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Comings & Goings 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. The Comings & Goings column also invites LGBTQ college students to share their successes with us. If you have been elected to a student government position, landed an exciting internship, or are graduating and beginning your career with a new job, let us know. Congratulations to Kris Perry and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development. Children and Screens founder and President Pamela Hurst-Della Pietra said, “I feel grateful that for the past decade, the Institute has been able to advance and fund new interdisciplinary research and provide useful education into digital media’s effects, as well as help nurture talent in the fects of new technologies on children’s health and well-being, but there’s so much more work that still needs to be done. During the next decade, it will be more important than ever that we have a proven leader that can move forward with an even more ambitious Children and Screens board member Dimitri A Christakis, Editor in Chief, JAMA Pedideep insights and breadth of experience will advance our mission of ‘helping children Upon accepting the position Perry said, “There are far too many examples of digital media products designed to take advantage of children during important stages of their development, leading to challenges with fundamental aspects of childhood such as sleep, self-image, mood and attention. Joining Children and Screens at this watershed Most recently Perry served as senior adviser to California Gov. Gavin Newsom, focus-
KRIS PERRY
ing on the implementation of early childhood development initiatives, and as Deputy Secretary, California Health and Human Services Agency. Prior to that she was president of Save The Children Action Network. Perry began her career at the Alameda County Social Services Agency, working in child protective services. She served as executive director of First Five San Mateo, and First Five in California, then as executive director, First Five Years Fund in D.C. Perry and her wife Sandy Belzer Stier were instrumental in returning marriage equality to California after the landmark 2013 U.S. Supreme Court ruling Hollingsworth v. Perry, mentation of Proposition 10, California’s historic early childhood initiative. Perry earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology, University of California, Santa Cruz; and her MSW, at San Francisco State University.
Lesbian couple hopeful Md. law requires Christian school to enroll son School disputes claim it denied boy’s admission due to parents’ sexual orientation By LOU CHIBBARO JR. | lchibbaro@washblade.com
A lesbian couple is hopeful that Maryland’s nondiscrimination laws will require the Grace Academy, a private non-denominational Christian school in Hagerstown, Md., to reverse its decision earlier this month to deny admission to their 11-yearold son Brayden.
A lesbian couple is hopeful that Maryland’s nondiscrimination laws will require the Grace Academy to admit their son.
Megan Stratton point to a May 8 letter from the academy’s upper school principal saying, “We regret to inform you that, due to a lifestyle counter to the Biblical worldview we teach, we have decided to deny enrollment
The two women say the letter followed an interview they had with the principal in tially expressed support for Brayden’s enrollment but quickly changed his tune when the women asked him about the school’s anti-bullying policy. According to a report by the Ad(Photo courtesy of Jennifer Dane)
with two moms and he would have to consult with the school’s director about admitting Brayden. complaint against the school, Grace Academy director Greg Whitley sent an email to the couple saying their sexual orientation wasn’t the reason for the school’s denial of admission for Brayden. According to the Advocate, Whitley claimed that a lack of regular church attendance, Dane told the Washington Blade this week that she and Stratton strongly dispute the 0 6 • WA SHIN GTO N BLADE.COM • MAY 27, 2022 • LO CA L NE WS
school’s denial that it refused admission to Brayden for reasons other than his parents’ sexual orientation based on what he told them during their interview. Dane said the couple told and that he attended another Christian school before the family moved to a different part of Hagerstown resulting in his enrollment in a public school, which he currently attends. The couple has since learned that Grace Academy has received federal and state school complying with certain requirements. Dane said she also learned that the school in the recent past has admitted students with same-sex parents. The Advocate reports that a spokesperson for U.S. Rep. David Trone (D-Md.), whose district includes Hagerstown, said Trone strongly objects to Grace Academy’s decision to deny admission to Brayden and that Trone’s staff is investigating the matter. Dane said she heard that the state Department of Education may also be investigating whether the school is currently receiving state education funds and whether receiving such funds requires the school to comply with the state law barring discrimination based on sexual orientation. The Blade, meanwhile, has been unable to immediately reach spokespersons for the Maryland State Board of Education and the State of Maryland Commission on Civil Rights, to determine whether a religious school like the Grace Academy is bound by the state’s nondiscrimination laws that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The federal nondiscrimination law and some state laws include an exception for religious institutions. discrimination complaint under state or county law. Dane said the two have learned that Grace Academy has received federal and state education funds under various programs, which could require that it comply with state nondiscrimination laws as a condition for receiving state funds. A spokesperson for the school couldn’t immediately be reached early this week for comment.
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Mattachine Society of D.C. donates documents to William & Mary The Mattachine Society of Washington, D.C., the group that col“This exciting new archive will collect materials that illuminate the lects historic documents related to the federal government’s dishistory of LGBTQ Americans’ struggle to secure their rights through crimination against and persecution of LGBTQ people in past years, the political process and legal systems of the nation,” according announced this week that it is donating all its documents to a newly to LGBTQ rights advocate and former William & Mary Rector Jeff created Archive of American LGBTQ Political and Legal History at the College of William & Mary. Trammell is donating to the new archive material collected from The Williamsburg, Va., based college announced last week that its new LGBTQ archive is being established at its Swem Library in versity, a statement released by William & Mary says. It says Trammemory of the renowned gay historian John Boswell, who was a mell’s donation is the second donation after the Mattachine Society 1969 Bachelor of Arts graduate in history at the College of William & Mary. ‘Our motto ‘Archive Activism’ brings many more LGBTQ-related documents to be donated to the new “There are many fabulous collections of LGBTQ historical materius to this decision to donate all of our archive. als in libraries across the country, but this archive will have a unique collection to William and Mary,’ said CHARLES FRANCIS. (Photo courtesy Francis) focus on the political and legal architecture of the movement,” said ments obtained by meticulous research into sources such as the Carrie Cooper, dean of University Libraries at William and Mary. Library of Congress, the National Archives and Records Administration, numerous presi“Our motto ‘Archive Activism’ brings us to this decision to donate all of our collection said Charles Francis, co-founder of the reestablished Mattachine Society of Washington, D.C. The group was originally founded by D.C. LGBTQ rights pioneer Frank Kameny in
to attorney Pate Felts, the other Mattachine co-founder.
