden Gate Park) www.hardlystrictlybluegrass. com. Enjoy live blue grass music during this free, three day music festival. Thru October 7.

Friday Nights at the De Young – De Young Museum. $11.

6 pm to 8:45 pm. (50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr.) www.deyoung.famsf. org. Enjoy the museum in a fun, festive and dynamic atmosphere with live music and cocktails.

Kinky Beats – Café Flore. Free.

9 pm to 1:30 am. (2298 Market St.) www.cafeflore.com. A weekly gathering at Castro’s iconic Café with 2 for 1 martinis all night.

20 BAY TIM ES OCTO B E R 4 , 2 0 1 2

“Family Programming” will be at the Shelton Theater October 5, 6 and 11-13. Photo courtesy of Left Coast Theatre Co. Horizons Foundation’s Gala Dinner & Casino Party – The Fairmont Hotel. $75-$250. 5:30 pm.

(950 Mason St.) www.horizonsfoundation.org. A benefit dinner with live musical performances, dancing, silent auctions and after party.

Sustainable Employment In Any Economy – Career Wisdom Institute. $250. 9:30 am to 4 pm. (1036 Country Club Dr. Suite 100, Moraga) www.careerwisdominstitue.com. Julie Gleeson and Sherry Platt Berman, best selling authors, and co-founders of Career Wisdom Institute, Inc, will help participants uncover the secrets to sustainable employment.

Wild Side West Anniversary Party – Wild Side West. Free. 3 pm. (424 Cortland Ave.) www.wildsidewest.com. Enjoy an evening of

fun as the Wild Side West celebrates its 50th anniversary.

America’s Cup Trials Viewing – Fort Baker. Free. 10 am. (Fort Baker, Sausalito) www. fortbaker.net. Enjoy a terrific show from Fort Baker with views of the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge.

Castro Street Fair – The Castro.

Free. 11 am to 6 pm. (Castro St. and Market St.) www.castrostreetfair.org.

Enjoy a day of live entertainment, art, food and costume.

Bishop Gene Robinson – Grace Cathedral. Free. 9:30 am to 10:30 am. (1100 California St.) www.gracecathedral.org. Openly gay Bishop Gene Robinson will

speak about his book, “God Believes in Love: Straight Talk About Gay Marriage.”

Heist: Who Stole the American Dream? – Redwood Gardens. $5. 5 pm. (2951 Derby St., Berkeley) A documentary screening

by Berkeley filmmaker Donald Goldmacher. Q&A and conversation afterwards.. 510-367-1522.

Joel Stein Book Signing – Swig. $40. 6 pm. (561 Geary St.) www.commonwealthclub.org. Joel Stein, famous for his rants against societal norms, hosts a book signing and short discussion.

Kung Pao Kosher Comedy – El Rio. $7. 8 pm. (3158 Mission St.) www.elriosf.com. Enjoy a night of laughs with stand-up acts by Maureen Langan, Sammy Obeid, Dhaya Lakshminarayanan, Bobby Golden, and guest host, Nick Leonard.

Reception with President Barack Obama – Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. $100+. 5 pm. (99 Grove St.) www.donate.barackobama.com. Enjoy a unique opportunity with President Obama while supporting the 2012 campaign.

Self-Defense Workshop –

Steele Lane Community Center. $33. 6 pm to 9 pm. (415 Steele Lane, Santa Rosa) 707-534-3737.

Dr. Judith Fein leads a powerful, fast-moving workshop in the art of self-defense.

Comedy Bodega – Esta Noche.

Free. 8 pm. (3079 16th St.) www. comedybodega.com. A weekly comedy showcasing the best in local stand-up. Hosted by Marga Gomez.

Monday Musicals: Superstar Edition – The Edge SF. Free. 7 pm to 2 am. (4149 18th St.) www.edgesf.com. Enjoy clips from your favorite movie musicals and Broadway shows.

Tuesday Evening Writers – Bernal Heights Library. Free. 7 pm.

(500 Cortland Ave.) www.sfpl.org.

Learn techniques and inspirational tips to get your writing underway and your story or poem told. All are welcome, no experience required.

