Volume 45, Issue 31, August 1, 2014

Concern over Trojan horse
used to condemn homosexuality

By LOU CHIBBARO JR.
lchibbaro@washblade.com
The evangelical Christian family that owns the
Hobby Lobby chain of craft stores plans to open a Bible
museum in Washington two blocks from the National
Mall, prompting outrage from some LGBT advocates.
The concern expressed by LGBT advocates comes
just one month after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in
favor of Hobby Lobbys contention in a controversial
lawsuit that corporations with religious owners cannot
Marriage dominoes continue to fall in unexpected places
By MICHAEL K. LAVERS
mlavers@washblade.com
Mondays ruling from the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that struck down Virginias
gay nuptials ban has further bolstered eorts to extend marriage rights to same-sex
couples in other Southern states.
North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper, who said last October he personally
supports marriage rights for same-sex couples, announced shortly after the 4th Circuit
issued its ruling that he would no longer defend his states same-sex marriage ban that
voters approved in 2012.
North Carolina falls under the 4th Circuits jurisdiction along with South Carolina,
West Virginia and Maryland.
Same-sex couples have been able to legally marry in Maryland since January 2013.
Our attorneys have vigorously argued this case every step of the way, Cooper told
reporters during a Monday press conference in Raleigh as WNCN reported. But the
4th Circuit has ruled and the 4th Circuit is clear, along with every federal court that has
AUGUST 01 2014 VOLUME 45 I SSUE 31 CELEBRATI NG 45 YEARS AS AMERI CA S GAY NEWS SOURCE WASHI NGTONBLADE. COM
CONTI NUES ON PAGE 17
RELUCTANT PIONEER
Gay Miss. teacher
on life, poverty and
bias in the Delta.
PAGE 14 PAGE 27 PAGE 33
DOG DAYS
This weekend brings
annual summer
celebration to 14th St.
CLOSET CASES
Local drag queens
give us a peek inside
their fabulous closets.
JENNIFER and JENA PIERCE of Biloxi, Miss., married last December in Connecticut.
They describe themselves as an ordinary boring couple.
WASHINGTONBLADE PHOTO BY MICHAEL KEY
A Bible museum is scheduled to open in 2017 in a sprawling building at 300 D St., S.W., that was the home of the
Washington Design Center.
WASHINGTONBLADE PHOTO BY MICHAEL KEY
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Board votes to remove,
restore title, then
abolishes entire list
By PETER SCHOTT
The Cape Henlopen School Board,
which represents students living in the
LGBT-friendly resort towns of Rehoboth
Beach, Lewes and Milton, last week
abolished a recommended summer
reading list after a controversy over a
lesbian-themed book.
The board in June removed that book, The
Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily
Danforth, which tells the story of a teenage
girl from Montana who loses her parents in
an auto accident and moves in with an old-
fashioned grandmother and conservative
aunt. When they learn she is a lesbian they
send her to a religious conversion camp.
Although the board voted not to use
the entire suggested book list, called
the Blue Hen List, provided by the
Delaware Library system, the vote last
week restored The Miseducation of
Cameron Post to the summer reading
list and upheld the reading and essay
writing requirements of both college prep
students and honor students.
At issue was The Blue Hen List, which
contains books recommended for
summer reading by state librarians for
young adults aged 14-18. Ten books were
recommended, but only Danforths book
was removed from the list on June 12 by
a vote of 6-1, with lesbian board member
Roni Posner voting against the action.
In Delaware, incoming high school
freshmen are required to read at least
one book and write an essay during the
summer to qualify for college preparatory
courses, and to read and report on at
least two to qualify for honors. Posner
said, parents can Google the Blue Hen
list for suggested book titles, including
The Miseducation of Cameron Post. The
book is also available in the school library.
Spencer Brittingham, president of the
board at the time of the rst vote was
taken, said that in three minutes I knew
that the book was unacceptable.
That vote was taken, according to
Posner, without following the normal
procedure of being placed on the agenda
and allowing the public to address the
issue. She also objected because, the
responsibility of school boards is to focus
on policy and governance; a governing
boards role is not to manage the schools
and the content of curricula.
After the earlier vote to remove the
book, there was a backlash against the
decision that created a lot more interest
in the issue. A number of community
members donated copies of the book to
a local bookstore, which has been giving
the book away to interested teenagers.
In addition, there was much discussion
in local media outlets, and the ACLU
threatened a lawsuit.
On July 24, the board met again and
this time placed the issue on the agenda.
Board member Sandy Minard indicated
that they had to vote quickly, on June
12, because the end of the school year
was approaching. She said, although she
had not read the book, its content was
brought to her attention by a community
member, and she felt it was urgent to act.
Minard indicated that she knows that
the other books on the list also contain
profanities that are not suitable for young
adults, but when questioned by Posner
as to why they banned only the lesbian-
oriented book, Minard indicated that this
was the only book brought to her attention.
Dozens of citizens were present at
this meeting to voice their support or
opposition to the recommendations.
Observers noted that this was one of the
largest crowds to attend a school board
meeting in quite some time.
Madison Bacon, a June graduate of
Cape Henlopen High School spoke in
favor of the book, indicating that there
was a lot of bullying going on in school,
and literature can serve as a bridge to
understanding.
Rebecca Lowe, a librarian at Lewes
Public Library and a parent, said that of
100 books which are considered classics,
46 were faced with issues of censorship,
so this is not unusual.
Harry Metcalf, the parent who originally
made the complaint said, it is up to the
parents to make the decisions on what
books their children should read.
Annie Norman, the Delaware State
Librarian said that young people should
be encouraged to read.
Soccer star to guest-edit Blade
The Washington Blade announced this week it has named lesbian soccer star
Megan Rapinoe as the guest editor of its second annual Sports Issue scheduled
to be published on Aug. 22.
Rapinoe is a midelder for the Seattle Reign in the National Womens Soccer
League and a member of the U.S. womens national team. She won a gold medal
at the 2012 London Olympics, where she scored three goals. She has also been
recognized as an LGBT equality advocate by the L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center and
is an Athlete Ally Ambassador.
Im excited to serve as guest editor of the Washington Blades second annual
Sports Issue, said Rapinoe. Greater LGBT inclusion in sport is making signicant
progress, and I am proud to support the work being done to enable the next
generation of LGBT athletes to come out.
The Blades Sports Issue will be published Aug. 22 and feature a broad array of
stories, interviews and opinion pieces from the leading voices in LGBT advocacy
in professional and collegiate sports. The NBAs Jason Collins, former NFL star
Chris Kluwe and many others will be part of the issue.
STAFF REPORTS
SMYAL names new executive director
Sultan Shakir, director of the Human Rights Campaigns Youth and Campus
Engagement Program and a longtime community organizer, will be the new
executive director of the local LGBT youth advocacy group SMYAL beginning
Aug. 4.
According to a SMYAL announcement on Thursday, Shakir will replace SMYALs
current executive director, Andrew Barnett, whos leaving the organization to
begin a doctorate program in clinical psychology this fall at George Washington
University.
SMYAL, which stands for Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and
Leaders, has been carrying out its mission of supporting and empowering
lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth in the D.C. metro
area for more than 20 years, according to a statement released by the group.
Sultan Shakir is the right leader for SMYAL at an exciting time of change, said
Mike Schwartz, chair of the groups board of directors.
Prior to serving in his current position at HRC, Shakir served as director of
the campaign to persuade the Maryland General Assembly to pass a marriage
equality law in 2012. He served in a leadership role in pushing for D.C.s marriage
equality law in 2009.
Before joining HRC in 2006, Shakir worked as a project manager with Grassroots
Solutions, a consulting rm where he trained young people nationwide to create
progressive change, a SMYAL statement says. The statement says he began his
career as a community organizer in Baltimore.
Andrew Barnett leaves SMYAL recognized among the LGBTQ and donor
communities as a great way to invest in our young people, Schwartz said in a
statement announcing Shakirs appointment. LGBT young people in our area
have safer, healthier and brighter lives because of Andrew Barnett, he said.
LOU CHIBBARO JR.
WASHI NGTONBLADE. COM
LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 01, 2014 05
Delaware school district kills
reading list over lesbian book
MEGAN RAPINOE will serve as guest editor of the Washington Blades Aug. 22 Sports
Issue.
PHOTO COURTESY OF RAPINOE
Amnesty Intl calls for Mannings release
WASHINGTON Amnesty International on July 29 called for the release of
U.S. Army Pvt. Chelsea Manning a year after a military prosecutor convicted her
of charges related to the leaking of classied documents to Wikileaks.
It is an absolute outrage that Chelsea Manning is currently languishing
behind bars whilst those she helped to expose, who are potentially guilty of
human rights violations, enjoy impunity, said Erika Guevara Rosas, director for
the Americas at Amnesty International, in a statement posted to its website. The
U.S. government must grant Chelsea Manning clemency, order her immediate
release, and implement a thorough and impartial investigation into the crimes
she uncovered.
Army Col. Denise Lind last August sentenced Manning to 35 years in prison.
Manning subsequently announced she had begun to transition. A Kansas
judge in April approved Mannings request to legally change her name to Chelsea
Elizabeth Manning.
The Pentagon earlier this month announced that Manning will begin to receive
treatment that could include hormone therapy and allow her to wear womens
underwear at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., where she is serving her sentence.
LGBT rights advocates last August criticized the Armys initial denial of
Mannings request to undergo treatment for gender identity disorder.
Miss. marriage supporter announces retirement
WAVELAND, Miss. The rst Mississippi mayor to publicly support marriage
rights for same-sex couples on July 29 announced he plans to retire.
WLOX reported that David Garcia announced he would not seek re-election
this fall in a letter he sent to residents of his city on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Ive made the decision to retire at the conclusion of my term as Mayor of
Waveland, he said.
Garcia, a Democrat, took o ce in 2010. He is also the former chief of the
Waveland Fire Department.
LGBT rights advocates in Mississippi and across the country applauded Garcia,
who has a gay brother, earlier this month after he came out in support of same-
sex marriage.
Trans woman to head N.J. advocacy group
MONTCLAIR, N.J. New Jerseys largest statewide LGBT advocacy group has
tapped a transgender rights activist as its next executive director.
New Jersey has a lot of forward-thinking policy already in place, said
Andrea Andy Bowen in a July 23 press release from Garden State Equality that
announced her hiring. But we must continue to press for full equality for the
LGBT and ally community, and be vigilant in working to ensure our current laws
are implemented and enforced.
Steven Goldstein, founder of Garden State Equality, and Barbra Casbar
Siperstein, director of Gender Rights Advocacy Association of New Jersey, are
among those who applauded Bowen.
We thank Garden State Equality for walking the walk and being the model of
a truly inclusive statewide LGBT organization, said Siperstein.
Bowen spearheaded a number of trans-specic eorts and initiatives in the
nations capital with the DC Trans Coalition. She most recently worked at the
National Center for Transgender Equality as a policy adviser.
Bowen will succeed Troy Stevenson who stepped down in January to become
executive director of the Equality Network in Oklahoma.
Temple University study
may hold promise for
future AIDS cure
By LOU CHIBBARO JR.

