Washington Blade, Volume 54, Issue 40, October 06, 2023

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

ADDRESS PO Box 53352

Washington DC 20009

PHONE

202-747-2077

E-MAIL news@washblade.com

INTERNET

washingtonblade.com

PUBLISHED BY Brown Naff Pitts Omnimedia, Inc.

PUBLISHER

LYNNE J. BROWN lbrown@washblade.com ext. 8075

EDITORIAL

EDITOR

KEVIN NAFF knaff@washblade.com ext. 8088

SR. NEWS REPORTER

LOU CHIBBARO JR. lchibbaro@washblade.com ext. 8079

WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT

CHRIS KANE

ckane@washblade.com extg 8083

INTERNATIONAL NEWS EDITOR

MICHAEL K. LAVERS mlavers@washblade.com ext. 8093

POP CULTURE REPORTER

JOHN PAUL KING

PHOTO EDITOR

MICHAEL KEY mkey@washblade.com ext 8084

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

DANIEL ITAI, EDICIÓN CIENTONCE, QUORUM, WDG, STEPHANIE MONDRAGÓN, ISAAC AMEND , TINASHE CHINGARANDE, DUNIA ORELLANA, REPORTAR SIN MIEDO, PARKER PURIFOY, PETER ROSENSTEIN, MARK LEE, LATEEFAH WILLIAMS, KATE CLINTON, KATHI WOLFE, ERNESTO VALLE, YARIEL VALDÉS GONZÁLEZ, LYNARE ROBBINS, PHILIP VAN SLOOTEN, KATLEGO K. KOLANYANE-KESUPILE, KAELA ROEDER, TREMENDA NOTA, ALBERTO J. VALENTÍN, MAYKEL GONZÁLEZ VIVERO, ORGULLO LGBT. CO, ESTEBAN GUZMAN, ANDRÉS I. JOVÉ RODRÍGUEZ, WINTER HAWK, ISABELLE KRAVIS, CAL BENN

CREATIVE DESIGN/PRODUCTION

AZERCREATIVE.COM

SALES & ADMINISTRATION

DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING

STEPHEN RUTGERS srutgers@washblade.com ext. 8077

SR. ACCT. EXECUTIVE BRIAN PITTS bpitts@washblade.com ext. 8089

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING/ADMINISTRATION

PHILLIP G. ROCKSTROH prockstroh@washblade.com ext. 8092

NATIONAL ADVERTISING

RIVENDELL MEDIA

212-242-6863; sales@rivendellmedia.com

Community Partners

For distribution, contact Lynne Brown at 202-747-2077, ext. 8075. Distributed by Southwest Distribution Inc.

All material in the Washington Blade is protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the Washington Blade. The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, writers and cartoonists published herein is neither inferred nor implied. The appearance of names or pictorial representation does not necessarily indicate the sexual orientation of that person or persons. Although the Washington Blade is s orte b an fine a ertisers e cannot acce t res onsibilit or claims made by advertisers. Unsolicited editorial material is accepted by the Washington Blade, but the paper cannot take responsibility for its return. The editors reserve the right to accept, reject or edit any submission. A single copy of the Washington Blade is available from authorized distribution points, to any individual within a 50-mile radius of Washington, D.C. Multiple co ies are a ailable ro t e as in ton Bla e o fice onl all or rates you are unable to get to a convenient free distribution point, you may receive a 52-week mailed subscription for $195 per year or $5.00 per single issue. Checks or credit card orders can be sent to Phil Rockstroh at prockstroh@ washblade.com. Postmaster: Send address changes to the Washington Blade, PO BOX 53352 Washington, DC 20009. The Washington Blade is published weekly, on Friday, by Brown Naff Pitts Omnimedia, Inc. Rates for businesses/institutions are $450 per year. Periodical postage paid at as in ton an a itional ailin o fices itorial ositions o the Washington Blade are expressed in editorials and in editors’ notes as determined by the paper’s editors. Other opinions are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Washington Blade or its staff. To submit a letter or commentary: Letters should be fewer than 400 words; commentaries should be fewer than 750 words. Submissions may be edited for content and length, and must include a name, address an one n ber or erification en s b issions b e ail to kna washblade.com.

Pepco, Exelon announce $2.7 million for four minority-owned businesses t’s oo b siness sense to brin ore eo le to t e table’

By OMARI FOOTE

Pepco and Exelon announced a $2.7 million investment in four minority-owned businesses on Friday.

“Today’s been a long time coming,” said Pepco Vice President of Governmental and External Affairs Valencia McClure.

Pepco’s parent company, Exelon, launched the Racial Equity Capital Fund (RECF) in 2022 to expand capital access to diverse businesses. This latest $2.7 million investment is just a portion of RECF’s $36 million in funding.

At the announcement, D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser spoke about the other ways Pepco and Exelon have “put their money where their mouth is” through their partnership with the D.C. Infrastructure Academy. She reported that all 22 of the residents that graduated from the program last week have a job offer from Pepco.

“We know that is not just a job, but a career,” she said to the crowd’s applause. “We know that working together, we can invest in D.C. residents, provide opportunity, and ensure that our D.C. businesses are a part of D.C.’s growing prosperity.”

The four minority businesses that received funding were Gemini Energy Solutions, Public Sector Solutions Group, CJR Development Partners, and Escalate.

“It’s good business sense to bring more people to the table,” said fund recipient Nicole Cober, CJR Development’s

Principle Managing Partner.

Gemini Energy Solutions, which is Black owned, received $1 million, the most of the four companies. Its mission is to e itabl scale ener e ficienc to ar inali e conities. For the founder and CEO Anthony Kinslow II, this investment means that he is able to get paid and advance the ork o is or ani ation

“We are now able to accelerate the work in our software and technology development,” he said. “What we were

going to do in two years, we are now going to do in six months.”

For Escalate, a workforce development platform focused on frontline worker retention, the funding means that it will be able to double the pay for frontline workers.

Public Sector Solutions Group CEO Darryl Wiggins emasi e t at t is in est ent as not st c arit ’ ork b t mission-driven work.

“The principle and the intent is greater than the money we receive,” he said. Public Sector Solutions is Black owned.

Public Sector Solutions Group received a $600,000 debt investment; CJR Development, a minority and woman-owned small business, received a $600,000 debt investment; and Escalate, a majority Black and woman-owned company, received a $500,000 equity investment.

Exelon launched the RECF in partnership with RockCreek, one of the world’s largest diverse-owned global investment fir s in e e an s ca ital access to i erse businesses so they can create more jobs, grow their companies and reinvest in their neighborhoods and communities, according to a statement from Exelon.

New RECF applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Interested businesses may apply online or contact RockCreek at RECFInquiries@therockcreekgroup.com for more information.

AIDS Healthcare Foundation celebrates opening of new D.C. healthcare center Ribbon-cutting

marks launch of state-of-the-art facility on Capitol Hill

By LOU CHIBBARO JR. | lchibbaro@washblade.com

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation, the world’s largest HIV/AIDS healthcare orani ation it its ea arters in os Angeles, held a ribbon-cutting ceremon on e t to ark t e o ficial o ening of its Capitol Hill Healthcare Center.

The new center, which AHF describes as a state-of-the-art facility for the holistic care and treatment of people with HIV as well as a site for HIV prevention and primary care services, is located at 650 Pennsylvania Ave., S.E. a half block away from the Eastern Market Metro station.

A statement released by AHF says the Capitol Hill Healthcare Center will continue AHF’s ongoing delivery of “cutting-edge medical care and services to patients regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.” The statement adds, “The site also features a full-service AHF Pharmacy and will host Wellness Center services on Saturdays to offer STI testing and treatment.”

The statement was referring to the testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections. The D.C. Department of Health has said the highest number of STIs in the city have been reported for men who have sex with men.

Mike McVicker, AHF’s Regional Director for its D.C., Maryland, and Virginia facilities, said the Capitol Hill center began taking patients in October of 2021 as AHF transferred its operations from its facility on Benning Road, N.E. about two miles from the Capitol Hill site. McVicker said the Benning Road site has now been closed.

AHF’s second D.C. medical center is located downtown at 2141 K St., N.W. AHF operates three other extended D.C.-area health care centers in Falls Church, Va., Temple Hills, Md. and Baltimore.

“Our Capitol Hill Healthcare Center has no waiting room,

so patients immediately are escorted to treatment rooms and serviced from a centrally located provider workstation,” c icker sai e oal is to a i i e e ficienc sin t is atient centere model to improve health outcomes and increase retention in care.”

McVicker told the Blade the AHF Capitol Hill center is currently serving 585 patients and has a staff of 10, including Dr. Conor Grey, who serves as medical director. He said a separate tea o fi e sta ers o erates t e aturday walk-in center that provides STI services as well as services related to the HIV prevention medication known as PrEP.

“I’m very excited to be a part of this team,” Dr. Grey said at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which was held in a courtyard o tsi e t e a itol ill o fice b il in ere t e center is locate bo t eo le incl in o ern ent o ficials, attended the event.

“This is a beautiful thing to celebrate,” Grey said. “So, I’m very happy to enjoy the day with all of you, and looking forward to a bright, productive future working together and fi tin a co on ene t at as n ort natel been it us.”

Others who spoke at the event included Tom Myers, AHF’s Chief of Public Affairs and General Counsel; Toni Flemming, Supervisory Public Health Analyst and Field Operations Manager for the D.C. Department of Health’s HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD, and Tuberculosis Administration (HAHSTA), and Dr. Christie Olejeme, Public Health Analyst for HAHSTA’s Care and Treatment Division.

Also speaking at the event was Japer Bowles, director of a or riel Bo ser’s fice o B airs Bowles called the AHF Capitol Hill center “another pivotal

reso rce or t e B co nit as ell as or t e cit

“We know, as has been previously stated, a low-barrier HIV prevention support is pivotal to the mayor’s mission of eliminating HIV infections in the District of Columbia and the region,” Bowles told the gathering.

o ’ er e cite to see ore ser ices s ecificall rovided to those in the Southeast and Northeast quadrants of our District,” he said, referring to the AHF Capitol Hill center. “This is a great moment for our community, but also for D.C. as a whole.”

n its state ent release t is eek anno ncin t e o ficial opening of the Capitol Hill Center AHF notes that currently, 11,904 D.C. residents, or 1.8 percent of the population, are living with HIV. It points out that HIV disproportionately impacts Black residents, who make up about 44 percent of the population but comprise nearly three-quarters of the city’s HIV cases.

o ficial ers sai t e a itol ill center ill oin its other D.C.-area facilities in addressing the issue of racial disparities related to HIV.

“Our treatment model helps eliminate barriers for those already in care, those who may not know their HIV status, and those living with HIV who may not currently be in care,” he said.

AHF says in its statement that it currently operates more than 900 healthcare centers around the world in 45 countries including 17 U.S. states. It has more than 1.7 million people in care, according to the statement. Founded in t e or ani ation as also taken on t e role o blic advocacy for federal and local government programs in the U.S. to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic, including efforts to lower the costs of HIV drugs.

During its work in the late 1980s and early 1990s AHF emerged as a strong advocate for addressing the special needs of gay and bisexual men who were hit hardest by HIV/ AIDS at the start of the epidemic.

Pepco and Exelon held a press conference Friday to announce four recipients of $2.7 million in investments. (Photo courtesy Exelon)

AHF’s new healthcare center is located at 650 Pennsylvania Ave., S.E. (Washington Blade photo by Lou Chibbaro, Jr.)

Anacostia group honors LGBTQ advocate Pannell for 30 years of service

Oct. 5 celebration set for Ward 8 Sycamore & Oak retail village

By LOU CHIBBARO JR.

The Anacostia Coordinating Council (ACC), an advocacy organization for D.C.’s Anacostia neighborhood and surrounding areas east of the Anacostia River, is holding a celebration honoring LGBTQ rights and Anacostia community activist Phillip Pannell for his 30 years of service with the ACC.

The event was scheduled to take place from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5, at the recently opened Sycamore & Oak retail village mall on the St. Elizabeth’s East Campus in Southeast D.C.

