Washingtonblade.com, Volume 49, Issue 42, October 19, 2018

OCTOBER 19,

2018

VOLUME 49

ISSUE 42

•

AMERICA’S LGBTQ NEWS SOURCE

•

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

Cheers! Roel Ruiz, Jo McDaniel and WUSA9’s Larry Miller celebrate at Pitchers. PAGE 26

0 2 • O CTO B E R 1 9 , 2018

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

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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 0 3

CONTEM PORARY MAS TERS MERCE

CUNNINGHAM MARK

MORRIS PAU L

TAY L O R THE FULL SPECTRUM OCT 31 – NOV 4, 2018 | HARMAN CENTER DC FOR TICKETS AND MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WASHINGTONBALLET.ORG OR CALL 202.362.3606 X605

OF DANCE

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

0 4 • O CTO B ER 1 9 , 2018

LO CA L N E W S

Comings & Goings Galloway wins Gold Anvil Award from PRSA

By PETER ROSENSTEIN

Blade to celebrate 50th anniversary Countdown begins to major milestone for nation’s oldest LGBTQ newspaper

By KEVIN NAFF knaff@washblade.com The Washington Blade this week begins a yearlong countdown to its 50th anniversary celebration in October 2019.

This week, we debut a new 50th logo; more changes are on the way, including a complete redesign of the print edition along with new features and events.

The Blade debuted in October 1969 in the aftermath of the Stonewall riots and is the nation’s oldest LGBTQ newspaper. Much has changed in the ensuing 49 years but our commitment to covering the issues important to D.C.’s LGBT community remains the same. What began as a modest one-page mimeographed newsletter has evolved into a 24/7 news operation with robust digital and social media platforms. The Blade remains the only LGBTQ outlet in the White House each day. We are members of the presidential press pool and the White House Correspondents’ Association. Two years ago we embarked on an ambitious project to cover LGBTQ issues in Latin America and the Caribbean; that work continues. And, of course, our commitment to D.C. and the surrounding areas remains our priority.

In January, we’ll unveil the redesigned print product and new online features. We will offer expanded international news coverage as well as more celebrity interviews, film reviews and Hollywood news courtesy of our sister outlet, the Los Angeles Blade.

There are new events coming, too, so stay tuned. As always, we rely on our readers and advertisers to support our important mission. You can make a tax-deductible donation to our non-profit entity the Blade Foundation today at bladefoundation.org and don’t forget us on Giving Tuesday on Nov. 28.

If you’re interested in advertising and sponsorship opportunities during the Blade’s 50th, please contact our publisher, Lynne Brown, at lbrown@washblade.com.

At a time when the president attacks the media as enemies of the people and journalists are being targeted and killed for holding political leaders accountable, it’s critical that media organizations maintain their independence and aggressive pursuit of the truth. Niche outlets like the Blade serve an important function, telling our community’s stories through our own lens and ensuring the government is answering the questions important to us.

The Blade team is excited about 2019 and, as always, we appreciate the support of our readers and advertisers.

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.

The Comings & Goings column also invites LGBTQ+ college students to share their successes with us. If you have been elected to a student government position, landed an exciting internship, or are graduating and beginning your career with a new job, let us know so we DEL GALLOWAY can share your success.

PHOTO BY DAVID POSEY Congratulations to Del Galloway, APR, Fellow PRSA, who was awarded the Gold Anvil Award by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). This is the society’s highest individual honor recognizing lifetime achievement in public relations. As president and CEO of PRSA in 2004, Galloway established the Society’s first National Diversity Committee, and is the Society’s first openly gay president and CEO. He is an architect of Universal Accreditation, a designation adopted by multiple communications organizations recognizing excellence in public relations.

Upon presenting the award PRSA National Chair Anthony D’Angelo said, “Del Galloway has contributed leadership, vision and strategic thinking through a range of practice sectors and successful roles, demonstrating his versatility, energy and collaborative spirit. I’m proud to call him my mentor and friend, and congratulate him on this fitting honor.”

Currently, Galloway is vice president of communications at Wells Fargo’s Atlantic Region responsible for all media relations and internal communications in Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia and Washington, D.C. Previously he served as vice president of communications at United Way Worldwide, the world’s largest privately supported nonprofit.

He has worked for Young & Rubicam, Cohn & Wolfe, and Husk Jennings Galloway + Partners, where he was co-owner of the Florida-based advertising and public relations agency. He also previously worked as director of corporate communications at AT&T American Transtech, a wholly owned subsidiary of AT&T. Throughout his career, Galloway has managed a number of complex and successful communications programs. These include the start-up of a multinational business, employee communications during a global downsizing, an image campaign for a major financial institution, a public awareness campaign for public broadcasting, an anniversary celebration for the world’s largest privately supported nonprofit, and multiple crisis communications programs.

Galloway is an accredited practitioner (APR) and a member of PRSA’s College of Fellows. He is a founding member of the Universal Accreditation Board and is a past chair of the North American Public Relations Council. He served in 1990 as president of the Florida Public Relations Association and is the recipient of FPRA’s “Dillin Award” for lifetime achievement in public relations. He also a member and past chair of the Public Relations Advisory Council at the University of Florida.

In 2006, Galloway received a fellowship at the University of Florida and was named the Freedom Forum Visiting Professor. He holds a master’s degree in communications and a bachelor’s degree in public relations from the University of Florida, where he is honored as an “Alumni of Distinction.”

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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 0 5

NEW LISTING!

2301 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #2C Great entertaining flow, living room & dining room uniquely separated by stunning Venetian plaster fireplace & built-ins. Large balcony, rare in Washington. Gourmet kitchen, marble baths, extra storage. Spectacular rooftop with sweeping views.

$1,200,000

2126 CONNECTICUT AVE NW #51 Grand, light-filled apartment at The Dresden, in the desired “On The Curve” location overlooking Connecticut Avenue. Elegant living and dining rooms, gourmet kitchen and a Christian Zapatka designed MBR Suite with Waterworks bath.

Parking and extra storage convey.

Amenities include a 24-hour front desk and a spectacular rooftop terrace.

$1,300,000 Recognized as one of 99 Best Agents and as Top Producers Platinum by Washingtonian magazine, and by the WSJ/Real Trends - America’s Best Real Estate Agents

Direct:

Direct:

GEORGETOWN OFFICE • 1101 30TH ST NW • SUITE 120 • WASHINGTON DC 20007 • 202.333.6100 • WWW.COLDWELLBANKERHOMES.COM

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

0 6 • O CTO B ER 1 9 , 2018

‘Boy Erased’ author joins mother in panel on conversion therapy The author of a memoir written by a gay man about his experience as a 19-year-old sent by his parents to a conversion therapy camp to change his sexual orientation from gay to straight joined his mother at the National Press Club on Oct. 12 to talk about the impact of the “therapy” on their lives.

Garrard Conley, whose 2016 memoir “Boy Erased” has been made into a Hollywood film with the same name, and his mother, Martha Conley, gave an impassioned account of how they each became outspoken opponents of conversion therapy after Martha accepted Garrard for who he is.

Garrard and Martha Conley spoke as panelists at a National Press Club forum on conversion therapy organized by the Mattachine Society of Washington, D.C. as an event to commemorate LGBT Garrard Conley’s ‘Boy Erased’ has been turned History Month. into a major Hollywood film coming next month.

“We were very moved by Garrard and his mom talking about the importance of banning conversion therapy and discussing not only how they survived the experience but came out of it closer than ever as they fight to ban conversion therapy,” said Mattachine Society President Charles Francis.

Francis told the forum that the Mattachine Society has conducted extensive research on conversion therapy as part of its mission to shed light from an historic perspective on how the government and society has persecuted LGBT people, in part, over the long disproven belief that homosexuality was a mental illness.

“We think it’s so important to put conversion therapy in the historical context going back to the 1940s lobotomies, electro shock therapy, chemical therapies, St. Elizabeth’s Hospital to the current day of religious conversion therapy,” Francis said.

All of the nation’s mainline professional mental health organizations, including the American Psychiatric Association, have declared conversion therapy ineffective in changing a person’s sexual orientation and have said the practice is harmful to the mental health of those who undergo the so-called therapy.

During the forum, a short documentary video produced by Mattachine called “Welcome Garrard” was shown. It includes interviews with Garrard and Martha Conley, who tells of how she changed her belief that homosexuality was a sin from her upbringing as a fundamentalist Christian in a small town in Arkansas.

Also shown at the forum was the official preview trailer for the film “Boy Erased,” which stars Nicole Kidman who plays the character of Martha Conley. Actor Russell Crowe plays Garrard’s father. The film is scheduled to be released Nov. 2.

Martha Conley told the Washington Blade after the forum that her beliefs as a devout Christian began to change concerning homosexuality after she realized the conversion therapy that she and her husband pressured their son to undergo had a harmful impact on him. She said her changing views on the subject were also brought about by her own research on conversion therapy through which she discovered its harmful effects.

“And a lot of my issue was I just didn’t know anyone who was gay,” she said. “And so I just believed everything I was told. And once you get out there and do the research and you meet these people and they’re lovely people – it goes back to you,” she said. “We’re not supposed to judge, we’re supposed to love.”

National Press Club board member Kimberly Adams served as moderator for the forum. Others who spoke included Mattachine Society of Washington official Pate Felts and attorney Lisa Linsky, a partner in the law firm McDermott Will & Emery, which has provided pro bono legal services for Mattachine.

LOU CHIBBARO JR.

Gay man assaulted, robbed in Dupont Circle apartment A gay man was assaulted and robbed inside his apartment at the Imperial House Condominium near Dupont Circle about 2 a.m. on Oct. 9 by an unidentified male suspect who he invited into the apartment for drinks, according to D.C. Police Lt. Brett Parson, who oversees the department’s LGBT Liaison Unit.

LO CA L N E W S A police report on the incident says the victim told police he remembers being struck in the head by the suspect.

Parson said the victim was found by his partner and roommate asleep on the sofa with blood on his face and body about 2:30 a.m.

The partner immediately noticed that a desk had been rifled through and cash and other items were missing. The police report says among the items stolen was $3,000 in cash, a lock box, and a cell phone.

The victim told Parson he met the man who assaulted him on the street in front of his apartment building at 1601 18th St., N.W. while the victim was outside smoking a cigarette. Parson said the victim told him he started a conversation with the suspect as he walked by the building.

“He chats him up and they eventually go upstairs to the apartment,” Parson recounted the victim telling him. “He invited him in and they had some drinks,” said Parson, who added the victim thinks he was punched by the suspect about 45 minutes after entering the apartment.

Police have not released a description of the suspect but Parson said his image may have been captured on by one or more security cameras in and around the apartment building.

LOU CHIBBARO JR.

GLAA awards high scores to Reeder, Silverman Lesbian businesswoman Dionne Reeder, who’s running as an independent for an at-large D.C. Council seat, received a rating of +7 from the Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance, the same rating that GLAA gave to Mayor Muriel Bowser.

GLAA, a local nonpartisan LGBT advocacy group, has been rating local D.C. candidates on LGBT and some nonLGBT related issues since the 1970s. It rates candidates on a scale from -10, the worst possible score, to +10, the DIONNE REEDER lost points with GLAA for her position on a law regarding highest score. It bases its ratings on commercial sex work. responses to a questionnaire it sends PHOTO COURTESY OF TWITTER to all candidates and on the candidates’ record on LGBT issues.

In a statement accompanying its ratings the group said Reeder “agreed with GLAA on all issues except for a waffling response on legislation regarding commercial sex.” The group was referring to a bill introduced last year by Council member David Grosso calling for decriminalizing prostitution, a position that GLAA and other LGBT organizations support.

Other candidates lost points over their response to the sex worker decriminalization bill, which has been stalled in committee with no sign of it coming up for a vote any time soon.

Incumbent Council member Elissa Silverman (I-At-Large), Reeder’s main rival for the at-large seat, received a GLAA rating of +7.5. At-Large incumbent Anta Bonds, a Democrat, received a +10 rating. The other at-large candidates, all of whom will be on the same ballot in the Nov. 6 election, received these ratings: David Schwartzman (Statehood-Green Party), +7.5; Rustin Lewis (I), +4; and Ralph Chittams Sr. (R), -1.

In the mayoral race, in addition to Bowser receiving a +7, her lesser known rivals who, virtually all political observers predict will finish far behind Bowser in the election, gay Libertarian Party candidate Martin Moulton received a +2.5 and Statehood Green Party candidate Ann Wilcox received a +4.5.

Although GLAA said Moulton has a record of support for LGBT people his questionnaire responses were at odds with GLAA’s positions on a number of issues.

In the Ward 1 Council race, incumbent Democrat Brianne Nadeau received a +9.5. Her sole rival, gay independent candidate Jamie Sycamore, received a +6.

In the remaining races, GLAA awarded these ratings: Ward 3: Incumbent Mary Cheh (D) +10; challenger Petar Dimtchev (I) +3.

Ward 5: Incumbent Kenyan McDuffie (D) +8; challenger Kathy Henderson (I) -1.

Ward 6: Incumbent Charles Allen (D) +10; challenger Michael Bekesha (R) +3.5.

Candidates’ responses to the GLAA questionnaire and the group’s breakdown of its ratings points can be viewed at glaa.org/projects/elections.

LOU CHIBBARO JR.

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 0 7

sp Fa ec ll ia l

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

Early Bird special Now through October 31st BOOK EARLY - PAY LESS Tickets starts as low as $20 Prime tickets as low as $30 Book your trip now and save!!!

Thanksgiving Schedules now available Get $20 off a round trip reservation Use code: 10XGIVING18 Travel between 11/19 -11/26 code expires 10/21/18

BOOK YOUR TICKET AT: WWW.BESTBUS.COM | 1-888-888-3269 / 202-332-2691

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

0 8 • O CTO B ER 1 9 , 2018

LO CA L N E W S

DC Eagle customer sexually assaulted by ‘driver for hire’ Police seek help from public in identifying suspect

By LOU CHIBBARO JR. lchibbaro@washblade.com D.C. police are seeking help from the public in identifying a male suspect who posed as a driver of a vehicle for hire outside the DC Eagle gay bar about 3 a.m. on Oct. 14, and who allegedly sexually assaulted an Eagle customer shortly after the male customer entered the car.

In a statement released Sunday evening, police said the suspect drove the victim for a short distance before stopping the vehicle in the 1300 block of H Street, N.E. and proceeded to sexually assault the victim.

The statement gives no further details of the incident such as whether the victim was sitting in the rear or front seat of the vehicle, how or if the suspect overpowered the victim to prevent him from escaping while sexually assaulting him.

However, police listed the incident as a First Degree Sexual Abuse offense.

Under D.C. law, such an offense involves sexual penetration against either a male or female victim.

Lt. Brett Parson, who oversees the department’s LGBT Liaison Unit and who

Lt. BRETT PARSON said under police procedures he was not at liberty to disclose more than a minimal amount of the details of the incident.

WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTO BY MICHAEL KEY

said he interviewed the victim, said under police procedures he was not at liberty to disclose more than a minimal amount of the details of the incident.

Parson said the victim told him he called for a vehicle for hire such as an Uber, Lyft or another of the cars for hire as he was getting ready to leave the DC Eagle shortly before 3 a.m. on Sunday.

Since the Eagle has limited space for vehicles outside its entrance, customers routinely wait for a taxi or other vehicles for hire outside the Eagle’s property on nearby Minnesota Avenue next to the Downtown Locker Room store.

“A car pulled up and he thought it was his driver,” Parson told the Washington Blade. “And he said are you looking for – and said his name. And the person said yup and he got in the car,” Parson said.

“The person pulled off and drove to the 1300 block of H Street where this incident occurred,” said Parson.

The statement released by police describes the suspect as a “black male in his late 20s to early 30s with balding hair and a thick beard.” It adds that the suspect was last seen wearing a beige hooded shirt and black and dark blue sweatpants.

It describes the vehicle as a small black

sports utility vehicle, saying no further description of the vehicle is available at this time.

“The DC Eagle is very concerned about the incident involving one of our patrons Saturday evening/Sunday morning and our thoughts go out to them,” Eagle manager Miguel Ayala told the Blade in a statement.

“We want to be sure to prevent anything like this from happening again and will work with our neighbors and the MPD to that end,” he said. “We strive to create a safe and sane environment for our patrons.”

Parson said one important message police would like to send to people who use vehicles for hire is for them not to disclose their name to the driver and to first ask the driver who arrives to disclose the name of the person who called for the vehicle.

“Clearly, when they call for a vehicle for hire they should not say their name when the car pulls up,” Parson said. “What they should do is ask the driver who are you here for?” he said. Parson noted that this could prevent a situation similar to what happened to the DC Eagle customer, who was victimized by an impostor posing as a vehicle for hire driver.

The police statement says anyone who may have information about this case should call police at 202-727-9099.

Matthew Shepard’s ashes to be interred at Nat’l Cathedral Smithsonian to receive collection of his personal papers

By LOU CHIBBARO JR. lchibbaro@washblade.com The ashes of gay University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard, who was murdered in one of the nation’s most infamous anti-gay hate crimes in 1998, will be interred at the Washington National Cathedral on Oct. 26, according to an announcement from his parents.

The announcement came one day before the 20th anniversary of Shepard’s death on Oct. 12, 1998. Shepard, 21, was tied to a fence just outside of Laramie, Wyo., on Oct. 6, 1998, by two young men he met in a Laramie bar who lured him into getting into their vehicle.

Aaron McKinney and Russell Henderson, who have been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for Shepard’s murder, later admitted they drove Shepard to an isolated field outside of Laramie with the initial intent to rob him. The two later admitted that McKinney repeatedly

struck Shepard in the head with the barrel of a .357 Magnum pistol while he was tied to the fence, crushing his skull in several places. At his trial, McKinney invoked the “gay panic” defense, arguing he flew into an uncontrollable rage when Shepard allegedly groped him inside the vehicle.

Prosecutors strongly contested that defense, and the jury found McKinney guilty on multiple counts of murder.

Henderson pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and avoided a trial.

A bicyclist found Shepard unconscious and still tied to the fence on the day following the attack and beating. He died five days later at a hospital in Colorado.

“We’ve given much thought to Matt’s final resting place, and we found the Washington National Cathedral is an ideal choice, as Matt loved the Episcopal Church and felt welcomed by his church in Wyoming,” said Judy Shepard, Matthew’s mother, in a statement.

“For the past 20 years, we have shared Matt’s story with the world,” Judy Shepard said. “It’s reassuring to know he now will rest in a sacred spot where folks can come to reflect on creating a safer, kinder world.”

Judy Shepard and her husband, Dennis Shepard, founded the Matthew Shepard Foundation a short time after Matthew’s

death and have used it as a platform to become outspoken advocates for LGBT rights and laws aimed at curtailing hate crimes.

The announcement released by the Shepard family says a private interment of Matthew’s ashes in the Washington National Cathedral’s crypt on Oct. 26 will be preceded by a 10 a.m. “thanksgiving and remembrance” service open to the public.

The service, which will celebrate Matthew’s life, will be presided over by the Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, the Episcopal Bishop of Washington; and the Right Rev. V. Gene Robinson, the first openly gay priest to be consecrated a bishop in the Episcopal Church, the announcement says.

“Matthew Shepard’s death is an enduring tragedy affecting all people and should serve as an ongoing call to the nation to reject anti-LGBTQ bigotry and instead embrace each of our neighbors for who they are,” said the Very Rev. Randolph Marshall Hollerith, dean of Washington National Cathedral.

The statement says Shepard will be one of approximately 200 people who have been interred in the cathedral over the past century.

Jason Marsden, executive director of the Matthew Shepard Foundation, told the

Casper, Wyo., Star Tribune that Matthew’s parents have kept his cremated remains in an urn until they decided upon a final resting place.

Marsden told the newspaper that the family also was concerned that a Shepard resting place in Casper, the family’s hometown, might become a target for vandalism from anti-gay intruders.

In a related development, the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History is scheduled to receive on Oct. 25 a collection of personal papers and objects of Matthew Shepard donated by Shepard’s parents, the museum announced in a statement.

“The National Museum of American History will receive a donation from Judy and Dennis Shepard representing the life of their son Matthew Shepard who died due to severe injuries he sustained during a vicious attack in October 1998 in Laramie, Wyoming,” the statement says.

“The Shepards will donate personal papers highlighting Matthew’s school life from elementary through college, theater scripts, photographs, correspondence and notebooks, as well as a number of objects, including a child-sized Superman cape, sandals, a wedding ring and purple ribbon award,” according to the statement.

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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 0 9

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

1 0 • O CTO B ER 1 9 , 2018

LO CA L N E W S

Jealous warns: Hogan is ‘second coming of Chris Christie’ Former NAACP president trails in polls, fundraising

By MICHAEL K. LAVERS mlavers@washblade.com Former NAACP President Ben Jealous on Monday said he remains confident he will beat Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan on Nov. 6, even though polls continue to indicate he is trailing him by double digits.

“This race has always been about the voters,” Jealous told the Washington Blade during an interview at a coffee shop near his Silver Spring campaign office. “Not the polls, not the money, but the voters.”

Jealous defeated Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker, lawyer Jim Shea, former first lady Michelle Obama policy director Krishanti Vignarajah, state Sen. Rich Madaleno (D-Montgomery County) and former State Department official Alec Ross in the Democratic gubernatorial primary.

A poll the Washington Post and the University of Maryland released on Oct. 9 found Hogan is ahead of Jealous by a 58-38 percent margin. A survey that Gonzales Research and Marketing Strategies conducted between Oct. 1-6 found Hogan is ahead of Jealous by a 5436 percent margin.

Jealous’ campaign on Aug. 28 announced it raised $1.1 million in July and August, compared to the $2.3 million that Hogan raised during the same period. Jealous’ campaign reported it had $386,000 in cash on hand, compared to the $9.4 million that Hogan’s campaign reported.

Jealous throughout the interview stressed his campaign is counting on increased Democratic voter turnout.

“Our path to victory has always been a simple one: We turn out more than a million Democrats and we win,” he told the Blade.

Jealous, 45, was president and CEO of the Baltimore-based NAACP from 2008-2013.

His platform includes legalizing and taxing marijuana to fund universal pre-K in Maryland and “Medicare for All” in the state. Jealous has also called for a $15 minimum wage in Maryland and raising teacher pay 29 percent.

Jealous’ parents traveled from Baltimore to D.C. to get married in 1966 because Maryland at the time did not allow interracial marriages. Jealous frequently talked about his parents when he campaigned in support of Maryland’s same-sex marriage law that voters upheld in 2012.

The Baltimore Sun named Jealous as its 2013 Marylander of the Year, in part, because of his efforts in support of marriage rights for same-sex couples in the state. Jealous noted to the Blade that he met with Human Rights Campaign

Former NAACP President BEN JEALOUS speaks with the Washington Blade in Silver Spring, Md., on Oct. 15.

President Chad Griffin “when it looked like (the issue) might fail at the ballot” and “we put together a joint strategy to win on the ballot.”

“Ben Jealous is a proven leader with the vision and commitment needed to continue moving Maryland forward as a welcoming and inclusive state,” said Griffin in an Oct. 10 statement that announced HRC’s endorsement of Jealous. “As a longtime civil rights champion, Ben is passionately committed to putting people over politics and fighting to expand and protect the civil rights of every individual.

HRC is proud to endorse Ben Jealous for governor, and we look forward to working with him to advance LGBTQ equality.”

Hogan, who is a Republican, said before his 2014 election that he would not seek a repeal of Maryland’s same-sex marriage law. Hogan also said extending in-state tuition to undocumented immigrants and other social issues “are really decided” in the state.

Hogan in May signed into law a bill that bans so-called conversion therapy to minors.

Hogan in 2015 allowed two measures — one that allows trans Marylanders to change their name and gender on their birth certificates without having undergone sex reassignment surgery and another that ensures lesbian couples have equal access to fertility treatments — to take effect without his signature.

“Larry Hogan steadily avoided taking on the past civil rights victories and at the same time he has shown a real willingness to attack immigrant communities,” Jealous told the Blade.

Jealous specifically criticized Hogan for allowing Anne Arundel, Frederick and Harford Counties to enter into 287(g) agreements with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that critics contend allow local law enforcement to “terrorize” immigrants. Jealous also noted Hogan in

2015 asked the Obama administration not to resettle Syrian refugees in Maryland.

“I’m committed to ensuring that we live up to being the birthplace of Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, Barbara Mikulski and Thurgood Marshall and that we maintain our tradition of being a state that protects vulnerable communities,” he said, noting Maryland was established as a sanctuary for Catholics who were fleeing persecution in Europe.

Jealous also criticized Hogan over his position toward the nomination of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who grew up in Bethesda.

Hogan last month urged the U.S. Senate to delay Kavanaugh’s confirmation vote until it conducted an investigation into sexual assault allegations against him.

Hogan declined to direct the Maryland State Police to investigate Christine Blasey Ford’s allegations that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her at a party in Montgomery County in the early 1980s when he was a student at Georgetown Preparatory School. The Washington Post on Oct. 5 reported Hogan told the Baltimore Sun editorial board that he didn’t “feel educated enough” on whether Kavanaugh should be confirmed.

Jealous pointed out to the Blade that he is among the 1,600 men who expressed their support for Ford and for Anita Hill, who accused Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas of sexual harassment before his 1991 confirmation, in a fullpage ad the New York Times published on Sept. 26.

“When I was 18, I was qualified enough to have an opinion on Clarence Thomas,” said Jealous.

He reiterated his criticism of Hogan over his position toward Kavanaugh.

“That’s not leading, being quiet, following the crowd, saying you object after your point to have an actual impact

WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTO BY MICHAEL KEY

has passed,” said Jealous. “That’s not leadership. Maryland deserves a leader who is willing to lead.”

Jealous told the Blade that President Trump is “more than qualified for impeachment.” He also said he feels Hogan has not done enough to challenge the White House.

