Contents
July 9, 2020
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Volume 27 Issue 9
THE RETURN OF RUFUS
Rufus Wainwright has reemerged after years away with new music reflective of his age and our times. By Doug Rule
THE GREAT ESCAPE
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David France shares inside details about Welcome to Chechnya, his powerful new documentary about LGBTQ refugees running for their lives. Interview by André Hereford
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GUARD UP
Charlize Theron kicks a lot of ass in Netflix’s superhuman action thriller The Old Guard. By Rhuaridh Marr
OUT ON THE TOWN p.5 SPOTLIGHT: NISHA GANATRA p.11 THE FEED: BRAGGING ABOUT BIGOTRY p.13 BRUTAL BEATING p.14 VIRAL VACATION p.15 UNJUST DESSERTS p.16 DEMANDING JUSTICE p.17 BASELESS BAN p.18 CARING KAIJU p.19 GALLERY: BY THE PEOPLE ART FAIR p.28 FILM: MUCHO MUCHO AMOR p.30 MUSIC: RUFUS WAINWRIGHT p.32 VINTAGE SCENE p.33 LAST WORD p.35 Washington, D.C.’s Best LGBTQ Magazine for 26 Years Editorial Editor-in-Chief Randy Shulman Art Director Todd Franson Online Editor at metroweekly.com Rhuaridh Marr Senior Editor John Riley Contributing Editors André Hereford, Doug Rule Senior Photographers Ward Morrison, Julian Vankim Contributing Illustrators David Amoroso, Scott G. Brooks Contributing Writers Sean Maunier, Kate Wingfield Webmaster David Uy Production Assistant Julian Vankim Sales & Marketing Publisher Randy Shulman National Advertising Representative Rivendell Media Co. 212-242-6863 Distribution Manager Dennis Havrilla Patron Saint Zelim Bakaev Cover Photography HBO During the pandemic please send all mail to: Metro Weekly PO Box 11559 - Washington, D.C. 20008 • 202-638-6830 All material appearing in Metro Weekly is protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publishers. Metro Weekly assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials submitted for publication. All such submissions are subject to editing and will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Metro Weekly is supported by many fine advertisers, but we cannot accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers, nor can we accept responsibility for materials provided by advertisers or their agents. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles or advertising in Metro Weekly is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such person or organization.
© 2020 Jansi LLC.
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Out On The Town
Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr.
The Decameron
Lucius
Compiled by Doug Rule HYLTON CENTER’S VIRTUAL 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Next week, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. will let the sun shine in as part of the official toast to the Hylton Performing Arts Center, the George Mason University-affiliated complex that opened a decade ago in Manassas, Va. The two Hollywood veterans first came to fame as married members of the “champagne soul” quintet The 5th Dimension, known for the Grammywinning, chart-topping hits “Up, Up And Away” and “Aquarius/ Let The Sunshine In.” Although shifted to a virtual affair, the gala retains one very real aspect of the usual in-person experience for those attendees who contributed $300 earlier this year: a three-course meal along with a bottle of wine prepared and home-delivered by Susan Gage Caterers. Saturday, July 18, starting at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 for a link to the broadcast. Call 703-993-7759 or visit www.hyltoncenter.org. FORD’S THEATRE: LINCOLN’S GREAT WORDS CHALLENGE
Since June, Ford’s Theatre has been offering free hour-long workshops once a week on Zoom exploring the great writing and oratory of the 16th U.S. President, with a goal of helping participants boost their public speaking skills. Two workshops remain, one focusing on “Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address,” which many consider his greatest speech, and set for Tuesday, July 14, at 4 p.m., and concluding with “The Importance of Oratory Today,” emphasizing that Lincoln’s words still provide inspira-
Tai Hwa Goh
Denyce Graves
Colin Jost
tion, on Tuesday, July 21, at 4 p.m. In addition to the workshops, the Lincoln’s Great Words Challenge invites anyone to show off their oratorical skills by recording and submitting a short selfie in which they recite a portion of a Lincoln speech of their choosing. The challenge runs to July 31. Free. Visit www.fords.org. SYNETIC THEATER’S THE DECAMERON
Synetic Theater’s first production in the era of COVID-19 is an inspired, "designed-for-digital production” that adapts the collection of short stories Giovanni Boccaccio created in the wake of the 14th Century's Black Plague, which still stands as the worst pandemic in human history. The Decameron focuses on a group of young Italians sheltering-in-place and entertaining themselves by telling tales of all kinds. "We have 35 short stories produced by 35 very talented artists," says Synetic’s Paata Tsikurishvili, who characterizes this collaborative mix of works as incredibly diverse yet ultimately very Synetic. The production has an interactive element, allowing a choose-your-own experience for viewers to watch the short stories in whichever order they wish, though they can also opt for pre-selected playlists or to watch them serially over a 10-day period starting Friday, July 10. Through July 31. Tickets are pay-what-you-can over $10. Visit www.synetictheater.org. SHAKESPEARE THEATRE RADIO PLAYS: HAMLET, MAN AND SUPERMAN, ROMEO AND JULIET
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Classical Acting Class of 2020 are featured performers in the program’s 20th annual summer repertory season. Rather than in-person productions staged in rotating rep, this year’s offerings are three radio plays streaming for one day each. The series kicks off Thursday, July 16, with an honest and biting take on Romeo and Juliet directed by Holly Twyford with assistance from ACA alum Sara Dabney Tisdale. A visceral and haunting presentation of Hamlet directed by Alec Wild begins streaming on Friday, July 17, followed a day later with Aaron Posner’s adaptation of George Bernard Shaw’s epic Man and Superman. Visit http:// aca.shakespearetheatre.org/radioreps. TAI HWA GOH
Target Gallery, the contemporary exhibition space inside Alexandria’s Torpedo Factory Art Center, reopens on a limited, socially distanced basis to showcase the work of this year’s national competitive solo exhibition winner, Tai Hwa Goh. A panel of judges selected the Korean-born, New Jersey-based artist as the best out of more than 150 applicants. Goh’s site-specific installation features delicate, often large or elaborate works made from printed and cut wax paper that mimic flowers and plants, displayed in exaggeratedly unnatural or artificial “arrangements” as a critique of the distorting influence of traditional floristry and “human-designed nature.” It further reflects the tension between the human desire to beautify interior spaces with “artificial selections” from nature that are dramatically different from the types that actually burst and bloom in the wild and uncontrollable “natural” environments. Opens with a virtual reception and walkthrough video tour by the artist on Friday, July 10, at 7 p.m. On display to July 26. Studio 2, 105 North Union St., Alexandria. Call 703-838-4565 or visit www.torpedofactory. org in advance to confirm availability. MADELEINE ALBRIGHT: HELL AND OTHER DESTINATIONS
Appointed during President Clinton’s second term as the first female Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright also became the highest-ranking woman in the history of the U.S. government at the time. In Hell and Other Destinations: A 21st Century Memoir, published in April, Albright shares insights from her life and career, including her post-government work leading the National Democratic Institute and helping shape this century’s forthcoming leaders in international policy and diplomacy as a professor at Georgetown University. Albright will discuss the memoir and current events as part of the next virtual offering in the “Talk of the Hill with Bill Press” series presented by the Hill Center. The pre-recorded discussion will stream on Wednesday, July 15. The event is free, but a donation of $10 or more is suggested, and registration is required to get the discussion video link. Visit www.HillCenterDC.org. WOLF TRAP OPERA’S ARIA JUKEBOX
In lieu of live, in-person performances this summer, Wolf Trap Opera has dipped into the vault to present fully staged favorite productions from past seasons in its “Untrapped Online” series. But the company has also reconfigured its programming featuring the talented pool of 2020 Studio Artists to offer several livestream performances and cabarets between now and mid-August, including a virtual “Master Class with Denyce Graves” set for July 22 featuring the superstar mezzo-soprano and Wolf Trap Opera alum (Class of 1989) who is the 2020 Filene Artist in Residence. The offerings kick off with the popular annual cabaret featuring the company’s artists, with piano accompaniment, performing popular opera tunes in which “the audience gets to 6
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choose.” Specifically, each singer lists four arias in their jukebox and agrees to perform their aria receiving the most votes online. The result is a one-of-a-kind concert encompassing a surprising range of styles and composers. This year’s virtual event adds a raffle with prizes including free tickets to 2021 productions. Voting is open until Tuesday, July 14. Concert streams Saturday, July 18. Free, although a minimum donation of $10 is required to vote. Call 877-WOLFTRAP or visit www.wolftrap.org. THE BIRCHMERE REOPENS
The Birchmere, Virginia’s legendary concert hall, is planning to be the first in the area to reopen since the onslaught of COVID-19 with two shows this weekend, the Billy Price Charm City Rhythm Band on Friday, July 10, and Daryl Davis on Saturday, July 17. The venue plans to slowly ramp back up, presenting additional shows in July on Friday and Saturday nights, with a lineup including Skinny Wallace (July 17), Jumpin’ Jupiter (July 18), the Nighthawks (July 24), Free Flowing Musical Experience (July 25), and The Roadducks (July 31). While adding safety measures — plus a $5 COVID fee to every ticket — that include a requirement to wear face masks at all times when not seated, as well as a request to stay seated as much as possible. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the availability of food and beverages, with all shows at 7:30 p.m. 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Tickets are $15 per show. Call 703-549-7500 or visit www.birchmere.com. LUCIUS
A four-piece indie-pop band known for its tight harmonies between dual lead vocalists Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig, Lucius is presenting weekly live shows. The “Turning It Around Live Stream Series” serves as a fundraiser to help small businesses facing hardship due to COVID-19 in Los Angeles, where the formerly Brooklyn-centered band recently relocated. The schedule includes a concert focused on performing covers next Thursday, July 16; another “Performing Songs from the Bromley House” on Thursday, July 23; and concluding by “Debuting New Music” on Thursday, July 30. All shows at 9 p.m. and available as a 72-hour stream. Tickets are $15 per show. Visit www.seated.com. SIXTH AND I’S LIVING ROOM SESSIONS FINALE
Until it can re-open the acoustically rich former synagogue space, Sixth and I has been presenting a series, in partnership with DCist, featuring select artists in free livestream performances. The Living Room Sessions series draws to a close with a virtual concert featuring several local standout musical performers. The lineup includes “queer pop” artist Be Steadwell, dance synth-pop band Mystery Friends, jazz artist Luke Stewart, a solo set from Lotion Princess, and acoustic guitarist Yasmin Williams. Friday, July 10, starting at 3:30 p.m. Free, although both RSVPs and donations, which will be shared evenly among the venue and the featured artists, are appreciated. Call 202408-3100 or visit www.sixthandi.org. COLIN JOST: A VERY PUNCHABLE FACE
The Saturday Night Live head writer and co-host of its popular Weekend Update segment with Michael Che is currently out promoting his debut book. A Very Punchable Face: A Memoir is said to reveal “the brilliant mind behind some of the dumbest sketches on television,” as a result of the Harvard University grad’s work at SNL over the past 15 seasons. Tuesday, July 14, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 plus fees, or $32 plus fees for a signed copy of Jost’s book, and include virtual access to the event. Call 202-408-3100 or visit www.sixthandi.org.