Pannell, 73, serves as the ACC executive director, a position he has held since 1995. He has been a member of t e nacostia base non rofit or ani ation’s sta since 1993.

A longtime advocate for LGBTQ rights, Pannell has been credited with persuading many of D.C.’s LGBTQ organizations to reach out to LGBTQ residents who live in Wards 7 and 8 east of the Anacostia River.

He has also been credited with persuading African-American organizations, including organizers of the annual Martin Luther King Jr. memorial celebrations, to include and welcome LGBTQ people to their events.

“Join us for an evening of food, fun, and surprises,” an

announcement of the event released by the ACC says.

ACC spokesperson Lamont Mitchell told the Washington Bla e se eral co nit lea ers an blic o ficials who have known Pannell during his many years of D.C. community involvement were expected to speak at the Oct. 5 celebration. Among the expected speakers, Mitchell said, was former D.C. Mayor Sharon Pratt.

According to the announcement, the event is free and open to the public, but organizers requested that people register in advance at tinyurl.com/Pannell35.

The ACC event honoring Pannell was to take place about a month after the D.C. newspaper Washington Inor er blis e a etaile article rofilin annell’s career as a community activist and advocate for several important local causes and issues, including D.C. statehood.

“D.C. statehood is not just a political issue, it is also a civil and human rights issue because if D.C. were a state, we would be a state with the highest percentage of African Americans, basically a majority, minority state,” the Informer quoted Pannell as saying. “That’s one of the reasons a lot of right-wing Republicans don’t want to see D.C. become a state because we are going to elect progressive, Black Democratic senators,” Pannell told the Informer.

A statement on the ACC’s website says Pannell has received more than 100 awards during his nearly four decades of work in D.C., including the 2011 U.S. President’s Call to Service Award and the 2012 D.C. Federation of Civil Associations award for Outstanding President of a Member Association.

lecte o ficials t rn o t or ann al alit o a ce rea ocial

Northern Virginia LGBTQ group stresses

By LOU CHIBBARO JR.

Four LGBTQ supportive members of the Virginia General Assembly and two candidates running for seats on the Arlington County Board were among more than 100 people who turned out on Sunday, Sept. 24, for the LGBTQ organization Equality NoVa’s annual Ice Cream Social.

The event was held at the Arlington, Va. home of Freddie Lutz, owner of the Arlington gay bar and restaurant Freddie’s Beach Bar, and Lutz’s husband, Johnny Cervantes.

Daniel Hays, president of Equality NoVa, told those attending the event in introductory remarks that Equality NoVa, which recently changed its name from the Arlington Gay and Lesbian Alliance (AGLA), was founded in 1981 and is the oldest continuously operating LGBTQ organization in Virginia.

In an announcement in April the group said the name change came after it had taken on for some time the activities and representation of the now-defunct LGBTQ groups in Alexandria and Fairfax counties and had expanded its operations to cover most if not all the regions known as Northern Virginia.

Hays noted that the group is a nonpartisan organization t at oesn’t en orse can i ates or blic o fice b t organizes educational and political awareness events and awareness campaigns on issues impacting LGBTQ people related to statewide and local government agen-

cies an o ficials e electe o ficials atten in t e e ent ere ir inia House of Delegates members Charniele Herring (D-Alexandria & Fairfax), Elizabeth Bennett-Parker (D-Alexandria & Arlington), and Vivian Watts (D-Fairfax).

Joining the state lawmakers attending the Equality NoVa social were Arlington County Board candidates Maureen Coffey and Susan Cunningham and Arlington County School Board candidate Miranda Turner.

Many of those attending the event said they were rooting for the re-election of Herring, Bennett-Parker, Watts, and Favola in the upcoming Virginia elections in November. All members and candidates for the General Assembly will be on the ballot in an election that political observers say could decide which party controls both houses of the state legislature.

Currently, Democrats control the 40-member Virginia Senate by a margin of 22-18 seats. Republicans currently control the House of Delegates by a margin of 51 to 46 seats, with three vacancies in the 100-member House.

With Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) putting in place through executive action public school policies that LGBTQ activists consider hostile and discriminatory for transgender students, LGBTQ activists are hopeful that a Democratic takeover of the House of Delegates would result in a reversal of Youngkin’s school policy.

Also attending was Virginia State Sen. Barbara Favola, a Democrat whose district includes parts of Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun Counties.

Some of the activists attending the Equality NoVa event said they were fearful that a Republican takeover of the state Senate and if Republicans retain control of the House of Delegates could result in the General Assembly approving the type of anti-LGBTQ legislation passed in Florida and other states.

‘political awareness, education’

PHILLIP PANNELL (Washington Blade fle photo by Michael Key)

FREDDIE LUTZ (right) and his husband JOHNNY CERVANTES host the annual ice cream social. (Photo courtesy of Lutz)

Laphonza Butler sworn in as California’s newest senator ation’s first o t Black lesbian in t e c a ber

By CHRISTOPHER KANE

Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday swore in Democrat Laphonza Butler as California’s newest U.S. senator during a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol.

e first Black lesbian to ser e in t e enate B tler as president of the nation’s largest organization dedicated to electin o en to blic o fice ’s ist an reio sl as a senior a isor to t e ice resi ent rin er bi or t e al fice arris t e co ntr ’s first o an ice resi ent as ell as t e first Black an o t sian erson to ser e in t at role also a e istor it er ten re as attorne eneral and then senator for California.

eli er on ro ressi e riorities s e sai “That’s exactly at ’ r nnin to o onsistent it er ork in ro ressi e olitics B tler as re io sl a labor lea er it er ice lo ees nternational nion t e o er l nion ere er i e eneki ee ser es as irector o t e blic er ices i ision

an i ts a ai n resi ent elle obinson and Claire Lucas and Judy Dlugacz were among those who attended the swearing in alongside Butler’s wife. enate a orit ea er ck c er an en le a illa ali escorte B tler into t e c a ber ee an c i ere a on t ose o attened the ceremony.

“ t’s a oo a cas tol t e as in ton Bla e as s e le t t e c a ber a illa no ser in as ali ornia’s senior senator release t e ollo in state ent a ter e so a ointe B tler to fill t e acanc create b t e late enator einstein

“ ro o t er career a on a B tler as been a stron oice or orkin a ilies B ri ts an a champion for increasing women’s representation in politics ’ onore to elco e er to t e nite tates Senate.

“ o ernor e so ’s s i t action ens res t at alifornians maintain full representation in the Senate as we na i ate a narro e ocratic a orit look or ar to orkin to et er to eli er or t e eo le o ali ornia

e ocratic ali ornia o a in e so a ointe B tler to fill t e acanc ca se b t e eat on ri a o en ianne einstein o a re resente t e state in t e er c a ber since er t e ter s o er a oint ent B tler ill be eli ible to r n or t e seat rin ne t ear’s elections in ic case s e o l ace co etition ro t ree i rofile Democrats now representing California in the House: e s Barbara ee atie orter an a c i e so in le e t at e o l a oint a Black o an to einstein’s seat ee so ar t e onl Black o an a on t e eclare can i ates con rat late Butler in a statement in which the congresswoman said she is “singularly focused on winning” her Senate campaign.

California “ eser es an e erience senator o ill

Butler is a longtime leader in Democratic politics in Cali ornia an be on e as been in ol e in ca ai n strate an t e labor o e ent or t o eca es an accor in to er o ficial bio ra s e as e icate er li e to e o erin o en an s ortin t e in finin t eir oice an sin it to ake eanin l c an e e so ’s o fice note in its state ent “B tler a lonti e senior a iser to ice resi ent a ala arris labor lea er an a ocate or o en an orkin eo le ill be t e first o enl B erson to re resent ali ornia in t e enate e ill also be t e first Black lesbian to o enl ser e in on ress in erican istor an t e secon Black o an to re resent ali ornia in t e enate following Vice President Kamala Harris.” rior to oinin s ist B tler ser e as irector o blic olic an a ai ns in ort erica or irb-

nb e also as a artner at B trate ies a olitical cons ltin fir ere s e as a strate ist or can i ates r nnin an o n t e ballot an a senior a isor to Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign. it nearl ears in t e labor o e ent B tler as ser e as t e resi ent o t e bi est nion in ali ornia an t e nation’s lar est o e care orkers nion ocal e as electe to t is osition at st ears ol one o t e o n est to take on t is role s resi ent B tler as t e lea in oice strate ist an architect of efforts to address pay inequity for women in ali ornia an a to a ocate or raisin t e state’s ini a e to an o r t e first state in t e nation to o so benefitin illions o orkin o en in lo a e obs at e ort also a e n re s o t o san s o o e orkers access to ai ti e o e also ser e as an nternational ice resi ent an resi ent o t e ali ornia tate o ncil ro o t er career B tler as been i l re are as a strate ist orkin to elect e ocratic o en can i ates in olitical o fices across ali ornia an nationall lon ti e s orter o a ala arris in er ali ornia r ns B tler as a ke lea er in ice resi ent arris’ resi ential ca ai n e ser e as a senior a isor to illar linton’s resi ential ca ai n in ali ornia rin t e ri ar an eneral elections ost recentl B tler as a ca ai n o erati e be in t e ca ai n to ake t e os n eles Boar o er isors all o en or t e first ti e in its istor it t e election o er isor oll itc ell e as been a e ber o t e ni ersit o ali ornia Boar o e ents an a e ber o t e boar o irectors or t e il ren’s e ense n an B a on a re in a nolia iss an atten e one o t e co ntr ’s re ier B s ackson tate niersit e li es in ar lan it er i e eneki an to et er t e a e a a ter la ’s ist is an erican olitical action co ittee that aims to help elect Democratic female candidates in a or o abortion ri ts to o fice t as o n e b llen alcol in e ro ’s na e is an acron or arl one s ike east alcol co ente t at it akes t e o rise

(Michael K. Lavers and Brody Levesque contributed to this report.)

c art o ste as o se eaker

otion to eclare t e c air acant s b itte b e att aet la to o st o se eaker e in cart ali s ccee e on a ote es a a ter an at ti es contentio s ebate a on o se eblicans on t e oor e last to ote in t e ll or er o t e roll call as cart o ote a ainst t e otion to re o e i ro is ost e te e o ack rk o c aire t e rocee in s eclare t e s eaker ost acant a ter t e o se c a ber ent silent a ter it a aske i anone is es to c an e t eir ote t en rea o t e tall s b itte b t e clerk

e atrick c enr a close c art all ill ser e as s eaker ro te or as te orar actin s eaker it a s ar ban o t e a el e eclare t e c aber in recess is is a istoric action b t e o se as ne er be ore

as a o se s eaker s ccess ll been ote o t o t e c air e last ti e t e o se a a ote to o st t e

s eaker as in e ote t at ear ste e ro an st a on roressi e e blicans t at t e s eaker at t e ti e ose annon a conser ati e kno n as ncle oe re se to brin ro ressi e le islation to t e oor or a ote e o se annon fice B il in ic as colete in an is t e ol est con ressional o fice b il in a si nificant e a le o t e Bea rts st le o arc itect re is na e or annon o a ser e as o se s eaker arlier es a a ternoon t e c a ber ote it e ocrats s ortin a otion to table aet ’s resol tion to o st c art settin t e sta e or a ote on et er c art s o l re ain in t e to s ot e ocratic leadership had told reporters earlier that their conerence o l be nite in an e ort to re o e t e o se s eaker

U.S. Sen. LAPHONZA BUTLER (D-Calif.) (left) with her wife, NENEKI LEE, at the U.S. Senate on Oct. 3.

