Burning Man – art and queer exploration
Is Burning Man worth the heat and dust? What’s queer about it? Is it true that many “straight” boys and girls put out there, as they explore their sexuality?
World’s first Drag Laureate shares art, joy, politics of drag
A yearly “Day of Drag” and a Drag Mall? While many states are restricting drag, San Francisco Drag Laureate D’Arcy Drollinger is spreading the humor and “sparkle” of drag to make positive change in the world.
A transgender experience in song and talk
When musician and educator Nick Lawrence shared his story with me, I understood “transgender” like never before. His album “I Am a Man” is about his personal journey. In original songs and in our intimate…
Marilyn Mitchell melds life, politics on latest rock album
Singer-songwriter Marilyn Mitchell, who played in San Francisco’s popular 2003-2010 all-trans rock band Lipstick Conspiracy, shares music and life stories this week – and hints that her former group may get back together. Her latest…
Learning from Asexuals About Sex & Relationships
Quick, what’s your sexuality? Most of us know roughly where we fall on the Kinsey scale that goes from zero (totally straight) to six (flaming faggot or butchest of dykes). But have you considered another…
‘Funeral Diva’ Pamela Sneed: ‘We can heal’
In poems and prose both heavy and uplifting, Pamela Sneed takes us to Ghana and the streets of New York, tackling the history of slavery, gentrification, health care disparities evidenced by the HIV and COVID pandemics, and much more.
Author Dwayne Ratleff on ‘Dancing to the Lyrics’
Dwayne Ratleff grew up Black, poor and gay in 1960s Baltimore. As a youngster, his loving grandma taught him: “Don’t explain yourself, be yourself.” Ratleff has written an impressive, insightful, award-winning novel – a memoir really…
Peers connect on Pacifica Pier in ‘Spell Heaven’
As we await the reopening of the storm-damaged Pacifica Pier, we bring you a poet’s stories of connection on this historic pier.
Pagans at Xmas? Making holidays queer-comfy
Just in time for potentially awkward holiday gatherings, we present a holiday fave: Author and civil rights lawyer Abby Dees tells our allies go ahead, ask LGBTQ relatives or friends your burning questions. If you’re queer, she…
25 years since Matt Shepard: Where are we now?
Dec. 1, 1998, soon after its namesake’s savage murder, the Matthew Shepard Foundation was launched to erase hate-based violence. We’ve seen big advances since, and big setbacks. Hear thoughts and action items from LGBTQ+ leaders.
