‘So, good riddance to all of the poking, pulling, prodding, pigeon-holing, blustering, and yanking of 2023.’
I woke up so overwhelmed by the dream I had last night. I was at a park with Jackson, who was tied to the bench I was sitting on. Everything I had worked on last year was playing back in front of me at high speed –– events, parties, and marches; I saw every person I knew. It was fluttering from day to night, indoors and outdoors. And, then, I turned to look at Jackson; he was gone, and everything stopped. All I saw was his leash and collar tied to the bench. I’ve spent most of the day interpreting the dream and understanding its significance.
A few people I’ve had heart-to-heart chats about 2023 with said they felt it was a fantastic year for them personally and artistically. While we saw a surge of anti-everything queer bills in state legislatures across the country –– most of the queens, kings, and artists I know in San Francisco were booked, busy, and getting paid throughout the year. And that included myself. The City was letting the country know that the art and drag culture is alive and well here. For that, I am grateful; I was asked many, many times, “Well, it’s great to be busy.”
My response to that question has always been, “I don’t know –– is it?!”
This brings me back to my dream and how this year was non-stop, fabulous, and emotionally challenging. I was well aware of my pup Jackson’s decline as 2023 began, and in truth, all I wanted to do was lie in bed, love him, and cuddle him the entire year. But duty called, and I threw the wig on many times. The dream was an interpretation of my reality: I was reminded of why I should continue doing what I’ve always done as a mother to many: to be there when needed to the best of my ability.
There were many bright spots sprinkled throughout this year, including raising over $120,000 for Queer LifeSpace over Pride, working with Villa Albertine and The French Consulate on Night of Ideas––More at the San Francisco Public Library, getting to DJ for Fake and Gay’s collaboration with Boiler Room, helping activist Cleve Jones organize entertainment for the comeback of Russian River Pride and many other amazing events and winning the Williams-Sonoma Drag Queen Cook-Off.
There was a huge loss of friends and family close to my heart, including Heklina, my pup Jackson, and others. There was activism at its best at Drag Up, Fight Back, People’s March & Rally, and at San Francisco is a Drag — though shrouded in darkness by the horrors and suffering that continue to unfold in Palestine.
Though I have often felt powerless regarding the war, we must continue to take action and make our voices heard. I have dedicated the homepage of my website to ways to make our support for a ceasefire known with links to contact the Mayor London Breed, your District Supervisor, our Congressional Representatives in California, The White House, and the United Nations demanding action now.
In March of 2024, we will begin practicing our right to vote in a (somewhat) stable democracy. The last day to register to vote for the Presidential Primary Election in March is February 20, 2024. If you haven’t already registered, you can do that here: REGISTER
So, good riddance to all of the poking, pulling, prodding, pigeon-holing, blustering, and yanking of 2023. It can be hard to pull ourselves out of darkness, and I will admit it took some time in the last few months to remember that I’ve been an active community member as a mother, activist, and philanthropist for the past 31 years. I’ve worked closely with many city leaders, activists, and social icons to bring our community together and evoke positive change.
And that will continue to be my goal for 2024; I really don’t know any other way.
Loads of Love, Juanita
Juanita MORE! is a denizen of the limelight. For almost three decades, the laudable hostess has blitzed San Francisco with high glamour, drag irreverence, and danceable beats that have illuminated the entire city. MORE! continues to be a heaping dollop of generosity and a sprinkle of nerve. She inspires those around her to make positive differences in their lives and communities — and doing it all with timeless elegance and an innovative spirit. Most recently, after her reign, Miss MORE! holds the title of Absolute Empress 56 of the Imperial Council of San Francisco –– one of the oldest non-profit organizations globally.
To date, MORE! has helped raise over 1 million dollars for local charities — among them GBLT Historical Society & Archives, Our Trans Youth, Q Foundation, Queer Lifespace, Transgender Law Center, and more. In addition, MORE! tirelessly fundraises for organizations in San Francisco that are adamant about helping communities in the seven-by-seven thrive, all while shining light and offering support to those who’ve been overlooked for far too long.
MORE! embodies what it means to be a conduit of connection. MORE!’ brings the people together to fundraise, celebrate community, and demand social change around San Francisco and elsewhere. Her culinary expressions are an extension of what mothers have been doing in their kitchens for generations — which, simply states, is sharing “loads of love.”