Awesome Con's Pride Alley

CONTENTS

April 25, 2019

To celebrate Awesome Con, we produced multiple covers. Collect all three!

L to R: Eric Guerrero (Rage Gear Studios), Caitlin Hinson, Dale Lazarov

THE PRIDE OF AWESOME CON

We asked the artists of Awesome Con’s “Pride Alley” what sets their LGBTQ work apart.

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Edited by Rhuaridh Marr and Randy Shulman

Volume 25 Issue 50

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GAME, SET, MATCH

Sweeping from grim defeat to giddy excitement, Avengers: Endgame covers all MCU bases, and then some. Our spoiler-free review.

By André Hereford

SPOTLIGHT: DC SHORTS SINGS p.7 OUT ON THE TOWN p.10 EN POINTE: RALPH FIENNES ON THE WHITE CROW p.12 THE SWEETEST VOICE: VANESSA WILLIAMS AND THE NSO POPS p.14 THE FEED: YOUTH PRIDE DAY AND MAY IS? ALL ABOUT TRANS p.19 COMMUNITY: GAY DAY AT THE ZOO p.21 COMMUNITY CALENDAR p.21 SCENE: GLAA’S 48TH ANNIVERSARY AWARDS RECEPTION p.23 SCENE: TEAMDC’S NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS p.25 COVER STORY: THE PRIDE OF AWESOME CON p.27 FILM: AVENGERS: ENDGAME p.35 NIGHTLIFE p.37 SCENE: MIZ CRACKER AT PITCHERS DC p.37 NIGHTLIFE LISTINGS p.38 NIGHTLIFE HIGHLIGHTS p.39 SCENE: FREDDIE’S EASTER BRUNCH p.44 LAST WORD p.46 Real LGBTQ News and Entertainment since 1994 Editorial Editor-in-Chief Randy Shulman Art Director Todd Franson Online Editor at metroweekly.com Rhuaridh Marr Senior Editor John Riley Contributing Editors André Hereford, Doug Rule Senior Photographers Ward Morrison, Julian Vankim Contributing Illustrator Scott G. Brooks Contributing Writers Sean Maunier, Troy Petenbrink, Bailey Vogt, Kate Wingfield Webmaster David Uy Production Assistant Julian Vankim Sales & Marketing Publisher Randy Shulman National Advertising Representative Rivendell Media Co. 212-242-6863 Distribution Manager Dennis Havrilla Patron Saint Alvin L. Franson Metro Weekly 1775 I St. NW, Suite 1150 Washington, DC 20006 202-638-6830 All material appearing in Metro Weekly is protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publishers. Metro Weekly assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials submitted for publication. All such submissions are subject to editing and will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Metro Weekly is supported by many fine advertisers, but we cannot accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers, nor can we accept responsibility for materials provided by advertisers or their agents. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles or advertising in Metro Weekly is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such person or organization.

© 2019 Jansi LLC.

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APRIL 25, 2019 • METROWEEKLY

Spotlight

Clockwise from top left: Aria for a Cow, Jarreau Williams, Herll You Talmbout, Reverie

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DC Shorts Sings

N TERMS OF SHEER APPEAL, THE NEWEST PROGRAM from DC Shorts easily ranks as one of the organization’s gayest yet. The title alone gives it away: “DC Shorts Sings! A Night of Live Music & Film.”

“We'll have a little bit of the best of both worlds,” says Peter Morgan, the organization’s new executive director. “We have some favorite short films, and we have some amazing live performers.” The program’s seven shorts are all music-themed films, to be introduced via musical performances from three area stage professionals associated with the local LGBTQ-led cabaret outfit La Ti Do Productions: Ava Silva, Krystle Cruz, and Jarreau Williams. The program will be hosted by La Ti Do co-founder Don Mike Mendoza, with musical accompaniment

by Paige Rammelkamp.

“It's the first time that we’re doing a musical showcase,” Morgan says. The evening is a natural extension of the popular DC Shorts Laughs program held in June, which mixes comedy shorts with live standup.

One could argue that every DC Shorts program, including the

annual 10-day festival in September, has built-in LGBTQ appeal — the organization, after all, was founded and continues to be run by members of the community, Morgan included.

When it comes to the actual program, however, “DC Shorts Sings” features only one specifically LGBTQ-themed film: Brad McDermott’s Silver Light. “[It’s] about a man who returns to his hometown [for the funeral] of his first love — his high school sweetheart,” says Morgan. The homecoming triggers a belated outing of the former flame.

