Additional Giants LGBT Night Photos - Page 11
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May 16-29, 2013 | www.sfbaytimes.com
Manning Overboard
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Celebrating Straight Allies: PFLAG’s Julia Thoron
PHOTO SOURCE: BRADLEYMANNING.ORG
I didn’t know what a straight ally was until several years into activism with PFLAG. I just thought of myself as the mother of a wonderful daughter who had shared with us that she was lesbian. It seemed logical that I get involved with an organization that provided a focus for my energy to make a difference and to learn more about the LGBT community. Gradually it was clear that there was also a category called straight ally, an identity for people who didn’t necessarily have LGBT children.
PHOTO COURTESY OF JULIA THORON
By Julia Thoron
The past 23 years have brought unexpected adventures. In 1990, when our daughter came out, we immediately joined PFLAG and began our journey. Although we had a gay cousin, gay friends and co-workers, I had not Sam and Julia Thoron connected with the community. I very seldom drove through the Castro and I didn’t pay much attention to the politics of the gay community except what I read about the AIDS epidemic. Suddenly, all of that changed when I claimed my identity as a straight ally and the parent of a member of the LGBT community.
The Week in Review By Ann Rostow I sit here from afar, watching my former hometown fracture into one of those only in San Francisco hullabaloos, this time over whether Bradley Manning should be honored at the Pride Parade. For over a decade living by the Bay, I witnessed the (continued on page 15)
Being part of PFLAG San Francisco created an important network for me with the parents and the LGBT members. They modeled all the ways we could support each other and they answered our ignorant questions with patience and understanding since they had been there themselves. It was not long before I felt I had found my cause connect(continued on page 13)
Paul and Greg of A Chorus Line Opened Hearts and Minds
What a Difference a Year — and a President Make
The Tony Awards ( June 9) are just weeks away, but before then, on June 2, San Francisco will glitter with its own Broadway magic at Bay Area Cabaret’s Closing Night Gala/A Tribute to Marvin Hamlisch. The event will take place at the historic, elegant Venetian Room at the Fairmont Hotel. Hamlisch performed with Bay Area Cabaret for the grand re-opening of the Venetian in 2010, with this tribute held on what would have been the prolific composer’s 69th birthday.
By Thom Watson, Marriage Equality USA Last Thursday marked the one-year anniversary of a marriage equality milestone. On May 9, 2012, President Obama told the nation, “When I think about members of my own staff who are in incredibly committed … same-sex relationships, who are raising kids together, when I think about those soldiers or airmen or marines or sailors who are out there fighting on my behalf and yet … are not able to commit themselves in a marriage, … it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same-sex couples should be able to get married.”
This issue of the Bay Times celebrates straight allies, with influential and talented Hamlisch certainly having been one of them. Terre Blair Hamlisch, his widow, tells the Bay Times, “Marvin was one of the first in doing benefits to raise awareness for AIDS, and personally took care of many friends during their struggle and at the end of their lives…Many.” (continued on page 13)
PHOTO COURTESY OF THOM WATSON
On The Path to Marriage Equality
President Obama’s statement of support for the freedom to marry, the first by a sitting U.S. president and the culmination of a years’ long “evolution,” made history. Even more critically, it made a difference in shaping the conversation that is difficult to overstate.
In May 2012, just six states and the District of Columbia had recognized marriage equality for same-sex couples. Just one day before the president’s pro-equality statement, in fact, after a bitter ballot initiative campaign and by an overwhelming margin of 61 to 39 percent, North Carolina voters had amended the state’s constitution to define marriage as between one man and one woman, and to prohibit same-sex couples not only from marrying but also from entering into any “legal domestic union,” including civil unions and domestic partnership. (continued on page 22)
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Money and Finance Caring for Aging Parents: Don’t Wing It Use this information – along with if and how much you’re willing to help from your own funds – to evaluate which healthcare options are realistically within reach when medical needs arise.
Money Matters Brandon Miller, CFP & Joanne Jordan, CFP As the boomers and their parents age, more and more family members are managing eldercare responsibilities. The emotional, physical and financial demands of caring for aging parents can be extensive. What’s more, the healthcare needs of aging parents can become overwhelmingly expensive — and may include costs that affect their family members in ways that aren’t immediately apparent. Healthcare and finances aren’t easy topics for many families to broach. In fact, research from the Money Across Generations IISM study shows that 36 percent of boomers’ parents feel that healthcare discussions with their family members are likely or very likely to create tension or spark an argument. Having a long-term road map and a savings plan in place can help you care for your parents in the way they desire while enabling you to continue working towards your financial goals. This can be helpful in making informed short-term decisions, especially when there are unexpected expenses and emotions involved. To get started: Talk about finances now. While it may be uncomfortable for your parents to discuss their f inances with you, it’s essential that you are familiar with their financial strategy and resources. This includes knowing what type of medical, disability and long-term care insurance they have and what those policies cover.
Create a contact list. Medical emergencies and sudden changes in a person’s health can happen as parents age. Because you may eventually need access to your parents’ bank accounts and other financial resources on short notice, make sure they’ve compiled a list of account numbers, computer login names and passwords, and the names, addresses and phone numbers of the professionals they work with. In addition to knowing the location of the list, you’ll also need to know the location of important financial and legal documents and lockbox keys. Identify current healthcare costs and needs. Become familiar with the medical and pharmaceutical costs that your parent(s) currently incur and determine if there are ways to reduce these expenses. For example, you or your parents may consider moving from a name brand to a generic prescription or, instead of filling prescriptions at your local pharmacy, ordering a long-term supply from a mail-order provider. Build a support network. Talk with siblings or other family members, neighbors and industry professionals to determine who can help you care for your aging parents — and in what capacity and at what cost. A nt ic ipate f ut u re l i fest yle changes and challenges. Even if they aren’t yet needed, explore the costs of in-home, senior apartment, assisted living and memory care housing and services, as well as the costs of having a parent live with you. This includes determining whether your home would need to be modified to provide additional space or comforts, such as wheelchair access. Understanding these costs ahead of time can help you identify what you and your parents can afford and will give you time to consider the pros and cons of each option.
Become familiar with assistance programs. Your parents may qualify for government programs, supplements or services. Visit the government hosted benefits site — w w w.G ovbenef it s.gov — for i n for mat ion. A lso, your cou nt y or city has a federally-mandated Area Agency on Aging staffed by professionals who can provide you with information about elder programs and services in your area. Keep your retirement goals i n m i nd. Cont inue to manage your budget and save for your future. Be mindful that leaving the workforce even temporarily, may seem tempt i ng — a nd i n some cases may be necessary — but exiting and re-entering af fects your immed iate income and can impact your abilit y maintain your ear ning power. W hat’s more, it can impact your abi l it y to ta ke advantage of an employer-sponsored retirement plan. Consider these factors when you evaluate the total costs of any option. K now you r r ig ht s at work. The Federal Family and Medical L eave Act of 19 93 ( F M L A) a llows covered employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to provide care for a family member with a serious health condition. Thinking about caring for an ill or aging parent isn’t always easy to do, but creat i ng a pla n now can save you headaches down the r oa d when new c i r c u m st a nc es may suddenly arise as your parents age. Consider working with a f inancial advisor who can help you plan for unexpected expenses a nd prepa re for t he cost s of healthcare dur ing your own retirement. B ra n d on M ill e r, C F P a n d Joa n n e Jordan , CF P are f inanc i al con s ultants at Jordan Miller & Associates, A Pr ivate Wealth Advisor y Practice of Ameriprise Financial Inc. in San F ra n c i sco , spe c i a l izi n g i n h el p i n g LGBT individuals and families plan and achieve their f inancial goals.
D r . Ka t h l e e n Ke n n e d y, O . D . 415.626.0858 552 castro street w w w. f y e o c a s t r o . c o m
8 Washington Fight Heats Up, A Big Question on the Warriors Stadium, and Mark Leno’s School Funding Reform came before the Democratic County Central Committee last month, and, with the developer’s lobbyists and supporters pulling out all the stops, the Party deferred taking a position until closer to the election. No question, there’s big money and lots of juice on the developer’s side, but I wouldn’t be surprised if this doesn’t turn out to be one of those “Only-InSan Francisco” elections where the big money still loses.
A San Francisco Kind of Democrat Rafael Mandelman The battle over the proposed 8 Washington project-- the main item of interest on this November’s ballot-- appears to be heating up. To supporters, the proposed luxury residential development across the street from the Ferry Building is a vast improvement on the fenced-in tennis courts and pool currently on the site. To opponents, the benefits of the development are outweighed by the very bad precedent of lifting height limits that have protected our waterfront for decades at a time when property owners and real estate speculators up and down the Embarcadero are chomping at the bit to build as much as fast and as tall as they can get away with. The issue
Further south on the waterfront, Supervisor Wiener has been asking some good questions about the proposed Warriors stadium. As promised, since elected, Scott has been singularly focused on the problems with Muni, and is now reasonably asking how a system that can barely serve Giants fans getting to and from AT&T Park is going to handle the additional burden of a second stadium on the Embarcadero. With Muni’s capital investment needs now estimated at approximately One Billion Dollars, the Supervisor has reasonably been asking, “Where is the money going to come from?” That’s a question a lot of public officials have been asking about many of our important public priorities. Since joining San Francisco’s City College board in January, I have been learning more than I wanted
to about California’s disinvestment in higher education. Today, California’s community colleges are still the largest provider of workforce training in the state and nation. And yet, since 2008-09, State funding for the community colleges has been cut by $809 million, with enrollment during that time declining by nearly half a million students. Tragically, these cuts have been occurring even as the Public Policy Institute of California estimates that by 2025 California will face a shortage of one million college degree and certificate holders needed to fuel its workforce. One elected official working to get more desperately needed revenues to California’s community colleges and other public educational institutions is our own Mark Leno. The Senator’s proposed amendment to the California Constitution to allow local voters to approve school parcel taxes with 55% of the vote (instead of the current 2/3 majority) was the talk of this year’s Community College Trustees’ Conference in Lake Tahoe earlier this month. Of course, in San Francisco voters have rarely met a school tax they did not like, but for schools (and students) in other parts of the State this would be a big and important change. Good going, Senator; now get that thing passed!
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fhallen.com fhallen.com BAY T IM ES M AY 16, 2013
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HIV/AIDS News Scientists have long believed that measuring the amount of HIV in a person’s blood is an indicator of whether or not the virus is actively reproducing. A University of Delaware-led research team reports new evidence that hidden virus replication may be occurring within the body’s tissue, despite undetectable virus levels in the blood. The findings were recently reported in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface. The discovery came after the paper’s lead author, Ryan Zurakowski, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, and his research team created a mathematical model to represent how HIV infected cells reproduce.
Antiviral therapy, Zurakowski explained, suppresses HIV replication in most patients until the concentration of virus in a blood sample is undetectable. It is unclear whether similar suppression occurs in other tissues, known as sanctuary sites, including lymph nodes where most HIV is found.
ning out of healthy cells to attack. The team calculated that the virus infected and killed between 1 million and 100 million cells daily, numbers Zurakowski said are high enough that eventually it would lead the patient to develop a drug resistant HIV virus and to experience treatment failure.
“The majority in the HIV community have always believed that the drugs are penetrating sanctuary sites perfectly well and that the blood is a good surrogate measurement of these sites,” he said. “Our model gives us a way to measure this hidden virus replication, which has not been done before.”
For HIV patients and the scientific community, the discovery implies that current antiretroviral therapies may not be as complete in suppressing HIV as previously hoped. Because the fourth drug causes additional 2-LTR’s to be created, the model may also offer a new way to measure, through a blood test, whether HIV is reproducing in sanctuary sites in the body.
