Stand And Say Something Initiative
Fashion has historically been a vehicle for social commentary and transformation. The Stand And Say Something Initiative, SASSI, harnesses this power to challenge exclusionary norms and carve out space for LGBTQ+ individuals in cultural, political, and artistic institutions. By placing boldly designed couture in high-visibility environments, we assert the presence of queer creativity in spaces where it has historically been minimized.
SASSI was born out of a lived reality: Even in progressive cultural institutions like San Francisco, the presence of openly queer and gender-expansive individuals in positions of influence remains limited. This reality became evident in 2022 when our founder Saul Sugarman attended the San Francisco Ballet Gala as the only man in a ballgown—an act that, while personal, underscored the ongoing barriers to self-expression in elite spaces.
We’ve since seen an SF queer orchestra disinvited to the Kennedy Center this year, and in 2023, only two trans characters appeared in more than 250 films. Likewise, our successive appearances at many San Francisco society events feel noticeably lacking in queer fashion representation. It’s time to make space—and SASSI is here to do it.
SASSI is a not-for-profit initiative. Our sponsorship through Independent Arts & Media, a San Francisco-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, allows us to accept tax-deductible donations in support of our shared mission.
Our leadership:
The creative tastemakers behind SASSI have been collaborating for many years.
• Saul Sugarman – Founder & Creative Director
Mr. Sugarman has been a professional, award-winning journalist for 15 years in San Francisco, covering mayoral campaigns, civic events, crime, and legal affairs. For the past five years, he has focused on arts as a columnist for The SF Examiner and editor in chief of The Bold Italic.
Since 2015, he has also run an independent fashion label, creating couture that intersects with activism. Notable projects include partnerships with Impulse SF for a fashion show and queer prom (2022–2023), as well as high-profile appearances at the SF Ballet Gala and other social soirees (2022-present), and Kentucky Derby (2024), where he was the only man in a dress.
• Katie Conrad – Associate Director of Community Outreach and Inclusivity
Ms. Conrad recently co-launched a San Francisco chapter of FLUX, a national division of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation advocating for transgender and gender non-conforming people. She is also former Events Director and President of Impulse SF (2021-2024), which itself is a division of AHF and part of a national nonprofit focused on LGBTQ+ health and community engagement. At SASSI, she oversees event production, community partnerships, and public outreach to expand the initiative’s impact.
• Paul Gallo – Associate Director of Draping, Patternmaking, Mentorship, and Sustainability
Mr. Gallo is a master draper and patternmaker with more than three decades of experience in San Francisco. Specializing in garment fit and couture construction, he brings deep expertise in fashion design, mentorship, and sustainable fabric sourcing. At SASSI, he co-leads garment development, designer mentorship, and sustainability initiatives, ensuring couture pieces uphold both artistic and ethical standards.
• Courtney Muro – Associate Director of Social Media and Marketing
Ms. Muro is a content strategist and social media director with expertise in digital storytelling, creator management, and performance marketing. She previously launched Adidas’ performance marketing on TikTok and has led community engagement for networks of over 30,000 people. Muro currently collaborates with SASSI founder Saul Sugarman at The Bold Italic, and at SASSI, she directs social media production, content strategy, and digital engagement; ensuring the initiative’s message reaches and resonates with diverse audiences.
• Theresa Von Dohlen – Associate Director of Communications and Museum Partnerships
Von Dohlen is an exhibitions professional at the Walt Disney Family Museum with a Master’s in Museum Studies from San Francisco State University. Von Dohlen has nearly a decade of experience working alongside SASSI founder Saul Sugarman in event production and project coordination. At SASSI, Von Dohlen leads inter-organizational communications and museum partnerships, developing collaborations with cultural institutions to expand LGBTQ+ representation in the arts.
Our advisory committee:
These are San Francisco-based artists, event organizers, and philanthropy aficionados who have signaled their support by joining our board in an advisory capacity, and offer SASSI mentorship when needed.
• Colleen Quen – Advisory Committee Member (Community Outreach)
Ms. Quen is a renowned couture designer with over three decades of experience in fashion and art, both locally and internationally. With a background in museum commissions, ballet costumes, and private clientele, she brings a deep understanding of couture as a means of cultural expression and community engagement.
• Adriana Roberts – Advisory Committee Member (Events & Community Outreach)
Roberts is a nightlife and event producer best known as the creator of Bootie Mashup, an international music and nightlife brand. With 20+ years of experience in event production, creative direction, and talent booking, Roberts provides expertise in managing large-scale public events and community engagement.
• Nicole Lavay – Advisory Committee Member (Philanthropy, Events & Community Outreach)
Lavay is a cultural coordinator at Villa Albertine with a background in museum work, queer archives, and fine arts installation. With experience in grant writing and arts programming at organizations like the Bay Area Lesbian Archive and St. Joseph’s Art Society, Lavay supports SASSI’s philanthropic outreach and arts initiatives.
Get in touch
Email us at info@wearesassi.org