CONTENTS

JUNE 8, 2017 Volume 24 Issue 6

26 HIR STORY
When Malic White heard Woolly Mammoth was
producing Hir, they absolutely had to be in it

By Andr Hereford
Photography by Julian Vankim

PRIDES GUIDES
Once a year, Jerry Houston and Destiny B. Childs
take center stage on Pennsylvania Avenue and fill
it with Pride.

Interview by Randy Shulman

Photography by Julian Vankim
61
95 NIGHTLIFE COVERBOY
Meet James, a 25-year-old fitness enthusiast who
introduced himself to D.C. by winning
Cobalts underwear contest.

Interview by BaNaka

SPOTLIGHT: SHADOWLAND p.11 OUT ON THE TOWN p.16 LAVENDER LESSONS: SOURCE FESTIVAL p.18
HIR STORY: MALIC WHITE p.26 THE FEED: VIRGINIAS NEW RESISTANCE p.31 FORUM: VICTORY FUND p.35
COMMUNITY: REMEMBERING PULSE p. 39 COMMUNITY: FLEET FEET p.40 YOUR GUIDE TO PRIDE p.45
LIVING ICON: EDIE WINDSOR p.47 FORWARD MARCH p.51 PARADE MAP p.56 FESTIVAL MAP p.57 MARCH MAP p.58
COVER STORY: PRIDES GUIDES p.61 SISTER ACT: RUTH POINTER p.71 UNAPOLOGETICALLY AUTHENTIC: VASSY p.73
CAPITAL PRIDE PERFORMERS: FULL PRIDE CONCERT LISTINGS p.77
PARTY CAPITAL: YOUR GUIDE TO THE PARTIES p.81 GALLERY: HILLWOODS SPECTACULAR GEMS p.85
FILM: IT COMES AT NIGHT p.87 STAGE: KING LEAR p.89 MUSIC: BLEACHERS p.91 MUSIC: SAINT ETIENNE p.92
NIGHTLIFE p.95 COVERBOY: JAMES p.95 LISTINGS p.97 SCENE: DRAG KICKBALL p.102
SCENE: ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS p.105 SCENE: JR.S p.108 LAST WORD p.110

Real LGBTQ News and Entertainment since 1994

Editorial Editor-in-Chief Randy Shulman Art Director Todd Franson Managing Editor Rhuaridh Marr Senior Editor John Riley Contributing Editor Doug Rule
Senior Photographers Ward Morrison, Julian Vankim Contributing Illustrator Scott G. Brooks Contributing Writers Andr Hereford,
Sean Maunier, Troy Petenbrink, Kate Wingfield Webmaster David Uy Production Assistant Julian Vankim
Sales & Marketing Publisher Randy Shulman National Advertising Representative Rivendell Media Co. 212-242-6863 Distribution Manager Dennis Havrilla
Patron Saint The Victims of Pulse Nightclub, Sunday, June 12, 2016 Cover Photography Julian Vankim

Metro Weekly 1775 I St. NW, Suite 1150 Washington, DC 20006 202-638-6830
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2017 Jansi LLC.

8 JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY

 Spotlight
Shadowland
O
NCE THE CAPITAL PRIDE PARADE ENDS ON
Saturday, June 10, a full moon will rise. It will be
a really magical, tribal kind of night, says Victoria
Reis, artistic director of Logan Circles Transformer Gallery.
To celebrate the occasion, Reis has invited several emerg-
ing performance artists to dig deeper into the concept by
exploring folklore associated with the Strawberry Moon.
The artists have each been really thoughtful in how
theyre thinking about myths around the full moon and
summer solstice, says Reis, and theyre each looking at
them from their own personal, cultural identity. Jason
Barnes aka Pussy Noir will reflect on African-American
rituals, Alexandra Rex Delafkaran on Persian traditions,
and Kunj Patel on Indian festivals.
The core of Shadow/Casters is a dramatic display of
light and shadow by Hoesy Corona that will transform
the museums inner-courtyard into a shadow theater.
Shadow/Casters is Saturday, June 10, from 7:30 to 11 p.m. at the Hirshhorn Plaza, Independence Ave. and Seventh St. SW.
Tickets are $18. Call 202-633-1000 or visit hirshhorn.si.edu.
Through light projections within the Hirshhorn, [24
assisting artists] will be casting shadows on the second
floor of the museum that the audience will experience from
the courtyard, says Reis.
The Hirshhorn will be open extended hours for the
one-night-only event, which also features a cash bar and
music by DJ Natty Boom. All the artists plan to touch on
the affirming aspect of Capital Pride weekend. This the
one official Smithsonian Pride event, says Reis, and Im
honored were doing it. Its exciting to be presenting young,
gay artists at the Hirshhorn during Pride to such a large
audience and in such a comprehensive context.
She notes, however, that Shadow/Casters wasnt specif-
ically created for Pride. We were looking for a weekend
with a full moon, and it just so happened that Pride fell at
the same time. But we were happy that it was happening on
Pride weekend. It was all kismet for us. Doug Rule
JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY 11
 Spotlight
LIZZO
Its quite possible your first glimpse of vocalist Melissa
Jeffersons hip-hop alter-ego came from her rowdy
performance last year on the Post-Election episode
of Full Frontal with Samantha Bee. But no matter
where you first discover her such as on Clean
Bandit track (New Eyes) you never forget her.
Something of an indie Missy Elliott, the party girl,
based in Minneapolis, sings and raps in a savvy,
winking fashion, offering messages of female empow-
erment and having full-figured fun (such as her soul-
fired hit Good As Hell). Friday, June 16. Doors at 8
JABARI JACOBS

p.m. Nightclub 9:30, 815 V St. NW. Tickets are $20.

Call 202-265-0930 or visit 930.com.

DAVID LYNCH
THE ART LIFE
This 2016 documentary from Jon
Nguyen, Rick Barnes and Olivia
Neergaard-Holm explores the icon-
ic filmmakers art, music, career,
even his compound above the
Hollywood hills, shining a light into
the dark corners of his world. It
screens as part of AFIs Directed
by David Lynch series of films by
the first populist surrealist a
Frank Capra of dream logic, as
described by the late, legendary film
critic Pauline Kael. Monday, June
12, at 7 p.m. AFI Silver Theatre,
8633 Colesville Road, Silver Spring.
Tickets are $13. Call 301-495-6720
or visit afi.com/Silver.

MEET THE ATHLETES RECEPTION

Seven LGBTQ Olympic, professional and collegiate athletes
in lacrosse, swimming, soccer, water polo, and tennis are set
to take part in a photo reception at the U Street Vida Fitness.
The event is organized by Athlete Ally, which works to combat
homophobia and transphobia in sports. The athletes will also
appear on the Vida float in the Capital Pride parade later that
day and at the Equality March for Unity & Pride the next. They
include Colin Shaw of Wagner College; 2012 Olympic Trials
Qualifier Cooper Robinson of Texas Christian University;
2012 U.S. Womens Olympic Soccer Player Lori Lindsey of
the University of Virginia; Michael Martin of West Virginia
University; Anthony Covell of Penn State University; Ashley
Dai of the University of North Carolina; and Shamila Kohestani,
captain of Womens National Soccer team in Afghanistan and
recipient of the 2006 Arthur Ashe Courage Award. Saturday,
June 10, at noon. Vida Fitness Lobby, 1612 U St. NW. Call 202-
939-2577 or visit facebook.com/VidaFitness.

12 JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY

 Spotlight
THE HUNCHBACK
OF NOTRE DAME
Synetic Theaters Founding Artistic Director
Paata Tsikurishvili brings his mind-bending,
cinematic style to Victor Hugos gothic, heart-
breaking epic relayed, like many Synetic
productions, in wordless fashion, stripped
of Hugos dialogue. Vato Tsikurishvili is
Quasimodo, Phillip Fletcher is Frollo, and Irina
Kavsadze is Esmeralda. Closes Sunday, June 11.
JOHNNY SHYROCK

Synetic Theater, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington.

Tickets are $35 to $60. Call 800-494-8497 or
visit synetictheater.org.

MA RAINEYS BLACK BOTTOM

The legendary late playwright August Wilson was
inspired by queer blues belter Ma Rainey in the first
of his award-winning Century Cycle of plays, each
capturing a different decade of the 20th century.
Directed by Deidra LaWan Starnes and starring
Thomascena Nelson. Now to June 25 at 1st Stage,
1524 Spring Hill Rd., in Tysons Corner. Tickets are
$30. Call 703-854-1856 or visit 1ststagetysons.org.

TERESA CASTRACANE

DC JAZZ FESTIVAL
Billed as the fastest-growing jazz festival in the U.S., as well as
the largest and most diverse music festival in D.C., the DC Jazz
Festival presents over 125 performances at venues around town,
from Sixth and I Historic Synagogue to the Kennedy Center. Once
again, the most impressive lineup in its 13th year is the slate of
outdoor concerts at the Yards over the second weekend, June 16
to 18, including the Robert Glasper Experiment, Kenny Garrett
Quintet, Gregory Porter, and Black Violin. Yet DC Jazz Fest also
features other jazz notables, from Pat Metheny to Tommy Cecil,
Amy Shook to Lena Seikaly, Sun Ra Arkestra to Hiromi & Edmar
Castaneda. The festival launches with an opening ceremony fea-
turing Lalah Hathaway on Friday, June 9, at the Howard Theatre,
and runs to June 18. Call 855-332-7767 or visit dcjazzfest.org.
Jacob Collier

14 JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY

 Out On The Town

JO ANN BLOCK: JANE DOESNT NEED DICK

A Touchstone Foundation for the Arts Emerging Artist Fellow, this D.C.-based artist presents autobiographical collages in
her latest solo exhibition. Amalgams of historical and personal imagery using a range of materials and methods, the works
piece together Blocks struggle growing up queer and her complex identity as a butch lesbian. Now to July 2. Gallery C in
Touchstone Gallery, 901 New York Ave. NW. Call 202-347-2787 or visit touchstonegallery.com.

Compiled by Doug Rule
PRIDE
CAPTURING FIRE: QUEER
POETRY SUMMIT & SLAM
The focus of the DC Centers
Capturing Fire program is on per-
formance-based short-form slams,
a form of American political theater
in which poets typically share per-
sonal stories and touch on import-
ant issues through their original,
impactful compositions. A panel
of judges then votes for best poet.
The event kicks off with Queer
Squared: An Evening of Dynamic
Duos, featuring J Mase II and
Kukomo as #BlackTransMagick
and All Her Muses with Natalie E.
Illum and Grey Jacks, on Friday,
June 9, at 9 p.m., at Coffy Cafe,
3310 14th St. NW. The main event is
Saturday, June 10, with a semi-final
at 6 p.m. and then a final at 9 p.m. at
Busboys & Poets, 2021 14th St. NW.
An AllPass is $75, or individual slam
tickets $10 to $20. Call 202-682-
2245 or visit capfireslam.org.
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS: LGBTQ
ORAL HISTORY WORKSHOP
The Library of Congress toasts
Capital Pride with several explic-
itly LGBTQ-themed discussions,
including a reading at the end of
June by David France, author of
How I Learned to Survive a Plague.
Next is an Oral History Workshop
hosted by the Librarys Veterans
History Project at the American
Folklife Center, designed to give
attendees hands-on training in
conducting oral histories, with a
focus on LGBTQ+ veterans and ser-
vice members. Friday, June 9, at
noon. LJ-139 B, Thomas Jefferson
Building, 101 Independence Ave.
SE. Free. Call 202-707-5000 or visit
loc.gov/lgbt.
NATIONAL PRIDE SHABBAT
Rabbis Shira and Laurie Green of
Bet Mishpachah and members of
GLOE at the Edlavitch DCJCC lead
an inclusive service celebrating the
diversity of the LGBTQ community
on the night before the Capital Pride
Parade. The festivities begin with a
happy hour at 6:15 p.m., followed
by a Joyous Shabbat service at
7:15 p.m., and then a home-cooked
kosher dinner followed by Pride-
inspired trivia. Friday, June 9. Sixth
& I Historic Synagogue. 600 I St.
NW. Tickets are $15 in advance, or
$18 the day of. Call 202-408-3100 or
visit sixthandi.org/pride.
PRIDE AT MISS PIXIES
The most eclectic and interesting
store on 14th Street offers even
more reasons to visit during Capital
Pride. Among the offerings is an
opening reception for Bounty, an
exhibit of works by artist Joe Case,
Thursday, June 8, from 6:30 to 8:30
p.m. The next day brings the Hi,
Im Here! Kickoff Party Friday,
June 9, from 6 to 8 p.m. And all day,
anyone dressed in drag gets 20-per-
cent off purchases. Miss Pixies,
1626 14th St. NW. Call 202-232-8171
or visit misspixies.com.
PRIDE AT THE BYRD
Songbyrd, Adams Morgans
intimate music complex, fea-
turing a stage, record store, and
cafe, presents A Trans-Bi-Queer
Celebration with a Pride brunch,
drink specials and a free concert
at 1 p.m. by the Michelle Raymond
Band. Also on offer is merchandise
for sale by the Outrage, resource
tables, queer adult coloring books,
and a #Voicegraph photo booth.
LGBTQ-themed movies will be
projected throughout. There will
also be vinyl discounts and features
on queer artists. Saturday, June 10,
from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Upstairs in
Songbyrd Music House, 2477 18th
St. NW. Call 202-450-2917 or visit
songbyrddc.com.
PRIDE IN THE LIBRARY:
POP-UP DISPLAY
The centerpiece of a month-long
LGBTQ Pride series at the Library
of Congress is a pop-up display
featuring items from the Librarys
extensive LGBTQ+ collections
and presented by the LC-GLOBE
affinity group and Capital Pride.
Walt Whitman poetry collec-
tions, Leonard Bernsteins music
manuscripts, letters and assorted
materials from the father of the
local LGBTQ community, Frank
Kameny, and original panels
from the NAMES Project AIDS
Memorial Quilt are among items on
display. Thursday, June 8, through
Saturday, June 10, from 10 a.m. to
4 p.m. LJ 113 and LJ 119 in the

16 JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY

 Thomas Jefferson Building, 101
Independence Ave. SE. Free. Call
202-707-5000 or visit loc.gov/lgbt.

SAGE AND FRIENDS

IN THE CAPITAL
Eric Fanning, the former Secretary
of the Army, and Edie Windsor
are the honored guests at The
Strength of Pioneers, The Power
of Community, a fundraiser for
SAGE, the nations largest and
oldest organization dedicated to
improving the lives of older mem-
bers of the LGBTQ community.
Friday, June 9, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Atlantic Plumbing Co. Rooftop, 2112
8th St. NW. Visit sageusa.org/dc to
PHOTO COURTESY OF SOURCE FESTIVAL

register and more information.

FILM
RA XTRA: KIKI
Sara Jordenos documentary intro-
duces the world to the LGBTQ
youth of color leading New Yorks
subculture Kiki Scene, heralded as
todays version of the Ball Scene
that Madonna and Paris Is Burning
captured 25 years ago. At least one

LAVENDER LESSONS
of the members of the Haus of Pucci
is scheduled to join Jordeno for
the screening, hosted by Rayceen
Pendarvis of The Ask Rayceen Show.
Friday, June 16, at 7 and 10 p.m.
Perfect Arrangement, which got its start at the Source Theatre Festival, Studio Theatre, 14th & P Streets
returns for an encore run. NW. Tickets are $12, or $25 for
VIP seating as well as one compli-

F
mentary cocktail, beer or wine and
popcorn. Call 202-682-2245 or visit
AR TOO MANY PEOPLE STILL DONT KNOW ABOUT THE LAVENDER SCARE. IT thedccenter.org.
was such a significant moment in our nations history and in the history of our community,
says Topher Payne. It becomes one of those things that pisses you off that its not in histo-
ry books. The 37-year-old Atlanta playwright was so ticked off when he only recently learned
STAGE
about the 1950s witch hunt of lesbian and and gay federal employees, he felt compelled to write CRAZY MARY LINCOLN:
about it. Payne styled it as a comedy, however, because its the best way to get people to listen. A NEW MUSICAL
In the lead-up to its annual festival,
The result, Perfect Arrangement, ran Off Broadway in 2015. Meanwhile, the script, published Capital Fringe hosts a production
last year, is an LGBTQ Drama finalist at next weeks 29th Annual Lambda Literary Awards. More of Pallas Theatres new musical by
than a dozen theaters across the country have produced the play, including D.C.s Source Festival, Jan Levy Tranen and Jay Schwandt
and directed by the companys
which presented the world premiere in 2013. A revival, directed by Nick Martin, is part of a cele-
Tracey Elaine Chessum. Crazy
bration toasting the Source Theatre Festivals longevity. Perfect Arrangement is a darn fine exam- Mary Lincoln explores the life of
ple of what [Source is] capable of doing for a new play, says Payne. First Lady Mary Todd and First
This was the beginning of homosexuality being identified as a way of being rather than just a Son Robert Todd, following the
assassination of the 16th President.
psychological defect, he says about the plays 50s time period. And as is often the case, its the Now to June 18. Trinidad Theatre
moment when they come after you that you become much more clearly defined in who you are, at Capital Fringe, 1358 Florida Ave.
because you have to figure out what youre defending and why. NE. Tickets are $25, or $20 for
Fringe Button Holders. Call 202-
That doesnt work as well in our current era, in which obfuscation reigns. I feel like, in a lot of
737-7230 or visit capitalfringe.org.
ways, were still trying to figure out what exactly were fighting against, Payne says. It feels dis-
missive to say theyre using schoolyard bully tactics, but good Lord, think back to the schoolyard. HOW I LEARNED
Those tactics are effective, you know? WHAT I LEARNED
Round House concludes a season
Payne has already been moved to action in light of the rise of Trump: Hes making revisions that began with Tony Kushners
to his script for Angry Fags, a dramedy,about gays fighting violence with violence, first staged in magnum opus Angels in America
2013. It was written about the experience of the LGBTQ community in the Obama years, when with an autobiographical tour-de-
force from another of Americas
the religious right was the clear, principled opponent to LGBTQ equality.
greatest, Pulitzer Prize-winning
And in todays Trump era? Theres something truly upsetting and alarming about seeing an playwrights, the late August Wilson
opponent who does not appear to have any sort of ideology, Payne says. And does not appear to (Fences). Co-conceived and direct-
be targeting us, so much as sweeping us aside. Doug Rule ed by Todd Kreidler, How I Learned
What I Learned explores Wilsons
days as a struggling young writer
A Perfect Arrangement opens Friday, June 9, at 8 p.m., and runs to July 2, in Pittsburgh. Eugene Lee stars in
this one-person show. In previews.
at Source, 1835 14th St. NW. Tickets are $20, or $75 for a Source Festival five-play pass. Opens Monday, June 12, at 7:30
Call 202-204-7760 or visit sourcefestival.org.

18 JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY

 NW. Call 202-332-3300 or visit stu-
diotheatre.org.

THE RETURN
Mosaic presents the second play in
its 2017 Voices From a Changing
Middle East Festival, marking the
50th year since the Six Day War
and the start of the Occupation.
Palestinian-American playwright
and performer Hanna Eady
co-wrote the unsettling mystery
The Return with Edward Mast.
John Vreeke directs a U.S. premiere
starring Ahmad Kamal and Alyssa
Wilmoth Keegan as two mysterious
former lovers who reunite to untan-
gle the trauma and thwarted intima-
cy of their interconnected history.
Now to July 2. Atlas Performing
Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. Tickets
are $20 to $60. Call 202-399-7993
or visit mosaictheater.org.

THE SCHOOL FOR LIES

Michael Kahn helms David
Ives adaptation of Molires Le
Misanthrope, in an update of the
aristocratic, ruthless French satire.
Gregory Wooddell plays Frank,
Anatomy of a Dancer
whose barbed truth-telling wreaks
LGBTQ FILMS AT AFI DOCS FILM FESTIVAL havoc in a world of pompous suit-
ors and extravagant ladies, until
This years documentary film festival hosted by the American Film Institute includes four rumors ricochet and alternative
LGBTQ-themed films: Anatomy of a Dancer, David Barba and James Pelleritos intimate facts become reality. To July 2.
portrait of American Ballet Theatre principal dancer Marcelo Gomes; Chavela, Catherine Lansburgh Theatre, 450 7th St. NW.
Call 202-547-1122 or visit shake-
Gund and Daresha Kyis portrait of Mexicos renowned, uncompromising lesbian folk spearetheatre.org.
singer Chavela Vargas; Dries, Reiner Holzemers visually sumptuous introduction to
influential Belgian fashion designer Dries Van Noten; and Strong Island, Yance Fords TIMON OF ATHENS
searing, deeply moving and personal examination about his brothers death, his acquitted Sparing no expense on lavish par-
ties, expensive gifts and charity,
white murderers, and the familial repercussions. The festival runs from June 14 to 18, the abundantly generous Timon
with screenings at AFI Silver Theatre, 8633 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, and Landmark suffers a downturn of fortune and
E Street Cinema, 555 11th St. NW. Tickets are $13 each screening. Call 301-495-6720 or friendship in Shakespeares tragic
satire. Director Robert Richmond
visit afi.com/afidocs. sets the action in modern times,
where technology has taken over
and high finance takes place online.
p.m. Runs to July 2. Round House tion helmed by Joe Calarco and Leanne Stump helms a new work Ian Merrill Peakes stars in the final
Theatre, 4545 East-West Highway, starring Nicholas Edwards. The that laces together the voices of the production of Folger Theatres 25th
Bethesda. Tickets are $50 to $60. cast includes Signature standouts most memorable women written by anniversary season. Closes Sunday,
Call 240-644-1100 or visit round- Natascia Diaz as Mary, Sherri L. the Bard, from Beatrices sharp wit June 11. Folger Shakespeare
housetheatre.org. Edelen as King Herod, and Bobby to Juliets broken heart. Though Library, 201 East Capitol St. SE.
Smith as Pontius Pilate. Extended the men take the title, the women Tickets are $35 to $75. Call 202-
JAZZ to July 9. Signature Theatre, 4200 oft steal the show, goes a tagline 544-7077 or visit folger.edu.
A world premiere stage adapta- Campbell Ave., Arlington. Call 703- for the production, which goes
tion of Tony Morrisons exhilarat- 820-9771 or visit sigtheatre.org. even further by letting the fairer ULYSSES ON BOTTLES
ing novel, following a couple who sex run away with it. Weekends to The culmination of its second sea-
moves from the Virginia coun- PROOF June 17. Greenbelt Arts Center, 123 son, Mosaic Theater Company
tryside to Harlem at the turn of With echoes of the recent Oscar- Centerway. Greenbelt, Md. Tickets presents the 2017 Voices From a
the 20th century as the genre of nominated film Hidden Figures, are $22. Call 301-441-8770 or visit Changing Middle East Festival in
jazz was just beginning to flourish. Proof explores the uphill climb a rudemechanicals.com. the 50th year since the Six Day War
Shanesia Davis is Violet and Leon woman faces in gaining recogni- and the start of the Occupation.
Addison Brown is Joe, whose later tion in the male-dominated field of THE FATHER The festival launches with Israeli
interactions with another woman mathematics, even when she has Ted Van Griethuysen stars as an playwright Gilad Evrons poet-
sets off a series of violent, unfor- genetics on her side. Dawn Ursula 80-year-old man whose world ic and poignant allegory about an
givable acts. Adapted by Nambi E. and Craig Wallace star in David starts unraveling in an original and Israeli-Arab ex-teachers attempts
Kelley and featuring a cast of 10, Auburns 2001 Tony-winning play moving play from Florian Zeller, to sail into Gaza on a raft made
including an on-stage Trombonist. by David Auburn. To June 18. Olney one of Frances most prolific con- of plastic bottles. Serge Seiden
To June 25. Baltimore Center Stage, Theatre Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy temporary playwrights, translated directs Michael Kevin Darnall as
700 North Calvert St., Baltimore. Spring Road, Olney, Md. Call 301- by two-time Tony Award winner Ulysses, an anonymous school-
Tickets are $20 to $69. Call 410- 924-3400 or visit olneytheatre.org. Christopher Hampton. The Father teacher locked in an Israeli prison
332-0033 or visit centerstage.org. won a Moliere Award, the French for a fanciful attempt to smuggle
SHE SPEAKS! equivalent of the Tony, in 2014. Russian literature to the children
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR Suburban Maryland commu- Kate Eastwood Norris, Caroline of Gaza, and Matthew Boston as an
Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim nity theater troupe the Rude Dubberly, Erika Rose, Manny attorney assigned to defend him.
Rices rock opera about Jesus Mechanicals presents an ambitious Buckley, and Daniel Harray also Sarah Marshall, Elizabeth Pierotti
gets a sleek, modern makeover production subtitled Shakespeares star. David Muse directs. To June and Chris Genebach round out the
in a Signature Theatre produc- Women in Their Own Words. 18. Studio Theatre, 14th & P Streets ensemble cast of Ulysses on Bottles,

