Author: Alfredo Casuso

SF’s Castro Theatre Announces New Shows

Another Planet Entertainment announces shows at the Castro Theatre for 2026 with Lucy Dacus, The Breeders, Father John Misty, Perfume Genius, Jonathan Van Ness, Santigold, Alaska, and many more.

Following grand reopening with Sam Smith’s “To Be Free: San Francisco” sold-out 20-date residency in February and March.

Tickets on sale Friday, November 7 at 10 a.m. PT at thecastro.com.

The Castro Theatre is also hosting Frameline’s 50th San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival, June 17–27, 2026.

4 November 2025 – San Francisco, CA: Following a $41 million renovation and careful historic restoration by the Bay Area’s Another Planet Entertainment (APE), the historic Castro Theatre will celebrate its grand reopening in February 2026, with international sensation, Sam Smith for their “To Be Free: San Francisco” twenty-night residency. Today, November 4, APE is pleased to announce the first round of shows confirmed for the return of the beloved cultural landmark, featuring Amber Mark, Alaska, Father John Misty, Jonathan Van Ness, Lucy Dacus, The Breeders, Santigold and many more. Tickets for all new shows go on sale November 7 at 10am PT at thecastro.com.

The Castro makes its grand return  in a new era of programming that bridges cinematic tradition, live music, comedy, community gatherings and service to the LGBTQ+ communities for whom the venue is a treasured asset. Stay tuned for film screenings and more to be announced soon! Newly announced shows include a variety of talents from 49th & Main, Perfume Genius and Alyssa Edwards to MARO, José González and Santigold. 

Plus, some not-to-miss two night runs featuring Father John Misty on March 24 & 25, The Format on April 16 & 17, and  Lucy Dacus on May 18 & 19. In addition, The Castro will also help celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Frameline Film Festival June 17-27.

The Castro Theatre is pleased to welcome:

February 10 Sam Smith – SOLD OUT

February 11 Sam Smith – SOLD OUT

February 13 Sam Smith – SOLD OUT

February 14 Sam Smith – SOLD OUT

February 17 Sam Smith – SOLD OUT

February 18 Sam Smith – SOLD OUT

February 20 Sam Smith – SOLD OUT

February 21 Sam Smith – SOLD OUT

February 24 Sam Smith – SOLD OUT

February 25 Sam Smith – SOLD OUT

February 27 Sam Smith – SOLD OUT

February 28 Sam Smith – SOLD OUT

March 3 Sam Smith – SOLD OUT

March 4 Sam Smith – SOLD OUT

March 6 Sam Smith – SOLD OUT

March 7 Sam Smith – SOLD OUT

March 10 Sam Smith – SOLD OUT

March 11 Sam Smith – SOLD OUT

March 13 Sam Smith – SOLD OUT

March 14 Sam Smith – SOLD OUT

March 18 Amber Mark

March 20 Alaska

March 21 49th & Main

March 24 Father John Misty

March 25 Father John Misty

March 26 Perfume Genius

March 28 Tycho

March 31 Nick Lowe

April 8 Gayme Show w/ Matt Rogers and Dave Mizzoni

April 11 Alyssa Edwards

April 14 On Cinema Live! w/ Tim Heidecker and Gregg Turkington

April 16 The Format

April 17 The Format

April 18 Vandelux

April 19 CMAT

April 25 Alice Phoebe Lou

April 26 Jessica Kirson

April 28 MARO

April 30 Jonathan Van Ness

May 3 José González

May 16 Santigold

May 18 Lucy Dacus

May 19 Lucy Dacus

Aug 22 The Breeders

June 17-27 Frameline Film Festival *screenings TBA

Under APE’s stewardship, the century-old venue has undergone a comprehensive renovation, restoring its architectural splendor while upgrading mechanical systems, accessibility, acoustics, and patron amenities. The refreshed neon blade & marquee, decorative ceiling, and restored chandelier signals the reborn destination for cultural life in the Castro neighborhood and beyond.  

