Media contact: David Perry / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com 

Legalize Drag Presents Fundraiser Event to Support LGBTQI+ Liberation and Fight Against Dangerous Restrictions on Free Speech and Gender Expression in Texas

5 July 2023 – San Francisco, CA:  Legalize Drag, a collective of drag artist legal professionals, is proud to announce its upcoming fundraiser to raise awareness, foster solidarity, and support LGBTQI+ liberation in the face of dangerous restrictions on free speech and gender expression recently passed in Texas. The event will take place on Sunday July 30, 2023 from 3-8pm at El Rio (3158 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110).

In response to the attacks on the art of drag and the rights of trans, gender non-confirming, and queer communities, Legalize Drag has organized this fundraiser to create a platform for resistance and advocacy. Through this event, they seek to provide a clear pathway for individuals to donate to the cause and stand in solidarity with Texas.

The organizers aim to raise funds for three exceptional organizations that are tirelessly working to support LGBTQI+ individuals in Texas:

1. Queer Texas Crisis Fund

2. Black Trans Leadership of Austin Crisis Fund

3. Organización Latina Trans Texas

The evening promises to be an unforgettable experience, featuring captivating drag performances by LGBTQI+ legal professionals who are at the forefront of the fight for justice and equality. Hosted by the charismatic Juicy Liu and Justin Back, the event will showcase the extraordinary talents of performers such as Pop Rox, Anna Turney, Amy Amnesia, and Sugar Magnolia.

“We believe in the power of unity and artistic expression to effect change,” said Legalize Drag spokesperson Pop Rox. “Through this fundraiser, we aim to galvanize support for LGBTQI+ liberation, raise crucial funds for organizations on the frontlines of advocacy, and send a resounding message of solidarity to Texas and beyond.”

“As a recovering Texan, I know the importance of these vital LGBTQI+ nonprofits doing the hard work on the ground,” said Legalize Drag co-founder, Juicy Liu, who has worked as a patent attorney in the Bay Area for 15 years. “It breaks my heart to know that I can be arrested for performing a centuries-old art form because right-wing extremists need a new boogey-man to mobilize their base. It is simply un-American and unconstitutional to ban drag– I now fear for my safety as a drag performer when I’m visiting Texas.” 

Legalize Drag invites community members, allies, and advocates to join them at this pivotal event. Tickets are available for $20 online and $30 at the door. In addition, the event welcomes sponsorships from organizations and individuals who wish to make a meaningful contribution to the cause.

The BALIF Foundation has graciously sponsored the event and provided the GiveLively platform for seamless and secure online donations. Donations will be collected by the Foundation and then distributed to the three recipient organizations.

For media inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact:

Pop Rox

Legalize Drag

legalizedrag@gmail.com

650-868-3288

Join Legalize Drag on Sunday, July 30, 2023, for an evening of electrifying performances, unity, and unwavering support for LGBTQI+ rights. Together, we can make a difference and stand up against injustice. Let’s Legalize Drag and fight for a future that embraces diversity, equality, and freedom of expression.

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About Legalize Drag:

Legalize Drag is a collective of drag artist legal professionals dedicated to raising awareness and fighting against attacks on the art of drag and the rights of trans, gender non-confirming, and queer communities. Through their advocacy efforts, Legalize Drag aims to provide a platform for resistance, foster solidarity, and support LGBTQI+ liberation.

Note: High-resolution images and additional information about the event are available upon request.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

Friday, June 30, 2023 

Contact: Mayor’s Office of Communications, mayorspressoffice@sfgov.org 

***PRESS RELEASE***

MAYOR LONDON BREED ANNOUNCES ASIA-PACIFIC ECONOMIC COOPERATION HONORARY COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Since the San Francisco’s APEC launch event in May, promotional events are now fully underway to help prepare the City in welcoming APEC attendees and visitors

San Francisco, CA —   Today, Mayor London N. Breed announced state and federal leaders who will serve as Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Honorary Host Committee members, to include Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, Governor Gavin Newsom, Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, U.S Senator Alex Padilla, State Treasurer Fiona Ma, City Attorney David Chiu and Chairman and CEO of East West Bank and Chair of the APEC Business Advisory Council, Dominic Ng.

APEC will be the largest convening of world leaders in San Francisco since the UN Charter was signed in 1945 during the UN Conference on International Organization, also called the San Francisco Conference.

Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis will serve as APEC Host Committee Finance Chair. APEC, established in 1989, is the leading forum in the Asia-Pacific to facilitate trade and investment, economic growth, and regional cooperation. Through APEC, the United States seeks to advance a free, fair, and open economic policy agenda that benefits U.S. workers, businesses, and families.  The 21 APEC member economies account for nearly 40 percent of the global population, or nearly 3 billion people, and nearly 50 percent of global trade.

