The Michael Brandon Leather Benefit party at the Edge: A Contrast Between Volunteers

Michael Brandon and Boy Gabriel

There could not be much more of a contrast between the two groups of volunteers at Michael Brandon’s Leather Party benefit for Project Open Hand at the Edge Bar on Dec. 17. Open Hand’s volunteers who sold raffle tickets at the party looked like the casual, well-covered bar-hoppers that pack the local bars. Brandon’s volunteers looked and performed like erotic screen and stage performers and wore only bulging underwear and sneakers.

Go-go boy Element

The title of the event was “Edge-ing” which alludes to a torturous sex act and sexual magnetism was exuded by go-go dancer Element and Jello-O shot salesman Boy Gabriel. Host and primal erotic film star Brandon also danced provocatively in a jockstrap on stage when he took a break from MC’ing. Open Hand executive director Tom Nolan braved the packed heavy-cruising crowd to meet and greet the guests and he was happy to hear that $400 was raised for his organization. Bar manager Terry Penn was beautifully dressed as a voluptuous helper to Santa Claus and attentive party coordinator Gary Virginia adjusted the sound and staging. Leather Party co-founder Michael Dumont was introduced and he is well-known as someone equally comfortable in glamorous drag and in a leather uniform when appearing as a former Emperor of San Francisco.

Michael Brandon and Gary Virginia

In a neighborhood infamous for its Castro Triangle of bars that are not generous to worthy charities, the Edge stands out as a haven for non-profit organizations.

To see more of my photos off this event, visit flickr.com/rinkfoto.

The Krewe de Kinque Leather Brunch at the Edge Bar: A Wild Imaginative Fundraiser

Gary Virginia, Brett Andrews, John Weber, Donna Sachet, and Mark Leno

Excitement and generosity reigned at the Edge Bar in San Francisco’s Castro district for the 14th Annual Holiday Leather Brunch on Dec. 11 that benefited the Positive Resource Center (PRC). Wild entertainment and fantastic food and cocktails were the big draws and the local Mardi Gras organization, the Krewe de Kinque, pulled it all together to let the good times roll.

Diva D and Deana Dawn

Eye-busting colorful finery and makeup on greeters Deana Dawn and her sidekick Diva D was the first sign that this was to be an imaginative event. Stoli Bloody Marys and Mimosas, the popular bottomless kind, were served by the Edge’s attractive bartenders thanks to the generosity of Michael Daniels and Terry Penn. The expansive silent auction had some fine bargains, including leather pants with sharp side spikes to hold back backbar horndogs.

The wonderful smell of fried chicken wafted through the venue and celebrants anxiously awaited sultry host Gary Virginia’s signal to advance on the bountiful buffet. PRC executive director Brett Andrews brought succulent Kickin’ Fried Chicken, a family secret recipe and the toast of gay New Orleans, Saybelline, and her lover Frank Fernandez brought their delicious Southern Fried Chicken. Both chickens got the thumbs up and moaning erupted when provocative Don “Ho” Tse’s amazing Jack Daniels Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie was consumed.

Jim Strano took a break from his Joan Crawford Texas persona to coordinate the food and drinks and hunky Julian Marshburn sauntered through the party and let people know that they could enjoy his lap when he will volunteer as Santa Claus on Dec. 24 at the AIDS Emergency Fund holiday dinner at the Green Room. And the Rainbow World Fund’s Jeff Cotter stopped by to promote his organization’s Tree of Hope event at City Hall on Dec. 15, where the Japanese and LGBT communities will join to honor their cultures and histories.

Donna Sachet stuffed contributions into Diva D's bodice while her tresses were teased by master stylist Cockatelia

The high point of the party was when master stylist Cockatelia teased Diva D’s tresses to incredible heights for contributed money, and again Diva D confounded people who assumed that he is a woman. He is a surprise gender illusionist and there is shocked disbelief when he introduces himself while out of female drag. Diva Donna Sachet MC’ed the event and she also generously sang live, as did tempting Mark Paladini who also bared his arms for guys who fantasize that he will wrap them around them. Former Emperor John Weber sang another excellent live performance, this time with Kitty Tapata. State Senator Mark Leno brought a state proclamation and he and supervisor-elect Scott Wiener extolled the event and its fundraisers.

It was a fine party — a merging of imaginative fundraising, costuming, and fun that brought in a much-needed $1,716 for the PRC.

To see more of my photos of the event, visit flickr.com/rinkfoto.