Members of the San Francisco Dyke March interim steering committee are planning two town hall meetings to recruit leadership and fill board seats. The Dyke March hopes to regroup after this year's official event was canceled, though some people still paraded through the streets the evening before the city's Pride parade.
According to a news release, there hasn't been an organized Dyke March, in the tradition of years past, since before the COVID pandemic, but that hasn't stopped dykes from marching. The last of the organization's previous leadership team stepped down in late June. The new steering committee began work geared toward securing the organization, and will host the town halls to welcome those wishing to collaborate among the dyke community, the release stated.
The goal is to bring back the long-standing traditions of dyke activism scheduled for Pride 2025. Next year's San Francisco Pride festivities take place June 28-29.
The interim steering committee consists of chair Crystal Mason (they/them), an activist, cultural worker, and consultant; advisory board member Celestina Pearl (she/ella/meow), a queer femme dyke mixed race (Euro, Indigenous, Chicana) visual and performance artist; advisory board member Ruth Villasenor (she/her/two-spirit), a Chircahua Apache and Mexican woman who's been a longtime member of Bay Area American Indian Two-Spirits; and project director M Rocket (she/they), a genderqueer dyke and an active member of the San Francisco leather dyke community.
The release stated that the group's first order of business after setting up the basic organizational structure is to hold the town halls. They will take place Saturday, October 26, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Chan National Queer Arts Center, 170 Valencia Street; and Tuesday, November 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the San Francisco LGBT Community Center, 1800 Market Street.
The release encourages all dykes interested in supporting the interim steering committee's work to fill out a survey.
Those interested in serving on the advisory board can apply here.
One Market to hold benefit for Queer LifeSpace
Get ready for a night of ghoulish glam and fabulous frights at One Market Restaurant's SIZZLE: Drag Dinner Extravaganza, on Friday, October 4, at 1 Market Street, in partnership with Queer LifeSpace. This Halloween-themed special edition of One Market's SIZZLE series will not only deliver an exhilarating drag show but also support a vital cause – affordable mental health care for San Francisco's LGBTQIA+ community, a news release stated.
Guests will savor a delectable four-course meal prepared by Chef Mark Dommen. Meanwhile, drag artist Bobby Friday and her fabulous queens will take the stage for an electrifying performance that promises high-energy fun.
Reservations are available on OpenTable, with the dinner and show experience priced at $98 per person (excluding beverages, taxes, and gratuity). Don't forget to bring cash for tipping the queens.
Shilts biographer in Bay Area
A new biography of the late gay reporter Randy Shilts will be published October 8, and author Michael Lee will be appearing at two Bay Area events.
Shilts was the first out gay man to be hired at a major U.S. newspaper when he took a job at the San Francisco Chronicle. He was also the author of three books, "The Mayor of Castro Street: The Life and Times of Harvey Milk" (1982); "And the Band Played On" (1987), about the early years of the AIDS epidemic; and "Conduct Unbecoming" (1993), about gays in the military.
Shilts lived in San Francisco and moved to Guerneville in Sonoma County, where he died of AIDS-related complications in 1994 at the age of 42.
Now, Lee has written his first book, "When the Band Played On: the Life of Randy Shilts, America's Trailblazing Gay Journalist." Lee visited multiple archives and interviewed over 70 sources. In San Francisco at an October 8 appearance at the main branch of the San Francisco Public Library, 100 Larkin Street, Lee will discuss his book with two of his sources, journalists Leah Garchik, a former longtime Chronicle columnist, and Randy Alfred, a gay man who is a co-founder of the San Francisco Bay Times.
The event is free and takes place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center on the third floor. People can come early for a hands-on tour of the Randy Shilts Papers from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the SF History Center on the library's sixth floor.
For more information, click here.
On Thursday, October 10, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Lee will discuss his book at New Technology High School, 920 Yount Street in Napa. The program is free and sponsored by Napa Valley College's LGBT education program and the high school's early college program.
"This is a great opportunity to meet an author and learn first-hand about some of the important history Randy Shilts witnessed and made right here in the Bay Area," stated Greg Miraglia, Napa Valley College LGBT education coordinator. "We are excited about working with our early college program partners at New Technology High School."
There will be a moderated discussion and an opportunity for questions. Copies of the book will be for sale at a discounted price of $27, a news release stated.
For more information, contact Miraglia at [email protected]
CA aging dept. releases preparedness guide
The California Department of Aging has released a new Emergency Preparedness Guide for older residents. Officials noted that there is no longer a single disaster season – a wildfire, earthquake, or flood can strike at any time and may result in an evacuation or shelter-in-place order. It's especially important for older Californians, who may have specific needs, to have a plan and emergency supplies ready for these situations, a news release noted.
In addition to having emergency supplies, officials stated there are some additional, specific considerations for older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers to prepare for in emergencies or natural disasters. It's things like making sure people have an extra pair of glasses, their assistive devices are labeled, and they have a seven-day supply of medication. This is in addition to general preparation like having nonperishable food, copies of important documents, and an emergency plan.
"This is a good time to equip yourself and start conversations with loved ones about emergency plans and how you can help," stated CDA Director Susan DeMarois. "Older adults and people with disabilities often have unique needs. It's important to plan for considerations like wheelchair-accessible transportation, extra eyeglasses and hearing aids, and how to keep medication cool during a power outage. Taking these steps now can help ensure safety and peace of mind when emergencies happen."
For a copy of the new preparedness plan for older adults, click here.
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