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AM E RI C A S GAY NE W S S O URCE

We have transgender
soldiers being hurt by
an outdated approach
By CHRIS JOHNSON
cjohnson@washblade.com
Defense Secretary Ashton Carter announced
this week the Pentagon is making nal plans
to lift the ban on transgender people serving
in the U.S. military and will launch a working
group to examine over the next six months
implementation of the change.
The
Defense
Departments
current
regulations regarding transgender service
members are outdated and are causing

Ignores prosecutor and


indicts on anti-gay hate crime
By LOU CHIBBARO JR.
lchibbaro@washblade.com

Sgt. SHANE ORTEGA, the Armys rst openly trans soldier, has advised
members of Congress about how to end the militarys trans ban.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ORTEGA VIA TWITTER

EDITORS NOTE: In an unusual development as the


Blade went to press, the judge in this case called a
post-sentencing hearing to explain her rationale for
handing down the sentence, noting she doesnt think
a serious hate crime was committed. Further, she
reduced Christina Lucass sentence from one year to
six months. Visit washingtonblade.com for updated
reports.

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

uncertainty that distracts commanders from


our core missions, Carter said on Monday.
At a time when our troops have learned from
experience that the most important qualication
for service members should be whether theyre
able and willing to do their job, our ocers
and enlisted personnel are faced with certain
rules that tell them the opposite. Moreover,
we have transgender soldiers, sailors, airmen,
and Marines real, patriotic Americans - who I
know are being hurt by an outdated, confusing,
inconsistent approach thats contrary to our
value of service and individual merit.
Carter announced two initiatives in his
statement: 1. The Defense Department will
CONTINUES ON PAGE 12

A D.C. Superior Court grand jury in August


2014 took the unusual step of handing down a
hate crime indictment in an anti-gay assault case
after a prosecutor with the U.S. Attorneys Oce
did not recommend the case be listed as a hate
crime, according to one of the grand jurors who
heard the case.
The former grand juror, who spoke to the
Washington Blade on condition of not being
identied, said witnesses, including a police
detective and the gay male victim, told the grand
CONTINUES ON PAGE 13

DUMP TRUMP

DOG DAYS

PREACH!

LGBT activist joins D.C.


protest against GOPs
2016 frontrunner.

Our annual Pets section


returns with tips for dog
walkers and more.

LGBT-arming pastor and


author Rob Bell on the Bible,
spirituality and his tour.

PAGE 4

PAGES 21-24

PAGE 26

Romo etJuliette

0 2 J ULY 1 7 , 2 0 1 5

W A SH I N G T O N BLA D E . CO M

G ou nod s

Saturday July 18 7:30pm


Sunday July 19 3:00pm
Friday July 24 7:30pm
Sunday July 26 3:00pm

Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center


at the University of Maryland
Semi-staged, in French with English surtitles

For tickets call


(301) 405-ARTS
or order online at
www.MarylandLyricOpera.org

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J U LY 1 7 , 2 0 1 5 0 3

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0 4 J ULY 1 7 , 2 0 1 5

LO CA L N E W S

Dump Trump protest


features gay Latino activist
Gay & Lesbian Chamber
criticizes anti-immigrant
comments
The Cherry lineup of parties and events raised about $17,000 for area LGBT and HIV/AIDS
charities.

By LOU CHIBBARO JR.


lchibbaro@washblade.com

WASHINGTON BLADE FILE PHOTO BY PETE EXIS

Cherry Fund awards $17,000 to LGBT groups

The Cherry Fund, the non-prot group that organizes D.C.s annual Cherry
dance party and benet each April, announced it would give a total of $17,000
this week to seven local LGBT and AIDS organizations.
Cherry Fund President Allen Sexton said the group was to present checks to
the seven organizations on Wednesday, July 15, at a reception set to take place
at the 17th Street, N.W. gay club Cobalt from 7-9 p.m.
He said the $17,000 in contributions to the organizations came from proceeds
from the April 16-19 Cherry events that took place at several D.C. clubs, including
the gay clubs Town and Cobalt, and the Howard Theatre.
The recipient organizations this year include:
INOVA Juniper HIV/AIDS Services of Northern Virginia: $5,000
Capital Pride Alliance: $3,500
D.C. Center for the LGBT Community: $3,500
Trevor Project: $3,500
Wanda Alston House: $1,500
Advocates for Youth: $1,000
Sexton said this years Cherry events marked the 18th anniversary of the D.C.
dance party benets that became known as Cherry Fund events. Dance parties
known as the Cherry Jubilee began two years earlier, he said. They were referred
to at the time as circuit parties, which were popular in gay community circles in
cities across the country.
LOU CHIBBARO JR.

Len Hirsch memorial set for July 28

A memorial celebration of the


life of Leonard P. Len Hirsch,
the long-time LGBT rights
advocate and founder of the
LGBT government employees
group Federal GLOBE, will be held
Tuesday, July 28, from 4-7 p.m.
at the Carnegie Library at 801 K
St., N.W., according to longtime
friend Nancy Gray.
Hirsch, 59, a senior policy
adviser at the Smithsonian
Institution in Washington for
26 years, died June 12 from
complications associated with
cancer.
Organizers of the memorial,
LEN HIRSCH, founder of Federal GLOBE, died
including Gray, have said the
June 12.
event would give Hirschs wide
WASHINGTON BLADE FILE PHOTO BY MICHAEL KEY
circle of friends, family, political
associates
and
colleagues
a chance to acknowledge his contributions to the Smithsonian, the LGBT
community and the community at large.
LOU CHIBBARO JR.

Gay Latino activist Jose Gutierrez was one


of nearly a dozen speakers participating
in a Dump Trump rally in downtown
Washington last Thursday that was called to
protest Republican presidential candidate
Donald Trumps recent disparaging
remarks about Mexican immigrants.
The protest took place on the sidewalk
along Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., next
to the federally owned Old Post Oce
Pavilion, which Trumps real estate
development company is converting into a
luxury hotel under a government contract.
Some of the participants in the protest
called for the U.S. General Services
Administration, which manages the
project, to cancel its contract with Trump
and his company and to nd another rm
to develop the hotel. Others demanded
only that the government remove a
giant Trump billboard sign attached to
scaolding next to the building.
Gutierrez, who founded D.C.s LGBT
Latino History Project and the citys LGBT
Latino Pride organization, said he and
many in the LGBT Latino community were
in full solidarity with the national Latino
community in expressing outrage over
Trumps remarks.
Im a Mexican gay man and I represent
many people in the LGBT community who
were oended by the statements by Mr.
Donald Trump, Gutierrez said during
the protest.
And the things that he said that we
are rapists, criminals and drug dealers
are not true, he said. We are a beautiful
community and we are going to vote in
the next election for president.
On the day of the protest the National
Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
released a statement saying it too was
in solidarity with the growing number of
prominent businesses that have severed
ties with Trump in response to his
remarks about Mexicans, which they view
as anti-immigrant.
The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber
of Commerce stands with our long time
organizational partner the U.S. Hispanic
Chamber of Commerce and applauds
NBC Universal and Macys for cutting ties
with presidential hopeful Donald Trump
over controversial comments he recently
made about Mexican immigrants, the

statement says.
It was signed by the NGLCCs co-founders,
Justin Nelson and Chance Mitchell.
Macys and NBCs decisions to
disassociate with Trump represent
corporate America at its nest, the two said
in the statement. From our partnerships
with over a third of Fortune 500 companies,
we know that major corporations are often
leaders in workplace, market and supply
chain inclusion.
Trump drew expressions of outrage
by Latino advocacy groups and their
supporters across the country when he
made his controversial remarks last month
during a speech announcing his candidacy
for the Republican presidential nomination.
The U.S. has become a dumping
ground for everybody elses problems,
he said. When Mexico sends its people,
they are not sending their bestTheyre
sending people with lots of problems
Theyre bringing drugs. Theyre bringing
crime. Theyre rapists, he said. And
some, I assume, are good people.
Others who spoke at the protest
included D.C. shadow U.S. House
member Franklin Garcia, who was the
lead organizer of the event; D.C. shadow
senators Paul Strauss and Michael D.
Brown; D.C. Council member David
Grosso (I-At-Large); Maryland State Sen.
Jamie Raskin and Maryland State Dels.
Ana Sol Gutierrez and Joseline PenaMelnyk; Arlington County Board member
J. Walter Tejada; and D.C. Latino Caucus
President Gabriela Mossi.
Strauss, an attorney, called on the
federal government to remove the sign
with Trumps name from the side of the
building where the hotel is scheduled to
open in early 2017.
This isnt a private hotel that Mr.
Trump operates, said Strauss. This is
not land that he bought or a building that
he constructed. He is a federal contractor
who won a bid and is working for the
federal government.
Strauss added: We wouldnt allow a
Confederate ag up there. So why are
we allowing this logo, which Mr. Trump
himself is associated with insensitive
racist hate speech?
Concerning eorts to oust Trump from
the hotel project, a spokesperson for the
General Services Administration told the
Washington Post that Trump had not
violated his lease for the Old Post Oce
building, suggesting there may not be
legal grounds to remove Trump from the
multi-million dollar project.
We havent gotten any complaints, the
Post quoted GSA spokesperson Mafara
Hobson as saying.

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WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

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Bea Arthur homeless shelter breaks ground


NEW YORK A New York
organization
that
serves
homeless LGBT youth is
scheduled to break ground on
July 20 on a new facility that
will be named in honor of Bea
Arthur.
Ali Forney Center Executive
Director Carl Siciliano will join
several local elected ocials
at the groundbreaking of
the Bea Arthur Residence for
Homeless LGBT Youth on East
13th Street in Manhattans
East Village. The facility
which is slated to open next
year will have 18 beds for
homeless LGBT youth.
Arthur, who died in 2009,
bequeathed $300,000 to the
Ali Forney Center in her will.
The New York City Council
and the Manhattan Borough
President in 2012 approved
$3,300,000
to
renovate
Late actress BEA ARTHUR donated $300,000 to
the building in which the
the Ali Forney Center in New York.
residential facility will be
PHOTO BY S BUCKLEY; COURTESY OF BIGSTOCK
located.
It meant the world to me
that a star of the magnitude of Bea Arthur would do so much to help the Ali
Forney Center in our work of housing homeless LGBT youths, said Siciliano in
a press release. I am very grateful that we will now be able to honor Bea and
continue to keep her compassion alive through the establishment of the Bea
Arthur Residence for Homeless LGBT Youth.

American Samoa reviewing marriage ruling


PAGO PAGO, American Samoa The government of American Samoa has
begun to review last months U.S. Supreme Court ruling that extended marriage
rights to same-sex couples throughout the country.
The Samoa News earlier this month reported that Attorney General Talauega
Eleasalo Ale said the government of the U.S. territory is reviewing the opinion
and its potential applicability to American Samoa.
The governors of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands have said their
respective administrations will comply with the June 26 ruling in the Obergefell
case. Gays and lesbians began to marry in Guam last month after a federal judge
struck down the islands same-sex marriage ban.

Virgin Islands governor signs marriage order


CHARLOTTE AMALIE, U.S. Virgin Islands The governor of the U.S. Virgin
Islands on July 10 signed an executive order that requires ocials in the territory
to allow same-sex couples to marry.
Gov. Kenneth Mapp signed the mandate less than two weeks after the U.S.
Supreme Court ruled gays and lesbians have the constitutional right to marry
throughout the country. The St. Croix Source reported that Senate President
Neville James, who is acting lieutenant governor while Lt. Gov. Osbert Potter
is away from the U.S. territory, must attest to Mapps signature before his
executive order takes eect.
Same-sex couples in neighboring Puerto Rico were able to begin applying for
marriage licenses on July 13.
Gays and lesbians are able to exchange vows in nearby St. Martin and St.
Barthelemy. Same-sex couples can also legally marry in the Netherlands Antilles
Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba and on the French islands of Martinique
and Guadeloupe. Aruba, Curacao and St. Maarten recognize same-sex marriages
that are performed in the Netherlands.

NATIONAL NEWS

Walmart sued for denying


benets to gay spouses
Lesbian plainti claims
retail giant violated
Civil Rights Act
By LOU CHIBBARO JR.
lchibbaro@washblade.com
Two LGBT-supportive litigation groups
led a class action lawsuit on Tuesday
against retail giant Walmart on behalf
of the companys employees who were
denied health insurance benets for their
legally married same-sex spouses up
until Jan. 1, 2014.
The Boston-based Gay and Lesbian
Advocates and Defenders and the
Washington Lawyers Committee for Civil
Rights and Urban Aairs led the lawsuit
in the U.S. District Court for the District of
Massachusetts.
The suit charges that Walmart violated
Title VII of the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964
and the Massachusetts Fair Employment
Practices Law by discriminating against
the lead plainti, lesbian Jacqueline Cote,
based on her sex.
Walmart ended its ban on health
benets for its employees same-sex
spouses on Jan. 1, 2014. But the lawsuit
led on behalf of Cote and other Walmart
employees who may join the class action
suit calls for the company to compensate
them for damages they have suered
due to the denied benets.
Walmart broke federal law when it
denied vital benets to workers who have
same-sex spouses, said Peter RomerFriedman, the Washington Lawyers
Committees director of litigation.
In an era where marriage equality
is supported by the American people
and the U.S. Supreme Court, it is hard
to believe that Walmart would treat
its LGBTQ workers so poorly, he said.
Because
Walmarts
discrimination
harmed working families across the
country, we are ling a national class
action to ensure that Walmart nally
provides these families the equal benets
federal law guarantees.
A spokesperson for Walmart couldnt
immediately be reached for comment.
Cote told reporters during a telephone
news conference that as a longtime
employee of Walmarts Swansea, Mass.,
store, she applied for spousal health
insurance benets for her wife shortly
after the couple married in 2004, when
the state legalized same-sex marriage.
She said the company informed her
that while it provided health benets
to opposite-sex spouses it had a policy

Two LGBT legal groups on July 14, led


a lawsuit against Walmart on behalf of
gay employees who were denied health
insurance benets for their spouses.
PHOTO BY BOBBY P; COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA

of not providing those same benets


for legally married same-sex spouses.
Cote said she and her wife, Diana Dee
Smithson, struggled to pay for a separate
health insurance policy for Smithson up
until 2012, when the policy was cancelled.
A short time later, she said, Smithson
was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and
she incurred thousands of dollars in
medical bills while uninsured.
So during much of her cancer
treatments she was uninsured and we
have over $175,000 in unpaid medical
bills of that period when she was without
insurance until 2014, when Walmart
nally allowed associates to provide
medical insurance for their same-sex
spouse, Cote said.
Allison Wright, a sta attorney at GLAD,
said during the news conference that the
lawsuit follows a complaint that GLAD led
on Cotes behalf before the U.S. Equality
Employment Opportunity Commission. She
said the EEOC issued a determination that
Walmarts treatment of Cote constituted
unlawful sex discrimination.
According to Wright, in May of this year,
the EEOC issued a right to sue letter to
Cote, which could open the way for a court
ruling nding that gay people are covered
under Title VII of the U.S. Civil Rights Act.
Many LGBTQ people across the
country live without explicit protections
from employment discrimination, said
Wright. Strengthening protections for
LGBTQ people under Title VII will help
the poverty-stricken LGBTQ community
achieve economic equality and will
assistant all LGBTQ workers in receiving
equal treatment, she said.
CONTINUES AT WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

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NATIONAL NEWS

HUD: No bias against LGBT elders in govt housing


Omnibus bill to
combat age-based
discrimination introduced
By CHRIS JOHNSON
cjohnson@washblade.com
On the same day as the White House
Conference on Aging, the Obama
administration
announced
new
guidance Monday to make clear antiLGBT discrimination is unacceptable
in government-sponsored and insured
housing, including housing for the elderly.
Secretary of Housing & Urban
Development Julian Castro said in a
statement the new guidance reinforces
the administrations opposition to bias
against the LGBT community in housing
and elsewhere.
Every American deserves to live with
dignity, regardless of who they love or who
they are, Castro said. HUD is committed
to ghting unjust discrimination and to
expanding housing opportunity for all.
The ve-page guidance from the
Department of Housing & Urban
Development spells out HUD-assisted
multifamily housing as well as housing
subject to a mortgage insured by the
Federal Housing Administration must
be made available regardless of actual
or perceived sexual orientation, gender
identity or marital status. Such housing
includes Section 202 Supportive Housing
for the Elderly, which provides rent
subsidies for low-income elders to make
housing aordable to them.
Moreover, the guidance claries no owner
or administrator of HUD-assisted housing,
approved lender in an FHA mortgage
insurance program or any recipients or subrecipient of HUD funds may ask about the
sexual orientation and gender identity of
applicants for such housing.
The notice is signed by Edward Golding,
principal deputy assistant secretary of
housing, and addressed to multifamily
program centers, rural housing services
directors contract administrators, multifamily
owners and management agents.
Jennifer Ho, senior adviser to Castro,
said in an interview with the Washington
Blade the guidance doesnt represent a
new administrative policy change, but is
a reminder about the Equal Access Rule
instituted by HUD in February 2012 to
prohibit anti-LGBT discrimination in housing
sponsored by the federal government.
I think the point that we really want to
make clearly to multifamily developers is
to make sure they pay attention to the
rule, make sure that they know we will
not tolerate discrimination against people
based on their sexual orientation or their
gender identity, Ho said. If they have a

HUD Secretary JULIN CASTRO said antiLGBT bias is unacceptable in housing.