“Larry Hogan has said that if he were to have a meeting with Donald Trump he’d tell him to stop tweeting,” said Jealous.

“The problem with Donald Trump is not his Twitter account. The problem is the policies and the statements he makes.”

Jealous told the Blade that “Trump and the GOP taking over the U.S. Supreme Court” with Kavanaugh and Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch should prompt Marylanders to “pay attention to the fact” the state’s next governor will appoint five judges to the state’s Court of Appeals.

He also said Hogan’s second term would mirror that of one of his mentors, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

“Larry Hogan is trying his best to be the second coming of Chris Christie,” said Jealous.

Comedian Dave Chappelle is among Jealous’ more prominent supporters.

Chappelle is Jealous’ godbrother and the two have known each other for most of their lives.

Jealous told the Blade he is “proud to have his endorsement.” He said in response to questions about whether Chappelle is homophobic or transphobic that his “comedy is not my politics” and “his comedy’s not his politics.”

Jealous also pointed out Chappelle was part of an improv group at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Northwest D.C. that raised awareness of HIV/AIDS. “He’s been a good ally of multiple communities, including the LGBT community from a very early age,” said Jealous. “His comedy is not my politics and his comedy is not even his politics.”

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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 1 1

THE SOFA SALE Enjoy big savings on our whole sofa collection including all new styles until October 29th.

GEORGETOWN

Cady’s Alley 3328 M Street NW Washington, DC

TYSONS

Tysons Galleria 3rd Floor McLean, VA

calligaris.com

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

1 2 • O CTO B ER 1 9 , 2018

NATIONAL NEWS

Anti-LGBT lawsuits already headed Justice Kavanaugh’s way Cases challenge protections under EEOC, Austin ordinance

By CHRIS JOHNSON cjohnson@washblade.com Precisely on cue with the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court, anti-LGBT groups have filed lawsuits challenging LGBT rights that may in the near future serve to test the new justice on his position on the issue.

The complaints — two filed in federal court, one filed in state court — were filed in Texas and seek to challenge the City of Austin’s LGBT-inclusive non-discrimination ordinance and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the U.S. agency charged with federal employment civil rights law, over its interpretation of Title VII to prohibit anti-LGBT discrimination in the workforce.

But Austin’s LGBT-inclusive ordinance has been on the books for some time and the EEOC has taken charge of anti-LGBT discrimination for years under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. (The EEOC determined in the 2012 decision of Macy v. Holder that federal law bars anti-trans discrimination in employment and in the 2015 decision of Baldwin c. Foxx federal law bars anti-gay discrimination.)

Conspicuously, the two federal lawsuits were filed on Oct. 6, the exact date Kavanaugh was confirmed as a U.S. associate justice to the Supreme Court.

Kavanaugh won’t have a chance to act on the newly filed lawsuits anytime soon, but they will likely percolate through the courts, giving anti-LGBT groups the opportunity to file petitions for review.

The newly confirmed justice, chosen by President Trump from a list of potential nominees backed by the Federalist Society and the anti-LGBT Heritage Foundation, could be the fifth and deciding vote on whether to preserve LGBT rights if the petitions in the federal cases come before the Supreme Court. (The lawsuit in state court raising state claims will be left to Texas state court. Kavanaugh or the Supreme Court wouldn’t be asked to review the decisions.)

The federal lawsuit against EEOC asserts the LGBT protections violate the religious freedom of churches under the First Amendment and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act by forcing them to hire employee who are LGBT despite religious objections of the employer.

(Current law doesn’t require churches to hire pastors who are LGBT contrary to religious beliefs, but does prohibit religiously affiliated organizations from engaging in anti-LGBT discrimination for non-ministerial positions.)

Anti-LGBT lawsuits are already headed to U.S. Associate Justice BRETT KAVANAUGH. WASHINGTON BLADE FILE PHOTO BY MICHAEL KEY

Similarly, the federal lawsuit against Austin’s ordinance asserts a violation of the Free Exercise Clause under the First Amendment in addition to making religious freedom claims under the Texas Constitution and the Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act. A shared plaintiff in the two federal lawsuits is the U.S. Pastor Council, a Houston-based community of Christian conservatives that also unsuccessfully pushed for the anti-transgender bathroom legislation in Texas. In the case against EEOC, the Houston-based Hotze Health & Wellness Center, a Christianowned business in Houston that seeks to refuse to hire LGBT employees is a plaintiff. In the state lawsuit, Texas Values, a social conservative non-profit in Austin, is the sole plaintiff.

The religious freedom claims in the lawsuits may be seeking to capitalize on Kavanaugh’s remarks during his confirmation hearing, when Kavanaugh said in response to questions from conservative senators like Ted Cruz (R-Texas) that religious freedom should be protected in the “public square.”

“The Framers understood the

importance of protecting conscience,” Kavanaugh said. “It’s akin to the free speech protection in many ways. No matter what God you worship, or if you worship no God at all, you are equally American…If you have religious beliefs, religious people, religious speech, you have just as much right to be in the public square and to participate in public programs as others do. You can’t be denied just because of religious status.”

In response to these lawsuits, pro-LGBT groups may have to seek relief soon from either the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court. The lawsuit against the EEOC was assigned to U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor, a George W. Bush appointee with a reputation for being hostile to LGBT rights. (O’Connor issued a nationwide injunction against Obamaera guidance instructing schools Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 requires schools to allow transgender kids to use the restroom of their choice.)

The other federal case against Austin’s LGBT-inclusive ordinance is pending before U.S. District Judge Robert Pittman, an Obama appointee.

Jonathan Mitchell, an Austin-based

attorney whose law firm Mitchell Law PLLC filed each of the lawsuits, declined to comment on whether the timing of the lawsuits was intended to coincide with the confirmation of Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court, citing a practice of not commenting on pending litigation.

LGBT legal experts were hesitant to ascribe the filing of the new litigation with the addition of the new conservative to the high court, but predicted they were the kind of lawsuits they would expect anti-LGBT groups to file in greater capacity in the aftermath of the confirmation.

Jon Davidson, legal director for Freedom for All Americans, said he isn’t sure whether the lawsuits were timed to Kavanaugh’s confirmation, but foresees “more aggressive litigation moves in federal courts by anti-LGBTQ forces due to the increasing number of appointments of federal judges with histories of opposition to LGBTQ rights and Justice Kennedy’s retirement.”

“I believe these lawsuits are a continuation of efforts by anti-LGBTQ organizations and politicians’ efforts to weaken, if not invalidate, local nondiscrimination protections in Texas and elsewhere, notwithstanding the history of local government regulation in this area,” Davidson said. “I further believe the lawsuits are a continuation of efforts to distort the concept of religious freedom from the right to believe a license to use religion to act in violation of others’ rights. All of us care about religious freedom — that’s why it’s part of the Constitution’s promise to all Americans. That will never be up for debate. But religious freedom should be used as a shield, not as a weapon, and its reach should not be distorted in order to harm LGBTQ people or anyone else.”

James Esseks, director of the LGBT and HIV project at the American Civil Liberties Union, said Kavanaugh’s test “may come sooner” given cases on LGBT rights were already waiting for the new justice before the Supreme Court prior to his confirmation.

Among them is a petition from Harris Funeral Homes in Michigan challenging a ruling from the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals asserting it violated Title VII by terminating the employment of Aimee Stephens for transitioning. Two other petitions seeking clarification on whether Title VII applies to anti-gay discrimination are also pending before the Supreme Court.

“A growing chorus of appeals courts — and a solid majority of the American people — agree that firing someone because they are LGBTQ is against the law,” Esseks said. “The high court may weigh in on whether laws prohibiting sex discrimination in the workplace apply to discrimination towards LGBTQ people this term.”

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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 1 3

e l y t S UPGRADE YOUR LIVING ROOM WITH HAMILTONS. THE AREA'S LARGEST SELECTION OF THE MOST CUSTOMIZABLE FURNITURE.

TYSONS

703.556.3900

CHANTILLY 703.766.8000

FALLS CHURCH 703.820.8000

ROCKVILLE 301.881.3900

HamiltonsSofaGallery.com

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

1 4 • O CTO B ER 1 9 , 2018

NATIONAL NEWS

Pelosi to make Equality Act a top priority if Dems retake House Timing for comprehensive LGBT rights bill remains unclear

By CHRIS JOHNSON cjohnson@washblade.com With expectations of a “blue” wave in the congressional mid-terms and good chances Democrats will retake control of the U.S. House, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has signaled that comprehensive LGBT non-discrimination legislation will be a top priority if she becomes speaker.

Speaking at an event Tuesday at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, Pelosi identified the Equality Act as a personal goal in wideranging remarks about her plans for the next Congress.

“It isn’t in our ‘For The People’ agenda because it doesn’t get that specific, but there’s one more because it’s personal for me that I really want to do, and it’s called the Equality Act,” Pelosi said. “The Equality Act expands ending discrimination against LGBTQ people and women and adding that to the Civil Rights Act.” Other priorities identified by Pelosi were a campaign finance reform package, expanded background checks for gun purchases and legislation to protect

House Minority Leader NANCY PELOSI (D-Calif.) has signaled the Equality Act will be a ‘top priority’ if she becomes speaker.

WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTO BY MICHAEL KEY

young, undocumented immigrants known as DREAMers from deportation.

Drew Hammill, a Pelosi spokesperson, told the Washington Blade the Equality Act will be a “top priority” and receive a low bill number from 1 to 10 should they have a majority, which will designate its importance.

“In the House, the majority will signal a piece of legislation is a top priority by assigning it a bill number between 1 and 10,” Hammill said. “Leader Pelosi has decided the Equality Act will get one of these priority bill numbers, indicating its importance to House Democrats.”

As an example of the importance a low bill number has for legislation, House Republicans designated the tax reform bill, the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act, as H.R. 1. It

remains the most substantial piece of legislation passed by the 115th Congress.

The timing for when the Equality Act would come to the House floor remains uncertain.

Hammill said he doesn’t have anything specific at this time for the timing of floor consideration for legislation, but a designation of top priority means “early in the year.”

The office of Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), on the other hand, didn’t respond to multiple requests from the Blade on the timing for the Equality Act should he replace Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) as majority leader.

Introduced by Rep. David Cicilline (D-R.I.) in the House and Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) in the Senate, the Equality Act would amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964

and the Fair Housing Act to ban anti-LGBT discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, jury service, education, federal programs and credit.

The bill also seeks to update federal law to include sex in the list of protected classes in public accommodation in addition to expanding the definition of public accommodations to include retail stores, banks, transportation services and health care services. Further, the Equality Act would establish that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act — a 1994 law aimed at protecting religious liberty — can’t be used to enable antiLGBT discrimination.

Stephen Peters, a spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign, responded to Pelosi’s signal the Equality Act would be a high priority by emphasizing the need for the legislation.

“Discrimination is a real and persistent problem for far too many LGBTQ Americans, and more than 50 percent of LGBTQ Americans live in states that lack LGBTQ-inclusive statewide protections,” Peters said. “It’s imperative that Congress end this patchwork of protections by passing the Equality Act — crucially important federal legislation that would finally add clear, comprehensive nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people to our nation’s civil rights laws.”

Trump names second out gay judicial nominee Bumatay tapped for Ninth Circuit in jab at Feinstein and Harris

By CHRIS JOHNSON cjohnson@washblade.com President Trump has nominated to the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals an openly gay federal prosecutor tasked with enforcing organized crime and drug laws, doubling the number of his out judicial nominees.

The White House announced Trump’s nomination of Patrick Bumatay to the Ninth Circuit as part of a group of 18 nominees for judgeships as well as appointments as U.S. attorneys and U.S. marshals. Log Cabin Republicans confirmed to the Washington Blade on Monday Bumatay is openly gay.

Should the U.S. Senate confirm Bumatay, he’d be the second openly gay person appointed to a federal appeals court and one of the highest-ranking judges in the United States.

Gregory Angelo, president of Log Cabin Republicans, said Trump’s appointment of Bumtay to the Ninth Circuit was significant.

“Patrick would make an excellent addition to the court — the historic nature of his nomination as an openly gay man adds an additional layer of prestige to what by all counts is an exceptional career in law,” Angelo said.

Obama appointed the first and currently the openly gay federal appeals judge, U.S. Circuit Judge Todd Hughes.

Hughes serves on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and is currently the highest-ranking openly gay federal judge.

According to his White House bio, Bumatay is an assistant U.S. attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California and works for the Organized Crime & Drug Enforcement Task Forces Section. Bumatay is detailed to the Office of the Attorney General, where he serves as counselor to U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions on criminal issues such as the national opioid strategy and transnational organized crime.

Among the groups in which Bumatay has membership, according to his bio, is the San Diego-based Tom Homann LGBT Law Association, which seeks to advance LGBT issues in California. Bumatay is also a member of the National Filipino American

Lawyers Association, the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association and the Federal Bar Association.

Other positions in which Bumatay has served at the U.S. Justice Department include the Office of the Deputy Attorney General; the Office of the Associate Attorney General, where he oversaw civil enforcement programs; and the Office of Legal Policy.

Bumatay clerked for U.S. Circuit Judge Timothy Tymkovich, a George W. Bush appointee who sits on the U.S. Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, and U.S. District Judge Sandra Townes, another Bush appointee on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. Bumatay graduated with honors from Yale University and obtained his law degree from Harvard Law School.

According to Buzzfeed News, the selection of Bumatay and other judicial nominees is a jab at Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Kamala Harris (D-Calif.). For months, the White House has been negotiating with the Democratic senators for an agreement on nominees for open seats on the Ninth Circuit, which comprises California. In the end, there was no agreement and Trump named judicial nominees not included

among the consensus choices proposed by Feinstein and Harris.

It’s the second time Trump has named an openly gay person for the federal bench. The first was Mary Rowland, whom Trump nominated for a seat on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Rowland’s nomination remains pending before the Senate.

Trump’s nomination of Bumatay stands in contrast to his other 140 judicial nominees, many of whom have anti-LGBT records. The more extreme anti-LGBT nominees litigated against marriage equality, in favor of California’s Proposition 8 and worked to facilitate anti-LGBT laws.

Trump has a long way to go to beat Obama’s record in appointing openly LGBT judges. Obama nominated a total of 11 openly gay judicial nominees, according to an archived page on the White House website.

(But Trump has now beat President Bill Clinton in naming out judicial nominees.

Clinton named only one, U.S. District Judge Deborah Batts, who in 1994 became the first sitting openly gay federal judge.

Batts currently serves with senior status on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.)

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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 1 5

IT’S HAPPENING

RETAIL OPENING 2020 Multi-Level Condos Available Now! Close Out Incentives– Call Today!

1 BR from the Low $400s 2 BR from the Upper $500s 3 BR from the Low $700s • Private rooftop terrace available in select plans • Parking included • 1/2 mile from Red Line Metro 7217-B Georgia Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20012 • (202) 792-0057

VISIT TODAY GeorgiaRowDC.com Brokers Warmly Welcomed.

Must register and comply with policy terms.

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

1 6 • O CTO B ER 1 9 , 2018

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

Central America leaders concerned over Trump immigration policies More LGBT migrants opting to stay in Mexico

By MICHAEL K. LAVERS mlavers@washblade.com The president of Honduras last week reiterated his government’s concern over the separation of migrant children from their parents after they entered the U.S. Juan Orlando Hernández in remarks that he gave at the State Department during the opening of the second Conference for Prosperity and Security in Central America said his government has “a solution for the 119 Honduran children who have been separated from their parents here in the United States.”

Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Vice President Pence, Mexican Foreign Secretary Luis Videgaray and Mexican Government Secretary Alfonso Navarrete are co-hosting the two-day conference.

Hernández, along with Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales, Salvadoran Vice President Óscar Ortiz and representatives of Mexican Presidentelect Andrés Manuel López Obrador are also participating.

Nielsen did not speak at the opening of the conference, but Hernández specifically referred to her in his remarks.

“We have a solution in mind, Secretary Nielsen,” said Hernández, speaking through an interpreter. “If you look at your conscience, if we all put ourself (sic) in the shoes of these parents — imagine if a child from your country found himself or herself in that situation, you could understand the rejection this has caused in my country, the huge pressure we face.”

“It’s a matter of humanity,” he added. “It is impossible to understand for some how an issue that is in the biggest interest of children and family reunification — well, this continues to be a pending matter. I cannot go back to Honduras without an answer.”

Ortiz echoed Hernández’s concerns.

“We are very concerned about family reunification, especially about the young children that have remained here in the United States,” said Ortiz, also speaking through an interpreter.

The Trump administration earlier this year announced it will end the Temporary Protected Status program for the up to 200,000 Salvadorans who have received temporary residency permits that allow them to stay in the U.S. Ortiz expressed concern over this decision, even though a federal judge last week temporarily blocked the Trump administration from ending TPS for Salvadorans and citizens of other countries that include Haiti and Nicaragua.

Trump earlier this year reportedly described El Salvador as a “shithole country.”

“The issue of TPS — we need more time

Honduran President JUAN ORLANDO HERNÁNDEZ on Oct. 11, expressed concern over the continued separation of migrant children from their parents during a conference at the State Department.

PHOTO BY OCASTELLANOS99; COURTESY WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

in the Northern Triangle,” said Ortiz.

Honduras and El Salvador have two of the world’s highest per capita murder rates because of violence that is frequently associated with gangs and drug traffickers.

Anti-LGBTI violence remains commonplace in Central America’s Northern Triangle — which includes Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala. Discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, poverty and a lack of access to education and health care are among the issues the region’s LGBTI community also face.

LGBTI Salvadorans, Hondurans and Guatemalans are among the more than 225,000 migrants who have tried to enter the U.S. over the last year, even through advocates have told the Washington Blade the Trump administration’s “zero tolerance” immigration policy continues to spark fear throughout the Northern Triangle. Pence at the conference said more than half of undocumented immigrants who have been taken into custody after they entered the U.S. from Mexico during the same period were from El Salvador, Honduras or Guatemala.

Roxana Hernández, a transgender Honduran with HIV who was taken into custody by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on May 9 when she asked for asylum at the San Ysidro Port of Entry near San Diego, died at a New Mexico hospital two weeks later while in U.S. Immigration

and Customs Enforcement custody.

A gay Honduran man who is seeking asylum in Mexico told the Blade in July during an interview in Mexico City that he fled the Honduran city of San Pedro Sula earlier this year after gang members attacked him and killed a female friend after they raped her.

Activists in Mexico with whom the Blade spoke said more LGBTI migrants are choosing to remain in their country because of Trump’s immigration policy.

“This man (Trump) speaks and people stay where they are,” said Andrés Cruz Hernández of Comunidad Cultural de Tijuana LGBTI, an LGBTI community center in the Mexican city of Tijuana, during an interview that took place less than a mile from the San Ysidro Port of Entry.

Honduran first lady Ana García in a June 19 tweet warned Hondurans who want to migrate to the U.S. that they “will be separated from your little ones when you arrive illegally.” García also visited a detention center in McAllen, Texas, after Trump issued an executive order that ended the separation of migrant children from their parents.

Nielsen in July met with Videgaray and the foreign ministers of Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala in Guatemala City. Nielson announced the creation of an office within her agency that she said will advise their governments about the reunification of migrant children who have been separated from their parents.

Published reports indicate hundreds of migrants remain separated from their children. The Associated Press on Tuesday reported the children of migrants who have been deported may be put up for adoption.

Pence at the conference reiterated the Trump administration continues to support economic development initiatives in the Northern Triangle. Pence also said the region’s governments must do more to combat violence and stem the flow of migrants.

“The leaders in the room, the governments that you represent, should tell your people don’t put your families at risk by taking the dangerous journey north to attempt to enter the United States illegally,” said Pence. “The truth is your message can probably be summed up by telling them that if they can’t come to the United States legally, they shouldn’t come at all. Say it with strength and say it with compassion as neighbors and as friends because it’s the truth.”

The conference took place two weeks after 28 activists from Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua attended a workshop outside of the Honduran capital of Tegucigalpa that focused on bolstering the LGBTI community’s participation in the region’s political process. The LGBTI Victory Fund organized the gathering alongside two advocacy groups from Honduras and Guatemala.

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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 1 7

RUFSKIN

®

california

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

18 • OC T OB E R 19, 2018

H E A LT H N E W S

Fear keeps LGB Californians from seeking care

GO HARD WITH EMSCULPT

• FDA-cleared to build muscle.

• Simultaneously burns fat.

• Four 30-minute treatments across two weeks are all it takes.

• Non-invasive & pain free (no needles, no surgery, no numbing & no downtime).

• One 30-minute treatment is equivalent to 20,000 sit-ups.

• Tighten, lift and strengthen: buttocks, abdomen and thighs.

The Clinical Findings Revealed:

• Increase in muscle mass: 16% at 4 weeks, further improvement at 3 months.

• Subcutaneous fat reduction: 19% at 4 weeks, further improvement at 3 months.

• Patient satisfaction rate: 96%

Serving the LGBTQ community since 1983 1828 L St. NW #850 Washington, DC, 20036 (202) 822-9591

LOS ANGELES — LGB adults in California have rates of health insurance coverage on par with or better than that of straight men and women in the state, but they are more likely to wait to see the doctor when they need medical care, according to a new policy brief by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, MedicalXPress reports.

Why the delay? According to Susan Babey, a co-author of the study, one reason cited in other research is that sexual minorities sometimes experience discrimination when they seek health care, MedicalXPress reports.

“Sexual minorities who have had a bad experience with a medical provider because of their sexual orientation may try to avoid repeating it,” said Babey, who is also co-director of the Chronic Disease Program at the center.

The UCLA study looks at differences in access to care, behaviors that negatively affect health (such as smoking or not exercising) and health problems that can result from those behaviors (such as developing hypertension or being overweight), based on people’s sexual orientation. The findings show that 24 percent of bisexual men and 22 percent of straight men say they do not have a doctor they regularly see, compared with only 13 percent of gay men; but 20 percent of gay men and 21 percent of bisexual men delayed seeking health care in the past year, compared with 13 percent of straight men, MedicalXPress reports.

Thirteen percent of straight women and 15 percent of lesbians reported that they do not have a doctor they regularly see, while a higher percentage of bi women 22 percent, said they do not have one. However, 29 percent of lesbians and bisexual women said they delayed seeking medical care in the past year compared with just 18 percent of straight women, MedicalXPress reports.

Canada may shorten gay blood donation period TORONTO — Canadian Blood Services (CBS) is considering another change to its donation policy that would allow gay men who have abstained from sex for three months to give blood, down from the current one-year waiting period, CBC Radio-Canada reports.

The organization — which manages the national supply of blood products — says it has been reviewing research that suggests the abstinence period can be reduced and still keep the blood supply safe.

CBS is “currently discussing the results of the analysis with stakeholders and partners,” including patient and LGBT groups, and its provincial counterpart HémaQuébec, said spokesperson Ross FitzGerald in an email, CBC reports.

Health Canada would have to approve the change. CBS did not provide a date or timeline for the potential change, CBC Radio-Canada reports.

Gay and bisexual men have faced restrictions since the tainted blood scandal of the 1980s, when thousands of Canadians were infected with HIV or hepatitis C from donated blood. A lifetime ban was lifted in 2013, when Canada moved to a policy that allowed donations from men who said they had abstained from sex with other men for five years. In 2016, that deferral period was dropped to one year, CBC Radio-Canada reports.

‘Conversion’ therapy continues in Australia

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

SYDNEY — Gay conversion therapy is alive and well Down Under according to a report released this week into the nature, extent and impact of gay conversion therapy in Australia. Produced by the Human Rights Law Centre, Gay and Lesbian Health Victoria, and La Trobe University, the report found conversion practices are not receding, but are entering the mainstream within particular Christian churches, ABC(Australian Broadcasting Corporation) reports.

This report provides the first academic research on the LGBT conversion movements in Australia. At least 10 organizations in Australia and New Zealand currently advertise the provision of conversion therapies, according to the report.

This is despite overwhelming clinical evidence that practices aimed at reorientation of LGBT people do not work and are both harmful and unethical.

In 2014, nine ex-leaders of the “Gay Conversion Therapy Movement” offered a public apology for the damage their movement had caused, ABC reports.

However, other members of the movement continue to practice in secret, according to La Trobe University’s Dr. Timothy Jones, an author of the report.

“They don’t advertise doing LGBT conversion therapy, they don’t call themselves ex-gay,” he told ABC. “They talk about courses in sexual purity, sexual wholeness, counselng for sexual brokenness and relationships. They’re the same organizations, the same people doing the same things.”

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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 1 9

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

2 0 • O CTO B E R 1 9 , 2018

VIEWPOINT

VOLUME

49

ISSUE

42

ADDRESS

PO Box 53352 Washington DC 20009 PHONE

Asexuals, you are not alone Finding freedom in the aces and aros community

By ISABEL NATHAN I first realized I might be asexual in early 2011, when I was 18. Later that year, I went to an event hosted by the Asexuals of the Mid-Atlantic. AMA is a meet up group for asexual-spectrum people (aces) who want to meet other people like them.

Attending this event introduced me to the concept of aromanticism, and I realized that I might also be aromantic (aro). This forced me to actually think about my potential future relationships in a way I never had before. After my first event with AMA, I didn’t go to another one for six months. It freaked me out to actually be surrounded by people who could relate to feelings I had always thought made me an anomaly.

Once I accepted my identity enough to be comfortable around other aces and aros, I not only became a regular at AMA events, I also started hosting events myself. The monthly book club I host is now in its sixth year. About a year ago, a few members of AMA, including myself, started an

asexual advocacy organization called The Asexual Awareness Project (TAAP).

Over the past seven years, I’ve had more than six different jobs, I’ve completed college, and I’ve stabilized from suicidal to emotionally healthy. But one of the most significant changes I’ve experienced is my acceptance of my asexual and aromantic identities. Now most of my social circle is made up of other aces and aros.

