FEBRUARY

19

2016

VOLUME 47

ISSUE 08

AMERICAS GAY NEWS SOURCE

Fight looms after anti-gay

Supreme Court justice
dies at 79
By CHRIS JOHNSON
cjohnson@washblade.com
Antonin Scalia, a leading conservative
voice and one of the most anti-gay
justices on the U.S. Supreme Court,
was found dead at a Texas ranch
Saturday, triggering a heated political
ght between President Obama and
Republicans over a replacement.
The Reagan-appointed justice was
a guest at the Cibolo Creek Ranch, a
resort in the Big Bend region south
of Marfa, where he reportedly died of
natural causes. He was 79.
Hours after Scalias death was
announced, President Obama delivered
a brief statement while traveling

U.S. Associate Justice ANTONIN SCALIA died Saturday at age 79.

Senate hopeful talks LGBT

rights, Freddie Gray
By MICHAEL K. LAVERS
mlavers@washblade.com
EDITORS NOTE: This is the second in a
series of proles of candidates seeking to
succeed retiring U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski
(D-Md.). Visit washingtonblade.com for a
prole of Rep. Chris Van Hollen.

Rep. DONNA EDWARDS says shell be a voice for underrepresented groups if elected.

WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTO BY MICHAEL KEY

LANHAM,
Md.

Maryland
Congresswoman Donna Edwards says
that she would be a voice for people of
color and other underrepresented groups
in the U.S. Senate if she were elected.

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

in California, pledging to name a

replacement to the Supreme Court.
I plan to fulll my constitutional
responsibilities
to
nominate
a
successor in due time, Obama said.
There will be plenty of time for me to
do so, and for the Senate to fulll its
responsibility to give that person a fair
hearing and a timely vote.
U.S.
Senate
Majority
Leader
Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) was among
those oering his condolences in a
statement, saying Scalias delity to
the Constitution was rivaled only by
the love of his family. But McConnell
indicated the Senate wont conrm
Scalias successor with President
Obama in oce.
The American people should have
a voice in the selection of their next
Supreme Court justice, McConnell
CONTINUES ON PAGE 10

Its exactly those communities:

Workers, women and children who
need a voice in the United States
Senate, Edwards told the Washington
Blade during an interview in her Prince
Georges County campaign oce on
Feb. 1. I will be that voice for them.
Shortly after U.S. Sen. Barbara
Mikulski (D-Md.) announced her
retirement from the U.S. Senate last
March, Edwards declared her candidacy
to ll theseat. She will face o against
Congressman Chris Van Hollen in the
April 26 Democratic primary.
Chrysovalantis
Kefalas,
a
gay
CONTINUES ON PAGE 11

CHARMING

PINK DOLLARS

FINDING JOY

Can Kelly Cross become

Baltimores rst out gay
City Council member?

Tax tips and more

in our annual special
section on nances.

Orange star Dascha

Polanco on breaking
stigmas via hit show.

PAGE 4

PAGES 19-21

PAGE 23

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WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

0 4 F E B RUA RY 1 9, 2016

Comings & Goings

Leaving D.C. for Tufts University post
By PETER ROSENSTEIN
The Comings & Goings column is about sharing the professional successes
of our community. We want to recognize those landing new jobs, new clients
for their business, joining boards of organizations and other achievements.
Please share your successes with us at comingsandgoings@washblade.com.
Congratulations are in order for Mark
Brimhall-Vargas, Ph.D., who is now the Chief
Diversity Ocer and Associate Provost (CDO/
AP) at Tufts University. He was recruited for
the position because of nearly two decades of
expertise in campus-wide diversity and equity
management and programming, cultural
competency and conict resolution.
As the CDO/AP, Mark is responsible for
aligning diversity policy and programming for
faculty, sta and students across the three
PHOTO COURTESY OF BRIMHALL-VARGAS
major campuses that comprise Tufts in areas of MARK BRIMHALL-VARGAS
1) recruitment, retention and success strategies;
2) cultural competence training and preparation;
3) assessment, metrics and maintaining
the diversity dashboard; and 4) messaging,
communications and passive education.
Brimhall-Vargas and his partner moved
from D.C. where previously he worked for the
University of Maryland in the Oce of Diversity
and Inclusion as its Deputy Chief Diversity Ocer.
In this role, he was responsible for managing
diversity grants, undertaking campus-wide
initiatives such as the overhaul of the search and
PHOTO COURTESY OF SOUK
selection process, and overseeing the campus
JOSHUA SOUK
award-winning intergroup dialogue program.
Brimhall-Vargas earned a Ph.D. in Social Foundations of Education from the
University of Maryland. His academic expertise includes critically conscious
pedagogy, social justice and identity development (particularly religious, spiritual,
faith-based identity). He also holds a masters degree in Public Policy from the
John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and a bachelors
degree from Pomona College. He originally hails from Albuquerque, N.M.
Also due congratulations is Joshua Souk, who is now at the Association of
Flight Attendants (AFA-CWA) as a legal intern in the legal department/general
counsel. AFA-CWA has nearly 60,000 members at 19 airlines.During his internship
he is also doing work for the Government Aairs Department. His work includes
research on the congressional intent behind the Fly America Act, assisting the
Government Aairs Director in dealing with issues related to the ME3 (Qatar,
Emirates, and Etihad) receiving government subsidies in violation of the Open
Skies Agreement. The premise here is that by undercutting U.S. airlines these
countries threaten the jobs of U.S. workers. The AFA-CWA is working on the
Federal Aviation Administration Re-authorization Bill and last week they were
successful in having an amendment included mandating a minimum of 10 hours
rest for ight attendants, which brings them in line with the pilots rest provisions.
Souk is a juris doctor candidate, class of 2016, at the California Western School
of Law. While in school he worked as a mediator in North County, San Diego
small claims court and mediated cases using a family style mediation model.
He also interned at the San Diego County Public Defenders Oce, where he
worked in a small, specialized oce that only dealt with the most serious felony
cases and spent an entire semester working on a triple homicide.
Joshua was a ight attendant for many years. When asked why he went to intern
at AFA-CWA he told the Blade, Because it combined my professional experience
as a ight attendant with my legal education and gave me the opportunity to
advocate on behalf of my colleagues in the airline industry. The work is extremely
rewarding and after graduation in April and the bar in July I hope to return to
D.C. to work in the labor law sector, specically in transportation/aviation.

LO CA L N E W S

Baltimore could get rst

openly gay Council member
Kelly Cross enters race
from 12th District
By STEVE CHARING
In 2007, Fred Mason III announced
his candidacy for Baltimores 11th
Council District. Had he succeeded in the
Democratic primary and won the general
election, he would have been the rst
openly gay person to be elected to the
Council. Jason Curtis, another gay man,
made a similar bid in 2011 for the 12th
District but also came up short.
On Jan. 29, a day before his 37th
birthday, Kelly Cross, who is also gay,
led to enter the Democratic primary in
the 12th. In a district that for years has
been represented by Carl Stokes, Cross
will have plenty of company as no fewer
than six other Democrats are currently
vying for the seat in the primary as well
as one Republican and one Green Party
candidate. Stokes is leaving his Council
seat to run for mayor.
Cross was raised in a working-class
family in West Virginia. He earned
admission to Princeton University and
followed his undergraduate education
with a law degree from the University of
Virginia. After living in Washington, D.C.,
and Europe, Cross and his husband,
Mateusz Rozanski, decided in 2010 to
make Baltimore their home.
Baltimores 12th Council District is a
jagged swath of territory that runs north
and south through the city. It touches
such diverse neighborhoods as Waverly,
Cold Spring-Homestead-Montebello, Old
Goucher, Station North, Broadway East,
Barclay, Oliver, Charles Village, South
Clifton Park and Jonestown.
In announcing his bid, Cross notes that
the 12th District is home to some of the
most important cultural, institutional
and infrastructure assets in the United
States. Included in this district are Johns
Hopkins Hospital and Medical School,
Maryland Institute College of Art, the
historic neighborhoods of Oldtown and
Mount Vernon, and the CSX and Amtrak
lines that provide the transportation
backbone of the Northeast.
Im running for this seat because I love
Baltimore, Cross told the Blade. It pains me
to see that with all the amazing assets we have
some of the most beautiful architecture
in America, world-class institutions and
museums, prime location and a diverse
economy the city still struggles.
Cross and Rozanski reside in the Old
Goucher neighborhood. He has been
active in local politics as a board member
of the Charles Village Civic Association

KELLY CROSS is hoping to become

Baltimores rst openly gay Council member.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CROSS

and currently as president of the Old

Goucher Community Association.
As a community association president
for the last several years, Ive seen that
our city government is not forwardlooking and proactive, said Cross.
City government has been incredibly
reactive, seeking short-term xes without
advancing Baltimore as a whole. Im
running because I want to be one of
several new voices on City Council who
will alter that dynamic.
During the campaign, Cross will
present how transit and education can be
improved, how to create jobs, and restore
the dignity of Baltimore, which he refers
to as one of Americas rst, and greatest,
cities. He intends to discuss how these
goals can be achieved without making
bad decisions between higher taxes and
fewer services.
However, he distinguishes himself from
the other candidates not so much by
issues but more in experience and vision.
From my work in the private sector
both domestically and abroad
to my work as a community activist, I
understand that Baltimore must do a
better job of opening itself back up; of
inviting resources and residents back
to the city, Cross said. I recognize that
we have to deal with issues like grinding
poverty,
poor
education
systems,
violence in our streets. But we need
to do so in a holistic way, in a way that
makes Baltimore a magnet for talent and
investment again.
Cross also believes that City Hall needs
to work diligently to make Baltimore a
more open and accepting place for its
LGBT residents. We need to recruit and
encourage more small LGBT businesses,
and reestablish centers of LGBT life
throughout the city, he said.
The primary election is slated for April 26.

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

LO C A L N E W S

F E BRU A RY 1 9 , 2 0 1 6 0 5

Va. House approves Kim Davis bill

The Virginia House of Delegates on Tuesday approved a religious freedom bill that
critics contend would allow anti-LGBT discrimination.
The Republican-controlled chamber approved House Bill 773 by a 56-41 vote margin.
State Del. C. Todd Gilbert (R-Shenandoah) introduced the measure, which is also
known as the Government Nondiscrimination Act, last month.
HB 773 would prohibit government entities from taking any discriminatory action
against a person, in whole or in part, on the basis that such person believes, speaks,
or acts in accordance with a sincerely held religious belief or moral conviction that
marriage is or should be recognized as the union of one man and one woman. The
measure also includes the male sex and the term man and the female sex and the
term woman refer to an individuals immutable biological sex as objectively determined
by anatomy and genetics of the individual at the time of birth.
The Virginia House Democratic Caucus in a press release described HB 773 as a Kim
Davis inspired bill, referring to the Kentucky county clerk who went to jail for refusing
to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
Giving preference to one persons religious beliefs over those of another is oensive
and promotes inequality, said state Del. Charniele Herring (D-Alexandria) in the Virginia
House Democratic Caucus press release. Ensuring that all Virginians are equal in the
eyes of the law should be the goal of the General Assembly. Granting a free pass to
discriminate is simply wrong.
State Del. Sam Rasoul (D-Roanoke) also criticized HB 773s passage.
This legislation gives state approval to discriminate against others, said the Roanoke
Democrat in a statement.
Victoria Cobb, president of the Family Foundation of Virginia, praised HB 773.
The Government Non-Discrimination Act (GNDA) balances the new found right to
whatever denition of marriage you want with our nations longstanding principle of
religious free exercise by ensuring that the heavy hand of government cannot penalize
a person or religious charity because of his or her beliefs about marriage and human
sexuality, she said in a statement. Charitable religious organizations should be
treated fairly, not targeted and punished by the government because of their beliefs
about marriage. The faith that inspires their charitable service shouldnt be used by the
government to discriminate against them.
The Virginia Senate will consider HB 773 later this month.
Gov. Terry McAulie has said he would veto the measure if it were to reach his desk.
The governor opposes any legislation that will make Virginia less open and welcoming
to people based on their race, gender, religion or sexual orientation, McAulie
spokesperson Brian Coy told the Washington Blade on Tuesday. Hes working to build a
more equal and more prosperous Virginia and this bill is a step in the wrong direction.
MICHAEL K. LAVERS

Trans women reject plea offer in Casa Ruby case

One of two transgender women arrested on Jan. 27 for allegedly punching and
throwing computer screens at a sta member of D.C.s LGBT community services center
Casa Ruby says the allegations are lies that will be disproved at their upcoming trial.
Torkill Teriyaki Holcomb, 31, told the Washington Blade in a telephone interview on
Feb. 12, that several computer terminals fell to the oor during a ght she says was
started by the Casa Ruby sta member at the organizations oces at 2822 Georgia
Ave., N.W.
According to Holcomb, she and co-defendant Janiyah Littman, 27, who have pleaded
not guilty to separate misdemeanor charges of simple assault and destruction of
property, will argue that they acted in self-defense.
A police arrest adavit led in D.C. Superior Court says the sta member and two
witnesses who were present during the incident told police that Holcomb and Littman
punched the sta member in the face and body and threw computer monitors at her.
Casa Ruby CEO Ruby Corado, who was not present during the altercation, said the
sta member who was allegedly assaulted is a trans woman. Corado said the two
women charged in the incident were Casa Ruby clients.
Holcomb spoke to the Blade one day after she and Littman, through their lawyers,
rejected a plea bargain oer by prosecutors during a Feb. 11 Superior Court status
hearing. Judge Wendell P. Gardner, who is presiding over the case, scheduled a non-jury
trial for the case on April 26.
Under D.C. Superior Court rules, all misdemeanor cases are adjudicated by trials in
which the judge, rather than a jury, decides on the verdict.
William Miller, a spokesperson for the Oce of the U.S. Attorney, which is prosecuting
the case, and Elliot Queen, the attorney representing Littman, declined to disclose the
terms of the plea bargain oer that the two women rejected. Holcombs attorney,
Shantal Jean-Baptiste, didnt return calls from the Blade.

Ziegfelds-Secrets
WASHINGTON BLADE FILE PHOTO BY MICHAEL KEY

Ziegfelds-Secrets site
to be sold to developer
The owner of the building in which the gay nightclub Ziegfelds-Secrets is
located has reached an agreement to sell the property along with several
adjacent buildings to a developer who may not displace Ziegfelds-Secrets for
two or three years, according to the owner.
News of the impending sale of the Ziegfelds-Secrets building comes more
than two years after the D.C. government announced it would purchase a parcel
of land across the street from the gay club to facilitate the construction of a new
stadium for the D.C. United soccer team.
Denver businessman and real estate investor Martin Cherno told the
Washington Blade he reached a pre-sales agreement with the D.C. development
company MRP Realty to sell the Ziegfelds-Secret building along with adjacent
warehouse buildings he owns on the 1800 block of Half Street, S.W., a little over
six months ago.
This was an incremental step this week, he told the Blade on Feb. 13. Money
was deposited to advance the deal, he said.
But my best guess is it will be at least three years before Ziegfelds-Secrets
will have to move, Cherno said. The buyer wants to develop the entire area.
Dealing with me was only the rst step.
The Washington Business Journal was the rst to report the deal between
Cherno and MRP Realty for the sale of the Ziegfelds-Secrets building.
Alan Carroll, the owner of Ziegfelds-Secrets who rents the building from
Cherno, couldnt immediately be reached for comment. Sources familiar with
the club have said Carroll has told longtime customers he is considering retiring
in the near future and may put the business up for sale.
It took Carroll nearly two years to arrange to move into the current building
after the club was displaced from its former location on the unit block of O
Street, S.E., by the construction of the Washington Nationals baseball stadium.
The current building on Half Street, S.W., is in the heart of the citys Buzzard
Point section. The area is transitioning from a warehouse-industrial district into
an upscale retail, residential and entertainment district with the new soccer
stadium serving as the anchor, city ocials have said.
MRP Realty told the Washington Business Journal it plans to build a 300,000-squarefoot multifamily apartment building on the site of Ziegfelds-Secrets and adjacent
buildings, with retail businesses planned for the ground oor.
LOU CHIBBARO JR.

Holcomb said the plea oer involved the defendants agreeing to accept a proposed
sentence of 80 days probation and 10 days in jail, but she didnt disclose the charge to
which the deal would require them to plead guilty.
In a related development, Gardner agreed to a request by Jean-Baptiste that the
court records refer to Holcomb by her legally changed name of Torkill Teriyaki Holcomb
rather than her birth name. The existing court record identied Holcomb only by her
birth name and referred to her as he.
LOU CHIBBARO JR.

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

0 6 F E B RUA RY 1 9, 2016

NATIONAL NEWS

Papers to pee bill

approved in S.D.
Anti-trans measure awaits
governors signature
By CHRIS JOHNSON
cjohnson@washblade.com

BRIAN SIMS has abandoned his campaign for U.S. House.

WASHINGTON BLADE FILE PHOTO BY MICHAEL KEY

Sims drops bid for Congress

PHILADELPHIA Gay Pennsylvania state Rep. Brian Sims on Feb. 16
announced that he has ended his congressional campaign.
I wanted to personally let you know that today I have decided to end my
campaign for U.S. Congress, said Sims in a message to his supporters.
Sims last October announced that he would challenge embattled Congressman
Chaka Fattah to represent Pennsylvanias 2nd Congressional District.
Federal authorities in July 2015 indicted Fattah on racketeering and
conspiracy charges. State Rep. Dwight Evans (D-Philadelphia), Merion Township
Commissioner Brian Gordon and Daniel Muro are also challenging the
embattled congressman.
Sims, who was endorsed by the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund late last year,
told his supporters that he will back Evans.
The Philadelphia Democrat on Tuesday told his supporters that he is running
for re-election to the state legislature instead.

W.Va. religious freedom bill advances

CHARLESTON, W.V. Members of the West Virginia House of Representatives
on Feb. 12 approved a religious freedom bill that critics contend would allow
anti-LGBT discrimination in the state.
Lawmakers approved House Bill 4134 the West Virginia Religious Freedom
Restoration Act by a 72-26 margin.
Fairness West Virginia, a statewide LGBT advocacy group, has described HB
4134 as the License to Discriminate Bill. It has urged members of the West
Virginia Senate Judiciary Committee to oppose the measure.
It encourages discrimination, causes public health and safety concerns and
will hurt West Virginias economy, says Fairness West Virginia on its website.
The Huntington Herald-Dispatch on Feb. 13 reported that Gov. Earl Ray
Tomblin plans to veto HB 4134 if it were to reach his desk.

