You are on page 1of 45

DECEMBER

09,

2016

VOLUME 47

ISSUE 50

The notorious

Eloy
Detention
Center

in Arizona is home to
scores of LGBT
asylum seekers.
We go inside to hear
their stories and
bear witness to
the abuses they face.
PAGE 13

AMERICAS LGBT NEWS SOURCE

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

L O CA L NEW S

D E CE MBE R 0 9 , 2 0 1 6 0 5

Bowser meets Trump; no word


on whether LGBT issues came up

LGBT victims cited in report


on lenient sentencing

Education, transportation,
statehood reportedly
addressed

D.C.s Youth Rehabilitation Act under re


By LOU CHIBBARO JR.
lchibbaro@washblade.com

By LOU CHIBBARO JR.


lchibbaro@washblade.com
A spokesperson for D.C. Mayor Muriel
Bowser didnt immediately respond to
a question from the Washington Blade
about whether Bowser asked Presidentelect Donald Trump if he would oppose
an attempt by Congress to weaken LGBT
rights protections in the District.
At Bowsers request, Trump arranged
for the two to meet on Tuesday at the
Trump Tower in New York City, which
Trumps presidential transition team has
been using as its headquarters.
Today, I met with the President-elect to
lay out the concerns and hopes of District
residents and to start a dialogue with the
new administration as it is forming, Bowser
said in a statement after the meeting.
I want to thank the President-elect for
hearing about our priorities like education,
transportation and statehood and
showing a willingness to work together to
reach common ground, Bowser said.
In an email on Monday to Bowser press
spokesperson LaToya Foster and the
Mayors Oce of LGBTQ Aairs Director
Sheila Alexander Reid, the Blade asked
whether the mayor might raise the issue
of congressional intrusion into D.C. aairs
in an attempt to curtail LGBT equality.
Would President Trump next year
defend home rule for D.C. by opposing
any attempt by Congress to attach a rider
to an appropriations bill to curtail LGBT
rights in the District, including a possible
anti-transgender bathroom bill similar
to those passed in several states?
Several members of the House of
Representatives proposed amendments
in recent years to repeal a section of the
D.C. Human Rights Act that would allow
city schools and colleges to ban students
from forming ocially recognized
LGBT groups. Those measures died in
committee or were abandoned based on
the assumption that President Obama
would veto such a measure.
With Trump set to take oce on Jan. 20,
some LGBT activists are concerned that
the new president, who has expressed
some support for LGBT rights, might not
speak out or try to stop anti-LGBT bills or
amendments targeting D.C.
The mayor should urge Trump to
oppose any and all social riders on
District appropriations bills, including
anti-LGBT ones, said Rick Rosendall,
president of the D.C. Gay and Lesbian
Activists Alliance.

D.C. Mayor MURIEL BOWSER met with


President-elect Trump in New York on
Tuesday.
WASHINGTON BLADE FILE PHOTO BY MICHAEL KEY

Congress has more than enough on its


plate without meddling in D.C. aairs, and
he could simply say so, Rosendall said. I
dont expect him to do anything for us, but
that is what the mayor should say.
Lesbian activist and longtime D.C.
congressional voting rights and statehood
advocate Barbara Helmick said Bowser
should be cautious and strategic in what
and how she asks of Trump given his
reputation for being unpredictable.
There are many issues that are
critically important to many of us under
threat of the new administration and
Congress, Helmick said.
Among them, she said, are civil
rights for our trans community, or
using Medicaid for abortions, or taxing
cannabis, or allowing a commuter tax, or
preventing Congress from reintroducing
a ban on clean needles, or weakening
labor or environmental regulations to
x our infrastructure, or denying our
sanctuary city status.
Earl Fowlkes, president of the Gertrude
Stein Democratic Club, the citys largest local
LGBT political group; and transgender activist
Ruby Corado, founder and director of the
D.C. LGBT services center Casa Ruby, did not
include LGBT issues in response to a Blade
question of what they would like Bowser to
say to Trump in their meeting on Tuesday.
Ask for Trumps support for D.C.
statehood, said Fowlkes, who added,
Request more federal dollars for
infrastructure and improvements.
Corado said Bowser should not
necessarily ask President-elect Trump
what he thinks of issues that he might not
be familiar with.
But she said Bowser should relate to
him that Washington, D.C. is not North
Carolina or the Deep South in many social
respects and she should remind him that
the federal workforce makes D.C. its
home. And shaking up the federal work
environment will not be helpful to his
administration.

One of two men arrested for the July 4 shooting death of D.C. transgender
woman Deeniquia Dee Dee Dodds, 22, is among at least 121 defendants given
lenient sentences under the D.C. Youth Rehabilitation Act since 2010 who a
short time later have been charged with murder.
According to a Washington Post investigative report, cases similar to that of
Dodds, in which a D.C. resident has been murdered by a youthful oender who
had been released from jail or served no jail time for a prior violent criminal
conviction, has prompted a heated debate among policy makers.
The rst of two lengthy stories on the subject, which the Post published on
Dec. 4 and 5, mentions another LGBT-related case in which a gay man was
severely beaten in 2013 while being called anti-gay names by 20-year-old twins
Christina and Christopher Lucas.
In August 2015 a D.C. Superior Court jury found the Lucas twins guilty of
both aggravated assault and the designation of the incident as an anti-gay hate
crime. In an action deemed highly controversial, Judge Yvonne Williams rejected
a request by prosecutors for a 15-year jail term and sentenced the two under
the Youth Rehabilitation Act.
She initially sentenced both to one year in jail but triggered more controversy
by lowering Christina Lucass sentence to six months in jail on grounds that
Christina Lucas an open lesbian could not commit a true hate crime against
another gay person.
In response to objections led by prosecutors, Williams rescinded the lowering
of Christina Lucass sentence and recused herself so that another judge could
make the nal decision on the sentencing. A second judge conrmed that the
sentence should be one year in jail under the Youth Act.
The Post story points out that about one year later, in September of this year,
the Lucas twins were re-arrested. Court records show that Christopher Lucas
was charged with making threats to do bodily harm and Christina Lucas was
charged with obstructing justice and resisting arrest for allegedly trying to block
police from arresting her brother.
The two Post stories on the Youth Act report that advocates for crime victims
are raising questions about the eectiveness of the law. Should it be repealed,
scaled back or left in place based on the intent of the D.C. City Council, which
passed the law in 1985 at the recommendation of then Mayor Marion Barry?
Barry and all but one member of the 13-member Council at the time said the
Youth Act was needed to give youthful oenders a second chance in life, which
supporters of the law said could help transform them into productive citizens.
But critics, the Post reported on Sunday, point to defendants like Shareem
Hall, 22, who has been charged with rst-degree felony murder while armed for
the Dodds slaying.
Court records show that Hall was one of four masked men who invaded
the Northeast D.C. home of a family in 2013, held the victims at gunpoint, and
ransacked the house. Court records show Hall was sentenced under the Youth
Act in that case, which resulted in his being released from jail on probation in
2015, about a year before he was charged in Doddss murder.
Youre telling me you can come back out on the streets and rob again, hold
people hostage again, kill again because of the Youth Act? the Post quoted
Joeann Lewis, Doddss aunt, as saying.
A police arrest adavit says Hall and three other men allegedly targeted
transgender women for armed robberies in three locations on the night that
Dodds was found fatally shot in the neck on July 4.
Hall and Jalonte Little, 26, have been charged with rst-degree felony murder
while armed in connection with the Dodds murder. So far the police and court
charging documents do not identify which of the two pulled the trigger.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser told the Post she believes judges, prosecutors, and
defense lawyers have come to misapply the Youth Act at the expense of public
safety.
CONTINUES AT WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

0 6 DECE MB ER 0 9, 2016

LO CA L N E W S

Baltimores new mayor an


ally like Rawlings-Blake
Pugh takes oce after
years of LGBT progress
By STEVE CHARING
Catherine Pugh was sworn in as
Baltimores 50th mayor on Tuesday
succeeding Stephanie Rawlings-Blake,
and an abundance of challenges
await. For the LGBT community, such
thorny matters include the high rates
of HIV/AIDS among predominantly
African-American same gender loving
men, the safety of the transgender
population and homelessness among
young LGBT people.
While these problems still need to be
resolved, some other LGBT issues were
addressed during the Rawlings-Blake
administration. The former mayors
nearly seven-year tenure was marked by
her unwavering support for LGBT rights
and her unprecedented engagement with
the LGBT community.
Rawlings-Blake took oce as mayor in
2010, and prior to that as a City Council
member, she endeared herself to LGBT
residents in and around Baltimore. From
marching in Baltimores Pride parade
each year, to being the rst to host a
Transgender Day of Remembrance at
City Hall, Rawlings-Blake made her mark
in the community.
Always comfortable around LGBT
people, she traditionally celebrated her
birthdays by playing bingo at the Club
Hippo, prior to its closing in 2015. The
mayor honored the Hippos owner by renaming the intersection where the bar
was located Chuck Bowers Way.
Rawlings-Blake
was
a
staunch
supporter of marriage equality and spoke
openly on its behalf when other elected
ocials were reticent. She appeared at
fundraisers during 2012 to help nance
the eort to defeat the ballot initiative
that would have overturned the Religious
Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection
Act signed by Gov. Martin OMalley in
March of that year.
As same-sex marriage ultimately
became legal on Jan. 1, 2013, RawlingsBlake ociated the rst such ceremony in
Maryland at the stroke of midnight at City
Hall where a staer Jim Scales married
his longtime partner Bill Tasker. Several
other gay and lesbian couples also tied
the knot on that historic night.
Words cannot express my feelings.
I was beyond elated to ociate the
citys rst ocial same-sex marriages at
midnight on New Years Day in City Hall,
said Rawlings-Blake in an interview in

2013. It was beautiful, amazing, loving,


and gave me a sense of pride knowing
that same-sex couples, including one
of my sta members and his signicant
other, were able to be married legally. It
was an historic moment in my career that
I will always cherish.
During the Pride celebration six
months later, Rawlings-Blake performed
a mass wedding ceremony at Druid
Hill Park in which 20 same-sex couples
were married in front of hundreds of
cheering witnesses.
The concept of civil rights for all was
instilled in me from a very young age, she
said. It is an innate part of me and has
made me the person who I am today. It
was and still is, a part of my familys belief
system. If any persons rights are being
denied based on race, creed, ethnicity,
gender identication and expression,
sexual orientation, age, disabilities,
religious beliefs, or national origins, then
it aects all of us.
Advocates of marriage equality
appreciated the eorts of RawlingsBlake during the referendum battle but
noted her commitment to the cause
was evident even before. The mayor
was an early and unequivocal supporter
of marriage equality, Carrie Evans,
former executive director of Equality
Maryland, told the Blade. In 2008, as
Council president, she helped shepherd
through a resolution from the City
Council in support of the state bill. The
LGBT community is fortunate to have
her as a erce ally.
Additionally,
Rawlings-Blake
established an LGBT liaison who reported
directly to her. The last individual who
held that role was a sta member
Demetrius Mallisham, a popular gure in
Baltimores LGBT community, who died
earlier this year. Six months prior to his
death, Mallisham said of Rawlings-Blake,
Working for Madame Mayor is a blessing
that I dont take for granted. She makes
my job easy by being a true ally to the
LGBTQ community.
Another LGBT individual who was
highly visible in her administration was
Anthony McCarthy. He worked for several
mayors and was Rawlings-Blakes director
of communications. He will continue in
that role for Mayor Pugh.
For LGBT rights advocates there
should be reason to be optimistic as
Mayor Pugh assumes oce. While a state
senator, Pugh co-sponsored the Religious
Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection
Act. Considered an ally, she also led the
eorts to include group life insurance
policies for domestic partners.

Comings & Goings


CNN honors Christensen;
Verona lands new post at AU
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 to Jen Christensen


who has been awarded the 2016 CNN
Diversity Ovation Award. Christensen
is the current president of the National
Lesbian & Gay Journalism Association
and exemplies NLGJAs commitment
to diversity and its mission to ensure
fair and accurate coverage of LGBTQ
issues and people.
When announcing the award, CNN
Worldwide President Je Zucker
said, In her leadership roles, Jen
consistently helps newsrooms around
the country better understand
how they can create more inclusive
newsrooms in which people of diverse
backgrounds can thrive.
Christensen said, One of the most
important jobs we have as journalists
is to create opportunities to give a
voice to those who may not otherwise
JEN CHRISTENSEN
have a voice. Winning this award
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTENSEN
for recognizing the importance of
including those voices in our stories,
as well as an additional recognition of all the important work that NLGJA does to
make all newsrooms more inclusive, means the world to me.
Christensen is a producer and video editor for CNNs health, medical and
wellness unit, and is also a writer and producer for CNN.com. She has been
a member of NLGJA since 1996 and has served as president since 2013. She
helped to launch NLGJAs mentorship program and serves on the board of
Unity Journalists of Diversity. She has previously received Peabody and Alfred I.
DuPontColumbia University Awards.
She oversaw the expansion of NLGJAs Excellence in Journalism Awards
program to 30 categories. NLGJA oers awards in a diverse and inclusive
assortment of categories including book writing, podcasts, daily and non-daily
news and feature writing, multimedia, social media, HIV coverage and local
television, among others.
Congratulations also to Tony Verona, a professor of law at American University
Washington College of Law who has just been given the title of Vice Dean at the
College. Prior to joining the WCL faculty in 2005, he was an associate professor
of law at Pace Law School in New York. Before that, he served as general counsel
and legal director for the Human Rights Campaign, the nations largest gay civil
rights organization. He built HRCs legal department, directed its legislative and
regulatory law and appellate amicus work, launched national law fellow and pro
bono attorney programs and served as counsel to HRCs board of directors and
the organizations corporate, educational and media initiatives.
Verona practiced communications law at the Washington oces of Skadden,
Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, LLP, and Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky & Popeo,
PC. He began his legal career as an honors program attorney for the Federal
Communications Commission. His scholarship has included articles concerning
media and communications law, civil rights, employment discrimination, and
hate crimes, and hes been published in a variety of notable law journals. He
serves on the Faculty Review Board of the Administrative Law Review, and as
faculty adviser to the Latino/a Law Students Association (LaLSA). He is currently
on the board and co-chair of the National Advisory Council to the Stonewall
National Museum and Archives.

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

D E CE MBE R 0 9 , 2 0 1 6 0 7

GEORGETOWN

This spectacular, detached home, with windows on 4 sides


so rare in Georgetownprovides sun from all sides. Residing
on one of the best blocks in the East Village, it is graciously
set back from the street and has a private, lush garden,
beautifully landscaped with a water feature and grilling area.
Classic, timeless, high-end renovation by Christian Zapatka.
Waterworks and Kallista baths, Viking and Subzero kitchen.
5BR/4.5BA.

$3,900,000

BLOOMINGDALE

Stunning renovation on a beautiful tree-lined block. High


end finishes include Italian marble kitchen and baths, Grohe
fixtures and more. 2 upper floors feature 3 bedrooms, 3 baths.
The walk-out lower level in-law suite is 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
with separate AC, water heater and laundry and its own private
patio. 2-car garage with expansive slate-floor roof deck. A few
blocks to Red Line and Greet Line Metros.

$1,365,000

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

0 8 DECE MB ER 0 9, 2016

NATIONAL NEWS

LGBT groups seek clemency for Chelsea Manning


HRC missing from list
of organizations seeking
commutation of sentence
By CHRIS JOHNSON
cjohnson@washblade.com
LGBT groups have joined the chorus of
thosecalling on President Obama to grant
clemency to Chelsea Manning, a transgender
former Army intelligence analyst convicted
of leaking classied information.
In a letter dated Dec. 5 and spearheaded
by the American Civil Liberties Union, 17
groups call on Obama to grant clemency
to Manning whos in the middle of her
seventh year of a 35-year sentence
based on the diculties shes faced as a
transgender woman in a mens prison.
Manning, a transgender woman who
is being forced to serve out her sentence
in an all-male prison, has been subjected
to long stretches of solitary connement
including for attempting suicide and
denied necessary medical treatment
related to her gender dysphoria, the
letter says. The Army even opposed her
request to use her legal name and to be
referred to by female pronouns. While
the armed forces have nally opened the

CHELSEA MANNING is serving a 35-year


prison sentence for leaking classied
documents and diplomatic cables to
WikiLeaks.
PORTRAIT BY ALICIA NEAL

door to transgender men and women


who wish to serve, the government has
continually fought Ms. Mannings eorts
to be treated with basic dignity.
Manning, 29, formally requested
Obama that grant her clemencyby ling a
petition last month that seeks to commute

her decades-long sentence to the six-anda-half years shes already served at Fort
Leavenworth, Kansas. Convicted in 2013
of violating the Espionage Act, Manning
has served time in prison longer than
anyone else in U.S. history convicted of
leaking classied information.
Obama has authority as president to
grant a pardon or commute the sentence
ofindividuals convicted of federal crimes
and has used that power to grant relief
to more individuals than the previous
11 presidents combined. If Obama were
to grant clemency to Manning, he would
have to take action before President-elect
Donald Trump takes oce on Jan. 20.
Among the LGBT groups that signed
the letter are BiNet USA, COLAGE, the
Family Equality Council, GLBTQ Legal
Advocates & Defenders, Immigration
Equality, KhushDC, Lambda Legal, theLos
Angeles LGBT Center, National Black
Justice Coalition, the National Center
for Lesbian Rights, National LGBTQ Task
Force, the LGBT labor group Pride at
Work and theTransgender Law Center.
One LGBT group that isnt among
the signers is the Human Rights
Campaign. A spokesperson for the
nations largest LGBT group said the
organization lacksthe expertise to weigh
in on the appropriateness of the length of

Manningssentence.
We continue to be concerned about the
treatment of Chelsea Manning during her
connement, HRC Government Aairs
Director David Stacy said. As she serves
her sentence, she deserves the same
thing that any incarcerated person does
appropriate and competent medical care
and protection from discrimination and
violence. This is something we have and
will continue to make clear with ocials.
An Army intelligence analyst who leaked
classied documents and diplomatic
cables to Wikileaks, Manning has been
a controversial gure. Supporters say a
video of a Baghdad airstrike she made
public exposed war crimes the United
States committed during the Iraq war, but
opponents point to a subsequent dumpof
251,287 State Department cables as
evidence she was indiscriminately leaking
information andjeopardized the lives and
work of U.S. intelligence analysts.
Manning, who came out as transgender
on the rst day of her sentence, has
faced challenges in federal prison and is
conrmed to have attempted suicide at
least twice.
The White House didnt respond to the
Washington Blades request forcomment
Monday on whether Obama would grant
clemency to Manning.

Trump names Ben Carson as HUD secretary


Unqualied choice who
opposes LGBT bias laws
By CHRIS JOHNSON
cjohnson@washblade.com
Donald Trump has made ocial his
selection of Ben Carson as head of
the Department of Housing & Urban
Development someone who has
made vehemently anti-LGBT comments
and expressed opposition to nondiscrimination laws.
Media outlets reported late last
month the conservative commentator
and
Johns
Hopkins
University
neurosurgeon would be Trumps choice
to overseethe nationspolicy on housing
and metropolises, but the presidentelect waited until Monday to declare the
choice formally. Carson, formerly Trumps
competitor for the Republican presidential
nomination, endorsed the president-elect
early on after dropping out of the race.
I am thrilled to nominate Dr. Ben
Carson as our next secretary of the
U.S. Department of Housing & Urban
Development, Trump said. Ben Carson
has a brilliant mind and is passionate

about strengthening communities and


families within those communities. We
have talked at length about my urban
renewal agenda and our message of
economic revival, very much including
our inner cities. Ben shares my optimism
about the future of our country and is
part of ensuring that this is a presidency
representing all Americans. He is a tough
competitor and never gives up.
Carson, who has called the LGBT
community a few people who perhaps
are abnormal and undeserving of equal
protection under the law, has animated
his political career with comments
disparaging anti-LGBT people.
During the Republican National
Convention, Carson said during a
luncheon before the Florida delegation
that transgender people represent the
height of absurdity.
You know, we look at this whole
transgender thing, Carson said. I got to
tell you: For thousands of years, mankind
has known what a man is and what a
woman is. And now, all of a sudden we
dont know anymore. Now, is that the
height of absurdity? Because today you
feel like a woman, even though everything
about you genetically says that youre a

man or vice versa?


In an interview last year on Fusion,
Carson said transgender people should
be forced to use their own bathrooms,
not public facilities, because its not
fair for them to make everybody else
uncomfortable.
On the campaign trail last year, Carson
waxed nostalgic for the days of Dont Ask,
Dont Tell,saying people who are gay in
the military dont need to talk about that,
we need to talk about how we eliminate
the enemy. Carson also expressed
opposition to transgender people in the
armed forces and said deal with the
transgender thing somewhere else.
In 2013, controversy erupted when
Carson, then a rising star in the Republican
Party, compared on Fox News gay rights
advocates seeking to legalize same-sex
marriage to pedophiles in the North
American Man/Boy Love Association.
My thoughts are that marriage is
between a man and a woman, Carson said.
Its a well-established fundamental pillar of
society. And no group, be they gays, be they
NAMBLA, be they people who believe in
bestiality it doesnt matter what they are.
They dont get to change the denition.
Carson was set at the time to deliver a

keynote speech at the commencement


for Johns Hopkins Universitys medical
school. After the remarks, a group of
students and faculty circulated a petition
saying Carson was an inappropriate
choice and should be removed as
commencement
speaker.
Carson
apologized if anybody was oended and
delivered a letter indicating hedwithdraw
from the ceremony.
Chad Grin, president of the Human
Rights Campaign, decried the selection
of Carson as HUD secretary based on the
anti-LGBT comments he has made over
the course of his career.
The secretary of housing and urban
Development is charged with enforcing
the U.S. fair housing laws that could prove
challenging given that Ben Carson doesnt
even believe LGBTQ people exist, Grin
said in statement.
As ThinkProgress reported, Carson
has expressed concerns about the Fair
Housing Act, a 1968 law that prohibits
discrimination in housing on the basis of
race, color, religion, sex, familial status
or national origin. LGBT legal advocates
have argued the laws prohibition on
gender discrimination also bars antiLGBT discrimination in housing.

