Washington Blade, Volume 53, Issue 08, February 25, 2022

F E B R U A R Y 2 5 , 2 0 2 2 • V O LU M E 5 3 • I S S U E 0 8 • W A S H I N GTO N B L A D E . C O M

READY TO LIVE AT NATIONAL HARBOR? The Potomac Overlook Monument Series Luxury Townhomes starting from the $700’s

VA LOANS WITH $0 DOWN AND ALL CLOSING COSTS PAID*

TOM GAFFNEY

SENIOR LOAN OFFICER NMLS ID #182206

703.307.5877 tgaffney@fhmtg.com www.GaffneyLoans.com

CURRENT INCENTIVES **

$30K in Closing Costs* *with use of preferred Lender and Title **not valid on previous contracts and must settle on or before 2/28/22.

FIRST HERITAGE MORTGAGE, LLC 3201 JERMANTOWN ROAD, SUITE 800 FAIRFAX, VA 22030 First Heritage Mortgage, LLC | Company NMLS ID #86548 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) This is an advertisement and not a guarantee of lending. Terms and conditions apply.

All approvals subject to underwriting guidelines. Prepared: 09/05/2018. *Closing costs paid when using First Heritage Mortgage and does not include pre-paids.

Pricing and terms may change, please speak with Loan Officer.

0 2 • WA SHIN GTO N BLADE.COM • FEBRUARY 25 , 2 0 2 2

8463

POTOMAC OVERLOOK MONUMENT SERIES FROM THE $700’S 500 TRIGGERFISH DRIVE, NATIONAL HARBOR, MD 20745 SALES@INTEGRITYHMW.COM | (703) 223-6286

Time is a luxury.

I’ll help you spend it wisely.

I equip my clients with real-time market insights for better decisions and a streamlined real estate experience.

Reach out to save time with my data-driven guidance.

WKVBO_ ddoO Realtor® Over 29 Years of Experience Licensed in DC, MD, VA

M: 202.262.7762 O: 202.386.6330 1313 14th Street NW Washington, DC 20005

Scan Here to Watch my Evoker Film on Youtube

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. Compass is licensed as Compass Real Estate in DC and as Compass in Virginia and Maryland. 1313 14th Street NW Washington, DC 20005 | 202.386.6330

F E B R UA RY 2 5 , 2 0 2 2 • WA S H I N GTO N B L A D E.CO M • 0 3

Thank you to our sponsors and partners of the Washington Blade.

FULL LOGO (Preferred)

Text Only Stack

Style Guide v.1 | February 2018

Text Only Inline

Community Partners

ONLY A HANDFUL OF PEOPLE READING THIS WILL BE A MEMBER. SUPPORT LGBTQ MEDIA TODAY! WASHINGTONBLADE.COM/MEMBERSHIP 0 4 • WA SHIN GTO N BLADE.COM • FEBRUARY 25 , 2 0 2 2

VOLUME 53 ISSUE 08 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 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 JOHN PAUL KING PHOTO EDITOR MICHAEL KEY mkey@washblade.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS TINASHE CHINGARANDE, DUNIA ORELLANA, REPORTAR SIN MIEDO, PARKER PURIFOY, PETER ROSENSTEIN, MARK LEE, LATEEFAH WILLIAMS, KATE CLINTON, KATHI WOLFE, ERNESTO VALLE, YARIEL VALDÉS GONZÁLEZ, LYNARE ROBBINS, PHILIP VAN SLOOTEN, KATLEGO K. KOLANYANE-KESUPILE, KAELA ROEDER, TREMENDA NOTA, ALBERTO J. VALENTÍN, MAYKEL GONZÁLEZ VIVERO, ORGULLO LGBT. CO, ESTEBAN GUZMAN 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

at

202-747-2077,

All material in the Washington Blade is protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the Washington Blade. The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, writers and cartoonists published herein is neither inferred nor implied. The appearance of names or pictorial representation does not necessarily indicate the sexual orientation of that person or persons. Although the Washington Blade is supported by many fine advertisers, we cannot accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers. Unsolicited editorial material is accepted by the Washington Blade, but the paper cannot take responsibility for its return. The editors reserve the right to accept, reject or edit any submission. A single copy of the Washington Blade is available from authorized distribution points, to any individual within a 50-mile radius of Washington, D.C. Multiple copies are available from the Washington Blade office only. Call for rates. If you are unable to get to a convenient free distribution point, you may receive a 52-week mailed subscription for $195 per year or $5.00 per single issue.

Checks or credit card orders can be sent to Phil Rockstroh at prockstroh@ washblade.com. Postmaster: Send address changes to the Washington Blade, PO BOX 53352 Washington, DC 20009. The Washington Blade is published weekly, on Friday, by Brown Naff Pitts Omnimedia, Inc. Individual Subscriptions are $195 per year for 52 issues (only $3.75 per issue mailed to you USPS). Rates for businesses/institutions are $450 per year. Periodical postage paid at Washington, D.C., and additional mailing offices. Editorial positions of the Washington Blade are expressed in editorials and in editors’ notes as determined by the paper’s editors. Other opinions are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Washington Blade or its staff. To submit a letter or commentary: Letters should be fewer than 400 words; commentaries should be fewer than 750 words. Submissions may be edited for content and length, and must include a name, address and phone number for verification. Send submissions by e-mail to knaff@washblade.com.

©2022 BROWN NAFF PITTS OMNIMEDIA, INC.

EXPECT MORE

Whether you are looking for a vibrant and spirited Independent Living lifestyle, an enriching Assisted Living and Memory Support neighborhood, or the peace of mind and security that comes with a Life Plan Community, Ingleside will exceed your expectations. Discover a rich and diverse community made up of interesting friends and neighbors, living an active and engaging lifestyle.

EXPECT MORE AT INGLESIDE.

INGLESIDE AT ROCK CREEK

202-999-4496 // www.ircdc.org

INGLESIDE AT KING FARM

240-414-8523 // www.ikfmd.org Not-for-profit, CARF-accredited, SAGECare-certified, life plan communities.

F E B R UA RY 2 5 , 2 0 2 2 • WA S H I N GTO N B L A D E.CO M • 0 5

Comings & Goings

Lovitz joins LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance board

By PETER ROSENSTEIN

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

Congratulations to Jonathan Lovitz on his appointment to the board of directors of the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance.

On his appointment, he said, “My life’s work has been dedicated to helping the American Dream be in reach of every American from every community. I am honored to continue that work as member of the board of the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance, helping make home ownership and safe communities a vital part of the economic empowerment we strive for in our communities. I look forward to bringing my years of public policy experience to advance the Alliance’s important work, and fight for their stakeholders as I continue my journey to the Pennsylvania State House this year.” For more information, visit LovitzforPA.com.

Prior to starting his campaign, Lovitz was senior vice president of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce. He currently serves the Chamber as a public policy consultant.

Lovitz is the co-creator, with Jason Evans, of PhillyVoting. org, an organization that recognizes traditional, in-person methods of promoting voter registration and polling

information are difficult during COVID-19. He has served as New York director of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce; Director of Communications and Acting Executive Director, StartOut; and Media & Communications Director and senior producer and news anchor with Network Global Communications, Inc. Lovitz is a regular guest on MSNBC, CNBC, NPR, and Bloomberg, among others, and has served as a keynote speaker for the U.S. Dept. of Defense, U.S. Dept. of Treasury, the United Nations, The Trevor Project, and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Lovitz earned has his bachelor’s degree in performance (Summa Cum Laude) at the University of Florida.

Congratulations also to Mark Rupp, who was named Adaptation Program Director at the Georgetown Climate Center. Rupp will lead GCC’s adaptation team, providing strategic direction for its work in support of resilience, equity, and community-based solutions at the local, state, and federal levels. GCC Executive Director Kate Zyla said, “Mark brings a wealth of experience working across levels of government on policies that protect people, communities, and ecosystems. Representing Washington State, Mark served on the initial advisory board of state officials that informed GCC’s founding in 2009 to elevate state voices in the development of federal climate and energy policy and legislation.”

MARK RUPP

JONATHAN LOVITZ

On accepting the position, Rupp said, “Even as we work to reduce greenhouse gas pollution, it is crucial to address the increasingly severe climate impacts that communities particularly underserved and frontline communities - are facing today. GCC has a phenomenal record supporting states and communities as they face these challenges. I’m excited to join such an accomplished team to continue to provide policymakers at every level of government with the tools they need to build resilience into the fabric of communities across the country.”

Prior to joining GCC, Rupp was director of State-Federal Policy & Affairs with the Environmental Defense Fund. Before that he had a distinguished career in public service including: Deputy Associate Administrator for Intergovernmental Relations, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; and director, D.C. Office of former Washington Gov. Gregoire. He was legislative counsel to U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.).

Teacher, law librarian Kierstead dies at 84

Longtime D.C. resident volunteered with HIV support group

By LOU CHIBBARO JR. | lchibbaro@washblade.com

Marvin Kierstead, a teacher of English as a second language at three U.S. universities and a university in Saudi Arabia before changing careers to become a law librarian in D.C., died Dec. 31 of complications associated with HIVrelated kidney disease. He was 84.

Kierstead’s son, Steve Kierstead, said his father began his teaching career in the middle to late 1960s at Ball State University in Indiana and continued teaching English as a second language in subsequent years at the University of Michigan and Georgetown University in D.C. Around 1980 or 1981, Steve Kierstead said, his father took a job teaching English as a second language at the then-University of Petroleum and Minerals in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, before returning to the U.S. about five years later shortly before he switched careers to become a law librarian at a D.C. law firm.

Steve Kierstead said his father began his teaching career while married to his then wife, Judith Kierstead, and helping to raise the couple’s four children. It was before his father came out as a gay man and later set up his own household while retaining close ties with his children, his son said.

During his early teaching years, according to Steve Kierstead, his father introduced his students — who came from countries throughout the world — to his family by inviting them to his home for social gatherings.

“He would have these parties and invite his students, and I remember that our house would fill up with people of all complexions, backgrounds, religions,” Steve Kierstead said. “They were eating and drinking, conversing, smiling, laughing, making music — just enjoying one another’s company,” he said. “Dad didn’t have to tell us that people who are different are not a threat. We lived it,” said Steve Kierstead.

“He had students from the Soviet Union, China, parts of Africa, Central and South America, all over,” his son said.

Marvin Kierstead was born in Cadillac, Mich., and raised in Marion, Ind., where his father was a pastor at a Methodist church, according to information provided by Steve Kierstead and other family members.

He graduated from Marion High School in 1955 and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Marion College in 1959. He received a Master of Arts degree from Indiana’s Ball State Teacher’s College in 1964 and a second Master of Arts degree in Library Science from the University of Michigan in 1975.

His son Steve said he believes his father worked as a law librarian at the D.C. law firm Wiley Rein from the mid to late 1980s until his retirement at the age of 58 in 1995.

“Outside of work, he invested time and energy in building sets for musical theater, knitting and crocheting for his kids, grandkids and friends, painting and drawing with a natural artist’s eye and hand, and traveling widely,” a write up about Marvin Kierstead provided by Steve Kierstead says.

“By hard experience, Marvin was familiar with death and loss, having endured the departures of many friends over the years, not least of his life partner, LeRoy Proctor, who died in 1998,” the write-up says. “Through a local HIV support group and other outlets, he gave of himself and drew fulfillment from supporting others as they worked through their own pain and recovery,” it says.

“Marvin loved his children, adored his grandchildren and treasured the friends and lunch companions with whom he shared regular meals over the last 25 years,” the writeup says. “Marvin welcomed the vast variety of experience and perspective that the world offers, and taught that the ‘other’ and change are not to be feared or rejected, but

0 6 • WA SHIN GTO N BLADE.COM • FEBRUARY 25 , 2 0 2 2 • LO CA L NE WS

MARVIN KIERSTEAD

(Photo courtesy of Kierstead family)

encouraged and embraced.”

