Washington Blade, Volume 54, Issue 20, May 19, 2023

It’s the most Wonderful time of the year It’s the most Wonderful time of the year It’s the most Wonderful time of the year

Rehoboth readies for new season, pages 22 & 28

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D.C. Council reverses proposed budget cut called harmful to Pride events

Approves full $1.5 million Festival Fund request by mayor

By LOU CHIBBARO JR. | lchibbaro@washblade.com

The D.C. Council on May 16 reversed an earlier decision by one of its committees calling for cutting $1.5 million from a city program that has helped support the city’s Capital Pride parade and festival as well as other Pride-related events.

The program in question, known as the Festival Fund or Special Event Relief Fund, has for many years exempted community-based organizations like the Capital Pride Alliance from having to pay the costs of street closings and police and other public safety support services needed for such events.

Other events that beneft from the fund are the city’s annual Cherry Blossom Festival, the H Street Festival, and the Fiesta DC Hispanic event, among others.

At the request of D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson (D-At-Large), the Council voted on May 16 to include the $1.5 million Festival Fund as part of the city’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget.

The Council’s action reversed an April 27 decision by its Committee on Business and Economic Development to delete the Festival Fund along with cuts in several other programs.

Ryan Bos, executive director of Capital Pride Alliance, said elimination of the Festival Fund program would result in Capital Pride having to pay between $550,000 and $750,000 to hold the city’s popular Capital Pride Parade, Festival, Block Party, and other Pride events in 2024, when the elimination of the fund would have taken place.

Capital Pride offcials have pointed out that the largescale Pride events, which draw several hundred thousand participants, many of whom come from other locations, generate “signifcant revenue” for the D.C. government.

Bos said the elimination of the Festival Fund would have also had an adverse impact on the upcoming 2025 World Pride events, which D.C. and the Capital Pride Alliance have been selected to host.

Council member Kenyan McDuffe (I-At-Large), who chairs the Business and Economic Development Committee, told the Washington Blade last week that he and three other members of the fve-member committee voted to cut the Festival Fund to reinstate funds that Mayor Muriel Bowser had proposed cutting for the Child Wealth Building Act or Baby Bonds program.

That program, McDuffe said, was designed to “help

close the racial wealth gap in our city by investing in children born into poverty.” He said he supports the Capital Pride events, including the Pride parade and festival, and would have tried to fnd other funds to support the Festival Fund program.

The other members of the committee who voted to cut the festival fund – Council members Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2), Charles Allen (D-Ward 6) and Vincent Gray (D-Ward 7) have longtime records of support for the LGBTQ community. A spokesperson for Pinto said she, too, planned to seek out other funds to restore funding for the Festival Fund.

The remaining member of the committee, Council member Anita Bonds (D-At-Large), said she opposed cutting the Festival Fund. She was absent when the committee voted on the cut due to a conficting meeting of another committee that she chairs.

Bowser administration offcials said the mayor’s proposed budget called for cutting the Baby Bonds program because other existing D.C. social services programs are addressing the needs that McDuffe said the Baby Bonds program was intended to support.

CAMP Rehoboth names new executive director

CAMP Rehoboth, the LGBTQ community services center serving Rehoboth Beach and areas across Delaware, announced it has hired Kim Leisey, a longtime high-level administrator at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, as its new executive director.

Leisey, who holds a Ph.D. in Human Development, has served for three decades in the feld of student affairs and facilities management at UMBC leading up to her current position as Senior Associate Vice President of Student Affairs, according to a statement released by CAMP Rehoboth.

“The appointment of Dr. Leisey, a Lewes resident since December 2020 and a Rehoboth Beach visitor since the early 1990s, marks the frst time CAMP Rehoboth will be led by a cisgender lesbian in its 33-year history,” the statement says. “She will join the CAMP Rehoboth team on July 10, 2023,” it says.

“After conducting a comprehensive national search, the Board of Directors selected Kim because of her widely respected leadership in creating strong, healthy, and inclusive communities throughout her career,” said Wesley Combs, president of the CAMP Rehoboth Board of Directors and chair of the group’s executive director search committee.

“As a champion for all things that help humans to thrive during their lifespan, combined with extensive experience with human resources, facilities, health and safety, and operations at UMBC, Kim is the exact person to help strengthen the CAMP Rehoboth of today and into the future,” Combs said.

The need for a new CAMP Rehoboth executive director surfaced in May of 2022 when then executive director David Mariner resigned to start a new Delaware LGBTQ advocacy group called Sussex Pride. The CAMP Rehoboth board a

short time later named Lisa Evans, a longtime administrator at nonproft organizations in Baltimore, as CAMP Rehoboth’s interim executive director.

The May 11 statement announcing Leisey’s appointment as the new executive director says the search for the new director was conducted by Johnny Cooper of Cooper Coleman LLC, an LGBTQ-owned executive search frm that was selected after a Request for Proposal process that included fve frms that applied.

Combs told the Washington Blade that Leisey continued in her role as Senior Associate Vice President of Student Affairs at University of Maryland Baltimore County after moving to Lewes, Del., in late 2020.

“I am honored to be working with the amazing team at CAMP Rehoboth Community Center,” she said in the statement announcing her appointment. “My leadership will honor the important and beautiful legacy of Steve Elkins and Murray Archibald,” said Leisey. “The foundation they have created is strong and powerful.”

LOU CHIBBARO JR.

DC Brau, the city’s original craft brewery, this week revealed the design of its sixth annual Pride Pils can and announced the celebratory Pride Pils launch event. In support of the Blade Foundation and SMYAL, DC Brau partnered with LGBTQ-owned Red Bear Brewing Co. and local artist Chord Bezerra of District Co-Op to design this year’s can.

DC Brau will showcase the Pride Pils design, kicking off D.C. Pride with a celebration at Red Bear Brewing Company (209 M St., N.E.) in NoMA on Thursday, June 1, from 6-8 p.m. Guests will enjoy DC Brau beer, featuring the newly minted 2023 Pride Pils can. The event is free.

The art, designed by Chord Bezerra, was created in direct response to the anti-drag bills being passed around the country. Drag king and queen culture has always been a cornerstone of the LGBTQ community. In the 1890s, William Dorsey Swann, the frst self-described drag queen, pushed

boundaries and created safe spaces for queer expression in Washington, D.C. Today, drag culture is under attack, but the community stands united to ensure the rights of kings and queens to express themselves remain for generations to come.

In addition to the design being featured on DC Brau’s 2023 Pride Pils can, supporters can purchase ‘Hail To The Queens’ merchandise, including T-shirts, sweatshirts, stickers, and more from District Co-Op. Proceeds from each purchase will beneft the Blade Foundation and SMYAL.

Since launching Pride Pils in 2017, DC Brau has donated more than $48,731 to the Blade Foundation and SMYAL, selling more than 90,336 Pride Pils cans. This year, the can labels have been generously donated by Blue Label Packaging Co. along with PakTech’s donation of packaging handles.

FROM STAFF REPORTS

DC Brau team up for ‘All Hail The Queens’ beer can

KIM LEISEY (Photo by Tim Ford)

Three D.C. women named winners of LGBTQ Legendary Elders Wisdom Award 11

honored by National Black Justice Coalition, AARP

By LOU CHIBBARO JR. | lchibbaro@washblade.com

Veteran D.C. transgender rights advocate Earline Budd and D.C.-based LGBTQ rights advocates Donna Payne-Hardy and Dr. Imani Woody are among 11 prominent African-American women named winners of the National Black Justice Coalition’s 3rd Annual Legendary Elders Wisdom Awards.

The awards were to be offcially given at a virtual ceremony scheduled for Tuesday, May 16.

“The Legendary Wisdom Awards will honor Black LGBTQ+/SGL women elders and their contributions to America, the Black community, and the LGBTQ+ liberation movement,” a statement released on Monday by the NBJC says.

“The award ceremony will premiere live on NBJC’s website, YouTube, and social media platforms,” the statement says.

NBJC spokesperson Brett Abrams said the Wisdom Awards is a joint project of NBJC and the AARP.

“Too often, Black LGBTQ+/SGL elders are rendered invisible, the process of aging is hidden, and our existence is frozen in photos of young people at Pride parades,” said NBJC Executive Director David Johns in the statement. “If we’re supported, in loving community, and protected by policies designed to facilitate participation in democratic processes, we—Black LGBTQ+/SGL people grow old,” Johns said.

“The Wisdom Awards…are designed to give fowers to Black queer, trans, and non-binary/non-conforming leaders; celebrate the process of aging, preserve the lessons learned over time, and facilitate intergenerational connections that enable Black people to get closer to freedom — collectively,” Johns said.

Victoria Kirby York, NBJC’s Director of Public Policy and Programs, called her organization’s Wisdom Awards the Black LGBTQ+ equivalent of Oprah Winfrey’s Legends Ball.

“Oprah’s Ball, like our event, was an opportunity for legendary icons to be given fowers from soon-to-be legendary icons who benefted from their labor,” York said in the NBJC’s statement.

The NBJC statement announcing the award ceremo-

ny listed the awardees in alphabetical order with short biographical descriptions of their contributions to the LGBTQ community and beyond:

• Mary Anne Adams is the founder and Executive Director of ZAMKI NOBLA (National Organization of Black Lesbians on Aging, the frst organization in the country building power for Black lesbian elders.

• Simone Bell is the frst Black, openly lesbian legislator to serve in a state legislature in the United States. She was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives four times.

• Earline Budd is the founder of Transgender Health Empowerment, one of the frst transgender advocacy organizations in Washington, D.C., where she has worked in local LGBTQ advocacy for more than 35 years. She played an essential role in challenging systemic abuses against trans sex workers by police and in prisons, and has helped countless people through illness, homelessness, family rejection, and violence.

• Roz Lee is a trailblazer for Black LGBTQ+/SGL people in philanthropy, recently serving as the Vice President of Philanthropy at the Equality Fund, a global organization committed to funding feminist causes. She is the frst-ever Professor of Practice for the gender and women’s studies program at the University of Pennsylvania.

• Darlene Nipper is the CEO of the Rockwood Leadership Institute and the frst Black LGBTQ+/SGL senior executive at a mainstream LGBTQ+ organization in her role as Deputy Executive Director of the National LGBTQ+ Task Force.

• Donna Payne-Hardy co-founded the National Black Justice Coalition and was a trailblazer for Black LGBTQ+/SGL leadership at the Human Rights Campaign within the organization and the broader LGBTQ+ movement. She currently works as the Diversity and Inclusion/Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist at the Federal Reserve board in

Washington, D.C.

• E. Denise Simmons is the former mayor of Cambridge, Mass., and the frst Black, openly lesbian mayor in the U.S. She is a justice of the peace, notary public, photo archivist, and family historian.

• Nadine Smith is the co-founder and Executive Director of Equality Florida, the statewide LGBTQ advocacy organization; a Time 100 honoree, and one of four national co-chairs of the 1993 LGBTQ March on Washington.

• Wanda Sykes is an award-winning stand-up comedian, late-night talk show host, actress, and writer. After offcially coming out, she has been a vocal advocate for marriage equality and LGBTQ rights.

• Beverly Tillery is the Executive Director of the New York City Anti-Violence Project and an experienced thought leader, advocate, and national organizer with nearly three decades of experience working in social justice movements.

• Dr. Imani Woody is the President and CEO of Mary’s House for Older Adults in Washington, D.C., and a trailblazing advocate for the needs of Black LGBTQ+LGL elders. She has served on the board of directors of the Mautner Project, the Women in the Life Association, and the Whitman-Walker Health Lesbian Services program. She recently obtained a commitment from the D.C. government of $1.2 million to begin construction of the frst Mary’s House dwelling—a 15-room residence for LGBTQ seniors in Southeast D.C.