He continued on to say that the only thing stopping the virus from infecting more cells was that it was run-
Remembering Barbara Brenner and Dotty Fowler Our community recently lost two inspirational leaders and activists who dedicated their lives to helping others. Barbara Brenner died after a long battle against breast cancer and ALS. Dotty Fowler passed away after being in hospice for a week. B a r b a r a B r e n n e r, t he for mer exec u tive director of Breast Cancer Action, f irst worked as a lawyer before turning her attention to women’s health issues, mirroring her own struggle. Under Brenner’s strong direct ion, BCA g rew into a national organization that built awareness and led to research on causes and prevention. Brenner later suffered from ALS, a disease that silenced her voice and left her immobile, and yet she still forged ahead with her activist work, always thinking of others. As Cindy Pearson, executive director of the National Women’s Health Network, said, “Barbara made things happen in the world of breast cancer. She was responsible for changing the way women thought about breast cancer, and moved people from awareness to activism. Under her leadership Breast Cancer Action developed powerful campaigns that changed corporate behavior, clinical practice and research agendas.” Contributions may be made to the Barbara Brenner Rapid Response Fund at BCA: https://org2.democracyinaction. org/o/6098/content _item/bbrrf
Dotty volunteered w it h many organizations, w ith a particular focus on senior LGBT issues. She worked closely with t he Pa c i f ic Center in Berkeley and Lavender Seniors, which continues to offer fellowship, services and support for the older LGBT community. Dotty also contributed greatly to NCLR’s Elder Law Project, fighting for justice and equality for some of the most vulnerable individuals among us. Dotty lived her life out and proud from the very beginning. She was even once expelled from school due to her attachment to women. As Dotty somewhat jokingly later said, “It’s a terrible thing to do to a kid, you know—to expel them for having a little kissing fun.”
P HOTO SOUR CE: THE E LLE N S HOW
ONGINA, 2009 GRAND MARSHAL PHOTOGRAPHED BY FIDEL LIRIO
The Inside Will Help You Breathe Easier; The Outside Will Take Your Breath Away
Demonstrating how Airocide works on Ellen
By Duane Wells How much do you really know about germs and bacteria beyond the fact that they exist and can cause very bad things? Think about it. Watch the news, read a newspaper or turn on any number of health advice shows these days and you’ll get the message loud and clear – germs and bacteria are everywhere. Got it! THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:
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The steady drumbeat of news and information about the spread of germs and bacteria has not only awakened a burgeoning nationwide obsession with hand washing and hand sanitizers, it has also spurred a well-founded, if moderately overheated, paranoia about laying hands on anything public, be it a door handle or the railings along walkways. All of which is good news for the most part, because after all, knowledge is power and as both Maya Angelou
and Oprah are fond of saying, “When you know better, you do better.” Bu what about the air we breathe? Air is the one element with which we have the most contact and yet it is also the one over which we exert the least amount of control. You can control what you touch, what you eat and even the cleanliness of your environment. But air? Well that’s a trickier affair. Up until recently, my only experience with air f iltration systems had not proved particularly impressive. Every example that I saw was either too huge, too loud, too cumbersome to deal with or just too plain ugly. And given that I am of the school of thought, that a healthy lifestyle and a stylish existence need not be mutually exclusive, none of these former examples would ever do. Then one day, I tuned into a segment of Ellen and found myself transfixed as she talked about the air purifier that she uses in her studio. It’s called Airocide
and it’s neither bumbling nor clumsy looking. In fact, it’s quite chic. Not to be overly dramatic, but as soon as I laid eyes on it, I almost felt like the heavens had opened up and delivered a miracle. Slim and sleek, with dimensions and design that allow it to blend seamlessly with any décor, Airocide resides comfortably at the intersection of function and fabulous. Add to that the fact that Airocide was developed by NASA, approved by the FDA and has been shown to substantially reduce the presence of bacteria and mold (up to 75% in households) and the stylish solution to fixing that tricky problem with all the particles and gases that pollute the air we breathe daily became pretty obvious to me. And did I mention that Airocide also fights odors…particularly pet odors? Well yeah, it does that too, all while it basically eliminates the gases and particles in the air that make life for asthma and allergy sufferers such a challenge. Stylishly cleaner air? What’s not to love about that? Now that you know better, it’s time to do better. Find out more about Airocide at www. airocide.com/ellen.
My Friend’s Secret been keeping quiet about it out of respect for Cal. My question is: Should I tell him that I know, or should I go along with his desire to keep it a secret? I love Cal. We’ve always told each other everything. I hate the idea that all these years he’s been dealing with this by himself. I’d like him to know that he has my complete support. What do you suggest?
Examined Life Tom Moon, MFT Q: I’ve known that my best friend Cal is HIV positive for six years, but not because he’s told me. I know because he’s an ethical guy who tells everyone he has sex with that he’s positive. Well, one of his sex partners mentioned his status to me in passing. The guy wasn’t gossiping; he just assumed I already knew. I checked this out with some of our friends, and found out that almost all of them know that he’s positive, but that Cal hasn’t told any of them either, even his friends who are also positive. Everyone has
A: I’ve never known anyone for whom coming to terms with seroconversion wasn’t a long, difficult process. Initially, there’s often a period of shame and self-recrimination. Selfprotective secrecy is common during this phase, but Cal sounds as if he’s gotten stuck there. I raised your question with several HIV positive friends and was surprised that opinion was about evenly divided about which of your two options was best. Maybe there’s no one right answer as to what to do in a situation like this. I can only tell you what I believe I’d do. I think I’d talk with Cal in person, and tell him that I know. Currently, he not only has a secret from you, but you and his other friends have a secret from him, and
Professional Services that isn’t good for any of you. Before talking with him, I’d tell my friends that I intend to do it, because one of his first responses is going to be to ask who else knows, and you should have their input as to how they want you to respond. I know you’ll be as sensitive and gentle about it as you can, but be prepared for a defensive reaction. You’ll be “outing” him after all. He may initially feel humiliated, and despite your assurances to the contrary, he may think that people have been talking critically about him behind his back. You may have to be patient with him as he adjusts to the fact that others have long known. No one can know how he’ll respond in the long run, but I hope that talking with him will ultimately strengthen your friendship. It may help him get out of being stuck in fear and help him understand that he does have the good fortune to have a friend who loves and supports him as he is. Tom Moon is a psychotherapist in San Francisco. His website is www.tommoon.net.
Sister Dana Sez
Sister Dana sez, “Got Milk? Be sure to celebrate Harvey Milk Day by doing something queerific!” The State of California marks May 22nd every year as HARVEY MILK DAY, a statewide day of significance. Milk (1930–1978) was the first openly gay elected official in California, serving on the SF Board of Supervisors for 11 months in 1978. He was assassinated on November 27, 1978, along with SF Mayor George Moscone. In honor of Harvey Milk Day, The GLBT HISTORY MUSEUM is offering free admission all day on May 22nd. The museum celebrates with special activities and displays: the screen in the Main Gallery will show rare video clips of Milk from the Daniel A. Smith/Queer Blue Light Collection in the archives; throughout the week of May 20, the small permanent exhibit of Milk’s belongings in the Front Gallery will include a vintage tape recorder playing the political will Milk recorded in his own voice near the end of his life; brief docent tours highlighting Milk and his times will be offered periodically. Celebrating a tremendous year for LGBTQ equality was the 24TH ANNUAL GLAAD MEDIA AWARDS hosted by Co-Chairs Adam Sandel, John Marez, and Cathy Brooks, at SF Hilton, honoring former SF Mayor Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom (presented by Jennifer Siebel-Newsom); sensational singing star (out & proud) Adam Lambert ( presented by Spice Girls’ Melanie Brown); and San Francisco Giants. ANY DAY NOW won Outstanding Film - Limited Release. Based on a true story, set in the 1970s, a gay couple takes in a teenage boy with Down Syndrome. When his mother abandons him, the couple becomes the only loving family he has ever known. Things get bleak when the authorities discover their unconventional living situation. This is a tearjerker with a thought-provok-
ing, but not happily-ever-after, conclusion. Writer/director Travis Fine accepted. Outstanding Comic Book was Kevin Keller (Archie Comics) accepted by writer/artist, Dan Parent. Outstanding Digital Journalism Article was “Why Aren’t We Fighting for CeCe McDonald?” by Marc Lamont Hill who accepted. GLAAD also presented Special Recognition Awards to Kevin McClatchy, former owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team who came out in a New York Times article last year, and Brittney Griner, an out basketball player and this year’s number one draft pick for the WNBA. Among the notables were emcee Wilson Cruz (GL A A D national spokesperson); plaintiffs in Prop 8 case: Paul Katami, Jeff Zarillo, Kris Perry, and Sandra Stier; Peter Paige (Queer As Folk star and creator of ABC’s new series, The Fosters) with Teri Polo as lesbian mom in it; and Jen Tyrrell, lesbian troupe leader ousted from Boy Scouts. SWIMWEAR FOR A CAUSE was the poolside fun-in-the-sun fundraiser for PROJECT INFORM, providing information, inspiration, and advocacy for people with HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C, held at the Phoenix Hotel, starring gorge models from Macy’s. My only criticism was the overtly hetero pairing of male/female duo models, just one female/female duo, and not one male/male pairing. C’mon folks, this is Project Inform, not the Topeka Kansas Women’s Auxiliary. Hot male models in skimpy swimsuits = huzzah; but let ‘em walk alone if they’re too antsy to pair up with another guy. Executive Director Dana Van Gorder was on vacation. Deputy Director Henry Lucero looked f lawless in his red and white striped shorts, waving from the balcony above. Note to self: Sisterwoman, amp up sit-ups to a hundred for upcoming beach season! T H E 4 0 T H A N N I V E R S A RY CONCERT TRIBUTE TO THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW at Victoria Theater featured special guest star, the (knighted) Lady PATRICIA QUINN, who played Magenta in both the stage and movie versions, and sang the movie’s opening credits for us, having been the fierce lipsyncher of those notorious gigantic red lips on the silver screen. Producer Peaches Christ (“narrator”) took us on a strange journey, homaging and celebrating the original stage-show musical that the film was based on,
where X-Factor’s Jason Brock was “Frankenfurter” and Whoa Nellies’ Leigh Crow was “Eddie,” joined by a cavalcade of local theatre superstars including Jef Valentine (non-singing “Frankenfurter”), Trixxie Carr & Lady Bear (“Magenta”), L Ron Hubby & Cousin Wonderlette (“Columbia”) Dulce De Leche & Rory Davis (“Brad”), Manuel Caneri & Peggy L’eggs (“Riff Raff”), Gina Graziano & Michael Phillis (“Janet”), Peter Fogel (“Rocky” and musical director) and many others. This was a queerifically fagulous multi-media concert experience where the audience got to do the Time Warp again and make customary rude shout-outs (such as Sister Dana screaming to criminologist Peaches, “Where’s your neck?”). “Don’t dream it, be it!” and we did and we were!!! ACADEMY OF FRIENDS, the Oscar party-based fundraiser’s 33RD ANNUAL GALA, Boas, Bowties and Bubbly, having raised $75,000 to support six AIDS service organizations: AIDS Legal Referral Panel (ALRP); Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center (API); Larkin Street Youth Services; Maitri; Mission Neighborhood Health Center’s Clinica Esperanza; and Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS), held a festive check distribution party at Clift Hotel. Academy of Friends was founded in 1980 as a small, private Academy Awards night party shared by 25 friends over a little food, champagne, and Hollywood glamour. This annual gathering soon formalized itself into a gala party with the express mission of raising revenue and awareness of the scourge of HIV and AIDS affecting the greater SF community. Vice Chair Matthew Denckla introduced Board Chair Howard Edelman to bring up representatives of those ASOs. “We could not continue to help these agencies deliver the good work they do without the collaboration and support of our outstanding presenting sponsors, our many major sponsors, underwriters, and volunteers,” noted Edelman. The Kile Ozier Founder’s Award was bestowed upon volunteer extraordinaire Amanda Watson. AoF has been one of the leading contributors to the Bay Area’s frontline battle against HIV and AIDS, and has thus far distributed over $8.5 million to 72 different agencies over the past 33 years. Get ready for the 34th Annual (continued on page 22) BAY T IM ES M AY 16, 2013
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National News Briefs compiled by Dennis McMillan
St. Paul, MN - Minnesota Becomes 12th State to Pass Same-sex Marriage - 5.13
Blue Hill, ME - Maine Chapter of American Academy of Pediatrics Joins Others Supporting Transgender Girl - 5.3
With the State Senate passing freedom to marry legislation 37-30 on May 13, Minnesota has become the 12th state to legalize marriage for same-sex couples. The House passed the bill on May 9, and Gov. Mark Dayton, a strong advocate for marriage, signed it into law.
