Washington Blade, Volume 56, Issue 01, January 03, 2025 by Washington Blade

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Trump’s win and its impact on LGBTQ Americans is

2024’s top story

Sarah

McBride,

sinking corporate support for DEI among year’s headlines

By CHRISTOPHER KANE | ckane@washblade.com

The year 2024 didn’t end the way many LGBTQ rights supporters expected, with the re-election of Donald Trump and the anti-LGBTQ promises of the Project 2025 blueprint for his new administration. Here are the top 10 stories of the year as determined by Blade staff.

#10 LGBTQ federal workers face tough decisions amid Trump transition

There is always turnover in the federal government during presidential transitions, but the 2024 election may cause an unprecedented exodus from the public sector with President-elect Donald Trump’s plans to disband, reorient, or disempower agencies like the Education Department, the Justice Department, and the EPA in his second term. Project 2025 presents additional challenges for those who may wish to stay in their jobs after the incoming administration takes over, between the mandate to overhaul the federal civil service and — for LGBTQ employees who spoke with the Blade — the document’s proposals for removing anti-discrimination protections while stopping agencies from working to expand the community’s rights and protections.

#9 Documents show plans for ‘Christian nationalism’ in Trump second term

During the campaign, President-elect Donald Trump sought to distance himself from Project 2025, the document penned by many of the advisers closest to him both now and during his first administration, which promises a second term whose governing mandate is shaped by Christian nationalism. Other right-wing think tanks and organizations whose leaders are close to the former and future president, however, have advanced policy documents that also would make Christian nationalism a guiding principle of governance and public policy. Among them is the Center for Renewing America, which is led by Russell Vought, who was director of the Office of Management and Budget in the first Trump administration.

#8 Biden-Harris

administration releases new Title IX regulations

The Biden-Harris administration in April released new Title IX regulations, clarifying that prohibitions on sex-based discrimination in educational programs that receive federal funding includes that which is based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Lambda Legal praised the move, writing in a statement that it “protects LGBTQ+ students from discrimination and other abuse.” The policy also reverses some Trump-era Title IX rules governing how schools must respond to reports of sexual harassment and sexual assault, which were widely seen as imbalanced in favor of the accused. Conservative state attorneys general sued the administration to challenge the new interpretation of the policy.

#7 Anti-trans attack ads

Republicans spent at least $215 million on anti-trans attack ads that were run on TV for GOP campaigns in 2024, with most coming from President-elect Donald

Trump’s team. After the election, Democrats debated the extent to which Republican messaging on trans rights helped to deliver major victories from the White House to the races that won the GOP control over both chambers of Congress. While the quantitative evidence of their efficacy has been mixed, with research by groups like GLAAD concluding that the commercials “yielded no statistically significant shift in voter choice, mobilization or likelihood to vote,” they tended to make viewers’ attitudes toward trans people more negative.

#6 Biden-Harris administration sets record for number of LGBTQ confirmed judges

The Biden-Harris administration named a record number of LGBTQ appointees to serve at all levels of the federal government, and likewise sought to appoint jurists to the federal bench who reflected America’s diversity. With the Senate’s confirmation in September of Mary Kay Costello’s nomination to serve on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the White House secured its 12th judicial appointment for an LGBTQ candidate — surpassing, within in four years, the record that was set during the Obama-Biden administration over the course of two terms.

#5 Biden pardons discharged LGBTQ veterans

In June, President Joe Biden issued historic pardons for approximately 2,000 LGBTQ service members who had been discharged from the military and were

court-martialed over their sexual orientation or gender identity under discriminatory policies of the past, like “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” The administration announced that recipients of certificates of pardon will be able to petition for a change in their discharge status, which can facilitate their access to benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Efforts to restore justice to those harmed by anti-LGBTQ policies in the military are ongoing, however, as bureaucratic and administrative hurdles continue to stand in the way.

#4 Corporate America goes soft on LGBTQ support

Several major publicly traded companies announced cuts in 2024 to LGBTQ-focused diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts — from sponsorship of Pride month events to participation in the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index survey. The trend marks a decisive shift away from years of corporate allyship amid rightwing pressure campaigns and calls for boycotts like that which has continued to harm sales at Bud Light after more than a year. LGBTQ employees at Target who were involved in the retailer’s annual Pride collection shared concerns with the Blade over the company’s decision to radically scale back the LGBTQ-themed merchandise offered in June 2024.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 10

Vice President HARRIS sat down for an exclusive Pride month interview with the Blade.

(Washington Blade photo by Jono Madison/Jono Photography)

Revisit the top 10 stories you read online in 2024

Blade makes history with Biden interview

FROM STAFF REPORTS

Each year, we check the online trafﬁc reports to see which stories were most popular. Here are the top 10 Washington Blade stories by web trafﬁc for 2024.

#10: Professor at Baptist University in Virginia found dead in Florida gay sauna.

#9: Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin signs bill that codiﬁes marriage equality into law.

#8: Accidental overdose deaths of two beloved D.C. gay men elicits powerful response from local LGBTQ community.

#7: Trump nominates Scott Bessent, a gay man, to become Secretary of the Treasury in new administration. If confirmed, Bessent would become the highest-ranking out government official since Treasury is fifth in the line of presidential succession.

#6: An opinion piece titled, “Elon Musk is a danger to society,” by Blade columnist Isaac Amend noted that the X owner has begun banning accounts that use the word “cisgender” and denounced the mogul as a notorious transphobe.

