Washington Blade, Volume 55, Issue 06, February 09, 2024

(Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Maryland Del.

Ashanti Martinez among our picks, PAGE 24

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VOLUME 55 ISSUE 06 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, PETER ROSENSTEIN, MARK LEE, LATEEFAH WILLIAMS, KATE CLINTON, KATHI WOLFE, ERNESTO VALLE, YARIEL VALDÉS GONZÁLEZ, PHILIP VAN SLOOTEN, KATLEGO K. KOLANYANEKESUPILE, KAELA ROEDER, TREMENDA NOTA, ALBERTO J. VALENTÍN, MAYKEL GONZÁLEZ VIVERO, ORGULLO LGBT. CO, ESTEBAN GUZMAN, ANDRÉS I. JOVÉ RODRÍGUEZ 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 For distribution, contact Lynne Brown at 202-747-2077, ext. 8075.

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rlington police announce arrests over stolen ride ags

MATTHEW HENSHAW of Fort Myer, Va. (Photo courtesy of Arlington County government)

Police in Arlington announced late last week that they have arrested two men for allegedly stealing LGBTQ ride ags from the home of a lesbian couple who reported their ags were stolen on five separate days between September 2023 and January 2024.

In a statement, police said they charged Matthew Henshaw, 20, of Fort Myer, Va., with three counts of Unlawful Entry – Bias Motivat-

ed and three counts of etit arceny for the ag thefts that occurred Sept. 16, Sept. 30 and Jan. 27. The statement says he was released on a secured bond.

The statement says Arlington police also arrested Joseph Digregorio, 23, of Bay Shore, N.Y., on one count of etit arceny for the ag theft that occurred on an. .

He was released on a summons, according to the police statement.

“This remains an active criminal investigation,” the police statement says. “Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Arlington County Police Department’s Tip Line at 703-228-4180 or ACPDTIpline@arlingtonva.us.”

Police spokesperson Ashley Savage declined to disclose whether Henshaw is a member of the U.S. military, possibly the U.S. Army, in response to a question from the Washington Blade. The police announcement says Henshaw is “of Fort Myer, Va.,” which is a U.S. Army base

located a short distance from the house where the lesbian couple lives and where the ags were stolen. he couple lives in the 200 block of South Courthouse Road, according to information released by police.

Online court records show that Henshaw was scheduled to appear for an arraignment at Arlington General District Court at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8.

“Within hours after it would come down, we would put it back up,” Michaelle Logan, 30, told the Washington Post in describing the repeated thefts of the couple’s ride ag. It was ust a constant wave of putting it back up and it being taken down,” she told the police in a Jan. 29 Post story.

Logan and her partner, Jenna Burnett, 27, also told the Post that their home security camera captured images of a man wearing a cowboy hat pulling down the ag on two of the five times it was removed.

LOU CHIBBARO JR.

Shooting near Dupont Circle sparks alarm An incident in which a man was shot inside his car and suffered life-threatening in uries shortly after p.m. on Jan. 30, at the intersection of Connecticut Avenue and Q Street, N.W., a short distance from the Dupont Circle Metro station has alarmed nearby residents, including LGBTQ people who live in and visit the Dupont Circle neighborhood, according to gay D.C. Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Vincent Slatt.

D.C. police statement says officers responded to the scene of the shooting after receiving a call at 4:01 p.m. on Jan. 30 reporting a gunshot. pon arrival, officers located an adult male victim, inside of a vehicle, suffering from a gunshot wound,” the statement says. “The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of life-threatening in uries, it says.

On the day following the incident, on Jan. 31, police

released a photo of a vehicle police say was captured by a surveillance camera that they believe belongs to the suspected shooter. The police statement urges anyone who may recognize the vehicle, an SUV, or the vehicle’s owner or driver, to call police at 202-727-9099 or to text a message to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411.

A police incident report for the shooting says the incident has not been classified as a suspected hate crime by investigators. nconfirmed reports on social media say the shooting may have been precipitated by “road rage from the unidentified shooter.

Slatt, whose district includes the Dupont Circle area, said nearby residents and the many visitors who come to the Dupont Circle area to patronize its popular restaurants, bars, and retail shops view the shooting as another sign of the alarming rise in violent crime in the city.

he initial incident report does not indicate officers suspected hate-bias as a factor in this incident,” Slatt said in a statement to the Washington Blade. “However, it still terrifies all neighbors of Dupont Circle, whether B -identified or not, or members of any other minority group that is affected by hate/bias crime or incidents,” Slatt said.

D.C. police spokesperson confirmed that the license plate number of the SUV believed to have been driven by the shooting suspect was not visible in the security camera photo that police released. If police obtain a license plate number related to an ongoing investigation, they will release it through police social media outlets, a statement from the D ffice of Communications says.

LOU CHIBBARO JR.

Comings & Goings

Ahuatl Amaro named vice president of PR at Change Consulting

By PETER ROSENSTEIN

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

The Comings & Goings column also invites LGBTQ college students to share their successes with us. If you have been elected to a student government position, gotten an exciting internship, or are graduating and beginning your career with a great ob, let us know so we can share your success.

Congratulations to Ahuatl Amaro on his new position as vice president of Public Relations, Change Consulting. Founded in 2008, Change Consulting is a Blackowned, social communications agency based in Oakland, Calif. Its stated mission is to “provide a continuum of communications services to help racial and social ustice advocates, organi ers and visionaries win racial and social ustice.

Upon accepting the position Amaro said, “CEO Bilen

esfin ackwood, has built a team of incredibly sharp, innovative, and entrepreneurial public relations practitioners unlike any other firm working to advance racial and social ustice. I m e cited to contribute to Change Consulting’s continued growth and success.”

Most recently, Amaro has been a principal of Amaro Communications in Los Angeles. Before that he was senior program director of Resource Media. He has worked as media and public relations director at the National LGBTQ Task Force in D.C., where he managed and developed multiple bilingual (English and Spanish) communications campaigns. His experience also includes working as senior communications specialist, United Food and Commercial Workers in D.C.; deputy communications director of Equality California; and as a copy editor and marketing associate, Adelante Magazine in Los Angeles.

Amaro earned his bachelor’s degree in English, eorgetown niversity. e was honored by the uffington Post in 2012, as one of the top “Gay Latino Activists Who’ve Broken Boundaries.”

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D.C.s s ou re bar issues fundraising appeal to prevent closure

Capitol ill business was named by Es uire as one of nation s

By LOU CHIBBARO JR. | lchibbaro@washblade.com

The D.C. LGBTQ café and bar As You Are, which is in the Barracks Row section of Capitol Hill, released a GoFundMe appeal on Feb. 5 asking the community for emergency financial support to prevent it from closing.

As You Are bar opened in 2022 and is facing financial challenges. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

We have faced some particularly tall and costly hurdles that have set us back significantly since the beginning,” its GoFundMe message says. “As we are tapping

every resource we can imagine with creativity and open minds we need urgent assistance,” the message says.

“The funds raised will go toward catching up on overhead costs and debts incurred during a slow season at the close of last year,” the message continues.

While has seen a significant increase in customer traffic and revenue that is promising moving forward, the funds raised will be applied immediately to saving AYA from closure.” esbian activists and businesswomen o cDaniel and Rachel Pike opened As You Are on March 22, 2022, in what the two called a low-key opening celebration.

Gay U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and his husband, who live in the area, were among those who attended.

In their GoFundMe message, Pike and McDaniel point out that from its opening, they envisioned s ou Are to be an LGBTQ community gathering place as well as a bar and café. is a caf , bar dance oor that hosts diverse programming nearly every night of the week, including social sport leagues, Queer youth socials, weekly karaoke, book clubs, open mics, ueer author events, dance parties, and much more,” the message states. ogether we have built a safe haven for so many from every part of the B I community and our allies.

In uly of , Es uire maga ine named s ou re

arker stepping down from Former Houston Mayor Annise Parker on Friday announced her planned departure from the B ictory und and B ictory Institute after serving as president and CE for more than si years. he organi ations are, respectively, dedicated to electing more B candidates to public office and providing training and other programs to them.

Parker shared the news in an email, which the Washington Blade has seen, to B appointed officials, indicating that she would make a public announcement on Monday. “ hirty years ago, I began my ourney with B ictory und and B ictory Institute, first as a supporter, but then as a campaign trainee, a nine-time endorsed candidate, a beneficiary of its elected officials network and a David Bohnett eaders ellow, she said. “ et it is the last si years, serving as resident CE , that I began to fully appreciate the role ictory plays in moving e uality forward in the .S. and around the globe.”

With the start of her mayoral tenure in 2010, Parker became one of the first openly B mayors of a ma or city as well as Houston’s second female mayor.

“I first told the board of directors last uly that would be my final year at ictory, arker said. “I gave them a long runway because I am immensely proud of ictory s growth and accomplishments during my tenure and do not want to endanger its continued success.”

She added that the organi ations have “started the careful search for my successor” and when one is selected, “I plan to spend a couple months with the new leader to ensure a smooth transition.”

best gay bars

B

Under Parker’s leadership, she noted, annual budgets were doubled along with staff capacity while contributions to candidates increased fourfold.

Former Houston Mayor ANNISE PARKER, president and CEO of the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund and LGBTQ+ Victory Institute (Blade photo by Michael Key)

“ he number of elected officials we serve increased from to over , she said. “We launched our Women ut to Win fellowship, relaunched our olitical Appointments Program and drastically expanded the number of countries we work in around the globe.”

Parker stressed that “this is not goodbye,” adding, “I have many months of work ahead in an election year that is critical for our community and our democracy.”

She did not immediately return a re uest from the

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to its list of 42 Best Gay Bars in America along with the D.C. gay bar Trade. cDaniel and ike have said the financial problems were caused, in part, by a delay in their planned opening date due to complications associated with getting their re uired occupancy permit from the D.C. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs. The two said negotiations with the local dvisory eighborhood Commission, which demanded certain soundproofing steps be taken with the interior walls of their building, also added to the delay and increased expenses.

Similar to other bars and restaurants across the city, cDaniel and ike said their main financial burden at this time is the rent they must pay for use of their two-story building. “We reached out to the landlord to ask him to talk about renegotiating to a sum more based on sales, but he denied that re uest, cDaniel said.

