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Trumpcares devastating
impact on those with HIV
Concerns over PrEP Health Care Act were to become
law as a result of the elimination
coverage, treatment of the individual mandate under
of trans patients Obamacare. But that number would
climb to 21 million in 2020, then to
By CHRIS JOHNSON 24 million in 2026 following repeal
cjohnson@washblade.com of the Medicaid expansion under
Obamacare. In 2026, CBO estimates
The Republican plan to repeal 52 million people would be
and replace Obamacare with the uninsured, compared with 28 million
American Health Care Act continues who would lack insurance that year
to worry advocates seeking to ensure under current law.
access to health care for LGBT people As President Trump pushes for
and people with HIV a concern that the proposal and continues to call
arecent report from the Congressional Obamacare a disaster, a major source
Budget Oce has validated. of fear for advocates of LGBT people
According to CBO, 14 million and people with HIV is the rollback of
people would lose insurance
PRESIDENT TRUMPs eort to repeal the ACA is raising concerns among HIV and transgender
coverage in 2018 if the American CONTINUES ON PAGE 14 patients.
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Silverthorne was arrested last August in a police sting operation after he provided
methamphetamine to an undercover detective posing as a willing sex partner in
exchange for what he thought would be permission to participate in an orgy with other
men at a hotel in Tysons Corner, Va.
Police said they targeted Silverthorne for the sting after learning through sources that
he was allegedly distributing meth through a gay sex hook-up website in exchange for
sexual encounters. The Washington Post reported that a prosecutor identied the site
in court on Monday as Bare Back Real Time.
Circuit Court Judge Grace Burke Carroll scheduled a sentencing hearing for Silverthorne
on June 9. But instead of allowing him to remain free on his own recognizance while
awaiting sentencing, as he has since the time of his arrest, she ordered him held in
custody immediately.
Less than a week after his arrest in August Silverthorne announced his resignation as
mayor. He had been elected to a third term as mayor three months before his arrest.
He served nine terms on the Fairfax City Council, from 1990 to 2008, before winning
election as mayor.
His arrest shocked colleagues in the city government and many of his constituents,
who have praised him as a dedicated public ocial credited with bringing about positive
change in Fairfax City.
LGBT activists in Northern Virginia, including Fairfax County, said they were not aware
that Silverthorne was gay and that he had not been involved with LGBT advocacy groups
during his tenure in public oce.
Silverthornes attorney, Brian Drummond, told the Washington Blade in August that
nearly all of Silverthornes colleagues on the Fairfax City Council and others who knew
him in Fairfax political circles knew he is gay.
Blade to launch It was the worst kept secret in Fairfax, Drummond said. He had actually come out
some years ago but didnt make a great announcement.
newspaper in Los Angeles Drummond couldnt immediately be reach this week to determine if he thought the
judge might have sent him to jail prior to sentencing because of a bias against him
based on his sexual orientation.
The Washington Blade, the nations rst LGBT newspaper, last week announced LOU CHIBBARO JR.
plans to launch a new publication, the Los Angeles Blade, on March 24.
The Los Angeles Blade will cover Los Angeles and California news, politics,
opinion, arts and entertainment and will feature national and international House panel kills LGBT protections in D.C. schools bill
coverage from the Washington Blades award-winning reporting team. Troy
Masters, a veteran of LGBT media, was named publisher and editor of the The Republican-controlled U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government
new venture. Veteran Los Angeles journalist Karen Ocamb was named senior Reform last week voted to kill an amendment to a D.C. school voucher bill calling for
contributing writer. protecting LGBT students from discrimination in private and religious schools that
More than ever before, the health, safety and well being of every LGBTQ receive government funding.
American and immigrant depends upon media outlets dedicated to nding and Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.) introduced the amendment at a March 10
reporting the most important LGBTQ news, Masters said. For that reason, I committee markup hearing on a bill reauthorizing the Scholarships for Opportunity
am now working with the Washington Blade, an internationally respected and Results Act, known as SOAR.
LGBTQ-owned media brand that has served and supported the community for Congress rst passed the controversial SOAR Act in 2003 to provide federal funds for
nearly 50 years. school vouchers to pay the tuition for low-income D.C. students to enroll in private and
With exclusive access to the best and brightest LGBTQ writers and reporters religious schools. The law only applies to D.C.
in the nation, the Los Angeles Blade has us covered from WeHo to Dupont Circle, Some LGBT activists have opposed the voucher program because it provides
and from freeway to Beltway. government funds for religious schools that are exempt from the citys Human Rights
Masters has worked in LGBT media for nearly 30 years. He founded Lesbian Act, which bans discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity among
and Gay New York, or LGNY, in 1989. It was relaunched as Gay City News in other categories of protections.
2002. He left Gay City News in 2015, where he worked as associate publisher, to Watson Colemans amendment called for inserting the terms sexual orientation and
relocate to Los Angeles and launch the Pride LA. gender identity into the list of protected classes under the SOAR Act.
Were excited to bring the Blades nearly 50-year commitment to journalistic The committee, which is chaired by Rep. Jason Chaetz (R-Utah), defeated the
excellence to Los Angeles, said Washington Blade Editor Kevin Na, who will amendment by a vote of 22 to 17. Those voting no included 22 of the 24 Republicans
serve as national editor of the Los Angeles Blade. Weve assembled a top-notch, who sit on the committee. Two of the GOP members, Rep. William Hurd (R-Texas) and
experienced team that knows and loves L.A. and they will deliver compelling Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) did not vote.
stories, breaking news as well as advertising solutions for local businesses. On the Democratic side, 17 of the 18 Democrats on the committee vote for the
The rst edition of 20,000 copies will hit the streets March 24 at Los Angeles- amendment. Rep. Gerald Connelly (D-Va.) did not vote.
area bars, restaurants, gyms and other locations popular with area LGBT Among those voting for the amendment was Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.)
residents. It will begin on a bi-weekly schedule with plans to publish weekly who is allowed to vote in committee but not on the House oor. Norton has been a
in the near future. Visit losangelesblade.com for updated local, national and longtime supporter of LGBT rights.
international news and features. Stephanie Franklin, a spokesperson for the D.C. Oce of Human Rights, which
For more information, call Troy Masters at 917-406-1619. enforces the citys Human Rights Act, said the act would apply to non-religious private
STAFF REPORTS schools receiving SOAR Act funds through student tuition.
Franklin said the OHR has interpreted the Human Rights Act to also apply to religious
schools under certain circumstances. She said the act would allow religious schools to
limit hiring of employees and the acceptance of students to those who are members of
their schools religious denomination.
Gay ex-mayor pleads guilty in meth-for-sex case But she said once an employee is hired or a student is accepted the Human Rights
Act could in some circumstances prevent the schools from discriminating against such
A Fairfax County Circuit Court judge startled onlookers on Monday when she ordered employees or students.
the gay former mayor of Fairfax City, R. Scott Silverthorne, held in jail while he awaits However, we must decide on a case-by-case basis, Franklin said.
sentencing in June after he pled guilty to one count of distributing methamphetamine. LOU CHIBBARO JR.
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The daughter of Cuban President Ral Castro on Saturday said hate crimes remain a
Caribe Armativos House of Peace (Casa de Paz in Spanish) in Soledad, Colombia. problem in countries that have extended marriage rights to same-sex couples.
WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTO BY MICHAEL K. LAVERS EFE reported Mariela Castro, who directs Cubas National Center for Sexual Education
that is known by the Spanish acronym CENESEX, made the comments in the Mexican
city of Guadalajara after organizers of a lm festival honored her for her work to
Colombia LGBT group opens promote LGBT-specic issues on the Communist island. The Spanish news agency said
hate crimes were among the topics about which she specically spoke.
four Houses of Peace We dont like to copy anyone, said Mariela Castro as she discussed why Cuba has
yet to extend marriage rights to same-sex couples, according to EFE. We want to be
creative and look for what truly ts into the possibility of social acceptance and our
SOLEDAD, Colombia A Colombian LGBT advocacy group has opened four reality.
Houses of Peace (Casas de Paz in Spanish) in support of the implementation Mariela Castro, who is former Cuban President Fidel Castros niece, has publicly
of a peace agreement between the government and the Revolutionary Armed spoken in support of marriage rights for same-sex couples.
Forces of Colombia. She and Evan Wolfson, founder of Freedom to Marry, were in the audience when
Caribe Armativo announced last September that it would open four Houses of Tico Almeida, the gay Cuban American president of Freedom to Work, gave a speech in
Peace in Soledad, a city that is located adjacent to Barranquilla, Cinega in Magdalena Havana last May that focused on the issue and other LGBT-specic advocacy eorts in
Department, Carmen de Bolvar in Bolvar Department and Maicao, a town in La the U.S. Mariela Castro later had lunch with Almeida and Wolfson.
Guajira Department that is less than 10 miles from the Venezuelan border. LGBT rights advocates who work independently of Mariela Castro and CENESEX in
The announcement took place less than three weeks before Colombian December 2015 launched a campaign that urged Cubans to sign a petition in support of
President Juan Manuel Santos and FARC Commander Rodrigo Timochenko marriage rights for same-sex couples. They hoped it would spur members of the Cuban
Londoo signed a peace agreement in the city of Cartagena that specically National Assembly to publicly debate the issue at their annual meeting last December.
acknowledged LGBT Colombians as victims of the conict and called for their The meeting began slightly more than a month after Fidel Castro died.
participation in the countrys political process. Caribe Armativo Director Mariela Castro, who is a member of the National Assembly, has not spoken publicly in
Wilson Castaeda, who is one of three Colombian LGBT rights advocates who support of the campaign that appears to have stalled.
participated in the peace talks that took place in Havana, was among the more The main goal is not marriage; it is one of the goals, she said in Mexico, according to
than 2,500 people who attended the ceremony. EFE. For us the main goal is to achieve equal opportunities, which was achieved in the
Colombian voters on Oct. 2, 2016, narrowly rejected the agreement against process of working on discrimination against women.
the backdrop of anti-LGBT rhetoric from religious and conservative groups Gays and lesbians can legally marry in Mexico City and several states in Mexico, Puerto
that opposed it. Santos and Londoo on Nov. 24, 2016, signed a second peace Rico, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and a number of islands in the Caribbean
agreement which also contains LGBT-specic references in the Colombian that include Guadeloupe, Martinique and Saba.
capital of Bogot. Same-sex couples have been able to enter into civil unions in Chile since October
Lawmakers late last year passed a controversial law that provides amnesty to 2015. The countrys president, Michelle Bachelet, has pledged to introduce a marriage
FARC rebels who carried out minor crimes during the conict. bill in the Chilean Congress later this year.
The guerrillas have moved into resettlement areas the Colombian government Independent Cuban activists with whom the Blade routinely speaks say they are
created under the agreement, although the FARC has criticized them because of ostracized and face harassment and even arrest for publicly criticizing Mariela Castro
a lack of food and water and basic infrastructure. The guerrillas also began to or her fathers government. Reported rates of violence based on sexual orientation and
disarm earlier this month under U.N. supervision. gender identity on the Communist island are nevertheless lower than in Brazil, Colombia
The Houses of Peace opened in late November. and other Latin American countries in which gays and lesbians can legally marry.
Each house has a regular schedule of events, workshops and meetings at MICHAEL K. LAVERS
which LGBT groups, trans women and local residents can discuss preventing
violence, ghting the HIV/AIDS epidemic and other issues.
Caribe Armativo Director Wilson Castaeda told the Washington Blade the Pope Francis to visit Colombia
project will last four years.
He said each of the four houses costs 7 million Colombian pesos ($2,333.73) a CARTAGENA, Colombia The Vatican on March 10 announced that Pope Francis will
month in terms of rent, the salaries of those who manage them and event facilitators travel to Colombia in September.
and basic materials. Castaeda told the Blade that Caribe Armativo uses some of Francis is scheduled to arrive in the Colombian capital of Bogot on Sept. 6. He is
this money to pay for transportation and food for visitors who are poor. expected to visit the cities of Villavincencio, Medelln and Cartagena before returning to
It is LGBT peoples contribution to the construction of peace, Saul Castellar Rome on Sept. 11.
of Caribe Armativo told the Blade on Monday during an interview at his oce To have the pope with us for four days, to know that he is coming exclusively to
in the city of Barranquilla. Colombia and that he will guide us as Colombians through our faith is a privilege that
Ludwin Cabas, a business owner who manages the House of Peace in lls us with gratitude, said Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos on Saturday during
Soledad, agreed. a press conference in Bogot with Cardinal Rubn Salazar, who is the archbishop of
The House of Peace is a space to help to those people who, in one form or Bogot, and other ocials from the Vatican and the Colombian Roman Catholic Church.
another, had problems during the armed conict in Colombia, he told the Blade We of course rejoice for the millions of Colombians who profess the Catholic faith but
on Tuesday during an interview in Soledad as Castellar listened. also for all of those who see the great spiritual leader of our time in his image and in
It is not only for the LGBT community, but also for the aected population, his words.
added Cabas. Pope John Paul II visited Bogot, Medelln, Cartagena and several other Colombian
MICHAEL K. LAVERS cities in 1986. Pope Paul VI traveled to Bogot in 1968.
MICHAEL K. LAVERS
WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
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16 M A R C H 17, 2017 BA LT I MO RE N E W S
Powers of Attorney Living Wills lesbian, same-gender-loving, bisexual and queer women over 40 with breast
cancer screenings by appointment. This event is trans inclusive for anyone in
Partnership & Prenuptial Agreements need of breast tissue screening.
March 28 will feature a Trans vs. Bureaucracy Workshop from 6-8 p.m. at
(240) 778-2330 (703) 536-0220 Chase Brextons Mount Vernon Center (rst oor community room; 1111 N.
www.PartnerPlanning.com Charles St.). This workshop provides documents and counsel for trans patients
of Chase Brexton who are navigating the legal processes of name/gender
marker change. The workshop will include a round-table discussion to share
Serving the LGBT Community the personal narratives of trans individuals and their experiences navigating
bureaucracy.
in DC/MD/VA since 1983 Bisexual Speed Dating will take place on March 29 from 6-9 p.m. at Flavor (15 E.