20 JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY


as translated by Evan Fallenberg.
Closes Sunday, June 11. Atlas
Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St.
NE. Tickets are $20 to $60. Call
202-399-7993 or visit mosaicthe-
ater.org.
MUSIC
ARCADE FIRE
New Orleans Preservation Hall
Jazz Band will be the special
guest when one of Canadas finest
musical exports makes its way to
the Verizon Center this fall, less
than two weeks after launching its
next stadium tour in Quebec City.
Arcade Fires Infinite Content Tour
comes in support of fifth album,
Everything Now, due for release
July 28 and featuring the rousing
title track as first single. Tickets on
sale Friday, June 9, at 10 a.m., for
concert Saturday, Sept. 16. Verizon
Center, 601 F St. NW. Call 202-628-
3200 or visit verizoncenter.com.
BALTIMORE SYMPHONY
ORCHESTRA
Marin Alsop pulls out all the stops
for a closing concert that is grand
in every way, including audience
favorite Gil Shaham performing
Beethovens Violin Concerto. Also on
tap is The GAME, a world premiere
from Christopher Theofanidis. But
the centerpiece is one of Alsops sig-
nature works, the Symphony No. 3
by Saint-Saens, otherwise known as
the Organ Symphony. Thursday,
June 15, and Friday, June 16, at
8 p.m., and Sunday, June 18, at 3
p.m. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony
Hall, 1212 Cathedral St., Baltimore.
Also Saturday, June 17, at 8 p.m.
Music Center at Strathmore, 5301
Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda.
Tickets are $33 to $99. Call 410-783-
8000 or visit bsomusic.org.
ELLA VOS
Recently named by Rolling Stone as
an Artist to Watch, this dreamy-
pop L.A. singer-songwriter tours in
support of several promising sin-
22 JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY
a mashup also incorporating influ-
PRIDE + SHINE AT URBANA ences from gospel, techno, funk,
dub, jazz, and Latin. Friday, June
Roxxxy Andrews from RuPauls Drag Race and Mike 16, at 8 p.m. Atlas Performing Arts
Hot-Pence are two drag notables making it an all-day Center, 1333 H St. NE. Tickets are
Pride party at Urbana, the Kimpton Hotel Palomar DCs $28 to $32. Call 202-399-7993 or
modern Italian restaurant, at the start of the Capital visit atlasarts.org.
Pride parade route. The centerpiece of the offerings WHOS BAD: THE ULTIMATE
is Chef Ethan McKees Bottomless Brunch, including MICHAEL JACKSON
stations for omelettes, charcuterie, and pizza, with TRIBUTE BAND
Founded over a decade ago in North
cocktails, craft beers, rainbow Jell-O shots, and Pride- Carolina, Vamsi Tadepallis band
themed Bellinis made by bartender Andrea Tateosian. didnt explode in popularity until
DJ Trayze will spin popular pride pop tunes from noon after the King of Pops death in
for a party that will spill over into the hotels banquet 2009. Ever since, this infectious
tribute production has regularly
space and benefit the Trevor Project. Saturday, June 10, offered fans a treat, putting on a
from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Urbana, 2121 P St. NW. Tickets show recreating Jacksons precise
are $75, or $95 for VIP with patio access for front-row synchronized dance routines, in
full regalia, from glitzy jackets to
viewing of the parade. Call 202-956-6650 or visit pride- glittery gloves. And every year, the
andshine.eventbrite.com. show returns to the 9:30 Club in
June in honor of Jacksons death on
June 25. Saturday, June 17. Doors at
gles, including White Noise, the and there. She sings in both English 8 p.m. Nightclub 9:30, 815 V St. NW.
touching Little Brother, and new and Spanish on the new bilingual Tickets are $20. Call 202-265-0930
song You Dont Know Me. Get to sophomore set Telephone/Telefono or visit 930.com.
know her in one of D.C.s most inti- as a way to show her pride in her
mate new venues. Tuesday, June 13, duality. Saturday, June 10. Doors
at 8 p.m. Songbyrd Music House, at 7 p.m. Songbyrd Music House, DANCE
2477 18th St. NW. Tickets are $10 2477 18th St. NW. Tickets are $10
CHAMBER DANCE PROJECT:
to $12. Call 202-450-2917 or visit to $12. Call 202-450-2917 or visit
songbyrddc.com. songbyrddc.com. LUZ SAN MIGUEL
A Madrid-born ballet dancer,
GREAT GOOD FINE OK PAUL SIMON, SARAH San Miguel offers tales about her
Brooklyns retrofuturism synth- MCLACHLAN upbringing amidst performanc-
pop act, led by quavering, fal- Still a crazy-genius after all these es with partner Gian Carlo Perez
setto-voiced singer Jon Sandler years, Paul Simon worked with focused on the repertoire of this
and keyboardist/producer Luke underground Italian dance produc- New York-birthed, D.C.-based
Moellman, tours in support of new er Clap! Clap! on his new set, last dance company. The evening, also
set III. Thursday, June 15. Shows at years Stranger to Stranger. Hell featuring the companys string
8 p.m. Rock and Roll Hotel, 1353 H perform new songs as well as his quartet and guest musicians, is a
St. NE. Tickets are $15 in advance, or many classics, including the 70s preview of the upcoming fourth
$18 day of show. Call 202-388-ROCK folk/pop standards from his days season. It concludes with a recep-
or visit rockandrollhoteldc.com. recording with Art Garfunkel. An tion featuring San Miguels old fam-
inspired pairing, Simon is joined ily recipe for sangria. Wednesday,
INES NASSARA at Merriweather with special guest June 14, at 6 p.m. Former Residence
As part of its 2017 Artist-in- Sarah McLachlan, the Canadian of the Ambassador of Spain, 2801
Residence mentoring program, singer whose quiet-storm ballads 16th St. NW. Tickets are $15. Call
Strathmore offers solo concerts of of the 90s and aughts left a lasting 202-499-2297 or visit chamber-
its up-and-coming artists. Later this impression. Friday, June 9. Doors at dance.org.
month, this jazz/soul/folk vocalist, 6 p.m. Merriweather Post Pavilion,
a 2015 Helen Hayes Award nominee 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, MEGHAN ABADOO
for her supporting work in Keegan Columbia. Tickets are $55 to $175. Octavias Brood: Riding the Ox
Theatres Hair, offers two AIR con- Call 800-551-SEAT or visit merri- Home is an immersive, site-based
certs at Strathmores Mansion. But weathermusic.com. work inspired by the prophet-
first comes a concert at its dinner ic envisioning of racial justice by
cafe in the Pike & Rose complex off SAVOIR ADORE Octavia Butler of visionary fic-
Rockville Pike. Wednesday, June 14, Vocalist and multi-instrumental- tion fame and the Underground
at 8 p.m. Amp by Strathmore, 11810 ist Paul Hammer is the principal Railroads Harriet Tubman. A con-
Grand Park Ave. North Bethesda. behind this Brooklyn-based act. temporary adaptation of Spike Lees
Tickets are $17. Call 301-581-5100 Last years The Love That Remains 1988 film School Daze by a graduate
or visit ampbystrathmore.com. is a romantic, melodic and imag- teaching fellow at the University
inative affair, featuring addition- of Maryland, the dance leaps back
JESSICA HERNANDEZ al guest vocals from Leah Hayes, and forth through time, landing
& THE DELTAS Lauren Zettler and Winslow Bright. between antebellum Maryland of
Punky, spunky Jessica Hernandez Savoir Adore pops down to D.C. on the mid-1800s and an unknown
and her band create a joyous, enter- the eve of a performance at Firefly place and date in the future. Friday,
taining sound rich with Southern Music Festival (see separate entry). June 16, and Saturday, June 17, at 8
rock, country and blues as well Friday, June 16, at 7 p.m. DC9, p.m. Dance Place, 3225 8th St. NE.
as Motown influences from their 1940 9th St. NW. Tickets are $13 Tickets are $30, or $25 one week in
Detroit hometown, plus a little extra in advance or $15 day of show. Call advance. Call 202-269-1600 or visit
thrown in from south of the bor- 202-483-5000 or dcnine.com. danceplace.org.
der, courtesy of rock en espaol and
Hernandezs roots as an American SLAVIC SOUL PARTY NEW YORK CITY BALLET
born to a Cuban father and Mexican A performance part of this years For its annual engagement at the
mother. Her powerful pipes will DC Jazz Fest (see separate entry), Kennedy Center, the renowned
sometimes put you in mind of the New York Balkan/Gypsy brass company offers two programs of
Adele, other times the Gossips Beth band re-imagines Duke Ellingtons repertory including four D.C. pre-
Ditto, even a little Janis Joplin here brassy Far East Suite in its style, mieres by standout contemporary

SCOTT SUCHMAN
NSO: ESCHENBACHS FINAL CONCERT
Christoph Eschenbach concludes his nine-year tenure as National Symphony Orchestras sixth
music director the same way he started it, with Beethovens masterwork the Ninth Symphony,
featuring mezzo-soprano JNai Bridges, tenor Joseph Kaiser, bass Soloman Howard, Leah
Crocetto, and the Choral Arts Society. Also on the program is Bright Shengs Zodiac Tales.
Thursday, June 15, at 7 p.m., Friday, June 16, and Saturday, June 17, at 8 p.m. Kennedy Center
Concert Hall. Tickets are $15 to $89. Call 202-467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org.
choreographers Alexei Ratmansky,
Justin Peck and Christopher
Wheeldon, and all accompanied by
the New York City Ballet Orchestra.
Remaining performances Thursday,
June 8, through Saturday, June 10,
at 7:30 p.m. Also Saturday, June
10, and Sunday, June 11, at 1:30
p.m. Kennedy Center Opera House.
Tickets are $29. Call 202-467-4600
or visit kennedy-center.org.
COMEDY
IMPROBABLE COMEDY SHOW
Wendy Wrobleski, a DC Improv
regular, offers jokes along with D.C.-
based U.S. war veterans Haywood
Turnipseed and Michael Garvey,
with his service dog Liberty, at A
Night of 1000 Laughs. The ben-
efit comedy show is the latest in a
series from Improbable Comedy,
this one supporting the anti-poverty
nonprofit A Wider Circle. Saturday,
June 10, at 8 p.m. American Legion
Post 41: Cissel-Saxon, 905 Sligo
Ave., Silver Spring. Tickets are $20
online, or $25 at the door. Call 301-
588-8937 or visit improbablecom-
edy.com.
LIZA TREYGER
A cast member on MTV2s Joking
Off who has been featured on Adam
Devines House Party, the Chicago-
bred stand-up comic comes to
D.C. for a free show, part of the
Millennium Stage programming as
well as the Comedy at the Kennedy
24 JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY
Center series. Tuesday, June 13, at 6
p.m. Family Theater. Tickets are free
and distributed, up to two per per-
son, in the Hall of States starting at
approximately 5 p.m. Call 202-467-
4600 or visit kennedy-center.org.
EXHIBITS
GIAN GAROFALO: PRIVATE
ARCHIPELAGOS
Inspired by a young adulthood
spent living in the coastal region
of southern Norway, the latest art-
works by the North Carolina-based
artist invoke serenity and represent
a place for reflection on his expe-
riences on or near water. Now to
July 9. Long View Gallery, 1234 9th
St. NW. Call 202-232-4788 or visit
longviewgallery.com.
LINDA HESH:
PUT THE I INTO C_VIC
A Chicago-reared photogra-
phy-based artist and longtime
LGBTQ ally, Heshs latest interac-
tive public art installation consists
of six-foot-high turquoise blue let-
ters just waiting for participating
passersby to complete the picture
by filling in the first i in the word
civic and posing for a photo. The
point is to reflect on what we expect
from our government and what the
government should expect from us.
All portraits will be captioned with
participants opinions and displayed
online. Launched in the fall of 2016,
the project, part of the Arlington
Arts initiative Courthouse 2.0
Reimagining the Civic, resumes
Saturday, June 10, from 10 a.m. to
1 p.m. The sculpture will remain up
all summer. Corner of 15th Street
N. and North Courthouse Road,
Arlington. Call 703-228-1850 or
visit reimaginecivic.com.
FOOD AND DRINK
ACADIANA: GRILLING CLASS,
3-COURSE FEAST PROMOTION
Executive Chef Brant Tesky demon-
strates and serves his favorite BBQ
dishes at an annual event touted as
a good gift for Fathers Day or for
anyone who wants to improve their
grilling game. The class, a kickoff to
Summer BBQ & Grilling Week, costs
$85 and is offered Saturday, June
17, from 1 to 3 p.m. From Monday,
June 19 to Sunday, June 25, the
restaurant offers a $33 three-course
feast of Bourbon Bacon Sliders with
Caramelized Onions, Brisket and
Ribs with Acadiana BBQ Sauce
accompanied by Collard Greens
with Bentons Bacon Red Beans &
Rice Cornbread, and Banana Cream
Pie served Southern-style on
one plate. Acadiana, 901 New York
Ave. NW. Call 202-408-8848 or
visit acadianarestaurant.com.
ABOVE & BEYOND
ACT OUT: A QUEER REVIEW
In remembrance of the 2016 Pulse
Nightclub massacre, this monthly
event from Theatrical Action Series
presents a free evening of original
short plays, spoken-word pieces
and musical interludes offering per-
spectives from the LGBTQ com-
munity. There will also be an open
mic portion to the event, hosted by
Woolly Mammoth in partnership
with the DC Coalition for Theatre &
Social Justice. Tuesday, June 13, at
8 p.m. Woolly Mammoth Lobby, 641
D St. NW. Free. Call 202-393-3939
or visit woollymammoth.net.
QUEERING SOUND
Founder JS Adams has described
the annual experimental music
event as an exploration of expres-
sion through audio, the digital
arts, performance art and spoken
word [with] a non-exclusive cura-
torial focus towards gay, lesbian,
and post gender-identified partici-
pants. This year, Ruth Trevarrow
has curated a queer visual art
exhibit that runs all month long
and two concerts, the second of
which, Saturday, June 17, at 8 p.m.,
focuses on spoken word and dig-
ital media, featuring Dan Vera,
Joe Belknap Wall, H. Paul Moon,
Danielle Evennou, Mark Beazley,
Johnny Brown and Inga Yellere.
Rhizome DC, 6950 Maple St. NW.
Tickets are $10 for the concert. Visit
dc-soniccircuits.org.
THE ARMED FORCES
CYCLING CLASSIC
Billed as the D.C. areas premier
cycling event and now in its 20th
year, the Armed Forces Cycling
Classic is open to cycling enthusiasts
of all abilities, offering profession-
al and amateur races to challenge
riders. A benefit for members of
the U.S. military, the USA Cycling-
sanctioned classic starts Saturday,
June 10, in Arlington, with vari-
ous amateur races and the womens
professional/amateur race in the
morning and the pro Mens Team
Invitational for the Clarendon Cup
race around noon. The next day
begins at 7 a.m. with the three-hour,
closed-course Challenge Ride for
enthusiasts of all abilities, followed
by the race for the Crystal Cup,
which determines the weekends
Omnium competition. There will be
free races for children under nine
years of age both days. Visit 202-
966-0346 or visit cyclingclassic.org
for more information.
WOLF TRAP OPERA, CITYDANCE:
FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER
Through his Halcyon Stage series,
Septime Webre directs a one-
night-only production featuring
vocal and dance soloists conjuring
Philip Glasss composition based on
the gothic classic by Edgar Allan
Poe. Suggested attire Poe/Punk.
Saturday, June 17, at 8:30 p.m., with
a Meet-the-Artist Reception at 10
p.m. Dock 5 at Union Market, 1309
5th St. NE. Tickets are $40. Call
800-680-9095 or visit halcyonstage.
org. l
Hir Story
A
S SOON AS MALIC WHITE LEARNED
about Woolly Mammoths production of
Taylor Macs explosive family drame-
dy HIR, they were pitching to play Max.
Relaxing on a pink fur sofa in Woollys
lobby that represents the off-center sensi-
bility of the shows colorful set, White explains that theyre a fol-
lower of Macs work. Im a huge fan of Taylor Mac, White says.
I sought out [this] production, because I wanted to be in it. I
had a strong grasp on what it was about before getting involved.
Hir portrays, painstakingly though often hilariously, a family
in crisis, when a twenty-something Iraq War vet Isaac returns
home from a traumatizing deployment to find his once average
American family in a state of disarray. His mother is now a
gender theory-spouting feminist, while his stroke-addled dad
has taken to wearing makeup and dresses. Meanwhile, his sister
Max played by White has transitioned to a genderqueer
individual who prefers the pronouns ze and hir (pronounced
here), rather than she and hers.
A lot of people have said that they were surprised that its
not a trans story, says White. [It] has a trans character in it,
but really what the play is about is cycles of abuse in American
families. Given that the playwright is Taylor Mac, the text of the
play itself is a queer perspective on what that looks like. That is
what I appreciate about it.
White, who has been identifying as some kind of trans for
a very long time, also appreciates having been raised in a more
supportive environment than the one depicted in Hir.
Ive never felt bad or ashamed about any part of myself, and
I know a lot of it has to do with me being very lucky and not
being in horrible circumstances, they say. When I have been
26 JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY
When Malic White
heard Woolly
Mammoth was
producing Hir,
they absolutely had
to be in it
By Andr Hereford
Photography by
Julian Vankim
open about my gender identity or my sexual orientation and
Ive certainly received criticism for some of those things but
at no point have I not felt okay with myself. I think thats how
Max is, too.
White, last seen at Woolly in the Neo-Futurists dazzling
Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind, consistently brings
autobiographical detail to their work as a writer and performer,
particularly when collaborating with partner, Molly Brennan, a
fellow Chicago-based theater artist and gender activist.
The theater scene in Chicago is really exciting right now.
Theres a great push towards inclusion and towards just more
interesting casting than what weve seen before, White says.
Theres an awesome group called the Chicago Inclusion Project
that is helping to get more people of color, trans people and peo-
ple with disabilities cast in plays where we are often not noticed
or not brought into the room. That is very exciting to me. l
Hir runs to June 18 at Woolly Mammoth, 641 D St. NW. Tickets
are $20 to $103. Call 202-393-3939 or visit woollymammoth.net.
JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY 27
 theFeed

Clockwise from top left: Colaw, De Lucia, Hixon, Adams, Levine and Roem

VIRGINIAS NEW RESISTANCE

Opposition to Trump and GOP dominance in Richmond is pushing a record number of
LGBTQ candidates to seek political office By John Riley

I
REALLY DO THINK THIS IS A SECOND AMERICAN
Revolution thats going on right now, says Rebecca
Colaw. We are in a battle for our lives as Americans,
and we need to fight back.
A 56-year-old retired Air Force officer and lawyer from
Suffolk, Va., Colaw is seeking the Democratic nomination
for the 64th District seat in the Virginia House of Delegates.
She is also one of eight openly LGBTQ candidates who have
run for the General Assembly this year. Its a record for the
commonwealth, double the number in 2015.
Colaw was inspired to run in part by the national
Womens March, which killed my apathy, and by how
mortified she has been with the antics of President Donald
Trump. As a lawyer, she is also alarmed at what she sees as
the erosion of freedoms guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.
Whats happening in Washington, and whats hap-
pening in the House of Delegates with the Republicans, is
theyre not trying to promote freedom theyre trying to
oppress, to discriminate, she says. Theyre trying to take
the country backwards, which I think is contrary to the
Founders beliefs that all people are created equal, and all
are allowed to have freedom and happiness.
She credits Trump as the driving force behind record
numbers of Democratic candidates LGBTQ Democrats, in
particular seeking office in Virginia this year.
I think its almost impossible to separate the state issues
from the federal, she says. Were fighting for rights weve
always had, that are trying to be taken away from us by inch-
es, by people who are more concerned about keeping their
jobs than helping the people that they serve.
Despite running in a mostly rural district in Virginias
Tidewater region, Colaw, like many of her fellow first-time
candidates, isnt hiding her sexuality but she isnt empha-
sizing it either.
I really havent pushed it in my campaign, because thats
not why Im running, she says. Im running because Im a
retired military officer whos mad as hell that my country
is going down the drain, and the Republicans are the ones
doing it, and its now time for me to fight back.
Colaw isnt the only Democratic candidate whose polit-
ical awakening can be traced back to Trump. Dawn Adams,
a nurse practitioner seeking the Democratic nomination in
the 68th House District in suburban Richmond, says her
candidacy is primarily rooted in the frustration she felt
towards the Republican-led General Assembly and its polit-
ical priorities. But it was Trumps election that pushed her
to finally enter the political fray.
A lot of times, it takes something horrible or shocking to
wake people up, to get people to really see, Oh, this touches
my life, says Adams. She believes some people were lulled

JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY 31

 theFeed
into a false sense of security that Trump would never be elect- who voted against an anti-bullying bill during the 2013
ed president. I think the awakening that happened from the legislative session. In contrast, DeLucia, a former semi-pro-
shock of Hillary not winning was part of a greater awakening fessional soccer player with a long history of coaching and
in peoples understanding of the relationship between public mentoring young people, is horrified by attempts by local
policy at the state level and their day-to-day life. school boards to undermine anti-bullying or nondiscrimi-
Adams says politics doesnt appear to play a significant nation policies. She also disagrees with the Trump adminis-
factor in many peoples lives. Its why there is often voter trations decision to rescind guidance allowing transgender
disengagement, particularly when it comes to state and local children to be treated according to their gender identity.
elections. When I see things start to reduce the restrictions on
I dont fault anybody for that level of apathy, in some discrimination against school-age children, that, to me, is
ways, because life is hard, and people are just working deeply offensive, and it really makes me afraid for young
as hard as they can, she says. By people, she says.
the same token, once we are awo- Other LGBTQ candidates have
ken to this sort of Molotov cock- been motivated to run by the antics of
tail approach to government, its our Sometimes it their respective lawmakers, as much
responsibility not to fall back asleep. as by disgust with the Trump admin-
The 52-year-old admits she was
previously reticent to divulge her
takes you to be istration.
Ben Hixon, a computer program-
sexual orientation in professional
settings.
hit on the head mer running in the rural 30th District
in central Virginia, only moved to
I wish I had been that brave, but
I wasnt, she says. I grew up as one by a 2x4. With Culpeper from Seattle last August,
when his partner got a new job. But
of those kids who was told everybody
would hate you. I know, for me, what Trump, weve after 30th District Democrats held
a caucus in early May, instead of a
sort of broke that fear was marriage primary on June 13, the 35-year-old
equality. It sort of made me feel like,
Oh, maybe its okay. Maybe I can
been hit by a finds himself by a one-vote margin
the partys official nominee.
be valued irrespective of my sexual
orientation.
2x4 with a nail Running for office was not
something I intended to do, says
Adams emphasizes that she and
the other LGBTQ candidates are
in it. Mark Levine
Hixon, who describes himself as a
Libertarian Democrat, with a
primarily campaigning on econom- hands-off approach when it comes
ic, environmental, and educational to government intervention on social
issues. The issue of sexual orientation rarely comes up. issues, including gun rights, marijuana legalization, and
I dont know that any of us are running because of our anti-gay legislation.
gayness, she says. I think were running because the issues For me, Trump winning first drew my interest to local
are so important right now and we just happen to be work- politics, as it has for so many, he says. And then I discov-
ing in areas of policy and related fields where we feel like we ered that our delegate here, Nick Freitas, was the sponsor of
can be of service and of help. that anti-LGBT bill, HB 2025, which says the government
Kelly DeLucia, a 41-year-old realtor from Yorktown, Va., can give money to groups that discriminate against LGBT
was compelled to run for the General Assembly by a deep people. A Republican governor would have signed that,
sense of duty to make her community better for her nine- which means my tax money, my partners tax money, can
month-old twin sons. go to groups that would refuse service to me. That made me
Things are going on right now at the state level and the angry. That was the trigger for me to run.
national level, where I just cannot sit on the sidelines and For Danica Roem, the first transgender person to seek a
watch them go on, she says. And Im not alone. General Assembly seat in the commonwealth, the decision
DeLucia, who is the only Democrat running for the 96th to run came out of her dissatisfaction with incumbent Del.
District, will be one of four LGBTQ candidates who make it Bob Marshall (R-Manassas). A 32-year-old journalist and
to the general election. More notable, however, is her dis- lifelong resident of Manassas, has been harshly critical of
tinction as the first Democrat to challenge Republican Del. Marshall, whose top priority this session was introducing
Brenda Pogge (R-James City) since the incumbents first a North Carolina-style bathroom bill that would restrict
election a decade ago. transgender peoples access to public restrooms.
Theres a very deep assumption that its an unwinna- Marshall filed 41 bills, and he only got one of them
ble red district, but the data doesnt support that, says passed, she says. He has 25 years of seniority in the major-
DeLucia. Theres a clear path to victory and I think Trump ity party, and he only got one bill passed. Thats an effective
is doing most of our work for us this year. We have tons of rate of a rookie member in the minority party.
Democrats in this district. The problem is we have such While Roem has largely focused her campaign around
apathy with the Democratic voters because they havent had fixing Route 28, economic development, and education
a candidate to go to the polls for in ten years. funding, she refuses to run away from her identity.
Pogge is best known for her staunch socially conservative In Prince William County, sometimes we can be a little
views, and was infamously among a handful of five delegates bit timid with how we talk about LGBT issues and how we

32 JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY

 theFeed
talk about LGBT rights she says. However, we have to
recognize that Virginia is not the unwelcoming state that a
lot of us either may have perceived it to be or think it still is.
Del. Mark Levine (D-Alexandria), one of two openly gay
House incumbents up for re-election this year, says that
voters reactions to LGBTQ candidates will largely depend
on the district. For instance, Levine, who represents a very
liberal district, says his sexual orientation was viewed as a
positive attribute when he first ran for office in 2015.
There are districts where being LGBT is a plus, districts
where its a minus, and districts where its a wash, says
Levine. But it cant be the primary focus for these candi-
dates. I give all these candidates credit for finding issues
they believe in, and not hiding their orientation, because
there was certainly a time when that was common.
Levine is running unopposed in both the primary and the
general election, and is particularly excited about rallying
Democrats to come out and vote this November. He believes
it is a way to demonstrate their opposition to Trump.
We have 100 delegate districts, and 51 of them voted
for Hillary Clinton, even in districts that are terribly ger-
rymandered, he says. So if all the people who voted for
Hillary in 2016 simply come out and pull the lever for all the
Democratic candidates, we have a majority in the House of
Delegates, and then we can start not just stopping really bad
stuff, but actually passing really good stuff.
The election of Trump has provided progressives, lib-
erals, and even moderates with a tough lesson of what can
happen when they arent politically engaged, says Levine.
34 JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY
Sometimes it takes you to be hit on the head by a 2x4. With
Trump, weve been hit by a 2x4 with a nail in it. And were
bleeding. This is a very dangerous man.
Luckily, Virginia Democrats appear to have learned that
lesson, putting up challengers in 52 of 66 seats currently
held by Republicans.
I think people are beginning to realize that state elec-
tions matter. We actually, at the state level, probably have
more control over your individual life than at the federal
level, says Levine. When it comes to gay rights, just look at
ENDA its been stalled [in Congress] for decades. The real
action is happening on the state level. Marriage equality, we
won on the state level. So the state battles matter.
Asked what LGBTQ newcomers should do if they advance
to the general election after Tuesdays primary, Levine has
solid, strong advice: Go out and defend Democratic values.
Find some issue that youve worked on, that your hearts in.
Talk about the good youve done in your community, talk
about your achievements. Obviously, talk about issues.
Virtually all of these Republicans have cast terrible
votes. Call them out. Run on your opponents record. As far
as being gay or lesbian, dont hide it. Treat it as a matter of
fact. You dont have to say, Im gay. Just introduce your
partner, and theyll figure it out. l
The Democratic primaries for the Virginia House of
Delegates, as well as statewide office, are on Tuesday,
June 13. To find a polling place, or for more information,
visit elections.virginia.gov.
 Forum
DONT JUST MARCH... RUN!
By Aisha C. Moodie-Mills

W
HEN JOLIE JUSTUS BECAME THE FIRST
openly LGBTQ person to be elected to the
Missouri State Senate 10 years ago, it was
groundbreaking. The state had been shifting from blue
to purple and then red, and she entered a state legisla-
ture dominated by conservatives. Many of these legisla-
tors were outspoken on their opposition to equality for
LGBTQ people. Some even questioned the communitys
right to live openly and free. But
Jolie walked into the state capitol
undaunted confident she could
improve the lives of her constitu- LGBTQ elected
ents while also standing for LGBTQ
equality when her colleagues officials are
threatened its advancement.
Jolie became the voice for difference-makers,
LGBTQ people in the state legisla-
ture, while building relationships and play an
with colleagues on both sides of
the aisle. And she used these rela- essential role in
tionships to make positive change.
She teamed up with a Republican
moving equality
state senator to push forward a
non-discrimination bill protecting
forward.
LGBTQ people and lobbied her
colleagues to support it. When the
final votes were tallied, Jolie had secured the support of
nine additional Republicans an extraordinary feat giv-
ing it just enough votes to pass.
An analysis of the seating chart and voting record
that day reveals a fascinating but unsurprising pattern.
Nearly all the Republican legislators that supported the
protections were those seated next to Jolie in the senate
chamber. Jolie had become a respected colleague to those
senators, humanizing the lives of LGBTQ people for law-
makers who may never have knowingly interacted with an
openly LGBTQ person before. To vote against protections
for an abstract community was one thing, but it was much
more difficult voting against discrimination protections
for Jolie and her wife, Shonda.
LGBTQ representation in government matters, because
representation is power. LGBTQ elected officials impact
legislation, change the tone of debates, and persuade
straight lawmaker colleagues to support equality. A recent
Victory Institute study shows 70% of straight state legis-
lators report that their LGBTQ colleagues strongly influ-
enced their decision to vote for a pro-LGBTQ bill. LGBTQ
elected officials are difference-makers, and play an essen-
tial role in moving equality forward.
And these leaders can play defense as well. The pres-
idential election has emboldened our opponents the
attacks on our community in state legislatures are relent-
less. Hundreds of anti-LGBTQ bills have been introduced
in the last year alone. But these
anti-equality bills are almost entire-
ly concentrated in state legislatures
where there are few or no open-
ly LGBTQ state legislators. When
LGBTQ lawmakers are at the table,
our community is significantly less
likely to come under attack.
Yet the reality is there are far too
few LGBTQ lawmakers at the table.
LGBTQ Americans are still severe-
ly underrepresented in govern-
ment, making up a small fraction
of one percent of all elected public
positions. There are just six open-
ly trans people serving in elect-
ed office nationwide. To advance
equality for LGBTQ people in every
state, blue or red, we need to invest in a new generation of
LGBTQ leaders to run for office in their home cities and
states, so they can be the next Jolie and a voice for our
people.
So this Pride season whether celebrating or resisting
we need to persuade our LGBTQ friends and family to
run for office. Being a politician is not sexy right now, and
running is no easy task, but we all know the people in our
lives who have the skills and grit and determination to
make it happen. And they can start local. It is the school
board members who eventually run for city councils, and
the city council members who become state legislators and
members of Congress. Few people run for office without
being asked multiple times by multiple people, so commit
yourself to making the ask. Or consider running yourself.
LGBTQ elected leaders are the antidote to the
anti-equality efforts we see at every level of government.
So tell your loved ones this weekend: Dont just march...
RUN! l

Aisha C. Moodie-Mills is the President & CEO of Victory Institute, the only national organization that works to increase
the number of LGBTQ people in public office by training leaders to run for office, and then supporting them when in office
to ensure their success. Learn more at victoryinstitute.org.

Forum is open to all opinions. For guidelines on how to contribute in print and online,
send an email to editor@metroweekly.com.

JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY 35

 Community
Sheraton in Reston. All wel-
THURSDAY, June 8 come. 7-9 p.m. 11810 Sunrise
Valley Drive, second-floor bar.
The Department of Defense For more information, visit
hosts its annual DOD PRIDE dullestriangles.com.
CEREMONY and celebration
on Monday, June 12. To attend, HIV TESTING at Whitman-
you must RSVP beforehand and Walker Health. 8 a.m.-8 p.m. at
request a Pentagon escort via 1525 14th St. NW, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
dodpride.org. at the Elizabeth Taylor Medical

PULSE ORLANDOS FACEBOOK PAGE

Center, 1701 14th St. NW, and 8
The HIV Working Group and a.m-5 p.m. at the Max Robinson
Youth Working Group of The Center, 2301 MLK Jr. Ave.
DC Center present a PEACE SE. For an appointment call
CORPS PRESENTATION 202-745-7000 or visit whit-
featuring guest speaker Chris man-walker.org.
Obermeyer, who will talk about
his experience abroad, partic- IDENTITY offers free and
ularly with LGBTQ individuals confidential HIV testing at
in Ukraine. Those interested in two separate locations. Walk-
international HIV-related work ins accepted from 2-6 p.m.,

REMEMBERING PULSE
are encouraged to attend. 6-7 by appointment for all other
p.m. 2000 14th St. NW, Suite hours. 414 East Diamond Ave.,
105. For more information, visit Gaithersburg, Md. or 7676
thedccenter.org. New Hampshire Ave., Suite

Weekly Events
A live performance will reflect on last years 411, Takoma Park, Md. To set
up an appointment or for more
massacre and gun-related tragedies information, call Gaithersburg,
ANDROMEDA 301-300-9978, or Takoma Park,
TRANSCULTURAL HEALTH

W
301-422-2398.
offers free HIV testing and HIV
services (by appointment). 9
HEN HE FIRST LEARNED OF THE PULSE
METROHEALTH CENTER
a.m.-5 p.m. Decatur Center, nightclub massacre, Jonas Minino felt sick. In offers free, rapid HIV testing.
1400 Decatur St. NW. To a way, the attack was done against our own Appointment needed. 1012 14th
arrange an appointment, call St. NW, Suite 700. To arrange
Latinx community, he says, referring to a large segment
202-291-4707, or visit androm- an appointment, call 202-638-
edatransculturalhealth.org. of the gunmans primary victims. So we have been trying 0750.
to find a way not only to commemorate the victims, but
DC AQUATICS CLUB practice find a safe space and heal from what has happened to our SMYAL offers free HIV Testing,
session at Takoma Aquatic 3-5 p.m., by appointment and
Center. 7:30-9 p.m. 300 Van
community.
walk-in, for youth 21 and
Buren St. NW. For more infor- To that end, Minino and others from DiCcin Queer, younger. Youth Center, 410 7th
mation, visit swimdcac.org. a local Latino LGBTQ nonprofit, have partnered with the St. SE. 202-567-3155 or test-
D.C. chapter of Gays Against Guns and the Pride Fund to ing@smyal.org.
DC FRONT RUNNERS run-
ning/walking/social club End Gun Violence to hold a live performance reflecting on Us Helping Us hosts a
welcomes runners of all ability the massacre, the threats posed to the LGBTQ community, NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS
levels for exercise in a fun and and the need for gun reform measures. MEETING. The group is inde-
supportive environment, with pendent of UHU. 6:30-7:30
socializing afterward. Route
The event at Trade will last about 30 minutes and will
p.m., 3636 Georgia Ave. NW.
distance is 3-6 miles. Meet at feature performers from DiCcin Queer and Teatro la For more information, call 202-
7 p.m. at 23rd & P Streets NW. Bolsa, a Latino performance troupe. They will read selec- 446-1100.
For more information, visit
tions from LGBTQ poets, dance, sing, and speak aloud the
dcfrontrunners.org. WOMENS LEADERSHIP
names of the 49 victims. Afterward, DiCcin Queer will INSTITUTE for young LBTQ
DC LAMBDA SQUARES gay moderate a talkback with the audience, who will be invited women, 13-21, interested in
and lesbian square-dancing to share their feelings. leadership development. 5-6:30
group features mainstream p.m. SMYAL Youth Center, 410
through advanced square
Attendees can then take part in a candlelight proces-
7th St. SE. For more informa-
dancing at the National City sion to Dupont Circle, where the Pride Fund is holding tion, call 202-567-3163, or email
Christian Church, 5 Thomas a separate vigil to call for an overhauling of the nations catherine.chu@smyal.org.
Circle NW, 7-9:30 p.m. Casual
gun laws, specifically related to background checks and
dress. 301-257-0517, dclamb-
dasquares.org. automatic weapons. FRIDAY, June 9
Its a performance for healing, Minino says. Its a Capital Pride presents the
DC SCANDALS RUGBY holds performance to remember the victims, but its also a per- 5TH ANNUAL DC FRONT
practice. The team is always
formance of reconstructing and trying to move forward RUNNERS PRIDE RUN 5K
looking for new members. All
from what already happened. Its more, What do we do at Congressional Cemetery,
welcome. 7:30-9:30 p.m. King
followed by a Finish Line
Greenleaf Recreation Center, from here? John Riley after-party. Race participants
201 N St. SW. For more infor-
should arrive by 6:30 p.m. Race
mation, visit scandalsrfc.org or
DC Love: A Tribute is from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Trade, starts promptly at 7 p.m. 1801 E
dcscandals@gmail.com.
St. SE. For more information,
1410 14th St. NW. Admission is free, but attendees are visit dcfrpriderun.com.
The DULLES TRIANGLES encouraged to donate to the onePULSE Foundation.
Northern Virginia social
Visit facebook.com/DiccionQueer. GAMMA is a confidential, vol-
group meets for happy hour at
untary, peer-support group for

JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY 39

 FLEET FEET
6th St. NW. For more information,
visit swimdcac.org.
PROJECT STRIPES hosts LGBT-
The DC Front Runners annual 5K run is a fun way affirming social group for ages
11-24. 4-6 p.m. 1419 Columbia Road
to kick off Capital Pride Weekend NW. Contact Tamara, 202-319-
features booths of local clubs and
organizations, food, beer gardens,
and performances from two sep-
arate stages, including the annual
Capital Pride Concert on the
Main Stage. Performers include:
Miley Cyrus, The Pointer Sisters,

M
0422, layc-dc.org. Tinashe, Vassy, and more. For
ICHAEL LOATMAN HAS SAD NEWS FOR HABITUAL more information, visit capital-
late registrants hoping to run in this years Pride Run SATURDAY, June 10 pride.org.
5K: youre too late. Usually, you probably still could
Capital Pride hosts the annual Weekly Events
sign up around now, but this year, the word got our quicker and CAPITAL PRIDE BLOCK PARTY,
we ended up selling out in early May, says Loatman, a member featuring entertainment, food and BETHEL CHURCH-DC progressive
of the DC Front Runners running club, which hosts the annual a beer garden. Entry is free, and and radically inclusive church
spectators can watch as the Capital holds services at 11:30 a.m. 2217
footrace at Congressional Cemetery. About 1,250 participants Minnesota Ave. SE. 202-248-1895,
Pride Parade passes down P Street.
will raise more than $22,000 on behalf of both SMYAL and RSVP via Facebook. 3:30-10 p.m. betheldc.org.
Team DCs scholarship program for out LGBTQ athletes attend- 15th Street NW, between P and
ing college. Church Streets. For more informa- DC AQUATICS CLUB holds a
tion, visit capitalpride.org. practice session at Wilson Aquatic
After the race, which occurs rain or shine, the Front Runners Center. 9:30-11 a.m. 4551 Fort Dr.
host a Finish Line after-party, featuring a beer truck, music, The CAPITAL PRIDE PARADE, NW. For more information, visit
raffles, drag performances, and the DC Front Runners dance featuring floats and marchers rep- swimdcac.org.
troupe, who will also strut their stuff in the Capital Pride Parade resenting local LGBT businesses,
organizations and social groups, DC FRONT RUNNERS running/
the next day. weaves through the West End, walking/social club welcomes run-
Generally, people start arriving around six, and it tends to be Dupont Circle and Logan Circle ners of all ability levels for exercise
a festive atmosphere even then, Loatman says. Its meant to be neighborhoods from 4:30-7:30 p.m. in a fun and supportive environ-
Marchers, please arrive by 3:30 ment, with socializing afterward.
a fun event, and a way for people to get ready for the upcoming p.m. at 22nd and P Streets, NW. Route will be a distance run of 8, 10
Capital Pride Weekend. John Riley For more information, visit capital- or 12 miles. Meet at 9 a.m. at 23rd
pride.org. & P Streets NW. For more informa-
tion, visit dcfrontrunners.org.
The 5th Annual DC Front Runners Pride Run 5K is Friday, June
Weekly Events
9. The race starts promptly at 7 p.m. at Congressional Cemetery, DIGNITYUSA offers Roman
1801 E St. SE. Participants should arrive by 6:30 p.m. at the very BRAZILIAN GLBT GROUP, includ- Catholic Mass for the LGBT
latest. Visit dcfrpriderun.com. ing others interested in Brazilian community. All welcome. Sign
culture, meets. For location/time, interpreted. 6 p.m. St. Margarets
email braziliangaygroup@yahoo. Church, 1820 Connecticut Ave.
com. NW. For more info, visit dignity-
men who are gay, bisexual, ques- 2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105. For washington.org.
tioning and who are now or who more information, contact Andy DC AQUATICS CLUB holds a
have been in a relationship with a Arias, andyarias09@gmail.com. practice session at Montgomery FIRST CONGREGATIONAL
woman. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Luther Place College Aquatics Club. 8:30-10 UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
Memorial Church, 1226 Vermont The National Center for a.m. 7600 Takoma Ave., Takoma, welcomes all to 10:30 a.m. service,
Ave NW. GAMMA meetings are Transgender Equality hosts a Md. For more information, visit 945 G St. NW. firstuccdc.org or
also held in Northern Virginia and RALLY FOR TRANSGENDER swimdcac.org. 202-628-4317.
in Frederick, Md. For more infor- EQUALITY as part of Trans Lobby
mation, visit gammaindc.org. Day 2017 at Upper Senate Park, DIGNITYUSA sponsors Mass for HOPE UNITED CHURCH OF
next to the Russell Senate Office LGBT community, family and CHRIST welcomes GLBT commu-
Join employees of Deloitte as Building. 5:15-6 p.m. 200 New friends. 6:30 p.m., Immanuel nity for worship. 10:30 a.m., 6130
they return to The DC Center Jersey Ave. NW. For more infor- Church-on-the-Hill, 3606 Seminary Old Telegraph Road, Alexandria.
for their annual DELOITTE DAY mation, visit transequality.org. Road, Alexandria. All welcome. For hopeucc.org.
OF SERVICE COMMUNITY more info, visit dignitynova.org.
VOLUNTEER EVENT to help WOMEN IN THEIR TWENTIES HSV-2 SOCIAL AND SUPPORT
assemble safer sex kits ahead of the (AND THIRTIES), a social discus- GAY LANGUAGE CLUB discusses GROUP for gay men living in the
weekends Pride Parade. 11 a.m.-5 sion and activity group for queer critical languages and foreign lan- DC metro area. This group will be
p.m. 2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105. women, meets at The DC Center guages. 7 p.m. Nellies, 900 U St. meeting once a month. For infor-
For more information, visit thedc- on the second and fourth Fridays of NW. RSVP preferred. Email bren- mation on location and time, visit
center.org. each month. Group social activity dandarcy@gmail.com. H2gether.com.
to follow the meeting. 8-9:30 p.m.
Join LINCOLN
SAGE USA, the national orga- 2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105. For SUNDAY, June 11 CONGREGATIONAL TEMPLE
nization advocating for LGBTQ more information, visit thedccen-
elders, holds its annual SAGE ter.org. UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST for
THE EQUALITY MARCH FOR an inclusive, loving and progressive
AND FRIENDS IN THE CAPITAL UNITY AND PRIDE seeks to mobi-
fundraiser. Featuring honored Weekly Events faith community every Sunday. 11
lize the LGBTQ community to
guests Edie Windsor and former a.m. 1701 11th Street NW, near R in
stand up for our rights, particularly
Army Secretary Eric Fanning. BET MISHPACHAH, founded by Shaw/Logan neighborhood. lincol-
those of people in marginalized
Tickets available online and at the members of the LGBT community, ntemple.org.
communities. From 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
door. 6-8 p.m. Atlantic Plumbing holds Friday evening Shabbat ser- Line-up for march starts at 9 a.m.
Company Rooftop, 2112 8th St. NW. vices in the DC Jewish Community METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY
at I and 17th Streets NW. For
To RSVP and for more information, Centers Community Room. 8 p.m. CHURCH OF NORTHERN
more information, visit equality-
visit sageusa.org/dc. 1529 16th St. NW. For more infor- VIRGINIA services at 11 a.m., led
march2017.org.
mation, visit betmish.org. by Rev. Emma Chattin. Childrens
The DC Center holds a meeting of its Sunday School, 11 a.m. 10383
The CAPITAL PRIDE FESTIVAL
DC LGBTQIA DISABILITY GROUP DC AQUATICS CLUB holds a prac- Democracy Lane, Fairfax. 703-691-
runs from 12 p.m.-7 p.m. on
to support, educate and empower tice session at Howard University. 0930, mccnova.com.
Pennsylvania Avenue NW, between
people with disabilities. 8-9 p.m. 6:30-8 p.m. Burr Gymnasium, 2400 3rd and 7th Streets. The festival

