Washingtonblade.com, Volume 51, Issue 7, February 14, 2020

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VOLUME 51 ISSUE 07 ADDRESS PO Box 53352 Washington DC 20009 PHONE 202-747-2077 E-MAIL news@washblade.com INTERNET washingtonblade.com PUBLISHED BY Brown Naff Pitts Omnimedia, Inc. PUBLISHER LYNNE J. BROWN lbrown@washblade.com ext. 8075 EDITORIAL EDITOR KEVIN NAFF knaff@washblade.com ext. 8088 FEATURES EDITOR JOEY DIGUGLIELMO joeyd@washblade.com ext. 8081 SR. NEWS REPORTER LOU CHIBBARO JR. lchibbaro@washblade.com ext. 8079 NEWS REPORTER CHRIS JOHNSON cjohnson@washblade.com ext. 8083 REPORTER & INTERNATIONAL NEWS EDITOR MICHAEL K. LAVERS mlavers@washblade.com POP CULTURE REPORTER MARIAH COOPER PHOTO EDITOR MICHAEL KEY mkey@washblade.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS PETER ROSENSTEIN, MARK LEE, LATEEFAH WILLIAMS, KATE CLINTON, KATHI WOLFE, RICHARD J. ROSENDALL, ERNESTO VALLE, NICOLÁS LEVY, FELIPE ALFACE, YARIEL VALDÉS, LYNARE ROBBINS, RACHAEL ESPINET, KATLEGO K. KOL-KES, VICTOR MAUNG NEWS INTERN JAMES WELLEMEYER 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 ext. 8075. Distributed by MediaPoint, LLC

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Lesbian files bias complaint against D.C. Burger King

LGBT groups ask D.C. Council for millions

Claims manager harassed her, leading to suicide attempt

United behind $17.6 million request for 2021 fiscal year

By MICHAEL K. LAVERS

By JOEY DiGUGLIELMO

A lesbian who works at a D.C. Burger King says her manager harassed her because of her sexual orientation.

Ingrid, who asked the Washington Blade not to publish her last name, filed a complaint with the D.C. Office of Human Rights on Dec. 23.

The complaint notes Ingrid, 19, began to work at the Burger King on Connecticut Avenue near the University of the District of Columbia on Aug. 24, 2019. Ingrid in her complaint states her manager “found out about my sexual orientation in September of 2019” and “began to harass me by making INGRID, a 19-year-old lesbian from D.C., has inappropriate comments about my protected filed an anti-gay discrimination complaint against the Burger King where she works. class.”

Blade photo by Michael K. Lavers “I work as a cashier and every time a female customer approached me to place an order, she would come from behind and whisper to my ear, ‘Do you like that woman?’” wrote Ingrid.

Ingrid said her manager “did this” to her more than half a dozen times from late September until early last month.

“On several occasions, I told her to stop bothering me, but she ignored my requests,” wrote Ingrid in her complaint.

Ingrid says her manager on Nov. 11, 2019, “approached me and stated, in front of other coworkers” if she was “falling in love with” a female colleague.

“She made me feel like just because I’m a lesbian I cannot talk to other girls,” Ingrid told the Washington Blade on Monday during an interview in Adams Morgan.

Ingrid in her complaint notes she “filed a written and verbal complaint of discrimination” with the store manager and the district manager. Ingrid notes “no action was taken against” her manager and “the harassment continued.”

Ingrid in her complaint wrote her manager two days later “asked me, in front of other employees, ‘Who is the ‘man’ in your relationship with your girlfriend?’” Ingrid told the Blade her manager made the comment in front of a group of male construction workers.

“I felt so ashamed because they started to laugh and I didn’t feel comfortable,” said Ingrid, who added she did not feel safe. “I told her that I didn’t feel comfortable and she didn’t say anything.”

Ingrid in her complaint wrote the harassment continued, even though she “reported this incident” to the store manager.

“My manager continued to make comments whenever a female customer approached me at the counter,” wrote Ingrid.

Ingrid wrote her manager on Dec. 3 “yelled at me in front of other employees” after she incorrectly placed a customer’s order. Ingrid said she filed another complaint with the district manager on Dec. 6, but “no action was taken.”

The complaint notes one of Ingrid’s coworkers on Dec. 7 “informed me that everybody knew about my complaint” because her manager “told them.” Ingrid wrote her manager on Dec. 8 “yelled at me, in front of other employees.”

“If money is missing from the cash register, you would have to pay for that,” said her manager, according to Ingrid. “You are not special.”

Ingrid said she reported the incident to her manager’s supervisor, “but no corrective action was taken.”

Activists have asked Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser and the D.C. City Council to consider allocating $17.6 million to LGBT-serving community organizations in the District’s 2021 budget, a more than 80 percent increase over what they unsuccessfully requested last year — $3.5 million — for the current 2020 fiscal year.

“These requests reflect and outline some of the unmet needs of the LGBTQ community,” SMYAL, one of the groups involved in crafting the request, said in a statement. “From hate crime reporting to housing for LGBTQ seniors to supporting the social needs of the community, the requests below have the support from a coalition dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of the LGBTQ community.”

Eight groups united to submit the request — the ANC Rainbow Caucus, Capital Pride Alliance, The D.C. Center, GLAA, SMYAL, the Wanda Alston Foundation, Whitman-Walker Health and the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington.

It didn’t spring up out of the blue — leaders met with Bowser (an LGBT ally) and D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson (D-at large) last Oct. 11 at the Wilson Building to discuss concerns. The current District budget is $15.5 billion. About 702,000 people live in Washington.

There appeared to be a communication lapse last year that led to the unsuccessful proposal, which activists requested for the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs for a competitive grants program. The request called for the grants to help support LGBT organizations that provide services for LGBT youth, LGBT seniors and trans residents who are often in need of such services, including housing and employment.

The Council did not approve the requested funds and Mendelson and other Council members said last March that they were unaware of the request. Organizers of the funding request dispute that claim, saying they sent letters to Council members asking for funds.

Last July, Bowser said the 2019 request for the current fiscal year was appropriate.

The current proposal for next year outlines 13 areas in which activists say funding is needed — bias and hate crimes, Capital Trans Pride, Capital Pride, LGBT grant programs/training, the D.C. Center, transitional housing for LGBT youth, LGBT senior housing vouchers and more.

Sultan Shakir, SMYAL executive director, said the groups are making a more disciplined effort this year to get the requests considered.

“We know we have supporters in both the mayor’s office and on the Council, but even with that, we need the community to be vocal,” he said. “One big takeaway from last year was that we need everybody who supports LGBT issues to make that support known as they consider our issues in the budget.”

So why such a spike in the requested figure when the lower figure last year was unsuccessful?

Shakir said the higher amount is needed if Washington is to be a truly great place for LGBT residents. He also said it’s in line with what other major metro areas offer their LGBT residents.

Funding for local LGBT agencies has undulated over the years in Washington.

When earmarks were eliminated in 2010, groups such as Transgender Health Empowerment lost funding. There are also no current openly LGBTQ D.C. Council members.

CONTINUES AT WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

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Blade Foundation Va. House passes awards two non-discrimination bill journalism fellowships A top legislative priority for Democrats Students to spend 12 weeks learning The Blade Foundation, a non-profit that works to educate the next generation of LGBTQ journalists and to fund enterprise projects into queer topics, announced this week it has awarded two $2,000 fellowships to aspiring journalists.

The first is a reporting fellowship focused on topics of interest to the D.C. LGBTQ community funded by a grant from the DC Front Runners Pride Run Foundation, which presented the Foundation with a $2,000 donation at last June’s Pride Run 5K. The fellowship goes to Michelle Siegel, who is studying multi-platform investigative STEVE ELKINS (left) shown here with his journalism at the University of Maryland’s husband MURRAY ARCHIBALD. Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key Philip Merrill College of Journalism.

“I moved to the Washington, D.C. area last year in hope of finding the support system of resources, mentors and fellow LGBTQ journalists that I never had out in rural Michigan, so receiving a Blade Foundation Reporting Fellowship is, quite literally, my dream come true,” Siegel said. “I am grateful to the Blade Foundation and the DC Front Runners for making this opportunity available to me, and I am excited to become a better reporter through working with the Blade.”

“We are thrilled to support the Blade Reporting Fellowship through proceeds from the DC Front Runners Pride Run Foundation. We offer our warmest congratulations to Michelle upon her selection and wish her well as she pursues her journalism studies with this valuable hands-on experience at the Blade Foundation,” said Pride Run Foundation Directors Rob Geremia and Ivan Cheung.

Siegel will start her fellowship in March and work for 12 weeks mentored by Blade staff.

The second fellowship is the Blade Foundation Steve Elkins Memorial Journalism Fellowship, named in honor of Elkins, a journalist and co-founder of the CAMP Rehoboth LGBT community center, who passed away in March 2018. Elkins served as editor of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth in Delaware for many years as well as executive director of the center.

The fellow covers issues of interest to the LGBTQ community of Delaware for 12 weeks during the summer months. Topics include coverage of legislative and political issues out of Dover; LGBTQ business issues in Wilmington; the summer beach season in Rehoboth and more. Stories are published in the Washington Blade online and print editions. The fellowship is funded by Rehoboth community donations at an annual summer kickoff event in May. This year’s event is slated for May 15. Details to come soon.

The Elkins Memorial fellowship goes to Joshua Keller, a student at Washington University in St. Louis and native of Northern Virginia. His fellowship will commence in late May. “I feel so honored to receive the Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship,” Keller said. “I look forward to working with the Blade and Delaware’s LGBTQ community.”

“I can only imagine how excited Steve would be to know the Fellowship named in his honor will continue to support young journalists,” said Murray Archibald, Elkins’s husband and cofounder of CAMP Rehoboth. “I look forward to congratulating Joshua in person, and sharing with him a little of Steve’s passion for his life’s work.”

Kevin Naff, executive director of the Blade Foundation, congratulated the students and thanked donors.

“First, congratulations to Michelle and Joshua, we look forward to seeing what they can do this spring in highlighting the stories of our community,” Naff said. “And thank you to everyone at Front Runners for donating to the Blade Foundation and thanks to the generous LGBTQ community in Rehoboth Beach for opening their wallets to fund this important work.”

To donate to the Blade Foundation, please visit bladefoundation.org.

By MICHAEL K. LAVERS

A bill that would add sexual orientation and gender identity to Virginia’s nondiscrimination law passed in the Virginia House of Delegates on Feb. 6.

State Del. Mark Sickles (D-Fairfax County), the openly gay man who introduced the Virginia Values Act in the House, before the vote insisted the bill does not “interfere with anybody’s religious freedom.”

“What it does is punish discrimination,” he said.

The Virginia Values Act was a top legislative priority for Democrats who regained control of the General Assembly last November.

House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn Virginia House of Delegates Speaker EILEEN FILLER-CORN (D-Fairfax County) (D-Fairfax County) is among those who speaks at an Equality Virginia reception in spoke at an Equality Virginia reception Richmond, Va., on Feb. 4.

Washington Blade photo by Michael Key that took place at the Library of Virginia last week. The Virginia Senate on Thursday approved its version of the Virginia Values Act that state Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria) introduced.

“Discrimination against our gay, lesbian and transgender friends, family, neighbors and co-workers in employment, housing and public accommodation has always been abhorrent and unacceptable,” said Filler-Corn in a statement after the vote.

“Today, we have laid a marker down that every Virginian can work hard, earn a living wage, and live their lives without fear of discrimination based on who they are or who they love,” she added. “The sun shines brighter on the Commonwealth of Virginia with the House’s passage of this landmark legislation.”

Gov. Ralph Northam has said he will sign the Virginia Values Act into law once the House and Senate reconcile their versions of the bill. Advocates noted Virginia will become the first state in the South to include sexual orientation and gender identity in its statewide nondiscrimination laws.

“Virginia is home to over 250,000 LGBTQ adults and this legislation will have a profound impact on these individuals, their families, and their communities,” said Equality Virginia Executive Director Vee Lamneck in a statement. “Our organization has been advocating for bills that would protect LGBTQ people for years. We’re very proud that this legislation also includes protections for people who live at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities, including people of color, women, veterans, and people with disabilities.”

“Every Virginian deserves to live and work without the fear of harassment, discrimination, or violence,” added James Parrish, director of the Virginia Values Coalition, a group that supported the Virginia Values Act. “We couldn’t have come this far without the support of our lawmakers, faith leaders, allies, parents, law enforcement officers, veterans and people of all political ideologies committed to protecting LGBTQ Virginians.”

The Human Rights Campaign and the National Center for Transgender Equality are among the organizations that were part of the Virginia Values Coalition.

“Today, history was made in Virginia, and LGBTQ Virginians are one step closer to being protected from discrimination simply because of who they are or whom they love,” said HRC President Alphonso David.

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Gov. Polis hopes 2020 Iowa caucuses ‘will be the last’ Vows to veto any anti-LGBTQ legislation

By CHRIS JOHNSON

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, in a wideranging interview with the Blade, said he hopes we’ve seen the last of the Iowa caucuses.

In the aftermath of the Iowa caucuses debacle in which both Pete Buttigieg and Bernie Sanders claimed victory and uncertainty lingers, Polis said he’s hoping a different system will come in 2024.

“I’m hopeful that this will be the last Iowa caucus,” Polis said, “and that states will move toward primaries that are much more fair and encouraging participation for people who work in the unions, who have disabilities, who can’t get out or don’t have transportation. So it’s a much more fair way of making sure that everybody’s voice is counted.”

Polis pointed to his own state of Colorado, which is set to hold a presidential primary on Super Tuesday for the first time after moving away from the caucus system. Colorado’s decision to move away from a caucus system, Polis predicted, will “accelerate that trend.”

On Sunday, the Iowa Democratic Party reported Buttigieg had marginally edged out Sanders in winning a plurality of delegates in the quadrennial caucus, although Sanders secured about 6,000 more votes. Irregularities in the caucus system, as reported by the New York Times, included misreported results and a phone app that failed to record votes for absentee caucusgoers, contributed to the uncertainty.

Asked if Iowa needs to face any sort of consequences, Polis replied, “I just hope they move to a primary like Colorado has, like many other states have — Kansas, a number of others.”

Iowa Democratic Party Chair Troy Price said in a news conference over the weekend “by most accounts” state organizers ran successful caucuses, but the Democratic Party Operations Committee is conducting an independent review on the caucus system going forward.

“This review will take however long is needed, and its report will be delivered directly to the state central committee,” Price said.

Polis, speaking to the Washington Blade at the annual meeting of the National Governors Association in D.C., said he wasn’t ready to announce support yet for a presidential candidate, but hinted that candidates who have sought to woo

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis indicated he’d veto anti-trans legislation that reaches his desk.

Blade photo by Michael Key

Colorado voters will likely be at the top of the list.

“Like a lot of Democrats I’m concerned with who will defeat President Trump,” Polis said. “I’m also excited by the different visions the candidates have offered, and particularly thrilled with the candidates who have spent time in Colorado in the last few weeks. Pete Buttigieg and Mike Bloomberg have spent time in Colorado, listening to Coloradans and campaigning.”

Although Super Tuesday is set for Mar. 5, Polis said he doesn’t have any plans “one way or the other” to endorse a candidate before the day of the contests.

Polis spoke to the Blade more than a full year after he had become the first openly gay person elected as governor in the United States, then the first openly gay person inaugurated as governor.

Asked if he had any advice as an openly gay candidate who has won at the state and district level for Buttigieg as he pursues wins in presidential primary contests, Polis said staying on message is key.

“His historic victory in Iowa — very exciting that he was able to to win the Iowa caucus,” Polis said. “I think he’s now being challenged in New Hampshire and coming up in the Super Tuesday states. You just stay on message and stay positive, and I think people want that compelling vision of what it looks like for us to be united rather than to

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engage in divisive and hateful rhetoric like the current occupant of the White House.”

Reflecting on his first year in office, Polis ticked off several of his accomplishments since becoming governor, including the expansion of kindergarten and access to health insurance.

“You can make such a great positive impact at the state level,” Polis said. “We were able to get full day kindergarten done and available for every kid in our state … We were able to pass landmark new legislation to save people money on health care, including a reinsurance program that reduces rates in the individual market by 20 percent on average across our state. So just the impact of the speed of that impact is much greater than it is in Washington.”

Among those accomplishments was signing into law a measure prohibiting widely discredited “ex-gay” conversion therapy for youth. Asked if that was personally significant for him as a gay man, Polis said it was “even more significant for some of the survivors of conversion therapy that joined us at the signing ceremony.”

“For them, this was a really important personal vindication, really knowing that they could pay it forward and prevent others from having to go through the kind of torture that they had to [go through],” Polis said.

“Fortunately, I had a supportive environment, as had many of my friends, but we know

that there are too many gay and lesbian Americans across the country that still have parents who don’t accept them for who they are.”

Asked if anything had come up in the past year as the first governor with a same-sex spouse, Marlon Reis, that would have been different if he had a spouse of a different gender, Polis denied that was the case.

“The job of a first woman or first man is a difficult one for anybody. And Marlon is doing a great job and really has very little to do with the fact that he’s the same gender as me,” Polis said. “It’s the same job as if he was a different gender.”

Last week, Polis proposed in his annual State of the State address before the state legislature setting up a public option in the health insurance exchanges. Asked if that means he’d prefer a candidate that proposes greater options in health care, such as Buttigieg, as opposed to candidates who want an entirely government-run system, like Sanders, Polis denied that was the case.

“I have a high degree of confidence that any democratic president of anybody who’s running would grant a waiver for a statebased public option,” Polis said. “Whatever else you might be pursuing through Congress, I think they would support that level of innovation for the state.”

Some of the presidential candidates are also running on the concept of a Green New Deal, which as introduced in Congress calls for 100 percent zero-emission energy sources in the United States within 10 years.

Polis ran and was elected on a plan to make his state carbon-emission free by the more modest goal of 2040.

Asked whether running on the Green New Deal was a good idea, Polis focused on his goal for Colorado and achievements that have already been made along the way.

“From the Colorado perspective, we’re focused on achieving 100 percent renewable energy by 2040 or sooner and working with our utilities including Xcel and Tri-State to get there,” Polis said. “We would welcome federal assistance in achieving that goal. We also want to empower our local communities to achieve that goal ahead of the state. We have two communities in Colorado — Glenwood Springs and Aspen — that already have 100 percent renewable energy today.”

Colorado is one of many states where legislation is pending in the legislature that would criminalize providing transitionrelated care, including puberty blockers, surgeries and hormones, to transgender youth. A version of that legislation was killed this week in South Dakota.

It’s extremely unlikely the measure would reach Polis given Colorado’s legislature is controlled by Democrats, but Polis made a general comment about rejecting anti-LGBTQ legislation when asked about the bill.

“If any anti-LGBT legislation reaches my desk, I’d veto it,” Polis said.