The GoFundMe message says its goal is to raise $150,000. As of Tuesday morning, Feb. 6, the site said , had been raised from donations.

The As You Are GoFundMe site can be accessed here: https w w w. g o f u n d m e . c o m f s a v e - a s - y o u are member sharetype teams utm campaign p na share-sheet utm content ai control utm medium copy link utm source customer

ictory und Blade for additional comment, but the ictory und shared a press release the group had planned to share on Monday, which credited Parker’s leadership for the organi ations growth.

“Mayor Parker is the steady, experienced leader we needed during a conse uential time in merican politics – and the dramatic growth in our endorsed candidates and Election Day victories are clear evidence of her undeniable success,” Wade Rakes II and Lynn Greer, chairs of the B ictory und and B ictory Institute boards of directors, respectively, said in the news release.

“At a time when democracy is under attack in the U.S. and around the world, our mission to build more inclusive and representative governments is the antidote, because democracies ourish when people see themselves as part of it,” they said. “Mayor Parker’s leadership made ictory a conse uential player in our elections and democracy and we look forward to her continued leadership in this critical year ahead.”

Parker also shared a statement in the release: “It’s been an honor of a lifetime to represent ictory und and ictory Institute in every corner of the nited States and in countries around the globe – and to work with the candidates and elected officials who are on the frontlines fighting for the communities they represent and our collective democracy,” she said. “ ver the past si years, ictory was instrumental in the transformational growth of B representation in governments, and I am confident our deeply talented staff, board members and critical supporters will continue to grow our work and impact.”

CHRISTOPHER KANE

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Grammys: Queer women and their sisters dominate awards Tracy Chapman returns to the stage and steals the show

By ROB WATSON

When the late, great Ruth Bader Ginsburg was asked when there will be enough women on the Supreme Court, her answer was simple: Nine. She stated: “I say when there are nine, people are shocked. But there’d been nine men, and nobody’s ever raised a question about that.” RBG did not attend the Grammys Sunday night, but her spirit was there. Women, at long last, dominated, ruled and killed the night.

Cher, in song a decade ago, declared that “this is a woman’s world,” but there was little evidence that was true, Grammy, and entertainment awards, speaking. In 2018, the Grammys were heavily criticized for lack of female representation across all categories and organizers’ response was for women to “step up.”

Be careful what you wish for boys.

The biggest star of the 2024 Grammys was the collective power of women. They made history, they claimed legacy and they danced and lip sang to each other’s work. Standing victorious was Miley Cyrus, Billie Eilish, SZA (the most nominated person of the year), Lainey Wilson, Karol G, boygenius, Kylie Minogue and Victoria Monét. Oh, yes, and powerhouse Taylor Swift, the superstar from whom Fox News cowers in fear, made history

Combs. The rendition was stunning, sentimental and historic.

Chapman, like many of the night’s female dignitaries, has not been public with her sexuality. Author Alice Walker has spoken of the two of them being lovers, however.

The legend among legends of the night, however, was the one and only Joni Mitchell. Not gay herself, she embodies the concept of an LGBTQ icon, and was accompanied by the very out Brandi Carlile on stage. On her website, Mitchell’s statement to the LGBTQ community reads, “The trick is if you listen to that music and you see me, you’re not getting anything out of it. If you listen to that music and you see yourself, it will probably make you cry and you’ll learn something about yourself and now you’re getting something out of it.”

show.

Legends did not even need to be living to have had an effect on the night. Tributes to Tina Turner and Sinead O’Conner by Oprah, Fantasia Barrino-Taylor and Annie Lennox respectively, proved that not even death could stop these women. As Lennox has musically and famously put it, “Sisters are doing it for themselves.”

Even the content of performances by today’s legends-in-the-making spoke to feminine power. Eilish was honored for, and performed “What Was I Made For?,” a haunting and searching song that speaks to the soul der rights and expression, while Dua Lipa laid down the gauntlet for mind blowing performance with her rendition of “Houdini” at the top of the show, Cyrus asserted the power of her anthem “Flowers” and pretty much stole the show.

Cyrus had not performed the song on television before, and only three times publicly. She declared in her intro that she was thrilled over the business numbers the

Best Album of the Year trophies.

In the throng of these powerful women stand a number of both LGBTQ advocates and queer identifying lesbian rumors “ain’t wrong,” Phoebe Bridgers (winner of four trophies during the night, most of any artist) is a lesbian, Monét is bi and Eilish likes women but doesn’t want to talk about it. Plus, ask any queer person about Swift or Minogue and you are likely to get a love-gush.

Women power was not just owned by the lady award winners. There were the ladies and then there were the

That arc extended from a today’s lady, Cyrus, to legend Celine Dion as well. Cyrus declared Dion as one of her icons and inspirations early in the evening. Dion appeared, graceful and looking healthy, to present the

The Grammys were held on Sunday.

Country singer Luke Combs has a cross-generational hit this year with a cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car.” When originally released, the song was embraced as a lesbian anthem. When performing “Fast Car,” surprise, there was Chapman herself, singing the duet with

Mitchell performed her longtime classic “Both Sides Now.” The emotion, insight and delivery from the now 80-year old artist, survivor of an aneurism, was nothing short of profound. (To fully appreciate the nuance time can bring, check out the YouTube video of a Swift lookalike Mitchell singing the same song to Mama Cass and Mary Travers in 1969.) In this latest rendition, Mitchell clearly had an impact on Meryl Streep who was sitting in the audience. Talk about the arc of female talent and power.

Statistics released by the FBI on Monday reveal that schools were the third most popular spot for bias-motivated hate crimes that were reported between 20182022.

Primary and secondary schools and university campuses accounted for 10 percent of all hate crimes

highways, roads and alleyways, the FBI said in its report.

Data comes from the agency’s Uniform Crime Reporting program. The FBI’s annual crime report from 2022, which was released in October, found that anti-LGBTQ hate crimes rose precipitously from the previous year.

common locations were homes and residences and

crimes motivated by the victim’s sexual orientation and

As she sang the hit, she scolded the audience, “you guys act like you don’t know the words to this song.” Soon the woman power of the room was singing along with her, from Swift to Oprah. don’t need anyone else. Cyrus made that point with the Grammy!” she declared as she danced off stage.

Even the squirmiest moment of the night still did not diminish the light of women power, and in fact, underscored it. During his acceptance of the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award, Jay-Z had a bone to pick with the Grammy voters. He called out the irony that his wife Beyoncé had won more Grammys than any other human, but had never won the Best Album of the Year.

tim’s gender identity. day, anti-LGBTQ crimes were the third most common, behind those perpetrated against Black or African American victims and those targeting those from certain religious groups, most often Jewish people.

CHRISTOPHER KANE

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Cecilia Gentili, trans Latina activist and actress, dies at 52 A towering presence in New York’s transgender community has died.

In a post to her Instagram account on Tuesday, it was announced that the 52-year-old Argentina-born Cecilia Gentili had passed away.

“Our beloved Cecilia Gentili passed away this morning to continue watching over us in spirit,” the tribute read. “Please be gentle with each other and love one another with ferocity. We will be sharing more updates about services and what is to come in the following days. At this time, we’re asking for privacy, time and space to grieve.”

An undocumented immigrant and then asylum seeker from Argentina, Gentili came to the U.S. pursuing a safer life to live authentically as a trans woman. She lived undocumented for 10 years, hustling, doing sex work which came with drug use. After surviving arrests and an immigration detention, she accessed recovery services and won asylum.

Among Gentili’s accomplishments was her work as a co-founder of her namesake COIN Clinic (Cecilia’s Occupational Inclusion Network) at Callen-Lorde, a New York-based leader in LGBTQ health care. She later was the managing director of policy for the world-renowned GMHC (originally the Gay Men’s Health Crisis.)

With her background in the sex industry, she was a founding member of Decrim NY, a coalition working toward decriminalization, decarceration and destigmatization of people in the sex trade. Gentili’s work focused on reducing coercion and promoting safety.

Decrim’s mission statement notes that decriminalization empowers sex workers to screen clients, negotiate condom use and work collaboratively without the fear of criminalization, thereby reducing coercion and promoting safety.

She founded Trans Equity Consulting and collaborat-

CECILIA GENTILI

(Photo courtesy of Gentili’s Instagram page)

ed with many major organizations on trans and nonbinary rights. In addition to her advocacy and activist work, Gentili was an actress of note starring in the et i hit series “Pose” as Ms. Orlando, the groundbreaking drama about

the experiences of trans women of color set against the backdrop of the AIDS crisis in 1980s New York.

D notes that entili s memoir, altas, was published in late 2022 by Little Puss Press, Inc, and won an American Library Association’s 2023 Stonewall Book Award for nonfiction. er one-woman show ed Ink was slated to make a comeback at the Public Theater this April.

Gentili was also a leading voice among the hundreds of New York Times contributors speaking out against the Times’ biased and inaccurate coverage of trans people and their essential mainstream health care.

GLAAD President Sarah Kate Ellis reacted to news of entili s death posting to “Cecilia Gentili’s death is such a huge loss. She impacted so many, especially those in the trans community in New York City and beyond,” wrote Ellis. “This is the power of one person who used her identity and gifts to help more people be seen and heard. In the art she created, in the stories she shared, in the community she uplifted, in the people she served, Cecilia’s talent and love will never be forgotten.”

Chase Strangio, deputy director for Transgender Justice with the American Civil Liberties Union’s National’s LGBT and I ro ect commented “15 years of deep trans love and storytelling. I am forever grateful. We grieved so many losses together. It feels impossible to grieve your loss. I will carry you always. I love you.”

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul posted a picture of the two of them on Instagram and stated ew ork s B community has lost a champion in trans icon Cecilia Gentili. As an artist and steadfast activist in the trans rights movement, she helped countless people find love, oy and acceptance. ur hearts are with her loved ones in this difficult time.

BRODY LEVESQUE

LGBTQ groups oppose immigration overhaul bill LGBTQ rights groups have expressed their opposition to a $118 billion bill that would overhaul the country’s asylum system and provide additional aid to Ukraine, Israel and other U.S. allies.

U.S. Sens. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), Chris Murphy D-Conn. and ames ankford - kla. on Sunday released the Emergency National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act. The three lawmakers in a statement said the bill is “the strongest border security package in decades to reassert control of the border, end catch and release, enhance security, fi the asylum system and support border communities.”

