Washingtonblade.com, Volume 47, Issue 2, January 8, 2016

JANUARY08 2016 VOLUME 47 ISSUE 02 Gray said to be leaning toward comeback bid for Council seat By LOU CHIBBARO JR. [email protected]   LGBT activists are predicting former D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray would capture the lion’s share of the LGBT vote in the city’s June 14 Democratic primary if he decides to run for a seat on the City Council. Speculation that Gray is strongly considering running for a Council seat intensified this week when news surfaced that his supporters commissioned a poll to see how Gray would do if he challenges incumbent Council members Vincent Orange (D-At-Large) or Yvette Alexander (D-Ward 7). Gray has said he’s looking into a possible run for either of those two seats. He won election to the Ward 7 seat before running and winning • AMERICA’S GAY NEWS SOURCE subsequent citywide races for City Council Chairman and mayor. “I think he’ll do very well with the LGBT vote regardless of which one he runs for,” said veteran gay rights and Ward 8 community activist Phil Pannell. Earl Fowlkes, president of the Gertrude Stein Democratic Club, the city’s largest LGBT political group, said Gray remains a highly popular figure among LGBT voters because of his unprecedented support for LGBT issues, including transgender rights issues, during his tenure as a Council member and mayor. “I think obviously he has a good chance of winning,” Fowlkes said. “He’s very popular. He is seen as pro-LGBT. And he has a very strong record to stand on both as a member of the City Council, as chairman of the City Council, and as mayor.” Transgender activist Jeri Hughes called Focus of LGBT movement shifts to legislatures By CHRIS JOHNSON [email protected] In the aftermath of 2015, when  the U.S. Supreme Court decision in favor of same-sex marriage was the highlight of the LGBT movement, the focus in 2016 is expected to shift to the states as battles ensue over “religious freedom” and passage of pro-LGBT nondiscrimination bills. CONTINUES ON PAGE 18 • WASHINGTONBLADE.COM Speculation that former D.C. Mayor VINCENT GRAY is considering running for a Council seat intensified this week. WASHINGTON BLADE FILE PHOTO BY MICHAEL KEY MARYLAND, VIRGINIA TO CONSIDER LGBT BILLS, PAGE 6 LGBT advocates beat back the preponderance of “religious freedom” bills seen to enable anti-LGBT discrimination in state legislatures last year, but those that remain could become active again when lawmakers around the country begin their 2016 sessions in the coming days and weeks. Eunice Rho, the ACLU’s advocacy and policy counsel, said during a conference call with reporters last month that anti-LGBT forces are preparing a new push for religious freedom bills. “Those of us who have been engaged in this issue know that our opposition is regrouping and re-strategizing,” Rho said. “We are preparing for an aggressive push from the other side in legislatures to try and erode gains for LGBT Americans, and we know that they will not relent.” Religious Freedom Restoration Acts that would allow individuals or businesses to invoke a religious CONTINUES ON PAGE 18 ONE MORE TIME NEW YOU STILL FAB President Obama preps for final State of the Union address next week. Keep your New Year’s resolution to get fit with tips in our special section. Isabella Rossellini on new movie ‘Joy’ and her role as gay icon. PAGE 12 PAGE 29 PAGE 33 0 2 • J A NUA RY 0 8 , 2016 W A SH I N G T O N BLA D E . CO M ® New Genvoya is now available GENC0002_WashingtonBlade_9.75x11.5_Sprd.indd 1-2 W A SH I N GTO NB LAD E.C OM J A N U A RY 0 8 , 2 0 1 6 • 0 3 Actual Size One pill contains elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF). Ask your healthcare provider if GENVOYA is right for you. To learn more visit GENVOYA.com Please see Brief Summary of Patient Information with important warnings on the following pages. 12/3/15 12:01 PM 0 4 • J A NUA RY 0 8 , 2016 Brief Summary of Patient Information about GENVOYA GENVOYA (jen-VOY-uh) (elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide) tablets Important: Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken with GENVOYA. There may be new information about GENVOYA. This information is only a summary and does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your medical condition or treatment. What is the most important information I should know about GENVOYA? GENVOYA can cause serious side effects, including: • Build-up of lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis). Lactic acidosis may happen in some people who take GENVOYA. Lactic acidosis is a serious medical emergency that can lead to death. Lactic acidosis can be hard to identify early, because the symptoms could seem like symptoms of other health problems. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms, which could be signs of lactic acidosis: • • • • • • • feel very weak or tired have unusual (not normal) muscle pain have trouble breathing have stomach pain with nausea or vomiting feel cold, especially in your arms and legs feel dizzy or lightheaded have a fast or irregular heartbeat • Severe liver problems. Severe liver problems may happen in people who take GENVOYA. In some cases, these liver problems can lead to death. Your liver may become large and you may develop fat in your liver. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms of liver problems: • your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice) • dark “tea-colored” urine • light-colored bowel movements (stools) • loss of appetite for several days or longer • nausea • stomach pain • You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or severe liver problems if you are female, very overweight (obese), or have been taking GENVOYA for a long time. • Worsening of Hepatitis B infection. GENVOYA is not for use to treat chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV). If you have HBV infection and take GENVOYA, your HBV may get worse (flareup) if you stop taking GENVOYA. A “flare-up” is when your HBV infection suddenly returns in a worse way than before. • Do not run out of GENVOYA. Refill your prescription or talk to your healthcare provider before your GENVOYA is all gone. • Do not stop taking GENVOYA without first talking to your healthcare provider. • If you stop taking GENVOYA, your healthcare provider will need to check your health often and do blood tests regularly for several months to check your HBV infection. Tell your healthcare provider about any new or unusual symptoms you may have after you stop taking GENVOYA. GENC0002_WashingtonBlade_9.75x11.5_Sprd.indd 3-4 W A SH I N G T O N BLA D E . CO M What is GENVOYA? GENVOYA is a prescription medicine that is used without other HIV-1 medicines to treat HIV-1 in people 12 years of age and older: • who have not received HIV-1 medicines in the past or • to replace their current HIV-1 medicines in people who have been on the same HIV-1 medicines for at least 6 months, have an amount of HIV-1 in their blood (“viral load”) that is less than 50 copies/mL, and have never failed past HIV-1 treatment HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. GENVOYA contains the prescription medicines elvitegravir (VITEKTA®), cobicistat (TYBOST®), emtricitabine (EMTRIVA®) and tenofovir alafenamide. It is not known if GENVOYA is safe and effective in children under 12 years of age. When used to treat HIV-1 infection, GENVOYA may: • Reduce the amount of HIV-1 in your blood. This is called “viral load”. • Increase the number of CD4+ (T) cells in your blood that help fight off other infections. Reducing the amount of HIV-1 and increasing the CD4+ (T) cells in your blood may help improve your immune system. This may reduce your risk of death or getting infections that can happen when your immune system is weak (opportunistic infections). GENVOYA does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS. You must stay on continuous HIV-1 therapy to control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses. Avoid doing things that can spread HIV-1 infection to others: • Do not share or re-use needles or other injection equipment. • Do not share personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them, like toothbrushes and razor blades. • Do not have any kind of sex without protection. Always practice safer sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom to lower the chance of sexual contact with semen, vaginal secretions, or blood. Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions about how to prevent passing HIV-1 to other people. Who should not take GENVOYA? Do not take GENVOYA if you also take a medicine that contains: • alfuzosin hydrochloride (Uroxatral®) • carbamazepine (Carbatrol®, Epitol®, Equetro®, Tegretol®, Tegretol-XR®, Teril®) • cisapride (Propulsid®, Propulsid Quicksolv®) • ergot-containing medicines, including: dihydroergotamine mesylate (D.H.E. 45®, Migranal®), ergotamine tartrate (Cafergot®, Migergot®, Ergostat®, Medihaler Ergotamine®, Wigraine®, Wigrettes®), and methylergonovine maleate (Ergotrate®, Methergine®) • lovastatin (Advicor®, Altoprev®, Mevacor®) • midazolam, when taken by mouth • phenobarbital (Luminal®) • phenytoin (Dilantin®, Phenytek®) • pimozide (Orap®) • rifampin (Rifadin®, Rifamate®, Rifater®, Rimactane®) • sildenafil (Revatio®), when used for treating lung problems • simvastatin (Simcor®, Vytorin®, Zocor®) • triazolam (Halcion®) • the herb St. John’s wort or a product that contains St. John’s wort Wh taki Befo • • • • • Tell y presc medi Some it to • • How • • • • • • • • W A SH I N GTO NB LAD E.C OM What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking GENVOYA? o HIV-1 oad”) ons. help ons V-1 sing men, ng Before taking GENVOYA, tell your healthcare provider if you: • have liver problems including hepatitis B infection • have kidney or bone problems • have any other medical conditions • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if GENVOYA can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking GENVOYA. Pregnancy registry: there is a pregnancy registry for women who take HIV-1 medicines during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about the health of you and your baby. Talk with your healthcare provider about how you can take part in this registry. • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you take GENVOYA. – You should not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of the risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby. – At least one of the medicines in GENVOYA can pass to your baby in your breast milk. It is not known if the other medicines in GENVOYA can pass into your breast milk. – Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Other medicines may affect how GENVOYA works. Some medicines may interact with GENVOYA. Keep a list of your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. • You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a list of medicines that interact with GENVOYA. • Do not start a new medicine without telling your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can tell you if it is safe to take GENVOYA with other medicines. How should I take GENVOYA? • Take GENVOYA exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take it. GENVOYA is taken by itself (not with other HIV-1 medicines) to treat HIV-1 infection. , ® s®), • GENVOYA is usually taken 1 time each day. • Take GENVOYA with food. • If you need to take a medicine for indigestion (antacid) that contains aluminum and • • • • magnesium hydroxide or calcium carbonate during treatment with GENVOYA, take it at least 2 hours before or after you take GENVOYA. Do not change your dose or stop taking GENVOYA without first talking with your healthcare provider. Stay under a healthcare provider’s care when taking GENVOYA. Do not miss a dose of GENVOYA. If you take too much GENVOYA, call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away. When your GENVOYA supply starts to run low, get more from your healthcare provider or pharmacy. This is very important because the amount of virus in your blood may increase if the medicine is stopped for even a short time. The virus may develop resistance to GENVOYA and become harder to treat. J A N U A RY 0 8 , 2 0 1 6 • 0 5 What are the possible side effects of GENVOYA? GENVOYA may cause serious side effects, including: • See “What is the most important information I should know about GENVOYA?” • Changes in body fat can happen in people who take HIV-1 medicine. These changes may include increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck (“buffalo hump”), breast, and around the middle of your body (trunk). Loss of fat from the legs, arms and face may also happen. The exact cause and long-term health effects of these conditions are not known. • Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome) can happen when you start taking HIV-1 medicines. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you start having any new symptoms after starting your HIV-1 medicine. • New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys before you start and while you are taking GENVOYA. Your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking GENVOYA if you develop new or worse kidney problems. • Bone problems can happen in some people who take GENVOYA. Bone problems may include bone pain, softening or thinning (which may lead to fractures). Your healthcare provider may need to do tests to check your bones. The most common side effect of GENVOYA is nausea. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. • These are not all the possible side effects of GENVOYA. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. • Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. General information about the safe and effective use of GENVOYA. Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use GENVOYA for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give GENVOYA to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them. This Brief Summary summarizes the most important information about GENVOYA. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about GENVOYA that is written for health professionals. For more information, call 1-800-445-3235 or go to www.GENVOYA.com. Keep GENVOYA and all medicines out of reach of children. Issued: November 2015 EMTRIVA, GENVOYA, the GENVOYA Logo, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, GSI, TYBOST, and VITEKTA are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. All other marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. © 2015 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. GENC0002 11/15 12/3/15 12:01 PM WASHINGTONBLADE.COM 0 6 • J A NUA RY 0 8 , 2016 LO CA L N E W S Sweeping LGBT rights legislation coming to Va. Newly elected gay delegate plans to offer bills next week By LOU CHIBBARO JR. [email protected]  Gay Virginia Del.-Elect Mark Levine (D-Alexandria) says he plans to introduce legislation  during the week he takes  office on Jan. 13 calling for prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in the areas of employment, housing and public accommodations. Levine won election in November to the Virginia House of Delegates 45th District, which includes the city of Alexandria and parts of Arlington and Fairfax counties. He said he’s in the final stage of drafting his LGBT rights legislation and will soon decide whether the non-discrimination protections covering employment, housing and public accommodations should be combined in one bill or divided into two separate bills. “It’s a very technical question and I want Gay Virginia Del.-Elect MARK LEVINE (D-Alexandria) seeks to prohibit anti-LGBT discrimination. PHOTO COURTESY OF LEVINE to do it right,” said Levine, an attorney and past legislative counsel to former U.S. Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.). “But I’m definitely introducing it.” Under current Virginia law it’s legal for private employers to fire or refuse to hire someone solely because they are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. It’s also legal for landlords to evict or refuse to rent an apartment to someone based on their sexual orientation or gender identity and for a restaurant or other business to refuse service to people because they’re LGBT. Levine told the Washington Blade in a Jan. 2 interview that he understands it’s not likely that his legislation — along with as many as 19 other progressiveoriented bills he plans to introduce — will pass this year under Virginia’s Republicancontrolled House of Delegates and Senate. “Maybe they all won’t pass,” he said. “But what I’m trying to do is set the standard to say what I stand for and what my community stands for. And I’m more than willing to work with anyone on any of these bills to do some tweaking to get more support.” Pointing to how same-sex marriage was thought to be unattainable in most parts of the country up until last year, Levine said introducing a more ambitious LGBT rights bill in Virginia will lay the groundwork for its eventual passage. “I don’t think you withhold introducing something because you don’t think it will pass,” he said. “You introduce it, push for it. If it doesn’t pass this year you reintroduce it next year.” Virginia State Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria), who became the first openly gay member of the Virginia Legislature in 2004, said he would consider introducing a companion version of Levine’s bill in the Senate. “I’m happy to consider good ideas like Mark’s if he would like a Senate version of the bill – absolutely,” said Ebbin. Ebbin notes that he has introduced nearly every year since he first won election to the House of Delegates in 2003 and since winning election to the State Senate in 2011 a bill that would ban LGBTrelated employment discrimination in state government jobs. He said the bill has twice passed in the Senate but was killed in the House of Delegates each year. At least three Virginia governors, including current Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D), have issued executive orders banning sexual orientation discrimination in employment in state government agencies. Ebbin and others point out that enacting those orders into legislation is needed to ensure that a future governor won’t rescind the executive order. FreeState Legal, Equality Md. to merge Decision billed as ‘opportunity to consolidate’ efforts By MICHAEL K. LAVERS [email protected] FreeState Legal and Equality Maryland on Wednesday announced they plan to become one organization. A press release the two organizations released says they “will merge to form a comprehensive, statewide direct legal services and policy advocacy organization that addresses the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) Marylanders.” The new group will also continue to “focus on the needs of lowincome LGBTQ Marylanders.” “It’s an opportunity to consolidate our efforts,” FreeState Legal Executive Director Patrick Paschall told the Washington Blade. Paschall said the organizations in the coming months will schedule a series of “listening sessions” across the state in order to gauge feedback from LGBT Marylanders. He told the Blade he expects the merger — including a decision about the new organization’s name — will be complete by the end of June. “We really want to do an across the state outreach effort,” said Paschall. “We’re going to reestablish our mission.” Free State Justice in 2001 became Equality Maryland when lawmakers approved a bill that added sexual orientation to the state’s antidiscrimination law. The Baltimore-based FreeState Legal since 2008 has provided legal assistance and advocacy to lowincome LGBT Marylanders. Wednesday’s announcement comes roughly five months after Equality Maryland curtailed operations amid a growing budget shortfall. The organization said funding decreased after voters in 2012 upheld Maryland’s same-sex marriage law and the state’s transgender rights law took effect in 2014. The financial crisis prompted Equality Maryland to lay off then-executive director Carrie Evans in June 2015. The organization last summer closed its Baltimore office. Larry Jacobs, chair of the Equality Maryland board of directors, told the Blade that his organization and FreeState Legal began to talk about a potential merger last year before Evans left. “It’s a good thing,” said Jacobs. “I don’t think the organization had the capability to survive on its own for much longer.” Evans did not return the Blade’s request for comment. Gay state Sen. Rich Madaleno (D-Montgomery County) — who Equality Maryland honored in 2013 at its 25th anniversary gala in Baltimore — said he is “thrilled by the announcement.” “The new organization will be well positioned to address the political and legal needs of the LGBTQ community of Maryland moving forward,” the Montgomery County Democrat told the Blade. Gender Rights Maryland Executive Director Dana Beyer, who unsuccessfully challenged Madaleno in 2014, specifically applauded FreeState Legal. “Gender Rights Maryland is proud of its relationship with FreeState Legal and its executive director, Patrick Paschall, and congratulates them on their growth,” she told the Blade. “We look forward to working more closely with them in the future, on behalf of the LGBQ as well as the trans community.” Love Makes a Family of Connecticut in 2009 dissolved after same-sex couples won marriage rights in the state. Freedom to Marry last summer announced its plans to shut down in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that extended nuptials to gays and lesbians throughout the country. Empire State Pride Agenda, the largest statewide LGBT advocacy group in New York, last month announced it plans to shut down this year. The organization said the decision came “on the heels of securing our top remaining priority.” New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo last fall during an Empire State Pride Agenda dinner in Manhattan announced statewide regulations banning discrimination based on gender identity in employment, housing and public accommodations. Advocates who criticized the organization’s decision to close its doors noted, among other things, that a bill that would codify Cuomo’s executive order into law has languished in the New York Senate for more than a decade. “They seemed to suggest the work is done and we’re not really needed anymore and we’re going to shut down,” Jacobs told the Blade, referring to Empire State Pride Agenda. “I have never believed that was the case in Maryland. I don’t believe it’s the case in New York. It’s certainly not the case nationally.” Madaleno agreed as he discussed Equality Maryland and FreeState Legal’s decision to merge. “This new organization puts the Maryland community in a far stronger position than other states like New York, where the state organization just closed,” he said. “I am excited and enthusiastic to work with this new group to move Maryland forward.” W A SH I N GTO NB LAD E.C OM J A N U A RY 0 8 , 2 0 1 6 • 0 7 WASHINGTONBLADE.COM 0 8 • J A NUA RY 0 8 , 2016 Comings & Goings Taube wins award, Jackson moves to Compass By PETER ROSENSTEIN The Comings and Goings column is about sharing the professional successes of our community. We want to recognize those landing new jobs, new clients for their business, joining boards of organizations and other achievements. Please share your successes with us at [email protected]. Kudos to David M. Taube, CFA, CFP for receiving the Financial Planner of the Year award from the Financial Planning Association National Capital Area Chapter. Upon receiving the award, Taube, founder and CEO of Kalorama Wealth Strategies, LLC said, “I am honored to receive this award from the National Capital Area chapter of the Financial Planning Association. To be recognized by peers for my professional accomplishments is truly rewarding. There is much more to being a successful financial planner and investment adviser than having technical knowledge. It requires a passion and authenticity to help clients and always put their interests first.” Some of his passion and understanding came after surviving cancer PHOTO COURTESY OF TAUBE more than 25 years ago. It was then Taube realized he needed to devote his time and energy to helping people. This insight, combined DAVID M. TAUBE with a passion for all things financial, eventually led him to establish Kalorama Wealth, a fee-only investment advisory and financial planning firm. Since its inception in 2005, Taube’s mission has been to help professionals, business owners, and their families achieve greater financial security and independence by providing objective advice customized to meet the needs of each client. In 2012, Kalorama Wealth Strategies, LLC obtained official certification as an LGBT owned and operated business through the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce’s Supplier Diversity Initiative. Taube volunteers for D.C.