The Official Guide to Capital Pride 2015

THE OFFICIAL GUIDE TO CAPITAL PRIDE 2015

PRIDE IN THE NATION’S CAPITAL

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF PRIDE PRESENTED BY

RUBY PRESENTING SPONSOR

PRESIDENTIAL

VICE PRESIDENTIAL

RAINBOW

RUBY PRESENTING SPONSOR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Bernie Delia

ASSISTANT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Martin Moeller

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

PRESIDENTIAL SPONSORS

Al Pellenberg

RESEARCH MANAGER Chip Lewis

OFFICAL GUIDE PHOTOGRAPHER Denis Largeron

SALES TEAM Capital Pride Alliance Washington Blade

CONTRIBUTORS Doug Rule, Feature Writer, Metro Weekly Max Barger, Contributing Writer Aditi Hardikar, Contributing Writer Chip Lewis, Contributing Writer Kevin Majores, Contributing Writer Martin Moeller, Contributing Writer Sarah McBride, Contributing Writer

®

Mike Alexander, Development Director, Capital Pride Ryan Bos, Executive Director, Capital Pride Rob Corbett, Operations Director, Capital Pride Printed in the USA on recycled stock by: H. G. Roebuck & Son, Inc. Baltimore, MD Proud Supporter of 2015 Capital Pride

© 2015 Capital Pride Alliance, Inc. All Rights Reserved. “Capital Pride” is a registered trademark of the Capital Pride Alliance, Inc. All material in the Capital Pride Guide is protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the Capital Pride Alliance, Inc. The sexual orientation or gender identity of advertisers, photographers, writers, and cartoonists published herein is neither inferred nor implied. The appearance of names or pictorial representation of individuals does not necessarily indicate the sexual orientation of such individual. The Capital Pride Guide is supported by many advertisers, however, the Capital Pride Alliance, Inc. cannot take responsibility for any claims made by advertisers.

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VICE PRESIDENTIAL SPONSORS

RAINBOW SPONSORS

2015 SPONSORS

PLATINUM SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

SUPPORTING SPONSORS ANNAPOLIS BEST TWINS MOVERS, BOEING, CITI, CSC, COBALT, DC OFFICE OF HUMAN RIGHTS, JR’S, MARYLAND MOJO PHOTO BOOKS, NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR, SODEXO, THE GRYPHON, US DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 40TH ANNUAL CAPITALPRIDE 2 Masthead | Contributors 3 2015 Capital Pride Sponsors 4 Table of Contents Welcome To Pride 7 Bernie Delia, President 9 Ryan Bos, Executive Director 11

A Message from the President of the United States

13 Mayor Muriel Bowser 16 On The Record

ON STAGE 86 Festival Headliners 88 Festival Entertainment line up

FLASHBACK

40 YEARS OF PRIDE IN THE NATION’S CAPITAL 26

OUR GAY CAPITAL: a tribute to dc’s trailblazers

By Doug Rule

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UNCONVERTED: sam brinton

By Martin Moeller

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MY STORY: your voices

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40 YEARS OF PRIDE

Collected by Chip Miller

CHRONICLED IN THE WASHINGTON BLADE

21 Capital Pride Board

121 QUEER WOMEN’S PRIDE

22 2015 ProductionTeam & Staff

121 EMPOWERMENT IN NUMBERS

Pride Information 35 2015 Paving The Way Award 38 2015 Pride Heroes and Honorees 58 Pride Parade Route Map

By Eboné Bell and Katy Ray

By Randy Shulman and Todd Franson

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AN EQUAL UNION

THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES

129 LGBT SPORTS and the fIght for equality

By Kevin Majoros

60 Pride Survival Guide

137

61 Pride Parade Contingents

143 MORE THAN HISTORY ON OUR SIDE

82 Pennsylvania Avenue Festival Map 84 Festival Exhibitor List 94 Event Calendar 105 Pride Partners

FOUR DECADES WITH WHITMAN-WALKER

By Sarah McBride

149 THE ECONOMICS

OF SAME SEX MARRIAGE

By Max Barger

156 EQUAL UNDER THE LAW

By Aditi Hardikar

154 ON TIME: A TIME LINE

8 Decades DC Leads the Nation

Compiled by Chip Lewis, Al Pellenberg, and The Rainbow History Project

168 SAVE THE DATE

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“

“A LL U P IN THE (STATION) KITCHE N ( & CO CKTA ILS) IN MY HEEL S : DI N N ER TIME.”

- BEY O NCÉ

IN V E N T IV E S MA LL P LATES

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H O U SE- B OTTL E D CO CK TAIL S

A S O CIAL D INING E X PE R I EN CE

2015 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, D.C. embassyrowhotel.com

WELCOME TO CAPITAL PRIDE Denis Largeron Photography

GREETINGS! On behalf of the Board of Directors of Capital Pride, our staff, and volunteers, I want to welcome you to the 40th Celebration of Pride in the Nation’s Capital!

We arrive at this milestone thanks to the hard work and dedication of countless people over the last four decades. We are grateful for their contributions and their courage. Like them, each year we have an opportunity to honor those who have gone before us, recall what they were able to accomplish, celebrate where we are, and prepare ourselves to meet the new challenges that lie ahead.

By now everyone is likely familiar with the story of how we have grown from a small, one-day street festival tucked away on a Washington, DC, side street, to a multi-day event that culminates in front of the US Capitol and is attended by more than a quarter of a million people. But, over the course of these many years, it is not just about the difference in size, location, or venue. Those external markers have simply mirrored more profound and subtle changes that have taken place in ourselves, throughout our nation, and around the world. And, they reflect the fact that attitudes have evolved and changed both within the community and outside of it.

BERNIE DELIA PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS CAPITAL PRIDE ALLIANCE

Uncertainty, fear, and apprehension have been replaced by confidence, a genuine sense of community, and the assurance of a brighter tomorrow. The transformation has been evident in society at large. Disapproval became tolerance, followed by acceptance, which has begun to blossom into genuine inclusion. Quite significantly, these shifts have been intertwined from the start. As members of the LGBT community have become more comfortable with who we are and who we love, so have members of the public at large.

Assuredly, there is more work to be done. But, the path we have been traveling for the past 40 years – despite some rocky bumps along the way – has been leading us to our goal of equality. We know that 40 years from now, the landscape will look quite different.

Finally, this celebration – like all of those that have gone before – would not be possible without the work of many people and we thank all of the volunteers, staff, and Board members for their devotion and their outstanding contributions.

FLASHBACK

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WELCOME TO CAPITAL PRIDE May 2015 Turning 40 is monumental. It’s a time when people look back to see where they’ve come from, contemplate the struggles they have endured, and recall their accomplishments. All of these events have an influence over the experiences, choices, and achievements to come.

The repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and the continued progress around marriage equality have forced many LGBTA people to ask the questions, “What’s next?” and, “Is there still a need to celebrate Pride?” Yes, we need to celebrate Pride now more than ever to ensure we don’t forget our history! It also encourages us to come together to understand and rally around the challenges yet ahead.

Denis Largeron Photography

RYAN BOS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

As we celebrate 40 years of Pride in the Nation’s Capital, it’s important to glance back, look forward, and acknowledge those who have provided support, challenged us to become better, and inspired us to strive to accomplish more. These individuals, organizations, and businesses have helped grow what was a small block party on a side street in Washington, DC, to now one of the largest Pride celebrations in the United States.

We have accomplished so much in the last 40 years and have been influenced by so many people, events, and experiences. Nevertheless, we know that there is so much more work for us to do. So, together, let’s honor, educate, prepare, and dream as we celebrate 40 years of Pride in the Nation’s Capital!

FLASHBACK

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THE W O H S

ERICK

KANE

INTERN JOHN

ROSE DANNI

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Together is a beautiful thing.

This is a moment to celebrate. You’ve worked hard to get this far, and look at what you’ve accomplished. At Wells Fargo, we recognize your successes, and are committed to supporting the financial needs of our LGBT community, customers, and team members. Because when we work together to realize our dreams — it’s nothing short of a beautiful thing. wellsfargo.com/lgbt

©  Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved.

Member FDIC. (_)

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FLASHBACK

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Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage is PROUD to be a Bronze sponsor of Capital Pride 2015.

Please visit our booth at the Sunday Pride Festival!

Working with a Coldwell Banker agent to buy or sell your home means you are working with someone who is passionate about their pride in our community. Trust your motivated, knowledgeable, and experienced agent with your next transaction, and take pride in your choice to help the community you love.

KEVIN MCDUFFIE

Are you interested in an exciting career in real estate? Call

BRANCH VICE PRESIDENT me to discuss the advantages of working with Coldwell Banker.

202.439.2435

We are thrilled to announce our office is moving to Logan Circle.

Look for us at 1617 14th Street NW this summer! (corner of 14th & Corcoran Streets NW)

ROB CLARK

240.460.0757

rob.clark@mortgagefamily.com

ADAM ARNOLD

ERIK EVANS

www.aeresidentialgroup.com

www.aeresidentialgroup.com

202.657.2577

202.731.3142

Š2014 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker is a registered service mark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.

COLDWELL BANKER RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE DUPONT CIRCLE OFFICE 202.387.6180

Thank you for making Coldwell Banker Dupont DC’s #1 office in both listings and sales – three years in a row!

(2012-2014)

BO BILLUPS

202.431.4052

ATUL GARG

202.415.6413

CHRISTOPHER BULKA 202.420.8919

bbillups@cbmove.com

atul@atulgarg.com

christopher.bulka@cbmove.com

J JAMES BRAEU

KERRY MULDOON

JOHN PETERS

202.215.2240

james@jamesbraeu.com

202.436.1268

kerry.muldoon@cbmove.com

202.230.8791

john.peters@cbmove.com

An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC.

ON THE RECORD ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

REA CAREY

Phil Mendelson

I am pleased to extend greetings to all attending the 40th Annual Capital Pride Celebration.

The LGBTQ community has worked hard over the decades-from Stonewall to the Supreme Court-to become a powerful and inspirational movement and catalyst for long lasting change. Now that we have had some success in some areas, we have a moral obligation to use our progress, our visibility, and any relative privilege we might have to drive broader change beyond the LGBTQ community-and to do our part for a changed and just society. The LGBTQ movement has momentum now and we can’t squander it, we can’t silence it, and we cannot deny our responsibility to use it for greater good.

One of my greatest moments as a councilmember was shepherding Marriage Equality through the Council.

I recall that much of the opposition grounded itself in religion.

House of Representatives United States Congress

Started as a block party 40 years ago, The Capital Pride Festival has grown into one of the preeminent festivals in the nation’s capital. This year’s theme “Flashback” incorporates a model that can live through every community in our city.

Your organization is a great asset not only to the District of Columbia but across the nation as well. My best wishes for a fantastic event and continued future success.

Executive Director, National LGBTQ Task Force

Chairman, Council of the District of Columbia

Just as racial bigotry was grounded in religion. We hear it today from Congressional opponents of our efforts to strengthen the D.C. Human Rights Act, who claim there should be an exemption based on religious beliefs.

The LGBT community has been a leader in the fight against discrimination.

I am proud to work with you.

Happy Pride!

MARA KEISLING

Founding Executive Director, National Center for Transgender Equality

Transgender communities have, over the last four decades, come together in one of the most powerful displays of activism America has seen. From the Stonewall Inn to Compton’s Cafeteria, transgender people have propelled the modern gay rights movement. In the time since, transgender people have refused any seat at the margins of society despite persistent violence and discrimination.

Today, because of the work of transgender advocates in the nation’s capital and across the country, transgender people have federal protections in school, at work, in health care, and housing. As we move ever closer to our tipping point, transgender people have much to be proud of. But our work remains.

On the horizon, we’re going to write these protections explicitly into law, end the brutal mistreatment transgender people face by police or immigration authorities, and ensure all transgender people have access to health care that actually covers our health. And make no mistake - transgender people will be leading all of these conversations

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FLASHBACK

JAY FISETTE

EARL FOWLKES

CHAD GRIFFIN

Congratulations to us! We have fought for our freedom and have made dramatic progress. We have come out - told the truth - and our friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors have embraced our equality.

Washington, DC has made tremendous strides in becoming a place of acceptance for many members of the LGBTQ community over the past 40 years. In many ways, DC‘s progressive stance on LGBTQ rights has made our capital city one of the gay meccas in the United States.

There is work to be done with removing barriers for our transgender community, youth, especially youth of color, our seniors and those among us who don’t make six figures a year. However, given the progress we have made in DC over the past 40 years, there is no reason not to believe we cannot handle these issues.

The LGBT community has made so much progress together, but our work is far from complete—from the steps of the Supreme Court to the streets of cities and towns where too many LGBT people, particularly transgender people of color, face violence and unequal access to the constitution’s promise of equality. We’ve got big struggles ahead of us, but the Human Rights Campaign and our more than 1.5 million members and supporters aren’t slowing down for a second. We’ll keep fighting until we achieve full, federal equality, nothing more, nothing less

Member, Arlington County Board

Like many others, I am now legally married to my husband of 32 years.

And Arlington County, VIRGINIA, is about as good as it gets!

Board Secretary & Chief Executive OffIcer, DC Black Pride

President, Human Rights Campaign

JODY M. HUCKABY

ANNE R. KAISER

AISHA MOODIE-MILLS

PFLAG National recognizes that while civil equality may be visible on the horizon for some, for many others, the inequalities that remain will require more passionate commitment and hard work of families and allies working together with people who are LGBTQ. Together we are changing attitudes and creating a truly inclusive culture everywhere that we live, learn, work, worship, and play. Learn more about PFLAG’s 350+ chapters and how you can become involved in creating and supporting that better future today at PFLAG.org.

The State of Maryland has made amazing strides over the past four decades culminating in the legalization (and voter approval) of marriage equality and the greatly strengthened protections for our transgender friends and neighbors.

Celebrating Pride is about visibility, and nothing is more important than being visible, authentic and honest about who we are. Being out in politics, in the media, in entertainment, in sports--that’s what has changed our country over the past 40 years, and it will continue to strengthen us for the next 40.

Executive Director, PFLAG National

Delegate, District 14 Maryland House of Delegates

I am proud of the work that has been done, but I know there is still more we can, should and must do: I am ready for those challenges.

Executive Director, Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund

FOR MORE QUOTES FROM LGBTA LEADERS PLEASE VISIT OUT WEBSITE: CAPITALPRIDE.ORG

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We take pride in connecting people to the ones who matter most.

Choice Hotels proudly welcomes the LGBT community.

When it comes to connecting to the people who matter most, there’s nothing like being there in person. That’s why you’ll find us anywhere your friends, families, clients and coworkers are. With 11 brands in over 6,300 locations worldwide, you can always find the right room for your trip, and genuine staff that make you feel welcome, wanted and respected.

Visit us at ChoiceHotels.com

2015 PRIDE BOARD Denis Largeron Photography

PRIDE BOARD Back Row: Raymond Panas, Scott Jackson, Robert York, Kyle Collins Middle Row: Jesse Bonales, Colin Stewart, Ken Dean, Justin White, Mary Paradise Front Row: Meaghan Hearn, Bernie Delia, Thomas Wieczorek, David Frantti Not Present: Michelle Benecke, Linh Hoang, Vince Micone, Vince Rodriquez, Jessie Washington

FLASHBACK

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2015 PRIDE PRODUCTION TEAM & STAFF

Denis Largeron Photography

STAFF

PRODUCERS

Bryan Pruitt

Ryan Bos, Executive Director

Michael Creason

Accessibility

Luke Lukens

Matt Gillette Beverage Garden Management Mike Alexander Chris Avery Development Director Conference Bidding

Rob Corbett Jerry Houston Entertainment Operations Director Vernon Wall Al Pellenberg Entertainment Creative/Art Director Joey Allen Family Entertainment Marlon John Aaron Fischbach Finance & Accounting Festival Lisa Metrinko Devin Hansen Festival Special Projects Chad Phillips Festival Chip Lewis Matt Kuder Communications Hospitality

Jennifer Hall Logistics

Richard Legg Benavides Mr. & Miss Capital Pride

Patti Lovelace Mr. & Miss Capital Pride

William Cruttenden Music In The Night

Joshua Morgan Music In The Night

Alan Thompson Operations

Craig Cassey Outreach

David Arwood Parade

Rick Deus Parade

Martin Moeller Pride Guide

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Jerry Griswell Safety & Security

Safety & Security Social Media

Juven Jacob Social Media

Chris Jones Special Events

Jason Clock Sustainability

Holly Goldmann Trans Pride

JaeLee Waldschmidt Trans Pride

Joshua Beeson Travel & Accommodations

Chelsea Bland Volunteers

James Leslie Volunteers

PRODUCTION TEAM Jana Alue Carol Beswick Shayna Blass Jesus Chavez Ron Crognale Gene Cunningham Bryan Davis Liz Dean Kisha DejaVu Allure David Delewski Lauralei Dorian Megan Eimerman-Wallace Eric Enberg Larry Evans Ted Eytan Siobhan Fisher Michael Graham

Kurt Graves Bill Hopfer Achim Howard Bill Huff Bianca Humady Rey Lindsay Imon Deonte Leach Matt LeBlanc Benny Llamas Angela Love Patti Lovelace Charles McWilliams Jonathan Marcwille Xavier Moffett Taylor Monson Bernard Mungin Dai Nguyen Caleb Nixon Keenan Orr Daniel Ostick Tarik Pierce Jack Rayburn Barda Ree Bryant Tim Rosenberger Kyle Robertson Lyn Royster Lynn Schmidtz Allen Sexton Kevin Smith Kirk Sobell Gabe Spears Kristin Streiff Anna Sullivan Melvin Thomas Brock Thompson Princessikea Thompson

Jami Vallesteros Jonathan Vasquez Jonathan Wille David Williams Christopher Wingert Pamela Yee

PRODUCTION PARTNERS Brightest Young Things Busboys and Poets Center Faith Cobalt The Cherry Fund DC Bike Party DC Front Runners Human Rights Campaign Ladies of LURe RJ Whyte Event Production Scandal DC Stonewall Kickball TAGG Magazine Team DC Uncivil Union

FOR INFORMATION ON HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED VISIT: CAPITALPRIDE.ORG

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is proud to celebrate 40 years of pride in the nation’s capital!

Since 1988, AFGE has fought to include LGBT protections in collective bargaining agreements. Today, the union continues to expand LGBT workplace rights and the AFGE PRIDE program builds community with other organizations to support and engage LGBT federal and D.C. government workers.

Learn more about AFGE PRIDE at www.afge.org/PRIDE

OUR GAY CAPITAL A TRIBUTE TO DC’S TRAILBLAZERS

BY DOUG RULE Photos: Wikipedia Creative Commons

The 1951 book Washington Confidential included a fantastic claim. Between the world wars, “Washington was the capital of Fairyland, USA: More lavender lads and lesbians worked there than anyplace on Earth.”

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That was exaggerated, of course. What else would you expect from a salacious tabloid written by right-wingers? But it wasn’t without basis in truth. While New York City, Chicago, and San Francisco were already established as meccas for those seeking camaraderie with like-minded, same-sex-loving peoples, Washington was becoming its own draw in the 1930s: A burgeoning federal city courtesy of the New Deal, with five major universities to sweeten – smarten – the pot, as well as myriad nearby military facilities to reinforce it. By 1940, Washington had become the nation’s ninth largest city and its “Number One Boom Town,” according to Constance McLaughlin Green’s Washington, A History of the Capital, 1800-1950. By 1950, the metropolitan area had doubled in population from the 1930 census, to 1.4 million people. “This process of urbanization created the kind of social and economic base that is crucial to the development of gay and lesbian subcultures,” according to author David K. Johnson.

In his 2004 book The Lavender Scare, Johnson notes that it’s “impossible to determine” if the nation’s capital or the federal government had a higher percentage of gays and lesbians than other cities or employers in the mid-20th century as some have asserted. (One booster claimed that DC’s gay subculture at the time was “second only to that found in San Francisco”; another speculated that two-thirds of the population was gay.) But reflections and reports from the era certainly paint it as a thriving gay town. As a result, Johnson writes, there is a “need to reassess the still common assumption that gay men and lesbians led isolated, lonely lives prior to World War II or even prior to the 1960s.”

It also suggests the need to put the riots at New York’s Stonewall Inn in June of 1969 in proper context. While that was indeed the most prominent spark of our modern LGBT movement, the impetus came in the decades leading up to Stonewall – and most of the groundwork was laid in Washington. This is not meant to take away from New York – or San Francisco – where the idea of an official “gay pride” celebration started a year after, and in response to, Stonewall. After an initial attempt in 1972, Washington didn’t officially start an annual event to give its LGBT denizens hope and cheer until 1975. Now attracting several hundreds of thousands every year, Capital Pride celebrates its 40th anniversary this year as one of the nation’s largest Pride celebrations.

Still, one fact is clear: Washington, DC, has long been filled with queer people working on behalf of the nation, with many drawn to the capital to make a difference in, or have an impact on, American society and politics. What follows is a review of key moments in Washington’s LGBT history, with a particular focus on the key players who laid the movement’s groundwork.

THE PRE-LGBT ERA: FROM THE CIVIL WAR TO THE COLD WAR

Washington’s gay history didn’t start during the New Deal – or even in the 20th century. In fact, it dates back to at least the Civil War.

Of course, 150 years ago there was nothing for an LGBT person to be “out” about exactly; 19th-century America was a time when no one could even conceive of something so positive as a gay community. Even the word “homosexual” didn’t appear in print until 1892. As a result, no famous figure from Civil War-era Washington is an outand-out early gay hero – there are historians who refute or downplay all such notions.

Most claims that Abraham Lincoln might have been gay, for example, have been debunked by prominent, gay-friendly historians – including Doris Kearns Goodwin, who wrote in her 2005 Lincoln biography Team of Rivals that recent suggestions the 16th president might have been intimate with some of his close male friends reveal more about our gay rights era than they do about Lincoln’s time. Back then, men often shared cozy sleeping quarters for financial reasons, and it also wasn’t unusual to carry on intense same-sex friendships with romantic overtones.

WE’RE HERE...

WE’RE QUEER...

WE MARCH...

It might seem obvious, even ordinary now—a half-century and many such events later—but Bayard Rustin’s work in organizing the first protest of many hundreds of thousands of people on the National Mall was a radical idea in 1963. “[People] thought there were going to be riots, but here was a very solemn, peaceful, enormous congregation of people,” gay activist Paul Kuntzler told Metro Weekly in 2013, in advance of a 50th anniversary commemoration of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

At the time of the march, Kuntzler was on the board of the small, fledgling Mattachine Society of Washington (MSW), which two years later organized the first gay rights picket in front of the White House—also now a rather routine occurrence.

Martin Luther King, Jr., gave his seminal “I Have A Dream” speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the 1963 March on Washington, cementing his role as leader of the Civil Rights Movement. Most of the marches on the Mall in the decade that followed were protests against the Vietnam War. Despite pickets organized by MSW at the White House, the Pentagon, and the State Department, it wouldn’t be until October 14, 1979, that gays and lesbians would take to the Mall for greater national visibility. As many as 125,000 people are estimated to have attended this first LGBT march, called the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights.

Subsequent marches, each larger than the one before, took place in 1987 and 1993. By the time of the 2000 Millennium March, peaceful gatherings for causes on the left and the right had become de rigeur on the Mall. The most recent

Another Civil War-era figure suspected to be gay is Lincoln’s immediate predecessor in the White House, James Buchanan. As Timothy Cwiek wrote in a 2011 article published by the Washington Blade through the Philadelphia-based national Gay History Project, the 15th president was a lifelong bachelor. He also lived for several years CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

with William Rufus King. The two were seen together so often that wags at the time referred to them as “the Siamese twins;” another prominent Democrat referred to King as Buchanan’s “better half.”

The relationship ended only with King’s death from tuberculosis in 1853, three years before Buchanan’s election – and only days after King, a former member of Congress, had been sworn in as the 13th US Vice President under President Franklin Pierce. The case for Buchanan as America’s “first gay president” is not openand-shut, however, since there’s no irrefutable evidence proving it; Buchanan’s writings are rather circumspect. Volunteer guides at Buchanan’s Wheatland estate in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, are “directed to take a neutral stance regarding sexual preference,” its director told Cwiek.

There’s more solid evidence about Walt Whitman, the famous American writer who came to Washington to volunteer at a hospital for wounded warriors but then became a federal clerk and stayed in the capital for an entire decade after the Civil War. In fact, the New York native only left the area due to failing health. There’s good reason why his surname was combined with that of Civil War-era surgeon Mary Walker – who reportedly boasted about having once been arrested for “impersonating a man” – to denote Washington’s leading LGBT and HIV/AIDS health organization, now known as WhitmanWalker Health. “Walt Whitman is widely accepted today as being gay,” writes Garrett Peck in his book published earlier this year, Walt Whitman in Washington, D.C.: The Civil War and America’s Great Poet. There are still some historians wary of making such a bold assertion, but Peck gets specific. “He began his longest romantic relationship, with Peter Doyle, while cruising on a streetcar in early 1865,” the local historian and tour guide writes, emphasizing the obvious takeaway: “[LGBT] people had ways of finding each other, even then.”