Ariz. police fatally shoot trans man

MESA, Ariz. Police in a Phoenix suburb earlier this month shot a transgender
man with Aspergers syndrome to death.
CNN reported that the Mesa Police Department on Feb. 5 responded to a call
of a suicidal person. The ocers who responded shot Kayden Clarke when he
reportedly lunged at them with a kitchen knife.
Clarke posted YouTube videos under his birth name that documented his
struggles with Aspergers syndrome.
Roughly 100 people on Feb. 15 attended a candlelight vigil for Clarke at a
Phoenix park.
You may have not have known him directly, but we feel a loss in our
community, said Monica Jones, a trans advocate who organized the event,
according to the Arizona Republic. He was taken from us far too soon.
The ocers who shot Clarke have been placed on administrative leave.

The South Dakota State Senate

sent to Gov. Dennis Daugaard on
Tuesday
legislation
that
would
enable
discrimination
against
transgender students in public schools. If
the governor signs the bill, South Dakota
would be the rst in the nation to enact
an anti-trans papers to pee law.
The bill, HB 1008, would prohibit
transgender students in public schools
from using the public restroom consistent
with their gender identity. The legislation,
known colloquially as the papers to
pee bill, says schools must provide
transgender students with a reasonable
accommodation, although it cant be a
shared facility, such as a locker room or
public restroom.
By a vote of 20-15, the Senate voted to
approved House Bill 1008, which the House
already approved by a vote of 58-10.
Its unclear what action Daugaard
will take on the legislation. For weeks,
his oce hasnt responded to multiple
requests from the Washington Blade
for his position on the legislation and
whether he would sign or veto it. In
February 2016, Daugaard said during
a news conference he has never met a
transgender person and wouldnt make a
commitment on the legislation.
The governor was expected to ocially
receive the bill Thursday. He must either
sign or veto the bill within ve business
days of transmittal, or else it becomes
law without his signature in a procedure
known as pocket pass.
Alternatively, if he were inclined to veto
it but didnt want to take that step publicly,
Daugaard could ask the legislature to go back
and work on it. According to a source familiar
with the South Dakota legislative process,
that process occurred only once last year.
The South Dakota Senate approved
the legislation after an hour of debate in
which defenders of the bill said it would
protect children and opponents said it
would stigmatize the state. Critics also
said the legislation would open up South
Dakota to potential lawsuits and conict
with the federal government, which has
determined transgender students are
protected from discrimination under Title
IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
State Sen. Brock Greeneld (R-Clark),
the prime sponsor of the legislation,

Lawmakers sent an anti-trans bill to Gov.

DENNIS DAUGAARDs (R-S.D.) desk this week.

said the legislation is needed to prevent

children from being exposed to the
genitalia of individuals of dierent
biological gender.
I dont mean any disrespect in bringing
this bill forward, Greeneld said. I
simply bring this bill forward because
I believe that what has happened in
Washington, D.C., relative to this issue
and the promotion thereof puts our
children in a precarious position. Were
talking about our youth co-mingling in
bathrooms and locker rooms, biological
males and biological females, and a lot
of my constituents approached me even
before the session last year and said that
just doesnt jibe with them, that they feel
thats inappropriate.
State Sen. Angie Buhl ODonnell (D-Sioux
Falls) said HB1008 takes the decision out
of public schools hands and endangers
transgender students, taking note of
potential litigation against the state that
could jeopardize the $200 million in funds
the state receives under Title IX.
This bill talks about biology and
chromosomes, Buhl ODonnell said. But
Im really not clear on who checks that, and
its not really from the bill. Chromosomes
arent something you can see from
looking at somebody. Are we going to
do blood tests on students coming into
kindergarten? And who pays for that?
Buhl ODonnell said if the bill were
about privacy, the legislation would have
a provision enabling students who have
an objection to transgender youth to
request a private stall or courtesy curtain.
Maybe this bill was not intended to
be disrespectful, but I would submit,
if someone a whole community of
people tells us that we are hurting them,
who are we to decide that we didnt?
Buhl ODonnell said.

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

N A T I O NA L NEW S

F E BRU A RY 1 9 , 2 0 1 6 0 7

example of our failure as a society to understand what marriage is and why it matters,
Teetsel said. For decades, we have taken for granted the unique and necessary
contributions of moms and dads in the lives of their children, from lax divorce laws to
marriage penalties in the tax code and the failure of husbands and wives to live up to
their marriage vows. Marco understands the many causes of family breakdown and the
consequences. He has pulled together a board of experts who understand the same
and have devoted themselves to rebuilding a vibrant culture of marriage and family.
Teetsel has a strong anti-gay record and called same-sex marriage a cultural sin.
The advisory board is made up of a whos who of anti-LGBT advocates. Among
them is Ryan Anderson, a senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation, whos written
attacksonsame-sex marriage and on laws prohibiting anti-LGBT discrimination.
CHRIS JOHNSON

Trump dubs Cruz a liar for calling him pro-gay

LGBT voters prefer HILLARY CLINTON, according to a new poll.

PHOTO BY 1PHOTO; COURTESY OF BIGSTOCK.COM

LGBT voters prefer Clinton: poll

A new poll has found LGBT people in the United States favor Hillary Clinton for
president over Bernard Sanders by a margin of 48 percent to 41 percent.
The poll, made public Tuesday by the San Francisco-based Community
Marketing & Insights, was conducted between Feb. 7-10 among 563 LGBT
citizens of the United States. Participants were from 46 states.
Although no margin of error was included in the poll results, Community
Marketing & Insights armed to the Washington Blade it was plus or minus 4.13.
In response to a question on which candidate respondents would vote
for today, Clinton received 48 percent of the vote, followed by Sanders at 41
percent. The next candidate down was Donald Trump at 2 percent, followed by
John Kasich and Marco Rubio each at 1 percent. The remaining candidates each
received less than one percent of the vote. Four percent of respondents were
undecided.
The results are not too far o from polls of Democrats nationwide. A Quinnipiac
University poll made public on Feb. 5 found Clinton has support from 44 percent
of Democrats, followed by Sanders with 42 percent and 11 percent undecided.
But Community Marketing & Insights poll wasnt party-specic. All LGBT people
were able to comment on all candidates regardless of whetherthe participant
was a Democrat, Republican or independent, according to the rm.
David Paisley, senior research director at Community Marketing & Insights,
said in a statement the most striking aspect of the poll results is the lack of
support among LGBT people for Republican candidates.
Unless something changes, the party may largely forfeit about 5 percent of
adults in the United States to the Democrats, which can cause important swings
in tight elections, Paisley said. Republicans perhaps could connect with LGBTs
on issues like the economy, taxation and inuence of government in private
lives, but instead have chosen policies not supportive of LGBT Americans.
CHRIS JOHNSON

Rubio creates marriage and family board

Ahead of the South Carolina Republican primary, Marco Rubio has created a marriage
and family board for his campaign that seems intent on reversing marriage rights for
gay couples.
According to a campaign statement, Rubio established the Marriage & Family
Advisory Board because hebelieves family is the most important institution in society
and everyone benets when marriage and family thrive.
Eric Teetsel, the Rubio campaigns director of faith outreach, referenced in an
accompanying statement the Supreme Courts rulings against the Defense of Marriage
Act and same-sex marriage bans, indicating this vision excludes gay people.
The Supreme Courts decisions in Windsor and Obergefell are only the most recent

Donald Trump unleashed a restorm of tweets calling Ted Cruz a liar on Friday for
his assertion the real estate magnates position on same-sex marriage is the same as
President Obamas or Marco Rubios.
One week before the Republican presidential primary in South Carolina, Trump
unloaded on lying Cruz via Twitter, calling him the worst liar, crazy or very dishonest.
Perhaps all 3? Nowhere in the tweet didTrump actually state his position on same-sex
marriage.
Trump tweeted: Lying Cruz put out a statement, Trump & Rubio are w/Obama on
gay marriage. Cruz is the worst liar, crazy or very dishonest. Perhaps all 3?
It was part of a series of tweets from Trump in which he called Cruz, whos Trumps
main competitor in South Carolina, either a liar, a sleaze or dishonest on a series of
topics.
Catherine Frazier, a Cruz spokesperson, told the Washington Blade Trumps assertion
Cruz is a liar sounds like another trumpertantrum to me.
To paraphrase Margaret Thatcher, when one resorts to personal attacks, it means
they have not a single political argument left, Frazier said. As for Cruz, he will not
respond in kind and will continue to focus on the substance.
On the issue of same-sex marriage, Trump was apparently responding to a report
in Politico saying Cruz at the Carolina Values Summit at Winthrop University accused
Rubio and Trump of being imsy in their opposition to marriage equality. According
to Politico, each said they would abide by the law of the land, which Cruz called the
talking points of Barack Obama.
The Supreme Court decision, Cruz reportedly added, will not stand. Trump has said
he doesnt favor same-sex marriage and would consider appointing to the U.S. Supreme
Court justices who would overturn the ruling in favor of marriage equality. (Hes also
said forward movement on gay rights would happen under his administration, but later
couldnt explain how if he would appoint justices who undo same-sex marriage).
Rubio, also an opponent of same-sex marriage, has indicated he would appoint
justices to the Supreme Court to overturn the ruling. In New Hampshire, when a gay
man confronted Rubio about his views, the candidate bizarrely replied the man should
change the law, even though marriage equality is the law in the state and elsewhere.
CHRIS JOHNSON

Sanders: Marriage victory due to revolution

Pitching his idea of a political revolution to implement radical change, Sen. Bernard
Sanders on Friday said the victory of achieving marriage equality nationwide was the
result of revolution throughout the country.
The 2016 hopeful made the remarks during the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor
Partys annual Humphrey-Mondale dinner in St.Paul prior to the caucuses in the state
on March 1.
You think about something like gay rights, Sanders said, if we were sitting here
10 years ago, and somebody said, I think that in 2015, gay marriage will be legal in 50
states in America, the person next to him would have said, What are you smoking?
Sanders joked that hypothetical question raises another issue, referring to his
support for legalization of marijuana.
But the point is, Sanders said, that when people at the grassroots start moving,
and they say, This is not right. You know, in the country, people should have the right
to love anyone they want regardless of their gender, tremendous changes took place.
And now, you go and you talk to young people, as I do, and you talk about gay marriage,
they shrug their shoulders, and they say, Whats the big deal? Thats what a revolution
is about.
CHRIS JOHNSON

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

0 8 F E B RUA RY 1 9, 2016

I N T E RN A T I O N A L N E W S

Myanmar LGBT lm festival

challenges taboos
November 2014 was a try, a rst step, to test the public and authorities
reaction.
After 60 years of dictatorship, long-secluded and conservative Myanmar was
about to hear its LGBT voices for the rst time. Hidden behind the protective
walls of the French Institute, the rst LGBT lm festival ever organized in
Myanmar took place, drawing more than 2,000 people together.
This year, the organizers wanted to make more space for the community to
show its existence in a bigger, longer and noisier festival. Four days of movies,
mostly documentaries, providing unique insights into the lives and challenges
of LGBT people in Myanmar. Something you cannot see everyday, something
under the radar of public opinion in a country still struggling with wider human
rights abuses. Trying to raise awareness through movies, the &Proud festival is
also a time for LGBT people to strengthen ties, reach out to others and let them
know they are not alone.
Still, the event could not take place in a public cinema.
It was our original plan, Jeewee, one of the organizers said. Because this is
where Myanmar people go, almost everyday, it would have been easier to get
them in. An LGBT lm festival in the French Institute they dont think its really
their place. But to do it in a movie theater, we would have had to go through the
censors, send 15 copies of every lm, with translations and all. It was impossible.
Films in English they are okay with because common Myanmar people dont
understand, but they dont want them translated into Burmese. Thats where
they draw the line.
The struggle of LGBT people is still a sensitive issue in Myanmar.
Homosexuality is a crime, says Article 377 of the penal code, or the infamous
sodomy law. There even seems not to a very clear understanding of who LGBT
people are.
Some organizations like Colors Rainbow try to advocate in favor of repealing
Article 377.
When we rst met with members of the Parliament, they didnt know what
LGBT or gender issues were, Hia Mya Tun from Colors Rainbow explained. They
see the world as male, female and abnormal. They told us its okay, we accept
you even though you are abnormal. Thats not what we want.
Maybe it was because Aung San Suu Kyis party, the National League for
Democracy, won the elections in a landslide last November, but LGBT peoples
hopes to be at last recognized as human beings have never been so high,
even if the organizations have to start everything all other again with the new
government.
We believe NLD will be really respective of our human rights as LGBT people,
Mya Tun added.
Meanwhile, for four days, the audience was able to discover the daily struggles
of the Myanmarese and Southeast Asian LGBT people unfolding on the screen.
Each year, during the Rainbow Reels workshop, three young people are
trained to create their rst movie. The exclusive presentation of these short
documentaries is the main point of the festival: Empowering LGBT youth so that
they are able to tell stories in their own way.
In the Burmese media; movies or commercials, homosexuality is just
something to mock.
Theres not even a neutral word for gay in Burmese, all terms used to describe
us are just insults, Ko Latt, a gay performer, explained.
Watching a documentary made in Myanmar, formerly one the ercest
dictatorships on earth, about LGBT people has a surrealistic touch. Common
images of a gay couple in the most common things of their daily life seem
priceless.
Daw Yu Marlar Myint is the director and star of Dear Mom.
She made the video to reveal her sexual orientation to her mother. In an
anxious but simple fashion, she slowly comes to explain she is dating another
woman. Facing the camera, her hopes are that her mother will accept her.
It does not always work like that in Myanmar.
Coming out is a risk that few LGBT people are ready to take, as they face
rejection from society and their family as well.
There is no space in Myanmar society for lesbians, Aw Zar Moe, 22, a lesbian
activist, explained. Most of the time when they come out they have to run
away from their family. Sometimes they have to sleep on the streets and can be
sexually abused.
MATTHIEU BAUDEY

Police in Lima used water cannons against LGBT rights advocates who were protesting in the
Peruvian capitals main square.
PHOTO COURTESY OF FENZO SALAZAR/SIN ETIQUETAS

Police use water cannons against Peruvian activists

Peruvian police late last week used water cannons against a group of activists who
staged an LGBT rights protest.
More than two-dozen people gathered in Limas Plaza de Armas to take part in the
protest that was described as kisses against homophobia.
Sin Etiquetas, a Lima-based LGBT website, posted pictures to its website that show
same-sex couples kissing and holding hands in the street with armored police trucks in
the background.
Other pictures show ocers confronting the protesters. A YouTube video shows the
advocates shouting, No to homophobia.
Chola Contravisual, a self-described feminist audiovisual collective that organized
the protest, told the Washington Blade on Sunday that police sprayed the activists with
water and kerosene from an armored truck.
The group said that a Sin Etiquetas contributor was hurt during the incident.
Chola Contravisual told the Blade that an activist also suered a bruised arm.
George Liendo of Promsex, a Peruvian LGBT rights group, told the Blade that members
of his organization took part in the protest.
The aggression was excessive towards the young people who gather each year in the
main square to kiss against homophobia, he said.
Liendo told the Blade that authorities have banned protests of any kind in the
square. He said that religious processions, cultural events and other demonstrations
routinely take place without incident.
They (the police) are obligated to protect the LGBTI community, as it is a population
that is particularly susceptible to violence, said Liendo.
Peruvian LGBT rights advocates maintain that discrimination and violence remain
pervasive in the conservative South American country. They also lack many of the basic
legal protections that are found in neighboring Chile and other nations in the region.
MICHAEL K. LAVERS

Pacquiao compares marriage to sex between animals

Manny Pacquiao this week compared marriage rights to same-sex couples to sex
between animals.
Same-sex marriage is more disgusting than (sex) between animals, said the
Philippine boxer during an interview with the website Bilang Pilipino.
Pacquiao, who is a member of the United Nationalist Alliance, is running for a seat in
the Philippines Senate in national elections that are scheduled to take place on May 9. He
has represented the province of Sarangani in the Philippines House of Representatives
since 2010.
Jonas Bagas of TFL Sexuality, a Philippine advocacy group, blasted Pacquiao over his
comments.
Manny Pacquiaos reprehensible attitude towards LGBTs and marriage equality
shows an appalling lack of understanding of human dignity, Bagas told the Washington
Blade. Hes not just a popular sports icon, he is also a legislator and a candidate for
higher oce in the Philippines.
His willingness to strip LGBTs of humanity shows hes not t for public service, he
added.
MICHAEL K. LAVERS

E: 01.29.16

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WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

1 0 F E B RUA RY 1 9, 2016

NATIONAL NEWS

Potential Supreme Court pick had role in overturning DOMA

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

said. Therefore, this vacancy should not

be lled until we have a new president.
But Obama has vowed to submit a
nominee to the Senate for consideration.
One name that tops just about everylist
is U.S. Circuit Judge Sri Srinivasan, who
played a lead role in litigation against
the Defense of Marriage Act. The U.S.
Supreme Court in 2013 ruled against the
anti-gay law, which prohibited recognition
of same-sex marriage for the purposes of
federal benets.
Considered a moderate, Srinivasan,
after earning his law and business
degrees from Stanford University, clerked
for former U.S. Associate Justice Sandra
Day OConnor, a Reagan appointee. In
2013, the U.S. Senate conrmed him
without controversy by a 97-0 vote to a
seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the
D.C. Circuit.
Prior to his conrmation, Srinivasan,
now 48, was principal deputy solicitor
general of the United States at the time
when litigation against the Defense of
Marriage Act was moving through the
courts and the Obama administration
declined to defend the anti-gay law.
Srinivasans name appeared name
on legal briefs from the U.S. Justice
Department
arguing
against
the
constitutionality of DOMA, including the
Obama administrations brief to the U.S.
Supreme Court.
Section 3 of DOMA targets the many
gay and lesbian people legally married
under state law for a harsh form of
discrimination that bears no relation to
their ability to contribute to society, the
brief says. It is abundantly clear that
this discrimination does not substantially
advance an interest in protecting
marriage, or any other important interest.
The statute simply cannot be reconciled
with the Fifth Amendments guarantee of
equal protection.
Because the Obama administration
agreed with lower courts that DOMA is
unconstitutional, there was a question
over whether the Supreme Court had
jurisdiction to hear the case. Srinivasan
was selected to present oral arguments
before the court on why it should be able
to hear the lawsuit.
Srinivasan argued in March 2013 the
court has jurisdiction to review DOMA
based on court precedent created in INS v.
Chadha, an immigration-related case that
came before the court in 1992. Srinivasan
also said the U.S. government still suers
aggrievement, which allowed the Justice
Department to appeal the case.
The reason that the government
appealed in this case is because the
president made the determination
that this statute would continue to be
enforced, and that was out of respect for

SRI SRINAVASAN is considered a potential replacement for Antonin Scalia on the Supreme
Court.

the Congress that enacted the law and

the president who signed it and out of
respect for the role the judiciary in saying
what the law is, Srinivasan said. The
point of taking an appeal here is that the
government suered an injury because
a judgement was entered against the
government in the court of appeals.
Thats a classic case for injury.
During his conrmation hearing before
the Senate Judiciary Committee in spring
2013 after Obama nominated him to serve
on the judiciary, Sen. Charles Grassley
(R-Iowa) asked Srinivasan abouthis views
of the constitutionality of DOMA, but he
kept his cards close to thevest.
My personal views have never been
relevant to positions I have taken on
behalf of a client, and they would certainly
not be relevant to any of my jobs, my
fulllment of my responsibilities were
I fortunate enough to be conrmed,
Srinivasan said.
Under
questioning
from
Sen.
Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) on the Obama
administrations
decision
to
stop
defending DOMA, Srinivasan pointed
out that determination was made in
2011 before he took a job in the Justice
Department.
In addition to his role in overturning
DOMA, Srinivasan also has a distinctive
personal story. A native of India,
Srinivasan as a youth immigrated with his
family in the late 1960s to Kansas, where
he attended high school and played on
the school basketball team.
Any nominee will likely face diculty
in a presidential election year with
Republicans in control of the U.S. Senate.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) has pledged to
libuster any nominee Obama puts forth.
Srinivasan is but one of several names

mentioned in the media as a potential

successor to Scalia. Others are U.S. Ninth
Circuit Judge Paul Watford, who would
add another black voice to the court; U.S.
Eighth Circuit Judge Jane Kelly, who was
unanimously conrmed by the Senate;
U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch;
Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.); and U.S.
Chief Judge Merrick Garland of the D.C.
Circuit, whos considered more appealing
to Republicans because hes a moderate
and older at 63.
Another name mentioned is Colorado
Supreme Court Chief Justice Monica
Marquez, a lesbian. Her conrmation
would make her the rst openly LGBT
justice on the Supreme Court.