(Blade photo by Michael Key)

Now former U.S. House Speaker KEVIN MCCARTHY (R-Calif.) (Blade photo by Michael Key)

on ti e B all en ianne einstein ies at

Beca e an rancisco a or a ter oscone ilk assassinations

By CHRISTOPHER KANE | ckane@washblade.com

U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) died Sept. 28 at the age of 90.

er o fice in a state ent sai t e ali ornia eocrat o as ser e in t e enate since asse a a at er as in ton o e einstein in beca e an rancisco’s a or ater t e assassination o a or eor e oscone an o enl a er isor ar e ilk

“ er assin is a reat loss or so an ro t ose o lo e an care or er to t e eo le o ali ornia t at s e e icate er li e to ser in rea s t e stateent t at einstein’s o fice release

“ enator einstein ne er backe a a ro a fi t or at as st an ri t it a e “ t t e sa e ti e s e as al a s illin to ork it an one e en t ose s e isa ree it i it eant betterin t e li es o ali ornians or t e better ent o o r nation resi ent oe Bi en o ser e alon si e einstein in t e enate ro to release a state ent callin er “a ioneerin erican a tr e trailbla er and “ or ill an e a c eris e rien “ n an rancisco s e s o e enor o s oise an co ra e in t e ake o tra e an beca e a oer l oice or erican al es er in in t e enate to et er or ore t an ears a a ront ro seat to at ianne as able to acco lis t’s recr ite er to ser e on t e iciar o ittee en as air an kne at s e as a e o an ante er on o r tea

ere’s no better e a le o er skill l le islatin an s eer orce o ill t an en s e t rne assion into r ose an le t e fi t to ban assa lt ea ons ianne a e er ark on e er t in ro national sec rit to t e en iron ent to rotectin ci il liberties e’s a e istor in so an a s an o r co ntr ill benefit ro er le ac or enerations

“ ten t e onl o an in t e roo ianne as a role o el or so an ericans a ob s e took serio sl b entorin co ntless blic ser ants an o o no ser e in inistration e a an i ense i act on o n er e ale lea ers or o s e enero sl o ene oors ianne as to s ar al a s re are an ne er lle a nc b t s e as also a kin an lo al rien an t at’s at ill an ill iss t e ost

s e o rn it er a ter at erine an t e einstein a il er tea in t e enate an t e eole o ali ornia e take co ort t at ianne is re nite a ain it er belo e ic ar a o Bless ianne einstein

ice resi ent a ala arris o ser e alon si e einstein as enator or ali ornia ro to an re io sl as ali ornia attorne eneral an an rancisco istrict attorne iss e t e olloin state ent

“ enator ianne einstein as one o t e reatest blic ser ants t at ali ornia an o r nation as e er kno n

“ s t e first o an resi ent o t e an rancisco Boar o er isors t e first o an to ser e as aor o an rancisco an t e lon est ten re o an to ser e in t e nite tates enate ianne einstein broke barriers ins ire enerations o o en to r n

or o fice an i ro e t e li es o illions o ericans t ro er ision co ra e an lea ers i “ ro er ork to el ass t e ssa lt ea ons Ban in to er ork to sa e ar ali ornia’s blic lan s an er lon stan in a ocac or re ro cti e ri ts arria e e alit an B ri ts enator einstein el e b il a better erica “ or ears itnesse enator einstein’s lea ers i en t e ca eras ere on an en t e ere o n en as re electe istrict ttorne o an rancisco it as enator einstein o s ore e in s a nite tates enator it as onor to ser e the people of California alongside Senator Feinstein.

scribe it a an ritten note lso s eakin ro t e oor in trib te to t eir late collea e ollo in an a ress ro t e enate alain an a o ent o silence ere enate a orit ea er ck c er ali enate inorit ea er itc c onnell enate resi ent ro e ore att rra as en san ollins aine enate a orit i ick rbin ll an ens isa rko ski laska aria ant ell as lob c ar inn el on iteo se an a ie irono a aii e state ent b o se eaker erita anc elosi ali to c e on t e senator’s earl career in e ocratic olitics “ ianne as a ioneerin o an lea er o ser e as an rancisco’s first eale a or it n atc e co ra e oise an race tan in stron a i orror an eartbreak ro t e br tal r ers o ar e ilk an eor e oscone to t e ea l s e i e ic s e o ere o r it a beacon o stren t an o e “ ersonall it as a reat onor to ser e alon si e ianne or eca es ro t e ill streets o an rancisco to t e allo e alls o on ress elosi sai “ e ere not onl collea es b t nei bors an rien s e a e “ a ter anc orinne as lon been an a irer an e ote rien o enator einstein an e ere all close rien s it er an er late sban ic ar

“ n t e enate ntelli ence o ittee e s ent a reat eal o ti e to et er in classifie bi artisan briefin s an earin s orkin on iss es critical to erica’s national sec rit an t e stabilit o t e orl enator einstein an s are a n a ental belie in t e i ortance o stron erican lea ers i n sa first an o s e orke co ra eo sl to ens re t at o r lea ers i as i e b o r nation’s al es

“ n t e tra ition o so an reat enators ro ali ornia s e as not onl a lea er or o r state b t or o r nation an o r orl ro er lon career enator einstein orke across t e aisle to el o r nation li e to its ro ise

“ o an sen o r ra ers to enator einstein’s a il

ressin t e enate oor on ri a ali ornia en le a illa sai “ lon be ore bein able to ser e to et er ere in t e enate iane a e e one o first obs in olitics in er os n eles o fice t a ti e earl in career en as lookin to ake a i erence or co nit an or o r state t’s in art t anks to er ro n breakin career t at a atino son o i i rants co l one a not st ork or er b t ork alon si e er to kee t e fi t or t e erican rea

a illa also s are an anec ote abo t o einstein s o e i a oto ra ro er arc i es o t e alk an rancisco in ic s e a in -

“Senator Dianne Feinstein ’s assin is a loss or s all t eete an i ts a ai n resi ent elle obinson “ er stea ast s ort or t e B conit an t e fi t or stice ill be re e bere e carr er le ac or ar in o r relentless rs it o e alit it o t e ce tion alit ali ornia t e nation’s lar est state i e B ci il ri ts or ani ation release a state ent ro ec ti e irector on oan on ri a “ Senator einstein e ote er li e to ser in t e eo le o ali ornia an o r nation c a ionin B ci il ri ts re ro cti e ree o n sa et re or an e ocrac t ro o t er re arkable career enator einstein stoo it o r co nit back en e ot ers i fi tin or n in an action to co bat t e crisis en ost electe o ficials c ose to look a a “ n t e Boar o er isors an t en as a or s e la e a cr cial role in nitin an rancisco a ter t e orrific assassinations o er isor ar e ilk an a or eor e oscone e onstratin e cetional lea ers i an co assion at a ti e en o r B co nit nee e it ost t e ro rote “ er role in erican istor is n istakabl intert ine it B istor an t e assassination o er isor ar e ilk Brian Bon o ational sai “ e a been a constant an stri ent a ocate or B ri ts e er since s ortin arria e e alit ilitar ser ice or B eo le t e alit ct an so c ore

“ a ilies in ali ornia an across t e co ntr o rn t e loss o t is stal art a ocate o orke to ake o r la s st an e itable so e er B erson co l li e it i nit an res ect

U.S. Sen. DIANNE FEINSTEIN (D-Calif.) attends a Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing on Sept. 4, 2018, to consider the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

New workforce program aims to help expand economic opportunity for trans community Finding inclusion while pursuing sustainable careers

By JPMORGAN CHASE & CO.

It was only a few years ago that Sudhesna Kusulia would travel 10 kilometers (about 6.21 mi) from her rural village in India to be able to connect to the internet.

The community she grew up in, Dangaria Kondh, had no network, electricity or constructed houses. When Sudhesna got a smartphone in 2020, she gained a window to another world—one where she was able to explore aspects of her identity she had suppressed since childhood.

“I realized I’m not alone,” says Sudhesna, who identifies as a trans woman. “I belong in the LGBTQ+ community. There are millions of people like me living life authentically.”

Growing up, Sudhesna had a love for fashion and Bollywood dancing, and recalls carefully selecting dresses and accessories for her sisters, while secretly wishing she could wear them herself. “The disconnect between my soul and the body I was in was very painful to experience,” she explains. Facing these challenges, Sudhesna struggled with depression throughout her journey to self-acceptance. “From a young age, people started bullying me. I isolated myself. I would just cry in my bedroom, beating the wall with no one to hear my pain.”

Social stigma, barriers to opportunities, and lack of family support often push transgender people to the fringes of society. Though recent policy changes in India have reduced barriers and provided rights to the broader LGBTQ+ community—India’s Supreme Court decriminalized consensual same-sex sexual relations in 2018—there’s still a long way to go, especially when it comes to advancing equity and inclusion for the country’s gender expansive (transgender and nonbinary) population.

India is JPMorgan Chase & Co. second largest market worldwide in terms of number of employees, has been providing services to clients since 1945. Today, the bank has expanded its presence in India, growing its corporate centers across the country, which act as strategic hubs for JPMorgan Chase. Here, employees are working at the forefront of cloud computing, machine learning, artificial intelligence, data science, operations and so much more that is used around the world.

At JPMorgan Chase, the Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs is committed to advancing equity and inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community globally. One of the ways the office does this is by ensuring all employees and potential employees have an equal opportunity to pursue their full potential and enjoy a fulfilling career. Recognizing both the unique struggles of the trans community in India as well as the immense talent pool that is leading the way for new business and innovation

in the region, JPMorgan Chase worked with PeriFerry to create a transgender internship program in 2022. PeriFerry is a first-of-its-kind social enterprise in India that creates upskilling and employment opportunities for the gender expansive community.

“Across industries, we see that transgender and nonbinary people do not experience equal opportunities to thrive in their careers and achieve sustainable livelihoods,” says Brad Baumoel, global head of JPMorgan Chase’s Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs. “At JPMorgan Chase, we’re committed to creating pathways for the next generation of trans and nonbinary leaders to develop and thrive in their careers.”

Advancing careers in an inclusive workplace

When Sudhesna went to college in 2016 and came out to her parents in 2020, it was a turning point. She

finally felt comfortable in her skin and felt ready to pursue her dreams. But while she was ready to enter the workforce, she was worried her identity would hold her back. A friend suggested she connect with PeriFerry.

Sudhesna landed a spot in PeriFerry’s REVIVE program , a residential corporate training program designed for transgender individuals to venture into the workforce with confidence and acceptance, providing training opportunities in professional English communication, digital literacy, financial literacy, aptitude enhancement, resume building, and interview preparation. That’s how she found JPMorgan Chase.

Through PeriFerry’s REVIVE program, JPMorgan Chase creates dedicated internship roles to gender expansive people across the company’s three corporate centers in India. The 20-week program, inclusive of on-the-job training, is made up of eight weeks of classroom training by PeriFerry, followed by a 12-week internship with JPMorgan Chase. The first and second cohort had 13 and 11 transgender candidates respectively, who interned across different parts of the business and in operations teams. Interns were also able to participate with the bank’s internal Gender Expansive Council, which organized sessions where employees shared their personal experiences as trans leaders at the bank.

Since the internship program launched in June 2022, it has resulted in the hire of over 20 full-time employees.

Connecting with the community for support

While her personal journey has been challenging, and despite rising anti-LGBTQ+ laws and sentiment across the globe, Sudhesna wants to inspire other transgender youth to recognize the beauty in themselves. “It’s a struggle for us. It will take decades before we feel complete acceptance, but it needs to be done. It has to be done,” she says.

According to Sudhesna, the trans community needs support in two critical areas - finding steady, respectful employment and good, safe places to live. Across the globe, JPMorgan Chase supports nonprofits dedicated to advancing economic inclusion for the most vulnerable members of the LGBTQ+ community, including transgender youth and elder communities.

© 2023 JPMorgan Chase & Co. All rights reserved. JPMorgan Chase is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability/ Veterans.

SUDHESNA KUSULIA recently graduated from the internship program as a full-time employee at JPMorgan Chase. (Sudhesna Kusulia)

Gay journalist shot to death inside Philadelphia home

A gay journalist was shot to death in his Point Breeze neighborhood home in the 2300 block of Watkins Street in South Philadelphia early Monday morning.

ccor in to ficer a n Ritchie, a spokesperson for the Philadelphia Police Department, 39-year-old Josh Kruger was shot at about 1:30 a.m. and collapsed in the street after seeking help. Kruger was transported to Penn Presbyterian Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 2:13 a.m.

