LGBT Senior Newsletter
800498
R!
E
WINN
Men’s Second Sunday Presents…
Women’s Second Sunday Presents...
A Reading with Clay Wilson
Mothertongue
Sunday, May 10th from 12-2PM
Feminist Theater Collective
Free. No need to RSVP. Join us!
145 Guerrero St. (near Market)
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Survey this year. We chose three tickets at random and have already identified two
of winning community members. The remaining winning ticket # is 800498.
If this is your number give us a call so we can get you your prize: a $45 gift certificate
to Crepevine. Thank you Crepevine and thank you community!
80049
We have a winner! Thanks to all who completed an Openhouse
May
Sunday, May 10th from 3-5PM
Free. Join us!
145 Guerrero St. (near Market)
Join us this May for a reading from Clayton Wilson:
“outed airman” and author.
Join us this Mother’s Day in a
woman-centered space for performances from Mothertongue
readers theater including: Bea
Lieberman, Corky Wick,
Judith Massur, Ruth Hurvitz,
Susan Parness, and more.
From Clay:
When I heard Peggy Lee sing “Is that all there
is?” I was moved. I didn’t know the answer but I
decided to look at it. I was confronted with the
question: “Who am I?” I was a man but
different. I was black but different. I was gay
but different. I was a husband and a father, but
different. I was a Jet Pilot, a weather forecaster,
but different...
From Mothertongue:
This book illustrates my memories including my
experiences as an African-American gay parent,
as a pilot, and in my courts-martial trial by a
panel of three generals for being outed.
Please join us for this engaging reading, discussion, and
social gathering with the author. Lunch is provided by
Openhouse and we welcome you to bring something to
share. For more information please call Matthew at:
(415) 659-8116 or email: [email protected]
We may be the longest surviving feminist theater
collective around and are happy to return to Second
Sunday. Our latest is a work in progress entitled
“Lost and Found.” These are rich themes for our long
lives and we know the audience will have much to add
to the discussion after our reading. ‘What we have
lost and what we have found’ is a broad and
fascinating way to look at our experiences.
All woman-identified community members are
welcome to join us at this free event. Caregivers of
any gender identity are always welcome. For more
information please call Suzi at (415) 231-5870.
THIS IS WHO WE ARE!
Would you like to be interviewed for the Openhouse newsletter? Think you have some good stories to share? Each
month the interview is read by thousands across the bay. We’ve even connected long-lost friends through this
popular feature. We’d love to hear from you. Interested? Email: [email protected] or call: (415) 728-0193.
Join Openhouse for...
California: The Tempest
A World Premiere adaption by Cornerstone Theater Company
Over the past two years Cornerstone Theater Company (CTC) has interviewed hundreds of Californians
about their hopes and vision for the future of the Golden State. In this contemporary adaption Cornerstone Theater has moved Shakespeare from a shipwrecked island to the site of a plane crash on the Lost
Coast of California. Conjuring love, disaster, revenge, and forgiveness, the show reflects on what makes
California special and what our future might look like.
The show includes Openhouse community
member Joji Koyuri and other LGBT senior players.
We invite you to join us for opening night in San Francisco.
Free with RSVP and confirmation.
Thursday, June 4th at 8PM
Z Space 450 Florida St.
For more information or to RSVP call (415) 728-0193
or email: [email protected]
Joji Koyuri (right) has been active at Openhouse for the last few
years, participating in a range of Openhouse programs. In 2006
he acted in CTC’s play LETHE. Since August 2014, he has been on
tour with California: The Tempest, playing the role of Oliver.
Tell us about Oliver.
Joji: Oliver was not originally a character in Shakespeare’s The
Tempest. Alison, the playwright wrote a character to represent
each of the 10 communities on the tour. Oliver’s from San Francisco and is sophisticated— with the personality of a resident of
a big city!
Why do you think San Franciscans should come see the play?
Joji: This is a great production that will open up your awareness
about California as a whole. Before this tour, I thought of California as being just Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Sacramento. California is a big state and in order for
it to be united, people need to have understanding of each other. This play helps create that understanding.
What is your favorite part of the play?
