CONTENTS

OCTOBER 12, 2017 Volume 24 Issue 24

16 AWAKENINGS
The gay romantic powerhouse Gods Own Country is the
movie Brokeback Mountain should have been.

By Randy Shulman

TAKING ON THE NRA

Jason Lindsay founded the Pride Fund to End Gun
Violence with a simple goal: Take back America
from anti-LGBTQ, anti-gun control Republicans.

Interview by John Riley Photography by Todd Franson

28
41 MID CENTURY MODERN
Shakespeare Theatres The Lover and The Collection
offer Harold Pinter at his best

By Kate Wingfield

SPOTLIGHT: KITTY GLITTER p.7 OUT ON THE TOWN p.11

REGAL ASCENT: SHIRINE BABB p.12 FILM: IN GODS COUNTRY p.16
SCENE: YOUTH PRIDE DAY p.19 COMMUNITY: DRAG RACE p.23 THE FEED p.26
COVER STORY: TAKING ON THE NRA p.28 FORUM: GUNS p.33 GALLERY: WILD PARTY p.37
FILM: MARSHALL p.39 STAGE: THE LOVER AND THE COLLECTION p.41
STAGE: THE EFFECT p.42 NIGHTLIFE p.45 SCENE: GMCWS ROPEBURN p.45
LISTINGS p.46 SCENE: TRADE p.52 LAST WORD p.54

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 Saints The Victims of the Las Vegas Shooting, October 1, 2017 Cover Photography Todd Franson

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

4 OCTOBER 12, 2017 METROWEEKLY

 Spotlight

Meow Mix
DJ Kitty Glitter brings happy music from Down Under to Town

I
AM A LEO. THATS MY SIGN. SO I KNEW I
wanted to be a cat of some sort, Kitty Glitter
says. At first Kitty Litter came to mind, but it
was a little bit trashy. So I added the g to make it a
bit more glamorous. And it was a purr-fect fit.
The name has served as a calling card for the
Australian performer to grow far beyond initial
intentions when creating Kitty Glitter twenty years
ago. I was kind of bored with the drag queens
around the scene in Sydney [and] the old-fashioned
sort of drag style. I came out with a very fresh look
instead of wearing a wig, I had a glitter motorbike
helmet and wore a spacesuit. It was very futuristic.
Prior to that, the man behind Glitter hadnt
really done much drag. I was never really a femi-
nine boy growing up. But I was known amongst my
family as an entertainer. So it was a bit of a natural
progression.
The same is true for Glitters shift over the past
decade to serving as a DJ at dance parties. In fact,
Glitter has become so popular as a drag-donning
DJ that shes barely in Sydney these days. Shes
constantly spinning at clubs around the world,
and will make her D.C. debut this Saturday, Oct.
14, at Town.
People just go crazy when Im playing, she
says. They come up to me and say, Oh, thank God
you play vocals! Thank God you play happy music!
It leaves me wondering, what are these other DJs
playing? Doug Rule

DJ Kitty Glitter spins Saturday, Oct. 14, at Town Danceboutique, 2009 8th St. NW. Doors at 10 p.m.
Cover is $15 until midnight, $12 after. Call 202-234-8696 or visit towndc.com.

OCTOBER 12, 2017 METROWEEKLY 7

 Spotlight
ARE YOU NOW OR HAVE
YOU EVER BEEN...
MetroStage presents Carlyle Browns fic-
tionalized glimpse into the mind of Langston
Hughes during the communist-purging
McCarthy era, when the great poet was
called to testify on the Hill about his patri-
otism and possible Communist ties. Marcus
Naylor stars as Hughes and Michael Sharp
as Joe McCarthy in this timely play featuring
an original blues score by William Knowles.
Directed and choreographed by Thomas W.
Jones II. To Nov. 5. MetroStage, 1201 North
Royal St., Alexandria. Tickets are $55 to $60.
CHRIS BANKS

Call 703-548-9044 or visit metrostage.org.

FLIP FABRIQUE
The Canadian circus troupe
offers a unique theatrical event
combining acrobatic stunts,
original trampowall, and
humor. Their show, Catch Me!,
includes a Popsicle-eating
contest and an act performed
entirely in sleeping bags.
Wednesday, Oct. 18, at 7 p.m.
Weinberg Center for the Arts,
20 W. Patrick St. Frederick,
Md. Tickets are $16.75 to
$26.75. Call 301-600-2828 or
visit weinbergcenter.org.

SOTTO VOCE
Love transcends all borders in this 2014
work by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright
Nilo Cruz (Anna in the Tropics). Jos
Carrasquillo directs Theater Js produc-
tion of the passionate and lyrical drama
about a young Cuban mans research into
the fate of a ship of Jewish refugees that
fled Nazi Germany only to be denied entry
into both Cuba and the United States. Sotto
Voce features actors Brigid Cleary, Andrs
C. Talero and Desiree Marie Velez. To
C. STANLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

Oct. 29. The Aaron and Cecile Goldman

Theater, Edlavitch DCJCC, 1529 16th St.
NW. Tickets are $39 to $69. Call 202-777-
3210 or visit theaterj.org.

8 OCTOBER 12, 2017 METROWEEKLY

 Spotlight
PROFESSOR MARSTON
& THE WONDER WOMEN
The incredible true story of what inspired
the Harvard psychologist to create the icon-
ic feminist character. William Moulton
Marston was aided in his endeavor by his
wife Elizabeth Marston and their lover Olive
Byrne, a hidden love triangle that rivals
the greatest of superhero disguises. Angela
Robinsons drama stars Luke Evans, Rebecca
Hall, Bella Heathcote and Connie Britton.
Opens Friday, Oct. 13. Angelika Film Center
in Fairfaxs Mosaic District. Call 571-512-
3301 or visit angelikafilmcenter.com.

CHEYENNE JACKSON
The gay star of TV (American Horror Story)
and Broadway (Xanadu) makes his Wolf
Trap debut with an intimate cabaret in
the acoustically rich Barns. The Grammy-
nominated performer will draw from his
recorded output, including albums with
Great American Songbook steward Michael
Feinstein (The Power of Two), his under-
rated 2013 pop set Im Blue, Skies, and last
years Renaissance, adapted and expanded
from his recent Music of the Mad Men
Era concerts with symphonies, includ-
ing the NSO Pops. Sunday, Oct. 15, at 8
p.m. The Barns at Wolf Trap, 1635 Trap
Road, Vienna. Tickets are $45 to $55. Call
877-WOLFTRAP or visit wolftrap.org.

SECOND CITY: WHEN LIFE

GIVES YOU CLEMENS
The celebrated improv troupe returns to the
Kennedy Center, this time with a tribute to the
legendary American comedian and writer born
Samuel Clemens but better known as Mark
Twain. When Life Gives You Clemens is a show
of relatable humor and satire, riffing on the
past, the present, and where the Twain shall
meet. Amy Thompson, Katie Kershaw, Alison
Banowsky, E.J. Cameron, Mark Campbell
and Saurabh Pande perform with accompani-
ment from music director Anthony Sanders.
Part of the KenCens Mark Twain Prize 20th
Anniversary Celebration. Thursday, Oct. 19, and
Friday, Oct. 20, at 7 and 9 p.m. Kennedy Center
Family Theater. Tickets are $39 to $55. Call
202-467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org.

OCTOBER 12, 2017 METROWEEKLY 9

REY LOPEZ

Out On The Town

HANKS OLD TOWN: OYSTERFEST 10

We wanted to do something for the community to bring people together, Hanks founder Jamie Leeds says about the
origins of OysterFest. We thought wed provide all-you-can-eat oysters, drink beer and just have a good time. It proved
so popular upon its launch in the spring of 2007 at her original Dupont Circle location, she quickly made it an annual fall
event to help christen her new Alexandria offshoot. At both locations, the prospect of all-you-can-drink premium craft
beer, wine and punch to wash down fresh, fried and BBQd bivalves, popcorn calamari, onion rings, and Old Bay fries has
become such a draw, the line starts forming at breakfast and doesnt let up until hours into the whole shucking sensation.
Saturday, Oct. 14, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hanks Oyster Bar, 1026 King St., Alexandria. Tickets are $90 all inclusive. Call
202-733-1971 or visit hanksoysterbar.com.

Compiled by Doug Rule
FILM
A WOMANS FACE
This seasons film screening and
discussion series from New Yorker
writer Margaret Talbot and Movie
Mom film critic Nell Minow might
just be the best. Inspired in part
by Feud, Ryan Murphys series on
FX, Davis & Crawford, A Fabulous
Rivalry offers two films starring
Bette Davis and Joan Crawford
apiece one well-known, and
one off-the-wall. The next film in
the series is George Cukors 1941
drama, which Minow describes to
Metro Weekly as a very, very nutty
Joan Crawford film in which her
face has been badly injured and
then she has plastic surgery and it
turns her life around. Sunday, Oct.
22, at 4 p.m. Hill Center, Old Navy
Hospital, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE.
Free, but registration recommend-
ed for guaranteed seating. Call 202-
549-4172 or visit HillCenterDC.org.
GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN
The little-known story behind the
creation of Winnie-the-Pooh, A. A.
Milnes enchanting series of books
that brought hope and comfort to
English families after World War
I and then became a Disney media
franchise in the 60s. Simon Curtis
drama examines the impact inter-
national success had on Milnes
family, chiefly the son whose toys
originally inspired it. Will Tilston
stars as the namesake son, with
Domhnall Gleeson his father,
Margot Robbie as mother, and
Kelly Macdonald the nanny. Opens
Friday, Oct. 13. Area theaters. Visit
fandango.com.
HUMAN FLOW
An epic film journey directed by
the internationally renowned
Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, Human
Flow examines the modern refu-
gee crisis, in which over 65 mil-
lion people worldwide have been
forced from their homes to escape
famine, consequences from climate
change, and war. A visceral work
of cinema, the documentary follows
a chain of urgent human stories
taking place over the course of one
year and stretching to all corners
of the globe. Opens Friday, Oct. 13.
Landmarks E Street Cinema, 555
11th St. NW. Call 202-452-7672 or
visit landmarktheatres.com.
SINGIN IN THE RAIN
Capital Classics, a new hump-
day series at Landmarks recent-
ly refurbished West End Cinema,
offers a screening of one of the
greatest Hollywood musicals ever
made. Set during the early days of
talkies, Singin In The Rain traces
the seismic transition from silence
to speech in film, as matinee idol
Gene Kelly and his partner Donald
OConnor search for a solution
to a dud film and a shrill co-star.
Debbie Reynolds saves the day in
this all-singing, all-dancing visu-
al spectacle. Happy Hour-priced
beer and wine from 4 to 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 18, at 1:30, 4:30,
and 7:30 p.m. Landmarks West End
Cinema, 2301 M St. NW. Tickets are
$12.50. Call 202-534-1907 or visit
landmarktheatres.com.
THE FOREIGNER
Jackie Chan returns to both a lead-
ing role and his action roots, but
dont expect a comedy. Instead,
this is a thriller directed by Martin
Campbell (Casino Royale) about
a businessman whose daugh-
ter is killed in a terrorist attack
in London. Determined to find her
killers, he wages war on a former
IRA member turned government
official (Pierce Brosnan) who might
hold the information he needs. It
looks bleak, action-packed, and
gritty. Opens Friday, Oct. 13. Area
theaters. Visit fandango.com. (RM)

OCTOBER 12, 2017 METROWEEKLY 11

 STAGE
AN ACT OF GOD
Tom Story is the divine one in a
comedy by David Javerbaum, based
on the Daily Show writers book
The Last Testament: A Memoir by
God. Story shares the stage with
Evan Casey and Jamie Smithson
as archangels Michael and Gabriel,
helping God create an entirely new
set of Ten Commandments. Opens
Thursday, Oct. 12. Runs to Nov. 26.
Ark Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave.
Arlington. Call 703-820-9771 or visit
sigtheatre.org.

ASSASSINS
After a production of the musical
Crazy Mary Lincoln, Pallas Theatre
Collective closes out its seventh
season with another musical that
begins at the same moment in his-
TERESA WOOD

tory: the assassination at Fords

Theatre. Staged in Capital Fringes
Trinidad Theatre, just north of the
H Street Corridor, the revue-style
portrait of attempted presiden-

REGAL ASCENT
tial murderers is one of Stephen
Sondheims lesser-known shows.
Clare Shaffer directs Pallas spin,
with Andrew Keller as Lincolns
killer John Wilkes Booth, Taylor
From Cleopatra to Potterdom, Shirine Babbs career has magic Rieland as John Hinckley (Reagan),
Tyler Cramer as Samuel Byck
(and talent) on her side (Nixon), Topher Williams as

M
Giuseppe Zangara (FDR), Karen
Lange as Sarah Jane Moore (Ford),
AYBE YOUVE HEARD THE NEWS: HARRY POTTER WILL BRING HIS MAGIC Alex Palting as Squeaky Fromme
to Broadway next year. Its gonna be quite epic, Shirine Babb says. Theyre rede- (Ford), and Andrew Flurer as Lee
signing the Lyric Theatre to specifically look [and] inhabit everything relating to Harvey Oswald (JFK). To Oct.
Harry Potter. Hogwarts will be brought to life in an American version of Harry Potter and the 15. Logan Fringe Arts Space, 1358
Florida Ave. NE. Tickets are $25.
Cursed Child, the Olivier-winning two-part play from Londons West End. And its already off Call 202-733-6321 or visit capital-
to a roaring start on the Great White Way: The Lyrics website crashed due to overwhelming fringe.org.
demand on the first day of registration for ticket sales.
CLOVER
Babb will factor into the large New York cast, which is to be led by seven actors from the Ally Theatre Company, focused on
original production. But shes not allowed to spill the beans on any further details. I cant tell presenting works or partnering with
you what role Im playing, she says, because they want to really focus with the British cast organizations acknowledging and
thats coming in, to kind of put its stamp on the show. confronting systemic oppression in
America, concludes its inaugural
The work is set to mark a new chapter in Babbs career. If there was a label to place on season with a new full-length play
me, I would be a classical actress, she says. Since studying at Shakespeares Globe in London, exploring the life of Washington
Babb has become best known for her work in classics of the Bard, both in her home base of socialite Clover Adams. Laura
Rocklyn stars as Clover in a play
New York as well as in D.C. Shes currently the female lead in Folger Theatres Antony and that she co-wrote with Allys artis-
Cleopatra, her third time playing what many consider Shakespeares most fully developed tic director Ty Hallmark. Angela
female character. But just as with her company debut as Portia in director Robert Richmonds Kay Pirko directs a cast that also
stylized and captivating Julius Caesar three years ago, Babb says to expect the unexpected, features Nick Depinto as Henry
Adams and Tamieka Chavis as
even if you think you know the sequel. Lizzie Cameron. To Oct. 28. Caos
I really want everyone to come to this with a very open mind, because our cut is in such a on F, 923 F St. NW. Tickets are $25.
way that it focuses on the relationship of these two individuals and the intimacy and the love Visit alltheatrecompany.com.
and the struggle that they have, both for love and country. And as a result of that you get to DEATH OF A SALESMAN
see two really human individuals, you dont get to see your pinup version of what you think Craig Wallace is Willy Loman in
these two characters are. the Pulitzer Prize-winning classic
Cleopatra will have a larger-than-life quality, something unavoidable both by virtue of the from American theater giant Arthur
Miller, focused on the cost of chas-
historical character and the actor playing her. Anyone whos seen Babbs work can attest to ing the American dream. Stephen
something she constantly hears from her gay friends: These are their words, not mine, she Rayne directs a 15-member cast that
stresses, but they think Im fierce, and that Im a powerhouse, and that I am not one to be includes Wallaces real-life wife
Kimberly Schraf as Willys devoted
messed with. Doug Rule Linda. The creative team includes
Tim Mackabee on set design, light-
ing by Pat Collins, sound and orig-
Antony and Cleopatra runs to Nov. 19 at Folger Theatre, 201 East Capitol St. SE. inal music by John Gromada, and
costumes by Wade Laboissonniere.
Call 202-544-7077 or visit folger.edu. To Oct. 22. Fords Theatre, 511 10th