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V. TONY HAUSER
Spotlight
The Return of Rufus
Rufus Wainwright has reemerged after years away with new music reflective of his age and our times.
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HIRTEEN YEARS AGO, RUFUS WAINWRIGHT CAP- least.” Aside from allowing him to catch his breath and get in tured a liberal’s lament with American politics in his better physical condition, “probably the best thing about this dramatic song “Going to a Town.” “I wrote it under Bush period is that I’ve gotten to see our daughter [Viva] a lot more Junior, but since Trump’s been elected, it's kind of come back than in the past because I am on the road so much.” with a vengeance,” the singer-songwriter says. “The song is a The quarantine also gave Wainwright time to up his playing kind of perennial of sorts, so it's a bit disconcerting. But it is game. “I’m an okay pianist, but if you were to put me next to a claslooking like a lot of factors are combining to really bring down sical or jazz pianist, I wilt pretty quickly. But in this last period, I've Trump. And it's a good time to be in the United States to really been able to really hammer out some kinks in my technique that fight the good fight.” I've been sort of fluttering around for years.” He’s also returned to Of course, that fight has gotten a lot harder — and also more his old hobby of drawing, something that factors into the artwork important — in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. But for Unfollow The Rules, his first pop album in eight years. Wainwright puts it all in perspective. “It is never easy. It's never “What's really interesting about this album is that, because I easy in the face of tyranny. I was watching a Rosellini movie last went away for ten years to work on my operas and Shakespeare night, Rome, Open City, which is about the Nazi sonnets, I had a little bit of distance from the occupation of Rome during the war. We’re just Watch the Video for pop world,” he says. Wainwright was writing one on a long list of troubled victories.” whole time, and songwriting became his “Damsel in Distress” the Wainwright, who otherwise would have outlet “for capturing a lot of very honest feelbeen in the throes of an extensive global tour, ings at a very integral moment” — among other considers the pandemic, and specifically the past few months of things, reflections on being a husband, a father, and, more genquarantine, a kind of blessing in disguise. erally, life at a certain age. “I did actually need some downtime, and was a little worried Unfollow The Rules could be viewed as a kind of “portal into about my physical wellbeing,” he says. “I needed a break. I think middle age,” says the artist, who will turn 47 next month. “It the whole world was spinning out of control before the pandem- took a long time to get these songs together. Thankfully now ic and everybody needed to just stop for a couple of months, at they all fit. And I'm still middle-aged.” —Doug Rule Unfollow The Rules will be available at your preferred music store starting Friday, July 10. Turn to page 30 for Sean Maunier’s review. JULY 9, 2020 • METROWEEKLY.COM
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Spotlight
The Right Note
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From Chutney Popcorn to The High Note, director Nisha Ganatra’s career has often focused on how women empower one another.
N 1999, A SWEET CHARM LOCKET OF A FILM WAS young assistant (Dakota Johnson). Any similarities between the added to the LGBTQ canon. Chutney Popcorn followed two films are entirely coincidental, says Ganatra, conceding that the attempts of a young Indian lesbian to reconnect with perhaps a female empowerment trilogy is in the works. “Maybe,” her mother by acting as her sister’s pregnancy surrogate. Jill she says with a warm laugh. “Maybe.” Hennessey, who later went on to fame as TV’s Crossing Jordan, “With The High Note, what was radical to me was showing a starred alongside newcomer Nisha Ganatra, who also co-wrote black woman in a position of power, leading a joyful life,” says and directed the critically-beloved movie, which is available for the 46-year-old Canadian native. “That is, sadly, radical today.... purchase on Amazon, iTunes, and Vudu. What message are we giving people if we’re not depicting a “It was a labor of love for all of us, both making it and then diverse quality of life whenever they are African-American in convincing people that there was an audience for it,” says the movies and on-screen? director, who is part of the LGBTQ community. “It took me a “Comedies can bring issues to light while they're being funny while to view it as a success because it didn't get a big distribu- and entertaining,” she continues. “And that's always my goal tion deal. But I think it was an important movie to make because when making a movie: to make sure I have something to say it did stand firmly on the shoulders of all the queer cinema that about the state of the world, but also to entertain.” came before it.” Ganatra says it was “an absolute dream” to work with Tracee These days, Ganatra doesn’t have to struggle as hard to get a Ellis Ross, whose deep, resonant performance as the superstar big distribution deal. A sought-after director in TV (Transparent, Davis evokes the essence of her own superstar mother, Diana Girls, Mr. Robot), her most recent two films epitomize success Ross. “She's just so fun. She's so smart. She's so charming. We in Hollywood: Late Night, the sweet, tart tale know she can make anything funny, we all know Watch the Trailer of a powerful late-night talk show host (Emma she's a really talented comedic actress. But for her Thompson) whose career and life are revived by for “The High Note” to come along and break our hearts with vulneran ambitious, opinionated young writer (Mindy ability and then to blow us all away with singing Kaling); and the recently released The High Note, the winning and dancing and performing — well, it's just a little bit unfair that tale of powerful singer Grace Davis (Tracee Ellis Ross), who she has all of that talent! One person should not be allowed to be reclaims her career and life thanks to an ambitious, opinionated able to do all of those things!” —Randy Shulman The High Note is currently available for purchase digitally and will be released on Blu-Ray on August 11. JULY 9, 2020 • METROWEEKLY.COM
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theFeed
Steel
Bragging About Bigotry California GOP congressional candidate claimed she withdrew her daughter from college for supporting gay marriage. By John Riley
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GBTQ GROUPS ARE CRITICIZING A CALIFORNIA Republican congressional candidate over a video of her bragging that she withdrew her daughter from college after the young woman expressed support for marriage equality. Orange County Supervisor Michelle Steel, who is challenging U.S. Rep. Harley Rouda (D-Calif.) in California’s 48th Congressional District, has come under fire after video footage of her making allegedly homophobic comments at a February 2014 meeting of The Newport Mesa Tea Party were released this week. In the video clip, Steel claims she withdrew her daughter from UC Santa Cruz after she expressed support for same-sex marriage and indicated she was inclined to vote for former President Barack Obama. “We have two daughters, and one graduated from USC and one graduated from Vanderbilt. I always talk about — the USC kid was just perfect, but God’s always fair, so they give you [a] little different kid for the second one,” Steel said. “So she actually begin — began, she chose the University of [California,] Santa Cruz, and then she started talking about that, you know, ‘I’m going to vote for Obama. … And then she said, ‘God gave us two men — what’s wrong with gay marriage?’ We brought her back and we sent her to [Loyola] Marymount,” Steel said to laughter from the audience. “So she graduated — she actually went to [Loyola] Marymount [for] one year of brainwash, and then after that, we sent her to Vanderbilt.” Following the video’s re-emergence, LGBTQ groups slammed Steel for her comments. Equality California said in a press release that Steel has a
history of anti-LGBTQ actions and statements. In June 2017, Steel cast the lone dissenting vote on the Orange County Board of Supervisors against funding for the Orange County Human Relations Commission, according to the Los Angeles Times. Steel’s appointee to the commission also voted that same month to block the release of a report detailing an increase in the number of hate crimes in the county, with immigrants and Black and LGBTQ residents making up a substantial number of the victims. That move was opposed by Irvine Police Chief Mike Hamel, who also serves on the commission and pushed for the report’s release. Equality California also alleges that Steel’s campaign has accepted significant contributions from the Ahmanson family and its personal donor organization, Fieldstead and Company, who have a history of donating to anti-LGBTQ causes, including the campaign in support of Proposition 8 in 2008. “Michelle Steel’s tired brand of homophobia has no place in Orange County and no place in the halls of Congress,” Equality California Managing Director Tony Hoang said in a statement. “Michelle Steel says she wants to represent Orange County families in Congress, but she’s made her contempt for thousands of her would-be constituents crystal clear. “Voters in California’s 48th Congressional District rejected [former Congressman] Dana Rohrabacher’s homophobia in 2018, and we’re confident they’ll do the same to Ms. Steel this year,” Hoang added. “Orange County families want and deserve a representative like Harley Rouda, who will fight to protect our civil rights — not someone who thinks LGBTQ+ people are second-class citizens.” Hans Furtago Laursen, a Seal Beach resident and urgent care JULY 9, 2020 • METROWEEKLY.COM
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theFeed be able to refuse to sell their homes to families like mine.” Laursen added: “I’m on the front lines fighting COVID, but she wants to represent me by saying that families like mine don’t count. She’s saying that my 1-year-old son, my husband, and I don’t really count as equal before the law in her eyes. “The Supreme Court says we are, but she doesn’t. I know this — I’m going to work extra hard to make sure that someone like Harley Rouda, who values and fights for all his constituents, continues to represent me in Washington, D.C.”
