Washingtonblade.com, Volume 49, Issue 1, January 5, 2018

JANUARY 05,

2018

VOLUME 49

ISSUE 01

AMERICA’S LGBTQ NEWS SOURCE

•

•

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

Blast from an ugly past Romney, Bachmann reportedly mulling Senate bids

By CHRIS JOHNSON cjohnson@washblade.com Shakeups in the U.S. Senate led to news this week that two prominent Republicans and former presidential candidates who have anti-LGBT records — Mitt Romney and Michele Bachmann — may run in 2018.

Following passage of tax reform legislation, Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) announced he’d retire after four decades in the Senate, opening the door for Mitt Romney, who had publicly mulled the idea

of running for the seat.

Meanwhile, former Rep. Michele Bachmann said on the Christian Broadcasting Network she’s considering a run for the seat in Minnesota being vacated

by Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) amid allegations of sexual misconduct against him.

Bachmann, however, said she’s not certain and would consult God on whether she’s being called to pursue the open seat.

“If you’re going against the tide in D.C., if you’re trying to stand for biblical principles, and you stick your head up, the blades come whirring and they try to chop you off,” Bachmann said during the interview. “We’re trying to be wise. Should we do this? Shouldn’t we do this?”

Both Romney and Bachmann have extensive MITT ROMNEY AND MICHELE BACHMANN may run for U.S. Senate.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 14

A new day in Virginia Legislative session starts next week with Roem, Adams taking seats

By MICHAEL K. LAVERS mlavers@washblade.com

DANICA ROEM takes her seat in the Virginia House of Delegates next week.

WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTO BY MICHAEL KEY

The 2018 legislative session in Virginia will begin next week with two more openly LGBT members of the General Assembly.

State Delegates-elect Danica Roem (D-Manassas) and Dawn Adams (D-Richmond) will take office in the Virginia House of

WASHINGTON BLADE FILE PHOTOS BY MICHAEL KEY

Delegates on Jan. 10 when the General Assembly convenes. They will join state Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria) and state Dels.

Mark Sickles (D-Fairfax County) and Mark Levine (D-Alexandria).

Roem, who defeated longtime state Del. Bob Marshall (R-Prince William County), will become the first openly transgender person seated in any state legislature in the country. Adams, who defeated state Del. Manoli Loupassi (R-Richmond), is the first open lesbian elected to the General Assembly.

Marshall, who had been in office since 1992, CONTINUES ON PAGE 04

CLEANING HOUSE

HORRIFIC CRIME

BOOKED SOLID

President Trump fires all members of HIV/AIDS advisory council.

Arrests made in holiday murders of lesbian couple, kids in New York.

A look at D.C.’s LGBT social calendar for 2018 reveals a busy year ahead.

PAGE 06

PAGE 07

PAGE 21

0 2 • J A NUA RY 0 5 , 2018

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

Travel with the BEST, we’ll do the rest!

Free Wi-Fi Available Free Water for Everyone Electric Plugs Under Every Seat

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

J A N U A RY 0 5 , 2 0 1 8 • 0 3

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

0 4 • J A NUA RY 0 5 , 2018

Comings & Goings Perry named president of SCAN

By PETER ROSENSTEIN The Comings & Goings column is about sharing the professional successes of our community. We want to recognize those landing new jobs, new clients for their business, joining boards of organizations and other achievements. Please share your successes with us at comingsandgoings@washblade.com.

Congratulations to Kris Perry who has been named president KRIS PERRY PHOTO COURTESY OF PERRY of the Save the Children Action Network (SCAN). SCAN is the advocacy arm of Save the Children. SCAN’s current president, Mark Shriver, will assume the role of CEO. Shriver said, “We are thrilled to have someone of Kris’ depth and experience in early childhood development and political strategy help us take SCAN to the next level, ensuring we have an even bigger impact for kids in this country and around the world.”

Perry said, “I’m thrilled to join the talented team at SCAN DUSTIN WRIGHT to help achieve crucial victories for children and families PHOTO COURTESY OF across America and around the world. … I look forward WRIGHT to helping SCAN’s noble work to make candidates’ and lawmakers’ support for young children a deciding issue when voters cast their ballots in 2018, 2020 and beyond.”

Perry has dedicated her career to advocating for young children and their families most recently as executive director of the First Five Years Fund, and previously as executive director of First 5 California, and executive director of First 5 CHIP LEWIS San Mateo County. Perry served as a member of the SCAN PHOTO COURTESY OF LEWIS board prior to accepting this position as president.

Many know Perry from when she and her wife Sandy were the plaintiffs in the Hollingsworth v. Perry legal challenge to California’s Proposition 8 that resulted in restoring marriage equality to the state of California. She received her bachelor’s from the University of California, Santa Cruz California and her master’s of Social Work, San Francisco State University.

Congratulations also to Dustin Wright, who was recently promoted into the Senior Executive Service (SES) after 21 years of federal service. Wright’s first assignment as a member of the SES will be as the Assistant Inspector General for Investigations with the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Inspector General. During his 21-year federal career, he has served in the U.S. Border Patrol and two other Offices of Inspector General.

He began his career as a Border Patrol agent in 1996 and worked his way up the ladder. Dustin said, “I am proud to have served in the federal government and to make it my career.” In his most recent position as Deputy Assistant Inspector General for Investigations in the Department of Energy, he received numerous awards for service and among his other accomplishments successfully wrote, revised and navigated a new department directive detailing reporting requirements of employees and contractors to the Office of Inspector General and supervised and innovated investigative and hotline operations.

Congratulations also to Chip Lewis, who begins his new position as director of communications at NMAC, formerly the National Minority AIDS Council. According to its website, “The new mission from NMAC calls on us to lead with race. NMAC’s urgency is the numbers. Black women are 20 times more likely to get HIV than white women. 50% of black gay men will have HIV by the time they are 35 (8% of white gay men are infected). Even with quality HIV services, the results for many black women and gay men of color are awful. What are we doing or not doing that makes HIV so racially polarized? Leading with race for NMAC means: Normalize discussion about race within the HIV movement; Bending the curve of new HIV infections; and Retaining people of color living with HIV in care.”

Prior to joining NMAC, Lewis spent a good deal of his career at WhitmanWalker Health in various roles including deputy director of communications.

Prior to that he served as press secretary for Rep. Peter Visclosky (D-Ind.).

LO CA L N E W S

Va., Md. legislative sessions to begin on Jan. 10 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

was one of the General Assembly’s most outspoken opponents of LGBT rights.

He co-wrote Virginia’s constitutional amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman that voters approved. Members of the House General Laws Subcommittee in 2017 killed Marshall’s bill that would have prohibited Roem and other trans people from using public bathrooms based on their gender identity.

“Bob Marshall presented a very mean-spirited vision each year toward the LGBT community,” Equality Virginia Executive Director James Parrish told the Washington Blade on Tuesday.

“It’s good to see that he has been sidelined,” he added.

Parrish said state Del. Patrick Hope (D-Arlington County) and state Sen. Scott Surovell (D-Fairfax County) plan to introduce a bill that would ban so-called conversion therapy to minors in Virginia.

Parrish also told the Blade that he expects lawmakers will once again seek to expand anti-discrimination protections in the state and codify marriage rights for same-sex couples into law.

Chris Hurst, a former reporter for WDBJ, a Roanoke television station, last November defeated state Del. Joseph Yost (R-Giles County), who is the first Republican state lawmaker in Virginia to publicly back marriage rights for same-sex couples.

Hurst’s girlfriend, WDBJ reporter Alison Parker and her cameraman, Adam Ward, were shot to death in 2015 during a live broadcast.

Hurst is among the 15 Democrats who defeated Republican incumbents in the House of Delegates. It nevertheless remains unclear whether Democrats will control the chamber once the legislative session begins.

The Virginia Board of Elections on Thursday is scheduled to conduct a drawing to break the tie between Democrat Shelly Simonds and state Del. David Yancey (R-Newport News) in the 94th District.

A federal judge in Alexandria on Friday will hear oral arguments in a lawsuit that challenges the results of the election between Republican Bob Thomas and Democrat Joshua Cole in the 28th District after 147 voters in Stafford County and Fredericksburg received the wrong ballots. The Virginia House Democratic Caucus is seeking a new election in the

contested race.

“Lots going to happen this week,” Parrish told the Blade.

Governor-elect Ralph Northam and Lieutenant Gov.-elect Justin Fairfax’s inauguration will take place on Jan. 13.

State Attorney General Mark Herring will be sworn in for a second term on the same day.

Conversion therapy bill to be introduced in Md. The 2018 legislative session in Maryland will also begin on Jan. 10.

A bill that would ban so-called conversion therapy to minors in Maryland is expected to be introduced in the coming weeks.

“It’s important to have these types of measures to protect LGBT kids,” Jennifer Kent, managing attorney at FreeState Justice, told the Blade on Wednesday during a telephone interview. “This makes sure our kids are protected from harmful ‘mental health practices’ that have been universally condemned.”

Other observers with whom the Blade spoke this week agreed the 2018 gubernatorial and legislative elections will dominate this year’s General Assembly.

State Sen. Rich Madaleno (D-Montgomery County), Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker and former NAACP President Benjamin Jealous are among the Democrats who are running to challenge Republican Gov. Larry Hogan in November.

State Del. Mary Washington (D-Baltimore City) and Gender Rights Maryland Executive Director Dana Beyer are running for the Maryland Senate.

Gabriel Acevero, a labor organizer, is running to represent the 39th District in the state House of Delegates.

“It’s an election year,” Beyer told the Blade on Wednesday, while noting concerns over President Trump and his administration’s policies may come to dominate the session. “We’re in the midst of this constitutional crisis . . . you never know what you’re going to have to do.”

Bruce DePuyt, a senior reporter at MarylandMatters.org, told the Blade on Wednesday there is uncertainty in Maryland and other high-income states around the tax bill that Trump signed last month.

DePuyt also said the Jan. 19 deadline to avert a federal government shutdown is among the other issues that could impact the legislative session in Maryland.

“There’s a lot of uncertainty because of what’s happening or not happening in Washington,” he said.

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

J A N U A RY 0 5 , 2 0 1 8 • 0 5

0 6 • J A NUA RY 0 5 , 2018

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

On the 13th, 14th, 15th day of Christmas, My true love said to me...

“Convert Your Waste into Reusable Resources!”

By Donna Henry, DOEE Congratulations! You have survived the holidays with your wits intact. Gifts have been exchanged, opened and admired, and everyone, including Phoebe, your furry pet, is happy. Now, comes the task of putting away the beautiful clothing received -- be it your sweaters, pants, coats, suits -- as gifts. It is at that very moment you realize - Yikes! Not much closet space available here! You rummage through your closet to determine what’s “too-small, too-big, out-of-style, OR not-quite-my-style anymore” to make room for your new fashionables. Hours later, you find yourself holding a bag filled with old, but still usable, clothing wondering, “Now, what do I do with these?”

REUSE. RECYCLE. REPURPOSE. DONATE. Donating used clothing to local shelters, charities, or thrift shops is a great way to recycle and eliminate waste. It offers people, especially those with lesser means, the opportunity to buy high-end designer clothing at a very low price. And, since many thrift stores partners with local charities, monies from sales of the clothes you donate often provide job training and benefit the homeless, elderly, sick children, and others in need. You can also consign your used clothing and get up to 50% of the sales price. If consignment and thrift shops are not your style, then consider going a more creative route and repurpose your frocks. With a little time and talent, you can make sweaters for your dog, Phoebe, or foot warmers for your family to wear in the house. Remember, dressing warmly at home is a great way to conserve energy and save money this winter.

Now that the old sweaters have been donated or repurposed, what are your plans for that Christmas tree? Your first inclination, maybe, is to haul it to the closest dumpster, right? Wrong!

REUSE. RECYCLE. REPURPOSE. DONATE. The District of Columbia offers two options to dispose of your Christmas tree free of charge. The first option is to bring your tree to either the Fort Totten Transfer Station, located at 4900 John F. McCormack Drive, NE or the Benning Road Transfer Station at 3200 Benning Road, NE. The second option is to place trees and other greenery on the street, where trash and recycling is usually collected between January 13 - February 2, 2018 for pick up by the Department of Public Works (DPW). Christmas trees will be chipped and composted.

Composting Christmas trees can help free landfills and benefit gardening needs. Christmas trees can be used as mulch for parks and other green areas. Typically, trees are put through a wood clipper. Wood chips suppress weeds and, as they decompose, add nutrients to the soil. The pine needles from the trees also dry quickly and decompose slowly. This makes excellent moisture - and mold-free mulch. Aquatic wildlife can also benefit from a repurposed Christmas tree. The pine and spruce from Christmas trees can provide a natural and decomposing habitat for fish and will attract algae for them to eat. Always remember to remove all ornaments, hooks, and decorations from the Christmas tree before placing it out for collection or using it to help green our city.

The Sustainable DC Team also has other several creative and eco-friendly ideas for your used Christmas tree. How about repurposing your Christmas tree into rustic-looking coasters? It’s easy. Use a hacksaw and cut your Christmas tree trunk evenly. Coasters make perfect gifts. Just sand down the surfaces and stain and seal them before using to prevent sap from leaking. Alternatively, you can also cut the trunk into 2-inch discs and set them into the soil to edge flowerbeds or walkways -- another perfect gift for a green-thumbed friend. Finally, it’s time to sit back, relax, and make some marshmallow s’mores at the fireplace or fire pit fueled by your dried, chopped up Christmas tree.

For artificial trees, consider donating it to the nearest thrift store.

Now that the Christmas tree has been put to great environmental use and old clothing reused or recycled, how about the paper waste – the Christmas wrappings, boxes, etc.?

RECYCLE. RECYCLE. RECYCLE. Recycling paper conserves natural resources, saves energy, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and frees landfill space for other types of unrecyclable waste. Think about the number of trees you will save from being cut down just by recycling your Christmas papers and boxes. Saving trees means maintaining a healthy ecosystem.

The festivities are over and visiting family members and friends are long gone. Your refrigerator, however, is still in the festive mood. There is an abundance of left over food that you and the family won’t eat. Before throwing it all away, consider composting your leftovers at one of the District’s three locations: The Columbia Heights location is at 14th and Kenyon Streets, NW. Drop-off day is on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Dupont Circle location is at the Farmers Market located at 1500 20th Street, NW. Drop-off day is on Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The Eastern Market location is at 635 North Carolina Avenue, SE. The drop-off day is Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Acceptable food waste for these sites include fruit, vegetable scraps, salad, coffee grounds, tea bags, egg and nut shells, beans, flour, spices, bread, grains, pasta, cut or dried flowers.

