Understanding the Current Immigration Process

ensure their process has a successful and desired outcome. Being a sponsor required making sure that housing and sustenance are available for at least 6 months while the new immigrant finds employment and can establish themselves.

This partnership as a sponsor provided the mentoring and guidance needed for understanding the socialization expectations in the U.S. and to navigate the use of resources for being stable and established in this country.

Given the large volume of immigrants, however, Homeland Security apparently changed its procedures by initiating other mechanisms to speed up asylum cases. Now, unfortunately, new immigrants are left to their own devices and means to become socialized and integrated into the U.S.

It is unclear why Homeland Security does not put out a call for citizens, who were successful past sponsors, to assist the department during this time of crisis. Various cities throughout the U.S. have exhausted their resources to provide necessary help that includes housing and medical attention. The situation has then forced some to declare a state of emergency to generate more attention and resources to assist the large numbers who are entering and settling in their locales. By not appropriately updating the process, the federal government has complicated and stressed local systems and resources.

Phase two of the endeavor is to match newly arriving immigrants with stable housing and employment by employers who need their skills and services. Not having a designated sponsor for guidance makes this matching process difficult and may encourage employers to take advantage of the immigrants’ vulnerability and lack of understanding employment laws in certain areas. Although some service agencies can offer assistance, their resources are limited, given other contractual obligations. Meanwhile, newcomers face challenges in gaining stability while in the U.S. What’s more, attending to the reporting requirements of Homeland Security is critical for those whose cases appear complex and difficult to understand.

Phase three requires immigrants to have their case properly processed by the courts so that they may obtain a permanent residence in the U.S. and eventual U.S. citizenship. Many newcomers send financial support to their families in their home countries, which reduces their own resources for their needs in the U.S.

At present, the court systems are overwhelmed with cases and people may be in a state of limbo for numerous years. The process of adjudicating their status varies greatly. I for one know of various cases that have not been scheduled until 7 to 10 or more years have passed. This causes much stress and anxiety for those seeking asylum because their status is uncertain. It is possible that the climate in their original homeland has changed, which may provide an option to return to their country. However, many have now made ties here, are accustomed and socialized to life in the U.S., and are able to navigate systems in this country, making the option to return less desirable and feasible.

Given the increasing amount of antiLGBTQ+ legislation being implemented throughout the U.S., cities with large LGBTQ+ communities and support systems are more attractive and reliable. In San Francisco, we are lucky to have such systems in place for LGBTQ+ people to provide them with a safe haven until a final determination about their case is made.

Eduardo Morales, Ph.D. is a Professor Emeritus, retired Distinguished Professor, and current adjunct professor at Alliant International University. He is also a licensed psychologist and a founder and current Executive Director of AGUILAS, an awardwinning program for Latinx LGBTQ+. Of Puerto Rican decent, he has received numerous distinguished awards and citations, including being named a Fellow of 12 divisions of the American Psychological Association.

GGBA LEADERSHIP MESSAGE (continued from pg 9) sharing their experiences, encouraging dialogue, and increasing understanding. By humanizing LGBTQ+ issues and fostering empathy, these leaders can help create more accepting and compassionate environments.

Moreover, LGBTQ+ leaders can challenge stereotypes and debunk misconceptions surrounding their community. By doing so, they contribute to a more accurate portrayal of LGBTQ+ individuals, allowing people to see beyond labels and appreciate the richness of the human experience.

Global Impact

The impact of LGBTQ+ leadership extends beyond local communities and organizations. LGBTQ+ leaders on the global stage can influence international policies and promote LGBTQ+ rights worldwide. By standing up against discrimination and advocating for equality, these trailblazers set a powerful example for other nations to follow.

The importance of LGBTQ+ leadership in today’s world cannot be overstated. By championing diversity, inclusivity, and equity, LGBTQ+ leaders contribute to the creation of a more accepting and compassionate society. They inspire others to embrace their differences and use them as a source of strength. As we continue to work towards a world where everyone’s rights are respected, and each individual is celebrated for their uniqueness, the role of LGBTQ+ leaders will remain as vital as ever.

