Sister Dana sez, “Mother’s Day is May 9…” – San Francisco Bay Times – San Francisco Bay Times
Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun–
By Sister Dana Van Iquity–
Sister Dana sez, “Mother’s Day is May 9. May I be the first to wish all you mothers and drag mothers a well-deserved and very happy day! You have raised some delightful offspring!”
Comedian, actress, television host, and producer Niecy Nash (newly married to wife Jessica Betts) hosted the 32nd Annual GLAAD MEDIA AWARDS on YouTube on April 8; the show is also now streaming on Hulu. Here are the highlights. Outstanding Music Award (presented by Katy Perry) was Sam Smith. Outstanding Breakthrough Artist was CHIKA. Best Reality Series was HBO’s We’re Here—bringing drag to rural America and everywhere. President and GLAAD CEO Sarah Kate Ellis spoke of the importance of LGBTQ people being seen and heard in the media. “There is still a long road ahead for LGBTQ acceptance, but we have come a long way,” she said. “The Equality Act is moving forward, but with strong Republican resistance.” She added, “Media helps one understand people and walk in their shoes.” Niecy introduced her “hersband” singer/songwriter Jessica Betts to play on guitar and sing the exquisite “Catch Me.” Outstanding Film/Limited Release went to Netflix’s The Boys in the Band from proudly gay Ryan Murphy. You may recall how much I have raved about that film with its all-gay cast and director! Oh, that delicious Matt Bomer! Outstanding Drama Series went to Star Trek: Discovery. Outstanding Film Wide Release went to Hulu’s Happiest Season.
LGBTQ activist Demi Lovato spoke of losing her dear friend and actress Naya Rivera who played on TV’s Glee as Santana Lopez and her TV girlfriend. “She inspired young lesbian actresses all over the world with her activism,” said Lovato. Personally, I recall one time fondly when Rivera spoke at a GLAAD celebration with fiery inspiration. We gave her a standing ovation! Lovato then introduced much of the incredible cast of Glee today as themselves to give loving tributes to Rivera. Jane Lynch (Glee‘s nasty Sue Sylvester) lauded GLAAD’s work, concluding, “Every year there is more LGBTQ representation on TV and more diverse representation and more acceptance and more kindness.”
I am so thrilled to announce that my fave of faves, Schitt’s Creek, received the Best Comedy Series Award accepted by my main man and star and co-creator, Dan Levy! I should remind you that this series swept the Golden Globes and also won last year’s GLAAD Award. “When we started to make Schitt’s Creek, we wanted to be funny, but also show personal growth, love, empowerment, and ‘bebe crows’—but we wanted everyone to be supported without question.” He added, “In reality, there is still so much work that needs to be done, and I cannot thank GLAAD enough for their relentless pursuit that we can one day live in a world where our community feels that kind of support.” Sister Dana sez, “Can I get an amen up in here?!”
Sister Dana sez, “I am excited to announce that, once again this year on Pride Weekend, we will have an illuminated Pink Triangle on Twin Peaks for our inspiration, pride, and joy!”
SF LGBT CENTER held its annual (but this year virtual) SOIRÉE on April 10. This was a lovely evening celebrating community. Together we helped uplift the impact of the Center’s work and raised funds to expand its programs and services virtually. The SF LGBT Center connects our diverse community to opportunities, resources, and each other to achieve our vision of a stronger, healthier, and more equitable world for LGBTQ people and our allies.
Board Co-chairs Chris Paul and Sally Jesmonth thanked the many volunteers who help make the Center possible. The Center has successfully moved almost all their services online. They are meeting one-on-one with LGBTQ+ job-searchers virtually, leading housing workshops on Zoom, supporting small businesses with online “office hours” and trainings, coordinating drop-offs of essential items for LGBTQ+ youth, and more. They even transitioned several Host Homes guests into housing despite the raging pandemic, getting them into safe, supportive spaces and significantly decreasing their exposure to COVID-19 and other risk factors. Executive Director Rebecca Rolfe spoke about the future—and such worrisome questions as herd immunity, jobs, housing, racial justice, democracy—and how we must be prepared and “show up.” She said, “If we stand in community, we will create the future of our dreams.”
Soirée was co-hosted by Sister Roma &fellow San Francisco Bay Times columnist Liam Mayclem and featured entertainment director and virtual bartender Juanita MORE! with after-party dance DJ Lady Ryan. The evening closed with the lipsynch talents of Voodonna sensually smoking a gigantic joint and doing Dawn Penn‘s “You Don’t Love Me (No, No, No)”; Effervesence Jackson with “I Got Rhythm” while serving up old school tap shoe; and Tito Soto with Phil Collins‘ “In the Air Tonight” while executing impressive aerial acrobatics. https://www.sfcenter.org/
Sister Dana sez, “Is anyone else sick and tired of hearing all the horrible illegal sexual eXXXcapades of Rep. Matt Gaetz—or what I prefer to refer as ‘Gaetz-gate’?!”
The SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES is collaborating with THE ACADEMY to present a new live game show hosted by Donna Sachet. In this matchup, Team Mecca 2.0, led by captain Kelly Gilliam, will take on Team Olivia, led by captain Tisha Floratos. DIVAS & DRINKS will be April 29, 6 pm–7 pm, and enjoy music from DJ Rockaway while learning how to make delicious cocktails. Don’t miss the big reveal at the end: the unveiling of our internationally-renowned mystery guest who shares thoughts about the women who have helped and inspired her throughout her amazing life. https://tinyurl.com/r9c2javb
Sister Dana sez, “Thank God TV’s ‘Bachelor’ star Colton Underwood has come out gay. How tortured he must have been in that huge, scary, national closet!”
THE IMPERIAL FOUNDING MOTHER COURT of the International Court System will proudly present Coronation 56: “GET LIT, A NOVEL IDEA” virtually on April 24, 4 pm. Celebrate TMIM Emperor William Bulkley and Empress Mimi Osa as they step down and crown the next Monarchs of San Francisco. We voted for them on April 17, https://www.twitch.tv/imperialcouncilsf
Sister Dana sez, “I’m afraid the smear campaign against Obama is working: Gallup reported that Trump officially topped Obama in their annual public poll of the most admired man in the world. Unbelievable!”
Lisa Geduldig‘s hilarious LOCKDOWN COMEDY was Zoomed to us on April 15. The show featured Jann Karam (LA), Becky Braunstein (Portland, via Alaska), Bob McIntyre (SF), and Arline (Lisa’s mom) and Lisa Geduldig (both stuck in lockdown from Flawrida). Note: Jann will be on an upcoming episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm and Becky is on a new TV show, Chad. Laugh along with me every 3rd Thursday with Lockdown Comedy on Zoom! https://www.koshercomedy.com/lockdown-comedy
Sister Dana sez, “Breaking news! Stop the presses! Kellogg’s has a new cereal just in time for Pride Month. ‘Together with Pride’ is coming to stores in May and will have rainbow-colored cereal hearts in the colors of the rainbow flag. And they’ll be covered in edible glitter! Yummy pride!”
THANKS TO HANK is the inspirational story of Hank Wilson, a true unsung hero of the gay liberation movement and the AIDS epidemic, who led a life of such extraordinary humility and compassion that it will inspire people far beyond the LGBTQ community. Unique in its focus on the impact of the AIDS epidemic among poor people and people of color, the film is a chronicle of AIDS activism in the years before ACT UP, and demonstrates the broader vision of social justice held by early gay liberation activists. Also unique in its artistic scope, it features the music of the multiple Grammy Award-winning Kronos Quartet, and gorgeous handmade animation. And not to brag, but some of us Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Brilliantly directed by Bob Ostertag. 81minutes. $10 suggested donation—50% of the proceeds go to Coalition on Homelessness. Starts April 23. https://www.roxie.com/thanks-to-hank/
Sister Dana sez, “Speaking of epidemics, which we are constantly doing, the Biden administration is seeking to drastically increase funds to ‘help accelerate and strengthen efforts to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic,’ an introductory budget proposal submitted to the Senate Appropriations Committee reveals.”
SAN FRANCISCO GAY MEN’S CHORUS is presenting the annual fundraiser CRESCENDO, this year held virtually on April 22 and entitled VOICES RISING. We can enjoy and/or honor SFGMC, Jake Shears, Rita Moreno, LeAnn Rimes, Shangela, Terrance Kelley, Mayor London Breed, Homophonics, and many others. https://www.sfgmc.org/crescendo
Sister Dana sez, “Since Covid-daze have forced me to become a day drinker, I must reveal there are 18 benefits of red wine according to ReformedHealth.net: promotes healthy eyes, cuts risk of cataracts, fights cavities, wards off common colds, protects against heart disease, reduces risk of heart attack, increases longevity, improves bone density, aids in weight loss, contributes to healthy cholesterol, fights cancer, reduces risk of type 2 diabetes, reduces risk of liver disease, lowers risk of stroke, fights depression, helps short-term memory, keeps the brain sharp, and reduces risk of Alzheimer’s. So, break out the vino!”
Published on April 22, 2021