As a true gay Mecca, San Francisco can sometimes overwhelm visitors with its vast number of activities which appeal to the LGBT Community. Often referred to as the “First Lady of San Francisco,” Donna Sachet’s more than 20 years of experience and affiliations with a broad spectrum of the LGBT community will guide you through the year’s highlights. From entertainment to fundraisers, from small events to major galas, and from the Castro to the entire city, Donna is tapped into everything that is happening in San Francisco and she will share the “what, when and where” with you in her quarterly updates.
April 2012
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence in Dolores Park on Easter Sunday, April 8, 2012: Nothing compares to this raucous outdoor celebration started by the infamous queer nuns in 1979. From the children’s Easter Egg Hunt at 11 a.m. to the Easter Bonnet and Hunky Jesus Contests later in the afternoon, this Easter celebration offers something for everyone.This year’s theme “Pumps and Circumstances,” features on-stage entertainment by the Whoa Nellies, Red Hots Burlesque, Adonisaurus, The Ethel Merman Experience and Bohemian Bretheren. For additional information visit www.thesisters.org
The Pacific Coast Association Castro Farmer’s Market: Located on Noe Street at Market, this farmer’s market returns for its fourth year every Wednesday 4 – 8 p.m. This slightly alternative farmer’s market is part “happy hour” in the Castro and part market with farm fresh and organic fruits, vegetables, artisan cheeses, flowers, meats and more. Rub shoulders with local residents as they peruse the booths, assemble fresh meals and share local gossip and recipes. Live entertainment from a variety of musicians adds to this unique weekly event, surrounded by neighborhood shops, friendly bars and relaxing curbside cafes. For additional information visit www.pcfma.com
Hot Greeks: A New Full-Length Revival of the Cockettes 1972 Musical: This is the latest production of the Thrillpeddlers at the Hypnodrome Theatre, 575 10th St., bringing back the zaniness of the ground-breaking Cockettes with an all new wardrobe and added songs. Think Spartan warriors and sorority sisters singing and dancing to big band music for an all-adult audience. The Cockettes were a gender-bending theatrical troupe of 1970’s San Francisco and this production stays true to its soul with outrageous costuming, psychedelic lighting, raucous music and non-stop humor, sometimes completely off script. The show runs through May 5, 2012. For additional information visit www.thrillpeddlers.com
Fauxgirls at Infusion Lounge: On April 19, 2012 and every third Thursday of the month after that, this popular drag queen revue finds a gorgeous new uptown setting at 124 Ellis St. Elegant female impersonators, comic performers and colorful costuming provide an evening of entertainment complemented by Asian-inspired cuisine and specialty cocktails. For additional information visit www.fauxgirls.com
Dances from the Heart: Bay Area Dancers United to Fight AIDS, April 30, 2012. This brand new event unites the talents of many of the Bay Area’s premier dance troupes. Ballet San Jose, Company C Contemporary Ballet, Diablo Ballet, ODC and Na Lei Hulu will perform at Fort Mason Center’s Cowell Theater in a benefit performance for the Richmond/Ermet AIDS Foundation, Larkin Street Youth Services and Dancers’ Group’s Parachute Fund. For additional information visit www.reaf.org
MAY 2012:
BLISS 2012: Maitri Celebrates 25 Years of Compassionate Care for People with AIDS. Formed in the height of the AIDS crisis, Maitri has become a national model of personal, sensitive attention to those facing life threatening medical conditions. The gala is Saturday, May 5, 2012 at the W Hotel, 181Third St., and features a fashion show by New York designer Carmen Marc Valvo, as well as a silent auction, wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres and dance music. For additional information visit www.maitrisf.org
BLOOM: Asian Pacific Islander Wellness Center’s Annual Gala. Celebrate the eighth Annual National API HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, May 17, 2012, at the Galleria Design Center, 101 Henry Adams St., with food, drink and festively dressed supporters. Awardees include San Francisco’s first Asian American Mayor Ed Lee and local activist Tita Aida. For additional information visit www.apiwellness.org
Harvey Milk Day, May 22, 2012: Formally declared as a day of remembrance and celebration in the state of California, in San Francisco come to the Castro Theatre in the heart of the neighborhood Harvey Milk represented to view a screening of the Academy Award winning Milk. Before or after the film, stroll the streets stopping at The GLBT History Museum, the HRC Store and Trevor Project call center on the site of Harvey’s old camera store, as well as other significant locations associated with this gay pioneer. For additional information visit www.harveymilkday.com
JUNE 2012:
23rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards, Saturday, June 2, 2012: Enjoy celebrity sightings, moving speeches and inspirational performances at the San Francisco Marriott Marquis hotel, 55 Fourth St. Award nominees include films Beginners and J. Edgar, television series Grey’s Anatomy, Exes and Ohs, Modern Family and Glee, as well as musicians Lady Gaga and Beverly McClellan. This is a not-to-miss black-tie event. For additional information visit www.glaad.org
FRAMELINE 36: The San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival June 14 – 24, 2012: This film festival includes screenings at multiple theatres across San Francisco and showcases a variety of cinema carefully selected by an esteemed panel of industry experts. Frameline has earned a reputation for offering financial and other support for up and coming film makers. Watch for details of special VIP opening and closing night parties with opportunities to rub elbows with actors, directors, producers and other motion picture luminaries. For additional information visit www.frameline.org
SF Pride, Global Equality, June 23 - 24, 2012: Nothing is bigger or better than San Francisco’s Pride parade and celebration. Hundreds of contingents march in the parade as thousands watch from the sidelines. Start with the raising of the Pride flag at City Hall earlier in the week, then watch the dramatic appearance of a giant pink triangle atop Twin Peaks and gradually get caught up in a tremendous range of activities and events which continues to grow in size, reputation and variety. Details about the Dyke March, Pink Triangle installation, Pride concert, Pink Brick award, Pride brunch, main stage entertainment, parade and celebration will be updated frequently at www.sfpride.org
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