Joji: In the opening scene by Shakespeare it was a shipwreck and in the old days they probably just threw some
buckets of water – but for us it’s a plane crash on stage! My favorite part is (actually) the plane crash.
Talk about your experience of being on tour with 20 strangers for several months.
Joji: Touring is a new experience and being a part of a group – living together – is new to me. The good part is that
I feel included and part of something big!
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“Community Treasures”
A Story Sharing and Drawing Workshop
with Cornerstone Theater Company and Openhouse
Thursday, May 28th from 6-7:30PM
Openhouse Room 306
What’s your favorite place in San Francisco? Where
are the special sites of your San Francisco memories
and how have they changed? What is the best meal
you’ve ever eaten in the city? Where do you spend
time with your friends and family? … It coud be in
your own home, perhaps an old commune, nowdefunct bar, community center or secret room!
This 90-minute workshop will explore your memories
Art by Mona Caron and Ben Pease, “Monarchs and Queens, ”2010,
and the places and memories you hold dear, your
a map of San Francisco juxtaposing butterfly habitats and gay
“community treasures.” Participants are invited to
hangouts, part of an exhibition and book by Rebecca Solnit.
share, write, draw, and map the hidden treasures of
San Francisco. The workshop is free and requires no
previous experience. Drop-ins will be welcomed depending on space.
Reservations are suggested.
To RSVP or for more info. please call:
(415) 728-0193 or email: [email protected]
Key to Locations
30th Street Senior Center 225 30th St., between Dolores & Church; J Line, 24 bus, 3 blocks to
14 Mission & 49 busses
The San Francisco LGBT Community Center “The Center” 1800 Market St.; F line, 4 blocks to Church
Station, J line, 22 line, 2 blocks from bus lines 6, 71
Castro Senior Center 110 Diamond St., two blocks from Castro Muni Station & 24 and 33 buses
Curry Senior Center “Curry”: 315 Turk St. at Hyde, Buses 31 and 19, 4 blocks from
Muni/Civic Center BART
Francis of Assisi 145 Guerrero, 2 blocks from “F” Line, 3 blocks from J Church, Church Station
Laguna Honda Hospital “LH” New Building, Entry at 375 Laguna Honda Blvd; Muni Forest Hill Station,
lines K,L &M
Martin Luther Tower “MLT” 1001 Franklin St. 38, 38L bus, 2 blocks from 49 and 47 buses
Muttville 255 Alabama, off 16th, lines 22, 27, 12 and 9
Openhouse “OH” Openhouse Community Room # 306, at the SF LGBT Community Center, 1800
Market St., 3rd Floor; F line, 4 blocks to Church and Van Ness Muni Stations, 22 bus, 2 blocks from
buses 6 and 71
The Sequoias “Redwood Room” 1400 Geary Blvd; buses 38, 38L, 2, 3
3
Gay and Lesbian Medical Association at: www.glma.org
The World Professional Association for Transgender
Health: www.wpath.org
Local providers like Lyon Martin and Trans Thrive may
also be a great place to start.
ASK THE NURSE
Q: I am 75 and have
chronic spinal pain.
Over the past three
years, I’ve had two
surgeries and other
treatments which
have not helped with
my pain. I am on Oxycodone and Acetaminophen (Pescocet)
from my doctor. I’ve
had to increase the
dose several times and I am worried that I’m headed
for addiction.
You can ask questions for future “Ask The Nurse”
columns by emailing: [email protected]
(Please include “Ask the Nurse” in the email subject line).
You can send your questions via U.S. postal service, to:
Fairley Parson at Openhouse, Attn. Ask the Nurse
1800 Market St. PMB 93, San Francisco, CA 94102
Health and Wellness Fridays
for LGBT Folks 60+
Free consultations with Nurse Susa Langdon by
appointment at Openhouse
A: The medication you’re on is a widely used combination drug for serious pain. A majority of people who legitimately use these types of drugs will not develop true
addiction. If your body has adapted to the drug, you
would experience pain if the drug is stopped. You have
also developed tolerance which is when your body requires higher doses of the same drug to control your
pain. Opioids (Oxycodone) do create physical dependence when used over long periods of time.
Addiction is a chronic condition that has genetic, psychosocial and environmental factors influencing its development. It is characterized by four key elements, known as
the “4C’s” – compulsive use, loss of control, craving and
continued use despite consequences.