Centre St. in Baltimore). This evening event aims to bring bi people together for
potential friendship or romance. There is a $10 cover, with proceeds supporting
REVIEW AD FOR COPY AND DESIGN ACCURACY. Revisions must be submitted within 24 hours of the date of
Sponsors include the Center for Black Equity-Baltimore, the GLBT Community
Center of Baltimore, Johns Hopkins Center for AIDS Research & REACH HIV,
NS adviC e Proof
proof. m wille
bed i a t ifinal
considered o and
N will
beL submitted
i t i Gfor apublication
t i o Nif revision
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e a L Swithin 24C hours
o LofL a B o r a t i o N
the date of proof. Revisions will not be accepted after 12:01 pm wednesday, the week of publication.Brown naff pitts
and STAR TRACK Adolescent Health Program, University of Maryland School of
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The Frederick Center will celebrate its fth anniversary with a carnival
fundraiser on Saturday, March 18 from 7-11p.m, at the Delaplaine Arts Center,
FamiLY | eState PLaNNiNG | emPLoYmeNt | immiGratioN 40 Carroll St. in Frederick. Elegant attire, masks and costumes are encouraged
ComPLeX LitiGatioN | CiviL riGHtS | LGBt | adoPtioN | BuSiNeSS for the Brazilian-themed event.
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Martinis Rule! Lunch, Happy Hour, Dinner,
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18 M A R C H 17, 2017 H E A LT H N E W S
locations in baltimore,
heart disease and obesity, compared to heterosexual women. Bisexual men are
also less likely to get tested for HIV, according to Human Rights Campaign.
easton
theyve been told they dont need cervical screenings, the Daily Telegraph reports.
According to LGB&T Partnership, an alliance of gay non-prots, 37 percent of
women who have sex with women have been told they dont need screenings.
About half of all eligible lesbian and bi women have never had pap smears,
Partnership sta reports.
The human papilloma virus (HPV), which causes most cervical cancers,
is passed through intimate skin-to-skin contact. The partnership surveyed
women on their experiences with sexual health care as part of the inaugural
National Lesbian and Bisexual Womens Health Week, which aims to highlight
that lesbian, bisexual and other women who have sex with women (WSW) are
experiencing a range of health inequalities and both face barriers to accessing
health care and are having poor experiences when they do.
(WSW) lack acknowledgement both in mainstream society and LGBT communities,
and to the NHS we are largely invisible, writes Elizabeth Barker in the forward of
a new report published in November. It is unacceptable that (WSW) continue to
experience discrimination and that thoughtlessness compromises our health care.
Other issues highlighted by the partnerships report are that 21 percent
of bisexual women and 12 percent of lesbians reported a long-term mental
health problem, compared with4 percent of heterosexual women, and that 29
percentof lesbian and bisexual women report more binge drinking compared
with12 percent in the general population of women, the Telegraph reports.
chasebrexton.org/POWER
People will be able to see their counselor on the screen, or up to 10 people in
a support group, while they talk through their issues around drugs or alcohol.
Cary James, head of Health Promotion at Terrence Higgins Trust, said, Were
delighted to be working with London Friend to deliver this important and much
410-837-2050 x8813
needed project. Mainstream services often dont meet the needs of gay men
whose drug and alcohol use is linked to their sex life, according to Pink News.
The project was awarded funding by the Public Health England HIV Prevention
Innovation Fund. Find out more and sign up on the Friday/Monday website at
fridaymonday.org.uk.
WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
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quality job of loosening the deep muscle but youll need some assistance from
pressure-based techniques like rolling and massage to maximize the benets.
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Campers at Synetic Theater this summer will learn and perform The Wild and Wacky Wizarding
World of Wiley Skylar!
O to summer camp
MANY SCHOOLS, THEATERS AND MORE OFFER LGBT-AFFIRMING OPTIONS
By MARIAH COOPER
mcooper@washblade.com
Although winter weather is hanging on CITs (rising sixth-12 graders). Each level 9 a.m.-noon and is $250 per week. For session for students 12-18 from June 12-
tight at the close of the season, summer focuses on a type of program from art to information, visit circleyoga.com. 23 for $350. Multiple sessions are available
is rapidly approaching. Instead of ghting outdoor activities. CITs prepare students Green Acres School (11701 Danville for students 6-14 for $900. Camp Creation
to nd ways to entertain the kids at home, to become counselors by giving them Dr., North Bethesda, Md.) oers Kreative and Imagination is for children ages 4-6
local camps have done the hard work for hands-on leadership experience with Kangaroos for pre-K students which lets from June 12-23 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuition
you. Kids can ride horses, learn beauty campers. Blue Jays, Box Turtles and them engage in outdoor play, swimming, is $400 and includes snack. A.M. care and
tricks, conduct science experiments or Koalas can also choose a Make-Your- dancing and carpentry. Junior camp is for lunch add-ons are available for all programs
perform in a musical. With programs Own Camp option that lets campers pick kindergarten through second grade and except summer intensive. For more details,
for all types of interest, the only battle is their A.M. and P.M. activities. A swimming activities include drama, music, dance, visit synetictheater.com/camps.
choosing which camp to try this summer. option is also available. For a list of prices, swimming and cooking Senior camp is Washington Performing Arts has
Adventure Theatre oers Summer visit summer.beauvoirschool.org. for grades three through six and includes Capital Jazz Camp from June 26-July 8 for
Musical Theater Camp for grades one-six Camp RimRock for Girls (343 Camp Rim robotics, rock band, workshop, lmmaking, children in rising grades three through
in Glen Echo Park for a two-week session Rock Rd., Yellow Spring, W.Va.) is a sleep- photography and cooking. For a list of pricing eight with minimum one-year instrumental
and for grades six-12 in Wintergreen Plaza away camp for girls in rising rst grade and session times, visit greenacres.org. experience. Capital Strings Camp is from
for a three-week session. This summer through rising 10th grade. General camp The Lowell School (1640 Kalmia Rd., June 26-July and is for children in rising
campers will Campers will perform is for rising second through 10th graders. N.W.) oers programs for campers starting grades three through six. No experience is
Return of the Glass Slipper, Thwacked! Campers can participate in horseback at age 2-15. Best Buddies is for rising required. Capital Voices Camp runs from
and Tom Sawyer among others. D.C area riding, sports, aquatics, performing arts rst and second graders and programs July 10-21 and is for children in grades four-
theater professionals and artists guide and arts and crafts. General Camp sessions include African Drum Fun, Beginning 12 with basic vocal training experience.
campers in daily rehearsals. Family and is for two-week sessions for $2,750 or four- Robotics, among others. Summer Stage Summer Steps with Step Afrika is for rising
friends can watch the completed shows week sessions for $5,000. Riding Speciality is for rising third-eigtht graders and campers in grades four-12 with basic
at the end of the camp session. Grades Camp is for rising fourth through 10th includes Gotta Have Glee, a program that dance experience. Each camp is $350 and
six-12 can choose from Contemporary graders. This program focuses only on focus on popular music like Taylor Swift locations vary. For more information, visit
Musical Theater Study and On-Camera horseback riding for one week for $1,500. and The Lion King. Tweens N Teens is washingtonperformingarts.org.