12 OCTOBER 12, 2017 METROWEEKLY

 St. NW. Tickets are $20 to $62. Call
800-982-2787 or visit fords.org.
ILL GET YOU BACK AGAIN
Memories and lessons from the
60s factor into Sarah Ganchers
high-energy rock-and-roll come-
dy, focused on a struggling stand-
up comedian who decides to sit
in for her dead father as bassist
for his seminal psychedelic rock
band. Round House presents a live
music-enriched production direct-
ed by Rachel Chavkin, whom the
New York Times has called one of
the most gifted [directors] working
today. To Oct. 29. Round House
Theatre, 4545 East-West Highway,
Bethesda. Call 240-644-1100 or visit
roundhousetheatre.org.
LOVE AND INFORMATION
Forum Theatre presents its fifth
production by the entertain-
ingly provocative British play-
wright Caryl Churchill, this one a
fast-moving kaleidoscope of over
60 moments featuring more than
100 characters, all trying to make
sense of what they know. Michael
Dove directs the theatrical puz-
zle, pieced together by actors
Edward Christian, Lilian Oben,
Samy El-Noury, Shpend Xani, and
Emily Whitworth. To Oct. 21. Silver
Spring Black Box Theatre, 8641
Colesville Road, Silver Spring. Call
301-588-8279 or forum-theatre.org.
NATIVE GARDENS
Arena Stage presents the local pre-
miere of Karen Zacarias D.C.-set
hot-button comedy, where well-in-
tentioned neighbors become feud-
ing enemies in a clash of class and
culture. Blake Robison directs a
co-production with Cincinnatis
Guthrie Theater and starring
Jacqueline Correa, Dan Domingues,
Steve Hendrickson, and Sally
Wingert. To Oct. 22. Kreeger
Theater, 1101 6th St. SW. Tickets
are $40 to $90. Call 202-488-3300
or visit arenastage.org.
OUR TOWN
The townspeople become Japanese-
style puppets in Aaron Posners
eccentric take on the seminal classic
by Thornton Wilder. John Hudson
Odom (Angels in America) stars as
the guiding Stage Manager in a pro-
duction faithful to the script and
sanctioned by the Wilder Family
Estate, featuring just seven actors,
who manipulate and animate the
puppets. In previews. To Nov. 12.
Mulitz-Gudelsky Theatre Lab, 2001
Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney,
Md. Call 301-924-3400 or visit
olneytheatre.org.
STONES IN HIS POCKETS
Set in a small, hardscrabble Irish
town where many of the towns-
people are extras in a Hollywood
film, this wicked tragicomedy by
Irish playwright Marie Jones opens
Keegans 21st season. Matthew
Keenan and Josh Sticklin take on
14 OCTOBER 12, 2017 METROWEEKLY
all 15 roles, playing both men and
women, often switching gender and
voice with barely a blink and the
absolute bare minimum of costume
changes. Closes Sunday, Oct. 15.
Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church St.
NW. Tickets are $35 to $45. Call
202-265-3768 or visit keeganthe-
atre.com.
MUSIC
EMILY SALIERS
The other half of the Indigo Girls
tours in support of her solo debut
Murmuration Nation. And fear not,
she will sing from the Indigo Girls
impressive repertoire, as Saliers
herself is responsible for writing
many of the duos earliest and most
indelible hits, including Galileo,
Least Complicated, and Closer Wright, his adulterous affair with
to Fine. Monday, Oct. 16, at 8 p.m.
Rams Head On Stage, 33 West St.,
Annapolis. Tickets are $45. Call
410-268-4545 or visit ramsheadon-
stage.com.
MULTIFLORA MUSIC FESTIVAL
Search for Sanctuary is the theme
of the inaugural month-long festival
by Multiflora Productions, a. D.C.-
based presenting organization spe-
cializing in genre-bending multicul-
tural music drawn from all corners
of the world. The lineup over the
next week includes: Orfeia Balkan
womens choir at Hill Center,
and Latin jazz ensemble Cuarteto
Bomba at Bossa Bistro, both on
Sunday, Oct. 15, DC Highlife All
Stars on Thursday, Oct. 19, at Bossa
Bistro, Combo Chimbita and Los
Gaiteros de Sanguashington at
the Atlas on Friday, Oct. 20, and
a Weird World showcase featur-
ing Time Is Fire, Yeni Nostalji,
Quattracenta and Lisa Mezzacappa
at Safari Lounge on Saturday, Oct.
21. Festival runs at various venues
through Oct. 31. Visit multiflorapro-
ductions.com for more information.
NATIONAL PHILHARMONIC
Based at Strathmore, this 200-mem-
ber symphony opens its season with
two different concerts, each featur-
ing a different star soloist: Grammy-
winning musician Zuill Bailey joins
the first night to perform the king
of cello concertos, Dvoks Cello
Concerto in B minor, while the sec-
ond finds Santiago Rodriguez per-
forming Griegs most popular work,
his Piano Concerto in A minor. Both
concerts are led by the companys
Music Director Piotr Gajewski, fea-
ture Beethovens Egmont Overture,
and showcase former child violin
prodigy Sarah Chang. Saturday, Oct.
14, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 15, at
3 p.m. Music Center at Strathmore,
5301 Tuckerman Lane, North
Bethesda. Tickets are $25 to $82.
Call 301-493-9283 or visit national-
philharmonic.org.
NATIONAL SYMPHONY
ORCHESTRA
Conductor Juanjo Mena pairs
Tchaikovskys stirring Pathtique
symphony with Barbers Pulitzer
Prizewinning Piano Concerto
featuring soloist Garrick Ohlsson.
The program also includes the
ghostly Auditorium by Kennedy
Center Composer-in-Residence
Mason Bates. Thursday, Oct. 12, at
7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 13, at 8 p.m., and
Saturday, Oct. 14, at 3 p.m. Kennedy
Center Concert Hall. Tickets are
$15 to $89. Call 202-467-4600 or
visit kennedy-center.org.
URBANARIAS: SHINING BROW
Daron Aric Hagens new 85-min-
ute opera, with a libretto by Paul
Muldoon, relates the early career
of celebrity architect Frank Lloyd
Mamah Cheney, and the conse-
quences of his enormous self-re-
gard. Robert Wood conducts
and Grant Preisser directs this
Usonian-steeped production from
short opera company UrbanArias
featuring Sidney Outlaw as
Wright, Miriam Khalil as Cheney,
Rebecca Ringle as Wrights wife,
Ben Wager as Cheneys hus-
band, and Robert Baker as Louis
Sullivan. Opens Saturday, Oct. 14,
at 8 p.m. Weekends to Oct. 21. Atlas
Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St.
NE. Tickets are $39 to $4. Call 202-
399-7993 or visit urbanarias.org.
DANCE
CLANCYWORKS, COPPIN STATE
UNIVERSITY COLLABORATION
The Coppin State University
Repertory Dance Ensemble and
ClancyWorks Dance Company team
up for a collaborative performance
drawing on their work with dancers
and choreographers from Baltimore
County and Baltimore City High
Schools, part of an effort to test
arts ability to bridge gaps between
communities. Friday, Oct. 20, and
Saturday, Oct. 21, at 7:30 p.m., and
Sunday, Oct. 22, at 5 p.m. Baltimore
Theatre Project, 45 West Preston
St. Baltimore. Tickets are $15. Call
410-752-8558 or visit theatreproj-
ect.org.
DAKSHINA:
FESTIVAL OF INDIAN ARTS
Daniel Phoenix Singhs dance com-
pany presents its 14th annual event
with a focus on pioneering women
choreographers of India. Starting
with free community performanc-
es of classical Indian dance styles
at 6 p.m., each evening features a
different company performing at
7:30 p.m.: Mallika Sarabhai and her
company Darpana present a top-
ical, progressive-minded Classic
to Contemporary program on
Thursday, Oct. 12; Bharata Natyam
soloist Rama Vaidyanathan offers
an evening of dance, music and
poetry based on the lives of mys-
tic poets Janabai and Lal Ded on
Friday, Oct. 13; and Leela Samson
and her company Spanda close out
the festival with the nuanced and
poignant dance production Nadi,
examining the mythology and sym-
bolism of the river in centuries of
Indian poets, on Saturday, Oct. 14.
Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333
H St. NE. Tickets are $27.50 to $60
each performance. Call 202-399-
7993 or visit atlasarts.org.
MATTHEW BOURNE/NEW
ADVENTURES: THE RED SHOES
Acclaimed gay choreographer
presents his re-envisioning of
the beloved fairytale by Hans
Christian Andersen and the 1948
iconic Oscar-winning film about
one young womans dream to be
the greatest dancer in the world.
The British Bournes company per-
forms the dark and highly theat-
rical work in its D.C. premiere as
part of a four-stop U.S. run. Liam
Mower, the original Billy Elliot on
Londons West End, plays Ivan
Boleslavsky while American Ballet
Theatre principal dancer Marcelo
Gomes alternates as Julian Craster.
The Red Shoes features music by
Bernard Herrmann. Remaining per-
formances are Thursday, Oct. 12,
at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 13, and
Saturday, Oct. 14, at 1:30 and 7:30
p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 15, at 1:30
p.m. Kennedy Center Opera House.
Tickets are $29 to $129. Call 202-
467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.
org.
PILOBOLUS
The popular, Connecticut-based
athletic dance troupe returns to the
area for another performance of its
work Shadowland, an innovative,
evening-length multimedia piece
following the dreamlike world of
a young girl. The dancers use their
bodies to form shapes projected
as shadows on screens in front of
them, move to a rhythmic origi-
nal score by American composer
David Poe. Shadowland was con-
ceived in collaboration with Steven
Banks, lead writer for SpongeBob
SquarePants. Friday, Oct. 13, at 8
p.m. Concert Hall in George Mason
University Center for the Arts, 4373
Mason Pond Drive, Fairfax. Tickets
are $29 to $48. Call 888-945-2468
or visit cfa.gmu.edu.
COMEDY
MARGARET CHO
A bisexual San Francisco native of
Korean descent, Cho has consis-
tently worked to counteract prudish
attitudes and negative portrayals
about sex and alternative sexual-
ities, in over two decades of work
as a stand-up comedian and TV
personality. She returns to D.C. for
the third time this year, with a new
stand-up show entitled Fresh Off
the Bloat. Naturally, shell speak
her mind in an intentionally provoc-
 AWAKENINGS
The gay romantic powerhouse Gods Own Country is the movie
Brokeback Mountain should have been By Randy Shulman
W
HEN WE FIRST MEET JOHNNY SAXBY IN FRANCIS
Lees breathtaking, emotionally redolent Gods Own
Country (HHHHH), hes violently retching up his
previous night at the local pub, a scene, we soon learn, is
all-too-familiar. Im not cleaning up your sick, barks his steel-
eyed grandmother, Diedre, as the glum 24-year-old starts his
day of work on the familys Yorkshire livestock farm. Its not a
glamorous life, and Johnny takes to his chores with a begrudging
sullenness, constantly berated by his father Martin, incapacitat-
ed a few years back by a stroke. Everything rests on Johnnys
shoulders, like it or not. And he doesnt like it.
Johnnys anger is fueled by loneliness and regret. From his
farms vast fields, he can see the lights of the town below. But
hes only part of it inasmuch as he can down a dozen or so pints.
His friends have all moved away, to better things, leaving him
trapped in a rural, mind-numbingly dull nightmare of sweeping
manure, mending fences, and birthing lambs and calves.
His sexual encounters are confined to quick, coarse, decid-
edly unsafe spit fucks with a young, local auctioneer. After one
such occasion, the boy asks if Johnny would like to get a beer
sometime, an attempt to humanize an otherwise unappealing,
feral sexual encounter, and Johnny merely scoffs. Johnny, of
course, is an animal instinctive, primal waiting to be domes-
ticated, waiting to be born.
The promise of rebirth arrives in the form of Gheorghe, a
migrant Romanian worker hired by Martin to help with lambing
season. Johnny is at first desultory to the swarthy young man,
calling him a gypsy, but the attraction is evident. After the pair
spend a few nights in a remote stone shelter, tending to the
newborn lambs, a transformation occurs. Their first encounter is
eruptive, messy, passionate, stark, but it soon gives way to some-
thing more, as Gheorghe literally teaches Johnny the meaning of
tenderness, as well as the power of a first kiss.
The Reel Affirmations film festival runs from Oct. 19 to Sunday, Oct. 22, at the Gala Hispanic Theatre, 3333 14th Street NW.
Gods Own Country plays Thursday, Oct. 19, at 9 p.m. For a full lineup of films or to buy tickets, visit thedccenter.org/reelaffirmations.
16 OCTOBER 12, 2017 METROWEEKLY
The remainder of Lees movie follows very familiar tropes,
but it does so in such a natural, beguiling way, you barely notice.
Everything about Gods Own Country feels fresh, as if this were
the first gay romance ever made. If it doesnt put your heart in
your throat, youre likely dead.
Lee infuses his film with a grim and gritty authenticity.
Where an estimable movie like Brokeback Mountain, with which
Gods Own Country shares massively similar DNA, generated
its emotions through poise and polish, Lees film aims for the
jugular of true intimacy. It helps that there are no recognizable
stars apart from Ian Hart, magnificent as the stroke-addled
Martin. The movie is as much about the brutal, punishing, often
grisly life of farming as it is about two men finding romance. Its
about the realization that while we can be our own self-imposed
islands, surrounded by resentment and anger, things are so
much better when you have someone making you morning eggs
and fresh goats milk cheese.
As Johnny and Gheorghe, Josh OConnor and Alec Secareanu
are equally phenomenal, matching each other in both ferocity
and a familiar, playful casualness. OConnor is particularly good
in conveying Johnnys primordial nature, while Secareanu plays
Gheorghe with steady, serene, knowing calm and compassion.
The actors bring the authenticity of first love to the screen in a
way that is exceedingly rare for any movie, Hollywood or oth-
erwise.
Gods Own Country will open in D.C. in mid-November, but
Reel Affirmations has it now, as their opening night centerpiece
and trust when I say there is no other place you want to be
than in the Gala Theatre at 9 p.m. next Thursday, Oct. 19. Gods
Own Country is the Beautiful Thing of today. Tender, heartbreak-
ing, emotionally shattering and satisfying, it is the movie that
(the admittedly great) Brokeback Mountain only wishes it could
have been. l
ative way. Saturday, Oct. 14, at 8
p.m. Warner Theatre, 513 13th St.
NW. Tickets are $20 to $58. Call
202-783-4000 or visit warnerthe-
atredc.com.

UNIFIED SCENE THEATER:

BRING BACK THE 90S
D.C.s upstart improv comedy com-
pany presents another round of its
show that celebrates the decade
when there was a Clinton in the
White House. The audience choos-
es music videos from the 90s to
watch, cued up by Huckleberry
Spin. The cast, including Erick
Acuna, Jordana Mishory, Elaine
Cowell, Ryan Alloway, Joe Dawson,
Shealy Molpus, and Ginnie Seger,
then uses the images and lyrics from
those videos to create off-the-charts
improvised scenes.
Saturday, Oct. 14, at 8:30 p.m.
Unified Scene Theater, 80 T St.
NW. Tickets are $15. Visit unified-
scenetheater.com.