Go Deep – El Rio. Free. 8 pm to 2 am. (3158 Mission St.) www.elriosf. com. Cruisy guys, drag queens and man-on-man lube wrestling make this a night to remember.

Happening second Thursdays.

League of Women Voters – Western Addition Branch Library.

Free. 7 pm to 8:30 pm. (1550 Scott St.) www.sfpl.org. Discussion of City of San Francisco and California propositions on the ballot.

Same Sex Series Dance Class – Boogie Woogie Ballroom. $15. 8 pm. (551 Foster City Blvd., Foster City) www.boogiewoogieballroom.com. Citabria Phillips teaches a group series dance class.

This session will be “Night Club Two Step.”

Cecile Richards – Castro Theatre. $25. 7 pm. (429 Castro St.) www.commonwealthclub.org.

The Commonwealth Club will present Cecile Richards with a Visionary Award for her work defending women’s rights.

Wine Time! for Women – Jake’s on Market. $15. 8 pm. (2223 Market St.) www.bettyslist.com.

Enjoy a selection of wines by Clos du Bois and light appetizers.

Hosted by “Betty’s List.”

Shanti Project Benefit Dinner – Hilton Union Square. $185. 4:30 pm. (333 O’Farrell St.) www.shanti.org. The Shanti Project will honor House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her 25 years of leadership in Congress.

BOLD Awards Ceremony – SF LGBT Community Center. $30$50. 6 pm. (1800 Market St.) www. sfcenter.org. Join the Center for an inaugural event honoring those who are creating a stronger and healthier community.

Deepening Into Sacred Love – LoveJourney. $25 individual/$40 couples. 7 pm to 10 pm. (Location upon RSVP) www.tantraforwomen. com. Explore the art of connection and heart-centered interaction through this intimate workshop.

Calling on the Spirits to Face the Future – SOMArts Culture Center. $10. 6 pm to 9 pm. (934 Brannan St.) www.somarts.org.

Enjoy the unveiling of intricate, traditional altars and complex art installations created by more than 80 Bay Area artists as part of SOMArts Cultural Center’s 13th annual Day of the Dead exhibition.

Cubcake – Lonestar. Free. 9 pm.

(1354 Harrison St.) www.lonestarsf.com. A monthly bear dance party happening second Fridays.

Treasure Island Music Festival – Treasure Island. $75$239. 11 am. (Treasure Island Great Lawn, Avenue of the Palms) www. crawlsf.com. The 2012 lineup includes performances by The XX, Girtalk, M83, Porter Robinson, Gossip, Best Coast, Grimes, and many more. Also October 14.

Family Programming – Shelton Theater. $15 online/$20 door. 8 pm.

(533 Sutter St.) www.leftcoasttheatreco.org. Enjoy an evening of short comedic plays about LGBT and alternative families currently living in San Francisco.

Fleet Week is October 4-8.

Photo by Steven Underhill.

Hayes Valley Follies – Marlena’s. Free. 10 pm. (488 Hayes St.) www.marlenasbarsf.com. New weekly show featuring some of the brightest talent in the Bay Area.

Crescendo – The Four Seasons Hotel. $150-$2,000. 12 pm to 3 pm.

(757 Market St.) www.sfgmc.org.

The 300-voice San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus kick off the season with their special performance, “Crescendo.”

Ladies Go Biking – Angel Island.

Free. 10:30 am to 1:30 pm. (Angel Island State Park) www.bettyslist. com. Tour Angel Island and explore the many historic sites with a ladies bike ride.

Sunday Salsa – El Rio. $8. 3 pm to 8 pm. (3158 Mission St.) www. elriosf.com. Enjoy music from some of the best Salsa, Merengue and Cumbia bands in the Bay Area.

The Little Mermaid Sing Along – Castro Theatre. $11. 7 pm. (429 Castro St.) www.castrotheatre.com. Come enjoy and sing along to this Disney classic. Thru October 19.

Argentine Tango – Excelsior Library. Free. 7 pm to 8:30 pm.

(4400 Mission St.) www.sfpl.org.

Learn about this sultry Argentinean dance! Jurek Mazur, of the Academia de Tango Argentino, will explain the history and development of Argentine tango dance and music.