Musical Theater Study. Contemporary Mini Camp is also available for rst time for ages 12-14 and has programs such The YMCA in D.C. has camp programs
Musical Theater Study includes a day trip sleep-away campers in rising rst, second as Gaming and Apps Basics and Amazing for a traditional experience such as
to New York City. Sessions for grades and third grade for $1,500. For a list of Race, which challenges campers to nd sports, theater, art, swimming, dance and
one-six range from $800-850. Grades six- dates, visit camprimrock.com. little-known locations in and around D.C. technology. Campers wanting a more
12 sessions range from $1,200-1,330. For Circle Yoga (3838 Northampton St., For a complete list of sessions, programs specialized course can register for beauty
details, visit adventuretheatre-mtc.org. N.W.) oers programs for children ages and prices, visit lowellschool.com. school, creative writing, gardening,
The Beauvoir School (3500 Woodley 6-12 for full-day camp and children Synetic Theatre (1800 S Bell St., among numerous other programs. Camp
Rd., N.W.) splits its camp programs into ages 4-7 for half-day camp. Children Arlington, Va.) lets campers stage and Letts (4003 Camp Letts Rd., Edgewater,
age-appropriate activities. Fireies (Rising can participate in yoga and movement, perform an original play, The Wild and Md.) is the YMCAs sleep-away camp
Pre-K), Blue Jays (rising Kindergarten), crafts and creative arts, group games, Wacky Wizarding World of Wiley Skylar! which oers activities such as horseback
Box Turtles (rising rst graders), Koalas camp songs, relaxation and journaling. The play was written for the campers with riding and kayaking. For more details on
(rising second-third Graders), Broad Full-day camp is from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and original musical numbers and an original camp programs and for a list of prices,
Bears (rising fourth-fth graders) and is $365 per week. Half-day camp is from score. There is one summer intensive visit ymcadc.org and campletts.org.
24 M A R C H 17, 2017 WASHINGTONBLADE.COM G A Y F A MI LI E S
Gayby has dozens of funny T-shirts and onesies for children of rainbow parents.
Inspiring events
A S.C. COURT RULING, AN ALLY-RUN GRANT PROGRAM AND
MORE OFFER HOPE FOR GAY FAMILIES
By DANA RUDOLPH
This time of year is often a hard one. Where or had birth certicates without both same-
I live, any day might be a snow day, with my sex parents listed. They prepared a similar
son home from school and the sidewalks brief for the winning federal marriage
needing to be shoveled. equality cases in years past; seeing them Family Building through:
The usual routine of laundry and groceries do so again gives me hope. If you would
and dinner doesnt stop. In recent weeks, too, like to contribute, contact Director of State Adoption
I have been distracted by the news stories of Policy Denise Brogan-Kator at denisebk@
a government chipping away at the rights of familequality.org. Donor Agreements
LGBT people, immigrants and others. How Im also inspired by the nearly 800 parents
not to be overwhelmed by it all? Here are of transgender children, part of HRCs new, Surrogacy
some of stories about LGBT families making nationwide Parents for Transgender Equality
the past few weeks just a bit warmer. Council, who sent a letter to President Donald
Serving the LgBt coMMunity for ALMoSt 20 yeArS. noW in Dc, MD & vA!
A U.S. District Court in South Carolina has Trump condemning the Justice Departments
ruled that it is unconstitutional for the state announcement that it will no longer try to 827 Woodside Parkway Silver Spring, MD 20910
to refuse to put same-sex spouses on their overturn a district courts hold on protections
childrens birth certicates. The plaintis, for transgender students that were
p: 301.221.9651 f: 240.491.9551
Casy and Jacqueline Carson, are a lesbian instituted by the Obama administration. The jfairfax@jenniferfairfax.com www.jenniferfairfax.com
couple who married in Washington, D.C., departments action means the hold stays in
before their home state of South Carolina place and the protections remain in limbo.
recognized marriage for same-sex couples. Finally, a story of allies. After spouses
When Jacqueline gave birth, they indicated Becky and Kipp Fawcett depleted their
on hospital forms that they were married, savings adopting their children, they wanted
but then received birth certicates naming to help other families who might be facing
Jacqueline as the mother with no father even greater nancial obstacles, Becky told
listed in the space for the other parent.
The state had previously said it would only
me in a phone interview. She hoped to oer
her services as a publicist pro bono to an
DentalBug.com
issue birth certicates with both same-sex adoption-grant organization. She discovered, Cosmetic, Implants, Sleep Apnea, Sedation
spouses if they got adoptions or court orders, however, that none of the organizations she
an extra burden not required of dierent- found welcomed same-sex or single parents, CALL TODAY WEEKEND HOURS MULTILINGUAL
sex spouses. The couple could not aord and all charged application fees. Those
this. Casy is a National Guard veteran who werent the kind of organizations she wanted We believe we can make the
left active duty in 2013 because of a serious to support. She and Kipp therefore decided dental experience better.
injury. Jacqueline is a teacher. to start helpusadopt.org, an equality-based
Without Casy on the birth certicates adoption grant program.
they had trouble getting her Veterans Since 2007, they have awarded 208 grants
Administration and Social Security benets of $,500 to $15,000, for a total of more
for their children. Additionally, they worried than $1.8 million dollars, to those seeking
that Casy could be kept from getting either to complete an adoption. Grantees have
routine or emergency medical care for the included same-sex and single parents as well
twins and that their children would feel as dierent-sex and trans parents. We take
stigmatized when they were old enough to our diversity very seriously here, she says. DentalBug Sta 2016-2017
understand their birth certicates. A total of 16 percent of their grant money
They led a lawsuit last May, backed by has gone to LGBT parents and shed like to ADVERTISING
Lambda Legal and South Carolina Equality. In increase that number. They#1award grants
PROOF ISSUE DATE: 02.11.16 SALES REPRESENTATIVE: PHIL ROCKSTROH (prockstroh@washblade.com)
her ruling Feb. 15, Judge Mary Geiger Lewis three times a year; their spring application
REVIEW AD FOR COPY AND DESIGN ACCURACY. Revisions must be submitted within 24 hours of the date of
wrote that the states action violates their deadline is April 15. proof. Proof will be considered final and will be submitted for publication if revision is not submitted within 24 hours of
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even greater visibility. The National Center lose and still have allies. Most importantly,
for Lesbian Rights last month appealed to whether we are LGBT parents or parents of
the U.S. Supreme Court, seeking to overturn LGBT children or both, we are strengthened
an Arkansas Supreme Court decision that by the bonds of love and family. Nothing is
denied same-sex parents the right to be on going to change that.
their childrens birth certicates.
To assist, Family Equality Council is
preparing a Voices of Children amicus brief, DANA RUDOLPH is the founder and publisher 1221 Mass. Ave, NW 202.628.7979 (Free Parking)
of Mombian (mombian.com), a GLAAD Media
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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT WASHINGTONBLADE.COM VOLUME 48 ISSUE 11 MARCH 17, 2017 PAGE 27
It was last Halloween weekend when Weve found interesting ways to talk about
Joshua Johnson got the call that hed been whats going on in the world and to divert
named Diane Rehms successor. from the headlines that have everyones
Rehm, who began her eponymous attention to talk about other topics that
National Public Radio call-in show in may be getting lost in the shue around
1979, retired in December and as of Jan. the new administration. And weve also
2, WAMU broadcasts a new show, 1A in found ways to take a breath and just do
what had been The Diane Rehm Shows topics that are fun or dierent as a little
timeslot. relief from the top of the news cycle, so I
Johnson subbed for Rehm two days think its been good.
last September and shadowed her
another day. Based in San Francisco for BLADE: Whats your strategy to turn
the last six-and-a-half years where he was this into more of a Johnny Carson-to-
morning news host for KQED while also Jay Leno kind of succession as opposed
teaching podcasting at the University of to, say, a Pat Sajak kind-of thing?