READINGS
& LECTURES
LCD SOUNDSYSTEM
ESTHER PEREL If five years ago you were swept up in the pomp and emotion of LCD Soundsystems melo-
The State of Affairs: Rethinking
Infidelity finds the renowned sex
dramatic farewell tour, their sudden return might have felt a little cheap even amid the
therapist challenging assumptions, breakneck pace of 2017s news cycle. Fortunately, American Dream is a fulfilling, occasional-
upending conventional wisdom, ly compelling crowd-pleaser that should satisfy most stalwart fans, even the ones who might
and offering a nuanced look at still be a little crusty about their reunion. LCDs sound has always owed much to frontman
affairs from multiple viewpoints. As
a culture, we are ever more open James Murphys neurotic obsession with post-punk, and American Dream is no different,
about sex, but infidelity, despite heavy with nods and callbacks to Talking Heads and David Bowie. Yet its not a one-man
being common, remains shrouded show, and among a rotating collective of roughly a dozen members, theres also Gavin
in a cloud of shame, secrecy and
judgment. Perel will be in conversa-
Russom, who plays synth and percussion, who came out as transgender earlier this year.
tion with Shira Stutman, Sixth and LCD kicks off the U.S. leg of a world tour as the fifth official act to headline Washingtons
Is Senior Rabbi. Tuesday, Oct. 17, at newest concert venue, in the newest, most-buzzed-about part of town. Tuesday, Oct. 17, and
7 p.m. Sixth & I Historic Synagogue. Wednesday, Oct. 18. Doors at 6:30 p.m. The Anthem, 901 Wharf St. SW. Tickets are $61.75
600 I St. NW. Tickets are $18, or
$32 including one book; $45 for two to $81.75. Call 202-265-0930 or visit theanthemdc.com. (Sean Maunier)
tickets and one book . Call 202-408-
3100 or visit sixthandi.org.

NATHAN RUNKLE
Mercy for Animals: One Mans Quest
to Inspire Compassion, and Improve
the Lives of Farm Animals documents
this activists pet project over the
past two decades. Runkles organiza-
tion Mercy for Animals has achieved
several legislative victories after
exposing devastating conditions for
animals on factory farms. Further
advances can come from consumers
making compassionate food choices.
Sunday, October 15, 2017 at 3 p.m.
Politics and Prose, 5015 Connecticut
Ave. NW. Call 202-364-1919 or visit
politics-prose.com.
VAN JONES
Beyond the Messy Truth: How
We Came Apart, How We Come
Together is the CNN political con-
tributors blueprint for progressives
to transform their collective anxiety
into meaningful change. A former
advisor to the Obama White House,
Jones has made it his mission to
challenge voters and viewers to
stand in one anothers shoes and
disagree constructively. He will be
in conversation with Jake Tapper,
CNNs chief Washington corre-
spondent. Thursday, Oct. 19, at 7
p.m. Sixth & I Historic Synagogue.
600 I St. NW. Tickets are $20, or
$35 including one pre-signed book;
$45 for two tickets and one pre-
signed book. Call 202-408-3100 or
visit sixthandi.org.
EXHIBITS
ARTECHOUSE: SPIRIT OF
AUTUMN
Founded earlier this year by Sandro
Kereselidze and Tatiana Pastukhova
of event production company Art
Soiree, the digital art museum,
near the Mandarin Oriental hotel
in Southwest D.C., is dedicated to
showcasing work at the intersec-
tion of art and technology. Its latest
immersive, interactive installation
offers a dreamlike escape into a Fall
playground using a state-of-the-art
projection system with wall graph-
ics powered by A-Blok and floor
projections by Noirflux. In the eve-
ning, the projected autumn land-
scape changes with the setting sun,
ushering in the nighttime. Now to
Nov. 5. ArTecHouse in the Portals,
1238 Maryland Ave. SW. Tickets for
60-minute, timed-entry sessions are
$8 daytime admission, $20 for eve-
ning (drinks sold separately). Visit
artechouse.com.
BLOODSTONE:
PAINTINGS BY BAUJI
A Collaboration by Larry Bauer
and Suzanne Manji, Bauji features
painted photographs aimed at get-
ting viewers into the Halloween
spirit. Opening Reception with light
refreshments is Friday, Oct. 13, from
6 to 8 p.m. Miss Pixies, 1626 14th
St. NW. Call 202-232-8171 or visit
misspixies.com.
BOSCH TO BLOEMAERT: EARLY
NETHERLANDISH DRAWINGS
A collection of the finest drawings
by Netherlandish artists born before
1585 are now on display at the
National Gallery of Art. Drawn from
Rotterdams Museum Boijmans
Van Beuningen, works on display
include: Studies from the circle of
Rogier van der Weyden, two sheets
by Hieronymus Bosch, six drawings
by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, and
a selection of works by Abraham
Bloemaert Now to Jan. 7. National
Gallery of Arts West Building, 6th
Street and Constitution Avenue
NW. Free. Call or visit nga.gov.
DENATURED: TECHNOLOGY AND
THE NATURAL WORLD
Imagined futures, ghostly pasts, the
detritus of technological process
and tensions between the organic
and artificial are all central to the
pieces in this exhibition at District
of Columbia Arts Center. Sarah
Burford curated the show featur-
ing works in video, mixed-media,
creative coding and 3D prints by
Ryan Hoover, Joanna Platt, Rachel
Schmidt and Fabiola Yurcisin.
Opening Reception is Friday, Oct.
13, from 7 to 9 p.m. On display
through Nov. 12. DCAC, 2438 18th
St. NW. Call 202-462-7833 or visit
dcartscenter.org.

OCTOBER 12, 2017 METROWEEKLY 17

 NOPA KITCHEN+BAR:
$70 WEEKEND DINNER
FOR TWO MENU
Across from the Smithsonian
American Art Museum in Penn
Quarter, this 160-seat American
brasserie, part of the same family as
Rasika, Bibiana and the Oval Room,
should already be on your shortlist
for brunch. On Sundays between
11 a.m. and 3 p.m., each diner can
choose between an appetizer and
entree or sandwich, as well as a spe-
cial mimosa or bloody Mary, for $28
to $30 each (or $38 with bottomless
PHOTO COURTESY OF MATTHEWS

classic mimosas). Now Executive

Chef Matt Kuhn is working to get
Nopa on your radar earlier in the
weekend as well, with a new dinner
menu focused on composed dish-
es designed for couples, whether
lovers or close friends, reasonably
priced at $70 for two, before tax
and tip. The menu changes week-
ly, and is available exclusively on
Fridays and Saturdays during din-
CRYS MATTHEWS ner service, 5 to 11 p.m., subject to
availability. Nopa Kitchen+Bar, 800
A self-described poster child for intersectionality, Matthews is a black, lesbian, preach- F St. NW. Call 202-347-4667 or visit
ers kid from the South in an interracial marriage. The Herndon, Va.-based artist tells nopadc.com.
unique stories through soul-searching acoustic folk a blend combining elements of
SIR SUNDAYS AT SAX
Jill Scott, Mavis Staples and Toshi Reagon, along with a sprinkling of Tracy Chapman. Penn Quarters Moulin Rouge-
Matthew tours in support of two new accomplished, simultaneously released albums: The inspired restaurant Sax offers move-
Imagineers, a full-length set of love songs named after a bouncy, inspiring anthem, as well ment-based spectacles, including
aerial stunts, hip-hop group rou-
as the protest-oriented EP Battle Hymn for an Army of Lovers. Shes the opening act for
tines, pole performances, and bur-
pop singer-songwriter David Choi, a YouTube sensation based in L.A. but with a follow- lesque, to add excitement beyond
ing throughout Asia. Saturday, Oct. 14. Doors at 6 p.m. Jammin Java, 227 Maple Ave. E. the food. And male burlesque is
Vienna. Tickets are $18, or $30 for Premier Plus reserved seats. Call 703-255-3747 or visit the showcase every Sunday during
brunch, as a group of male pro-
jamminjava.com. fessional dancers, aerialists, and
bodybuilders perform full-length
shows, accompanied by unlimited
mimosas delivered by by table ser-
REIKO SUDO: MIAMI IS NICE YOU CAN GROW IT! vice studs. Sundays at 11 a.m. and 2
FANTASY IN JAPAN BLUE The Golden Girls inspired this The United States Botanic Garden p.m. Sax Restaurant & Lounge, 734
A world leader in textile design group art show and event series presents an exhibit intended to help 11th St. NW. Tickets are $50 to $65
and production, as CEO of Nuno organized by the artist-run gallery experienced and novice gardeners including appetizers and unlimited
Corporation, Sudo brings her inter- SpaceCamp in Baltimores Station alike have more fruitful experienc- mimosas. Call 202-737-0101 or visit
nationally acclaimed works to the North, the area that also houses the es. Discover foolproof plants, pick sirmaleburlesque.com.
Kennedy Center for a six-week citys revitalized Eagle. Zachary Z. up tips on plants that require extra
exhibition in honor of Japans his- Handler served as lead curator of attention, learn about the right
toric ties to the institution and its the exhibition, which also serves plant for the right place, and get ABOVE & BEYOND
support of the newly renovated as the venue for his wedding to fel- specific advice through a series of
Terrace Theater. The exhibition low Baltimore artist and perform- discussions. Closes Sunday, Oct. CHARM CITY KITTY CLUB: 15
features fabric made from natural er Nick Horan and decorative 15. Conservatory Terrace and East YEARS OF QUEER
material mounted on 115 open fans, remnants from their wedding will Gallery, 100 Maryland Ave. SW. Baltimores premiere queer cab-
a symbol of good fortune. Now to remain in the gallery for the dura- Call 202-225-8333 or visit usbg.gov. aret collective celebrates its 15th
Dec. 3. Kennedy Center Hall of tion of the show as an art installa- anniversary with a show of great-
est hits, bringing back key artists,
FOOD & DRINK
States. Call 202-467-4600 or visit tion. Other artists with works on
kennedy-center.org. display include: Jackie Cassidy, including WAMMY-winning DJ/
Felice Cleveland, Samuel Draxler, producer Arthur Loves Plastic aka
KARA WALKER: Alissa Eberle, Alice Gadzinski, HANKS PASTA BAR: SPARKLE Bev Stanton, electronic musician
THE CIVIL WAR (ANNOTATED) Labomamo, Ryan Lauderdale, Anya SATURDAYS and poet Tula Mae, erotic perfor-
With the full title Harpers Mizani, April Pink, Sidney Pink, Every third Saturday, the non-sea- mance poet and Emmy-nominated
Pictorial History of the Civil War Danya Smith and Tiffany Smith. A food-focused Hanks in Alexandria musician Ellen Cherry, stand-up
(Annotated), this series of 15 prints portion of all artwork sales will go offers a drag brunch led by Summer comedy from punalingus new-
by provocative African-American to SAGE Advocacy and Services for Knight and her girls. Jug O comer Rose Vineshank, and found-
artist appropriates and alters gen- LGBT Elders and the Trans Women Mimosas and Bloody Marys will ing Kitty Club members Kristen
teel Civil War-era images. Adding of Color Collective. A discussion be ever-flowing. Two seatings, at 11 Anchor and Megan McShea with
in stenciled figures and shadowy between Golden Girls screenwriter a.m. and 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 21. their collaborative, experimental
elements, Walkers works are suf- Stan Zimmerman and H. Alan Scott, Hanks Pasta Bar, 600 Montgomery romcom video poem Oceanauts.
fused with traumatic scenarios left host of Out on the Lanai: A Golden St., Alexandria. Tickets are $25 per Friday, Oct. 13, and Saturday, Oct.
out of the official record. Opens Girls Podcast, is Wednesday, Oct. person, excluding drinks. Call 571- 14, at 8 p.m., preceded by cocktails
Friday, Oct. 13. On display through 18, from 8 to 10 p.m. Runs to Oct. 312-4117 or visit hankspastabar. at 7 p.m. Baltimore Theatre Project,
Nov. 18. Smithsonian American Art 28. SpaceCamp, 16 West North Ave. com. 45 West Preston St. Tickets are $15.
Museum, 8th and F Streets NW. Baltimore. Visit miamiisnice.com. Call 410-752-8558 or visit theatre-
Free. Call 202-633-1000 or visit project.org. l
americanart.si.edu.

18 OCTOBER 12, 2017 METROWEEKLY

Scene
Youth Pride Day at Dupont Circle - Saturday, October 7
Photography by Ward Morrison
See and purchase more photos from this event at www.metroweekly.com/scene

OCTOBER 12, 2017 METROWEEKLY 19

20 OCTOBER 12, 2017 METROWEEKLY
 Community
THURSDAY, Oct. 12
Rayceen Pendarvis hosts
RAYCEEN, FIX ME UP!, a
mixer for single men presented
by Team Rayceen and Project
Healthy Livings The ManDate,
to kick off a series of events for
LGBTQ singles. Rayceen will
break the ice and lead inter-
active games with attendees.
Arrive early to chat with local
authors Joe Braxton and James
Simmons, who will have ven-
dor tables. Admission is free.
7-8:30 p.m. Studio Theatre,
1501 14th St. NW. Visit maker-
slabdc.co.
WARD MORRISON / FILE PHOTO

Weekly Events

ANDROMEDA
TRANSCULTURAL HEALTH
offers free HIV testing and HIV
services (by appointment). 9
a.m.-5 p.m. Decatur Center,
1400 Decatur St. NW. To
High Heel Racers 2016 arrange an appointment, call

DRAG RACE
202-291-4707, or visit androm-
edatransculturalhealth.org.

DC AQUATICS CLUB practice

The 17th Street High Heel Race is D.C.s most iconic session at Takoma Aquatic
Center. 7:30-9 p.m. 300 Van
LGBTQ Halloween events Buren St. NW. For more infor-
mation, visit swimdcac.org.

E
VEN THOUGH HE HELPS ORGANIZE THE 17TH STREET HIGH HEEL RACE, DC FRONT RUNNERS run-
ning/walking/social club
Dave Perruzza has sworn off donning a costume and high heels since his first race welcomes runners of all ability
in 1998. I did the first year I started at JR.s, and I almost broke my leg, says the levels for exercise in a fun and
longtime manager of JR.s Bar & Grill. Somebody fell in front of me, and I literally had to supportive environment, with
socializing afterward. Route
jump over them with 6-inch heels on. I leaped and landed on my right foot. I cant believe distance is 3-6 miles. Meet at
I didnt die. 7 p.m. at 23rd & P Streets NW.
While Perruzza has retired his stilettos for good, the High Heel Race, now entering year For more information, visit
dcfrontrunners.org.
31, continues to be the citys most popular event of the Halloween season. On Tuesday, Oct.
24 at 7 p.m., contestants will parade up and down 17th Street in front of thousands of cheer- DC LAMBDA SQUARES gay
ing onlookers. The race itself kicks off at 9 p.m., when theyll line up in front of Cobalt and and lesbian square-dancing
sprint to the finish line in front of JR.s, with the winner earning a $50 bar tab and bragging group features mainstream
through advanced square
rights. Grand marshals for this years race are Mayor Muriel Bowser, drag queen extraordi- dancing at the National City
naire BaNaka, and Ruby Corado, founder of the LGBTQ services center, Casa Ruby. Christian Church, 5 Thomas
Were making Ruby a grand marshal to help raise awareness about gay and lesbian Circle NW, 7-9:30 p.m. Casual
dress. 301-257-0517, dclamb-
homeless youth and the elderly in the community, says Perruzza, who also suggests that
dasquares.org.
people donate to Casa Ruby independently.
While participants often get creative or tongue-in-cheek with their costume selections, DC SCANDALS RUGBY holds
Perruzza has one rule: no weapons-related costumes. He also advises spectators not to bring practice. The team is always
looking for new members. All
portable chairs, pets, or backpacks which wont be allowed inside JR.s after the race. If welcome. 7:30-9:30 p.m. King
people think theyre being cute by having a [costume with a] knife or a gun, dont be cute, Greenleaf Recreation Center,
Perruzza says. This is not the time. Theres going to be more heightened security, especially 201 N St. SW. For more infor-
mation, visit scandalsrfc.org or
with everything going on since Vegas.
dcscandals@gmail.com.
Still, he doesnt expect the recent tragedy in Las Vegas to prevent anyone from attending.
Its gone from a primarily gay event to a family event because its so much fun, he says. THE DULLES TRIANGLES
Its the one event that brings the whole community together. And you never know what the Northern Virginia social
group meets for happy hour at
queens are going to dress up like. John Riley Sheraton in Reston. All wel-
come. 7-9 p.m. 11810 Sunrise
The 31st Annual High Heel Race is Tuesday, Oct. 24 on 17th Street, between R and P Streets Valley Drive, second-floor bar.
For more information, visit
NW. The parade of costumes is from 7-9 p.m., with the race kicking off from Cobalt, 1639 R St.
dullestriangles.com.
NW, at 9 p.m. sharp. For more information, or to volunteer,
visit facebook.com/17thStreetHighHeelRace.