KFOR
doctor in Southern California who is raising a son with his husband in the district, also condemned Steel’s remarks. “When I take care of patients on the front lines fighting COVID, I don’t care who they are, whom they love or what they look like,” he said. “I know I would treat Michelle Steel fairly if she were my patient. But she says she wouldn’t represent me and my family fairly as our member of Congress. She is acting just like our last Congressman, whom we fired, who thought homeowners should
Brutal Beating
Council
Gay realtor says he was beaten unconscious in Oklahoma anti-gay attack. By John Riley
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GAY OKLAHOMA REALTOR CLAIMS HE WAS BEATen unconscious last week by two people who yelled homophobic slurs at him and a friend. Christian Council, of Edmond, Oklahoma, claims he and a friend were heading home for the night when he says they encountered a parked car blocking his parking space. He honked his horn twice, prompting the car to move so he could park his car. But Council says that as soon as they exited the car, a man and a woman were waiting behind the car. “It was clear that when they could tell my friend and I were gay, or that we appeared to be gay, they knew they could do what they did to me,” Council told NBC affiliate KFOR. “[W]hen they saw us and saw what we looked like, they said ‘oh are you two a couple of faggots?'” The male member of a couple then attacked Council, kicking, kneeing, and punching him, causing him to fall to the ground and lose consciousness. Someone called the police, who arrived on scene shortly afterward. “When officers arrived he was still on the ground, all of the involved parties were still there,” Master Sergeant Gary Knight, of the Oklahoma City Police Department, said. Council suffered a gash below his right eye, and swelling 14
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on his head and body. He says it’s still hard to breathe. “I’m in a lot of pain,” he said. “I’ll never forget the feeling of my neck snapping back and forth every time he would hit either side of my head.” Council says the couple yelled homophobic slurs throughout the attack, but that charge does not appear in the police report. He believes the assault constitutes a hate crime. Police later arrested and charged Amery Dickerson and Bennett Stone with misdemeanor assault and battery. Both have been released without being booked in jail. Council claims he didn’t recognize the suspects, but was told they were dropping off a friend at the building across the parking lot from him. A GoFundMe has since been set up to help pay for Council’s medical expenses and potential legal fees in a civil lawsuit. The page has thus far raised more than $15,000. “As a Realtor, Christian will need to cover his medical expenses and also take some time off from showings as he recovers. Christian also hopes to pursue a civil case against his attackers. Any help to cover his expenses would be greatly appreciated,” Jake Langford, the fundraiser’s organizer, wrote on the GoFundMe page. “Any amount not used will go to a non profit that supports victims of hate crimes.”
FACEBOOK, INSTYAGRAM
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Viral Vacation
Hannon
Gay man slammed for visiting Fire Island while experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. By Rhuaridh Marr Social media has erupted with anger after a gay man visited Fire Island despite having recently experienced COVID-19 symptoms. Fire Island Pines in New York is something of an LGTBQ haven, known to be a popular vacation destination particularly for gay men visiting from New York City. But those who descended on the small hamlet over the July 4th weekend were pilloried on social media after footage emerged of people congregating on beaches and in houses without social distancing or face masks. “Nooooo Fire Island gays! What are you doing?!” Twitter user Kade Boehme wrote, alongside a video of shirtless crowds on a beach. “Remember all them that got smacked down by Rona after that winter circuit party, y’all are just gonna drag that shit back to the city with you,” Boehme added. Boehme referenced the Winter Party Festival, held in Miami in March. At least one gay man who attended the circuit party later died from COVID-19, with his partner, who also tested positive for the virus, alleging that they contracted it at the festival.
While criticism was widespread, one Fire Island vacationer in particular has drawn the ire of social media. Corey Hannon, a 27-year-old gay man, informed his Instagram followers that he was sitting on a Fire Island beach despite possibly experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Hannon wrote on his Instagram Story, “I wanna Kiki but my body says, nope not yet…. thought the Covid was gone.” Screenshots of Hannon’s Facebook account show him openly discussing symptoms, including a post on July 4 saying, “Fuck you Miss Rona. I thought I was cured.” A few days earlier, on June 30, he said he was “feeling grateful,” adding, “day 7 and my body has decided it is done with COVID-19.” After Hannon’s Instagram Story went viral, he posted an update saying that he did have COVID-19. “I did have COVID, everyone knows I had COVID, and you know what I did? I sat in my fucking bedroom and quarantined myself for eight fucking days,” he said. “I suffered through COVID, and now I’m out celebrating. So go f*** yourselves. I JULY 9, 2020 • METROWEEKLY.COM
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theFeed hope all of you get f***ing COVID.” The CDC currently recommends that those with suspected COVID-19 symptoms isolate from others until they have recovered. Contact with other people is not recommended until a person has gone three days without a fever, has seen an improvement in their respiratory symptoms, and it has been at least 10 days since their symptoms first appeared. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Hannon’s video led to further criticism. He eventually deleted the Instagram Story, and on Sunday, June 5, uploaded a video to Facebook apologizing for his actions, Queerty reports. He claimed his response to criticism on Instagram was meant to be a joke to friends, and he “never meant for it to make it to my story.” “I am terribly sorry this happened. I would never go out there and righteously infect people,” he said. “I apologize that I went out, maybe too early. I am a human being. I made a mistake and I am sincerely sorry for that.” Hannon said he felt unwell on June 22, started to self-isolate after speaking with his physician, and took a COVID-19 test on June 30 after his symptoms improved. Despite being warned that the results of the test could take up to 10 days, he went for a spray tan on July 3 in New Jersey, and then traveled to Fire Island on July 4. At the time of the video, Hannon had yet to receive the results of his test. “I would never go out and maliciously infect people. I’m not a murderer. I’m not a bad person,” he said. Hannon said his videos were “never supposed to be leaked. I apologize if you think I’m a bad person because of this. I made a mistake and am now paying the price, unfortunately.” He also criticized the social media response to his actions, saying he had been booed from a train, had dealt with reporters outside his house, and had even received death threats. However, Hannon was far from alone in potentially ignoring social distancing and isolation guidelines during his Fire Island trip. Social media was flooded with photos and videos of parties, both on the beach and in homes, showing crowds of shirtless men without masks or distancing. One person decided to deliberately antagonize those complaining about the lack of distancing and masks at Fire Island
parties. Giancarlo Kristian Albanese, a currency analyst at EverythingFx, posted a photo of a party, filled with hundreds of shirtless people, and told those concerned about COVID-19 transmission to “kiss my asshole.” “Fuck Your mask. Fuck your social distancing. Fuck your vaccine. Fuck your eugenics,” he wrote. “Kiss my asshole if you think I’m an ass.” The Fire Island Pines Property Owners Association sent a message to locals urging them to report large gatherings that contravened guidelines. “With the unexpected parties in our community over this past weekend, I want to reassure you that FIPPOA has [been] working with State and local officials to keep the community safe,” the Association wrote. “We are extremely concerned about the health of our residents in the Pines,” FIPPOA continued. “We are distressed by the irresponsible behavior of some residents and visitors.” The Association added: “We need your help. If you see something, say something. We urge you to report large gatherings immediately to 911.” FIPPOA said that parties on the beach are forbidden, and reminded owners that those on the beach are required to adhere to social distancing or wear a face mask. House parties would also be regulated and monitored, FIPPOA said, adding that the police would be “vigilant with regard to enforcing the Executive Order with regard to house parties.” Suffolk County Police Department was reportedly called to the beach in Fire Island Pines twice on Saturday over reports of large crowds failing to follow social distancing, the Daily Mail reports. Police said they patrolled the gathering and reminded revelers about social distancing, but issued no citations. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued a statement on Sunday urging local officials to uphold COVID-19 prevention measures. “As we end this holiday weekend, I urge everyone to be New York Tough: wear a mask, socially distance, use hand sanitizer and continue the smart practices that have made our state a national leader in combating this virus,” Cuomo said. “I also remind local governments of their duty to enforce the standards that have made [New York’s] reopening safe and successful.”