California (Berkeley), Johnson was in Palm JOHNSON: The only thing we can do
Springs visiting friends with Joe Gallagher, is control each days program and thats
his boyfriend of a year and a half, when what I try to focus on. I never worry
he got the call. He says its a moment hed about the 37 years that came before me.
been working toward since age 6. Thats Dianes legacy and thats solid and
This wave of peace washed over me done. . If you worry too much about the
and I just got very calm, says the 36-year- distant future, you miss the opportunity
old South Florida native. It was like my to really knock out today.
sts nally unclenched after weeks of
waiting. I didnt have that moment of, BLADE: Has the learning curve been
Oh my God, Im going to do the show. It JOSHUA JOHNSON says launching a new daily two-hour radio show is a mountain of work even about what you thought it would be?
under the best of circumstances.
was just kind of like, Finally Ive been JOHNSON: I tried to come in with very
waiting on this for my entire life and now PHOTO COURTESY OF NPR few expectations other than it would be
its going to happen. really, really hard and it has been. .
1A is a live, two-hour daily WAMU But weve gone down from me working
radio program distributed nationally by curiosity and his manner that was really it expects the show will have a weekly like 16-17-hour days to more like 12-13,
NPR each weekday at 10 a.m. that seeks appealing, he says. Especially the idea audience of about 2.5 million soon based so thats a big step forward. Its just a
to provide deep conversation about the that he was very much interested in on early numbers. mountain of work even under the best of
thorniest issues of our time delivered civil dialogue, taking time to develop Johnson, as loquacious as youd expect, circumstances.
with insight, intimacy and personality. Its arguments and not always chasing sat with the Blade in a WAMU conference
both a new, freestanding show but also the next shiny ball. Those pieces came room on Feb. 16. His comments have BLADE: Whats been your favorite
a successor to the Rehm show, whose together and the stars began to align and been edited for length. episode so far?
legacy of civil dialogue and analysis its that was it. JOHNSON: I dont have one. We did
team hopes to continue. Nobodys universally loved in this era WASHINGTON BLADE: How do you a Sunday show a few weeks ago on the
Producers were initially almost certain of Internet trolling, but early signs are feel its going so far? immigration ban and we just let stations
theyd hire a woman to succeed Rehm. strong for Johnson. 1A is being carried JOSHUA JOHNSON: Its going well. Very, air it if they wanted to. But we probably
We werent 100 percent sure, but you on 204 stations with more expected in very busy. Theres no lack of things to talk havent done my favorite show yet or
know, sort of in the high 80s or 90s, says April (The Diane Rehm Show was carried about for sure, but its good. Launching even conceived of it. I think for me to
Rupert Allman, 1As executive producer. on 198) and WAMU says the show was the a national show, any new show, is a start grabbing onto favorites at this point
Johnson won the search team over, No. 1 regional performer in its time slot heavy lift to say the least, but we have an would set the bar too low for what we
Allman says, with his huge relatability. throughout January, the latest month for amazingly good team and weve had lots
There was something about his own which gures were available. WAMU says of support from listeners and stations. CONTINUES ON PAGE 38
WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
2 8 M A RCH 1 7 , 2 017 Q U E E RY : 2 0 Q U E ST I O N S F O R V I N T E ST A
VIN TESTA
How long have you been out and who If science discovered a way to change
was the hardest person to tell? sexual orientation, what would you
I have been out since February 2010. I do?
was a junior in college and (sigh) I came Convince Justin Timberlake to change.
out on Facebook. I was fortunate to
have supportive family and friends, so I What do you believe in beyond the
would say the hardest person to tell was physical world?
myself. So many people knew before I I would like to believe that we encounter
was condent and comfortable enough all those who left the physical world
to say it. before us. Part of me also believes
in reincarnation and having several
Whos your LGBT hero? chances in the world.
My clich LGBT heroes are Ellen and
WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTO BY MICHAEL KEY RuPaul Ellen for her kindness and Ru Whats your advice for LGBT
for his courage. But my true heroes are movement leaders?
those who came before us and actually Unite. When you say equality for all,
By JOEY DiGULIELMO had to ght for equality Marsha P. mean it. Dont ght for gay, white, cis-
joeyd@washblade.com Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, Harvey Milk, etc. male equality, while ignoring women, the
transgender community, people of color,
Though hes in St. Petersburg, Fla., on St. Patricks Day proper for a work Whats Washingtons best nightspot, etc. We can only rise when we lift each
conference, Vin Testa, president of the Dignity Washington board, says it was past or present? other.
important for the local LGBT-arming Catholic group to have a presence in I will always have a place in my heart for
Washingtons ocial St. Patricks Day parade Monday. Apex because it was my rst D.C. gay What would you walk across hot coals
He says despite the cold, the reception they got from the crowd was bar experience. Since that closed, I have for?
wonderful. enjoyed Cobalt and Town the most. Student loan forgiveness.
People were cheering and waving and they made us feel very welcome,
says the 27-year-old Wallingford, Conn., native (whos one-quarter Irish). Describe your dream wedding. What LGBT stereotype annoys you
It was Dignity Washingtons third time in the parade. A big wedding at the National Cathedral most?
Its very important for people to know that LGBT-identifying people want followed by a reception full of dancing Its not a stereotype its more of a
to be part of the greater church community, Testa says. We practice our and celebration. And a sushi chef. truth but Im tired of the racism within
faith just as any other Catholic would. the LGBT community. Sometimes its
Testa says he used to see St. Patricks Day as a party opportunity when he What non-LGBT issue are you most veiled by preference; other times its
was younger. He still likes to remember to wear green and enjoys the spirit of passionate about? quite blatant.
the day. Having grown up Catholic, Testa found Dignity online while looking Any issue that involves resistance
for arming churches. He makes announcements at each weeks Mass, held against the new regime. Whats your favorite LGBT movie?
every Sunday at 6 p.m. at St. Margarets Episcopal Church (1820 Connecticut I have loved To Wong Foo for years,
Ave., N.W.). Details at dignitywashington.org. What historical outcome would you but even more so since I got to meet
Testa teaches 11th grade math and special ed at D.C. Public Schools. A change? Julie Newmar a couple of years ago at
former Blade most eligible single, Testa is now seeing someone but leaves The outcome of the 2016 election. RuPauls DragCon. She signed a picture
it at that. He lives in Capitol Heights, Md., and enjoys dancing and kickball (Is for me and I had her write, To Vin,
eating a hobby?) in his free time. Whats been the most memorable pop Thanks for everything, Julie Newmar.
culture moment of your lifetime?
The death of Michael Jackson. I Whats the most overrated social
remember exactly where I was, who I custom?
was with and how people around me Bachelorette parties (sans gay men) at
began to react. gay clubs.
On what do you insist? What trophy or prize do you most
Respect and timeliness. covet?
If I werent a teacher, I would be an actor,
What was your last Facebook post or so I covet the Oscar.
Tweet?
At the time I write this, it was homage to What do you wish youd known at 18?
my mother for International Womens I wish I had known that it was OK to
Day, indicating how hard she has worked come out then, instead of later.
to get where she is today.
Why Washington?
If your life were a book, what would I always say that Washington is the
the title be? perfect amount of city. It has an excellent
You Wouldnt Believe it But its True balance of busyness and history. I also
have never felt more comfortable,
202.747.2077 condent and more loved than I have
since Ive been in Washington.
WASHINGTONBLADE.COM T H E U.S. A I R F O R C E BA N D
T HE ATE R M A R C H 17, 2017 29
DEBRA MONK as Mrs. Elva Miller in Mrs. Miller Does Her Thing.