Fridays from 2-4PM
Meet in a confidential space to
explore questions like:
What are these
anti-depressants doing
to my sex drive?
Is my grief causing these
stomach issues? Should I be
checked out?
Call (415) 347-8509
to make an appointment!
Q. How can I find a trans-knowledgeable doctor?
A: You came of age when transgender and gender nonconforming people were discriminated against even
worse than they are today. Many gay and lesbian folks
have experienced ignorance, indifference, and discrimination in healthcare settings – and the these experiences
have often been worse for transgender folks. In the end,
many trans people avoided getting healthcare. But as we
grow older, there is an urgent need to take care of our
health and well-being. Trans people report higher rates
of disability, general poor health, depression, anxiety,
loneliness and suicidal ideation over the lifespan. Without the support of healthcare providers, many trans
folks do not seek healthcare until they are experiencing
an emergency, which increases the likelihood of poor
outcomes. You can seek a culturally competent and understanding doctor by going to one of the following websites and clicking on “Find a Provider:”
4
How will this medication
interact with supplements
and herbal remedies?
My fear of falling is keeping
me home. What can I do to
feel more secure when I walk?
Susan Langdon, RN began her career with the Peace Corps
where she worked in India for five years. She has worked for
over 35 years as a Family Nurse Practitioner in community
health serving diverse populations. As an older lesbian she is
sensitive to the unique issues LGBT folks encounter in
navigating the healthcare system.
Maintaining muscle mass as we age is an important as it
contributes to skeletal strength and helps prevent injury.
By Penny Sablove
Loss of muscle groups in the legs that control balance and
the power of our walking as they are the movers of the
Have you noticed your walking getting unsteady and
slow? Having trouble with balance? Difficulty going up ankles, hips and knees. However, research has shown that
curbs and stairs, reaching for things, or getting up from a just about everyone improves with some simple strengthchair? It's easy to assume that because these challenges ening exercises and no special equipment is required.
And of course, everything affects everything else.
are age-related, they can't be changed or improved upon.
Stronger ankle muscles can result not only in more powerNot true. They can, and surprisingly easily.
ful walking, but also in better balance. The cracks in the
Over time,
sidewalk have always been there, but why are we stumwe develop habits
bling over them now? As the muscles which lift the foreof movement -foot are strengthened, the foot is lifted sufficiently with
ways of standing,
each step to avoid those sidewalk cracks.
ways of holding
Improvements in mobility are astoundingly simple
our upper bodies,
to achieve and extend our capacity to reduce pain and
ways of walking.
prevent falls. It all boils down to maintaining muscle
Our repertoire of
strength and learning to be more aware of how we're
how we use our
moving and using our bodies.
bodies shrinks to a
Mobility As We Age
few modes of being, with the result
that we chronically overuse some
parts of our bodies and underuse others.
For example, let's say that you had a slight tendency to stand more often with your weight more on your
right foot than your left. This is not a problem in itself, but
over time, this tendency hardens into a firm habit so that
you always stand with the right foot weighted, never the
left. After many years, this produces consequences such
as muscle imbalances and impaired balance in walking.
One effective and delightful way to break up these
kinds of habits is through movement re-education classes,
such as Feldenkrais, Tai Chi, or Alexander Method. Movement re-education teachers introduce new (or forgotten)
patterns back into your body. The movement is done
very, very slowly in a pain-free range, very different from
what your associations might be to the word "exercise".
Problems with balance are also impacted by habits.
Good balance is created by feedback from a number of
senses, such as visual, kinesthetic, and the ability to sense
our position in space. In our visually-oriented culture, we
tend to over-rely on visual cues for balance so that we
tune out other cues. When visual acuity lessens with age,
our balance is thrown off. Balance can improve with exercises that require us to pay attention to non-visual cues
and sensory awareness.
Loss of muscle is an expected result of the aging
process, with nearly all adults starting to lose muscle mass
as early as their thirties. However, the degree of the decline in strength and muscular size is amenable to change.