#5: Nonbinary Oklahoma high school student dies after ﬁght. Nex Benedict, 16, died from injuries suffered in a February 2024 attack at Owasso High School in Oklahoma.

#4: After 55 years, the Washington Blade finally scored an interview with a sitting president when our White House reporter Chris Kane sat down with President Biden in the Oval Office in September. It marked the first time a president has granted a full interview to an LGBTQ newspaper.

#3: “Men charged with stealing Pride flags from U.S. Army unit.” News surfaced in February that two men arrested by Arlington, Va., police for allegedly stealing LGBTQ Pride flags from the home of a lesbian couple on five separate days between September 2023 and January 2024 are members of the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry Regiment also known as the Old Guard, an elite ceremonial unit that participates in burials at Arlington National Cemetery.

#2: Trans woman wins Miss Maryland USA, making history with a list of pageant firsts. Bailey Ann became her state’s oldest pageant winner and the first Asian American winner in addition to her status as the first trans pageant winner.

#1: And your most read story of 2024 pertains to the pernicious Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. We proﬁled Shawn Harris in April, a cattleman in Northwest Georgia and military veteran who challenged Taylor Greene for her seat in Congress. Unfortunately, Harris lost his bid to oust the notorious homophobe.

Blade White House reporter CHRIS KANE sits at the Resolute Desk with PRESIDENT BIDEN for a September interview, marking a ﬁrst for the queer press. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

ELON MUSK began banning X accounts that use the word ‘cisgender’ in 2024. (Photo by shganti777/Bigstock)

NEX BENEDICT, 16, died in 2024 after an attack at Owasso High School in Oklahoma. (Family photo)

The year in photos

Top news photos of 2024

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

1.) Activists stage a rally in front of the Heritage Foundation on Jan. 1 to bring awareness to Project 2025.

2.) Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend brings leather enthusiasts from across the country to D.C. in January.

3.) MISTRESS ISABELLE BROOKS of RuPaul’s Drag Race performs at ‘Drag Me to the Disco’ at the Howard Theatre on March 2.

4.) Exhibitors show their wares at the National Cannabis Festival at the RFK Stadium grounds on April 20.

5.) FREDDIE LUTZ passes out signs to supporters outside of Freddie’s Beach Bar on May 4. The ‘Love Fest’ counterdemonstration outside of the Arlington, Va. gay bar is in response to a group of anti-LGBTQ protestors outside the establishment.

6.) BILLY PORTER is the headline performer at D.C. Black Pride on May 25.

7.) KEKE PALMER performs at the main stage of the Capital Pride Festival on June 9.

8.) The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington performs “Portraits” at the Kennedy Center in June.

9.) The Republican National Convention is held in Milwaukee, Wis. in July.

10.) Former President DONALD TRUMP attends the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wis. on July 17.

11.) NOAH VAN GILDER is crowned the winner of the NJB+ Pageant on Aug. 4.

12.) U.S. President JOE BIDEN speaks with Washington Blade senior politics reporter Christopher Kane in the Oval Office on Aug. 12.

13.) Maryland Gov. WES MOORE attends the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Aug, 19.

14.) U.S. Vice President KAMALA HARRIS accepts the nomination of the Democratic Party for President of the United States at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Aug. 22.

15.) DOMINIQUE JACKSON, star of ‘Pose’ on FX, leads the ‘Kunty’ dance party at Bunker on Oct. 5.

16.) The Washington Blade holds its Best of LGBTQ DC Party at Crush on Oct. 17.

17.) KIDD O’SHEA of ‘Good Morning Washington’ is voted Best Local TV/Radio Personality in the Washington Blade’s Best of LGBTQ D.C. readers’ poll.

18.) Vice President KAMALA HARRIS gives her concession speech at Howard University on Nov. 6.

19.) Panels of the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt are put on display on the South Lawn of the White House for World AIDS Day on Dec. 1.

20.) Activists gather outside of the United States Supreme Court on Dec. 4 during oral arguments in the U.S. v. Skrmetti case.

21.) Activists gather outside of the United States Supreme Court on Dec. 4 during oral arguments in the U.S. v. Skrmetti case.

22.) The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington perform ‘The Holiday Show’ at Howard Theatre in December.

23.) Whitman-Walker Health holds the 38th annual Walk to End HIV at Anacostia Park on Dec. 7.

24.) D.C. Council member ZACHARY PARKER speaks at the Washington Blade’s post-election LGBTQ community forum on Dec. 12.

PETER ROSENSTEIN

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

Let’s commit to supporting each other in 2025

And make the new year the beginning of taking back our country

It’s hard to look back on 2024 and figure out exactly what my thoughts are. In so many ways it was a great year. At least until the first presidential debate. It began in February, with an incredible trip with friends to the Galapagos, on the beautiful Celebrity Flora. We saw a part of the world that had been on my bucket list since I was a kid. The trip met all my expectations. The Blue Footed Boobies, and the giant tortoises; walks on the small islands, and the magnificence of what nature has to show us. It was 11 days of fun, and new experiences.

Then as the year wore on, I focused on getting my book published. There was a feeling of personal accomplishment when I received the first proof copy of my memoir. This was now real. I had worked on it for many years, and was never quite sure if it would become a reality. I finally turned in an 80,000word manuscript to my publisher, and she turned it into a book, published the end of May. I thank all the people who have bought and read it since then, and have made such nice comments, and put such great reviews on Amazon. Many have asked if I will write another book, and I am thinking it may be something about how the United States got to this point, with Trump and his acolytes.