“Sinema, Lankford, and Murphy’s bipartisan package reasserts control of the border, protects border communities, disrupts the ow of fentanyl into the country and solves the border crisis by ending catch and release, strengthening our asylum system by delivering determinations efficiently and fairly, enhancing security and improving the legal immigration system,” reads the statement posted on Sinema’s website.

The bill, among other things, would make the asylum process faster. The measure would also increase the burden for asylum seekers to prove a “credible fear” of persecution in their country of origin and allow the Department of Homeland Security to close the Southern border if at least 5,000 migrants cross during a 7-day period.

The Associated Press notes the bill also contains $60 billion in aid for Ukraine and $14 billion in aid for Israel.

The measure would extend an additional $10 billion in humanitarian aid to civilians in Ukraine, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

“While we recognize the urgent need to pass meaningful immigration reform and address the challenges at our Southern border, the legislation’s proposed changes to our asylum system would cause irreparable harm to the lives of asylum seekers, including B people, said uman ights Campaign overnment ffairs ice resident David Stacy in a letter he sent to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) on Tuesday.

Stacy in his letter said C has significant concerns that, under the new border e pulsion authority, B asylum seekers would be left languishing in Mexico for their asylum claims to be heard and at risk of increased violence.” The letter also references two of the previous White ouse s policies he emain in e ico policy that forced asylum seekers to pursue their cases in Mexico and Title 42, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention rule that closed the Southern border to most asylum seekers and migrants because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Human rights organizations have documented murder, se ual assault, e tortion and kidnapping of B asylum seekers under the rump administration s emain in Mexico’ and Title 42 policies, and this new authority would enable similar circumstances for those waiting to make their asylum claims, said Stacy.

B asylum seekers will face the difficult choice between returning to a country where they face persecution, or remaining in a dangerous limbo as they wait to enter the United States.” he Biden- arris administration ended the emain in Mexico” policy in 2021. Title 42 expired last May. he ational B ask orce is among the groups that participated in a protest against the Emergency National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act that took

1 4 • WA SHIN GTO N BLADE.COM • FEBRUARY 09 , 2 0 2 4 • NAT I O NA L NE WS

place Tuesday in front of the U.S. Supreme Court.

“Immigration is an LGBTQ issue,” said Allen Morris, the group’s policy director.

“LGBTQ people are currently seeking asylum from countries where their very existence is criminalized and under threat,” added Morris. “The safety of our border and people in need of safety should not be used for political gain.” .S. Sen. le adilla D-Calif. and .S. eps. ramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Greg Casar (D-Texas) and Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.) spoke alongside CASA Executive Director Gustavo Torres, Anu Joshi of the American Civil Liberties Union and others. adilla critici ed epublicans who did not consult with Latino lawmakers from the negotiations over the bill. The California Democrat also singled out former President Donald Trump and his opposition to it.

It s a shame that they epublicans follow the lead of a fear-mongering, anti-immigrant former president at every turn,” said Padilla. “Our country deserves better.”

“The product that they put forward would deny immigrants eeing for their lives from the opportunity to seek asylum,” he added.

The press conference took place hours before Senate inority eader itch cConnell - y. said the bill is essentially dead because of opposition from House Majority eader ike ohnson - a. and a growing number of other epublicans. he .S. ouse of epresentatives on Tuesday is also expected to vote on whether to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who was born in Cuba.

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Former Chilean President Piñera dies in helicopter crash Former Chilean President Sebastián Piñera died on Tuesday when the helicopter he was piloting crashed near Lake Ranco during heavy rains.

Initial reports indicate Piñera, 74, was piloting his private helicopter when it plunged into the lake, which is located in the Los Ríos Region of southern Chile.

One of his sisters was among the three other people who was on board.

The former president owned a summer house on Lake Ranco. Family members and people close to him say he was in the area to have lunch at the home of businessman José Cox, a close friend and associate.

Piñera boarded his helicopter after 3 p.m. local time (1 p.m. ET) and the accident occurred a few minutes later.

Reports indicate his relatives managed to survive after they jumped into the water, but Piñera was not able to escape. The helicopter sank in more than 130 feet of water.

Piñera, who was Chile’s president between 20102014 and 2018-2022, was the country’s first right-wing president since democracy returned to the country in 1990. Piñera’s government enacted most of Chile’s LGBTQ rights laws: The Anti-Discrimination Law in 2012, the Gender Identity Law in 2018 and the Equal Marriage Law in 2021.

Former Chilean President SEBASTIÁN PIÑERA (Public domain photo)

His first administration sent a civil unions bill to Congress, and it became law in 2015. Piñera also implemented public policies that sought to improve queer Chileans’ quality of life.

Javiera Zuñiga, spokesperson for the Movement for Homosexual Integration and Liberation, the main Chilean LGBTQ organization known by the acronym Movilh, told the Washington Blade that “our organization

is deeply saddened by the death of the former president, who played a crucial, leading and pioneering role for a president in the promotion and defense of the human rights of LGBTIQ+ people, same-sex couples and same-parent families.”

María José Cumplido, executive director of Fundación Iguales, another advocacy group, said “our condolences to the family of former President Sebastián Piñera for his passing.”

“We remember his commitment to the enactment of the Anti-Discrimination Law, the Gender Identity Law and the Consolidation of Equal Marriage, historic achievements for the LGBT+ community in Chile,” said Cumplido.

“I am very sorry for the death of President Piñera,” said Pablo Simonetti, an activist and writer, on his X account. “From the right he opened paths towards the integration of LGBT people and led the great milestone of equal marriage. My condolences to his family and friends, especially to (his wife) Cecilia Morel.”

President Gabriel Boric’s government also mourned Piñera’s death and announced a period of national mourning. A state funeral for Piñera will also take place.

ESTEBAN RIOSECO

Ghanaian man assaulted for being gay Four people last week assaulted a Ghanaian man whom they targeted for being gay.

According to the Queer Ghana Education Fund, the four men who attacked the man in Zuarungu in the country’s Upper East Region referenced the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, an anti-LGBTQ bill that is currently before MPs. The assailants, according to QuGEF, told the 25-year-old man, who the group identified as Francis, that the measure had become law.

QuGEF also said two of the four men who attacked Francis have been arrested and charged with “assaulting and stealing from” him.

“They ambushed and accused him of homosexuality and told him that the bill had been passed into law and that they were acting according to the law,” said QuGEF in a press release.

Rightify Ghana, another LGBTQ rights group, commended the police’s swift response.

“The misinformation has gone far and bad actors are targeting LGBTQ persons believing that the bill has been passed and they can act unlawfully,” said

Rightify Ghana. “Good that two out of four of the perpetrators have been arrested by the police in Bolgatanga, following a report made by QuGEF.” Although President Nana Akufo-Addo has not signed the bill, many politicians and religious leaders have given Ghanaians the impression that it is now law. Many LGBTQ Ghanaians as a result have been ridiculed and assaulted in public, leaving many of them in fear to publicly disclose their gender identity or sexual orientation.

Apostle Kadmiel E.H. Agbalenyoh, founder and leader of the Seventh Day Congregation of Theocracy, and his church on Jan. 1 organized an anti-LGBTQ seminar and protest that took place at the Achimota Girls’ Guide in Accra, the country’s capital.

Greater Accra Regional Chief Imam Alhaji Sule Issa chaired the event that other faith leaders and radio personality Blakk Rasta attended.

Rightify Ghana described the protest as “the first anti-LGBTQ event this year” and it was “organized by a long time homophobe whose hate campaign is not new.” The group also said the remarks by MP

Sam George, one of the bill’s sponsors who said lawmakers will pass it before the end of next month, are not true.

“Whilst the Parliament of Ghana has only done up to Clause 6 in the Consideration Stage, the MP falsely claimed that they had worked on 11 clauses. He is setting deadlines and lying about work they have not yet done,” said Rightify Ghana.

Activism Ghana, another advocacy group, also accused George of giving false timelines.

“He keeps lying, even about his own bill,” said Activism Ghana.

Former President John Mahama, who is a presidential candidate for the National Democratic Congress, the leading opposition party, has encouraged MPs to pass the bill and for Akufo-Addo to sign it into law.

“I am against LGBTQ, my faith doesn’t support it a man is a man, a woman is a woman,” said Mahama.

Presidential and parliamentary elections will take place in December.

DANIEL ITAI

Gilead awards grants to HIV/AIDS groups in Latin America Gilead Sciences this week announced it has given $4 million in grants to 35 organizations in Latin America and the Caribbean that fight HIV/AIDS. A press release notes Asociación Panamericana de Mercadeo Social (Pan-American Association of Social Marketing) in Nicaragua, Fundación Genesis (Genesis Foundation) in Panama, Fundación por una Sociedad Empoderada (Foundation for an Empowered Society) in Argentina, Associação Nacional de Travestis e Transexuais (National Association of Travestis and Transsexuals) in Brazil and Caribbean Vulnerable Communities are among the groups that received grants. Gilead notes this funding through

its Zeroing In: Ending the HIV Epidemic in Latin America and the Caribbean will “improve access to care, increase health equity and reduce HIV-related stigma for populations most affected by HIV.” “The HIV prevention and care needs of people throughout Latin America and the Caribbean are incredibly diverse, and each of these programs addresses a unique community challenge,” said Gilead Vice President of Corporate Giving Carmen Villar. “Our grantees are deeply embedded in their communities and best positioned to provide needed HIV care and support services.”

“Their expertise will be essential to achieve the

1 6 • WA SHIN GTO N BLADE.COM • FEBRUARY 09 , 2 0 2 4 • I NT E R NAT I O NA L NE WS

Zeroing In program’s goals of improving access to comprehensive care among priority populations, decreasing HIV-related stigma and reducing HIV and broader health inequities,” she added.

The pandemic disproportionately affects transgender people and sex workers, among other groups, in the region. Activists and HIV/AIDS service providers in the region with whom the Washington Blade has previously spoken say discrimination, stigma, poverty, a lack of access to health care and criminalization laws are among the myriad challenges they face.

MICHAEL K. LAVERS

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In loving memory of

William “Bill” Eppard. Jr.

CHRISTOPHER T. CONNER is assistant professor of Sociology at the niversity of Missouri. They are author of numerous scholarly publications, including ‘The ayborhood rom Se ual evolution to Cosmopolitan Spectacle.