Steve Kierstead said his father learned he was HIV positive in October 1988. He said that after years of having his HIV kept in check by HIV medication, the medication damaged his father’s kidneys, causing complications that required he undergo kidney dialysis last year. In mid-December of 2021, according to Steve, his father made the decision to stop the dialysis, which led to his passing on Dec. 31.

Marvin Kierstead is predeceased by his life partner LeRoy Proctor, his parents Eugene and Elexis Kierstead, by two sisters, Jewell Yohe and Lois Howell, and by his grandson, Alexander Kierstead.

He is survived by his former wife Judith, their four children and spouses, Steve (Chris) Kierstead; Anne (Sam Bronstein) Kierstead; Jean (David) Muskatel; and Alan (Nancy) Kierstead; grandchildren Ryan, Elexis (Lexi), Deborah, Mitchell and Thalia; his sister, Nancy Heer; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Steve Kierstead said his family honored his father’s wish to be cremated and not to have a formal memorial service for him. The family has said donations may be made in his memory to his favorite local classical music radio station, WETA.

Nothing’s going to slow you down Staying up to speed is everything. With Xfinity xFi your family can stream 4K shows and movies, game online, and video chat to their hearts’ content – all at the same time. Plus, Xfinity xFi gives you the coverage, security, and control you need for the ultimate in-home WiFi. Can your Internet do that?

Call 1-800-xfinity, go to xfinity.com/xFi, or visit your local Xfinity Store today.

Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Actual speeds vary and are not guaranteed. For factors affecting speed visit xfinity.com/networkmanagement. Xfinity xFi is available to Xfinity Internet service customers with a compatible Xfinity Gateway. Call for restrictions and complete details. Subscription required to access HBO®. Programming subject to change. Viewing uses your Internet service and will count against any Xfinity data plan. © 2021 Comcast. All rights reserved. Individual programs and marks are property of their respective owners. NPA233359-0011 2022-NED-LGBTQ-Internet-V4

142097_233359-0011 Slow You Down ad 9.5x10.5.indd 1

12/29/21 9:55 AM

F E B R UA RY 2 5 , 2 0 2 2 • WA S H I N GTO N B L A D E.CO M • 0 7

Law professor, LGBT rights advocate Joe Tom Easley dies at 81 Played key role in effort to repeal ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’

Joe Tom Easley, a nationally recognized attorney and LGBTQ rights advocate who taught at three U.S. law schools and served on the boards and in leadership positions at several national and D.C. LGBTQ and human rights organizations, died Feb. 13 at a hospital near his Miami Beach residence of complications associated with lung disease. He was 81.

Peter Freiberg, Easley’s husband and partner of 39 years, said Easley’s skills as a negotiator, speaker, teacher, and political strategist enabled him to serve as a volunteer advocate for LGBTQ and civil rights causes beginning in the late 1970s, when he began as a tenured law professor at American University Law School in D.C. In 1978, according to Freiberg, Easley was appointed as an assistant dean at the A.U. Law School in addition to his teaching duties at a time when he came out as gay. “At that time, there were very few out university administrators,” Freiberg said.

From 1981 to 1983 Easley worked as a professor at the then-Antioch Law School in D.C., where he also served as an adviser to LGBTQ student groups. Antioch’s D.C. Law School later evolved into the University D.C. Law School.

Freiberg said that around the time Easley left Antioch in 1983 he began his affiliation as a lecturer with BARBRI, the nation’s largest training course and coaching program for law school graduates preparing to take their state bar exam.

“Based on student reviews, he was an extremely popular lecturer, making even his assigned, somewhat difficult subjects – contracts and real property law – interesting and enjoyable,” Freiberg said. He said the BARBRI organization arranged for Easley to travel to cities throughout the country to give his bar preparation lectures, usually in the months prior to when the winter and summer state bar exams are given for prospective lawyers.

He continued his lecturing with BARBARI until his retirement in 2013, Freiberg said.

Easley became active with D.C.’s Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance from 1980 to 1982, according to Freiberg, and in 1982 Easley was elected as president of the Gertrude Stein Democratic Club, D.C.’s largest local LGBTQ political group. Freiberg said that around that time, then-D.C. Mayor Marion Barry appointed Easley as a member of the D.C. Police Civilian Complaint Review Board, which LGBTQ activists played a lead role in persuading the D.C. Council to create.

“Joe Tom was certainly a passionate, articulate and politically savvy champion of human rights in so many ways, most crucially in the fight to establish a Civilian Complaint Review Board,” said D.C. LGBTQ activist Craig Howell.

In 1983, Easley moved to New York City to live with Freiberg after the two became a couple that year. A short time later, Easley, while continuing his activism, enrolled in Yale University’s graduate school where he received a master’s degree in public health in 1986. Freiberg said Easley then taught public health law at Yale’s medical school part time for the next two years. During his time as a student and as a teacher at Yale, Easley commuted from Manhattan to New Haven four days a week, Freiberg said.

Easley, an only child, was born in Robstown, Texas, near Corpus Christi and spent his early childhood years in Truby, Texas, a small farming town where he started school in a one-room schoolhouse. His family moved to Eagle Pass, a Texas border city on the Rio Grande River in 1950, Freiberg said, where Easley graduated from Eagle

By LOU CHIBBARO JR. | lchibbaro@washblade.com

JOE TOM EASLEY, a longtime LGBTQ advocate, died at 81.

(Photo courtesy Easley family)

Pass High School.

He received his undergraduate degree with a major in English from Texas A&M University in 1963. Freiberg said when Easley was about to be drafted during the Vietnam War in 1966, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served on a Naval intelligence base on a small island near the AlaskaRussian border.

“After a year, he was told that a friend who had propositioned him for sex before he ever joined the Navy informed the government that he was gay,” Freiberg said in recounting Easley’s brief period of military service. “His commander apologetically told him that he had no choice but to kick him out—all gay people were barred from serving—but that because of his exemplary service he would ensure Joe Tom received an honorable discharge and veteran benefits.”

His Navy benefits through the longstanding G.I. Bill veterans’ education program helped to pay Easley’s tuition at the University of Texas School of Law in Austin, where he received his law degree.

During and shortly after his law school years Easley became involved with the anti-Vietnam War movement and during summer breaks as a law student became involved with the first group of Ralph Nader’s, “Nader’s Raiders” drawing attention to government and corporate malfeasance, according to Freiberg.

After law school Easley served as a law clerk for a federal judge in Boston from 1971 to 1972 before serving as an assistant professor for the next two years at the University of Georgia Law School in Athens, Freiberg said.

Easley next left for Europe in 1975, where he worked for the Brussels-based European Bureau of Consumer Organizations. Among other things, he assisted with an investigation of price-fixing by pharmaceutical companies.

Freiberg recalled that over the course of his career Easley also taught part-time for short periods at the University of Virginia Law School and New York’s Cardozo Law School.

He said Easley’s devotion to LGBTQ equality and civil rights for other minorities, including African Americans, began in full force when he returned to the U.S. from Europe to begin teaching at American University in D.C. In addition to his affiliation with local D.C. LGBTQ groups, over the next 30 years Easley became involved with and helped advance the work of a number of national LGBTQ organizations. Among them was Lambda Legal, the New York-based LGBTQ litigation group for which Easley served on the board of directors from 1971 to 1991 and as board co-chair from 1983 to 1987.

0 8 • WA SHIN GTO N BLADE.COM • FEBRUARY 25 , 2 0 2 2 • LO CA L NE WS

From 1988 to 1995 he served as president of the Human Rights Campaign Fund Foundation, which later changed its name to the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. He also served on the board of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN), a national group that assisted LGBTQ service members facing discharge from the military due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Freiberg said Easley’s own discharge from the Navy for being gay helped to solidify his commitment and dedication to the cause of LGBTQ service members.

With Easley’s active involvement, SLDN played an important role in the successful campaign to persuade Congress to repeal the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law, which continued to be used to discharge LGBTQ people from the military if their sexual orientation or gender identity became known to military authorities.

Freiberg said Easley’s skills as a public speaker on behalf of LGBTQ equality surfaced in 1988 when he delivered the closing speech before more than 200 LGBTQ leaders from across the country attending a “War Conference” in Warrenton, Va., called by AIDS activist Larry Kramer to draw attention to the continuing AIDS epidemic, antiLGBTQ court decisions, and anti-gay vitriol by religious right groups.

In what he and Easley also considered a gesture in support of LGBTQ equality, Freiberg said he and Easley in 2003 traveled to Toronto to legally marry. Their wedding became what the couple believed to be the first samesex wedding to be written about in the New York Times’s wedding celebration feature.

“We felt strongly that legal marriage would not make one bit of difference in our relationship, and it didn’t,” said Freiberg. “But we wanted to make a political statement that our love and devotion was equal to anyone else’s, and that gay couples deserved equality before the law, including benefits and responsibilities,” Freiberg said.

“His whole life was animated by a desire to work for social justice and to do good,” said Freiberg. “He supported the underdog, whether LGBT people, African Americans, an injured Iraqi boy or the disabled, which he was in his last three years.”

Freiberg was referring to the national news media attention Easley received in 2005, including a story in the New York Times, after he arranged for an Iraqi boy injured in Iraq by a U.S. bomb to be brought to the U.S. for medical treatment “Joe Tom Easley was a dear friend and mentor who taught me much about leadership, LGBT politics, the law and about giving,” said Vic Basile, former executive director of the Human Rights Campaign and a longtime LGBTQ rights advocate. “He led by example, giving generously of his time and broad knowledge to help others in need, never asking or expecting anything in return,” Basile said.

Easley was predeceased by his parents, Tom Lee Easley and Lady Hampton Easley.

He is survived by his husband and partner of 39 years, longtime journalist Peter Freiberg; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Eileen and Barney Freiberg-Dale; his niece, Sabrina Freiberg-Dale; his nephew, Hunter Dale and fiancée Eve Lichacz; a cousin, Jane Hays; and many friends around the world.

Plans for a memorial service, including a memorial event in D.C., will be announced. Contributions in his memory can be made to Lambda Legal, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, and the National Parks Foundation.

F E B R UA RY 2 5 , 2 0 2 2 • WA S H I N GTO N B L A D E.CO M • 0 9

Judge sets $50,000 bond for release of Brett Parson Former D.C. police lieutenant must remain in Florida while case is pending

By LOU CHIBBARO JR. | lchibbaro@washblade.com

BRETT PARSON was arrested last week on sex with minor charges in Florida. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

A Broward County, Fla., judge on Feb. 18 set a $50,000 bond for the release of former D.C. police lieutenant Brett Parson six days after Parson was arrested in Boca Raton on Feb. 12 for allegedly having sex with a 16-year-old boy in violation of Florida’s age of consent law, which is 18.

Online court records show that Broward County Judge Phoebee Francois set bond at $25,000 for each of the two charges of Unlawful Sexual Activity with a Minor filed against Parson by Coconut Creek, Fla., police. The court records do not show whether Parson paid the required 10

percent of the bond at $5,000 to secure his release.

But a court clerk said a public record check with the Brown County Jail to determine whether Parson was still incarcerated would determine whether he had secured his release on bond. A check with the jail on Monday afternoon found that Parson was not an inmate there at that time.

The online court records show that Judge Francois issued an order prohibiting Parson from having any contact with the 16-year-old he is charged with having sex with and prohibiting Parson from having any contact “with minors under 18 years old.”

In addition, the judge ordered that Parson must reside at the Boca Raton apartment owned by his parents and where he had been staying at the time of his arrest “until further order of the court.”