All seven films share an underlying theme: They each celebrate the triumph of self-identity over preconception and bias. The most lighthearted of the bunch is Aria for a Cow, Dan Lund’s animated musical comedy about a bovine diva who pleads for respect beyond her dairy output, and is moved to sing a previously unreleased number from Howard Ashman and Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast).

“I'm looking forward to the audience reaction to the live performances paired with the amazing short films,” Morgan says. “I think everyone's going to find it spectacular.” —Doug Rule

DC Shorts Sings is Saturday, May 4, at 8 and 10 p.m. at the Miracle Theatre, 535 8th St. SE. Tickets are $20 and include preshow open bar for beer and wine. Call 202-400-3210 or visit www.themiracletheatre.com.

APRIL 25, 2019 • METROWEEKLY

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Spotlight OSLO

KALEY ETZKORN

In 1993, a husband-and-wife Norwegian duo assembles a motley band of would-be diplomats from the Middle East to attempt the unimaginable: negotiate peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Round House Theatre’s Ryan Rilette directs J. T. Rogers’ thrilling nail-biter, based on the true events surrounding the Oslo Peace Accords, with John Austin and Susannah Morgan Eig leading a strong 15-member cast featuring a number of local stage heavyweights, including Maboud Ebrahimzadeh, Kimberly Gilbert, Alexander Strain, and Erin Weaver. The production is presented at the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Lansburgh Theatre while Round House renovates its Bethesda venue, with its box office transplanted as well. In previews. Runs to May 19. 450 7th St. NW. Call 240-644-1100 or visit www.roundhousetheatre.org.

BALTIMORE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: AN AMERICAN IN PARIS

A “Movie with Orchestra” event, in which the classic 1951 film directed by Vincente “Liza’s Father” Minnelli and featuring Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron is projected on screens overhead as Jack Everly leads the BSO in George Gershwin’s extraordinary film score, including the songbook standards “Embraceable You” and “I Got Rhythm.” Thursday, May 2, at 8 p.m. Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. Also Friday, May 3, and Saturday, May 4, at 8 p.m., and Sunday, May 5, at 3 p.m. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St., Baltimore. Tickets are $25 to $90. Call 410-783-8000 or visit www.bsomusic.org.

KALI UCHIS & JORJA SMITH

A double-bill of new-school R&B from two Millennial starlets, the Northern Virginiareared Uchis and the Jamaican-English Smith.

Uchis, of Colombian descent, tours in support of Isolation, characterized by a savvy mix of R&B with reggaeton, funk, and bossa nova elements and praised by media outlets including NPR as “one of the most commanding and endlessly listenable pop statements to emerge” in 2018.

Smith earned some acclaim of her own last year upon the release of her debut long player Lost & Found, which helped her land a nomination as Best New Artist at the Grammys. Sunday, April 28. Doors at 6:30 p.m. The Anthem, 901 Wharf St. SW. Tickets are $45 to $75. Call 202-888-0020 or visit www.theanthemdc.com.

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APRIL 25, 2019 • METROWEEKLY

Spotlight LYNDA CARTER

CARTER SIMONE

The original Wonder Woman has developed a second career as a cabaret/jazz singer in recent years, and appearing at the Kennedy Center has become an annual pilgrimage of sorts. “It’s a thrill to come back every year,” she tells Metro Weekly. “There's a mix of old material and new material.” Much of the new material in “This Life: My Music, My Story” hails from her most recent album, 2018’s Red Rock N’ Blues. Carter will be accompanied by her band for a dynamic, sexy, 90-minute cabaret also including classic standards in the jazz, country, and blues genres.

Sunday, April 28, at 7:30 p.m. Kennedy Center Terrace Theater. Tickets are $65 to $120. Call 202-467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org.

INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE DAY 2019 & DC BOOKSTORE CRAWL

KRAMERBOOKS

Nearly every brick-and-mortar bookstore you can think of will put their own spin on this fifth-annual national celebration this Saturday, April 27, with exclusive, oneday-only offerings ranging from special events and performances to unique literary items and promotions. And this year ushers in DC’s Bookstore Crawl, offering further discounts, including 20% off select purchases — plus buy-one-get-one-free drinks at Peregrine Espresso locations — at the 10 participating merchants: Busboys & Poets, East City Bookshop, Kramerbooks & Afterwords (pictured), Loyalty, Politics and Prose Bookstore & Coffeehouse, Solid State Books, Capitol Hill Books, Potter’s House, Bridge Street Books, and Walls of Books. Visit www.dcbookstoreday.com for more details.