A half-century later, queer people were definitely finding each other in Washington – in federal or city parks, particularly Lafayette Square in front of the White House, which was the city’s primary cruising spot until the 1950s; or at the local YMCA. Much of what is known of gay life prior to the New Deal came from a diary kept by a federal employee known by the pseudonym Jeb Alexander, posthumously published by his niece Ina Russell in 1993 as Jeb and Dash: Diary of a Gay Life, 1918 - 1945. Alexander lived for a time at the YMCA on G Street, NW, and he writes about meeting other young same-sex-loving men while there. But he met one primary lover in Lafayette Park, and recounted the first evening they shared, when they ended up on the Ellipse. “Nothing disturbed us, and we lay in each other’s arms, my love and I, while the moon beamed from a spacious sky and the cool night breeze rustled our hair,” reads one diary entry. “We lay close together and gazed at the stars above, becoming fast friends, exchanging confidences. Ah, happiness!”

Despite such blissful prose, life for gays and lesbians during the New Deal wasn’t all spacious skies and starlight.

For one thing, it was, as with the larger city and region, racially segregated. For another, being openly gay was illegal. In his diary, Alexander relates his fears of being under police surveillance as a suspected “deviant” criminal. Certainly his was a love that dared

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not speak its name. Alexander didn’t talk about his sexuality or his relationships openly, and internalized homophobia kept him and his lover from having a storybook romance. Yet Alexander’s friends and co-workers did know of his sexuality and even teased him about it – good-naturedly, not ominously. Of course it helped that many of his federal co-workers were gay or lesbian themselves.

Even if being gay wasn’t exactly spoken of, it was certainly the talk of the town. “This used to be a gay city,” friends told one man who moved to Washington in 1951 and was interviewed by Johnson in 2004. “People would practically carry on on park benches… the agencies here were filled with gays. Nobody bothered them, nobody cared…until this business with McCarthy started.”

The business with Sen. Joseph McCarthy (R-Wisc.) started shortly after World War II. The relatively “gay” life for gays in the nation’s capital started spooking conservatives, who initiated a campaign to chip away at the sizable gay federal workforce – starting with 91 homosexuals forced out at the State Department and announced in early 1950. An offshoot of McCarthyism and the Red Scare, this purge of “sexual perverts” became institutional policy throughout the government and lasted for an entire generation, well beyond the earliest days of the Cold War until a few years after Stonewall. This “Lavender Scare” sparked a moral panic within mainstream American culture – and seriously curtailed DC’s once-burgeoning gay scene, “a community under siege” until the 1970s. Thousands of suspected gay or lesbian government employees and contractors lost their jobs, and thousands more applicants were denied employment – generally, as Johnson writes, on “the flimsiest of evidence to draw casual connections between homosexuality and espionage.” This antigay campaign was all the more insidious because it went largely unnoticed – and still remains largely unknown. There was only limited opposition, and few gay employees stood up and challenged their dismissals until well into the 1960s.

Instead, even influential political appointees fled with their tails between their legs, such as Arthur H. Vandenberg, Jr., who left the Eisenhower Administration on made-up grounds of “ill health” and “stomach ulcers” in January 1953, and Walter Jenkins, who was forced out as a top aide in the Johnson Administration after an arrest for public sex with another man became a campaign issue in the waning days of the 1964 election.

In fact, Lyndon Johnson’s press secretary and attorney general have both said history might have played out better if Jenkins could have stayed in office. Jenkins was “the single most effective and trusted aide” Johnson had, former Attorney General Ramsey Clark told Out Magazine in 1999, adding: “Walter’s counsel on Vietnam might have been extremely helpful.”

THE MATTACHINE SOCIETY AND LGBT “GRANDFATHER” FRANK KAMENY

For all the gay heartache and havoc wreaked by the Lavender Scare, there was a silver lining.

As David K. Johnson asserts, the Lavender Scare helped gay men and lesbians forge more of a bond than they had previously – united in persecution – and it ultimately provided much of the inspiration for what later became today’s LGBT movement.

The Lavender Scare inspired the first sustained gay organization in the US, as well as the most

influential early gay organization. In both cases, that’s the Mattachine Society – the original chapter in southern California launched by the late Harry Hay in 1951, and the Washington chapter in the 1960s from which the late Frank Kameny – a fired federal worker himself – made his name.

Hay named Mattachine after the Italian Renaissance’s court jesters – who, while wearing masks, were free to speak the truth. Hay conceived of Mattachine as a response to the government purges of gays, which was impacting his home base of Los Angeles by virtue of the increasing number of contractors working for the Defense Department in the region. Yet Hay kept Mattachine focused on providing education, research, and social services, not political activism or legal counsel. An early attempt to create an activist-oriented Washington chapter of Mattachine by Buell Dwight Higgins failed, and it wasn’t until Hay’s Mattachine had collapsed that Kameny was able to make it the force that ultimately pushed the federal government to stop its Lavender Scare purge. Under Kameny, the Mattachine Society of Washington worked from a “Gay is Good” premise. The organization developed pamphlets to help the accused – with titles such as “If You Are Arrested” and “How to Handle a Federal Interrogation” – and provided legal assistance to help them fight both the federal government and the DC police – and its “notoriously aggressive pursuit of homosexuals,” as Johnson put it. Eventually, disgruntled city residents and federal employees starting winning in the courts, and the local police and the federal government stopped targeting gays.

Kameny’s success in bettering life for gays and lesbians in Washington was so significant and so instrumental that the late Steve Endean, who founded the Human Rights Campaign Fund – today’s HRC – has called him the “grandfather” of the LGBT movement. “Kameny…has probably done more for lesbian and gay Americans than any other person,” Endean wrote in his 1993 memoir Into The Mainstream. Kameny also became the first openly gay candidate for Congress when he unsuccessfully ran as DC’s first nonvoting delegate to the US House of Representatives in 1971. His campaign committee reorganized as the Gay Activists Alliance – now the Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance – which helped secure passage of the DC Human Rights Law in 1973, one of the nation’s first laws banning discrimination against gays and lesbians. The next year then-Mayor Walter Washington tapped Kameny for the city’s Human Rights Commission, making Kameny the first openly gay appointee in DC government.

BAYARD RUSTIN AND THE MARCH ON WASHINGTON 1963

Frank Kameny had so much success with Mattachine in the 1960s in large part because he adapted tactics of the civil rights movement – such as building coalitions with other groups and seeking publicity for its efforts – to suit the LGBT cause. Interestingly enough, the civil rights movement’s initial success stems from the work of its own gay leader: Bayard Rustin. Martin Luther King, Jr. may be the man most associated with the seminal 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, but this first mass march on the National Mall succeeded because of Rustin. “In my judgment, Bayard Rustin was the only man who could have organized the march, and I say that out of some sense of history,” Eleanor Holmes Norton told Metro Weekly in 2013. Norton, DC’s long-serving representative to the US House, was a key figure in the 1963 march, and it was because of her efforts that President Barack Obama posthumously recognized Rustin with the Presidential Medal of Freedom during festivities marking the 50th anniversary of the march.

Rustin was also one of the first to gain national attention – mostly unfavorable – as an openly gay man. “Racism and homophobia have long clouded the narrative of Rustin’s work, erasing him from our history books and stymieing the proper celebration of his contributions to our country,” Sharon J. Lettman-Hicks

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LGBT march on the Mall was in 2009. This National Equality March, called for by activist David Mixner in part to protest a voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage in California, was intentionally more of a grassroots and lowkey affair than its predecessors. It attracted approximately 200,000 people.

The Second National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, held on October 11, 1987, has come to be known as the Great March.

It was a reaction in part to the Supreme Court’s ruling the previous year in Bowers v. Hardwick that states could criminalize sodomy between two consenting men, even in the privacy of a home.

(That decision, thankfully, was overturned in 2003.) Another principal motivating factor for the Great March was the AIDS crisis, which triggered intense political agitation and activism on the part of the movement throughout the latter half of the 1980s and into the ’90s. And a year later, it inspired the first National Coming Out Day, now held annually on October 11.

This was the era of ACT UP, or the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power, the formation of which was inspired by Larry Kramer in New York in the spring of 1987. The organization led protests that generated great publicity and eventually helped propel increased funding for AIDS research at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes of Health. Although it would have been better if such protests weren’t needed in the first place, both the LGBT movement and society at large are still reaping rewards from ACT UP’s activism. Most significantly have been two developments helping to curtail both the spread and the severity of the disease: The rise in the late ’90s of the treatment known as combination therapy, in which an HIV-positive person takes a daily regimen of antiretroviral drugs effectively preventing the development of AIDS; and the more recent rise in pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, a daily pharmaceutical regimen that effectively keeps HIV-negative people from seroconverting.

Within the next decade we may reap an even bigger reward from ACT UP’s pioneering push for AIDS research: a vaccine against the disease.

Researchers in the field have reported getting tantalizingly close to such a development. This would be something to celebrate every bit as much as other advances in the LGBT movement since the advent of Capital Pride.

--Doug Rule

Fabulous

JACK NICHOLS AND THE MATTACHINE SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON

Although the Mattachine Society of Washington’s (MSW) membership never exceeded 100 people, there were certainly more players involved than Frank Kameny.

One of its earliest and most influential members was Jack Nichols, a native of Chevy Chase, Maryland, who was younger and more of a hippie than Kameny. It was Nichols’ idea to picket the White House on April 17, 1965, in a protest linking treatment of homosexuals in America to that of the situation in Cuba, which at the time had just instituted homosexual labor camps. “Russia, Cuba and the United States Unite to Persecute Homosexuals,” read one of the MSW signs at the protest, which was small – only 10 participants – but also successful enough that the group soon organized similar pickets at other federal agencies – at the Pentagon, the State Department and again at the White House – all of which were well attended. In fact, Johnson writes that the pickets were “seen as the watershed moment in the gay rights struggle” before Stonewall made its mark.

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Before he moved from Washington in 1969, Nichols had also worked on MSW’s efforts forging links with the National Council of Churches, as well as its influential work in pushing the American Psychiatric Association to remove homosexuality from its list of mental illnesses – which finally happened in 1973. He was also one of the first to talk openly about his homosexuality on national television by appearing in the 1967 documentary CBS Reports: The Homosexuals. Sadly, even though he used the pseudonym Warren D. Adkins to protect his father, an FBI agent, his employers recognized Nichols and fired his father the very next day.

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BRUCE PENNINGTON AND THE GAY LIBERATION FRONT-DC By the summer of 1970, gay activists in the civil rights and antiwar movements, including those involved in the Black Panthers, saw a need for an organization on the radical left championing gay causes. Members of the Gay Liberation Front-DC (GLF-DC) lived together in a group house at 1620 S Street, NW, where they planned “zaps,” or raucous public demonstrations intended to shame the targets, at places as varied as Catholic University and the Georgetown Grill.

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of the National Black Justice Coalition wrote in the same issue of the local LGBT magazine. At the time of the march, Sen. Strom Thurmond (R-S.C.) took to the Senate floor to attack Rustin for being gay. Yet Norton says civil rights leaders rallied around Rustin at the time. “It was certainly before sexual orientation was even discussed. But we were young people and he was out – very out.

There were some among us who tried to make sure he behaved himself, because he was so precious to us.”

As part of his work in establishing the Rainbow History Project, Bruce Pennington recorded an oral history in which he credited GLF-DC as “the advance guard, the grandparents of ACT UP and Queer Nation.” The collective is also, in a sense, the grandparent of the Capital Pride Alliance, since the GLF-DC helped organize DC’s very first gay pride the first week of May 1972, a small affair with events including a program at Lafayette Park, an outdoor religious celebration, a dance, and a drag show at George Washington University.

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JOAN E. BIREN AND THE FURIES COLLECTIVE Another short-lived gay collective from the early 1970s was even more influential than the GLF-DC. Known as the allwomen Furies Collective, this group had a “profound effect on lesbian feminism,” according to University of Maryland scholar Julie R. Enszer. Among its members were Rita Mae Brown, author of the seminal, explicit 1973 lesbian novel Rubyfruit Jungle, and the major feminist scholar Charlotte Bunch of Rutgers University. Mary Farmer of DC’s former lesbian feminist Lammas Bookstore was also associated with the Furies, whose members lived together for a little over a year from 1971 to 1972 and contributed to the nationally distributed Furies newspaper. They also helped push the National Organization for Women to accept lesbians, something its founder and first president Betty Friedan – who once called lesbian feminists the “Lavender Menace” – was loath to do.

Another notable member was Joan E. Biren, who goes by her initials JEB. JEB taught herself to become a photographer while living in the collective, and went on to become the preeminent lesbian photographer/filmmaker of the LGBT movement. JEB’s 1979 book Eye to Eye: Portraits of Lesbians is almost assuredly the world’s first book of lesbian photography, one featuring only out and proud lesbians. “I come from a time when pictures of gays and lesbians were destroyed after you died, by families,” JEB says.

THE LGBT MOVEMENT’S “FATHER”: DEACON MACCUBBIN As founder and owner of storied Lambda Rising Books, L. Page “Deacon” Maccubbin literally put Washington’s LGBT community on the map.

But he also helped shape the community and give it the kind of presence and even prestige that it had never had before, chiefly by establishing a Pride celebration in 1975 – building on but surpassing the one-off event held three years prior by the Gay Liberation FrontDC, of which Maccubbin had been a member.

In 1974, this US Army veteran converted what was once a crafts and tobacco store in Dupont Circle into what became one of the nation’s largest and most successful gay bookstores.

Lambda Rising also became a meeting ground and launch pad for many new and struggling community groups. In 1975, in addition to organizing DC’s first official gay pride right in front of the bookstore, then located at 1724 20th Street, NW, Maccubbin published Just Us, the first guide to DC’s gay community, through the auspices of the Washington Area Gay Community Council, a group he founded and chaired. Through his activism and leadership, Maccubbin, often working in tandem with Frank

Kameny, was also instrumental in helping the DC city government and police department institute gay-friendly policies and curb antigay practices.

CLEVE JONES AND THE NAMES PROJECT AIDS MEMORIAL QUILT

Its roots may be in San Francisco, but the world’s largest piece of community folk art was first displayed and has had its biggest impact while in Washington. The project that became known as the AIDS Memorial Quilt was originally conceived as a tribute to San Francisco’s assassinated gay rights leader Harvey Milk. Activist Cleve Jones, who co-founded the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, created the first panel of the quilt in honor of his friend Marvin Feldman. The quilt was first laid out on the National Mall in 1987 and last displayed there in full in 1996, though a portion of it was returned in 2012 to coincide with the start of the XIX International AIDS Conference hosted in Washington.

Warehoused in Atlanta when not being displayed in portions around the world, the quilt now consists of more than 48,000 panels representing over 94,000 people, and weighs in at an estimated 54 tons. Each panel is three feet by six feet, roughly the size of the average grave – a nod to the fact that many people who died of AIDS-related causes, particularly in the disease’s first decade or so, did not receive proper funerals because of social stigma as well as fears of contagion by funeral homes and cemeteries. Serving as de facto memorials, complete with details about the deceased’s personalities and hobbies, the quilt is a quietly powerful and emotional testament to the size and variety of a whole generation of mostly gay or bisexual men, gone too soon.

BARNEY FRANK AND THE DAWN OF THE GAY INCUMBENT Barney Frank may not have set out to become America’s most prominent gay politician, but thankfully he also didn’t shy from that role once he did come out in 1987, while in his fourth term in Congress. A Democrat representing the Boston suburbs of Massachusetts, Frank was reelected by wide margins in every subsequent election until he retired in 2013. At the time this was a rather unprecedented feat for an openly gay politician, although it was essentially matched by the late Gerry Studds, Frank’s fellow Massachusetts Democrat who in 1983 became the first openly gay member of Congress. Studds would serve another six terms until retiring in 1997.

Known for his wit and humor, Frank ended his 32 years in the House as “one of the most powerful members of Congress,” according to the New York Times, and one who played a key role in shaping the government’s response to the financial crisis of the early 21st century. In the 1990s, he was one half – with Herb Moses – of what the Associated Press dubbed “Washington’s most powerful and influential gay couple.” He also became the first LGBT member of Congress to be married while in office when he married Jim Ready in 2012.

Frank left national office in 2013 as only one of a record eight LGBT members of Congress – including America’s first LGBT

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Senator, Tammy Baldwin, who, in a small but sure sign of progress, was elected to represent the same state, Wisconsin, that not quite a century earlier had given us Lavender Scare-monger Joe McCarthy. Prior to the US Senate, Baldwin had been re-elected six times to serve the 2nd Congressional District of Wisconsin in the US House of Representatives – and she was out as a lesbian from her first run in 1998.

LESBIAN VISIBILITY AT THE 1993 MARCH ON WASHINGTON

The 1993 “March on Washington for Lesbian, Gay and Bi Equal Rights and Liberation” wasn’t the movement’s first such march, and isn’t even regarded as its greatest – that would be the predecessor in 1987. But this, the third national LGBT march, was the first to generate wide public attention – in some measure thanks to filmmaker Joan E. Biren, or JEB, who used advanced technology to document the activities on the National Mall.

“It was the first time anybody but the government had put the large Jumbotron screens on the Mall, so that what we were doing could be seen all over the world,” JEB says. The march was spearheaded by Urvashi Vaid during the time she served as president of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, and bisexual activist Lani Ka’ahumanu all-but singlehandedly put the “Bi” in the event, right down to its title.

But women weren’t just behind the scenes at this march, which took place on April 25, 1993, only a few months after Bill Clinton was inaugurated as the 42nd President. In addition to Clinton, you can’t think of the gay 1990s without thinking of rock star Melissa Etheridge. Despite fears that coming out would jeopardize her career, Etheridge ended up breaking through to the mainstream after coming out in 1993 – the year she also released her multiplatinum-selling fourth album, appropriately titled Yes I Am, and had three of her biggest hit singles, the Grammy-winning “Come To My Window,” “I’m The Only One,” and “If I Wanted To.” Etheridge performed at the march, giving every gay and lesbian person in the country hope for a brighter future. Tennis legend Martina Navratilova was another prominent speaker at the march, which is also where the Lesbian Avengers launched its first Dyke March, in which more than 20,000 women participated the day before the big march.

REMOVING LGBT DISCRIMINATION IN THE MILITARY, MARRIAGE

In September of 2011, after the US military’s ban on openly gay and lesbian service members was finally repealed, retired Col. Margaret Cammermeyer presciently told Metro Weekly: “I think that we end up having sort of a ripple effect. The repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ will further justify the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act.” That ripple did in fact happen, not quite two years later. Of course, the roads to repeal of these inherently antigay policies of President Bill Clinton – known by their acronyms DADT and DOMA – were decades long. Cammermeyer herself had been fighting for open military service since she was discharged simply for coming out as a lesbian in 1992, the same year Clinton campaigned for the White House promising to open the military. A year later he capitulated to conservatives with

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DADT. A truly gay-welcoming US military wouldn’t emerge until the next Democratic President, Barack Obama, assented to the work of the many people and organizations – too many to cite here – all around the country that led this progressive charge.

This summer, two years since the US Supreme Court struck down DOMA, the justices will once again weigh in on the issue of marriage equality, deciding whether any one state may refuse to license same-sex marriages or to recognize samesex marriages from other jurisdictions. Even if they rule against the principle of marriage equality, this cause has now essentially won in the court of American public opinion, with a majority in favor of allowing two men or two women to marry. And the pace at which this progress has been achieved has been astounding.

The country was on Clinton’s side when he signed DOMA into law in 1996, only coming around in recent years, effectively since Obama took office in 2009.

In many ways, the success is a testament to the perseverance of Evan Wolfson, who has been championing this cause since he was merely a student at Harvard Law School over three decades ago. First through Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund and more recently through the organization he founded, Freedom to Marry, Wolfson has pushed the cause – even within the LGBT movement, where some thought marriage wasn’t worth fighting for, or at least not at the expense of other needs they deemed more pressing, such as employment protections in the private sector building on Kameny’s work with Mattachine.

Another influential figure in the fight for marriage equality was Washington-based writer Andrew Sullivan, who first laid out a conservative case for same-sex marriage through a cover story in The New Republic in 1989.

THE FUTURE IS NOW The average LGBT person today lives a prideful life unimaginable to our forebears, even those from just 40 years ago: Most of us in the Greater Washington area can live, work and love openly, honestly, and legally, without fear of discrimination, brutality, or reprisal; without being labeled mentally ill, perverted, or unfit for office, even in sensitive fields such as national politics or military intelligence. Most of us also see ourselves reflected to varying degrees in pop culture, from political leaders to TV celebrities. And although it’s possible Washington was gayer in the period between the two world wars, the city remains every bit as gay today as it has been in most of our living memories.

And yet, even now it’s still not all spacious skies and starlight. In a new book, Michelangelo Signorile warns against what he calls “victory blindness: the dangerous illusion that we’ve almost won.” Despite increasing tolerance and acceptance of LGBT people, and despite the relatively rapid national successes in creating an open military and advancing marriage equality, there’s still much to do, Signorile writes in It’s Not Over: Getting Beyond Tolerance, Defeating Homophobia, and Winning True Equality. This longtime activist and journalist argues that our advances are causing even early champions such as pop singer Madonna to prematurely declare victory. At the same time, the advances are enraging conservatives, who are scheming for new methods of attack.

For example, one obvious unresolved issue is the fact that private employers in many states are still allowed to discriminate against LGBT people. There’s still nothing to show for valiant efforts over the past two decades to pass through Congress a federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act, or ENDA. Such legislation would offer workplace protections in the private sector building on what Frank Kameny and the Mattachine Society of Washington helped achieve at the federal level.

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In fact, the fight against discrimination in the workforce and in business more generally may be getting more, not less, challenging, a result of conservative pushback against recent LGBT gains. Several states, most prominently Indiana and Arkansas, have jumped on the “religious liberty” bandwagon, passing laws that allow business owners to discriminate against LGBT people by refusing service on religious grounds. As reported

by Metro Weekly in April, most of those in the current crop of Republican nominees for president initially supported such discriminatory legislation. While some of these frontrunners have since joined fellow state leaders such as Indiana Gov. Mike Pence in backtracking from their initial positions, the willingness even to consider taking such an anti-gay stance suggests this debate over LGBT rights and so-called religious freedom will continue apace, at the very least as one factor in next year’s presidential race.

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Many LGBT advocates hope that this flare-up ultimately helps the cause, as the majority of Americans with a favorable and supportive view of their LGBT siblings and friends see just how hostile and retrograde conservatives can be by contrast. But as ever, it will only happen if everyone, even everyday citizens far from the movement’s leadership, stands strong and speaks up.

And there are plenty of things to speak up about and continue to work on, from reducing hate crimes and violence against LGBT people, to pushing for greater diversity in the movement and greater racial equality in society. We also need to continue addressing the menace of HIV/AIDS, as the epidemic still haunts the community three decades after its first round of calamity and devastation – this time by virtue of haphazard attention, support, and implementation of proven but costly treatment and prevention strategies.

But perhaps nowhere is it more obvious that the fight for full LGBT equality is far from won than in the area of transgender rights. For one thing, the repeal of DADT didn’t open the military to transgender people. And despite support expressed in recent months for lifting the trans ban from both President Obama and Defense Secretary Ashton Carter, no formal review of the policy has yet been ordered. For another, transgender people face far more struggles than the rest of those in the movement through discrimination in work and health care as well as violence and suicide.

Fortunately, there are many dedicated advocates working on these issues and more – from Sheila Lettman-Hicks of the National Black Justice Coalition to Mara Keisling of the National Center for Transgender Equality to – at the local level – Sheila Alexander-Reid, director of LGBT Affairs for DC Mayor Muriel Bowser. Perhaps their names will be among those added to a review of key moments and key players in the LGBT movement such as this, but 40 years hence, when Capital Pride turns 80.

May the so-called “capital of Fairyland, USA,” continue to set the pace and thrive.

DOUG RULE IS A FREELANCE WRITER COVERING THE ARTS, CULTURE AND PHILANTHROPY and a Contributing Editor to Metro Weekly.

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ERIC H. HOLDER, JR. FORMER ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES The Paving the Way award honors those in public life who have shown courage and leadership in helping to advance the cause of LGBT rights.

Eric H. Holder, Jr., was sworn in as the 82nd Attorney General of the United States on February 3, 2009, by Vice-President Joe Biden. He served in that position until May 3, 2015. As Attorney General he helped to place LGBT rights at the center of the Obama administration’s civil rights agenda. Mr. Holder worked for passage of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which the President signed into law in 2009. In 2011 President Obama and then-Attorney General Holder decided that the Justice Department would no longer defend the constitutionality of Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act, determining that the law had to be subjected to a higher standard of scrutiny. After the United States Supreme Court struck down Section 3 in United States v. Windsor, the Justice Department, under Mr. Holder, oversaw the government-wide implementation of the decision. Those efforts included: extending a variety of benefits to same-sex couples; a uniform policy ensuring that all same-sex married couples were recognized for federal tax purposes; a policy dictating that – for purposes of immigration law – same-sex and opposite-sex marriages would be treated exactly the same; and a policy ensuring that members of the military who are in same-sex marriages will receive the same benefits available to opposite sex couples. For the first time in history, in February 2014, then-Attorney General Holder issued guidance formally instructing all Department of Justice employees to give lawful same-sex marriages full and equal recognition – to the greatest extent possible under the law.

In 1997, Mr. Holder was named by President Clinton to be the Deputy Attorney General, the first AfricanAmerican named to that post. Prior to that, he served as US Attorney for the District of Columbia. In 1988, Mr. Holder was nominated by President Reagan to become an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.