The Maine Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and other child welfare organizations filed a “friend of the court” brief with the Maine Supreme Judicial Court in support of a transgender girl who experienced discrimination and harassment at her Orono school. The student, known by the pseudonym Susan Doe, and her parents had filed a lawsuit against the Orono school district alleging violations of a statewide law prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity and expression in all areas, including public education and public accommodations.
Weddings for same-sex couples will begin on Aug. 1. The win for marriage marks a sharp turnaround, coming only six months after voters defeated a proposed constitutional amendment to exclude gay and lesbian couples from marriage. “After last week’s strong showing of support, legislators finished the job today, standing up for fairness and dignity for all Minnesota families,” said Thalia Zepatos, Freedom to Marry’s director of public engagement and a strategic adviser to Minnesotans United for All Families. “Coming on the heels of victories in Rhode Island and Delaware, this win for marriage shows that the freedom to marry is a value that Americans across the country stand behind. Freedom to Marry is proud to have helped create Minnesotans United for All Families, whose work to shore up legislative support – not to mention fending off an anti-gay amendment in last fall – makes the whole movement proud.” “Freedom to Marry has been an indispensable partner in this fight - from our victory at the ballot box in November to the Legislature’s stand for fairness today,” Richard Carlbom, campaign manager of Minnesotans United for All Families, said. “So many Minnesotans have waited a long time for this joyful day, and Minnesotans United could not be more proud to have worked with Freedom to Marry to make it a reality.” How weird that l’il ol’ Minnesota and 11 others have equality but California does not.
Besides the pediatric organization, other signatories on the brief are the Maine Psychological Association, the National Association of Social Workers – Maine Chapter, the Maine Women’s Lobby, Parents, Families and Friends of LGBT People (PFLAG) Portland, PFLAG Machias, PFLAG National, Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) Southern Maine, GLSEN Downeast Maine, Maine Transgender Network, Inc. and the Trans Youth Equality Foundation. The brief states that transgender children need to be treated like any other girls and boys in all aspects of school life – including access to bathrooms consistent with their gender identity – in order to succeed in their educational, social and emotional development. “Transgender children thrive when they are treated like other girls and boys, and they are harmed when they are singled out and made to feel - and to be seen by others - as different,” the brief states. “This singling out and differential treatment inevitably stigmatizes these young people in the eyes of their peers. That can lead to social isolation, which predictably also disrupts their ability to learn. In addition to this immediate negative impact, the resulting stigma from singling out transgender children and branding them as ‘different’ or ‘deficient’ can do serious and irreparable harm to their long-term emotional and psychological development.” Enough said. Source: nclr.org
Source: freedomtomarry.org
Chicago, IL - Illinois Republican Chairman Pat Brady Resigns - 5.7
Hollywood, CA - The New Normal, Gay Sitcom, Canceled after One Season at NBC - 5.10
Madison, WI - In First, Representative Obtains Congressional Spousal ID for Same-sex Partner - 5.9
The semi-autobiographical comedy from Glee’s Ryan Murphy and Ali Adler marked Murphy’s first half-hour comedy and aired as part of NBC’s Tuesday comedy block. Boosted by The Voice, the Justin Bartha-Andrew Rannells starrer about a gay couple starting a family earned a full-season order in October despite early protests from conservative watchdog groups. While its April season finale was penned to serve as a potential series finale, producers said that a second season would have featured the newly married couple raising their newborn son.
For apparently the first time ever in the history of the US House, a gay member of Congress has obtained a congressional ID card identifying his same-sex partner as a spouse. Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis) said the House Sergeant at Arms informed him that Philip Frank, whom Pocan legally married in Canada in 2006, would be able to obtain an ID labeling him as congressional spouse. Previously, Frank was given an ID identifying him as a “designee,” but has picked up his new ID.
“We’re definitely planning a wedding and a birth, so there’s a lot of stuff that’s going to happen in the finale,” star Justin Bartha tells The Hollywood Reporter. “David and Bryan are trying to plan the wedding and have it be the wedding of their dreams. Their mothers get involved, and it becomes harder to do that. David’s mother will be back and Bryan’s mother (Mary Kay Place) is around, so there’s a lot of meddling.” With Goldie this close to delivering Bryan and David’s baby, naturally, not all will go according to plan in the episode, that will also feature an act devoid of dialogue set to John Lennon’s Beautiful Boy. “You can’t have a show where a pregnancy happens in the first episode and not have a birth in the finale,” co-creator Adler says. “We’re very excited and proud of the very unique way we’re doing this. The wedding doesn’t happen the way you think and the birth doesn’t happen the way you think. It’s really very moving.” For her part, Georgia King says Goldie is in a “crazy space” with major life decisions on her plate. Sad that the decisions of Hollywood suits have canceled this delightfully pro-gay sitcom. Source: hollywoodreporter.com
Pocan said he’s happy Frank has received the ID designating him as spouse, but noted that federal employees with same-sex partners are still denied an array of benefits - including health and pension benefits - because of the Defense of Marriage Act. “I think it’s an important step toward recognizing equality and we’re very proud of receiving it,” Pocan said. “We also realize there’s still a lot more work to do for same-sex couples that work for the federal government.” The change of the new congressional ID is symbolic. Frank isn’t able to receive any more benefits as a result. Still, the change for the first time makes same-sex spouses equal to opposite-sex spouses in terms of identification. At this time, Pocan is the only legally married openly gay member of Congress. Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo.) and Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (D-N.Y.) are in same-sex relationships, but aren’t legally married, even though Polis in 2011 became the first openly gay father in Congress. Former Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) last year became the first member of Congress in a samesex marriage late last year, but Pocan said Frank’s spouse, Jim Ready, never received a spousal ID. Meanwhile, we’re counting the days when DOMA is dead.
That whole reachy outy thing Republicans have stated is in the works is dead in the water (again), after Illinois Republican Chairman Pat Brady resigns. The resignation comes after Brady survived an attempt to oust him as GOP chairman over his support for gay marriage. Even then, however, top state GOP leaders approved a succession strategy many believed could lead to him being replaced by the end of May. The plan for a succession committee was approved last month by the Illinois Republican State Central Committee. The move appeared to provide Brady with an exit strategy to leave the post he has held since August 2009. Brady created a controversy within the state GOP in January when he endorsed pending legislation that would legalize same-sex marriage in Illinois. The measure passed the Illinois Senate in February with the support of one Republican. The same-sex marriage issue has highlighted the long-standing tensions within the state Republican Party between social moderates and conservatives. But the timing of the controversy comes as GOP leaders at the state and national level have been looking for outreach initiatives after Republican losses for the White House and in Illinois at the congressional level. Though Brady has said his endorsement of same-sex marriage was given personally and not as party chairman, State Sen. Jim Oberweis of Sugar Grove - a state central committee member who led the movement to oust Brady - and others took issue. They complained that Brady should not be countermanding a plank in the state Republican platform that specifies that marriage can only take place between a man and a woman. Yes, because that would be reaching out to the queers and their allies, and those people don’t vote, do they? Source: chicagotribune.com
Source: washingtonblade.com
Local News Briefs LGBTQ Executives Gather to Plan Big Moves for Workplace Equality
Two Transgender Rights Bills Pass in the Assembly
The sixth annual Out & Equal Executive Forum convened over 30 high-ranking and emerging LGBTQ leaders to share best practices for advancing queer workplace equality. Over the course of the two-day symposium at the Four Seasons, participants focused on building their strengths as executives in some of the world’s largest corporations and furthering their skills as LGBTQ leaders. Meanwhile, in Washington, the reintroduction of the Employment NonDiscrimination Act provided a source of momentum for participants and proved that the work of corporate LGBTQ leaders to promote workplace equality has and will continue to incite progress and change.
The California Assembly has passed 45-24 the School Success and Opportunity Act (AB1266), introduced by Assemblymember Tom Ammiano, co-sponsored by Equality California, Transgender Law Center, Gender Spectrum, GSA Network and the National Center for Lesbian Rights. AB1266 addresses the exclusion of transgender students from classes and activities, and clarifies existing anti-discrimination law to provide clear protections to transgender students.
“The Executive Forum is the only event of its kind, that brings together leaders from the world of business who are working within their companies to build greater equality for LGBT people,” said Selisse Berry, founder and chief executive officer of Out & Equal Workplace Advocates. “Their work gives them a unique perspective on what is needed to further workplace equality here in the United States and in the countries where they do business around the world.”
“We have heard from scores of parents concerned that their children are at risk for dropping out of school merely because they are transgender,” said Transgender Law Center Executive Director Masen Davis. “It breaks my heart to see our youth excluded from activities at school simply because of who they are. This bill is urgently needed to ensure that every student has a fair chance to fully participate and graduate.”
Forum participants focused on ways to further equality in the workplace on a global scale, considering innovative ways to effectively implement “Big Moves” - the theme of the gathering.
Assembly Bill 1121, authored by Assemblymember Toni Atkins and co-sponsored by Transgender Law Center and Equality California, was passed by the Assembly 54-16. The bill will help ensure people who are transgender have access to identity documents that accurately reflect the name and gender that correspond to their gender identity.
Participants also took part in a special panel event, which brought together contributors from Out & Equal at Work - From Closet to Corner Office, a new book chronicling the emergence of the LGBTQ workplace equality movement as told through the personal stories of 37 trailblazers.
“Having identity documents that accurately reflect who you are is vital in so many areas of everyday life - from applying for a job to exercising our rights at the ballot box,” said Davis. “Many of us wouldn’t think twice when asked to show our ID, but this is a very serious issue for transgender people.”
“It is astonishing that in 2013, you can still be fired simply for being LGBT in 29 states,” said Berry. “At the Executive Forum, we move forward to advance freedom’s frontiers in this, the year of Workplace Equality.”
“The freedom to live as our authentic selves is core to our identities as individuals and Californians,” said John O’Connor, Equality California executive director. “AB 1121 removes a significant barrier to full equality for people who are transgender.”
Story by Dennis McMillan
Story by Dennis McMillan
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Round About-SF Giants LGBT Night The annual San Francisco Giants LGBT Night at AT&T Park on Thursday, May 9th featured a private LGBT Party at Seals Plaza and the Giants vs Atlanta Braves game. The SF Lesbian & Gay Freedom Band performed and attendees from throughout the Bay Area enjoyed the fun. Special Giants t-shirts with an LGBT theme were distributed to the sold out crowd and a good time was had by all. Photos special to the Bay Times courtesy of Heidi Beeler, Billy Green, Mark Szeszychi, Cheryl Troupe, Gary Virginia, Judy Young and Rita Wagner.
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Proud To Be a Straight Ally
Experiencing Pride for the First Time
By Patt Cronin I am a f irst generation American and a proud native San Franciscan. My parents were both born in Central America and came to the United States as adu lts. Through h a r d work a nd determination, t hey have been ver y s uc c e s s f u l . They have shown me how to appreciate the importance of opportunity, without prejudice, and how to help individuals to contribute to their fullest. I am a firm believer in the power of self and how an environment can foster or stifle that fulfillment. I am proud to tell you that I have had the opportunity to work with several LGBT employees throughout my career and know that when they can be open about themselves, there is so much more that they contribute. I am very encouraged by the changes I have seen over my 30-year career at IBM. I am excited to see the work that we are doing in countries with nascent understanding of societal LGBT issues and how we, in the more open countries, are reaching out, building partnerships with those that are where the U.S. was 30 or 40 years ago, to strengthen their resolve and potential.