Signatures Mrs. Miller more easily mocked. But is she in on the gag?
The show is lled with great 60s tunes
FREE CONCERTS
than a one-note joke play played by a terric four-piece band led schlesinger concert hall
by Matt Hinkley perched up high behind
By PATRICK FOLLIARD a scrim. Wonderfully campy productions nova community college
numbers like Mrs. Millers take on Nancy alexandria, virginia
Her voice was accurately compared to Sinatras anthem These Boot Are Made
roaches scurrying across a trash can lid, for Walking are choreographed by Josh
but that never stopped Mrs. Elva Miller
from singing her heart out. And despite or
because of her lousy voice and matronly
Prince. Her improbably whimsical nightclub
costumes ranging from fringes and go-go
boots to green beret and camouage dress
award-winning drummer
peter erskine
appearance, she became a singing come compliments of Jennifer Caprio.
phenomenon recording bad covers But Mrs. Miller is not a one-note joke
of contemporary pop hits during the piece. When her caterwauling grows a
increasingly turbulent mid-to-late 1960s. little tiresome, Monk is suddenly bathed
thursday, march 23
Prior to cutting four albums (the rst, in a warm spotlight and switches to her
Mrs. Millers Greatest Hits, sold more true clear and melodic singing voice
than 250,000 copies over three weeks in demonstrating how Mrs. Miller hears her
1966), 50-something Mrs. Miller lived a own voice. Its both touching and a relief.
quiet life with her much older husband Deftly staged by Lapine, the quirky
in conservative Claremont, Calif., where biographical dramedy boasts an
she sang in the choir and occasionally engaging and dynamic book. Lapine has
recorded hymns and childrens songs at won three Tony Awards for Best Book of a
her own expense. Then an enterprising Musical three times, for Into the Woods,
record producer recognized the comic Falsettos and Passion. Hes known
possibilities of her bad voice and secured for collaborating with out composers
Mrs. Miller a contract with Capitol Records Stephen Sondheim and William Finn.
to make albums featuring train wreck The interesting material is further
interpretations of Downtown, Moon elevated by Monks captivating, textured
River, Monday, Monday and more. The performance. She makes it clear that
public ate it up for a while. behind the nice manners and tight smile
In James Lapines entertaining new lies something much more complicated.
play with music Mrs. Miller Does Her Surrounding the preternaturally
Thing, now making its world premiere at upbeat Mrs. Miller are her sad sack
Signature Theatre, the playwright/director niece Joelle (Rebekah Brockman) who
pits his real-life title character against the blossoms from wallower to a socially
changing times. While those around her conscious feminist, and Simon (Corey
are aected by the burgeoning sexual Mach), her sunny accompanist-turned-
revolution, black power and anti-war conicted weed-smoking producer. And ~SAVE THE DATE!~
movements, Mrs. Miller (Debra Monk) theres her casually bigoted husband
remains unchanged. She adheres to the played brilliantly by Tony winner Boyd The final Jazz Heritage Series concert
older values of country, God and family. Gaines who grows increasingly frail and
Backed by a trio of initially squeaky clean miserable tucked away in a Claremont of the season is April 20th.
jingle singers (Kaitlyn Davidson, Kimberly nursing home.
Marable, and Jacob ben Widmar), Mrs.
Miller is on a roll. Her popular albums CONTINUES AT WASHINGTONBLADE.COM for FREE tickets, please visit:
lead to night club dates, TV appearances
MRS. MILLER DOES HER THING
www.usafband.eventbrite.com
including The Ed Sullivan Show, and a
USO tour in Vietnam with Bob Hope. The
Through March 26
Signature Theatre all concerts begin at 8 p.m.
matronly dressed lady with the neatly set 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington
$40-99
dark hair and ever present handbag who
wails in shrill, vaguely operatic tones is
703-820-9771
Sigtheatre.org
www.usafband.af.mil
WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
MGMs new National Harbor is a stunning piece of modern architecture just outside D.C.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MGM NATIONAL HARBOR
The proximity of MGMs National lounge complete with Champagne and a arranged in front of those oor-to-ceiling cocktails mixed tableside. There are
Harbor casino and hotel to D.C. makes buet of snacks. Its clear from the outset windows. Who needs TV when you have oversized TVs for watching games and
it the perfect choice for a quick getaway. that this will be a pampered, high-end this view? All the latest cardio equipment live music and DJs are featured later in
And if youre looking for high-end experience with ve-star service. Opt for is featured, along with free weights and a the evening.
restaurants and retail, a stunning spa a spacious one-bedroom corner suite separate yoga studio. Dab your sweat on With a little liquid courage, we hit the
and tness center, a selection of indoor/ with oor-to-ceiling windows overlooking chilled towels. casino oor for some poker and roulette.
outdoor bars, or a state-of-the-art D.C.s monuments. Its perhaps the only 4 p.m. After a shower and catching up All the usual slots and table games are
theater, then you wont be disappointed. time bumper-to-bumper trac on the on work (free WiFi in all rooms, natch), I here, from separate areas for high-end
Oh, theres a casino, too. Beltway below wont stress you out, as meet my husband for a stroll around the gamblers (we met a guy who just lost
A piece of advice before planning your you take in the citys monuments and the expansive outdoor promenade, which $30,000) to penny slots. After winning
visit: Skip Friday and Saturday, when the planes taking o at National Airport. A circles the perimeter of the casino and $20, were late for dinner.
casino draws large crowds. Visit on a peerless view of D.C. ends in the back of the property where 8 p.m. Dinner at Voltaggio Brothers
Thursday or Sunday for a quieter, easier 1:30 p.m. Lunch at National Market, a a towering video screen and upbeat Steak House. This is a splurge for sure,
time of enjoying the many amenities food hall dining concept featuring nine music greet us on an unseasonably with lets starting at $50 and appetizers
here. I arrived on a Thursday afternoon upscale casual eateries, including Amos warm February day. We stop for a game around $20. Dont be intimidated by the
and departed Friday after lunch. Heres Los Tacos, Bahn Mi Vietnamese Kitchen of outdoor Bocce and watch a group of impressive wine list as a wine steward
how I spent a 24-hour staycation: and Honeys Fried Chicken and Donuts. I tourists play a round of corn hole. There will guide you. The setting is quiet and
opt for a sandwich from the District Deli are several outdoor bars and lounge comfortable, meant to replicate a home;
but only eat half because the culinary areas and, again, that view of the city. the food features Maryland inuences.
THURSDAY options here are impressive dont ll 6:30 p.m. Next on our itinerary: a Bryan and Michael Voltaggio are best
1 p.m. Check-in. The hotels second- up on lunch. hand-crafted cocktail at Felt, a lounge in known for their stint on Top Chef; their
oor lobby overlooks a bustling ground- 2:30 p.m. A workout at the tness the center of the casino action featuring
oor atrium and oers a VIP check-in center, where cardio equipment is friendly mixologists, comfy couches and CONTINUES ON PAGE 31
WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
O UT & A B O UT MA RCH 1 7 , 2 0 1 7 3 1
MGMs spa oers an array of services and the locker rooms feature steam, sauna and hot tubs.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MGM NATIONAL HARBOR
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30 nearly 1,000-square-foot suite. The up for the day. The spa is immaculate and suite is a whopping 3,210 square feet and
room features modern dcor and those well appointed featuring Clarins skincare a one-of-a-kind place to impress clients.
