FEBRUARY 10, 2017 VOLUME 48 ISSUE 06 AMERICAS LGBT NEWS SOURCE WASHINGTONBLADE.

COM

WJLAs Tim Barber likes golf, music and

Jake Gyllenhaal. Meet him and the rest
of our 20 Most Eligible LGBT Singles
starting on PAGE 23.
WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTO BY MICHEAL KEY
0 2 F E B RUA RY 1 0, 2017 W A SH I N G T O N BLA D E . CO M

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W A SH I N GTO NB LAD E.C OM F E BRU A RY 1 0 , 2 0 1 7 0 3

0 4 F EB RUA RY 1 0 , 2017
White House Press Secretary SEAN SPICER has said there are no immediate plans
for an executive order on religious freedom, but if one emerges, Whitman-Walker is
ready to march in protest.
SCREEN CAPTURE VIA C-SPAN
Whitman-Walker plans
tentative march on White House
D.C.s Whitman-Walker Health announced in an email on Tuesday to about
25,000 people that it will organize a protest march to the White House if President
Donald Trump issues a religious liberties executive order that activists say
would curtail LGBT rights.
We are closely monitoring the new administration and its executive orders,
the Whitman-Walker announcement says. One such order may permit religious
choice to supersede other laws that protect against discrimination. This order
would oer a blank check for individuals and organizations to discriminate on
the basis of ones convictions.
LGBT advocacy groups that received a draft copy of a religious liberties order
leaked from the White House say it would have a devastating impact on LGBT
rights protections and would negate an Obama executive order protecting LGBT
employees of federal contractors.
White House press secretary Sean Spicer has said President Trump decided
not to rescind the Obama executive order and has no immediate plans to issue
and sign a religious liberties order.
We have not received any insider or additional information about the
religious freedom executive order, said Whitman-Walker spokesperson Abby
Fenton. However, we feel strongly that if an order of this nature comes out, we
will respond with a march.
Added Fenton: We sent this preemptively because we know if an order comes
out we will need to act quickly.
She said Whitman-Walker would decide on the route to the White House that
such a march would take if and when a religious liberties executive order is issued.
LOU CHIBBARO JR.
Gays for Trump plans Deploraball picnic in July
The North Carolina-based group Gays for Trump has announced that it plans to hold
a Deploraball Pre-4th of July Picnic on the National Mall in Washington tentatively
scheduled for July 1.
Gays for Trump co-founder Peter Boykin said the group has contacted the National
Park Service about obtaining a permit for the event.
We celebrate Donald Trumps rst days in the White House and his rst 4th of July
as president, a statement on the groups website says. We are all Deplorables on the
Trump Train and lets have a Deploraball Picnic! the statement says.
Gays for Trump rst adopted the name Deploraball for an LGBT inaugural ball it
organized at a hotel in Potomac, Md., on Jan. 20 on the day of Trumps inauguration.
Boykin said the group is hopeful that the July 1 picnic on the National Mall will draw a
large crowd but he is uncertain how many people will turn out.
Our mission is to increase the amount of LGBT conservative voices in American
WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
LO CA L N E W S
society, Boykin said in an email last month to the groups supporters.
He said that in addition to the picnic Gays for Trump plans to have a presence at the
American Conservative Unions annual CPAC Conference in Washington on Feb. 22, an
event that the nations most prominent conservative political gures are expected to
attend.
Boykin said Gays for Trump is also planning to set up booths at many of the nations
LGBT Pride festivals in June, including D.C.s Capital Pride festival.
If we get protested, that would be sad, Boykin told the Blade in an email. But I am
sure the media would like to focus on that, he said. And that only further proves our
cause as we stand up against our own LGBT brothers and sisters for what is right.
LOU CHIBBARO JR.
D.C. Rise and Resist holds rst meeting
About 16 people turned out for a meeting at the D.C. Center for the LGBT Community
on Monday night, Feb. 6, to launch Rise and Resist, a new D.C. direct action group that
organizers say will stage creative and eye-catching non-violent protests against the
administration of President Donald Trump.
Lead co-organizers Donald Aucoin, who was involved with the AIDS protest group
ACT- UP in the 1980s, and transgender activist Willem Miller invited those attending the
meeting to think about actions the group should take and formally propose them at the
groups next meeting scheduled for Presidents Day on Feb. 20.
I thought it went great for our rst meeting, for sure, Aucoin told the Blade. I had
no expectation for the number of people that would show up. Its clear that something
has begun and will continue on, he said.
Aucoin and Miller invited members of the community interested in becoming involved
with Rise and Resist to contact the group by email at riseandresist.dc2017@gmail.com.
They said a listserv is being created to enable the group to contact supporters quickly
about protest actions in the coming weeks and months.
LOU CHIBBARO JR.
Casa Ruby grant for trans people with HIV extended
The possibility that as many as 30 transgender women with HIV would lose access to
life-sustaining services provided by the D.C. group Casa Ruby on March 1 was averted
this week when the D.C. Department of Health extended funding for a Casa Ruby case
management program.
DOH spokesperson Jasmine Gossett said DOH was unable to renew a grant that
funded the Casa Ruby program for the past three years because the U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services, which provided the funds for the grant, changed its
eligibility requirement for the grant.
According to Gossett, HHS discontinued funding for non-medical case management
services that Casa Ruby has been providing and limited its grant funds to only medical
case management services, which involve work by physicians, nurses and other trained
medical professionals.
As a stop gap measure, Gossett said DOH this week awarded Casa Ruby a transition
grant that will use D.C. funds to enable Casa Ruby to continue its case management
services to transgender clients with HIV until at least June of this year.
The transition grant will run through June and then after that well be working to
identify other funding so there should never be a lapse, Gossett told the Washington
Blade. We value the work that she does so there was never a time when we would let
this lapse, Gossett said, referring to Casa Ruby founder and executive director Ruby
Corado.
Corado said she was pleased over the news that funding for the trans case
management program would be continued but said she was concerned about the
status of another D.C. DOH grant for HIV prevention-related services targeting LGBT
youth. Corado said DOH ocials told her in October, when that grant was scheduled to
expire, that they would renew the grant, saying they were pleased with the work Casa
Ruby was doing.
But in what appears to be a misunderstanding, Corado said she interpreted a verbal
commitment to renew the grant to give her the go-ahead to continue performing the
services, which included paying the salary for two employees conducting the work. On
Tuesday, Corado said, a DOH ocial told her Casa Ruby could not be reimbursed for
the services it carried out from October to this month because the grant had not been
ocially approved and the paperwork completed until this week.
They said we never gave you a written grant, Corado said. I kept the sta and
continued with the project.
DOH spokesperson Gossett couldnt immediately be reached for comment on
Corados concern about the second grant.
LOU CHIBBARO JR.
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Trump supporters assault D.C. gay man: report
Attackers shouted faggot,
wore Make America Great
Again hats
By LOU CHIBBARO JR.
lchibbaro@washblade.ocm
A gay man told D.C. police he was
repeatedly hit in the face and head by
objects thrown by four men while he
was walking his dog near Logan Circle on
Feb. 1 and one of the attackers shouted,
This is what a Trump America looks like,
faggot!
A police report, which lists the incident
as an anti-gay hate crime, says Logan
Circle resident Robert Richard Brice
Kohler told police the incident began
about 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1 while
he walked his dog in front of a large row
house at 1334 Vermont Ave., N.W.
Victim 1 was walking his dog near the
listed location when he became aware
of the presence of Suspect 1 through
Suspect 4, the police report says. Victim
1 heard Suspect 1 state, Hey Snowake!
This is what a Trump America looks like,
faggot!
Comings & Goings
Fowlkes joins Damien
Ministries board
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 comingsandgo-
ings@washblade.com.
EARL FOWLKES
Congratulations to Earl Fowlkes
who has joined the board of Damien
Ministries, which was founded in 1987
by Louis Tesconi to serve the poorest of
the poor living with HIV and AIDS. Damien
Ministries, Inc., was entirely volunteer run
until 1996 when the organization hired
a paid executive director and expanded
services to include case managers, faith-
based outreach and a food bank.
ROBERT RICHARD BRICE KOHLER told police
he was assaulted by Trump supporters on
Feb. 1
PHOTO COURTESY VIA FACEBOOK
The report continues: Suddenly,
without provocation, Suspect 1 through
Suspect 4 began throwing objects at
Victim 1, striking him countless times
in the face and head. Victim 1 suered
injuries and ed home to tend to those
Fowlkes serves as president and CEO of
the Center For Black Equity, Inc. (formerly
the International Federation of Black
Prides). He founded the IFBP in 1999 as
a coalition of organizations in the United
States, Canada, United Kingdom and
South Africa to promote a multinational
network of Black LGBT Pride and
community-based organizations. There
are now more than 40 Black Pride events
around the globe.
Previously, Fowlkes served for 15
years as executive director of the D.C.
Comprehensive AIDS Resources and
Education Consortium and Damien
Ministries, organizations that provide
services to persons living with HIV/AIDS.
He has worked on health, political and
LGBTQ issues in many communities for
nearly 30 years. He is the current chair of
the D.C. Commission on Human Rights. In
2009, he was appointed by then-Virginia
Gov. Tim Kaine as an At-Large member
of the Democratic National Committee
and in 2013 was reappointed, and
elected chair of the DNC LGBT Caucus. In
December 2014, he was elected president
of the Gertrude Stein Democratic Club.
Congratulations also to John Westfall-
Kwong, the new director of development
for the National LGBT Bar Association
Washington, D.C. The National LGBT
injuries, the report says. The suspects
ed on foot.
Acting D.C. Police Lt. Brett Parson, who
oversees the police LGBT Liaison Unit and
who prepared the report, told the Blade
in an email that he reached out to Kohler
after seeing a Facebook posting by Kohler
describing the incident.
In his posting, Kohler said two of the four
men who attacked him wore hats bearing
the slogan, Make America Great Again. The
slogan was used as the theme of President
Donald Trumps election campaign.
In response to a request by the Blade,
D.C. police spokesperson Aquita Brown
released a description of the appearance of
the suspects that was not included in the
publicly released police report. Brown said
all four of the suspects were white males.
All four suspects were 20-30 years old,
and ranged in height from about 5 feet 10
inches to about 6 feet tall, she said. Two
of them were wearing red hats, Brown
said in an email.
The police report prepared by Parson
lists the incident as an aggravated
assault, which is classied under D.C. law
as a felony with a maximum penalty of a
$10,000 ne and/or a prison term of up
Bar Association is the countrys largest
organization of LGBT and allied legal
professionals.
DArcy Kemnitz, executive director of
JOHN WESTFALL-KWONG
the LGBT Bar said,As a longtimeleader
in the community and an individual with
unparalleled development experience,
I have no doubt that he will be a valued
part of our organization. We are eager to
see where John will help take the LGBT
Bar at this time of unrest in our nation.
He most recently served for 12 years
as the director of development at Lambda
Legal. Prior to that he served as vice president
for Individual Giving & Development
Administration at Lighthouse International
and as national director of direct marketing
for the American Foundation for AIDS
Research. He received his bachelors in
Business Administration & Marketing from
WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
LO CA L N E W S
to 10 years.
Kohler didnt immediately respond to a
message from the Blade asking to speak
with him.
He made it clear in his Facebook
posting that the hats worn by two of
the suspects who attacked him bore the
Make America Great Again slogan from
the Trump campaign.
I share this with you because I have
grown so tired of hearing just how perfect
and great Trump supporters are and have
been, he stated in his posting. That they
are above anything like what happened
to us, he stated in referring to him and
his dog Pepper. They arent.
Police spokesperson Brown said the
investigation into the assault against
Kohler is continuing. Anyone who has
information about the case should
call police at 202-727-9099 or submit
information to the police TEXT TIP LINE by
text messaging 450411.
The citys Crime Solvers program
currently oers a reward of up to $1,000
to anyone who provides information that
leads to the arrest and indictment of the
person or persons responsible for a crime
committed in the District of Columbia.
California State University Long Beach.
Finally, congratulations also to Thomas
Murphy who has joined the National
Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association as
its new communications intern. Murphy
is a Tennessee native majoring in foreign
languages at Austin Peay State University.
He spent a semester abroad studying at a
French university and also interned in the
Tennessee State Legislature. Outside of
school Murphy writes book reviews for a
Nashville-based regional LGBT newspaper.
Murphy came to NLGJA through a
partnership with The Washington Center,
THOMAS MURPHY
which places students with organizations
whose work they show interest in.
I am really excited to be working at NLGJA
this semester, he said. I understand the
importance of clear and accurate coverage
of LGBTQ issues in the mainstream media,
which is what rst interested me about the
organization.
W A SH I N GTO NB LAD E.C OM F E BRU A RY 1 0 , 2 0 1 7 0 7

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0 8 F EB RUA RY 1 0 , 2017
LGBT dance protest targets Trump Hotel
D.C. police close streets
as hundreds march
to White House
By LOU CHIBBARO JR.
lchibbaro@washblade.com
With music blaring from two large
speakers perched in the back of a
pickup truck, several hundred people
gathered on the sidewalk in front of the
Trump International Hotel in downtown
Washington on Feb. 3 as part of an
LGBT dance protest against policies of
President Donald Trump.
After dancing and listening to speakers
at the site of the hotel, participants
followed members of the D.C. LGBT group
WERK for Peace, which organized the
event, in a procession along Pennsylvania
Avenue, N.W., to the White House.
Leading the procession was the pickup
truck as it continued to play dance music.
D.C. police quickly closed surrounding
streets long enough to make way for
the colorful procession, which included
some wearing T-shirts and leotards
despite temperatures hovering in the
low 30s. Organizers said they didnt apply
for a permit to secure street closings in
advance of the protest.
We are here today to celebrate in
solidarity our intersectionality and our
resistance, said lead organizer Firas
Nasr in opening remarks as the crowd
assembled outside the Trump Hotel.
We are here to send a clear, clear message
to Donald Trump and his administration
that we will not tolerate discrimination, hate,
Cries of resist! at rallies in Baltimore, Frederick
LGBT and allied
Marylanders oppose
rumored exec order
By STEVE CHARING
In anticipation of a rumored anti-LGBT
executive order from President Donald
Trump, the Pride Foundation of Maryland
and The Frederick Center organized
rallies on Feb. 2 to mobilize community
members in opposition to the order.
The executive order has not been signed,
however a draft order circulated widely this
week indicating discriminatory provisions that
would target same-sex marriage, premarital
sex, abortion and transgender identity under
the pretext of religious freedom.
Were not giving up the gains weve spent
our lives to win, said Matt Thorn, board
member of the Pride Foundation of Maryland
WERK for Peace organized a dance protest last week. For video of the protest, visit
washingtonblade.com.
or bigotry in our country.
Nasr, who is one of the founders of
WERK for Peace, told the gathering at
the hotel that organizers selected dance
music from all seven Middle Eastern
countries that the president included
in his controversial executive order that
temporarily bans people from those
countries from entering the U.S.
We will be celebrating with lively music
from all seven banned countries and from
Latin America because those cultures are
part of our fabric, the beautiful fabric that
makes America great, Nasr said. We
need to be very cognizant to the fact that
many of the people from those seven
countries could not join us tonight. So we
dance in solidarity with them.
Jessica Raven, executive director of
Collective Action for Safe Spaces, a D.C.
group that advocates for ending sexual
and executive director of Outserve-SLDN, in a
statement. If this president wants to pick a
ght, were ready for it.
Kris Fair, board chair of The Frederick
Center, said of the rallies, The Frederick
Center is happy to join activists all over
the state Thursday as we speak with one
voice to tell the Trump administration
that supporting the LGBTQ community is
an American value.
As dusk settled on the Ynot Lot in
the Station North area of Baltimorea
popular venue for activists to stage
rallies and vigilsabout 50 individuals
braved the chill to voice their support for
a unied eort to oppose discriminatory
executive orders from President Trump.
There are a number of certain
communities that are being targeted, and
the issue is important to me, Baltimore
resident Lubna Najar, who is of Muslim
descent, told the Blade at the rally. LGBTQ
WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTO BY MICHAEL KEY
harassment against women and LGBT
people and one of the organizers of the
dance protest, led a chant at the site of the
hotel in support of solidarity with other
communities that face discrimination
and marginalization. At her request, the
crowd shouted weve got your back
after she called out the groups blacks,
Muslims, immigrants, homeless people,
sex workers, trans people, queers, and
all of the above.
When the procession reached the
corner of 15th Street, N.W. and the section
of Pennsylvania Avenue where the White
House is located, and beyond which
private vehicular trac has been banned
since the 2001 terrorist attacks, the
pickup truck stopped. Participants in the
protest then carried the speakers further
along Pennsylvania Avenue toward the
White House as music continued to play.
activists have always supported the Muslim
community, and I want to support the
LGBTQ community in solidarity.
Scott Businsky of Bel Air, Md. is straight
and felt the need to show support.
With all the rhetoric about religious
freedom and discrimination, it is
important that people understand the
issues. Its also important for allies to join
in the struggle to achieve LGBTQ rights.
Brian Gaither, a co-founder of the
Pride Foundation of Maryland, was the
principal organizer of the Baltimore rally,
which consisted of an open mic format.
He urged those in attendance to hold
elected ocials accountable to protect
hard-earned rights.
Its important to put pressure on all
elected ocials including the governor
and the General Assembly to arm
and uphold the laws that were passed,
Gaither spoke into a bullhorn. Anyone
WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
LO CA L N E W S
The procession came to an end a short
distance from the White House where
a 10-foot high chain link fence blocked
further access to the White House. Signs
attached to the fence said it was put in
place to temporarily close that section
of Pennsylvania Avenue to pedestrians
to enable construction workers to
disassemble the large reviewing stand
where the president and his family
watched the inaugural parade on Jan. 20.
Yes, we were stopped by a fence but
that doesnt stop us from loving one
another, Nasr told the Blade as he stood
next to the fence. Were here, were
queer, and were ready to dance. And
thats what were doing on this street in
front of the White House.
Dimitry Meister, one of the WERK for
Peace members who helped organize
the protest, said he viewed the dance
protest as more of a celebration toward
intersectionality and acceptance of
everybody than a protest specically
against Trump. He noted that many
straight people who are supporters of the
LGBT community participated in the event.
One of them, D.C. resident Chris
Martin, propelled himself along the entire
distance from the Trump Hotel to the
White House in a wheel chair.
Im a minority, too, he said when
asked why he came to the protest. Im
a disabled person. First they come for
the Muslims and then they come for gay
people and eventually theyll come for me
too, he said, adding, People here are
great. Its a very nice protest.
CONTINUES AT WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
who is not white, straight, cisgender or
male can be targeted.
Gaither gave out the telephone number
for Gov. Larry Hogans oce, 410-974-
3901, for people to call.
Matt Thorn addressed the crowd,
and after explaining the contents of
the rumored draft order stated, All
the executive orders are bad executive
orders and will be knocked down.
Some 46 miles west at Carroll Creek
Linear Park in Frederick, about 125
people assembled to hear a variety of
speakers oppose the executive orders.
They included Liz Barrett, vice president
of the Fredrick County Board of Alderman;
James Van Kuilenburg, president, Thomas
Johnson High School GSA; Lois Jarman,
president of PFLAG Frederick County;
Pastor Rob Apgar-Taylor of Grace United
Church of Christ and the only openly gay
pastor in the city of Frederick; and Kris Fair.
W A SH I N GTO NB LAD E.C OM F E BRU A RY 1 0 , 2 0 1 7 0 9

Dear so-called President Trump:

Three months after the election, you still have not publicly
acknowledged that Hillary Clinton won the popular vote.
Rather, you maintain you would have won if not for voter
fraud. With all due respect, it is time for you to

PUT UP
or
SHUT UP!
PAID ADVERTISEMENT

You have deeply offended the millions of registered, legal,

US citizens who voted for Hillary Clinton over you. Frankly,
it is disgraceful and unfair. More importantly, you have
tarnished our great democracy, all in the name of your sad
need to always be a winner. Its not about you, its about
our country.