By Michelle Russell When Napa Cellars representatives were invited to be a part of the Bay Times SF Pride Parade contingent last year, I didn’t really know what to expect since I’d never been to the parade before. I knew it would be a beautiful sunny day. I knew my companions and I would have fun while supporting a community we care about. I knew there would be interesting costumes. I knew we’d have a great seat on the trolley. I knew we’d listen to some great music. I knew we’d wave our hands for a couple hours. And I knew we’d go out for a great lunch afterward. What I didn’t know was how deeply moved I would be from the experience.
Jim Freeman of IBM, left, with SF Gay Men’s Chorus members (Photo source: SFGMC)
I know it has been a long struggle for the LGBT community, and I am proud to think that my open, public support from my position of leadership has helped embolden others, straight and gay alike, to come out, to not be afraid and to realize their full potential. I think that is the real reason I am a strong LGBT ally. I have the power to dismantle prejudice to help others live full lives.
And, just as my parents did for me, together with my husband we have shown our three daughters the same importance of opportunity without prejudice. Today, all three are strong, accomplished women who are, in fact, proud and out straight allies.
Our expectations of having a cushy seat in the shade of the trolley were quickly dashed, however, when my friends Crystal and Kacey and I were asked if we would carry the contingent banner. “Who? US????” It didn’t seem odd that three straight girls would show our support by being IN the parade, but to carry the banner??? Surely, that’s a distinction for someone more deserving. We didn’t earn the right to carry the banner! Our first instinct was to politely decline.
After some positive encouragement from Betty and Jen of the Bay Times, we nervously accepted the honor. Anticipation mounted as our turn neared to officially start on the parade route. As we turned the corner, our nervous laughter quickly changed to one of warmth and… well, pride. The cheers for the Bay Times were deafening. How could we not be moved by the laughter, the merriment and sheer joie de vivre we witnessed on every block? We each had our individual moments throughout the parade. I remember making eye contact with a man along the route who had the biggest smile on his face as he mouthed the words to me: “Happy Pride!” It brought tears to my eyes. It was such a beautiful and peaceful day of people coming together to celebrate our differences, our similarities and being proud of them. For me, the parade is a symbol of pride for all the people of the Bay Area and the tolerance we exhibit to allow each one of us to be who we are. Happy Pride 2013, SF! Michelle Russell is the Marketing Manager of Trinchero Napa Valley, Napa Cellars, Folie a Deux, and Terra d’Oro.
Patt Cronin is General Manager at IBM Global Services.
By Amity Buxton
The straight spouse experience gives formidable witness to the widespread damage done by antigay sentiments embedded in religious codes and political laws. To make sure their voices are heard and utilized in current arguments for LBGT equality, I and another spouse, R. L. Pinel, just published a collection of personal stories from a diverse population of straight spouses describing their journeys from shock to understanding. Unseen-Unheard: The Journey of Straight Spouses will be “out” shortly.
Yes, straight spouses of LGBT persons, current or former, are allies in the fight against homophobia and transphobia and for LGBT equality. But we’re more than that. We’re family! We were or still are married to LGBT partners, our children’s other parent is LGB or T, and the successive generations they create will add to the family we and our LGBT spouses began.
To address their needs, the Straight Spouse Network, founded in 1991, provides worldwide support (face-toface and online) of peers who have “been there” and research-based information about LGBT persons and spouses in mixed-orientation or trans/nontrans marriages. (www. st r a ight s pouse.org) Even w it h this help, it takes several years for straight spouses to accept the reality, understand the situation, heal, and move forward with self-confidence. Most eventually reconfigure their identity, integrity, and belief systems shattered by their partners’ disclosure. They also realize that they are “collateral damage,” harmed by the same societal antigay attitudes and actions that caused their partners to marry. A number become vocal ad12
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Amity Buxton
vocates for LGBT equality so that no one else, LGBT or straight, will ever have to experience that agony.
Crystal Matthew, Kacey Morgan and Michelle Russell and below, carrying the banner, 2012. Sister Dana aboard the Bay Times cable car
Amity Pierce Buxton, Ph.D. is the founder of Straight Spouse Network and author of “The Other Side of the Closet: The Coming-Out Crisis for Straight Spouses and Families.”
PHOTOS BY PHYLL IS COSTA
This point is often lost in the straight spouses’ initial reactions to discovering their husbands or wives aren’t heterosexual or the gender they assumed. Facing this unexpected fact, they are angry at the deception, pained by the disconnect between what they thought they had and the revealed truth, confused, and in shock. Outsiders tend to focus on the disclosure by the LGBT spouses and overlook the plight of the straight spouses, who then retreat into their own closets, where isolation magnifies their issues. Though at least 2,000,000 straight men and women are in this situation, they think they are the only ones to whom this ever happened.
PHOTO COURTESY OF M ICHEL L E RUSSEL L
Straight Spouses Aren’t Allies, We’re Family!
Straight Spouses gatherings, above and below. (Photos courtesy Amity Buxton)
(HAMLISH continued from page 1)
Gala Birthday Tribute to Marvin Hamlisch Sunday, June 2 7:30 (Details below)
(THORON continued from page 1) and they answered our ignorant questions with patience and understanding since they had been there themselves. It was not long before I felt I had found my cause connecting my long-time concern for equal rights with my interest in making a difference in people’s lives, specifically my daughter’s and her peers.
With lyricist Edward Kleban and book authors James Kirkwood, Jr., and Nicholas Dante, Hamlisch created one of the most important, and longest-running, musicals of all time: A Chorus Line. “The characters of Paul and Greg were the first openly gay characters in a major Broadway musical to explain in great emotional depth the process of coming out, and to portray their coming out stories as just like all the others,” Bay Area Cabaret founder Marilyn Levinson told the Bay Times. Many of us saw the musical when it first opened, and will never forget its emotional impact on straight and LGBT audience members alike. It was a truly great moment in theater history, when entire families came together in a non-threatening context to acknowledge LGBT issues and to celebrate the fast-emerging queer culture of that time, which is still with us today. Harvey Milk had just been appointed as the first openly gay city commissioner in the United States. Billie Jean King reigned at the tennis courts. Elton John’s queer energy was exploding off of stadium stages. In the midst of that chaotic, exhilarating energy came this powerfully quiet moment: Paul’s signature scene from A Chorus Line: Paul: What do Puerto Ricans know about theatre? Now they have Channel Forty-Seven - but then they didn’t have anything. But my father loved movies. And he’d take us to FortySecond Street. And we’d come out of one movie and go to another and another movie - I don’t know why - but I loved musicals. Zach: How old were you? Paul: Seven or eight. Zach: On Forty-Second Street? Paul: Yeah - it was a trip. Zach: Go on ... Paul: I’d have to move down front - ‘cause I couldn’t see - I wear contact lenses now ... I’d move down front and these strange men would come and sit beside me and play with me. I never told anyone because - well, I guess it didn’t matter.
From our f irst Pride Parade, the 1990 PFLAG Convention in Anaheim, the monthly PFLAG meet-
Bay Area Cabaret founder Marilyn Levinson at the the Fairmount Hotel’s historic Venetian Room (Photo by Richard Morgenstein)
sand boys there. I had no protection any more. No homeroom where I could be charming and funny with the tough guys so they’d f ight my battles for me. Like when I went to small schools. I liked school. But my grades got so bad. Even if I knew the answers to questions, I wouldn’t raise my hand because I would be afraid they would laugh at me. They’d even whistle at me in the halls. It was awful ... just awful. Finally, I went down to the Principal’s office and said: “I’m a homosexual.” Well, it was a Catholic high school at around nineteen sixty-two and at the age of fifteen you just didn’t say that. He said: “Would you like to see a psychologist?” And I did. And he said:
Somebody told me they were looking for male dancers for the Jewel Box Revue, you know, the drag show. So, I go down to audition. Now, from all those years of pretending I was Cyd Charisse, I had this fabulous extension. I mean I could turn ... anything my first audition. And they said to me: “You’re too short to be a boy, would you like to be a pony?” And I said: “What’s that?” And they said: “A girl.” “What do I have to do?” “Show us your legs.” So I went and they hiked up my dungarees and they put on a pair of nylon stockings and high heels. It was freaky. It was incredible. And then they brought me back downstairs and they said: “Oh, you have wonderful legs.” I said: “Really?...Terrific...” It’s so strange thinking about this. It was a whole lifetime ago. I was just past sixteen. A ny way, then there was this thing of me trying to hide it from my parents. That was something. ‘Cause I had to buy all this stuff. Like, ah, shoes to rehearse in, earrings, make-up. And I would hide it all and my mother would f ind it. I told her there was this girl in the show and she didn’t want her mother to know what she was doing and I was holding this stuff for her. She believed me.
Well, I was f inally in show business. It was the asshole of show business - but it was a job... Nothing to brag about. I had Z a c h : W h y friends. But after a while d id n’t it mat ter? it was so demeaning. NoPaul: Why? Ah ... Well ... body at the Jewel Box had Zach: L ook, Paul, if any dignity and most of t his is too rough for them were ashamed of you, I have your picthemselves and considt u r e a nd r e s u me ... ered themselves freaks. I Paul: No. Ah ... Okay. don’t know, I think it was From seeing all those the lack of dignity that got movie musicals, I used to me, so I left. Oh, I mudto dance around on the Marvin Hamlish at the 2010 Venetian Room reopening dled around for a while. I street, and I’d get caught (Photo by David Allen) worked as an office boy, all the time. God, it was a waiter - But without an embarrassing. I was always being “I think you’re very well-adjusted for education, you can’t get a good job. Cyd Charisse... Always. Which I your age and I think you should quit So, when the Jewel Box called and don’t really understand, because I al- school.” So, I did. But I didn’t really asked if I’d come back, I went. ways wanted to be an actor. I mean, want to. I couldn’t take it anymore. We were working the Apollo TheI really wanted to perform. Once my cousin said to me, “You’ll never be See, when I quit school, what I was atre on a Hundred and Twenty-Fifth an actor,” and I knew she was telling doing was trying to find out who I Street. Doing four shows a day with a me this because I was such a sissy. I was and how to be a man. You know, movie. It was really tacky. The show mean, I was terribly effeminate. I al- there are a lot of people in this world was going to go to Chicago. My parways knew I was gay, but that didn’t who don’t know how to be men. And ents wanted to say goodbye and they bother me. What bothered me was since then, I found out that I am one. were going to bring my luggage to I was looking for the wrong thing. I the theatre after the show. Well, we that I didn’t know how to be a boy. was trying to learn how to be butch. were doing this oriental number and One day I looked at myself in the Anyway, I started hanging around I looked like Anna May Wong. I had mirror and said, “You’re fourteen Seventy-Second Street, meeting all these two great big chrysanthemums years old and you’re a faggot. What these really strange people. Just try- on either side my head and a huge are you going to do with your life?” ing to make friends that were like headdress with gold balls hanging all By that time I was in Cardinal Hayes me. So that I’d understand what it over it. I was going on for the finale and going down the stairs and who High School. There were three thou- was that I was.