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

D E CE MBE R 0 9 , 2 0 1 6 0 9

T H E F I R S T BA P T I S T C H U RC H
O F T H E C I T Y O F WA S H I N G TO N , D. C .

59th Annual
Christmas
Candlelight Carols

The Runnymede Singers


Erica Haman, Director
Steven Schwarz, Accompanist
The First Baptist Church Chancel Choir
Lawrence P. Schreiber, Organist-Choirmaster
Neil Holliker, Assisting Conductor
The Holy Family Tableau
Julie Pennington-Russell, Pastor
Deborah Cochran, Associate Pastor for Children and Families

Free and open to the public.


Church: 202.387.2206
www.firstbaptistdc.org

Valet parking provided.


1328 Sixteenth Street (at O), NW
Washington, D. C. 20036

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

1 0 DECE MB ER 0 9, 2016

NATIONAL NEWS

Backup plan? Trump to meet


with defeated McCrory
Two days after conceding the
gubernatorial race, North Carolina
Gov. Pat McCrory is reportedly set
to meet Wednesday with Presidentelect Donald Trump, raising questions
about whether the governor has a
future in the Trump administration.
According to The Hill newspaper,
Trump transition aide Sean Spicer
on Tuesday told reporters McCrory is
set to meet with the president-elect
in New York City after a transition
fundraising breakfast, but oered no
additional details.
Neither the Trump transition team
nor McCrorys oce or campaign
responded to the Washington Blades
request to conrm the meeting or
oer details about it.
Trump is set to meet with the
Gov. PAT MCCRORY lost his re-election
North Carolina Republican after
bid in North Carolina.
the governor lost re-election to
PHOTO BY HAL GOODTREE; COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA
Democratic challenger Roy Cooper
by a margin of 10,000 votes. LGBT
advocates have attributed McCrorys loss in North Carolina to outcry over his
signing of House Bill 2, which bars cities from passing pro-LGBT ordinances and
transgender people from using the restroom in government buildings consistent
with their gender identity.
The meeting between Trump and McCrory is set to take place the day after
Trump helda rally in Fayetteville, N.C., with Gen. James Mad Dog Mattis, the
president-elects choice for defense secretary.
It remains to be seen whether the McCrory meeting is a prelude to Trump
announcing an administrative position for McCrory.
Trump held a few positions on HB2 over the course of his presidential
campaign. In April, Trump seemed to oppose the law, saying transgender
people should be able to use the restroom they think is right for them and North
Carolina is paying a big price for enacting the measure. But on the same day,
Trump backtracked and said local communities and states should make the
decision on the issue.
In June, Trump went further in his reversal and apparently endorsed the antiLGBT law, saying hes with the state on the controversial statute.
CHRIS JOHNSON

Pulse owner wont sell nightclub to Orlando


The owner of the Pulse nightclub on Monday said she will not sell the property to the
city of Orlando.
I have decided not to sell the Pulse property, said Barbara Poma in a statement she
released through her lawyers, according to Watermark, an LGBT newspaper that covers
central Florida. Pulse means so very much to my family and to our community, and I
cant just walk away. I feel a personal obligation to ensure that a permanent space at
Pulse be created so that all generations to come will remember those aected by, and
taken on, June 12th.
A gunman killed 49 people and wounded 53 others on June 12 when he opened re
inside Pulse, a gay nightclub that is located less than two miles south of downtown
Orlando. The massacre which took place during a weekly Latino night is the
deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history.
The city of Orlando last month announced it had agreed to purchase the Pulse
nightclub from Poma for $2.25 million.
A makeshift memorial to the victims remains on a fence that now surrounds the
nightclub. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said in a statement that announced the deal that
the city would maintain the site as is for up to 18 months.
We have been informed by the owners of Pulse that they do not plan to sell the
nightclub location to the city, said the city on Monday in a statement. We understand

A makeshift memorial now surrounds the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla.


WASHINGTON BLADE FILE PHOTO BY MICHAEL K. LAVERS

that this was an incredibly dicult decision for the owners and we respect their decision
and are hopeful the Pulse site will continue to be a place of hope and healing that
honors the victims.
Orlando ocials added they remain committed to building a memorial that will honor
those who died inside the nightclub.
We believe it is important for the community to have input into a memorial that
honors the victims and pays tribute to the resiliency of Orlando, they said. City sta
will continue to research and understand how other communities have approached the
memorial process.
MICHAEL K. LAVERS

Walmart settles lawsuit over health benets


Attorneys representing a former Walmart employee and a Walmart executive
announced on Friday that the company has agreed to settle a lawsuit charging that it
illegally denied health insurance benets to the same-sex spouses of its employees.
The former employee, Jacqueline Cote, who is a lesbian, argued in the class action
lawsuit that Walmart violated Title VII of the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964 by discriminating
against her based on her sex when it refused to provide health insurance coverage for
her wife.
Cote has said that as a longtime Walmart associate at Walmarts Swansea, Mass.,
store she applied for health insurance benets for her wife shortly after the couple
married in 2004, when Massachusetts became the rst state in the nation to legalize
same-sex marriage.
The lawsuit says Walmart informed her that while it provided health insurance
benets to opposite-sex spouses it had a policy of not providing those same benets to
legally married same-sex spouses.
A statement released by the LGBT litigation group GLAD says Walmart has agreed
to pay $7.5 million to cover the expenses incurred by the spouses of more than 1,000
current and former Walmart employees who were denied health insurance coverage
between Jan. 1, 2011 and Dec. 31, 2013.
Walmart ended its policy of not providing health benets to same-sex spouses in
January 2014.
Were happy both sides could come together to reach a resolution, said Sally
Welborn, Walmarts senior vice president for global benets. Respect for the individual,
diversity and inclusion are among the core values that made Walmart into the company
that it is today, she said.
We will continue to not distinguish between same and opposite sex spouses when
it comes to the benets we oer under our health insurance plan, Welborn said in a
statement.
Cote began working for Walmart in Maine in 1999 and transferred to another Walmart
store in Massachusetts and remained with the company until she left her job earlier this year.
The lawsuit says Cote and her wife, Diana Dee Smithson, struggled to pay for a
separate health insurance policy for Smithson up until 2012, when the policy was
cancelled. A short time later, Smithson was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and incurred
thousands of dollars in medical expenses while uninsured.
Im pleased that Walmart was willing to resolve this issue for me and other associates
who are married to someone of the same-sex, Cote said in a statement. Its a relief to
bring this chapter of my life to a close.
LOU CHIBBARO JR.

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

D E CE MBE R 0 9 , 2 0 1 6 1 1

IMAGINE YOUR POSSIBILITIES.


CHOOSE YOUR SCHOOL.
START HERE.
DCs common application and lottery
for DCPS and public charter schools.
Application opens Monday, Dec. 12, 2016.
Learn more at MySchoolDC.org.

Join us at DCs only citywide


public school fair.
Saturday, Dec. 10
11AM 3PM
DC Armory
2001 E Capitol St SE
FREE Admission and Parking

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

1 2 DE CE MB ER 0 9, 2016

NATIONAL NEWS

6 months after Orlando, any progress on gun reform?


Some doubt LGBT movements
commitment to the ght
By CHRIS JOHNSON
cjohnson@washblade.com
As the six-month anniversary of the
mass shooting at a gay nightclub in
Orlando arrives on Tuesday, there is
skepticism that the LGBT movement can
make progress on gun safety reform
at the federal level with Donald Trump
headed to the White House.
The massacre at Pulse nightclub that
left 49 dead and 53 wounded occurredon
June 12. At the time, the event energized
the LGBT community to take on gun
reformeorts, but progress on that front
seems unlikely under the Republicancontrolled Congress and President-elect
Donald Trump, whom the National Rie
Association endorsed.
David Stacy, government aairs director
for the Human Rights Campaign, said the
nations largest LGBT group has found
a lot of enthusiasm in our membership
on gun safety after the Orlando shooting,
but cautioned challenges exist after the
election.
I think were seeing a lot of energy
around it, Stacy said. Its a tough
environment. I think a lot of the ghts are
going to be at the state level, and I think,
since the election, everyones sort of reevaluating what is possible.
The Human Rights Campaign adopted a
resolution to support gun safety measures
days after the Orlando shootings. Among
the organizations achievements since
that time Stacy saidare pushing the U.S.
Senate to approve gun safety measures
proposed by Sens. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.)
and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and cohosting events with Everytown for Gun
Safety and Americans for Responsible
Solutions, such as one that took place at
the Democratic National Convention in
July.
Asked what resources HRC would bring
to the ght,Stacy said, our membership
and engaging our members on these
issues. Again, how engaged our members
will be is a bit of a question mark, but
based on the post-Orlando period, wedid
nd a fair amount of enthusiasm among
our members and awillingness to engage
in an issue that isnt directly an LGBT
issue.
Jason Lindsay, executive director of
the Pride Fund to End Gun Violence,
established the political action committee
shortly after the Orlando shooting and
said momentumin the LGBT community
continues to build.
I think if you look at Pride Fund doing
electoral work, you have Gays Against
Guns doing protests and advocacy work
and then you have the existing gun

The D.C. chapter of Gays Against Guns holds a rally after the Orlando shooting.
WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTO BY MICHAEL KEY

reform groups, things have continued to


grow since Orlando and folks are excited
now more than ever to keep pushing
forward, Lindsay said.
But the level of commitment from
major LGBT groups isnt enough for one
advocate.
Mark Glaze, a gay D.C. political
operative whos worked on both LGBT
rights and gun control eorts, criticized
national LGBT groups like the Human
Rights Campaign, whichhe said have not
stepped up to the plate on gun safety.
If the major LGBT groups contribution
to gun safety is working to elect Hillary
Clinton, which they would have done in
any event, that is not engaging on gun
violence prevention, in my view, Glaze
said. And if they are avoiding engagement
so as not to oend three gun-owning gay
men in Texas, then they have fallen into a
trap the NRA laid long ago.
Although Glaze made an exception
for grassroots groups like Gays Against
Guns, which he said has been active
virtually minutes after the Pulse
shooting, he said major LGBT groups
have run away from the issue scared
because of potential LGBT donors who
may oppose gun safety measures.
Glaze added those LGBT groups should
get behind the long list of proposed gun
reforms.
And by get behind, I mean real
engagement, like asking their members
to contact members of Congress and
having their lobbyists lobby on the issue,
Glaze said. If the LGBT community, which
we now know is at enhanced risk of gun
violence, puts their backs into helping
pass legislation, that is signicant. If
they fail to do so because theyre afraid
of losing $20 in contributions, thats
signicant as well.
One group that takes a distinctively
dierent approach to gun safety is Log
Cabin Republicans, which advocates for
the right of LGBT Americans and U.S.
citizens generally to keep and bear
arms under the Second Amendment.
Gregory Angelo, president of Log Cabin

Republicans, expressed support in a letter


dated Dec. 5 to Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.)
for the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act,
which would prevent states with more
restrictive gun laws from prohibiting
those from out-of-state from legally
carrying a gun.
As a cohort of individuals more likely
to be targeted for violence and even
death because of our sexual orientation
or gender identity, Log Cabin Republicans
feels there is a heightened interest the
LGBT community in the United States
should take toward safe and legal rearm
possession, and the additional security
that concealed carry reciprocity would
allow, Angelo wrote.
After the election, any hopes are
dashed that Hillary Clinton would be
able to lead on the gun safety issue as
president and sign into law expanded
background checks and no y, no buy
legislation. If anything, the Republicancontrolled Congress and the White House
may be in a position to roll back existing
laws seeking to prevent gun violence.
The National Rie Association unveiled
a video after the election in which NRA
CEO Wayne LaPierre pledged to go on
oense during the Trump administration.
Among the groups priorities are
eliminating gun-free zones at schools,
easing requirements for background
checks and ensuring that concealed
carry handgun permits in one state are
recognized everywhere in the U.S.
Glaze said while continued progress
on gun safety may not be possible, he
doesnt think the current makeup of
Congress would allow for a reversal of
existing laws.
Is there a path forward for
strengthening gun violence prevention
in Congress? Probably not, Glaze said.
But with 48 Democrats and the use of
libuster, can we stop the NRAs attempts
to further weaken gun laws? Absolutely.
One bright spot for gun safety advocates
on Election Day was the victory of Stephanie
Murphy in Floridas 7th congressional
district over incumbent Rep. John Mica

(R-Fla.). Murphy, endorsed by the Pride


Fund to End Gun Violence, supports
universal background checks and no y,
no buy legislation, while the NRA-backed
Mica was criticized for accepting campaign
contributions from the gun lobby 48 hours
after the Orlando shooting.
Jason Lindsay, executive director of
the Pride Fund to End Gun Violence,
said Murphys victory demonstrates the
combination of gun reform and LGBT
rights are strong election issues.
When she got in the race, she was 18
points behind in the polls and ended up
winning by almost three points against
a 12-term Republican incumbent and
a long and huge Republican landslide,
Lindsay said.
With an expected standstill at the
federal level, gun safety advocates may
increasingly look to state legislatures
to build on the success already seen in
recent years.
Glaze was among those optimistic
about success in state legislatures despite
the federal election results, saying gun
safety advocates made tremendous
progress in the last ve or six years and
could make more.
I continue to believe that there are
majorities for gun safety in approaching
half of the state houses of the country,
and thats where I would expect gun
safety as well as LGBT advocates to be
focusing their attention, Glaze said.
Stacy pointed to state-by-state wins in
the LGBT rights movement before federal
victories as evidence that wins at the state
level in gun control could mean success
at the federal level in the future.
As we take a look at marriage
equality, the state-by-state battles were
really essential to ultimately winning
the Supreme Court ght because one
of the things the court did look at was
all these states are doing it and theres
no problem, Stacy said. Its not been a
disaster. Its working well. The publics
receptive to it. Thats really important.
In 2016, at the same time voters elected
a Republican Congress and Trump won
the White House, voters in California,
Washington and Nevada approved
strengthened gun safety measures and
another narrowly lost in Maine.
Meaningful change at the federal level,
Glaze said, will occur when Democrats
regain a majority in Congress and likely
push a law requiring background checks
for all gun buyers, whether the purchase
is from a federally licensed rearms
dealer or an unlicensed private seller.
We have allies among the Republican
majority, but as long as McConnell is
in charge and in the pocket of the NRA,
I dont see us passing legislation, Glaze
said. In the event of another catastrophic
mass shooting, I hope they prove me
wrong.

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

C O V ER

D E CE MBE R 0 9 , 2 0 1 6 1 3

I want to continue ghting to


open those gates and let everyone free
The notorious Eloy
detention center in Arizona
is home to scores of LGBT
asylum seekers. We go
inside to hear their stories
and bear witness to the
abuses they face.
By GREG MARZULLO
Special to the Blade
Moths cover the walls in the
claustrophobic antechamber of the Eloy
detention center in Eloy, Ariz. The uttering
insects are dark brown, obvious against the
stark white cinderblocks where they crawl
toward the rooms single door.
My grandmother said they were
reincarnated souls, said Dago Bailon,
my guide to this Dantean holding cell for
Americas undocumented immigrants.
Ive arrived at Eloy with Bailon and other
representatives of Trans Queer Pueblo,
a Phoenix-based organization whose
goal is to assist LGBT undocumented
immigrants, providing legal help, access
to healthcare, job training and a sense
of community.
The town of Eloy is about 80 minutes
south of Phoenix, along a desolate
expanse of Route 10, and the detention
center stands completely isolated from
any commerce or housing, although
the facility is one of the towns leading
employers. The August sun is unforgiving
on the day I visit with Trans Queer Pueblo,
a trip organizers and volunteers make
monthly to visit detainees in the hopes of
connecting them with legal aid.
Five rows of razor wire tower over our
heads as we walk up to the entrance.
Were buzzed in by unseen guards at
each subsequent door, and as the last
one shuts behind me and we enter the
detention center, Im grimly aware of how
many obstacles are between me and the
outside world.
Each member of the group has the name
of someone inside, a person to visit. We take
a number and wait to be called. After about
half an hour, its my turn, and I go up to
the guards desk. They take my paperwork,
my passport, my drivers license and my
bank card before I walk through the metal
detector. I am allowed no cell phone or even
a pen and paper. I now have no identity a
non-entity inside a veritable prison.

The Eloy detention center in Arizona sits alone in the desert, an imposing de-facto prison for
asylum seekers.
PHOTO BY YASHMORI; COURTESY OF FLICKR

I rst met Bailon months earlier at a


caf in Phoenix.
I crossed the border, he said, I was
around 8 or 9. That was an experience Ill
never forget.
Many of the people I spoke to for this
story tell me of their own migration,
as well as those of family members
parents, grandparents, siblings and
cousins. They are harrowing tales,
involving insurmountable odds and,
sometimes, death. Since the U.S. Border
Patrol began keeping statistics on migrant
deaths in 1998, the Arizona border boasts
the deadliest record of any other border
area in the country.
Bailon, who is now 29, crossed with his
grandmother and brother and remains

undocumented in a state infamous for its


rough handling of Mexican immigrants.
In 2011, he helped to found the Arizona
Queer Undocumented Immigrants Project
in response to the states 2010 legislation
SB 1070 that was widely regarded as the
most draconian immigration law in the
country. One of its provisions stipulated
that police ocers were required to
demand papers from anyone they
suspected of being in the country illegally.
If the suspected immigrant did not have
their papers on them, it was considered a
misdemeanor.
Initially, our mission was to bridge
the LGBT and migrant communities, he
said. We saw a lot of the movement was
focused on the migrant community and

was really religiously led.


Within ve years, however, Bailon and
others founded Trans Queer Pueblo
in order to address the wide scope of
disenfranchisement faced by LGBT
undocumented immigrants healthcare,
job training, legal aid and, of course,
the conuence of immigration and
homophobia or transphobia.
LGBT communities, the migrant
community and the detention movement
was really focused on family ties, said
Bailon. Some of us are running away
from our families.
Even in the organizations nascent
days, Bailon and others heard of gay
men, lesbians, bisexuals and trans people
in detention centers who desperately
needed contacts, legal aid and advocacy
to help them navigate a system that often
proves deleterious to their safety.
For
people
who
are
LGBTQ,
immigration detention is more than just
unpleasant its, in fact, dangerous,
said Aaron Morris, executive director
of Immigration Equality, a national
LGBT immigrant rights organization.
LGBTQ people are much more likely to
be subjected to physical assault, trans
women in particular.
Physical and sexual assault and suicide
are commonly reported from those inside
the detention centers. One of the recent
cases that gained national attention
was that of Marichuy Leal Gamino, a
transgender woman who reported being
raped by her male cellmate in 2014 at Eloy.
Theyre all jails at some point, Morris
said of the detention centers, before
adding, We have rarely heard good
things about Eloy.
A 2013 study by the Center for American
Progress stated that LGBT detainees
are 15 times more likely to experience
sexual assault than their heterosexual
counterparts a threat well known by
Karyna Jaramillo, a trans woman who spent
two weeks in Eloy in the summer of 2015.
When I got there, they started yelling
at me, Jaramillo said of the other
detainees, speaking to me through an
interpreter. They would yell homophobic
slurs, transphobic slurs. They started
screaming, Yeah, were going to have
someone we can get laid with tonight,
fresh meat. They would grab their parts
and tell me, Look at this, this is all youre
going to have.
CONTINUES ON PAGE 14

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

1 4 DECE MB ER 0 9, 2016

CO V E R

Caged like rats inside notorious


Eloy detention center
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

As I walk into the larger waiting room


at Eloy, Captain America plays on the
television. The iconic white hero frees
prisoners of war from a cage just as were
about to enter one. Chairs and benches
are lled with visitors, mostly young
mothers trailing children or elderly men
and women, some limping, others with the
shakes. Every single one of the people I see
in the waiting room over the next three
hours is Latino.
Shortly, the discomfort and anxiety
at being trapped inside gives way to the
tedium of bureaucracy. Theres nothing
to be done but wait for our visiting time
slot, which could be in an hour or several.
The credits roll for Captain America, but
not before a little girl claps her hands and
chants his name in excitement. Family
members buy candy, chips and Hot Pockets
from the vending machines that only take
special payment cards you can purchase
for a fee outside the metal detector.
Eventually, our turn comes, along with
about 20 others, and were ushered into a
holding pen. The door shuts behind us and
locks. Another door in front of us opens,
and were nally in the visiting room.
Its packed. A mother carrying a boy with
Down syndrome rushes to embrace a man,
seemingly the boys father. There are smiles
and tears. People share Fritos, candy and
conversation while a tall, broad-shouldered
guard patrols the room.
Bailon and I meet with an immigrant who
describes himself as bisexual. He doesnt
know Im a reporter. If I were to declare
myself a journalist upon entering Eloy, I never
would have made it past the front desk, and
the circulating guards in the room make it
impossible to have a private conversation.
What I can say is that listening to his
story the death threats in his home
country, the mind-numbing conditions of
detention, the Kafka-esque bureaucracies
hes wrangling in order to obtain asylum I
wonder how anyone in this place retains
their sanity.
Jaramillo said her stay at Eloy was a
battle against her own mind as much as
the system itself.
It was a constant ght with my
thoughts, she said. It was this war
that was happening inside my head
desperation, depressionabsolute fear.
Jaramillo, 46, only got out of Eloy after

DAGO BAILON (left) and KARYNA JARAMILLO near the Trans Queer Pueblo headquarters in
Phoenix.
WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTO BY GREG MARZULLO

she nally spoke to a U.S. Immigration


and
Customs
Enforcement
(ICE)
representative, who set her bond price
at $5,000. Her family was only able to
raise $4,500, but ICE accepted the lesser
amount and let her go.
Thats why sometimes cases take
forever, she said, because we are a bank
for the state and for this country.
Jaramillo,
born
and
raised
in
Cuernavaca Morelos, about an hour
south of Mexico City, rst came to the
United States 27 years ago. She says
there werent as many border guards
then and crossing was relatively easy.
Thirteen years after her initial entry, she
was living in Texas and got pulled over by
police for expired license plates. She was
deported, and the journey back to the
United States was torturous. At rst, she
was caught, but she made the attempt

again the same day.