RAUL ROMO

DUSTIN LANCE BLACK

Next week, Knopf will publish Mama’s Boy: A Story from Our Americas, a stirring memoir from the Oscar-winning screenwriter of Milk who also helped lead the fight a decade ago to overturn California’s anti-gay marriage Proposition 8. Above all, Black’s behind-the-scenes look into his life, work, and activism shines a light on the woman who most inspired him: His mother, who defied doctors’ expectations as a child survivor of severe polio, went on to break free from two abusive marriages, and eventually chose to support her gay son rather than give in to the anti-gay teachings of her Mormon faith.

Thursday, May 2, at 7 p.m. Politics and Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW. Call 202-364-1919 or visit www.politics-prose.com.

APRIL 25, 2019 • METROWEEKLY

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JASON QUIGLEY.

Out On The Town

BLACK BELT EAGLE SCOUT

“A friend came up with Black Belt Eagle Scout, actually,” says singer-songwriter Katherine Paul, or KP. “I thought, that’s a really nice name. It’s a very fierce name.” The music that emanates from her twice masterly titled project is also pretty audacious, in a rather quiet, pensive way. The full-length debut Mother Of My Children showcases KP’s multi-varied influences: from her upbringing in a musical family on the Swinomish Indian reservation in Washington state; to her love of the state’s homegrown riot grrl punk and grunge scenes; to her identity as an “Indigenous queer cis woman.” Much of the set focuses on a past relationship with a woman she thought she’d have kids with. “It’s a look into what emotions one goes through when you feel heartbreak, and when you feel grief,” she says, “and then when you try and find that part inside of you to heal and to process.” The 29-year-old is remarkably candid about her experiences throughout the reflective set — with standouts including the bristly grunge-esque rocker “Soft Stud,” where KP conveys angst over having an open relationship, and the title track, where she coos the phrase “without you” wistfully yet repeatedly, as if to hammer home the point. In concert, KP sings and plays guitar as part of a four-piece band working in tandem to make the songs sound “a little bit more full live.” Black Belt Eagle Scout also serves as the warm-up for young Australian folkrock singer-songwriter Julia Jacklin. Tuesday, April 30. Doors at 7 p.m. Rock and Roll Hotel, 1353 H St. NE. Tickets are officially sold out, but available for $17 on resale sites including StubHub and VividSeats. Call 202-388-ROCK or visit www.rockandrollhoteldc.com. (Doug Rule)

Compiled by Doug Rule

FILM PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

Next up in the popular Capital Classics series at Landmark’s West End Cinema comes the 1940 original big screen adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel about 19th-century English social mores.

Greer Garson portrays Elizabeth Bennet as the girl who Laurence Olivier, as the wealthy Mr. Darcy, eventually pursues to be his wife.

TV Guide praised the film as “an unusually successful adaptation of Jane Austen’s most famous novel,” further calling Garson's Elizabeth “an Austen heroine incarnate.”

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Wednesday, May 1, at 1:30, 4:30, and 7:30 p.m. 2301 M St. NW. Happy hour from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $12.50. Call 202-534-1907 or visit www.landmarktheatres.com.

THE HUMP! FILM FESTIVAL

Sex advice columnist Dan Savage offers up a sex-positive, rougharound-the-edges assortment of homemade pornography — gay, straight, fetish, you name it.

“Hump!” is less erotic than it is avant garde. While definitely not soft-core, it’s less about titillation than breaking down sexual barriers. Savage has curated the annual festival since 2005, with each year bringing a new batch of shorts, each clocking in at less than five min-

APRIL 25, 2019 • METROWEEKLY

utes, featuring amateurs revelling in sexual expression. Thursday, April 25. Doors at 7:30 p.m. Also Friday, April 26, and Saturday, April 27. Doors at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Black Cat Mainstage, 1811 14th St. NW. Tickets are $25. Call 202-667-4490 or visit www.humpfilmfest.com.

STAGE BECKETT TRIO, PART 2 PINTER REP

Short plays by Samuel Beckett and Harold Pinter — two theater giants and Nobel Laureates — are presented in repertory on alternate evenings by Scena Theatre and directed by the company’s

Robert McNamara. Beckett Trio, Part 2 features the Irish architect of absurdism’s black comedy-rich Ohio Impromptu, Come and Go, and Catastrophe, with a six-person cast including Buck O’Leary, Kim Curtis, and Jen Bevarelli. Pinter Rep, meanwhile, finds a nine-person cast, including Christopher Henley, Irina Koval, Karin Rosnizeck, and Robert Sheire, bringing to life a political trio “portraying terror and its consequences” from the legendary British playwright: One for the Road, Mountain Language, and The New World Order. To May 5.