Either produce* verifiable, legal, factual evidence that I

won the popular vote, if you deduct the millions of people
who voted illegally, or
1. Retract your statement
2. Acknowledge that you lost the popular vote by a
wide margin
3. Issue an apology to the American people.

Signed,
A concerned, patriotic US citizen

*Sorry, but Im working on it (gathering evidence of fraud)

aint gonna cut it. FYI, in this country, you are

Innocent until PROVEN guilty!


1 0 F EB RUA RY 1 0 , 2017
Pence dodges on anti-LGBT religious freedom order
VP says directive would be
purview of the president
By CHRIS JOHNSON
cjohnson@washblade.com
Vice President Mike Pence on Sunday
began an exchange on ABCs This Week
with an eort to arm support for LGBT
people, but subsequently dodged on
whether he thinks a religious freedom
executive order is needed that could
undermine LGBT rights.
Pence said the Trump administration
would reject discrimination under
questioning from George Stephanopoulos
about a White House statement arming
the president would leave intact an
Obama-era executive order barring
federal contractors from engaging in anti-
LGBT workplace bias.
I think throughout the campaign,
President Trump made it clear that
discrimination would have no place in
our administration, Pence said. I mean,
he was the very rst Republican nominee
to mention the LGBTQ community at
our Republican National Convention
and was applauded for it. And I was
there applauding with him. I think the
generosity of his spirit, recognizing that
in the patriots heart, theres no room for
prejudice is part of who this president is.
Turning to the social conservatives
whom Trump addressed last week at
the National Prayer Breakfast, Pence
recalled Trumps pledge to repeal the
Johnson Amendment, a 1954 law that
prohibits non-prot organizations,
Supreme Court to hear trans student case March 28
Grimm asserts
Title IX allows him
to use boys room
By CHRIS JOHNSON
cjohnson@washblade.com
The U.S. Supreme Court will hear on
March 28 the case of a transgender
student whos suing his Virginia school to
obtain access to the restroom consistent
with his gender identity.
The court, which agreed to take up
the case of G.G. v. Gloucester County
School Board late last year, announced
it would hold arguments in the case on
that date as part of its monthly calendar
announcement.
In the lawsuit led by the American Civil
Liberties Union, Grimm asserts Title IX of
the Education Amendments of 1972, which
Vice President MIKE PENCEdodged on whether an anti-LGBT religious freedom executive
order is necessary.
including churches, from making political
endorsements. The law, Pence said, has
put a chilling eect on free speech in
religious institutions around the country.
The words in favor of LGBT rights are
striking for Pence, who a has long anti-
LGBT history that includes signing into
law as Indiana governor a religious
freedom bill that would have enabled
anti-LGBT discrimination.
Pences remarks come as a draft
executive order apparently from the
Trump administration is circulating
among federal advocacy groups that
would enable anti-LGBT discrimination
in the name of religious freedom.
White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer
denied last week Trump would sign a
prohibits discrimination on the basis of
sex, requires his high school to allow him
to use the boys room. Gloucester County
schools have required Grimm to use to a
designated bathroom that isnt used by
other students, male or female.
The district court ruled in favor of
Gloucester County schools, but the U.S.
WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTO BY MICHAEL KEY
religious freedom executive order
at least for the time being as media
outlets reported Ivanka Trump and Jared
Kushner had a role in quashing it.
Asked by Stephanopoulos whether a
religious freedom order is necessary,
Pence deected and said the president
made it clear that he wants to take action
on the Johnson Amendment.
Back in the 1950s, the Congress
passed a law that essentially threatened
the tax-exempt status of churches and
synagogues and religious institutions if
they were seen to be involved in political
expression, Pence said. And I have to tell
you, I dont think wed have ever made it always choose the beliefs of anti LGBT
to these hallowed halls back in 1790 if the
pulpits of this country had been silenced
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the
case of trans student GAVIN GRIMM on
March 28.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ACLU OF VIRGINIA
Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled for
Grimm, prompting the school district to
le a petition for certiorari before the
Supreme Court.
There are two questions before
the court: 1) Should courts under the
precedent of Auer v. Robbins grant
deference to Obama administration
WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
NATIONAL NEWS
from speaking about what they thought
was right and wrong.
Pence alluded to possible executive
action on the Johnson Amendment, saying
Trump directed the administration to
begin to look at ways, both legislatively and
through executive action to undo the law.
When Stephanopoulos asked whether
no religious freedom order would be
forthcoming aside from possible action
on the Johnson Amendment, Pence
dodged and said thatll be the purview of
the president to determine whether any
of thats necessary.
But I will tell you for our part, Pence
said, the focus of this administration will
continue to be to have a safer America,
to have a more prosperous America, and
to continue to advance the presidents
agenda, both on Capitol Hill and through
executive action and carry that message
all across the country.
Eliel Cruz, a New York-based bisexual
activist and faith organizer, said Pence is
engaging in double speak by saying the
Trump administration will support LGBT
rights, but wont rule out a religious
freedom executive order.
They claim they want to protect the
LGBT community but then they say they
want to promote the religious freedoms
of evangelicals, Cruz said. The issue, of
course, is that these so called religious
freedoms impede on the rights of LGBT
Americans. The two cannot exist at
the same time as one infringes on the
other. The Trump administration will
evangelicals over the dignity and rights of
LGBT people.
guidance requiring schools to allow
transgender students to use the restroom
in accordance with their gender identity?
2) With or without the guidance, does
Title IX itself ensure transgender students
can use the restroom they think is best
for them?
Matt McTighe, executive director of
Freedom for All Americans, said the
Supreme Court means March 28 will be a
historic moment for the LGBT community.
The Supreme Court has its rst
opportunity to hear the full story of
who transgender Americans are and
why their families, friends, neighbors,
and coworkers love them, McTighe
said. It takes tremendous courage for
transgender youth like Gavin to be so
vocal in sharing their experiences with the
world. All students, including transgender
students, should feel safe and respected
while in school.
 W A SH I N GTO NB LAD E.C OM F E BRU A RY 1 0 , 2 0 1 7 1 1

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1 2 F EB RUA RY 1 0 , 2017
DeVos conrmed despite anti-LGBT donations
Pence casts tiebreaker
in historic vote
By CHRIS JOHNSON
cjohnson@washblade.com
Despite eorts from Senate Democrats
and LGBT advocates to block the conrmation
of Betsy DeVos as education secretary, the
U.S. Senate narrowly conrmed on Tuesday
President Trumps pick to the head the
Department of Education.
After the Senate was evenly divided 50-
50 over the conrmation of the nominee,
Vice President Mike Pence had to cast
the deciding vote to conrm DeVos.
Observers say that marks the rst time in
history a vice president has had to cast a
tie-breaking vote to conrm a nominee to
the presidents Cabinet.
As expected, Sens. Lisa Murkowski
(R-Alaska) and Susan Collins (R-Maine)
dissented from the Republican ranks to
vote no on DeVos. The entire Democratic
caucus voted against her, including many
who spoke throughout the night prior to
the conrmation vote.
Forming an alliance with Democrats
and teachers unions who objected
to DeVos over her longtime support
for school vouchers, LGBT advocates
opposed DeVos based chiey on major
donations from her familys foundations
to anti-LGBT groups, including Focus on
the Family, the Family Research Council
and the National Organization for
Marriage. These groups support widely
discredited ex-gay conversion therapy.
David Stacy, vice president of
government aairs for the Human
Rights Campaign, said his organization is
disappointed with the conrmation and
watch to see if the Education Department
takes actions to rescind LGBT rights.
She is now charged with ensuring that
LGBTQ students around the country are
able to go to school in a safe environment
where they can learn without
compromising who they are, Stacy
said. We hope our substantial concerns
about her commitment to maintaining
and advancing protections for LGBTQ
students are disproven by her actions.
But, if instead she moves to roll back
legal protections or fails to enforcement
them, we will ght every step of the way
to ensure LGBTQ students are safe and
respected in their schools.
Among the Democrats on the Senate
oor Monday criticizing DeVos was Sen.
Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), who expressed
concern about the DeVos familys ties to
anti-LGBT organizations.
Mrs. DeVos and her family have
contributed to anti-LGBT causes and
anti-womens health eorts, which are in
direct conict to the one who is supposed
The U.S. Senate narrowly conrmed BETSY DEVOS as education secretary.
to lead the Department of Education,
Leahy said. How can a nominee disagree
with the mission of the Department of
Education and be t to oversee that
agency and promote the civil rights of
schools and college campuses?
During her conrmation hearing, DeVos
rejected anti-LGBT views, saying shes
never supported conversion therapy
and the anti-LGBT donations were from
her family, not her or her husband.
(According to the American Federation of
Teachers, a foundation run by DeVos and
her husband contributed $100,000 to the
Institute for Marriage and Public Policy,
which opposed same-sex marriage.)
However, she stumbled over other
questions on education policy, said
localities not federal law should
govern policy for disabled students and
was ridiculed for suggesting guns may be
necessary in school to defend from grizzly
bear attacks.
Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) said DeVos
wasnt being truthful during her conrmation
hearing when she said she took no part in
the donation from her mothers foundation
to Focus on the Family.
Asked about a family foundation
that has donated millions of dollars to
an organization promoting conversion
therapy for LGBT youth, she claimed she
had no involvement, which is ridiculous,
Franken said. Even if Mrs. DeVos own
role as vice president of that foundation
was a 13-year clerical error, as she
now claims, she herself has donated
approximately $75,000 to support that
anti-LGBT organizations work.
Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), the only
out lesbian in Congress who declared
her opposition to DeVos before the
conrmation vote, said on the oor
shes troubled by the DeVos familys
contributions to anti-LGBT organizations.
While she told me and several of
my colleagues at her hearing that she
believes all students should be treated
equally, I really remain concerned about
how this long history of support for these
anti-LGBTQ organizations will inuence
WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
NATIONAL NEWS
said hed rescind the guidance, which is
currently facing legal challenges in court
from conservative states.
Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) narrated the
story of Wendy Walsh, a mother of a
gay teen named Seth who hung himself
after enduring anti-gay bullying at school.
After Walsh led a complaint with the
Oce of Civil Rights at the Department
of Education, the school was forced to
update its policies to prohibit anti-gay
harassment, Booker said.
Booker said DeVos expressed insucient
support for the Oce of Civil Rights during
her conrmation hearing, which is a factor
WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTO BY MICHAEL KEY in why he opposes her conrmation.
Despite opposition from LGBT advocacy
a department which, over the last eight groups, DeVos has expressed support for
years, has shown some tremendous LGBT people in the past. As former chair
leadership in supporting LGBTQ students of the Michigan Republican Party, DeVos
and parents in the education system, denounced anti-gay rhetoric from Dave
Baldwin said. Agema, a fellow Michigan Republican
At the helm of the Education and member of the Republican National
Department, DeVos could rescind guidance Committee. A recent article in The New
from the Obama administration that York Times revealed she aided a gay
interprets federal law to prohibit schools friend and his partner in adopting a
from discriminating against transgender child, attended a same-sex wedding and
students or denying them access to the made accommodations for a transgender
restroom consistent with their gender woman to use the womens restroom at
identity. On the campaign trail, Trump a Michigan Republican Party call center.
LGBT Equality Caucus
doubles its membership
The congressional caucus dedicated to LGBT issues has nearly doubled its
membership, rebounding after experiencingattrition in recent years as a result
of shifting to dues-based membership.
The LGBT Equality Caucus announced on Tuesday it has started the 115th
Congress with 102 members, which is nearly double the roster of 53 members
at the start of the last Congress.
The caucus is co-chaired by each of the six openly LGBT members of Congress:
Reps. Jared Polis (D-Colo.), David Cicilline (D-R.I.), Sean Patrick Maloney (D-N.Y.),
Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) and Mark Takano (D-Calif.).
On behalf of the co-chairs, I thank my colleagues in both parties who have
joined the LGBT Equality Caucus and pledged to stand for and with the LGBT
community, Sinema said in a statement. While weve made signicant process
in recent years, we still have more work to do and must protect the progress
weve made. Our caucus continues to work to ensure every American has the
fundamental freedom and opportunity to pursue the American Dream.
The number of members at the start of 2015 dropped precipitously from 113
in the previous Congress to 53 after the LGBT Equality Caucus instituted $400 in
annual dues for members.
Dues payment for congressional caucuses isnt unusual. The Congressional
Progressive Caucus has a dues requirement for members.
The 11 vice chairs of the LGBT Equality Caucus are Reps. Ted Deutch (D-Fla.),
Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Joseph Kennedy III (D-Mass.), Dan Kildee (D-Mich.),
Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), Ted Lieu (D-Calif.), Alan Lowenthal (D-Calif.), Jerrold Nadler
(D-N.Y.), Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), Linda T. Snchez (D-Calif.) and Adam Schi (D-Calif.).
Among the 102 members of the LGBT Equality Caucus are two Republicans:
Reps. Ileana-Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.) and Carlos Curbelo (R-Fla.). Both support
marriage equality and are considered supporters of LGBT rights.
CHRIS JOHNSON
 WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

1 4 F EB RUA RY 1 0 , 2017 NATIONAL NEWS

Ryan cites Obamas LGBT

refugee priority to justify ban
House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) justied the portion of President Trumps refugee
policy that institutes a priority for religious minorities by asserting the Obama
administration prioritized refugees facing anti-LGBT persecution an assertion one
LGBT advocate says is totally wrong.
Ryan made the comments Thursday during his weekly news brieng when defending
Trumps controversial executive order, which has been criticized as a Muslim ban
because it prohibits people from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the
United States.
This is not a Muslim ban, Ryan said. If it were, I would be against it. We are a tolerant,
pluralistic country. We are and we will be. Its really important.
Ryan recalled a bill the Republican-controlled Congress passed in 2015 that would have
banned Syrian refugees from entering the United States amid civil war and atrocities
committed by the Islamic State of Syria and Iraq. Forty-seven House Democrats voted
in favor of that legislation, including gay Reps. Jared Polis (D-Colo.) and Sean Patrick
Maloney (D-N.Y.) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), whos bisexual.
The bill we passed last year, if you recall, after the Paris shooting, it became clear to
us that one of the terrorists inltrated the refugee population coming from Syria, Ryan
said. So, we wanted to make sure that that didnt happen in this country. Thats just sort
of National Security 101.
Ryan said the bill came about after lawmakers asked government ocials if they could
vet Syrian refugees to ensure terrorist attacks like the one in Paris wouldnt happen
in the United States and they said, No. We Cant. Despite Ryans words, the Obama ANTHONY SCARAMUCCI
PHOTO BY JDARSIE11; COURTESY WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
administration insisted refugees go through an extreme vetting process removing
anyone with potential ties to terrorism.
And so thats why we passed legislation with 289 votes a big, bipartisan bill saying
lets this pause this program until we can gure out how to get it right, Ryan said. Thats
eectively what this is about. Pro-LGBT adviser already
The Trump order bars Syrian refugees indenitely and more generally places a
120-day ban on refugees entering the United States pending review, but when the
axed from Trumps White House
review is completed institutes a preference for refugees seeking asylum from religious
persecution. A New York hedge fund manager who supports LGBT rights wont get the
Ryan asserted that policy isnt a religious test which may be unconstitutional by previously announced role for him at the White House as a liaison to the business
asserting the Obama administration made a priority for refugees facing anti-LGBT persecution. community, according to The New York Times.
Presidents always and often put preferences in refugee populations, Ryan said. I Anthony Scaramucci, an investment rm founder who supported Trump
think President Obama had one for sexual orientation. They didnt call that a sexual- during the presidential campaign, was tapped to take on the outreach role at the
orientation test. He put a preference in for sexual orientation. Oce of Public Engagement & Intergovernmental Aairs. Initially, the rolewas
Ryan made the case a priority for refugees facing religious persecution makes sense reported as being similar to that of Valerie Jarrett, who handled LGBT issues
because religious minorities, such as Christians in the Middle East as well as Sunni for the Obama administration, although Scaramucci said the role would be
Muslims in Shia countries are being targeted. dierent.
So theres nothing wrong in saying were going to take into account minority religious According to The New York Times, White House Chief of Sta Reince Priebus
persecution with our refugee situation, Ryan concluded. and Trumps chief strategist Steve Bannon informed Scaramucci on Wednesday
In 2015, then-White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest indeed stated LGBT people he wouldnt get the job, but told him they would nd another role for him in the
facing persecution overseas would be a priority for refugees coming into the United administration in the future.
States, but one of many priority classications of people, including race and religion. It was never clear whether Scaramuccis job would have consisted of LGBT
Earnest made the remarks in response to a request from LGBT advocates led by the outreach like Jarrett conducted during the Obama administration. That
Organization for Refuge, Asylum & Migration, or ORAM, to set aside 500 slots for LGBT seems unlikely given his role would have focused on outreach to the business
people facing persecution in the 10,000 additional Syrian refugees former President community.
Obama wanted in the United States. A Trump fundraiser, Scaramucci is a founder and co-managing partner of
There are no quotas that are set aside, but the process that we have implemented Skybridge Capital hedge fund and a former employee at Goldman Sachs. No
does prioritize the cases of those who have been subjected to torture, including like the stranger to plugging Trump on cable news, Scaramucci is the host of Wall Street
torture that you described, or might have been singled out for their status as a minority, Week on the Fox Business Network and is a regular contributor to Fox News.
whether thats a racial minority or an ethnic minority or a religious minority, or even In November, Scaramucci criticized the progressive movement for instituting
somebody an LGBT person, Earnest said. political correctness, which he said the average person rejects, but nonetheless
Neil Grungras, executive director of ORAM, said there is no fact in Ryans remarks insisted hes a supporter of LGBT rights and has donated to the Human Rights
defending Trumps immigration order because LGBT people never in fact received a priority. Campaign and the American Unity PAC, a pro-LGBT Republican group.
It is true that the Obama administrations 2011 memorandum on LGBT rights Im also a gay rights activist, Scaramucci said. You can look it up. Ive given to
worldwide set out several areas of focus including LGBT refugees and asylum seekers, American Unity PAC, Ive given to the Human Rights Campaign, Im for marriage
Grungras said. However the administration never gave priority of any kind to LGBT equality. And by the way, thisll be the rst American president in U.S. history
refugees. The State Departments refugee bureau consistently declined to set out a that enters the White House with a pro-gay rights stance.
special category for this extremely vulnerable group and also declined to set out a quota On Twitter, Scaramucci also criticized North Carolinas House Bill 2, which bars
or target number. Such was the response to ORAMs petition calling for admission of cities from enacting pro-LGBT ordinances and prohibits transgender people
500 LGBT refugees. from using the restroom in schools and government buildings consistent with
Of the more than 70,000 refugees the Obama administration admitted to the United their gender identity. Scaramucci called it shameful and a bill to address to
States last year, Grungras estimated fewer than 200 came in under the LGBT social non-existent problem.
group category. CHRIS JOHNSON
CHRIS JOHNSON
WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
I N T ERNA TI O N A L NEWS
She is with us forever
Violence against LGBT
Salvadorans inicts heavy toll
By MICHAEL K. LAVERS
mlavers@washblade.com
Editors note: Blade reporter Michael K. Lavers is
spending two weeks reporting on LGBT and HIV/
AIDS issues from Guatemala, El Salvador and
Honduras as part of our special yearlong focus
on issues facing Latin America.
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador Francela
Mndez was a prominent transgender
rights activist in El Salvador.
She was a board member of Colectivo
Alejandra, a trans advocacy group that
is based in the Salvadoran capital of San
Salvador. Mndez was also a member of
the Salvadoran Human Rights Defenders
Network and worked to prevent the spread
of HIV in the Central American country.
Mndez was murdered on May 31, 2015,
while she was a visiting a friends home in
the city of Sonsonate, which is roughly 40
miles west of San Salvador. The rst thing
that I saw on Monday afternoon when I
walked into Colectivo Alejandras oces
Gay men ght taboos in Guatemalan town
By MICHAEL K. LAVERS
mlavers@washblade.com
EL TEJAR, Guatemala The two
volcanoes that rise from the countryside
surrounding El Tejar, a town that is slightly
more than an hour west of Guatemala
City on the Pan-American Highway, were
clearly visible on Thursday afternoon.
Children were riding their bicycles
through a small park in the center of El
Tejar as venders sold food and other items
on the street. Bryan Lpez, a 27-year-
old nurse who lives in the nearby city of
Chimaltenango, was talking about his
eorts to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
He told the Washington Blade while in
the park that people who have sex while
under the inuence of alcohol and dont
use condoms put themselves at risk of
contracting HIV. Lpez added four of his
friends have died from AIDS.
For me it was very painful, he told the
Blade.
Lpez is one of the ve local volunteers
with Colectivo Amigos contra el Sida, an
HIV/AIDS service organization that is
based in Guatemala City, with whom the
Blade spoke last week.
Founded in 2005, the organization that
is known by the Spanish acronym CAS
works with the Guatemalan Ministry of
FRANCELA MNDEZ, a member of Colectivo Alejandra, was killed at a friends home in 2015.
The transgender rights organization has hung this tribute to her at its oces in San Salvador,
El Salvador.
in San Salvadors Magaa neighborhood
was a large banner with pictures of
Mndez that honored her life.
With us forever, it reads.
Violence is an all too common part
of life in El Salvador, which has one of
the worlds highest murder rates. The
situation is even more dire for LGB
Salvadorans and especially trans men and
women who are marginalized socially,
politically and economically.
Colectivo Alejandra President Karla
Guevara told me that Mndez is among the
18 trans women who are known to have
DAVID MENESES, left, speaks with BRYAN
LPEZ in El Tejar, Guatemala on Feb. 2.
WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTO BY MICHAEL K. LAVERS
Health to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS
and sexually transmitted infections in
Guatemala City and in the departments
of Quetzaltenango, Jutiapa, Santa Rosa
and Chiquimula. CAS last year worked
with ocials in the departments of
Chimaltenango, Solol and Totonicapn
to combat the epidemic among men
who have sex with men and the Mayan
community, but the funding for this
initiative ended.
CAS provides HIV and STI tests,
counseling, health care and other services
to roughly 3,500 people a year.
Lpez and his fellow CAS volunteers
conduct HIV testing in the area that
surrounds Chimaltenango. They also
provide sexual education, which includes
information on how to use a condom, to
WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTO BY MICHAEL K. LAVERS
been killed in El Salvador in 2015. Guevara
also highlighted other cases, which includes
a group of pandillas (gang members) who
killed a gay couple in a youth detention
facility because they saw them having sex.
I interviewed Espacio de Mujeres
Lesbianas por la Diversidad (ESMULES)
Executive Director Andrea Ayala,
volunteers with Generacin de Hombres
Trans de El Salvador and Nicols
Rodrguez of the gay blog/website El
Salvador G earlier in the day. They all
talked about the violence that inicts
such a heavy toll on their community.
local residents.
They need help, David Rosales, a
22-year-old gay man from Chimaltenango,
told the Blade as he talked about why he
decided to become a CAS volunteer. I
would like to help these people.
Csar Vielman, who also lives in
Chimaltenango, agreed.
He told the Blade that one of the
challenges he and his colleagues face is
people dont know their status. Vielman
added many of them also dont like to
use a condom.
It prevents many diseases, he said.
Taboos about sex are another problem
that the CAS volunteers told the Blade
they face.
The taboo refers to the fact that people
dont accept certain social situations,
said Anner Davila, a 19-year-old gay man
from El Tejar.
Lpez told the Blade that Catholicism
and evangelical Christianity, which has
become more popular and inuential in
Guatemala and throughout Latin America
in recent decades, have contributed to
these attitudes. He said the countrys
religious leaders are not willing to publicly
talk about HIV/AIDS, STIs, condom use
and other sexual health-related issues.
The lack of information in Guatemala
is very evident, Lpez told the Blade.
F E BRU A RY 1 0 , 2 0 1 7 1 5
Access to a car or a job that does not involve
sex work could very well mean the dierence
between life and death for a trans Salvadoran
woman or a gay man who is perceived to be
too eeminate. Many of these people feel
as though they have no other option than to
leave the country and migrate to the U.S.
One can easily conclude that President
Trump did not take into account the plight
of LGBT Salvadorans and the hundreds of
thousands of other people from Central
America who are eeing violence when
he signed his executive order that spurs
construction of a wall along the U.S.-
Mexico border.
These migrants sin papeles (without
papers) are not rapists, drug dealers or
criminals. They are human beings, and one
should not be neutral on this point. The
activists with whom I spoke on Monday said
the wall could have disastrous consequences
for LGBT Salvadorans who see the U.S. as
the only place where they can live and work
without the fear of violence because of their
sexual orientation or gender identity.
It is a concern, said Guevara.
Ayala was far more deant.
We are all Mexicans, she said.
The CAS volunteers also spoke
about the local gay community and the
challenges it faces.
Lpez spoke with the Blade about
machismo and how it continues to
shape attitudes toward homosexuality in
Guatemala. He said many gay men have
suered psychological abuse because of
their sexual orientation.
A lot of times life here is very hard,
Lpez told the Blade. People here have
to have various personality proles.
There are a lot of problems because a
lot of people have never been respected,
he added.
Other CAS volunteers were less
pessimistic.
David Meneses, a 27-year-old gay man
who moved to El Tejar from Guatemala
City three months ago, told the Blade that
local residents are very tolerant for the
most part. Davila agreed.
Thank God here in El Tejar there are
no confrontations or violence or anything
similar like many cases that I read about,
he said. The majority of people accept
homosexuality and lesbianism . . . with no
problems.
Vielman said his father accosted him a
lot when he came out as gay and told him
that he could change his sexual orientation.
It is not possible, he told the Blade.
 WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