One question I frequently hear when explaining my group of friends to people who aren’t ace or aro is “Why?” Why do you need to have a meet up group for aces? Why do you need an advocacy group? Why is an identity that defines itself by negatives important?

Well, why does a group for any other queer identity exist? Most of them exist for some combination of three reasons: dating, advocacy, and social support. Ace and aro groups exist for the same reasons.

One reason many queer groups exist is to help people find partners who are interested in dating someone of the same gender, or other queer partners in general. As far as aces go, many are aromantic, but some certainly are not, and they might prefer to date others who also do not want sex. Some aces and aros may E DIT OR IA L C A R T OON

want to form strong relationships that fall outside of the traditional partner dynamic, and it may be easier to explain those preferences to other people in your community. While I don’t want to form any kind of romantic relationship, it is gratifying to be around people who do not consider friendship to be beneath romance.

Other groups exist for advocacy. Unlike TAAP, those groups did and do fight well-known cultural and legal battles for acceptance. Those advocacy groups have been extremely successful in promoting queer equality, although there is certainly a long way to go. But asexuality and aromanticism aren’t illegal, and the social stigmas attached to being ace or aro aren’t obvious to many people. In fact, many of us practice a lifestyle that many social conservatives wish all queer people would adopt - to simply refrain from any sex life at all.

However, invisibility is its own struggle, and aces and aros face the difficulty of many people not knowing what those orientations are — most aces and aros themselves go years before they even know that it is a possibility. We must convince our families, friends, acquaintances, and even medical professionals that there isn’t anything wrong with us. We constantly have to justify our existence. It is important that aces and aros can find resources that will actually be able to help them without invalidating their identity.

While both of these reasons are important, the principle reason aces and aros come together is to find common ground, and to find other people who make them feel that they aren’t alone in this world and that their experiences aren’t unique.

That is why TAAP’s acronym includes the word “awareness”: that is what we’re fighting for. We simply want to be seen, to be acknowledged as legitimate and deserving of respect.

This is the point many people ignore when they dismiss aces, or say that they are limiting themselves by putting a label on their experiences. The labels I adopt are not stifling, but grant me a sense of freedom. They remind me that I belong to a community, and that I am not alone.

ISABEL NATHAN is a board member of The Asexual Awareness Project.

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.

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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 2 1

VAN ALLEN MANAGEMENT CONSULTING We assess client operations with a particular focus on technical organizations in major enterprises. We believe achieving client goals through the identification of organizational strengths and challenges is key to providing actionable recommendations to promote growth and momentum.

• Change management & process improvement • Executive relationship management • Risk assessment • Recommendations customized to your organizational strengths • Communications strategy design

VAN ALLEN, LLC, IS A MANAGEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY CONSULTING FIRM

focused on providing personalized solutions for mid- to large-sized organizations within government, non-profit, and private sectors. Our clients range from innovative tech startups to Fortune 500 household names.

TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

Our technology solutions provide visibility into how your organization functions today, and the path to build on its strengths to increase process, time, and cost efficiencies.

• Action-based cost analysis • Current systems and platform analysis • Process transition and systems deployment • Proof-of-concept design and management • Infrastructure consolidation

CONTENT STRATEGY AND GOVERNANCE

We have worked with some of the largest brands in the world to develop sound content strategies on both project and enterprise scales. After assessing organizational, governance, and merchandizing needs, we provide recommendations and execute on the creation, curation, distribution, and governance of an organization’s content.

• Data synthesis • Content management • Taxonomies • Content standards formulation • Content auditing

WASHINGTON, DC / INFO@VANALLEN.CO / VANALLEN.CO / (+1) 202-810-3565

202-628-7979

appointment@citydentaldc.com

1221 Massachusetts Ave., NW 703 D St., NW 955 L’Enfant Plz., SW PR #325

Making your dental experience better

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

2 2 • O CTO B ER 1 9 , 2018

VIEWPOINT

Trump, the mobster in the mirror A ruler who thrives on division requires a resolute moral response

RICHARD J. ROSENDALL is a writer and activist.

Reach him at rrosendall@starpower.net.

Murderous autocrats are no more a recent development than America making strategic alliances that compromise our principles. The world is a dangerous place. What is new in the Trump era is the spectacle of our own president openly admiring despots.

In December 2015, Trump defended his friend Vladimir Putin against charges of murdering critics and journalists: “He’s running his country and at least he’s a leader, unlike what we have in this country.” In February 2017, he said, “There are a lot of killers. You think our country’s so innocent?” In July 2017 he tweeted Poland’s Andrzej Duda, “We will fight the

#FakeNews with you!” In June 2018 he said of North Korea’s Kim Jong-un, “He speaks and his people sit up at attention.

I want my people to do the same.”

On Oct. 2, Washington Post contributor Jamal Khashoggi disappeared after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. He was reportedly murdered and dismembered on orders from the Saudi royal court. Trump, who has personal business with Riyadh and was himself criticized by Khashoggi, was slow to respond.

What is one vexing journalist more or less, whose thoughtful public criticism enraged his prince and whose gruesome end was apparently captured in an audio recording by the Turkish government? It is up to us what we make of it, and how much value we place on life and liberty.

Our nation of ideas has become a transactional platform, its organs hollowed out like Iraqi teen Hamoudi Mutairi, recently disemboweled by a laughing brute for gender nonconformity, bleeding out and calling for his mother.

That murdered child recalls Matthew Shepard, beaten, tied to a fence, and left to die 20 years ago on a Wyoming prairie.

What kind of people permit this? We fashion ourselves champions of freedom, yet we steal children from their families and

make them sign away their rights. Brown and queer children don’t appear to count.

Trump gained power in a perfect storm of events: Russian hacking; voter suppression; the FBI chief publicly discussing his investigation of the Democrat while keeping silent about his investigation of the Republican; the Democrat’s overconfidence; the Republican’s skill at exploiting the worst in people. The latter included racism, sexism, and the historically privileged class’s fear of displacement. The result is the gravest threat to our republic in 150 years.

On Oct. 11, our 45th president ignored the deadly Hurricane Michael (nature’s mockery of Florida Gov. Rick Scott for banning the term “climate change”), and the growing crisis over Khashoggi’s disappearance, in favor of an Oval Office photo op with Kanye West. Perhaps he decided to celebrate National Coming Out Day with a cautionary display of untreated mental illness. In a mad ramble beside the Resolute Desk at the heart of American power, West mentioned the lack of “male energy” in Hillary Clinton’s campaign.

Trump, with plenty of male energy, scorns diplomacy’s soft power and neglects our crumbling infrastructure while building up our already bloated military force. One can be forgiven for wondering

which troubled part of the world our infantile leader will make worse by launching an October Surprise. Perhaps he will rally his base and grab even more free cable news time with his own version of the Saudis’ August bombing of a bus full of Yemeni schoolchildren, itself done with Americansupplied ordnance.

A man who answers imaginary Democratic mobs by provoking his own mob to chant “lock her up” at Dianne Feinstein is not above showing his resolve against terrorism with a terrorist act of his own. Saner presidents spent decades after World War II sponsoring wars, assassinations, coups, and neocolonial exploitation of the Global South in the name of winning the Cold War. Trump, unleasher of our inner demons, is a consequence of our evasion of responsibility, our refusal to see one another.

I think of Khashoggi’s fiancée, Hatice Cengiz, waiting for hours outside the consulate in Istanbul for her lover who never returned. We need to look upon these awful events to be mindful that evil walks among us. In other circumstances, the death squad’s bone saw could be meant for us. If we sleep rather than face the present threat, our turn may yet come.

Copyright © 2018 by Richard J. Rosendall. All rights reserved.

V I E WPO I N T

Remembering Matthew Shepard as hate crimes increase 20 years ago we mourned; today much work remains to combat the violence

KATHI WOLFE, a regular contributor to the Blade, was the winner of the 2014 Stonewall Chapbook Competition.

Twenty years ago this month, when Matthew Shepard, a 21-year-old University of Wyoming student, went to a bar, he likely wasn’t thinking he’d die that day or that his all-too-brief life and horrific death would put a human face on homophobia and hate.

How could Shepard have foreseen on Oct. 6, 1998 that Aaron McKinney and Russell Henderson would entice him to step into their vehicle and then tie him to a fence outside Laramie, Wyo.? Then beat him mercilessly – striking his head, as the Blade reported, with “the barrel of .357 Magnum pistol? That the day after this blood-curdling

attack, he’d be found and taken to a Colorado hospital? That this would be too late and he would die five days later on Oct. 12, 1998?

Two decades later, Shepard’s murder is still horrifying and incomprehensible. It shouldn’t be surprising that McKinney invoked the “gay panic” defense – alleging that Shepard, in the vehicle, groped him. (McKinney and Henderson have been sentenced to life in prison without parole. They said originally they intended to rob Shepard; $20 was stolen from Shepard’s wallet.) Today, in the age of marriage equality, the “gay and trans panic” defense is still legal in 47 states, according to the National LGBT Bar Association. Still, our hearts break trying to understand how Henderson and McKinney could have committed such a brutal act.

In “October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard,” Lesléa Newman, a poet and author of “Heather Has Two Mommies,” struggles to comprehend Shepard’s murder. “Deliver a baby/Read War and Peace/ Fall in love/Fall out of love/,” Newman writes in the poem What You Can Do in Eighteen Hours,”...Wait to be discovered/lashed to a fence/Shivering under a blanket/of stars.”

On Oct. 26, Shepard’s ashes will be interred at the Washington National Cathedral. The Cathedral is an ideal choice for his final resting place, Matthew’s mother Judy

Shepard, said in a statement. “Matt loved the Episcopal Church and felt welcomed by his church in Wyoming,” she said.

In December 1998, shortly after Shepard died, his parents Judy and Dennis Shepard founded the Matthew Shepard Foundation.

“For the past 20 years, we have shared Matt’s story with the world,” Judy Shepard said in her statement on the upcoming interment of her son’s ashes at the Washington National Cathedral. “It’s reassuring to know he now will rest in a sacred spot where folks can come to reflect on creating a safer, kinder world.”

This reassurance is needed now more than ever.

If you’re queer, whether you were alive when Shepard died or born after his murder, you’ve likely experienced hate-based violence or lived under its shadow. Years ago in the 1990s, my late partner and I walked to the grocery store after dinner.

As we walked, a man from a passing car yelled out “you dykes!” He didn’t physically hurt us, but the verbal violence and threat of physical violence were there.

A few years ago, I waited for a bus at my bus stop. Suddenly, a man came up from behind and roughly twisted my arm, while screaming, “I hate you, fucking dyke!”

I’m acutely aware that I’m cisgender and white (as was my late partner). The rate of vio-

lence cisgender white people fear and experience has historically been lower, and received more attention, than the hate-filled violence directed at transgender people and people of color. Charles Blow, the New York Times columnist and author of the memoir “Fire Shut Up in My Bones,” grew up in poverty in rural Louisiana. His older cousin, Blow, who is black and bisexual, told the Blade, was tied to a bed, beaten and murdered because he dared to be openly gay. “This hate crime against a black man, unlike Matthew Shepard’s murder didn’t receive media attention,” he said.

Shortly before Shepard was killed, James Byrd, Jr, a black man, was brutally beaten and murdered by white supremacists. After years of advocacy, the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act was passed in 2009. HCPA added sexual orientation, gender identity and disability to the 1968 federal hate crimes law.

Unfortunately, despite this legislation, hate crimes have increased against LGBTQ people, particularly against transgender people and people of color. Hate violencerelated homicides of LGBTQ people between 2016 and 2017 increased by 86 percent, according to the Anti-Violence Project.

For Trump, hate has become a weapon to energize his base. We need to work for a “safer, kinder world” ASAP.

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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 2 3

BMW of Fairfax 8427 Lee Highway | Fairfax VA 22031 (855) 527-9457

All offers valid through October 31, 2018 To reserve your offer or check availability,

please call 855-527-9457!

We are humbled to be chosen as the Blade’s Best Car Dealership! Thank you all!

We’d like to announce that the much anticipated 2019 BMW X5 has arrived!

Along with this phenomenal offering from BMW, take a look below at a few other special offers just for readers of the Blade!

2018 X6 xDrive35i

2019 BMW 540xi

K0Z62936 | MSRP: $72,460

KWW04265 | MSRP: $75,000

YOUR SonicPrice: $67,071

YOUR SonicPrice: $69,977

2019 BMW X5

2018 X2xDrive38i

MSRP: $70,705

JEF79853 | MSRP: $46,595

YOUR SonicPrice: $67,877

YOUR SonicPrice: $39,371

Loyal clients can save even more!

Already have a BMW? Just need some service or repairs?

Take 33% off your service bill up to $500 off!

“Pricing shown includes BMW FS APR Credits and requires financing with BMW Financial services. Offers subject to availability. Valid on in-stock vehicles only. Pricing excludes applicable taxes, tags, and fees. Please inquire for details. Expires 10/31/2018. Service offer is 33% off service bill before tax, up to $500 off your bill. Cannot be applied to tires, batteries, or work completed under warranty or insurance. Taxes and shop fees extra. Expires 10/31/2018.”

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

2 4 • O CTO B ER 1 9 , 2018

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

Bowser, Mendelson deserve our support on Election Day A reminder of why it’s important to show up and vote

PETER ROSENSTEIN is a D.C.-based LGBT rights and Democratic Party activist. He writes regularly for the Blade.

Like many who live in D.C., my political work in the last couple of years has focused more on national elections than those at home. That is because it has become more critical than ever we take back the Congress from Republicans and restore some checks and balances to our government. In the past two years, we have seen what a certifiable madman in the White House can do with a subservient Republican Congress afraid to buck him on anything. So it’s crucial for anyone with time and resources to continue to

work on elections across the country. Donate money, make phone calls, travel to a neighboring state and knock on doors; it all makes a difference and when more people come out to vote we win.

While doing this, don’t forget to vote here at home. Even if not many races in D.C. appear in doubt, it’s important for every person who is eligible to vote. Like everywhere else we need everyone, including millennials who don’t have a great record of voting, to get used to doing it. We are blessed to live in this country and it is both a right and responsibility. Too often I hear friends complain about one thing or another they don’t like in the District and when I ask them if they voted they say, “No, what difference does it make?” We saw in 2016 what difference voting makes.

While District elections may not always appear to be as impactful on major issues they make a difference. Those we elect to the Council, as mayor and attorney general determine the policies that impact us and our fellow residents’ daily lives beginning with how much we pay in local taxes. They then determine how to spend that money and the District budget is now $14.5 billion. They decide if we close D.C. General and open smaller local homeless shelters

Keep your promise to protect each other.

and how much we pay toward supporting Metro. Our elected officials determine how much to spend on affordable housing; how much we spend on police, fire and EMS and then how those first responders are trained.

They decide how much is spent on the safety net for those who need more from our government and how that assistance is distributed. How we build and maintain our recreation centers and how we ensure health insurance and access to care for everyone. They decide how we encourage small business in the District and how much and whether we spend on attracting new businesses like Amazon.

How much we invest in ensuring a healthy and safe nightlife and nominate and confirm the officials who determine who can get a liquor license and how we approve building permits. They pass laws and enforce policy ensuring the environment is a focus and keep our tree cover healthy.

They determine when and how our trash is picked up and snow is removed.

All these things most of us consider crucial to ensure living, working and recreating in the city are handled in the way we want.

If you want a voice, then you need to vote.

Early voting in the District of Columbia be-

gins on Oct. 22 and you can go to the polls to cast your ballot at your convenience. Take the time to find out about all the candidates. I realize not everyone will be as involved in local politics as I am but the more time you spend getting involved the better off we all will be. Think about what issues impact you the most and find where candidates stand on them. There is room in the District budget to do many things. We can and do support the needs of the LGBTQ+ community but more can always be done. We support the homeless but know we need to do more and the same can be said for the needs of our lower income neighbors who are being priced out of the District.

My personal endorsements in the District are: For Delegate to the House of Representatives, Eleanor Holmes Norton; Mayor, Muriel Bowser; Chairman of the Council, Phil Mendelson; Council-at-large (you can vote for two), Elissa Silverman and Anita Bonds; Attorney General, Karl Racine; Members of the Council; Ward one, Brianne Nadeau; Ward three, Mary Cheh; Ward five, Kenyan McDuffie; and Ward six, Charles Allen.

So take the time to VOTE. Tell your family and friends both here and around the nation to VOTE! People’s lives actually depend on it.

703.237.5000 DONBEYERVOLVO.COM

Test Drive the All-New

VOLVO XC60

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

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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 2 5

26

OCTOBER

19,

2018

•

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

PRET T Y RI K E / ERI KA L EW I S How long have you been out and who was the hardest person to tell?

I’ve been out since I was 18. Unfortunately, it was not by choice. My mother found old love letters I had written to my high school girlfriend. My mother finding out was and still is the hardest for me coming out.

PHOTO BY DIYANNA MONET

By JOEY DiGUGLIELMO joeyd@washblade.com Pretty Rik E was born pretty innocuously. Erika Lewis had a friend about five years ago who was just getting started in drag and “kind of pushed me to give it a try.”

Lewis says Rik E’s personality came before his name.

“The original idea was to represent a mid-2000s R&B/hip-hop artist who was struggling to reclaim their fame,” Lewis says. “One of the groups I loved back in the aughts was a group called ‘Pretty Ricky,’ so I took out the A in my name, rearranged some letters and tacked on the pretty and Pretty Rik E was born.”

Rik E turned out to be outgoing, funny and charming, the 39-year-old Columbia, Md., native says. “Everything I wished I could have been when I was younger.”

Rik E emerged in the D.C. Kings back in 2013. Lewis and wife Ashleigh (aka Lexie Starre) co-founded Pretty Boi Drag almost three years ago. It’s a regional drag king troupe for queer people of color. Rik E was voted Best Drag King in this year’s Washington Blade Best of Gay D.C. readers poll awards.

“Performing in drag helped me gain a confidence I never knew I had,” Lewis says. “I was able to focus that confidence on meeting my wife, starting Pretty Boi Drag and going out on that stage time and time again.”

Lewis, who uses he/him pronouns, works by day as a web developer and lives in Cleveland Park. Pretty Boi Drag, which he says is “much more than a hobby,” and full-time work leave little extra time but he enjoys binge watching favorite TV shows in his free time such as “The Walking Dead” and “Gotham.”

Who’s your LGBT hero?

Right now, that person is Lena Waithe.

Her visibility as a masculine-of-center, black woman has been inspirational.

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

If we’re not producing a show or working, I am most likely home watching TV. However, before we got old and sleepy, we used to go to Phase 1 all the time. It was actually where we met.

Describe your dream wedding.

My dream wedding happened in 2015 when I married my wife. It was a small wedding with only about 70 of our closest friends. We had a lip synching competition at the wedding (including trophies!) and a ginger cake with whiskey-infused frosting as our wedding cake.

What non-LGBT issue are you most passionate about?

I feel very strongly about inclusion and diversity in the technology industry.

I have started speaking at conferences about how companies can benefit from actively hiring more people of color and women to their technology teams.

What historical outcome would you change?

I feel like it might be cliché at this point, but I would most definitely change the outcome of the 2016 election.

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

Beyoncé performing “Formation” at the Super Bowl was such an incredible and impactful moment. Not just because it was an amazing performance (because it was) but for someone of her status and recognizability to be that unapologetically black in front of America was awe inspiring.

On what do you insist?

Drag kings are just as talented and amazing as drag queens and worthy of the same level of respect.

What was your last Facebook post or Tweet?

Last FB post: “What does the zombie

horde look like in the Minnesota winter? #twd”

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

“How Did I Get Here? And Other Musings From A Person With No Sense Of Direction”

If science discovered a way to change sexual orientation, what would you do?

Be very wary of anyone with a needle.

What do you believe in beyond the physical world?

I consider myself an atheist but a small part of me is holding out hope that after we die, we get an opportunity to do this thing all over again.

What’s your advice for LGBT movement leaders?

There are black, brown and trans folx who don’t feel like their voices are being heard. Listen to those voices!

What would you walk across hot coals for?

Definitely for my wife, with no hesitation. And possibly for a White Castle slider.

What LGBT stereotype annoys you most?

That gayness equates to white men.

What’s your favorite LGBT movie?

“Saving Face.” This was one of the first LGBTQ movies I saw and I loved everything about it.

What’s the most overrated social custom?

Politeness in general is overrated.

Not saying we shouldn’t be nice to one another, but politeness is often what keeps us from saying exactly how we feel in a moment. I would prefer to be honest even if it’s not the polite thing to do.

What trophy or prize do you most covet?

A Grammy! Because I wish I could sing.

What do you wish you’d known at 18?

I wish I had known the possibilities of me. I doubted myself for so long and if I could, I would whisper to 18 year old me, “You’re awesome. Go for it.”

Why Washington?

Because it’s a big city with a small-town vibe.

Best of Gay D.C. is always a snapshot of life in LGBT Washington. This is the first year, for example, Town Danceboutique which closed in July, has not been represented in these awards since 2007.

The legendary D.C. nightclub holds the all-time Best of Gay D.C. record with 32 total wins (counting wins for its drag queens and DJs). But it’s also a chance to welcome the new kids on the block — such as Pitchers/A League of Her Own, Dave Perruzza’s new venture in Adams Morgan.

For every perennial winner like Freddie’s Beach Bar or Miss Pixie’s, there are newer faces like Pretty Rik E (Best Drag King), Jesse Johnson (Best Fitness Instructor) and Roel Ruiz (Best Stylist). Sometimes somebody who’s been around for years but we kind of took for granted comes roaring back with a win like Kristina Kelly, D.C.’s much-loved plus-size queen. Ahhhh, I remember her from her Apex years.

Some winners and runners-up flip-

flop in succeeding years. Rayceen Pendarvis and Bishop Allyson Abrams have something like a vollyeball game unfolding in these pages in the Best Clergy category.

Thankfully here, nobody has to “sashay away.” That’s the beauty of gay Washington — we can enjoy Trade one night, JR.’s another. Check out Distrkt C (“Is it hot in here or is it just me?”) one month and Mixtape another. It’s all good.

About 4,000 nominations and 25,000 votes were cast in 100 categories for the 17th annual Best of Gay D.C. Awards. The Blade’s Stephen Rutgers coordinated the process. The photographers are credited throughout. This year’s contributing writers are Brian T. Carney, Patrick Folliard, Evan Caplan, Michael K. Lavers, Chris Johnson, Mariah Cooper and Kevin Majoros.

The Washington Blade staff congratulates each of this year’s winners and finalists.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS & PARTNERS

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

•

OCTOBER

19,

2018

•

27

28

OCTOBER

19,

2018

•

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

HERO AWARD

WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTO BY MICHAEL KEY

HERO AWARD

DANICA ROEM Virginia state Del. Danica Roem (D-Manassas) in January made history as the first openly transgender person seated in any state legislature in the U.S. The former journalist has hit the ground running on behalf of her constituents in Virginia’s 13th District.

Roem served on the Counties Cities and Towns and Science and Technology Committees.

She is among the lawmakers who voted to expand Medicaid in Virginia. Reducing congestion on Route 28, which was a cornerstone of her historic 2017 campaign against then-state Del. Bob Marshall (R-Prince William County), remains one of Roem’s top priorities.

Roem co-sponsored several pro-LGBT bills during the 2018 legislative session.

She also continues to inspire trans people around the country.

She invited an 11-year-old trans girl from Roanoke and her mother who she met during her campaign and two other young people to stand next to her during her ceremonial swearing-in that took place in the Virginia House of Delegates chamber on Jan. 20. Roem, who was wearing her trademark rainbow scarf, hugged each of them after she spoke.

“This member pin that I have right now; this is on behalf of the people of the 13th District,” she said. “This pin belongs to the people of the 13th District. This pin and every pin like it for you, for you and for you, this is ours . . . this is ours too.”

Demi Lovato invited Roem to walk with her on the red carpet at the 2017

American Music Awards, which took place in Los Angeles shortly after she defeated Marshall. Roem in June traveled to Vermont and campaigned on behalf of Christine Hallquist, a Democrat who in August became the first openly trans woman in the U.S. to become a major party’s nominee for governor.

Roem attended the annual Human Rights Campaign National Dinner that took place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on Sept. 13. She spoke at NOVA Pride that took place in Centreville on Sept. 29.

Roem has also spoken at events organized by the LGBTQ Victory Fund and other LGBT advocacy groups.

“I’m humbled to earn the 2018 Hero Award from the Washington Blade,” Roem said. “By focusing on the core quality-oflife issues that unite our communities and

region like traffic, jobs, schools, health care and equality, I hope I’ve helped demonstrate that transgender people can be inclusive elected leaders who prioritize constituent service for all our constituents — no matter what they look like, where they come from, how they worship if they do, or who they love.”

Roem also thanked her constituents and the Blade’s readers.

“To my constituents in Manassas Park, Manassas, Gainesville and Haymarket and to the readers of the Washington Blade: You should be able to thrive because of who you are, not despite it and not for what discriminatory politicians tell you you’re supposed to be,” she said. “So, if you’re well-qualified and you have good ideas, then bring your ideas to the table because this is your America too and it’s time for you to run it.” (MKL) ■ CONTINUES ON PAGE 30

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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 2 9

30

OCTOBER

19,

2018

•

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

BARS/ENTERTAINMENT BEST DANCE PARTY

DISTRKT C

SECOND CONSECUTIVE WIN IN THIS CATEGORY. D.C. EAGLE SECOND SATURDAY OF THE MONTH D.C. EAGLE 3701 BENNING RD., N.E. DISTRKTC.COM

EDITOR’S CHOICE: PEACH PIT, DC9

BEST BARTENDER

JO MCDANIEL, A LEAGUE OF HER OWN RUNNER-UP: DUSTY MARTINEZ, TRADE DUSTY WAS LAST YEAR’S WINNER AND ALSO A 2014 WINNER. She may be a new addition to Pitchers, the new gay bar in Adams Morgan, but Jo McDaniel is no stranger to the queer D.C. bar scene. Slinging drinks since 2005 across the region, McDaniel is now leading A League of Her Own, the queer women’s bar that opened in August in the lower level of Pitchers.