Volt restaurant in Frederick, Md., remains windows wrap around to the bathroom products. 12:30 p.m. Lunch at Marcus. After an
a culinary hotspot. The steak house at and into a massive shower the size of 11 a.m. Property tour. By now Ive indulgent 24 hours, its time to go but not
MGM oers a range of cuts, including some city bedrooms. seen most of the resort, but am curious before a quick lunch at Marcus. Start with
American Wagyu strips and at irons and about the specialty suites and, of course, Aunt Mabels cornbread and the deviled
dry-aged ribeyes, NY strips and T-bones. the theater thats already attracting A-list eggs with duck salame and chicken
We opt for eight-ounce prime lets and
FRIDAY performers like Sting, Bruno Mars and, of cracklin. Sammys chicken and waes
the sauces sound so tempting that we 7 a.m. After a restful sleep, we order course, Cher (March 17-26; Aug. 31-Sept. are tempting, but we opt for slightly more
order all three: house-steak sauce, beer- room service from a menu devised by 10) . sensible salads. The service is friendly and
naise and sea bean chimichurri. celebrity chef and Chopped veteran With 3,000 seats, theres not a bad ecient and the dcor bright and upbeat.
The big-eye tuna starter is a take on Marcus Samuelson. We opt for the vantage point in the theater, which The modern American menu oers pork
steak tartar and not to be missed. An yogurt and egg white omelette, which features a hydraulic system enabling chops, blackened catsh, steak frites,
array of sides is oered a la carte; the are delivered within 30 minutes, hot and all sorts of seating congurations, from paella, burgers and more.
young broccoli is grilled perfectly with delicious. boxing in the round to stadium-style for MGM National Harbor is an impressive
charred lemon and garlic aioli, but the 9 a.m. Its o to the spa for a 50-minute concerts. If you can spring for the private addition to this growing area of P.G.
potato gratin steals the show with gruyere rebalancing massage. After changing box seats, youll nd your own bar and County that already oers Tanger outlets
and thyme. After all that, were too full for into a plush terry robe, Im escorted to catering and the option to watch from and the nearby Gaylord property. Theres
dessert. If theres a quibble here and, the gentlemens waiting area featuring your perch above or to move up front and a free shuttle to both from MGM. If
really, its minor the service is on the leather lounge chairs, big-screen TVs and watch from the oor. Because of MGMs youre not a gambler, this modern urban
aggressive side. We had four servers the days newspapers. There are several connection to its Vegas properties, the resort features plenty to do. The outdoor
helping us, they were all terric, but a massage options, including a sports National Harbor location is drawing lounge areas will surely be popular
tad obtrusive. In all, a ve-star dining massage, hot stone and something big-name talent to this intimate venue. Sunday Funday destinations all spring
experience. Make a reservation for a called sensational fusion massage with Where else can you see such big names and summer and with so many dining
special occasion and expect to spend a percussive movement and customized in such a small setting? options, you can try a dierent restaurant
few hundred dollars with wine. ow. Will have to go back and try that If youre a high-roller or looking for a on subsequent visits. Keep an eye on the
10 p.m. After lingering over dinner, we one. After your massage, retreat to the spectacular way to wow clients, consider theater schedule its impressive and
decide to walk o some of those calories locker room area where youll nd a booking one of the MGMs suites. The diverse (Sarah Silverman performs April
and stroll through the busy casino and eucalyptus steam room, dry sauna and presidential suite is nearly 2,500 square 22; Ricky Martin is here May 5-6, followed
again outside on the promenade before hot tub. Showers are spacious and feature feet with two king bedrooms and plenty of by the Temptations and Four Tops on
heading to a comfy king-size bed in our all the products you need to get cleaned dining and lounge space. The chairmans May 13; Idina Menzel arrives July 9).
WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
the
UPCOMING PERFORMANCES
YOUNG
DUBLINERS
W/ JOHN BYRNE BAND
THURSDAY MARCH 16
By MARIAH COOPER
SOULE
MONDE
FEAT. RUSS LAWTON & RAY PACZKOWSKI
OF ANASTASIO BAND
FRIDAY MARCH 17
SAT, MARCH 18
A GREAT BIG WORLD PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN G. YOUNG
Beauty and the Beast is a clever update on the 1991 animated movie of the same name.
arlingtOn n. just listed! $979,900
D I N IN G M A R C H 17, 2017 35
Spotlight
on Directors
This spring, the Kennedy Center is shining a spotlight
on thrilling productions helmed by some of the worlds
most brilliant and acclaimed directors.
Cherry blossom-inspired cocktails are all the rage this month in Washington.
3 6 M A RCH 1 7 , 2 017 CA LE N D A R
TODAY
Cher kicks o her spring residency at
MGM National Harbor (101 MGM National
Ave., Oxon Hill, Md.) tonight at 8 p.m. Her
other show dates include March 19-20,
March 23 and March 25-26. Tickets range
from $125-686. For more information,
visit ticketmaster.com.
Caribbean jazz band Eastern Standard
Time gives a St. Patricks Day performance
at Lost & Found (1240 9th St., N.W.)
tonight from 8-11 p.m. No cover. For
details, visit facebook.com/estmusic.
Acre121 (1400 Irving St., N.W.) hosts
Luck of the Irish, a St. Pattys Day party,
from 8 p.m.-1 a.m. tonight. Rock bands
Mr. Blonde and Black Dog Prowl will
perform. There will be drink specials and
green beer. For more information, visit
facebook.com/acre121.
U Street Music Hall (1115 U Street
PHOTO COURTESY OF FRANK
N.W.) celebrates its seventh anniversary
with a set by Black Coee and DJ Lisa DJ LISA FRANK spins at U Street Music Hall on Friday, March 17.
Frank. Doors open at 10 p.m. The show
is 18 and over. Cover is $20. For more
details, visit ustreetmusichall.com. Code Redux Play Party is at Glorious Bistro (1727 Connecticut Ave., N.W.) Speaking as Resistance at Petworth
Health Club (2120 West Virginia Ave., N.E.) tonight from 8-10 p.m. The group will Citizen (829 Upshur St., N.W.) tonight from
SATURDAY, MARCH 18 tonight from 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Admission is perform music dedicated to the 90s. 7-9 p.m. Queer poets Taylor Johnson,
$25 and includes a free drink ticket. Fetish Christopher Richardson is this months Danielle Reed and PeaceJah will read. For
The Imperial Court of Washington dress code is required. For more details, feature performer. Poet Drew Anderson more information, visit facebook.com/
has its Black and Blue Ball at the D.C. visit facebook.com/codedc. also performs. Don Mike Mendoza and outwritedc.
Eagle (3701 Benning Rd., N.E.) today from Chaotic Events presents American Regie Cabico host. General admission is The Lambda Bridge Club meets at 7:30
6-9:30 p.m. The annual event honors the Horror Party, an American Horror $15 at the door. Tickets are $10 at the door p.m. at the Dignity Center (721 8th St.,
Prince and Princess Royale. Tickets are Story theme party, at Blind Whino (700 with receipt from Bistro Bistro. Student S.E.) for duplicate bridge. No reservations
$20. All proceeds benet the charities Deleware Ave., S.W.) tonight from 7 p.m.- and senior tickets are $7 with ID. Non- required and new comers welcome. If
My Sisters Place, CrossOver Healthcare 3 a.m. Guests are encouraged to dress performing LTD alumni tickets are $5. For you need a partner, call 703-407-6540.
