LGBTQ leadership has returned to the Castro Merchants Association, whose members April 7 elected two gay men to serve as co-presidents.After serving as board president for the past three years, Masood Samereie, a straight ally and owner of Aria Properties, stepped down and was replaced with two new successors, co-presidents Terrance Alan, owner of Flore Dispensary, and David Karraker, owner of MX3 Fitness.
Samereie is staying on as a member of the merchants board, while Brian Springfield, executive director of Friends of Harvey Milk Plaza and owner of Brian Springfield Design, was voted in as vice president.
Savio D'Souza, owner of the UPS Store, was chosen as treasurer. Ismael De Luna of Healing Cuts, Max Khusid of Art House SF, and Ola Reid of the Hotel Castro, were selected as board members.
The position of secretary remains open. The new team was voted in 14-0, although 22 members of the association were present for the virtual meeting.