Long anti-gay record

Many in the LGBT community reviled
Scalia for leading the dissent against major
court decisions in favor of gay rights
ranging from the 1996 decision of Romer
v. Evans, which struck down Colorados
anti-gay Amendment 2; to the 2003 ruling
of Lawrence v. Texas, which struck down
state sodomy bans; to the 2013 Windsor
v. United States ruling, which struck down
Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act;
to the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision,
which struck down state bans on samesex marriage.
In his dissent in the decision against
DOMA, Scalia forecast lower courts
would rely on the majority opinion to
strike bans on state same-sex marriage,
which turned out to be right under the
Supreme Court ruling arming they were
unconstitutional.
How easy it is, indeed how inevitable,
to reach the same conclusion with regard

to state laws denying same-sex couples

marital status, Scalia wrote. No one
should be fooled; it is just a matter of
listening and waiting for the other shoe.
During oral arguments in Obergefell,
Scalia expressed concern about a
decision against bans on gay nuptials
requiring ministers to perform same-sex
wedding ceremonies something just
about every legal observer agreed would
not happen.
Although Mary Bonauto, the attorney
arguing against the marriage laws before
the court, insisted these clergy would
continue to have a right to refuse to
perform same-sex marriages no matter
what the court ruled, Scalia was unmoved.
If its a state law, you can make these
exemptions, when its a constitutional
requirement, I dont see how you can,
Scalia said.
In his dissent in the Obergefell decision,
Scalia railed not so much against what he
called the law recognizing as marriage
whatever sexual attachments and living
arrangements it wishes, but usurpation
of power by the Supreme Court.
This practice of constitutional revision
by an unelected committee of nine,
always accompanied (as it is today) by
extravagant praise of liberty, robs the
people of the most important liberty
they asserted in the Declaration of
Independence and won in the Revolution
of 1776: The freedom to govern
themselves, Scalia wrote.
Scalia has also been criticized for
expressing anti-gay views outside of his
formal opinions and the court. In 2012,
Scalia defended his past anti-gay writings
when confronted by a gay student at
Princeton University by comparing
laws against homosexuality to those
prohibiting bestiality and murder.
If we cannot have moral feelings
against homosexuality, can we have
it against murder? Scalia asked in
response to a question. Can we have it
against other things? I dont apologize for
the things I raise.
Jon Davidson, legal director for Lambda
Legal, oered condolences to Scalias
family and, despite the justices anti-gay
views, praised his commitment to service.
Despite his not being a friend to our
community or to the causes of racial and
reproductive justice, Justice Scalia was a
staunch defender of important aspects of
the Constitution, especially rights to free
speech and against unreasonable search
and seizure, Davidson said.
Scalias last ocial action as a
Supreme Court justice was apparently
his referral to the full court a request
to stay the execution in Texas of Juan
Martin Garcia, whos intellectually
disabled and murdered a man during the
course of a robbery in 1998. The court
denied the stay.

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

NEWS

F E BRU A RY 1 9 , 2 0 1 6 1 1

Edwards seeks to be a voice in U.S. Senate

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

Republican who was former Maryland Gov.

Bob Ehrlichs legal counsel, late last year
declared his candidacy for the Mikulski
seat. State Del. Kathy Szeliga (R-Baltimore
and Harford Counties), Anthony Seda
and Richard Douglas will face o against
Kefalas in the GOP primary.
Edwards told the Blade that Mikulskis
retirement announcement really caught
us all by surprise.
I thought that I could oer a really
dierent kind of voice in the United States
Senate that would respect and live up to
the legacy that Sen. Mikulski has left, but
also add to that legacy, said Edwards.
Edwards was the rst executive
director of the National Network to End
Domestic Violence, which worked to
secure passage of the Violence Against
Women Act in 1994.
She later worked at Public Citizen and
the Center for a New Democracy before
becoming the executive director of
the Arca Foundation in 2000. Edwards
has
represented
Marylands
4th
Congressional District in the U.S. House of
Representatives since she won a special
election to succeed Albert Wynn in 2008.
Edwards pointed out to the Blade that
she was the rst member of the Maryland
congressional delegation to publicly back
marriage rights for same-sex couples.
She publicly spoke in support of
Marylands same-sex marriage law that
then-Gov. Martin OMalley signed in
2012. Voters in the same year upheld the
statute in a referendum.
Its from my fundamental value system,
which is that you cant have dierent
categories of equality, Edwards told the
Blade. Whenever inequality pops up, you
have to smack back at it.
Edwards, who is a congregant at Fort
Foote Baptist Church in Fort Washington,
acknowledged to the Blade that her
pastor completely disagrees with my
views on marriage equality.
She said that he nevertheless supports
her overwhelmingly anyway because
she was straight forward with them and
that I didnt dance around the issues.
Edwards told the Blade that she also met
with other pastors in her district before
her 2008 election to explain her position
on LGBT-specic issues.
Its hard to concede that you get elected
without the support of those pastors and
those communities, she said. I looked at
them and I said to them I could give you an
answer that kind of dances around things,
but Im going to tell you that I support
equality wherever there is inequality.
Edwards said she asked the pastors
whether they would want the government
to interfere with the operation of their
respective churches. She told the Blade

that their universal answer was no.

Then I said, and so when government
has to be about the business of making
sure that there is equal treatment of all
of our citizens, no matter their gender, no
matter their race, no matter their religion,
no matter their sexual orientation, why
would you as pastors want to meddle
in what the government does, said
Edwards. That is the last conversation
that I ever had with pastors about that.
She has also taken part in Baltimore
Pride and attended events for Equality
Maryland, a statewide LGBT advocacy
group that will merge with FreeState
Legal later this year. Edwards is also a
co-sponsor of the Equality Act, which
would amend federal civil rights law
to ban discrimination based on sexual
orientation and gender identity.
Shortly after she took oce, Edwards
secured funding that allowed Maryland
to join a U.S. Department of Agriculture
program that provides dinner to lowincome students. The congresswoman
last year introduced a bill that would
allow state and federal prisoners to once
again become eligible for Pell grants.
It was my experience of visiting jails and
prisons that led me to that, said Edwards.
Edwards also discussed Freddie Grays
death last April from injuries he suered
while in police custody.
She told the Blade that the case highlights
the need to reduce unemployment
rates among Baltimoreans of color,
rebuild infrastructure and expand skills
training. Edwards added Grays death
also underscores the need to extend
resources to law enforcement agencies
to do the kind of ongoing training
and competency development thats
necessary for law enforcement to interact
with communities in a responsible way.
Edwards said that she will also work with
Baltimores next mayor to begin to deliver
results on housing, increased federal
funding to tackle poverty and other issues.
These are issues that are multiple
fold, she told the Blade.
Edwards latest campaign ling with the
Federal Election Commission indicates
she had $299,459.68 in the bank at the
end of 2015. This gure compares to the
$3,663,652 that Van Hollen had during
the same period.
A poll that Gonzales Research and
Marketing Strategies released last month
shows Van Hollen ahead of Edwards by a
38-36 percent margin. The survey has a
5.8 percent margin of error.
Its a sprint right up until Election Day,
Edwards told the Blade.
Edwards LGBT supporters with whom
the Blade spoke said they are condent
that the congresswoman will be an
eective member of the U.S. Senate.
LGBT issues are sort of based on equity and

justice, said Kathleen Maloy of Chevy Chase

on Tuesday during a telephone interview.
Donna has stood for that her whole life.
Rev. Merrick Moise, an LGBT rights
advocate in Baltimore, agreed.
Moise told the Blade on Tuesday
that Edwards is unequivocal in her
support of the community. He said the

congresswoman also understands the

plight of everyday Marylanders.
She absolutely has a chance because
she has the support of grassroots folks,
Moise told the Blade, referring to Edwards
campaign. She is uniquely positioned as
an African-American woman who has
advocated for a whole host of issues.

Jerusalem authorities have announced they will rename a square in honor of SHIRA
BANKI, who was stabbed to death last July during a Pride march.
PHOTO COURTESY OF JERUSALEM OPEN HOUSE

Jerusalem square to be
renamed in honor of slain teen
Jerusalem authorities have announced they will rename a square in honor of
a teenager who was stabbed to death during a Pride march.
The Jerusalem Municipality on Monday announced that Zion Square will be
renamed Tolerance Square.
Zion Square in the historic heart of downtown Jerusalem which for many
years attracted protests, demonstrations and clashes will soon become
a square to represent tolerance and mutual respect in the spirit of the late
Shira Banki, murdered during the Gay Pride Parade, said the municipality in a
statement, according to the Jerusalem Post.
Prosecutors allege that Yishai Schlissel on July 30, 2015, stabbed Banki to death
and injured ve others who were taking part in the Pride march. Schlissel, who
is an ultra-Orthodox Jewish man, previously served a 10-year prison sentence in
connection with the stabbing of three people during a Jerusalem Pride march
in 2005.
Jerusalem Open House for Pride and Tolerance, a local advocacy group
that organized the Pride march, in a statement noted that LGBT Jerusalemites
gathered in Zion Square hours after last Julys attack to grieve and protest.
We welcome the decision of the municipality and are amazed by the strength
and commitment by the Banki family to spread light in Jerusalem, said the
Jerusalem Open House for Pride and Tolerance. We will continue to work with
our partners to make Jerusalem the city that celebrates diversity and protects
its minorities.
Mondays announcement comes less than a month after more than 200
protesters forced the cancellation of a reception at the National LGBTQ Task
Forces Creating Change Conference that was to have featured Sarah Kala-Meir
and Tom Canning from the Jerusalem Open House for Pride and Tolerance.
A Wider Bridge, an organization that seeks to bolster LGBTQ connections with
Israel, organized the reception. The protesters opposed pinkwashing, which
they describe as the promotion of Israels LGBT rights record in an attempt to
deect attention away from its controversial policies towards the Palestinians.
MICHAEL K. LAVERS

Keep your promise to protect each other.

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

12 FE B R U A R Y 19, 2016

BA LT I MO RE N E W S

Community Center to host mayoral forum

Wills & Trusts

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The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender

Community Center of Baltimore and Central
Maryland (GLCCB) will host a mayoral forum
on LGBT issues on March 8. It will take place
from 6-9 p.m. at H. Mebane Turner Learning
Commons, University of Baltimore, 1415
Maryland Ave. in Baltimore.
With Baltimore Mayor Stephanie RawlingsBlake not seeking re-election, more than 30
We are especially excited to
do this work because these
candidates have led.
are the things an LGBTQ
In collaboration with LGBTQ organizations
community center should be
across the city, we will narrow our concerns
doing, said JABARI LYLES,
executive director of the
into 4-5 focus areas and solicit questions from
GLCCB.
community members around these areas,
PHOTO COURTESY OF GLCCB
Jabari Lyles, executive director of the GLCCB
and board president, told the Blade.
At our town hall on Wednesday, March 2, community members will be able to
vet the questions and hear from dierent LGBT leaders about issues that aect
us. This is an important project for GLCCB and for Baltimore. We are especially
excited to do this work because these are the things an LGBTQ community
center should be doing harnessing the collective LGBTQ voice in our city and
providing opportunities to unite and empower our community, Lyles said.

State activists schedule listening sessions

Following the announcement last month that Marylands statewide LGBT policy
and legal advocacy organizations are merging to form a statewide political and
legal advocacy organization on behalf of the LGBTQ communities in Maryland,
FreeState Legal and Equality Maryland will host a series of listening sessions
across the state of Maryland. These listening sessions will be an opportunity for
community members to engage directly with organizational leaders around the
issues that matter most to them, and help FreeState Legal/Equality Maryland
shape its vision.
The rst such session that had been scheduled at the PFLAG ColumbiaHoward County general meeting on Feb. 9 was postponed because of snow. It
has been rescheduled for April 12.
Other sessions have been scheduled for Wyes Mill (Feb. 23), Salisbury (March
8), and Frederick (March 15).
For more information and to schedule an event in your community, contact
Saida Agostini at sagostini@freestatelegal.org.

AIDS Walk & Run hopes to raise $120,000

In an eort to further expand its HIV testing, awareness, and care

programs, Chase Brexton Health Care aims to raise $120,000 during
the second annual AIDS Walk & Run Baltimore on Sunday, May 1.
The event takes place at the Maryland Zoo, 1876 Mansion House Dr.,
in Baltimore.
ADVERTISING
PR
OO
F remain a major problem in Baltimore and a leading cause of
HIV
and
AIDS
death here, said Amy Tignanelli, Chase Brexton special events coordinator in a
ISSUE DATE: 10.26.12
SALES REPRESENTATIVE: BRIAN PITTS (bpitts@washblade.com)
statement. We urge people in the community to come out and walk or run
REVIEW AD FOR COPY AND DESIGN ACCURACY. Revisions must be submitted within 24 hours of the date of
and support this critically important eort to raise funds to expand testing and
proof. Proof will be considered final and will be submitted for publication if revision is not submitted within 24 hours of
the date of proof. Revisions will not be accepted after 12:01 pm wednesday, the week of publication.Brown naff pitts
NS
omnimedia llc (dba the washington blade) is not responsible for the content and/or design of your ad. Advertiser is
treatment.
responsible for any legal liability arising out of or relating to the advertisement, and/or any material to which users
GN
can link through the advertisement. Advertiser represents that its advertisement will not violate any criminal laws or
Chase Brexton states that funds raised this year will help furnish two large
EVISIONS
any rgihts of third parties, including, but not limited to, such violations as infringement or misapporpriation of any
copyright, patent, trademark, trade secret, music, image, or other proprietary or propety right, false advertising, unfair
/LOGO REVISIONS
vans, which the organization will use as mobile HIV testing, education and
competition, defamation, invasion of privacy or rights of celebrity, violation of anti-discrimination law or regulation,
or any other right of any person or entity. Advertiser agrees to idemnify brown naff pitts omnimedia llc (dba the
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with the
assistance
The vehicles will be unveiled at this years event.
liability, loss, damages, claims, or causes of action, including reasonable legal fees and expenses that may be incurred
washington blade newspaper. This includes but is not limited to placement,
by brown naff pitts omnimedia llc, arising out of or related to advertisers breach of any of the foregoing representations
payment and insertion schedule.
These mobile vans will make an enormous dierence in the ght against HIV/
and warranties.
AIDS in the Baltimore area, said Ken Ruby, Chase Brexton director of operations
Speak with our preplanning adviSor,
for HIV Care Continuum and Social Work Services. Its crucial that we reach out
Jamie arthurS at (202) 966-6400 or email
to people where they live to provide the services they need.
Jamie.arthurS@dignitymemorial.com
According to the CDC, Baltimores rate of HIV infection is 7.5 times higher than
the national average, and the fourth leading cause of death in the city. Baltimore
accounts for 41 percent of all new HIV cases in Maryland, and one in six residents
have never been tested for the disease.
To register, visit baltimoreaidswalk.org.
STEVE CHARING

~
202.319.8541 www.lgbtc.com Se habla espanol

5130 Wisconsin Ave. NW DC (202) 966-6400 www.JosephGawlers.com

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

H E A L TH NEW S

FE B R U A R Y 19, 2016 13

Gay porn star infects two others with HIV

ATLANTA A gay porn star infected two other individuals one another
performer with HIV despite testing negative less than a month before, the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported last week in what its
calling the rst well-documented such case.
According to researchers, in 2014 a 25-year-old gay porn actor, Patient A in the
report, tested negative for HIV and over the next 22 days had unprotected sex with
17 others. The next HIV test came back positive and further testing showed hed
transmitted the virus to two men, one of whom was another adult lm performer.
In the report titled Occupational HIV transmission Among Male Adult Film
Performers, the CDC reports:
Patient A tested positive for HIV and rectal gonorrhea after six days of
symptoms. Ten days before the symptoms began, hed tested negative for HIV.
During the 22 ensuing days after the rst test, Patient A had sex with 12 male
performers in work for two dierent production companies. He also provided
contact information for ve male non-work-related sexual partners hed had
during the month prior to symptom onset.
Neither Patient A nor any of his interviewed sexual partners were on PrEP.
Through tracing of HIV sequences, researchers said Patient A was likely
infected by a non-work-related partner and that Patient A then likely infected
both a coworker during the second production and a non-work partner.
The CDC said testing alone is not sucient to prevent HIV transmission.
Condom use provides additional protection from HIV and sexually transmitted
infections, CDC ocers said in the report. Performers and all persons at risk
for HIV infection in their professional and personal lives should discuss the use
of PrEP with their medical providers.
Michael Weinstein, president of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, said the
porn industry failed this individual, who has not been named.
For years adult lm producers have claimed that their testing program works
and that performers who tested HIV-positive while working in the industry
did not contract HIV at work, but became infected through exposure in their
personal lives away from adult lm sets, he said. Todays report from the CDC
puts truth to that industry lie.