WASHINGTON BLADE FILE PHOTO BY MICHAEL KEY

practice of doing that, weve got tools that


we can use to say thats not OK.
According to HUD, the department has
led 349 fair housing complaints based
on LGBT discrimination since the rule was
instituted in 2012, although the number
of complaints that have been successful in
court isnt readily available. Violating the rule
could result in HUDs determination that an
owner has failed to comply with program
requirements and the department may
pursue any available remedy, including
sanctions, to addressthe violation, the new
guidance says.
Ho said HUD periodically issues
guidance to rearm opposition to antiLGBT discrimination, such as a memo
in February clarifying the Equal Access
Rule applies to LGBT people seeking a
home loan and transgender individuals
seeking access to homeless shelters,
but the guidance was made public on
Monday to coincide with the White House
Conference on Aging.
The sad truth is we cant end
discrimination but we can let organizations
know that its not acceptable and if we
nd out that theyre doing it, we have
actions that we can take to force them
to correct their behaviorif thats what
theyre going to do, Ho said.
The White House Conference on Aging,
which has taken place each decade since
the 1960s, seeks to identify and advance
actions to improve the quality of life for
older Americans.
LGBT advocates have high hopes the
event will cast a spotlight on issues facing
LGBT elders. According to a 2014 SAGE
report, one-in-eight older LGBT adults and
one-in-four transgender older adults say
they were the victims of discrimination on
the basis of their sexual orientation and
gender identity when searching for housing.

Michael Adams, executive director of


Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders, or
SAGE, said his organization is extremely
pleased with the HUD guidance.
HUDs announcement is a strong step
toward ending discrimination against
LGBT people in federally supported senior
housing, Adams added. With a recent
report showing that housing discrimination
against LGBT elders is rampant, this is
just the kind of leadership we need from
the federal government. Now we need to
make sure that these anti discrimination
protections are eectively implemented.
Ho said Congress should strengthen U.S.
code to prohibit anti-LGBT discrimination
explicitly on the basis of sexual orientation
and gender identity, which would provide
more robust protections and apply in
situations other than housing sponsored
by the federal government.
The Fair Housing Act is under the purview
of Congress, and we think that the Fair
Housing Act could be strengthenedbut if
its not something that Congress is ready to
do, then as an administration, we are taking
all the actions that we can, Ho said.
In a related development, the senior
U.S. senator from Colorado reintroduced
on Tuesday legislation intended to aid
LGBT elder Americans.
Sen.
Michael
Bennet
(D-Colo.)
introduced the omnibus bill, which is
known as LGBT Elder Americans Act
and aims to make additional resources
available to elder LGBT Americans. The
bill, which would build upon the Older
Americans Act, would designate LGBT
seniors as a vulnerable population
and permanently establish a National
Resource Center on LGBT Aging.
Bennet said in a statement the
legislation is important because as the
number of Americans age 65 and older

surges over the next few decades, the


number of LGBT older adults is expected
to double to 3 million by 2030.
As baby boomers continue to age, its
important that we understand the unique
needs of this diverse generation, Bennet
said. For LGBT seniors, questions about
health care and nancial issues can be
particularly dicult without a trustworthy
advocate to help guide them through
these challenging decisions. And now,
with full marriage equality thankfully the
law of the land, many older LGBT couples
have additional planning decisions to
make. This bill will help aging service
organizations assist older LGBT adults
and their caregivers. Above all, it will
provide LGBT seniors and their families
the peace of mind that their best interests
are being considered.
Joining Bennet as original co-sponsors
of the legislation are Sen. Tammy
Baldwin (D-Wis.), the only out lesbian
in the U.S. Senate, and Sen. Je Merkley
(D-Ore.), whos known as a champion of
LGBT rights.
According to a fact sheet accompanying
the bill, many Area Agencies on Aging, or
local organizations that seek to foster
independence in aging, oer LGBT
cultural competence training to their
sta, but very few oer LGBT-specic
programs or outreach. Less than half say
they would be able to oer or fund LGBTspecic services, the fact sheet says.
The legislation was rst introduced
in 2012 during the 112th Congress. In
the previous Congress, Rep. Suzanne
Bonamici (D-Ore.) introduced LGBTinclusive legislation inclusive to the
reauthorization the Older Americans Act
through scal year 2018, but neither her
version, nor the Republican version of the
legislation, saw any traction.

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

NATIONAL NEWS

J U LY 1 7 , 2 0 1 5 0 9

Walker enters
crowded 2016 race
Says Boy Scouts gay ban
protected children
By CHRIS JOHNSON
cjohnson@washblade.com
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker became
the latest candidate Monday to declare
his intention to run for the Republican
nomination forthe White House in 2016.
The two-term governor whos
survived a recall election and won three
statewide elections as governor in a
moderate state formally announced
his candidacy during a 30-minute speech
at a rally in Waukesha, Wis.
After a great deal of thought and a
whole lot of prayer, we are so honored
to have you join with us today as we
ocially announce that we are running
to serve as your president of the United
States of America, Walker said.
Walker wasted no time in attacking
LGBT people, as he weighed in Tuesday
on a plan by the Boy Scouts of America
to potentially lift its ban on gay adults
working in the organization.
I was an Eagle Scout, my kids have
been involved, Tonette [Walker] was a
den mother, Walker said. I have had
a lifelong commitment to the Scouts
and support the previous membership
policy because it protected children and
advanced Scout values.
The Boy Scouts in 2013 lifted its ban on
children who identify as gay from taking
part in the organization, but on Monday
the executive committee unanimously
approved a resolution that would allow
gay adults to serve as leaders. A nal vote
on the resolution is set for July 27.
Much of Walkers announcement
speech on Monday consisted of him
touting the conservative policies he
implemented in Wisconsin as governor,
including hampering unions, passing
abortion restrictions, defunding Planned
Parenthood, signing into law concealed
carry and requiring photo IDs to vote.
But Walker also articulated a vision for
his presidency at the federal law, which
included repealing Obamacare, defeating
radical Islam, eliminating the nationwide
education standards under Common
Core and tossing out the deal President
Obama is pursuing with Iran.
Im for reform, growth, safety, Walker
said. Im for transferring power from
Washington to the hands of hardworking
taxpayers in states all across the country.
Thats real reform. And Im for protecting
our children and our grandchildren from

A Boy Scouts of America committee unanimously approved a resolution that would


allow openly gay adults to hold leadership positions within the organization.
WASHINGTON BLADE FILE PHOTO BY MICHAEL KEY

Gov. SCOTT WALKER (R-Wis.) announced he


is seeking the presidency in 2016.
WASHINGTON BLADE FILE PHOTO BY MICHAEL KEY

radical Islamic terrorism and all threats of


the world. Thats true safety.
Walker enters a crowded eld of
candidates seeking the Republican
nomination to run for the presidency,
but is showing signs of strength. Polls
have consistently showed him leading
the pack among Republican voters in
Iowa, which holds the rst statewide
contest on wholl win the nomination. A
Quinnipiac University poll published on
July 1 found Walker in the lead with 18
percent support among likely caucusgoers followed by Donald Trump and Ben
Carson at 10 percent each.
Walker didnt mention LGBT issues in his
speech, but said he values strong families
in his remarks and children being raised by
both their parents, which may be a hint at
opposition to same-sex parenting.
We know that children are raised in a
household with both parents involved are
more likely to nish school, to get a good
job and to live a life free of government
dependence, Walker said. We need a
federal government that will actually
stand up and support strong families by
getting rid of the marriage penalty and by
getting rid of welfare policies that make
it hard for fathers to play an active role
in the lives of their children. We need to
encourage families.

Boy Scouts closer to


allowing gay adults
The Boy Scouts of America on Monday announced an executive committee
has unanimously approved a resolution that would allow openly gay adults to
hold leadership positions within the organization.
The Boy Scouts of America Executive Committee on July 10 adopted a resolution
that would allow openly gay adults to hold paid and volunteer positions. These
include scoutmasters and unit leaders.
No adult applicant for registration as an employee or non-unit-serving
volunteer, who otherwise meets the requirements of the Boy Scouts of
America, may be denied registration on the basis of sexual orientation, reads
the resolution.
The new policy would allow openly gay people who were previously removed
from leadership positions because of their sexual orientation to reapply. The
resolution also states the Boy Scouts of America will continue to legally defend
or indemnify the rights of its religious chartered organizations to choose
leaders whose beliefs are consistent with their own.
If ratied, adult leaders who were previously unable to serve in scouting
may apply for volunteer leadership positions and will be eligible for selection
if otherwise qualied, regardless of sexual orientation or preference, reads
the resolution.
Zach Wahls, executive director of Scouts for Equality, a group that has urged
the organization to allow openly gay adults to serve in leadership positions, on
Monday welcomed the resolutions approval.
For decades, the Boy Scouts of Americas ban on gay adults has stood as
a towering example of explicit, institutional homophobia in one of Americas
most important and recognizable civic organizations, said Wahls. While this
policy change is not perfect BSAs religious chartering partners will be allowed
to continue to discriminate against gay adults it is dicult to overstate the
importance of todays announcement.
The Boy Scouts of America in 2013 began admitting openly gay scouts, but its
ban on out adult leaders remained in place. Boy Scouts of America President
Robert Gates in May said the policy cannot be sustained.
MICHAEL K. LAVERS

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

1 0 J ULY 1 7 , 2 0 1 5

NATIONAL NEWS

Warrior Bonauto reects on marriage decision


Lawyer who argued
case talks breaking
that historic barrier
By CHRIS JOHNSON
cjohnson@washblade.com
For Mary Bonauto, the U.S. Supreme
Court ruling in favor of same-sex marriage
marked the end of a long eort that began
after an initial victory 12 years ago.
Bonauto, who was the oralist in the
Obergefell v. Hodges case that brought
marriage equality to all 50 states, also
served as lead attorney in the 2003
Massachusetts case of Goodridge v.
Department of Public Health that won
same-sex marriage in the Bay State,
making it the rst in the nation to allow
gay nuptials.
Looking back at her involvement in both
historic cases during an interview with
the Washington Blade, the Maine-based
lawyer who serves as civil rights director
for Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders
said, there are obvious similarities and
dierences, but the litigation boils down
to the same principles of due process and
equal protection.
The same themes and principles
are in our state constitution and in the
U.S. Constitution, Bonauto said. Thats
part of what the 14th Amendment is
all about. So, the legal principles are
the samereal people whose lives are
dramatically aected about whether they
can participate in marriage or not. I think
thelegal principles are identical even
though theyre dierent constitutions.
But a key dierence between the
two cases is that before the Goodridge
decision, no state in the country aorded
marriage to same-sex couples. After
the Obergefell ruling, those rights
are guaranteed to same-sex couples
wherever they go in the country.
In the aftermath of the Supreme Court
decision, Bonauto acknowledged a kind
of bookend feeling about the years-long
endeavor, which started even before the
Massachusetts decision during an earlier
attempt to win marriage equality in
Vermont that resulted in civil unions for
the state.
Theres a way in which that its
incredible to sort of open the door and
break that historic barrier at a state level
and then obviously to break that historic
barrier at a national level, Bonauto
said. Its incredible. Its a real honor,
and because millions of people made
it happen, I dont want to get carried in
my own role. I am aware of how many
people have worked so far to make this
day come into being.
Marc Solomon, national campaign

MARY BONAUTO delivered oral arguments


in the Supreme Court marriage cases.
WASHINGTON BLADE FILE PHOTO BY MICHAEL KEY

director for Freedom to Marry, worked


with Bonauto 12 years ago in his role
leading MassEquality during the marriage
equality ght in Massachusetts and
more recently to win same-sex marriage
nationwide before the Supreme Court.
Theres a reason Mary Bonauto
is one of two people I dedicated my
book Winning Marriage to, Solomon
said.Shes a true warrior for the cause
unwilling to accept no for an answer and
yet in for the long haul, knowing that real
social change takes relentless persistence
over many years. Mary refused to settle
for civil unions in Vermont and drove
forward the historic marriage case in
Massachusetts.She and I partnered up in
the State House to kill two constitutional
amendments that would have undone
the decision. And then she refused to
accept the federal governments refusal
to respect those marriages, putting
together a multi-pronged strategy to
undo DOMA. To me, it was profound
poetic justice that the legal teams asked
Mary to argue the ultimate question
before the Supreme Court shed
earned it, and she nailed it.
On the day of oral arguments on April
28, Bonauto had never argued before
the U.S. Supreme Court. But she said
preparation from each of the legal groups
and private counsel involved in the cases
assuaged the daunting stress of the task.
Ive always felt enormous responsibility
for any case Ive argued, Bonauto said.
Thats both the joy and the terror of
working in an LGBT legal organization
where youre really trying to break down

barriers to secure equality and justice


for people, so theres a way in which the
feeling was familiar. But I will say this,
there are many people who oered their
support and encouragement and advice.
In some respects, Bonauto said the
advice was dead wrong. She recalled an
adviser telling her U.S. Associate Justice
Anthony Kennedy would be very quiet
during the argument, which ended up
being wrong, as he posed questions
during the arguments for and against
nding a constitutional right to same-sex
marriage. But Bonauto said that false
prediction didnt matter because she
received many ideas on approaching the
argument and valued each of them.
One question that stays with me is
Justice Kennedy when he suggested a
possible analogy between the trajectory
between Brown v. Board of Education
and Loving v. Virginia on one hand, and
Lawrence v. Texas which, of course,
many people view as our Brown v. Board
of Education and the arguments then
before the court, Bonauto said. I do
think that analogy is apt and tried to
deepen it by saying the similarities go
further in terms of how the issues have
been tested. Gay peoples citizenship has
been contested for a very long time, even
to the point where marriage cases have
been before the court previously in the
case of Baker v. Nelson.
Media reports, including an article
in March in the National Law Journal,
indicated the attorneys involved in the
marriage litigation before the Supreme
Court were in dispute over the best
person to designate as oralist. At one
point, attorneys representing same-sex
couples asked the court to allow divided
time for each of them to argue before the
court, but in the endBonauto was chosen
to argue against state prohibitions
keeping same-sex couples from marrying.
Bonauto had no comment on the dispute
or why she was designated to argue before
the Supreme Court in the cases.
As you know, were not really
discussing that, Bonauto said. The
bottom line is there are many capable
people who could have done it, and this
is where we landed. So, I really dont want
to say anything more on that.
Also arguing before the court in favor
of same-sex marriage was U.S. Solicitor
General Donald Verrilli, whom Bonauto
said did a terric job both in brieng and
argument, and Doug Hallward-Driemeier,
who argued before the court that states
must recognize same-sex marriages
performed elsewhere.
Twelve years ago, Bonauto learned
about the Massachusetts decision on
same-sex marriage after obtaining a copy
of the ruling, erroneously believing at

rst she had lost the case because she


had turned to the dissenting opinion.
She realized the truth of her victory after
turning to the majority opinion.
There was no room for such confusion
with the Obergefell decision because she
found out about the ruling on June 26 in
the courtroom after Chief Justice John
Roberts announced Kennedy had the
opinion in the case.
When the chief announced that it
was Obergefell, really you could just sort
of feel the change in the room, and you
also just heard at the point, you could
have a heard a pin drop, Bonauto said.
Honestly, I was sitting next to people
who I knew stopped breathing for a
period of time, and then eventually you
began to heard sniing and one person
was actually sobbing when the decision
was read.
But Bonauto said she was struck
by Roberts, who read his rst-ever
dissent from the bench, when he said
the Constitution had nothing to do with
the victory for same-sex marriage. As
she prepared to address the crowd and
media waiting before the Supreme Court,
Bonauto said she wanted to make clear
that the Constitution had everything to
do with it.
I was pretty excited, Bonauto said.
Everybody else was excited, too. It turned
out I couldnt go down out the front door.
For some reason, they closed the front
doors and they routed us out a side door,
but we eventually connected with the
people from the other states, from Ohio
and Kentucky. It was beautiful.
Reecting on the majority opinion,
Bonauto said she thought Kennedys
attention to the personal aspects of the
cases and details of plainti same-sex
couples was powerful.
Having read it now a number of times,
one of the interesting things that really
jumps out at me is how the majority
opinion clearly talks about gay and lesbian
people, same-sex couples, Bonauto said.
It talks about the petitioners a number
of times in various cases as the esh and
blood who we are. By contrast, each of
the courts dissenting opinions never
really address the petitioners.
Questions remain about the extent to
which Obergefell v. Hodges will prove
useful for LGBT advocates in subsequent
litigation, such as potential challenges
to non-discrimination laws or religious
freedom measures seen to enable antiLGBT discrimination.
So whats next? Bonauto cited a long
list of potential areas, including passage
of a federal non-discrimination bill, work
to highlight issues facing LGBT youth,
parenting issues for same-sex couples
and transgender visibility.

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

I N T E RNA TI O N A L NEWS

J U LY 1 7 , 2 0 1 5 1 1

DEIVIS VENTURA, a prominent Dominican LGBT rights advocate, is running for a seat on the
Santo Domingo Municipal Council.
WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTO BY MICHAEL K. LAVERS

Dominican LGBT advocate seeks elected office

Members of the Gay Mens Chorus of Washington perform in Havana on July 14.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHASE MAGGIANO

Gay Mens Chorus performs in Cuba


EDITORS NOTE: Chase Maggiano, executive director of the Gay Mens Chorus of Washington, is blogging about his experiences in Cuba. For more of his posts, visit washingtonblade.com.