The online court records as of Monday had no information about whether Parson has retained an attorney or when his next court appearance was to take place. A Pretrial Services Supervision Order issued by the judge says Parson must report two times per week by phone to a designated Pretrial Services office.

An arrest affidavit filed by Coconut Creek police says the 16-year-old told police investigators he and Parson met on the gay online dating app Growlr and agreed to meet for a sexual encounter in a Coconut Creek location after exchanging “explicit” photos of each other. The affidavit says the 16-year-old, who was driving a car, met Parson at a location they arranged through a series of text messages.

After meeting at an initial location, the affidavit says the 16-year-old told police the two drove in their separate cars to another location at the site of a secluded parking lot at about 1 a.m. on Feb. 12 where the 16-year-old entered the car Parson was driving and the two performed oral sex on each other.

Without giving a reason, the affidavit says the 16-year-old provided police with full

1 0 • WA SHIN GTO N BLADE.COM • FEBRUARY 25 , 2 0 2 2 • LO CA L NE WS

details of his interaction with Parson that police would otherwise not have known after police stopped him when he and Parson were following each other in their cars to find another secluded location. The affidavit says police stopped the 16-year-old after he drove his car into a restricted space owned by Comcast.

It says police also stopped Parson’s car but allowed Parson to drive away after he said he was a D.C. police officer who was lost and did not know who the 16-year-old was in the other car. After obtaining Parson’s identification from the text messages in the phone of the 16-year-old, who turned his phone over to police, Coconut Creek police arranged for Boca Raton police to arrest Parson later that day on Feb. 12 at the site of his parents’ apartment in Boca Raton.

The Growlr site where the 16-year-old and Parson met has a policy of requiring anyone using the site to be at least 18 years old, which is the legal age of consent in Florida. But according to attorneys familiar with Florida law, not knowing someone’s real age may not be legal grounds for a defense.

“In Florida, laws governing sexual activity with minors are ‘strict liability’ offenses,” said Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney Norm Kent, who is the owner of the South Florida Gay News, an LGBTQ community newspaper.

“This means that a person can be charged where they do not know the age of the person that they engaged in sexual activity with, or even worse, where the other person has lied about his or her age,” Kent told the Washington Blade. “Laws like these can obviously lead to very unfair results.”

Kent noted that in Parson’s case, the alleged victim used a dating app that limits its users to individuals over the age of 18. He said it also appears from the police reports that the 16-year-old never told Parson he was under 18.

“These are troubling facts that could be presented to a prosecutor or judge in support of mitigation, but the law does not allow them to operate as a complete defense to the crimes charged,” Kent said. “It’s a challenging case requiring experienced counsel for the officer’s defense.”

Parson’s arrest comes about two years after he retired from the Metropolitan Police Department of D.C. after a 26-year career in which among other duties, he served as supervisor of the department’s LGBT Liaison Unit.

Reaction to the news of his arrest by members of D.C.’s LGBTQ community has been mixed, with several prominent activists expressing support for Parson by saying his side of the story should be told and he should be presumed innocent until proven guilty at a trial. Others, however, have posted Facebook messages calling Parson a “predator” targeting an underage victim who should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

At a Feb. 16 press conference on an unrelated subject, the Blade asked D.C. Police Chief Robert Contee for his thoughts on Parson’s arrest.

“I worked closely with him during his time here at the Metropolitan Police Department,” Contee said. “He served the citizens of the District of Columbia well,” the chief said.

“This investigation is taking place in Florida. I’m sure he’s entitled to due process and whatever the facts are in that case will be revealed. But I really have nothing beyond that,” Contee said. “I don’t know a whole lot about that case.”

F E B R UA RY 2 5 , 2 0 2 2 • WA S H I N GTO N B L A D E.CO M • 1 1

Man sentenced to life in prison for 1992 murder of gay sailor recommended for parole Family of Allen Schindler organizes campaign opposing release

By LOU CHIBBARO JR. | lchibbaro@washblade.com

A former U.S. Navy sailor sentenced to life in prison for the 1992 anti-gay murder of fellow U.S. Navy sailor Allen Schindler while the two were stationed in Japan received a recommendation for parole at a Feb. 17 hearing, according to Schindler’s sister who attended the hearing.

Members of Schindler’s family, who expressed strong opposition to approving parole for former Navy Airman Apprentice Terry M. Helvey, are calling on the LGBTQ community and others to send email messages and letters opposing parole for Helvey to an official with the U.S. Parole Commission, which is an arm of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Kathy Eickhoff, Schindler’s sister, told the Washington Blade that a parole examiner issued the recommendation that Helvey be approved for parole at the Feb. 17 Zoom hearing after listening to testimony by Helvey and his sister. Eickhoff said she, her mother, and her daughter also gave testimony at the hearing in their role as the victim’s family.

“He was given a recommendation to be paroled on Oct. 26, 2022,” Eickhoff said. “It will now go to a parole board for a final decision,” she said. “That will happen in the next week to three weeks.”

Porcha L. Edwards, the Parole Commission official that Schindler’s family members are urging people to contact to oppose parole for Helvey, couldn’t immediately be reached for comment.

Terry M. Helvey pleaded guilty to the 1992 murder of gay Navy sailor ALLEN SCHINDLER.

Schindler’s murder triggered expressions of outrage by LGBTQ activists when news surfaced that Schindler, 22, had been subjected to harassment and threats of violence on board the Navy’s amphibious assault ship Belleau Wood when rumors surfaced on the ship that Schindler was gay, and the ship’s captain ignored Schindler’s request for protection.

Naval investigators disclosed that Helvey and another one of Schindler’s shipmates, Airman Charles Vins, attacked Schindler on Oct. 27, 1992, in a men’s bathroom at a public park in Sasebo, Japan near where their ship was docked.

A Naval investigative report says a witness to the attack saw Helvey repeatedly stomp on Schindler’s head and body inside the bathroom. An autopsy later found that Schindler’s head and face were crushed beyond recognition, requiring that his body be identified by a known tattoo on his arm.

Another Naval investigator, according to media reports, presented evidence that Helvey admitted to his hostility toward Schindler when Helvey was interrogated at the time of his arrest the day after the murder. “He said he hated Homosexuals. He was disgusted by them,” the investigator said in a report. In describing Helvey’s thoughts on Schindler’s murder, the investigator, Kennon F. Privette, quoted Helvey as saying, “I don’t regret it. I’d do it again…He deserved it.”

Helvey, 21, was later sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to killing Schindler.

The guilty plea was part of a plea bargain offer by military prosecutors not to seek the 1 2 • WA SHIN GTO N BLADE.COM • FEBRUARY 25 , 2 0 2 2 • NAT I O NA L NE WS

death penalty, which could have been pursued under military law.

Charles Vins, the other sailor implicated in Schindler’s murder, whose lawyer argued that he was an accomplice to the attack who did not actually physically assault Schindler, also pleaded guilty to three lesser charges, including failure to report a serious crime, as part of a separate plea bargain offer by prosecutors. As part of that plea offer, Vins cooperated with prosecutors in the case against Helvey. He was released after serving 78 days of a one-year prison sentence.

After being dishonorably discharged from the Navy, Helvey was transferred to a federal prison and has been an inmate in several federal prisons for the past 29 years.

He is currently an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution in Greenville, Ill. Eickhoff, Schindler’s sister, said Helvey has been applying for parole and clemency almost every year for at least the past 20 years. She said federal parole authorities have turned down all those requests until last week, when, for the first time, a parole examiner issued the recommendation for parole.

According to Eickhoff, Helvey, who is now 50 years old, has expressed remorse for what he did 29 years ago and claims he is a different person. She said the Feb. 17 parole hearing, in which the parole examiner asked Helvey questions, appeared to focus on whether Helvey would “reoffend” if released from prison.

“He [Helvey] said what he has lined up,” Eickhoff told the Blade. “He’s going to go home. He’s got three different jobs lined up. His mother and his stepfather need him. He wants to be a truck driver,” Eickhoff said. “And then, of course, all of the things he has done while he’s been in prison,” she recounted Helvey saying at the hearing. “All of the mentoring and all of the classes and all the wonderful things he’s done.”

Eickhoff noted that if Helvey is approved for parole and is released on Oct. 26 of this year, it will take place one day short of the 30th year after her brother’s murder. She said the parole examiner also stated at the hearing that 30 years of incarceration in a federal prison can sometimes become a threshold for when a prisoner becomes eligible for parole under federal law.

“And he does have a parole hearing every two years and a clemency hearing every other year,” Eickhoff said. So, it’s more or less every year we are going through this,” she told the Blade. “Twenty-nine years ago, we thought that was it,” she said when Helvey was sentenced to life in prison. “But no, that’s not what happened.”

The U.S. Bureau of Prisons website says all federal and state prisoners are eligible to apply for clemency, which can be granted by a state governor or the U.S. president depending on the circumstances of the case.

Among those joining Schindler family members in urging opposition to parole for Helvey is longtime gay activist Michael Petrelis of San Francisco, who called on the Navy to publicly recognize the Schindler murder as a hate crime shortly after the murder took place in 1992.

In 2015, Petrelis released to the public a 900-page Naval investigative report he obtained from the Navy through a Freedom of Information Act request that revealed new information that the Navy had withheld in earlier years.

Among other things, the investigative report provided further details that the captain of the ship on which Schindler was stationed discussed Schindler’s request for protection from anti-gay harassment in front of other shipmates. Doing so further spread the word that Schindler was gay, a development that subjected him to intensified anti-gay harassment on the ship, according to Petrelis.

Eickhoff and her family are urging members of the LGBTQ community and others supportive of what they say is justice for Allen Schindler to send letters and email messages expressing opposition to parole for Helvey to:

Porcha L. Edwards

Victim Witness Specialist United States Parole Commission United States Department of Justice 90 K Street, N.E., Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20530 Email: Porcha.L.Edwards@usdoj.gov Office: 202-346-7003 Work Cell: 202-880-2156

Locally owned and operated for over 20 years!

Dog Daycare Boarding Grooming and Pet Supplies 202-234-9247

City-dogs.com

301 H Street NE • 1832 18th Street NW

100% O PEN JADE FITNESS SIGNATURE CLASSES

Kettlebell Essentials • Jade Fusion • Erik’s Bootcamp • DC Strokes Training • Barbell Club

1 ON 1 PERSONAL TRAINING • ADL ONLINE TRAINING FAMILY TRAINING • YOGA • OPEN GYM • GROUP FITNESS CLASSES

1310 PENNSYLVANIA AVE. SE • 202.629.4455 • JADEFITNESSDC.COM F E B R UA RY 2 5 , 2 0 2 2 • WA S H I N GTO N B L A D E.CO M • 1 3

LGBTQ Ukrainians on Russian aggression Criticism for ‘Biden’s war’ and a pledge to defend country

By BRODY LEVESQUE

As Western efforts to defuse the crisis in Ukraine over the aggressive military moves taken by Russian President Vladimir Putin intensify, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Tuesday night that he was calling up the country’s military reservists after the Russian Parliament signed off on approving Putin’s decision to send combat troops into Eastern Ukraine.

Western media and governments, particularly the United States and its NATO partners, have painted a grim picture of the state of affairs along Ukraine’s borders with President Joe Biden declaring in a White House East Room press conference Tuesday that the U.S. would impose immediate sanctions after Putin ordered Russian troops deployed across the frontier.

Speaking with reporters afterwards, a senior administration official said, “Russia’s longpreviewed invasion of Ukraine has now begun, and our response has also begun. Today, we responded swiftly and in a united fashion with our allies and partners. The speed and coordination of the response was historic. We announced our first tranche of sanctions in less than a day with allies and partners from the European Union, from the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, and Australia.”