Trump seeks increased HIV funds but cuts global programs 2021 budget proposal a ‘mixed bag’ on AIDS

By CHRIS JOHNSON cjohnson@washblade.com

With a declared goal of beating HIV/AIDS in the United States by 2030, President Trump this week in his $4.8 trillion budget request for fiscal year 2021 proposed major increases in HIV/AIDS funds, but global programs and social services used by low-income people with the disease face steep cuts.

At first glance, the proposed request Trump unveiled Monday is a major victory for advocates hoping he’d make good on his stated vision to beat HIV/AIDS by 2030, which he renewed in his State of the Union address last week.

But despite $716 million proposed to beat HIV in a PrEP-centric “Ending the HIV Epidemic” initiative, the budget seeks to cut Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS, or HOPWA, by $80 million, halve funding for PEPFAR and reduce the U.S. commitment to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculous & Malaria.

The budget seeks $716 million in discretionary investments for the “Ending the HIV Epidemic” initiative, which is $425 million more than what Congress agreed to appropriate late last year in the omnibus for fiscal year 2020.

That $716 million request breaks down into smaller requests for various U.S. agencies working to fight HIV/AIDS: $371 million for the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention for transition activities from planning to implementation, scaling up jurisdictional programs to provide additional testing, linkage to treatment and prevention services, including PrEP; and augmentation of public health staff in local jurisdictions; For the Health Resources & Services Administration, $137 million for Community Health Centers for increased access to HIV prevention services, including PrEP, and $165 million for Ryan White HIV/AIDS program to treat HIV rapidly after diagnosis; $27 million for Indian Health Services to enhance support for prevention, diagnosis and links to treatment (Congress last year declined to fund this money despite Trump’s request, but gave an additional $25 to the National Institute for Health to support HIV research); $16 million for NIH Centers for AIDS Research to evaluate prevention and treatment methods.

Assistant Secretary for Health at the

Department of Health & Human Services Rear Adm. Brett Giroir presented the numbers at a meeting of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS on Monday, saying they demonstrate Trump’s commitment to ending HIV/AIDS. “I don’t run the budget, but you’re going to see cuts in many many many programs proposed by OMB,” Giroir said. “$716 million in new money is a serious investment in this program.”

Carl Schmid, executive director of the HIV & Hepatitis Policy and co-chair of PACHA, told the Washington Blade prior to the meeting on Monday the proposed increases were “really, really good.”

In a joint statement, the Partnership to End HIV, STD & Hepatitis — which comprises the AIDS United, the National Alliance of State & Territorial AIDS Directors, the National Coalition of STD Directors, the National Minority AIDS Coalition and the AIDS Institute — hailed the request for $716 million as “an important scale up of current funding.”

“Coupled with continued HIV funding across HRSA and CDC, these dollars will support the communities that remain vulnerable and disproportionately impacted by this epidemic,” the statement says.

But praise from the partnership comes with a major caveat: Criticism for not increasing funds to fight sexually transmitted diseases generally or hepatitis.

“With STD rates at an all-time high and new cases of viral hepatitis on the rise, it is paramount that we respond to this crisis with the funding necessary to mount a public health response,” the statement says.

But these gains are offset by general reductions in social services programs across the board, including many programs used by people with HIV/AIDS, such as Medicare and Medicaid. The budget would cut $451 billion from Medicare and $900 billion from Medicaid over the course of 10 years.

Additionally, the budget calls for Medicaid to become a block grant program, which would give states greater leeway, but make federal resources for the program finite.

An estimated 40 percent of people with HIV/AIDS are on Medicaid, and 25 percent are on Medicare, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) laid into Trump in a joint news conference for the proposed cuts to Medicare and Medicaid, which total $1.6 trillion.

“Two-thirds of long-term care is payed for by Medicaid,” Pelosi said. “This is a middle class benefit. Those cuts endanger the health of seniors in long-term care needs for them and their families. And these Medicaid cuts also hurt rural hospitals, people seeking opioid addiction treatment, veterans and their families, more than one million veterans are on Medicaid.”

Defending the proposed cuts was Acting Office of Management & Budget Director Russ Vought, who at a White House briefing on Monday insisted Medicare would grow by 6 percent and Medicaid would grow by 3 percent under Trump’s proposal.

“The budget does propose good government reforms to lower drug prices, to root out improper payments, and to address wasteful and inefficient spending,” Vought said. “For instance, this budget proposes to remove from Medicare certain programs, such as uncompensated care in graduate medical education that are draining the Medicare trust fund and benefit more than just seniors. These costs would still be funded outside of Medicare, but with reforms to moderate their growth.”

Moreover, while the funds for HIV/AIDS programs under the Department of Health & Human Services get a boost, a look at another HIV/AIDS-related item in the budget under the Department of Housing & Urban Development, HOPWA, faces a steep cut.

Lauren Banks Killelea, director of policy and advocacy for the National AIDS Housing Coalition, lambasted the proposed cuts to HOPWA in a statement, estimating the proposed reduction would result in nearly 9,000 families potentially losing their homes.

“Taking away healthcare options and housing options from low-income Americans will only exacerbate the HIV epidemic,” Killelea said. “The proposed increases to the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiatives pales in comparison to the drastic cuts proposed elsewhere.”

Schmid, announcing he had just learned about the proposed HOPWA cut at the

AIDS council meeting, said that part of the budget was an “important unfortunate thing” compared to the increases elsewhere and said he’d work with Congress to restore that money.

The Partnership to End, HIV, STD & Hepatitis criticized the Trump budget for its proposed cuts to health programs and HOPWA. The increased funds Trump seeks to fight HIV/AIDS on the domestic front stands in contrast to the hacksaw the request takes to global programs.

For the Bush-era President’s Emergency Plan AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR, which provides HIV treatment drugs to developing countries, primarily in Africa, Trump seeks $3.2 billion, which is $1.17 billion less than the money Congress appropriated for fiscal year 2020 funding levels. The proposed reduction is even steeper than the cut proposed by Trump in the previous budget request by $200 million.

For the Global Fund, Trump proposed to contribute $1 for every $3 donated to the partnership, which is a reduction from an earlier U.S. commitment to donate $1 for every $2.

Emily Sanderson, national organizer for the New York-based Health GAP and the Student Global AIDS Campaign, tore into Trump in a statement on the proposed cuts and called on Congress to increase funds for global programs.

“Today’s budget request is a chilling reminder that, if he had it his way, President Trump would take a hacksaw to the HIV treatment and healthcare programs that save the lives of millions of people around the world,” Sanderson said. “The president has threatened people living with HIV enough these last three years. It’s time for Congress to roundly reject Trump’s deadly vision for gutting the HIV response and instead rapidly scale up funding and provide an additional $500 million for PEPFAR this year.”

In previous years, Trump has proposed similarly draconian cuts to global programs, but Congress rejected them and reinstated the funds for both PEPFAR and the Global Fund. It’s likely Congress will take the same approach in response to Trump’s proposed cuts in the FY-21 budget.

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Sanders wins, Klobuchar surprises in N.H. Buttigieg strong second place, leads in delegates

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The big winner on Tuesday night in the New Hampshire primary was Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who pulled in a plurality of the votes in the Democratic primary, but Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) pulled off a surprising third place.

With 97 percent of precincts reporting, Sanders claimed 25.7 percent; Buttigieg was narrowly behind him with 24.4 percent of the vote, while Klobuchar won 19.8 percent.

Stephanie Taylor and Adam Green, co-founders of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, said in a joint statement Klobuchar’s third place demonstrates she has staying power as a presidential candidate.

“Amy Klobuchar had a stellar debate performance this week, she deserved a bounce this week, and she got one.

Klobuchar finished 5th in her backyard and 3rd tonight, Warren has placed 4th and 3rd, and Biden now trails both women,” Taylor and Green said. “If media now start covering the women in this race as we head toward the big trove of delegates on Super Tuesday, that would be great.”

Pete Buttigieg — who pulled off a historic first in the Iowa caucuses by being the first openly gay candidate to win the most delegates in a state presidential nominating contest — also pulled off an impressive second place in New Hampshire.

Buttigieg, who was criticized for claiming victory early after the Iowa caucuses, was cordial in his speech Tuesday night.

“I admired Sen. Sanders when I was a high school student, and I want to congratulate him on his strong showing tonight,” Buttigieg said.

Continuing his trend of uplifting speeches, Buttigieg drew on Americans of all stripes, from Dreamers, to autoworkers displaced in the new economy to a young woman in a hijab enduring taunts because of her religion.

“That better future can be ours and that better future we are creating is not just a new chapter in American history, it is a new and better story in our everyday lives,” Buttigieg said. “That’s what’s at stake.”

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders narrowly beat out Pete Buttigieg in this week’s N.H. primary.

Annise Parker, CEO of the LGBTQ Victory Fund, said Buttigieg’s second place shatters barriers for LGBTQ candidates everywhere.

“The electability assumptions of political pundits are tumbling down all around us,” Parker said.

Although Sanders got slightly more votes than Buttigieg, both candidates won an equal amount of delegates because the two obtained a similar percentage of the primary vote.

Finishing in an embarrassing fourth place was Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), who badly needed a strong showing in a state neighboring her own to continue forward. Finishing in fifth place was former Vice President Joseph Biden, although the upcoming primary in South Carolina, where he has polled strongly among black voters, will be the real test of his prospects.

Warren had 9.3 percent of the vote and Biden had 8.3 percent. Both Warren and Biden each received zero delegates in New Hampshire as a result of their standings in the primary.

Throwing in the towel in the presidential race after the New Hampshire primary was businessperson Andrew Yang and Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.).

Yang’s candidacy and his plan for a $1,000 a month “freedom dividend” made waves, but his candidacy didn’t attract as much support in Iowa or New Hampshire as other candidates. The candidate didn’t crack three percent in the New Hampshire primary.

N.H.’s gay congressman defends primary Calls Buttigieg’s candidacy ‘refreshing’

By MICHAEL K. LAVERS New Hampshire Congressman Chris Pappas on Tuesday defended his state’s firstin-the-nation presidential primary.

“It’s certainly a tradition, and New Hampshire is one of the first states to open up its process and say the party bosses shouldn’t be selecting our presidential candidates, the people should have a direct say in who the party nominees are,” Pappas told the Blade during a telephone interview. “That’s something we can all celebrate.”

Pappas noted the parties have chosen New Hampshire and three other states — Iowa, Nevada and South Carolina — to go first in the nomination process because they “represent the diversity of this nation.”

“It’s important that there are states with a smaller scale that go early in the nominating contest to make sure that candidates can hear directly from the people and that there are authentic conversations that happen,” he told the Blade.

Pappas also noted New Hampshire’s role in educating candidates on issues, such as the opioid and addiction crisis that came to the forefront ahead of the state’s 2016 primary.

“Candidates came into our living rooms and heard some really heartbreaking stories in New Hampshire,” he said. “There is value to the process that New Hampshire is a part of. I really hope the rest of the states following will continue to have these types of conversations and will be a part of the process too.”

Pappas, 39, has represented New Hampshire’s 1st congressional district, which includes Manchester, the state’s largest city, since 2019.

Pappas’ family owns the Puritan Backroom restaurant in Manchester. Pappas is one of nine openly LGBTQ members of Congress.

Pappas on Monday voted absentee ballot at Manchester City Hall before he returned to D.C. Pappas did not tell the Blade for which candidate he voted.

“It’s a secret ballot,” he said. “I didn’t make an endorsement because I want the voters of my state to be out in front of the process.”

“This is a process,” added Pappas. “New Hampshire is blessed to go at the beginning and I’m really looking forward to what the results are tonight. For me this is about making sure there’s a fair and open process and I think

U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas (D-N.H.) Photo courtesy of Pappas for Congress

as an elected official, I’m really just content today to let the voters decide this one.”

Pappas did, however, say Pete Buttigieg’s “candidacy has been on the minds of a lot of voters.”

“It’s refreshing to see an out candidate for the highest office in the land,” said Pappas.

New Hampshire in recent years has added gender identity to its state nondiscrimination law and banned so-called conversion therapy for minors. State Reps. Gerri Cannon (D-Somersworth) and Lisa Bunker (D-Exeter), who are both openly transgender, were elected to the New Hampshire House of Representatives in 2018.

Pappas noted New Hampshire’s recent LGBTQ rights advances. He also told the Blade “it looks like all these candidates on the Democratic side are in the right place on that.”

The primary is taking place eight days after the Iowa caucuses that became a fiasco for Democrats.

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders is among the candidates who held large campaign events in New Hampshire on Monday. President Trump also held a rally at SNHU Arena in downtown Manchester.

“A primary is a totally different animal than a caucus,” Pappas told the Blade when asked about the Iowa caucuses. “A primary is a state-run election, so this is just like any other election you might see where voters come in and cast a ballot and those are tabulated pretty quickly after the polls close tonight.”

“It’s going to be a real orderly process,” he added.

Pappas said health care is “the top concern” he hears from New Hampshire voters. Pappas also dismissed Trump’s claims about the economy.

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Md. House holds hearing on name change bill

Biden mocks Buttigieg’s youth in new ad

Joe Biden was criticized for his attack on Buttigieg.

Trans Healthcare MD Executive Director Lee Blinder Photo courtesy of Blinder

A Maryland House of Delegates committee last week held a hearing on a bill that would waive the publication requirement for people who are undergoing a name change procedure through the courts.

State Del. Emily Shetty (D-Montgomery County) introduced House Bill 427 that was before the House Judiciary Committee.

“Publication right now may be to publish your old name and your current name in the newspaper,” Lee Blinder, executive director and founder of Trans Healthcare MD told the Blade. “And a lot of newspapers place it online forever.”

“There are a couple of groups who would be very positively impacted by the removal of this requirement,” testified Shetty, stating the requirement can have “devastating and dangerous results” for victims of domestic violence and transgender individuals seeking to change their names for reasons of safety and privacy.

C.P. Hoffman, the interim legal director for FreeState Justice, Maryland’s statewide LGBTQ advocacy group, testified “the big concern for the transgender community is that we are subjected to heightened discrimination and violence compared to the broader community and publication can make this worse in a lot of ways.”

Hoffman, who uses they pronouns, stated the current publication requirement “can make our trans status just a Google search away.”

“Persons who desire to transition, particularly at a younger age, may not be in a supportive environment and may face resistance and harassment from others who learn of their intentions,” Jeremy Browning, founder and executive board chair of Annapolis Pride, told the Blade.

Hoffman explained trans individuals escaping abusive families face a return of that abuse once their name change becomes “Google-able” and outs them as a result.

They testified at Wednesday’s hearing about a University of Maryland professor whose name change was the first result on a Google search, ahead of his list of numerous publications. The professor was thus outed as trans before anyone could read and evaluate his work.

However, previous versions of the bill, one for adults and one for minors, failed last session, and committee members still had questions for this current version.

The hearing concluded with no opposition testimony, which Hoffman said was a change from last year when creditor, newspaper and parent lobbying groups testified.

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Joseph Biden’s presidential campaign came out swinging late last week with a whopper of a TV ad taking a backhanded compliment approach to criticizing Pete Buttigieg.

The 60-second ad, which the Biden campaign unveiled in New Hampshire days before the primary on Tuesday, at first blush commends both Biden and Buttigieg for their records in public service.

But the ad goes on to say while Biden’s experience as vice president consisted of negotiating the Iran nuclear deal, Obamacare and the 2009 stimulus package, Buttigieg focused on smaller projects, such as providing decorative lighting for a park bridge in South Bend and ensuring neighborhood pets have homes.

“Both Vice President Biden and former Mayor Pete Buttigieg have taken on tough fights,” the voice-over in the ad says. “Under a threat of a nuclear Iran, Joe Biden helped to negotiate the Iran deal, and under threat of disappearing pets, Buttigieg negotiated lighter licensing regulations on pet chip scanners.”

As Buttigieg — who as an openly gay presidential candidate pulled off a historic win in Iowa — struggles to win support from black voters, the ad also highlights issues the candidate has had with black people in his city, including firing a black police chief and firing a black fire chief.

For the incident with the black police chief, the ad depicts an image of Buttigieg from a New York Times article in which Buttigieg’s youth is very apparent.

Buttigieg is 38, while Biden is 77. Chris Meagher, a spokesperson for the Buttigieg campaign, said in a statement criticizing Biden the ad represents a “classic Washington style of politics” from which Americans want to move away.

“While Washington politics trivializes what goes on in communities like South Bend, South Bend residents who now have better jobs, rising income and new life in their city don’t think their lives are a Washington politician’s punchline,” Meagher said. “Pete’s on the ground experience as mayor, turning around a Midwestern industrial city, is exactly why he is running for president. The vice president’s decision to run this ad speaks more to where he currently stands in this race than it does about Pete’s perspective as a mayor and veteran.”

Biden’s ad came after the former vice president finished in an embarrassing fourth place in the Iowa caucuses compared to Buttigieg’s win in the Hawkeye State. Biden similarly finished well behind Buttigieg and Bernie Sanders in New Hampshire this week.

Annise Parker, a former mayor of Houston and CEO of the LGBTQ Victory Fund, said in a statement the Biden ad is “petty and demeaning, especially given Biden himself said he avoided becoming a mayor because the job is so difficult.”

“As a former mayor myself, I find it insulting that he would belittle the important role mayors play in the everyday lives of their residents,” Parker said. “Few jobs are more demanding – you take on enormous responsibilities and must constantly produce, because you will be held accountable. There is no hiding or scapegoating or blaming party politics like we see so much in Washington.”

CHRIS JOHNSON

Nevada man guilty in plot to attack gay bar A Nevada man pleaded guilty Monday in Las Vegas to a series of charges, including planning to shoot customers at an LGBTQ bar, the AP reported.

Conor Climo, 24, a self-described white supremacist, pleaded guilty to planning to bomb a synagogue or AntiDefamation League office and to shoot up a gay bar and a fast-food restaurant.

He apparently shared his plans with an FBI informant during an encrypted online chat. He also shared that he is a member of the Feuerkrieg Division, an offshoot of the Atomwaffen Division neo-Nazi group.

Climo pleaded guilty to felony possession of an unregistered firearm, the AP reported. He faces two to three years in prison at his sentencing on May 14.

Atomwaffen has been linked to several killings, including the 2017 shooting deaths of two men in Tampa, the AP noted.

STAFF REPORTS

Trans Hondurans with HIV face uncertain future Poverty, lack of access to treatment leave many in despair

By MICHAEL K. LAVERS mlavers@washblade.com

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras — Roxsana Hernández was a transgender woman with HIV from Comayagua, a city that is roughly 50 miles northwest of the Honduran capital of Tegucigalpa.

Hernández on May 9, 2018, asked for asylum in the U.S. at the San Ysidro Port of Entry in San Diego after she joined a migrant caravan that left Honduras a few months earlier. Hernández died at a New Mexico hospital 16 days later while in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody.

The New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator last April announced an autopsy it performed on Hernández found she died from Castleman disease associated with AIDS. The Transgender Law Center, which represents Hernández’s family in a wrongful death lawsuit, released the findings of a second autopsy that found Hernández suffered “physical abuse.”