The Legendary Elders Wisdom Award ceremony can be accessed nbjc.org/wisdomawards.

New D.C. Transgender Oral History Project launched

Cooper Joslin, a local D.C. web developer and multimedia artist, has announced the launch of a D.C. Transgender Oral History Project aimed at recording oral histories of members of the transgender community in the local area.

Joslin, who identifes as nonbinary, said the project is being funded by a grant from Humanities D.C., a local grant making organization affliated with the National Endowment for the Humanities. Joslin said the project would also be carried out in collaboration with the D.C. Oral History Collaborative, which will support efforts to line up interviews with local trans residents.

“These interviews will eventually end up with the D.C. Public Library, but they will also be featured on a website called the DC Trans Guide, which will feature both oral histories and resources on changing your name, accessing gender affrming care, and fnding support groups in the area,” Joslin said in a statement.

The interviews for the project will be conducted both in person and virtually, according to Joslin.

Joslin’s trans oral history project comes about six months after the D.C. Rainbow History Project announced

it had received a $15,000 D.C. government grant for a project called the Trans History Initiative that, among other things, would also obtain oral histories from local transgender residents.

“The Trans History Initiative will help Rainbow History Project deepen its connections with the Trans community through expanded efforts to preserve the history and cultural contributions of Washington-area trans communities,” a statement released by the group says.

Vincent Slatt, Rainbow History Project’s director of archiving, told the Blade he was glad to learn of Joslin’s trans oral history project. He said in this type of history gathering there is “no such thing” as competition or duplication of efforts.

“More history, more research, more collecting is good for everyone—we support an ‘all hands-on deck’ approach,” he told the Blade. “I’m glad to hear this project has begun.”

LOU CHIBBARO JR.

COOPER JOSLIN is working to record oral histories of members of the transgender community.

EARLINE BUDD was honored with a mural last year; she’s now been named a recipient of the LGBTQ Legendary Elders Wisdom Award. (Washington Blade photo by Lou Chibbaro, Jr.)

Homeland Security reports anti-LGBTQ threats intensifying

Violent threats against the LGBTQ community are rising and intensifying according to data from a document by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that was shared with law enforcement and government agencies on May 11.

“These issues include actions linked to drag-themed events, gender-affirming care, and LGBTQIA+ curricula in schools,” the agency said.

DHS also warned of the potential that these threats may lead to a rise in attacks against LGBTQ public spaces and healthcare sites, just as Pride celebrations across the country are slated to begin in June.

According to the agency, data from the FBI’s hate crime statistics indicates that 20 percent of those committed in

2021 were motivated by bias linked to sexual orientation and gender.

The Williams Institute of the UCLA School of Law reported in 2022 that “LGBT people [are] nine times more likely than non-LGBT people to be victims of violent hate crimes.”

The Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, a group that describes itself as “a disaggregated data collection, analysis, and crisis mapping project,” found that anti-LGBTQ incidents including “demonstrations, acts of political violence, and the distribution of offline propaganda — have more than tripled from 64 events in 2021 to 193 events in 2022 as of mid-November.”

CHRISTOPHER KANE

Feds move to dismiss charges against NBJC CEO

Federal prosecutors in Tallahassee, Fla., filed a motion in court on May 15 asking a judge to dismiss all remaining political corruption related charges against Sharon Lettman-Hicks, the CEO and board chair of the D.C.-based LGBTQ group National Black Justice Coalition, and Andrew Gillum, the former Tallahassee mayor and unsuccessful Florida gubernatorial candidate.

A final decision on whether to dismiss the charges was expected to be made on Wednesday, May 17, by U.S. district Court Judge Allen Winsor. Legal observers expect him to approve the motion for dismissal.

The decision by prosecutors to call for dismissing the case was first reported by the Tallahassee Democrat on May 15. One day earlier, the newspaper broke the story that a jury that became deadlocked on reaching a verdict earlier this month in the joint trial for Lettman-Hicks and Gillum on 19 counts of wire fraud and one count of attempt and conspiracy to commit wire fraud voted 10 to 2 for acquittal on most of the charges.

That revelation came after the jury on May 4 found Gillum not guilty on a single charge of lying to the FBI during a longstanding FBI investigation into the corruption charges against Gillum and Lettman-Hicks that emerged in a grand jury indictment against the two on June 7, 2022.

On the same day it acquitted Gillum on the one count,

the jury announced it was deadlocked on all remaining charges against Gillum and all charges against Lettman-Hicks, prompting the judge to declare a mistrial. Prosecutors at that time announced plans to bring Gillum and Lettman-Hicks up for retrial on the remaining charges.

verdict for Gillum on all remaining counts after voting unanimously to find him not guilty on the one count of lying to the FBI.

According to the newspaper, the statement released by the jurors said the jury voted 10-2 to find Lettman-Hicks not guilty on 10 counts against her and voted 9-3 to find her not guilty on the remaining counts.

Prosecutors with the office of the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida did not give a reason for asking the judge to dismiss the remaining charges against Gillum and Lettman-Hicks.

But the Tallassee Democrat reports that legal experts believe, given the jury’s leaning against a conviction prosecutors would likely face strong barriers in obtaining a conviction in another trial.

The newspaper reports that the juror’s views were made even more clear when several of them “anonymously announced that the 12-person panel voted heavily in favor of acquittal but that two ‘biased’ jurors prevented a unanimous decision.”

The Tallassee Democrat reports that several jurors, including two who spoke to the newspaper, wrote in a public statement that the jury voted 10-2 for a not guilty

Lettman-Hicks has called the charges against her “baseless” and politically motivated. At the time she was indicted, Lettman-Hicks was running as a Democratic candidate for a seat in the Florida House of Representatives. She withdrew her candidacy shortly after the indictment.

LOU CHIBBARO JR.

Biden nominates Maloney to ambassadorship

The White House announced last Friday that President Joe Biden has nominated former Democratic New York Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney to be the next Representative of the U.S. to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, with the rank of ambassador.

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development is an intergovernmental organization with 38 member countries, founded in 1961 to stimulate economic progress and world trade.

He is the first openly LGBTQ person ever elected to Congress from New York and the highest ranking openly LGBTQ person ever to serve in the House. He and his husband, Randy Florke, recently celebrated their 30th anniversary together as couple and have raised three children together.

Maloney was elected five times to represent New York’s 18th congressional district in the

House and served from 2013 to 2023. While in Congress, Maloney chaired both the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee as well as the Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development Subcommittee of the House Agriculture Committee.

He served additionally as a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and was elected by his colleagues to House leadership in 2020. He is the author of more than 40 pieces of legislation that became law.

Prior to serving in the House, Maloney served as President Bill Clinton’s White House Staff Secretary, and leaving government service helped found a financial services software company, and worked as a partner at two global law firms.

BRODY LEVESQUE

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary ALEJANDRO MAYORKAS (Screen capture)

SHARON LETTMAN-HICKS (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

GOP senators ask White House to withdraw rule change for trans athletes

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) on Monday led a group of 21 other Republican senators in calling for Education Secretary Miguel Cardona to withdraw the administration’s proposed rule change that would prohibit blanket bans of transgender student athletes.

“Our comment sent to Secretary Cardona echoes what most Americans already know to be true: Forcing schools to allow biological males to compete against young women is unfair, unsafe and wrong,” Tuberville said in a statement.

If adopted as written, the draft policy unveiled by the U.S. Department of Education last month would affirm “that policies violate Title IX when they categorically ban transgender students” from participating on teams that align with their gender identity.

At the same time, the guidelines allow for exceptions that would bar trans student athletes in certain circumstances and provided various conditions are met.

Separately, Tuberville drew ire over his comments during an interview last week in which he said the Pentagon was wrong to root out white nationalists serving in the U.S. military.

“They call them that,” Tuberville replied, referring to the Biden administration’s criticism of white nationalists. “I call them Americans.”

CHRISTOPHER KANE

ABC News names Benitez ‘GMA’ weekend co-anchor

ABC News President Kim Godwin announced Thursday that the Disney-owned network had named openly gay Gio Benitez, 37, as the permanent weekend co-anchor for the Good Morning America’s Saturday and Sunday Broadcasts.

Benitez joins current co-anchors Whit Johnson and Janai Norman. He has been ABC News’ transportation correspondent since 2020, covering aviation during the industry’s near-total collapse in the pandemic and space at the onset of America’s private space race, plus the auto industry and railroads.

Since joining ABC News in 2013, Gio has notably covered the Pulse nightclub shooting, El Chapo’s underground escape from a Mexican prison and the Boston Marathon bombing. He has a long history of breaking exclusive investigative stories, and some of these investigations have led to important safety recalls.

Before joining ABC News in 2013, he was a reporter for WFOR-TV in Miami.

FROM STAFF REPORTS

Moms For Liberty targets teacher who showed class Disney film

A fifth grade elementary teacher is under fire in Hernando County, Florida after showing her students the 2022 Disney’s film “Strange World.” It’s the first Disney film with an out, gay character.

Rodriguez, who was elected to the school board last fall, and was endorsed by conservative anti-LGBTQ+ parents’ rights group Moms for Liberty, reported fifth-grade teacher Jenna Barbee to the state Department of Education who has opened an investigation.

Rodriguez has a daughter in Barbee’s class.

Common Sense Media in its Parents’ Guide to Strange World gave it a four out of five star rating. Common Sense Media states in its FAQ: “Common Sense is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of all kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century.”

Barbee, who teaches at Winding Waters K-8, a public school located in Weeki Wachee, during a public comment session during last week’s Board Meeting told the members and the audience:

“The word indoctrination is thrown around a lot right now, but it seems that those who are using it are using it as a defense tactic for their own fear-based beliefs without understanding the true meaning of the word.”

ety and confusion over the vague wording of the law for fear of losing their teaching licenses or criminal penalties if found in non-compliance.

Opponents of the law say the vague wording unfairly targets books and classroom materials with gay and transgender characters and themes.

Rodriguez, in her short tenure on the school board, has argued there is “smut” and “porn” on schools’ library shelves and has asked for books to be removed, according to Suncoast News.

Barbee said that every student in her class had a signed parent permission slip that said PG movies were allowed. At the end of the school board meeting, Rodriguez said Barbee broke school policy because she did not get the specific movie approved by school administration and said the teacher is “playing the victim,” the Tallahassee Democrat noted.

In a statement to local media outlets, Moms for Liberty says school boards should ensure parents’ rights are honored in the classroom.

Strange World features the openly gay character named Ethan Clade, who has a crush on another male character and is voiced by gay comic Jaboukie YoungWhite.

Hernando County School Board member Shannon

The Tallahassee Democrat reported Florida educators are prohibited from teaching about gender and sexual identity due to the Parental Rights in Education Act, signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis last year. Also known as “Don’t Say Gay” by critics, teachers have expressed anxi-

“It is great that local school board members can question content that is not approved by parents. Parents have a right to be a part of their child’s education and school boards should also ensure parental rights are honored in the classroom.”

BRODY LEVESQUE

U.S. Sen. TOMMY TUBERVILLE (R-Ala.) led a group of 21 other Republican senators in calling for Education Secretary Miguel Cardona to withdraw the administration’s proposed rule change that would prohibit blanket bans of transgender student athletes. (Screen capture/YouTube)

A Florida teacher is under investigation for showing 5th graders a Disney movie with a gay character. (Screenshot/YouTube 10 Tampa Bay)

GIO BENITEZ is the permanent weekend coanchor for Good Morning America’s Saturday and Sunday broadcasts. (Photo courtesy ABC News)

Namibia court rules gov’t

recognize same-sex marriages from abroad

A landmark ruling the Supreme Court of Namibia issued on Tuesday ruled that same-sex marriages conducted outside the southern African country should be recognized by the Namibian government.