The William S. Paley Collection – De Young Museum. $11. 9:30 am to 5 pm. (50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr.) www.edyoung. famsf.org. See highlights of French modernism in this exhibition of more than 60 paintings, drawings, and sculptures donated by Paley to The Museum of Modern Art, New York. Thru December 30.

Debate Watch with U.S. Senators and Get Out the Vote – One Kearny. $150 5:30 pm.

(1 Kearny St.) www.donate.barackobama.com. A Presidential Debate watch party with Senate Energy Committee Chair Jeff Bingaman and California Air Resources Board Chair Mary Nichols.

Lots more listings on Bay Times online Calendar www.sfbaytimes.com !!!

RADAR Reading Series – SF Public Library. Free. 6 pm. (100 Larkin St.) www.radarproductions. org. Michelle Tea hosts an evening of select readings by Lonely Christopher, David Lester, Jean Smith and Amanda Verwey.

State Senate District 11 Forum – SF Main Library. Free.

5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. (100 Larkin St.) www.lwvsf.org. The League of Women Voters of San Francisco (LWVSF) hosts a forum for State Senate District 11 and State Assembly District 19.

Carol Queen Presents Playing with Personas – Good Vibrations. Free. 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. (1620 Polk St.) www.goodvibes.com. Learn the basics of role play in this fun and sexy workshop.

CLASSIFIEDS Business Opportunities Parenting Graphic & Web Designer www.imagineit-design.com lori.au3@gmail.com

Catering

Gloria Swanson- Personal Chef, Cooking Demonstrations. Call 415.552.3232 to discuss your next menu! www.chefforhiresf.com, glofriasws@aol.com

Dating Service

New Free Dating Website.

SameSexConnections.com

Financing

Is a Reverse Mortgage for You? Are you at least 62 years of age and own your home? Get paid a monthly amount, line of credit or a lump sum payment. You always retain full ownership. Call Lauren Dunlap, Nova Mortgage. (510) 540-7911 / (415) 753-2272.

Insurance

COVER YOUR ASSETS: Insurance for YOUR community. Life, Disability, Final Expense. Aaron Van Arsdale 415-7174984. aaron.insure@gmail.com. Life Agent Lic # 0G10774

Legal Services

You want children, so do I. Let’s talk. For more information about me, visit http:// sites.google.com/site/mike949h/ Gay Man Looking to be a Known Donor for a Lesbian/Couple. 5’10’’, excellent health, HIV neg., with high fertility numbers, educated (Masters), athletic, attractive, and descend from two loving and long-lived Spanish families. www.gayfamilyoptions.com/item/221

Pets

SURF DOG large dog boarding at Ocean Beach. Queer Owned. sfsurfdogs.com.

(415) 637-7717 DOG TRAINING in Your Home Cindy Gehring, Dog Trainer 408-238-1540, DogHelpNow@gmail.com, www.cindygehring.com

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Soko Joshi Judo & Self Defense Club for Women. 415-821-0303 phdshelley@sbcglobal.net

Tax Preparation The Lesbian Tax Mom 510-653-4323 taxmomsusan@yahoo.com

Therapy

Experienced Psychologist - LGBTQ Issues - Castro - Sliding Scale - Diana Gray, PhD (PSY10607) 415-309-4729

B. Scott Levine 510-763-2300 bscottlevine@gmail.com

Barbara A. Adler, LMFT. PsychotherapyConsultation- Education- Training. barbaraadlerLMFT.com, 415-990-9137.

Massage

Gay-Latino Fiction

El Cerrito Swedish by Rick www.rickoz2.com 510-932-5478 11-11 Daily

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Around About

Harlot was packed with dancing women at “Luscious Live!” Dance. Shake It! Booty Band performed disco and brought down the house. (Photo by Sandy Morris)

Shake It! Booty Band’s Judea Eden(left) and Maria Stanford with their band mates put disco dancing back on the map at “Luscious Live!” Dance held at Harlot.

(Photo by Phyllis Costa)

Co-host Rebecca Prozan, dynamic speaker Zack Sahls, Lt. Lenny Broberg and host Donna Sachet at a benefit for the re-election of President Barak Obama.