OCTOBER 12, 2017 METROWEEKLY 23

HIV TESTING at Whitman-Walker
Health. 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and from
2-5 p.m. at 1525 14th St. NW, and
9 a.m-12 p.m. and 2-5 p.m. at the
Max Robinson Center, 2301 MLK
Jr. Ave. SE. For an appointment
call 202-745-7000 or visit whit-
man-walker.org.
IDENTITY offers free and confi-
dential HIV testing at two separate
locations. Walk-ins accepted from
2-6 p.m., by appointment for all
other hours. 414 East Diamond Ave.,
Gaithersburg, Md. or 7676 New
Hampshire Ave., Suite 411, Takoma
Park, Md. To set up an appoint-
ment or for more information, call
Gaithersburg, 301-300-9978, or
Takoma Park, 301-422-2398.
METROHEALTH CENTER
offers free, rapid HIV testing.
Appointment needed. 1012 14th
St. NW, Suite 700. To arrange an
appointment, call 202-638-0750.
SMYAL offers free HIV Testing, 3-5
p.m., by appointment and walk-in,
for youth 21 and younger. Youth
Center, 410 7th St. SE. 202-567-
3155 or testing@smyal.org.
STI TESTING at Whitman-Walker
Health. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 2-3
p.m. at both 1525 14th St. NW and
the Max Robinson Center, 2301
Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. SE.
Testing is intended for those with-
out symptoms. For an appointment
call 202-745-7000 or visit whit-
man-walker.org.
US HELPING US hosts a Narcotics
Anonymous Meeting. The group is
independent of UHU. 6:30-7:30 p.m.,
3636 Georgia Ave. NW. For more
information, call 202-446-1100.
WOMENS LEADERSHIP
INSTITUTE for young LBTQ
women, 13-21, interested in lead-
ership development. 5-6:30 p.m.
SMYAL Youth Center, 410 7th St.
SE. For more information, call 202-
567-3163, or email catherine.chu@
smyal.org.
FRIDAY, Oct. 13
GAMMA is a confidential, voluntary
peer-support group for men who
are gay, bisexual, questioning and
who are now or who have been in
a relationship with a woman. 7:30-
9:30 p.m. Luther Place Memorial
Church, 1226 Vermont Ave NW.
GAMMA meetings are also held in
Vienna, Va., and in Frederick, Md.
For more information, visit gam-
maindc.org.
Join people from all over the D.C.
area for a fun LGTBQ SOCIAL
GATHERING at Circle Bistro.
Everyone welcome. No Cover.
GWU/Foggy Bottom Metro is 2
blocks away. 6-8 p.m. 1 Washington
Cir. NW. Visit gogaydc.org.
24 OCTOBER 12, 2017 METROWEEKLY
The DC Center holds a meeting of its
DC LGBTQIA DISABILITY GROUP
to support, educate and empower
people with disabilities. 8-9 p.m.
2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105. For
more information, contact Andy
Arias, andyarias09@gmail.com.
WOMEN IN THEIR TWENTIES
(AND THIRTIES), a social discus-
sion and activity group for queer
women, meets at The DC Center
on the second and fourth Fridays of
each month. Group social activity
to follow the meeting. 8-9:30 p.m.
2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105. For
more information, visit
thedccenter.org.
Weekly Events
BET MISHPACHAH, founded by
members of the LGBT community,
holds Friday evening Shabbat ser-
vices in the DC Jewish Community
Centers Community Room. 8 p.m.
1529 16th St. NW. For more infor-
mation, visit betmish.org.
DC AQUATICS CLUB holds a prac-
tice session at Howard University.
6:30-8 p.m. Burr Gymnasium, 2400
6th St. NW. For more information,
visit swimdcac.org.
PROJECT STRIPES hosts LGBT-
affirming social group for ages
11-24. 4-6 p.m. 1419 Columbia Road
NW. Contact Tamara, 202-319-
0422, layc-dc.org.
SMYALS REC NIGHT provides a
social atmosphere for LGBT and
questioning youth, featuring dance
parties, vogue nights, movies and
games. For more info, email cather-
ine.chu@smyal.org.
SATURDAY, Oct. 14
ADVENTURING outdoors group
takes a strenuous 10-mile hike with
2100 feet of elevation gain to two
scenic overlooks on Massanutten
Mountain, near Luray, Va. Suitable
for experienced hikers in good
aerobic shape only. Bring 3 liters
of water, lunch, sturdy boots, bug
spray, sunscreen, and about $15 for
fees. Carpool at 8:30 a.m. from the
East Falls Church Metro Station
Kiss & Ride lot, return by 7 p.m.
Contact Peter, 202-302-9606, or
visit adventuring.org.
Weekly Events
DC AQUATICS CLUB holds a prac-
tice session at Montgomery College
Aquatics Club. 8:30-10 a.m. 7600
Takoma Ave., Takoma, Md. For more
information, visit swimdcac.org.
DC FRONT RUNNERS running/
walking/social club welcomes run-
ners of all ability levels for exercise
in a fun and supportive environ-
ment, with socializing afterward.
Route distance will be 3-6 miles.
Walker meet at 9:30 a.m. and run-
ners at 10 a.m. at 23rd & P Streets
NW. For more information, visit
dcfrontrunners.org.
DIGNITYUSA sponsors Mass for
LGBT community, family and
friends. 6:30 p.m., Immanuel
Church-on-the-Hill, 3606 Seminary
Road, Alexandria. All welcome. For
more info, visit dignitynova.org.
SUNDAY, Oct. 15
Weekly Events
LGBT-inclusive ALL SOULS
MEMORIAL EPISCOPAL CHURCH
celebrates Low Mass at 8:30
a.m., High Mass at 11 a.m. 2300
Cathedral Ave. NW. 202-232-4244,
allsoulsdc.org.
DC AQUATICS CLUB holds a
practice session at Wilson Aquatic
Center. 9:30-11 a.m. 4551 Fort Dr.
NW. For more information, visit
swimdcac.org.
DC FRONT RUNNERS running/
walking/social club welcomes run-
ners of all ability levels for exercise
in a fun and supportive environ-
ment, with socializing afterward.
Route will be a distance run of 8, 10
or 12 miles. Meet at 9 a.m. at 23rd
& P Streets NW. For more informa-
tion, visit dcfrontrunners.org.
DIGNITYUSA offers Roman
Catholic Mass for the LGBT
community. All welcome. Sign
interpreted. 6 p.m. St. Margarets
Church, 1820 Connecticut Ave.
NW. For more info, visit dignity-
washington.org.
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
welcomes all to 10:30 a.m. service,
945 G St. NW. firstuccdc.org or
202-628-4317.
HOPE UNITED CHURCH OF
CHRIST welcomes GLBT commu-
nity for worship. 10:30 a.m., 6130
Old Telegraph Road, Alexandria.
hopeucc.org.
HSV-2 SOCIAL AND SUPPORT
GROUP for gay men living in the
DC metro area. This group will be
meeting once a month. For infor-
mation on location and time, visit
H2gether.com.
Join LINCOLN
CONGREGATIONAL TEMPLE
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST for
an inclusive, loving and progressive
faith community every Sunday. 11
a.m. 1701 11th Street NW, near R in
Shaw/Logan neighborhood. lincol-
ntemple.org.
METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY
CHURCH OF NORTHERN
VIRGINIA services at 11 a.m., led
by Rev. Emma Chattin. Childrens
Sunday School, 11 a.m. 10383
Democracy Lane, Fairfax. 703-691-
0930, mccnova.com.
NATIONAL CITY CHRISTIAN
CHURCH, inclusive church with
GLBT fellowship, offers gospel wor-
ship, 8:30 a.m., and traditional wor-
ship, 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, Oct. 16
The Metro D.C. chapter of PFLAG,
a support group for parents, family
members and allies of the LGBTQ
community, holds its monthly
meeting at The DC Center. 7-9 p.m.
2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105. For
more information, visit thedccen-
ter.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,
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, Oct. 17
CENTER BI, a group of The DC
Center, hosts a monthly roundtable
discussion around issues of bisex-
uality. 7-8 p.m. 2000 14th St. NW,
Suite 105. Visit thedccenter.org.
Queer-identifying women who
have survived violent or traumatic
experiences and are looking for
support are invited to take part
in a bi-weekly QUEER WOMEN
WORKING THROUGH TRAUMA
GROUP at The DC Center.
Participants are encouraged to
do an intake assessment with
moderator and social worker Sam
Goodwin. 6-7 p.m. 2000 14th St.
NW, Suite 105. For more infor-
mation, email Sam at samantha@
thedccenter.org.
THE HIV WORKING GROUP of
THE DC CENTER hosts a Packing
Party, where volunteers assemble
safe-sex kits of condoms and lube.
7-9 p.m. 2000 14th St. NW, Suite
105. Visit thedccenter.org.
WEDNESDAY, Oct. 18
BOOKMEN DC, an informal mens
gay literature group, discusses
Hidden: The Intimate Lives of Gay
Men Past and Present, by Clinton
Elliott, at The DC Center. All are
welcome. 7:30 p.m. 2000 14th St.
NW. Visit bookmendc.blogspot.com.
Join Center Latinx and and
Whitman-Walker Health
for a HEALTH INSURANCE
WORKSHOP to learn about health
insurance options and rights for
LGBTQ people. English session:
5:30-7 p.m., Spanish-language
session: 7:30-9 p.m. The Reeves
Center, 2000 14th St. NW, Second
Floor Conference Room. For more
information, visit thedccenter.org.
The Mayors Office of Veterans
Affairs hosts an LGBTQ D.C.
VETERANS ROUNDTABLE, an
informal discussion between
the office, local veterans, and
OutServe-SLDN regarding LGBTQ
veterans issues, initiatives, and
events. 12-2 p.m. 441 4th St. NW,
Suite 870. RSVP at 202-724-5454
or visit ova.dc.gov.
Weekly Events
AD LIB, a group for freestyle con-
versation, meets about 6-6:30 p.m.,
Steam, 17th and R NW. All wel-
come. For more information, call
Fausto Fernandez, 703-732-5174.
DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC)
holds a practice session at Dunbar
Aquatic Center. 7:30-9 p.m. 101 N
St. NW. For more information, visit
swimdcac.org.
FREEDOM FROM SMOKING, a
group for LGBT people looking
to quit cigarettes and tobacco use,
holds a weekly support meeting at
The DC Center. 7-8 p.m. 2000 14th
St. NW, Suite 105. For more infor-
mation, visit thedccenter.org.
HISTORIC CHRIST CHURCH
offers Wednesday worship 7:15 a.m.
and 12:05 p.m. All welcome. 118 N.
Washington St., Alexandria. 703-
549-1450, historicchristchurch.org.
JOB CLUB, a weekly support pro-
gram for job entrants and seekers,
meets at The DC Center. 6-7:30
p.m. 2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105.
For more info, centercareers.org.
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. 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.
OCTOBER 12, 2017 METROWEEKLY 25
 WIKICOMMONS
theFeed
SOUTHERN INHOSPITALITY
Mississippis anti-LGBTQ religious freedom law is now in full effect By John Riley
O
NE OF THE NATIONS MOST SWEEPING ANTI-
LGBTQ laws has gone into effect in Mississippi,
despite valiant attempts to stop it. Signed into law
by Gov. Phil Bryant (R) in early 2016, it was a response to the
Supreme Courts legalization of marriage equality. HB 1523,
as the bill was known, was also one of several anti-LGBTQ
laws floated across the country as a solution to allow people
who object to same-sex marriage to refuse service to same-
sex couples.
Because lawmakers were keen not to explicitly state the
denial of wedding-based services to same-sex couples, HB
1523s language is deliberately vague, allowing any business
or individual, including those working on behalf of the state
or local government, to cite sincerely held religious beliefs
as justification for discriminating against LGBTQ people.
The law singles out three specific religious beliefs that
are protected above all others: the idea that marriage should
only be between a man and a woman, that sexual relations
are properly confined to such a marriage, and that sex is
an innate characteristic assigned at birth and cannot change.
Under these broad provisions, store owners can turn
away any person they perceive as LGBTQ. Doctors can
potentially refuse to treat LGBTQ patients or deny them
medicine because of objections to a gay or transgender
persons lifestyle. State employees can refuse to issue
marriage licenses to same-sex couples, and public school
counselors can turn away LGBTQ youth seeking emotional
support or help.
The law finally took effect this week after the 5th U.S.
Circuit Court of Appeals decided that it does not violate the
26 OCTOBER 12, 2017 METROWEEKLY
Mississsipi State House
First and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution.
A lower court had ruled that Mississippi could not imple-
ment the law until the courts decided on its constitution-
ality. However, that injunction is now lifted, opening the
floodgates to various forms of legalized discrimination.
I am so terribly sorry that this unconstitutional and
hateful law has to go into effect, even for one day or hour,
Roberta Kaplan, the lead counsel for the plaintiffs in the
case of Campaign for Southern Equality v. Bryant III, which
challenged HB 1523 at the district level.
Nevertheless, Kaplan continued, we remain deter-
mined to make sure that HB 1523 remains in effect for as
short a time period as possible and is soon relegated to
where it belongs the dustbin of history.
The Campaign for Southern Equality has set up a hotline
and will be accepting email and Facebook messages from
LGBTQ Mississippians to report and document instances of
discrimination, which can potentially be used for a future
lawsuit by demonstrating the harm the law inflicts on
LGBTQ people.
The insidious power of a law like this is that it casts
a long shadow over public life, forcing someone to assess
whether they will be treated fairly and respectfully in situ-
ations from the crisis of an emergency room to an anniver-
sary dinner at a restaurant to a childs classroom, the Rev.
Jasmine Beach-Ferrara, executive director of the Campaign
for Southern Equality, said in a statement.
Now we face the cruel reality of the law going into effect
and the imminent threat it poses to the dignity, health and
well-being of LGBT Mississippians. l
 theFeed
DEMANDING RECEIPTS
Congressmen seek White House-Pentagon communications on trans military ban By John Riley
M
ORE THAN 100 MEMBERS OF CONGRESS ARE
demanded communications between the White
House and the Pentagon regarding President
Trumps decision to ban transgender service members in
the military. In the letter, the congressmen ask Secretary of
Defense Jim Mattis for any and all emails, letters, telephone
transcripts, meeting logs and minutes, or other correspon-
dence relating to the transgender ban and how the president
reached a decision prior to tweeting about the ban.
During a televised press conference on Thursday, August
10, 2017, President Trump said that he had been doing the
military a great favor when he announced, via Twitter, that
the government would not accept or allow...transgender indi-
viduals to serve in any capacity in the U.S. military, the letter
to Mattis reads. We request information about what discus-
sions or correspondence between the White House and the
Pentagon, if any, led President Trump to make his assertion.
If the Department has records of any other discussions
that might have justified the presidents claim, we request to
see those materials, as well.
The letter was circulated by U.S. Rep. Don McEachin
(D-Va.) and signed by a number of Democratic congressman.
Five of the six out LGBTQ House members Reps. Mark
Takano (Calif.), Jared Polis (Colo.), Mark Pocan (Wis.), Sean
Patrick Maloney (N.Y.), and David Cicilline (R.I.) also
signed the letter.
In a joint statement, the National Center for Lesbian
Rights and GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders reiterated
that the military, under the Obama administration, had pre-
viously studied the issue of allowing transgender individuals
to serve openly, and found there was no reason to deny them
the opportunity to serve.
The Presidents abrupt decision to override the militarys
carefully considered policy on transgender service members
showed a shocking disregard not only for the thousands
of currently serving transgender troops, including those
deployed overseas, but also for the experience and expertise
of military leaders, NCLR Legal Director Shannon Minter
and GLAD Transgender Rights Project Director Jennifer Levi
said in the statement.
The Presidents blatant disregard for military judgment
destabilizes military operations and weakens our Armed
Forces, they continued. Every day this ban is allowed to stay
in place, our national security is undermined and transgender
service members who have proved their fitness to serve are
being unfairly targeted and demeaned. Thats why we will
continue to use every tool at our disposal to end this discrim-
inatory and harmful ban. l
OCTOBER 12, 2017 METROWEEKLY 27
 Taking On
the
NRA
Jason Lindsay founded the Pride Fund to End Gun Violence with a simple
goal: Reclaim America from anti-LGBTQ, anti-gun control Republicans.
Interview by John Riley Photography by Todd Franson
J
ASON LINDSAY VIVIDLY REMEMBERS THE DAY
he jumped off the sidelines in Americas decades-long
and seemingly endless debate over gun reform. On
the morning of the attack on Pulse, like everyone else
watching the news that day, I was incredibly moved
by the tragedy and the sheer magnitude of it. And with it being
in a gay club, it felt like such a personal attack. Throughout
the day, I saw Christine Leinonen, the mother of one of the
victims, pleading, Can somebody please do something about
the assault weapons?
Motivated by Leinonens plea, and frustrated by the recalci-
trance displayed by politicians in the days following the Orlando
nightclub massacre, Lindsay formed a political action commit-
tee, the Pride Fund to End Gun Violence. Lindsay had one simple
goal: help elect candidates willing to pass measures that could
prevent future gun-related tragedies, and keen to support legis-
lation promoting LGBTQ equality.
Ive worked in campaigns and politics and government for
a long time, so I had a general sense of how the NRA was so
successful in its work, he says. The number one way to create
change, in my mind, was through the elections process.
A moderate Democrat raised in a rural community in North
Carolina, Lindsay is not ashamed of the Pride Funds partisan
leanings.
It is our viewpoint that Republicans do not stand with
us on our core issues of LGBTQ equality and common sense
gun reform, he says. Our view that the only way we are
going to advance those two sets of issues is by having stronger
Democratic majorities at the state and the federal level.
The biggest challenge for the fledgling organization is that its
attempting to serve as a counterweight to the much more prom-
inent, well-financed, and politically established National Rifle
Association, which is quick to dismiss any sort of restrictions
on guns from waiting periods to background checks to limits
28 OCTOBER 12, 2017 METROWEEKLY
on the number of magazines as a conspiracy to take away the
right to bear arms. The NRA uses its wealth and influence to
oppose candidates who support gun reform, even cowing some
lawmakers into silence just by the mere threat of a well-financed
campaign against them.
But Lindsay says much of the NRAs rhetoric is fantasy,
derived from a caricature of what its most fervent members
believe liberals or gun reform advocates wish to do. Based on his
own experiences with guns, from growing up on a hog farm to
serving as an Army Reservist, Lindsay says much of the policies
supported by Pride Fund are perfectly rational and have wide-
spread support, even among former military members.
In my 14 years of being in the Army, and since then, I have
not met a member of the military that says, Lets take peoples
guns away, because by being in the military, we were protecting
our Constitution, and we protect the Second Amendment, he
says. But the Second Amendment has limitations. The NRA
wants you to think that it doesnt.
Despite being maligned, slandered, and financially outgunned
by the political right, Pride Fund has managed a modicum of suc-
cess, its most significant victories being the ouster of two long-
time Republican congressmen, each with more than two decades
of experience, staunchly anti-LGBTQ records, and NRA allies.
This year, the organization is focused on repeating that
success in gubernatorial and legislative races in New Jersey and
Virginia. Lindsay hopes that sustaining their success will boost
Pride Funds reputation, and, through contributions, its resourc-
es ahead of 2018, when they will focus on key congressional,
senatorial and gubernatorial contests.
At the end of the day, were the only organization thats
really standing up, says Lindsay. Theres a lot of organizations
out there that say theyre taking on the issue. Theyll fundraise
off the issue. Theyre incredibly corporate and large organiza-
tions, but when you look at their day-to-day work, who is actu-
ally fighting on behalf of the Pulse victims and really creating
change? That is us.
Some posit that Americans have become numb to the fre-
quency of mass shootings, or the high number of gun-related
fatalities each year, but Lindsay believes theres still enough
outrage and disgust to motivate people to take action. And that
motivation strengthens as the number of shootings and subse-
quent death toll increases.
Because mass shootings have continued to uptick and hap-
pen more and more frequently, theyve become more and more