Police said that Kruger was shot seven times in the chest and abdomen and that no weapons were recovered nor have any arrests been made. Homicides investigators noted that there was no sign of forced entry and the motive remains unclear.

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said in a statement:

“Josh Kruger lifted up the most vulnerable and stigmatized people in our communities — particularly unhoused people living with addiction. As an openly queer writer who wrote about his own journey surviving substance use disorder and homelessness, it was encouraging to see Josh join the Kenney administration as a spokesperson for t e fice o o eless er ices

“Josh deserved to write the ending of his personal sto-

ry. As with all homicides, we will be in close contact with the Philadelphia police as they work to identify the person or persons responsible so that they can be held to account in a court of law. I extend my deepest condolences to Josh’s loved ones and to all those mourning this loss.”

WHYY reported Kruger had written extensively with bylines in multiple publications, including the Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Magazine, the Philadelphia Citizen, WHYY, and Billy Penn.

CBS News reported that Kruger overcame homelessness an a iction to ork or fi e years in city government, handling Mayor Jim Kenney’s social media and serving as the communications director for t e cit ’s fice o o eless er ices

He left city government in 2021 to return to journalism, according to his website.

“He was more than just a journalist,” Kendall Stephens, who was a friend and neighbor of Kruger’s, told CBS News. “He was more than just a community member. He was so ebo t at o t t at reat fi t so an o s are not able to fi t t at fi t beca se e’re too b s s eltered in our own homes wondering if someone is going to knock down our doors and kill us the same way they killed him. The same way they tried to kill me. And we’re

tired of it.”

Kenney said in a statement that he is “shocked and saddened” by Kruger’s death.

“He cared deeply about our city and its residents, which was evident in his public service and writing. Our administration was fortunate to call him a colleague, and our prayers are with everyone who knew him.”

The District Attorney’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee issued the following statement:

“Many of us knew Josh Kruger as a comrade who never stopped advocating for queer Philadelphians living on the margins of society. His struggles mirrored so many of ours — from community rejection, to homelessness, to addiction, to living with HIV, to poverty — and his recovery, survival, and successes showed what’s possible when politicians an electe lea ers re ect bi otr an ork a fir ati el to uplift all people. Even while Josh worked for the mayor, he never stopped speaking out against police violence, politicized attacks on trans and queer people, or the societal discarding of homeless and addicted Philadelphians.

“We are devastated that Josh’s life was ended so violently. We urge anyone who has information that could lead to an arrest and prosecution for Josh’s murder to contact t e ila el ia olice or t e ’s fice irectl B Philadelphians experience violence of all kinds every day; few people used their platforms to remind powerful people in government of that reality as effectively as Josh Kruger did. Josh and the communities he advocated for every day of his life deserve nothing less than justice and accountability for this outrageous crime.”

BRODY LEVESQUE

Lesbian mother from El Salvador released from ICE custody

A federal judge last week ordered the release of a lesbian mother from El Salvador who had been in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody since June 2017.

Jessica Patricia Barahona-Martinez and her three chilren entere t e on a co rt filin notes s e e ersec tion s e ace in l al a or as a lesbian, and because the government had falsely identifie er as a an e ber

Barahona-Martinez lived with her sister and other relatives in Woodbridge, Va., until ICE arrested and detained her on June 26, 2017. She was housed at two ICE detention centers in Virginia until her transfer to the South

Louisiana ICE Processing Center, a privately-run facility the GEO Group, a Florida-based company, operates in Basile, La., in October 2020.

An immigration judge in November 2019 granted Barahona-Martinez asylum for the second time. The government appealed the decision and the Board of Immigration Appeals, which the Justice Department oversees, ruled in their favor.

The American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of o isiana last ont file a rit or abeas cor s etition in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana’s Lafayette Division that asked for Barahona-Martinez’s release. U.S. District Judge Terry A. Dough-

ty on Sept. 27 ruled in her favor.

“Petitioner (Barahona-Martinez) ultimately argues that her prolonged detention violates due process; she moves that this court issues a temporary restraining order, requests release, a bond hearing, an expedited hearing and costs and attorney fees,” wrote Doughty. is co rt fin s t at etitioner as la sibl alle e her prolonged detention violates due process,” added Doughty.

An ACLU spokesperson on Monday told the Blade that ICE has released Barahona-Martinez and she is once again in Virginia with her children and sister.

MICHAEL K. LAVERS

State Dept. hosts intersex activists from around the world

e tate e art ent last eek oste fi e interse activists from around the world.

Kimberly Zieselman, a prominent intersex activist who advises Jessica Stern, the special U.S. envoy for the promotion of LGBTQ and intersex rights abroad, brought the activists to D.C.

Morgan Carpenter, co-founder and executive director of Intersex Human Rights Australia

• Natasha Jiménez, an intersex activist from Costa Rica who is the general coordinator of Mulabi, the Latin American Space for Sexualities and Rights

• Julius Kaggwa, founder of the Support Initiative for People with Atypical Sex Development Uganda

• Magda Rakita, co-founder and executive director of Fujdacja Interakcja in Poland and co-founder of Interconnected UK

• Esan Regmi, co-founder and executive director of

the Campaign for Change in Nepal.

Special U.S. Envoy for Global Youth Issues Abby Finkenauer and Assistant Health Secretary Rachel Levine are a on t e o ficials it o t e acti ists et Zieselman told the Washington Blade on Sept. 21 the acti ists o ere tate e art ent o ficials an interse o er ie rin a irt al briefin

More than 60 Save the Children staffers from around the orl artici ate in anot er irt al briefin iesel an noted the activists also met with Stern, U.N. and Organization o erican tates o ficials n ers an re resentatives while in D.C.

“The people we met were genuinely interested,” Rakita told the Blade.

Stern in an exclusive statement to the Blade said “the visiting intersex activists clearly had an impact here at State, sharing their expertise and lived experience highlighting

the urgency to end human rights abuses, including those involving harmful medical practices against intersex persons globally.” Andrew Gleason, senior director for gender equality and social justice at Save the Children US, in a LinkedIn post he wrote after attending his organization’s meeting with the activists echoed Stern.

“There are many learnings to recount from today’s discussion, but one thing is clear, this is unequivocally a child rights issue, and one that demands attention and action at the intersection of LGBTQI+ rights, reproductive rights and justice, disability justice and more,” wrote Gleason. “Gratitude to the panelists for sharing such poignant testimonies and providing insights into what organizations like ours can do to contribute to the broader intersex movement; and thank you to Kimberly for your leadership and bringing this group together.”

MICHAEL K. LAVERS

JOSH KRUGER with his cat Mason (Photo courtesy of Josh Kruger’s Facebook page)

202.882.1648

Gay Prince Eddy, Kind, Caring, Un�it to Murder 20 Million

(Part 5 in a series)

is editor of the Washington Blade. Reach him at knaff@washblade.com

Is anyone else sick of Cassidy Hutchinson?

Trump loyalist feted by mainstream media after belated change of heart

Cassidy Hutchinson, the former Trump loyalist who belatedly turned on her boss, the man she “adored,” was last week’s mainstream media obsession, turning up multiple times on CNN, MSNBC, NBC, “The View,” and seemingly everywhere else. The only person getting more airtime lately is Taylor Swift, after urgent news broke that she’s dating an NFL player. (The “Today” show led twice with that very important story last week.)

For sure, Hutchinson’s testimony before the Jan. 6 committee in front of 13 million viewers took courage, given how many Trump supporters are inclined to violence against his critics.

But Hutchinson remained loyal to Trump even after the Jan. 6 insurrection and planned to move to Florida for a job with him after he left the White House on Jan. 20. She initially took the advice of Trump’s attorneys to claim she didn’t recall the events leading up to the attack on the Capitol.

Some of us saw Trump for what he is back in 2015: a racist criminal and pathological liar, an ‘80s has-been and washed-up reality show host in orange makeup and a bad wig.

Where’s our party?

Easily duped people like Hutchinson helped elect Trump and then supported him throughout all the too-numerous-to-mention scandals — mocking the disabled, insulting a Gold Star family, ridiculing war heroes, siding with Neo Nazis in Charlottesville, and on and on. Not to mention a botched response to a pandemic that killed more than one million Americans. Trump refused to wear a mask (we recently learned because it smeared his extensive makeup) and poked fun at Joe Biden for wearing one.

Most of Trump’s die hard supporters jumped ship after Jan. 6, but not Cassidy Hutchinson. She even told Mark Meadows that she would “take a bullet” for Trump. She tol e ie t at it as a i fic lt o ent to atc or er ite o se sta ers e nounce Trump after Jan. 6, due to her blind loyalty to him. She resisted her own mother’s pleas to abandon Trump and not move to Florida with him. She blamed Trump’s advisers for his bad decisions.

It all smacks of brainwashing. Anyone who is so weak willed that they are easily manipulated by the “charms” of Donald Trump has no business anywhere near the White House. Hutchinson has demonstrated not just bad judgement, but disastrous judgement.

And now that she has a book to peddle, the mainstream media predictably line up to sing her praises and she spills all sorts of tea, from Rudy Giuliani allegedly sexually assa ltin er to ark ea o s b rnin ite o se oc ents in is o fice fire place. She didn’t follow the parade of staffers who quit after Jan. 6 and she didn’t report Meadows for allegedly destroying government property. And now we’re supposed to s ell o t or er a i book abo t finall seein t e li t lon a ter t e rest o t e orl a fi re o t r or t e incorri ible t reat to e ocrac t at e re resents

Hutchinson deserves our gratitude for her Jan. 6 committee testimony. But nothing more. And the mainstream media have got to stop their practice of reckless revisionist history and praising the undeserving.

CASSIDY HUTCHINSON was the mainstream media’s darling last week.

PETER ROSENSTEIN

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

Stop donating to groups like Fight for Reform this election cycle

Give directly to local Democratic candidates instead OUR

If you ever gave to a political candidate, or group, you are now inundated with emails and texts from every group and every candidate running. This column is a reminder to be careful when you are asked for money. A group like Fight for Reform is very close to the line of lying to you. In their endless email requests for money, they give you two choices in their ask. And they keep asking over and over. I find their requests offensive. The choices they claim you have are: “Choice #1: Sit on our hands and hope the Electoral College doesn’t hand extremist Trump another corruption-riddled presidency. Choice #2: Chip in $7 to help fund our ads to abolish the Electoral College, strengthen our democracy, and save the country from Trump.”

There is, of course, a third choice: delete all of their emails. The simple fact is, to get rid of the Electoral College, which is something I support, you need a constitutional amendment. It is clear such an amendment would never pass this Congress, and even if by some miracle it did, it would not be ratified before the 2024 election. Therefore, in no way will it have an impact on whether Trump, God forbid, wins. So to me it is clear, you are better off giving your money in this election cycle directly to candidates who would even consider pushing for this. Remember, Fight for Reform doesn’t support federal candidates. But even at the state level only Democrats would support this.

Fight for Reform, is a state level project of a larger organization, End Citizens United , which has a large staff. Clearly, some of your money will go to pay staff and the administrative costs of the organization. So, much of your donation won’t necessarily go to the ads they are asking you to fund. Fight for Reform says it endorses only non-federal candidates at the local level, and that is great. But if you go to their website trying to find out who they endorsed you see only one name, Janet Protasiewicz, for Wisconsin Supreme Court. That election is over, and yes, she won. Wisconsin Republicans are now looking to impeach her before she has even ruled on anything.

• Join us for our pig roast on Saturday, Oct 7th 12-3

• Live German folk music on Sunday, October 8th 3-5

• Bavarian Brunch on Sunday, October 15th 12-3pm with live German folk music

DINNER:

LUNCH: HH:

WED-SUN 3-10PM

WED-FRI 11:30-2:30PM

WED-FRI 2-6PM

I only use this group as an example of what you should look for before you turn over your hard-earned money. When you get a request for a donation by email, look at where the email is coming from. Usually, you will find that in the very small print at the bottom of the email. If it’s not directly from the candidate the email is asking money for, I would think twice about donating through the email. Now if it is a candidate you like, just go to their campaign website and make your donation. That will ensure all your money goes to the candidate without anyone else taking a portion of it. Most of us are getting lots of emails for political candidates running in 2024, even for those still running in primaries, who want our help to be on the general election ballot. Again, if it’s someone you like, go find their website and donate there.

