Uncovered: The Diary Project Anchors Society’s Gala

By Kyle Levinger and John Weber

The GLBT Historical Society’s annual Gala, “Reunion,” is just a few weeks away. And while we are organizing a virtual event again this year as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we’re incredibly excited about the program.

Our hosts barely need an introduction: we’ll be fabulously emceed by “nun” other than Sister Roma of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, the “most photographed nun in the world,” and by Juanita MORE!, everyone’s favorite delicious drag denizen. We’re also delighted to announce that the featured entertainment is particularly close to our hearts. The Sean Dorsey Dance Company will be screening excerpts of its dance-theater performance Uncovered: The Diary Project, a popular 2009 work based on the diaries of Louis Sullivan, which are held by the GLBT Historical Society. The photograph above is a publicity still for Uncovered; company founder Sean Dorsey stands second from the left.
 
Sullivan (1951–1991) was a transgender gay man whose pioneering activism on behalf of trans men in the 1970s and 1980s helped shape the modern understanding of sexual orientation and gender identity. His extensive diaries spanning the 30-year period from 1961 to 1991 document his transition in extraordinary detail. After spending a year absorbing Sullivan’s diaries, Dorsey distilled and narrated excerpts into a lush, multilayered sound-score and choreographed a suite of dances based on Sullivan's remarkable life.

As we approach the event, Gala co-chairs Kyle Leviger and John Weber each shared their thoughts on this year's program:
 
Kyle: “I think of history as a dialogue between the present and the past, with the purpose of informing the former. That’s why I’m excited to share excerpts of Uncovered with our guests, since the work draws on archival materials housed at the society. And our honorees, likewise, are living history-makers who have advocated for diversity, equity, inclusion and representation in the LGBTQ community.”

John: “The entertainment plan reflects the essence of our community, with a particular interest in diversity, equity and inclusion. Another goal is to be uplifting as we emerge from a pandemic. Many of us have endured loss, isolation and feelings of anxiety. The entertainment is designed to uplift, to empower and to confirm that we are stronger together. I’m proud to be a African American member of the Planning Committee this year, and can affirm that all of the honorees are amazing trailblazers in their own right. Each reflects the very best of our diverse spectrum. The honorees have taken adversity and real needs and responded with strength, creativity and courage to create solutions to these challenges. I salute each of them for their leadership.”

Kyle Levinger serves on the GLBT Historical Society’s board of directors. He currently works on the donor-advised funds team at the San Francisco Jewish Community Federation. When not at work, Kyle performs around the Bay Area as Kylie Minono, his drag persona.

John “John-John” Weber is a community philanthropist and supporter of the GLBT Historical Society. With Kyle Levinger, he co-chaired the Gala Planning Committee overseeing the 2021 Gala.