Food waste that is not acceptable includes dairy products, meat, fish, bones, fat, grease and oily foods. Materials such as plastic bags, wraps, film, paper bags, plates, bowls, plastic, styrofoam, glass, foil, metals, pet refuse, diseased or insect infested houseplants and soil, and biodegradable or compostable plastic and packaging are also not accepted.

Adopting the old adage, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” is a sensible and sustainable way to bring in the new year. The Sustainable DC Team encourages everyone to become part of the solution and help the city move toward zero waste. The city defines zero waste as the diversion of 80 percent or more of waste we generate, acknowledging that there will be some materials that are not recoverable and will be sent to landfills or waste-to-energy facilities. Our goal is to develop and implement responsible cost effective strategies to convert waste to resources, improve human and environmental health, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create inclusive economic opportunity, and conserve natural resources.

We can only do that with you on board.

For more information on Zero Waste DC, visit www.zerowaste.dc.gov.

Sustainable DC is a citywide effort to make the District of Columbia the healthiest, greenest, most livable city in the United States in just one generation.

Sustainable DC operates under the auspices of the Department of Energy and Environment.

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

N A T I O NA L NEW S

J A N U A RY 0 5 , 2 0 1 7 • 0 7

Trump fires all members of HIV/AIDS council without explanation New appointees expected to be named later this year

By CHRIS JOHNSON cjohnson@washblade.com With no explanation, the White House last week terminated members of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS amid widespread discontent with President Trump’s approach to the epidemic.

After six members of PACHA resigned in June, the White House terminated the remaining 16 members without explanation via a letter from FedEx. Scott Schoettes, a Chicago-based HIV/ AIDS activist and senior attorney for Lambda Legal, was one of the six who resigned in June over Trump’s inaction on HIV/AIDS and said on Twitter the remaining members were fired.

“No respect for their service,” Schoettes said. “Dangerous that #Trump and Co. (Pence esp.) are eliminating few remaining people willing to push back against harmful policies, like abstinenceonly sex ed.”

Sources with knowledge of PACHA said many council members were fired even though additional time remained on their terms as advisers. The terminated members, sources said, were given the option to reapply after Tuesday.

Gabriel Maldonado, CEO of the Riverside, Calif.,-based LGBT and HIV/ AIDS group Truevolution, was a remaining member of PACHA and confirmed they were fired, but said the “explanation is still unclear.”

“I can only speculate,” Maldonado said. “Like any administration, they want their own people there. Many of us were Obama appointees. I was an Obama appointee and my term was continuing until 2018.”

Maldonado said “ideological and philosophical differences” with the administration are a potential reason for the terminations.

As an example, Maldonado cited a recent Washington Post report the Centers for Disease Control is banned from using words like “diversity” and “transgender” in budget documents. The CDC director has denied those words are banned.

“I was co-chair of the disparities committee, so much of my advocacy and policy references surrounded vulnerable populations, addressing issues of diverse communities, specifically looking at the impacts of the LGBT community, namely, the disproportionate impact of HIV and AIDS to people of color, gay men, transgender women,” Maldonado said. “And a lot of those key vulnerable populations are not being prioritized in this administration.”

Maldonado added he intends to publish an open letter to the community

PRESIDENT TRUMP fired all members of PACHA last week.

PHOTO BY BIGSTOCK; COURTESY OF CHRISTOPHER HALLORAN

about his termination on Friday.

Also among the terminated members was Patrick Sullivan, a professor of epidemiology at the Emory University Rollins School of Public Health.

“My reaction is that our focus should be on the policies that PACHA addresses,” Sullivan said. “These issues are critical to people’s health, and are critical to making new HIV infections rare. At PACHA’s last meeting in August, the Council urged the Administration to affirm the National HIV/ AIDS Strategy through 2020. Doing this would be a great way for the administration to set the tone and lay out national roadmap of priorities for a new PACHA.” Created in 1995, PACHA has provided advice starting in the Clinton administration and into the George W. Bush and Obama administrations on policy and research to promote effective treatment and prevention for HIV — maintaining the goal of finding a cure.

In September, Trump signed an executive order that renewed PACHA along with 31 other presidential bodies for an additional year.

Trump’s termination of council members isn’t the first time an administration cleaned house on PACHA. The Obama administration eliminated all of George W. Bush’s appointees before making new appointments.

Kaye Hayes, executive director of PACHA, affirmed the council members were terminated on Wednesday, but said there’s more to the story.

“They were also thanked for their leadership, dedication and commitment

to the effort,” Hayes said. “Changing the makeup of federal advisory committee members is a common occurrence during Administration changes. The Obama administration dismissed the George W. Bush administration appointees to PACHA in order to bring in new voices.

All PACHA members are eligible to apply to serve on the new council that will be convened in 2018.”

Jim Driscoll, a gay Nevada-based HIV/ AIDS activist who supported Trump in 2016, said replacement of PACHA members “is standard practice” for a new administration.

“Now they need to find bona fide community people with appropriate expertise and the ability to adapt to the changed political circumstances,” Driscoll said. “It is fully understandable why a president would not want people who oppose his policies and might be happy to see him impeached serving as his HIV advisors. That would serve the needs of neither the president nor of people living with HIV-AIDS.” But Maldonado said the termination of PACHA members during the Trump administration is only partially consistent with the Obama years.

“It is common for appointees to be terminated and for folks to kind of want their own people in,” Maldonado said. “I think where the discrepancy comes in is why a year later, No. 1? Two, many of us, our terms were over earlier this year and we were sworn back in, and three were stayed on nearly four months after an executive order was signed continuing the council.”

In June, six members of PACHA resigned their posts in protest over what they called inaction from Trump on the global HIV/AIDS epidemic. An estimated 1.2 million people have HIV/AIDS in the United States and 37 million have the disease worldwide.

Chief among the reasons was the absence of leadership at the White House on HIV/AIDS. To date, the White House has yet to appoint a director of the Office of National AIDS Policy, which was one of the reasons the six members of PACHA resigned in June.

Trump’s fiscal year 2018 budget proposal also sought massive cuts to HIV/ AIDS programs, including $150 million on HIV/AIDS programs at the Centers for Disease Control and more than $1 billion in cuts from global programs like the PEPFAR Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis & Malaria. The Republicancontrolled Congress has thus far continued to fund these programs at previous levels.

Maldonado noted the PACHA terminations are taking place at the year’s end after the June resignations, which he said is “a little too coincidental.”

“The timing is a little bit unorthodox compared to what the Obama administration’s approach was,” Maldonado said.

Maldonado said he represented a younger demographic on PACHA as the only member under the age of 30, which he said is where the majority of new HIV infections are occurring, and as a young, black gay man.

“I just am coming to the acknowledgment that the traditional tactics of politicking and policy and strategy and negotiation, the kind of standard tools that we’re trying to use, that the status quo is no longer acceptable,” Maldonado said. “The tactics that we had are kind of obsolete, and now we need to craft new strategy to address the troubling and unsettling revelations, particularly around the silence and inaction that have taken place around HIV and AIDS.” Since the resignations in June, Trump has made public statements on HIV/AIDS consisting of proclamations on National HIV Testing Day and World AIDS Day. Neither statement included an explicit mention of LGBT people, who have faced the brunt of the disease.

The White House deferred comment to the Department of Health & Human Services, which provided the statement from the PACHA executive director.

New appointments may be coming soon. The Blade reported in October gay Republicans familiar with HIV/ AIDS issues and LGBT issues have been among those contacted by a Trump administration official for possible appointments to PACHA.

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

NATIONAL NEWS

J A N U A RY 0 5 , 2 0 1 8 • 1 1

DOJ gives up on appealing rulings against trans ban

JAMES WHITE and JUSTIN MANN were arrested in connection with the murders of a lesbian couple and two young children.

PHOTOS COURTESY TROY POLICE

2 arrested in brutal N.Y. murders Police in upstate New York have arrested two men in connection with the brutal murders of a lesbian couple and two children.

The Times Union newspaper reported prosecutors have charged Justin Mann with three counts of second-degree murder and one count of first-degree murder. James White has been charged with four counts of second-degree murder. The two were arrested in Schenectady on Saturday and pleaded not guilty.

Shanta Myers, 36, and her partner, Brandi Mells, 22, and two of Myers’ children, Jeremiah “JJ” Myers, 11, and Shanise Myers, 5, were found dead inside their apartment in Troy, N.Y., on Dec. 26. Police sources told the Albany Times-Union the victims were bound before their throats were slashed.

Prosecutors said Mells, Myers and her children were killed on Dec. 21.

The Albany Times-Union reported this week that one of the suspects was banned from a local homeless shelter because of violent outbursts.

White was described to the paper as “troubled” and “very aggressive” by Michael Saccocio, executive director of the City Mission shelter.

Saccocio told the paper that White first started coming to the shelter in Schenectady last year, but would get into fights. He was eventually banned from the shelter, Saccocio said.

“Everyone in the shelter has needs,” Saccocio told the paper. “But they all get what the rules are and follow them. He wouldn’t follow the rules. He was very troubled. He was certainly extreme.”

Police declined to elaborate on how the defendants know each other. The local district attorney declined to speculate about a motive during a press conference. Both suspects have criminal records and Mann was on parole at the time of his arrest in the murders.

“The rapid apprehension and arrest of two suspects in connection with this tragic crime is welcome news for our community and the victims’ families impacted by this senseless tragedy,” Troy Mayor Patrick Madden said in a statement. “My heart remains with both the Myers and Mells families.”

MICHAEL K. LAVERS

With multiple court rulings ensuring the Pentagon must admit qualified openly transgender people into the U.S. military starting Monday, the U.S. Justice Department is giving up on litigation fighting those decisions in federal appeals courts and won’t seek a stay from the U.S. Supreme Court.

A Justice Department official told the Blade on Friday evening the administration won’t fight preliminary injunctions against Trump’s ban in appeals courts, but will still argue on behalf of Trump’s policy at the Defense Secretary JAMES MATTIS district court level. was forced by courts to begin admitting transgender service “The Department of Defense has members this week. announced that it will be releasing an PHOTO COURTESY OF US independent study of these issues in the DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE coming weeks,” the DOJ official said. “So rather than litigate this interim appeal before that occurs, the administration has decided to wait for DOD’s study and will continue to defend the president’s and secretary of defense’s lawful authority in district court in the meantime.”

The Justice Department on Friday withdrew its appeals of three court rulings against Trump’s transgender military ban — one from a federal court in D.C., another from a federal court in Maryland and another from a federal court in Washington State. A federal court in California also ruled against Trump’s trans ban, but the Justice Department had yet to appeal that decision.

With these district courts denying stay on their decisions and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals also refusing to grant stays, the Justice Department could have sought relief from U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts as litigation proceeded. The announcement from the Justice Department, however, means the Trump administration won’t take that option.

In July, Trump announced via Twitter he would ban transgender people from the armed forces “in any capacity,” following up with a directive making good on that promise. As a result of litigation from LGBT legal groups, courts enjoined the Pentagon from enforcing that directive. The Justice Department sought a stay on those decisions, but only as it pertained to allowing openly transgender people to enlist in the armed forces.

The Pentagon had announced earlier this month it was prepared to allow openly transgender people to enlist in the armed forces beginning on Jan. 1 as a result of court orders against Trump’s ban. With the Justice Department giving up on seeking stays of those decisions, there is no doubt the U.S. military will start to admit qualified openly transgender people at that time.

Peter Renn, senior attorney at Lambda Legal who led litigation against Trump’s ban in Washington State, said the decision means “we don’t have to hit pause on the constitutional rights of transgender people” who want to enlist in the U.S. military.

“Federal district courts in D.C., Maryland, Seattle, and Los Angeles have seen through the administration’s hollow arguments in support of discrimination and rejected them, as have the federal appeals courts,” Renn said. “The war isn’t over, but the government has waived the white flag before this battle even got started. The administration clearly saw the writing on the wall and withdrew its desperate effort, for now, to block transgender people from openly enlisting in the armed services and serving their country.”

The decision from the Justice Department doesn’t mean the litigation is entirely resolved. The administration will continue to argue in district court in favor of Trump’s ban as the Pentagon implements openly transgender service, although the chances of the administration succeeding are slim in the aftermath of trial courts granting preliminary injunctions against Trump’s policy.

Joshua Block, senior staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union who led the litigation in Maryland, said the move was “a victory for our country and all of the brave men and women who are transgender, and are ready, willing, and able to serve.”

“Thousands of men and women who are transgender are already serving and meeting the same standards of fitness and deployability that apply to everyone else,” Block said. “We will continue to fight for our clients until a final judgment is issued striking down President Trump’s unconstitutional ban for good.”

CHRIS JOHNSON

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

1 2 • J A NUA RY 0 5 , 2018

Petition urges Jamaica to ban anti-LGBT U.S. pastor A Jamaican activist is petitioning his government to ban an anti-LGBT American pastor from entering the country.

A petition that Jay John posted to Change.org notes Steven Anderson has previously said gay men should be stoned to death. The petition also notes Anderson has celebrated the 2016 massacre at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla., and has spoken against women’s rights.

The petition notes Anderson is scheduled to arrive in Jamaica on Jan. 29.

Anderson is a pastor at the Faithful Word Baptist Church in Tempe, Ariz.

His church’s website says Anderson will be in Jamaica from Jan. 29-Feb. 3 for a A petition urges the Jamaican government to “Missions Trip.” ban STEVEN ANDERSON from the country.

“Folks like this set us back in our PHOTO COURTESY FACEBOOK discussion surrounding LGBT rights as a country,” John told the Washington Blade.

“Mr. Anderson’s messages are inflammatory and blatantly disregards the value for minority (sic).”

“His literal interpretation of the Bible regarding killing of gay people should not be echoed in a society like Jamaica,” added John.

Botswana in 2016 deported Anderson after he told a radio station during an interview the government should kill gays and lesbians. He also described the victims of the Pulse nightclub massacre as “disgusting homosexuals who the Bible says were worthy of death.”

South Africa banned Anderson from entering the country before traveling to Botswana. The Southern Poverty Law Center on its website describes the Faithful Word Baptist Church as one of “the most hardcore anti-LGBT hate groups” in the U.S. “By calling for the killing of gay people, Pastor Anderson’s messages are homophobic and condone violence against fellow human beings and a group that is already marginalized,” reads John’s petition that 531 people have signed. “We the people are asking the Jamaican government to show leadership and stand as an example to fellow Caribbean countries to denounce terrorism and violence against marginalized groups.”

