The annual installation of a giant pink triangle atop Twin peaks is set for Pride weekend, and organizers are putting out the call for volunteers.
"It really does take a village to make this huge pink triangle happen year after year," project co-founder Patrick Carney said in a news release. "This is a community-building project."
The pink triangle, now a symbol of LGBT pride, was once used by the Nazis in concentration camps to identify, shame, and persecute homosexual prisoners. Gays were forced to wear the pink triangle on their pockets in the camps as a way to set them apart from other prisoners.
This year marks the 22nd annual San Francisco installation, Carney noted. Pink tarps stretch nearly 200 feet across to form the triangle, which is visible from the East Bay and other areas if there's no fog.
There are three opportunities for people to help. First is creating the outline of the triangle Friday, June 23 from 1:30 to 5 p.m.
On Saturday, June 24, the installation takes place from 7 to 10 a.m. Coffee, pastries, and fashionable pink triangle T-shirts are provided for all volunteers, Carney said.
A commemoration ceremony will follow the installation at 10:30, which is expected to include various city officials, Pride parade grand marshals, and other dignitaries. The San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band will perform, along with musical theater star Leann Borghesi.
Finally, people are needed to take down the triangle Sunday, June 25. The work begins at 4:30 p.m. and continues until 8. Carney said that dinner at a Thai restaurant will be provided. Carney explained that this shift is the hardest to fill, and said that if people can pitch in for an hour it would be helpful.
Those planning to volunteer should bring a hammer and gloves. They should wear closed-toe shoes, long pants, and sunscreen.
For more information, including directions to the site, visit www.thepinktriangle.com.
GLBT History Museum unveils new look
The GLBT History Museum in the Castro reopens Thursday (June 8) after being closed for a few days for some remodeling work.
As reported earlier this year, the museum, which is overseen by the GLBT Historical Society, announced plans for a redesigned facade, reception area, and new signage.
According to a Facebook post, new video screens were installed that will cover the entire wall opposite the museum windows. The space was also repainted, along with other changes.
Officials invited community members to stop by and see the new look. The museum, located at 4127 18th Street, is open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.glbthistory.org. Admission is free for historical society members, $5 for non-members, and $3 for students with valid ID.
Queer women of color film fest screens in SF
Queer LifeSpace, an LGBTQ-centered therapy center, is co-sponsoring the Queer Women of Color Media Arts Project's film festival June 9-11 at Brava Theater Center, 2781 24th Street in San Francisco.
Opening night will feature "Beloved Community," about queer black, Latinx, and Vietnamese women. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; the film shows an hour later.
Saturday's program will include "The Revival: Women and the Word" at 4 p.m., followed by "Snapshot: Queer POC Porn" at 7.
An after-party will take place from 9 p.m. to midnight at Asiento, 2730 21st Street. The cost for that is $10-$25.
The festival's closing film Sunday will be "Tenacious for Love," which screens at 6 p.m.
All movies are free, but registration is required. To sign up, visit https://qwocmap.z2systems.com/np/clients/qwocmap/event.jsp?event=4&.
IOA to show 'When We Rise'
The Institute on Aging will host a free, two-evening screening of "When We Rise" June 14-15.
First aired on ABC earlier this year, the miniseries chronicles the history of the gay rights movement, focusing on several San Francisco activists, including Cleve Jones, whose memoir of the same name partly inspired the program.
The screening takes place from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 14, and at the same time the following night. The screenings will be held in IOA's Weinberg Auditorium at the IOA's senior campus, 3575 Geary Boulevard.
Only 100 seats are available each night. RSVP is required and can be made at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/screening-of-when-we-rise-wednesday-june-14th-thursday-june-15th-530-to-930-pm-both-nights-registration-34039422830.
LGBTQ senior prom
The aforementioned IOA will hold its second LGBTQ Senior Prom as part of its Pride celebration Saturday, June 17 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Weinberg Auditorium at the IOA's senior campus, 3575 Geary Boulevard in San Francisco.
The free event will feature a live band, performances from well-known local LGBTQ artists, line dancing, and dance music from every generation.
"For many of our older LGBTQ clients, senior prom was a fraught event," IOA Executive Director Tom Briody said in a news release. "They couldn't take whom they really wanted to their senior prom, or even wear what they really wanted – or if they did, they faced serious risk of shaming, harassment, and even physical assault. Through the LGBTQ Senior Prom, we want to celebrate and honor our LGBTQ elders, offer them a chance to reclaim lost opportunities, and help create some happier memories for the future."
Refreshments and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.
Free shuttle transportation is available from several locations around the city that will take people to the prom and bring them back. Pick-up locations and times are available at the registration site.
Guests must RSVP at (415) 750-4141 or https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lgbtq-senior-prom-june-17th-from-4-until-7-pm-tickets-34209343066.
SFGH foundation seeking artist submissions for 'Hearts'
The San Francisco General Hospital Foundation has announced that it is seeking artist submissions for the 2018 "Hearts in San Francisco" project.
The series will include six large hearts, six table-top hearts, and an all-new concept consisting of 24 mini heart sculptures. The mini hearts will be designed by eight artists in the theme "A Tribute to San Francisco: Past, Present, and Future." Donors and art enthusiasts will have the option of purchasing one mini heart individually or as a set of three.
The hearts will be auctioned in February at the annual Heroes and Hearts luncheon, with proceeds benefiting the life-enhancing programs and initiatives at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital.
The deadline for artist submissions is Tuesday, August 1. For artwork guidelines, official regulations, and artist applications, visit https://sfghf.org/events/create-a-heart/.