Mr. Holder, a native of New York City, attended public schools there, graduating from Stuyvesant High School where he earned a Regents Scholarship. He attended Columbia College, majored in American History, and graduated in 1973. He graduated from Columbia Law School in 1976. While in law school, he clerked at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division. Upon graduating, he moved to Washington and joined the Department of Justice as part of the Attorney General’s Honors Program. He was assigned to the newly formed Public Integrity Section in 1976 and was tasked to investigate and prosecute official corruption on the local, state, and federal levels.

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Prior to becoming Attorney General, Mr. Holder was a litigation partner at Covington & Burling LLP in Washington. Mr. Holder lives in Washington with his wife, Dr. Sharon Malone, a physician, and their three children.

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JUSTIN MARKIEWICZ Justin was born and raised in northern Delaware. In 2002 he came to Washington, DC, for school. He attended the Catholic University of America and received his bachelor’s degree in architecture. In May 2006 he started his career in law enforcement with the Metropolitan Police Department in DC. Upon graduating from the police academy, he was assigned to the 6th police District. In 2010 Justin started his work with the Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit (GLLU). While working with the GLLU, Justin has worked tirelessly to help improve the relationship between the LGBT community and the police department. He has also worked on training recruits and veteran officers on LGBT issues.

Anyone who knows Justin will say that whether he is on duty or off, he is always willing to help members of the community to get the assistance and support they need. Members of the GLLU, including Justin, wear many hats. The members investigate crimes by and against the LGBT community, train officers of various experience levels, investigate bias crimes, conduct follow-ups with the victims of crimes and many other activities. The GLLU would not be possible without the strong support from the community. With this continued community support, Justin and other members of the GLLU will be able to help strengthen the Metropolitan Police Department and build a strong and enduring relationship between the Department and the community.

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FLASHBACK

PAUL KAWATA Since 1989, Paul Akio Kawata has served as executive director of the National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC), the premier organization dedicated to building leadership in communities of color to address the challenges of HIV/AIDS. Under Kawata’s direction, NMAC implemented the first HIV treatment education programs in the United States targeted to minorities, and increased its membership from 300 to more than 3,000 agencies and groups.

Due to Kawata’s efforts, NMAC has developed a range of international linkages and partnerships, and facilitated the first international HIV/AIDS conference in South Africa. Kawata has helped integrate NMAC’s work with that of general minority health and human service initiatives, developing significant program collaborations with national and regional lesbian, bisexual, gay, and transgendered (LBGT), women’s, African-American, Latino, Asian-Pacific Islander, and Native American advocacy, service, and professional organizations.

A leading HIV/AIDS advocate, Kawata has represented NMAC in many of the most significant legislative achievements in the fight against the epidemic.

These include the passage and renewal of the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act; the Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS (HOPWA) Act; the Americans with Disabilities Act; and the Congressional Black Caucus/Congressional Hispanic Caucus expansion of federal funding for HIV/AIDS programs in communities of color.

Prior to NMAC, Kawata served from 1985 to 1989 as founding executive director of the National AIDS Network. Kawata began his professional career in 1983 in Seattle as a staff liaison in the Office of the Mayor. Kawata graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a B.A. from the University of the Pacific in Los Angeles. He has an M.A. in urban planning from Antioch University.

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ALEXANDRA ERNST Alexandra (Alex) Ernst works in facilities management for a McLean-based startup serving government and private-sector clients. As Facilities Manager at Immix Group, she manages the Disaster recovery program, real estate portfolio and the Administrative support and Facility team. Prior to her work with Immix, she spent five years with Bechtel Corporation.

Since 2007, Alex has also served as a volunteer and local-community advocate with the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), where she has gained extensive experience in the DC metropolitan area LGBT community. She has co-chaired the HRC National Dinner twice, helping to raise over $2.5 million for the organization. She has also served as co-chair on the Greater DC HRC Steering Committee, joined the HRC Board of Governors, and the Executive Board of Governors – solidifying her role and impact as a leader for equality both in Washington, D.C. and nationwide.

Alex graduated from James Madison University in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts.

A Northern Virginia native, she currently resides in Arlington, Virginia, with her lovable shih-tzu, Mango.

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A native of Lexington, Kentucky, Gene grew up in a rural, fundamentalist congregation of the Disciples of Christ denomination, becoming an Episcopalian in college, and being ordained a priest in 1973. For 18 years prior to his becoming Bishop of New Hampshire, he served as assistant to the bishop for that diocese.

Gene “retired” as Bishop of New Hampshire (though it’s difficult to use “retired” as a word to describe him) in 2013, and made Washington, DC, (and the Logan Circle neighborhood) his home. He works as a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, where he works on policy and writes about issues facing the LGBT community, including marriage equality, “religious liberty” attempts to be exempted from anti-discrimination laws on the basis of religion, and the need for a broad range of social anti-discrimination policies regarding employment, public accommodation, and housing. He is especially interested in the ways LGBT issues and lives intersect with race, poverty, and immigration reform. He writes an almostweekly column for The Daily Beast, on a variety of social justice issues, believing it is important for the LGBT community to “show up” for other movements for justice: BlackLivesMatter, LGBT asylum seekers, Moral Mondays.

Since being in Washington, he was named one of the 21 most influential OUT Washingtonians by The Washington Post, has recently graced the cover of Metro Weekly, attends and often preaches/presides at St. Thomas Episcopal Parish, Dupont Circle, and serves as a board member for the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington. All of this while navigating the perilous waters of being single again and dating!

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Bishop Gene Robinson is perhaps best known for being the first openly gay, partnered bishop in historic Christianity. His election as Bishop of New Hampshire caused a worldwide controversy in the Anglican Communion (of which the Episcopal Church is a part) and a provocative conversation about sexual orientation around the world within Christian denominations and other faiths.

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Her 15 years of experience in policy made her a progressive powerhouse in Annapolis, where as a legislator she expanded health care to children, protected reproductive rights for women, guaranteed civil rights for LGBT families, safeguarded the environment, and brought new technology jobs to Maryland.

In 2006, Heather garnered the most votes in a seven-way primary and defeated two incumbents to capture her seat in the House of Delegates and was re-elected to a second four-year term in 2010. Heather’s emotional floor speech during the same-sex marriage debate helped swing key votes that made Maryland the eighth state to enact marriage equality.

In 2014, Heather Mizeur made her first run at statewide office as a Democratic candidate for governor. The first candidate in 20 years to opt into the state’s public campaign finance system, Mizeur built a grassroots movement that was electrified by her bold and thoughtful policy positions, her progressive vision for Maryland, and her refusal to negatively attack the other candidates in the race. Though she was outspent by 4:1 and 5:1 by the other candidates who had already amassed eight years of statewide name recognition, Heather finished the race in a virtual second-place tie and was praised by The Baltimore Sun as having run the most impressive campaign Maryland had seen in generations.

Heather’s father was a factory welder and UAW member his entire career. The time spent on picket lines with her dad built the foundation of Heather’s social justice principles and the summers spent working the corn fields to pay for college cultivated the strong character she demonstrates today.

Heather lives with her wife, Deborah, on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, where they are converting their 34-acres of land to become an organic herbal medicine farm.

HEREOS

Named twice to Maryland’s Top 100 Women list and The Baltimore Sun’s “Fifty Women to Watch,” Heather Mizeur has been called an “audacious risk-taker,” a “hero to a wide swath of Democrats,” and “one of the canniest politicians in Maryland today.”

2015 CAPITAL PRIDE

HEATHER MIZEUR

Denis Largeron Photography

WHITMAN-WALKER HEALTH THE LARRY STANSBURY AWARD FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO PRIDE Whitman-Walker Health has long been a strong supporter of Pride in the Nation’s Capital. Longtime Washingtonians may recall Pride events taking place behind Francis Junior High School, and then the Freedom Festival (near Freedom Plaza), which was the immediate predecessor to Capital Pride.

In 1997, when financial difficulties jeopardized the event, Whitman-Walker Clinic (as it was formerly known) joined “One In Ten,” a community organization, to sponsor the event. They renamed it Capital Pride and the festival was moved to Pennsylvania Avenue between 14th and 10th Streets NW in the heart of downtown Washington DC. Whitman-Walker provided a fulltime staff person as well as resources to grow the Capital Pride program.

When Whitman-Walker became the sole presenting sponsor of Capital Pride, it became part of the organization’s mission. Whitman-Walker moved the one-day parade and festival to Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, between 4th and 7th Streets, NW, and the festival’s main stage was repositioned. For the first time, the United States Capitol building served as backdrop as the fight for LGBT equality became an ever more important component of Capital Pride’s mission.

In 2004, Whitman-Walker moved the parade to early Saturday evening to provide an entire weekend of pride activities. The change proved popular as the number of contingents reached more than 200 for the first time. Attendance grew, with over 200,000 people celebrating over the course of the weekend each year.

In late 2006 and early 2007, Whitman-Walker began discussions with the community about the future of Capital Pride. In March 2008, after a series of community discussions, Whitman-Walker awarded production rights for Capital Pride to the Capital Pride Alliance – a group of volunteers from the Capital Pride Planning Committee with support from various organizations. WhitmanWalker helped produce Capital Pride through 2008 with the Capital Pride Alliance becoming the sole producer of the event beginning in 2009. Since that time, Whitman-Walker Health has remained a strong resource and top level sponsor of Capital Pride.

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Holly Goldmann was born in Baltimore and raised in New York City’s Gramercy Park. She’s an award-winning graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT).

Holly moved to DC in the late 1990s, and became involved with the community in 2006.

She has served as the Capital Trans Pride coordinator for the past six years. She has done extraordinary work overseeing all aspects of the event, sometimes doing so singlehandedly. In addition, Holly has been extremely adept at negotiating the sometimes challenging issues with which she has been presented. She has also served as an outstanding liaison between Capital Pride and Capital Trans Pride.

Holly has served as a board member of the DC Center since 2012, and recently joined the board of the Capital Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.

FLASHBACK

HONOREES

THE BILL MILES AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER SERVICE

2015 CAPITAL PRIDE

HOLLY GOLDMANN

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ENGENDERED SPIRITS

2015 CAPITAL TRANS PRIDE

Denis Largeron Photography

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BOBBI STRANG Bobbi Elaine Strang is a relative newcomer to the District, arriving in 2011, because, in her words, “I really like having rights.” Starting immediately out of the gate, she became engaged in the hope of improving the quality of life for members of her community. Currently, she serves on the Executive Board of GLOV, the Board of Directors for Metropolitan Community Church, and co-facilitates the Center Careers Program at the DC LGBT Center. Additionally, she regularly volunteers her services as a guitarist with the music ministry of Metropolitan Community Services. In the past, she served as an officer of the Gertrude Stein Democratic Club, a member of the Transgender Day of Remembrance planning committee, and a volunteer with the DC Trans Coalition.

Professionally, she was the first openly transgender individual to work at the District of Columbia Department of Employment Services where she provided case management in Project Empowerment and now serves as a claims examiner for the Office of Workmen’s Compensation. She is grateful to all the community advocates who came before her that made this possible. Additionally, she plays guitar with Gina Harlow, a pioneer of the New York City punk scene.

In her private life, she is known to share generously of her experience and knowledge in support of trans people and her openness about her experiences has helped many individuals – including her knowledge of trans medical procedures and the DC insurance rules regarding transgender health care. Moreover, she is proud to share her life with her partner, Elodie Huttner.

She serves as a role model for the community and an advocate for change.

Denis Largeron Photography

FLASHBACK

KAPRICE WILLIAMS Kaprice Williams is a native Washingtonian. She has been a full-time volunteer at Casa Ruby since the facility opened its doors. She handles everything from reception to programs and security. Kaprice genuinely cares about the safety of transgender men and women. She escorts volunteers to events and many of the clients home safely. Most of her work is with Casa Ruby. In addition, she is taking on other roles as the Casa Ruby Drop-In Center expands into different entities.

Kaprice’s dedication to the safety of trans people is very important to both the individuals involved and the city as a whole, especially considering the recent spate of murders involving trans women as victims, and particularly trans women of color.

Kaprice has been a beacon of hope who is able to offer many people both safety and security.

FLASHBACK

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To find out more, please visit AMTRAK.COM

An Interview With SamBy:Brinton Martin Moeller

T:10.875”

B:11.375”

S:10”

UNCONVERTED Anyone meeting Sam Brinton for the first time is likely to be smiling, and perhaps laughing, within mere seconds.

He projects a warmth and ebullience that quickly put others at ease, paving the way for unaffected, free-flowing conversation. His relaxed body language suggests that he is a person who is both comfortable with himself and eager to connect with other people.

These impressions belie Brinton’s ongoing struggle to come to terms with the emotional and physical pain he endured as a teenager, when his parents forced him to undergo so-called conversion therapy in order to “cure” him of homosexuality. The sorts of “treatments” to which Brinton was subjected are increasingly being recognized for what they are: a form of torture. Indeed, last November, the United Nations Committee Against Torture formally questioned U.S. officials about the prevalence of conversion therapy in this country, implicitly acknowledging that the barbaric practice falls within the committee’s purview.

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UNCONVERTED

In Brinton’s case, the attempted conversion clearly didn’t take. Having survived the abuse that was inflicted upon him in the name of salvation, he is now a proud gay man who retains his religious faith. He has become a prominent spokesman for the untold numbers of people who have suffered similar mistreatment—in fact, it was his testimony that helped motivate the U.N. committee to address the issue. Meanwhile, the 26-year-old Brinton recently moved to DC, where he is pursuing a career in nuclear energy and public policy.

Martin Moeller: What was your early childhood like, before you or your parents had any inkling that you were gay?

Sam Brinton: I am the son of Southern Baptist missionaries.

We spent a few years in the Amazon jungle. Early childhood memories include being chased by my dad while he held an anaconda. I traveled the country and the world with my parents, sharing positivity, sharing good news. I moved constantly, which means that a lot of my childhood was spent making instant best friends, because I didn’t know how much longer I’d get to know them. And that’s helped me a lot. If there’s a way to think about my activism, it’s that I just changed the missionary lifestyle from religion into the issue I cared about the most.

MM: Describe the incident that directly led to your hospitalization at the age of 12.

SB: Missionaries live in communes. Near this commune, me and a few of my friends found a Playboy in the trash. I felt myself so holy and righteous that it didn’t affect me, so I went and tattled on my friends to my parents. Then, in the same conversation, because I told my parents everything, I looked at my dad and said, “Sometimes I have those feelings, too, when I think about [my friend] Dale.” And I said it literally that matter-of-factly. I can’t describe how pure and innocent that first coming out was, because I didn’t realize I was doing it. I didn’t know there was this fear that I was supposed to have.

My father’s face fell, he came toward me and hit me. . . and then I woke up in the emergency room. I had “fallen down the stairs,” they said. I would “fall down the stairs” a few more times in the coming months, and my mom would finally say, “This isn’t working. [Sam] doesn’t understand why he’s scared of you—we need to fix him,” and that is what led us to the conversion therapist.

MM: What were the qualiFIcations of this “therapist” and what sorts of techniques did he use?

SB: Qualifications? Probably none. All of our therapy was based in faith, rather than science, so my assumption is that he was not a licensed therapist. I try not to address who he was, but what he did.

I would sit on the couch and he would tell me that I was the last gay person left in the world – which sounds ridiculous, but I had no reason to not believe him. I’d never met another gay person that I knew of. I was also told that the government was looking for gay people to kill them, 53

which was terrifying. And I mean, I’d lived in places where this completely made sense. The government does come through and kill people, so why wouldn’t it come and kill people like me who were apparently religiously bad?

A few weeks later the therapy turned to why the government wanted to kill us all – because we had brought AIDS into the country. I was told that this was raging inside my own body, and that I was going to die if I wasn’t fixed. And because I had AIDS, God hated me, and this was the death knell to me, because the one thing that had been stable in my life had been that God loved me. And now he didn’t anymore, and that was so painful. The first suicide attempt would occur pretty much right after that MM: How did the sessions develop from there?

SB: Then we moved into the aversion therapy. My hands would be placed in ice and pictures of men touching other men were shown, holding hands, just walking down the street, something innocent, but I was supposed to associate the pain, the cold, with what I was seeing. We would move into heat. Wires would be wrapped around my hands and heat would burn, not physically, but burn through my hands while pictures of men touching men were shown, and turned off when pictures of men touching women were shown.

Then we would move into electro-shock, where electrodes were placed on my fingers. Shocks were shoved into my body of excruciating electricity while pornographic images of men were shown to me. I don’t understand how a mom could sit in the other room while her child was screaming for mercy and didn’t stop it.

This happened over the course of months. I lost weight, I cried constantly at night. My sister would later be told that I had murdered someone and that my parents were trying to help rehabilitate me.

MM: What fInally brought this to an end?

SB: [I felt that] suicide was a sin, but God would have to forgive this, so I told my sister good-bye. She told my mom, and my mom found me on the roof of our missionary building. She said that she would love me again if I would just change, and she gave me enough time to think that if I fall and I don’t die, this is going to hurt really bad. So lying is a sin, but I’m going to die of AIDS anyway, why don’t I just lie? So I turned around and said, “He did it” – that God had saved me – and ran back into her arms. And it was like nothing ever happened. We erased that part of my life.

MM: You went on to have an exceptional academic career, becoming your high school’s valedictorian, then studying nuclear engineering and opera—I love that combination—at Kansas State University, where you came out as gay, and fInally earning a fellowship for graduate school at MIT. How did you negotiate that successful path?

SB: A lot of it is the internal drive to prove to yourself that you’re not broken. My parents had pushed learning as an art

and I took to that and said to myself that I deserved to know as much as I could before I was gone. That was honestly what I was thinking – this sense that I want to know, I want to understand, because maybe somewhere someone has felt something like I did.

Also I’ve heard of this concept – the Golden Boy syndrome – that we want our parents to believe that something’s good about us, and that’s probably true. Most of that time that I was valedictorian and doing well in college, my parents still believed I was straight. So I was proving to them that it had worked really well. Not only had I become straight, but I had become [their] academic dream child.

MM: Talk about your emergence as an activist.

SB: I got to Boston, and I was out – I was wearing rainbow shirts, and went out every weekend to gay dance clubs.

I [soon] told my story to a publication there called Bay Windows. This was the first time that it hit a large audience really fast. And then the flood of media requests came in and I wasn’t ready. And I had another suicide attempt there in Boston. It’s when I learned I was still not strong enough. I learned I needed real mental health support.

But I found passion, and that’s something that every activist dreams about. I started in academics, but I translated that passion to [public] education. A lot of my conversion therapy activism is not actual in-the-streets marching, it’s helping people realize that this is a thing.

MM: There have been some major successes lately.

SB: There are 15-20 states right now working on [banning] conversion therapy, whereas three years ago, we didn’t have anyone considering it, and everyone was concentrating on this marriage issue. Marriage has been a great, great moment, but it’s always been a fascinating subtext for me because. . . well, if I’m getting electrocuted for a few years before that, I’m never even going to make it to marriage.

So [the California legislation] happened right when I got to MIT. California was the very first bill to make it illegal for a licensed therapist to practice conversion therapy on anyone under 18. The next year, I started traveling and talking about this, [and then] New Jersey passed a bill, and this past year, DC. I have a list of, like, 27 universities right now that want me to come and visit them. This past week I got nominated to be the grand marshal for Boston Pride. I received the Courage Award from the National Center for Lesbian Rights, and I was the very first conversion therapy survivor to address the United Nations. I’m kind of on this roll right now of powerful stories. It’s a story that helps me connect with people in so many different ways.

MM: How do you deal with the continuing emotional scars from your childhood?

SB: All of my future partners have to deal with the definition of a broken person. I’m beautiful, but I’m broken. One of the after-effects of the therapy is that every time I hug a

MM: Do you think that fear is causing LGBT people to overlook this issue, or is it just blissful ignorance?

SB: I tend to believe blissful ignorance. We are scared of remembering a time when we weren’t comfortable with who we were.

MM: Despite what you endured, you seem to be an amazingly cheerful person. How do you avoid bitterness?

SB: I have found a home being “out there.” I’m a Sister of Perpetual Indulgence. . .

MM: Oh, really? What’s your name?

SB: [laughing] Ray Dee O’Active. I joined the Sisters because I found it’s this really beautiful place for me to be as out there as I wanted, but it was a socially acceptable space for that— it’s like, oh, that group’s allowed to be like that.

I’m exploring exactly what works for me. I started wearing heels because I wanted to be taller. I did the Mohawk because it was a way for people to remember something else about me other than the pain. Partly my image is a conversation starter—it’s okay to talk to me. That’s what a Sister is. We’re walking confessionals, because you can say anything to a Sister!

I’ve surrounded myself with a family. I’m so extroverted that I’ve been able to do that with lots of people – the [Gay Men’s] Chorus, the Sisters. I’m the vice president of advocacy for OSTEM, which is Out in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics – LGBT nerds. I get to do so much stuff partially because of the amazing people that surround me.

UNCONVERTED person or shake their hands, I still feel the shocks. And that’s okay, because I have to live with that for the rest of my life.

I choose to bring it on because I hate it when people pull back because they’re worried about hurting me, because that means I’m a leper.

MM: How would you rate LGBT organizations’ handling of the issue of conversion therapy?

SB: I think it is beyond offensive that most major LGBT organizations have not stepped up to the plate on this because conversion therapy is the literal erasure of your existence. Marriage is a space for us to join a community that already exists. It helps us become relatable to others.

But with conversion therapy, it’s like, “I hate you so much, that I want you to no longer exist. I’m not going to kill you, I’m just going to erase that part of you.” That to me is barbaric, and yet no one seems to talk about it. We know that there are hundreds of centers that offer conversion therapy. I estimate that there are thousands of survivors every year.

MM: How is your professional career shaping up?

SB: I am a clean energy fellow at Third Way, a centrist think tank. I do a lot of advising and education on advanced reactor physics. I also have a second job where I work as a consultant at the Bipartisan Policy Center, another think tank. I advise them on public communication in their nuclear waste initiative.

I tell my boss about my leather weekends. I tell my family members about my trips to the United Nations. I’m so open because there’s nothing that you can hold against me.

This is my life: where can I take this next adventure? Because as horrible as that experience was in my childhood—it trained me that I was not worthy of living—now I live life to its fullest. I try to make sure that whether you see me at a club dancing my heart out, or you see me in church praying, or you see me at my desk crunching neutronics numbers, all three of those are places where I get to let a little bit of Sam out, and that’s beautiful.

MARTIN MOELLER IS A CURATOR, WRITER, AND EDITOR SPECIALIZING IN ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN. HE IS THE ASSISTANT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF THE 2015 PRIDE GUIDE.

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2015 PARADE GRAND MARSHALS DEACON MACCUBBIN

WILSON CRUZ

Deacon’s Lambda Rising bookstore became a focal point for DC’s LGBT community and inspiration for LGBT people around the country for 35 years. As Deacon said on his retirement:

Puerto Rican by heritage, Cruz was born in New York City, the eldest of three brothers. At the age of 10, his family moved to San Bernardino, California, where he graduated from Eisenhower High School. He then attended California State University at San Bernardino, where he was pursuing a double major in theater and English before he joined the cast of My So-Called Life.

Starting DC’s annual Pride celebration 40 years ago would be enough to make Deacon Maccubbin a local LGBTA legend. But Deacon’s contributions go far beyond that.

“For 35 years, I went to work every day knowing that not only was the work going to be fun, but it was going to change lives for the better. There was evidence of that all around me, in the faces of the people who crept tentatively into the store for the first time, not quite knowing what to expect, and in the more confident strides of people returning for their umpteenth visit. In the letters we received from young people, from their parents, thanking us for offering a safe space where they could be themselves or learn about their people. And even through the harassment, the broken windows, the things smeared on our store front, the constant barrage of harassing phone calls, the bomb threats and blackmail threats — because you know you are being effective, your work is worthwhile, when your opposition runs out of arguments and resorts to violence.”

Deacon was an active member of the Gay Liberation Front and the Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance. In the late 1980s, he founded the annual Lambda Literary Awards to “identify and celebrate the best lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender books of the year and affirm that LGBTQ stories are part of the literature of the world.” He also played a pivotal role in the passage of DC’s Human Rights Law and marriage equality law.

Wilson Cruz is known for playing Rickie Vasquez on My SoCalled Life and the recurring character Junito on Noah’s Arc.

Cruz went on to play J. Edgar Hoover’s servant Joaquin in Oliver Stone’s film Nixon. He also appeared with David Arquette as Mikey in Johns, about the day-to-day struggles of male prostitutes. In 1998, he portrayed Angel in the Broadway production of RENT and had a recurring role as Rafael de la Cruz on the series, Raising the Bar. Other acting credits include the films Joyride, Party Monster, Margaret Cho’s Bam Bam and Celeste, Coffee Date, and He’s Just Not That Into You. In the movie The People I’ve Slept With, Cruz played the openly gay best friend of a promiscuous woman who tries to find out who got her pregnant so that she can get married.

Cruz works with and advocates on behalf of LGBT youth, especially youth of color. He has volunteered his time as host for the Youth Zone, an online community at Gay.com for LGBT youth. In 2008, he was the keynote speaker at the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Lavender Graduation and Rainbow Banquet honoring graduating LGBT students.

Cruz joined the board of directors of GLAAD in 1997 and joined the staff of GLAAD in 2012 as a national spokesperson and the organization’s Strategic Giving Officer.