Unjust Desserts
Maine transgender man sues Dunkin’ Donuts franchise for wrongful termination and sexual harassment. By John Riley
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TRANSGENDER MAN HAS FILED A FEDERAL DIScrimination lawsuit against a Dunkin’ Donuts franchise in Scarborough, Maine, alleging that he was sexually harassed by co-workers, demoted, and ultimately fired after being outed by his manager. Kye Hubbard, of Westbrook, Maine, filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maine last Wednesday, alleging that he was harassed and discriminated against because of his gender identity. The lawsuit names Cafua Management Co. LLC, a Massachusetts-based franchise which owns Dunkin’ Donuts stores in seven different states, and its subsidiary, Exit 42 Donuts, LLC, which operates the store where Hubbard worked 16
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for 11 months from February 2018 to January 2019. In May 2018, Hubbard alleges that a store manager outed him as transgender to his co-workers, even though he had requested confidentiality. Afterwards, Hubbard’s co-workers sexually harassed him and called him several transphobic slurs. When he complained to a corporate manager, he was told his supervisor would be fired, according to the lawsuit. But the store manager was simply transferred to another store. In June, the franchise hired a new manager, who allegedly revoked some of Hubbard’s shift leader responsibilities and excluded him from management talks in which he had formerly participated. Hubbard also alleges that his computer privileges were revoked. When Hubbard threatened to report
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MIKE MOZART
the manager’s conduct to Cafua’s human resources department, the manager allegedly asked if there was anything “sexually” she could do to prevent him from reporting her, according to the lawsuit. That manager also repeatedly misgendered Hubbard, sent him a message calling him “sexy,” and posted a customer complaint about Hubbard for all other employees to see. After Hubbard filed a complaint about the second manager, he was demoted from his shift leader position. Hubbard claims he was ultimately fired for vaping on work property about a week after telling management that he had reported the harassment to the Maine Human Rights Commission, even though other employees had been permitted to vape outside the store, so long as they were not seen by customers. Two months after he was fired, Hubbard amended his complaint with the Human Rights Commission, reiterating his earlier allegations, and alleging that he was also discriminated against in violation of the Maine Human Rights Act — which prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity — as well as the Maine Whistleblowers’ Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled in a 6-3 decision that the prohibitions on sex discrimination in Title VII of the
Civil Right Act apply to instances where LGBTQ people are discriminated against because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. As a result, LGBTQ people who believe they have been discriminated against in the workplace are now empowered to sue for damages and compensation. A spokesperson for the Maine Human Rights Commission told the Bangor Daily News that the commission did not issue a formal determination in Hubbard’s case, but sent him a “right-to-sue letter” in December 2019 that allowed him to pursue a civil lawsuit. According to the lawsuit, Hubbard is requesting a jury trial and is seeking back pay, compensation for mental anguish and financial stress, and reinstatement to his former position — or additional compensation, or “front pay,” if he can’t be reinstated. Cafua Management Co. refused to comment on the pending lawsuit, but a company spokesperson said that Dunkin’ franchises are independently operated by owners, who make their own decisions about employment issues. “Dunkin’ and our independent franchisees have a longstanding history of embracing diversity,” Dunkin’ Brands spokesperson Michelle King said. “Discrimination is completely inconsistent with our values, and we strive to create inclusive work cultures.”
Demanding Justice Transgender teenager Brayla Stone found dead from alleged hit in Arkansas. By John Riley
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17-YEAR-OLD TRANSGENDER teen girl was found dead in a vehicle in Sherwood, Arkansas, on the outskirts of Little Rock, with some people alleging she was the victim of a hitman. A passerby called police around 2:55 p.m. on June 25 to report a car parked on a walking path in the area. Police responded to the report, and discovered the dead body of an unidentified person inside the car. The body was taken to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for identification, and was later identified as Brayla Stone, of North Little Rock. The death is being investigated as a homicide, reports Fox affiliate KLRT. A change.org petition calling for justice for Stone claims that the alleged killer boasted on social media that he was paid
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theFeed woman Merci Mack was found dead in the parking lot of a Dallas apartment complex. The following day, the body of transgender woman Shakie Peters was found near Amite, Louisiana. On Friday, another transgender woman, Bree Black, was found shot dead in Pompano Beach, Florida. The Human Rights Campaign, which has been tracking the murders of transgender and nonbinary individuals, issued a statement mourning Stone’s death. “Brayla Stone was a child. A child, just beginning to live her life. A child of trans experience. A young Black girl who had hopes and dreams, plans and community,” Tori Cooper, the director of community engagement for the Human Rights Campaign’s Transgender Justice Initiative. “As a nation, we failed Brayla — as we have failed every transgender or gender non-conforming person killed in a country that embraces violence and upholds transphobia, racism, homophobia. Guns are not as important as people.”
PRESIDENTIAL EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF RUSSIA
$5,000 for the crime. In a now-deleted Instagram post, the user “tapnseason” allegedly took a pticture of a pile of cash, including $100 and $50 bills, writing: “I zipped em for 5K. Money Well Spent,” accompanied with laughing emojis. It is not clear how the author of the petition reached the conclusion that the post was in reference to Stone’s murder, since the post didn’t directly mention her name. The petition calling on police to further investigate her death has since been signed by more than 330,000 individuals. LGBTQ advocates were angered after local media identified and referred to Stone using her “dead name.” But KLRT defended its use of her birth name, claiming that Stone’s family asked the station to continue using her birth name. Stone is one of at least 18 transgender individuals, mostly women of color, who have been killed in the United States this year, with an uptick in the number of murders over the past two months. On the same day that Stone’s body was found, transgender
Baseless Ban R
Russian voters approve constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. By John Riley
USSIAN VOTERS HAVE APPROVED A CONSTITUtional referendum defining marriage exclusively as a union between one man and one woman. In addition to banning marriage equality, the approved referendum included more than 200 constitutional amendments, including ones that enable the president to fire federal justices, to fire Supreme Justices following approval by the Federation Council, and to extend presidential term limits — enabling President Vladimir Putin to stay in office until 2036. The proposals, voted on by the public over seven days, were approved by more than three-quarters of all voters, though opposition parties allege that the referendum was rigged in favor of Putin from the start, reports NBC News. In the run-up to the vote, Putin and his allies had attempted to gin up support for the constitutional changes by exploiting the gay marriage vote, including an anti-gay commercial where an orphaned boy finds out he is being adopted by a gay couple. In the commercial, the especially effeminate member of the couple pulls out a dress for the boy to wear, while the orphan18
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age officials look on in horror. “What Russia do you choose?” the voiceover says. “Decide the future of the country. Vote for the amendments to the constitution.” It is hard to gauge what effect the commercial and other anti-gay propaganda may have played in drumming up support for the constitutional changes, but a recent poll from April finds hostile attitudes continue to persist, with half of all Russians saying they believe gays and lesbians should either be “eliminated” or isolated from Russian society. Prior to the vote, the Russian LGBTQ Network issued a statement questioning the motives of those behind the referendum, arguing that the purpose of the marriage ban and other “reforms” were simply an attempt to maintain Putin’s stranglehold on power. The ban on marriage equality comes on the heels of the country’s 2013 “gay propaganda” law, which criminalizes the distribution of materials that promote or condone homosexuality and same-sex relationships, on the premise that such materials will be easily accessed by minors, and could influence the opinions
theFeed rights and dignity of LGBTQ people by adding constitutional prohibitions against marriage equality,” HRC President Alphonso David said in a statement. “Putin and his administration used propaganda brochures leading up to the election promising a return to ‘traditional family values,’ using marriage between loving couples as a wedge to push through his nefarious agenda. It is shameful, manipulative and malicious.”