lchibbaro@washblade.com
A team of researchers at Temple
University in Philadelphia for the rst time
developed a way to extract the HIV virus
from human cells in a laboratory setting,
opening the way for further studies that
could lead to a cure for AIDS.
In a study published July 21 in the
journal Proceedings of the National
Academy of Sciences, researchers said
they developed a DNA-snipping enzyme
called nuclease and a strand of RNA
capable of targeting and removing the
DNA of the HIV-1 virus from human cells.
From there, the cells gene repair
machinery takes over, soldering the
loose ends of the genome back together
resulting in virus-free cells, according
to a statement released by the Temple
University School of Medicine. A genome
refers to the genetic material in cells.
This is one important step on the path
toward a permanent cure for AIDS, said Kamel
Khalili, professor and chair of the Department
of Neuroscience at Temple and the lead
researcher in the HIV removal nding.
Its an exciting discovery, but its not
yet ready to go into the clinic, Khalili said
in the statement released by the Temple
medical school. Its proof of a concept
that were moving in the right direction.
Khalili, who heads a team of researchers
that worked on the study, noted that
since the human immune system cannot
now remove HIV-1, a means of removing
the virus through medical intervention is
needed to nd a cure for AIDS.
His research team found that the
technique they developed to extract
HIV-1 from cells might also work as a
therapeutic vaccine. Cells treated with
the nuclease-RNA combination they
developed proved impervious to HIV
infection, the Temple statement says.
The statement points out that although
anti-retroviral drugs are highly eective
in controlling HIV-1 for infected people,
the virus remains hidden in the bodys
cells and can replicate in large numbers
and cause serious health consequences if
treatment is interrupted.
While promising, the new technique
to remove HIV-1 from human cells faces
a number of challenges before the
technique is ready for patients, Khalili
said in the statement. Among other
things, he said researchers must develop
a method to deliver the therapeutic agent
to every infected cell as well as a means
to countering the ability of HIV to mutate.
We are working on a number of
strategies so we can take the construct into
preclinical studies, he said. We want to
eradicate every single copy of HIV-1 from
the patient. That will cure AIDS. I think this
technology is the way we can do it.
10 AUGUST 01, 2014 NATI ONAL NEWS
Army Pvt. CHELSEA MANNING is serving 35 years for leaking classied documents.
PORTRAIT BY ALICIA NEAL; COURTRESY OF WIKIMEDIA
HIV virus removed
from cells for rst time
This is one important step on the path toward a permanent cure for AIDS, said KAMEL
KHALILI of Temple University.
PHOTO COURTESY OF TEMPLE UNIVERSITY
Idea gaining traction
amid ENDA criticism
By CHRIS JOHNSON
cjohnson@washblade.com
A new idea for advancing LGBT rights
is gaining traction after controversy
over the stalled Employment Non-
Discrimination Act: a comprehensive
federal non-discrimination bill.
As several LGBT groups have announced
they would no longer support ENDA
because of its broad religious exemption,
the idea of a comprehensive bill stands in
contrast to ENDA because it would address
discrimination in areas other than the
singular issue of employment.
Its for that reason and not just the
religious exemption that the New
York-based LGBT group Queer Nation
has urged for the rejection of ENDA in
favor of a comprehensive bill that would
institute non-discrimination coverage in a
plethora of categories.
Andrew Miller, a member of Queer
Nation, said in a phone interview with the
Washington Blade that his organization
doesnt back any version of ENDA
either with or without the expanded
religious exemption.
If you believe, as I do, that LGBT
Americans are equal in every way to our
fellow Americans, then it makes sense
to pass legislation that aords the same
civil protections as our fellow Americans,
Miller said. I think that strategy of
incrementalism behind ENDA, telegraphs
or signals that LGBT Americans are not
equal to our fellow Americans. If we want
full equality because we know that we are
equal in every way to our fellow citizens,
then thats what we should be demanding.
The content of a comprehensive bill
isnt clear as the idea is just beginning
to take hold, but the general sense is
the legislation would aim to eliminate
anti-LGBT discrimination across the
board and would be introduced in the
subsequent Congress. The presence of
an employment component would be
contingent on the likely event that ENDA
wont pass the U.S. House this year before
Congress adjourns.
But Miller said his organization has a
more concrete view of what issues should
be included in the legislation: housing,
employment, public accommodations,
credit and federal programs.
I think that what it would be is a bill, a
law, that would aord the same civil rights
protections that all other Americans have
to LGBT Americans, Miller said. Those
protections are from discrimination in not
just employment, but in housing and in
public accommodations, in housing and
credit and federal programs. Those are
the categories that are covered by the Civil
Rights Act of 1964. Gay people should be
aorded all those protections themselves.
Many national LGBT groups have
already endorsed the idea of a
comprehensive LGBT bill to address
discrimination, including the Human
Rights Campaign and Freedom to
Work. The categories that Queer Nation
enumerated (with the exception of
federal programs) were along the lines of
the categories that HRC President Chad
Gri n envisioned for the legislation in
an op-ed published in Buzzfeed that also
explained the organizations continued
support for ENDA.
Ian Thompson, legislative
representative for the American Civil
Liberties Union, said his organization also
backs the idea of a comprehensive bill
as a means to institute explicit, eective
and, above all, equal protections in
federal law for LGBT people.
The concept of a more comprehensive
bill is something that we are supportive
of, but what we want to ensure at the
end of the day is that LGBT people have
explicit, eective and, above all, equal
non-discrimination protections in federal
law, Thompson said.
The idea of a comprehensive LGBT bill
as opposed to an incrementalist strategy
isnt new. Gay Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo.)
has said for years he was considering
an omnibus LGBT bill that would act as a
symbolic measure. The grassroots group
GetEQUAL also has called for a full civil
rights bill for LGBT people.
Heather Cronk, co-director of GetEQUAL,
said her organization has been speaking
out for the need to pass comprehensive
LGBT legislation since its inception.
For too long, our movement has fought
for piecemeal legislation, Cronk said.
It isnt what we need; it isnt what we
deserve. Weve been talking about some
kind of larger civil rights bill since we began
four years ago. Whether that looks like an
omnibus bill, or a collection of smaller bills
that is passed at the same time, we dont
really know what it looks like. We just want
to make sure that were ghting for it and
putting that on the table.
In an attempt to build support for a
comprehensive bill, Queer Nation has
called on House Minority Leader Nancy
Pelosi (D-Calif.) and the eight openly LGB
members of Congress to endorse the idea.
Drew Hamill, a Pelosi spokesperson,
conrmed his boss supports the idea of
a comprehensive bill in response to an
inquiry from the Washington Blade.
She supports such legislation and
would want to work closely with the
leading LGBT national organizations
to see it become a reality in the next
Congress, Hammill said.
Spokespersons for four of the eight
openly LGB members of Congress
Reps. David Cicilline (D-R.I.), Mark Takano
(D-Calif.), Sean Patrick Maloney and Mark
Pocan (D-Wis.) said the lawmakers also
support the idea of a comprehensive bill.
Scott Overland, a Polis spokesperson,
said his boss is committed to passing
legislation to ensure that LGBT Americans
have equal protection under the law
in all of these dimensions. He didnt
immediately respond to a follow-up
question on whether that means support
for a singular, comprehensive bill.
The remaining three Kyrsten Sinema
(D-Ariz.), and Mike Michaud (D-Maine) as well
as Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) didnt
respond to the Blades request for comment.
Michaud is in the middle of a campaign to
become the next governor of Maine.
The process for passing a
comprehensive LGBT bill in Congress
would be dierent than eorts to pass
other bills with a singular focus because
such legislation would likely be referred
to multiple committees. That would be
similar to the process leading to the
passage of health care reform legislation,
which was approved by ve dierent
committees in the House and Senate
before being combined into one piece of
legislation for President Obama to sign.
In the Senate, the piece on employment
and education would likely mean a
referral to the Health, Education, Labor
& Pensions Committee and the piece on
public accommodations would mean a
referral to the Judiciary Committee, while
the component on credit may mean a
referral to the Finance Committee and
the component on federal programs may
send the bill to the Homeland Security &
Governmental Aairs Committee.
Assuming the legislation introduced is
favorable enough for lawmakers to seek
to advance the bill, the most challenging
piece may be credit because its an area
where the history of discrimination against
LGBT people isnt as widely known.
Thompson said he would be not at all
surprised if a comprehensive bill would
be referred to multiple committees,
dismissing the notion that referrals would
hamper passage.
I think what would be the rst,
important step in that is doing the
education and the outreach to
congressional o ces to make sure that
they have a very good understanding
about why a proposal like this is needed,
why its time has come, Thompson said.
Another possible approach to enacting
comprehensive legislation would be
amending the Civil Rights Act of 1964
which provides protections based
on race, color, religion, sex or national
origin to include the categories of
sexual orientation and gender identity.
Such a move would ensure the religious
exemption to discriminate against LGBT
people would be the same as it is for
other categories of people.
According to some LGBT advocates
familiar with ENDA, other civil rights groups
are wary of amending the Civil Rights Act
of 1964 to include LGBT people because
it would make the historic law seem too
easy to change. Moreover, amending that
law wouldnt institute non-discrimination
protections for LGBT people in housing
because those protections are in the Fair
Housing Act of 1968.
Ayofemi Kirby, a spokesperson for the
Congressional Black Caucus, said she
cant speak to whether lawmakers in her
caucus would support that idea because
that discussion hasnt taken place, but
noted a number of members of her
caucus support ENDA.
A more likely scenario for the bill would
be an amalgamation of other LGBT non-
discrimination bills combined into one
piece of legislation.
NATI ONAL NEWS AUGUST 01, 2014 11
Will Congress take up comprehensive LGBT rights bill?
Some LGBT advocates are calling for the introduction of a comprehensive LGBT rights bill in a
subsequent Congress.
WASHINGTON BLADE FILE PHOTO BY MICHAEL KEY
Sixth Circuit to hear
arguments in Mich., Ohio,
Tenn., Ken. on Aug. 6
By CHRIS JOHNSON
cjohnson@washblade.com
After three rulings in support of
marriage equality at the federal appeals
level, litigation seeking marriage rights for
gay couples will only intensify: No fewer
than three appellate courts are set to
hear oral arguments on the issue before
summers end.
The most imminent hearing is
scheduled for Aug. 6, when the U.S. Sixth
Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinatti will
consider six lawsuits against marriage
bans in four states: Michigan, Ohio,
Kentucky and Tennessee.
Its the rst time that a federal appeals
court will consider at the same time
challenges to marriage bans in each of
the states within the circuit.
James Esseks, director of the LGBT
project for the American Civil Liberties
Union, is co-counsel to the Ohio cases and
said preparations consist of anticipating
questions judges may ask in court.
Its not too exciting, Esseks said. We
talk through the issues and try to gure
out what we think the judges might ask.
Shortly afterward, the U.S. Seventh
Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago will hear
arguments on Aug. 26 for litigation in two
states Wisconsin and Indiana and the
U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San
Francisco will hear arguments on Sept. 8
for another two Nevada and Idaho.
The U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals
hasnt yet set a time to hear arguments
for the challenge to Texas ban on same-
sex marriage, but that date should be
scheduled soon in the aftermath of a legal
brief that Texas Solicitor General Jonathan
Mitchell led in defense of the state law.
The actions from these courts will
follow rulings in favor of marriage
equality for Utah and Oklahoma from the
U.S. Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals and,
just this week, for Virginia from the U.S.
Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. Theyre
among the 70 pending cases related to
marriage equality that have led to an
unbroken string of 29 wins following the
U.S. Supreme Courts decision against the
Defense of Marriage Act.
But the oral arguments before the
Sixth Circuit may set the tone for later
arguments in other cases because the
ruling will aect laws in four states and
will likely reect rulings from other
appeals courts striking down bans in
Oklahoma, Utah and Virginia.
The three-judge panel thatll consider
the litigation consists of U.S. Circuit
Judge Martha Craig Daughtry, a Clinton
appointee; U.S. Circuit Judge Jerey
Sutton, a George W. Bush appointee; and
U.S. Circuit Judge Deborah Cook, another
George W. Bush appointee.
Arguments are set to begin at the
Potter Stewart U.S. Courthouse at 1 p.m.
The court set 30 minutes for each side
in the Michigan and Ohio cases, but 15
minutes for each side in the Tennessee
and Kentucky cases.
Doug NeJaime, whos gay and a law
professor at University of California,
Irvine, said the court may focus on
aspects of the raising of children by
same-sex couples given the attention to
that issue as a reason for lower courts to
strike down marriage bans.
The Sixth Circuit is of course aware of
the growing consensus around this issue,
NeJaime said. Importantly, one of the
cases from the Sixth Circuit, DeBoer, had
a full trial in which the empirical claims
about same-sex couples and child-rearing
were deeply engaged and considered. This
might focus the court on those questions
specically and put the court on good
footing to address them at length.
Another issue that may come up during
the arguments is whether the marriage
bans passed in Michigan, Kentucky, Ohio
and Tennessee were motivated by anti-
gay animus.
In his concurring opinion against
Oklahomas ban on same-sex marriage,
U.S. Circuit Judge Jerome Holmes ruled
the law was unconstitutional, but insisted
that animus wasnt a factor in voters
decision to enact the marriage ban in the
rst place. He goes out of his way to make
this argument seemingly in an attempt to
inuence subsequent rulings on same-
sex marriage.
As The New York Times Adam Liptak
points out, Holmes view, if accepted by other
courts, could put up a roadblock for additional
rulings in favor of same-sex marriage.
Judge Holmess conclusion that animus
did not gure in state bans on same-
sex marriage would, if accepted by the
Supreme Court, block one path to victory
for gay rights groups, Liptak writes. There
are other paths, of course, as the winning
streak in the lower courts makes clear.
There have been diering views of
the denition of animus among justices,
although a law enacted for this reason
would be hard-pressed to survive scrutiny
from the courts.
The diering views on animus are
evident by the U.S. Supreme Courts
decision against the Defense of Marriage
Act, Liptak notes. In his opinion, U.S.
Associate Justice Anthony Kennedy sees
animus in a law that has the eect of
impos[ing] a disadvantage, a separate
status, and so a stigma.
On the other hand, Chief Justice John
Roberts in his dissent suggested that animus
has a more strict requirement of a sinister
motive, and Associate Justice Antonin Scalia
goes further by speaking of unhinged
members of a wild-eyed lynch mob.
ACLUs Esseks said animus is a term of
art that has dierent meanings among
legal practitioners, but the issue shouldnt
preclude a court from overturning a
marriage ban.
Its both true that animus isnt required
in order to win one of these cases, even in
front of Justice Kennedy, and that animus
doesnt mean evil intent, so its not as hard
to prove as you might think, Esseks said.
Each of the six cases pending before
the Sixth Circuit is related to same-sex
marriage, but is dierent in certain ways.
The Michigan case, DeBoer v. Snyder, was
led by private attorneys on behalf of a
lesbian couple seeking adoption rights,
but later developed into a lawsuit seeking
the right to same-sex marriage in the state.
The only other case with an outright
marriage equality component is the
Kentucky litigation. Its two consolidated
cases: Bourke v. Beshear, which seeks
state recognition of out-of-state same-sex
marriages, and Love v. Beshear, which
seeks the right to marry for the same-sex
couples in Kentucky.
The Tennessee case, Tanco v. Haslam,
was led by the National Center for Lesbian
Rights and is an appeal of a preliminary
injunction requiring the state to recognize
the out-of-state marriages of the three
plainti same-sex couples in the lawsuit.
There are two Ohio cases: Obergefell
v. Himes and Henry v. Himes. Both were
led by the same private attorneys and
were decided by the same district judge,
but the former case seeks recognition of
out-of-state same-sex marriages for the
purposes of death certicates, and the
latter seeks recognition of these unions
for the purpose of birth certicates for
children born to same-sex couples.
Another Ohio ruling could take place
before next week in Gibson v. Himes,
another case that seeks outright marriage
equality in the state, but its unlikely
that litigation will be briefed before the
appeals court in time for the arguments
with other cases.
Esseks said the way in which the Sixth
Circuit will decide the litigation whether by
one ruling or multiple rulings is yet to be
seen, but in any event a ruling for marriage
equality in just one state would establish
precedent for others within the circuit.
Regardless of the way the Sixth Circuit
decides the case, the ruling that will follow
along with others from other appellate
courts will likely join others at the
Supreme Court as the justices begin their
term in the fall. Utah Attorney General
Sean Reyes has already vowed to appeal
the Tenth Circuits decision against his
states marriage ban to the high court.
Although the Supreme Court is under
no obligation to take up any of the cases,
observers expect the justices will take up
at least one of the marriage lawsuits if
not a combination and deliver a ruling
by summer 2015.
Esseks said additional rulings in favor
of marriage equality from the Sixth Circuit
and other courts will only add to the
strength of the cases when they reach the
Supreme Court.
Building the consensus helps us, I
think, very signicantly with the U.S.
Supreme Court to be able to point to the
current reality, that theres an unbroken
line of state and federal court decisions
since Windsor on what the Constitution
means in terms of the freedom to marry,
Esseks said. That is enormously helpful,
enormously powerful to be put in front of
the Supreme Court.
12 AUGUST 01, 2014 NATI ONAL NEWS
Before summers end, a succession of marriage cases
APRIL DEBOER (left) and JAYNE ROWSE led the lawsuit against Michigansban on same-sex
marriage.
WASHINGTON BLADE FILE PHOTO BY CHRIS JOHNSON
Fitzpatrick on life, poverty
and bias in the Delta
By MICHAEL K. LAVERS
GREENVILLE, Miss. Ryvell Fitzpatrick
wanted to be a lawyer when he was
growing up in the Mississippi Delta.
He told the Washington Blade during
a July 10 interview that he taught his
younger brother from a chalkboard in the
yard of his childhood home in Ruleville,
a town roughly 50 miles northeast of
Greenville in Sunower County in which
slightly more than 3,200 people live.
Fitzpatricks mother and grandmother
and most of his aunts and uncles are
teachers. He has taught English to eighth
graders in Greenville for the last two and
a half years.
I love it, Fitzpatrick told the Blade
during an interview in the living room
of his home that is less than two miles
from the Mississippi River. His dog Royce,
a four-year-old Pomeranian, sat on his
lap as an episode of House Hunters
Renovation was on in the background. I
cant imagine doing anything else.
Fitzpatrick, 24, described his childhood
as slightly oppressive because his family
is very religious. He attended church twice
a week growing up and more frequently
when he went to college at Mississippi
State University.
Fitzpatrick vividly recalled an anti-gay
sermon he heard after he had just begun
high school.
He told the Blade the minister said gay
men wear backpacks with diapers inside
of them because they have anal sex and
cant hold their bowels in.
He was just saying the purpose of
the anus was not that, said Fitzpatrick,
noting some congregants left the church
during the sermon. It was very graphic.
He made the movement: It goes in and
comes out and it just dont stretch back
like its supposed to. It was awful.
Fitzpatrick said he heard other sermons
that were anti-sin, anti-homosexuality,
anti-stealing, anti-drinking, anti-gambling.
Fitzpatrick and his boyfriend who lives
three hours away from Greenville have
been together for three months. They
had previously dated for a year.
Ill either go to him or hell come to me or
well go somewhere else together, he said.
We can be here. Theres no issue at all.
Fitzpatrick said he only came out to his
mother two months before speaking with
the Blade.
She said I knew when you were in
middle school, said Fitzpatrick. I really
think she had to come to grips with it
when I went to college. And I think that
was why it was so easy for her to accept
it when I told her because of things
changed. I explored dierent things.
Fitzpatrick told the Blade his colleagues at
the school where he works know he is gay.
He said one of his students once
complimented a shirt he was wearing that he
thought he bought at Cato, a womens clothing
store with dozens of locations in Mississippi.
Fitzpatrick also frequently changes his
hair color and style.
I denitely dont say hello students, Im
Mr. Fitz and Im gay, he said.
Fitzpatrick said a parent of one of
his students struck up this whole
conversation with his boyfriend earlier
this month when he was visiting him in
Greenville and she saw them out.
Act masculine to
advance career
Poverty remains common throughout
the Mississippi Delta.
The U.S. Census indicates 37.3 percent
of Greenvilles population of roughly
34,000 people were living below the
poverty level between 2008-2012. Nearly
35 percent of people in Sunower County,
in which Fitzpatricks hometown is located,
were living below the poverty level during
the same period as the U.S. Census notes.
Fitzpatrick noted to the Blade that up to
95 percent of students in the Greenville
Public School District in which he teaches
receive free or reduced-price lunch.
He said this poverty also aects LGBT
people, noting a scenario where only
one of the 12 people who are sitting on a
couch have a job.
Not many are careered, not many
have the drive, said Fitzpatrick. Im not
sure if its because they lack the drive or
its because theyve been oppressed for
so long in so many dierent areas that
theyve just given up. A lot of people dont
have careers you can denitely see
the homosexuals with post-secondary
educations and those without.
Fitzpatrick said he has been told to act
more masculine or more professional
if he wants to become a school
administrator or principal.
I feel that that wouldnt be me being
a principal, said Fitzpatrick. That is
denitely rooted in ignorance. It is just a
result of a prejudice.
He said he is really not sure if
race determines attitudes towards
homosexuality, but he described the two
factors as almost the double whammy.
You know you have the people who
are not going to like you because of race,
said Fitzpatrick. You are going to have
the people who are not going to like you
because of your preference.
Fitzpatrick told the Blade the most
prejudiced people he has met are those
who have been discriminated against
because of their race.
I see African Americans as some of the
most prejudiced people on the face of the
earth, he said. Its very interesting that you
think because of the struggle they would be
or we would be more accepting.
Fitzpatrick said he feels these
homophobic attitudes stem from ignorance
and misinterpretations of the Bible.
A lot of churches still teach the slave
masters Bible, he said. If you dont do
right, youll go to hell, which was really a
tool of slave masters to keep the slaves
in order. And there are a lot of churches
today who still preach that, who are not
preaching grace, who are not preaching
forgiveness, who are not preaching love.
Fitzpatrick told the Blade the church
remains a source of information for
people of color, especially those who live
in more rural areas.
When that church is misguided or
misrepresented or misinterpreted, than
thats the mindset of the people, he said.
Viewed as spectacle
Fitzpatrick told the Blade as an afternoon
thunderstorm developed over Greenville
that he feels people are either intrigued
by me or view him as a spectacle.
Theres a very, very small population
who gets to know me for me and treats
that person with respect, he said. Im
mature enough to know that not everyone