-area LGBT non-profit organizations through Burgundy Crescent Volunteers, including Gay Men’s Chorus, PHOTO COURTESY OF JACKSON Food and Friends, Mautner Project, Equality Maryland and HRC. He serves on the NGLCC’s Certification Committee, which certifies LGBT JEFFREY JACKSON owned and operated businesses for its Supplier Diversity Initiative. Taube has appeared in The Washington Post’s “Ask the Experts” column and has written personal finance columns for the Washington Blade. Since 1999, Taube has been an adjunct professor in the Department of Finance and Real Estate in the Kogod School of Business Administration at American University. Congratulations are also in order for Jeffrey Jackson, who just announced he has moved to Compass Realty. Jackson has been in the real estate business for more than 20 years after a career at the World Bank. He goes to Compass with the Capital Estate Group after long PHOTO COURTESY OF VARNUM stints at Sothebys International Realty and Keller Williams Capital GREGORY VARNUM Properties. Capital Estate Group’s mission is to map paths to better lives and better communities through innovative, dynamic real estate services. Compass Realty was launched in 2013. It is a state-of-the-art, technology-driven real estate company that is expanding in D.C., New York City, Miami and Los Angeles. Compass provides comprehensive brokerage services. Congratulations also to Gregory Varnum, who has landed an exciting new contract to serve as communications strategist for the Wikimedia Foundation communications team. In this role, Varnum will oversee a variety of different areas, including several related to communications with the Wikimedia community (the global community of volunteer editors that contribute to the Wikimedia projects). Having worked with the Wikimedia community extensively in a volunteer capacity, Varnum will now work to develop and hone communications messaging and strategy related to Wikimedia announcements, campaigns and initiatives that impact the Wikimedia community. According to Samantha Lien who handles communications for the Wikimedia Foundation, “Greg will also be responsible for duties relating to communications outreach projects in support of public policy and advocacy objectives as they relate to the Wikimedia Guiding Principles.  Greg will be coordinating communications efforts related to many of the areas of focus outlined in the Wikimedia public policy portal, including issues related to access, privacy, copyright, and more.” LO CA L N E W S Chief changes name of D.C. police gay liaison unit Trans, bi added to be more ‘inclusive’ By LOU CHIBBARO JR. [email protected]   D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier issued an internal message to all members of the force on Tuesday announcing that the department’s Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit has changed its name to include the words bisexual and transgender. “In an effort to be inclusive to all members of the LGBT community, the Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit will change its name to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Liaison Unit (LGBTLU),” Lanier said in her message. “This name change will be recognizable to all members of the LGBT community seeking assistance from the Metropolitan Police Department,” she said. The name change comes 10 months after Lanier named Sgt. Jessica Hawkins, an out transgender woman, as supervisor of the GLLU. Hawkins became the first transgender person to hold that position. As of late Tuesday, the department had not publicly announced the name change. The Washington Blade obtained a copy of the chief’s message, which also bears the name of Assistant Chief Diane Groomes. Groomes heads the department’s Patrol Services Bureau, which oversees the police liaison units. Sources familiar with the department told the Blade that Lt. Cheryl Crawley, commander of the department’s Special Liaison Division, which oversees the LGBTLU, informed about a dozen LGBT activists about the name change in an email sent on Tuesday evening. The activists receiving the email are members of an LGBT advisory group created by the department called the Violence Prevention and Response Team. The group, known as VPART, meets with Crawley and Sheila Alexander Reid, director of the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, in closed session once a month. “As previously discussed in VPART meetings, and after receiving input from partners of the community, the Special Liaison Division would like to announce a name change to the Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit,” Crawley said in her email. David Mariner, executive director of the D.C. Center for the LGBT Community and a member of VPART, said he was pleased with the name change, saying it reflects the full LGBT community that the former GLLU has served since its founding in the 1990s. “We welcome the change,” said Mariner, who noted that the LGBTLU name change comes shortly after a D.C. Center sponsored group called Gays and Lesbians Opposing Violence (GLOV) changed its name to the D.C. LGBT Anti-Violence Project. Jason Terry, an official with the D.C. Trans Coalition, said he, too, was pleased with the police liaison unit’s name change. But Terry, who has been a critic of the department’s response to an independent report that called for further improvements in D.C. police relations with the trans community, said further action was needed. “I think it’s more important that we see substantive change at MPD along with cosmetic change like this,” he said. The number of LGBTLU officers was reduced from five to four last fall when then GLLU Officer Jason Markiewicz requested and received approval to be transferred out of the unit to a patrol assignment in the Sixth Police District. As of last month, Lanier had not replaced Markiewicz with a newly appointed member. � CONTINUES AT WASHINGTONBLADE.COM W A SH I N GTO NB LAD E.C OM J A N U A RY 0 8 , 2 0 1 6 • 0 9 Christine roland Garner I Sell More Because I Do More! Celebrating 28 Years Christine Garner • 703.587.4855 For additional inFormation & photos, visit: www.ChristineGarner.Com WASHINGTONBLADE.COM 1 0 • J A NUA RY 0 8 , 2016 LO CA L N E W S Va., Md. lawmakers to consider LGBT bills in 2016 Resolutions seek to formally repeal commonwealth marriage ban By MICHAEL K. LAVERS [email protected] Lawmakers in Virginia and Maryland will consider several LGBT-specific bills once their respective 2016 legislative sessions begin on Jan. 13. State Sens. Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria) and A. Donald McEachin (D-Henrico County) have introduced resolutions in the Virginia Senate that seek to repeal Virginia’s constitutional amendment that defines marriage as between a man and a woman. State Del. Mamie Locke (D-Hampton) has put forth a similar proposal in the Virginia House of Delegates. “The provisions of this section of the constitution of Virginia are no longer valid as a result of the United States Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges,” reads a summary of Ebbin’s resolution that is posted to the Virginia General Assembly’s website. Same-sex couples have been able to legally marry in Virginia since October 2014. Ebbin last month introduced Senate Bill 10, which would repeal the commonwealth’s statutory ban on marriage and civil unions for gays and lesbians. The gay Alexandria Democrat and McEachin have also put forth Senate Bill 12, which would codify into law Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s executive order banning discrimination against state employees based on sexual orientation and gender identity. State Del. Marcus Simon (D-Falls Church) has introduced a bill that would add sexual orientation and gender identity to Virginia’s Fair Housing Law. Lawmakers last year killed similar antidiscrimination measures. Gay state Del.-Elect Mark Levine (D-Alexandria) told the Washington Blade that he plans to put forth a measure that would ban anti-LGBT discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations in the commonwealth. Levine said during a Jan. 2 interview that his measure is unlikely to pass in the Republican-controlled House of Delegates. James Parrish, executive director of Equality Virginia, a statewide LGBT advocacy group, agrees. “Equality Virginia would agree with Del.-elect Levine’s assessment that it would be dead on arrival in the House of Delegates,” Parrish told the Blade on Tuesday during a telephone interview. “We welcome him and others to join the work in building coalitions.” State Sen. Charles Carrico (R-Galax) last month introduced Senate Bills 40 and Virginia state Sen. A. DONALD MCEACHIN (D-Henrico County) has reintroduced a bill that would codify a ban on anti-LGBT discrimination against state employees. WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTO BY MICHAEL K. LAVERS 41 that would allow officials to refuse to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples because of their religious beliefs. A spokesperson for McAuliffe told the Blade that he would veto both measures if they were to reach his desk. Parrish said that Equality Virginia is “preparing to fight” any religious freedom bills that House Speaker Bill Howell (R-Stafford County) and other conservative Republicans said they would introduce in response to last June’s ruling in the Obergefell case. The Liberty Counsel last month filed a lawsuit that challenges the inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity in the Fairfax County School District’s antidiscrimination policy. Members of the Stafford County School Board last March voted unanimously to prevent a transgender student from using the girls’ restroom at her elementary school. The Alliance Defending Freedom, an anti-LGBT legal group, in November filed a brief on behalf of the Family Foundation of Virginia with the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond against Gavin Grimm, a trans student who is challenging a Gloucester County School District policy that prevents him from using the boys’ restroom and locker room. “We still have our eyes out for a couple of more anti-LGBT bills,” Parrish told the Blade, referring to Stafford and Fairfax Counties and the Grimm case. Parrish said he also expects lawmakers will once again consider a bill that would ban “conversion therapy” to minors in Virginia. Maryland state Del. Richard Metzgar (R-Baltimore County) has introduced House Bill 16, which would allow officials to refuse to perform “any particular or religious rite of any marriage” that violates their religious belief. Patrick Paschall, executive director of FreeState Legal, on Tuesday described the measure as “a complete waste of the legislature’s time.” He told the Blade that HB 16 mirrors the religious freedom provisions in the state’s same-sex marriage law that voters approved in 2012. “[HB 16] is the same language that is already part of Maryland law,” said Paschall. A spokesperson for Gov. Larry Hogan told the Blade last month that the Republican would not “take a position” on HB 16 until it goes through the legislative process. Paschall and other Maryland advocacy groups also oppose a proposal that would allow the state to give tax credits of up to $200,000 to corporations that direct contributions to private schools. These institutions are not subject to Maryland and federal anti-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Hogan last year proposed the measure, and is expected to do so again in the 2016 legislative session. “It continues to be a bad idea,” Paschall told the Blade. “We don’t think it is appropriate for taxpayer dollars to subsidize corporate contributions to private schools. This bill creates a mechanism to effectively funnel public funding to private schools. If private schools want to receive public funding, they should be required not to discriminate against LGBTQ students and teachers just like other publicly funded schools.” � CONTINUES AT WASHINGTONBLADE.COM Md. candidate gives Shkreli money to charity A Maryland congressional candidate has donated to charity campaign contributions that he received from a former pharmaceutical company CEO who raised the cost of a life-saving AIDS medication by 5,000 percent. A report from the Federal Election Commission indicates that former Turing Pharmaceuticals CEO Martin Shkreli made two contributions of $2,700 to Will Jawando’s campaign on Aug. 26 and Sept. 2. The Baltimore Sun reported that Turing Pharmaceuticals employees gave more than $23,000 to Jawando’s campaign. Jawando has raised slightly more than $275,000 in his bid to succeed Congressman Chris Van Hollen in the U.S. House of Representatives. Christine Bennett, a spokesperson for Jawando’s campaign, on Monday told the Washington Blade in an email the candidate last month donated the $5,400 that Shkreli gave him to the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington. “There’s no mistaking Will’s strong support of anti-price-gouging relations for drug companies and Hillary Clinton’s proposal to allow Medicare to negotiate with the industry for lower prices for seniors,” said Bennett. Bennett did not return the Blade’s follow-up requests for comment on whether Jawando has returned any of the contributions he received from Turing Pharmaceutical employees. Shkreli last fall sparked outrage when he announced that Turing Pharmaceuticals had raised the cost of Daraprim — which is used to treat an infection that can cause brain damage in people with AIDS and babies — from $13.50 to $750 a pill. U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) in October donated the $2,700 that Shkreli contributed to his presidential campaign to Whitman-Walker Health in D.C. Federal authorities on Dec. 17 arrested Shkreli, who became known as “pharma bro” in the media, and charged him with securities fraud in connection with Retrophin, a pharmaceutical company he founded in 2011, and the hedge fund MSMB Capital Management. Turing Pharmaceuticals the following day announced the controversial CEO had resigned. Jawando, who lives in Silver Spring, previously worked for former-Secretary of Education Arne Duncan as an adviser. Van Hollen last year announced his campaign to succeed retiring U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) Jawando is among the seven Democrats — including state Sen. Jamie Raskin (D-Montgomery County) and former Marriott International Executive Vice President Kathleen Matthews — who are running for Van Hollen’s seat in the House. MICHAEL K. LAVERS W A SH I N GTO NB LAD E.C OM J A N U A RY 0 8 , 2 0 1 6 • 1 1 WASHINGTONBLADE.COM 1 2 • J A NUA RY 0 8 , 2016 NATIONAL NEWS Rep. DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ invited a Florida gay couple to last year’s State of the Union Address. WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTO BY HUGH CLARKE Florida marks marriage anniversary MIAMI — Jan. 5 marked one year since marriage for same-sex couples became legal in Florida. Cathy Pareto and Karla Arguello — one of the six plaintiff couples in a lawsuit that challenged the state’s constitutional amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman — exchanged vows in Miami-Dade County on Jan. 5, 2015. Arguello gave birth to the couple’s twins in August. “It’s been a banner year for us,” Pareto told the Sun-Sentinel newspaper. “Since we got married, we had a big church wedding, which was really special. And in August, we welcomed our twins, who are now four months old.” The National Center for Lesbian Rights last August filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of Pareto and Arguello and two other married lesbian couples that alleges the state does not allow hospitals to list the names of both same-sex parents on their children’s birth certificates. Todd and Jeff Delmay of Hollywood exchanged vows on the same day that Pareto and Arguello did. Florida Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz invited the two men to attend President Obama’s 2015 State of the Union address. Todd Delmay nevertheless told the Sun-Sentinel that life for him and his husband is now “mundane.” Man killed after dispute with boyfriend SAN DIEGO — A San Diego police officer on Jan. 1 shot and killed a man after a domestic dispute with his boyfriend. KSWB, a San Diego television station, reported that officers at around 10:35 p.m. responded to a domestic violence incident in the city’s Hillcrest neighborhood. The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs in a press release cited local media reports that indicate Joshua Adam Sisson, 30, was holding a knife to his boyfriend’s neck. KSWB reported that Sisson fled the scene after officers arrived. Sisson was shot in the chest after he “aggressively advanced toward” an officer, according to a spokesperson for the San Diego Police Department. Sisson died at a local hospital. Okla. city expands bias ordinance NORMAN, Okla. — Members of the Norman City Council on Dec. 22 voted unanimously to add sexual orientation and gender identity to the city’s human rights ordinance. Freedom Oklahoma, a statewide LGBT advocacy group, noted Norman is the first municipality in the Sooner State to adopt such protections. “This is a historic day, not only for Norman, but for the entire state of Oklahoma,” said Freedom Oklahoma Executive Director Troy Stevenson. “As the first city in our great state to fully protect all of its residents, Norman has set a precedent for every municipality in Oklahoma, and a challenge to our state legislature to follow suit.” The University of Oklahoma is located in Norman, which is roughly 20 miles south of the state capital of Oklahoma City. Oklahoma’s anti-discrimination law does not include sexual orientation or gender identity. PRESIDENT OBAMA is set to deliver the State of the Union address on Tuesday. WASHINGTON BLADE FILE PHOTO BY MICHAEL KEY Will Obama include LGBT issues in final State of the Union? Advocates hope for push on trans rights, Equality Act By CHRIS JOHNSON [email protected] LGBT rights supporters  are hoping that President Obama will mention trans visibility and the Equality Act during his final State of the Union address next week. The remarks, which will mark the final State of the Union address for Obama as his administration comes to a close, will begin at 9 p.m. on Tuesday and be delivered before a joint session of Congress. Rea Carey, executive director of the National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund, said her organization wishes Obama well in his final State of the Union and hopes he builds on the progress under his administration to enumerate the difficulties faced by transgender people in his remarks. “In his speech and at this time in our nation’s history, we need the president to help remind all of us of our core values of dignity and mutual respect — in what is a fiercely divisive political climate,” Carey said. “A climate that has included an unprecedented deluge of hate speech against LGBTQ people, Muslims, undocumented immigrants and other groups. Hateful words that can lead to hateful actions such as the appalling levels of violence against, and the murder of, transgender people.” Other legislative endeavors Carey said she would like to hear Obama push are criminal justice reform, closing the gaps in income inequality and federal comprehensive LGBT non-discrimination legislation known as the Equality Act. “And as the most LGBTQ-friendly president of all time, we hope he will express the vital importance of the Equality Act to extend more freedom, justice and equality to all LGBTQ people,” Carey said. Obama has often taken the opportunity of his State of the Union address to talk about his commitment to LGBT rights. Last year, for the first time ever, Obama invoked the words “lesbian,” “bisexual” and “transgender” in remarks before a joint session of Congress. Stephen