Last month the City kicked off its first official launch event to raise visibility and share plans about the opportunities APEC 2023 will bring to San Francisco. Leading up to November, Mayor Breed and the Office of Protocol will host events for civic and business leaders to support the City’s sponsorship goal, providing the necessary support for APEC 2023 that is expected to draw in approximately 500 global CEOs, 1000 media representatives, and nearly 30,000 delegates from across APEC’s member economies.

“San Francisco is fortunate to have strong leaders who advocate for us on both the state and federal levels,” said Mayor London Breed. “That is also why I am so grateful that they are taking their commitment one step further by serving on the Honorary Host Committee to work with us on making sure we succeed in hosting APEC 2023. I know that as we work together, San Francisco will shine on the global stage as the world is coming to us.”

“As the representative of San Francisco in the Congress, it is my high privilege to serve on the APEC Honorary Host Committee as we prepare to welcome distinguished global leaders to our beloved City,” Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi said.  “In selecting San Francisco to host APEC 2023, President Biden and Vice President Harris recognize our City’s status as a gateway to the Indo-Pacific, an economic engine and proud home to a vibrant AAPI community. We look forward to November’s Meeting, which we hope will be a meaningful step to strengthening the partnership among leaders for a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

“There is no better place in the nation to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit than California,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “San Francisco is both the birthplace of the United Nations as well as a hub for innovation that boasts deep cultural and economic ties with the Asia-Pacific region. I’m looking forward to welcoming world leaders to the Golden State later this year with open arms.”

“As Lieutenant Governor and as a proud San Franciscan, I am thrilled to join my colleagues as a member of the Honorary Host Committee for the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting in November 2023,” said Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis. “San Francisco’s and California’s economic prowess, along with our deep and long-standing ties with the Indo-Pacific region, make our City and State a natural choice to host the 2023 APEC Economic Leaders’ Week. I look forward to supporting the Biden-Harris Administration and the City of San Francisco to make APEC a success.”

“I’m proud to join with many of San Francisco’s outstanding leaders to serve on the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Honorary Host Committee. California has long been an economic and cultural bridge between the United States and Asia, making our city the perfect choice to welcome world leaders,” said U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein.

“I’m honored to serve as a member of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Honorary Host Committee. California’s powerhouse economy and the Bay Area’s leading tourism and trade industries will be front and center as we welcome our partner APEC member economies to San Francisco this November. I’m looking forward to helping strengthen our Asia-Pacific economic coalition as we come together to work towards shared growth and prosperity, and to address today’s most pressing global challenges,” said U.S. Senator Padilla. 

“As California’s Treasurer I am honored to welcome attendees of APEC’s CEO Summit to San Francisco and California. The Bay Area and California economies have long been intertwined with those of Asia-Pacific governments. Working together in a spirit of cooperation to discuss our shared challenges and opportunities, the 2023 summit can help us achieve sustained, equitable prosperity for all APEC member economies,” said State Treasurer Fiona Ma.

“San Francisco has been a historic, cultural, and economic gateway between the United States and the Asia Pacific Rim. I am thrilled that APEC attendees from all over the world will be able to see all that San Francisco has to offer,” said San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu. “As Honorary Host Committee members, we are ready to roll up our sleeves to ensure APEC is a resounding success and San Francisco’s light shines bright.”

“Since becoming Chair of the APEC Business Advisory Council last summer, I have been working closely with my counterparts throughout the Asia-Pacific on issues impacting the region,” said Dominic Ng, Chairman and CEO of East West Bank and the presidentially appointed Chair of the APEC Business Advisory Council. “I am honored to be a part of the APEC Honorary Host Committee and thrilled to welcome my fellow business leaders to the City and County of San Francisco and our great state of California this November.”

Throughout 2022, these leaders were instrumental in helping San Francisco secure its bid as the host City for the APEC Leaders’ Meeting and APEC CEO Summit through their leadership and advocacy. As part of their official responsibilities as APEC Honorary Host Committee members, they will work closely with the APEC Host Committee to create and strengthen critical community and business relationships for support APEC 2023, including:

• Highlighting San Francisco’s ongoing efforts to address complex challenges facing other major cities around the world;
• Sharing San Francisco happenings and announcements that help amplify the City’s unique offerings and advancements locally and internationally; and
• Engaging residents and business leaders with opportunities to get involved to showcase the City.