LOU CHIBBARO JR.
Pride Run returns after two-year hiatus After a two-year pandemic hiatus that saw the Pride Run go mostly virtual, the DC Front Runners Pride Run 5K is elated to once again welcome nearly 1,500 runners, walkers, volunteers, and spectators back to the Historic Congressional Cemetery for their Tenth Anniversary Race on Friday, June 10. course that starts near the cemetery’s “Gay Corner” where many LGBTQ rights activists, such as Leonard Matlovich, are interred. The race then winds along the Anacostia RivGates open at 5 p.m. for packet pickup with the race
dation: Ainsley’s Angels (National Capital Region), Casa Ruby, Team DC Student-Athlete Scholarship, SMYAL, The Wanda Alston Foundation, The Blade Foundation, charities by registering for the race or donate directly at DCPrideRun.com. A special thanks to the presenting sponsors, Capital Shake Shack, and Wegmans Food Market to the premier sponsors DC Brau, Pacers Running, and Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP, and our elite sponsors, AHF Healthcare CenFitness, and Starbucks, and of course our special partner
The Pride Run 5K is back after COVID hiatus.
the Historic Congressional Cemetery. Last, but not least, a big thank you to all individual donors who contribute via the race website directly to our incredible charity partners. Together, we proudly celebrate who we are in a festive, safe, and inclusive event. JOSH YANKOVIC
Vandals target 2 Rehoboth Beach LGBTQ-owned businesses Freddie’s Beach Bar and the Purple Parrot — two
for almost two decades, and added that this was
— discovered that their establishments had been
venue, which has been open for less than one year. He noted that Freddie’s management is currently reviewing security footage for further information, and is likely to soon install additional security cameras. At the establishment’s Arlington, Va., location, “we’ve had some minor spray painting done, we’ve had some rocks thrown at windows,” he recounted. “Mostly I have attributed it to drunken antics, not so much hate. Hopefully that’s the case here as well.” Rivenbark added that Freddie’s staff remains positive despite the circumstances. “It doesn’t seem like a huge issue. It’s something we’ll prob-
posts to the Purple Parrot’s Facebook page made by Hugh Fuller, the restaurant’s owner. The vandal, whose identity remains unknown, mirrors of the Purple Parrot’s bathroom, and paintBar, the posts recounted. The establishments have Department. Tony Rivenbark, a manager at Freddie’s, said that 10:30 a.m. on Monday, and that it was dry to the touch, leading restaurant management to believe it was painted early in the day. Upon discovering lice and were told that other nearby locations had
Vandals targeted the Purple Parrot in Rehoboth Beach on Monday. (Photo courtesy Purple Parrot)
Between its Rehoboth and Arlington, Va. locations, Rivenbark has worked at the establishment
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much rather it be some kid that’s got a new little airbrush … than it being somebody that’s targeting LGBT businesses.” The Rehoboth Beach Police Department deJACK WALKER
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Gay man shot to death on NYC subway train A gay man became the latest victim of a New York City subway shooting on Sunday when police say a male suspect shot Daniel Enriquez, 48, in the chest in an unprovoked random act inside a subway car traveling from Brooklyn to Manhattan. Police on Tuesday arrested Andrew Abdullah, 25, who attorneys representing him from the Legal Aid Society attempted to arrange for his surrender, according to a report by NBC 4 News in New York.
DANIEL ENRIQUEZ
Police said the shooting occurred around 11:42 a.m. while the train was traveling over the Manhattan Bridge. -
appeared into a crowd of people when the train stopped at the Canal Street station minutes after Enriquez lay dyPossibly based on the viewing of images from video surveillance cameras, police sources told the New York lah whose last known residence was in Manhattan, as a photos of Abdullah and appealed to the public for help Adam Pollack, Enriquez’s partner of 18 years, told both the Times and the New York Post that Enriquez took the subway to meet his brother for brunch. According to Pollack, Enriquez previously had taken Ubers into Manhattan, where he worked and socialized, from the couple’s home in the Park Slope section of Brooklyn. But in recent weeks the cost of taking an Uber rose dramatically to more than $80 for the round-trip fare, prompting Enriquez to begin taking the subway, Pollack told the Times and Post. “I don’t love the subway,” the Post quoted Pollack as saying. “I know how dangerous New York is. It took me two years to get back on the subway. I don’t feel safe on the subway,” he said. The fatal shooting of Enriquez took place six weeks gan shooting inside a crowded rush-hour subway car in Brooklyn, injuring at least 23 people. Pollack told the Times his partner was a native New Yorker who worked as a researcher for the Goldman
Sachs investment bank in Manhattan. Enriquez was the ing his nieces and nephews for ice cream in local parks and out to amusement parks when he visited them, Pollack told the Times. When asked by the Washington Blade if any evidence has surfaced to indicate suspect Abdullah targeted Enriquez because he thought Enriquez was gay, a police incident was continuing.
thing, the motive, and all of that stuff, is part of the investigation and that is still ongoing. So, there’s no comment on that yet.” The Times reports that court records show Abdullah, who is now in police custody, was charged along with others in 2017 in an 83-count indictment for alleged gang related activity. The following year he pleaded guilty to criminal possession of weapons and other charges in 2018 and was sentenced the following year to a prison term and released on parole several months later. According to the Times, he faced new gun charges in 2020, was charged in 2021 with assault and endangering a child, and in April of this year was charged with possession of stolen property and unauthorized use of a vehicle. “We are devastated by this senseless tragedy and our time,” Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon said in a statement. LOU CHIBBARO JR.