toward homosexuality. Two years ago, the country banned all Pride events, and last year, the government took action to prevent LGBTQ groups from officially registering in the country. The Human Rights Campaign denounced the passage of the marriage ban and the extension of Putin’s term, calling the Russian president a “threat to the human rights of all.” “Russia is tripling down on its attacks on the basic human
Caring Kaiju Godzilla’s child comes out as transgender in adorable short film. By Rhuaridh Marr
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ESTROYING CITIES, FIGHTING BARAGON, AND sequel Godzilla: King of the Monsters. Legendary tweeted that being an incredible LGBTQ ally? All in a day’s work Cressa’s film was a “beautiful Godzilla-themed celebration of for Godzilla. That’s according to an adorable new short Pride.” film from stop motion artist and video producer Cressa Maeve Cressa later tweeted that accepting her own gender identity Beer, which was shared by Godzilla’s creator — Japanese enter- had saved her life. tainment studio Toho — on the iconic kaiju’s official Twitter “I’m 33. I make stop motion videos of monsters doing innocaccount. uous things. I use too much hot sauce, buy too Click Here to Titled “Coming Out,” the film sees Godzilla many books, and creep on dogs at the park,” taking a break from fighting Baragon after noticCressa tweeted. “Understanding who I was and Watch the Video ing that Godzilla Junior seems unhappy. beginning hormone therapy saved my life.” Junior is unwilling to reveal what’s up, but after an episode She also shared some of the inspiration behind the film, after of beloved (and LGBTQ-friendly) anime series Sailor Moon and a fan tweeted their thanks. some tea, she reveals her true self to Godzilla. “Thank you. As an older trans woman, Godzilla was someWhat follows is a sweet, funny montage as the King of the thing my late father and I shared when I was little,” Twitter user Monsters does his best to be a supportive and loving parent, @skottichan wrote. “I lost him when I was 7, so he never got to all rendered in glorious stop-motion animation that effectively meet the real me. Thank you so much for this.” evokes the original films. Cressa responded: “This means the world. I watched Godzilla Cressa Maeve Beer tweeted that she was “honored and movies with my dad. I lost him before he got to fully see me, but beyond happy” that Toho had supported and shared her film. our last conversation was my coming out to him, and somehow The short film also received support from Legendary he pushed through his dementia to show me love. This short is, Entertainment, which produced 2014’s Godzilla and its 2019 in some ways, dedicated to his memory.” JULY 9, 2020 • METROWEEKLY.COM
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The Great Escape David France shares inside details about Welcome to Chechnya , his powerful new documentary about LGBTQ refugees running for their lives. Interview by André Hereford 20
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Since 2017, a deadly anti-gay “cleansing” has threatened the survival of LGBTQ people living inside the Chechen Republic.
The nation’s Putin-supported leader, Ramzan Kadyrov, proudly denies the purge, despite reports from victims, survivors, and their families of brutal atrocities. A brave few have rendered official testimony before government commissions, and spoken directly to the media. Their ongoing battle to bring the truth to light, and justice to the abused, took a significant step forward with the Pride Month premiere of HBO’s must-see, real-time documentary Welcome to Chechnya. Slipping behind the Chechen Republic’s iron curtain of intolerance to shoot a film required extreme preparation and precision for director David France and his crew. “The people who were at real risk were the Chechens who were making their escapes,” says France of the documentary’s subjects. The film follows queer rebels like Anya, a 21-year old fleeing the country with help from an underground network of activists led by Russian LGBT Network emergency program coordinator David Isteev. “The second level of danger,” France adds, “was for the activists who were doing that work.” Urgency permeates nearly every scene, as the film, embedded with Isteev’s operation, stops in a Moscow safe-house run by activist Olga Boronova, and races towards freedom with formerly detained gay couple Grisha and Bogdan. Yet, France — the Oscar-nominated director of the essential HIV-AIDS documentary How to Survive a Plague — insists he never felt in peril for himself, thanks to thorough planning. “We created these levels of deniability,” he explains. “When we were in public, it was not known that I was working with anybody else in that public setting. If discovered, I would just be my own person and explain that I was a tourist or whatever. But, hopefully, not let it be known that what I was filming was these daring extractions of people.” The filmmaker and crew kept their shoot undercover by porting around decoy devices. “I had a cellphone that I filled with tourist photographs. I had cards for my camera that were evidence of my having been a tourist and nothing else. I made sure to create a fictional explanation for what I was doing that always separated me from what the activists were doing and what the
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survivors were doing.” Stealth allowed France to emerge with startling footage supporting the testimony of refugees like Grisha and Bogdan, both eyewitnesses to the regime’s campaign of detention and torture. And digital subterfuge was required to cloak the refugees’ identities, since, even beyond Chechnya’s borders, there are forces that aggressively pursue those who escape in order to silence them. “That's why they're being protected with different faces,” says executive producer Neal Baer, “because the Chechen diaspora has received word to eliminate these people wherever they are.” Baer, who joined the project after the filming, lauds the courage of all of the onscreen participants, and the director. “I'm proud of David, and I'm grateful to the refugees and the activists for allowing David to film. This was a film made by a lot of people. But David [earns] the praise for what he's done.” France, in turn, hails those who entrusted their stories to this movie and its producers, who also include How to Survive a Plague collaborator Joy Tomchin and actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson. A former investigative journalist for Newsweek, GQ, and New York Magazine, France took every precaution to assure the film’s subjects of the utmost discretion. “We were filming people's faces, people whose identities could never be known, and promising them that we would protect the footage that we were shooting, that we would never let it out of our hands. We would never put it in a place where it could ever be intercepted.” Having successfully evaded enemy interception, Welcome to Chechnya exposes this shocking story to a world roiled by the uncertainty of a pandemic, and unprecedented financial, political, and social upheaval. Adding to the 2020 deluge, the situation for LGBTQ Chechens won’t be improved by recent developments in mother Russia, where voters just approved a ban on same-sex marriage. And, no surprise, under the current presidential administration, no Chechen asylum seekers have been granted safe haven in the United States. But France sees signs of hope in those who have found safer haven, like Bogdan and Grisha, the latter of whom discloses his true identity in the film as Russian-born Maxim Lapunov. The couple were on hand for the film’s world premiere at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival, “a really exciting moment,” France recalls. “I saw them next in Berlin, and they came with Maxim's mother. It was just really wonderful to see them meeting their audience, and understanding what they had accomplished already through their act of bravery, in coming forward and
METRO WEEKLY: Did you originally move to New York from
Michigan to be a journalist? DAVID FRANCE: No. I moved to New York to be a gay. Unfortunately, I landed in New York just a couple of weeks before HIV was first reported. I got to the city in June of '81. The first reports of HIV were in July, the July 4th weekend, 39 years ago. I took up journalism when everybody in the community was called upon to do something. And I knew that I couldn't do what so many others were doing. I couldn't be a good caregiver. I didn't have a good bedside manner. I was freaked out about death and dying. So I found an arm's length role for myself in journalism. My first series of articles were all about the epidemic, and I continued covering it for all those years. MW: One of your jobs was at the New York Post, where you reportedly experienced discrimination. How did that go down? FRANCE: I was counseled by a mentor when I applied for a job at the New York Post to not present any of my background, because they would not hire me if they had understood that I came up through the queer presses. So I went in as a total neophyte. They hired me to give me a try, to bring me up as a cub reporter in the old newspaper system. I was working on the investigations desk with the investigations editor. I was his assistant. He discovered my clips and called me into his office to present me with my own history as a queer journalist, and fired me on the spot for being queer, for not having told him that I was queer, which would have precluded my hiring in the first place, and for having deceived him. It was my queer background that triggered the firing. MW: Did you feel vindication, seeing the Supreme Court rule this summer that the Civil Rights Act includes LGBTQ employees under its protections from being fired for their sex or orientation? FRANCE: I absolutely did. It was I think the most consequential LGBTQ decision from the Supreme Court ever. I think it's going to impact people's lives in real, important ways across the country. We have yet to see how it's going to play out. I think there's
“I’ve worked in conditions of danger in the past where I had to be very careful about revealing what I was doing. But LITERALLY NOTHING CAN PREPARE YOU FOR THE KIND OF PARANOIA THAT'S NECESSARY FOR WORKING INSIDE RUSSIA.” going to be some skirmishes around it, but it sets the U.S. law for the first time in defense of LGBTQ rights in employment. That's pretty fundamental. I was at the first founding meeting of the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association, which came after my firing from the New York Post. That organization really reformed hiring practices at newspapers. For the most part, we've seen queer journalists flourishing in newspapers large and small, and news operations across the country. So that through the movement itself, changes were affected in that industry. But this new ruling goes so far beyond it. We see that just in the diversity of plaintiffs
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becoming the only plaintiffs to bring a case against their abductors, and the members of the Chechen security forces who tortured Maxim so violently, then began to hunt him down to silence him. To see how audiences reacted to that, it really gave them power, I think, and a new understanding of what they had been able to accomplish, even if their case has so far not produced real justice.”