Lab II in the Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. Tickets are $14 to $45. Call 202-399-7993 or visit www.scenatheatre.org.

SONY PICTURES CLASSICS

GRAND HOTEL THE MUSICAL

EN POINTE

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With The White Crow, Ralph Fiennes has created an homage to the artistry of Nureyev as well as a Cold War thriller.

WAS WAY OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE SHOOTING BALLET,” SAYS RALPH FIENNES. “I had a bit of a steep learning curve.” To prepare for directing The White Crow, a magnificent, lush, gripping drama about Rudolf Nureyev’s defection to the west, Fiennes “watched a lot of recordings of ballet.... I found myself thinking ‘Is there another way to shoot ballet that's kind of going behind the dancer?’ I attempted this, but in the end, I re-shot some of it [from the front]. I needed to have longer takes that can follow the dance and not cut into it.”

The resulting dance sequences, performed by Oleg Ivanko, are thrilling, to say the least. Ivanko is a revelation, in that this is the Russian dancer’s first film acting role, and he is a dead ringer for the young Nureyev. His performance blazes with passion, showing Nureyev as an alternately arrogant and vulnerable young artist, struggling with a country that attempts to control his every move, as well as grappling with his attraction to men.

“I wanted a dancer who I hoped could act,” says Fiennes, who also stars in the film as the legendary ballet instructor Alexander Pushkin. “When I got [screenwriter] David Hare's first draft, what hit me was, ‘Wow, this is a huge dramatic role. Yes, there are ballet sequences which we've got to deliver on, but whoever plays this part has to deliver a really substantial, nuanced, dramatic performance. We did a huge, huge casting search through all the Russian speaking ballet schools and we lucked out [with Oleg].... On our first day of filming, he was immediately magnetic in front of the camera, and just got increasingly confident as the days went by.”

The White Crow cleverly interweaves three critical sections from Nureyev’s life: his childhood, his training, and his time with the Kirov in Paris, which ultimately led to his defection from the Soviet Union, a harrowing, edge-of-your-seat sequence that calls to mind the great 1960s cold war thrillers. As skilled a director as he is an actor, Fiennes has created a portrait of an artist for whom the passion of art, and his desire for full freedom, trumps politics. Moreover, the movie does not gloss over Nureyev’s homosexuality.

“What I tried to do is to show what I hope is Nureyev’s emerging sense of himself as a gay man,” says Fiennes. “There's this sense of another world that he's not yet quite able to embrace.”

Despite its ‘60s setting, Fiennes feels the film has relevance to modern day politics. “It's dangerous to make generalizations,” he cautions, “but there are certain countries in the world where the freedom of the individual, and especially the artist, is being constrained. I think there are a number of countries where the nation-state is frightened of the power of the artist.” —Randy Shulman The White Crow opens in Washington, D.C. on Friday, May 3, exclusively at the Avalon Theater, the AMC Shirlington, and the Angelika Mosaic. Visit www.fandango.com.

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APRIL 25, 2019 • METROWEEKLY

Eric Schaeffer directs one of his favorite musicals, a multiple Tonywinning work from 1989 with a book by Luther Davis and music and lyrics by Robert Wright, George Forrest, and Maury Yeston. Based on the 1929 novel by Vicki Baum that also spawned two World War II-era movies, Grand Hotel The Musical is set in a lavish hotel in Weimar Republic Berlin — and staged in such a way at Signature Theatre that audiences will feel like they are sitting in the hotel’s lobby.

A fading ballerina, a destitute baron, a wannabe starlet, and an ailing bookkeeper are just a handful of the many characters who come and go in the show, with Signature stars Bobby Smith and Natascia Diaz leading a large cast also featuring other Signature veterans including Nicki Elledge, Kevin McAllister, Crystal Mosser, and Lawrence Redmond. Jon Kalbfleisch leads the orchestra while Kelly Crandall D’Amboise helms the choreography. In previews. To May 19. MAX Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington. Call 703-820-9771 or visit www.sigtheatre.org.

