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PURE SAN FRANCISCO 1-2-3:

A True Story by Strange de Jim

As a guest of groom and groom Bob Meslinsky and Phil Diers, March 26 I watched Mayor Willie Brown and the whole San Francisco Board of Supervisors marry 190 gay and lesbian couples in the Rotunda at San Francisco's City Hall.

It was the first wedding I'd seen where, after the vows, the person officiating kept yelling, "Come on down!" and handed the brides and grooms prizes, ranging from Muni slow passes to a night in the $2,500 Honeymoon Suite at the St. Francis. What really impressed me, though, was the all-you-can-eat stand-up dinner in the North Light Court before the ceremony. (Or, as the French say, de hors d'oeuvres.)

A few days later Supervisor Mark Leno (see photo at right) told me about a woman who called his office. She'd gone to join the picket line at the ceremony, but was so disgusted by the hate pouring from the protesters that she went into City Hall to see for herself. Beguiled by the loving atmosphere, she stayed to celebrate the weddings with rainbow cake. Speaking of which ...

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Ran into author Armistead Maupin and confessed about said rainbow cake. As described on the front page of this week's Bay Area Reporter, during the ceremony, "The beautiful layered cake in the colors of the rainbow flag suddenly collapsed onto the table, as Supervisor Michael Yaki and staffers raced to save the multi-layered creation provided by Just Desserts."

Oops! I'd only meant to scoop a little icing from the corner. And, to be fair, I was less than halfway through the bottom layer when the cake burst into tiers.

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ThenThe New York Times  reported March 26 and April 5 on the attempts of San Francisco Archbishop William Levada to prevent a group of male nuns, The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, from holding their 20th anniversary party Easter Sunday on Castro Street. San Francisco's Board of Supervisors voted 9 to 2 to let the Sisters hold their party. Easter saw an inspiring service in St. Mary's Cathedral, and, as The San Francisco Chronicle reported, "On Castro Street there were only happy faces, as 7,000 men, women, and men dressed as women shimmied to the beat of seven different bands."

After Easter, the Archbishop wrote a Letter toThe San Francisco Examiner stinging the Sisters and Supervisor Mark Leno. Then the Examiner printed five letters, all suggesting the Archbishop get a grip. On April 22 the Bay Area Reporter reprinted the letter sent by the co-chairs of the Alice B. Toklas Democratic Club, praising the Sisters' charity work, and thanking the Supervisors for "standing with us, on the correct side of the issue." So it was still, "We're right; you're wrong," on both sides. Now two of those involved have e-mailed me healing thoughts:

San Francisco Supervisor Leslie Katz writes, "Everyone involved is committed to providing support and comfort to many of our most vulnerable individuals, although we may approach this from different perspectives. These common efforts should enable all parties to come together and recognize our mutual goals: aid and support for those in need."

Sister Phyllis Stein, President of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, says, "We are surely looking forward to the opportunity to sit down with the Archbishop, and other members of communities of faith in the city, to discuss ways that we can all, as San Franciscans and members of the human race, work together to bring healing laughter and compassion without condition to all of those who have felt the damage of this pointless and unnecessary battle. It was a lose-lose situation. But it has brought us to a starting point to create a win-win situation, as long as all willingly listen and participate."

Now, if the Archbishop can just open his heart to enfold the Sisters as Brothers in Christ, he'll deserve that Cardinal's hat. And speaking of hats ...

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Beach Blanket Babylon's 25th anniversary gala will splash across the stage June 7 at Herbst Theatre.  Senator Dianne Feinstein will attempt Snow White. Chief of Protocol Charlotte Shultz will play Wonder Woman, and her hubby, George, will be Superman. Mayor Brown,Don Johnson, Danielle Steel, Ann Getty and Val Diamond will also appear. Benefitting Young Conservatory at A.C.T. and UCSF Cancer Center. Call 415-421-4222 for $300, $500 and $1,000 tickets.

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