There are crucial elections in November 2023, and there is still time to give money to some of those candidates and make a difference. This is especially true of those running in Virginia trying to win the state legislature. There are two great things that would happen if Democrats win. One, they will have the votes to control what gets done in Virginia; and two, it will be a very public setback to their MAGA Governor Glenn Youngkin. He is a wolf in sheep’s clothing who may talk pretty, but is a Trumper at heart. You can donate to the incredible Danica Roem for State Senate to make a real difference, and to Russet Perry for State Senate, to help her defeat MAGA Juan Pablo Segura, who sounds like Youngkin, but is also clearly a Trumper. There are others in Virginia that make a difference for every decent person. One representing the best of Virginia and the LGBTQ community is Adam Ebbin for State Senate.

It is interesting most Democratic candidates in Virginia have been matching, or exceeding, their Republican challenger’s fundraising. But recently Youngkin has contributed millions of dollars from his PAC to Republican legislative candidates for last minute commercials. We need to make sure Democratic candidates can continue to match them, or even exceed their spending. All our lives will be better if Democrats win.

HENRY HICKS IV

is the coordinator for PEN America’s U.S. Free Expression program. PEN America is committed to defending against attacks on LGBTQ+ free expression.

What do the banning of a children’s picture book about two male penguins, white supremacist stand-offs outside of weekend brunches and a killing during impromptu dancing at a gas station have in common? Plenty. Each impinges on the escalating trend of attacks on LGBTQ+ people and their right to free expression.

On the evening of July 29, O’Shae Sibley pulled into a Brooklyn gas station parking lot it is rien s to fill t eir as tank s t e aite or t e tank to fill t e ro s ille from the car and used the moment to move joyfully in the hot summer night, cranking the car radio’s volume and dancing together. Sibley, a gay man, was also a skilled professional dancer and choreographer. He displayed his talents this night, voguing to the sounds of Beyoncé, an artist that Sibley and his friends were fans of. By coincidence, the artist was performing just a few miles away that night, with professional voguers joining her on stage.

Vogueing, a dance style born out of the traditionally queer ballroom scene, is known for its electrifying dips, drops and duckwalks. The style has been prominently featured in the Golden Globe-winning television show “Pose” — and, more recently, on stage in Beyoncé’s all-consuming Renaissance World Tour. The energy of the ballroom scene has spirited communities across the country, as Beyoncé’s tour has touched down city-by-city, and Sibley and his friends were not exempt to this reach. He was, in fact, eager to participate in his artistry as someone known for his role as a dancer, choreographer, and active member of New York’s ballroom community.

As he and his friends vogued to Beyoncé in the parking lot, moves that Sibley was adept in as an artist himself, they grabbed the attention of hostile onlookers. As captured on s r eillance oota e ible as first berate it o o obic sl rs ible ’s o e er formance seeming to signal his sexuality to his attacker. Shortly following the verbal assault, things turned violent. Sibley was stabbed and murdered in a tragic hate crime, fueled by homophobia and triggered by Sibley’s open expression as a dancer and artist.

n o rnin an in efiant rotest in t e a s ollo in t e e ork it eer community hosted a memorial at the site of his murder where they honored his memory through performance, with a vibrant and resistant ball.

“You won’t break my soul. / You won’t break my soul, no, no. / I’m telling everybody,” Be onc sin s efiantl in er sin le Break o l

The murder of O’Shae Sibley was devastating — and a signal of a disturbing trend. Increasing violence toward LGBTQ+ people, and attempts to quash their personal and artistic expression, are on the rise in the United States. Advocacy organizations such as GLAAD and the Anti-Defamation League have reported surges in harassment, vandalism and physical violence against LGBTQ+ people — with 356 instances being reported between June 2022 and April 2023. Transgender people, as well as drag performers, have been targeted at notabl i rates e an i ts a ai n re orte r ers o trans eo le ostl trans o en o color in e asi es t at t e act al n ber is likel higher, as most attacks go unreported, or are reported inaccurately.)

Drag shows across the country have faced threats and intimidation from armed protesters, including the far-right extremist group, the Proud Boys. Gay bars have been targeted by ar e assailants s c as t e tra ic assacre t atocc rre at l b in olora o rin s olo last o e ber os itals ro i in en er a fir in care to trans en er o t a e been tar ete it bo b t reats n a ali ornia store o ner as s ot an kille or is la in a ri e a arass ent t reats o iolence an ate cri es a ainst t e LGBTQ+ community have steadily risen in recent years. It is clear that this bigotry has been e bol ene an its first oal is to silence t e ree e ression o B eo le t ro violence if necessary.

The exponential increase in physical violence against LGBTQ+ people over the last few years cannot be divorced from the recent legislative environment that has grown ever-more hostile to LGBTQ+ expression. Bills categorizing drag shows as obscenity, book bans targeting LGBTQ+ authors and stories about queer identities in schools and public libraries, as well as other legislative attacks are part of this trend against the LGBTQ+ community. The attacks, both physical and through laws and bans, risk enabling a culture that normalizes repression of queer voices and increases the risk of violence aimed, in part, at suppressing expression of LGBTQ+ people, even when individuals are simply voguing to Beyoncé in public.

ontin es at as in tonbla e co

Sibley’s murder an attack on LGBTQ people and their expression ore t an anti B ate cri es reported in last year

SARAH NEALY, LPC, is a trauma-informed psychotherapist in the D.C. area who specializes in queer struggles, mixed-orientation relationships, and religious trauma in the queer community. Visit sarahnealylpc.com.

t took e al ost ears to fi re o t ’ been in a se o reli io s c lt Born e ale asn’t allo e to c t air or ear ants an t ere as t at one ti e en as nine ears ol t at ’ ear o r astor scol in at er abo t bein ore care l i n’t t rn o t to be a lesbian oiler alert e as ns ccess l o as a ll ti e t era ist in ri ate ractice in rlin ton a ’ e be n to notice t at since eak an e ic reli io s tra a as beco e t e ental ealt b or o t e ear

efine b t e lobal enter or eli io s esearc reli io s tra a res lts from an event, series of events, relationships, or circumstances within or connected to reli io s belie s ractices or str ct res t at is e erience b an in i i al as o er el in or isr ti e an as lastin a erse e ects on a erson’s sical ental social e otional or s irit al ell bein Be ore e a an o ficial ter or it eo le o ten re erre to t e conce t as c rc rt or te le tor ent an other more colloquial expressions to indicate the same thing—the source of their pain lies in the foundation of religion and religious people.

et it asn’t ntil t at t e ter as e en coine an it’s still astl nre ort ed how it disproportionately impacts the queer community.

Churches and religious centers have long had a stronghold on community gatherings, and when everyone was sent home in March of 2020, an interesting pheno enon be an to a en eo le sto e oin to c rc so e o t e or t e first ti e in t eir li es re ost c rc es ere able to i ot to online ro ra in an li e strea s b t s enl eo le o’ ne er estione ere t e o l be on a at r a or a n a ere bein orce to take ti e an s ace to examine what they were doing, and most importantly, why.

ro in in i e an i control reli io s settin s o an kin can a e a rastic i act on a e elo in brain e co niti e isr tion ca se b t e an demic — an unprecedented moment in time where everyone had to stop the routines t e ere se to allo e or an eo le to be in to t or s to t e i act reli io s tra a a a on o r co niti e social an s c olo ical ell bein s ne o t e ost lfillin an et ost an ero s as ects o reli ion is t at it creates a framework for one to view the world and their place in it. In the right an s t is can be co ortin an el l an i e eo le a sense o r ose an belon in o e er it’s also a lnerable area t at attracts ans solel seekin to satis t eir o n esires t ro ositions o o er it in reli ion enl t at ra e ork beco es an eas tool or sel ser in r oses an reli io s tra a is the result.

Bein eer in a re o inantl eteronor ati e c lt re eans a to aticall be in born o tsi e t e ra e ork o societ it onl a linear a o i entit base in doctrine that never seems to quite line up.

s a t era ist it ostl eer clients fin sel constantl orkin to el people deconstruct this framework in terms of how one thinks—example, reducing occ rrences o black ite t inkin ic is roote in t e conce t o oo s e il an not in in bet een an o one al es t e sel es in t e orl e i acts can be seen in ot er areas like social an iet an learnin o to b il co nit o tsi e o a c rc settin or e o erin onesel to efine s irit alit an a rela tions i it a i er o er b t eir o n ter s or t ro obli ator relations i s an lack o bo n aries in a ilial relations i s e list o a s it i acts eo le can o on an on incl in ore se ere s to s like s bstance ab se s ici al i eation an co le ost ra atic tress isor er ten ti es eo le on’t e en kno to tie t ese back to ori ins in reli io s tra a an a e instea inter nali e t ese iss es as res lts o t eir o n ercei e ina e ac or brokenness e realit is t at t e eer co nit is at a isa anta e o o ten not bein elco e into t e er laces t at center o r tra a an also r ort to be at can eal t at tra a is eans a ocatin or o rsel es fin in ealt an i partial avenues of support for religious trauma, and going to a hell of a lot of therapy.

“MODEL PERFECT!”

17000 Black Marlin Circle, Lewes, DE | MLS: DESU2046668

PRICE CHANGE - NOW $1,449,900

ICONIC LEWES LANDMARK!

Truly a one-of-a-kindstately & historichome, locatedinthedesirablecommunityof Shipcarpenter Squareon a beautifullylandscapedcornerlot! The 4 BR/3.5 BA home was originally commissionedin 1879 by River Boat Captain James Orton, andmovedtoitscurrentlocationas partofthecreationof Shipcarpenter Square. Thishomeisextensivelyupdatedtomodern-day sensibilities & expectations, allwhileretainingthehome’s authentic Victoriancharacter & charm.

COASTAL LUXURY IN WOLFE POINTE!

Situatedon a halfacreperimeterlotbackingto state parklands, thishomedeliversonspace & location. Boasting 5+ bedroomswith Bruce "gunstock" hardwood flooringthroughoutthe mainlivingarea, animpressive 2-storylivingroomfeaturingcustomcarpetinlay, grand Palladianwindows, custom fireplacewithbuilt-inentertainmentnookand box beamceiling!

Two new books from longtime LGBTQ advocates not to miss

This fall brings two new important books from leadin B a ocates a ne Besen t e lea in fi re in t e fi t a ainst so calle e a ’ t era an ic Basile, a longtime LGBTQ rights and Democratic Party activist.

ies it a trai t ace osin t e ranks an ons nsi e t e a ’ n str b Besen re isits t e fi t a ainst con ersion t era rote t is book to ens re t at t re enerations kno t e tr t abo t o con ersion ractices a a e ental ealt break a art a ilies an ne er ork Besen said in a statement. All royalties from book sales will go to r t ins t to el its e orts to fi t t e e a in str Book release ate is ational o in t a ct isit waynebesen.com for more information and for a link to pre-order.

Belo is an e cer t ro t e book

Weird Weekend: Journey into Manhood

ent o r ear ol att s cro t tra ele ro a s all to n in ntario ana a to t e oo s o e o e enns l ania to atten o rne into an oo ’s i eeken retreat t as a o r “e a ca e erience t at as s ose to t i on t e at to eterose alit

FROM STAFF REPORTS

ner e i ea as to ser e as a s rro ate at er o erin lo e an a ection t ro to c t at a s ose l withheld.