The official added, “And let me be totally clear: No Russian financial institution is safe if this invasion proceeds. We are ready to press a button to take further action on the very largest Russian financial institutions, including Sperbank and VTB, which collectively hold almost $750 billion in assets — or more than half the total in Russia as a whole.

“Third, together with our allies, we’ve also cut off the Russian government, the Russian Central Bank, and its sovereign wealth funds from U.S. financing. Europe has taken a very similar measure. That means the Kremlin can no longer raise money from the U.S. and Europe, and its new debt can no longer trade in U.S. or European markets.”

A spokesperson for Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council said that in addition to calling up reservists, Ukrainian President Zelensky will also enact a 30-day state of emergency and would impose curfews and restrict mass gatherings in certain regions and cities to include the second largest city in the country, Kharkiv, which lies 42 km (26 miles) from the Russian border in Eastern Ukraine, “if necessary.”

Human rights activists and Western governments are also alarmed at the prospects of a Russian invasion. In a letter sent this week to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva, Switzerland, Ambassador Bathsheba Nell Crocker, the U.S. Representative to the Office of the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva wrote, in part: “I would like to bring to your attention disturbing information recently obtained by the United States that indicates that human rights violations and abuses in the aftermath of a further invasion are being planned.

“These acts, which in past Russian operations have included targeted killings, kidnappings/forced disappearances, unjust detentions, and the use of torture, would likely target those who oppose Russian actions, including Russian and Belarusian dissidents in exile in Ukraine, journalists and anti-corruption activists, and vulnerable populations such as religious and ethnic minorities and LGBTQI+ persons.”

American officials have stated that the Russian governmental security and intelligence agencies have come up with “kill lists” of Ukrainians to be killed or detained as indicated in Ambassador Crocker’s letter.

A spokesperson for the office of the Director of Information and Press Department of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Maria Vladimirovna Zakharova, denied these claims in a phone call with the Blade, labeling it propaganda Tuesday.

The majority of Ukrainians seem nonplussed at Western reaction to what they are terming “Biden’s war.” However, many of the LGBTQ activists are not fazed by the claims alleged in the ambassador’s letter and are prepared to defend their homeland, some of them also disputing that they would be facing arrest and ‘mortal danger.’

Taras Karasiichuk, a leader of the Ukrainian LGBTQ community in Kyiv, spoke with the Blade by phone Monday. Karasiichuk, in 2012 was viciously attacked by anti-LGBTQ Ukrainians opposed to his efforts as an activist for LGBTQ rights organization Gay Alliance Ukraine and also as the head of the Kiev Pride 2012 organizing committee. He granted an interview to the Daily Beast in 2015 after unrelenting attacks and death threats caused him to flee to the United States seeking asylum.

“Right now I don’t see any possibility to come back because of security—all the threats we get because of our international campaign,” he said. “We get threats sent to our LGBT rights website, promises to punish us with Kalashnikovs. It’s difficult to say if they are really serious about the threats but after all the times I’ve been attacked I can’t really be sure.

“I also get threats on social networks. My colleagues and I at the rights organization will even get threats sent to our personal cell phone. And on June 19 there was an attempt to attack me on my way home from the office—it was around 7 pm and I had to call a taxi and

PRESIDENT BIDEN meets with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister DMYTRO KULEBA on Tuesday.

(Official White House photo)

leave quickly,” Karasiichuk said to the Daily Beast at the time.

He later returned to Ukraine after spending a few years in the U.S., returning to an active role in LGBTQ+ advocacy to push for greater equity and rights for his fellow LGBTQ+ citizens.

In Monday’s phone call with the Blade, Karasiichuk strongly emphasized that there was no fear among the LGBTQ+ community, in fact far from that. He said that he and every other LGBTQ Ukrainian would defend their homeland, their cities, and that they would support the armed forces.

Like many of his fellow citizens that the Blade spoke with, he criticized the Western response to Russia’s actions, characterizing it as hyperbolic interference without merit.

Several other Ukrainian LGBTQ activists put it more bluntly as ‘hashtag Biden’s War.’ Karasiichuk said that Western people were not well informed as to the reality of life in Ukraine and especially in regard to the LGBTQ community in the country and “should not impose their ideas or values.”

Another LGBTQ activist living in Poltava, a city in central Ukraine, which is also the capital city of the Poltava Oblast (province), who asked that he and his partner only be identified by their first names, told the Blade over this past weekend that the strength of his culture and country would defend against any Russian aggression.

Sergeii told the Blade that he and his partner Mykhailo felt safe and would defend their home, their city, and their fellow Ukrainians. “Our flag is blue and yellow, not divided into many colors in this example,” he said. “We are all united in this effort. If we need to fight then we will fight.”

His partner Mykhailo said that one only needed to see the progress LGBTQ people are making in Ukraine. “We showed strength as in September, over 6,000 people gathered to Kyiv for the March for Equality. This is our message.”

“This is made-up crisis — Biden’s and Putin’s wanting to finish the situation in Donbas,” Sergeii said referring to the ongoing war in Eastern Ukraine by Russian-backed separatists.

“Everyone needs peace, to be peaceful in this manner and not provoke more fear, but still be willing to defend our homes,” he added.

Russian separatist forces of Donbas are the military formations affiliated with the proRussian breakaway regions in Ukraine called the Donetsk People’s Republic and Luhansk People’s Republic, which Putin has now officially recognized. Those forces are designated as terrorist groups by the government of Ukrainian President Zelensky.

Mykhailo pointed out that a vast majority of Ukrainian families were made of both Russian and Ukrainian parents or heritage but that above all was loyalty to Ukraine.

While there is a sense of anxiety among the Ukrainian LGBTQ+ community there is also quiet unified determination to defend the nation. Almost all also expressed hope that the NATO partners and others would find a peaceful solution to the crisis but without a continuing sense of exaggerated claims and allegations that would further inflame tensions.

Continues at washingtonblade.com

1 4 • WA SHIN GTO N BLADE.COM • FEBRUARY 25 , 2 0 2 2 • I NT E R NAT I O NA L NE WS

Former Ambassador Baer explains it all on Ukraine crisis Expert downplays ‘strategic thinking’ behind Putin’s move

By CHRIS JOHNSON | cjohnson@washblade.com

Daniel Baer, who worked on LGBTQ human rights and transatlantic issues as one of several openly gay U.S. ambassadors during the Obama administration, answered questions from the Washington Blade on Ukraine as the international crisis continues to unfold.

Topics during the interview, which took place weeks ago on Jan. 27, included Putin’s motivation for Russian incursions, the risk of outright war, predictions for Russia after Putin and how the crisis would affect LGBTQ people in Ukraine.

Baer was deputy assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor and U.S. ambassador to the Organization of Security & Cooperation in Europe.

The full interview follows: Washington Blade: What’s your level of engagement with this affair? Are you doing any consulting work? Is the administration reaching out to you at all?

Daniel Baer: I actually think the White House is doing a pretty good job of recognizing that they need to not only have press conferences, but also talk to other people who are trying to figure out how to be constructive critics, idea generators from the outside.

Blade: OK, so you’re being solicited and engaging on this issue. My next question for you is why do you think Putin is doing this at this time?

Baer: So, I guess taking a step back from the whole thing, one of the things about a problem like this is that everybody is searching for the right answer assuming that there is a like comfortable or compelling or intellectually accurate answer, and I actually think we’re just in a really hard moment.

I don’t know why he’s doing it now. And in fact, I think that one of the puzzles that we haven’t solved yet is that all the things that he says are the reasons that he’s doing it — that he feels encirclement by NATO, … or that the situation in Ukraine is untenable — none of those things have changed.

Setting aside the fact that they’re spurious, it’s not like there’s been some new move in the last 12 months that has precipitated [a reaction] on any of those fronts that you can say, “Oh, well, he’s responding to the recent meeting where Ukraine was offered membership in NATO, or he’s responding to a change in government in Ukraine that it’s clearly anti-Russia, or any other move that we’ve done.” The explanation just doesn’t hold water, and so I think we need to look for alternative ones.

The best I can come up with is actually just a broad — it doesn’t actually explain this particular moment, but I think you could look at the timing of his life. He has, I don’t know, 10 years left. And during those 10 years, it’s unlikely that Russia is going to grow more powerful; it’s much more likely that it’s going to become at least relatively and probably nominally less powerful. And so, if you’re unhappy with the status quo, and you feel like you’re a declining power, and you don’t have endless time, there’s no time like the present. And you’ll make up whatever reasons you need to in order to justify it.

I also think there’s a tendency on our part to attribute far more “strategery” to Putin than there necessarily is. I mean, he’s a bully and a thug. I think the whole Putin’s playing chess and we’re playing checkers is actually completely inverted. We’re in our own heads that there’s some kind of nuanced position that would mollify him. He’s just a gangster and he’s taking a punch because he has one. And

I don’t think it gets much more complicated than that. And so, I guess the answer to why he’s doing this now, because the international conditions are such that he feels like the United States is focused domestically, the Ukrainians are not moving forward with succeeding to build — they’re kind of in stasis on building a European state— and he has, you know, he has the space to take a punch, so he’s contemplating doing it, or he’s already decided to do it.

And he’s just extracting as much as possible before he takes it.

Blade: That leads me to my next question: What is your judgment of the risk of out and out war?

Baer: I don’t know because I have two hypotheses that cut both ways. One is that I think Putin is vastly underestimating the degree of resistance. On the other hand, I think that nothing short of domination is satisfactory. And so, I don’t know. I guess I think there’s a 90 percent chance that he does something, and I think there’s a 75 percent chance that what he does is not an all out invasion or ground invasion, at least not at first, but rather something that is aimed at confusing us. So some sort of hybrid or staged or false flag kind of attack in tandem with a political coup in Kiev, where he works to install a more Russia-loyal leader.

The thing with the ground invasion is that Russian soldiers’ moms are one of the only, like, powerful political forces in civil society in Russia. I just don’t see any way that a ground invasion doesn’t involve massive Russian casualties, even if they will be dominant. The people who are going to impose the consequences on him will be the Ukrainians, not the rest of us, and he should not invade, and if he does, we should, frankly, work hard to make it as painful and difficult for him as possible.

Blade: What will that look like?

Baer: I think we should at that point continue — we shouldn’t pause, we should continue to send the defensive equipment and backfill as much as possible their ability from an equipment basis to resist.

Blade: So if we were to look at a model for past U.S. engagements. I’m thinking Greece under President Truman, which was so successful that nobody really knows about it, I don’t think. Is there any model we should be looking toward, or not looking toward?

Baer: No, I guess. I’m not sure there’s any good historical model because obviously, any of them you can pick apart. I do think that one thing that has gotten lost in a lot of the analysis — and this goes back to Putin being a gangster thug, and not being such a genius — is there’s a moral difference between us. The reason why Putin gets to control the dialogue is because he’s willing to do things that we aren’t willing to do — as gangsters are, as hostagetakers are — and so yes, they get to set the terms of what we discussed, because we’re not holding hostages. We’re trying to get hostages released. And the hostage-taker has an upper hand and asymmetry because they are willing to do something that is wrong.

We shouldn’t lose the kind of moral difference there.

Nor should we lose sight of the fact that Ukraine is being menaced. And I’m not saying it’s our obligation [to intervene militarily], certainly not our obligation. They aren’t a treaty ally. We have neither a political obligation nor a moral one to necessarily risk our own lives, our own soldiers in defense of Ukraine. But if Ukraine wants to defend themselves, there’s a strong moral case to be made that anything, short

DANIEL BAER served as U.S. ambassador to the Organization for Security & Cooperation in Europe.