THE DUPONT UNDER(WORLD): THE LOST & THE FOUND

Founded by Strother Gaines and nurtured at Capital Fringe, TBD Immersive — which stands for Tradition Be Damned — is hardly theater as usual. The company’s variation on devised, participatory theater centers the audience, with each attendee becoming an active participant, choosing their own way into and around the chief story, such that they ultimately become a co-creator of what results, building on the work of the mainstage performers and the company’s devising playwright Jenny Splitter, with additional assist from producing improvisation director Dana Malone Heiser. Next up from TBD is an intimate, hour-long guided experience through a series of interactive installations transforming the subterranean Dupont Underground into a passageway to the Underworld. A maximum of 10 patrons will explore at the same time, and they will journey from life to death or from death to life — depending on their assigned path, with no two journeys ever alike — exploring the wonder, pain, and beauty of the unknown along the way. To May 12. Dupont Underground, 1500 19th St. NW. Tickets are $35. visit www.tbdimmersive.com.

THE WHITE SNAKE

In Mary Zimmerman’s adaptation of the ancient Chinese legend, a snake spirit transforms itself into a woman in order to experience the human world, and in the process falls in love with a pharmacist’s assistant. Allison Arkell Stockman

directs a production from her company Constellation Theatre that features live original music from multi-instrumentalist Tom Teasley and dulcimer virtuoso Chao Tian, plus a signature bold acting ensemble led by Eunice Bae, Momo Nakamura, and Jacob Yeh. In previews, opens Sunday, April 28. Runs to May 26. Source Theatre, 1835 14th St. NW. Tickets are $19 to $45.

Call 202-204-7741 or visit www. constellationtheatre.org.

MIKE RUIZ

THE WHO’S TOMMY

THE SWEETEST VOICE

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Vanessa Williams works the right stuff in song, in fashion, and with the NSO Pops.

OMETIMES THE SNOW COMES DOWN IN JUNE, AND SOMETIMES THE FABULOUS Vanessa Williams is on the other end of the phone line, in the midst of a musical a-ha moment. “Spider Woman, we’ve never done,” she muses, considering an addition to her live repertoire. “I have the charts for Kiss of the Spider Woman.”

For her Kennedy Center performances with conductor Steven Reineke and NSO Pops on May 3 and 4, Williams might draw upon her acclaimed Broadway run in Kiss of the Spider Woman, or her Tony-nominated turn in the 2002 revival of Sondheim’s Into the Woods. Or, the 11-time Grammy nominee could lead with her pop and R&B hits — including Billboard No. 1 smash “Save the Best for Last” — and enjoy that NSO sound along with her fans.

“It fills me to the nth degree to be able to hear my music, especially my big hits, with a full orchestra, because there's nothing like it,” says Williams. “You can record with strings and double the strings, and make it sound like a symphony, but when you hear it live and you hear ‘Colors of the Wind’ and you hear ‘Save the Best for Last’ and ‘The Sweetest Days,’ it just makes the lyrics more meaningful, makes the moments more meaningful.”

The Ugly Betty and Desperate Housewives star has been creating meaningful work onscreen, onstage, and in the recording studio for decades, and is eager to share songs in concert that also hold special meaning for her. Musical director Rob Mathes does all her arrangements. “[Rob] did one — which is one of my favorite songs from [Harold Arlen and Truman Capote’s musical] House of Flowers — called ‘I Never Has Seen Snow.’ It's just magical. His arrangement takes you to a place where you feel like the snow is coming down. You feel the naiveté of the character that I'm portraying. That's the magic that is special when you have a symphony orchestra.”

Recently signed to a new label deal with BMG, Williams is “happy to be back in the studio very soon and happy to be working on new music.” She also just finished shooting ABC’s half-hour comedy pilot Happy Accident, from Modern Family writers Abraham Higginbotham and Jon Pollack, although television audiences might catch her first on HSN, presenting her new V. by Vanessa Williams clothing line.

You don’t have to get ready, if you stay ready, and the busy Miss Williams stays ready, so we asked the devoted activist if she thinks the USA is ready to stand behind a powerful woman or LGBTQ leader as President in 2020. “I think America is always ready,” she says. “Just like it was ready when America elected Barack Obama. When things aren't working right, people love change.

So we will see, in a year and a half, how things are working.” —André Hereford Vanessa Williams appears with the NSO Pops on May 3 and 4, at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall.

Tickets are $39-$99. Call 202-467-4600 or visit www.kennedy-center.org.