16 FE B R U A R Y 10, 2017 BA LT I MO RE N E W S

Md. schools still hostile to LGBT students

GLSEN last month released state-
level data from its benchmark
National School Climate Survey,
which shows that U.S. secondary
schools are slowly improving but
remain hostile environments for
many LGBTQ students.
In Maryland, the report found:
The vast majority of LGBTQ students
in Maryland regularly heard anti-
LGBT remarks. Many also regularly
heard school sta make homophobic
remarks (13 percent) and negative
remarks about someones gender
expression (28 percent). The results of this survey mirror the
Most LGBTQ students in Maryland stories we hear from LGBTQ middle and
high school students, said JABARI LYLES
had been victimized at school. Of of GLSEN Baltimore.
those, more than half never reported PHOTO COURTESY OF LYLES
the incident to school sta (65
percent). Only 29 percent of those
students who reported incidents said it resulted in eective sta intervention.
Many LGBTQ students in Maryland reported discriminatory policies or
practices at their school. Nearly half (47 percent) experienced at least one
form of discrimination at school during the past year. In Maryland, three in ve
transgender students (61 percent) were unable to use the school restroom that
aligned with their gender identity.
Many LGBTQ students in Maryland did not have access to in-school resources
and supports. Only 11 percent attended a school with a comprehensive anti-
bullying/harassment policy; just a quarter (26 percent) had access to an LGBTQ-
inclusive curriculum. However, three-quarters could identify six or more
supportive school sta (76 percent) and had access to a GSA or similar student
club (76 percent).
The results of this survey mirror the stories we hear from LGBTQ middle and
high school students in Maryland, said Jabari Lyles, chapter director of GLSEN
Baltimore, in a statement. Schools are still hostile environments for so many of
these students, and now more than ever they need our support.

Baltimore AIDS Walk fundraiser set for March

Aaron Lorance has been passionately raising money for various HIV/AIDS
organizations for more than 20 years. During 2016, he was asked to volunteer
and join the planning and organizing committee for the Baltimore AIDS Walk and
to help Chase Brexton Health Care.
The task at hand wasnt enough for me, so I took the initiative to organize a
fundraiser and dance party along with one of my friends, Ryan, he said. We set
out to make this event like none other.
That event last year took place at Grand Central and raised more than $4,400
202.319.8541 www.lgbtc.com Se habla espanol
~ and $3,500 in rae prize donations.
We are very proud to be doing this again for the 2017 Baltimore AIDS Walk,
ADVERTISIN and G I PcouldntR O O Fbe more thrilled, Lorance said. The fundraiser this year is called

Serving Our Community for 35 years

ISSUE DATE: SPEC SALES REPRESENTATIVE: JERYL PARADE (JPARADE@WASHBLADE.COM)

REVIEW AD FOR COPY AND DESIGN ACCURACY. Revisions must be submitted within 24 hours of the date of
D4AC: GLOW and will be held March 11 beginning at 10 p.m. at The Baltimore
Eagle, 2022 N. Charles St. with the AIDS Walk taking place on May 7. This years
NS adviC e Proof
proof. m willebed i a t ifinal
considered oN be
and will L submitted
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submitted C o L ofL a B o r a t i o N
24 hours
the date of proof. Revisions will not be accepted after 12:01 pm wednesday, the week of publication.Brown naff pitts
goal is to raise $6,000.
GN
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 In keeping with the theme, glow in-the-dark attire is encouraged. Gifts will
EVISIONS 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 be handed out. Music will be provided by DJs Ryan Doubleyou and Vince
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or any other right of any person or entity. Advertiser agrees to idemnify brown naff pitts omnimedia llc (dba the ADVERTISER SIGNATURE Christopher. Drag personalities Abie Cadabra and Sarabesque are set to
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and warranties. The organizers lined up the dating app Scru as a sponsor; it will provide hot
logo goodies and a chance to win their rae prize.
General admission is $10 (Doors open at 10 p.m.) and can be purchased in
FamiLY | eState PLaNNiNG | emPLoYmeNt | immiGratioN advance at brownpapertickets.com.
ComPLeX LitiGatioN | CiviL riGHtS | LGBt | adoPtioN | BuSiNeSS For the VIP pre-party from 7 to 9 p.m., tickets are $75 and can also be

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

purchased at brownpapertickets.com.
This event is important to me because it gave me an opportunity to make a
at tor N e YS at L aw d C | m d | va real dierence and use my voice and power to act for something good, Lorance
told the Blade. It allowed my commitment to something I had done for so long
3 0 1 . 8 9 1 . 2 2 0 0 S P - L aw. C o m to evolve into something bigger than I had ever expected.
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

HE A LTH NEW S FE B R U A R Y 10, 2017 17

Calif. considers update to antiquated HIV laws

SAN FRANCISCO Legislation slated to be introduced this week would
update Californias laws criminalizing HIV, which were adopted during the height
of the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s, so that a person could not be prosecuted for
intentionally transmitting the virus if their sex partner tested negative for HIV,
the Bay Area Reporter reports.
Under current law, HIV-positive persons may be prosecuted for engaging in
unprotected sexual intercourse with the specic intent to transmit HIV even if
no actual transmission of the virus occurs. If convicted, they could be sentenced
to up to eight years in prison.
The statutes need to be updated because people are being prosecuted and
incarcerated for no good reason under the existing HIV specic criminal laws
in California. It is unjust is the number one reason, said Scott A. Schoettes, the
HIV Project Director at Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, in a phone
interview last week with the Bay Area Reporter.
AIDS advocates have long contended the laws are outdated and, rather than
protect public safety, provide incentives to people to not know their HIV status.
Yet for years lawmakers in Sacramento have refused to carry legislation to
amend the states existing penal codes that target people with HIV, the Reporter
article notes.
There are currently four criminal statutes in the state that criminalize the
transmission of HIV. The legislation being introduced will not change the penal
code that says an HIV-positive person who engages in a nonconsensual sex crime,
such as rape, could see three years be added to their sentence, the article said.
But it will address the health and safety code that says it is illegal for an HIV-
positive person to donate blood, organs, tissue, semen, or breast milk to an
HIV-negative person. If convicted under the statute, they could face up to six
years in prison.
The Senate bill would change the statute so it would only be a crime if an
HIV-positive person makes such a donation to intentionally infect someone
and that person does become HIV-positive. It would make the transmission
of HIV through such donations similar to the criminal statutes applicable to all
infectious diseases, the Bay Area Reporter reports citing elected ocials.
According to a December 2015 study conducted by the Williams Institute, an
LGBT think tank at UCLA School of Law, 800 Californians between 1988 and June
2014 came into contact with the states criminal justice system due to their being
HIV-positive. The study noted that nearly all of the cases, 95 percent, involved
people either engaged in or suspected of sex work.

PrEP fails gay Canadian who contracts HIV: report

NEW YORK Doctors report that a gay Canadian man contracted HIV even
though he had been taking daily medication to ward o infection, HealthDay
News reports.
Based on a genetic analysis of the virus, it was determined that the 43-year-
old Toronto resident was infected with a strain of HIV that had become resistant
to the anti-HIV drug Truvada, said report author Dr. David Knox. He is a doctor
with the Maple Leaf Medical Clinic in Toronto, HealthDay reports in an article
that ran in U.S. News & World Report.
However, HIV experts say this does not mean a completely drug-resistant
strain of the virus is on its way.
The number of highly resistant strains for Truvada is still very low, said Greg
Millett, vice president and director of public policy for amfAR, the Foundation for
AIDS Research.
Less than 1 percent of people living with HIV have a highly resistant strain.
I do not have a concern that this is the beginning of a huge wave of multidrug-
resistant HIV, Millett said, according to HealthDay.
The Toronto man began taking oral Truvada in April 2013, according to the
report published in the Feb. 2 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Pharmacy records show he had been taking the drug as prescribed, Knox
and colleagues noted. But after two years of successful PrEP, a screening test
revealed that the man had contracted HIV, Knox said.
We looked at the genetics of this particular strain of HIV and proved there
were mutations to counter both medications used in PrEP meant to stop the
infection, he said.
The man was not using condoms during sex, Knox said, which is recommended
for complete protection against HIV, even for people taking PrEP.

1 8 F E B RUA RY 1 0, 2017
On the road to full equality
Boy Scouts, exec order
show broad support
for LGBT rights
By MALCOLM LAZIN
Jan. 31 was a rainbow day for LGBT
equality. The Boy Scouts of America (BSA)
welcomed transgender identifying boys
into the Cub and Boy Scouts and the
Trump administration announced that it
would leave in place President Obamas
executive order that required federal
contractors to provide nondiscrimination
protections based on sexual orientation
and gender identity.
Fifty years ago, gay sex was a crime in
almost all states. With an easily obtained
search warrant, police could knock down
bedroom doors of consenting adults and
arrest them for a felony. Classied as men-
tally ill, gays were subjected to chemical
castration, electric shock therapy, mental
institutionalization and lobotomies. Eisen-
hower Executive Order 10450 prohibited
the government from employing gays and
lesbians as sexual perverts in the federal
civilian and military workforce.
Like most institutions, the BSA resisted
change. In 2000, the U.S. Supreme Court
in Dale v BSA decided that the Boy Scouts
was a private organization and not subject
to New Jerseys nondiscrimination laws.
While the case brought by Eagle Scout
James Dale was a loss, it ignited activism.
Zach Wahls, an Eagle Scout and straight
son of two lesbian mothers founded
Scouts for Equality and was joined by Ea-
gle Scouts and others, who advocated for
change. Corporations, cities and donors
withheld support. In 2013, the BSA admit-
ted gay youth followed two years later by
gay troop leaders and employees.
In 2012, few would have believed that
in this decade the BSA would welcome
transgender youth. That change occurred
after eight-year-old transgender scout Joe
Malonado was expelled when his troops
leader learned that Joe was born a girl.
Without a lobbying campaign, the BSA
promptly changed its policy.
Likewise unexpected, the White House
announced that President Trump would
keep in place the Obama order that pro-
vides workplace protections for an esti-
mated one million LGBT Americans work-
ing for federal contractors.
Since 1994, the LGBT community has
sought to amend the federal Employment
Non-Discrimination Act to include sexual
orientation and gender identity. In 2007,
the House of Representatives by a vote
E DIT OR IA L C A R T OON
WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
VIEWPOINT
of 235-184 passed ENDA with Republican
supporters who included then Congress-
man and now Speaker of the House Paul
Ryan. In 2013, ENDA passed the Senate
with bipartisan support including Rob
Portman (R-Ohio), whose son is gay.
Trump stated in the campaign that
transgender Americans could use which-
ever bathroom in Trump properties they
preferred and that his company did not
discriminate in the workplace. While
LGBT activists believed that there was
little chance of enacting ENDA with a Re-
publican president and Congress, the op-
posite may be the case. If again passed
in the House and Senate but in the same
congressional session, it could become
part of President Trumps legacy.
Gays serve in our military and more
than 95 percent of Fortune 500 compa-
nies, including Exxon Mobil, provide sex-
ual orientation protection. While ENDA
legislation is opposed by Vice President
Pence, it has the expected support of the
presidents son-in-law and adviser Jared
Kushner and daughter Ivanka Trump.
For many, it seems that so much has
been achieved so quickly especially set
against centuries of repression. The Annual
Reminders at Independence Hall each July
4 from 1965 to 1969 laid the groundwork
when Frank Kameny and Barbara Gittings,
the movements father and mother, strate-
gically pinned aspirations to the Declara-
tion of Independence and Constitutions
promise of individual liberty and equality.
The AIDS crisis forced people to come
out, protest and form communal organiza-
tions. Each person who came out changed
stereotypes, opened hearts and encour-
aged others to leave the stiing closet.
MTV with its Real World was among
the rst of what became a cascade of
LGBT people and representation in televi-
sion and movies. Admired by their fellow
citizens, Martina Navratilova, Ellen DeGe-
neres, Tim Cook and Anderson Cooper,
among an avalanche of well-known peo-
ple, announced their sexual orientation.
While the LGBT community had been bru-
talized and vilied, it was Gandhian and Dr.
King-like in its response. Other than the 1969
Stonewall riots, the movement has been non-
violent and steadfast in its belief in democra-
cy and the nations founding promise.
While legislation has lagged, the courts
have been a bastion in providing constitu-
tional rights including decriminalization and
same-sex marriage. But it is in the court of
public opinion where the movement has
had great success. As reected by the BSA
and a Republican president, with increasing-
ly broad support LGBT Americans are on the
arc that bends toward liberty and equality.
MALCOLM LAZIN is executive director of the
Equality Forum and LGBT History Month.
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WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
V I E W PO I N T
Shuttering NEA would be attack on dissent
Artists, writers are the ones
asking toughest questions
KATHI WOLFE, a writer and poet, is a regular
contributor to the Blade.
Maybe you think that tree hugging,
starving artists dont play a role in your
life. But if you go to the opera, dance at
your fave bar, see movies or binge-watch
TV, youre proof that the arts are as wo-
ven into our lives as breathing. As is the
case with breathing, you likely dont think
about it unless youre becoming short of
breath. President Donald Trump is threat-
ening to make us breathless. His admin-
istration wants to eliminate the National
Endowment for the Arts and the National
Endowment for the Humanities, various
V I E W PO I NT
The alt-reality presidency
But a strong early
resistance offers hope
RICHARD J. ROSENDALL is a writer and activist.
Reach him at rrosendall@starpower.net.
In 1852, long before the advent of re-
ality television, a self-taught former slave
delivered what students of rhetoric know
as the Fourth of July speech to the citizens
of Rochester. It was a bracing tirade. Here
is a snippet:
Your prayers and hymns, your sermons
and thanksgivings, with all your religious pa-
rade and solemnity, are, to the slave, he said,
mere bombast, fraud, deception, impiety,
and hypocrisy a thin veil to cover up crimes
which would disgrace a nation of savages.
Frederick Douglass was an abolition-
ist, suragist, author and statesman. He
died in 1895. Last week, our 45th presi-
media outlets have recently reported.
(The White House hasnt conrmed or de-
nied the reports.)
The NEA and the NEH each received
$148 million, only 0.003 percent of the
federal budget, during scal year 2016.
Yet, though their funding is only a minute
part of the federal budget, the support of
these agencies has been crucial for art-
ists, poets, musicians and small publishers
and community groups nationwide. Why
should we, especially the queer commu-
nity, care that the NEA and NEH are at risk
of being axed? Because the arts are what
dierentiate us from animals. Historically,
LGBT people have turned to the arts for
consolation, entertainment, illumination,
protest and enlightenment from Bette
Davis in All About Eve to James Baldwins
Giovannis Room to Adrienne Richs Div- lication opportunities for adult poets.
ing into the Wreck to Tony Kushners An-
gels in America. Without the arts, the vital
fabric of our life will be ripped to shreds.
Given the anti-gay, anti-immigration,
misogynistic and racist views of many in
the Trump administration, I cant help
but wonder if Trumps wish to abolish the
NEA and NEH isnt politically motivated.
Since spending on these agencies is a
dent, who shows no sign of an education,
marked the beginning of Black History
Month by reducing this legendary orator
to an employee of the month: Freder-
ick Douglass is an example of somebody
whos done an amazing job and is getting
recognized more and more, I notice.
I suppose we should be grateful that our
nitwit-in-chief quickly moved on to his favor-
ite subject of himself before he could chal-
lenge Cedric the Entertainers character in
Barbershop for the most oensive take on a
revered African American. I only wish Trump
were similarly ctional.
That was but one in a series of farcical
incidents during Trumps rst two weeks in
oce. In a call to Mexican President Enrique
Pea Nieto, Trump threatened an invasion
to deal with that countrys bad hombres.
In a call to Australian Prime Minister Mal-
colm Turnbull, he insulted our staunch ally
over 1,250 refugees we had agreed to take.
At the National Prayer Breakfast, he jokingly
called for prayers to lift Arnold Schwarzeneg-
gers ratings for The Apprentice. He signed
an executive order against refugees without
consulting anyone with a clue or a Constitu-
tion, then insulted a judge for blocking his
dictatorial impulses. He decided he could
botch a raid in Yemen just as well from the
tiny percentage of the federal budget, its
ludicrous to claim that eliminating them
is a cost-cutting measure, Sarah Brown-
ing, executive director of Split This Rock,
a D.C.-based national poetry organization
that works for social change, emailed me.
Instead its a direct attack on dissent,
she said, Artists and writers and librar-
ians and museum sta these are the folks
who raise questions, imagine alternatives
to the unjust status quo and promote
critical thinking.
The organization received $40,000
from the NEA this year. A small sum, but
a signicant boost to its modest, non-
prot budget, Browning said. The funding
helped Split This Rock to provide writing
and performance workshops for school
students and to oer workshop and pub-
tiny, eliminating them would be devas-
These programs feed the soul, she add- tating to many small arts groups from
ed, they build our cultural democracy.
The arts are as American as apple pie.
Its hard to imagine our cultural life with-
out the arts. As I write, its near halftime
during the Super Bowl when Lady Gaga
will perform. Its hard to imagine stepping
back from a national commitment to the
NEA and NEH, Hiram Larew, a D.C.-area
dinner table as from the Situation Room. He
excused Vladimir Putins murder of oppo-
nents and critics by suggesting America is just
as bad. His counselor Kellyanne Conway cited
a nonexistent Bowling Green Massacre and
slammed the press for not covering it.
Some of us clung to our sanity by trading
memes. The slogan Im with her accom-
panied a picture of the Statue of Liberty. A
still from the Alien lm series was posted in
which the horrible creature getting up in Rip-
leys face was replaced with Conway.
Im afraid we are giggling past the grave-
yard. Gay friends of mine who came to
America seeking asylum from persecution
remain afraid despite assurances from
their attorneys. They wonder what Trump
will do next. A draft executive order has
been circulating that would allow discrimi-
nation in the name of religious freedom, ig-
noring the fact that mutual tolerance is the
bedrock of a diverse society. Congressional
Republicans moved to gut healthcare and
nancial reforms, repeal ethics rules, abol-
ish environmental protections, even re-
store gun access to the mentally ill.
A bright beacon during these dark days
has been the surge of protest and action by
everyone from immigration attorneys and
the ACLU to ordinary citizens in response to
F E BRU A RY 1 0 , 2 0 1 7 1 9
gay poet emailed me. It would feel like
we are repudiating our love of the arts cel-
ebrated in Mount Rushmore, the Lincoln
Memorial, the Statue of Liberty and even
our Star-Spangled Banner, said Larew,
author of the poetry collection Utmost.
Arts are a hallmark of a civilized society.
The arts are the only record we have of
human sensibilities since the beginning
of time, Grace Cavalieri, founder and
producer of The Poet and the Poem for
public radio, emailed me, art distinguish-
es masses of people from what we now
have as civilization.
Without the arts there is no civilization,
Cavalieri said, Just a mass of living forms
slugging through the daily mud of exis-
tence ... ISIS has no funding for the arts.
Though the NEA and NEH budgets are
theaters to museums nationwide. As
Clarinda Harriss, a poet and publisher of
BrickHouse Books told the Blade, ceas-
ing to nurture our artists would be a sign
of toxic cultural decay.
President Trump, dont eliminate the
NEA and NEH. Lets maintain our cultural
democracy.
Trumps constitutionally questionable execu-
tive order aimed at Muslim refugees. Acting
Attorney General Sally Yates sacriced her
job by refusing to defend the order. A rebuke
from the Gospel struck a deep chord in many
Christians: I was a stranger and you did not
welcome me. (Matthew 25:43)
The Resistance is in its early stages. Repub-
licans control both ends of Pennsylvania Ave-
nue, and at this point are showing more unity
than Democrats, who as Sen. Elizabeth War-
ren points out, are in need of a backbone.
Several cabinet nominees have been (or are
about to be) conrmed whose records con-
ict with the missions of their agencies. The
presidents closest adviser is Steve Bannon,
who, as House Democratic Leader Nancy Pe-
losi observed, is a white supremacist.
During his takedown of red-baiting Sen.
Joe McCarthy in 1954, journalist Edward R.
Murrow reminded American viewers, We
are not descended from fearful men. He
was holding ordinary citizens responsible for
the evil done in their names. In a similar vein,
Sen. Kamala Harris tweets: If youve ever
wondered what you would have done during
the Civil Rights Movement, this is your oppor-
tunity to nd out. #goodtrouble
Copyright 2017 by Richard J.
Rosendall. All rights reserved.