FLETCHER JACKSON is a senior undergraduate student at the niversity of issouri, Columbia in eligious Studies and are co-teaching a class in spring . heir research is at the intersection of psychology, spirituality, and ueer visibility.

Are raids on LGBTQ bars making a comeback in 2024? ublic officials, law enforcement targeting members of the community

William “Bill” Eppard. Jr. of Washington DC, peacefully passed away on November 28, 2023 after battling leukemia. Bill was born on April 3, 1955 to Bill and Juanita Eppard in Washington, DC. After attending Crossland High in Camp Springs, MD, Bill studied Fine Arts at Towson University. After graduating, Bill the next 34 years travelling the world.

Bill met his loving husband, Chuck Fiorentino, in 1983 and they were married in 2009 when Gay Marriage became legal in Boston, Massachusetts. Bill had many passions in his life. In addition to travelling, his love of gardening resulted in a back yard that could have graced the cover of Home & Garden magazine.

He and Chuck adored animals and the dogs and cats that were rescued into their loving home quickly became family. His collection of vintage Barbie dolls was legend.

In addition to his husband, Chuck, Bill is survived by his brother Bruce.

In remembrance of Bill, please consider a donation to the Washington, D.C.Animal Rescue League.

1 8 • WA SHIN GTO N BLADE.COM • FEBRUARY 09 , 2 0 2 4 • V I E WP O I NT

There’s been a noticeable uptick in police harassment since 2023, that began with legislators proposing bills aimed at LGBTQ people. More recently police and other public officials have seemingly gone out of their way to target the B community. his includes spaces in red states, like issouri where police officers arrested the owners of Bar:PM (a leather bar in St. Louis) after they wrecked their police cruiser into it. Blue states however, are not immune to this as was the case in Seattle where authorities raided The Cuff and The Seattle Eagle citing them for “lewd conduct” because of a bartender’s exposed nipple, and patrons wearing jockstraps. s many B activists are already aware, federal policymakers have been enacting legislation at the local and federal level targeting the B community. mong those at the federal level is the ids nline Safety ct S , a bill introduced by Sen. ichard Blumenthal in ay of . Endorsed by resident oe Biden, the bill is a bipartisan initiative to protect kids from harmful content online by placing a responsibility on online social media platforms to regulate content and services. epublicans have noted, if passed, the bill would be used to protect minor children from the ransgender sic in this culture and that in uence.

While S seems to have stalled, despite urging from the Biden administration to pass it, some states have begun passing their own versions of the bill or by enforcing laws at B venues like he Cuff in Seattle. tah s obscenity laws has even caused PornHub to pull out of states passing these laws, due to their vagueness.

While some may dismiss these concerns as overblown, it seems clear that it is only one part of a larger strategy aimed at curtailing LGBTQ expression. The irony is that those espousing “freedom” are the same ones passing censorship laws. This gradual ratchet effect, which began last summer by targeting children’s books and LGBTQ persons online, has now shifted into something targeting B institutions. It s the same rhetoric used in the s which included government produced propaganda directed at B people painting them as a social contagion dangerous to kids. t the height of this moral panic were laws prohibiting positive depictions of B persons, the impact of which is still being felt today through stereotypes and negative framing.

Even in states that aren t adding to this moral panic, S has provided the framework by which states can pass vague obscenity laws that appear neutral, but in practice are aimed at LGBTQ people. Structural forms of discrimination also exist online as social media platforms act as determiners of what is allowable under their guidelines.

In reality, moderation disproportionality impacts LGBTQ people, and especially trans women online. ccording to a recent study, content moderation against trans people was roughly five times more to occur than cisgender counterparts. hese facts and figures resonate with trans content creators we spoke with, like olly eople who was recently de-platformed for inappropriate attire the same attire that is promoted by cisgender women on the same platform.

Whether it’s jockstrap night at the local leather bar, trans content creators trying to e press themselves, or protests of e pressions of se uality at ride or events at olsom, we are uickly descending into an age of marginali ation that many B people haven t e perienced since before Stonewall. While some of the established forms of collective organi ing and community have been forgotten or lost, new forms are emerging to fight against these laws and regulations designed to further marginali e and render invisible the lives of B mericans.

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n eb. , I will start my trip to one of my bucket list destinations, the al pagos Islands. Ever since I heard about these islands when I was in elementary school, they intrigued me. hen a couple of years ago, I heard about a new Celebrity cruise ship, the lora, taking visitors through the al pagos. I wrote about it, and then contacted my friends, and travel agents, Dustin, and Scott of y u Cruise, to catelyn@modernfamilyformation.com see if we could plan a trip. Scott conAdoption Fellow of the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Technology Attorneys tacted Celebrity and now we are going. he Celebrity lora is a -suite lu ury yacht with a capacity of . It turned out I wasn t the only one e cited about going. here 240.245.7765 are people who signed up with our group. Scott and Dustin, you are welcome, lol. www.modernfamilyformation.com ne thing you may not know is that Charles Darwin first visited the islands in , SERVING THE LGBT COMMUNITY FOR MORE THAN A DECADE.. NOW IN DC, MD & VA! aboard the S Beagle. It was his observations of the uni ue ora and fauna on the islands that contributed significantly to the development of his theory of evolution by natural selection. he al pagos Islands have now been designated a ESC World eritage Site, and a biological marine reserve. So very strict conservation measures are in place to protect the delicate ecosystems and uni ue species that inhabit the islands.

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eet D.C.s most eligible

Find a date just in time for Valentine’s Day

FROM STAFF REPORTS alentine s Day is approaching and if you re single, there s still time to find a date.

Each year, the Blade highlights D.C. s ost Eligible Singles with help from our readers. ere is this year s list.

Antoinette C., 36, marketing executive

(Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

How do you identify?

Queer/she/her What are you looking for in a mate? A kind longterm partner who is looking to have a plus 1 in exploring and venturing into new hobbies, interests, and ways of thinking. Someone who isn’t afraid to have hard and honest conversations and is comfortable with failing at them and trying again; a good communicator!

Biggest turn off: Irritable around children, waitstaff or any person in customer ser-

vice, and too serious.

Biggest turn on: reat sense of humor, not afraid to be emotional , hobby interest they love and are committed to, and they have established friends friend groups.

Hobbies: I play with ChocCityCornhole and go to tournaments during the week. resently learning S slowly , attending Broadway shows, pu les egos, interactive art e hibits What’s your biggest goal for 2024? ickstart one of the many business ideas I have locked up in my head. nd, learn four recipes I can cook from memory and keep the taste consistent each time.

Pets, kids, neither? I have one dog. I love kids and would love to have kids in my life - whether that s adopting, by surrogate, or simply fostering.

Would you date someone whose political views differ from your own? It depends.

Celebrity crush: Regina King and Florence Pugh Name one obscure fact about yourself: inding a ob in finance in was rough.

I did odd obs with my roommates. ne ob was cleaning Whitney ouston s house in endam, . .

Ashley Smith, 48, hotel general manager/volunteer community leader How do you identify? ay What are you looking for in a mate Someone who is personable, witty, charming, loving, driven, a visionary, who is motivated, possesses a great sense of humor, is adventurous, spontaneous, and a leader, who is considerate, passionate, and well rounded.

Biggest turn off: lack of respect for one’s self and others, someone who lacks humility and is not driven.

Biggest turn on: great smile, someone who is smart, physically active, able to hold thought-provoking (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key) conversations, and we en oy each others company.

Hobbies: Working out, travel, reading, family time, movies, board games, theater, music, learning about wine, meeting new people and learning more of their e periences to know how we all can work to achieve goals, listener, motivator, and supporter. at is yo r i est oal for In addition to continuing to work out, I would like to add more family time, visit three new countries, and devote more time to building an even better version of myself as I strive to make the most out of the ourney of life.

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B

singles

Pets, kids or neither? one o ld yo date someone w ose olitical iews differ from yo rs ot typically.

Celebrity crush: ege- ean age, ust one of many different crushes ame one o sc re fact a o t yo rself y passion is to make people smile and see the best they have to offer to the world. lways best to lift your family and friends up. nd had the pleasure of singing in the pening and Closing lympic Ceremonies with the orehouse College lee Club.

Mark Stephens, 45, business development and marketing/advertising for iHeart Media How do you identify? ost importantly, I identify as a human being, proudly southern born and bred. o one should be defined by any self-imposed labels. I ve always referred to myself as ust gay because that was the only label available when I was figuring myself out, but I have traits that align with both panse ual and demise ual identities. he most important being that physical attraction, for me, is only of the e uation. he other is determined by personality, trust, and connection over time.

What are you looking for in a (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key) mate? m I I for a mate would be more accurate. ltimately, yes, I d love to find someone who is confident, self-sufficient, with a E personality. hey ll need to have a very diverse set of interests, activities, and be willing to share them with me while they e plore mine. hey d have to challenge and inspire me to be a better person and I would want to do the same for them.

Biggest turn off: Indifference Biggest turn on: caring, sincere personality and a E read as dorky sense of humor.

Hobbies: I m e ually comfortable walking a red carpet, sitting in a boardroom, climbing under a car or on top of a horse. I love the theater spent years of my life performing professionally acting, singing, dancing, stunt work and en oy all kinds of shows, from either side of the curtain. I love horses, horseback riding. I also en oy diving elbow-deep into an engine, working on cars, and recently added boat engines to that list, too.

I am passionate about helping others. I serve on the board of directors for the aryland S E estival, volunteer with Capital ride, and fundraise for the eukemia ymphoma Society.

What’s your biggest goal for 2024? I m in a rebuilding phase of sorts, so there are several. I m looking forward to getting into my new house, then rebuilding my life after several really hard losses and changes over the past seven months. Details available, in uire within. ot what you came here to read.

Pets, kids, neither? In a weird une pected turn of events this past year, I now have both. y incredible nephew recently moved in with me, because the D is a much safer and friendlier place to pursue his gender transition than his home state of labama D he brought his cat with him. It s a really good thing I love my nephew, because his cat is not even trying to curry favor with me. It s uite the opposite, actually. or conte t, the cat is appropriately named ela after the orse oddess of Death and Destruction. he nephew s name is att, ust like the book of the Bible.