In his rare free time, Wilson finds relaxation in playing the saxophone. Connect with Wilson via F/T/I @wcruz73

Empowering individuals.

Unlocking innovation.

Booz Allen is proud to support The Capital Pride Alliance and their work programming and stewarding LGBT organizations and events that celebrate, motivate, and support diverse communities.

We believe unique perspectives contribute to innovative ideas and inspired thinking—driving better results for our clients, and the world around us. And our commitment to an inclusive environment means facilitating understanding and awareness, and creating initiatives to improve the quality of work life for all staff.

To find out more about our work, our people, and career opportunities, visit boozallen.com/careers.

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PARADE MAP & GROUPS

2015 CAPITAL PRIDE

PRIDE SURVIVAL GUIDE TO ENSURE ALL PARADE AND FESTIVAL ATTENDEES HAVE A GREAT TIME, THE CAPITAL PRIDE TEAM SUGGESTS PARTICIPANTS CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING: WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES. WEAR SUNSCREEN. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER AND NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES. METRO POLICE: •Be advised, members of the Metropolitan Police Department are responsible for enforcing all applicable laws and ordinances.

Such statutes include, but are not limited to: public decency, alcohol, controlled substances, public safety, and standard vehicle insurance requirements.

•Please note, the recent relaxation of the District’s marijuana laws does not extend to outdoor spaces.

ACCESS: Some attendees are limited in their ability to walk long distances.

If you think you might need assistance, consider renting a wheelchair or scooter.

RECYCLE Capital Pride is committed to sustaining our planet. Do your part and recycle or reuse.

PARKING WITH PRIDE Driving to Capital Pride? Book discounted parking with SpotHero.

When you do, SpotHero will give you five percent off your parking reservation and donate $5 to the Capital Pride Alliance. Promo code: PARK4PRIDE upon checkout to start raising money. Visit SpotHero’s Website to access your Capital Pride Parking Pass (www.spothero.com).

HAVE FUN AND BE SAFE. IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING

PARADE SURVIVAL GUIDE KICKOFF: The Parade kicks off on Saturday, June 13, at 4:30 p.m. from the corner of 22nd and P Streets, NW. REVIEW STAND VIEWING POINTS AND FINISH TIME The Judges Review Stand, with emcee Brock Thompson, is located on P Street just east of 15th Street.

The final float should pass the review stand around 7:15 p.m.

An announcement stand is located just past Dupont Circle on New Hampshire Avenue and 18th Street.

Avoid the crowds in the Circle and stretch out in the shade along New Hampshire Avenue.

THE FAMILY ZONE: New for 2015 is the Family Zone, located in Stead Park near the Parade route on 17th and P Streets. The Pride Family Fun Zone offers families with children a break from the heat and the street between 3:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Fun for kids of all ages, bring your family and make memories with lawn games, inflatables, and more!

ACCESSS Accessible space is reserved and American Sign Language interpreters are available at both the review and announcement stands.

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PRIDE PARTNER

AARP

Erie Insurance

PNC Bank

Adas Israel Congregation

Facebook DC

Pole Pressure

AFGE (American Federation of Government Employees)

Flaggots Ohio

Quakers for Equality

AHF-AIDS Healthcare Foundation

Food & Friends

Rachel Pearl

All Souls Memorial Episcopal Church

Food Lion

ReconcilingWorks

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention,

Foundation Angie

Redfin

National Capital Area

Freddie’s Beach Bar

Rockville United Church

American Military Partner Association

Friendship Hospital for Animals

RUSA LGBT DC

Annapolis Best Twins Movers

Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC

Sally Kim

Ardiente

Gentle Giant Moving Company

Scandal DC

Arlington Gay & Lesbian Alliance (AGLA)

George Mason University PD

Scouts For Equality - Washington, DC Chapter

Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists

Gertrude Stein Democratic Club

Seabury Resources for Aging

Astroglide

GIWC

Seventh-day Adventist Kinship International

AtlasVet

GLIFAA LGBT+ Pride in Foreign Affairs Agencies

Smithsonian Institution GLOBE

BAE Systems Inc

GLINT, World Bank GLOBE,

Sodexo

Balance Gym

and International Organizations in D.C

[solidcore]

Barefoot Wine & Bubbly

GLOE

SMYAL

Bet Mishpachah

GW LGBT Alumni Association

St. John’s Episcopal Church of Chevy Chase

Big Bus Tours

Heart to Hand

St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church

Bobby McKey’s Dueling Piano Bar

Heineken

Starbucks

Booz Allen Hamilton

Hilton

State Farm Insurance

Capital Area Food Bank

Homeward Trails Animal Rescue

Stoli

Capital Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce

HOT 99.5

Studio Theatre

Capital One

Human Rights Campaign

Studio V Private Musical Education

CareFirst ProPride

Hyatt Hotels-Hypride

SunTrust

Casa Ruby

Inspired Teaching School

Tagg Magazine

Celebrity Cruises

Jose Contreras

TD Bank

Centaur MC/ Leather Contingent

Kaiser Permanente

Team DC

Chesapeake and Potomac Softball (CAPS)

KhushDC

The Academy of Washington, Inc

Chipotle

Kofi Nartey

The British Embassy

Chocolate City Burlesque & Cabaret

La Clinica del Pueblo/¡Empodérate!

The DC Center for the LGBT Community

Choice Hotels International

Youth Center

The Embassy Row Hotel

ChurchesUnitedInPride

Latino GLBT History Project

The Field School

Citi Community Development (LGBT Employees)

LGBT Mormons, Families and Friends

City Dogs Rescue

Liberation - D.C.

The Lesbian & Gay Big Apple Corps Marching Band

Cobalt

Library of Congress GLOBE/

Councilmember Charles Allen - Ward 6

Senate GLASS/LGBT CSA

Councilmember Jack Evans

Little River UCC

CSC

Live! Casino

Dacha Beer Garden

LivingSocial

DARCARS

Lockheed Martin PRIDE

DC Brau

Logan Circle Community Association

DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson

Marriott

DC Front Runners

Melrose Georgetown Hotel

DC Gurly Show and DC Kings

Metro DC PFLAG

DC Habitat For Humanity

Metro Weekly

DC Office of Human Rights

Microsoft

DC Public Library

MPDC GLLU

DC Public Schools

National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts

DC Rawhides

National LGBT Veterans Memorial

DC Strokes Rowing Club

Nellie’s

DC’s Different Drummers

Northrop Grumman

Denizens Brewing Co

NOVA Pride

Diageo Rainbow Network

NovaSalud,Inc

Dignity/Washington

Olde Towne Pet Resort

District of Columbia Aquatics Club (DCAC)

One Love Massive

DORTCHDESIGNS

One Medical Group

Dupont Circle ANC 2B

Open Doors More Light Presbyterians

Dupont Circle Citizens Association (DCCA)

OUT Riders Women’s Motorcycle Club

Dupont Festival

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals

Episcopal Church of the Ascension

Planned Parenthood Action Fund

FLASHBACK

PARADE CONTINGENTS as of 5.6.15

SPONSOR

The Nature Conservancy The Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism The Trevor Project Uber Unitarian Universalists of DC, Maryland, Virginia and the Washington Ethical Society United Methodist Church United States Armed Forces (DoD Military, Civilians, and families) Vincent Orange, Councilmember At-Large, Council of the District of Columbia Washington Blade Washington National Cathedral WeddingWire WeJustCleanUp Wells Fargo Whitman-Walker Health WJLA Zipcar

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Can’t Hide Our Pride.

Real Possibilities start with a dream and turn into a lifelong achievement that everyone can celebrate.

AARP is glad to be a part of living your best life.

Visit aarp.org/pride to discover the difference being an AARP member can make in your life. AARP is a Proud Sponsor of 2015 Capital Pride.

Real Possibilities is a trademark of AARP.

Š 2015 Hilton Worldwide

Equality

Celebrating Pride 2015

Hilton. Ready and waiting at 12 hotel brands, in over 2,000 cities.

Hilton.com/GoOut

washington blade file photo by michael key

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AND

R E SE AR CH

WOMEN’S KICKOFF PARTY Pride In The Sky 6.5 CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF PRIDE PRESENTED BY

OFFICIAL

EVENT

7:00 PM - 11:00 PM ROOFTOP AT 2101 L STREET NW

PRESENTED BY THE LADIES OF LURE AND TAGG MAGAZINE HOSTED BY ACKERMAN BROWN PLLC

Tortilla Coast is a proud sponsor off Pride in the Nation’s Capital and the LGBT community.

capitol hill | logan circle | tortillacoast.com |

/ tortillacoastlogancircle | @tortillacoast

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TODAY TO MAKE YOU FEEL PROUD? 2101 L Street NW, Suite 440 Washington, DC 20037 202 393 5428

ackermanbrown.com

A D I F F E R E N T K I N D O F L AW F I R M

SATURDAY NIGHT

FEVER: A POOLSIDE

COCKTAIL PARTY Saturday, June 6 8 p.m. – 9 p.m. VIP Hour 9 p.m. General Admission Penthouse Pool and Lounge 1612 U St., N.W. Boogie your way right into Capital Pride Week with us at this funky rooftop party!

To purchase tickets visit www.hrc.org/saturdaynight.

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PHOTO: JOHNJACK PHOTOGRPAHY

PRIDE IN THE NATION’S CAPITAL

DAY IN THE PARK 6.7

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF PRIDE PRESENTED BY

OFFICIAL

EVENT

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF PRIDE PRESENTED BY

OFFICIAL

EVENT

3PM-10PM STEAD PARK FAMILY TIME DRAG-BALL MOVIE NIGHT:

TO WONG FOO, THANKS FOR EVERYTIHNG, - JULIE NEWMAR

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40th CELEBRATION, JUNE 3 - 14, 2015 CELEBRATING 40

PRIDE IN THE NATION’S CAPITAL

YEARS OF PRIDE PRESENTED BY

OFFICIAL

EVENT

8PM TOWN DANCEBOUTIQUE

Hosted by:

Joshua Morgan

ON STAGE: Shayna Blass Michael Mainwaring Bobby Smith Grant Saunders Brian McNally Bridget Lindsenmeyer Harrison Smith Bayla Whitten Farrell Parker Dorea Schmidt Jimmy Mavrikes Ines Nassara Natascia Diaz Potomac Fever from Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington

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PRIDE IN THE NATION’S CAPITAL

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF PRIDE PRESENTED BY

OFFICIAL

EVENT

8:30PM BUSBOYS AND POETS ALL SOULS CHURCH UNITARIAN 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM 1500 HARVARD ST NW, WASHINGTON, DC

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PRODUCTION PARTNER:

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF PRIDE PRESENTED BY

OFFICIAL

EVENT

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF PRIDE PRESENTED BY

OFFICIAL

EVENT

SCANDAL DC PRESENTS CAPITAL PRIDE

JELLO WRESTLING

WEDNESDAY JUNE 10TH @9PM

BECOME A FAN ON FACEBOOK HERE:

https://www.facebook.com/scandaldcparty

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We’re proud to celebrate pride.

Everywhere.

Every day.

We’re with you.

From our Employees, to our Customers, to our community, we celebrate pride with everyone. #ForeverProud

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PRIDE IN THE NATION’S CAPITAL

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF PRIDE PRESENTED BY

OFFICIAL

EVENT

PRESENTED BY

THE EMBASSY ROW HOTEL 7-10PM 2015 MASSACHUETTS AVE NW

SPONSOR

Photo: Shawn Lo

GET YOUR PRIDE WEEKEND OFF TO A RUNNING START.

DC FRONT RUNNERS

PRIDE RUN 5K Presented by

and

JUNE 12, 2015, 7PM • WASHINGTON, DC Kick-start your Capital Pride celebration when this chip-timed, evening 5K run & walk returns on Friday, June 12.

The friendly competition will be followed by a Finish Line Party brought to you by JR’s Bar, featuring beer for race participants, a live DJ, entertainment, awards for the race’s top performers & random prize drawings. All race registrants receive a Nike Dri-FIT race shirt. Funds raised support SMYAL, the Team DC LGBT StudentAthlete Scholarship fund, and Capital Pride. Line up with friends and Flashback to the Start!

Register today!

Learn more at dcfrpriderun.com!

PRESENTING SPONSORS

FINISH LINE PARTY

CHARITY PARTNERS

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage is PROUD to be a Bronze sponsor of Capital Pride 2015.

Please visit our booth at the Sunday Pride Festival!

Working with a Coldwell Banker agent to buy or sell your home means you are working with someone who is passionate about their pride in our community. Trust your motivated, knowledgeable, and experienced agent with your next transaction, and take pride in your choice to help the community you love.

KEVIN MCDUFFIE

Are you interested in an exciting career in real estate? Call

BRANCH VICE PRESIDENT me to discuss the advantages of working with Coldwell Banker.

202.439.2435

We are thrilled to announce our office is moving to Logan Circle.

Look for us at 1617 14th Street NW this summer! (corner of 14th & Corcoran Streets NW)

ROB CLARK

240.460.0757

rob.clark@mortgagefamily.com

ADAM ARNOLD

ERIK EVANS

www.aeresidentialgroup.com

www.aeresidentialgroup.com

202.657.2577

202.731.3142

Š2014 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker is a registered service mark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.

COLDWELL BANKER RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE DUPONT CIRCLE OFFICE 202.387.6180

Thank you for making Coldwell Banker Dupont DC’s #1 office in both listings and sales – three years in a row!

(2012-2014)

BO BILLUPS

202.431.4052

ATUL GARG

202.415.6413

CHRISTOPHER BULKA 202.420.8919

bbillups@cbmove.com

atul@atulgarg.com

christopher.bulka@cbmove.com

J JAMES BRAEU

KERRY MULDOON

JOHN PETERS

james@jamesbraeu.com

kerry.muldoon@cbmove.com

202.215.2240

202.436.1268

202.230.8791

john.peters@cbmove.com

An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC.

PHOTO: BODERSTAN

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Forty years ago, DC saw the first of what would become an annual celebration of our city’s LGBTA community.

In the intervening four decades, Capital Pride has grown from a small street festival to nearly two weeks of activities, culminating in a huge parade and festival that draw hundreds of thousands of people each year.

But Pride is about more than the events and the statistics. It’s about the people who come for a sense of community, a chance to have fun, and to find a place where they feel welcome.

This year, as always, will be someone’s very first Pride. And that’s one of the main reasons why Pride is still so important after 40 years.

We asked some members of our community to share their favorite Pride memories and stories. And we can’t wait to hear the stories that come from this year’s Pride!

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Jeremy Flanigan

As a native Washingtonian, my first Capital Pride was in 1995 when I was 17 years old and closeted. After having lived away from DC for 12 years and attending different Pride celebrations, I returned to live in our nation’s capital and have established a flourishing career in which I am out and proud.

Ken South

My first Gay Liberation Parade was in NYC, walking up 7th Avenue in June 1972.

I was by myself, so I ended up in many different groups as we walked along. The most memorable was the Gay Vietnam Veterans Against the War group led by Dr. Benjamin Spock!

Angelique Hannah

The first time I laid eyes on what was about to be the love of my life was at Capital Pride 2014. She brought her motorcycle to ride with OUT Riders WMC [Women’s Motorcycle Club], which I am a member of. Over the last year she has since joined the club and we were able to meet once again. Our love for motorcycles, our love for supporting our community brought us together! This year we will be riding side by side in what will be our one-year meeting anniversary. Celebrating that day we met in style and in love!

Lauren Leopard

Two years ago after the Parade finished, two friends and I started following the Parade as if we were a part of it.

Prince Vasquez

Two years ago, Pride saved my life by showing me [that] though my friends don’t accept me and my family is fighting to accept me, the world does accept me and showed it to me. Last year I volunteered for Pride and I met, saw, and experienced a lot. I love this community.

Christina Carmon

I met my future wife last year at the parade. We met while leading the parade in the OUT Riders Women’s Motorcycle Club.

I’m planning on proposing after the parade in front of our club!!!!

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Jill McCrory

In 2004 three or four Baptists from two churches walked in the parade with PFLAG. It was such an incredible experience that we gathered more welcoming and affirming Baptist churches and built our own contingent. Ten years later, in 2014, we had over 60 marchers, three vehicles and nine churches! People are always amazed to see “the Baptists” in the Parade and we are honored to show our Baptist Pride!

CJ Sidener

Pride is the most important to me because it’s a chance to be myself around others who are just like me. This year, Flashback will be my first-ever Capital Pride Festival, and I am super excited to be marching on Saturday and taking part in the festivities.

Oscar (Osky) Lasso

DC Pride and its festival will always be part of my life. The two most phenomenal moments were being on the parade advocating for marriage equality in the District in 2005, before it was legal. Also, seeing PFLAG parents marching with their sons and daughters always gives me goosebumps.

Pride sends a message that we are human beings demanding our human rights and that we will continue to host Pride until everyone is treated equally.

I am celebrating that I met my husband at Pride eight years ago.

Michael LeVan

I enjoy Pride every year. It is like a part of heaven comes down and I enjoy the awesome love I feel there from all the people. It is like hugs from everyone. I stay strong all year long.

Rewanna Carter

Last year was my first Pride event. It meant so much to me to be able to walk side by side with my daughter and daughter-in-law to show my love and support of their love. It was a very emotional experience and one that I hope to repeat in the future.

WANT TO SHARE YOUR FAVORITE PRIDE STORY? VISIT US AT: FACEBOOK/CAPITALPRIDEDC AND POST YOUR STORY!

We have pride all year round

Each person is unique sohealth. is your health.

Each person is unique and soand is your That’s why we proudly support why the Capital Pride and support Capital TransPride events.Pride That’s we proudly the Capital and Capital TransPride events.

Visit kp.org/pride to learn more.

Visit kp.org/pride to learn more.

Kaiser Health Plan of the Mid-Atlantic States,call Inc., 2101 East Jefferson MD 20852 ForFoundation more information about Kaiser Permanente, 1-800-777-7904 or St., visitRockville, kp.org/pride.

150265_CapitalPride_A_ad 5/1/15-6/30/15 Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Mid-Atlantic States, Inc., 2101 East Jefferson St., Rockville, MD, 20852 150265_CapitalPride_A_ad 5/1/2015-6/30/2015

ADVERTORIAL

CHRONICLED IN THE WASHINGTON BLADE

By KEVIN NAFF Editor, Washington Blade

It’s often said that newspapers are our first draft of history, and that certainly is true for coverage of Washington, D.C.’s Pride celebration, which marks its 40th anniversary this year.

The Washington Blade has been there throughout the ups and downs of that history, from Pride’s modest beginnings in Dupont Circle through the height of the AIDS crisis, when it was difficult to celebrate, to its modern incarnation as a magnet for corporate promotions and big-name pop music acts.

Over the years, the Blade’s coverage of Pride and of the city has changed with the times. Who could have imagined 40 years ago that the U.S. armed forces would send a Color Guard to kick off the Pride parade, as it did last year? Or that the city would embrace the Pride parade and festival, with tens of thousands lining the parade route each year? Or that legally married gay and lesbian couples with children would march alongside the Dykes on Bikes and leather contingents?

The increased acceptance and visibility of the LGBT community extends to the Blade as well, which celebrated its 45th anniversary last year. The early writers and editors of the Blade likely could not have conceived of a time when Blade staff would be welcomed into the White House press pool and acknowledged by the president of the United States at the annual correspondents’ dinner, as we were last year. The pace of change has been breathtaking, even for the most optimistic among us.

To celebrate and remember all that the community has been through over the years, the Blade is publishing a glossy magazine filled with photos from each of Pride’s 40 years. Check it out in print on June 5 or online at washingtonblade.com.

Congratulations to Capital Pride for its success in continuing the important traditions of celebrating Pride in D.C.

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FLASHBACK

ORIGINAL BLADE COVERS FROM THE FIRST GAY PRIDE CELEBRATION IN 1975

VISIT US | LOEWSHOTELS.coM | 800.23.loews

BROUGHT THEM TO THEIR FEE T. AND LEF T HAND IN HAND.

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FESTIVAL MAP & BOOTHS

2015 CAPITAL PRIDE

FESTIVAL SURVIVAL GUIDE The Capital Pride Street Festival occurs along Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 7th Streets on Sunday, June 14, between 12:00 noon and 7 p.m.; the Capitol Stage Concert will continue on the Capitol Stage until 9:00 p.m. The United States Capitol has served as the iconic backdrop to the Capitol Stage for hundreds of performances from local and national entertainers, politicians, and activists for 19 years.

The Festival is DC’s largest annual one-day event with over 150,000 visitors, nearly 300 sponsor and vendor exhibits, three entertainment stages, three beverage gardens, a family area, and numerous food vendors offering a huge selection of various cuisines.

DONATIONS Although the Festival is free, please consider supporting Capital Pride with a $5 - $20 donation as you enter the Festival site from 7th Street or 6th Street so we can continue to keep it free for many years to come!

FAMILY AND PET POLICY The Festival is family friendly. However, due to large crowds and very hot asphalt, we must insist that four-legged family members (pets) stay at home.

The Family Area and Kids Fun Zone has been expanded and moved to 4th Street.

Be sure to visit and enjoy the inflatable water slide, moon bounce, and other fun family activities.

INFORMATION AND CAPITAL PRIDE MERCHANDISE Visit the Festival information booth on Pennsylvania Avenue and 6th Street with any questions for Festival staff or to purchase official Capital Pride merchandise.

ACCESSIBLE PARKING Limited accessible parking is available on Constitution Avenue (enter from 7th Street). You will need to display your documentation to pass the police checkpoint.

GENERAL PARKING/METRO Parking is extremely limited near the Festival site. We encourage participants to take Metro using the following stations: Federal Triangle (Orange/Blue), Metro Center (Red/Orange/Blue), Gallery Place (Red/Yellow/Green) or Archives/Navy Memorial (Yellow/Green ).

RESTOOMS Restrooms are located north of Pennsylvania Avenue on 6th Street, north of Pennsylvania Avenue near 4th Street, and inside each Beverage Garden.

ALCHOHOL POLICY Alcoholic beverages are sold only at the Beverage Gardens within the Festival grounds. Beverages purchased inside the Gardens must be consumed inside the fenced area; Absolutely no beverages (including water) may be taken into or outside of the fenced area.

RUBY ROAD New for 2015 is Ruby Road: The 40th Celebration of Capital Pride. Ruby Road will feature a large-scale replica of the timeline that is included in this book. There will be plenty of photo opportunities and nostalgia to keep you entertained. During your visit, you will be able to enjoy cocktails, selections from the food court, and performances at the Monument Stage. The area will have covered seating and picnic tables. While Ruby Road is open to people of all ages, please be aware that alcohol is being served, and therefore all beverages must stay within the fenced area. Persons under 21 years of age who illegally consume alcohol are subject to ticketing, prosecution, and removal from the Festival.

KEEP HYDRATED Drink plenty of water and other non-alcoholic beverages to stay hydrated.

FIRST AID First Aid is available on-site and qualified medical personnel will assist you. If you are feeling ill or become injured, please seek help at one of these locations on 4th or 6th Streets, NW; or ask any Pride volunteer in the bright staff shirts for assistance.

ATMS ATMs are located throughout the Festival site.

PLEASE, NO PETS, NO GLASS, NO BOTTLES, AND NO LAWN CHAIRS. Thank You!

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SPONSOR

PRIDE PARTNER

10 Billion Lives Tour Abbvie Hepatitis C Community Education Program Adas Israel Congregation Advocates for Survivors of Torture and Trauma Affirmation LGBT Mormons, Families & Friends AFGE (American Federation of Government Employees) AHF-AIDS Healthcare Foundation All Souls Memorial Episcopal Church Amber Forever Amber American Civil Liberties Union of the Nation’s Capital American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, National Capital Area American Military Partner Association American University Pride Alumni Alliance Americans United for Separation of Church and State Ameritech Construction Amnesty International USA Amtrak Annapolis Best Twins Movers Arena Stage Arlington Gay & Lesbian Alliance (AGLA) Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists Astroglide AXIOS/DC Bartered Threads Bath Fitter Be You Fashion Beldon Home Solutions Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Bet Mishpachah Blue Dog Boarding and Daycare Kensington Boeing Booz Allen Hamilton BRO Calvary Baptist Church Cannabis Style Capital Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Capital Area Rainbowlers Association Capital One Capital Splats Racquetball League Capital Tennis Association Casa Ruby Celebrity Cruises Central Intelligence Agency Chipotle Choice Hotels International Church of the Pilgrims ChurchesUnitedInPride CIC Wealth Citi Community Development (LGBT Employees) Cleveland Park Congregational United Church of Christ Closet America Coldwell Banker Compassion Over Killing CruiseOne (SmithPollin Group) CSC DARCARS Darryl! Moch DC Front Runners DC Leather Pride DC Office of Human Rights

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Eastern Women’s Baseball Conference Edward Jones Investments Episcopal Church of the Ascension Erie Insurance Ernest Walker Eye Doctors of Washington Family & Youth Initiative Family Equality Council FCKH8 Federal Bureau of Investigation Federal Triangles Soccer Club Food & Friends Food Lion Friendship Hospital for Animals Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC Gay Men’s Health Collaborative Gay Spirits GLIFAA LGBT+ Pride in Foreign Affairs Agencies GLOE Gold Key Resorts Habitat For Humanity DC HAHSTA-Rubber Revolution Hard Rock Cafe Heart to Hand Heineken Helping Hands Affordable Veterinary Surgery & Dental Care Hilton Historical Society of Washington, D.C. Homeward Trails Animal Rescue Hot 99.5 Human Rights Campaign Hyatt Hotels-Hypride Inova Juniper Program Iona Senior Services Kaiser Permanente Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants kofi Nartey La Clinica del Pueblo/¡Empodérate!