Peters, a spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign, said his organization would like Obama to build on his remarks last year for greater trans inclusion in the speech and a call to pass the Equality Act. “We would love to see him build on that by raising awareness and visibility of the many challenges facing the transgender community right now,” Peters said. “There are also numerous other challenges that remain that we would love to hear the president address, including the need to pass the Equality Act for full federal LGBT equality, HIV/AIDS funding, the current Department of Defense review of the outdated regulations preventing transgender service members from serving authentically, and a host of other areas.” Peters added, “There is no doubt that President Obama’s legacy of progress for the LGBT community is unmatched in history, and we are hopeful he’ll continue to build on that progress during his last year in office.” The White House didn’t respond to the Washington Blade’s request for comment on the content of the State of the Union or any LGBT inclusion in his remarks. In the aftermath of Obama’s executive actions to enhance gun safety, much of his State of the Union address will likely consist of the president urging Congress to take further action. Given Republican opposition to his actions, such legislative activity seems unlikely. W A SH I N GTO NB LAD E.C OM J A N U A RY 0 8 , 2 0 1 6 • 1 3 PRESENTS M A L W EEK EN D FRI, JA N 15 9PM - LATE B L ACK CAT TH 1811 14 ST N W TICKETFLY.COM OTTERJ.COM WASHINGTONBLADE.COM 1 4 • J A NUA RY 0 8 , 2016 NATIONAL NEWS PRESIDENT OBAMA cried Tuesday while outlining plans to combat gun violence. IMAGE CAPTURE VIA C-SPAN Obama invokes LGBT rights to promote gun safety President Obama invoked during remarks at the White House on Tuesday the long struggle to achieve LGBT rights to promote his executive actions aimed at enhancing gun safety. Obama referenced LGBT rights during his 30-minute speech after calling on Congress to follow-up on his actions with a change in gun laws. “It will be hard, and it won’t happen overnight,” Obama said. “It won’t happen during this Congress. It won’t happen during my presidency. But a lot of things don’t happen overnight. A woman’s right to vote didn’t happen overnight. The liberation of African Americans didn’t happen overnight. LGBT rights — that was decades’ worth of work. So just because it’s hard, that’s no excuse not to try.” But the most widely discussed part of the speech was when Obama teared up recalling the deaths in 2012 of 20 first-grade students at Sandy Hook Elementary School at the hands of shooter Adam Lanza. “Every time I think about those kids it gets me mad,” Obama said. “And by the way, it happens on the streets of Chicago every day.” Obama unveiled a series actions aimed at promoting gun safety this week after consulting with U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch: Closing the background check loophole for the purchase of a firearm online or at a gun show; Proposing a new $500 million investment in access in mental health care; Adding 200 more agents and investigators at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives to enforce existing gun laws; and pushing for smart gun technology. “I’m not on the ballot again,” Obama said. “I’m not looking to score some points. I think we can disagree without impugning other people’s motives or without being disagreeable. We don’t need to be talking past one another. But we do have to feel a sense of urgency about it. In Dr. King’s words, we need to feel the ‘fierce urgency of now.’ Because people are dying. And the constant excuses for inaction no longer do, no longer suffice.” CHRIS JOHNSON Lesbian confronts Ben Carson at event As Ben Carson falls in the polls after a campaign that featured his staunch opposition to LGBT rights, the Republican presidential candidate was confronted Monday by a lesbian who asked him if being gay is a choice. The exchange, which was captured on video by ABC News, took place after one of Carson’s town hall meetings in Staten Island, N.Y. as he shook hands and took photos with others in attendance. “I have a quick question,” said the attendee, who approached Carson wearing a T-shirt bearing the name of a local LGBT center. “Do you think I chose to be gay?” “Did you choose to be gay?” Carson initially responded. “Yes, do you think I chose to be gay?” the attendee repeated. “That’s a long conversation, that’s a long conversation that leads to no answer,” Carson said as he smiled for a photo with other attendees. The last word in the lesbian attendee’s response is edited in the video, but she appeared to say, “I think you’re full of shit.” “OK,” Carson responded as he continued grinning for a photo. The attendee is never shown in the clip explaining why she asked the question, but Carson opposes LGBT rights. He’s suggested LGBT families are not “of the same value” as those with opposite-sex parents, indicated transgender people should be forced to use segregated bathrooms and said he preferred the U.S. military under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” An opponent of same-sex marriage, Carson has signed a pledge to back a U.S. constitutional amendment to reverse the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on marriage and another pledge to push within his first 100 days of office passage of the First Amendment Defense Act, a religious freedom bill seen to enable anti-LGBT discrimination. After a high-profile shakeup in his campaign resulting in the departure of top staffers, Carson A lesbian confronted Ben Carson hired as his new campaign manager retired Army this week and asked, ‘Do you Major Gen. Robert Dees, who’s vice president of think I chose to be gay?’ Liberty University. As David Badash of the New Civil IMAGE CAPTURE VIA ABC NEWS Rights Movement has pointed out, Dees has said the U.S. military has been “degraded” by allowing gay people to serve openly. TJ Helmstetter, a spokesperson for the Democratic National Committee, said the “long conversation” Carson referenced should be why Republican presidential candidates keep standing in the way of LGBT rights. “At a time when you can still be fired for being LGBT in many places across America, it’s outrageous that Republican politicians like Ben Carson, Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio continue pandering to the anti-gay fringe of their party by supporting discriminatory policies and making inflammatory statements,” Helmstetter said. “It’s a new year, but the same old GOP. The Republicans should join Democrats in the 21st century.” It’s not the first time Carson has addressed the question of whether being gay is a choice. During an interview on CNN in March, Carson said he “absolutely” thinks being gay is a choice. His explanation: People go into prison who say they’re straight, but when they finish their sentence and are released, they say they’re gay. “A lot of people who go into prison go into prison straight and when they come out, they’re gay,” Carson said. “So, did something happen while they were in there? Ask yourself that question.” After outcry from LGBT advocates over his response, Carson issued a statement to apologize, saying he “realized that my choice of language does not reflect fully my heart on gay issues.” “I do not pretend to know how every individual came to their sexual orientation,” Carson said. “I regret that my words to express that concept were hurtful and divisive. For that I apologize unreservedly to all that were offended.” Once the GOP front-runner, Carson has fallen considerably in the polls. A CNN/ORC poll published last month found Carson following Donald Trump and Ted Cruz with 10 percent support among Republicans. CHRIS JOHNSON Emails: Clinton sought to assist Md. marriage effort The latest batch of Hillary Clinton emails made public by the State Department reveals she made an effort in 2012 to help with passage of same-sex marriage in Maryland, even though at the time she had yet to come out for gay nuptials. The message is part of the batch of around 5,500 pages of emails made public on Thursday by the State Department, which is making them available on an gradual basis as a result of a court order. In a Feb. 20, 2012 email, Clinton sought to inform Georgetown University law professor Peter Edelman an attempt was made on her behalf to convince then-Rep. Sam Arora to support legislation in favor of same-sex marriage. “Pls let him know Bill called — unsuccessfully,” Clinton wrote. An earlier batch of emails had already revealed Edelman solicited Clinton for help in persuading Arora to vote for marriage equality in Maryland. At the time, the Huffington Post reported former President Bill Clinton was among those who contacted Arora in an effort to convince him to vote “yes” on the bill. The lawmaker ended up voting against same-sex marriage, much to the chagrin of LGBT advocates who contributed to his campaign because he vowed to support the legislation. The one-term lawmaker didn’t seek election to a second term. CHRIS JOHNSON W A SH I N GTO NB LAD E.C OM J A N U A RY 0 8 , 2 0 1 6 • 1 5 Nominations open Jan. 4 for the Blade’s Singles Issue on Feb. 12 Help us find D.C.’s top 20 LGBT singles, then meet them at a party on Feb. 13 at Town Danceboutique. Nominate yourself or your friends starting Jan. 4 at washingtonblade.com/singles WASHINGTONBLADE.COM 1 6 • J A NUA RY 0 8 , 2016 I N T E RN A T I O N A L N E W S Desmond Tutu’s daughter marries partner The Islamic State last year posted a picture online that it said shows the execution of a man who allegedly engaged in same-sex sexual acts. A report indicates the Sunni militant group on Jan. 1 killed a teenage boy for ‘homosexuality’ in the Syrian city of Deir ez-Zor. ISIS executes teen for ‘homosexuality’: report Islamic State militants have reportedly executed a teenage boy they accused of engaging in homosexuality. ARA News, an independent Syrian news agency, reported that militants threw the boy from a roof in the city of Deir ez-Zor on Jan. 1. Deir ez-Zor, which is located on the Euphrates River in eastern Syria, is less than 90 miles downstream from the Islamic State’s de facto capital of Raqqa. A source told ARA News that militants took the teenager into custody on Dec. 31 in the home of Abu Zaid al-Jazrawi, a prominent Islamic State officer, “on charges of homosexuality.” “The boy was accused of being engaged in a homosexual relation with the prominent ISIS officer Abu Zaid al-Jazrawi,” Sarai al-Din, a Syrian media advocate, told ARA News. ARA News cited “pro-ISIS sources” who said a Sharia court in Deir ez-Zor sought al-Jazwari’s execution. It said that top commanders with the Sunni militant group instead stripped him of his position and expelled him to neighboring Iraq. The Islamic State, which is also known as Daesh, has executed dozens of men in Syria and Iraq accused of committing sodomy. Reports indicate that members of the Sunni militant group sometimes force people to attend these executions that often take place in public. Many LGBT Syrians and Iraqis from Islamic State-controlled areas have fled to Lebanon, Turkey and other countries. Lebanese advocates with whom the Washington Blade has spoken said they have heard reports that Islamic State militants have burned men alive they suspected were gay. Bertho Makso, a gay Lebanese man who founded Proud Lebanon, a Beirut-based group that provides support and other services to LGBT Syrian refugees, said in a previous interview that members of the Sunni extremist group hanged a transgender Syrian woman by her breasts. “ISIL has executed other kids and teenagers before, so killing them for being LGBT isn’t something shocking,” Makso told the Blade in an email from Beirut. A source in Irbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan that is less than 60 miles east of Mosul, a city under Islamic State control, echoed Makso. “There is nothing about this story which I find unbelievable,” the source told the Blade. “It all tracks with what I’m hearing in territory controlled by Daesh.” State Department spokesperson Pooja Jhunjhunwala on Sunday also responded to the teenager’s reported execution. “If true, this would be just the latest example of the vile nature of this barbaric organization and why we are committed to working with our partners until it is destroyed,” Jhunjhunwala told the Blade. MICHAEL K. LAVERS Rev. Mpho Tutu,  Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu’s daughter, married her  fiancée  Professor  Marceline van Furth last week. According to African Human Rights Coalition,  the pair wed in a private civil ceremony in South Holland in western Netherlands. The couple plans to have a wedding ceremony in Cape Town in May. Furth  is a professor in Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Vrije University Amsterdam. Rev. Tutu is the executive director of the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation. It is the second marriage for both women. Rev. Tutu’s father Archbishop Tutu has been a strong supporter for gay rights as of late. BBC reported in 2013 that during the launch of the Free and Equal Rev. MPHO TUTU wed her partner in the campaign in Cape Town, Archbishop Netherlands. Tutu spoke out about his feelings on IMAGE CAPTURE VIA YOUTUBE homophobia in religion. “I would refuse to go to a homophobic heaven. No, I would say sorry, I mean I would much rather go to the other place,” Archbishop Tutu said. He went on to compare the fight for gay rights to racism in South Africa. “I am as passionate about this campaign as I ever was about apartheid. For me, it is at the same level,” Archbishop Tutu said. MICHAEL K. LAVERS U.S. urges Saudi Arabia to ‘respect’ human rights State Department spokesperson John Kirby on Monday said the U.S. continues to urge Saudi Arabia to “respect” human rights. “We continue to call upon the government of Saudi Arabia to respect and protect human rights and to permit the peaceful expression of dissent, and to work together with all community leaders to defuse tensions,” Kirby told reporters during his daily press briefing. Kirby’s comments came two days after Saudi Arabia announced the execution of Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, a prominent Shiite cleric who was an outspoken critic of the Sunni kingdom’s ruling family, and 46 other prisoners. Al-Nimr’s execution sparked outrage throughout the Middle East. Saudi Arabia on Sunday cut diplomatic ties with Iran after protesters set its embassy in Tehran on fire. Bahrain and Sudan have also severed relations with the predominantly Shiite country. “We continue to believe that diplomatic engagement and direct conversations are essential to work through differences,” said Kirby on Monday during his daily press briefing. “Increased friction runs counter to the interests of all those in the international community who support moderation, peace and stability.” Saudi Arabia is among the countries in which homosexuality remains punishable by death. The State Department’s latest human rights report that it released last June notes it is illegal for men in Saudi Arabia “‘to behave like women’ or to wear women’s clothes, and vice versa.” It also says the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, which enforces moral norms and religious laws in the kingdom, has used undercover agents “to identify and arrest the owners of social media accounts” that distributed pornography or “served as social networking tools for LGBT persons.” The report notes that some of the 35 gay men who were arrested by police and agents of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice at a party in the city of Jiddah in April 2014 were wearing women’s clothes. A judge in the city of Medina a few months later sentenced a man to three years in prison and 450 lashes for “soliciting sex with other men” on Twitter. Secretary of State John Kerry in July 2014 during a meeting with then-Saudi King Abdullah in Jiddah discussed the Islamic State and the large swaths of Iraq of which it had taken control. Then-State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki declined to tell the Washington Blade whether the two men discussed the kingdom’s LGBT rights record. MICHAEL K. LAVERS W A SH I N GTO NB LAD E.C OM J A N U A RY 0 8 , 2 0 1 6 • 1 7 The National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion stated the following statistics about the complications from Type 2 Diabetes: • Diabetes, especially in people with high blood pressure and high cholesterol, causes heart disease and is the #1 killer of diabetics • Diabetics are 2-4 times more likely to suffer a stroke vs non-diabetics. • Diabetes can cause blurred vision and can lead to blindness. • Diabetes can lead to kidney damage and dialysis. • This is NOT a complete list. Please call to see if you qualify for a seat at our next Diabetes Dinner. *Diabetologia. 2011 Oct; 54(10): 2506-2514 WASHINGTONBLADE.COM 1 8 • J A NUA RY 0 8 , 2016 NEWS Gray said to be leaning toward a run for Council   CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01 Gray one of the city’s most accessible mayors ever on LGBT issues, especially transgender issues. “I can’t speak for the community but I personally would cast my vote in his favor,” Hughes said. Like other Gray supporters, Gray’s LGBT supporters have blamed Gray’s defeat in the April 2014 Democratic mayoral primary to then-Council member Muriel Bowser (D-Ward 4) on a news conference held by then-D.C. U.S. Attorney Ronald Machen Jr. Most political observers said Machen gave the strong impression at the widely reported news conference held three weeks before the primary that Gray would likely be indicted on criminal charges related to illegal fundraising activities associated with Gray’s 2010 mayoral campaign. Gray, who has repeatedly denied any knowledge or involvement in the illegal fundraising activities, was leading Bowser in the polls prior to the news conference but quickly fell behind in its aftermath. Bowser beat Gray in the primary and defeated gay City Council member David Catania (I-At-Large) and former Council member Carol Schwartz, who switched from Republican to independent, in the general election. She took office as mayor in January 2015. It was not until Dec. 9 of last year that Machen’s successor, U.S. Attorney Channing Phillips, announced that a lengthy investigation into Gray’s possible involvement in the illegal campaign activities had ended and Gray would not be charged. Gray’s supporters noted that the development at long last lifted a cloud hanging over Gray’s head and opened the way for Gray to return to elective office should he choose to do so. A decision by Gray to run for the at-large seat would have the greatest impact on Orange and gay civic activist David Garber. Garber, a former Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner in Ward 6, announced in August that he would challenge Orange for the Democratic nomination for the at-large seat in the June 2016 Democratic primary. Among those supporting Garber is Bob Summersgill, former president of the Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance, who is serving as Garber’s campaign treasurer. Most political observers have said Garber would have an uphill quest to unseat Orange but would have a longshot chance of succeeding.  