The Blade has reached out to Anderson and the Jamaican government for comment.

Another Jamaican activist said he has shared John’s petition with the U.S. Embassy in Jamaica. The Blade has reached out to the State Department for comment.

Jamaica is among the more than 70 countries around the world in which consensual same-sex sexual relations remain criminalized.

Bishop Howard Gregory, who is the head of the Anglican Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, last July said lawmakers should repeal the colonial-era sodomy law.

“What happens in privacy between consenting adults should be beyond the purview of the government,” wrote Gregory in a letter he sent to members of a parliamentary committee who are studying the issue.

Liberty Counsel Chair Mathew Staver is among those from the U.S. who have traveled to Jamaica in recent years in order to attend events organized by groups that oppose efforts to repeal the law.

MICHAEL K. LAVERS

Egypt releases 2 arrested for raising rainbow flag An Egyptian court has released two people who raised a rainbow flag during a Cairo concert in September.

Egyptian Streets — which describes itself as an “independent, young and grassroots news media organization aimed at providing readers with an alternate depiction of events that occur on Egyptian and Middle Eastern streets” — reported the Giza Criminal Court released Sarah Hejazy and Ahmed Alaa on $56.37 (1,000 Egyptian pounds) bail.

Hejazy and Alaa were among the seven people who were arrested for raising a rainbow flag during the concert that featured Mashrou’ Leila, a Lebanese rock band with an openly gay lead singer. Egyptian Streets reported authorities charged Hejazy and Alaa with “joining outlawed groups that aim to disrupt the provisions of the constitution and the law.”

The arrests took place against the backdrop of the Egyptian government’s ongoing anti-LGBT crackdown.

The Human Rights Campaign and Amnesty International have said dozens of LGBT

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

Egyptians have been arrested since the concert, with many of them undergoing so-called anal tests to determine whether they engaged in same-sex sexual activity. Egyptian lawmakers in October introduced a bill that seeks to criminalize the country’s LGBT community.

State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) have publicly called upon the Egyptian government to end the crackdown.

Dozens of members of Congress last month urged Vice President Pence to raise the issue when he visits Egypt.

Pence was scheduled to travel to Egypt and Israel before Christmas, but he postponed his trip because of the final vote on a tax bill in Congress. Reports indicate the trip has been postponed indefinitely.

MICHAEL K. LAVERS

U.S. sanctions former Gambian president The U.S. late last month announced it has sanctioned former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh under a 2016 human rights law.

A press release from the Treasury Department notes the Trump administration has used the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act that former President Obama signed in 2016 to The U.S. late last month announced it has used a 2016 human rights law to saction former freeze the assets of Jammeh Gambian President YAHYA JAMMEH and 12 other and a dozen other “serious individuals. human rights abusers and corrupt actors.”

President Trump signed an executive order “declaring a national emergency with respect to serious human rights abuse and corruption around the world and providing for the imposition of sanctions on actors engaged in these malign activities.” The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control also sanctioned “39 affiliated individuals and entities” under the directive.

“Today, alongside the president and the Department of the Treasury, the Department of State took action against persons who have committed serious human rights abuse and engaged in corruption around the world,” said Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in a statement. “The department is committed to protecting and promoting human rights and combatting corruption with all of the tools at our disposal.”

“Today’s actions advance our values and promote the security of the United States, our allies, and our partners,” he added. “We must lead by example, and today’s announcement of sanctions demonstrates the United States will continue to pursue tangible and significant consequences for those who commit serious human rights abuse and engage in corruption.”

Jammeh came to power during a 1994 coup.

He stepped down in January after he lost to current President Adama Barrow in the country’s 2016 presidential election. Jammeh is currently in exile in Equatorial Guinea.

A report that Human Rights Watch released in 2015 notes police and officials with Gambia’s National Intelligence Agency “promptly rounded up” dozens of people “on suspicion of their sexual orientation” after Jammeh signed a law that sought to impose a life sentence upon anyone found guilty of “aggravated homosexuality.”

Jammeh in 2015 said he would slit the throats of gay men in his country. He has also described gay men as “vermin” and said homosexuality is among the three “biggest threats to human existence.”

The Gambian government in 2014 stopped providing financial support to Jammeh’s nephew, Alagie Jammeh, who was studying at the University of California, Santa Barbara, at the time, because he posted a pro-LGBT message to his Facebook page. Alagie Jammeh received asylum in the U.S. in 2016.

The Treasury Department’s press release does not specifically refer to Jammeh’s anti-LGBT rights abuses, but it does note he “has a long history of engaging in serious human rights abuses and corruption.” The U.S. on Thursday also used the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act to sanction former Gambian National Intelligence Agency Director General Yankuba Badjie.

MICHAEL K. LAVERS

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

J A N U A RY 0 5 , 2 0 1 8 • 1 3

Try the World's Finest Facial Cleanser

ABSOLUTELY

N

FREE!

utra-Lift® Herbal NonSoap Cleanser is a Deep Cleansing Facial Wash, a Moisturizer, an Antiseptic Toner, a Make-Up Remover, & an Anti-Aging Mask with Powerful Anti-Oxidant Protection...ALL IN ONE !

Good for All Skin Types.

"This is the only cleanser I will ever use again! I've tried so many, and they all have either been too harsh leaving my skin dry or not powerful enough causing my skin to remain oily.

This product produces the perfect combination of clean, healthy looking skin. I no longer have clogged pores, and I can now say I am proud of my skin."

SAM FROM WEST PALM BEACH, FL

"I have found Nutra-Lift's Herbal Soapless Cleanser to be superior to anything else I have used. Helps to reduce breakouts and acne too."

K. ROSENFELD FROM THE ROCKIES

Introducing Nutra-Lift® Premium Natural & Organic SkinCare at Affordable Prices ORDER Nutra-Lift® Herbal NonSoap Face Cleanser (4 oz.)

ABSOLUTELY FREE for the first 500 People* (Includes FREE SHIPPING within the USA)

www.Nutra-Lift.com

USE PROMO CODE: HNSFREE

Apply in Coupon Box upon Checkout to Redeem. *One Free Offer per Household.

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

1 4 • J A NUA RY 0 5 , 2018

NATIONAL NEWS

Homophobes Romney, Bachmann may run for Senate CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01

anti-LGBT records as public officials.

As Massachusetts governor, Romney most famously sought to limit the 2003 Goodridge decision at the Massachusetts Supreme Court making the Bay State the first with marriage equality and became a national spokesperson in favor of the Federal Marriage Amendment, which would have banned same-sex marriage nationwide.

According to MassEquality, Romney abolished the Governor’s Commission on GLBT Youth and rescinded an executive order prohibiting sexual orientation discrimination in the state workforce.

True to his reputation as a flip-flopper, Romney has also stated contradictory positions on LGBT issues. As a U.S. Senate candidate in 1994, Romney told Log Cabin Republicans he’d co-sponsor the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and would seek to expand it to include housing and credit, but later in 2006 said he doesn’t support ENDA and in 2007 called it a state issue.

A longtime favorite of social conservatives, Bachmann has an antiLGBT record that has animated her career as far back as 2004 when she also championed the Federal Marriage Amendment and said “Gays live a very sad life” and “it’s part of Satan.”

In the course of her career in Congress, Bachmann voted against hate crimes protections legislation, repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” and a version of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. She was elected to Congress too late to have voted on the Federal Marriage Amendment in either 2004 or 2006.

In 2012, both Romney and Bachmann in pursuit of the Republican presidential nomination staked out anti-LGBT positions and continued their push for a U.S. constitutional amendment that would have banned same-sex marriage nationwide.

Bachmann ended up losing the nomination to Romney, but Romney came up short in his bid to unseat President Obama, who went on to serve a second term.

Both candidates signed a pledge with the anti-LGBT National Organization for Marriage committing themselves to back a Federal Marriage Amendment; defend the anti-gay Defense of Marriage Act in court; support legislation allowing D.C. residents to vote on its same-sex marriage law; and appoint a presidential commission to “investigate harassment of traditional marriage supporters.”

But after his defeat in the 2012 election, Romney made some surprising statements that struck a different tone in contrast to his anti-LGBT record. Romney recommended Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer

Utah Sen. ORRIN HATCH is retiring this year after 40 years in the Senate.

PHOTO BY GAGE SKIDMORE; COURTESY WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

AL FRANKEN’s exit could pave the way for Michele Bachmann’s 2018 Senate run.

WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTO BY MICHAEL KEY

veto a “religious freedom” bill seen to enable anti-LGBT discrimination. (Brewer took that advice and vetoed the bill, unlike Mike Pence, who as Indiana governor signed a similar measure and was forced to sign a “fix” amid criticism from the LGBT community and business advocates.)

After the mass shooting in 2016 at the gay nightclub in Orlando, Fla., that killed 49 people and wounded 58 others,

Romney took to Twitter to say he and his wife would “say a special prayer for the LGBT community that was the focus of this attack.”

But Romney hasn’t publicly turned around from his opposition to same-sex marriage. In 2014, Romney said he still opposes same-sex marriage and it could be “generations” before the negative impact of marriage equality is determined.

Fred Karger, a gay consultant to Republican presidential candidates and himself a candidate for president in 2012, said Hatch is retiring to make room for Romney because the Mormon Church pushed out the former “in favor of a more obedient Mormon Church member.”

“Mormon Church leaders have been on a full-time mission for over a year to do just that,” Karger said.

Noting the history of antagonism between President Trump and Romney, who has called him unfit to serve in the White House, Karger predicted friction between the two if Romney is elected.

“It’s a case of the Mormon Church trumping Trump and his desire to keep Mitt Romney 2,000 miles away from Washington,” Karger said. “It will be fun to see Romney try and take on President Trump as he has in the past, only to be annihilated by the far more savvy politician.”

Bachmann hasn’t changed her tune at all. Earlier this year, Bachmann said President Trump was elected to the White House despite the odds against him because the Obama administration issued guidance requiring schools to allow transgender kids to use the restroom consistent with their gender identity, or as she put it “just issued a sheet of paper and said, overnight, every single public school in the country would have to have the girls’ bathrooms open to the boys and the boys’ bathrooms open to the girls.”

The advancement of transgender rights, Bachmann said, was too much for God, whom she “answered the prayers of believers beseeching him, and he’s given us a reprieve.”

Both Romney and Bachmann would be running in a mid-term when Democrats have considerable momentum amid discontent with Trump. But Romney might be a shoe-in to win in the conservative state of Utah. Bachmann would likely run against Minnesota Lt. Gov. Tina Smith, whom Gov. Mark Dayton tapped to succeed Franken on an interim basis.

Lucas Acosta, director of LGBT media for the Democratic National Committee, said voters won’t forget the anti-LGBT records of Romney and Bachmann as they head to the polls in the congressional mid-terms.

“Americans have already rejected the anti-LGBTQ extremism of Republicans like Michele Bachmann and Mitt Romney,” Acosta said. “Not only are their hateful views out-of-step with the country, but with a majority of Utahns and Minnesotans alike. Voters deserve candidates who will fight to protect their freedom to serve, work and love whomever they choose regardless of gender.”

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

J A N U A RY 0 5 , 2 0 1 8 • 1 5

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

16 • J A N U A R Y 05, 2018

H E A LT H N E W S

CDC word ban invites concern, caution

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

• • • • • • • •

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

CALL TO ASK ABOUT OUR LASER LIPO SPECIALS

GREENWICH, Conn. — The mid-December report initially reported by the Washington Post that said seven words are now banned at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to incite concern among U.S. health care professionals with particular concern in the LGBT realm, Greenwich Time and other outlets report.

Initial sources said that senior officials in the CDC in charge of the budget, at a Dec. 14 meeting, banned the use of seven designations: “science-based,” “evidencebased,” “fetus,” “transgender,” “vulnerable,” “entitlement” and “diversity.”

The words circulated widely through social media newsfeeds as people deliberately used the terminologies that the CDC was told to avoid in its 2019 budgetary materials.

Since the report broke, Matt Lloyd, the Department of Health and Human Services’ principal deputy assistant secretary for public affairs, has denied that there are any “banned words” at the CDC, the New York Times reports. Though the initial Post article blamed President Donald Trump’s administration for the barred terms, follow-up reports differ on the origin of the list.

Some media analysts, advised by anonymous sources from HHS, have hypothesized that officials at the CDC incorporated the changes themselves to assuage a more conservative, right-wing Congress that might take issue with the ideas associated with words like “fetus” and “transgender” when making funding decisions, Greenwich Time reports.

Whether the recommendations originated in the CDC or outside of the agency, there is proof the initial conversation about language did indeed take place.

Now, medical professionals and advocates are speculating whether the word recommendations will bleed into other areas at the CDC. There is concern that the word ban is related to a long-term effort to overturn the Obamacare provision (Rule 1557) that prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity in health care, the National Law Review reports. Rolling back those protections has been a priority of the religious right since it was first enacted. HHS has been considering allowing religious groups to ignore some regulations, mostly related to health care for trans people and abortions; the agency has received over 10,000 comments from the public but has only released 80 of them, Politico reports.

“The CDC not being allowed to use the word ‘transgender’ in budget documents could have a cost in people’s health and lives,” said Harper Jean, policy director at the National Center for Transgender Equality, in a statement to Vice. “At best, it means a chilling effect on the work of the CDC’s scientists and public health professionals, keeping them from pursuing the most effective public health interventions. At worst, it could mean a priority population for preventing HIV is completely ignored.”

Registry formed to study trans youth ONEONTA, N.Y. — A new pediatric registry has been created by a Bassett Healthcare Network doctor to study health outcomes among transgender and gender-nonconforming youth. It is believed to be the country’s first such registry based in a rural area, the Daily Star, a New York state newspaper, reports.

The registry and associated research will inform the care of patients in the network’s Gender Wellness Center and contribute to filling a national data gap, according to doctors Carolyn Wolf-Gould and Anne Gadomski, the Daily Star reports.

“The treatment of trans youth with pubertal blocking medications and hormones is a relatively new phenomenon,” said Dr. Wolf-Gould, founder of the Gender Wellness Center, according to the Daily Star. “There is a research gap in terms of long-term effects like any new therapy. It takes time to build a body of research.”

While some European countries have offered those treatments since 1997, they have only been available in the United States for about a decade, she said.