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in the case, who were skydiving instructors and undertakers, and areas where the companies are much smaller and have been historically much less responsive to social change and the fundamental impacts of the queer movement over the last decade. MW: At the time that this happened at the New York Post, since this was before there was an advocacy group on the side of gay and lesbian journalists, did you feel you had any recourse to fight that discrimination? FRANCE: No, I knew that I had no recourse. At the time, there was no gay rights law in New York City. That came later. There was nobody for me to complain to. I was simply out of a job. Also, I was being told very clearly that there would be no job for me in journalism. There were very few openly gay journalists at the time. I think there were two. One was at the New York Post, and he was protected by the union there. Once you got in the union, you were protected from the kind of hostilities that I was experiencing. And I hadn't yet been at the paper long enough to get into the union. That's what they were doing there with this kind of gate keeping, to make sure that they were able to figure out who was queer and who wasn't, before union eligibility. The New York Times had no openly gay journalists at it. The Wall Street Journal had no openly gay journalists. The only other one that I knew of at the time was at the San Francisco Chronicle. That was Randy Shilts. It was an entire field that was foreclosed to queer people, and it was just one of many. MW: I understand the deep-seated bias that existed, but what rationale did people have for caring if a gay or lesbian wrote a news article? It doesn't make any sense. FRANCE: Right? What do they care if somebody is transgender while embalming a dead body? Hatred just doesn't make any sense except to people who are hating. MW: Last week, Russian voters approved a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage, in addition to all other sorts of referendums that they "approved." Based on what you know and what you're hearing from people in Russia and in Chechnya, is this a real gut punch? Is it something that they were expecting and are prepared to keep fighting? FRANCE: Well, my friends in Russia just feel entirely hopeless, unfortunately. The vote tally, as it were, is packed with fraud. We've seen it in city after city, in exit polls. In Saint Petersburg, for example, the majority of voters [polled] said that they voted against the constitutional amendments. However, the city itself, in the final official tally, was something like 70 percent in favor of the constitutional amendment. This is really not a case of the Russian electorate going against queer people. It's really a case of the Kremlin just taking over the role of autocracy and dictatorship, and dressing it up as the public will. That's what has people so dispirited. MW: That's a really curious thing, too, that it does look from the
outside like it's the public will. It looks like Putin’s side has won over the hearts and minds of the people in the Russian federation. That they really just do believe that queer people don't deserve civil rights, certain human rights. Is that how it feels walking around Chechnya, for example, is there a sense of people being unwelcoming to any LGBTQ presence? FRANCE: Well, I guess it depends on where you are in the country. Moscow and Saint Petersburg are modern cities. They have gay clubs. They have gay social and political organizations. There's a queer presence that you don't see in other places. But nationwide polls tell us that almost half of Russians find gay people to be totally unacceptable. That is because they've been fed this propaganda against the community by state-controlled media. Activism has no purchase on state controlled media, because it's state-controlled media. That is almost every media outlet in the country. The very few that are Russian-based that have a kind of liberal worldview are so marginalized by the political structure that they have very little impact. You could do a major investigation, as the newspaper Novaya Gazeta did in 2017, and reveal these atrocities in Chechnya that are being undertaken by the government against the queer community. And the rest of the country will know almost nothing about it. It doesn't create a wave of followup stories by other newspapers and television outlets, because it's not part of the approved national narrative. It's the lone voice in the distance with a very small readership, and it just doesn't get picked up. MW: In that environment, how did you find your way into telling the story in Welcome to Chechnya? FRANCE: I made contact with a very small group of activists that have very quietly constructed this vast underground network of safe houses and pipelines to be able to rescue queer Chechens from certain death, and try and find ways to get them out of the country. I asked them if I could come and film their work, and they said yes. I went immediately into the underground when I arrived in Moscow, and traveled in and out of that network for much of the next 18 months. My view of life in Russia is really constrained. My view of queer life in Russia is constrained by my having only experienced it from inside these cloistered safe houses. MW: Did you have any opportunity to involve authorities here or in Russia? Was it necessary to contact the state department, the embassy, or anyone like that? FRANCE: I only did reporting to the state department after I finished my reporting inside Russia. I wanted to confirm that the U.S. had not received any of the people who were seeking extraordinary visa invitations from foreign countries. And they confirmed that, that there were no people brought in through this network who were allowed to come into the U.S., while countries like Canada and others, with a much more liberal
“This is a story of the queer community on a global level, who are responding in very direct and increasingly dangerous ways to PROTECT THE PEOPLE WHO ARE BEING HUNTED AROUND THE GLOBE BY THE CHECHEN AUTHORITIES.” 24
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view of immigration, generously extended invitations to scores and scores of people to come and put down roots, and to join local queer communities, and rebuild their lives. I didn't work at all with the Russian government either. Because my story, and the story that is captured in the film, is really about what ordinary Russians were taking on themselves, in the absence of any government response to the revelation that these atrocities were taking place. I was drawn to that story because it seems so reminiscent of the stories that I’ve read about the Nazi regime, where it was not possible to petition the regime for protection or help. But instead, people had to take on that work themselves. MW: In regards to our government granting asylum to refugees from Chechnya, do you see that changing? FRANCE: Not with this administration, no. I see an absolute urgency to change the administration. Then to begin to piece together the federal government, which has been so gutted. And then to reconsider this concept of “What is America?” I think we're being invited to do that by the Black Lives Matter folks in really powerful ways. MW: Making this film entailed being entrusted not only with the subjects' stories, but in some cases their identities and their lives. How did you approach the responsibility of telling their stories, and being mindful of the risks that they were facing? FRANCE: I knew it was a big ask. It was something that we all took on very earnestly. In a way, we had to become part of the system to protect their lives. It wasn't just a simple matter of reporting, the way most of my work has been, but about joining — well, embedding really — in the world that they found themselves in. Learning the security challenges, and then taking those to an extreme. We had security advisors who worked with us on every aspect of the project, including how to film in public places where, if it were discovered we were filming, we could endanger the operations that were being taken. We had a special group that advised us on data security, how to handle that footage, how to move that footage out of the country, how to edit that footage without it being at all susceptible to Russian hacking, for exam-
ple. We had to build an air-gapped edit suite. In fact, our whole studio was air-gapped. MW: What does that mean? FRANCE: Well, that meant that none of the computers were connected to the internet, nor had they ever been connected to the internet. They were internet-naïve computers. The footage never touched a computer that had ever touched the internet. We knew we couldn't be penetrated from state actors, which is what we were concerned about anyway. Traditionally, you would send your footage out for numerous tasks — transcription, for example — which we couldn't do. We brought in transcribers who we vetted. Every member of the crew was vetted for their background. We didn't allow any internet-connected devices, such as iPhones or mobile phones or Google Watches, or Apple Watches, or anything like that into our edit suite. So that we could feel confident that we weren't inadvertently exposing anybody to any further peril. It was very cumbersome. It certainly extended the length of time it took to make the film. But it was part of our commitment to make sure that nothing we did would have any negative impact on the lives of the people who entrusted their stories in us. MW: It sounds like almost a military operation. Having survived the plague years, did that help prepare you for this? FRANCE: No, it didn't. What it helped me prepare for, although not truly effectively, were the years that I spent doing war reporting in the '80s and '90s. I’ve worked in conditions of danger in the past where I had to be very careful about revealing what I was doing. But literally nothing can prepare you for the kind of paranoia that's necessary for working inside Russia. For that, I needed really to lean on my Russian crew. The majority of people who worked on the film are Russian, most of them Russian exiles living in the States. They grew up in that paranoia. They were able to check me when I didn't immediately understand the need for that kind of suspicion. We talk about military operations, but our security walked us through rehearsals before every operation. These are literal JULY 9, 2020 • METROWEEKLY.COM