David Perruzza, who runs Pitchers, knew McDaniel from her work at Cobalt and brought her in to be a strong leader to manage A League of Her Own and make it a welcoming space.

“From the moment I met Jo, I was impressed,” Perruzza says. “When I realized I could open a bar for queer women, I immediately thought of Jo and only Jo. She has been a godsend and everyone loves her.”

McDaniels is also shining beyond D.C. This summer, she won the coveted Stoli’s Key West Cocktail Classic, and as the first woman to win the regional competition here in D.C. “We’ve had an incredible response from the community,” the Southern California native says. “With queer people meeting up and hanging out every day that we’ve been open. It’s more than humbling to provide something so needed to our community and I’m thrilled that I get to be part of it.”

Before A League of Her Own, McDaniel has

been helping the LGBT community toss back vodka sodas and other libations at Apex, Phase One, Freddie’s Beach Bar and Cobalt. McDaniel’s biggest task is now bringing together the LGBT community at A League of Her Own as part of the larger Pitchers community. (EC) BEST BURLESQUE DANCER

OPHELIA HART

SECOND CONSECUTIVE WIN. FACEBOOK.COM/OPHELIAHARTBURLESQUE

RUNNER-UP: GIGI HOLLIDAY BEST AVION TEQUILA MARGARITA

NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR 900 U ST., N.W. NELLIESSPORTSBAR.COM

EDITOR’S CHOICE: LEFT DOOR

BEST DJ

TEZRAH RUNNER-UP: LEMZ TEZRAH.COM SOUNDCLOUD.COM/TEZRAH Tezrah (real name Diana Weigel) became a DJ accidentally.

In college, a friend gave the 28-yearold Fairfax, Va., native a DJ program. She found herself “messing around” with the music software for hours and hours as she crafted her hobby. Eventually, she thought she could turn her side gig into a main hustle.

“After I graduated, I was like ‘Hey, why not try to make this hobby into something else and make money off it.’ It just snowballed from there,” Tezrah says.

This is Tezrah’s second consecutive Best DJ win for Best of Gay D.C. She says

she believes her music is so appealing to partygoers because of her diversity.

“I think that I have a very pop ear which is appealing to a wide variety of people instead of just a smaller genre of music. I play house music, hip-hop, top 40. Maybe try to throw in a little dubstep now and then in my pop sets. I think it’s because my music is eclectic the audience doesn’t get bored of one genre of music because I’m playing lots of different types of music in one set,” Tezrah explains.

You can catch her DJing at multiple LGBT venues in D.C. including Cobalt, Pitchers, A League of Her Own, XX+ and more.

She’s also available to play corporate events, private events and weddings. Find out where Tezrah is playing next, or to book her for an event, at tezrah.com. (MC)

■ CONTINUES ON PAGE 32

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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 3 1

32

OCTOBER

19,

2018

•

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

BARS/ENTERTAINMENT BEST DRAG KING

PRETTY RIK E SEE QUEERY ON PAGE 26 RUNNER-UP: RICKY ROSE BEST DRAG QUEEN

KRISTINA KELLY RUNNER-UP: JANE SAW If you’ve been to a drag event in D.C., chances are you may have seen Kristina Kelly.

Kelly (real name Christopher Smith), 39, makes the rounds at various drag events throughout D.C. She’s a regular performer at Cobalt and Shaw’s Tavern. She can also be seen at drag brunch at City Tap House and Taqueria del Barrio.

Kelly’s love for drag started at age 17 in her hometown of Lexington, Va. During a talent show around Halloween, she decided to perform in drag.

“I was like, ‘Let’s try it once’ and I’ve been doing it ever since,” Kelly says.

Now, her drag career has led her to become a full-time performer for the past decade.

Her favorite part about being in the D.C. drag community is the diversity.

“The talent in D.C. comes in all forms.

What I mean by that is we have drag queens, drag kings, bio queens. It’s so much talent that people don’t get to see it.

That’s why I have so many shows to show all that drag has to offer,” Kelly says.

She hopes that one day D.C. will be recognized as a city with real drag talent.

“I think there’s a lot of creativity in D.C. and I don’t think that we get to showcase our talent as much as other cities do. I hope that eventually people can see exactly how much talent there is in D.C.,” she says. (MC) BEST DRAG SHOW

PRETTY BOI DRAG EDITOR’S CHOICE: QUEETA’S PALACE AT CHATEAU REMIX

BEST SINGER OR BAND

WICKED JEZABEL RUNNER-UP: HOMOSUPERIOR Wicked Jezabel is an out, all-female, party band. Skilled musicians, they play a diverse mix of Side-A hits from the ‘60s to the present and consistently raise the energy and fun wherever the gig.

Founded by partners in music and marriage, Pauline Anson-Dross (guitar, vocals, percussion) and Davi Anson-Dross (vocals, percussion, keys), Wicked Jezabel gelled in 2004. Other bandmates are Sandra “Jump” Dumas (guitar), Heather Haze (sax, keys, vocals), Martha Capone (bass), and Jackie Yuille (drums). The band’s steadfast sound engineer is Elaine Giles, Dumas’ longtime partner. This is their second consecutive win in this category and third overall. They also won in 2013.

Pauline and Davi married in 2000, and again shortly after same-sex marriage was made legal in Virginia in 2014. For them, working and living together is far from a problem. “We love it. We’re equally passionate about music and live performing so it works,” Pauline says. “We both have different strengths in the projects so it creates a balanced working relationship, and, for us, that adds dimension to our personal relationship.

The only hard part is the day jobs.”

Wicked Jezabel is a continuum of Pauline and Davi’s former band, The Outskirts. “We lost some band members about 14 years ago, so we saw that as a good juncture to stop and rethink things, and that included finding some new musicians and renaming the band.”

Pauline credits Wicked Jezabel’s success and loyal fan base to the magic of live performance: “There’s nothing like it. That connection with an audience is miraculous.

It’s therapy for everybody.” (PF)

BEST TRANSGENDER PERFORMER

RILEY KNOXX

RUNNER-UP: SALVADORA DALI BEST STRAIGHT BAR

DACHA BEER GARDEN FOURTH CONSECUTIVE WIN IN THIS CATEGORY! 1600 7TH ST., N.W. 202-524-8790 DACHADC.COM

EDITOR’S CHOICE: DC9

■ CONTINUES ON PAGE 34

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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 3 3

ROBYN S. ZEIGER, Ph.D. Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Thank you LGBTQ Community of DC, MD and VA for your support over the past 40 years!

301-445-7333 www.drrobynzeiger.com drrobynzeiger@aol.com

WINNER

WINNER

34

OCTOBER

19,

2018

•

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

BARS/ENTERTAINMENT BEST KARAOKE

DIK BAR (AKA DUPONT ITALIAN KITCHEN) 1637 17TH ST., N.W. 2ND FLOOR DUPONTITALIANKITCHEN.COM/BAR

EDITOR’S CHOICE: FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR

BEST LIVE MUSIC

9:30 CLUB

A PERENNIAL FAVORITE IN THIS CATEGORY! 815 V ST., N.W. 930.COM

EDITOR’S CHOICE: WOLF TRAP

BEST BAR OUTSIDE THE DISTRICT

FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR

21ST WIN FOR THIS BEST OF GAY D.C. FAVORITE. FREDDIE’S HAS WON THIS AWARD EVERY YEAR SINCE 2002 IN ADDITION TO SEVERAL OTHERS. IT’S A BEST OF GAY D.C. ALL-TIME RECORD. 555 S. 23RD ST. ARLINGTON, VA. FREDDIESBEACHBAR.COM

BEST ABSOLUT HAPPY HOUR

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD BAR

A FLIP-FLOP OF LAST YEAR’S OUTCOME. TRADE ALSO WON BEST NEIGHBORHOOD BAR LAST YEAR. 1410 14TH ST., N.W. TRADEBARDC.COM

2317 18TH ST., N.W. PITCHERSBARDC.COM

TRADE

EDITOR’S CHOICE: NUMBER NINE

PITCHERS

EDITOR’S CHOICE: DUPLEX DINER

EDITOR’S CHOICE: GRAND CENTRAL BEST OUTDOOR DRINKING

BEST PLACE FOR GUYS NIGHT OUT

DACHA BEER GARDEN

NUMBER NINE

EDITOR’S CHOICE: THE SALT LINE

EDITOR’S CHOICE: UPROAR

1600 7TH ST., N.W. DACHADC.COM

1435 P ST., N.W. NUMBERNINEDC.COM

■ CONTINUES ON PAGE 36

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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 3 5

Ready to Own, Ready to Live at National Harbor!

Only 3 remaining for this special!

VA loans with $0 down and all closing costs paid*

Tom Gaffney | Senior Loan Officer NMLS ID #182206

Current Incentives**

703.307.5877

tgaffney@fhmtg.com www.GaffneyLoans.com

• 1 year of Condo fees paid • Washer and dryer level 1 included • 2" faux wood white blinds – excluding the transoms • American Express $2500 gift card included

First Heritage Mortgage, LLC 3201 Jermantown Road, Suite 800 Fairfax, VA 22030 First Heritage Mortgage, LLC | Company NMLS ID #86548 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) This is an advertisement and not a guarantee of lending. Terms and conditions apply. All approvals subject to underwriting guidelines. Prepared: 09/05/2018.

*Closing costs paid when using First Heritage Mortgage and does not include pre-paids. Pricing and terms may change, please speak with Loan Officer.

** not valid on previous contracts and must settle on or before 12/31/18.

MHBR #6755

Potomac Overlook Brownstones from the $600's 503 Halliard Lane, National Harbor, MD 20745 sales@integrityhmw.com | (703) 955-1187

36

OCTOBER

19,

2018

•

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

BARS/ENTERTAINMENT BEST PLACE FOR GIRLS NIGHT OUT

A LEAGUE OF HER OWN 2319 18TH ST., N.W.

EDITOR’S CHOICE: WOMEN CRUSH WEDNESDAY BEST REHOBOTH BAR

PURPLE PARROT

SAME WINNER AND EDITOR’S CHOICE AS LAST YEAR. 134 REHOBOTH AVE. REHOBOTH BEACH, DEL. PPGRILL.COM

EDITOR’S CHOICE: BLUE MOON

BEST REHOBOTH BARTENDER

ZACK WEST, BLUE MOON RUNNER-UP: MATT URBAN, PURPLE PARROT BLUE MOON 35 BALTIMORE AVE. REHOBOTH BEACH, DEL. BLUEMOONREHOBOTH.COM There are many reasons the Blue Moon (just named Editor’s Choice for Best Rehoboth Bar in this year’s Best of Gay D.C. competition) has such a dedicated fan base. For more than 30 years, tourists and residents have enjoyed great food, fabulous entertainment, wonderful ambience and an unbeatable location. But, satisfied customers also say it’s the attentive and friendly staff that keep them coming back.

Zack West is proud to be part of that team. As Tim Ragan, one of the Blue Moon’s owners, notes, “Zack’s growth as a bartender, an employee and friend has made him a highly valued part of the Blue Moon team. He embodies our philosophy of customer service.”

Zack adds, “Winning this award makes me feel honored to be part of this wonderful community I love. A big thanks to all the customers who make it easy for me to come to work every day.” (BTC)

BEST ROOFTOP VIEW

VIDA U ST PENTHOUSE POOL

1612 U ST., N.W. PENTHOUSEPOOLCLUB.COM/U-STREET

EDITOR’S CHOICE: POV ■ CONTINUES ON PAGE 38

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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 3 7

GET OUT OF TOWN

We’ve got your weekend plans covered.

By day, hop on a City Brew Tour to Baltimore’s best breweries, including the newly opened Guinness Open Gate Brewery & Barrel House.

By night, anchor yourself in a deluxe guest room at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Baltimore Inner Harbor, a historic Inner Harbor hideaway.

Book our Baltimore Brews package to get discounted City Brew Tour tickets, $30 to neighboring B&O American Brasserie, and our best available rate on your room.

2 North Charles St. Baltimore, MD 21201 443.692.6170 | monaco-baltimore.com | #MonacoBAL

38

OCTOBER

19,

2018

•

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

FOOD BEST ETHNIC RESTAURANT

BEAU THAI

1550 7TH ST., N.W. A BEAUTHAIDC.COM

EDITOR’S CHOICE: RASIKA

BEST BRUNCH

LE DIPLOMATE 1601 14TH ST., N.W. LEDIPLOMATEDC.COM

EDITOR’S CHOICE: AGORA BEST LOCALLY MADE PRODUCT

MASON DIXIE BISCUIT CO. APPROACHABLE, AFFORDABLE AND PORTABLE SOUTHERN STAPLES. SECOND CONSECUTIVE WIN AND RUNNER-UP IN THIS CATEGORY. 2301 BLADENSBURG RD., N.E. MASONDIXIEBISCUITS.COM

EDITOR’S CHOICE: COMPASS COFFEE BEST NEW RESTAURANT

UNCONVENTIONAL DINER 1207 9TH ST., N.W. UNCONVENTIONALDINER.COM

EDITOR’S CHOICE: LITTLE PEARL

BEST BLOODY MARY

LOGAN TAVERN 1423 P ST., N.W. LOGANTAVERN.COM

EDITOR’S CHOICE: COMMISSARY

A cursory glance at the menu (chicken noodle soup, cheeseburger, iceberg salad) and you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s an actual diner.

Snug inside the Convention Center, this newcomer is anything but. Opened in December of 2017, Unconventional Diner has received several accolades for its modern comfort food, including a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand award.

The space is aiming for a cool, postindustrial, “California-chic” style that meshes with funky Warhol-esque prints on the wall and an impressive cooking pedigree. Head Chef David Deshaies worked side by side with the late and beloved Michel Richard, whose signature 72-hour short ribs grace the menu. A delicious bonus: pastry chef Ana Deshaies, married to David, churns flavorful and vibrant croissants, doughnuts, pies and other sweets during the day.

The restaurant shines brightest when getting creative with American classics.

The PB&J sandwich is an umami bomb

of a decadent DIY affair that involves dehydrated peanut butter, grape jelly, and foie gras custard; toast comes on the side.

It’s instantly Instagrammable.

Musing on his restaurant’s first year, coowner Eric Eden says, “Our first year has certainly been an unconventional one. We have hosted heads of state, a former First Lady and a couple of rock stars.” On its reception, Eden says, “We are so touched by how warmly we have been received by the community. We think It’s the familiar with an unexpected twist that keeps folks coming back.” (EC) ■ CONTINUES ON PAGE 40

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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 3 9

“

Some think I should dress more like a woman. Some think I should dress more like a man.

I may not fit some ideas about gender, and I am a proud part of DC. Please treat me the same way any person would want to be treated: with courtesy and respect.

Discrimination based on gender identity and expression is illegal in the District of Columbia.

If you think you’ve been the target of discrimination, visit www.ohr.dc.gov or call (202) 727-4559.

KNOW and INSPIRE

OFFICE OF

GLBT AFFAIRS

Our mission is to know and inspire each Show your support! Spread word of the #TransRespect campaign by photographing this ad and sharing on Twitter.

child in an inclusive community dedicated to exceptional teaching, learning, and service.

JOIN US FOR OUR OPEN HOUSE! Friday, November 9 — 8:45 a.m.

8804 Postoak Road, Potomac, MD

St. Andrew’s Episcopal School is an independent, coeducational

•

college preparatory day school for students in preschool (Age 2) through grade 12, located on two campuses in Potomac, MD.

DOG WALKING PRIVATE IN HOME BOARDING DOG CAT AND EXOTIC ANIMAL CARE SERVICES QUEER OWNED

•

SINCE 2006

SAES.org

40

OCTOBER

19,

2018

•

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

FOOD BEST FOOD FESTIVAL OR EVENT

RAMW RESTAURANT WEEK RAMW.ORG/RESTAURANTWEEK

EDITOR’S CHOICE: TASTE OF DC BEST CRAFT COCKTAILS

HANK’S COCKTAIL BAR 819 UPSHUR ST., N.W. HANKSCOCKTAILBAR.COM

EDITOR’S CHOICE: SERVICE BAR

BEST FAST CASUAL DINING

CAVA

LOCATIONS IN CHINATOWN, COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, DUPONT, H ST., N.E., NAVY YARD, SHAW, TENLEYTOWN AND UNION STATION CAVA.COM

EDITOR’S CHOICE: SWEETGREEN

BEST LOCAL DISTILLERY

DISTRICT DISTILLING CO. BEST LOCAL BREWERY

D.C. BRAU

“POPULAR CRAFT BREWERY OFFERING FREE TOURS AND TASTINGS.” FOURTH WIN IN THIS CATEGORY! 3178-B BLADENSBURG RD., N.E. DCBRAU.COM

EDITOR’S CHOICE: 3 STARS BREWING

RECLAIMED BARN DOORS AND BRICK WALLS ARE THE BACKDROP FOR AMERICAN FARE AND DRINKS CRAFTED FROM SPIRITS MADE ON-SITE. 1414 U ST., N.W. DISTRICT-DISTILLING.COM

EDITOR’S CHOICE: FOUNDING SPIRITS

BEST BURGER

BEST CATERER

SHAKE SHACK

OLD BLUE BBQ

EDITOR’S CHOICE: DUKE’S GROCERY

EDITOR’S CHOICE: ROCKLANDS BARBEQUE AND GRILLING COMPANY

LOCATIONS IN DUPONT CIRCLE, F STREET AND UNION STATION. SECOND CONSECUTIVE WIN IN THIS CATEGORY. SHAKESHACK.COM

4580 EISENHOWER AVE. ALEXANDRIA, VA OLDBLUEBBQ.COM

■ CONTINUES ON PAGE 42

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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 4 1

SEX IS...

PRIDE Be proud of your sexuality.

Visit SexIsDC.org LEARN. SHARE. BE.

@SexIsDC

42

OCTOBER

19,

2018

•

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

FOOD BEST JUICE/FUEL BAR

BARRY’S BOOTCAMP 1345 19TH ST., N.W. BARRYSBOOTCAMP.COM

EDITOR’S CHOICE: JRINK BEST LIQUID LUNCH

COMMISSARY 1443 P ST., N.W. COMMISSARYDC.COM

EDITOR’S CHOICE: OLD EBBITT BEST CHEF

JAMIE LEEDS (OWNER OF HANK’S OYSTER BAR)

LEEDS WAS LAST YEAR’S RUNNER-UP. LOCATIONS AT THE WHARF, DUPONT CIRCLE, OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA AND CAPITOL HILL.

EDITOR’S CHOICE: PATRICK VANAS EVENTS BEST COFFEE SHOP

COMPASS COFFEE

THIRD CONSECUTIVE WIN IN THIS CATEGORY! 1335 7TH ST., N.W. COMPASSCOFFEE.COM

EDITOR’S CHOICE: A BAKED JOINT BEST SPECIAL OCCASION RESTAURANT

PINEAPPLE AND PEARLS 715 8TH ST., S.E. PINEAPPLESANDPEARLS.COM

EDITOR’S CHOICE: FLORIANA One of the premier tasting menu destinations in D.C., Pineapple and Pearls has the city falling in love. Opened in 2016, the Barracks Row restaurant is the brainchild of Aaron Silverman, who took the city by storm with the still-popular Rose’s Luxury, where lines routinely run down the street.

Pineapple and Pearls (named for items that represent hospitality and elegance, respectively) runs several rungs more upscale and daring. One reason it’s a special occasion: that 12-course tasting menu puts you back a hot $325, inclusive

of tax, gratuity and drink pairings.

A mere $150 grants access to five courses at the bar.

Eschewing convention, Silverman’s dishes are performances themselves, joyful, spirited and intricately detailed. Head Chef Scott Muns paired with Silverman on Rose’s Luxury opening in 2013; he’s back again making masterpieces, many of which come out of the restaurant’s hand-built French stove. Check out the Fluke Veronique, in which the cut of fish floats effortlessly atop a vibrant green sauce and razor-thin slices of grape sit in for the scales; it’s a touch of sweet for the savory fish.

Another reason it’s special? The Michelin Guide awarded the restaurant with two stars for 2019, putting it in company with just one other restaurant in the city, Minibar. (EC) ■ CONTINUES ON PAGE 44

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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 4 3

SPECIAL BRING THIS COUPON BOTOX

$250.00

PER AREA FOR NEW PATIENTS AND

$100 OFF

ALL DERMAL FILLERS (JUVEDERM, RESTYLANE) Offer Expires 10/31/18 Not valid with any other offer.

New patients only.

Proudly now offering TempSure Envi!

GREAT-LOOKING SKIN DOESN’T HAVE TO BE COMPLICATED

With all the invasive procedures, injectables, chemicals, and countless lotions and potions out there, isn’t it time for a simple solution that works? Finally there is one. TempSure Envi is a new radio frequency treatment that minimizes fine lines and wrinkles, tightens skin, and improves cellulite. It’s safe for all skin types and levels of sun exposure, so it fits perfectly into any beauty maintenance routine, any time of year. With TempSure Envi, there’s no surgery, no needles, and no downtime, so you can immediately get back to what you were doing, and look great doing it. Welcome to a more intelligent way to maintain beautiful skin. Welcome to TempSure Envi.

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

44

OCTOBER

19,

2018

•

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

FOOD BEST ICE CREAM/GELATO

MILK BAR BAKERY

LOCATIONS IN CENTER CITY, THE WHARF AND LOGAN CIRCLE (FLAGSHIP) MILKBARSTORE.COM

EDITOR’S CHOICE: JENI’S SPLENDID ICE CREAMS BEST FARMER’S MARKET

FRESHFARM DUPONT CIRCLE MARKET

1600 20TH ST., N.W. FRESHFARM.ORG/DUPONT-CIRCLE.HTML SUNDAYS 8:30 A.M.-1:30 P.M. YEAR ROUND

EDITOR’S CHOICE: EASTERN MARKET

It’s a little quieter today, though less so when the punk-rock show starts. Just don’t forget the paddle skills at home to relive those childhood pleasures of smacking around a little white ball. (EC) BEST REHOBOTH RESTAURANT

BLUE MOON

BRIGHT, REMODELED CRAFTSMAN COTTAGE SERVING UPSCALE AMERICAN FARE WITH REGULAR LIVE ENTERTAINMENT. SECOND CONSECUTIVE WIN IN THIS CATEGORY. 35 BALTIMORE AVE., REHOBOTH BEACH, DEL. BLUEMOONREHOBOTH.COM

EDITOR’S CHOICE: DOGFISH HEAD

BEST FOOD TRUCK

DC EMPANADAS UNION MARKET 1309 5TH ST., N.E. DCEMPANADAS.COM

EDITOR’S CHOICE: RED HOOK LOBSTER POUND BEST PIZZA

COMET PING PONG 5037 CONNECTICUT AVE., N.W. COMETPINGPONG.COM

EDITOR’S CHOICE: &PIZZA Perhaps known as much for its pluck as its pizza and its ping pong, this restaurant’s signature thin-crust pies are only part of the game. This is Comet’s second consecutive win in this category.

At once a concert space, a kids’ birthday party venue, and trendy, always-busy popculture museum, it also is home to top-rated pies. Toppings range from mundane to fun combos. Try out the one with bacon, smoked mushrooms and smoked mozzarella. Of course, there are also hipster-millennial options, like wood fire-roasted beets and stuffed squash blossom salad.

Infamously, Comet Ping Pong was at the center of the bizarre Pizzagate conspiracy theory that fired up the alt-right during the 2016 Clinton campaign, so much so that a gunman traveled to investigate the “controversy” and fired shots inside.

BEST LOCAL WINERY

CITY WINERY CITYWINERY.COM 1350 OKIE ST., N.E.

EDITOR’S CHOICE: DISTRICT WINERY

■ CONTINUES ON PAGE 46

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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 4 5

BE FEARLESS T H E C O N V E R G E N C E O F F U N C T I O N & ST Y L E Experience a comfortable collaboration of classic modern silhouettes draped in luxurious, worry-free Sunbrella® performance fabrics.

join today >

MG+BW COMFORT CLUB Our loyalty program offers 20%–35% savings every day and exclusive access to special offers & services. Contact a signature store or visit mgbwhome.com for details.

WASHINGTON, DC: 202.332.3433 | TYSONS GALLERIA: 703.962.9310 | MGBWHOME.COM

Sunbrella® is a registered trademark of Glen Raven, Inc.

Explore more at mgbwhome.com.

46

OCTOBER

19,

2018

•

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

MEDIA BEST LOCAL WEBSITE

POPVILLE POPVILLE.COM

EDITOR’S CHOICE: THE TWO BEER QUEERS BEST LOCAL INFLUENCER

DITO SEVILLA

RUNNER-UP: TIMUR TUGBERK Initially Dito Sevilla thought “Best Local Influencer” was kind of a cheesy category, but he’s since warmed to the title.

As a longtime bartender at cozy Dito’s Bar at Floriana restaurant on 17th St., N.W., Sevilla says he has been “influencing from behind the bar for years and years. But it became clear to me recently that influencing is really just giving people a new perspective and advice that works for them in their lives.

That’s ultimately what it’s about.”

Sevilla’s bar banter segued perfectly to social media where Sevilla boasts an undeniably strong presence. His popular Facebook page is rife with satire, politics and thinly veiled truths that his followers often share. Some of his pithy yet thoughtful posts go viral. It’s been a natural progression to a larger audience, he says.

A native Washingtonian, Sevilla keeps a big Rolodex: “I hold on to contacts and I remember people’s stories and why they needed something and when. Remember Malcolm Gladwell’s “The Tipping Point”? In it, he describes three types of communicators.