who is okay with it is accepting. I think a lot
of times Im tolerated, which is not okay. I
dont do me tolerated if Im not accepted
and loved. I dont want to be part of that.
Fitzpatrick said a comedian who
performed at a recent scholarship pageant
for a local organization picked him out of
the audience because of the huge bow he
was wearing on the side of his head with
platinum hair. He said the performer lashed
out after he realized he was not a woman.
Fitzpatrick recalled another situation
that took place when he was in college.
He said a group of men shouted we
hate those fucking faggots and well shoot
those fucking faggots when they heard
him having a very intense conversation
outside a residence hall. Fitzpatrick said
they chased him in their vehicles.
That was a point when I had to say look,
if youre going to do this, you have to be
comfortable enough to deal with this and
to go forward, he said. Its easier for me
now because I made the decision a long
time ago if youre going to do this, you
need to be comfortable with it. It doesnt
bother me. I denitely have a very, very,
very small circle. I guess that makes me
less susceptible to discrimination.
Fitzpatrick spoke with the Blade less
than two weeks after a state law that
opponents argue allows business owners
to deny services to LGBT people based on
their religious beliefs took eect.
He criticized Mississippi lawmakers
for not fully funding the states public
education system and for supporting a
voter ID law.
Theres a good old boy connection
thats going on, said Fitzpatrick. If
youre in, youre in. If youre not, oh well.
I denitely see things happening that are
almost tokens that are thrown, just to
kind of pacify (their supporters) or just to
shut people up.
CONTINUES AT WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
14 AUGUST 01, 2014 SPECI AL REPORT
Gay Mississippi teacher a reluctant pioneer
RYVELL FITZPATRICK is an openly gay eighth grade English teacher in rural Mississippi.
WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTO BY MICHAEL KEY
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addressed this issue. Therefore, there are
really no arguments left to be made.
Chris Sgro, executive director of
Equality North Carolina, a statewide LGBT
advocacy group, acknowledged to the
Washington Blade during a telephone
interview on Tuesday that Cooper had
previously backed marriage rights for
same-sex couples.
He felt that he needed to defend the
laws of the state, said Sgro. Obviously
given yesterdays ruling theres really no
longer a defense. The attorney general
recognizes that. We applaud him for
making that same realization.
West Virginia Attorney General Patrick
Morrisey said on Monday his o ce
continues to review the 4th Circuits
ruling. He is defending his states same-
sex marriage ban in a federal lawsuit that
Lambda Legal led against it last October
on behalf of three gay couples.
South Carolina Attorney General Alan
Wilsons o ce said he would continue to
defend his states same-sex marriage ban
that mirrors that which Virginia voters
approved by a 57-43 percent margin in 2006.
South Carolina Equality Executive Director
Ryan Wilson, who has no relation to the
states attorney general, told the Blade on
Tuesday that his organization is launching a
petition drive that asks Alan Wilson to stop
defending the states same-sex marriage
ban and stop wasting taxpayer dollars on
an unconstitutional law.
Its clear that denying the freedom to
marry is unconstitutional and particularly
the 4th Circuit kind of laid that out for
us, said Ryan Wilson. Were hoping that
Attorney General Wilson will take the
direction and follow the lead of Virginia
and North Carolina and stop trying to
defend a discriminatory law.
Same-sex couples are able to legally
marry in 19 states and D.C.
More than two-dozen federal and state
courts have ruled in favor of marriage
rights for same-sex couples since the U.S.
Supreme Court in June 2013 struck down
a portion of the Defense of Marriage
Act. The 4th Circuit is the second federal
appeals court to rule in support of gay
nuptials since the DOMA decision.
Lawsuits seeking marriage rights for
same-sex couples are currently before
federal judges in North Carolina, Florida
and Louisiana.
The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in
Cincinnati on Aug. 6 is scheduled to hear
oral arguments in separate lawsuits that
challenge the same-sex marriage bans
of Kentucky, Tennessee and two other
Midwestern states.
Kentucky Attorney General Jack
Conway earlier this year announced he
would not defend his states gay nuptials
ban after U.S. District Judge John Heyburn
ordered the Bluegrass State to recognize
same-sex marriages legally performed in
other jurisdictions.
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi in
recent days appealed rulings from Miami-
Dade Circuit Judge Sarah Zabel and
Monroe County Chief Circuit Judge Luis
M. Garcia that struck down her states
same-sex marriage ban.
Bondi, a twice-divorced Republican, in
May argued in a motion she led with a
federal court in Tallahassee that sought
the dismissal of two same-sex marriage
lawsuits that the recognition of gay unions
legally performed in other jurisdictions
would irreparably harm her state.
Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott on
Monday led an appeal with the U.S. 5th
Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans
that seeks to overturn U.S. District Judge
Orlando Garcias ruling earlier this year
that found his states gay nuptials ban
unconstitutional.
Louisiana and Mississippi also fall
under the 5th Circuits jurisdiction.
Every time we get a positive court ruling,
its progress and it ripples in various ways
across (the South), especially in states
where progress will be hardest to achieve,
said Rev. Jasmine Beach-Ferrara, executive
director of the Campaign for Southern
Equality, a North Carolina-based group
that advocates for marriage rights for
same-sex couples and other LGBT-specic
issues throughout the region. It sends a
message that one more court evaluated
this and looked at this and found there is
no basis for these laws.
Beach-Ferrara and other same-sex
marriage advocates in the South with
whom the Blade has spoken in recent
weeks indicate support for the issue
continues to grow throughout the region.
Bruce Parker, coalition manager for
Equality Louisiana, told the Blade on
Tuesday that the majority of residents of
Baton Rouge, the state capital, who took part
in a poll earlier this week said they support
marriage rights for same-sex couples.
These cases and decisions are having
a huge impact and movement on how
people think about the issues, he said.
A growing number of mayors in the
South also support the issue.
Waveland (Miss.) Mayor David Garcia
earlier this month became the rst
Mississippi mayor to publicly back
marriage rights for same-sex couples.
New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu,
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, Orlando
Mayor Buddy Dyer, Charlotte (N.C.) Mayor
Dan Clodfelter, Tuskegee (Ala.) Mayor
Johnny Ford and Abbeville (S.C.) Mayor
Sarah Sherwood are among the more
than a dozen other Southern mayors who
support gay nuptials.
But opposition to marriage rights for
same-sex couples remains entrenched
throughout the South as the issue
continues to gain traction.
It is outrageous that federal judges put
themselves in the place of God by seeking to
redene the very institution that he created,
said Tami Fitzgerald, executive director
of the North Carolina Values Coalition, an
organization that opposes same-sex marriage,
in a statement after the 4th Circuit found
Virginias gay nuptials ban unconstitutional.
Two judges sitting in Richmond have
erroneously found a fundamental right to
same-sex marriage, thus overriding the will of
the people of Virginia.
Beach-Ferrara told the Blade that 150
counter-protesters gathered outside of
a courthouse in Marion, N.C., earlier this
month as same-sex couples requested
marriage licenses.
Were seeing that the opposition is, I
would say, increasingly vocal and visible
as we are getting closer to the day when
the laws change, she said.
The issue remains deeply personal for
same-sex couples in the South who are
seeking legal recognition of their relationships.
Same-sex and transgender couples on
Wednesday are scheduled to apply for
marriage licenses in Greenville, S.C., as part
of the Campaign for Southern Equalitys
ongoing eorts to raise awareness of the
issue. The group plans to stage similar
actions next month in Mississippi.
Eddie Outlaw and Justin McPherson
Outlaw, who own a hair salon and barber
shop in the Fondren neighborhood of
Jackson, Miss., married in California in
September 2013.
They also appear in a documentary
titled A Mississippi Love Story that
chronicles their relationship over the last
year. It includes their reaction to the U.S.
Supreme Court striking down a portion
of DOMA and other scenes that include
them spending time at their home.
Eddie Outlaw told the Blade during a
July 11 interview at one of his salons that
he is really encouraged and optimistic
about the movement in support of
marriage rights for same-sex couples and
other LGBT issues that continues to take
place across the country.
Millennials, even ones that identify as
Republicans, theyre not so caught up in
all of the social issues, he said. Theyre
moving to step away from that.
Jena Pierce and her wife, Jennifer Pierce,
of Biloxi, Miss., married in Connecticut
last December.
Jena Pierce told the Blade during a July
14 interview at an oceanfront mall near
their home on the Mississippi Gulf Coast
that an employee at the local DMV o ce
told her she could not change the last
name on her drivers license because the
state did not recognize her marriage.
She said really loud to get attention,
Jena Pierce told the Blade as her wife
listened. I walked out of there with my
head up because I didnt want to come
o as embarrassed. I got in my car and I
started sobbing.
Jennifer Pierce said she once had issues
taking sick time to take their 6-year-
old daughter, Auna, to the doctor. Jena
Pierce noted to the Blade in a follow-up
e-mail that her wife could lose custody
of their child if anything were to happen
to her because the state does not legally
recognize their marriage.
Were just an ordinary boring couple who
just happen to be lesbians, said Jena Pierce.
16 AUGUST 01, 2014 COVER STORY
CONTI NUED FROM PAGE 01
Va. ruling could bring marriage to N.C., S.C.
JUSTIN MCPHERSON OUTLAW and EDDIE OUTLAW, owners of a hair salon and barbershop in
Jackson, Miss., married in California last year.
be forced to provide health insurance
coverage for contraception.
Leaders in Washington should soundly
reject a theme park for extremism
disguised as a legitimate museum, said
Wayne Besen, executive director of the
LGBT advocacy group Truth Wins Out.
The project, conceived and funded
by Hobby Lobby owner Steve Green,
would make a mockery of surrounding
museums, which are based on research,
history and scholarship, Besen said in a
July 16 statement.
Representatives of the Museum of
the Bible, Inc., a non-prot organization
created by Green, president and CEO
of the multi-billion dollar Hobby Lobby
store chain, say the museum will include
a collection of rare and ancient biblical
documents and artifacts of proven
historical signicance.
The museum wont be interpreting the
Bible but presenting it from a scholarly
perspective, said museum spokesperson
Mark DeMoss in a statement released to
the Blade.
This museum is about a book: the best-
selling, most read and, arguably, most
inuential of all time, DeMoss said. A lot
of people are making assumptions about
a museum that hasnt even been built yet.
Information on the Museum of the Bible
website says the museum is scheduled
to open in 2017 in a sprawling building
at 300 D St., S.W., that has been the
home of the Washington Design Center
and its interior designers and furniture
showrooms for more than two decades.
The building, which has been designated
as a historic landmark, was used between
1923 and 1959 as a cold storage and ice
making plant. At one point it was owned
by a Chicago-based company founded by
Joseph P. Kennedy, father of President
John F. Kennedy.
DeMosss o ce told the Blade that the
Museum of the Bible, Inc., purchased the
building in July 2012 for $50 million.
Last week, the D.C. Historic Preservation
Review Board gave nal approval of the
Museum of the Bibles architectural plans
to convert the building into a museum.
Gay Advisory Neighborhood
Commissioner Andy Litsky, former chair
of ANC 6D, which has jurisdiction over the
area where the museum will be located,
said the ANC also voted to approve the
use of the building as a museum.
Its private property, Litsky said. They
showed us their architectural drawings
and explained the changes they plan to
make, he said. We did not question the
content of the museum. I dont believe
that is our role.
Besen of Truth Wins Out said he believes
it is within the role of the D.C. government
to raise questions about a museum that
he says would promote misinformation
and discrimination. He called on D.C.
government o cials to invoke zoning
restrictions to block the museum from
opening so close to the National Mall,
where he said tourists and visitors would
mistakenly assume it is part of the federal
Smithsonian Institutions museum system.
Its not designed to be a museum
but to be a Trojan horse to get their
ideas and make it look and feel like a
museum, Besen told the Blade. These
are hard core rigid politicized, radicalized
ideologues that want to pretend they
represent Christianity when in fact its
just a narrow version of it and the most
virulent and dangerous version of it.
Besen was the only LGBT advocate
reached by the Blade who called for
preventing a Bible museum operated by
the Green family from opening near the
National Mall. O cials with other local
and national LGBT groups, including the
D.C. Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance,
cited First Amendment grounds for
allowing a privately owned museum to
open on private property, even if they
disagreed with its message.
LGBT groups should not seek to
suppress the First Amendment rights
of those who oppose us, said GLAA
President Rick Rosendall. As we are told
by our friends in the ACLUthe proper
response to oensive speech is more
speech, he said in an email to the Blade.
Urging the government to suppress
ignorant and obnoxious viewpoints is
not only heavy-handed and improper, it
is unnecessary since we have the better
arguments and science on our side,
Rosendall said.
Rosendall and representatives of other
LGBT organizations said they nevertheless
remain concerned that a Green family-
sponsored Bible museum could be
used to promote an interpretation of
the Bible that considers homosexuality
an abomination an interpretation that
activists and many biblical scholars say is
no longer supported by scholarly biblical
research.
Green and his Museum of the Bible
spokespersons have given conicting
signals on what, if any, message the
museum would present on issues like
homosexuality and same-sex marriage.
Museum of the Bible spokesperson
DeMoss, founder of an Atlanta-based,
religious-oriented public relations rm
bearing his name, did not respond to
written questions from the Blade asking
about Steve Greens views on LGBT rights,
homosexuality and the Bible, or whether
the museum would address those issues.
However, The New Republic magazine
reported in a March 25, 2014 article that
the museums chief operating o cer,
Cary Summers, said the museum wont
mention homosexuality, abortion, or any
other political commentary.
On Wednesday, one of DeMosss
assistants, Adrienne Young, responded
to the Blade by email, saying, We can
conrm that The New Republic report
accurately reects what will (not) be
presented in the museums exhibits.
The New York Times reported in a July 16
story about the Bible museum that Green
himself has referred to the Bible as a
reliable historical document and said he
is developing a public school curriculum
to reintroduce this book to this nation as
part of the museum project.
This nation is in danger because of its
ignorance of what God has taught, the
Times quoted Green as saying in a speech
last year in New York. There are lessons
from the past that we can learn from,
the dangers of ignorance of this book.
We need to know it. If we dont know it,
our future is going to be very scary, the
Times quoted him as saying in his speech.
Observers who favor a scholarly, non-
judgmental approach to the planned
museum point to Greens expenditure of
$30 million of his own money to acquire
in recent years a vast collection of Bible-
related documents and artifacts from
sites throughout the world that are to be
part of the museums exhibits.
Known as the Green collection, the
objects and documents include early
recordings of the New Testament in the
Aramaic language, ancient manuscripts,
Torahs, and a nearly completed book
of Psalms on papyrus paper, according
to Scott Carroll, an archaeologist and
historian who acted as an adviser to
Green on the acquisition of the artifacts.
Although Carrolls role as director of
the Green Collection gave Greens plans
for the museum credibility, Carroll, a
former Baylor University professor, told
the New York Times he decided in 2012 to
withdraw from the Green Collection and
museum project.
While he believes in the scholarly
roots and historical signicance of the
collection, he is concerned that the
Green family faces a di cult challenge
in balancing its passion for ministry with
the objective mission of a museum, the
Times reports.
Brent Childers is executive director
of Faith In America, a national group
that seeks to protect LGBT youth from
mistreatment and abuse due to what he
says is an incorrect interpretation of the
Bible pertaining to homosexuality. He
said the Green family has a right to open
a Bible museum in Washington. But hes
concerned that it could be harmful to
LGBT young people visiting its exhibits if
it promotes a message of hostility toward
homosexuality.
If you walk into that museum and you
see a section on biblical interpretation
and how this historical book has been
misinterpreted in the past, that could be
a great service, Childers said. But from
what Im reading I dont know if I could
expect to see such a section in Greens
private museum.
Added Childers, If its going to be a
museum where only his interpretation of
the Bible is going to be on display, then
I think that would be an unfortunate
endeavor for everyone because it would
open up divisiveness.
Rev. Dwayne Johnson, pastor of
Metropolitan Community Church
of Washington, an LGBT-oriented
congregation, said he, too, would oppose an
eort to block the Green familys museum
from opening on private property.
Those of us who come from another
perspective will have to be very alert
and monitor the messaging and oer
a counter voice when that messaging
is going to have anything that would
potentially lead to self-hatred or violence
or an anti-gay message, he said.
At this point the weight of scholarship
does not support the Bible as condemning
homosexuality, Johnson said. The Bible
does not speak to homosexuality as we
experience it today. Thats why youre
seeing so many churches that are now
becoming more accepting and a rming,
he said.
Its based on further weight of
scholarship as they continue to do
research on the original languages and
looking at the context, according to
Johnson.
I dont think this proposed Bible
museum is appropriate for the National
Mall because the museums on the Mall
should reect the non-religious values of
our nation, said Earl Fowlkes, president
and CEO of the national LGBT advocacy
group Center for Black Equity.
COVER STORY AUGUST 01, 2014 17
Some LGBT advocates concerned over Bible museum
The project, conceived and funded by
Hobby Lobby owner Steve Green, would
make a mockery of surrounding museums,
which are based on research, history and
scholarship, said WAYNE BESEN.
PHOTO BY MICHAEL MURPHY
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Organizers consider return to
park setting for 2015
By STEVE CHARING
There was some heat and a bit of a
storm on the night of July 23 but were
not referring to the weather outside the
Waxter Center, the new home of the
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender
Community Center of Baltimore (GLCCB).
It was billed as a town hall meeting to
provide feedback regarding the Pride
celebration of June 14-15, but the
meeting morphed into a sometimes
heated discussion of the broader issues
regarding the GLCCBs past and current
lack of accountability and relevancy.
In an open letter (facebook.com/glccb)
to the LGBT community, the Centers
interim executive director Kelly Neel
wrote, noting the urgency, that the
community is disengaging with the Center
and vice versa, I am here to ask for your
help in bringing it back. It will take time,
patience, and a lot of community elbow
grease, but Im condent that we can
learn from our past mistakes and revive
the bond between Baltimores LGBTQ
community and its community center.
Neel sent out email invitations to the
Centers mailing list and through social
media inviting people to the town hall and
to complete an online feedback survey.
About 60 people showed up to listen to
the Pride coordinators and GLCCB board
members and to voice their concerns.
The survey extends to Aug. 15.
Neel said there was insu cient time
to adequately plan for Pride 2014 given
the Centers move to a new building and
the departure of the previous executive
director, Matt Thorn.
We got started late in the game,
explained Neel. Dates had to shift, and
a new footprint to the Mt. Royal area
required permits and added security. The
decision to move the events was made
before Neel assumed her duties.
Expenses for Pride 2104 exceeded
$114,000 while revenue was close to
$178,000 resulting in a $64,000 prot,
which is a modest total as Pride is the
main fundraising activity for the Center.
Based on the survey results, the GLCCB
is considering a return to Druid Hill Park
for the Sunday celebration, which would
add a family-friendly element to the event.
It will also try to deal with concerns about
the beer garden and the drag stage, among
other tweaks suggested via the survey. Of
the 61 responses received at the time of the
meeting, 58 percent were either unsatised
or very unsatised with Pride this year.
The meeting was opened up to comments
from the audience. Initially, some issues
with Pride were brought up, such as why
there was no open drinking permitted.
Then comments came about a range of
topics, including the Centers outreach to
minorities, a perceived lack of transparency,
the sale in 2013 of its long-held building,
the need for face-to-face communication
with the community rather than electronic
dispatches, renewed charges of racism
and classism in board selections, that
transgender people are not made to feel
welcome, the Centers failure to respond to
invitations to faith-based events, and a lack
of a specied mission or purpose.
Mike McCarthy, board president since
2012, and others stated that the board
has never intended to exclude anyone.
Since the meeting, a board application
was made available at GLCCB.org.
Neel and the board members thanked
the audience and promised to take this
feedback seriously. We heard what
needs to be heard not just Pride but the
Center, Neel said following the meeting.
Changes are needed. It starts here.
BALTI MORE NEWS DI GEST AUGUST 01, 2014 19
are you listening?
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Spirited discussion at Pride town hall
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
FOR RESEARCH STUDIES
The NIAID Vaccine Research Center is looking
for HIVpositive adults, 18 to 60 years old, with
a detectable viral load to participate in clinical
research.
Studies will evaluate investigational products that
target HIV.
Financial compensation is provided.
To volunteer, call 1-866-833-LIFE (toll-free) or TTY
1-866-411-1010, email vaccines@nih.gov, or visit
www.vrc.nih.gov.
Vaccine Research Center
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
National Institutes of Health
Department of Health and Human Services
World Health Organization urges law changes
The World Health Organization said this week that nations should use changes in law
to stop the spread of AIDS by removing obstacles to HIV prevention, Erasing 76 Crimes,
a blog that reports on anti-gay laws around the world, reports.
Those laws limit health care access for groups that are most at risk for HIV infection,
WHO stated key populations that include men who have sex with men, sex workers,
transgender people and drug users.
Those groups, along with prisoners, are disproportionately aected by HIV in all
countries and settings, WHO stated in its report Consolidated Guidelines on HIV
Prevention, Diagnosis, Treatment and Care for Key Populations.
Those groups are most aected by HIV and get the least attention from anti-AIDS
programs, WHO noted.
The WHO report makes clear recommendations for the repeal of HIV-enabling laws:
Countries should work toward developing policies and laws that decriminalize
same-sex behaviors.
Countries should work toward developing policies and laws that decriminalize
injection and other use of drugs and, thereby, reduce incarceration.
Countries should work toward decriminalization of sex work and elimination of the
unjust application of non-criminal laws and regulations against sex workers.
Countries should work towards legal recognition for transgender people.
Washington State to pay for PrEP
NEW YORK A groundbreaking drug assistance program by the Washington State
Department of Health will help pay for an expensive daily pill that could reduce the
chance of HIV infection, the Buzzfeed site reports. The program is targeted at state
residents who are at high risk of infection.
The Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Drug Assistance Program, or PrEP DAP, covers the
cost of the medication for eligible individuals interested in using it to reduce their