The second autopsy also concluded the cause of death was “most probably severe complications of dehydration superimposed upon HIV infection, with the probable presence of one or more opportunistic infections.”

Rihanna Ferrera, director of Asociación de Derechos Humanos Cozumel Trans, a trans Honduran advocacy group, on Jan. 22 told the Washington Blade during an interview in Tegucigalpa that Hernández decided to leave Honduras, in part, because she wanted access to better antiretroviral drugs.

“She left in search of a better life, a better quality of life, better medications,” said Ferrera.

Hernández’s case underscores the precarious situation in which many Hondurans with HIV face because of a combination of factors that include poverty and a lack of access to treatment. It also highlights the plight of LGBTQ Hondurans who have decided to leave their country.

A UNAIDS report notes an estimated 23,000 Hondurans were living with HIV in 2018, and 50 percent of them were receiving antiretroviral drugs. The report notes 42 percent of Hondurans with HIV had suppressed viral loads.

The report identifies trans Hondurans as one of “the key populations most

An LGBTI advocacy group in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, honors ROXSANA HERNÁNDEZ, a transgender woman with HIV who died in a New Mexico hospital on May 25, 2018, while in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody.

Blade photo by Michael K. Lavers

affected by HIV” in the country. It notes 8.2 percent of trans Hondurans lived with HIV in 2018.

The Honduran Congress in 1999 passed the Special Law on HIV/AIDS in response to the epidemic. It also created the National AIDS Commission in order to help protect the rights of Hondurans with HIV/AIDS. A Honduran government spokesperson on Tuesday provided the Blade a copy of a guide for civil servants on human rights-related issues. The document notes Honduras’ Public Policy and National Action Plan on Human Rights includes an advisory council with members who include representatives of groups that advocate on behalf of “people with or affected by HIV,” migrants, LGBTQ people, Hondurans of indigenous and African descent and other vulnerable groups.

The U.S. Agency for International Development and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria are among the international organizations that have also provided financial support to the fight against HIV/AIDS in Honduras.

Ferrera said many Hondurans with HIV/AIDS remain vulnerable, despite the aforementioned efforts.

“People living with HIV are people,” she said.

Ferrara in 2017 ran for the Honduran congress as a candidate for the center-left Innovation and Unity Party (PINU).

Ferrera’s sister, Bessy Ferrera, who was also trans, was murdered in Comayagüela, which borders Tegucigalpa in Honduras’ Central District, on July 8, 2019. Ferrara spoke with the Blade hours after she attended a court hearing for the two men who have been charged with her sister’s death.

Ferrara told the Blade one of the two people who witnessed her sister’s murder “had to leave the country because of fear that something may happen to them,” even though the Honduran government placed them under protection. Ferrara said the other witness “does not” want to testify in court.

Ferrara said none of her relatives attended the hearing because they rejected her and her sister over their gender identity.

Ferrara told the Blade “the first thing” that members of her family told her when she arrived at the cemetery after her sister’s murder is “we don’t want to bury a faggot in front of all of my relatives.” Ferrara said Cattrachas, a Tegucigalpa-based lesbian feminist network that documents the murders of LGBTQ Hondurans, offered to pay for her sister’s funeral.

“There was a change — a dramatic change — in my life on July 8, 2019,” Ferrara told the Blade.

“Now I am alone in this country because I don’t have any family,” she added.

Honduras continues to have one of the

world’s highest per capita murder rates because of violence frequently associated with gangs and drug traffickers. Violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity remains one of the main factors that prompts LGBTQ Hondurans to leave the country.

President Juan Orlando Hernández in 2017 was declared the winner of Honduras’ presidential election, despite irregularities and widespread protests across the country that left dozens of people dead.

A New York jury last October found Juan Orlando Hernández’s brother, former Honduran Congressman Juan Antonio Hernández, guilty of trafficking drugs into the U.S. Honduran LGBTQ activists have cited this case in their public comments against Juan Orlando Hernández and his government.

Ferrara told the Blade she was planning to leave Honduras before her sister’s murder.

“What happened happened and I decided that I could not go,” she said.

Ferrara said she would like to come to the U.S. and work with American LGBTQ organizations on immigration-related issues.

Ferrara told the Blade she would like to seek asylum, but “not while in detention.”

She added she has a visa that would allow her to enter the U.S. at a legal port of entry without entering custody.

“It is the best option,” said Ferrara.

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Suicide attempt rates for LGBT teens still high

2020

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PHILADELPHIA — Attempted suicide rates of LGBT high school students are down six percent over a nearly 10-year period but the rates are still about three times as high as those for their straight counterparts, the Philadelphia Inquirer and other outlets report citing research published in the journal Pediatrics based on data from the Youth Risk Behavioral Surveillance Survey from 2009-2017.

Research also found the numbers of out U.S. teens doubled during that period from 7.3 percent in 2009 to 14.3 percent in 2017. Girls were more than twice as likely as boys to be out as LGBT. Those who had experimented wth same-sex sexual contact went from 7.7-13 percent over the same period, the Inquirer reports.

These new findings, particularly the disproportionate rate of suicide attempts, dramatically point out the need for increased efforts to assist and support these young people, according to the researchers, the Inquirer reports.

The sexual contact numbers were based on data from Delaware, Connecticut, Illinois and Rhode Island, the four states that continuously collected that information from 2009 to 2017, the Inquirer reports. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people ages 10-24.

HPV is pernicious threat to young gay men NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — Young sexually active gay men do not fully understand their risk for human papillomavirus (HPV) due to a lack of information from health care providers, according to Rutgers researchers. The findings were announced in a press release.

A Rutgers study published in the Journal of Community Health, examined what young sexual minority men — a high-risk and high-need population — know about HPV and the HPV vaccine and how health care providers communicate information about the virus and vaccine.

About 79 million Americans are infected with HPV, with about 14 million becoming newly infected each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As a sexually transmitted infection, HPV can lead to several types of cancer, including anal and penile cancer, and is particularly concerning for sexual minority men due to the high prevalence of HIV and smoking in this community and the low HPV vaccination rates overall among men.

Gay bathhouses could return to San Francisco

SAVE THE DATE! Thursday, Mar. 19, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. featuring George Curran

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SAN FRANCISCO — Nearly four decades after they shuttered amid a court fight at the height of the AIDS epidemic, gay bathhouses could return to San Francisco under a policy change being sought by gay District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, according to the Bay Area Reporter.

Mandelman planned to introduce legislation at the Feb. 11 board meeting that would lay the groundwork for how operators of gay bathhouses could reopen such establishments in the city. It would jettison the long-standing prohibition against having locked doors for private rooms rented by bathhouse patrons and rescind the requirement that such venues hire people to monitor the sexual activities of their customers, the Reporter noted.

PrEP is just one of several effective strategies health officials have in their arsenal nowadays that has led to a dramatic decline in new HIV infections in San Francisco.

Last year, the city reported for the first time that new HIV diagnoses had dipped below 200 in 2018. And San Francisco is on track to reach its goal this year of achieving a 90 percent reduction in new HIV cases as part of the city’s Getting to Zero strategy to end the HIV epidemic, the Reporter reports.

CANNABIS CULTURE 12 percent of adults smoke marijuana: Gallup

Twelve percent of U.S. adults self-identify as cannabis consumers, according to survey data compiled by Gallup.

According to the poll, men (15 percent) were more likely than women (nine percent) to acknowledge “smoking marijuana.” Those between the ages of 18 to 29 were most likely to use cannabis (22 percent). Those self-identifying as “white” were more likely to admit using cannabis than were those who identified as non-white (14 percent versus nine percent).

Cannabis use was least likely to be reported by respondents over the age of 65 (three percent), those identifying politically as “conservatives” (four percent), and those residing in the southern region of the United States (seven percent).”

Despite changes in the legal status of marijuana in several states, the Gallup poll reports that there has been little change in nationwide marijuana use patterns since 2015.

No association between marijuana, heart disease: study CHARLESTON, S.C. — Marijuana smoking is not associated with an elevated risk of coronary artery disease (CAD aka heart disease) in young to middle age adults, according to data published in the journal PLOS One. A team of investigators affiliated with the Medical University of South Carolina and the Uniersity of Texas assessed the relationship between CAD and self-reported cannabis use in 1,420 subjects. Participants in the study were all between the ages of 18 and 50, had experienced chest pain, and underwent a coronary CT angiography.

Researchers reported that subjects with a history of cannabis use were less likely to show evidence of CAD as compared to subjects with no cannabis exposure. Marijuana using subjects also tended to be younger and were less likely to suffer from either hypertension or diabetes.

“The results demonstrate a relatively low frequency of CAD in a younger, marijuana-using patient subgroup,” authors concluded, Their findings are similar to those of a longitudinal trial which found, “Neither cumulative lifetime nor recent use of marijuana is associated with the incidence of CVD (cardiovascular disease) in middle age.”

Australia decriminalizes cannabis possession in capital CANBERRA, Australia — Activities involving the personal possession and/or cultivation of cannabis in private are no longer subject to either criminal or civil penalties in the Australian Capital Territory, in accordance with legislation that took effect last week.

Under the new law, those age 18 or older may possess up to 50 grams of cannabis and cultivate up to four plants per household without penalty. The use of marijuana in public remains prohibited.

The ACT’s policy conflicts with Australian federal law, which defines cannabis-related activities as criminal offenses. Between 2017 and 2018, Australian police made over 72,000 marijuana-related arrests – 92 percent of which were for personal possession.

The ACT is the first Australian territory to eliminate penalties specific to marijuana possession.

Presidential Family Fun Day Saturday, Feb. 15, 11:30 a.m.—3 p.m.

Kogod Courtyard Enjoy a party loaded with crafts, music, games, and special tours of America’s Presidents. Celebrate with artists, President Lincoln’s Cottage, the DC Public Library, The Washington Nationals Racing Presidents, and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Plus, check out the museum’s newest book, The Obama Portraits.

8th and F St. NW • Washington, DC 20001 npg.si.edu • #myNPG • @Smithsoniannpg National Portrait Gallery Community Days. Photo by Tony Powell, 2019.

Cannabis Culture news in the Blade is provided in partnership with NORML. Visit norml.org for more information.

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PETER ROSENSTEIN

KEVIN NAFF

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

Pete’s win is a historic first Is Mayor Pete prepared and deserves its moment to be president?

Iowa debacle shouldn’t cheat LGBTQ community out of a celebration The biggest downside of the Iowa debacle is that it cheated Pete Buttigieg — and the rest of LGBTQ America — out of our moment.

It was OUR moment. The moment that an openly gay candidate won a presidential nominating contest.

That’s never happened before and the significance of it was overshadowed by coverage of failed apps and delayed vote counts. Sure, the major networks mentioned it, but imagine the difference if, on caucus night, Buttigieg had been declared the winner in prime time.

It would have been a huge story and, more importantly, the fundraising bump — estimated in the tens of millions — he could have expected from such a win would have boosted him further.

But the bumbling Democratic Party of Iowa trusted an untested app that failed and so all the countless hours of door knocking and the millions spent on campaigning and ancillary projects were undermined. The head of the party should be fired and the antiquated caucus circus must end.

In fact, maybe Iowa should go last in 2024.

Back to Pete. Those of us who covered the 2004 George W. Bush reelection campaign have a vivid and painful memory of the cynical attacks Bush and Cheney launched that year.

That campaign was run on the backs of gay and lesbian couples, demonized in attack ads and ballot initiatives in 11 swing states to ban same-sex marriage.

The heartless campaign was run by a closeted gay man — Ken Mehlman — who later came out publicly and worked for redemption.

To think we’ve gone from those dark days to an openly gay (and married!) man winning Iowa in the span of just 16 years is pretty damn mind blowing.

Congratulations to Buttigieg and his team. Regardless of what happens

next, no one can take the Iowa victory and its significance away from him — or us.

Is America ready for a gay president?

Maybe, maybe not. But Buttigieg has changed the narrative around what’s possible for openly LGBTQ public officials, in part by confounding Republican bigots with his military service and eloquent speeches about faith. LGBTQ Americans are not a monolith; we come in many surprising packages. Buttigieg may not be “gay enough” for some or “too gay” for others. But he just showed the rest of the country that if you stay positive, on message, and focus on the issues that matter to everyday voters, you can overcome the doubters and the haters. What he’s achieved this week is reminiscent of what Danica Roem did in Virginia two years ago, winning a state delegate seat from the most homophobic, transphobic bigot in the state by focusing on local issues important to constituents.

As I write this, New Hampshire is voting as polls predict a Bernie Sanders victory and a strong second place for Buttigieg. Regardless of the outcome in New Hampshire and in the overall primary, Pete’s Iowa victory will be remembered as a turning point for out LGBTQ candidates and for the country.

Imagine what’s possible in the next 16 years. Imagine the young kids out there watching who will never live in a world where an openly gay presidential candidate is a first or an oddity.

There’s no overstating the importance of this moment for LGBTQ America. Thank you, Mayor Pete.

Bloomberg’s ad spend is more than South Bend’s budget Is Mayor Pete prepared to be president?

That’s the question many are now asking since he won Iowa and is doing well in New Hampshire. To answer it, we must first ask whether anyone is really ready to be president.

Will it make a difference to the majority of the electorate if their candidate’s experience seems up to the task? Sixty-three million Americans voted for a failed businessman and schlock TV host with no government experience.

Pete’s parents were academics at Notre Dame and he is an only child. He apparently sailed effortlessly from his Montessori school to private schools through graduation magna cum laude from Harvard and on to Pembroke College, Oxford where on his Rhodes Scholarship he earned a bachelor’s degree with first-class honors in philosophy, politics, and economics. Not surprising some suggest his life was lived in a bubble of white privilege.

After Oxford unlike other politicians such as Cory Booker and Bill Clinton, also Rhodes Scholars, he decided not to go for a final degree, they both went to law school, rather he seemed prepared to go into politics first spending three years in the private sector at McKinsey Global Consulting.

Mayor Pete is smart. He speaks seven languages in addition to English. He has campaigned for a number of candidates over the years and was in a group of Oxford friends calling themselves the ‘Democratic Renaissance Project.’ He began his political career with a resounding thud when he lost big in his try for Indiana State Treasurer in 2010. That didn’t deter him and he entered the mayoral race in mostly Democratic South Bend in 2011 and became mayor of his hometown. He served two terms ending his tenure during his presidential campaign on Jan. 1, 2020. South Bend is a small city of 100,000. Pete worked hard to move the city forward but it wasn’t all smooth sailing.

During his time as mayor he was also in the Navy Reserves (from 2009 to 2017) and was deployed to Afghanistan as a lieutenant for seven months. While not seeing direct combat he did face danger according to

reports. I thank Pete for his service as we thank all those who serve in the military and their families who make sacrifices to keep us safe.

There are a number of things of note that happened while Pete was mayor, including his coming out before winning his second term; running and losing a race for DNC chair; and now running for president. He is still having to answer questions about firing both the African-American police and fire chiefs and his recent handling of the shooting of a black man by a white police officer.

He moved forward on urban renewal but some complained about the displacement of families in minority communities. The budget of South Bend is $358 million with 1,285 employees compared to New York City with $92 billion and 325,000 employees.

For better or worse, Michael Bloomberg will spend much more than the entire budget of South Bend on campaign ads.

Accusations that Pete is living in a bubble of white privilege gained credence with comments like, “I have to confess that I was slow to realize -- I worked for years under the illusion that our schools in my city were integrated because they had to be because of a court order,” and others made to a group of children in 2014 when he said, “the signers of the Constitution didn’t know slavery was wrong.”

So it’s fair to ask what it is we want a president to know and what we consider relevant experience for the job. How does Pete compare to others seeking the nomination in the area of foreign affairs? In knowledge of and connections in the Congress? And running a government organization? Some have compared Pete to Barack Obama, yet there is a difference. While Obama didn’t have the administrative experience of running a small city he was a constitutional law professor, had seven years in the Illinois state legislature and was in the United States Senate for nearly four years before being sworn in as president.

He could also count on winning his home state while it is safe to say Pete likely won’t win Indiana. Other young Democrats who won, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, were governors before being elected president.

So, again, it is eminently fair to question Mayor Pete on his experience and how it should impact the decision people will make whether or not to support him. It is up to the voters to decide.

V I E W POI N T • F E BR UA RY 1 4 , 2 0 2 0 • WAS H IN GTO N B LAD E.CO M • 2 1

KATHI WOLFE

is a regular contributor to the Blade and winner of the 2014 Stonewall Chapbook competition.

A tribute to Deborah Batts, first out federal judge ‘Giant of the legal community who blazed new trails’ “Lets kill all the lawyers,” Shakespear says in “Henry VI.” It’s easy to bash lawyers! A non-lawyer, I’m shy among lawyers at a party. Reading about court rulings, it’s hard to visualize judges as human beings rather than as gods.

But if you’re queer, you know how vital lawyers have been to protecting the rights of our community and other marginalized groups. That, due to homophobia and transphobia, LGBTQ folks have had difficulty breaking into the legal profession.

Few people were more human and humane that Deborah A. Batts, the first openly gay or lesbian judge to sit on the federal bench. Batts died on Feb. 3 at age 72 at her Manhattan home from complications after knee replacement surgery.

Batts was the first African-American faculty member at Fordham Law School.

After being appointed to the bench, she continued to teach at Fordham.

Batts is survived by her wife, Dr. Gwen Zornberg, and her children, Alexandra S. McCown and James Ellison McCown. Batts and Dr. Zornberg were married in 201l.

On June 23, 1994, during Gay Pride Week, Batts was sworn in, The New York Times reported in its obituary of Batts.

In the early 90s, she applied to be a federal judge. Her application went nowhere under the George H.W. Bush administration. Her idea “of what a federal judge should be” differed from theirs, she said in a 2011 interview.

For 25 years, Batts served as a federal judge (on the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York). When she was nominated to be a federal judge, her sexual orientation wasn’t a sticking point — even though Batts wasn’t closeted about being gay.

It’s hard to believe today, but Batts was confirmed by the Senate by a voice vote.

“It was like having Jackie Robinson, putting him on the field and no one saying anything about it,” Judge Stephen Reinhardt of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals told the

American Bar Association Journal.

The fact that Batts sailed through her confirmation was “remarkable after several hundred years of an absolute barrier,” he added.

One of the most well-known cases over which Batts presided was the Central Park Five civil case. This case involved black teenagers who were wrongly convicted of and incarcerated for the 1989 beating and murder of a white woman. The defendants filed a lawsuit against New York City. In 2007, Batts ruled against New York when it tried to have the suit dismissed.

Batts ruled over cases on issues from terrorism to corruption. She was scheduled to preside over the trial of Michael Avenatti, the lawyer accused of embezzling $300,000 from a former client, porn star Stormy Daniels.

It’s hard to overstate how much of a pioneer Batts was. J. Paul Oetken, the second openly gay federal judge wasn’t appointed until 2011.

