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cellboyIn Celebration of Marcus Hernandez' life, the gay flag was replaced with the Leather Flag flown at half staff, at Harvey Milk Plaza (I think this is the first time, in history that the leather flag was up in the Castro this time of year(not Leather Week), and at half staff.
1. 415 Folsom, the large 3 tiered Dance venue, was packed with over 500+ people. Including local and state politicians, and the who's who of the Leather Community; from Chuck Renslow (founder of IML, who later announced that IML 2010 will be dedicated to Mr Marcus Hernadez) to scores of tile holders country and world wide.
Open Bar and food was provided to over the 500+ guests, in the lobby. Memorabilia of Mr Marcus' life history, was available for viewing throughout the lobby area.
3. The celebration was hosted by Queen Cougar, who really was like a daughter to Marcus, and gave us a history of him, her poignant stories of their history together.
4. The service, continued with a video tribute to Marcus, his life, and his life events after moving to San Francisco, in 1968. From being the 1st Emperor of San Francisco, to his involvement with gay rights, and of the women and men of the leather community.
5. Later a moving speech from his estranged son, Reverend Marcus, from North Carolina. He had begun contact with his father a few years ago, and finally was able to meet him in person, about 3 yrs ago. The first thing he mentioned, was yes, he was a Reverend from the Carolinas' and after getting to know his father, and meeting all that had touched Marcus' life, it seems, he said to this effect, "We (the clergy), seems to have been getting, or gotten it all wrong." The crowd went wild, as we rose to a standing and long ovation.
He said the did not talk of the past, but of the present with his father. He said that after all these years, his father, on his death bed, being little able to speak, told his son he loved him. "How many out there would love to hear their father speak those words", he asked. The crowd again went wild with ovation.
6. Other highlights included two moving songs, from his friend, singer and songwriter Kim Kuzma. Her first song, Guardian Angels, was incredible. Her last and unique rendition of Over the Rainbow, was, Mr Marcus' (and mine) favorite.
7. Can we say, "look at a room full of women, men, men and women of leather in tears?"
8. So much to say, and too hard and overwhelming to put in writing.
9. Being at this wonderful ceremony, reminds me how short our life is, and I always feel blessed to know so many wonderful, kind, and giving people. And to have also been touched, by knowing, in a slight way, Mr Marcus. Sir. May you rest in peace.
10. Here is a bit of the audio from today's web cast (not the best so maybe wait till it's out on You Tube or other sites)
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/2611601
11. And some photos
http://www.richtrove.com/Archives/2009/2009%2011%2021%20Mr%20Marcus%20Celebration%20of%20Life/Welcome.htm
1. 415 Folsom, the large 3 tiered Dance venue, was packed with over 500+ people. Including local and state politicians, and the who's who of the Leather Community; from Chuck Renslow (founder of IML, who later announced that IML 2010 will be dedicated to Mr Marcus Hernadez) to scores of tile holders country and world wide.
Open Bar and food was provided to over the 500+ guests, in the lobby. Memorabilia of Mr Marcus' life history, was available for viewing throughout the lobby area.
3. The celebration was hosted by Queen Cougar, who really was like a daughter to Marcus, and gave us a history of him, her poignant stories of their history together.
4. The service, continued with a video tribute to Marcus, his life, and his life events after moving to San Francisco, in 1968. From being the 1st Emperor of San Francisco, to his involvement with gay rights, and of the women and men of the leather community.
5. Later a moving speech from his estranged son, Reverend Marcus, from North Carolina. He had begun contact with his father a few years ago, and finally was able to meet him in person, about 3 yrs ago. The first thing he mentioned, was yes, he was a Reverend from the Carolinas' and after getting to know his father, and meeting all that had touched Marcus' life, it seems, he said to this effect, "We (the clergy), seems to have been getting, or gotten it all wrong." The crowd went wild, as we rose to a standing and long ovation.
He said the did not talk of the past, but of the present with his father. He said that after all these years, his father, on his death bed, being little able to speak, told his son he loved him. "How many out there would love to hear their father speak those words", he asked. The crowd again went wild with ovation.
6. Other highlights included two moving songs, from his friend, singer and songwriter Kim Kuzma. Her first song, Guardian Angels, was incredible. Her last and unique rendition of Over the Rainbow, was, Mr Marcus' (and mine) favorite.
7. Can we say, "look at a room full of women, men, men and women of leather in tears?"
8. So much to say, and too hard and overwhelming to put in writing.
9. Being at this wonderful ceremony, reminds me how short our life is, and I always feel blessed to know so many wonderful, kind, and giving people. And to have also been touched, by knowing, in a slight way, Mr Marcus. Sir. May you rest in peace.
10. Here is a bit of the audio from today's web cast (not the best so maybe wait till it's out on You Tube or other sites)
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/2611601
11. And some photos
http://www.richtrove.com/Archives/2009/2009%2011%2021%20Mr%20Marcus%20Celebration%20of%20Life/Welcome.htm