Things became scarier after President Biden faltered in his first debate. As a political columnist, it began a focus for me on what was next, and yes, it was scary. Donald Trump became a reality again. What I falsely believed had been brought down, and repudiated, was actually our future. A man who is a convicted felon, and believed there was good in Hitler, is going to be our president. I was on a transatlantic cruise on Election Day, actually in Bermuda, having voted, written about, and made calls for Kamala Harris, before I left on the trip. With some friends, we rented a small room on the ship, to watch as the votes started to come in. By 10 p.m. I knew the result, excused myself, and went back to my cabin. I shut off my phone, turned off the TV, and just read

an escapist novel. The next morning, I wrote my column for the Blade. It was a funny feeling. While I was depressed, it was not as bad as when Hilary Clinton lost to him in 2016. Maybe because I was so much more into that campaign, being on her national finance committee, having been at the convention when she was nominated, and having actually known her since 1990. This time my depression was over my fellow citizens who either stayed home, or voted for Trump. Racism, misogyny, and fear won this election for Trump.

Today, we look to Jan. 3, and the swearing in of a Republican Congress, and then to Jan. 6, and a peaceful confirmation of the electoral college vote by Senate, counter to what Trump did in January of 2021 when he tried to stage a coup. Sadly, enough people apparently forgave that, to elect him again.

But with everyone else who still believes in decency, our democracy, and equality, I stand ready to fight for all those things. But I will not stop my life to do that, as if I do, Trump and his acolytes win again. I will not succumb to depression, but will look forward to travel, having a cruise planned to the Norwegian Fjords and the Arctic, and another transatlantic cruise at the end of the year. I am excited for World Pride, which will take place in D.C. from May 23-June 8. I will work with others to make this a success, and the experience of a lifetime for the millions who will visit D.C. for those two weeks.

Then I will join with others who will fight back, and not quietly accept any threats to me, and to those I care about. I recognize as a Democrat that we must spend time to ensure we take back the House of Representatives in 2026. We first must win in Virginia and New Jersey in 2025. We will fight back, but do it the American way, at the polls.

So, I raise a glass to all those who care, and all those who were fooled by the lies Trump told, and will now suffer for it. We will all make a difference, and 2025 will be the beginning of taking back our country.

JOSHUA PATEL

is an owner of ProMD Health, an aesthetic medicine clinic in City Center.

Ozempic: Is it worth the risk?

Semaglutides have innumerable beneﬁts, but should be taken properly

When my partners and I opened ProMD Health, an aesthetic medicine clinic in City Center, I anticipated my “glow up” would include fewer wrinkles, more volume, and smoother, healthier skin. What I did not expect was to lose 37 pounds in just ﬁve months. Offering injectables such as Botox, sculptra, and ﬁller, along with IV therapy, body contouring, and various spa treatments — I was eager to try all of our treatments except one: Semaglutide. I too was one who believed the things I heard, from upset stomach to hollowness in the face. It wasn’t until I was left without a choice that I embarked on the journey.

What is semaglutide?

Semaglutide, a GLP-1 known as the brand name Ozempic, has become a global phenomenon that can help individuals lose up to 10 pounds a month with consistent diet and exercise. It works by sending signals to our hypothalamus (the part of the brain that controls hunger and sex drive) to be satiated with less food, regulating our cravings and urges. The drug is currently being studied for addiction therapy as patients with existing substance abuse have also noticed a reduction in their inclinations.

Why I joined the celebrity craze

In January 2023, I had learned from my primary physician that I was pre-diabetic, with a BMI of 30, and had alarming triglyceride, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels. At only 33 years old, I felt defeated. On one end, I was a young entrepreneur celebrating the opening of a new business, where on the other, we were discussing medication to help me lower my blood pressure and analyzing my diet (which consisted mostly of nachos, red wine, and chocolate ice cream.) The stress of life was consuming me, where each time I craved something unhealthy — I rationalized that it was deserved for all the many things I was doing.

My mental and physical health was in a bad place, where the more I’d work out — the hungrier I would get, where ice cream was my reward for stepping on the treadmill. Due to my inability to regulate my cravings and intake, I decided to ﬁnally start semaglutide, as a change was needed to happen or illness diagnosis would follow.

The journey

The ﬁrst week was horrendous. I was puking endlessly. I had completely ig-

nored our provider’s advice, continuing to eat what I normally did, which semaglutide rejected. I realized then that me eating in the way I did was not only based on hunger, it was emotional. Food was my boyfriend, my comfort, and gift to myself. The puking was like a self-induced hazing process, because after that — I no longer craved foods that were not compatible with the drug. Essentially — fatty foods, highly processed meals, and foods high in sugar will leave you sick.

The nausea and sickness went away after a week (probably would have never come had I made the diet change on day one) and I started to have to force myself to eat as the hunger signals I relied on were no longer there. After eating half of what I would normally consume, I would feel satiated and full.

As my body got used to the drug, we would go up in dose — where I started to have to force myself to eat. The well balanced diet of protein, vegetables, and carbs gave me the nutrients needed to sustain my day of meetings and post-work gym sessions.

In just one month, my clothes are slipping off and my face had became noticeably slimmer. I started receiving levels of attention I hadn’t since my early 20s, and my conﬁdence and belief in myself skyrocketed.

Getting to my goal weight in month four, we decided to lower the dosage and taper off while incorporating more whole foods in my diet to supplement my workouts. With the weight off, my current focus is muscle growth.