lethal, Lindsay says. Theyre getting much, much worse. interested in politics. Prior to that, I had no interest. But after
This is particularly true after the recent mass shooting in Las
Vegas, when a gunman fired into a crowd at a country music fes-
tival, killing 58 and injuring nearly 500. To make matters worse,
the shooter, Stephen Paddock, used bump stocks attachments
to make his semi-automatic weapons fire at a faster pace in
order to kill more people as rapidly as possible.
Despite the media attention often lavished on conservative
or pro-gun groups like the Log Cabin Republicans or the Pink
Pistols, Lindsay believes his group is gaining more recognition,
as members of the LGBTQ community search for solutions to
gun-related tragedies.
I think there is some media fascination with gays carrying
guns. Theres still this perception that gay people cant shoot, he
says. But there has been an incredible amount of media atten-
tion on our work...and how the LGBTQ community is standing
up and saying, Enough.
METRO WEEKLY: You were exposed to guns from a young age.
What was your childhood like?
JASON LINDSAY: I grew up in rural North Carolina, literally in
the middle of nowhere, on a hog farm. Incredibly rural, with
a small high school, with like 350 people in the entire school.
Clinton is the closest city, and even it didnt have a Walmart until
I was in high school. It had a lot of Piggly Wigglys.
I was an only child. My dad worked a lot on the farm. Being
an only child and being in a really rural area, I had to entertain
myself a lot, so I liked to read, write, and play video games. I
would love playing outside, being in the woods. I had a lot of
animals. We had horses and goats and rabbits and dogs and cats.
MW: What happened after you went to high school?
LINDSAY: In high school, I knew I wanted to serve others, and
I was wanting to do one of two things. I either wanted to be a
teacher, or I wanted to go into medicine. Where I grew up was so
rural, there were volunteer rescue squads, so as soon as I turned
16, I started volunteering on the rescue squad at nights and on
weekends to serve the community and help give back.
I wanted to become a teacher. I was really active in different
programs at school to try and advance myself and really put
myself in a position where I could go to college and get out of
the rural area, and be with my people. I knew I was gay early on,
so it was a difficult experience, being in such a rural area and not
knowing any other gay people.
MW: When did you come out to your parents?
LINDSAY: To my mother, 16, 17. I didnt tell my dad until I was
21. My mom was okay with it, after a while. I think she knew,
but it was also a shock. She just didnt know how to deal with
it, but she very quickly got to the point where she was wanting
to know my dating life and meet people and cook for them. A
typical Southern woman.
MW: Did you ever encounter homophobia?
LINDSAY: Absolutely, being in a redneck high school, even though
30 OCTOBER 12, 2017 METROWEEKLY
I wasnt out. Because there was the perception that I was gay, I
was picked on a lot. I was one of the few guys that did not play
sports in this little small school. I stood out just because of that,
and then also because I was focused on my studies and doing the
rescue squad. That set me apart from a lot of my schoolmates.
MW: Where did you go to college?
LINDSAY: I started at UNC Greensboro. I wanted to go into
education. I was a middle-grades education major. When I
was a freshman in college, during the 2000 election, I saw one
of the debates between Bush and Gore, and it really got me
seeing the debate, I got more interested, changed my major, and
later joined the Army Reserves. Then, 9/11 happened just a few
months after that.
After my deployment to Iraq, when I came home, I wanted
to be closer to my family, so I transferred to NC State in Raleigh,
and thats where I finished undergrad.
MW: For how long were you in Iraq?
LINDSAY: I was on active duty for a year. I was in-country for
three and a half months.
MW: What was it like having to abide by Dont Ask, Dont Tell?
LINDSAY: It was challenging because I felt like I couldnt open
up or be myself, that I had to be regimented. I think the short of
it is, because of the system and the rules in place, it made us feel
like our service was not good enough, and that we were not as
honorable as our straight counterparts.
Its a shame. Even today, with the reversal of Dont Ask,
Dont Tell, you have the transgender ban and transgender sol-
diers and veterans being told that exact same thing, that, even
though its 2017, our political leaders are basically saying a cer-
tain category of peoples service is not good enough.
MW: What brought you from North Carolina to D.C.?
LINDSAY: I moved up here and started working for Senator Kay
Hagan, who was representing North Carolina, doing health pol-
icy. Then, I went to the Department of Veterans Affairs. I was a
Senior Congressional Relations Officer, working as a liaison with
the Hill. Ive been in DC a little over seven years.
MW: As a former Army Reservist, what is military culture like,
and how does your relationship with guns differ from the general
public?
LINDSAY: I think you kind of have a couple different view-
points. Theres the viewpoint like myself and [Virginia guber-
natorial candidate] Dr. Ralph Northam, who is also an army
vet, and Seth Moulton, whos a marine vet and Congressman
from Massachusetts, where we understand the devastation that
assault weapons can cause. We know the level of training and
continual retraining that members of the military and police
have with weapons, and that there needs to be a respect for the
lethality of them, especially with stuff like bump stocks, which
have come to the forefront of the news this week.
Then, you have other folks that are very much in line with
the NRA and Republican line of thinking, that any effort what-
soever to change our laws or have smart regulations is a violation
of the Second Amendment, which is absolutely false, but thats
the other viewpoint.
MW: Pride Fund considers attitudes towards gun reform and
LGBTQ equality when choosing candidates to endorse, but what
other criteria must they meet?
LINDSAY: Theres not a rubber stamp that you have to check
every single box on a twenty-step process. Were not absolutists,
but we do carefully evaluate the entire picture of the critical
issues.
We have an endorsement questionnaire where we ask ques-
tions about key gun reform positions as well as LGBTQ equality.
We review voting records and statements and vet the candidates
if theyve been in office at a previous level, or if theyre running
for re-election. If theyre not a current office holder, then we are
a little more strict with the interview process, because theres not
as much of a record to go on. But its a lengthy, in-depth process.
We do focus our attention, primarily, on competitive races,
because our scope is to protect vulnerable Democrats that are
strong on our issues. But most importantly, to flip seats from red
to blue, even simple gun reform is not going to move. LGBT pro-
tections are not advancing, theyre being rolled back. So, whats
the solution to that? Weve got
to have more Democratic mem-
bers of Congress and in legisla-
tures, as governors, at all levels.
MW: Your opponents have
There are 33,000 people
attacked you as gun-grab-
bers infringing on their Second who die every single year,
Amendment rights. How do you
fight that? 93 people every single
LINDSAY: I think it really boils
down to the fact that theres day, over 100,000 who are
not been one policy proposal,
theres not been any legislation injured due to firearms.
introduced, theres never been
any discussion of, We need to
take peoples guns away.
WHY WOULD WE NOT AT
MW: Then why do people believe
that?
LEAST TRY TO FIX THE
LINDSAY: Because the NRA has
been very good at pushing that
PROBLEM?
narrative, that any effort, what-
soever, to amend our gun safety
regulations and laws is an effort to take away your guns. Chris
Cox and Wayne LaPierre were on Fox News on Thursday,
basically pushing that narrative, that theyre defending freedom
and protecting the Second Amendment. Well, when the Second
Amendment was written, you had muskets. You didnt have
semi-automatic and automatic weapons with high-capacity mag-
azines, and the lethality of these things has changed drastically.
When there were incredibly high rates of vehicle deaths, the
government wanted to save lives, so they started implementing
things like seat belt rules, crash test standards, and airbag reg-
ulations. Just because the government was doing those things
to save lives didnt mean the government was coming to take
away your car. It meant that it was implementing common
sense things that have saved lives. Now, has implementing those
various proposals in car safety saved every single life from car
accidents? No, but it saved a hell of a lot of lives. And thats the
false narrative that so much of the gun lobby and Republicans
want to push.
On Fox News, Tucker Carlson was saying that expanding
background checks wouldnt have stopped Las Vegas, or pro-
hibiting assault weapons wouldnt have stopped Las Vegas. But
every one of these common sense measures makes a difference
and saves lives. Its not going to save every life, but its the same
way with treating cancer. To treat cancer or HIV, theres a lot of
multivariable treatment approaches to it. Not one approach is
the cure-all or fix, but does that mean we dont try?
There are 33,000 people who die every single year, 93 people
every single day, over 100,000 who are injured due to firearms.
Why would we not at least try to fix the problem?
MW: Conservative hero Antonin Scalia argued that there could
be restrictions placed on firearms without violating the Second
Amendment. Why arent Democrats using that as an argument to
Republicans?
LINDSAY: I think messaging is always a challenge. I will tell you
one thing, the NRA has been amazing at their messaging, and
they know how to use fear tactics to rally the base and complete-
ly get off topic of the facts. These alternative facts and alter-
native realities, We say this is true so it is. If they keep saying
something over and over again, their members start to believe it.
Wayne LaPierre, the head of the NRA, has said for decades that
the only thing thats going to stop a bad guy with a gun is a good
guy with a gun. Well, science
and the statistics show thats
not true. There were country
music artists and people at Las
Vegas that had concealed-carry
weapons. It did them no good,
and they have said publicly, I
had a concealed carry. There
was nothing I could have done
to prevent this.
With the Dallas police
shooting last year, people said
the same thing. Concealed-
carry holders were scared to
even try and act because the
police were rushing in, and they
didnt want to be shot, thinking
they were the bad guy.
At Pulse, the first person
the gunman encountered was
an off-duty police officer with a
gun. This narrative that having
everybody strapping a gun is going to save lives is not true.
MW: Why arent any of these anecdotes, which cast doubt on the
NRAs message, breaking into the mainstream?
LINDSAY: I think they are public, but I think that theres not
enough cohesion. I think its hard to get through the noise,
because youre going against people that are so often just flat out
telling untruths as part of their narrative.
The NRA also put over $30 million into getting Trump elect-
ed and spreading false lies about Hillary Clinton wanting to take
your guns when she clearly said, over and over and over again,
throughout the campaign, I do not want to take your guns.
Expanding background checks to cover online gun sales and gun
shows, thats not taking away your guns. But the NRA pumped
out millions of dollars worth of ads, basically saying how she
wanted to take your guns away. So, when you have a behemoth
organization that spent $52 million just on federal elections last
year, its kind of hard to fight back against that machine in the
same way that everyone would like to.
MW: As youre endorsing candidates for office, what type of support
are you providing?
LINDSAY: Theres a couple of aspects to that. At the very, very
lowest tier, you have just an endorsement. If its a local race, hav-
ing that stamp of approval that they can show that theyve been
vetted at a national level and that people support them.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, and theres all kinds of
levels in between, there could be direct campaign contributions
to the candidate, then independent expenditures outside of the
campaign, spending money on behalf of them. Theres holding
events and rallies, press conferences to bring attention to the
candidate and their issues. Theres field work, with door-to-door
OCTOBER 12, 2017 METROWEEKLY 31
canvassing, or remote-phone banking, or going to their office
and helping with activities.
With us, were very digital-focused, where we utilize social
media and our national grassroots network to help bring atten-
tion to certain races. We are a small grassroots organization. For
the first year, we were volunteer, and solely relied on our grass-
roots power to grow and to create change.
We have laser-like focus. Well endorse and well help a
decent amount of candidates, but in the 2016 and 2017 elections,
because of our size, we picked a handful of races that we focused
really, really intently on.
MW: What elections are you focused on this year?
LINDSAY: Ralph Northam. We endorsed him in the primary, the
only group that did that at that point. We endorsed Virginia del-
egate candidate Chris Hurst, also early on in May. We were the
first gun reform organization that had endorsed him, and one
of his first endorsements, period. Then, Attorney General Mark
Herring, running for reelection, is a critical race. For delegate,
Carrie Delaney, right in Northern Virginia, David Reed, Danica
Roem.
MW: Are Democrats still reticent to embrace gun reform measures,
or are supporters of such measures now in the majority?
LINDSAY: The majority, and not only in Congress. The American
people overwhelmingly support common sense gun reform.
Depending on the measure, a lot of public opinion polling has
shown that even gun owners say the NRA has lost its way and
is no longer protecting and serving the needs of sportsmen and
its original base, that it is serving the profits and the interests of
gun manufacturers.
One of the NRAs top two legislative agenda items for this
year is advancing legislation in Congress to deregulate the sale
of silencers. For most gun owners, thats not their top legislative
priority, but for the gun manufacturers, it is, because its a whole
new revenue stream that is currently heavily regulated, and pur-
chasing and registering a silencer is expensive.
As a military veteran, Im telling you, silencers serve two
purposes: to muzzle the sound so you cant hear the shot, and
to reduce the muzzle flash of when the bullets are being fired.
Those are the two warning signs that give bystanders and people
in the area a warning that Hey, guns are going off. Take cover.
Brandon Wolf, a Pulse survivor who is on our board, has said,
When I was at Pulse. I didnt see the gun, I didnt smell the gun.
I heard the shots, and thats what saved my life. So, why on
earth is one of the NRAs top legislative priorities to deregulate
silencers? Can you imagine how much more lethal Las Vegas
would have been if all of his guns were equipped with silencers,
where people were already confused thinking it was fireworks
or part of the show? The same thing happened at Pulse: people
originally thought it was part of the music. But if these weapons
had silencers on them where there was very little noise, how
many more people would have died in the confusion?
MW: In the wake of Vegas, whats your biggest fear about the next
mass shooting?
LINDSAY: My biggest fear is that as these attacks continue to hap-
pen with increasing frequency, and the lethality gets worse. You
continue to see that more and more people are angry, theyre
upset, they want to fight back, but I think were in period right
now where we can create change. But if we dont move the nee-
dle, at some point, theres going to be a saturation point where
the American public just says, This is how it is. Once you get to
that point, you lose the passion and the level of anger and work
and dedication to fixing the issue.
32 OCTOBER 12, 2017 METROWEEKLY
MW: Have we reached that point already?
LINDSAY: I dont think so. I definitely dont think so, because
I think theres more and more people that have never been
[politically] involved before. Even within the gay community,
Pulse was a watershed moment, but after a period of time, they
started to be focused on the latest Trump disaster and protesting
and fighting that. But now that Las Vegas has happened, it has
rekindled that passion and enthusiasm of people, like, Enough
is enough. We cant let the gun lobby continue to dictate the
rules and let people continue to die and be injured in these types
of attacks.
Mass shootings are always talked about because theyre
news, but theres so many more components to gun violence.
One of our policy items that is important for us as an LGBTQ
organization is suicide. The number one way people kill them-
selves is with a gun. Within the gay community, thats a huge
challenge for us, more so than in the straight community. The
level of gun violence against victims who are transgender is
incredibly high. Weve got to tackle that. Theres the level of
hate crimes against members of the gay community. The FBI has
clearly said that the LGBTQ community is the number one target
of hate crimes, based on current reporting.
Theres important work to be done. Were making a differ-
ence, and I think one of the most important things is that we are
an organization where gun violence is our sole focus. We dont
have a list of 30 policy things in a bunch of different arenas,
trying to be all things to all people. We are the only national
political organization, LGBT, that is solely focused on gun policy
reforms.
MW: Where do you hope to see the Pride Fund in 10 years?
LINDSAY: I want it to really be a powerhouse as a political action
committee, and expand into the nonprofit advocacy world.
Theres a lot of work that we do as a PAC that is very different
from what any other PAC does. We dont just raise money and
give money to candidates or spend it. This is a movement. People
want to volunteer. They want to help. They want to create
change, and there are so many ways to do that that dont directly
fit into the political box. I think thats an obvious place we want
to go, but I really want to continue our momentum of helping
change the balance of power at the state and federal level, where
we can advance common sense gun reform and advance LGBTQ
equality and protections.
What we need in order to do that is resources. Because we
are a small, grassroots organization, were not corporate, our
overhead is incredibly small. We are the only organization solely
focused on this mission, and were incredibly smart about how
we spend our money. We dont just throw spaghetti at the wall.
Were really targeted about how we spend our money, and the
more that people can see not only the critical work that were
doing, but how successful were being at it, and how the return
on investment is so high, we can get to that point.
Every time I talk to the owner of Pulse, whos on our board,
or Brandon, or one of the other survivors or family members
who lost someone every time I see the fire in their eyes and
the passion in their hearts of how much they want to honor the
victims of Pulse, or victims of gun violence all over the country
I am reminded that it is a significant movement. We are giving
them a voice, and they are giving a voice to the people who lost
theirs. l
For more information on the Pride Fund to End Gun Violence, visit
pridefund.org or call 202-930-0981.
 Forum
AIMING FOR CONTROL
Most Americans support common sense gun reforms. Our Forum panel
discusses why now is the time to act.
I
N THE WAKE OF THE RECENT HORRIFIC SHOOTING
in Las Vegas, we posed a question in our weekly online poll:
Should Congress strengthen gun control laws after the Vegas
shooting? The results were unsurprising. Of those who responded,
65% were in favor of stronger gun laws, 16% stood for our right to
bear arms, and 18%, faced with our current political climate, chose
It doesnt matter, Republicans will never support it.
Gun control and the constitutional right to bear arms remains