I had to walk for two nights and two
days. We had to get water from where the
cows drink. Its dirty. Theres cow poop.
It was contaminated. At the end, my
thighs gave out on me, and I was pulling
them with my hands so I could continue
walking. We had to pay a lot of money
about $3,000 to the coyotes.
Coyotes are human smugglers who
get people across the border for a steep
price, and theyre known for leaving their
charges to die in the desert or demanding
more money than originally agreed upon.
When I asked Jaramillo what would
drive her to risk such an experience
across the Sonora, she begins to cry.
I had been threatened before [in
Mexico] by gangs and people who told
me that I had to sell drugs or had to give
my body to them.

About a decade after her second


crossing into the U.S., Jaramillo, who has
struggled with alcoholism, began drinking
again. She was stopped by the police, and
upon investigating her background, they
discovered she had an unpaid DUI on her
record from 10 years prior. The police
contacted ICE, and six ICE ocials picked
her up outside of the gym. They handcued
her and eventually sent her to Eloy.
Ive always been afraid of the police,
she said. In Mexico, the police, instead
of helping, are part of the corruption.
Theyre the ones harassing you, and the
same happened with ICE. They never
respected my gender identity. They
continued to treat me as a man, telling
me I was not a woman.
She was detained with other men, and
in recounting her time there, she begins
to cry again.
I was thinking if I could make it another
day. If I was going to be able to stay alive
in there, knowing somebody could start
something and get me in trouble. If they
send me back to Mexico, I would lose my
life. I had the fearof somebody touching
me without my consent and not being
able to protect myself, and if I do that,
theyre going to say it was my fault.
Without access to her hormones,
Jaramillo said she began thinking of
committing suicide. She told the medical
sta at Eloy about her needs, and they did
give her hormones and antidepressants.
However, shes dubious about the centers
motivation and fast turnaround time.
I know that at that time, something had
happened and they were investigating the
detention centers. Far from wanting to help
me, I think they wanted to look good.
The Eloy detention center is run by
CoreCivic, the newly renamed Corrections
Corporation of America, a publicly traded
company that owns and runs both prisons
and detention centers. Its reach in the
industry is large, trailing only the federal
government and three states, and it works
hand-in-hand with ICE, which has 34,000
beds reserved for immigrants nationwide
every night. At the time this article was
written, CoreCivics shares were going for
$20.92 on the New York Stock Exchange,
after a 43 percent jump in price the day
after the presidential election.
When dealing with privately owned
companies of this scope, questions of
CONTINUES ON PAGE 15

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

C O V ER

D E CE MBE R 0 9 , 2 0 1 6 1 5

LGBT detainees describe


harrowing life inside Eloy
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

regulation are bound to surface with


immigrant rights advocates decrying the
conditions in which detainees are held at
private detention centers.
In
thinking
about
regulations,
said Morris of Immigration Equality,
you should think about two dierent
schemes. For facilities that are owned
and operated by the federal government,
they are subject to regulation. There are
detention standards they are required to
obey. However, the privately run facilities
are under no similar regulatory scheme.
Morris is quick to point out that its
not a complete free-for-all at privately
run facilities. The federal government
negotiates terms and regulations with
any new facility or those seeking a
renewed contract, but, he said, the U.S.
government has historically said its hard
to increase requirements on facilities.
According to a November 2016
Washington Post article, ICE holds more
than 60 percent of its detainees at private
facilities that follow, as Morris puts it,
their own set of rules, which, historically,
hasnt been good for LGBT detainees.
If youre talking about a vulnerable
population of people who have dierent
needs or additional factors that make
them in danger, relying on a corporation
that has mixed or terrible reports or
histories of abuse it seems irresponsible
at the very least. Surely, when you throw in
a prot motivation, it changes the dynamic
of how people are treated in a facility.
In statements sent to the Blade by
CoreCivic and ICE, both parties stressed
their commitment to insuring the safety
and well being of detainees.
We have a zero-tolerance policy for
all forms of sexual abuse and sexual
harassment, wrote Jonathan Burns, director
of public aairs for CoreCivic. We take very
seriously and investigate any reported
allegations. Under our policy, any allegation
of this nature is also reported to outside
law enforcement so that an independent
investigation can be conducted.
He also stated that the companys
eight ICE-contracted facilities adhere to
the federal governments PerformanceBased National Detention Standards,
a detailed document of instructions
regarding all aspects of a persons
detention, from hygiene to segregating
an individual in solitary connement to
secure their safety or, in certain cases, as

a form of discipline.
Yasmeen Pitts OKeefe, an ICE public
aairs ocer, also said in an e-mail that
ICE has a zero tolerance policy for any
kind of abusive or inappropriate behavior
in its facilities and takes any allegations of
such mistreatment very seriously.
In 2015, ICE came out with its
Transgender Care Memo, a set of
policies that, according to Pitts OKeefe,
was the result of a six-month agency
working group that examined issues and
concerns related to LGBTI detainees and
incorporates input from transgender
individuals who visited various nonfederal facilities across the country to
observe best practices.
ICE also has a designated national
LGBTI coordinator and eld oce liaisons
for local ocers. Pitts OKeefe reports
that detainees have access to a tollfree number where they can report any
abuse, even anonymously if they choose,
and a ier about the hotline is posted in
every ICE facility.
Yet neither Pits OKeefe nor Burns
addressed my question about the seeming
discrepancy between what the ocial
policies are and the rst-hand accounts of
LGBT immigrants detention experience.
Flor Bermudez, the detention project
director at the Transgender Law Center
in California, fills in some of the gaps,
especially about ICEs Transgender
Care Memo.
One of the biggest criticisms is that
its optional, she said. The one facility
where they are doing it is Santa Ana [in
California]. Because this policy is only
optional for facilitiesthe culture in the
entire system has not changed.
Santa Anas city jail has a special
transgender unit for immigrants, but
Bermudez calls it terrible and said
when detainees at other centers consider
disclosing their transgender status, they
know the consequences will be solitary in
Eloy or [a transfer to] Santa Ana. Many of
them choose not to disclose and they are
exposed to the risk.
Finally, she said LGBT sensitivity
training for sta at the detention centers,
at least as it concerns trans people, is
inadequate.
Theyve developed a one-hour video.
The video has Caitlyn Jenner as an
example of a transgender woman. It also
has a transgender immigrant cartoon. The
traininghas no backup of an enforceable
policy. Its not helpful or ecient.

CAP released a report in October stating


that ICE ocials kept greater numbers of
LGBT immigrants in detention during scal
year 2015 than 2014 88 percent of the time
instead of releasing them to community
advocacy groups for monitoring.
In 2014, ICE, at the direction of the
Department of Homeland Security
Secretary Jeh Johnson, began to
implement the Priority Enforcement
Program (PEP), which enabled law
enforcement and ICE ocials to work
together on identifying undocumented
immigrants. When local law enforcement
arrests and books someone, they send
ngerprints not only to the FBI, but, under
PEP, to ICE as well, allowing all parties
to identify undocumented immigrants
considered a threat to public safety a
designation dened by Congress in 1996
with the Illegal Immigration Reform and
Immigrant Responsibility Act.
Certain portions of the law [dont] just
authorize detention of immigrants it
requires it, Morris said, adding that when
the law was passed in 1996, Congress was
focused overmuch on punitive measures.
A lot of the laws they passed oered very
little wiggle room for immigration ocers
on the borders.
Specic petty crimes (e.g. moral
turpitude, theft or fraud) on someones
record automatically result in detention.
Morris tells of one of his clients who
had AIDS. Being poor, the 19-year-old
male tried to self-medicate, stealing
Advil and nasal spray to keep his nose
from running. Technically, he could be
held as a ight risk or as a danger to the
community because of the two thefts,
something Morris calls ludicrous.
Its no secret that the Obama
administration has deported more people
than any other, claiming theyre focusing
on criminals instead of young people
and families. However, something as
innocuous as jumping a New York subway
turnstile can result in a criminal charge.
I think the Obama administration was
great attossing what was a temporary
Band-Aid and then allowing us to bleed in
another way, said Bailon.
Despite the Obama administrations high
deportation numbers, the looming Trump
presidency is causing even more anxiety.
We are in a state of aggressive triage,
said Morris. When you think about
what President-elect Trump has really
prioritized throughout his campaign and
continuing through his president-elect

status, he has consistently said he is


going to deport people a great number
of those individuals will be LGBT people.
Were guring out strategy, Bailon
said. LGBT communities are criminalized
at a higher rate. We understand that we
might be the rst ones to be deported.
For Bailon, Jaramillo and others,
returning to Mexico or other countries
where homophobic and transphobic
violence are the norm, the increased
threat of deportation takes on life-ordeath consequences, and the day-today pressure of living in the U.S. as an
undocumented immigrant increases
exponentially.
Its very dicult to live like this every
day, said Jaramillo, who is in the midst of
ghting her asylum case. Its like when
someone tells you, were going to send
you to this place, and youre waiting for
somebody to shoot youand end your life.
After almost four hours inside Eloy, its
time for us to go. As I walk out the door
of the visiting room, I cast a backwards
glance at the crowd and see a door at the
opposite end. It looks just like the one Im
standing in the same color, presumably
the same make but its destination is
much dierent. In a few moments, Ill get
my passport, drivers license and debit
card back with relatively little hassle.
Ill pass through three more doors and
stacks of razor wire, go to the parking lot,
get in the car and text my husband that
Im out. Ill drive home to my apartment,
and my life will resume. That other door,
though, on the far end of the visitors room,
leads to a labyrinth where people seeking
asylum or hoping to live that capricious
American dream are lost in the bowels of
institutionalized racism, xenophobia and
anti-LGBT bias.
Sitting at lunch with the Trans Queer
Pueblo workers after our visit, Jaramillo
asks me how my experience was inside.
I tell her that I was surprised not to be
frightened. More than anything, I was
disgusted. I ask her what makes her come
back to this place where she, herself,
suered detainment and the possibility of
sexual assault.
To share the pain of the others, she
said. To feel the impotence of it. We can
leave and continue with our lives, and
theyre caged like rats. Im here because
I want to continue ghting against this
feeling of impotence. To open those gates
and let everyone free.

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

16 DE C E M B E R 09, 201 6

BA LT I MO RE N E W S

Donations of winter coats and other items can be dropped o at Chase Brexton.
WASHINGTON BLADE FILE PHOTO BY MICHAEL KEY

Activist launches winter survival drive for the homeless


For the past several years, Brian Dolbow has been involved in a plethora of
causes but one near and dear to his heart is ghting for the homeless. He has
either coordinated or organized more than 30 events to feed the homeless
in Baltimore and is currently engaged in preparing the homeless for the cold
winter that lies ahead.
Dolbow, a security professional for Allied Universal, which is contracted by
Chase Brexton Health Care in Mount Vernon, is teaming up with the health
provider for a Winter Survival Drive for the homeless. The drive ends Dec. 12.
This comes amid a recent report by the Abell Foundation cited by the Baltimore
Sun in which homelessness among youth in Baltimore is higher than expected.
More than 1,400 youth under age 25 were unaccompanied by a parent or
guardian without a safe, stable, aordable place to live, according to the Sun.
In 2014, the Youth Equality Alliance, a statewide coalition that seeks to identify policy
and regulatory solutions to problems faced by LGBTQ youth in Maryland, reported
that as many as 40 percent of homeless youth in Baltimore identify as LGBT.
With winter just around the corner, Dolbow is seeking new or gently used
blankets and coats for men, women and children of all ages.
We also need tents, sleeping bags, hats, gloves, and anything else that can
keep the homeless warm during the cold winter nights, he says.
Donations can be dropped o at Chase Brexton Health Care, 1111 N. Charles St.
in Baltimore during normal business hours. Dolbow emphasizes that this drive is
also geared for the surrounding counties and is pursuing other drop-o locations.

Trans Ladies Picnic on tap


A picnic specically for trans women/trans-feminine-identied people is slated
for Dec. 18 from 2-5 p.m. at 2816 St. Paul St. in Baltimore. Food and drinks will be
provided but attendees are encouraged to bring a dish to share.
Trans women and trans-feminine non-binary people need a space of our
own. We love LGBTQ spaces but we can feel alienated in them. Tyler Vile, one
of the organizers, told the Blade. Often we are the only trans women or transfeminine non-binary person in the room. We adapted this idea from trans
women in New York and San Francisco. And we love surrounding ourselves with
other trans women and trans-feminine non-binary people.
Adds Evan Lori Mahone, another organizer, There is a lot of intentional and
non-intentional toxicity directed toward trans-feminine folks from the cisgender
community and even other trans folks. The Trans Ladies Picnic has served as a
space where we dont police other trans-feminine peoples identities where we
dont pressure trans-feminine folks to be more feminine. It serves as a space where
other trans-feminine folks can feel comfortable in their expression of femininity.
This is very important in a world where we are forced to think about passing.
Trans Ladies Picnic is part of a national movement of picnics for trans women.
The Baltimore Trans Ladies Picnic, a member organization of the Baltimore
Transgender Alliance, started in early 2015 and is a monthly potluck event.
For more information, visit the events Facebook page.
STEVE CHARING

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

D E CE MBE R 0 9 , 2 0 1 6 1 7

Health Insurance Issues? Claim Denied?


Confused about what your plan covers?
c all the

HEALTH CARE
OMBUDSMAN
202.724.7491 or 877.685.6391 toll free
We are here Monday Friday | 8:15am 4:45pm
HealthcareOmbudsman.dc.gov

The Knowledge to Guide You.

GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

MURIAL BOWSER, MAYOR

1 8 DE CE MB ER 0 9, 2016

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

Keep your promise to protect each other.

Gloria

by Francis Poulenc
Sunday, December 11, 2016
Presented at both 9:00 AM and 11:15 AM Worship
Services by the Foundry choirs, soloists, and orchestra.
Led by Stanley Thurston, Director of Music Ministries.

Christmas EvE

Wills & Trusts


Powers of Attorney Living Wills
Partnership & Prenuptial Agreements

6:30 PM Kid-Friendly Christmas Eve


8:00 PM Lessons, Carols, and Candlelight
Christmas day: OnE sErviCE
10:00 AM Carols and Communion

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


www.PartnerPlanning.com

1500 16th Street NW ~ www.foundryumc.org


A Reconciling Congregation
All are Welcome!

Serving the LGBT Community


in DC/MD/VA since 1983
Lawrence S. Jacobs/McMillan Metro, PC

Speak with our preplanning adviSor,


Jamie arthurS at (202) 966-6400 or email
Jamie.arthurS@dignitymemorial.com

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


ADVERTISING

Serving Our Community for 35 years

ISSUE DATE: 10.26.12

PROOF

SALES REPRESENTATIVE: BRIAN PITTS (bpitts@washblade.com)

REVIEW AD FOR COPY AND DESIGN ACCURACY. Revisions must be submitted within 24 hours of the date of

NS
GN
EVISIONS
/LOGO REVISIONS
SIONS

proof.
wille
bed
considered
adviC
e Proof
m
i a t ifinal
o and
N will
beLsubmitted
i t i Gforapublication
t i o Nif revision
a isPnot
P submitted
e a L Swithin
24
C hours
o LofL a B o r a t i o N
the date of proof. Revisions will not be accepted after 12:01 pm wednesday, the week of publication.Brown naff pitts
omnimedia 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, trademark, trade secret, music, image, or other proprietary or propety right, false advertising, unfair
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
washington blade) and to hold brown naff pitts omnimedia llc (dba the washington blade) harmless from any and all
liability, loss, damages, claims, or causes of action, including reasonable legal fees and expenses that may be incurred
by brown naff pitts omnimedia llc, arising out of or related to advertisers breach of any of the foregoing representations
and warranties.

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.

FamiLY | eState PLaNNiNG | emPLoYmeNt | immiGratioN


ComPLeX LitiGatioN | CiviL riGHtS | LGBt | adoPtioN | BuSiNeSS

Silber, Perlman, Sigman & Tilev, P.A.

at tor N e YS at L aw d C | m d | va

3 0 1 . 8 9 1 . 2 2 0 0 S P - L aw. C o m

6 9 3 0 C a r r o L L av e , S u i t e 6 1 0 ta k o m a Pa r k m d

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

FI T NES S

DE C E M B E R 09, 2016 19

The gift of tness


Consider items that have multiple uses
As you brainstorm for your
shopping list this year, keep in mind
that the number one New Years
resolution each year invariably is
to lose weight. Last year about 40
percent of Americans vowed to be
healthier with some weight-related
resolution.
GERARD BURLEY is a D.C.-based personal
The best gift you could give could
trainer. Reach him via @CoachGFit or coachg@
coachgtness.com.
be something tness related. Here
are some ideas.
Fitness trackers are popping up everywhere in all forms. There are watches,
arm bands, chest straps, phone devices and more. So many options make it
hard to gure out which is best for you. If youre shopping for the hardcore
tness guru who enjoys outdoor running and you arent afraid to spend a little
change, the Fitbit Surge is your best bet. This watch tracks GPS running routes,
heart rate, steps, sleep patterns, calorie burn and even takes your calls and text
messages. Overall this is one of the hottest on the market, but it comes at a hot
price of nearly $250.
If you love the tracking ability, but want something a bit more budget friendly,
go old school with a classic heart rate monitor or pedometer. For the former, I
choose the Polar FT7. The watch looks good, accurately tracks heart rate and
calories and saves your last 10 workout numbers so you can compare how hard
youre working. At just under $70, it really is a great nd. The only downfall is
it requires a chest strap, but Polar has improved the material making it more
comfortable and easier to get on and o than earlier models.
Unless youre getting a top-of-the-line or high-end monitor, I trust the heart
rate monitors with the chest strap better for accuracy than the mid-grade
options. If youre getting a gift for someone who needs to just get moving and
dont want to invest a lot of money, go for a pedometer. Most are very accurate
and you can nd them for less than $20. People are usually surprised at how
eective they can be for making people conscious about getting up and moving.
I suggest getting one for your whole family and starting a walking challenge. A
little healthy competition never hurt anyone.
Im passionate about only buying tness equipment that is eective and has
multiple uses, having seen the endless stream of new devices that come out
each year that claim theyll revolutionize tness.
My top piece of equipment is still the TRX functional training straps. The
versatility, durability, light weight design and super portability make it amazing
in my books. The great thing about it is you can literally work every muscle in
your body and all you need is a sturdy door to hook it to. The straps are a bit
of an investment at $150 on Amazon but, TRX did come out with a new thinner
strap system that retails for $99 online. So before you splurge on that $2,000
elliptical which takes up a lot of space but then becomes a coat hanger next year,
seriously consider the TRX system.
If youre looking for a new twist on an old device, the Smart Rope by Tangram
Factory is the way to go. This jump rope is full of LED lights that display your
jump rope number in the air while youre jumping. It also interfaces with an app
to record your jump workouts and tell you your calorie burn. This is the coolest
product out there, but it starts at $80 and oers pretty much just one exercise.
If you have extra money and want to look cool in 2017, which Im not above, this
is your gadget. If youre looking for a budget-friendly option, I say go for your
traditional jump rope. Its still a great cardio exercise and you can nd good ones
for less than $20.
Every year people spend millions in tness gadgets and new equipment that
by February has never been taken out of the box. It takes a lot of discipline
to work out on your own, so also consider studio or trainer gift cards. Getting
someone a gift card to a studio or trainer can be the jump start they need to
build in accountability to a new safe workout plan. We sometimes forget that
the hardest part of every workout is getting there. Have an amazing healthy
holiday season.

Educated at Brown, Harvard,


and Johns Hopkins
Washingtonian Magazine Top Doc
US News & World Report
Top 1% of Doctors in USA
Dual Board Certified:
Facial Plastic Surgery
Body Plastic Surgery

Laser Liposuction
Pec and Ab Etching
Facial Rejuvenation
Gynecomastia
Laser Hair Removal
Botox & Skin Care
Transgender Surgeries
Ultherapy

CALL TO ASK
ABOUT OUR
LASER LIPO SPECIALS

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

2 0 DE CE MB ER 0 9, 2016

VIEWPOINT

VOLUME

47

ISSUE

50

ADDRESS

PO Box 53352
Washington DC 20009
PHONE

Time for a new LGBT


march on Washington
Strategy for ghting Trump
should include a return
to the streets

KEVIN NAFF is editor of the Washington Blade


and can be reached at kna@washblade.com.