The work of the Honorary Host Committee Members is critical to securing long-term benefits such as strengthened international relations to increase trade, tourism, and cooperation among Member Economies, attracting investment in the region, and increased tourism and business travel experiences and exposure to San Francisco.  Additionally, the economic, business, and reputational benefits are vital to the five key priorities of Mayor Breed’s Roadmap to Downtown San Francisco’s Future:

• An economically diverse and resilient job engine;
• A welcoming, clean, and safe environment;
• A dynamic destination active at all hours, every day;
• A world-class transportation experience; and 
• An equitable economy that supports full participation by all

Earlier this month, San Francisco was honored to welcome First Lady Dr. Jill Biden at the APEC Strategic Gathering of Women Leaders luncheon, hosted by San Francisco Chief of Protocol Maryam Muduroglu. The First Lady joined Mayor Breed, Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and women leaders from across the City to share their perspective and vision for how San Francisco can best facilitate APEC 2023’s global agenda. As a result, their contributions will help support and garner sponsorship contributions that will fund anticipated expenses for major APEC 2023 events and other event-related expenses.

San Francisco As a City for Major Events

San Francisco is a major destination for business and tourism and leads the world in technology innovation. The City has a long history as a top destination for travel, conferences and seminars. In October, Salesforce brought Dreamforce back to San Francisco in person, attracting more than 40,000 people.

San Francisco is featured by Travel and Leisure magazine as one of the 50 best places to travel in 2023 and the Wall Street Journal named San Francisco International Airport (SFO) the best large airport of 2022 thanks in part to the upgrade of its Harvey Milk Terminal 1, reliable flights and top-notch amenities.

The San Francisco Bay Area has hosted major events in the recent past, including the United States Conference of Mayors in 2015, Super Bowl 50 in 2016, and the Global Climate Action Summit in 2019.

San Francisco will welcome thousands of local and international visitors from around the world to the Bay Area for Super Bowl LX and the FIFA World Cup in 2026.

For more information about the APEC 2023 Leaders’ Economic Week, visit www.apec2023sf.org

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Media Contact: DP&A, Inc / David Perry / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com

Over 500 Attendees at the 7^th Annual Women in Leadership Forum 
Hailed as “Renaissance Coming”

Hotel Council of San Francisco Event to Empower Women in the Hospitality Field Featured Keynote Address by Eleni Kounalakis, Lieutenant Governor of California Among Other Industry Leaders

www.hotelcouncilsf.org

29 June 2023 – San Francisco, CA: To paraphrase the famous Aretha Franklin and Annie Lennox duet, “Sisters did it for themselves” on Friday, June 23 at the Women in Leadership Forum from the Hotel Council of San Francisco (www.hotelcouncilsf.org). The 7^th annual event at The Westin St. Francis in San Francisco was an overflow crowd of “woman power” cheered on by such luminaries as Eleni Kounalakis, Lieutenant Governor of California, LinkedIn Career Expert; Catherine Fisher; Brooke Jenkins, San Francisco District Attorney; Marisa Rodriguez of Union Square Alliance; Papia Gambelin of United Airlines; Jyoti Sarolia of Ellis Hospitality; Carla Murray and Keri Robinson of Marriott International. Moderating the event was award winning journalist Ella Sogomonian of KRON 4. Theevent was sponsored by Alaska Airlines with additional support from sponsors Expedia Group, United Airlines, Fisher Phillips, and Big Bus San Francisco. 

“Diversity, equity and inclusion is not a nice to have, it’s a must have and the reason that San Francisco’s hospitality industry is the best in the world,” said Alex Bastian, President & CEO of the Hotel Council of San Francisco. “In a country where 55 % of the population is female, putting women’s concerns and women’s wisdom at the forefront of our agenda is smart business.”

The event featured keynote speeches, fireside chats, panel discussions on topics such as combatting imposter syndrome, creating a healthy work-life balance, understanding and leveraging one’s network, broadening communication and negotiation skills, and finding passion and clarifying career goals. 

This year, the event raised over $ 2400 for Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco in support of their mission to inspire and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible,and caring citizens. 

“Women leaders intuitively understand the power of giving back which is what the partnership with the Boys & Girls Club is all about,” said Bastian. “It was so inspiring to hear the many personal and professional stories shared this year. The energy was palpable. This is the first wave of the Renaissance coming to San Francisco’s hospitality and tourism economy.”

The Hotel Council of San Francisco is a non-profit membership-based organization advocating for the economic and social vitality of the hospitality industry in San Francisco. Their membership roster includes over 200 hotels, allied members, and partner organizations. The Hotel Council is dedicated to protecting the San Francisco hospitality industry and connecting its members to support the growth and success of the industry.