When the weekend commenced, lights were dimmed in a large room, creating an atmosphere of mystery and foreboding. The campers were disoriented, with their personal items having been taken from them immediatel on arri al e i n’t e en a e atc es att e laine e i n’t a e cell ones e a to rel on t e s n to tell ti e e a no sense o ti e e st ollo e irec tion ro t e lea ers t at ere t ere ost o t ose o si ne ca e ro stern reli io s co nities ere t e a er li ite access to o t a en ar a a ro o e t e s enl o n t e sel es in t e orest s rro n e b si ilar s it ra in or ones e ent closete se al ener et er acte on or not as al able an la beneat t e s r ace att ner o sl eere at is alo oro s c le artner e ere instr cte to atte t t e otorc cle osition e c ol er stran er o l sit be in att an ol i as i t e ere ri in a arle o n the highway.

k ar l t e s cro c e into osition att s ir e an trie not to breat e t o is artner’s stale cat rine aro a entl a te into is tra ati e nostril e co l eel t e at re stran er’s e ber in atin like a birt a balloon okin an ro in into his backside.

at kin o strai t ca as t is att t o t

Abba Dabba Doo rt r bba ol ber as o t o rison an o t o l ck e isbarre attorne an or er all treet con an ro e to isco er t e ne t c a ter in is sor i life. He was forbidden from practicing law and banished ro t e financial in str so it as nclear o e o l ake a li in enl like a re elation ro o it as all too ob io s is son a co e o t as a so ol ber o l o ort nisticall ca itali e on is a il ’s sit ation to cas in e recr ite laine Berk o also a a a son to ose to et er as e erts o co l c re o ose al it n t e starte e s erin e lternati es to o ose alit in erse it as t e e icle for their scam.

o a a i o le iti ac ol ber a t ore i t in t e loset ora o ose alit an t e o er to an e ic ostl cribbe ’s rin e i eas an eb nke t eories itionall ol ber beca e t e ec ti e ecretar o an resi ent o os iti e lternati es to o ose alit a coalition o e a ro s ro otin non a alternati es to o ose al li est les

fill t e ac net icall rofitin ro ot er eo les’ con sion an ain ere as one stick roble t at co l otentiall erail t e ole sca e na e rt r bba ol ber as ni e n online searc o l i e iatel re eal that he was a criminal mastermind who had done hard ti e or eino s cri es e ans er to is e istential i lemma was simpler than one might imagine. He simply ro e t e bba ro is na e an beca e one o t e see in l co ntless en na e rt r ol ber ren erin i sel irt all nsearc able it a ne identity and innovative swindle, Goldberg, along with Berk t o t a s in le e le en ar con an as back in b siness

The ‘Ex-Gay’ Heyday e isco eries co l be startlin an cobe o l st ble on relics ro is fianc an o as’ is t rbin ast e an e lo e ee l an a ectionall el an s it rin o r inter ie a not too lon a o been t e c ie lobb ist an or er ice resi ent o o s nternational o kno at’s n cobe tol e en o o e in it so eone an o start akin o r o n s ace an o start ttin so e o t eir t in s a a to ake roo or o r t in s o co e across ra e ict res o o r artner in a t e o an o r like t at e’s it looks so a iliar o t at’s arl o e eor e B s ’s olitical r at oes in t e botto o t e closet ’ cobe oke o a an o as no cobe e bo ies t e ti tanic ail re o t e orl ’s lar est e a inistr t its eak in o s nternational a e ber a encies ts lobb ists strate i e it t e ost o er l olitical lea ers in t e lan o s as art o t e secreti e rlin ton ro ic as co rise o erica’s ost in ential social conser ati es is incl e or er n iana o ernor an e ent al ice resi ent ike ence an onal r ’s t re o litical strate ist ell anne on a o s as also a e ber o t e ro t e eli io s i t’s B ea consistin o ar core anti a ealots s c as eter a Barbera an obert ni t n t e e a in str reac e its a e en resi ent eor e B s oste an o as an o s resi ent lan a bers at t e ite o se eir role as to tr et t eir e a i en tit in s ort o B s ’s ca ai n to ass t e o io s e eral arria e en ent is ns ccess l e ort atte te to c an e t e nite tates onstit tion to ban sa e se arria e nation i e o as no looks back at t is e oc in is li e it ro o n s a e an regret.

ot lon a ter e ro i e is o n ancock or a non se al e erience att ear t e or s e’ll ne er forget. “ on’t in e i a e a boner a ear ol man o att sa s “s elle like cat ee intoned. The ol er entle an as assi ne to be att’s c le art

n ter s o iabilit t ere as ent e an in t e rt o o e is o nit or ’s ro ct e alrea e istin ra a a t e a ro ra s ere eare to ar s ristians o erin es s as t e ans er it an increase in t e n ber o B rt o o e s co in o t e er a o e a il e bers and rabbis searched for answers on how to deal with t is abo ination ol ber an Berk o l a il

t t e ti e as so ro as like o a ’ oin to t e ite o se ’ o look back on it ’ like i n’t o ell o t i o betra o r co nit like t at ’ n it’s a ar t in to t ink abo t B t ’ la t at t e blin ers a e been ri e o an no o co rse s ort ll arria e e alit an ’ oin to arr a e

CONTINUES ON PAGE 30

Besen on fi t a ainst con ersion t era Basile re isits o n in o

Vic Basile revisits lifetime of advocacy

Another important book debuting this fall is “Bending Toward Justice,” by Vic Basile, the Human Rights a ai n’s first e ec ti e irector an co o n er o the Victory Fund.

“Bending Toward Justice” shares the history of HRC and the journey through AIDS, the attempts to get o ern ent reco nition an n in or researc eucation, and treatment, and how HRC confronted ignorance and discrimination to shift the hearts and minds of Americans about equal treatment, according to a statement from the publisher.

ra in on is e erience as t e first e ec ti e director of the Human Rights Campaign Fund, Vic Basile as ritten a al able a ition to t e stor o one o t e ost conse ential o e ents in ost orl ar erica sai or er a e Barne rank (D-Mass.). The book was released this week and is a ailable at HRC.org an a on n e cer t ollo s

Of Historic Significance

t as a istoric o ent or t e fi teen n re ele antl resse eo le in as in ton ’s ran att ballroo st blocks ro t e ite o se

“Ladies and gentlemen,” announced Elizabeth Birch for the Human Rights Campaign, “it is now my deep honor to present to you the president of the United States.”

The crowd rose to its feet in thunderous applause. e er be ore a a sittin resi ent a resse an B a ience ntil t at o ent on o e ber 8, 1997, when President Bill Clinton was the keynote s eaker at t e first an i ts a ai n ational Dinner.

llen e eneres an nne ec e ere in t e aience it Bett e eneres orot ei t a e Henderson, Ambassador James Hormel, and elected o ficials labor an cor orate e ec ti es an co ntless B lea ers ro across t e co ntr ca eras ran li e co era e enablin an t o san s around the country to share the historic occasion. Although impossible to document, it seemed as though there were more reporters and cameras in the roo t an a e er co ere an B e ent be ore e istoric si nificance o t e resi ent’s a earance t at ni t as clear to e er one o one co l en o ar t e o e ent a co e since tone all B t e er one kne o c rt er e still a to o an o tr l an ero s it co l be or s st to li e o r li es t ose listenin to t e resi ent t at ni t a been l ck eno to a oi bein a bas e a quick scan of the local gay papers too often told of others o a n’t been so ort nate st ele en ont s later t ere o l be no esca in t e orrific escrition of Matthew Shepard tied to a fence and left to die in a o in fiel er erson in t at ballroo li e it t is realit b t t e ol er atten ees kne first an o tr l terri -

fying it could be to be gay during the McCarthy era’s la en er scare e re e bere t e con ressional earin s on t e lo ent o o ose als an t er e er erts t at cate ori e t e as national sec rit t reats an escribe t e as er erts and child molesters. They remembered when President i t isen o er iss e an e ec ti e or er t at banne o ose als ro t e ilitar an ci ilian federal employment. They recalled the horrifying witch nts t at blicl e ose an iliate an t osands of federal employees. Not only did many lose their careers, but many lost their families as well. Too many died by suicide.

Those older attendees likely saw the horrifying 1967 B oc entar anc ore b re ere o rnalist ike allace calle B e orts e o ose als

“Most Americans are repelled by the mere notion of o ose alit allace re orte e B ne s s re s o s t at t o o t o t ree ericans look on o ose als it is st isco ort or ear ne o t o ten sa s atre ast a orit belie e t at o ose alit is an illness onl ten ercent sa it is a cri e n et an ere’s t e ara o e a orit o ericans a or le al nis ent e en or o ose al acts er or e in ri ate bet een consentin a lts e o ose al bitterl a are o is re ection re-

s on s b oin n er ro n e a era e o ose al i t ere be s c is ro isc o s is se li e is lo e li e consists o a series o c ance enco nters at t e clubs and bars he inhabits.”

The animus and discrimination against gay people ere not confine to t e e eral o ern ent an state an local o ern ents i t e sa e lori a as es eciall a ressi e sin its notorio sl cr el o ns o ittee to e ose an ri e a teac ers ro essors, and students from their jobs and academic purs its at t e state’s blic ni ersities

During that time and well beyond it, police routinely raided gay bars, arresting patrons and releasing their names to the media. During one of these raids at the tone all nn in e ork’s reen ic illa e in ne 1969, the patrons, some who were transgender, fought back in an uprising that would last for three days and ark t e be innin o t e o ern a B ri ts o e ent

at istor fille it ric ness an br talit inspired the establishment of what is now the largest and ost in ential or ani ation s ortin B ri ts in t e co ntr as t e first e ec ti e irector o t at or ani ation takin it in si ears ro a bitio s an al ost iable to beco in t e t ent o rt lar est o so e fi e t o san olitical action co ittees in t e nite tates le t e or ani ation’s assi e lobbing effort to pass legislation mandating federal polic or fi tin e a e to ore t an a n re friendly campaigns and committees, and we initiated se eral i ress re actions in res onse to anti a legislation. For better or worse, politics in this country responds to money, and politicians learned they neede to res on to o r co nit an o r le islati e agenda.

’s ro t an in ence as lti lie it eac succeeding leader. Today the Human Rights Campaign has some three and a half million members and suporters so e one n re se ent fi e eo le on sta a b il in ort ore t an illion an a b et o al ost illion e en lea ers a e ropelled the organization to its present stature. lobbies t e e eral state an nici al oern ents on B le islati e an re lator atters a ocates be ore t e co rts artici ates in icial an e ec ti e branc no inations rocess lea s an acti el orks on national ci il ri ts coalitions ecates the public, participates in elections, and works at t e rassroots le el on ci il ri ts an olitical atters of national, state, and municipal importance. B t irt all no one re e bers t e an l o cora eo s in i i als o starte a s all or ani ation in to el ben t at oral arc to ar stice or t eir co nit e are still ere an too an died of AIDS. All of them should be remembered, and no one ore t an te e n ean t e o n an o started what is now called the Human Rights Campaign with little money and a whole lot of grit.

CALENDAR |

Friday, October 06

Center Aging Friday Tea Time will be at 2 p.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ adults. For more details, email adam@thedccenter.org.

GoGay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Social” at 7 p.m. at The Commentary. This event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. Admission is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Saturday, October 07

LGBTQ People of Color Support Group will be at 1 p.m. on Zoom. This peer support group is an outlet for LGBTQ People of Color to come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space the strives to be safe and judgement free. For more details, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.

GoGay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Brunch” at 10a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Admission is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Sunday, October 08

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

GoGay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Dinner & Conversation” at 6 p.m. at Federico Ristorante Italiano. Guests are encouraged to come enjoy an evening of Italian-style dining and conversation with other LGBTQ+ folk on the enclosed front patio. Admission is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Monday, October 09

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.

“Reign: A Variety Drag Show” will be at 8 p.m. at Dupont Italian Kitchen. Logan Stone will host the event, featuring Dabatha Christie, Hennessey, Sirene Noir Sidora Jackson, and Anamosity. Admission is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Tuesday, October 10

Coming Out Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a peer-facilitated discussion group and a safe space to share experiences about coming out and discuss topics as it relates to doing so. For more details, visit the group’s For more information, visit the Coming Out Discussion Group Facebook page.

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

By TINASHE CHINGARANDE

Wednesday, October 11

Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants an seekers incl in t e lon ter ne lo e i ro e sel confi ence 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.

Thursday, October 12

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

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.

OUT & ABOUT

Little District Books to host TikTok star

Little District Books will be one of the stops on Tiktok sensation Mercury Stardust ’s “Safe & Sound” book tour on Monday, Oct. 9 at 11 a.m.