Since the unthinkable happened last


month and U.S. voters elected a racist
demagogue as president, I have been inundated with emails and personal requests
for reassurance. After all, weve seen worse
George W. Bush, AIDS, etc., right?
Indeed, we have seen worse, though
the impact of a President Trump on our
community is so far unclear. He has appointed a cadre of wealthy, anti-LGBT
ideologues some with no government
experience to senior advisory positions
and Cabinet-level posts. Some were anti-

marriage activists; at least one is a hero of


the KKK. Its hard to fathom that this is our
2017 America, but here we are. After eight
years of progress from the economic
recovery to unprecedented advances
on LGBT rights under our rst AfricanAmerican president were about to take
monumental steps backward. The excuses oered by Hillary Clintons campaign
manager Robby Mook and others about
Russian interference and James Comeys
recklessness ignore the reality that her
campaign lacked a coherent message
and that the candidate was deeply awed
from the beginning. In a change year, the
Democrats put forward the ultimate insider politician, someone who voted for the
disastrous Iraq war before apologizing for
it; who supported TPP before opposing it;
who co-sponsored a bill to criminalize ag
burning; who was woefully late to the marriage equality ght; and who even praised
Ronald Reagans record on AIDS.
Despite Clintons aws and her campaigns apparent indierence to Rust
Belt states critical to her Electoral College
strategy, there was only one responsible
choice on Election Day. About 2.5 million
more voters made that choice than supported Donald Trump, but lopsided marE DIT OR IA L C A R T OON

gins in California couldnt oset Clintons


lack of appeal across the South and Midwest. And so, here we are.
Trumps gay defenders and there are
a handful have said not to worry, that
Trump reached out to gays during his
convention and that he wont undermine
LGBT rights as president. But most of us
are more concerned about a disengaged
President Trump empowering anti-LGBT
gures like Vice President-elect Mike
Pence, whose anti-LGBT views are well
known, and Reince Priebus, whose party
platform was labeled the most anti-LGBT
platform in the partys 162-year history,
by the Log Cabin Republicans. Theres
also Trumps disturbing pledge to appoint
justices in the mold of Antonin Scalia to
the U.S. Supreme Court.
Whats coming wont be pretty. But
this isnt 2000 or 2004, when George W.
Bush cynically used anti-gay animus to
motivate conservative voters. The Obama
era has produced great advances toward
equality that will prove dicult to undo.
From opinion polls that show growing
acceptance of our relationships to court
victories like Macy v. Holder and Obergefell v. Hodges, the LGBT community is on
much surer footing than eight years ago.
Our advocates (and journalists) will need
to readjust to playing defense again and
ght to preserve those victories. Those
strategies should include a new march on
Washington for LGBT equality.
Many younger voters came of age during the Obama era and are unaware of
our communitys history as a despised
and discriminated against minority. Maybe thats why many of us of a certain age
didnt slip into a post-election depression weve been here before. Weve
marched on Washington and protested
government indierence to the pandemic
in front of the White House, decades before we were ever welcome inside. A new
march would serve to educate and galvanize a younger generation in the way
previous marches in 1979, 1987, 1993,
2000 and 2009 inspired many of us. We
should send a message to Trump and his
supporters that LGBT Americans are NOT
returning to the closet and will not abide
a rollback of our hard-fought advances.
Its a new era but weve been here before.
We know how to ght from outside the
White House gates.

202-747-2077
E-MAIL
news@washblade.com
INTERNET
washingtonblade.com
PUBLISHED BY
Brown Na Pitts Omnimedia, Inc.
PUBLISHER
LYNNE J. BROWN
lbrown@washblade.com ext. 8075
EDITORIAL
EDITOR
KEVIN NAFF
kna@washblade.com ext. 8088
FEATURES EDITOR
JOEY DIGUGLIELMO
joeyd@washblade.com ext. 8081
SR. NEWS REPORTER
LOU CHIBBARO JR.
lchibbaro@washblade.com ext. 8079
NEWS REPORTER
CHRIS JOHNSON
cjohnson@washblade.com ext. 8083
REPORTER & INTERNATIONAL NEWS EDITOR
MICHAEL K. LAVERS
mlavers@washblade.com
POP CULTURE REPORTER
MARIAH COOPER
PHOTO EDITOR
MICHAEL KEY
mkey@washblade.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
PETER ROSENSTEIN, MARK LEE,
LATEEFAH WILLIAMS, KATE CLINTON,
KATHI WOLFE, RICHARD J. ROSENDALL,
MAXIMILLIAN SYCAMORE
CREATIVE DESIGN/PRODUCTION
AZERCREATIVE.COM
SALES & ADMINISTRATION
DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING
STEPHEN RUTGERS
srutgers@washblade.com ext. 8077
SR. ACCT. EXECUTIVE
BRIAN PITTS
bpitts@washblade.com ext. 8089
ACCT. EXECUTIVE
SIRIWAT PATHARAPANUPATH
spath@washblade.com ext. 8078
JOE HICKLING
jhickling@washblade.com ext. 8094
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING/ADMINISTRATION
PHILLIP G. ROCKSTROH
prockstroh@washblade.com ext. 8092
NATIONAL ADVERTISING
RIVENDELL MEDIA
212-242-6863; sales@rivendellmedia.com
For distribution, contact Lynne Brown at 202-747-2077,
ext. 8075. Distributed by MediaPoint, LLC
All material in the Washington Blade is protected by federal copyright law
and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the Washington Blade. The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, writers
and cartoonists published herein is neither inferred nor implied. The
appearance of names or pictorial representation does not necessarily
indicate the sexual orientation of that person or persons. Although the
Washington Blade is supported by many ne advertisers, we cannot accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers. Unsolicited editorial
material is accepted by the Washington Blade, but the paper cannot take
responsibility for its return. The editors reserve the right to accept, reject
or edit any submission. A single copy of the Washington Blade is available
from authorized distribution points, to any individual within a 50-mile radius of Washington, D.C. Multiple copies are available from the Washington
Blade oce only. Call for rates. If you are unable to get to a convenient
free distribution point, you may receive a 52-week mailed subscription for
$195 per year or $5.00 per single issue. Checks or credit card orders can be
sent to Phil Rockstroh at prockstroh@washblade.com. Postmaster: Send
address changes to the Washington Blade, PO BOX 53352 Washington,
DC 20009. The Washington Blade is published weekly, on Friday, by
Brown Na Pitts Omnimedia, Inc. Individual Subscriptions are $195
per year for 52 issues (only $3.75 per issue mailed to you USPS). Rates
for businesses/institutions are $450 per year. Periodical postage paid
at Washington, D.C., and additional mailing oces. Editorial positions
of the Washington Blade are expressed in editorials and in editors
notes as determined by the papers editors. Other opinions are those
of the writers and do not necessarily represent the opinion of the
Washington Blade or its sta. To submit a letter or commentary: Letters should be fewer than 400 words; commentaries should be fewer
than 750 words. Submissions may be edited for content and length,
and must include a name, address and phone number for verication.
Send submissions by e-mail to kna@washblade.com.

2016 BROWN NAFF PITTS OMNIMEDIA, INC.

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

V I E W PO I N T

D E CE MBE R 0 9 , 2 0 1 6 2 1

D.C. Office on Aging failing our LGBT elders


Culturally specic programs
needed for at-risk residents
By ANNA COUGHLAN
Older LGBT adults have lived through decades of severe discrimination that many
young queer people like myself will never
experience rsthand. Yet as mainstream
LGBT advocacy marches onward, full of
images of attractive young people at Pride
parades, the older LGBT people who paved
the way for the rights many of us now enjoy
are being completely ignored.
The lingering eects of previous decades of discrimination continue to create severe problems for older LGBT
adults. Yet, even in oh-so-progressive
Washington, D.C., the D.C. governments
Oce on Aging has been willfully ignoring and failing to support LGBT residents
in the District. The Oce on Agings mission states that it exists to support older
adults in D.C. (dened as those 60 and
older), persons living with disabilities, and
their caregivers. A recent request under
the Freedom of Information Act revealed
that, although 10 percent of the D.C. population identies as LGBT, in 2014 and

2015 LGBT people made up less than 1


percent of those receiving services from
the various agencies funded by the D.C.
Oce on Aging. This imbalance cannot
be ignored it shows that the D.C. Ofce on Aging is critically failing to fulll its
mission and support LGBT adults in D.C.
The Oce on Agings failure to provide
adequate services for LGBT older adults
is part of a systematic problem across the
U.S. SAGE (Services and Advocacy for
GLBT Elders) cites a recent study suggesting that a whopping 96 percent of Americas social service and caregiving agencies
do not provide any services specically
for LGBT older adults. These statistics are
incredibly troubling LGBT people are
one of the most vulnerable populations
among older adults in the United States,
yet are being seriously underserved.
Older LGBT adults experience a variety
of severe vulnerabilities, which makes the
Oce on Agings failure to serve them
even more distressing. First, LGBT older
adults tend to face a unique social isolation: LGBT elders are twice as likely as
their non-LGBT peers to live alone, twice
as likely to be single, and three to four
times less likely to have children and
many are estranged from their biological
families. This lack of support is associated

with higher levels of depression, suicide


and substance abuse among older LGBT
adults as compared to their non-LGBT
peers. Furthermore, many LGBT older
adults face poverty and nancial insecurity because of a lifetime of employment discrimination. With older LGBT
adults facing vulnerabilities that are this
frequent and severe, it is critical that support agencies like the Oce on Aging act
immediately to support LGBT adults.
To be sure, there are challenges in engaging LGBT older adults in social services. Older LGBT adults are less likely to access mainstream elder services because
of fear that they will experience prejudicial treatment a fear that is quite justied, considering that an estimated 46
percent of social service and caregiving
agencies in America claim that LGBT older adults would be unwelcome at senior
centers in their areas (Invisible Individuals, Florence Gelo). It is therefore necessary that agencies like the Oce on Aging
conduct specic outreach to LGBT older
adult populations, and provide them
high-quality, evidence-based services.
It is also vital that the Oce on Aging
provide services specically for older LGBT
adults. A common excuse from agencies that
fail to provide LGBT-specic services is that

their services are open to all that LGBT


older adults would be welcome in the programs already in place, and therefore that
LGBT-specic programs arent necessary.
This sentiment willfully ignores the reality
that when elder services are not LGBT specific, LGBT older adults are likely to either hide
their sexual identity or avoid the program
(Research on Aging Porter and Cahill 2014).
Culturally specic programs have been
proven time and again to be the most effective practice for agencies serving older
adults. The Oce on Aging has no problems providing culturally specic programing for non-LGBT cultures and communities, and they need to give LGBT culture
and community the same acknowledgement and respect as any other culture.
Whether youre a young LGBT person
like me, an older LGBT adult, or any LGBT
ally, this treatment of our LGBT elders
should outrage you. I hope the D.C. Ofce on Aging will recognize how serious
its failure is to serve the LGBT community,
and take action immediately to support
the vulnerable and underserved population of older LGBT adults in D.C.
ANNA COUGHLAN is an intern with the DC
Center for the LGBT Community, and a student
at George Washington University studying
Human Services and Social Justice.

V I E W PO I NT

Heres why LGBT people must ght Price conrmation for HHS
A homophobic nominee who
would undermine Medicare
By STEPHEN FORSSELL, Ph.D.
This week, President-elect Donald
Trump named Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.) as
his nominee for the post of Secretary of
Health and Human Services (HHS). There
will no doubt be Trump nominees for
whom a conrmation ght will not be
worth the battle. This is not one of those
instances.
The Price pick was not unexpected his
name was on the administrations short list
from early on but it nonetheless should
be of great concern to all LGBT people as
well as healthcare providers of all stripes.
For the last 10 years I have worked with
colleagues on advisory groups with the
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and other HHS programs and initiatives, as well with the Pan
American Health Organization with the
goal of providing culturally competent
care for those of all sexual orientations
and gender identities. During the Obama

administration and under the leadership


of HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and
subsequently Sylvia Burwell, a community
of care professionals has collectively made
tremendous progress in making good on
that same goal.
The federal initiative Healthy People
2020 established specic goals to eliminate disparities for LGBT people and to
improve the systems that deliver their
care. Both HHS and the Justice Department now collect health and demographic data on sexual orientation and gender
identity in 12 dierent surveys and studies with the goal of improving the lives of
LGBT people. And the National Institutes
of Health just this year designated LGBT
people as a health disparity population
that should be studied and cared for.
Throughout his six terms in the House
and in the Georgia Legislature before
that, Rep. Price has established a track record of supporting policies that threaten
to derail these many years of progress for
the health of both LGBT people and of all
U.S. citizens. He has advocated for the
dismantling of the Aordable Care Act,
replacing it with the Empowering Patients
First Act, a proposal that is unevaluated

by the Congressional Budget Oce or the


Joint Committee on Taxation, and that
has the potential to leave many of the
roughly 21 million insured under Obamacare in the lurch. He has also supported
diverting funds from the Medicare and
Medicaid programs, depended on by millions, to state grants where patient care
and rights would face a decidedly uncertain future.
In the domain of LGBT rights, his reputation is no better. He opposed the repeal
of Dont Ask Dont Tell, opposed marriage equality, and supported a constitutional amendment dening marriage
as one-man-one-woman. He also voted
against the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, legislation that would have prohibited job discrimination based on sexual orientation. With that as background, it
appears he would not be resistant to the
endorsement or funding of conversion
therapy, a dangerous and thoroughly
discredited practice condemned by every
major professional health organization,
but that is nonetheless a plank in the Republican Party platform and championed
by Vice President-elect Mike Pence. Not
surprisingly he has garnered a 0 rating

from the Human Rights Campaign Congressional Scorecard,


Of all Trumps nominations for Cabinet posts and executive positions in his
administration, this nomination of Tom
Price should be of particular concern. The
policies that Rep. Price advocates for contradict known best practices and a wealth
of knowledge about good public health
policy. His dogma runs contrary to the
interests of the health of all people, the
LGBT population especially so. And, like
many of Trumps nominees, Rep. Price
has no particular qualications for the job
beyond having once earned a medical
degree and has no experience managing a large government agency.
Trumps nominee for Health and Human Services will face a conrmation
hearing in the Senate next year. It is
incumbent upon advocates for health
care and LGBT rights to challenge Rep.
Prices policy positions and scrutinize
his vision for HHS and the health of the
American people.
Dr. STEPHEN FORSSELL is assistant professor,
Professional Psychology Founding Director,
LGBT Health Policy & Practice Program and The
George Washington University.

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

2 2 DE CE MB ER 0 9, 2016

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

We are living in Trumps alternate universe


A place where facts and
experience dont matter

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


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

We are clearly living in the alternate universe of Donald Trump. He is handling the
formation of his government like a segment
of Celebrity Apprentice, throwing out suggested names for various positions in his
Cabinet and saying to the world only he
knows who gets the job. He holds a rally in
Cincinnati, eggs on the crowd about how he
campaigned against Hillary Clinton until they
start chanting lock her up. Then he grins at
the podium. He jokes about what should be
a serious announcement of his Secretary of
Defense using Ret. Marine General James N.
Mattiss nickname Mad Dog. Then he goes

on to say he surprised his aides by making


the announcement asking all to keep it a secret till Monday when he was going to make
it. Someone has to explain to Trump being
president isnt a joke, even if the world thinks
Americans electing him is one.
Trump goes to Indiana touting saving 1,000
jobs at a Carrier plant with a $7 million state
tax credit and promises to lower the corporate tax rate to 15 percent. According to reliable reports that wont help United Technologies, Carriers owner, since it currently only
pays at a 6 percent tax rate. Despite his bragging, Carrier and United Technologies are still
moving 1,400 jobs to Mexico and have built
a new plant there. Trump touts Carrier and
suggests people should buy their air conditioners as a way to thank them. Maybe his orange tinted face will appear in their next ads.
Then there are Trumps appointees a
collection of anti-LGBT people who are in
lock-step with the beliefs of his transition
chair, presumptive VP-elect Mike Pence
who is notoriously anti-gay. Pence wanted
to take money from HIV/AIDS education
and healthcare and instead use it to pay for
conversion therapy.
Trumps choice for the Department of
Education is Betsy DeVos. DeVos is from the
family that founded Amway and has funded

every anti-gay initiative across the nation.


DeVos doesnt believe in public education
and would rather see public funds used for
vouchers to private and religious schools. She
is anti-union. You have to wonder if she ever
set foot in a traditional public school.
Then theres Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.),
Trumps choice for Health and Human Services. A doctor with six terms in the House
and the leading opponent of Obamacare
even suggesting the IRS immediately be prohibited from giving tax credits to help those
who need to oset the cost of insurance. He
wants to privatize Medicare and turn Medicaid into a block grant. Does anyone including
Trump remember he campaigned on protecting Medicare and Social Security?
After spending the entire campaign attacking Hillary Clinton for her private emails,
Trump meets with General David Petraeus,
who was convicted of passing state secrets
and is now on probation. Trump attacked
Clinton for giving paid speeches to Goldman
Sachs and attacked hedge fund managers. He
now announces his Secretary of the Treasury
will be a Goldman Sachs former partner who
managed a hedge fund and owned a bank.
If all this isnt an alternate universe I dont
know what is. Trump has shown he has little
understanding of how government works

saying marriage equality is a settled issue so it no longer matters what he thinks


and then saying he is for overturning Roe v.
Wade. Clearly having no understanding once
he nominates a Supreme Court Justice he no
longer controls what they do and both those
decisions have an equal chance of being
overturned if the right cases come before the
court. Then there is the phone call with the
Taiwanese leader, his children in meetings
with leaders of countries where he has business interests, Ben Carson (enough said) and
avoiding security briengs.
Trump is not an ideologue. He is a megalomaniac and narcissist who cares only about
himself and winning. The nation will have to
wait to see whether he takes an active interest in governing beyond a headline or will
simply let his appointees make decisions for
him. Either way we have much to fear from
the Trump administration.
It can only be hoped those who stayed
home, or voted for third-party candidates
as a protest vote and are largely responsible
for electing Trump, will come to their senses.
The only way to stop Trump from destroying
America is to elect a Democratic Congress in
2018. That needs to be our focus as we ght
to stop the worst of what Trump can do in his
rst two years with a Republican Congress.
VIEWPOINT

Will gay and lesbian neighborhoods resurge?


By ALEX BITTERMAN &
DANIEL BALDWIN HESS
The election of Donald Trump portendsif not darker dayscertainly more
gloomy days ahead for Americas LGBT
community. President-elect Trumps proposed policy agenda seems designed to
marginalize minority groups, and Vice
President-elect Pence has a demonstrated track record of vigorously working to
restrict LGBT rights. The tone set by their
transition team has already proven to be
disappointing news for Americas lesbian
and gay community members, many of
whom live, socialize and patronize businesses in or near gay neighborhoods in
urban centers squarely within progressiveblue territory.
Gay neighborhoodsChelsea and
Greenwich Village (NYC), South End (Boston), North Halsted (Chicago), West Hollywood (Los Angeles), South Beach (Miami),
and Dupont Circle (Washington, D.C.)
along with countless similar neighborhoods in medium- and large-sized urban
centers, are vital places in urban America.
These neighborhoods emerged after the
1960s sexual revolution and concurrent

violence against gay men and lesbian


women, including landmark events such
as the Stonewall riots in New York and the
UpStairs arson in New Orleans, in which
more than thirty patrons perished. A desire to live in accepting communities galvanized gay men and lesbian women to
become urban pioneers, the rst group
to occupy older and declining central city
neighborhoods as auent residents ed
cities for the suburbs. Gay and lesbian
residents established communities in
these neglected urban areas, where rents
were inexpensive, space was plentiful,
and safety was strengthened by numbers. Over time, through dedication, hard
work and often in the face of adversity,
LGBT residents invested in these communities by renovating homes and apartment buildings. New businesses and
other investment were soon attracted
to these vibrant neighborhoods, and the
combined community-building eorts
richly enhanced social and cultural life.
The latest trends, however, measured
through demographic data, economic activity, and housing market performance,
suggested the slow demise of gay urban
neighborhoods for three key reasons. First,

older gays and lesbians continue to assimilate in urban space and no longer feel a
strong desire to live in gay neighborhoods,
as fears for physical safety decrease and
mainstream acceptance increases. Second, millennial LGBTs, coming of age in a
time of greater acceptance, show more interest inintegrating rather thansegregating and are content trading propinquity for
digital connection. Third, long-established
gay neighborhoods, in desirable locations
with quality housing and attractive amenities resulting from signicant neighborhood investment, became appealing to
mainstream buyers and residents. In this
sense, gay neighborhoods became victims
of their own success.
The outcome of the 2016 presidential
election has placed LGBT Americans on
edge. Seemingly rational trajectories of
mainstreaming LGBT Americansgreater legal protections and equity under
federal law, ever-increasing social acceptance, diminishing risk of discrimination and increasing safetyare now seriously threatened as a new and evidently
conservative regime takes control of the
American government. Many fear that
the hard-won social advances of the LGBT

community will be rolled back.


When candidate Trump says on the
stump that inner cities are a disaster,
he stokes fearsamong rural and suburban Americansfrom decades past
when cities were dangerous, and crimeridden. The vibrant, successful cities that
drive our American economy today demonstrate that this rhetoric is unacceptable, and propagating empty allusions
represents a signicant step backward
for urban America and especially LGBT
neighborhoods. Donald Trump and Mike
Pence should visit gay and lesbian neighborhoods to acquire a clearer understanding of the positive impact that LGBT
residents, parents, and families have had
in fueling our American economy while
ensuring prosperity in their communities for everyone to enjoy, regardless of
sexual orientation.
CONTINUES AT WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
ALEX BITTERMAN, Ph.D., is professor and
Chair of Architecture and Design at Alfred State
College. DANIEL BALDWIN HESS, Ph.D., is
professor of Urban Planning at the University
at Bualo, State University of New York and
Visiting Scholar at the Centre for Migration and
Urban Studies at the University of Tartu, Estonia.