one of the most intensely debated issues of our times, yet many peo-
ple seem to fall on the side of reason: If not ban guns entirely, why
not at least bolster the regulations? We put a few questions to our
Public Forum participants to share their opinions and insights on
the matter, and virtually all of them agreed on one thing: something
needs to change. And the sooner, the better. The Editors
Are you in favor of gun control? If so, to what extent? If not, why?
NEAL RACIOPPO: Absolutely. I think our country has offered ample
evidence time and time again that a well-armed citizenry does
not reduce violence or prevent crime or make us safer. A gun in
the home is most likely to harm someone who lives in that home.
Toddlers shoot themselves or another person about once a week in
our country.
I would love for America to have gun control laws on a par with
Australias. After a mass-shooting in 1996, Australia passed sweeping
gun control laws (combined with a very successful buy-back pro-
gram) and there hasnt been a single mass shooting in that country
since. Im under no illusions that we could achieve that easily. Our
congress seems unable to do whats best for our citizens on most
issues, but this appears to be the most glaring. If they cant pass leg-
islation that the mentally ill and people on the no-fly list should not
have access to guns, what hope do we have that they could institute
real gun control laws with teeth?
GREG KELTNER: The NRA is always like, They want to take your
guns away. Obama was always like, We dont want to take your
guns away. Im like, Take their guns away. The only way we will NICHOLAS BENTON: Emphatically yes. Only guns that cannot be
have fewer gun deaths is by having fewer guns. Australia did it. It
worked.
ZAR: We already have gun control, but it should be more stringent
and better enforced. Theres a line to be drawn. I think it should
be closer to regulating handguns and rifles than merely prohibiting
grenades and tanks.
METROPOLITAN POLICE OFFICER (name withheld by request): The
Second Amendment permits reasonable restrictions on the own-
ership and possession of firearms. Our nation is debating what is
reasonable. While there are individuals on the extremes of this
issue (some support banning all firearms, while others support no
restrictions), most people I know support background checks, psy-
chological testing, registration, and a requirement that one prove
competency handling a firearm before being permitted to purchase
a firearm.
With regard to what types of firearms should be permitted, there
is less consensus, as any firearm can cause death or serious injury.
It would seem that firearms that have the capability of firing large
calibers or high volumes of rounds without reloading or pulling the
trigger more than once seem most likely to be those that most people
feel are reasonable to restrict access to. In the end, it was impossible
for our Founding Fathers to conceive of the deadly weapons human-
kind has devised, and it is up to us to develop a reasonable way to
protect the majority of our citizens.
RON SIMMONS: Yes. I believe guns should be outlawed, and, if
allowed, only one gun per owner.
CHARGER STONE: Unfortunately most Americans are not either
qualified or mentally stable enough to have access to certain weap-
ons. Whats the true solution? I dont think there is one. Our priori-
ties are very askew. I can drive down to the local Walmart and buy
what most Americans view as an assault weapon and 1,000 rounds
of ammo with barely a nod, but I cant go to CVS and buy more than
one box of Sudafed just in case Im trying to make meth.
CHRISTOPHER CUNETTO: Mass shooting incidents are always bewil-
dering and horrific. The hardest thing to understand is why people
choose to do this. I dont know how to prevent these things. Im in
favor of gun control and I think it would work, but Im not a policy
expert. I do know that the world is a heartbreaking and complicated
place, and that most people carry around burdens and pain that go
very deep. It is easy for people to get lost in the system of things, lost
in the way the world works, lost in their own feelings and experienc-
es strange and terrible things can happen to our minds and hearts.
The only thing I can think of to do is take care of and love the people
around me as deeply as possible, with the hope that doing so might
bring us back to our humanity and feel fundamentally connected.
Sometimes human beings can go down a dark road and eventually
break. Maybe if we took care of one another more deeply, this
would happen less.
DESTINY B. CHILDS: I feel we have the right to protect ourselves, so
owning a gun Im completely in favor of. But we need extensive back-
ground checks, and any sort of assault weapons should be banned.
effectively used on other human beings should be allowed. The
reasons are too obvious based on the myriad events where anti-per-
sonnel weapons have taken massive innocent human lives on our
own soil.
BIL BROWNING: I definitely favor gun control in fact, I would
move the United States to the Australian model that banned them
entirely. America has moved beyond the days of militias and needing
guns to hunt. Todays gun owners mostly buy them for self defense
and never need them for that purpose. Instead, they or someone in
their family end up killing someone by accident or in a fit of rage. We
should skip half measures like banning certain types of firearms, cer-
tain components, or tightening registries and face the problem head
on. The only way to end gun violence is to get rid of guns.
RICH TAFEL: Yes, I think all people are in favor of regulating how
guns are bought and sold. Different people have different views on
where they draw a line on regulation.
JOHN BECKER: Yes, absolutely. The data is crystal clear: guns do not
make us safer in fact, owning a firearm is far more likely to harm
you than to protect you. The presence of a gun in the home greatly
OCTOBER 12, 2017 METROWEEKLY 33
 Forum
increases the risk of domestic violence, suicide, and murder. And
there is no evidence to support the gun lobbys counterfactual claim
that more guns means less crime (that good guys with guns stop bad
guys with guns). I support strengthening gun safety laws by institut-
ing mandatory background checks and firearm registration, banning
assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, stopping the spread of
concealed carry laws, and closing the gun show loophole.
DOUGLAS YEUELL: Yes, I am absolutely in favor of gun control, espe-
cially when we are witness to such crimes against humanity as in Las
Vegas. It seems incomprehensible to me that we would not look to
control something that has the ability to rob us of the most profound
aspect of being human: life.
REV. DYAN AKOUSA MCCRAY-PETERS: I am in favor of gun control.
My recent research on gun ownership indicated that there are nearly
400 million firearms owned in this country (private ownership and
law enforcement personnel). There should be stringent background
checks done on persons purchasing firearms, and bump-stock devices
should be banned from purchase of private citizens.
AARON OVERMAN: Absolutely. There is no rational basis for a civilian
to possess a military assault weapon in our country. It is tragically,
pathetically easy and legal for a person to acquire a huge lethal arsenal
of weapons, as we saw in Las Vegas. Guns should be licensed, their
owners should hold licenses and insurance to possess them, those
licences should be at least as difficult to obtain as a drivers license, and
the sale and ownership of guns should be tracked by law enforcement.
EARL FOWLKES: I favor a ban on assault rifles and bump stocks.
Theres no reason why hunters and recreational gun owners would
need an assault rifle.
CHRIS ALLEN: Gun control is a complicated and often emotional
public policy issue to discuss and legislate. In the aftermath of a
tragedy, our society comes together and unites to help the victims
and their families through blood drives, generous donations, and
with symbolic gestures of prayers and candle vigils; this represents
the best of our society, in my opinion. However, much of this united
front begins to sour when the focus turns to promoting well-in-
tended legislation, and our growing political divide and bias inhib-
its goodwill, reasonable debate, and other efforts that could lead
to bipartisan, meaningful legislation. Funding for more research
is needed, more data needs to collected and shared across law
enforcement agencies, and responsible, undistorted proposals need
to be reviewed and civilly debated. These types of steps, can build
toward more informed discussions in Congress and in our commu-
nities, and hopefully toward bipartisan solutions moving forward.
How important is the Second Amendment to you?
RACIOPPO: Extremely. Unfortunately, the most important part of the
Second Amendment is glossed over by most: WELL-REGULATED.
You need a license to buy a dog, or drive a car. Hell, you need a license
to catch a fish. But theyll let any butt-reaming asshole buy a gun.
Background checks, training, licensing and limits on magazine size
and caliber should all be regulated.
KELTNER: Why is my right to own something enshrined in the consti-
tution? Rights are meaningless abstractions to someone who doesnt
have enough to eat. The right to bear arms is a slap in the face to
someone whose community is impacted by persistent gun violence.
ZAR: Its not particularly important to me. First, if people want a gun,
they can get one; theres no shortage. There are too many for the gov-
ernment to confiscate them all. The issue is what are the consequenc-
es for violating gun laws. Second, I think the Constitution is about
muskets and militias I dont agree with the Supreme Courts inter-
pretations. Lastly, when people seem to think that they can protect
themselves from the government with a cache of weapons, I think of
a sentiment expressed by Shirley Chisholm in her book Unbought and
34 OCTOBER 12, 2017 METROWEEKLY
Unbossed, which I will state much less eloquently: The government
has soldiers, planes, tanks, and more bullets. No opposition or uprising
has a reasonable shot at succeeding.
MPO: I support the Second Amendment, but I believe that the preser-
vation of human life is also very important. In some instances, firearms
can be used to preserve lives. I believe a balance can be found that
honors the spirit of the Second Amendment, while also legislating
reasonable restrictions that serve to mitigate the potential of death
or injury as a result of people using firearms as illegal weapons. We
may not be able to eliminate deaths and bodily injuries, but we can
certainly decrease the number of people who die or are injured by
illegal gunfire.
SIMMONS: I am against the Second Amendment. The Second
Amendment was put in the Constitution to ensure slave States were
free to organize militias to control outbreaks of slave rebellion and
escapes to freedom. The whole idea becomes a farce when conserva-
tives who claim belief in the Second Amendment call for the origi-
nal meaning of the founding fathers in the Constitution pertaining
to social issues, but dont follow the logic that Second Amendment
firearms be limited to the firearms of the founding fathers: muskets.
STONE: The Second Amendment was established at a time when
you could only fire two-to-three rounds in a minute. At what point
do we realize that the Second Amendment needs to be amended and
updated?
BENTON: Its an anachronism in our times, much like the Electoral
College, whose presence now only skews and distorts our national
intent.
BROWNING: Private citizens cant compete with the modern military.
The days of militias are obsolete and if we stopped militarizing police
units and started following the British model of only arming cops if
absolutely necessary we could stop the arms race between criminals
and cops.
TAFEL: It was created for a purpose at our nations founding that
isnt as relevant today. However, there are people who feel that the
ownership of a gun is important to them to protect them against a
government that becomes a dictatorship.
YEUELL: The 2nd Amendment is important but should be subjected to
interpretation for todays day and age. There needs to be a change in
viewpoint owning or possessing guns and firearms should really be
a privilege and not a right.
MCCRAY-PETERS: The wording of the Second Amendment includes
Militia, which speaks to trained soldiers, which in war combat is
understood, however civilians should be made to go through back-
ground checks. Statistics should be a driving force in the purchase
of guns.
OVERMAN: Weve amended our Constitution dozens of times to
eliminate injustices such as slavery, to allow women to vote. Why
do we need to have any more respect for a poorly-written and easily
misconstrued amendment about gun ownership than we did for the
part of the Constitution that counted a black person as 3/5 of a white
person? It is a dangerous anachronism that needs to be changed to
reflect modern weaponry that can kill scores of people in seconds.
What do you think needs to be done to prevent mass shooting incidents
such as Pulse and Las Vegas from happening in the future?
RACIOPPO: I dont know. Can we all move to Australia?
ZAR: I wish there was an easy answer. Get rid of guns and people can
still make bombs or use vehicles to drive through crowds. As far as
policy, more and better mental health care is the best suggestion I
have. Ultimately, we need to have a society where people are free and
 Forum
happy. A world without extremist ideology or religion, where people
feel loved and valued. If people have things in which they are invested
and fear losing, especially relationships with other people, I think
fewer people would lash out.
SIMMONS: Outlaw guns with the exception of hunting rifles for
hunters and a single handgun for personal protection. No conceal and
carry, or open carry.
STONE: To be honest, unless they do a full ban of firearms in the U.S.,
you are going to have mass shootings. And that will never happen.
We, as a country, dont talk about mental health, we dont provide the
resources needed to deal with mental health, we dont treat each other
with respect, we are a very selfish country. Money is more important
than the life of another human being.
CHILDS: Again, assault weapons should be banned from regular every-
day Americans. There is no need for any non military person to have
an assault weapon of any kind. Handguns are fine as long as the laws
are strict with owning one and background checks are harsh, stern,
and thorough.
BENTON: Make all anti-personnel weapons illegal and enforce such a
law with rigor.
BROWNING: If gun ownership wasnt legal in the United States, both
the Vegas and Pulse shooters who bought their firearms shortly
before their attacks wouldnt have been armed. We should immedi-
ately stop selling new guns and start buying back old ones.
TAFEL: I think the problem is a deep alienation in the culture that
manifests itself in destructive ways. Suicide and mass shootings
are on the rise. Guns, particularly automatic weapons, dramatically
increase the damage that can be caused. After each mass shooting, the
left has called for increased regulation, driving many on the right to
successfully ease guns laws. We have a problem as a culture talking
through our different values, which escalates the dangers here. Until
we address the deeper issues of mental illness and recognize that it is
evil in the world, we wont be able to simply regulate this issue.
One major culprit in these mass shootings is the sensational cov-
erage of the murders describing them in terms of the the greatest
or deadliest. These terms embolden self-destructive individuals to
find a way to celebrity and glory through these killings. In a situation
like this, we should cover it. Cover the victims. And we should learn
lessons from murders but not mention their name or the death count
nor should we repeatedly show the killing. This only feeds the minds
of future killers.
YEUELL: Individuals can certainly own a gun if they so desire but
this ability should be subject to licensing and restrictions, as any good
common sense gun control would provide. Restrictions should be
around the amassing of firearms, need and purpose, and maturity and
mental capacity to own wisely and safely.
MCCRAY-PETERS: Legislation should be passed on how many and
what type of firearms civilians are allowed to own. Additionally, with
the number of civilians with firearms there should be registration
checks done periodically (state by state) to determine the amount of
firearms in that area (gun census). Hotels may need to use devices at
their check-in areas to determine if firearms are in purses, briefcases
and luggage.
OVERMAN: We must elect politicians who care more about the lives
of their living, breathing constituents than they do the money they
get from the NRA, and who pledge to change our gun laws once they
are elected.
ALLEN: I wish there was an easy, catch-all solution to prevent appall-
ing attacks of mass shootings, public bombings, and gun violence as a
whole. Unfortunately, a simple fix will not solve this complicated issue.
Simply considering gun control measures will not fix these prob-
lems, but are just one part of potential solutions. We need to look into
more than just the weapons used, but a variety of other factors from
mental illness, loopholes in access to weapons, motivations behind
these actions, and other general ways to prevent sick acts of violence.
A free society will always face these types of threats, but a free society
is also the best prepared to come together and prevail against them.
Do incidents like Pulse and Vegas make you hesitant to go out?
RACIOPPO: I have no social life. I never go out. The terrorists didnt
win so much as I forfeited.
ZAR: Not any more than before. Imvery aware that any of us could be
targeted randomly or personally, because of what we are perceived to
be. It only takes one person to make a decision that can ruin your life
or kill you. I keep my eyes on the entrances and exits, while ready to
defend myself. Life is unpredictable. All I can do is be mindful of my
surroundings and make the best choices that I can.
SIMMONS: Any State that allows people to carry guns.
STONE: No, because just like when I was in Iraq it wasnt up to
you whether it was going to be your time. You just hoped you didnt
get hit by an IED, its (seemingly) random. If Im going to die, its just
my time.
Maybe my military training gives me a false sense of security, as if
maybe if it happens here, then Ill be able to do something about it.
But to be truthful, you never really know what you will do once the
bullets start flying.
CHILDS: No, but they do make me more cautious and aware of my
surroundings. I am more observant with strange things that seem out
of place.
BROWNING: Not at all. Im more worried being surrounded by police
officers and security guards who have weapons in a restaurant or
public place. Cops have overreacted and fired their guns at innocent
people much more often than any other group.
TAFEL: No, I have a much better chance of being killed crossing a
street.
BECKER: Absolutely not. The gun lobby, as well as the domestic
terrorists who commit acts of mass murder like the Pulse and Vegas
shootings, want us to live in fear. If we give in to our fear, they win. I
refuse to let that happen.
YEUELL: They certainly make you think twice. However, we cant be
afraid to live our lives. I put faith and give great gratitude to those who
have chosen to serve and protect.
MCCRAY-PETERS: I dont live in fear. However I am cautious when
attending rallies, marches, and large concerts by determining where I
stand/sit, and whether I attend a matinee or evening event.
OVERMAN: Hell, no. Gun crazies will never deter me from living my
life fully or going out to see my friends.
ALLEN: No. Our community and society is stronger than those who
want to instill fear in us, and we must continue to push forward and
showcase our unwavering resolve that these cowardly actions will
not defeat us. Lets come together and scrutinize the loopholes that
some slip through, learn more about mental illness and how best to
recognize and treat it. l
The opinions expressed above are those of the participants and do not
necessarily reflect those of Metro Weeklys staff or freelancers. The
responses were edited for clarity and consistency.
To read an expanded version, or to learn how you can participate in
future Public Forums, visit metroweekly.com/forum.
OCTOBER 12, 2017 METROWEEKLY 35
 Gallery