2 0 F E B RUA RY 1 0, 2017
This veteran has no respect for new commander in chief
Egomaniacal Trump
has attacked our
intelligence community
By DR. ROBIN J. BELL
I am not a politician, an athlete, a movie
star or anyone famous, just a retired vet-
eran who served 20-plus years honorably in
the military.Since retiring in 2005, I work in
the intelligence community. Because of my
background, I am very emotional about the
newly elected commander in chief. Emotion
is what drives me to act on my passions and
to advocate for what I believe is right.
If Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had not
been emotional about the Civil Rights
Movement, where would the country be
today? Donald Trump sits in the highest
oce in the land and he expresses his
emotions unintelligently every day, so
why cant I? He takes to Twitter like an in-
censed teenager. He has no lters; what-
ever comes up, comes out. He will say
one thing at noon; something dierent at
2 p.m. and by the 11 p.m. news, he denies
Tea Party clowns want to meddle in D.C. affairs
Bowser must walk ne line
with combative Congress
PETER ROSENSTEIN is a D.C.-based LGBT rights
and Democratic Party activist. He writes regularly
for the Blade.
In many ways, being mayor of the District
of Columbia has never been more dicult.
Under Muriel Bowser, our nances are in
good order, city services are being provided,
our schools are improving and in general
crime is down. Yet she is facing an embold-
ened Congress believing the time is right to
take o the gloves and ght the District in
every area. The threats to limit Home Rule
appear more real than ever before and sug-
gest there will be a review of every measure
the D.C. Council passes that in any way could
oend Tea Party constituents.
Congress has long used the District as a
petri dish. In 2004, liberal Sen. Diane Fein-
stein (D-Calif.) joined then-Sen. Joe Lieber-
How far back in time does Donald Trump intend
on going to make America Great Again?
ever saying anything at all.
He says despicable things about the
people of this country, whom he is sup-
posed to lead. He questions the credibil-
ity of the intelligence community publicly,
which eats at my core. He then tells them
on his CIA visit that he loves the intelli-
gence community! He bans immigrants
and refugees from entering the country.
And Im supposed to control my emo-
tions? Absolutely not!
People say, now you know how so many
conservatives felt when President Obama
was elected.Well, actually I do not.Presi-
dent Obama was disliked because he is
black, not because he is egomaniacal.
As an enlisted soldier, I traveled the world
for ve years, facilitating classes on the im-
portance of treating EVERYONE with dignity
and respect.I take a lot of pride in the fact
man (D-Ct.) on school vouchers. They would
have been laughed out of oce if they tried
to foist vouchers on their constituents back
home but thought nothing of helping to
foist them on the citizens of the District of
Columbia simply because they could.
The outrageousness of members of
Congress who think the nearly 700,000
people of the District should be treated
like children and not given the opportuni-
ty to govern themselves is now becoming
more commonplace with the alternative
reality we are facing with Donald Trump
and Steve Bannon in the White House.
While Trump is creating chaos with our
allies including Mexico and Australia, sa-
ber rattling toward Iran and making nice
with Russia and Vladimir Putin, Rep. Jason
Chaetz (R-Utah) has determined those
issues are too dicult to deal with so
is instead interfering with how D.C. will
spend its own tax dollars.
Recently the Washington Post reported,
House Republicans with oversight over the
nations capital are investigating D.C. Mayor
Muriel E. Bowsers plan to use lo cal tax dol-
lars to defend illegal immigrants from de-
portation. The mayor received a letter from
Reps. Jason Chaetz (R-Utah), chairman of
the House Oversight Committee, and Mark
Meadows (R-N.C.), head of the subcommit-
tee for District aairs, warning that her plan
that I had the privilege to serve my country;
it was an absolute honor.As an American, I
have shown respect for every president of
the United States, regardless of his political
party. As a member of the military, I was
not allowed to make disparaging remarks
about the president, EVER.It was the truest
form of disrespect to the country.
I cannot nd it in my heart to be at ease
with the unscrupulousness of the new
leader of the free world. Some say give
him a chance, he will change.I am a rm be emotional. I served my country and
believer that as Maya Angelou said
when a person shows you who they in the world. If Donald Trump could see
are the rst time, believe them. People
make changes in their lives when it is a
detriment to them; when they need oth-
ers acceptance or approval. When one
demonstrates egotistical behavior, they
do not see a need to change. Because of
appears to violate federal law.
The plan they referred to was the mayors
commitment to join leaders from Chicago,
Los Angeles and New York in announcing
that their cities would set up legal defense
funds to represent illegal immigrants tar-
geted for deportation under the policies
of President Trump. Bowser said, the
$500,000 fund would be used to teach the
citys estimated 25,000 illegal immigrants
their rights and to hire lawyers to represent
city residents in deportation proceedings
and help them apply for asylum.
A recent Washington Post op-ed co-
authored by Chaetz and former Sen. Jim
DeMint (R-S.C.), right-wing president of the
Heritage Foundation, claimed, D.C. is dis-
regarding the sanctity of life. They railed
against the Death With Dignity Act recently
passed by the D.C. Council and signed by
the mayor. They reminded us about our
servitude writing, The awesome responsi-
bility of acting as the state for the citizens
of the District lies not in the hands of a lo-
cal government, but with Congress. They
went on to site Article 1, Section 8, Clause
17 of the Constitution vests Congress with
exclusive legislative jurisdiction. Then add-
ing The D.C. Council last year made a se-
rious error when it passed the Death With
Dignity Act, legalizing physician-assisted
suicide in the District. Now it is Congresss
WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
VIEWPOINT
his self-absorption and lack of empathy
for the masses, how eective will he be
as president?His leadership style is inju-
rious to so many people and every ism
there is. I often wonder how far back in
time Donald Trump intends on going to
make America Great Again.
Being a God-fearing woman, I know
that we are where we are supposed to
be politically and it is all happening for
a reason.My prayer is that we as Ameri-
cans will get through this presidency and
become closer as a nation. He needs to
handle the people of this country with
care because our father is powerful and
his children are not the only ones with a
powerful father.
So from where I sit, I will continue to
be emotional, I have earned the right to
work for one of the nest organizations
America from where I sit, what a wonder-
ful world this would be.
ROBIN J. BELL is an author and advocate for
non-violent males with addictions.
I N SI D E LG BT W A SH I N G T O N
duty and constitutional obligation to en-
sure the act does not stand. Once again
making it clear these pompous asses really
believe their view and the views of other
members of Congress not elected by the
people of the District, count for more than
those of nearly 700,000 District residents.
These two clowns and Chaetzs col-
leagues in the Congress know they cant
do anything about this in their states be-
cause the Supreme Court in two cases
ruled states have the power to regulate,
allow or prohibit assisted suicide. In those
cases, Washington v. Glucksberg and Vac-
co v. Quill, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled
unanimously that there is no constitu-
tional right to assisted suicide, and that
states therefore have the right to prohibit
it. Advocates of assisted suicide saw this as
opening the door for debate on the issue
at the state level. Then Gonzales v. Oregon
was brought to the U.S. Supreme Court
in 2006. The court ruled that the United
States Attorney General could not enforce
the federal Controlled Substances Act
against physicians who prescribed drugs,
in compliance with Oregon state law, for
the assisted suicide of the terminally ill.
Considering the chaos with the Trump
administration and now Congress, Mayor
Bowser deserves kudos for her eorts at
navigating these dicult waters.
WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
V I E W PO I NT
Left-wing Islamophobia: An infantile disorder
Gays, feminists must
reject bigotry of
right-wing nationalists
By BRET BOYCE
I was shocked and horried to read in
the pages of the Inauguration Day issue
of the Blade a crude Islamophobic screed
that could have come from the pen of any
number of far-right nationalist bigots. Yet
the author, Professor Shannon Gilreath,
proclaims that he is a leftist bearing a
message that American liberals dont
want to hear. We must tighten restric-
tions on Muslim immigration, he argues,
because Islam is endemically antithetical
to the well-being of gay people. Liberals
close their eyes to the evidence because
of their unreective commitment to the
defense of religion at all costs. According
to Gilreath, liberals think the answer to
everything is simply more religion.
Gilreaths claims are absurd. I dont
know any liberal who thinks the answer to
everything is simply more religion. But
liberals do believe strongly in freedom of
speech and religious belief. On Jan. 20, a
psychopathic charlatan who made hatred
B R O CK PA PE R SCI SSOR S
This June, we must step up
Nows the time to march,
see you at Pride
BROCK THOMPSON is a D.C.-based freelance
writer. He writes regularly for the Blade.
I am not free while any woman is un-
free, even when her shackles are very dif-
ferent from my own. (Audre Lorde)
This years Pride celebration is already
shaping up to be an exciting one. And its
only February.
As this column has explored, the mean-
ing of Pride has shifted over the years
from its roots in sheer political and social
deance to today where Pride more or
less has become a reason for city-wide
celebration. This year we will turn yet
another page. Following on the heels of
the highly successful Womens March last
of Muslims and other immigrants the
centerpiece of his campaign took power
in our country, as his designated victims
watched in horror and despair. No one
who cares about human rights should
take this moment to cheer the new re-
gimes anti-Muslim immigration policy.
What is Gilreaths evidence that Is-
lam must be singled out from all other
religions for special discriminatory treat-
ment? He catalogues a list of recent ter-
rorist attacks by Islamic extremists. Of
course, Islamic extremist terrorism is a se-
rious problem that must be condemned
and fought. But we must also condemn
Christian terrorist atrocities in the Cen-
tral African Republic, India, Lebanon and
Uganda, as well as the United States,
where Christian terrorists have bombed
abortion clinics and murdered doctors.
Likewise, we must condemn Jewish ter-
rorists who have murdered Muslims and
a prime minister of Israel; Hindu pogroms
against Muslims in India; and Buddhist
pogroms in Sri Lanka and Myanmar. But
we must not tar all religious people as ter-
rorists, much less single out only Muslims
for special discriminatory treatment.
Gilreath is tired of hearing that most
Muslims are peaceful and tolerant; most
of them, he states, participate in an Islam
If women taught us anything last month,
political activism is just like riding a bike.
month, the LGBT community is planning
an event of its own, smartly rolling into
Washingtons June Pride celebration.
What brought it all on exactly? Sheer
solidarity according to organizers of the
event. After all, there has been no real
attack on LGBT rights so far. Then again
its only been about three weeks or so.
Rest assured, large and small, these at-
tacks are coming. This time last week we
were on the edge of our seats waiting for
some wicked presidential executive order
to come rolling out that would roll back
so many of our recent victories. It never
came, though a draft version was widely
circulated. Details laid out in the draft
were, in a word, horrifying. But this order
that is openly hostile to gays and many
Islamic regimes, he notes, punish homo-
sexuality severely. But Putins Christian na-
tionalist regime in Russia also persecutes
gay people horrically, as do Christian
extremist regimes in Uganda and many
other countries in Africa. Three-fourths of
the Russian public does not think society
should tolerate gay people; sentiment in
much of Christian Africa is similar. In addi-
tion to his Muslim ban, why does Gilreath
not also call for a ban on Russian Ortho-
dox and African Christians?
Gilreath also attacks the Muslim holy
book, the Quran, which he claims to have
read cover to cover. It calls unequivo- at airports across the county, including
cally, he writes, for conquest and colo-
nization. Perhaps he was speed-reading.
There are also endless glorications of
conquest and colonization in the Bible.
But in both books, there are also valu-
able moral precepts and stirring poetry.
Believers may reconcile these passages
as they will, but there is no warrant for
singling out the Quran for special abuse.
We would do well to remember that
our recent civil rights achievements in the
West are no more than a few decades old,
and that for most of its history Islam has
been more tolerant of homosexuality than
Christendom. While Muslim Su poets
was never signed. I dont take particu-
larly well to being used as political cover
for fascists, but we learned later that it
was perhaps Trumps own daughter that
saved us from his pen.
So the executive order was never signed.
The mere fact that a draft was written
and circulated for serious consideration is
enough to take to the streets. Now the wolf
is at the door. And make no mistake, this is
a wolf in wolfs clothing. After being locked
out of the White House for eight years,
Christian evangelicals turned out en masse
to vote for Trump, a man thrice married
and who has made a fortune o gambling,
and soon he will have to pay the piper.
The executive order may have been ta-
F E BRU A RY 1 0 , 2 0 1 7 2 1
were composing masterpieces of mystical
homoerotic verse, gay people in Europe
were being tortured, hanged, drowned
and burned at the stake. It is important to
keep a little historical perspective.
Today our democracy is failing and our
representative institutions do not repre-
sent. Across the world, liberalism, tolerance
and reason are in retreat while religious
nationalists and authoritarian strongmen
are ascendant. Gays, lesbians, transgen-
der people and others who have suered
their own histories of repression must not
join in the ugly demonization of other mar-
ginalized groups. Already Muslims arriving
brilliant students, refugees eeing perse-
cution, and people who risked their lives
to help Americans, are being taken into
custody without due process or access to
counsel, detained indenitely or deported.
The principal eect of this cruel policy will
be to further discredit the United States
and increase alienation and radicalization
worldwide. In this perilous moment, liber-
als, leftists and all who care about human
rights must defend our Muslim brothers
and sisters, not join their attackers.
BRET BOYCE is a D.C. attorney and scholar.
bled for now, but of course intersection-
ality means my LGBTQ siblings who are
women, immigrants or Muslim are still
being attacked and degraded regardless.
For our allies, we need you. Weve been
to your weddings, youve been to ours.
Weve celebrated over the past eight
years the progress weve made. Now we
need you to stand with us as this progress
is threatened. We need you to stand with
us and openly question hateful legislation
and policy that may come under the guise
of so-called religious liberty. And, too, as
your allies we will continue to march and
protest on your behalf. A threat to one of
us is indeed a threat to all of us.
When it comes to protest, maybe weve
all gotten a little rusty. With monumental
court decisions, federal recognition, and
a White House bathed in rainbow colors,
there was plenty of opportunity to cel-
ebrate. And thats ne of course. There
is a time for everything. But nows the
time to march. Are we rusty? Maybe. But
if women taught us anything last month,
political activism is just like riding a bike.
You never forget how.
See you in June.
2 2 F E B RUA RY 1 0, 2017 W A SH I N G T O N BLA D E . CO M

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WWH-075 Washington Blade.indd 1 2/7/17 11:50 AM

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT WASHINGTONBLADE.COM VOLUME 48 ISSUE 06 FEBRUARY 10 2017 PAGE 23

This is the third annual Washington Blade Most Eligible LGBT Singles issue. It began with reader nominations and
there were many. From there, our sta chose the 20 most eligible, with an eye for locals with interesting stories,
those doing compelling work and yes, those who are easy on the eye!
Meet them in person Saturday night, Feb. 11 at Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) at 10:30 p.m.

WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTOS BY MICHAEL KEY WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTOS BY MICHAEL KEY

TAYLOR LIANNE CHANDLER GUY ANTHONY

Age: 44 Age: 30
Occupation: Author, model, actress, interpreter Occupation: Co-founder of Black, Gifted & Whole and ARTivist.
Identify as: Intersex female Identify as: Gay

What are you looking for in a mate? First and foremost, honesty! After that it gets a little
supercial. I like someone t, tall, with a great smile. I need chemistry that makes me miss them
and text them throughout the day because I need to feel connected to them. Someone who
loves music and movies and can cuddle up and watch or listen. I love contagious laughter and
extraordinary conversation. Someone who says they are normal, average or ordinary is not for
me. I want someone exceptional and just right for me. P.S. Someone who loves great coffee,
hiking, beach adventures, boating, bowling and a movie in the park with a blanket and a great
bottle of wine. Not too young or old, but just right.
Biggest turn-off: Lazy, unt, no ambition. Cant laugh at themselves. Anyone who judges
people.
Biggest turn-on: Perfect smile and a t, toned body about 62.
Hobbies: Great coffee, bowling, hiking, thrift or consignment shopping, reading.
Describe your ideal rst date: Casual picnic in the park or on the water at sunset with wine,
followed by an amazing kiss.
Favorite TV show: House of Cards, Scandal, Emerald City
Celebrity crush: Ryan Reynolds
One obscure fact about yourself: It seems like my whole life is public these days. In 2001,
I was in a horric car accident and pronounced dead. After brain surgery, coma,
reconstructive surgery, learning to walk and talk again with much metal and total face
and head reconstruction, Im here today better than ever.
What are you looking for in a mate? Someone who really understands what it means to be
both an organ and a blade. Someone who lives in a constant state of gratitude and refuses to
let past hurt impede on our future together.
Biggest turn-off: Judgmental, supercial and dishonest men.
Biggest turn-on: Vulnerability. LAWD! Men who allow themselves to be vulnerable; to share
with me a part of them that most have not seen is the sexiest thing a man can do for me. I want
more men with owers falling from their skin and more water in their eyes.
Hobbies: I love museums, traveling, writing poetry, reading, the theater, art galleries and doing
absolutely nothing. On weekends, I live by the rule that Saturdays are for adventures and
Sundays are for cuddles.
Describe your ideal rst date: My ideal rst date would be a date to see a show at the
Kennedy Center. Afterward, wed head over to the Mighty Pint to have a few beers and talk
until there are no more words left to be said. I believe that all rst dates should be dutch with
no expectations.
Favorite TV show: Of all time: Martin; currently: Blackish.
Celebrity crush: Tinie Tempah
One obscure fact about yourself: Im a recovering undercover over-lover.

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 WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23
WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTOS BY MICHAEL KEY
WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTOS BY MICHAEL KEY
WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTOS BY MICHAEL KEY
MO ST E LI G I BLE LG BT SI N G LE S
CARLOS MAZA
Age: 28
Occupation: Video producer
Identify as: Existentially anxious, but also a gay male
What are you looking for in a mate? Previously: intelligence, ambition, compassion, an
unsettling sense of humor. Now: survival skills.
Biggest turn-off: A guy who takes himself too seriously. Come on, man.
Biggest turn-on: When someone does something that scares them because they want to
conquer the self-doubt in their head.
Hobbies: Every time I get asked this question I remember that I have literally no interesting
hobbies. Miniature horse racing? I race miniature horses that I steal from trafckers. Lets go
with that.
Describe your ideal rst date: Anything that gets me to forget about worrying about the fate
of the country for 30 minutes.
Favorite TV show: The Walking Dead
Celebrity crush: Alyssa Edwards
One obscure fact about yourself: My high school principal made me shut down my VERY
funny Xanga because I was being too mean to other high school debaters on it.
TIM BARBER
Age: 29
Occupation: Journalist
Identify as: Gay
What are you looking for in a mate? Funny, smart, stylish.
Biggest turn-off: Ego
Biggest turn-on: Humor
Hobbies: Golf, traveling, food
Describe your ideal rst date: Great cocktails and music.
Favorite TV show: Breaking Bad
Celebrity crush: Jake Gyllenhaal
One obscure fact about yourself: I took ying lessons.
MATTHEW RAMIREZ
Age: 24
Occupation: Staff assistant for Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi.
Identify as: Male/gay
What are you looking for in a mate? Someone who isnt afraid to speak his mind, but also
makes me laugh. I look for ambition, kindness and passion. Fitness is important, but by no
means a deal-breaker. A charming smile and cute butt dont hurt.
Biggest turn-off: Being rude or inconsiderate to people in the service industry and immaturity.
Biggest turn-on: Oddly enough, Im a sucker for ears that stick out. A sense of humor, boyish
good looks and quick wit.
Hobbies: I enjoy all things true crime, weightlifting, live music and collecting sneakers.
Describe your ideal rst date: Preferably we try something new together, whether food, drink
or activity. From there, I like dates where we are mostly chatting and laughing. If someone can
teach me something new, make me laugh and keep the conversation going, there is likely a
kiss at the end of the night.
Favorite TV show: Favorite: House of Cards. Most-watched: Law and Order Special
Victims Unit
Celebrity crush: Russell Tovey
One obscure fact about yourself: I have an identical mirror image twin brother. No, he
is not gay.
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 WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

M O ST ELI GI B LE LGBT SING L ES F E BRU A RY 1 0 , 2 0 1 7 2 5

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

BRITTANY WALSH
Age: 32
Occupation: Community social worker
Identify as: Queer

What are you looking for in a mate? I like to spend time with people who are thoughtful
toward and interested in the world around them, who invest in community, who surprise me
by who they are or what they show me about myself. Those who make me laugh. It might also
help if theyre OK knowing Im not looking for one, lone adventure buddy.
Biggest turn-off: Folks who listen only to know when its their turn to talk, lack of self-
awareness, complacency.
Biggest turn-on: (Subtle) condence that comes from being passionate, creativity, good kissers.
Hobbies: Kitchen things, outdoor things (like borrowing someones dog for a walk), things
around town.
Describe your ideal rst date: Something we bike ride to; then something else such as
drinks, music, food and/or artsy events.
Favorite TV show: The one in paperback.
Celebrity crush: Ellen Page, Annie Clark, Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Can I also say Keith Haring?
One obscure fact about yourself: I was prom queen my senior year of high school.

DAVID TORIAN
Age: 52 WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTOS BY MICHAEL KEY

Occupation: Lawyer
Identify as: Gay, biracial Jew

What are you looking for in a mate? A man with a sense of humor, smart, has compassion,
patience and understands giving each other personal space. Enjoys going out as much as
staying in, willing to respect my guilty pleasures of reality TV and retro comedies, into home
cooking and likes to watch football (college and pro).
Biggest turn-off: Smoking, ignorance, arrogance (as opposed to condence do you know
the difference?), sloppy drunks.
Biggest turn-on: Great smile, sense of humor, quick wit, great kisser.
Hobbies: Cooking, travel, dining, politics, acting, hanging out with friends both out and at
home, shopping, museums, spoiling my nephews and niece, bowling, tennis, rediscovering
playing vintage video games.
Describe your ideal rst date: A bite to eat somewhere quiet, talk and get to know each
other, then go bowling or billiards or something similar not necessarily in that order.
Favorite TV show: Big Bang Theory
Celebrity crush: In my 20s: Matt Dillon; in my 30s: David Faustino; in my 40s: Robert Downey,
Jr.; currently: James Denton.
One obscure fact about yourself: Isnt being a gay biracial Jew obscure enough? OK, one
more I was born in Austria. WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTOS BY MICHAEL KEY

ALESIA MICHELLE
Age: 28
Occupation: Social justice digital strategist and content producer
Identify as: Queer

What are you looking for in a mate? I am looking for someone optimistic with a sense of
humor. We cant take ourselves too seriously. You wouldnt survive a minute with my friends
and I if youre too uptight. My ideal mate should be outgoing, travel as much as possible and
try everything once. Thoughtfulness and a strong sense of self goes a long way with me.
Biggest turn-off: Being passive aggressive, lacking empathy, and people who say
#AllLivesMatter.
Biggest turn-on: Independence, ambition and someone I can wear my heels with. Look, my
grandmother was my best friend so you MUST respect your elders.
Hobbies: Traveling, Eurovision, singing, brunch and happy hour. Opening my home and
hosting my friends and their friends is something I love to do. All the planning and preparation
that goes into organizing a get together gives me life.
Describe your ideal rst date: You may call it boring. I call it simple. My ideal rst date is
dinner, which should be someplace inventive where we could both try something new. Then
wed nish up the night with something fun your choice. WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTOS BY MICHAEL KEY
Favorite TV show: How to Get Away with Murder and all things ratchet reality television.
Celebrity crush: Loreen, a Swedish/Moroccan singer most Americans dont know but should.
One obscure fact about yourself: I sang on Showtime at the Apollo, and thankfully DID
NOT get booed.

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WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTOS BY MICHAEL KEY WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTOS BY MICHAEL KEY

JOFRED A. RIVERA RYAN MADDOCK

Age: 29 Age: 36
Occupation: research specialist Occupation: Social worker
Identify as: Gay Identify as: Gay

What are you looking for in a mate? Someone who has a great sense of humor, is open to
new ideas, strong drive, willing to compromise and has strong family values.
Biggest turn-off: Dishonesty, closed mindedness and akiness.
Biggest turn-on: Condence, sense of humor, uniqueness and someone who has goals.
Hobbies: Traveling, movies, dancing, organizing happy hours, trying new restaurants and
spending time with family (especially my cousins).
Describe your ideal rst date: Dinner in the city, dancing salsa all night and nishing it off
with a goodnight kiss.
Favorite TV show: Being Human or Friends
Celebrity crush: Ansel Elgort
One obscure fact about yourself: I used to play soccer in a league in Arequipa, Peru.
What are you looking for in a mate? Intelligence is very important. Communication is
imperative. Caring and attentive to not only me, but to other people when you speak with
them. Condence is a turn on, but arrogance is not.
Biggest turn-off: Lack of communication skills and arrogance. Easily distracted.
Biggest turn-on: Paying attention to me when talking. Remembering our conversations.
Caring, intelligent and friendly.
Hobbies: Biking, reading, movies, gym
Describe your ideal rst date: The setting does not matter as long as were able to talk to
each other and laugh.
Favorite TV show: Shameless, Archer, Family Guy
Celebrity crush: Ryan Gosling
One obscure fact about yourself: I may appear to be outgoing, but need my me time.

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 WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
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WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTOS BY MICHAEL KEY
KATE ROSS
Age: 33
Occupation: Owner, Ross Business Management. Working with entrepreneurs, musicians
and artists by serving as an outsourced CFO. Co-founder, the Coven D.C., serving the LGBT
community by providing places to dance, play, educate and get to know each other.
Identify as: Gay
What are you looking for in a mate? Compassionate, a good sense of humor, dog lover,
someone who can keep things in perspective, someone who is passionate about something,
someone who will approach me rst because I am shy, someone who likes to go to shows,
someone who takes less time to get ready than me.
Biggest turn-off: Bad hygiene. I have a very sensitive nose.
Biggest turn-on: Kindness, because we need more of this in the world.
Hobbies: Shopping for hair extensions online.
Describe your ideal rst date: I dont know what my ideal date is, preferably somewhere we
can talk. Surprise me!
Favorite TV show: I dont usually pick favorites, it depends how Im feeling.
Celebrity crush: Angel Haze
One obscure fact about yourself: I once was a rapper named Lab Rat. Heres a second for
good measure: I worked at Colonial Williamsburg in costume for 10 years.
MO ST E LI G I BLE LG BT SI N G LE S
WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTOS BY MICHAEL KEY
DIANE MELIS
Age: 26
Occupation: Makeup artist and HR professional
Identify as: Lesbian
What are you looking for in a mate? Someone who is compassionate and sincere. Someone
who knows what they want and isnt afraid to openly communicate that. I want a partner who
loves traveling and exploring things outside their norm, but also can spend a night in cooking
and binge watching a show from time to time.
Biggest turn-off: Being passive aggressive or a poor communicator are my biggest turn offs.
Being direct and honest gets you much further with me.
Biggest turn-on: Smiles often, has a strong sense of self and sense of humor; sarcasm is
welcomed and well received.
Hobbies: I like to stay busy with hip-hop and modern dance, writing for a local blog, mini
weekend getaways and exploring D.C. with friends.
Describe your ideal rst date: Something fun like the Mansion on O Street followed by food
and a ride on the Ferris wheel at the National Harbor or walk around the monuments.
Favorite TV show: How to Get Away with Murder
Celebrity crush: Rhea Butcher, Sophia Bush and Demi Lovato
One obscure fact about yourself: I have a small stick and poke tattoo that a friend gave me
last summer. Its one of my favorites that I have so far.
CONTINUES ON PAGE 30
W A SH I N GTO NB LAD E.C OM F E BRU A RY 1 0 , 2 0 1 7 2 9

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WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTOS BY MICHAEL KEY PHOTO COURTESY OF LOPEZ

JOE DONNELLY CONSUELLA LOPEZ

Age: 37 Age: 43
Occupation: Brand strategy consultant Occupation: Celebrity hairstylist and business owner
Identify as: Fun! (and yes, gay) Identify as: Transgender woman

What are you looking for in a mate? Im hoping Ill just know when I nd him. If not, Im What are you looking for in a mate? Companionship, fun and memorable times.
prepared to start a scientic scoring process (see TED talk on science of love).
Biggest turn-off: Bad hygiene
Biggest turn-off: Negativity
Biggest turn-on: Someone whos secure in his sexuality.
Biggest turn-on: Optimism
Hobbies: Cooking, traveling, dinners and nice glass of wine.
Hobbies: Improv, cooking, running, movie night bingo, specialty cocktail preparation
Describe your ideal rst date: Dinner and then go from there.
Describe your ideal rst date: Surprise me!
Favorite TV show: Dateline
Favorite TV show: West Wing (oldie but goodie).
Celebrity crush: Drake
Celebrity crush: Ryan Gosling
One obscure fact about yourself: I may be high maintenance, but Im also self-maintaining.
One obscure fact about yourself: I was once on the cover of the New York Times Sunday
Style section.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 32
W A SH I N GTO NB LAD E.C OM F E BRU A RY 1 0 , 2 0 1 7 3 1

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30

WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTOS BY MICHAEL KEY WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTOS BY MICHAEL KEY

ANGEL BOORD MATTIA DAFFUSO

Age: 44 Age: 26
Occupation: Naval ofcer Occupation: Marketing director
Identify as: Gay Identify as: Gay

What are you looking for in a mate? Intelligent, easy going and fun to be around
Biggest turn-off: Drama
Biggest turn-on: An athletic frame and a great dancer.
Hobbies: Triathlon, triathlon, triathlon (and cooking).
Describe your ideal rst date: Enjoying what we are doing so much that we lose track of time.
Favorite TV show: I dont really watch TV but if I have to pick one it would be The Chefs
Table on Netix.
Celebrity crush: Ruby Rose
What are you looking for in a mate? First and foremost, respect for one another. I want
someone who supports me but that also voices their opinions even if theyre different than
mine. Someone who is willing to face issues and not run away immediately. Someone who
is trustworthy. We are all different and bring different qualities to the table and I think whats
exciting about having a partner is knowing their strengths and weaknesses and together work
on becoming a team. Finally, a sense of humor, condence, kindness and a love for music.
Biggest turn-off: Dishonesty and arrogance
Biggest turn-on: Altruism, condence, a beautiful smile and eyes and a clean home/car.
Hobbies: Outdoor activities such as kayaking, biking, swimming, camping (probably not in a
tent though; Im gonna need a cabin or something). I enjoy traveling, music, performing arts
and love to cook. I can cook an amazing pasta carbonara!

One obscure fact about yourself: I was deaf as a child Describe your ideal rst date: I want to talk and get to know the person. Doesnt have to be
anything crazy. A quiet dinner so we can chat. Good food (and wine) is a must.

Favorite TV show: Scandal and How To Get Away With Murder

Celebrity crush: James Marsden

One obscure fact about yourself: I was born in Washington but spent my childhood in Italy
and speak Italian uently.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 34
W A SH I N GTO NB LAD E.C OM F E BRU A RY 1 0 , 2 0 1 7 3 3

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32

WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTOS BY MICHAEL KEY WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTOS BY MICHAEL KEY

JULIA DELOIS LISA MARIE THALHAMMER

Age: 26 Age: 35
Occupation: Actor, education associate Occupation: Full-time visual artist, muralist
Identify as: Queer Identify as: Pansexual cisgender female

What are you looking for in a mate? A y, down-to-earth sweetie to make me laugh and to
do Sheryl Crows part in Picture (I do Kid Rocks, obviously).
Biggest turn-off: Pretentiousness, emotional immaturity
Biggest turn-on: Tattoos, creative types
Hobbies: Theater, improv and sketch comedy, reading, podcasts, yoga. Writing with my New
Orleans-based sketch group, Friends With Gum, and doing jokes on Twitter (@jdelwoo). I also
like (websites) Medium and Reductress.
Describe your ideal rst date: I take you to a show, you take me to your fave D.C. spot for
dinner or drinks (I just moved here!). You smile graciously as I show you 500 pictures of my cat,
Wilma.
Favorite TV show: 30 Rock
Celebrity crush: Abby Wambach, Paul Rudd
One obscure fact about yourself: When I was 16 my friends held an intervention for me at a
Ruby Tuesday because they said I was too boy crazy. Now I like girls (and boys, still).
What are you looking for in a mate? My ideal mate is grounded, self-assured, empowered
and condent. They navigate their relationships with kindness, compassion, empathy and
emotional intelligence. My ideal mate understands that there is an interconnectedness
between all people and things. They are accepting and loving while also erce, fabulous,
intelligent, informed and political. They are interested in tribe building and raising a child
together to learn, laugh, play and grow with. They are fun, adventurous and enjoy world travel.
We practice yoga together and support each others personal and professional growth. They
smell good and enjoy cuddles and kisses. They are sincere, honest, trustworthy and follow
through on their word.
Biggest turn-off: Racial discrimination, misogyny, jealousy, rudeness
Biggest turn-on: Gender-bending, strong women, rad style, charisma, scent
Hobbies: Attending art exhibitions, galleries, museums and fairs. I like to dance, travel, play
tennis, hike and swim. I enjoy attending drag/burlesque shows and participating in Pride
parades. I am a feminist who marches for equality and protests injustice. I enjoy going to
theater, watching movies at home and cooking vegan. I am learning Spanish. I practice yoga
daily, enjoy meditation, mantra chanting, listening to uplifting music and spreading love.
Describe your ideal rst date: Attend a museum exhibition or yoga event, followed by vegan
dinner.

Favorite TV show: Democracy Now, Through the Wormhole, Portlandia, Walking Dead

Celebrity crush: Serena Williams, Frida Kahlo, Gloria Steinem, Owen Wilson, Jeff Goldblum,
Michelle Obama

One obscure fact about yourself: Growing up, my family owned and operated a truck stop
along Route 66 east of St. Louis and one of my rst jobs was working as a waitress at the truck
stop diner.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 35
 WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

M O ST ELI GI B LE LGBT SING L ES F E BRU A RY 1 0 , 2 0 1 7 3 5

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 34

WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTOS BY MICHAEL KEY WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTOS BY MICHAEL KEY

RYAN BOS SEJAL SINGH

Age: 43 Age: 23
Occupation: Non-prot management Occupation: Advocacy
Identify as: An individual who is gay. Identify as: Queer

What are you looking for in a mate? Someone who respects and treasures each others What are you looking for in a mate? Im looking for someone who shares my values,
individuality and uniqueness, yet treasures each others commonalities and shared interests. workaholic tendencies, enthusiasm for bad puns and commitment to progressive change.
I also want to be inspired by the work and contributions this person offers, while being
challenged and held accountable for the things I have yet to learn or mistakes I make. Biggest turn-off: Armchair critics and being rude to people working service jobs.