Garber’s best hope, LGBT observers say, would be if Gray decides to run for the Ward 7 seat. Although Gray lost the mayoral primary to Bowser in 2014 he beat Bowser decisively in Ward 7, which is his home base, indicating he could be expected to beat Alexander this year. Alexander and Orange have been supportive of LGBT issues in recent years but both opposed same-sex marriage legislation in past campaigns. Alexander was one of just two Council members to vote against the city’s marriage equality law in 2009. Fowlkes said he would remain neutral in the upcoming campaigns until the Stein Club votes on endorsements in April. He notes that both Orange and Alexander have since come out in support of marriage equality and he doesn’t think most LGBT voters would consider that a key factor in 2016. “Our president has come along on marriage equality,” Fowlkes said. “Hillary Clinton has come along on marriage equality.” Chuck Thies, who served as manager of Gray’s 2014 mayoral campaign, is the lead organizer of a PAC he helped organize to conduct the polling this week on the upcoming Council races. Thies said Gray played no role in organizing or financing the poll, but Thies acknowledges that it will likely help Gray decide whether or not to run for either the at-large or Ward 7 seat. One of the poll questions released by Thies asks potential D.C. voters, “If the Democratic candidates for At-Large D.C. Council were Vincent Orange, David Garber, Robert White, and Vince Gray, who would you vote for?” White, a local community activist, is among the candidates that have filed to run for the at-large seat along with Garber to challenge Orange. States to take center stage for LGBT movement in 2016 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01 exemption to discriminate against LGBT people, such as by denying them services, are pre-filed or pending in Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan and North Carolina. Rho said “it’s safe to say Georgia will be mired in this fight again” after religious freedom failed to pass in that state last year. After the business outcry over the passage of a similar bill in Indiana, Rho said the business community in the Hoosier State is working with commercial leaders in Atlanta to educate them about the bill. “We’ll be keeping a close eye to see whether this engagement and advocacy affects the legislature in Georgia and especially Gov. Nathan Deal,” Rho said. Lawmakers have introduced bills that would allow individuals and companies to discriminate on the basis of opposition to same-sex marriage in Illinois and Oklahoma. Legislation that would allow government officials to opt out of issuing marriage licenses is pending in Kentucky, Minnesota, South Carolina and Virginia. (Kentucky is where Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis made national headlines for enforcing a “no licenses” policy in her office after the Supreme Court ruling on marriage). Chris Hartman, director of the Kentucky-based Fairness Campaign, was doubtful about movement of the bill in his state in the aftermath of Gov. Matt Bevin signing an executive order allowing clerks to remove their names from Gov. MIKE PENCE (R-Ind.) took heat after signing a religious freedom bill last year. marriage licenses. “Given Governor Matt Bevin’s executive action on the issue, it seems unlikely the Kentucky House and Senate will act on such a redundancy, especially in a pressing budget year, but we’ll soon see the priorities of each chamber,” Hartman said. Bills in Minnesota and Ohio would allow individuals associated with commercial wedding vendors to refuse services for ceremonies to which they object, such as same-sex weddings. Legislation that would allow clergy to refuse to perform same-sex weddings, which would be redundant under current law, is pending in Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Virginia. Also on the docket is legislation aimed at discrimination specifically toward the transgender community. Anti-trans bills are expected in the aftermath of a defeated pro-LGBT non-discrimination ordinance in Houston. In the Wisconsin Assembly, legislation is pending that would bar transgender students from using public restrooms in schools consistent with their gender identity. On Tuesday, the progressive think-tank Center for American Progress and the Massachusetts based-Fenway Institute issued a 16-page joint policy brief, saying the bills threaten transgender people’s health and participation in public life. The policy brief seeks to debunk the notion that trans non-discrimination measures would endanger safety in public restrooms, saying no incident of harassment has occurred as a result of such laws in public accommodations. Moreover, the brief says antitrans legislation contributes to the stigmatization of transgender people, making worse the physical and mental health problems they face in addition to enabling discrimination against them. Laura Durso, director of the Center for American Progress’ LGBT research and communications project, said the anti- trans legislation has a negative impact on transgender people’s access to equal opportunity. “Denying transgender people access to facilities that are necessary for all of us to go about our daily lives, such as restrooms, contributes to minority stress and can exacerbate negative health outcomes already affecting transgender people,” Durso said. “These efforts significantly limit the ability of transgender people to fully and equally participate in civic and public life.” One saving grace for LGBT advocates: 2016 is off-year for the Texas legislature, where last year a record number of more than 20 anti-LGBT bills were introduced. With Texas off the map, LGBT advocates can focus their energizes elsewhere in the country. But not all efforts will be designed to compromise LGBT rights. Some advocates are undertaking efforts to expand state non-discrimination laws to include LGBT people. As first reported by the Associated Press, Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania are states the ACLU thinks are possibilities for enacting such pro-LGBT legislation. One high-profile effort is underway in Indiana, where last year Indiana Gov. Mike Pence landed in hot water for signing a religious freedom bill enabling anti-LGBT discrimination before later signing a fix to the measure. W A SH I N GTO NB LAD E.C OM J A N U A RY 0 8 , 2 0 1 6 • 1 9 Keep your promise to protect each other. WASHINGTONBLADE.COM 20 • J A N U A R Y 08, 2016 BA LT I MO RE N E W S LGBT Latino support group formed Wills & Trusts Powers of Attorney • Living Wills Partnership & Prenuptial Agreements (240) 778-2330 • (703) 536-0220 www.PartnerPlanning.com Serving the LGBT Community in DC/MD/VA since 1983 Lawrence S. Jacobs/McMillan Metro, PC Recognizing that there is a lack of focused support for Latino members of the LGBT community in Baltimore, Lilian Amaya, 27, and four others decided to do something about it. They formed a group that they hope will help address this underserved portion of the community. Most of the Latino LGBT population lives in or near the Highlandtown area of Baltimore yet the majority of the LGBT services are located in Baltimore’s Mount Vernon neighborhood. Amaya believes that aside from the location barriers to services, the Latino LGBT community faces many other intersectional barriers, such as not being able to speak English, immigration status, acceptance in culture and isolation. “A few of the group members have lived in Baltimore for quite some time and have seen programs focused around the Latino LGBTQ community come and go,” Amaya told the Blade. “During our initial planning meeting, it was clear that the Latino LGBTQ community of Baltimore is in need of support that is consistent and will not go away here in Highlandtown.” To begin to fill that void, a community meeting for Latino LGBT individuals has been scheduled for Jan. 11 from 5-8 p.m. in the Southeast Enoch Pratt Library, 3601 Eastern Ave., in Baltimore. Topics to be discussed include: What are the problems our community faces? What resources do we have? How can we support ourselves? “We are hoping that this initial community meeting will be a good introduction to group meetings held monthly in Highlandtown for the Latino LGBTQ community as well as an opportunity for the community to have voice,” said Amaya, who is Bilingual Service Coordinator at House of Ruth Maryland. A colleague introduced Amaya to Alfredo Santiago, who is working with Amaya to organize the Latino LGBTQ group. A social worker who has lived in the community for more than 15 years, Santiago works for RISE, which is a retreat for gay and bisexual men. “It is time to acknowledge and recognize the Latino LGBTQ community presence in Baltimore,” Santiago told the Blade. “In unity, there is space for personal and community development.” For more information, call 410-241-9824 or email [email protected]. PFLAG to screen ‘Edie and Thea’ The Howard County chapter of PFLAG will present the documentary “Edie and Thea: A Very Long Engagement” on Jan. 12. After 42 years, the lesbian couple, Edie Windsor and Thea Spyer, are finally getting married. From the early ‘60s to the present day, the tireless community activists persevere through many battles, both personal and political. Edie Windsor was the plaintiff in the case in ADVERTISIN G P the R OU.S. O F Supreme Court struck down DOMA. A discussion will follow the which ISSUE DATE: 10.26.12 SALES REPRESENTATIVE: BRIAN PITTS ([email protected]) movie. The meeting will take place beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Owen Brown REVIEW AD FOR COPY AND DESIGN ACCURACY. Revisions must be submitted within 24 hours of the date of proof. Proof will be considered final and will be submitted for publication if revision is not submitted within 24 hours of Interfaith Center, 7246 Cradlerock Way in Columbia. All PFLAG meetings are free, the date of proof. 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Speak with our preplanning adviSor, Jamie arthurS at (202) 966-6400 or email [email protected] 5130 Wisconsin Ave. NW • DC • (202) 966-6400 • www.JosephGawlers.com In an effort to build a safe, inclusive environment for all students, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, GLSEN Baltimore will offer free development training to K-12 educators. The training will take place on Jan. 16 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Towson University, Smith Hall, Room 359. Participants will learn definitions of relevant terminology to assist with communicating about this topic, data about the issues that LGBTQ youth face, and best practices for intervening, communicating, and enforcing. . STEVE CHARING W A SH I N GTO NB LAD E.C OM J A N U A RY 0 8 , 2 0 1 6 • 2 1 WEDNESDAY JANUARY 27, 2016 7–9:30PM WASHINGTONBLADE.COM 22 • J A N U A R Y 08, 2016 Syphilis cases triple in N.Y. county Purchase tickets at nmwa.org/events/fresh-talk-change-design #FreshTalk4Change P H O T O B Y A L W I N P O I A N A 2 0 14 CAN DESIGN BE GENDERLESS? 1250 New York Avenue, NW | Washington, D.C., 20005 | 202-783-5000 | nmwa.org DentalBug.com Cosmetic, Implants, Sleep Apnea, Sedation Call Today • Weekend Hours • MulTilingual PaTienTs oF THe Week Meet Mark (left) and reid with Hygienist lauren. Steve Weinberg ATTORNEY AT LAW John Tsaknis DDS Maria Hodas DDS Indra Mustapha DDS, MS SERVING OUR COMMUNITY FOR 33 YEARS PERSONAL INJURY • PROBATE WILLS/ POA’s • CIVIL LITIGATION CONSERVATORSHIPS • GUARDIANSHIPS 202-861-0077 1221 Mass. ave, nW • 202.628.7979 • (Free Parking) 703 d street, nW • 202.628.1288 l’enfant Plaza,sW • Promenade #325 • 202.628.2177 BUFFALO, N.Y. — The number of syphilis cases has tripled in Erie County over the last five years, a spike health officials here attribute mostly to smartphone applications that make it easier for men to hook up with other men, the Buffalo News reports.  The county Health Department recorded fewer than 40 diagnosed syphilis cases in 2011. But last year, the number of new cases climbed to 157. And officials expect the growth to continue, the article said.  Health Department investigators trace the surge in recent years to men who have sex with other men and typically find their partners through their phones. A proliferation of GPS-enabled apps make it possible for men to find like-minded and available male sex partners almost anywhere. Compared with sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea and chlamydia, which infect thousands of people each year in Erie County, and HIV, which requires lifelong treatment, syphilis cases have been measured in the dozens, making it a mere footnote in public health news, the article said.  But that’s changing. The number of syphilis cases has risen in both New York State and the country. Locally, concentrations of new cases have been seen in Buffalo, Cheektowaga, Kenmore, Tonawanda and Grand Island, according to Health Department data, the Buffalo News article said.  Of those with syphilis in Erie County, 86 percent are men. The largest percentage — roughly 40 percent — are African-American, and nearly a third are white, the Buffalo News reports.  Syphilis is treatable but can be serious if ignored.  HIV campaign targets trans New Yorkers NEW YORK — The city’s Department of Health is making an effort to reach transgender New Yorkers with a new campaign promoting HIV prevention, DNAinfo reports.  Posters placed in subway stations and on city buses depict individuals and couples of various sexual orientations, races and gender identities promoting the use of an HIV prevention medication called PrEP as well as condoms. It’s a “a sex-positive strategy really encouraging people to combine things,” Demetre Daskalakis, assistant commissioner of the Department of Health’s bureau of HIV/AIDS prevention and control, told DNAinfo. Researchers say anti-trans laws promote abuse “We believe we can make the dental experience better.” Jeanette Suh DMD H E A LT H N E W S 2141 P STREET NW SUITE 103 WASHINGTON DC 20037 E-MAIL [email protected] LICENSED IN DC, MD AND VA WASHINGTON —  A policy brief released this week by the Fenway Institute and the Center for American Progress examines controversial state and local legislation that would prevent transgender people from using gendered public facilities, such as restrooms or locker rooms, that align with their gender identity.  The brief debunks myths about safety concerns regarding the use of these spaces by people who are transgender and describes negative outcomes that these bills could cause. It also calls on states to pass laws that protect the rights of all Americans to access public accommodations regardless of gender identity. ”A Texas bill would make it a felony for transgender people to use public restrooms consistent with their gender identity and would place responsibility for enforcement with those who operate the public restroom,” said Tim Wang, LGBT Health Policy Analyst at the Fenway Institute and lead author of the brief. “Preventing people who are transgender from accessing public restrooms consistent with their gender identity could promote abuse and discrimination.” In 2015, the state legislatures of Texas, Kentucky, Florida, Minnesota and Missouri all considered bills restricting access of transgender people to public bathrooms and locker rooms. More recently, Houston repealed an equal rights ordinance that banned discrimination on the basis of gender identity, among other protected categories. This new wave of anti-transgender legislation follows historical precedents of using legislation to pre-empt or invalidate laws or ordinances that provide equal rights and protection from discrimination to LGB people. Proponents of the anti-transgender bathroom bills argue that they are common-sense policy measures to prevent transgender people from sexually harassing other people in public bathrooms. However, there are no data showing that allowing people who are transgender to use public restrooms that align with their gender identity will lead to an increase in sexual harassment or abuse of the other people using the facilities, the Fenway press release said.  W A SH I N GTO NB LAD E.C OM J A N U A RY 0 8 , 2 0 1 6 • 2 3 WASHINGTONBLADE.COM 2 4 • J A NUA RY 0 8 , 2016 VIEWPOINT VOLUME 47 ISSUE 02 ADDRESS In N.Y., a mission unfulfilled Empire State Pride Agenda declares victory without winning trans rights By PAULINE PARK On Dec. 12, the Empire State Pride Agenda abruptly announced it would shut down along with its foundation (though not its political action committee), something of a George W. Bush ‘mission accomplished’ moment because New York’s only statewide LGBT advocacy organization is closing its doors claiming having fulfilled its mission but without having secured enactment of the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act as it had promised the transgender community. At its Oct. 22 fall dinner, ESPA touted regulations announced by Gov. Andrew Cuomo that would prohibit discrimination based on gender identity and expression, but they do not have the force of statute law and could be rescinded by his successor and will undermine efforts to push GENDA through the Senate. Many New York activists have disputed the notion that the state’s LGBT community has achieved full equality, which still faces myriad issues such as homelessness, health care access and police brutality. It is obvious that the ESPA and Foundation boards voted to shut down for the simple reason that the organizations were no longer financially viable. The campaign for the marriage equality bill enabled ESPA to solicit unprecedented donations, but donations pre- dictably dried up when the bill passed the Senate in 2011 and ESPA found itself in dire straits, borrowing heavily from its Foundation just to make payroll and putting itself deep into debt. The Foundation itself was relying primarily on a big grant from the state Department of Health to run the New York State LGBT Health & Human Services Network of over 60 LGBT social service providers. Rather than carefully plan for the predictable fall-off in donations after enactment of the marriage law, the ESPA board compounded the error by making an even bigger mistake: Co-chair Louis Bradbury and his cronies abruptly fired Ross Levi, using the fall-off in donations as a pretext to get rid of an executive director with sufficient standing in the community to give him a degree of independence from a board that wanted to micro-manage the staff and replace him with someone with little relevant experience who could be easily controlled. The increasingly precarious fiscal situation pushed the board to cut a backroom deal with a governor who had not shown the slightest interest in using his influence with the Senate to push GENDA through so that ESPA could declare victory and go home; hence the need to avoid consultation even with the GENDA Coalition, because ESPA could not risk a negative response to the shoddy deal cut with Cuomo to secure the executive order. The deal represents a betrayal of the transgender community and the process through which the GENDA coalition was working to enact legislation to prohibit discrimination based on gender identity or expression in state law. ESPA could have taken a different path and expanded its work to move beyond its relatively narrow policy agenda, which was in fact the direction the GENDA Coalition was moving in, having decided by consensus in 2014 that it would expand beyond GENDA to a broader agenda of social justice. But the truth is that neither the boards nor the staffs of the Pride Agenda and its Foundation had any real interest in moving in that direction; the leadership was content to declare victory and go home after having helped secure enactment of the state hate crimes law (2000), the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (2002), the Dignity for All Students Act prohibiting bullying (2010) and the marriage equality law (2011). No one could deny that the enactment of such legislation was not a significant achievement; but the shoddy deal that ESPA cut with Cuomo that effectively undercut the work of those attempting to advance GENDA cannot be forgotten and will not be forgiven by many; it was the final betrayal of the transgender community after the solemn vow in the wake of the SONDA debacle in 2002 to secure enactment of transgender non-discrimination legislation. PAULINE PARK (paulinepark.com) is chair of the New York Association for Gender Rights Advocacy and led the campaign for the trans rights law enacted by the New York City Council in 2002. She served on the steering committee of the coalition seeking to advance GENDA, still pending in the New York State Senate. E DIT OR IA L CA RT O O N PO Box 53352 Washington DC 20009 PHONE 202-747-2077 E-MAIL [email protected] INTERNET www.washingtonblade.com PUBLISHED BY Brown Naff Pitts Omnimedia, Inc. PUBLISHER LYNNE J. BROWN [email protected] ext. 8075 EDITORIAL EDITOR KEVIN NAFF knaff@washblade.com ext. 8088 FEATURES EDITOR JOEY DIGUGLIELMO [email protected] ext. 8081 SR. NEWS REPORTER LOU CHIBBARO JR. [email protected] ext. 8079 NEWS REPORTER CHRIS JOHNSON [email protected] ext. 8083 REPORTER & INTERNATIONAL NEWS EDITOR MICHAEL K. LAVERS [email protected] POP CULTURE REPORTER MARIAH COOPER PHOTO EDITOR MICHAEL KEY [email protected] PHOTO INTERN ANTWAN J. 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Send submissions by e-mail to knaff@washblade.com. ©2016 BROWN NAFF PITTS OMNIMEDIA, INC. WASHINGTONBLADE.COM V I E W PO I N T J A N U A RY 0 8 , 2 0 1 6 • 2 5 Will Oscar shine on ‘Carol’ and ‘Tangerine’? 2015 proved banner year for queer cinema By BROCK THOMPSON The year 2015 saw the release of the best queer films in recent memory — the stylistic and sophisticated “Carol,” directed by Todd Haynes, and the gritty and brutally honest “Tangerine,” directed by relative newcomer Sean S. Baker.  Both films prove similar and yet worlds apart in style and subject matter. First, with Haynes’s “Carol,” with what the director got (at times comically) wrong with his other queer cinematic undertaking “Far from Heaven,” “Carol” delivers. How exactly? Most strikingly, and without giving away any endings, Haynes finally gives the audience a happy one. What the oppressive 1950s took away in “Far From Heaven,” the post-war decade gave in the form of an unprecedented upbeat, promising, and altogether believable ending in “Carol.” Based on the 1952 book, “The Price of Salt” by Patricia Highsmith, writing un- der the pseudonym “Claire Morgan,” the titular Carol, played by the incredible Cate Blanchett, who somehow oozes style by just looking at a toy train set in a department store while wearing a fur coat that seems practically part of her. There she meets the meek Therese, played by Rooney Mara. Their relationship builds from there. Watch too for notable performances by Sarah Paulson as the loyal confidant and Kyle Chandler as the frustrated, red-faced husband.  Destined to be a cult-classic, “Tangerine” follows Sin-Dee, played by Kitana Kiki Rodriguez, a transgender sex worker fresh from a month-long stint in jail as she hunts down the pimp boyfriend who broke her heart. Helping her out is her best friend and fellow sex worker Alexandra, played by Mya Taylor. Defying and defining casting conventions, both individuals were actual sex workers turned actors, plucked by the director from the Los Angeles LGBT Center. If you find suspect society’s holding up the likes of Caitlyn Jenner as a model of transgender life, let “Tangerine” provide a bookend to that.  Queer cinema is fraught with pitfalls. Gay men are either left to be noble AIDS patients or the poor losers in love and life. Lesbians are depicted as bullish threats to both traditional masculinity and femininity, if they appear at all. Transgender individuals are seen as a dangerous inbetween to be both mocked and pitied. In the two films offered here, all characters navigate a world not exactly set up for them — “Carol” with style and grace and shielded by wealth and class, the girls of “Tangerine” armed with friendship and fierce loyalty.  Again, without spoiling anything, both films culminate in locations that are strikingly beautiful in their own ways, “Carol” in the fabled and now-shuttered Plaza Hotel’s Oak Room, and “Tangerine,” believe it or not, in a 24-hour Santa Monica Laundromat. In both locales, we get the backdrop of what is left after everything else is stripped away, but especially in “Tangerine” when two defeated trans hustlers have quite literally nothing left but each other.  The most remarkable aspect of these two films is the time and budget in which they were prepared. “Carol” was shot in 34 days on classic Super 16 mm; “Tangerine” was filmed entirely on iPhone 5s smartphones and took a mere 18 days. Both proving in the day of star warring and space swashbuckling that overly produced scenes do not always deliver.  Oscar nominations are announced on Jan. 14. Will “Carol” get noticed? Most certainly, as Blanchett was magnificent and her stellar performance in 2013’s “Blue Jasmine” certainly cemented her as one of the best Hollywood has to offer. Will “Tangerine” get a nod from the academy? Though filmed not far from where the Oscars are to be presented, I’m guessing academy members have overlooked these people and will continue to do so. But maybe they’ll surprise me. “Tangerine” is currently streaming on Netflix; “Carol” is in theaters.  