Over 1,000 communities across the country today are holding events for a "No Kings Nationwide Day of Defiance." Queens are a different matter. Let me introduce you to the Absolute Empress XXV of San Francisco. The name Garry McLain might not be familiar to you, but for so many - even folks on the other side of the world, the San Francisco establishment he ran for many years was not only familiar, but it was also a destination!
Mclain is much better known to many as Marlena the Magnificent, who owned Marlena's bar. Marlena’s was a neighborhood institution for twenty two years and for many regulars, it was a home away from home - a place like Cheers, "where everybody knew your name." It was also where you could play a quick afternoon game of pool or come to see one of the best drag shows anywhere. Of course the fundraisers and community events are firm in so many of our memories too. Santas. If you had been there at Christmastime, you know about the santas.
Marlena's was such a wonderful part of San Francisco, but it was the man at the top, Marlena himself, who made this all happen. So many know him as a drag queen or as a bar owner, but if you have spent any time in the community or if you have visited his namesake saloon, you know him as someone who gives back - someone who makes a difference in this world. He has given money- he has given time - he has given a stage for new performers - he has given a place for folks with nowhere else to go. To put it quite simply, Garry McLain has a heart of gold.
During Pride Month, I pause to thank all the wonderful drag performers in our world, past and present. God save our queens!
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