Dr. Norman Spack, a specialist in endocrinology at Boston Children’s Hospital, was one of the first doctors in the United States to advocate the therapy for minors, the Daily Star reports.

Researchers Jane O’Bryan and Kim Leon are writing two papers thus far based on study of the registry, on rates of eating disorders and non-suicidal self harm, the Star reports.

Participation in the database is voluntary, and 113 Gender Wellness Center patients in different stages of transition are now involved. All took surveys assessing their quality of life, and most are adolescents between the ages of 11 and 21, the Daily Star reports.

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

J A N U A RY 0 5 , 2 0 1 8 • 1 7

In adults with HIV on ART who have diarrhea not caused by an infection IMPORTANT PATIENT INFORMATION This is only a summary. See complete Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com or by calling 1-844-722-8256. This does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or treatment.

What Is Mytesi?

Mytesi is a prescription medicine used to improve symptoms of noninfectious diarrhea (diarrhea not caused by a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection) in adults living with HIV/AIDS on ART. Do Not Take Mytesi if you have diarrhea caused by an infection.

Before you start Mytesi, your doctor and you should make sure your diarrhea is not caused by an infection (such as bacteria, virus, or parasite).

Possible Side Effects of Mytesi Include:

Tired of planning your life around diarrhea?

Enough is Enough Get relief. Pure and simple. Ask your doctor about Mytesi.

Mytesi (crofelemer): • Is the only medicine FDA-approved to relieve diarrhea in people with HIV • Treats diarrhea differently by normalizing the flow of water in the GI tract • Has the same or fewer side effects as placebo in clinical studies • Comes from a tree sustainably harvested in the Amazon Rainforest What is Mytesi?

Mytesi is a prescription medicine that helps relieve symptoms of diarrhea not caused by an infection (noninfectious) in adults living with HIV/AIDS on antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Important Safety Information Mytesi is not approved to treat infectious diarrhea (diarrhea caused by bacteria, a virus, or a parasite). Before starting you on Mytesi, your healthcare provider will first be sure that you do not have infectious diarrhea. Otherwise, there is a risk you would not receive the right medicine and your infection could get worse. In clinical studies, the most common side effects that occurred more often than with placebo were upper respiratory tract (sinus, nose, and throat) infection (5.7%), bronchitis (3.9%), cough (3.5%), flatulence (3.1%), and increased bilirubin (3.1%).

For Copay Savings Card and Patient Assistance, see Mytesi.com

Should I Take Mytesi If I Am: Pregnant or Planning to Become Pregnant?

• Studies in animals show that Mytesi could harm an unborn baby or affect the ability to become pregnant • There are no studies in pregnant women taking Mytesi • This drug should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed A Nursing Mother?

• It is not known whether Mytesi is passed through human breast milk • If you are nursing, you should tell your doctor before starting Mytesi • Your doctor will help you to decide whether to stop nursing or to stop taking Mytesi Under 18 or Over 65 Years of Age? • Mytesi has not been studied in children under 18 years of age • Mytesi studies did not include many people over the age of 65.

So it is not clear if this age group will respond differently. Talk to your doctor to find out if Mytesi is right for you

What Should I Know About Taking Mytesi With Other Medicines?

If you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicine, herbal supplements, or vitamins, tell your doctor before starting Mytesi.

What If I Have More Questions About Mytesi?

For more information, please see the full Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com or speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

To report side effects or make a product complaint or for additional information, call 1-844-722-8256.

Rx Only Manufactured by Patheon, Inc. for Napo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. San Francisco, CA 94105 Copyright © Napo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Please see complete Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com.

NP-390-17

• Upper respiratory tract infection (sinus, nose, and throat infection) • Bronchitis (swelling in the tubes that carry air to and from your lungs) • Cough • Flatulence (gas) • Increased bilirubin (a waste product when red blood cells break down) For a full list of side effects, please talk to your doctor. Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

RELIEF, PURE AND SIMPLE

Mytesi comes from the Croton lechleri tree harvested in South America.

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

1 8 • J A NUA RY 0 5 , 2018

VIEWPOINT

VOLUME

49

ISSUE

01

ADDRESS

Dana Beyer for Maryland Senate Electing longtime activist will ensure a fairer state

By BRIAN GAITHER When Danica Roem takes the oath of office in Virginia’s statehouse on Jan. 10, the country will finally have an LGBT legislative caucus where the “T” isn’t simply aspirational. For her historic accomplishment, Roem deserves the acclaim and unmitigated respect of the entire LGBT community. Not only did she demonstrate great courage in running as an openly trans candidate against a 13-term incumbent, but in defeating Robert Marshall she banished from public office a man who had brazenly styled himself “chief homophobe” of the Old Dominion.

From across the Potomac, we Marylanders who have long hoped to put the “T” in our own caucus, will find the day to be bittersweet as well. On Jan. 10, the Maryland General Assembly will commence yet another session without a trans lawmaker.

If we choose to do so, however, we can make it the last.

At the end of session, Sen. Rich Madaleno – in his pursuit of the governorship – will be vacating the Senate seat representing Montgomery County’s 18th

Legislative District. Longtime trans activist and local political operative, Dr. Dana Beyer, has announced that she will run to succeed him.

As an aide to Duchy Trachtenberg, at-large member of the Montgomery County Council, Dana helped expand the county’s civil rights law in 2007 to include gender identity. For the next seven years she fought to include similar protections in the local ordinances of other jurisdic-

and undeniably committed to achieving full equality for every one of us.

Given the daily menace to LGBT people that emanates from the White House, we must find and promote in the coming election season those individuals best suited to the task of fighting back. We must elevate strong candidates who will be equally strong political leaders. As it stands, too many local politicians can muster no more resistance to Trump’s policies than cavils

Victory in the race will confirm the ‘Trans Potomac’ political moment that began with Dana’s activism, that has led to Danica’s election, and that will culminate when the doctor becomes a senator. tions and in state law. She co-founded Gender Rights Maryland to secure passage of the Fairness for All Marylanders Act of 2014 after previous attempts to advance legislation in the statehouse had failed. She has authored dozens of pieces for national publications, covering the full range of issues related to transgender culture, science, and public policy. She’s a relentless advocate for the LGBT community, reliably vocal about our concerns E DIT OR IA L C A R T OON

and quips in their tweets and retweets.

We need instead someone who can define a strategy, rally our efforts, and lead the counterattack from Annapolis. With Beyer in the Senate, we will have an official in Maryland who does more than “hold our ground.” She will further the work she herself has already done to make this state even more welcoming for each member of the LGBT community.

Six months ago I openly lamented the absence of an LGBT candidate in Maryland whose candidacy I could support.

I argued then, as I reiterate now, that our gay and lesbian incumbents cannot be trusted to advance our issues on their own. Without Equality Maryland to nudge them on, they are aimless. I have returned to update my statement only by saying that Beyer is the candidate I’ve been looking for.

I’m eager for the start of the Maryland General Assembly’s 2019 session. I intend to sit in the gallery and watch Dana Beyer take the oath of office as the next senator from the 18th Legislative District. On that day in January, I will be more confident in the ability of Maryland’s legislature to look after the well being of LGBT people living here.

Victory in the race will confirm the “Trans Potomac” political moment that began with Dana’s activism, that has led to Danica’s election, and that will culminate when the doctor becomes a senator.

Every LGBT person in the greater Washington region, as well as those who live in parts of Maryland beyond the beltway, should recognize its importance and work to make it real. We will all be better for it.

BRIAN GAITHER is an LGBT activist living in Baltimore. Follow him @briangaither.

PO Box 53352 Washington DC 20009 PHONE

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

Send submissions by e-mail to knaff@washblade.com.

©2018 BROWN NAFF PITTS OMNIMEDIA, INC.

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

I N S I DE LGB T W A S HING TON

J A N U A RY 0 5 , 2 0 1 8 • 1 9

Pelosi should retire as Speaker Democratic elder statesmen must help younger leaders succeed

PETER ROSENSTEIN is a longtime LGBT rights and Democratic Party activist. He writes regularly for the Blade.

The goal of all Democrats in 2018 should be to see Nancy D’Alesandro Pelosi (D-Calif.) have the opportunity to announce she won’t run again in 2020 after getting sworn in as Speaker of the House of Representatives in January 2019.

Pelosi is a force of nature and politician extraordinaire. She grew up in a political family in Baltimore, her dad first serving in Congress and then becoming a three-term mayor.

She was elected to Congress in her own right from San Francisco in 1986. Since that time she has fought the good fight for liberal/progressive causes and in 2007 was

elected Speaker making her the highestranking woman politician in American history. When Republicans took over the House in the 2010 elections Pelosi was elected Minority Leader. Now Democrats have the chance to make her speaker again.

In a June 2017 New York Times column it was reported “Since entering the House Democratic leadership in 2002, Ms. Pelosi has raised nearly $568 million for her party.

Just in the 2016 election cycle, she raised over $141 million.” The column went on to say “her allies say she supplies much more than cash, praising her ability to impose member discipline and her skills as a “back-room dealer,” in the admiring words of Representative Dina Titus, Democrat of Nevada. Representative Steve Cohen, Democrat of Tennessee, hailed her deftness at “herding cats.” It’s been a lot of work for her to kind of keep us away from impeachment and on health care and the economy,” Mr. Cohen said.

So whatever the negatives of having Nancy Pelosi as a focal point for Republicans to criticize and use in their ads, in the long run Democrats have benefitted from having Pelosi as their leader. It seemed to many she was grooming Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) to take over but he decided to run for the Senate in 2016 and is now

the junior senator from Maryland. Senate Minority leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) actually waited until he was sworn in to name him chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) based on the work he did as chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) and the trust Pelosi put in him.

Pelosi is working to ensure Democrats take back the House in the 2018 mid-term elections. She is also walking a tightrope on dealing with the issue of sexual harassment in Congress. She named Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.) as DCCC chair and they elected five vice chairs at the beginning of 2017 to help recruit candidates and set the message for the 2018 election cycle. Vice chairs include Reps. Joseph P. Kennedy III (D-Mass.), A. Donald McEachin (D-Va.), Betty McCollum (D-Minn.), and Jared Polis (D-Colo.) who is now running for governor of Colorado, and Ted Lieu (D-Calif.).

Last year ended with big wins for Democrats in New Jersey, Virginia, Alabama and victories in races across the country from county council to state legislatures. So Democrats who are clamoring for Pelosi to step down now should stop those efforts and focus all their energy on winning not only the House and Senate, but governor-

ships, and legislatures across the nation.

Pelosi is smart enough to stay out of races where her name is a negative. Her skill at fundraising and her ability to keep Democrats together in the year leading up to the mid-term elections in November clearly outweigh any negatives attributed to her.

Democrats need to stop the infighting for the next year and instead work together to win. Stop all the speculation about who will be our Presidential candidate in 2020 and focus all our energies on 2018. If we can win the House, maybe even the Senate, and some governorships the field of candidates vying for what will be a valuable nomination will be large and include many of the names we know and some we don’t know yet.

So let’s focus on making Pelosi speaker in January 2019 at which time surely she will see the wisdom in announcing it will be her last term in Congress. Then maybe some of our other respected elder statespersons will follow suit and recognize it’s time for a new generation of Democrats to take center stage. The elder statespersons in the Party should put their egos aside and use their experience and wisdom to help the next generation of Democrats succeed.

O U R B USI NES S MATTERS

‘Tax the rich’ slogan suddenly a Democratic dilemma Liberal demand that wealthy pay more confronts affluent in high-tax areas

MARK LEE is a long-time entrepreneur and community business advocate. Follow on Twitter: @MarkLeeDC. Reach him at OurBusinessMatters@gmail.com.

Tax reform has historically proven to be one of the most difficult national legislative achievements, despite popular support for tax cuts. The federal tax law approved last month represents the first substantial revision of tax rates in nearly 40 years.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act accomplished multiple fundamental revisions to the tax code. One of those provisions, a federal deductibility cap of $10,000 for property taxes combined with either state and local income or sales taxes, caused an uproar last week among well-to-do taxpayers in several high-tax states, including in D.C. The cap prompted a panic-rush by some

to pre-pay property taxes in the hope of shoehorning advance payment under last year’s unlimited deductibility. As it turns out, due IRS advisory regarding the scheme, most of those pre-payments will become merely interest-free loans to local governments.

This unseemly drama served as indirect warning of a dilemma facing Democrats as a result of a significant core base of supporters being upper-income urban and suburban financial elites in partycontrolled high-tax jurisdictions.

The hoopla bemused the vast majority of taxpayers, 70 percent nationally and 60 percent in the D.C. region, who don’t itemize or advantage these deductions. Add to that number the majority among those who do itemize unaffected by the new deduction cap or for whom the newly doubled standard deduction offsets the difference.

The left-leaning Tax Policy Center clearly identified that it is the affluent that are affected. More than 96 percent of resulting tax increases will be paid by those in the top 20 percent of income distribution – and most of it by those in the top 10 percent.

In other words, wealthier taxpayers will pay more.

The irony was readily apparent. It was the moment when “tax-the-rich” sloganeering in locales politically dominated

by aligned voters transformed into hardnosed economic reality – and became an admonishment for Democrats.

To paraphrase RuPaul: “How in the hell are you going to keep screaming ‘tax the rich’ if you aren’t willing to pay higher taxes yourself?”

Perversely, the outcry over the deduction limitation emanated from those commonly advocating higher taxes on the wealthy and increased spending for costly programs and new entitlements. It was apparently “other rich people” being referenced, and not including high-income partisans in high-end homes in high-tax jurisdictions.

Federal tax policy has long subsidized private home ownership, particularly for upper-income homeowners purchasing expensive properties. The new tax law scales back those taxpayer subsidies, something once considered impossible.

Maybe it’s the messenger and not the message. Perhaps the well-to-do predominantly Democratic partisans wouldn’t openly contradict their tax policy positions had these changes not been enacted by Republicans and signed by a White House occupant they loathe.

After all, most economists assert that reducing government subsidization of homeownership – which is broadly assigned partial blame as among factors

provoking the Great Recession – will tend to slow the trajectory of skyrocketing housing prices and benefit those increasingly frozen out of the purchase market.

Opponents of tax relief, benefiting nearly all taxpayers and especially the working and middle classes, have been shameless in misrepresenting the facts.

The liberal Tax Policy Center estimates that nearly 90 percent will see a reduction in taxes, with less than 5 percent experiencing a tax increase. The average tax cut will be slightly more than $2,000 per year.