(Blade file photo by Michael Key)

of risking our own lives, is something that is morally good.

We generally believe that self-defense from lethal threat is a reasonable moral cause and assisting others in defending themselves is too — I think there’s a lot of back and forth that get glossed over whether that’s a provocation or whatever, and I want to say to people stand back, look at this: we’ve got one party that is attacking another. And the question is, does the other have a right to defend itself? Yes. And if they have a right to defend themselves, and they also have a right to have whatever assistance people will offer them in defending themselves.

That doesn’t mean that they get to demand that we show up and fight in the trenches with them, of course, and I don’t think there’s any serious people who are recommending that but it’s a good thing to help them. It’s not like a technical thing. It’s a good thing to help Blade: Getting into that moral background, one thing I want to ask you was about the significance of what would happen in this concept of democracy versus autocracy. First of all, how much is Ukraine a functional democracy, in the sense that if we’re defending Ukraine, we are defending a democracy, and what signal do you think it would send if that Ukrainian government fell to Russian autocracy?

Baer: I think the institutions of government that the Ukrainian people have are not worthy of the Ukrainian people’s own demonstrated commitment …

They are not worthy of the Ukrainian people’s own demonstrated commitment to the idea of democratic institutions. So the answer is today’s Ukrainian government is a mixed bag and it’s very hard to build, on the rot of a Russian fiefdom, a functioning democracy, so I think it’s a mixed bag. I don’t want to sound like I’m minimizing [the changes], or that they’ve completely bungled an easy project. It was always going to be a hard project, and it was never going to be linear.

But I think that what we’ve seen from the Ukrainian people — by which I mean not Ukrainian people, but people of Ukraine — is that there is a broad part of society that a) does not want to live under a Russian thumb and b) sees its future in kind of European style democracy. And so I think that if there was, there’s no question that the Russian attack would be in part about subjugating the people of Ukraine and forcing them to live under some sort of new Russian satellite. And I think that there’s little space for serious argument that that’s something that the people of the country wish to have.

CONTINUES AT WASHINGTONBLADE.COM

I NT E R NAT I O NA L NE WS • F E B R UA RY 2 5 , 2 0 2 2 • WA S H I N GTO N B L A D E.CO M • 1 5

In Loving Memory of

Joe Tom Easley 1940-2022

PETER ROSENSTEIN

is a longtime LGBTQ rights and Democratic Party activist. He writes regularly for the Blade.

Lucky to have called Walter Dellinger a friend

A longtime fighter for LGBTQ equality

Walter Dellinger, a giant in the legal field, recently passed away. He was acting Solicitor General in the Clinton administration and professor of law at Duke University. He was intimately involved in presidential campaigns and was one of the three ‘amigos,’ as they called themselves, who mounted the legal defense for Joe Biden’s presidential campaign against Trump’s scurrilous claims of fraud. During Zoom calls with him during the pandemic he was proud of “all the binders” on his bookshelf representing his work on the Biden legal defense team.

I have been fortunate in my life to meet and talk with many people of consequence. They include Martin Luther King Jr., Rep. Bella Abzug, and Hillary Clinton, among many others. Nearly 20 years ago I got to add Walter E. Dellinger III to that list.

I first met Walter at my favorite coffee shop in D.C. when he joined my morning coffee group. Over the years, as I got to know him well and would be awed by both his brilliance and compassionate nature. He was one of those largerMemorial services in Washington & NYC to be announced. than-life people who made every person he met feel his equal. He was a super lawyer who could explain the law in terms a non-lawyer could understand.

See obituary in this issue on page 8.

See obituary in this issue.

He respected me as a gay man and was always happy to discuss LGBTQ issues. As the Washington Post wrote in its obituary: “He was said to have been See obituary in next week’s issue. especially proud of his role as the counsel of record for an amicus brief in the case Lawrence v. Texas, in which the U.S. Supreme Court considered a Texas ban on homosexual sex.” In his brief he wrote, “By now, all but the obtuse and the unkind recognize that persons who are physically and emotionally attracted to members of the same sex are not less productive — or more dangerous — members of the community by mere dint of their sexual orientation. Any suggestion that sodomy laws are rational because gay people should be branded as criminals is indefensible.” I am lucky to also be a friend of the brilliant lawyer of record in that case, Paul Smith.

When Walter submitted his next amicus brief in an LGBTQ Supreme Court case he took the time to discuss it with me and ask for my opinion, a distinct honor. It was his 2013 brief in the Hollingsworth v. Perry case. He presented the argument, which gave the court an off-ramp from deciding that case at the time by claiming proponents of California’s same-sex marriage ban lacked standing to appeal a lower court decision striking down the ban. His brief was cited in the court’s opinion vacating and remanding the case, making marriage equality possible in the state. Walter was a panelist on programs sponsored by the George Washington University Graduate Program in LGBT Health Policy and Practice. The founder of the program is also a member of our coffee group.

I was fortunate to be able to attend the theater with Walter and his incredible + Largest LGBT Founded Title Company wife Anne, who passed away a few years ago. Theirs was a true love affair. We + Over 20 Years of Local Experience A D V E R T I S were I N G able P R to O O F celebrate many birthdays and weddings of the coffee group with ISSUE SALES REPRESENTATIVE: PHILLIP ROCKSTROHTitle Company + DATE: Top2/25/22 Washington Business Journal Ranked him and Anne. He had a wonderful sense of humor. When he was named to head the diversity committee at his law firm he kidded, “crazy they named a REVIEW AD FOR COPY AND ACCURACY. Revisions must be submitted within 24 hours of the date of proof. Proof will + Residential & DESIGN Commercial Transactions be considered final and will be submitted for publication if revision is not submitted within 24 hours of the date of proof. Revisions white cracker to this position.” He often referred to himself jokingly in that way will not be accepted after 12:01 pm wednesday, the week of publication.Brown naff pitts omnimedia llc (dba the washington blade) is not responsible for the content and/or design of your ad. Advertiser is responsible for any legal liability arising out of or + In-Home & In-Office Refinance Settlements relating to the advertisement, and/or any material to which users can link through the advertisement. Advertiser represents that because of his deep southern roots. I know how proud he was of where his life its advertisement will not violate any criminal laws or any rgihts of third parties, including, but not limited to, such violations as IONS infringement or misapporpriation of any copyright, patent, trademark, trade secret, music, image, or other proprietary or propety took him. After being named to head the committee one of the first things he right, false advertising, unfair competition, defamation, invasion of privacy or rights of celebrity, violation of anti-discrimination GO REVISIONS law or regulation, or any other right of any person or entity. Advertiser agrees to idemnify brown naff pitts omnimedia llc (dba the washington blade) and to hold brown naff pitts omnimedia llc (dba the washington blade) harmless from any and all liability, ADVERTISER SIGNATURE did was recruit a brilliant young African-American woman law student as a sumNS loss, damages, claims, or causes of action, including reasonable legal fees and expenses that may be incurred by brown naff pitts By signing this proof you are agreeing to your contract obligations with the washington omnimedia llc, arising out of or related to advertiser’s breach Locations of any of the foregoing representations and warranties. blade newspaper. This includes but is not limited to placement, payment and insertion mer associate for the firm. She was and is a valued member of our coffee group. schedule.

We all knew how ill Walter was with pulmonary fibrosis. In the last years, when Washington, D.C. Bethesda, MD Columbia, MD McLean, VA in D.C. from his home in North Carolina, he would come to coffee attached to his oxygen tank. He was never down, a man content with his life. He worked till districttitle.com his last day with his most recent public writing an op-ed in the New York Times, ‘Yes, the Supreme Court Should Look Like the Country.’ He stood strong for his Licensed in DC, DE, MD, NJ, VA & WV principles and the good of the nation until his dying day. Walter, we will miss you; the world has lost a true giant.

Fighter for LGBT equality & human rights for everyone!

1 6 • WA SHIN GTO N BLADE.COM • FEBRUARY 25 , 2 0 2 2 • V I E WP O I NT

NICK FULTON

is a freelance writer with experience at local, state, and federal levels of politics.

He works as a communications assistant with The Global Situation Room.

The necessity of reflective representation

BIG NUMBERS,

BIG WINS!

Over $3.4 Million in total cash prizes!

A conversation with state Rep. Brianna Titone Members of the LGBTQIA+ community represent about 0.19% of elected government positions across the U.S. and, in the past year, lawmakers have introduced more homophobic and transphobic legislation than at any other time in modern American history. There is a clear disconnect in American government, there is no space at the table that portrays a visible representation of the communities being oppressed. Queer representation is everything, and it has never been more vital for offices to be occupied by a more accurate demographic reflection of our country.

It was my great privilege to sit down with state Rep. Brianna Titone, Colorado’s first transgender legislator. Rep. Titone is not only a trailblazer in her own right, but also a determined public servant who has a story of struggle, self-discovery, and a message for future generations of queer public servants.

Rep. Titone was originally elected in 2018 to represent Colorado’s 27th House District.

The origins of this success story were grounded in uncertainty as Rep. Titone explains.

“Through my work in advocacy, I was asked to run for office by the county party chair. I wasn’t convinced that I had a shot at winning an election because a trans person had never really won a public race, there was no role model, no path that was paved.” Rep. Titone said.

When Titone was asked to join the race for office, there was not yet a single out trans person occupying publicly elected state office until 2017, when Danica Roem outperformed one of Virginia’s most conservative lawmakers and won a seat to represent Virginia’s 13th House District. Titone explains the impact of that race and how it contributed to her confidence on the campaign trail.

“In 2017, when I witnessed trans individuals win elected office across the country, I saw a door open for me and make this run a reality. I was able to combine my qualifications with my passion for public service and a new confidence knowing that this has happened and it can happen for me,” said Titone.

Seeing yourself in your elected officials is entirely essential to be affirmed in joining the public service field. Being the first to do anything is the scariest and most intimidating journey any one person can face. Titone saw the 2017 election results as a casting call for change in Colorado as she had seen it happen in Virginia and local elections around the country. However, the challenges in her race were unique, hateful, and targeted.

“There has been an incredible amount of partisanship and divisiveness and hatred that I have become aware of through my election cycles. I fought off ads that were targeted against my identity … and expect that this year those attacks will be even more vitriolic than before,” Titone explained.

These attacks on Titone included “dead-naming” the representative (intentionally referencing Titone as her birth name) and claiming that the representative would force a radical sexual agenda on the state.

The message is clear, there are qualified, determined, and dedicated public servants who, when seeking office, experience much higher hurdles as a result of their sexual orientation or gender identity. As we enter one of the most important midterm cycles in recent history, there must be a shift in how we see public office and how we invest in leadership. The solution?

Diversity at every level of government. When we have statehouses filled with lawmakers who holistically represent their state and the people they serve, we will see legislation that protects minorities, invests in underserved communities, and creates space for growth across the board.

Rep. Titone is a clear testament to this solution, in bringing a fresh set of eyes to state government and acting as a distinct role model for future generations of queer public servants.

She left me with this message to those future generations: “We need people to stand up to do the work. It often takes more work for LGBTQIA+ individuals compared to cisgender heterosexual people to accomplish the winning of elections, but we need you to break those barriers and blaze a trail for other people. Without that, we will never have those voices at the table and that will be a disservice to us all.”

All Americans deserve a voice and a space to contribute to the functioning of democracy. People of all kinds should be empowered to seek office with the intention to make their locality an inclusive, welcoming, and affirming space. Whether you are the first or the 50th of your community to take office, your story carries an immense weight for those who see themselves in you.