To talk about the Gay Mens Chorus of Washingtons rst day in Cuba means
going back in time. But I dont mean going back several decades when most
of the cars on the island were built. Rather, were just looking back to one day
before we left the USA for what I have already found to be an enchanting country
full of personality, beautiful and strange dichotomies, and plenty of heart.
Our Cuba experience actually started the night before we left with a moving
and well-attended kicko performance at Trinity Cathedral in Miami, where my
brother is the assistant dean.
Churches are often associated with antipathy toward the LGBTQ movement.
But being hosted by the cathedral for the kicko concert of a tour that promotes
LGBTQ rights in the Caribbean makes me one proud brother. Hearing the
phenomenal sounds that came from 21 talented musicians makes me one
proud ED.
The following morning, on Saturday, July 11, just a few hours before departing
for Cuba, I awoke to an email criticizing GMCW for accepting an invitation
from Mariela Castro and thereby legitimizing the oppression that is historically
associated with Cuba. It wasnt the rst time we had received this kind of
message and I have been ready to hear it for quite some time. But if I have to be
honest with myself, I was angry when I rst read the message. Isnt our work as
musicians beyond politics? I thought...in a not unusual ash of idealism.
But quickly I checked myself. There is very real pain in Cubas history,
particularly for LGBTQ people. There is very real and positive change that has
occurred in Cuba, and Mariela Castros inuence will always be linked with that.
There is still a long way to go on the island, and yes, there are very real politics
associated with an LGBTQ concert tour in Cuba. We are citizen diplomats.
I was reminded of these politics as I sat at dinner on our rst night next to
Ambassador DeLaurentis, head of the U.S. Interests Section in Cuba (and the
presumed new ambassador to Cuba beginning July 20 after diplomatic relations
are formalized again.) Many times in our conversation I was reminded of two things:
that people connecting with people is the best way to advance social change; and
arts and music are always ahead of politics when it comes to democracy.
CHASE MAGGIANO

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic A prominent Dominican LGBT rights


advocate has declared his candidacy for the Santo Domingo Municipal Council.
The Citizens Movement, a group that seeks to increase the number of Dominican civil
society members who participate in the countrys political process, on June 8 announced
that Deivis Ventura, coordinator of the Amigos Siempre Amigos Network of Volunteers,
which is based in the Dominican capital, is a candidate for the legislative body.
Ventura, 41, is one of three LGBT rights advocates who are running for seats on the
Santo Domingo Municipal Council. He would represent the Dominican capitals Colonial
Zone and San Carlos neighborhood if he garners enough votes in local elections that are
scheduled to take place in May 2016.
Ventura told the Washington Blade on June 19 during an interview at his oce
near the Presidential Palace that human rights factor prominently into his campaign
platform. He said he hopes to make Santo Domingo a city that is really for everyone
and where transgender people, gay and black men and everyone else can enjoy public
spaces without any type of discrimination.
We are going to have a city that really is for everyone, and also a city that is free of
discrimination, Ventura told the Blade.
Ventura said he also supports a proposed ordinance that would ban businesses from
discriminating against potential patrons and clients. These include black, gay and poor
people whom the advocate maintains are frequently prevented from entering bars in
Santo Domingo because of their appearance.
We want to put pressure on them, said Ventura, referring to businesses he says
discriminate against these groups.
Ventura is among the LGBT rights advocates from Latin America and the Caribbean
who visited Washington and other U.S. cities in 2014 as part of a State Departmentsponsored trip. The Dominican activist also attended a training sponsored by the Gay
and Lesbian Victory Fund and the U.S. Agency for International Development that took
place last September in the Peruvian capital of Lima.
Ventura told the Blade that he feels gay U.S. Ambassador to the Dominican Republic
James Wally Brewster has helped to make the local LGBT community more visible
since President Obama conrmed him to the post in late 2013.
Hes working very well as an ambassador, said Ventura. He has forced the
government to acknowledge the LGBT community because he is LGBT.
Ventura described eorts to promote LGBT tourism and business in the Dominican
Republic as good initiatives. He nevertheless remains highly critical of the Dominican
government and its response to LGBT-specic issues.
Victor Terrero, director of the National HIV and AIDS Council, which implements
the countrys response to the epidemic, told the Blade during a June 19 press event in
Santo Domingos Colonial Zone that a proposed anti-discrimination bill includes sexual
orientation and gender identity. Ventura said the measure does not specically mention
LGBT Dominicans, those of African descent and other marginalized groups.
We do not seem visible in the governments agenda as LGBT people, Ventura told
the Blade. There is no article that mentions us in which specic action towards our
population appears.
There is a very rich, very innovative communal outlook among the groups, he
added, referring to Dominican LGBT advocacy organizations. There are many more
Dominicans who feel that the Dominican LGBT groups are maturing, but we still have
this big challenge now with this formula that the government has planted.
MICHAEL K. LAVERS

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

1 2 J ULY 1 7 , 2 0 1 5

CO V E R ST O RY

Republicans quiet as Pentagon moves to end trans ban


CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

create a working group to study over the


next six months the policy and readiness
implications of allowing transgender
persons to serve openly and 2. Authority
to discharge service members for being
transgender will be elevated to a senior
civilian ocial to make determinations
on potential separations.
The senior civilian ocial responsible
both for conducting the working group
and deciding whether or not to discharge a
service member based on gender identity
will be Brad Carson, acting under secretary
of defense for personnel and readiness,
Carter said. Other members of the group,
which will report to Deputy Secretary
of Defense Bob Work, are military and
civilian personnel representing all the
military services and the Joint Sta.
As Ive said before, we must ensure that
everyone whos able and willing to serve
has the full and equal opportunity to do so,
and we must treat all our people with the
dignity and respect they deserve, Carter
said. Going forward, the Department of
Defense must and will continue to improve
how we do both. Our militarys future
strength depends on it.
Although repeal of Dont Ask, Dont
Tell enabled openly gay people to serve
in the U.S. military, transgender people
are still barred from service because
of medical regulation. The policy is
regulatory, not law, so the Obama
administration could institute a change
at any time on its own.
A senior defense ocial said the
announcement represents the rst step
in removing the ban on transgender
service. The Pentagon is implementing
the change at this time, the ocial said,
because of a growing sense in the country
that transgender service is something
that needs to be addressed both in the
military and elsewhere. The ocial said
its premature to know what will replace
the medical regulation prohibiting open
transgender service, such as guidance or
a non-discrimination policy.
The ocial said the planned change
follows high-level meetings between
Carter and themilitary chiefs, secretaries
and Defense Department leaders both
individually and in groups. Mostof these
principals didnt express opposition to
lifting the ban on trans service because
they knew the change was coming,
the ocial said. However, the ocial
acknowledged there were some outliers
whom he refused to name that expressed
concern about why this change was
taking place at this time amid national
security issues with the Islamic State of
Iraq & Syria, Iran and China.
The Pentagon doesnt keep track of how
many service members are discharged
under the ban on transgender service.

The Defense Departments current regulations regarding transgender service members are
outdated and are causing uncertainty that distracts commanders from our core missions,
Defense Secretary ASHTON CARTER said on Monday.
WASHINGTON BLADE FILE PHOTO BY MICHAEL KEY

A report last year from the University of


California, Los Angeles, estimated that
15,500 transgender people are currently
serving in the armed forces.
Both the White House and Defense
Secretary Ashton Carter have expressed
openness to the idea of transgender
military service. Although each of
the military services has individually
throughout this yearraised the authority
to discharge someone for being
transgender, no Defense Departmentwide actionhas taken place until now.
Chad Grin, president of the Human
Rights Campaign, welcomed the news.
Transgender Americans have every
right to serve their country openly
and honestly, and for far too long, this
discriminatory ban has robbed them of
the dignity of doing so, Grin said.
The White House didnt respond to a
request for comment on the news or the
extent to which President Obama was
involved in the decision.
Allyson Robinson, a transgender Army
veteran and director of policy of the LGBT
military group SPARTA, said the planned
change is the result of a hard-fought struggle.
This is a tribute to the honorable
military service of thousands of
transgender Americans. There is much
more to do, but the Secretarys clear
intent to treat transgender soldiers,
sailors, airmen, and Marines with the
same dignity and on equal footing with
other service members aligns with
the core values of our Armed Forces,

Robinson said. We stand ready to


provide resources to the Working Group
for the regulations changes required to
take care of all the troops.
Meanwhile,
the
response
from
Republicans on Capitol Hill to the
Pentagons plan to end its ban on
transgender
service
members
is
resounding silence.
Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) was succinct
when asked by the Washington Blade
in the halls of the Senate whether he
was aware of the news and his thoughts
about it. I read it, Scott replied.
Asked if he had a reaction to the plan
for open transgender service, Scott said,
Not yet.
In response to another question on
where he thinks hell end up on the
issue, Scott said, You can give us a call
if you like. His oce didnt respond
to the Blades follow up for additional
information.
Sen. Je Flake (R-Ariz.), one of 10
Senate Republicans who voted for the
Employment Non-Discrimination Act in
2013, said he wasunaware of the plan.
I havent seen it, Flake said. Ill look at it.
Sen. Je Sessions (R-Ala.), who has a
reputation for being an ardent opponent
of LGBT rights, also had little to say when
asked about the Pentagons plan.
I saw that, but Im not aware of any of
the details, Sessions said.
Asked whether the change sounded
like something he could support,
Sessions replied, Well, Id like to see

what the military says about it. I have not


done that.
None of the oces of the 10 Senate
Republicans who voted for ENDA in 2013
immediately responded to the Blades
request for comment on the change.
Among them is Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.),
who as chair of the Senate Armed Services
Committee could order congressional
hearings on the issue.
Also not responding to a request for
comment was Republican presidential
candidate Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who as
chair of the Senate Armed Services personnel
subcommittee could also hold hearings.
During a previous appearance on
the news channel Fusion, Graham said
my preference is to allow everybody to
serve when asked about transgender
service, but added he needed to consult
rst with military leaders on why the ban
was in place.
The oces of House Speaker John
Boehner (R-Ohio), Senate Majority
Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and
House Armed Services Committee Chair
Mac Thornberry (R-Texas) also didnt
immediately respond to a request for
comment on the change.
The silence is consistent with an
apparentnew trend among Republicans
not to talk about LGBT rights (or, more
specically, their opposition to them)
amid rising approval for such rights in
national polls. According to GOP polling
made public by Time magazine earlier
this month, 59 percent of Republican
voters at the national level agree there
should be laws banning discrimination
against gay people in employment,
housing, credit, education and public
accommodations.
Among
younger
Republican voters, 79 percent support
such a measure.
Key Democrats, on the other hand,
are embracing news the Pentagon
is on its way to implementing open
transgender service.
Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), the only
out lesbian in the U.S. Senate, said in a
statement to the Blade shes pleased with
the development and wants to hear voices
of transgender service members as part of
the process leading to open service.
I applaud the Pentagon for taking
another major step forward towards
a fairer and more equal nation, by
ensuring that all those who wish to serve
their country are able to do so openly
and honestly, Baldwin said. There are
already transgender people serving
in our Armed Forces with courage
and distinction today, and I urge the
Department of Defense to include their
voices in the review process.
Also issuing statements in support of
the development were House Minority
Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and House
Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.).

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

CO V ER STO RY

J U LY 1 7 , 2 0 1 5 1 3

Runaway grand jury rebukes U.S. Attorney


CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

jury that then 20-year-old Christina


Lucas and her twin brother Christopher
Lucas knocked the gay male victim to
the ground and punched and kicked him
while shouting anti-gay names.
A police report says witnesses told
police that Christina Lucas slashed the
victims face with a sharp object while
he was lying on the ground shortly after
calling him a faggot motherfucker.
Court records show that at the time of
her arrest, Christina Lucas told police she is
a lesbian and shouldnt rightfully be accused
of committing an anti-gay hate crime.
Police and prosecutors said the
incident occurred on Oct. 19, 2013 at
the intersection of Sherman Avenue and
Harvard Street, N.W. The police report
says the assault began shortly after the
victim and his mother and female cousin
left a party at a nearby house and were
attempting to hail a taxicab.
The only reason that the U.S. Attorneys
Oce has brought this case against the
Lucass as an assault with a hate crime
attachment was because the grand jury
insisted upon it, said the former grand juror.
If it had been left up to the U.S. Attorneys
Oce a hate crime would not have been
attached, the former grand juror said.
William Miller, a spokesperson for
the U.S. Attorneys Oce, said strict
condentiality requirements pertaining
to grand juries prevent his oce from
commenting on any aspect of the grand
jurys deliberations over the prosecution
of the Lucas siblings.
We are barred by law from violating
the secrecy of grand jury proceedings,
and so we are unable to comment
regarding that process, he said.
Court records show that the grand jury
indicted Christina and Christopher Lucas
on a charge of aggravated assault while
armed with a hate crime designation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Veronica Renzi

Jennings, the lead prosecutor in the


case, made a strong presentation for
a hate crime conviction during a twoweek-long trial in May before a regular
Superior Court jury. After less than a day
of deliberations, the jury found the two
guilty as charged of committing a haterelated aggravated assault while armed.
The trial jury also found Christopher
Lucas guilty of a separate charge of simple
assault stemming from the allegation
by police that he punched the victims
cousin in the face during the October
2013 altercation when she attempted to
stop the attack against the victim.
On June 29, D.C. Superior Court Judge
Yvonne Williams sentenced the Lucas
siblings to one year in jail and ve years of
supervised probation upon their release,
a sentence that police and prosecutors
believe is far too lenient, according to a
police source.
Attorneys representing Christopher
and Christina Lucas did not respond to a
request by the Blade for comment.
The former grand juror said Jennings
may have been one of two female
prosecutors from the U.S. Attorneys
Oce that presented the Lucas case
before the grand jury. But now, nearly
a year later, the grand juror wasnt
certain that Jennings was one of the two
prosecutors that didnt ask for a hate
crime indictment.
They sort of hemmed and hawed, the
former grand juror said when recounting
the two prosecutors response to
questions by grand jurors over why they
didnt include a hate crime designation in
their proposed indictment.
They never really said we didnt do it
because we didnt think it was this, said
the grand juror. They just sort of said,
well, we brought it in this way. And if you
guys want to add a hate crime I guess you
could do so.
The grand juror added: I came home
really upset that rst day because it was

clear to me. We heard the witnesses. We


heard the mother. We heard the cousin.
We heard the police We heard from the
victim himself. It was clear to me it was a
hate crime, and they werent presenting
it that way at all.
According to the former grand juror,
several of the 21 grand jurors hearing
the case were troubled further after they
told the two prosecutors they wanted to
indict the case as a hate crime but the
indictment form given to them a short
time later made no mention of a hate
crime or bias-related charge.
When one of the grand jurors insisted
that the indictment include a hate crime
attachment the 21 members of the grand
jury voted unanimously to add the hate
crime designation to the main charge of
aggravated assault while armed, said the
former grand juror who spoke to the Blade.
And when they brought it back the
second time the hate crime had been
added to it because we had insisted on
it in the initial vote, the grand juror said.
Experts familiar with the U.S. grand
jury system have sometimes referred
to grand juries acting in this way as a
runaway grand jury.
A paper on the website of the
University of Dayton School of Law says
historically, many U.S. grand juries in the
19th century were independent-minded
and assertive but by the 20th century
grand juries had pretty much come
under the control of prosecutors.
A runaway grand jury is an exception
to this rule the grand jurors ignore the
prosecutor(s) and start making their own
decisions, the paper says.
LGBT activists familiar with the case
of the Lucas siblings said that while they
were pleased that the U.S. Attorneys
Oce diligently prosecuted the case
as a hate crime at the trial, they were
troubled over the former grand jurors
account that the oce initially chose not
to ask the grand jury to hand down a

hate crime indictment.


If thats not a hate crime, I dont know
what is, said Earl Fowlkes, executive
director of the D.C.-based national LGBT
advocacy group Center for Black Equity
and president of the Gertrude Stein
Democratic Club.
The fact is the grand jury took the
opportunity to do the right thing, not the
U.S. Attorney, Fowlkes said. But this
is not the rst time this has happened.
There must be some reason why the U.S.
Attorneys Oce is so reluctant to do this.
Theres been case after case after case.
Fowlkes was referring to concerns
raised by LGBT activists going back more
than 10 years about cases in which LGBT
people in D.C. have been attacked and
murdered and the activists believed the
case should be listed as a hate crime
but the U.S. Attorneys Oce did not
designate it with such a listing.
He noted, among others, the case of
23-year-old transgender woman Deoni
JaParker Jones, who was stabbed to
death at a bus stop in Northeast D.C.
in February 2012. Jones parents and
friends are convinced she was targeted
by the man charged with her murder
because of her status as a trans woman.
But the U.S. Attorneys Oce said it had
insucient evidence to le a hate crime
charge in the case.
In a separate case in September 2008,
Tony Randolph Hunter, a gay man leaving
his car to go to a gay bar on 9th Street,
N.W., was punched in the face by one
of several young men walking past him
on the street. Hunter fell to the ground,
hitting his head on the pavement. He
died a short time later at a hospital of a
severe brain injury.
The assailant said Hunter groped him
in a sexually provocative way, something
Hunters friends said he would never
have done.

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WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

14 J U L Y 17, 2015

BA LT I MO RE N E W S

The traditional Pride block party in front of the Hippo will move to a parking lot behind the
building this year.
WASHINGTON BLADE FILE PHOTO BY MICHAEL KEY

Wills & Trusts


Powers of Attorney Living Wills
Partnership & Prenuptial Agreements

Demolition forces move of Pride block party

Just as locals thought the 2015 Baltimore Pride block party was returning to its
familiar Eager and Charles streets locale after a one-year absence, a scheduling
snafu by the City of Baltimore threw a wrench into those plans. Ocials issued
a permit to perform demolition and repaving of the parking lot (adjacent to Club
Hippo and Grand Central Station nightclub) that has traditionally been used to
host Pride vendors during the block party.
Additionally, the building on the north side of the parking lot (1010 N. Charles
St.) has been demolished. Pride coordinator Paul Liller said he was notied of
the parking lot construction in early June. News of the construction permit came
months after Baltimore Pride submitted its permit to use the space. This can be
seen as an oversight by the city, says Liller, which essentially issued two permits
for the same space during the same period of time.
After meeting with city ocials, the re department and the permit oce in
mid-June, it was discovered that the construction would not be completed in
advance of the block party on July 25, and an alternate location needed to be
secured. Baltimore Pride secured the parking lot at the corner of Cathedral and
Brexton streets, traditionally dubbed the lesbian lot as well as an adjoining
body mind Self
parking lot on Charles Street, in front of Mt. Vernon Stable. Those lots are
atbody
Allay
Yoga
mind
Self
connected by a path.
at Allay Yoga
Alcohol will be served in the space. Anyone who wishes to drink in the space
ATTORNEY AT LAW
Come try Svaroopa
Yoga for yourself!