Jeanne Manford, PFLAG founder, marches in New York’s Christopher Street Liberation Day March with her son Morty, 1972 (Photo courtesy PFLAG)
in the Bay Area hosted the amazingly successful PFL AG Convention in 1994 thanks to the support of our communit y. I made important friendships that are lasting today and I had experiences I had never dreamed of. Through PFL AG we have lobbied our Julia Thoron (Photo by Steve Rhodes) leaders, helped create a ings and then our involvement on the chapter board, we got our first film for the API families, educated taste of the richness of the com- teachers and medical professionals munity, the opportunities open to about the needs of the LGBT comus, and the friendships ready to be munity, and supported the right for made. Now, in many cases, I feel same sex marriage in California. We closer to my PFLAG friends than I now wait for the decision of the Sudo to the heterosexual community I preme Court on Prop 8 and sections have been part of all my life. There is of DOMA by the end of June. I am more energy and connection in our sure other issues will claim our attention in the future. relationships, more heart. The opportunities for activism have been wonderful. The five chapters
Julia Thoron is the Co-Chair of San Francisco PFLAG.
should I see standing by the stage door ... my parents. They got there too early. I freaked. I didn’t know what to do. I thought to myself: “I know, I’ll just walk quickly past them like all the others and they’ll never recognize me.” So I took a deep breath and started down the stairs and just as I passed my mother I heard her say: “Oh, my God.” Well... I died. But what could I do? I had to go on for the finale so I just kept going. After the show I went back to my dressing room and after I’d finished dressing and taking my makeup off, I went back down stairs. And there they were standing in the middle of all these ... And all they said to me
was please write, make sure you eat and take care of yourself. And just before my parents left, my father turned to the producer and said: “Take care of my son...” That was the f irst time he ever called me that. Gala Birthday Tribute to Marvin Hamlisch, Sunday, June 2 7:30 PM, Venetian Room of the Fairmont San Francisco. For additional information please phone 415-392-4400 or visit http:// www.bayareacabaret.org/artist-hamlisch_gala.html BAY T IM ES M AY 16, 2013
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Point/Counterpoint: Bradley Manning and SF Pride Kim Corsaro Publisher 1981-2011
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Blowing the Whistle on SF Pride By Gary Virginia
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Ayana Baltrip Balagas
Our government hid the truth from the public regarding war crimes that gay soldier Army PFC Bradley Manning courageously exposed, and San Francisco Pride (“Pride”) is following suit with its charade regarding the Electoral College election. It’s time to blow the whistle on Pride for its shifting excuses for rescinding Manning’s election in which he earned the highest number of votes cast.
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Former Pride president and past grand marshal Joey Cain nominated Manning. Pride put out a ballot of four nominees and votes were cast. Manning representatives were called April 24 and informed he had won and numerous grand marshals were announced by Pride in the Bay Area Reporter April 25. On April 26, Pride tried to claim Manning was not the winner, requested an audit of the vote, and sent out a letter from Pride President Lisa Williams that included her saying, “... even the hint of support for (Manning’s) actions which placed in harms (sic) way the lives of our men and women in uniform - and count-
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less others, military and civilians alike - will not be tolerated by the leadership of SF Pride.”
Private Manning Was Never an SF Pride Grand Marshal By Zoe Dunning
In fact, no evidence has been presented that Manning’s actions endangered fellow soldiers or civilians. Many agree with Daniel Ellsberg - the famous whistle-blower who released the Pentagon Papers in 1971 exposing lies related to the Vietnam War - that Manning’s actions were key to getting U.S. service members out of Iraq.
In regards to Bradley Manning and the recent controversy surrounding his consideration as an SF Pride Community Grand Marshal (GM), let me clarify a few misconceptions:
If a nominee was ineligible, it was Pride’s responsibility to vet that. Instead, Pride scape-goated a rogue employee, cited a “systemic failure” of the Electoral College election process, and protested that Manning is not local. Also, the notion that Manning has done nothing for the gay community is false. Now Pride is halting public meetings and said the Manning issue “is closed for this year.” A complaint has been filed with the SF Human Rights Commission and many are challenging Pride’s covert actions. If Williams and Pride can’t manage one simple election and adhere to their bylaws to hold calendared meetings in full transparency, they should resign. The parade and celebration belong to all of us, not to be influenced by politics, corporate sponsors, or the ever-widening, conservative movement from liberation to assimilation. Gary Virginia is an HIV/AIDS activist, a former Pride Grand Marshal and is co-host of the annual Pride Brunch..
Private Manning was never an SF Pride Grand Marshal. Therefore his “selection” was neither revoked nor “reversed.” He did not meet the criteria for nomination as a Community GM and therefore should never have been considered: he is not local, and it is questionable to many whether he “has made significant contributions to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender community.” The public announcement of his selection was premature and in error, as acknowledged by the Board of SF Pride. Even if his nomination met criteria, his selection is questionable. Something went terribly amiss in the mythical “Electoral College” voting process, whereby former GMs nominate and select a Community Grand Marshal. I and several other former GMs were never given the opportunity to vote in the Electoral College. The voting process was either carried out with poor controls and oversight – or even worse, manipulated - resulting in Bradley Manning receiving the most votes. Beyond the technicalities and deficiencies in the selection process, there is the question of whether someone like Private Manning should become a “public emissary of Pride.” Manning is currently in prison, having pleaded guilty to 10 counts of misuse of classified information
he felt “should become public.” A unique aspect of the military is that your life is entrusted to your shipmates and their lives are entrusted to you. A pilot landing on an aircraft carrier relies on the 19-year-old in the arresting gear room to set the cable at the proper tension so the plane stops before the end of the flight deck. An Intelligence Officer relies on those handling classified information to protect that data and its sources so as not to endanger anyone. This model of interdependency does not leave room for individual determinations of what “should become public.” Lives are at stake. There will be a large contingent of Manning supporters marching in the Pride Parade and they have every right to participate. But, for the reasons stated above, I and many others would find it an undesirable precedent for Bradley Manning to become a Community Grand Marshal. Zoe Dunning is a retired Navy Commander and was a lead activist in the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. She is a former Pride Grand Marshal and currently serves as the 1st Vice Chair of the San Francisco Democratic Party.
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Natalie Maines of Dixie Chicks fame has come out with her first ever solo album, Mother, created with singer/songwriter Ben Harper. She’s also come out with new hair plus some typically bold statements about her support for gay marriage and her ‘lesbian girl crush’ on Rachel Maddow. Okay, Natalie. Keep on coming!
Profiles of Passion and Courage: Larry Saxxon fact that he was a gay man of color. Saxxon was a fighter from the beginning, however, and together with his best friend Ronald, he survived and became stronger after those early tough days.
National Advertising: Contact Bay Times / San Francisco. Also represented by Rivendell Media., Mountainside, NJ 908-232-2021. 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. 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. © 2013 Bay Times Media Co, Inc. Co-owned by Betty L. Sullivan & Jennifer L. Viegas Reprints by permission only.
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Don't Call It Frisco Stu Smith Larry Saxxon, SF AIDS Foundation’s first African American social worker, is HIV-negative, and yet he continues to offer vital support to those dealing with the disease. Saxxon is also a leader in our senior community, currently serving on the LGBT Aging Task Force. Born in a Princess Anne, Maryland, migrant worker’s camp, Saxxon endured economic challenges along with abuse and harassment due to the
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Saxxon began a new life in San Francisco, immediately immersing himself in volunteer work and activism. Much of his current time and energy are devoted to strengthening civil rights for older LGBT individuals. He believes they are being marginalized by our own community and mainstream society. In addition to the other mentioned work, Saxxon is a member of the Bayard Rustin Coalition that serves LGBT African Americans. He also works with The African Advocacy Network and has served as a legislative aid to two Supervisors and a Mayor in San Francisco. He is published extensively, has won many awards and is a practicing Vietnamese Zen Buddhist.
Larry Saxxon
Saxxon’s dream today is to get involved in public policy, so that he can work to more actively shape the opinions and actions of those who hold the reins of power that so profoundly impact us. “My greatest accomplishment has been growing older in a hostile environment,” he says. “It speaks to my resilience. There was much that systematically conspired to under-
mine who and what I am. However, as the late Eartha Kitt used to say, ‘But, I’m still here!’ The greatest lesson is having learned the hard lesson of patience in the face of immediate wants and needs. I have learned to not push the river because it will flow by itself, with or without my efforts and/ or help.”
The Week in Review (ROSTOW continued from page 1) annual controversy surrounding the people who end up in charge of Pride. They make too much money. They’re financially inept. They’re corporate slaves. They’re secretive. They’re egomaniacs. They don’t represent the community. The infamy of the Pride committee is exceeded only by the infamy of whatever group forms every now and then to organize a March on Washington, another bunch of self-appointed power mongers who invariably outrage large factions of our vibrant GLBT nation. Hey, don’t get me wrong! I enjoy these dust ups and have spilled my share of digital ink decrying our hapless so-called leaders. Didn’t one of those DC March groups have such lax security that most of the gate receipts were stolen? I can’t remember the details. At any rate, this particular debate could only happen in San Francisco simply because only San Francisco would come up with the idea of making Bradley Manning a Parade Marshal. Let’s face it. The man’s controversial. Is he a hero of the information age, selflessly risking his career to bring truth to power? Is he a gullible child, recklessly risking lives and undermining American diplomacy with a thoughtless breach of security rules? Is he a flat out traitor? Did he deserve to be thrown into solitary confinement, subjected to the sort of inhumane conditions that define the Eighth Amendment? Does his sexual orientation have anything to do with his situation to begin with? And for that matter, exactly what are the criteria for becoming a Grand Marshal of the parade? Do you have to be gay? Do you have to do something that advances gay rights? Maybe yes, maybe no. Here’s the problem for San Francisco. It is the vanguard of gay rights. It remains the symbol of gay rights. “San Francisco values” is a catchall for the catalytic mix of leftist politics, labor rights, intellectual freedom and diversity that has fired up our movement for 40 years. Stonewall is in New York. But our movement was raised on Castro Street. Yet now, the movement has gone mainstream. We’re all grown up. Everyone loves us. Or at least many more people love us now than in the past. We are no longer fighting; we are seducing. Seducing state lawmakers in the Illinois House of Representatives, or district court judges, Supreme Court justices, Fortune 500 corporations, Hollywood screenwriters, the average citizen. Now, the antics of our old leftist buddies from the early years are an embarrassment. How will it look to the rest of the country if Gay City USA puts an alleged criminal on the pedestal and bows down as one? Won’t we look, um, a little crazy? What will our new friends think?! This is why the Manning debate is something of a national issue. And we’ve had this intra-community argument before. Whenever someone suggests that we all use “good judgment” when deciding whether or not to wear nothing but a thong and a feather cape to this or that demonstration or event, our answer is usually unprintable. The gay community has assimilated for all intents and purposes. But it was not always so, and we retain a core of anything goes. We also retain a core of leftist politics that leans towards celebrating a Bradley Manning. We retain a core of San Francisco values, even as our community as a whole has since moved on. It’s not clear how the hostility engendered by the Manning fight will be resolved, but one way or another, I trust San Francisco. It is home to all of us, wherever we live. Now We Are 12 Just two weeks ago, there were nine states of fer ing mar r iage equa l-
ity. Now there are 12, with another one on the horizon. As you probably know, Rhode Island’s governor signed his state’s marriage bill in early May. Delaware followed a few days later. And Minnesota capped it off on May 14. Now, we’re hearing that the Illinois House of Representatives will likely take a definitive vote any day now, and although the vote may be close, we’ve also been led to believe that our allies in the Freezing State would not have planned a floor vote without a majority in hand. And what will the National Organization for Marriage have to say about all this? When Rhode Island turned all of New England pink, NOM dismissed it as a cave-in from a bastion of liberalism. Delaware is a small eastern state. But Minnesota? Illinois? These bozos are losing their talking points as fast as they can dream them up. Keep in mind that whatever happens at the Supreme Court next month, California marriage is likely to wind up a winner, which would bring us to 14. Other possibilities ahead might include Oregon (after a 2014 referendum), New Mexico (after a court battle over the next couple of years), Hawaii and Nevada (if the Ninth Circuit so dictates next year) and New Jersey (if we override Governor Christie’s veto by next January). While we’re at it, I wouldn’t have picked Minnesota or Illinois for this year’s graduating class, so maybe there are a few surprises out there. Hello, Colorado? This is all very exciting. But there’s a point at which we run into a brick wall. People used to talk about a “patchwork quilt” across the country, where gay couples would be married in one state, cross a border and be unmarried, cross another and be together again. At the time, I thought a patchwork quilt would be a fine thing, since there weren’t any more than one or two patches on the map to begin with. But now that the quilt is starting to take shape, I’m not so pleased with the dark spots. How do we move beyond the patchwork? I suppose we have to make incremental progress for a few more years and then hope the High Court slams the hammer down on those intractable southern states. I know some of you are asking why that blow could not be struck next month when the justices rule on the Prop 8 case. But it’s simply not going to happen. If there was even a sliver of hope for total victory in the Prop 8 case, Justice Ginsburg shredded most of that sliver with her remarks last weekend at the University of Chicago Law School. We already knew that Ginsburg thinks the Court overstepped the bounds of pragmatic jurisprudence in Roe v Wade, cutting short debate on a controversial issue and inciting a decades-long culture war over abortion. On Saturday, she doubled down on judicial restraint, arguing that the Court can support change without imposing a one size fits all solution on the entire country. I don’t know about you, but to me that doesn’t sound like a woman who has just voted in favor of national marriage equality. In one way, our recent marriage wins should bolster the Court’s ability to rule in favor of equality. In another way, of course, this month’s triple play could suggest that gays and lesbians don’t need the heavy hand of the Supreme Court; they just need a little time to win the argument in the political field. But, of course, that’s not true. To win marriage equality throughout the country without the Court, we need 25 years of legislative effort. Otherwise, we end up with the damned quilt. Meet Me in Rio By the way, Brazil just legalized marriage equality--- I think. The largest country on the continent has already
legalized civil unions. Their courts have also ruled that judges have the power to upgrade civil unions into marriages. On Tuesday, the National Council of Justice ruled that notaries are not allowed to deny marriage licenses to anyone based on sexual orientation. Since the notaries give out the aforementioned licenses, this sounds suspiciously like marriage equality. That said, I don’t really understand the role of the National Council of Justice, which is not the High Court. Also, some news reports said the ruling paved the way for a national marriage policy, while others said the decision means marriage is legal now. Plus, it sounded like marriage has already been legal for a couple of years, sort of. I could easily take an hour to research the ins and outs of the Brazilian justice system, but you know what? I don’t feel like it and I don’t think it’s required. The bottom line is that something good happened in Brazil and marriage is somehow available to gay and lesbian couples. Yay!