40 JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY

 NATIONAL CITY CHRISTIAN
CHURCH, inclusive church with
GLBT fellowship, offers gospel
worship, 8:30 a.m., and traditional
worship, 11 a.m. 5 Thomas Circle
NW. 202-232-0323, nationalcitycc.
org.
ST. STEPHEN AND THE
INCARNATION, an interra-
cial, multi-ethnic Christian
Community offers services in
English, 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., and
in Spanish at 5:15 p.m. 1525 Newton
St. NW. 202-232-0900, saintste-
phensdc.org.
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST
CHURCH OF SILVER SPRING
invites LGBTQ families and indi-
viduals of all creeds and cultures to
join the church. Services 9:15 and
11:15 a.m. 10309 New Hampshire
Ave. uucss.org.
Monday, June 12
Diccin Queer, in partnership with
Trade and Gays Against Guns DC,
hosts a performance of DC LOVE:
A TRIBUTE to commemorate those
lost in the Pulse nightclub shoot-
ing. The performance will feature
dramatic readings, solo dances and
songs, followed by a procession
starting at Trade and ending at
Dupont Circle to take part in the
Pride Funds Candlelight Vigil
to End Gun Violence. 5:30-6:30
p.m. 1410 14th St. NW. For more
information, visit facebook.com/
DiccionQueer.
The DC Center hosts a monthly
meeting of its YOUTH WORKING
GROUP to talk about upcoming
initiatives. 6-7:30 p.m. 2000 14th
St. NW, Suite 105. For more infor-
mation, visit thedccenter.org.
The Department of Defense hosts
its annual DOD PRIDE CEREMONY
and celebration. RSVP, as well as a
request to DoD Pride for an escort,
required for entry. 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Pentagon Courtyard. For more
information, visit dodpride.org.
Weekly Events
DC AQUATICS CLUB holds a
practice session at Dunbar Aquatic
Center. 7:30-9 p.m. 101 N St. NW.
For more information, visit swim-
dcac.org.
GETEQUAL meets 6:30-8 p.m. at
Quaker House, 2111 Florida Ave.
NW. For more information, email
getequal.wdc@gmail.com.
NOVASALUD offers free HIV test-
ing. 5-7 p.m. 2049 N. 15th St., Suite
200, Arlington. Appointments: 703-
789-4467.
The DC Center hosts COFFEE
DROP-IN FOR THE SENIOR LGBT
COMMUNITY. 10 a.m.-noon. 2000
14th St. NW. For more information,
42 JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY
call 202-682-2245 or visit thedc-
center.org.
US HELPING US hosts a black gay
mens evening affinity group for
GBT black men. Light refreshments
provided. 7-9 p.m. 3636 Georgia
Ave. NW. 202-446-1100.
WASHINGTON WETSKINS
WATER POLO TEAM practices 7-9
p.m. Newcomers with at least basic
swimming ability always welcome.
Takoma Aquatic Center, 300 Van
Buren St. NW. For more informa-
tion, contact Tom, 703-299-0504
or secretary@wetskins.org, or visit
wetskins.org.
WHITMAN-WALKER HEALTH
HIV/AIDS Support Group for
newly diagnosed individuals,
meets 7 p.m. Registration required.
202-939-7671, hivsupport@whit-
man-walker.org.
TUESDAY, June 13
The DC Center holds a meeting of
its COMING OUT DISCUSSION
GROUP for those navigating issues
associated with coming out and
personal identity. 7-8:30 p.m. 2000
14th St. NW, Suite 105. For more
information, visit thedccenter.org.
The DC Centers TRANS
SUPPORT GROUP provides a
space to talk for transgender peo-
ple and those who identify outside
of the gender binary. 7-9 p.m. 2000
14th St. NW, Suite 105. For more
information, visit thedccenter.org.
THE LATINO GLBT HISTORY
PROJECT will display a collection
of memorabilia, pictures and more
from the Projects archives dating
back to the late 1980s. Presented
by founder Jose Gutierrez, who
will share some stories about the
Projects history. 7:30 p.m. Kate
Waller Barrett Branch Library, 717
Queen St., Alexandria, Va. For more
information, alexlibraryva.org.
The Watha T. Daniel Shaw Library
hosts RAINBOW FAMILY STORY
TIME. The event, held weekly
during the month of June, will
explore stories about same-sex par-
ents, adopted children, and other
nontraditional families, as well as
gender-bending books showing
that its okay not to conform to
stereotypical ideas of how boys and
girls behave. For all ages. 7-8 p.m.
1630 7th St. NW. For more infor-
mation, email wathashawlibrary@
dc.gov or call Gayle Wagner, 202-
727-1288.
Weekly Events
ASIANS AND FRIENDS weekly
dinner in Dupont/Logan Circle
area, 6:30 p.m. For more informa-
tion, email afwash@aol.com, or
visit afwashington.net.
DC AQUATICS CLUB practice
session at Takoma Aquatic Center.
7:30-9 p.m. 300 Van Buren St. NW.
For more information, visit swim-
dcac.org.
DC FRONT RUNNERS running/
walking/social club welcomes run-
ners of all ability levels for exercise
in a fun and supportive environment,
with socializing afterward. Route
distance is 3-6 miles. Meet at 7 p.m.
at Union Station. For more informa-
tion, visit dcfrontrunners.org.
DC SCANDALS RUGBY holds prac-
tice. The team is always looking
for new members. All welcome.
7:30-9:30 p.m. King Greenleaf
Recreation Center, 201 N St. SW.
For more information, visit scan-
dalsrfc.org or dcscandals@gmail.
com.
THE GAY MENS HEALTH
COLLABORATIVE offers free
HIV testing and STI screening
and treatment every Tuesday.
5-6:30 p.m. Rainbow Tuesday
LGBT Clinic, Alexandria Health
Department, 4480 King St. 703-
746-4986 or text 571-214-9617.
james.leslie@inova.org.
OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS
LGBT focused meeting every
Tuesday, 7 p.m. St. Georges
Episcopal Church, 915 Oakland
Ave., Arlington, just steps from
Virginia Square Metro. For
more info. call Dick, 703-521-
1999. Handicapped accessible.
Newcomers welcome. liveandletli-
veoa@gmail.com.
SUPPORT GROUP FOR LGBTQ
YOUTH ages 13-21 meets at
SMYAL. 5-6:30 p.m. 410 7th St.
SE. For more information, contact
Cathy Chu, 202-567-3163, or cath-
erine.chu@smyal.org.
US HELPING US hosts a support
group for black gay men 40 and
older. 7-9 p.m., 3636 Georgia Ave.
NW. 202-446-1100.
Whitman-Walker Health holds its
weekly GAY MENS HEALTH AND
WELLNESS/STD CLINIC. Patients
are seen on walk-in basis. No-cost
screening for HIV, syphilis, gon-
orrhea and chlamydia. Hepatitis
and herpes testing available for fee.
Testing starts at 6 p.m, but should
arrive early to ensure a spot. 1701
14th St. NW. For more information,
visit whitman-walker.org.
WEDNESDAY, June 14
BIG GAY BOOK GROUP meets to
discuss Kevin Sessums memoir,
I Left it on the Mountain. Open to
all. Newcomers always welcome. 7
p.m. Trio Restaurant, 1537 17th St.
NW. For more information, email
biggaybookgroup@hotmail.com.
The DC Center hosts the 4TH
ANNUAL DC BIKE PARTY PRIDE
RIDE. Meet at Dupont Circle at
7:30 p.m. Ride route runs from
Dupont Circle through the city,
ending at Hilltop Bar & Restaurant
for an after-party. 8-11 p.m. Hilltop
is located at 2737 Sherman Ave.
NW. For more information, visit
thedccenter.org.
The DC Center takes part in the
NAVAL SEA SYSTEMS COMMAND
2017 PRIDE EVENT. Volunteers
are needed to inform service mem-
bers of The DC Centers various
programs and offerings. The event
will feature a panel of speak-
ers, and some guided questions
from the NAVSEA LGBT+Allies
Employee Resource Group. RSVP
encouraged. For more information,
visit thedccenter.org.
THE LAMBDA BRIDGE CLUB
meet for Duplicate Bridge. 7:30
p.m. Dignity Center, 721 8th St., SE
(across from Marine Barracks). No
reservations needed, all welcome.
Call 202-841-0279 if you need a
partner. l
Submit your community event for
consideration at least 10 days prior
to the Thursday publication in which
you would like it to appear. Email to
calendar@metroweekly.com.
JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY 43
Your Complete Guide to
Pride 2017!
Living Icon: Edie Windsor p.47
Forward March p.51
Parade Map p.56
Festival Map p.57
Equality March Map p. 58
Prides Guides: Jerry & Destiny p.61
Sister Act: The Pointer Sisters p.71
Unapologetically Authentic: Vassy p.73
Capital Pride Entertainment Lineup p.77
Party Capital: Pride Nightlife & More p.81

Richard Legg-Benavides and Jerry Houston / Photography by Julian Vankim

JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY 45

 Living Icon
Edie Windsors Supreme Court case paved the way for nationwide marriage equality. Even at 87,
the Pride Parade Grand Marshal is more than ready for a weekend of celebration and protest.
Interview by John Riley

HE NAME EDIE WINDSOR HAS BECOME SYNONY-
mous with LGBTQ rights. The lionhearted 87-year-old
made history in 2010 when she sued the federal govern-
ment over its enforcement of the anti-gay Defense of
Marriage Act. Under the act, the government refused
PHOTOCOURTESY OF EDIE WINDSOR
Windsors victory in the nations highest court provided the
basis for later decisions, most notably the Courts 2015 ruling in
Obergefell v. Hodges, overturning various state bans on same-sex
marriage.
Because of the historic nature of her win, and the precedent

to recognize her marriage to longtime partner and spouse Thea
Spyer, leaving Windsor with a bill of more than $363,000 in
estate taxes. Not one to shrink away from a challenge, Windsor
took her case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled
that the government must recognize the legal marriages of gay
and lesbian spouses in the same way that heterosexual marriages
are recognized.
it set for the future of LGBTQ rights, Windsor has become a
mini-celebrity in the community. Shes earned several honors,
including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National
LGBTQ Task Force, an Individual Leadership Award from
PFLAG, and the Keeping Faith Award from the American
Constitution Society for Law & Policy. That fame has prompted
people to stop her on the street to ask her to take photos with

JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY 47

them, or to express their thanks for her trailblazing ways. out of 300 or 3,000 or 3 million responses to something, you
Its like a big love affair between me and the gay communi- get two mean ones. Within seconds, all of the other people are
ty, Windsor says. When they stop me on the street, its always telling the mean ones how wrong they are. So I feel pretty strong
to say something nice, to thank me for something. Its all joy and about how the wider public feels with me.
its all love. If I get on the subway, theres always somebody across the
As Capital Pride seeks to revisit its roots and renew the way who will say, Are you Edie? Kids stop me on the street
spirit of LGBTQ activism that was sparked by the Stonewall to thank me for everything Ive done and am doing. So if theres
Riots almost five decades ago, it is only fitting that Windsor was a community out there that doesnt like me, I literally dont see
named one of four grand marshals of the 2017 Capital Pride them.
Parade. Shell join Jim Obergefell, lesbian social justice activist MW: What would you like your legacy to be?
Mandy Carter, and San Diego City Commissioner and LGBTQ WINDSOR: I think just the Supreme Court, frankly.
rights advocate Nicole Murray-Ramirez on the route. MW: How did you feel about Trump appointee Neil Gorsuchs con-
Despite the angst many LGBTQ people feel under the Trump firmation to the Supreme Court?
administration, Windsor does not believe the hard-fought gains WINDSOR: Its disastrous. But do I think he has the control
of the LGBTQ rights movement can be so easily to change much for us?
reversed whether its marriage or the right to live No, I dont. I think some
free from discrimination. While progress may not I worked for IBM things that have not yet
be linear, Windsors life journey, including her own been taken up, some of
transition from closeted computer programmer to for 16 years. I lied the things that never hap-
the driving force behind one of the most consequen- pened under the last pres-
tial Supreme Court decisions in queer history, is tes- for 16 years to peo- ident, which we wanted?
tament to how societal acceptance of LGBTQ people Those still might not hap-
continues to evolve. ple I loved. We ate pen and we might have to
People are slow to get many things, says wait until the end of the
Windsor. But ultimately, they get stuck, like when lunch together, we four years or two years
they discover that their kid is gay, they discover with a new Congress.
that their next door neighbors gay. Attitudes begin had drinks togeth- But other than that,
to change gradually. Ten years ago, the majority of I think we probably still
people in this country were not in favor of our mar- er, we spent week- have a semi-majority on
riages. But today, they are.
ends together. ITS the Court. We would still
have four against five
METRO WEEKLY: How does it feel to be chosen as
Grand Marshal of Capital Pride? UNLIKELY THAT where we, in essence, have
five well, we have four
EDIE WINDSOR: Its always joyous to be chosen to be
the Grand Marshal. And Ive been it in a number of LGBT PEOPLE IN and two quarters, let me
put it that way. So I dont
circumstances. This is, of course, the biggest one,
and the most powerful. Its a little different this year THE UNITED STATES think Gorsuch is going to
be a big deal. I think the
than previous years, because our political circum-
stances are different. WOULD HAVE TO best thing we could do
with him is remind him
I feel a responsibility to make sure that everybody
whos with us, everybody whos spending the day DO SUCH A THING somehow that his daugh-
ters may turn out to be
with us or the week with us, realizes the extent to
which we are a community. And there is going to be AGAIN. gay. Certainly, his neigh-
bors might, and a lot of
a lot of difficulty, but we also are more established other people.
and ready for it than we ever have been before. So I feel espe- MW: Do you ever worry about the Supreme Court changing and
cially important as a Grand Marshal to make sure that I get the endangering LGBTQ rights? For instance, if Justice Ginsburg or
message across. Justice Kennedy were to retire?
MW: On the same day as the Pride festival, theres a national WINDSOR: Hopefully, everybody stays there. But even if the
LGBTQ March on Washington. Whats your advice for the mod- Court becomes more against us in numbers, its really hard to
ern-day activists who are assembling the march? change Supreme Court decisions.
WINDSOR: I think the activists have already answered that ques- Our significant Supreme Court victories today are laws of the
tion. They are defending our rights all over the country at the land. For instance, Roe v. Wade. We did not have a [pro-choice]
moment. Were all a little more defensive than we had to be last majority for a lot of those years, but it didnt matter, because its a
year or the year before. I think everybodys aware of that. strong law. Hopefully, well get more people into the Senate and
My sense is hang in, stay connected with everybody. Dont let have more strength on our own side. Well spend much more
anything make you feel that somehow they can beat us, because attention not on the specific rights that theyre dealing with, but
they cant. Weve got some very strong Supreme Court prece- on who were putting into the Congress. I dont think our main
dents on our side. It would be very difficult to destroy what we rights will be touched. So that includes the marriage stuff. I dont
have. think they have a chance in hell.
MW: Youre now a prominent figure in the LGBTQ rights move- MW: How does it make you feel when you hear about states trying
ment. How have people treated you? to invalidate the Supreme Courts rulings on same-sex marriage?
WINDSOR: The public is kind of wonderful with me. I guess Ive WINDSOR: My case already gave us the right to marry and the
become everybodys icon, in some sense. Every once in awhile, right for the federal government to protect us. A state cant

48 JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY

change the law of the federal government. They would literally
have to go in and kill Obergefells whole case to do otherwise.
Texas cannot change the law for any other state, nor can
Tennessee. All theyre changing is the law of their state. So what
I would say to people who live in Texas and Tennessee, depend-
ing on who you are and how old you are and the like, dont panic.
If worse comes to worse, move.
The lawyer for my case [Roberta Kaplan] has been working
with most of the Southern states. It is a hard job, but shes mak-
ing some progress. Again, in many cases, individuals are going to
have to get out of those states. But you also have to remember
[the state appeals court in] Texas was the first place that said you
cant put a man in jail for sleeping with another man. So its very
hard to say. But they cant ignore the Supreme Courts ruling
completely. They can only ignore it as it particularly pertains to
their state.
MW: Can you imagine a situation where people might have to hide
their identity because of anti-LGBTQ laws?
WINDSOR: No, I cant really. Again, I think its conceivable that
some people in a state like Tennessee might feel that way, and
my answer to that is move. Its easier to move. If you cant move,
if family obligations keep you in place, then indeed, you may
have to hide your identity. But some of us will never hide our
identity again.
I worked for IBM for 16 years. I lied for 16 years to people I
loved. We ate lunch together, we had drinks together, we spent
weekends together until I met Thea. Today, you dont have to
do that at IBM. You dont do that anywhere, almost. Its unlikely
that LGBT people in the United States would have to do such a
thing again.
MW: What was the impact of having to hide at work?
WINDSOR: None, really, because I had a whole life outside of
work. Also, I enjoyed the time spent with my colleagues. They
were my friends. I just couldnt talk about my life outside of
there.
Afterwards, when Theas and my marriage appeared in The
New York Times, we heard from people from every walk of our
lives. Hundreds and hundreds of people I mean, kids that I
played with when I was young in fifth grade and stuff like that.
The reaction I got from everybody I worked with at IBM was,
Edie, youve lied to us! How come? Or, Edie, how come you
didnt go to the wine tasting? And my answer of course was,
Well, because I was queer then.
MW: What does Pride mean to you?
WINDSOR: I see the word pride in general as the opposite of
shame or stigma. Pride is unwilling to yield to either of them.
That certainly has been true of the LGBT community, and over
the years weve become much less apprehensive, less ashamed
or worried that someone would know were gay. So the oppo-
site of shame is really what Pride means. In this case, we use
our pride to join together, to work together, to understand that
we can help each other, as well as ourselves, during a period of
uncertainty.
MW: That ties in with Capital Prides theme this year, the idea of
being unapologetically proud.
WINDSOR: Yes. I just think its a wonderful expression of it. You
cant frighten us anymore. l
The Capital Pride Parade is on Saturday, June 10, from 4:30-7:30
p.m. The parade starts at 22nd and P Streets NW, and ends near
14th and R Streets NW. For more information,
visit capitalpride.org.
JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY 49

Forward March
Invoking the spirit of the first Prides, the Equality March is a call for equity as much as a protest
against inequality By John Riley
NE SATURDAY IN JANUARY, DAVID BRUINOOGE
was doing some work in his Brooklyn apartment. The
television played in the background, and he listened
to coverage of the National Womens March. When
he realized the size of the crowds marching on the
National Mall, he was struck by a thought: Why wasnt the
LGBTQ community mobilizing in the same way?
The 43-year-old producer took to Facebook to ask his just
that. After speaking with a friend, he created a Facebook event
page suggesting that LGBTQ people rally in the nations capital
on Sunday, June 11. The response was overwhelming as thou-
sands spread news of the event, quickly dubbed the Equality
March for Unity and Pride.
I think its necessary to march, because certain sectors of
our community thought that once marriage equality passed,
the fight was over, says Bruinooge, one of 12 co-chairs for the
Equality March. We need to redefine what the next stage is
ALEXMAK7
in our communitys fight. There are a lot of people...within our
larger LGBTQ community that are still hurting and need help.
As part of the march, demonstrators will pass the White
House on the way to the National Mall a symbolic and very
public gesture of defiance against a presidential administration
that many see as hostile to their interests. Bruinooge points to a
number of pressing issues that are either under threat or must
be dealt with.
We see whats happening, violence against transgender mem-
bers of our community, discriminatory laws that keep popping
up, so theres clearly issues out there, Bruinooge says. Elder
rights need to be addressed. We still have a major youth homeless
problem in this country, and 40 percent of them are LGBT youth.
HIV, AIDS rates keep increasing in the black community. These
are issues that need to be addressed and focused on.
In organizing the march, Bruinooge reached out to a diverse
group of people to serve as co-chairs. Incorporating an array of
JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY 51
 WE NEED TO REDEFINE WHAT
THE NEXT STAGE IS IN OUR
COMMUNITYS FIGHT. There are
a lot of people...within our larger
LGBTQ community that are still
hurting and need help.
David Bruinooge, co-chair, Equality March
voices with different lived experiences helped highlight issues forefront as it impacts LGBTQ equality. We understand that gay
beyond marriage equality or bathroom bills. Racial justice, marriage was a huge win for the community, but undocumented
immigration, reproductive justice, environmental causes, health individuals can still not get married, or get access to health care.
care, and a glut of other issues have been incorporated into the And if the repeal of the ACA happens, equity is not going to be
marchs official 15-point platform. the same for a transgender person. And folks affected by HIV,
We want to show how LGBTQ as a community is impacted their access to medication isnt going to be the same.
by the environment, by mental health, by labor, says March In addition to the general concept of equality, the march will
co-chair Jose Plaza. So were putting all those issues at the focus on the importance of achieving equity for those LGBTQ

52 JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY

people at the margins.
The goal is to remind people that theres diversity within
the LGBT community, but with that diversity come different
challenges that we need to be aware of, adds Plaza, because
there are those in our community who are dying at the hands
of over-policing, and community violence, and being deported
back to home countries where theyre being murdered for who
they are.
While hundreds of thousands are expected to march, those
who cannot make it to D.C. are being encouraged to participate
in solidarity events in 95 cities across the globe.
This is what democracy looks like, and thats citizens ris-
ing up to make their voices heard, and be actively participating
in society, says Bruinooge.
Immediately following the march, organizers have tenta-
tively arranged for a rally on the National Mall. If it doesnt gel,
Bruinooge says organizers may instead hold a press conference
aimed at communicating the message behind the march to a
wider audience.
As for holding the march on Pride weekend, the choice was
a deliberate one.
I knew there would be a lot of people in the city, he says.
Not being from D.C., obviously I didnt know the landscape
of Capital Pride, but knew there would be people in D.C. who
would want to attend.
When Capital Pride first heard about Bruinooges event,
they reached out to him to discuss logistics, so that the march
would not conflict with the Concert and Festival held that day.
Were building our programming around the march, says
Ryan Bos, the executive director of Capital Pride. The overar-
ching schedule is the same. We hope to have the festival ready
54 JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY
to go at noon. In terms of when the concert stage begins, the
final run of show, we are working in partnership to ensure a
positive narrative and a good flow.
We want to ensure a very empowering weekend for all,
and provide opportunities for individuals to get engaged and
be inspired to take action, and do the work thats going to be
needed, beyond any single march or any single pride week-
end, Bos continues. This work needs to be done 365 days of
the year. We hope the relationships that have been developed
through these conversations can continue, and that we can
hold future conversations that can be fruitful.
As to whether the march will be an annual occurrence,
Bruinooge hedges. It depends on future political circumstanc-
es.
I think there is a sense that people in the community want
to have marches, especially right now, in addition to celebra-
tions of pride of our community. So it could very well happen.
Bruinooge also notes that the march harkens back to the
genesis of Pride, which began with the Stonewall Riots of
1969 in response to continued police harassment and raids of
LGBTQ bars.
Prides initially started off as marches and protests, and the
people who have come before us have sacrificed, have done
so much work to get to where we are as a community now.
So marching is a way to sort of honor those people who were
brave enough to take those initial steps. l
The Equality March for Unity and Pride starts on Sunday, June
11, at 10 a.m., at I and 17th Streets, NW. Participants are encour-
aged to begin lining up at 9 a.m. For more information,
visit equalitymarch2017.org.
Capital Pride Parade Route
Capital Pride Festival Map
Equality March Route
Prides Guides
Once a year, Jerry Houston and Destiny B. Childs take center stage on
Pennsylvania Avenue and fill it with Pride
Interview by Randy Shulman
Photography by Julian Vankim

JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY 61

C
ALL IT FATE. CALL IT KISMET. CALL IT...
well, call it destiny. But Capital Pride emcees Jerry
Houston and Destiny B. Childs are such a natural
pairing, they seem custom made for the event.
Once a year, on the second Sunday in June, they
take charge of the main stage now known as the
Monument Stage and, with the Capitol dome majestically ris-
ing behind them, glinting in the summer sun, they guide the mas-
sive, assembled crowd through a day of performances, speakers,
and even an annual crowd-pumping Metro Weekly cover shoot.
One of my favorite parts about being able to host is to hype
up the crowd for that shoot, says Childs, who, when out of drag,
goes by Richard Legg-Benavides. To hear that roar coming
from that massive amount of people out there is awesome.
At a glance, Houston and Childs seem polar opposites. Hes
soft-spoken and gentle-natured, shes pure brass and sass,
exactly what youd expect from a multiple title-holding (Miss
Ziegfelds, Miss Freddies, Miss Gay USA, etc., etc., etc.), local
drag legend. Shes the sarcastic comic, hes the happy-go-lucky
straight man. She brings the sparkle and flamboyance, he brings
the friendly, bearish, everyman charm. Together, they make the
perfect guides to Capital Pride.
Houston, 40, grew up in Baltimore County and works in
radio, these days as Director of Client Services for iHeartMedia.
Hes a swing DJ on HOT 99.5, filling in where needed, and has
his own show on iHeartRadios Pride Radio, accessible through
I had a problem with RuPaul. For the
whole first song, she stood at the back
of the stage, as far away as possible
from the audience. She didnt move.
IM LIKE WHAT? WHO DO YOU THINK
YOU ARE? YOURE NO BETTER THAN
ANYBODY ELSE. Destiny B. Childs
an app and via internet connected cars and home devices. Were
on 24 hours, every day, he beams. We have a DJ on every sin-
gle day. Its programmed and hosted by members of the LGBTQ
community from across the country.
Legg-Benavides, meanwhile, was raised in Florida and
Arizona and moved to D.C. after he was stationed at Walter Reed
while in the Army. He currently works as Inspector General
for the Department of Defense. My specialty is whistleblower
reprisal cases, he says. I inspect fraud, waste, and abuse with
the government.
His alter-ego, Destiny B. Childs, was born out of happen-
stance.
I was Mr. Remingtons at the time, and they did a turnabout
night and put me in drag, says the 39-year-old. I enjoyed it. A
lot. It was actually Ophelia Bottoms who said to me after I got
off stage, This is what you need to be doing. Youre a natural at
being a drag queen. Im like, Okay, Ill try it. Here I am, sixteen
years later.
Portraying Destiny has helped give Legg-Benavides more
confidence. Destiny doesnt give two shits, he says. She
62 JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY
doesnt take crap from anybody. People used to walk all over me.
I was picked on as a child. I was bullied. Destiny started being
more brave than Rick was. When I was in drag, I would say what
I wanted, do what I wanted, I didnt care. That has since moved
into Rick, so Rick is the same way now. He laughs. A lot of
people call Destiny a bitch. I like to say thats what the B stands
for in her name.
Both men are happily partnered Jerrys relationship is
going on nearly six years, while Destinys marriage hit the
17-year mark not long ago. Three months ago he became an
adoptive father, officially, to his partners 24-year-old daughter.
Were sitting in the in cluttered basement storeroom of
Freddies Beach Bar, the iconic Alexandria, Va. LGBTQ bar
where Destiny runs the popular, 15-year-old drag show Freddies
Follies. Nearby, a Freddies employee quietly eats his lunch, pre-
tending not to listen, but clearly rapt, as Childs and Houston con-
verse with heartfelt openness about of their years with Capital
Pride, what it means to them, and why the day is and always
will be so incredibly important to us all. Especially now.
METRO WEEKLY: Lets start with the fact that you have emceed
Prides main stage together for...
JERRY HOUSTON: This will be our eighth year, right?
DESTINY B. CHILDS: Eighth year together. I hosted on my own for
several years before Jerry came aboard.
MW: At one point, Pride used to rotate through various emcees
throughout the day. Do you think it helps to
have a consistent annual presence?
JERRY: I think so. You have a certain level
of consistency. I think people are now
comfortable having us up there. Were all
there as one big family, and were fortunate
to have been chosen for that. This is our
chance to really celebrate our communi-
tys accomplishments and just be ourselves.
And its so great to be able to do that and
make sure everybodys heard.
DESTINY: How do I put this without people
laughing at us? Were not spotlight queens.
We dont have to be out there talking. We
get out there, we do what we need to, we
introduce the next act, and we get off. We
let the entertainers do what theyre there
to do. We just get out there, we do our job, and nobody has to
sit there and guide us and teach us. We get our piece of paper
with the days lineup and we roll with it. And the two of us work
well off each other. If Im on the stage with Jerry, I know the
look from him when its We need to leave or I need you to
keep talking. One time, we had to kill time, and they were like,
Destiny, just perform. So I had to do seven numbers in a row
in the same outfit which was bothering me, because I never do
that. In the middle of it, there was a torrential downpour. I got
soaking wet, but I didnt stop entertaining.
MW: What caused the delay?
JERRY: I think it was the weather, it was starting to get fright-
ening. And we had a couple acts that werent quite ready to go
on stage.
DESTINY: Every year now I bring a CD of music, just in case.
JERRY: Thats also why we have DJ Twin on stage now to help.
He can just spin music if we need him to.
MW: Whats has been the biggest challenge in all your years of
hosting?
DESTINY: I will tell you my biggest challenge: When RuPaul was
JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY 63
64 JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY
there in 2009.
JERRY: [Laughs.] Oh, I wasnt there for that one. But I sure heard
about it.
DESTINY: I had a problem with RuPaul. First, she was two and a
half hours late. Then she wanted the backstage area cut in half,
and there was a line that nobody was allowed to cross. There
were no pictures allowed. And when she finally showed up,
they purposely put a tent up on the side of the stage right next
to the stairs. I thought her car was going to drive into the tent.
But it pulled up that close and she went in real fast, changed her
clothes and plopped on stage. For the whole first song, she stood
at the back of the stage, as far away as possible from the audi-
ence. She didnt move. And Im like What? Who do you think
you are? Youre no better than anybody else.
JERRY: [Laughs.] I want to make it clear that was before HOT
99.5 and iHeartRa-
dios involvement.
DESTINY: Oh, and
everybody had to be
Youre on Americas Main Street. The Capitol is
off the stage she
didnt even want the
behind you, the White House is ahead of you. The
DJ on the stage. And
the host had better
event helps people really truly feel empowered
not introduce her
because she has her
to make a difference. AND THAT CROWD ON
own intro already
pre-recorded.
PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE IS THE GREATEST.
Well, I was pissed. EVERYONE IS SO LOUD. Jerry Houston
Im like, RuPauls an
idol of mine, and I
was excited to meet her all day. And then now theyre telling
me this. In true Destiny fashion, I still introduced her. And then
I planted a chair on the side of the stage and sat there and took
pictures of her entire performance. Just to piss her off.
MW: Jerry, you mention HOT 99.5s involvement. How did that
come about?
JERRY: Id started hosting before HOT 99.5 was a full Presidential
Sponsor of Capital Pride, and I got to see the operation. I saw a
lot of room for improvement. Having a background of producing
a lot of concerts and shows, the gears started turning. I was like,
How can I get involved? How can I make this even better? I
went to Capital Pride, and said What can we do to make this
bigger and better? because it brings so much more attention to
the cause. We have this power. Lets put it to good use.
When the radio station started supporting Pride, they helped
us make connections through some of the acts that weve had in
recent years, like Charlie Puth, Meghan Trainor, and Rita Ora.
And this year, Miley Cyrus and Tinashe. Its a world of differ-
ence from where we were ten years ago.
DESTINY: HOT 99.5 has revamped the entire process and its
absolutely amazing. Its streamlined. Its so easy. I remember
before how hectic it was. The very first year they had me host the
entire day by myself, I was ready to pull my own wig off. I think I
actually did at one point. Jerry and HOT 99.5 have taken this to
where we really dont have hiccups anymore.
MW: Are you looking forward to working with Miley Cyrus?
DESTINY: Oh, Im so excited for Miley Cyrus this year, I could
just spit.
MW: Unless she clears the backstage area...
JERRY: I dont think thatll happen. Ive talked to all of the people
associated with her production team and theyre all genuinely
excited to play this show. I havent seen this level of excitement
from an artist team in a long time.
MW: Why do you think that is?
JERRY: I think its because its Miley. This is a cause thats near
and dear to her heart. She has her own foundation, the Happy
Hippie Foundation, that helps homeless LGBTQ youth. She has
an opportunity to make a difference with her charity, bring that
to light, talk to all of these people and its in the nations capital
in what is a tumultuous time. Shes an activist at heart, so she
gets to be right here, in the center of everything.
MW: Jerry, in your experience dealing with musical artists, are the
younger straight ones coming around as far as playing at pride
events is concerned?
JERRY: Coming around? I dont know if I would say that. I think
they have already been around and this is second nature to them.
Even probably as recent as ten years ago, you had artists who
would question it. Do I want to be at a Pride Festival? Hows
that going to be for my image? That doesnt happen anymore.
We dont have that conversation. People on stage now are there
because they are either part of the community, or they are a huge
ally and want to use their power to bring attention to the cause.
Thats the best part of that stage its an open mike: you can say
what you want, everyone can hear you.
MW: Do you think the fact that theyre performing in front of the
Capitol has resonance for them?
JERRY: I think so. It has a huge impact. Youre right there on
Americas Main Street. The Capitol is behind you, the White
House is ahead of you. This event helps people really truly
feel empowered to make a difference, make a change. And that
crowd on Pennsylvania Avenue is the greatest. Everyone is so
loud. The imagery is overwhelming. I remember when Icona
Pop performed it was right at the height of their popularity
with their single, I Love It and they said to us that they had
never played for a crowd that large before. They loved the expe-
rience because it was just momentous and monumental, really.
MW: Lets talk about that crowd for a moment, because this is
something that the average, everyday person doesnt get to expe-
rience. I remember when we started to do Metro Weeklys annual
crowd cover shot, I was overcome by the sheer size and scope of all
the people, just looking out from the stage. Its hard to describe the
powerful feeling you get from it.
JERRY: The very first time I looked out from the stage and saw
all those people, I was scared to death. You walk out there and
youre like, Theyre all looking at me! What am I gonna say?
But you start to realize that nobodys judging anybody. And
thats whats great about the crowd people are there to have
fun, to have a good time. I got comfortable, and once that com-
forts there, it just builds.
I think an important part of what makes our festival stand
out from all the rest around the country is that were bringing
JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY 65
in such huge names and its still a free festival and concert to anything. Its like the one day you literally dont have anything
attend. There are cities that arent as fortunate, and they have to to worry about.
charge to help foot the bill and pay for those things. But thats DESTINY: I agree. I would never turn a sponsor away. It bothers
the wonderful part about all the sponsors we have. They help us me when I hear groups in our community say those sorts of
with all of that. I hear about it all the time from people espe- things. We dont need corporate sponsors. Well, no, we do.
cially youth who wouldnt have the money to drop at some pri- You dont need them to be proud of who you are to throw a
vate events, where its like 75 bucks to go. They dont have that party, but we do need them because its showing America that
kinda cash. Pride should be free were here, and we have their
for everybody, especially here support.
in the nations capital. Anyone You scream for equality, you
who wants to celebrate should scream to be treated just like
be able to celebrate. everybody else well, dont
DESTINY: For me, it was dif- push people away. Thats how I
ferent coming from hosting a look at it. Why would you push
show in a bar of 80 people to somebody away that wants to
all of a sudden, I walk on stage come in and help us? We want
and Im staring at thousands you to be able to celebrate and
and thousands of people. Its have a good time. So I welcome
very nerve-racking. But its just any sponsorship that comes to
one of those things. You have us.
to grab yourself by the balls MW: Part of their argument is
and find them, because at that that many of these corporations
point, I dont know where mine have controversial stances in
are when Im in drag! [Laughs.] other areas, such as the environ-
You gotta do the job were there ment or judicial system. In your
to do. opinion, can a company have
MW: Do you ever give yourself a controversial position outside
a moment to reflect about the the LGBTQ realm and still be a
fact that youre looking out over sponsor of Pride?
a literal sea of LGBTQ people JERRY: Thats a question I
throughout the day? know the Capital Pride Board
DESTINY: Its... just thinking is tackling every day.
about it is tearing me up. Its DESTINY: Id say to each to their
extremely emotional. Jerry and own. You have a right to sup-
I have talked about this. I look port who you want to support.
forward to it every year because In your own daily life, there
it means so much to me that Im might be things that you sup-
able to be there as a voice, on port that your best friend refus-
a microphone, on this stage, in es to support. Does that mean
our nations capital, for all those people that are out there on that youve got to stop being friends? No. To each their own. Do what
street. People who, I dont even know if theyre out at home, or you want to do.
not. I dont know if they hide the fact that theyre gay during the JERRY: I do think theres too much polarization now. I think
week. But theyre out here today, celebrating who they are and theres got to be common ground that we can all find and build
who they love. So its very emotional and its very touching to on. Thats my biggest thing. The political climate is really so
stand there with Jerry and represent them. difficult to navigate right now. Everyones afraid of offending
JERRY: It is emotionally draining. The excitement of that day is someone. Find that common ground. Lets build from there.
hard to describe. MW: Much of the time, the days tone is set by the weather. Weve
MW: A vocal opposing faction to Pride emerged earlier this year. had beautiful days. Weve had torrential downpours. Weve had
One thing theyve asked is that Pride abandon all major corporate heat waves. Weve seen it all and gotten through it. Thats part of
sponsorships. What do you think about that? the luck and makeup of the day.
JERRY: I would never want to turn anyone away from participat- JERRY: Yep, it is.
ing in a Pride celebration, and that includes companies who have MW: But what we never expected to have at Pride was what
LGBTQ employees. Those employees love that their company occurred last year. Our community and the nation woke up
supports them. And I think thats whats really important. I think to the news of the Pulse shootings. How did the tragedy change the
if you look at Prides of the past, it was a big deal when the first day for you?
sponsors would come on board, because at that time, many com- JERRY: It was... it was...
panies didnt want to associate with our lifestyle. I think thats DESTINY: It was horrible. It was hard.
something the opposing group is missing. They dont realize, JERRY: It was really hard, because we struggled with how do you
from a Pride perspective, how that has changed over the past have a good time when this just happened? And we knew there
couple of decades. Its been a massive shift. The sponsors make it were a lot of people who just wanted to find a release for the day.
possible for us to do what we do and I think its fantastic. I love DESTINY: Right.
that we dont have to rely on people paying out of their pocket JERRY: It was just so... We were lost, I think, that morning.
to show their pride. Come. Celebrate. Be you. Dont worry about DESTINY: I remember Jerry and I pulled ourselves to the side

66 JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY

and we had our moment about it, with each other. Im trying to JERRY: A lot of different things. But mostly it means that I dont
hold back tears right now, because its still emotional but we have to say Im sorry for being who I am. I think a lot of people
told each other we have a job to do. We will give the victims the have felt that way, especially recently. You have people who
respect thats deserved. Well might not be as open as they
have that moment of silence, once were. They backed off a
which we did, several times little bit because of the current
during the day. Other than that, political climate. I think this
we went on with our job. message is to make sure that
It was hard for us because those people know that you
we both wanted to mourn and dont need to do that. Were
make sure everybody was taken still here, and were not going
care of. We didnt want to over- anywhere. Well get through
shadow it and just put it to the this. Be proud. Be who you are,
side. We did the best we could and dont apologize for it. Dont
to keep it up front and center, be sorry.
but at the same time, we needed DESTINY: My heart bleeds rain-
to have our fun and celebrate bow, and it always will. I am
Pride in their honor. One of the who I am, and Im not changing
first things we said when we for anybody. And thats what
walked out there, was, Today, unapologetically proud means
in their honor, were gonna to me. Im very proud to be a
scream louder than we ever gay man. I dont hide the fact
have. And we did. that Im gay, even when I got
JERRY: Sure did. Every single a new boss a year ago. The
person involved at that show very first thing I told him was,
came to us and said, We know Yeah, Im married. Ive been
what happened, we want to still married to my husband for 16
go out, and we want to be able to years, and we have a 24-year
honor their memory in our own old daughter. And you see it in
way. Meghan Trainor, Charlie their faces its a little shock
Puth they all dedicated their because Im so open about it.
performances to Pulse. I think With the political climate that
it helped us all get through the we have. So I think its more
day because as a community, important now more than ever
everyone was together in one place and we could all deal with to be out there and to make your voice heard. To say we deserve
it together. the same as everybody else in this world.
MW: Destiny, youre one of the co-chairs of the Equality March. MW: This is the first time in the last eight years that the adminis-
Hows that going? tration has not declared June as an official Pride Month, complete
DESTINY: Its rough, but its going. with a reception at the White House. Okay, no real surprise there,
MW: Why is it rough? but still, it was incredibly meaningful to be acknowledged during
DESTINY: Because its just a lot. Especially with Pride as well. the Obama years.
One of the things I was very grateful for is that the board and JERRY: Trump declared it as Homeowners Month or something.
the committees with the march have done their very best not Great Outdoors month. There was a list.
to impede onto Pride. They didnt want to interrupt any Pride MW: A list we werent on.
event that was going on. And that was the way its been since day JERRY: Which is why its important, now more than ever, to
one when [David Bruinooge] posted on Facebook, I think this is be united as one voice. Its a great juxtaposition in the Nations
what we should do on this weekend and it just went from there. Capital to have this gigantic celebration where everyone is mov-
He had no clue it would get to this, but it did. And it is what it is, ing towards a common goal, as opposed to the current adminis-
and it is gonna be what its gonna be. Its a March thats needed. tration, which would rather ignore its even happening. Thats
I completely agree with it. why we need to bring everyone together, to be that one voice
Now, Im not completely happy that its on our weekend, but that speaks louder than anything else. We have to make that
Im happy about the fact that the march is bringing all these difference this year.
extra people in from out of town. DESTINY: They might not light up the White House with a rain-
JERRY: It amplifies what we were doing. Its a great, com- bow, but were gonna light up Pennsylvania Avenue. Its gonna
plimentary event. Its bringing in so many more people that be amazing. Its gonna be beautiful. Just like it always has been
wouldnt necessarily participate in a Pride event. You get a and always will be. Were not going anywhere. l
whole new audience, and everybody gets to enjoy everything.
As soon as the march ends, our festival begins, and everyone is The Capital Pride Festival is Sunday, June 11, from noon to 7 p.m.
welcome to come over. The Monument Stage, will go live at 1 p.m. with performances
DESTINY: I think its gonna be our biggest crowd yet. until 7 p.m., capped by a headliner appearance by Miley Cyrus and
JERRY: [Laughs.] Its a good problem to have. a Dance Party with DJ Tracy Young. For the latest, up-to-date
MW: This years theme is Unapologetically Proud. What does information, as well as information on VIP Pride Concert Tickets,
being unapologetically proud mean to you? visit capitalpride.org.

68 JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY

 Sister Act
E LEARNED ABSOLUTELY NOTHING ABOUT
gay and lesbian people at home, says Ruth Pointer,
the eldest member of the Grammy-winning
Pointer Sisters. Its a surprising revelation, given
the group which was originally comprised of
sisters Anita, Bonnie and June has long supported the LGBTQ
community and makes a habit of appearing at Pride festivals
around the country, including this weekend at the Capital Pride
Concert. But the sisters grew up in a strict religious household,
where gay rights were never discussed.
It wasnt until we started in the music business, and got
in touch with the scene over in Haight-Ashbury that we real-
ly came in contact with anyone who was gay, Pointer says.
Helping in their gay education was Sylvester James, who
would not only become a friend, but go from being a member of
avant-garde drag troupe The Cockettes to international fame as
a star in his own right.
My first professional performance with my sisters was sing-
ing backup for Sylvester at the Peppermint Tree, she says. He
didnt think I was flamboyant enough for his act, so he glammed
me up.
The sisters got their start by showcasing an uncanny ability
to harmonize with one another. We grew up singing in our
fathers church, and discovered we just had a natural talent, she
says. Despite lacking any formal training, they used their magical
sound to launch a career that has lasted over four decades, start-
ing with their eponymous debut album in 1973. Forays beyond
R&B into pop, jazz and country brought critical and commercial
success. That latter genre brought the Pointer Sisters their first
Grammy Award, becoming the first and, to date, only black
female artists to win a Grammy for country music.
Often referred to as crossover artists, Pointer says theyve
never shied from the term. We embraced it. We always wanted
all kinds of audiences to enjoy our music. Throughout the 80s,
The Pointer Sisters a trio after Bonnie left the group to go
solo released a slew of hits. A mainstay on pop and R&B radio,
with unavoidable hits such as the silken Slow Hand and the
poppy Hes So Shy, the group garnered multi-platinum album
sales and earned two more Grammys, for party anthem Jump
(For My Love) and the electro-dance single Automatic, led by
Ruths deeply husky vocal.
Enjoying tremendous onstage success, the sisters navigated
troubled waters offstage, from issues with record companies
to drug use. Pointer chronicled it all in a 2016 memoir, Im Still
Excited!: My Life as a Pointer Sister. The Massachusetts-based
mom has plenty of dishy stories to share about the trios heyday,
like opening for Richard Pryor or partying with celebrity man-
ager Sandy Gallin, who also represented Dolly Parton, Michael
Jackson, and Cher. Sandy knew everybody, and he threw the
meanest Christmas parties, she says. Youd meet the likes of
Elizabeth Taylor or Madonna standing in the line for food. It
was hilarious.
That sense of humor has helped carry Pointer through losses,
like sister June to cancer in 2006. Now, with sister Anita hav-
ing retired, Ruth leads a new Pointer Sisters that includes her
daughter, Issa, and granddaughter, Sadako.
Its the energy we have thats special, she says. When were
performing a song, and loving it, that energy comes through. Its
infectious. Its for everybody. Bring your family, bring your kids,
bring your grandma. We wanna see everybody dancing. l
The Pointer Sisters are scheduled to perform on the Main Stage
of the Capital Pride Concert on Sunday, June 11, sometime
between 4 and 5 p.m. Times are subject to change. For the latest
updates, and info on how to purchase VIP or Pit Passes, visit
capitalpride.org.
JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY 71
 AD VASSY LISTENED
to her music teachers
when she was seven-
years-old, she might
never have become
a certified Platinum recording
artist with multiple chart-top-
ping dance hits.
I always wanted to do
music, even from a young
age, says the Australian-born
vocalist. But I was actually
kicked out of school choir. I
was told I dont have what
it takes. Can you believe that
shit? I have sort of a weird
voice. But I think its because
I was just instinctively an art-
ist, at a young age. I probably
wasnt singing the melody like
the rest of the kids, following
protocol. I was totally doing
my own little thing.
Its that same power-
ful, brassy, yet soulful voice
thats propelled Vassys rise.
The 34-year-old has had five
different singles reach the
top ten on Billboards Dance
Club Songs Chart, including
No. 1 hits We Are Young,
Hustlin, and Nothing to
Lose, her most recent project,
produced by the Godfather of
EDM, Tisto. Her trademark
voice has also been featured
on popular singles like Tisto
and KSHMRs Secrets and
David Guetta and Showteks
Bad, which earned her an
award in 2015 at the 30th
ROSS ERICSSON

Annual International Dance

Music Awards.
Vassy has always been an

Unapologetically Authentic
Vassy is bold and fearless, in both her career and her defense of human rights
By John Riley

JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY 73

unapologetic defender of the downtrodden, outcasts, and the
marginalized, speaking out against bullying, working with peo-
ple with disabilities, advocating for at-risk teenagers, and serv-
ing as an LGBTQ ally and ambassador to the NoH8 campaign.
When I was 14 in high school, one of my dearest friends,
a special little soul, used to get teased, she says. I remember
one day asking him, When are you going to tell your fami-
ly you like boys? He just looked at me, poor thing. He was
shocked, and he started crying.... I didnt even know what gay
was. I just instinctively was in tune with sexuality, and how it
can differ, and its a versatile place.
I was just one of those kids, like I dont give a shit. If I ever
saw anyone vulnerable get teased, I would just step in and tell
that little bully where to go. I wanted, from a young age, to
protect people who got teased by other people, and thats how I
became passionate about advocating for human rights. Not just
gay rights, but all rights.
Currently hitting various festivals and Gay Prides inter-
nationally, Vassy is especially thrilled to be performing at the
Capital Pride Concert on Sunday, June 11.
The energy at these festivals is awesome, she says. People
are really there to celebrate, and its a day where everyones
coming together to celebrate the same thing. I feel there is a
bond, a very special bond, that happens. Its that one day where
were all there for the same reason. Theres just love in the air. l