DC Scratcher games may continue to be sold even when all the top prizes have been claimed.

dclottery.com

Washington Blade | 1/4 pg H | 4.666” x 5.1455” | 4c | New | February Bundler

The effervescent, witty, and gorgeous musical comedy

she loves me BOOK BY

MUSIC BY

JOE MASTEROFF

JERRY BOCK

LYRICS BY

SHELDON HARNICK

DIRECTED BY

MATTHEW GARDINER

March 1 – April 24 Photo of Chani Wereley by Christopher Mueller

4200 Campbell Ave, Arlington VA

V I E WP O I NT • F E B R UA RY 2 5 , 2 0 2 2 • WA S H I N GTO N B L A D E.CO M • 1 7

To fight book banning, it’s time to get loud Librarians, queer activists, free speech supporters unite to combat frightening trend

By KATHI WOLFE

Cynthia Sherman, executive director of the Association of Writers & Writing Programs, recently saw something she never thought she’d see in the United States.

Sherman was online, and suddenly she says, “I saw a book burning, I couldn’t believe it!”

Sherman wasn’t imagining things. Earlier this month, in Mt. Juliet, Tenn., Greg Locke, a pastor, led a book burning, CNN reported. Copies of books in the “Harry Potter” series and “Twilight” series were burned.

There’s been an alarming increase in the number of books nationwide that have been removed from school classrooms and libraries, according to free speech advocates, writers, and LGBTQ activists and allies, interviewed by the Blade by phone and email.

Many of the books being banned, they said, are written by LGBTQ and/or BIPOC (Black, indigenous, people of color) authors, and deal with racism, sexual or gender identity.

Over the last year, calls for the banning of LGBTQ books have frequently taken an ugly turn.

In October, Jen Cousins and Stephana Ferrell attended an Orange County Public Schools school board meeting in Orlando, Fla. Cousins and Ferrell are parents.

Cousins has a 12-year-old daughter named Saffron, who came out as nonbinary a month before the school board meeting.

Ferrell has two children, aged six and eight. “I don’t know what their sexual or gender identity will be,” Ferrell said.

At the school board meeting, a man read a short excerpt from “Gender Queer: A Memoir,” a graphic novel by Maia Kobabe. “He was thrown out,” Ferrell said, “but based just on that brief excerpt the book was removed.”

Sometimes anti-LGBTQ attacks have been aimed at school board members and/or their families.

Rebecca Bender is a parent in Hastings, Minn. Bender and her partner have a son named Reese and a daughter named Reagan. Reese and Reagan, age 5, are twins.

Reese is transgender and out and proud. At two-and-a-half, Reese knew he wasn’t a girl. “I’m a boy, Mom,” he told Bender.

“I’m the brother!” Reese said, referring to his twin sister Reagan.

Reese, who is autistic, attended an early childhood program run by his school district.

“We had to advocate for the correct pronouns to be used for him,” Bender said.

People in the community and school district knew Reese. His experience as an out transgender kindergartner has been good, Bender said. But things worked out badly for another mom with a transgender child in Hastings, Bender said.

Kelsey Waits’s youngest child is transgender (and uses they/them pronouns). Waits, who had served on the school board, ran for another term. During the campaign, a group called Concerned Parents outed her daughter as trans (before they were ready to come out).

“I have no issue with people critiquing votes that I have taken or stances I hold that they disagree with,” Waits wrote in a letter to the Paper Boy News. “However, even in this time of political division, a line must exist. Surely, this line was crossed when a group of parents decided not only to attack me, but to attack my children.”

Those concerned about censorship have reason to worry. “Book challenges and removals are significantly up this school year from last year,” said Nora Pelizzari, director of communications, National Coalition Against Censorship. “The most frequently challenged books are by and about people of color and LGBTQ+ people. All of the intersections apply.”

The American Library Association tracks reports of challenged books. From Sept. 1 to Dec. 1, 2021 alone, the ALA tracked 330 book challenges.

In normal times, a book challenge takes the form of a formal request to have the book reviewed, Pelizzari said, “to review if it should be removed or included in a school curriculum or school library.”

The challenge is filed with a school or school district depending on the policy, she added, “this initiates a process by which a school or district reviews the book to determine whether to take action or not.”

These reviews are conducted by committees of librarians, teachers, pedagogical experts, such as curriculum developers, parents, and, ideally, older-grade trained students, Pelizzari said.

1 8 • WA SHIN GTO N BLADE.COM • FEBRUARY 25 , 2 0 2 2

But these are not normal times, Pelizzari said. This year, increasingly, people, often parents, are circumventing the review process.

They are d e m a n d i n g , frequently vocally, in school board meetings that books be removed without going through the review process.

Most of the books that have been challenged, such as “Heather Has Two Mommies” by Lealea Newman and “George” by Alex Gino ALEX GINO’s ‘Melissa’ is slated to be published in April. (to be published in (Photo by Blake C. Aarens ) April as “Melissa”) have LGBTQ content, said Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director, American Library Association, Office for Intellectual Freedom.

“Heather has Two Mommies” is about a family headed by same-sex parents, and “George” is about a transgender girl named Melissa.

In the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd, people have “challenged books about slavery – the lived experience of Black people,” Caldwell-Stone said, “along with books about LGBTQ+ people.”

The ALA encourages libraries to file reports with “us if they’ve had challenges or encountered censorship,” Caldwell-Stone said, “we promise confidentiality.”

The attempt to censor and ban books by queer writers with LGBTQ+ characters, shouldn’t be viewed as an isolated phenomenon, said Mary O’Hara, a GLAAD rapid response manager. (For info on GLAAD’s #BooksNotBans campaign, go to glaad.org.)

The battle for marriage equality has been won. More than 21 percent of Generation Z adults identify as LGBTQ, according to a Gallup poll released on Feb. 17. “It’s no coincidence that anti-queer groups have made schools their new battlegrounds,” O’Hara said.

The effort to ban LGBTQ books is connected to proposed anti-trans bills that would limit transgender and nonbinary students’ access to health care, rights to participation in sports and use the bathroom, O’Hara said. (In the first week of this year alone, seven states proposed such anti-trans bills.)

“We’re seeing bills [such as the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill before the Florida Legislature] advance in state legislatures that would prohibit conversation about sexuality or gender identity in schools,” said Jonathan Friedman, director of free expression and education at Pen America.

People seeking to ban LGBTQ books have an unrealistic view of the world, author Newman said, “they want to show kids a society where all families are white, cisgender, Christian, able-bodied – with one mom and one dad.”

In October, Matt Krause, a Texas state legislator, compiled a list of 850 books that he would like to see removed from schools because they might make students feel “discomfort...because of their race or sex.”

Kalynn Bayron, author of the YA novel “Cinderella Is Dead” and the forthcoming middle-reader novel “The Vanquishers,” lived in San Antonio for many years. She was disheartened to hear that “Cinderella” is on Krause’s list.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 24

F E B R UA RY 2 5 , 2 0 2 2 • WA S H I N GTO N B L A D E.CO M • 1 9

CALENDAR |

AirOtic opens on Feb. 26 at Hook Hall.

By TINASHE CHINGARANDE

Friday, February 25

Friday Tea Time and social hour for Older LGBTQ+ adults will be at 2 p.m. on Zoom. Feel free to bring your beverage of choice.

For the Zoom link or more information, contact Justin (justin@thedccenter.org).

Trans Support Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This support group is intended to provide emotionally and physically safe space for trans* people and those who may be questioning their gender identity/expression to join together in community and learn from one another. For more information, email supportdesk@thedccenter.org.

Saturday, February 26 Black Lesbian Support Group will be at 1 p.m. in person at the DC Center for the LGBT Community and on Zoom. This peer-led support group, hosted by the Beta Kappa Chapter of the Beta Phi Omega Sorority, is devoted to the joys and challenges of being a Black lesbian. You can RSVP for an in-person spot, or send an email to supportdesk@thedccenter.org to receive the zoom link.

Volunteer with Food and Friends will be at 9 a.m. at Food and Friends Inc. Food and Friends prepares and delivers meals and groceries to people living with HIV, cancer, and other life-challenging illnesses. If you need a ride from the Fort Totten Metro, call the Food and Friends shuttle at: (202) 669-6437.

Sunday, February 27 Electric Rainbow: New Wave will be at 3 p.m. at Capo Italian Deli (Backroom). This neon colors and legwarmers type of party will feature DJ Chord who will mix retro pop-dance beats. Queens KC B Yoncé and Jazzmine will also provide throwback entertainment. Tickets cost between $3 and $5 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Monday, February 28 Genderqueer DC will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This support group is for people who identify outside of the gender binary — whether you’re bigender, agender, genderfluid, or just know that you’re not 100% cis. For more information, email supportdesk@ thedccenter.org or visit Genderqueer DC’s Facebook.

Center Aging Coffee Drop-In will be at 10 a.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community and online on Zoom. LGBT Older Adults — and friends — are invited to enjoy friendly conversations and to discuss any issues you might be dealing with. For more information, visit the Center Aging’s Facebook or Twitter.

Tuesday, March 01 Center Aging: Women’s Social & Discussion Group will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older LGBTQ+ women can meet and socialize with one another. For more details, email Alida at alidaa@thedccenter.org or Adam at adamheller@ thedccenter.org.

“Create Your Own Adventure: Starting Out with Polyamory/ENM” will be at 7 p.m. at The Pincus Center for Inclusive Treatment and Education. In this six-week series class, guests will be guided on building the foundation of a happy, thriving polyamorous/ ENM life. The event will feature Tamara Pincus, a sex and relationship therapist and author of “It’s Called Polyamory: Coming Out About Your Nonmonogamous Relationships,” and Rebecca Rose Vassy, a sex and relationship educator and writer, Tickets cost between $240 and $260 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Wednesday, March 02 Job Club will be at 6 p.m. in-person at the DC Center for the LGBT Community and online on Zoom. The Job Club is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants.”

LGBT Peer Support Group will be at 11 a.m. at On Our Own of Frederick County. This event is a safe space for LGBTQ/ queer peers to connect with one another and offer mutual support, encouragement, and affirmations. For more information, visit Eventbrite.

Thursday, March 03 The DC Center’s Food Pantry Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. To be fairer with who is receiving boxes, the program is moving to a lottery system. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email supportdesk@thedccenter. org or call 202-682-2245.

API Queer Support Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a support group for the Asian and Pacific Islander Queer Community co-sponsored by APIQS (Asian Pacific Islander Queer Society DC) and AQUA (Asian Queers United for Action). For more information, email supportdesk@thedccenter.org.

2 0 • WA SHIN GTO N BLADE.COM • FEBRUARY 25 , 2 0 2 2

OUT & ABOUT

Sensual acrobatic aerial circus at Hook Hall AirOtic, a sensual acrobatic aerial circus show will open on Saturday, Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. at Hook Hall. The show will last for three months.

The show will feature an international troop that will perform aerial ballet from riggings set in Hook Hall’s ceilings. A spin-off of the French circus company, Les Farfadais, AirOtic is a sophisticated LGBTQ-themed circus with performances featuring physique, strength and burlesque.

AirOtic was created in 2016 by Stephane and Kyle Kier, both acrobatic performers, as an act for the Atlantis Events cruise.

For more information, visit Hook Hall’s website.

GoGay DC returns to Ven Embassy Row Hotel GoGay DC will host a LGBTQ social event on Friday, March 11 at 7 p.m. at Ven Embassy Row Hotel’s Fred & Stilla Lounge.

This free event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building, or to just unwind and enjoy the extended happy hour.

Everyone with a nametag will receive a 10% discount off their entire purchase, and free garage parking from 7-10 p.m.

To RSVP, visit Eventbrite.

GoGay DC to open March with LGBTQ social GoGay DC will host “First Friday LGBTQ+ Social Meetup ‘’ on Friday, March 4 at 7 p.m. at The Commentary in Arlington.