BROCK THOMPSON is a D.C.-based writer. I N S I DE LGB T W A S HING TON Getting fit in 2016 — east of the river Bowser working to improve health of all D.C. residents PETER ROSENSTEIN is a longtime Democratic Party and LGBT rights activist. He is a regular contributor to the Blade. The New Year is the time we make resolutions to focus on our fitness — to start eating a healthier diet, lose weight and go to the gym more often. In D.C., there are many places to do that unless you live east of the river in Wards 7 and 8 where it is not so easy to find a place or a program both convenient and affordable. People in those wards often find themselves living in food deserts and for many reasons don’t participate regularly in fitness or nutrition programs. The Bowser administration is starting to change that. It recently announced Parks and Recreation fitness centers will now be free to District residents. In addition they recently opened the newly renovated Berry Farm Recreation Center in Ward 8. Another of the positive things the mayor has done is to lead fitness runs in each Ward and the Fresh Start New Year’s Day 5k, which attracted more than 1,000 people this year. But while all these things are great, they are really only a modest beginning and those who participate in one of those runs need a way to follow up and begin a personal long-term program toward better health. In a recent meeting with Deputy Mayor Courtney Snowden, Dustin Canter, founder of Routeam and I shared some ideas on how the city can help individuals who need not only more access to programs but help in structuring an appropriate personal fitness model and then sticking to a program that will help them to lead healthier lives. This includes everyone from our youngest residents to our senior citizens. One project the city should focus on is getting the YMCA, which just announced the closing of its facility and the sale of its building on 17th and Rhode Island, N.W., to open a facility east of the river. One possible site would be the St. Elizabeth’s campus near the new planned Wizards training center. As a nonprofit, the YMCA could have a sliding scale of membership rates making it affordable for those in the community to participate in programs there. We reminded Deputy Mayor Snowden that the administration has another program at its disposal, which it is not making appropriate use of — the Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Nutrition, which by law has on its board all the city agencies that have a role in improving the health of D.C. residents. The Council, along with Serve-DC, could establish a program calling on fitness instructors, nutritionists and other health education specialists to volunteer to work in programs throughout Wards 7 and 8. The goal would be to start teaching children of all ages and adults, including senior citizens, how to live healthier lives. These volunteers could help start or expand classes in public spaces, including recreation centers, libraries, senior citizen centers, and schools while also working toward having programs in every workplace and church. The Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Nutrition could fulfill one of the ideas behind its formation, which was to develop a comprehensive website that would inform residents across the District of the multitude of programs available to them, both public and private. Canter, who is recognized as one of the top 100 fitness people in 2015 by Active Life DC, has developed an online program, which can be seen at routeam.com providing software services for the private exercise business in yoga, weightlifting, youth sports and more. This program is intended to inform the thousands of people moving into the District each year about opportunities for them to participate in programs that will help them lead healthier lives. He has offered to work with city agencies such as the Department of Health, Agency on Aging, and Parks and Recreation to develop a program that would connect DC residents in Wards 7 and 8 with ongoing exercise and nutrition programs. To reach more children, it’s important to work through the schools. Currently there are some efforts being made by DCPS and through the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship and its D.C. chapter. These programs could be expanded into many more classrooms with connections made through the State Office for Education to include students in charter schools. The Bowser administration has set the laudable goal of improving health outcomes for all D.C. residents. Working with experts like Canter and others who would volunteer time to get programs off the ground will be important if reaching that goal is to become a reality. WASHINGTONBLADE.COM 2 6 • J A NUA RY 0 8 , 2016 O U R BU SI N E SS MA T T E RS Americans still trust business more than government 7-in-10 say Big Government is ‘greatest threat,’ named ‘top problem’ MARK LEE is a long-time entrepreneur and community business advocate. Follow on Twitter: @MarkLeeDC. Reach him at [email protected]. Believe it or not, no one knows exactly how many federal government agencies actually exist. The multiple internal audit sources tasked with keeping a tally all disagree. Numeric variances diverge by a significant margin. Not knowing even how many agencies employ people in the bureaucratic beehive, of course, creates another problem. No one reliably knows how many people work for the federal government. Don’t even attempt to count the subcontractors. In addition, there are now so many federal regulations and rules issued by however many agencies that toil at scheming them up and whatever multitudes of people who exact a living promulgating them that even the national government can’t say with certainty how many there are or where to source them all. Only that there are more than ever and under the current administration the total number has been spiraling upward at an astonishing pace to reach unprecedented levels. One thing, though, is known, certain and quantifiable: Americans dislike and distrust Big Government in record numbers. Seven-in-10 believe that the federal government is the “biggest threat” to the country, a precedent-setting high consistent over the past three years. While “big government” has always been considered a bigger threat than “big business” in the U.S., the current era peak is at the highest level in tracking by Gallup on the issue over a 50-year trend-line. This viewpoint has become so deeply ingrained that half of all Americans over the past few years believe the federal government poses “an immediate threat to the rights and freedoms of ordinary citizens.” The leading reason proffered is that the federal government is too big and too powerful. In contrast, a sliver bouncing between merely one-fifth to only one-quarter of Americans in recent years view “big business” as the greater threat. Further, small and moderatesized businesses have long been the darlings of public opinion, recognized for producing the largest number of jobs and spurring substantial economic development. While the majorities among Democrats, Republicans and independents naming government the greater threat facing the country differs by degree, solid majorities of all three hold that view. Democrats by a margin of 53 to 41 percent, independents at 67 to 25 percent and Republicans by an 88 to seven percent margin. The federal government also reigns, for the second year, as the biggest problem facing the nation. Dissatisfaction with government remains at the top, higher than the next issues of greatest concern – the economy, unemployment and immigration. The public’s trust in the federal government continues to languish at historically low levels. In November, the Pew Research Center released its comprehensive annual survey indicating that only 19 percent of Americans say they can trust the federal government. That tiny percentage is among the lowest ever recorded in the past half-century, and represents a recently fur- ther plummeting degree of favorability. Only one-in-five consider government programs as being well-run. Fully 59 percent say the federal government is in immediate need of “very major reform” to improve performance. A strong majority now believes ordinary folks would do a better job running things and solving national problems, not career politicians or bureaucrats. According to the Pew results, 57 percent say that the “federal government is almost always wasteful and inefficient,” an assessment that hasn’t changed in decades. Gallup’s December survey pegged the number perceiving widespread corruption in the federal government at 75 percent. Given those firmly entrenched views, it should startle no one that Americans favor smaller government providing fewer services by a 53-38 percent margin. Reducing the size and scope of government has proven a consistent Pew survey trend throughout the past 20 years. With many in D.C. and the Washington metropolitan area sucking the marrow from the bone of the bureaucratic behemoth for sustenance, the region has become inured to the perceptions prevalent in the rest of the country. Beyond the bubble, business is viewed as friend while government is considered foe. presented by Thursday, January 7 Preview Night Friday, January 8 Lecture & Luncheon Saturday, January 9 Appraisals • Lecture • Jazz Night The Katzen Arts Center at American University Washington, dc january 8–10, 2016 44 outstanding dealers • guided walks and dealer talks • special events WWS2016_Blade_9.75x5.625.indd 1 the 2016 washington winter show benefits children and families through services provided by bishop john t. walker school for boys, thearc, and the founders board of st. john’s community services For tickets & info: washingtonwintershow.org or 2o2.248.7159 12/3/15 10:18 AM W A SH I N GTO NB LAD E.C OM J A N U A RY 0 8 , 2 0 1 6 • 2 7 exceeding expectations, one patient at a time. • FACE • BREAST • BODY • after weight lOss • mEn • skin • minimallY invasive 15% off Botox and fillers for new patients with this ad. Joseph Michaels, MD 11404 Old Georgetown Rd. #206 Rockville, MD 20852 Phone: (301) 468-5991 3620 Joseph Siewick Dr #301 Fairfax , VA 22033 Phone: (703) 957-8610 www.JosephMichaelsMD.com AwARDS 2 8 • J A NUA RY 0 8 , 2016 W A SH I N G T O N BLA D E . CO M WASHINGTONBLADE.COM N E W YEA R, NEW Y OU J A N U A RY 0 8 , 2 0 1 6 • 2 9 New year, new who? KNOW YOURSELF AND WHAT SETBACKS YOU’RE LIKELY TO ENCOUNTER WHEN PLANNING YOUR FITNESS STRATEGY By GERARD BURLEY Coach G Overcoming weight and health issues is more of a mental challenge than a physical one. Every new year brings with it a sea of possibilities and so here we are once again. A Nielsen poll reported that more than 60 percent of people last year made resolutions to be healthier in 2015 and 2016 is shaping up the same way. Something about the new year brings a thought that we can somehow achieve things that we never have because this time will be different. As a personal trainer and fitness coach, this is the time when I see lots of newbies ready to make a change, many who tell me how they fell off the wagon the year prior. Over the years I’ve collected a few crucial tools to help people overcome the lose weight/gain weight, workout/ don’t workout, eat healthy/eat unhealthy new years’ yoyo that so many people will go through in the next 30 days. Follow these tools to have a more successful and healthier 2016. It’s all mental — I know you don’t want to hear this, but it really is way more mental than physical. I swear the actual training of clients is the easy part. Motivating people to want to or care to do it is the hardest part. The best mental tool or task you can start with is asking yourself why. Why do you want to lose weight? Why do you want to look better? Why do you want to feel better? Do you really want to be healthier? These are questions people rarely ask themselves before starting a fitness journey and if they do, they many times barely scratch the surface. The answer of, “I want to lose weight because I want to look better” is not the answer that’s going to keep you committed when day 15 comes and it gets hard to stay on track. You must dig deeper into the whys and feel the emotions that come from how you currently feel. A better answer is, “I want to lose weight because when I am overweight, I lack confidence and don’t feel comfortable in my skin,” or “I want to eat healthier because I want to set a better example for my kids and be around when they get older.” I suggest getting a card for each of your goals and writing down that goal on one side. On the other side you should write down why you want to achieve that goal and make it as real and close to the heart as possible. Post this card by your bed or keep it in your wallet, but definitely put it somewhere where you will see it often. This visual reminder will help you to stay on track when it gets tough. Build a support system — This may be a close second in importance to success. A supportive network is so important to helping you stay on track and to achieve your goals. One thing I love about Weight Watcher’s, besides that Oprah is now part of it, is that they have meetings where you gain the support of other people. A big part of this may be you figuring out what type of support you need personally. Having a bunch of friends with six packs who workout all the time might not be the support you need. Maybe joining a group of people who are at different stages of their fitness and weight loss journeys may be better. Maybe working with a paid professional to help walk you step-by-step to your goal may be better. Remember there’s nothing wrong with asking for help. Your physician can always refer you to nutritionist, psychiatrist, personal trainers and other professionals to help you build your support team. Most people who start working with a professional wonder why they didn’t get help earlier. What type of help you need will depend on your personality and how you are motivated. I’d encourage you to seek support from various networks to help you to stay on task. Meetup.com has a lot of different nutrition and workout groups that can be a great source to meet new people who may work for you. Plan to fail — I know this sounds weird. Why would you go into a new goal planning to fail? But at times you will fail. When achieving any goal, especially health-related ones, there will always be setbacks, that’s just how life goes. How you handle the setbacks are the true test of if you will reach your goals. A lot of people go into their resolutions thinking about how they will be super successful, but few think about how they will bounce back from slip-ups. It happens a lot. You say you’re going to workout five days a week, but then in that third week you fall off. In the fourth week instead of getting back on the plan, you feel bad, end up reverting back to the comfort of food and sedentary lifestyle of before, and voila: bye-bye new year’s resolution. Take time to think of ways that will help to get you back into the regimen. If eating healthier is your goal, maybe you will get back on track by subscribing to a healthy food delivery system like 80fresh.com. If your goal is to workout more consistently, then maybe your plan will be to hire a fitness coach to get you back in the swing of things and keep you accountable. Whatever your plan is, plan to have one. For most people this is the one time of year that they will reflect deeply about how they can live better, but the truth of the matter is that most people won’t achieve their goals. This is because the majority of people won’t have strong tools to help them achieve them. Adopting a healthier lifestyle is not always a one-year goal, but is something we achieve over time. I wish you success this new year with all your resolutions. WASHINGTONBLADE.COM 30 • J A N U A R Y 08, 2016 N E W Y E A R, N E W Y O U This Urban Camo concealer from Menaji Men’s Skincare is designed to be undetectable and is specially designed for male skin. PHOTO COURTESY OF MENAJI New products, new looks HIDE BLEMISHES OR SCHEDULE A MASSAGE OR COSMETIC PROCEDURE FROM STAFF REPORTS Logan 14 saLon spa/med spa haircuts, body waxing, laser hair removal 1314B 14th St. NW WDC 20005 • 202.506.6868 • Logan14salonspa.com Serving Our COmmunity fOr 35 yearS a dv i C e • m e d i at i o N • l i t i G at i o N • a P P e a l S • C o l l a B o r at i o N There are several new products and services on the market to help you be a better you this year. MENAJI MEN’S SKINCARE Men are just as prone to dark circles under the eyes and other variations in skin tone on the face. But if clumpy concealer and pancake-y foundation look bad on women, they look even worse on men. But now there are products designed especially for male skin. The Menaji Men’s Skincare line offers items such as the Urban Camo undetectable concealer that comes in a lip balm-size applicator that promises undetectability in “high definition” standards. It’s formulated to withstand the higher oil output of men’s skin with a grape seed, oil-based cosmetic that’s infused with vitamins and SPF 8 protection. “Remains unseen even under the harshest studio lighting,” the company promises. A wide array of other products are available to “”cleanse, correct, protect and conceal.” The concealer comes in light, medium or bronze and is $26 per tube. Menaji products are available locally at Universal Gear (1919 14th St., N.W.) and the Grooming Lounge (1745 L St., N.W.) or online at menskincare.com. ZWIVEL Zwivel was designed by Dr. Gary Brewlow to remedy what he feels are “frustrating inefficiencies of the cosmetic consultation process.” Zwivel is a new, free online cosmetic consultation platform that allows users to upload photos and videos to digitally consult with doctors in their region. “Whether you’re looking for a nose job, botox or simply looking to zap unwanted spider veins or unsightly acne scars you’ve been trying to conceal for years, Zwivel can make it happen without ever having to leave the house,” the company promises. More information at zwivel.com. FamilY | eState PlaNNiNG | emPloYmeNt | immiGratioN ComPleX litiGatioN | Civil riGHtS | lGBt | adoPtioN | BuSiNeSS ZEEL MASSAGE ON DEMAND Silber, Perlman, Sigman &tilev, P.a. Now you can order a massage as easily as you order a pizza with Zeel Massage on Demand. Washington is one of 12 markets on the company’s site (zeel.com) and promises “a top-quality massage at home, in a hotel, at your workplace or event in as little as an hour.” Prices vary but a 60-minute, deep tissue massage at a N.W. D.C. address runs about $115. at to r N e YS at l aW • d C | m d | va 3 0 1 . 8 9 1 . 2 2 0 0 • S P - L aw. C o m 6 9 3 0 C a r r o l l av e , S u i t e 6 1 0 • ta k o m a Pa r k m d WASHINGTONBLADE.COM N E W YEA R, NEW Y OU J A N U A R Y 08, 2016 • 31 New Year! New You! New Goals! A Cutting-Edge 1-on-1 Fitness Center Upgraded Fitness Equipment, Client Mgt. & Progress on Mobile Device Strategize to keep yourself on track with health this year. PHOTO COURTESY OF STATEPOINT Keep the pounds off this year SNACKING RIGHT AND GETTING ENOUGH SLEEP KEY TO WEIGHT LOSS SUCCESS FROM STAFF REPORTS Join our Personal Training Program Where Functionality & Strength Meet Technology 1150 18th Street, NW, Suite 130 I Washington, DC E-mail us: [email protected] Website: www.benchgym.com (StatePoint) — Millions of Americans have made the resolution this New Year to lose weight. But goal setting is the easy part. Staying on the weight loss track and maintaining that weight loss is where the challenges begin. Rated Top Ten Brunches By OpenTable.com Subscribers Here are 10 tips to help you stick with your weight loss resolution this New Year and beyond. 