The specifics of last week's election are better covered in detail by others in this publication, but we must draw attention to our community's powerful response to the injustice of the passage of Proposition 8. While the campaign prior to the election was characterized by sophisticated marketing techniques, professionally produced television commercials, and strategic volunteer efforts, the aftermath has been fueled by emotion and outrage, resulting in grassroots actions unlike anything we've seen in quite some time. Thousands have signed a range of online petitions, marched in the streets without permits, and even staged a spontaneous sit-in at the corner of 18th and Castro, which lasted for hours. We joined the Friday night sit-in for a while, in awe of the palpable energy, peaceful determination, and unmistakable parallels to the civil rights struggles of the 60s and to the work of our own Harvey Milk.

Without organized leadership, we applaud people like Pollo del Mar and Bebe Sweetbriar for verbally encouraging the group, Eric Forbes and Michael Loftis for rapidly creating colorful new signage, and James Holloway for delivering hot food. At first, we honestly questioned the rationality of marches and rallies in an city that overwhelmingly opposed the proposition, but the raw energy of our community needs an outlet, and the power of gathering with kindred spirits, garnering national and international press, and exploring together our next options is incalculable. New court challenges may eventually succeed in voiding Proposition 8, but much more visible actions of indignation and fresh resolve have a valid place as well.

While we are invoking the name of Harvey Milk, please run out and see the Gus Van Sant and Dustin Lance Black Milk movie as soon as it appears in theatres. While we were thrilled to be a part of the world premiere, red carpet, and party at City Hall, nothing can compare to the experience of seeing this historically accurate, intensely moving, Oscar-worthy film surrounded by members of our own community in the Castro Theatre. The events of not-so-long-ago will confront you, sadden you, inspire you, and challenge you.

The Reigning Empress Cher A Little requested the presence of her sister Empresses at Marlena's last Saturday for an event benefiting the Tenderloin Tessie Holiday Dinners. Of the 20 surviving Empresses, a remarkable assemblage of nine treated the crowd to an amazing show, auction, and raffle, including personal gift bags from several of the Empresses. (Even four Emperors joined us; but who's counting?) Over $1,300 was raised so that free meals can continue to be offered to those in need every Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.

Out & about

We caught Rita Moreno's opening night at The Rrazz Room at Hotel Nikko, and what a show she gave! Readily revealing her age of 77, she proceeded to amaze and delight with spirited energy, vocal nuance, and subtle styling uncommon at any age. Don't miss the opportunity during her three-week run to be in the presence of this award-winning local favorite in an intimate setting.

Tonight, we'll be celebrating 25 years of the AIDS Legal Referral Panel at the Palace Hotel, and Saturday, the birthdays of Emperor Matthew Brown, visiting from Palm Springs, and Empress Marlena at Stack's Restaurant, followed by a spectacular show at Marlena's.

Next week, join us for a face-to-face with legendary Tony Curtis at the Castro Theatre at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, courtesy of that unstoppable Marc Huestis . KRON-4's Jan Wahl will conduct an on-stage interview following a screening of Some Like It Hot. Dine at participating restaurants all over town on Wednesday, and part of your bill will be donated to the AIDS/Breast Cancer Emergency Funds. Before or after dinner, join the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence for Bare Chest Bingo, featuring the men of the 2009 SoMa Bare Chest Calendar, at 7 p.m. at the Green Room of the War Memorial Building on Van Ness. This is not your mother's bingo! And on Thursday, Under One Roof in the Castro throws its Holiday Premiere Party from 6-8 p.m., complete with celebrity photo ops.  The holiday season is closer than you think!