Tag Archives: San Francisco

Discover Queer San Francisco in New Adventure Game ‘Read Only Memories’

In Neo-San Francisco, you can be whatever you want, from a queer bartender to a lesbian robot hybrid.

In the near dystopic future, complete human customization is possible. Groups of people called “hybrids” have begun experimenting with cybernetic augmentation and gene splicing. And in a world with sentient robots, hybrids feel right at home pushing the boundaries of what it means to be human.

This cyberpunk noir game Read Only Memories takes place in the very LGBT city of Neo-San Francisco, where you play as a young journalist. A robot named Turing (named after the real-life gay scientist whose Turing Test is used to determine levels of artificial intelligence) comes to visit you. Turing needs your help to track down his creator.

Throughout the traditional point-and-click adventure game, you will interact with all of Neo-San Francisco’s queerest locals, some of whom are hybrids and some of whom are just proud queer people. You’ll build alliances, solve puzzles, and learn the dark truth about the future. The 10+ hours of gameplay will lead you to one of many endings based on your narrative choices, so Read Only Memories offers plenty of room for playthroughs.

The game’s main draw is the complete control you have over your character’s sexual orientation or gender identity. You can choose with personal pronouns the game will refer to your character as – he, her, they, xe, ze or even a custom pronoun of your choosing.

The game was developed by MidBoss, a groundbreaking LGBT gaming company that produces the annual LGBT GaymerX Convention, and which produced the documentary Gaming in Color about the growing community of LGBT gamers. This is MidBoss’ first foray into developing their own games.

Founder Matt Conn said,

Instead of waiting for Sony and other big companies to include gay characters in their games as more than just tokens, we should just do it ourselves.”

And Read Only Memories was born.

Read Only Memories is available on Playstation 4, Windows, Mac, and Linux. The Xbox One, Playstation Vita, Android and iOS versions are coming soon.

Visit the official website to learn more, or preview the game by watching a playthrough here.

Trailer:

This Is What LGBT Life Is Like Around The World (Video)

As a gay couple in San Francisco, Jenni Chang and Lisa Dazols had a relatively easy time living the way they wanted.
Jennie Chang and Lisa Dazols 3

However – as we all know – outside the bubble of the Bay Area, life can be very different around the world

Where other LGBT couples often still lacking basic rights.

So this cute couple, set off on a world tour in search of “Supergays,” LGBT people who were doing something extraordinary in the world.

Jennie Chang and Lisa Dazols

Jennie Chang and Lisa Dazols 2

In 15 countries across Africa, Asia and South America — from India, recently home to the world’s first openly gay prince, to Argentina, the first country in Latin America to grant marriage equality — they found the inspiring stories and the courageous, resilient and proud Supergays they had been looking for.

Jennie Chang and Lisa Dazols 1

<iframe src=”https://embed-ssl.ted.com/talks/jenni_chang_and_lisa_dazols_this_is_what_lgbt_life_is_like_around_the_world.html” width=”640″ height=”360″ frameborder=”0″ scrolling=”no” webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe>

 

Destination of the Week: San Francisco

This week’s LGBT destination pick takes travelers to the “Gay Mecca” of the U.S. …also known as San Francisco. It’s been called the world’s most gay-friendly city and has been known for its liberal, laid-back, and alternative lifestyles. So it’s no wonder this northern California city has long been a welcoming place for the LGBT crowd.

From the famous Castro district to more than sixty gay bars and clubs, there’s definitely plenty for the LGBT crown to discover in San Francisco. So if you’re looking for a great gay-friendly destination in a city with plenty of history, culture, and awesome scenery, it’s time to plan a trip to the City by the Bay.

San Francisco 02

Here’s a look at why San Francisco should definitely be on your LGBT destination radar…

Iconic Landmarks

Of course there’s the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and Fisherman’s Wharf to check out while you’re there. But aside from these famous iconic landmarks, there are plenty of other great sights to check out while in the city too. Check out the historic Fairmont hotel, which was one of the only buildings to survive the devastating 1906 earthquake. There’s also the Castro Theater in heart of the city’s gay neighborhood. It’s one of only a handful of 1920s era movie theaters still in operation. And don’t forget to check out one of the major icons of San Francisco…the cable cars!

San Francisco 05

Awesome Scenery

Because the city is so hilly, there are plenty of great views to be seen, especially of the Golden Gate Bridge and the bay. Take the time to explore the city on foot. You never know what kind of great views you might come across. Check out Coit Tower for some incredible views of the city, Lands End Lookout for some amazing scenic vistas and the Golden Gate Bridge, and Twin Peaks Summit for a great view of the city on a clear day…just to name a few.

San Francisco 01

Eclectic Nightlife Choices

When it comes to nightlife in San Francisco, this city pretty much has it all. From gay and lesbian bars to disco diva dance clubs and drag shows…there’s definitely something for everyone in the LGBT crowd here. So don’t be afraid to let loose and dance the night away while you’re there.

The Castro

San Francisco 04

This historic neighborhood is an LGBT tourist attraction in itself because of its long standing gay identity. If you decide to visit in late October, you’ll find the city’s longest running street fair (founded by Harvey Milk), with plenty of crafts, drag shows, great music, food, and drink. And it wouldn’t be the Castro without a pride celebration. During pride month, the Castro comes even more alive (if that’s even possible) with plenty of display of LGBT power. There are also plenty of nightlife choices to experience in the neighborhood too.

Great Foodie Destination

San Francisco 07

You name it, and it can probably be found in one of the wealth of restaurants in the city. Whether you’re into global cuisine, trying new things, or are looking for local specialties, the foodie traveler will definitely find themselves stuffed before running out of food options. The LGBT crowd will also find plenty of gay-friendly restaurants, cafes, and other eateries as well, so when you come to San Francisco, be sure to come with an appetite!