Inside, the sloped auditorium floor has been reimagined with new telescoping tiers that allow for flexibility between seated shows, film screenings, and standing-room events. Meanwhile, upgraded HVAC, sound, lighting, video systems, additional public restrooms, and expanded ADA accessibility will enhance both the fan and artist experience. 

The reopening of The Castro Theatre is poised to deliver meaningful economic gains to the surrounding neighborhood — especially for restaurants, retail, cafés, and bars that rely on cultural foot traffic. APE projects the venue will draw 200,000+ visitors annually,reenergizing business corridors and stimulating local employment. 

For the LGBTQ+ community, the venue has long been a symbolic and literal gathering place. Its revival reaffirms its role as a beacon of queer culture, affirmation, and visibility — extending beyond film to performances, panels, and celebrations that reflect the diversity and resilience of the community. 

Additional booking announcements and programming details for 2026 will be rolling out very soon. The reopening underscores APE’s commitment to preserving the venue’s roots in film and community. The theatre will welcome back music, comedy, film, community events, and private events that will diversify how The Castro Theatre serves San Francisco and its communities. 

About The Castro Theatre:

The Castro Theatre is a world renowned iconic venue and cherished landmark. Located in the Castro Neighborhood, San Francisco’s LGTBQ+ cultural epicenter, this designated historic landmark is the heart of the community. The Castro’s captivating interior was designed by one of San Francisco’s most prominent architects, Timothy Pfleuger.  Built in 1922, the movie palace features a lavish yet intimate interior with diverse architectural influences ranging between Spanish, Asian, Italian and Art Deco.  

A century later in 2022, Another Planet Entertainment entered into an exclusive partnership with the theatre to execute a significant $41 million rehabilitation of the building. This includes major renovations to accommodate a wider variety of entertainment; opening the venue for the first time to standing room musical performances while still maintaining the seated experience for cinema, comedy and more.

The re-opening will showcase the revitalization of the ceiling’s stunning original artwork along with the sgraffito murals and a long hidden historic proscenium, all masterfully restored by Evergreene Architectural Arts. 

Additionally, BuildIT, the world’s first LGBTQ construction advocacy organization, has played a major role providing specialized trade professionals to the project. Other key elements include modernizing the historic chandelier, revival of the iconic neon blade sign and marquee, and the installation of the world’s largest and most versatile digital organ. 

The building will feature modern amenities with a new HVAC system, additional restrooms, and for the first time a fully ADA accessible orchestra, stage and dressing rooms. Another Planet’s momentous effort will ensure this cultural gem will continue to serve as an inclusive global beacon for cultural expression to be enjoyed for generations to come.

Connect with The Castro Theatre

Website | Instagram | Facebook

About Another Planet Entertainment:

Established in 2003, Another Planet Entertainment (APE) is the largest independent promoter in the U.S. and has produced and promoted thousands of events with artists as diverse as Radiohead, Neil Young, Kendrick Lamar, Adele, Daft Punk, Lady Gaga, The Weeknd, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Lizzo, Metallica, Bruno Mars, twenty one pilots, Bruce Springsteen, Mumford & Sons, Zedd, Paul McCartney, Fred again.. x Skrillex, Florence + The Machine and Olivia Rodrigo. 

Named Top Independent Promoter (U.S.) by Billboard Magazine in 2015 and 2016 and Top Independent Promoter (Worldwide) in 2017, APE is the exclusive promoter for the Greek Theatre in Berkeley, the Fox Theater in Oakland, the historic Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, The Independent and The Castro in San Francisco and Lake Tahoe Amphitheatre at Caesars Republic, as well as co-promoter of The Bellwether in Los Angeles. In April 2025, APE welcomed Channel 24, a new property in Sacramento to its portfolio. 

In addition, APE produces the award-winning festival Outside Lands (since 2008, ranked #4 on Billboard’s Top 50 Festivals of 2022) in San Francisco. In 2024, APE launched Golden Gate Park Concerts, an unprecedented standalone event series on the Polo Field in the iconic San Francisco park. The inaugural event with System Of A Down marked the first ever headline concert in the park after dark, preceded only by daytime events. 

