Queer LifeSpace, the nonprofit arm of the San Francisco Therapy Collective, will hold a benefit event, "Speakeasy: A Very Queer Murder Mystery," Friday, November 11, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Academy, 2166 Market Street in San Francisco.
The hostess will be drag artist Juanita MORE! with entertainment provided by Katya Smirnoff-Skyy. The interactive 1920s-themed murder mystery is set in San Francisco. The evening includes hors d'oeuvres, gourmet food stations, a VIP open bar or cash bar option, drag performances, naughty apple-bobbing contest, and more.
According to Queer LifeSpace's website, the plotline selected is highly rated and designed for large groups. Primary roles in the game will be released on a first come, first served basis to those who claim them. Secondary roles will also be available. Participation is optional, but everyone is encouraged to take part.
Queer LifeSpace provides counseling and mental health services and has also trained therapists over its 10 years.
Tickets for "Speakeasy" are $150 for the VIP option, $100 for regular admission, or $40 for artists and students. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
For more information about Queer LifeSpace, click here.
Vacant Castro retail space discussion
The aforementioned Academy is the site for a panel discussion Thursday, November 3, about vacant retail spaces in the Castro. The meeting, which is free, takes place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at 2166 Market Street.
Castro business owners and gay District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman will discuss retail closures and empty storefronts in the LGBTQ neighborhood. Joining Mandelman will be Dave Karraker, co-president of the Castro Merchants Association and co-owner of MX3 Fitness; and Levi Maxwell, chair of the economic and workforce development committee of the Castro LGBTQ Cultural District. John T. Hendricks, founder of Hendricks Law PC, will moderate.
"Doing business in San Francisco is not for the faint of heart," Hendricks stated in an event announcement. "And in this environment, it takes capital, skill, and a big dose of luck to succeed."
As of April, retail vacancies totaled more than 20% of commercial properties in the Castro, the announcement stated. Yet, in recent months, a number of new businesses have opened in the neighborhood on its two main commercial corridors of Castro and Market streets, while three new eateries set to open on upper Market Street are working through the permit process.
Mandelman recently introduced a pair of policies allowing new queer bars and bathhouses to open, though as the Bay Area Reporter has previously reported, no new bathhouse operator has yet come forward.
For more information and to register, click here.
Oakland LGBTQ center marks 5th anniversary
Put on those disco shoes and get ready to dance the night away at Boogie Wonderland, a gala and fundraiser celebrating the fifth anniversary of the Oakland LGBTQ Community Center. The party will be held Saturday, November 12, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the California Ballroom, Oakland's Art Deco event space located at 1736 Franklin Street.
Center officials noted in an email announcement that after nearly three years of being unable to hold in-person events, they are looking forward to the gathering. The party includes a buffet meal, drinks, entertainment, awards, a best-dressed contest, DJ music, and, of course, dancing. Attendees are encouraged to wear their best disco-inspired outfits.
People must be 16 or over to attend and be prepared to show ID and proof of COVID vaccination. Once inside, face masks will be optional. The facility has an elevator for those with limited mobility.
Tickets are $100 and can be purchased here.
Art auction to benefit Maitri
A gallery art exhibit and auction will benefit Maitri Compassionate Care Saturday, November 12, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Art Attack, 2358 Market Street in San Francisco.
According to an announcement, the event, titled "Works of HeART," will feature local artists and artwork themed around Maitri's meaning, "loving kindness."
Maitri is a 35-year-old organization providing hospice, short-term respite care, and recovery support following gender-affirmation surgery, in the Castro's Duboce Triangle neighborhood.
There is no admission to attend. Proceeds from the auction will benefit Maitri and its programming. For more information and a list of participating artists, click here.
Memorial for Urvashi Vaid
A memorial and celebration of life for lesbian LGBTQ leader Urvashi Vaid will be held Thursday, November 3, in New York City and be livestreamed at 2 p.m. Pacific time.
Vaid died May 14 at the age of 63.
She led the national progressive Gay and Lesbian Task Force, now known as the National LGBTQ Task Force, from 1989-1992. She was its first female leader. Prior to taking the helm of the organization she served as its media director, among other positions during her decade-long tenure there. She co-founded the Task Force's popular Creating Change conference, now in its 33rd year. She resigned from the Task Force in 1995.
Born in New Delhi, India on October 8, 1958, Vaid and her family immigrated to the U.S. in 1966 when she was 7 years old.
She was 10 years old when the Stonewall riots happened in 1969, she wrote in the preface of her award-winning 1995 book, "Virtual Equality: The Mainstreaming of Gay and Lesbian Liberation." The book was part memoir, part political manifesto, and part call to action for a real civil rights movement rather than "conditional equality" under the guise of acceptance.
Speakers at the celebration of life include Richard Burns, board chair of the American LGBTQ+ Museum in New York City; Natalia Kanem, executive director of the United Nations Population Fund; Alok Vaid-Menon, an activist and performance artist; playwright Tony Kushner, feminist leader Gloria Steinem; Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum; and Vaid's spouse Kate Clinton. The musical group Betty will perform the song "Together."
The YouTube link for the live stream is here.
To read the Bay Area Reporter's obituary, click here.
Help keep the Bay Area Reporter going in these tough times. To support local, independent, LGBTQ journalism, consider becoming a BAR member.