Two same-sex couples have emerged victorious in their fght for the recognition of their marriages conducted outside Namibia in a ruling that paves the way for equal rights and spousal immigration benefts for samesex couples in the country.

The joint cases, initially brought before the court in March, involved South African national Daniel Digashu who is married to Namibian citizen Johann Potgieter, and German national Anita Seiler-Lilles, who is married to Namibian citizen Anette Seiler.

The couples aimed to access essential spousal immigration rights, including permanent residence and employment authorization.

Both couples expressed relief following the ruling.

“I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off of our shoulders. I feel that I can continue with life now, in a sense,” Digashu said. “I cannot explain just how relieved I am that we won’t have to make plans to leave. Now we can stop for a moment and breathe, and take things easy and just know that we are home and there is no potential of being forced to leave.”

For her part, Seiler said after a sleepless night in anticipation of the ruling, she and her wife look forward to celebrating a dream come true.

“We are married and we promised each other that we will stay together no matter what and that promise we’ve upheld through this fght for this recognition of our marriage,” Seiler said. “We would’ve stayed together no matter what but we can stay together here in this beautiful country and we can make it our home country. That was Anita’s biggest wish and that’s my wish as well, and now this wish comes true. It’s so incredible.”

The Supreme Court’s ruling challenged a previous precedent set by the Immigration Selection Board. While acknowledging the binding nature of the precedent, the court asserted that it can depart from its own decisions if they are proven to be clearly wrong.

The court ruled that the Home Affairs and Immigration Ministry’s refusal to recognize same-sex marriages validly concluded outside Namibia violates the constitutional rights of the affected parties.

Furthermore, the court emphasized that the rights to dignity and equality are interconnected, and the denial of recognition for same-sex marriages undermines these fundamental principles. It reaffrmed the principle that if a marriage is lawfully concluded in accordance with the requirements of a foreign jurisdiction, it should be recognized in Namibia.

Anneke Meerkotter commended the court’s decision.

“The Namibian Supreme Court has set an important example, interpreting legislation in accordance with the core principles of constitutional interpretation and independent adjudication, thus avoiding irrelevant considerations relating to public opinion and unfounded allegations raised by the government about public policy,” Meerkotter said. “Instead, the court steered the argument back to the history of discrimination in Africa and the necessary constitutional reforms that emphasized transition to dignity and equality without discrimination.”

Speaking on what the ruling means for the LGBTQ and intersex community in Namibia, Seiler said it provides hope and inspiration not only to the couples involved but also to the broader community in Namibia and on the continent.

“We know that we fought this battle not only for us. In the beginning we were fghting it for us, but then we realized it’s not only for us, it’s for other people as well. I’m glad that we did it, that we fought this fght,” she said.

Both Seiler and Digashu said the support of the LGBTQ and intersex community and its allies has been a pillar of strength over the 6-year battle with the courts.

This ruling represents a signifcant milestone in the fght for LGBTQ and intersex rights in Namibia. By expanding the interpretation of the term “spouse” in the Immigration Control Act to include same-sex spouses legally married in other countries, the court has taken a crucial step toward achieving equality and inclusivity.

One of the fve judges who heard the two appeals dissented from the majority ruling.

He argued that Namibia is under no obligation to recognize marriages that are inconsistent with its policies and laws, emphasizing the traditional understanding of marriage and the protection of heteronormative family life.

The dissenting opinion highlights the ongoing divisions and complexities surrounding the issue of marriage equality in the country. While it underscores the need for continued dialogue and debate, the majority decision in favor of recognizing same-sex marriages highlights the importance of constitutional rights and the principle of equality.

Southern African Litigation Center Executive Director

“It has always been about the community because we deserve to have it all without being put down or being told this is not allowed. So, I think this is a big win for the community as a whole. It’s not about us, or just our families. It’s for absolutely everyone!” Digashu said.

Omar van Reenen, co-founder of Equal Namibia, a youth-led social movement for equality, said the ruling has strengthened the promise of equality and freedom from discrimination in the country.

“The Supreme Court really made a resounding decision. It just feels like our existence matters — that we belong and that our human dignity matters,” he said. “The Supreme Court … has upheld the most important thing today and that is the constitution’s promise that everyone is equal before the law and that the rights enshrined in our preamble reign supreme, and equality prevails.”

As the Supreme Court is the highest court in Namibia, decisions made in this court are binding on all other courts in the country unless it is reversed by the Supreme Court itself or is contradicted if Parliament passes a law that is enacted.

ARLANA SHIKONGO

Tanzanian man sentenced to 30 years in prison for sodomy

A Tanzanian man was sentenced last month to 30 years in prison after a court convicted him of violating the country’s sodomy law.

According to LGBT VOICE Tanzania, an LGBTQ and intersex rights organization, the Kilwa District Court sentenced Muharami Hassan Nayonga to 30 years in prison after it convicted him of violating Sections 154 and 157 of the country’s Penal Code that criminalize so-called unnatural offenses and “indecent practices between males.”

LGBT VOICE Tanzania said Nayonga was a security guard who lived in Masoko Ward. He was arrested on April 13 “after he used his phone to persuade a young man known as Zalaf Selemani to be intimate with him.”

“After the arrest, Muharami was examined by health professionals who found that he had engaged and en-

gages in unnatural sex,” said LGBT VOICE Tanzania. “He was then brought to court and confessed his crimes where he was sentenced to 30 years in prison by the Resident Magistrate of the Court, Carolina Mtui, under case number 27 of 2023.”

LGBT VOICE Tanzania accused the country’s government of violating Nayonga’s human rights.

“Using Sections 154 and 157 of the Penal Code to persecute LGBTQIA people is a violation of human rights and a violation of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania,” said LGBT VOICE Tanzania.

There have been consistent reports of discrimination and violence against LGBTQ and intersex Tanzanians in recent years. These include murder, assault, harassment and denial of basic rights and services.

The Health Ministry in 2016 prohibited community-based organizations from conducting outreach on HIV prevention to men who have sex with men and other key populations, based on the pretext that such organizations are engaged in the promotion of homosexuality. The ministry also closed drop-in centers that provided HIV testing and other services to key populations. International organizations ran many of these centers, and the government accused them of promoting homosexuality.

The ministry also banned the distribution of lubricant. A crackdown against LGBTQ and intersex Tanzanians has been underway since 2018; with reports of raids, mass arrests, arbitrary detention and forced anal examinations.

DANIEL ITAI

must

From left: DANIEL DIGASHU, his husband, JOHANN POTGIETER and their son, pictured alongside ANITA SEILERLILLES and ANETTE SEILER. (Photo courtesy of Equal Namibia)

Improving connectivity for BIPOC LGBTQ youth

Addressing lack of access to hardware, reliable internet access

In today’s digital age, connectivity has become essential to our daily lives. From engaging on social media, connecting with the community, finding a job, seeing a doctor, finding food, or finding a home within your budget, the internet is a lifeline for people to connect, communicate, find opportunities, and express themselves.

However, not all individuals or communities have equitable access to these digital spaces and all the opportunities that access entails. This includes members of marginalized communities who are already members of other marginalized communities like LGBTQ+ BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) youth. We must look at this issue holistically across an individual’s lifetime, beginning with the earliest opportunities within the community, access to digital tools and resources in public education institutions, evolving all the way to safe and accepting spaces for LGBTQ+ youth who are exploring their gender identity and sexual orientation. For LGBTQ+ BIPOC youth, a digital community might be one of the only spaces supporting their LGBTQ+ identity, especially for our BIPOC transgender community, who face the highest rates of bullying, harassment, and murder. To assist these individuals in achieving digital success, there are concrete and important issues we must begin to address:

1. Addressing the Digital Divide: One of the fundamental challenges that BIPOC LGBTQ+ youth face is the lack of access to hardware and reliable internet access due to cost or a combination of geographic location and price. Addressing issues around the digital divide can be achieved through initiatives such as extended hours and access to hardware and broadband in public schools, secure and safe community-based Wi-Fi networks, and affordable internet plans. The latter are now affordable for many who were unable to afford digital resources before through the U.S. National Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) which is an excellent way for households to receive up to $30 monthly for internet service. (FCC.gov/ACP).

It is essential to recognize this approach is only scratching the surface on the most basic access issues and does not address the economic inequalities that lead to lack of access or exposure to more advanced technical devices hampering educational and employment prospects. There is no question that the digital divide leads to a direct lack of hiring and representation of LGBTQ+ BIPOC in more STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and Mathematics) and must be corrected to increase representation in those fields.

2. Creating Safe and Inclusive Digital Spaces: BIPOC LGBTQ+ youth often face discrimination, harassment, and prejudice in both physical and digital spaces. It is essential to create safe and inclusive digital spaces that prioritize the well-being and safety of these young individuals. Online platforms, including social media networks and online support groups, should have clear guidelines against hate speech, discrimination, and bullying and take swift action to address violations. In addition, online spaces should be designed with inclusivity in mind, considering the diverse needs and experiences of BIPOC LGBTQ+ youth. This includes features such as customizable privacy settings, content moderation tools, options for reporting abuse or harassment, and straightforward, easy-to-access information on using these tools and features.

3. Representation and Inclusivity in Media and Content: Representation matters, and it is critical to ensure that BIPOC LGBTQ+ youth see themselves reflected in media and content online. This includes a diverse representation of BIPOC LGBTQ+ individuals in mainstream media, social media influencers, and content creators.

4. Culturally Competent Support and Resources: BIPOC LGBTQ+ youth often face unique challenges that require culturally competent support and resources. Many of these young individuals come from diverse cultural backgrounds, many of which may not accept their gender identity, sexual orientation, or any representation other than binary. LGBTQ+ BIPOC individuals face discrimination in their communities and often from biological family members, which can leave individuals homeless or, even worse, physically or mentally abused. It is crucial to provide direct, tailored support and resources that understand and respect the intersectionality of their identities. This can include online counseling services (if they have access), peer support groups and educational resources specifically designed for BIPOC LGBTQ+ youth.

5. Empowerment through Digital Activism: The internet has become a powerful tool for activism, and BIPOC LGBTQ+ youth can use digital platforms to raise their voices, advocate for their rights, and drive social change. Companies and legislators working in technology must ensure they are taking the time to listen, understand and build products and regulations that are equitable for everyone, especially for underserved communities such as BIPOC LGBTQ+ youth. Creating spaces, rules, and regulations that empower communities produces a more equitable world to share stories, connect with like-minded people and communities, and engage in the civil exchange of ideas.

These are just a few of the ways we can begin improving access for BIPOC LGBTQ+ youth to ensure equitable digital success but it is important we are listening to those living in these communities and addressing their most pressing digital needs first.

Get Tickets: bit.ly/bladepride

CHRIS WOOD is executive director of LGBT Tech.

Out & About Festiv a l

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

Do we turn it off, laugh, cry, or rail at the TV when Trump is on?

CNN’s town hall showcases more lies, insults

I watched the CNN Trump town hall along with 3.3 million other Americans. My intention was to tune in for the first few minutes, but it was like watching a train wreck, you couldn’t turn away. The man is clearly certifiable. He looked old and puffy in his closeups, and you could have played some old video clips of him and gotten the same thing. I can just imagine some of his campaign team thinking: We got him the chance to expand his audience, he just can’t do it. He played to his base.