For more information on the GGBA, please visit: https://ggba.com/ husband Mark and I love the outdoors and the beauty of the Bay Area, and we’re exploring the many hikes and opportunities for fresh California air. Tennessee Valley is so beautiful! We’ve settled into the Castro, where we live with our kitten Mika, whom we adopted from the San Francisco SPCA shortly after our move. We’re considering a dog next! We love good food and are gradually working our way through a seemingly endless list of restaurants—we’re open to recommendations!

Tony Archuleta-Perkins is the founder and owner of Ide8 Real Estate & Eclat Group He has worked in finance for 25 years, ten of those years specifically as a fractional CFO. He has two master’s degrees: an MBA and a Master of Science in Real Estate. In addition to his educational and professional pedigree, Archuleta-Perkins has a passion for advocacy for the LGBTQ+ Community and their allies. He proudly volunteers and serves on two boards here in San Francisco: President of the Golden Gate Business Association and Treasurer of the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance, SF Chapter. He and his husband enjoy international traveling and scuba diving.

For more information about Align Surgical Associates: https://www.alignsurgical.com/

6/26 AND BEYOND

(continued from pg 12)

Emanuel’s reminder about the beauty that lies in the heart of Japanese culture and people resonates greatly with us and is the reason we are very hopeful when it comes to the future for LGBTIQ rights in Japan. Those feelings were palpable when the two final honorees took the stage at the end of the Pride festival. They were renowned 74-year-old singer and television personality Kenichi Mikawa, who is openly gay and is known not only for his music but also his outspoken opinions; and long-time LGBTIQ activist Teishiro Minami, who is now over 90 years old. Minami has been a tireless queer activist for decades, serving as chief editor for gay magazines, a leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS—and an organizer of the very first Tokyo Pride parade in 1994. That parade began with only 50 marchers but grew to over 300 strong as onlookers joined in as the parade progressed. Today, many thousands of people march. Seeing Minami and Mikawa on stage brought one word to our minds in thinking about the future of the Japanese LGBTIQ rights movement: unstoppable.

John Lewis and Stuart Gaffney, together for over three decades, were plaintiffs in the California case for equal marriage rights decided by the California Supreme Court in 2008. Their leadership in the grassroots organization Marriage Equality USA contributed in 2015 to making same-sex marriage legal nationwide.

By Donna Sachet

The British Coronation of King Charles III & Queen Camilla will stand as one of the most historic ceremonies in our lives. No matter where your sympathies lie regarding the Monarchy, Great Britain displayed all the incredible pageantry, traditional ceremony, and elaborate finery we expected, followed by a pop concert the next day that attracted an international audience of its own. Lionel Richie and Katy Perry certainly did us proud and the special technical effects were out of this world. As you’ll see from a photo I posted at my Facebook page, we were unable to make the transatlantic trip ourselves, but celebrated here in San Francisco at Grace Cathedral where the British Consul General Joe White hosted a party, attended by many in the diplomatic corps. We were invited by our good friend Tom Horn, who is the Honorary Consul General to Monaco. Although it was a somewhat casual afternoon affair, we joined those sporting hats or fascinators with a bit of plumage and we were happy to see SF Pride’s Board President Nguyen Pham and Executive Director Suzanne Ford there. Long live the King!

We can only imagine the amount of planning that went into such a public display and we are amazed that it all took place so smoothly. Even the drizzling rain did not hamper the enjoyment of hundreds of thousands watching in person and millions across the globe. Think about some of the local events you’ve attended and then think about the weeks, months, or even years that went into preparing for them. We think back to the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Imperial Court of San Francisco that took place in City Hall in 2015. Planning literally began years in advance, forming a committee, reserving space at City Hall, contacting performers, and more. In the months preceding the event, we secured sponsors, rentals, catering, decor, lighting, audio, and more. Then, in the frantic weeks before, it was all about on-site volunteers, programming timeline, load-in, load-out, and a myriad of other details. That night, over 500 guests experienced a once-in-a-lifetime event ... that was over in three or four hours.

