Sponsored link
Saturday, September 23, 2023

Sponsored link

Arts + CultureLitWatch: 'Girl Shock' author Maria Konner on trans journey from 'tech dude'...

Watch: ‘Girl Shock’ author Maria Konner on trans journey from ‘tech dude’ to fabulous

New memoir takes colorful and important trip through the life of one of our beloved nightlife 'fembassadors'

-

One of my favorite things in the city is seeing Maria Konner strap on a Fender and rock out with a band to Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd, and other bangers, her skirt and highlights shimmering in the stage lights. For years, Konner has been a denizen of San Francisco’s nightlife: When not blasting music, she’s interviewing night owls and kinksters on her “Under the Golden Gate” video series and hosting cannabis-centric happy hours with DJ Dank, or hitting the piano for some singalongs at Martuni’s and The Cinch, or sharing a drink and a laugh with other larger-than-life personalities around town as an unofficial official San Francisco after-dark “fembassador.”

Now, with wonderful new memoir Girl Shock, she’s opening up about her journey from a straight ‘tech dude’ to a fabulous woman on the scene. The book’s subtitle, ‘I Dressed Like a Girl for Halloween, but Then She Took Over My Life!’ gives you a general outline, but the subject matter dives so much deeper, into Maria’s childhood, the importance of music in here life, and the thrill of discovering a sisterhood at bars like the now-closed Diva’s trans bar that allowed her to begin to live authentically—and naughtily (the book does not stint on the erotic side of her journey).

I was fortunate to sit down for a wee Zoom with Konner, as we took a trip through her life—and the importance of local nightlife and arts in helping people realize their full selves. (We also find out how she broke her piano bench!)

48 Hills welcomes comments in the form of letters to the editor, which you can submit here. We also invite you to join the conversation on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

Marke B.
Marke B.
Marke Bieschke is the publisher and arts and culture editor of 48 Hills. He co-owns the Stud bar in SoMa. Reach him at marke (at) 48hills.org, follow @supermarke on Twitter.

Top reads

Party Radar: Quick ‘n dirty guide to Folsom 2023 parties

Disco Daddy, Queerbait, Power Snatch, Horse Meat Disco, Whip Appeal, Sub Mission, Holesome Folsom—these are just a few!

Twitter trolls attack Preston for the most common-sense approach to crime

The Big Money assault on progressive politics is gearing up for 2024.

Families in RVs near Lake Merced may have to go—but Mayor’s Office delays safe parking spot

Four-hour parking rules would mean eviction. Why isn't Breed pushing the obvious solution?

More by this author

Pride Parade debris transformed into sparkling art (for queer mental health)

In Schlomer Haus Gallery's "What Remains," 10 artists metamorphize rainbow trash into expressions of community.

Seeking out ‘Mission Rebel No. 1’—and a father’s story

Rev Jesse James founded the historic Mission Rebels in the 1960s. David James relates his life through music onstage

Party Radar: Quick ‘n dirty guide to Folsom 2023 parties

Disco Daddy, Queerbait, Power Snatch, Horse Meat Disco, Whip Appeal, Sub Mission, Holesome Folsom—these are just a few!
Sponsored link
Sponsored link

You might also likeRELATED