This social event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. Additionally, guests are encouraged to attend and see all the wonderful new amenities at The Commentary - a place conducive to come together and connect in conversation and shared experiences.

This event is free and guests can RSVP on Eventbrite.

6925 Blair Road, NW Washington, D.C. 20012 takomawellness.com 202.465.4260 @takomawellness F E B R UA RY 2 5 , 2 0 2 2 • WA S H I N GTO N B L A D E.CO M • 2 1

GLAAD TV report acknowledges progress — and some setbacks Media watchdog challenges industry to do better

By JOHN PAUL KING

In addition, the number of transgender characters has increased across broadcast, As we move further into 2022 and away from the pandemic-fatigued rollercoaster cable, and streaming programming, with 42 regular and recurring transgender charthat was 2021, it’s perhaps more important than ever for us to look back together and acters tracked across all three platforms, an encouraging improvement over last year’s take stock of where we are. This is particularly true when it comes to matters affecting 29. Of those characters, 20 are trans women, 14 are trans men, and eight are nonbicommunities that have historically taken the hardest hits in times of cultural stress – the nary trans characters. A further 17 chardisenfranchised among us are always acters are nonbinary and not trans. Yet the ones who slip most easily between there were only two asexual characters the cracks, after all. Obviously, that in– one of which appeared on HBO Max’s cludes the LGBTQ population, whose now-cancelled “Genera+ion”, and one advances in recent years often tempt us slated for inclusion in an unspecified to assume that, while all things may not upcoming streaming series. No asexual yet be entirely equal, they are at least so characters are expected to be featured much improved that we can stop paying on broadcast or cable. attention.

More troubling are the figures on raThere’s a danger, however, in taking cial diversity among LGBTQ characters, our progress for granted. That’s why which has increased on broadcast and it’s wise for us all to take heed when streaming, but dropped significantGLAAD issues its annual “Where We ly on cable. GLAAD previously issued Are On TV” report, as it did last week. Its a challenge to ensure that more than findings show that, despite some shorthalf of LGBTQ characters on television falls, there’s clear reason to celebrate were also people of color, and while our progress since the days when the this year’s report confirms that broadonly queer representation on our home cast content continues to meet that screens was coded, stereotyped, and challenge, with LGBTQ people of color mostly tragic when it wasn’t played for representing 58% of its LGBTQ characlaughs at our expense – but there’s still ters for the fourth year in a row, cable a long way to go before we can safely programming – which met and surpause to rest on our laurels. passed the challenge last year – shows Looking at that report, which analyzes an alarming drop to only 45% of overall the overall diversity of primetime scriptCHARLIE BARNETT (left) and RUSHI KOTI in ‘Ordinary Joe.’ (Photo courtesy NBC) total LGBTQ representation. Represened series regulars on broadcast nettation of LGBTQ people of color still works, as well as assessing the number lags on streaming but increased to 49% of LGBTQ regular and recurring characin this year’s report. ters on primetime scripted cable programming and original scripted streaming series, Similarly underwhelming are the figures on representation for people with disabiliit’s impossible not to acknowledge the good news. ties, down to 2.8% of all series regular characters from last year’s 3.5%. This number is While LGBTQ representation was down in last year’s report among regular characdisproportionately lower than the actual number of those with disabilities in the United ters on broadcast scripted series, this year saw a 2.8% increase in that total. Even betStates (13.3%) and includes only a small handful of LGBTQ characters within the overall ter, this increase brings the total figure up to 11.9% – a new record-high percentage total. since the inaugural report 17 years ago. That means that out of the 775 series regular Perhaps the most disappointing finding is the decrease of representation for peocharacters appearing in content that premiered or is expected to return between June ple living with HIV or AIDS – a demographic with an already-abysmal showing on TV. 1, 2021 and May 31, 2022, 92 of them are LGBTQ. In addition, there are 49 recurring This year’s report marks only two HIV+ characters across all platforms (down from last LGBTQ characters, bringing the total number of queer characters on broadcast televiyear’s three, all of whom appeared on FX’s “Pose”), and a significant decrease from the sion up to 141. nine tallied in the study prior to that. Both of this year’s POZ characters are recurring.

When we add streaming platforms to the mix, the picture gets even brighter. On origThese findings are particularly worrisome considering the challenge issued by GLAAD inal scripted programming across eight platforms (expanded from the three tracked in and Gilead Sciences with last year’s study, which called on the entertainment industry previous reports), there are 245 regular and 113 recurring LGBTQ characters, bringing to grow representation of HIV with the goal of driving cultural and societal change in the combined total to 358. ending the stigma around the millions who live with it.

When it comes to cable, however, there’s a deficit. While the report from two years What does all this mean, and why does it matter? For those who recognize the dire ago (covering the last pre-pandemic TV season) featured 215 queer cable characters, importance of positive queer representation in the media in the ongoing struggle to that number fell to 118 with last year’s report and has only risen by 20 this year, bringing expand LGBTQ+ acceptance, the answer is obvious. For anyone who questions the the total to 138 (87 regular, 51 recurring) – still far fewer than counted in the prior report. need for advocacy groups like GLAAD to continue placing pressure on content proDespite that disappointing nuance, LGBTQ people clearly enjoy a greater presence viders in their effort to ensure continued progress, the answer is summed up in the on TV overall than ever before. In the more granular details, however, it’s obvious statement issued with the report by GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis: there’s room for improvement.

“The growing state of LGBTQ representation on television is a signal that Hollywood This year, lesbian characters represent a majority of LGBTQ regular or recurring charis truly starting to recognize the power of telling LGBTQ stories that audiences around acters on broadcast television for the first time in the report’s history. Lesbians make the world connect with. At a time when anti-LGBTQ legislation and violence continup 40% (56 characters), up six points from the previous season. Gay men make up 35 ues to increase, it is cultural institutions like television that take on the crucial role of percent (49 characters), a decrease of five points from last year (though still an increase changing hearts and minds through diverse and inclusive storytelling. Networks and of 9 characters), but bisexual+ representation, after decreasing for the past two years, platforms must continue to prioritize telling LGBTQ stories that have been long overhas increased – albeit slightly – to reflect 19% (27 characters) of the total, up a single looked, with a specific focus on the trans community, LGBTQ people of color, people point from the 2021 report. Notably, bisexual+ representation is still skewed heavily in living with HIV, and LGBTQ people with disabilities.” favor of women (124 total characters), with bi+ men (50 characters) and bi+ nonbinary Read the full report at glaad.org. individuals (9) trailing far behind.

2 2 • WA SHIN GTO N BLADE.COM • FEBRUARY 25 , 2 0 2 2

F E B R UA RY 2 5 , 2 0 2 2 • WA S H I N GTO N B L A D E.CO M • 2 3

Everyone has a story and this one’s fascinating ‘Waterfalls, The Moon and Sensible Shoes’ follows one lesbian life

By TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER

‘Waterfalls, The Moon and Sensible Shoes’

By Jill P. Strachan

c.2021 | $12 | 225 pages

Everybody has a story.

The experiences might be similar, but never the same. One person can relate their experiences, someone else can share, and a third person had totally a different viewpoint, even if they were all in the same place at the same time. In “Waterfalls, The Moon and Sensible Shoes” by Jill P. Strachan, you’ll read about “One Lesbian Life.”

For most of her life, Strachan was a child of the world: her father was a diplomat, and she spent most of her childhood in Pakistan, playing with the children of other diplomats, embassy staff, and workers.

Strachan says they “amused themselves” with games they made up, and she liked to write in her diary.

When she was almost 12 years old, she was sent to a boarding school in Virginia, and while it was fun at first, “the shine of being on my own wore off within one month,” she says. Getting along with teachers was not easy; “loneliness, difference, and angst” were also issues she had to tackle. She joined the basketball team, learning to her chagrin that the rules of play stateside were different for boys and for girls.

Other things were different, too: She began dating boys and suffering heartbreak from it – until college, when a younger, “vibrant,” outspoken, brave and brassy girl asked Strachan if she’d ever “’thought about being a Lesbian.”

Strachan says she “sensed danger” and waived the girl away, but by 1974, the two of them were in a relationship that they had to keep hidden, furtively sneaking in and out of one another’s rooms to avoid detection.

“What we were doing was illegal and we, ourselves, were illegal for loving each other,” says Strachan.

“To be together, we were forced to be clandestine, but this hardly diminished our individual desires.”

Everybody has a story.

Stepping back six decades or more, author Jill P. Strachan tells hers, through diary entries, letters, and notes. Anecdotal memories also feature strongly in “Waterfalls, The Moon and Sensible Shoes,” giving readers a large sense of what it was like for one woman to come to terms with her sexuality at a time when societal acceptance was nil.

While readers may struggle with the non-linear telling of this life story, Strachan entertains with her tales of travel and of meeting people who would impact her life. She writes of the men and women she loved, including men she helplessly watched die of AIDS; she also writes of the activists she knew, and of the partner she loves now.

“Waterfalls, The Moon and Sensible Shoes” is a widespread book that may be a challenge to follow but Strachan’s experiences can’t be missed. Find this book, because everyone has a story and this one’s fascinating.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

Effort to ban queer books meets opposition

“I write about Black, queer protagonists,” Bayron said. “Representation is so important. When books are banned, Black, queer, disabled and other marginalized kids don’t see themselves in stories.”

“And kids who aren’t marginalized won’t see people who are different from themselves,” she added.

LGBTQ activists and allies are fighting back against censorship.

Lily Freeman is a transgender and Jewish activist, and a member of GLSEN’s 2021-2022 National Student Council Cohort. Freeman and her mom run the Instagram and TikTok account @projectuncensored.

“Having representation in books creates acceptance and empathy,” Freeman said. “In online videos, my Mom and I talk about books that have been banned that folks should read.”

Bender and her partner held a fundraiser so that LGBTQ books could be donated to libraries and teachers in her community’s schools.

Early this year, Cousins and Ferrell established the Florida Freedom to Read Project, a group that advocates for the right for students, hetero and LGBTQ, to access ideas and information in schools.

Lisa Keating, director, My Purple Umbrella, and

sweet pea Flaherty, owner of King’s bookstore in Tacoma, Wash., co-run the Queerest Book Club Ever.

Flaherty, through her bookstore, runs 11 book clubs, including the Banned Book Club.

“We try to select books that tell stories that for so long haven’t been told,” Flaherty said.

It might be time to break through the stereotype of the “quiet librarian,” said Jennisen Lucas, president of the American Association of School Librarians, a division of the ALA. The effort to ban books could place some librarians’ jobs in jeopardy, said Lucas, who is a librarian for seven schools in Cody, Wyo. “It might be time [for librarians] to get loud,” she said, “about standing against censorship and supporting the First Amendment.”

“It’s what makes the news,” Lucas added.

In December, NCAC issued a statement, “The Attack on Books in Schools,” which was signed by more than 600 organizations.

“It is freedom of expression that ensures that we can meet the challenges of a changing world,” the statement said. “That freedom is critical for the students who will lead America in the years ahead.”

2 4 • WA SHIN GTO N BLADE.COM • FEBRUARY 25 , 2 0 2 2

‘Melissa’ was previously published as ‘George.’

S to p in , y ou h a p p y y o ’l l b e u d id !

Ready for a Room Refresh?

INSTANT REBATE $100*

Find a look you’ll love. Discover over 150,000 sq. ft. of modern, classic and casual styles ready for quick delivery.

Hurry in, Held Over!

Presidents’ Day C e l e b ra t i o n

Save $50 for Every $500* QUALITY NAME BRANDS

Bernhardt • Hooker Furniture Kincaid Solid Wood • Archbold • More

* Offers vary by manufacturers; see store for details.