As we near SF Pride month with its deluge of events, we encourage you to think about what goes into making things happen. SF Pride itself is not a profit-making business, but a volunteer Board of Directors with a handful of paid employees who mount a weekend, including the Saturday Civic Center Celebration and the Pride Parade on Sunday, welcoming hordes of visitors and reaffirming San Francisco’s place as LGBTQ+ Mecca. We suggest that you stay involved in the preparation all year long, but especially as these mammoth events draw near. Attend meetings to share your perspective, join committees to participate actively, and share your appreciation with those who pull off SF Pride each year, truly making it your celebration in your city.

This year is Gary Virginia & Donna Sachet’s 25th annual Pride Brunch on Saturday, June 24, 11 am–2 pm, at the Westin St. Francis Hotel in Union Square. For 24 years, we have honored the Grand Marshals of the SF Pride Parade and raised money to continue the life-changing work of PRC, all while providing an energy-packed, creative, upscale celebration for the LGBQ+ Community and allies. We have been working hand-in-hand with PRC since the first of the year to ensure that this 25th anniversary will be extraordinary. Sponsors, like Wells Fargo, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, AT&T, J.P. Morgan, Korbel, Seeligman Family Foundation, and this publication, the San Francisco Bay Times, are enthusiastically signing up. The hotel is pulling out all the stops with a delicious 3-course seated luncheon and a spectacular lobby display. Businesses are anxiously donating raffle prizes and live auction items and individual tickets sales are selling briskly. Little did we know, when we hosted the very first Pride Brunch at Jeremiah Towers’ Stars restaurant, that this brunch would grow into the well-attended, much-anticipated, official Pride event is has become. SF Pride Parade Grand Marshals over the years have brought the audience to tears, to laughter, and to their feet with applause, including Andy Bell, Sir Ian McKellan, Sharon Gless, Armistead Maupin, James Hormel, Alan Cumming, Bruce Vilanch, Rev. Cecil Williams, Phyllis Lyon & Del Martin, Dot Jones, Ilene Chaiken, José Sarria, Zoe Dunning, and so many more. Elected officials have attended in increasing numbers, demonstrating their support for our LGBTQ+ Community, most notably Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi last year who met admirers, took pictures, ate brunch, and spoke from the podium for several minutes.

Saturday, May 20

Spotlight on the ‘70s

SF Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band concert

Phaedra Tillery-Boughton & Donna Sachet guest stars

Oakland Asian Cultural Center, 388 Ninth St. 6:30 pm $45 www.sflgfb.org

Tuesday, May 23

Memorial for Heklina

Hosted by Sister Roma, Peaches Christ, D’Arcy Drollinger, & Nancy French Castro Theatre & Castro Street with outdoor telecast 8 pm Free!

Thursday, May 25

Divas & Drinks at The Academy

Celebrating the Stonewall Generation and Honoring Dr. Marcy Adelman

Monthly party produced by the Bay Times & The Academy

Emceed by Donna Sachet, Featuring DJ Rockaway

Bacardí cocktails, Extreme Pizza, Name That Tune The Academy SF, 2166 Market Street 6–10 pm $15 https://tinyurl.com/3psxcyw2

Saturday, June 3

Heels for Hope

Maitri’s annual gala

Variety show with Brian Kent, Tory Teasley, Sydney Stigerts, & more

Marines’ Memorial Theatre, 609 Sutter Street 5 pm VIP, 7 pm Show $52 & up www.maitrisf.org

Attendees have supported the cause enthusiastically by bidding on auction items, buying raffle tickets, and donating above and beyond ticket prices. And long before the event itself, individuals have stepped forward to ensure the success of Pride Brunch, many of whom will be recognized this year. And every year, someone shares with us a special memory of reuniting with a friend, meeting an admired Grand Marshal or elected official, celebrating with close friends, attending an event for the first time that they had only heard of, or returning year after year, knowing that Pride Brunch never disappoints.

