Juanita More’s Loads of Love party is a Valentine for heavy times

“Are you single, married, or in a relationship? Juanita doesn’t give a shit,” are the unforgettable opening lines of the invitation to Juanita More’s free Valentine’s Day extravaganza Loads of Love (Fri/14, 5pm-10pm, 620 Jones, SF). “Spend your evening surrounded by our chosen family and those you love. It will be a party for any and everyone, especially those who prefer to express their love uniquely.”

We are most definitely into a free party on one of the most romantically stressful nights of the year (make it an entire starry evening by booking dinner reservations at 620 Jones). But we’re also stoked that Juanita has called upon almost every fabulous performer, artist, and personage in San Francisco to be a part of it all, from DJs and burlesque performers to pole dancers and caricature artist. Hosts Mr. David Glamamore, Sister Roma and Dulce De Leche bring the drag royalty, and the beneficiary is Open House, which provides housing, direct services, and community programs for LGBTQ+ elders. And yes, there will be the (mobile?) kissing booth that is Juanita herself at the head of it all.

Most importantly, the event is a show of strength and love from the queer arts and performance community, will all genders and types of humans coming together as attacks on drag artists and trans people escalate wildly. I spoke with her about the party and its energy-boosting significance for right now.

48 HILLS The queer community is going through a really heavy time right now. How are you feeling? 

JUANITA MORE I have many different feelings about the heavy things happening in our mess of a world today. It is so hard to watch the news or scroll through social media. I want to remind everyone to check on your queer family; let them know they are loved and supported. Keep being your fabulous queer selves as we move forward into these uncertain times.

48 HILLS Love is the message of your party, beyond mere romance (though that’s good too)! How are you hoping the Loads of Love Valentine’s Party uplifts and recharges for the times ahead? 

JUANITA MORE We are in a moment when we all need to be surrounded by love. I’m already looking forward to having a safe space where we can look around and see our big, amazing, talented, beautiful, powerful family together. I love bringing people together, and this feels especially important now.

48 HILLS Who are some participants and performers you’re excited about?

JUANITA MORE The list of entertainers is the crème de la crème of our city’s nightlife. When 620 Jones contacted me with the news that they were one of the 14 recipients awarded a San Francisco Downtown Entertainment & Nightlife Revitalization program grant and asked if I wanted to help reenergize downtown with a party, I immediately said yes! 

I contacted some very talented friends and said, “Let’s put on a show!” I hope attendees will feel all the joy and love these artists bring. I’ve asked Mr. David Glamamore, Sister Roma & Dulce De Leche to host the event. The cavalcade of entertainment includes music by LBXX & Brown Angel, performances by Bay Area recording artist Mia Jómor, burlesque star RedBone, stage legends Mary Vice, Bionka Simone, and Jota Mercury, pole dancers Pup Epoch & Princess Onyx (2024 PSO Golden Gate Double Champions), an art installation by Spencer Morris, a caricature drawing station with artist DesignNurd, and photographer Fred Rowe Foto on hand to capture all the glamour.

48 HILLS Will there be any special Juanita More perks on the menu? 

JUANITA MORE The bar at 620 Jones will be serving the very popular Juanita MORE! Slushy. This yummy cocktail includes bourbon, blackberries, and ginger beer. It is a taste treat!

48 HILLS I love that this is benefitting OpenHouse, which offers living services for queer seniors. What’s your relationship with them, and how did you come to choose them? 

JUANITA MORE I have been a big supporter of OpenHouse since it opened its doors in our community. I  have a soft spot in my heart for our queer elders and queer youth. Our elders hold so many stories from the past that we must listen to and share in our world, now more than ever. Every third Saturday at Powerhouse, I throw a party called BEATPIG and named OpenHouse the beneficiary. I am proud to know we can have a good time and give back.

48 HILLS Will you be in the kissing booth? 

JUANITA MORE I will be at the kissing booth all night! 

JUANITA MORE: LOADS OF LOVE Fri/14, 5pm-10pm, 620 Jones. SF. More info here.