Written by:
Katie Peoples
Photographer:
Austin
» Order
this Issue of Curve:
18#5
The South Light Court in San Francisco City Hall was filled with press and fans alike when Theresa Sparks, the transgender president of the police commission, mayor Gavin Newsom and the incomparable Margaret Cho walked into the room to declare April 30 as Margaret Cho Day.
The queer comedienne, whose new VH 1 show, The Cho Show, premieres this summer was in her hometown to receive the declaration. The event was highlighted by short speeches by Sparks and Newsom, as well as a hilarious thank you speech by Cho, who kept the room laughing.
Sparks, who is also the CEO of Good Vibrations, took the podium first. She fondly recalled working with Cho at Good Vibrations so many years ago, and complimented Cho on her advocacy for LGBT rights, her spirit and her willingness to live her life out loud.
“Margaret Cho is a San Francisco original,” she said, “and Margaret, if you ever need a Hitachi Magic Wand, call me.”
The room erupted in laughter and applause when the shellaced mayor himself rose to speak. He spoke about only how people are living with each other across great divides in San Francisco, that the world looks to the city as an example of how to live.
“It seems only appropriate…that we recognize the contributions of Margaret Cho,” he said, “She’s lived her life not only out loud but as an example.”
After thanking the crowd Cho told them how she loves that her hometown has a mayor willing to recognize gay people’s legal rights to marry. But she also had her usual wit about her.
“I’m so honored to be in your presence,” she said to Newsom, “and I’m taken aback by how hot you are. Hot and straight. You’re like a unicorn.”
“I’m so proud that this day is my day. I’d like to dedicate this to my parents,” she said, as she looked to the front row where her mother and father sat. Cho explained how her parents came here from Korea with $25 and then did the gayest thing–opened a bookstore on Polk Street. They hired gay people to work for them and raised Cho in this environment.
“Some people are raised by wolves. I was raised by drag queens,” she joked. Cho told her audience that Margaret Cho Day should be a gay holiday.
“All the salons will close,” she said. “You won’t be able to get a facial. Well…not that kind of facial.” The crowd roared with laughter.
“In fact,” she continued, “that’s how we’ll celebrate Margaret Cho Day. It’ll be like the turkey on thanksgiving.” Then, pretending to look bashful at her comments, she stared straight ahead and gave an apology to Newsom for her comments about facials, but explained that she just had to say it.
The event was filmed by VH 1 for The Cho Show, a “reality hybrid” show, according to Cho, which is sure to stray far from the cookie-cutter sitcom of her earlier days. On it, Cho will explore plenty of LGBT culture.
“There are queer stories,” she said, “and I am a queer person.”
After giving love to her lesbian fans, Cho posed for the cameras as her parents, beaming proudly, showed off her declaration and hugged old friends.
On top of the world and, not to mention is now on level with the likes of workers’ rights pioneer Cesar Chavez, Cho seemed to take it all in stride and with humility.
“It’s pretty amazing,” she said.
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