Delaware governor vetoes legalization of marijuana possession “I have been clear about my position since before I
that would have legalized the possession of marijuana in
times,” he added.
eral Assembly to override the veto in a Tuesday press release, emphasizing that legalizing marijuana is of particular importance to low-income communities and com-
May 5 and the Senate May 12, would legalize the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana and remove criminal and civil penalties associated with the non-remunerative transfer of marijuana for individuals ages 21 or older. “I do not believe that promoting or expanding the use of recreational marijuana is in the best interests of the state of Delaware, especially our young people,” Carney said in his veto statement Tuesday. “Questions about the long-term health and economic impacts of recreational marijuana use, as well as serious law enforcement concerns, remain unresolved.” Current state laws deem the possession of one ounce penalty. Still, the possession of more than one ounce of marijuana remains a misdemeanor — a designation that would remain unchanged with the passage of the bill. In the statement, Carney acknowledged that marijuana can help individuals with certain health conditions, and said that possession and private consumption of the substance should not lead to imprisonment. But he also islation, following his passage of marijuana decriminalization in 2019.
These communities “experience police harassment and arrest for marijuana at disproportionate rates than
JOHN CARNEY
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believes state legislators should further “pass a companion bill that sets up a safe and legal marketplace.” The American Civil Liberties Union of Delaware also emphasized that the General Assembly should override the veto. Carney’s veto of the bill “is an affront to the lawmakers, advocates, and residents of Delaware who have shown consistent and overwhelming support for this measure,” Mike Bichner, ACLU of Delaware executive director, said in a statement Tuesday. “The criminalization of cannabis has been a tool of the failed, racist War on Drugs, which has caused irrevocable harm to our Black communities.” JACK WALKER
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By CHRIS JOHNSON | cjohnson@washblade.com -
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steps to help employadministration,
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the
the White House at the time as opposed President TRUMP’s administration was overtly hostile to transgender Americans but at least one agency enacted pro-trans policy.
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BRITTNEY GRINER, who was arrested on drug charges in the country after Russian
MICHAEL K. LAVERS
(Russian television screenshot)
BRODY LEVESQUE
A service member wears rainbow socks during Pride Month Five Kilometer Pride Run at Joint Base Andrews, Md., June 28, 2017. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Valentina Lopez)
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fear Bolsonaro reelection ‘He represents a danger to diversity’ By MICHAEL K. LAVERS | mlavers@washblde.com (Editor’s note:
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) SALVADOR, Brazil — Fernanda Fonseca was the coordinator of the Brazilian Health Ministry’s program to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and tional AIDS Society’s Conference on HIV Science in Mexico City. Fonseca, who attended the conference in her personal capacity, made a presentation that focused on the issue. Her husband, who at the time coordinated the Brazilian Health Ministry’s viral hepatitis program, also traveled to Mexico City. One of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s sons soon posted to Twitter a picture of a doctored presentation “about trans community rights, and LGBT community rights” that an unnamed “couple” had made at the conference. The “couple” who Bolsonaro’s son targeted was Fonseca and her husband. “He was like, this is what the government is standing for,” Fonseca told the Washington Blade on March 16 during an interview at a coffee shop in Salvador, a city in northeastern Brazil that is the capital of Bahia state. 2019, after he defeated then-São Paulo Mayor Fernando Haddad in the second round of the country’s presidential election that took place the previous October. president was to remove HIV from the name of the Health Brazil. It was previously the Department of Vigilance, PrevenAIDS and Viral Hepatitis. It is now called the Department of Chronic Conditions and Sexually Transmitted Infections. also eliminated without her knowledge while she was on maternity leave. Fonseca eventually resigned. She now works for AIDS Healthcare Foundation Brazil as its country medical program director. “They destroyed my department,” she said. “When I came back (from maternity leave), no one was answering my calls.” ers and LGBTQ activists with whom the Blade spoke in Brazil — Salvador, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro — from March 12-21. They all sharply criticized Bolsonaro and expressed concern over what may happen in Brazil if he wins re-election later this year. Bolsonaro is a former Brazilian Army captain who represented Rio de Janeiro in the country’s Congress from 1991-2018. Fonseca told the Blade that Bolsonaro has banned the Health Ministry from buying lubricants, while adding he “wanted to shut down everything related to HIV.”
don’t know who informs him.” AIDS Healthcare Foundation Brazil Program Manager near São Paulo’s Praça da Republica noted Bolsonaro has suggested COVID-19 vaccines can cause AIDS. “To him, the question of AIDS is connected to faggots,” said De Jesus. São Paulo’s Municipal Health Secretary distributes free condoms on the city’s subway system. The Brazilian Health Ministry has donated to AIDS Healthcare Foundamigrants who receive care at their clinics in Colombia. Bolsonaro, among many things, has encouraged fathers to beat their sons if they think they are gay. (His son, Rio Municipal Councilman Carlos Bolsonaro, is reportedly gay.) Garden stressed his “respect of traditional family values” — he’s twice divorced and married his third wife, Michelle Bolsonaro, in 2017 — and opposition to “gender ideology.” month notes Bolsonaro “has a long history of mischaracterizing and vocally opposing gender and sexuality education, including on the grounds that it constitutes ‘early sexualization’.” Bolsonaro has supported legislation schools, even after the Brazilian Supreme Court struck down local and state laws on the issue. Jair Bolsonaro was not president when Rio Municipal Councilwoman Marielle Franco, a bisexual woman of African descent, and her driver, Anderson Gomes, were murdered in Rio’s Lapa neighborhood on March 14, 2018.