The event, a partnership with As You Are, will include a meet-and-greet and book signing. Stardust’s book, New York Times bestseller “Safe & Sound: A Renter Friendly Guide to Home Repair ” na i ates o to fi st aro n t e o se or people nervous to let strangers into their home.

Tickets are free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Rainbow History Project to honor pioneers

The Rainbow History Project will host its inaugural “Community Pioneers Family Reunion” on Saturday, Oct. 21 at 4 p.m. at Whitman-Walker’s “The Liz.”

The event will recognize the almost 90 Community Pioneers during the 20th anniversary of the RHP program and thank them for their legacy and contributions to the LGBTQ community, and inspire future generations of leaders.

Tickets are free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Little District Books hosts a book signing on Monday.

GLORIA LEATHER SOFA NOW $2499, Reg. $2799

A customer favorite — tight back, soft down bench seat. It’s the perfect curl-up-in-the-corner-and-read sofa.

For

Hours: Mon - Sat 10 - 8 • Sun 12 - 6 belfortfurniture.com • 703-406-7600

22250 & 22267 Shaw Road • Dulles, VA

Shop our new Fall Catalog, BelfortFurniture.com/catalog

OXFORD QUEEN BED JUST $669; King $1039 Available in three finishes, Peppercorn (shown), Whiskey and Black. Set includes bed, dresser, mirror and night stand.

LAWSON DINING TABLE $899 Clean lines, modern styling. The double open geometric pedestal base offers a visual silhouette while the weathered gray finish adds warmth and character. Side chair $145; sideboard $1019; arm chair $245 (not shown).

n ins ire lan e o ro ctions at eries lceste’ an inno ati e bol o ener at

By PATRICK FOLLIARD

For Timothy Nelson, the out artistic director of IN Series, each new production is an ins ire lan e elson t icall fin s i sel blen in so rces ro all o er an creating something disparate from the parts. He says, “I feel like a sculptor who works from o n ob ects

eries’ bol season o ener lceste is no e ce tion elson brin s to et er ri i es’ reek aster iece lcestis t ent r B literall t eater’s first e er tra ico e sic ro t o an el o eras base on t e sa e reek t as ell as or s ro oets e es an l ia lat an ne aterial ro la ri t bil oberts

e t ree actors are backe b a reek c or s ense ble o Baro e oices a na ae arren anna rit li er ercer ob c inness acco anie b a Baro e se en erson orc estra con cte b elson

ri inall ro ir inia elson st ie sic at eabo onser ator an as o n er an ea o erican era eater bot in Balti ore ro t ere elson an is t en sban o e to ster a ere elson as irector o t e et erlan s era t io a ost ra ate trainin ro ra or o era sin ers e also orke in on on issin erica an ea in is o n co an elson ret rne ro abroa to el t e eries in o e ten s to s a a ro t e ter o era an all o t e c lt ral ba a e t at co es it it elson sa s eries is an o era co an t’s o ten escribe as bot o era t at s eaks an t eater t at sin s n ile base in eries er or s in bot Balti ore an as in ton sin ario s borro e en es lceste is en in its o enin r n t is eeken at eatre’s brilliant s ace in ol bia ei ts elson en o s bot cities or i erent reasons ere er e are a iences brin t eir o n t in to t e e erience an like t at Balti ore attracts ore risk takin eater oers are o n er an ore i erse a iences lean into t e intellect al si e o at e o e ten to ske ol er an iter is i ea or lceste be an to ercolate ears a o en e o n a se co o Britis oet e es’s translation o ri i es’s la an e fi re one a e’ do something with it.

elson sa s at str ck e en ori inall o n t e la ere lines at t e en abo t o e’ll reb il o r li es an it ill be a better li e ’ ere’s so et in so beati l an arin abo t t at conce t e t in t at o ’ e t o t o ’ e lost t rns o t o can et back

Bein eer in t e o era orl co es it its an o ns a s elson en o ’re a ite a an in o era o ’re ri ile e an t at ri ile e el s o et a ea b t t ere are also e oo o ents or a en in t e o era ro ession e all a e t ose stories

e’s one ork t at e lores sa e se attraction is ro ction o renc Baro e co oser arc ntoine ar entier’s a i et onat as na olo eticall ortra s t e title c aracters as a an elson’s rea in o Bi et’s e earl is ers as a t rople.

e elson irecte orl re iere oc ses on ro al co le in eto an lceste res ecti el la e b real li e sban an i e en atta o ers an ic elle o ers n s ort lceste a rees to ie in er sban ’s lace en t e co le’s rien erc les aribet i le learns o at’s a ene t e earless o n ero tra els to the underworld to rescue the queen from death.

n is lceste erc les is la e b a o an t first i les’s erc les co es o like a bo bastic ri ate sc oolbo b t later in t e n er orl scenes erc les elores iss es o to ic asc linit

elson a s i ension an e t to a ork it lceste e’s as ire to ake an inno ati e an o e l iece

MARIBETH DIGGLE plays Hercules in ‘Alceste.’

(Photo by Bayou Elom)

4612 37TH ST N, ARLINGTON, VA 22207

Conveniently located close to schools, shopping, National Airport, routes 29, 66 in the sought after Country Club Hills neighborhood. This gorgeous 3 level Tudor boasts of beautiful architectural details along with many recent updates. With approximately 3500 square feet of finished space, the house is comprised of 4 bedrooms, 3full baths and 1 half bath. The main level features a 2 story gracious living room with cathedral ceilings (the wood beams were salvaged from the Chain Bridge dating back to 1874) , oversized wood-burning fireplace, leading to a family room addition with cathedral ceiling, large kitchen with updated stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, kitchen island with plenty of storage. Also on the main level are the formal dining room, 1st floor bedroom with private full bath, separate powder roomand laundry closet. The incredible upper level features 2 large bedrooms with an oversized jack-n-jill full bathroom and a sitting area overlooking the 2 story living room. The lower level features 2 large recreation rooms, the 4th bedroom with connecting full bathroom, utility room leading to a 2 car attached garage. The property consists of 3 separate lots totaling 16,047 square feet and beautifully landscaped with mature trees, shrubbery, 2 separate outdoor patios and a garden shed.

4 BEDS | 3.5 BATHS | 3,500 SQ FT | OFFERED AT $1,550,000 George Cranwell

Basic training turns to love in ‘Eismayer’ A heartfelt reminder of the transformational power of attraction

By JOHN PAUL KING

Sometimes, the tenderest of feelings emerge in the most unexpected of places.

Consider the true-life story of Vice Lieutenant Charles Eismayer, a veteran training instructor in the Austrian Armed Forces whose reputation for toughness became a legend that struck terror into the hearts of young Austrians headed for their compulsory National Service; married, macho, and merciless, he shocked both his military colleagues and the public alike when he became one of t e first o ficers in t e strian ilitar to co e o t as a after falling in love with a recruit. Once seen as a paragon of hyper-masculinity, responsible for traumatizing a generation o e lin sol iers it is br tal trainin tactics he’s now widely lauded as a queer pioneer who helped to fuel a shift toward acceptance and diversity in the Austrian military.

This little-known (in the U.S., anyway) chapter in queer history is the basis for “Eismayer,” the feature debut of strian fil aker a i a ner t at re iere at t e 2022 Venice Film Festival to wide acclaim from critics; after a successful tour of the festival circuit during which it garnered numerous prizes and was frequently cited as an audience favorite, it makes its American debut with a limited theatrical release on Oct. 6 before dropping on digital/ on ct

a ner’s so e at fictionali e treat ent o t e stor ic e rote in fil sc ool a ter earin t e le en during his own stint in the National Service — begins by intro cin its title fi re er ar ieb ann t ro the perceptions of a group of new recruits who, familiar with his reputation, attempt (and fail) to avoid training under his tyrannical command. One exception is Mario Falak ka i i o as a bitions to contin e on to a career as a ilitar o ficer o enl a an eter ine to succeed, he quickly draws the wrath of his new superior it is cock an efiant attit e es ite t e ercei e c allen e to is a t orit oever, Eismayer — who, unbeknownst to his colleagues, wife, and children, lives a closeted life from which he regularly escapes with secretive anonymous sex with men — as con ictin eelin s abo t t is ne recr it eir cobati e relations i be ins to so ten at first it t al respect and then with something deeper as Falak starts to recognize the truth behind Eismayer’s façade. Soon the attraction between them becomes irresistible — and the drill master is forced to decide to if he is man enough to step out from behind the protective lie of his tough-guy image and risk both reputation and career in order to live a life in the open.

If you don’t want to know what happens, you should sto rea in ere beca se since t e fil is base on a true story it is no secret — and therefore not really a spoiler — that Eismayer and Falak eventually became a couple and entered into a domestic partnership that continues to t is a n ee t e fil ar abl la s better it t at advance knowledge, at least in this country, because given the American cultural climate of the moment there is much about its premise that might be hard to get past for sensitive audiences.

To begin with, of course, there is the toxic masculinity and internalized homophobia behind Eismayer’s carefully constructed persona, which might compromise his likabilit or so e ie ers to fin co bine it at i t today be considered an inappropriate power dynamic

bet een t e as a s erior o ficer an is s bor inate — the romance upon which the movie hinges could be a non-starter for many audiences today.

Knowing that these two characters will ultimately become a couple, however, it’s easier to recognize it as a love story, rather than just another harrowing tale of bullying and abuse in a boot camp. Further, by focusing on both Falak and Eismayer from early on, the movie helps us see beyond the roles both o t e la to fin a ee er understanding of what is growing between them than a surface reading based in one perspective could possibly convey.

ter all e en in t e s settin o is a er its title character is already something of a dinosaur; when is con ict it alak c l inates in an inci ent earl on it is he whose behavior is questioned and rebuked by his superiors. The world is changing, and Eismayer must change with it if he is to keep going; his romance with Falak, whose openness is unencumbered by shame and cultural expectation, becomes his lifeline. The outdated toxic traits that have kept the older man safely hidden have also kept him imprisoned, and it is through the example of the younger that he discovers the softer strength within himself to break free. There’s a potent lesson there about transformative change that somehow feels just as a ro riate or o r o n tro ble an con icte a e as it oes t e no eca es ol orl o t e fil

That all of this works instead of falling into a trope-dependent, agenda-driven melodrama seems a bit miracu-

lous, given how many movies we’ve seen about military homophobia across the years; but in truth, it’s largely due to t e ers ecti e bro t to t e i b a ner o did extensive interviews with the real Eismayer and Falak in e elo in t e ro ect an s btl cra ts is fil into a surprisingly sweet and improbably uplifting story of love instead of a scathing and depressing story of hate.

It also owes much to star Liebmann, an already acclaimed Austrian actor who gives a remarkably layered and palpably real performance in the title role. It’s been lauded as a “star-making” turn, which in a completely fair world it should rightly be, but no less impressive, if not as s o is i i ’s alak e inentl belie able as a bold-hearted iconoclast who can nevertheless see beyond his own prejudices to recognize the humanity of his ercei e ene e final l e in t e i is t e c e istr between these two co-stars, which not only heats up the screen but makes their romance feel thrillingly authentic. es ite all t at it’s n eniable t at is a er ill likely be unwatchable for some audiences, whether queer or straight, because of what they might consider an “unacceptable” scenario in the surface details of the movie’s lot e can res ect t at

For those who take a more nuanced view when it comes to working through ethical grey areas, or who recognize that matters of the heart have a way of defying hard-andfast constructs about what is or is not appropriate, it’s a surprisingly entertaining and refreshingly heartfelt reminder of the transformation power of love.