Enjoy your first Svaroopa


Yoga
classyourself!
for FREE! will need to purchase a wristband. Bands will be available for sale on site, at the
Come try Svaroopa
Yoga
for
Wed & Thurs 10am
SERVING OUR COMMUNITY
Enjoy your first Svaroopa Yoga class for FREE!Hippo, and through a pre-sale at the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender
Please arrive 10 minutes
prior to class to set up your space
Wed & Thurs 10am
FOR 33 YEARS
Center of Baltimore and Central Maryland (GLCCB) in the week
301-946-1517
Please arrive 10 minutes
prior to class to set up your Community
space
Come discover a Very Different style yoga.
leading up to Pride. Vendors have been notied of the new footprint. A detailed
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10419 Armory Ave.
Come
discover a Very
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map will be released in advance of the block party.
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Michle is aeCertified
Kensington Baltimore Pride, a function of the GLCCB, is celebrating its 40th anniversary
1-2 blk off Howard Ave.
Michle is a Certified
Teacher
this year. After receiving community feedback that criticized its move to a twobliss3630@hotmail.com
day event in the Mount Royal area in 2014, GLCCB ocials decided to return to
10419 Armory Ave., Kensington, MD
the Mount Vernon area in 2015.
Located inside Allay Yoga
The discovery of a construction permit being issued after we submitted
1/2 block off Howard Ave.
2141 P STREET NW SUITE 103
our own permit was upsetting, but Im condent that the new space, which is
WASHINGTON DC 20037
mere feet away from our traditional footprint, will still deliver all the fun and
E-MAIL steveweinbergdc@aol.com
excitement that Baltimore Pride revelers have come to expect, Liller, who is also
LICENSED IN DC, MD AND VA
mireyoga.com
GLCCB deputy director, told the Blade.
The annual parade and block party will occur on July 25 with the Sunday
ADVERTISIN
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OF
festival
to Druid Hill Park on July 26. The parade, which traditionally
took
place
along Charles Street, will march along Cathedral Street instead
ISSUE DATE: 10.26.12
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another change.

(240) 778-2330 (703) 536-0220


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FreeState Legal, a legal advocacy organization serving the low-income LGBTQ


community in Maryland, launched an eort to provide free legal advice to
transgender and intersex people who seek to update the gender marker on
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Oct. 1 that makes it easier for transgender and intersex people to update the
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FreeState Legal is excited to announce that we are oering free legal advice
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their birth certicate, said Patrick Paschall, FreeState Legals executive director,
in a statement.
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WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

HE A LTH NEW S

J U L Y 17, 2015 15

Educated at Brown, Harvard,


and Johns Hopkins
Sen. ELIZABETH WARREN (D-Mass.) is among lawmakers who asked the FDA to lift the gay
ban in the blood donation policy and replace it with a one-year deferral.
WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTO BY DAMIEN SALAS

Senate Dems urge FDA to lift gay blood ban


WASHINGTON Senate Democrats are urging the Obama administration to
complete the rollback on the lifetime ban on gay and bisexual men donating
blood, the Hill reports.
In a letter Tuesday, Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Tammy Baldwin
(D-Wisc.) and 81 of their congressional colleagues asked the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) to lift the ban in the blood donation policy and replace it
with a one-year deferral, the Hill article notes.
The rules the FDA has proposed would allow men to donate blood if theyve
abstained from sexual activity with another man for the past 12 months. The
same 12-month deferral would apply to women who have sex with men who
have sex with other men, the Hill reports.
The ban was originally enacted during the national AIDS epidemic in 1983
and last updated in 1992. Since then, scientic evidence has shown that blood
donations from gay men pose no greater risk of spreading AIDS than the general
public if properly screened.
Lawmakers want the FDAs proposed changes to be a rst-step toward
implementing a risk-based blood donation policy for gay and bisexual men. In
the letter they said they want a policy that secures the nations blood supply in a
non-discriminatory, scientically sound manner, the Hill reports.
Neither our current blood donation policy, nor the proposed one year
deferral for MSM, allows the many healthy gay and bisexual men across America
to donate blood, they wrote. This serves to perpetuate the stereotype that all
men who have sex with men pose a risk to the health of others.

Provisions for LGBT foster youth considered in Fla.


TAMPA, Fla. As the state Department of Children and Families considers
a new rule governing group homes for foster kids, advocates are pushing to
include provisions requiring better treatment of LGBT youths who live in such
facilities, Health News Florida reports.
The agency is updating its rules for group homes for the rst time in almost 30
years to try to bring more uniformity to the facilities, which are supposed to be
short-term solutions for children in state care, the article said.
Those homes can be 50-bed facilities staed by three shifts of caregivers or
arrangements where half a dozen kids live with a married couple acting houseparents. The departments rule-making process will put new standards in place
at Floridas 287 group homes, which care for about 11 percent of Floridas foster
youths.
Advocates like the Florida Bar Foundations LGBTQ Child Welfare Workgroup
which monitors issues aecting LGBT and questioning youth are using the
rule-making process to urge the state to ban discrimination and harassment by
group-home sta and other residents, Health News Florida reports.
Our comments are motivated by our work with LGBTQ children who have
taught us that the current group care rules, originally adopted in 1987 and
little changed since then, have resulted in extremely negative outcomes for
LGBTQ youth in out-of-home care, Robert Latham, supervising attorney at the
University of Miamis Children & Youth Law Clinic, wrote the Department of
Children and Families last month.

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After marriage,
a push for job protections
UFCW union members are
fighting for LGBT workers rights
By MARC PERRONE
The Supreme Courts decision in
Obergefell v. Hodges to uphold the
right of Americans to marry who they
love regardless of sex is a victory that
all Americans should celebrate. Ensuring all Americans have the fundamental
freedom to form families and spend a
lifetime together is a proud moment for
this country and the ght for equality. Unfortunately, we must continue to ght for
true equality for LGBTQ Americans. The
next battleeld is in our workplaces.
While marriage equality may now be
law of the land, the issue of workplace discrimination endures. In comparison, when
bans against interracial marriage were
overturned by the Supreme Court in Loving v. Virginia, the federal government had
already outlawed employment discrimination on the basis of race. The 1964 Civil
Rights Act had been passed and signed
into law by President Lyndon Baines Johnson just shy of three years earlier. Regrettably, our political leaders havent displayed the same kind of forward thinking
when comes to LGBTQ rights.
Nationwide employment non-discrim-

ination laws have been introduced, but


never passed, in Congress since 1974. The
repeat failure of Congress to protect workers regardless of sexual orientation is a
stain on our democracy. The state legislative bodies that have failed to protect the

LGBTQ can get real protection is through


a union contract. By standing together
and negotiating a legally binding union
contract, we can make certain that no one
is red because of some companys or
managers antiquated and discriminatory

We must not forget the hard work that must be


done and the battles that must be won if we are to
achieve true equality for all.
rights every American have shamefully forsaken their responsibilities. They should
be ashamed of their inertia. According to
a 2013 YouGov poll, many Americans believe that such workplace discrimination
laws have already passed. The UFCW has
supported both federal and state legislation that would outlaw discrimination
against LGBTQ workers for years. Since
our leaders wont act, our union and
many others have been determined to
protect our LGBTQ coworkers at work.
Right now in the 29 states where its legal to be red for being gay or transgender, the only way workers who identify as
E DIT OR IA L C A R T OON

notions. UFCW members, and millions of


union members across the labor movement, are ghting for non-discrimination
clauses that guarantee the most basic
rights: the right to keep your job regardless
of your sexual orientation, gender identity,
or expression. By bargaining strong union
contracts, union members can ensure that
LGBTQ workers have the right to use family leave to care for a partner; the right to
have their health benets apply to their
partners and families; and the right to use
the bathroom of their choice.
The truth is that our union has had to
take on these civil rights battles in our
workplaces, one-by-one, out of necessity because of the lack of federal protections. A federal law barring such discrimination is needed now, more than
ever. Much like many of the workplace
protections we now take for granted, our
legislators should follow the path that
union workers have boldly laid and protect every American worker from unfair
discrimination. In the 21st century, in a
country where it is nally possible for every American to marry the person they
love, to allow someone to be red for
that same love is shameful.
While the ght for LGBTQ equality has
taken a major step forward, we must not
forget the hard work that must be done
and the battles that must be won if we
are to achieve true equality for all.

MARC PERRONE is president of the 1.3 million


member United Food and Commercial Workers
International Union.

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V I E W PO I NT

J U LY 1 7 , 2 0 1 5 1 7

Dacha punished for its success?


Shaw critics of planned
expansion are misguided
By RAY MILEFSKY
ANC 6Es 3-2 vote last week to protest
Dacha Beer Gardens expansion of its liquor license and capacity from 126 to 600
before the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration was unfortunate. On
Tuesday evening, the ANC chair, Alex Padro, took o his hat as director of Shaw
Main Streets, which had done much to
foster gay and minority businesses in the
neighborhood, and donned both his ANC
and new Central Shaw Neighborhood Association (CNSA) hats.
The CNSA leaders consists of a halfdozen or so well-organized households,
including gay, straight, African American
and even a Russian American family living near Dacha. Its ostensible mission
is to check economic development, and
specically Dacha, on Seventh Street.

Dacha is a founding pillar of rejuvenation


in a once vibrant entertainment and
commercial corridor.
They resort to hyperbolic, hostile and
disingenuous concerns about noise, disruption of their childrens sleep, patrons
public urination, parking congestion and
Dachas supposed cold shoulder toward
them.
The vehement mistrust of those who
challenge Dachas expansion and, for some,
its very existence, is both misdirected and
incomprehensible. It seems a vindictive
response to that businesss astounding
success as a popular, safe, friendly and inclusive venue. Dacha is a founding pillar of
rejuvenation in a once vibrant entertainment and commercial corridor.
By contrast, Dacha has collected more
than 1,000 Change.com supporters, devoted patrons and neighbors within and
outside the CSNAs four blocks, and broad

support from Blade readers.


Dachas owners may have tried too
hard to cooperate with and solicit support from its neighbors of every hue,
age and orientation as the city erected
bureaucratic obstacles before them. Unlike other nearby entertainment venues,
Dachas owners voluntarily agreed to the
association to limit hours of operation,
not play wall-permeating music, address
noise issues, invite dialogue, and assure
inclusive hiring.
When Alter and Chekaldin launched
plans to build on their success by expanding their venue capacity to include a build
back of the adjacent historic building as
an indoor sit-down dining venue with
dining veranda over the current canopy,
the CSNA, with apparent city complicity,

turned on them. They cite allegations of


over-capacity infractions, complain about
noise and rats, and nixed the design of
the new building. Dacha asked the city
for a 200-person capacity, but received a
126-person capacity intended originally
only for seated patrons. Dacha takes
nightly noise readings on both sides of the
sound walls and in the alley and decibel
levels come in lower than D.C. standards.
They are working currently with sound
engineers to build soundproong into the
expansion plans.
Rats remain a neighborhood-wide
plague. Dacha has closed dumpsters and
engaged an exterminator.
Because of CSNAs intransigence, concerned neighbors have quietly met with
the Dacha team to negotiate an end to the
cold war. Endorse President Reagans Doveryai, no proveryai (Trust, but verify).

RAY MILEFSKY has been a Shaw resident since


1986.

V I E W PO I N T

Atticus has left the building


Americas white-centered
historical narrative is on thin ice

RICHARD J. ROSENDALL is a writer and activist.


Reach him at rrosendall@starpower.net.

With people spray-painting rebukes on


statues of John C. Calhoun and Robert E.
Lee across the South, who would have
thought the rst icon to be pulled o his
pedestal would be Atticus Finch?
Until a few days ago, Atticus was the
moral pillar of ctional Maycomb, Ala.
His children are endangered when he
defends a black man falsely accused
of rape. He tells his tomboy daughter
Scout, You never really understand a
person ... until you climb into his skin
and walk around in it.
That was in To Kill a Mockingbird,
Harper Lees beloved 1960 novel of Depression-era children encountering racial
injustice. Now comes Go Set a Watchman, written in 1957 but only published

this week, in which an older Atticus says,


Do you want Negroes by the carload in
our schools and churches and theaters?
Do you want them in our world? Scout
has grown into 26-year-old Jean Louise,
and returns home from New York to nd
disillusionment.
Real people are full of contradictions.
Genteel racism is harder to confront than
the crude variety. In Mockingbird, when
Mayella Ewell broke a taboo by kissing
a black man, it was taken out on him to
prove that he was lower even than poor
white trash. Modern racists seldom admit
to being bothered by a mixed-race president, but they act to thwart him every day.
The climax of Mockingbird is the attack
on Scout and Jem, whereas Tom Robinson dies oscreen. I was struck as a child
by the beauty of actor Brock Peters. Only
later did I realize the injustice of his characters requisite saintliness. In another
1960s movie, In the Heat of the Night, it
was a breakthrough when Sidney Poitier
slapped a white plantation owner back.
While millions fretted over Jem and
Scout, real black children were being attacked, like the four little girls killed in a
Birmingham church bombing in 1963.
This un-romanticized reality is familiar to
anyone not swathed in myths of whiteness cleansed of the supporting brutality.

The whitewashing continues today: new


social studies textbooks in Texas downplay the role of slavery in the Civil War
and are silent on the Ku Klux Klan and Jim
Crow laws. As Ta-Nehisi Coates writes in
The Atlantic, The destroyers will rarely be
held accountable. Mostly they will receive
pensions.
One of my mottos as an activist is Its
not all about you. For whites to insist
on being at the center of everyone elses
story is pathological. We are too eager to
declare problems solved, like the biblical false prophets who have misled my
people by saying: Peace! when there is
no peace. Instead of my people rebuilding the wall, these men come and slap on
plaster. (Ezekiel 13:10)
Removing the Confederate battle ag
does not rebuild black communities
destroyed by white mobs. It does not
restore the lives of lynching victims. It
does not repay those cheated by redlining and vote suppression. It does not
bring justice to adults or children murdered by police. It does not clear away
the Spanish moss from paternalistic
media narratives.
Chauncey DeVega describes in Salon
how America is poisoned by the toxic
masculinity embraced by Dylann Roof
and other mass murderers, rooted in ag-

grieved privilege and rape fantasies and


fueled by gun manufacturers (see the ad
for Bushmaster assault ries with the tag
line, Consider your man card reissued).
Yet some people appear to be bothered
more by a smartphone in the hands of
social media activist DeRay Mckesson (@
deray), and mock him with hashtags like
#gohomederay.
Despite the noise, social media activists are exposing white supremacist violence, whether from lone wolves or police
departments, and organizing to demand
accountability. Others are gathering support for black and brown women lmmakers (@AFFRM). They bypass traditional industry gatekeepers. They are not
bound to follow anothers blueprint. As
Alice Randall writes in The Wind Done
Gone, Its easier to live where fewer
dreams are buried.
We can live with our disillusionment.
We can confront our historys uglier
ghosts even as we fondly recall fictional heroes. And we can heed our neighbors of color who have had enough
martyrdom.
DeRay is not going home, and Atticus
has left the building.
Copyright 2015 by Richard J. Rosendall.
All rights reserved.

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

1 8 J ULY 1 7 , 2 0 1 5

I N SI D E LG BT W A SH I N G T O N

The Democratic primary is complicated


But in the end, we should all
support partys candidate

PETER ROSENSTEIN is a D.C.-based LGBT rights


and Democratic Party activist. He writes regularly
for the Blade.

Over the coming months, the ght


within the Democratic Party will be complicated by the fact many believe the
eventual winner will have to appeal to a
more moderate general electorate than
those who vote in Democratic primaries.
Some will call that selling out; others will
call it a winning compromise.
There are ve candidates so far in
the primary race: Lincoln Chafee, Hillary
Clinton, Martin OMalley, Bernie Sanders
and Jim Webb. Except for Webb they are
on the liberal side. Currently the race is
Clinton against the others. She remains
far ahead in the national polls over her
closest rival Sanders by about 50 percent and in the Iowa caucuses she leads

Sanders by about 35 percent in the latest


Iowa polling average. He is much closer in
some Iowa polls and in New Hampshire.
The other candidates lag far behind.
The result is Clinton and Sanders are
taking the air out of the atmosphere for
the other candidates who are having a
hard time being heard. That may change
in six debates sanctioned by the Democratic National Committee.
The reason the primary is complicated
is supporters of the leading candidates
are often at each others throats and in
most elections there is one winner and
a lot of losers. In some ways this primary
is dierent. There will be one winner but
it is hoped the Democratic Party will win
because of the big ideas being debated.
Many believe Sanders, actually an independent running in the Democratic primary, is doing so to push some of these
big ideas. He is gaining in some polls
and his supporters believe he can win.
The main icon of the partys left wing is
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). When
she chose not to run, Martin OMalley
was setting himself up to be the most
left candidate and challenger to Clinton.
But when Sanders entered the race most
of Warrens supporters jumped on his
bandwagon, which left little room for
OMalley.