In May, three other openly LGBTQ judges spoke at an event to commemorate Batts’s work. “There was this lone wolf sitting up here in the Southern District of New York, and I can’t tell you – I can’t tell you how happy I was when I got company.”

Batts was “a giant of the legal community who blazed new trails for justice and equality,” tweeted Human Rights Campaign President Alphonso David.

Sometimes it’s difficult to be out without having our queerness become the only thing that folks see in us. Batts was out.

Yet, she didn’t want people to think of her as the “gay judge.”

“I’m a mother, I’m an African American.

I’m a lesbian,” she said in an interview with the New York Law Journal.

Batts retired from the federal bench in 2012. But she didn’t stop working. Until the end of her life, she worked with RISE, a Southern District program that works to keep former offenders from going back to prison.

Thank you for being a trailblazer for all of us, Judge Batts. R.I.P.

2 2 • WAS H I NGTO NBLA D E.COM • F EBRUA RY 14 , 2020 • V I E W POI N T

TRISTAN FITZPATRICK is a D.C.-based contributor.

It’s time for D.C. to protect LGBTQ seniors New bill would extend rights to those who have fought for us

BY TRISTAN FITZPATRICK

The mark of any country is how we treat the most vulnerable among us, especially our seniors.

LGBTQ seniors, in particular, often face unique challenges due to discrimination in health care and housing. According to SAGE USA, LGBT seniors are five times less likely to seek medical care or social services than the general public because of stigma and harassment. Furthermore, a 2014 survey by the Equal Rights Center found that almost half of older same-sex couples have experienced some form of housing discrimination.

As a younger gay man, I find it troubling that older members of the LGBTQ community (many of whom fought for equality under the law) now have to face the darkness of discrimination in their golden years.

That’s why I urge the D.C. Council’s Committee on Government Operations, chaired by D.C. Council member Brandon Todd (D-Ward 4), to pass the Care for LGBTQ Seniors and Seniors with HIV Amendment Act. It’s past time that this piece of legislation, which is scheduled for a hearing on February 19, come before all members of the D.C. Council for a full vote.

This is necessary for the most vulnerable members of our community. As the Washington Blade has reported, the city’s Human Rights Act does not have specific antidiscrimination protections for our LGBTQ seniors or seniors with HIV who live in long-term care facilities.

This leaves many of the District’s LGBTQ seniors at major risk of facing discrimination, with no guidelines from the city for protection.

The bill would also require

caregivers employed by a long-term care facility to undergo training on caring for LGBTQ seniors at least once every two years. These trainings would include best practices for communication with or about LGBTQ seniors, in addition to education about common health and social problems this population has historically faced.

Finally, caring for the District’s seniors living with HIV is equally important for the LGBTQ community.

According to the American Psychological Association, older gay and bisexual men are disproportionately affected by HIV, as they account for roughly 60 percent of those over age 50 living with it.

Under the bill, seniors living with HIV would also be granted specific anti-discrimination protections, as long-term care facilities would be prohibited from discriminating against older individuals based on their HIV status. How to care for seniors living with HIV would also be one of the topics included in the competency trainings at long-term care facilities, as well as in the best practices for communication and education.

I urge Committee Chairman Todd and his fellow members of the Committee on Government Operations to pass the Care for LGBTQ Seniors and Seniors with HIV Amendment Act so the bill can come to a full vote before the D.C. Council.

Now is the time to ensure all of our community’s elders are treated with respect, dignity and fair treatment under the law that they deserve after a lifetime of fighting for equal rights.

MARK LEE

is a long-time entrepreneur and community business advocate.

Follow on Twitter: @MarkLeeDC. Reach him at OurBusinessMatters@gmail.com.

Will Democrats fall in love or marry well?

Panic pervades party’s presidential prospects It may be a time for valentines, but Democrats aren’t falling in love.

The pickle in which the party finds itself is producing a palpable internal panic. Party members don’t have an obvious suitor for winning their affection and, similar to many a potential relationship, each one has serious shortcomings.

Although this is being written as voters are trekking to the polls in New Hampshire, it was not long ago that party partisans thought it possible to nominate practically any person for president with the expectation it would be easy to win. All of that changed last week.

A vote-counting debacle in Iowa gave Republicans an opportunity to taunt Democrats, asking how a party incapable of such a simple task could successfully put government in control of everyone’s health care while commandeering control of much private sector activity. Lowerthan-expected voter turnout was also an omen.

The next day President Trump cockily strolled into the House chamber and delivered a robustly defiant State of the Union address. His full-throated presentation, complete with reality show audience cameos and stylized presentations, came on the eve of a perfunctory acquittal on impeachment charges generating less support for conviction the longer the trial took. He touted a strong economy, the lowest unemployment rate in 49 years, rising incomes alongside a soaring stock market – all while tossing out so many slabs of raw meat it wasn’t hard to imagine Republicans cheering the speech in their homes.

Worst of all for Democrats, national polls indicated Trump was garnering his highest approval ratings since election and greatest levels of popular support ever. This amidst sky-high confidence in the economy, an astonishing 90 percent “satisfied with life” score, and a super-majority of the public saying “things are going well.” It was a startlingly sudden shift in opinion that steered party stalwarts somewhere between doom and despair.

Eight candidate debates later and

party members have grown glum. Policy prescriptions once internally normalized are increasingly considered far too extreme and politically untenable for voters. They look across the now whittled-down field of prospects still seeking the nomination and fret that not a one of them can win where it matters. Due to the general election result being predictable in the vast majority of jurisdictions, only a handful of states will likely decide the general election outcome.

Rattled by developments and the ascendancy of party-interloping democratic socialist Bernie Sanders, Democratic leaders and operatives began openly warning that a looming lurch to the extremist left could result in a massive Electoral College loss and defeat in as many as 35 or more states. Moderate Democrats in swing congressional districts whose victories in the mid-term election enabled the party to gain control of the House began voicing the same apprehensions and sounding similar alarms.

Ironically, Sanders might be best able to win back the upper Midwest “blue wall” states and disaffected working-class voters Hillary Clinton lost but suffer an overwhelming rejection elsewhere, creating a huge nationwide electoral deficit. Fears abound that selecting Sanders would result in a dual Trump win also including a popular vote victory.

Sanderistas counter that an equally cantankerous disruptor and radical political personality is the ideal foil for Trump.

Others, however, seem to be suddenly shifting support to former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the big bucks from his pocket he’s willing to spend.

Trump is expected to raise a billion dollars while deploying a highly sophisticated voter targeting capability.

Democrats confront the rising possibility that no one will arrive at the party’s national convention with enough delegates to become the standard-bearer on the first ballot. The worry is that the nominee will leave a bitter Milwaukee confab bloodied and, if not Bloomberg, broke.

Democrats may hope for love, but might do better by marrying well.

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D.C.’s Most Eligible LGBT Singles in 2020 20 locals on love, life and their biggest turn-ons

This is the sixth annual Washington Blade Most Eligible LGBT Singles issue. It began with reader nominations. From that list of about 200, our staff chose the 20 most eligible with an eye for locals with interesting stories, those doing compelling work and yes, those who are easy on the eye! Meet them in person tonight at Duplex Diner (2004 18th St., N.W.) at 6 p.m. Details at washingtonblade.com/singles.

Washington Blade photo by Michael Key

Washington blade photo by Michael Key

Fotios Stravoravdis

AGE: 26 OCCUPATION: consultant IDENTIFY AS: gay LOOKING FOR: Compassion, kindness, weird sense of humor and ambition. Having a purpose in life, driven by a goal that is bigger than his ego and respect for other people.

BIGGEST TURN OFF: arrogance and bad hygiene BIGGEST TURN ON: A smile that can reflects someone’s soul. Also taking care of their body. Our body is the temple of our spirit.

HOBBIES: Is napping a hobby? When not napping, I spend my free time working out, reading, traveling or going to the theater. Musicals for the win!

IDEAL FIRST DATE: A date that goes so wrong it is actually so great.

PET/KIDS/NEITHER? I am kid myself. What a responsibility this could be! Eventually, I’d like to have a daughter and a son. Imagine all these make up tutorials we could watch or all those sports we could play together. Make up with my son, sports with my daughter!

WOULD YOU DATE SOMEONE WHOSE POLITICAL VIEWS DIFFER? I’m Greek; we invented the essence of politics, democracy and debating. This means I am open to understanding other people’s political views. However, if someone adopts views that are harmful to the well-being of our society, views that pose threats to the future of younger generations and immigrants and views that deny climate change, then it’s a hard no from me.

CELEB CRUSH: Henry Cavill OBSCURE FACT: If I name an obscure fact about myself, it won’t be obscure anymore.

Yet I’ll say that some people think I am unapproachable, while in fact, I am shy.

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Elise Glynn AGE: 28 OCCUPATION: IT and digital media IDENTIFY AS: queer LOOKING FOR: What I’m looking for in a partner is someone who knows what they want in life and understands the importance of self love. Someone who is free spirited, confident and shows kindness to all people.

BIGGEST TURN OFF: The biggest turnoff for me is someone who doesn’t have any goals or dreams. Someone who doesn’t strive to better themselves.

BIGGEST TURN ON: openness and maturity HOBBIES: I’m really into rock climbing, longboarding, teas, spirituality, skateboarding, swimming, script writing and photography. I just moved back to D.C. from L.A. and didn’t get as much surf time as I like over there, so I’m looking forward to getting back into it.

IDEAL FIRST DATE: My ideal first date would be to go to the Maryland bay area and go kayaking. Then we can eat some good food on the water and watch the sunset. If the night is still looking good, I can teach you how to ride my pintail longboard.

PET/KIDS/NEITHER? I have two mini dogs. One I had since age 14 and my new addition I had for about a year and a half. I love kids but I’m not planning on having any of my own for now.

WOULD YOU DATE SOMEONE WHOSE POLITICAL VIEWS DIFFER? Yes as long if they are loving and kind to themselves, myself and others. That’s all that matters.

CELEB CRUSH: Cate Blanchett, Lucy Liu and Gugu Mbatha-Raw OBSCURE FACT: I’m a military veteran. These days, most people would never have thought that I was in the military.

Photo by Scott Henrichsen

Photo courtesy of Calambokidis

Gerard Burley

AGE: 36 OCCUPATION: Fitness coach and studio owner IDENTIFY AS: gay LOOKING FOR: Someone fun, understanding, caring, responsible, who can take charge, put up with me and put me in my place.

BIGGEST TURN OFF: Mean girls. I hate uppity people who act better than others.

BIGGEST TURN ON: backwards hats HOBBIES: Love comedy shows and sports, basketball and football are my favs, playing with my dog, eating crab cakes and writing.

IDEAL FIRST DATE:Anywhere I can wear sweatpants. Maybe something basic like a SoulCycle class followed by tacos.

PET/KIDS/NEITHER? I have a dog I love I’m open to more. Kids I’m not sure, let’s see who gets pregnant first.

WOULD YOU DATE SOMEONE WHOSE POLITICAL VIEWS DIFFER? Yeah, but depends how much.

CELEB CRUSH: Channing Tatum OBSCURE FACT: I used to speak Italian pretty well. Now it’s broken Italian.

Alex Calambokidis

AGE: 26 OCCUPATION: Program officer, non-profit, supporting democracy and inclusive governance in East Africa.

IDENTIFY AS: queer LOOKING FOR: Someone who is kind, empathetic, open minded and direct. Also flexibility. Still working out the whole work/life balance thing myself. Opposite of asshole.

BIGGEST TURN OFF: Bad tipper, self-identifies as “gym rat.”

BIGGEST TURN ON: Witty banter, wholesome memes HOBBIES: Plants, karaoke, playing with other people’s dogs, junglepussy IDEAL FIRST DATE: Long walks & mimosas to-go (or “to-gosas”). Let’s see where the day takes us.

PET/KIDS/NEITHER? Being a plant mom and dog auntie is enough responsibility for me right now.

WOULD YOU DATE SOMEONE WHOSE POLITICAL VIEWS DIFFER? Small differences? Sure. Challenging one another to think differently can be productive. Big differences? No. CELEB CRUSH: Zoë Kravitz OBSCURE FACT: The most obscure thing about myself is probably just the sum of weird situations I have found myself in. This probably falls somewhere on that spectrum.

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NOW PLAYING THROUGH FEBRUARY 16 TheNationalDC.com 2 6 • WAS H I NGTO NBLA D E.COM • F EBRUA RY 14 , 2020

Washington blade photo by Michael Key

Washington blade photo by Michael Key

Jake Abbott

AGE: 27 OCCUPATION: Press Secretary on Capitol Hill IDENTIFY AS: gay LOOKING FOR: I’m always drawn to confidence, kindness, a good sense of humor, and I’ll admit it — a handsome smile. I want a partner in crime who wants to host dinner parties and go on adventures, who is driven and passionate but also doesn’t see the world in black and white. He should want me to be his best friend but not his only friend.

BIGGEST TURN OFF: insecurity, arrogance, intolerance, negativity BIGGEST TURN ON: wit, drive, curiosity, compassion, self-awareness, great smiles, big arms, beards HOBBIES: Going to the gym or on a run, grabbing drinks with friends, playing with my roommate’s dog, traveling to new places, checking co-star each day, anything outdoors.

IDEAL FIRST DATE: Grabbing drinks or coffee at a place you like, taking a walk on a nice day or doing something that we both care about.

PET/KIDS/NEITHER? I think I’d like dogs and kids (probably in that order) but it would be a conversation in a few years.

WOULD YOU DATE SOMEONE WHOSE POLITICAL VIEWS DIFFER? Only if I can ask who they voted for in 2016.

CELEB CRUSH: Chris Mazdzer, James McCann, Ryan Reynolds, Tom Hardy, Oprah OBSCURE FACT: I was an all-conference college football player.

Peyton Smith

AGE: 27 OCCUPATION: Full-time non-profit work, part-time graduate student at American University.

IDENTIFY AS: queer LOOKING FOR: must love dancing BIGGEST TURN OFF: Bad tippers. Always tip 20 percent.

BIGGEST TURN ON: Commits to a costume 100 percent when the occasion arises. And there is always an occasion for a costume.

HOBBIES: I’m on a competitive karaoke team. Also Saints football, WHO DAT! IDEAL FIRST DATE: Let’s drink a few combos at Red Derby and see where the night takes us.

PET/KIDS/NEITHER? I have a cat named Goose and I’m a slave to her paws.

WOULD YOU DATE SOMEONE WHOSE POLITICAL VIEWS DIFFER? Nope CELEB CRUSH: St. Vincent. Anyone else watch her 2019 Grammy performance with Dua Lipa over and over again? Just me?

OBSCURE FACT: During Mardi Gras in 2012, Mariska Hargitay told me I was her number one fan, and I’ve been chasing that high ever since.

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Washington blade photo by Michael Key

Washington blade photo by Michael Key

Rebecca Kling

AGE: 35 OCCUPATION: Educator, Community Organizer, Storyteller, Advocate for change IDENTIFY AS: Queer, a woman, trans, storyteller, culturally Jewish, progressive, troublemaker and much more.

LOOKING FOR: Someone who will laugh at my stupid jokes, make me laugh and call me on my bullshit. Someone who is passionate about SOMETHING — could be immigration policy, or marine biology, or 15th century literature, but my mate needs to be excited and passionate about something in the world that moves them.

BIGGEST TURN OFF: Inability to admit they’re wrong.

BIGGEST TURN ON: confidence HOBBIES: Playing piano (mostly show tunes and folk music), reading sci fi, biking, Instagramming pictures of my cats.

IDEAL FIRST DATE:My ideal first date is going to a museum or gallery and coming up with arbitrary rules or a silly game for how we go through. Maybe we need to make up a rhyme for our favorite exhibit. Maybe we analyze each painting as if it we secretly hate it, but it was drawn by our best friend’s kid and they’re super proud. Maybe we’re on a scavenger hunt for whatever has the most red. Anything, as long as it’s fun.

PET/KIDS/NEITHER? Definitely yes to pets, pretty sure yes to kids, too.

WOULD YOU DATE SOMEONE WHOSE POLITICAL VIEWS DIFFER? Depends on how much they differ. I’d be open to dating someone who, y’know, doesn’t think we should put tax money toward space exploration. (They’d be wrong, but we’d make it work somehow.) On the other hand, I could never date someone who wants to defund public schools or supports ICE breaking up families at the border.

CELEB CRUSH: Samira Wiley OBSCURE FACT: I once worked at a circus camp and still know how to juggle.

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Rajiv Desai

AGE: 39 OCCUPATION: Vice President – diversity, inclusion and corporate social responsibility.

IDENTIFY AS: gay LOOKING FOR: Independence. Humor. Mindfulness. Respect for people and our planet.

BIGGEST TURN OFF: Plastic, smoking and disingenuous behavior.

BIGGEST TURN ON: Creativity, curiosity about the world and empathy.

HOBBIES: Baking from scratch with lots of fruit, volunteering in the community, winning with my Dragon Boat Racing team, art, travel and cooking dishes inspired by my travels.

IDEAL FIRST DATE: Flowing conversation, banter and laughter over a coffee/drink (at a non-pretentious, independent establishment).

PET/KIDS/NEITHER? Not a dad (or a pet dad) yet, but open to both.

WOULD YOU DATE SOMEONE WHOSE POLITICAL VIEWS DIFFER? Differing political views are fine. Racist, bigoted, non-inclusive views etc. are not.

CELEB CRUSH: Benedict Cumberbatch and Gael García Bernal OBSCURE FACT: I’ve met Mother Teresa (while growing up in Calcutta).

Washington blade photo by Michael Key

Washington Blade photo by Michael Key

Daniel Muñoz

AGE: 30 OCCUPATION: Advertising professional during the day, computer science student at night, community advocate and member of the League of United Latin American Citizens’ Lambda Chapter and D.C. State Board whenever I can serve.

IDENTIFY AS: bi LOOKING FOR: Someone who is a natural optimist and wants to keep growing and bettering themselves and each other. A person who is compassionate and cares about the world around them, having emotional and cultural intelligence. A friend who can laugh at the absurdity in modern living. A partner who is supportive and loving. The ability to be sophisticated and a goofball when appropriate is a big plus.

BIGGEST TURN OFF: Rudeness, bigotry, ignorance and bad tipping.

BIGGEST TURN ON: Kindness, humor, intellectual curiosity and good hygiene.

HOBBIES: Hanging out with friends and family, ’90s video games, gardening, hiking, sailing, tinkering with DIY electronics, conversations on nuanced topics, laughing and cracking stupid jokes, improving foreign language skills and fitness, volunteering, etc.

IDEAL FIRST DATE: The extrovert in me is always down for adventure and trying something new, but it’s completely fine to be low-key and chill on the first date. Visiting a Smithsonian or two and chilling at Kramerbooks is always a good start. From there, it’s up in the air.

PET/KIDS/NEITHER? Kids would be great someday at the right time, but I’d be equally happy mentoring the community’s kids with him/her/them if that doesn’t happen.