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Let Them Eat Bread And what else is new, you ask? Well, I read about another cake baker who refused to do business with two Oregon lesbians. What is it with these bakeries and f lorists? And there’s a Nintendo video game in Japan called Tomadachi, which allowed male players to marry men. That was until someone noticed the illegal unions and the company promptly issued a patch restoring traditional marriage to the small screens. Really?
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I’ve been reading about antigay hate crimes in Manhattan, mass arrests of gay people in Kuwait, and a sharp decline in the number of gay people on TV shows. The latter phenomenon seems to reflect a large number of gay people on last year’s TV shows, many of which were cancelled for unrelated reasons. Then, there’s a new GLBT bill in Congress called Every Child Deserves a Family, which will outlaw GLBT discrimination for any adoption agency that received federal funds. I can’t imagine that John Boehner will have much time for it, can you? Oh. I just took a quiz on gay history over at the Christian Science Monitor website, where I scored 20 out of 27 for a mediocre score indeed. Try it yourself and see if you remember what year the Democratic National Committee put opposition to sexual orientation discrimination in their party platform. Hint: It was earlier than I had thought. Another tip: Make sure to read the actual question before you answer. Lack of attention to this detail cost me three points. That last sentence reminded me of a clever quiz we were given in fifth grade. At the top of the test, we were told to read the entire (three page) test before we begun. When the teacher gave the word, however, we all began rapidly filling in the answers. At the end, the last line read: “Do not answer any questions.” Ergo, we had all failed to “follow instructions.” Were any of you subjected to this lesson in robotic adherence to the letter of the law? At the time I felt badly for having taken the initiative to dispense with the tedious read through. But looking back over the decades, I think I have gained more than I have lost by forging ahead in life with only moderate, not obsessive, care. I’ve certainly gained some time. I mean, what if we all actually read those online legal waivers before hitting “I accept?” What if we waited for the green man on the pedestrian sign even when there wasn’t a car in sight? What if we all drank only three glasses of wine a week and checked the sodium count on a can of chicken broth? What if we all signed up for insurance on a rental car even though (continued on page 22)
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The Heart Has Its Reasons, Which Reason Knows Nothing Of ARIES (March 21 – April 19) Peaceful living takes practice, Aries. Reassess your approach toward mindful meditation. These days, your plate is full and emotions run high. Survey your senses and center yourself.
LEO (July 23 – August 22) Step out, Leo. There’s currently a spike in your social scene that simply can’t be ignored. Now’s the time to congregate with kindred spirits in support of a common cause.
better. TAURUS (April 20 – May 20) Refine your finances, Taurus. Even if cash flow is conservative now, you’re wise to weave together a manageable money program that promotes personal growth while responsibly propelling your passion for pleasure.
Astrology Gypsy Love The limbic system is a collection of cerebral structures controlling critical bodily functions that enable human survival. Coined the “emotional brain,” this group generates those gut feelings that guide us faster than conscious awareness. Without such instincts, we’d perish. Current cosmic cues encourage us to connect logic with “limbic.” Seventeenth century philosopher Blaise Pascal said it best: “The heart has its reasons, which reason knows nothing of.”
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GEMINI (May 21 – June 20) The dimensions of your dream job could use a redesign, Gemini. Reflect on whatever inspires you to succeed, and enhance your work environment so it motivates more meaningful service. CANCER (June 21 – July 22) Expand your creative consciousness, Cancer. Traditional forms of expression may fail you now. Get your point across more poetically so people take notice. Reserve private playtime with your imagination.
VIRGO (August 23 – September 22) Favorable dealings in the public are priming you for pleasant progress on the professional front. Don’t fuss over uncertainties now, Virgo. Focus on what you already know to be true!
LIBRA (September 23 – October 22) Think globally, Libra. “Big picture” philosophies play an important part in your plans now. Climb outside current comfort zones and discover how your radiance relates to the whole world.
SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21) Go deep, Scorpio. A mysterious urge stirs your body, mind, and spirit now. Dissolve fear-based blockages, dive into your instincts, and dare to pursue new paths toward personal renewal.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 21) Your force of attraction is afire, Sagittarius! Sizzle away – but avoid using false flattery to get results. The most loyal partners and prospects will surely sniff out any insincerity.
CAPRICORN (December 22 – January 19) Get down and dirty, dear Capricorn. This is no time to gloss over gory details. Tend to tasks that need tidying up – especially surrounding work and wellness. AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18) Clarify your career goals, Aquarius. Consider both the common ground and the contrasts between where you’ve been and where you’re going. You have the power to create your fate. PISCES (February 19 – March 20) Precious gems from your past twinkle before you now, Pisces. Gain inner strength by valuing treasures inherited from your tribe. Resurrect real-life rituals that remind you of your root system.
Gypsy Love’s astrology readings have helped 1000’s of people attract what they authentically desire.
As Heard on the Street . . .
compiled by Rink
AL L PHOTOS BY RIN K
What predictions do you have for the Giants and the A’s in the current MLB series?
Robert Bernardo
Eileen Hansen
Thom Grexa Phillips
Steven Satyricon
“I predict a repeat of the 1989 Battle of the Bay World Series, except this time a win by the SF Giants!.”
“I am a big Giants fan and I am betting that they will win.”
“I am predicting that ‘Pitching is King’ and that San Francisco’s pitchers will win it for us.”
“There is no doubt that San Francisco will win.”
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Arts&Entertainment Interview with Scott McGehee and David Siegel of What Maisie Knew their story around Maisie. McGehee explained, “The foreground story is this little girl’s experience while all this [adult stuff ] is happening in the background. We had to separate those two [story]lines and f igure out the proper balance to keep focus on the foreground.”
Film
Gary M. Kramer Gay Scott McGehee and straight David Siegel have been filmmaking partners for more than two decades. Their latest collaboration, W hat Maisie Knew, is a superb adaptation of Henry James’ novel. Set in present-day New York, this absorbing domestic drama depicts a fierce custody battle between Susanna ( Julianne Moore) and Beale (Steve Coogan), but it is told shrewdly (and mainly) from their child Maisie’s (Onata Aprile) point of view. In a recent phone interview, the filmmakers discussed how they came to this project. McGehee said, “Our entry point was the screenplay, not the novel. When we f irst encountered the story, neither of us had read the novel. We thought the story worked really well, and we had some ideas on what to do with it—make it contemporary, bring it downtown, focus on the characters’ relationships—and the screenplay was a model for what the film became.” He added, “Then we went back to read the James novel as background.” While there are characters in the novel compressed for the film, the directors were adamant about building
Siegel indicated that What Maisie Knew was built mostly in the editing room, where the story of the adults—which takes place mostly off-screen—was used to create ellipses in Maisie’s life. Time jumps are used to depict Beale’s unexpected courtship of his daughter’s nanny, Margo ( Joanna Vanderham), and Susanna’s quickie marriage to affable bartender Lincoln (Alexander Skarsgård). These events further expose the divorced couple as bad lovers as well as bad parents; neither treats their new partner better than their former spouse, often forcing them into the role of default babysitter. As a result, What Maisie Knew creates a strong sense of the abandonment and isolation the young girl feels over time as she is shuttled between parents and then jettisoned to her parents’ new lovers. This narrative arc puts Maisie— and her emotional responses—in bold relief. That Maisie feels more comfortable in either Margo or Lincoln’s presence than with her real mom or dad is something the filmmakers underscore at every opportunity. The directors were fortunate to find the young Aprile, who gives an incredible performance in the title role. “We had this extraordinary child… her face functioned so perfectly, conveying a sense of where she was emotionally in her life and story and the tenor of the movie at each moment,” praised Siegel. He continued to gush about his leading little lady, “She was what we looked for—someone who
could communicate a story just with her face—and get into her interior life. She doesn’t speak much, but we needed a kid still enough and pensive enough to act as that kind of mirror. She does function as a tabula rasa. Tilda [Swinton] did that in [our film] The Deep End, but she was a forty-year-old woman with acting experience. This was a six-year-old kid! It was strange to look at this little girl performing. Watching the subtlety of her eye flips, we’d be like, ‘This is f-ing unbelievable!’”
comedic stuff. He proved us right. He relishes the idea of playing dicks.” Siegel added, “We’re sure he’s a lovely father in real life.”
Viewers will share the director’s enthusiasm for Aprile’s performance. Audiences may also appreciate Steve Coogan’s turn as Beale, as the comedian was cast as Maisie’s father “to give the film some lightness,” Siegel said. “He’s cast against type to do dramatic stuff,” added McGehee. “We knew Steve could act, and not just in
Siegel acknowledged that this strategy was not planned during shooting, but developed during editing. “Some of it comes through sound design—dynamic modulations, big and small, and keeping others out of the frame as much as we did, and keeping the camera on the child. We also had sharp separations between the ellipses.”
What Maisie Knew establishes its dramatic tension from the anxiety the directors create that something horrific is going to happen to Maisie at any given moment. Most of the film is shot at Maisie’s eye level, or framed by doorways or windows to magnify what is being said because the young girl is often eavesdropping.
While the filmmakers have crafted an impressive film about a disintegrating family, they admit when they parent a film, they do not fight with each other or on the set, or in front of their crew. Siegel observes, “The lesson we learned early was never to fight in front of the children, and never disagree in public.” McGehee concurred, and rejected any notion of ending their creative partnership, “We met as friends, and have been lucky to have kept this up for so long. I don’t think either one of us would be doing this on our own.” © 2013 Gary M. Kramer Gary M. Kramer is the author of “Independent Queer Cinema: Reviews and Interviews,” and the co-editor of the forthcoming “Directory of World Cinema: Argentina.” You can follow him on Twitter @garymkramer.