(Photo by Rink)

MC Wonder Dave (left) with featured gay rapper MC Crumbsnatcher and MC Blythe Baldwin at Magnet for the Smack Dab evening. (Photo by Rink)

Natalie “Montana” Rose Miner played the mandolin and sang at Books Inc during an event for the book Divining Divas: 100 Gay Men on Their Divas. Attending were Poets Kirk Read, Christian Gullette, Kevin Killian, James Siegel, Michael Montlack and Brent Calderwood. (Photo by Rink) (ROSTOW continued from page 15) would survive review. Bottom line: Obama and company think DOMA is unconstitutional. Nuff said.)

Foul Ball Hey guys. My cousin just tipped me off to a scientific paper that shows men without testicles live longer than intact males. According to a study of Korean eunuchs, the difference could amount to an extra decade or so.

Wow! What do you say?

Given the number of commercials for male hormones I encounter these days, I’m guessing you’d give up a few years rather than suffer from “low T” or an androgen deficit. Whatever happened to society’s fight against gender stereotypes, anyway? More importantly, you have to wonder how long you’d want to live in the f irst place if you were a Korean eunuch.

In unrelated news, did you hear about the Hong Kong real estate ty22 BAY TIM ES OCTO B E R 4 , 2 0 1 2

coon who offered $65 million to any man who can convince his 30-something lesbian daughter to marry? The daughter is in a committed relationship, and held a ceremony in Paris with her partner not so long ago.

The daughter graciously called her father’s marriage bounty a “distraction.” Some of us might have had harsher words for the outrageous proposition, although $65 million is a lot of money. Politics aside, I’m thinking I might come up with a “win win” scenario for one of my best gay male buddies if I found myself in these women’s shoes. It depends on the strings attached to Dad’s checkbook.

Finally, a survey by Target 10, whatever that is, informs us that the favorite alcoholic beverage of lesbians is beer, while gay men prefer wine.

Lesbians’ second choice was wine, followed by vodka, while the guys put vodka in second place, followed

by beer. Gays of both genders drank more than their straight counterparts, which is as it should be.

Ladies! Wine transcends the category of alcoholic beverage. A delicious glass of wine creates a state of mind, not a buzz. There’s the transcendent moment in a late summer afternoon when you pour yourself a glass of cold French rose and watch the day fall away. There’s the crisp f lint of a Sancerre with grilled shrimp or a goat cheese salad. The satisfaction of a good red table wine and a rare steak. The dinner party that stretches into the wee hours over a range of bottles that may horrify you when collect them the next morning, but seemed perfect at the time.

Beer is for the golf course and the ballpark. Wine is a part of life itself.

— arostow@aol.com

Having fun at Oakland Pride in front of the Bay Times booth (Photo by Phyllis Costa)

Bay Times and “Betty’s List” event manager Grace Floyd welcomes a costumed character to the Bay Times booth at Oakland Pride (Photo by Phyllis Costa)

Castro Farmer’s Market manager Eric Winkler, watermelon eating contest winner Michael M, and market manager Kelly Toomey (Photo by Rink)

Guys having fun at the 17th Annual Ghirardelli Chocolate Festival Benefit for Project Open Hand.

(Photo by Steven Underhill)

Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence gathered at the opening of their show at the GLBT Historical Society Museum included T’aint a Virgin, Eden Asp, Bay Time’s Sister Dana Van Iquity, curatorial consultant Don Romesburg, Sister Mary Ralph and Sister Eve Volution (Photo by Rink)

Dixieland Dykes clarinetist Lisa Canjura-Clayton and trumpeter Heidi Beeler, Bay Times columnist, celebrated their birthdays at the 100 Years Party.

(Photo courtesy of Heidi Beeler)

Photo of the space shuttle Discovery passing over the East Bay taken by Deb Dennis from her backyard in Oakland.

Celebrity entertainer and philanthropist Julie Newmar celebrating her Diamond Jubilee with her brother John Newmeyer and Supervisor Scott Wiener. (Photo by Rink)

Advertise with the Bay Times.

Beneficiaries and Pride board members at the Pride 2012 Grant Party (Photo by Rink) BAY T IM ES O C TO BER 4, 2012 23