WOULD YOU DATE SOMEONE WHOSE POLITICAL VIEWS DIFFER? We could be a good match if your political (translation: personal) values are progressive and rooted in social equity and justice.

CELEB CRUSH: Diane Guerrero and Maluma OBSCURE FACT: I used to work in television and was part of the larger production team that broadcast golf in the Olympics for the first time in history in 2016.

Candace Sibley

AGE: 35 OCCUPATION: Health Scientist IDENTIFY AS: lesbian LOOKING FOR: Compassion, honesty, kindness, authenticity, ambition, support, emotionally intelligent, diligent, passionate, confident, to be challenged and consistent.

BIGGEST TURN OFF: cruelty, dishonesty, manipulation and lack of grace BIGGEST TURN ON: Kindness, loyalty, understanding, conscientiousness, emotional stability and someone who with growth beliefs who thinks that relationships take hard work and that a strong relationship is something that you develop over time.

HOBBIES: reading, dancing, studying fashion, shopping and traveling IDEAL FIRST DATE: A concert followed by dinner and drinks. This way we have fun dancing with each other and get to know each other over dinner and drinks.

PET/KIDS/NEITHER? No to kids, I do not have pets, but I am interested in getting a dog in the future.

WOULD YOU DATE SOMEONE WHOSE POLITICAL VIEWS DIFFER? No. I need someone who is progressive. My politics are at the core of who I am, so someone with opposite political views wouldn’t work.

CELEB CRUSH: Ava Duvernay and Meg the Stallion OBSCURE FACT: I’m extremely outgoing when it comes to friendship and fashion, but I’m incredibly shy when it comes to romance. I am a true ambivert, I enjoy being the life of the party at times but I also enjoy a quiet book at home sometimes.

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3 0 • WAS H I NGTO NBLA D E.COM • F EBRUA RY 14 , 2020

Washington blade photo by Michael Key

Washington blade photo by Michael Key

Brittany Rheault

AGE: 35 OCCUPATION: Senior Director of Sports at DC Fray IDENTIFY AS: Lesbian LOOKING FOR: I mean who just doesn’t want the perfect mate? Someone who listens but can also dance. I need someone not afraid of the jam but can also get down about their feels on “Love Island UK.” I think it’s important to have a transparent partner that values communication, dogs and family.

BIGGEST TURN OFF: Smell of detergent. Keep it simple, keep it clean.

BIGGEST TURN ON: BDE, also blue eyes and a girl who can dance. I’m ready for the DMs: @theofficialb.ro.

HOBBIES: Oh girl, what don’t I like? Boston sports for life so come through if you love the Pats and the Sox. My pups, because how could you not love my doodles? I’m mad for my friends and celebrating all the good things.

IDEAL FIRST DATE: You like the Nats? Well it’s that. Picture this — us in left field behind Soto cheering as he catches an attempted homerun. Nick gives us a brew. Truly if you need bc I make friends with the best and we watch Zimmmmm just nail it! And then we caught on the simba cam. lol PET/KIDS/NEITHER? PETS!!! My babes are Wally and Kennedy.

WOULD YOU DATE SOMEONE WHOSE POLITICAL VIEWS DIFFER? I’m openminded as long as you’re a good person.

CELEB CRUSH: Demi Lovato or Betty Who, but also we appreciate Katy Perry.

OBSCURE FACT: I’m a fiercely loyal friend who will do anything for the ones I love.

Rachel Pike

AGE: 34 OCCUPATION: Life Coach/Bartender/Security Guru/Trainer IDENTIFY AS: queer, she/her/Daddy LOOKING FOR: I think the list of what I’m not looking for is shorter. I want partnership, friendship, passion, laughter, respect and unconditional love. I want to see and be seen.

Basically if it’s not magic, I’m OK on my own.

BIGGEST TURN OFF: I’ve been an athlete my whole life, but haven’t ever really subscribed to a competitive nature, per se. While I love to play and even enjoy the trash talking, a super competitive human doesn’t really do it for me. I love a challenge but don’t get into someone who frequently feels the need to one up people.

BIGGEST TURN ON:This isn’t difficult for me, and it’s highly situational. When someone truly knows and loves herself, I think it shines through. I’m turned on by confidence that doesn’t turn to disrespect, honesty that doesn’t become cruel. Kindness and the ability to be awed, find beauty in the small things. Also, it’s incredibly sexy when someone can flirt with only her eyes.

HOBBIES: I love motion, as often as possible. Any sports (basketball in particular), or sports-related activity is great for me. A true contradiction, I’m also really in to stillness.

A good book, journaling opportunity, movie or divey space with a great beer.

IDEAL FIRST DATE: Again, situational. I think it’s unfortunate that as a masculinepresenting person, I’m often expected to plan dates. This isn’t to say I don’t love this.

I’m actually great at it! However, I think someone taking me to something/someplace they are really excited about is an excellent way to get to know them.

PET/KIDS/NEITHER? I’ve got both. Two perfect mutts and an even more perfect 15-year-old. I’d love to think that more of both are in my future.

WOULD YOU DATE SOMEONE WHOSE POLITICAL VIEWS DIFFER? That depends on how they differ. I’m entirely aware of the responsibility that comes along with my privilege and I live that in every aspect of my life. We cannot disagree on fighting oppression.

CELEB CRUSH: I think real crushes happen when you know someone as a person, and I don’t have celebrities who I know that well. That said, I will watch anything starring Viola Davis or made by Shonda Rhimes. I adore the fire on the court of Arielle Powers and how playful/political Natasha Cloud is.

OBSCURE FACT: I’m an open book, so I don’t know that I have obscure facts. I juggle well. There’s rarely a tree I won’t climb. I am incredibly attached to a T-shirt from my childhood team and wore it under all my jerseys; I still wear it when the Mystics play.

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Maserati of Arlington 2710 S Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22206 703.646.8157 www.maseratiofarlington.com

SOMETIMES YOU JUST HAVE TO GIVE IN, TO LET GO.

2019 Maserati Ghibli RWD - $529/month

*Offer valid thru February 29, 2020. Max value $400. Cannot be combined with any other offer. By appointment only. Please contact dealer for details

Service Department Now Open

10% OFF ANY SERVICE

*ON APPROVED CREDIT. Offer expires February 29th, 2020. Available only at Maserati of Arlington to qualified lessees with approved credit through Maserati Capital, must qualify for Lease program. Delivery by February 29th, 2020 required. Subject to availability, this offer [VIN: 315469]. Payment shown based on a 36-month closedend lease for a new 2019 model year Ghibli RWD with MSRP of $77,915. Total cash due at signing is $6,000 plus first month’s payment of $529, acquisition fee of $795, taxes, tags, processing fee and destination (security deposit waived). Total amount of monthly payments is $19,044. Purchase option at lease end for $36,620.05 plus taxes. Lessee is responsible for insurance, maintenance, repairs, $.30 per mile over 5,000 miles per year and excess wear. Not applicable towards any other vehicle or special orders.

Service Department Now Open

3 2 • WAS H I NGTO NBLA D E.COM • F EBRUA RY 14 , 2020

Alfa Romeo of Arlington 2710 S Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22206 571.386.1886 www.alfaromeousaofarlington.com

MAKES ANY ROUTE ANYTHING BUT ORDINARY

2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia TI AWD Sedan - $299/month + tax *ON APPROVED CREDIT. Offer expires February 29th, 2020. Available only at Alfa Romeo of Arlington to qualified lessees with approved credit through Chrysler Capital.

Delivery by February 29th, 2020 required. Subject to availability, this offer [VIN: 612185]. Payment shown based on a 39 -month closed-end lease for a new 2019 model year Giulia TI AWD with MSRP of $50,540. Total cash due at signing is $999.00, plus first month’s payment of $299, security deposit waived. Total amount of monthly payments is $11,661. Purchase option at lease end for $23,753.80 plus taxes. Lessee is responsible for insurance, maintenance, repairs, $.25 per mile over 10,000 miles per year and excess wear. Title, taxes, license, registration, destination. And acquisition fee of $595

Service Department Now Open

F E BR UA RY 1 4 , 2 0 2 0 • WAS H IN GTO N B LAD E.CO M • 3 3

3 4 • WAS H I NGTO NBLA D E.COM • F EBRUA RY 14 , 2020

Washington blade photo by Michael Key

Washington blade photo by Michael Key

Blessitt Shawn

AGE: Excuse me?

OCCUPATION:Digital & Cultural Strategist IDENTIFY AS: 79 percent queer, 85 percent high femme, 100 percent Gemini LOOKING FOR: I’m looking for a seasonal bae who wouldn’t mind being my official taste tester, flex-time cuddle slut and full-time furniture assembler; someone confident enough to hold my purse as I’m getting out of the car and make it look just as good as I do.

BIGGEST TURN OFF: Anyone who uses, or embodies, the term “dude” or “bro.” Speed walkers. I have a physical disability that impacts my balance and mobility. Allow me to set the pace and I’ll let you take the lead. Also, people who don’t vet their sources before posting an article online really bother me. Why are we posting a 2013 conspiracy piece from diduknothis.net/freecheetos, beloved? Deal breaker: people who measure butter or garlic. What’s wrong with you?

BIGGEST TURN ON: Nothing beats full brows, strong hands and chivalry. I am drawn to non-toxic masculinity. “What should we order for dessert?,” will almost certainly secure a second date.

HOBBIES: I enjoy hosting the perfect weekend brunch, becoming a mistress of interior design, perfecting my late-night grilled cheese and pretending to be an astrology expert when random drunk people ask me for dating advice at happy hour. “He’s a Pisces?! Girl …”

IDEAL FIRST DATE: Anything that involves tacos or dessert is a pretty great start. Did you know 7/11 donuts are made by Krispy Kreme? You’re welcome. My best dates also included the following: a cuisine neither of us have ever tried, laughing until our cheeks hurt and a “did you make it home?” text.

PET/KIDS/NEITHER? Pets are lovely, but I’m not waking up early to walk your fluff-muffin.

Kids are cute in small doses but terribly expensive. How about we support our friends with kids by being engaged in their lives and out-gifting the couples that annoy us? (True confession: I love doing this.)

WOULD YOU DATE SOMEONE WHOSE POLITICAL VIEWS DIFFER? No thanks. If you think our current political climate has made America great, we’re not a match.

CELEB CRUSH: Ricky Martin would be my +1 to the Victory Fund Gala, while Jeff Goldbum would accompany me to the White House Easter Egg Roll. Deontay Wilder would be my insta-bae Friday-Sunday afternoon. (Sunday nights are for skincare.) I’d let Leo take me out for lunch and shopping when I’m bored.

OBSCURE FACT: I am from the first city of Kansas, Leavenworth, a trained opera singer and a preacher’s kid. Also, the last Grandma to try my pound cake gave it a 8.5/10 rating.

Not too bad for a millennial, huh?

JB Bridgeman

AGE: 30 OCCUPATION: Non-Profit Administrator IDENTIFY AS: gay LOOKING FOR: Someone who is confident in who they are as their own person and knows that a relationship isn’t about “completing” each other, but complementing one another.

BIGGEST TURN OFF: When someone is impatient, especially with folks in the service industry. Also bad breath.

BIGGEST TURN ON: When someone can make me laugh and isn’t afraid to look silly.

Also a strong beard game.

HOBBIES: Playing rugby with the Washington Scandals, traveling, going to Caps games, running a Drag Race fantasy league and going to the movies.

IDEAL FIRST DATE: Grabbing a couple of boots at Dacha and getting to know each other while we split a giant pretzel.

PET/KIDS/NEITHER? I have a cat named Marnie. She’s an adorable handful.

WOULD YOU DATE SOMEONE WHOSE POLITICAL VIEWS DIFFER? If we’re talking minor differences, yes. Major ideological differences are another conversation.

CELEB CRUSH: Oscar Isaac OBSCURE FACT: I was my high school’s mascot.

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“

A THEATRE HIGHLIGHT FOR D.C.

”

–The Washington Post

THE

AMEN CORNER

BY JAMES BALDWIN DIRECTED BY WHITNEY WHITE NOW PLAYING Tickets start at $35

ORDER TODAY! 3 6 • WAS H I NGTO NBLA D E.COM • F EBRUA RY 14 , 2020 ShakespeareTheatre.org | 202.547.1122

This project is supported in part by:

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Washington blade photo by Michael Key

Washington blade photo by Michael Key

Jayme Birgy

AGE: 38. Like actually 38, not 38 for the past seven years in a row.

OCCUPATION: I build stuff people use on the internet and run the D.C. office for Lounge Lizard Worldwide.

IDENTIFY AS: gay LOOKING FOR: Emotional maturity and communication skills are a must. Good looks and nice things can only carry someone so far.

BIGGEST TURN OFF: Lack of integrity.

BIGGEST TURN ON: A smile and just the right amount of confidence.

HOBBIES: Learning how things work, reading, road trips, boating/kayaking, and strategy games.

IDEAL FIRST DATE: Location and activity don’t really matter as long as the conversation is natural and he doesn’t run away when my nerd shows.

PET/KIDS/NEITHER? Preferably a pack of Golden Retrievers WOULD YOU DATE SOMEONE WHOSE POLITICAL VIEWS DIFFER? Yes, as long as they don’t have a shrine of Hillary Clinton in their basement.

CELEB CRUSH: Colin Jost (is that weird?) and Michael Strahan OBSCURE FACT: I can’t read The Onion because I’ll accidentally cite it as fact later on.

This is also the reason I don’t lie — it becomes reality.

Faith Mitchell

AGE: 24 OCCUPATION: HIV/STI Prevention Program Coordinator IDENTIFY AS: gay LOOKING FOR: Essentially someone who is fun/funny, shows love through actions and is honest and supportive. I love to go out and am very active in community, so I would need someone willing to do things with me. My top love languages are quality time and acts of service so I appreciate when someone can show me love in those ways and am willing to give the same energy I ask for in return.

BIGGEST TURN OFF: Constant rudeness or negativity and inconsistency BIGGEST TURN ON: Pretty eyes and ambition HOBBIES: Cooking new recipes, trying different restaurants and listening to new music IDEAL FIRST DATE: After work going to a low-key bar with a relaxed ambiance, delicious food and good music (neo-soul, R&B and hip-hop) playing to get to know each other and see their taste in music.

PET/KIDS/NEITHER? Neither, but open to both WOULD YOU DATE SOMEONE WHOSE POLITICAL VIEWS DIFFER? It depends. As long as their views weren’t aligned with racism, oppression, sexism, inequality, etc., we could talk about it.

CELEB CRUSH: Ari Lennox and Iman Shumpert OBSCURE FACT: I love acting and dancing and was in plays and musicals when I was younger. Eventually I want to get back into it.

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Washington blade photo by Michael Key

Washington blade photo by Michael Key

Russell Roberts

AGE: 53 OCCUPATION: Executive Assistant IDENTIFY AS: gay LOOKING FOR: I’m looking for passion, purpose and principles.

BIGGEST TURN OFF: dishonesty BIGGEST TURN ON: humor, honesty and humility HOBBIES: art, culture and exercise IDEAL FIRST DATE: Anything creative and outside the box or something ridiculously simple and satisfying.

PET/KIDS/NEITHER? yes WOULD YOU DATE SOMEONE WHOSE POLITICAL VIEWS DIFFER? no CELEB CRUSH: Jason Mamoa/Idris Elba/Daniel Craig OBSCURE FACT: I’m a closet karaoke junkie.

3 8 • WAS H I NGTO NBLA D E.COM • F EBRUA RY 14 , 2020

Chris Kuchnicki

AGE: 40 OCCUPATION: Real Estate Agent IDENTIFY AS: gay LOOKING FOR: Someone who is compassionate, caring, but also has ambition and drive.

BIGGEST TURN OFF: Someone who is rude to wait/service staff.

BIGGEST TURN ON: confidence and ambition.

HOBBIES: fitness, travel, an occasional fun night out and design. I’m also member of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington.

IDEAL FIRST DATE: A few drinks and then maybe a show/movie/dinner. Hiking in warmer weather!

PET/KIDS/NEITHER? Neither, but I love dogs and am open to kids.

WOULD YOU DATE SOMEONE WHOSE POLITICAL VIEWS DIFFER? It depends on where our moral compass lies within those views.

CELEB CRUSH: Channing Tatum OBSCURE FACT: I’m related to Neal Armstrong.

Washington blade photo by Michael Key

Photo courtesy of Clymer

Olga Martinsone

AGE: 34 OCCUPATION: Tennis Pro IDENTIFY AS: gay female LOOKING FOR: honesty, empathy, sense of humor, team player BIGGEST TURN OFF: dishonesty BIGGEST TURN ON: ability to cook HOBBIES: playing tennis, walking in the city and trading stocks IDEAL FIRST DATE: dinner then a comedy club PET/KIDS/NEITHER? have none but wants kids WOULD YOU DATE SOMEONE WHOSE POLITICAL VIEWS DIFFER? yes CELEB CRUSH: Blake Lively OBSCURE FACT: I eat orange peels

Charlotte Clymer

AGE: 33 OCCUPATION: Press Secretary, Human Rights Campaign IDENTIFY AS: Proud trans woman and lesbian.

LOOKING FOR: I’m looking for someone who can make me laugh a lot and knows how to mix a French 75.

BIGGEST TURN OFF: Ironic detachment. Not feeling it. Put a stake in the ground and be vulnerable enough to care about things.

BIGGEST TURN ON: Oxford commas HOBBIES: Road trips. Karaoke. Late stage capitalism.

IDEAL FIRST DATE: I’m a simple girl. Ice cream followed by a great show and then drinks and conversation.

PET/KIDS/NEITHER? Any and all welcome.

WOULD YOU DATE SOMEONE WHOSE POLITICAL VIEWS DIFFER? If you’re conservative, we’re not gonna be right for each other. If you’re some flavor of progressive, let’s talk!

CELEB CRUSH: Kermit the Frog OBSCURE FACT: I’m a world-renowned expert in underwater basket weaving.

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Blade Singles Class of 2019 check in

LAUREL POWELL

KELLY MOSES

MICHAEL SUH

JAMES BARNETT

What is your relationship status now, one year after being named a Blade Most Eligible Single?

Single How was the experience of being named a Blade Most Eligible Single — did it lead to any dates?

It was a lot of fun! I’m still friends with a few of the folks that I didn’t know before the 2019 Most Eligible LGBTQ Singles class, and I’m definitely glad to have gotten to know everyone that I hadn’t met already.Any advice for this year’s winners?

The experience is what you make of it!

What is your relationship status now, one year after being named a Blade Most Eligible Single?

In a relationship.

How was the experience of being named a Blade Most Eligible Single — did it lead to any dates?

Not sure. Some dates Googled before we met and read the article though.

Any advice for this year’s winners?

Get ready for a bunch of DMs.

What is your relationship status now, one year after being named a Blade Most Eligible Single?

Still single.