Merging an Activist Spirit with Music
Brass Tacks Heidi Beeler Pete Nowlen, guest conductor of the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band, has programmed a concert that captures the long arc of moral justice in an instant when anti-DADT activist Zoe Dunning reads Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address for its upcoming celebration of civil rights pioneers. Nowlen conducts Through Seneca Falls and Selma and Stonewall at 8PM on Friday, May 31, Herchurch Lutheran, 678 Portola Drive, San Francisco. Admission is free. A candidate for the Freedom Band’s Artistic Director, Nowlen has clocked
“Many elements of the position interest me,” Nowlen wrote, “but the most important is that it would provide an opportunity to merge what I call my ‘activist spirit’ and my musical career.” Nowlen has jumped into the Freedom Band’s mission of LGBT visibility with both feet with this concert honoring civil rights pioneers. Its title Through Seneca Falls and Selma and Stonewall lifts up the passage in President Obama’s second inaugural address linking the LGBT civil rights movement to others throughout our nation’s history. The program follows suit with pieces honoring Susan B. Anthony, Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King, Jr. It celebrates LGBT civil rights gains with musical and media tributes to the imminent demise of Prop 8 and the repeal of DADT. Christopher J. Bakes, the attor-
ney and former Navy JAG who fought DADT in the courts, will conduct Anchors Aweigh. “With the pending Supreme Court decisions and recent gains, it›s a great time to focus on civil rights,” Nowlen wrote. “There are also many huge anniversaries: 150 years since the Emancipation Proclamation and Gettysburg, 50 years since the March on Washington, Kennedy›s big Civil Rights address and the birth of the Castro, and 40 years since the opening of Castro Camera.” Nowlen’s concert also brings to light music by forgotten Bay Area LGBT composer, Henry Cowell. Recognized early on as a genius, Cowell was lifted from poverty by the Bay Area’s academic and musical communities, and quickly became a world famous composer. He founded organizations and publications that made many American composers famous and taught musicians as diverse as Cage, Gershwin and Bacharach. In 1936, Cowell’s career was interrupted when he was sentenced to 15 years in San Quentin on a sodomy charge. Cowell went on teaching music classes to thousands of prisoners and founded the celebrated «San Quentin Conservatory,» whose concerts were
PHOTO COURTES Y OF HE IDI BEEL ER
many hours conducting bands and operas, orchestras and choruses. He’s director of bands at U.C. Davis and is opera musical director at CSU Sacramento. He’s artistic director of Sacramento›s VITA Academy, Camerata California (a chamber choir) and the Rancho Cordova Civic Light Orchestra. But, he told me the Freedom Band has something the others don’t.
Pete Nowlen
broadcast by the Department of War Information. After his release, Cowell was sent around the world as a cultural ambassador by the State Department, the Rockefeller Foundation and President Kennedy. “He is truly a hero of American 20th century music,” Nowlen wrote, “and he was SO much a product of the Bay Area - from his inclusive cultural and musical attitudes to his generous nature.” Nowlen is as passionate about music as he is about LGBT issues. The concert features the modern premiere of
George Frederick McKay’s tribute to Lincoln, To A Liberator. McKay arranged the piece for both orchestra and band, but the band version was lost. Nowlen, working with Laura Schwartz, has recreated that arrangement, which will be played for the first time in 60 years at this concert. “Reviving the concert band version of this piece… is an extremely exciting project for me,” Nowlen wrote. “To introduce a piece of extremely high quality music - but which is ‘of an age’ – to the repertoire is likely a once in a career experience.” BAY T IM ES M AY 16, 2013
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Round About with Celebs-Photos by Steven Underhill Bay Times photographer Steven Underhill’s camera captures images of stars from diverse areas of the entertainment industry. Enjoy Steven’s work highlighting here George Lucas, Harrison Ford, Clive Owen, Philip Kaufman, Adam Lambert, Jinkx Monsoon, Wilson Cruz and the casts of REAF’s Dances from The Heart and the Broadway touring company of Mary Poppins.
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BAY TIMES M AY 1 6 , 2 0 1 3
Round About in Photos – Bare Chest Calendar Finals Photos by Rink
Bay Times photographer Rink joined AIDS Emergency Fund’s Mike Smith and others at the DNA Bar for the 2014 Bare Chest Calendar Contest Finals. Emcees Cookie Dough and Mark Paladini led the way as contestants strutted their stuff at this lively event supporting a great cause. Andy Cross, Mr. SF Leather and Mr. Powerhouse served as judges.
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compiled by Robert Fuggiti
See many more Calendar items @ www.sfbaytimes.com
Celebrate Harvey Milk Day on May 22, 2013 with free admission to the GLBT History Museum. (Photo: www.milkfoundation.org)
Cirque de l’Arc – The Arc of San Francisco. $75. 6 pm to 9:30 pm. (1500 Howard St.) www. cirque2013.eventbrite.com. The Gay Men’s Chorus and the Arc Superstars present a benefit for the Arc San Francisco’s Anti-Bulllying Program. Lesbians Who Tech – Southern Pacific Brewing Company. Free. 6:30 pm to 9 pm. (620 Treat St.) www.lesbianswhotechmay.
eventbrite.com. A monthly gathering of queer women to share and discuss all things tech. Faux Girls – Infusion Lounge. Free. 7 pm. (124 Ellis St.) www. fauxgirls.com. Enjoy a unique drag and cabaret performances every third Thursday of the month.
Sacred Sexuality – LoveJourney. $25/person, $40/couple. 7 pm to 10 pm. (Sebastopol)
www.lovejourneytantra.com. Discover how the ancient Tantric arts can enhance your capacity for intimacy and conscious sensuality. Darling Ships – Slate. $5. 8 pm to 2 am. (2925 16th St.) www.slatesf.com. Dance the night away with Darling Nikki and Ships in the Night as they come together to bring you a night of sweaty, queer fun. Hardbox – Powerhouse. $10. 9 pm to 2 am. (1347 Folsom St.) www.powerhouse-sf.com. A monthly party with hot gogo studs, strong drinks and a boxing contest.
NCLR 2013 Anniversary Celebration – Metreon. $90+. 8 pm to 12 am. (135 4th St.) www. nclr.org. Help NCLR celebrate 36 years of fighting for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender civil and human rights and enjoy a night of dancing, drinks, and friends. Living the Legacy – SFGMC. Free. 6 pm to 9 pm. (555 Castro
St.) www.sfgmc.org. The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates the iconic images of Harvey Milk and a viewing of Castro culture with photographer Dan Nicoletta. Cazzette – Ruby Sky. $35. 9 pm (420 Ruby Sky) www.solylunasf. com. Swedish DJ duo Sebastian Furrer and Alexander Björklund spin their dance remixes late into the night.
BIG! – The Stud Bar. Free. 6 pm to 1 pm. (399 9th St.) www.phattestevents.com. A monthly bear dance party with drink specials, gogo dancers and hot DJs. Happening every third Sunday. Little Me – Eureka Theatre. $25$75. 7 pm. (215 Jackson St.) www. theeurekatheatre.com. This outrageous musical, based on the novel by Patrick Dennis, “Auntie Mame”, highlights the rags-to-riches tale of Belle Poitrine, who moves from the wrong side of the tracks in
Venezuela, Illinois, to Hollywood fame and Southampton luxury. Beer Bust – 440. $8. 3 pm to 8 pm. (440 Castro St.) www.the440. com. A weekly beer bust at Castro’s favorite bear bar.
4th Annual Alameda Harvey Milk Day Celebration – Encinal High School. Free. 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. (210 Central Ave., Alameda) www.milkfoundation.org. A formal program with keynote speaker Anne Kronenberg and the East Bay Gay Men’s Chorus. Second Annual Playground Film Festival – Rialto Cinemas Elmwood. $50+. 7:30 pm. (2966 College Ave., Berkeley) www.rialtocinemas.com. Six brand-new films by Bay Area filmmakers and writers, adapted from short plays from the celebrated Best of Playground. Through May 25. Monday Night Bluegrass – Amnesia. Free. 6 pm. (853 Valencia St.) www.amnesiathebar.com. Enjoy a night of Bluegrass music every Monday night at this cozy mission bar.
An Archive of Hope – San Francisco Public Library. Free. 6 pm. (100 Larkin St.) www.sfpl.org. Authors Jason Edward Black and Charles E. Morris III edited the new collection An Archive of Hope: Harvey Milk’s Speeches and Writings published by the University of California Press.
The Tinsel Tarts in a Hot Coma will be at the Hypnodrome Theatre through June 1. (Photo: David Wilson) 20
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Tinsel Tarts in a Hot Coma – The Hypnodrome Theatre. $30. 8 pm. (575 10th St.) www.thrillpeddlers.com. “Tinsel Tarts in a Hot Coma,” is a new full-length, restored version of The Cockettes’
The 35th Annual Carnaval Celebration will take place in the Mission on May 25 & 26. (Photo: David Hill Photography) 1971 musical extravaganza. Through music with drink specials all night June 1. long. Easy – The Edge. Free. 7 pm to 2 am. (4149 18th St.) www.edgesf. com. Enjoy $1 well drink specials and a fun-loving crowd.
God Loves Uganda – SF Jazz Center. Free. 5:30 pm. (201 Franklin St.) www.ajws.org. A community forum featuring scholars, human rights funders and religious leaders immediately follows the film Harvey Milk Day – GLBT History Museum. Free. 11 am to 7 pm. (4127 18th St.) www.glbthistory.org. Celebrate Harvey Milk Day with free admission to the museum and special displays to honor Harvey Milk. Last Drag Quit Smoking Class – LGBT Community Center. Free. 7 pm to 9 pm. (1800 Center) wwww.lastdrag.org A free quit smoking class for LGBT and HIV positive smokers.
Examining Homophobia in Sports – SF LGBT Community Center. Free. 6 pm to 8 pm. (1800 Market St.) www.horizonsfoundation.org. Horizon’s all-star panel will lead a discussion that will assess the issue, and some of the important work being done to help level the playing field for LGBT athletes and coaches. Entrepreneurship in Education – StartOut. $20. 6 pm. (1355 Market St.) www.startout. org. An evening featuring a panel of successful entrepreneurs who have built their own EdTech companies, with a discussion of industry trends and personal experiences. Hella Queer Dance Party – The Stud. $5. 10 pm. (399 9th St.) www.studsf.com. A new monthly dance party.
Sistah Sinema – Numi Tea Garden. 7 pm to 10 pm. (2230 Livingston St., Oakland) www.sistahsinema.com. An intimate event of typically 50 women showcasing queer women of color cinema. 35th Annual Carnaval 2013 – Mission District. Free. 10 am to 6 pm. (San Francisco’s Mission District) www.carnavalsanfrancisco. com. Enjoy eight city blocks full of music, dance, culture, and food. Also May 26. La Bota Loca – Club 21. $5. 9 pm to 4 am. (2111 Franklin St., Oakland) www.club21oakland.com. A weekly Latino dance party with hot go-go dancers and strong drinks.
Solo Sundays – Stage Werx. $12-$25. 7 pm. (446 Valencia St.) www.stagewerx.org. A monthly showcase of hilarious, provocative and entertaining solo performances. Salsa Sundays – El Rio. $10. 3 pm to 8 pm. (3158 Mission St.) www.elriosf.com. Enjoy live music and dancing every second and fourth Sunday.
Petal – Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. $24-$65. 2 pm. (701 Mission St.) www.smuinballet.org. Smuin Ballet ends its season with an invigorating lineup of fresh choreography from Helen Pickett and Darrell Grand Moultrie. Through June 8. Trivia Night – Hi Tops. Free. 10 pm. (2247 Market St.) www.hitopssf. com. Test your trivia knowledge at this popular sports bar. Block Party – Midnight Sun. Free. 9 pm. (4067 18th St.) www. midnightsunsf.com. Enjoy weekly screenings of your favorite music videos.