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APRIL 25, 2019 • METROWEEKLY

Casey Cott, star of the CW’s Riverdale, takes on the title role in the Kennedy Center’s limited, semi-staged concert production of the musical tale penned by Pete Townshend in 1969 about his childhood and later struggles with fame as a founding member of the Who. Tony-winner Christian Borle (Peter and the Starcatcher) and Mandy Gonzalez (Hamilton) co-star as Tommy’s parents Captain Walker and Mrs. Walker in this Broadway Center Stage presentation directed and choreographed by Josh Rhodes (Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella). Offered as a 50th anniversary toast to the groundbreaking concept album and rock opera, the version on stage was adapted in 1992 through a collaboration between writer/director Des McAnuff and Townsend, with Townsend’s original music and lyrics embellished by additional music and lyrics by John Entwistle and Keith Moon.

Manu Narayan, Kimberly Nichole, and Wesley Taylor are also featured in the Kennedy Center run. To April 29. Eisenhower Theater. Tickets are $69 to $219. Call 202-467-4600 or visit www.kennedy-center.org.

MUSIC CAPITAL JAZZ

A presentation at Strathmore that is part of a two-concert showcase of artists from the local jazz scene. The diverse lineup of jazz, soul, and funk artists is touted as “indisputable proof that the depth and breadth of locally grown D.C. jazz rivals the best in the world.”

The Bumper Jacksons, Dave Kline Band, Veronneau, Cissa Paz, Alison Crockett, and Cristian Perez will all perform vibrant renditions and original compositions, transforming the Mansion into an intimate jazz club for the evening. The second concert in the series is presented Thursday, May 2, at 7:30 p.m. 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda.

Tickets are $30. Call 301-581-5100 or visit www.strathmore.org.

CHARM CITY BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL

The Bridge, Deer Tick, Steep Canyon Rangers, Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen, and the Jeff Austin Band headline this 7th annual festival taking place the last weekend

JOSHUA BELL, STEVEN ISSERLIS & JEREMY DENK

A trio of top-notch classical headliners team up three years after they collaborated on the critically acclaimed album For The Love of Brahms. Washington Performing Arts presents the violinist Bell, cellist Isserlis, and pianist Denk and a program expanding their ensemble repertoire to four masters of the 19th and 20th centuries: Mendelssohn with the Piano Trio No. 1 in D Minor, Shostakovich and Piano Trio No. 2 in E Minor, Rachmaninoff’s Trio Élégiaque No. 1 in G Minor, and Ravel’s Piano Trio in A Minor. Wednesday, May 1, at 8 p.m. Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda. Tickets are $90 to $100.

Call 301-581-5100 or visit www. strathmore.org.

TEAMDC

PATINA MILLER

TEAM DC’S SPRING CASINO NIGHT

Local LGBTQ athletic-supporting and social sports-boosting outfit Team DC offers gambling-for-fun fundraising events several times a year that benefit a rotating roster of local sports teams and social organizations, whose members serve as croupiers at tables offering poker, blackjack, and craps. Proceeds from the chips used to play at the tables will be split among the teams, and not, to be clear, among the gambling patrons themselves. That said, a patron’s remaining chips at the end of the night do offer chances for winnings — specifically raffle prizes, including tickets to the theater or sporting events, and gift cards.

And even if you don’t win a thing, you also won’t lose a penny beyond the $10 donation for the chips. “Casino Night gives you all of the pleasure and none of the harsh debt that comes with [actual] gambling,” says Team DC’s Brent Minor. The Spring 2019 affair is co-hosted by the Capital Tennis Association, the DC Strokes Rowing Club, DC Different Drummers, and Federal Triangles Soccer Club. There will also be food and drink specials.

Saturday, April 27, from 8 p.m. to midnight. Buffalo Billiards, 1330 19th St. NW. Cover donation is $10. Visit www.teamdc.org.

in April in the same large urban park that hosts the Baltimore Pride Festival. Three stages will be set up throughout Druid Hill Park, where a total of 20 acts spanning the bluegrass, folk, and Americana genres will perform individually as well as in countless impromptu jam sessions. The lineup naturally includes additional acts from the bluegrass-rich Mid-Atlantic region beyond Baltimore’s own The Bridge, including the Seldom Scene, 19th Street Band, and Charm City Junction. But festival-goers can’t live on music alone, and the food and drink highlights include a limited-release branded beer from Union Craft Brewery, a limited-release, festival-inspired ice cream flavor from the Charmery, plus offerings from popular Baltimore spots Bark BBQ, Deddle’s Mini Donuts, Vent Coffee Roasters, and Asian Taste, among others. Children 10 and under are free, and will be drawn to the festival’s kids activity area as well as petting zoo with animals

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from Irvine Nature Center. Friday, April 26, starting at 4 p.m., and Saturday, April 27, starting at 10 a.m. 3100 Swann Drive, Baltimore.