IN-STOCK DARDEN SECTIONAL WITH CHAISE-END SPECIAL $1699 Features a metal base, plush deep cushions, and an easy-to-clean performance fabric. Available with chaise on left or right, reg. $1799; list $3599.

Save Hundreds on Select Upholstery Save Up To $350 on Select Outdoor Sets

Shop Over 100 Beautiful Beds

IN-STOCK

Convenient USB Charging Ports in Headboard

MODERN LOFT QUEEN BED $749; KING $1169 The wood grains on the panel bed create a rustic vibe while the clean lines give a nod to modern styling. * In-stock items subject to prior sale.

Hours: Mon - Sat 10 - 8 • Sun 12 - 6 belfortfurniture.com • 703-406-7600 22250 & 22267 Shaw Road • Dulles, VA

$100 Off Select Beds & Dining Tables Extra 15%Off Blue Tags * Blue Tags only; see store for details.

Over 300 Sofas on Display

BEST SELLER, IN-STOCK

Shop Over 100 Dining Tables

SAVOY DINING TABLE $649 50” round table offers transitional styling with starburst pattern on the table top. Scoop-back side chair $239.

NEW! IN-STOCK ATLANTA SOFA $999 Featured with a tuxedo arm, plush back cushions and accent pillows. Add the matching swivel chair for just $699.

H Made in the USA.

Face masks are recommended for all customers visiting our showrooms.

Learn More: BelfortFurniture.com

F E B R UA RY 2 5 , 2 0 2 2 • WA S H I N GTO N B L A D E.CO M • 2 5

Not Another Drag Show Queens perform at Dupont Italian Kitchen Bar (Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

Logan Stone served as the emcee for “Not Another Drag Show” at Dupont Italian Kitchen Bar on Monday. Other drag performers included Charlemagne Chateau, Frieda Pussay, Erotica and Desiree Dik.

2 6 • WA SHIN GTO N BLADE.COM • FEBRUARY 25 , 2 0 2 2

What to know about cryptocurrency and real estate The future is here

By JEFF HAMMERBERG

Cryptocurrency. It’s certainly a popular buzzword today in financial and investment circles – and in larger segments of the population generally. While at first largely contained to the realm of investments, the use of cryptocurrency is increasing for consumers across the board – and in the real estate market, it is no different.

It is quickly becoming easier and more profitable to use cryptocurrency in the real estate market, a trend that many experts anticipate will continue, particularly with the advent of blockchain technology and smart contracts. Without question, it will take time to thoroughly familiarize yourself with the ways that cryptocurrency can be used in the real estate market, and many wonder how to best prepare for a future in which cryptocurrency is increasingly used.

As we move toward that future at a rapid pace, let’s take a look at a few of the ways that bitcoin might be used in the real estate market, including:

BUYING AND SELLING:

An increasing number of real estate listings across the country, and indeed around the world, allow buyers and sellers to utilize cryptocurrency to their advantage. In many cases, buyers will have the opportunity to pay with cryptocurrencies, while sellers have the option to either accept the digital currency directly or convert it to other currency if desired. The advantage of using blockchain during cryptocurrency transactions also means that transactions are confirmed in a secure digital ledger, which is appealing to many buyers and sellers.

CRYPTOCURRENCY AND RENTAL PROPERTIES:

Increasingly, those looking at rental properties, either to live in themselves or as investments to rent to others, may soon have the opportunity to use cryptocurrency to do so. Some major companies like Expedia are already offering customers the opportunity to rent properties temporarily using bitcoin, and it is anticipated that this trend will expand into many aspects of the rental market in the near future. For those who have cryptocurrency and want to rent, or for those who own rental properties as investments, this is exciting news that opens the door to many potentially profitable possibilities.

USE OF ICOS:

ICOs (short for Initial Coin Offerings) are gaining popularity among real estate sellers and investors, a trend that is also expected to continue. Essentially, ICOs are utilized to create platforms in which sellers could list their property for fractional ownership by investors. While fractional ownership is certainly not a new concept in real estate investment, many think that the crypto industry offers an advantage, as it is far cheaper to maintain the assets’ security on blockchain than through previously used more traditional measures.

These are only a few ways of many that cryptocurrency is expected to play an

There are many advantages of using cryptocurrency in real estate transactions.

increasingly important role in the future of real estate. While using cryptocurrency to purchase real estate may present many appealing advantages, there are still a few potential downsides to consider as well. After all, before entering into any real estate transaction, it’s important to have a well-rounded understanding of both the advantages and any possible disadvantages, including:

VOLATILITY:

As the stock market fluctuates from day to day, so too can cryptocurrency – sometimes in an even more volatile way. It is important to understand that the exchange rate may change suddenly and to be prepared if it happens.

SECURITY ISSUES:

Although blockchain is in theory extremely secure, as with anything digital in our world of shared technology, there are hackers, scammers, and various cybersecurity threats that those utilizing cryptocurrency should be aware of. Remaining vigilant in responding to these types of potential threats will be essential as cryptocurrency increasingly becomes part of the real estate market.

TAX IMPLICATIONS:

Particularly as cryptocurrency is still relatively new to the real estate market, there may be a variety of new and unique tax implications, some of which may still be evolving in many respects. Before entering into a cryptocurrency transaction, consulting both with your agent and with a financial adviser who can explain any potential tax implications will be important.

While the future of cryptocurrency in real estate is bright, and while many exciting changes are on the horizon, one thing that remains a constant in real estate is the importance of finding a talented and experienced real estate agent who can guide you through the process, and help you reach your goals. At www.GayRealEstate.com, we’re here to help you do exactly that. Call us any time. We’d be honored to help you find the perfect agent to help you achieve your real estate dreams.

JEFF HAMMERBERG

is founding CEO of Hammerberg & Associates, Inc. Reach him at 303-378-5526 or jeffhammerberg@gmail.com.

B US I NE S S • F E B R UA RY 2 5 , 2 0 2 2 • WA S H I N GTO N B L A D E.CO M • 2 7

2 8 • WA SHIN GTO N BLADE.COM • FEBRUARY 25 , 2 0 2 2

LEFT PAGE

24030 Benjamin Harrison Circle, Millsboro, DE

22782 Red Bay Lane, Milton, DE MLS# DESU2016356

MLS #: DESU2011790

PRICE REDUCTION: $719,900

High style, Low maintenance

Experience the good life with this recently & beautifully built 4-bedroom home in amenity-rich Independence! Energy generating solar panels, high performance dual fuel HVAC system, and irrigation on a separate well provide fantastic savings & peace of mind.

The Independence Community & Clubhouse offers tons of events & activities with a fitness center, indoor & outdoor pools, tennis, sauna, billiards room, and so much more.

All within a short drive to beaches, shopping and dining!

MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE!

Architectural details flourish in this phenomenal 3+ bedroom home in Reddenwood.

Situated on a large, beautifully landscaped lot with irrigation in an established community with outdoor playground, pavilion & fireplace; located only a short drive away from all that coastal Delaware has to offer!

116 W. 3rd Street, Lewes, DE

31658 Topsail Dr., Lewes, DE

MLS: DESU2014496

MLS #: DESU2014118

PRICE REDUCTION, 2/16/22: 31658 Topsail Drive NEW List Price: $745,000

Iconic Lewes landmark with visions for the future!

Original Lewes Firehouse & Lock Up is a rare opportunity to be part of history, complete w/ retail & living space. This resilient property extends a unique invitation for the visionary. Completely renovated from top to bottom in the mid 1980s, a 1st floor shop features 2 showrooms, storage (formerly town jail), bath & classic, multi-paned storefront windows. Upstairs living area offers 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, kitchen, dining & living rooms w/wood & tile flooring.

Why wait to build?

This barely lived in and well cared for 3 bedroom, 3 bath home is waiting for you in Marsh Farm Estates! Situated on a premium & private lot, this home has all the features you want in a home---a spacious, open floor plan, gourmet kitchen, finished walkout basement with wet bar and so much more. Within walking distance to the community’s clubhouse & pool; and only a short drive to Coastal Highway’s shopping & dining, along with Lewes & Rehoboth Beaches!

Have a like-new home without the wait!

RIGHT PAGE

F E B R UA RY 2 5 , 2 0 2 2 • WA S H I N GTO N B L A D E.CO M • 2 9

MASSAGE

KICK BACK AND RELAX with a refreshing massage.

Private studio near Courthouse in Arlington, Sun-Wed, 12-9.

Contact Gary @ 301-704-1158, mymassagebygary.com.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Consigli Construction Minority Business Enterprise Subcontractor Bid Opportunity Project: Boston Properties – Level 9 & 10 Modification Encouraging all UBE, WBE, VSOBE, VDSOBE, LGBTQ Enterprises Subcontractors to bid on this project.

Bid Date: 02/28/2022 At 10:00AM Email Brian Cole: bcole@consigli.com for documents and questions

CLEANING

FERNANDO’S CLEANING

Residential & Commercial Cleaning, Reasonable Rates, Free Estimates, Routine, 1-Time, Move-In/Move-Out 202-234-7050 / 202-486-6183

LIMOUSINES

COUNSELING

COUNSELING FOR LGBTQ People Individual/couple counseling with a volunteer peer counselor. GMCC, serving our community since 1973.

202-580-8661. gaymenscounseling.org.

No fees, donation requested.

LEGAL SERVICES 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.

KASPER’S LIVERY SERVICE Since 1987. Gay & Veteran Owner/Operator. Lincoln Continental Sedan! Proper DC License & Livery Insured. www.KasperLivery.com.

Phone 202-554-2471.

SHARE & PERSONAL

ADS ARE FREE!

MEN FOR MEN

WASHINGTONBLADE. COM/CLASSIFIEDS

JOHN BLACKBURN

PLACE YOUR AD ONLINE AT

& THE AD PRINTS FREE IN THE PAPER & ONLINE.* *25 words or less print free. Each additional word $1.00.

HANDYMAN

BRITISH REMODELING

HANDYMAN

Local licensed company with over 25 years of experience. Specializing in bathrooms, kitchens & all interior/exterior repairs. Drywall, paint, electrical & wallpaper.

Trevor 703-303-8699 MOVING

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

USE BLADE ADVERTISERS! and tell them,

PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY

LOOKING FOR

I’m looking for my first boyfriend , when we were just 12yrs old in Germany. We linked up in 1990 when I lived in DC. I lost contact with him shortly there after. I’m hoping someone out there knows John. If you do, please contact me or advise him to call me. A small reward applies!

Thanks Chris Guard

PLATONIC FRIENDSHIP

Already partnered right-wing anti-Israel GWM into current events seeks platonic friendship with single gay men or couples who share political views.Contact Stevenstvn9@aol.com.

HORNY GUY, 6’3’, 200 LBS,

9’. ISO tall, All American, romantic, affectionate, horny, hung dude for pleasure! You won’t be disappointed.

Sincere only. Call after 9 pm, 240-457-1292.

BODYWORK

THE MAGIC TOUCH

Swedish, Massage or Deep Tissue.

Appts 202-486-6183, Low Rates, 24/7, In-Calls.

“I saw your ad in The Blade!”

CLASSIFIED ADS ARE EASY!

Register at WashingtonBlade.com/classifieds Then, simply log in and place your ad! There are 2 boxes to place different words online vs. in print. You control how you want to be contacted and can use the system for responses, if you want to remain anonymous.

3 0 • WA SHIN GTO N BLADE.COM • FEBRUARY 25 , 2 0 2 1 • C L A S S I F I E D S

YOUR BIZ/NAME HERE! EMAIL NOW TO PLACE YOUR AD

classifieds@washblade.com

F E B R UA RY 2 5 , 2 0 2 2 • WA S H I N GTO N B L A D E.CO M • 3 1