Don’t miss this year’s 25th annual Pride Brunch! We are deeply indebted to many who have provided indispensable help along the way and we look forward to seeing you there this year!

Donna Sachet is a celebrated performer, fundraiser, activist, and philanthropist who has dedicated over two decades to the LGBTQ Community in San Francisco. Contact her at empsachet@gmail.com

Monday Night Men’s Rap group. We had one couple show up on our doorstep on their anniversary. It was really sweet.

Sharon Knight: I understand the Pacific Center is moving to a new location after 45 years. Where is the new location, and how do you envision this move enriching the programs Pacific Center offers to the LGBTQIA+ communities it serves?

Lasara Firefox Allen: The new location is at 2130 Center Street in Berkeley. I’m seeing this move as an opportunity for growth for the Pacific Center. We performed a community survey regarding priorities in the new space. One of the things that we learned was a major priority for our community was a location that’s near a BART station. We prioritized the needs of the community, and the new site is mere steps away from a BART station. Also, the new suite is all one level, so it is much more accessible

Sharon Knight: Leslie Ewing continues to be a bright light in the Pacific Center’s story. Can you share with us some of her contributions to the Pacific Center’s legacy?

Lasara Firefox Allen: Leslie continues to be a valuable supporter of the Pacific Center in innumerable ways. She supports the Pacific Center and the greater community in so many ways that, in fact, we’re presenting her with a Lifetime Achievement award at Pacific Center’s 50th anniversary gala!

Sharon Knight: The Pacific Center celebrates 50 years this year. Congratulations! To what do you attribute the organization’s remarkable staying power?

Lasara Firefox Allen: A lot of very tenacious staff, board members, and volunteers over the years, and funders who believe in the mission of Pacific Center. The organization wouldn’t be here today without all of those points of support.

Sharon Knight: What are you most proud of

JUSTER (continued from pg 6)

Castro Street is going to be packed. Pro tip #2: This outdoor screening is being offered free to the public, but such things don’t come cheap, so please kick in a donation or, as the Facebook event page warns, “risk being haunted by Heklina forever.” Don’t risk that, and don’t risk missing what is bound to be a spectacularly only-in-San-Francisco event. Details: https:// tinyurl.com/HeklinaMem

Fun With ChatGPT

As someone who takes a ridiculously long time to write even something as simple as this column, I’ve been intrigued by all the buzz about ChatGPT. Fortunately, one of the best writers I know, my friend Rebecca Denison, took it out for a spin and reported back on it. And the results were jaw-dropping.

First, she asked it to invent a name for an online writing group for older HIV+ writers. ChatGPT first responded with a respectable attempt, “Legacy Ink.” Not bad. But as Rebecca kept asking it to try to add some flair to the name, the responses just kept getting better and better: “The Still Kicking, But Sometimes Limping, HIV Pen Pals.” “The HIV Geezers’ Groan and Scribble Society.” And my favorite (when asked to create one with an acronym) “CREAKY: Chronic Retroviral Elderly Authors Kvetching and Scribbling Yarns.”

Yowzah.

Curious to see if I could be replaced by a bot, I asked Rebecca to have ChatGPT take a shot at writing this column. Rebecca asked it to write a friendly and chatty 1000-word article about recent and current events in San Francisco, geared toward an LGBTQ+ audience. And it did—in one second.

(When I do it, it takes many hours. Harrumph.)

How did ChatGPT do? Well, the result was indeed chatty, reading like it was written by a bubbly Chamber of Commerce intern. But the fascinating part was that it actually invented—and reviewed— three sophisticated, plausible-sounding events that I wasn’t able to find online, but would love to attend. Really excellent deep-fake stuff.

I’m grateful to Rebecca for this fascinating test drive in the fast lane. The future is here, but I think I’ll still keep writing my column the old-fashioned way, no in continuing the Pacific Center’s 50-year legacy?