Well, I’m the “maven,” he’s the one in the middle who hears something and passes it on. I’m like a one-man “Angie’s List.”

Currently single, Sevilla came out at 21 around the same time he started going to gay bars. “I was doing new things. It seemed only natural that people should know what I was doing and where I was going.” Always the influencer. (PF) BEST LOCAL TV PERSONALITY

LARRY MILLER, WUSA9 RUNNER-UP: CHUCK BELL, NBC 4 (BELL WAS ALSO 2015 AND 2016 RUNNER-UP; 2014 WINNER)

Larry Miller has three goals for viewers when he anchors the news for WUSA9: impact, inform, inspire.

“I think ultimately, we want to inspire people to do more for the areas in which we live in, to have impact on the lives of people — especially young people, I think that can certainly use the encouragement,” Miller says. “And just to make sure that we’re engaged as well. We have a commitment to not only covering stories, but making sure that we’re out in the community, being a part of the community that we live in.”

Miller, who’s gay, joined the WUSA9 morning team in 2015, anchors the news at noon and develops original news stories for the TV station. The Baltimore County-native lived and worked as a TV journalist in Medford, Ore., Pittsburgh and Birmingham, Ala., before returning to the Washington area to work at WUSA9.

Among his honors are Edward R. Murrow and Associated Press awards for hard news reporting.

Has anything surprised Miller in his three years at WUSA9? Miller struggled to find any ■ CONTINUES ON PAGE 48

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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 4 7

CELEBRATE OUR 25TH ANNIVERSARY! SAVE THE DATE!

48

OCTOBER

19,

2018

•

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

MEDIA particular incident and said “nothing really surprises me because I think I’ve seen just about every level of weird you possibly can.”

“I think if there’s anything that I find unique about Washington is the amount of diversity,” Miller says. “I’ve lived in a lot of places, and I think really cool about the metro is there’s all these different pockets of people from all over the world.

And, I think, for me, it keeps me not only interested, but it keeps me learning about different groups of people that I may not always have firsthand knowledge of or I may not have exposure to.”

Miller says his proudest moment at WUSA9 was a recent investigation of food issues in D.C. in which he profiled an 82-year-old woman who had difficulty getting to the grocery store.

The woman, Miller says, had to do a two-hour roundtrip from her house to the bus stop to grocery store while carrying a cart that’s filled with groceries on the return trip.

Subsequent to the news story, Miller said a non-profit called the Justice Organization stepped up and volunteered to send free groceries to the woman’s home so she won’t have to make that trip.

“And now, a result of kind of telling this woman’s story and being open, honest and authentic, she’s now getting some help, and no one’s grandmother is now having to lug a cart around the city just to make sure her refrigerator is full,” Miller says.

Miller has a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from Point Park University and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Pittsburgh.

Miller is also a graduate of Montgomery College, Rockville Campus, where he received an Associate of Arts degree. Miller also teaches speech communication as an adjunct professor at Prince George’s Community College. (Chris Johnson) BEST LOCAL COLUMNIST

EUGENE ROBINSON WASHINGTON POST

RUNNER-UP: BROCK THOMPSON WASHINGTON BLADE

BEST RADIO STATION

HOT 99.5

EDITOR’S CHOICE: WAMU 88.5 A FLIP-FLOP OF LAST YEAR’S RESULTS. ■ CONTINUES ON PAGE 50

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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 4 9

GREAT PERFORMANCES AT MASON 2018/2019 SEASON

Daniel Hope and Friends Air-A Baroque Journey

Spectrum Dance Theater

A Rap On Race

Friday, November 16 at 8 p.m.

Mutts Gone Nuts

Aquila Theatre

Frankenstein Sunday, November 18 at 7 p.m.

Friday, November 2 at 8 p.m.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! 703-993-2787 OR CFA.GMU.EDU

EN AR JO TS Y A AT LL CF THE A!

Sunday, November 25 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

This performance is also at the Hylton Performing Arts Center on Sun., Nov. 11 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Information at HyltonCenter.org.

Located on the Fairfax campus, six miles west of Beltway exit 54, at the intersection of Braddock Road and Rt. 123.

50

OCTOBER

19,

2018

•

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

PEOPLE BEST AMATEUR ATHLETE

GRACE THOMPSON, DC FRONT RUNNERS ALSO WON IN 2016; WAS LAST YEAR’S RUNNER-UP.

RUNNER-UP: KEVIN MCCARTHY, CAPITAL TENNIS ASSOCIATION BEST ARTIST

LISA MARIE THALHAMMER RUNNER-UP: JOHN JACK PHOTOGRAPHY JOHN JACK GALLAGHER WAS THE 2016 AND 2017 WINNER. BEST BUSINESSPERSON

VAN GOODWIN, VAN ALLEN RUNNER-UP: ROBERT SAFRO, LOGOMOTION Van Goodwin is the founder and managing director of Van Allen, a boutique technology strategy consulting firm. Drawing on his extensive experience working in the government, non-profit and private sectors, Goodwin founded Van Allen in 2014 to help large companies assess their longterm technical challenges and goals and to develop personalized solutions. Their clients now range from innovative tech startups to well-established Fortune 500 companies.

Goodwin also volunteers as the president of the Capital Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (CAGLCC).

The Chamber is the non-profit, nonpartisan network of several hundred queer and allied (Q&A) businesses and business leaders in the metro DC area. Its services include workshops, messaging and networking events. According to Goodwin, the Chamber helps “LGBT business owners and professionals create their success.”

“I’m honored and surprised to be getting this award,” Goodwin says. “It’s a vote of support from the LGBT community and also from the Blade, which has supported the area’s LGBT businesses and professionals for decades.” (BTC) ■ CONTINUES ON PAGE 52

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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 5 1

52

OCTOBER

19,

2018

•

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

PEOPLE

BEST CLERGY

RAYCEEN PENDARVIS RUNNER-UP: BISHOP ALLYSON ABRAMS A two-spirited clergyperson who answers to “he,” “she,” “Reverend and “Miss” and identifies as gay, a “genderbender” and “earth mother to the gays,” native Washingtonian Rayceen Pendarvis isn’t connected to a single denomination or one house of worship: “I’m the goddess of love and the church of life. I can’t be tied down to one thing.”

He and runner up Bishop Allyson Abrams are perpetual flip-flops in this category. Abrams won in 2015 and 2017.

Pendarvis won in 2016 and was last year’s runner-up. Abrams was the 2016 runnerup. Pendarvis is host of the D.C.-based monthly “Ask Rayceen Show” which features a wide spate of varied content.

Pendarvis’ wide-ranging spiritual mission includes wedding officiant. “It’s something I do and would love to do more

of. I’m a licensed and ordained to all I’ve read the Quran, the Bible and the Torah, and I embrace all faiths and nonbelievers alike.”

Despite his exceptionally positive outlook, Pendarvis (askrayceen@gmail. com) readily concedes that the struggle for LGBT and racial equality remains real.

Still, he refuses to let it get him down: “Every morning when I get up, the first moment I breathe, that is my gift and that is my blessing. Our community comes from a strong tradition of fighters and we don’t give up. Every little bit matters and all of us have a role to play: Letters. Protest. Write checks. Organize. There is a part for all of us.”

“I’m the father of five and the mother to many,” adds Pendarvis who has five children from two relationships. “While I’m their father, I’ve served as both mother and father to them with the help of my own mother and extended family,” “Love,” he says, “is the greatest gift, lesson, and it will live forever.” (PF)

MOST COMMITTED ACTIVIST

RUBY CORADO

SECOND CONSECUTIVE WIN IN THIS CATEGORY. CORADO WAS NAMED BEST OF GAY D.C. LOCAL HEROINE IN 2014 AND MOST COMMITTED ACTIVIST IN 2015.

CASA RUBY 2822 GEORGIA AVE., N.W. CASARUBY.ORG

BEST DC PUBLIC OFFICIAL

MAYOR MURIEL BOWSER RUNNER-UP: RANDY DOWNS SAME WINNER AND RUNNER-UP AS LAST YEAR.

RUNNER-UP: EARL FOWLKES ■ CONTINUES ON PAGE 54

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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 5 3

54

OCTOBER

19,

2018

•

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

PEOPLE BEST HILL STAFFER/LGBT BUREAUCRAT

SARAH JACKSON

RUNNER-UP: BEN ROSENBAUM Despite Republican control of both chambers of Congress, Sarah Jackson said she’s motivated to work as a legislative aide to House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) because she’s able to work on issues important to her, including issues affecting the LGBT community.

“I came to Capitol Hill thinking I would work on women’s and LGBTQ issues, but what drives me to stay in this maledominated, heteronormative environment is working on issues that women, and especially queer women have traditionally

been shut out of,” Jackson says. “As a staffer working on taxes, trade, financial services, housing and energy issues, I’m often the only woman in the room and usually the youngest. This gives me more motivation to continue learning and to continue the work to ensure a more equitable nation.”

The San Francisco-native has worked on Pelosi’s staff for three years and now serves as membership director of the LGBT Congressional Staff Association.

Previously, Jackson was a congressional intern with the LGBTQ Victory Institute.

“The Hill’s energy, dynamism, and unpredictability is addicting; but what really motivates me is the power of believing in your boss and your caucus, especially in our current climate,” Jackson says. (Chris Johnson)

BEST LOCAL PRO ATHLETE

ELENA DELLE DONNE, WASHINGTON MYSTICS RUNNER-UP: ALEX OVECHKIN, WASHINGTON CAPITALS In addition to her success on the basketball court (as the “small forward” for the Chicago Sky and the Washington Mystics she was named the WNBA Rookie of the Year in 2013 and the WNBA MVP in 2015 and is a five-time WNBA All-Star), openly lesbian athlete Elena Delle Donne is an award-winning author.

Her memoir “My Shot: Balancing It All and Standing Tall” recently won a Parents’ Choice Award from the Parents’ Choice Foundation. Aimed at middle school readers, the book is an amazingly frank but age-appropriate discussion of both her career highlights and her personal challenges, including her decision to come out.

Earlier this year, she also launched the “Hoops” series of novels for young readers (ages 8-12). “Elle of the Ball” introduces Elle Deluca, who closely resembles Delle Donne herself. Elle’s height is an asset on the basketball court but a liability in her ballroom dancing class where she towers over her male dance partners. The series ■ CONTINUES ON PAGE 56

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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 5 5

56

OCTOBER

19,

2018

•

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

PEOPLE continues with “Full Court Press” and “Out of Bounds.”

Like her fictional counterpart, Delle Donne is very tall and had an early growth spurt. She’s 6’5” and wears a size 12 shoe.

She gets her height from her parents. Her dad, a real estate developer, is 6’6” and her mom is 6’2.”

She also gets her feisty spirit and determination from them. When Delle Donne was in elementary school, her doctor wanted to start her on injections to stunt her growth. Her mother refused, and, according to an interview with ESPN, she told her daughter, “Why try to be like the rest of the pack? Be your own person.”

The young athlete also had to come to terms with the fact that she could do things that her beloved older sister Lizzie would never be able to do. Lizzie, with whom Delle Donne remains close, was born deaf and blind, with both cerebral palsy and autism, and is unable to speak.

Born in Wilmington, Del., in 1989, Delle Donne rose to national prominence as a high school basketball star at Ursuline Academy. She led her team to three straight Delaware State Championships and was ranked as the number one recruit

by Scout.com.

Delle Donne was recruited by the University of Connecticut but ended up playing for the Blue Hens at the University of Delaware. In 2010, she was named both “Player of the Year” and “Rookie of the Year” by the Colonial Athletic Association.

Although she was diagnosed with Lyme disease during her sophomore year, she continued to excel as a college athlete and was selected second overall in the 2014 WNBA Draft by the Chicago Sky. She joined the Washington Mystics in 2017.

In 2016, Delle Donne won a gold medal as a member of the Unites States women’s basketball team at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

Delle Donne officially came out in an interview with Vogue magazine in August 2016 where she announced her engagement to girlfriend Amanda Clifton.

The couple was married in 2017.

The award-winning out athlete, who has signed endorsement deals with Nike, DuPont and Octagon, is also a noted philanthropist. She founded the Elena Delle Donne Foundation which raises funds and awareness for Lyme Disease

research and special needs programs and is also a Global Ambassador for the Special Olympics. (BTC) BEST LOCAL PRO SPORTS TEAM

WASHINGTON CAPITALS EDITOR’S CHOICE: WASHINGTON NATIONALS BEST FITNESS INSTRUCTOR

JESSE JOHNSON

VIDA FITNESS U STREET 1612 U ST., N.W. VIDAFITNESS.COM RUNNER-UP: MARK RAIMONDO

Jesse Johnson worked in a typical office environment where he wore “a suit and tie” every day. Unsatisfied with his work life, he decided to get fitness training certificates in his spare time.

After friends told Johnson he could make a living doing what he loved, he

decided to become a full-time fitness trainer. He’s been working for VIDA Fitness since 2011.

A training session with Johnson will be “comprehensive.” Johnson, 32, says he writes down everything that takes place in his sessions and trains people on how to work out and what foods to eat. He also likes to prep clients on how to keep up training when they aren’t in sessions with him. His favorite fitness tip is simply to “go to the gym. Eighty percent of it is just show up.”

It’s a position that’s finally fulfilling to Johnson.

“D.C. is full of a lot of professionals. A lot of people here work really hard and at the end of the day when it comes time to take care of themselves and their bodies they might not know what to do. It’s a good place to help someone get something that they were having trouble getting on their own.

I’m happy to do that,” Johnson says. (MC)

■ CONTINUES ON PAGE 58

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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 5 7

58

OCTOBER

19,

2018

•

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

PEOPLE BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT

STACEY WILLIAMS-ZEIGER, ZEIGER REALTY INC RUNNER-UP: CHRISTOPHER LEARY, WASHINGTON FINE PROPERTIES

REAL ESTATE GROUP

THE EVAN+MARK TEAM, COMPASS COMPASS.COM LAST YEAR’S RUNNER-UP.

RUNNER-UP: THE BEDIZ GROUP, KELLER WILLIAMS

BEST REHOBOTH REAL ESTATE AGENT

LEE ANN WILKINSON

RUNNER-UP: KAREN GUSTAFSON BEST STRAIGHT ALLY

SEAN DOOLITTLE RUNNER-UP: LEIGH ANN HENDRICKS Ace relief pitcher Sean Doolittle was traded from the Oakland Athletics to the Washington Nationals in July, 2017. He eloped with his then-girlfriend, Eireann Dolan one day after the regular baseball season ended last year. Doolittle was named a 2018 All-Star this summer; he was a member of the 2014 MLB All-Star team and this season is rounding out to be one of the best of his career.

Doolittle and Dolan received national

attention in 2015 when they purchased hundreds of tickets to the Oakland Athletics Pride Night after the event received backlash from fans. The tickets were donated to local LGBT groups and an additional $40,000 was raised.

Local LGBT youth leadership and housing program SMYAL had caught the attention of Doolittle and Dolan and they donated 52 tickets to the organization for Night OUT at the Nationals in June. Going a step further, they stopped in personally to deliver the tickets at the SMYAL youth program’s headquarters and the SMYAL transitional housing program.

“In advance of the Nationals Pride night, we wanted to get involved,” Doolittle said in a July interview with the Blade. “We wanted to do something more than catch the first pitch or meet some people on the field before the game. And we love this community, we love being here, and we wanted to give back.” (KM) ■ CONTINUES ON PAGE 60

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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 5 9

Best Burger 2014 2016

#DCCOCKTAILWEEK

COCKTAIL WEEK Returns

NOV 12 - 18, 2018 TASTY COCKTAILS perfectly paired WITH DELICIOUS BITES FOR ONE A DPRICE V E RT I S I N G PROOF #1

ISSUE DATE: 181019

P R O O F

SALES REPRESENTATIVE:

CAN’T WAIT? WE CAN’T EITHER! VISIT DCCOCKTAILWEEK.COM TO PURCHASE REVIEW AD FOR COPY AND DESIGN ACCURACY. Revisions must be submitted within 24 hours of the date of proof.

Proof will be considered final and will be submitted for publication if revision is not submitted within 24 hours of the date of proof.

Revisions will not be accepted after 12:01 pm wednesday, the weekTICKETS of publication.Brown naff pitts omnimedia JOIN US FOR THE SNEAK PEEK HAPPY HOUR FOR THE SNEAK PEEK HAPPY HOUR REVISIONS llc (dba the washington blade) is not responsible for the content and/or design of your ad. Advertiser is responsible STlegal liability arising out of or relating to the advertisement, and/or any material to which users can link through for any REDESIGN NOVEMBERthe1advertisement. , 2018 //represents 5:00-7:00PM EVENT PARTICIPATING LOCATIONS. Advertiser that its advertisement will not violate any criminal & laws FOR or any rgihts of third TEXT REVISIONS IMAGE/LOGO REVISIONS NO REVISIONS

parties, including, but not limited to, such violations as infringement or misapporpriation of any copyright, patent, trademark, trade secret, music, image, or other proprietary or propety right, false advertising, unfair competition, defamation, invasion of privacy or rights of celebrity, violation of anti-discrimination law or regulation, or any other right of any person or entity. Advertiser agrees to idemnify brown naff pitts omnimedia llc (dba the washington blade) and to hold brown naff pitts omnimedia llc (dba the washington blade) harmless from any and all liability, loss, damages, claims, or causes of action, including reasonable legal fees and expenses that may be ON incurred RINK ESPONSIBLY T by brown RIVEnaff pitts RUNK omnimedia llc, arising out of or related to advertiser’s breach of any of the foregoing representations and warranties.

D

R

.D

’ D

D

.

ADVERTISER SIGNATURE

DCCW18 SPONSORS

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.

60

OCTOBER

19,

2018

•

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

PEOPLE

she says. “But more than anything, I want to amplify the people who are longtime trans advocates. I want to help ensure that they’re supported in their important work.” (PF) BEST TRANSGENDER ADVOCATE

CHARLOTTE CLYMER

RUNNER-UP: RAYCEEN PENDARVIS Politically savvy transgender woman Charlotte Clymer didn’t set out to be a transgender advocate. She was pushed into the part. “Earlier this year, I had a bad night at a downtown restaurant. I was asked to show my ID before using the restroom at Cuba Libre. When I refused, the manager threw me out even though I used my phone to show him that he was breaking the law. But because of the work of longtime transgender advocates, I was able to have a sense of safety that night and I stood up for myself.”

Out of an unpleasant experience came a lot of good, she says. “The restaurant changed its policies. We got a huge donation for Casa Ruby and Cuba Libre partnered with Casa Ruby and other D.C. restaurants in becoming more LGBTQ inclusive.”

Currently single and dating, Clymer lives on East Capitol Hill. Her challenging job as Human Rights Campaign press secretary for rapid response keeps her busy.

“Essentially, I direct all messaging strategy against the Trump White House.” How does she keep her sanity? “Alcohol,” she laughs. “But seriously, I have really good friends and a great support network.”

Future goals include strengthening workers’ rights for transgender folks, especially transgender people of color,

BEST STYLIST

ROEL RUIZ

LOGAN 14 AVEDA SALON SPA 1314 14TH ST., N.W. LOGAN14SALONSPA.COM

RUNNER-UP: QUENCY VALENCIA VALENCIA WON IN 2016-2017.

Roel Ruiz has been styling hair for 10 years. He’s spent three years as a stylist in D.C. at Logan 14 Aveda Salon Spa where he specializes in men’s’ grooming and does color.

Ruiz built his Logan 14 book of business pretty quickly. “For a while I was bartending at Cobalt and styling hair. I asked bar customers to come for a haircut, and encouraged clients to come by for a

drink. It worked hand in hand.”

Before entering hair biz, Ruiz studied nursing.

“As a stylist I found that I got to help people out differently while using my creative juices. And I had an instant knack for it and I love the industry.”

He grew up in small town Texas. “I had loving, gay friendly parents in a red state.

I like to say my mom allowed me to be comfortable with my sexuality and D.C. is where I found my pride.” Today, Ruiz lives around the corner from work. “My commute is five minutes from my bed to the salon.”

Future goals? Ultimately, he would like to open something of his own and currently is adding a barber’s license to his resume, he says. “This allows me to do razor work and straight blade. Logan 14 is working on merging the salon and barber experience.

We have a lot of LGBTQ clientele. Many men with beards, me being one of them.” (PF)

■ CONTINUES ON PAGE 62

E: 181019

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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 6 1

Vote in the Tuesday, November 6, 2018 General Election

Polls will be open from 7 am to 8 pm.

During the General Election, all registered voters and District residents eligible to register, may vote.

CONTESTS ON THE BALLOT: Delegate to the United States House of Representatives Mayor of the District of Columbia Chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia At-large Member of the Council of the District of Columbia Ward Member of the Council of the District of Columbia (Wards 1, 3, 5 and 6) Attorney General of the District of Columbia United States Senator United States Representative Ward Member of the State Board of Education (Wards 1, 3, 5 and 6) Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner

JOIN US FOR OKTOBERFEST TIL 10/21 !

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

WANT TO VOTE EARLY?

322 MASS. AVE. NE • 202.543.7656

CAFEBERLIN-DC.COM

Early Voting will start at One Judiciary Square (OJS) on October 22, and at satellite Early Voting Centers on October 26. Early Voting Centers are open daily (including weekends) through November 2, from 8:30 am until 7 pm. Both paper and touchscreen ballots will be available at OJS. Satellite Early Voting Centers will open on October 26, and they will have touchscreen ballots only. Eligible voters may vote at any Early Voting Center during Early Voting, regardless of their address or Election Day polling place. Early Voting Center locations can be found online at https://earlyvoting.dcboe.org/.

ADVERTISING

PROOF

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 an link through the advertisement. Advertiser represents that its advertisement will not violate any criminal laws or ny rgihts of third parties, including, but not limited to, such violations as infringement or misapporpriation of any opyright, patent, trademark, trade secret, music, image, or other proprietary or propety right, false advertising, unfair ompetition, defamation, invasion of privacy or rights of celebrity, violation of anti-discrimination law or regulation, any other right of any person or entity. Advertiser agrees to idemnify brown naff pitts omnimedia llc (dba the ashington blade) and to hold brown naff pitts omnimedia llc (dba the washington blade) harmless from any and all ability, loss, damages, claims, or causes of action, including reasonable legal fees and expenses that may be incurred y brown naff pitts omnimedia llc, arising out of or related to advertiser’s breach of any of the foregoing representations nd warranties.

ADVERTISER SIGNATURE

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

NEED MORE INFORMATION? For more information on the upcoming election, on voter registration, to confirm your registration information, or to find your polling place, please visit www.dcboe.org or call (202) 727-2525.

62

OCTOBER

19,

2018

•

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

COMMUNITY BEST ART GALLERY

RENWICK GALLERY 1661 PENNSYLVANIA AVE., N.W. AMERICANART.SI.EDU

EDITOR’S CHOICE: HIRSHHORN MUSEUM AND SCULPTURE GARDEN

BEST ADULT STORE

BITE THE FRUIT

THIRD CONSECUTIVE WIN IN THIS CATEGORY! 1723 CONNECTICUT AVE., N.W. BITETHEFRUIT.COM

RUNNER-UP: LOTUS BLOOMS

BEST CAR DEALERSHIP

DARCARS

NEW AND USED CARS AT LOCATIONS IN SUITLAND, TEMPLE HILLS, SILVER SPRING, MD. ET. AL. SECOND CONSECUTIVE WIN. CARCARS.COM

EDITOR’S CHOICE: BMW OF FAIRFAX

BEST APARTMENT/CONDO BUILDING

F1RST RESIDENCES 1263 FIRST ST., S.E. F1STDC.COM

EDITOR’S CHOICE: ATLANTIC PLUMBING (2016-2017 WINNER)

■ CONTINUES ON PAGE 64

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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 6 3

64

OCTOBER

19,

2018

•

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

COMMUNITY BEST DOCTOR/MEDICAL PROVIDER

DR. ROBYN ZEIGER 10300 SWEETBRIAR PKWY. SILVER SPRING, MD. DRROBYNZIGER.COM

RUNNER-UP: DR. RAY MARTINS, WHITMAN-WALKER HEALTH Dr. Robyn S. Zeiger is a licensed clinical professional therapist with 40 years of experience working with individuals and couples. In her practice, Zeiger emphasizes that patients should not approach counseling with feelings of shame or guilt.

“It’s important for you to know that I am not in practice to judge you or the information you share with me,” she says.

“Thus, I am not likely to be shocked by anything you tell me.”

She also notes that “by exploring the issues that may have held you back in the past, you can open doors to many possibilities. The overall goals are for you to be happy, satisfied, and empowered, which will allow your true self to flourish and grow.”

As a passionate lover of animals, Zeiger is a member of the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement and also offers pet loss counseling to help people through the loss of beloved animal companions.

Zeiger, who is winning this award for the second year in a row, is also an adjunct senior lecturer at University of Maryland School of Public Health where she teaches in the Department of Family Science. In addition to teaching courses on counseling families and individuals, Zeiger also designed a class called “Exploring Homophobia: Demystifying LGBT Issues,” for the Honors College.

A native of Baltimore and a dedicated fan of the musical “Hamilton,” Zeiger completed both her masters and her doctorate at the University of Maryland, She is married to Stacey Williams-Zeiger who is the winner of the Washington Blade’s 2018 Best of Gay D.C. Award for Best Real Estate Agent. (BTC) BEST FITNESS OR WORKOUT SPOT

BARRY’S BOOTCAMP 1345 19TH ST., N.W. BARRYSBOOTCAMP.COM

EDITOR’S CHOICE: VIDA FITNESS

BEST GAYBORHOOD

SHAW

THIRD CONSECUTIVE WIN IN THIS CATEGORY!