Lesbian moms do better with support networks

BETHESDA, Md. Lesbian moms raising children under the age of 18 are less
depressed when they have outside support researchers have found.
Results of a 2011 study are in and researchers at the National Institute
of Health say general stress is the most signicant kind of stress facing selfidentied lesbian mothers.
Participants completed an anonymous online survey between May and
December 2011. Researchers examined the relationship the moms experienced
between symptoms of depression and three areas social support, minority
stress and general stress.
Each had a signicantly positive relationship to depressive symptoms,
they found, but general stress was the most signicant factor. Through social
support, lesbian mothers were able to fully mediate the link between minority
stress and depressive symptoms.
Researchers wanted to nd out if higher levels of social support made a
dierence. They hypothesized that it would.
The study also provides support for the development of intervention strategies
to decrease general stress and increase social support, the researchers said.

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Queer women less likely to get cancer screenings

BETHESDA, Md. A new study has found that lesbian, bisexual and queer
women and transgender men have unique challenges in accessing cervical
cancer screening services and are less likely to get them, the National Institute
of Health reports.
Data was collected on LBQ women and trans men ages 21-65 through indepth phone interviews and an online questionnaire. Most were non-Hispanic
lesbians who had routine cervical cancer screenings.
The study found that although there are factors that overlap with the general
female population, some areas are specic to LBQ women and trans men.
Creating welcoming and inclusive health care environments is important to
reach this population, researchers said.

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WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

14 FE B R U A R Y 19, 2016

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Plan your pre- and post-workout

meals strategically
Youve committed yourself to
the workout routine. The tough
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and maybe even to eating right
throughout the day. Youve
already mastered the hard part,
but could you be getting more out
of your workouts? With the right
DAVID MAGIDA is founder of Elevate Interval
basic nutrition and recovery, you
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and energy gels, but rather about
providing you with basic guidelines to help maximize your workouts and results.
When you stop thinking about food as food and start thinking about it as fuel,
you will nd that your body (the engine) has got way more horsepower and
miles per gallon than you ever expected.
Before the workout: Eating before the workout can be tricky. If you train
early in the morning, you dont necessarily have the luxury of time to digest a
signicant meal. But rather than skip breakfast, its important to get something
small into the stomach thats going to be gentle and isnt going to turn on you 30
minutes into your training session.
Ideally, it would have some fats, sugars and carbs but still be very light. A
handful of berries is easily digestible and can provide a good hours worth of
natural energy. Another strong substitute for someone on a time crunch would
be half a banana dipped in honey. This can be eaten as little as 20-30 minutes
before the workout with no negative impact. A little coee can be good before
the workout too, but you may need to leave a little extra time to take care of
business before training begins.
Have a bit more time before your workout? Try half a bagel or English mun
with peanut butter and jelly or some oatmeal with a little fruit in it. That gives
you the carbs, sugars and healthy fats your body will be craving part way through
your workout. For the aforementioned items, 60-90 minutes of digestion time is
recommended.
And the most important pre-workout eating tip: Dont drink milk unless you
like cottage cheese.
Post workout: Your post-workout nutrition can make or break the results of
your training session, as well as your ability to recover quickly so you can get
back to training. Without going too far into the science of recovery, the following
tips will be greatly benecial to your training:
Try to down a recovery meal or shake in the rst 45 minutes post workout.
You will want to ingest a minimum of 25 grams of protein, but what most
people dont realize is you should consume anywhere from two to four grams
of carbohydrates for every one gram of protein. This meal is not only going to
repair your muscles, but also rell your glycogen stores, which provide energy
during the endurance portions of your workout.
If you dont want to chug a recovery shake, other quality options include a
glass of chocolate milk, chicken or sh with brown rice and vegetables, or even
an omelet.
Rehydration is also critical to recovery. You not only lose uids, but also a
great deal of salt and other electrolytes, when you sweat. In addition to drinking
water, try adding foods like bananas (potassium), olives (sodium) and leafy
greens (magnesium) to your diet. These electrolytes aid in muscle contraction
and can help prevent cramping during future workouts.
Eating the right things doesnt have to be dicult or time consuming. It just
requires a little preparation. Fuel the engine right and perform the proper
maintenance and you will quickly see noticeable improvements in both your
workout performance and recovery.

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Relieved that Scalia

can no longer judge us
His record includes decades
of attacks on LGBT Americans

KEVIN NAFF is editor of the Washington Blade

and can be reached at kna@washblade.com.

Although its true that you shouldnt

speak ill of the dead, its dicult to assess
the record of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia without getting angry. Especially
if youre gay.
The social media spectacle over the
weekend of some liberal gays celebrating
Scalias death, while being shamed by their
more conservative (and tasteful) friends
highlighted this problem.
We can nd sympathy for Scalias family
and friends a group that included Ruth
Bader Ginsburg while feeling relieved
that Scalia is no longer in a position to sit
in harsh judgment of our lives and love.
Its hard to blame those who found some
relief in Scalias death, given his glee in disparaging gays. There has been a lot of misguided praise for Scalia since his death.
Lets be clear: If Scalia had his way, not
only would gay couples not be legally marrying, wed also lack basic anti-discrimination protections. In 1996, in his dissent
in Romer v. Evans, Scalia described Colorados law that sought to kill anti-discrimination protections as a, modest attempt
by seemingly tolerant Coloradans to preserve traditional sexual mores against the
eorts of a politically powerful minority.
His dissent in Lawrence v. Texas, which
overturned sodomy laws, likened gay sex
to incest and bestiality, among other ills
the public could justiably exert its moral
disapproval to ban.
And in his dissent in the Obergefell case
that ended bans on same-sex marriage,
Scalia saw a threat to democracy itself. I
write separately to call attention to this
Courts threat to American democracy,
Scalia began his screed.
He continued, This practice of constitutional revision by an unelected committee
of nine, always accompanied (as it is today) by extravagant praise of liberty, robs
the People of the most important liberty
they asserted in the Declaration of Inde-

pendence and won in the Revolution of

1776: the freedom to govern themselves.
So much for protecting the minority
from the tyranny of the majority.
Scalia is closely identied with the concept of originalism, or the view that the
Constitutions meaning is locked as of the
time it was adopted. This notion, of course,
ignores the amendment process and the
Ninth Amendment entirely, which states,
The enumeration in the Constitution, of
certain rights, shall not be construed to
deny or disparage others retained by the
people. This concept also constrains justices who might adapt to new times, technologies and concepts that would have
been totally foreign to the Founding Fathers. Its a restrictive view that put Scalia
at odds with liberals and some conservatives alike during his 29 years on the high
court.
Whats even more distasteful than the
social media celebrations of Scalias death
are the assertions by Republicans like

Sens. Mitch McConnell and Ted Cruz that

the GOP will oppose ANY replacement put
forth by President Obama, per his constitutional duty. Lets hope the Republicans
have miscalculated on this craven plan and
in blocking a moderate Obama appointee
are faced with the prospect of President
Hillary Clinton getting the pick with a
Democratic Senate to advise and consent.
There can be no doubt that the GOP has
lost its way. There must be a reckoning
the mindless lunatics of the Tea Party
must be cut loose so the remaining sensible voices can reshape a GOP for a modern era. The anti-intellectualism endorsed
by George W. Bush, Sarah Palin and others has predictably led the party to where
it is today: The brink of nominating a racist,
washed-up reality TV star as its candidate
for president.
Obama should teach them one nal lesson and cram the most liberal nominee he
can nd down the throats of these treasonous Republicans.
E D I T O RI A L CA RT O O N

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

1 6 F E B RUA RY 1 9, 2016

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

Obama has solid court choices

President should consider
Sri Srinivasan, Paul Smith

PETER ROSENSTEIN is a longtime Democratic

Party and LGBT rights activist. He is a regular
contributor to the Blade.

When Antonin Scalia died it immediately

opened up the debate about who might
replace him on the Supreme Court. Republicans say they will block any attempt by President Obama to get a nominee conrmed in
the last 10 months of his term. The president
said he will nominate someone. Republicans
clearly count on one of their clown car of
candidates being elected president but history shows 24 justices have been nominated
at the end of a presidents term.
President Obama is right to make a nomination and the question is who he thinks
he can viably get through the process. That
wont be easy, even if Republicans agree to

hold hearings. Including the two independents who caucus with them, Democrats
have only 46 senators and they will need
at least 60 to move a nomination forward.
So the question is whether within the rightwing Republican Party there are 14 Republican senators from blue states who would
vote for an Obama nominee.
One nominee who may have a shot at
getting conrmed is Sri Srinivasan. In 2013,
Mother Jones columnist Adam Serwer
wrote about Srinivasan, The government
lawyer Barack Obama has nominated to
the prestigious US Court of Appeals for the
DC Circuit, isthe Supreme Court nominee
in waiting. He added, Srinivasans background is as a litigator, meaning hes spent
most of his career defending other peoples
positions rather than his own. That means
that although hes well regarded among
legal elites of all stripes, his own views are
less than clear. In todays world it is unfortunate that is a positive for court nominees. Because neither conservatives nor
liberals could be 100 percent sure whether
he shared their views. Srinivasan was conrmed by the Senate 97 to 0.
Jerey Toobin wrote in 2014 he thought
Srinivasan would be a top pick for the Supreme Court. As Ive noted before, Srini-

vasan is the front-runner. Like Sotomayor,

Srinivasan has a great (and marketable)
American story. The child of immigrants
from India, Srinivasan grew up in Lawrence,
Kansas, earned a J.D. /M.B.A. from Stanford, and clerked for a pair of Republican
judges, J. Harvie Wilkinson III and Sandra
Day OConnor. As Obamas deputy solicitor
general, he argued twenty-ve cases before the high court. Even in the malignant
political atmosphere of the contemporary
Senate, that margin might make him a safe
pick for the Supreme Court. Making history
with the rst Indian-American Justice might
tempt him.
While there isnt any clear indication that
Srinivasan is a total liberal he did work in
Obamas solicitor generals oce and he did
le a number of pro bono briefs opposing
restrictive voter ID laws and supporting afrmative action. He represented a Spanishspeaking child in Arizona in a case alleging
the state had failed to provide enough English-instruction to students learning English
as a second language. Liberals can take
heart Srinivasan was on the legal team that
represented Al Gore in Bush v. Gore.
For something totally dierent and history making the president could nominate
Paul Smith, a gay attorney, who was men-

tioned in a Washington Post article on possible nominees. The Jenner and Block website
says Paul M. Smith is chair of the Appellate
and Supreme Court Practice and co-chair of
the Media and First Amendment, and Election Law and Redistricting Practices.
Smith has made oral arguments in 17
Supreme Court cases. As far as the importance, especially in the LGBT community,
most would think his biggest case was his
victory in Lawrence v. Texas, the landmark
gay rights case. But another big victory recognized in the legal community is his win in
Brown v. Entertainment Merchants Assn,
which established the First Amendment
rights of those who produce and sell video
games.
According to Smiths bio, Chambers
USA has named Mr. Smith one of the countrys leading lawyers in appellate litigation,
media and entertainment law, and First
Amendment litigation for multiple years.
The National Law Journal named him one of
the Decades Most Inuential Lawyers and
Smith was awarded the Thurgood Marshall
Award by the American Bar Association Section of Individual Rights and Responsibilities
for his work promoting civil rights and civil
liberties. Now that would be a real history
making appointment.
VIEWPOINT

Steinem, Albright go off the rails for Hillary

Im voting based on
character, not gender

KATHI WOLFE, a writer and poet, is a regular

contributor to the Blade.

In 1976, I met the sisterhood at a feminism seminar in Loveland, Ohio. There,

I learned an invaluable lesson: Id love
some women, queer or hetero, as much
or more than my family. Yet, my feminist beliefs would never keep me from
disliking other women. And, while some
women like me, others, feminist or not,
will never warm to me. Im reminded of
my feminist immersion, as questions of
feminism, sexism and gender rock the
2016 presidential campaign. Are women
obligated to vote for Hillary Clinton with
the hope of electing the rst woman
president? Is there sexism surrounding

Hillarys campaign? Does Bernie Sanders,

a white straight man, care about womens
issues? What were Gloria Steinem and
Madeleine Albright thinking when they
recently went o the rails? What about
LGBT women?
Like many women of all generations,
Ive long considered Steinem to be iconic.
At a time when many women had a hard
time obtaining credit and buying property, were denied entry into many professions from medicine to the law and were
often red from their jobs if they became
pregnant, Steinem was one of the rst
to put equality for women on the radar
screen.
For too long, the feminist movement
was homophobic. Betty Friedan, author
of the groundbreaking The Feminine
Mystique, decried the lavender menace. (She apologized decades later.) And,
feminism, too frequently, has only been
for white, cisgender, middle-class and
wealthy women.
Yet, over the decades, Steinem (along
with some other feminists) has become
an LGBT ally, who sees the intersectionality of race, sexism, class, homophobia and
transphobia. In 2013, I wrote in the Blade

about being thrilled to hear Steinem, then

79, speak at the National Press Club two
days before she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President
Obama. Womens issues are not separate from economic issues, she said,
adding that getting mad at present-day
injustice is more important than remembering feminist history. Being grateful for
history had never gotten her to vote for
anything, Steinem said.
I couldnt believe it when Steinem recently told HBO host Bill Maher that
young women were voting for Sanders so
they could hang with young guys. When
youre young, youre thinking: Where are
the boys? The boys are with Bernie.
Along with many women from millennials to boomers I wondered: What
in the world was Steinem thinking? Its an
insult to the cause which Ive fought for!
a 69-year-old friend told me, I want Bernie to be president! Why should I vote for
anyone just because theyre a woman?
Ruth, 77, my college history of science
professor, agreed. Im voting for Hillary,
she said, but because shes the most
qualied. Not because shes a woman.
As a lesbian, Im bothered by the sex-

ism and heterosexism in Steinems remarks. I dont believe young women are
feeling the Bern to meet girls. Yet, I do
wonder: Is Steinem going back (even in
jest) to the days when LGBT women were
excluded from the feminist movement?
Nobody likes a scold, Albright, the rst
female secretary of state, discovered earlier this month at a New Hampshire rally.
Theres a special place in hell for women
who dont help each other, she admonished women who arent voting for Hillary.
Steinem and Albright apologized. In a
case of talk show interruptus, I misspoke,
Steinem wrote on Facebook. Whether
they gravitate to Bernie or Hillary, young
women are activist and feminist in greater numbers than ever before.
She said her well-known line about
hell and women in the wrong context, Albright wrote in a New York Times opinion
piece. I did not mean to argue that women should support a particular candidate
based solely on gender, she wrote.
Id love to see the rst woman president. But as an LGBT person and an
American, Ill vote on the basis of work
and character, not just gender.

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

O UR B USI NES S MATTERS

F E BRU A RY 1 9 , 2 0 1 6 1 7

Political parties struggle as affiliation hits new low

Sanders, Trump more
symptom than symbol amid
voter disaffection

MARK LEE is a long-time entrepreneur

and community business advocate. Follow
on Twitter: @MarkLeeDC. Reach him at
OurBusinessMatters@gmail.com.

Presidential candidates Bernie Sanders and

Donald Trump are more symptom than symbol.
Maniacal in individually unique yet collectively similar ways, each embodies the worst
caricature of the most extreme or even extemporaneous public policy musings of the respective political parties they hope to represent. For
both Democratic and Republican soapboxes,
the damage each does to those electoral
brands couldnt come at a worse time.
The reason: More and more Americans are

fed up with a lot of things these days including both political parties.
Never has the number of voters willing to
identify with either party been lower.
Regardless of which prominent national
survey or respected polling rm you choose,
the results are the same. By a wide margin, the
largest voter group is those alienated from or
not aligned with either party. Nationally, 40 to
45 percent now call themselves independents.
Unaliated voters are gradually approaching
parity with the number of Democrats and Republicans combined. The trend-line suggests it
wont be long until that occurs.
Worse for the parties, both have now hit a
nearly four-decade nadir of voter affinity. For
Democrats, its the partys lowest point in history.
Gallup conducts the most continuous tracking and extensive polling on political party aliation. Independent-identiers have gradually
risen over time to total either 43 or 42 percent
of the voting-age population, as measured in
the past two years. Its the fth consecutive
year they have topped 40 percent. A majority
of those under 30 identify as independents.
Democratic affiliation, meanwhile, has
dropped to a historic low, at only 29 percent, with
Republicans enjoying near-parity at an equally dis-

reputable 26 percent. Democratic affinity is now

at its lowest point since Gallup began polling on
party alignment in 1951. The Obama presidency
has proven a particularly tough period for Democrats, with a loss of seven percent in party affiliation the largest drop in at least 30 years.
Notable is that approximately one-third of
independent voters dont lean toward either
party, with the balance splitting evenly between.
This results in a slim 45 to 42 percent overall advantage for Democrats when party-loyalists are
combined with party-leaning independents.
Even in the 31 states and the District of Columbia that still require voters to register by
party as the price of participation to fully exercise their ballot franchise, unaliated or no
party voters now comprise the largest group
in 12 of them. In several states they are an outright majority of all registered voters.
In swing-state Florida, unaliated registrations have grown by more than one million in a
decade, twice the new party registrations combined. In battleground Colorado, the unaliated have grown by nearly 300,000 since 2005 to
become the largest group of voters, also double the growth in party registrations. In North
Carolina, 700,000 new unaliated registrations
in 10 years represent a 700 percent advantage

over total new sign-ups for both parties.

Strip away the obligation to register with
a political party to fully participate in the process in states with voting laws restricting primary election participation to registered party
members, such as in D.C., and party aliation
would decline further.
In California, voters eliminated party primaries and instituted a unied top two system
of preliminary competition among all candidates three election cycles ago. No Party
Preference subsequently increased to nearly
one-in-four voters and captures an accelerating percentage of new and renewal registrations. Both Democratic and Republican registrations have long been on a steady decline in
the state, with independents trending higher.
Trump and Sanders may or may not be
the competing nominees in November, but
fueling their campaigns in that quest will be
shrinking subsets within dwindling numbers
of hyper-partisan voters.
In an evenly divided and largely centrist nation with political parties veering to extremes
in both participation and policy, the rest of us
shouldnt be surprised that the party standard
bearers might actually be an unrepentant socialist and a reality show star.

Fierce, funny, lean and heartbreaking.

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES

Our salute to
Country Music
with guests

road show
Sondheim and Weidmans freewheeling musical travelogue
of two brothersone gay, one straightmaking their way
through the boom and bust of the gold rush.

March 12 at 8pm
March 19 at 3pm (ASL) & 8pm
March 20 at 3pm (ASL)
Lincoln Theatre
1215 U Street NW

Tickets:
1-877-435-9849
or visit GMCW.org

February 16 March 13

Pride Night March 11

Photo of Lou Steele and Russell Sunday by Christopher Mueller

The DC Cowboys!