The hour began with him doubling down on his claim the 2020 election was rigged. It was stolen from him. Clearly, he will never let go of this. Kaitlin Collins, CNN host, corrected him, all but calling him a liar. She kept trying to do that with every lie he told, which was about every time he opened his mouth. But it was a losing cause, as he just railed over her. At one point calling her a ‘nasty woman.’

On the issue of abortion, based on his answer or non-answer, his team apparently urged him to take a middle-of-the-road stance. But he wouldn’t. He thumped his chest and said over and over, “I overturned Roe v. Wade; I did what no president in 50 years could do.” Then in what seemed an olive branch to his handlers, he refused to say whether he would sign a bill to ban abortion nationally if he were president and it reached his desk. Then again repeated he personally overturned Roe v. Wade.

Asked about Ukraine, and whether he would continue to send weapons, he wouldn’t answer. He simply used the old lines he used when talking about NATO; the Europeans aren’t paying enough, and we are paying too much. When asked if he still believed what he said about Putin, having called him brilliant, he demurred, said Putin may have made a mistake with the invasion. Then said had he been president it wouldn’t have happened, and went on to claim he would end the war in 24 hours. Never saying how, or whose side he’s on.

On whether he thought his call to Georgia asking for the 11,780 votes was OK, he said it was perfect, they owed him those votes.

Trump called an African-American police officer who protected the Congress against his supporters, a thug. He said he would pardon those peace-loving people who breached the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. He called everyone, including Nancy Pelosi and President Biden, ‘stupid’ over and over. When asked about the recent verdict against him for sexual assault and demeaning language, he doubled down saying “I don’t know that woman and she is a whack job,” using language he was just convicted of. When asked about the top secret documents found at Mar-a-Lago he admitted he took them intentionally, saying they were his to take. When asked if he showed them to anyone, he said he couldn’t remember. About the only people who may have gotten something out of this display of madness, were the lawyers trying to convict him of crimes. He admitted some of them, and perpetrated new ones, in his hour on air.

It was sad watching the audience reaction to this unhinged man. They laughed when he claimed it was OK for stars to molest women, and when he called E. Jean Carroll a name. They applauded his lying, clearly agreeing the election was rigged. What does this say about them? Who are these people with no connection to the truth? Women in the audience who can laugh at other women being molested.

The debate will go on as to who the 3.3 million watching were. Were they like me, who sees this insane man and recommits to doing everything I can to keep him from being president? Or were they his supporters who think he is rational and will vote for him again? Was anyone’s mind changed? Was there one Trump 2020 voter watching the train wreck thinking ‘enough is enough, I will not vote for him again?’ This was billed as the first town hall in the New Hampshire Republican primary. Will CNN treat us to town halls with every Republican that announces? Will the audiences be the same? Who will watch?

Then there is the unanswered question, will President Biden participate in a Democratic New Hampshire primary if it occurs before the DNC says it should? So much more to come!

The Department of Energy and Environment is developing a restoration plan for the Anacostia River Corridor to improve water quality and habitat, increase equitable access to recreational activities, and enhance resiliency to climate change.

Join us for an interactive online community meeting!

Thursday, June 8th | 6:30 pm

Register today at: arcrp.eventbrite.com

For more info & to provide feedback: bit.ly/AnacostiaRiverSurvey

For about a decade, LESLIE ROBINSON wrote a humor column called ‘General Gayety’ for LGBTQ publications and she now blogs at www.generalgayety.com.

Telling the world about my mental disorders

Confessing queerness a breeze compared to revealing psychological struggles

Over the years, coming out as a lesbian hasn’t been that hard for me—because I was always too busy hiding something else.

Confessing queerness can be a breeze compared to revealing mental illness.

But I decline to play this game of hide-the-worse-stigma any longer. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and a fi tting time for me to acknowledge I’m now so out as a person with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and hoarding disorder (HD) that my closet is as empty as Rep. George Santos’ conscience.

Which is a weird sensation, after decades of keeping mostly mum about my conditions. Occasionally I ask myself whether there isn’t something else I’m still hiding, something embarrassing nestled among the hangers and dust bunnies.

Nope, there’s nothing. But it’s not a surprise I ask. I’m checking, which is the primary manifestation of my OCD. I can doubt anything: whether I locked my car door, or spelled a name in a story correctly, or said something stupid in public. This results in a need, a compulsion, to check once, twice, 50 times.

OCD is known as the Doubting Disease. HD used to be considered part of OCD, but is now offi cially its own condition, the big show-off. As a hoarder, I fi nd it incredibly hard to part with a lot of items. I’m especially compelled to keep old letters, books, newspapers. I’m the princess of paper, the sultan of stuff, the collector of crap.

These two disorders, combined with depression, made for rough decades. My journalism career fi zzled; my personal life was a study in frustration. I reached a point where I wanted to explain to my family and friends why I lived a stagnant existence, and the only way I knew to do that was to write a memoir about living under the thumb of OCD and HD.

I’m sure entire planets were created in the time it took me to get the book done. What was I thinking? I’d set myself a Catch-22 of a situation: trying to write about how hard it is for me to write. I must’ve been crazy.

Oh, right.

Anyway, I laid out in print the baffl ing, humiliating nature of these illnesses as honestly as I could. Sometimes the level of vulnerability scared me, but I fi gured there was no point in doing this halfway. I hurled open the closet door, and if it swung back and conked me on the schnoz, so be it.

I still have moments where I can’t believe I exposed myself to that extent, but in the main I feel unburdened. No more secrets. No more hiding my truth. No more cringing with shame over a part of me that I didn’t choose. Sound familiar?

I wish I didn’t have so much LGBTQ company where mental illness is concerned. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults are more than twice as likely as straight adults to have a mental health condition. Transgender folks are almost four times as likely as cisgender folks to have a mental health condition.

If you didn’t suffer from depression before, reading these NAMI statistics will do the job.

But there’s hope in my story. Now that I’ve drop-kicked denial and faced my conditions, and now that I’ve gone extraordinarily public about them, I’m more willing and able to battle them. Coming out helped shed the stigma.

When May rolls into June, Mental Health Awareness Month rolls into Pride month. The two are linked by more than the calendar. Both aim to make the world a safer place for telling the truth.

I think July is Disability Pride Month. But I’m not sure. Let me check six or seven times.

Rehoboth’s food scene offers exciting new options

Bodhi to debut, JAM’s new location features expansive roof deck, and more

By ROBBY HAYNOS

The food scene in Rehoboth is always changing and bringing something new to the table and 2023 is no exception.

As the popular beach town continues to evolve, locals and tourists alike have more options than ever for nightlife and dining.

From Asian fusion to a speakeasy, there’s no shortage of new food to try, new drinks to sip, and new things to do.

Bodhi and Drift

Second Block Restaurant Group — owner of favorites like The Pines and Aqua Grill — is bringing Southeast Asian fare to 1st Street. This comes only a year after Drift opened on Baltimore Avenue, a high-end seafood restaurant and raw bar.

Bodhi’s dining experience was described by its owner as an Asian fusion experience inspired by street food. The corporate chef of Second Block, Lion Gardner, has traveled extensively in Southeast Asia, inspiring a shared vision among the owners of a place for dishes like dumplings and noodles.

The restaurant will occupy the spot that was held for many years by Lily Thai, which closed a few years ago after a very successful run. Now, Second Block hopes to bring Asian cuisine back to downtown Rehoboth in that space, most recently occupied by Square One Grill. As of this writing, Bodhi had not yet opened, though the chef has been testing the menu at takeover events in sister restaurant The Pines each Sunday until opening the new space.

The Second Block Restaurant Group is fairly new to the Rehoboth scene. It was only recently that Drift, The Pines, and Aqua all merged to form the group, with Bodhi as the next restaurant under the umbrella.

Tyler Townsend, who represents Bodhi, spoke about the impact that Second Block hopes to have on the gay community in Rehoboth. He spoke extensively about the group’s desire to maintain and expand LGBTQ culture through events like drag shows.

“We opened The Pines to bring something to Rehoboth that we felt was missing. Provincetown is my favorite place in the world to go, and we just felt like Rehoboth was missing an opportunity to bring in big name acts and provide a different level of entertainment than what was in the town.”

Townsend says that Rehoboth is evolving from the house party scene that he saw in years past to the bustling vacation center it is now. Second Block is committed to ensuring that gay community and culture not only stay

alive in Rehoboth, but remain a focal point of the town.

JAM’s new location

The duo of Eden and JAM has been a mainstay on Baltimore Avenue for years. The sister restaurants provide two distinct yet equally elevated experiences of quality drinks, food, and service.

Owners Jeff McCracken and Mark Hunker have been providing both Rehoboth and D.C. with some of the best eats around for decades. Now, JAM has taken over the corner of Bayard and Wilmington, in the building occupied last year by UnWined at the Beach. There have been a number of businesses in and out of that space over the past few years — most notably the much-missed Azzurro — so a popular spot like JAM will give it some stability.

More importantly, South Rehoboth now has another high-end restaurant in its backyard. With Henlopen City Oyster House, Mariachi, Salt Air, and now JAM, there’s no shortage of elevated cuisine on the other side of Rehoboth Avenue.

“People keep telling us ‘Oh, I live on King Charles’ or ‘Oh, I live on Munson’ and they’re so excited for us to be there, because they never make the trip across Rehoboth Avenue,” said McCracken.

“For those of you that are familiar with JAM, we’ve kept all the favorites and we’ve added some really great new items to the menu. We’ve also added a really special new cocktails and pub menu for the rooftop.”

Bethany Blues takes over Nicola

If you walk into the now former home of Nicola Pizza and find yourself eating ribs, don’t be alarmed. The 1st Street space has been taken over by the group that owns Delaware barbecue mainstay Bethany Blues and nearby Dewey institution Starboard.

Downtown Blues, the newest member of that family, will feature a menu similar to Bethany Blues, but with its own Rehoboth twist. Owner Jessica Nathan elaborates:

“Being in the downtown area, we feel like we have an opportunity to highlight some fun, seasonal dishes that we can change up more frequently as we have a different flow of guests through the season. It will be a little bit smaller in terms of [Bethany Blues] everyday menu, but a little bit larger in terms of the seasonal menu.”

In addition to a tweaked menu, Downtown Blues will feature a Bourbon bar, and more emphasis on delivery. While Nathan says that Downtown Blues is a restaurant with full service and a bar, it also provides an easier opportunity for delivery and carryout to the immediate Rehoboth community.

Nicola finds new home

Nicola has been a mainstay of Rehoboth longer than this author has been alive. But, like the iconic Boardwalk Dolle’s sign before it, all great things must go, and it seems the Nicaboli is no exception. The Nicola sign now hangs in Lewes, in a giant newly constructed space.

Nick Caggiano Jr., part of the Caggiano family that owns Nicola, emphasized the importance of accessibility as the reasoning for the move. When asked what the benefit was of moving into Lewes, Caggiano didn’t hesitate.

“We have a big, free parking lot. As you know, in Rehoboth, two things happen. The nine months that there’s no

meters, it’s still very hard to park in front of my restaurants, because the town has grown so much, which is great. The other two and a half months, you have to pay for parking, and a lot of the locals didn’t want to pay for parking. We also found that a lot of people would drive to dine with us and couldn’t find a parking spot, so they’d just leave. Here, we have 170 parking spots, it’s always free, and you can just park right in front of my restaurant and walk in.”

Caggiano also spoke about the benefits of having a wider customer base in Lewes. “I consider where I’m at to be the suburbs of Lewes, Rehoboth, and Milton” Caggiano explained.

With this more centralized location, it’s much easier for diners to make the trip to Nicola and feel confident that they can actually dine at Nicola.