BINGO – The Billy DeFrank LGBT Community Center. $15 to play. 7 pm. (938 Alameda, San Jose) www.defrank.org. Early game starts at 6:30 pm. Meditation Group – San Francisco Public Library. Free. 12 pm to 12:45 pm. (100 Larkin St.) www. sfpl.org. A weekly meditation group to find inner calmness and peace. Sex and the City – Rebel. $10. 7 pm. (1760 Market St.) www.rebel-sf. com. A weekly drag reenactment of your favorite “Sex and the City” episodes.
Honey Soundsystem – Holy Cow! $7. 10 pm. (1535 Folsom St.) www.honeysoundsystem.com. An eccentric Sunday dance party with strong drinks and fun mash-ups.
Strange Ideas, Time-Travel and Reckless Contact Art Exhibit – Visual Aid Gallery. Free. 10 am to 6 pm. (57 Post St.) www. visualaid.org. In this exhibition of ambitious, large scale mixed media paintings, David Young Allen explores the complex achievements of three men who opposed slavery. Through May 30.
Fag Fridays – DNA Lounge. $10. 10 pm to 3 am. (375 11th St.) www.dnalounge.com. Kick off Memorial Day Weekend with this outrageous monthly party.
2013 San Francisco Decorator Showcase – Herbst Manor. $30. 11 am. (2800 Pacific Ave.) www.decoratorshowcase.org. Enjoy a spectacular showcase of fine architecture and high design.
Sissy Strut – Underground SF. Free. 10 pm to 2 am. (424 Haight St.) www.undergroundsf.com. A dance party playing jams from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s. Happening every fourth Friday.
Radical Vinyl – El Rio. Free. 8 pm. (3158 Mission St.) www.elriosf. com. A revolving cast of wellknown record collectors spin the most eclectic mix of vinyl you’ll find in San Francisco.
Flashback Friday – Bench and Bar. $5. 10 pm to 2 am. (510 17th St.) www.bench-and-bar.com. Celebrating the best in old school BAY T IM ES M AY 16, 2013
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(SISTER DANA continued from page 9) Academy Awards Night Gala next year on March 2nd! Tom Orr and Audrey Joseph hosted a memorial for our late friend, travel agent, and activist of Now Voyager Travel, called L’CHAIM! A CELEBRATION OF LIFE FOR JONATHA N K L EIN at Metropolitan Community Church, where some of his favorite local actors/singers (Matthew Martin, Connie Champagne, K atya Smirnof f Skyy, and Orr) performed some of his favorite songs as his close business partner Peter Greene, members of Chanticleer and the Christmas fairies, friends, and family gave testimonials and shared stories. As Bette Davis famously said in Now Voyager, “Don’t let’s ask for the moon. We have the stars.” Currently on display at MAGNET, the Castro hub of health and wellbe-
ing for gay/bi men, are the erotic watercolors of JAVIER ROCABADO, who engages subjects as diverse as homosexuality, HIV/AIDS, military veteran issues, racism, and capitalism. He incorporates hundreds of dollar bills, gold leaf, pearls, rubies, bullets, and medical syringes in his art. Two large pieces depict “Our Lady of Sorrows” and “Our Lady of Remedies” (be sure to lift their gowns to reveal what’s beneath), and smaller pieces include a gay male couple whose haloes intersect to form a gold-leafed heart and a gay version of Batman and Robin. MAITRI compassionate care programs is presenting BLISS 2013 on May 19 at Mission Bay Conference Center at UCSF, featuring legendary founding member of The Supremes, MARY WILSON, and modern jazz artist, SPENCER DAY: maitrisf.org.
On May 29, MARRIAGE EQUALITY USA is hosting its San Francisco Awards Reception at Chambers, 601 Eddy - bringing together LGBTQ community members and leaders, straight allies, entertainment industry and corporate leaders, and celebrities to raise funds for and highlight contributions to the marriage equality movement: marriageequality.org/awards. Adult f lick picks: After Hours (titanmen.com) & Tahoe: Snow Packed (falconstudios.com). N e w e p i s o d e s o f S E X A N D THE CITY “LIVE” have debuted at Rebel Bar, 1760 Market Street every Wednesday night: trannyshack.com. Sister Dana sez, “The Boy Scouts better BE PREPARED (as their motto goes) to accept queers!”
(ROSTOW continued from page 15) our regular policies have us covered? The list of bothersome, yet completely avoidable, details is endless. Now, in hindsight, I add the obligation to “read the entire test” to this category. I suppose I should have mentioned the ongoing debate over whether to add gay and lesbian foreign spouses
to the immigration bill. But I believe I covered the subject two weeks ago. And yet, it’s still with us. At this rate, the Supreme Court will strike the Defense of Marriage Act before the immigration bill emerges from its various gangs and committees. If DOMA dies, as you know, green cards will rain on our foreign spouses.
And if DOMA survives Court review? If that nightmare turns real, we won’t care about the immigration bill because we’ll be busy rioting in the streets of every city in America. Starting in San Francisco, of course.
Act and against adoption rights for same-sex couples, became the first sitting Republican senator to announce that he had reversed his position on marriage equality and now supported the freedom to marry.
Next month also promises to alter the landscape, for better or for worse, as the Supreme Court issues its rulings in the Prop 8 and DOMA cases.
arostow@aol.com
(MARRIAGE continued from page 1) Our opponents gloated. It was one more confirmation, they asserted, of their talking point that every time “the people” are allowed to vote on marriage equality, they reject it. Then the president made his public statement of support for the right of same-sex couples to marry and the tide, which already had started to turn, began to swell. 2012 became the watershed year for our movement. Since that spring, for example, public opinion polls consistently have shown majority support for the freedom to marry. Last September, the Democratic Party made history at its convention when it became the first major American political party to include a “Freedom to Marry” plank in its platform, a plank unanimously approved by the platform committee. In November, the voters in Maine, Maryland and Washington affirmed that freedom at the ballot box, while Minnesota rejected a constitutional ban like the one North Carolina had ratified only a few months earlier. Overnight, the number of marriage equality states increased by 50 percent. The opposition lost its momentum along with its favorite talking point. “The people” no longer could be counted upon to reject the freedom to marry. To the contrary, “the people” had rejected those who would stand in the way of freedom, unequivocally and without exception, in a four-state sweep. In January, President Obama again made marriage equality history. In his inaugural address at the U.S. Capitol, the president proclaimed, “Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law. For if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well.” Going even further, he invoked “Seneca Falls, and Selma, and Stonewall,” clearly tying the contemporary movement for LGBT equality to the civil rights struggles for gender and racial equality. The president’s evolution represented just the tip of the iceberg. Two months ago, Ohio Senator Rob Portman, who previously had voted in support of the Defense of Marriage 22
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A f lood of senators endorsing this freedom soon followed Portman’s announcement. Over just a two-week period in late March and early April, twelve more senators announced their support, including another Republican, Illinois Senator Mark Kirk. When the dust settled, 54 Senators (52 Democrats and 2 Republicans) were on record as supporting marriage equality. Among the 55 Democratic senators, only three still remain opposed. Now it’s May 2013, and the landscape is almost unrecognizable from just a year ago. This month is barely half over, and already the legislatures of three more states – Rhode Island, Delaware, and Minnesota – have passed marriage equality legislation. Moreover, all five of Rhode Island’s Republican state senators voted for the freedom to marry, the first time the legislative caucus of either of the two major political parties, in any state, unanimously had supported equal marriage rights. Combined with the three states that recognized the freedom to marry last November, the number of marriage equality states has doubled over the past year, from six to twelve, plus the District of Columbia. Illinois could still swell these ranks by one more before the end of this month. Given where we stand now compared to one year ago, it’s all but impossible to predict how different things might look a year from now. What will the state of marriage equality be in May 2014? Which other states might recognize the freedom to marry by then? Will it be Oregon, which is planning to take the issue to the voters in November? Or Ohio, where the state Democratic Party just announced plans to attempt to repeal the state’s constitutional ban and recognize marriage equality, perhaps this fall? Could it be New Jersey, which has until January to override the governor’s veto of a marriage bill already passed by the legislature?
We can only speculate on which of the myriad possible outcomes will prevail – or whether the Court will even rule on the cases’ merits at all – but they include possibilities that could bring the freedom to marry to California alone, to California and the eight other states that offer civil unions or domestic partnerships, or even to all fifty states, though the latter seems unlikely to most advocates and legal analysts. Even the most restrictive of these positive outcomes – recognizing the freedom to marry only in California – still would be quite significant. Though it would increase the tally of marriage equality states by only one more, because California is so populous, the percentage of Americans living in marriage equality states would nearly double. Of course, the Supreme Court also could uphold Prop 8, ruling that notwithstanding the equal protection guarantees of the U.S. constitution, a majority may vote to restrict or even revoke a minority’s right to marry. But even this worst-case scenario no longer has the power to threaten or discourage me. It is clear, even to our opponents, that the recognition of the freedom to marry is a foregone conclusion, sooner or later. At its best, the Court could read the same tea leaves and affirm once and for all that the U.S. constitution protects the freedom to marry for all Americans, right now, and regardless of where they live, just as it did in 1967 for interracial couples. But even at its worst, while the Court could slow the pace of freedom a little, it can neither stop nor reverse it. That horse has already left the barn, and it’s pulling a white wedding carriage all the way down to City Hall. T hom Watson, a leader in the nationw i d e g ra ss root s o rga n izat i o n Ma rr i a ge E qu al it y US A , l i ves in D aly C it y w ith hi s f iancé and partne r of ten years, Jeff Tabaco. T hom and Jeff plan to marry this year, after the U.S . Supreme Court agrees with the lower courts that California’s Prop 8 is unconstitutional.
Round About in Photos
Left to Right: Diana Dakin, Jenny Martinis, Autumn Long and Polly Bechtold at SF Ballet’s Nite Out after taking in the performance of Cinderella. (Photo by Ayana Baltrip Balagás)
Left to Right: Robert Flora, Lowe Gomez, and Howard Rubin at SF Ballet’s Nite Out after enjoying the performance of Cinderella. (Photo by Ayana Baltrip Balagás) Donna Sachet and Joe Darling at SF Ballet’s Nite Out. (Photo by Ayana Baltrip Balagás)
Maitri’s Jerry Wilder and Wells Frago’s Tracy Collins at the Academy of Friends Check Party at the Clift Hotel. (Photo by Rink)
Academy of Friends board chair Howard Edelman and vice chair Matthew Denckla flashed some of the purple attire that was the theme of the 2013 Academy of Friends Gala. (Photo by Rink)
API Wellness Center’s Lancy Toma and Sara Kunitake surrounding Academy of Friends board member Beth Feingold at the AOF Check Party. (Photo by Rink)
Nominated cartoon artist Justin Hall with writer/educator Conner Habib at the Lambda Literacy Awards reading at the SF Main Library. (Photo by Rink) Supervisor Scott Wiener’s birthday was celebrated by Maureen Erwin, Maggie Mir, Amy Moore, Reese Isbel, Maitri’s Michael Smithwick and Jerry Wilder at the Pisco Lounge. (Photo by Rink)
City Models posed on the balcony above the poolside patio at the Phoenix Hotel during the Project Inform “Swimwear for a Cause” benefit. (Photo by Rink)
Guests had a great time pool side during the Project Inform benefit at the Phoenix Hotel. (Photo by Rink) Project Open Hand former director Kevin Winge (second from left) with members of the Yay Cupcakes volunteer group at Dessert First at the Four Seasons Hotel. (Photo by Rink)
Nominee Cyn Nova, a writer and transgender activist, at the Lambda Literary Awards reading. (Photo by Rink)
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