chance of HIV infection as prescribed by their doctors, regardless of whether they are
insured. PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, comes in the form of a daily prescription
pill, Truvada, and costs about $1,300 per month an obstacle for many who seek the
medication with insurance, and especially the uninsured, the article said.
Participants in the Washington program pay nothing.
David Kern, manager of the Infectious Disease Prevention Section at the Washington
Department of Health said he is unaware of any other states with programs specically
providing nancial support for PrEP, but that someday it could serve as a model for
state public health o cials across the country, Buzzfeed reports.
In Washington, we really see PrEP as a new and important tool in the toolbox for HIV
prevention, Kern told BuzzFeed. It is a strategy that supports our overarching public
health goals and its an important part of what were doing with resources.
Financial support includes all of the costs of the medication for participants who are
uninsured, underinsured and even for people with insurance, so that there is no cost of
the pills out of pocket. For those with insurance, the provider is billed rst and then the
program covers the co-pay, which is about $450 per month on average, Kern said. For
clients without insurance, PrEP DAP covers the entire $1,300 monthly cost of Truvada.
The PrEP DAP does not cover lab work costs and medical visits, the Buzzfeed article said.
New York tracking LGBT resident data
NEW YORK New York State is launching a campaign to collect coordinated
data on residents sexual orientation as part of a comprehensive eort to
improve health and human services for LGBT New Yorkers, the states health
department announced Wednesday as reported by Capital, a New York-based
news publication.
It would be the rst such statewide eort in the country, Dan OConnell,
director of the state Health Departments AIDS Institute, said in an interview with
Capital.
Eight state agencies will soon begin collecting the self-reported, voluntary
data on LGBT people who use their services. The agencies will ask people using
their public services to self-report their sexual orientation on forms, along with
other identifying data state agencies typically collect, the Capital article notes.
A 2011 Institute of Medicine report showed that limited data collection on
health issues specic to the LGBT community had made it more di cult to
identify disparities in the kinds of care available to them.
If that data was available, the state could develop better ways of addressing
health problems like HIV/AIDS and certain types of cancers prevalent among
gay men. For example, OConnell said, 70 percent of all new (HIV) infections are
among men who have sex with men. We need to be able to track this population.
New York is launching a campaign to collect coordinated data on residents sexual
orientation.
HEALTH NEWS AUGUST 01, 2014 21
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Dysfunctional lawmakers
stopped working long ago
Congress is taking a six-week vacation
and many question from what they are
vacationing. They clearly havent done any
work. They are leaving town while much of
the world is at war; the Veterans Adminis-
tration is a mess and even with some new
funding needs much more than Congress
is willing to fund; immigration reform is
still not on their radar; they couldnt agree
on what needs to be done to shore up the
nations infrastructure so simply passed a
stop-gap measure; and ENDA, among so
many other bills, is left unnished.
Some would say that we are better o
when they are home because they cant
cause trouble. I come from a background
that suggests that people should actually
do some work for their pay and that leg-
islation is accomplished only when men
and women of good will are willing to
compromise. This Congress has a clear
dearth of men and women of good will.
From the time Senate Minority leader
Mitch McConnell stated in 2010 that
his only goal was to see that President
Obama wasnt reelected to a second
term it seems that Congress stopped
working. Despite McConnell, who has his
own reelection problems, the president
was reelected and now the Republicans
have changed their mantra to stop any
initiatives that could help Democrats in
the 2014 mid-term elections. According
to The Hill, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), the
Senates current incarnation of Joseph
McCarthy, is urging House Republicans
to reject legislation addressing the bor-
der crisis, arguing that passing the bill
through the lower chamber would play
into the hands of Senate Democrats. In
essence the kids be damned lets keep
playing politics.
As the 2014 elections approach there
seems little chance that things will get much
better. The public is disgusted if you can be-
lieve Real Clear Politics average of four re-
cent polls showing Congress with a 13 per-
cent approval rating. Instead of throwing all
the bums out the public may just stay home
and not vote. That would be sad.
We need to galvanize the public to
again to understand that only by voting
can they make a dierence. The only poli-
tician today grabbing a majority of the
publics attention is Hillary Rodham Clin-
ton and she isnt currently a candidate.
In one of those useless but sometimes
interesting polls, CNN recently asked vot-
ers if the 2012 election were run today
who they would vote for. The result was
Romney 55 percent to Obama 44 percent
and the same people said they would
vote for Clinton 55 percent over Romney
42 percent. That is what you get because
neither Romney nor Clinton is currently
responsible for making the hard choices
a president has to make. But it matches
every other poll recently taken where
Clinton bests every potential Republican
candidate. She is disliked by many but
strikes a positive chord in more, including
independents and women who make up
the majority of the electorate.
What has become increasingly clear is
that President Obama wont get the credit
for all his accomplishments until after he
leaves o ce. Less clear is why the elec-
torate is accepting a Congress that does
nothing. In a Washington Post column
on how the current Congress looks in
relation to previous ones, Not so well,
according to the new Vital Statistics on
Congress, which shows that the 112th
Congress passed just 561 bills, the lowest
number since they began keeping these
stats way back in 1947. Maybe we can di-
vine something about Republicans from
another piece of information in that same
column. The second lowest number of
bills passed in a single Congress 611
was back in the 104th Congress, the two-
year session that followed Republicans
re-taking control of the House in 1994 af-
ter four decades of Democratic control.
I am not giving up on the electorate
entirely. It appears they will vote to have
Democrats continue to control the Sen-
ate and avoid Republicans from taking
us back to the 19th century. This has the
added benet of frustrating the goals of
Ted Cruz. Voters could still come to their
senses before November and turn the
House back to Democrats allowing them,
with the help of the few moderate Repub-
licans remaining, to try to pass immigra-
tion reform, equal pay for equal work leg-
islation, ENDA, legislation to improve the
nations infrastructure, and reduce the
interest rates on college loans. Legislative
accomplishments that would both lift the
economy and move America forward.
22 AUGUST 01, 2014 I NSI DE LGBT WASHI NGTON
V O L U M E 4 5 I S S U E 3 1
The Republicans have changed their mantra to
stop any initiatives that could help Democrats in
the 2014 mid-term elections.
EDI TORI AL CARTOON
PETER ROSENSTEIN is a D.C.-based LGBT rights
and Democratic Party activist. He writes regularly
for the Blade.
Congress takes a vacation from what?
Imagining other uses for
tness gadget
Once when I was looking at my dear gal
pals collection of carved turtles, I opined,
I wish I collected something. She acidly
suggested I check in my glasses drawer.
Emphasis on drawer.
I do have a lot of glasses. If I could t all
my old frames into one of those cardboard
collection boxes in the back of churches,
and they actually did send them to Africa
as promised, I probably could improve the
vision of an entire village.
This summer my goal had been to up-
grade all my glasses. Not so that they all
have my current vision prescription I
cant aord that. I wanted to retrot all of
them with a Fitbit knocko I developed.
Our household was recently Fit-Bitten
by a summer visitor, who stayed in the
bedroom above us. For two nights, after
everyone had turned in and had nished
the corny but cute chorus of, Goodnight,
John-boy, Goodnight, Kate-boy, we
heard a sound like the pattering of feet.
It is an old house, but it didnt sound
like spirits. It was a regular, metronomic
sound and lulled us to sleep.
Over coee, the morning after the sec-
ond night, I nally remembered to ask
our guest if she had heard the sound.
She admitted she was running in place by
the bed to reach her daily goal of 10,000
steps on her FitBit. She also admitted that
once in a business meeting, as she leaned
back into her chair, she felt a sharp pain
in her groin and realized that her FitBit
had unclipped from her waistband and
gone rogue.
The original Fitbit uses a sophisticated
three-axis accelerometer, unlike the old
school single-axis pedometer. When at-
tached to the body, the device measures
movement that is turned into digital info.
A nely tuned algorithm reads the data
through a personally pre-set threshold
for motion and tells you how many steps
you have taken that day.
With my crack team of engineers, we de-
veloped a multi-axis, gyroscopic accelerom-
eter and tweaked the Fitbit a bit to detect
and record sudden jerking motions of the
head. We then installed the prototype in
one of my old glasses frames. A sophisti-
cated algorithm reads the number of times
during the day my head is whip-lashed
around by daily data input and calculates
just how crazy the world has become.
I know the danger of using oneself as
a test case. I was raised on Marie Curie. I
thought I had pre-set my personal thresh-
old for double-taking incredulity at appro-
priately high levels. But after just two days
of data dumps from the Mideast, Syria,
Ukraine, Nigeria, our southern borders, our
buered Supreme Court and the coming
Christian Caliphate, I am wearing a neck
collar and have a call into my chiropractor.
Local legislators diddle with
dabbling in trends while
boom turns bust
In a city possessing only a thin and in-
creasingly fragile veneer of economic ro-
bustness amid weakened prospects for
maintaining the recent pace of private
sector growth, the annual D.C. Council
summer recess should provide legislators
with time to reect on their intentions
upon returning in the fall.
There is scant expectation, however,
that longstanding behavior is likely to im-
prove.
Most striking about the performance
and priorities of the Districts elected of-
cials is apparent contentment with drift-
ing along devoid of tackling the larger
looming issues facing the city. Only the
easy shiny ball stu provides fodder for
any braggadocio they attempt.
D.C. Council members obsess about
middling measures while diddling over
bigger things.
This week, for example, a Council-ap-
proved ban on Styrofoam-style polysty-
rene containers was signed into law by
Mayor Vincent Gray, to take eect in 2016.
A splashy media event signaled that D.C.
would be joining a teensy-tiny list of places
with such prohibition. It represented an
unceasing fascination by local politicians
with the trendiest mandates to imitate.
Whether the ban is good or bad, bene-
cial or ba ing, or even inconsequential, it
is emblematic of a penchant for laws that
run the gamut from foolish to foolhardy
or unintentionally counterproductive to
essentially crazy. Just ask one of the sub-
urban pest control companies installing
more freezers to accommodate tagged
and dated dead animals live-trapped,
as now required, on District residential
properties while awaiting an overdue visit
by D.C. o cials to inspect the bodies pri-
or to disposal. Its the type of thing from
which bar jokes are made.
Meanwhile, Council members recently
threw their hands up high to the sky in res-
ignation over a collective inability to rem-
edy conditions at the now-notorious city-
run homeless family shelter at the former
D.C. General hospital complex or identify
an alternate solution. All while continu-
ing to spend an astounding $53,000-plus
per-family per-year to warehouse them in
worsening squalid conditions there.
More bang-for-the-buck has again
eluded city leaders. The lack of operation-
al oversight or responsible stewardship
of public funds is their greatest failure, re-
vealing that none among them has actu-
ally run anything other than their mouths
during long careers. Nothing like, lets say,
a business.
As one Council member pondered
aloud from the dais at the nal pre-recess
legislative session nalizing the Districts
annual budget, Were a $12.6 billion or-
ganization for only about 650,000 resi-
dents. Where is all the money going?
We witness the audacity of the leading
mayoral candidate not having addressed
an aordable housing crisis under her
Council committee domain oering noth-
ing more than vacuous platitudes, per-
haps due to a preoccupation with pre-
venting homeless service facilities from
opening in her district.
D.C.s population increases will likely
dissipate similar to the sudden stagna-
tion in net number of jobs created. The
city is technically in a recession, having
experienced two consecutive quarters of
declining growth.
City leaders herald reductions in the
citys o cial unemployment rate. But
when workers so discouraged they have
quit looking for jobs and those involun-
tarily working part-time are added, the
real rate doubles to 14 percent.
Yet businesses confront old obstacles
and encounter new regulations that
discourage initiating or expanding com-
merce and retaining or hiring employees
especially at smaller businesses and
aecting low-skill workers in particular.
Each new hiring, wage and employment
requirement imposed begets an inverse
cost, risk and labor disincentive. Lately
the list has lengthened.
The homeless, the jobless and those
without much hope wonder whether
theyre welcome in a city where lazy gov-
ernment o cials focus on the frivolous. It
isnt di cult to fathom residents at the bot-
tom of a chasm-deep hole of economic in-
stability and insecurity in a tough-to-aord
city rightly feeling that o ceholders care
little about them, regardless of rhetoric.
D.C. suers from leaders obsessed
with both arrogantly legislating behavior
and regulating-to-hindrance the entre-
preneurs and businesses that actually en-
able the city to ourish and prosper.
Its time to switch from the silliness to
xing the big stu.
MARK LEE is a long-time entrepreneur
and community business advocate. Follow
on Twitter: @MarkLeeDC. Reach him at
OurBusinessMatters@gmail.com.
Our household was recently Fit-Bitten
by a summer visitor, who stayed in the
bedroom above us.
KATE CLINTON is a humorist who has
entertained LGBT audiences for 30 years. Her
monthly column appears exclusively in the
Blade. Reach her via kateclinton.com.
COMMUNI KATE AUGUST 01, 2014 23
OUR BUSI NESS MATTERS
Having a t over Fitbit
Are D.C. of cials content to do only small stuf?
Our children do as well
academically as other kids
By DANA RUDOLPH
A recent report from UCLAs Williams
Institute on the state of research about
LGB families not only reiterates that
our children are doing as well as any-
one elses, but also oers some lesser-
known insights about the composition
and strengths of our families and gives
thoughtful suggestions for the direction
of future research.
The authors are among the leading
names in LGB parenting studies and
demographics. Gary Gates is a Williams
Distinguished Scholar and a widely cit-
ed expert on LGBT demographics. Hes
joined by Williams Visiting Scholars Ab-
bie Goldberg, associate professor of psy-
chology at Clark University, and Nanette
Gartrell, founder of the long-running
U.S. National Longitudinal Lesbian Fam-
ily Study (NLLFS). Together, they look
at LGB family building, the transition to
parenthood, and the experiences of LGB
parents and our children. (Transgender
families, they say, raises dierent issues,
and they refer readers elsewhere for
more on that topic.)
The report recaps scientic, peer-re-
viewed research showing that despite
encountering heterosexism in the health-
care, legal and educational systems, chil-
dren born into LGB-parent families do
as well as those born to dierent-sex
parents in psychological adjustment, aca-
demic achievement, and social function-
ing, and are not signicantly more likely
to self-identify as exclusively lesbian or
gay. Some studies have shown, however,
that they may play and develop interests
and abilities in less gender-stereotyped
ways (but that seems to me a good thing).
All that should come as no surprise to
most readers but the report also sur-
faces some lesser-known ndings.
Did you know, for instance, that de-
spite the popular image of same-sex
couples starting families together, the
majority of LGB parents likely have their
children within dierent-sex relation-
ships? While some may have had kids
before coming out as lesbian or gay,
studies suggest that in fact, nearly two-
thirds of LGB parents may be bisexual.
Little research has been done, however,
specically on topics related to bisexual
parents or around what happens when a
parent (bisexual or not) ends a dierent-
sex relationship and begins a same-sex
one. Where do they turn for support?
How do LGB stepparents navigate their
new family roles?
Although same-sex couples that
planned to have children together may be
in the minority, most research to date has
centered on these so-called intentional
families. Much of this research, how-
ever, has had the relatively narrow fo-
cus of whether lesbian and gay parents
measured up to the heterosexual gold
standard of parental suitability. While
these ndings have been vital in custody
and marriage equality cases, this focus
has also had a stultifying eect on the
eld. In contrast, recent work has start-
ed to look at the demographics, dynam-
ics, strengths, and vulnerabilities within
LGB families, independent of the need to
prove our worth but more remains to
be discovered.
For example, since same-sex couples with
children are about 4.5 times as likely as a
dierent-sex married couple to have an ad-
opted child, where do adoptive LGB parents
or prospective parents nd support?
Class issues are also still largely unex-
plored, but critical in light of demograph-
ics showing that many same-sex parents
live in less urban and less wealthy areas.
How does class impact the method cho-
sen to create a family? How do gay men
pursuing surrogacy (likely a uent) nego-
tiate the class, gender, and possible race
dynamics with a surrogate (who often has
limited nancial resources)?
Another mostly uncharted area is how
the transition to parenthood aects a
couples relationship to each other and
to extended family. While research has
shown that same-sex parents often share
paid and unpaid labor more equally than
dierent-sex ones, for example, research-
ers have also tended to downplay any in-
equities. This could spread the myth that
all same-sex couples share labor equally
and alienate those who dont.
When it comes to parent-child relation-
ships in LGB families, several studies have
shown that they are similar to those in oth-
er families in terms of parental warmth,
emotional involvement, and quality of
relationships. This may be threatened,
though, if the parents separate.
Other areas for further investigation,
the authors say, include childrens rela-
tionships with their known donors; how
lesbian and bisexual moms respond to
infertility; military families; sibling re-
lationships; intimate partner violence;
and families with a parent who has a
chronic illness.
Such studies detached from the
now-settled question of whether LGBT
people can make suitable parents can
help policy makers, healthcare providers,
social workers, educators, and we par-
ents better understand our families and
how best to support them.
Class issues are also still largely unexplored,
but critical in light of demographics showing
that many same-sex parents live in less urban
and less wealthy areas.
24 AUGUST 01, 2014 VI EWPOI NT
LGB families: What we know and what we dont
DANA RUDOLPH is the founder and publisher
of mombian.com, a GLAAD Media Award-
winning blog and resource directory for LGBT
parents.
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In 2013, the Washington Blade debuted its
rst Sports Issue. Super Bowl champion
Brendon Ayanbadejo served as guest
editor and a wide range of personalities
contributed, from Russell Simmons to the
head of the NFL Players Association to Billie
Jean King. The issue was warmly received
and covered by national mainstream media,
including USA Today, Washington Post, BET,
CBS Sports, Yahoo Sports and many more.
Im excited to serve as guest editor of
the Washington Blades second annual
Sports Issue, said Megan Rapinoe.
Greater LGBT inclusion in sport is
making signicant progress, and I am
proud to support the work being done to
enable the next generation of
LGBT athletes to come out.
ART S AND E NT E RT AI NME NT WA S HI NGT ONBL A DE . C OM V OL UME 4 5 I S S UE 3 1 A UGUS T 0 1 2 0 1 4 P A GE 2 7
Getting a start in her hometown of Bradenton, Fla., Dustin Michael Shaad, 29, began drag at 16. The tenacious, nightclub socialite moved in with a family member living in D.C. at
18, when dreams of fashion school crumbled after high school graduation.
BaNakas closet, located backstage at Town Danceboutique, stretches oor to ceiling, perpendicular to a makeup-covered vanity, which holds drawers full of sparkling jewelry.
My drag war chest has every kind and brand of makeup you can imagine, Schaad says. You will nd everything from custom-ordered eye shadow, to CVS brand stu. It takes
a lot to look this cheap.
A full-time entertainer, Schaad lls the closet with outts that are eccentric, like the handcrafted Malecent-inspired gown he made complete with a horned headpiece, and
versatile outts that work for any occasion.
A lot of my gigs are as a hostess, and for those I wear something low-key, usually store-bought, he says. The more exciting pieces are for my performances.
BaNaka/Dustin Michael Schaad
Local performers give us a peek at gowns,
jewelry acquired over many years
By DAMIEN SALAS
A handful of Washingtons most prominent drag queens say its impossible to guess
how much theyve invested in their costumes over the years.
Like any gal, they need gowns, shoes, jewelry and all kinds of accessories for dierent
occasions everything from a show-stopping solo number at Town or Ziegfelds to day
wear for a drag brunch.
Some view drag as a hobby, while others pursue it as a full-time career, but what
remains the same throughout is the passion.
WASHINGTONBLADEPHOTOSBYDAMIENSALAS
28 AUGUST 01, 2014 ARTS & ENTERTAI NMENT
When it comes to lling a closet, Andre Hopfer is a performer who spares no expense or square footage when it comes to his counterpart, Tula, or her wardrobe.
With 16-foot ceilings, and temperature-controlled storage, there is room for the dozens of dresses and countless accessories worn by Tula.
When you take the time to build such a collection, you want to make sure the pieces dont get ruined by moisture or any other problems, Hopfer says.
A large vanity lls the room with soft light and hanging around it are pictures of Tula from past performances. Far above are trophies.
I always just did it for fun, Hopfer says. I never really liked competing.
A member of the Academy of Washington, Hopfer performs from September through May an average of two weekends per month at venues such as the Black Fox Lounge, La
Cabana and Town, but does not consider drag his career.
It is a hobby. But I could probably buy a house with the money I have invested.
Tula/Andre Hopfer
ARTS & ENTERTAI NMENT AUGUST 01, 2014 29
A long walk down a cement-walled pathway leads to the studio of Colin Ranney.
His masters degree in scenic and costume design hangs over a rack of garments he labels as day wear, his words for clothing that is store-bought then paired with custom
pieces.
And then over here is organized by what I call my costumes, Ranney says. Which are gowns, caftans, robes and furs.
Atop these gowns are feathered headpieces, each with a dierent design. Looking closely, similarities in the designs above match the ones below.
I have a lot of things that Ive never worn, because I just collect them and save them for something, because they are too fabulous not to have, Ranney says. I nd pieces, then
design around them for my looks or certain productions that I am working on.
A Birdie show varies widely in genres and gender, and changes each week.
I do a lot of show tunes just by nature. I tend to do a pretty good array of male songs, because I am one and they are in my vocal range, he says. I tend to not wear wigs and
instead stick to an androgynous headpiece and lately I have been into a lot of 80s rock and fringe.
Birdie LaCage/Collin Ranney
How long have you been out and who
was the hardest person to tell?
Since I was 25 and the hardest person
to tell was my mother. I wasnt sure how
she would react and Ive heard so many
horror stories from other trans women
that I mentally prepared myself for the
worst. I picked up the phone to call her
knowing that with the dial of the phone
I may never hear from her again. Her
response, however, was priceless Gurl,
you know thats expensive!
Whos your LGBT hero?
For heroes, Harvey Milk for his
leadership in helping mobilize so many
people behind specic causes. In terms
of sheroes, I would have to say my fellow
Puerto Rican fore-mother Sylvia Rivera
also for her leadership and tenacity, for
her courage to not back down and ght
back. Most recently though, I would use
the word LGBT inspiration for my sister
Janet Mock for her strength and courage
to bare all, something I am still working on.
Whats Washingtons best nightspot,