First State Corn comes to the boardwalk

The food truck that once parked in the Aldi’s parking lot has finally hit the big time. The newest addition to the first block of Rehoboth Avenue is First State Corn. Here, customers can enjoy specialties like elote in a cup, Cuban sandwiches, and fried plantains.

The work of Chef James, who co-owns the truck, is seeped in the culture of his upbringing. Growing up in Miami, James wanted to cook the food that reflected Miami street food. He does cook it, and he cooks it extremely well. Nothing at First State Corn disappoints.

The truck actually started in Florida, but James moved to Delaware to be closer to his wife’s family. What started as a tent and three tables evolved into a food truck, and now it’s evolved into a full restaurant.

First State offers incredible food unique to the area, perfectly situated for the boardwalk location. Just run off the beach around noon and grab a cubano with a lemonade.

Libation Room brings the speakeasy to town

The speakeasy concept has been a growing trend in cities like D.C. and New York the past few years, and now the new owner of Summer House is bringing that exciting concept to Rehoboth.

Basically, do you want to go to a bar but sit on a couch? And feel kinda cool when you “get in” to the back room? Then a speakeasy is for you.

Behind the lively dining room and live music of Summer House, diners can now find the Libation Room. Here, you can find something more akin to a lounge setting.

Speaking to Regan Dickerson, who purchased Summer House last year, you’ll know no expense has been spared on the Libation Room and the various, well, libations. The room has been soundproofed so live music can take place in both venues at once. Lounge seating is available for reservation or general entry, and the bar in the back has an entirely different set of craft cocktails for customers to try.

This brings a late night option to the people in Rehoboth who don’t want to head all the way to Dewey for a lively night out.

Also new are Crushers, a crab shack in the former home of Port 251, which also owns Cup’r Cone in the parking lot; and Tiki Jac’s, a new bar in the former Nicola Pizza space on Rehoboth Avenue.

TYLER TOWNSEND, one of the owners of the new Bodhi, says Rehoboth is evolving from the house party scene into the bustling vacation center it is now. (Blade photo by Kevin Naff)

Curtis Thompson Bell

November 10, 1942 - April 22, 2023

Curtis Bell passed away quietly on April 22, 2023, after a brief hospital stay. He was laid to rest in a private ceremony in Rock Creek Cemetery, according to his wishes and next to his loving parents, Ben and Jo. In addition to his parents, Curt was preceded in death by his brother, Stanley. He is survived by his brother, Douglas (Jennifer), his nephews Andrew, Douglas Jr., and Michael as well as numerous cousins.

Additionally, Curt leaves behind a group of friends whom he considered his “chosen” family, along with countless others, all of whom he cherished and loved.  A native and lifelong resident, Curt loved the district and the greater DC metro area.

Curt was a man with many passions, including real estate, travel, theater, and antiques, to name a few. He attended American University, earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. His early work in the commercial real estate industry was followed by a career with The National Association of Home Builders, cementing his involvement in real estate for the rest of his life. At the time he obtained his real estate broker’s license, he was proud to have been the youngest person in Washington to achieve that distinction.

Having survived the early years of the AIDS epidemic, Curt watched as a generation of gay men succumbed to the disease. He often recounted the regular memorial list of names in this publication week after week. Curt considered himself fortunate and never lost sight of his survival. For many of his friends and the survivors of too many loved ones lost, he remained a steadfast source of strength, up to his last days.

Curt was a memorable man. Whether enjoying a casual meal at his beloved Annie’s Paramount Steakhouse, on a cruise ship with him around the world or enjoying a night of theater in New York, Curt made his mark on our hearts and in our lives. His absence will be felt for years to come.

Philanthropy was passion for Curt and he gave generously to a variety of causes. To honor Curt’s memory, donations may be made to two such organizations. Since its inception 42 years ago, Curt was an advocate for and avid fan of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington. Also, Curt firmly believed in the work of Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders (SMYAL) with the hope that they will continue to help gay youth in Washington, just as he once was, thrive and succeed. Donations in his name will help ensure the continued work of these worthy causes.

Memoriam

Curtis Thompson Bell

Curtis Thompson Bell

November 10, 1942 - April 22, 2023

November 10, 1942 - April 22, 2023

Curtis Bell passed away quietly on April 22, 2023, after a brief hospital stay. He was laid to rest in a private ceremony in Rock Creek Cemetery, according to his wishes and next to his loving parents, Ben and Jo. In addition to his parents, Curt was preceded in death by his brother, Stanley. He is survived by his brother, Douglas (Jennifer), his nephews Andrew, Douglas Jr., and Michael as well as numerous cousins.

Additionally, Curt leaves behind a group of friends whom he considered his “chosen” family, along with countless others, all of whom he cherished and loved.  A native and lifelong resident, Curt loved the district and the greater DC metro area.

Curt was a man with many passions, including real estate, travel, theater, and antiques, to name a few. He attended American University, earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. His early work in the commercial real estate industry was followed by a career with The National Association of Home Builders, cementing his involvement in real estate for the rest of his life. At the time he obtained his real estate broker’s license, he was proud to have been the youngest person in Washington to achieve

Having survived the early years of the AIDS epidemic, Curt watched as a generation of gay men succumbed to the disease. He often recounted the regular memorial list of names in this publication week after week. Curt considered himself fortunate and never lost sight of his survival. For many of his friends and the survivors of too many loved ones lost, he remained a steadfast source of strength, up to his last days.

Curt was a memorable man. Whether enjoying a casual meal at his beAnnie’s Paramount Steakhouse, on a cruise ship with him around the world or enjoying a night of theater in New York, Curt made his mark on our hearts and in our lives. His absence will be felt for years to come.

Philanthropy was passion for Curt and he gave generously to a variety of causes. To honor Curt’s memory, donations may be made to two such organizations. Since its inception 42 years ago, Curt was an advocate for and avid fan of the  believed in the work of  and Leaders (SMYAL) youth in Washington, just as he once was, thrive and succeed. Donations in his name will help ensure the continued work of these worthy causes.

Donations in Curt’s name to GMCW

Donations in Curt’s name to SMYAL

Another busy summer season arrives in Rehoboth

Fine dining, drag shows, theater, and more on tap for 2023

By PETER ROSENSTEIN

The summer of 2023 will be an exciting time in Rehoboth Beach, with lots to see and do as always. Great people, and of course the sand, sea, and boardwalk. Everyone in town has been working hard over the winter to make this the best season ever at the beach. New businesses, old ones moving to new locations, milestone anniversaries, and just loads of fun all around.

While I am often just a burger and fries’ guy, Rehoboth has become a real foodie paradise for those who enjoy, and appreciate, really fine dining. (For more on the dining scene, see separate story in the Blade.)

The City of Rehoboth has fewer than 1,500 full-time residents. Many who have a Rehoboth address like me, live outside the city boundary. But at any time during the summer season, the population swells to more than 25,000. Among them are many members of the LGBTQ community. If you are one of them, stop by CAMP Rehoboth, the LGBTQ community center, founded by Murray Archibald and Steve Elkins in 1991.

Today, many of the businesses in town are owned by members of the community and even those that aren’t are supportive of the community. The most famous residents of the area are President Biden and first lady Jill Biden, who try to spend some weekends at their home there. Not sure how much time they will have this summer between the duties of being president and running for reelection. I do know when there, they love the famous chicken salad sandwiches, among other great things, from Lori Klein’s Lori’s Oy Veh Café in the CAMP courtyard. Lori’s is celebrating its 27th season. If you stop in the courtyard, you will be pleased to see new tables and chairs where you can sit and enjoy your meal.

My favorite hangout on Baltimore Avenue, the gayest block in Rehoboth, is Aqua Grill. The perfect place to spend happy hour any day of the week. Chris, one of the hot and charming waiters, is back serving drinks on the deck. Then there is The Pines restaurant across the street with a great showroom upstairs and always fun entertainment. The guys who own it have expanded their operations with Drift on Baltimore and now taken over the old Philip Morton Gallery and turned it into their offices. They are also preparing to open Bodhi on 1st street. One of the great old standbys at the beach is The Purple Parrot Grill and Biergarten on Rehoboth Avenue. Owners Hugh Fuller and Troy Roberts make everyone feel welcome. The old girl has a bright new paint job this year and she’s better than ever with some great entertainment.

Make sure you read the Blade’s column on food at the beach but here are just some of the places I passed on my walk around town on sidewalk sale weekend. There are Eden Restaurant, Azafran, and La Fable on the beach block of Baltimore Avenue. Then the always reliable standby the Blue Moon. In addition to some of the best food in town, the Moon has an extensive calendar of special events planned for summer, including the much anticipated return of talented NYC pianist Nate Buccieri beginning June 25. He plays Sunday-Thursday for most of the summer; check bluemoonrehoboth.com for specifics.

There isalso Ava’s and Theo’s and Frank and Louie’s on the second block.The venerable Back Porch on Rehoboth Avenue has been serving some of Rehoboth’s finest food for decades, and, of course, Houston White further up the street if you’re craving a steak.Then there is Goolee’s Grill on 1st street and the new location of JAM on 2nd. Goolee’s is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a cocktail party on June 1, 5-9 p.m.; tickets are $15 and available online.

My favorite morning place, it has become my afternoon place as well, is the totally refurbished Coffee Mill in the mews between Rehoboth Avenue and Baltimore Avenue, just next to the

wonderful Browseabout Books on Rehoboth Avenue. Dewey Beach residents will soon have their own Coffee Mill in a beachfront location, 1700 Coastal Highway. It will have a great view of the beach and ocean from its rooftop deck. Mel and Bob are going to be busy this year with all their places including Brashhh on 1st street, now celebrating its 11th year, and The Mill Creamery serving Hopkins ice cream. Longtime Rehoboth business owner Steve Fallon, one of the best promoters of the beach I know, has the fun Gidget’s Gadgets on Rehoboth Avenue and his second place selling vinyl records, Extendedplay. Then there is Coho’s Market and Grill on Rehoboth Avenue.

Back on the gayest block in Rehoboth, Baltimore Avenue, don’t forget to stop in and purchase some incredible one-of-akind jewelry pieces, and now original art, at Elegant Slumming and then get your hair cut in The Grateful Head Salon.

For more afternoon and evening entertainment there is the popular Diego’s Bar and Nightclub (37298 Rehoboth Avenue Ext.), a perfect spot for outdoor happy hours and late night dancing. Local legend Magnolia Applebottom holds court all summer with performances slated for the Thursday and Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend. Sunday’s show runs 6-9 p.m. followed by DJ Mags “with her boys” from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. In addition to Magnolia, Diego’s brings internationally known DJs to town during the summer. And the free parking is a nice bonus in a town with a chronic shortage of parking spaces. Diego’s has an exciting summer of special events planned, so follow them online for updates. Among the acts coming to Diego’s this summer are “Jaws the Musical” (June 18), Ada Vox (July 5), and Edmund Bagnell (July 17).

Don’t miss the always fun Freddie’s Beach Bar on 1st street, where the amazing Freddie Lutz has brought his wonderful concept from Virginia to the beach. The beloved Pamala Stanley performs periodically at Freddie’s; follow her on social media for updated dates.

Remember Rehoboth still has some great culture even if the town commissioners have been trying to force it out of town. The amazing Clear Space Theatre is stillon Baltimore Avenue. This season’s productions include Lucy in the Sea with Darvon, Jesus Christ Superstar, Kinky Boots, and The Spongebob Musical

This will be a summer not to miss at the beach. Better make your plans to visit soon, if you haven’t already, because hotels and rentals are booking fast.