Biggest turn-off: Living in a world of absolutes, with a glass half empty, while smoking and not Biggest turn-on: Having positive projects. Theres nothing I love more than people who are
willing or able to learn from ones own mistakes. building something cool, innovative and impactful.

Biggest turn-on: A sense of optimism, with a desire for both mental and physical health.
Ultimately, someone who is able to be authentic and willing to communicate honestly.
Hobbies: Running, swimming, adventure racing, learning, social activism and advocacy,
dancing and traveling.
Hobbies: Party planning, protests, smashing the patriarchy.
Describe your ideal rst date: Exploring somewhere Ive never been before.
Favorite TV show: Greys Anatomy (I know, its embarrassing)

Describe your ideal rst date: Well, I somewhat dread going on dates and through the Celebrity crush: Sara Ramirez
motions. Though there are times when it feels right and each of us is willing to take a risk and
do something different and/or something that feels natural. I especially love live music. Give One obscure fact about yourself: As a teenager, I snuck into Joe Bidens 2012 DNC after-
me some good jazz and blues, with some tasty food. party.

Favorite TV show: Too many to list as I have very eclectic tastes. I enjoy a good cry from shows
like This Is Us, to crime dramas like The Blacklist, mindless shows like Greys Anatomy,
political shows like Homeland, sci- shows like Grimm and reality shows like The Amazing
Race. One of my all-time favorites is The West Wing.

Celebrity crush: Hugh Jackman

One obscure fact about yourself: My right leg is shorter and causing me to trip walking up
stairs fairly often.

3 6 F E B RUA RY 1 0, 2017
Blade singles class of 2016 check in
OLIVIA CONETTA
What is your relationship status now, one
year after being named a Blade Most
Eligible Single?
Single.
How was the experience of being named
a Blade Most Eligible Single did it lead
to any dates?
I dont think it led to any dates, but it did lead
to some lighthearted, affectionate teasing
from friends.
Any advice to this years winners?
Take a great picture and enjoy cracking
sarcastic jokes about how eligible you are.
SASANKA JINADASA
What is your relationship status now, one
year after being named a Blade Most
Eligible Single?
Still single!
How was the experience of being named
WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
FROM STAFF REPORTS
a Blade Most Eligible Single did it lead
to any dates?
Yes actually the very same night it was
announced.
Any advice to this years winners?
Resist fascism and live your best life.
CHRIS JENNINGS
What is your relationship status now, one
year after being named a Blade Most
Eligible Single?
Engaged
Where/how did you meet?
We met a while ago but we were both in
relationships at the time. Last year we were
nally both single and now its a thing.
How was the experience of being named
a Blade Most Eligible Single did it lead
to any dates?
It was fun, my anc tells her friends that I
was one of the most eligible singles. Its a
conversation starter.
Any advice to this years winners?
Wear this title with pride and you never know
what will happen in a year.
MARIO AUSTIN
What is your relationship status now, one
year after being named a Blade Most
Eligible Single?
Im currently still single but actively dating.
How was the experience of being named
a Blade Most Eligible Single did it lead
to any dates?
It was a cool experience. I got to meet some
amazing people and earn a few cool dates.
Any advice to this years winners?
Have fun! Enjoy every minute of the
celebration.
ADAM SMITH
What is your relationship status now, one
year after being named a Blade Most
Eligible Single?
I am still single.
MO ST E LI G I BLE LG BT SI N G LE S
WASHINGTON BLADE FILE PHOTOS BY MICHAEL KEY
How was the experience of being named
a Blade Most Eligible Single did it lead
to any dates?
It was fun being chosen for this and I had
a few people recognize me at the bars or
random people Im Facebook friends with
send messages about it, though Im not sure
it led to any actual dates.
JOHN JACK GALLAGHER
What is your relationship status now, one
year after being named a Blade Most
Eligible Single?
Alone Again, Naturally Gilbert OSullivan.
How was the experience of being named
a Blade Most Eligible Single did it lead
to any dates?
Mashup: Protect Ya Neck Wu Tang Clan, I
Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves
Me) Whitney Houston and Precious & Few
Climax
Any advice to this years winners?
Tears Dry On Their Own Amy Winehouse
W A SH I N GTO NB LAD E.C OM F E BRU A RY 1 0 , 2 0 1 7 3 7

3 8 F EB RUA RY 1 0, 2017 Q U E E RY : 2 0 Q U E ST I O N S F O R CH E RI E N U I T
CHERIE NUIT
Lots of booze, plenty of dancing and a
thick layer of glitter on every surface.
Although, to be honest, I used to be a
wedding oral designer, so I am a little
over weddings. Sorry yall.
What non-LGBT issue are you most
passionate about?
I am particularly passionate about
rights for sex workers. It is an outrage
that in this country we cannot provide
emotional, physical or nancial safety for
those within the sex worker community.
What historical outcome would you
change?
Two words: NO TRUMP
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BIRCHMERE Whats been the most memorable pop
culture moment of your lifetime?
As a performer in the burlesque world,
By JOEY DiGULIELMO its so delightful to see my dear friends
joeyd@washblade.com showing up as naked lady #2 or sex
shower girl in many popular TV shows. I
Angie Pontani and her burlesque troupe return for the 10th annual think were proud to represent the sexy,
Burlesque-A-Pades at the Birchmere (3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, Va.) naked, sparkly universe. In the world of
on Valentines Day (Tuesday, Feb. 14). Netix and chill, I nd endless joy in What LGBT stereotype annoys you
The show, dubbed Loveland this year, features Pontani and several New being able to say, Oh, did you watch the
York-based performers such as Albert Cadabra, the Peek-a-Boo Revue, sister last episode of Orange is the New Black?
Helen Pontani, the Maine Attraction and more. Most hail from New York, but My friend was the one banging Nicky.
joining them will be MC Cherie Nuit, a Baltimore resident who works in both
burlesque and as a college educator and administrator. On what do you insist?
As a performance artist, I love that it breaks down the boundaries of Dialogue and the power of compassion.
sexuality, the Chicago native says. I love that I can explore a variety of
subjects through sensuality and use my body as a political weapon. Also I love What was your last Facebook post or
to get naked, so thats a plus. Tweet?
Nuit, the shows stage kitten manages Burlesque-a-Pades and oers I posted a ier and photo for my Whats your favorite LGBT movie?
banter between acts. Shes been performing burlesque for ve years and is upcoming show next week in Alexandria,
especially looking forward to this years performance. A serious car accident Va., at the Birchmere: Burlesque in
prevented her from doing Burlesque-a-Pades last year and shes thrilled to Loveland starring Angie Pontani and
be back. Tickets are $29.50 for the 7:30 p.m. show. Details at birchmere.com. a bevy of beauties! Im so excited for
Nuit lives in Baltimores Remington neighborhood with her partner, Pat the show because it features a cast
Brennan. She enjoys painting, sculpting, hiking and hanging out with her from across the East Coast. It is one
burlesque family in her free time. Valentines Day tradition that I would be
devastated to miss out on!
If your life were a book, what would
the title be?
How long have you been out and who McKinnon kick ass in the eld of comedy! More, Please!
was the hardest person to tell? I was told when I was in high school
I have been out for eight years, and that women couldnt be funny and that If science discovered a way to change
honestly, it was the hardest to explain I couldnt be sexy and intelligent. I pride sexual orientation, what would you
to my mother. As someone that is both myself on breaking that stereotype do?
self-labeled as queer and pansexual, through everything that I do in my art Fight for the rights of all of those who
it was challenging for my mom to and actions. will now be pressured by their family,
understand. She is a wonderful woman religious groups, societal communities
and I adore her, but she still struggles Whats Baltimores best nightspot, and peers to adhere to a sexuality that
with it to this day. It is surprising, past or present? doesnt align with their heart. If this was
because shes surrounded with drag and Oh gosh, how I miss the Hippo! I have to take place, we would have a hard
performance art, but she only sees the so many memories of waking up with battle ahead of us and I would be sad
binary of sexuality. whiplash from overexertion and dancing when the insurmountable pressures that
at the Hippo. Currently, I am loving the youth would face as a result.
Whos your LGBT hero? Crown for performance art, queer DJs
As a performer with a passion for and some delicious kimchi fries! What do you believe in beyond the
comedy, I am always so proud to physical world?
see women like Jane Lynch or Kate Describe your dream wedding. I believe in the laws of cause and eect,
WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
and how this manifests karmically and
scientically.
Whats your advice for LGBT
movement leaders?
Now, more so than ever, we must
strengthen our stance and act as a voice
for those who dont have one, or are
afraid to speak up. Fear is permeating
the country, its our job as individuals
in the public eye to take a rm stance.
In the words of Maya Angelou, we must
stay angry, but never bitter. We must
use that anger to ght and allow our love
for humanity to propel us forward.
What would you walk across hot coals
for?
Cheese? Im a really big fan of cheese. I
would do a lot of things for cheese. But
really, I would walk across hot coals to
ght for what I believe in. Im not the
sort of individual that can sit complacent
while so much injustice permeates our
nation.
most?
Am I allowed to just say The L Word?
We dont all sit around at the juice bar
gossiping like mean girls. Im not even
sure I know where the closest juice bar
is. Maybe you can tell me, maybe Im just
not plugged in enough to know where
these juice bar friends are.
Blue is the Warmest Color gave me
some serious feels recently. However,
that being said, The Birdcage and
Velvet Goldmine are pretty much on
constant loop in our household.
Whats the most overrated social
custom?
Having previously worked in the
wedding industry, I pretty much think
that most customs tied to weddings are
antiquated and mildly oensive.
What trophy or prize do you most
covet?
I have a fully rhinestoned banana on
a pedestal in my home that I won for
a burlesque act I did wherein I had a
talking Fannypack vagina. Mull over that
for a little bit.
What do you wish youd known at 18?
Stop straightening your bangs.
Why Baltimore?
For everything that it is and everything
its not. I love Baltimore for the gaps
it leaves for growth and the space it
provides for nurturing creativity.
WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
T HE ATE R
HOLLY TWYFORD as Martha in Whos Afraid of Virginia Woolf. She gives the role a tender edge.
Twyford shines in Woolf;
Baby is come-to-Jesus
family drama
By PATRICK FOLLIARD
Five months after Edward Albees
death, Fords Theatre is presenting the
gay playwrights masterpiece Whos
Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Though slated
to go up long before his passing, the
production serves as a glowing tribute to
the man and his immense talent.
Set in a small New England college
town, the action unfolds throughout a
booze-fueled, after hours party. Middle-
aged hosts Martha (Holly Twyford) and
George (Gregory Linington), a professor
in the history department, entertain a
young biology professor Nick (a blond
Danny Gavigan) and his wife Honey
(Maggie Wilder) with too many drinks, a
raging display of outsized marital discord
and unsettling party games.
The plays title is the punchline from a
joke told earlier in the evening at a faculty
gathering held at Marthas fathers house.
Hes president of the college. George,
as Martha constantly reminds him and
anyone within ear shot, was once a hopeful
to take over daddys position but has
subsequently proved a disappointment.
George returns the favor by broadcasting
that Martha is his senior by six years and
a nymphomaniac.Their searing repartee
startles their young guests but, of course,
delights the audience.
Led by director Aaron Posner, the
cast delivers top-notch performances.
Livingstons George is front and center
in guiding the nights dissipated and
sometimes sadistic revelries. As sexy
Nick, Gavigan nails the proud, but eager-
to-please, striver. And Wilders mousey-
but-determined Honey supplies comic
relief. Out actor Twyfords Martha isnt a
monster. While Ive seen more shrewish,
tougher, louder and sexier Marthas, hers
is the most human. And when she reveals
the essence of her relationship with
George, its a heartrending moment.
The productions two-person scenes
are the best. Tension is sometimes
lacking when all four actors are on stage.
FE B R U A R Y 10, 2017 39
PHOTO BY SCOTT SUCHMAN; COURTESY OF FORDS THEATRE
And while I might like to have seen this
production in a more intimate setting, its
an especially memorable take on Albees
most-produced play.
But the true star of any Albee work is
the playwrights brilliant dialogue (some
of which is racier than whats usually
found at Fords). At the end of three hours
interrupted by two short intermissions,
you remain wanting to hear more.
Not far away at Woolly Mammoth,
youll nd an entirely dierent brand
of couple. In playwright Clare Barrons
mysterious Baby Screams Miracle, Carol
(Kate Eastwood Norris), whos pregnant,
and her well-meaning, but accident-
prone husband Gabe (Cody Nickell) are
born-gain Christians striving to open lines
of communication and deepen mutual
respect through prayer.
Set in the couples rural home they
share with a painfully shy young
daughter Kayden (the excellent Mia
Confidence So Sexy
Rilette) and Carols nurturing mother
Barbara (Sarah Marshall), the story takes
place throughout a verily apocalyptic
storm involving car wrecks, injuries and
hurricane-strength winds. Joining them
is Carol and Gabes estranged older
daughter Cynthia (Caroline Dubberly),
whos pregnant and has suered setbacks
since she last visited.
During the storm, faith and family are
brought into keen focus. Carol and Gabe
invite Cynthia to accept Jesus. While
momentarily reluctant, she gamely goes
along with the plan and is soon praying
aloud on her uncomfortable relationship
with her parents. Within the swirling and
terrifying storm, the family is somehow
brought closer together.
CONTINUES AT WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
WHOS AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?
Through Feb. 19
Fords Theatre
511 10th St., N.W.
$15-50
888-616-0270
Fords.org Join our Personal Training Program
BABY SCREAMS MIRACLE
Where Functionality & Strength Meet Technology
Through Feb. 26 1150 18th Street, NW
Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company Washington, D.C.
641 D St., N.W.
$20-79 benchgym@gmail.com
202-393-3939 www.benchgym.com
Woollymammoth.net
 WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

LIVE
UPCOMING PERFORMANCES
40 FEB R U A R Y 10, 2017 O U T & A BO U T

10TH ANNUAL NOLA FUNK

MARDI GRAS BALL TOUR
VOODOO
DEAD
FEAT. STEVE KIMOCK, JACKIE GREENE,
OTEIL BURBRIDGE, JEFF CHIMENTI
WITH SPECIAL GUEST PAPA MALI
THURSDAY FEB 9

the By MARIAH COOPER

DUSTBOWL
REVIVAL
W/ THE RAD TRADS
FRIDAY FEB 10
SAT, FEB 11
NEWMYER FLYER PRESENTS
THE BEATLES LOVE SONGS:
VOL. 4
SUN, FEB 12
AN EVENING WITH
DAILEY & VINCENT PHOTO BY JOHNNY SHRYOCK; COURTESY OF SYNETIC THEATER

TUES, FEB 14
VALENTINES DAY WITH Synetic unveils Taming of the Shrew
KENNY LATTIMORE
Synetic Theater (1800 S. Bell St., Arlington, Va.) presents Shakespeares classic
PHOTO COURTESY OF BLUES ALLEY
comedy The Taming of the Shrew Feb. 15-March 19.
The Taming of the Shrew stars Irina Tsikurishvili, Ryan Sellers, Alex Mills
THEHAMILTONDC.COM and Chris Galindo. Showtimes are Wednesday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Mary Wilson at
Sundays at 2 p.m. General admission tickets start at $35 and student tickets start
at $15. Senior citizens and military receive $5 o.
Blues Alley Feb. 16-19
For more details, visit synetictheater.org.
Motown legend Mary Wilson performs
a four-night engagement at Blues Alley
(1073 Wisconsin Ave., N.W.) Feb. 16-19.
Wilson is best known as the founding
member of the Supremes. Her solo
work includes three studio albums and
one live album. Shes also penned three
autobiographies about her life as a
Supreme. Tickets range from $40-45.
For a complete list of dates and times,
visit bluesalleylive.com.

ResistDance, Her HRC

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dance parties planned
DJs give ultimate dance parties at two
events this weekend.
The D.C. Eagle (3701 Benning Rd., N.E.)
PHOTO COURTESY OF LA TI DO presents ResistDance featuring DJ Jason
Horswill on Saturday, Feb. 18 from 10
p.m.-4 a.m. Horswill has spun tracks for
MAL, Cherry D.C. and Kings Dominion
La Ti Do oers anti-Valentines Day show Gay Night. Cover is $10. For more details,
visit dceagle.com.
La Ti Do performs Love Sucks, But You Gotta Have Faith at Bistro Bistro (1727 Her HRC DJ Battle will be at Town (2009
Connecticut Ave., N.W.) on Monday, Feb. 13 from 8-10 p.m. 8th St., N.W.) on Sunday, Feb. 19 from 8
The performance will include songs dedicated to George Michael. La Ti Dos p.m.-midnight. DJ L Stackz, DJ Vodkatrina,
February feature Aaron Reeder will make an appearance. The group will also DJ TMF and DJ Honey will battle it out
spotlight Soneka Anderson and will feature guest performances by Caroline throughout the night. Jay Barber hosts.
Dubberly, Kari Ginsburg, Anya Nebel, Jane Petkofsky, Michael Sandoval and The rst DJ begins at 9 p.m. VIP tickets are
Charlie Wright. Taylor Rambo accompanies the performances. Don Mike $40 and include expedited entry, a meet
Mendoza and Anya Randall Nebel host the event. General admission tickets are and greet with the cast from the District
$15 at the door. Student tickets and senior citizen tickets are $7 with ID and non- Heat webseries, two drink tickets and a
performing La Ti Do alumni tickets are $5. special gift. General admission tickets are
Doors open at 7:55 p.m. For more information, visit latidodc.wixsite.com. $15. For more details, visit facebook.com/
hrcgreaterwashingtondc.
WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
FI L M
Deadly 1973 hate crime
recalled in new documentary
By BRIAN T. CARNEY
Tell your boss youre taking a long lunch
on Thursday. On Feb. 16, the Library of
Congress will host the D.C. premiere
of Upstairs Inferno, a powerful new
documentary about a nearly forgotten
piece of LGBT history, the tragic re at the
UpStairs Lounge in New Orleans in 1973.
The movie will screen at noon in the
Pickford Theatre in the James Madison
Building. Openly gay director Robert
Camina will be on hand to discuss the lm.
This is Caminas second full-length
feature, and his second lm to be honored
by the Library of Congress. His previous
movie, Raid of the Rainbow Lounge,
screened there in 2014. The acclaimed
movie chronicled a controversial raid on
a gay bar in Fort Worth, Texas in 2009.
Raid was a hit on the festival circuit
and a chance encounter at a screening
gave Camina the inspiration for this movie.
Camina met David Golden, who told him
about the re and became a producer of
the new movie. Before the Pulse Massacre
in Orlando last June, the New Orleans
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arson was the deadliest known attack on a
gay club in American LGBT history.
On June 24, 1973, someone deliberately
set re to a gay bar in New Orleans, killing
32 people. There was a primary suspect,
but he was never arrested.
The tragedy was met with callous
indierence by local ocials, including
the police, Mayor Maurice Landrieu,
Governor Edwin Edwards and, most
notably Archbishop Philip Michael
Hannan who refused to hold a memorial
service for the victims of the re.
I was shocked, Camina says. I had
never heard of it. This was a benchmark
moment in LGBT history. This was up there
with Stonewall but nobody had heard
about it. I thought that needed to change.
A Texas native, Camina began by
researching gay life in the Big Easy in 1973.
People often think that New Orleans
was much more liberal. Thats what I
thought going in, he says. But it was
pointed out to me that the French Quarter
may be more liberal, but while the French
Quarter is in New Orleans, New Orleans
is not the French Quarter. The city is a
microcosm for the South. It was dicult
to live your life openly.
Camina also began tracking down
survivors. That was a challenge.
PHOTO BY JOHNNY TOWNSEND; COURTESY OF CAMINA ENTERTAINMENT
The re happened in 1973, Camina
says, so even the youngest of the patrons
were now in their late 50s or early 60s.
There was the AIDS crisis, so we lost a lot
of people who had a direct recollection
of the re. Then you add in Hurricane
Katrina, archival material was destroyed
and people were scattered.
The rst interview Camina lmed for
the documentary was the Rev. Troy Perry,
founder of the Metropolitan Community
Church. Since several members of the
New Orleans MCC were killed in the re,
including two members of the clergy, Perry
came to the city to help his congregants and
the community deal with the aftermath.
The crew and I were in tears hearing
him speak, Camina says. I love hearing
him talk. Thats powerful history.
The last person Camina interviewed on
lm was the legendary New Orleans drag
performer Regina Adams, whose lover
Reggie Adams died in the re. Regina met
Reggie at the UpStairs Lounge, one of the
few places in the city that would welcome
a gay interracial couple.
They had a lot of obstacles but they
loved each other immensely, Camina
says. They were together at the UpStairs
Lounge on the night of the re. They
realized they had left their wallets at home.
F E BRU A RY 1 0 , 2 0 1 7 4 1
Patrons at the UpStairs Lounge.
Regina left to go around the corner to pick
up her wallet. In the few moments that
passed, thats when the re happened.
She returned to nd the bar in ames and
she didnt know what had happened to
Reggie until she went to the hospital that
night. Its a story of true love.
Camina notes that he reached out
to both Adams and Perry after the
Pulse Massacre last June. All three were
horried to see history repeat itself.
That sense of history is why Camina
cares so much about Upstairs Inferno,
especially in the current political climate.
As more and more alternative facts
pop up, we have to share the real facts, the
real history, he says. We cant go back to
the horrible level of callousness that was
displayed by the police and the church
at the time of the tragedy. We need to
remember our history and to honor the
memory of those who perished. We can
look to the past and draw on the strength
of those who came before us.
UPSTAIRS INFERNO SCREENING
Thursday, Feb. 16
Noon-1:30 p.m.
Library of Congress
Pickford Theater (third oor of the James
Madison Building)
Free
Details at loc.gov/loc/events or 202-707-5502