Below is a full list (alphabetical by last name) of the speakers and presenters at this year’s Women in Leadership Forum.

Nina Bankar, Vice President of Customer Success, Calm

Alex Bastian, President & CEO of the Hotel Council of San Francisco

Andrea Card, Senior Winemaker Francis Ford Coppola Winery

Judy Cronkhite, Regional Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Americas, Hyatt Hotels

Tiffany DeHaan, Vice President, Strategic Planning, Alaska Airlines

Franco Finn, Community and Activations Lead, Alaska Airlines

Catherine Fisher, LinkedIn Career Expert

Jean Fraser, CEO, Presidio Trust

Papia Gambelin, Managing Director State and Local Government Affairs, United Airlines

Gail Isono, General Manager, Harbor Court Hotel

Brooke Jenkins, San Francisco District Attorney

Lisa Kershner, General Manager, SFO Waterfront Marriott

Eleni Kounalakis, Lieutenant Governor of California

Jill Kuehler, Founder & CEO, Freeland Spirits

Tazeen Lanani, Managing Director, Alaska Airlines

Terry Lewis, Complex General Manager, Hilton San Francisco Union Square and Parc 55 San Francisco

Carla Murray, President, US Full Service Western Region, Marriott International

Anna Marie Presutti, Vice President and General Manager, Hotel Nikko San Francisco

Mary Rezek, The No Bullsh*t Executive Coach, TED Speaker Coach

Nicole Ritthaler, Agent Sales Manager, Big Bus Tours

Keri Robinson, Area Vice President, Marriott International

Marisa Rodriguez, CEO, Union Square Alliance

Jyoti Sarolia, President & CEO, Ellis Hospitality Group

Alexandra (Ally) Siegel, Vice President & Global Head of Diversity & Inclusion- Talent, Expedia Group

Ella Sogomonian, Anchor, KRON4

media contact:  Perry (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com

Dezart Performs Announces 16th Season in Palm Springs 
With Additional Performances

Pulitzer Finalist, Drama Critics’ Circle Award Winner and Acclaimed Play
by Native American Playwright Comprise Four Play Schedule 

23 June 2023 – Palm Springs:  Building on an award winning season that saw its acclaimed productions secure 96% capacity, Dezart Performs of Palm Springs (www.dezartperforms.org ) announces its 16th year of fearless, provocative, and inspiring theatre including a Pulitzer Finalist, Drama Critics Circle Award Winner, and a first ever Broadway play written by a Native American.  Buoyed by last years’ record attendance, the company is adding two additional performances to each production: Sunday evening performances at 7pm.

“Age 16 is when one is allowed to drive, and we really feel this season puts us back in high gear,” said Michael Shaw, founding Artistic Director of Dezart Performs. “Each production offers a unique perspective, combining laughter, introspection, and powerful storytelling. We can’t wait to share these extraordinary performances with our loyal patrons and new audiences alike.”

Kicking off the season is THE THANKSGIVING PLAY by Larissa FastHorse (November 3 – 12) a comedy that hilariously satirizes the collision between good intentions and absurd assumptions. Directed by Shaw, this wickedly funny production follows a troupe of terminally “woke” teaching artists as they scramble to create a pageant that celebrates both Turkey Day and Native American Heritage Month.  Of note, FastHorse, a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe of the Lakota People, is the first Native American playwright to have a show produced on Broadway.

Next up is WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME (January 19 – 28), a dramatic comedy written by Heidi Schreck and directed by Craig Wells. This critically acclaimed show, a 2019 Pulitzer Prize finalist, explores the profound relationship between four generations of women and the founding document that shaped their lives. Audiences can expect a hilarious, hopeful, and achingly human experience.

A CASE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD (March 1 – 10) by Samuel D. Hunter, whose A BRIGHT NEW BOISE was a hit for Dezart Performs last season, takes center stage next.  An emotional and thought-provoking drama directed by Shaw, this play delves into the fragile worlds of Keith, a mortgage broker, and Ryan, a yogurt plant worker, as they bond over their shared experiences of marginality and the realities of financial insecurity.

Concluding the 16th anniversary season is MR PARKER (April 12 – 21), a drama written by Michael McKeever whose play DANIEL’S HUSBAND was the sell-out sensation of Dezart’s 2020 Season.  Directed by Randy Brenner, the play finds 54-year old widower Terry Parker adjusting to a newly single life after the loss of his partner of 30 years.

“In an era when so much seems to be about polarization, I hope our plays continue to open dialogue and build community,” said Shaw. “We are dedicated to producing fresh and compelling works that inspire such dialogue and provoke thought with a commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement.”