“The cruelty of how many of these executions were committed demonstrates the extreme hatred of the crimtim washing their murderous homophobia in the spilled blood,” said Aliança Nacional LGBTI President Toni Reis in the report’s introduction. Grupo Gay da Bahia President Marcelo Cerqueira on March 15 told the Blade during an interview in Salvador that race, poverty, class, machismo and family structures all contribute to the area’s high rate of violence against LGBTQ people. “There are many relationships with asymmetrical power dynamics,” he noted. Keila Simpson is the president of Associaçao Nacional group known by the acronym ANTRA. She noted to the Blade on March 16 during an inter-
shop in downtown Rio stressed Jair Bolsonaro’s rhetoric against LGBTQ Brazilians, women and other groups was “known” before he became president. Benício also acknowledged it resonates with a segment of Brazilian society. “It is an absolutely despicable posture and incompatible with a posture of the president of the republic,” said Benício. Two Brazilian LGBTQ rights groups — Aliança Nacionleased on May 10 notes 300 LGBTQ Brazilians “suffered violent deaths” because they were murdered or died by
that the Supreme Court in 2018 ruled trans Brazilians can legally change their name and gender without medical intervention or a judicial order. Simpson said trans Brazilians nevertheless continue to suffer from discrimination, a lack of formal employment and educational opportunities and police violence because of their gender identity. She also added efforts to combat violence cult because Bolsonaro is “propagating violence against LGBTQ people every day.” “It increases the possibility of people who are already violent by nature to continue committing violence,” said Simpson. Mariah Rafaela Silva, a trans woman of indigenous descent who works with the Washington-based International Institute on Race, Equality and Human Rights, agreed when she and her colleague, Isaac Porto, spoke with the Blade at a restaurant in Rio’s Ipanema neighborhood on March 21.
the most dangerous state capital for LGBTQ people. The report notes 28 percent of the murder victims were killed with knives, machetes, scissors, hoes and other weapons. One of them was stabbed 95 times.
be danger,” said Silva. “He represents a danger to the environment. He represents a danger to diversity. He represents a danger to Black people. He represents a danger to indigenous people.”
has been arrested in connection with the murders, lived in the same large condominium in Rio’s exclusive Barra da Tijuca neighborhood in which Jair Bolsonaro lives. Franco’s widow, Rio Municipal Councilwoman Mônica Benício, on March 19 said this fact is “just a coincidence.”
1 6 • WA SHIN GTO N BLADE.COM • MAY 27, 2022 • I NT E R NAT I O NA L NE WS
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and United to make sure that travelers can use “X” in their booking systems. will take into account “X.” While these reforms are a step in the right direction, there is one more thing that sensitivity training. Gender sensitivity training would involve coaching TSA agents in how to speak to trans and nonbinary people when they are scanned, searched, checked, and potentially questioned. Agents will learn about pronouns, and how to address trans people in person without being offensive. Every trans guy I know has had a horror story about TSA lines and airport security. We both give each other a mutual look and mutter the same complaints over and over, knowing very well that our hands will be shaking and sweating for all the right reasons,
still be miserable at the airport. During one body scan, I had to confess to a TSA agent that I was a trans man, to which
understand why a man wanted a woman to pat him down, and some of these female pat down trans and nonbinary people. We should have a choice in who pats us down. These interactions all took several minutes at a time and caught the attention of many passersby, further adding discomfort to the situation. they have to not only implement the X marker, which they did, but also change the way TSA touches and searches trans people.
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PETER ROSENSTEIN
is a longtime LGBTQ rights and Democratic Party activist. He writes regularly for the Blade.
Maura Healey for governor of Massachusetts The best candidate to lead residents into the future
Maura Healey is the clear choice for governor of Massachusetts. As a woman and a lesbian, she understands what it means to face discrimination and has used her life exof Massachusetts. Maura is a graduate of Harvard with a degree in government and has her Juris Doctor from Northeastern University School of Law. What some in Massachusetts may know is after graduation from Harvard, and before getting her law degree, Maura spent two years playing as a starting point guard for a professional basketball team in Austria. She truly is an amazing woman. chief of the Civil Rights Division where she successfully led the state’s challenge to the the chief of the Public Protection and Advocacy Bureau and chief of the Business and So, clearly Maura was always a leader. In 2014, she ran and won her race for attorney ployees. Her record is one of standing up for all the people of Massachusetts. Maura is now running for governor and the people of her state have the opportunity to elect an experienced, tested, smart, savvy woman to lead them. Maura understands government and has a vision for the future that she is sharing with the people of Massachusetts. That vision is simple — to improve the lives of all the people. Maura is a Maura understands the issue of climate change and recently released her agenda on the subject at maurahealey.com/climate, which indicates she fully understands progress on this issue will make a difference for all as people work together to save the planet. Her agenda includes making great strides on renewable energy, including wind and solar. She believes done properly this can bring tens of thousands of jobs to the state. She knows Massachusetts can remain a leader in new technology development, and a leader in ensuring environmental justice. Maura understands how Massachusetts can use the once-in-a-lifetime funds from the federal infrastructure program President Biden got through Congress to make progress on a host of issues facing the state. She talks about guaranteeing quality healthcare for all; equal justice and economic justice; women’s rights; quality education; and giving every person in Massachusetts a fair shot at success. She believes each person deserves to live in a safe community and has fought for reforms to end the spate of violence in our nation. Maura is talking to the people of Massachusetts as she travels the state about the need for more affordable housing, ending homelessness, and her commitment to making Massachusetts the place where all women will be assured of equal access to quality health care. When elected governor, she will ensure the state remains committed to a woman having control of her own body and healthcare decisions. She will make the state a welcoming place for those women who live in other states that may not be doing the same. She speaks of making Massachusetts a leader in providing affordable child care and is committed to transforming Massachusetts’s early education and care system. She has released her proposals and support for the Common Start legislation, which would make child care free for the state’s lowest-income families, limit child care costs for most
people of Massachusetts. It is clear Maura Healey is the best candidate to lead Massachusetts into the future. I urge everyone to join her campaign and help elect Maura Healey governor. 2 0 • WA SHIN GTO N BLADE.COM • MAY 27, 2022 • V I E WP O I NT
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DAVID FALLICK is a resident of Rockville, Md.