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“NATIONWIDE POLLS TELL US THAT ALMOST HALF OF RUSSIANS FIND GAY PEOPLE TO BE TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE. That is because they've been fed this propaganda against the community by state-controlled media. Activism has no purchase on state controlled media.” rehearsals. What will you do if this happens? What if this hap- ty, to make them into public figures in a way that made it less pens? They will begin with a questionnaire, sometimes 10, 12, likely that anything very severe could happen to them, without 15 pages about the mission. Then we would create the narrative repercussions. For them, it was an act of self-defense that caused that I would present if I was caught, about what I was doing and them to want to keep their original faces in the film. In addition, why I was doing it. Only one time did we need to actually call they wanted to let the world know about the work that they're upon that alternative script. That was as we were leaving the doing. Because they really need the support of world leaders to Chechen Republic with Anya, who is in the film. I was in the car continue to offer avenues for the people who have survived this behind her, the security car. We were just following behind, with atrocity in Chechnya to find homes in new countries. They need no acknowledged connection to the car in front of us. We were political partnership with Western countries to allow them to stopped at a checkpoint where my American passport raised do it. They also need you and me to know about the work that alarms. I was detained and questioned about what I was doing they're doing, so that we can write about it, tell the world about there. All of the rehearsal made it seamlessly possible to argue it, and support it. They need financial support. This film has my way out of detention. It really paid off. become a tool for them to let the world know how much help MW: Writing about the AFI Docs Festival recently, I was struck by that they really need, that they can't do this alone. They can't do how of-the-moment some of the selections were. The festival had, it just within the queer community. for example, a film about the female officers of the Minneapolis As David says at one point in the film, he and the Russian police department, which is a really important movie to show right LGBT network and the Moscow Community Center, working now. It seems documentary filmmakers have to anticipate where together, have been able to organize most of the international the story they're covering might land by the time they're finished. queer organizations to be part of this underground railroad. With that in mind, how do you account for what the story is going When they move people from one country to another, they hand to be by the time your work is done? them to representatives of the queer organizations in those counFRANCE: That's a really good question. This is my first documen- tries. Those people help the refugees set themselves up safely. tary shot in real-time, a sort of vérité documentary. I knew that They help them begin their work to integrate into their new what I was studying was the activists, and their lives, and their societies, into their new cultures. They do everything necessary motivations for taking on such a dangerous assignment without to keep them safe while they're there. This is really a story of the any previous experience doing such harrowing work. I knew queer community on a global level, who are responding in very that there would be a story in that no matter what the outcome direct and increasingly dangerous ways to protect the people who was. Then for me, it was a matter of spending enough time with are being hunted around the globe by the Chechen authorities. them so that I could understand their outcomes, and I could MW: I understand that it will help David and Olga to raise their understand their challenges. And I could understand what it was profiles. But on the other hand, in the film, you cover pop singer like to be them. I knew there would be an answer to this question Zelim Bakaev, who it seemed was targeted because he had such a no matter what they were able to accomplish in this field. high profile. What has happened to him? MW: Speaking of outcomes, do you have any updates on Anya, or FRANCE: He is presumed dead, unfortunately. His profile unforBogdan and Maxim? tunately was only in Chechnya and not outside of Chechnya. He FRANCE: Anya is still a mystery. I'm hoping that the information sings in Chechen. That meant that there was very little in the that we have is accurate, that says that she's safe and alive, and way of international outcry around his disappearance. that she remains that way. But I don't have any contact with her, MW: More people will know about it now, which is... unfortunately. Bogdan and Maxim are still FRANCE: Which is unfortunately too late living in the shadows in Europe. They're for him. Watch the Trailer for moving from place to place. They have to MW: But hopefully it will be in time for “Welcome to Chechnya” keep moving in order to keep from being someone else. What do you hope this film discovered. That has meant that they've accomplishes? suffered some additional dangers because of the shutdowns and FRANCE: The main thing I hope is that it helps the activists conborder crossing controls that have been put in place because of tinue the conversations that they need to have, in order to be the pandemic. able to continue their work. The essential part of their work is to MW: What about people in the film whose identities are clearly continue saving lives. That's what I hope it will do. visible, David Isteev and Olga Baranova in Moscow. How will this film coming out affect their work? Welcome to Chechnya is now available on HBO Max. FRANCE: Well, Olga was forced to leave Russia, as chronicled Visit www.hbo.com. in the film. David remains there with his colleagues doing the work. Both of them felt that it was important for them to show To reach the Russian LGBT Network hotline, their faces in the film as a way to increase their physical safe- contact kavkaz@lgbtnet.org. 26
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Gallery
Azadeh Sahraeian
By the People Art Fair G
EORGETOWN’S HALCYON HOUSE PRESENTS A partnership with the art consulting firm Monochrome Collective to showcase nearly 500 works of art by more than 100 emerging and established artists from across the region. Interested parties could request a virtual tour of the fair led by curator Nina O’Neil among the offerings at this year’s virtual edition, where the artworks span mediums from painting to sculpture, photography to fiber, with prices starting at $220 and many
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available for under $1,000 each. This year’s artist roster includes Wole Ajagbe, Kate Ballou, Spencer Beck, Shana Blakley, Annie Broderick, Gerardo Camargo-Perez, Julia Chon, Chris Combs, Marlon Diggs, Cheryl Edwards, Anna Fine Foer, Te’Juan Friend, Tara Gupta, Peter Ibenana, Barbara Januszkiewicz, Lexis Jordan, Megan Koeppel, Anne Marchand, Ada Pinkston, Azadeh Sahraeian, Dafna Steinberg, Andre Szabo, and Joel Vincii. Through Sunday, July 12. Visit www.bythepeople.squarespace.com.
Joel Vincii
Lexis Jordan
Ada Pinkston
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Television
Interviews with Lin-Manuel Miranda, singer Nydia Caro, and superstar comedian Eugenio Derbez, among others, attest to the famous fortuneteller’s cultural impact. Many speak to the hope and inspiration that Mercado, always seen in full The stars align for an endearing portrait of the iconic TV psychic hair and makeup, represented for young Walter Mercado in Mucho Mucho Amor. By André Hereford queer viewers growing up within the very macho Latino culture. To that end, the CROSS THE SPANISH-SPEAKING UNIVERSE AND BEYOND, THERE directors do get the man to address his never will be another like the late, legendary Walter Mercado. A vision of enigmatic sexuality on-camera, although androgynous opulence, he ruled the Latin American airwaves as “the world’s he responds elusively with the best line in greatest astrologer,” beaming hope and positivity to the masses. Described as dramatic, the movie. The film also spends necessary time fabulous, and “like a religion” unto himself, Mercado narrates his own compelling life story through interviews recorded in the final year of his life in Netflix’s loving docu- exploring Mercado’s closet, not for skeletons, but to marvel at his collection of cusmentary Mucho Mucho Amor (HHHHH). A staple in millions of households since the late ’60s, the star vanished from public tom-made cloaks, robes, and capes. On a view after airing his final broadcast in 2006. Cristina Costantini, who made the equal- more introspective level, he also discusses ly uplifting 2018 documentary Science Fair, and her co-director Kareem Tabsch find his spirituality, and how he combines eleMercado living comfortably, though not extravagantly, at his home in San Juan, Puerto ments of Buddhism, Christianity, Santeria, Rico, attended to by his longtime assistant, Willy Acosta, as well as a family of nieces, and and mysticism into what he calls interhis beloved pooch Runo. From there, Mercado spins the tale of how he became “Walter faith religion. Mercado’s message above all was simply to spread love and peace, of the Miracles,” and, in his own words, “fabricated a famous person” out of himself. which he did unfailingly One or two of his self-mythologizing stories indeed sound fabricatuntil he passed away in ed, or at the very least exaggerated for effect. Yet, whether he’s recountClick Here to ing his boyhood in the Puerto Rican countryside as a divine healer of Watch the Trailer November of 2019. One truly joyful element of the broken birds, or merely joking about his sex life, Mercado remains singular in his ability to strike a note of profound sincerity. He believes in his power to film is to see that love returned to him. HistoryMiami Museum invites the octoheal and to help people, and apparently, he always has. Employing news and archival footage, Mucho Mucho Amor concretely summarizes genarian to appear at the opening of a his broadcasting career for anyone unaware, and offers up rarely seen clips for those career retrospective exhibit, and, despite who might already cherish him — including scenes from his early career as an extreme- ill health, Mercado is determined to make ly expressive actor on telenovelas. We see his start on Telemundo, hosting Walter, Las an appearance. Relaying the suspense of Estrellas y Usted (Walter, the Stars and You), the first show on television solely devoted whether or not he’ll be able to share that to astrology, he claims credibly. Regularly appearing on the daily news show Primer beautiful night with his public, Mucho Impacto, in addition to his own show airing throughout the U.S., Latin America, and Mucho Amor builds to a sweet celebration Europe, Mercado was broadcasting to an audience, at its peak, of 120 million each day. of joy and love overflowing.