GERHARD LIEBMANN and LUKA DIMIĆ face off in ‘Eismayer.’ (Photo courtesy Dark Star Pictures)

lorin eer ro ance in ie it e’

renc fil re in s s not to aste o r li es o t o ear

By KHELIL BOUARROUJ

Why do so many gay love stories have sad endings? The ne renc fil ie with Me,” based on Philippe Besson’s novel, follows this familiar theme. Alt o recent fil s have ventured away from tragedy, like o e i on t e portrayal of queer love between men often denies us a happy en in Brokeback Mountain” tugged at our heartstrings, and the closing shot of a tear l lio in all e B o r a e is iconic It’s not surprising that many gay love stories are tinged with melancholy. In fact, there’s even a book on the subject, e eer rt o ail re n a societ t at ntil recentl rejected the legitimacy and rights of queer love, many gay riters an fil akers elt t ere as no sal ation at t e en o t e rainbo e crisis rt er clo e t e o tlook or a lo e o e er it’s a re ection o t e ore o ti istic ti es e li e in t at conte orar a fil s an

s o s s c as eartsto ers can en ision stor book romances.

ie it e a lo e stor bet een renc ear ol s set in t e i s all b t r les o t a a en in to the mix the rural conservative values and the inevitably i er ent at s a aitin t e bookis te ane an t e farm boy Thomas, and you’ve set the stage for great passion an a eartbreakin finale

Watching this movie, it’s hard not to reminisce about o r first cr s an t e i eali e rea s o once a For those of us of a certain age, those dreams often reaine in t e real o i a ination o as an te ane are fortunate to experience moments like skinny dipping in an ol oo e arr ancin in t eir n er ear an making love in hidden spots. They start as a mismatched pair, with Thomas initially showing interest only in sex. However, slowly they form a bond—a love that’s innocent and uncomplicated, a kind that young hearts are perfectly s ite or te ane en isions a orl be on t e s all town, but Thomas is skeptical about the continuation of their journey.

e fil s i ts bet een t e o n te ane an is ol er self, now a renowned French novelist. Upon returning to is s all to n t e el er te ane s ots a o n an o bears a striking resemblance to Thomas. This encounter, as t e fil later re eals is ar ro coinci ental it’s o as’s son cas tr in to nra el is at er’s earl li e t’s e i ent t at te ane as i ortali e is teena e lo e

VIRGINIA OPERA SIEGFRIED

Saturday, Oct. 7 at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 8 at 2 p.m.

Part of Wagner’s legendary “Ring” cycle

MALPASO DANCE COMPANY

Friday, Oct. 20 at 8 p.m. Expressive contemporary dance from Cuba

METROPOLITAN JAZZ

ORCHESTRA WITH CHRISTIAN M c BRIDE

Jim Carroll, artistic director

Saturday, Oct. 28 at 8 p.m.

Eight-time GRAMMY

Award-winning jazz bassist

in a novel, setting the stage for the gradual revelation of a tra ic lo e a air as te ane an cas s are ra ents o the past that form a complete picture.

ne o t e ost si nificant tra e ies in eer li es is the un-lived life — the men and women who, out of fear and shame, choose to remain hidden, denying themselves true love, an authentic life, and happiness. Many succumb to suicide, addiction, or other forms of abuse, while others li e silentl an o lessl o i t is o co l s ake t e an sa o a e one li e to li e an o cannot let other people’s ignorance and prejudice rob you of it!” But for some, the obstacles to coming out seem insurmountable, including the fear of losing family and employment opportunities. This tragedy, while less common in today’s Western societies, persists in countries where being gay can lead to arrest or even execution.

at sets ie it e a art ro ot er a lo e sto ries that leave us feeling despondent is that its tragedy extends beyond the personal — it serves as an indictment of a society that forces people to suppress their most innate feelings and endure immense suffering. It offers a cautionary lesson to any gay person struggling with the fear of coming out: Do not waste your life because you are afraid of what others may think. The number of queer individuals o a e li e n lfille li es is i eas rable ie it Me” pays a posthumous tribute to them, reminding us that who they truly were should not completely vanish. And in t is fil it oesn’t

KEYBOARD

CONVERSATIONS® WITH JEFFREY SIEGEL

Power and Passion of Beethoven

Sunday, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m.

“An unusual gift for commentary as well as extraordinary pianism” Los Angeles Times

New Bayard Rustin book an

By TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER

You will never settle.

And why should you? If it’s not right, you make it right. If it can be better ell t en et at it o fin t e sol tion or you go on to the next thing because good enough is never good enough. As in the new book “Bayard Rustin,” essays edited by Michael G. Long, there’s always work to do and good trouble.

Somehow, it seems, in the discussion about Martin Luther King and the leadership he brought to the Civil Rights Movement, certain details may be left out. In the case of Bayard Rustin, says Long, the record needs to be altered. Today, now.

His mother was still a teenager, and unmarried, when Rustin’s grandmother helped deliver him in the spring of 1912. The boy’s father refused to acknowledge him, so his grandparents gave him a family name and raised him in their Quaker faith.

Still, alongside the peaceful, gentle mandate of Quakerism, young Rustin experienced Jim Crow segregation. His grandmother left a major impact on him, teaching him compassion, kindness, and generosity – she reared him to do the right thing – but they lived in Pennsylvania, where racism was common and the Klan maintained a nearby presence. s i t at asn’t i fic lt eno stin reali e e as a which was illegal then.

At that point, though, he had seen many wrongs around him, and he became an activist. He also worked for justice as a s eaker an or ani er at one ti e e’ e brace co

munism but eventually became a socialist. By his own admission, Rustin was jailed more than 20 times and served on a chain gang for several months – but even then, his nonviolent Quaker beliefs emerged and he befriended his jailers, gaining their respect.

By the time he met a young preacher named Martin Luther King, Rustin was well-versed in civil rights work. He had irection contacts an t e or ani ational skills t e o e ment needed.

And yet, he was willing to let King take the front stage.

Pulled together as a collection of essays, “Bayard Rustin” as one a t at robabl can’t be el e it’s ite re eti tive. Each of the essayists in this book wrote extensively about Rustin, his work, and his impact, but there just doesn’t seem to be ite eno abo t stin i sel er a s beca se as editor Michael G. Long indicates in his introduction, Rustin left a legacy but history left him more in the background. This eans t at t e nearl t o o en contrib tors to t is book had only what they had to go on, hence, the repetition.

en so i o look or stin o ’ll fin ab n ant tales about him and this book has a good portion of them. Readers will be entertained, confounded, and pleased by what t e rea ere t’s like fin in treas re o ne er kne o needed.

This book needs to sit on the shelf next to everything written about Dr. King. It’s an essential companion to any volume abo t t e i il i ts o e ent o nee istor fin “Bayard Rustin” and settle in.

Work with the team that will help find you the home where you can live well.

Miss Glamour Girl ar lan ra a eant el at c o ’s

The Miss Glamour Girl 2023 Pageant was held at McAvoy’s in Parkville, Md. on Sunday, Oct. 1. Miss Shantay was cro ne t e inner an alifie to co ete in t e iss a ar lan a eant in o e ber

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

Moving day? No problem — let your Realtor help you A good resource for all sorts of home buying issues

By JOSEPH HUDSON

On moving day, your Realtor probably won’t pull up with a truck and haul away your old dresser and help you pack your dishes. (Well, maybe, depending on how high the interest rates et B t e are reso rce l olks o kno o to el o fin t e eople and companies, and answers you need to help you move from one place to another. Most Realtors are good resources for:

• Moving company recommendations. Our clients can report their experiences to us.

• Storage recommendations. We also have networks across the country to help us fnd you that good local resource.

•Cleaners

•Auction houses (for estate sales and such)

•Organizers

•Closet design

•Kitchen and bath remodels (for the new place)

•Landscapers and gardeners

•Maintenance people to help with last minute projects.

• Local retailers offering sales or discounts on new furniture or appliances (we hear all the latest word on the street from our clients in this regard, too.)

• Resources for how to proceed with local ordinances and regulations regarding moving – permits, trash removal and pickup, etc.

skin t e internet o r estions is so eti es t e easiest a to fin an ans er b t the nuances that the internet can’t see are where the Realtor can come in handy. We are collecting data in real time – anecdotes and advice from our own experiences as well as the dozens of clients we serve in your local market. If we don’t know the answer, we can fin it or o

Call your favorite Realtor today for information to help you move. If you don’t have a favorite Realtor, I’ve got one for you.

BETSY TWIGG

Associate Broker | Licensed in Virginia

703.967.4391 (CELL )

McEnearney Associates, Inc. REALTORS 4720 Langston Blvd, Arlington, VA 22207 betsytwigg.com

Equal Housing Opportunity

3616 N. Glebe Road

Arlington, VA 22207

Offered at $975,000

4 BEDROOMS - 3 BATHS - 2 CARGARAGE

Fantastic opportunity to transform this mid-Century modern rambler into a show place. Consider: quarter acre lot with patio opening to wide back yard with pool po tential; deep driveway to oversized two car garage; kitchen flows into the dining room and then sunroom with windows on three sides and door to patio; updated kitchen, 3 bedrooms and 2 updated baths on the main level and another bedroom and bath in the lower level; second fireplace in the lower level along with big laundry and stor age room. Around the corner from James town Elementary School and Williamsburg

Middle School and Yorktown High School. Details and floorplan at betsytwigg.com

PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY

MASSAGE REFRESH

YOURSELF

Massage for active adults. Private studio near Rosslyn. Fri-Mon, 12-8. text

301-704-1158 or visit www.mymassagebygary.com

POLITICAL SUPPORT

LGBTQ+ ATTACKS ARE WORSE THAN EVER!!

FIGHT BACK!

Donate a dollar or more to my campaign. I am John Clayton, an LGBTQ+ candidate, running for county supervisor in Iowa. Please join others to make our voices heard. Thank you!

Paidwww.claytonjc.com

for by Climate Crisis Committee for Clayton

“FOREIGN SERVICE” ESTATE SALE

Unique int’l memorabilia, artwork & decor, Religious artifacts, Clothing, Furniture, China/Kitchenware, Linens, Rugs, Electronics, Tools & much, more. Saturday, Oct 7, 2023, 9am-3pm. 10735 Bucknel Dr Silver Spring, MD 20902. NO EARLY BIRDS!

DRAG QUEENS AVAILABLE FOR YOUR PARTY/EVENT!

Having a party or event? Then let us send out one of our Drag Queens or Celebrity Impersonators to entertain you & your guests. Birthdays, Divorce, Baby Showers, Gender Reveal, Bachelorette, Drag Brunch, Bingo & so much more. Various Queens to choose from. Contact us today & let us make your next party or event unforgettable. Halloween is around the corner, are you ready? Lets help you! Contact: Stormy eroticasy@comcast.net

240-605-2912

CLEANING

FERNANDO’S CLEANING

Residential & Commercial Cleaning, Reasonable Rates, Free Estimates, Routine, 1-Time, Move-In/ Move-Out

202-234-7050 or 202-486-6183

CLEANING

MALE MAIDS AVAILABLE for your cleaning and viewing needs. Get your home/apt cleaned or organized by one of our good looking maids. Various maids to choose from. Cleaning and Eye Candy all in one package. Strictly cleaning only!!!!! Available for both male and female customers. Serious inquires only!! Add a twist to your cleaning needs. Our maids clean in their underwear, jockstrap, thong, or nude. Contact: Stormy, eroticasy@comcast.net

240-605-2912

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.

DE REAL ESTATE / FOR SALE

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.

HANDYMAN

BRITISH REMODELING

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

Trevor 703-303-8699

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

REHOBOTH BEACH HOUSE

Located in the prestigious Rehoboth Beach Yacht & Country Club. An elevator to three stories with four bedrooms all with full baths and surround sound. Master on first floor. Geothermal heat and A/C. Privacy fence with hot tub. Two car garage. Irrigation system. Walking distance to town of Rehoboth and the beach. Enjoy the great restaurants and the fun nightlife. Email: mfreebery1234@gmail. com for more information!

Michael Freebery

Phone: 302-888-1111

Price: $1,599,000.00

MEN FOR MEN

ACTIVITY COMPANION

GWM 60, semi-retired artist, DC resident, seeks Gay male friend for activities, hanging out, companionship, maybe more. I enjoy movies, exploring the city and nature, conversation, dining out, volunteering, photography, art galleries, movies... I’m super down-to-earth, easy going, compassionate, loyal. Phone/text:240-273-8221

BODYWORK

THE MAGIC TOUCH

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