1 8 F E B RUA RY 1 9, 2016

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PINK

DOLLARS

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

VOLUME

47

ISSUE

08

FEBRUARY

19

2016

PAGE

19

New resource available for LGBT taxpayers

TASK FORCE PROJECT CULLS GAY INFORMATION INTO ONE HANDY PLACE
By JOEY DiGUGLIELMO
joeyd@washblade.com
Figures that show LGBT income
inequality are sobering.
Although 82 percent of U.S. same-sex
couples are part of the labor force, only
29 percent of LGBT folks are thriving
nancially.
One in ve LGBT people who live alone
make less than $12,000 per year and a
third of black transgender and gendernonconforming people report incomes of
less than $10,000 per year.
These gures are culled from several
sources such as the National LGBTQ Task
Force, the Williams Institute, the Movement
Advancement Project, the U.S. Census
Bureau, Gallop polls, a joint project several
years ago between the Task Force and the
National Center for Transgender Equality
and more.
But there is good news. There are several
deductions relevant to LGBT taxpayers
they may not be aware of. At its Creating
Change conference in January, the Task
Force unveiled its new Queer Our Taxes
effort, a public education and advocacy
campaign focused on securing economic
justice for LGBT people. Full details are
online at queerourtaxes.org. We spoke
with Meghan Maury, senior policy counsel
and criminal and economic justice project
director at the Task Force, about the
initiative. Maury identies as both queer
and genderqueer. Her comments have
been slightly edited for length.
WASHINGTON BLADE: How long has
Queer Our Taxes been in the works?
MEGHAN MAURY: Basically since I
started at the Task Force about two-anda-half years ago. It was kind of cooking up
in my brain. Id worked in tax preparation
for eight years, so it was a lot of the things
that my clients had been asking all along.
What we found was that the information

that was available for LGBTQ folks was

almost exclusively about marriage.
They had questions about claims, about
adoption, about gender reassignment
surgery and more. It was a lot more than
just whether or not they could le jointly
with their spouse. This guide helps you
know the questions relevant to ask your
tax preparer.

BLADE: How much of this varies from

state to state?
MAURY: The information here is
primarily federal but there are implications
that will vary from state to state particularly
stuff like earned income tax credits. Your
state may have a state version of that. It
helps you with the kinds of state questions
youd want to ask to claim that.

BLADE: So the same-sex marriage

tax information was already fairly readily
available?
MAURY: Yes. Were not throwing stones
at any other groups. We just found in
researching that the LGBTBar, the Human
Rights Campaign, the National Womens
Law Center, Lambda Legal they all had
little bits of information but it was mostly
about how your tax returns would change
when marriage was recognized. Thats
hugely important, but we hadnt found
in any tax guide that existed anywhere
anything broader that had been brought
to our community.

BLADE: Did you include marriagerelated tax issues as well?

MAURY: Most of it is not particularly
on the marriage piece although some of
it is related to that. Your ability to claim a
dependent does hinge on marriage. If
you can get legally married, its easier to
claim a stepchild. If not, it can be difcult
to establish legal ties to a child to whom
youre not biologically related. If you cant
get married or dont want to get married,
there are some barriers that exist. In some
places its difcult to do second-parent
adoption. A little bit of it hinges on that,
but most of the information is on nonmarriage issues.

BLADE: What impact did Obamacare

have on these surgery-related write-offs?
MAURY: If your health insurance covers
your transition-related care, you cant
write it off. But we have people who are
enrolled in pretty good health insurance
who are still struggling. I think it will be a
persistent problem because surgeries are
just so expensive. Having a deduction isnt
going to make it free, but it may make it
more within reach for people for whom it
was previously completely inaccessible.
Its part of an itemized deduction. If youre
already itemizing because you own a
house, the ability to write off big medical
expenses becomes a little easier. The
good news is that the tax software is pretty
good at guring it all out. You just need to
know to ask them to put it in. Our report
doesnt really break down all the math.
Our goal was just to give people the right
questions to ask.

BLADE: How new are these laws?

MAURY: The transition-related surgery
one came out of a tax case a decade or
maybe a decade-and-a-half ago but it
was not publicized. There were some
news stories around it at the time but just
wasnt everyday knowledge in the trans
community. There are other things like
abortion expenses you can write off or
other reproductive health care things that
are just not things your tax accountant is
likely to ask you about. Some of them
relate to substance abuse care, some are
child care and education related. The low
income credits have been there for some
time, who can claim them and how much
theyre worth and so on. But its just not

BLADE: Are there any tax preparation

companies that are more LGBT-friendly
than others?
MAURY: Its super hit or miss. There
are some smaller rms that have LGBTQ
focuses but theyre aimed at people with
higher incomes. A lot of places like Liberty
or H&R Block vary not just from town to
town but even from location to location.
I worked at an H&R Block for many years
in western Massachusetts and we started
being recognized as the hub for LGBT
people because several of us were really
culturally competent. The next ofce over
sent us clients. So it depends. If theres an
ofce that has a largely LGBT client base,
they develop that competency over time.

BLADE: Didnt the transgender agencies

have trans-specic tax information?
MAURY: Not really. Its one of those areas
that feels big, scary and overwhelming for
folks. It is and it isnt. Its pretty simple if you
know the right questions to ask when you
go to le.
BLADE: How hard was it to get all this
information compiled?
MAURY: We had help from our law
fellows program. Our law fellows work
for us three to four months in the summer
and a couple of them worked on it. Theres
nothing mind-blowing here. Its just
compiling it all in one handy place. It took
some time just to make sure we had all the
technicalities worked out.

information that has been put out to the

community in a way thats acceptable or
useful.

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STATEPOINT The majority of

Americans say retirement investing is a
priority, but more than half consider Social
Security a top-three source for funding
retirement, and 40 percent of Millennials
expect Social Security (along with 401(k)s
and pensions) to fund their golden years,
according to Capital One Investings
Financial Freedom Survey.
With the future of Social Security
uncertain, all Americans, and Millennials in
particular, should be proactively planning
for their nancial futures, said Yvette
Butler, president of Capital One Investing,
a full-service brokerage. There are
consequences to sitting on the sidelines,
most importantly a smaller nest egg in the
long term.
Capital One Investing found 93
percent of Millennials say that distrust
of the markets, lack of knowledge, little
understanding of pricing and costs, and
general complexities make them feel less
condent about investing.
Now more than ever, the onus is
on the individual investor to plan for a
nancially stable future, Butler says. The
industry needs to offer Millennial investors
educational tools and transparent products
that will support them as they do so.
With that in mind, Butler offers several
ideas that may help younger investors
establish a straightforward nancial plan
they can stick to.
Start early: The earlier you start
planning and investing, the better. Once
you have an emergency fund saved, you
may want to consistently contribute to

a diversied retirement account to try

to maximize your long-term gains. Even
small amounts invested today can add
up over time. Tools like the ShareBuilder
Investment Plan enable you to invest a set
dollar amount and buy fractional shares of
stocks, ETFs and mutual funds.
Go online: An online investing account
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cash to get started, and online investing and
mobile apps give you increased on-the-go
exibility. Low-cost portfolio building tools
that take into account your investment
horizon and risk tolerance can also help
develop a strategy that works for you.
Get educated: From stocks and
bonds to mutual funds, ETFs, IRAs and
401(k)s, there are a lot of strategies and
vehicles out there, and it may seem
overwhelming at rst. In fact, according to
Capital One Investings survey, more than
half of investors of all ages say their lack
of knowledge and experience in investing
hinders them from feeling condent
about taking action. You may eliminate
this barrier by exploring free nancial
resources and educational tools that can
help you sort out the facts and learn about
tried and true investing principles.
Ask for help: A trusted professional
can offer unbiased advice and may help
you develop an investing strategy you
can follow and adjust, while instilling
condence about your future.
When it comes to establishing a nancial
plan, stay motivated by determining clear
goals and dont forget to pat yourself on
the back as you reach various milestones.
Remember, the work you do today should
pay off for years to come.

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

P I N K DO LLA RS

F E BRU A RY 1 9 , 2 0 1 6 2 1

THE IMPORTANCE OF WILLS, POWERS OF ATTORNEY AND PRE-NUPS

By LAWRENCE S. JACOBS
As an attorney, Ive represented
hundreds of couples and single people,
and Ive learned that many of them have
mistaken ideas about just what estate
planning is and how it worksespecially
now that marriage is an option. Sometimes
those notions keep them from taking
rational and not-so-difcult steps to
protect their families and assets.
In a series of columns, I am going to
look at the myths of estate planning and
demystify them. I hope the insights will
help you feel smarter on the subject and
more comfortable with the idea of creating
an estate plan. If you do, youll feel a lot
betterand thats the truth.
1. I dont have an estate, so theres
nothing to plan. Sure, estate sounds
like were talking about landed gentry, but
were not. Estate planning is shorthand for
dealing with the three Big Bad Ds: death,
disability and divorce. One of them is for
sure, and the other two are pretty common.
2. We have to get married to protect

ourselves. Marriage does make estate

planning easier in some ways. But, now as
before, marriage isnt right for everybody
or even required in order to be protected
under the law. When marriage wasnt an
option, we created estate-planning tactics
that still work for unmarried couples,
although the implications in D.C., Virginia
and Maryland are much different.
3. Now that were married we dont
need wills and powers of attorney. Not
true. Even if you are married, if you die
without a will, the law may distribute your
estate in ways that can be a disaster. And
marriage does not automatically confer
complete decision-making powers on
either spouse. Powers of attorney are
essential to give you the clear right to
care for each other if either or both of you
become incapacitated.
4. Im obligated to leave money to
my relatives. No, youre not. Many people
feel that it is their duty to pass assets on
to the next generation or to siblings. You

certainly can, but it is rarely a requirement

unless you have minor children. In fact,
you have many meaningful options that go
beyond enriching nieces or nephews who
stand to inherit signicant assets from their
parents.
5. We have wills, and so our in-laws
cant make trouble. If only it were true.
Relatives can contest the terms of any
will. That may even be likelier in the case
of same-sex couples because some
family members may question the basic
legitimacy of your relationship. You cant
stop a vehement relative from challenging
a will, but you can take steps to bulletproof
your plan.
6. A pre-nup is only for rich and
famous people (and it proves that I dont
think our relationship will work). You dont
have to be a Kardashian to need a prenup. One of the distinctions of same-sex
relationships is that many of us come to
them after years of successful earning and
accumulation of assets. Disparity in wealth,

professional status, citizenship and age

can all create avoidable issues that prenups (or partnership agreements in the
case of unmarried couples) can anticipate.
7. Any attorney can handle estate
planning for same-sex couples. Someday,
maybe. But you still need to be very
thoughtful about selecting an attorney for
this job. Same-sex couples have a range of
issues that may not be so familiar to some
attorneys. We often have complicated past
relationships and difcult family dynamics
that a typical attorney may not understand.

LARRY JACOBS has helped hundreds of samesex couples and LGBT singles in the Washington
area protect their assets and loved ones through
partnership planning. He is a partner at McMillan
Metro, P.C. and has practiced law for 41 years.
He is admitted to the bar in Maryland, Virginia
and the District of Columbia. You can learn more
about his practice at PartnerPlanning.com. This
column is not intended to provide legal advice,
but only general guidance that may or may not
be applicable to your specic situation.

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2 2 F E B RUA RY 1 9, 2016

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

ACTRESS ON BEING A HOLLYWOOD MINORITY, BREAKING THE STIGMA AND FINDING JOY
By CHRIS AZZOPARDI
Q Syndicate

ARTS

AND

ENTERTAINMENT

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

VOLUME

47

ISSUE

08

FEBRUARY

Q SYNDICATE: Its weird seeing you out

of an orange jumpsuit.
DASCHA POLANCO: Is it? I love the
fact that I got to play with decades: the
70s, 80s, 90s. But its two totally dierent
worlds, TV and lm.
Q SYNDICATE: Whats that transition
been like for you?
POLANCO: Professionally, its always
welcome (laughs). Its a new challenge. Its a
new area of acting and being able to be play
with characters and stories more creatively.
I think with (director) David O. Russell and
this project, it was intimidating.

Q SYNDICATE: How does being Latina

change things?
POLANCO: Well, there are not many
Latin actors in Hollywood. Theres still
a lower percentage of them breaking
into Hollywood, but were seeing more
diversity, especially with David O.
Russells lm. Youre seeing diversity
there, to that caliber, and for me, thats a
big responsibility.
Q SYNDICATE: Theres been a lot of talk
about diversity in Hollywood lately, and
not just when it comes to race, but when it
comes to women. And this movie is very
POLANCO: Female driven.
Q SYNDICATE: It is. Its all about female
empowerment. It has a feminist message.

2016

PAGE

23

POLANCO: We have to look at a movie

like Joy for a minute, and Im going to
talk about how it includes LGBT. Its funny:
Im very supportive of the LGBT because I
have family, I have friends, and theyre a
big part of my life and even so, I respect
a human regardless of what their sexual
orientation is, or who they feel they are.
It has nothing to do with LGBT, or that I
have a friend who is. Its human to accept
another human. Not everybody thinks that
way. But you see a character like Joy whos
trying to just be. Shes trying to belong,
shes trying to accomplish her dreams;
she can be a mother, she can be a wife
or a divorcee and not have the backlash,
because theres so much backlash in the
movie. There are so many obstacles.
Youre a woman and you cant do that.
And Im pretty sure the LGBT community
can relate to that. So whether she was a
lesbian or not, it has nothing to do with
that its about her feeling like shes part
of something and building her empire.

Dascha Polancos rst words are an

invitation to smell her.
Its not your typical conversation
starter, sure, but Orange Is the New
Black star Dascha Polanco does smell
nice, like fresh owers. Seated in a New
York City hotel suite to talk about her new
lm, Joy, the 32-year-old actress invites
me to cozy up next to her, because then,
she jokes, I can experience the fact that
not only is she beautiful but she also
smells delicious.

Q SYNDICATE: Because its David O.

Russell?
POLANCO: David O. Russell. Jennifer
Lawrence. Bradley Cooper. Robert De
Niro. Diane Ladd. Virginia Madsen.
Isabella Rossellini. You just want to make
sure you have your A-game on, and for a
Latina being in this industry for the last
three years, it takes you by surprise.

19

Q SYNDICATE: Because anybody can

see themselves in Joy.
POLANCO: Exactly.

DASCHA POLANCO in Orange is the New Black.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX

How does that personally strike a chord

with you?
POLANCO: I can relate so much to the
story and to the elements of the movie:
having obstacles in your life, being a
woman and having to be a parent, having
to be a daughter, taking care of not only
your personal self but also your family.
It shows how much women throughout
the years have been the backbone and
have, at times, struggled to even take a
risk or try to live their dream or move
forward because of other commitments
or because of the stigma that we are
supposed to be at home.
Q SYNDICATE: What is the current
state of nding roles in Hollywood for a
minority?
POLANCO: I thought to myself for the
last two years: Ive gone on auditions so
many auditions in comparison to when I
rst started. Maybe its because of Orange,
maybe its because of my representation,

but theres a need, a desire now. You see

more oers, you see more shows that want
to include diversity because of the success
of shows like Orange Is the New Black.
Anybody couldve been cast as Jackie in
Joy, and thats the beauty of it. The role
that I play, anyone could have, but he didnt
make it exclusive (and say), Im gonna make
Jackie a white actress. No. Shes ambiguous.
She can be black. She can be Spanish. The
fact that this is a Golden Globe-nominated
movie ah, it takes me by surprise that Im
part of this project, not because I dont have
the potential, not because I dont believe in
myself but because of what, historically,
Ive seen growing up. And now that Im part
of it, theres hope and theres an opportunity
that was rendered that Im not taking for
granted.
Q SYNDICATE: You credit Orange Is
the New Black for diversifying TV. What
does it mean to you to be a part of that
movement?

Q SYNDICATE: When it comes to

Orange Is the New Black, how do you
feel about being a part of a show that
embraces inclusivity?
POLANCO: Im proud. So proud. Its
done a lot for the gay community around
the world. It shows how much the industry
might be oblivious to whats needed, but the
fans and the viewership have just been so
boisterous and open to all these dierent
sexual orientations to transgender.
Theres so much more acceptance, and
thats the beauty of it. We, (show creator)
Jenji (Kohan), the actors, the story we
took all we had and the essence and
being underdogs and being self-made and
coming from nowhere and that passion and
brought a project that everyone can relate
to. Thats whats succeeding now when
you have a project that everybody can relate
to. We have Joy now. Anybody can watch
the movie and I guarantee theyll walk out of
the theater and want to take over the world.

CHRIS AZZOPARDI is editor of Q Syndicate, the

international LGBT wire service. Reach him via
chris-azzopardi.com and on Twitter (@chrisazzopardi).

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

2 4 F EB RUA RY 1 9, 2016

Q U E E RY : 2 0 Q U E ST I O N S F O R SP E N CE R H U RD

SPENCER HURD
making a slight fool of myself.
Describe your dream wedding.
I would like the wedding to be set in a
charming location and would share the
event with only a small and intimate
group. Im not one for huge public
displays, so would only want my closest
friends and relatives in attendance.
Beautiful owers, string instruments and
fashionable attire would be a must.

WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTO BY MICHAEL KEY

By JOEY DiGULIELMO
joeyd@washblade.com
Spencer Hurd came to Washington in April 2014 for his NASA job but the
following year he found time to bring his dream side project to life. The
Whiskey Ginger Mens Shop (1603 U St., N.W.) opened last May.
Its characterized by casual lifestyle brands, the 36-year-old Tremonton,
Utah, native, says. I try hard to nd brands that are not available in D.C.
proper and for the most part am pretty successful at it. I have a lot of brands
that come from international sources like Sweden, the U.K., France, Norway,
and a few major brands from here.
Hurd regularly attends fashion trade shows in New York and Las Vegas and
says his shop is more about a lifestyle than a particular brand.
Hes on site about half the time and has two part-time employees who help
run it.
After 18 years growing up in a Northern Utah rural farming community,
Hurd spent two years in Michigan as a Mormon missionary then three years
in Germany with the U.S. Air Force, four years in Salt Lake City then another
four-year stint abroad in Germany as a federal civilian for the U.S. Army
Europe.
Hes in a relationship and lives in Bloomingdale. Hurd enjoys fashion, music,
trends, skiing and more in his free time.

How long have you been out and who

was the hardest person to tell?
Ive only been out a few years and the
hardest group to share this with was
my immediate family. I was raised in
a very conservative setting within a
tight-knit culture that shared a single
faith. Being anything dierent than the
cultural norm was really frowned upon.
As a result, I really struggled coming to
terms with my identity. At the age of
31, I nally decided it was time. It felt
like such a big deal, but now that its
been a few years, it seems like a distant
memory. As Ive nally accepted who I
am and am able to share it openly with
others, my life has become so much
more rewarding.

Whos your LGBT hero?

The real heroes are LGBT individuals
who are proud to be who they are and
who further equality every day by the
way they interact with and are a part of
their communities. They are ordinary
people that live extraordinary lives.