Instead, those who don’t favor tax cuts and reduced government spending aggregate the dollar amount among those paying the most in taxes, skewing perceptions regarding who actually benefits while ignoring that higher percentage reductions convey to those most in need. Or they focus on the “temporary” decade-long timeline, required by congressional legislative rules, inadvertently reminding voters Democrats may not actually support an extension.

Most dangerous for Democrats is watching a critical constituency of aligned affluent urban-area voters go berserk over a special-interest deduction and hearing wealthier partisan supporters object to paying more – whether or not they “feel” rich and despite the party slogan.

2 0 • J A NUA RY 0 5 , 2018

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

Help us find D.C.’s top 20 LGBT singles for the Blade’s Singles Issue on February 9th, then meet them at Town Danceboutique on February 10th.

Nominate yourself or your friends from January 3-15th at

washingtonblade.com/singles

ARTS

AND

ENTERTAINMENT

•

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

•

VOLUME

49

•

ISSUE

01

•

JANUARY

05,

2018

•

PAGE

21

WASHINGTON BLADE FILE PHOTO BY JOHN JACK GALLAGHER

The year ahead: 2018 D.C.’s LGBT social calendar filled with prides, dinners, performances and more

By WILL OWEN D.C.’s LGBT scene is filled with events all year long. We’ve compiled a list of what’s coming this year. Details are pending for some events, especially those later in the year. Keep reading the Blade throughout 2018 for updates.

Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend is Jan. 12-14 at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill (400 New Jersey Ave., N.W.). Details at leatherweekend.com.

The Capital Pride Alliance invites LGBT community members to march in the annual MLK Holiday Parade in Anacostia Park (1900 Anacostia Drive, S.E.) on Jan. 15 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Visit the Facebook event page for details.

Reel Affirmations has screenings scheduled throughout the year starting with “CatSkin” on Jan. 19. Details and 2018 passes available at reelaffirmations.org.

The Pride Reveal party is tentatively

slated for Thursday, Feb. 1. Details soon at capitalpride.org.

The Brother Help Thyself grant/ awards reception is Jan. 20 at the Baltimore Eagle (2022 N. Charles St.) in Baltimore. Details at brotherhelpthyself. org or on the BHT Facebook page.

The CAMP Rehoboth Chorus kicks off its 2018 season with “It Takes Two!” Jan. 20 at the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center (37 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Del.).

Details at camprehoboth.com.

The National LGBTQ Task Force’s Creating Change Conference is Jan. 24-28 in Washington. Details at creatingchange.org.

The Helen Hayes Award nominees will be announced in late January or early February at the National Theatre, based on past scheduling. Details are also pending on the ceremony, which is usually held the first week in April. Check

back later at theatrewashington.org.

Wig Night Out, an annual Point Foundation benefit, is scheduled for Jan. 27 from 7-9 p.m. at JR.’s Bar (1519 17th St., N.W.). For details, check here.

Equality Virginia’s Day of Action will be held on Feb. 5 in Richmond at the Library of Virginia (800 E. Broad Street, Richmond). Details at equalityvirginia.org.

The Blade’s “Most Eligible Singles” party is Feb. 10. The issue comes out Feb. 9.

Scarlet’s Bake Sale is tentatively scheduled for Feb. 10. No word yet on this year’s location or theme, but it is usually held at the D.C. Eagle (3701 Benning Rd., N.E.). Scarlet’s Foundation has a Facebook page that will have more information closer to the date.

The Blade’s Spring Arts Preview special issue comes out March 2.

The 2018 date has yet to be announced,

but the 2017 Al Sura White In Black event was held on March 4. More information soon at alsurainc.org.

The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington is performing two “Make America Gay Again” concerts on March 17 at the Lincoln Theatre (1215 U Street, N.W.) at 4 and 8 p.m. Tickets are $25-65. All four of the group’s adult ensembles also perform a “Small Ensembles Extravaganza” at the Barns at Wolf Trap (1635 Trap Road, Vienna, Va.) on April 14. “Transamerica,” with special guest artists soon to be announced, is June 2-3 at the Lincoln Theatre (1215 U St., N.W.). Full details and ticket info can be found at gmcw.org.

CAMP Rehoboth Women’s FEST is April 7-10. Details at camprehoboth.com.

Cherry is April 12-15 at various CONTINUES ON PAGE 33

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

2 2 • J A N UA RY 0 5 , 2018

Q U E E RY : 2 0 Q U E ST I O N S F O R D A N MI LLE R

DAN MILLER WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTO BY MICHAEL KEY

By JOEY DiGUGLIELMO joeyd@washblade.com The trope that you’re only judged in Washington by what you do professionally has not particularly been Dan Miller’s experience. As a longtime performer with Washington Improv Theater (WIT), he’s found some of the most enduring and satisfying relationships of his life.

“The thriving improv scene in D.C. is made of people who are creative, hilarious and kind,” the 37-year-old Fairfax, Va., native says. “They create this haven of people who are non-judgmental and welcoming and [it’s] growing because people are hearing how creative and accepting these folks are.”

The new year is shaping up to be a busy one for WIT (witdc.org). In addition to its usual quarterly, eight-week improv training courses offered in Columbia Heights, WIT also offers WIT@Work trainings so employees from all types of fields can learn to “use the principles of improv to enhance creativity, facilitate communication and build teams.”

And Improv Actually, part of the Wintry Mix series at the D.C. Arts Center, continues through Feb. 4. It’s an improvised romantic comedy inspired by the movie “Love Actually” that Miller created with four LGBT players in the ensemble.

Miller, who both performs and works as external relations director for WIT, took his first class in January 2010 during “a dark time” when he was laid off and “needed to get out of the house.”

He says the appeal of improv, which, to do well, he says requires a lot of training and practice (“think of it as training like a football team”), is that it requires both acting and creating.

“In improv, you’re both acting and writing at the same time, so it’s using every part of your brain and body,” Miller says. “You have to be fully engaged, listen intently and react honestly. … The camaraderie built by improv is unparalleled.”

Miller is married and lives in Kingman Park with his husband and rescue dog, Hugo. He enjoys improv, writing, going for walks and “doing late-30s nesting activities” in his free time.

Serving Our Community for 35 years

a d v i C e • m e d iat i o N • L i t i G at i o N • a P P e a L S • C o L L a B o r at i o N

FamiLY | eState PLaNNiNG | emPLoYmeNt | immiGratioN ComPLeX LitiGatioN | CiviL riGHtS | LGBt | adoPtioN | BuSiNeSS

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

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

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

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

How long have you been out and who was the hardest person to tell?

Since 2001. This is corny, but once I figured myself out telling everyone else was pretty easy. I’m lucky.

Who’s your LGBT hero?

The writer David Rakoff. He passed away a few years back, but I am still awed by his dry wit and the perfection of his word choice.

What’s Washington’s best nightspot, past or present?

The late, great Toledo Lounge in Adams Morgan — always and forever my favorite dive bar.

Describe your dream wedding.

Already had it — a Jewish-Armenian extravaganza in a Puerto Rican restaurant. Open bar with everyone we love in one room.

What non-LGBT issue are you most passionate about?

Get rid of all the guns.

What historical outcome would you change?

Is it short-sighted to just say the 2016 election?

What’s been the most memorable pop culture moment of your lifetime?

That episode of “Roseanne” when Becky gets drunk on “tornadoes.”

On what do you insist?

Text if you’re going to be late. Also, try not to be late.

What was your last Facebook post or Tweet?

“If I were any member of the animal kingdom, I’d be a bird trapped in the mall.”

If your life were a book, what would the title be?

“Dan Miller: A Life Spent Quietly Laughing About Something Unrelated” If science discovered a way to change sexual orientation, what would you do?

Turn all anti-LGBT members of

Congress and the administration gay as their first lesson in empathy.

What do you believe in beyond the physical world?

The saxophone on Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Run Away With Me.”

What’s your advice for LGBT movement leaders?

Don’t get mired in picking fights with potential allies with whom you largely agree. Concentrate your efforts on combating the real enemies.

What would you walk across hot coals for?

To show someone a picture of my dog Hugo, even if they don’t care. Or know who I am.

What LGBT stereotype annoys you most?

That gay men and lesbians don’t get along. I spent eight years cozily roasting Brussels sprouts with a gay female roommate.

What’s your favorite LGBT movie?

I recently enjoyed “You’re Killing Me,” a comedic horror movie featuring some of my favorite gay comedians like Jeffrey Self, Drew Droege and Bryan Safi. Also, “Paris is Burning” should be mandatory viewing for all gays.

What’s the most overrated social custom?

Bemoaning that asking “what do you do?” is “such a D.C. question.” People do interesting things that they care about.

What trophy or prize do you most covet?

A full head of hair.

What do you wish you’d known at 18?

I wish I had understood the zen of improv. Say “yes.” Be comfortable with the unexpected. Celebrate mistakes.

Put your trust in people and they will support you.

Why Washington?

It’s where my family is. Also, everyone who leaves the improv community in D.C. misses it sorely.

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

J A N U A RY 0 5 , 2 0 1 8 • 2 3

1 6 6 9 8 K ing s Hig hw a y Ste . A, L e w e s, DE 19958 • (302) 645-6664 • LeeAnnGroup .com

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

24 • J A N U A R Y 05, 2018

THEATER

Miami connections Out actor/director has familial ties to Gloria Estefan

Photos: Matthew Murphy

By PATRICK FOLLIARD

January 9–28 | Opera House TICKETS ON SALE NOW! KENNEDY-CENTER.ORG | (202) 467-4600 Tickets also available at the Box Office. Groups call (202) 416-8400.

For all other ticket-related customer service inquiries, call the Advance Sales Box Office at (202) 416-8540.

Theater at the Kennedy Center is made possible by

Major support for Musical Theater at the Kennedy Center is provided by

Additional support is provided by Ambassador Elizabeth Frawley Bagley.

Kennedy Center Theater Season Sponsor

When out actor/director Andy Señor, Jr. learned his old Grammy Award-winning friends Gloria and Emilio Estefan were doing a jukebox musical about their lives titled “On Your Feet!,” he reached out to the show’s director Jerry Mitchell, asking to be taken on as associate director.

After Señor, 43, explained that he’s Cuban and from Miami and about his relationship with Gloria and Emilio, Mitchell quickly hired him and nicknamed him “the authenticity police.”

“On Your Feet!” premiered on Broadway in 2015 and currently the national tour production is at the Kennedy Center throughout most of January.

WASHINGTON BLADE: What’s your connection to the Estefans?

ANDY SENOR: My father was Gloria’s parents’ neighbor in Havana. When Gloria’s mom’s water broke to give birth to Gloria, my dad was there and watched the splash. My dad helped get her to the hospital. They reconvened later in Miami.

My sister and Gloria’s sister started the first Miami Sound Machine fan club and my dad’s band was the Gloria’s opening act for a lot of quinceañeras and weddings. I grew up hanging out underneath the soundboard most weekends.

BLADE: How’d you get into theater?

SENOR: I wanted to be a singer. But as a teenager I was too embarrassed to say I was a singer around all these famous people like the Estefans and Jon Secada, so I got into musical theater instead. It was a way to sing and not claim I was a singer.

Studying theater at Florida International University, I fell in love with theater, both the performance and community aspects.

BLADE: Tell us about was playing Angel, the Latin drag queen in ‘Rent’ on Broadway.

SENOR: When “Rent” came out I was 22. Being a gay Latin guy, I had never seen many parts that reflected what I could do, and then I watched the Tony Awards and saw a guy who looked just like me win a Tony for playing Angel. It blew me away.

Seeing a gay Latin character with a lover represented who I was. So, I auditioned and got the part and played Angel for a long time on Broadway and tours.

BLADE: What was it like directing and producing the historic production of “Rent” in Havana, Cuba in 2014, marking the first Broadway musical co-production between the United States and the Cuba in 50 years.

SENOR: Yes, that was an opportunity I couldn’t pass on. My family was against me going to Cuba for political reasons.

They left during Revolution. But for me having taken the show to so many places,

PHOTO COURTESY KENNEDY CENTER

ANDY SENOR, JR. says seeing ‘Rent’ was a lifealtering experience.

of course I was going to Cuba. How could I not? Many Cuban Americans like me feel divided. We want to honor parents, but we also know that we’re the ones who have to make the shift. We have inherited this conversation. To engage and create a vehicle that opens conversation not only in entertainment but also politics is powerful. Soon we’ll be releasing a documentary “Revolution Rent” that follows me through the experience.

BLADE: How did you shift from acting to directing?

SENOR: I never set out to be a Broadway director. At one point I found myself onstage and was like, “This is good but so what? There must be more here.” In college I was directing and pitching ideas so it was inevitable it would go that way but that day came more quickly than I expected. I assisted director Michael Grief on the off-Broadway revival of “Rent,” and then Japan acquired rights and he had me direct the show in Japan with double cast in Japanese. I thought, “Oh shit,” but I had to do it. Life takes me where it wants to take me. It’s still taking me places I don’t know. I’m always there to serve the project in whatever capacity that might be whether it’s acting, directing or producing.

BLADE: How was your coming out experience in Miami’s conservative Cuban community?

SENOR: It wasn’t hard compared to some stories I’ve heard. I always had unconditional love but it was challenging.

I was in a frat in college when I came out and they dealt with it. Then I got into “Rent” and was playing a drag queen and my parents had to deal with it. They had their moment and then they were over it.

BLADE: What’s your future hold?

SENOR: I’m on the board of Viva Broadway.

Its mission is to nurture and develop Broadway’s Hispanic audience. The audience needs nurturing and that’s what I’m looking at. Life is taking me in that direction. Right now, I’m single but I’m open to a relationship.

ANDY SEÑOR, JR. ‘On Your Feet!’

Through Jan. 28 The Kennedy Center Kennedy-center.org

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

J A N U A RY 0 5 , 2 0 1 8 • 2 5

DON’T GO TO THE FREE SOLAR WORKSHOP! You don’t need to know the truth do you?

IT’S

NORMAL

TO PAY MORE EVERY YEAR FOR UTILITY’S DIRTY ENERGY!

Or...you can find out why every day more homeowners decide to think for themselves and make the switch to solar power.