past or present?
Bossa in Adams Morgan. On Saturday
nights they have a live band that plays
salsa, my favorite.
Describe your dream wedding.

I would want to be surrounded by my
friends and family in a romantic setting,
something traditional and not over the
top.
What non-LGBT issue are you most

passionate about?
Reproductive rights. If I dont ght for
anyone elses right to make their own
decisions when it comes to their body,
why should anyone ght for mine?
What historical outcome would you

change?
Besides all of the atrocities, natural
disasters, acts of genocide and
assassinations of great leaders, the Hobby
Lobby decision. It will create a slippery
slope that we will see in the coming years.
Whats been the most memorable pop
culture moment of your lifetime?
The election of President Obama.
On what do you insist?

To have a seat at the table, to have my
voice heard and that of so many other
trans women of color who often do not
have enough agency to speak up for
themselves. I insist on fairness, equity
and justice.
What was your last Facebook post or

Tweet?
I may be a mess but at least Im a hot
mess.
If your life were a book, what would

the title be?
Contra Viento y Marea. It essentially
means Swimming Against the Current.
If science discovered a way to change
sexual orientation, what would you
do?
I would hope that the next scientic
discovery would be something much more
meaningful to mankind such as a cure
to HIV. I would do nothing and hope that
everyone else would also do the same. The
problem isnt peoples sexual orientation,
its living in a society that makes you feel
that you somehow need to be cured.
What do you believe in beyond the

physical world?
At the risk of sounding like a tree-
hugger, I believe in transference of energy,
I believe that the earth absorbs your
energy and that energy is harvested and
recycled to produce plants, waves etc.
Whats your advice for LGBT
movement leaders?
Be careful on making the LGBT
movement a single-issue movement.
I fully support marriage equality, but
there are many other more pressing
issues that the LGBT community is facing
especially those at the intersection of
gender identity and expression, poverty
and race; issues that are a matter of life
and death. Lets not forget this moment
was kickstarted by girls like us.
What would you walk across hot coals

for?
My grandmothers rice with beans.
What can I say? Im a Rican girl.
What LGBT stereotype annoys you

most?
That all trans women are hos. Aside
from it being completely sexist and
misogynistic, what makes anyone think
that it is OK to identify a woman this way?
Whats your favorite LGBT movie?

Another Gay Movie. Since we are on
the topic of stereotypes, I just think its
super funny.
Whats the most overrated social

custom?
Marriage. Dont get me wrong its
something that I would like just because
of the many benets that it oers, but
this idea that you can only have these
benets if you are married is primitive
at best.
What trophy or prize do you most

covet?
A Pulitzer Prize
What do you wish youd known at 18?