Would you date someone whose political views differ from your own? his answer depends on how C they differ. f course, there is a point where the opposing views might prove too much to handle, however, I m not interested in being surrounded by people with the e act same views as me. We learn, grow, and evolve from those with whom we surround ourselves. Seeking out identical political views seems boring to me make me challenge and defend my own views and I ll do the same in return.

Celebrity crush: Sorry folks, but if icky artin, ason omoa or Sandra Bullock come calling I m gonna carpe diem Name one obscure fact about yourself: I m severely allergic to artificial sweeteners.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 26

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DC’s most eligible LGBTQ singles continued Ashanti Martinez, 27, Maryland state delegate

(Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

How do you identify?

Gay What are you looking for in a mate? Genuine partnership — I’ve been in situations where things weren’t evenly yoked, and it ultimately led to issues.

Biggest turn off: Poor personal hygiene and unnecessary rudeness to service workers.

Biggest turn on: A warm smile and inviting eyes.

Hobbies: Spending time with loved ones. I work often, so any free time I have

I try to spend with the people I love.

What’s your biggest goal for 2024? My goal for this year is to do the most good for as many people as possible.

Pets, kids, neither? Yes to both.

Would you date someone whose political views differ from your own? It’d be difficult, especially because of my career.

Celebrity crush: Jeremy Pope, Keiynan Lonsdale and Omar Apollo Name one obscure fact about yourself: If you’re into astrology well, I’m a Taurus who was raised by a Taurus and has multiple Taurus family members and best friends.

Molly Whitehorn, 30, campaign professional at the Human Rights Campaign

(Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

How do you identify? Bi What are you looking for in a mate? Someone funny, smart, independent, and confident. I love meeting different types of people and experiencing new things I d love to find someone who is friendly and can easily adapt to different social situations.

Biggest turn off: Rudeness and folks who don’t pay attention to current events.

Biggest turn on: Kindness and a good sense of

humor Hobbies: Reading, barre, going to museums, pilates, thrifting, indoor cycling, volunteering, and watching horror movies.

What’s your biggest goal for 2024? I want to become an early morning workout person. It’s not going great so far.

Pets, kids, neither? You tell me.

Would you date someone whose political views differ from your own? Republicans need not apply.

Celebrity crush: Julien Baker, duh!

Name one obscure fact about yourself: I used to host a concert web series out of Elvis s first home in emphis.

(Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

live music and sporting events.

What’s your biggest goal for 2024? My two biggest goals are health and career related. I m a firm believer though in working in silence and letting the success be the noise. So I will definitely share the accomplishments once they happen. Because they WILL happen.

Pets, kids, neither? I don’t have any pets or kids, but I LOVE dogs! I can’t wait to get one. I have my eyes set on a Shiba Inu. Would you date someone whose political views differ from your own? It truly depends on what their views are. s a Black gay woman, it s definitely a problem if you have views aligned with a politician that is against rights for Blacks, gays, and women.

Celebrity crush: Issa Rae and Janelle Monae. Whew!

Name one obscure fact about yourself: I’m currently on a journey to try as many different hot chocolates as possible.

Alex Held, 34, small business manager How do you identify?

Gay male What are you looking for in a mate? I’m looking for a companion someone to share life with and go on adventures together.

Biggest turn off: People who don’t vote. Especially in this political era.

Biggest turn on: Someone that takes care of their physical and mental health and is open and accepting of others.

(Washington Blade photo by Michael Key) Hobbies: I love staying active and I regularly box, lift, run, bike, or swim. In addition I love music festivals and EDM. What’s your biggest goal for 2024? To help elect a Democratic majority in the House and Senate and defeat Donald Trump.

Pets, kids, neither? I love pets and have a Brittany named Mila. I also like cats and all other animals. I’m undecided on kids at this time, but I’m open to the idea.

Would you date someone whose political views differ from your own? Potentially; however, I can’t be down with a MAGA Republican.

Celebrity crush: Michael B. Jordan Name one obscure fact about yourself: As a kid I grew up bottle feeding baby cows.

DJ Heat, 44, DJ How do you identify? Lesbian What are you looking for in a mate? Someone to share my world and have fun/ laugh with. I picture us doing everything from going to concerts and sporting events, to strolling the cereal aisle, lol.

Biggest turn off: People who have constant negative energy and a pessimistic outlook. Rudeness and impatience toward others is also a big turn off, as well as the over2 6 • WA SHIN GTO N BLADE.COM • FEBRUARY 09 , 2 0 2 4

use of Snapchat filters.

Biggest turn on: A beautiful smile and intelligence.

I’m also a sucker for a woman that can cook. I know that a lot of love goes into preparing a meal for a loved one, and I’m greatly appreciative of that.

Hobbies: I’m one of the few people that still loves going to the bookstore and purchasing books and magazines. When the weather is nice I love being outdoors, visiting parks, museums, etc. And of course going to

CONTINUES ON PAGE 28

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

DC s most eligible

B

Nati Reyes, 35, cancer research How do you identify?

Queer What are you looking for in a mate? Looking for someone to be as silly and goofy as I am. Interested in traveling, even just for short trips. Has a decent personal or social life (ie. hobbies ). If you are a great communicator who has currently or recently been to therapy, is super hot to me. In general, a person who is queer, Sapphic, Trans or Non binary, (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key) who is interested in growing old together. ( compatibility and chemistry is important). Age isn’t too much of a deal breaker, but 28+ would be nice.

Biggest turn off: eople who are mean spirited, send mi ed signals, aren t confident in who they are or what they want, and anyone who thinks they are always right.

Biggest turn on: sense of humor, confidence, E kisser, uality time and a sucker for a nice smile. ( Oh, did I mention therapy?)

Hobbies: I’m part of a trivia team, roller skate, in a band called 2 hit wonders, and I do a varied amount of community building and organizing from south Korea to NYC to DC. My passion is holding space of mutual care and support of marginalized groups.

What’s your biggest goal for 2024? My biggest goal in 2024 is to get more connected with meditation and the metaphysical world. Work on doing more creative work that I love and to rest.

Pets, kids, neither? I have a cat who I’m allergic to but I love her.

Would you date someone whose political views differ from your own? In 2024?

No. Celebrity crush: Surprisingly, I don’t have one. If I had to I’d say Aubrey Plaza and ihanna.

Name one obscure fact about yourself: Maybe not that obscure but I really try to hide that I snort when I laugh.

Nicole Lohr, 41, attorney

(Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

How do you identify? ay What are you looking for in a mate? Haha, uh, mate is such a weird word.

I want to be with someone who is confident, driven, and authentic. But most importantly, someone who has a great sense of humor — who can make the whole room laugh.

Biggest turn off: Insecurity, rudeness, and openmouth chewing.

Biggest turn on: Intellectual, sporty, long-haired

butches.

Hobbies: Playing pickleball, traveling, and watching “Jeopardy” and the Celtics.

What’s your biggest goal for 2024? Paint a wall in my house a fun color and start lifting weights so I can live longer.

Pets, kids, neither? I have a chunky orange cat named Lasagna.

Would you date someone whose political views differ from your own? epublican? No. Communist? Maybe.

Celebrity crush: aomi c herson, egan uin, elley ara, Elena Delle Donne, Kate McKinnon, and Towa Bird.

2 8 • WA SHIN GTO N BLADE.COM • FEBRUARY 09 , 2 0 2 4

singles continued

Name one obscure fact about yourself: I actually have wildly curly hair.

Sarah Pope, 32, nonprofit director How do you identify?

Nonbinary, queer What are you looking for in a mate? Someone kind that strikes the balance between playful, curious, and motivated to change the world for the better.

Biggest turn off: Being on your phone during a date, being rude to service workers, and putting down others, even if it’s a “joke.”

Biggest turn on: Flirty and witty banter, a great (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key) smile, and engaging body language.

Hobbies: The two p’s - pottery and plants. I can make you a vase and then put a clipping in it. I also watch way too much TV, but balance it out by reading a fair amount.

What’s your biggest goal for 2024? Continuing to build more community and trying more things that scare me.

Pets, kids, neither? A three-legged cat son named Birdie.

Would you date someone whose political views differ from your own? If it’s a political view akin to “I prefer tea over coffee,” I can work with that, but otherwise need to be aligned.

Celebrity crush: To capture the spectrum: Mae Martin, Janelle Monae, Alexandra Hedison, Devendra Banhart Name one obscure fact about yourself: I get really into the spoken portion of songs - think the part of ne of our irls, when he goes ook at you, skip the application, interview.” Big on a dramatic reading and any excuse to be a tiny bit theatrical.

Ralph Alston, 35, graphic designer How do you identify? he/him/his What are you looking for in a mate? Charm, a sense of humor, and an active lifestyle (physically or socially) Biggest turn off: ossip Biggest turn on: E ual parts smiles and surprises.

Hobbies: Playing Just Dance, tending to my plants, hot tubs, league sports (darts, bocce, cornhole, trivia) and anything (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key) crafty.

What’s your biggest goal for 2024? This year, I really want to break out of my comfort zone and try something new. Maybe it’s hiking, maybe studying a new language. Something I don’t have to do on my own would be pretty great too!

Pets, kids, neither? I have my four-year-old Pug named Tofu. He’s soft, squishy, and easy to spoil, and a Sag just like dad.

Would you date someone whose political views differ from your own? I don’t think I could. (I’m a liberal, btw.)

Celebrity crush: Michael B. Jordan Name one obscure fact about yourself: I love to cook, but I have the ability to recreate any dish I’ve ever eaten, without ever referring to a recipe.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 30

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28

DC s most eligible

B

singles continued

Malachi J. Stewart, 35, public health analyst

Megan Green, 31, practice owner and psychotherapist

How do you identify?

Queer/gay What are you looking for in a mate? Communicative, transparency, confidence and ambition.

Biggest turn off: Deception, manipulation, and elitism.

Biggest turn on: Empathy, vulnerability, and strong verbal communication skills.

Hobbies: Kickboxing/ boxing, skating, bowling (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key) and museums.

What’s your biggest goal for 2024? Launching a college-based sexual health campaign.

Pets, kids, neither? I have a very possessive Shorkie, so I’m a dog lover! Kids are optional.

Would you date someone whose political views differ from your own? Of course.

Let’s talk about it. Perhaps you can convince me?