With social media misinforming viewers on a daily basis — I have put together a list of myths, do’s, and don’ts from my experience.

Myths:

• Ozempic Face: The drug does not make your face cave in. When folks lose a lot of weight in a short period of time (with or without GLP-1), they will experience volume loss. One of the few aesthetic beneﬁts of being overweight is fullness in the face, where our wrinkles and signs of aging are less noticeable. Eating too much sugar and having a high fat intake can also cause acne — so it is a double edged sword. Our providers usually recommend slowly increasing the dosage where treatments such as mid-face ﬁller can address new concerns around visible aging.

Looking back at the 10 biggest A&E stories of 2024

Menendez brothers, Chappell Roan, ‘Wicked,’ and more

By CLINTON ENGELBERGER

Reflecting on a year in queer entertainment is never one dimensional. You get stories of joy, hate, and everything in between.

And 2024 was no different. For every Chappell Roan, you get a J.K. Rowling. But looking back on this year is vital in recognizing what progress was made in LGBTQ spaces, and which areas need more attention to make a better 2025.

Though there are no 10 stories that are truly “the most important,” here are some events that represented the good, the bad, and the gloriously gay this year.

#10: Joaquin Phoenix abruptly exits gay film: “Joker” star Joaquin Phoenix reportedly exited a gay romance film days before production was set to begin, stirring up a controversial storm in Hollywood.

Sets were built and distribution deals were already made, which left many owed compensation.

Described as a detective love story featuring two men in the 1930s, the film was allegedly made to receive an NC-17 rating and to feature authentic and graphic sex scenes.

#9: Adele snaps back at homophobic fan: What better way to kick off Pride month this year than Adele publicly humiliating a fan who shouted a homophobic comment?

The singer was performing her Las Vegas residency show when an audience member shouted, “Pride sucks.” Her response was appropriately filled with profanities.

“Did you come to my fucking show to say Pride sucks? Are you fucking stupid?” Adele said. “Don’t be so fucking ridiculous. If you have nothing nice to say, shut up, alright?”

A video of the interaction went viral online, and fans rallied on social media to show their support of the singer.

#8: Oprah receives GLAAD recognition: Oprah Winfrey received the GLAAD Lifetime Achievement Award in March. It was a culmination of her strong history of support for the LGBTQ community.

Winfrey used her platform on her self-titled show to raise awareness of HIV/ AIDS and LGBTQ bias and hold open discussions to challenge stereotypes and promote acceptance.

“Winfrey’s unique blend of empathy, wisdom, and storytelling resonated with audiences, making her one of the most beloved and influential figures in media history,” Los Angeles Blade publisher Troy Masters wrote.

#7: A new ‘Voice’: NBC’s hit singing competition, ‘The Voice,’ crowned its first LGBTQ winner after 25 seasons.

Asher HaVon, who performed on team Reba McEntire, became a staple on the show for his hypnotic and rich tone. From Selma, Ala., HaVon also represents the fight for equality.

When former President Barack Obama visited Selma in 2015, HaVon sang for him and 200,000 other people at the historic Selma Bridge crossing.

“For the rest of us, in the LGBTQ community, in the dance clubs, and in the hearts of ones needing a new diva to love, Asher has arrived,” Los Angeles Blade reporter Rob Watson wrote in May.

#6: Out and proud : Many notable celebrities came out this year, including country singer Maren Morris, track star Trey Cunningham, actor Julia Fox and for-

mer “Saturday Night Live” star Sasheer Zamata. From sports stars to country idols, these icons are paving the way for LGBTQ visibility in underrepresented entertainment spaces.

#5: Defying box office charts: Jon M. Chu’s “Wicked” is ‘Popular’ with audiences, to say the least.

Roughly one week into its box office run, it became the biggest-grossing movie based on a Broadway musical in North America. It beat previous smashes like “Grease” and “Mamma Mia!” Beyond providing audiences with a faithful yet unique adaptation of the popular book and play, it also gave us numerous viral interviews between its two leading ladies, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, as well as a plethora of fan cams gushing over out actor Jonathan Bailey.

Your move, “Wicked: Part Two.”

#4: Emmys and Grammys and Tonys, oh my! : It was a historic year for queer representation at the biggest nights in entertainment. Jodie Foster collected her first Emmy for her role in “True Detective: Night Country,” while Jonathan Groff accepted his first Tony for his role in “Merrily We Roll Along.”

The Grammys were huge for women and queer artists, recognizing performers like Billie Eilish, SZA, Miley Cyrus, and Victoria Monet. It was a much different story than in 2018, when Grammy organizers responded to a lack of female recognition by telling women to “step up.”

IMANE KHELIF (left) and Angela Carini (right). Khelif ﬁled a lawsuit that accused JK Rowling and Elon Musk of cyberbullying. (Screenshot via YouTube)

GLAAD honored OPRAH WINFREY in 2024. (Screenshot via YouTube)

#3: Misinformation fuels hate at Olympics : Olympic boxer Imane Khelif was the center of right-wing rage during this summer’s Paris games after many prominent celebrities and personalities said she is transgender. Khelif has differences of sex development (DSD), which is a group of rare conditions that causes one’s sex development to differ from most others. Women with DSD can have both an X and Y chromosome, which is typically only found in men, but it doesn’t make one transgender or intersex.

The facts didn’t matter to public figures like J.K. Rowling and Elon Musk, who were mentioned in a cyber harassment lawsuit after spreading misinformation online about Khelif’s identity. Rowling labeled Khelif a “male” on X, while others called for Khelif to be banned from competing. This outcry over false claims about her identity overshadowed her gold medal win.