EDITOR’S CHOICE: LOGAN CIRCLE (2016 RUNNER UP) BEST HARDWARE STORE

LOGAN ACE HARDWARE

A PERENNIAL FAVORITE IN THIS CATEGORY. ALSO WON LAST YEAR. 1734 14TH ST., N.W. ACEHARDWAREDC.COM

EDITOR’S CHOICE: ANNIE’S ACE HARDWARE ■ CONTINUES ON PAGE 66

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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 6 5

Shaw Wins!

The ZAVOS JUNCKER LAW GROUP, PLLC congratulates its founding partner

MICHELE ZAVOS on receiving the Best in Gay DC Lawyer Award again!!!

Best Gayborhood: Shaw TM

Other Shaw Winners

www.zavosjuncker.com 301-562-8220

Shaw Main Streets is a designated DC Main Streets program and is funded in part by the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development, Muriel E. Bowser, Mayor

Practicing in Maryland, D.C. and Virginia

www.shawmainstreets.org

Family Law for a Changing World Potomac/Bradley Blvd. Estates Mid-Century Modern “Tree House” with California flair on a 1+ acre lot in close-in Potomac with 5 bedrooms and 3 full baths. Enjoy relaxing in the delightful screened porch, stone patio or deck all while overlooking a tranquil setting with stream. $1,249,000

ISSUE DATE

NS

THE BANNER TEAM Long & Foster Real Estate Inc 301-365-9090 Direct 301-907-7600 Bethesda Office PROOF # SALES REPRESENTATIVE WWW.BANNERTEAM.COM

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

DCfor&pu VAlication Over $1 Sold &within Settled roof will e considered final Licensed and will e in su MD, mitted if reBillion ision isDollars not su mitted 2 hours of the date $115 Million SOLD 2017 Best Team

by Washingtonian Magazine 2017 of proof. Revisions willOver not be accepted after 12:01inpm wednesday, the week of publication.Brown naff pitts omnimedia llc (dba the washington blade) is not responsible for the content and/or design of your ad.

Advertiser #1 Group in Volume Sold in the #1 Office of Long & Foster for 2017 is responsible for any legal liability arising out of or relating to the advertisement, and/or any material to which users can link through the advertisement. Advertiser represents that its advertisement will not violate any criminal laws or any rgihts of third parties, including, but not limited to, such violations as infringement or misapporpriation of any copyright, patent, trademark, trade secret, music, image, or other proprietary or propety right, false advertising, unfair competition, defamation, invasion of privacy or rights of celebrity, violation of anti-discrimination law or regulation, or any other right of any person or entity. Advertiser agrees to idemnify brown naff pitts omnimedia llc (dba the washington blade) and to hold brown naff pitts omnimedia llc (dba the washington blade) harmless from any and all liability, loss, damages,

A D V E RT I S I N G ISSUE DATE 181019

REVISIONS REDESIGN TEXT REVISIONS IMAGE/LOGO REVISIONS NO REVISIONS

SPEAK WITH OUR PREPLANNING ADVISOR, JAMIE ARTHURS AT (202) 966-6400 OR EMAIL JAMIE.ARTHURS@DIGNITYMEMORIAL.COM

P R O O F

A DV

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

REVIEW AD FOR COPY AND DESIGN ACCURACY. Revisions must be submitted within 24 hours of the date of proof. roof will e considered final and will e su mitted for pu lication if re ision is not su mitted within 2 hours of the date of proof. Revisions will not be accepted after 12:01 pm wednesday, the week of publication.Brown naff pitts omnimedia llc (dba the washington blade) is not responsible for the content and/or design of your ad. Advertiser is responsible for any legal liability arising out of or relating to the advertisement, and/or any material to which users can link through the advertisement. Advertiser represents that its advertisement will not violate any criminal laws or any rgihts of third parties, including, but not limited to, such violations as infringement or misapporpriation of any copyright, patent, trademark, trade secret, music, image, or other proprietary or propety right, false advertising, unfair competition, defamation, invasion of privacy or rights of celebrity, violation of anti-discrimination law or regulation, or any other right of any person or entity. Advertiser agrees to idemnify brown naff pitts omnimedia llc (dba the washington blade) and to this holdproof brown naff omnimedia (dba the washington By signing you arepitts agreeing to yourllc contract obligations withblade) the harmless from any and all liability, loss, damages,

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

ADVERTISER SIGNATURE

ADVERTISER

By signing this proo

66

OCTOBER

19,

2018

•

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

COMMUNITY BEST HOME FURNISHINGS

MITCHELL GOLD+BOB WILLIAMS 1526 14TH ST., N.W. MGBWHOME.COM

EDITOR’S CHOICE: MISS PIXIE’S (LAST YEAR’S WINNER) BEST HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICE

CASE DESIGN

“FULL-SERVICE HOME REMODELERS BUILDING YOUR DREAMS.” CASEDESIGN.COM

EDITOR’S CHOICE: THE ORGANIZING AGENCY SAME OUTCOME AS LAST YEAR.

BEST HOTEL

HOTEL MONACO

AN UPSET — THE W WON THE LAST THREE YEARS. 700 F ST., N.W. MONACO-DC.COM

EDITOR’S CHOICE: THE LINE

BEST HOUSE OF WORSHIP

EMPOWERMENT LIBERATION CATHEDRAL

FOURTH CONSECUTIVE WIN IN THIS CATEGORY! 633 SLIGO AVENUE, SILVER SPRING 240-720-7605 EMPOWERMENTLIBERATIONCATHEDRAL.ORG EDITOR’S CHOICE: FOUNDRY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

BEST LAWYER

MICHELE ZAVOS

ZAVOS JUNCKER LAW GROUP ZAVOSJUNCKER.COM

RUNNER UP: GLEN ACKERMAN FLIP-FLOP OF LAST YEAR’S OUTCOME. ■ CONTINUES ON PAGE 68

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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 6 7

oliday part

freersackler.si.edu @freersackler

Japan Modern Through January 24, 2019

Photography from the Gloria Katz and Willard Huyck Collection

Prints in the Age of Photography

Š Masahisa Fukase Archives, courtesy of Michael Hoppen Gallery in London

Image courtesy of Kyoto Tokuriki Hangakan, Inc.

Generously sponsored by

68

OCTOBER

19,

2018

•

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

COMMUNITY BEST LGBT SOCIAL GROUP

STONEWALL SPORTS ALSO WON LAST YEAR. STONEWALLSPORTS.COM

EDITOR’S CHOICE: TEAM DC BEST LGBT SPORTS LEAGUE

STONEWALL KICKBALL

SECOND CONSECUTIVE WIN; 2016 RUNNER-UP. STONEWALLKICKBALL.COM

EDITOR’S CHOICE: DC FRONTRUNNERS

BEST LGBT-OWNED BUSINESS

CREW CLUB 1321 14TH ST., N.W. CREWCLUB.NET

EDITOR’S CHOICE: DISTRICT TITLE

MOST LGBT-FRIENDLY WORKPLACE

WHITMAN-WALKER HEALTH SECOND CONSECUTIVE WIN. 1525 14TH ST., N.W. WHITMAN-WALKER.ORG

EDITOR’S CHOICE: NATIONAL LGBTQ TASK FORCE

■ CONTINUES ON PAGE 70

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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 6 9

trick or treat!

americanplant.net

open daily 9am-6pm 5258 river road bethesda, MD 20816 301.656.3311 7405 river road bethesda, MD 20817 301.469.7690

landscape design/build/maintain call for appointment 301.762.6301

Injured in an accident? Call

AARON LEVINE & ASSOCIATES

Auto Accidents - Medical Malpractice - Defective Products

Over 50 years serving the Washington, DC area with over $500 million in client recoveries

Lawyer of the Year, Board Certified, Writer/Author/Lecturer, Class Action Chairman, Reasonable adjustable fees, Practicing in Maryland, Virginia and DC, 4 Progressive Lawyers on Staff, Published Feminist on Staff, Former Senate and House of Representatives Aid, Art Collector

202.833.8040

1310 L Street, NW, Suite 800 Washington, DC 20005 aaronlevinelaw.com

70

OCTOBER

19,

2018

•

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

COMMUNITY

BEST LGBT EVENT

CAPITAL PRIDE CELEBRATION

SECOND CONSECUTIVE WIN.

EDITOR’S CHOICE: D.C. BLACK PRIDE BEST MUSEUM

BEST NON-PROFIT

SMYAL

SUPPORTING AND MENTORING YOUTH ADVOCATES AND LEADERS 410 7TH ST., S.E. SMYAL.ORG

EDITOR’S CHOICE: CENTER FOR BLACK EQUITY

NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART 6TH & CONSTITUTION AVE., N.W. NGA.GOV

EDITOR’S CHOICE: NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY (LAST YEAR’S WINNER)

BEST PRIVATE SCHOOL

MARET SCHOOL

A COED, K-12 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL FOUNDED IN 1911. ALSO WON THIS CATEGORY LAST YEAR. 3000 CATHEDRAL AVE., N.W. MARET.ORG

EDITOR’S CHOICE: EDMUND BURKE

■ CONTINUES ON PAGE 72

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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 7 1

THANK YOU FOR VOTING VIDA

THE BEST GYM IN DC! In the 2018 Washington Blade Best of Gay DC poll.

VIDA is a proud supporter of the Washington Blade and the work they do for the LGBTQ community.

VISIT VIDAFITNESS.COM/BLADE FOR A FREE VISIT FROM THIS AD!

VidaFitness.com

f VidaFitness l i x @VidaFitnessDC

72

OCTOBER

19,

2018

•

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

COMMUNITY

BEST PET BUSINESS

DOGGY STYLE BAKERY, BOUTIQUE & PET SPA SECOND CONSECUTIVE WIN. 1642 R ST., N.W. DOGGIESTYLEBAKERY.COM

EDITOR’S CHOICE: DISTRICT DOGS BEST PLACE TO BUY SECOND-HAND STUFF

MISS PIXIE’S FURNISHINGS AND WHATNOT

A PERENNIAL FAVORITE IN THIS CATEGORY! SAME OUTCOME AS LAST YEAR. 1626 14TH ST., N.W. MISSPIXIES.COM

EDITOR’S CHOICE: BUFFALO EXCHANGE (2016 RUNNER-UP)

BEST MOVIE THEATER

LANDMARK THEATERS ATLANTIC PLUMBING

NEW RELEASES PLUS INDIE FARE, FOREIGN AND AVANT GARDE. SECOND CONSECUTIVE WIN. 807 V ST., N.W. LANDMARKTHEATRES.COM

EDITOR’S CHOICE: AMC LOEWS GEORGETOWN BEST REHOBOTH BUSINESS

PURPLE PARROT 134 REHOBOTH AVE. REHOBOTH BEACH, DEL. PPGRILL.COM

EDITOR’S CHOICE: BLUE MOON FLIP-FLOP OF LAST YEAR’S OUTCOME. ■ CONTINUES ON PAGE 74

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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 7 3

74

OCTOBER

19,

2018

•

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

COMMUNITY BEST SALON/SPA

LOGAN 14

THIRD CONSECUTIVE WIN IN THIS CATEGORY! 1314 14TH ST., N.W. LOGAN14SALONSPA.COM

EDITOR’S CHOICE: THE BURROW

BEST ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION

LYFT

LYFT.COM

EDITOR’S CHOICE: CAPITAL BIKE SHARE

BEST DAY TRIP

MGM NATIONAL HARBOR 101 MGM NATIONAL AVE. OXON HILL, MD. MGMNATIONALHARBOR.COM

EDITOR’S CHOICE: EASTON, MARYLAND

BEST PLACE TO TAKE KIDS

NATIONAL ZOO

3001 CONNECTICUT AVE., N.W. NATIONALZOO.SI.EDU

EDITOR’S CHOICE: NATIONAL AQUARIUM BALTIMORE

BEST TATTOO PARLOR

TATTOO PARADISE 2444 18TH ST., N.W. TATTOOPARADISEDC.COM SECOND CONSECUTIVE WIN.

EDITOR’S CHOICE: JINX PROOF TATTOOS

BEST THEATER PRODUCTION

HAMILTON KENNEDY CENTER RAN JUNE 12-SEPT. 16

EDITOR’S CHOICE: WAITRESS NATIONAL THEATRE BEST VET

BEST THEATER

STUDIO THEATRE

AN UPSET — KENNEDY CENTER WON THE LAST THREE YEARS. A FLIP-FLOP OF LAST YEAR’S OUTCOME. 1501 14TH ST., N.W. STUDIOTHEATRE.ORG

EDITOR’S CHOICE: KENNEDY CENTER

CITYPAWS ANIMAL HOSPITAL

1823 14TH ST., N.W. CITYPAWSANIMALHOSPITAL.COM FOURTH CONSECUTIVE WIN IN THIS CATEGORY.

EDITOR’S CHOICE: FRIENDSHIP ANIMAL HOSPITAL

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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 7 5

All Floriana

Editor’s Choice Best Special Occasion Restaurant

1602 17th St NW Washington, DC | 202-667-5937

florianarestaurant.com

Renegade humor, provocative insights, and unbridled cultural critiques flourish in more than 160 photographs, sculptures, and sound and video works created by the iconic artist and filmmaker.

OCTOBER 7, 2018  JANUARY 6, 2019 ADVERTISING ISSUE DATE: 181019

NS GN EVISIONS /LOGO REVISIONS SIONS

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT ARTBMA.ORG

PROOF

SALES REPRESENTATIVE:

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

ADVERTISER SIGNATURE

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

This exhibition is generously supported by The Alvin and Fanny B. Thalheimer Foundation, Suzanne F. Cohen, Robert E. Meyerhoff and Rheda Becker, Clair Zamoiski Segal, The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Constance R. Caplan, Agnes Gund, Martha and Tad Glenn, Amy and Marc Meadows, The Pearlstone Family Fund, Marianne Boesky Gallery, New York, and Sherry and Stuart Christhilf.

John Waters. Divine in Ecstasy. 1992. Collection of Amy and Zachary Lehman. © John Waters, Courtesy Marianne Boesky Gallery

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

7 6 • O CTO B ER 1 9 , 2018

A RT S & CU LT U RE

This Week in the Arts provided by CultureCapital.com The Fall. Thru Nov 18. Studio Theatre. studiotheatre.org.

The Fever. Oct 23-Nov 4. Woolly Mammoth. woollymammoth.net.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Thru Jan 20. The Arlington Players at Thomas Jefferson Theatre. thearlingtonplayers.org.

The Klunch: How to Win a Race War. Thru Oct 20. Washington Improv Theatre Presents: Road Show. Oct 25-Nov 18. Improv Wars. Thru Dec 10.

In Your Ear. Oct 21-Dec 16. DC Arts Center. dcartscenter.org.

Illyria, or What You Will Thru Nov 18. Avant Bard at Gunston Arts Center. wscavantbard.org.

Illyria reimagines Shakespeare’s crossed-signal love story in a downtown Manhattan ‘80s dive bar, whose habitués are club kids of assorted genders and orientations who have come to the one place where they can be who they are.

Companhia de Dança Deborah Colker: Dog Without Feathers Thru Oct 20. Kennedy Center. kennedy-center.org.

Last at the Kennedy Center in 2010, Companhia de Dança Deborah Colker returns with an evocative performance inspired by a poem by Brazilian author João Cabral de Melo Neto.

Figaro in Four Quartets Oct 20-Oct 28. In Series at GALA Hispanic Theatre. inseries.org.

Experience the story that inspired revolution in the streets, The Marriage of Figaro, re-imagined with the poetry of T.S. Eliot. The themes of Mozart’s most beloved opera – nostalgia, memory, love, loss, myriad mirrored looks at life – are revealed through Figaro’s most memorable music and T.S. Eliot’s masterpiece Four Quartets, in a spellbinding new theater experience.

Juggling the Middle Ages Thru Feb 28. Dumbarton Oaks. doaks.org.

Guests can enjoy access to the Galleries and a reception on the Music Room Terrace with beer, wine, and light fare. Juggling the Middle Ages explores the influence of the medieval world by focusing on a single story with a long-lasting and powerful impact—Le Jongleur de Notre Dame or Our Lady’s Tumbler.

PHOTO COURTESY OF AVANT BARD

THEATRE Actually. Thru Nov 18. Theater J at Arena Stage. theaterj.org.

An Evening of Sholom Aleichem. Oct 21. Bender JCC. benderjccgw.org.

Beetlejuice. Thru Nov 18. National Theatre. thenationaldc.org.

Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Oct 25-Oct 28.

Mason’s Center for the Arts. cfa.gmu.edu.

Born Yesterday. Thru Oct 21. Ford’s Theatre. fords.org.

Broadway Center Stage: Little Shop of Horrors. Oct 24-Oct 28. Kennedy Center. kennedy-center.org.

Friends! The Musical Parody.

Thru Oct 19. Strathmore at AMP. strathmore.org.

Heisenberg. Thru Nov 11. Signature Theatre. sigtheatre.org.

How I Learned to Drive by Paula Vogel. Thru Nov 4. Round House. roundhousetheatre.org.

King John. Oct 23-Dec 2. Folger Theatre. folger.edu.

Labour of Love. Thru Oct 28. Olney Theatre. olneytheatre.org.

Shear Madness. Thru Nov 25.

Kennedy Center. shearmadness.com.

Stage Director Talk: King John.

Oct 25. Folger Theatre at Folger Shakespeare Library. folger.edu.

DANCE Companhia de Dança Deborah Colker: Dog Without Feathers. Thru Oct 20. Kennedy Center. kennedycenter.org.

Open Working Rehearsal: San Francisco Ballet. Oct 23. San Francisco Ballet: 2 PROGRAMS of East Coast Premieres from Unbound: A Festival of New Works.

Oct 23-Oct 28. Kennedy Center. kennedy-center.org.

MUSIC Allan Harris. Oct 19. Double Take.

Oct 20. BlackRock. blackrockcenter.org.

Armistice 1918. Oct 21. Cathedral Choral Society at Washington National Cathedral. cathedralchoralsociety.org.

Carpe Diem-Revels Community Sing.

Oct 21. Washington Revels at Seekers Church. revelsdc.org.

Concert: Andrzej Wiercinski piano.

Oct 19. Embassy Series at Embassy of Poland. embassyseries.org.

Concert: Vox Luminis Funeral Music for a Prince and a Queen. Oct 21.

National Gallery of Art. nga.gov.

Dusk and Dawn: Music of Light and Dark. Oct 20. Choral Arts Society at Live! at 10th & G. choralarts.org.

Emerson Quartet with David Finckel, cello. Oct 19. Library of Congress. loc.gov.

Global Sounds on the Hill: Kurbasy.

Oct 25. Hill Center. hillcenterdc.org.

KC Jazz Club: Odean Pope. Oct 19.

WNO: La Traviata. Thru Oct 21.

Fortas Chamber Music Concerts: Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio.

Oct 23. NSO Pops: Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (film with live orchestra). Oct 23-Oct 25. Kennedy Center. kennedy-center.org.

Make Our Garden Grow: Music of Bernstein and Sondheim. Oct 21.

Voce Chamber Singers. Church of The Holy Comforter. voce.org.

Make Our Garden Grow: Music of Bernstein and Sondheim. Oct 20.

Voce Chamber Singers at Church of the Holy Cross. voce.org.

Masters Of The Italian Baroque.

Oct 20. National Chamber Ensemble at Gunston Arts Center. nationalchamberensemble.org.

National Philharmonic Chamber Players. Oct 21. National Philharmonic at Potter Violins. nationalphilharmonic.org.

Performance: Just Out the Window: A Tapestry of Human Journey. Oct 21. WNO at Smithsonian Anacostia Museum. kennedy-center.org.

Platinum Series: Clarence Knight Orchestra. Oct 19. Publick Playhouse. arts.pgparks.com.

Shenson Chamber Music Concert: Bernstein at 100. Oct 21. National Museum of Women in the Arts. nmwa.org.

Sound Underground Jazz Trio. Oct 20. Arts on the Green at Arts Barn. artsonthegreen.ticketfly.com Washington Toho Koto Society live at the Listening Room. Oct 19. Brentwood Arts Exchange. arts.pgparks.com.

WindSync. Oct 25. Strathmore. strathmore.org.

MUSEUMS Folger Shakespeare Library.

Churchill’s Shakespeare. Thru Jan 6. folger.edu.

Kreeger Museum. Reinstallation of the Permanent Collection. Thru Dec 31. kreegermuseum.org.

Library of Congress. Drawn to Purpose. Thru Oct 20. loc.gov.

National Archives. Remembering Vietnam. Thru Jan 6. archivesfoundation.org.

National Gallery of Art. Jackson Pollock’s Mural. Thru Oct 28. nga.gov.

National Geographic. Tour of the Titanic. Oct 24. Tomb of Christ. Thru Jan 2. Titanic: The Untold Story. Thru Jan 6. nglive.org.

National Museum of Women in the Arts. Bound to Amaze: Inside a BookCollecting Career. Thru Nov 25. nmwa.org.

Smithsonian Anacostia Museum.

Your Community, Your Story: Celebrating Five Decades Of The Anacostia Community Museum, 19672017. Thru Jan 6. anacostia.si.edu.

National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian. Exhibition: Recent Acquisitions. Thru Nov 4. npg.si.edu.

Postal Museum. Alexander Hamilton: Soldier, Secretary, Icon. Thru Mar 3. postalmuseum.si.edu.

Woodrow Wilson House. Exhibition: Woodrow Wilson and the Great War. Thru Nov 2. woodrowwilsonhouse.org.

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

or f u yo us k g n a Th inatin wned o nom GBT- s! t L sines s e B Bu

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 7 7

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

7 8 • O CTO B E R 1 9 , 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 Reel Affirmations presents a screening of “The Breeding” at Human Rights Campaign (1640 Rhode Island Ave., N.W.) tonight at 7 p.m. “The Breeding” is an erotic thriller about an artist who becomes obsessed with a taboo fetish. After the film, there will be a catered cocktail reception and conversation with director Daniel Armando. Rayceen Pendarvis hosts the screening. VIP tickets are $25 and include VIP seating, one complimentary cocktail, beer or wine and movie candy or popcorn and the catered reception.

General admission tickets are $12. For more details, visit thedccenter.org.

PUTI presents Snatch Game at The D.C. Eagle (3701 Benning Rd., N.E.) tonight from 7-9:30 p.m. Participants are invited to give their best celebrity impressions.

Contestants will receive prizes. Vin Testa hosts the event. There is a $10 donation at the door and raffle tickets will be on sale for $1 throughout the night. Proceeds benefit La Clinica del Pueblo. For more information, visit dceagle.com.

La Fantasy Productions presents Super Hero Underwear Party at L8 Lounge (727 15th St., N.W.) tonight from 10 p.m.4 a.m. DJ Ivan Gomez and DJ Chord will spin tracks. There will be a $4 coat check.

Tickets are $30. All proceeds benefit Casa Ruby. For more information, visit lafantasyproductions.ticketleap.com.

The D.C Eagle (3701 Benning Rd., N.E.) hosts Woof: Happy Hour and Porn Star Bingo today from 5-11 p.m. Beaux Banks hosts Porn Star Bingo which will have prizes. There will be free pizza for the crowd at 7:30 p.m. Drink specials run until 11 p.m. No cover before 9:30 p.m.

For more details, visit dceagle.com.

SATURDAY, OCT. 20 The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention hosts Out of the Darkness Walk at the Lincoln Memorial (2 Lincoln Memorial Circle, N.W.). The walk helps to raise awareness and funds for research, educational programs, public policy and to support survivors of suicide loss.

Registration is at 1 p.m. The walk is from 3-6 p.m. For more details and to register, visit asp.donordrive.com.

Shakespeare Theatre Company (507 8th St., S.E.) hosts a costume and prop sale today from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Costumes, props, furniture and more items that were featured on the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s stages will be for sale. For more information, visit shakespearetheatre.org/costume-sale.

CTRL, a gay dance party, presents “Blackout: a Britney Album Celebration” at U Street Music Hall (1115 U St., N.W.)

PHOTO COURTESY BG PICS

A scene from ‘The Breeding,’ which will be screened tonight at HRC Headquarters.

tonight from 10 p.m.-3 a.m. DJ Jeff Prior, DJ Dvonne, DJ Adam-Koussari and DJ Brett Andriesen will play music from Britney Spears’ “Blackout” album as well as electro-pop, nu-disco and house.

Cover is $10. For more details, visit ustreetmusichall.com.

Peach Pit, a ‘90s dance party, is at DC9 (1940 9th St., N.W.) tonight at 10:30 p.m.

DJ Matt Bailer will pay music. Cover is $5 until midnight and $8 after. For more details, visit dcnine.com.

Trade (1410 14th St., N.W.) hosts “Gay/Bash: Halloweenbash” tonight from 10 p.m.-3 a.m. Jaxknife Complex, Jane Saw, Ana Latour, Donna Slash and Iyanna Deschanel will perform.

The Barber Streisand will play music.

There will be one show at 11:30 p.m. and another show at 1 a.m. No cover.

For more information, visit facebook. com/gaybashdc.

The National Museum of American History (14th St. and Constitution Ave., N.W.) celebrates the return of Dorothy’s ruby slippers from “The Wizard of Oz” today. At 12:30 p.m. attendees can pose in front of the museum’s new mural for a group photo in an Oz-inspired outfit.

Guests are encouraged to come in costume. There will also be screenings of “The Wizard of Oz” in the Warner Bros.

Theater at 1:50 and 4:10 p.m. Admission is free. For more details, visit facebook.

com/americanhistory.

SUNDAY, OCT. 21 Nellie’s Sports Bar (900 U St., N.W.) has a drag brunch today with shows at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Drag entertainers will perform as Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Pink and more. Tickets are $41.91 and include an all-you-can-eat buffet and one mimosa or bloody Mary. For more details, visit nelliessportsbar.com.