5
Penny Sablove is a Physical Therapist who specializes in senior
mobility. She will be presenting at the monthly Openhouse
Health & Wellness seminar on Friday May 22. See below! She
will also be and taking appointments for free individual assessments with recommendations on exercises and movements that
will improve balance, strength and mobility.
Fourth Friday Health and Wellness Presents...
Maintaining Mobility As We Age:
A Free Health & Wellness Seminar
with Penny Sablove, PT
Friday, May 22nd from 3-4:30 PM
Openhouse Room 306. Free!
Having problems with balance, endurance, strength,
walking, doing the things you enjoy?
A lot of the loss of mobility we associate with aging is
unnecessary. There are a few simple things you can do
that can make a big difference and can support the
physical capacities you need for independent living.
This seminar is for everyone—whether you walk many
miles a day, or use a walker.
Penny Sablove, Physical Therapist, will lead a group
discussion on maintaining mobility that will include
common underlying problems that interfere with
mobility as well as some simple, enjoyable movement
sequences that help maintain critical mobility skills.
Brought to you by Stepping Stone Adult Day Health, Kaiser Permanente
and Openhouse
May 2015
Sunday
See page 3 for key to locations.
Monday
Tuesday
Openhouse Main Line: (415) 296-8995 (extensions below)
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
2
Meditation 11 AM The Sequoias
Games 10 AM–1 PM
Classic Movies 12:45 PM Castro The Center
th
Health & Wellness Consultation Art Group 1–4 PM - 30 St.
2-4PM OH X313 for appointment Sr. Center. All are welcome.
Photography Series  4–5:30PM
OH
3
4
Prime Timers
2–3:30 PM
The Sequoias 1400 Geary
Blvd.
Call (415) 552-6641 for info
5
6
Always Active 10 AM Castro
Always Active 10 AM Castro
Poetry Salon 10 AM Castro
Housing Workshop 12–1:30 PM
RSVP required: 415-347-8509
Grief Group 4–5:30 PM OH X304
Lunch Bunch 10:30 AM Curry X309
Japanese Culture and History
 6–8 PM OH
“Clearing House”: Cluttering Support
12:30–2 PM X304
New Release Movies 12:45 PM Castro
Men’s Group 2–3:30 PM OH
Men’s HIV Support Call Greg X309
10
11
Men’s Second Sunday
w/Clay Wilson 12–2
Francis of Assisi
Women’s Second
Sunday w/Mothertongue
3–5 PM
Francis of Assisi
17
12
Always Active 10 AM Castro
Always Active 10 AM Castro
New Release Movies 12:45 PM
Castro
Men’s Group 2–3:30 PM OH
Women’s Writing5-6:30 OH
Laguna Honda Visit 1:50PM
X304 for info
Grief Group 4–5:30 PM OH X304
Japanese Culture and History
 6–8 PM OH
18
Prime Timers
2–3:30 PM
The Sequoias 1400 Geary
Blvd.
Call (415) 552-6641 for info
24
Always Active 10 AM Castro
New Release Movies 12:45 PM
Castro
Men’s Group 2–3:30 PM OH
Japanese Culture and History
 6–8 PM OH
25
Memorial Day
Openhouse Closed
31
19
13
20
Poetry Salon 10 AM Castro
Lunch Bunch 10:30 AM Curry X309
Grief Group 4–5:30 PM OH X304
“Clearing House”: Cluttering Support
12:30–2 PM X304
No Mature Transgender Women’s
Support this month. Please call X304 Men’s HIV Support Call Greg X309
to get on the interest list and for info on Intermediate Spanish 4:15–5:45 PM
Medi-Cal & Long Term Care Planning
group restart date.
5:30-7:30PM PM See page 8
Grief Group 4–5:30 PM OH X304
Japanese Culture and History
 6–8 PM OH
Martin Luther Tower Discussion
Group. Join us!
MLT  10AM X309
14
Women’s Support 2-3:30PM
Rainbow Lunch 12 PM OH RSVP X310 290 Dolores St. at 16th
Intake required X304
Men’s HIV Support Call Greg X309
Film Matinee : The Cockettes
Friendly Visitor Volunteer Support
 2PM 30th St.