Lasara Firefox Allen: We support our community members throughout their entire lifespan; our Trans Tween group serves youth nine to twelve years old, while our Older and Out services support folks 55 and up. Last year we served over 3500 individuals, and delivered over 3200 hours of sliding-scale therapy sessions. We have 20 active peer groups running that serve the very distinct needs of our community.

I am also proud that our staff is actively engaged in increasing outreach to our QTBIPOC (Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, People of Color) community members. This part of our community had less access to our services before our current staff came on.

I’m proud of our amazing and dedicated staff. They work tirelessly to make sure our community has access to life-saving services.

For the past 50 years, we’ve been committed to promoting mental health equity and liberation for LGBTQIA+ individuals in our shared community.

I’m proud to be part of that.

Sharon Knight: Thank you so much for spending some time with me and San Francisco Bay Times readers today. I look forward to joining you on June 3rd to celebrate your 50th anniversary with the Pacific Center community!

The Pacific Center celebrates their 50th Anniversary with a Golden Dreams Gala in Berkeley on June 3rd. Purchase tickets at Eventbrite ( https://tinyurl.com/pacific-center-50th ) and visit Pacific Center’s website ( https://www.pacificcenter. org ) for more information.

Sharon Knight is the “Golden Dreams” Event Coordinator at the Pacific Center for Human Growth: https://www.pacificcenter.org/ matter how long it takes.

Pride Pop-up Art Show

Pride month is almost upon us, along with a a variety of Pride-themed cultural events. Heron Arts, in collaboration with the LEATHER & LGBTQ Cultural District, Oasis Arts, and SoMa West CBD, has announced a group exhibition Pride Pop-Up Show The exhibition will be a salon-style show featuring artwork by local LGBTQ+ artists. It will be both a celebration of the beginning of Pride month, as well as a celebration of the cultural heritage of the LGBTQ+ community in the SoMa neighborhood where Heron Arts is located. Pride Pop-Up Show will be on view at Heron Arts (7 Heron Street) from June 2–June 14. The free public opening reception on Friday, June 2, will feature DJ Trevor Sigler and a performance by Kochina Rude. For more details, and a list of participating artists: https://tinyurl.com/HeronPride

Project Nunway

One of my favorite annual events is Project Nunway, produced by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. A giddily creative meet-up of eco-fashion, philanthropy, and good old irreverent fun, Project Nunway raises funds for the everyday good works of the Sisters, as they give grants to local grassroots organizations that provide support to marginalized communities. This year’s theme is “Sanctuary,” as the designers and the Sisters they are paired with explore themes of safety and refuge through their fashion creations. You have to see this event to believe it. Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/Nunway11

Wanted: Volunteers health care, but let’s just say that what happens in Iowa and Kansas is also happening throughout Trump country.

During the recent National Volunteers Appreciation Week, the Associated Press reported that since the pandemic, nonprofits have been struggling to recruit and retain volunteers. This sounds like a clear call to action to me: Now is a great time to make a difference by volunteering. If you are still shy about going out, there are still plenty of opportunities to volunteer from home (I know; I do it all the time). Our city, and our world, will be a better place if you do.

Joanie Juster is a long-time community volunteer, activist, and ally.

The Kansas school bill also provides for authorities to verify the gender of a student in the event of a dispute by “using current standard assessment protocols,” which I guess is legislative language for undressing kids and checking their genitals in order to “protect” female athletes.

In one state to the south, Oklahoma, the governor speculated that gay and trans issues are going to be decisive in the next election. “I believe it’s going to be more and more important in general in 2024 because the Left has gone too far. They have gone way too radical,” said Governor Kevin Stitt to Fox News Digital.

“We have an obligation to protect our children and protect sports and protect free competition and fair competition in Oklahoma. And so, to us, it’s pretty common sense. And I hope it’s an issue in the general election in 2024, because I think we win on that with Americans. We believe in traditional family values. We’re not going to let biological males participate in girls’ sports.”

I have been wrong in the past, notably when I thought Trump’s nomination in 2016 meant Democrats would easily win the presidency. Nonetheless, I can’t help thinking that a national campaign focused on bashing transgender girls and women would give Democrats an overwhelming advantage.