APE also operates an artist management arm, Another Planet Entertainment Management, with a roster that includes two-time GRAMMY-nominated artist Tycho, and a private events division Another Planet Event Group.

Connect with Another Planet Entertainment

Web | Facebook | Instagram

# # #

For more information on Another Planet Entertainment & The Castro, contact:

Alexandra Greenberg / Falcon Publicity
agreenberg@falconpublicity.com

 &

Liz Liles-Brown / Another Planet Entertainment
liz@anotherplanetent.com

&

David Perry
news@davidperry.com

Ahoy! David Eugene Perry Novel Update

Ahoy! It’s been an amazing three months working remotely in Spain and in Orvieto.  Today, Alfredo and I set sail for home on Holland America “Oosterdam” where we’ll be presenting a series of maritime history presentations. 

Plus, although it’s not yet “done”, I’ve made great progress on my new book — “Thorns of the 15 Roses”  — inspired by the Andalucian town of Grazalema where I did a reading of two chapters in September.  Alfredo and I love that town and its people so, so much. 

As I did not finish the new book by my self-imposed deadline of my birthday yesterday, I’ve granted myself a two to three month reprieve — including an extended eschewal from personal social media to help me focus. So, you won’t see me here on Facebook until next year. I really, really enjoy such interactions, but it’s easy to fall into the rabbit hole of political discourse, puppy pix and “Golden Girls” snippets. 

Wish me luck!  Unlike my first novel, “Upon This Rock”, whose finale was a mystery to me until I was well into it, I know how this tale ends. I just need to write faster. 🙂

Ahoy!

——————-

¡Ahoy! Han sido tres meses maravillosos trabajando de forma remota en España e Italia, junto a nuestros queridos amigos orvietanos. Hoy, Alfredo y yo zarpamos rumbo a casa a bordo del “Oosterdam” de Holland America, donde presentaremos una serie de charlas sobre historia marítima.

Además, aunque aún no está “terminado”, he avanzado mucho con mi nuevo libro — “Espinas de las 15 Rosas” — inspirado por el pueblo andaluz de Grazalema, donde leí dos capítulos en septiembre. Alfredo y yo amamos profundamente ese lugar y a su gente.

Como no logré terminar el nuevo libro para la fecha límite que me había impuesto (mi cumpleaños, ayer), me he concedido una prórroga de dos a tres meses — incluyendo una pausa prolongada de las redes sociales personales para ayudarme a concentrar. Así que no me verán por aquí, en Facebook, hasta el próximo año. Realmente disfruto mucho estas interacciones, pero es fácil caer en el agujero de los discursos políticos, fotos de perritos y fragmentos de “Las Chicas de Oro”.

¡Deséenme suerte! A diferencia de mi primera novela, Upon This Rock, cuyo final era un misterio para mí hasta bien avanzado el proceso, esta vez sé cómo termina la historia. Solo necesito escribir más rápido.

¡Ahoy!

SF Leonard Cohen Festival Returns November 7 & 8 at YBCA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 2, 2025 

CONTACT: Clay Eugene Smith 
sfleonardcohenfest@gmail.com 
510-213-2226 

2025 SAN FRANCISCO LEONARD COHEN FESTIVAL RETURNS NOVEMBER 3RD, 5TH, 7TH, AND 8TH WITH A SPECIAL PERFORMANCE BY GRAMMY-NOMINATED SINGER-SONGWRITER PERLA BATALLA 

SAN FRANCISCO (October 2, 2025) – The annual celebration of the work of the late troubadour, Leonard Cohen, returns to San Francisco November 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 8th. Conspiracy of Beards, the San Francisco-based Leonard Cohen tribute choir, will present the festival’s four evenings of programming, which includes performances by Perla Batalla, Genny Lim, Conspiracy of Beards, The Crux, Conspiracy of Venus, The John Mackay Trio, and the Red Room Orchestra. Venues for the festival include Great American Music Hall, November 3rd; The Lost Church, November 5th; and Blue Shield of California Theater at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA), November 7th and 8th. 