Don’t be a do-nothing Democrat We must speak out forcefully against GOP’s agenda
Regarding “Wanted: Democrats with a new idea on how to win,” April 22, Peter Rosenstein is, once again, right on the mark. One major thing that plagues our country is ignorance. People seem to believe that a president has a magic wand and once he gets better. And if it isn’t, it is the president’s fault. I read an article in which a woman in Arizona stated that she wasn’t sure about President Biden because there are still homeless people on the streets of the town that she lives in. There is a serious lack of civic knowledge in the United States. For example, I talked to a young woman once about registering to vote and she told me that votes ter? After talking for a while, she told me that I convinced her that her vote would actually be counted and that she would go register. The key is education. Massive education. There are two directions the Democrats need to go in getting their message out. The difference is that Republicans usually lie and what the Democrats have to say is true. What do we need to call out the Republicans on? They literally physically attacked the U.S. Capitol. They tried to overthrow our democracy with that attack and by elected Republican senators and representatives trying to nullify electoral votes in 2020. They have passed laws in states all over the country to deny people their right to vote and
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tically every piece of needed legislation to solve our problems and move our country forward. It’s not the Democrats’ fault that we don’t have the action that we need. It is the Republicans’. What else? The Republicans are bigots and work only to concentrate more and more power in their hands. Need proof? Look at Florida. If Republicans win in November, it’s not just that we won’t move forward, but it is that we will move way backward. The Supreme Court decision on Roe v. Wade is one prime example of this and it is happening right now due to Mitch McConnell packing the Supreme Court with justices who support his view of how our society should be. Need more? Republicans have opposed action to keep us safe from the coronavirus since the pandemic started. They are opposed to climate change mitigation and they are for union busting. Democrats need to point out that we are dealing with a pandemic, which has caused total havoc in our country, and that it is the Democrats who have been taking action to end this pandemic, not the Republicans. Democrats need to remind the public of Republicans’ inaction on the pandemic and their lies that the virus was not dangerous. Remind them of Trump’s ineptitude in dealing with it and the harm that he caused. The second direction is for Democrats to trumpet ALL the good things they have done and that they are the only politicians trying to make things better. Democrats need to repeat in television ads, radio ads, press conferences, wherever they can, every single little thing that they have done to improve our country and the lives of the people in it, as well as the big things. And you know what? It’s not just the president and senators and representatives and governors who need to do this. It is each one of us as well. Yes, you and me. Talk to your neighbors. Talk to your friends and relatives. Tell them how our country has problems be smart politically and to stand up for themselves. (And to be true Democrats and not try, as candidates have done in past elections, to be like Republicans because they think that will get them votes. Being sincere and being true to the Democratic Party’s values is what gets us elected.) When there are millions of us talking to others – and writing letters to the editor like I am doing here – that could very well be the message change we need. Lastly, get involved with protecting the right to vote. Get involved in registering people to vote. And volunteer for Democratic candidates. Don’t be a Democrat who does nothing!
Forward. For all of us. See how we’re moving health care forward. An inner voice calls us forward. So we listen. We imagine. We care. Not just for us. But for all of us. hopkinsmedicine.org/forward
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BROCK THOMPSON
is a D.C.-based writer. He contributes regularly to the Blade.
and ‘Bros’
Queer entertainment returns I’m in love with “Heartstopper,” that plucky and tender coming-of-age I’ve caught myself sort of rationing out episodes as the series builds to its conclusion — what’s in store for Charlie and Nick? What about Elle and Tao? Is it odd that a middle-aged gay has been smitten with a show about British teens? Well, watch and see. But it’s incredible and honest. And you get to see Olivia Coleman here and there. So, there’s that. On a side note, the “Heartstopper” of my day was another tender English coming-of-age drama set in the concrete world of British public housTo my joy, it was announced just this week that “Heartstopper” is renewed for two more seasons. So where am I going with this? It does seem as if the entertainment industry might be giving us another look. I’ve been griping for years about our paltry representation on both the big and small screens. We’ve been relegated to supporting characters
But I also think that the recent mega-hits like “Crazy Rich Asians” and “Black Panther,” both of which, if you paid any attention at all, featured full-minority casts, taught the entertainment industry they could bet big on non-traditional stories with non-white casts. Bet big and win. So with
las Stoller’s “Bros,” written by and starring Billy Eichner. “Bros” not only features an almost entirely all-queer cast, but apparently it’s all queer
house has an upcoming viewing party of that movie. To be honest, though, I am a little apprehensive about the lifting of the curtain on one of the last fully queer enclaves. But we deserve our love stories, too. And for “Bros” they’re already trotting out words like ‘blockbuster’ and
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But what took so long? Maybe some of the movies and series were held up due pandemic production delays. But gosh, how long has it been since Mike Nichols’s “The Birdcage?” That now gay classic hit its 25-year anniversary recently. It seemed like Hollywood knew gay movies could be money makers. But, for some reason, we haven’t seen a twitter for erasing “Brokeback Mountain” and “Love, Simon,” I just don’t like “The Birdcage.’’ “The Birdcage” lifted the curtain a bit on gay life. Well, more than a bit. Even my parents went to see it. But these three shows might be touching different audiences — a little gay, a little straight, teens, older gays like me. And I guess we should treat these as a win. As we are greeted with more mainstream acceptance, we might be treated to more mainand “Bros” prove to be as well done as “Heartstopper,” they could enter the ranks of “The Birdcage” as being both successful and enduring.