4 2 F EB RUA RY 1 0, 2017
Athlete Bill May nds new
hope after decades of exile
By KEVIN MAJOROS
Sometimes it just takes one person to
initiate a major change. But it takes time.
In the world of synchronized swimming,
that person is Bill May.
May, who left home at age 16 to live with
a host family in Santa Clara, Calif., where he
could train, has for years been an advocate
for male inclusion in the heretofore all-
female world of the sport. And nally, there
are signs that the tide is turning.
During a panel discussion at the recent
International Swimming Federation (known
as FINA or the Federation Internationale
de Natation) congress in Ontario, Canada,
longtime sports activist and Olympic
swimming gold medalist, Donna de Varona,
pointed out that diversity will result in
growth for the aquatics community.
Synchronized swimming remains as the
only FINA sport not equally represented
by both sexes. As of the most recent 2016
Olympics in Rio, men are not allowed to
compete in synchronized swimming events.
May started the sport by training and
performing with two New York teams, the
Syracuse Synchro Cats and the Oswego
Lakettes. After moving to California, he
tried out for the nationally renowned
Santa Clara Aquamaids and earned a
spot on their junior squad.
It was 1996 and as a young gay man, he
was undaunted by the challenges facing
him in a sport that wasnt accepting of
men. He wouldnt be allowed to compete
in most sanctioned events with his
teammates because of his gender.
BILL MAY and partner KANAKO SPENDLOVE in performance and during a training session.
PERFORMANCE PHOTO BY LIZ CORMAN PHOTOGRAPHY; USE WITH PERMISSION; TRAINING PHOTO BY KEVIN MAJOROS
I was pretty stubborn and was
determined to stay in the sport I loved,
May says. I still wanted to do it even
if it meant I would never be allowed to
compete in the Olympics. I took inspiration
from friends on the swim team that
continued to compete even though they
would never make it to the Olympic level.
May gained approval from FINA
to compete in duet events in several
competitions such as the 1998 Goodwill
Games (silver), the 1999 Swiss Open (gold)
and the 1999 French Open (gold). He was
named the U.S. Synchronized Swimming
Athlete of the Year in 1998 and 1999 and
would go onto win the Grand Slam at the
2000 Jantzen Nationals.
Because of the lack of support he
received from his own sports national
federation, he was not allowed to compete
at the 2004 Athens Olympics as they never
led for an inclusion. The President of the
United States Synchronized Swimming
Federation at the time, Ginny Jasontek,
stated, We cannot allow men to compete
in a womens sport.
Bill May traveled to Athens in 2004 as a
spectator to cheer on his teammates and
then gracefully retired from the sport.
By the next year, he was performing ve
days a week, two shows a night in the
Las Vegas water-based production O by
Cirque Du Soleil.
Fast-forward to November, 2014 when
the news arrived that FINA had passed
an inclusion to allow for the rst time,
two mixed-duet events at the 2015 FINA
World Championships in Kazan, Russia.
It was a major rst step for a possible
inclusion in future Olympics. A mad
scramble ensued to reunite May with his
former free routine partner, Kristina Lum
Underwood, and nd a new partner in
Christina Jones for the technical routine.
With only eight months to train and with
Underwood seven months pregnant, they
had their work cut out for them. When the
time came, they faced down nine teams
on the world stage in Kazan with May and
Jones winning the gold in the mixed-duet
technical routine and May and Underwood
taking the silver in the mixed-duet free
routine. It was a long-awaited triumph
just for May to compete in a sanctioned
synchro world championships.
After spending two weeks at the world
championships, I realized that I wanted to
see more mixed-duet teams competing
and I wanted to see more mixed teams
swimming dierently than their female
counterparts, May says.
Now that the ball is rolling again, May
is determined to push for mixed duets in
the Olympics. He is one of many people
who are working with U.S. Synchronized
Swimming, FINA and the International
Olympic Committee for inclusion. The 2016
Rio Olympics have passed by and the target
is now for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
Both of Mays mixed-duet partners
retired after the 2015 World Championships
in Kazan and he began the search for a
new partner shortly after returning to Las
Vegas. He didnt have to search far as his
future duet partner had been swimming
right in front of him all along.
Kanako Kitao Spendlove won a silver
medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics in
the synchro team competition for Japan.
They had originally met at a junior open
meet at the America Cup in 1996. She
had been working with May at Cirque
for almost 10 years and gave up her
Japanese citizenship in December 2015
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SP O RT I N I N D . C.
and became his new mixed-duet partner.
In their rst competition together at the
UANA Pan American Championships in
Puerto Rico last September, they brought
home the gold for the United States in the
mixed-duet free routine. They have been
named to the U.S. national synchro team
through 2020.
Along with aiming for a chance to be
included in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, May
and Spendlove are hoping to propose new
rules and requirements for mixed duets.
The mixed-duet free program shouldnt
be judged the same way as same-sex
duets. We have connections, lifts and
throws that they dont include in same-sex
duets, May says. What we are doing takes
more strength not to mention that the
roles are dierent, as opposed to being a
mirror image. We also dont want to be a
direct comparison to same-sex duets as it
would be a hindrance to growth.
A few months after their success in
Puerto Rico, May and Spendlove headed
to Panama to host a mixed-duet synchro
clinic. It was an attempt to draw more of
the Americas into the sport as it is already
gaining momentum in Europe.
Currently the duo is training four hours a
day, six days a week in the pool along with
their duties performing with Cirque. Their
next big competition is the FINA World
Championships in Budapest, Hungary in
July where they will compete in both the
technical and free mixed duets. Hopefully,
that will bring them a step closer to
inclusion in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Both of us love this sport, love
performing and want to add a new
dynamic to synchro, May says. We
want to raise the level of athleticism and
artistry to new heights.
WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
FI L M
Filmmaker HUNTER LEE HUGHES uses poetry as a key to the psyche in his new lm.
Filmmaker uses poetry
as device in new lm
By BRIAN T. CARNEY
Known for showcasing cutting-edge
features, shorts and documentaries on
every subject from every country with every
budget and on every subject imaginable,
the 2017 D.C. Independent Film Festival
(dci-indie.org) runs Feb. 15-20.
The festival has also become known
for the diversity of its oerings, including
spotlighting LGBT themes and the work
of emerging queer artists, and this years
festival continues that commitment.
On the features side, openly gay
director/writer/actor/producer Hunter Lee
Hughes will be in Washington on Sunday,
Feb. 19 for the screening of his stylish
new movie Guys Reading Poems. (The
screening will be at 4:15 in the Burke
Theatre at the Naval Heritage Center.)
Hughes says the movie was inspired by
his grandmothers love of poetry. When my
grandmother passed away, I ended up with
her poetry collection, he says. She used to
read poetry out loud to herself to keep her
mind sharp. When I nally cracked open
the books, I realized that my grandmother
interacted with the poems on the page. She
would circle certain titles, there would be
underlining, there would be notes in the
margin. One of the notes said, This reminds
me of my friend Jenny. I never even knew
she had a friend named Jenny.
The poems became clues about who
his grandmother was.
I thought how interesting it would be if I
made a lm where the poems are clues to
the psyche of the lead character, he says.
In Guys Reading Poems, the poems
provide insights into the wounded psyche
of a young boy who has been locked in a
box by his mother, a disturbed artist, as
part of one of her performance pieces.
Hughes says that the lm is like watching
a dream where the dreamer is slowly
waking up and returning to reality.
The central story is about the Boy (Luke
FE B R U A R Y 10, 2017 43
PHOTO COURTESY OF HUGHES
Judy), his abusive mother (lesbian actor
Patricia Velasquez), and his father (Alexander
Dreymon), who leaves the family to move
to New York with an actress (Lydia Hearst).
Hughes surrounds this traditional lm
narrative with a wide variety of poetry, around
half of which comes from his grandmothers
collection. The poetry is performed by an
assortment of men, including Hughes and
out actor Rex Lee (Entourage).
Working closely with cinematographer
Michael Pessah, Hughes gave the lm a
look he calls neo noir. Its noir, Hughes
explains, because its look is based on
the classic crime thrillers from the 1940s
and 1950s that featured tough guys and
femme fatales and were shot in black and
white with high contrast lighting.
Hughes next project (Inside-Out,
Outside-In) is taking him in a very
dierent direction. Its about a gay man
and a straight man who realize they
might be reincarnations of soulmates
from another life. Hughes says. I call it a
reincarnation romantic drama.
Among the shorts are two fascinating
lms with gay themes. The festival
will present the world premiere of
Masquerade, A Story of the Old
South directed by Andrew Hawkins.
Inspired by a true story and lmed in
Fairfax, Va., the period drama presents an
uncommon slave narrative that explores
the complicated nature of passing and
captures the experience of both African
Americans and gay people during this
complicated time. Hawkins will be present
when Masquerade screens at the Burke
Theatre on Saturday, Feb. 18 at 3:15 p.m.
The stunning Salt by award-winning
Brazilian director Diego Freitas has its U.S.
premiere on Sunday, Feb. 19 at 8:45 p.m.
at the Burke Theatre. Also based on a true
story, it tells of a solitary computer technician
who meets a sophisticated older man on
a website for people who share a strange
fantasy. As the festival publicity states with
exemplary caution, a date is set up, and
the night will culminate in an irreversible
experience for both of them. The lm is in
Portuguese with English subtitles.