Everything I know now.
Why Washington?
Divine navigation. For once Im in the
right place at the right time.
By JOEY DiGUGLIELMO
joeyd@washblade.com
Joanna Cifredo says being approached to write a blog for the Human Rights
Campaign reawakened her passion for writing.
While growing up, she says, writing was an outlet.
Writing was always a natural escape for me, the Kissimmee, Fla., native
says. It was a way for me to divulge all the emotions, feelings and sentiments
I didnt have any other way to tell. So over time, it was the only way I learned
how to cope. Writing became my friend.
Over time, she did it less and less but the HRC assignment unloaded years
of emotions, she says. Now its not just something I like to do but something
I have to do.
Cifredo is about halfway through her rst novel, which she began in
February. Its about a transgender Latina whos murdered in a hate crime. In
the book, she tells her story from beyond the grave. Cifredo says its her way of
giving a voice to trans women whom society has let down. She hopes to have
it nished by years end and published in 2015. On Saturday at noon, Cifredo
will be at the OutWrite LGBT Book Festival (2000 14th St., N.W.) moderating a
panel discussion on writing trans characters that will feature Everett Marron,
Dane Edidi, Alex Myers and Eliott Deline. (See page 32 for more on the Festival
or visit thedccenter.org/outwritedc for more information.)
Cifredo has been in Washington for two-and-a-half years. She works by day
at the D.C. Rape Crisis Center and blogs at rebreathingtgirl.com. She lives in
Columbia Heights and enjoys reading and writing in her free time.
30 AUGUST 01, 2014 QUEERY: 20 QUESTI ONS FOR J OANNA CI FREDO
202.747.2077
Sampson ready to throw Shade
Gay comedian Sampson McCormick performs a show in his hometown at D.C.
Arts Center (2438 18th St., N.W.) tonight at 7 and 10 p.m. with The Shade of It
All: a Standup Comedy Aair.
McCormicks comedy, which he has been performing for over a decade,
focuses on serious issues in a humorous way such as religion, homophobia,
race and sexuality. O cial Laughs named him one of the 20 funniest LGBT
comedians. Tickets are $10. Doors open a half hour before each performance.
The late show is sold out.
For more details, visit sampsonindc.eventbrite.com.
OutWrite LGBT Book Festival features eclectic lineup
OutWrite, an LGBT literary festival, kicks o at the D.C. Center tonight and runs
all weekend.
The weekend kicks o with Speaking of Essex: Tribute to Essex Hemphill
tonight at 6 p.m. Following at 7 p.m. is Hold Tight Gently: Michael Callen, Essex
Hemphill and the Battleeld of AIDS with author Martin Duberman for readings,
discussion and a light reception.
Saturday begins with 20th Anniversary: Stone Butch Blues and a vulnerability
writing workshop at 11 a.m. A vendor and book sale runs from 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
At noon is Quick and Dirty, where authors give brief summaries of their
books and a writing trans characters workshop with Everett Marron, Dane Edidi,
Alex Myers and more.
At 1 p.m. is a black LGBT writers forum featuring Rashid Darden, Cheryl Head
and more as well as OutWrite Featured Authors with Daisy Hernandez, James
Magruder and others.
Local author Alex Myers discusses his novel Revolutionary at 2 p.m. and a
discussion on grant opportunities for individuals is also at 2 p.m.
Everett Maroon discusses The Unintentional Time Traveler, at 2:30 p.m.
Christina B. Hanhardt discusses Safe Space followed by a panel discussion
with GLOV at 3 p.m. Sinta Jimenez also gives a workshop Writing Your Coming
of Age Story.
Girls Raised in the South authors discuss their work at 4 p.m. A workshop on
telling your HIV story is also at the same time.
Hear authors from the anthology The Queer South speak about their work
at 5 p.m.
Sunday is Flicker and Spark Poetry Brunch, a celebration brunch celebrating
Regie Cabico and Brittany Fontes Lambda Literary Award, at 11 a.m.
For more information, visit thedccenter.org/outwritedc.
Latino queer group
celebrates rst year
DiCcin Queer, a Latino queer bilingual
dating group, hosts Ensayo de Papel,a
poetry event, at MOVA Lounge (2204 14th
St., N.W.) on Saturday from 7-9 p.m.
The event celebrates DiCcin Queers
rst anniversary. There will be appetizers
and poetry performances. Sylvanna Duval
will host the event. Admission is free.
For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
32 AUGUST 01, 2014 OUT & ABOUT
WASHINGTON BLADE FILE PHOTO BY MICHAEL KEY
By MARIAH COOPER
PHOTO BY JORGE RIVAS
PHOTO COURTESY SYLVANNA DUVAL
LIVE
UPCOMI NG PERFORMANCES
THEHAMILTONDC.COM
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TUES, AUG 12 SOLD OUT
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14th Street businesses
are taking it outside this
weekend
By MARIAH COOPER
It started as a modest sidewalk sale
of six businesses that wanted to get
customers attention by selling items on
the street.
Now, the 15th annual MidCity Dog
Days Sidewalk Sale will boast more
than 70 businesses in the gayborhood,
between 14th and U streets N.W., this
Saturday and Sunday.
Shops, salons, restaurants and even
art galleries take their businesses from
inside the doors to the pavement to
attract customers new and old with their
sales.
Home Rule (1807 14th St., N.W.), a
local housewares store, was one of the
main organizers for the event in 2000.
Rod Glover, one of three of the stores
co-owners, says the initial idea was to
have local businesses in the area have
a summer sale and for customers to
take notice of the, at the time, small
business district. The businesses all
worked together to organize the sale
weekend and to raise the money for
ads.
The sale was also a good way to get rid
of summer inventory and make room for
fall items. Since its inception, the sale has
grown into a special weekend event for
the neighborhood.
Its such a great community event,
Glover, whos gay, says. People really
look forward to it. It provides a lot of
visibility for businesses that people
wouldnt normally know are there.
Cork Market (1805 14th St., N.W.)
will have a lemonade stand, ice cream
sandwiches and cookies to celebrate the
annual savings weekend. Champagne
and wine tastings will be oered all
weekend and Cork Wine Bar (1720 14th
St., N.W.) will be opening early at 3 p.m.
Cork owner Diane Gross looks forward
to Dog Days every year.
I love how many people come out
and support the neighborhood, Gross,
whos straight, says. Traditionally older
businesses would participate but its nice
to see newer ones. Lots of people come
down to 14th for the sale. Its like a block
party.
The main thing, though, are the sales.
Home Rules sale will be 50 percent o
kitchenware, tabletop and home dcor.
Miss Pixies Furnishings and Whatnot
(1626 14th St., N.W.) will have 20 percent
o everything in the store. Gallery plan b
(1530 14th St., N.W.) will have a 15 percent
discount on gallery inventory.
Menchies Frozen Yogurt (1939 12th
St., N.W.) will have 20 percent o a cup
of frozen yogurt and 10 percent o all
merchandise when you say MidCity Dog
Days. Pearl Dive Oyster Palace (1612
14th St., N.W.) oers specials such as $1
shucked oysters and fried peach pies with
vanilla ice cream.
For a complete listing of all participating
businesses and their sales, visit
dogdaysdc.com.
DOG DAYS AUGUST 01, 2014 33
GRACE ALLISON and ROD GLOVER of Home Rule.
STARTS FRIDAY 8/1
550 Penn St. NE
(571) 512-3313
MAKES NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN SEEM LIGHTWEIGHT.
FI LM FORWARD
Based on the novel by
Cormac McCarthy
CHI L DOF GODMOVI E . COM
DISTURBING ABERRANT
SEXUAL CONTENT, NUDITY,
LANGUAGE & SOMEVIOLENCE
Regions family-oriented
theater brings impressive
talent, scale
By PATRICK FOLLIARD
Was it the stars pink pigtails? Or
maybe the low sugar diets parents are
pushing? Whatever the reason, the tiny
theatergoers attending the high-energy,
hour-long production of Pinkalicious at
Adventure MTC on Saturday were a rapt,
dget-free audience.
Based on the childrens book series, the
musical centers on heroine Pinkalicious
Pinkerton (Carolyn Agan), a bratty
little girl obsessed with all things pink:
dresses, sweets, shoes, toys and owers.
After overdosing on pink cupcakes, she
contracts pinkatitis and turns completely
pink overnight. At rst she couldnt be
happier, but when she begins to turn
from pink to red, Pinkalicious takes her
medicine a diet of detestable green
food. Its a silly story, but the kids eat it
up and the grownups occasionally laugh
out loud along the way.
John Gregors zippy score, here
performed by a committed cast in ne
voice, features jazz, ragtime, gospel
and blues. Agan hits all the high
notes and convincingly nails the title
characters gradual plunge into the joys
of moderation. John Sygar is a hoot as
Pinkalicious pesky brother Peter whose
love for pink is discouraged by their father
because its a girls color. Sygar really sells
Peters Pink Blues singing My Daddy
done told me that pink aint right for
boys but all I want is a pile of magenta
toys. Jaysen Wright and Ashleigh King
are reassuring as the sensible parents
and Sarah Frances Williams is delightful
as both the slightly kooky Dr. Wise and
Pinkalicious best friend, Alison.
Under director Carl Menninger, the
design team skillfully brings together a
fantastic but accessible storybook world.
The set, by out designer Collin Ranney,
turns suburbia on its ear with trippy
owers, cotton candy walls, trap doors,
cupcake stools and doily tables beneath
a sky of white and pink chandeliers.
Katie Touarts costumes are charmingly
50s-era TV land style.
For Blade readers with kids (and lo,
there are many), some live theater may
be just the thing to break up the dog
days of summer. Local productions for
young audiences increasingly boast high
production values and top-notch casts
featuring faces familiar from their work in
grownup shows around town.
At Imagination Stage in Bethesda,
young audiences nd a benevolent giant
leaning through the window of the Queen
of Englands grand bedchamber, bidding
good morning to her majesty. While her
attending maid falls faint, the bejeweled
monarch seems rather pleased to meet
this towering oddity on a mission to save
the worlds children. Its an unorthodox
royal presentation, but nothing is usual
in The BFG (short for Big Friendly Giant)
a play based on the book by famed
childrens author Roald Dahl.
The BFG kicks o with the Big Friendly
Giant (James Konicek) whisking young
Sophie (Megan Graves) from a London
orphanage to his home in the land of
giants where though a bit unsettled, shes
altogether happier. The pair becomes
fast friends, guzzling zzy drinks,
laughing and gaily whizzpopping (i.e.
farting). The sweet giant catches dreams
in jars and occasionally opens them for
his young guests viewing pleasure. But
Sophie encounters a bump in her new
idyll: neighboring giants have a taste
for human esh. When Sophie learns
that these hungry giants are heading to
England to gobble boys and girls snatched
from their boarding school beds, she and
BFG head for Buckingham Palace to warn
the Queen (hilariously assayed by Susan
Lynskey).
34 AUGUST 01, 2014 THEATER
PINKALICIOUS
Through Aug. 31
Adventure Theatre MTC
Glen Echo Park
7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, Md.
$19
301-634-2270
adventuretheatre-mtc.org
THE BFG
Through Aug. 10
Imagination Stage
4908 Auburn Avenue Bethesda, Md.
$10-25
301-280-1660
Imaginationstage.org
Kiddie fare
PHOTO BY BRUCE DOUGLAS; COURTESY ADVENTURE MTC
CAROLYN AGAN as Pinkalicious.
3371 Fort Meade Road, Laurel
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Seven years in, partner is
second guessing parenting
DEAR MICHAEL,
Marcy and I met when we were both
22, right after college when we were
new to D.C. Weve been together for
seven years and got married three years
ago. We have all the good stu in place
shared interests, close connection,
rewarding jobs, friends, family support,
decent home, a cat. In my view, all thats
missing is the baby.
I have always wanted to become a
mother and we were on the same page
about having a child from the time we
met until about two years ago when I
wanted to look into getting pregnant. At
the time, Marcy said she was on board
but nervous and I agreed to wait a little.
But whenever I have brought it up since
then she seems less excited about us
becoming moms.
We talked recently and now she tells
me that shes questioning if she really
has a strong desire to be a mother. Also,
shes concerned that if we had a baby she
would get sidelined in her career, which
she loves. She says she wants to get a
little higher up at work before considering
taking the motherhood plunge and also
says shes hopeful that shell feel more
like doing this when her career is in a
better place.
In the meantime, my biological clock is
ticking and I dont know what to do. I love
Marcy but Im starting to get angry and
pull away. Im afraid that if I stay with her
she may never want to parent with me,
and I know that it would break my heart
not to become a mother.
MICHAEL REPLIES:
Facing a potential deal breaker, avoid
the temptation to retreat into your own
corner. Instead, you and Marcy should
gure out your next steps collaboratively.
Doing so will honor your loving
relationship and may lead to a solution
that you both can accept.
Have you done your best to help Marcy
really understand why it means so much
for you to have a child? Sometimes when
two partners disagree about a big issue,
appreciating the importance of one
partners wish can help the spouse agree
to the request, even if she has a dierent
preference.
Supporting a partners desire to realize
a cherished dream may generate a lot of
warmth and goodwill in the relationship.
However, if a spouse drops her own
wishes and goes along with her partner
out of fear or with resentment, the
relationship will suer. So be careful not
to try to guilt or subtly threaten Marcy
into having a child with you.
Because you say youre committed
to becoming a mom, Marcy does need
to decide if she is willing to parent
wholeheartedly even if she is not as
enthusiastic as you. Given the tremendous
responsibilities and costs of parenthood,
it makes sense to be apprehensive about
having a baby. Please speak with couples
that have kids about how they made the
decision. Both Marcy and you may get
some clarity and reassurance, and will
certainly learn a lot.
Questions for both of you: How did
you determine which one of you should
become pregnant? Does Marcy worry
about where she would t into the picture
if you were the biological mother? I sense
that you dont have the whole story
about her concerns. Do what you can to
encourage her to share more with you.
This may help both of you move forward.
If Marcy says yes to parenting, the two
of you will have work together to ensure
that she can continue advancing in her
career after becoming a mother. If she
decides that she does not want to have
a baby with you, you will have to make
plans to pursue your dream without her
unless you change your own mind
and decide that you would rather stay in
a childless relationship with Marcy than
parent without her.
One of the toughest things about
being in a committed relationship is
that you wont always see eye to eye.
While dierences over direction may
sometimes be signicant enough for
a couple to part ways, remember that
in any relationship you arent going to
get everything that you want and that
honoring your partners important
request can benet you both.
ADVI CE AUGUST 01, 2014 35
MICHAEL RADKOWSKY, Psy.D. is a licensed
psychologist who works with gay individuals
and couples in D.C. He can be found online
at personalgrowthzone.com. All identifying
information has been changed for reasons
of condentiality. Have a question? Send it to
Michael@personalgrowthzone.com.
Baby or bust?
The Zoning Regulatons Review, otherwise known as the ZRR, is the frst comprehen-
sive revision of the current DC Zoning Regulatons (11 DCMR) since 1958. On Sep-
tember 9, 2013, the Zoning Commission (ZC) set down the proposed ZRR text and
held 15 public hearings. The fnal decision on the text will be made by the ZC using
its rulemaking authority afer public hearings are held and the publics comments are
considered. The public is strongly encouraged to play a role in this process by submit-
tng testmony or partcipatng in the public hearings.
To access the proposed Zoning Regulaton text, the
proposed alternatve text, or to fnd out how to
partcipate, please visit the Ofce of Zonings (OZs)
website at dcoz.dc.gov and click on the ZRR icon:
The hearings will be held in the Jerrily R. Kress Memorial Hearing Room at One Judi-
ciary Square, 441 4th Street, NW Suite 220-S. For more informaton, please contact
OZ at dcoz@dc.gov or (202) 727-6311.
Zoning Regulations Review
Zoning Commission
Case No. 08-06A
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Date Subject
September 4, 2014
6:00 pm
Tis hearing will only be to hear testimony on the amend-
ments to the Zoning Regulations (Title 11 DCMR) the ZC
set down for public hearing at its public meeting held on
September 9, 2013. Only those individuals, organizations, or
associations who have not yet testifed at a prior public hear-
ing on the text may testify at this hearing. EXCEPTION: any
Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner may testify on this
night whether they previously testifed on this text before or
not.
September 8 thru
11, 2014
6:00 pm
Tese hearings will be to hear testimony on the alternative
amendments to the Zoning Regulations (Title 11 DCMR)
the Zoning Commission set down for public hearing at its
public meeting held on July 10, 2014. Because this is new
text, all individuals may testify.
Sign-up to testfy in advance!
Call: (202) 727-0340 or Email: sharon.schellin@dc.gov
Virginia is for Lovers
(of the Blade )
NOW on the Silver Line
HOT HI TS & HI DDEN J EWELS
FROM CULTURECAPI TAL. COM
YOUR LI NK TO THE ARTS I N METRO D. C.
APPETITE: A GASTRONOMIC EXPERIENCE FEATURING
GIADA DE LAURENTIIS & BIZARRE FOODS CHEF ANDREW
ZIMMERN
AUG 1-2. STRATHMORE. 301-581-5100. STRATHMORE.ORG.
World-class chefs, exciting cuisines, amazing tasting opportunities, and a
weekend of music and festivities - Strathmore oers a chance to indulge
and enjoy this summer at Appetite: A Gastronomic Experience. The event
includes food trucks, live music, talks, tastes, and demos, with headliners Giada
De Laurentiis and Andrew Zimmern.
J AZZ MUSI C WI TH FREDDI E DUNN J R.
AUG 2- AUG 3. DANCE PLACE. 202- 269- 1600.
DANCEPLACE. ORG.
Starring the Freddie Dunn Quartet as well as virtuosic solos by the man
himself, join Freddie Dunn Jr. for an evening of jazz music and the refreshing
sounds of cool trumpet.
PERUVI AN GOLD ANCI ENT TREASURES UNEARTHED
THRU SEP 2. NATI ONAL GEOGRAPHI C. 202- 857- 7000.
NGLI VE. ORG.
The exhibition journeys through civilizations from 1250 B.C. to A.D. 1450,
learning through the ceremonial gold, silver, ceramics, and textiles created by
these sophisticated peoples.
THE GENERAL PUBLI C - OPENI NG RECEPTI ON
AUG 7. GALLERY PLAN B. 202- 234- 2711.
GALLERYPLANB. COM.
A group show of works in various media focusing on the human form. This
exhibition will include Melissa Widerkehrs neo-surrealist paintings, Alden
Leonards mixed-media works that capture moments in time, Anne Manleys
classical portrait drawings, and many more interpretations of the people
around us.
IMAGE COURTESY OF STRATHMORE
36 AUGUST 01, 2014 THE GUI DE TO ARTS & CULTURE
THEATRE
Disneys The Lion King. Thru Aug 17.
Shear Madness. Thru Dec 31. Kennedy
Center. 202-467-4600. kennedy-center.org.
Carrie: The Musical. Thru Aug 3. Studio
Theatre. 202-332-3300. studiotheatre.org.
Stupid F##king Bird. Thru Aug 17.
Woolly Mammoth. 202-393-3939.
woollymammoth.net.
The Tempest. Thru Aug 3. Olney
Theatre. 301-924-3400. olneytheatre.org.
Defending the Caveman. Aug 2. Warner