The Wild Party

I
DEARLY LOVE THE PERIOD, SO EVERYTHING FROM MY PERSPECTIVE
has to be anchored in the reality of what people really wore, says Erik Teague,
costume designer for Constellation Theatres The Wild Party, a period musical
set in the 1920s. Its an exciting period to work in because, even though we mostly
look at the past as black and white thanks to photography, it was actually full of
color and full of life. The rough edges on things are what makes them really alive
to me. Torn stockings, threadbare textures, fringe that has seen better days, ostrich
feather boas that have a wonderfully wilted appearance.... Teague had to remain

OCTOBER 12, 2017 METROWEEKLY 37

true to the feel of the peri-
od while crafting costumes
durable enough to withstand
nightly, vigorous performanc-
es. Figuring out interesting
ways to edit the style lines
to support the vigors of our
production was a challenge.
Its like design Sudoku. The
Wild Party runs until October
29th at Source Theatre, 1835
14th St. NW. Tickets are $25
to $55. Call 202-204-7741, or
visit ConstellationTheatre.
org. (Randy Shulman)

38 OCTOBER 12, 2017 METROWEEKLY

 Movies

uncertain terms that he and the organiza-

Law and Ordered

With Marshall, Chadwick Boseman adds to his growing roster
tion only get involved for those defendants
who are innocent of the crimes for which
they stand accused.
The film doesnt really stake its case on
of laudable turns playing American historical giants By Andr Hereford a belief in Spells innocence in his encoun-
ter with the accused, Eleanor Strubing

F
(Kate Hudson), the wife of Spells employ-
OR DECADES, HOLLYWOOD DIDNT MAKE BIG-BUDGET BIOPICS ABOUT er. Rather, the script, by Michael and Jacob
black heroes. And on the rare occasions a popular African-American figure was Koskoff, and Hudlins direction are com-
deemed important or bankable enough to warrant such treatment, the producers mitted to a faith in Thurgood Marshall,
just hired the guy to play himself, as with Jackie Robinson in the 1950 hit The Jackie the belief that his strategic vision, legal
Robinson Story, or Muhammad Ali in the 1977 drama The Greatest. acumen, and ruthless determination will
Now, Hollywood is hitting a hot streak of glossy, A-list dramas about black histor- win the day, in what boils down to a sex
ical figures, with films such as Selma, 42, Get on Up, and Hidden Figures. The streak and race-baiting courtroom drama.
continues with Reginald Hudlins glamorous yet gritty portrait of legal titan Thurgood Whatever happens to Spell, Marshall
Marshall in Marshall ( ). walks with the angels, and Boseman
The film stars Chadwick Boseman Jackie Robinson in 42, James Brown in Get embodies the nobility of Marshalls calling
on Up as the future first African-American Supreme Court Justice. Every black cul- and his cause, yet he also bares a sly, rakish
tural hero of the 20th-century (not named Poitier) should wish he were as movie-star side of the civil rights icon. Particularly
dashing as Boseman. Was Jackie Robinson this coolly self-confident, or James Brown in his interactions with his co-counsel
this disarmingly smooth? Could Prince TChalla of Wakanda be as regal as Boseman in the Spell case, Sam Friedman (Josh
portrays him to be? Gad), Marshall is portrayed as near-re-
The latter man is fictional, of course, the royal alter ego of Bosemans Marvel super- lentless about maintaining the upper hand.
hero character Black Panther, a role he invested with as much gravity as he does his Bosemans winking performance hints
portrayal of Thurgood Marshall. that Marshall wasnt merely being com-
Pictured in 1942 as a wandering crusader for the NAACP, Marshall treks from town petitive. In the face of constant racist
to town across the U.S.A. fronting the organizations mission to provide the best legal harassment, beatings, and threats to his
defense for black defendants whose cases have stirred up racial rancor. Arriving in life, he understood that in order to be
Connecticut to take the case of chauffeur Joseph Spell (Sterling K. Brown), accused of effective for his clients, he couldnt bow
the rape and attempted murder of a white society lady, Marshall informs the man in no to anyones expectations, even an allys, of

OCTOBER 12, 2017 METROWEEKLY 39


how a colored man should behave.
So hes arrogant at times, and, despite his devotion to wife
Buster (Keesha Sharp), dutifully awaiting his brief returns home
to Harlem, he might be more than flirtatious with one or two of
the ladies who show him attention. Boseman manages to keep
the man sympathetic, even in his missteps. Gad, in the role of
the initially unwilling crusader Friedman, makes for a good foil,
in both the Abbott and Costello visual sense, as well as in his
broader delivery, but he often overplays.
So too with the filmmaking. Marshalls was a life so full, it
Marshall is rated PG-13, and opens in theaters everywhere on Friday, October 13. Visit fandango.com.
40 OCTOBER 12, 2017 METROWEEKLY
could have filled a multi-volume set of biopics, and
the filmmakers dont dally with too much finesse
or subtlety getting across the facts they want to
convey. If theres some salient detail, bearing on the
plot or portrayal of character, that the movie wants
you to know, it just drops it into dialogue.
Sam, did you know I have only one testicle?
Thurgood asks his incredulous partner. Sam didnt
know, but the story of how it happened does add...
something.
When the film wants to introduce Marshalls
pals, and Harlem Renaissance writers, Zora Neale
Hurston and Langston Hughes, the characters sim-
ply oblige by introducing themselves. Zora. Neale.
Hurston, Langston (Jussie Smollett) intones, giving
Zora (Rozonda Thomas) the once-over. Langston
Hughes, she rejoinders. Such are moments that
can stop a movie in its tracks. The sudden, self-con-
scious glare of dual-layer celebrity exposes the fact
were watching Marvels Black Panther, Empires Jamal Lyon,
and Chilli from TLC playing three heavyweight cultural icons.
Luckily, those moments dont stop the show, which offers a
pointed glimpse at a storied career although the film doesnt
delve deeply into law, history or politics. Instead, Marshall takes
the Hidden Figures, jolly lessons about oppression approach to
biopics, and stirs it up with a steamy if formulaic mystery.
It also provides an interesting femme fatale role for Hudson,
and another standout performance from recent Emmy-winner
Brown. They create enough heat to warrant their own movie. l
CAROL ROSEGG
Stage

The Collection

It is a rare opportunity.

Mid Century
The joy in the productions is in direc-
tor Michael Kahns exquisite sensibility:
its Pinter delivered with orchestral pas-
sion. Every word, every movement, every

Modern
Shakespeare Theatres The Lover and The Collection
offer Harold Pinter at his best By Kate Wingfield
look counts. Kahns highly-flavored
vision begins with his choice to keep the
plays in the time and place in which they
were written early 1960s England. This
is not the Spy Who Shagged Me London,
this is the far more sedate reality of a still

D
post-war Britain. Despite signs of a sleek
ONT LET HAROLD PINTERS LABELS PUT YOU OFF. YES, HE HAILS new aesthetic, the colors are demure,
from Absurdist roots, and yes, his plays tend towards the avant-garde, but see the buildings old, the wattage low. The
the Shakespeare Theatre Companys The Lover and The Collection (HHHHH) strong sense of place is beautifully sug-
with an open mind, and it will be quietly, wonderfully blown. gested in Debra Booths MCM sets and
The two short plays, each set in a defining moment of coupledom, are ruthless, the temperate lighting of Mary Louise
delicious displays of the not-so-subterranean complexities of marriage. Far more than Geiger. The mood intrigues; it is both
the usual battle of wills, both dramas describe the deeper torsions of monogamy. If cozy and alien, familiar and foreign
they are exaggerated and mannered (and sometimes very funny), they are not here to much like Pinters puzzles.
explain, but to stimulate. As such, they raise as many questions as they answer. If you The stronger of the two productions,
can simply go with it, they deliver on the fundamental tension of the love relationship: The Lover, offers Sarah and Richard, a
the never-quite-settled see-saw between the amorphous we and the secret needs and seemingly conventional couple married
insecurities of the me. If you have ever truly committed to another person and are for ten years. Within moments, however,
utterly honest with yourself these plays will resonate on one level or another. we learn that Sarah will be entertaining
But Pinter is tricky to stage. His absurdist constructs conventional couples allow- her lover while Richard is at work. And so
ing themselves into ever-deeper ambiguity will fail for silliness in the wrong hands. the questions begin: Why doesnt Richard
And the stark poetry of Pinters language, in which the silences and mundanities are seem to mind? Or does he? Is Sarah at
loaded with meaning, will also perish without mastery. It is all far easier said than the vanguard of the swinging sixties, or is
done. Which makes seeing these two productions, performed back-to-back, so imper- there something else driving her? When
ative an experience. This is Pinter done well, and in the case of The Lover, brilliantly. continues on page 43

OCTOBER 12, 2017 METROWEEKLY 41

 Stage
TERESA WOOD

financing her research.