Tickets are $30 for Friday-Only, $52 Saturday-Only, and $72 for a TwoDay Package. Visit www.charmcitybluegrass.com.

DAVEY YARBOROUGH CELEBRATES DUKE ELLINGTON’S 120TH BIRTHDAY

The Goethe-Institut Washington, in conjunction with the DC Public Library, presents a tribute to the preeminent Washington jazz legend as part of its free monthly Jazz In The Basement concert series. Yarborough, a D.C.-native known for establishing the internationally recognized Jazz Studies program at the prestigious Duke Ellington School for the Arts and also for founding and leading the Washington Jazz Arts Institute, will play the saxophone and the flute. Accompanying him for this concert, also co-sponsored by Blues

APRIL 25, 2019 • METROWEEKLY

Alley, and the DC Federation of Musicians, will be Jon Ozment on piano, Ephraim Woolfolk on bass, Greg Holloway on percussion, and Isaac Daniel on guitar. Sunday, April 28, at 2 p.m. German Cultural Center, 1990 K St. NW., Suite 3.

Limited seats available on a firstcome, first-seated basis. Call 202289-1200 or visit www.goethe.de/ washington.

IRON & WINE W/THE NSO

At this special NSO Pops concert, singer-songwriter Sam Beam celebrates the 15th anniversary of his indie-folk band’s album Our Endless Numbered Days by performing the intimate, cinematic work in its entirety in new symphonic arrangements by composer/conductor David Campbell.

The one-time-only performance concludes with Beam performing a solo acoustic set. Tuesday, April 30, at 8 p.m. Kennedy Center Concert Hall. Tickets are $39 to $89. Call 202-467-4600 or visit www.kennedy-center.org.

After making her solo cabaret debut a few years back at the Kennedy Center via Barbara Cook’s Spotlight series, Patina Miller returns for another show, this time at the behest of another towering vocal dame: Renée Fleming through her series VOICES. Though also familiar from her work in film (The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 and 2) and TV (CBS’s Madam Secretary), Miller has really made her mark on Broadway, including Sister Act and especially the 2013 revival of Pippin, which garnered her the Tony for Best Actress in a Musical. Expect to hear songs from those shows, plus gospel and pop — perhaps even a nod to the movie, Beaches, which inspired Miller as a little girl. ”The scene in the movie where C.C. wants to go to New York and be a Broadway star, that kind of got me curious as to what New York was and what Broadway was,” the South Carolina native told Metro Weekly in 2013.

Saturday, April 27, at 7:30 p.m.

Terrace Theater. Tickets are $49 to $79. Call 202-467-4600 or visit www.kennedy-center.org.

VEVE & THA REBELS & DUPONT BRASS

The Mars Urban Arts Initiative, a creative platform for local artists presented by Washington Performing Arts and supported by the Mars candy empire, presents a double-bill showcase of two ensembles-in-residence. There’s VeVe & Tha Rebels, offering original Afrofolk songs that tell a complex story of discovery and identity through purpose-driven music making, and DuPont Brass, an eight-piece ensemble consisting of many Howard University alum creating an unabashedly soulful mash-up of uplifting styles. Last year, the Brass released two albums and ended its Halftime set with “Enjoy Yourself,” a life-affirming anthem calling on everyone “gay or straight” to “enjoy

SCORPIO ENTERTAINMENT LLC

MAY THE 4TH: AN OUTER SPACE DANCE PARTY

On Saturday, May 4, sometimes known as Star Wars Day, local DJ company Scorpio Entertainment plans to transform the historic Terminal A Lobby at Washington National Airport into a spaceship-inspired cosmic dance party. Guests are encouraged to dress for the theme, with supplemental glow wear provided. In addition to music by DJ Edward Daniels and live entertainment by Baltimore’s hula hoop performer Zbu Hoopism and D.C.’s juggler Christian Kloc, this #Maythe4thDC party will feature an open bar, views of the runway, a Hot Pink Photo Booth, social media projection wall, a galactic LED light show, and the possibility of a surprise “real-life Sharknado moment above the crowd,” to quote Daniels, the company’s founding director, a native of rural southern Virginia who, incidentally enough, got his start in the area by hosting karaoke at Freddie’s Beach Bar. Party starts with a Twilight Pre-Show at 7 p.m. before Blast-Off at 8 p.m. Tickets are $65, with partial proceeds benefiting the local shelter and homeless-helping nonprofit Change for Good, Inc. Call 202-536-4495 or visit www.Maythe4thDC.com for more information.

your life” and “protect your joy.”