Some dont believe a passionate Hillary


Clinton supporter like me really appreciates Sanders. I recently posted on Huington Post where I was complimentary
to Sanders but brought up some of the
dierences between he and Clinton on
gun control and immigration. I quoted
Sanders claiming he is a socialist.
As I write this, well over 3,000 people
indicated they like the column but there
are more 220 comments, most I assume
from Sanders supporters, who have attacked me for being a phony when I said
I like much of what Sanders is saying.
They objected to my characterization of
Clinton and Sanders having similar positions on many issues. They clearly believe
Clinton is just pandering to the left rather
than believing her positions.
The vitriol was interesting since it is
not how Sanders is campaigning. Sanders is sticking to the issues he has fought
for as an independent and articulating
them well. While not believing he is the
better candidate, I can still appreciate
what he is saying. Therein lies the complex nature of this election.
Sanders could have run as an independent rather than in the Democratic
primary. I believe he chose this route
because he doesnt want to be the next
Ralph Nader turning the White House

over to a Republican.
So what those 200 commenters and
those supporting other candidates in the
primary should accept is we will all need
to come together and support whoever is
the Democratic standard bearer in 2016.
I believe it will be Hillary and will speak
out on why it should be. I expect Sanders
supporters will do the same for him and
supporters of the other candidates will do
that for their person.
But in doing so it is crucial to be civil to
each other. We should agree if a Republican gets in the White House and nominates the next Supreme Court justices,
that it will change our lives for the worse
for decades. A Republican would likely reverse many of the executive orders President Obama signed on immigration and
LGBT rights and reverse regulations his
agencies are promulgating on environmental and health issues.
We need to come out of the Democratic primary united for whichever candidate
wins or we will undermine everything we
believe in and will hurt the people we all
claim to be ghting for workers, immigrants and everyday Americans. We will
set back the ght for womens rights and
any chance of making progress in securing civil and human rights in both law and
in the culture for all Americans.
VIEWPOINT

After Charleston, a time to reect and change


Southern whites arent
the only racists

KATHI WOLFE, a regular contributor to the


Blade, was the winner of the 2014 Stonewall
Chapbook Competition.

There are times when I wish being legally blind would keep me from seeing
anything. In 1996, I visited Ivy Green, Helen Kellers birthplace (a city-owned museum) in Tuscumbia, Ala. Then, Id have
given anything not to have been able to
see the Confederate ag ying over the
home where Keller was born. Keller, an
early supporter of the NAACP, would
have shared my horror. Racism, she
said, should bring a blush of shame to
the face of every true American. (Three
years ago, the Confederate ag was re-

moved from Ivy Green and placed in the


museums history room.) The daughter
of a Confederate Army captain, Keller
knew that no one, sighted or blind, can be
blind to racism.
This is especially true today, after a
hate-lled white gunman killed nine people at a church last month just because
they were black. The Center for Black Equity, a D.C.-based LGBT group, received a
telephone death threat just hours after
the Charleston shootings, as reported in
the Blade. Its especially true in the aftermath of the death of Freddie Gray in Baltimore and after Ferguson.
For centuries, we who are white have
been a part of the spectrum of overt and
subtle racism ranging from lynchings
to economic and social inequality. In the
wake of continued racial violence and inequity, none of us, no matter how old or
young; rich or poor; hetero or LGBT, can
avert our eyes from our own racism.
Once, a reader, commenting on a piece
I wrote for the Blade, called me a selfhating white person. Respectfully, I differ with this characterization. I respect
myself, but despise racism. Like many

people of good will, Id like to believe that


only gun-toting, hate-speech spewing bigots are anti-Semitic, homophobic or racist.
On July 10, along with many Americans,
I watched with relief as the Confederate ag was taken down from the South
Carolina State House grounds. Though
deeply sad that the Charleston massacre
was the tipping point for its removal, I
was happy to see the red and blue symbol of slavery and Jim Crow lowered. Yet,
at this moment, as is the case so often,
I had to check my privilege stie my
feelings of smug superiority and look in
the mirror. Southern white people arent
the only racists, I reminded myself. Many
Southerners are good people. Racism is
alive and well in the North. From a sharp
scream to a low hum its there, conscious and unconscious, in many of us.
The death threat that the Center for
Black Equity received was a trifecta of
hatred, racism and homophobia, the
groups president, Earl Fowlkes, said in a
statement on the organizations website.
The phone message was a tirade lled
with homophobic, anti-Semitic and down-

right racist references including the suspects urgency to institute the mass killings of Blacks, Jews and LGBTQ citizens.
Fortunately, no one was hurt.
Many of us in the LGBT community
have experienced homophobia. Some of
us or our families in the queer community have experienced anti-Semitism.
Yet, even so, how can we who are white
begin to comprehend what its like to experience racism as a person of color? Or
anti-Semitism or homophobia as a person of color? Take my (late) Dad, a veterinarian who was Jewish. As he drove to the
hospital in our small South Jersey town
where my Mom lay dying, a cop stopped
him on a bogus speeding charge. You
Jew doctor! the cop hissed, Im gonna
get your ass. The charges were dropped
and the cop was red. I cant help but
think: if my Dad had been black and the
cop had called him the N-word, that the
outcome would have been far dierent.
The gay world is no more prepared
to accept black people than anywhere
else in society, James Baldwin said. PostCharleston, its time for us to start the
long, hard work of preparation.

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PETS

J U LY 1 7 , 2 0 1 5 2 1

WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTO BY DAMIEN SALAS

10 places to walk
your dog in D.C.
Get off the asphalt and into creeks, beaches and even a cemetery
By MARIAH COOPER
Walking the dog should be a walk in the
park, both guratively and literally. Heres
a list of some of the best places in the
District that will satisfy you and your pup.
Congressional Cemetery (801 E St.,
N.E.) has a lot more to oer than a rich
history and scenic views. Its also a great
place for dogs and their dog walkers
alike. Walking your dog here requires a
membership to K9 Corps, the dog-walking
program. Membership is highly sought
after and there is a waiting list and can
be renewed annually. K9 Corps members
are also required to fulll volunteer hours
at the cemetery including volunteering
for events, leading tours or maintaining a
plot throughout the year. For more details
on membership, visit cemeterydogs.org.
Shaw Dog Park (1651 11th St., N.W.)
is a straightforward dog park located in
the Shaw neighborhood. The park has an
enclosed fence area that is ideal for dog
walkers with puppies or small dogs. This
park also is entirely made of gravel so no
need to worry about muddy paws and
feet on dreary days. Visit shawdogs.org
for more information.
Shirlington Park (2601 S Arlington
Mill Dr., Arlington, Va.) is ideal for the
adventurous four-legged friend. This is

more of a standard park, including dirt


and grass for dogs to utilize for running
around. There is also a four-mile creek
that allows dog access for dog walkers
and their canines to splash around and
cool down on a hot summer day. More
details can be found at parks.arlingtonva.
us/locations/shirlington-park.
S Street Dog Park (17th and S
streets, N.W.) oers many amenities to
accommodate dogs and their walkers.
The park has an articial turf so
community upkeep of the space is easier.
The park is also secured with double
lock entry to ensure safety. Dog walkers
are also treated to water fountains and
chairs located throughout the park to
take breaks.
Bundy Dog Park (4th and P streets,
N.W.) is a park that allows dog owners to
bring their dogs to run around and play
without leashes. The length of the park is
long enough for dogs to run freely up and
down the space. The park also has fake
grass making cleanup easier. For more
details, visit bundydogpark.org.
Glencarlyn Dog Park (301 S Harrison
St., Arlington, Va.) is a good alternative
for dog walkers who wish to take their
dogs on a hike rather than a mere walk.

The park is located in a wooded area next


to a stream that dogs and their walkers
will enjoy exploring. Dogs can swim in
the stream and even spend time at a
waterfall. There is also a sandy area for
dog walkers to play fetch or other games
with their dogs. For more information,
visit
parks.arlingtonva.us/locations/
glencarlyn-dog-park.
Langdon Dog Park (2901 20th St.,
N.E.) has lots to do for both the dog and
walker. The dog park is separated into two
sections, one for smaller dogs and one for
larger dogs. There is also a dog fountain
for dogs to drink from and cool down.
Benches and picnic tables for dog owners
to sit and relax while they play with their
pup are scattered throughout the park.
Dog walkers can also enjoy a skate park,
recreation center, basketball court and
view the Chuck Brown Memorial. For more
information, visit langdondogpark.org.
Kingsman Field Dog Park (D St., and
Tennessee Ave., N.E.) is a quaint dog
park located in Capitol Hill. There are
two separate areas, one for small dogs
and one for larger dogs. The park also
includes a water fountain for dogs to use.
Walkers can relax on benches nearby
or stand under a shaded awning on hot

summer days. Although the park is small,


its a cozy alternative to larger parks.
The Rosedale Conservancy (3518
Newark St., N.W.) is an old-fashioned
scenic park that is perfect for both dog
walking and taking in the views. The park
is teeming with green grass, trees and
hills. The park is also fenced, making
safety a top priority. Dogs are also
allowed to be o-leash during certain
hours on weekdays and weekends.
Membership is required to walk dogs on
the premises. There is both an annual
membership fee and a dog annual
registration fee. For more details, visit
rosedaleconservancy.org.
Founders Park (351 N. Union St.,
Alexandria, Va.) sits alongside the
riverside right near the historic shoplled King Street. There is a lot to do at
the park besides dog walking such as
playing volleyball, having a picnic, feeding
the geese or enjoying views of the river.
However, walking the dog at this park is
particularly special because there is so
much to see and do. Dog walkers and their
pups wont be bored for a moment with so
much land to explore, people to see and
other dogs to play. For more information,
visit alexandriafounderspark.org.

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Being a good pet parent doesnt have to break the bank.


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Save money
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Smart shopping will keep
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(StatePoint) Being a great pet parent
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arent careful.
Spoiling your furry friends doesnt
have to cost a pretty penny. The discount
experts at Dollar General are oering pet
care tips for those on a budget.

with the products.


You can also save money on pet food
by following label instructions on food
packaging and not over-feeding pets.
With a proper and balanced diet, you can
help keep your pet healthier and happier,
and spend less in the process.

DIY GROOMING

QUALITY TIME

Although it may be tempting to drop


your pet o at a professional groomer
to be bathed and brushed, you can save
a fortune by doing it yourself. Set aside a
time each week or month to bathe, brush
and pamper your pet. You can even get the
kids involved. Your pet will love the extra
attention and you will love the savings.

The most important bond between


pets and owners is quality time and love.
Spending at least a small part of your
day exercising and playing with your pets
means the world to them and is a great
stress reliever for you. Plus, it doesnt cost
a cent to shower your pet with aection.

WATCH WHAT THEY EAT


Its important to nd a food that works
for your pets dietary needs and falls within
your budget. For great deals, consider
shopping at a discount retailer. For
example, Dollar General oers exclusive
pet food and treats brands, Forever Pals
and EverPet. Both oer a variety of choices
at an aordable price that will make both
you and your pet happy. They also carry a
100 percent satisfaction guarantee, so its
a risk-free trial if you arent fully satised

SMART SHOPPING
Sometimes the cost of owning and
caring for a pet can be stressful when
trying to budget for the rest of your
family. Instead of shopping for items
like treats, ea and tick medication, pet
shampoo, leashes and collars at a petspecic store or your veterinarians oce,
get products for your pets at discount or
even dollar stores.
With some time, attention and smart
budgeting, you can be the best pet parent
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2 4 J ULY 1 7 , 2 0 1 5

2 0 G A Y Q U E ST I O N S F O R D A N T E I CH
P R E S E N T ?
Maybe Im nostalgic, but I long for the
days of late nights at Nation. Nothing
current seems to compare. Then again,
that was 11 years ago. Nowadays,
anywhere quiet with a nice view.
DESCRIBE YOUR DREAM
WEDDING.
Sept. 19, 2015. If youre invited, youll
know why.

The local vet


answers 20
gay questions
By JOEY DiGUGLIELMO
joeyd@washblade.com
When Dan Teich opened District Veterinary Hospital (3748 10th St., N.E./
districtvet.com) last October, he says his vision for the best of client care for
pets was in a way predestined.
Ever since I was 4 years old, everyone presumed I would become a
veterinarian, the 38-year-old West Orange, N.J., native says. Here we are 34
years later and everyone was correct.
His hospital, which sees dogs and cats, exists to ensure people are able to
share their love with their furry friends in health for as long as possible. They are
our best friends and nothing makes me smile more than helping the humananimal bond.
Teich came to Washington 12 years ago, drawn by good friends and a warm
and welcoming community after completing vet school at Ohio State. Hes
almost married to Shawn Nelson Schmitt. They live with their dog, Brian, in
Capitol Hill.
Teich enjoys rock hunting, hiking, museums and sampling various iced teas
in his free time.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN


OUT AND WHO WAS THE
HARDEST PERSON TO TELL?
Since my freshman year of college. I was
the hardest person to tell. I couldnt care
about what about anyone else thought
with the exception of my parents
and thankfully, they already knew and
were very supportive.

WHOS YOUR LGBT HERO?


Barney Frank. He had the courage to
be the rst out lawmaker and set a
path for others to be open in politics.
Additionally, he never shied away from
sharing his opinion. We also share a
similar gruness.
WHATS WASHINGTONS
BEST NIGHTSPOT, PAST OR

WHAT NON-LGBT ISSUE ARE


YOU MOST PASSIONATE
ABOUT?
Good environmental stewardship. We
live on a tiny planet and we have no
hope of anyone from beyond helping
us. Look around you, take care of what
we have, think of the future, go beyond
selsh greed, install that LED and drink
tap water.
WHAT HISTORICAL OUTCOME
WOULD YOU CHANGE?
Bush v. Gore. The response to 9-11
would have been dierent, we probably
would not be in endless war, there would
possibly be no more gay agenda as we
would have tackled it by now.Imagine
where renewable energy would have
been now, 15 years later. Yes, its been
15 years.
WHATS BEEN THE MOST
MEMORABLE POP CULTURE
MOMENT OF YOUR LIFETIME?
Im not known for pop culture. The
explosion of the Challenger spacecraft as
a kid really aected me.
ON WHAT DO YOU INSIST?
Be kind, be gentle, treat others with the
same love and respect that you want
for yourself. Its my religion. I nd the
lack of respect that people display for
their fellow humans to be a sad state of
aairs. And always carry a pen.
WHAT WAS YOUR LAST
FACEBOOK POST OR TWEET?
A photo of nature in its full glory: the
lotuses in bloom at the Kenilworth
Aquatic Gardens, with the love of my
life. Peak bloom is this week. You should
go there.And on the District Vet site, a
picture of a lost stued lamb at the U.S.
Botanic Garden. Please help it nd its
way back to its kid!
IF YOUR LIFE WERE A BOOK,
WHAT WOULD THE TITLE BE?
Darwin is Dead
IF SCIENCE DISCOVERED A

WAY TO CHANGE SEXUAL


ORIENTATION, WHAT WOULD
YOU DO?
On a personal level, nothing. Im happy.
Im in love and theres no reason for
me to do anything dierently. I would
nd the concept interesting since Im a
scientist at heart.
WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE
IN BEYOND THE PHYSICAL
W O R L D ?
I dont. Once youre dead, youre dead.
Believing in life after death robs you of
your existence here and now.
WHATS YOUR ADVICE FOR
LGBT MOVEMENT LEADERS?
We have won some great battles of late;
do not become complacent. The war is
not over. It will be over when there is
equality for all: LGBT adults and youth,
women, people of color, all religions and
spiritualities, all ages, all humans.
WHAT WOULD YOU WALK
A C R O S S H O T C O A L S F O R ?
Any and all of that about which I
am passionate. Or a good ice cream
sandwich. Ooh! Or puppies! Or puppies
with ice cream sandwiches!
WHAT LGBT STEREOTYPE
ANNOYS YOU MOST?
THAT ALL GAY MEN WEAR
H & M . P L E A S E .
WHATS YOUR FAVORITE LGBT
MOVIE?
Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. My
father rented it and we watched it as a
family just after it came out. Talk about
progressive parents!
WHATS THE MOST OVERRATED
SOCIAL CUSTOM?
Ties.
WHAT TROPHY OR PRIZE DO
YOU MOST COVET?
The two men in my life: Brian the dog
and Shawn the husband. And of course,
District Vet Hospital its a true dream
serving our clients.
WHAT DO YOU WISH YOUD
KNOWN AT 18?
Buy Yahoo! at 68 cents and sell it three
years later at $108.
WHY WASHINGTON?
Culture beyond yogurt; vibrant
out community; city without being
overwhelming; fantastic clients, fantastic
pets and fantastic friends.

W A SH I N GTO NB LAD E.C OM

J U LY 1 7 , 2 0 1 5 2 5

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ARTS

AND

ENTERTAINMENT

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

VOLUME

46

ISSUE

29

JULY

17

2015

PAGE

26

Pastor, author nds life


beyond strictures of
conservative Christianity
By JOEY DiGUGLIELMO
joeyd@washblade.com
Once one of the darlings of white
evangelical America, Rob Bell drew strong
condemnation when he veered o script
with his 2011 book Love Wins, a New
York Times bestseller in which he dared
to suggest hell isnt the literal re-andbrimstone torture chamber fundamentalist
Christians have long claimed.
He left Mars Hill Bible Church, the
Grandville, Mich., church he started at age
28 in 1999, in 2012 and has pursued several
ventures since from a book with his wife
Kristen (The Zimzum of Love), a tour with
Oprah Winfrey (the 2014 Life You Want
Tour) and more. Named one of the 100
most inuential people in the world by Time
magazine in 2011, Bells own Everything is
Spiritual Tour comes to Silver Spring, Md.,
next week. Bell is an LGBT ally and spoke with
us by phone this week from New Orleans
to talk about trends in contemporary U.S.
Christianity, how he feels the Scriptures
have been abused on all kinds of topics and
what message he feels God has for LGBT
people. His comments have been slightly
edited for length.
WASHINGTON BLADE: You write a lot
in your book Velvet Elvis about the work
of binding and loosing and wrestling with
scriptural texts. What kind of binding and

Pastor/author ROB BELL says the Bible must be understood as a human book written in specic historical contexts.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BOHLSEN GROUP

loosing work are you doing on your tour?


ROB BELL: Im trying to give people a
new story, a story that helps them see
that science and spirituality are long-lost
dance partners and because of what we
know about the universe and the fact
that its an expanding universe, along
with what we know about how our hearts
work, I feel there are endless connections
between the two. So thats what Im doing
asking some questions about what
is this thing that keeps unfolding and
moving forward and what does it look
like to have an integrated view of your life
in the world so that its not just random
fragments, but you have a sense that
the whole thing is going somewhere and
youre going somewhere with it.

BLADE: Hows it going?