Youth Center Lambda Pride: University of Maryland Alumni Lambda Sci-Fi Latino GLBT History Project LGBT Democrats of Virginia Live! Casino Loews Madison Hotel Log Cabin Republicans of DC

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FESTIVAL EXHIBITORS

DC Public Library DC Rock Jocks DC Strokes Rowing Club DCRCC DC’s Different Drummers Deloitte Department of Energy Dignity/Washington District of Columbia Aquatics Club (DCAC) Dog is Good Donate Life - Be A Donor Donor Sibling Registry Dulles Triangles

LPAC - the nation’s first and only Lesbian PAC

Stoli SunTrust

Machar, The Washington Congregation for Secular Humanistic Judaism Marriott Mer+ge Apparel Metro DC PFLAG Metro Weekly MetroPCS Mid-Atlantic Waterproofing Military Partners and Families Coalition Mimi Evans More Light Presbyterians Morgan Stanley MPDC GLLU

Tagg Magazine Taking Actions Team DC TEKsystems Temple Emanuel of Kensington, MD -a Reform Jewish Congregation Temple Shalom Testing Makes Us Stronger The Change Project The Cherry Fund The DC Center for the LGBT Community The District of Columbia Office on Aging The Embassy Row Hotel The Fillmore Silver Spring & The Warner Theatre The Intrepid Wendell The JBG Companies The Kennedy Center The Nature Conservancy The New York Times The Phillips Collection The PrEP Clinic at Andromeda The Trevor Project Thompson Creek Windows Tifereth Israel Congregation Tish Mayne Transgender Education Association (TGEA)

N2N Bodywear NARAL Pro-Choice America National City Christian Church National Gay Pilots Association National LGBT Veterans Memorial National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals Chesapeake Region Neon Nation LLC New York Life Nice Jewish Girls Northrop Grumman NOVA Pride NovaSalud,Inc Olde Towne Pet Resort One Medical Group one on one yoga class n candles oils crystals and more Paiges Promotions (for Wyndham) PAL- People Animals Love People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Planned Parenthood Action Fund PNC Bank Power Home Remodeling Group Prime Timers of DC Punch Quakers for Equality Queer Asians United Rainbow Response Coalition Ravensworth Baptist Church ReconcilingWorks Sally Kim Sapient PRIDE Seabury Resources for Aging Seaplane Shirts Secular Coalition for America Shakespeare Theatre Company She Peppers Sixth & I SMYAL sPACYcLOUd Sportrock Climbing Centers St. George’s Episcopal Church of Arlington Starbucks Star Financial State Farm Insurance

Uber U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia Union, Dupont & Palisades Veterinary Clinics Unitarian Universalists of DC, Maryland, Virginia and the Washington Ethical Society United States Armed Forces (DoD Military, Civilians, and families) Unity of Fairfax US Census Bureau USTA Mid-Atlantic Section Verizon FiOS Virginia Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Viridian Walgreens Wanda Alston Foundation Washington Animal Rescue League Washington Blade Washington Chiropractic Washington Humane Society Washington Renegades Rugby Football Club Washington Scandals Rugby Football Club WeJustCleanUp Wells Fargo Whitman-Walker Health Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company Year Up National Capital Region Zipcar

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CARLY RAE JEPSEN

Multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen recently released her new single “I Really Like You” and unveiled the accompanying music video, which has almost 30 million views and features Tom Hanks and Jepsen’s labelmate Justin Bieber. Jepsen wrote the track with J. Kash and the Cardigans’ Peter Svensson, who also produced it. The ’80s-inspired “I Really Like You” is the first single from Jepsen’s upcoming second album, which will be released

by Schoolboy Records/Interscope this summer. Jepsen recently debuted a new track titled “All That” on SNL during her musical guest performance on April 4th accompanied by Dev Hynes and Ariel Rechtshaid. She co-wrote the track with Hynes, who co-produced it along with Rechtshaid.

Jepsen has been hard at work with such collaborators as Rami Yacoub (One Direction, Nicki Minaj), Dev Hynes (Blood Orange), Jack Antonoff (Fun., Taylor Swift), Ariel Rechtshaid (Charli XCX, Haim), Tegan and Sara, Vampire Weekend’s Rostam Batmanglij, Greg Kurstin (Sia) and 2015 Grammy-winning Producer of the Year Max Martin, writing and recording the songs that will appear on the follow-up to her US debut album Kiss, which featured her blockbuster breakout hit “Call Me Maybe.” That song climbed to No. 1 on the iTunes Singles charts in over 47 countries and has sold over 17 million singles worldwide to date. It earned Jepsen 2012 Grammy nominations for Best Pop Solo Performance and Song of the Year. Kiss also spawned the follow up hit “Good Time,” a duet with Owl City, which has been certified double-platinum.

Jepsen spent much of 2014 starring in the Broadway production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, earning rave reviews.

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EN VOGUE

Terry Ellis, Dawn Robison, Maxine Jones, Cindy Herron-Braggs The group’s name rings more than a bell. It evokes memories of a long line of red-hot R&B and pop smashes recorded in the 1990s.

Songs like “Hold On,” “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It),” “Giving Him Something He Can Feel,” “Free Your Mind,” and “Whatta Man,” featuring Salt-N-Pepa, are just a sampling of the mega hits made famous by the pop/R&B super group.

Fusing style, sophistication, sass, and sex appeal, the En Vogue formula was magical and the group went on to sell over eight million albums. In total, En Vogue recorded five albums: 1990’s “Born To Sing;” 1992’s “Funky Divas;” 1997’s “EV3;” 2000’s “Masterpiece Theatre;” and 2002’s “The Gift of Christmas.” There have also been several compilations released including 1999’s “Best of En Vogue” and 2001’s “The Very Best of En Vogue.”

Since En Vogue’s 1990 debut, the ladies set a standard for female R&B and pop acts like Destiny’s Child and the Pussycat Dolls. While En Vogue may have been trendsetters for those who followed them, the group itself began receiving comparisons to the Supremes, especially after internal differences caused original member Dawn Robinson to exit the group in 1997. Fellow member Maxine Jones followed suit and left the group in 2001. But unlike the Supremes, En Vogue has never disbanded. The remaining original members Cindy Herron-Braggs and Terry decided to revamp En Vogue and added new member Rhona Bennett.

Although they embarked on their musical journey nearly 20 years ago, En Vogue’s appeal is greater than ever before. In 2012, the trio (Cindy, Terry, and Rhona) toured worldwide and undertook some film and television projects. Having grown musically, emotionally, professionally, and creatively, the ladies believe each day is a living affirmation. “Hold on to your love,” as these ladies love to sing—they have no plans to ever let go.

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Please check at the festival for Individual performance times

HEADLINERS

2015 CAPITAL PRIDE WILSON PHILLIPS

As the 25th anniversary of their self-titled album approaches, Wilson Phillips has a lot to celebrate. Since the beginning of their union in 1990, the group has won the Billboard Music Award for Hot 100 Single of the Year for the now-iconic single “Hold On,” and has been nominated for four Grammy Awards, as well as two American Music Awards.

After a 10-year hiatus, Wilson Phillips reunited and is back to business releasing albums and making appearances. In 2011, they appeared in the blockbuster hit comedy Bridesmaids and starred in a TV Guide Network reality show: Wilson Phillips: Still Holding On. Additionally, Chynna Phillips competed on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars and Carnie Wilson hosted Karaoke USA and participated on Celebrity Wife Swap.

All of the women commit their time and energy to various charities. Carnie Wilson, for instance, competed in the Chopped Tournament of Stars: Rachel vs. Guy, in 2014, to represent WLSFA (Weight Loss Surgery Foundation of America) and won $10,000 for second place.

Since 2011 Wilson Phillips has been on tour performing their #1 hits “Hold On,” “Release Me,” and “You’re in Love,” among other hits and covers. Dedicated, their latest recorded album in 2012, released in honor of their 20th anniversary, consisted of cover songs originally penned by their famous parents’ groups (the Mamas and Papas and the Beach Boys). Created without the input of their family members, the album’s renditions of hits such as “California Dreamin’” and “God Only Knows” epitomize the harmonies of Wilson Phillips and accentuate the classic songs with a breath of fresh air.

With five studio albums under their belt and their impressive pedigree as the daughters of performers from two legendary groups, Wilson Phillips’s harmony-rich sound still sets them one notch above the rest.

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AMBER

Born in the Netherlands, raised partially in Germany by a mother who is a songwriter and piano teacher and a father who is an opera singer, Amber considers music a naturally given gift, genetically passed on.

In 1995, after years of demos and small local performances, she received an offer from a label in the US to produce her debut single “This is Your Night.” She went on to amass an impassioned army of fans with four full-length albums and a string of worldwide smash hits that include: “This is Your Night” (1996); “One More Night” (1997); “If You Could Read My Mind” (1998); “Sexual” (1999); “The Need to be Naked” (2002); “Voodoo” (2005); “No More Tears” (2008), with Zelma Davis; and “I Don’t Believe in Hate” (2009).

Amber has racked up an impressive seven consecutive Number-1 dance singles and an additional six Top-10 dance hits. Her songs have received many awards, been featured on countless compilations, been licensed by motion pictures and TV series, and been covered by an array of artists. She co-wrote one track called “Bless You Child” for Bette Midler’s album release in 2000, and in 2004, Cher’s rendition of “Love One Another” earned Amber a Grammy nomination as a writer.

Amber is now an independent artist with her own label, JMCA Enterprises. With her first self-released album My Kind of World (2004), she took her greatest risk to date by shining a light on the deepest – and sometimes the darkest – parts of her heart and soul.

The result was a collection of literate, often brutally honest songs that revealed Amber’s renegade spirit.

“I am in a happy place now,” says Amber, “and there is nothing like owning your own music and masters and running your own show and destiny. No longer do I have to live in anyone else’s world or dance to someone else’s beat,” she says.

As if she ever really did....

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KATY TIZ

When Katy Tiz was growing up she wanted to be Jim Carrey. Or, rather, the weird, estranged, comedic actress daughter of Jim Carrey. Which is to say that the UK pop singer didn’t slap on a pair of high heels and stumble into music until her late teens. Since then, her goal has always been to write relatable music. “Personally, I search for songs that comfort me and let me know I’m not the only one who feels a certain way,” Katy says. “If I help one person through what I was feeling when I wrote a song, I’ll be happy.”

After Katy’s fiercely impassioned song “Fire Fire” caught the ear of the music industry, she flew to LA and signed with Republic/Lava Records. Ironically, as they were releasing her single, Katy and Republic/ Lava parted ways in the summer of 2013. It was a low point, but Katy stayed focused and stuck it out in LA. In October of 2013, she went into Rock Mafia’s studio to record “The Big Bang,” a boisterous pop number that was initially released in 2010. The song earned Katy the honor of being named Clear Channel/iHeartRadio’s “On The Verge” artist, a huge coup. Since then, the single has entered the Hot 100 chart, iTunes’ “Top Pop Songs” chart, and Shazam’s “Top 100 USA.” The song’s success, as well as Katy’s unwavering, good-spirited determination, also scored her a new record label deal with Atlantic, which will release her debut album later this year.

For Katy, an outspoken, witty songwriter who has some cheeky Jim Carrey behavior left in her still, the music begins with the inspirations that have lingered since childhood, from reggae beats to soul vocalists, from Stevie Wonder to Katy Perry. “Music is everything to me. It’s my best friend, my worst enemy, my boyfriend and my ex rolled into one. I’m extremely dedicated, but never want one day to go by without a good laugh.”

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IS WITH YOU EVERYWHERE...

HOT995.COM

GINGER MINJ

Ginger has long reigned as The Comedy Queen of The South, with the pageant titles, including “Miss Gay United States 2013,” “Miss National Comedy Queen 2012” and others, to prove it. Originally from Leesburg, Florida – a town so small they didn’t even have a McDonald’s – she now calls Orlando home. The self-professed “nicest bitch you’ll ever meet” cites classic funny ladies Carol Burnett and Lucille Ball as her idols.

Ginger’s future career goals, include breaking into a theatrical comedy career similar to other current plus-sized comedians like Melissa McCarthy and Rebel Wilson. She’s already got the acting credits. Before becoming “Ginger Minj,” this talented performer was a child actor starring in a series of Christian movies and books on tape, and even won a Best Actor Award for the state of Florida in 2002.

VIOLET CHACHKI

Violet is a native of Atlanta, Georgia, but her persona reflects vintage Hollywood Burlesque. An accomplished aerialist, she is known for sophisticated and thrilling performances blending strip tease, acrobatics and fetish art. Violet cites influences including Bettie Page, Dita Von Teese, legendary model Dovima, Thierry Mugler, and renowned DJ Lady Miss Kier. Her name is inspired by her love of collecting bric-a-brac such as vintage Avon bottles, poodle statues, and clown paraphernalia.

Though she can appear guarded at first glance, Violet describes herself as an open book. “Most people are initially afraid to approach, but find me to be generally friendly when they do,” she remarks.

“However, I wear my heart on my sleeve and can’t easily fake emotion, so my true feelings always show.” When not touring and traveling domestically or internationally, Violet continues to call Atlanta, GA, her home.

TODAY WE

MOVE FORWARD

TO BUILD A BRIGHT FUTURE

HAPPY PRIDE FROM www.VidaFitness.com 96

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12-1 DJ Jacq Jill 1-2 DJ Sidekick 2-3 DJ Lemz 3-4 DJ Jason Royce 4-5 DJ Keenan Orr 5-6 DJ Rosie 6-7 DJ Madscience

DJ Sidekick

DJ Lemz

DJ Jason Royce

DJ Keenan Orr

DJ Rosie

DJ Madscience

Billy Winn

The Glamazons

DC Front Runners

Mana Pop

Meljade

Ragin’ Love

Run Jenny

Sheena & The Dreamers

Wicked Jezabel

DJ Deedub

DJ Andre Gutarra

DJ Vodkatrina

MONUMENT FESTIVAL STAGE National Anthem: Shadina Billy Winn DC Gurly Show Garek The Glamazons DC Front Runners Mana

MelJade

Mr. EOY (Matthew J. Kelly) Mr. Cobalt (Brian J. Kelly) Oasis Dance Company Pride Idol Winner Ragin’ Love Run Jenny Shadina Sheena & the Dreamers Town & Country Wicked Jezabel Drag Cabaret DJ Deedub DJ Teejay Johnson DJ Andre Gutarra DJ Vodkatrina

DJ Teejay Johnson

Destiny B. Childs

Jerry Houston

DJ TWiN

CAPITOL STAGE HOUSE DJ: DJ TWiN

Destiny B. Childs

Carly Rae Jepsen

Wilson Phillips

En Vogue

Katy Tiz

Amber

Ginger Minj

Ella Fitzgerald

Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington DC

Jessi Malay

Michelle Raymond Band

Night Runners

Mel Jade

Sarah Peacock

Team Peaches

FLASHBACK

Violet Chachki

HEADLINING: Carly Rae Jepsen Wilson Phillips En Vogue Katy Tiz Amber Ginger Ming Violet Chachki Ella Fitzgerald & Miss Ziegfeld’s 2015 Kristal Smith EnKore Dance Company Freddies Follies Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington Jessi Malay Michelle Raymond Band Night Runners Ladies of Town Sarah Peacock Team Peaches

Please check at the festival for individual performance times

Jerry Houston

HOT 99.5 PRIDE Radio

CONCERT LINEUPS

EMCEES:

2015 CAPITAL PRIDE

CAPITOL STAGE

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Talk before you...

Protect yourself and your partner. Talk about testing, your status, condoms, and new options like medicines that prevent and treat HIV. Get the facts and tips on how to start the conversation at cdc.gov/ActAgainstAIDS/StartTalking.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3 OFFICIAL EVENT

Heroes Gala

Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square 7:00 PM 801 K St., NW, Washington, DC

Join us for an evening to honor the Capital Pride Heroes, Engendered Spirit recipients, and other honorees for their dedication to the LGBT community in the DC metro area. The “Paving the Way” award will be presented to former US Attorney General Eric Holder with a featured performance by Steve Grand.

Event Sponsors include: Celebrity Cruises, Wells Fargo, and Hilton. www.capitalpride.org/heroes

THURSDAY, JUNE 4 AFFILIATED EVENTS

9th Annual DC Latino Pride: La Plática Panel Discussion

Latino GLBT History Project 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Human Rights Campaign Equality Forum 1640 Rhode Island Ave., NW, Washington, DC

Panel discussion about challenges faced by LGBT Latino youth and family acceptance during the coming out process. The evening will include a reception with appetizers and wine, a community resource fair, free HIV testing, DC Mayor’s Latino Pride Proclamation, and a historical HIV exhibit at the Human Rights Campaign Equality Forum. www.LatinoGLBTHistory.org/latinopride

Pride on the Rocks

NOVA Pride RedRocks Arlington 7:00 PM 2501 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA

“Pride on the Rocks” with Team Trivia will be a great time for everyone, with $12 flights of RedRocks’ great beer selection, but those who receive our NOVA Pride stamp will be getting even better VIP deals. www.novapride.org/rocks

AFFILIATED EVENTS

Capturing Fire: Queer Spoken Word Summit & Slam The DC Center for the LGBT Community 6/05/2015 - 6/07/2015 2000 14th St NW, Washington, DC

Capturing Fire is an international spoken word and poetry festival where queer-identified writers gather for a poetry slam after three days of panels, workshops, and performances.

Where I Belong: Finding Myself Under a Big Top

Sweet Spot Aerial Productions, Inc. Atlas Performing Arts Center 8:30 PM 1333 H St., NE, Washington, DC

Against a backdrop of dazzling circus and aerial performances, one man is dismayed to find himself in the afterlife surrounded by the queers and sinners he’d always believed were destined for Hell. But as he travels through this new landscape, witnessing jawdropping aerial acts that shatter his perceptions of bigotry, gender, friendship, and love, he discovers that where he ultimately belongs is the last place he expected...under a big top. www.sweetspotdc.org

Women’s Kick-Off After Party

Scandal DC Comet Ping Pong 10:00 PM - 3:00 AM 5037 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, DC

Scandal DC Presents Women’s Pride Kick-Off After Party at Comet Ping Pong. Get ready to dance, drink, and be entertained by DC’s finest Drag Kings. Music provided by DJ Deedub & Lez Rage. www.facebook.com/scandaldcparty

SATURDAY, JUNE 6 OFFICIAL EVENTS

Volunteer Orientation

OFFICIAL EVENT

Hotel Palomar 2121 P St NW, Washington DC 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM

Presented by The Ladies of LURe and Tagg Magazine Hosted by Ackerman Brown PLLC 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM Rooftop at 2101 L Street, NW, Washington, DC

Saturday Night Fever: A Poolside Cocktail Party

FRIDAY, JUNE 5 Official Women’s Kickoff Party: Pride in the Sky

Featuring Music by DJ Civil | Drink Specials | Chances to win Washington Mystics Tickets Tickets: $10 (Must be purchased prior to the event. All sales are final.) www.taggmagazine.com/tagg-swagg/pridekickoff

Mandatory orientation for all volunteers supporting the community during the 40th Celebration of Pride in the Nation’s Capital, specifically the Pride Parade and Festival. Food and fun will be provided to keep up the energy for an amazing week.

NEW VOLUNTEERS ARE WELCOME TO REGISTER AT THIS EVENT

HRC, Capital Pride Alliance, and Vida Fitness Penthouse Pool and Lounge 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM VIP Hour 9:00 PM - General Admission 1612 U St., NW, Washington, DC

Time to get your groove on at the Saturday Night Fever Pool Party, presented by Vida Fitness and Penthouse Pool & Lounge. Disco,

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FLASHBACK

2009 8th St., NW, Washington, DC

Make your summer playlist pop with a night of music dedicated to all the best sounds of 2015, plus flashbacks of summer jams of the past. Capital Pride Volunteers, who attended the volunteer orientation, will enjoy the night with free entry courtesy of Town.

AFFILIATED EVENT

Where I Belong: Finding Myself Under a Big Top

Sweet Spot Aerial Productions, Inc. Atlas Performing Arts Center 5:00 PM & 8:00 PM 1333 H St., NE, Washington, DC

Against a backdrop of dazzling circus and aerial performances, one man is dismayed to find himself in the afterlife surrounded by the queers and sinners he’d always believed were destined for Hell. But as he travels through this new landscape, witnessing jawdropping aerial acts that shatter his perceptions of bigotry, gender, friendship, and love, he discovers that where he ultimately belongs is the last place he expected...under a big top. www.sweetspotdc.org

SUNDAY, JUNE 7 OFFICIAL EVENT

Day in the Park: 5th Annual Drag Ball & Outdoor Movie Stead Park 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM 1625 P St., NW, Washington, DC

A day of fun consisting of Stonewall Kickball players in drag and DC’s loveliest queens in kickball uniforms competing to determine who the Queens of the Ball really are. After the game grab some grub, a picnic basket and blanket and get ready to relax to an outdoor movie under the stars: TO WONG FU.

AFFILIATED EVENTS

Foundry UMC Opening Doors to Equality for 20 Years Foundry United Methodist Church 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM 1500 15th St., NW,

Foundry United Methodist Church (UMC) celebrates 30 years of welcoming outreach and engagement with our LGBTQ neighbors and the 20th anniversary of formally becoming a Reconciling Congregation.

DC Strokes Rowing Club Anacostia Community Boathouse 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM 1900 M St., SE, Washington, DC

Hundreds of rowers from across the United States will compete in a full day of racing.

Admission is free. For the best view of the finish line and the pre- and post-race action (along with concessions and bathrooms), come to the boathouse (nearest Metro: Potomac Avenue). For the best view of the complete race, the Anacostia Trail pedestrian bridge or Anacostia Park are good options.

The event is hosted by DC Strokes Rowing Club, one of only a handful of independent LGBT rowing clubs in the world. www.stonewallregatta.org

MONDAY, JUNE 8 OFFICIAL EVENT

Music in the Night Presented by Hilton Hotels & Resorts

Town Danceboutique 8 - 11 PM 2009 8th St., NW,

For Updates and full listing visit capitapride.org

Summer Pop Off & Volunteer Kick-Off w/ DJ Chord Town Danceboutique 10:00 PM

22nd Annual Stonewall Regatta

EVENT CALANDER

Rent a cabana for you and five guests before they sell out and enjoy a VIP hour of complimentary hors d’oeuvres and one bottle of bottle service. General admission ticket includes two complimentary drinks. www.hrc.org/saturdaynight

www.foundryumc.org

2015 CAPITAL PRIDE

Funky ‘70s soul music, and hits from today will have you dancing all night. Take a dip in the pool and enjoy a special menu of delicious tastings from the Penthouse menu. Plus two complimentary cocktails with each ticket and a cash bar with Stoli specialty drinks and other premium products. Plus plenty of juicy eye candy!

A night of great musical theater continues with the 4th Annual Music in the Night, hosted by Joshua Morgan. Each year Capital Pride spotlights our local theater talent and community at this fun-filled evening of music and cocktails. Performances by Shayna Blass, Michael Mainwaring, Bobby Smith, Grant Saunders, Brian McNally, Bridget Lindsenmeyer, Harrison Smith, Bayla Whitten, Farrell Parker, Dorea Schmidt, Jimmy Mavrikes, Ines Nassara, and Potomac Fever of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC. www.capitalpride.org/music

TUESDAY, JUNE 9 OFFICIAL EVENTS

Capital Pride Interfaith Service Center Faith All Souls Church, Unitarian 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM 1500 Harvard St., NW

THEME: Racial justice in LGBT communities of faith Featured speakers: Rev. Cedric A. Harmon, Co-Director, Many Voices Lisbeth Melendez-Rivera, Religion and Faith Program Director of Latino and Catholic Initiatives, Human Rights Campaign

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Women’s Spoken Word

Busboys & Poets 8:30PM-11:30 PM 5th & K, 1025 5th St., NW, Washington, DC

Join Busboys and Poets and Capital Pride for the annual Women’s Spoken Word. This year we’re taking it to the next level with a DJ, live band, and burlesque. To accommodate as many beautiful folks as we possibly can we’re making this a FULL-STORE event.

Spoken Word Host/MC: Shelly Bell Performances by: Chocolate City Burlesque and Cabaret and singer/songwriter Be Steadwell. For two hours the mic will be open to women-identified folks of all backgrounds to share their stories through words. Tickets: $10 www.capitalpride.org/spoken-word

host of special guests, the Capital Pride event will feature standup comedy, music, special guests, and opportunities for fans to engage in this important cause. THE ALLY COALITION was created

by Grammy-winning band FUN. and designer Rachel Antonoff, whose mission is to inspire people to take action for LGBTQ people through education, awareness, and advocacy. Featuring W. Kamau Bell, Bridget Everett, Rachel Dratch, Chelsea Shorte, and Special Guests TBA.