JOE CIARLANTE-ZUBER (right) with his husband and business partner DARRYL CIARLANTE-ZUBER have another busy summer of events planned at Diego’s. (Blade photo by Daniel Truitt)

OUT & ABOUT CALENDAR

By TINASHE CHINGARANDE

Friday,

May 19

Center Aging: Friday Tea Time will be at 2 p.m. on Zoom. This event is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests can bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact adamheller@thedccenter.org.

GoGay DC will host “LGBTGQ+ Social” at 7 p.m. at Puro Gusto. This event is ideal for making new friends in the LGBTQ community and enjoying the bottomless happy hour specials at Puro Gusto. Admission is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Saturday,

May 20

Virtual Yoga Class with Jesse Z. will be at 12 p.m. online. This is a weekly class focusing on yoga, breathwork, and meditation. Guests are encouraged to RSVP on the DC Center’s website, providing your name, email address, and zip code, along with any questions you may have. A link to the event will be sent at 6 pm the day before.

LGBTQ People of Color Support Group will be at 1 p.m. on Zoom. LGBTQ People of Color come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space that strives to be safe and judgment free. There are all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more details, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.

South Asian Support Group will be at 1:30 p.m. on Zoom. This peer support group is an outlet for South Asian-identified LGBTQ individuals to come and talk about anything affecting them. It’s a secure, judgment-free environment to discuss relationships, sexuality, health, well-being, identity, culture, religion, or anything that is on your mind. For more details, email board.khushdc@gmail.com.

Sunday, May 21

AfroCode DC will be at 4 p.m. at Decades DC. This event will be an experience of non-stop music, dancing, and good vibes and a crossover of genres and a fusion of cultures. Tickets cost $40 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Brewed Up Drag Brunch will be at 11 a.m. at Red Bear Brewing Co. The event will be hosted by Desiree Dik and there will be a new cast and theme. Tickets cost $25 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Monday, May 22

Center Aging Monday Coffee and Conversation will be at 10 a.m. 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.

Queer Book Club will be at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom. This month’s reading is “Anger is a Gift” by Mark Oshiro. For more details, email supportdesk@thedccenter.org.

Tuesday, May 23

Genderqueer DC will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a support group 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 details, email supportdesk@thedccenter.org.

Pride on the Patio Events will host “LGBTQ+ Social Mixer” at 5:30 p.m. at Showroom. Dress is casual, fancy, or comfortable and guests are encouraged to bring the most authentic you to chat, laugh, and get a little crazy. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Wednesday, May 24

Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This 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” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email centercareers@thedccenter.org or visit www.thedccenter.org/ careers.

Asexual and Aromantic Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a space where people who are questioning this aspect of their identity or those who identify as asexual and/or aromantic can come together, share stories and experiences, and discuss various topics. For more details, email supportdesk@thedccenter.org.

Thursday, May 25

DC Anti-violence Project Open Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. The primary mission of the DC Anti-Violence Project is to reduce violence against LGBT individuals (and those perceived as LGBT) through community outreach, education, and monitoring cases to ensure that the rights and dignity of LGBT victims are respected and protected. For more information, visit Facebook and Twitter.

Get ready for Trans Pride in D.C.

DC-Baltimore Pride @ Work will host “Trans Pride Washington DC” on Saturday, May 20 at 9:30 a.m.

This year’s Trans Pride event is organized by a group of dedicated volunteers looking to revitalize the event since the onset of the pandemic. Following in the footsteps of Trans Pride in DC founder, SaVanna Wanzer, this event will feature workshops, panel discussions, art activities for youth, a resource fair and much more.

Some of the workshops include: “Living History of Trans Pride DC,”“Trans Liberation: Where Do We Go From Here?,”“Name & Gender Name Change Clinic” hosted by Whitman-Walker Health, and the Engendered Spirit Award Ceremony.

To access the event’s full agenda, visit Trans Pride, Washington DC’s website.

DCATS to host session for partners of trans folks

DC Area Transmasculine Society will host “Support for Partners of Trans Folks: A Space to Share, Process, and Connect” on Saturday, May 20 at 2:30 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Library.

This workshop will create a safe, confidential space for partners of trans and nonbinary folx to share their experiences, talk through related thoughts and feelings, and build community. The session will focus on partners’ evolving sense of self, with discussion of their internal perceptions and how these may relate to external relationships with partners, friends, family, etc.

This event is free and guests can reserve a spot on Eventbrite.

Trans Pride is set for May 20. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

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A preview of this year’s Helen Hayes Awards Strong queer representation among diverse nominees

By PATRICK FOLLIARD

After three years of varying and virtual approaches, this year’s Helen Hayes Awards will be more familiar with the honors being doled out live and in person on Monday night at the Anthem.

Integral in making the 37th awards both fun and suffciently formal is delightful actor/director Holly Twyford who’s been tapped to both co-host and co-direct the annual ceremony. “For me, it’s not as hard as it sounds,” she explains modestly. “Will Gartshore [co-director and celebrated Washington actor] has done the lion’s share of the work. He’d already written an entire script by the time I stepped in. He’s really smart and knows music.”

Undeniably, Twyford brings a lot of experience to the gig. She’s been attending the awards since the early ‘90s, and remembers meeting the late “frst lady of American theater” for whom the Awards are named, and shaking her hand. She’s also the recipient of multiple Helen Hayes Awards and so many nominations it’s been written into Monday night’s show. And while Twyford understands the show’s inherent excitement and spontaneity, she’s also aware of the challenges involved in creating a successful evening.

“I was just saying to my wife, these kinds of things are not easy to orchestrate,” Twyford continues. “It’s great and amazing to celebrate our community and its artistry, but it’s tricky to have everyone heard and appreciated. It’s a lot to do in one night, but we have to remember it’s more than giving out awards, it’s an opportunity to stop and look at the community.

“For instance, we have non-gendered acting categories. When you divide between men and women, some members of the theater community are left out. It’s that simple.”

This year, the music-flled awards ceremony is divided into two parts. Twyford shares hosting duties with local favorites Naomi Jacobson, Erika Rose, and Christopher Michael Richardson. Also on board in a guest spot is Broadway star Michael Urie who’s currently fnishing up a run of “Spamalot” at the Kennedy Center. Urie enjoys a long connection to Washington’s Shakespeare Theatre Company where he played the title prince in Michael Kahn’s 2018 “Hamlet,” and last summer co-starred with husband Ryan Spahn in Talene Monahon’s wonderful plague-set comedy “Jane Anger.”

The awards selection process is arduous. Recognizing work from 131 eligible productions presented in the 2022 calendar year, nominations were made in 41 categories and grouped in “Helen” or “Hayes” cohorts, depending on the number of Equity members involved in the production with Hayes counting more.

Nominations are the result of 40 carefully vetted judges considering 2,146 individual pieces of work, such as design, direction, choreography, performances, and more. Productions under consideration in 2022 included 39 musicals, 97 plays, and 38 world premieres.

Many of this year’s sensational nominees (actors, designers, directors, writers, etc.) come from the queer community. Here’s a sampling.

Rising director Henery Wyand is nominated for Out-

standing Direction in a Play for Perisphere Theater’s production of Tanya Barfeld’s “Blue Door,” the striking tale of a contemporary black professional who comes face to face with 19th century ancestors. In addition to directing, Wyand also designed the lighting, set, and costumes.

After graduating from Vassar, he came to D.C. for Shakespeare Theatre Company’s prestigious fellowship program. About directing, Wyand says, “there aren’t a lot of specifcally young queer Black directors out there. It gives me a sense of urgency to make sure underrepresented stories are shared. And if I don’t do that who will?”

And regarding his nomination, his sentiment is sweet: “Awards are a way to give fowers to people who are creating things. Living artists don’t always receive appreciation for their work.”

You — breaks my heart, and that it was translated into Spanish by Gloria Estefan and her daughter Emily Estefan who is gay makes it ever more signifcant to me. I had the honor of introducing this version of the song to the world.”

Tapia left her native Santiago, Chile, for Washington when her wife was posted at the Chilean Embassy. It was in the thick of the pandemic, and there weren’t a lot of theater opportunities, so she thew herself into Divino Tesoro, a podcast where children and adolescents can discuss gender identity, and she also worked as director of GALA’s youth program. It was the GALA job that led to an audition to play Gloria.

She’s currently touring as Gloria Fajardo in the original English version of “On Your Feet!” During its June and July break, she’ll appear in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical “In the Heights” at the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, and then in August it’s back to playing Gloria at the pretty seaside Ogunquit Playhouse in Maine.

Despite her intense work schedule, Tapia isn’t missing Monday’s event: ““I’m honored to be nominated, yes. But I defnitely want to win!”

Talented local actor Michael Kevin Darnall is vying for Outstanding Supporting Performer in a Play for his memorable comic turn as wonderfully famboyant Isom in Studio Theatre’s production of Katori Hall’s “The Hot Wing King,” a layered dramedy about Black men loving Black men, and yes, a hot wing competition.

When Emily Sucher learned she’d been nominated for a Helen Hayes Award (Outstanding Choreography in a Play) for “To Fall in Love” with Nu Sass Productions, she seriously thought she was being punked.

“I got the news in a text from an unfamiliar number. I didn’t believe it at frst,” she says. As an intimacy choreographer, Sucher is called on to stage stories with content of an intimate nature, and she just wasn’t sure it was something that Helen Hayes’ judges were looking to recognize. Clearly, they were.

Sucher adds, “Being queer shapes who I am as an intimacy choreographer and fuels my passion to tell all kinds of stories, and to show what sex and intimacy can look like. It’s not always the same.”

Out Chilean actor Fran Tapia is nominated for Outstanding Supporting Performer in a Musical for her work in GALA Hispanic Theatre’s world premiere Spanish-language production of “On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan en Español” (the production leads the nominee pack with ffteen nods including Outstanding Ensemble for a Musical).

As Gloria Fajardo, pop star Gloria Estefan’s embittered mother, Tapia garnered rave reviews.

“Singing my character’s song — ‘If I Never Got to Tell

This is Darnall’s seventh Helen Hayes Award nomination prompting him to dub himself the DMV’s Susan Lucci, (after the soap star who was nominated 19 times before fnally winning an Emmy). Typically cast as the brooding young man, the biracial and bisexual actor fought hard to play Isom. “There’s a lot of my mom in the character,” he says, “so in part, all of this is a tribute to her.”

The frst time Darnall read for a Black role was fve or six years into his professional career: “Playing Black men has been few and far between for me, so to play Isom as part of a cast of Black men whose skin tone ran the spectrum was very reaffrming, and those other actors became my brothers.”

The cast became a tight-knit group on and offstage, collectively spending a lot of money at Le Diplomate, a trendy bistro a few blocks from Studio, where they indulged in escargot and gimlets. That close camaraderie and sense of fun was refected in the work. They’re now nominated for Outstanding Ensemble Performance in a Play.

Good luck to all the nominees.

A full list of award recipients will be available @theatrewashington.org on Tuesday, May 23.

2023 Helen Hayes Awards

May 22, 2023

For tickets go to theatrewashington.org

FRAN TAPIA (center) in ‘On Your Feet!’ (Photo by Daniel Martinez)

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Out director brings queer perspective to mainstream with help from DeNiro

By JOHN PAUL KING

In all the discussion about the need for more and better queer inclusion in mainstream Hollywood movies, we sometimes overlook the trailblazers who are already working in the system, bringing their queerness – and the perspective that comes with it – into the mix even when the story isn’t queer at all.