Theatre. 202-783-4000. warnertheatredc.com.
An Evening with Danny Kaye. Thru Aug
16. American Century Theater. Gunston.
703-998-4555. americancentury.org.
DANCE
DC Casineros. Aug 1. Dance Place &
Monroe Street Market. 202-269-1600.
danceplace.org.
Silk Road Dance Company. Aug 5.
Kennedy Centers Millennium Stage. 800-
444-1324. kennedy-center.org.
MUSI C
Cathy Ponton King. Aug 6. Strathmore.
301-581-5100. strathmore.org.
Jazz in the Garden: Miles Stiebel. Aug
1. National Gallery of Art. NGA Sculpture
Garden. 202-737-4215. nga.gov.
Mary Chapin Carpenter: Songs From
The Movie: NSO. Aug 1. Yo-Yo Ma with
the NSO. Aug 2. Dark Star Orchestra
Continuing the Grateful Dead Concert
Experience. Aug 3. Pat Metheny Unity
Group/Bruce Hornsby With Sonny
Emory Campre Tour 2014. Aug 6. Wolf
Trap. 877-965-3872. wolftrap.org.
Arijit Singh. Aug 1. Warner Theatre. 202-
397-7328. warnertheatredc.com.
Noura Mint Seymali. Aug 1. Artisphere.
877-241-2787. artisphere.com.
Jazz Music with Freddie Dunn Jr. Aug
2-Aug 3. Dance Place. 202-269-1600.
danceplace.org.
Washington International Piano
Festival. Aug 1 & 2. Baby Bry Bry & The
Apologists. Aug 3. Orrin Star. Aug 4. Phil
Wiggins. Aug 6. Charanjit Singh. Aug 7.
Kennedy Centers Millennium Stage. 800-
444-1324. kennedy-center.org.
MUSEUMS
National Gallery of Art. Degas/Cassatt.
Thru Oct 5. Titians Dana. Thru Nov 2.
Andrew Wyeth: Looking Out, Looking
In. Thru Nov 30. Celebrating Van Gogh.
Thru Sep 7. The Color of Nature: Recent
Acquisitions of Landscape Watercolors.
Thru Sep 14. 202-737-4215. nga.gov.
National Archives. Making Their
Mark. Thru Jan 5. 202-357-5000.
archivesfoundation.org.
Corcoran Gallery of Art. Free Summer
Saturdays. Thru Aug 30. American
Journeys - Visions of Place. Thru Sep 21.
American Metal: The Art of Albert Paley.
Thru Sep 28. 202-639-1700. corcoran.org.
The Phillips Collection. Made In The
USA: American Masters From The Phillips
Collection, 1850-1970. Thru Aug 31. 202-
387-2151. phillipscollection.org.
Museum of Women in the Arts. Meret
Oppenheim: Tender Friendships. Thru
Sep 14. Total Art: Contemporary Video.
Thru Oct 12. 202-783-5000. nmwa.org.
Dumbarton House. Five Generations of
Nourse Family Artists. Thru Nov 2. 202-
337-2288. dumbartonhouse.org.
GALLERI ES
Strathmore. Fine Artists in Residence. Aug
2-Aug 24. 301-581-5100. strathmore.org.
Artisphere. Fermata. Thru Aug 10.
Christine Sun Kim: Upside Down Noon.
Thru Aug 17. 703-875-1100. artisphere.com.
Joan Hisaoka Gallery. Altered Ego. Thru
Aug 23. 202-483-8600. smithcenter.org.
Flashpoint Gallery: CulturalDC. Sonya
Lawyer: A Peace (of the Dream). Thru
Aug 2. 202-1305. culturaldc.org.
The Art League Gallery. July All-Media
Exhibit. Thru Aug 4. David Alfuth: The
Adventure. Thru Aug 4. 703-683-1780.
theartleague.org.
VisArts. RIPPLE. Thru Aug 17. Jackie
Hoysted. Thru Aug 17. Ruth Lozner. Thru
Aug 17. 301-315-8200. visartsatrockville.org.
Target Gallery. Transient States. Thru Aug
31. 703-838-4565. torpedofactory.org.
Games-bound tennis lover
recovering from spring injury
By KEVIN MAJOROS
Back in May, Matt Feinberg was sitting
at a red light watching some break
dancers on the side of the road. He
started moving along with them in the
seat of his car and bam! he was hit
from behind by someone going 35 miles
per hour.
The crash left him with a sprained back,
sprained knees and sprained shoulders.
At that point, his chances of competing
in tennis at the 2014 Gay Games in
Cleveland in August were pretty slim.
After many weeks of physical therapy
and playing at two tennis tournaments
in July, the Philadelphia Open and the
Liberty Open in Flushing, N.Y., Feinberg
decided to make the trek to Cleveland.
I was not sure I would be match tough
by August, he says. This past week I
decided I was ready enough to compete
in the Gay Games.
Feinberg was 11 years old and growing
up in Charleston, W.Va., when he watched
on television as Jennifer Capriati won
the gold medal in tennis at the 1992
Barcelona Olympics.
He immediately began hitting tennis
balls on a daily basis against the garage
door at his parents house. After breaking
about 10 windows, his mother insisted
that his tennis career should move to a
brick wall with no windows.
I was completely obsessed, Feinberg
says. I created entire tournaments in my
head and even had a ranking.
He did end up playing in real
tournaments in the National Junior Tennis
League from ages 13-15. In high school
he turned his attentions to competitive
swimming and cross country running.
After graduating from the University of
Virginia and moving to Boston, Baltimore
and nally Washington in 2008, he
Googled gay tennis and discovered the
Capital Tennis Association.
Now 32 and happily committed to
tennis again, Feinberg serves as the
tournament director of the Associations
annual tournament, the Capital Classic.
In Cleveland, hell compete in singles and
doubles and his training leading up to the
Games has consisted of tennis and Focus
T25 Workouts.
Among the things that Feinberg loves
about tennis are playing in the Gay &
Lesbian Tennis Alliance tournaments,
traveling and meeting great friends.
I am very competitive and just like with
my work as a trial lawyer, I like to win, he
says. I love being out on the court when
it is just me and I am in the zone. There
is nothing like the sound of a ball when
it comes o the strings of my racquet. Its
like music to my ears.
Though he has competed on the world
stage in the Alliance Championships
in Berlin, this will be Feinbergs rst
Gay Games and he is happy for the
opportunity.
I am looking forward to competing in
a tournament with people from all over
the world, he says. And I am hoping to
expand my circle of tennis acquaintances.
Next week in Cleveland, hell denitely
have his eyes on the ball instead of the
local break dancers.
SPORTI N I N D. C. AUGUST 01, 2014 37
WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTO BY KEVIN MAJOROS
Trial lawyer MATT FEINBERG says playing tennis puts him in the zone.
and warranties.
REVISIONS
REDESIGN
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A friendly bakery and coffee shop.
Proud to serve
Ceremony coffees
1407 T St NW Facebook\bakehousedc @bakehousedc
Biscuits, scones, cakes, cookies ...
TODAY
Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) hosts Bear
Happy Hour tonight from 6-11 p.m.
There is no cover charge. Admission is
limited to guests 21 and over. For details,
visit towndc.com.
Green Lantern (14th St. and Mass Ave.
N.W.) hosts Otter Crossing tonight with
a $5 cover after 10 p.m. DJ Sam Blodgett
spins hip hop, house, 90s jams, house
and electro. You must be 21 or older.
The D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.)
hosts Speaking of Essex: A Tribute to
Essex Hemphill tonight from 6-7 p.m. to
commemorate the gay activist and poet
who died of AIDS-related complications. For
more information, visit thedccenter.org.
Gay District, a community-based
organization focused on building
understanding of gay culture, personal
identity and civil rights for LGBT men
between the ages of 18-35, meets at
the D.C. Center for a group discussion
(2000 14th St. N.W.) tonight from 8:30-
9:30 p.m. After the meeting, members
often head out for dinner together in the
neighborhood. For more information,
visit the gaydistrict.org.
The National Capital Art Glass Guild
hosts a reception for a new glass exhibit,
Hot Glass in the City, at Foundry Gallery
(1314 18th St. N.W.) tonight from 6-8
p.m. Thirty-seven new works by top
glass artists from around the U.S. will
be featured in the exhibit, open through
Aug. 31. For more information, visit
NCAGG.org.
SATURDAY, AUG. 2
The Black Cat (1811 14th St. N.W.)
hosts Butch Queen with DJs Kris Sutton
and Sam Blodgett spinning hip-hop, 90s
jams, vogue house, electro and more
tonight at 10 p.m. Cover is $5, tickets are
available the night of the show and all
are welcome. For more information, visit
blackcatdc.com.
The D.C. Center (2000 14th St N.W.)
hosts the OutWrite Book Fairs
discussion at 4 p.m. today on where
HIV ts into modern LGBT literature
and how the history of HIV storytelling
has inuenced politics and culture. The
discussion seeks to answer the question
of how HIV stories can be told in a more
inclusive way through literature. For
more information about book fair events,
visit outwritedc.org.
Award-winning Broadway show Monty
Pythons Spamalot plays tonight
through Aug. 23 at the Little Theatre of
Alexandria (600 Wolfe St., Alexandria, Va.)
at 8 p.m. The show, a modication of the
1975 lm Monty Python and the holy
Grail, is an irreverent and witty parody of
the tale of King Arthur and his Knights of
the Round Table. For more information,
visit facebook.com/pages/The-Little-
Theatre-of-Alexandria.
Burgundy Crescent, a gay volunteer
organization, volunteers from 8-10 a.m.
today for Food & Friends (219 Riggs Rd.
N.E.), which helps serve more than 1,000
people living with AIDS in the D.C. area
by preparing food and packing groceries.
From 11:45 a.m.-3 p.m. today, the
organization volunteers for the Lost Dog
& Cat Rescue Foundation at Falls Church
PetSmart (Seven Corners, 6100 Arlington
Blvd., Falls Church, Va.), by working with
dogs and providing basic information
about your pet for a day to prospective
adopters. To volunteer, email jonathan@
burgundycrescent.org. For more
information, visit burgundycrescent.org.
SUNDAY, AUG. 3
Nellies Sports Bar (900 U St. N.W.) hosts
its weekly drag brunch today, featuring
shows from Shi-Queeta-Lee at 10:30 a.m.
and 12:30 p.m. For more details, visit
nelliessportsbar.com.
MONDAY, AUG. 4
Coee Drop-In meets from 10 a.m.-
noon today at the D.C. Center (2000 14th St.)
for senior members of the LGBT community
to meet new people over coee. For more
details, visit thedccenter.org.
JR.s (1519 17th St. N.W.) hosts Show
Tunes Monday at 9 p.m., playing show
tunes and singalongs. The D.J. also plays
requests. For more information, visit
jrsbar-dc.com.
The D.C. Center (14th Street N.W.)
hosts its volunteer night from 6:30-
8:30 p.m. Come in for the chance to
check out our facilities, meet new people
and give back to your local community
center. Activities may include sorting
through book donations, cleaning up
around the Center and taking inventory
for FUK!T packets. Pizza will also be
provided. For more information, visit
thedccenter.org.
TUESDAY, AUG. 5
SMYAL (410 7th St. S.E.) hosts Rap
Group, a support group for gay, lesbian
and transgender youth learning to cope
with bullying and stress management,
this evening from 5-6:30 p.m. For more
information, visit smyal.org.
Cobalt (1639 R St, N.W.) hosts its weekly
event Industry Night tonight from 10
p.m.-2 a.m. Cocktails are half priced. For
more details, visit cobaltdc.com.
JR.s (1519 17th St. N.W.) hosts Birdie
LaCages live cabaret show tonight at 10
p.m. For more information, visit jrsbar-dc.com.
Nellies Sports Bar (900 U St. N.W.)
hosts its weekly karaoke night
starting at 9 p.m. For more details, visit
nelliessportsbar.com.
The D.C. Center (2000 14th St.
N.W.) hosts a Fuk!t condom packing
party tonight from 7-9 p.m. For more
information, visit thedccenter.org.
National Black Justice Coalition founder
Mandy Carter presents a lecture today
from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Martin Luther
King Memorial Library (901 G St. N.W.)
on Bayard Rustin, a gay black man who
played a seminal role in the American civil
rights movement by planning freedom
rides challenging racial segregation in
the south. Carter will also highlight other
LGBT activist who played a seminal role
in the civil rights movement but who
have often gone ignored. For more
information, visit dclibrary.org.
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 6
Bookmen D.C., an informal mens gay
literature group, discusses Firey, Janette
Jenkins novel about Noel Cowards last
days, tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Tenleytown
Library (4450 Wisconsin Ave. N.W.). All
are welcome. For more information, visit
bookmendc.blogspot.com.
The Job Club, a weekly support program
to help job seekers improve condence
and motivation, meets tonight at the D.C.
Center (2000 14th St. N.W.) from 6-7:30
p.m. Attendees will learn strategies
on how to set goals and improve self
awareness. The event is geared toward
helping attendees nd meaningful
employment. To register for this event or
to learn more information about other
career-oriented programs at the Center,
e-mail centercareers@thedccenter.org or
visit centercareers.org.
Nellies Sports Bar (900 U St. N.W.) hosts
its weekly Smart Ass trivia night tonight
with games at 8 and 9 p.m. Winners earn
tickets to shows at 9:30 Club. Bring a
new player and both you and your guest
receive a $10 dinner. For more details,
visit nelliessportsbar.com.
The Tom Davoren Social Club meets
at7:30 p.m. at theDignityCenter(721 8th
St. S.E.), across from the marine barracks,
forduplicatebridge.Call 301-345-1571if
youre looking for apartner.
The Big Board (421 H St. N.E.) hosts its
bimonthly LGBT night from 9 p.m.-2 a.m.,
including $5 draft beer and rail drinks
from 9-11 p.m. and $2 specialty shots
all night. $1 from every shot will benet
Whitman-Walker Health. Dance and
Electro by DJ Kevo. For more information,
look up the group on Facebook.
THURSDAY, AUG. 7
Cobalt (1639 R St. N.W.) hosts its weekly
$6 call martini happy hour today from
4-9 p.m. At midnight, the club hosts its
18-and-up hot body contest. For details,
visit cobaltdc.com.
Grand Central (1001 N. Charles St.,
Baltimore) hosts Omega Thursdays
tonight from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. No cover
before 11 p.m. For more information, visit
centralstationpub.com.
SMYAL (410 7th St. S.E.) hosts the
Womens Leadership Institute tonight
from 5-7 p.m. Gather with lesbian,
bisexual and transgender women and
their straight allies, ages 13-21, to discuss
female sexuality, relationships and
womens rights. For more information,
visit smyal.org.
The Human Rights Campaign
(1640 Rhode Island Ave. N.W.) hosts
a networking event at its national
headquarters for Generation Equality
(GenEq) and young professionals
who support LGBT equality tonight
from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Register online at
action.hrc.org.
PHOTO COURTESY FOUNDRY GALLERY
NANCY WEISSERS glass work Petals and Pages. Its on display this month at Foundry Gallery.
E-mail calendar items to calendars@washblade.
com two weeks prior to your event. Space is lim-
ited so priority is given to LGBT-specic events
or those with LGBT participants. Recurring
events must be re-submitted each time.
38 AUGUST 01, 2014 CALENDAR
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OPEN DAILY 11AM TO 6PM
301-686-8463 Beazer.com
*A credit of up to $12,500 will be paid for by Beazer Homes and issued as a closing cost credit. Must use a Beazer Homes preferred lender.Valid only on properties in Brighton Place for which
buyer signs purchase agreement between 8/01/14 and 8/17/14 and settles per the terms of contract. This offer is subject to underwriting guidelines which are subject to change without notice,
which limit third party contributions, and is available only for owner-occupied homes; non-owner-occupied homes are subject to additional restrictions and qualifying requirements. May not
apply to all loan products. Pricing and offer may change at any time. Photos are for illustrative purposes only. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer. MHBR No. 93 2014 Beazer Homes
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The most tools, the most technology, the most leads, the best working environment. Sound interesting?
Call me to discuss the advantages of Coldwell Banker. We offer more so our agents can do more for our clients.
KEVIN MCDUFFIE, GRI, MANAGING BROKER
kmcduffe@cbmove.com cbmove.com
202.439.2435 (c) 1606 17th St. NW
Owned and Operated by NRTIncorporated
202-387-6180
Global. National. Local.
NEW LISTING! OPEN SUNDAY 1-4PM
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NICK DUNSTAN
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1479 A St. NE 2BR/2.5BA Condo
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Sun-drenched TH-style end-unit condo w/ secure parking in Capitol Hills historic
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and bath in the nished basement. The large side driveway provides multi car
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onto a grand living room w/ separate dining area and great views.
J.T. POWELL
202.465.2357
JTPOWELL@CBMOVE.COM
WWW.JTPOWELL.COM
CHRISTOPHER BULKA
202.420.8919
CHRISTOPHER.BULKA@CBMOVE.COM
Let a design consultant from HAMMER AND NAIL EXTERIORS help you find the
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Health care contributions
at issue
By NANCY ORTMEYER KUHN
The Internal Revenue Service recently
claried the steps needed for same-sex
spouses to claim a refund of taxes paid, if
one spouse included the other spouse in a
healthcare plan, and the employers con-
tribution for that coverage was reported
by the employer as income. The couple
must be lawfully married under state or
D.C. law in order to claim the refund.
In a letter from the IRS to Vermont Rep.
Peter Welch, the IRS indicated that if an
employer included the value of a spouses
healthcare coverage as an item of income
on the employees Form W-2, the employ-
ee should ask the employer for an amend-
ed Form W-2 excluding that amount of in-
come. Spousal healthcare coverage by an
employer is not taxable to the employee.
Using the amended Form W-2, an amend-
ed Form 1040 should be led claiming a
refund for the excess taxes paid.
If the employer refuses to issue an
amended Form W-2, the employee can
complete Form 4852 and check the box
indicating the employee received an in-
correct Form W-2. The employee should
then subtract the value of the healthcare
coverage from gross income and report
the adjusted amount on Line 7 of Form
4852. The employee can then determine
the correct tax on the modied amount
of taxable income, and le an amended
Form 1040 requesting a refund.
If the increased wages were also sub-
ject to Social Security tax, i.e., if the in-
creased wages were below $113,700,
then a refund for excess Social Security
taxes can also be claimed by ling Form
843, including all attachments listed in
the instructions for Form 843.
A tax refund may be claimed if a tax
form claiming the refund is led within
three years after the date the original tax
return is led or within two years after the
date the tax was paid, whichever is later.
Generally, April 15 of the following year is
considered the payment date, regardless
of when the tax return was led. There-
fore, refunds could be claimed for the
2012 through 2014 tax years if employers
included the value of spousal health in-
surance in the employees income during
any of those years. Copies of the relevant
forms may be found at www.irs.gov.
Additionally, as highlighted in a recent
case led in District Court in Massachu-
setts, tax savings may be found by ling
amended tax returns for prior years with
the Married Filing Joint ling status if
a single or head of household ling
status had previously been used. The
lawsuit challenges the constitutionality
of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)
and alleges unequal treatment as com-
pared to similarly situated opposite sex
married persons. See Horowitz & Vig-
orito v. United States, Civil Action No.
1:14-cv-12839 (D.C. Mass. 7/2/2014). IRS
Revenue Ruling 2013-17 states that for
federal tax purposes, the IRS will recog-
nize a marriage of same-sex individu-
als. To be valid, the marriage must have
been entered into in a domestic or for-
eign jurisdiction whose laws authorized
same-sex marriages, even if the couple
resides in a jurisdiction that does not
recognize same-sex marriage. Thus, the
tax refund claimed in this lawsuit should