#2: The rise, not fall, of a Midwest princess: It was a stellar year for women and queer performers, headlined by Chappell Roan’s rapid ascension to fame. The singer drew global recognition with notable hits like “HOT TO GO!” and “Good Luck, Babe!”.

More importantly, as a member of the community herself, fame never got in the way of her pro-LGBTQ messaging. She dedicated her Best New Artist VMA win to the “queer youth in the Midwest.” Roan, who’s from Missouri, also used her platform to support the art of drag. She enlisted local drag queens to open her shows this year, and gained instant approval when paraphrasing Sasha Colby’s famous saying: “I’m your favorite drag queen’s favorite drag queen.”

#1 Ryan Murphy strikes controversial gold again : The ethical implications of “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez” were hotly debated when it debuted on Netflix in September.

Some loved the show’s aesthetic and its gripping portrayal of the two brothers who killed their parents in 1989. Others criticized it for its flimsy factual representation and glorification of murder through its two overly attractive leads. Whatever your opinion, there’s no denying the show’s impact, which sparked a national debate over releasing the brothers from prison early. With LA electing a new district attorney in November, the push for an early release remains in the headlines and a strong possibility.

Regardless of your opinion of the show, there’s no denying the cultural impact it sparked. Out creator Ryan Murphy isn’t new to producing shows that divide people while generating ratings. The first installment of the “Monster” anthology, centered on Jeffrey Dahmer, was a huge hit despite facing intense scrutiny for similar creative decisions.

COOPER KOCH and NICHOLAS ALEXANDER CHAVEZ star in ‘Monsters.’

(Photos courtesy of Netﬂix)

2024 a memorable year in local theater

Engaging premiers, reprises, and some particularly strong performances

By PATRICK FOLLIARD

For D.C. theater, it’s been a year of engaging premiers, reprises, and some particularly strong performances. Here are a few of the standouts.

At Round House Theatre, 2024 kicked off with “Next to Normal,” Brian Yorkey and Tom Kitt’s masterful altrock musical. Strikingly helmed by out director Alan Paul, the production featured a marvelous Tracy Lynn Olivera as Diana Goodman, a homemaker struggling with mental illness.

Despite years of scary manic episodes, med adjustments, and endless flat days filled with robotically performed household chores and married life, she maintains a wry sense of humor peppered with sarcastic asides.

At Studio Theatre in spring, nonbinary playwright Bryna Turner’s “At the Wedding” made a regional debut with a production directed by Tom Story. The queer comedy about a woman crashing her ex’s wedding and hoping not to make a scene. Studiotheatre.org

Also in spring, GALA Hispanic Theatre, Gustavo Ott and Mariano Vale’s “The Return of Eva Perón: Momia en el closet” a dark musical comedy filled with history and madness starred out actor Fran Tapia as the taxidermized former first lady. She was terrific.

Set against the harsh landscape of World War I, “Private Jones” a new musical written and directed by Marshall Pailet, premiered at Signature Theatre in Arlington in February.

The production featured a cast of hearing, Deaf, and hard-of-hearing actors including Dickie Drew Hearts, the Deaf, gay, and appealing actor who won an Obie Award for “Dark Disabled Stories,” a Public Theatre production.

At Signature, Hearts played Henry, a Deaf munitions worker. At the time, he told the Blade, “I know that queer people have always been here and I like to infuse that into the characters I play whether or not it’s stated. I look for those moments of where it might be hinting at sexuality, and ask what was it like at the time, was it safe to be out?”

Throughout summer’s Capital Fringe, D.C.’s annual edgy performing arts festival, there was ample opportunity to see some new and different things.

Included in the offerings was work by Sharp Dance Company performed at DCJCC in Dupont. Sharp company member Wren Coleman, a transmasculine dancer and educator based in Philadelphia, described the group as very LGBTQ friendly and noted that their summer dances were of particular interest to queer people.

In July, Stephen Mark Lukas brought his good looks and considerable talent to the Kennedy Center Opera where he played Nick Arnstein, the love interest of Katerina McCrimmon’s Fanny Brice in the national tour of the Broadway revival of “Funny Girl.”

“These older book musicals are character driven and have great scores,” he shared. “It’s what makes them relevant today. On the surface they might feel dated, but there’s also the contemporary humor and romance.”

As a leading man in musical theater, Lukas has played the straight love interest more than once, but he’s never been too concerned about his sexuality getting in the way of the work. “The acting takes care of

that,” he said.

In North Bethesda, Strathmore dedicated two months to celebrating the greatness of James Baldwin. programming included live musical and theatrical events celebrating the late writer’s genius.

In late September, Tony Award winning out actor Gavin Creel, 48, died from a rare and aggressive cancer.

Just a year and a half earlier, he’d been at the Kennedy Center headlining with a national tour of the Broadway hit production of “Into to the Woods.” He played both the lascivious Wolf and Cinderella’s Prince, two terrific scene stealing roles that allowed him to show off his gorgeous voice and comedic magic.

In December, much-admired children’s television screenwriter and producer Chris Nee went from TV

to stage at the Kennedy Center with “Finn,” her heartwarming musical about a young shark who dreams of following in his family’s footsteps by joining the prestigious Shark Guard and the challenges and moments of self-discovery he faces along the way.

Nee is best known for being the creator of the popular Disney animated series “Doc McStuffins” (the first Disney show to air an episode featuring an interracial lesbian couple as well as other kids’ shows “Ridley Jones” and “Vampirina.”