Celebrity crush: Winston Duke Name one obscure fact about yourself: As a kid, I was An ASL interpreter for my church.

How do you identify?

Lesbian What are you looking for in a mate? In a mate I look for someone ideally my age, who is kind, confident. I am looking for someone who knows what is important to her and is living in accordance with that.

Biggest turn off: My biggest turn off is probably “negging”. I am a Leo and one of my love languages are words of affirmation.

(Washington Blade photo by Michael Key) Words matter a lot to me.

Biggest turn on: I love watching someone’s face light up when they talk about something they are passionate about. Whatever it is you can’t get off your mind, I want to hear about.

Hobbies: I en oy fitness, crafts, video games, cooking, reading and reality .

What’s your biggest goal for 2024? I am investing time and money into developing a plot of land into a rental property in eastern Georgia. So that is a goal I am actively working on and hoping to make a lot of progress with this year.

Pets, kids, neither? I have neither, I have no qualms about dating a pet parent. I am not sure that I am interested in children.

Would you date someone whose political views differ from your own? No. Celebrity crush: Kristin Kreuk Name one obscure fact about yourself: I can sing pretty well.

3 0 • WA SHIN GTO N BLADE.COM • FEBRUARY 09 , 2 0 2 4

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GIFT GUIDE

Valentine’s Day gifts for the queers you love From pasta and chocolate to an Aspen getaway

Share the love on Feb. 14 with our thoughtful Valentine’s gift picks for everyone you like and lust.

Centrolina V-Day Pasta Kit

Washington, D.C.-based Centrolina’s seasonally inspired restaurant menu gets the delivered-to-your-door treatment with Chef Amy Brandwein’s holiday gift baskets featuring four handmade pastas and from-scratch sauces, including heart-shaped beet ravioli with ricotta and lemon butter, a mushroom and black truf e ragu, sunchoke tagliolini and oyster cacio pepe, and chestnut pappardelle, among other elevated-Italian recipes that you and your lil’ meatball can whip up on date night. $175, CentrolinaDC.com

La Maison du Chocolat

Heart-shaped candy clichés are much more palatable when the contents within are made in Paris instead of ershey, a., and your intended will be sufficiently satisfied with a aison du Chocolat s selection of premium confections – including melt-in-your-mouth ganaches, pralinés and bouchées, oh my – available in festive and indulgent - and -piece bo es. , a aisonDuChocolat.com

‘Spread the Love’ Plantable Pencils

SproutWorld s set-of-eight ove Edition pencils set themselves up for seed-spreading jokes given Cupid’s context, but the real sentiment is sweeter: Plant the leadfree, graphite writing utensils (engraved with romantic

Centrolina V-Day Pasta Kit

By MIKEY ROX uotes on certified wood in potted soil and en oy striking owers and fragrant herbs in one to four weeks. , Amazon.com

W Aspen Getaway

issed spen ay Ski Week o sweat. ou ll fight fewer crowds as the season winds down – without compromising your commitment to luxury – during a late-winter getaway to the heart of Colorado s ocky ountains at the W Aspen. Book unforgettable outdoor adventures, like heliskiing and dog sledding, with the property’s always-available concierge; spend après hour on the rooftop WE deck before diving into delicious dishes at onsite restaurant 39 Degrees; see and be seen at Ponyboy, the property’s cocktail-focused modern speakeasy rooted in ew ork City nightlife and pour yourself a nightcap from your in-room mini bar before relaxing in the suite’s deep soaking tub – because, ya know, all in a day s work. arriot.com

Nexgrill Ora Pizza Oven

ot a fan of fancy dining out Slip into those grey sweats he won’t let you wear in public, top off the Veuve, and fire up e grill s ra portable propane pi a oven wherein a to-temp cordierite baking stone will cook your personalized pies to perfection at up to 900 degrees. hat s burnin love, baby. , omeDepot.com

‘Just Happy to Be Here’ YA Novel

Have a they/them in your life excited to expand their

La Maison du Chocolat

Nexgrill Ora Pizza Oven

3 2 • WA SHIN GTO N BLADE.COM • FEBRUARY 09 , 2 0 2 4

winter reading list ift a copy of aomi anakia s newly published coming-of-age novel, ust appy to Be ere, about ara, an Indian- merican transgender teenager seeking quiet support and acceptance within her school’s prestigious academic group but instead becomes the center of attention when she draws the ire of administrators and alumni. $16, Amazon.com

Perfect Pairings

Set it off this Valentine’s Day with a curated selection of wine and spirits, including the Pale Rosé, created by Sacha ichine, of Whispering ngel fame lat Creek Estate s red-blend trio, featuring the Super e an, our orsemen, and Buttero on Barcel s Imperial Premium Blend 40th Aniversario rum; and the Bourbon Rosemary cocktail-in-a-can from Spirited Hive. $17-$199

Moon Bath Bomb

Stars aligned for that little meet-cute you told everybody about on ik ok, and you can trust the universe to provide ample relaxation when you plop Zodica Perfumery s oon Bath Bomb in the tub there s a specific formulation for every sign, which promises vibe-setting aromatherapy, activated charcoal for deep cleansing, and skin-soothing olive oil for the self-love glow-up you’ve been waiting for. , odica erfumery.com ikey o is an award-winning ournalist and B lifestyle expert whose work has been published in more than outlets across the world. Connect with ikey on Instagram @mikeyro travels.

‘Spread the Love’ Plantable Pencils

‘Just Happy to Be Here’ YA Navel

Moon Bath Bomb

W Aspen

F E B R UA RY 0 9 , 2 0 2 4 • WA S H I N GTO N B L A D E.CO M • 3 3

CALENDAR |

By TINASHE CHINGARANDE

Friday, February 09

Tuesday, February 13

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.

Women in Their Twenties and Thirties will meet at 8 p.m. in person at the DC Center for the LGBT Community and also on Zoom. This is a social discussion group for queer women in the Washington, D.C. area. For meeting updates, join WiTT’s closed Facebook group.

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

Coming Out Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This support group is 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 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.

Saturday, February 10 The DC Center for the LGBT Center will host a facilitator training at 12 p.m. on Zoom. This training will help establish the basics of how to lead virtual support groups, as well as how to build a safe space where everyone is able to share their voices and be heard. he first hour will be geared towards introductory material, while the second hour will invite current facilitators to share situations and best practices.for more details, email justin@thedccenter.org.

GoGay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Brunch” at 11 a.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. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Sunday, February 11 AfroCode DC will be at 4 p.m. at Decades DC. This event will be an experience of non-stop music, dancing, and good vibes and a crossover of genres and a fusion of cultures. Tickets cost $40 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

“Elevate Drag Brunch: Drag King Edition” will be at 12 p.m. at fficina at the Wharf. his will be a brunch featuring outstanding performances from DC’s most fabulous drag kings. Performers include The Baphomette, Silver Ware Sidora, Teddi Baerbach and King Molasses. Tickets cost $25 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Monday, February 12

Wednesday, February 14 Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email centercareers@thedccenter.org or visit www.thedccenter.org/ careers.

OUT & ABOUT Duke Ellington Costume Shop unveils design vault The Duke Ellington Costume Shop will unveil its design vault for the first time on Saturday, eb. , showcasing decades of craftsmanship and creativity.

“The design vault houses an awe-inspiring collection available for purchase at our Flea Market event on Feb. 10. From evening gowns to cocktail dresses, these timeless pieces capture the essence of characters and eras from various productions,” according to a statement from the Duke Ellington School of the Arts.

The Flea Market event, hosted by Ellington’s Technical Design and Production Department, offers a rare opportunity for patrons to own a piece of theatrical history. The event will take place at Duke Ellington School of the Arts, located at 3500 R St NW, Washington, DC 20007.

The DC Center for the LGBT Community will host “Senior Nutrition with Wegmans” on Thursday, Feb. 15 at 4 p.m. on Zoom.

Thursday, February 15 The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email supportdesk@thedccenter.org or call 202682-2245.

Virtual Yoga with Charles M. will be at on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breathwork, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.

Center Aging: Monday Coffee & Conversation will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of their choice. For more details, email justin@thedccenter. org.

3 4 • WA SHIN GTO N BLADE.COM • FEBRUARY 09 , 2 0 2 4

The DC Center for the LGBT Community will host ‘Senior Nutrition with Wegmans’ on Thursday, Feb. 15.

Guests will hear from Marda Heuman, a registered dietitian and Wegmans nutritionist, who will show you how to bring balance, variety, and moderation to one’s overall pattern of eating, plus take guests on a virtual tour around the store to find easy ways to get simple meals on the table with minimal prep and with emphasis on the needs for older adults. Marda has been a dietitian/nutritionist for close to 30 years, 12 of them at Wegmans.

Attendance is free and more details are available on the DC Center’s website.

Inspired by Chekhovs ‘ Three Sisters

THE PALACIOS SISTERS Written and adapted by Cristina Garcia - Directed by Adrian Alea

FAMILY BONDS ARE CHALLENGED AS SIBLINGS NAVIGATE THE CHAOTIC 80s MIAMI “This production and creative team was a match made in heaven” - DC Theater Arts

THRU FEBRUARY 25 World Premiere in Spanish with English surtitles

galatheatre.org - 202-234-7174 - 3333 14th St NW, WDC 20010

F E B R UA RY 0 9 , 2 0 2 4 • WA S H I N GTO N B L A D E.CO M • 3 5

THEATER

e t to ormal a heartrending rock musical about mental illness Impact on patient, family, and beyond e pressed through song

By PATRICK FOLLIARD They’ve made a deal. Dan goes to work and does the shopping, while Diana stays home and keeps house. It’s safer that way. But when Diana starts making sandwiches on the oor, something s not right. So, it s back to the doctor.

And that’s the kickoff to “Next to Normal,” Brian Yorkey and Tom Kitt’s masterful alt-rock musical, now enjoying a revival at ound ouse heatre in Bethesda. Strikingly helmed by out director lan aul, the production features an e citing mi of both new and familiar faces.

It s the suburban mother s si teenth year into a bipolar disorder diagnosis and Diana Goodman, played brilliantly by racy ynn livera, is understandably a bit battle weary. et despite years of periodic episodes, med ad ustments, and interminable at days filled with robotically performed household chores including sex with her husband, she still maintains a wry sense of humor peppered with sarcastic asides, all skillfully landed by livera.