4-5:30PM X306
Intermediate Spanish 4:15–5:45 PM
\
Always Active 10 AM Castro
Opera Group 1PM OH
Women’s Support 2-3:30PM
290 Dolores St. at 16th
Intake required X304
Poetry Salon 10 AM Castro
Always Active 10 AM Castro
26
7
27
Poetry Salon 10 AM Castro
21
Women’s Support 2-3:30PM
290 Dolores St. at 16th
Intake required X304
Beginning Spanish 4–5:45 PM OH
28
OH Book Club “The Price of Salt.” 1PM
Rainbow Lunch 12 PM OH RSVP X310 OH X304
Women’s Support 2-3:30PM
Men’s HIV Support Call Greg X309
Beginning Spanish 4–5:45 PM OH
A Story Sharing and Drawing Workshop 
Intermediate Spanish 4:15–5:45 PM
6-7:30PM OH X304 to RSVP See page 3
Call X304 for info.
8
9
Meditation 11 AM The Sequoias
Housing Workshop 12–1:30 PM
RSVP required: 415-347-8509
Classic Movies 12:45 PM Castro
Outing to Muttville! 2 PM Join us
to visit senior dogs X304 to RSVP
Health & Wellness Consultation
2–4PM OH X313 for appointment
Photography Series  4–5:30PM
Games 10 AM–1 PM
The Center
Art Group 1–4 PM - 30th St.
Sr. Center. All are welcome.
15
16
Call X304 for info.
Medi-Cal & Long Term Care
Planning 12-2PM
See page 8
Meditation 11 AM The Sequoias
Games 10 AM–1 PM
Housing Workshop 12–1:30 PM The Center
th
Classic Movies 12:45 PM Castro Art Group 1–4 PM - 30 St.
Sr. Center. All are welcome.
Health & Wellness Consultation Call X304 for info.
2-4PM OH X313 for appointment
22
Meditation 11 AM The Sequoias
Classic Movies 12:45 PM Castro
23
Games 10 AM–1 PM
The Center
Art Group 1–4 PM - 30th St. Sr.
Fourth Friday Health &
Wellness: “Maintaining Mobility” Center . All are welcome. Call
X304 for info.
with Penny Sablove. See page 5
3-4:30PM OH
29
Meditation 11 AM The Sequoias
Housing Workshop 12–1:30 PM
30
Games 10 AM–1 PM
The Center
th
Classic Movies 12:45 PM Castro Art Group 1–4 PM - 30 St. Sr.
Health & Wellness Consultation
2-4PM OH X313 for appointment
Center . All are welcome. Call
X304 for info.
Medi-Cal and Long-Term Care Planning Seminars at Two Locations this May
Saturday, May 9th 12:00PM-2:00PM
Wednesday, May 20th 5:30PM-7:30PM
The SF LGBT Center
1800 Market Street, San Francisco
Glen Park Library
2825 Diamond Street, San Francisco
These free workshops will debunk myths about Medi-Cal and long-term care options, explain
the basics of Living Trusts and explain how estate planning documents can protect your
spouse, partner, family and assets. We will also cover special issues for married, unmarried,
and same-sex couples. Come to this free legal workshop and learn how to protect those
closest to you.
The program is brought to by Beck Law Group in partnership with Openhouse.
Celebrate LGBT 60+ Pride with Openhouse and
Mah-velous Pride Month Festivities!
Tuesday, June 9th: Laguna Honda Old Skool Drag Show with the Center Stage Divas
and the LGBT residents of Laguna Honda Hospital. Call Fairley at (415) 728-0193 for
info. or to volunteer.
lendars
a
C
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u
o
Mark Y une!
for J
Tuesday, June 16th: Openhouse Pride Party at Castro Senior Center. Doors at 1:30,
show at 2PM. Our annual Pride kick-off with amazing entertainment, FRAMELINE
matinee ticket giveaway, fabulous “60+ is sexy” spirit, and CAKE! Call (415) 231-5870
to volunteer; (415) 728-0193 for more info.
Wednesday, June 17th at 7PM: Openhouse Men’s Memoir Reading, Café area, SF
LGBT Center. All are welcome to listen as some of our favorite 60+writers share their life
stories—from living through the HIV/AIDS crisis to today.