Vassy is scheduled to perform on the Main Stage of the Capital

Pride Concert on Sunday, June 11, around 2:15 p.m. Times are
subject to change. For the latest updates, and info on how to pur-
chase VIP or Pit Passes, visit capitalpride.org.
 Capital Pride Performers
CAPITAL PRIDE 2016 / WARD MORRISON
As of press time. Please note: Time
windows are approximate. Performers
and schedule subject to change without
notice.
CAPITOL STAGE
Third Street & Pennsylvania Ave NW
EMCEES
JERRY HOUSTON
One of the hardest-working men in
radio, Houston not only oversees pro-
gramming and serves as a weekday
afternoon host for Clear Channels
Pride Radio, he is also a weekend host
on Hot 99.5 FM, the areas leading pop
station. For the past five years, hes also
handled the entertainment lineup for
Capital Pride.
DESTINY B. CHILDS
One of D.C.s hardest working drag
queens, Childs helms the show at
Freddies, performs at Ziegfelds, and
has served as an emcee on the Festival
stage for a decade. A former Miss Gaye
America DC to name one of her many
crowns Childs is the drag alter-ego
of a former Mr. Remingtons and for-
mer U.S. soldier, otherwise known as
Richard Legg.
DJ TWIN
One of D.C.s biggest high-energy/
house DJs and promoters, Kurt Graves
helps put on the incredibly popular
Flashy Sundays party at Flash. A
Mississippi native, Graves adopted his
DJ handle as a nod to the nickname he
was given at Howard University, when
people couldnt tell him and his identi-
cal twin brother apart.
2 p.m.
GAY MENS CHORUS OF WASHINGTON
D.C.s 200-plus-member GMCW, one of
the worlds largest choruses, has played
a pivotal part in the cultural landscape
of the city for over 35 years. However
cheeky a performance, the group always
stays true to its mission of singing to
inspire equality and inclusion for all.
VASSY
Born to Greek immigrants in Australia
as Vasiliki Karagiorgos, rising sing-
er-songwriter Vassy has spent the
past decade pursuing her dreams in
Hollywood. From David Guetta to
Tiesto to Dave Aude, Vassy has already
collaborated with some of the biggest
names in dance. See feature on page 73.
COBALT PRIDE IDOL WINNER
The winner was crowned after Metro
Weekly went to press by guest judges
Kristina Kelly, Robert Bise and Jerry
Blackmon. The Pride Idol earns $1,000
in cash as well as the title and the
honor of performing on both stages at
the Festival.
ELLA FITZGERALD
Creator of the Ladies of Illusion show
at Ziegfelds and called a Hurricane
on Heels, Fitzgerald is D.C.s first lady
of drag, and has been at it for nearly 40
years. The ladys got stamina.
The lineup of every performer set
for Sundays Festival
Compiled by Doug Rule
MICHELLE RAYMOND BAND
Although now based in Madrid, Spain,
Raymond has been a faithful Festival
performer for a decade, serving up her
brand of acoustic folk with a little
funk and jam. The guitar-playing sing-
er-songwriter, known as M-Ray, makes
a triumphant return home this year.
TEAM PEACHES
Virginia native Paul Corrie leads a crew
of performers from the worlds of dance,
cheerleading and stunts to go beyond
your standard drag or dance number.
The nom de drag was adapted from the
Super Mario World character Princess
Peach, while the look was inspired by
Donatella Versace, Amal Clooney and
Beyonce. The result: An athletic, arch
glamourpuss.
THE LADIES OF TOWN
A coterie of D.C.s top drag queens
can be found glamming it up twice
weekly at Town Danceboutique and
every year on the Festival stage, for
that rarest of rare chances to see these
amazing ladies of the night Lena Lett,
Shi-Queeta Lee, BaNaka, Tatianna, and
Riley Knoxx in broad daylight.
4 p.m.
MYKUL JAY VALENTINE
Attractive and athletic, Valentine is a
male entertainer whos a cut above the
Chippendales. With sensual elements
drawn from the world of burlesque and
striptease paired with striking moves
from modern dance and acrobatics, the
Kentucky-based artist casts a spell on
JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY
you as you watch what he and his body
can do.
THE POINTER SISTERS
With hits on the pop, R&B, even
country charts, this sibling act out of
Oakland, Calif., certainly was on Fire
in the 1970s and 80s. Ruth, the eldest
Pointer, still leads the group, which has
become a showcase of her offspring,
with daughter Issa and granddaughter
Sadako. See feature on page 71.
FREDDIES FOLLIES
Every year the fiercest drag queens
in Northern Virginia hop on a pink
flamingo at their beach bar to soar
across the river. And then they hail a
cab. In addition to her duties as Festival
co-host, Destiny B. Childs also directs a
Miss Freddies Formers Review Show
with Bambi Nicole Ferrah, Ophelia
Bottoms, Regina Jozet Adams, Ashlee
Jozet Adams, Monet Dupree and Gigi
Paris Couture.
RUPAULS DRAG RACE SEASON 9
FINALIST
A mere two days after the final epi-
sode is broadcast on VH1, the winner
and runner-up from the ninth season
will fly to D.C. and work the festival
runway. Will it be Shea Coule and
Sasha Velour? Peppermint and Trinity
Taylor? Or some other pairing? The
world wont know until Friday, June 9.
MR. AND MISS CAPITAL PRIDE
Matthew J. Kelly and Sandra Onassis
Lopez became 2017 Capital Pride royal-
ty based on their gender identity or in
77
drag, in categories that included talent,
interview and Pride Attire.
ENKORE DANCE COMPANY
Damarcko Retro Price launched his
Maryland-based urban dance company
to train young dancers between ages
seven and 23 to sustain a professional
career in entertainment. The group
has opened for Wale, Eric Benet, and
Bell Biv DeVoe, among others.
6 p.m.
RUPAULS DRAG RACE SEASON 9
FINALIST
An encore performance.
TINASHE
Some have touted Tinashe as the heir to
Janet Jackson and the 21-year-olds
debut album, Aquarius, is all slinky-soul
goodness thatss right up Janet fans
alley. A Los Angeles-born performer of
partly Zimbabwean descent, Tinashe
got her start as part of a band that
opened for Justin Bieber a few years
ago. Now shes a solo act destined for
greater fame.
MILEY CYRUS
Hard to believe its only been a decade
since Cyrus was known as Hannah
Montana. A Wrecking Ball did away
with that persona years ago, leaving us
with a pansexual-identified, LGBTQ
rights-supporting, Party in the U.S.A.
pop star as popular and provocative as
any Disney princess who came before
her.
8 p.m.
DJ TRACY YOUNG: CAPITOL SUNSET
DANCE PARTY
Before she became one of the gay cir-
cuits best-known DJs, as well as one
of Madonnas favorites, Young was
just a twentysomething mixer at local
radio and storied warehouse dance club
Tracks. She certainly hasnt forgotten
her roots, and returns for another year
to close out the festival on Pennsylvania
Avenue.
MONUMENT STAGE
Sixth Street & Constitution Avenue NW
EMCEE
OPHELIA BOTTOMS
Virginias Charles McWilliams will
make an appearance on the Capitol
Stage as his drag alias Bottoms,
performing with the other girls in
Freddies Follies. Yet the rest of the
day, Bottoms will be top draw on the
Monument Stage, which seems a fitting
perch for such a longtime fixture on the
D.C. drag scene.
1 p.m.
KENISHA COLEMAN
An singer-songwriter from Southern
Maryland, Coleman will give Pride-
goers their first taste of her sultry
electronica R&B sound, as captured on
debut single Craving You.
JORDAN BOLDEN
Another emerging singer-songwriter,
the New York-based Bolden writes
affirming pop anthems, such as the sin-
78 JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY
gle Out, that he pairs with dramatic
videos full of exuberant group chore-
ography. Theres also We Wont Live
Afraid, a Pulse-provoked blistering,
unapologetic power-ballad.
CAPITAL CABARET DRAG
A rotating crop of local drag queens will
take to the stage to entertain the crowd
at the Monument Stage with a rather
impromptu variety show, offered sever-
al different times during the day.
2 p.m.
BILLY WINN
Yet another promising new sing-
er-songwriter, this one a homegrown
D.C. R&B/dance act. Winn shouldnt
have any trouble stirring up the
crowd with some of his tunes, notably
Future X Boyfriend and uptempo jam
Against the Rhythm.
RUSSELL ELLIOT
A D.C. native based in New York, the
pansexual-identified Elliot strives to
make R&B/pop music that is queer-pos-
itive and misogyny-free. Aside from
that, Elliot is very much in league with
the Weeknd and other hazy electronic-
and hip-hop-flavored R&B acts.
CAPITAL CABARET DRAG
See prior entry.
3 p.m.
BRENNA SINCLAIRE
The first transgender woman to sing the
national anthem at a professional sport-
ing event a 2015 Oakland As home
game Sinclaire grew up in Baltimore
idolizing great African-American
female opera stars. The 25-year-old
now channels them with her clear and
angelically high voice.
THE DC GURLY SHOW
An outgrowth of the former local drag
king institution the DC Kings, this isnt
your grandfathers burlesque show, nor
is it even a traditional striptease show.
Anybody is welcome, no matter their
gender or how they identify, with the
focus on expression and individual per-
formance, and more about playing with
gender than teasing about sex.
DC FRONT RUNNERS
This group of LGBTQ runners and
walkers will get the weekend off to a
running start with the Pride Run 5K at
the Congressional Cemetery. But its
the Front Runners parade dance troupe
that gets the most mileage out of the
weekend, with Saturdays parade and a
performance on the stage.
COBALT PRIDE IDOL WINNER
See entry under Capitol Stage.
THE OASIS DANCE CO.
Steven Wilson founded this community
dance group in 2003 as a way to help
those who may have dance as a passion
but may not have the funds to pay for
lessons to build skills with the art form.
All dancers, whether LGBTQ or an ally,
are welcome to perform with Oasis.
4 p.m.
CAPITAL CABARET DRAG
See prior entry.
POSH HAMMER
The Setayesh siblings twin sisters
Tasnim and Tiam and older brother
Navied are a synth-pop trio from
Asheville, North Carolina. Now fully
grown, the three were homeschooled
by their parents so as to best focus on
their musical craft.
ERICK BLU
A 20-year-old New York-based sing-
er-songwriter, Blu tours in support
of his debut album Electric, full of
dance-pop tracks such as the single
Victorious.
CHEER DC
Revived last fall, this all-volunteer
LGBTQ squad of cheerleaders and
dancers roots on various area sports
leagues, including those part of Team
DC, as well as other community events.
Theyll give festival-goers an afternoon
pep boost.
THE BOY BAND PROJECT
An international contemporary boy
band cover group, this New York outfit
reimagines boy band tunes and chore-
ography from the 1990s to today from
NSync to One Direction.
5 p.m.
ROBERT BALL
A neo-soul singer with jazz sensibilities
inspired by Luther Vandross, Sammy
Davis Jr. and John Legend, Toronto-
native Ball has worked Off Broadway
and as a session singer for notable soul
producers. He tours in support of his
second EP Need.
CAPITAL CABARET DRAG
See prior entry.
HEATHER MAE
Sometimes touted as the queer Adele,
Mae is a power-piped singer-songwriter
whose earnest and affirming folk/pop
music, as captured on new five-song
EP I Am Enough, is very much in the
mold of Mary Same Love Lambert.
Mae calls her style pop music with a
mission.
ALISE KING
A soul shouter from Detroit who has
received various local awards, King is
working to expand her cachet nation-
ally. Capital Pride is one stop on a sum-
mer Pride & Soul Tour. King will bring
down the house on the Monument
Stage.
DUPONT DANCE TENT
Sixth Street and Pennsylvania Avenue
12 p.m.
KEENAN ORR
Few DJs are as versatile as Virginia-
native Orr in mixing up both musical
genres and crowds. In any given week,
Orr is likely to spin soul and funk at a
hip bar, downtempo house/electronica
at a swanky lounge, and dance-pop/
EDM at a gay club or three. Hes the
right DJ to set the festival and dance
tent mood.
1 p.m.
MIKE REIMER
Although he had been DJing for years,
Reimers career really took off after he
won Cobalts Amateur DJ competition
in 2010, earning him his first of many
Cherry DJ slots. More recently, hes
become a regular at DistrktC at the DC
Eagle. Especially known for playing fun,
upbeat house music, Reimer is a natural
for Pride.
2 p.m.
ANDRE GUTARRA
Also known simply as DJ Andre,
Gutarra is an up-and-coming local who
has only been at it for about five years.
In the past year hes played at Cobalt
and made his debut at Otter Crossing
at the Green Lantern. Hes sure to keep
it deep and funky during his debut at
Pride.
3 p.m.
LEMZ
Baltimore native Steve Lemmerman is
full of surprises. He regularly throws
old-school curveballs at Nellies in the
middle of au courant dance/pop sets.
At his new, popular party Sleaze at
Wonderland, the focus is on discofied
bathhouse music...and future techno.
Whatever surprises he might haul out
for Pride are sure to cure any mid-after-
noon slump.
4 p.m.
VODKATRINA
Another Nellies resident who has
also regularly tag-teamed with Lemz
Katrina Noplos grew up with Baltimore
club music. Shes a resident at Charm
Citys popular lesbian party Rehab at
Grand Central. Known for a lively mix
of mash-ups and mixups, from Motown
to jock jams, Vodkatrina is also known
for her love of a certain distilled spirit.
5 p.m.
THE BARBER STREISAND
You can guess what Bryan Smith does
by day. But by night or, you know,
come the festival he drops the scis-
sors, then the needle, and gets grooving.
What he does not do, other than per-
haps a certain Duck Sauce ditty, is make
a habit of playing tunes by his alter-ego
namesake.
6 p.m.
NICK AYLERS
A Los Angeles-based DJ who works
with major record labels and television
studios, Aylers is regularly on the road
as a resident at Hard Rock hotels in San
Diego and Las Vegas. But the Buffalo
native is not a total stranger to D.C.:
He spins events for the National Gay &
Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. l
For updates, visit capitalpride.org.
 Party Capital
A comprehensive roundup of the best Pride-related parties on tap this weekend
By Doug Rule
WARD MORRISON
RIDE IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO COME TOGETHER
with people you love and people who love you, says
local club impresario Ed Bailey. Its an opportunity
to celebrate who you are in a safe and maybe exagger-
atedly exuberant way, maybe in a way that you dont
have an opportunity to do the rest of the year.
Bailey has been a significant part of 10 different ventures in
the last 25 years, including the storied mega-clubs Tracks and
Velvet Nation. His current roster, with business partners Jon
Guggenmos and Chachi Boyle, includes Town, Number Nine
and Trade.
Over the years, Ive certainly seen Pride take on, at times, a
much more political tone, Bailey says. Of course, few years can
top 2017 in that regard. If nothing else, Bailey is hopeful that
maybe the legacy of Donald Trump is that hes going to actually
help the gay community become a better version than weve ever
been before, because were finally asking the hard questions.
Are we going to rise up? Are we going to band together? Are we
going to finally, more fully integrate our community to look out
for every person that we can?
Remaining neutral or, at least, offering refuge from the
harsh political reality is sometimes difficult for Bailey.
I feel conflicted at times, because I want to [be part of] the
political conversation, he says. At the same time, after all is
said and done, were nightclubs. We are, at some level, supposed
to be about escaping the heaviness of all of that being a place
to kind of get away from it.
TOWN offers all of that and more this weekend, with high-
lights including a Friday night party celebrating local sensation
Tatianna of RuPauls Drag Race fame, along with the other Ladies
of Town Shi-Queeta Lee, Riley Knoxx, BaNaka and Lena Lett
adult film actor Boomer Banks, the Town GoGo Boys, and
DJs Wess and BacK2bACk, all starting at 9 p.m. The Ladies of
Town also kickoff the Saturday night festivities, when Andrew
Christian models Arad, Corey Hayes, James Gao and Corey Lee
will titillate patrons in between dancing to the grooves of DJs
Wess downstairs and Drew G and Ed Bailey upstairs.
Town is one of several places offering a full weekend of fun.
COBALT, for example, has programmed each night based on a
different color of the rainbow. Highlights include a $500 Wild,
JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY 81
 Wild Boys Best Body Contest featuring Nasty Pig Underwear
on Green = Nature Thursday; Grey Goose specials and DJs
MadScience and Keenan Orr on Blue = Harmony Friday;
DJs Steve Sidewalk and Pacifico and more Grey Goose spe-
cials on Purple = Spirit Saturday; and DJ Power Infiniti, VJ
MadScience and a performance by Miss Kitty Meow for the
official Capital Pride Closing Party Sunday.
In Southeast D.C.s famed two-club complex, SECRETS will
offer a 20-gun salute of the nude male variety with live
music and dancing courtesy of DJs Rob3G and Rosie on Friday
and time on Saturday. Downstairs, ZIEGFELDS has the Ladies of
WARD MORRISON
Illusion headlined by Kristina Kelly on Friday and Leading Lady
Ella Fitzgerald on Saturday. Miss Ziegfelds 2017 Alessandra
Conde and DJ Don T. are featured both nights.
More than six months in the making, Bruce Yelks DISTRKTC
will turn the DC EAGLE into a de-facto two-day dance music
festival Pride weekend, launching Saturday at 10 p.m. with the
Official Mens Party of Capital Pride and featuring DJs Grind,
Joe Gauthreaux and Jared Conner, as well as a performance
by Inaya Day. Sunday starts on the outdoor courtyard at 5
p.m. with a Disco & Classics party featuring DJ Billy Carroll,
while indoors the party kicks off at 6 p.m. with a T-Dance fea-
turing Roland Belmares. After Miley Cyrus ends her set on the
Festivals Capitol Stage, theres a parade of 90s-minted club
divas Crystal Waters, Kristine W and Kim English on offer
at 8:30 p.m. Amuka performs later that evening during the DC2
party with DJs Morabito, Twisted D and X Gonzalez.
U STREET MUSIC HALL is also offering back-to-back Pride
offerings starting at 9 p.m. on Friday. First comes the citys
witchiest LGBTQIA+ dance party, The Coven, a queer wom-
en-focused party featuring DJs Mim and Cyd. On Saturday,
U-Hall welcomes German techno/electro-house DJ Alex Ridha
aka Boys Noize, plus opening sets from local DJs Outputmessage,
Keenan Orr, Lemz and David Hamilton.
On Thursday, June 8, the Yards location of VIDA FITNESS will
host a Rooftop Pool Party starting at 7 p.m. TRADE will offer its
signature XL cocktails and $4 beer, wine and bubbly from 5 to
10 p.m. on Thursday, with live music by DJ Bil Todd at 9 p.m.
The evening also ushers in another monthly edition of SLEAZE
at Wonderland Ballroom, a Taste Our Rainbow local lineup
82 JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY
featuring DJs Tommy Cornelis, Barber Streisand, Keenan Orr,
and promoter Lemz, with a special performance by Pittsburghs
Moon Baby, all starting at 9 p.m. FLASH presents a special free
Flashy Thursday party with DJ TWiN starting at 10 p.m. JR.S
presents a 90s Flashback Pride Party starting at 8 p.m. with $6
Stoli drinks all night unless youre a redhead, when Ginger
Pride grants gingers free Stoli from 10 to 11 p.m. For something
a little different, Banaka offers a 7 p.m. screening of Too Wong
Foo, Thanks For Everything! Julie Newmar at NELLIES. But
arguably, one of the hottest events on Thursday night will be
Latino Prides La Fiesta at Town, with special performers and
DJs starting at 9 p.m.
On Friday, June 9, the WUNDER
GARTEN in NoMa has concocted a
crafty way to lure people into helping
them decorate their float: with a DJ
party and drink specials. That starts
at 6:30 p.m. DC BEAR CRUES happy
hour at Town runs an hour earlier
than usual starting at 5 p.m., with
final entry at 8:30 p.m. so that the
downstairs can prepare for the Pride
parties. Speaking of which, Ultra Nate,
Cupcake and 80s pop star Tiffany per-
form for the Official Opening Party,
the Rainbow Resistance Episode XXX:
The Glampire Strikes Back, co-pre-
sented by Brightest Young Things at
the Rainbow Warehouse, 1585 New
York Ave. NE., at 9 p.m. FREDDIES
BEACH BAR presents a concert by the
popular local lesbian covers band
Wicked Jezebel starting at 8 p.m.
Another Friday highlight is GREEN
LANTERNs hirsute-oriented Otter Crossing, which once again
features indie-pop recording artist Bright Light Bright Light
spinning prideful club classics as the nights main DJ, bookended
with sets from Shea Van Horn and resident StrikeStone, all start-
ing at 9 p.m. Other Friday offerings: 2-4-1 drinks from 5 to 9 p.m.
at Number Nine followed by Friday Night Videos with VJ Chord
Bezerra and $5 Absolut/Bulleit drinks; DJs Mikey Adolphson at
8 p.m. and Dean Sullivan at 11 p.m. at Trade; FURBALL DC PRIDE
featuring Seth Breezy and StrikeStone starts at 10 p.m. at the DC
Eagle ($10); the Booty Rex Pride Party starting at 9 p.m. at the
BLACK CAT and featuring DJ Alex DB, the Anthology of Booty
DJ Crew Kristy la Rat, Mothershiester, Natty Boom, Indanile
and bent as well as She Rex DJs Junebullet, C.rush, Coach
plus MC Alesia Michelle, Nubian Spin conjuring Hula Hoop
Magic and face painting by Anika & Adeela; and Matt Bailer as
part of a 10-Year Anniversary party starting at 8 p.m. at Nellies.
There are plenty of options for day drinking and watching the
parade on Saturday, June 10, including outside THE FIREPLACE
near the kickoff and also next to the Review Stand at 15th and
P Street courtesy of Whole Foods. Across the street, Number
Nine offers DJ Jack Rayburn from 3 to 9:30 p.m., followed by
BacK2bACk and $5 Absolut/Bulleit drinks the remainder of
the night. Down the block comes the first-ever free CAPITAL
PRIDE BLOCK PARTY featuring a beer garden and smoothies
from McDonalds, live music by DJs Steve Sidewalk and Sean
Morris, and a special performance by Brian Justin Crum, from
4 to 10 p.m. If you need a break from the parade and crowds,
you could venture down 14th Street to Trade, which opens at
noon on Saturday, though the DJs (Khelan Bhatia and Jeff Prior)
wont start until the usual 8 p.m. On 17th Street, popular options
include JR.s, with its Beer Garden and Dance Festival from 1 to
10 p.m., and Cobalt, which opens at noon and features DJ Mikey
Mo starting at 3 p.m. in the Lounge.
One particular highlight immediately after the parade is the
TRUMPETS POP UP REUNION, to be held at Quarter+Glory, 2017
14th St. NW. The former 17th Street subterranean restaurant
and bar will be revived in spirit in this new craft cocktail bar
with hosts David Hagedorn and Janet Williams, guest bartend-
ers Jeanne Topper and Francki DiFrancesco and DJ Kostas, all
benefiting the Human Rights Campaign. For younger crowds,
SMYAL co-hosts a free Youth Dance from 6 to 9 p.m. at National
City Christian Church, 5 Thomas Circle NW.
The HOWARD THEATRE hosts Fuse, Capital Prides Womens
Main Event, starting at 10 p.m. on Saturday and featuring DJs
Jai Syncere, Tezrah and Elet()x and the DystRucXion Dancers
with special guests Collabo. For a more alternative or at least
underground dance party, theres the TNX Pride party fea-
turing The NeedlExchange DJs Lisa Frank, Bil Todd, Tommy
Cornelis, and Baronhawk Poitier, plus D.C.s Jacq Jill and
Detroits Minx, starting at 9 p.m. and lasting until sunrise, at
2046 West Virginia Ave. NE. After 11 p.m. the 9:30 CLUB hosts
the Pride edition of the popular roving party Mixtape featuring
residents Shea Van Horn and Matt Bailer. Meanwhile, theres
Bears Can Dance and theyll prove it at local organization
495 Bears free party at Green Lantern. If youre looking for
something lower key, but that still makes you wiggle, its a Lemz
vs. Vodkatrina night at Nellies.
If you feel the need to keep on dancing without compro-
mising our communitys need for you to be visible the next day
Cherry presents the Official Pride Afterhours Rise at Flash
featuring DJs Isaac Escalante and X Gonzalez from 4 to 9:30
a.m. ($60).
The Equality March for Unity and Pride steps off at 10 a.m.
on Sunday, June 11, but if you need a little reinforcement on your
way there, DACHA BEER GARDEN in Shaw starts serving select
beers, including DC Brau Brewing Pride Pils, champagne, wines
and cocktails at 9 a.m. as well as coffee, Bullfrog Bagels and
Rainbow Pride Pretzels from the Pretzel Bakery.
There are many options for closing out the weekend with a
bang. If you want to get Sunday Funday started early post-
March and Festival theres JR.s with $3 Skyy Highballs and
Coors Light. Week in, week out, the bears flock to UPROAR on
Sunday. The Town Patio will open at 2 p.m., making a Shaw bar
crawl also including Nellies and the DIRTY GOOSE possible. The
Town Danceboutique also opens at 9 p.m. for a special Sunday
night of dancing with DJs BacK2bACk. And Trade opens at noon
for the day, although the true party doesnt start until 8 p.m. with
the Donna Slash Birthday Bash featuring Pussy Noir, Janesaw
and music by Kris Sutton and Wess.
If youve still got skin in the game, Secrets is but one of two
bare-all places. The other is ROCK HARD DC on Georgia Avenue
NW, featuring more than 10 all male, all nude dancers on three
stages nonstop. And if you feel like grinning and baring it your-
self, theres the Green Lantern and Sunday nights Jox: The GL
Underwear Party starting at 9 p.m. Drinks? Half-naked men? Not
a bad way to wrap up a Pride-filled weekend. l
Additional information on select events, such as cover charges and
drink specials, can be found in our weekly Nightlife listings,
starting on page 97. For more Nightlife, visit
metroweekly.com/nightlife.
 SQUAREMOOSE INC.
Gallery

Spectacular
Gems and Jewelry from the Merriweather Post Collection

M
ARJORIE MERRIWEATHER POST HAD ONE OF THE MOST REMARKABLE COLLECTIONS OF JEWELRY OF
the 20th century. For its latest exhibition, her former estate displays and shares stories about more than 50 exquisite
accessories from the late cereal heiress and the historic gems that went into making them. Leading designers Cartier,
Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston and Verdura are represented in the collection, which includes pieces on loan from other
museums and private collections.