And while Diana is the eye of the domestic storm, the rest of the family play their parts too. There’s Dan (Kevin S. c llister , the e hausted architect, doing his best to keep home life as normal as possible, supporting a wife while missing the young vibrant woman she once was teenage daughter atalie Sophia Early a peevish grade-grubber who s prime for emotional escape and an elusive son, abe ucas inds Babcock , being his mother’s ally. lso on hand is enry Ben Clark , the kind, stoner new boyfriend who atalie reluctantly introduces to her parents.

With Who s Cra y y sychopharmacologist and I,” we musically follow Diana through her current med ad ustment. fter almost two months of uncomfortable tweaking, Diana says she feels nothing and treatment is deemed a success.

Feeling nothing is painful. Through her plaintive solo “I iss the ountains, she e plains the e hilarating highs

she longs to relive. Unsurprisingly, the patient soon goes off her meds and what follows is a manic episode of nonstop cleaning, cooking, rearranging, and lots of decoupage. e t up is more treatment including EC therapy. ersatile local actor Calvin cCullough plays both ine and adden, Diana s sincere but not wholly successful doctors.

LUCAS HINDS BABCOCK (Gabe) and TRACY LYNN OLIVERA (Diana) in ‘Next to Normal’ at Round House Theatre.

(Photo by Margot Schulman Photography)

“Next to Normal” premiered to acclaim in 2008, scooping up awards with names like ony and ulit er. rock musical with a hard charging score and a libretto about mental illness that’s at once heartrending and funny felt new and was hugely well received.

Similarly, the mostly sung through musical is a hit at ound ouse with an e tended run through arch thanks largely to the revival’s inventive staging, fresh musical direction by Chris oustra, and an uber talented cast of six.

3 6 • WA SHIN GTO N BLADE.COM • FEBRUARY 09 , 2 0 2 4

Here, the powerful effects of mental illness on the patient, family, and beyond are e pressed not through dialogue but songs feelingly sung sometimes softly, sometimes loudly.

Each of the cast have their moments, including ucas inds Babcock as abe who ooms lithely around the set singing I m live. It s to me a fantastic introduction to Babcock s talent.

Smartly, Eamon oley provides some fun but mostly fittingly understated choreography, and Helen Q. Huang’s thoughtful costuming adds to the atmosphere, accentuating burgeoning atalie s changing means of sartorial expression and Diana’s patient versus civilian attire.

Director aul, along with celebrated designers Wilson Chin scenic and icholas ussong pro ections , have created an immense industrial expanse that serves as home, hospital, and recital hall, and cleverly supplies a surface for outsized projections of the actors’ faces and, most unforgettably, a tight shot of livera s blinking blue eyes. hese pro ections both recorded and in real-time get up close and personal with the cast’s performances, creating an intimacy and intensity that works especially well, making a satisfying e perience even better. e t to ormal is a co-production with assachusetts s Barrington Stage Company where lan aul is artistic director. Before landing in the Berkshires in , he was associate artistic director at Shakespeare heatre Company.

‘Next to Normal’

Through March 3 | Round House Theatre

4545 East-West Highway | Bethesda, MD 20814 $46-$88 | Roundhousetheatre.org

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FILM

French ‘Lie With Me’ believes in love after love compelling story about the capacity of human beings to heal

By JOHN PAUL KING Sometimes, a love story is about what happens after it’s over as much as how it starts.

Take, for example, the French import “Lie With Me,” which makes its U.S. debut via DVD and VOD on Feb. 15. Based on Philippe Bresson’s 2017 novel “Arrête avec tes mensonges” (“Stop With Your Lies” , it was filmed in 2021, hit the European festival circuit in 2022, and received a general release in its homeland in early 2023, and is making its first appearance on merican screens at a time when most film buffs are already looking toward whatever 2024 movies might be coming our way after the hoopla of awards season fades into the background for another year.

Don’t let its status as a “late-bloomer” put you off, however. s any true film buff knows, such circumstantial factors have nothing to do with a movie’s inherent worth or uality. Indeed, it s often the most overlooked films that ultimately prove also to be the most satisfying, and even if it doesn’t come with the kind of industry buzz that often holds a perhaps unwarranted sway over the tastes of the moviegoing public, this one strikes enough of an emotional chord for queer viewers (especially those who came of age in an earlier generation) to make it worth going out of one’s way.

Directed by Olivier Peyon from a screenplay he wrote with incent oymiro, rthur Cahn and C cilia Rouaud, “Lie With Me” is a slice-of-life character study, set in the mid-1980s, in which a celebrated-but-controversial gay author St phane Belcourt (Guillaume de Tonqu dec , now in advancing middle age – returns to his hometown of Cognac as the guest of honor for the anniversary celebration of a company that produces the city’s namesake liqueur. It’s a bittersweet trip for him, conjuring painful teenage memories of a first love who disappeared from his life without explanation and has left him yearning for closure ever since; but his melancholy is displaced by unexpected intrigue when he discovers that Lucas (Victor Belmondo), the young man responsible for his invitation to the festivities, is the now-adult son of his long-lost paramour, opening up the possibility of finding answers he never thought he’d have – but only if he can let his defenses down enough to ask the necessary questions of Lucas, who seems to be seeking some answers of his own.

Tinged with wistful nostalgia and built around an eminently relatable coming-of-age narrative that invites comparison with movies like Call e By our ame or any of the countless similar tales of painful first love that have been a staple of queer cinematic romance since such things were “permissible” on the screen, “Lie With Me” fully assumes the wistful tenderness of its genre by interweaving the story of what happened all those years ago - the unexpected and clandestine affair between younger St phane r my illet and his sullen, secretive, and deeply-closeted classmate homas ulien de Saint ean , rendered with the kind of fragile sweetness that gives such tales of youthful awakening their irresistible appeal, largely thanks to the authenticity and chemistry of the two young actors who play it out for us. Even so, it takes a more brooding and palpably melancholy tone than most of us might be used to in a love story, partly due to the fact that the romance at its center has been over for decades, yet still casts a long shadow over its haunted protagonist, who seems never to have been

VICTOR BELMONDO and GUILLAUME DE TONQUÉDEC

able to fully give his heart (or, more to the point, his trust) to anyone since. It’s a romantic movie, to be sure, but one in which the romance is viewed through the bitter hindsight of a man who was left burned by it, and becomes even more un-requitable with the revelation of tragic developments that came in the years between. s a conse uence, it can sometimes feel like a depressing slog St phane s aded, defensively deployed misanthropy occasionally becomes as much an obstacle to our empathy for him as it does to his making real connections with the people around him on the screen, and there are times when our patience with his self-imposed emotional isolationism wears thin. et that s not necessarily a bad thing. eyon s film is not e actly a love story in the usual sense, but an exploration of what happens to someone in the aftermath of a loss – and the emotional devastation it has wrought on their life that has been kept, undiscussed and unprocessed, as a kind of lifelong “sacred wound.” et it s also an e ploration of how such trauma can finally begin to be healed through connecting with others who share a common sorrow. s a balance to St phane s guarded, occasionally abrasive persona comes the younger Lucas’ outgoing, approachable enthusiasm for connection, which comes in even greater contrast to his older counterpart’s attitude as we gradually discover his own hidden sense of loss; it’s this quality that serves as catalyst in bringing the two men together, despite reticence in both of their corners, and ultimately brings the story to a denouement that, while far from the kind of happy-ever-after ending so many queer viewers usually long to see, might just allow them both to achieve something like closure. he result is a film that overcomes its own gloom to offer hope without resorting to wish-fulfillment fantasy

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– something it owes to its insightful and autobiographical source novel, a critically-acclaimed bestseller (transcribed for English-language publication, surprisingly enough, by actress Molly Ringwald, who enjoys a lesser-known career as a writer and translator) in its native France, and to the savvy adaptation from Peyon and fellow screenwriters incent oymiro, rthur Cahn, and C cilia ouaud. hel humanity essential for making it work, however, is delivered through the work of its two leads, with the C sar ward-winning de on u dec s unvarnished star turn as St phane finding a natural symbiosis with the affable Lucas brought to life by rising talent Belmondo – and yes, if you’re wondering, he is the grandson of ean- aul Belmondo, the late rench ew Wave movie star whose iconic looks and charisma he has certainly inherited. longside illet and de Saint- ean, veteran French actress Guilaine Londez rounds out the main cast with a memorable performance as a provincial event coordinator with more observational savvy than she lets on. one of that is likely to be enough to give ie With Me” the kind of feel-good appeal so many modern queer audiences hunger for; though drawn with enough depth and complexity to elevate it above the familiar-yet-still-relevant tropes of its narrative – doomed same-sex love, tragic queer victimhood, the self-sabotaging power of internalized homophobia – it still tells a story that feels frustratingly repetitive to the generations that didn’t live in the era it takes place, and perhaps even for many of those from the generations that did. We can’t argue with preference, so if its subject matter and thematic palette seem to you like something you would rather skip, then you’re probably right. For anyone else, though, it’s a thoughtful and ultimately compelling – if not quite uplifting – story about the capacity of human beings to heal.

Blossom to Beverage: The Story of Chocolate Saturday and Sunday | February 17–18 | 10:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

The story of chocolate begins with a small cacao tree rooted deep in the history of Mesoamerican culture.

Learn the symbolism and history of this beloved and storied ingredient through art making, food and drink demonstration, and other hands-on activities at the National Museum of the American Indian.

Mother Tongue Film Festival: Frybread Face and Me Wednesday, February 21 | 7 p.m.

Frybread Face and Me follows two adolescent Navajo cousins from different worlds as they bond during a summer on their grandmother’s Arizona ranch, learning more about their family’s past and about themselves. (Director: Billy Luther (Navajo/Hopi/Laguna Pueblo), USA, 2023, 93 min., English) This film is rated TV-MA for mature audiences, contains coarse language.

This screening is presented in conjunction with the opening night of the Mother Tongue Film Festival.

Free | National Mall AmericanIndian.si.edu Frybread Face and Me (film still), courtesy of Cybelle Codish

F E B R UA RY 0 9 , 2 0 2 4 • WA S H I N GTO N B L A D E.CO M • 3 9

ADVICE

Tips for strengthening your relationship

On Valentine’s Day, recommit to tackling challenges together

By MICHAEL RADKOWSKY Working as a couples therapist, I’ve had many people tell me over the years how difficult they think it is to have a happy relationship. “The divorce rate is over 50%.” “It’s so much work.” “If it’s this hard, something must be wrong.”