Take, for example, Laura Terruso, an out queer director who, only eight years out from flm school, already has three feature flm releases under her belt, and whose fourth – “About My Father,” starring popular comedian Sebastian Maniscalco and screen icon Robert DeNiro –opens on May 26. In it, Maniscalco plays as the son of a Sicilian immigrant hairdresser (DeNiro, of course), who reluctantly agrees when his fancée (Leslie Bibb) convinces him to bring his very working-class father to a weekend getaway with her very wealthy eccentric family at their lavish summer estate. Needless to say, it’s a culture clash waiting to happen; but when it does, the complications that ensue are mostly comedic. You can’t get much more mainstream than that.

That’s not a bad thing. “About My Father” is a refreshing, feel-good comedy that gets a lot of mileage out of the contrast between his obstinately independent working class dad and the amusingly tone deaf attitudes of his goofly eccentric in-laws-to-be – but remains good-natured enough to show us the fawed, funny, perfectly relatable human beings behind the stereotypes (even Kim Catrall’s staunchly conservative matriarch) even as we laugh at them.

Indeed, it feels more than a little nostalgic, and — as the Blade found out when we sat down to talk to Terruso about being a queer female director at the helm of a mainstream Hollywood feature — that’s not an accident. Our conversation is below.

BLADE: Your movie feels like a screwball comedy from the Golden Age. Was that deliberate?

LAURA TERRUSO: I’m so glad you picked up on that. That was a huge part of my vision for the flm. The work of Frank Capra, Ernst Lubitsch, Billy Wilder — those are some of my favorite movies, and I really tried to incorporate the themes, even some of the visuals. I particularly love Depression-era comedies, and I really look to them a lot for inspiration, because I feel like the time we live in right now is not dissimilar from that time, in terms of what’s going on.

BLADE: Part of the similarity also has to do with the way you poke fun at the characters – especially the one-percenters – without being mean-spirited or angry.

TERRUSO: That’s something that’s very important to me. I want to make kind comedies. I feel like noth-

ing dates a comedy more than unkindness. The humor should come from the characters, and the situations, not from insults or ridicule – that stuff is just so tired, you know? – and I wanted this to be a flm that everyone could love, that everyone could see themselves in and enjoy.

BLADE: Do you think that’s because you’re coming at it from a queer perspective? Even though the movie isn’t a “queer” movie, it’s certainly relatable for queer audiences with its story about trying to ft in a world where you don’t belong. And there are a few nods to the queer audience, too, like a certain celebrity cameo we won’t give away, and that fash-mob wedding proposal near the top of the flm.

TERRUSO: Yes! And it was important to me to fnd real queer actors and dancers for that scene – which we did. [Laughing] In Mobile, Alabama, of all places. But defnitely, as a queer flmmaker, I feel like I’m bringing my perspective to the work. Even if it’s not themed in that way, I approach everything I do with that worldview in mind.

BLADE: That begs the question: as someone who is on the “inside” of the system, how do you think mainstream Hollywood is doing when it comes to queer inclusion? TERRUSO: There’s a lot of work to be done, but I think it all presents opportunity for us to tell our stories – because they haven’t been told yet.

For instance, for my last flm, a big studio movie called “Work It,” there was a little bit of a battle with the original studio attached to the project, because they didn’t want Keiynan Lonsdale to play an antagonist – they were like, ‘Oh, he should be the best friend!’ Fortunately, Netfix came in and took over that production, and let us cast Keiynan the way we wanted. It worked beautifully, and people loved it – and, of course Keiynan l both loved it.

BLADE: It’s ironic that there’s an over-cautiousness now after all those years of villainizing us on the screen.

TERRUSO: There’s this beautiful book called “In the Dream House” by Carmen Maria Machado, a queer author, and there’s a section where she talks about the trope of “queer villainy,” and how incredibly important

it is because it’s a part of our humanity – if we’re only ever playing ‘the best friend’ or one of those other “safe” tropes, it’s not really a full portrait of who we are.

That’s why I think it’s important for queer people to work in the mainstream, because those kinds of conversations, left in the hands of people not in the community, would always be going the way of the “best friend”. We want more nuance in our movies, and we can only do it by infltrating the system in this way.

BLADE: What do you think is the most important thing that Hollywood needs to work on when it comes to telling our stories on the screen?

TERRUSO: I think the question that studio heads need to ask themselves when making a decision like that is, “Who’s telling the story?” If you have a queer director and a queer actor and they are saying ‘this is what we want,’ trust them. If not, then maybe you can question it, but looking at who is telling the story and the point of view of the artists is so important to the nuance of this conversation.

BLADE: One last question: Was it great working with DeNiro?

TERRUSO: He’s an absolute legend for a reason, incredible to work with. And he saw that I had a real personal relationship to the material – which Sebastian cowrote with his writing partner, Austin Earle – because my mother and Sebastian’s father are both Sicilian immigrants, who came to this country around the same time. When I read the script, I was like, “I have to direct this flm!”

I fnd that sometimes the beauty of comedy is that you can heal wounds – you can make right things that maybe in life were left unresolved. My mom and I have had our challenges – when I came out, it was tough, I mean, she’s a Sicilian mom – but she’s so supportive now, and I feel so fortunate I was able to write a love letter to her with this flm.

Besides, now I’ve introduced her to Robert DeNiro, which is basically like introducing a gay person to Beyonce, so I win. I’m a Black Sheep no more!

‘About My Father’ feels like a screwball comedy from the Golden Age

SEBASTIAN MANISCALCO and screen icon ROBERT DENIRO star in ‘About My Father.’ (Photo by Dan Anderson; courtesy Lionsgate)

FIRSTBAPTISTDC.ORG

JEFF CHU

Chasten Buttigieg’s

Experience, they say, is the best teacher.

By TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER

Once you’ve done something, you can say you like it and you’ll do it again or not. The subject comes with a different viewpoint, once you’ve gotten a little experience with it. You’re wiser, more confident. As in the new book “I Have Something to Tell You” by Chasten Buttigieg, you’ll have the chops to offer valid advice.

If you’d have asked 8-year-old Chasten Buttigieg what life was like, he probably would’ve told you about his big brothers and how wild and daring they were. He would’ve said he didn’t have many friends and that he loved his parents. He wouldn’t have told you about being gay, though, because he had no frame of reference, no experience, or role models. He just knew then that he was “different.”

A year later, he watched “Will & Grace” on TV for the first time, and it was hilarious but he had to be careful. Already, he understood that being “someone ‘like that” had to be hidden. He watched Ellen and he was sure that “gay people weren’t found in places” like his Northern Michigan home town.

For much of his childhood, Buttigieg says he was bullied, but being lonely was worse. He was awkward, but he found his happy place in theater. “In school,” he says, “I felt a constant tug-of-war between where I was and where I wanted to be,” between authenticity and pretending. A year as a high school senior exchange student in gay-friendly Germany,

then a “safe space” in college in Wisconsin clarified many things and helped him gain confidence and “broaden [his] perspective.”

By the time he met the man he calls Peter, “I felt at ease to present myself in ways I hadn’t felt comfortable doing.”

Still, he says, things may be better or they may be worse, “We’ve got a long way to go, but you, the reader, get to be a part of that promising future.”

Filled with an abundance of dad jokes and a casual, chatty tone that never once feels pushy or overbearing, “I Have Something to Tell You” may seem like deja vu for good reason. This gently altered version of a 2020 memoir, meant for kids ages 12 and up, says all the right things in a surprisingly paternal way.

And yet, none of it’s preachy, or even stern.

Though there are brief peeks at his adult life on the campaign trail with his husband, now-Secretary of Transportation

Pete Buttigieg, the heart of author Chasten Buttigieg’s book is all memoir, set in a loving household in a small town. It’s lightly humorous but not trite; to this, Buttigieg adds a layer of subtle advice, and genuineness to a tale that’s familiar to adults and will appeal to young, still-figuring-it-out teens.

You can expect a “you are not alone” message in a book like this, but it comes with an upbeat, fatherly calm. For a teen who needs that, reading “I Have Something to Tell You” will be a good experience.

When artists we love behave badly New book ‘Monsters’ explores this common fan dilemma

By KATHI WOLFE

Recently, I listened to an audio version of “The Sorcerer’s Stone,” the first of J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series. I cheered when Rowling said Dumbledore is gay.

Yet, I wondered, should I read the Potter books (no matter how much I love them) when Rowling has made hurtful remarks about trans people?

That is the question many fans ask today: What do we do when artists make art we love, but behave badly?

“Monsters: A Fan’s Dilemma,” by memoirist and critic Claire Dederer delves into this vexing question.

This perplexing query has no “right” answer that works for everyone. Yet, if you enjoy art, you’re likely to keep wrestling with it.

A book delving into this conundrum could be as outdated as the last news cycle. The cancel culture debate has engulfed social media for eons.

Yet, Dederer’s meditation on the relationship between art and its fans is provocative and entertaining. Reading “Monsters: A Fan’s Dilemma” is like downing two, three, maybe four espressos after a couple of cups of strong coffee.

One minute, you may feel that Dederer has it exactly right. The next moment, you might wonder what planet she’s on.

I applauded Dederer when she wrote, “There is not some correct answer...The way you consume art doesn’t make you a bad person, or a good one.”

But I wanted to throw the book across the room as I read that Dederer preferred Monty Python over queer comedian, writer, and actor Hannah Gadsby. “Listen, I’d rather watch the Pythons than Gadsby any day of the week,” Dederer writes.

To be fair, Dederer opines about Monty Python to make a point about the “monster” of exclusion. “None of these guys has the bandwidth,” she writes about Monty Python, “to even entertain the idea that a woman’s or person of color’s point of view might be just as ‘normal’ as theirs, just as central.”

Dederer, the author of two critically acclaimed memoirs “Love and Trouble: A Midlife Reckoning” and “Poser: My Life in Twenty-Three Yoga Poses,” struggles, as a fan and critic, with many types of monsters.

Dederer, who started out as a movie critic, began grappling with monsters in 2014. Then, “I found myself locked

in a lonely–okay, imaginary–battle with an appalling genius,” she writes.

The “appalling genius” was filmmaker Roman Polanski, who, Dederer reports, raped a 13-year-old. Despite her knowledge of Polanski’s crime, “I was still able to consume his work,” Dederer writes, “[though] he was the object of boycotts and lawsuits and outrage.”

Her gallery of monsters contains the usual hetero male suspects from Bill Cosby to Woody Allen. Dederer deplores Allen’s behavior, but considers “Annie Hall” to be the greatest 20th century film comedy. She finds “Manhattan” unwatchable because Allen’s character dates a high school girl, but considers “Annie Hall” to be better than “Bringing Up Baby.” (Mea culpa: I love “Annie Hall.” But, better than “Baby?)

For Dederer, monsters aren’t only male or hetero. She wonders, for instance, if the brilliant poet Sylvia Plath, was a monster because she abandoned her children for her art.

Dederer muses about the actor Kevin Spacey (who will be on trial in June for alleged sexual assault in the United Kingdom), Michael Jackson, and J. K. Rowling.

“One of the great problems faced by audiences is named the Past,” Dederer writes, “The past is a vast terrible place where they didn’t know better.”

‘But, Dederer reminds us: sometimes they did.

Queer writer Virginia Woolf (author of the luminous “Mrs. Dalloway” and the gender-bending “Orlando”) is a god to many queers. Yet, Dederer reports, Woolf, though married to Leonard Woolf, who was Jewish, made flippant anti-Semitic remarks in her diaries. You could say Woolf was just “joking” as people in her time did. Yet, Dederer reminds us, gay author E.M. Forster wrote in a 1939 essay, “...antisemitism is now the most shocking of all things.”

I wish Dederer, who writes of racism and sexism in art, had written about the homophobia in art (in the past and present). I’d have loved it if she’d mused on the brilliant queer, anti-Semitic, racist writer Patricia Highsmith who gave us the “Talented Mr. Ripley.”