How was the experience of being named a Blade Most Eligible Single — did it lead to any dates?

Not explicitly, but it was an interesting thing to bring up with new people (and mention on dating profiles).

Any advice for this year’s winners?

Don’t be afraid to show off your status!

What is your relationship status now, one year after being named a Blade Most Eligible Single?

Single How was the experience of being named a Blade Most Eligible Single — did it lead to any dates?

One date after meeting someone the night of the party.

Any advice for this year’s winners?

Have fun. Go into the event/year with no expectations and have a good time.

TARIK PIERCE

MOLLY BYROM

LAURA NAPOLIELLO

SARAH BIGLAN

What is your relationship status now, one year after being named a Blade Most Eligible Single?

I am currently in a committed relationship of five months.

How was the experience of being named a Blade Most Eligible Single — did it lead to any dates?

It was a great experience and would recommend it to anyone. It definitely led to dates and even one friendship.

Any advice for this year’s winners?

Have fun and take it for what it is. If anything, especially for me, it was refreshing to put myself out there and be open to dates. Don’t take yourself too seriously.

What is your relationship status now, one year after being named a Blade Most Eligible Single?

I’m in a relationship!

How was the experience of being named a Blade Most Eligible Single — did it lead to any dates?

It was really fun and empowering. It led to a few conversations regarding my faith. The article didn’t lead to dates for me.

Any advice for this year’s winners?

My advice is to bring your whole self to your bio. It is important to embrace intersectionality for yourself and for the people who will read the article.

What is your relationship status now, one year after being named a Blade Most Eligible Single?

Still single and ready to pringle.

How was the experience of being named a Blade Most Eligible Single — did it lead to any dates?

It was a hilarious excuse to force my friends to pay attention to me on stage. I don’t think it lead to more dates than usual.

Any advice for this year’s winners? Dating in any city in your 20s/30s is truly a cesspool of experiences, but if you don’t take it seriously than you’re more likely to enjoy it.

MONIKA M. PICKETT

MEAGAN SIMONAIRE What is your relationship status now, one year after being named a Blade Most Eligible Single?

Single How was the experience of being named a Blade Most Eligible Single — did it lead to any dates?

It was a really fun experience! No, but to be fair, I reconnected with an ex shortly after and got pregnant (he didn’t want to be involved) so I decided to focus on becoming an amazing single Mommy and put the dates on hold.

Any advice for this year’s winners?

Have fun with it!

KHOREY BAKER

What is your relationship status now, one year after being named a Blade Most Eligible Single?

Thanks for this. My year has been wonderful! I actually was last years people’s choice winner of the singles 2019 most eligible along with Shane. Coincidentally, I ended up meeting my current partner at the most eligible event last year. She came to the party with a friend and I was introduced. She said she knew “I was the one” when she saw me. I spent time with her on Valentines Day and we’ve been together ever since. I guess you can say I wasn’t single for very long.

How was the experience of being named a Blade Most Eligible Single — did it lead to any dates?

It’s been the most healthy, care free and loving relationship I’ve ever been in. We actually are living together now. I’m so grateful to have participated last year as I feel it was meant to be between us.

Any advice for this year’s winners?

Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. You never know what can happen. For me it’s been that I found the greatest person to share my life! Many thanks to everyone at The Blade for making that happen!

What is your relationship status now, one year after being named a Blade Most Eligible Single?

I am still single.

How was the experience of being named a Blade Most Eligible Single — did it lead to any dates?

My experience of being named a Blade Most Eligible Single was amazing. No, it did not lead to any dates.

Any advice for this year’s winners? My advice would be to remain open to invitations from individuals who may not be your “type.”

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What is your relationship status now, one year after being named a Blade Most Eligible Single?

Still single and optimistic.

How was the experience of being named a Blade Most Eligible Single — did it lead to any dates?

It was a really fun experience. Very nice to be featured and got to meet some nice people through the process. I can’t say that this experience in particular led to any dates.

Any advice for this year’s winners?

Enjoy the experience and see where it leads.

Also, VOTE BLUE — we are living in serious times, y’all!

“

I love wandering through Smithsonian museums, eating on H Street with friends, and going to shows at Howard Theatre.

I’m a transgender woman and I’m part of DC. Please treat me the way any woman 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.

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Show your support! Spread word of the #TransRespect campaign by photographing this ad and sharing on Twitter.

F E BR UA RY 1 4 , 2 0 2 0 • WAS H IN GTO N B LAD E.CO M • 4 1

groups, local charter schools and even Us Helping Us, a local LGBT non-profit.

Queeman also has two major TV appearances to his credit — he was on Discovery Family’s “Bake it Like Buddy” competition show in 2018 and the Food Network’s “Girl Scout Cookie Championship,” in an episode that aired last week.

“They were both great experiences where I got to not only showcase my talents and passion, but got to show that I can stand tall side-by-side with my peers,” he says. “To see leaders in the industry fall in love with the cake/dessert they just ate is a feeling that can’t be matched.”

Queeman is single and busy with work, so no major Valentine’s Day plans.

“I’ll be working and spending time with my friends who are single as well,” the 33-year-old Harlem native says.

“We’re having a dinner-and-movie night.”

Queeman came to Washington 10 years ago for career opportunities after growing up in New York. He lives in Largo, Md., and enjoys reading, dancing, traveling and outdoor activities in his free time.

QUEERY Mr. Bake

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

I’ve been out since I was 16 and the hardest person to tell was myself.

Who’s your LGBTQ hero?

I wouldn’t say that I had a hero but people I admired such as my older gay neighbor Garry who became and is a mentor to me.

Photo by WOOD D.

QUEERY: Mr. Bake/aka Kareem Queeman

The local artist/businessman answers 20 queer questions

By JOEY DIGUGLIELMO joeyd@washblade.com

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Retail employees on Black Friday, clergy and musicians at Easter, florists and chocolatiers leading up to Valentine’s Day — any big holiday has an army of industry professionals behind it working to make it special for consumers.

For Mr. Bake (aka Kareem Queeman), Valentine’s Day is one of the big ones along with the wedding season (May and June, which also brings graduations), Halloween and a few others. Queeman started Mr. Bake (mrbakesweets.com) in 2007, which provides “high quality, made-from-scratch desserts in a comfortable atmosphere for clients who seek a fun, gourmet pastry experience,” Queeman says. “We are dedicated to maintaining a consistent flavorful product that’s enjoyable with each bite.”

He’s baked for singers Vashawn Mitchell and Kehlani; corporate clients such as BET, Disney, NBC and Target; and other wide-ranging clients as diverse as The U.S. Air Force to regional government

What LGBTQ stereotype most annoys you?

That all gay man are effeminate and flamboyant and that LGBTQ people are trying to convert others.

What’s your proudest professional achievement?

Making it to Food Network! Was a dream of mine and to have my mother to sit in the audience.

What terrifies you?

Not living a fulfilled life of love and happiness.

What’s something trashy or vapid you love?

I’m a Netflix junkie.

What’s your greatest domestic skill?

Cooking and cleaning What’s your favorite LGBTQ movie or show?

Movie: “Brother to Brother.” Show: “Queer as Folk.”

What would the end of the LGBTQ movement look like to you?

I would go hand in hand with other movements that affect me such as the Black Lives Matter movement. Identifying as both black American and gay. I would love to be in a world where we are all treated as human.

photography by Geoffrey Hodgdon

What’s your social media pet peeve?

Funeral pictures of caskets and the deceased person get under my skin!

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What’s the most overrated social custom?

That men should be strong and not show emotion. We can actually get rid of this.

What was your religion, if any, as a child and what is it today?

I was and still go off Christian belief and some practices. I’ve always been more spiritual with a belief in a higher power. Just don’t fully believe in the institution of the church.

What’s D.C.’s best hidden gem?

I need more people to know about Ari’s Diner off New York Ave., N.E. LOVE IT! What’s been the most memorable pop culture moment of your lifetime?

“POSE.” This shows speaks to an era many young LGTBQ+ and heterosexuals where unaware of what really was going on. Too many people live in their own bubble.

What celebrity death hit you hardest?

Death of anyone hits hard. I find myself thinking more about the loved ones they leave behind.

If you could redo one moment from your past, what would it be?

I’m a believer that everything happens for a reason and that within each moment lies a lesson of growth.

What are your obsessions?

To stay happy.

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What do you wish you’d known at 18?

That I am talented, brilliant, gifted and gorgeous.

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Close to home/family (NYC) and offered me a jumpstart in the next phase of my career.

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CELINE DION plays Baltimore Feb. 21.

Photo courtesy Sony Music Entertainment

Let’s talk about Celine Celine Dion’s “Courage World Tour” arrives at Royal Farms Arena (201 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore) Monday, Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets ($75-225) are available through Ticketmaster.

March 14 8PM March 15 3PM Lincoln Theatre 1215 U Street NW Tickets: 877-435-9849 or GMCW.org tickets and groups of 10 or more call 202-293-1548

Dion’s decades-spanning musical career began as a child in Quebec and highlights include singing “The Power of Love” for President Clinton, the massive “Titanic” hit “My Heart Will Go On” and continuing to play to sold-out venues in the U.S. and abroad. In 2016, Billboard Music Awards presented Dion with the Lifetime Achievement Icon Award.

Tickets and information are available on celinedion.com and ticketmaster.com.

Celebrating Rayceen “Rayceen Pendarvis is Living Black History,” presented by Team Rayceen Productions and the D.C. Public Library, is Thursday, Feb. 20 from 5-8:30 p.m. at the Cleveland Park Public Library (3310 Connecticut Ave., N.W.). All are welcome and admission is free.

This special LGBTQ-inclusive Black History Month event features live music, interviews and more, including an artwork showcase with exhibits by Black Broadway on U, Rainbow History Project and other special exhibitors. Scheduled performers include KiDe Music with Kia Bennet and Desiree Jordan, Nia Simmons, Moon Newbill and Micah Powell.

For free tickets and information, visit teamrayceen.eventbrite.com.

Billy’s back!

Billy Gilman, an out gay runner-up from season 11 of NBC’s “The Voice,” performs with guest Bryan Lee at the Pearl Street Warehouse (33 Pearl St., S.W.) on Thursday, Feb. 20 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $20 on Eventbrite.

Gilman, who debuted as a young country music singer in 2000 with his hit single “One Voice,” is a two-time Grammy nominee and American Music Award-winning singer and songwriter. Bryan Lee is an American folk-soul and blues singer/songwriter who competed on season 15 of “The Voice.”

Visit facebook.com/billygilman and Eventbrite for more information.

Witchy tale “Wicked” comes to the Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center (12 North Eutaw St., Baltimore) Friday, Feb. 21 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $70.

This Broadway hit musical by Stephen Schwarts, based on the bestselling novel by Gregory Maguire, is a tale from the world of “The Wizard of Oz” told from the perspective of two witches who become unlikely friends. Popular songs from the musical include “The Wizard and I” and “No One Mourns the Wicked.”

For more information, visit baltimorehippodrome.com.

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Potential savings of $300-475 annually.

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Lifeline Program (Economy II)

Annual discount on one land line service per household.

for more info call 311 or visit doee.dc.gov/udp To apply for the telephone Lifeline Service (Economy II),call 1-800-837-4966 These discounts are for DC residents only and are subject to income eligibility requirements.

F E BR UA RY 1 4 , 2 0 2 0 • WAS H IN GTO N B LAD E.CO M • 4 5

MUSIC

Boy Thru Mar 7. Keegan Theatre. keegantheatre.com.

In the 1960s, a well-intentioned doctor convinces the parents of a male infant to raise their son as a girl after a terrible accident. Two decades later, the repercussions of that choice continue to unfold… Inspired by a true story, BOY, by award-winning playwright Anna Ziegler, explores the complicated journey of trying to find love in a new body and the inextricable bonds that are built along the way.

Virginia Opera Cinderella: Valentine Date Package Feb 15-Feb 16. Mason’s Center for the Arts. cfa.gmu.edu.

Treat your valentine to a romantic date. Arrive early and take a picture in our Fairytale Valentine photo station. Enjoy two glasses of Champagne and chocolates before the opera or during intermission.

National Archives Chocolate Tasting Experience Feb 14. National Archives. archivesfoundation.org.

When the sweet indulgence swept the colonies in the 18th century, it became a coffee house staple shared over conversations about politics and the day’s news by everyone from blacksmiths and cobblers to the founding fathers themselves. Shortly after its mainstream American debut, we would become an independent nation of chocolate lovers. And as we like to say, the rest is history!

Bilal: Valentine’s Day Residency Thru Feb 14. The Reach @The Kennedy Center. kennedy-center.org.

With an eclectic and energetic style that draws from gospel, jazz, soul, blues, and Hip Hop, Grammy®-winning vocalist Bilal returns to the Kennedy Center for a two-day Valentine’s Day residency.

THEATRE Easy Women Smoking Loose Cigarettes. Feb 18-Mar 29.

Gun & Powder. Thru Feb 23. Signature Theatre. sigtheatre.org.

Exquisita Agonía (Exquisite Agony). Thru Mar 1. GALA Hispanic Theatre. galatheatre. org.

Miss You Like Hell. Thru Mar 1. Olney Theatre. olneytheatre.org.

Pilgrims Musa & Sheri in The New World. Thru Feb 16. Mosaic Theater Company at Atlas. mosaictheater.org.

Recent Tragic Events. Thru Feb 16. Prologue Theatre at Atlas. prologuetheatre.org.

Spring Awakening. Thru Feb 23. Round House. roundhousetheatre.org.

The Merry Wives of Windsor. Thru Mar 1. Folger Theatre. folger.edu.

The Wanderers. Feb 19-Mar 15. Theater J at EDCJCC. theaterj.org.

Heroine: one female soldier’s story. Thru Feb 14. Kennedy Center. kennedy-center.org.

DANCE American Ballet Theatre: Giselle. Thru Feb 16. Kennedy Center. kennedy-center.org.

Valentine’s Day Hand Dance. Feb 14. Kennedy Center at Millennium Stage. kennedy-center.org.

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1964 The Tribute. Feb 20-Feb 21.

Chamber Music at The Barns: Paul Huang, Danbi Um, and Orion Weiss. Feb 14. Wolf Trap at The Barns. wolftrap.org.

Academy of St Martin in the Fields: Joshua Bell, director & violin. Feb 20.

Bowie Symphonic: Blackstar. Feb 15. Strathmore. strathmore.org.

Cinderella. Feb 15-Feb 16. Mason’s Center for the Arts. cfa.gmu.edu.

Eighth Blackbird. Feb 16. National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian. npg.si.edu.

Fortas Chamber Music Concerts: Trio Con Brio Copenhagen. Feb 19.

NSO Pops: Megan Hilty and Cheyenne Jackson. Thru Feb 15.

The Clemency of Titus (with Havana Lyceum Orchestra). Thru Feb 15. Kennedy Center. kennedy-center.org.

Invoke. Feb 20.

Niccolo Seligmann. Thru Feb 26. Strathmore at The Mansion. strathmore.org.

Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr. An Evening of Love Songs. Feb 14.

Crack the Sky. Feb 15. AMP. ampbystrathmore.com.

Melissa Aldana. Feb 15. Washington Performing Arts at Sixth & I. washingtonperformingarts. org.

Monuments — Beethoven at 250, Part I. Feb 16. Chiarina Chamber Players at Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church. Chiarina.org.

Swingin’ Sweethearts Day, Valentine’s Tribute To Benny Goodman. Feb 15. National Chamber Ensemble at Gunston. nationalchamberensemble.org.

Noseda conducts Mahler’s Fifth and Schubert. Feb 20-Feb 22. NSO at Kennedy Center. kennedy-center.org.

Paul Lewis & Steven Osborne. Feb 18. Washington Performing Arts at Kennedy Center. washingtonperformingarts.org.

Perfection: The Laurent Crystal Flute, 1807-1848. Feb 15. Library of Congress. loc.gov.

Street Scenes: Shacara Rogers, Vocals. Feb 14. Hill Center. hillcenterdc.org.

The National Chamber Ensemble Presents Swingin’ Sweethearts: A Tribute to Benny Goodman. Feb 15. Pozez JCC at Gunston. jccnv.org.

MUSEUMS AU Museum at the Katzen. Communicating Vessels: Ed Bisese, Elyse Harrison, Wayne Paige. Thru Mar 15. Good Form, Decorum, and in the Manner: Portraits from the Collections of Washington Print Club Members. Thru Mar 15. american.edu.

Anacostia Neighborhood Library. Right to the City @Anacostia Neighborhood Library.

Thru Apr 20. anacostia.si.edu.

Dumbarton Oaks. Asian Art from the Bliss Collection. Thru Jun 1. A Nobility of Matter: Asian Art from the Bliss Collection. Thru Jun 1. doaks.org.

Library of Congress. Shall Not Be Denied: Women Fight for the Vote. Thru Sep 1. Comic Art: 120 Years of Panels and Pages. Thru Sep 12. loc.gov.

National Archives. Rightfully Hers: American Women and the Vote. Thru Jan 3. archivesfoundation.org.

National Geographic. WOMEN: A Century of Change. Thru May 1. Becoming Jane. Thru Jun 1. nationalgeographic.org.

National Museum of Women in the Arts. Delita Martin: Calling Down The Spirits. Thru Apr 19. Graciela Iturbide’s Mexico. Thru May 25. New York Ave Sculpture Project. Thru Sep 20. nmwa.org.

Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian. The Great Inka Road. Thru Jun 1. Our Universes. Thru Sep 30. americanindian.si.edu.

National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian. Docent’s Choice Tour of the Portrait Gallery. Thru Feb 29. In Mid-Sentence. Thru Mar 29. One Life: Marian Anderson. Thru May 17. Women of Progress: Early Camera Portraits. Thru May 31. Storied Women of the Civil War Era. Thru May 8. npg.si.edu.

GALLERIES Arlington Arts Center. Winter 2020 Exhibitions. Thru Mar 28. arlingtonartscenter.org.

CHAW. The all-media exhibit Rhythm and Blues. Feb 15-Mar 14. chaw.org.

DC Arts Center. Out of Joint - Small Drawing by Karen Schiff. Thru Feb 23. dcartscenter.org.

Del Ray Artisans. Kondo vs. Chaos Art Exhibit. Thru Mar 1. delrayartisans.org.

ArlingtonArtistAlliance.NewLandscapesGroupShow.ThruFeb28.arlingtonartistsalliance. org.

Hill Center. Regional Juried Exhibition 2020. Thru Apr 18. hillcenterdc.org.

Korean Cultural Center DC. The Moment: Nature, Life, and Re-creation. Thru Feb 25. koreaculturedc.org.

Library of Congress. Rosa Parks: In Her Own Words. Thru Sep 30. loc.gov.

CALENDAR

TODAY Valentine’s Murder Mystery at the Whittemore House (1526 New Hampshire Ave., N.W.) is tonight from 6-10:30 p.m.