Miracle Worker
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Movies
millennia but remains appropriately contained, with only minimal use of flashback to establish its scale. Keeping tight control of everything is Prince-Bythewood, who carefully leads the audience through a series of impressively structured set pieces — whether it’s Andy slaughtering a private army in a church, the team storming a skyCharlize Theron kicks a lot of ass in Netflix’s superhuman scraper penthouse, or a sharply captured action thriller The Old Guard. By Rhuaridh Marr fight on an airplane between Andy and Nile. There’s bullets, swords, and blood NE MAJOR PROBLEM WITH MODERN SUPERHERO FILMS IS A DIS- aplenty, but Prince-Bythewood ensures tinct lack of tension. Whether it’s super strength, supernatural powers, or the nothing is ever lost in the mass of bodies, super useful ability to evade death altogether, we know that, regardless of the keeping the action clear and tightly staged. danger present, our onscreen heroes are unlikely to kick the bucket. Between fights, things get surprisingEnter Netflix’s The Old Guard, which would seem to suffer from a similar problem. ly philosophical, with the film happy to It focuses on a centuries-old group of immortals who, regardless of damage, can heal, debate the merits of life, the increasing get back up, and carry on fighting the good fight. Much like Deadpool and Wolverine lethality of humanity, and the loss that (and making the most of its R rating), bones snap back into place, necks untwist, and comes with eternal living. Rucka adapted bullets pop out of gaping, bloody wounds. But this adaptation of Greg Rucka and his own comic for the script, and while Leando Fernández’s comic book series isn’t business as usual. The themes are similar some lighter moments wouldn’t have and the concepts well-trodden, but Charlize Theron’s powerful performance as main gone amiss, he gets appropriately bleak at immortal Andy and Gina Prince-Bythewood’s confident direction transforms The Old times — particularly in the flashback tale Guard (HHHHH) into something much greater than the sum of its familiar parts. of one immortal who learned to horrific Andy forms an immortal foursome alongside Booker (Matthias Schoenaerts), Joe effect the downside of never being able (Marwan Kenzari), and Nicky (Luca Marinelli), who hire themselves out to those in need to die. There’s also a prominent same-sex — whether it’s typical “good guy” missions or mingling with less savory relationship — introduced sorts in order to fund their extra-extended existence. Their tightly nonchalantly with Joe Click Here to choreographed operation quickly falls into ruin after Merrick (Harry Watch the Trailer and Nicky spooning while Melling), a billionaire pharmaceutical CEO, hires ex-CIA agent Copley sleeping on a train — that (Chiwetel Ejiofor) to help capture the group, exploiting their powers to sell immortality later offers a passionate rebuttal to the for profit. Further complicating matters is the appearance of Nile (KiKi Layne), a young “weak men are gay” jokes that perpetuate Marine who discovers her own immortality while deployed in Afghanistan. the action genre. From here, the plot is incredibly familiar to anyone who has sat through a recent As for the immortality problem, that Marvel or DC effort, as well as countless other action thrillers. Nile joins the team, gets a perhaps is where The Old Guard truly mancrash course in immortal life, there’s lots of fighting, a big twist throws the team into dis- ages to stand out. As it transpires, death array, and then they regroup and head into a final battle to prevent some world-altering will eventually come for us all, allowing outcome. Nothing here is truly groundbreaking, but it doesn’t really matter. a conclusion with genuine tension for a Ultimately, The Old Guard is a good film, and that’s largely thanks to some strong superhero film — even if the genre’s blatant performances, particularly from Theron and Layne, and to a plot that might span franchise-building is unashamedly evident.
Guard Up
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The Old Guard starts streaming Friday, July 10 on Netflix. JULY 9, 2020 • METROWEEKLY.COM
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V. TONY HAUSER
Music
As much as Wainwright seeks and generally achieves a certain timelessness with his songwriting, the opening and closing tracks feel very much of the present moment. In the context of the pandemic, the final track stands out as the most sobering and thematically heavy track on Rufus Wainwright has created a straightforward, expertly crafted work that neatly bookends the first half of his career. By Sean Maunier the album. Originally intended as a tribute to those isolating in their homes to protect themselves and others, “Alone Time” conESPITE ITS TITLE, UNFOLLOW THE RULES IS ABOUT AS CLOSE TO A cludes the album on a calming note after conventional Rufus Wainwright album as you can imagine. Aside from “You the fraught tension of “Hatred.” The track, Ain’t Big,” a quick foray into country, he mostly cleaves to his signature brand released in April, features Wainwright of piano pop, marked by orchestral flourishes and his characteristically languid vocals. crooning soothingly over piano and choIts simplicity is intentional, meant to hearken back to his acclaimed debut album, ral lines, “Don’t worry, I’ll be back,” a Rufus Wainwright, and introduce the next big chapter of his career, all part of his phrase that took on extra weight when longtime aspiration to get a late-in-life second wind (not unlike his fellow Montrealer Wainwright dedicated the song to COVID19’s dead and dying. As strange a moment Leonard Cohen). Just like that debut album, this is Rufus Wainwright at his most focused, playing as this is to be releasing an album at all, it with a stripped back acoustic sound that sounds almost minimalistic compared to some is not lost on Wainwright that it’s an even of his more exuberantly baroque albums. His cleverness as a songwriter, while it was stranger time to be reaching for a late-cacertainly evident from the beginning, has deepened over the years and Unfollow the reer second wind. If Rufus Wainwright is unfollowing the Rules (HHHHH) feels in many ways like a culmination of what he has learned along the way. While the album boasts several strong tracks, it finds its peak on “Damsel in rules at all, he is doing so by subverting Distress,” a stirring tribute to both the iconic Joni Mitchell and L.A.’s Laurel Canyon, the expectation that we might see him come out with another Wainwright’s adopted home. Watch the Video for idiosyncratic project like Wainwright gives us a handful of memorable moments elsewhere his recent operas, or his too, including the swaggering country-adjacent “You Ain’t Big,” an “You Ain’t Big” 2016 interpretation of ode to the real or perceived authenticity of Kansas, Alabama, and a handful of other places that he conflates with one another. “Hatred” stands out for its Shakespeare’s sonnets. Rather than experintensity, a notable outlier in an album that is otherwise more subdued. Wainwright imenting and breaking more rules of pop also allows us to see him gush a little on “Romantical Man” and its follow-up, “Peaceful music, he is instead breaking with his own, Afternoon,” which captures a prolonged joyous moment of domestic bliss, as the handing us a straightforward, expertly normally artistically detached Wainwright gets explicitly personal, reflecting on his crafted work that neatly bookends the first half of his career. relationship of 13 years.
Rufus Rules
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Unfollow the Rules is available to stream and purchase on July 10. 32
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Vintage Scene
Assorted Shots, 1998 To see more photos from this event online, click on the photos below.
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LastWord. People say the queerest things
“As a cisgender woman, I now understand that I should not have considered this role, and that the transgender community should undeniably have the opportunity to tell their own stories.
”
—HALLE BERRY, in a statement vowing to “listen, educate and learn from this mistake” after she was criticized for saying she was considering playing a transgender male character in an upcoming film, and misgendering the character during her description of him. “I vow to be an ally in using my voice to promote better representation on-screen, both in front of and behind the camera.”
“We can’t search the entire body, but by the best evidence, we do not have infected cells.” —DR. RICARDO DIAZ of the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil, speaking to The Telegraph after a Brazilian man was found to have no trace of HIV in his body after a drug trial using a cocktail of antiretrovirals and nicotinamide, and no detectable viral load 15 months after ceasing the medication, However, other scientists have warned that this doesn’t represent a “cure,” and might be a unique instance of remission through antiretrovirals alone.
“You’re a gay homosexual piece of crap who’s going to burn in hell. ” —An excerpt from a racist, anti-gay rant by Tennessee resident SONYA HOLT aimed at Black Lives Matter protesters, WCYB-TV reports. Holt screamed “white lives matter, white lives are better,” called a teenager a “poor little Black girl with a messed-up mind,” and told a male protester to “cross the line, fag boy.” Holt has since been fired from her job at Keith Family Vision Clinic in Johnson City.
“Such practices constitute an egregious violation of rights to bodily autonomy, health, and free expression of one’s sexual orientation and gender identity. ” —VICTOR MADRIGAL-BORLOZ, the United Nations’ Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, in a report calling for conversion therapy to be outlawed globally. He said the practice “exclusively [targets] LGBT persons with the specific aim of interfering in their personal integrity and autonomy” and could even constitute torture when conducted forcibly.
“He attacked me after calling me a ‘fucking faggot,’ put me in a chokehold and started punching me in the back of the head. ” —ALANA REALI, alleging that Portland, Maine, resident Michael Roylos assaulted her in a grocery store parking lot because he didn’t like the way she had parked her car. Royals has been charged with aggravated assault, the Bangor Daily News reports.
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