Whats Washingtons best

nightspot, past or present?
Nellies Sports Bar. Its pretty close to my
neighborhood and is a good gathering
spot. When I rst moved to D.C., I found
myself there fairly often and thought
it was a nice place to meet people. Ive
also become friends with a few of the
resident DJs and always like to support
them by being on the dance oor

What non-LGBT issue are

you most passionate about?
The environment. In general, the human
race is being pretty horrible to our
planet.Every decision you and I make
regarding consumption can make a
dierence. I want future generations to
be aorded the same enriching life Ive
been privileged to enjoy.
What historical outcome
would you change?
The institution of slavery. Its mind
boggling that people could have ever
viewed other people as property. So
wrong.
Whats been the most memorable pop
culture moment of your lifetime?
My rst concert at age 16 the
Smashing Pumpkins on their Mellon
Collie tour with No Doubt opening. I was
fascinated by Gwen Stefanis platinum
blonde pigtails and the man dancing
around the stage wearing nothing but a
diaper.

On what do you insist?

That my water has bubbles. Its so much
more exciting to drink than table water.
What was your last
Facebook post or Tweet?
I dont post very often and it seems as
though all the recent posts are related to
Whiskey Ginger as that has consumed all
my free time of late. However, I do love
a vibrant sunrise or sunset and make a
point to post a pic each time Im privy to
one.

If your life were a book,

what would the title be?
The Unlikely Adventure of a Normal
Guy
If science discovered a way
to change sexual orientation,
what would you do?
If you were to ask me 10 years ago, my

answer would probably be dierent. But

today, I wouldnt change a thing and am
glad that was never a possibility.

What do you believe in

beyond the physical world?
Cant say for sure. I do believe theres a
lot to the world around us that we dont
understand. Knowing more about it will
help to explain whats beyond.

Whats your advice for

LGBT movement leaders?
I think its important to inspire unity.
Weve come a long way, but theres still
a lot to be achieved in terms of equality.
I dont think its possible until we as the
LGBT community start to encourage
unity within our own community as well
as with our allies, straight or otherwise.

What would you walk

across hot coals for?
An all-expenses-paid trip around the world.

What LGBT stereotype

annoys you most?
That I should use the word fabulous to
describe most everything.

Whats your favorite LGBT movie?

I havent watched many. My boyfriend
keeps telling me we need to take a day
and binge watch the LGBT short list.

Whats the most

overrated social custom?
Shaking hands. Especially when the
handshake is like a limp sh.

What trophy or prize

do you most covet?
Ive always thought it would be cool to
be an Olympic athlete. As a kid, I used
to dream about winning a gold medal in
the super-G Alpine ski race.

What do you wish youd known at 18?

That growing up and incurring a long list
of responsibilities is a trap.
Why Washington?
Having spent a decent amount of time
overseas, I enjoy the international
air D.C. oers. Also, D.C. has really
transformed itself as a city over the
last decade. There are so many young
professionals moving into the city
center and the explosive growth its
experiencing is largely outside the
government sector, which makes the
changes pretty dynamic.

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

D A NCE

FE B R U A R Y 19, 2016 25
Peter Martins, Ballet Master in Chief

BOURNONVILLES

LA SYLPHIDE
and Divertissements
(Thu., Sat., & Sun.)

WORKS BY BALANCHINE,
MARTINS, PECK, & WHEELDON
(Tue., Wed., & Fri.)

PHOTO COURTESY OF DPS

Tongues recalls work of

local poets lost to AIDS
By MARIAH COOPER
mcooper@washblade.com
Memorials dont always have to be
concrete objects, as the Dakshina Dance
Company, led by Daniel Phoenix Singh,
proves with its visual and auditory
remembrance of poets who were lost to
HIV/AIDS.
Mortal Tongues, Immortal Stories
combines crafted choreography to
bring to life poetry from the anthology
Persistent Voices: Poetry by Writers Lost
to AIDS. The book includes the works of
eight D.C. poets whose lives were ended
by HIV/AIDS.
Singh says his interest in the poetry came
about years ago after hearing a reading.
The poetry touched him and and put a lot
into perspective about art and disease.
They were creating work even when
they were going through such terrible
times in their lives of isolation, of disease,
loneliness and death, Singh says. They
were facing some of the worst moments,
but theyre still trying to nd time to
create and leave behind a memorial to
what they were going through. So I think
its our duty to remember that and bring
their voices forward.
Singhs connection to the project
was also strengthened when he would
volunteer at Whitman-Walker Health.
I used to be a buddy to patients whose
family had deserted them or whose family
did not have enough resources to do
what they needed to do and were dying
alone in hospice or in friends houses and
Whitman Walker needed people to just
go sit with them, Singh says.
The project, funded primarily through
the D.C. Commission on Arts and
Humanities, brings those voices forward in
a series of 20 poems accompanied by 14

pieces of dance woven into the readings.

The poetry will be read by two queer
spoken word artists Gowri Koneswaran
and Chris August. Singh nds this to be a
striking representation and remembrance
of the artwork.
For me, the poems were painted
pictures. Dance brings life into the picture
and creates a relationship thats a little
more concrete than words are. So I kind
of think of dance as a three dimensional
representation of poetry, Singh says.
Koneswaran says both she and August
have been interested in these poems for
years. Koneswaran has also performed
independent readings of many of the same
writers work featured in the performance.
The combination of dance and poetry
is one Koneswaran feels is a tting
collaboration between the two mediums.
She hopes the performance will encourage
people to learn more about these writers,
expand their artistic horizons and learn
more about how the D.C. community is
helping those with HIV/AIDS.
I think that these poems and these writers
are so important that we keep focusing on
their work, highlighting their contribution
and remembering them because its such
a shame when the work of artists gets lost
over time, Koneswaran says.
Singh also wants people to better
understand these writers beyond the
label of HIV/AIDS poets and wants the
production to reect that.
I want the audience to celebrate the
poets in all their multi-faceted life not just
as the poet who has AIDS but as people,
as lovers, as friends, as family, Singh says.

MORTAL TONGUES, IMMORTAL

INSTRUMENTS
Dakshina/Daniel Phoenix Singh
The Atlas Performing Arts center
1333 H St., N.E.
Saturday, Feb. 27 at 9 p.m.
Saturday, March 5 at 1:30 p.m.
$30
dakshina.org

Sterling Hyltin and Joaquin De Luz in La Sylphide, photo by Paul Kolnik

Two dancers in the Dakshina/Daniel Phoenix Singh Company in Mortal Tongues, Immortal
Instruments.

March 16 | Opera House

with the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

KENNEDY-CENTER.ORG (202) 467-4600
Tickets also available at the Box Office. Groups call (202) 416-8400.

Brand new Condo in

trendy Columbia Heights
2 Blocks to metro

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

26 FEB R U A R Y 19, 2016

O U T & A BO U T

By MARIAH COOPER

OPe
n HO
USe
Sat.
Feb. & Sun.
20
2-4 P & 21
m
PHOTO BY MARLA AUFMUTH; COURTESY OF GIRLIE ACTION

Guitar virtuoso returns

PHOTO COURTESY OF LONDON COOPER

Lesbian guitarist Kaki King performs The Neck is a Bridge to the Body at
Jammin Java (227 Maple Ave. E. Vienna, Va.) on Monday, Feb. 22 at 7:30 p.m.
The Neck is a Bridge to the Body is a multi-media performance that combines
music with projection mapping on the guitar. The guitar transforms into dierent
textures and skins becoming a dierent entity throughout the performance, a
collaboration with Glowing Pictures. Doors open at 6 p.m.
General admission tickets are $28 and premier tickets are $30. For more
information, visit jamminjava.com.

1460 Sq. Ft. of Beautiful Living

Space, 2 BR, 2.5 Baths, Plus
Den! Large Composite Deck.
$645,900

Omar LeOn, reaLtOr

(703) 303-5056

Soul
singer
Rahsaan
Patterson
performs at Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper
Club (7719 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda,
Md.) on Friday, Feb. 26 at 7 and 10 p.m.
As a child, Patterson appeared on the
childrens show Kids Incorporated. Since
then, he has collaborated with Ledisi and
Lalah Hathaway. Other upcoming shows
include Kenny Lattimore on March 10-11
and Lalah Hathaway on March 24-25.
Tickets range from $50-65. For more
details, visit bethesdabluesjazz.com.

Team D.C. fashion

show returns

709 rock Creek Church rd, nW, Unit 1

Washington, DC 20010

Truly Open Floor Plan

Bosch Kitchen Appliances
Parking w/Roll Up Garage Door
Maple Hardwood Floors
Designer Tile
LED Recessed Lights
Restored Exposed Brick
Large Closets Throughout

Upcoming shows at
Bethesda Blues & Jazz

PHOTO COURTESY OF FILM MOVEMENT

Gay content galore at Jewish Film Festival

The Washington Jewish Film Festival presents more than 150 screenings and
events from Wednesday, Feb. 24 through Sunday, March 6 with numerous LGBT
lms to be screened.
Blush (previously Barash) tells the story of a 17-year-old girl who turns to
partying to escape her parents ghting and ends up experiencing rst love with
another teenage girl.
Compared to What? The Improbable Life of Barney Frank is a political drama
that explores one of Congresss rst openly gay representatives.
The Good Son is a documentary about 22-year-old Or who lies to his parents
and secretly receives a sex change operation in Thailand.
Tickets are $14.95 for a single screening. For a complete list of lms, locations
and showtimes visit wj.org.

The Team D.C. fashion show and model

search returns on Saturday, Feb. 27 at
Town Danceboutique (2009 8th St., N.W.).
Doors open at 7 p.m. The show starts
at 8. The event is a fundraiser for the
Team D.C. College Scholarship Fund
which awards scholarships to openly
gay student athletes from the area. Nine
scholarships were awarded last year.
Tickets are $15.
Proceeds will be raised from auctioning
clothes o of the models and this years
fashions will feature Whiskey Ginger,
Inseam Clothing & Supply, Rufskin,
C-IN2, Ex Nihilo, FM Leather Design,
TrickBox, Bite the Fruit, UnderBriefs,
Mensuas, Fireboy, Skiviez and Universal
Gear. The models will also be competing
for cash prizes, the cover of Compete
Magazine and a photo shoot with fashion
photographer, Robert Mercer.
Guest judges include Tatianna from
RuPauls Drag Race, Lynda Erkiletian
of Real Housewives of D.C. and THE
Artist Agency and Paul Wharton of Paul
Wharton Style on the CW.
Details at Team D.C. org.

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

FI L M

F E BRU A RY 1 9 , 2 0 1 6 2 7

PHOTO COURTESY OF MUSIC BOX FILMS

Four fallen priests face an uncertain future in The Club.

Chilean lm explores inner

turmoil of fallen clergy
By BRIAN T. CARNEY
Surprisingly, The Club begins with a
series of serene domestic images. In the
peaceful seaside Chilean village of La
Boca, a man trains his dog Rayo on the
beach. A woman scrubs the patio outside
a cheerful yellow house overlooking
the beach. A second man works in the
garden, while nearby a third man helps
another drink from a mug with a straw.
Later, over a ne dinner with several
bottles of wine, the happy quintet
celebrates Rayos victory in a local dog
race. They debate how to spend their
winnings and plan to enter the dog in a
regional competition in Santiago.
But things are not what they initially
appear to be in this sardonic drama by
Chilean director Pablo Larrain, opening
today at the Landmark E Street Cinemas
(in Spanish, with English subtitles).
Larrain and his tight-knit cast and crew
are well known to international audiences
for their hard-hitting movies about life
under the brutal Pinochet regime. In this
lm, the highly regarded director turns
his lens on the devastating impact of the
corruption in the Catholic Church in Chile.
The serenity of the seaside village is
shattered by the arrival of Father Matias
Lazcano. The woman is revealed to be
Sister Monica (Antonia Zegers), a former

nun. She teaches the new arrival the rules

of his new home, a secret retreat house for
defrocked and disgraced clerics who are
being sheltered by the Catholic Church.
Soon the secret existence of the house is
threatened by two outsiders. Sandokan, a
local sherman who was sexually abused
by Father Lazcano, appears outside the
house and shouts anguished accusations
at the priest. After Lazcanos suicide,
the Church dispatches Father Garcia to
investigate the matter and close the house
if necessary. Garcia reins in the excessive
behavior of the fallen clerics and begins to
interrogate them on their oenses.
In a series of interwoven interviews,
some, but not all, of their crimes are
revealed. The movie remains admirably
vague on the details of the crimes
committed by the former clerics, although
all of their oenses mirror recent scandals
involving the Chilean Church. Even though
he is now senile and incontinent, Father
Ramirez remembers the children he
raped. Father Vidal (Alfredo Castro) is an
unrepentant homosexual. Father Silva has
been involved in a baby-selling scheme.
Father Ortega was an Army chaplain who
supported the corrupt and repressive
practices of the Pinochet regime. Sister
Monica has neglected her adopted
daughter. Each of the unrepentant clerics
winds through tortuous intellectual and
emotional rationalizations to explain their
behavior; at each turn, Garcia tries to force
them to confess, but with limited success.
The director guides the audience through

this intense terrain with an expert hand.

His focus is less on exposing the appalling
crimes of the clerical hierarchy than on
exploring the twisted psyches that made
such crimes possible. Hes also concerned
with the questions of how to treat victims
like Sandokan and how decent priests like
Father Garcia can deal with the aftermath
of the unforgivable crimes.
Larrains interrogations of these
characters is clinical, fueled by a sense
of outrage yet restrained by a weary
layer of cynicism and an uninching
desire to know how these people justify
their actions. In his exploration, Larrain,
unlike some writers, makes it clear
that homosexuality is dierent from
pedophilia; homosexuality may violate
church law, but violating children is a
crime against humanity.
While both the tone and the look of
the lm are appropriately dark, Larrain
and his close-knit frequent collaborators
cleverly use dark humor and splashes of
light and color to balance the atmosphere.
The unsettling screenplay, written by
Larrain with Guillermo Caldern and Daniel
Villalobos, uses both light comedy and
weighty irony to ratchet up the tension until
the movie explodes in a series of violent
attacks and a wildly subversive coda.
While the color palette is dark (the sun
rarely seems to shine in La Boca), the
movie is lled with richly textured shots of
light and shadow, as well as beautiful views
of the beach. Director of Photography
Sergio Armstrong also nicely highlights

the contrast between the spacious

yellow house on the hill inhabited by the
unrepentant clerics and the drab buildings
in the rest of the village.
Building
on
their
previous
collaborations, Larrain draws nely
detailed performances out of every cast
member. Roberto Farias and Marcelo
Alonso are especially noteworthy as
the two outsiders who threaten the
tidy arrangements at the retreat house.
Their haunting scene of remembrance,
confession and prayer, backed by the
pounding surf and lit by moonlight, is one
of the emotional highlights of the lm.
Antonia Zegers (who is married to the
director) and Alfredo Castro are also
outstanding in their unconventional
roles. Since Larrain is not interested in
the standard cinematic story of exposure
and redemption, he creates two highly
unusual characters in the wily former
nun and the proudly unapologetic former
priest. Sister Monica and Father Vidal
become characters with unexpected
depths and fascinating contradictions and
these ne actors explore these twisted
characters with bravery and nesse.
In The Club, Pablo Larrain tells a
familiar story from a fresh perspective. He
takes viewers on an unexpected journey
through the depths of human depravity
and ends up in a place that amazingly
moderates righteous anger with dark
irony. This wrenching, thoughtful lm is
well worth seeing, even for moviegoers
who dont like subtitles.

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

2 8 F EB RUA RY 1 9, 2016

A RT S & CU LT U RE

HOT HITS & HIDDEN JEWELS

From CultureCapital.com
YOUR LINK TO THE ARTS IN METRO DC

Seorita y Madame: The Secret War of

Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein
Thru Feb 28. GALA Hispanic Theatre.
202-234-7174. galatheatre.org.

This comedy by Gustavo Ott explores the exquisite link between hate and
admiration, morality in an immoral age, and substituting dignity for prestige, all
fueled by the rivalry between Arden and Rubinstein, two icons of beauty and
marketing. In Spanish with English surtitles.

Chris Botti
Feb 20. WPA at The Kennedy Center.
202-785-9727. washingtonperformingarts.org.

Enjoy the sophisticated, romantic, enchanting trumpet sound of Chris Botti

with this return visit from the Grammy winner and four-timeBillboardcharttopper, and his sensational band.

Vivaldi Gloria
Feb 21. Cathedral Choral Society at
Washington National Cathedral.
202-537-2228. cathedralchoralsociety.org.

Jubilant and spontaneous, the triumphant Gloria is one of Vivaldis greatest

accomplishments. The Cathedral Choral Society is joined by Washington Bach
Consort; Jennifer Ellis Kampani, soprano; Robin Beckman, soprano; Roger
Isaacs, countertenor; Patrick Kilbride, tenor and Karl Hempel, bass.

Oscar-Nominated Films: Documentaries & Short Subjects

Feb 24-28. The National Archives.
202-357-5000. archivesfoundation.org.

The National Archives hosts the 12th annual free screenings of the Academy
AwardOscar-Nominees in four categories; Documentary Feature,
Documentary Short Subject, Live Action Short Film, and Animated Short Film.
The screenings are free, but reservations are required.
PHOTO COURTESY OF GALA HISPANIC THEATRE

Get Out More!

THEATRE
OLIVRio: A Brazilian Twist.
Thru Feb 21. Shear Madness. Ongoing.
The Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600.
kennedy-center.org.
A Midsummer Nights Dream.
Thru Mar 13. Folger Theatre.
202-544-7077. folger.edu.
Road Show. Thru Mar 13.
Signature Theatre. 703-820-9771.
signature-theatre.org.
Carmen: An Afro-Cuban Jazz Musical.
Thru Mar 6. Olney Theatre.
301-924-3400. olneytheatre.org.
Between Riverside and Crazy. Thru Feb
28. Constellations. Thru Mar 7.
Studio Theatre. 202-332-3300.
studiotheatre.org.
Guards at The Taj. Thru Feb 28.
Woolly Mammoth. 202-393-3939.
woollymammoth.net.
The Sisters Rosensweig. Thru Feb 21.
Theater J. 202-518-9400. theaterj.org.
The Glass Menagerie. Thru Feb 21.
Fords Theatre. 202-347-4833. fords.org.
Othello. Feb 23-Mar 27. Shakespeare
Theatre Company. Sidney Harman Hall.
202-547-1122. shakespearetheatre.org.

DANCE
Mariinsky Ballet: Petipas Raymonda.
Feb 23-Feb 28. The Kennedy Center.
202-467-4600. kennedy-center.org.
Mark Morris Dance Group. Feb 19-Feb
20. TAO: Seventeen Samurai. Feb 21.
GMU Center for the Arts. 888-945-2468.
cfa.gmu.edu.
ReVision Dance Company. Feb 20Feb 21. Dance Place. 202-269-1600.
danceplace.org.