MONDAY, OCT. 22 The D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) hosts coffee drop-in hours for the senior LGBT community this morning from 10 a.m.-noon. Older LGBT adults can come and enjoy complimentary coffee and conversation with other community members. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.

TUESDAY, OCT. 23 “RuPaul’s Drag Race: Were the World” stops by for a sold-out show at the Lincoln Theatre (1215 U St., N.W.) tonight at 8 p.m. Season 10 winner Aquaria will perform along with finalists Asia O’hara, Eureka and Kameron Michaels. Fan favorites Valentina, Kim Chi and Violet Chachki will also perform. Bob the Drag

Queen hosts the show. For more details, visit werqtheworld.com.

The Gay Men’s Health Collaborative has free HIV testing and STI screening at the Alexandria Health Department (4480 King St., Alexandria, Va.) today from 5-6:30 p.m. For more details, text 571-214-9617 or email james.leslie@ inova.org.

Overeaters Anonymous hosts a meeting specifically for LGBT individuals at St. George’s Episcopal Church (915 Oakland Ave., Arlington, Va.) tonight at 7 p.m. Newcomers welcome. For more information, call 703-521-1999 or email liveandletliveoa@gmail.com.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 24 The Lambda Bridge Club meets at 7:30 p.m. tonight at the Dignity Center (721 8th St., S.E.) for duplicate bridge. No reservations required and newcomers welcome. If you need a partner, call 703407-6540.

THURSDAY, OCT. 25 NOVA Pride hosts its weekly Pride Night at Le Kon Restaurant (3227 Washington Blvd., Arlington, Va.) tonight from 6-9 p.m.

15 percent of the proceeds will benefit NOVA Pride. For more information, visit novapride.org.

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

A D V I CE

OC T OB E R 19, 2018 • 79

Troubling politics Lesbian alarmed by brother’s anti-LGBT views

MICHAEL RADKOWSKY, Psy.D. is a licensed psychologist who works with gay individuals and couples in D.C. He can be found online at personalgrowthzone.com. All identifying information has been changed for reasons of confidentiality. Have a question? Send it to michaelradkowsky.com

MICHAEL, My brother, whom I used to think was a decent guy, made it clear to me that he was on the side of the baker who wouldn’t bake for a gay couple in the recent Supreme Court case. He told me he was worried about the rights of Christians.

He doesn’t even go to church! Now he’s gloating about the Supreme Court on a Facebook post, saying that the United States is going in the right direction.

How am I supposed to have a relationship with him? He is making it clear to me, his lesbian sister, that he doesn’t give a damn about LGBT rights or women’s rights. When I’ve raised this with him, he makes a big deal out of having flown all the way across the country to be at my wedding five years ago, saying, “How can you say I don’t support you?”

But that means nothing to me, given that he’s supporting a Supreme Court composition that could sweep away protections that keep me safe. And forget about just me. I’m seeing that my brother’s politics are all about supporting those who are making this country hateful and bigoted.

I am a believer in “family” and I think the current polarization and divisiveness are horrible. If no one will talk to the other side, how are we ever going to get out of this?

On the other hand, I don’t want to have anything to do with this guy who is celebrating the increased threat level to my well-being. I hate all this hostility which now is infecting me!

MICHAEL REPLIES: Given that your brother did attend your wedding a few years back, is it possible

he is open to considering your point of view, despite his current actions?

If so, I know that it’s awfully difficult to respond to someone who appears to speak from ignorance or bigotry while remaining as calm and respectful as you can manage. But the better you are able to do so, the more likely to reach your brother and influence him, even a bit.

Of course, sometimes it just isn’t possible to have an impact on the way that other people see the world. And sometimes change takes a long time.

Whether or not you are able to influence your brother’s thinking at present, you might decide that there’s enough good between you two to continue a relationship with important disagreements put to the side. Or you might decide you don’t want someone in your life who is taking the stance your brother takes and make the break. The choice is yours alone to make.

With regard to your feeling overwhelmed and infected by the hostility that is now saturating our country: You are far from alone in this predicament.

When we’re coming under fire, it’s difficult not to lash out and be furious.

But letting ourselves be overwhelmed by hostility and bitterness is bad for our physical health and our sanity.

Is there a way to fight fiercely for a more just and livable world without becoming hateful toward those who oppose us and the things we hold dear? While that’s a narrow line to tread, I do believe it is possible, at least much of the time.

I can’t tell you exactly how to do this, but I can point you in the right direction: Set a standard for how you think and act, and then aspire, one day at a time, to meet that standard. You’ll have to keep a close eye on yourself. And don’t get angry at yourself when you fail. Just keep aspiring to do your best.

Aspiring not to be consumed by malice does not mean tolerating disrespect or letting yourself be kicked around. So if your brother (or anyone) is putting you down or insulting you, you certainly don’t have to politely accept that treatment.

Whatever you choose to do about your brother, please don’t give in to hopelessness. We really will be lost if we give up the battle for a better future. Taking action is the antidote to feeling powerless, so I urge you to find ways to fight for what you care about. Pour your anger and your energy into moving our country and our planet in a positive direction.

And on Nov. 6, vote!

LOGOmotion, inc.

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

80 • OC T OB E R 19, 2018

O U T & A BO U T

Branding products to promote your business.

By MARIAH COOPER

WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTO BY MICHAEL KEY

Mayor to present High Heel Race Oct. 30

PHOTO BY DEXTER BROWN

The 32nd annual 17th Street High Heel Race is on 17th Street between R and P Streets on Tuesday, Oct. 30 from 5-10 p.m.

This year’s race will be presented by Mayor Muriel Bowser. Since 1986, spectators have come to watch costumed drag queens show off their outfits and race from R Street to P Street. Pre-race happy hour is at 5 p.m. at Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.). The parade kicks off at 7 p.m. followed by the race at 9 p.m.

Admission is free.

For more information, visit facebook/com/17thstreethighheelrace.

• Awards • Tote & Duffle Bags • Mugs • Pens

• USB Drives • Clothing

• Flashlights....

And creative solutions for all your design, marketing, and print needs

The Graphic Issue www.theGraphicIssue.com

The 10th annual Bentzen Ball Comedy Festival presents a live edition of the podcast “Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness” at the Lincoln Theatre for sold-out shows on Saturday, Oct. 27 at 2 and 6 p.m.

“Getting Curious” features “Queer Eye” star Van Ness as he explores various topics that spark curiosity for him and his listeners. Van Ness will be joined by a soon-to-be-announced special guest.

Bentzen Ball Comedy is curated by Tig Notaro and features numerous acts including Phoebe Robinson, Amanda Seales, Marcia Belsky, Melissa Stokoski, Michelle Buteau, Jordan Carlos, Cameron Esposito and more.

For a complete list of shows, visit bentzenball.com.

Walk to End HIV is next weekend

• Water Bottles

Robert Safro 301.986.0585 logomotioninc.com

Van Ness here for podcast taping Oct. 27

PHOTO BY PAUL MOBLEY

Trevor Noah to play Constitution Hall “The Daily Show” host Trevor Noah comes to DAR Constitution Hall (1776 D St., N.W.) on Saturday, Oct. 20 at 10 p.m.

The South African comedian is known for his topical take on U.S. culture and politics. Tickets range from $63-93. Noah also has sold-out dates for Oct. 19 and Oct. 26-37.

For more details, visit ticketmaster.com.

Whitman-Walker Health and Real Talk D.C. host Walk & 5K to End HIV at Freedom Plaza (14th St., N.W. and Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.) on Saturday, Oct. 27 from 7-11 a.m.

The walk and run aims to support Whitman-Walker Health’s mission to provide high-quality, accessible health care to D.C.-area residents affected by HIV/AIDS. Check-in starts at 7:30 a.m.

The 5K begins at 9:15 a.m. and the walk is at 9:20 a.m. Post-event activities begin at 10 a.m. Runner registration is $25, walker registration is $25, student/senior walkers are $15 and “Sleepwalkers,” those who cannot attend the event, are $40.

For more information, visit walktoendhiv.org.

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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 8 1

The Washington Blade was founded in 1969 as a black & white, one-sheet community newsletter.

In 2019 the Blade celebrates its 50th anniversary as America’s LGBT News Source. The Washington Blade was selected to join the pool rotation for the White House Press Corps, becoming the first LGBT publication to participate in these duties. Readers locally and globally rely on the Blade’s unmatched coverage, which has garnered scores of local and national journalism awards. The Blade is recognized as the nation’s “Newspaper of Record for the LGBT Community.”

OCTOBER 1969 The Gay Blade first published as a monthly newsletter.

JUNE 1972 Blade publishes first multi-page edition.

OCTOBER 2019 Washington Blade celebrates 50th Anniversary.

JULY 1974 Blade printed in newsprint for first time.

1979 Blade changes publication from monthly to bi-weekly.

2013 Washington Blade admitted to White House pool rotation (First LGBT publication ever).

OCTOBER 1980 Name changed to The Washington Blade.

JANUARY 1983 APRIL 2010

Washington Blade publishes weekly.

Washington Blade purchased by Brown, Naff, Pitts Omnimedia.

OCTOBER 2008 John McCain becomes first Republican presidential nominee to do interview with LGBT publication.

SEPTEMBER 1995 Online edition of Washington Blade launched.

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

8 2 • O CTO B ER 1 9 , 2018

F I LM

The importance of remembering Oscar Rupert Everett writes, directs and stars in Wilde biopic ‘The Happy Prince’

By BRIAN T. CARNEY Rupert Everett’s fascination with Oscar Wilde, the subject of his new film “The Happy Prince,” dates back to his childhood.

“I remember it very well,” the actor says. “My mother read it to me at night when I was in bed. I was enraptured by the story and inconsolable at the end. It was a real turning point for me.”

Since then, the life and works of Oscar Wilde have been an artistic and personal touchstone for Everett. He’s starred in stage productions of “The Picture of Dorian Gray” and “The Importance of Being Earnest” and in movie adaptations of “Earnest” and “An Ideal Husband.” He played Oscar Wilde in the 2012 revival of David Hare’s play “The Judas Kiss,” a performance for which he was nominated for an Olivier award.

Everett, who is fluent in French, even starred in a production of “Earnest” at the Theatre National de Chaillot in Paris.

The actor treasures his relationship with Wilde.

“Discovering Wilde as a playwright was a great moment for me as an actor,” Everett says during a Washington Blade interview. “When you have a good relationship with a writer it’s really quite magical. Something between me and the text just sparked. It was like riding a bike — something I could just do effortlessly.”

Everett also views Wilde as the great martyr, or even the patron saint, of the modern gay rights movement. As the opening title of “The Happy Prince” relates, in 1895, Oscar Wilde was the most famous man in London. His plays, essays and stories made him an international literary sensation and his witty quips were published in newspapers and periodicals around the globe. He was, Everett observes, “one of the prototypes of the modern celebrity.”

But, Wilde’s flamboyant mannerisms and his barely concealed homosexuality kept him in a constant swirl of scandal that finally erupted in a trial for “gross indecency.” Wilde was found guilty and served two years in prison. After his release, he spent the last years of his life as a penniless exile in Paris.

That’s the period of Wilde’s life that most fascinated Everett. Around 10 years ago, during a lull in his career, he

PHOTO BY WILHELM MOSER; COURTESY SONY PICTURES CLASSICS

RUPERT EVERETT as Oscar Wilde in ‘The Happy Prince.’

CONTINUES ON PAGE 86

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

WHY SHOULD WEEKENDS HAVE ALL THE FUN? ENTERTAINING THE DMV 24/7/365.

PLEASE PLAY RESPONSIBLY. MUST BE 21. FOR HELP, VISIT MDGAMBLINGHELP.ORG OR CALL 1-800-GAMBLER.

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 8 3

8 4 • O CTO B E R 1 9 , 2018

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

Baller Status

M

Thank you for voting us Best Real Estate Group

Moving On Up

S

B

Evan Johnson & Mark Rutstein

WINNER

703.447.6137 202.498.1198 team@dcrealestate.com

First-Time Buyer

Thinking of buying or selling? Call us today!

S 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. 1313 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005 | 202.386.6330

eliable mpass 6.6330

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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 8 5

Baller Status

Meeting you at every milestone

Buyer: $1,625,000

Seller: $1,495,000

Buyer & Seller: $935,000

Seller: $699,888

Buyer: $762,000

Seller: $399,000

Buyer: $469,000

Seller: $480,000

First-Time Buyer

Moving On Up

dcrealestate.com

Seller: $1,700,000

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

8 6 • O CTO B ER 1 9 , 2018

F I LM

‘Prince’ focuses on Wilde’s ruinous final years CONTINUED FROM PAGE 82

decided to make it the subject of his first screenplay.

“At the point where work had really cooled down for me, I was thinking of trying to write a script. Wilde just seemed like the obvious person to write about and the period of his exile seemed like the most obvious frame.”

Everett says his experience with Wilde helped him write the script.

“I was very lucky to have performed so much Wilde,” he says. “Doing a play night after night, week after week, you really get to know the timbre and the rhythm and the phraseology of a writer. Having played Dorian Grey and Earnest on stage was very vital for me. Both characters are like Wilde and it gave me an opening in how to construct the dialogue.”

Like Wilde, Everett’s career has been impacted by his sexuality. In his first major role, he played gay schoolboy Guy Bennett in the stage and screen versions of “Another Country.” He is perhaps best known for his roles in “My Best Friend’s Wedding” and “The Next Best Thing” where he played the gay best friends of Julia Roberts and Madonna. Everett publicly came out in 1997, a move he says kept him from becoming a Hollywood leading man.

Also like Wilde, Everett has worked in a variety of art forms. He has written two novels (“Hello Darling, Are You Working?” and “The Hairdressers of St. Tropez”) and two memoirs (“Red Carpets and other Banana Skins” and “Vanished Years”).

He also released two record albums, although neither achieved critical or popular success.

The out artist directed the television documentary “The Victorian Sex Explorer” about Sir Richard Burton, the infamous Victorian author, explorer and sexual adventurer. Everett has also worked on documentaries about Lord Byron, prostitution (“Love for Sale”) and the 50th anniversary of the decriminalization of homosexuality in the United Kingdom (“Fifty Shades of Gay”).

Following the success of his work as writer, director and star of “The Happy Prince,” which opens Oct. 19 in D.C.-area theaters, Everett is working on a new film about fashion and disco in Paris in the 1970s. He’s also playing the Inquisitor Bernardo Gui in a new television adaptation of Umberto Eco’s “The Name of the Rose” and is slated to star in the spy comedy “The B Team.”

PHOTO BY WILHELM MOSER; COURTESY SONY PICTURES CLASSICS

EDWIN THOMAS, COLIN FIRTH and RUPERT EVERETT in ‘The Happy Prince.’

Everett goes Wilde in ‘The Happy Prince’

By JOHN PAUL KING With Oscar Wilde, many are less familiar with the body of work he left behind than they are with his tragic personal history.

“The Happy Prince,” a new film about Wilde’s final days, is not likely to change that.

Wilde, who like countless men of his time was closeted and married to a woman, was having a love affair with the young Lord Alfred “Bosie” Douglas, whose father was the Marquess of Queensbury. When the Marquess publicly called out Wilde as a “sodomite,” Wilde attempted to sue him for libel, which backfired when the Marquess produced proof in court of Wilde’s samesex liaisons. Because homosexuality was illegal at the time, the author was then tried and convicted for “gross indecency” and sentenced to two years in prison. Upon his release, with his health shattered and his reputation destroyed, he fled to France, where he briefly lived in poverty before dying at 46.

“The Happy Prince,” written and directed by out actor Rupert Everett, who also stars as Wilde, takes its title from a short story included by the author in a book of children’s fables. In the film, this bittersweet tale is spun by the author, in installments, to a pair of young companions. But apart from those segments and a few pertinent lines from his final work, “The Ballad of Reading Gaol,” the film draws very little from Wilde’s writings.

Instead, it takes a speculative journey into the mind of the great author as he lives out his last years — grappling with his conscience, re-examining his relationships, remembering his past and coping with his declining health, all while maintaining his characteristic bemused detachment and indulging in as much decadence as he can beg, borrow or manipulate his way into.

It’s a highly effective approach to a subject that is bigger than a two-hour movie can accommodate with integrity. Unlike most biopics, “The Happy Prince” eschews the usual formula of trying to cover an entire famous life in favor of focusing on a short, key period; by so doing, it avoids the usual pitfalls of contrivance and cliché that often give such films an inauthentic feel, allowing Wilde’s essence to be distilled into a sort of snapshot – illuminating his humanity, rather than his importance.

Everett fares well in his debut as a writer and director. His film — a passion project 10 years in the making — maintains the aesthetic of a period piece without becoming stodgy, and his ever-fluid camera allows for imaginative flights of fancy that transport us in and out of Wilde’s memories and fantasies without confusing us. His screenplay sharply weaves the ongoing themes of Wilde’s life and work – the embrace of hedonism, the prodigious classical knowledge, the egalitarian humanism that contrasted his savagely sly observations of society – into an intimate character piece that examines the great man as he confronts his conflicted nature in the face of his own mortality.

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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 8 7

NAMED 2018 BEST OF GAY DC EDITOR’S CHOICE FOR BEST LIVE MUSIC!

JOHN LLOYD YOUNG

NICOLE ATKINS

JOHN OATES WITH THE GOOD ROAD BAND

LINDA EDER

NOV 8

JAN 17 + 18

RONNIE SPECTOR & THE RONETTES NOV 9 + 10

NEWMYER FLYER

NOV 14

JAN 25

1964 THE TRIBUTE FEB 14 + 15

MASTERS OF HAWAIIAN MUSIC

FEB 16 + 17 JANIS JOPLIN & JIMI HENDRIX TRIBUTE CHERISH THE LADIES NOV 24

RED BARAAT DEC 1

EILEEN IVERS

A JOYFUL CHRISTMAS DEC 2

CLASSES

TWO SHOWS

THE VERVE PIPE JAN 12

at the Shakespeare Theatre Company

CHAMBER MUSIC AT THE BARNS

MAR 8

HABIB KOITÉ & BASSEKOU KOUYATE MAR 13 + 14

JAN 19

MAR 20-23

BUMPER JACKSONS

THE SWINGLES

INTERNATIONAL GUITAR NIGHT

STORM LARGE

MARTIN

32ND ANNUAL EVENING OF COMEDY

LE VIN HERBÉ

THE LOVE POTION

WOLF TRAP OPERA WASHINGTON CONCERT OPERA

CHAMBER MUSIC AT THE BARNS

FEB 9 + 10

Photo of Gregory Wooddell and Veanne Cox by Scott Suchman.

VIENNA TO PRAGUE

THE SECOND CITY

JAN 30 + 31

ShakespeareTheatre.org/Classes 202.547.5688

THE MONTOSE TRIO

EVENING OF INDIAN DANCE JAN 26

Get in TOUCH with your dramatic side.

6-week courses starting October 29.

FEB 19 + 20

IT’S NOT YOU, IT’S ME

APR 5

APR 12

MAY 3 + 4

AND MANY MORE!

WOLFTRAP.ORG

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

8 8 • O CTO B ER 1 9 , 2018

AUTOS

FORD ECOSPORT

JAGUAR E-PACE R-DYNAMIC HSE

KIA NIRO PLUG-IN HYBRID

Crossover craze Trend continues with three new rides offering style, panache

By JOE PHILLIPS FORD ECOSPORT $20,000 Mpg: 23 city, 29 highway Zero-60 MPH: 9.8 seconds As if Ford didn’t have enough SUVs and other haulers — think Edge, Escape, Explorer, Expedition, Flex and assorted pickups — there’s now the subcompact EcoSport. This crossover is teeny tiny, barely longer than a Mini Cooper sedan.

That means the EcoSport fits anywhere, with a tight turning radius to maneuver quickly into almost any parking spot.

Fold down the rear seats to access 50-plus cubic feet of cargo space, an area 25 percent roomier than the Mini Cooper. Along with raised seating for better driver visibility, there’s a standard rearview camera and optional blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert.

But there’s no forward-collision system, lane-departure warning or automated

emergency braking. That’s a bummer, as is the lackluster giddy up in either the three-cylinder turbo or the four-cylinder (non-turbo) with all-wheel drive.

Both engines are gas thirsty, which is a surprise for such a small and rather lightweight vehicle. Still, the ride is comfier than expected, even on the sporty SES model with its firm chassis.

And there are lots of cool extras, depending on trim level and options, such as paddle shifters, heated steering wheel, eight-inch touchscreen with nav system, Bang and Olufsen stereo and the user-friendly Sync Connect system with apps and wi-fi hotspot.

KIA NIRO PLUG-IN HYBRID $28,000 Range: 105 miles (electricity/gas), 46 miles (gas only) Zero-60 mph: 9.0 seconds Kia is also jumping on the cute bandwagon with its nifty Niro, which looks more like a sporty hatchback than a crossover. The Niro may be much lower to the ground than the Ford EcoSport, but it’s also a foot longer. The result: cargo space is the same in both

of these subcompacts. But because the Niro is a plug-in hybrid (there’s also a regular hybrid), it outshines much of the competition by being so green.

Kia clearly wanted a Prius Prime beater, and it succeeds — at times. The Niro is faster, with better cornering and braking. And Kia’s design flair is sleeker and subtler. Yet if the goal is to really broadcast your eco bona fides, then the quirky Prius Prime succeeds nicely (plus, it uses a bit less gas and electricity). Still, the Niro feels livelier and it’s hard not to like the long list of creature comforts and safety features: sunroof, heated/ ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, 10-way power driver’s seat, powerfolding side mirrors, Harmon Kardon stereo, wireless phone charging, forward collision warning, emergency braking with pedestrian detection and more. The upshot: Kia created a fun, fully loaded ride that belies its hybrid roots.

JAGUAR E-PACE R-DYNAMIC HSE $55,000 Mpg: 21 city, 27 highway Zero-60 mph: 6.4 seconds Jaguar’s new E-Pace is twice the price of

a Kia Niro, but then it’s also twice as nice.

With sinewy lines, a come-hither cabin and an exhaust growl so erotic it would make your great aunt blush, this compact crossover should be X-rated.

Jag launched the midsized F-Pace to rave reviews two years ago, and the baby E-Pace is following in its footsteps. While the base model E-Pace is just fine, the R-Dynamic is a real dynamo thanks to a 296-hp fourcylinder turbo and the perfectly balanced nine-speed transmission.

Handling seems surer than in the larger F-Pace, with a composed ride on the bumpiest of roads. The HSE is the top trim level on the E-Pace, with 20-inch tires, keyless entry, 18-way power seats, hands-free liftgate and even a heated windshield. Tech features are just as impressive, offering a color head-up display, 10-inch touchscreen, automated parking, bird’s-eye backup camera and the latest safety goodies. You’ll likely end up turning off the high-end Meridian sound system (with 14 speakers and a disco-worthy subwoofer) because the sound is so sublime it’s distracting when driving. More important to focus on just how swift, smooth and stimulating it is to be behind the wheel.

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

Voted “Best Winery”

by Best of Gay DC 2018

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 8 9

WASHINGTON DC

secure parking & valet available

RESTAURANT | BAR | MUSIC VENUE | FULLY FUCTIONING WINERY | PRIVATE EVENT SPACE

1350 OKIE ST. NE, WASHINGTON, DC 20002 | 202.250.2531 | CITYWINERY.COM/WASHINGTONDC

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

90 • OC T OB E R 19, 2018

SP O RT S

PHOTO COURTESY D.C. SWAG

Local queer ladies won big at the ASANA Softball World Series held in New Orleans last month.

Swag victory!

D.C. ladies LGBT softball team captures division title in New Orleans

By KEVIN MAJOROS After four days of competition in New Orleans (Sept. 16-23), D.C. Swag captured the title in the D Division at the 2018 ASANA Softball World Series. The women from D.C. fought their way back from a deficit in nine of the 14 games they played.

The Chesapeake and Potomac Softball League (CAPS) sent three travel teams to the annual championships — DC Swag, Crazy Pitches and D.C. Sharks. All three teams competed in the D Division.

The Amateur Sports Alliance of North America (ASANA) was created in 2007 as a non-profit organization comprised of women dedicated to promoting the participation of LGBT people in an organized softball competition.

This year’s championships boasted roughly 1,100 players on 38 teams from across the United States. This was D.C. Swag’s fourth appearance in the tournament; their road to the title began in 2011 when the team was formed by Rhonda Jackson and Diana Ring.

“We were looking for an opportunity to play more ball and began identifying women in the CAPS leagues who wanted to be more competitive,” Jackson says. “We started out by playing in regional tournaments in Philadelphia and New York.”

In their first two years of the World Series, D.C. Swag didn’t win a single game.

After receiving mentorship from teams in Philadelphia, they rose to a third place finish in 2017. Their victory this year came in a 9-4 win in the championship game

over Austin’s Cleats and Cleavage.

“Over the years, Philadelphia showed us how to win. We played through four days of hot weather, rain delays — a little bit of everything,” Jackson says. “We really have a great mix of talent and chemistry.

We are a team and a family, and it shows in our play.”

Jackson is from Massachusetts and was a three-sport athlete in high school in basketball, field hockey and fastpitch softball.

She was a four-year starter in basketball at Virginia Commonwealth University. She earned a master of public health degree at George Washington University and now works as an epidemiologist.

She has been a member of CAPS since 2008 and shares what she loves most about the ASANA Softball World Series.

“I love the competitive level, making new friends and the camaraderie. You get to see all the best players from all the divisions,” Jackson says. “These are people who share a love of playing ball and it is a space where women and athleticism are celebrated.”

The third day of the World Series was PINK day in support of breast cancer awareness. The players from D.C. Swag wore tribute jerseys to honor one of their players, Tonia Jones, who died last year from cancer. They dedicated their win to their fallen teammate.

CAPS commissioner Tony Mace chimed in on what the championship title for D.C. Swag means to him.