BELL: Oh my word, its so much fun. I just
love this. Its kind of somewhere between
a one-man show and a tent talk and a
recovery meeting and hopefully an inspiring
sermon in there too. Its like a mishmash of
art forms and I just love doing it.
BLADE: As youve veered away from
traditional evangelical Christianity, who
is your audience now? Are you nding
acceptance among mainline Protestants?
BELL: I always thought the word
evangelical meant good news, so I always
thought it meant a joyous announcement
that we are all loved and are all brothers
and sisters and all in this together and lets
all work to deal with the suering and the
real problems in the world. So the idea of

a subculture that liked to claim that word


sort of always seemed ridiculous to me.
I didnt grow up with any denominational
aliation, so I was dealing with this stu
kind of all across the spectrum whether
it be Eastern Orthodox to Catholic to
Christian to whatever, I was really talking
about what it means to be human.
BLADE: Yes, but when we talk about
voting trends and demographics and so
on, evangelicals are counted separately
from mainline Protestants and Roman
Catholics. Do you not think in terms of
these spheres?
BELL: No. I just never knew what they
were talking about really. I mean I was
always pro science. When theyd talk
CONTINUES ON PAGE 27

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

A R T S & EN TE RTA I NMENT

J U LY 1 7 , 2 0 1 5 2 7

You are loved and armed exactly as you are


CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

about these dierent groups, Id be like,


Well, Im not in that group, theyre saying
crazy things. But I did notice denitely
from early on that I endlessly found
myself discovering people who were on
the same journey from all across the
spectrum and to be honest with you,
early on I found that all those labels just
meant nothing. Id end up in some setting
and Id be like, Wait, these people are
having the same discussion over here.
Mennonites are having a non-violence
discussion, Catholics are talking about
the importance of creativity in art, the
Eastern Orthodox are talking about the
centrality of mystery in faith There
was a through-line through the whole
discussion so that even when we were
pastoring (Mars Hill), we never saw it as
putting together a religion. When I hear
people talk about these people vote this
way or those people vote that way, Im
sure theres some truth in those things on
a general level, but they were never very
interesting to me.
BLADE: So are you averse to we-they
thinking in general?
BELL: Yeah. It just never seemed like a
very interesting discussion.
BLADE: You took a lot of heat for
daring to suggest a dierent view of hell
in Love Wins. How much of that did you
anticipate?
BELL: I did a series of sermons on
womens equality probably in 2002, so I
had experienced this kind of unique venom
that religious people spew when they
believe theyre defending God. I had done
a series of sermons questioning the war in
Iraq, my rst book had apparently made
some people upset so while Love Wins
was louder, the knobs were turned up, it
was really a natural ongoing progression of
what Id been experiencing for over decade.
Its interesting to see how many people
arent familiar with the fact that nothing
Im saying in that book is really new. These
ideas have been present in the Christian
tradition for a number of years.
BLADE:
Did
you
fear
getting
pigeonholed as Rob Bell, the guy who
says theres no hell?
BELL: (laughs) Its not something I even
think about. You cant take people where
they dont want to go. Some people
when they talk about faith, what theyre
really talking about is fear. Theyre not
interested in expanding or growing so I
dont use much energy thinking about it.
BLADE: Your critics seem to have
pegged you as somebody who wants to
have his cake and eat it too. Whats the

biggest misconception about you?


BELL: What does that even mean?
BLADE: Well, broadly speaking, the
criticism seems to come down to an
opinion that you want to enjoy the
kind, loving God but just skip over the
unpleasant parts like the hell, re and
brimstone. Its a recurring theme among
your critics.
BELL: Its just funny to hear that. Its a
weird critique number one and number
two, these people who claim to be sharing
the good news, oh wait, its actually bad
news. If youre literally operating from a
world view that says billions and billions
and billions are going to be tormented
forever in some sort of conscious hell
because they didnt believe in somebody
they never heard about thats a horror
story. That is such a psychologically
devastating portrait of the universe were
living in, who could ever bear that? So
if theyre like, He wont include that,
thats correct, I dont nd that even
remotely compelling Fear is wonderful
for behavior modication to a certain
degree, but I think probably in your life
and mine, what actually transforms your
life is when you are given a new vision of
who you might be in the world. You can
scare people a little to get them to behave
right or be moral or vote a particular
way or raise money for your thing, but
in my experience as a pastor, people are
transformed when they hear a fresh new
word of imagination about who they
are and who they can become. So when
people say, He doesnt want to bring that
stu up, well, Im in line with millions of
people of faith who are more interested
in making the world a better place. Im
laughing because sometimes the critiques
are like, Are you kidding me?
BLADE: So those Bible verses you never
see on coee mugs like depart from me
ye cursed into everlasting re prepared
for the devil and his angels that Christ
supposedly says to the damned, what do
you feel those verses mean?
BELL: Well I think rst and foremost,
everything Jesus was doing was in the
context of rst century Jewish culture a
people that had been oppressed by one
global military super power, the Romans,
that was just another oppressive super
power in a long line of them from the
Persians to the Greeks to the Babylonians
and more. These were people who had
been conquered again and again and again
and they believed at some point that their
God would vindicate them. Often people
have so divorced the reading of the text
from what was happening at the time
which here, I think Jesus is giving these
really pointed parables and I think giving
them these images of do you want to

participate in a new kind of world? Do you


want to join me with God in helping the
poor and bringing about a new heaven and
earth right now? They were part of an entire
religious establishment that was part of the
problem, exploiting the poor, dehumanizing
people and I think hes using very strong,
very pointed hyperbolic language to say
to them, Turn your thinking around. Turn
your actions around or youre going to miss
this fresh new thing that God is doing.
So when people extract lines out of this and
say people everywhere are going to burn
forever, they have so warped the message,
taken it out of context and distorted the
story. You can take things out of context
and make them say anything.
BLADE: Youre very open and arming to
gays. Did your views on LGBT issues evolve?
BELL: I always felt my gay friends should
of course be part of the church and serve
and lead there so any interactions I ever
had were, Yes, of course I embrace you
and arm you. Im thrilled you are here.
But it seems like a lot of people, I didnt
understand how painful it is for people to
be in an environment where they arent
openly armed and embraced. I just
assumed it was a matter of, Just join us,
lets go and lets do this. It took me awhile
to understand and now I have several
friends whove said the same thing. So
it became, Oh wait, this is all our issue,
we all need to speak up about this and
become very strong in our arming and
embracing. So it was a long, slow road
of me coming to that understanding.
Im thrilled with the progress thats being
made. Im so happy about it.
BLADE: Do you feel God has a message
for LGBT believers?
BELL: Yes. First o, so many who were
raised in a religious environment where
they were told there was something
wrong with them, they had to do a lot of
interior work to get over those messages
and it took extraordinary courage. Im
constantly astounded by the incredible
depth of character and maturity I see
in the LGBT community because they
have struggled. That re produces such
maturity and Im just in awe of it. So I just
say keep going and on behalf of everybody
who ever told you a destructive message
about who you are, Im so sorry. You are
loved and armed exactly as you are.
BLADE: Why do you feel God would
make someone transgender?
BELL: I actually dont nd it helpful to
think in terms of why would God make
someone a particular way. I dont have
that view of God. I begin with the world the
way it is. We all have dierent struggles
and why is someone born feeling theyre
not comfortable in their own skin, Im not

interested in blaming some divine being


on a cloud somewhere with a long beard
and that sort of thing. This is how this
person has experienced life and what we
need to do is support them in being true
to who they feel they are. Theres no way
to answer those questions other than to
start with where we are today and what
does it mean to move forward in health
and wholeness and joy?
BLADE: There are lots of scriptures
advising wariness to false teaching and
not to let ourselves get tossed here and
there by waves and carried about by
every wind of doctrine. Some say youre
a false teacher leading people astray.
How does one discern anointed teaching
vs. false teaching?
BELL: The ancient Hebrews had this
word shalom, which sometimes gets
translated as the word peace, but peace
in a Western context usually means
people are not ghting, the absence of
war. But shalom is really about health
and wholeness and theres multiple
dimensions of shalom peace with each
other, peace with the earth, taking good
care of the earth, being comfortable in our
own skin, being at peace with ourselves.
So I would simply ask, Does this,
whatever this idea is, a new movement
or new interpretation, does this help us
move forward into a greater and greater
depth of shalom or not? To me, thats a
good place to start. If it does not, then we
should be a bit suspicious.
BLADE: Is the needle shifting away
from fundamentalism?
BELL: Absolutely and heres why. You
would not believe the number of bigshot Christian leaders who come meet
with me and say, Thank you for your
books, thanks for what youre doing. I cant
say that in my setting because I would
get red. They basically say theyre prosame-sex marriage and theyre evolving
and growing and realizing the importance
of science in understanding the world,
theyre reading the Bible in new ways, but
they basically say, I get a paycheck from
propping up this whole old world view
thats not working anymore. You would
not believe it. So yes, I think extraordinary
strides are being made.

CONTINUES AT WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
ROB BELL
Everything is Spiritual Tour
The Fillmore Silver Spring
8656 Colesville Rd.
Silver Spring, Md.
Wednesday, July 22
8:30 p.m.
$25-35
llmoresilverspring.com
ticketmaster.com
robbell.com

LIVE

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

28 JU L Y 17, 2015

O U T & A BO U T

THE BRINDLEY BROTHERS


AND THE HAMILTON LIVE PRESENT:

EILEN

JEWELL
W/ DIETRICH STRAUSE

THURSDAY JULY

16

FREDDIE KING TRIBUTE FEATURING

JAMISON
and

By MARIAH COOPER

DOUBLE O SOUL
PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS
BENNY TURNER
& RON HOLLOWAY
W/ ANDY POXON TRIO

FRIDAY JULY

17

SAT, JULY 18

EMMET SWIMMING
W/ TOM McBRIDE

WED, JULY 22

THE DUSTBOWL REVIVAL


& DOM FLEMONS
THURS, JULY 23

WILL HOGE

FRI, JULY 24

BRASS-A-HOLICS
SUN, JULY 26

THE PAUL REED SMITH BAND

THEHAMILTONDC.COM

Baltimore Pride coming soon


Baltimore Pride celebrates with a full weekend of events next weekend in
downtown Baltimore.
The Pride Parade begins in Mt. Vernon Downtown Baltimore on Saturday, July
25 at 3:30 p.m. The parade will take place rain or shine. Following the parade will
be a block party on Charles Street at Eager Street at 4 p.m. The block party will
feature performances by Martha Wash, Cazwell and TS Madison. On Sunday, July
26, the Pride Festival will be in Druid Hill Park (2600 Madison Ave., Baltimore)
from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Featured performances at the festival will be announced.
The event has been held for years in June but several factors contributed to a
decision by the GLBT Community Center of Baltimore and Central Maryland to
move the festivities to July this year.
For more information on Baltimore Pride visit baltimorepride.org.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BISHOP

Out singer-songwriters
here for separate shows
Out singer Derek Bishop plays Tree
House Lounge (1006 Florida Ave., N.E.) at
10 p.m. on Saturday, July 18. Tickets are
$10 and are available at the door only.
Hes touring his new album Bicycling in
Quicksand, a dance-pop collection that is
his second album. He lives in New York.
Gay Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter
Ryan Amador plays a benet concert for
Casa Ruby at Brookland Artspace Lofts
(3305 8th St. N.E.) at 7:30 p.m. on Monday,
July 20. Admission is free but donations are
requested. Half of the money given will go to
Casa Ruby. E-mail to brooklandartspace@
gmail.com for information.

Neon Trees hit


Baltimore and D.C.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MERRIWEATHER POST PAVILION

Grammy-snagging Smith to play Merriweather


British soul singer Sam Smith performs at Merriweather Post Pavilion (10475
Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia, Md.) on Friday, July 24 at 8 p.m.
Smith, who is gay, received critical acclaim for his debut album In the Lonely
Hour. The lead single Stay With Me led Smith to receive a Grammy award for
Record of the Year and Song of the Year at the 57th annual Grammy Awards
in February. R&B songstress Jazmine Sullivan will open the show. Tickets range
from $45-97.50.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit merriweathermusic.com.

Alternative rock band Neon Trees


performs at Rams Head Live (20 Market
Pl., Baltimore) on Saturday, July 18, at 7
p.m. and at 9:30 Club (815 V St., N.W.) on
Monday, July 20, at 7 p.m.
Neon Trees gained radio popularity
with their rst single Animal from their
debut album Habits in 2010. They
went on to receive more airplay for their
lead single Everybody Talks from their
second album Picture Show. Gay lead
singer Tyler Glenn has written songs
about his sexuality which are featured on
their latest album Pop Psychology that
was released last year.
Tickets for both shows are $25. For more
details, visit ramsheadlive.com or 930.com.

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

T HE ATER

J U L Y 17, 2015 29

PHOTO COURTESY OF CFF

DANA MAAS as Sarah and BEN HARRIS as Joey in A Family Reunion.

Fireworks y in gay-penned
Fringe dramedy
By MARIAH COOPER
With a daughter who grew up trapped
in a cult and a son who was kidnapped
into human tracking, baggage, drama
and dysfunction co-mingle eectively
in A Family Reunion, a dramedy from
gay playwright Larry Blossom making its
world premier in rebooted form now at
the Capital Fringe Festival and Out-Side
the Box Theatre.
Christer (Bill Wilburn) and his wife Emily
(Yvonne Parerzky) have been looking for
their two lost children for years. Their
daughter Sarah (Dana Maas), who goes
by her given cult name Hagar, has nally
returned home after being raised and
brainwashed in a heavily religious cult
since she was 4 years old. The cult, led
by a woman called Oma (Jamie Crowne),
forces Sarah to dress in outdated modest
clothing, devour the Bible and have sexual
relations with a male member of the cult.
Sarah has been giving birth to his children
since she was 13 years old.
Crowne gives a stirring performance as
Oma, who frequently appears in Sarahs
thoughts as she struggles to adjust to her
family after coming home. Oma makes it
dicult for Sarah to assimilate into her
family and she nds herself still clinging
to her cults beliefs.
Joey (Ben Harris) is Sarahs older brother
who was sold into human tracking. He
escaped sooner than Sarah but instead of
returning home, he becomes a high-class
male prostitute. Joey comes home with
the intention of ripping o his wealthy
family with help from his partner-in-crime
Nick (Konstantine James).
Harris gives an emotionally electrifying
performance as Joey, a character who is at
both times humorous and heartbreaking
as he displays ignorance, anger, grief
and joy all at once at being reunited

with his family. Harris particularly shines


alongside Parezky in a scene where
mother Emily unknowingly meets her son
again after many years while she is drunk.
Instead of revealing who he is to Emily,
what results is an intoxicating scene that
reveals the matriarchs pain and regret
over losing her son while simultaneously
showing how alike the two really are. Joey
continues to try to t in with his family,
especially trying and failing to connect
with his father, while feeling constantly
judged for his sexuality and way of life.
Despite Sarah and Joey having so much
in common, the two clash miserably when
reunited. Sarah struggles to accept Joey
for his sexuality, profession and all-around
rough personality. Meanwhile, Joey cannot
understand why Sarah is being so hateful
toward him and why she hides behind
her religion. An older daughter, Annelise
(Carolyn Burke), is also in the mix as the
only child who was raised normally.
Blossom, who co-directs here with
Patrick Joy, does well with dark, dicult
themes. His previous play The Waiter
delved into an adolescents descent
into post-traumatic stress disorder and
Dance of the Wasp and Spider probed
a mothers eorts in preventing her
son from becoming a mass murderer.
Blossom brought an earlier version of A
Family Reunion to the stage in 2011.
The play gives an intimate insight into
the emotional upheaval each family
member goes through during this
reunion. Through it all, they discover
humor, pain, obstacles and unexpected
allies. Although the play deals with tough
issues, they are handled with grace,
emotion and vulnerability.
ATLAS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Lab II
1334 H St., N.E.
Sunday, July 19
6:45 p.m.
Friday, July 24
10:45 p.m.
$17
capitalfringe.org

Now thru August 16


Eisenhower Theater
Tickets on sale now!
(202) 467-4600 kennedy-center.org
Tickets also available at the Box Office | Groups (202) 416-8400
Musical Theater at the Kennedy Center is made
possible through the generosity of the
Adrienne Arsht Musical Theater Fund.

Kennedy Center Theater


Season Sponsor

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

3 0 J ULY 1 7 , 2 0 1 5

A RT S & CU LT U RE

HOT HITS & HIDDEN JEWELS


From CultureCapital.com
YOUR LINK TO THE ARTS IN METRO D.C.

Patti Labelle and The Jones Family Singers


Jul 19. Wolf Trap.
877-965-3872. wolftrap.org.

Hey sister, go sister, the Grammy-winning soul sister and Emmy-nominated


actress delivers timeless hits like Lady Marmalade, New Attitude, and On
My Own, with astonishing force and control (Rolling Stone).

Silence! The Musical


Thru Aug 9. Studio Theatre.
202-332-3300. studiotheatre.org.

Clarice, Hannibal, Bualo Billall singing, all dancing, and more outrageous
than ever. This spoof of the 1991 Oscar-winning lm features gleefully vulgar
songs, non-stop zingers, and a singing chorus of tap-dancing lambs.

Capital Fringe Festival


Thru Aug 2. Various Locations.
202-737-7230. capitalfringe.org.

Capital Fringe continues with St. Jimmy Celebrates The Food at Our Feet,
mostly the VOICE: a black lesbian journey, Barenaked Comedy, POE WHITMAN,
Interconnected, and much more. For a full schedule of Fringe events, visit
CultureCapital.com.

Shiho Rice: Quietly Cutting Through


Thru Aug 3. The Art League Gallery.
703-683-1780. theartleague.org.