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2 6 • WASHINGTONBLADE.COM • MAY 27, 2022
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By TINASHE CHINGARANDE
A scene from pre-COVID Black Pride. The in-person celebration returns this weekend. (Washington Blade photo by Molly Byrom)
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CALENDAR |
Friday, May 27
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). will be at noon at the Reeves Center. Masks will not be required while outside in the courtyard during lunch. For more information, email supportdesk@thedccenter.org.
Saturday, May 28 will be at 11 a.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This is a peer-led support group devoted to the joys and challenges of being a Black Lesbian. For more information, email supportdesk@ 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, May 29 will be at 10 p.m. on Sunday, May 29 at Sax Theater & Lounge. Bottle service and hookah will be available. There will also be music played by two DJs. Tickets start at $40 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
OUT & ABOUT COVID precautions Theatre Washington announced in a May 16 press release that Washington D.C.-area theater will extend COVID-19 policies that mandate vaccinations and However, theaters will offer exemptions for unvaccinated individuals such as children who are recently or not yet eligible, people with certain medical conditions preventing vaccination, or those with closely held religious beliefs. These patrons are required to provide proof of a timely negative COVID-19 test before perforFor a list of theaters participating in this policy extension, visit Theatre Washington’s website.
Monday, May 30 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
Tuesday, May 31 will be at 8:30 p.m. at Legacy DC Weed. This event is an opportunity for DMV creatives to have a once-a-month headlining feature in the store. The artist will perform their favorites with Legacy’s house band ‘The Experience Band’, do a Q&A session with the audience, and provide photo opportunities with event attendees after. The event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Wednesday, June 01 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 pants to move away from being merely “applicants.” tion gay literature. For more information, visit BookMen DC’s website.
The Washington Blade and Dupont Underground will host the return of “Drag Underground” on Friday, June The event will feature famed drag queens Cake, Shi-Queeta Lee, Rico Pico and Venus Valhalla. Additionally, there will be an exhibit, “The Gender Within: The Art of Identity,” on display at the venue. Attendees are required to be at least 18 years old. Tickets start at $15 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Craft brewery DC Brau will host “Pride Pils Dance Party & Launch” on Thursday, June 2 at 6 p.m. at Dacha Beer Garden (Navy Yard). This event will celebrate the release of two specially crafted beer cans in celebration of Pride Month. The event is in partnership with Electric Rainbow, Dacha Beer Garden (Navy
Thursday, June 02
Foundation. This year’s party will feature the infamous Electric Rainbow DJs. Presale tickets cost $20 and all VIP tickets include a can of Pride Pils and access to an exclusive VIP area. For more details, visit Eventbrite.
The DC Center’s Food Pantry Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. To be fair 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 will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This Queer Society DC and Asian Queers United for Action. For more details, email supportdesk@thedccenter.org.
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The Blade’s partnership with DC Brau continues with the launch of ‘Proud to Say Gay’ beer can.
VIP TICKETS AVAILABLE AT PRIDEONTHEPIERDC.COM
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By PATRICK FOLLIARD Famously set in small-town New Hampshire, playwright Thornton Wilder’s deceptively simple American love, and, most interestingly, death. Wilder, who was him. When it premiered on Broadway in 1938, his play was audiences as radical, but what most resonated was the es – including countless high school auditoriums.
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ny’s out associate artistic director Alan Paul with a ren“It’s not a revival,” he says. “It’s a ritual. You can see
have proved indispensable. WASHINGTON BLADE: Was “Our Town” meant to be ALAN PAUL: Yes, and it was until about a month ago BLADE PAUL great actors. When understudies step in, things change in the scene but overall, the tone doesn’t change. It’s Also, it’s astounding – and this is not a spin, honestly – just how remarkably well the understudies do when in rotation. BLADE PAUL esco’s absurdist play] “The Chairs.” But I reconsidered Chairs.” I considered a Noël Coward comedy or some-
Wilder’s best-known play, “Our Town.”
Shakespeare Theatre Company’s associate artistic director ALAN PAUL
BLADE
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PAUL company’s highest grossing shows. Previously, it was the
else to reveal.
erywhere. I think people might hear it in a new way. BLADE: Talk a little about your approach. PAUL
BLADE PAUL: It’s not a play I ever disliked but it wouldn’t have what the stage manager has to say – those speeches are remarkable monologues.
-
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BLADE PAUL be...they do some.” wake up, give it a shot, be conscious.
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‘Fire Island’ delivers pride, prejudice, and a whole lot more
Ambitious opus a cut above usual efforts of mainstream queer cinema By JOHN PAUL KING
There’s a reason why the work of Jane Austen strikes such a chord with members of the queer community. The 19th-century author – a woman in an age when literature was overwhelmingly the province of men – is still renowned for her sharp observations about the manners, mores, and social hierarchies of her age, and the double-edged style that blended her satirical commentary with full-hearted romanticism. These qualities have an inherent relevance for anyone who lives in a society that
emotionally engaged as needed to deliver an elevated aesthetic of pure cinema – is an impressive and wholly original work of art in itself. While it hits the main points of the original, it’s not slavish to Austen’s plot, and instead creatively consituations and characters to bring its observations to a modern audience – particularly in the way it transpos-
the “natural order” of things to keep them forever on the outside, and it’s hard to imagine a description that sounds more like the experience of being queer than that. writer/star Joel Kim Booster and director Andrew Ahn, which begins streaming on Hulu June 3 – is so much more than just another rom-com. Loosely adapted from Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” it
WWW.GAYDESERTHOTSPRINGS.COM
ten’s world into the modern day by weaving the language and behavior of varying class and privilege into almost everything that happens. It also cannily picks up the pace; while the novel takes place across several seasons, events in “Fire Island” are compressed to a matter of days – something perfectly feasible in the faster-paced world of 2022, and especially in a geographic setting where, as multiple characters point out, “time seems to work differently.” While it gives plenty of nods to its 19th-century literary origins
BOWEN YANG and JOEL KIM BOOSTER in ‘Fire Island.’