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3rd, Great American Music Hall – 8:00 pm 

Red Room Orchestra, Conspiracy of Beards – A Tribute to Leonard Cohen and the Music of the Film “McCabe & Mrs. Miller” 

The Red Room Orchestra presents an evening of music from filmmaker Robert Altman’s “McCabe & Mrs. Miller,” plus other Leonard Cohen cinematic classics, featuring Tom Ayres, Marc Capelle, Karina Denike, Petra Haden, Jess Ivry, Dina Maccabee, Genarro Pocaro, Pete Straus, and Conspiracy of Beards. 

Formed by San Francisco producer and multi-instrumentalist Marc Capelle in 2017, the Red Room Orchestra is a collective of popular, jazz, classical, and electronic composers and performers who’ve played and recorded alongside the Bad Seeds, the Plastic Ono Band, Cibo Matto, Oingo Boingo, Sonic Youth, CAKE, American Music Club, Lou Harrison, the Steve Reich Ensemble, the Nels Cline Singers, Rodriguez, Iggy Pop, Tune-Yards, Bill Frisell, and more. They’ve offered live renderings of the music of David 

Lynch’s “Twin Peaks,” reinterpretations of the soundtracks of Wes Anderson’s “Rushmore” and “The Royal Tenenbaums,” the Coen Brothers’ “The Big Lebowski,” Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Boogie Nights,” Hal Ashby’s “Harold and Maude,” Joel Schumacher’s “The Lost Boys,” and Alex Cox’s “Repo Man.” At “Netflix is a Joke: The Festival,” they were the house band for Seth Rogen’s live reads of “Seinfeld,” “When Harry Met Sally,” and “Clueless” at the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles. For SFFILM they composed and performed original scores for the short films from Stephen Parr’s Oddball Films archive. They have performed at The Chapel and the Great American Music Hall for SF Sketchfest, at Outside Lands, Clusterfest, and at Symphony Space in NYC. The Red Room Orchestra projects are co-curated and produced by SF Sketchfest’s David Owen. 

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5th, The Lost Church – 7:15 pm 

Conspiracy of Venus, The John Mackay Trio – To the End of Love: An Evening of Leonard Cohen Interpretations 

The San Francisco Leonard Cohen Festival presents an evening of instrumental and vocal interpretations of Cohen’s work through arrangements by Conspiracy of Venus and The John Mackay Trio. 

Conspiracy of Venus is a San Francisco-based female ensemble of treble voices that sings contemporary music by icons of the singer-songwriter tradition, from artists such as Joni Mitchell to PJ Harvey. They also perform music by Duke Ellington, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, and original compositions by their arranger/director, Joyce Todd McBride. Recent projects include a series of arrangements of local singer-songwriters, including Brian Belknap, Rhys, and Paul Pot. They will be performing Joyce’s settings of the poetry of Bertolt Brecht at the SF International Arts Festival in 2026. Established in 2007, the group has performed at many of the Bay Area’s finest venues and has toured New York City twice. They are the sister choir to the men’s choir, Conspiracy of Beards. They are honored to present four pieces by Leonard Cohen for this program. Joyce Todd McBride’s arrangements celebrate the richness of the song texts, and her settings often play with the harmonic, rhythmic, and contrapuntal possibilities they conjure. The singers of Conspiracy of Venus come from a wide variety of musical backgrounds and bring considerable interpretive skill to these great songs. 

Originally hailing from Toronto, Canada, but now making his home in the Bay Area, John Mackay has had a long career in the music business as an award-winning performer, composer/arranger, and recording artist. He has performed around the world to rave reviews, playing both his own music and the works of well-known composers and songwriters. John’s latest album, released earlier this year, features his trio performing original, highly energetic jazz arrangements of Leonard Cohen’s music. 

KCSM, the Bay Area’s main jazz radio station, has given the recording steady airplay since its release last February. 

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7th, Blue Shield of California Theater at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) – 7:30 pm 

Conspiracy of Beards, The Crux, San Francisco Poet Laureate Genny Lim – The Unified Heart of Leonard Cohen 

San Francisco’s Conspiracy of Beards perform their new show, “The Unified Heart of Leonard Cohen” celebrating Cohen’s words, music, and contemplations on “The Order of the Unified Heart,” the symbol of two hearts intertwined that appears on the cover of the 1984 poetry collection, “Book of Mercy.” This book is said to have inspired the 1985 album, “Various Positions,” which includes some of Cohen’s most iconic songs, including “If It Be Your Will,” “Dance Me to the End of Love,” and “Hallelujah.” 