Friday, June 26th at 12PM: Openhouse and LYRIC present LGBT Elder Youth Brunch in Dolores Park, hosted by
the SF Trans March. Growing larger every year, this INTERGENERATIONAL picnic in the park is not to be missed!
Sunday, June 28th: Openhouse in the SF Pride Parade! Walkers, riders, contingent monitors and float-decorators
needed! We’ll wear pink hard-hats and create LGBT 60+ visibility through the city streets! For more info, to volunteer
or RSVP call Suzi: (415) 231-5870
Looking for Housing?
Have housing and concerns about your ability to stay in it as you age? You
are not alone! Openhouse offers housing workshops for older adults
seeking resources and information.
The workshops are held the three times a month at 12PM and provide information about senior affordable housing, applicationsand waitlists, and
more. RSVPs are required. Please call Manuel at 415-347-8509 or email
him two days in advance of the workshop you wish to attend. You will be asked to complete a brief intake. To request an intake by mail, call Openhouse at 415-296-8995 or email [email protected].
Housing Resources List now available in our Openhouse offices Monday-Friday
You can pick up housing updates, affordable and senior housing lists, and waitlist information in our reception area,
M-F, from 12PM-4PM. You can also access info. on our website at
www.openhouse-sf.org under Housing Resources.
8
LGBT Caring Community
Online Support Group
Job Seekers Group
at the Castro
with Francisco Salazar
Have you been laid off? —On Social Security, but
need a job? Want some personalized job seeking
support that considers your strengths,
experience, and interests? We have the program
for you! Francisco Salazar, our friendly
employment coach, boasts decades of experience
in the field of human resources and will show you
how to increase your chances of finding and
securing a job. Learn tools to improve
interviewing skills, create a better resume, and
build your confidence.
We welcome you to to drop by this informative
and friendly monthly group.
Questions? Contact Suzi at: (415)231-5870 or
[email protected]
This group offers a
place for LGBT caregivers of adults with
chronic health problems to discuss the
unique issues of caring
for their partners, friends and family members.
Would you like to talk with other caregivers? Ask
for support during a difficult moment? Help
someone solve a problem? The group is presented in partnership with Family Caregiver Alliance
and is facilitated by Openhouse volunteer facilitator, Mark Braverman. Join the Caring Community
Online Support Group to share experiences,
ideas and strategies. To subscribe visit:
www.caregiver.org/online-support-groups.
Openhouse 2nd Wednesday Matinee at 30th St. Senior Center Presents...
THE COCKETTES
Wednesday, May 13th at 2PM
225 30th St. 3rd Floor
FREE!
Film run time 100 minutes.
Join us for discussion after the film
In the late '60s a San Francisco-based group of performers formed
"The Cockettes." Perhaps you were one, or lived just a few doors
down from this trailblazing group. This documentary tells the story
of the group's short but impactful existence. Directors Bill Weber
and David Weissman utilize archive footage to show how George
Harris became "Hibiscus" and formed the gender-bending troupe.
In addition to the flamboyant and dynamic performers, the directors
show how their scene intersected with San Francisco counterculture.
The Cockettes was screened at the 2002 Sundance Film Festival to
rave reviews.
Questions? Call (415) 728-0193 or email: [email protected]
9
This Is Who We Are: Shessa
The Openhouse Interview
by Emerald O’Leary
There is a superstition often ascribed to
artists’ lives that many in the mainstream
actively resist. In the Middle Ages in
Europe, actors were denied burial; only
the fool in a medieval court was allowed
to tell truth cloaked in metaphor. Artists
were among those burnt at the stake and
painters making their paints from stones
were considered dangerous alchemists
and wizards.
modern internet.”
At age 14, Shessa’s family moved to Hawaii.
“There I had exposure to Eastern cultures.
Hawaiian heritage practically saved my life. A
neighbor of Hawaiin descent gave me seashell
collection. With it I decorated a mirror and
shipped it to my grandmother who I dearly
missed. Now that was not only healing art,
that was ‘aloha,’ a recognition for us both that
I was following in her footsteps.”