San Francisco 08

There’s no doubt that San Francisco has plenty to offer the LGBT traveler. Have you been to San Francisco? Let us know what your favorite thing to do there are in the comments below!

San Francisco Gay Film Fest to Highlight the ‘Pinkwashing’ of Israel’s Crimes

The world over, LGBT rights are a contentious issue. Countries with poor form are called out by the global community (see: the response to the anti-LGBT laws of Russia and many African nations) and those who are doing right by its LGBT citizens are heralded, praised and patted on the back for offering human rights that really should have been offered from the get-go.

But what happens when the prominence of these LGBT rights out shadows the rest of a country’s dealings? When people are so busy shouting about LGBT rights that they forget about the not-so admirable activities that a country is conducting? That’s called pinkwashing.

Pinkwashing is not an unfamiliar practice; it’s something we’ve seen with the UK’s current government as Prime Minister Cameron shares his positive views on same-sex marriage (and notes that his party helped bring it into law) seemingly in an effort to gloss over their economic and institutional failings.

However, just because it’s common it doesn’t mean that it’s right and as we’re seeing mass pinkwashing with Israel, in an attempt to gloss over the killings of Palestinians, one LGBT group is finally speaking up against it.

One way in which Israel is establishing itself as a progressive LGBT rights thinker is by sponsoring LGBT film festivals and movies, with San Francisco’s Frameline and the Vancouver Queer Film Festival both receiving funding from the Israeli government and/or screening movies funded by Israel. And so in order to challenge this, Queers for Palestine will be hosting Outside the Frame at the San Francisco Brava Theatre in June.

Despite the political leanings of the group behind the film fest, not all of the films shown at Outside the Frame have to be about Palestine.

Having such a broad submission guideline will help Outside the Frame to promote the idea that what’s going on in Palestine is an issue for all LGBT people and not just those who are already concerned with the events in the country.

Given that Israel’s actions are destroying the lives of LGBT Palestinians too, there’s all the more reason for LGBT people who have perhaps not thought about Palestine, to speak out against Israel and its pinkwashing campaign.

In addition, submissions will also have to sign up to the following mission statement:

“As queer activists for social justice, including Palestinian liberation, we recognize that Israel is attempting to co-opt the queer struggle for liberation while the Israeli government continues to kill, exclude and deny rights to Palestinians, including queer Palestinians. This is pinkwashing and Frameline must stop participating in it.”

Find out more about Outside the Frame on the official website.

 

California Governor Announces Appointment of Out Lesbian to Serve on California’s Court of Appeal

Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced that he has appointed San Francisco Chief Deputy City Attorney Therese M. Stewart to serve as a justice on the California Court of Appeal, on the First District Court’s Division Two.  The appointment was made during San Francisco’s LGBT Pride weekend, and marked the historic milestone for California’s judiciary as well as its LGBT community. Stewart will be the first openly lesbian justice to serve on the California Court of Appeal, if confirmed.

In response to the news, San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera issued the following statement:

“Terry Stewart was my very first hire after I was elected City Attorney, and it has been an extraordinary honor to have someone with her intelligence, dedication and passionate commitment to justice serve as my chief deputy for more than a dozen years. I’d be lying if I didn’t concede a degree of personal disappointment in knowing that she won’t be standing by my side in the City Attorney’s Office anymore.  But I am incredibly proud of Terry for all she has accomplished in her career, for her appointment to the California Court of Appeal today, and for shattering one more historic barrier as California’s first lesbian-identified appellate court justice.  On a weekend in which San Francisco celebrates LGBT equality, Terry Stewart’shistoric appointment is still more cause to celebrate—not just for the LGBT community, but for all Californians who’ll be so ably served by her remarkable gifts on the judiciary.”

Dennis Herrera, San Francisco City Attorney

Stewart, who has served as chief deputy city attorney at the San Francisco City Attorney’s Office since 2002, and was key figure to argue on behalf of the City and County of San Francisco in the trilogy of cases advocating for marriage equality for LGBT Californians in the California Supreme Court.  She also led the team of San Francisco deputy city attorneys intervening as plaintiffs in the federal case challenging Proposition 8.

 

Summer of Love: 7 Pride Parties You Cannot Miss

London (June 28th – 29th): People from all over Britain and the world will be descending on Old London Town this year for what promises to be the biggest LGBT blow-out in the capital’s history. Given the UK’s recent legalisation of gay marriage and civil partnerships, the theme is “Love and Marriage” and the spectacle promises to be astonishing.

Boston (June 6th – 15th): Always a top date on the queer calendar, Boston promises to be even bigger and better this year given that the celebrity marshal is no other than Star Trek: The Next Generation’s Denise Crosby.

Shanghai (June 13th – 22nd): Asia’s number one LGBT celebration doesn’t feature a parade but that is more than made up for by the enthusiasm of the crowd. Shanghai Pride has been going from strength to strength since 2009.

Berlin (June 14th – 22nd): Indisputably Europe’s leading Pride celebration, Berlin will be welcoming around half a million party animals in late June.

Los Angeles (June 6th – 8th): More flamboyance on the West Coast this year, except LA LGBTs are taking things a step further by inviting all attendees to wear colour-coded apparel. The overall effect? A giant rainbow. It’ll be one for the scrapbook, and make no mistake.

Toronto (June 29th): This beautiful and multicultural Canadian city gets even more beautiful and multicultural next month when it hosts the prestigious WorldPride event.

San Francisco (June 28th – 29th): No run-down of Pride gigs around the world could not possibly be complete without mentioning SFPride, now in its 44th year. Make sure you follow the parade all the way from Market Street to City Hall, where America’s first gay mayor and San Fran icon Harvey Milk addressed Pridesters three decades ago.