Solar 101 Munch & Learn Workshop Saturday, January 13, 2018 10:30AM-12:30PM Hosted at Solar Energy World’s Headquarters in MD

Workshop includes:

Roof Tour of Solar Energy World’s Solar Electric System (The only solar company in the region that runs its facility on solar) Continental Breakfast ~ Presentation by solar experts ~ Information Packet Special exclusive offer for workshop attendees ~ Free Gift

Space is Limited REGISTRATION REQUIRED BY 1/8/18 FOR FREE ADMISSION To register and for agenda & directions call or go online:

www.MySolarWorkshop.com 888-485-1909

E: 01.13.2017

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

26 • JANU A R Y 05, 2018

O U T & A BO U T

WASHINGTON BLADE FILE PHOTO BY MICHAEL KEY

By MARIAH COOPER

MAL Weekend is Jan. 12-14

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

322 MASS. AVE. NE • 202.543.7656

CAFEBERLIN-DC.COM

Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend runs Jan. 12-14 at the Hyatt Regency on Capital Hill (400 New Jersey Ave., N.W.).

On Friday, Jan. 12 registration begins at 3 p.m. with the exhibitor hall open from 4-10 p.m. From 10 p.m.-3 a.m. the Highwaymen TNT hosts its Impact dance party. On Saturday, Jan. 13 the exhibit hall is open from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Other events include Puppy Park from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and the Onyx cocktail party and gear show from 2-6 p.m. On Sunday, Jan. 14 brunch is from 10 a.m.-noon. The exhibitor hall is open from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather Contest is from 1-4 p.m. followed by the Revival closing dance party from 10 p.m.-4 a.m.

Weekend admission pass is $30. Friday passes are $15, Saturday passes are $20 and Sunday passes are $15. For more details and a complete list of events, visit leatherweekend.com.

There are also various events throughout D.C. celebrating MAL weekend.

D.C. Leather Pride gets the festivities started with a Welcome to D.C. party at the D.C. Eagle (7301 Benning Rd., N.E.) on Thursday, Jan. 11 from 9 p.m.-3 a.m.

DJ Barber Streisand will spin tracks. Local leather titleholders will host the event.

For details, visit facebook.com/dcleatherpride.

Mr. Intentional Rubber hosts a Rubber Meet and Greet at the Hyatt Regency (400 New Jersey Ave., N.W.) on Friday, Jan. 12 from 7-9 p.m. There will be a cash bar. Gear is encouraged with rubber preferred. For more information, visit facebook.com/mirubb.

Honcho hosts a MAL party at U Street Music Hall (1115 U St., N.W.) on Friday, Jan. 12 from 10 p.m.-4 a.m. Mike Servito, Justin Cudmore, the Bunker NY, d’Ahemar and Clark Price will play music. This event is for ages 18 and up. Guests 18-20 admitted by advance ticket only. There will be a full clothes check for $2. Tickets are $12 in advance and $20 at the door. For details, visit facebook.com/honchopgh.

ADVERTISING

PROOF

PHOTO BY TONY POWELL; COURTESY STC

Urie to star in ‘Hamlet’ Shakespeare Theatre Company presents “Hamlet” at Sidney Harman Hall (610 F St., N.W.) Jan. 16-Feb. 25.

Michael Urie (seen here), a queer actor known for his roles in “Ugly Betty” and “Buyer & Cellar,” stars as Hamlet, a Danish prince who returns home from university to find his mother has remarried and his uncle is now on the throne. Hamlet’s father’s ghost appears wanting revenge and Hamlet must decide if he will seek vengeance. Michael Kahn directs the Shakespeare classic. Tickets range from $71-102.

For more details, visit shakespearetheatre.org.

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

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

TransLAW to offer clinic ADVERTISER SIGNATURE

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

PHOTO COURTESY CAPITAL ONE ARENA

Shakira plays D.C. Jan. 16 Shakira brings her “El Dorado World Tour” to Capital One Arena (601 F St., N.W.) on Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 7:30 p.m.

The show, in promotion of her 11th studio album “El Dorado,” will feature a set list of her biggest hits such as “La Bicicleta,” “Chantaje,” “Me Enamoré” and “Déjà vu.” Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets range from $60-160.

For more details, visit ticketmaster.com.

TransLAW: Trans Legal Advocates of Washington host a name and gender change clinic at Whitman-Walker Health (1525 14th St., N.W.) on Wednesday, Jan. 10 from 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Law professionals will explain how to start the name and gender change process. Financial aid is available. Walkins are welcome but attendees are encouraged to RSVP by calling Lee Hicks at 202-939-76-27 or emailing lhicks@ whitman-walker.org.

For more information, visit facebook. com/dctranslaw.

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

J A N U A RY 0 5 , 2 0 1 8 • 2 7

HEALTH INSURANCE FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

IT’S NOT OVER IN DC!

DCHealthLink.com (855) 532-5465

4 more weeks to sign up for quality affordable health insurance • FREE Expert Help • Many Plans to Fit Your Budget • Reduced Premiums Available

@DCHealthLink

ENROLLMENT ENDS JANUARY 31ST

DON’T DELAY...ENROLL TODAY 1/2 WashingtonBlade_1.5.indd 1

1/2/18 5:34 PM

EX N TE OW ND ED

NS GI 17 BE AN J

L ” ST

ES

PO

TO

N

NC

WA S

HI

NG

MA

TH

R TH FO E R

OF

—

PE

NE

“O

E

BY U D AH TE ON ITS

E

YE

AR

’S

DE A RA NE PA CH W P MO EL LA R ST BO Y B TU BE ND Y R AU S E TI FU

E RV F CU O C T G RE D G A IN RTS DI KE LLIN AGER A MI RY TE ENOGTHEAT TO ST ETR M “S MO— DC ”

Family, a funeral, and an uncertain future—a gently comic play about the ties we use to bind ourselves to others.

JOIN THE PACK.

A group of 16-year-old girls turn into warriors on the field.

202.332.3300 | STUDIOTHEATRE.ORG

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

2 8 • J A NUA RY 0 5 , 2018

CA LE N D A R

E-mail calendar items to calendars@washblade. com two weeks prior to your event. Space is limited so priority is given to LGBT-specific events or those with LGBT participants. Recurring events must be re-submitted each time.

TODAY Green Lantern (1335 Green Ct., N.W.) hosts 4Play, an underwear party, tonight from 10 p.m.-3 a.m. DJ Tryfe will play music. Admission is free with an advance Eventbrite ticket. Cover at the door is $5 before midnight and $10 after. For more information, visit greenlanterndc.com.

The Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.) presents “The Illusionists,” a magic show featuring top illusionists, tonight at 8 p.m.

Tickets range from $69-175. For more details, visit kennedy-center.org.

Brother Help Thyself hosts its Back to Our Roots bar night at the D.C. Eagle (3701 Benning Rd., N.E.) tonight from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Draft beers and shots will be sold. For more information, visit facebook.com/brotherhelpthyself.

ArtJamz Dupont Studio (1728 Connecticut Ave., N.W.) hosts a graffiti party tonight from 6:30-10:30 p.m.

Guests get one hour of studio time to paint a wall. One complimentary wine or beer is included. There will be music and an opportunity to purchase more studio time and a canvas to continue painting.

Tickets are $15. For more details, visit facebook.com/artjamz.

SATURDAY, JAN. 6 Man Upp presents DILF Washington D.C. Jock/Underwear party at the D.C. Eagle (3701 Benning Rd., N.E.) tonight from 8 p.m.-3 a.m. DJ Strike Stone plays music all night. There will be clothes check lockers on site. For more information and ticket prices, visit manupp.net.

African-American Women’s Resource Center (840 First St., N.E.) presents Dr. Imani Woody, founding director and CEO of Mary’s House for Older Adults Inc., today from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. as part of its Kitchen Table Talk series. Woody will discuss what worked back in the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s in the fight for African-American rights and how it can be improved. For more details, visit facebook.com/aawrc.

Dance Exchange presents an Intergenerational Queer Community Building Workshop at the D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) today from 2:304:30 p.m. The workshop will focus on a project that combines dialogue and action about issues the LGBT community faces. Participants will be able to join Dance Exchange on stage for the premiere performance of “Growing Our Own Gardens” in February. For more information, visit danceeexchange.org/ projects/growing-our-own-gardens.

Geeks Out hosts Queer Night at Fantom Comics (2010 P St., N.W.) tonight from 7-10 p.m. The group will celebrate

PHOTO COURTESY KC

Magic show ‘The Illusionists’ is at the Kennedy Center tonight.

the end of 2017. Guests are encouraged to bring snacks to share. For more details, visit facebook.com/geeksout.

SUNDAY, JAN. 7 Bishop Gene Robinson preaches a sermon at St. Thomas’ Parish (1810 16th St., N.W.) today at 9:30 a.m. Robinson is credited as the first priest in an openly gay relationship to become consecrated as bishop in a major Christian denomination.

For more information, visit stthomasdc.org.

Capitol Improv hosts its 10th annual No Pants Metro Ride today from 3-5 p.m.

Participants should meet at Hankcock Park at the L’Enfant Metro (600 Maryland Ave., S.W.) at 3 p.m. There will be a preride meeting before riding. Participants should bring a bag with pants to change into afterwards. At 5 p.m. There will be an after party at a to-be-announced location.

For more details, visit facebook.com/ capitolimprov.

The 75th annual Golden Globe Awards will be telecast tonight at 8 p.m. on NBC.

MONDAY, JAN. 8 The D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W..) hosts coffee drop-in hours this morning from 10 a.m.-noon for the senior LGBT community. Older LGBT adults can come and enjoy complimentary coffee and conversation with other community members. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.

Us Helping Us (3636 Georgia Ave., N.W.) holds a support group for gay black men to discuss topics that affect them, share perspectives and have meaningful conversations. For details, visit uhupil.org.

TUESDAY, JAN. 9 Out indie-dance musician Passion Pit performs at 9:30 Club (815 V St., N.W.) tonight at 7 p.m. Tickets are $45. For more details, visit 930.com.

The D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) hosts a coming-out discussion group tonight at 7 p.m. The peer-facilitated group will offer a safe space for people to share their coming out stories and offer advice. LGBT people and allies are welcome. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.

The D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) has a transgender discussion group tonight at 7 p.m. The support group is open to everyone, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Transgender individuals’ partners, families and allies are welcome.

For more details, visit thedcenter.org.

The Dirty Goose (913 U St., N.W.) hosts trivia night featuring BaNaka tonight from 6:30-9 p.m. There will be prizes and Deep Eddy cocktails for $5. For more information, visit facebook.com/thedirtygoose.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 10 Human Rights Campaign (1640 Rhode Island Ave., N.W.). hosts a volunteer

open house tonight from 6-8 p.m. The meeting will discuss upcoming volunteer activities and leadership opportunities in HRC. For more information, visit facebook.com/hrcgreaterwashingtondc.

The D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) and Network for Victim Recovery of D.C. hosts Know Your Rights: Protection for LGBT Survivors of Crime tonight at 7 p.m. The group will discuss the rights and resources for LGBT individuals and survivors of crime in D.C. For more details, visit thedccenter.org.

THURSDAY, JAN. 11 The Crucible (412 V St., N.E.) hosts Bind-a-Bear Playshop: MAL edition tonight from 7-1 p.m. There will be furniture and play areas for guests to use in celebration of MAL weekend. Tickets are $20 for Crucible members and $30 for non-members. For more details, visit the-crucible.com.

The Wonderland Ballroom (1101 Kenyon St., N.W.) hosts Sleaze, an LGBTinclusive dance party, tonight from 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m. The Carry Nation will be the special guest DJ. DJ Keenan Orr and DJ Lemz will also spin tracks. Jane Saw hosts the party. Tickets are $10. For more information, visit sleazeparty.com.

SMYAL (410 7th St., S.E.) hosts Fight 4 Yr Rights Activist Night this evening from 5-7 p.m. LGBT youth can come to learn about historical activist movements.

For details, visit smyal.org.

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

J A N U A RY 0 5 , 2 0 1 8 • 2 9

UNDER CONTRACT

1028 Southern Ave SE Washington, DC 20032

$360,000 Stunning renovation of this beautiful Wardman offering an eat-in granite & stainless kitchen, spacious open living/ dining rooms, a main level half bath, sep master bathroom, fully finished basement offering a family room, bedroom/den, and a 3rd full bath. All new systems installed! The deep rear yard, perfect for family and pets, leads to off street parking for two.

271 Cameron Station Boulevard #103 Alexandria, VA 22304

JT POWELL 202-465-2357

$439,900 Sophisticated and chic 2 level end-unit filled with natural light!

Open cookʼs kitchen, fireplace, balcony, sep dining room, main level powder room, and dual vanity master bath with soaking tub.

Wonderfully located and semi-detached allowing for great views and privacy. Amazing open concept main-level floor plan. SO much space for the money. Sold AS-IS.

428 Legato Terrace Silver Spring, MD 20901

JT POWELL 202-465-2357

JT POWELL 202-465-2357

$289,000 Fabulous Opportunity! 3 level back-to-back townhouse with huge top floor master suite, main level half bath, and private fenced front patio in Dumont Oaks. New Carpet and Paint! Home in solid condition and move in ready.

Systems seem strong with young HVAC.

J JAMES BRAEU | BRANCH VICE PRESIDENT

CONTACT J JAMES BRAEU—202.215.2240 | JBRAEU@CBMOVE.COM

Thinking of a Career in Real Estate?

For driven professionals, Coldwell Banker is The Place to Be. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage offers the brand recognition, tools, and support that will take your business to the next level—right now! Make a move that will put you on the fast track to success. Join our world-class team at Coldwell Banker Dupont-Logan!

Keep your promise to protect each other.

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

30 • J A N U A R Y 05, 2018

F I LM

PHOTO COURTESY SONY PICTURES CLASSICS

Wills & Trusts Powers of Attorney • Living Wills Partnership & Prenuptial Agreements

(240) 778-2330 • (703) 536-0220 www.PartnerPlanning.com

Serving the LGBT Community in DC/MD/VA since 1983 Lawrence S. Jacobs/McMillan Metro, PC

KYLE MOONEY and MARK HAMILL in ‘Brigsby Bear,’ one of many 2017 releases now available for home viewing.

Guess what’s playing at dinner?

Many great 2017 films now available for streaming, DVD

By BRIAN T. CARNEY

The cold snap in D.C. offers film fans the chance to entertain friends and family with some of the most intriguing movies of 2017. All of the films discussed below are available now on DVD or through streaming services and are sure to start some lively discussions over dinner or dessert.

“Battle of the Sexes” is a thrilling recreation of the famous 1973 tennis match between feminist pioneer Billie Jean King (a fierce Emma Stone) and male chauvinist pig Bobby Riggs (a fascinating Steve Carell).