MUSIC
Bumper Jacksons. Feb 24. Nicholas
Alstaedt, Cello. Feb 25. Strathmore.
301-581-5100. strathmore.org.
Bennewitz Quartet. Feb 21. National
Gallery of Art. 202-737-4215. nga.gov.
Global-Phonic Music Festival: Rodrigo
Amarante. Feb 21. Arlington Cultural
Aairs. Rosslyn Spectrum Theatre.
703-228-1850. arlingtonarts.org.
John Hammond. Feb 19. School
of Rock. Feb 21. Antone Chooky
Caldwell. Feb 25. AMP. 301-581-5100.
ampbystrathmore.com.
WNO: Lost in the Stars. Thru Feb 20. KC
Jazz Club: Joe Lovano Village Rhythms
Band. Feb 19-Feb 20. Mason Batess KC
Jukebox. Feb 22. The Kennedy Center.
202-467-4600. kennedy-center.org.
Rob Kapilows What Makes It Great?
Feb 21. WPA with TSA at Church of the
Epiphany. Living the DreamSinging
the Dream. Feb 21. Chris Botti. Feb 20.
WPA at The Kennedy Center. Sir Andrs
Schi. Feb 24. WPA at Strathmore.
202-785-9727.
washingtonperformingarts.org.
The Castle Trio and Friends. Feb 20.
TSA at Museum of American History.

202-633-3030.
smithsonianassociates.org.
Roy Assaf Trio. Feb 20. JCCNV.
703-537-3000. jccnv.org.
US Marine Band. Feb 21. Schlesinger
Concert Hall. 703-845-6156.
schlesingercenter.com.
Vivaldis Gloria. Feb 20-Feb 21. National
Philharmonic at Strathmore.
301-581-5100. nationalphilharmonic.org.
Kevin Grin of Better Than Ezra.
Feb 19. Hapa. Feb 20-Feb 21. 1964 The
Tribute. Feb 24. Marty Stuart. Feb 25.
The Barns. 877-965-3872. wolftrap.org.
Kabarett & Cabaret. Feb 20-Mar 6. In
Series. Source Theatre. 202-204-7763.
inseries.org.

MUSEUMS
National Gallery of Art. Power and
Pathos. Thru Mar 20. Louise Bourgeois:
No Exit. Thru May 15. 202-737-4215.
nga.gov.
National Portrait Gallery. Alexander
Gardner Photographs, 1859-1872. Thru
Mar 13. Eye Pop: The Celebrity Gaze.
Thru Jul 10. 202-633-8300. npg.si.edu.
Museum of Women in the Arts.
Pathmakers. Thru Feb 28. Salon Style:
French Portraits from the Collection.
Thru May 1. 202-783-5000. nmwa.org.
Smithsonian Anacostia Museum.
Twelve Years That Shook And Shaped
Washington: 1963-1975. Thru Oct 23.
202-633-4820. anacostia.si.edu.
National Geographic. Pristine Seas.
Thru Mar 27. Photo Ark. Thru Apr 11.
202-857-7000. nglive.org.

GALLERIES
Strathmore. Line by Line. Thru Feb 21.
Art in Motion. Thru Feb 21.
301-581-5100. strathmore.org.
The Art League Gallery. Student/Faculty
Show. Thru Feb 28. 703-683-1780.
theartleague.org.
JCCNV. Local Color and More. Thru Apr
4. 703-323-0880. jccnv.org.
Neptune Fine Art. Lois Dodd. Thru Feb
28. 202-338-0353. neptuneneart.com.
ReCreative Spaces. Arthur Kwon
Lee. Thru Mar 31. 202-907-5934.
recreativespaces.com.
Torpedo Factory Art Center. Trending:
Contemporary Art Now! Thru Feb 28.
703-838-4565. torpedofactory.org.
VisArts at Rockville. Rachel Hamel.
Feb 19-Mar 20. 301-315-8200.
visartsatrockville.org.
WPA. Other Worlds, Other Stories. Thru
Feb 20. 202-234-7103. wpadc.org.
Zenith Gallery. From History to the
Dream. Thru Mar 5. 202-783-2963.
zenithgallery.com.
District Architecture Center.
#iseeDC2015 Exhibition. Thru Feb 20.
202-347-9403. aiadac.com.
Fisher Art Gallery. Al-Mutanbbi Street
Starts Here. Thru Mar 13. 703-534-5726.
schlesingercenter.com.

Mariinsky Ballet

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

D I N IN G

FE B R U A R Y 19, 2016 29

Valery Gergiev, Artistic Director of the Mariinsky Theatre

Yuri Fateev, Deputy Director of the Ballet Company

THE BRILLIANT RUSSIAN CLASSIC!

Raymonda
MARIUS PETIPAS

PHOTO BY JENN DUNCAN

Choreography by Marius Petipa (1898),

revised version by Konstantin Sergeyev (1948)
with choreographic fragments by Fyodor Lopukhov
Music by Alexander Glazunov | Libretto by Lidia Pashkova and Marius Petipa
based on a medieval legend
Set and costume design by Simon Virsaladze

Local shops oer intense

avor in small batches
By KRISTEN HARTKE
There are countries where stores
completely devoted to the sale of spices
are as common as having a Starbucks on
every corner here in the U.S.
Modern civilizations were built on
the spice trade, developing in Asia and
the Middle East and spreading to the
Americas, bringing everything from
allspice to zaatar to every corner of the
globe. Most of us, however, choose to
pick up our herbs and spices o the rack
in the grocery store (or, horrors, in those
giant plastic jars from Costco). They tend
to be past their prime, adding little real
avor to our dishes.
Here in D.C., we now have a plethora of
spice stores with knowledgeable sta who
are ready to spice up your life with avors
that range from pungent to subtle, one
ounce at a time. Herein lies the true beauty
of shopping at a spice store these exotic
ingredients, in every color of the rainbow,
can be purchased by the ounce, so you
can pick up small amounts of intense
avor for just a few dollars, providing an
open invitation to explore and discover.
Unleash your inner Magellan.
Bazaar Spices (2130 8th St., N.W.):
With a newly opened storefront in the
Atlantic Plumbing Supply Building in Shaw,
Bazaar Spices is now able to expand the
oerings that enthusiastic shoppers had
already embraced at its Union Market
stall. The Shaw store oers a wide variety
of rice, our, popcorn, grains, lentils and
beans, enough to make any serious home
cook giddy with delight. The array of spices
are well chosen to provide a lot of bang
for your buck: amchur, a dried mango
powder, adds a pleasingly sour note to
stir-fried vegetables and as a dry rub on
meats and poultry, while Georgian saron,
harvested from marigold leaves, has a
sharp, herbaceous avor and beautiful
orange color. Amp up your next batch of
chocolate chip cookies with a sprinkling
of the Vanilla Bean Sea Salt or try out the

Japanese Sansho Peppercorns, which have

an unexpected citrus intensity.
Pansaari (1603 17th St., N.W.): Any
foray into Indian home cooking for D.C.
residents has generally necessitated a
trip out to Indian grocery stores in the
suburbs, but Pansaari, located near
Dupont Circle, has now made that
trip obsolete. The store oers a bit of
everything, including a chai bar and
cooking classes presented by the owner,
and, of course, a spice shop. Because a
wide range of spices are so integrated
into Indian cooking, Pansaari can be a
valuable asset for anyone who wants to
make authentic biryani or masala with
the proper ingredients. Indian cooking
can seem intimidating to the uninitiated,
simply because of the sheer number of
ingredients often found in traditional
recipes, so a visit to Pansaari oers the
opportunity to build a proper spice pantry
that will make your next attempt at dal
seem absolutely eortless. Fenugreek,
with its musky aroma, will take butter
chicken to the next level, while mace, the
outer covering of nutmeg which turns
orange when dried, has a warm avor
that complements a vegetable pulao
studded with cashews and raisins.
Souk (705 8th St., S.E.): Having just
celebrated its rst anniversary on Capitol
Hills Barracks Row, Souk is the sister store
to the Sweet Lobby, which has made a
national name for itself with the interesting
avor combinations found in its cupcakes
and macarons, including the awardwinning Fire Breathing Chocolate cupcake,
lled with a spicy chocolate ganache. Souk
features an array of intriguing spices, like
the Grains of Paradise, a West African spice
related to ginger that has a spicy, citrusy
taste and is often used in place of black
pepper in North and West African cuisine.
Its well worth investing a scant few dollars
in the beautiful array of salts on hand,
which can add a special dash of avor to
nish o a dish, from the slightly oral pink
hibiscus salt to the applewood smoked salt
to the bright Cyprus lemon aked salt.
KRISTEN HARTKE is a D.C.-based food
and beverage writer. Follow her kitchen
adventures on Twiiter, @khartke.

Yekaterina Kondaurova with Andrei Ermakov, photo by Valentin Baranovsky

Dont get stuck using the same old boring spices from the grocery store. Authentic and fresh
internationally favored spices are widely available in the D.C. area.

February 2328 | Opera House

with the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra
Principal casting is available at kennedy-center.org

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

KENNEDY-CENTER.ORG (202) 467-4600
Tickets also available at the Box Office. Groups call (202) 416-8400.
Russian Cultural Initiatives are supported by The Vladimir Potanin Foundation.
International Programming at the Kennedy Center is made possible through the generosity of the Kennedy Center International Committee on the Arts.

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

3 0 F EB RUA RY 1 9, 2016

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
The Black Cat (1811 14th St., N.W.)
presents Black Broadway: A Queer
Burlesque and Drag Tribute tonight at
9 p.m. There will be performances from
popular Broadway musicals including
Aint Misbehaving, BKLN, The Wiz, In
the Heights and The Color Purple. Eva
LeStrange, Bunny Viscious, Phoenix King
and more will perform. Gigi Holliday and
Chris Jay will host. Tickets range from $1215. For more details, visit blackcatdc.com.
Gay District meets at the D.C. Center
(1318 U St., N.W.) tonight from 8:30-9:30
p.m. The facilitated group discussion
covers building understanding of gay
culture and personal identity and
awareness of community events for
LGBT men between the ages of 18 and
35 in the D.C. area. For more details, visit
thedccenter.org or gaydistrict.org.
Number Nine (1435 P St., N.W.) hosts a
happy hour today from 5-9 p.m. All drinks
are half price. Admission is free. For more
information, visit numberninedc.com.
A LGB support group meets today
from 10-11:30 a.m. at 16220 S. Frederick
Rd., Gaithersburg, Md., for individuals
in Montgomery County. The group
will discuss coming out of marriage,
homophobia, parenting issues, nding
intimate relationships, LGB resources
in the suburbs and more. For more
information, visit thedccenter.org.

SATURDAY, FEB. 20
The Augmented Eight, a non-prot
a capella singing group, presents Sing
Out for Shelter, a charity concert, at
Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist
Church (3401 Nebraska Ave., N.W.)
at 8 p.m. The Yale Whienpoofs, the
Deltones, Supreme Chord and Five
OClock Shadow will perform. Proceeds
go to organizations that serve homeless
men and women including Friendship
Place. Tickets start at $10. For more
information, visit augmented8.org/sos.
Washington
Performing
Arts
presents trumpeter Chris Botti at the
Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.) tonight
at 8 p.m. Tickets are $50. For more details,
visit washingtonperformingats.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.
today. 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.
The NeedlExchange, an LGBT DJ
collective, host a dance party at Zeba Bar
(3423 14th St., N.W.) with DJ Sam The

PHOTO COURTESY OF HOLLIDAY

GIGI HOLLIDAY in Black Broadway.

Man Burns tonight from 10 p.m.-3:30

a.m. Admission is free before 11 p.m.
After, cover is $5. For more details, visit
facebook.com/tnxdc.
Number Nine (1435 P St., N.W.) hosts
Brit Bash: Oops Were Doing It Again,
a Britney Spears-themed dance party,
tonight at 9:30 p.m. Music will be from
her albums including Femme Fatale,
Circus, In the Zone and more. Drink
specials are $5 Absolut vodka drinks
and $5 Bulleit Bourbon drinks. There
is no cover. For more details, visit
numberninedc.com.
Arlington Gay and Lesbian Alliance
(AGLA) hosts a brunch at Freddies Beach
Bar (555 23rd St., Arlington, Va.) today from
11 a.m.-1 p.m. There will be a breakfast
buet with made-to-order omelets and
Belgian waes. Coee, soda and juice
will also be available. Cost is $9.99 for the
buet. Anyone is welcome and guests
do not have to be members of AGLA to
attend. For more details, visit agla.org.

SUNDAY, FEB. 21
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.
Nellies Sports Bar (900 U St., N.W.)
hosts a drag brunch today with shows at
10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Brunch buet
is $26 and the rst mimosa or Bloody
Mary is free. For more information and to
purchase tickets, visit nelliesdragbrunch.
eventbrite.com.
The Washington D.C. LGBT Wedding
Expo is at Maggianos Little Italy (5333
Wisconsin Ave., N.W.) today from 12:30-

3:30 p.m. There will be gay-friendly

photographers, DJs, wedding planners,
ociates, venues, jewelers and much
more. There will be LGBT planning
tips and trends and a rae giveaway.
Advance tickets are free. Please RSVP at
samelovesamerights.com.

MONDAY, FEB. 22
Rainbow Theatre Project presents
Suddenly Last Summer, a concert
reading of the Tennessee Williams story,
at Source Theater (1835 14th St., N.W.)
tonight at 7 p.m. Suddenly Last Summer
tells the story of a man who uses the two
women in his life to lure in the men he
desire. Tickets are $15. For more details,
visit rainbowtheatreproject.com.
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, FEB. 23
SMYAL (410 7th St., S.E.) hosts a
transgender and non-binary support
group today from 5-7 p.m. For more
details, visit smyal.org.
Bachelors Mill has half-price drinks
from 5 p.m.-2 a.m. tonight. They also
have pool, video gaming systems and

cards. Admission is free. For more details,

visit bachelorsmill.com.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 24
Kensington Row Bookshop (3786
Howard Ave., Kensington, Md.) hosts a
poetry reading tonight at 7 p.m. Readings
will be from poets Maritza Rivera and
David Martin. Open readings will follow.
This event is free. For more details, visit
kensingtonrowbookshop.com.
Mimsol Entertainment and Society of
Womyn host Purely Ladies First Live,
a womens showcase, at Pure (1326 U
St., N.W.) tonight from 6 p.m.-midnight.
Female musicians, poets, comedians,
DJs, fashion designers, spoken word
performers and more are invited to
showcase their talent. Show time is at
8 p.m. There is free entry before 7 p.m.
and cover is $5 after. There will be $5
premium shot specials from 7-10 p.m. DJ
Mim and special guest DJs will spin tracks
for the night. For more information, visit
facebook.com/mimsol-entertainment.

THURSDAY, FEB. 25
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 spin music. For
more information, visit bachelorsmill.com.
SMYAL (410 7th St., S.E.) hosts Fight
4 Yr Rights Activist Night today from 5-7
p.m. The group will discuss historical
activism and help youth organize for an
issue thats important to them. For more
details, visit smyal.org.

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

F E BRU A RY 1 9 , 2 0 1 6 3 1

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charLes crossiNg subdiVisioN

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A D V E RT I S I N G
PROOF #1

ISSUE DATE: 01.15.16

REVISIONS
REDESIGN
TEXT REVISIONS
IMAGE/LOGO
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REVIEW AD FOR COPY AND DESIGN ACCURACY. Revisions must be submitted within 24 hours of the date of proof.
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llc (dba the washington blade) is not responsible for the content and/or design of your ad. Advertiser is responsible
for any legal liability arising out of or relating to the advertisement, and/or any material to which users can link through
the advertisement. Advertiser represents that its advertisement will not violate any criminal laws or any rgihts of third
parties, including, but not limited to, such violations as infringement or misapporpriation of any copyright, patent,
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of any person or entity. Advertiser agrees to idemnify brown naff pitts omnimedia llc (dba the washington blade) and
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omnimedia llc, arising out of or related to advertisers breach of any of the foregoing representations and warranties.

KATE LINDSEY | RANDALL BILLS | JOHN RELYEA

ANTONY WALKER, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR/CONDUCTOR

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT CONCERTOPERA.ORG OR 202-364-5826

ADVERTISER SIGNATURE

By signing this proof you are agreeing to your contract obligations with the
washington blade newspaper. This includes but is not limited to placement,
payment and insertion schedule.

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

3 2 F E B RUA RY 1 9, 2016

P H O T O S BY D A MI E N SA LA S

The Washington Blade held a party for its 2016 Most Eligible Singles at Town Danceboutique on Saturday, Feb. 13.
Michelle Visage of RuPauls Drag Race served as emcee.

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

A UT O S

FE B R U A R Y 19, 2016 33

MINI CLUBMAN S

Bigger isnt always better

in the auto world
By JOE PHILLIPS
Call it a David-and-Goliath matchup.
Sure, plunging fuel prices mean pickups
and crossovers are muscling in on market
share. But todays latest compact cars
once derided as sluggish econo-boxes
are no longer scrawny competitors.
Many boast big-boy engines, larger-thanexpected interiors and a huge number of
high-end, high-tech features.
FORD FOCUS RS
$37,000
Mpg: 17 city/23 highway
0-to-60 mph: 4.6 seconds
If any small car is a giant killer, its the
new Focus RS. For Ford fans (who have
been pining for this high-test hatchback for
years), their prayers have been answered.
The engine roar alone gets your blood
owing, thanks to a erce 350-hp turbo.
Bolstering the rock-solid handling is a sixspeed manual transmission, all-wheel
drive, automatic stop/start and hill-start
assist, all standard. So is the safety gear:
airbags galore, blind-spot mirrors, rearview
camera and emergency crash notication.
Parents can even set electronic
parameters for inexperienced drivers.
Inside the race-car cabin, the sporty
Recaro seats are rm enough for tunercar slaloms but still tush-friendly on long
commutes. Tech frills include multi-color
ambient lighting, voice controls, Bluetooth
and 10-speaker Sony stereo. Drivers also
can choose between sport and normal
mode for suspension, steering and other
settings. But with a dynamo this fun, why
opt for anything normal?
MINI CLUBMAN S
$29,000
Mpg: 24 city/34 highway
0-to-60 mph: 6.9 seconds
With such iconic styling, Mini knew not
to mess with success on its redesigned

Clubman. Yet the redo is 10 inches longer

and three inches wider than before, with
lots more backseat legroom and storage
space. Its also heavier, so opt for the
turbo-powered S version versus the laidback base model. One big disappointment:
a lack of blind-spot and lane-departure
warning systems. But like all Minis, this
one is agile and sharp in any trac.
Unlike other Minis, the Clubman is
whisper quiet and comes with a footactivated sensor to open a pair of vanlike, rear cargo doors. The top-quality
cabin is still quirky but lovable, with funky
air vents, toggle switches and Frisbeelike infotainment system in the center
dash. While there are plenty of standard
goodies, many must-have options like
rearview camera, heated seats, panoramic
sunroof, head-up display and 12-speaker
Harman Kardon stereo can be pricey.
SCION iM
$21,000
Mpg: 27 city/36 highway
0-to-60 mph: 8.5 seconds
Wait, what? Yep, Toyota shocked
everyone with news that its youthoriented Scion brand will be shuttered by
year-end. But those cars, with their smart
styling and prudent pricing, wont go
away. Theyll simply get Toyota badging.
That works ne with the four-door iM
hatchback, which slips in where the
popular Toyota Matrix exited (production
ceased back in 2014). But the iM is much
more fun, with origami-like styling and
a suspension so smooth it rivals larger,
more expensive cars.
Theres also free scheduled maintenance
and gobs of standard features: 17-inch
alloys, LED running lights, dual-zone
automatic climate control, rearview
camera and even power-folding heated
mirrors. The high-quality cabin the
best Scion has ever oered is quiet and
oers Bluetooth, USB interface and an
easy-to-use, seven-inch touchscreen. Alas,
this is not a pocket rocket, and theres a bit
too much body roll during tight cornering.
But then theres always the Ford Focus RS
or Mini Clubman S for that.

y
a
w
d
broa

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a
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to
WITH

Wolfe
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s
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B
&
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Darren C

FEBRUARY 26 & 27, 2016

CONCERT HALL
David and Alice Rubenstein are the Presenting Underwriters of the NSO.
Additional support for the 2015-2016 NSO Pops Season is provided by
The Honorable Barbara H. Franklin and Mr. Wallace Barnes.