present with a barrage of pop references, a parade of right-ontarget queer fashion, and a dizzying array of infectiously familiar contemporary music. Best of all, perhaps, it’s genuinely funny, and peppers its dialogue with cheekily self-referential comedy – Yang’s character even has some jokes about “Saturday Night Live” – in a way that subtly invites us to feel like a member of this fun-loving group ourselves. None of these things feel like compromises, nor do they pander to the age of the short attention span; instead, they are expressions of modern queer identity that feel as much like celebration as they do satire. Much of this arises from the way it treats its characters. The movie never judges them – even when they are judging each other – and presents them with the kind of humanistic compassion that can but accomplished when Howie attracts the attention of sweet and sometimes only be recognized by reading between the lines. For handsome Charlie (James Scully), who is on the island with his own this, the talented cast deserves endless kudos. group of friends; but thanks to the intricate interplay of classism and Booster and Yang, close friends in real life as well as on the screen, social etiquette that dictates the “rules of engagement” by whichGAYDESERTHOTSPRINGS give star-making individual turns while also presenting an onscreen they must play, complications soon get in the way. Not least among “buddy” chemistry that gives the movie a giant heart and keeps these obstacles is the interference of Charlie’s aloof buddy Will it from ever becoming cynical. As their romantic counterparts, Ri(Conrad Ricamora), whose dour attitude and presumed snobbishcamora, who already proved his chops on “How to Get Away With ness spark an intense feeling of disdain from Noah – though it’s not Murder,” enters full leading man bloom with his thoughtful, lesslong before another kind of intense feeling is developing between is-more performance, and Scully makes his too-good-to-be-true them faster than you can say “Mr. Darcy.” Conceptually, there are lot of reasons why this book-to-movie gives us the ultimate “earth mother” every gay boy wishes they had, translation works. The importance of family to the plot easily exwhile representing the grounding presence of a whole generation tends to families that are “chosen,” and it’s probably unnecessary to of queer elders who gained wisdom living messy lives even before say that the author’s take on the social pretensions of her own time there was such a thing as Grindr. Nick Adams deserves mention for being so quintessentially hateful as the kind of “mean girl” gay snob culture. The fortunes of the characters here are no less governed we all know and sometimes wish we didn’t. by class distinctions and economic privilege, and the oft-inadverAll these qualities and more make Booster and Ahn’s ambitious tent hypocrisy that inevitably reveals itself as they try to make the opus a cut above the usual efforts of mainstream cinema to commu“right” connections with each other is just as blatant; given the fact that four of the principal players are Asian, and numerous others are gay romance from a major Hollywood studio. How straight viewers respond to it is yet to be seen – but for at least one queer reviewer, status and comparative “hotness” as one of the many shallow and watching it conjured tears of joy, not because it resonates so deeply discriminatory factors that drive wedges between members of what with authentic lived experience (though it certainly does) but simmight otherwise be a united community, making those themes hit ply because it exists. Here, at last, is the “gay rom-com” we’ve been even closer to home for modern LGBTQ viewers. waiting for, one that is so comfortable and genuine in its own skin “Fire Island” goes beyond simply being a good adaptation, howthat it’s free to rise above both parts of that label to become simply ever. Booster’s inventive and erudite script – and for that matter a great movie. We’d like to think Jane Austen would be proud. bemusing, and ultimately breathlessly romantic saga what they may not have even realized they’ve always wanted – an unabashedly, unapologetically gay version of the story that’s as inclusive and heartfelt as we deserve. In Booster’s updated vision of the novel, the rural countryside of Regency England is exchanged for the titular modern gay mecca, and the Bennet sisters become a band of queer friends vacationing there at a house owned by their lesbian “mama” Erin (Margaret Cho). At the center is Noah (Booster), whose plans to enjoy a week of promiscuous sex in The Pines are put on hold when he vows
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P RO O F
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A timely read for middle schoolers about book banning ‘Answers in the Pages’ a ripped-from-the-headlines summer treat for kids, adults By KATHI WOLFE
In “Answers in the Pages,” the acclaimed queer children’s and young adult author David Levithan’s newest novel for middle-schoolers, just one sentence (less than a paragraph) in a book disrupts the lives of the stuIn this book-banning age, few books (for children, parents, teachers, librarians and all who cherish the freedom to read) are more timely than “Answers in the Pages.” Mr. Howe has assigned the class to read “The Adventurers,” an action-adventure middle-school novel about three kids. (“The Adventurers”
‘Answers in the Pages’ By David Levithan
c.2022 Alfred A. Knopf $17.99 | 176 pages | Ages 8 to 12
conjured.) As you’ve likely guessed, the sentence that creates the uproar implies that, maybe, there’s a queer quotient involved in the love that Rick and Oliver in “The Adventurers” have for each other. “At that moment Rick knew just how deeply he loved Oliver,” the sentence says, “and Oliver knew just how deeply he loved Rick, and the understanding of this moment would lead them to much of the happiness and adventure that came next.” This sentence is, as Donovan
says, “a bit long.” Few people would have paid attention to this sentence “if it had been said during a TV show,” Donovan says, “or appeared as a quote in the middle of a newspaper article.” were required to read it, everybody’s buzzing about it.