And at Studio Theatre, out actor/director Holly Twyford moves into the new year starring opposite Kate Eastwood Norris in David Auburn’s “Summer, 1976” (through Jan. 12), a wonderfully acted memory play about two very different women and their longtime friendship.

STEPHEN MARK LUKAS (Photo courtesy of Lukas)

A delectable year for D.C.’s dining scene

Despite some disappointing closures, business is booming

By EVAN CAPLAN

In a city of constant change, the restaurant industry is no exception. Reeling from inflation and Initiative 82 on tipped minimum wage, the industry still managed to thrive, delighting diners of all stripes. In no particular order, and in a highly subjective list, these are a few of the top stories that hit hardest in the D.C. food and drink scene in 2024.

Her Diner Rises

When one diner door closes, another diner door opens. After 25 years as an LGBTQ and Adams Morgan landmark, Duplex Diner ended its run.

On July 31, Duplex Diner owners Mark Hunker and Jeff McCracken closed the bar-restaurant and soon announced the potential for a new location in Rehoboth Beach, Del. The duo purchased the spot in 2014 from previous owner and developer Erich Hirshfield, who initially launched Duplex Diner in 1998.

The Diner’s general manager, Kelly Laczko, quickly moved to take over the location, imbuing it with a refreshed spirit while maintaining nods to the community-centric atmosphere beloved in the past, and giving it a new name: Her Diner. Laczko, along with wife, Kethida Laczko, improved the interior with a vibrant, modern facelift that built on the industrial-chic vibe of Duplex.

Laczko also kept a menu mainstay: the (In)famous, beachy squeezes most popular in lemon, as well as orange and grapefruit. Tater tots and meatloaf also remain, as well as some beloved events, like weekly trivia and drag shows. She’s dedicated one of the bathrooms to Beyonce; the rest of the restaurant is dedicated to her customers grateful that the Diner has been reborn.

then painting over its rainbow with a donkey and elephant, as well as for bad-pun, politically themed cocktail names. The bar never overcame the internet’s backlash and nationwide bad press. It closed less than three months later, in December. As of press time, the space remains vacant.

A Starr is Born - Again

Political Patties Falls

Another gay bar closure did not have as felicitous of an ending. Last summer, Dirty Goose, a tri-level bar on U Street, closed after eight years. Co-owners Justin Parker and Daniel Honeycutt also run nearby Shakers. Dirty Goose became a nightlife mainstay, first focusing on martinis and cocktails, and later moving to DJ sets, dancing, and a rooftop popular on weekends. “Goose,” as it is popularly known, had a strong impact: it started a mini-nightlife trend at the corner of 9th and U Streets, as Kiki opened soon after, followed by Shakers. In its place, however, was not another gay bar. Owners Sydney Bradford and Andrew Benbow opened a bar called Political Pattie’s in September just a few days after Goose closed in an attempt to fashion a sports bar - bipartisan watering hole. Reaction was swift: first for taking over the space of a popular institution,

Stephen Starr continues his romp through the D.C. restaurant scene. Starr, based in Philadelphia, owns one of the most popular restaurants in the city, Le Diplomate. The tireless restaurateur has since opened several additional concepts, including El Presidente and St. Anselm. This year, Starr debuted Pastis, a near-copy of the French, celebrity-focused restaurant in Manhattan. It completes a Union Market trio of Starr restaurants, where the aforementioned two are located. Pastis was co-produced by another New York-based restaurateur, Keith McNally, who opened a separate new restaurant in December of this year, Minetta Tavern. Starr, however, was not done dotting the District with destinations. Partnering with celebrated West Coast-based chef Nancy Silverton, the two refashioned the former Dean & Deluca space on M Street into the Italian destination of Osteria Mozza (there is another location of Osteria Mozza in LA). Silverton here has taken the helm of the giant, gilded, two-story space, fronted by a specialty market and centered around a circular marble bar from which drinks and cheese will flow. Starr, with two restaurant openings this year, has his hands full, but is not yet done: Starr is set to soon take over and reopen The Occidental downtown.

Rafidi Rules

The Yellow Brick Road is paved with pastries, hummus, and sumac for Michael Rafidi, the award-winning chef of Michelin-starred Albi and bakery Yellow. This year, Rafidi opened the upstairs-level La’Shukran in Union Market, a neo-Bistro inspired by a bit of Beirut and a bit of the 1960s. With fewer than 40 seats, it’s an intimate lounge with DJs dropping beats from across the Arab world, and mixologists pouring innovative concoctions featuring Levantine ingredients like arak and sumac. Dishes run from hummuses to escargot to date-barbecued mushrooms. Rafidi’s Yellow cafes are open in Georgetown and the ground floor below La’Shukran. The Union Market location just launched “All the Kebabs”, an afternoon-evening menu of pitas, mezze, and yes, kebabs, to complement the morning-time pastries. Rafidi continues to push beyond boundaries in his exploration of savory, sweet, and drinks from the Middle East and beyond.

The Dirty Goose closed in 2024 after an eight-year run. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Ranking the best queer films of 2024

Horror, romance, revenge fantasies, and more

By JOHN PAUL KING

It’s time again for the Blade’s annual round-up of our favorite films of the year – and as always, we’re keeping our focus queer. We’ve loved movies like “Anora” and “The Brutalist,” and we appreciate the queer talent in inclusive titles like “Sing Sing,” “Emilia Perez,” and “Wicked,” but we’re limiting our choices to films that speak more directly to queer experience – which means most of the titles on our list are smaller movies that might have slipped under your radar.