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

O U R B USI NES S MATTER S

D E CE MBE R 0 9 , 2 0 1 6 2 3

D.C. Council should be forced to wear white lab coats


Residents, businesses will
know who to blame when
bubble begins to burst

MARK LEE is a long-time entrepreneur


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

The nations capital is developing a disreputable image as the back-alley liberal


laboratory routinely conducting controversial labor policy experiments at the unsteady hand of unschooled mad-scientists.
D.C. Council members should be required to wear white lab coats.
No District legislator has ever signed
the front of a private sector paycheck,
and most are clueless about the challenges confronting the more than 8,000
local employers as a result of their actions, particularly the majority that are
small businesses. Most of the time owners, operators and managers dont think
they even care.
There now appears to be no theoretical
think-tank thought, worker-as-widget labor
union wish, or green-at-the-gills interest
group gushing considered too radical to be

D.C. Council members resist recognizing slowed


growth in economic activity and tax revenues and,
worse, continue creating the conditions primarily
responsible for it.
tried out on surgical tables sodden with the
stain of unintended consequences.
Meanwhile the lesser skilled, the unemployed, and the citys large number of
lower-income and poor residents are left
to languish in the decrepit waiting room
outside a chamber of anti-business horrors. Elected ocials have barricaded the
path to employment with too-high too-fast
minimum wage hikes beneting some but
harming others similar to other cities with
a signicant and struggling bottom-tier actual and potential workforce composition.
For all their prattling about the less fortunate, elected ocials instead prefer to
burnish their so-called progressive credentials among well-to-do political leftists
equally desirous of D.C. being heralded as
the rst and worst in imposing the newest enterprise intervention. Those living in
poverty or desperate for work are merely
collateral victims to the lust for headlines.
Too many D.C. Council members prefer
to interfere in the private sector than perform their public sector oversight duty to
eliminate mismanagement, waste, fraud
and abuse in agency programs acknowl-

edged by Council members to be as high


as 10 percent.
A continuous stream of new marketplace mandates, regulations, restrictions
and rules imposed by a cadre of councilors have begun to prompt job, hours,
wage and benet cuts and serve to diminish and delay increases across business
sectors of all types.
Preliminary passage this week of the
most expansive and expensive paid leave
law among the only three states with
such a program, and the solitary one
to be nanced by a tax on businesses
rather than employee withholding, adds
yet another layer of expense dampening
economic growth. If the scal estimates
prove accurate and there is ample reason to believe the city has conducted a
mostly stab-in-the-dark guessing game
this new annual cost to local businesses
will total a quarter-billion dollars.
District businesses have already begun
to preemptively price-in a plethora of
new operating costs. Small businesses
are encountering the need to shed an
employee or two to cover the cost of

new sta or subcontractors assigned


burgeoning city and federal government
paperwork requirements and exploding
human resource reporting rules.
All of this is occurring simultaneous to
disturbing local economic trends.
Despite rosy record revenues during
sunny recent times, there are warning
signs that the Districts cash-ush days
are starting to wane. D.C. Council members resist recognizing slowed growth in
economic activity and tax revenues and,
worse, continue creating the conditions
primarily responsible for it.
In addition, D.C. CFO Jerey DeWitt
informed the D.C. Council last week that
the city faces $1.9 billion in unfunded infrastructure costs during the next handful of years. Also, in the three upcoming
scal budget years through 2020, the District will confront a jurisdictional funding
gap for contributions to Metro operating
costs and capital improvements of more
than $650 million and that doesnt include the $25 billion in extra funding required to x the regions broke-down rail
transit system.
D.C. doesnt have the money to cover
those costs, and certainly not others, from
the $7 billion extracted from resident
pockets and garnished by some of the
very highest business taxes in the country.
D.C. residents and local businesses will
know where to place the blame when the
bubble begins to burst.
By then, though, itll be too late.

V I E W PO I NT

We moved up our wedding date after Trump win


New president a threat
to our right to marry
By CODY R. BARNETT
Our wedding was supposed to be in
March, but we decided we couldnt wait
that long.
We got married last month because we
rmly believe a Donald Trump presidency
is a threat to our basic right to marry.
Im a social justice advocate, amplifying
the voices of people living with and affected by HIV. My new husband is a naval
ocer with a decade of service, driven by
a profound commitment to country.
We remember the proud day when President Obama signed the repeal of Dont Ask
Dont Tell and gave my anc the right to
serve his country openly as a gay man. Our
tears ran rainbow the day love trumped

hate, and the U.S. Supreme Court nally


declared that equality for all meant us too.
This summer, we were devastated by
the murders of our brothers and sisters in
the tragic Orlando massacre. We are getting married because our ag is proud; it
is ragged and rainbow, bloodied and torn.
But we cling to its threads, to its promise,
to its solace and its union.
We got married to bring attention to
the very real threat that Donald Trumps
presidency represents to so many segments of American society. We are fearful
that our rights will be taken away with the
stroke of a pen. From his right to protect
and serve openly, to our right to le a
joint tax return.
We are not going to be misled by
headlines calling Trump the most LGBTfriendly Republican. That, unfortunately,
is not reality.
Trump would have us believe that he
supports the rights of LGBTQ people, yet

insists on dening marriage exclusively as


between a man and a woman. Being opposed to gay marriage is not LGBT friendly.
We should be treated equally. And Trumps
comments in a recent 60 Minutes interview showed that he does not understand
that the very recent and tender progress on
gay marriage due to Obergefell v. Hodges
could be undone by whom he nominates to
the Supreme Court.
Our rights arent up for negotiation. He
chose a running mate with a track record of
anti-LGBTQ policies, including the use of public funding for so-called conversion therapy
and a religious-freedom bill that was nothing but thinly veiled legalization of LGBTQ
discrimination. With his words and actions,
Trump has made it abundantly clear that he
does not respect us or our community.
Aligned with a Republican-led Congress
and a potentially conservative-stacked
Supreme Court, President Trump will
be without checks or balances. Execu-

tive orders, legislation, and court rulings


could chip away at the rights that weve
fought so hard to secure. My anc and I
feel that we can no longer aord to wait
until March. Our commitment is real, and
our pledge to each other should not be a
time-sensitive matter. But it is.
Trump has built a populist coalition
founded on divisive words that toss aside
those who dont match his narrow and
shortsighted view of America.
We celebrated our wedding with friends
and family, but we will not be married
among them. Instead, our marriage bears
witness to the tired, the poor, and the
huddled masses. We stand in solidarity
with women, people of color, Muslims, immigrants, saints, and sinners. One mans
warped values do not represent who we
are. We are still stronger together.
CODY BARNETT and his husband Chris are
D.C. residents who were married last month.

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

2 4 DE CE MB ER 0 9, 2016

VIEWPOINT

Fidels death leaves us with everything to do


Trump gives an enemy
back to Cuban government
By MAYKEL GONZLEZ VIVERO
The man of inconsistencies has died.
Founder of schools and concentration
camps, endless orator and suppressor
of dissenting voices, Fidel Castro is dened by his contradictory gestures. While
America was in charge of a suit tailored
for the party that was the Cold War, he
went to dance a Cossack dance in Moscow. When America opened its nuclear
umbrella to defend countries without
nuclear weapons, he shouted: Nikita,
shoot rst. Fidel Castro had a paradoxical beard.
Cubans are not sure what to do with
this body. On one hand, the reforms of
recent years have left Fidels regime untouched. Cuba remains under the control
of a single party and it has failed to overcome the economic stagnation. The Cuban system, at this point, can only survive
if stagnation were to continue. Any at-

tempt to correct it would cause the whole


thing to collapse.
The mass funerals prove the need
to prolong the myth of Fidel, to make it
more pharaonic so that Cuba will continue in the routine of immobility.
Barack Obamas policies interrupted
the lethargy. Trump gives the necessary
enemy back to Havana. Another context
for the regimes international isolation
and eternity is coming. They have a sense
of dj vu when they remember political
speeches of confrontation and the scenario where obstinacy was entrenched. It
was a landscape with two sides: A battle
between good and evil, depending how
you look at it.
Ral Castros government made no
concession in terms of human rights during the process of normalizing relations.
But at least he agreed to sit at the table.
Perhaps the United States was not the
best interlocutor, but Obama was. Or so
it seemed. Because, in any case, his gifts
for political communication highlighted
the oldness, the ineectiveness of the
governing discourse in Havana.

Over the last year, however, the situation of human rights defenders has deteriorated. A major campaign began in state
media against certain emerging forms of
journalism, against alternative newspapers. It reached a climax a month before
Fidel Castros death: Massive detentions
when we did not expect them. The arrests
appeared to be an inexplicable remedy in
the new context of dialogue.
The great funeral that ended in Santiago de Cuba proves that the era of mass
mobilizations, the era of dichotomies
and political fanaticism has not ended in
Cuba. Fidel Castro left behind a country
accustomed to a single command and a
charismatic leadership, a failing nation
that responds to political diversity with intransigence that still works eectively for
the Third World and countries that have
recently moved to the left, but rule of law
does not work domestically.
Independent activists, these islands
of civil society who endure, predicted
desperate reactions. Repression will increase. They await new attacks against
forms of journalism that are beyond state

control. Of course, the samizdat newspapers are already unstoppable on the web.
They cannot be burned like papers.
LGBT rights activists, however, remain
discouraged because it is impossible for
us to associate with each other. The fact
that some groups function does not imply
that a true movement capable of channeling the demands of a community with
so many historical debts exists.
Fidel Castros death leaves us with
everything to do. Political reform is still
pending. The system is preparing theirs
and there are many indications that it will
reform the military, to build some credibility in their exercise of power.
The following has yet to be done: Marriage equality and the press law, administrative decentralization and a pluralistic
Parliament. In short, democracy is about
to happen without the historic generation of the Cuban revolution, without
Fidels absorbing trajectory. Yes, we will
have the clearest way.
MAYKEL GONZLEZ VIVERO is an independent
Cuban journalist and LGBT activist.

VIEWPOINT

La muerte de Fidel nos encontr con todo por hacer


Trump le devuelve el
enemigo a La Habana
Por MAYKEL GONZLEZ VIVERO
Muri el hombre de las incongruencias.
Fundador de escuelas y de campos de
concentracin, orador innito y mordaza
de palabras ajenas, a Fidel Castro lo denen sus gestos contradictorios. Mientras
Amrica se encargaba un traje a medida
para la esta de la Guerra Fra, l se fue
a bailar una danza cosaca en Mosc. Cuando Amrica abra su paraguas nuclear,
l gritaba: Nikita, dispara primero. Fidel
Castro tena una barba paradjica.
Los cubanos no saben a ciencia cierta
qu hacer con este cadver. Por un lado,
el rgimen de Fidel permanece intocado,
a pesar de las reformas de los ltimos
aos. Cuba sigue sometida al partido nico y no consigue superar la deformacin
econmica. El sistema cubano, a estas
alturas, slo puede sobrevivir si persiste
en la deformacin. Cualquier intento de
correccin acabara por derrumbar el edicio.

Los multitudinarios funerales prueban


la necesidad de prolongar el mito de Fidel, de hacerlo ms faranico, para que
Cuba contine en la rutina de su inmovilidad.
Las polticas de Barack Obama interrumpieron el letargo. Ahora Trump le
devuelve el enemigo necesario a La Habana. Viene otro pretexto para el aislamiento internacional y la eternidad del
rgimen. Los discursos polticos de confrontacin recuerdan, como un dj vu,
al escenario donde se enquist la obstinacin. Un paisaje con dos orillas. Una
batalla entre el bien y el mal, segn la
orilla que se use para mirar.
El gobierno de Ral Castro no hizo concesin en materia de derechos humanos
durante el proceso de normalizacin
de relaciones. Pero al menos acceda a
sentarse a la mesa. Quizs Estados Unidos no era el mejor interlocutor, pero
Obama s lo era. O lo pareca. Porque, en
cualquier caso, sus dotes para la comunicacin poltica evidenciaron la vejez, la
inoperancia del discurso gobernante en
La Habana.
Durante el ltimo ao, no obstante, la

situacin de los defensores de derechos


humanos empeor. Comenz una gran
campaa de los medios estatales contra
cierto periodismo emergente, contra los
peridicos alternativos que aparecieron
en los ltimos meses. Lleg el clmax un
mes antes de la muerte de Fidel Castro: detenciones masivas cuando no las
esperbamos, cuando las detenciones
parecan un recurso inaplicable en el
nuevo contexto de dilogo.
El gran funeral concluido en Santiago
de Cuba prueba que la era de las movilizaciones, la era de las dicotomas y el fanatismo poltico, no ha acabado en Cuba.
Fidel Castro dej un pas habituado al
mando nico y al liderazgo carismtico,
una nacin defectuosa que responde a
la diversidad poltica con intransigencia,
que todava funciona afectivamente para
el tercer mundo y las recientes izquierdas,
pero no funciona hacia adentro como un
Estado de derecho.
Los activistas, esas islas que la sociedad
civil conserva, pronostican reacciones
desesperadas. La represin arreciar.
Aguardan nuevos ataques al periodismo
que se consolida fuera del control estatal.

Desde luego, ya los peridicos samizdat


resultan indetenibles en la web. No se les
puede quemar como a papeles.
Los activismos por los derechos LGBT,
en cambio, continan desalentados por
la imposibilidad de asociacin. Que funcionen algunos grupos no implica que
exista un verdadero movimiento capaz
de encauzar las demandas de una comunidad con tantas deudas histricas.
La muerte de Fidel Castro nos encontr
con todo por hacer. La reforma poltica
sigue pendiente. El sistema prepara la
suya y abundan indicios de que se har
en provecho de los militares, para construirles alguna credibilidad en su ejercicio del poder.
Todo est por hacer: el matrimonio
igualitario y la ley de prensa, la descentralizacin administrativa y el parlamento plural. En n, la democracia est por
hacerse. Sin la generacin histrica, sin
la trayectoria absorbente de Fidel, eso s,
tendremos el camino ms despejado.

MAYKEL GONZLEZ VIVERO es un periodista y


activista LGBT independiente cubano.

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

D E CE MBE R 0 9 , 2 0 1 6 2 5

WE ARE
HERE
TO SEE YOU
Everyone is concerned with the cost of health care.
At Whitman-Walker Health, we can help you find
ways to pay for your care.
We have a specialized team to help you get and keep
health insurance. If you are not eligible for health
insurance or are unable to pay, you may qualify for
our sliding fee scale. Call us at 202.745.6151 to speak
with our insurance navigators.
Interested in becoming a patient and want
to see if we accept your insurance?
Visit whitman-walker.org/insurances.

MEDICAL & DENTAL|PHARMACY|HIV & STD TESTING|LEGAL SERVICES


RESEARCH|YOUTH SERVICES|MENTAL HEALTH & ADDICTION SERVICES

1525
1525 14th St. NW
202.745.7000

WWH-071 Open Enrollment Ad BLADE 9.75x11.5.indd 1

Elizabeth Taylor
Medical Center
1701 14th St. NW
202.745.7000

Max Robinson Center


2301 Martin Luther
King Jr. Ave. SE
202.745.7000

12/7/16 3:02 PM

2 6 DE CE MB ER 0 9, 2016

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

wrap up your loved ones


lifestyle boutique
Beltway
7405 River Road
Bethesda, MD 20817
301.469.7690
Bethesda-Chevy Chase
5258 River Road
Bethesda, MD 20816
301.656.3311
Landscape
Design|Build|Maintain
301.762.6301
Shop online:
americanplant.net

The Birch scarf is 100% lambs wool, Handwoven in Ireland.


its a flawlessly simple and luxurious accessory, 75x 10.

GREAT PERFORMANCES AT MASON


CFA.GMU.EDU

Unbeatable blend of virtuosity, spontaneity and humor

A CANADIAN BRASS
CHRISTMAS
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17 AT 8 P.M.

ff

The worlds iconic boys choir

VIENNA BOYS CHOIR


Christmas in Vienna
ff

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18 AT 4 P.M.

ff

Featuring Danny Boy and much more!

Direct from Dublin, Ireland

THE FIVE IRISH TENORS


SATURDAY, JANUARY 28 AT 8 P.M.

Family Friendly performances that are most suitable for families with younger children

TICKETS

888-945-2468 OR CFA.GMU.EDU

Located on the Fairfax campus, six miles west of Beltway exit


54 at the intersection of Braddock Road and Rt. 123.

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

G I F T GUI DE

D E CE MBE R 0 9 , 2 0 1 6 2 7

Making a list, checking it twice


WANNA GIVE SOMETHING TRULY MEMORABLE THIS YEAR? HERES OUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO GAY GIFT GIVING
By MIKEY ROX
Racking your brain this season on what to get the gay who has everything?
Consider these handpicked holiday gift ideas perfect for LGBT techies, music lovers, gym bunnies and more.

ROCK N ROLLA TURNTABLE

AXON 7 MOBILE PHONE

SLYDE HANDBOARDS

CUBII

With vinyl album sales currently


at a 28-year high according to
Fortune magazine, Rock N Rollas
portable briefcase turntables
available in Jr., Premium and XL
models are more than a blast
from the past. These mobile
record players with modern
features like iOS, Android and
mp3 capabilities and LCD
displays help set the diamondtipped mood from Sunday brunch
to your late-night boom-boom.
$100-150, myrocknrolla.com

Equipped with exclusive HiFi audio chips for superior


sonic quality, dual SIM slots
for switching back and forth
between carriers (the phones
are unlocked by design), and
Google Daydream compatibility,
ZTEs award-winning Axon 7 and
7 Mini are poised to light a re
under Apple and Samsungs sales
ya know, if they werent already
blazing that trail themselves.
$299-399, zteusa.com

Lightweight
and
incredibly
buoyant, Slyde Handboards turn
your wave-chasing hobby upsidedown with its bodysurng-built
wedges that lift you higher out of
the water for greater hang time
while offering less drag, increased
speed, and longer rides. Its
included GoPro attachment helps
preserve your aquatic badassery
for years to come. $170-200,
slydehandboards.com

Pedal your way to productivity


while shedding pounds with the
worlds rst smart under-desk
elliptical. Position Cubii beneath
your workspace for a nine-tove workout complete with
tracking via a mobile app, Fitbit
connectivity, and social-media
sharing so you can challenge
your friends to a race to the nish
without so much as a swivel. $347,
mycubii.com

TIME SLIPPERS

AMPLIFI

The undercover hi-top Time


Slippers disguised as designer
sneakers feature V-cut straps on
the back for easy pull on, a natural
wool lining up to your lower
leg, and yoga mat insoles for a
comfortable footbed thatll have
you namaste-ing cozy all winter
long. Also available in lows and
mids. $99-150, timeslippers.com

Covet the WiFi-iest connection in


all the land? Set up AmpliFi, the
roided-out home router designed
to serve multiple connected
devices, deliver high-quality video
streaming, eliminate dead spots
and distribute all-over bandwidth
for Internet faster than your rst
boyfriend. $199, ampli.com

FITZ & FLOYD GLASS DAPHNE


DECANTER IN GOLD
Your next cocktail party will
shimmer and shine with the Fitz
and Floyd Daphne Five-Piece
Large Whiskey Decanter Set, each
piece of which boasts soothing
curves accentuated on the bottom
by a base of geometric gold. Also
available in silver and bronze. $43,
bedbathandbeyond.com

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

2 8 DECE MB ER 0 9, 2016

GIFT GUIDE

NOSTALGIA ELECTRICS 3-IN-1


BREAKFAST STATION
Nostalgia Electrics Retro Series
3-in-1 Breakfast Station features
a four-cup coffee maker, large
nonstick griddle and multifunctioning toaster housed in
a kitschy 50s-style unit so you
can whip up a full meal for your
overnight randos from the
convenience of your countertop.
Your mama would be proud. $70,
kohls.com

HOMO-HAPPY HOLIDAY
ENTERTAINMENT
Make the yuletide audibly gayer
with A Pentatonix Christmas
from the bestselling a cappella
group, and Broadway Cares latest,
Carols for a Cure, Volume 18.

MOVE IT FITNESS SYSTEM

BIG GAY BRACELETS

DESIGN-YOUR-OWN UGLY
HOLIDAY SWEATER

Whip your post-pie bod into


shape without braving the
elements to hit a treadmill with
one-stop-shop Move It!, a mobileconnected modular gym that
provides a full tness regimen
in a storable unit. When synced
with the accompanying app, the
system detects and assists in 16
exercises accomplished with an
included pushup stand, ab wheel,
resistance band and jump rope.
$259-299, move-it.club

Wear your heart on your wrist


with the irreverent hand-stamped
brass phrase-lets from Gage
Huntley, which range from tame
declarations such as Love Wins
and Yas Queen to more inyour-face political posturing like
Legalize It and Feminist as
Fuck. $38, localeclectic.com

Choose from ve different


sweater colors and patterns (like
reindeer, trees and more) plus
upload your own images for
personalized printing to create
the illest ugly holiday sweater
this side of the North Pole. $100,
uglychristmassweater.com

BRICKELL FACE CARE ROUTINE

2(X)IST FRENCH TERRY FLIGHT


SUIT

While naughty boys are getting


lumps in their stockings, the nicelisters can rosy their cheeks with
the cleansing power of charcoal
in Brickells Daily Essential Face
Care Routine II for sensitive
and normal skin types. When
used in tandem, the Purifying
Charcoal Face Wash and Daily
Essential Face Moisturizer remove
impurities, dirt, oil and grime for
noticeable, caressable results.
$57, brickellmensproducts.com

Fly coach in rst-class comfort


in
the
marshmallow-soft,
destination-designed
2(X)IST
French Terry Flight Suit featuring
deep kangaroo pockets for your
on-person essentials, a gusset
backside for a moveable t, and
a drawstring hoodie to close up
shop upon takeoff to avoid small
talk with strangers that dont have
mile-high potential. $98, 2xist.com

FUCK PENDANT
Just when you think youve run
out of fucks to give, Better than
Saverages obscene conversationpiece pendant outts you with one
more. The 3-D-printed profanity
comes in 16 metal and 10 plastic
nishes for attachment to a
necklace, keychain or other NSFW
accessory. $10-1,500, shapeways.com

MIKEY ROX is an award-winning journalist and LGBT lifestyle expert whose work has been published
in more than 100 outlets across the world. He splits his time between homes in New York City and the
Jersey Shore with his dog, Jaxon. Connect with Mikey on Twitter @mikeyrox.

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

December 10 8PM
December 17 3PM
December 18 3PM

D E CE MBE R 0 9 , 2 0 1 6 2 9

& 8PM

Youve been naughty all year. Spend a nice evening with us.