AFFILIATED EVENT

La Fiesta Dance Party

Latino GLBT History Project Town Danceboutique 9:00 PM - 2:00 AM 2009 8th St., NW, Washington, DC

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10

Latino Pride’s Official Dance Party will feature April Carrion from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 6, DC’s top LGBT Latino drag kings & queens, and an all-night Latino Pride dance party spinning DC’s best Latin beats from DJ Joel el Especialista of El Zol 107.9 FM. www.LatinoGLBTHistory.org/latinopride

DC Bike Party Pride Ride

FRIDAY, JUNE 12

OFFICIAL EVENTS

Start: Dupont Circle Fountain 7:00 PM Finish & After Party Cobalt, 1639 R St., NW, Washington, DC

Join DC Bike Party and Capital Pride as we team up again for the brightest DCBP ever. This year’s Capital Pride theme is “Flashback,” so deck yourself and your bike out in your favorite decade style.

Outrageousness encouraged, if not required. The ride will end along 17th Street with the official after-party at Cobalt.

Capital Pride Jello Wrestling

Scandal DC Penn Social 9:00 PM - 2:00 AM 801 E St., NW, Washington, DC

Scandal DC Presents Capital Pride Jello Wrestling at Penn Social.

Come on out for a night of booze, merriment, and JELLO WRESTLING. Come challenge a friend in our Jello Pit or just sit back and enjoy the festivities with a boozy drink in hand. www.facebook.com/scandaldcparty

OFFICIAL EVENTS

DC Front Runners Pride Run 5K Congressional Cemetery 7:00 PM 1801 E St., S.E, Washington, DC

This June 12th the DC Front Runners Pride Run 5K returns — a race of friendly competition, an evening of community and celebration, and an Official Event of the 40th Celebration of Pride in the Nation’s Capital. www.dcfrpriderun.com

Flashback Opening Dance Party

Presented by Capital Pride & BrightestYoungThings Arena Stage 8:30 PM 1101 6th St., SW, Washington, DC

The BYT & Capital Pride partnership continues to bring you one of the most amazing parties of the year. Flashback is this year’s Official Pride Opening Party where you will enjoy a dance party takeover of Arena Stage! Gonna make you sweat! www.capitalpride.org/flashback

THURSDAY, JUNE 11

AFFILIATED EVENTS

Rooftop Rally

Congregation Bet Mishpachah 6th and I Historic Synagogue 6:30 - 10:00 PM 600 I St., NW, Washington, DC

OFFICIAL EVENTS

The Embassy Row Hotel 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM 2015 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC

Connect with volunteers, donors, and all supporters of Capital Pride to enjoy an evening under the stars on the roof deck of the Embassy Row Hotel. You can also bring your swimsuit to cool off in the rooftop pool.

UNCIVIL UNION: Comedy for Equality Howard Theater 8:00 PM 620 T St., NW, Washington, DC

Comedy for Equality is a special benefit concert for The Ally Coalition and part of the 40th Celebration of Pride in the Nation’s Capital. UNCIVIL UNION will bring together the artistic community to raise awareness and funds to end discrimination against LGBTQ people. Headlined by Wyatt Cenac, Bridget Everett, and a

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National Pride Shabbat

On the night before the Capital Pride Parade, Rabbi Shira of Sixth & I, Rabbi Laurie Green of Bet Mishpachah, and members of GLOE lead an inclusive service that celebrates the diversity of the DC Jewish community, followed by dinner.

SATURDAY, JUNE 13 OFFICIAL EVENTS

Historic Gay DC Walking Tour

Dupont Circle Fountain 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

The tour sets off across the street from the Dupont Circle metro, at Q and 20th Streets. In the 1960s, the Dupont Circle area was a center of antiwar activism and the counterculture, an environment

FLASHBACK

BRING A FEW FRIENDS TO PRIDE

GEORGE ABE ALEX ULYSSES BEN

HELP KEEP CAPITAL PRIDE FREE!

THE VODKA ALWAYS SERVED WITH PRIDE.

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in which many of the young gay and lesbian activists of the 1970s learned the tactics of protest. In the 1970s and ‘80s, Dupont Circle became the center of Washington, DC, gay life. Join in on this walking tour highlighting bars, homes, and protest spots that have played a significant role in the experiences of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities of Washington, DC. Guided tour hosted by Brock Thompson with information provided by www.rainbowhistory.org.

“Crack of Noon” Parade Day Pride Brunch

Dupont Circle Hotel 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM 1500 New Hampshire Ave., NW, Washington, DC

Ease your way into one of the best days of the year with a fantastic meal, wonderful company, and general merriment before watching the Capital Pride Parade. Join us for the first annual “Crack of Noon” Parade Day Pride Brunch at the beautifully renovated Dupont Circle Hotel.

Enjoy a delicious gourmet buffet, a complimentary mimosa, and cash bar featuring specialty Stoli cocktails and other premium products. Attendees will have “meet & greet” opportunities with special guests and have access to view the Pride Parade outside on the Dupont Circle patio following the brunch.

Seats are limited and will not be available for purchase at the door the day of the event. Visit the website for more details. www.capitalpride.org/brunch

Pride Parade presented by Marriott

4:30 PM - 7:30 PM Dupont and Logan Circle neighborhoods

Join tens of thousands of people to watch this landmark event and one of Washington, DC’s, favorite parades! The Capital Pride Parade travels 1.5 miles through Dupont Circle and 17th Street and ends in the Logan Circle neighborhood. The Parade will include more than 170 contingents-floats, vehicles, walkers, entertainment- consisting of local businesses, Capital Pride Heroes and Engendered Spirit awardees, politicians, community groups, drag queens, dogs, and much more. www.capitalpride.org/parade

F.U.S.E. Women’s Main Event

The Howard Theatre 9:00 PM - 3:00 AM 620 T St., NW, Washington, DC

The Ladies of LURe, Tagg Magazine, and Capital Pride continue to team up to bring you the hottest women’s event of the year.

Cherry Fund & Capital Pride Afterhours Tropicalia 3:30 AM - 9:30 AM 2001 14th St., NW, Washington, DC

Capital Pride continues to partner with The Cherry Fund to bring you another amazing after-hours event, featuring the tech and house beats of DJs X Gonzalez and Sean Morris. With special wow effects and decor, get ready to ROCK well into the early morning; bar reopens at 8am. $35 advance, $40 door. 21+ See you there!

CHARITY DANCE EVENT: your support of Cherry and this event contributes to the efforts of passionate health and social advocates

at the forefront of the GLBT community. Learn more about Cherry Fund at www.cherryfund.org

AFFILIATED EVENTS

Queer & Now: Youth Dance at Capital Pride

SMYAL 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM National City Christian Church 5 Thomas Cir., NW, Washington, DC

Once the Parade is over, come party at the only youth-exclusive event over Capital Pride weekend - the Queer & Now dance! Join us at National City Christian Church on Thomas Circle for FREE dancing, food, and HIV testing - an evening to remember now and always. www.smyal.org

Asia After Dark: Peacockalypse

Hosted by the Silk Road Society 8:00 PM - 12:00 AM Freer and Sackler Galleries 1050 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC

Don your finest feathers for the first Asia After Dark of 2015, the thirteenth in this series of beloved after-hours parties. Flash back to the gilded glamour of the Peacock Room and meet its alter ego Filthy Lucre, an installation by contemporary artist Darren Waterston that reimagines Whistler’s famous work as a resplendent ruin. Strut through the galleries sporting gold temporary tattoos, take offbeat tours, fashion your own masterpiece, and make fun photo-booth memories. While sipping specialty cocktails, shake a tail feather to music by activist pop rock trio BETTY and repeat the Asia After Dark mantra: Art, Drink, and Be Happy!

Must be 21 years old with valid photo ID to attend. @FreerSackler | #asiaafterdark | www.asia.si.edu/asiaafterdark

#UndergroundThrowdown

HIERARCHY 9:00 PM - 2:00 AM 1847 Columbia Rd., NW, Washington, DC

Scorpio Entertainment & Troyal Events present Capital Pride’s liveliest dance party…UNDERGROUND! Enter a fantasy wonderland that warps you through the past four decades of gay pop culture! DJ Edward Daniels spins the biggest dance hits from the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s, including Disco and Motown, as well as EDM and current Top 100 pop! This 40th anniversary multi-level celebration is not to be missed! RSVP online at www.UndergroundThrowdown.com #UndergroundThrowdown | 18 to enter. 21 to drink.

Mixtape

9:30 Club 11:00 PM 620 T St., NW, Washington, DC

MIXTAPE is a high-energy, alternative dance party hosted by awardwinning DJs Matt Bailer and Shea Van Horn. The duo are known for their eclectic mix of alt-pop, indie rock, nu-disco, house, new wave, old school jams, and anything else they think you’ll love dancing to. The MIXTAPE party has been named DC’s BEST MEN’S PARTY by The Washington Blade (2015 and 2013), DC’s BEST GAY DANCE PARTY by Washingtonian magazine, and BEST MONTHLY GAY DANCE PARTY by BYT’s Brightest Young Gays. Tickets: $15, Ages 18+ www.MIXTAPEdc.com

STAY HYDRATED FLASHBACK

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SUNDAY, JUNE 14 OFFICIAL EVENTS

Pride Festival presented by Live! Casino 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM Pride Concert presented by Hot 99.5 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Pennsylvania Ave., NW, between 3rd and 7th Sts., NW

OUR DIFFERENCE IS OUR STRENGTH. Boeing proudly supports those who understand that by celebrating our differences, we are truly able to come together as one.

Join us on DC’s historic Pennsylvania Avenue at the 40th Annual Pride Festival! Come for a day full of entertainment, music, food, drink, education, and celebration. The festival is open to everyone, and there is no fee for entry; however donations are very much encouraged and appreciated! The Festival is family-friendly. Due to large crowds and very hot asphalt, we recommend that pets stay at home. The Capital Pride Festival includes three stages of national and local talent and will host 300 exhibitors including local and community groups, national sponsors, local businesses, food vendors, restaurants, and businesses looking to promote their services to our community.

Free to the public. Please note there are a limited number of tickets available for the “Pit” by the stage (“Pit Passes”) as well as the VIP beverage garden and viewing area. www.capitalpride.org/festival & www.capitalpride.org/concert

Flower Power: Official Closing Party Cobalt 10:00 PM - 2:00 AM 1639 R St.,, NW, Washington, DC

Keep the celebration going and your dancing shoes on for the Official Closing Party of the 40th Celebration of Pride in the Nation’s Capital.

Tickets: $5 - Ages 18+ 276879-057_CapitalPride_Hands.indd 1

AFFILIATED EVENTS

5/1/2015 3:20:42 PM

Ladies Tea

Scandal DC 4:00 PM - 12:00 AM Penn Social 801 E St., NW, Washington DC

Close out Pride in style with a dance party of EPIC proportions at our Ladies Tea Event. Steps from the Festival, our DJs will help you leave your heart on the dance floor. www.facebook.com/scandaldcparty

JUNE 2015

Night OUT at the Nationals

Team DC 6/17/2015 5:00 PM Nationals Park

Annual LGBT Night with the Washington Nationals vs. the Tampa Bay Rays. Gates open at 5:00 PM with DJ in the Scoreboard Pavilion. Be a part of the Largest LGBT community event in professional sports!

Sylvester & Orphanos: Our Odyssey and LGBT Publishing

Library of Congress 6/18/2015 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM James Madison Building, Montpelier Room (Sixth Floor) 101 Independence Ave., SE, Washington, DC

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As part of the LGBT pride celebration in Washington, DC, the Library of Congress is hosting a lecture by Stathis Orphanos of Sylvester & Orphanos publishers of Los Angeles. Sylvester & Orphanos are Ralph Sylvester and Stathis Orphanos, partners in life, as well as business.

From 1976 to 2005, they published 25 fine editions, culminating with their landmark work: Tsarouchis, the Face of Modern Greece, a

FLASHBACK

JOIN US FOR THE 19TH NATIONAL DINNER

OCTOBER 3, 2015 | WWW.HRCNATIONALDINNER.ORG

Pioneering Change in the Federal Sector Fearless, determined and unapologetic: Tamara, a U.S. Army veteran and civilian Army software specialist, challenged the system and won.

She contested the discriminatory treatment she experienced on the job.

AFGE members like Tamara stand up for justice and equality for transgender employees in the workplace.

Read Tamara’s story at www.afge.org/Fearless

tribute to the beloved Greek artist. Mr. Orphanos will talk about his photography and how it led to a career in publishing fine Night OUT at the Kastles editions of the works of some of the greatest modern authors. Team DC 7/16/2015 7:00 PM A display from the Rare Book and Special Collections Division, Smith Center, George Washington University, 20th featuring the works of Sylvester & Orphanos, materials from the Sylvester & Orphanos Archive, as well as other rare and special and G Sts., NW, Washington, DC titles, will accompany the talk. A panel discussion will follow Annual LGBT Community Night with the Washington Kastles of with LGBT publishers, including Sibling Rivalry Press of Little Rock, World Team Tennis vs. the San Diego Aviators.

Manic D Press of San Francisco, and others.

The event is free and open to the public. Cosponsored by the Library of Congress Poetry and Literature Center, the Rare Book and Special Collections Division, and presented in partnership with Capital Pride.

Night OUT at the Mystics

AUGUST 2015

2nd Annual Crab Feast

Capital Pride & DC Preservation League 8/29/2015 Washington Canoe Club, 3700 Water St., NW,

Join the DC Preservation League and Capital Pride for the 2nd Annual Crab Feast. Enjoy crabs, beer, and dessert alongside the Potomac at Team DC 6/23/2015 6:00 PM the historic Washington Canoe Club (www.washingtoncanoeclub.

Verizon Center, 615 F St., NW, Washington, DC org), one of DC’s most picturesque locations. For more information.

Annual LGBT Community Night with the Washington Mystics vs. www.dcpreservation.org | www.capitalpride.org the Los Angeles Sparks. Women’s professional basketball at its finest!

8 by Dustin Lance Black

SEPTEMBER 2015 United Night Out

District Arts Collaborative 6/26/2015 & 6/27/2015 Team DC 9/19/2015 3:00 PM Cobalt 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM RFK Stadium, 2400 E. Capitol St., SE, Washington, DC Annual LGBT Community Night with DC United vs the Columbus 1639 R St., NW, Washington, DC The District Arts Collaborative, with license from the American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER) and Broadway Impact, is proud to announce a two-night-only reading of 8, a play chronicling the historic trial in the federal constitutional challenge to California’s Proposition 8. Written by Academy Award-winning screenwriter and AFER Founding Board Member Dustin Lance Black, 8 had its much-heralded Broadway world premiere in September 2011 and its star-studded Los Angeles premiere in March 2012. Tickets $10 advance, $20 at the door

Crew. Major League Soccer at its finest and includes a pregame Tailgate Party. Event hosted by the Federal Triangles Soccer Club.

JULY 2015

OCTOBER 2015

Team DC 7/03/2015 7:00 PM Nationals Park

Bull Run Special Events Center 7700 Bull Run Dr., Centreville, VA

EXTRA Night OUT at the Nationals

Mautner Project Gala

Whitman-Walker Health 9/25/2015

The 25th Anniversary Celebration of Whitman-Walker Health’s Mautner Project will be held this fall. Check out our website at www. whitman-walker.org for event details closer to the date.

NOVA Pride 10/03/2015 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM

A second helping of the popular Night OUT at the Nationals to welcome the participants of the MAGIC Softball Tournament. This free, family-friendly community event provides unforgettable Come watch as the Nats take on the World Champion San entertainment, a forum for LGBTQ organizations to showcase their activities, and the chance for businesses to showcase their support Francisco Giants. for, and interaction with Northern Virginia’s LGBTQ community and its straight allies.

LGBT Health Forum

LGBT Health Policy & Practice Program HRC National Dinner at George Washington University 7/15/2015 7:00 PM Human Rights Campaign10/03/2015 5PM - 10 PM Jack Morton Auditorium, Walter E. Washington Convention Center 801 21st Street, NW Washington DC The annual LGBT Health Forum is a high profile public event that 801 Mt. Vernon Pl., NW, Washington, DC shines a spotlight on vital health issues facing LGBT people in the United States and globally, including such topics as insurance reform, DOMA, human rights, and HIV/AIDS, among others, as well as showcases the accomplishments of LGBT Health Policy and Practice students. The Forum features talks and a roundtable discussion with researchers, activists, and policy experts in the area of focus. Participants take stock of progress and share ideas in person as well as through a simultaneous worldwide webcast of the event to those unable to attend in person. www.lgbt.columbian.gwu.edu/2015-lgbt-health-forum

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The National Dinner brings together more than 3,000 HRC members, friends, family and allies for an evening of celebration and inspiration. Featuring a cocktail reception, an extensive silent auction, an elegant dinner, live entertainment, and thoughtprovoking speakers and guests, our HRC National Dinner attracts the nation’s top figures in entertainment and politics and is consistently listed among the top events to attend in the DC area. www.hrcnationaldinner

FLASHBACK

Walk To End HIV

Whitman-Walker Health 10/24/2015

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In its 29th year, The Walk to End HIV is a fundraising walk and 5K timed run benefiting and produced by Whitman-Walker Health, a non-profit community-based health organization that provides dependable, high-quality, comprehensive, and accessible health care to those infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS.

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Pride Voyages 2015 Western Caribbean Halloween Cruise Celebrity Cruises, Smith Pollin Group & Capital Pride Alliance 10/29/2015 - 11/5/2015 Embark In Ft. Lauderdale

Capital Pride is excited to partner with Celebrity Cruises and SmithPollin Group to introduce Pride Voyages, LGBTA friendly excursions that bring together a diverse community similar to what you come to expect at annual Pride Celebrations. Our maiden voyage is a seven-night Western Caribbean Halloween Cruise that will embark on October 29, 2015. www.capitalpride.org/voyages

NOVEMBER 2015 A Night of Champions

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Take part in national Giving Tuesday and support the non-profit Capital Pride Partners who provide services and support to the LGBTA community of the national capital region. www.capitalpride.org/heatwave

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Capital Pride Alliance 12/1/2015 HRC Equality Forum 1640 Rhode Island Ave., NW, Washington, DC

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Join us for our annual candlelight vigil in memoriam to those we’ve lost to HIV and AIDS. Check out our Facebook page closer to the date for event details.

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This event marks its 22nd year in 2015 and raises funds for Whitman-Walker’s array of health care services for all patients.

Be the Care helps Whitman-Walker Health continue to provide empowering health care services to our community. For more information on this event, visit our website at www.whitmanwalker.org.

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Team DC honors local Champions of the LGBT Sports Community with this annual dinner to benefit the Team DC College Scholarship Fund which provides scholarships to openly LGBT high school student-athletes attending college. www.teamdc.org

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Team DC 11/7/2015 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM

THE DC CENTER FOR THE LGBT COMMUNITY

ALL SOULS MEMORIAL EPISCOPAL CHURCH

The mission of All Souls Church is to be a Christ-centered DC’S DIFFERENT DRUMMERS sanctuary where a diverse community worships and DC’s Different Drummers is the Washington, DC serves. We live this mission through faithful celebration of metropolitan area’s music organization for the Lesbian, the Eucharist, Christian education, and loving nurture of both Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, family and friends with several members and neighbors. performing groups including the Capitol Pride Symphonic Band (CPSB), Capitol Pride Winds, DC Swing! big band, DCDD AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR Marching Band, Pep Band, and several small ensembles.

SUICIDE PREVENTION

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is the leader in the fight against suicide. We fund research, create educational programs, advocate for public policy, and support survivors of suicide loss. To fully achieve its mission, AFSP engages in the following Five Core Strategies: •Fund scientific research •Offer educational programs for professionals •Educate the public about mood disorders and suicide prevention •Promote policies and legislation that impact suicide and prevention •Provide programs and resources for survivors of suicide loss and people at risk, and involve them in the work of the Foundation

BET MISHPACHAH

Bet Mishpachah is a Jewish congregation for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Jews and all who wish to participate in an inclusive, egalitarian, and mutually supportive community. Our membership is comprised of singles, couples, and families, and is open to everyone, regardless of religious affiliation, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

CAPITAL AREA GAY AND LESBIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Chamber, the Capital Area’s LGBT Chamber of Commerce is the nonprofit, nonpartisan, largely-volunteer network of 400 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) and Ally members in addition to the nearly 5,000 LGBT supporters who own or are employed by businesses, nonprofits, and government in DC, Virginia, and Maryland. The Chamber is an affiliate of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and Chamber of the Year 2012. The Chamber is ranked 18 by Washington Business Journal. The Chamber’s mission is to advocate, promote and facilitate the success of LGBT businesses, professionals and their allies in the Metro DC region.

CASA RUBY

Casa Ruby is a multicultural LGBT organization providing educational, health, housing and social services to individuals facing poverty in the nation’s capital. We focus on the needs of transgender, queer and gender non conforming gay, lesbian, bisexual as well as youth and LGBT immigrants.

THE CHERRY FUND

The Cherry Fund, established in 1997, and located in Washington, DC, is an independent, all-volunteer, 501(c)3 nonprofit foundation, the purpose of which is to raise funds for the HIV/AIDS service community via an annual charity dance event.

CHURCHESUNITEDINPRIDE

Metropolitan Community Churches from DC, Maryland and Virginia are coming together to celebrate Pride and faithfully proclaim God’s inclusive love for all people. MCC has been on the forefront in the struggle towards marriage equality and continues to be a powerful voice in the LGBTQ movement. We celebrate together with “The Fellowship,” a coalition of Christian churches with a mission to become a resource agent for all who desire the radically inclusive love of Jesus Christ. The Unity Fellowship Church Movement is also part of our Pride celebrations, sharing their message that God is love and love is for everyone!

FLASHBACK

DIGNITY/WASHINGTON

Dignity/Washington is the local chapter of the nationwide organization, DignityUSA. Dignity/Washington celebrates the wholeness and holiness of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, and Queer Catholics.

FOOD & FRIENDS

The mission of Food & Friends is to foster a community caring for men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life-challenging illnesses by preparing and delivering specialized meals and groceries in conjunction with nutrition counseling.

GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF WASHINGTON, DC

Embarking on their 33rd season, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington delights audiences and champions gay equality with robust artistry, fun and surprise. With 300 singing members incorporating sets, costumes, dancers and two select vocal ensembles, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington is praised as one of the finest gay men’s choruses in the country, presenting a subscription season, fall cabaret, monthly piano bar open mic night and numerous community outreach concerts throughout the year. Learn about Chorus auditions, subscriptions and more at GMCW.org.

PARTNERS

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation provides care regardless a community center for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender of ability to pay. HIV Medical, Pharmacy and STD testing (LGBT) folks in Washington, DC. Our mission is to celebrate, services are available on site. strengthen, and support community among the LGBT residents and organizations of Metropolitan Washington, DC.

2015 CAPITAL PRIDE

AHF-AIDS HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION

HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON, DC

The Historical Society of Washington, DC, is a communitysupported educational and research organization that collects, interprets, and shares the history of our Nation’s Capital.

Founded in 1894, it serves a diverse audience through its collections, public programs, exhibitions, and publications.

Washington is known throughout the world as a monumental federal city. Less well-known are the stories of Washington’s many diverse and vibrant communities. The Society helps make this local history easily accessible to the public to promote a sense of identity, place, and pride in Washington and to preserve this heritage for future generations.

HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN

As the largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) represents a force of more than 1.5 million members and supporters nationwide – all committed to making HRC’s vision a reality.

Founded in 1980, HRC advocates on behalf of LGBT Americans, mobilizes grassroots actions in diverse communities, invests strategically to elect fair-minded individuals to office, and educates the public about LGBT issues.

LATINO GLBT HISTORY PROJECT

The Latino GLBT History Project (LHP) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit volunteer-led organization founded in April 2000 to investigate, collect, preserve and educate the public about the history, culture, heritage, arts, social and rich contributions of the Latino LGBT community in metropolitan Washington, DC LHP creates educational exhibits from our historical archives collection showcased at cultural events such as, a Women’s History Month Reception, a Hispanic LGBTQ Heritage Reception and DC Latino Pride, educational presentations at local and national conferences and through our online virtual museum.

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NATIONAL CITY CHRISTIAN CHURCH

National City Christian Church, the national church for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), welcomes all who are searching for a spiritual home. Whether your interests are community outreach, mutual support, worship, music, or just plain fun – you are welcome to join us and get to know the warm and caring people that are National City.

NATIONAL LGBT VETERANS MEMORIAL

Our mission is to raise funds and construct an LGBT Veterans Memorial in our nation’s capital. The funds raised in support of this project will be used to build a memorial at Historic Congressional Cemetery in Washington, DC. This memorial will be a visible and lasting testament to the contribution gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender service members have made to the security of the United States.

NOVA PRIDE

Educate. Advocate. Celebrate. NOVA Pride, which holds an annual Northern Virginia Pride Festival in October (2015 PrideFest: 10/3/2015), as well as other activities throughout the year, is a 501c3 charitable organization serving the LGBTQ Community of Northern Virginia. #703pride

RECONCILINGWORKS

proud sponsor of

Capital PRIDE Building Partnerships for Stronger Communities.

ReconcilingWorks advocates for full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Lutherans in all aspects of the life of their Church and congregations. We provide a place of comfort and safety. We reach out to teach that Christ’s message, the Gospel, is for everyone equally. We call for blessing of committed and covenanted same-gender relationships, and for ordination of those called to minister.