17th & Rhode Island Ave. NW • Drink up: Hunger and thirst can often be confused, so stay hydrated. But remember, 202-872-1126 beverages are not a place to splurge on a ton of calories. Drink water. For a flavor boost, BBGWDC.com add fresh fruit slices or mint leaves. • Snack mindfully: It is all too easy to derail an otherwise flawless diet by binging at snack time. Be mindful of your snacks and make sure they offer nutritional value and are designed to keep you satisfied until your next meal. • Sleep: Studies show a link between sleep deprivation and excess pounds. While there are many theories as to why this is, at the very least, getting enough sleep will promote clear-headed, healthful choices throughout the day. • Jumpstart your weight loss: Studies show that early weight loss is a predictor of longterm success. Look for programs that keep you motivated, like Nutrisystem Turbo10, which delivers up to a 10-pound weight loss and up to five inches lost overall in the first month of dieting. • Eat small: Research suggests that eating smaller, balanced meals throughout the day promotes greater weight loss and maintenance. Schedule meals every two to three hours, ADVERTISING six times a day. • Get moving: Exercise doesn’t have to be daunting. Get started with 10-minute sessions, PROOF #1 ISSUE DATE: 01.08.16 SALES REPRESENTATIVE: BRIAN PITTS ([email protected]) Saturdays: $27.95 three times a day. Movement sets your metabolism in motion so make sure it’s a consistent Three Courses A-La-Carte REVIEW AD FOR COPY AND DESIGN ACCURACY. Revisions must be submitted within 24 hours of the date of part of your weight loss efforts. proof. Proof will be considered final and will be submitted for publication if revision is not submitted within 24 hours of the date of proof. Revisions will not be accepted after 12:01 pm wednesday, the week of publication.Brown naff pitts REVISIONS Sundays: $37.95 omnimedia llc (dba the washington blade) is not responsible for the content and/or design of your ad. Advertiser is • Eat out, right: Restaurant portions can be monstrous. Set aside half the meal and save responsible for any legal liability arising out of or relating to the advertisement, and/or any material to which users REDESIGN can link through the advertisement. Advertiser represents that its advertisement will not violate any criminal laws or it for later. Avoid key menu terms like “breaded,” “fried,” “crispy,” and “smothered.” At TEXT REVISIONS Buffet Champagne Brunch any rgihts of third parties, including, but not limited to, such violations as infringement or misapporpriation of any copyright, patent, trademark, trade secret, music, image, or other proprietary or propety right, false advertising, unfair competition, defamation, invasion of privacy or rights of celebrity, violation of anti-discrimination law or regulation, buffets, fill your first plate up entirely with greens before moving on to otherIMAGE/LOGO options. REVISIONS “No Other Brunch Stacks Up To Ours” or any other right of any person or entity. Advertiser agrees to idemnify brown naff pitts omnimedia llc (dba the ADVERTISER SIGNATURE NO REVISIONS washington blade) and to hold brown naff pitts omnimedia llc (dba the washington blade) harmless from any and all By signing this proof you are agreeing to your contr • Embrace setbacks: Sometimes diets get temporarily thrown off course by a missed liability, loss, damages, claims, or causes of action, including reasonable legal fees and expenses that may be incurred washington blade newspaper. This includes but is n by brown naff pitts omnimedia llc, arising out of or related to advertiser’s breach of any of the foregoing representations payment and insertion schedule. workout or a second slice of birthday cake. Rather than throwing in the towel entirely, view and warranties. the setback for what it really is, a temporary hiccup. • Be accountable: Keep a food and exercise diary to reinforce good habits. Log food, drinks, activity, weight and more to stay accountable. • Seek support: Weight loss and maintenance is no cakewalk. Turn to weight loss counselors, dietitians and online communities for support with your weight loss journey. The counselors at Nutrisystem for example, are available seven days a week. For more information, visit Nutrisystem.com. New Year’s Chef’s Nightly Dinner Selections $22.95 “Two Courses” Entree And Choice of Dessert or Appetizer Champagne Brunch Weekends Winter Season Restaurant Happy Hour Week Creative Lunch $22 & Dinner $35 “Three Courses” Cocktails & Complimentary Champagne by the 50% Off With the right attitude and the right tools, you can make 2016 the year you finally lose the weight for good. Bar Food Menu 4PM-7PM Nightly Glass With Dinner January 25-31 3 2 • J A NUA RY 0 8 , 2016 W A SH I N G T O N BLA D E . CO M ” ion t a r b IM e elE NEW YORK T ES c s u o –TH or m u h , dy “A gid Improve your Sex Drive and Function while Reducing Body Fat and Regaining Vitality! georgie With Bio- Identical Testosterone Therapy you no longer have to feel past your prime… MY ADVENTURES WITH GEORGE ROSE • testosterone pellets provide the only time released treatment that lasts approximately 4 months between treatments • this type of testosterone therapy decreases fat mass & inflammation while increasing muscle strength and exercise abilities. • Testosterone is “the friendly hormone,” improving energy, mood libido, and friendliness, while decreasing anger, nervousness, anxiety, and irritability. • testosterone is the most prevalent bioactive hormone in both men and women throughout their life span, and is critical for optimum health! FREE SKIN CARE REGIME with MENTION OF THIS AD! $140 value* Photo of Ed Dixon by Christopher Mueller Internationally Recognized expert in the science of Testosterone Therapy for the health & wellbeing of Men and Women (*1st time insertion patients only) January 8 – February 7 Tickets $25-$45 WRITTEN BY AND STARRING ED DIXON DIRECTED BY ERIC SCHAEFFER Pride Night January 8: Post-show reception included with ticket D r . M a r k r i c h a r D s , B oa r D c e r t i f i e D P l a s t i c s u r g e o n 11 3 0 0 R o c k v i l l e P i k e , S u i t e 9 1 2 Rockville, MD 20852 301.468.3458 “THE AREA’S PREMIER PROFESSIONAL TRAINING FACILITY FOR ACTORS AND DIRECTORS.” — PROOF #1 Former student Sara Dabney Tisdale in Studio Theatre’s production of Mary-Kate Olsen is in Love. Publicity photo: Teddy Wolff. ACTING CLASSES FOR ADULTS AND YOUNG ACTORS 13 –17 SPRING CLASSES BEGIN FEBRUARY 8 — ISSUE DATE: 10.23.15 VARIETY REVISIONS REDESIGN TEXT REVISIONS IMAGE/LOGO REVISIONS NO REVISIONS A D V SALES REPRESENTATIVE: REGISTER NOW DOUG PEETS ([email protected]) CALL 202.232.0714 OR VISIT STUDIOTHEATRE.ORG REVIEW AD FOR COPY AND DESIGN ACCURACY. Revisions must be submitted within 24 hours of the date of proof. Proof will be considered final and will be submitted for publication if revision is not submitted within 24 hours of the date of proof. Revisions will not be accepted after 12:01 pm wednesday, the week of publication.Brown naff pitts omnimedia llc (dba the washington blade) is not responsible for the content and/or design of your ad. Advertiser is responsible for any legal liability arising out of or relating to the advertisement, and/or any material to which users can link through the advertisement. Advertiser represents that its advertisement will not violate any criminal laws or any rgihts of third parties, including, but not limited to, such violations as infringement or misapporpriation of any copyright, patent, trademark, trade secret, music, image, or other proprietary or propety right, false advertising, unfair competition, defamation, invasion of privacy or rights of celebrity, violation of anti-discrimination law or regulation, or any other right of any person or entity. Advertiser agrees to idemnify brown naff pitts omnimedia llc (dba the washington blade) and to hold brown naff pitts omnimedia llc (dba the washington blade) harmless from any and all liability, loss, damages, ADVERTISE By signing this proo ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT • WASHINGTONBLADE.COM • VOLUME 47 • ISSUE 02 • JANUARY 08 2016 • PAGE 33 ISABELLA ROSSELLINI with ROBERT DE NIRO in ‘Joy.’ PHOTO BY MERIE WEISMILLER WALLACE; COURTESY TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX ISABELLA ROSSELLINI MUSES ON HER ACCIDENTAL CAREER AND GAY CREDIBILITY By CHRIS AZZOPARDI Q Syndicate Isabella Rossellini is leading me into the light. There, in front of an almost full-wall window in a hotel suite at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in New York City, we stand beaming as her assistant snaps a pic. Good lighting is everything, as Rossellini notes in her thick Swedish-Italian accent — otherwise, “it’ll get all black.” She should know. Rossellini embarked on a career in front of the camera when, at the age of 28, the classic Rome-born beauty fell into modeling, hawking Lancôme as the company’s spokeswoman for 14 years and posing for an array of eminent celeb photographers, including Annie Leibovitz and Robert Mapplethorpe. “When I worked with him, he was quite sick with AIDS,” Rossellini says. “I remember how sad I felt, because he was very handsome and he celebrated in his photos the male body, the human body and to see him paying such a toll, not even just physically. But he seemed to be in good spirits. I wondered … of course he knew he was dying. It was a very difficult time, the ’80s. And it was the last book that he made. They wanted him to photograph women and he did beautiful portraits of several women.” (Also featuring Yoko Ono and Susan Sarandon, “Some Women” was published in 1989, the same year Mapplethorpe succumbed to AIDSrelated illness.) Rossellini’s striking appeal wasn’t only dark room-worthy, however. While modeling, Rossellini also began mirroring the career of her iconic mother, Ingrid Bergman (Rossellini’s father is Italian director Roberto Rossellini), reaching beyond the glossy pages of Vogue to become a film star. As abused nightclub vocalist Dorothy Vallens in David Lynch’s 1986 trippy thriller “Blue Velvet,” a role that required Rossellini to sing, Mapplethorpe’s muse demonstrated more than a pretty face — she could really act. Rossellini also happens to know a lot about animal sex. In 2008, she directed, produced, wrote and starred in a series of short films for Sundance titled “Green Porno,” illustrating the various mating acts of insects and other non-humans with, of course, cardboard and foam rubber. And if you ever wondered how dolphins do it (who hasn’t?), the actress also created the 2014 web series “Seduce Me,” wherein she discusses “blowhole sex” as she pseudo swims in a diorama-inspired scene among some very frisky Flippers. Rossellini’s latest is certainly less niche. In director David O. Russell’s “Joy,” the veteran actress is back on the big screen as Jennifer Lawrence’s affluent, fingerwagging stepmom, Trudy, a tough-love foil to the based-on-real-life titular character. “It’s empowering to women,” Rossellini says, nuzzled into the corner of a sofa, “and it’s also about the struggle of success. Generally when a person is successful people imagine, ‘Oh, overnight success, luck,’ instead of how arduous it is. The film portrays it very well. Family encourages you and discourages you because they are protective.” Though Rossellini recognizes Joy’s unwavering ambition to seize businesswoman status — a path she blazes after inventing a fancy mop — her CONTINUES ON PAGE 41 WASHINGTONBLADE.COM 3 4 • J A N UA RY 0 8 , 2016 Q U E E RY : 2 0 Q U E ST I O N S F O R T O D D W H I T E TODD WHITE PHOTO COURTESY OF WHITE By JOEY DiGULIELMO [email protected] The Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather contest, one of the signature events of next weekend’s Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend (Jan. 15-18 in Washington), has fairly high stakes with thousands of dollars in prize gift certificates, merchandise, travel expenses and more available to the winner. Baltimore resident Todd White has been coordinating the contest for the last five years and has been attending MAL for a decade. Seven contestants have applied thus far. Only one is from the Baltimore/D.C. area. Contestants will be judged in several categories, including interview, personality, jock strap and more. The contest, which dates to 1985, will be held on Sunday, Jan. 17 from 1-4 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency on Capital Hill (400 New Jersey Ave., N.W.). Tickets are $25. Details at leatherweekend.com. White has been into leather for about 13 years. “The appeal to the event is it feels like home to everyone from the old guard, to the kinksters to the first timers,” says the 44-year-old Martinsville, Va., native. “Those who are just curious are all made to feel welcome.”  White works by day as a home infusion intake coordinator with Medstar Health. He’s in a relationship with David Dean. White enjoys reading and movies in his free time.  202.747.2077 How long have you been out and who was the hardest person to tell? Twenty-two years. My mother.  Who’s your LGBT hero? Harvey Milk    What’s Washington’s best nightspot, past or present?  Tracks   Describe your dream wedding. My closest friends on the lawn at Monticello.    What non-LGBT issue are you most passionate about? Putting care back into health care. Patients are humans, not just a number.    What historical outcome would you change? I wouldn’t — things happen for a reason.    What’s been the most memorable pop culture moment of your lifetime? Madonna   On what do you insist? Respect   What was your last Facebook post or Tweet? Wishing the Centaurs and friends of the club a safe and happy new year.    If your life were a book, what would the title be? “I Know I’m Not Your Cup of Tea But That Doesn’t Mean You Can’t Take a Sip”   If science discovered a way to change sexual orientation, what would you do? I would panic and brace myself for the right-wing Christians and the movement that would follow.    What do you believe in beyond the physical world?  The supernatural, a higher power, heaven and hell.    What’s your advice for LGBT movement leaders? Be mindful of other issues in the world.    What would you walk across hot coals for? My family and those I love.    What LGBT stereotype annoys you most? All lesbians are butch and all gay men act like girls.    What’s your favorite LGBT movie? “Behind the Red Door”    What’s the most overrated social custom? Groundhog Day   What trophy or prize do you most covet? Medstar Health’s associate of the year.    What do you wish you’d known at 18? The only person who has your best interest at heart is you.    Why Washington? Why not? It’s a great town and the surrounding area provides a ton of diversity to the scene.  WASHINGTONBLADE.COM FI L M J A N U A R Y 08, 2016 • 35 “HHHHH” —The Times of London “SPECTACULAR!” “A RAVISHING SUCCESS!” —The Toronto Star PHOTO COURTESY OF FOCUS FEATURES —The Observer “The National Ballet is in top form!” —The Globe and Mail Gay themes abound in award show buzz By BRIAN T. CARNEY This year, Oscar Sunday will really be the gay high holy day, the culmination of an awards season that celebrates a great year for LGBT film and television. Last year was an outstanding year for queer characters on the big and little screens. Queer movies including “Grandma,” “Carol,” “The Danish Girl,” “Best of Enemies” and “Tangerine” have steadily been receiving acclaim from critics and audiences. Openly LGBT artists have also been noted for their excellent work in other films as well: Writer and director Andrew Haigh (“Weekend” and “Looking”) has been hailed for his work on “45 Years,” Ian McKellen has been recognized for his star turn as the famous detective in “Mr. Holmes” and director Kyle Patrick Alvarez has been noted for his searing work on “The Stanford Prison Experiment.” Even “Spotlight,” the hard-hitting factbased story about the Boston Globe’s investigation of the sexual abuse scandal in the Catholic Church includes a deeply moving performance by Michael Cyril Creighton as Joe Crowley, a gay abuse survivor who describes how pedophile priests often target queer youth. LGBT creators and content have also been featured in a record number of cable and network television shows. The list of queer shows in awards contention this year is impressive: “Orange is the New Black,” “Empire,” “Transparent,” “Downton Abbey,” “How to Get Away with Murder,” “Grace and Frankie,” the HBO movie “Bessie,” “American Horror Story” and perennial favorite “Modern Family.” LGBT films were front and center when the 2016 awards season kicked into high gear on Dec. 3. Legendary producer Harvey Weinstein printed a rambling op-ed in “The Hollywood Reporter,” a preemptive strike that defended movies he thought would get lost in the annual awards shuffle. His heartfelt rant bemoaned the Catch-22 of scheduling the release of prestige projects. If an “adult-driven awards release” hits theaters too early, it gets forgotten by the end of the year. He specifically says that Ian McKellen and Lily Tomlin won’t get the attention they deserve because their films opened in the summer. Early releases get marginalized. But, he continues, late releases get cannibalized. With so many high-quality films released in the last four months of the year, great movies and performances get lost in the shuffle. To avoid this mess, Weinstein urges distributors to release “smart and bold films year-round” and encourages critics to ensure that audiences stay “engaged and motivated” about movies released in both May and November. While Weinstein raises some great points, his rant doesn’t always match up with reality, or with his own behavior. Early releases have been recognized in several Top Ten lists, and the unexpected awards buzz around “Mad Max: Fury Road” and “Star Wars Episode VII: the Force Awakens” (released Dec. 18) threw off a lot of the conventional thinking. And Weinstein’s controversial campaign for “Carol” has been cited as a cynical manipulation of Oscar voters. Even though the movie “Carol” does not break up the lesbian lovers, the Weinstein Company arbitrarily separates two fine performances into two different awards categories. Rooney Mara has more screen time than Cate Blanchett, and won the acting award at Cannes, but Weinstein is promoting Blanchett in the lead actress category and Mara in the supporting actress category. In his “Hollywood Reporter” op-ed, Weinstein rationalized that, ”for the good of the movie, we had to play as a team with this one.” (Since Rooney Mara is a scion of the family that owns the Pittsburgh Steelers, the metaphor is slightly ironic.) Likewise, Focus Features has urged awards voters to consider Alicia Vikander’s ravishing performance as Gerda Wegener in “The Danish Girl” in the supporting actress category, even though Eddie Redmayne is being promoted in the best actor category. � CONTINUES AT WASHINGTONBLADE.COM Jillian Vanstone and Naoya Ebe, photo by Karolina Kuras ALICIA VIKANDER, a likely Oscar nominee, in ‘The Danish Girl.’ U.S. PREMIERE The Winter’s Tale Choreography by Christopher Wheeldon Based on Shakespeare’s classic play, Music by Joby Talbot Sets and Costumes by Bob Crowley, Lighting by Natasha Katz A co-production of The National Ballet of Canada and The Royal Ballet January 19–24 | Opera House with the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra International Programming at the Kennedy Center is made possible through the generosity of the Kennedy Center International Committee on the Arts. KENNEDY-CENTER.ORG (202) 467-4600 Tickets are also available at the Box Office. Groups call (202) 416-8400. LIVE WASHINGTONBLADE.COM 36 • JAN U A R Y 08, 2016 O U T & A BO U T the UPCOMING PERFORMANCES CONGRESS W/ THE BROADCAST FRIDAY JAN 8 POPA CHUBBY W/ KARL STOLL & THE DANGER ZONE FRIDAY JAN By MARIAH COOPER 15 SAT, JAN 16 ALL GOOD PRESENTS: ATLAS ROAD CREW W/ PEOPLE’S BLUES OF RICHMOND FRI, JAN 22 THE HAMILTON LIVE AND ALL GOOD PRESENT: DONNA THE BUFFALO WASHINGTON BLADE FILE PHOTO BY TYLER GRIGSBY W/ CITY OF THE SUN SAT, JAN 23 NEW ORLEANS SUSPECTS W/ GLEN DAVID ANDREWS FRI, JAN 29 RAYLAND BAXTER W/ MARGARET GLASPY THEHAMILTONDC.COM Love, hope, success, family, security. Get your chaps ready Mid-Atlantic Leather hosts a series of events at various locations from Friday, Jan. 15 until Sunday, Jan. 17. There will be exhibitors at the Hyatt Regency Capital Hill (400 New Jersey Ave., N.W.) from 4-10 p.m. on Jan. 15 and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Jan. 16. Other events will include a brunch and the annual Leather Cocktails event. Grunt, a dating and hookup app, hosts a MAL dance party at Green Lantern (1335 Green Ct., N.W.) on Jan. 15 from 10 p.m.- 2 a.m. Drag star Cakemoss will perform. DJ Jack Chang will spin. Military, fetish or sports gear is encouraged. Cover is $20 at the door. There will be one Code party at Glorious Health Club (2120 West Virginia Ave., N.E.) on Jan. 15 and another on Jan. 16. Both parties will run from 10 p.m.-4 a.m. Fetish dress code is required. Tickets are $40 per night or $60 for a weekend pass. MAL hosts Dark and Twisted, a closing weekend dance party, at 9:30 Club (815 V St., N.W.) on Jan. 17 from 10 p.m.-4 a.m. Music will be by DJ Ultra Naté. Tickets are $35 in advance and $45 at the door. Weekend package admission for all three days is $30 or $15 for one day admission. Tickets for certain events can be purchased separately. For a full list of events, visit leatherweekend.com. Some things we all have in common. There’s nobody like me to protect the things we all value. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. CALL ME TODAY. PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS; COURTESY OF THE KENNEDY CENTER ‘Gentleman’s Guide’ comes to D.C. 1101022.1 State Farm, Home Office, Bloomington, IL Out chef to give demo, sign books Washington-based Chef Jonathan Bardzik hosts a book signing and cooking demo at One More Page Books (2200 N Westmoreland St., Arlington, Va.) on Thursday, Jan. 14 from 6:30-8 p.m. Bardzik will be promoting his new book “Seasons to Taste: Farm Fresh Joy for Kitchen & Table.” The book features 127 recipes and 32 short stories focused on seasonal farm and garden ingredients. Bardzik has given live cooking demonstrations in Eastern Market as well as at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Geographic Museum. This is Bardzik’s second book. Admission is free. For more details, visit onemorepagebooks.com. Performance troupe goes ‘Silent’ ® Jonna S Wooten, Agent Bus: 703-560-7804 www.jonnawooten.com PHOTO BY MATT HOCKING The Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.) presents “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” from Jan. 13-30. The Tony Award-winning Broadway musical follows a man determined to receive his family fortune despite being a distant heir. He also must deal with his mistress and fiancée. The show won Best Musical, Direction of a Musical, Book of a Musical and Best Costume Design at the 2014 Tony Awards. Tickets range from $64-229. For more information, visit kennedy-center.com. The Unified Scene Theater (80 T St., N.W.) and Women From Mars present “Silent Reflections: A Clown Noir Cabaret” on Tuesday, Jan. 12 at 9:30 p.m. and Wednesday, Jan. 13 at 8:30 p.m. The show tells the story of a girl, a diva and a mother who are inside a world with no voice or color in the style of a modern silent film. It examines the pressure society puts on women and the insecurities that women face. Dory Rebekah Sibley, Echo Sunyata Sibley and Francesca Marie Chilcote star in the production. Tickets are $15. For more information, visit unifiedscenetheater.com. WASHINGTONBLADE.COM D I N IN G J A N U A R Y 08, 2016 • 37 Robert Battle Artistic Director Masazumi Chaya Associate Artistic Director PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA Poké, a raw fish dish made with tuna, is one of the hot food trends for 2016. Poke, acai bowls among year’s hot items By KRISTEN HARTKE Just as you were getting used to freshpressed juice and sriracha mayonnaise, a host of new food trends predicted by the National Restaurant Association and other industry experts is poised to take flight for 2016, from banana ketchup to cricket flour. Sorry, kale, your days may be numbered. If you’re longing to stay ahead of the hip foodistas who live next door, here’s a quick primer for some of the hottest culinary trends on the horizon; add a man bun and you’ll be just as cool as that scruffy chef on the new season of “Top Chef.” No, please — forget the man bun. Let’s keep the trends on the table. Bread. Hallelujah, bread is back. After years of being told that bread is the devil, we’re seeing a resurgence in its yeasty goodness, especially as some restaurants begin milling their own flour in-house, resulting in a finely ground blend with a fresh, slightly floral essence. Here in D.C., you can check out Etto (1541 14th St. NW, ettodc.com), where flour milled on premise forms the basis for pizzas, pastries and loaves, or head up Connecticut Avenue to Bread Furst (4434 Connecticut Ave. N.W., breadfurst.com), where master baker Mark Furstenburg crafts perfectly Instagrammable baguettes and levain, as well as his signature Palladin, a ciabattastyle loaf created in honor of legendary D.C. chef and restaurateur Jean-Louis Palladin. If you own a KitchenAid stand mixer, you can take it one step further by investing in an attachment that allows you to grind wheat berries, spelt, oats and other grains — or protein-laden dried crickets, if you must — right in the comfort of your own kitchen. Poké. Like everything else, you can blame the sudden interest in all things Hawaiian on President Obama. It started with tiki drinks, has reportedly spiked sales of Spam — an inexplicable delicacy in Hawaii — and now is bringing poké to the mainland. Pronounced “poh-kay” with the emphasis on the first syllable, it’s a raw fish dish usually made with tuna, but its most important characteristic is in the shape, which should be in thick cubes: a true poké needs to have a bit of chunk to it, something that you can truly bite into, not a delicate carpaccio. While poké, often mixed with soy sauce, mayonnaise and chili peppers, tends to be a casual roadside dish in Hawaii, where you’re most likely to eat it out of a disposable carton while checking the surf conditions, it has evolved into more elevated fare since landing stateside. Locally, try the Creamy Tuna Poké at Daikaya Izakaya (705 6th St., N.W., daikaya. com), where the chunks of raw tuna are presented with seaweed, macadamia nuts and sesame oil with real Hawaiian flair. Filipino. Move over, ramen, there’s a new Asian food in town. There are nearly 4 million Filipino Americans in the United States — the second largest Asian-American group after those of Chinese ancestry — but, like Hawaiian cuisine, the food of the Philippines is just beginning to spread into the mainstream. You’ll find familiar flavors — soy sauce, vinegar and chilies — along with distinctively sour lemon notes in traditional dishes like the pork-based sinigang. Trundle over to Mount Pleasant to Purple Patch (3155 Mount Pleasant St., N.W., purplepatchdc.com), a Filipino outpost frequented by homesick embassy staffers, where you can gorge on lumpia, a spring roll filled with shredded meat and carrots that should be dunked into banana ketchup, a popular condiment made of bananas that came to life during World War II when tomatoes were scarce. Pay attention to ube while you’re exploring Filipino food — this bright purple yam, a common Filipino ingredient, is starting to be seen in sweet treats from doughnuts to ice cream. Feb. 2–7 • Opera House All performances include Alvin Ailey’s signature masterpiece REVELATIONS PROGRAM A Tue., Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. Open Door (Ronald K. Brown) Exodus (Rennie Harris) Revelations (Alvin Ailey) PROGRAM B Wed., Feb. 3 at 7 p.m. Sat., Feb. 6 at 7 p.m.