Youve been nice all year. Spend a naughty evening with us.
NAUGHTY & NICE at the LINCOLN THEATRE
1215 U ST NW TICKETS Call 1-877-435-9849 or visit gmcw.org Groups of 10 or more: call 202-293-1548
GMC-01 N&N Blade_9.75x11.5.indd 1

11/22/16 10:46 AM

3 0 DE CE MB ER 0 9, 2016

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

Everyone needs something EXTRA SPECIAL right about now.


Treat yourself (or your family and friends) this holiday season and let us give you a boost.

BUY SIX TO GET SEVEN

SPRING INTO FREE DRINKS

Pick up a Woolly Six-Pack


six discounted tickets to use
any way you like for the next
12 monthsand well throw
in a seventh ticket for free!

Build your own three-play


subscriptionto see Woollys
springline-upBaby Screams
Miracle, Pike St., and Hirand
well give you one free drink
ticket per show!

Six-Packs start at $245,


with a 30-and-Under option
for only $150.

Packages start at only $135.

PLUS
Take us up on either of these offers between now and December 31, 2016
and well enter you into a drawing for two FREE full-season subscriptions
to Woollys entire 2017-2018 season!

WOOLLYMAMMOTH.NET // 202-393-3939

ARTS

AND

ENTERTAINMENT

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

VOLUME

47

ISSUE

50

DECEMBER

09,

2016

PAGE

31

MGM National Harbor opens its doors


LESBIAN ARTISTS WORK FEATURED IN SPRAWLING RESORT COMPLEX
By MARIAH COOPER
mcooper@washblade.com

A aerial view of the new MGM National Harbor.


PHOTO COURTESY OF MGM

The showy excitement of Las Vegas can


now be experienced minutes away from
the Potomac River. The MGM National
Harbor (101 MGM National Ave., Oxon
Hill, Md.), a $1.4 billion casino and resort
from MGM Resorts International, opened
on Dec. 8. It will oer luxury hotel services,
an extensive casino and retail space,
numerous restaurants and a theater
showing top-name acts. The Washington
Blade was able to get a sneak peek into
the project that promises to become a
tourist destination and DMV hotspot.
MGM National Harbor broke ground
in May 2015 and since then has grown
at lightening speed. Walking through the
front entrance, guests are greeted with

The Conservatory, a two-story, 85-foothigh atrium that is 20 percent larger


than the atrium at The Bellagio in Vegas.
The Conservatory features a design
comprised of 90,000 owers by artist
Ed Libby. It also is home to the Heritage
Art Collection, displaying work from
international and local artists, including
lesbian artist Margaret Boozer.
Right behind the front lobby desk
where many will come to check in hangs
a topographical map of the DMV area
made with 10,000 pounds of soil from
the resorts construction site by Boozer.
Boozer, who works primarily in clay, says
the collaboration came about after MGM
contacted the Prince Georges Arts and

Humanities Council for artists to feature


on the property. MGM chose her work
and Boozer proposed collecting clay from
the construction site to create a map.
MGM loved the idea and Boozer was
excited to share her love of clay.
Clay is everywhere; its very common. The
dirt, the ground that you walk on, you dont
really pay that much attention to it, Boozer
says. If you take a close look at this clay, its
beautiful. But as it was on the construction
site no one is really paying attention to it. But
now that the ground is lled over, this is a
way I can show people whats down there,
whats underneath the ground and that its
actually really beautiful material.
Boozer says she is proud of her identity.

I denitely am happy to be identied


as a lesbian artist and have that be known
about my work for sure, she says.
Singer-songwriter Bob Dylan also has
his work displayed in an iron gate collage,
titled Portals, that covers the front of
the casino entrance.
The
125,000-square-foot
casino
features 3,300 slot machines and 124
table games that is lled with all of the
lights, dinging sound eects and glitz of a
Vegas casino. Those interested in hosting
their own parties can have private rooms
designed for their specic gambling
needs. Sta will include gaming tables
CONTINUES ON PAGE 41

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

3 2 DECE MB ER 0 9, 2016

Q U E E RY : 2 0 Q U E ST I O N S F O R T E RRY J O H N S

TERRY JOHNS

WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTO BY MICHAEL KEY

By JOEY DiGULIELMO
joeyd@washblade.com
Terry Johns was drawn to the Washington Revels because the performance
outt combines so many things song, dance, theater, graphic arts and more.
The Revels, a Washington institution for more than 30 years, are dedicated
to celebrating cultural traditions that have bound communities together
over the ages and across the globe. Their productions could be staged or
informal, large or small, a blend of pros and non-professionals as well as
all ages involved. Its annual Christmas Revels show, featuring community
sing-alongs, pub songs, parades and more, will run Dec. 10-18 at the Lisner
Auditorium (730 21st St., N.W.).
This years show will celebrate the winter solstice traditions of Denmark,
Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden over eight performances featuring a
cast of more than 100. Tickets are $12-60. Details at washingtonrevels.com.
Johns, TJ, works by day as a chef/chocolatier at the Perfect True in
Frederick, Md., where hes lived the last four years after many years living in
D.C. He says what the Revels oer is dierent.
As an artist myself, Ive had the opportunity to work with many incredible
artists, says the 45-year-old Pensacola, Fla., native. But this organization
brings us all together in a much dierent way. There is a sense of family and
belonging with these wonderful people.
Johns is in his third season with the Revels. Hes engaged to Aaron Sahle, his
partner of ve years. He enjoys travel, photography and spending time with
Sahle and their two dogs and two cats in his free time.

202.747.2077

How long have you been out and who


was the hardest person to tell?
Twenty-six years. I told my mother rst.
Though she was very supportive, the
initial telling was very dicult.
Whos your LGBT hero?

Harvey Milk

Whats Washingtons best nightspot,


past or present?
Bohemian Caverns

Describe your dream wedding.


We are planning that now!Something
very casual and relaxed. Perhaps the Tea
Room at Gambrill State Park or a farm/
winery in the area.

What non-LGBT issue are you most


passionate about?
Voter registration and political
awareness.

What historical outcome would you


change?
Election of D.J. Trump.

Whats been the most memorable pop


culture moment of your lifetime?
I saw Liza Minnelli in concert when I was
17.

On what do you insist?


Good food, well prepared. And
punctuality.

What was your last Facebook post or


Tweet?
A picture of our new Christmas tree,
an articial tree mail ordered from
Sears.The singular moment when I
knew I had slipped into middle age.

If your life were a book, what would


the title be?
Over-Easy

If science discovered a way to change


sexual orientation, what would you
do?

Fight for the rights of people who would be


forced to change their orientation because
of archaic, religious or political beliefs.

What do you believe in beyond the


physical world?
We are all of one seminal origin and
energy: human, plant and animal.

Whats your advice for LGBT


movement leaders?
Take no shortcuts, no excuses and no
prisoners.The ght is not fair and its
time to stop playing nice.

What would you walk across hot coals


for?
Anything my partner needed or desired.

What LGBT stereotype annoys you


most?
Flippant, ignorant, divisive queens.

Whats your favorite LGBT movie?


Shortbus

Whats the most overrated social


custom?
Tuxedos, unless youre a waiter, then
bless your heart.

What trophy or prize do you most


covet?
The Julia Child Award

What do you wish youd known at 18?


That I could have pursued a culinary
career as well as a musical one.

Why Washington?
Incredible musical arts.I moved to D.C.
to join the National Opera Company,
then Washington Master Chorale, the
Woodley Ensemble and many other,
smaller ensembles. I have found myself
surrounded by wonderful musicians
for almost two decades.Now, as
the assistant music director of the
Washington Revels for the last two
seasons, I nd a renewed excitement
and energy in performance and singing.

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

T HE ATE R

DE C E M B E R 09, 2016 33

Holiday Champagne
Celebrations

Holiday Lunch $19.50


Three-Courses from the menu!
All Month
Perfect For Office Celebrations

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE KENNEDY CENTER

Happy Hour Cheer

Music director EVAN REES discovered Sondheim when he was 14. He says the music has stayed
with him.

$4, $5, $6 & $7

Weekend Brunch
Musicians, actors interact
in unorthodox take
on modern classic
By PATRICK FOLLIARD
Typically musical director Evan Rees
nds his next job through referral, but
for the national tour of Fiasco Theaters
revival of Stephen Sondeims Into the
Woods, he was required to audition.
In this wildly reinvented production,
in which the small cast also plays
instruments and the musical director/
pianist is on stage throughout the entire
show, directors Noah Brody and Ben
Steinfeld needed to see how Rees worked
with actors before oering a contract.
This isnt for everyone, says Rees, 25,
who spent three months with the show in
London before kicking o the American
national tour earlier this year. Being on
stage throughout the show and being a
part of the story telling forces him to use
new concentration muscles, he says.
When youre a conductor or pianist,
youre usually in the pit half paying attention
to dialogue, waiting to hear the warning cue.
You play, and then you check your email.
Here Im one of a small group of people
onstage. I feel so much more connected to
the material. I even have a couple lines
little narration things. This is part of why its
so special and rmly an ensemble piece.
Featuring a score by Sondheim (Agony,
Stay with Me, On the Steps of the
Palace,) and book by James Lapine, Into
the Woods blends the fairytales Cinderella,
Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the
Beanstalk and Rapunzel with an original
story of a childless baker and his wife who
long to shake a curse and have children. Act
one focuses on the characters tales and in
act two, the characters wishes come true
and not always happily so.
Fiascos Into the Woods is stripped of all
fairytale ourishes, so dont go expecting to
nd castles, thatch-rooved cottages and
an eerie dark forest. Rees describes the
set as an exploded piano and the props

and costumes appear culled from greatgrandmothers attic Jacks golden-egglaying hen is a feather duster for instance.
The production invites the audience to
use its imagination and become part of
the shows journey. Its for this reason
that No One is Alone, the closing
number considered a little syrupy in some
productions, works so well here, says Rees.
While earning a degree in music theory
and composition at Indiana University
Jacobs School of Music in Bloomington,
Rees (who grew up outside of Boston)
worked part-time as accompanist for the
schools main stage where he realized
theater would be his profession. After
graduation he moved to New York and
began his career in earnest. Rees bio
boasts Broadways The Visit starring
Chita Rivera and numerous tours.
Touring involves long separations from
home. When Im in doubt about doing the
next tour, my boyfriend encourages me
to take it. Hes an artist and understands
that its part of the job, Rees says.
Rees was introduced to Sondheim at 14
when his parents took the family to see
the Broadway production of director John
Doyles Sweeney Todd, another radically
pared-down Sondheim revival. To prepare
for the show, my dad came home with a
CD of the shows score. I was heavy into
classical piano at the time, but Sondheims
work spoke to me on levels. I dove in head
rst and went for it. And that was the
beginning of a lifelong fascination for me.
Sondheims music is legendarily tough
both to play and sing. Rees agrees, but
says, Into the Woods is probably his
most accessible work, and when youre
doing Sondheim with people who really
know how to act which is one of the
privileges of being a part of this Fiasco
production and know how to mine the
material for what makes it tick, its easier
to perform than you might think.
INTO THE WOODS
Through Jan. 8
The Kennedy Center
Tickets start at $49-175
202-467-4600
Kennedy-center.org

Unlimited Champagne!
Saturdays A-La-Carte - $29.95
Sunday - Buffet - $38.95

Celebration Dinners

Unlimited Champagne!
Friday & Saturday Nights
Three Courses $38.95 pp + Tax
Avail for small groups up to 25*
Call for details

Appetizer and Drink Selections


5-7PM

A New Years Eve


Celebration Dinner

Four Course Dinner


Unlimited Champagne
$65.00* Per Person
Serving 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM
Live DJ / Dancing 7PM-1AM
Multiple Entre Options
*Tax & Gratuity not Included

Holiday Events

202-872-1126
BBGWDC.com
17th & Rhode Island Ave. NW

Ask About Our


Simple Solution Menus

Friday & Saturday December 9 & 10 7:30Pm

Tickets $15 In Advance $20 At The Door Students Free W/ Id


Tickets on sale now at www.18thstreetsingers.com

Church of the Ascension & St. Agnes


1217 Massachusetts Ave NW

E: 12.09.2016

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

34 D E C E M B E R 09, 2016

O U T & A BO U T

By MARIAH COOPER

PHOTO BY ANDY STAPLES

OPEN CHRISTMAS EVE & DAY

Fa la la la la

PHOTO BY PACO OJEDA

GOOSE VEAL PORKLOIN


M-TH 11:30AM-10PM F-SAT 11:30AM-11PM
SUN. BRUNCH 11AM-3PM / DINNER 3-10PM

322 MASS. AVE. NE 202.543.7656

CAFEBERLIN-DC.COM

LIVE

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES

The Washington Chorus and Kings Singers oer various concerts throughout
the holiday season.
The Washington Chorus performs A Candlelight Christmas at Kennedy
Center Concert Hall (2700 F St., N.W.) on Sunday, Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. There will
be additional performances on Saturday, Dec. 17 and Dec. 20-22. An additional
performance will be given at the Music Center at Strathmore (5301 Tuckerman
Ln., North Bethesda, Md.) on Monday, Dec. 19. Tickets range from $18-72. For
more details, visit thewashingtonchorus.org.
The Kings Singers will give a Christmas carol performance at Washington
National Cathedral (3101 Wisconsin Ave., N.W.) on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 5 p.m.
They will perform a mix of traditional carols and jazz arrangements of Christmas
classics like Winter Wonderland and White Christmas. Tickets range from
$25-95. For more information, visit kingssingers.com.

EDWIN
M
CCAIN
W/ JEFF CAMPBELL
SUNDAY DEC

11

THE BEAUTIFUL DAY


featuring special guest

TILL BRONNER
ADVERTISING

PROOF

SUNDAY DEC 18
SALES REPRESENTATIVE:
JOE HICKLING (jhickling@washblade.com)

EVIEW AD FOR COPY AND DESIGN ACCURACY. Revisions must be submitted within 24 hours of the date of
DECfor20publication if revision is not submitted within 24 hours of
roof. Proof will be considered nal and TUES,
will be submitted
e date of proof. Revisions will not be accepted after 12:01 pm wednesday, the week of publication.Brown naff pitts
mnimedia llc (dba the washington blade) is not responsible for the content and/or design of your ad. Advertiser is
sponsible for any legal liability arising out of or relating to the advertisement, and/or any material to which users
an link through the advertisement. Advertiser represents that its advertisement will not violate any criminal laws or
ny rgihts of third parties, including, but not limited to, such violations as infringement or misapporpriation of any
WED,
DEC or21
opyright, patent, trademark, trade secret,
music, image,
other proprietary or propety right, false advertising, unfair
ompetition, defamation, invasion of privacy or rights of celebrity, violation of anti-discrimination law or regulation,
any other right of any person or entity. Advertiser agrees to idemnify brown naff pitts omnimedia llc (dba the
ashington blade) and to hold brown naff pitts omnimedia llc (dba the washington blade) harmless from any and all
ability, loss, damages, claims, or causes of action, including reasonable legal fees and expenses that may be incurred
y brown naff pitts omnimedia llc, arising out of or related to advertisers breach of any of the foregoing representations
nd warranties.

LOS LOBOS HOLIDAY SHOW


OCONNOR BAND

FEATURING MARK OCONNOR PRESENTS


AN APPALACHIAN CHRISTMAS
THURS, DEC 22

BEN WILLIAMS

PRESENTS HIS 5 ANNUAL BIRTHDAY BASH


A HOLIDAY MUSICAL EXTRAVAGANZA
TH

THEHAMILTONDC.COM

Theater J presents the Kinsey Sicks, a


drag musical quartet, for their show Oy
Vey in a Manger at the Edlavitch D.C.JCCs Aaron & Cecile Goldman Theater
(1529 16th St., N.W.) from Dec. 20-28.
Oy Vey in a Manger is a comedy
musical performance with songs such
as Oh Hoey Night, Harried Little
Christmas and God Bless Ye Femmy
Lesbians. Spencer Brown, Je Manabat,
Nathan Marken and Ben Schatz star in
the show. Performances are Sunday
through Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and
Saturday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $47.
For more information, visit edcjcc.org/
center-for-arts/theater-j.

La Ti Dos love-hate
spin on holidays

KURT ELLING
W/ MARK MEADOWS

Kinsey Sicks return to JCC

PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS; COURTESY OF THE KENNEDY CENTER

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.

Wicked ies into D.C. again

The Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.) presents Wicked from Wednesday,
Dec. 14 through Jan. 8.
Wicked is the Tony-winning Broadway musical that tells the untold story of
the witches of Oz. The musical explores the unlikely friendship between Elphaba,
the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda the Good Witch. Tickets range from
$99-359.
For more details, visit kennedy-center.org.

La Ti Do brings two holiday shows to


Bistro Bistro (1727 Connecticut Ave.,
N.W.) with I Hate the Holidays on
Monday, Dec. 12 and I Love the Holidays
on Monday, Dec. 19.
I Hate the Holidays will feature Ronald
Brady Jr., Christine Callsen, Casey Garner
and more as guest performers.I Love
the Holidays will feature Joseph Benitez,
Eymard Cabling, Kadira Coley, Meredith
Richard and more as guest performers.
Don Mike Mendoza and Anya Randall
Nebel host both shows with Taylor
Rambo as the accompanist. General
admission tickets are $15 at the door,
$7 for students and seniors with ID and
$5 for non-performing La Ti Do alumni.
Tickets are $10 with a receipt from Bistro
Bistro for guests who spent $25 on dinner
day of show.
Doors open at 7:55 p.m. For more
details, visit facebook.com/latidodc.

FOUNDRY GALLERY

F I LM

exceptional contemporary art

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

DE C E M B E R 09 , 2 0 1 6 3 5

l
na
o
i
pt ary
e
r
c
po rt
ex
m
a
te
n
co

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HBO

Janet Mock is featured in The Trans List. Mariela Castros work as a straight LGBT ally in Cuba is explored in Mariela Castros March.

Network unveils new


works on trans leaders
and Mariela Castro
By BRIAN T. CARNEY
HBO Documentaries continues its
strong stream of ne lms examining the
LGBT community with its two most recent
releases: Mariela Castros March:
Cubas LGBT Revolution and The
Trans List.
In The Trans List, acclaimed portrait
photographer and lmmaker Timothy
Greeneld-Sanders builds on his successful
HBO List series (The Black List, The Out
List and The Latino List) to shine a light
on 11 prominent members of the trans
community. Trans activist and author Janet
Mock, who also conducted the interviews,
begins the movie with a erce introduction
that sets the tone for the excellent movie.
We ght to be seen as we see ourselves
and live our truths without compromise,
she says. We are a constellation of
experiences, expressions and identities.
And what a constellation it is. Adult lm
star Buck Angel describes his experiences
nding a doctor who would give him
testosterone treatments and in nding a
role in the porn industry as the man with
the pussy. Advocate Kylar Broadus talks
about facing problems with both gender
expression and skin color while growing
up in the Bible Belt and recalls how he
found inspiration in tabloid stories about
trans jazz pianist Billy Tipton. Model
Caroline Cossey, a successful model
and Bond girl (For Your Eyes Only),

remembers how she was brutally outed


by the British tabloid News of the World.
Greeneld-Sanders and Mock also
capture the amazing stories of veteran
trans activists such as Bamby Salcedo and
Miss Major Grin-Gracy; emerging leaders
such as student Nicole Maines, U.S. Army
Sergeant Shane Ortega and photographer
Amos Mac; and celebrities Caitlyn Jenner
(who talks about the importance of having
a sense of humor) and Laverne Cox (who
movingly describes how seeing Leontyne
Price on PBS helped saved her life).
The lmmakers also complicate things
by including a portrait of Alok VaidMenon, a non-binary transfemme poet
and performance artist. Vaid-Menon
thoughtfully discusses their struggle with
gender binaries in Western culture and
says, I should have the autonomy to selfdetermine who I am.
While the stories are mesmerizing,
the static staging does get a little dull.
The archival material that glides through
the frame is fascinating, but the subjects
otherwise spend the lm alone seated on
a wooden chair facing the camera. Mock
remains an unseen and unheard presence,
although some of the interviewees do
repeat her questions. The press materials
tantalizingly include a photo of Buck Angel,
Miss Major Grin-Gracy and Shane Ortega
posing together. Oh, to have been a y on
the wall for that conversation.
By any account, Mariela Castro is an
amazing gure. Niece of the late Cuban
president Fidel Castro and daughter of
the current Cuban president Raul Castro,
Mariela Castro tirelessly uses both her
passion and her pedigree to ght for the
rights of LGBT Cubans. A straight ally, she

is a member of the Cuban parliament and


serves as director of CENESEX, the Cuban
National Center for Sex Education. She
also serves as host of the annual Gala
Against Homophobia and Transphobia
in Havana, an event that serves as
the backdrop for Jon Alperts moving
documentary Mariela Castros March:
Cubas LGBT Revolution.
The documentary opens with a title
stating that the Cuban revolution forbade
public displays of homosexuality, the
performance of homosexual acts and
associating with homosexuals. As Luis
Perez, a survivor of a state-run labor camp
for gay men notes, the revolutionary
man was not a homosexual. Perez
recalls how his state ID card branded him
as a homosexual, but notes that he has
recently found acceptance at an LGBTfriendly church-support group.
The lm also includes interviews
with other LGBT Cubans, along with
footage from the titular march, where
the campaigners chant Socialism, yes.
Homophobia, no!
What the lm doesnt include, however,
is a lot of context. Alpert does not discuss
the current state of LGBT aairs in Cuba.
Its clear that things were terrible during
the Revolution, but its not clear how
laws and social attitudes have changed.
He also does not examine the role of the
charismatic Mariela Castro in the ght for
LGBT rights. Would the movement exist
without her name and protection?
While both lms may take the old
adage always leave em wanting more
a little too seriously, both are compelling
portraits of two communities poised on
the brink of change.

rg
.o
ry m
e
l
p
7
al
yg , 1
dr S u n
n

u
NW
fo e d
et
w. s : W
re 001
w
t
r
w ou
th S
20 3
H
8 DC 020
8
.
n
1
21 gto 232
hin 02.
s
2
a
W

DentalBug.com
Cosmetic, Implants, Sleep Apnea, Sedation
CALL TODAY WEEKEND HOURS MULTILINGUAL

We believe we can make the


dental experience better.