Kiri is the Japanese artform in which a single piece of black paper is cut to
create an image, resulting in a piece that can look at rst glance like an ink
drawing or a woodcut. With this simple material Rice creates complex and
surreal worlds of mystery and delight.
IMAGE COURTESY OF WOLF TRAP

Buy
Discount Tickets
ticketPLAce.org

THEATRE
The Book of Mormon. Thru Aug 16.
Once. Thru Aug 16. Shear Madness.
Ongoing. Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600.
kennedy-center.org.
The Second Citys Let Them Eat Chaos.
Thru Aug 2. Woolly Mammoth.
202-393-3939. woollymammoth.net.
The Producers. Thru Jul 26. Olney
Theatre. 301-924-3400. olneytheatre.org.
Cool Cow Comedy Presents: Carmen
Lynch. Jul 18. Workhouse Arts Center.
540-657-8811. workhousearts.org.
Romo et Juliette. Thru Jul 18. Our
Town. Thru Jul 18. Lheure espagnole
(The Spanish Hour) & World Premiere
of Scalia/Ginsburg. Thru Jul 19. CATS
Spectacular: Opera Scenes II. Jul
19. Castleton Festival. 866-974-0767.
castletonfestival.org.
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Thru Jul
26. Keegan Theatre. 703-892-0202.
keegantheatre.com.
John Corigliano: The Ghosts of
Versailles. Thru Jul 18. Wolf Trap.
877-965-3872. wolftrap.org.
Twelve Angry Men. Thru Aug 8.
American Century Theater. Gunston.
703-998-4555. americancentury.org.

DANCE
African Acrobats. Jul 23-Jul 24.
Publick Playhouse. 301-277-1710.
arts.pgparks.com.
Niche at Capital Fringe. Thru Jul 26.
Jane Franklin Dance. Dance Place.
703-933-1111. janefranklin.com.

MUSIC
Blues Alleys 50th Anniversary. Jul 18.
Free Summer Outdoor Concert: No BS!
Brass Band. Jul 22. Strathmore.
301-581-5100. strathmore.org.
Jazz in the Garden: Lao Tizer. Jul 17.
National Gallery of Art. NGA Sculpture
Garden. 202-737-4215. nga.gov.
Chopteeth. Jul 18. Celebration of Music
and Culture of the Great Colombia.
Jul 19. Karen Briggs. Jul 22. Hackensaw
Boys. Jul 23. AMP. 301-581-5100.
ampbystrathmore.com.
Sizzlin Summer Nights: Kevin
McAllister. Jul 17. Natascia Diaz
featuring David Cole. Jul 17-Jul 18.
Ashley Ware Jenkins. Jul 18. Sandy
Bainum. Jul 21. Sherri L. Edelen. Jul 22Jul 23. Signature Theatre. 703-820-9771.
signature-theatre.org.
Salt-N-Pepa. Jul 18. Howard Theatre.
202-803-2899. thehowardtheatre.com.
Free Summer Concert Series: The
Crawdaddies. Jul 18. BlackRock.
301-528-2260. blackrockcenter.org.
Castleton Chamber Players. Jul 18.
Symphonic Concert with Maestro
Fabio Luisi. Jul 19. Castleton Festival.
866-974-0767. castletonfestival.org.
Mount Vernon Nights 2015: Dream
Disc; Whos Next and more Who
classics. Jul 18. Stars on Sunday

Concert Series. Thru Aug 30.


Workhouse Arts Center. 703-584-2900.
workhousearts.org.
Pokmon: Symphonic Evolutions. Jul
18. Brandi Carlile First & Aid Kit. Jul 22.
Wolf Trap. 877-965-3872. wolftrap.org.
Take a Break Concert Series:
Tropikiimba. Jul 23. Reston Community
Center. RCC at Lake Anne. 703-476-4500.
restoncommunitycenter.com.
Contra Dance with Beginner Lesson.
Jul 19. Glen Echo Park. Spanish Ballroom.
301-634-2222. glenechopark.org.

MUSEUMS
National Gallery of Art. Drawing in
Silver and Gold. Thru Jul 26. Gustave
Caillebotte: The Painters Eye. Thru Oct
4. Pleasure and Piety: The Art of Joachim
Wtewael (15661638). Thru Oct 4.
202-737-4215. nga.gov.
Folger Shakespeare Library. Ships,
Clocks, & Stars: The Quest for Longitude.
Thru Aug 23. folger.edu.
National Archives. Spirited Republic:
Alcohol in American History. Thru Jan 10.
202-357-5000. archivesfoundation.org.
Museum of Women in the Arts. Daisy
Makeig-Jones. Thru Aug 16. Super
Natural. Thru Sep 13. Vanessa Bells
Hogarth Press Designs. Thru Nov 13.
202-783-5000. nmwa.org.
Prince Georges African American
Museum and Cultural Center. Patented
Ingenuity: The Art of African American
Inventors. Thru Sep 12. 301-809-0440.
pgaamcc.org.
National Geographic. Monster Fish.
Thru Oct 11. Indiana Jones. Thru Jan 3.
202-857-7000. nglive.org.

GALLERIES
Strathmore. Creative Crafts Council.
Thru Jul 26. 301-581-5100.
strathmore.org.
Arlington Cultural Aairs, Gallery
3700. Nauck Community Portrait
Exhibition. Thru Sep 6. arlingtonarts.org.
WPA at Capitol Skyline Hotel. Avi
Gupta. Thru Aug 1. WPA Lobby Project:
Tang. Thru Aug 28. 202-234-7103.
wpadc.org.
Zenith Gallery. Stars & Stripes: Zenith
Salutes the Flag! Thru Sep 5.
202-783-2963. zenithgallery.com.
Gallery Neptune & Brown. Summer
Splash on 14th Street. Jul 18-Sep 5.
202-986-1200. neptuneneart.com.
JCCNV. Scots Jews: Identity, Belonging
and the Future. Thru Jul 31.
703-323-0880. jccnv.org.
Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall.
Natalya B. Parris. Jul 17-Sep 6.
703-845-6156. nvcc.edu.
Target Gallery. Borders &
Boundaries. Thru Jul 19. 703-838-4565.
torpedofactory.org.
Torpedo Factory Art Center. Jon
Meadows: A Soldiers Voice. Jul 18-Jul 24.
703-838-4565. theartleague.org.

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

FI L M

J U L Y 17, 2015 31

Tally Sessions.

Photo: Teddy Wo

lff.

AYING
L
P
W
O
N

SILENCE!
PHOTO COURTESY OF MAGNOLIA PICTURES

SEAN BAKER did his homework before shooting Tangerine.

New Tangerine explores


trans street drama
By BRIAN T. CARNEY
For award-winning director Sean Baker
(Starlet), the movie Tangerine started
with a location.
As a lmmaker, he says, Im usually
drawn to locales that havent been shown
before on lms or in television. I live
about a half-mile from the intersection of
Santa Monica and Highland. For decades
its been known as a red-light district. I
would constantly pass this corner and
there always seemed to be something
going on there. There was drama and
chaos and I thought there must be some
fascinating stories that take place there.
Working with co-writer and long-time
collaborator Chris Bergoch, Baker began to
interview the people who live and work there.
Being a cisgender white straight male,
Im distant from the world of a transgender
woman of color sex worker at the corner
of Santa Monica and Highland. So, we
spent a tremendous amount of time with
the research process. We wanted to nd
people who actually knew that world to
help us nd and shape the story.
One of the people Baker and Bergoch found
was Kitana Kiki Rodriguez, who ultimately

became one of the stars of the movie.


It was actually Kiki who pitched this
story to us, Baker says. She outlined
the story of Sin-Dee and Alexandra,
two transgender sex workers, and their
adventures on the Christmas Eve when
Sin-Dee is released from prison and
Alexandra prepares for a show.
Baker loved it.
It just struck us as something
incredibly layered, he says, and it takes
our characters on an almost mythic
journey. He and Bergoch began work on
a script, but quickly ran into a problem:
they couldnt raise enough money to
shoot the lm.
Baker had an idea that saved the movie.
He had recently seen Spike Lees Red
Hook Summer, part of which was shot
with an iPad. Theres a vibrancy there,
he thought. Theres something new.
So the resourceful director started
exploring the iPhone option.
The camera on the iPhone is actually
higher quality than the camera on the iPad,
he says. We found anamorphic lenses. We
found an app that allowed us to shoot at
24 frames per second and allowed us to
lock aperture and focus. I realized I could
elevate this to a cinematic level.
Tangerine opens Friday, July 17 at Landmark E
Street Cinema (555 11th St., N.W.). Show times
at landmarktheatres.com.

THE MUSICAL

MUSIC AND LYRICS BY


JON AND AL KAPLAN

BOOK BY HUNTER BELL


DIRECTED BY
ALAN PAUL
STAGED CABARET-STYLE WITH A
FULL SERVICE BAR, THIS SPOOF
OF THE 1991 OSCAR-WINNING FILM
FEATURES GLEEFULLY VULGAR
SONGS, NON-STOP ZINGERS, AND A
SINGING CHORUS OF TAP-DANCING
LAMBS.

202.747.2077

STUDIOTHEATRE.OR
G
202.332.3300

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

3 2 J ULY 1 7 , 2 0 1 5

CA LE N D A R

E-mail calendar items to calendars@washblade.


com two weeks prior to your event. Space is limited so priority is given to LGBT-specic events
or those with LGBT participants. Recurring
events must be re-submitted each time.

TODAY
D.C.
Gurly
Show,
a
burlesque
performance, presents Flashback to the 90s
at Phase 1 (525 8th St., S.E.) tonight at 9 p.m.
Lexie Starre, Charmystery, Eva LeStrange,
Lyndie Luxe, Autumn Frost and many more
will perform. Sindalicious will host the night.
There is a $10 cover at the door. For more
details, visit facebook.com/dcgurly.
Omega
Entertainment
presents
Euphoria, a monthly gay dance party, at
Bliss Nightclub (2122 24th Pl., N.E.) tonight
from 10 p.m.-4 a.m. There will be three
oors for dancing, three DJs and dancers.
Tickets are $10. For more information,
visit omegapartydc.com.
18th and U Duplex Diner (2004 18th St.,
N.W.) hosts its 17th anniversary party
night at 9 p.m. There will be a special
performance by Athena Ducockis. DJ
Khelan Bhatia and DJ Adam Koussari-Amin
will spin. There will also be drink specials
and photos taken by David Claypool/
Kalorama photography. For more details,
visit facebook.com/duplexdiner.
Zebra Bar (3423 14th St., N.W.) hosts
Bump N Grind, a dance party, tonight
at 9 p.m. DJ Tommy Cornelis from the
Needle Exchange and DJ Jus Nowhere
from Silence in Metropolis will spin. For
more information, visit facebook.com/
bumpngrindcafe.
Lollytart, a gay dance party, presents
a Sharknado-themed party at Johnny
Pistolas (2333 18th St., N.W.) tonight from 10
p.m.-3 a.m. Guests are encouraged to wear
shark-themed attire. There is a $8 cover.
Artscape, which bills itself as the
countrys largest free arts festival, kicks
o today in Baltimore and runs through
Sunday with about 150 artists, designers,
exhibits, concerts, theater, dance and
more in the citys Mount Royal Ave.
and Cathedral Street, Charles Street,
Bolton Hill and Station North Arts &
Entertainment District neighborhoods.
Details at artscape.org.

SATURDAY, JULY 18
Broadway star Idina Menzel performs
at Jiy Lube Live (7800 Cellar Door Dr.,
Bristow, Va.) tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets
start at $32. For more information, visit
thejiylubelive.com.
Al Sura Inc. hosts Its a Family Reunion,
a white-tie aair, at Thurgood Marshall
Center for Service and Heritage (1816
12th St., N.W.) tonight from 8 p.m.-1 a.m.
There will be an open buet with dessert
and a cash bar. Guests will also receive
one complimentary individual photo from
photography by TEP. Advanced general
admission tickets are $35 and $55 at the
door. Admission that includes a private

PHOTO COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL/MCA

Screen on the Green presents the Hitchcock classic North by Northwest on the Mall Monday, July 20 at 8 p.m.

concert with a featured artist is $70. For


more details, visit alsura.org.
Burgundy Crescent, a gay volunteer
organization, volunteers today for the
Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation at
the Falls Church PetSmart (6100 Arlington
Blvd., Falls Church, Va.) at 11:45 a.m. You
will be paired with a dog on a leash to
walk around and play with. Wear casual
clothes. For more information, visit
burgundycrescent.org.
Siren presents Kylie Julylie, a Kyle
Minogue dance party, at Town (2009
8th St., N.W.) tonight at 11 p.m. DJ Majr,
DJ Aaron Riggins and DJ Je Prior will play
music for the night. Summer Camp and
Pussy Noir will give performances. There
will also be giveaways. For more details,
visit towndc.com.
Crucible hosts its Code Redux Play
Party at Glorious Health Club (2120 West
Virginia Ave., N.E.) tonight from 9 p.m.3 a.m. DJ David Merrill and DJ Jake Marx
will spin. Fetish dress code is required.
Admission is $15 for Crucible members
and $20 for non-members.

SUNDAY, JULY 19
Legendary soul singer Patti LaBelle
performs at Wolf Traps Filene Center
(1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, Va.) tonight at
8 p.m. She will be joined by the Jones
Family Singers. Tickets range from $3065. For more details, visit wolftrap.org.
Perrys (1811 Columbia Rd., N.W.) hosts
its weekly Sunday Drag Brunch today
from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The cost is $24.95
for an all-you-can-eat buet. For more
details, visit perrysadamsmorgan.com.

MONDAY, JULY 20
Screen on the Green presents a
screening of the classic Hitchcock lm
North by Northwest on the National
Mall between 4th and 7th streets tonight
at 8 p.m. The lm stars Cary Grant and
Eva Marie Saint. Admission is free. For
more information, visit facebook.com/
savescreenonthegreen.
The D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W..) hosts
coee drop-in hours this morning from 10
a.m.-noon for the senior LGBT community.
Older LGBT adults can come and enjoy
complimentary coee and conversation
with other community members. For more
information, visit thedccenter.org.
Us Helping Us (3636 Georgia Ave.,
N.W.) holds a support group for gay black
men to discuss topics that aect them,
share perspectives and have meaningful
conversations. For details, visit uhupil.org.

TUESDAY, JULY 21
Country singer Shania Twain performs
a sold-out show at Verizon Center
(601 F St., N.W.) tonight at 7:30 p.m.
For more details, visit verizoncenter.
monumentalnetwork.com.
Green Lantern (1335 Green Ct., N.W.)
hosts its weekly FUK!T Packing Party from
7-9 p.m. tonight. For more details, visit
thedccenter.org or greenlanterndc.com.
The D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.)
hosts its Bi Round Table today tonight
from 7-9:30 p.m. The group will discuss
issues concerning bisexuality For more
information, visit thedccenter.org.
Capital Fringe presents American Lit at
W.S. Jenks and Son (910 Bladensburg Rd., N.E.)

tonight at 8:30 p.m. The show is a collection of


one-act plays about Ernest Hemingway, James
M. Cain, James Jones, Tennessee Williams,
Norman Mailer and Gore Vidal. Tickets are
$17. For details, visit capitalfringe.org.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22
Capital Fringe presents St. Jimmy
Celebrates The Food at Our Feet
at Dance Place Hyman M. Perlo Studio
(3225 8th St., N.E.) tonight at 8:45 p.m.
Jimmy Grzelak and Cate McCrea star in
the show and explore the connection
between religion and cooking show
hosts. Tickets are $17. For more details,
visit capitalfringe.org.
Capital Fringe presents The Last
Burlesque at Atlas Performing Arts Center
(1333 H St., N.E.) tonight at 9 p.m. The show
follows a woman dealing with her familys
failing burlesque palace, new relationship
and mother. Tickets are $17. For more
information, visit capitalfringe.org.

THURSDAY, JULY 23
SMYAL (410 7th St., S.E.) hosts Womens
Leadership Institute, a group for LBT
women and their straight allies ages 13-21
to discuss female sexuality, relationships
and womens rights today from 5-7 p.m. For
more information, visit smyal.org.
Bachelors Mill (1104 8th St., S.E.)
holds a happy hour today from 5-7:30
p.m. All drinks are half price. There will
be pool, video gaming systems and cards.
Admission is $5 after 9 p.m. DJ Bling, DJ
Freaky and DJ Tim-Nice will play music
for the night. For more information, visit
bachelorsmill.com.

W A SH I N GTO NB LAD E.C OM

J U LY 1 7 , 2 0 1 5 3 3

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

34 J U L Y 17, 2015

SP O RT I N I N D . C.

PHOTO BY JOHN JACK PHOTOGRAPHY

TARIK PIERCE says each Stonewall Kickball team has its own dynamic and personality.

