We close our History of the Bay Area LGBTQ Community Series with internationally famous Drag King, Leigh Crow. A gender-bending cabaret singer, Leigh gained notoriety as the world’s first female Elvis Impersonator, Elvis Herselvis. Her 30-year performance career includes Drag shows, independent films, stage musicals, rock bands, music videos, documentaries, and performance art of every kind. Today, Crow is fulfilling a lifelong fantasy starring as Captain Kirk in the drag-heavy “Star Trek Live” at The Oasis in San Francisco.

Native San Franciscan Roberto Ordeñana has over 25 years of experience investing in LGBTQ communities. Previously, he was the Deputy Executive Director of the San Francisco LGBT Center, developed nationally-recognized HIV prevention initiatives with the STOP AIDS Project, and volunteered extensively on various San Francisco community boards and city commissions — including the San Francisco Arts Commission, where he served as President from 2019 to 2022.

Wally Bee and Steve Smith are two longtime members of the Oakland Gay Men's Chorus, the "Pride of the East Bay." Originally the Oakland-East Bay Gay Men's Chorus, its mission statement is "giving voice through song to a community where everyone matters." O.G.M.C., for short, has been an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit since 2006, and is a member of the Gay And Lesbian Association of Choruses.

For over two decades, Chef Tyler Florence has shared his unique culinary vision around the globe. He's trained with top chefs in NYC, hosted popular shows on the Food Network, owned multiple restaurants, received multiple Michelin Stars, and published 17 cookbooks, including his newest publication, American Grill.

In honor of Juneteenth, we’re excited to re-release our 2020 episode with Rev. Amos Brown, President of the NAACP San Francisco Chapter and Civil Rights Leader! Also a historian, Rev. Brown shared with us his extensive knowledge of African American history in the

Barbara Tannenbaum is an award-winning journalist and author who writes essays on arts and culture for top publications like the New York Times and the San Francisco Chronicle. She also creates content for museums such as the Oakland Museum of California and the California Academy of Sciences.

Sister Vish-Knew is one of the founders of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Coming from Iowa, Sister Vish-Knew produced the first Midwest Gay Pride Conference back when the entire state of Iowa had only three gay organizations, three gay bars, and two student groups.

This week, we feature Fred Rogers, former owner of the popular bar The Elephant Walk, along with guest host Gerard Koskovich, Historian at the GLBT Historical Society. The Elephant Walk, located in the Castro, was known for hosting disco star Sylvester in the 70’s and 80’s and serving daily brunch until 3:00 pm. It was a sanctuary as the rapidly transitioning neighborhood became a hub for the LGBTQ+ community.

Renowned photographer Jim Marshall captured photos of the 20th-century’s most iconic musicians like Janis Joplin, Otis Redding, Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Cash, and many more. From famous shots on stage at major events like Woodstock, to intimate moments with second-to-none access, Marshall’s work is held in private and public museum collections worldwide.

Kevin Cline originally moved to San Francisco with intentions of returning home to the South after saving money through bartending. However, he quickly fell in love with the city and decided to make it his permanent home. Despite opportunities at iconic establishments like Bix, Cline ultimately preferred a slower pace, leading him to found The Front Porch—a Southern-style restaurant in the Southern Mission neighborhood.

Debi Durst is a versatile performer, director, and producer with extensive experience in improv, theater, and comedy. She’s best known for work in Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, and has acted with Marin Shakespeare Company, earning her the 2015 BATCC Award. As a proud SF native, Debi successfully renamed the location of Comedy Day in Golden Gate Park to Robin Williams Meadow in 2017. Debi is also a huge SF Giants fan.

At over 90 years old, Everett Brandon is still an active force for change. After earning a Juris Doctor degree from UC Berkeley School of Law, Everett moved to San Francisco to participate in the Coro Fellowship in Public Affairs. This immersive program provided him with valuable internships with various San Francisco City departments and institutions.

At over 90 years old, Everett Brandon is still an active force for change. After earning a Juris Doctor degree from UC Berkeley School of Law, Everett moved to San Francisco to participate in the Coro Fellowship in Public Affairs. This immersive program provided him with valuable internships with various San Francisco City departments and institutions.

George Frederick Gund IV is the President of Gund Real Estate Group, trustee of the George Gund Foundation, and a native San Franciscan. Beyond his professional roles, George finds solace and purpose as a nature photographer, using his lens to bridge people with the roots of real food. Hailing from the Gund Family's legacy in the food industry, George is deeply invested in cultivating this connection.

Lori Augustine is the Vice President of the San Francisco International Airport Hub for United Airlines — the first woman to hold this position. She is responsible for the safety and execution of all operations at United's premier international gateway to the Asia-Pacific region. Recently, Lori served as United’s Vice President of airport operations domestic line stations, in which she was responsible for overseeing all of United's non-hub domestic airports.

Happy Holidays Everyone !! we are so grateful to you for listening !!!!!!!

We look forward to a wonderful 2024 !!!!!!!

all our best, Susan, Michaela and Jae

Welcome to Season 8 of Beyond the Fog Radio! We start our first series, Local Heroes, with poet, writer, media producer, and activist Nina Serrano. Born during the Great Depression in New York City’s Latino and immigrant communities, Nina’s deep appreciation for these cultural connections profoundly shaped her life. Along with a background in theater, anthropology, and international peace activism, Nina's career is a profound blend of the arts and Latinx-American human rights activism.