* Open Door A Case of You (Judith Jamison) No Longer Silent (Robert Battle) Revelations PROGRAM C Thu., Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. Sun., Feb. 7 at 1 p.m. Blues Suite (Alvin Ailey) Night Creature (Alvin Ailey) Cry (Alvin Ailey) Revelations PROGRAM D Fri., Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. Piazzolla Caldera (Paul Taylor) Awakening (Robert Battle) Revelations PROGRAM E Sat., Feb. 6 at 1 p.m. *Come early on Saturday to learn a few steps from Revelations on the Millennium Stage at 5:30 p.m.! Followed by a FREE Explore the Arts post-performance discussion ODETTA (Matthew Rushing) Exodus Revelations TICKETS ON SALE NOW! KENNEdy-CENTEr.Org (202) 467-4600 Tickets also available at the Box Office. Groups call (202) 416-8400. � CONTINUES AT WASHINGTONBLADE.COM KRISTEN HARTKE is a D.C.-based food and beverage writer. Follow her kitchen adventures on Twiiter, @khartke. Rachael McLaren, photo by Andrew Eccles CULTURAL AMBASSADOR TO THE WORLD WASHINGTONBLADE.COM 3 8 • J A N UA RY 0 8 , 2016 A RT S & CU LT U RE HOT HITS & HIDDEN JEWELS From CultureCapital.com YOUR LINK TO THE ARTS IN METRO DC Georgie: My Adventures with George Rose Jan 8-Feb 7. Signature Theatre. 703-820-9771. signature-theatre.org. A bon-vivant with a flair for the dramatic and the eccentric, Rose starred on Broadway and London stages alongside luminaries like Katherine Hepburn, Noel Coward, Dame Edith Evans, Richard Burton, and Laurence Olivier in a storied career that met an ignoble end. Written by and Starring Ed Dixon. A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder Jan 13-Jan 30. The Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600. kennedy-center.org. This Tony-winning musical comedy tells the uproarious story of Monty Navarro, a distant heir to a family fortune who sets out to jump the line of succession by-- you guessed it--eliminating the eight pesky relatives who stand in his way. Esther Bubley Up Front Thru Jan 17. National Museum of Women in the Arts. 202-783-5000. nmwa.org. This exhibition presents Bubley’s images of beauty pageants, circuses, amusement parks, boarding houses, barber shops, classrooms, clinics and kitchens. Bubley strove to give a human face to each story she covered, yet many of her images convey an ironic tone and suggest the momentous social changes that were developing in mid-20th-century America. Blogging 101 Jan 12. The Writer’s Center. 301-654-8664. writer.org. Have you always wanted to start a blog but didn’t know where to start? This four week workshop will teach participants what to write about in their posts, how to find their own relatable voice, and how to find and grow an audience. PHOTO COURTESY OF SIGNATURE THEATRE Get Out More! THEATRE Matilda the Musical. Thru Jan 10. Bright Star. Thru Jan 10. Shear Madness. Ongoing. The Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600. kennedy-center.org. West Side Story. Thru Jan 31. Signature Theatre. 703-820-9771. signature-theatre.org. Bad Jews. Thru Jan 17. Between Riverside and Crazy. Jan 13-Feb 13. Studio Theatre. 202-332-3300. studiotheatre.org. Scientist Turned Comedian: Tim Lee. Jan 8-Jan 9. Atlas. 202-399-7993. atlasarts.org. The Sisters Rosensweig. Jan 13-Feb 21. Theater J. 202-518-9400. theaterj.org. Guys and Dolls. Thru Jan 10. Olney Theatre. 301-924-3400. olneytheatre.org. Capitol Steps. Jan 9. The Alden. 703-790-9223. mcleancenter.org. As You Like It. Thru Jan 17. Synetic Theater. 866-811-4111. synetictheater.org. Wrestling Jerusalem. Thru Jan 24. Mosaic Theater Compay. Atlas. 202-399-7993. mosaictheater.org. A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Jan 14Feb 14. WSC Avant Bard. Gunston. 703-418-4808. wscavantbard.org. Steampunked Stories. Jan 8. DCAC. 202-462-7833. dcartscenter.org. DANCE DC Contemporary Dance Theatre / El Teatro de Danza Contemporanea. Jan 9-Jan 10. Dance Place. 202-269-1600. danceplace.org. MUSIC Yael Weiss, pianist. Jan 10. National Gallery of Art. 202-737-4215. nga.gov. Griff Kazmierczak. Jan 13-Jan 27. Strathmore. 301-581-5100. strathmore.org. WNO: American Opera Initiative: New Hour-Long Opera: Better Gods. Jan 8-Jan 9. NSO: Neeme Järvi, conductor: Baiba Skride, violin, plays Prokofiev & Works by Eller & Sibelius. Jan 14-16. The Kennedy Center. 202-467-4600. kennedy-center.org. American Spiritual Ensemble. Jan 9. Washington Performing Arts. Sixth & I Historic Synagogue. 202-785-9727. washingtonperformingarts.org. The Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute Show. Jan 9. Howard Theatre. 202-803-2899. thehowardtheatre.com. Masterworks Concert Series: The Smithsonian Consort of Viols. Jan 9. The Smithsonian Associates. Smithsonian Institution The Castle. 202-633-3030. smithsonianassociates.org. Brian Ganz Plays Chopin: Bel Canto Of The Piano. Jan 9. National Philharmonic. Strathmore. 301-581-5100. nationalphilharmonic.org. Arlington Philharmonic Ritmos Festivos. Jan 10. Arlington Philharmonic. Wakefield High School. 703-910-5161. arlingtonphilharmonic.org. MUSEUMS National Gallery of Art. The Serial Impulse at Gemini G.E.L. Thru Feb 7. Power and Pathos: Bronze Sculpture of the Hellenistic World. Thru Mar 20. Celebrating Photography at the National Gallery of Art: Recent Gifts. Thru Mar 27. Louise Bourgeois: No Exit. Thru May 15. 202-737-4215. nga.gov. National Archives. Spirited Republic: Alcohol in American History. Thru Jan 10. 202-357-5000. archivesfoundation.org. Museum of Women in the Arts. Pathmakers: Women in Art, Craft, and Design, Midcentury and Today. Thru Feb 28. Womanimal: Zine Art by Caroline Paquita. Thru May 13. 202-783-5000. nmwa.org. Prince George’s African American Museum. Now: A Photographic Survey of Prince George’s County, Maryland. Thru Jan 31. 301-809-0440. pgaamcc.org. Smithsonian Anacostia Museum. Twelve Years That Shook And Shaped Washington: 1963-1975. Thru Oct 23. 202-633-4820. anacostia.si.edu. National Geographic. Pristine Seas: The Ocean’s Last Wild Places. Thru Mar 27. Photo Ark. Thru Apr 11. Jerusalem 3D. Thru Mar 31. National Geographic. 202-857-7000. nglive.org. GALLERIES Strathmore. Art in Motion. Jan 9-Feb 21. 301-581-5100. strathmore.org. JCCNV. Sands of Time. Thru Feb 8. 703-323-0880. jccnv.org. The Art League Gallery. Solo Preview 2016. Thru Jan 24. Muted. Thru Jan 31. 703-683-1780. theartleague.org. VisArts at Rockville. Brian Davis. Thru Jan 10. Ben Piwowar. Thru Feb 14. 301-315-8200. visartsatrockville.org. Arts Club of Washington. A Creative Century: The Beginnings. Jan 8-Jan 30. 202-331-7282. artsclubofwashington.org. BlackRock. Brad Blair. Thru Jan 30. Mariah Anne Johnson. Thru Jan 30. 301-528-2260. blackrockcenter.org. Del Ray Artisans. True Colors: Like a Rainbow. Jan 8-Jan 31. 703-838-4827. thedelrayartisans.org. District Architecture Center. The Awards Show. Thru Jan 9. 202-347-9403. aiadac.com. Gallery Neptune & Brown. Wolf Kahn. Thru Jan 9. 202-986-1200. neptunefineart.com. JCC of Greater Washington. Simply the Best. Thru Jan 31. 301-881-0100. jccgw.org. ReCreative Spaces. Arthur Kwon Lee. Jan 8-Jan 31. 202-907-5934. recreativespaces.com. Zenith Gallery. Great Moments in Art. Thru Jan 30. 202-783-2963. zenithgallery.com. Flashpoint Gallery. Maggie Evans. Thru Jan 9. 202-315-1305. culturaldc.org. WASHINGTONBLADE.COM BO OK S J A N U A R Y 08, 2016 • 39 Groundbreaking couple recalls ’71 gay wedding TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER has been reading since she was 3 years old. She lives in Wisconsin with two dogs and 12,000 books. Reach her at [email protected]. There’s always been a picket fence in your future. You could just picture it: charming spouse, two-point-five kids, minivan, Cape Cod with manicured lawn, birthday parties on the patio, all surrounded by that picket fence. It was a perfect dream of a blissful life. And, as in “The Wedding Heard ‘Round the World” by Michael McConnell with Jack Baker, as told to Gail Langer Karwoski, making history would be a nice bonus. As a child playing with neighborhood girls, Michael McConnell remembers wanting the same thing they wanted: to grow up and marry a handsome man. Their crushes were his crushes, too, but in the 1950s, that kind of thing wasn’t discussed. By the time he entered college at the University of Oklahoma in the mid-‘60s, however, McConnell had come out to his family and was comfortable with his sexuality. He met other gay men and enjoyed an active social life on campus and then, on October 29, 1966, he met Jack Baker. For the first minutes of their get-toknow-you, McConnell thought Baker was much older, or perhaps straight. Baker’s demeanor was businesslike, almost military in mien; McConnell had recently had his heart broken, and was guarded. Still, by the end of the evening, they were lovers; soon after, they were a couple. By the early ‘70s, though their relationship had to be kept somewhat quiet, McConnell and Baker were “out” enough to want to make real change. Baker, a Minneapolis law student, filed suit against the U.S. Military over an unfair downgrade in his discharge status. After following Baker north, McConnell fought job discrimination. And then there was the wedding Baker promised McConnell on Baker’s 25th birthday. It would happen — they just had to figure out how. That would take some time, but Baker was on it. His legal training tickled his methodical mind, until he discovered two loopholes the state of Minnesota hadn’t closed. One led to the next, and both led to their history-making wedding in 1971. That, of course, isn’t the end of the story. Authors Michael McConnell and Jack Baker continued their activism but their nuptials, the first in America for same-sex celebrants, are the real focus in “The Wedding Heard ‘Round the World.” And that’s a good thing, too, because the love story in this book is what makes it so readable. McConnell’s account (as told to Gail Langer Karwoski) is mostly what’s here, and it’s the quintessential romance: boy meets boy, boy marries boy, they live happily (almost) ever after. Conversely, it’s the almost that makes this book so important: the battles the authors accepted caused emotional hardship in many ways and that almost caused a break-up. And yet, for the sake of others that came after them, they continued to take on gay rights issues, stories of which are told humbly, yet proudly. Overall, this is a sweet story wrapped inside a righteous fight, told with charm and grace. It’s deep, yet lighthearted and definitely worth a look. Start “The Wedding Heard ‘Round the World” and you’ll have no defense. ‘THE WEDDING HEARD ‘ROUND THE WORLD: AMERICA’S FIRST GAY MARRIAGE’ By Michael McConnell with Jack Baker, as told to Gail Langer Karwoski University of Minnesota Press $22.95 200 pages ILLUSTRATIONS BY LOU BEACH. PHOTO BY MELISSA DAVIDSON; COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA PRESS TimeOut New York JANUARY 13–30 EISENHOWER THEATER KENNEDY-CENTER.ORG (202) 467-4600 Tickets are also available at the Box Office. Groups call (202) 416-8400. Content Advisory: Not recommended for those with large fortunes and distant heirs or for children under 10. Musical Theater at the Kennedy Center is made possible by the Kennedy Center Theater Season Sponsor Comedy at the Kennedy Center Presenting Sponsor Major support for Musical Theater at the Kennedy Center is provided by The Drutz Family Fund for Musical Theater. WASHINGTONBLADE.COM 4 0 • J A N UA RY 0 8 , 2016 CA LE N D A R E-mail calendar items to calendars@washblade. com two weeks prior to your event. Space is limited so priority is given to LGBT-specific events or those with LGBT participants. Recurring events must be re-submitted each time. TODAY Touchstone Gallery (901 New York Ave., N.W.) presents a new exhibit “Before They Were Gone” by Leslie Johnston starting today through Jan. 31. The mixed media installation includes more than 2,500 ceramic art pieces that represent the number of African elephants killed each month in recent years. For more details, visit touchstonegallery.com. Reel Affirmations presents a screening of two episodes from the second season of web series “Triangle” at Human Rights Campaign (1640 Rhode Island Ave., N.W.) tonight at 7 p.m. The series follows the story of a man, Jabril, who is caught in a love triangle between two other men. Rayceen Pendarvis will conduct a Q&A session with the cast and a catered reception will follow the screening. Tickets are $25 and include one complimentary cocktail or drink. For more information, visit reelaffirmations.org. Bear Nonsense hosts Bear Happy Hour at Rock and Roll Hotel (1353 H St., N.E) tonight from 6-10 p.m. Drink specials will include $9 Yuengling draft pitcher, $4 Yuengling draft pint, $8 PBR draft pitcher, $3 PBR draft pint, $4 Ketel One drinks, $4 rail drinks and more. There is no cover. For more details, visit bearnonsense.com. A LGB support group meets today from 10-11:30 a.m. at 16220 S. Frederick Rd., Gaithersburg, Md., for individuals in Montgomery County. The group will discuss coming out of marriage, homophobia, parenting issues, finding intimate relationships, LGB resources in the suburbs and more. For more information, visit thedccenter.org. SATURDAY, JAN. 9 Washington Performing Arts presents a performance by the American Spiritual Ensemble at Sixth and I Synagogue tonight at 8 p.m. The ensemble performs classic spirituals such as “Balm in Gilead,” “Steal Away” and “Go Down Moses.” Everett McCorvey, founder and music director of the ensemble, will lead the performance. Tickets are $40. For more information, visit washingtonperformingarts.org. The Imperial Court of Washington hosts a birthday celebration for drag performer Empress Muffy Blake Stephyns’ one year anniversary with the court at Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.) tonight from 8-10 p.m. Tipping is encouraged. Proceeds will benefit Arlington Food Assistance Center, ROSMY and Joseph’s House. For more details, visit facebook. com/imperialcourtdc. The D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) holds free and confidential HIV testing today from 4-7 p.m. For more information, visit thedccenter.org. PHOTO COURTESY OF BUCKLESWEET MEDIA The American Spiritual Ensemble performs at Sixth and I Synagogue on Saturday night. They’ll perform a program of classic spirituals. SUNDAY, JAN. 10 Nellie’s Sports Bar (900 U St., N.W.) hosts a drag brunch today with one show at 10:30 a.m. and another at 12:30 p.m. For more information, visit nelliessportsbar.com. Perry’s (1811 Columbia Rd., N.W.) hosts its weekly Sunday Drag Brunch today from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The cost is $24.95 for an all-you-can-eat buffet. For more details, visit perrysadamsmorgan.com. MONDAY, JAN. 11 The D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W..) hosts coffee drop-in hours this morning from 10 a.m.-noon for the senior LGBT community. Older LGBT adults can come and enjoy complimentary coffee and conversation with other community members. For more information, visit thedccenter.org. Us Helping Us (3636 Georgia Ave., N.W.) holds a support group for gay black men to discuss topics that affect them, share perspectives and have meaningful conversations. For details, visit uhupil.org. TUESDAY, JAN. 12 Bachelor’s Mill has half-price drinks all night long from 5 p.m.-2 a.m.tonight. They also have pool, video gaming systems and cards. Admission is free. For more details, visit bachelorsmill.com. Number Nine (1435 P St., N.W.) hosts a two-for-one happy hour today from 5-9 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit numberninedc.com. The D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) holds a transgender support group meeting tonight at 7 p.m. The group is open to all members of the transgender community as well as their partenrs, friends and allies to join in on a peerfacilitated discussion. For more details, visit thedccenter.org. WEDNESDAY, JAN. 13 The Lambda Bridge Club meets tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Dignity Center (721 8th St., S.E.) for duplicate bridge. No reservations required and newcomers welcome. If you need a partner, call 703-407-6540. Big Gay Book Group meets at 1155 F St., N.W. Suite 200 tonight at 7 p.m. to discuss “On the Move: A Life” by Oliver Sacks, a memoir about Sacks’s time as a neurologist, drug addiction, love affairs and more. For more details, visit biggaybookgroup.com or email [email protected]. Rainbow Response, an LGBT intimate partner violence prevention group, meets in the third floor conference room at National City Christian Church (5 Thomas Circle N.W.) today from 6-7 p.m. For details, visit thedccenter.org. SMYAL (410 7th St., S.E.) hosts an open mic night today from 5-7 p.m. LGBT youth are encouraged to come share their experiences of sexual orientation and gender identity as well as specific issues facing adolescents in the D.C. metro region. For details, visit smyal.org. THURSDAY, JAN. 14 Gay artist Mike Weber presents his new exhibit “The Nature Connection” in an opening reception at Long View Gallery (1234 9th St., N.W.) today from 6:30-8 p.m. The exhibit is a combination of painting and nature photography taken in America’s National Parks. It will run through Feb. 14. For more information, visit longviewgallerydc.com. Nellie’s Sports Bar (900 U St., N.W.) hosts a screening of the Republican presidential debate tonight from 8-11 p.m. For more details, visit nelliessportsbar.com. Bachelor’s Mill (1104 8th St., S.E.) holds a happy hour today from 5-7:30 p.m. All drinks are half price. There will be pool, video gaming systems and cards. Admission is $5 after 9 p.m. DJ Bling, DJ Freaky and DJ Tim-Nice will play music for the night. For more information, visit bachelorsmill.com. SMYAL (410 7th St., S.E.) hosts Fight 4 Yr Rights Activist Night today from 5-7 p.m. LGBT youth can come to learn about historical activist movements. For details, visit smyal.org. Burgundy Crescent, a gay volunteer organization, volunteers for Food and Friends (219 Riggs Rd., N.E.) tonight from 6-8 p.m. Volunteers will chop vegetables and pack groceries. To volunteer, email [email protected]. For more details, visit burgundycrescent.org. WASHINGTONBLADE.COM A R T S & EN TE RTA I NMENT J A N U A RY 0 8 , 2 0 1 5 • 4 1 Rossellini returns CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33 own life, she says, has been “completely different,” a truth she attributes to her European background as well as her famous film industry family. “You know, I was more successful than I thought I’d be,” she says. “I’m old enough to have belonged to a group of women who thought, ‘I’m gonna get married and be a housewife.’ Instead, a career came, and it was really modeling — modeling is almost like winning the lottery.” Rossellini’s modeling career continued to blossom in the ’80s, when she graced the covers of countless women fashion mags: Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair and Elle. She could’ve been a stay-at-home mom. She could’ve cleaned and cooked and called it a day. And she thought, for many years, she would. But in her 30s, she changed her mind. “I understood that being financially independent meant also to be independent,” she says. “You don’t really do anything to become a good model. You’re either chosen or not chosen, liked or not liked. If you are a bitch, they’re not gonna hire you anymore. And modeling really teaches you the discipline of work. So modeling for me was a wonderful revelation. Though my mother worked — my mother was Ingrid Bergman, had a big career — it was seen as she had a gift, she had a talent, that it was extraordinary. It was a kind of a call for her, but it wasn’t percolating down to the family that all the women should have a career, no.” In 1976, Rossellini shot her movie debut, playing a minor role in her mother’s film “A Matter of Time.” Ten years later, Rossellini became an icon in her right, achieving cult status after starring in “Blue Velvet.” It was “Death Becomes Her” in 1992, though, that secured the actresses’ queer cred with a dream trifecta: Rossellini, Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn, an ensemble cast who punched up the film’s camp commentary on pre-Botoxfad superficiality. “Now, a warning,” her potion-touting character, Lisle Von Rhuman, cautioned Meryl’s Madeline Ashton to the delight of supremely geeked gays everywhere. She says “Death Becomes Her” was always meant to be one of the gayest films about beauty you’ve ever seen even if she and director Robert Zemeckis, didn’t know it at first. “When the film came out, Robert Zemeckis was so successful after ‘Roger Rabbit’ and the films that he did at the time were big, big, big. Also, they were family films, so when he did ‘Death Becomes Her’ he also thought it was going to be a family film, but then they did all this marketing research and said” — Rossellini unleashes a whooping laugh — “‘Oh, it’s a gay film.’” It took almost no time for Zemeckis and the cast to realize they weren’t making the next “Roger Rabbit.” “Within three, four months he said, ‘You know, our audience is a gay audience,’” Rossellini says. Rossellini has become accustomed to swooning gay adoration. She’s inspired drag queens, and not just with that vampy nip-hiding-necklace coverup she wore in “Death Becomes Her.” “They do me in drag in ‘Blue Velvet,’” she says. “I had a friend who was gay who died, unfortunately, and he would go out on Halloween and dress up like me. I had a ‘Blue Velvet’ robe, and I had my wig for a while, and he would borrow it every year.” Rossellini is smitten with the idea of men resurrecting her most iconic screen characters in drag. She calls it a “compliment.” “Oh, it’s fun. I know there are certain women like Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand who are particularly liked by the gay culture. I know that strong women are liked and I wonder why strong women and not weak women.” She laughs. “I don’t know what it is in the gay culture. What is it that makes the gay culture to be so supportive of Barbra Streisand, Judy Garland, images of these iconic women? Why did you like so much stronger women instead of, like, a housewife?” Rossellini famously appeared in Madonna’s “Erotica” video and also photographed for her controversial “Sex” book, both out in 1992. The latter, she says, was not what she had hoped. “I didn’t like it totally,” Rossellini says. “In a way, I found it a bit moralistic in the sense that Madonna is playing the sadomasochistic, Madonna playing the gay. It was teaching us to be open-minded, and she didn’t really reveal anything about herself. It wasn’t vulnerable. Vulnerability is not what she exudes and what she did was powerful and unique. There was something about the book that was not erotic, and not moving either. It was aesthetic. It was guarded. It wasn’t empowering. But she is an incredible lady. I’m looking at her, because she’s now in her 50s and I’m 63, and I would like to have a role model of a woman who is older. I want to see these powerful women. How do they fight ageism? What do they propose to fight ageism?” Regarding Hollywood ageism, not much has changed, she says. “I see that, at 40 now, you’re still considered beautiful, but I don’t see it defeated. They stretch the younger age longer, but I haven’t seen acceptance.” Rossellini celebrates Streep and Helen Mirren, actresses who have “given old age an energy that is beyond that” without sucking down an age-defying potion. At the same time, she notes, “there are fewer roles (for older women), and they go to them.” It’s a reality she’s come to terms with, and instead of sulking over Streep and Mirren’s lock on roles for women over 60, she’s blazed her own quirky path. The titles alone are telling (and this is not counting her horny dolphin doc): “The Saddest Music in the World,” “My Dog Tulip” and 2011’s “Chicken with Plums.” It’s no surprise, then, that she’s also voiced a hamster. In the gay-themed coming-of-age drama “Closet Monster” from out producer Niv Fichman and first-time director Stephen Dunn, who’s also gay, Rossellini takes on a rodent. Her involvement, she says, is partly due to the fact that she’s friends with Fichman, and also, she says, “maybe because I study animals, or maybe just because I have a foreign voice.” For the film’s protagonist, a sexually confused boy named Oscar, the hamster is an illusion, his muse for comprehending life tropes like “mortality, lying … that life is tough,” Rossellini says, laughing. Though it won Best Canadian Feature Film at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival, the indie isn’t meant for mainstream consumption, like “Joy,” and that’s just fine by Rossellini. “Since I was always interested in animals, I went back to university to study animals and then I made my own film and I do monologues,” she says. “The work that I have done doesn’t have the exposure of ‘Joy.’ I am still working and doing a lot of work but more in an artisanal way.” After all, someone has to enlighten the world on the sexual habits of sea animals. CHRIS AZZOPARDI is editor of Q Syndicate, an LGBT wire service. Reach him via his website at chris-azzopardi.com and on Twitter (@chrisazzopardi). 4 2 • J A NUA RY 0 8 , 2016 W A SH I N G T O N BLA D E . CO M WOODRIDGE • 2024 Monroe Street, NE •Washington, DC 20018 Renovated Colonial and fully loaded. Four finished levels. Chef Kitchen, marble counter tops, stainless steel appliances. Biggest lot at 8,800+sqft. Fabulous deck and backyard for entertaining. $775,000 Mary Keegan Magner Call 301-785-1601 • Office: 301-718-0010 PFLAG promotes the equality and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered persons, their families and friends through: • Support to cope with an adverse society. • Education to enlighten an ill-informed public. • Advocacy to end discrimination and secure equal civil rights. Trained facilitators lead the Arlington Support Group and confidentiality is maintained. For further information about the Arlington Support Group, contact us at [email protected]. Our groups meet on the second Sunday of each month, from 3 – 4:30pm at A Dthe V E RUnitarian T I S I N G P R O O F Universalist Church in Arlington, at George Mason Drive & Route 50. PROOF #1 ISSUE DATE: 01.08.16 SALES REPRESENTATIVE: BRIAN PITTS ([email protected]) REVIEW AD FOR COPY AND DESIGN ACCURACY. Revisions must be submitted within 24 hours of the date of proof. 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Advertiser agrees to idemnify brown naff pitts omnimedia llc (dba the washington blade) and to hold brown naff pitts omnimedia llc (dba the washington blade) harmless from any and all liability, loss, damages, claims, or causes of action, including reasonable legal fees and expenses that may be incurred by brown naff pitts omnimedia llc, arising out of or related to advertiser’s breach of any of the foregoing representations and warranties. REVISIONS A.L.Y. is a group for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, and Questioning Youth and Allies in REDESIGN TEXT REVISIONS grades 7-12. Our goal is to give LGBTQ youth a safe place to gather. Trained facilitators lead the IMAGE/LOGO REVISIONS ADVERTISER SIGNATURE NO REVISIONS youth group. Confidentiality maintained. For more info, contact: [email protected]. By signing this proof you are agreeing to your contract obligations with the washington blade newspaper. This includes but is not limited to placement, payment and insertion schedule. Our Washington DC Chapter of PFLAG may be reached at 202-638-3852. WA SH I N GTO NB LADE.C OM J A N U A RY 0 8 , 2 0 1 6 • 4 3 REALESTATE Keys to selecting a retirement community Continuing care facilities offer independence, skilled nursing By MONIQUE ELIEZER Few decisions may be as important or life-impacting as that of where you or a loved one will choose to live as you reach the “golden years.” There are a multitude of options available, but if you’re planning for the long run, one excellent choice may be a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) which offers all levels of care to its residents, from independent living, to assisted living and skilled nursing. If you think a CCRC might be a good fit for you or your loved one, I recommend that you explore all of the communities available in your area and consider the following points: Your financial situation. There are three types of CCRC contracts, each one bringing different cost and payment options to the table. When exploring the financial component of each contract, be sure to weigh it against your health needs to determine which one makes the most sense. Type A is a life care contract that typi- cally involves a relatively higher entrance fee and monthly fees. All assisted living and skilled nursing are pre-paid, use it or not. Type B: Under a Type B or modified contract, a resident will pay a lower entrance fee than with Type A and an ongoing monthly fee to live in an apartment. In a Type B contract, a CCRC is obligated to provide an appropriate level of assisted living or skilled nursing as in a Type A contract, but only for a specific period of time. Type C also includes an entrance fee and a monthly fee, and can sometimes include the option of a refundable plan. Skilled nursing services are provided at market rate and on an as-needed basis. They are not pre-paid as in Type A or Type B. The community’s financial situation. If you are interested in CCRCs, you are likely attracted to the long-term nature of the living arrangement. Make sure the community is well-established and thriving to ensure it will be operating for years to come. The community’s culture. Learn about the culture of the CCRC. You want to be sure that the community is a place where you will fully enjoy spending your time and be welcomed. We recommend engaging candidly with current residents to better understand the environment and what day-to-day life is like in the community, Sid Binks, PhD, ABPP-CN Board Certified in Clinical Neuropsychology Licensed Clinical Psychologist Individual & Couples Therapy for the LGBTQ Community 20 years experience! 3000 Connecticut Ave. NW • 202.255.5187 • [email protected] LGBTC.com/html/sid_binks.html Few decisions may be as important as that of where you or a loved one will choose to live as you reach the ‘golden years.’ and whether you’d enjoy your time there. You can also inquire about staying for a few days at the CCRC to try it out. Here are a few questions to help you learn more about the community’s culture: What is the occupancy? What kind of life-enrichment programs are offered? What are some of the characteristics of the staff? Are they an “inclusive living community?” Will you continue to grow there? Your instincts. How do you feel when you walk into the place? Do you feel a sense of respect and trust established within the community? Above all, when choosing a residence don’t forget your instincts. Trust your intuition. MONIQUE ELIEZER is chief of sales, marketing & strategies officer at Ingleside, a premier provider of comprehensive senior living opportunities in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Reach her at [email protected]. SIMPLE AFFORDABLE PROVEN RESULTS CALL TODAY TOPLACE YOUR AD 202.747.2077 DAVE LLOYD & ASSOCIATES Top 1% Nationwide NVAR Life Member Top Producder 703-593-3204 WWW.DAVELLOYD.NET ENTHUSIASTICALLY SERVING DC & VIRGINIA 4 4 • J A NUA RY 0 8 , 2016 W A SH I N G T O N BLA D E . CO M DEADLINES SHARE ADS ARE FREE All Classified Ads - Including Regular & Adult Must Be Received By Mondays at 5PM So They Can Be Included in That Week’s Edition of Washington Blade and washingtonblade.com Place your housing to sharead online at washingtonblade.com and the ad prints free in the paper and online.* *25 words or less prints free - anything more is $1/word. WA SH I NGTO N B LA DE.C OM MASSAGE / CERTIFIED LOCKER ROOM ATTENDANTS NEEDED! The Crew Club, a gay men’s naturist gym & sauna, is now hiring Locker Room Attendants. We all scrub toilets & do heavy cleaning. You must be physically able to handle the work & have a great attitude doing it. No drunks/druggies need apply. Please call Richard at (202) 319-1333. from 9-5pm, to schedule an interview. ROSSLYN. Certified massage therapist available 12-8 Sun-Tues & Thurs. Call or text Gary at 301-704-1158 or visit http://www. mymassagebygary. com/. DC appointments available Wed, Fri, Sat. Please call/text for details. BEST MASSAGE by male certified therapist. Soothing Swedish; deeptissue; stress & pain release. Safe Atmosphere in Annandale, VA, almost right off I-395. Days/Eve/ Wkend. In/Out calls. Hotels welcome. Call Marval (703) 568-6348. START FRESH – UPGRADE YOURSELF before upgrading your phone! My deep tissue massage will help you feel like a new person! Stretching, Swedish & Sports massage. Dupont. Marcio (202) 271-9440. www. MarciosMassage.com. BODY & SOUL GET YOUR MIND IN SHAPE & your body will follow. Stop smoking? Weight loss? Addictions? Fears & phobias. Changing your behavior can be difficult. Hypnosis changes your behavior at a subconscious level. Call American Wellness Institute for a free consultation 202-544-5688. COUNSELING LGBTQ AFFIRMING THERAPY at Dupont Circle Individuals, couples, families, adolescents. Over 15 years serving the community. Mike Giordano, LICSW. 202/460-6384 [email protected]. www.WhatIHearYouSaying.com. EMPLOYMENT Dance Teachers (Loudoun County, VA) Professional, award winning dance studio is growing and seeking experienced Dance Instructors. See this listing online at www.washingtonblade. com/classifieds. All Classified Ads - Including Regular & Adult Must Be Received By Mondays at 5PM washingtonblade.com J A N U A RY 0 8 , 2 0 1 6 • 4 5 MAID TO CLEAN Gay owned, awesome, trustworthy & reliable! Serving the DC/VA area. Mention this ad for $50 off. Maidtoclean.com. (703) 299-0101. Artistic Director (Northern VA) Professional, Award Winning Dance studio seeking Artistic Director. MFA in Dance, preferable. See this listing online at www.washingtonblade. com/classifieds. ADOPTION & ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE Law Attorney Jennifer Fairfax represents clients in DC, MD & VA. interested in adoption or ART matters. 301-221-9651, JFairfax@ jenniferfairfax.com. FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM Representing the GLBT community for over 30 years. Family adoptions, estate planning, immigration, employment. (301) 891-2200. Silber, Perlman, Sigman & Tilev, P.A. www. SP-Law. com. LIMOUSINES / DRIVERS KASPER’S LIVERY SERVICE BMW 740LI Luxury Sedan Service; Hourly, Point to Point & Special Airport Transfer Rates! Gay & Veteran Owned! http://www.KasperLivery. com Phone 202-554-2471 or 800455-2471. PHOTOGRAPHY STEVE O’TOOLE PHOTOGRAPHY Fine Art Photographer for portraits, weddings & dating photos for the internet. Call (703) 532-3031. www. steveotoolephotography. com. CLEANING TOO NEAT GUYS INC. Residential & Commercial cleaning in DC & Northern VA. Over 20 years experience, gay owned, licensed, bonded & insured. Email: tooneat@ comcast.net, (703) 622-5983. FERNANDO’S CLEANING: Residential & Commercial Cleaning, Reasonable Rates, Free Estimates, Routine, 1-Time, Move-In/Move-Out. (202) 234-7050, 202-486-6183. SW DC WATERFRONT GWM ISO same to share home. Cable, WiFi included. Garden & outdoor areas. Utilities, maid, parking included. Call Bruce (202) 488-4888. SHARE / MD ISO FEMALE TO share great house located in peaceful Accokeek MD. 15 mins to National Harbor, easy commute to DC. $550.00 rent, $550.00 security deposit. $75.00 utilities. Credit check, 6 month lease. Pets ok - please contact Ruth [email protected]. LEGAL SERVICES COUNSELING FOR GAY MEN. Individual/couple counseling w/ volunteer peer counselor. Gay Men’s Counseling Community since 1973. 202-580-8861. gaymenscounseling. org. No fees, donation requested. DEADLINES SEXY GUYS CLEAN TOO! Catering to the discriminating taste of the Metro DC Gay Community since 2005. Who says sexy, handsome guys can’t clean too? CALL 571-2765271 for estimates. MOVERS OUR GUYS AROUND TOWN MOVERS. Professional Moving & Storage. Let ‘Our Guys’ Do The Heavy Lifting. Mention the ‘Blade’ for 10% off of our regular rates. Call today 202.734.3080. www. ourguysatmovers.com. REAL ESTATE AGENTS WASHNGTON D.C. TOP GAY REALTORS!  Instant Free Access to D.C. & Nations Top LGBT Realtors. FREE Buyers Representation FREE Sellers Competitive Market Analysis + FREE Relocation Kit any City, USA. Be Represented! Choose your Perfect Agent On-line at; WWW. GAYREALESTATE.COM RENT / DC TREE SERVICE BRANCHES - FULL SERVICE Tree Expert Company. Certified Arborists, pruning, insect & disease diagnosis, treatment & removal. 301-589-6181. www. BranchesTreeExperts.com. Angie’s List Award Winner ‘09, ‘10, ‘11, ’12. SHARE / DC Gorgeous bedroom w/private Bath in 2 floor luxury apt in row house, plus rooftop deck, $1295 next to NoMa Metro Jordan 202-656-1506 or [email protected] CAPITOL HILL semi-furnished rooms for rent in well appointed townhome. 2 1/2 blocks from Eastern Market Metro. Finished single BR for $945+utilities. Available immediately. Call 202-544-5688. GREAT RENTAL HOME, Lovely home with lots of charm & character in established neighborhood in North Michigan Park. Move in ready, landscaped, street & rear parking, conveniently located near Providence Hospital, Washington Hospital Ctr, Catholic Univ, & Howard Univ. by car or public transportation within minutes. Online application. Only $2800.00+. 4509 Sargent Rd NE. Patricia E Johnston, Assoc. Broker, Long and Foster Real Estate, 10901 Indian Head Hwy, Fort Washington MD, 20744. 301-2920700. cell 240-676-9086. DEADLINES ENHANCE YOUR AD WITH OUR UPGRADES PICTURES BOLD TEXT LARGE TEXT COLOR AND MORE CONTACT US AT 202-747-2077 x8092 All Classified Ads - Including Regular & Adult Must Be Received By Mondays at 5PM So They Can Be Included in That Week’s Edition of Washington Blade and washingtonblade.com 4 6 • J A NUA RY 0 8 , 2016 W A SH I N G T O N BLA D E . CO M FREE TO LISTEN AND REPLY TO ADS Free Code: W Blade BIG ENGLISH BSMT 1 BR. Just east of Lincoln Park/ Capitol Hill. Rent inc. utilities is $1,669. No pets. Call Joel Martin 202-274-1882 or [email protected] SALE / DC FIND REAL GAY MEN NEAR YOU Washington: (202) 822-1666 Arlington: Baltimore: (703) 373-1000 (410) 468-4000 www.megamates.com 18+ Capitol Hill 301 G St NE $659,000 Most unique one bedroom master suite condo with many surprises. Two loft areas, high ceilings, turreted dining room, gourmet kitchen. Three blocks to Union Station Call for an apptmt or call your Realtor. DC 9531047. Joel N. Martin 202-274-1882 RE/MAX Allegiance 202-338-8900. ISO sharing Look 65 according to WSC trainer. ISO man, younger good, for touching, holding, sharing. Contact by email: [email protected]. PLACE YOUR FREE AD ONLINE WASHINGTONBLADE.COM/CLASSIFIEDS BODYWORK THE MAGIC TOUCH: MASSAGE SILVER SPRING est 2004. Where some of the nicest guys in town come for one of the best massages in town...sensuous erotic. Days/Evenings $70/one hour.. parking/metro pick-up. Joe 301-580 -2716. Swedish, Massage or Deep Tissue. Appts 202-486-6183, Low Rates, 24/7, In-Calls. PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIEDS ONLINE WOMEN’S PERSONALS GWF, SOFT BUTCH, attractive, blue eyes, brown hair. I walk three miles every day. I like movies, music, playing cards, tv & pizza. ISO GWF attractive, feminine, for friendship & a long term relationship. If you are interested, call Debbie 703-368-3618. MEN’S PERSONALS VA SENIOR, artist, wants to meet male. Soccer or lacrosse player or cyclist a plus. 571-970-7782. WASHINGTONBLADE.COM EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOM BODYWORK! Deep tissue & sensual bodywork for total stress relief in private studio on the Hill or in my new Dupont location. Call Erik 202-544-5688. No texts. In calls only. Intro Special $99.00. EROTIC SWEDISH MASSAGE - healthy clean cut guy, 6’1”, 160 lbs, Dupont Circle, massage table, noon to 1:00 a.m., indulge your body. $70 for 1 hour. Bill 202-728-0238. No text messages. WHITE EX NAVY GUY NICK In Town Visiting Hot guy visiting, mild to wild, great massage, pics & video can be seen at http://rentmen.com/ Nickintown call 202-820-3126 for an appointment. 5’8, Black/Blue, 8. DUNGEON MASSAGE? or Rent our dungeon. Explore your fantasies! Surprise a BF or FB. Awesome, clean, discrete. Fully equipped private DC playroom. (Tutorial/instruction available). 202544-5688. BLONDE GI 5’11” 165 lbs 32 waist, 8” & cut. Can do in calls & will do out calls depending where you are. I am located in Alexandria. Call 703-5992668 ask for Eli. ENHANCE YOUR AD WITH OUR UPGRADES PICTURES BOLD TEXT LARGE TEXT COLOR AND MORE CONTACT US AT 202-747-2077 W A SH I N GTO NB LAD E.C OM J A N U A RY 0 1 , 2 0 1 6 • 4 7 A D V E RT I S I N G PROOF #1 ISSUE DATE: SPEC REVISIONS REDESIGN TEXT REVISIONS IMAGE/LOGO REVISIONS NO REVISIONS P R O O F SALES REPRESENTATIVE: BRIAN PITTS ([email protected]) REVIEW AD FOR COPY AND DESIGN ACCURACY. Revisions must be submitted within 24 hours of the date of proof. Proof will be considered final and will be submitted for publication if revision is not submitted within 24 hours of the date of proof. Revisions will not be accepted after 12:01 pm wednesday, the week of publication.Brown naff pitts omnimedia llc (dba the washington blade) is not responsible for the content and/or design of your ad. Advertiser is responsible for any legal liability arising out of or relating to the advertisement, and/or any material to which users can link through the advertisement. 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ADVERTISER SIGNATURE By signing this proof you are agreeing to your contract obligations with the washington blade newspaper. This includes but is not limited to placement, payment and insertion schedule. 4 to 8pm every Saturday • @ the houSe • Beer $5 / door $10 • 35350 GeorGia ave NW