Tickets start at $60. Valentines, palentines and galentines are invited to solve the Mystery of the Masquerade Ball.

Visit thewhittmorehouse.com for more information.

Woo at the Zoo hosted by Friends of the National Zoo is tonight at 7 p.m. at the National Zoo (3001 Connecticut Ave., N.W.). Tickets are $50 for Friends members and $60 for others. Guests are invited to grab a cocktail, learn all about animal sex and dance the night away ‘80s prom-style. For tickets and information, visit nationalzoo.si.edu.

Valentine’s Bear Bust is tonight at 8 p.m. at Red Bear Brewing (209 M St., N.E.).

Bottomless select craft beer and cider is $35 and DJ Shea Van Horn runs the floor for this holiday event. For details, visit redbear.beer.

GLO, the underwear dance party, returns to the Green Lantern (1335 Green Ct., N.W.) tonight at 10 p.m. Admission is $5 and includes a free clothes check.

The event features music from resident DJs UltraPup and Phoenix Rise. Visit greenlanterndc.com for more information.

Madonna Love 3 is tonight at 10 p.m. at JR.’s (1519 17th St., N.W.). DJ Travis Island spins tunes and Madonna videos all night long. More information is available at jrsbar-DC.com and on Facebook events.

The Blade has its annual “Most Eligible LGBT Singles” party this evening at 6 p.m. at 18th & Duplex Diner (2004 18th St., N.W.). This year’s singles (see pages 24-39) will be on hand. It’s free for 21 and up.

Saturday, Feb. 15 Frederick Douglass’ 202nd Birthday Celebration hosted by the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site (1411 W St., S.E.) is today from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. This year’s event focuses on Douglass’s role in the women’s rights and suffrage movements as part of the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment. For a complete program list, visit nps.gov/ frdo.

Chanellie’s Drag Brunch presented

by Nellie’s Sports Bar (900 U St., N.W.) is today at 11 a.m. Chanel Devereaux and her team of drag performers entertain during an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet.

Visit nelliessportsbar.com and Eventbrite for details.

The Bear Cave #LoveOrLust hosted

by Bears Can Party is tonight at 9 p.m.

p.m. working out new material. Tickets are $35 for general admission and $45 for VIP. For tickets and information, visit dcimprov-com.seatengine.com

Tuesday, Feb. 18

BILLY GILMAN plays Pearl Street Warehouse Feb. 20.

Photo courtesy Alta Music Group

at the Green Lantern (1335 Green Ct., N.W.). This post-Valentine’s Day party features two new GoGo boys, DJ Popperz spinning all music genres and no cover. More information is available at greenlanterndc.com.

Desiree Dik presents a Drag Show Extravaganza at Red Bear Brewing (209 M St., N.E.) tonight at 9 p.m. This Valentine’s weekend event features performances by India Larelle Houston, Ricky Rose, Bombalicious Eklaver and more. For more information, visit redbear. beer.

Peach Pit: 90s Dance Party hosted by the DC9 nightclub (1940 9th St., N.W.) is tonight at 10:30 p.m. Cover is $5 before midnight and $8 for this party which features ’90s tunes mixed by DJ Matt Bailer. For more information, visit dc9.club.

Deviant Events (1348 H St., N.E.) hosts a body-positive dance party tonight at 10 p.m. for queer people of color.

General admission is $30 and $75 for VIP. Tickets are available on eventbrite.com.

Sunday, Feb. 16 February Bingo with the Sisters is today at 1 p.m. at Red Bear Brewing (209 M St., N.E.). This event features six rounds of Bingo for $20 with the D.C. Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and a sci-fi costume contest. Visit dcsisters.org for more information on this and other events.

Dinner N Drag at Shaw’s Tavern (520 Florida Ave., N.W.) is tonight at 8 p.m. Host Kristina Kelly and her troupe of drag performers entertain diners every Sunday. Reserve a table

at shawsdinnerdragshow@gmail.com and visit shawstavern.com for more information.

The Red Party hosted by Flashy Sundays (645 Florida Ave., N.W.) is tonight at 10 p.m. Guests are encouraged to wear red to this special event featuring music by TWiN, Sean Morris and DJ Steve Sidewalk on the rooftop. Cover is $20.

Visit facebook.com/flashydc for details.

A new queer Flower Factory! party dubbed Spree, dubbed an “afternoon tea dance on the banks of the Anacostia,” debuts today at 4 p.m. at Dacha Navy Yard (79 Potomac Ave., S.E.). Four rotating DJs and two hosts will offer a “lounge/chill” vibe, champagne and drinks specials “with no pressure or expectations to turn fierce looks, gag with shows or get sweaty and sexy.” It’s conceived as a chance to “just groove with friends and strangers.” No cover. Look for the event on Facebook for details.

Monday, Feb. 17 Chanellie’s President’s Day Drag Brunch is today at Nellie’s Sports Bar (900 U St., N.W.) from noon-2:30 p.m.

Host Chanel Devereaux and her team of performers entertain during this holiday-themed buffet event. For more information, visit nelliessportsbar.com and Eventbrite.

Monday Night Trivia is tonight at Red Bear Brewing (209 M St., N.E.). Host William Burlew curates questions from history, science, entertainment and more.

More information is available at redbear. beer.

“SNL’s” Pete Davidson will be at the D.C. Improv Comedy Club tonight at 7:30

Art AfterWords: A Book Discussion hosted by the D.C. Public Library and the National Portrait Gallery (8th and F streets, N.W.) features a discussion on “Brown Girl Dreaming” by Jacqueline Woodson in connection with portraits of Civil Rights icon Angela Davis tonight at 5:30 p.m. Visit npg.si.edu for more information.

Chance The Rapper performs Capital One Arena (601 F St., N.W.) tonight at 7 p.m. Chance, whose younger brother Taylor Bennett came out as bisexual in 2017, is known for hits “Smoke Break” and “All Night.” Tickets are available on ticketsidekick.com

Wednesday, Feb. 19 “Day of Remembrance: Preserving and Sharing a Community Collection” is tonight from 6-8 p.m. at the National Museum of American History (14th St. and Constitution Ave., N.W.). Feb. 19 is the Day of Remembrance in recognition of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s signing of Executive Order 9066 which interned nearly 120,000 Japanese Americans. Free tickets to this event are on Eventbrite and americanhistory.si.edu.

Market Crash: LGBTQ Night is tonight at 9 p.m. at The Big Board (421 H St., N.E.). This event celebrates love with no cover and guest DJ Mike Babbitt. For more information, visit thebigboarddc. com.

Thursday, Feb. 20 Queer/Trans/Nonbinary Yoga is this evening at 6:30 p.m. at Lamont Dharma House (1719 Lamont St., N.W.). YogAlle hosts yoga for those who identify outside the binary or don’t feel comfortable in a traditional yoga studio. Visit Facebook events for details.

Pretty Boi Drag Presents #OpenKingNight tonight at 8 p.m. at Busboys and Poets Brookland (625 Monroe St., N.E.). This event is open to new and seasoned drag king performers.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For more information, visit eventbrite.com.

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Lovely ‘Portrait’

Out filmmaker casts ex in lesbian romance

By BRIAN T. CARNEY

ADELE HAENEL (left) and NOEMIE MERLANT in ‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire.’

Photo courtesy Neon

According to out French filmmaker Celine Sciamma, her award-winning lesbian romance “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” started with “a simple desire.”

Her initial intent was “to dedicate a film to love and to write a great love story.”

From there, she says, “it got more complex.” As she started to contemplate her new film, she started thinking about how love is born and about the rise of desire, about the memory of love and the philosophy of a love story. In French with English subtitles, “Portrait” opens at area theaters today.

Then she started thinking about characters.

“I wanted to write about a woman artist at work,” she says, “and to talk about the dynamic collaboration between the model and the artist, to have a love dialogue that was also a creative dialogue and that was the plot.”

The movie is largely set on an isolated wind-swept island in Brittany at the end of the 18th century. Marianne (Noémie Merlant) is a struggling young

artist who is hired by La Comtesse (Valeria Golino) to paint a wedding portrait of her daughter, Heloise (Adèle Haenel). There’s only one catch: Heloise must not know that Marianne is painting her.

When La Comtesse travels to Milan to plan for the wedding, the two young women quickly become friends, then lovers, then finally collaborators.

Sciamma’s interest in the intimate partnership between female artists also influenced her work behind the camera.

“We were mirroring the situation in the workshop of the painter,” she says. “It was very joyful, I must say, very playful. We explored the idea of mutual gazing, of being very horizontal, of being collaborative with the actresses and the crew. We created a new power dynamic.”

Haenel, who is Sciamma’s long-time muse and former romantic partner, was the first actress cast in the movie.

“The film was written with Adele in mind,” Sciamma says. “We really wanted to work together again, so the part of Heloise was crafted for her.”

With Haenel attached to the project, the filmmaker decided to cast a stranger in the role of the painter Marianne.

“Since I was going to work with somebody I know very well,” Sciamma says, “I also wanted to keep the pleasure of working with a new actress.”

She admits that Merlant was cast both for artistic reasons (her amazing chemistry with Haenel) and for practical reasons (she was the right height).

For the challenging role of La Comtesse, the impoverished noblewoman who desperately wants to make a good marriage for her daughter, Sciamma turned to veteran actress Golino.

“I know her in life,” the writer/ director says. “She’s a friend and a great actress. I wanted to avoid the convention of the bitter old woman in the castle and to create a character with a future and a project and with her own desire to go back to Milan and party.

I thought Valeria would be perfect for the role because she combines a childlike sense of wonder and a very adult melancholia.”

Sciamma notes that her friend has had an amazing acting career that includes serious roles in European art house fare as well as leading roles in such Hollywood fare as “Big Top Pee Wee,” “Rain Man,” where she played Tom Cruise’s girlfriend, and the “Hot Shots!” movies, where she played Charlie Sheen’s love interest. Sciamma likes to tease her friend about her (literally) sizzling sex scene with Sheen in “Hot Shots! Part Deux.”

“We’ll never forget that olive-inthe-belly-button scene,” Sciamma says.

“She hates it when I say that!” ”Portrait of a Lady on Fire” was a major hit on the 2019 festival circuit and finally opens wide in the United States on Valentine’s Day. The film won numerous awards, including Best Screenplay and the Queer Palm at the Cannes Film Festival, as well as Dorian Awards for LGBTQ Film of the Year and Visually Striking Film of the Year from GALECA, the Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics. The film was also named one of the Top Ten Movies of 2019 by the Washington Blade.

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F E BR UA RY 1 4 , 2 0 2 0 • WAS H IN GTO N B LAD E.CO M • 5 1

Trixie’s triumph ‘Drag Race’ alum continues forging her own musical path on winning ‘Barbara’

By THOM MURPHY

+ Largest LGBT owned title company + Billions of dollars in transactions closed annually + 6 in house attorneys + Residential and commercial transactions + In home and in office refinance settlements + Licensed in DC, DE, MD, NJ, VA & WV

TRIXIE MATTEL’S new album ‘Barbara’ continues her musical experimentation far beyond the scope of the usual ‘Drag Race’ album-cum-recording-artist trajectory.

Photo by Albert Sanchez

For anyone worried that drag has gone too mainstream, RuPaul hosting “Saturday Night Live” last weekend may well be the nail in the coffin. But now that there is a minimum of one drag queen per public library — or so it seems — the queens are also much less constrained by old stereotypes. Trixie Mattel, whose new album “Barbara” is out this week, is at the forefront of pushing the bounds of what drag queens can do in the mainstream.

RuPaul’s pioneering shadow has long set the tone for the kind of songs drag queens produce. Certainly an artist in his own right, RuPaul’s 1992 hit “Supermodel (You Better Work)” paved the way for later drag queens, largely under the guises of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” who have released music, such as Alaska Thunderfuck, Sharon Needles, Shea Cole, Courtney Act and others. The show serves as testing ground through various musical competitions for new performers, as A D V E R T Iwell S I N P R Ofor ORu’s F own music. The clubas G publicity ready, joke-heavy music produced by “Drag Race” contestants could almost be classified as its own genre. Trixie Mattel has opted instead to chart her own path.

As a contestant on season seven of “Drag ADVERTISER SIGNATURE Race” and winner of season three of “Drag By signing this proof you are agreeing to your contract obligations with the washington blade newspaper. This includes but is not limited to placement, Race All Stars,” she has done an excellent job payment and insertion schedule. of marketing herself after her apperances, co-hosting the raucous and consistently hilarious Youtube series “UNHhhh” with fellow “Drag Race” alum Katya. Mattel is currently on an international comedy tour.

Most expected, however, was the release of her first album,“Two Birds” (2017), a genuine work of country/folk music that carried her appeal far beyond “Drag Race” devotees.

The album is a delightful little folk wonder,

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which even included a clever Bluegrass song about inclusion: “And I knew that I got lucky/ In the bluegrass of Kentucky/But bluegrass, you don’t love me after all.” The following year saw the release of her follow-up, “One Stone,” which only solidified the seriousness of Mattel’s musical endeavors.

Just as “Two Birds” and “One Stone” were two parts of a single whole, she has divided the new album into an A-side and a B-side. And like the last two, the album length runs just under 25 minutes. With “Barbara,” Mattel turns over a new leaf, venturing into pop-rock with a laid-back ’90s feel for the first half of the short record. The delightfully crisp, catchy tunes buzz from beginning to end at lightning pace and before you know it, you’ve listened to the album three times through.

The lead single and opening track “Malibu” is bouncy, light rock anthem — it’s a beach song that glows with warm nostalgia.

It’s something akin to the trick mastered by Ben Folds on his 2001 album “Rockin’ the Suburbs.” Not so far off from Folds’ “Zak and Sara,” Mattel conveys nostalgia, but makes it cheery, swirly, great fun.

Still on the vibrant, up-tempo side-A, “Jesse Jesse” shows how Mattel’s wit as a drag queen and comedian comes into play in her music. It’s a light rock love anthem for handsome and underrated actor Jesse Eisenberg (“Zombieland,” “The Social Network”). But in the chorus, she turns it into a play on Rick Springfield’s 1981 hit (and straight karaoke favorite) “Jesse’s Girl.” It creates a funny, charming effect that doesn’t detract even slightly from the catchy tune: “Jesse, Jesse, take my hand/You can meet me in Zombieland/You know inside every clam’s a pearl/I could be Jesse’s girl.”

Side B presents us with a softer side of Mattel, something more akin to her previous two albums. But it flows seamlessly with the first half. And it is here that Mattel showcases her storytelling abilities. “Gold” is a beautiful, metaphorical country song about love, with a simple, lovely chorus: “Where do you go when the gold is gone, when the old front lawn’s turning gray?/Will you grow from those cold blood wrongs when those old love songs start to play?” Trixie Mattel is at the top of her game with this album and it’s a wonderful thing to hear.

McGill’s ‘Awakening’ Successful but rocky career start inspired choreographer to switch gears

By PATRICK FOLLIARD

PAUL McGILL eschews cliches above all in his work as a choreographer.

Photo courtesy Round House

Broadway’s “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark” was troubled from the start. Plagued with delays, stunts gone wrong and injuries, some considered the show cursed.

During his two years playing various parts in the musical, Paul McGill saw a lot of the craziness up close. He remembers after one castmate suffered a particularly serious injury, walking the streets of Manhattan and contemplating his own future as a dancer.

“I asked myself if my career ended today, would I have done what I wanted?,” McGill says. “The answer was no. That day I decided to use my skill in a way that I could best serve and I knew it wasn’t onstage.”

It was 2014, and McGill, not yet 30, stopped performing and focused exclusively on choreography, an art that interested him greatly.

In the ensuing years, a rush of choreography jobs followed including the revival of “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” on Broadway, “The Legend of Georgia McBride” off-Broadway and in Los Angeles, and working with Laverne Cox for Fox’s “Rocky Horror Picture Show.”

His most recent gig is “Spring Awakening,” Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater’s Tony-winning adaptation of Frank Wedekind’s 19th-century drama about the agonies of adolescence, now playing at Round House Theatre in a production directed by busy, out director Alan Paul.

Recently in the theater’s newly renovated lobby, McGill, 32, spoke about his approach to the show.

While it’s true that audiences come expecting to see the show’s trademark angsty stomping dance moves, McGill has tried something different: “It definitely calls for some stomping, but in my work, I try to find the cliché version and avoid that.”

Instead, he focuses on the meaning of the play. Here, it’s the relationship between parents and children and the love, or lack thereof, passed from generation to generation.

“For me, the metaphor is a season of crops,” he says, “the pain just before blooming and what happens after that. I hope it comes across.”

The Pittsburgh native got into showbiz early. McGill started dance lessons at 3 and spent his youth acting in local professional theater and school musicals. Then, when he was a junior in high school, McGill was cast in the Broadway revival of “La Cage Aux Folles,” prompting his immediate transplant to New York City and a professional

performing arts school. Next, he played Mark in “A Chorus Line,” another highprofile Broadway revival.

“For me that was college, “he says. “The cast members were my best friends. It was an incredible learning time.”

In 2009, he played Kevin, the gay teen dancer, in the 2009 feature film remake of “Fame.” At the time, McGill, who came out at 16, was cagey with the gay press.

“I wasn’t sure about my character and was evasive in interviews,” he says.

In retrospect, he sees the character as categorically gayer than himself.

“I guess I’d call myself ‘out and open,’” says McGill who’s been with his boyfriend for four-and-a-half years. “It really is about the person to me. Doesn’t matter if they’re a man or woman, cisgender, nonbinary or trans.”

Career changes don’t come without sacrifices.

“If I’d continued performing, I’d be better off financially. But I wholeheartedly believe my decision will pay off. A lot of people dabble in performance and choreography, but I want to send a clear message to myself and the universe about my true investment.”

Ideally, McGill aspires to have a career like Kenny Ortega, the famed director/ choreographer behind hit films like “Hocus Pocus,” “High School Musical,” “Dirty Dancing” (choreography only), and numerous concert tours, including tours for Cher and Michael Jackson.

McGill’s interest spans stage to TV to film — “whatever is the most accessible medium for that story.” Shows he’d like to choreograph include “Cabaret” and “42nd Street.” Not so much “The Wedding Singer.”

Looking back, McGill doesn’t see his stint with “Spider-Man” as time wasted. Now at work, he strives to ensure that the cast is safe but not overly cautious or too wary.

And it inspired him to become his most authentic self.

“Sometimes,” he says, “I wear my ‘Spider-Man’ shirt for good luck.”

‘Spring Awakening’ Through February 23 Round House Theatre 4545 East-West Highway in Bethesda, MD $56-$88 240.644.1100 roundhousetheatre.org

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Ross names names

‘Drag Race’ judge waxes wittily on celeb encounters

By TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER Some people collect glassware.

Others collect books or sweaters or Santa statues or fancy cars or any one of a million things there are more than two of.

Scientists say that, as a species, we’re hardwired to do it, even if you just collect friends.

And in “Name Drop” by Ross Mathews, some of them might even be famous.