Opens Saturday, June 10. Runs through Jan. 1, 2018. Hillwood Estate, 4155 Linnean Ave. NW.
Suggested donation is $18. Call 202-686-5807 or visit HillwoodMuseum.org.

JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY 85

ERIC MCNATT, COURTESY OF A24 Movies

The film only alludes to the horrors

Night Terrors
the family might have faced to have
maintained their peaceful sanctuary. But
theyve devised rules to preserve their safe
space, and Paul maintains those rules with
A family fends off a deadly menace in a slow-paced thriller that quickly a keen eye, a fair heart, and a tough hand
gets lost in the woods By Andr Hereford that never strays far from his rifle.
Conveying Pauls abiding love for Sarah

H
and Travis, as well as his cunning and deci-
YPED AS ONE OF THIS SUMMERS MOST ANTICIPATED FRIGHT siveness, Edgerton is quick on his feet and
flicks, It Comes At Night might have to settle instead for being this years utterly convincing. Hes intensely watch-
second-best Shyamalan-style thriller. More likely, the film will earn the title ful when the familys bubble of security is
of 2017s most divisive horror movie. Its cryptic atmosphere-over-incident approach infiltrated by a handsome stranger named
to the post-apocalyptic virus genre, and boldly bleak (or just bleak) climax, are sure to Will (Christopher Abbott), who claims he
leave some viewers dissatisfied. also is a father desperate to save his family.
Trey Edward Shults followup to his award-winning debut feature drama Krisha, Paul and Sarah agree to allow Will and
the film achieves stretches of unrelenting tension and discomfort. Then it rinses and his wife Kim (Riley Keough) to move in
repeats those patterns, while escalating fitfully to a point of blunt misery. with their young son, Andrew (Griffin
It Comes at Night ( ) places families both biological and makeshift at Robert Faulkner). From that point, the
its center. And, like many effective horrors, it generates potent chills from what the two families work to forge a dynamic of
audience doesnt see. Where the film falters is in its pacing of the tale, and in how it trust and cooperation. In a world where
completes the tense build-up of its premise. exposure to the sickness leads inexorably
Joel Edgerton (Loving) stars as Paul, a father desperate to keep his family safe from to death, and any stranger might pose
a mysterious, insidious sickness thats decimated the world beyond their remote cabin the danger of infection or of fatal decep-
in the woods. He and his wife, Sarah (Carmen Ejogo), and their sensitive teen son tion, trust does not come easily. While the
Travis (Kelvin Harrison, Jr.) have settled into a post-traumatic, stress-ridden version of promise of a stronger combined familial
normal that calls for keeping all the doors bolted, the windows boarded up, and never unit initially draws the unexpected house-
stepping outside after dark. mates closer, the reality is that everyones

JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY 87


ERIC MCNATT, COURTESY OF A24
nerves are shot, resources are painfully limited, and no one
knows for sure what monsters human or otherwise lurk in
the woods.
The film thoughtfully explores the idea of a community borne
of necessity, while offering a raw glimpse at family bonds under
fire, harshly tested by life-or-death adversity. By casting Paul,
Sarah, and Travis as an interracial family, forced by circum-
stances to work with their new neighbors, Shults also sketches
It Comes at Night is rated PG-13 and opens in theaters everywhere on Friday, June 9. Visit Fandango.com.
88 JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY
an insightful portrait of diverse Americans
galvanized by their shared hopes for survival,
peace, and prosperity. It feels sad and true that
distrust and paranoia, as much as any actual
contagion, jeopardize the peaceful balance in
the house.
Travis burgeoning sexual attraction
to Kim also complicates the new normal.
Unfortunately, despite Keoughs endearing
performance, and the sharp edge of taboo
attraction between her and Travis, theres
no substantial payoff to their perilous dance.
There is some satisfaction to be gained simply
from the films tactic of setting strangers loose
in a dark cabin in the woods. Lingering silences
and seemingly empty, shadowy spaces are used
to appropriately disquieting effect.
As Travis, Harrison is marvelously expres-
sive in a role that often dictates the films per-
spective. His sense of fear and curiosity, and
alternating courage and timidity, supply driving energy to a nar-
rative that winds its twists and turns only in the most deliberate
fashion. Tension mounts, and just nearly snaps.
But too often in It Comes at Night, no genuine shocks or
cathartic release wait at the end of each taut thread. Instead,
its just deeper and deeper mystery. Lantern light pierces the
pitch black night onscreen, but the story remains shrouded in
darkness. l
DJ COREY PHOTOGRAPHY
Stage

ic, suggesting a cold and barren world,

King of Fools
King Lear may be small in budget, but its big in vision and has a grimly
authentic lead in Rick Foucheux By Kate Wingfield
but not much more as to how its people
live. And while Elizabeth Ennis costumes
appear more-or-less modern, they deliver
status, not statements. They are present,
but they are lower in key. The message is
clear: for director Tom Prewitt, the focus
is on the intimacy of the treatment. This is

T
Lear up close and personal.
HE D.C. THEATER SCENE IS WONDERFUL AND GROWING BUT And as such, it is the perfect vehicle for
also, when you think about it, surprisingly modest. There are a handful of Rick Foucheux in the title role. Sonorous,
world-class companies, another handful of superb smaller companies, and then physically imposing, conscious of the
a significant array of catch-as-catch-can troupes who manage to hang on, season after performance inherent in certain types of
season, pretty much by their fingernails. leadership, Foucheux gives this man a
For a major metropolitan area with an enormous pool of wealthy and educated decidedly distinct personality. If he is not
potential patrons, youd be forgiven for wondering why there wasnt a just a bit more especially likeable, he is grimly authentic.
support and thus, theater to go around. But if there is a silver lining, it is that some As Lears mind begins to cycle down into
quite exceptional talent often finds itself in some surprisingly small (and affordable) madness, the actor doesnt compromise:
places. this Lear is who he is, even as he falls
Case in point is WSC Avant Bard. A tiny company operating out of Arlingtons apart. It is an interesting portrait.
Gunston Arts Center (read: space attached to a middle school), Avant Bard clearly has That said, the chemistry with his
a miniscule budget. Indeed, its hard to watch a performance here without sensing just daughters never quite works and damp-
how much this company must yearn for the resources that would bring the space, sets, ens some of the emotional power. As
and costumes worthy of its creative vision. Goneril, Alyssa Sanders cuts an elegant
Putting aside the visible shoestrings (and such foibles as a highly overactive air con- figure and delivers some convincing
ditioner do bring a sweater), this is the place to see some extraordinary shows. Small moments, but there is little sense of her
as it is, Avant Bard is theater for that other Washington, the one that lives beneath connection to her father, estranged or
the political engine and the tourist traps. It is for the intelligentsia, the Bohemians, the otherwise. This detachment extends to
lovers of the obscure. Put simply, if Washington had an off-off Broadway, Avant Bard sister Regan: when the two witness their
would be on it. fathers initial madness, for example, one
All that said, their production of King Lear (HHHHH) is not a particularly edgy or would expect an exchange of meaningful
elaborate reinterpretation. Jonathan Dahm Robertsons sets are simple and symbol- glances. And although Charlene V. Smith

JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY 89


DJ COREY PHOTOGRAPHY
makes a visually striking Regan, outfitted in a black bustier, she
is also almost too unflappable. It makes her occasional outbursts
feel incongruous. Whatever kind of father Lear was, he raised
these women, and their faces should tell something of their life
in his orbit.
As loving daughter Cordelia, Kathryn Zoerb goes a smidgen
too far in the other direction, expressing at a pitch better suited
to a larger, less intimate space. Even with this, she doesnt have
King Lear runs to June 25 at the Gunston Arts Center, 2700 South Lang St. Arlington. Tickets are $30 to $35.
Call 703-418-4808 or visit avantbard.org.
90 JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY
enough tender connection with her father to bring home
the tragedy of her death.
Indeed, the real emotion and pathos in this Lear
comes via the truly stellar performance of Christopher
Henley as The Fool. Delivering thinly-cloaked warnings
and wisdom amid the japes and jokes, Henley offers not
just the music of the language, but also the deep abiding
texture in an interesting character. He is riveting to
watch, his face an endlessly changing yet subtle land-
scape of The Fools fear, love and frustration with his
master and, at times, himself.
Another standout is Vince Eisenson as Kent, a mis-
understood but loyal follower of the king. Eisenson has
something of a Hollywood-style charisma about him
and its a nice gloss on the integrity he brings to the
role. He may have fewer meaty moments, but he works
at Foucheux and Henleys level, delivering his man
with understated yet expressive credibility. Another
effective performance comes by way of Dylan Morrison
Myers offering an interestingly frenetic Edmund who
you dont know whether to love or loathe. And, always nuanced
and engaged, Cam Magee makes for a softly effective Gloucester,
who falls so far afoul of Lears unpleasant offspring. Less suc-
cessful, but this must fall partly to director Prewitt, is Sara
Barkers Edgar, who makes for an unconvincing trouser role and
an even less convincing madman.
If Avant Bard is small in budget, it is big in vision and this is a
chance to see Lear in close and thoughtful detail. l
 Music

us on a retrospective tour of Antonoffs

Going Home
teenage brain, dredging up emotions
expected to be left in high school. While it
is definitely self-indulgent and even a little
obnoxious, he deserves credit for recalling
Jack Antonoff returns to his childhood home, while Saint Etienne the confusion and messiness of adoles-
parodies the suburbs By Sean Maunier cent emotion. Though most of us grow
up to brush our heightened emotions off

E
as teenage melodrama, Antonoff under-
VEN IF YOUVE MISSED OUT ON JACK ANTONOFFS SIDE PROJ- stands that those feelings were real at the
ect-turned-runaway success Bleachers, youve definitely heard his work before. time, and that we often carry at least some
Best known as the guitarist from Fun, Antonoff also has an impressive roster of this baggage with us into adulthood,
of writing credits, from penning Sara Bareilles Brave to his work on Taylor Swifts whether we realize it or not.
1989, and most recently a forthcoming track from Lorde. Like many prolific songwrit- If Bleachers first album was largely the
ers, it should be no surprise that at some point he would want a spotlight on himself. result of Antonoff playing with his sound
Bleachers has given him a chance to play with his own ideas which happen to be to see what stuck, this time he has gone for
sunny pop tunes with an emo sensibility. His bands sophomore album Gone Now a more unified sound. After opening with
(HHHHH) finds Antonoff more sure of himself, but still working out what exactly he a pair of expertly produced experimen-
wants Bleachers to be. tal tracks, Gone Now falls into a pattern.
Given his credentials, the albums sound unsurprisingly lands somewhere between Theres no doubt that Antonoff can write
Top 40 pop and the radio-ready indie rock of Fun. Under the fist-pumping indie pop, a good hook, but an album that constantly
however, the albums subject matter is heavier than the shimmering production might builds up to one hook after another results
let on. The lyrics are thick with loss, angst and nostalgia, feelings which Goodbye in an aimlessness that undermines the nar-
drives home with its litany of farewells scattered over the light plinking of a keyboard, rative arc he tries to build. Tellingly, the
itself a recurring theme on this album. album is strongest when sticking to its core
If it all sounds very melodramatic, well, thats sort of the point. Its no coincidence themes but breaking from its own struc-
that in the opener Dream of Mickey Mantle, Antonoff sets the scene in his childhood ture, as it does on the Carly Rae Jepsen
bedroom, a place he revisits in a reprise towards the end of the album. Gone Now takes duet Hate That You Know Me, a bright

JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY 91

pop number on the angst of being loved in spite of your faults.
While Gone Now does represent a step up for Bleachers, its
unevenness gives the impression of a band that hasnt quite
found their footing.

ON FIRST GLANCE, it may seem odd that Saint Etienne, a band

born out of the British club scene of the early 90s, has now found
itself singing about the comforts of suburbia. Home Counties
(HHHHH) takes its name from a region of southern England long
mythologized as a pastoral heartland and populated by well-off
suburbanites who have opted to flee Londons congestion and
soaring house prices. Saint Etiennes vision of home is a quaint,
semi-suburban, semi-rural idyll, a short train ride from the capital
but worlds removed from its hectic cosmopolitan energy. The
line between the actual geographical Home Counties and the
fuzzy, nebulous idea of home is a blurry one. Despite its speci-
ficity, the vision Saint Etienne conjures up here should be familiar Home Counties is sentimental, even saccharine at times, but
to anyone who has fled to, or from, the suburbs. always in a winking kind of way. Its an album that sounds like
By all accounts, Saint Etienne is a band thats easily bored, and its cover art, a brightly painted, nondescript house in the suburbs
as a result rarely boring. The album is a playful and eclectic effort, on a sunny day, covered in faux stickers advertising the subject
hearkening back to their Foxbase Alpha years. Sarah Cracknells matter within. Though complaints about the inauthenticity
calming, folky voice is the only real constant as Home Counties and isolation of the suburbs are as old as suburbia itself, Saint
jumps from 60s soul-funk to electro-industrial grinds to the dis- Etiennes musically adventurous inclinations and wry sense
co-ish Dive. Staid BBC radio announcements pop up as inter- of humor somehow give it the feeling of a fresh take. Home
ludes throughout. For those who happen to be hanging onto some Counties manages to be both a love letter and a merciless parody,
old audio equipment, theyve even put out a cassette tape version but above all, its an embrace of the eccentricities and the mess of
of the album, likely a nod to their use of found footage throughout. contradictions that make up life in suburban England. l

Gone Now and Home Counties are available now from Amazon.com and iTunes, or via streaming services.

Bleachers is appearing live on June 23 at Rams Head Live, 20 Market Place, in Baltimore. Visit ramsheadlive.com.

92 JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY

NightLife Photography by
Julian Vankim

JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY 95

CoverboyConfidential
Interview by BaNaka Photography by Julian Vankim

I
FIRST MET JAMES, A TALL, SHAGGY UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND ALUM, ON HIS FIRST DAY
in D.C during the summer of 2014, and quickly convinced him to enter the Underwear Contest at
Cobalt. It was my first gay bar in D.C. and you came up to me and youre like Sign this paper!
he says. I didnt know I was going to take my clothes off until I was onstage and I also wasnt
wearing cute underwear. I was wearing boxers. Still, James won. You gave me 200 dollars that
night and I was on top of the fucking world! What better way to introduce yourself to D.C. society?
James grew up in Hartford County, Maryland, on a farm I used to show pigs at fairs and sell
them and matriculated at UMD, where he studied accounting and Chinese. Now, the 25-year-
old fitness enthusiast is a government contractor. He lives in DC, which he describes as way too
expensive, and is prepping for the AIDS/LifeCycle Ride to End AIDS, to memorialize the AIDS
epidemic and what people went through to give me the privileges we have today as a gay man.
Its a privilege that extended to his very public coming out on his twenty-first birthday. [Friends]
threw me a surprise party, and like any good surprise party, I didnt know and got drunk on my own,
he says. By the time I was surprised, I was drunk. Theyre like, Surprise! and Im like, Surprise
back, Im gay!

Whats on your nightstand? Whats in your nightstand drawer?

Two bottles of water, a box of Kleenex Not much. Theres those condom
for runny nose, and a book called packages I get from Town, toothpicks,
How to Survive a Plague. Im about 350 Whitestrip things, nail clippers.
out of 500 pages. Its a long book.

DrinksDragDJsEtc... Men in Underwear Drink 5pm-close Pride Flip Friday, COBALT/30 DEGREES
Free, 12-12:30am DJs Cup with DCGFFL, Second All You Can Drink Happy
BacK2bACk Floor, 7pm June 9 Hour $15 Rail and
Domestic, $21 Call &
Thursday, 9pm No Cover thebal-
timoreeagle.com
NELLIES SPORTS BAR TOWN 9 1/2 Imports, 6-9pm Capital
June 8 Beat the Clock Happy Hour
$2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm),
DC Latino Pride: La Fiesta
Special performers, DJs,
Open at 5pm Happy
Hour: 2 for 1 on any
Pride and Cobalt present
Harmony $6 Grey Goose
COBALT/30 DEGREES
$4 (7-8pm) Buckets and more Doors open drink, 5-9pm Friday and $5 Peroni all night
9 1/2 Happy Hour: $6 Top Shelf,
of Beer $15 Planned 9pm 18+ Night Videos with DJ Two 30-minute open bars
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any $3 Rail, $3 Bud Light,
Parenthood Pride Happy Chord Bezerra, 9:30pm featuring Grey Goose,
drink, 5-9pm Multiple 4-9pm Capital Pride and
Hour and Fundraiser TRADE Expanded craft beer selec- 11-11:30pm and 1-1:30am
TVs showing movies, Cobalt present Wild, Wild
Pride Movie Night: Special Doors open 5pm Huge tion No Cover DJ MadScience
shows, sports Expanded Boys $3 Rail, 10pm-mid-
Screening of To Wong Foo, Happy Hour: Any drink upstairs DJ Keenan Orr
craft beer selection night, $6 Grey Goose, $5
Thanks For Everything!, normally served in a BALTIMORE EAGLE downstairs $10 cover
Music videos featuring Peroni Best Body Contest
hosted by BaNaka, 7pm cocktail glass served in a Happy Hour, 5-9pm, all 10pm-close 21+
DJ Wess at midnight, featuring
huge glass for the same liquors, beers and wines
Nasty Pig Underwear
NUMBER NINE price, 5-10pm Beer and up to 50% off RuPauls FREDDIES BEACH BAR
BALTIMORE EAGLE $500 Cash Prize Free
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any wine only $4 DJ Bill Drag Race viewing party in Crazy Hour, 4-7pm
Happy Hour, 5-9pm, Admission 21+
drink, 5-9pm No Cover Todd, 9pm The Nest, 7:30-9:30pm Wicked Jezebel, 8pm-1am
all liquors, beers and
Time Machine, featuring Shigella Browns Bottom- $10 Cover
wines up to 50% off FREDDIES BEACH BAR
DJ Jack Rayburn, 8pm ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS More Review in the Nest,
$3 Well Drinks All Night Crazy Hour, 4-7pm
All male, nude dancers 10pm $12.50 Cover GREEN LANTERN
Underwear Night, Karaoke, 8pm
SHAWS TAVERN DJ 9pm Cover 21+ per person Freaky Bear Happy Hour, 4-9pm $5
9pm-2am For men in
Happy Hour, 4-7pm $3 Fridays in the Code Bar Smirnoff, all flavors, all
underwear, all well drinks GREEN LANTERN
Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon, Elyx Vodka and Any Red night long Pride Edition
$2 from 9pm-12am ONLY Happy Hour, 4-9pm
$5 Rails and House Wines Bull Flavor for $7 all day of Otter Crossing, 9pm
Best Underwear Contest Ladies Drink Free Power
& Half-Priced Pizzas $4 long thebaltimoreeagle. Featuring an appearance
at Midnight Code Hour, 4-5pm Shirtless
Heinekens and Coronas, com by Bright Light Bright Light
enforced in Code Bar after Thursday, 10-11pm

JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY 97

 So nothing to relieve stress?
Well, Kleenex. That is stress relieving.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

Id love to control minds. I wouldnt control yours though.

Good luck cracking that one!

What did you last binge watch?
Grace and Frankie, season three. I especially love Frankie,
the one that smokes weed all the time.
Shes just awesome.

Who was your first celebrity crush?

Brad Pitt.

Which Brad Pitt?

When he was dating Jennifer Aniston. I hated her because
he was beautiful.

Name three musical artists youre currently listening to.

I love Lady Gaga. Beyonce, Im just always putting her on
when I want to get amped up. And Ive been
listening a lot to Pentatonix.