Fortunately, we’re here to fill you in on the ones you missed.

#10 Cora Bora. Landing at No. 10on the list is a comedy-of-awkwardness, this time focused on a bisexual musician (Meg Stalter) whose faltering bid for success in Los Angeles prompts her to return to her native Portland and attempt to reconcile with the longtime girlfriend she left behind. Stalter infuses the clueless self-absorption of her character with a subtext that wins our hearts before we even know the backstory which illuminates it, and the overall tone of compassion that director Hannah Pearl Utt drives home a healing sense of “meeting people where they are” that makes us think twice about judging even the most insufferable among us.

#9 Big Boys. Equal parts bittersweet coming-ofage story and uncomfortable-yet-endearing comedy, this festival-circuit fave from filmmaker Corey Sherman strikes gold with an eminently relatable narrative about the awkwardness of burgeoning sexuality and a winning performance from young star Isaac Krasner, as a plus-size young teen who develops a crush on his female cousin’s hunky-andbearish new boyfriend (David Johnson III) during a camping trip. Funny, poignant, and yes, heartwarming, it’s a much-needed look at the difficulties of navigating the transition to adulthood while also struggling with issues of body-positivity and sexual identity.

#8 National Anthem. Though it garnered little attention during its brief theatrical release, this indie debut feature from Luke Gilford deserves due attention for its remarkably jubilant story of a young day laborer (Charlie Plummer) who takes on a job at a ranch run by queer rodeo performers, including Sky (Eve Lindley), a captivating trans girl who stirs feelings he’s kept hidden at home. An open-hearted coming-of-age story, with an optimistic attitude toward acceptance, love, and finding one’s “people,” it’s a welcome must-see in a time marked by conflict and divisive thinking.

#7 Love Lies Bleeding. A throwback to ‘90s lesbian neo-noir, this stylized thriller from director Rose Glass stars Kristen Stewart as the estranged daughter of a small-town crime boss (Ed Harris) whose romance with an aspiring female bodybuilder puts them both in her ruthless daddy’s crosshairs. Pulpy, violent, and unapologetically amoral, it’s both an exercise in neon-tinged period style and a loopy-but-suspenseful thrill ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat even through its most absurd moments.

#6 The People’s Joker. Trans filmmaker Vera

Drew wrote, directed, and stars in this off-the-beaten-path triumph that amusingly asserts itself as a parody in no way associated with any “official” comic book franchise – even though it takes place in an alternate, dystopian America where Batman is the president, comedy is regulated by the government, and a trans comedian named “Joker” is attempting to disrupt the system by organizing a band of outsider comics into an illegal comedy troupe. Ingeniously creative with its low-budget resources, it inverts all the revered comic book tropes and spoofs them through a radical trans/feminist lens — which may explain why it never played at your local multiplex — in a way that manages to be as hilarious as it is militant.

#5 Problemista. If there’s any queer creative talent that’s exerted a unique mark on the contemporary cultural landscape, it’s that of Julio Torres; this oddly conceived riff on the “buddy comedy” – his feature filmmaking debut – is a quintessential example of its fey magic. Centered on a young Salvadoran immigrant (Torres) with dreams of becoming a toy designer and his unlikely alliance with an art-world outcast trying to manage the estate of her cryogenically frozen husband (Tilda Swinton), it’s a “Devil Wears Prada” style coming-of-age tale about mentorship that simultaneously skewers the lunacies of modern American society and encourages us to look beyond each others’ surfaces to discover who we really are – a delicate balancing act which Torres pulls off perfectly, with invaluable help from a deliciously over-the-top performance by co-star Swinton.

#4 Femme. This sexy revenge fantasy from the UK, helmed by first-time feature directors Sam H. Freeman and Ng Choon Ping, centers on a London drag queen (Nathan Stewart-Jarrett) who undertakes a dangerous plot to “out” his attacker in a gay bashing incident (George MacKay) after encountering him in a gay sauna – only to find himself becoming entangled in a secretive relationship with him. With a title that hints at the pressures of “passing” in a homophobic world, and a convincing pair of performances to sell its premise, it’s an unexpectedly powerful (and transgressively romantic) thriller about the conflict between empathy and hate.

# 3 Housekeeping for Beginners. Our third spot goes to this rich ensemble piece from the Republic of North Macedonia and rising filmmaker Goran Stolevski, which explores and celebrates the true meaning of “family” through the saga of a lesbian who agrees to adopt her terminally ill partner’s teen children, and then has to make good on the promise with the help of a household full of disparate outsiders she has collected around her. It transcends genre, blending social commentary with slice-of-life intimacy for a multi-faceted tale of queer resilience, and scores extra points for examining prejudicial attitudes around the “other-ized” Romani community in Central Europe.

#2 I Saw the TV Glow. Nonbinary writer/director Jane Schoenbrun takes an even more surrealistic approach with this unsettling horror tale in which

a sensitive teen boy bonds with an older lesbian classmate over a bizarre late-night TV series - “The Pink Opaque,” about a pair of psychic twins who fight monsters together from opposite sides of the world, which goes on to have an unexpected impact on their lives. It’s difficult to explain the plot, really, but that scarcely matters; in the eerie, dream-like world it inhabits, memory, perception, and reality are interchangeable enough that it somehow all makes sense – and a metaphoric subtext emerges to build an obvious allegory about the mind-altering influence of pop media, the erasure of Queer history, and the crippling impact of cultural transphobia. The ending will haunt you forever.