The dazzling screenplay by Simon Beaufoy (“Slumdog Millionaire”) clearly retells the public battles between King and Riggs, but also captures their private struggles.

Andrea Riseborough is great as Billie Jean’s first girlfriend and Austin Stowall and Elisabeth Shue turn in fine performances A D V E R T I as S I their N G confl P R icted O O Fspouses.

Almost a year ago, first-time director ISSUE DATE: 10.26.12 SALES REPRESENTATIVE: BRIAN PITTS (bpitts@washblade.com) Jordan Peele made an accomplished REVIEW AD FOR COPY AND DESIGN ACCURACY. Revisions must be submitted within 24 hours of the date of proof. Proof will be considered final and will be submitted for publication if revision is not submitted within 24 hours of cinematic debut with “Get Out,” a the date of proof. Revisions will not be accepted after 12:01 pm wednesday, the week of publication.Brown naff pitts NS omnimedia llc (dba the washington blade) is not responsible for the content and/or design of your ad. Advertiser is troubling and thoughtful movie that responsible for any legal liability arising out of or relating to the advertisement, and/or any material to which users GN can link through the advertisement. Advertiser represents that its advertisement will not violate any criminal laws or EVISIONS uses both comedy and horror to create a any rgihts of third parties, including, but not limited to, such violations as infringement or misapporpriation of any copyright, patent, trademark, trade secret, music, image, or other proprietary or propety right, false advertising, unfair /LOGO REVISIONS competition, defamation, invasion of privacy or rights of celebrity, violation of anti-discrimination law or regulation, chilling portrait of racism in contemporary or any other right of any person or entity.

Advertiser agrees to idemnify brown naff pitts omnimedia llc (dba the ADVERTISER SIGNATURE SIONS washington blade) and to hold brown naff pitts omnimedia llc (dba the washington blade) harmless from any and all By signing this proof you are agreeing to your contract obligations with the America.

Daniel Kaluuya stars as Chris, liability, loss, damages, claims, or causes of action, including reasonable legal fees and expenses that may be incurred washington blade newspaper. This includes but is not limited to placement, by brown naff pitts omnimedia llc, arising out of or related to advertiser’s breach of any of the foregoing representations payment and insertion schedule. a black man who visits the family of his and warranties. white girlfriend at their suburban estate.

SPEAK WITH OUR PREPLANNING ADVISOR, Bradley Whitford and Catherine Keener JAMIE ARTHURS AT (202) 966-6400 OR EMAIL are deeply sinister as her liberal parents.

JAMIE.ARTHURS@DIGNITYMEMORIAL.COM In the lush “A Quiet Passion,” legendary queer auteur Terence Davies creates a searing portrait of poet Emily Dickinson, played with fervent intensity

by Cynthia Nixon. Jennifer Ehle and Keith Carradine turn in strong supporting performances as Dickinson’s sister 5130 Wisconsin Ave. NW • DC • (202) 966-6400 • www.JosephGawlers.com

and father who struggle to understand the unconventional and increasingly reclusive poet who remained largely unpublished during her lifetime.

Salma Hayek is simply stunning as the title character in “Beatriz at Dinner.” She plays a holistic healer who is stranded at the home of a client (an excellent Connie Britton) when her car dies. The well-meaning client invites Beatriz to her dinner party that evening, but tempers flare when she meets fellow guest Doug, a repulsive businessman played with great relish by John Lithgow. Chlöe Sevigny turns in a richly layered performance as a conflicted dinner guest.

Written by and starring “Saturday Night Live” regular Kyle Mooney, the delightfully quirky “Brigsby Bear” is about a sheltered young man whose carefully constructed world suddenly crashes down around him. To make sense of it all, he tries to recreate his favorite television show, a low-budget series about a bear with amazing gadgets and superpowers. Mark Hamill is both creepy and creative as the bear’s creator.

Is she a murderess or is she being slandered by her naïve love-struck cousin?

That’s the central question behind “My Cousin Rachel,” a lovely period drama based on the popular novel by bisexual author Daphne Du Maurier. Rachel Weisz is amazing inscrutable as the title character (she even refused to tell director Roger Michell if she thought the character was innocent or guilty). Holliday Grainger is equally enigmatic as Rachel’s rival and Pierfrancesco Favino is delightful as Rachel’s sexually enigmatic lawyer.

� CONTINUES AT WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

BO OK S

J A N U A R Y 05, 2018 • 31

琀栀攀

Stimulating read New book presents history of the sex toy

一䄀䬀䔀䐀 夀伀䜀䄀 䴀漀渀搀愀礀猀Ⰰ 眀攀搀渀攀猀搀愀礀猀 ☀ 䘀爀椀搀愀礀猀

㘀㨀㌀ 倀䴀

琀甀攀猀搀愀 礀猀 ㄀⼀㈀ 瀀爀椀挀攀 氀漀挀欀攀爀猀 ☀ 爀漀漀洀猀

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

Double-A. It has many uses, that little worddash-letter. It’s good for future baseball players. Good for a pre-teen girl. Great, if you’re a student trying to bring those grades up. And, as you’ll see in “Buzz: A Stimulating History of the Sex Toy”

by Hallie Lieberman, if you’re an adult, double-A is something you never want to run out of.

A dozen years ago, to make a little money, Hallie Lieberman found an unusual job: she was a home-party sex toy salesperson in a state where the selling of sex toys was illegal. Ever afraid of being arrested, she stuck to the “script” that the company gave her; it was stilted and full of euphemisms and the job was demeaning and embarrassing. She felt like she “wasn’t actually teaching people anything.”

From her Ph.D. studies, Lieberman learned that “sex toys were ancient.”

Some 30 millennia ago, ancient Germans carved phallic objects, though some historians argue that sex mightn’t have been their intention. At any rate, the practice of using artificial devices for sexual pleasure spread across Europe and into Asia and, soon after the Middle Ages, mentions of sex toys began showing up in literature.

Closer to home and beginning in Victorian times, rectal dilators and vibrators were made in the U.S. and sold as “medical devices,” approved by doctors; the former were made by “respected rubber companies,” while the latter were available for discreet purchase in department stores for decades. Until laws were created against it, you could even have the devices mailed to your home; later, to circumvent those and other laws meant to keep sex toys out of the hands of everyday citizens, vibrators, dildoes and dilators were sold as “novelties.”

In 1965, a ventriloquist who was an engineer by profession started manufacturing sex toys; in the early 1970s, a paraplegic welder began making them for women and advising

㠀 愀洀 ⴀ 洀椀搀渀椀最栀琀

猀愀 琀甀爀搀愀 礀猀 最爀愀戀 愀 ␀㔀 漀昀昀 挀愀爀搀 愀琀 吀刀䄀䐀䔀 昀愀挀攀戀漀漀欀⸀挀漀洀⼀琀栀攀挀爀攀眀挀氀甀戀 PHOTO COURTESY PEGASUS BOOKS

the disabled on their use. Others joined the revolution until, in 1972 (and though they’d long been a staple of sleaze), sex toys gained respectability inside a narrow waterbed store-turned-sex-shop run by two gay men, hetero people welcome.

Of course, there’s so much more to this story but here’s one interesting thing about this book: while you might think it’d be titillating with maybe a few nudge-nudgewinks, that’s not the case. Author Hallie Lieberman doesn’t do that to her readers.

Instead, what you get is exactly what its subtitle promises: “Buzz” is a history of sex toys from ancient times to modern day and their use by straight people, the disabled, the LGBT community and feminists. Through the narrative, you’ll see how advocates tied sex toys to equality and self-confidence and how the struggle to make the devices acceptable unfolded but is still not over (including a surprisenot-surprise toward the end). That’s serious stuff and Lieberman offers it in a well-rounded way, though not without lightheartedness when appropriate.

This isn’t a book to shock — it’s meant to inform and that’s accomplished, enjoyably. The prurient, the curious and pop-culture fans will love “Buzz,” no batteries required.

‘Buzz: A Stimulating History of the Sex Toy’

By Hallie Lieberman Pegasus Books $26.95 359 pages

㄀㌀㈀㄀ ㄀㐀琀栀 猀琀 一圀

3 2 • J A NUA RY 0 5 , 2018

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

Ring in the New Year in a new home!

thegoodhartgroup.com/listings/718-w-timber-branch/

1600 King James Place, Alexandria, VA 22304 $1,598,500 | 5 beds 4.5 baths thegoodhartgroup.com/listings/1600-king-james/

1230 Kingston Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22302 $1,250,000 | 5 beds 3.5 baths thegoodhartgroup.com/listings/1230-kingston/

2414 Cameron Mills Road, Alexandria, VA 22302 $1,195,000 | 5 beds 3.5 baths thegoodhartgroup.com/listings/2414-cameron-mills/

3904 Terry Place, Alexandria, VA 22304 $1,099,900 | 4 beds 2.5 baths thegoodhartgroup.com/listings/3904-terry/

411 N. Lee Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 $1,095,000 | 3 beds 2.5 baths thegoodhartgroup.com/listings/411-north-lee/

1020 Oronoco Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 $920,000 | 4 beds 3.5 baths thegoodhartgroup.com/listings/1020-oronoco/

2853 S. Buchanan Street, Arlington, VA 22206 $450,000 | 2 beds 2 baths thegoodhartgroup.com/listings/2853-s-buchanan/

722 S. Washington Street #202, Alexandria, VA 22314 $275,000 | 1 bed 1 bath

718 W. Timber Branch Parkway, Alexandria, VA 22302 $1,795,000 | 5 beds 4.5 bath

thegoodhartgroup.com/listings/722-s-washington-street-202/

IF YOU ARE THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING YOUR HOME, OR WOULD JUST LIKE TO CHAT ABOUT THE LOCAL MARKET, CONTACT US TODAY. WE’D LOVE TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR REAL ESTATE GOALS.

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

A R T S & EN TE RTA I NMENT

J A N U A RY 0 5 , 2 0 1 8 • 3 3

High Heel Race, HRC dinner among 2018 highlights CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

locations. Details at cherryfund.org.

The Equality Virginia Commonwealth Dinner is April 14 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center (403 N. Third Street, Richmond, Va.). Details at equalityvirginia.org.

Dining Out for Life, a Food & Friends benefit, is usually around the third week in April. No details for 2018 yet announced. Look for more information soon at foodandfriends.org.

No details just yet, but the Gay & Lesbian Activists Alliance will host its 47th anniversary reception and annual Distinguished Service Awards sometime in late April. Look for an announcement soon at glaa.org.

Gay Day at the Zoo (3001 Connecticut Ave., N.W.) is May 6 from 12-5 p.m. Details can be found on the event Facebook page.

No information yet, but Youth Pride is usually held the first weekend of May in Dupont Circle, although it was held in October last year. More information soon at youthpridealliance.org.

The Blade’s annual Return to Rehoboth issue comes out May 18 and our Summer Kickoff Party is May 18 at the Blue

Moon (35 Baltimore Ave. in Rehoboth).

The Victory Fund National Champagne Brunch is usually held in late May. Check back for more details soon at victoryfund.org.

Trans Pride hasn’t been scheduled yet, but usually takes place in late May. Details soon at capitaltranspride.org.

D.C. Black Pride weekend is May 2528. Details at dcblackpride.org.

If trends continue, the fourth annual Charm City LGBT Film Festival will be in late May. More information soon at creativealliance.org.

The Capital Pride Heroes Gala usually takes place about a week before the Capital Pride opening party in early June.

Details soon at capitalpride.org.

The Capital Pride interfaith service is usually slated a day or two before the Capital Pride opening party in early June. Stay tuned for more information at capitalpride.org.

A Capital Pride opening party is planned for June 8.

The Latino GLBT History Project usually holds D.C. Latino Pride events the first and second week in June. Stay tuned for more info soon at latinoglbthistory.org.

Team D.C. always has several Night Out events planned throughout the year.

No information yet on 2018 games.

Capital Pride culminates with the parade on June 9 and festival June 10.

Many events run in the preceding days.

Details at capitalpride.org.

The annual queer music and arts festival PhazeFest was last held July 1 at the 9:30 Club. No word yet on 2018 plans but details will be posted at phazefest.com.

The Blade’s annual Summer in the City issue is published July 13.

Baltimore Pride is June 16 (block party) and 17 (festival). More information soon at baltimorepride.org or the Baltimore Pride Facebook page.

The seventh annual 17th Street Festival will likely be in late August or early September. Check later at 17thstreetfestival.org.

The OutWrite LGBT Book Festival is Aug. 3-4. Details at thedccenter.org/outwrite.

The Blade’s sixth annual Sports Issue will be out Aug. 24.

No information yet, but the Rehoboth Sundance event is held Labor Day weekend. More information soon at camprehoboth.com.

The D.C. Shorts Film Festival is Sept.

6-17. Details at dcshorts.com.

The Imperial Court of Washington holds its Coronation VII “Gala of the Americas”

events the weekend of Sept. 7-9. The Court also holds many other events throughout the year. Details at imperialcourtdc.org.

The Blade’s Fall Arts Preview edition is out Sept. 14.

The 22nd annual Human Rights Campaign National Dinner is in October, though the weekend varies from year to year. Details soon at hrcnationaldinner.org.

Baltimore Black Pride is usually the second week of October. Check back for details here.

The Walk & 5K to End HIV is always in late October. More information soon at walktoendhiv.org.

The Blade’s annual Best of Gay D.C. issue is out Oct. 19. The release party will be held Oct. 18.

The 17th Street High Heel Race is always the Tuesday before Halloween.

Check back on the event Facebook page.

The Equality Maryland Signature Brunch is usually in November. More details soon at equalitymaryland.org.

The 21st annual SMYAL fall brunch will be held in early November based on previous scheduling patterns. Check back later at smyal.org.

Transgender Day of Remembrance is Nov. 20. Details at thedccenter.org.

PRESENTED BY

THE CHARM OF

january 12–14, 2018

washingtonwintershow.org

40+ outstanding dealers, dealer talks & special events friday lecture

design panel

saturday lecture

thu, jan 11: preview night fri, jan 12: lecture & luncheon with charlotte moss, honorary chair sat, jan 13: design panel & lecture with the motley fool’s david gardner plus appraisals & jazz night! charlotte moss WWS2018_WashBlade_9.75x5.625.indd 1

sophie dow donelson

alexa hampton

markham roberts

david gardner 12/14/17 3:49 PM

3 4 • J A NUA RY 0 5 , 2018

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

Attorneys that are OUTthinking |OUTspoken |OUTdoing ackermanbrown.com

W A SH I NGTO N B LA D E.C OM

J A N U A RY 0 5 , 2 0 1 8 • 3 5

REALESTATE

What the tax bill means for buyers, homeowners There’s good news and there’s bad news

By ALLISON GOODHART DuSHUTTLE In case you missed it, the hotly debated new tax bill has officially passed. Since real estate is one of the key areas of change in the bill, everyone is asking us, “What does the new tax bill mean for me? Is this good news or bad news for D.C.-area buyers and sellers?” The answer, as it so often is in real estate is, “it depends!”