be forthcoming without the need for ex-
tended litigation.
LEGAL
Tax refunds for same-sex couples
The contents of this article are intended for
general informational purposes only and
should not be considered legal advice. This is
part of a series of monthly articles by Jackson &
Campbell on legal issues of interest to the LBGT
community.Jackson & Campbell is a full-service
law rm based in Washington with o ces in
Maryland and Virginia. If you have any ques-
tions regarding this article, contact Nancy O.
Kuhn at 202-457-1621 or nkuhn@jackscamp.
com. If you have any questions regarding our
rm, please contact Don Uttrich, who chairs
our Diversity Committee, at 202-457-4266
orduttrich@jackscamp.com.
Committed to serving the legal
needs of
the entire community.
Rockville MD Vienna VA Baltimore MD
www.jackscamp.com
202.457.1600 1120 Twentieth Street, N.W. South Tower Washington, D.C. 20036-3437
125
Founded1887
over
years
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ARLINGTON N. WALK TO METRO! $719,900
JUST LISTED! 1014 N. ROCHESTER STREET
Spacious & sun-drenched split foyer nestled on a level landscaped
lot with fenced backyard in Madison Manor. Enjoy the open and airy
mid-century modern foor plan offering over 2,100 sqft. of living space,
generous room sizes, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, master with ensuite bath, 2
freplaces, just refnished hardwood foors, fresh paint throughout, new
roof, and a HUGE daylight walk-out lower level with loads of storage and
garage access. All just steps to parks, bike/jog trails and just around the
corner from Metro. McKinley, Swanson & Yorktown School tier.
DAVE LLOYD & ASSOCIATES
4701 Old Dominion Drive Arlington, VA 22207
703-593-3204 WWW.DAVELOYD.NET
OPEN SUNDAY 1-4PM
Unique local farm-to-
consumer service delivers
fresh produce to wide area
By MARK LEE
When From the Farmer co-founders
Nick Phelps and Jason Lundberg rolled
out their unique Washington area enter-
prise three years ago, business began
on a modest scale. It was a ftting launch
for a farm-to-consumer purveyor linking
small regional food producers with urban
and suburban dwellers by providing af-
fordable home delivery of fresh produce.
Their veritable weekly farmers-market-on-
wheels provides the convenience of diverse
top-quality seasonal vegetable and fruit se-
lections conveyed from farm feld to front
door typically within 48 hours of harvesting,
as well as handcrafted bakery breads and
specialties such as organic honey.
Service is ofered without time-length
contract commitments and is easy to turn
on-and-of digitally with as little as one-
day notice when necessitated by personal
plans or travel. From the Farmer has be-
come the premier service of its kind for a
broad delivery area spanning D.C., Balti-
more, Howard County and most of Mont-
gomery County in Maryland, and a wide
expanse of Northern Virginia locales.
Custom-made, high-quality insulated
picnic-basket-style frame-and-fabric col-
lapsible containers branded with the com-
pany logo are delivered to apartments,
homes and workplaces on a designated
weekday, recycling the previous container.
These farm-to-kitchen packages arrive be-
tween midnight and 7 a.m., preceded by
an email reminder listing six-to-10 stocked
food items for menu planning.
Transport trafc is easier in the pre-
dawn hours, explains company vice-pres-
ident Phelps, allowing more deliveries per
hour. Temperatures are coolest at that
time in the warm weather months and no
one is waiting around for a delivery its
there to pick up when you wake up.
A customization option allows specify-
ing none, normal or more of each week-
ly item in half, single or double bushels.
Company website FromTheFarmerDC.
com illustrates sample volume bounties
of beets, carrots, kale, lettuce, zucchini,
arugula, tomatoes, strawberries, bell pep-
pers, cantaloupe and cucumbers.
The entrepreneurial duo, in their late-
20s and friends since Colorado college
days, share backgrounds in business and
a passion for food both contributing to
the companys growing stature and suc-
cess. Lundberg, company president, han-
dles fnancial accounting and back-end
operations. Phelps concentrates on sales
coordination, and customer experience
and service management.
Following a two-year beta phase
start-up, the company grew rapidly in the
past year while simultaneously generat-
ing extraordinary customer satisfaction.
In-house delivery fulfllment and direct
interaction have been essential to main-
taining patron loyalty.
Handling all aspects of service with care
and attention has been very important,
notes Phelps. Stafng has grown four-fold
to meet market demand in recent months,
with 21 employees and plans for adding
10 or more by the end of the year.
Five staf members currently work in
downtown D.C. while others receive and sort
foodstufs, prepare packages and dispatch
deliveries from a suburban warehouse. The
entire staf will soon be joined at a larger
Beltsville, Md., combined warehouse and
ofce facility. In addition to allowing more
efcient operations and growth potential,
the new space will provide an on-site test
kitchen to develop recipe suggestions in ad-
vance of each weeks harvest.
Its really important to be able to see
and touch the food every day as it comes
in from partner farms, stresses Phelps.
The only thing I enjoy more is visiting and
talking with local farmers.
Nowadays a few thousand custom-
ers enjoy the fruits of their labors and
that of Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and
Pennsylvania farmers. The hardest thing
for local farms of 200 acres or less is how
to get their products out and sold, says
Phelps. Our goal is making good, local
food more accessible and supporting the
regional farm economy.
More than that, Phelps emphasizes, the
entire From the Farmer team strives to
create real long-term sustainable change
in the quality of food on home plates.
MARK LEE is a long-time entrepreneur and
community business advocate. Follow on Twit-
ter: @MarkLeeDC. Reach him at OurBusiness-
Matters@gmail.com.
From the Farmers weekly farmers-market-on-wheels provides the convenience of top-quality
seasonal vegetable and fruit selections conveyed from farm feld to front door typically within 48
hours of harvesting.
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Valerie M. Blake
Associate Broker, GRI
Dupont Circle Offce 202.243.7700 (o)
202.246.8602 (c) Valerie@DCHomeQuest.com
www.DCHomeQuest.com
Sort-after area.
(Sorting areas before a
property tour works better.)
MIS
S
PELLINGS
Dwellings with
and warranties.
PROOF #2 ISSUE DATE: 08.01.14 SALES REPRESENTATIVE: DERECK HAMMOND (dhammond@washblade.com)
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CARRS
QUEASY
ROGER FAIRBOURN REAL ESTATE
277 Eastern Blvd. N., Suite 2 - Hagerstown, MD 21740 - 301-733-4183
From the moment you arrive you will
be surprised! Spectacular restoration
of vernacular 18th century farmhouse
with attention to original character and
contemporary comforts. Enjoy your summers on the sunny back deck overlooking green
pastures and the Catoctin Mountains. Adjacent to the home is a quaint historic summer kitchen
with stone fireplace and loft. Sited on 5 serene acres. Just 50 minutes from D.C. $649,000.
and warranties.
PROOF #1 ISSUE DATE: 06.06.14 SALES REPRESENTATIVE: ERIN WOMMACK (ewommack@washblade.com)
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Fulflling
Relationships?
Health?
Work?
COACHING
Specializing in the LGBT Community
Also available in Spanish & Portuguese
Call Antonio at Avanza
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(202) 276-1590
www.antoniocoach.com
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MASSAGE / CERTIFIED
ROSSLYN / ADAMS MORGAN Massage
available in Rosslyn studio Sun-Wed,
301-704-1158 & at TuSuva, Adams
Morgan Thur-Sat 202-299-9005 (ask for
Gary). http://www.mymassagebygary.
com/ Gary 301-704-1158.
ITS NICE TO BE KNEADED!
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Atmosphere in Annandale, VA, almost
right off I-395. Days/Eve/Wkend. In/Out
calls. Hotels welcome. Call Marval (703)
568-6348.
COUNSELING
A MINDFULNESS-BASED MENTAL
HEALTH PRACTICE specializing
in a holistic approach to anxiety,
depression, careers, & relationships.
20 years experience helping people
identify & overcome impediments
to a fulfilling life, satisfying careers,
& healthy relationships. Jonathan
Kirkendall MA LPC, 202.550.3589, www.
dclpc.com.
LGBTQ AFFIRMING THERAPY at
Dupont Circle Individuals, couples,
families, adolescents. Over 15
years serving the community. Mike
Giordano, LICSW. 202/460-6384 mike.
giordano.msw@gmail.com. www.
WhatIHearYouSaying.com.
COUNSELING FOR GAY MEN.
Individual/couple counseling w/
volunteer peer counselor. Gay Mens
Counseling Community since 1973.
202-580-8861. gaymenscounseling.
org. No fees, donation requested.
CHANGES ARE EASIER WITH
HELP. Small, private practice
group of experienced, caring
therapists. Safe, confidential
setting. Offices in Woodley Park &
Takoma Park near Metro. Licensed
professionals. Insurance
reimbursable. Washington Therapy
Guild. Call 202-483-2660. www.
therapyguild.net.
EMPLOYMENT
LOCKER ROOM ATTENDANTS
NEEDED! The Crew Club, a gay mens
naturist gym & sauna, is now hiring
Locker Room Attendants. We all scrub
toilets & do heavy cleaning. You must
be physically able to handle the work
& have a great attitude doing it. No
drunks/druggies need apply. Please call
Richard at (202) 319-1333. from 9-5pm,
to schedule an interview.
LEGAL SERVICES
CONGRATULATIONS, VIRGINIA!
MY office proudly welcomes same-
sex binational couples for your
immigration legal needs! Contact
Attorney Amy A. Long, 703-270-9235,
www.immigrationforvirginia.com.
FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM Representing
the GLBT community for over 30 years.
Family adoptions, estate planning,
immigration, employment. (301) 891-
2200. Silber, Perlman, Sigman & Tilev,
P.A. www.SP-Law. com.
ADOPTION & ASSISTED
REPRODUCTIVE Law Attorney Jennifer
Fairfax represents clients in Maryland
& D.C. interested in adoption or ART
matters. 301-221-9651, JFairfax@
jenniferfairfax.com.
LIMOUSINE/DRIVERS
KASPERS LIVERY SERVICE Gay Veteran
Owned and Operated Since 1987!
BMW 740LI Special Airport Transfer
Rates! Hourly & Point to Point Rates!
http://www.KasperLivery.com 24
Hour Reservations (202)-554-2471
(800)-455-2471.
PETS & SUPPLIES
ADOPT AN ADORABLE PUPPY OR DOG
All-breed, non-profit rescue. 100%
volunteer run. Donations welcome &
needed. www.aforeverhome.org.
LOOKING FOR THAT special
someone? Loving vet-checked
cats & kittens waiting to
meet you. Feline Foundation
703-920-8665. Application &
adoption fair schedule online
at www.fgw.org.
PHOTOGRAPHY
STEVE OTOOLE PHOTOGRAPHY
Fine Art Photographer for portraits,
weddings & dating photos for the
internet. Call (703) 532-3031. www.
steveotoolephotography.com.
CLEANING
FERNANDOS CLEANING:
RESIDENTIAL & Commercial Cleaning,
Reasonable Rates, Free Estimates,
Routine, 1-Time, Move-In/Move-Out.
(202) 234-7050, 202-486-6183.
TOO NEAT GUYS INC. Residential &
Commercial cleaning in DC & Northern
VA. Over 20 years experience, gay
owned, licensed, bonded & insured.
Email: tooneat@comcast.net, (703)
622-5983.
MAID TO CLEAN. Gay owned. Serving
DC/VA since 1996. We provide 1x,
move/in, move/out, recurring service.
We love pets & your dirt! (703)299-
0101. Visit us at maidtoclean.com.
MOVERS
OUR GUYS AROUND TOWN MOVERS.
Professional Moving & Storage. Let Our
Guys Do The Heavy Lifting. Mention
the Blade for 10% off of our regular
rates. Call today 202.734.3080. www.
ourguysatmovers.com.
DEMOLITION/HAULING
DUNCAN DEMOLITION/HAULING
Company Save $1000s! Let us Get your
house/office/project contractor ready.
Over 28 years, serving DC. Lowest rate on
hauling. Contractor Friendly! 202 635-7860.
ROOFING
ROOFING, REPAIRS, GUTTERING
- SLATE, SHINGLE, TILE, TIN,
MODIFIED BITUMEN, RE-ROOFING,
ROOF COATINGS, RUBBER ROOFS!
Residential, Commercial Wood &
Whitacre Contractors Roofing Systems,
est.1985. 301-674-1991. MHIC-25881.
TREE SERVICE
BRANCHES - FULL SERVICE Tree Expert
Company. Certified Arborists, pruning,
insect & disease diagnosis, treatment
& removal. 301-589-6181. www.
BranchesTreeExperts.com. Angies List
Award Winner 09, 10, 11, 12.
HOUSING WANTED
SENIOR SEEKS RENTAL: large, quiet,
private-entrance, first floor apartment
or finished home basement. Ask me
about ideas for Services Barter &
unconventional space; may help you
stay @ home! Move before Augusts
end! Max $800, more if utilities included.
Excellent business, personal references!
Paul 202-544-4545 home/machine.
SHARE / DC
2 BR/1BA Apt, RFK Stadium Armory
Metro. BR avail. Aug. 1. $790/mth, plus
water & A/C fee, Parking available $50/
mth. 703-405-9003.
SHARE / MD
ROOM 4 RENT. CLEAN, QUIET, SAFE.
3 BLKS 2 SUITLAND METRO STATION.
$150.00 A WK. INCLUDES UTILITIES.
PLEASE CALL 301-503-4263.
SHARE / VA
ALEX KING ST METRO MBR 4 Rent.
Furnished. Share 3 BR condo w/ 3 gay
men. Non-smokers. 50s, 40 yo deaf
man. $1200.00. Brian 703-981-5896.
RENT / DC
CHINATOWN 2 BED 2 Bath Condo for
Rent $2,900/mo. Cable ready. Walk in
closet. Rooftop patio. Secure building.
Non-smokers only. Call Alfred 202-669-
5606.
GREAT LOCATION GLOVER Park,
House for rent, Sunny 3 bedroom
home 1 1/2 bath, W/D with parking
space in rear but you can walk to
everything! Close to restaurants, across
from Whole Foods, right on the bus line
for $4,500. Call 772-494-3039.
SALE / MD
MONTGOMERYVILLAGE
TOWNHOMES
* $265,995 - 3 Bedroom ! Deck
overlooks trees !
* $314,995 - 3 Level! End Unit!
Garage! 4 Bedrooms! 2 - 1/2
Baths! Huge Family Room!
* $219,995 - 3 Levels ! Master
Bedroom Suite ! 3 Bedrooms! 2
1/2 Baths !
* $279,995 - 3 Terrifc Levels
! Party Room Basement!
2 Full Bathrooms + 2 Half-
Bathrooms!Custom-Built Deck!
Request OnlinePhotos !
LARRY PERRIN REALTOR
(301) 983-0601
LJPerrin@aol.com.
PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED ONLINE
WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
PROBATE DIVISION
2014 ADM 695
CLEVE W. GLENN
Notice of Appointment, Notice to Creditors & Notice to Unknown Heirs
Ricky Henderson whose address is 8199 Tiswell Apt 413, Alexandria, VA was
appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Cleve W. Glenn who died on
6/10/1998 without a Will and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs
and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this
proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedents Will)
shall be fled With the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, NW, 3rd
Floor, Washington DC 20001, on or before 01/18/15. Claims against the decedent
shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or fled
with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 01/18/15, or
be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who
do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its publication shall so
inform the Register of Wills, including name, address and relationship.
Date of first publication July 18, 2014. True Test
Copy, Anne Meister, Register of Wills.
SIMPLE
AFFORDABLE
PROVEN RESULTS
202.747.2077
COLLEGE PARK
Walk to METRO
*$279,000- 4 Bedrooms! 2
Bathrooms Corner Lot !
Recreation Room Basement!
Request Online Photos!
LARRY PERRIN REALTOR
(301) 983-0601
LJPerrin@aol.com
SALE / VA
ARLINGTON NORTH
$950,000
Charming, private, and
unique * Remodeled to
todays standards * Great
entertaining ow * 9ft
ceilings * Granite kit. *
Heated bathroom oor with
large soaking tub * One
light to D.C. yet surrounded
by trails and parks * Well
landscaped *
Call Carole Schweitzer
703-525-7568
Weichert Realtors
Quiet Retreat in Rappahannock
County. Quality built home on nearly
25 acres. Move-in ready 2/3 BR, 2.5
BA, backup generator. Bradley Clarke,
McEnearney, Realtors 703.220.5707.
CONTACT
US
AT
202-747-2077
ENHANCE YOUR AD WITH
OUR UPGRADES LIKE
PICTURES
BOLD TEXT
LARGE TEXT
COLOR
AND MORE!
DEADLINES
all classied ads - including regular and
adult - must be received by mondays at
5pm so they can be included in that weeks
edition of the washington blade and
washingtonblade.com
PERSONALS / WOMEN
GWF, SOFT BUTCH, Attractive, blue
eyes, brown hair. I walk five miles
every day. I like movies, music, playing
cards, TV, & pizza. ISO GWF, attractive,
feminine, for friendship & a long term
relationship. If you are interested, call
Debbie, 703-368-3618.
BODYWORK
WHITE HOUSE ATHLETIC CLUB masseur
(former) Custom bodywork! Quality
massage by a nationally certified
masseur. Exceptional deep tissue &
sensual bodywork for total stress relief
in private studio.4 Handed Massage
Available. (Shower & parking available,
2.5 blocks to Metro on Capitol Hill) Call
Erik 202-285-5709 or 202-544-7905 for
one of the best. In calls only. $99.00
SPECIAL Reg. $130.
SPECIAL
LATINO TOUCH
5 9, 170 lbs, Offering full body
relaxing, release on my professional
table, in a private atmosphere. In/out.
Parking Available, hotels welcome, DC/
MD/VA, 24/7. Call Lucas, 240-462-8669,
fromlucas@yahoo.com.
SOOTHING SUPERB, SENSUAL massage
by in shape attractive guy. Calif. certified,
comfortable massage table. 2 Metro stops
from Dupont. Private entrance. In/Out. 10
AM - 11 PM. David 202-421-8900.
BLONDE GI 511 165 lbs 32 waist, 8 &
cut. Can do in calls & will do out calls
depending where you are. I am located
near 395 & King St. Plenty of free
parking. Call 703-599-2668 ask for Eli.
MASSAGE SILVER SPRING
since 2004. Where some of the
nicest guys in town come for
one of the best massages in
town...sensuous erotic naked.
Days/Evenings $70 one hour..
parking/metro
BRUNO 301 580 2716.
EROTIC SWEDISH MASSAGE - healthy
clean cut guy, 61, 160 lbs, Dupont
Circle, massage table, noon to 1:00
a.m., indulge your body. $70 for 1 hour.
Bill 202-728-0238.
AFFORDABLE MASSAGE by friendly &
intuitive Latin male, in relaxing, priv.
studio just 15 min from DC inArlington.
Plenty of Parking.Same day appts, 703-
401-9093 or a2006mx@yahoo.com.
THE MAGIC TOUCH: Swedish, Massage
or Deep Tissue. Appts 202-486-6183,
Low Rates, 24/7, In-Calls.
ESCORTS
Never hired before? Get tips for
a good experience here: http://
beforeyoucome.blogspot.com
M2M SENSUAL MASSAGE BY LATINO,
44, in-shape, shaved head. OUT CALLS
ONLY! 202-276-9272.
TED 5 11, 155lbs, 30yo, 9X6, Versatile
Top 202.271.0440.
The Blacklist Site Real Recourse
for Male Escorts & Masseurs.
(Now a National service)
ttp://BlackListedJohn.com.
SPECIALTY ADULT
RENT-A-DUNGEON Explore your fantasies!
Surprise a BF or FB. Awesome, clean,
discrete. Fully equipped private DC
playroom. Dungeon Massage Available.
(Tutorial/instruction available). Dungeon
Master - 202-544-8094.
ADULT PARTIES
REVISIONS
REDESIGN
TEXT REVISIONS
NO REVISIONS
PROOF #2 ISSUE DATE: 04.18.14 SALES REPRESENTATIVE: BRIAN PITTS bpitts@washblade.com
Washington
202.822.1666
24/7 Friendly Customer Care 1(888) 634.2628 18+
2014 PC LLC www.MegaMatesMen.com 2297
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FREE CODE: W Blade
FREE to listen & reply to ads!
For other local numbers call:
202.822.1666
Arlington
703.373.1000
Baltimore
410.468.4000
703.373.1000
410.468.4000
WARNING
HOT GUYS!

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Volume 45, Issue 31, August 1, 2014

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Concern over Trojan horse

used to condemn homosexuality

By LOU CHIBBARO JR.

TAKES PRIDE IN BEING

Whats Washingtons best nightspot,

Describe your dream wedding.

What non-LGBT issue are you most

What historical outcome would you

On what do you insist?

What was your last Facebook post or

If your life were a book, what would

What do you believe in beyond the

What would you walk across hot coals

What LGBT stereotype annoys you

Whats your favorite LGBT movie?

Whats the most overrated social

What trophy or prize do you most

What do you wish youd known at 18?

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