Breast Cancer Action has launched its 2019 Think Before You Pink campaign, "Say Never to Forever Chemicals," demanding that corporate giant 3M stop production and use of all per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) because of evidence this toxic class of compounds, known as "forever" chemicals, may contribute to breast cancer risk.
The campaign, timed to Breast Cancer Awareness Month, targets 3M, a Fortune 500 company, because of its large-scale production, use, and promotion of PFAS while it simultaneously markets products, like its pink ribbon Post-it notes, for breast cancer awareness.
"3M is trying to use pretty pink ribbon Post-its to cover up the fact that their toxic PFAS may actually increase the risk of breast cancer," Karuna Jaggar, BCA's executive director, said in a news release. "That's pinkwashing. And it's outrageous."
According to San Francisco-based BCA, a growing body of evidence shows that PFAS may increase the risk of breast cancer. It is known to cause some cancers and has been found to change the structure of the mammary gland. In addition, PFAS interferes with normal hormone functioning and has been shown to suppress the immune system.
BCA said that 3M calls itself a good corporate citizen despite producing and profiting from toxic PFAS and has rolled out a number of breast cancer promotions over the years, including pink hard hats and tape. In addition to the pink Post-its, 3M is currently selling pink stethoscopes to "help fight against breast cancer," the release said.
PFAS are called forever chemicals because of their extreme persistence, BCA stated. The chemicals have been shown to accumulate in humans, animals, and the environment. The agency noted that researchers have found that 98% of Americans have at least one PFAS chemical in their body. The drinking water of approximately 110 million Americans contains unsafe levels of PFAS, and the chemicals have been found in breast and cow's milk, the agency stated.
BCA noted that 3M has been faced with multiple lawsuits brought by state attorneys general and was finally forced to acknowledge the risks posed by PFAS. The company phased out production of certain types of PFAS, and has been developing and using newer "short chain" PFAS. However, there is evidence that the newer chemicals in the same class of compounds are not safe for humans and the environment, according to BCA.
3M did not respond to a request for comment.
"3M's pink ribbon Post-its may peel off, but their toxic PFAS are forever," Jaggar said.
BCA is asking concerned people to join its campaign by telling 3M to stop pinkwashing at http://www.bcaction.org/neverforeverchems
Short film on trans youth at SFO
San Francisco International Airport is debuting "Listen," a short film about trans youth, for October, which is Bullying Prevention Month.
As the Bay Area Reporter noted in a story this summer, SFO regularly shows short films on a rotating basis for free in the SFO Museum's Video Arts room between 5 a.m. and midnight. It is located in the pre-security area of the departures level in the International Terminal.
In the nearly five-minute film, trans activist, writer, and actor Jake Graf uses trans actors to give voice to the articulated concerns of trans youth.
"We love the film because we feel his approach makes these touching accounts very real for the viewers," Timothy O'Brien, assistant director of exhibitions at SFO Museum, wrote in an email. "We, like Jake, are hopeful it opens some eyes to the very real issues confronting young people who are typically either ignored or demonized."
The film can also be viewed at the SFO Museum site at https://www.sfomuseum.org/programs/video-arts/listen
LGBTQ listening tour in South Bay
The Santa Clara County Office of LGBTQ Affairs has announced its 2019 listening tour.
In a news release, the office said that interested people are welcome to attend the forums in cities where they live and work. The sessions provide an opportunity for LGBTQ community members, stakeholders, county and city elected officials, employers, school administrators, health officials, and others who work in any capacity with LGBTQ individuals to engage in conversation about issues affecting the community.
Upcoming sessions are planned through December. This month, the listening tour comes to Los Altos Hills, Tuesday, October 15, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 26379 Fremont Road; Gilroy, Tuesday, October 22, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Gilroy Library, 350 W. Sixth Street; and Saratoga, Saturday, October 26, from 10 a.m. to noon at Westhope Presbyterian Church, 12850 Saratoga Avenue.
Other cities will hold the meetings in November and December.
A centralized Eventbrite page has been set up where people can register for the forums, which are free and open to the public, at https://bit.ly/30MwyRo
Bay Area Pride panel in San Jose
The BAYMEC Community Foundation will present "Bay Area Pride: 50 Years of LGBTQ History, Politics, and Culture" Thursday, October 17, at 4 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Library at San Jose State University, 150 East San Fernando Street in San Jose.
The panel will be cohosted by the BAYMEC Community Foundation and moderated by Robert Marx, Ph.D., assistant professor of child and adolescent development at SJSU. Gay former Santa Clara County supervisor Ken Yeager, executive director of the BAYMEC foundation, will be joined in conversation with Wiggsy Sivertsen, co-founder of the Bay Area Municipal Elections Committee, which is affiliated with the foundation, and Maribel Mart�nez, a queer woman of color who's director of the aforementioned county Office of LGBTQ Affairs.
The event is free and open to the public.
For more information, visit https://library.sjsu.edu/events/bay-area-pride
SF LGBT center holds career fair
October is Economic Justice Month and the San Francisco LGBT Community Center will hold its fall career fair Friday, October 18, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the center, 1800 Market Street.
According to an announcement, the fair will include 20-plus employer partners, a free head shot clinic, and one-on-one resume reviews.
The event is free, but registration is required. For a schedule of events, participating employers, and to sign up, visit https://bit.ly/335q3dV
Carve pumpkins with lawmakers
Gay San Francisco lawmakers will provide a legislative update and pumpkin-carving event Saturday, October 19, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Noe Valley Courts, 4320 24th Street (at Douglass).
State Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman will provide information about various legislative accomplishments. People will have an opportunity to ask questions and share their 2020 priorities.
Pumpkin carving is at non-taxpayer expense. The event is free. To RSVP or for more information, call Wiener's office at (415) 557-1300 or visit www.bit.ly/10-19pumpkins
Castro Country Club benefit
The Castro Country Club, a clean and sober space in the gay neighborhood, will hold its 10th annual Harvest Festival Wednesday, October 23, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the Green Room, 401 Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco.
This year's theme is a roaring 1920s Prohibition soiree. Costumes are encouraged.
The program will be emceed by drag queen Pollo Del Mar. A three-course dinner presented by Jane Hammond Events will follow a reception. Performing from the American Songbook will be Kyle Jones.
This year's honoree is the National AIDS Memorial Grove.
Tickets are $200. For more information, visit http://www.castrocountryclub.org
LGBT seniors to party at Jolene's
Jolene's, a queer bar in the Mission, will be the site of Openhouse's first tea dance mixer Sunday, October 27, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at 2700 16th Street (at Harrison).
The Halloween-themed event will feature plenty of dancing and socializing. Costumes are encouraged. Beverages and snacks will be provided.
Jolene's is off the 22 Muni line and near the 16th Street BART station.
For more information, call (415) 659-8123 or email [email protected]