ReconcilingWorks International Program offers support, collaboration and liaison on LGBT issues internationally within the Lutheran communion and its ecumenical and global partners. We are partnered with other faith ministries and we follow a theological concept of accompaniment.

SMYAL

SMYAL supports and empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth in the Washington, DC metropolitan region. Through youth leadership, SMYAL creates opportunities for LGBTQ youth to build self-confidence, develop critical life skills, and engage their peers and community through service and advocacy. Committed to social change, SMYAL builds, sustains, and advocates for programs, policies, and services that LGBTQ youth need as they grow into adulthood.

TEAM DC

Team DC is the association of LGBT sports teams in the greater Washington, DC area representing over 3,000 participants in 26 different clubs. They also produce the annual Night OUT Sports Series and the Team DC College Scholarship Program for LGBT student-athletes.

WASHINGTON BLADE FOUNDATION

The mission of the Washington Blade Foundation is to administer the archives of the Washington Blade newspaper from its beginnings to the present day. Those archives chronicle the rich history and vibrant stories of more than 40 years of the LGBTQ community in Washington, DC, and across the nation.

WHITMAN-WALKER HEALTH

Northrop Grumman is a proud sponsor of the Capital Pride Alliance. We recognize your profound commitment to equality for all citizens and stand with you today, and throughout the year.

Our mission is to be the highest quality, culturally competent community health center serving greater Washington’s diverse urban community, including individuals who face barriers to accessing care, and with a special expertise in LGBT and HIV care.

DC PRESERVATION LEAGUE (DCPL)

The DC Preservation League (DCPL), founded in 1971 as “Don’t Tear It Down,” is a nonprofit membership-supported organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing Washington’s historic buildings and open spaces for future generations. As Washington’s citywide preservation advocacy organization, DCPL identifies significant buildings and neighborhoods throughout the District, monitors threats to them, and increases public awareness of historic resources.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF WASHINGTON, D.C.

To reduce poverty housing and homelessness in the nation’s capital by building decent, affordable, energy-efficient homes for those in need; DC Habitat is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, an organization that seeks to put God’s love into action, bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope.

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for the peace for the pageantry for the love of Christ

JOIN US AT THE TABLE all souls have a story;; we’d love to add yours to ours sundays at 8:30 and 11 by the zoo

TRADITIONAL WORSHIP

progressive thinking All Souls Memorial Episcopal Church | 2300 Cathedral Avenue NW | WDC 20008 | Woodley Park Metro | 202.232.4244 | www.allsoulsdc.org

ADVERTORIAL

QUEER WOMEN’S PRIDE

SHOWING ACTION AND VISIBILITY WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY

BY EBONÉ F. BELL KATY RAY Tagg Magazine

Almost four years ago, the first issue of Tagg Magazine hit stands all across the area in Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia, and Rehoboth Beach. Since its inception, we have been met with warm regards from readers, community organizations, and leaders; but more often than not, we are asked, “Why a queer women’s publication?”

And our response is always the same: “Because we matter.”

OUR COMMUNITY As seen with many of today’s current events, media outlets tend to sensationalize. They tend to write articles and spin stories that always seem to privilege the majority. At Tagg, we take the opportunity to highlight the incredible lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer people who are taking great strides to make our communities stronger. The stories we write are done with our voices and cover our events.

After all, the women’s community is thriving, but often overlooked. We don’t see ourselves at local and national LGBTQ events and we frequently hear that women are not represented in various LGBTQ organizations and events. Many feel that these organizations are not supportive of the queer women’s community. And because of this, some of us accept this as the norm.

The only way to be represented is to be involved, visible, and present. To take a note from Gandhi, we have to be the change we want to see.

We admire the women who don’t get discouraged at the lack of women (and people of color) represented in certain spaces, but instead ask themselves, “How can I be part of the solution?”

We cannot wait to be invited to the table. We should make our own table.

CAPITAL PRIDE Every year, Capital Pride offers a variety of women’s events and programs throughout the week, from a women’s poetry night to the Pride in the Sky rooftop party. There are opportunities for queer women of all ages to connect in safe and familiar spaces.

Capital Pride is one of the largest pride celebrations in the country, and it’s so important for women to be a part DC’s LGBTQ history. Year after year, we have personally seen more women involved with the weeklong celebration. It gives us great pride to see queer women hosting pride events, volunteering, participating, and being a part of the conversation.

FLASHBACK

Whether it’s Capital Pride or other LGBTQ events, we encourage you to continue to be visible. Stand tall and stand proud. Our voices and stories will continue to make a mark on our queer history…because we matter!

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The Ladies of LURe & Tagg Magazine Present:

PRE-SALE TICKETS AVAILABLE AT http://thehowardtheatre.com The Howard Theatre 620 T St NW DC 20001

DJ Rosie & DJ Jacq Jill

DystRucXion Dancers

Doors 9PM | 21+ W/ID

Ladies Night

Capitalpride.org | LureWDC@gmail.com | TaggMagazine.com

Congratulations

Cherry Fund Board and volunteers for another stunning event, see you next year!

CHERRY 2016 APRIL 14-17

photos: Denis Largeron Photographie

cherryfund.org

THE MUSIC CONTINUES –

AFTERHOURS

June 14, 3:30-9:30 AM, with DJs X Gonzalez and Sean Morris Charity Dance Event for HIV Awareness 2001 14th Street, NW $35 advance, $40 door www.cherryfund.org

There is nothing quite like the sight of 150,000 people fIlling Pennsylvania Avenue. The mass of bodies would be impressive enough on its own, but when you consider that those bodies mostly consist of members of the LGBT community, the sight takes on an entirely different meaning.

It becomes empowering.

Each year, we gather on Pennsylvania Avenue to celebrate, to demonstrate, to make our voices heard, to make ourselves seen. Forty years of Pride in DC, not to mention the various celebrations around the world throughout June, cumulatively have made a huge difference. Need proof? It’s currently at the steps of the Supreme Court. We are here. In droves. And it’s our arrival that has allowed straight America to see us for who we are: people, just like them, with the same wants, the same needs, the same desires, dreams, and values. Yes, values. For although there are those who would say our values do not match theirs, it’s not ours that are askew, it’s theirs. We’re not in the wrong. We have never been in the wrong.

Those who oppose us, who are currently scraping the bottom of the barrel to hurl the last few scraps of legislative trash at our efforts (“Let’s refuse gays services based on our religious beliefs!”), have always been in the wrong. It’s an irrational wrong, as wrongs frequently are. But it’s a wrong that, in many hearts and minds, has slowly, surely, evolved into a right.

The common refrain is to say that our work isn’t over and we have a long way to go. The common response to that should be, “Duh.” But just look at how far we’ve come in 40 years. From a tiny block party to a massive annual event where we joyously celebrate the deep, profound, extraordinary camaraderie shared by all of us who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender.

There are those in our community who deride Pride as being nothing more than a corporate shill, who decry it as a sellout to the movement. But it’s our appeal to corporate America that has helped push us further and faster than any other social movement in history. The LGBT community is a legitimate sector to market to. It validates us in ways that may seem heinous to some but, in fact, is the very bedrock of acceptance. Social change may start with the dollar, but it ends with a change of the heart.

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“This has happened faster probably than anything ever in America,” the screen legend Shirley MacLaine

ADVERTORIAL

EMPOWERMENT IN NUMBERS

BY RANDY SHULMAN Metro Weekly Photograph by TODD FRANSON Metro Weekly

said of the same-sex marriage movement in a recent interview in Metro Weekly. “Because everybody knows it’s time. Everybody is on some level in touch with the yang and yin inside of them.” A comment that didn’t make it into the final interview is even more revealing: “It’s a little bit more about money than we’re saying.”

It’s also about popular culture. Look how quickly the transgender movement has taken hold. This is a part of our movement -- our movement -- that 20 years ago was pushed to the side like a stepchild we were embarrassed by but forced to take along on family outings. It is now -- thanks to people like Laverne Cox, Chaz Bono, Janet Mock, and Olympian Bruce Jenner, and to shows like Amazon’s Transparent -- not only a fuller part of the discourse, but a huge teaching moment for all of America, gays included, on why the rules of gender aren’t fixed. There is no up/down switch. It’s more of a dial, with nuances that many of us are just beginning to understand and open our hearts to.

It all comes down to visibility. It all comes down to not just standing on the sidelines and watching the parade, but joining in, participating. It all comes down to spending one joyous day a year on Pennsylvania Avenue with 149,999 brothers and sisters who have carved their own unique, wonderful culture, who have for centuries made incredible, lasting contributions to society, who are as remarkably diverse as they are distinct, who don’t merely love for the sake of procreation, but for the purity of love itself.

Our one day of Pride -- in DC, across the nation, around the globe -- has made an enormous difference.

As a result we are, bit by bit, gaining our rights and, bit by bit, taking our rightful place in society. And society, bit by bit, seems thrilled -- some might say, relieved -- to have us finally out of the closet and along for the ride. Shame, hiding, and hate take a lot of effort. But love? Love takes no effort at all.

Randy Shulman is the editor and publisher of Metro Weekly, Todd Franson is the Art Director for Metro Weekly. His photograph is from the 2010 Capital Pride Festival. MW is a LGBT magazine that recently celebrated its 21st Anniversary. Visit their booth at the Capital Pride Festival on Sunday, June 14 for a chance to win some great prizes, follow them on Twitter @MetroWeekly for live Pride updates, and check out metroweekly.com for pre-and-post coverage of Capitol Pride’s 40th Anniversary Celebration.

FLASHBACK

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PROUD SPONSOR Honesty.

Respect.

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It’s how we treat all our customers. And it’s what you can expect from every State Farm agent, along with personal help with your insurance and financial needs.

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.

CALL AN AGENT OR VISIT US ONLINE TODAY. ®

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Focus on what’s truly important to you.

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Catch our float at Capital Pride to get your free sample or visit astroglide.com/sample.

THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON, D.C.’S ANNUAL MAKING D.C. HISTORY AWARDS HONORING THE PEOPLE AND PLACES THAT CREATE, DEFINE, AND PRESERVE OUR CITY’S HERITAGE. IN PAST YEARS, THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY HAS HONORED MANY PEOPLE AND INSTITUTIONS, INCLUDING THE WASHINGTON BLADE IN 2014, WHICH CELEBRATED ITS 45-YEAR MILESTONE.

THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE

THE MAKING D.C. HISTORY AWARDS 2015 HONOREES: CLYDE’S RESTAURANT GROUP Distinction in Corporate Achievement

HILLCREST CHILDREN & FAMILY CENTER Distinction in Historic Social Service

ASSOCIATION FOR THE STUDY OF AFRICAN AMERICAN LIFE & HISTORY Distinction in Historic Achievement

WAGNER ROOFING Distinction in Historic Preservation

OURISMAN FAMILY Family Legacy Award

CASSELL FAMILY Family Legacy Award Join us to celebrate all the honorees and support the Historical Society’s programs at the Making D.C. History Awards presentation

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5.

TICKETS AND EVENT INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT DCHISTORY.ORG

ADVERTORIAL

AN EQUAL UNION The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is proud to be a Rainbow Sponsor of the

40th Celebration of Pride in the Nation’s Capital. As the nation’s largest labor union representing

federal and DC government workers, AFGE uplifts, affirms, and protects the workplace rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community.

The federation’s advocacy for workplace rights runs deep. AFGE takes seriously the responsibility to help provide good government services while ensuring that government workers are treated

fairly and with dignity. The union supports a meaningful transformation of the federal workplace to improve the way services and benefits are delivered to the American public.

AFGE represents government workers who are vital threads of the fabric in American life.

Government employees inspect the food we eat and the places we work, care for our nation’s

veterans, serve as a vital link to Social Security recipients, maintain the District of Columbia’s infrastructure, keep the national defense systems prepared for any danger, and much more. AFGE members are proud to make America work.

The representation of hardworking government employees means challenging broken systems and ensuring all worksites are safe and inclusive. Since 1988, AFGE has fought to include LGBT protections in collective bargaining agreements – oftentimes the only protection an LGBT worker has against

discrimination. That work began with AFGE’s Council 222 representing Department of Housing

and Urban Development (HUD) employees. The council’s bargaining team fought to include anti-

discrimination protections based on sexual orientation – at a time when it wasn’t recognized by the EEOC – and expand the definition of family to include individuals related by affinity. The contract

was ratified in 1990 and was the first nationwide contract between AFGE and a federal agency to include such protections and inclusions.

Working on behalf of AFGE members doesn’t stop at the negotiating table. Through the Women’s

and Fair Practices Departments, the union established an LGBT PRIDE program, one of the few among international labor organizations. This program is designed to help LGBT members feel welcomed and valued in the labor movement, facilitate efforts to oppose workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and encourage local chapters to bargain LGBT-inclusive contracts.

Through these departments the union has also developed a model policy on ensuring that

government worksites are inclusive and safe for transgender, gender-non-conforming, and

transitioning employees. This guidance can be used by AFGE locals as they strive to make changes at the bargaining table and on the workroom floor.

AFGE’s advancement on these critical issues has always been fueled by its membership. Outspoken

leaders like Virginia Hemingway, who pushed for the union to be more inclusive; Carolyn Federoff,

who found affirmation at the local level and brought concerns to the national level; Francis Nichols, who has become a fierce advocate for young workers; and Tamara Lusardi, who fought back against

workplace discrimination and stood up for transgender rights, continue to move AFGE forward.

Through its members and its mission, AFGE continues to build solidarity with pride.

To learn more about how AFGE supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender government

FLASHBACK

employees, visit www.afge.org/PRIDE.

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PARADE OVER TO DARCARS FOR GREAT SAVINGS. DARCARS is a proud to be the Vice Presidential Sponsor of the Capital Pride Parade.

DARCARS.com

LGBT

SPORTS AND THE FIGHT FOR EQUALITY

By KEVIN MAJOROS Washington Blade

Many people consider the Stonewall Riots, which began on June 28, 1969, to be the beginning of the mainstream fight for LGBT rights in the United States. Each year since then, LGBT communities in cities across the country have commemorated that event with pride parades and festivals.

Acceptance by the general public has been a long time coming for the LGBT community. Just when it seems good progress is being made, a major setback will occur. The Religious Freedom Restoration Act in Indiana and the recently proposed initiative to legalize the murder of gay people in California are just two examples that point to the work that still needs to be done.

Team sports have long been considered an unfriendly environment for LGBT people. After decades of virtually no progress in the area, however, the LGBT sports movement caught fire in 2011 and that forward progress can be attributed to two major factors: the coming of age of the Millennial generation, which is generally more accepting of sexual minorities, and the emergence of LGBT athletic advocacy groups.

FLASHBACK

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tossed out anti-LGBT slurs in the locker room or on the playing field probably didn’t realize that, in many cases, they were speaking directly to members of that community.

“I think that LGBT athletes have been playing all along and they will continue to be active participants in sports,” says Taylor. “The only thing that is changing is our awareness and the visibility of the LGBT community in athletics. I would wager that there are certain sports where LGBT athletes don’t remain in the sport because of the culture. If you are on a team where every athlete is actively using anti-LGBT language or sexist language, a member of the LGBT community may not want to continue in that sport.”

Taylor adds, “Overt hostility towards the LGBT community is not acceptable and I think that is understood now by sports communities at a younger age. The old rule was that it was not a welcoming space and as a result you had [fewer] LGBT people participating in sports. With the culture changing, younger athletes are going to stay in sports longer.”

In March 2015, during the media frenzy related to the signing of Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act, Athlete Ally traveled to that state and held a #final4fairness press conference – alluding to the NCAA’s Final Four basketball tournament – in conjunction with Lambda Legal to comment on the events and to promote the continued role of sports in the advancement of LGBT rights.

Coming up, Athlete Ally intends to focus on a few issues that the organization feels need attention.

ABOVE: HUDSON TAYLOR

In the early part of this decade, groups such as Athlete Ally, GLSEN’s Changing the Game, Athlete Ally, and You Can Play began grabbing national headlines for their bold work. What was noteworthy about their approach, especially for Athlete Ally and You Can Play, is that they aligned themselves with famous American and international straight athletes who supported their missions.

PEOPLE BEGAN PAYING ATTENTION. The general public may be unaware, however, that these ally groups are also quietly working behind the scenes at a grassroots level to change the culture and climate of the sports community.

They are traveling to K-12 schools, universities, and professional sports teams to educate them about safe and inclusive sports environments. In some cases, they are even drafting the language that will be used to create resource guides for athletes, coaches, administrators, fans, and parents.

The other factor that is facilitating the momentum of the LGBT sports movement is the emergence of the Millennial generation, which is marked by a high level of social acceptance that is blurring ethnic, racial, sexual-identity, and gender-identity lines.

Hudson Taylor, who co-founded Athlete Ally with his wife Lia, points to members of the younger generation as agents of change.

“Today’s youth are coming out at a younger age,” says Taylor. “In 1990, the average age for a person coming out was 26; today that average age is 16. I was at a middle school recently and a 7th grader asked me if we were going to address pansexuality. It’s clear that the younger audience is in a very different place than the college athletes or even the professional athletes. That being said, I still think there is a strong bias based on geography. For our LGBT youth, the situation is much better for those in the northeast as opposed to other places in the country where it hasn’t gotten much better.”

The LGBT sports movement is also challenging the stereotype that members of the community do not play sports – or even that they don’t have what it takes to be athletic. In the past, athletes who

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“We are focusing on two things going forward,” Taylor says.

“We will be looking at providing education for communities in geographic regions where the sports culture has not improved as it has in other parts of the country. Also, we will be actively trying to create programming for coaches. Today’s athletes are tomorrow’s coaches. . . . If we don’t start educating the coaches, the cycle of transphobic, homophobic, and sexist language will likely continue.

We are working with the US Soccer Foundation and the Aspen Institute on creating some sort of replicable coaches’ training that can be implemented across various youth sports leagues.”

DC’S VIBRANT SPORTS COMMUNITY As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Capital Pride, it is important to note that Washington, DC, is home to one of the largest and most organized LGBT sports communities in the world.

Team DC, the information clearinghouse for roughly 35 LGBT sports groups, formed a precedent-setting college scholarship fund for openly gay local student-athletes in 2008 and continues to set the standards for LGBT sports communities.

In the early years of the Team DC College Scholarship program, the group struggled to find applicants who were willing to step forward and be recognized.

“This is our eighth year of the program and it has certainly gotten better, but it is still a challenge to find applicants,” says Bud Rorison, scholarship chair. “There are some kids applying on their own, but for the most part the committee is actively going out to the local schools and promoting the scholarship.”

Rorison says that there are a few pipeline schools such as Montgomery Blair High School and Wilson High School, where the Gay-Straight Alliance network is strong. They produce the most applicants.

He also says that applicants from the mainstream sports tend to produce the fewest applicants, but that also seems to be changing.

Part of the process for applying for the scholarship is to write an essay and most of the applicants point to their family and their teammates as their biggest supporters.

FLASHBACK

“Recently a student newspaper wrote an article on LGBT athletes and we were pretty amazed by that,” Rorison says. “The ultimate goal is [to] no longer need this LGBT category. For now, we want to reinforce and recognize these brave kids [who] are competing as openly gay athletes.”

Colin Ward is a past Team DC college scholarship winner and he represented exactly how much things have changed when he showed up at the awards reception with his family and his boyfriend.

Ward graduated from the University of North Carolina in 2014 and was a member of the rowing team during his four years at the school. He was out to his teammates from the first semester of his freshman year.

“It came up during meals at the dining hall and it was a very natural process,” says Ward. “It never came up during practice.”

Ward says his college sports experience was a positive one and that it included bringing his college boyfriend to rowing social events.

“All of my memories of rowing in college are related to racing, not my sexuality,” Ward says. “Nothing is better than being in your stroke seat during a race and seeing the people you are beating.”

Ward, who attended high school at Montgomery Blair, is back in DC and not currently rowing as he adjusts to his travel schedule working in health care consulting.

Jocelyn Williams received the Team DC college scholarship in 2014 and just completed her freshman year at Bowie State University.

She grew up playing multiple sports including basketball, volleyball, softball, and tennis.

Williams was a basketball redshirt – meaning that she did not actively participate in the sport – this past year as she wanted time to acclimate to her college schedule. To stay in shape, she went out for the Washington Prodigy, a full-tackle football team, but discovered that was also conflicting with her college schedule.

She has good memories of her sports experience at Wilson High School and found acceptance in the environment. “My coach was very approving,” says Williams. “He always stood up for me and my teammates and welcomed anyone who wanted to play sports.”

Williams is looking forward to being a member of the women’s basketball team in her sophomore year. “I went through a few practices with the team this past year,” Williams says. “They seem very welcoming.”

UNIQUE CHALLENGES OF TRANSGENDER ATHLETES

One component of the LGBT sports community that is still facing an uphill battle is transgender athletes. The rules for their participation in sports are often confusing, and for K-12 athletes, vary by state. The NCAA has adopted protocols that aren’t always followed and the professional teams are still in the process of setting up standardized rules.

Recently, a short film was released called Raising Ryland, which featured a five-year-old boy who had already transitioned. The film shows him playing soccer, but raises the question of whether he will be allowed to compete going forward.

Pat Griffin, an LGBT sports advocate and the founding director of GLSEN’s Changing the Game, believes that Ryland should have a clear path to play sports because he transitioned at such a young age.

“Ryland should be able to play all the way through with no problem, especially since he is transitioning so early and he lives in California which has good legal protections for trans students and policies for trans inclusion in sports for girls and boys,” says Griffin. “Each state is different for high schools. Some are great, like California or Massachusetts and some are horrible, like Virginia or North Carolina or Florida. So it really depends where you live, unfortunately. Plus, there is quite a backlash developing in several states that are scaring state athletic associations from making good inclusive policies for high school. Anti-trans inclusion groups are spreading misinformation and stereotypes to scare parents and state athletic association decision-makers into adopting policies [that] actually prevent trans girls and boys from participating on teams according to their affirmed gender identity by requiring them to participate according to their gender assigned at birth or by what their official identity documents say. They also enable athletic directors to make a “case-by-case” decision.”

ABOVE: COLIN WARD ABOVE RIGHT: JOCELYN WILLIAMS photos : washington blade

FLASHBACK

Griffin adds, “As for college, the NCAA has published some good guidelines for member schools to adopt governing trans inclusion on college teams, but very few schools have actually adopted these policies. I think they are sticking their heads in the sand until they have a trans student knocking at the athletic director’s door. That is problematic because most trans students do not

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ABOVE: SAVANNAH BURTON AND ENZA ANDERSON PRACTICE

BELOW: JAZZ JENNINGS, 14 YEAR OLD TRANS ATHLETE

want to be pioneers, they just want to play, so they just give up rather than be the poster child for trans-inclusion at their school.”

The high school problem recently received some attention in Minnesota as Jazz Jennings, a 14-year-old transgender athlete, came forward with her story about her fight for the right to play soccer.

After being banned from the girls’ travel soccer team, she and her family fought for two years to be allowed to play on the team. The United States Soccer Federation finally stepped in and created a trans-inclusive policy for soccer players of all ages. (Jennings will have her own show this summer on the TLC network.)

One country that seems to be ahead of the curve with regard to participation by transgender people in sports is Canada. Recently, Savannah Burton, a trans athlete, was named to the Canadian national team for the World Dodgeball Championships to be held August 15-16, 2015, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Before she transitioned, Burton competed for Team Canada in 2012 where the men’s team came in second behind Hong Kong at the world championships. She stepped away from sports for 16 months during her transition process. Burton’s return to sports came at the Canadian Sculling Marathon in 2014 where she was a rower in a quad sculls with coxswain in a 21K race. Her team included another trans athlete, Enza Anderson, and their participation marked the first time in Canadian history that a trans-inclusive rowing team competed in a sanctioned regatta.

Following that accomplishment, she found her way back to dodgeball and competed in the GTA Sports league in Toronto.

After her team won the league championships, she decided to try out for the women’s national dodgeball team. She is one of eight women who were selected.

“I challenge athletes from any sport to play dodgeball for an hour and see how they feel,” says Burton. “Besides the physical aspects, it involves technique, strategy, and team work.”

Burton says she hopes her presence is forcing the Canadian sports governing bodies to make decisions on what works for transgender athletes. Leading up to the world championships, Burton will be filmed for a documentary called The Transgender Project.

Burton realizes the value of what she is doing by competing as a transgender athlete. She says that if her visibility can help even one person, she would be happy. “I think the world is slowly changing and becoming more accepting, but there is still so much more work to do. Perseverance will lead to good things.”

Burton sums up the forward progression of the LGBT sports movement in those two short sentences. We have come very far and we have very far to go, but sports will continue to be a major vehicle for advancing LGBT rights.

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KEVIN MAJOROS IS THE SPORTS WRITER FOR THE WASHINGTON BLADE AND THE HOST OF CAPITAL SPORTS TV ON THE CCE SPORTS NETWORK. HE IS AN EIGHT-TIME GAY GAMES MEDALIST.