Here’s some very good news: The high divorce rate and the number of failed relationships you see around you need have no impact on the success of your own relationship.

While building and maintaining a healthy relationship takes effort, doing so is possible, and the ongoing challenge of finding creative and loving ways to handle tough challenges can actually be fun.

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, here are my top suggestions for steps you can take to have a great relationship.

Please keep in mind that while these steps are simple in concept, they are not always easy to practice. So don’t get discouraged. And remember that if you consistently work at doing your best in your relationship, doing so will likely get easier over time.

• Strive to always have a sense of humor about ow diffic lt relations i s can e. We’re all different in big ways, so of course it’s hard to share your life with someone at times. If you can keep this in mind instead of thinking “this should be easy,” you will actually have a much easier time navigating the challenges of being coupled.

• oid wantin to e ri t. By this, I mean both trying to prove to your partner that you are right, and simply maintaining the belief in your mind that you are right. Wallowing in this belief gives you a sense of superiority, competition, and grievance, all of which are corrosive to your relationship. In addition, if there is a winner in the relationship, there is a loser, and that’s a terrible dynamic for a couple to have.

• Aim to be generous: Be open to saying “yes” to your partner’s requests whenever possible; endeavor not to keep score on who has been more generous; and make it a priority to support your partner’s happiness. And at the same time: • a e a o ndary w en necessary. When you say “no,” do so from your integrity, not from score-

This Valentine’s Day, take these steps to strengthen your relationship.

keeping or spite. This means understanding why something is important to your partner, while at the same time being clear that something different is even more important to you that requires saying “no” to your partner’s request.

• cce t t at disa ointment is ine ita le in e ery relations i . Because we are all different, we will at times see, understand, think, prioritize, and behave in ways that are very different from our partners, including on important matters. Therefore, it’s inevitable that we will occasionally be gravely disappointed in our partners, just as they will be gravely disappointed in us. That’s life. Accepting this truth can make it easier to bear.

• d ocate for w at is im ortant to yo . Two caveats, though. First, you don’t want to weigh down the relationship with too many requests. Second, be prepared to not always get what you ask for. It is not your partner’s job to meet your every want.

• on t wait for yo r artner to ma e t e first mo e w en yo want somet in to a en.

If both of you are waiting for the other person to go first, nothing will happen. his includes but is absolutely not limited to) apologies, initiating sex, planning vacations, and starting hard conversations.

On a related note: • Foc s on w at yo can do to im ro e a sit a

4 0 • WA SHIN GTO N BLADE.COM • FEBRUARY 09 , 2 0 2 4

tion, rat er t an on w at yo r artner is doin , is not doing, or should be doing. We don’t have much power over the other person, but we have a lot of power over ourselves.

A special note for gay men: Open relationships appear to be practically the norm these days, but they are tricky to conduct well. es, monogamy has its own challenges.

Jealousy, messy boundaries, dishonesty, and trust issues get easily activated. If you want to build a strong open relationship, be aware that doing so takes a lot of skill, a lot of honesty, a lot of acceptance, and some ways of keeping your primary relationship special.

Also keep in mind that being a gay man doesn’t automatically provide skills such as: • The solidity of self to be trusting and generous.

• The ability to sense how far boundaries can be pushed without doing too much damage.

• The capacity to transcend feelings of jealousy and pain.

• The strength of character not to idealize outside sex partners.

Wishing you a happy Valentine’s Day! Mic ael ad ows y, Psy.D. is a licensed psychologist who works with couples and individuals in D.C. He can be found online at michaelradkowsky.com. All identifying information has been changed for reasons of confidentiality. ave a uestion Send it to michael@michaelradkowsky.com.)

Thurst Lounge

New Black-owned LGBTQ club holds party (Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

Patrons enjoyed a Saturday night of socializing at the newly opened Black-owned LGBTQ club Thurst.

F E B R UA RY 0 9 , 2 0 2 4 • WA S H I N GTO N B L A D E.CO M • 4 1

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LEFT PAGE

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REAL ESTATE

Moving in together: What’s yours, mine, and ours?

Combining homes requires patience, communication, compromise

By VALERIE M. BLAKE

s we approach alentine s Day, imagine you re sitting with your significant other at a table for two in a quiet corner of a fabulous restaurant. You have just had a sumptuous meal, along with cocktails, wine, and a aming dessert, when your partner leans in and whispers the words of Christopher Marlowe: “come live with me and be my love.”

In the ourney of love and companionship, combining living spaces is a si able milestone. Whether it s moving in together, getting married, or simply sharing a home, commingling the living areas of two individuals requires careful consideration, compromise, and creativity. his process involves merging not only physical belongings but also lifestyles and preferences.

Unless either of you is still living Chez Mom and Dad, you’ll need to decide whose home will be your new nesting place. Are you currently renting and constrained by a lease? Does one of you own property? Do you both? Whose home is most convenient or closest to the size you need?

In any personal, business, or familial relationship, communication is key. pen and honest discussions about expectations, preferences, and boundaries lay the foundation for a successful integration of living areas, even if you’re only roommates. Each person should feel heard and respected, and compromises should be made where necessary.

Mo ing in together There are some ey factors to consider first.

Whether you intend to move into one or the other’s existing residence or decide to sell “yours and mine” and buy “ours,” understanding each other’s needs, desires, and budgets will help you pinpoint a location, size, and type of home that will work best. or e ample, someone who works at home may find location to be less important than it is for a DMV commuter. Perhaps access to dining and shopping nearby is important to you.

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Is it just the two of you or will you be a Brady Bunch blended family? Do you anticipate caring for elderly relatives now or in the future Do you need dual office spaces or an e ercise area?

Will it be a condominium, townhouse, or detached home Colonial, mid-century modern, contemporary, or one-story rambler lso, if you clarify how your budgets will mesh up front, you may save yourself from arguing about money later. nce you have decided on where, what, and how much, considering each person s habits, routines, and design tastes can help to create a space that re ects both individuals personalities while fostering warmth and harmony.

Practicality plays a crucial role in merging living spaces. Assessing the available space, storage needs, and functionality of each item is essential. Bring out your inner arie ondo. Duplicate or unnecessary items can be minimized through decluttering and organizing sessions. Deciding together which items to keep, donate, or repurpose ensures that the space remains clutter-free and functional for both individuals.

Attaining a cohesive design aesthetic can be a fun and rewarding aspect of creating new living spaces. Finding common ground in terms of color schemes, furniture styles, and decorative elements helps in achieving a cohesive look. Mixing and matching pieces from each person’s collection can add character and uniqueness to the space while maintaining a sense of balance.

Flexibility is key when it comes to compromise. Both individuals may have attachments to certain belongings or design elements, and finding middle ground is essential. Being open to trying out new arrangements or incorporating elements from different styles can lead to surprising and delightful outcomes. ersonali ation is important in making the shared space feel like home for both individuals. Incorporating meaningful objects, photographs, and artwork can add a personal touch and foster a sense of belonging. Creating designated areas or corners where each person can display their interests or hobbies allows for individual expression within the shared space. espect for each other s privacy and personal space is paramount in a shared living arrangement. Designating separate areas or zones where each person can retreat and have some alone time ensures that both individuals feel comfortable and respected. Clear communication about boundaries and e pectations regarding personal space helps in avoiding con icts down the road.

Flexibility and adaptability are essential qualities to navigate the challenges of turning two homes into one. As individuals grow and evolve, so do their preferences and needs.

Regular discussions about how the shared space is working for both individuals allow for adjustments to be made as needed. ost of all, combining the living areas of two individuals is a process that re uires patience, communication, and compromise. By approaching the task with an open mind and a willingness to collaborate, it is possible to create a harmonious and functional living space that re ects the personalities and preferences of both parties and truly makes it your own.

VALERIE M. BLAKE

is a licensed Associate Broker in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia with RLAH Real Estate / @properties. Call or text her at 202-246-8602, email her via DCHomeQuest.com, or follow her on Facebook at TheRealst8ofAffairs.

F E B R UA RY 0 9 , 2 0 2 4 • WA S H I N GTO N B L A D E.CO M • 4 5

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

PROBATE DIVISION 2024 ADM 23 Estate of David Joe Lewis, deceased NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

or estates of decedents dying on or after uly ,

otice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by laina Wright for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representatives. nless a responsive pleading in the form of a complaint or an ob ection in accordance with Superior Court robate Division ule is filed in this Court within days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth. In the absence of a will or proof satisfactory to the Court of due e ecution, enter an order determining that the decedent died intestate and appoint an unsupervised personal representative. ate of first lication an ary , ame of newspaper and or periodical Daily Washington aw eporter, Washington Blade s laina Wright, Signature of etitioner Erica loger, ttorney riffin riffin , th Street, W, , Washington, DC rue est Copy

icole Stevens, egister of Wills Clerk of the robate Division

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Academy of Hope Adult Public Charter School REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

ROOFING CONTRACTOR The Academy of Hope Adult Public Charter School located in Washington, DC requests proposals for Roof Contractor. Proposals are due March 4th, 2024. You can find the detailed re est or pro posal and submission information at https://aohdc.org/jobs/

mended FDOP

PROBATE DIVISION 2024 ADM 000039 Marshall Peckham, Name of Decedent Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors and Notice to Unknown Heirs

Emily Champlin, whose address is th St E, pt , Washington, DC was appointed ersonal epresentative of the estate of arshall eckham who died on uly , without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. ll unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. b ections to such appointment shall be filed with the egister of Wills, D.C. th Street .W., Building , rd loor, Washington, D.C. , on or before ugust , . Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the egister of Wills or to the egister of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before ugust , , or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within days of its publication shall so inform the egister of Wills, including name, address and relationship.

s

ate of first lication Fe r ary , ame of newspaper and or periodical Daily Washington aw eporter, Washington Blade s Emily Champlin, Signature of etitioner th St E, pt , Washington, DC -

icole Stevens, egister of Wills, Clerk of the robate Division

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F E B R UA RY 0 9 , 2 0 2 4 • WA S H I N GTO N B L A D E.CO M • 4 7