The Crux is a mad scientist’s music laboratory, where songs are presented as theatrical experiments with an odd and beautiful intensity…Lullabies to drink your morning coffee to. Gospel songs for the faithless. Pirate shanties for people who get seasick. Swing music for the graceless. 

The Crux has appeared as chain-rattling klezmer folk punks, an unhinged revival service, a theatrical film-noir jazz combo, and more.This band is a true North Bay institution with a revolving cast of musicians assembled and coaxed into action by regional impresario Josh Windmiller. The Crux will present Cohen’s “New Skin for the Old Ceremony” and other hits. San Francisco Poet Laureate, Genny Lim will open the evening with an original work inspired by the Buddhism reflected in Leonard Cohen’s poetry and music. Leonard Cohen’s Buddhist name was Jikan. Ms. Lim will be performing Dharma poems in collaboration with cellist Kathryn Bates, in tribute to Jikan. 

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8th, Blue Shield of California Theater at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) – 7:30 pm 

Perla Batalla – A Letter to Leonard Cohen: A Tribute to a Friend 

Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Perla Batalla will bring her acclaimed show, “A Letter to Leonard Cohen: A Tribute to a Friend,” to the stage on Saturday, November 8th at the Blue Shield Theater at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. The program draws from Batalla’s recently released album and is a deeply personal and masterful homage to the legendary singer, songwriter, and poet, with whom she collaborated and toured for over a decade. 

Batalla’s tribute stands apart from other interpretations, enriched by her direct, personal connection to Cohen, who guided and encouraged her early career. Her powerful and emotive performances have earned her a reputation as one of the world’s most sought-after interpreters of Cohen’s timeless music. 

“Leonard was my dear friend and mentor,” says Batalla. “This project is a way to tell the story of my love and respect for him and to honor his legacy. When I perform his songs, I feel his presence, and I am reminded of his joyful and generous spirit.” 

The album “A Letter to Leonard Cohen: A Tribute to a Friend,” which forms the basis for the show, was released in September 2024 to coincide with Cohen’s 90th birthday. It features Batalla’s unique and innovative reinterpretation of Cohen’s classic works, alongside two original songs, including “The L of Your First Name,” which reflects on her intimate friendship with the artist. 

During the performance, Batalla weaves together Cohen’s iconic lyrics with her own distinct storytelling and musical arrangements. The production is dedicated to the late legendary music producer Hal Willner, who inspired Batalla’s collaborative approach. 

This show is an elegant intersection of deeply personal tribute and fearless originality, showcasing Batalla’s talent as both an artist and a storyteller. It is an essential event for Leonard Cohen fans and anyone who appreciates masterful and heartfelt music. 

“Battalla’s gorgeous, rich, contralto voice adds another layer of beauty to Cohen’s elegantly crafted songs.” – San Jose “Mercury News” 

“…Batalla is blessed with an assured and matured vocal instrument, rich, sonorous, and deep….” – Joe Woodard, “Santa Barbara Independent” 

About Perla Batalla: Perla Batalla is a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter known for her powerful vocals and boundary-defying musical style. With a career spanning decades, she has performed in prestigious venues worldwide and released numerous critically acclaimed albums. Her deep friendship and artistic collaboration with Leonard Cohen have uniquely positioned her as a premier interpreter of his work. 

For media inquiries: CONTACT: Clay Eugene Smith 

510-213-2226 

sfleonardcohenfest@gmail.com 

https://conspiracyofbeards.com

The Conspiracy of Beards (COB) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that receives support from public and private funding sources. Donations/sponsorships to the 2025 SF Leonard Cohen Festival are gratefully accepted via this link https://conspiracyofbeards.com/donate/ 

Trump’s reversal on S.F. immigration surge shouldn’t come as a surprise. It’s October, after all

San Francisco Chronicle
By Carl Nolte, Contributor Oct 25, 2025

Mayor Daniel Lurie’s cellphone rang a few nights ago. President Donald Trump was on the line, and after some discussion he agreed not to send federal forces to clean up what he’d called the mess in San Francisco. Talk about an October surprise!