This Is Your Brain on Toads

I’ve been diverted this morning by the back sections of The New York Times, along with various internet alleyways, arcane topics that I find particularly interesting when I face a deadline. I’ve learned that ancient Egyptians used to amputate the hands of their conquered rivals, and that many bits of human DNA float around in the environment and could someday be used in criminal investigations and research. I’ve read about sleep deprivation in teens as well as new developments in mapping the human genome and the number of moons orbiting Saturn. I’m a font of wisdom.

I read about an excellent movie called Monica, starring transgender actress Trace Lysette, which not only sounds fascinating but would also be a useful film to run at a

TRUST ESSENTIALS (continued from pg 11) an experienced estate planning attorney to ensure that your documents are in order and that your wishes are protected. We want to make sure that we accomplish our goals and not just feel better today by having sheets of paper.

Family Dynamics

Involving family members/chosen family in the planning process can be crucial for a successful elder care plan. It’s important to have open and honest conversations with your family members/chosen family about your wishes and expectations. This can help prevent conflicts and disagreements down the line and ensure that everyone is on the same page. It’s also important to plan for any special needs family members, such as those with disabilities, to ensure they receive the care they need.

Conclusion

Elder care planning can be a daunting process, but it’s an essential part of planning for your future. By taking the time to consider your healthcare and financial options, legal documents, and family dynamics, you can help ensure that you and your loved ones are taken care of.

Working with an experienced estate planning attorney can help guide you through private convention of Republican lawmakers.

And in cyberspace, I’ve been learning about the Sonoran Desert toads that secrete a toxic hallucinogen, as well as about other toads and insects that can get you high. The National Park Service has issued a warning to visitors, advising them to “refrain from licking” the toad. It’s apparently ineffective for one thing, but it’s also bad for the toad and may kill you. But we digress.

Candy Land

Returning to our news mill, a gay tenured history professor at Madera Community College near Fresno has been put on paid leave after he brought politically incorrect candy bars to a campus open house. The candy came from Jeremy’s Chocolate, a company run by Jeremy Boreing, the CEO of The Daily Wire conservative news service. The chocolate bars containing nuts were designated “he/him.” The ones sans nuts were “she/her.” Jeremy’s sophomoric stunt was meant as a dig at Hershey Canada, which recently released five special bars to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8. The bars were marked “HER for SHE,” and one of the five featured Canadian transgender activist, Fae Johnstone. Much as Bud Light triggered a backlash after creating a special can for transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney during March Madness, Hershey Canada drew fire for including Johnstone in the group of women.

Quite honestly, my interest in these sideshows tends to wane quickly. Just when I decided to have a Bud Light in solidarity at some point down the road, I learned that some gay bars were going to boycott the brand, I think because Bud tried to deflect the Dylan Mulvaney spotlight instead of leaning in to its trans-friendly promotion. I didn’t really follow the whole thing, so I wound up back in neutral as far as Bud Light was concerned and stopped tracking further developments. As for the Hershey Canada campaign, I had somehow missed it at the time and I had to review the whole thing in order to explain the Madera College incident to you. Do I hear a thank you?

arostow@aol.com the process and ensure that your plan meets your specific needs. Remember, it’s never too early to start. If you are looking for help with your own estate planning needs, or would like to discuss how we can help your loved ones with their plans, please feel free to contact us at obed@greenelawfirm.com or call us at 415-905-0215. We look forward to hearing from you!

Statements In Compliance with California Rules of Professional

Conduct: The materials in this article have been prepared by Attorney Jay Greene for educational purposes only and are not legal advice. This information does not create an attorneyclient relationship. Individuals should consult with an estate planning and elder law attorney for up-todate information for their individual plans.

Jay Greene, Attorney, CPA, is the founder of Greene Estate, Probate, & Elder Law Firm based in San Francisco, and is focused on helping LGBT individuals, couples, and families plan for their future, protect their assets, and preserve their wealth. For more information and to schedule an assessment, visit: https://assetprotectionbayarea.com/