Shessa moved to San Francisco in 1975,
attracted to the independent film and gender
liberation movements. She became a
massage therapist in women’s health spas to
Today art is such a commodity that it can
support her interests, working on the ship
be as good as gold in shaky financial
times. Still, the choice to “be an artist” is Shessa at a recent Openhouse outing to Alcatraz. near the wharf as a “deck hand.” Living in a
shared building, she constructed a 15 footfar easier realized by those with resources— the social and
high
loft
and
filled
it “with the swaying movements of sea
economic capital to afford such a choice.
nets, silk saris, swiss dotted lace, glowing parasols and fans,
For Shessa, there was no choice. Her life required art to heal, creating an atmosphere of peace and healing”.
to transform, and to survive.
In 1986 Shessa walked in the ProShessa says she discarded her last
Peace/Great Peace March for Global
I invented patting my fingers
name in the 1970’s. “Shessa is my
Nuclear Disarmament from Los
together to calm myself.
poetry name, shortened from my
Angeles to New York to D.C. “I sang
I’m a recovery-artist.
given name of Sharon Lee Hess, with
people awake from their tents in the
an “a” added for poetic bounce.”
morning. I would (also) get up ahead
of
the
march,
collect
car
pieces and glue them onto large
She describes herself as a healing artist. Like many, she is a
sheets of wood, creating murals to greet the marchers in
wounded-healer. “My father was a sadistic pedophile and I
was abused and neglected as a child. I invented patting my different cities. Now that was what Native Americans
describe as ‘Big Medicine.’”
fingers together to calm myself. I’m a recovery-artist. At
five, I was told to follow in my grandmother’s footsteps as a
Medicine Woman nurse.”
In Chicago she produced a mural covering a city block
depicting the life-sized silhouettes of the march. “I also made
an enormous green turtle kite representing the planet to
Life with her father was brutal. “Although he was an artist
and well paid by the Geological Survey in DC, he opposed my greet the marchers in DC. By that time, the march had
early artistic and literary attempts. He beat me when I tried swelled to more than 30,000 participants.”
to express myself creatively. My mother couldn’t protect me. Back in San Francisco, Shessa found out about Women’s
She (too) was beaten down by him.”
Second Sundays (at that time led by New Leaf Services). “I
met Fairley Parson who was a Master’s of Social Work intern
Shessa discovered an epidemic of incest and sexual abuse
there. I also contributed to community theater, writing and
throughout America when she spoke at the first Tribunal of
Child and Incest Abuse. She later contributed to a film titled acting a part in a play produced by Outlook Theatre and New
Leaf. When New Leaf closed I continued to go to Women’s
“Incest: the Victim Nobody Believes.” The film was widely
Second Sundays with Openhouse.”
distributed among women’s shelters, mental health
These days, Shessa goes to Openhouse movies at 30th St. and
frequents the art group there. She recently attended Janelle
Moon’s women’s writing workshop and has shown in the
Shessa believes there is evidence that once the internet
opened to the world at large, pedophilia exploded across the Openhouse art show. She also does speaking engagements
planet. “People are mistaken when they hail the Internet as as a peer educator for the San Francisco Mental Health
Association’s SOLVE program. Always a lover of words and of
(solely) a tool. It had its beginnings in the military and the
women, Shessa has begun wrting a memoir that will
organized crime— and the exploitation of women and
children that attend military offensives. My father worked on illustrate her adventures in film and feminist publishing.
the technology that was essentially a pre-cursor to the
ENDS.
10
conferences and women’s groups across the country. “That
was healing,” she says.
Case Management Program at Openhouse
Case management is assistance in circumstances where a
senior, or adult with disabilities, or
their caregivers, are
experiencing a reduced capacity to
function and need services by formal or informal service providers.
Case managers assess needs, develop care plans, and authorize
and coordinate services among
providers such as medical, mental
health, transportation providers.
Call our case manager if you are experiencing grief, illness,
financial challenges, housing concerns, or a decline in cognitive or mental health, and we will see how we can help.
A case manager may:
-Help you apply for social services like In Home Supportive
Services, Meals on Wheels or Paratransit
-Identify and coordinate access to support groups or
individual therapy
-Identify community resources tailored to your needs.