That’s what I like about what the poets call “old October.” You never know what’s going to happen. October has both a bit of autumnal sadness mixed with a touch of spring optimism. And nearly every time something different.

Professional politicians are always wary of the days just before the November election when some event that could affect the election would happen — too late for a candidate to mount a response. Way back in 1980, William Casey, Ronald Reagan’s campaign manager, called it the “October Surprise.” 

I think it’s the season. The political ground shifts a bit in October. You can always tell by then who is going to win and who is going to lose. 

It’s not just the campaign rallies and the clever TV ads. It’s the shorter days, the dark mornings and the early sunsets that make people realize it is time to make up their minds. Time is moving on. You can feel it in the air. “All things on earth point home in old October,” Thomas Wolfe wrote.

I had a friend who told me over a drink one October day he was quitting his longtime job. “Why?” I asked. “It’s time,” he said.

Other people think October is the best of times, especially in sports. The best time, I’ve been told. Basketball is just starting up, football is in mid-stride, and October is the World Series, the Fall Classic. You will remember Reggie Jackson, the clutch hitter, “Mr. October” himself. 

I was lucky enough one year to see an October moment myself. I had been assigned a bit out of my league, to cover baseball, and was at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. It was the 1988 World Series, Dodgers vs. the Oakland Athletics, bottom of the ninth, two out. Dennis Eckersley, pitching for Oakland against Kirk Gibson, a surprise pinch hitter who was injured.

I remember the view from the stands: a night game; everything in the stands in shadow, the field all green, like the Emerald City in the “Wizard of Oz.” Gibson limped a bit at the plate, worked the count to three balls, two strikes. He was down to his last strike. Eckersley threw his last pitch. Gibson hit it over the fence. Vin Scully described it on TV: “The impossible has happened.” 

But the real impossible happened the next year, on Oct. 17, 1989, at Candlestick Park. Oakland was playing San Francisco this time, in the World Series. It had never happened before and will never happen again.

Maybe you were there that day, waiting for the game to start on that beautiful fall day. And then … an earthquake, the biggest in years. What were the odds of that? Only in October.

Mother Nature can turn on you in October. In the past few years October has been fire season with deadly wildfires. One of the worst was on Oct. 19, 1991, when a grass fire in the Berkeley hills set off a firestorm: 25 people died and nearly 3,000 home and apartment buildings were destroyed, a reminder that even a beautiful season can be a killer.

So it’s a mixture, a season for all seasons.

During another October some friends and I were camping on the north rim of Yosemite Valley, and at the end of the day we saw the fading sunset light the face of Half Dome just as a full moon rose, a sight I am still unable to describe properly.

There is something else this October — two green comets named Swan and Lemon are supposed to be visible in the western sky not long after sunset. They won’t be back for another thousand Octobers.

We had a touch of rain this month, a bit unusual for the season. I was checking the backyard to see if the rain had an effect and noticed that tiny green shoots of grass had sprung up, produced by a combination of rain and warm sun. So October is not just the end of a season but the start of a new one. A real October surprise.

—————————————-

Carl Nolte is a fourth generation San Franciscan who has been with The Chronicle since 1961. He stepped back from daily journalism in 2019 after a long career as an editor and reporter including service as a war correspondent. He now writes a Sunday column, “Native Son.” He won several awards, including a distinguished career award from the Society of Professional Journalists, a maritime heritage award from the San Francisco Maritime Park Association, and holds honorary degrees from the University of San Francisco and the California State University Maritime Academy.