4 4 F EB RUA RY 1 0, 2017
This Week in the Arts provided by CultureCapital.com
DANCE
SOLE Dened. Feb 11-Feb 12. Dance
Place. danceplace.org.
Step Afrika! Step Xplosion. Feb 12. Step
Afrika! at Strathmore. stepafrika.org.
MUSIC
Chris Smither. Feb 11. New
Orchestra of Washington. Feb 14.
AMP. ampbystrathmore.com.
NSO: An Evening with Joshua
Bell. Feb 11. NSO: Hahn plays
Mendelssohn. Feb 16-Feb 18. Kennedy
Center. kennedy-center.org.
The Magic of Saint- Saens. Feb 11.
National Chamber Ensemble.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Rosslyn Spectrum.
Thru Feb 12. Kennedy Center. nationalchamberensemble.org.
kennedy-center.org. Blue Heron Renaissance Choir. Feb
The much-loved company returns for its annual engagement with a program that 12. Atlantic Reed Consort. Feb 15.
includes both cherished favorites and newly debuted works. The Hungton Post National Gallery of Art. nga.gov.
proclaims it a rich source of creativity and exacting expertise [that] never runs dry. Colin Currie, percussion. Feb 11.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Washington Performing Arts at
Sixth & I. Joshua Bell, violin & Sam
Thru Mar 5. Olney Theatre Center. Haywood, piano. Feb 10. Washington
olneytheatre.org. Performing Arts at Kennedy
The award-winning artistic team behind Carousel and How To Succeed... brings Center. Igor Levit, piano. Feb 11.
this Tony Award-winning musical thriller to life with an exceptional cast and Washington Performing Arts at UDC.
Broadway production values. washingtonperformingarts.org.
Olga Vocal Ensemble. Feb 16. Joey
Alyson Cambridge - Until Now Tour Antico. Thru Feb 22. Strathmore.
Feb 11. The Barns at Wolf Trap. strathmore.org.
wolftrap.org. The Young King. Feb 10. JACK
Alyson Cambridges refreshingly sultry, sassy, and sophisticated album Until Now Quartet. Feb 11. Xiang Gao, violin.
(2016) comes to life on stage as a jazzed up cabaret. She makes her Barns debut Feb 15. The Clarice.
after over a decade of success on the worlds leading opera and concert stages. theclarice.umd.edu.
Eric Paslay. Feb 10. Cherish the
For the Love of Color Ladies. Feb 14-Feb 15. Solas. Feb 16-
Thru Mar 6. Reston Community Center at Lake Anne. Feb 17. The Barns. wolftrap.org.
restoncommunitycenter.com.
Mary Ellen Mogees work explores color luminosity the ability for paint to
glow or shine paintings and are full of bright, saturated hues, energy and
MUSEUMS
movement. In a series of abstract oral paintings on long, narrow canvases, National Archives. Amending
she creates whimsy through an overlapping patchwork of lively colors. America. Thru Sep 4.
archivesfoundation.org.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE KENNEDY CENTER Library of Congress. World War I:
American Artists View the Great War.
Thru May 5. Mapping a Growing
Nation: From Independence to
THEATRE Center. shearmadness.com.
King Charles III. Thru Mar 12.
Statehood. Thru Sep 1. loc.gov.
National Gallery of Art. Stuart Davis:
As You Like It. Thru Mar 5. Folger Shakespeare Theatre Company. Sidney In Full Swing. Thru Mar 5. nga.gov.
Theatre. folger.edu. Harman Hall. shakespearetheatre.org. National Geographic. @NatGeo: The
James Sibley & Dan Whitehurst. Feb I Wanna Fucking Tear You Apart. Thru Most Popular Instagram Photos. Thru
16. AMP. ampbystrathmore.com. Feb 19. The Hard Problem. Thru Feb Apr 30. nglive.org.
Walnut Street Theatre: Last of the 26. Studio Theatre. studiotheatre.org. National Museum of Women in
Red Hot Lovers. Feb 12. GMU Center The How and The Why. Feb 15-Mar the Arts. Wanderer/Wonderer: Pop-
for the Arts. cfa.gmu.edu. 12. Theater J. theaterj.org. Ups by Colette Fu. Thru Feb 26. Bold
Whos Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Thru The Importance of Being Earnest. Broadsides and Bitsy Books. Thru
Feb 19. Fords Theatre. fords.org. Feb 10-Feb 18. The Clarice. Mar 17. From the Desk of Simone de
Yo tambin hablo de la rosa (I Too theclarice.umd.edu. Beauvoir. Thru Jun 2.
Speak of the Rose). Thru Feb 26. GALA Baby Screams Miracle. Thru Feb 26. National Portrait Gallery. In the
Hispanic Theatre. galatheatre.org. Woolly Mammoth. woollymammoth.net. Groove: Jazz Portraits by Herman
Mack, Beth. Thru Feb 11. Keegan Last Train to Nibroc. Thru Feb 19. Leonard. Thru Feb 20. Bill Viola: The
Theatre. keegantheatre.com. Washington Stage Guild. Undercroft Moving Portrait. Thru May 7.
Shear Madness. Thru Jun 11. Kennedy Theatre. stageguild.org. npg.si.edu.
WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
A RT S & CU LT U RE
GALLERIES
Strathmore. Crossfade. Thru Feb
19. La Vie en Bleu. Thru Feb 19.
strathmore.org.
gallery Neptune & Brown. Ben
Tolman: Weltschmerz. Thru Feb 25.
galleryneptunebrown.com.
Glen Echo Park. Tower in Three:
Barbara Liotta. Thru Mar 5.
glenechopark.org.
Goethe-Institut. Privacy on Display.
Thru Mar 7. goethe.de.
Hill Center. Hill Center Galleries
Exhibits. Thru Feb 26. hillcenterdc.org.
Torpedo Factory. Ipseity. Thru
Mar 5. Jay Hendrick. Thru Mar 31.
torpedofactory.org.
Waverly Street Gallery. Process
and Inspiration. Thru Mar 4.
waverlystreetgallery.com.
Zenith Gallery. Creatively We Unite.
Thru Mar 4. zenithgallery.com.
AND MORE...
No Boundaries: An Evening of Art at
the Australian Embassy. Feb 13.
Cultural Treasures Foundation.
culturaltreasures.org.
Voters Choice: Saint Clara. Feb 14.
Washington Jewish Film Festival.
EDCJCC. wj.org.
Brews & Banter: As You Like It. Feb 16.
Folger Theatre. folger.edu.
Cinema J Presents: Village of Peace.
Feb 12. JCCNV. jccnv.org.
Film: Beauty and the Beast. Feb 10-
Feb 11. Book Talk: The Original Black
Elite: Daniel Murray and the Story
of a Forgotten Era. Feb 14. Lecture:
Rewriting Rachmanino: Transcriptions
and Revisions in the Librarys Collections.
Feb 14. Library of Congress. loc.gov.
An Evening with the Mt. Rushmore
Presidents. Feb 16. National Archives.
archivesfoundation.org.
Me (aka I). Feb 11. Elevator to the
Gallows. Feb 11. Drought and Lie. Feb
12. National Gallery of Art. nga.gov.
Then Come Back: A Celebration of Pablo
Neruda. Feb 14. Folger Shakespeare
Library. Folger Theatre. folger.edu.
Gallery Talk: Collection Selections. Feb
15. National Museum of Women in
the Arts. nmwa.org.
Bookends: King Charles III
Creative Conversations. Feb 15.
Shakespeare Theatre Company.
shakespearetheatre.org.
AIR Workshop: Joey Antico. Feb 15.
Strathmore. strathmore.org.
Researching Your Genealogy: A Journey
of Self-Discovery. Feb 11. True Tortillas:
The Seeds of Mexicos Culinary Heritage.
Feb 13. Smithsonian Associates.
Smithsonian S. Dillon Ripley Center.
smithsonianassociates.org.
WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
M US I C
The Internet wunderkind
out with smart, subtle
solo record
By CHRIS GERARD
The 24-year-old Los Angeles-based
singer/songwriter Syd (born Sydney
Bennett) has just unleashed an impressive
debut solo album, Fin, out now on
Columbia Records. Fin is a smart
collection of pulsating R&B, a quiet storm
of electronic beats and imaginative
arrangements. Its chill, sexy and thought-
provoking all at once, an impressive debut.
The openly gay Syd began her career
as part of Odd Future, a hip-hop collective
that has at various times included such
luminaries as Tyler, the Creator, Earl
Sweatshirt, Frank Ocean, among many
others. In 2011, Syd co-founded the neo-
soul group the Internet, whose acclaimed
2015 album Ego Death was nominated for
a Grammy for Best Urban Contemporary
Album. Syd is still a part of the Internet
(with whom she will be performing at the
Fillmore in Silver Spring on Feb. 27), but
with Fin she clearly stakes her claim as a
solo artist worthy of attention.
Fin is hypnotic and low-key, Syds
captivating voice adding a velvety
softness to the generally spare electronic
beats. She maintains an aura of coolness,
keeping her emotions in check nothing
is overheated or overdone. Theres
plenty of sonic space for the listener to
appreciate the subtle complexities that
Syd and her collaborators lace throughout
the album. Syd co-wrote every track and
produced much of the album along with
several top-notch collaborators.
Album opener Shake Em O
establishes the equable mood with Syd
delivering a lovely and understated vocal
over a stuttery rhythm and a simple
booming bass ri. Know is one of several
tracks that seem inuenced by 90s R&B
artists like Toni Braxton and Aaliyah. Syd
sings in her whispery upper register,
reminiscent of Janet Jackson at times.
Nothin to Somethin is stripped-down
FE B R U A R Y 10, 2017 45
IMAGE COURTESY OF COLUMBIA RECORDS
melodic hip-hop, her laid-back half-sung
vocals keeping the mellow vibe intact.
The lead single All About Me nds
Syd somewhere between a recitation
and a rap over spare electro-beats and
a quavery keyboard ri that sounds like
its bubbling up from under water. Smile
More is a smooth R&B ballad, another
90s throwback with an ultra chill vibe
thats intoxicating. Got Her Own, with
its slow-burning groove and sultry multi-
layered vocals, is another beguiling track
on an album loaded with them.
On Body, Syd dips her toes back
into 90s R&B with a sinuous melody
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sung in her beautiful falsetto over a
sparse arrangement, mostly just a
simple combination of electronic beats
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and a quavery synthesizer. Arguably
the albums high point is Over, a
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of a relationship from both points of view.
6LACKs contribution involves a much
harsher retribution than Syds he ends
the song with an open-ended question
that presents an obstacle present in
many relationships: How we gon look 50th Anniversary
for help when you dont know yourself?
Interesting that he gets the last word and Season
Syds character leaves his accusations
unchallenged. Maybe she agrees.
The nal track is Insecurities, in which Syd
delivers what seems to be a more personal CAMERON
and revealing side to herself. She doesnt
shy away from her gayness, with lines like, CARPENTER
You know I love you girl/maybe more than
I love myself/but in a perfect world/I would
and the International
be with somebody else. She wants to leave, Touring Organ
but her insecurities prevent her from making
the move. Every moment feels genuine. Its Fri, Mar 3, 8pm
intriguing that Syd would end such a self-
assured album with a song that expresses Strathmore
doubt and apprehension. Shes not about Extravagantly talented
false bravado or what one might expect from
pop/R&B aiming for Top 40 radio. Syd isnt fantastical and memorable
afraid to be vulnerable, or one might say, real. New York Times
Fin is emotionally honest and
Special thanks: Drs. Irene Roth and Vicken Poochikian
musically alluring, a pleasurable listen
that should earn Syd much praise and
recognition. Its a strong debut for a 50th Anniversary Season Sponsors: Dr. Gary Mather and Ms. Christina Co Mather
young artist who is on a trajectory that WashingtonPerformingArts.org (202) 785-9727
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4 6 F EB RUA RY 1 0, 2017
E-mail calendar items to calendars@washblade.
com two weeks prior to your event. Space is lim-
ited so priority is given to LGBT-specic events
or those with LGBT participants. Recurring
events must be re-submitted each time.
TODAY
Social in the City hosts an LGBT happy
hour at Bar Rouge lounge in the Kimpton
Rouge Hotel (1315 16th St., N.W.) tonight
from 7-9 p.m. No cover. For more
information, visit gogaydc.com.
East City Bookshop (645 Pennsylvania
Ave., S.E.) hosts OutWrite: An Evening
of Queer Readings tonight from 6-8 p.m.
Authors Everett Maroon, Risa Denenberg,
David Eye and Craig L. Gidney will read
their works. Joe Okonko moderates. For
more details, visit eastcitybookshop.com.
JR.s Bar and Grill (1519 17th St., N.W.)
hosts TAPS (Lights Out), a gay dance party,
tonight from midnight-3 a.m. Military
drink free from midnight-1 a.m. For more
information, visit jrsbar-dc.com.
Women in Their 20s and 30s, a social
discussion group for LBT and all women
interested in women, meets today at
the D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.)
from 8-9:30 p.m. All welcome to join. For
details, visit thedccenter.org.
SATURDAY, FEB. 11
Washington Blade hosts its Most
Eligible LGBT Singles Party at Town (2009
8th St., N.W.) tonight at 10 p.m. Meet the
20 most eligible LGBT singles during the
drag show and irt with them via Towns
Valentines message board. Drag show
starts at 10:30 p.m. Cover is $12. For more
details, visit washingtonblade.com/singles.
Distrkt C holds its one-year anniversary
party at the D.C. Eagle (3701 Benning Rd.,
N.E.) tonight from 10 p.m.- 8 a.m. Adult
entertainment stars Rikk York and Dylan
Knight will make appearances. DJ Mark
DeMarko and DJ Manny Lehman spin
tracks. There will be an open bar from
10-11 p.m. Tickets are $25. For more
information, visit distrktc.com.
Songbyrd (2477 18th St., N.W.) presents
a Prince vs. George Michael dance party
tonight from 11 p.m.-3 a.m. DJ Dredd and
DJ Nate Geezie will spin. No cover. For more
details, visit facebook.com/songbyrddc.
The Feminist Press at CUNY and Amethyst
Editors presents Queer Spectacular at
the Potters House (1658 Columbia Rd.,
N.W.) tonight from 8-11 p.m. There will
be readings from Eileen Myles, Alexander
Chee, Lucy Corin, Morgan Parker and many
more. For more information, visit facebook.
com/feministpress.
Cupids Undie Run, an organized
underwear run for the Childrens Tumor
Foundation, starts at the Park at 14th
(920 14th St., N.W.) today from 1-5 p.m.
Doors open at 1 p.m. Awards ceremony
starts at 2:15 p.m. The run begins at 3
p.m. Tickets are $35. For more details,
visit cupidsundierun.com.
PATTI LABELLE plays a special Valentines Day-themed show at the Birchmere on Tuesday, Feb. 14.
SUNDAY, FEB. 12
D.C. Area Transmasculine Society
holds its trans health care access meeting
at Whitman-Walker Health (1525 14th St.,
N.W.) today from 5-8 p.m. The meeting
will focus on trans health care and surgery
procedures from local trans masculine
individuals. Krisztina Eva Szabo, an
attorney from Whitman-Walker, will give
a presentation about accessing trans-
specic healthcare resources. Local trans
men will share their experiences with top
surgery and hysterectomies. For more
information, visit facebook.com/dcatsinfo.
Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.) hosts a Jell-o
Shots fundraiser in support of the ACLU
today from 2:30-6 p.m. Jell-o shots will be
sold for $3 each or three for $5. Proceeds
benet the ACLU. For more details, visit
cobaltdc.com.
MONDAY, FEB. 13
Songbyrd (2477 18th St., N.W.) hosts
Speed Dating: All Ladies Will Come
tonight from 8-10 p.m. The speed dating
event is open to all women identifying
individuals who love women. DJ Bast plays
music for the night. Admission is $10
and includes one drink ticket. For more
details, visit facebook.com/songbyrddc.
Gay author David France appears at
Kramerbooks (1517 Connecticut Ave.,
N.W.) tonight from 6:30-9 p.m. to discuss
his book on the AIDS epidemic, How to
Survive a Plague. For more information,
visit kramers.com.
TUESDAY, FEB. 14
Patti LaBelle performs with NSO Pops
for a Valentines Day celebration at the
Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.) tonight
at 8 p.m. LaBelle and NSO Pops will give
a one-night-only performance of love
songs. Tickets range from $39-129. For
more details, visit kennedy-center.org.
Story District presents Worst Date
Ever: a Valentines Day Story Contest
at Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) tonight at 10
p.m. First time and returning storytellers
will compete to tell their worst date
stories. Deborah Derrick, Elissa Gross,
Leah Harris, Len Kruger and more will
compete. Stephanie Garibaldi hosts.
Tickets are $15. For more information,
visit facebook.com/storydistrict.
Singer/Songwriter Noah Guthrie gives
a special Valentines Day performance at
Jammin Java (227 Maple Ave., E Vienna,
Va.) tonight at 7:30 p.m. Justin Donnelly
opens the show. Tickets are $15. Doors
open at 6 p.m. For more details, visit
jamminjava.com.
Burlesque-a-Pades presents its
10th anniversary show Loveland at
the Birchmere (3701 Mt. Vernon Rd.,
Alexandria, Va.) tonight at 7:30 p.m. Angie
Pontani, Mister Gorgeous, Helen Pontani,
the Maine Attraction, Gal Friday and
more will perform. Albert Cadabra hosts
the event. Tickets are $29.50. For more
information, visit birchmere.com.
Pulitzer Prize-nalist Forrest Gander
and poet Javier Zamora read their favorite
works from Chilean poet Pablo Neruda
at the Folger Shakespeare Library (201 E
Capitol St., S.E.) tonight at 7:30 p.m. The
WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
CA LE N D A R
PHOTO BY DEREK BLANKS; COURTESY OF THE KENNEDY CENTER
poets will also read their own work. The
reading will be followed by a reception
and book signing. For more details, visit
folger.edu/poetry
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 15
The Tom Davoren Social Bridge
Club meets tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the
Dignity Center (721 8th St., S.E.) for social
bridge. No partner needed. For more
information, call 301-345-1571.
Bookmen D.C., an informal gay mens
literature group, discusses A History of Gay
Male Literature, by Gregory Woods at the
D.C. Center (2000 14th St.., N.W.) tonight
at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome. For more
information, visit bookmendc.blogspot.com.
THURSDAY, FEB. 16
Lauryn Hill performs at Warner Theatre
(513 13th St., N.W.) at 8 p.m. Doors open
at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $63. For more
details, visit warnertheatredc.com.
D.C. Alliance of Youth Advocates
hosts a happy hour at Uproar Lounge and
Restaurant (639 Florida Ave., N.W.) tonight
from 6-9 p.m. There is a suggested $10
donation to benet the organization. For
more details, visit facebook.com/dcyouth.
The D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.)
hosts its monthly Poly Discussion Group
at 7 p.m. tonight. People at various stages
are invited to discuss polyamory and
other consensual non-monogamous
relationships. This event is for newcomers,
established polyamorous relationships
and open to all sexual orientations. For
details, visit thedccenter.org.
WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
A D V I CE
Sugar daddy grows resentful
of unemployed boyfriend
MICHAEL RADKOWSKY, Psy.D. is a licensed
psychologist who works with gay individuals
and couples in D.C. He can be found online
at personalgrowthzone.com. All identifying
information has been changed for reasons
of condentiality. Have a question? Send it to
Michael@personalgrowthzone.com.
MICHAEL,
Im wondering if Im being played by my
boyfriend.
Jimmy is 22, much younger than me.
We met when he was 18 and a freshman
at a local university. Im now 34 and well
into my career.
Jimmy is estranged from his family (long
story involving religious right parents
who arent thrilled to have a gay son) and
hes been living with me practically since
we met. This means Ive been footing
the bill for rent, food, clothes, vacation.
He paid for tuition with college loans.
Lucky for me, the payments are deferred
because hes been unemployed since he
graduated last year, so I dont have to
worry about paying them.
Its true that Jimmy grocery shops,
often cooks dinner, walks our dog and
sometimes does laundry. But he isnt
doing anything in the way of looking for
a job.
Part of me thinks Im being petty to be
bothered about this. I make a good living
and can support us. But the other part of
me is getting more and more annoyed. All
my friends (even the ones who like Jimmy)
think hes taking advantage of me, and Im
starting to suspect that myself.
Ive been very encouraging about
his looking for a job, but he never gets
energized about searching. His major in
college doesnt lend itself to employment,
but Ive been scouring the job listing
sites for months now in hope of nding
something hed like.
Nothing seems like it interests him and
he tells me he isnt sure what he wants
to do. I oered to hire a career coach last
week and he blew o the meeting, telling
me he took a nap and forgot to set the
alarm. Pretty lame.
Im worried he wont get a job and Ill
get fed up, but then Im worried hell wind
up homeless if I kick him out. How can I
help Jimmy stand on his own?
T H E U.S. A I R F O R C E BA N D
FE B R U A R Y 10, 2017 47
MICHAEL REPLIES:
You cant help Jimmy stand on his own.
He is responsible for guring out how to
do this, and before he does, he has to
decide he wants to.
What you can do is gure out what you
want to do, going forward. Here are some
points to consider:
First, decide how much longer you are
willing to live with Jimmy under these
FREE CONCERTS
circumstances. Maybe the answer is
forever. In that case, enjoy what you love
about being with Jimmy and gure out
how not to be miserable about the things
you dont like. schlesinger concert hall
However, its clear youre getting fed up,
so I suspect you arent willing to remain in nova community college
the relationship as it is indenitely. alexandria, virginia
Im wondering why youve been such a big
rescuer to Jimmy. Thinking back over your
life, is this a familiar pattern? Its worth your
understanding why this dynamic holds any
allure to you, because your behavior keeps world-renown singer
you stuck exactly where you are: thinking
you have to save someone else, and at the
same time, resentful that you are being nnenna freelon
taken advantage of.
Another awful truth: When you try to
rescue someone else, youre not the only
thursday, february 9
one who gets resentful. The object of your
supposed assistance inevitably gets fed up
with your intrusive interventions. And then
the two of you are resentful. Not good.
To get out of a situation like the one
youre in, its tempting to make threats,
such as, if you dont change, its over.
award-winning drummer
But do you want to threaten someone
you love with negative consequences
unless he does your bidding?
peter erskine
Id like to suggest a dierent route.
Your challenge here is to gure out how
to talk honestly with Jimmy about the
thursday, march 23
impact of his behavior on you and on
your relationship and about what its like
to live with him behaving as he does. How
youre losing respect for him, wondering
if hes taking advantage and trying to
gure out what you should do.
Keep in mind that confronting others
legendary saxophonist
does not make them change. We change
when we confront ourselves, making
the decision that we have to behave
jimmy heath
dierently if we want self respect. Your
words may have some impact on Jimmy, thursday, april 20
but only he can decide whether he wants
to be a grownup or not.
Maybe Jimmy will decide to get his
act together. Or, maybe you will decide for FREE tickets, please visit:
that you must end your relationship
because Jimmy isnt interested in being
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a partner to you. If thats the result, I all concerts begin at 8 p.m.
hope you will have learned enough from
www.usafband.af.mil
this experience to construct a better
relationship in the future.
4 8 F E B RUA RY 1 0, 2017 W A SH I N G T O N BLA D E . CO M

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REALESTATE

Help! We cant agree on a house!

Take time to ask questions
before making a decision

By ALLISON GOODHART DuSHUTTLE

Weve seen it before and well see it

again: One of you wants a trendy condo
in the heart of downtown D.C. and the
other wants a big house an hour outside
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acre of land. So, how do we bridge the di-
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It starts by asking the right questions.
Think about what each of you actually
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Disagreements are common when house
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think about what it is you like about what
living in Logan Circle would provide you.
Maybe you want to be close to friends,
still feel young, or maybe you simply just borhoods and styles of homes that will What comes next isnt easy: Its time to starter home in a transitional neighbor-
want to live in a neighborhood where you provide you that experience. Once we compromise. Where the two of you will hood and to move up to the larger house
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you want the big house with land? Do you that fit one or both of your needs. Before location, condition and size. Most cou- always happy to talk through the process
need room to entertain family? A yard for going on the tour, try to keep an open ples end up settling for something in the and show you neighborhoods or types of
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or have more peace and quiet? things you like both about your neighbor- buy a smaller, single-family home with a
Allison Goodhart DuShuttle is lead
Now, its time to really think about your hoods and homes, as well those that fit small yard and is still walkable to restau- agent for The Goodhart Group, Alexandrias
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 DEADLINES
All Classified Ads
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Walsh Construction is holding
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5 4 F E B RUA RY 1 0, 2017 W A SH I N G T O N BLA D E . CO M

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kitchen, and a finished Must Be Received
basement in the Ft. By Mondays at 5PM
washingtonblade.com
Totten/Brookland area
for Rent April 1st. Email Playmates or soul mates,
Maegan: cocolife77@ youll find them
yahoo.com.
on MegaMates
BODYWORK
STADIUM ARMORY METRO
Spacious one bdrm original
wood detail $1,269 + util. Call Washington:
or email Joel Martin
202-274-1882 or (202) 448-0824
MAID TO CLEAN Gay owned, jn1martin@aol.com. www.megamates.com 18+

awesome, trustworthy & reliable!

Serving Alexandria & Arlington.
Mention this ad for $50 off. RENT / MD
Maidtoclean.com. (703) 299-0101.

JUST THE GUY Cleaning for

your home or office no
job too small, 1x, regular,
moving-in/out services,
great rates, days, TOP RATED MASSEUR Custom
evenings, & weekends. bodywork! Exceptional deep tissue
Call or text: 202-276-9272. KENSINGTON 1 BR SUITE $1200/ & sensual bodywork for total stress
month. 700 sq.ft. LL with priv.
relief in private studio on the Hill. Call
Kitchenette sink, refrigerator/freezer,
MOVERS microwave & ample cabinets; sep. Erik 202-544-5688. In calls only! No
washer & dryer; no stove. With ample texts! Intro Special $99.00.
OUR GUYS AROUND street parking. Utilities included $600
TOWN MOVERS. refundable security deposit. Avail Feb
Professional Moving 1, 2017. Canfield91667@gmail.com. EROTIC SWEDISH MASSAGE
& Storage. Let Our - healthy clean cut guy, 61, 160 lbs,
Guys Do The Heavy Mt. Rainier MD Spacious 2 Dupont Circle, massage table, noon
Lifting. Mention the bedroom basement unit in to 1:00 a.m., indulge your body. $70
Blade for 10% off of house. $1,250 month inc. for 1 hour. Bill 202-728-0238. No text
our regular rates. Call util. Call Joel Martin messages.
today 202.734.3080. www. 202-274-1882 or email
ourguysatmovers.com. jn1martin@aol.com.
THE MAGIC TOUCH: Swedish,

TREE SERVICE RENT / VA

Massage or Deep Tissue. Appts 202-
486-6183, Low Rates, 24/7, In-Calls.
BRANCHES TREE EXPERT $1485/$500 Spacious 927
Company. Full service sq ft 1 BR dep, 1301 S.
certified arborists, Arl. Ridge Rd., Arl. Va., LUCAS IS BACK
pruning, insect & owner pays utilities 5 9, 170 lbs, 36 yo, Latino Masseur
disease diagnosis, walk to Metro, secure offering Swedish to Sensual massage
treatment & removal. building, off-street on my heated table, in a private
301-589-6181. www. parking. Like new Move
BranchesTreeExperts. atmosphere. In/out, Hotels welcome,
in immediately. Call for
com. Angies List viewing 571-213-1879 or Parking Available, 24/7. Call Lucas,
Award Winner. 301-853-2425. 240-462-8669.
W A SH I N GTO NB LAD E.C OM F E BRU A RY 1 0 , 2 0 1 7 5 5

LETS ESCAPE
Book your next date night on the water, today.

Champagne CHEFS DAILY LUNCH

Celebrations $20.95
Three-Courses from the menu!
Valentines Day Create Your Own Party
February 14, 2017
MARTINIS RULE!
A Four Course Dinner $5-$7-$10
Freely Flowing Champagne Happy Hour Cheer
Priced from $37.95 to $49.95 Apps and Drink Selections -5-7PM
Visit Our Website for Full Menu -----------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------- DAILY PASTA DINNER
WEEKEND UNLIMITED Two Courses - Soup or Salad &
Chefs Daily Featured Pasta
CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH $18.95* Per Person
Saturdays A-La-Carte - $29.95 5:00 PM to Close Mon Sat
Sunday - Buffet - $38.95 -----------------------------------------
Voted Among the 2016 Show Tunes and Cocktails
TOP TEN Best Brunches Monday, February, 13th
In Metro DC by OpenTable No Cover Charge Ever
Sing Along-
Subscribers Presented By Theatre Washington
202-872-1126 BBGWDC.com Private Events Ask About Our
17th & Rhode Island Ave. NW Simple Solutions Menus