Ministries, Pets with Disabilities and up based on the themes from any of the more information, visit latido.wixsite.com.
Rainbow Families. Formal attire is six seasons. Cash prizes are available for THURSDAY, MARCH 23
encouraged. For more information, visit best costume. Online general admission TUESDAY, MARCH 21
facebook.com/imperialcourtdc. is $20 and $25 at the door. For details, Organist Cameron Carpenter brings
The D.C. Center presents Gay Nightlife visit facebook.com/thechaoticevents. Gay Mens Chorus of Washington his International Touring Organ to
in D.C.: Past and Present, today from 18th & U Duplex Diner (2004 18th St., has its Open Mic Night: Divapalooza, a the Music Center at Strathmore (5301
noon-2 p.m. This interactive workshop N.W.) hosts a Washington Improv Theater showtune singa-along, at Cobalt (1639 R Tuckerman Ln., North Bethesda, Md.)
will discuss gay nightlife past and present Fundraiser Drag Brunch today from 1-3 St., N.W.) tonight from 8-11 p.m. Sheet tonight at 8 p.m. The program includes
and how identity plays a role in the club p.m. Tickets are $35 and includes one music will be provided but guests can Oblivion by Piazzolla, Naiades
atmosphere. Food will be provided. Space brunch entre and one champagne cocktail bring their own for the accompanist, and Carillon de Westminister by
is limited and registration is required. For or glass of pinot grigio. $15 of proceeds Alex Tang. Drink specials will be Vierne, among others. Tickets range
more information, visit thedccenter.org/ benet Washington Improv Theater. There available. For details, visit facebook.com/ from $35-75. For more details, visit
events/gay-nightlife-in-dc-past-present. will also be drink specials. Performers gaymenschorusofwashington. Washingtonperformingarts.org.
Gay/Bash is at Trade (1410 14th St., include Goldie Grigio and other surprise The D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) Bachelors Mill (1104 8th St., S.E.)
N.W.) tonight from 10 p.m.-3 a.m. There performers. Brent Wingate hosts. DJ Khelan hosts its FUK!T Packing Party from holds a happy hour today from 5-7:30
will be performances by Moon Baby, Bhatia plays music. For more information, 7-9 p.m. tonight. For more details, visit p.m. All drinks are half price. There will
Summer Camp, Salvadora Dali, Jaxknife visit facebook.com/ughcomedy. thedccenter.org or greenlanterndc.com. be pool, video gaming systems and
and Jane Saw. The Barber Streisand spins cards. Admission is $5 after 9 p.m. DJ
tracks. Donna Slash hosts. There will be SUNDAY, MARCH 19 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22 Bling, DJ Freaky and DJ Tim-Nice will
shows at 11:30 p.m. and 1 a.m. There is play music. For more information, visit
no cover. For details, search Gay/Bash Perrys (1811 Columbia Rd., N.W.) hosts CAGLCC hosts its ninth annual LGBT bachelorsmill.com.
on Facebook. its weekly Sunday Drag Brunch today Mega Networking and Social Event at The D.C. Anti-Violence Project hosts a
The Ladies of Lure host Bare: Military from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The cost is $24.95 Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) tonight from meeting at the D.C. Center (2000 14th St.,
Style at Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.) tonight for an all-you-can-eat buet. For more 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thousands of LGBT N.W.) tonight from 7-8:30 p.m. The project
from 10 p.m.- 3 a.m. DJ Keenan and DJ Jai details, visit perrysadamsmorgan.com. professionals will gather together to nd works to reduce violence against LGBT
Syncere will play music. There will be drink connections and recruit new employees. individuals through community outreach,
specials. Cover is $7 before midnight and MONDAY, MARCH 20 Admission is free but registration is education and assisting members of anti-
$10 after. For more information, visit required. Visit caglcc.org for details. LGBT violence. For more details, visit
facebook.com/lurewdc. La Ti Do performs The 90s at Bistro OutWrite presents Warrior Poets: thedccenter.org
SHIFT your expectations.
WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
BO OK S M A R C H 17, 2017 37
BO OK S M A R C H 17, 2017 39
Les Ballets
trockadero
de Monte Carlo
tory dobrin, Artistic director
Parody and
virtuosic technique...
in glittering tandem.
-The New York Times
A long-lost work by WALT WHITMAN has been rediscovered. The celebrated writer lived in
Washington for a decade.
Jack Engle novel considered didnt know what I was looking for until
I found it.
major literary nd Whitman represents an ethos that he
helped establish, Turpin said, a uniquely
By KATHI WOLFE diverse, open and inclusive denition of
what it means to be an American. In his
Buried literary treasures arent often preface to the rst edition of Leaves of
found. Grass, Whitman said, The United States
But last summer Zachary Turpin, themselves are essentially the greatest
4 0 MA RCH 1 7 , 2 017 P H O T O S BY MI CH A E L KE Y
The Gay Mens Chorus of Washington held performances of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying over the weekend at the Lincoln Theatre.
WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
A UT O S M A R C H 17, 2017 41
LEXUS GS 350
VW CC R-Line, Lexus GS works well on the GS 350, amping up this cars
sport-sedan bona des. So do the engine and
among snappiest 2017 models exhaust notes that can be piped directly into
By JOE PHILLIPS
REALESTATE
But leaves out more tics and some interesting facts emerge:
First, median prices in the District itself
expensive jurisdictions decreased from February 2016, as did
median prices for Alexandria City and
By TED SMITH Falls Church City. More signicantly, the
only jurisdictions where median prices 2016, while only 695 sales in higher- starts heating up, and these February g-
D.C. areas housing market contin- increased from the previous February all priced jurisdictions where median prices ures show where you might obtain some
ues to sizzle in February, exclaimed the started with 2016 median prices lower decreased from February 2016, a gure good values.
March 10 post from Real Business Intel- than the median price of $537,000 for representing just 22.6 percent of all the
ligence. And it indeed looked like good homes in D.C. in February 2016, while February sales.
news for the regional market: Median the two jurisdictions (in addition to D.C.) Of course, there are always more buy- TED SMITH is a licensed Realtor with Real Living
prices for February were at the highest where median prices declined both start- ers for lower-priced homes, but these | at Home specializing in mid-city D.C. Reach
him at TedSmithSellsDC@rlathome.com and
level in 10 years, as was sales volume ed with February 2016 median prices gures also suggest that more buyers follow him on Facebook.com/MidCityDCLife,
(total dollar amount sold), and num- higher (or approximately equal) to the are looking for homes in jurisdictions Youtube.com/TedSmithSellsDC or @TedSmith-
SellsDC. You can also join him on monthly tours
bers of closed sales, pending sales, and D.C. 2016 median. where good values are still to be found. of mid-city neighborhood open houses, as well
new listings. Further, there were 2,395 February So, buyers, take a hint: Youve still a as monthly seminars geared toward rst-time
But dig a little deeper into these statis- sales with medians that increased from month or so before the spring market homebuyers. Sign up at meetup.com/DCMidCi-
ty1stTimeHomeBuyers.
4 4 MA RCH 1 7 , 2 017 W A SH I N G T O N BLA D E . CO M
ellsworth row
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local market, contact us today. wed love to help you achIeve your real estate goals.
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