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JUSTIN GOFORTH, RN, Director of Community Relations This year’s Capital Pride reminds us that in order to know where we’re going, we have to remember where we’ve been. With all of the progress we’ve made around marriage equality and anti-discrimination legislation, as well as advances in HIV treatment and prevention, this is an ideal moment to “flashback,” the theme of the 40th anniversary of Capital Pride. How times have changed. In 1975, Gerald Ford was president. “Thank God I’m a Country Boy,” by John Denver was Billboard’s number one single. Capital Pride was a oneday block party for a few hundred people in DuPont Circle. And no one had ever heard of HIV or AIDS. Whitman-Walker Health had just been founded. We began our life as the Gay Men’s VD Clinic in 1973, operating out of the basement of the Georgetown Lutheran Church, where we provided culturally competent STD testing and treatment to a community of gay men who had nowhere else to turn. And then the 1980s happened and HIV changed everything for the LGBT community. It also changed everything for Whitman-Walker. We quickly began adding services to provide desperately needed care and support for the Washington DC community that was being devastated by AIDS. We opened our first evaluation unit in 1984 and just kept building and building: case management, transportation and interpretation services, Spanish-speaking doctors, dental care, needle exchange, mobile testing, services for the transgender community. The list goes on and on.

And now here we are in 2015, celebrating 40 years of Capital Pride. This year’s festivities features a multitude of events including the parade, parties, concerts, races and other activities that will be attended by hundreds of thousands of people. What an incredible evolution over the course of 40 years!

We are just as proud of how far Whitman-Walker has come over these four decades.With HIV no longer a death sentence, we have transformed to serve the broader needs of the entire LGBT community and beyond. Our evolution from that basement clinic in Georgetown has been profound. We now aim to be the highest quality, culturally competent community health center serving greater Washington’s diverse urban community including individuals who face barriers to accessing care, and with a special expertise in LGBT and HIV care.

We are thrilled that the opening of our new facility coincides with the 40th anniversary of Capital Pride. Our beautiful, 43,000 square foot, state-of-the-art medical center gives us the tools we need to respond to the ever-changing health care needs of our community. This vibrant new space is designed around the fundamental values of affirmation, dignity, and respect. And it offers the latest in technological advances, the highest quality and most compassionate providers, and an ongoing commitment to always improve and provide cutting-edge healthcare to the LGBT community.

Capital Pride is a wonderful celebration of how far our community has come over the past 40 years. Come visit the new Whitman-Walker Health medical home at 1525 14th St., NW to see how far our organization has come. We have been honored to serve the community for all of these decades and are proud to be a beacon within the LGBT community for the highquality, compassionate care that we all deserve.

FLASHBACK

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No event brings together more LGBTA individuals in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region than Capital Pride and your important donation will help keep our annual Pride Festival and Parade free and open for everyone to attend—a true investment for Pride in the Nation’s Capital.

Pride celebrations are still important . . . indeed, in some respects, even more important than ever. As landmark wins for equality continue to occur, the need for greater visibility is crucial to our goal of equality across the United States and beyond.

Your donation, in any amount, will help us pay for needed equipment and permit expenses, support the work of hundreds of volunteers who make our celebration possible, and at various levels provide you with special benefits and recognition, including access to a VIP experience at select Pride events and invitations to exclusive Major Donor events. More importantly, you will provide an incredible Pride experience for the hundreds of thousands of people coming from near and far.

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ABOVE: SARAH MCBRIDE SPEAKS ON THE OCCASION OF DELAWARE GOVERNOR JACK MARKELL'S SIGNING OF THE STATE'S GENDER IDENTITY NON-DISCRIMINATION ACT IN 2013.

When I came out as transgender just three years ago there seemed to be little visibility, few media stories, and even fewer positive developments for transgender people. Like many LGBT Americans, when I came out, I worried that my dreams and my identity were mutually exclusive.

Three years later – in the midst of what TIME magazine has referred to as “the transgender tipping point” – the landscape has changed dramatically. Transgender visibility is on the rise. Public “possibility models” like Laverne Cox are inspiring transgender youth across the country. Media portrayals, while still imperfect and incomplete, are finally treating transgender people with compassion, decency, and as the complex, multidimensional humans that we are. Court and administrative rulings have expanded paths for redress for transgender people who face discrimination in the workplace or at school. More states have passed explicit gender identity non-discrimination protections, including my home state of Delaware. And elected officials, like President Obama in this year’s State of the Union address, are finally acknowledging us as essential components of our country’s rich diversity.

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We know, however, that our progress is not always shared.

Transgender women, particularly transgender women of color, still face high rates of violence and harassment for merely existing. Transgender men are too often erased or ignored in popular culture and media. Anti-equality advocates and legislators across the country have introduced measures to criminalize restroom use by transgender people, including students. Health insurance frequently denies our medically necessary care, serving as a barrier to health and authentic lives for many transgender Americans. And like our gay, lesbian, and bisexual siblings, a majority of U.S. states and the federal government still lack explicit non-discrimination protections for our community in the workplace, housing, and the public square.

Today, though, we meet those continued challenges with more than history on our side. The progress of the last three years, and our future advancements, build on the tireless work and quiet courage of transgender people throughout history. This struggle is nothing new and it has been inextricably linked to the fight for lesbian, gay, and bisexual rights since before our community stood together at Stonewall to spark the modern LGBT rights movement.

MORE THAN HISTORY ON OUR SIDE MOVING PAST THE TRANSGENDER TIPPING POINT

By Sarah McBride

Many have observed that transgender Americans are where gay Americans were two decades ago. On the surface, that is true. It seems that our country is finally ready to open our minds and hearts to transgender identities. But that observation separates and glosses over our united history as a community. Our country’s advancements on gay rights have helped propel transgender rights and our nation’s progress on trans rights has helped push forward gay rights. These changes have not occurred in a vacuum. Every child who comes out – whether as gay or transgender – shatters gender stereotypes and helps clear paths for others to live full and authentic lives.

Our community rests on common experiences and shared challenges. With all of the progress of the last few years, we must continue to acknowledge the enduring and fundamental truth that no one is completely equal until everyone is treated with dignity and fairness. We must never forget that despite being different letters in the LGBT acronym, the prejudices we face and the burdens we bear are built on the same bias: the notion that one fact at birth should dictate who you are, whom you love, or how you act.

Our country is finally realizing this and our community is living it. We have a long way to go and cannot mistake progress for victory. But transgender Americans are finally winning those hearts and minds. We have the wind at our backs, more allies than ever, and many tangible protections as our voices grow louder.

We are, indeed, at a tipping point. The country has tuned in and is willing to listen and learn. It’s our job to make sure that we speak for the voiceless. As we celebrate Pride, we should be proud of where we’ve come as a community, but should also remember those who have never seen a Pride parade or a rainbow flag. We should march for the young trans girl who has never met another person like her. And we can rededicate ourselves to ensuring that the hope we now know is felt between the coasts, outside of big cities, and in every home.

Three years after coming out, I now know that my dreams and identity are not mutually exclusive. It’s past time we make that a reality for all people, regardless of whom they love or, finally, the gender they identify with.

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THE ECONOMICS OF SAME SEX MARRIAGE

By Max Barger

Forty years ago most people couldn’t imagine two men being married, or two women raising a child together as a family. Be assured, we (the LGBT community) are winning the battle for marriage equality. However, now that we have the ability to marry and secure many – if not all – of the benefits of marriage offered by federal and state laws, is marriage a good financial idea?

The proposition of marriage is a different question for gay and lesbian couples who have successfully managed life together for years without the formal institution of marriage. For those couples, there may be underlying economic disadvantages to saying “I do” that could deter them from marrying.

Here are some things to consider.

PAYING TAXES

Filing your taxes is not generally a novel event. However, filing a 1040 jointly with a spouse became a novelty for many same-sex couples this year. Married same-sex couples now must file their tax returns as “married.” But at what cost?

For some couples, marriage can help reduce their tax burden. Whether marriage saves money or results in higher taxes depends on factors including the individuals’ income levels, what deductions they are able to take, and whether the married couple files jointly or as “married filing separately.”

For example, if Heather, a high-income earner, and Michelle, a low-income earner, marry and file their taxes jointly, Heather may find herself in a lower tax bracket thanks to Michelle’s lower income. That situation may reduce the couple’s overall tax burden as compared to their filing as unmarried, single individuals.

While a couple with disparate incomes may benefit from marriage, the venture may be a costly for a couple when both members have similar incomes. The problem is known as the marriage penalty.

FLASHBACK

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Jake and Sam each have annual taxable incomes of $120,000. If they were filing as single individuals (in 2015), they would each be in the 28 percent tax bracket. Now required to file as married, they are in the 33 percent bracket since they are effectively required to combine their household income. As a married couple if they choose to file separately, the problem still exists.

Although Congress has greatly reduced the marriage-penalty problem, couples finding themselves in that trap may pay more for being married.

PROTECTING PROPERTY

One of the most important but least understood benefits of marriage is the ability to protect your assets from future creditors. In some states and the District of Columbia, married couples may take title to assets such as their home in a way that prevents creditors from taking those specially titled assets. This is particularly helpful when, for example, one member of the couple has to file for bankruptcy because of an illness, a failed business, or being upside-down in a big mortgage.

This special titling is called “Tenants by the Entirety” (“TBE”). Once a couple is married, they may title some or all their assets as TBE. The creditors of either member of the couple individually cannot take the assets titled as TBE to the married couple. If the couple owned the assets simply in a “joint tenancy,” a creditor of either may be able to take some or all of the jointly titled property.

YOUR STUFF, MY STUFF, OUR STUFF

While a married couple may be able to protect assets from some creditors, you may not be able to protect assets from each other.

Marriage is a contract, and the laws of your state of residence determine your responsibilities to each other.

For example, unless you have a valid prenuptial agreement, saying “I do” is like giving away half of your property. Many states require Equitable Distribution, meaning generally that your marital assets are divided in half upon a divorce. Additionally, in certain circumstances even with a prenuptial agreement, a divorced spouse may automatically receive a portion of your retirement assets, such as a federal pension. This could be both a surprising and a costly result of marriage.

A benefit of marital responsibility comes with control when one member of a couple is sick or dies. Where same-sex marriage is recognized, gay and lesbian couples enjoy the peace of mind that they are in charge of making decisions for a sick spouse and will be in control of the spouse’s estate at death, absent other arrangements.

However, because marriage equality is not universal, there is no substitute for creating a financial and estate plan – getting your documents in order – even if you are married.

EMPLOYMENT, BENEFITS, AND STATE LAW

Your residence may determine what benefits marriage brings to you and your same-sex spouse. While the majority of states now recognize marriage equality, laws still remain on the books that may be detrimental to same-sex couples. The benefits afforded to married couples – and the costs of those benefits – vary widely from state to state.

For example, although you may be able to get married, your state may not protect you from getting fired for being gay. Public nuptials may have consequences in states where local laws are still discriminatory.

Thankfully, champions of marriage equality have cases pending in courts throughout the land to change these and other archaic laws.

If your employer recognizes same-sex marriages and offers spousal benefits such as health insurance, same-sex couples may be able

150

to “benefit shop” to find the best healthcare and other benefits – and not pay income taxes on those benefits. The advantage of marriage in this situation is that the value of those benefits (paid by the employer on behalf of the employee) is not taxable income.

For unmarried domestic partners who receive the same employee benefits (if the employer offers them to domestic partners), the value of the benefits is taxable income to the employee.

However, if the same-sex married couple lives in a state without marriage equality, those benefits may be taxable at the state level.

A negative by-product of marriage equality is that some employers may be less likely to recognize non-marital relationships now. In the past, since our relationships were not recognized, progressive employers allowed same-sex couples to declare their economic dependence in a simple affidavit, qualifying them for certain benefits. Today, however, some employers have become stricter, not offering benefits to non-marital relationships where a legally recognized status exists.

RETIREMENT AND SOCIAL SECURITY

In retirement, there are several benefits to marriage. For example, while planning for retirement, you may be able to contribute to your spouse’s Individual Retirement Account (IRA) even if he or she has little or no taxable compensation. This is helpful, for example, if one spouse stays at home to care for other family members.

As the primary beneficiary of an IRA, a surviving spouse may roll over the account into his or her own IRA. This allows the spouse to withdraw the assets based on his or her own life-expectancy (thus possibly delaying some income tax liability). Additionally, the IRA is protected from most creditors of the surviving spouse. Unmarried partners cannot avail themselves of these advantages.

A same-sex couple may also consider the potential Medicare and Social Security benefits available with marriage – and where they choose to retire. Even now, this area of the law is not entirely settled – and could change quickly with a definitive ruling on marriage equality laws from the United States Supreme Court this year. Even the Social Security Administration’s own advice is vague, but they encourage all who are in a same-sex marriage or a non-marital legal relationship to apply for benefits “right away,” even if you are not sure that you qualify.

What is certain is that a married same-sex couple living in a marriage equality state will receive all marital benefits, such as a spousal increase in Social Security benefits when a spouse dies. For some couples marriage could mean more financial security when a spouse dies.

On the other hand, for those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a spouse’s income and resources will be counted, so being married may affect eligibility.

GET ADVICE

Planning is simply knowing all the facts before making the decision.

With the opportunity to marry later in life or after amassing personal wealth, gay and lesbian couples may find themselves more concerned with the economics of marriage than picking out china patterns.

While one cannot reduce the emotional decision to marry to a frigid economic analysis, it is better to know what lies ahead financially when making a life-changing decision. One thing is certain: there is wisdom in getting good, coordinated advice from your legal, tax, and financial advisors.

Max Barger is a Senior Wealth Planner at PNC Wealth Management and serves on the Planning for Same-Sex Couples National Practice Group.

Before joining PNC, he practiced law for 18 years, focusing on estate planning, administration, and taxation. He is a board member of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington. Barger’s views should not be construed to be the position of PNC Bank or its affiliates.

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EQUAL UND

For the past six years, the Administration has operated under the guiding principle that people should be treated equally regardless of who they are and whom they love. From employment and economic opportunity, to access to health care, to family and intimate partner violence, LGBT Americans face a range of complex – and often interlocking – issues. We have made it a priority to use all the tools at our disposal to address these challenges. In order to continue to find ways to expand the rights and equality for LGBT people, the White House has convened community organizers, policy advocates, non-profit leaders, and officials from across the Administration.

And we’ve traveled to communities here at home and abroad to better understand the unique challenges LGBT people face.

In our meetings, summits, and roundtables, we have sought to recognize diversity within diversity and elevate the experiences of segments of the LGBT community that are all too often left out. In March, we met with a group of transgender women of color leaders at the White House for the first time to discuss the challenges that this community faces. That same month, we welcomed nearly 100 Black LGBTQ Emerging Leaders from across the country to discuss leadership and public service. These moments were an opportunity to reflect on the historic steps this Administration has taken to expand protections for some of the most vulnerable members of our community.

In December, Attorney General Eric Holder announced the Department of Justice’s position that the protections against sex discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 extend to claims of discrimination based on gender identity, including transgender status. On April 3, the Department of Justice filed a statement of interest in the Middle District of Georgia in

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DER THE LAW LGBT PROGRESS AND THE OBAMA PRESIDENCY

BY ADITI HARDIKAR Associate Director, White House Office of Public Engagement LGBT & AAPI Liaison to the White House

Diamond v. Owens, et al. arguing that the Constitution requires individualized assessment and care for gender dysphoria for incarcerated individuals. Finally, the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing included LGBT-specific recommendations in its March 2015 interim report following a listening session between task force members and members of the LGBT community who have had contact with the police and criminal justice system.

The Administration has also sought to ensure all Americans, including LGBT Americans, have access to affordable and quality health care through the Affordable Care Act. This year, LGBT navigators and four LGBT beneficiaries met with Surgeon General Vivek Murthy at the Department of Health and Human Services to discuss the successes of the ACA in the LGBT community, and identify opportunities for improvement. We also continue to visit LGBT communities across the country to discuss the importance of access to affordable health care for LGBT Americans, and will continue to do so during Pride month.

We are also taking steps to ensure LGBT Americans are protected at work and in the home. On July 21, 2014, President Obama signed an Executive Order to prohibit federal contractors and subcontractors from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. On April 8, 2015, this executive order went into law, extending protections against discrimination to an estimated 1.5 million Americans in the workplace. The President also came out against conversion therapy for LGBT young people the following week in response to a White House petition that garnered over 120,000 signatures. California, New Jersey, and the District of Columbia have all banned licensed professionals from using conversion therapy on minors, and lawmakers in 18 other states have introduced similar measures. While a national law banning

licensed professionals from using conversion therapy on minors would require Congressional action, we hope that the clarity of the evidence combined with the actions taken by these states will lead to broader action on this issue. These are only a few examples of the President’s commitment to ensuring LGBT Americans are seated squarely in the fabric of American society.

Finally, the Administration has been a champion in the fight for marriage equality. The President has repeatedly expressed his belief that loving and committed same-sex couples should be able to get married. Following the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in 2013 that Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act was unconstitutional, the Administration extended a broad array of benefits to Federal employees in same-sex marriages. More recently, the Department of Justice filed a “friend of the court” brief in the Supreme Court that affirmed the Administration’s view that state restrictions on samesex marriage should be invalidated, and urged the Supreme Court to make marriage equality a reality for all Americans.

While the Administration has made historic steps forward on numerous fronts for LGBT Americans, our efforts are far from finished.

Our frank conversations with community leaders and advocates shine a light on work that is left to be done to ensure that equality under the law truly applies to all Americans. From employment protections, to ending bias-motivated violence, to supporting the most marginalized members of our community, this Administration will continue fighting to advance equality for all Americans.

TO STAY UPDATED ON WHITE HOUSE INITIATIVES AND ACTIONS RELATED TO THE LGBT COMMUNITY, PLEASE VISIT: HTTPS://WWW.WHITEHOUSE.GOV/LGBT

ON TIME

1 Arthur L Miller Senator who drafted the legistraion

The history of DC’s LGBTA community didn’t start with the 1975 Pride. It didn’t even start with Stonewall.

Our history likely goes all the way back to our city’s founding. But it wasn’t until the middle of the 20th century that our community became visible and our history was finally documented.

2

1940s

Late 1940s - US Park Police launch Pervert Elimination

Campaign to arrest, investigate, and prosecute gay men cruising the city’s parks

1

1948- Congress passes sodomy law for DC.

The law , introduced by Rep. Arthur Miller (R-Neb.), established a penalty of up to 10 years in prison or a fine up to $1,000 and remained in effect and unaltered until it was repealed in 1995.

1950s 2

allowed job discrimination and denial of security clearances and launched a lengthy campaign to clean the “perverts” out of government employment.

3

President D Eisenhower

Sen. Joseph McCarthy (R-WI) and Roy Cohn Lead THE LAVENDAR SCARE at the State Department

1950- Employment of Homosexuals and Other Perverts in Government, Senate report. This report

3

4 4

1950-State Department announces purge of 91

homosexuals, the start of a government - wide campaign that would claim more than 10,000 careers - and some lives. Becomes known as The Lavender Scare.

1953- President Eisenhower signs executive order that allows firing of federal employees for “sexual perversion.”

1957- Dr. Franklin Kameny fired for being a homosexual.

Kameny was fired from his job with the U.S. Army Map Service and barred from future federal employment. He appeals the firing all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

158

1957- Nob Hill opens. Nob Hill became the longest continuously operating gay club in DC and one of the oldest black gay clubs in the US. It closed in 2004.

A LOOK AT 8 DECADES IN OUR FIGHT FOR EQUALITY AND JUSTICE

1

2 Complied by Chip Lewis, Al Pellenberg and The Rainbow History Project

1960s

1

1960- Mattachine Society of Washington DC formed.

The first DC gay activist group, Mattachine fought for civil rights on security clearances and job discrimination. Founded by Dr. Franklin E. Kameny with Paul Kuntzler, Eva Freund, Jack Nichols, Lilli Vincenz, and others.

1961- Oscars/Academy Awards of Washington formed.

“Liz Taylor”started the first ‘safe haven’ for female impersonators in the DC area.

1963 - Openly gay Bayard Rustin organizes the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, a seminal event in the civil rights movement.

2 1965- First gay picketing of White House.

1965- Plus One opens. DC’s first gay disco drew mixed male and female crowds. Its opening was the first opportunity for same-sex dancing in DC.

3

3 1966- The Homosexual Citizen, the first local civil rights magazine, published by the Mattachine Society.

4 1969 - Washington Gay Blade (later renamed the Washington Blade) founded.

FLASHBACK

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1970s

1970- Phase 1 opens. Phase 1 is the oldest continually operating lesbian bar in the US and the oldest operating LGBT bar in DC. 1971- Kameny for Congress. Franklin Kameny was the first openly gay man to run in a political campaign in DC (for DC Delegate to Congress).

1 1

1971- Gay Activists Alliance DC founded. GAA (later GLAA) is the oldest continuously active gay activist group in DC.

1971- Earthworks opens. Deacon Maccubbin opened the first openly gay non-bar business in DC, site of first gay hotline and first gay bookstore.

2

1971- DC Eagle opens.

1971- Metropolitan Community Church formed.

1972- Dignity/Washington-DC chapter organized.

1972- DC School Board resolution bans discrimination.

In a landmark decision, the School Board extended the first civil rights protection to homosexuals.

1972-First Gay Pride celebrated in DC but does not

become an annual event.

1973- Gay Men’s VD Clinic begins at Washington Free Clinic The first gay and lesbian community medical support organization began in the basement of Georgetown Lutheran Church.

1973- Title 34 rights protection adopted. This first citywide human rights ordinance provided protection to gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender men and women.

2

1974- Lambda Rising opens. Lambda Rising became the leading gay bookstore in DC.

1974- Lammas Women’s Bookstore & More opens.

Lammas catered to the women’s community until it closed in 2000.

1975- Establishment of annual gay pride. Organized in June by Deacon Maccubbin and held on 20th Street between R and S, NW. 1975- Bet Mishpachah founded.

3

1976- Gertrude Stein Democratic Club formed.

1977- Cinema Follies fire. The fire at a gay adult theater

From 1980 to 1987, Whitman-Walker Clinic was located at 2335 18th Street

killed—and outed—nine men.

1978- Walt Whitman Republican Club formed. One of the first gay Republican groups in the nation; became the Capital Area Log Cabin Club.

4

1978- Brother, Help Thyself organized. BHT funds many

fledgling community groups, AIDS support organizations and community institutions.

162

3

1978-Whitman-Walker Clinic founded. The earliest and

4

1979-First March on Washington.

most widely based LGBT health organization opens. In 2011, it would change its name to Whitman-Walker Health.

1980s

1981- Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington formed 1 1981- First HIV/AIDS support services offered at Whitman-Walker.

1981- Arlington Gay and Lesbian Alliance founded.

1

1981- DC decriminalizes sodomy. Congress overrules the City Council and keeps the law.

1981- First report of AIDS case in DC. 1983- Major AIDS Forum held at Lisner Auditorium. This

public forum organized by Whitman-Walker Clinic drew 1,200 men.

2

1983- Alexandria Gay and Lesbian Community Association organized.

1984- Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League founded.

1984- AIDS Evaluation Unit opened at Whitman-Walker.

This was the first gay, community-based medical unit devoted to evaluation/diagnosis of AIDS symptoms.

1985- Us Helping Us formed.

2

1986- First High Heel Drag Race.

1986- JR’s Bar & Grill opens.

3

1987- First AIDS Quilt display on the National Mall.

1987- Second March on Washington.

1987- 1st DC AIDS Walk.

1988- Metro Teen AIDS formed to provide education and support to youth on HIV issues; it merged with Whitman-Walker in 2015.

4

3

1989- Mautner Project formed. The medical and social

support group was formed in honor of Mary-Helen Mautner to help lesbians living with cancer. It merged with Whitman-Walker in 2013.

1989- BiWomen’s and BiMen’s Network founded.

FLASHBACK

4

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1

1990s

1990- ACT UP demonstrations at NIH. ACT UP organized protests over AIDS research priorities at NIH; more than 1,000 demonstrators participated.

2

1991- First DC Black Pride held.

1993- Third March on Washington.

2

1993- “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy for LGBT military personnel becomes law.

1993- DC Council legalizes private consensual sodomy.

1994- MetroWeekly magazine debuts.

3

Photography by Jason Pier @ www.jasonpier.com

1995- Tyra Hunter death sparks protests. Tyra Hunter,

transgender victim in a traffic accident, was neglected by EMS paramedics, sparking protests and investigations of DC Fire Department and EMS handling of transgender people.

1996- Transgender Health Empowerment opens.

1996- Defense of Marriage Act becomes law.

1997- David Catania elected first openly gay DC Council member .

1997- Jay Fisette first openly gay elected official in Virginia.

4

3

1999- Gay Muslim group Al-Fatihah organized .

4

FLASHBACK

165

ON TIME

1

1

2000s

2000- MPD Gay & Lesbian Liaison Unit formed.

2000- Millennium March (Fourth March on Washington).

2

2001- DC domestic partnership benefits finally began.

2003- Supreme Court overturns state sodomy laws.

2003- National Center for Transgender Equality founded.

2

2005- Gender identity protections added to DC Human Rights Act by DC City Council.

2009- Matthew Shepard and James C. Byrd Hate Crimes Law passes.

2009- National Equality March (Fifth March on Washington).

3

2009- DC Marriage Equality law passes, signed into law.

2010s 4 3

vjnetcast.com

4

2011- “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law repealed. LGB people can

serve openly in military.

2012 - Tagg magazine launched to serve lesbians, bisexual women and the transgender community.

2012- President Barack Obama becomes first sitting President to openly support marriage equality.

2012 - Casa Ruby opens 2013- Defense of Marriage Act partly overturned by the

Supreme Court.

166

FLASHBACK

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