#1Queer. Topping our list is Luca Guadagnino’s lush big screen adaptation of William S. Burroughs’s semi-autobiographical novella, in which Daniel Craig is flawless as an American expatriate falling hard for a much younger man in the hedonistic haze of 1950s Mexico City. Raw and impressionistic, with frequent flourishes of surrealism and an overall tone of melancholy, it’s hardly a crowd-pleaser. But its fearless intensity and unwavering authenticity are palpable enough to burn – and we’re not just talking about the much-publicized sex scenes between Craig and co-star Drew Starkey, who also turns in an excellent performance. It’s a film of sheer cinematic beauty, a hallucinatory journey that touches human experience at its most intimate and essential level, with a career-defining star turn to anchor it.

DANIEL CRAIG and DREW STARKEY in ‘Queer.’ (Photo courtesy of A24)

JUSTICE SMITH and BRIDGETTE LUNDY-PAINE in ‘I Saw the TV Glow.’ (Photo courtesy of A24)

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2024 D.C. residential real estate market in review

Insights and trends for the LGBTQ community

By JEFF HAMMERBERG

As 2024 ends, the residential real estate market reflects a year of notable shifts, with both progress and setbacks impacting LGBTQ homebuyers and sellers. While strides have been made in fostering inclusivity in some areas, the overall landscape has grown increasingly complex. The political climate, coupled with emerging challenges to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, has significantly influenced the housing market and the LGBTQ+ community’s experiences within it.

Impact of Political and Social Shifts

The incoming Trump administration has signaled a rollback of DEI initiatives across various industries, and housing is no exception. Efforts to reduce funding for fair housing programs and weaken protections against discrimination have raised concerns for LGBTQ individuals seeking equitable access to housing. Many previously inclusive initiatives in real estate development and local government policy may be scaled back or abandoned altogether, creating a climate of uncertainty.

Despite these challenges, organizations like GayRealEstate.com continue to advocate for LGBTQ buyers and sellers, providing a critical safety net in an increasingly polarized environment.

Trends for LGBTQ Buyers, Sellers in 2024

1. Increased Caution in Relocation Decisions:

LGBTQ+ individuals and families have grown more deliberate in choosing relocation destinations. States with strong anti-discrimination protections, such as California, New York, and Massachusetts, remain top choices, while states perceived as less LGBTQ+ friendly have seen a decline in migration.

2. Emergence of “Safe Zones”:

Many LGBTQ+ buyers are seeking out neighborhoods and cities that actively uphold inclusivity despite national trends. These “safe zones” often feature strong community support and resources, but their limited availability can lead to higher housing costs.

3. Barriers to Homeownership Persist:

Discrimination in lending and housing remains a significant challenge. If you experience discrimination in lending or housing, it’s essential to report it and seek support.

At the Local Level: Report incidents to your city or state’s Fair Housing Office or Human Rights Commission. To find your local office, check your city or state government website for contact details.

At the National Level: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD):

• Phone: 1-800-669-9777 (Toll-Free)

• TTY: 1-800-877-8339

• Online Complaint Form: HUD Discrimination Complaint

Additionally, working with an LGBTQ professional through GayRealEstate.com provides an added layer of security and advocacy. These experts understand your unique needs and are committed to ensuring you experience a fair and inclusive home-buying or selling process.

4. Focus on Financial Security:

With the economic uncertainty brought about by political shifts, LGBTQ buyers are prioritizing affordability and long-term financial stability. This has led to increased interest in shared housing arrangements, multi-generational living, and cooperative housing solutions.

5. Advocacy for Fair Housing Protections: Advocacy groups and legal organizations are ramping up efforts to defend and expand fair housing protections for LGBTQ individuals. These efforts remain a crucial counterbalance to the rollback of federal DEI programs. Challenges and Opportunities in the Current Climate

The expected rollback of federal protections and reduced funding for fair housing programs will pose significant challenges, particularly in regions already struggling with inclusivity. However, the resilience of our LGBTQ+ community and our allies has created opportunities for grassroots movements to push for local-level inclusivity and support.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As the new administration takes office, the housing market’s inclusivity for LGBTQ individuals may face further obstacles. However, the strength of community-driven initiatives and the unwavering support of advocacy organizations like GayRealEstate.com (and the 21+ National LGBTQ non-profit organizations they support financially monthly) offer hope for continued progress at local and regional levels.

LGBTQ buyers and sellers are encouraged to stay informed, seek out trusted allies in the real estate industry, and leverage platforms like GayRealEstate.com to ensure their home-buying or selling experience remains as smooth and equitable as possible.

Despite the challenges of an evolving political and social climate, one thing remains certain: LGBTQ individuals have allies who stand by their side, fighting for equality and inclusivity in housing and beyond. For more than 30 years, GayRealEstate.com has been a steadfast advocate for LGBTQ rights, helping thousands of individuals and families navigate the home-buying and selling process safely and confidently.

Not only does GayRealEstate.com connect clients with LGBTQ-friendly agents, but the organization also actively supports LGBTQ non-profit initiatives, ensuring that the community continues to thrive. No matter the obstacles ahead, we want you to know: We’re not going anywhere.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or relocating, GayRealEstate.com is here to provide the expertise, resources, and unwavering support you deserve. Together, we’ll continue building a brighter, more inclusive future—one home at a time.

JEFF HAMMERBERG

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

The year 2025 promises big changes in the local real estate market as the Trump administration takes office.

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