THE KENNEDY CENTER PRESENTS

LIVE IN CONCERT

F R I D A Y , F E B R U A R Y 1 9 A T 8 P. M .
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TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

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Tickets also available at the Box Office. Groups call (202) 416-8400.

3 4 F E B RUA RY 1 9, 2016

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

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WA SH I N GTO NB LADE.C OM

F E BRU A RY 1 9 , 2 0 1 6 3 5

REALESTATE

Spend some pink, grow some green

Interest rates remain low so
buying still makes sense
By VALERIE M. BLAKE
Weve all heard the old adage, Youve
got to spend money to make money.
If youre currently renting a house or
apartment, you are indeed spending
money. Youre making someone elses
payments and, believe me, theyre delighted to have your money whether its
pink, purple or plaid. Interest rates remain low, however, so it still makes sense
to investigate whether you can or should
buy a home.
One of the best and usually free services available is a consultation with a local mortgage loan ocer.
A credit review with the lender of your
choice can determine whether you may
need to make adjustments in your spending patterns, how you might consolidate
student loans and what to pay down or
pay o rst to improve your credit score.
Remember that the higher your credit
score, the better the interest rate that
may be available to you for a home loan.
Many lenders can also tell you about
home purchase programs that may be

available in your area for people with low

to moderate income levels or for those
who have very little cash available to purchase their rst home, and whether you
qualify for any of them.
Over the years, the names Dave
Ramsey and Suze Orman have become
synonymous with sound nancial planning and debt management, so pick up
a copy of Ormans The Money Book for
the Young, Fabulous and Broke, aimed at
guiding millennials through the maze of
personal nance or try Ramseys The Total Money Makeover for his suggestions
on getting out of debt.
There are other nancial gurus who will
advise making a minimum down payment
on a home to leverage your disposable income, allowing you to also invest in securities and managed funds or perhaps reinvest
in your business if you are self-employed.
A personal nancial adviser, therefore,
is well worth the hourly rate for a consultation, since he or she can help you determine the amount you should spend on
housing, the monthly payment that makes
sense for your nancial situation, the best
way to structure a loan, and how real estate
ts into your overall nancial planning.
Follow that up with a visit to a tax professional, who will become your lifelong

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friend, even if you only see each other

on an annual basis. A certied public accountant (CPA) or tax attorney can explain available income tax deductions
that will allow you to keep more of your
take-home pay.
Armed with the information you have
gathered, head back to your loan ocer
and further discuss mortgage programs
and options for your home purchase.
You may decide to take a 15-year mortgage to get a lower interest rate and a
faster payo, but the monthly payment is
generally higher so that tactic is not for
everyone. Instead, taking a standard 30year mortgage and making only one extra
mortgage payment per year can result in
savings of thousands of dollars in interest
and can cut years o a 30-year mortgage.
Want to be a land baron or baroness? A
two-unit property may be something to include in your real estate portfolio. You may
nd that the income from a legal rental unit
osets the increase in payment you experience when upgrading your residence and
allows you to live in a larger or more updated home for what you were paying in rent
and sometimes less.
Investment property can also be a great
way to fund your retirement, as I learned
when buying my rst D.C. house on Capi-

tol Hill back in 1997. The gentleman from

whom I purchased owned more than 50
D.C. homes, many of which he had purchased in the down market of the mid- to
late-1980s.
As he neared retirement he began
selling some of his portfolio and holding
rst mortgages for the buyers in essence, serving as the bank. In my case,
the monthly cost of a $125,000 home
was $1,025. Imagine that times 50 houses
with no landlord responsibilities.
Now imagine the closer-to-reality scenario of owning even two or three investment properties, allowing your tenants to
pay your mortgages so that in 15-20 years
the equity is available to provide a college
education for your children, buy a retirement home somewhere warmer than
here, travel the world or do whatever it is
your heart desires.
Dream big, start small and keep that
pink $5 bill from your Monopoly game on
your desk as a constant reminder of the
possibilities.

VALERIE M. BLAKE can be reached at 202-2468602 or at Valerie@DCHomeQuest.com. Each

Keller Williams Realty oce is independently
owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

SIMPLE
AFFORDABLE
PROVEN RESULTS
CALL TODAY TOPLACE YOUR AD

202.747.2077

DAVE LLOYD & ASSOCIATES

Top 1% Nationwide
NVAR Life Member Top Producder

703-593-3204

WWW.DAVELLOYD.NET
ENTHUSIASTICALLY
SERVING DC & VIRGINIA

3 6 F E B RUA RY 1 9, 2016

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

Meet Mike
Mike Brown has nearly 30 years of experience in sales,
marketing and business negotiations, and he has been a
licensed real estate professional since 1986. Previously, he
was a residential lender for more than eight years with
nationally ranked top-five firm.
Mike offers his sellers and buyers an exceptional crossindustry knowledge and experience so they can make
intelligent and well-informed decisions. His greatest passion
and achievement is providing tangible results for his clients.

John A. Maroulis
Painting Co.

A local resident for almost 40 years, Mike currently lives in

Washington, DC. He was born and grew up overseas with
his parents, who were C.I.A. officers. If I wasnt a real estate

LICENSED BONDED INSURED

agent, Id be a secret agent, he likes to say. Mike earned his

Interior Exterior Custom Painting

Plastering Drywall

bachelors degree from George Mason University.

Quality isnt our goal,

its our standard!

Licensed in DC, MD, VA

202-808-3300
301-649-1097
Email: jampco@yahoo.com

Mike@MikeBrownMoves.com | 202.340.3340
MikeBrownMoves.com

No jobs too big,

no jobs too small!

1803 14th St, NW | Washington, DC 20009 202.903.2200

Just listed in north arlington

open sunday 1-4pm

CONTACT

SIRIWAT PATHARAPANUPATH
202.747.2077 EXT. 8078 OR
SPATH@WASHBLADE.COM

an entertainers delight!

$1,279,900

Substantially expanded Colonial commandingly sited and perfectly perched on a

8,250 sqft. lot overlooking parkland. This totally turn key custom home has been
completely remodeled from head to toe! And yes, with the expansive 2 level addition, the home now offers a lux master retreat, a Top Chef worthy island kitchen,
an enviable dining room, a comfy main level family room, sweeping living room,
and enchanting outdoor patios, gardens and covered terrace. All just minutes
to town, hike/bike trails, and just around the corner from the quaint Lee Heights
shops & cafes. 2448 n. utah street.
For Further inFormation and pics, please visit www.davelloyd.net

dave lloyd & associates

4701 Old Dominion Drive Arlington, VA 22207

703-593-3204 WWW.DAVELOYD.NET

Betty White
on Fitness Centers:
I have a two-story house
and a bad memory, so Im
up and down those stairs
all the time.
VALERIE M. BLAKE, Associate Broker, GRI

Dupont Circle Office 202.243.7700 (o) 202.246.8602 (c)

Valerie@DCHomeQuest.com www.DCHomeQuest.com

PROOF #1

ISSUE DATE: 11.20.15

SALES REPRESENTATIVE: SIRIWAT PATHARAPANUPATH (s

DEADLINES

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WA SH I NGTO N B LA DE.C OM

MASSAGE / CERTIFIED

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.

ROSSLYN. Certified
massage therapist
available 12-8 Sun-Tues.
Call or text Garyat 301704-1158 or visit http://
www.mymassagebygary.
com/.DC appointments
available Wed, Fri, Sat.
Please call/text for
details. Thank you.
BEST MASSAGE by male
certified therapist.
Soothing Swedish; deeptissue; stress & pain
release. Safe Atmosphere
in Annandale, VA, almost
right off I-395. Days/Eve/
Wkend. In/Out calls.
Hotels welcome. Call
Marval (703) 568-6348.
START FRESH UPGRADE YOURSELF
before upgrading your phone! My
deep tissue massage will help you
feel like a new person! Stretching,
Swedish & Sports massage. Athletes,
swimmers, cyclists & runners.
Dupont. Marcio (202) 271-9440. www.
MarciosMassage.com.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

BODY & SOUL

GET YOUR MIND IN SHAPE
& your body will follow. Stop smoking?
Weight loss? Addictions? Fears &
phobias. Changing your behavior can
be difficult. Hypnosis changes your
behavior at a subconscious level. Call
American Wellness Institute for a free
consultation 202-544-5688.

BUY / SELL
NEED A CAR,
TRUCK OR SUV?

Gross monthly income

must be 2k minimum.
2 Paystubs & 1 Bill
Required. We also have
vehicles under 10k. Jason
202.704.8213. Laurel MD.

COUNSELING
LGBTQ AFFIRMING THERAPY at
Dupont Circle Individuals, couples,
families, adolescents. Over 15
years serving the community. Mike
Giordano, LICSW. 202/460-6384
mike.giordano.msw@gmail.com.
www.WhatIHearYouSaying.com.
COUNSELING FOR GAY MEN.
Individual/couple counseling w/
volunteer peer counselor. Gay Mens
Counseling Community since 1973.
202-580-8861. gaymenscounseling.
org. No fees, donation requested.

EMPLOYMENT
DEADLINES

All Classified Ads

- Including Regular & Adult Must Be Received
By Mondays at 5PM
washingtonblade.com

START YOUR CAREER in financial

advising! Junior Associate for small
financial planning and investment
management firm. Financial
experience optional. ftoler@
tolerfinancialgroup.com.

TAX PREPARATION
SERVICES &
FINANCIAL
PLANNING

We prepare all individual,

small business, estates
and trusts. We assist
with tax planning for
newly married couples
along with other financial
services. All new clients
get a free copy of Lois
Fishman,CFP Money To
Last a LIfetime. Call us
301 330-9455 or email
lois@fishmanfinancial.
com.

LEGAL SERVICES
ADOPTION & ASSISTED
REPRODUCTIVE Law Attorney Jennifer
Fairfax represents clients in DC, MD
& VA. interested in adoption or ART
matters.301-221-9651,JFairfax@
jenniferfairfax.com.
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.

LIMOUSINES / DRIVERS
KASPERS LIVERY SERVICE
BMW 740LI Luxury Sedan Service;
Hourly, Point to Point & Special
Airport Transfer Rates! Gay & Veteran
Owned! http://www.KasperLivery.
com Phone 202-554-2471 or 800455-2471.

PHOTOGRAPHY
STEVE OTOOLE
PHOTOGRAPHY Fine
Art Photographer for
portraits, weddings
& dating photos for
the internet. Call
(703) 532-3031. www.
steveotoolephotography.
com.

F E BRU A RY 1 9 , 2 0 1 6 3 7

WEDDING OFFICIANTS

REHOBOTH SHARE

GETTING MARRIED? I can

officiate. Ordained 40
years ago by a mainline
Protestant denomination.
Call 717-253-8616.

SUMMER HALF SHARE WantedRehoboth. Single GWM, 50, seeks

house/condo with other friendly,
active men. Please respond to my
ad online - washingtonblade.com/
classifieds.

CLEANING
TOO NEAT GUYS INC.
Residential & Commercial cleaning
in DC & Northern VA. Over 20 years
experience, gay owned, licensed,
bonded & insured. Email: tooneat@
comcast.net, (703) 622-5983.
FERNANDOS CLEANING:
Residential & Commercial Cleaning,
Reasonable Rates, Free Estimates,
Routine, 1-Time, Move-In/Move-Out.
(202) 234-7050, 202-486-6183.
MAID TO CLEAN Gay owned,
awesome, trustworthy & reliable!
Serving the DC/VA area. Mention
this ad for $50 off. Maidtoclean.com.
(703) 299-0101.

MOVERS
OUR GUYS AROUND TOWN
MOVERS. Professional Moving &
Storage. Let Our Guys Do The
Heavy Lifting. Mention the Blade
for 10% off of our regular rates.
Call today 202.734.3080. www.
ourguysatmovers.com.
CONTINENTAL MOVERS Local and
Long distance Moving Services. $80 x
hour x two men plus driving time. Big
& small jobs also. 202 438 1489 / 301
340 0602. cmora53607@msn.com.
www.continentalmovers.net.

PAINTERS
FINESSE INTERIOR/
EXTERIOR PAINTING.
Chalkboard & Dry Erase
paint. Wood Staining.
Plaster Repairs. Pressure
Cleaning. Free Estimates.
Elmer 240-462-3760.

SHARE / DC
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. Available immediately.
Call 202-544-5688.
SW DC WATERFRONT GWM
ISO same to share luxurious home
Private Bath en Suite with guest
room. Cable, WiFi, Utilities, Maid,
Parking, W/D, DW Included. Beautiful
Garden & Outdoor areas to enjoy.
Call Bruce (202) 488-4888.

SHARE / MD
Room 4 Rent in Suitland, Md.
clean, quiet, safe area, 3 blks to
metro. $150.00 a week plus half
utilities. call 301-503-4263.

REAL ESTATE AGENTS

DC Realtor
Long & Foster

Buying or selling a home

is stressful enough.
Why not work with a
Realtor committed to a
professional, enjoyable
& attitude-free process?
For our initial meeting,
we could begin with a
phone call, a face to face
meeting, or you could
meet me during one of
my open houses. Should
you elect to go with
another agent, I wish
you the best of luck! N.
Bryan Lipps | Long &
Foster nbryanlipps@
longandfoster.com 202716-5848 (c) DC Lic. #
SP98376616

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.
PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIEDS ONLINE

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

WASHNGTON D.C. TOP GAY

REALTORS!Instant Free Access to
D.C. & NationsTop LGBT Realtors.
FREE Buyers Representation FREE
Sellers Competitive Market Analysis
+ FREE Relocation Kit any City, USA.
Be Represented! Choose your
Perfect Agent On-line at;WWW.
GAYREALESTATE.COM

DEADLINES

SUMMER IN REHOBOTH?
GET YOUR SHARE LINED UP!
SHARE ADS ARE FREE.
Place your housing to share
ad online at washingtonblade.com
and the ad prints free in the paper and online.*

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

*25 words or less prints free - anything more is $1/word.

3 8 F E B RUA RY 1 9, 2016

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

RENT / DC
BIG ENGLISH BSMT 1 BR.
Just east of Lincoln Park/
Capitol Hill. Rent inc.
utilities is $1,669. No
pets. Call Joel Martin
202-274-1882 or
jn1martin@aol.com.

FREE TO LISTEN
AND REPLY TO ADS

HUGE SHAW TOWNHOME

$4400/month, utilities
included. 3BR 3BA,
Gourmet Kitchen, near
Howard/Shaw Metro,
Bus Restaurants.
Travis 240-888-9867

Free Code: W Blade

Cleveland Park/Van Ness Metro

Very charming 1BR/1BA with patio &
garden, parking, internet, & washer
dryer included. $1475 Call 202-9975977/Barbara

WOMENS PERSONALS

FIND REAL GAY MEN NEAR YOU

Washington:

(202) 822-1666
Baltimore:

Arlington:

(703) 373-1000 (410) 468-4000

DUNGEON MASSAGE? or Rent

GWF, SOFT BUTCH, attractive,

blue eyes, brown hair. I walk three
miles every day. I like movies, music,
playing cards, tv & pizza. ISO GWF
attractive, feminine, for friendship &
a long term relationship. If you are
interested, call Debbie 703-368-3618.

our dungeon. Explore your fantasies!

BODYWORK

MASSAGE SILVER SPRING est 2004.

www.megamates.com 18+

Surprise a BF or FB. Awesome, clean,

discrete. Fully equipped private
DC playroom. (Tutorial/instruction
available). 202-544-5688.

Where some of the nicest guys

in town come for one of the best
massages in around...sensuous
erotic. Days/Evenings $70/one hour..
parking/metro pick-up. Joe 301-580
-2716.

New Hot White Guy In Town

Hot guy in town visiting. Great
massage and great time. In/Out,
parking available. 58, Black, Blue, 145
and Hung. For more info visit,http://
rentmen.com/VisitingNickor call
202-476-0766. Good sane normal
educated guy here. Text preferred.
EROTIC SWEDISH MASSAGE
- healthy clean cut guy, 61, 160 lbs,
Dupont Circle, massage table, noon
to 1:00 a.m., indulge your body. $70
for 1 hour. Bill 202-728-0238. No text
messages.

60 MINUTES FREE TRIAL

THE HOTTEST GAY CHATLINE

EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOM BODYWORK!

Deep tissue & sensual bodywork for

THE MAGIC TOUCH: Swedish,

Massage or Deep Tissue. Appts 202486-6183, Low Rates, 24/7, In-Calls.

total stress relief in private studio on

the Hill or in my new Dupont location.
Call Erik 202-544-5688. No texts. In
calls only. Intro Special $99.00.

PLACE YOUR FREE

AD ONLINE
WASHINGTONBLADE.COM/
CLASSIFIEDS

1-202-448-0106
More Local Numbers: 800-777-8000

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Ahora en Espaol/18+

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

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4 to 8pm every Saturday @ the houSe Beer $5 / door $10 35350 GeorGia ave NW