League has D.C. tournament


this weekend
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This week in the ongoing Washington


Blade series on the rookies and veterans of
the LGBT sports teams in D.C., we take a look
at two gay athletes from Stonewall Kickball.
The Stonewall Kickball league is at 450
players and oers spring and fall seasons.
This weekend, the Stonewall Sports 2015
Summer Tournament will be contested at
multiple locations in D.C. and will feature
players from the Stonewall expansion cities.
Some 550 players will compete in three
sports that will include 25 kickball teams,
10 dodgeball teams and 16 dart teams.
About 100 spectator/friends will also be
arriving in town to cheer the teams on.
Scott Rodney grew up in Massachusetts
and south Florida and played soccer from
middle school to high school along with
playing on a travel team. He left sports behind
while attending Tallahassee Community
College and Florida State University.
While he was working as a manager at
Olive Garden, he traveled to Annapolis
to visit a friend and fell in love with D.C.
He took a transfer with the restaurant
chain and committed to one year of
employment so they would pay his
moving expenses.
He found himself playing in the Nakid
Kickball league, a straight D.C. league,
and in January of this year, a friend
mentioned Stonewall Kickball and he
went to a league mixer.
Rodney registered for the spring
2015 league and according to Stonewall
rules, you have three weeks to nd a
place on a team or you become a free
agent. He ended up on a team, the 21st
Amendments, that is half veterans and
half rookies.
I was pretty shy at rst, but the veterans

were very welcoming and kept inviting me


to all the activities, Rodney says. Every
time I had a question about the rules, they
were there to show me the ropes.
Rodney says he denitely wants to
become more involved in Stonewall
and has already participated in the
drag kickball event and the Queen drag
competition between the teams at JR.s.
Rodney is now working as an
administrative assistant at a law rm and
will be heading back to school this fall.
I have never seen a community like what
I have found at Stonewall, Rodney says. It
really puts everything in perspective.
Tarik Pierce only played little league
baseball growing up in Florence, S.C. His
extracurricular activity in high school was
marching band and besides taking up
running, he did not participate in sports
at Clemson University.
His job with the Department of
Commerce brought him to D.C. and he
has since transitioned to the Department
of Veterans Aairs. Living in D.C. has
brought out Pierces sporty side and he is
entrenched in the LGBT sports community
having played in leagues for ag football,
kickball, darts, bocce and dodgeball.
Pierce and a group of 20 friends were
originally playing in the World Adult
Kickball Association league until they
began to experience gay slurs from the
other players. In the spring of 2011, they
took their team and headed to Stonewall
Kickball, then in its second season.
Stonewall is a little raucous, but theres
nothing like it, Pierce says. People come
together every Sunday and each team
has its own dynamic and personality.
For Pierce, it wasnt really a social outlet
when he became a part of a team with 20
of his friends. It was just a new activity and
he says it added a new dimension to their
friendship and brought them closer together.
CONTINUES AT WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

AUTOS

J U LY 1 7 , 2 0 1 5 3 5

Flying the coupe


Latest models oer style,
substance and speed
By JOE PHILLIPS
The scoop on coupes is that theyre
made for swinging singles, not for babymakes-three families or anyone who
needs a trunk larger than a glove box. Yet
its easy for any driver to be seduced by
the joie de vivre of a coupe (think Furious
7 or Daniel Craig in any 007 car chase).
Here are three of the best.
BMW M235i xDrive
$46,000
Mpg: 20 city/30 highway
0-60 mph: 4.3 seconds
BMW adds new badging to its lineup with
the 2 Series, which replaces the 1 Series
coupe. Yet the 2 Series is almost as big as a
3 Series coupe, which is now known as the
4 Series. Huh? Like most relationships, its
complicated. What really matters is that the
2 Series is a sassy two-door tease, in both
style and substance. The old 1 Series always
looked stubby, while this coupe gets a

longer hood for a true sportster prole. The


peppy four-cylinder in the base model is just
ne, but the M235i has a turbo six-cylinder
with 322 hp thats much more spirited
(and both engines get decent gas mileage,
even with the xDrive all-wheel drive).
Theres also a fair amount of cabin room,
with easy access to the split-folding rear
seats (allowing you to slide cargo in from
the trunk). Luxe options include a Harman
Kardon stereo, though some competitors
oer more comfort and safety features.
JAGUAR F-TYPE R
$107,000
Mpg: 15 city/23 highway
0-60 mph: 3.9 seconds
Lets not mince words: Theres no lack of
panache, performance or safety gear in the
F-Type R. And while the multi-adjustable
seats are a treat for the tush and bystanders
will gawk at the shapely sheet-metal, its the
throaty, thundering exhaust rumble that stirs
the loins and brings forth that most primitive
instinct: pure, unadulterated lust. Behind all
this sexual tingling is a supercharged 550hp V8, along with an eight-speed automatic
transmission thats so intuitive it seems as if

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theres a mind-meld between car and driver.


The AWD and strong carbon-ceramic brakes
keep things steady on slippery roads. But
speed mavens beware: it takes just a tap
of the accelerator before youre suddenly
traveling 40 mph faster than you expected
(cue the sirens and ashing lights). Blind-spot
monitoring, parking sensors and lots of other
safety gizmos are a big help, since theres
limited rear visibility. Inside, the long list of
glam features includes a at-bottom heated
steering wheel, multicolor mood lighting
and 12-speaker Meridian stereo. As if things
werent decadent enough, theres even a
panoramic glass roof.
PORSCHE CAYMAN S
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Mpg: 20 city/28 highway
0-60 mph: 4.2 seconds

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Theres a reason Porsche is often the


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wheel, put the pedal to the metal and 10 or
20 years seem to fade away in your rearview
mirror. Handsomely made inside and out,
the Cayman S handles almost as well as
the pricier and more potent 911. And like
Jaguars snazzy F-Type R, theres an automatic
rear spoiler, showy red brake calipers and
large tires to rmly grip the road. Thats a
big plus as the Cayman S screams around
corners looking for its next victim to pass on a
straightaway. But dont worry, the automatic
braking helps prevent collisions. The cabin
may be sparse, though Porsche loves to oer
add-ons such as 14-way power seats, speedsensitive power steering, voice-command
functionality and surround-sound stereo. But
those options can add up quickly: as much as,
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W A SH I N G T O N BLA D E . CO M

REALESTATE

Pros and cons of micro-units


Condos as small as 250
square feet nd popularity

With the right vision and


emphasis on downsizing
into about 400 square
feet, the advantages
of micro living may be
surprising.

By TIM SAVOY
When it comes to living in the city,
when is too small considered way too
small? For many, conned living was limited only to a shared dormitory experience while attending university or for
that brief time when rst moving to the
city. However, with demand for living in
the District rising, there has been an increase in ecient living as the supply of
developable land is limited. Developers
across the area have begun to design
condominium and apartment buildings
that capitalize on eciency while giving
the resident access to some of the most
desirable locations in the District.
Micro-units, for those who havent yet
heard of the trend, are typically 250-400
square foot livable apartments, and are on
the rise in the District. Whereas the typical
studio or one bedroom condominium has
about 450-550 square feet, micro-units
are designed to combine even more amenities into a smaller space. Surprisingly,
most have all the features a normal livable
unit would have: 2-in-1 washer and dryer
units, enough space for a queen size bed,
and full kitchen appliances.
Recently, there has been a push for
micro-unit living across D.C. and the surrounding areas. Take for example the
newly approved micro-units to be built
this year in Blagden Alley. These 121 units
will be in the heart of D.C. and within just

minutes of the Metro. Another great example in the past year is The Harper, 144
micro-units that were recently released in
Logan Circle. These projects demonstrate
that micro living is becoming more of a
norm within the District.
Of course, the rst question that anyone would have about micro living might
just start with, Why would I ever want
to live in a tiny space? For many, the answers are quite simple: functionality and
design. Many older buildings in D.C. have
been altered in some way to accommodate their current structure. For example,
some condominium buildings may have
been repurposed or rezoned at some
point in their lifetime, and thus their cur-

rent use was not their original. Modern


micro-units have been designed for only
this purpose. Thus, the quality of nishes
may be higher in these buildings, a big
positive for those who like contemporary
nishes in their home.
Now, what about the drawbacks of micro-unit style living? Of course, this style
of living might not be for everyone. Micro
unit buildings may have limits on pets due
to the space, and many have constraints
on parking for residents with cars. As with
most urban projects, cost is quite high
even in such small spaces. Typical rents
for micro-unit projects in Logan Circle are
still at or above $1,800 for just less than
350 square feet of space. However, this

cost of living also comes with the ability to


have the most desirable parts of the city
outside your door.
Sure, micro-units certainly do not allow the owner to grow into the space,
but with the right vision and emphasis
on downsizing ones life into about 400
square feet, the advantages of micro living may be surprising. With space being
a limited commodity in the District, I believe we will continue to see an increase
in micro-unit living.
TIM SAVOY is a real estate agent with Coldwell
Banker Residential Brokerage, Dupont Circle.
Reach him at 202-400-0534 or timothy.savoy@
cbmove.com.

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LEGAL NOTICES
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
PROBATE DIVISION
2015 NRT 19
Timothy D. Sweeney, Name of Decedent
NOTICE OF EXISTENCE OF REVOCABLE TRUST
Timothy Dean Sweeney, whose address was 1113 M St, NW created a revocable
trust on May 23, 2015, which remained in existence on the date of his death
on 6/18/15, and Thomas M. Funk, whose address is 1113 M Street, NW,
Washington, DC 20005 is the currently acting trustee, hereinafter the Trustee.
Communications to the trust should be mailed or directed to Thomas M. Funk at
1113 M Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005.
The Trust is subject to claims of the deceased settlors creditors, costs of
administration of the settlors estate, the expenses of the deceased settlors
funeral and disposal of remains, and statutory allowances to a surviving spouse
and children to the extent the deceased settlors residuary probate estate is
inadequate to satisfy those claims, costs, expenses, and allowances.
Claims of the deceased settlors creditors are barred as against the Trustee
and the trust property unless presented to the Trustee at the address provided
herein on or before 1/10/16 (6 months after the date of the first publication of
this notice. An action to contest the validity of this trust must be commenced by
the earliest of (1) 6/18/16 (one year from the date of the deceased settlor) or (2)
1/10/16 (one year from the date of first publication of this notice) or (3) ninety
days after the Trustee sends the person a copy of the trust instrument and a
notice informing the person of the trustss existence, the Trustees name and
address, and the time allowed for commencing a proceeding.
The Trustee may proceed to distribute the trust property in accordance with
the terms of the trust before the expiration of the time within which an action
must be commenced unless the Trustee knows of a pending judicial proceeding
contesting the validity of the trust or the Trustee has received notice from a
potential contestant who thereafter commences a judicial proceeding within
sixty days after notification.
This Notice must be mailed postmarked within 15 days of its first publication
to each heir and qualifiedd beneficiary of the trust and any other person who
would be an interested person within the meaning of DC Code, sec. 10-101(d).
Signed: Thomas M. Funk
Date of first publication 7/10/15
Anne Meister, Register of Wills.
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
PROBATE DIVISION
2015 ADM 788
Timothy D. Sweeney, Name of Decedent
Matthew R Barnes, Ackerman Brown, PLLC, 2101 L Street, NW, Suite 440,
Washington, DC 20037, Name & Address of Attorney.
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN
HEIRS
Thomas M Funk, whose address is 1113 M Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005
was appointed personal representative of the estate of Timonty D. Sweeney
who died on June 18, 2015 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision.
All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts re unknown shall enter their
appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the
probate of decedents will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, DC, Building
A, 515 5th Street, NW, 3rd Floor, Washington, DC 20001, on or before 1/10/16.
Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a
cop to the Register of Wills or filed with the Tegister of Wills with a copy to the
udnersigned, on or before 1/10/16., or be forever barred. Persons believed to be
heirs or legates of the dcedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail
within 25 days of its publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including
name, address and relationship.
Signed: Thomas M. Funk
Date of first publication: 7/10/15
Anne Meister, Register of Wills

MASSAGE / CERTIFIED

BULLETIN BOARD

REFRESH & RELAX IN


ROSSLYN. Certified
massage therapist
available. Call or text
Gary w/ your name at
301-704-1158 or visit

CALL FOR ARTISTS INSTALLATIONS


- artists in action, speakers,
music, The DC Art Event of
The Year.. The American Fine
Craft+Art Show to benefit the
National Museum for Woman in
the Arts. For more infomation see
Americanartmarketing.com or
americanfinecraftshowwashington.
com, richard@americanartmarketing.
com 845-355-2400.

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BUY / SELL
LADIES DIAMOND RING $1,800,
Appraised $2,500,14K Yellow Gold, 5
- round cut diamonds, Channel Set /
Size 7.5, 1.05ct. / Clarity-SI1. Call 571278-0150.
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PIANOS
YAMAHAS NEW & USED
50% off pianos & digitals, free bench,
warranted & delivered, Schaeffers
Piano Company 240-380-4026.

COUNSELING
TRANSGENDER THERAPY GROUPS
Now Forming! Are you struggling
with gender identity,coming out,
transitioning? Join the TransTherapy
Group that is right for you . http://
www.fallschurchcounseling.com 703665-7000

DEADLINES

All Classified Ads


- Including Regular & Adult Must Be Received
By Mondays at 5PM
So They Can Be Included
in That Weeks Edition of
Washington Blade and
washingtonblade.com

W A S HIN G T ON B L A DE .C OM
J U LY 1 7 , 2 0 1 5 3 7

HEATING / COOLING

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washingtontherapyguild.com.
LGBTQ AFFIRMING THERAPY at
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Individual/couple counseling w/
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202-580-8861. gaymenscounseling.
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PETS

EMPLOYMENT
LOCKER ROOM ATTENDANTS
NEEDED! The Crew Club, a gay mens
naturist gym & sauna, is now hiring
Locker Room Attendants. We all
scrub toilets & do heavy cleaning. You
must be physically able to handle the
work & have a great attitude doing
it. No drunks/druggies need apply.
Please call Richard at (202) 319-1333.
from 9-5pm, to schedule an interview.

LEGAL SERVICES
FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM
Representing the GLBT community
for over 30 years. Family adoptions,
estate planning, immigration,
employment. (301) 891-2200.Silber,
Perlman, Sigman & Tilev, P.A. www.
SP-Law. com.
ADOPTION & ASSISTED
REPRODUCTIVE Law Attorney Jennifer
Fairfax represents clients in Maryland
& D.C. interested in adoption or ART
matters.301-221-9651,JFairfax@
jenniferfairfax.com.

LIMOUSINES / DRIVERS
KASPERS LIVERY SERVICE
BMW 740LI Luxury Sedan Service;
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PHOTOGRAPHY
STEVE OTOOLE
PHOTOGRAPHY Fine
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portraits, weddings
& dating photos for
the internet. Call
(703) 532-3031. www.
steveotoolephotography.
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CLEANING
TOO NEAT GUYS INC.
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FERNANDOS CLEANING:
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MOVERS
OUR GUYS AROUND TOWN
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Call today 202.734.3080. www.
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TREE SERVICE
BRANCHES - FULL SERVICE Tree
Expert Company. Certified Arborists,
pruning, insect & disease diagnosis,
treatment & removal. 301-589-6181.
www.BranchesTreeExperts.com.
Angies List Award Winner 09, 10,
11, 12.

SHARE / DC
GWM w/ 2 cats seeks
house mate/health aid, has cozy
fully furnished room available in
NE DC. No Pets, no children, nonsmoker preferred. Metro, Parking,
all amenities. 202-306-0288. Serious
responses only, no texts.]

CAPITOL HILL semi-furnished


rooms for rent in well appointed
townhome. 2 1/2 blocks from Eastern
Market Metro. Finished single BR for
$945+utilities, northern exposure.
Available immediately. Call Dr. Wes
202-544-5688.

SHARE / VA
WOODBRIDGE,MBR single-family
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Beautifully renov. walk-out bsmt. BR
w/ priv. full bath. Singles only. $1000/
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SPACIOUS DOWNTOWN CONDO


Cant beat this location as unit
has large, spacious layout, with an
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appliances, granite countertops, as
well as expansive custom closets in
master suite. Joyce Obirapu, Fairfax
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DEADLINES

All Classified Ads


- Including Regular & Adult Must Be Received
By Mondays at 5PM
So They Can Be Included
in That Weeks Edition of
Washington Blade and
washingtonblade.com

SALE / MD
38 J U L Y 17, 2015

W A SH I N G T O N BLA D E . CO M

REAL ESTATE AGENTS

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COMMERCIAL / DC

The best of old & new


in Historic Hyattsville! This one
of a kind Queen Anne Victorian
built in 1897 has been remodeled
throughoutliterally every room
updated. An eat-in kitchen made for
a chef! A wrap around porch made
for great parties. A library with built
in bookcases & ladders, a bar &
sleeping porch upstairs to unwind. A
third floor suite made for lots of out
of town guests. A beautiful garden!
Lots of love for you & yours in the
town. 2700 square feet, 4 BR, 3 BA.
Central air. Get out of your little place
in the city but stay hip in an up &
coming neighborhoodWhole Foods
is coming right down the way. And
you are within walking distance to
Bus Boys and Poets, Vigilante Coffee,
yoga studios and bike paths. Asking
$595,000 and open to a lease to own
purchase. Come see 4112 Gallatin
Street, Hyattsville, Maryland 20781
or call 443-280-3289. More pictures
available on realtor.com.
DEEP CREEK VACATION
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http://reservation.deepcreek.
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accodetail?resourceid=
12106&tab=description Call
703-242-2571

MONTGOMERY
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TOWNHOMES

WOMENS PERSONALS
GWF, SOFT BUTCH, attractive,
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attractive, feminine, for friendship
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BODYWORK

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BedroomTownhouse!
LARRY PERRIN REALTOR
(301) 983-0601
LJPerrin@aol.com.

OFFICE TO SHARE. Georgetown,


M Street location 1/2 of 17x17 office
overlooking Four Seasons Hotel.
Gay and Gay Friendly professional
office mates. Desk, Bookcase chair
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$300 per month (negotiable). Tim at
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Quality massage by a nationally
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SPECIAL LATINO
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RENT / DC
CITY LIVING ON THE HILL
Enjoy this 1-bedroom apt. with
hardwood floors and fireplace.
Utilities included. Use of back
yard. One small dog permitted. No
smoking. Metro bus to Union Station
right across the street. Walk to the
happenings on H Street. $1650/
month; 1/2 months rent as security
deposit. sherrycd@verizon.net.

SWEDISH/DEEP
TISSUE/SENSUAL

Lake front home for sale


2 hours from DC - private dock/
cove. House built in 2008 with huge
MBR, 3 BR, 2.5 BA, bright windows
overlooking lake. 226 Hidden Lake Dr,
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5 9, 170 lbs, Offering full body


relaxing, release on my professional
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THE MAGIC TOUCH: Swedish,
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Never hired before?
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LETS HAVE FUN
Boy Next Door - affectionate, laid
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301-693-0550.

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Washington

202.822.1666
Arlington

703.373.1000
Baltimore

410.468.4000
PROOF #2

ISSUE DATE: 04.18.14

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