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Neither Mr. Howe, who’s gay, nor his students are worried that Rick and Oliver might be gay. But Donovan’s mom is. Donovan brought “The Adventurers” home to read. After reading for a while, he got up and had a snack. While he was snacking, Donovan left the book on the kitchen counter. That was a big mistake, but it jumpstarts the narrative of “Answers in the Pages.” kind people, she’s homophobic. Mrs. Johnson glances through “The Adventurers.” Like many who browse a book, she doesn’t read the whole thing. Her eyes land on the sentence about the love Rick and Oliver feel for each other. challenges the book. As so often happens in these situations, the kids involved are caught in the middle. Do they side with their parents who challenge a book? Or with their teacher and the kids who support the book? This is tough for Donovan. His mom won’t tell him why she doesn’t want his class to he’s not queer. But he likes the book and has gay friends. One of the girls in his class has two moms. Book banning is so much in the news. It would be easy to tune out “Answers in the Pages,” if it had been written by an author without Levithan’s prodigious talent. Levithan tells Donovan’s story in an engaging, nuanced fashion. narration, you learn what it’s like for the people in the school community to go through a book challenge. challenge. They learn that you can take action when faced with censorship. Levithan intertwines two other narratives with Donovan’s story. Excerpts from “The Adventurers” are deftly spliced throughout “Answers in the Pages.” Rick and Oliver’s adventures may not be interesting if you’re over 12, but they’ll entertain middle schoolers. the iconic children’s book by queer author Louise Fitzhugh. “Answers in the Pages” is a fab, ripped-from-the-headlines summer read for kids and the adults in their lives.
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By TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER There is one alternative to growing older. Never mind, though, it’s not on your radar. You’re more focused these days on not groaning when you get up each morning, and keeping your joints oiled enough to work. Years don’t really mean much when you’ve got places to go and people to see before that alternative man, keep one eye on that calendar.
That’s because this is an adorable book. It’s funny in all
us when we only have similarly aged friends to rely on? little heart attack and walking makes you winded, as it
gives readers a handful of charming characters that fuss at one another, argue, make up, scheme, and fuss some only much sweeter and better.
perfect alternative.
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By Amy Hoffman
c.2022, University of Wisconsin Press $16.95 | 147 pages
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Summer Kickoff Party
Washington Blade holds annual event at The Pines in Rehoboth Beach (Washington Blade photos by Daniel Truitt)
The Washington Blade held its 15th annual Summer Kickoff Party at The Pines in Rehoboth Beach, Del. on Friday, May 20 with special guest Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.).
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HOAs are not prevalent in D.C. and only within the last few decades have we seen them spring up in a few developments.
Some districts are well known and others may come as a surprise By VALERIE M. BLAKE
Homeowners Associations (HOAs) often get a bad rap. Perhaps you can’t park in a particular area, your door must be a certain color, your an Architectural Committee that doesn’t include an architect. blocks in the front yard, limit the hours of your cocaine orgies, or specify who will be allowed to picket your home within a gated community. Sometimes, HOAs can delay settlement on the transfer of property, since the association generally must sign off on any changes made to the exterior that fall within their
teriorating fences, and roofs that are due for replacement.
Some of our historic districts are well known and others may come as a surprise. For
In fact, more than 30 local neighborhoods are now deemed historic, including some
Circle. near Union Station years ago, the south side of the street was considered historic and
minorities from purchasing a home in a particular neighborhood. lawed by the federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 and, while in some areas of the country you may still see them on a deed, they are unenforceable.
historic element rather than replacing it, and the design of an element as well as the maIf your area is not designated as historic and you would like it to be, you or your orga-
VALERIE M. BLAKE
ments, and districts.
4 4 • WASHINGTONBLADE.COM • MAY 27, 2022 • B U S I N E S S
is a licensed Associate Broker in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia with RLAH Real Estate / @properties. Call or text her at 202-246-8602, email her via DCHomeQuest.com, or follow her on Facebook at TheRealst8ofAffairs.
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MEN FOR MEN
READING PARTNER:
CLEANING
FERNANDO’S CLEANING
HANDYMAN
SALE / VA
BRITISH REMODELING
OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA
Reasonable Rates, Free Estimates, Rou-
Local licensed company with over 25 years of experience. Special-
202-234-7050 / 202-486-6183
HANDYMAN
interior/exterior repairs. Drywall,
MOVERS
PROFESSIONAL
MOVING & STORAGE regular rates.
HANDYMAN
HANDYMAN SERVICES
SHARE / VA rent out 2 unfurnished bedrooms
4 6 • WA SHIN GTO N BLADE.COM • MAY 27, 2022 • C LA S S I F I E D S
Charming, historic, 6.974 sq. ft. three-unit townhouse! It’s located in a prestigious block and provides a wonderful venue for entercom. for information and photos. It’s a great opportunity located 10
The Physicist & the Philosopher: Einstein, Bergson, & the Debate That Changed Our Understanding of Time. No Progressives. Contact: Stevenstvn9@aol.com.
Horny guy, 6’3’, 200 lbs, only.
240-457-1292.
REHOBOTH BEACH REHOBOTH BEACH ROOM
Room for rent in Rehoboth guest suite private bath access to pool within walking to poodle beach in Rehoboth. Avail for short stays weekdays or occasional weekends. Priced for young guys or college students on a budget looking for a few days at the beach. Todd.e.mosko@gmail.com.
REHOBOTH BEACH
SEASONAL RENTAL MAY 25 - SEP 7 Gorgeous 4 BR / 2 BA property can be viewed at vrbo.com/2732685 $28,000 for the season. Can be dog friendly $750 for the season!
BODYWORK
THE MAGIC TOUCH Swedish, Massage or Deep Tissue. Appts. Low Rates, 24/7, In-Calls.
202-486-6183
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