From the time he was a little boy growing up in a farm community in Washington state, Mathews wanted to have friends who were celebrities. He imagined what it would be like to hang out with them and gossip.

And then it actually happened.

Now, the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” judge says he hates when people “name drop,” but “honey,” he has stories.

His celebrity circle started when he was an intern on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” which sent him to report on the Olympics three times, which led him to start a blog and that’s how he became BFFs with Rosie O’Donnell. They’ve been fast friends ever since, though it was she who “made” him “sleep with a Republican.”

He worked with Chelsea Handler on “Chelsea Lately” and because of where the show was filmed, he met and became friends with the Kardashians, who were filming their reality show in the same building. The Chelsea gig also gave Mathews the opportunity to be on the sidelines when his beloved Seahawks won the Super Bowl in 2013.

That was the year he also got to play celebrity matchmaker.

He had a chance to meet two of the Spice Girls. He got a quick-click photo op with Celine Dion. He met Omorosa and scooped every rabid reporter on TV; he met “Liza with an OMG” and spent all night talking with Christina Aguilera.

But “not every celebrity story is going to end like a fairy tale where the famous person and I end up bonding,” Mathews writes.

Especially when it’s Barbara Walters, Faye Dunaway or Elizabeth Taylor.

No doubt about it, “Name Drop” sure is fun.

It’s got the feel of a Friday night at your bestie’s house, where the snacks on the kitchen counter are bottomless and so are the Skinny ‘Ritas, and you scream yourself hoarse in mock horror and real laughter at

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Photo courtesy Atria Books

the stories you’re told. It’s got the kind of gossip you want about the stars you love (or love to hate), spilled with a little snark and a charming amount of awe. It’s got an absolute (and absolutely relieving) sense that being famous sometimes doesn’t make a person act famous, although sometimes it does. And it’s got “Rossipes” (Rossipes!) you can make to go along with your reading.

Like a red-carpet walk with a broken heel, though, “Name Drop” sometimes limps. Author Ross Mathews is funny and punny, but not both simultaneously: alas, the puns are too much, too overwhelming, so feel free to groan and ignore them. The dishy tales you get in this book are way more fun; in fact, if you love boy-meets-girlcelebrity tales, you’ll find that “Name Drop” is a great collection.

‘Name Drop: The Really Good Celebrity Stories I Usually Only Tell at Happy Hour’

By Ross Mathews Atria Books $26 225 pages

Northwest charm meets outdoor wonderland in Portland

Gorgeous outdoor sites, friendly queer nightlife, but beware of hidden hotel fees Multnomah Falls hear Portland.

Photo by Bill Malcolm

By BILL MALCOLM Portland, Ore., makes for a perfect vacation that combines the stunning beauty of the Pacific Northwest with great food and libations and a vibrant, hip scene where LGBTQ life is integrated into the mainstream (albeit offbeat) culture.

GETTING THERE I took a one stop on Southwest out to Portland. I like Southwest because you don’t pay extra for anything — bag checking is free, there is no ticket change fee and the fares are competitive (especially without the add ons). My other favorite airline, Alaska, also has plenty of flights to the Rose City.

Once at the airport, hop on the TriMet MAX light rail to downtown or environs. The fare is just $2.50. It is good for all MAX trains, TriMet buses and the Portland Streetcar.

Plan your trip at trimet.org.

Portland is very walkable. The blocks are short and everything is close together. You won’t need a rental car and of course it has a bike-sharing system as well as scooters.

If you do rent a car, don’t planning on pumping your own gas. It’s against the law.

Instead, the gas stations do it for you.

WHERE TO STAY Portland downtown hotels frequently tack on a resort or “amenity fee” of around $30 a night to their already high rates. Stay at the Park Lane Suites and Inn instead and skip the fee and pay a lower rate. You get your own apartment and can enjoy the Goose Hollow-Nob Hill-Alphabet District neighborhood. It’s a short walk to the downtown attractions, Washington Park (and the Rose Test Gardens), and the boutique shopping and restaurants on both NW 23rd. and NW 21st Avenue. Pick up a to go meal at the nearby Zaputo’s Grocery Store. Details at parklanesuite.

com.

WHAT TO DO A visit to Washington Park and the Rose Test Gardens just west of downtown is a must. The views of Mt. Hood are stunning and on a clear day you might catch a glimpse of Mt. St. Helens.

A visit to the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area (and Multnomah Falls) is another must. Catch the Gorge Express Shuttle (columbiagorgeexpress.com) from the Gateway Transit Center (on the Max light rail line) to Multnomah Falls. The short hike to the top of the falls is worth it. You can also catch the shuttle to the Rooster Rock State Park, one of the few state parks with its own clothing-optional beach.

Finally, the Shuttle continues onto Hood River for more views of the Gorge. You can catch the wind surfers in Hood River. If you have a car, return along the Washington State side by taking the Bridge of the Gods at Cascade Locks. You may want to explore Mt. Adams (the second highest volcano in the region) by taking the Hood River Bridge over to Washington.

Another option if you have a car is the notorious Fruit Loop. Head north from Hood River past fruit orchards, wineries and breweries. Details at hoodriverfruitloop. com.

Meet the locals for a run or walk in the Frontrunners Club. Members meet Saturdays at 9 a.m. at the Vera Katz Esplanade Riverwalk on the Willamette River. If you’re lucky, Poison Waters (aka Kevin Cook) may drop by for the warm up. They also meet Tuesday evenings. The Adventuring Group also has lots of hikes to the nearby (and far away) attractions).

A walk along the Park Blocks south of downtown towards Portland State University is very pleasant. A visit to the huge Powell’s Book is also a must. Just across Burnside

Avenue from downtown, it’s located in the Pearl District (formerly the Northwest Industrial District).

The Saturday farmers market is also fun and from there you can walk along the Tom McCall waterfront park for miles.

NIGHTLIFE No trip to the Rose City is complete without seeing Darcelle XV’s drag show at the Darcelle XV Showplace (208 N.W. 3rd). Darcelle (aka Walter Cole) at 88 is the oldest performing drag queen in the world and has been doing the shows for 47 years. A movie about her life comes out in September and Oregon Public Broadcasting did a documentary show on her called “That’s no lady — that’s Darcelle.”

Warning — the Rhinestone Cowboy scene is not for the faint of heart. Tickets by calling 503-222-5338.

Next door is CC Slaughters and Rainbow Lounge (219 N.W. Davis) which is a lot of fun.

Scandals Bar at 1125 S.W. Harvey Milk (aka S.W. Stark Avenue) is the only bar left on what was once Vaseline Alley (the gayborhood). It has a great outdoor patio. It’s across the street from my favorite restaurant, Jake’s (try the salmon) and one of my favorite hotels, The Mark Spencer.

Gentrification of gayborhoods across the country have taken its toll and Portland is no exception. The notorious Majestic Steam Baths is now the Crystal Hotel. Portland still has two for now, Steam and Hawk’s.

Other fun bars are Silverado at 610 N.W. Couch and Stag’s at 317 N.W. Broadway both have dancers.

See portlandmercury.com for its LGBTQ bar review in the June 6-19 edition and a complete listing of all bars and clubs.

MORE INFO Portland has a huge homeless population who literally camp everywhere downtown and along the 1-205 Freeway.

It’s even worse than San Francisco.

Also, the downtown hotel rates are quite high and come with surprise resort fees to boot. Staying on the east side near the convention center is a bit cheaper. The airport hotels are also cheaper but away from the nightlife.

Bring an empty suitcase and replenish your wardrobe. Oregon has no sales tax (except on rental cars and hotels).

For more information and travel ideas, pick up a copy of The Willamette Week or The Mercury. The two alternative weeklies cover the city including LGBTQ activities.

Portland is a more charming and down to earth version of Seattle with a better climate including in the summer (as it actually gets one). The weather stays dry through the middle or end of September and the best hiking in the nearby mountains is during this time. The people are friendly and it is definitely worth a vacation visit. If you have time, you can catch Amtrak up to Seattle or even Vancouver, B.C. I love the Northwest. With the volcanos, nearby ocean and year round greenery, it’s also is one of the few places that still has a regional feel. You will want to come back.

Bill Malcolm

writes this syndicated LGBT value travel column which focuses on seeing a city without breaking the bank. He focuses on affordable hotels, using public transit and other fun ideas to enjoy a city like a local. This is a hobby. Special thanks to Michelle Gonzalez of Choose Chicago for helpful ideas and a CityPass.

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PRIDE REVEAL The Capital Pride Alliance held its annual Pride Reveal party at City Winery on Thursday. The theme for this year’s pride is “#Still We.” Washington Blade photos by Michael Key

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A Valentine’s Day tribute to house hunting Finding the right home is like choosing a mate

By VALERIE M BLAKE “It’s Valentine’s Day and I’m flying solo once again. No love letters in my mailbox. No candlelight in my dining room. No roses or chocolates. Maybe it’s time to put myself out there and look at some online dating apps,” said my house, as it drafted the following profile.

I’m a little bit Deco with a Mediterranean flair. Born in ’35, I’m one of a kind; you won’t meet anyone like me in D.C. Although my garage door is a little rusty and my roof has had a few leaks, my carpet still matches the drapes and my radiator will heat you up all night long. P.S. I’m not for sale but you can visit anytime. I’ll leave the lights on for you until they automatically turn off.

Finding the right home can be very much like choosing a mate, so it’s important to have a real estate agent to guide you through the maze of potential suitors and find the one for whom you swipe right.

Renting an apartment in D.C. is a lot like choosing a date on Grindr, Her, or Adult Friend Finder – it’s a transient situation that rarely fosters a long-term connection. I’ve heard people say, “I’d rent this, but I wouldn’t buy it.” They often feel the same way about their personal relationships.

Because renting is expensive, it’s possible that you can be a homeowner for

Not sure where to buy? Do a little speed dating at open houses.

the same money as you pay in rent or less.

The best way to find out is to talk to a local lender to determine your purchasing power.

You might also be pleasantly surprised to find that you qualify for one of D.C.’s special finance programs or closing cost benefits.

Not sure where you want to buy? Should it be where working out meets eating out or where Metro meets homo? Check out some profiles on various websites to get a sense of what’s out there. Take a romantic ride through the District’s neighborhoods. Do a little speed dating at open houses. Test your commute. Just know that the hot property with hardwoods everywhere will attract multiple suitors, so be prepared to compete for its attention.

If you’re new to the homeowner dating scene, consider a condominium, the

REALTOR®speak Country Feel in the City

Translation: Neighbors host Saturday night cock fights

traditional first home for most D.C. buyers.

Condo dating profiles are plentiful. You can find short ones and tall ones, big ones and little ones, some that have had a tuck here and there and some that have seen better days.

And you don’t necessarily have to look for them in Elite Singles. In fact, there are 64 on the market right now for under $300,000.

Perhaps a cooperative apartment is better for you. Here’s a profile that might float your boat.

Are you searching for an authentic, supportive partner with charm and timeless elegance who will share his inner thoughts and desires, and pay your utility bills and property taxes? Well, look no further. You will find me to be very cooperative.

Do you long for a close-knit group of family and friends who stay together through

thick and thin? Or maybe a place to unleash your inner Joanna Gaines is what you’d like. If so, then how about this profile?

Attached, Federal style rowhouse seeks someone new. I’ve been here waiting for you for what seems like 100 years. Looks are not important, but you must be strong and sturdy with good bones. Although I have a flat front and I rent out my bottom, take a chance on me and I will stand with you for many years to come.

While it’s a little late to tie a red ribbon on a home to give to your significant other for Valentine’s Day, you can still spend a romantic evening drinking Champagne and swiping through house profiles on the MLS. And if you still haven’t found “the one” and your wallet permits, put this next one on your list to see.

I’m detached and isolated from my neighbors, but I have a lovely front porch where we can sit and watch the world go by while sipping Bellinis on a hot, summer SHOULDN’T THE FINAL afternoon. I’m for ONE someone to MEMORIES OFlooking A LOVED appreciate how wellFINEST? my architecture has held BE AMONG THE up over the years. My wood has been painted numerous times, but I’ll strip it if you desire.

And if you take me to dinner, I’ll let you gently park your car in my garage. Can’t wait to meet you!

SHOULDN’T THE FINAL Valerie M. Blake MEMORIES OF A LOVED ONE M. Blake is a licensed Associate BE AMONG THE FINEST? Valerie Broker in D.C., Maryland and Virginia and

Director of Education & Mentorship at RLAH Real Estate. Call or text her at 202246-8602, email her at DCHomeQuest. com, or follow her on Facebook at TheRealst8ofAffairs.

SHOULDN’T THE FINAL MEMORIES OF A LOVED ONE BE AMONG THE FINEST? times when nothing short ofshort the bestofwill do.best A memorial ThereThere areare times when nothing the will do. A service is service one of them. is a final expression, theaculmination of a lifetime the memorial isItone of them.

It is final expression, orchestrated a singular event.

What leaves into a lasting culmination of into a lifetime orchestrated a impression? singular event.

A ceremony is as unique as the individual.

We’ll help youthat plan is as What leaves that a lasting impression?

A ceremony and design every detail of your own remarkable send-off. uniqueahead as the individual. We’ll help you plan ahead and design every detail of your own remarkable send-off.

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

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There are times when nothing short of the best will do. A memorial service is one of them. It is a final expression, the culmination of a lifetime orchestrated into a singular event. What leaves a lasting impression?

A ceremony that is as unique as the individual. We’ll help you plan

Celebrating one year at Compass Martin Toews 202.255.9195 martin.toews@compass.com

What made you take the leap into real estate?

I've always had a passion for real estate. Over the years, friends who had successfully transitioned into real estate from various service industries tried repeatedly to recruit me. I'd listen but the timing never felt right. When Olivia offered her expertise, support and counsel, I made up my mind to listen. I didn't want to be another gay realtor, but a better gay realtor.

You've been well known in hospitality for over a decade, so how does that translate to real estate?

Whether in the bar or on the hunt for a home, it’s all about service. Anticipating needs, meeting and exceeding expectations, and ensuring people have a good time during the process are all paramount.

Why did you choose the Martin & Jeff Group at Compass?

The legendary reputation of Martin & Jeff was cemented as I got to know my partner Olivia Kibler and the service she is determined to provide our clients - always the highest standards of service and experience. There’s no substitute for experience, and after 25 years in negotiations ranging from transferring a parking space to the complexities of multi-million dollar transactions and everything in between, I knew there wasn’t a question they couldn’t answer. I am pleased to say, I was right.

What is the most surprising thing you've learned this year?

Growing up, all I heard was that money and a credit score were all you needed to buy a house. Sure those matter, but what’s equally important is mindset. I hadn’t realized how many mental barriers there are to home ownership. Those and a general lack of consumer awareness on available programs keep people renting forever. One example that comes to mind… just last summer we were able to get a 76 year old Purple Heart veteran into his very first home for $37. YES, THIRTY SEVEN DOLLARS!

What have you found most rewarding about your first year in real estate?

Definitely the clients. I thought it was great pairing someone up with a drink and a good time, and it is, but you have no idea the pleasure I get when pairing someone up with the perfect place to call home, or the next investment they make towards securing their financial future… or BOTH.

Jeff Brier 202.255.9205 jeff.brier@compass.com

Licensed in DC/MD/VA

Olivia Kibler 301.351.9630 olivia.kibler@compass.com

Dito Sevilla 202.549.2491 dito.sevilla@compass.com

Compass is a licensed real estate brokerage that abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. 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. Logan Circle: 1313 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005 202.386.6330

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LEGAL SERVICES

HOSPITALITY PROFESSIONALS NEEDED JOSEPH GAWLER’S SONS We currently have a parttime opening for a Servcie Assistant at Joseph Gawler’s Sons in Washington, DC. General accountabilities will include, providing customer service in all areas of helping client families following the loss of a loved one; providing exemplary personalized and professional service to our client families. For us, there is no greater responsibility than celebrating each life like no other and making a difference in the lives of people we serve. Please contact General Manager Joshua Carter for more information. joshua.carter@ dignitymemorial.com.

ADOPTION, DONOR, SURROGACY legal services.

Jennifer represents LGBTQ clients in DC, MD & VA interested in adoption or ART matters. 240-863- 2441, JFairfax@jenniferfairfax.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 D.C. Requirements: Valid Driver’s License, able to lift 50-75 lbs., complete training program, become Med Certified within 6 months of hire, pass security background check. (Associates degree preferred) For more information please contact Human Resources @ 301392-2500.

Gay & Veteran Owner/ Operator.

2016 Luxury BMW 750Li Sedan.

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

Phone 202-554-2471.

FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM Representing the GLBT community for over 35 years.

Family adoptions, estate planning, immigration, employment. (301) 8912200. Silber, Perlman, Sigman & Tilev, P.A. www.SP-Law. com.

LIMOUSINES KASPER’S LIVERY SERVICE Since 1987.

CLEANING FERNANDO’S CLEANING: Residential & Commercial Cleaning, Reasonable Rates, Free Estimates, Routine, 1-Time, Move-In/Move-Out. (202) 234-7050, 202-4866183.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Results-Oriented • Affordable

Larry Cohen, LICSW

32 years serving the LGBT community

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See website for NPR story on my work

SIMPLE AFFORDABLE PROVEN RESULTS

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202.747.2077

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

703-593-3204

WWW.DAVELLOYD.NET ENTHUSIASTICALLY SERVING DC & VIRGINIA

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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.

HOME IMPROVEMENT BRITISH REMODELING HANDYMAN Local licensed company with over 25 years of experience. Specializing in bathrooms, kitchens & all interior/exterior repairs. Drywall, paint, electric & wallpaper. Trevor 703-303-8699.

PLUMBERS DIAL A PLUMBER, LLC - FULL SERVICE

JUST SAY: I NEED A PLUMBER! Bathroom Sinks, Tubs, Vanities, Kitchen Sinks, Disposals, Boilers & Furnaces, Hot Water Heaters, Drain Service. Licensed, Bonded & Insured. DC Plumbers License #707. 202-251-1479.

PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIEDS ONLINE

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

MOVERS

MEN FOR MEN

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.

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RENT / MI BIKE TO LAKE $1800/ mo QUEER discount ADA accessible 1678ft.² St. Clair Shores, MI. Make this summer rental your permanent home!

Veterans $1700/mo Michelle 302-438-5037.

BODYWORK

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CALL TODAY TOPLACE YOUR AD

202.747.2077

THE MAGIC TOUCH: Swedish, Massage or Deep Tissue. Appts 202-486-6183, Low Rates, 24/7, In-Calls.

Washington:

202-448-0824

18+ MegaMates.com

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HIVcare.org

Rebekka, AHF Client

AHF HEALTHCARE CENTERS K STREET 2141 K ST NW, STE 707 (202) 293-8680

TEMPLE HILLS 4302 SAINT BARNABAS RD, STE D (301) 423-1071

BENNING ROAD 1647 BENNING RD NE, STE 300 (202) 350-5000