Head Trip
Daniels, alternately self-possessed
and heartbreaking as Lorna, is brilliant
in depicting the researchers unexpected
journey over the course of the trials five
In Studios dazzling, neon-lit production of The Effect, two subjects weeks. As Toby, Hissom applies just the
fall in love while two doctors spar By Andr Hereford right amount of force playing an ambi-
tious colleague who knows enough about

T
Lornas past to believe he wields some
WO ATTRACTIVE YOUNG PEOPLE, CONNIE AND TRISTAN, MEET AS control over her emotions.
test subjects sequestered at a lab for a clinical trial. Over five weeks, theyre While Connie and Tristans romance
administered increasingly stronger doses of a new antidepressant drug, while builds towards a dangerous climax, Toby
researchers monitor the psychological, physiological, and emotional effects of the com- pushes Lorna closer to a dangerous edge.
pound. Connie and Tris secretly flirt, bond, and fall in love. Is their attraction real, or The play crescendos in waves, mostly via
merely a by-product of the dopamine-releasing chemicals? a series of ttes--ttes, drawing towards
Even the researcher supervising the trial, Dr. Lorna James, cant be sure, and shes the trials surprising conclusion. Director
somewhat at a loss trying to explain her findings to her direct supervisor, Dr. Toby David Muse stages scenes as singles ten-
Sealey. And in Studios dazzling, neon-lit production of Lucy Prebbles The Effect ( nis matches, occasionally mixed doubles,
), the tension professional, sexual, and otherwise between the two doc- with actors pitted at each other across the
tors results in a more intriguing storyline than the forbidden dalliance between their expanse of set designer Luciana Stecconis
two test subjects. futuristic, fluorescent-ringed stage. The
Katie Kleiger and Rafi Silver make Connie and Tris an appealing romantic pair, cell-like environment is properly ster-
although as a comic duo, they dont capture the same blissful rhythm. Prebbles jokes ile and cool, with dramatic heat added
can feel forced, yet the drama and language can be penetrating, particularly as delivered by bold lighting and sound, and sharply
by Gina Daniels and Eric Hissom, who as doctors Lorna and Toby, offer monologues timed transitions.
that probe the connection between the synapses firing in our brains, and the emotions The sensory impact is power-
that humans figuratively attribute to the heart. ful, though perhaps overwhelming in
Lorna occupies a compelling position at the junction between emotional and cere- moments that might have been well-
bral responses. She literally wields control over Connie and Tristans emotions, while served by less electrical stimulation. The
remaining firmly circumscribed by her role working under Toby and other, unseen combined visual effects dont necessarily
decision-makers at the pharmaceutical company thats manufacturing the drug, and advance any deeper meaning in the love

42 OCTOBER 12, 2017 METROWEEKLY

TERESA WOOD

story between Connie and Tristan. As they become more
involved, Tristan grows more aggressive, which might also be
a side-effect of the drugs. Silvers buoyant performance and a
few last-act twists maintain the mystery, as the trippy visuals
help maintain interest.
Still, the plays fairly conventional central romance emerges
as a slight structure to hang this story on. Connie and Tristans
fates arent what the play is about. The effect that lingers is in the
abstract contemplation of Prebbles ideas about how physiology,
environment, and any number of other factors, trigger human
emotions. Where psychoactive chemicals are involved, how can
any emotion be trusted? l

The Effect runs until October 29, at Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St., NW. Tickets are $20 to $60.
Call 202-332-3300, or visit StudioTheatre.org.

continued from page 41
Sarahs lover arrives, the questions compound and so do the
complexities. There is a chess game of needs and wants here,
but, as in any relationship, the definition of what it means to win
is almost completely subjective.
The show-stopper is Lisa Dwan as Sarah, a woman whose
inscrutability masks a world of wants. Dwan couldnt be more
simpatico with Pinter. She captures Sarahs devotion to her
(often comical) veneers: the pointless tidying of the bourgeois
housewife, the preening of the bombshell adulteress. But Dwan
truly amazes in her ability to move seamlessly between these
surfaces and the deep ambiguities of Pinters subterranean
world. Absurdly nonchalant one minute, agitated with insecurity
and anger the next, she embodies the need at the heart of the
piece. Her voice is an extraordinary instrument and she uses it
to play Pinter with much nuance.
As Sarahs husband Richard, Patrick Kennedy is a good match.
His frustration with his wifes needs is credible, his ambivalence
effectively unsettling. Both Kennedy and Dwan serve the piece
well by playing it straight when it counts, and thus turning the
(fully intended) confusion into a powerful component.
Though delivered in another equally evocative set, The
Collection has more narrative but ultimately a tad less power.
When James believes wife Stella has been unfaithful on a busi-
ness trip, he goes in search of the other man. He finds Bill in
residence with the much older and wealthier Harry and thus
emerges a quadrangle of deceptions, self and otherwise. In the
role of Stella, Dwans accent is less defining (compared to her
Sarah, where it works to such excellent effect) and her expres-
siveness slightly less attuned, but she is nevertheless riveting.
As husband James, Kennedy again carries the man well and is
convincing as the passive-aggressive sometime-cuckold.
In the role of the older man, Harry, Jack Koenig delivers a
credible establishment figure, capturing his vulnerability but
also his implied threat. Least in sync is Patrick Ball as Bill, the
young man at the center of the mysterious events. Bill is a tough
character to pull off, not least because he is often silent. He plays
games sometimes self-destructive ones and he must suggest
this subtle kind of doomed canniness. Despite some great charis-
ma, Ball lands just slightly too much on the self-conscious side
of Pinters mannered characterization (a less than stellar accent
doesnt help) and it is hard to read in quite enough subtext.
Such quibbles aside, this is Pinter delivered with wit, clarity
and mid-century style. The one-acts, originally written for British
television, are rarely staged theatrically, making this even more of
a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you dont want to miss. l

The Lover and The Collection run to Oct. 29 at the Lansburgh Theatre, 450 7th Street NW. Tickets are $44 to $118.
Call 202-547-1122 or visit shakespearetheatre.org.

OCTOBER 12, 2017 METROWEEKLY 43

NightLife Photography by
Ward Morrison

OCTOBER 12, 2017 METROWEEKLY 45

 Scene
GMCWs Ropeburn at Dupont Underground - Saturday, October 7
Photography by Ward Morrison & Todd Franson
See and purchase more photos from this event at www.metroweekly.com/scene

DrinksDragDJsEtc... Hour, 4-5pm Shirtless tail glass served in a huge Talent Weekly Open Mic FREDDIES BEACH BAR
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Thursday, Beige Hip-Hop Dance Party
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October 12 Waterzz, 10pm-close
NELLIES SPORTS BAR
ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS
All male, nude dancers
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drink, 5-9pm No Cover Buckets of Beer $15
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wines up to 50% off & Kristina Kelly $200
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$3 Well Drinks All Night Cash Prize Doors open
Heineken and Coronas, selection No Cover Two 30-minute open bars
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Midnight Code enforced
Doors open 5pm Huge 50% off Bad Bears After 21+
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House and Top 40 DJ in Happy Hour, 4-9pm
normally served in a cock- 9pm $5 Cover Thats
the Tavern, 9pm-close Ladies Drink Free Power

46 OCTOBER 12, 2017 METROWEEKLY

TOWN ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS
Patio open 6pm DC Bear Men of Secrets, 9pm
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Lena Lett and featuring
Miss Tatianna, Shi-
Queeta-Lee, Riley Knoxx
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upstairs, DJs BacK2bACk
Saturday,
downstairs following the October 14
show GoGo Boys after
11pm Doors open at 9 1/2
10pm For those 21 and Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
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Show only, $25 Tickets

OCTOBER 12, 2017 METROWEEKLY 47

 available at tinyurl.com/ GREEN LANTERN and BaNaka Doors open BALTIMORE EAGLE juice Crazy Hour, 4-8pm TRADE
RHDS2017 Leather and Happy Hour, 4-9pm $5 10pm $15 Cover from Lizzie Beaumont and Karaoke, 9pm-1am Doors open 12pm Huge
Fetish Saturdays, Code Bacardi, all flavors, all 10pm-12am $12 after Betty Whitecastle present Happy Hour: Any drink
Bar, 8pm-2am Code night long midnight 21+ Queens Who Brunch, GREEN LANTERN normally served in a cock-
enforced after 9pm in the 12-2pm $34 per person Happy Hour, 4-9pm tail glass served in a huge
Code Bar Otter Crossing, NELLIES SPORTS BAR TRADE includes All You Can Open Mic Night Karaoke glass for the same price,
10:30pm Music by DJ Guest DJs Zing Zang Doors open 12pm Huge Eat Free pitcher of with Kevin downstairs, 12-10pm Beer and wine
Strikestone! thebalti- Bloody Marys, Nellie Beer, Happy Hour: Any drink Mimosas per 4 admissions 9:30pm-close only $4
moreeagle.com House Rail Drinks and normally served in a cock- Reservations highly
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Level One, 11am-2pm and NUMBER NINE
12-10pm Beer and wine
only $4
Come and watch the
Ravens Game, 1-5pm
Shi-Queeta-Lee, 11am-3pm
$20 Brunch Buffet
Monday,
2-4pm Featuring Kristina Doors open 2pm Happy T-Dance Sundays, 4-9pm House Rail Drinks, Zing October 16
Kelly and the Ladies of Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink, ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS Buy a cup for $5 and fill Zang Bloody Marys, Nellie
Illusion Bottomless 2-9pm $5 Absolut and $5 Men of Secrets, 9pm-4am it with any Absolut Flavor Beer and Mimosas, $4, 9 1/2
Mimosas and Bloody Bulleit Bourbon, 9pm-close Guest dancers Ladies and Mixer for $3 each time 11am-close Buckets of Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
Marys Happy Hour: Pop Tarts, with DJs of Illusion Drag Show (excluding energy drink Beer, $15 drink, 5-9pm Multiple
Tops Down $6 Top Shelf, BacK2bACk, 9:30pm with host Ella Fitzgerald mixers) thebaltimoreea- TVs showing movies,
Bottoms Up $3 Rail, $3 Bud Doors at 9pm, Shows gle.com NUMBER NINE shows, sports Expanded
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Featuring DJs Mikey Mo Mimosas, 10am-3pm DJ Steve Henderson in Happy Hour: $6 Top Absolut and $5 Bulleit
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Vodka Redbulls 21+ & Half-Priced Pizzas $4 Stoli, Stoli Flavors No Cover to 50% off Micro Brew

FREDDIES BEACH BAR TOWN

Sunday, and Bud Light, 10pm-close
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$4 all day SIN: Service
Saturday Breakfast Buffet, Upstairs: DJ Kitty Glitter October 15 hosted by Robert Bise, Brunch with Bottomless Industry Night, 11pm-2am
10am-3pm $14.99 with from Sydney, Australia 10pm-close Mimosas, 10am-3pm First Well Drink or
one glass of champagne (see profile, page 7) 9 1/2 Stoli Sundays: $5 Stoli Domestic Beer Free 10%
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Additional champagne $2 video by DJ Wess Drag drink, 2-9pm $5 Absolut Champagne Brunch Buffet, Happy Hour, 5-7pm $3 thebaltimoreeagle.com
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Drag Show, hosted by Miss featuring Tatianna, Shi- showing movies, shows, or mimosas, 1 Bloody & Half-Priced Pizzas Happy Hour: $6 Top Shelf,
Destiny B. Childs, 8-10 pm Queeta-Lee, Riley Knoxx sports Expanded craft Mary, or coffee, soda or $3 Rail, $3 Bud Light,
Karaoke, 10pm-close beer selection No Cover

48 OCTOBER 12, 2017 METROWEEKLY

OCTOBER 12, 2017 METROWEEKLY 49
4-9pm Monday Nights SHAWS TAVERN BALTIMORE EAGLE NUMBER NINE BALTIMORE EAGLE NELLIES SPORTS BAR
A Drag, featuring Miss Happy Hour, 4-7pm $3 Happy Hour, 5-9pm, all Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any Happy Hour, 5-9pm, all SmartAss Trivia Night, 8pm
Kristina Kelly Doors open Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon, liquors, beers and wines drink, 5-9pm No Cover liquors, beers and wines and 9pm Prizes include
at 10pm Showtime at $5 Rails and House Wines up to 50% off Well up to 50% off Domestic bar tabs and tickets to
11:30pm Doors open at and Half-Priced Pizzas Bomb Shots $4 all Day SHAWS TAVERN Bottles are $3 all day shows at the 9:30 Club
10pm No Cover 21+ Shaw Nuff Trivia, with thebaltimoreeagle.com Half-Priced Burgers and Team Trivia, 8-10pm $15 Buckets of Beer for
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9pm normally served in a cock- 7pm-close Multiplayer Happy Hour: Any drink 4-9pm $4 Stoli and Stoli NUMBER NINE
tail glass served in a huge Games on 7 TVs normally served in a cock- Flavors and Miller Lite all Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
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long Singing with the 11pm Beer and wine month 5-10pm Beer and wine Ferrah, 10pm-close No SHAWS TAVERN
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of Perpetual Indulgence, Crazy Hour, 4-8pm Taco FREDDIES BEACH BAR $5 Rails and House Wines
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NELLIES SPORTS BAR

Tuesday, GREEN LANTERN
Wednesday, Burgers Drag Bingo
Night, hosted by Ms.
Piano Bar with Jill, 8pm

Beat the Clock Happy Hour October 17 Happy Hour all night long, October 18 Regina Jozet Adams, 8pm TRADE
$2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm), 4pm-close Bingo prizes Karaoke, Doors open 5pm Huge
$4 (7-8pm) Buckets of 9 1/2 9 1/2 10pm-1am Happy Hour: Any drink
Beer $15 Texas Holdem Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any NELLIES SPORTS BAR Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any normally served in a cock-
Poker, 8pm Dart Boards drink, 5-9pm Multiple Beat the Clock Happy Hour drink, 5-9pm Multiple GREEN LANTERN tail glass served in a huge
TVs showing movies, $2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm), TVs showing movies, Happy Hour all night glass for the same price,
NUMBER NINE shows, sports Expanded $4 (7-8pm) Buckets of shows, sports Expanded long, 4pm-close Bear 5-10pm Beer and wine
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any craft beer selection Beer $15 Karaoke and craft beer selection Yoga with Greg Leo, 6:30- only $4 l
drink, 5-9pm No Cover No Cover Drag Bingo No Cover 7:30pm $10 per class

50 OCTOBER 12, 2017 METROWEEKLY

 Scene
Trade - Friday, October 6
Photography by Ward Morrison
See and purchase more photos from this event at www.metroweekly.com/scene

52 OCTOBER 12, 2017 METROWEEKLY

OCTOBER 12, 2017 METROWEEKLY 53
 LastWord.
People say the queerest things

Coming out is one of the most courageous acts

any LGBTQ person makes.

HRC President CHAD GRIFFIN, in a statement celebrating National Coming Out Day on October 11. On this National Coming Out
Day that courage remains essential to our continued progress toward full equality, he said. Sharing our stories
is a key way each of us can fight back against attempts to turn back the clock on LGBTQ equality.

Anyone listening to this show that believes homosexuality is just a normal lifestyle has been brainwashed....
These disgusting people.
Fox News host SEAN HANNITY, in tapes unearthed by the Washington Post, on his radio show at KCSB in 1989. Hannity railed
against gay men, AIDS, and, together with an anti-gay guest, mocked a lesbian host for her turkey baster baby.

Isnt the role of leadership to support societys most vulnerable,

rather than kick them while theyre down?
A gay audience member on Australias Q&A debate show, challenging Senator Matt Canavan, who opposes same-sex marriage.
[At school] I endured slurs on a daily basis, he said. I was also told that I was threat to children and that being gay
was no better than being a paedophile.... Now you, Mr Canavan, have criticised my community as being
delicate little flowers who need to grow a spine in the face of abuse.

We have a lot of love for each other

and also love playing doubles together.

CHRISTINNA PEDERSEN, in an interview with TV2, revealing that she and womens doubles badminton partner Kamilla Rytter Juhl
have been a couple for eight years. Pedersen and Juhl, both Danish, are currently ranked number four in the world
for womens doubles. The joy...when were on the court is in no way an act. We really think its great
to be able to play and experience this together.

Being a young actor in the industry,

I had a lot of people who strongly advised me to
stay quiet.
DAN AMBOYER, who currently has a recurring role on TV Lands Younger, coming out publicly in an interview with People
magazine. Amboyer, who recently married his partner of 10 years, said he didnt want his sexuality to impact his roles.

54 OCTOBER 12, 2017 METROWEEKLY