I’d liked to have seen some mention of Islamophobia, ableism and racism against Asian-Americans and indigenous people in art in “Monsters.”

Despite these quibbles, “Monsters: A Fan’s Dilemma”

‘Monsters: A Fan’s Dilemma’

By Claire Dederer c.2023, Alfred A. Knopf $28 | 288 pages

is a fascinating book. There’s no calculator (as Dederer wishes there was) to tell us whether we should go with the art we love or renounce the work of the artist whose behavior we deplore. But, Dederer turns this dilemma into an exhilarating adventure.

The ultimate Mercedes S-Class: Gas, electric, or both?

By JOE PHILLIPS

It’s tough being a top. Take the Mercedes S-Class, the pinnacle of luxury cars. Superior handling. Custom amenities. Cutting-edge technology. Competitors constantly nipping at your heels, er, wheels.

In 2021, the S-Class was fully redesigned with a radical, futuristic cabin brimming with creature comforts. A year later, the fully electric EQS debuted with styling so avant-garde it made a Tesla look like something your granny would drive. And this year, the all-new S 580e plug-in hybrid, which can be driven an impressive 62 miles on electric power alone, is rolling into showrooms.

To stay in top form and keep rivals at bay, Mercedes felt the need to create three variations of its flagship sedan. That means any real competition to this apex chariot is, well, the S-Class itself.

MERCEDES S 580 (GAS POWERED)

$126,000

MPG: 16 city/25 highway

0 to 60 mph: 4 seconds

ity: real wood, aluminum accents and acres of soft-touch materials. There are up to five monitors, including a giant center touchscreen, digital gauge cluster and enhanced head-up display. For backseat passengers, there’s an optional entertainment system with two more touchscreens, as well as power-adjustable reclining seats. All seats— front and back—include massage functions that are truly sublime. (Trust me, most masseurs can only wish their fingers were this dexterous.) While the acoustics are pitch perfect in the standard 15-speaker Burmester 3D stereo, it’s the premium 30-speaker Burmester 4D stereo that sounds as if you are live, onstage at a Taylor Swift concert. Considering the astronomical ticket prices for Tay Tay’s concert tour, the Mercedes S 580 may be the better deal.

MERCEDES S 580e (HYBRID)

$124,000

MPGe: 50 city/50 highway (est.)

0 to 60 mph: 4.7 seconds

MERCEDES EQS580 (FULLY ELECTRIC)

$127,200

Range: 350 miles

0 to 60 mph: 3.7 seconds

Last summer, I wrote about the base-model Mercedes S 500—a $115,000 luxury car that scoots from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. But there’s a pricier trim level: the S 580, which comes with a virile V8 instead of the six-cylinder found in the S 500. Despite weighing almost 220 pounds more than its sibling, the S 580 shaves a half second off the stopwatch at the test track. All-wheel drive is standard on both models, as is a silken transmission. The optional E-Active Body Control system prevents this full-size sedan—over 17-feet long—from pitching forward or sideways. In other words, no woozy passengers when taking a sharp corner or making a sudden stop. The whisper-quiet cabin is breathtaking, in design and build qual-

If green is more your scene, then the all-new Mercedes S 580e plug-in hybrid offers the look and feel of a traditional S-Class, but with impressive fuel economy. The hybrid also has a slightly lower price tag. Most Americans drive 35 miles a day, and this hybrid goes almost twice as far in electric-only mode. That means you may not need to stop by a gas station except once or twice a year. And with a DC fast charger, the battery can recharge up to 80 percent in 20 minutes. While acceleration is a wee bit slower than the standard S-Class, this hybrid is still plenty fast. Battery placement, which can sometimes eat up trunk space, was smartly designed here for maximum cargo room.

Range anxiety? I was nervous as hell when test driving my first electric vehicle, a 2011 Nissan Leaf that could only travel 70 miles before potentially conking out and stranding me on some desolate road. But there’s certainly no range anxiety with the all-new Mercedes EQS, which can travel from Washington to Philadelphia and back on one charge. Despite a slightly smaller wheelbase than other S-Class sedans, this EV is still roomy. The EQS is also almost 1,000 pounds heavier than its non-EV stable mates, but somehow feels lighter. While there are four trim levels, the EQS580 is comparable in pricing and handling to the two S-Class sedans reviewed above. While such a sensuously sculpted EV may not be classified a muscle car, it’s incredibly quick—as fast as the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat super coupe. A space-age interior is eye-popping, with a ginormous Hyperscreen across the dash that combines a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, 17.7-inch central touchscreen and another 12.3-inch touchscreen for your front passenger. Other goodies include four-zone climate control, sound-reducing glass and a panoramic roof that stretches forever. Going forward, Mercedes expects all its vehicles to be fully electric by 2030, and the EQS is clearly leading the charge.

The only real competition to this apex chariot is itself

MERCEDES EQS580

Spring A-Cher Chad Michaels performs at Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington annual gala

The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington held its annual Spring Affair, this year titled “Spring A-Cher,” at the Ritz-Carlton on Saturday, May 13. “RuPaul’s Drag Race All-Stars” winner Chad Michaels performed. Awardees included the Wanda Alston Foundation, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), and Chorus members Timothy Allmond and Robert Klein.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

Multiple options for buying a beach house meant for rentals

Consider going in with friends, making use of the off season

By JUSTIN NOBLE

As we near the summer season and you hear the beach calling and taste the orange crushes – let’s take a look at a few ways to make those dreams a reality. The real estate market across the U.S. is still very hot due to the lack of inventory and the higher interest rates. However, when looking at an investment property, it’s a little easier to stomach a higher interest rate when it is offset by rental income. Let’s take a look at a few of the options we have for rental styles.

The typical idea of a beach vacation is for a week right? While we wish it were longer (and it can be!) the usual summer beach vacation is a week long. In the Rehoboth and Delaware coast region – most homes rent for a week at a time in the summer season. While the idea here is to make the most you can in summer rentals – you as the owner, of course, can always block off weeks when you want to use the home for your personal use. Talk about the best of both worlds.

the time, you can make as much or even more than a weekly rental scenario. Shortterm rentals are great for the sporadic renter – if you want to use your home most of the time but you want to rent it out every other weekend and during the week all of August – you don’t have the need for the “my family rents this home the same week every week and has done so for three years now…” kind of dedicated renters. It is important to make sure that your community allows for short-term rentals or this option might not be possible for you.

If you know anything about the coastal regions in the Northeast – things in the winter are not like they are in the summer. In my humble opinion – they are better! But I digress. If you are looking at a rental pro-forma and wonder if it makes sense to winterize your beach house or to rent it out, I would say rent it. You can easily rent for long weekends in the “off season” and in most cases you can also rent to one person for the entire off season period as off-season rentals are hard to come by in most markets. In this case, you wouldn’t charge the same premium you do during the summer.

I have mentioned this ownership option before. If you have a group of friends that love to kiki in Rehoboth then it might just be an option to get four together and buy a house. I would say this option is a risky one and one I would highly encourage you to speak to an attorney about. The idea here is that an arrangement would be formed to outline what party uses the home during which periods of time. Expenses would be split based on share of the home.

Oftentimes people forget that you can often provide your rental home to a charity event for example an item at a silent auction for your children’s school gala. A portion would be tax deductible and as such is a savings for you that year. Of course – speak with a CPA to ensure these items are true and correct for you.

The above options are all great ideas in black and white on paper — but what option will work best for you is based on what you want, where you want to be, and for the last option, how well you trust your friends who you might be interested in doing a group beach house option with. In this case I would highly recommend speaking with an attorney who can walk you through the pros and cons of a group purchase with multiple people on a deed and mortgage.

Cheers to a happy, healthy, and fun 2023 summer season and hope you can make your beach house dream a reality – I’m here to help.

JUSTIN NOBLE

Short-term rentals are a great way to make some extra money. If you plan to use your beach house for most of the season but know you have a wedding weekend here and a week long vacation planned in the Bahamas – then put that on a short term rental site for those dates. This way you can make a little extra money. Most of

is a Realtor with Sotheby’s international Realty licensed in D.C., Maryland, and Delaware for your DMV and Delaware Beach needs. Specializing in first-time homebuyers, development and new construction as well as estate sales, Justin is a well-versed agent, highly regarded, and provides white glove service at every price point. Reach him at 202-503-4243, Justin.Noble@SothebysRealty.com or BurnsandNoble.com.

Summer season has arrived in Rehoboth Beach and it’s time to consider purchasing a home in the ‘Summer Capital.’ (Washington Blade photo by Daniel Truitt)

(Washington Blade photo by Daniel Truitt)

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION

2023 ADM 000488

Name of Decedent: Morgan Stanley Norris

Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs

Crystal Rhinehart, whose address is 2017 Newton St. NE, Washington, DC 20018 was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Morgan Stanley Norris who died on October 14, 2022 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, NW, Building A, 3rd Floor, Washington, DC 20001, on or before 11/05/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or to the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 11/05/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of the notice by mail within 25 days of its publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

Date of first publication: May 05, 2023

PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY

MASSAGE

REFRESH YOURSELF

Massage for active adults. Private studio near Rosslyn. Fri-Mon, 12-8. text 301-704-1158 or visit http://www.mymassagebygary.com

BULLETIN BOARD

THOUSANDS OF EACH CDS, VINYL LPS, 78S.

All types. Classical a specialty. Details on Craigslist under 21701: 78. Emmitsburg Antique Mall. Booth 101. 1 Chesapeake Way. Emmitsburg, MD 21727 emmitsburgantiquemall.com

ACADEMY OF HOPE

ADULT PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Security Staff

The Academy of Hope Adult Public Charter School located in Washington, DC requests proposals for security staff. Proposals are due June 8th, 2023. You can find the detailed request for proposal and submission information at https://aohdc.org/get-involved/jobs/

Use

Kinky Craft Fair!

Join us for crafty and kinky fun at the Baltimore Playhouse (3010 Washington Blvd, Baltimore) on May 21st, 3pm – 8pm. Come support your local LGBTQ+ crafters, hobbyists, artists, & makers. You will find apparel, jewelry, toys, & gifts. You must RSVP on Fetlife. com to attend. $5 at the door. No Play! Don’t miss this chance to find high quality items and support your local kink maker community.

CLEANING

FERNANDO’S CLEANING

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

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

LIMOUSINES KASPER’S LIVERY SERVICE

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

202-554-2471

MOVERS

PROFESSIONAL MOVING & STORAGE

Let Our Movers Do The Heavy Lifting. Mention the Blade for 5% OFF of our regular rates. Call today 202.734.3080

www.aroundtownmovers.com

REAL ESTATE PARADISE IN KEY WEST

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.

EMPLOYMENT

HOME ASSISTANT

Dupont: downsizing, cleaning, handy work, errands, driving… 5 to 15 hours a week to start. For more information & interview, call 202-491-6399

HANDYMAN BRITISH REMODELING

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

A Dream Come True! This beautiful Old Town Key West estate has recently been meticulously reimagined from top to bottom! Enjoy classic Conch architecture with a 2-story main house, a charming guest house, and a stunning pool/ waterfall/spa on a 7100+ SF lot with an unrivaled indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Interested? Follow the link for more info

https://bit.ly/1017MargaretKHN or call me: 305-587-9230, Juan Benitez, Real Estate Agent BODYWORK

THE MAGIC TOUCH

Swedish, Massage or Deep Tissue. Appts. Low Rates, 24/7, In-Calls. 202-486-6183

Crystal Rhinehart, Petitioner Nicole Stevens, Register of Wills, Clerk of the Probate Division