DentalBug Sta 2016-2017

Jeanette Suh
DMD
Maria Hodas
DDS

John Tsaknis
DDS

Indra Mustapha
DDS, MS

1221 Mass. Ave, NW 202.628.7979 (Free Parking)


703 D Street, NW 202.628.1288
LEnfant Plaza,SW Promenade #325 202.628.2177

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

3 6 DECE MB ER 0 9, 2016

A RT S & CU LT U RE

This Week in the Arts provided by CultureCapital.com


DANCE
Step Afrika!s Magical, Musical,
Holiday Step Show. Dec 15-Dec 30.
Step Afrika! Atlas. stepafrika.org.
Render Edit & Full Circle: Bridging
the Gap. Dec 9-Dec 11. The Clarice.
claricesmithcenter.umd.edu.

MUSIC
Rene Fleming VOICES: A Merry Little Christmas with Megan Hilty
Thru Dec 9. Kennedy Center.
kennedy-center.org.

From Wicked, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, and9 to 5on Broadway to NBCsSmash,


America has fallen in love with the multi-talented Megan Hilty. Back by popular
demand, she returns to the Kennedy Center as part of the Rene Fleming
VOICES series to perform an intimate holiday show.

The Christmas Revels: A Nordic Winter Celebration


Dec 10-Dec 18. Washington Revels at GW Lisner Auditorium.
revelsdc.org.
Get into the holiday spirit with breathtaking dance, mysterious folk
legends, haunting melodies, and joyful carols. Discover mythic drama from
Finland,spirited Icelandic dance, a magical Swedish bringing of the light
procession, the spectacular leaps of Norwegian dance, Danish toasts and
carols, and much more.

Mary Poppins
Thru Jan 1. Olney Theatre.
olneytheatre.org.

From the magical Chim Chim Cher-ee to the iconic


Supercalifragalisticexpealidocious, youll delight to the story of a wizardly, wise
nanny, two precious children, and the family she teaches how to love each other.

Agora Dance
Dec 10-11. Dance Place.
danceplace.org.

Accompanied by diverse musical styles from J.S. Bach to Supertramp, the work
weaves text, both performed and recorded, into a landscape of inuences,
developed and edited by Delesslin Roo George-Warren.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE KENNEDY CENTER

THEATRE
The Second Shepherds Play. Thru
Dec 21. Folger Consort. Folger Theatre.
folger.edu.
The Second Citys A Christmas Carol:
Twist Your Dickens. Dec 9-Dec 31.
Into The Woods. Thru Jan 8. Wicked.
Dec 14-Jan 8. Kennedy Center.
kennedy-center.org.
A Christmas Carol. Thru Dec 31.
Fords Theatre. fords.org.
Goyescas. Thru Dec 18. In Series at
GALA Hispanic Theatre. inseries.org.
The Secret Garden. Thru Dec 31.
Shakespeare Theatre Company.
Sidney Harman Hall.
shakespearetheatre.org.

Silver Belles. Thru Dec 31. Titanic:


The Musical. Dec 13-Jan 29.
Signature Theatre.
signature-theatre.org.
Straight White Men. Thru Dec 31.
Studio Theatre. studiotheatre.org.
The Christians. Thru Dec 11. Theater J.
theaterj.org.
The Second Citys Black Side of the
Moon. Thru Jan 1. Woolly Mammoth.
woollymammoth.net.
Tame. Thru Dec 11. WSC Avant Bard.
Gunston Arts Center.
wscavantbard.org.
Its a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio
Play. Thru Dec 18. Washington Stage
Guild. Undercroft Theatre.
stageguild.org.

Piedmont Blues - Gerald Clayton.


Dec 10. Bandana Splits. Dec 11.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas.
Dec 11. Zemer Chai. Dec 14. Ramsey
Lewis & John Pizzarelli: A Nat King
Cole Holiday. Dec 15. Strathmore.
strathmore.org.
Luther Re-Lives Holiday Concert.
Dec 9. Holiday Cheers. Dec 10. Atlas.
atlasarts.org.
Emerson String Quartet. Dec 11.
Smithsonian Associates.
Baird Auditorium.
smithsonianassociates.org.
American Festival Pops Orchestra.
Dec 10. GMU Center for the Arts.
cfa.gmu.edu.
Kaleidoscope of Bands. Dec 9. Ebon
Kojo: The Last Tribe. Dec 9. Daraja
Ensemble. Dec 10. The Clarice.
claricesmithcenter.umd.edu.
Chamber Concert. Dec 10.
Washington Musica Viva. Flower
Avenue Concert House.
dcmusicaviva.org.
Benjamin Beilman & Haochen
Zhang, Violin + Piano. Dec 11. JCC of
Greater Washington. jccgw.org.
Cantata Ebraica: The Music of the
Italian Jews. Dec 10. JCCNV. jccnv.org.
NSO: Handels Messiah. Dec 15Dec 18. NSO Pops: Featuring Laura
Benanti and Santino Fontana.
Dec 9-Dec 10. NPRs A Jazz Piano
Christmas. Dec 10. Kennedy Center.
kennedy-center.org.
Washington Performing Arts
Children of the Gospel Choir. Dec
10. Tempesta di Mare - Philadelphia
Baroque Orchestra. Dec 11.
Georgetown Day School. Dec 11.
National Gallery of Art. nga.gov.
Happy Holidays. Dec 10. National
Chamber Ensemble. Rosslyn Spectrum.
nationalchamberensemble.org.
Musicians From Marlboro. Dec
14. Smithsonian Associates. Sackler
Gallery. smithsonianassociates.org.
Family Joy. Dec 10. Cathedral Choral
Society. Joy of Christmas. Dec
9-Dec 11. Cathedral Choral Society.
Washington National Cathedral.
cathedralchoralsociety.org.
11th Annual Holiday Concert and
Sing-Along. Dec 11. Capital City
Symphony. Atlas.
capitalcitysymphony.org.

Holiday Sing-Along. Dec 11.


Congressional Chorus. Atlas.
congressionalchorus.org.
American Pops Orchestra. First
Congregational United Church of
Christ. theamericanpops.org.

MUSEUMS
National Archives. Amending
America. Thru Sep 4.
archivesfoundation.org.
National Gallery of Art.
Barbara Kruger. Thru Jan 29. Los
Angeles to New York: Dwan Gallery,
19591971. Thru Jan 29.
Photography Reinvented.
Thru Jan 29. nga.gov.
National Geographic. FotoWeek
Central Exhibition. Thru Dec 31.
nglive.org.
National Museum of Women in the
Arts. NO MANS LAND: Women Artists
from the Rubell Family Collection.
Thru Jan 8. Wanderer/Wonderer:
Pop-Ups by Colette Fu. Thru Feb 26.
nmwa.org.
National Portrait Gallery. Jazz
Portraits by Herman Leonard. Thru Feb
20. One Life: Babe Ruth. Thru May 21.
npg.si.edu.
Kreeger Museum. Sam Gilliam
and Simmie Knox. Thru Dec
30. Smith|Paley. Thru Dec 30.
kreegermuseum.org.
Library of Congress. #Opera Before
Instagram: Portraits, 1890-1955. Thru
Jan 21. World War I: American Artists
View the Great War. Thru May 5.
loc.gov.

GALLERIES
DAC. 2016 Professional Awards
of the Potomac Chapter, ASLA.
Thru Dec 10. aiadac.com.
Goethe-Institut. Shadowgraphs
by Tim Otto Roth. Thru Jan 13.
goethe.de.
Hill Center. Hill Center Galleries
Exhibitions. Thru Dec 30.
hillcenterdc.org.
ISAAG. The Real Distance
(Uruguay). Thru Dec 12.
idbstaassociationartgallery.org.
Strathmore. Fine Art in Miniature.
Thru Dec 31. Ctrl+P. Thru Dec 31.
Jennifer Kahn Barlow. Thru Dec 31.
strathmore.org.
The Art League Gallery. Dennis
Crayon. Thru Jan 1. theartleague.org.
Torpedo Factory. Material as Medium.
Thru Jan 15. torpedofactory.org.
Waverly Street Gallery. New
Work by Gallery Artists. Thru Jan 7.
waverlystreetgallery.com.
Zenith Gallery. Great Moments in Art
II. Thru Dec 10. zenithgallery.com.

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

D I N IN G

DE C E M B E R 09, 2016 37

Have a Healthy Holiday!

PHOTO BY KRISTEN HARTKE

The 14th Street Garden District is a holiday wonderland this month.

Eat the Rich, Southern


Eciency unveil festive
Christmas libations
By KRISTEN HARTKE
Blame it on Derek Brown, but D.C.
seems to have caught the holiday-themed
cocktail bug. Last year, Brown, owner of a
trio of bars on Shaws 7th Street corridor,
turned his sherry outpost Mockingbird
Hill into Miracle on 7th Street.
Tricked out in glitter and kitsch, the
Christmas cocktail pop-up brought out
the masses, clad in ugly sweaters and
downing eggnog shots with gusto; this
year, Browns expanded the miracle
mayhem to his adjacent bars, Eat the Rich
and Southern Eciency.
If the revelers waiting for up to two
hours to get their shot at a series of
cocktails named for lines from classic
holiday movies, like Xmas is Run by a Big
Eastern Syndicate, are any indication, the
2016 version of Miracle on 7th Street is
likely to far surpass its previous popularity.
Bartenders expect to pour something in
the range of 3,000 cocktails a night during
its run yes, really but if you want to
skip the lines, then try heading there on
Sunday or Monday night or check it out
on Boxing Day (Dec. 26), and, judging by
an unscientic survey of local bartenders,
the cookie dough cocktail, called Snow
Angels, Ice Skating, Cookie Dough and
Snuggles, is apparently a must-have.
Of course, Miracle on 7th Street is not the
only holiday cocktail game in town this year;
14th Streets Garden District has gotten
in on the fun by turning the outdoor beer
garden into a twinkling light extravaganza.
The open-air space is literally wrapped
in 10,000 fairy lights, with an illuminated
Santa and reindeer ying overhead, and
numerous outdoor heaters help to make it
tolerable on a chilly evening.
Bring your mittens and grab a German
beer while youre at Garden District,
because, while the ambience is festive,

the holiday-themed cocktails are a bit of a


sad throwback to 1970s oce Christmas
parties in fact, theres even a punch on
that very theme. For the most part, the
cocktails, from a dry mulled wine that
Where Functionality & Strength Meet Technology
lacks the fruity complexity that could
1150 18th Street, NW, Suite 130,
make it shine to a sickly-sweet hot cider,
Washington, D.C.
are worth avoiding. Stick to a good beer
benchgym@gmail.com
and a rousing round of Rudolph the Red
www.benchgym.com
Nosed Reindeer while standing around
the glow-in-the-dark nativity scene.
Miracle and Garden District arent the
only places to get a holiday-themed buzz
this year. Le Diplomate is also decked
out for the season, where you can sip a
chartreuse-tinged hot chocolate along
with a proper mulled wine, or go get
a taste of a Balkan holiday drink at
Ambar with its umadija Hot Toddy, a
combination of slivovitz (plum brandy)
and Becherovka (Eastern European herbal
liqueur) typically served to celebrate
Balkan Orthodox Christmas Eve. Some of
us are opting for sitting reside at 1789
Restaurant, where its mixologists have
concocted a swoon-worthy hot buttered
rum out of brown butter-infused rum and
Some things we all have in
spiced apple cider.
common.
Meanwhile, Torrance Swain, one of
Theres
nobody like me to protect the
D.C.s most talented bartenders, will be
things we all value. Like a good neighbor,
serving up the 12 Cocktails of Christmas
ADVERTISING
State Farm is there. CALL ME TODAY.
from December 13-24, and the list looks
worthy of multiple visits
PROOFsince
#1 a portion
ISSUE DATE: 12.09.2016
SALES REPRESENTATIVE: BRIAN PITTS (bpitts@washblade.com)
of the proceeds from sales of the drinks
REVIEW AD FOR COPY AND DESIGN ACCURACY. Revisions must be submitted within 24 hours of the date of
proof. Proof will be considered final and will be submitted for publication if revision is not submitted within 24 hours of
will benet the Four Seasons Washingtons
the date of proof. Revisions will not be accepted after 12:01 pm wednesday, the week of publication.Brown naff pitts
REVISIONS
omnimedia llc (dba the washington blade) is not responsible for the content and/or design of your ad. Advertiser is
Hands of Hospitality fund toREDESIGN
provide gifts
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
TEXT
REVISIONS
for local foster children. Some
of the
drink
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
IMAGE/LOGO
REVISIONS
competition, defamation, invasion of privacy or rights of celebrity, violation of anti-discrimination law or regulation,
highlights include the Pear Mon Frre, a
ADVERTISER SIGNATURE
or any other right of any person or entity. Advertiser agrees to idemnify brown naff pitts omnimedia llc (dba the
NO REVISIONS
washington blade) and to hold brown naff pitts omnimedia llc (dba the washington blade) harmless from any and all
By signing this proof you are agreeing to your contr
blend of calvados with Kronan Swedish
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 n
by brown naff pitts omnimedia llc, arising out of or related to advertisers breach of any of the foregoing representations
payment and insertion schedule.
Punsch, a traditional Swedish sugarcaneand warranties.
based liqueur that has true holiday air;
and the Lost in Decadence, featuring
Jonna S Wooten, Agent
vodka with Galliano Ristretto, an espresso
Bus: 703-560-7804
liqueur, topped o with white chocolate
www.jonnawooten.com
foam and a dusting of chocolate and
cherry powder. Ho ho ho, indeed.

Join our Personal Training Program

NEW
COOPERATIVE
SHOP!

7002 Carroll Avenue,


Takoma Park MD 20912

KRISTEN HARTKE is a D.C.-based food


and beverage writer. Follow her kitchen
adventures on Twiiter, @khartke.

Mon-Sat 11am-7pm
Sun 10am-6pm

Love, hope,
success,
family,
security.

1101022.1 State Farm, Home Office, Bloomington, IL

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

3 8 DECE MB ER 0 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
National
Symphony
Orchestra
performs its annual NSO Holiday Pops
show at the Kennedy Center (2700 F St.,
N.W.) tonight at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 2
and 8 p.m. Broadway stars Laura Osnes
and Santino Fontana will be featured in
the holiday shows. Tickets range from
$24-99. For more information, visit
kennedy-center.org.
Canadian
electronic
music
trio
Dragonette performs at U Street Music
Hall (1115 U St., N.W.) tonight at 7 p.m. The
show is all ages. Tickets are $20. For more
details, visit ustreetmusicalhall.com.
The D.C. Eagle (3701 Benning Rd., N.E.)
hosts Sequence.882, a gay dance party,
tonight from 10 p.m.-7 a.m. DJ UVB, DJ
Lisa Frank, DJ Boss Ross and DJ Doktor D
will spin. Tickets range from $10-30. For
more information, visit dceagle.com.

SATURDAY, DEC. 10
Congressional Chamber Ensemble
and Capital City Symphony perform
Holiday Cheers, a night of live music
and champagne at Atlas Performing Arts
Center (1333 H St., N.E.) tonight at 8 p.m.
The performance will be cabaret-style and
include a sing-along to holiday classics.
A champagne pre-reception is at 8 p.m.
followed by the holiday concert at 8:30 p.m.
There will be a champagne post-reception
at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 and include
complimentary champagne. For more
details, visit congressionalchorus.org.
The Gay Mens Chorus of Washington
presents its annual Christmas show
Naughty or Nice at Lincoln Theatre
(1215 U St., N.W.) tonight at 8 p.m. The
chorus will perform songs such as Sleigh
Ride, Merry Christmas, I Win, Text
Me Merry Christmas and more. Other
show performances will be on Dec. 1718. Tickets range from $25-45. For more
information, visit gmcw.org.
New Wave Singers, an LGBT
Baltimore-area chorus, give a holiday
concert at Immanuel UCC (195 Edmonson
Ave., Catonsville, Md.) tonight from 7-8:30
p.m. and Sunday from 4-5:30 p.m. Tickets
are $20 online or at the door. For more
details, visit newwavesingers.org.
The D.C. Eagle (3701 Benning Rd.,
N.E.) hosts Dirty Santa, a holiday-themed
Distrkt C party, tonight from 10 p.m.-8
a.m. DJ X Gonzalez and DJ Deanne will
spin tracks. There will be $15 admission
from 10-11 p.m. for dirty Santas. For
more information, visit dceagle.com.
The 11th annual Upshur Street Arts
and Crafts Fair is on the 800 block of
Upshur St., N.W. today from 11 a.m.-4
p.m. Local businesses and restaurants

PHOTO BY GABE AYALA; COURTESY OF DRAGONETTE

Dragonette performs at the U Street Music Hall on Friday, Dec. 9.

will be open and vendors will be selling


one-of-a-kind items on the street. There
will also be a kids fair and a music lineup
featuring AJ Head, Run come see, April
+ VISTA and The Fuss all day. For more
details, search Upshur Streets Arts Crafts
Fair on Facebook.

SUNDAY, DEC. 11
The D.C. Concert Orchestra performs
a free concert at the Church of the
Epiphany (1317 G St., N.W.) today at 3 p.m.
The performance will feature Symphony
No. 5 by Ludwig van Beethoven, among
other orchestra classics. Donations
accepted. For more information, visit
dcconcertorchestra.com.
First Baptist Church of Washington
(1328 16th St., N.W.) perform Christmas
candlelight carols today from 4-5:30 p.m.
For more details, visit facebook.com/
rstbaptistdc.
D.C. s Dierent Drummers hold
a free holiday concert and food drive
at Church of the Reformation (212 E
Capitol St., N.E.) today from 3-4:30 p.m.
The Capitol Pride Symphonic Band will
perform Christmas classics like Sleigh
Ride and Happy X-Mas (War is Over),
among others. D.C.s Dierent Drummers
will also be accepting donations, both
non-perishable food donations and cash,
for Food & Friends. For more information,
visit dcdd.org.

MONDAY, DEC. 12
Us Helping Us (3636 Georgia Ave.,
N.W.) holds a support group for gay black

1905 Restaurant (1905 9th St., N.W.)


hosts a Golden Girls Moonlight
Madness party today from 6 p.m.midnight. There will be complimentary
cheesecake bites, themed drinks and
food inspired by the show and $5 vodka
rail drinks. Cover is $6 and includes a
limited edition Golden Girls button. For
more details, visit facebook.com/1905dc.
AGLA hosts its annual holiday party at
Freddies Beach Bar & Restaurant (555
23rd St. South, Arlington, Va.) tonight
from 6-9 p.m. There will be a cash bar
and rae prizes. No cover. AGLA will also
be collection boxes of cereal and nonperishable food items for Arlington Food
Assistance Center. For more information,
visit facebook.com/outinnova.

The book tells the story of a gay man


revisiting his life during one night in
the waiting room of a psych clinic.
Newcomers welcome. For more details,
email biggaybookgroup@hotmail.com.
The Lambda Bridge Club meets tonight
at 7:30 p.m. at the Dignity Center (721 8th
St., S.E.) for duplicate bridge. No reservations
required and new comers welcome. If you
need a partner, call 703-407-6540.
SMYAL hosts SMYAL for the Holidays at
the Event Space (641 S St., N.W.) tonight
from 6-8:30 p.m. The event will celebrate
SMYALs successes from 2016 and renew
the commitment for more successful
endeavors in 2017. There will be light hors
doeuvres served. Tickets are $10 online
and $20 at the door. At 8:30 p.m. there
will be a holiday after party with dinner
and drinks at the Dirty Goose (913 U St.,
N.W.) with the Dirty Goose donating $1
for every drink and $2 for every seasonal
martini to SMYAL. For more information,
visit smyal.org.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 14

THURSDAY, DEC. 15

National City Christian Church (5


Thomas Cir., N.W.) hosts a LGBT Bible
study tonight from 7-8:30 p.m. The
study session will focus on Christmas
in the Gospel of Matthew. The session
is designed to study scripture from the
perspective of LGBT people who are
followers of Jesus. For more details, visit
nationalcitycc.org.
Big Gay Book Group meets today
at 6:45 p.m. at East City Bookshop (645
Pennsylvania Ave., S.E.) to discuss The
Angel of History by Rabih Alameddine.

National City Christian Church hosts


an LGBT happy hour to benet Food &
Friends at Uproar Restaurant and Lounge
(639 Florida Ave., N.W.) today from 6-8
p.m. There will be a minimum donation of
$10 to benet the organization. For more
information, visit nationalcitycc.org.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra performs
The Ghosts of Christmas Eve at Verizon
Center (601 F St., N.W.) tonight at 7:30
p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. For a
list of ticket prices, visit verizoncenter.
monumental.sportsnetwork.com.

men to discuss topics that aect them,


share perspectives and have meaningful
conversations. For details, visit uhupil.org.

TUESDAY, DEC. 13

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

BO OK S

DE C E M B E R 09, 2016 39

PHOTO COURTESY OF SIMON & SCHUSTER

Lives of female athletes


celebrated in new book

TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER has been reading


since she was 3 years old.She lives in Wisconsin
with two dogs and 12,000 books. Reach her at
bookwormsez@yahoo.com.

You cant bear to look at the score.