To qualify for Openhouse case management you:
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


Must be a resident of San Francisco
Self-identify with the LGBT community
Are age 60 and above or age 18-59 with a disability
Are not currently receiving case management services
Interested or have questions? Call Katie Outzen at X302 or
email: [email protected]
Openhouse CARING CONNECTIONS:
FRIENDLY VISITOR PROGRAM
Seeking Volunteers!
Caring Connections matches
trained volunteers of all ages
with LGBT older adults 60+
who enjoy taking walks,
meeting for coffee, exchanging stories and sharing a few
laughs together!
Every 2nd Friday at 2PM
255 Alabama
(near Harrison &16th)
Muttville’s mission is to change
the way the world treats older
dogs and to create better lives
for them through rescue, foster,
and adoption.
We visit Muttville on the 2nd
Friday of each month at 2PM and we invite you to
join us. You’ll hang out with a handful of sweet dogs
in a cozy living-room like setting. You can also elect
to walk with the dogs. Either way, they’d love to see
you!
To RSVP for Friday, May 8th call:
(415) 728-0193 or email: [email protected]
Opera Lovers
If you're an opera lover, and want to
watch an opera DVD with other opera
lovers, this is the group for you! We
bring our DVD's, and then decide onthe-spot, by a vote, which one to watch. You're free
to bring your own DVD(s), but you don't have to. If
there is a rare opera that you'd like to see, we'll try to
find it for you. Last time we saw Meyerbeer's Les Huguenots, and for next time we're thinking of Rossini's
L'italiana in Algeri, but we haven't decided yet.
Regardless, we have a good time.
Every 4th Tuesday from 1PM-4PM
Openhouse Room 306
Questions? Call: (415) 231-5870
These exceptional volunteers
are supported by staff to provide ongoing companionship,
emotional support and practical assistance to
promote wellness and connection to the community! For
more information contact Michelle:
Drop-in Men’s Support
And Discussion Group
Come make new friends at our longest continuously
running group! The group meets once a week. All
male-identified community members are
welcome to come check it out.
Monday’s from 2-3:30 PM
(415)728-0195 or [email protected].
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Openhouse Room 306
1800 Market Street, PMB 93
San Francisco, CA 94102
Housing, Services and
Community for LGBT Seniors
NONPROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
SAN FRANCISCO,CA
PERMIT NO. 925
Return Service Requested
2015
y
a
M
Openhouse Book Club Invites You to Join us to Discuss…
THE PRICE OF SALT
Thursday, May 28th at 1PM at Openhouse
A chance encounter between two women
leads to a passionate romance in this lesbian
cult classic, re-issued in 2012. Therese, a
struggling young sales clerk, and Carol, a
homemaker in the midst of a bitter divorce,
abandon their oppressive daily routines for
the freedom of the open road, where their
love can blossom. But their newly discovered
bliss is shattered when Carol is forced to
choose between her child and her lover.
Originally published in 1952 under a
pseudonym, The Price of Salt was heralded as
"the novel of a love society forbids."
Highsmith's sensitive treatment of fully realized characters who defy
stereotypes about homosexuality marks a departure from previous
lesbian pulp fiction. Erotic, eloquent, and suspenseful, this story offers
an honest look at the necessity of being true to one's nature.
The Price of Salt is widely available at bookstores and the public library.
For more information please call (415) 728-0193.
Clearing House
Drop-in Clutter Support Group
Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday
12:30PM-2PM at Openhouse
Openhouse and the Mental Health
Association of San Francisco welcome
you to a drop-in support group for all
LGBT community members age 55+
who “struggle with stuff.”
The group is a non-judgmental, confidential, and supportive space where you can share your struggles and
strategies. The group is facilitated by Varian Pierce, a
Peer Responder with MHASF’s innovative Peer Response Team. Varian has his own experiences with the
challenges of clutter and collection and shares tips and
tools for dealing with the emotional and physical aspects of stuff. For more info., contact Fairley at (415)
728-0193 or [email protected]
The Openhouse newsletter is produced by Fairley Parson with contributions and editorial support from Emerald O’Leary, Openhouse staff, and volunteers. These programs are made
possible through generous support from the San Francisco Department of Aging and Adult Services, Wells Fargo, The San Francisco Foundation, Horizons Foundation, Genentech,
Corporate Sponsors, and individual donors.