Tuesday, October 28 Unveiling for Rainbow Honor Walk Plaque for Roger Casement

Media contacts:
David Perry & Associates, Inc / news@davidperry.com / (415) 676-7007
Elizabeth Creely, Cultural Officer, Consulate General of Ireland /Elizabeth.creely@dfa.ie / (415) 494-1487

Ireland’s LGBTQ+ Hero Roger Casement Honored
on San Francisco’s Rainbow Honor Walk
www.rainbowhonorwalk.org 

Plaque Unveiling Ceremony:
Tuesday, October 28 at 4pm at 501 Castro Street

24 October 2025 — San Francisco, CA: The Consulate General of Ireland and the Rainbow Honor Walk (www.rainbowhonorwalk.org) will commemorate the life and legacy of Roger Casement — Irish patriot, humanitarian, and LGBTQ+ trailblazer — with a bronze plaque installed on San Francisco’s world famous “Gay Main Street.” The plaque will be unveiled at 4pm on Tuesday, October 28, in the Bank of America Plaza at 501 Castro Street, joining 44 other permanent tributes to notable LGBTQ+ individuals who have shaped world history and culture.

“We are gratified to work with the Rainbow Honor Walk and the United Irish Societies to celebrate the life of Roger Casement, an Irish patriot and  peerless human rights campaigner,” said Micheál Smith, Consul General of Ireland to the Western United States. “He stood up for the oppressed across continents and ultimately for the freedom of his own country. He was a gay man, whose truth when spoken in his lifetime was used against him. His memory today reminds us that the cause of equality and human dignity is universal and enduring”.

The ceremony will feature remarks from Neale Richmond, TD, Ireland’s Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Consul General Smith and members of the Rainbow Honor Walk Board. Representatives from Tourism Ireland, the United Irish Societies and community leaders will also attend.

“Never has it been more important than now to celebrate our LGBTQ heroes and heroines,” said Donna Sachet, President of the all-volunteer nonprofit Rainbow Honor Walk. “We are so honored and gratified that the Irish Consulate here in San Francisco is helping us lift up one such hero, Roger Casement.”

“The support we’ve received from the entire Irish and Irish American community has been extraordinary,” said Charlotte Ruffner, Vice President, Rainbow Honor Walk, noting the contributions of local Irish contractors to the effort. “Joe Whyte of LVI Engineering, and Mark Gorman of Gorman Pipeline, Inc., — Grand Marshal of San Francisco’s 2025 St. Patrick’s Day Parade —  have each donated their professional installation services. We couldn’t have done it without them.”

“The United Irish Societies of San Francisco are thrilled to have taken part in this Casement plaque installation- it is truly an honor to help commemorate such an important figure,” said Hilda Kissane, President, United Irish Societies. “ I am looking forward to seeing the plaque in place, and feel immense pride and excitement for how it will inspire others.”

Founder of the Rainbow Honor Walk, David Eugene Perry, also expressed his gratitude.

“30 years ago, my idea for paying tribute to our LGBTQ history has now, literally, spread across the ocean,” said Perry, who along with his husband, Alfredo Casuso, helped initiate the “Rainbow Cities” exchange between Cork, Ireland and San Francisco.  “I couldn’t be prouder that the rainbow torch has now been passed to a new generation of Honor Walk leadership.”

About Roger Casement (1864–1916):
A diplomat turned activist, Roger Casement remains one of Ireland’s most complex and inspiring historical figures — a man of profound moral conviction and compassion.  After joining the British Foreign Ministry in 1901 and serving as Consul at Boma in the Congo, Casement investigated and exposed human rights abuses under King Leopold II’s brutal regime. His groundbreaking “Casement Report” (1904) helped end a 23-year reign of terror in the so-called “Congo Free State,” forcing international reform.

Casement later turned his moral courage toward his homeland, becoming a fervent supporter of Irish independence. Arrested for his role in the Easter Rising of 1916, he was executed in London that same year. Only decades later did the world begin to acknowledge the injustice done to him — not only as a revolutionary, but as a gay man persecuted for his truth and identity.

About the Rainbow Honor Walk:
The Rainbow Honor Walk is a nonprofit organization that celebrates LGBTQ+ pioneers and trailblazers with bronze sidewalk plaques in San Francisco’s Castro District. Each plaque honors a historic figure who made a significant impact on history, culture, and civil rights. For more information, visit www.rainbowhonorwalk.org.