The initial version of this new tax bill would have been troublesome for real estate values in our area. It slashed the mortgage deduction in half, had big changes for capital gains, and made it much more expensive to move. Several changes were made between the initial draft and the final form, which makes the final impact of the bill more of a mixed bag. There’s good news and there’s bad news.

So without further ado, here are the main changes and takeaways affecting homeowners in our area.

MORTGAGE INTEREST DEDUCTION THE CHANGE: Through the end of 2025, new homebuyers will only be able to deduct interest on the first $750,000 of a mortgage (down from $1 million). In 2026, the deduction cap will revert to $1 million in loan value.

Existing mortgages will be unaffected.

THE IMPACT: None for existing homeowners or new buyers with loan amounts under

$750,000. While this reduction is bad news for upper price point buyers, the news is much better than the original proposal, which was a reduction to $500,000 and would have affected the majority of mortgages in our area. Remember, these are loan amounts – NOT sales prices. Thus, the only impact will be for buyers with loans above $750,000 – which most often is homes above $825,000 – depending on how much the buyer is financing.

While it is possible the bill could cause a small slowdown for “move-up” buyers in our market, we don’t anticipate this causing a major change now. The impact of the new cap will probably make it less attractive to refinance in upper brackets. If your loan existed before December 14, 2017 up to $1,00,000 can still deduct the interest as long as the new loan does not exceed the amount refinanced.

Let’s look at Buyers A & B to see how this new cap comes into play.

Buyer A is putting 10% down on a sales price of $825,000, meaning he has a loan of $750,000, which is the deduction limit.

Buyer A would be unaffected.

Buyer B is putting 10% down on $1,000,000, which is a loan amount of $900,000. The deduction can still be taken, but can only be taken on the first $750,000.

Buyer B would not be able to deduct the interest paid on $150,000 of the loan (the difference between $750K-$900K).

HOME EQUITY LOAN INTEREST DEDUCTION THE CHANGE: The new tax bill also suspends the deduction for interest on home

equity loans until 2026. Currently, deductions are allowed for loans up to $100,000.

Caveat: the interest on a home-equity loan can be deducted if the proceeds are used to substantially improve the home.

THE IMPACT: This change makes it less attractive for homeowners to take out equity lines on their homes in order to do minor renovations or use their home’s equity to pay for other things like kids’ college tuition or other big purchases. While this change is certainly frustrating for those planning to take advantage of these loans, it shouldn’t affect the housing market in a significant way since it is typically utilized by homeowners who have been in their properties for several years (and have equity) and are planning to stay longer to regain the equity over time.

MORTGAGE INTEREST ON A SECOND HOME DEDUCTION THE CHANGE: The interest deduction on loans for a second home will still be allowed. However, homeowners can only deduct the first $750,000 of interest on the combined value of loans on their first and second homes.

THE IMPACT: Owners of multiple properties will feel this one. The bad news is there is likely to be a large impact on housing markets in resort or second home areas, as it will certainly be more expensive to own more than one property. While we are not a second home market, we have many clients buying properties in our area to be near their kids and grandkids. Similarly, we have many service members who

take advantage of their housing allowance and low down payment opportunities with VA loans to keep their homes in other areas while buying a home when they are stationed here in the DC area. The impact of this change remains to be seen.

“SALT” DEDUCTION FOR STATE & LOCAL PROPERTY TAX THE CHANGE: Individuals can only deduct up to $10,000 in state and local income and property taxes or state and local property and sales taxes. Previously, there was no cap on this deduction.

THE IMPACT: Homeowners living in high property tax states (like New Jersey with an average rate of 2.38%) will likely see an increased tax bill come April. Nationally, ATTOM Data Solutions estimates that 4.1 million Americans pay more than $10,000 in property taxes so it will affect many Americans. Locally, average property tax rates are more reasonable (Maryland is 1.1% which is #22 nationally, Virginia is .78% which ranks #37 nationally and D.C. is .57% bringing up the rear at #46 nationally), so it should have less of an impact here than it does in some of the higher-taxed states. � CONTINUES AT WASHINGTONBLADE.COM ALLISON GOODHART DUSHUTTLE is lead agent for The Goodhart Group, Alexandria’s and McEnearney Associates’ top-producing real estate team. In 2015, she was nationally recognized by Realtor Magazine, being named to its “30 Under 30” club. Allison can be reached at 703-362-3221 or allison@thegoodhartgroup.com.

Handyman Masters, LLC 20+ years Exp

*Kitchens *Masonry

CASABLANCA:

*Bathrooms *Concrete

202-528-4600 HandymanMastersllc.com A+ Rated w/BBB 10+ years

The story of a beautiful woman trapped in a historic palace by a senile, old man with small hands.

To be used at the top of collateral:

VALERIE M. BLAKE, Associate Broker, GRI, Director of Education & Mentorship Dupont Circle Office • 202-518-8781 (o) • 202.246.8602 (c) Valerie@DCHomeQuest.com • www.DCHomeQuest.com

To be used at the bottom of collateral:

3 6 • J A NUA RY 0 5 , 2018

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

2022 Columbia Rd, NW #704 Kalorama

1177 22nd St, NW #6L West End

Offered at $495,000

Offered at $1,580,000

1177 22nd St, NW #9A West End

Offered at $1,950,000

2127 N St, NW West End/Dupont

Offered at $2,795,000

2131 S St, NW Kalorama

Offered at $2,549,000

1055 Wisconsin Ave, NW #4E Georgetown

Offered at $6,475,000 CHAUVIN HOUSE TEAM

Mobile: 202-256-9595 Office: 202-448-9002 chauvinhouse@compass.com

Compass is a licensed real estate brokerage that abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Compass is licensed as Compass Real Estate in DC and as Compass in Virginia and Maryland. 1232 31st Street NW, Washington, DC 20007 |202.448.9002

Attorneys that are OUTthinking |OUTspoken |OUTdoing ackermanbrown.com

DEADLINES

All Classified Ads - Including Regular & Adult Must Be Received

By Mondays at 5PM So They Can Be Included in That Week’s Edition of Washington Blade and washingtonblade.com

SHARE ADS ARE FREE. Place your HOUSING TO SHARE ad online at washingtonblade.com and the ad prints free in the paper and online.* *25 words or less prints free - anything more is $1/word.

W A SH I N GTO NB LA DE.C OM

J A N U A RY 0 5 , 2 0 1 8 • 3 7

MASSAGE

DEADLINES

All Classified Ads - Including Regular & Adult Must Be Received

By Mondays at 5PM washingtonblade.com

EMPLOYMENT

COUNSELING COUNSELING FOR GAY MEN. Individual/ couple counseling w/ volunteer peer counselor. Gay Men’s Counseling Community since 1973. 202-580-8861. gaymenscounseling. org. No fees, donation requested.

PERSONAL SERVICES ARE YOU LONELY? DO YOU NEED Snuggle Therapy? We’ll provide you with a relaxing cuddling experience.

Email us at comfyhugsdc@gmail.com today!

LGBTQ AFFIRMING THERAPY at Dupont Circle Individuals, couples, families, adolescents.

Over 15 years serving the community. Mike Giordano, LICSW. 202/4606384 mike.giordano. msw@gmail.com. www.

WhatIHearYouSaying. com.

WHOLISTIC SERVICES, INC. seeking Full Time Direct Support Professionals to assist intellectually disabled adolescents & adults with behavioral health issues in group homes & day services throughout DC. Requirements 1 year exp., valid drivers license, able to lift 50-75 lbs, complete training program, become DDS Med Certified within 4 months of hire, ability to pass security background check. Associates degree preferred. For more information, please contact the Human Resources (HR) Department at (202) 347-5334.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

TELL ‘EM YOU sAw ThEiR Ad in ThE Blade classifieds!

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

LIMOUSINES KASPER’S LIVERY SERVICE Since 1987.

LOCKER ROOM ATTENDANTS NEEDED! The Crew Club, a gay men’s naturist gym & sauna, is now hiring Locker Room Attendants. We all scrub toilets & do heavy cleaning. You must be physically able to handle the work & have a great attitude doing it. No drunks/druggies need apply.

Please call David at (202) 319-1333. from 9-5pm, to schedule an interview.

LEGAL SERVICES ADOPTION & ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE Law Attorney Jennifer Fairfax represents clients in DC, MD & VA. interested in adoption or ART matters. 301221-9651, JFairfax@ jenniferfairfax.com.

FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM Representing the GLBT community for over 35 years. Family adoptions, estate planning, immigration, employment. (301) 891-2200. Silber, Perlman, Sigman & Tilev, P.A. www.

SP-Law. com.

Gay & Veteran Owner/ Operator. 2016 Luxury BMW 750Li Sedan.

Properly Licensed & Livery Insured in DC. www.KasperLivery.com.

Phone 202-554-2471.

PHOTOGRAPHY STEVE O’TOOLE PHOTOGRAPHY Fine Art Photographer for Portraits & weddings. Check out my new website - www. steveotoolephotography. com. Specializing in Bears & Big men.

Steve 703-861-4422.

CLEANING FERNANDO’S CLEANING: Residential & Commercial Cleaning, Reasonable Rates, Free Estimates, Routine, 1-Time, Move-In/ Move-Out. (202) 234-7050, 202-486-6183.

SIMPLE AFFORDABLE PROVEN RESULTS

Results-Oriented • Affordable

Larry Cohen, LICSW

30 years serving the LGBT community

CALL TODAY TOPLACE YOUR AD

202-244-0903 socialanxietyhelp.com

202.747.2077

See website for NPR story on my work

DAVE LLOYD & ASSOCIATES Top 1% Nationwide NVAR Life Member Top Producder

703-593-3204

WWW.DAVELLOYD.NET ENTHUSIASTICALLY SERVING DC & VIRGINIA

DEADLINES

SHARE ADS ARE FREE. Place your HOUSING TO SHARE ad online at washingtonblade.com and the ad prints free in the paper and online.* *25 words or less prints free - anything more is $1/word.

3 8 • J A NUA RY 0 5 , 2018

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

SALE / MD HISTORIC HOME - AIR BNB OPPORTUNITY

DEADLINES

All Classified Ads - Including Regular & Adult Must Be Received

By Mondays at 5PM washingtonblade.com

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

Stately Historic HomeCambridge Maryland is a new up and coming Gay Friendly Eastern Shore Historic community.

This is a perfect place for your hospitality needs. Just blocks from the Marina and walking distance to downtown Cambridge. Whether you are just entertaining in this grand home or making a profit with Air BNB, you will love this unique property. Contact Donna MC Donald 410330-3009 Sharon Realty.

Or visit SharonRE.com search 209 Glenburn Ave, Cambridge, MD 21613. $660,000. 5 bedroom 3.5 baths, swimming pool, fishpond, MUST SEE!!

PERSONALS / WOMEN MOVERS AROUND TOWN MOVERS. Professional Moving & Storage. Let Our Movers Do The Heavy Lifting. Mention the ‘Blade’ for 5% off of our regular rates. Call today 202.734.3080. www. aroundtownmovers.com GREAT SCOTT MOVING INC. Local & Long Distance, Pianos! A Great Move at a Great Price call (301) 699-2066. Highly` rated by Consumer Check Book, Better Business Bureau, Yelp & Angie’s List. We’ve moved the Blade, let us move you!

PEST CONTROL EJ’S PEST CONTROL

Insect, Rodent, & Critter Control. Effective Experience Detecting & Eliminating All Types of Household Pests including Ants, Bed Bugs, Termites & Rodents.

Schedule your Pest Inspection Today (202) 455-9924. DC, MD, VA, DE.

All Classified Ads - Including Regular & Adult Must Be Received

By Mondays at 5PM So They Can Be Included in That Week’s Edition of Washington Blade and washingtonblade.com

HOPELESS ROMANTIC SINGLE fem as looking for single butch female. Please respond online.

BODYWORK

TOP RATED MASSEUR Custom bodywork!

Exceptional deep tissue & sensual bodywork for total stress relief in private studio both on the Hill & at Farragut Square. Call Erik 202544-5688. In calls only!

No texts! Intro Special $99.00.

THE MAGIC TOUCH: Swedish, Massage or Deep Tissue. Appts 202486-6183, Low Rates, 24/7, In-Calls.

Always FREE to listen and reply to ads!

Playmates or soul mates, you’ll find them on MegaMates Washington:

(202) 448-0824

www.megamates.com 18+

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

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

J A N U A RY 0 5 , 2 0 1 8 • 3 9

SPECIAL BRING THIS COUPON

Offer Expires 1/31/18 Not valid with any other offer.

New patients only.

recognize that your positive body image improves your quality of life and well-being. At Millennium Medical we strive to provide you with the latest in surgical, non-surgical and cosmetic services in a safe, caring and comfortable environment. Our warm and friendly team is here for you, and is available by phone, e-mail, and, in person, to help you with all of your questions and concerns.

We will make every effort to make your visit comfortable and informative. Be assured, we are dedicated to understanding your unique goals and providing you with an exceptional experience. Please contact a member of our team today if you have any questions or if you wish to schedule a consultation! 301-652-9005 Breast Augmentation, Liposuction, Male Breast Reduction, Laser Liposuction, Tummy Tuck, Face Lift, Hair Transplant, Botox, Juvederm, Radiesse, Restylane, Zerona, Lipo-Light Cellulite Treatment, Skin & Spa Services

Call our office and mention this ad to find out about our specials on Cosmetic Surgery procedures!

D.C.’s Most Comprehensive Cosmetic Surgery & Medispa Center

www.chevychasecosmetic.com

AIDS HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION

Dr. Roxanne Cox-lyamu

Dr. Matty Mathivannan

AHF Healthcare Centers • HIVcare.org/DC 2141 K St. NW Ste 606 Washington, DC Now Open Late on Wednesdays Mon - Fri 8:30am - 5:30pm | Wed 10am - 7pm 24/7 HOTLINE (202) 329-7189