DJs Shea VanHorn and 9:30pm 21+ Doors to

Strike Stone $10 Cover
Free Vodka, 9-10pm
NELLIES SPORTS BAR
Videos, Dancing
Beat the Clock Happy
Hour $2 (5-6pm), $3
(6-7pm), $4 (7-8pm)
Buckets of Beer $15
Capital Pride at Nellies
10-Year Anniversary Party,
featuring DJ Matt Bailer,
8pm-close
NUMBER NINE
Open 5pm Happy Hour: 2
for 1 on any drink, 5-9pm
$5 Absolut and $5 Bulleit
Bourbon, 10pm-close No
Cover Friday Night Piano
with Chris, 7:30pm
SHAWS TAVERN
Happy Hour, 4-7pm
$3 Miller Lite, $4 Blue
Moon, $5 Rails and House
Wines & Half-Priced Pizzas
Pride Cabaret Show,
followed by Pride Piano
Bar, Second Floor, 9pm
$10 Cover
TOWN
Patio open 6pm DC Bear
Crue Happy Hour, 6-11pm
$3 Rail, $3 Draft, $3
Bud Bottles Free Pizza,
7pm No cover before
Town open 9pm for Drag
Show only Drag Show
starts at 9:30pm Hosted
by Lena Lett and featuring
Tatianna, Shi-Queeta-Lee,
Riley Knoxx and BaNaka
TICKETS REQUIRED for
Drag Show $25 tickets
per person via Flavorus.
com General admission
at door at 11pm Special
guest adult star Boomer
Banks of CockyBoys,
giving away Fleshjacks
DJ Wess upstairs, DJs
BacK2bACk downstairs
GoGo Boys after 11pm
Second Stage Show featur-
ing Tatianna, Shi-Queeta-
Lee, Riley Knoxx, BaNaka,
and Town Dancers at
midnight For those 21
and over, $12 For those
18-20, $15 Club: 18+
Patio: 21+
TRADE
Doors open 5pm Huge
Happy Hour: Any drink
normally served in a
cocktail glass served in a
huge glass for the same
price, 5-10pm Beer and
wine only $4 DJ Mikey
Adolphson, 8pm DJ
Dean Sullivan, 11pm

98 JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY

 What are your three favorite night spots?
Town, Nine, and Flash.
Whats your drink of choice?
Im drinking beer right now. It is not my drink of
choice, its just because its sunny outside. I love
either whiskey on the rocks or whiskey and ginger. I
like whiskey. It breaks down people pretty quickly.
Whats your pet peeve?
People chewing noisily. Not necessarily chewing with
their mouth open, but just chewing disgustingly, like
there isnt anyone else at the table.
What is your favorite food to chew quietly?
I could go healthy and be like, I love chicken and
broccoli, but thats not true. I fucking love ice cream.
What kind?
I get down and dirty, so Ill buy a cookies and cream
ice cream, but Im going to put cookies in the ice
cream and make it even worse.
That sounds amazing. What animal would you be?
An octopus. I fucking love octopuses. Theyre
multi-taskers, they can change color, they can change
form to get into anything they want to get in.
Youve watched Finding Dory one too many times.
Yes! That octopus. Hes so smart. Theyre not fight-
ers, but Im sure they could fuck someone up if they
wanted to!
Boxers, briefs, or other?
Briefs now, but clearly I started with boxers.
What do you prefer on other men?
Workout briefs. Underarmour. Theyre wearing work-
out briefs because they probably came from a work-
out, so theyre a little bit sweaty or have a little bit of
adrenaline pump in them.
How do you like to meet men in workout briefs?
Grindr, Scruff, or in person?
In person. Im terrible at using my phone, so I dont
come across very well in text. I actually dont think Ive
met with anyone on an app Ive had the apps, but I
fail at arranging and gathering. Grindr, Im just Well,
Im at work, lets plan something later, and then they
disappear. And then with Tinder, I got confused by the
concept.
How old were you when you had your first kiss?
Oh, man. Seventeen. He worked at Hershey Park. I
drove an hour to meet him and I didnt
even know him.
What is your biggest turn-on?
Confidence.
Whats your biggest turn-off?
Flightiness? Flakiness? And also being nice. Im okay
with you being kind, but I dont want you to be nice.
I want you to be a man and have a good heart, but
dont be a pushover.

WUNDER GARTEN BEER
GARDEN
1101 1st St. NE
Pride Parade Float
Decorating Party, 6:30pm
DJs Drink specials 1 Code Bar Dance Party
block from Noma-Galluadet
Metro (Red) wundergar-
tendc.com
ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS
Men of Secrets, 9pm
Guest dancers Rotating
DJs Ladies of Illusion
Drag Show Doors at
9pm, Shows at 11:30pm
and 1:30am DJ Don T. in
Ziegfelds Cover 21+ Queen Spirit: Pride Parade
Saturday,
June 10
BALTIMORE EAGLE FREDDIES BEACH BAR
$5 Drinks all day Leather Drag Queen Broadway
and Fetish Saturdays, Code Brunch, 10am-3pm
Bar, 8pm-2am Code Starring Freddies
enforced after 9pm in the Broadway Babes Crazy
Hour, 4-7pm Freddies
in the Nest, 9:30-2am Follies Drag Show, hosted
thebaltimoreeagle.com by Miss Destiny B. Childs,
8-10pm Karaoke,
COBALT/30 DEGREES 10pm-close
Drag Yourself to Brunch at
Level One, 11am-2pm and GREEN LANTERN
2-4pm Featuring Kristina Happy Hour, 1-9pm $5
Kelly and the Ladies of Bacardi, all flavors, all
Illusion Bottomless night long Bears Can
Mimosas and Bloody Dance, 9pm-close No
Marys Smells Like Cover
Pre- and Post Party NELLIES SPORTS BAR
Doors open at noon Grey Zing Zang Bloody Marys,
Goose Specials all day
DJ Mikey Mo, 3-10pm in
Nellie Beer, House Rail
Drinks and Mimosas, $4,
the lounge DJ Steve 11am-5pm Buckets
SHAWS TAVERN TRADE BALTIMORE EAGLE
Pre-Parade Brunch with Doors open 12pm Huge T-Dance Sundays, 4-9pm
Bottomless Stoli Flavors, Happy Hour: Any drink Buy a cup for $5 and fill
$20 Brunch with normally served in a it with any Absolut Flavor
Bottomless Mimosas, cocktail glass served in a and Mixer for $3 each time
10am-3pm Happy Hour, huge glass for the same (excluding energy drink
5-7pm $3 Miller Lite, $4 price, 12-10pm Beer and mixers) Furry Happy
Blue Moon, $5 Rails and wine only $4 DJ Khelan Hour, 4-9pm thebalti-
House Wines & Half-Priced Bhatia, 8pm DJ Jeff moreeagle.com
Pizzas Prior, 11pm
COBALT/30 DEGREES
TOWN ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS Happy Hour: $6 Top Shelf,
Doors to Town open 9pm Men of Secrets, 9pm-4am $3 Rail, $3 Bud Light,
for Drag Show Drag Guest dancers Ladies 4-9pm $4 Stoli, Stoli
Show starts at 9:30pm of Illusion Drag Show Flavors and Bud Light all
Hosted by Lena Lett and with host Ella Fitzgerald night We Aint Sorry
featuring Tatianna, Shi- Doors at 9pm, Shows Official Pride Closing
Queeta-Lee, Riley Knoxx at 11:30pm and 1:30am Party, 10pm-close DJ
and BaNaka TICKETS DJ Don T. in Ziegfelds Power Infiniti on the Main
REQUIRED for Drag DJ Steve Henderson in Dance Floor Special
Show $25 tickets per
person via Flavorus.com
Secrets Cover 21+ performance by Miss Kitty
Meow DJ MadScience
General admission at with your favorite music

9 1/2
$5 Absolut & Titos, $3
Miller Lite after 9pm
Expanded craft beer selec-
tion No Cover
9:30 CLUB
MIXTAPE Pride Party,
11pm-close Featuring
DJs Matt Bailer and Shea
Van Horn $15 Cover 3rd Floor Exile DJs Jared
Tickets available at box
office or via Ticketfly.com
Sidewalk, 10pm-close in
the lounger DJ Pacifico
of Beer, $15 Capital
Pride at Nellies 10-Year
door at 11pm Featuring
Andrew Christian models
Sunday, videos in the lounge $5
Cover all night, benefitting
on the Dance Floor immedi- Anniversary Party, fea- Arad, Corey Hayes, James June 11 Capital Pride
ately following the Parade turing DJ Vodkatrina, Gao, and Corey Lee
$5 Cover 21+ 8pm-close DJ Drew G and DJ Ed 9 1/2 DC EAGLE
Bailey upstairs, DJ Wess Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any Doors open at 5pm DC2
DC EAGLE NUMBER NINE downstairs GoGo Boys drink, 2-9pm Multiple Outdoor Disco, by DJ Billy
Distrkt C: PRIDE, powered Doors open 2pm $5 after 11pm Second TVs showing movies, Carroll Indoor Tea Dance
by Scruff Capital Prides Absolut and $5 Bulleit Stage Show featuring shows, sports Expanded with Roland Belmares
Official Saturday Night Bourbon, 10pm-close Tatianna, Shi-Queeta-Lee, craft beer selection Outdoor Concert, 8:30pm
Mens Party, 10pm-8am, DJ Jack Rayburn, 3-9pm Riley Knoxx, BaNaka No Cover Featuring Crystal
Pop Tarts, featuring DJs and Town Dancers at Waters, Kristine W, and
Conner, Joe Gauthreaux BacK2bACk, 9:30pm midnight Cover $15 from Kim English Main DC2
and Grind Live perfor- 10pm-midnight and $12 party kicks off in the Exile,
mance by Inaya Day after midnight 21+ 10pm-11am Featuring
Tickets at distrktc.com and DJs X Gonzalez, Twisted
at the door 21+

JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY 99

 So no doormats, got it.
Well, I tend to be a pushover myself.
Describe your dream guy.
Im going to start with his penis. The aesthetics of the
penis are very important. It doesnt need
to be really, really big, because thats difficult.
Its just got to look like a penis.
What about outside of his pants?
Hes well-kempt. Hes got very kissable lips. Hes got
to have pretty eyes and be able to look you in the eye.
Definitely not taller than me not that I have a com-
plex, I promise you. On the muscular side. Im not a
big hair guy. A hairy chest is not my thing. Personality,
theyve got to be confident. I want them to know who
they are. When I like somebody, I like somebody I
want you to know that same thing. Theyve got to be
dominant, but also willing to be dominated.
Youve basically described the perfect
D.C. gentleman, just jacked up a couple
of notches. Define good in bed.
Actually, much of what I described above
translates to the bedroom.
Whats the most unusual place youve had sex?
On a beach.
Im from Florida, so I know what
sex on the beach is like.
I felt like a turtle. It was messy. The chemistry was
so awesome but
The sand?
Yeah, it was better in your mind than in real life.
Whats the most embarrassing thing thats ever
happened during sex?
Ive thrown up while giving a blowjob. It didnt get
everywhere, but we both knew that it happened.
Whats the most romantic thing
a guys ever done for you?
Taken me to meet his family. Im a family man.
Whats your ideal proposal?
Im not about a big charade, unless theres a reason.
So for a proposal, it wouldnt be very important, wed
just do it over dinner. But if my family is mad at me
or something and I need to make it real fucking tacky,
Im willing to do that.
What is your greatest fear?
Being alone. Yeah. I need people. I like people around
me, which is why I love D.C.
If your home was burning, whats the
first thing youd grab while leaving?
Things that are important to me, I would leave. Unless
theres an animal with me, I would get out.
Youre not connected to your possessions?
I dont have nice things in D.C.
Whats your porn star name?
Annie Holycross.
I love that. What would you be known for?
Im going to say the pure one. There would be white
sheets, it would be a romantic.
What would you like to be remembered for?
Man, thats a big one. I would, at this point in time,
like to be remembered for making my familys life
greater than it already is, or making the gay commu-
nitys life better than it is. My two priorities are the
gay community and friends Ive collected, which is my
family of choice, and then my actual, blood family.
What do you like best about your life?
I love the freedom to do whatever I want, but be val-
ued and disciplined to do the right thing.

Dee and Susan Morabito

Live performance by
Amuka 21+
FREDDIES BEACH BAR
Champagne Brunch
Buffet, 10am-3pm Crazy
Hour, 4-7pm Karaoke,
8pm-1am
GREEN LANTERN
Happy Hour, 1-9pm
JOX: The GL Underwear
Party, upstairs, 9pm No
Cover Mamas Trailer
Park Karaoke, downstairs,
9:30pm-close
NELLIES SPORTS BAR
Drag Brunch, hosted by
Shi-Queeta-Lee, 11am-3pm
$20 Brunch Buffet
All Day Happy Hour,
8pm-close
NUMBER NINE
Pop Goes the World with
Wes Della Volla at 9:30pm
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on
any drink, 2-9pm No
Cover
ROCK HARD SUNDAYS
@The House Nightclub
3530 Georgia Ave. NW
Diverse group of all
male, all nude dancers
Nonstop on three stages,
9:30pm-close Intimate
setting $12 Cover For
reservations, call 202-487-
6646 rockharddc.com
SHAWS TAVERN
Brunch with Bottomless
Mimosas, 10am-3pm
Stoli Sundays: $5 Stoli
Specials after the march
with DJ, 3:30-7:30pm
Happy Hour, 5-7pm $3
Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon,
$5 Rails and House Wines
& Half-Priced Pizzas
TOWN
Patio opens 2pm Drink
at 10pm Showtime at
11:30pm Doors open at
specials all day Club 10pm No Cover 21+
opens 9pm for dancing
DJs BacK2bACk FREDDIES BEACH BAR
Crazy Hour, 4-7pm
TRADE Singles Night Karaoke,
Doors open 12pm Huge 8pm
Happy Hour: Any drink
normally served in a cock- GREEN LANTERN
tail glass served in a huge Happy Hour all night long
glass for the same price, Open Mic Night Karaoke
12-10pm Beer and wine with Kevin, 9:30pm-close
only $4 Donna Slash
Birthday Bash with Pussy JR.S
Noir and Janesaw, with
music by Kris Sutton and
Showtunes Songs &
Singalongs, 9pm-close
WesstheDJ, 8pm DJ James $3 Draft Pints,
8pm-midnight
ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS
All male, nude dancers NELLIES SPORTS BAR
Decades of Dance DJ Beat the Clock Happy Hour
Tim-e in Secrets Doors $2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm),
9pm Cover 21+ $4 (7-8pm) Buckets of
Beer $15 Texas Holdem
Poker, 8pm Dart Boards
Monday, NUMBER NINE
June 12 Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
drink, 5-9pm No Cover
9 1/2
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any SHAWS TAVERN
drink, 5-9pm Multiple Happy Hour, 4-7pm $3
TVs showing movies, Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon,
shows, sports Expanded $5 Rails and House Wines
craft beer selection and Half-Priced Pizzas
No Cover Pride Trivia with Jeremy,
7:30pm
BALTIMORE EAGLE
Happy Hour, 5-9pm, TRADE
all liquors, beers and Doors open 5pm Huge
wines up to 50% off Happy Hour: Any drink
Micro Brew Draft/Bottle normally served in a cock-
Mondays $4 all day tail glass served in a huge
thebaltimoreeagle.com glass for the same price,
5-10pm Beer and wine
COBALT/30 DEGREES only $4 Love DC/Amor
Happy Hour: $6 Top Shelf, DC: A dramatic, healing
$3 Rail, $3 Bud Light, reading and performances
4-9pm Monday Nights commemorating the Club
A Drag, featuring Miss Pulse victims, presented
Kristina Kelly Doors open by DiCcin Queer, 5:30-
6:30pm
Tuesday, SHAWS TAVERN
Half-Priced Burgers and
June 13 Pizzas, 5-10pm $5 House
Wines and $5 Sam Adams
9 1/2
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any TRADE
drink, 5-9pm Multiple Doors open 5pm Huge
TVs showing movies, Happy Hour: Any drink
shows, sports Expanded normally served in a cock-
craft beer selection tail glass served in a huge
No Cover glass for the same price,
5-10pm Beer and wine
BALTIMORE EAGLE only $4
Happy Hour, 5-9pm, all
liquors, beers and wines
up to 50% off Well
Bomb Shots $4 all Day Wednesday,
thebaltimoreeagle.com June 14
COBALT/30 DEGREES 9 1/2
Happy Hour all night: $6 Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
Top Shelf, $3 Rail, $3 drink, 5-9pm Multiple
Bud Light SIN Service TVs showing movies,
Industry Night, 10pm-close shows, sports Expanded
craft beer selection
FREDDIES BEACH BAR No Cover
Crazy Hour, 4-7pm
Karaoke, 8pm BALTIMORE EAGLE
Happy Hour, 5-9pm,
GREEN LANTERN all liquors, beers and
Happy Hour all night long, wines up to 50% off
4pm-close Domestic Bottles are $3
all day Fetlife: The Next
NELLIES SPORTS BAR Generation, 8pm thebal-
Beat the Clock Happy Hour timoreeagle.com
$2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm),
$4 (7-8pm) Buckets of COBALT/30 DEGREES
Beer $15 Karaoke and Happy Hour: $6 Top Shelf,
Drag Bingo $3 Rail, $3 Bud Light,
4-9pm $4 Stoli and Stoli
NUMBER NINE Flavors and Miller Lite
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any all night Wednesday
drink, 5-9pm No Cover Night Karaoke, hosted
After 9pm, $3 Absolut, by India Larelle Houston,
Bulleit & Stella 10pm-close No Cover
21+
FREDDIES BEACH BAR
Crazy Hour, 4-7pm $6
Burgers Drag Bingo
Night, hosted by Ms.
Regina Jozet Adams, 8pm
Bingo prizes Karaoke,
10pm-1am
GREEN LANTERN
Happy Hour all night long,
4pm-close Bear Yoga
with Greg Leo, 6-7pm
$10 per class
NELLIES SPORTS BAR
SmartAss Trivia Night, 8pm
and 9pm Prizes include
bar tabs and tickets to
shows at the 9:30 Club
$15 Buckets of Beer for
SmartAss Teams only
Bring a new team member
and each get a free $10
Dinner
NUMBER NINE
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
drink, 5-9pm No Cover
SHAWS TAVERN
Happy Hour, 4-7pm $3
Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon,
$5 Rails and House Wines
and Half-Priced Pizzas
Piano Bar with Jill, down-
stairs, 8pm
TRADE
Doors open 5pm Huge
Happy Hour: Any drink
normally served in a cock-
tail glass served in a huge
glass for the same price,
5-10pm Beer and wine
only $4

100 JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY

 What do you like least about your life?
Im really annoyed that Im pretty much broke,
because everything in D.C. is so expensive.
Every month Im like Jesus.

What are you most grateful for?

The people I have around me.

Would you rather live longer or be wealthier?

Live longer.

Whos your idol?

I have two. Barack Obama. I know thats clich, but
he just embodied a lot of the moral standards I try to
embody. And just the way he carries himself, I abso-
lutely loved him. Also my grandfather, just because
hes one of the hardest working people I know.

What inspires you to be better?

The mistakes I make today, cause I fuck up a lot.

Whats your philosophy of life?

Treat people the way you want to be treated. l

Do you have what it takes to be a Nightlife Coverboy?

Apply now at metroweekly.com/coverboyapp.

Thursday, FREDDIES BEACH BAR

Crazy Hour, 4-7pm
June 15 Karaoke, 8pm

9 1/2 GREEN LANTERN

Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
drink, 5-9pm Multiple
TVs showing movies,
shows, sports Expanded
craft beer selection
Music videos featuring
DJ Wess
Happy Hour, 4-9pm
Ladies Drink Free Power
Hour, 4-5pm Shirtless
Thursday, 10-11pm
Men in Underwear Drink
Free, 12-12:30am DJs
BacK2bACk

BALTIMORE EAGLE NELLIES SPORTS BAR

Happy Hour, 5-9pm all
liquors, beers and wines
up to 50% off $3 Well
Drinks All Night Eagle
Leathers presents Pride
Art Show Opening Party,
7pm Underwear Night,
9pm-2am For men in
underwear, all well drinks
$2 from 9pm-12am ONLY
Best Underwear Contest
at 11pm No Cover Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon,
thebaltimoreeagle.com
COBALT/30 DEGREES
Happy Hour: $6 Top
Shelf, $3 Rail, $3 Bud
Light, 4-9pm Locker
Room Thursday Nights,
10pm-close $3 Rail
Drinks, 10pm-midnight, $5
Red Bull and Frozen Virgin
Drinks DJs Sean Morris
and MadScience Best
Package Contest at mid-
night, hosted by BaNaka &
Kristina Kelly $200 Cash
Prize Doors open 10pm,
21+ $5 Cover or free
with college ID
Beat the Clock Happy Hour
$2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm),
$4 (7-8pm) Buckets of
Beer $15 Drag Bingo
NUMBER NINE
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
drink, 5-9pm No Cover
SHAWS TAVERN
Happy Hour, 4-7pm $3
$5 Rails and House Wines
& Half-Priced Pizzas $4
Heineken and Coronas,
5pm-close
TRADE
1410 14th St. NW
Doors open 5pm Huge
Happy Hour: Any drink
normally served in a cock-
tail glass served in a huge
glass for the same price,
5-10pm Beer and wine
only $4
ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS
All male, nude dancers
DJ 9pm Cover 21+ l

JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY 101

 Scene
Stonewall Kickballs 6th Annual DragBall at Stead Park
Sunday, June 4 Photography by Tom Donohue
See and purchase more photos from this event at www.metroweekly.com/scene

102 JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY

JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY 103
Scene
Ziegfelds / Secrets - Saturday, June 3
Photography by Ward Morrison
See and purchase more photos from this event at www.metroweekly.com/scene

JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY 105

106 JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY
 Scene
JR.s - Saturday, June 3
Photography by Ward Morrison
See and purchase more photos from this event at www.metroweekly.com/scene

108 JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY

 LastWord.
People say the queerest things

[Donald Trump] couldnt be bothered to issue a proclamation to recognize LGBT Pride Month.
Given his record, maybe its for the best.
SHIN INOUYE, who previously worked in the White House communications office under President Barack Obama, in a tweet
criticizing Donald Trump for not recognizing June as LGBTQ Pride Month, breaking with precedent set by Obama. Trump instead
recognized June for a number of other things, including homeownership, leading YouTube star Tyler Oakley to tweet:
[T]rump says its national homeownership month. 40% of homeless youth are LGBTQ+.

Well,
I prefer not to go to shower with him.
Why provoke him?

Russian president VLADIMIR PUTIN, responding to a question from Oliver Stone for The Putin Interviews. The filmmaker had
asked: If youre taking a shower in a submarine with a man and you know hes gay, do they have a problem with that?
Putin followed his response by adding: But you know, Im a judo master and a SAMBO master as well.

The fact that we dont hold our male politicians to

the same standard as female comedians
is shocking.
RuPauls Drag Race season 4 winner SHARON NEEDLES, speaking to World of Wonder after she recreated Kathy Griffins now
infamous Donald Trump image. Appearing at P Town in Pittsburgh, Needles dressed as Griffin and held a bloodied head while
performing to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs Heads Will Roll. Needles added: Its kind of mind boggling the levels to this story,
that a female comic in this day and age...is subjected to this type of abuse.

I asked myself for the longest time, why me?

Why is this happening to me.
German model BENJAMIN MELZER, in a new campaign from automaker Mercedes called A Guide to Growing Up. It features
Melzer discussing his experience growing up transgender and coming out to his family. The first trans man to feature on the
cover of Mens Health, Melzer said he had a lot of questions about his identity, but told myself: It doesnt matter now,
you have to fight for who you really are.

Is discrimination going to be allowed or not allowed?

Are you refusing to answer the question?
Senator JEFF MERKLEY, questioning Education Secretary Betsy DeVos during a Senate budget hearing. DeVos refused to offer
a direct answer as to whether schools that receive federal funds and allow discrimination against LGBTQ students would be
punished. I think thats very important for the public to know that today, Merkley said, after DeVos again dodged the question.
The Secretary of Education before this committee refused to affirm that she would put forward a program that would
ban discrimination based on LGBTQ status of students.

110 JUNE 8, 2017 METROWEEKLY