Subscriptions will go on sale for existing season subscribers Wednesday, July 5; new season subscribers may purchase tickets beginning July 25.  Single show tickets go on sale September 12.

All performances take place at the Pearl McManus Theater (at the historic Palm Springs Woman’s Club) 314 S Cahuilla Road, Downtown Palm Springs. Ticket prices are $48 – $55 and may be purchased online at www.dezartperforms.org , or by calling (760) 322-0179. Showtimes are Fridays at 7:30pm; Saturdays at 2pm and 7:30pm; Sundays at 2pm and 7pm.

Dezart Performs, one of the Coachella Valley’s preeminent theatre companies, recognizes that the performing arts enrich the life and culture of a community, promote greater understanding and provoke insightful discussion. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit theatre company, its mission is to provide an artistic home for bold and cutting–edge plays, creating an atmosphere of artistic growth for actors, writers, and directors who uniquely contribute to the diverse theatrical environment in the Coachella Valley.

16th Dezart Performs’ Season Listing

THE THANKSGIVING PLAY 
A comedy written by Larissa FastHorse
Directed by Michael Shaw
November 3-5; 10-12, 2023

Good intentions collide with absurd assumptions in Larissa FastHorse’s wickedly funny satire, as a troupe of terminally “woke” teaching artists scrambles to create a pageant that somehow manages to celebrate both Turkey Day and Native American Heritage Month.

“Hilarious. A cheerfully cutthroat production!”
– The New York Times

“Hysterically funny and brutally on target.”
– Forbes

“A hilarious envelope in which [the playwright] delivers a brutal satire about mythmaking, and thus, in a way, about theater itself.”
– The New York Times

*    *    *

WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME 
A dramatic comedy written by Heidi Schreck
Directed by Craig Wells
January 19 – 21; 26 – 28

2019 Pulitzer Prize finalist
2019 Tony Award nominated, Best Play
2019 Obie award for Best New American Play
2019 Off-Broadway Alliance Award, Best New Play
2019 Drama Desk Award, Outstanding Play

Fifteen-year-old Heidi earned her college tuition by winning Constitutional debate competitions across the United States. In this hilarious, hopeful and achingly human new play, she resurrects her teenage self in order to trace the profound relationship between four generations of women and the founding document that shaped their lives.

“…brilliantly crafted show, harrowing and funny and humane, that accesses the political through the deeply personal.”
– New York Magazine

“A highly entertaining, deeply informative and ultimately hopeful examination of the document that impacts every single one of us, every single day of our lives.”
– Chicago Sun Times

“This funny, tragic and deeply unsettling one-woman tour de force shows who the US constitution serve — and who it lets down.”
– The Guardian

*    *    *

A CASE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD 
A drama written by Samuel D. Hunter
Directed by Michael Shaw
March 1-3; 8-10

2022 Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best Play

A CASE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD unfolds in a cubicle where two seated people unexpectedly choose to bring one another into their fragile worlds. Keith, a mortgage broker, and Ryan, a yogurt plant worker seeking to buy a plot of land that belonged to his family many decades ago, realize they share a “specific kind of sadness.” At this desk in the middle of America, loan talk opens up into a discussion about the chokehold of financial insecurity and a bond over the precariousness of parenthood. With humor, empathy and wrenching honesty, Hunter commingles two lives and deftly bridges disparate experiences of marginality.

“Must-see heartbreaker of a play!”
– The New York Times

“Another extraordinary play by Samuel D. Hunter!”
– New York Stage Review

“Easily one of the best of the year!”
–The Wall Street Journal

“…one of the most moving new plays of the year!”
– TheatreMania

“‘A Case for the Existence of God’ Finds What Connects Us All and Holiness in Humanity.”
– The Observer

*    *    *

MR. PARKER
A drama written by Michael McKeever
Directed by Randy Brenner
April 12 – 14; 19 — 21

At 54 years old, Terry Parker finds himself at a crossroads in his life. After the loss of his partner of 30 years, he finds himself suddenly single and unable to adjust to a world that has moved on without him. After a night of heavy drinking, he wakes up with a 28-year-old bartender-slash-Uber-driver. These two very different people begin a tentative relationship, and what starts out as a one-night stand becomes a journey of self-discovery for a man trying to let go of the past and move forward, while dealing with the pressures of being middle-aged, gay and alone in the ever-changing landscape of today’s America.

“A very intelligent, absorbing look at contemporary relationships and the conflicts that keep us all from aging with joy and peace of mind. This play is a real discovery!”
– Rex Reed

“The protagonist of this new play by Michael McKeever steps gingerly out of grief’s stasis and into the unknown.”
–The New York Times