“At the ASANA Softball World Series, you are getting the best of every team.

Their win meant the world to me as their friend and as league commissioner. I am still on cloud nine,” Mace says. “It has always been my goal to support our men’s and women’s teams in doing the things necessary for them to grow and succeed. D.C. is a city of champions.”

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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 9 1

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

92 • OC T OB E R 19, 2018

N I G H T LI F E

PHOTO COURTESY AVALON

Local drag legend BA’NAKA will be at the first Avalon Saturdays event this weekend.

Soundcheck goes gay New Avalon Saturdays event planned to fill Town void

By MARIAH COOPER mcooper@washblade.com

October 30–November 25 Opera House Kennedy-Center.org (202) 467-4600 Theater at the Kennedy Center is made possible by

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

Groups call (202) 416-8400 For all other ticket-related customer service inquiries, call the Advance Sales Box Office at (202) 416-8540 Kennedy Center Theater Season Sponsor

The closing of Town left a hole in D.C. LGBT nightlife that is slowly being repopulated by parties at smaller venues throughout the city.

Avalon Saturdays at Soundcheck (1420 K St., N.W.) is the latest gay dance party to emerge in the city’s post-Town world. Promoter Dougie Meyer told the Washington Blade he decided to start a new party after hearing people over the summer mourn the loss of Town.

“Town as everyone in this city knows was an institution,” Meyer says. “That’s where everyone went and knew they could have a great time and dance all night long. Once it closed it was almost like there was no dance club left. We had many bars in the city but there was no actual dance club space. Over the summer, all I was hearing from so many people was, ‘I wish we had a dance club.’”

He decided that he could make it happen.

Meyer, who previously worked as a general manager at Town, reached out to Soundcheck as the home for Avalon Saturdays. He explains that he chose the space because of its D&B Audiotechnik Y-series speakers and its lighting system.

Meyer says he, “could think of no better space to create a dance party than in a space like Soundcheck.”

Avalon Saturdays presents its debut party on Saturday, Oct. 20 at 10 p.m. Drag queens Lena Lett, Ba’Naka, Sasha and Gigi will perform. Eddie Danger and Trevor Northman will give dance performances and DJ Steve Sidewalk will spin tracks all night. General admission tickets are $15.

VIP tickets are $25 and give ticket holders access to express entry and a private VIP lounge with private bar.

If partygoers hope to make Avalon Saturdays their new weekly hotspot, they won’t get bored. Meyer promises that each party will have a weekly rotation of drag queens and DJs to give each party its own vibe.

Meyer also thinks it’s important to switch up the type of music played throughout the night. He surveyed groups of people immersed in D.C.’s nightlife to discover what people want.

“They want a little bit of everything from pop music and EDM remixes. But there’s also a massive group who want circuit music. There’s also people who want to see drag queens, they want to see performances. You’re going to get a little mixture of everything throughout the night,” Meyer says. “It’s not going to be a set, sit-down drag show but you’re still going to get those drag performances that are going to pop up throughout the night. You’re going to be able to come early on and get more of the top 40s, EDM remix feel but as the night goes on it will be more circuit.”

Upcoming events include Avalon’s Halloween party on Saturday, Oct. 27 and numerous other events throughout November and December.

Although there will be varying music throughout each party and something new to expect at each event, Meyer hopes that every partygoer has the same feeling when they leave Soundcheck.

“I’m hoping that when they walk away they have a smile on their face because they danced their face off and they had one of the best nights that they’ve had in a long time,” he says. “I want everyone who goes there to feel safe and accepted and in a happy place, a happy space, and it’s gong to make them want to come back and do it the next week.”

Visit soundcheckdc.com for more information on all Avalon Saturdays’ upcoming events.

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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 9 3

PRICE REDUCTION

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

94 • OC T OB E R 19, 2018

MU SI C

7731 Marthas Lane Falls Church, VA 22043

$624,000

ERIK EVANS

202.731.3142

This Home is 4 Bed/3 Bath Of Charm On A Lg Corner Lot In A Great Neighborhood! 2-Car Garage, Gorgeous Granite And SS Appls In Kitch, Wood FP In Living Room, Bsmt Rec/Family Room/Gaming Room w/ Additional Wd Burning FP, Bar w/Wine Fridge, Full Bath, Sep Laundry Rm, Potential 5th bdr space! Hot Tub And Sound System Conveys! 1YR Ltd home warranty! ALL OFFERS WILL BE CONSIDERED! LETS MAKE A DEAL!

WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTO BY JOEY DIGUGLIELMO

YEARS & YEARS split its Oct. 11 D.C. concert almost evenly with selections from its two records ‘Communion’ and ‘Palo Santo.’

Olly’s night out Years & Years frontman delights on ‘Palo Santo Tour’

CONTACT J JAMES BRAEU—202.215.2240 | JBRAEU@CBMOVE.COM J JAMES BRAEU | BRANCH VICE PRESIDENT 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!

By JOEY DiGUGLIELMO joeyd@washblade.com

Touring a concept record can be tricky — interspersing thematically connected material with earlier songs and coming up with a set list that makes sense takes care.

For Brit pop band Years & Years, however, the somewhat half-baked concepts of its current album “Palo Santo,” released in early July, actually worked to its advantage at its D.C. concert Oct. 11 — there was no overarching message to get, it was simply a great evening of top-shelf current gay pop music. It was the band’s fifth show of the fall leg (19 dates) of the “Palo Santo Tour,” which wraps Oct. 30 in Seattle before moving on to Europe in November.

The “Palo Santo” concepts are pushed more through a 15-minute promo video in which the band depicts a future where gender and sexuality norms are gone and androids yearn for human emotion. The album, however, just plays like easy-onHurry in! Offer expires 12/31/18 the-ear dance/pop and you kinda forget there’s supposed to be an overarching story attached.

A D V E R T I S IThat’s N G Phow R O the O F concert felt too. No when you spend $25 or scenes from the videos were shown or ISSUE DATE: 171208 SALES REPRESENTATIVE: more, or save reenacted. Out frontman Olly Alexander — tight abs on display all evening in a crop REVIEW AD FOR COPY AND DESIGN ACCURACY. Revisions must be submitted within 24 hours of the date of proof. Proof will be considered final and will be submitted for publication if revision is not submitted within 24 hours of the date of proof. Revisions will not be accepted after 12:01 pm wednesday, the week of publication.Brown naff pitts NS top — seemed more interested in selling omnimedia llc (dba the washington blade) is not responsible for the content and/or design of your ad. Advertiser is responsible for any legal liability arising out of or relating to the advertisement, and/or any material to which users GN the songs on their own sonic merits. He can link through the advertisement. Advertiser represents that its advertisement will not violate any criminal laws or EVISIONS youof any spend $35 or any rgihts of third parties, including, but not limited to, such violations as infringement orwhen misapporpriation copyright, patent, trademark, trade secret, music, image, or other proprietary or propety right, false advertising, unfair shimmied and improvised choreography /LOGO REVISIONS competition, defamation, invasion of privacy or rights of celebrity, violation of anti-discrimination law or regulation, Logan Hardware! or any other right of any person or entity. Advertiser agrees to idemnify brown naff pittsmore omnimediaat llc (dba the ADVERTISER SIGNATURE SIONS — sometimes sexy, sometimes goofy — 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 liability, loss, damages, claims, or causes of action, including reasonable *Only legal fees and at expenses may be incurred washington blade is not limited to placement, valid Logan that Hardware.

Not valid on sale items or withnewspaper. This includes andbutkept it all going with solid vocals. His 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. another offer. Exclusions may apply, see store for details. and warranties. voice is a little Michael Jackson-ish, but thinner. The 28-year-old, possessing an undeniable “it” factor bolstered by his accent, sounded just as good live as he does on the band’s two albums, “Palo Santo” and “Communion,” which were represented almost equally.

The band was tight, the light show was impressive (much more elaborate than their previous D.C. appearances) and the set was spare but effective. A

Best of Gay DC 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018

set of stairs gave Alexander a nice prop on which to dance and pose. Three symbols from the album artwork were recreated on stage and changed hue throughout the evening. His banter was friendly but minimal.

Standouts included “If You’re Over Me,” their no. 6 UK hit from the new record, “King,” a no. 1 UK hit from the first album and “Karma,” a particularly catchy “Palo Santo” earworm. The almost full house — which was odd because for weeks the Lincoln had been billing the show as sold out — was fully invested. Even though the band hasn’t broken big in the U.S. (they’ve never cracked the Hot 100 but have had decent success on the dance charts), by gay standards, they’re a huge band stateside.

Much like the Troye Sivan concert at the Anthem the previous week, this felt like gay millennial night out. Nobody sat down the whole night, even in the balcony, even for the lone ballad, “Eyes Shut,” on which Alexander played keyboard.

Years & Years is a bit of a mystery band. It’s hard to quite figure out the relationship between Alexander and bandmates Mikey Goldsworthy and Emre Turkmen (both straight). They’ve taken more of a backseat as the band has taken off but unlike, say, the Supremes, you don’t get the feeling they seem to mind.

They’re joined by one other player and two background singers on the current tour. The playing was tight all night with arrangements pretty faithfully recreated from studio versions.

My only slight quibble is that it was a bit heavy on opening acts. Gender-bender Tunde Olaniran and singer/songwriter CYN were both good, but Years & Years only ended up playing a 65-minute set, not even coming on ’til 9:45 p.m. (the show started at 8). I know you don’t expect something of Springsteen proportions from a band that’s only on its second album, but a few more songs from the headliners and one opening act would have made for a better overall night.

The Blade’s Mariah Cooper contributed to this article.

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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 9 5

LaPlacaCohen Publication: Insertion date: Size: 212-675-4106 WASHINGTON BLADE OCTOBER 19, 2018 4.75" x 11.5" 4C NP © Maxwell MacKenzie

Fall is Fabulous A legendary home.

Spectacular gardens.

And you’re invited.

Don‘t miss Fabergé Rediscovered Special exhibition now on view

Now open every Sunday Hours: Tues – Sun 10am – 5pm HillwoodMuseum.org 4155 Linnean Ave. NW, Washington DC Free parking

HIL-038-Inst_WashingtonBlade_4.75x11.5_Oct19_v2.indd 1

10/11/18 11:58 AM

9 6 • O CTO B E R 1 9 , 2018

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

16698 Ki ngs Hi ghwa y S t e . A , L e w e s , D E 19958 • ( 3 02) 645- 6 6 6 4 • L e e A n n Gr o u p . c o m

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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 9 7

Thank you for voting us Best Rehoboth Real Estate Group for Best Of DC! More importantly, we appreciate your trust! we sold more than a house a day. we’d love to make one of them YOUR new beach house!

1 6 6 9 8 K i n g s H i g h w a y St e . A , L e we s , D E 1 9 9 5 8 • (3 0 2 ) 6 4 5 - 6 6 6 4 • L e e A n n G rou p .c om

9 8 • O CTO B E R 1 9 , 2018

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

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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 9 9

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

1 0 0 • O CTO B E R 1 9, 2018

P H O T O S BY MI CH A E L KE Y

The LGBTQ youth support organization Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders (SMYAL) held its annual Fall Brunch at the Marriott Marquis on Sunday.

NBC4’s Wendy Rieger served as the emcee. (Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 1 0 1

LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL IN REHOBOTH?

CALL ME TODAY! HUGH FULLER CALL OR TEXT 302-745-1866

hugh.fuller@exprealty.com

www.ur4evrhome.com

State broker of record located at 144 Kings Hwy. Suite 301, Dover, DE 19901 Office phone 302.450.1007

Linda St. John, Photo Booth Portrait, 1992, crapas on paper. Courtesy of the artist.

OCT. 6, 2018 - SEPT. 1, 2019

ADVERTISING ISSUE DATE: 171208

NS GN EVISIONS /LOGO REVISIONS SIONS

SALES REPRESENTATIVE:

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

PROOF

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.

W W W. AVA M .O R G

1 0 2 • O CTO B E R 1 9, 2018

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

We believe that to create an exceptional community of culture it takes all kinds.

The Ingleside communities are proud. We are proud to be advocates for an entire new generation of diversity. We are proud of our great history and heritage of serving Washington DC area seniors for generations. We are proud of our legacy of promoting a culture of inclusion that provides extraordinary service and exceptional care.

We’re Ingleside proud! Visit us today and discover what Engaged Living can mean to you.

An Ingleside Community

An Ingleside Community

For more information call 202-470-3413

For more information call 240-380-2678

3050 Military Road NW • Washington, DC www.ircdc.org

701 King Farm Blvd. • Rockville, MD www.inglesidekingfarm.org

Ingleside at Rock Creek and Ingleside at King Farm are CARF accredited, not-for-profit, Life Plan communities.

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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 1 0 3

SMYAL is grateful for the outpouring of support that we received from the community at our largest Fall Brunch in history on Sunday, October 14th. Your support ensures that SMYAL can continue to provide life-saving programs and services to LGBTQ youth in this region.

If you weren’t able to make it to the Brunch, please consider making a donation today at smyal.org/donate.

THANK YOU SPONSORS

THANK YOU TABLE ADMIRALS Doug Armstrong & Steve Dobberowsky, Tony Anderson & Kevin Lorei, Susan & Dixon Butler, Rob Cogorno & Jeff Nelson, Joaquin “Jocko” Fajardo, Scott Frost, Jessica M. Lee & Deb Fenstermaker, Rebecca Miller, Edward Palmieri & Christopher Schriver,PROOF Todd Peterson & Noel Honore, Sultan Shakir & Mark #1 ISSUE DATE: 28 OCT 2016 Dann, Ari Shapiro & Michael Gottlieb, K. Dane Snowden & Spencer Hurd, and Neil Starkey

REVIEW AD FOR COPY AND DESIGN ACCU Proof will be considered final and will be submi

of proof. Revisions will not be accepted after 1 llc (dba the washington blade) is not responsi THANK YOU TABLE CAPTAINS REVISIONS for any legal liability arising out of or relating t REDESIGN the advertisement. Advertiser represents that TEXT REVISIONS parties, including, but not limited to, such vi Andrew Barnett, Adrien Barrios, Joshua Bielec, Lamar Braithwaite & Dale Curtis, Capital Pride Alliance, Ben Carver, Susan Corcoran & Milla Sanes, Gary Duke &secret, Mikemusic, image, or ot trademark, trade IMAGE/LOGO REVISIONS defamation, invasion of privacy or rights of cele Fila, Eric Fanning & Ben Masri-Cohen, Billy Fettweis, Laura Fraher & Dre Khoury, Rich Gottwald & Jim Harden, Michael Handberg, Christopher Harrington & Jason of any person or entity.

Advertiser agrees to i NO REVISIONS to hold brown naff pitts omnimedia llc (dba t

Acton, Heather Kaye, Charles Keller & Michael Schoettle, Lisa Manley & Christina, Mitchell, Brian McAlpin, Evan and David Lambert-McMichael, Alejandra Martin/ claims, or causes of action, including reasona omnimedia llc, arising out of or related to adv The Misfits, Maura Mitchell, Jordan Nye, Obama LGBTQ 44 Alumni, Daniel Penchina & Don Hoppert, David Ridings, Liz Rose & Richard Jerome, Chelsea Ruediger, SMYAL Allies, Mark Strohbehn, Roger Sucharski & Cuong Ho, Devon Trotter, Dustin Vick, Karen Volker, Steve Walker & Danny Martinelli, Chris Wood, Mark Wilkinson, & Matt Wenger, Hudson Young/HRC Steering Committee

THANK YOU BRUNCH COMMITTEE MEMBERS Co-Chairs: Gary Duke & Rebecca Miller Adrien Barrios, Lamar Braithwaite, Danielle Evennou, Joaquin “Jocko” Fajardo, Sylvea Hollis, Richard Hudock, Ian Kroll, Maura Mitchell, Chelsea Ruediger, Matt Sipala, Devon Trotter

If you weren’t able to make it to the Brunch, you can still make a difference in the lives of LGBTQ youth. Please make a donation today at smyal.org/donate.

1 0 4 • O CTO B E R 1 9, 2018

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

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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 1 0 5

THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ELECTION OF OUR LIFETIME. DON’T STAY SILENT, DON’T STAY HOME.

VOTE Join the over 10 million LGBTQ Voters and 52 million Equality Voters and make a plan to #TurnOUT and vote at HRC.org/Vote or text VOTE18 to 30644.

Attorneys that are OUTthinking |OUTspoken |OUTdoing ackermanbrown.com

1 0 6 • O CTO B E R 1 9, 2017

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

REALESTATE

Shift in the D.C. market?

Area buyers starting to slow down to evaluate current inventory

By DAVID TREANOR

As a licensed Realtor in D.C., Maryland and Virginia, clients often ask me if there is a shift coming to the real estate market here. Are values going to keep rising, or have they started to fall in some spots? Is it more of a buyers’ market, or is the advantage still with sellers? These are tricky questions to answer, as there are many contributing factors—inventory levels, interest rates, micro-trends in specific locations, and seasonal trends. In addition, it depends on how sellers price their homes too: depending on the price they choose to list at, they may experience what feels like a sellers’ market—or a buyers’ market—no matter what the market is doing around them!

In large part, the capital area has experienced a sellers’ real estate market, with ever-increasing home values, for the past 20 years or more—and I don’t foresee any major changes in the near future. Buyers have experienced a difficult, competitive market for years now, mostly due to low inventory and interest rates that stayed at rock bottom. This has meant that buyers often have to remove contingencies and

The D.C. market is stable, though subtle changes can be seen.

PHOTO BY SEANPAVONEPHOTO; COURTESY OF BIGSTOCK

pay far more than the original list price in order to prevail.

With the fall real estate market in full swing, we are starting to see a little shift in the market. Buyers are starting to slow down to evaluate current inventory and don’t seem to be as willing to enter into competitive situations. Plus, interest rates are on the rise, so buyers don’t have the same purchasing power they had this time last year. Because of this, we are starting to see listings stay on the market for a little longer than they have in the past.

But these changes are ever so slight— the median Days on Market for D.C. calculation is exactly the same as last year: 15 days, while the average is 37, up 2.8%

A Walk in the Woods: Living next to Rock Creek Park can be lovely...until you meet the creatures of the night.

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

from last year. Prices are still higher in the city: the median is up almost 5% at $525,000, while the average is up 3% to $625,000 from this time last year. And to help understand the difference, “median” usually tells the better story since it indicates what a majority of mid-range houses are selling for, whereas the “average” price can be skewed by extraordinary prices earned by only the highest (or lowest) priced homes in the city.

Because of this possible shift, and the greater shift that is expected once interest rates rise more, it is more important now than ever to hire a highly skilled listing agent if you are looking to buy or sell a home. Every person and every property has their own unique story, and a savvy

agent will create and execute a solid strategy for success. This includes looking at local neighborhood trends, comparable properties, and truly understanding a client’s needs. For buyers, it means knowing the available lending programs inside and out. For sellers, it means providing insight to some updates and repairs that will help your home stick out from the rest for the lowest investment possible.

For example, I recently helped my client sell a property in Bloomingdale where we worked together to make updates and design decisions that would appeal to the largest pool of buyers. These minor updates lead to the property selling for $35,000 over asking price, and going under contract in one week! Even with the slower buyer market, our listing strategy proved beneficial and the results exceeded my client’s expectations.

In changing times, and for the largest investment you can possible make or sell, don’t just work with anyone. Ensure you are working with an agent with the knowledge and skill to navigate you through a changing real estate market, no matter how that market changes.

DAVID TREANOR is a licensed Realtor with the Bediz Group of Keller Williams Capital Properties—a finalist for Best Real Estate Group this year and the winner in 2017 and 2015. He is licensed in D.C., Maryland and Virginia and can be reached at 202-256-0380 or DavidT@bediz.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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 1 0 7

HALLOWEEN COSTUMES - VINTAGE CLOTHING JEWELRY & COLLECTIBLES VINTAGE # 5, 1782 Columbia Road, (in the back), (202) 423-7626.

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.

EMPLOYMENT

DEADLINES

All Classified Ads - Including Regular & Adult Must Be Received

By Mondays at 5PM washingtonblade.com

MASSAGE Rosslyn / DC - CMT available for massage in Arlington, SundayTuesday or DC ThursdaySaturday. Call or text, Gary 301-704-1158. mymassagebygary.com.

BULLETIN BOARD VOCAL COACHING / KEYBOARDS / Piano & Music Production Singing/Vocal Coaching, Keyboards/Piano and Music Production-all styles Pop, R&B, Jazz, Gospel, Country, Classical etc. Call 202-486-3741 or email dwight@ dwightmcnair.com.

WHOLISTIC SERVICES, INC. seeking Full Time Direct Support Professionals to assist intellectually disabled adults with behavioral health complexities 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 202-832-8787.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Results-Oriented • Affordable

Larry Cohen, LICSW

30 years serving the LGBT community

202-244-0903 socialanxietyhelp.com

See website for NPR story on my work

SIMPLE AFFORDABLE PROVEN RESULTS

CALL TODAY TOPLACE YOUR AD

202.747.2077

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

703-593-3204

WWW.DAVELLOYD.NET ENTHUSIASTICALLY SERVING DC & VIRGINIA

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

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.

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.

PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIEDS ONLINE

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

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

SP-Law. com.

LIMOUSINES KASPER’S LIVERY SERVICE Since 1987.

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 & more! Check out my 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.

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.

1 0 8 • O CTO B E R 1 9, 2018

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

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

TELL ‘EM YOU SAW THEIR AD IN THE Blade classifieds!

Playmates and soul mates...

PLUMBERS DIAL A PLUMBER, LLC - FULL SERVICE PLUMBER JUST SAY: I NEED A PLUMBER! Bathroom Sinks, Tubs, Vanities, Kitchen Sinks, Disposals, Boilers & Furnaces, Hot Water Heaters, Drain Service!

202-251-1479. Licensed, Bonded & Insured.

DC Plumbers License #707. Visa, MasterCard, American Express accepted.

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

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

MAN TO MAN FANTASY Massage By Lee. Smooth, Hot Body, Fit 5’9”, 145 Lbs, 29” W., 24/7, In/ Out. In town Oct 19, 20 & 21 for appointments. 412-628-1269.

Washington:

202-448-0824

18+ MegaMates.com

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

Offered at $995,000

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 1 0 9

Lots 5 & 6 James A Street Rehoboth Beach, Delaware Oversized Silver Lake Shore lot with great developmental potential land and Silver Lake views!

Build your own family compound with pool on over 15,450 sf. ft. Located just outside the City of Rehoboth Beach limits, you will have with more flexibility with home square footage, pool installation, etc. where only Sussex County restrictions apply. Close to all Rehoboth has to offer and within walking distance to the beach, boardwalk, downtown shopping, nightlife, and restaurants.

Offered at $425,000

58 Maryland Avenue – Unit #5 Rehoboth Beach, Delaware Less than 2 blocks to the sun, sand, and surf, this private penthouse unit is the ideal home away from home. This fully furnished two bedroom, one bath condo is ideally located in the heart of Rehoboth Beach and a short walk to the boardwalk, restaurants, and night life. Renovated kitchen with granite counters, glass tile backsplash, and stainless steel appliances. Comfortable living room with gleaming hardwood floors. Plenty of light… condo has 4 skylights! Enjoy relaxing on the private balcony after spending a day at the beach. This TURNKEY retreat is ready to enjoy as a second home and/or INVESTMENT property. Assigned private off-street parking and low condo fees which includes water and sewer.

Offered at $1,549,000

80 Sussex Street Rehoboth Beach, Delaware Located in the heart of downtown Rehoboth Beach and 3.5 blocks to the sand and surf, this beautiful 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home features an open floor plan with high ceilings, large kitchen with granite counters and stainless steel appliances, and living room with coffered ceilings and wood burning fireplace. Spacious front screened-in porched. First floor Owner’s suite with tile shower. Second floor features Owner’s suite with private balcony, two additional bedrooms, and hallway bathroom. Fully furnished, this beach retreat is ready to enjoy as a second home and/or investment property.

1 1 0 • O CTO B E R 1 9, 2018

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

The Trippe Gallery

Village Window by Meg Walsh

Photographs

Paintings

Sculpture

23 N Harrison St. Easton

410-310-8727 thetrippegallery.com

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

O CT O BE R 1 9 , 2 0 1 8 • 1 1 1

6 uniquely furnished guest rooms w/ baths Includes 3-course gourmet breakfast with your choice of entrée.

Gay-owned and operated, welcoming the LGBTQ Community, Friends, and Family.

Dog-friendly with on-site dog sitting available Special Event Space Available

...more than just a place to sleep Located in Easton’s downtown historic district, visit local boutiques and restaurants, and celebrate the arts at our galleries, museums, theatre, and year-round festivals.

For information or reservations: 410-822-0605 info@hummingbirdinneaston.com www.HummingbirdInnEaston.com

14 N. Aurora St., Easton, MD 21601

Come be our guest!

Start your day right with Hampton's free hot breakfast Buffet.

After a wonderful day exploring the beautiful town of Easton, refresh in the indoor pool, rejuvenate in the fitness center, or retire to a cozy guest room.

Kick back and relax!

Just blocks from beautiful, historic downtown Easton

8058 Ocean Gtwy, Easton, MD, 21601 410-822-2200 | 1-800-Hampton www.Hamptoninn.com

PREPARE TO BE

Academy Art Museum

Academy ArtSHOW Museum CRAFT

CRAFT SHOW Saturday, October 20, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Sunday, October 21, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Saturday, October 20, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Preview Sunday, October 21,Event 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Friday, October 19, 6:30–8 p.m.

For more information about The Show, The Lecture, The Preview Event and the new Dazzled Online visit Preview Event

academycraftshow.com Friday, October 19, 6:30–8 p.m.

For more information about The Show, The Lecture, The Preview Event and the new Dazzled Online visit

academycraftshow.com