Whatever it is, its going to be close. Both
sides are playing well today and theyre all
very talented. Your team might win. They
might lose. Or, as in the new book Game
Changers by Molly Schiot, they might
alter the way the whole things played.
Growing up, Schiot says, I thought
only men could be champions. Most
popular sports-themed movies indicated
as much; so did TV before cable. Few tales
of women in sports were widely known,
so Schiot, a Hollywood director, searched
until she found a treasure trove of
images that inspired me to pull theses
stories out of the dark.
Take the story of Alice Marble, who
was a Grand Slam championship tennis
winner many times over, but her posttennis life was equally remarkable:
shortly after losing both her husband and
her baby, Marble became a spy for the
Allies during World War II.
Althea Gibson was the rst tennis
player to break the color barrier at the
U.S. Open. But did you know that there
were a lot of African-American women
who fought on the courts before her:
Ruth Harris, Lillian Hardy, Alfreda Jackson,
Clementine Redmond?
Of course, this book includes athletes
like Billie Jean King, Babe Didrikson
Zaharaias, Nadia Comaneci, Rene
Richards and Diana Nyad. Youve heard
about them, but you may not know that

Olympian Abby Homan masqueraded


as a boy when she was 9 years old, in
order to play hockey in Canada. You may
not know about the abuse the rst female
pro-baseball umpire got during ump
school, the jeers the rst female Boston
Marathon runner endured or the record
snatched from Kitty ONeil.
You might have seen an in-your-face
move by gure skater Surya Bonaly,
but you dont know what bullghter
Conchita Cintrn did, or that Negro
League baseballer Toni Stone cheekily
befriended prostitutes while on the road.
Because of what an autopsy revealed,
you might not know about Stella Walsh
at all. And theres a chance that many of
these women couldnt have reached their
goals or made history without the eorts
of Bernice Sandler and Edith Green.
Wow, are there a lot of surprises inside
Game Changers.
Even rabid sports fans will nd
something new hiding here, in part
because author Molly Schiot includes
mini-chapters on women athletes in
a huge variety of sports. Fans will nd
everything from the archery to zooming
race cars, balls to boats, journalism, hiking,
climbing, skating and coaching. Nearly
half of this book consists of photos of
women athletes in action or in peril; many
of them embraced dangerous feats and
many were the target of men who thought
they didnt belong on the eld. Schiot also
treats readers to a few interviews with and
by pro female athletes.
In addition to sharing it with any young
girl or teen in your life, this large coeetable-sized book is one youll be proud
to own and display. The minute youve
got Game Changers in your hand, youll
know youve scored.

GAME CHANGERS: THE UNSUNG HEROINES


OF SPORTS HISTORY
By Molly Schiot
Simon & Schuster
$25
310 pages

1232 9th St. NW Washington, DC 20001 (202)789-0870


900 M St. SE Washington, DC 20003 (202)629-2765

w w w.wagtimedc.com

~
202.319.8541 www.lgbtc.com Se habla espanol

Logan 14 saLon spa/med spa


haircuts, body waxing, laser hair removal

1314B 14th St. NW WDC 20005 202.506.6868 Logan14salonspa.com

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

4 0 DE CE MB ER 0 9, 2016

P H O T O S BY D A N I E L T RU I T T

D.C. Leather Pride and the Imperial Court of Washington hosted the second annual Winter Solstice Ball at the D.C. Eagle on Saturday.
Proceeds from the event were slated to go to the Wanda Alston House.

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

A R T S & EN TE RTA I NMENT

DE C E M B E R 09, 2016 41

Lesbian artist Margaret Boozer created this map of the area made of clay from the MGM
construction site. It hands over the reception area.
WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTO BY MARIAH COOPER

Vegas comes to D.C.


CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31

or slot machines of the guests choice to


celebrate a special occasion.
For shoppers, 18,000 square feet
of retail await in an area dubbed The
District. The types of shops are varied and
include home decor and menswear. Sarah
Jessica Parker will open her rst standalone boutique, SJP, selling her line of
shoes, handbags and little black dresses.
A bite to eat isnt hard to nd with 15
restaurants on site. National Market
is MGM National Harbors version of an
upscale food court that has an outdoor
terrace area. It includes restaurant
options such as Shake Shack, Honeys
Fried Chicken & Donuts, District Deli, Zizis
Pizza, SCream, Starbucks and Pappas
Crab Cakes. For guests who want a more
formal dining experience there are plenty
of celebrity-chef run restaurants.
Marcus Samuelssons restaurant will be
open 24/7 and oers an array of comfort
food. Samuelsson also created the room
service menu for guests staying at the
hotel. Another choice is Steak House by
brother team Bryan and Michael Voltaggio.
The restaurant was designed to look like
the brothers childhood home in Frederick,
Md. and diners can have a drink in the
library or even eat in the kitchen. Local
celebrity chef Jos Andrs will also open
his rst seafood restaurant at the resort.
Expected to be a social media favorite is the
worlds largest chocolate fountain at bakery
and cafe Bellagio Patisserie. The fountain will
have 4,000 pounds of white, milk and dark
chocolate to make guests salivate.

A 3,000-seat theater oers guests the


chance to get up close and personal with
some of your favorite acts. MGM National
Harbor partnered with Live Nation to book
some of the top musicians, including Cher.
ATTORNEY AT LAW
Cher will have a mini-residency at MGM
National Harbor on March 17, March
SERVING OUR COMMUNITY
FOR 33 YEARS
19-20, March 23 and March 25-26. She
returns for a late summer run on Aug. 31,
PERSONAL INJURY PROBATE
Sept. 2-3, Sept. 7 and Sept. 9-10. Tickets
WILLS/ POAs CIVIL LITIGATION
range from $105-$330.
CONSERVATORSHIPS GUARDIANSHIPS
Boys II Men kicks o the MGMs
concerts on Dec. 15. Bruno Mars, Lionel
Ritchie and Kings of Leon are also
scheduled to perform in the coming
2141 P STREET NW SUITE 103
months. Duran Duran will give a New
WASHINGTON DC 20037
Years Eve performance on Dec. 31.
E-MAIL steveweinbergdc@aol.com
As for the 308-room hotel, room rates
LICENSED IN DC, MD AND VA
start at $300 per night. The price gives
guests a luxury boutique room with
ADVERTISING
oor-to-ceiling windows. The hotel also
PROOFwhich
#1
ISSUE DATE: 11.25.2016
SALES REPRESENTATIVE: SIRIWAT PATHARAPANUPATH (spath@washblade.com)
includes an outdoor pool,
will open
in the summer, and a spa.
REVIEW AD FOR COPY AND DESIGN ACCURACY. Revisions must be submitted within 24 hours of the date of
proof. Proof will be considered final and will be submitted for publication if revision is not submitted within 24 hours of
The grand opening isREVISIONS
expected to
the date of proof. Revisions will not be accepted after 12:01 pm wednesday, the week of publication.Brown naff pitts
omnimedia llc (dba the washington blade) is not responsible for the content and/or design of your ad. Advertiser is
draw 30,000 people with parking
to be
responsible for any legal liability arising out of or relating to the advertisement, and/or any material to which users
REDESIGN
can link through the advertisement. Advertiser represents that its advertisement will not violate any criminal laws or
TEXT
REVISIONS
any rgihts of third parties, including, but not limited to, such violations as infringement or misapporpriation of any
complimentary at rst. Valet parking is
copyright, patent, trademark, trade secret, music, image, or other proprietary or propety right, false advertising, unfair
IMAGE/LOGO REVISIONS
competition, defamation, invasion of privacy or rights of celebrity, violation of anti-discrimination law or regulation,
oered for $25 per 12 hours
or $45 per
or any other right of any person or entity. Advertiser agrees to idemnify brown naff pitts omnimedia llc (dba the
ADVERTISER SIGNATURE
NO REVISIONS
Julie
washington blade) and to hold brown naff pitts omnimedia
llc (dbaAndrews
the washington blade) harmless from any and all
By signing this proof you are agreeing to your contr
liability, loss, damages, claims, or causes of action, including reasonable legal fees and expenses that may be incurred
12-24 hours. While there is no metro
washington blade newspaper. This includes but is n
by brown naff pitts omnimedia llc, arising out of or related
to
advertisers
breach
of
any
of
the
foregoing
representations
payment and insertion schedule.
on
Micro
Apartments:
and
warranties.
close by those who want to explore the
resort using public transportation are
All I want is a room
encouraged to use busses leaving from
somewhere far away
the closest Metro stations.
The NH2 leaves from the Huntington
from the cold night air.
and King Street stations in Alexandria, Va.
and Prince Georges County 35 bus will
leave from Southern Avenue station in
Hillcrest Heights, Md.
VALERIE M. BLAKE, Associate Broker, GRI
For more information on MGM National
Dupont Circle Office 202.243.7700 (o) 202.246.8602 (c)
Harbor, visit mgmnationalharbor.com.
Valerie@DCHomeQuest.com www.DCHomeQuest.com

Steve Weinberg
202-861-0077

4 2 DE CE MB ER 0 9, 2016

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

TM

Nightlife | Attractions | Dining | Shopping | Marina | Events

TRUE INSPIRATION
Life at National Harbor is always exciting. In the midst of all that excitement is Potomac Overlook, a tranquil, beautifully
appointed new neighborhood of luxurious Integrity Homes fit for every lifestyle. Fine detailing, spacious interiors and
exquisite architecture are just some of the features you can look forward to at Potomac Overlook. The Brownstones and
Courtyards at Potomac Overlook is an impressive collection of luxurious, 4-story, 1 & 2-car garage townhomes.

Come tour our move-in ready homes

The Courtyard Series at Potomac Overlook


The Victoria - Lot 250

The Brownstones Series at Potomac Overlook


The Seneca - Lot 289

The Brownstones Series at Potomac Overlook


The Severn - Lot 280

The Brownstones Series at Potomac Overlook


The Seneca - Lot 282

$874,990 IMMEDIATE DELIVERY


3 Bedrooms, 3 full and 2 half bathrooms | 3,990 square feet
Beautiful End Unit. Gourmet Kitchen with Floor to Ceiling Cabinets,
Granite Counters and Stainless Steel Appliances. Spacious and Open
Main Level. Gorgeous View from Main Level Terrace.

$781,990 IMMEDIATE DELIVERY


3 Bedrooms, 4 full and 1 half bathrooms | 2,960 square feet
Hardwood throughout the Lower, Main and Loft Levels. Giallo Granite
Countertops, New Haven 3 Piece Glazed Painted Linen Cabinets,
Stainless Steel Appliances and Roof Top Terrace.

$568,990 IMMEDIATE DELIVERY


Open Layout | 1,883 square feet
Beautifully appointed Gourmet Kitchen with White cabinets, granite
countertops and Stainless Steel Appliances. Hardwood on Main Level,
Bedroom Hallway and in Loft.

$554,990 IMMEDIATE DELIVERY


4 Bedrooms, 4 full and 1 half bathrooms | 1,883 square feet
Amazing Rooftop Terrace with Double Sided Fireplace. Tahoe Maple
Espresso Cabinets, Granite Countertops w/ Stainless Steel Appliances
Including Cook-top, Double Wall Oven and Microwave.

Paid Closing Costs Through 12/31/16


500 Rampart Way National Harbor, MD 20745
YourIntegrityHomes.com | 301-749-1652
Prices, terms, features, incentives and savings subject to change without notice. Seller contribution limits apply. See Sales Representative for community specific details.

W A SH I NGTO N B LA DE.C OM

D E CE MBE R 0 9 , 2 0 1 6 4 3

REALESTATE

How will Trump impact real estate market?


Biggest risk is reduction
in fedl workforce
By ALLISON GOODHART DuSHUTTLE
Its now been a month since the election and the dust has (mostly) settled.So,
everyone is asking, what impact will the
new administration have on the market?
Our answer?It depends who you talk to.
Much of the impact of the election and
change in administration is based on emotion and consumers reactions to the election and its results. This is one of the only
factors we have been able to measure
thus far. In typical Washington fashion,
weve had calls from clients on both sides
of the aisle, with very mixed reviews.
While its too soon to tell, so far weve
noticed no discernible change in the market or with most of our current clients.
Emotions seem to have leveled o since
those rst few days and we anticipate they
will continue to do so as time goes on.
The only major change so far: Interest
rates are on the rise.
The major tangible change we have experienced has been a notable increase in
interest rates. Dont worry, its not time to

WASHINGTON BLADE FILE PHOTO BY MICHAEL KEY

The full impact of the DONALD TRUMP administration remains unknown, but a reduction in
the federal workforce would certainly hurt the D.C. market.

panic. For the last few years, rates have


been at truly historic lows, so we have been
anticipating a rise in rates. We are inclined
to think rates will continue to rise, but at a
slow pace. That being said, if youre thinking
about a move sometime in the near future,
now might be the time to act.

Where do we go from here?


Before the election, we anticipated a
slower market in the lead-up to it and an
active late fall market. In reality, we saw
this year track pretty evenly with other

years in terms of business in the fall market. If anything, it may have been slower in
the late summer months and a bit busier
than usual in the nal month prior to the
election. Well see what December brings.
Our prediction for the New Year is
similar. Despite all of the media coverage around the election and administration change, we dont anticipate any major changes. We do expect some possible
growing pains as our area decides how
quickly change might come to Washington
and what that change might mean for
them. Democrats may be a little more pes-

simistic about the economy while Republicans may be a little more optimistic. This is
Washington,so that is nothing new.
Heres what to look out for in monitoring where we go from here: The biggest
threat to our local market is a potential
major reduction in the federal workforce,
or another government shutdown. If that
doesnt come to pass, there shouldnt be
any major impact from the election or
the new administration on our housing
market or local economy. If the promised
tax breaks do come into eect, we might
even see a small surge in the market as
paychecks feel larger and the monthly
budget inates. The change in interest
rates is something to watch, though a
slow rise likely wont do much to change
the market.
Stay tuned! We will continue to monitor
the market to let you know if anything changes. In the meantime, its business as usual.
ALLISON GOODHART DUSHUTTLE is lead
agent for The Goodhart Group, Alexandrias
and McEnearney Associates top producingreal estate team. In2015, shewas nationally
recognized byRealtor Magazine, being named
to its 30 Under 30 club. Reach her at703-3623221orallison@thegoodhartgroup.com.

WA
I NCE
GTO
OM
4 4 SH
DE
MBNB
ERLADE.C
0 9, 2016

MA
1 1BLA
  DE. CO
 M

W A SH
I NRCH
GTON

DEADLINES

All Classified Ads


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

SHARE ADS ARE FREE.


Place your housing to share
ad online at washingtonblade.com
and the ad prints free in the paper and online.*
*25 words or less prints free - anything more is $1/word.

W A SH I N GTO NB LA DE.C OM
d e ce mbe r 0 9 , 2 0 1 6 4 5

DEADLINES

All Classified Ads


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

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

COUNSELING
LGBTQ AFFIRMING
THERAPY at Dupont Circle
Individuals, couples,
families, adolescents.
Over 15 years serving
the community. Mike
Giordano, LICSW. 202/4606384 mike.giordano.
msw@gmail.com. www.
WhatIHearYouSaying.
com.

MASSAGE / CERTIFIED
VOTED #1 BEST Of Gay DC
Thank you for support!
CMT in Arlington Sun-Tue
and DCWed, Fri, Sat. Call
or text Gary at 301-7041158 or visit http://www.
mymassagebygary.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.

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 MASSAGE


- deep tissue massage
will help you feel like a
new person! Stretching,
Swedish & Sports
massage. Athletes,
swimmers, cyclists &
runners. Dupont.
$70 for 1 Hour.
Marcio (202) 271-9440.

PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIEDS ONLINE

BODY & SOUL


MUSCLE BUILDING COACH
You bring the effort, Ill
guide you to results!
Maximize your muscular
strength potential!
Maximum Bob Whelan,
MS, MS, CSCS. Visit:
WebStrengthCoach.com.

GENDER IDENTITY THERAPY - Falls


Church Counseling, 703-665-7000.
Transgender mental health is our
primary focus. We specialize in
transgender, gender variant & gender
non-conforming children, adolescents
& adults including persons living with
Autism Spectrum Conditions. Explore
issues of coming out, navigate your
unique transition plan, obtain needed
letters for social & medical affirming
interventions. We also explore
anxiety, depression, trauma & PTSD,
dissociative disorders & self harm.
Individual, group therapy, peer led
support & social activities. Affordable
rates ($20-$90) ensures personalized
care for all populations. Contact us
for free consultation! http://www.
fallschurchcounseling.com.

PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIEDS ONLINE

ENHANCE YOUR AD WITH


OUR UPGRADES
PICTURES BOLD TEXT
LARGE TEXT COLOR
AND MORE
CONTACT US AT
202-747-2077

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

LEGAL SERVICES

EMPLOYMENT
Academy of Hope
Adult Public
Charter School

solicits expressions of
interest in the form
of proposals with
references from qualified
vendors the services of a
qualified Interpreter with
expertise in American
Sign Language.
Please visit www.aohdc.
org for full details.
Questions and proposals
may be e-mailed to
aoh@aohdc.org with
the subject line in the
type of service. Deadline
for submissions is
4pm December 15th.
Appointments for
presentations will
be scheduled at the
discretion of the school
office after receipt of
proposals only.

ADOPTION & ASSISTED


REPRODUCTIVE Law
Attorney Jennifer
Fairfax represents
clients in DC, MD & VA.
interested in adoption
or ART matters.301221-9651,JFairfax@
jenniferfairfax.com.
FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM
Representing the GLBT community
for over 35 years. Family adoptions,
estate planning, immigration,
employment. (301) 891-2200.Silber,
Perlman, Sigman & Tilev, P.A. www.
SP-Law. com.

LIMOUSINES
KASPERS LIVERY
SERVICE Since 1987.

Gay & Veteran Owner/Operator.


2016 Luxury BMW 750Li Sedan.
Properly Licensed and Livery Insured
in DC.
www.KasperLivery.com.
Phone 202-554-2471.

PHOTOGRAPHY

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.

STEVE OTOOLE
PHOTOGRAPHY Fine
Art Photographer
for Portraits &
Weddings.Check out
my new website - www.
steveotoolephotography.
com. Specializing in
Bears & Big men.
Steve 703-861-4422.

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

DEADLINES

All Classified Ads


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

SHARE ADS ARE FREE.


Place your housing to share
ad online at washingtonblade.com
and the ad prints free in the paper and online.*
*25 words or less prints free - anything more is $1/word.

4 6 de ce mb er 0 9, 2016

ENHANCE YOUR
AD WITH OUR
UPGRADES
PICTURES
BOLD TEXT
LARGE TEXT
COLOR
AND MORE
CONTACT US AT
202-747-2077
CLEANING
FERNANDOS CLEANING:
Residential & Commercial
Cleaning, Reasonable
Rates, Free Estimates,
Routine, 1-Time, Move-In/
Move-Out. (202) 234-7050,
202-486-6183.

PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIEDS ONLINE

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

TREE SERVICE
BRANCHES TREE EXPERT
Company. Full service
certified arborists,
pruning, insect &
disease diagnosis,
treatment & removal.
301-589-6181. www.
BranchesTreeExperts.
com. Angies List Award
Winner.

SALE / DC

SALE / MD

Architectural
Gem in Downtown
Annapolis Bringing

AND REPLY TO ADS


Free Code: W Blade

FIND REAL GAY MEN NEAR YOU


Washington:

(202) 822-1666
Arlington:

Baltimore:

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


www.megamates.com 18+

BODYWORK

DUNGEON MASSAGE?
or Rent our dungeon. Explore

HOME IMPROVEMENT

your fantasies! Surprise a BF or

DC METRO RENOVATION - kitchens,


bathrooms, basement renovation,
floors refinished & installed. Hans
202-517-5955.

MOVERS

TELLEM YOU saw their ad in the


Blade classifieds!

FREE TO LISTEN

urban chic to the Historic District.


Open floor plan. 4 level Loft style
condo living with dramatic soaring
ceiling & priceless original stained
glass window. Exposed architectural
beams offers unparalleled
detail...1897 Church converted to
3 luxury condos in 2003. Private
elevator. Leased dedicated parking
space 1 block away. Lock & leave!
1 block from state capitol & naval
academy & 2 blocks to City Dock.
Liz Heinsohn
Associate Broker
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc
Annapolis, MD. 21401
(cell)410-991-8566
(office)410-263-3400
www.Lheinsohn.lnf.com
EHO

MAID TO CLEAN Gay owned,


awesome, trustworthy & reliable!
Serving Alexandria & Arlington.
Mention this ad for $50 off.
Maidtoclean.com. (703) 299-0101.

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.

W A SH I N G T O NB LA DE .C O M

BRIGHTWOOD-TAKOMA 3BR3BA,
DETACHED 3BR3BA, DETACHED
Hardwood Floors, Crown Mouldings,
Granite Counters, Custom Cabinets,
Stainless Appliances, Fireplace,
Double French Doors, Ceramic
Finished Basement, Large Yard. 608
Whittier NW.
CALL 202-431-3851
Charles Stewart, Realtor
Hope Properties
820 H St, NE
Washington, DC 20002
EHO

TOP RATED MASSEUR Custom


bodywork! Exceptional deep tissue
& sensual bodywork for total stress
relief in private studio on the Hill. Call
Erik 202-544-5688. In calls only! No
texts! Intro Special $99.00.
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.
THE MAGIC TOUCH: Swedish,
Massage or Deep Tissue. Appts 202486-6183, Low Rates, 24/7, In-Calls.

FB. Awesome, clean, discrete. Fully


equipped private DC playroom.
(Tutorial/instruction available). 202PLACE YOUR FREE AD ONLINE

544-5688.

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM/CLASSIFIEDS

DEADLINES

All Classified Ads


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

ENHANCE YOUR AD WITH


OUR UPGRADES
PICTURES BOLD TEXT
LARGE TEXT COLOR
AND MORE
CONTACT US AT
202-747-2077

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

D E CE MBE R 0 9 , 2 0 1 6 4 7

proud winner of
a 2013 & 2014
american graphic
design award

You might also like