Saturday, April 27, at 8 p.m. Sixth & I Historic Synagogue. 600 I St. NW. Tickets are $25. Call 202-408-3100 or visit www.sixthandi.org.

p.m. A pack of 5 tasting tickets cost $25. Visit www.barracksrow.org.

FOOD & DRINK

GEORGETOWN FRENCH MARKET

TASTE OF 8TH

Over 20 restaurants in the Barracks Row area of Capitol Hill centered on 8th Street SE will serve appetizer-sized samples of their newest or most popular dishes. It’s all an annual promotion and fundraiser for the Barracks Row Main Street organization. Venues participating this year include: Ambar, Belga Cafe, Betsy, Brick Lane, The Brig, Cava Mezze, Chat’s Liquors, DCanter, District Doughnut, Finn McCool’s, Las Placitas, Lavagna, matchbox, Medium Rare, Nooshi Sushi, Ophelia’s, The Orchid, Spring Mill Bread, Souk, Sushi Hachi, Sushi Torai, Sweet Lobby, Ted’s Bulletin, Tortuga Caribbean Bar & Grille, Trattoria Alberto, and Valor. Saturday, April 29, from 1 to 4

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ABOVE & BEYOND More than 35 boutique shops, antique stores, restaurants, salons, and galleries in Georgetown’s Book Hill area participate in the 16th annual open-air market and sidewalk sale, where merchants offer up to 75-percent off their wares and restaurants and cafes present special French fare, from sweet and savory crepes, grilled merguez sausages, pastries, and macarons. The Georgetown Business Improvement District (BID) presents the affair, intended to evoke the outdoor markets of Paris. All throughout you’ll find whimsical street performers, face painters, a caricature artist, and live French music and gypsy jazz. Plus, the first 250 people who drop by the Georgetown BID tent in the TD Bank lot (16111 Wisconsin Ave. NW) both weekend days will

APRIL 25, 2019 • METROWEEKLY

receive a free beret and will be entered to win tickets to Cirque du Soleil’s Volta. Friday, April 26, and Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, April 28, from 12 to 5 p.m. Wisconsin Avenue between O Street and Reservoir Road. Visit www.georgetownfrenchmarketdc.com.

LIVING EARTH FESTIVAL

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian hosts its annual festival bringing together Native innovators and practitioners dedicated to using Indigenous knowledge to protect and sustain the environment.

With the theme “Farm to Table: Sustaining Our Future Through Indigenous Knowledge,” this year’s event highlights Indigenous contributions to sustainable farming, touching on topics including business practices, land separation, sovereignty, seed preservation, health, and education. The festival kicks off with a panel discussion

and a screening of Karen Cantor’s 2018 documentary Return, about Native American women reclaiming traditional foodways to improve their communities’ well-being, on Friday, April 26, at 6:30 p.m. in the museum’s Rasmuson Theater.

Demonstrations, lectures, and cultural performances in the Potomac Atrium and throughout the museum on Saturday, April 27, and Sunday, April 28, will highlight everything from the Lummi Nation’s work in saving salmon to the Chickasaw Nation’s work with Bedré Fine Chocolate. Also during opening hours both days — 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. — will be hands-on activities and storytelling for children. The festival concludes on Sunday, April 28, at 3 p.m., with “Conversations with the Chefs” in the Rasmuson Theater, featuring Mitsitam Cafe chef Freddie Bitsoie (Diné) and Sioux Chef Sean Sherman (Oglala Lakota), who will also sign copies of his 2018 James Beard Awardwinning book The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen. Independence Avenue at 4th Street SW. Call 202633-1000 or visit www.nmai.si.edu.

SMITHSONIAN CRAFT SHOW

Touted as the most prestigious juried show and sale of American contemporary fine craft, the 37th annual event, presented by the Smithsonian Women’s Committee, features 120 of the field’s leading artists. All facets of contemporary design and jewelry are represented, including wearable art, basketry, furniture, glass, leather, and mixed media. Joyce J. Scott is this year’s recipient of the Smithsonian Visionary Artist Award in recognition of the Baltimore native’s work using off-loom hand-threaded beads and blown glass to create jewelry pieces as well as figurative sculptures and wall hangings.

Scott will be the focus of a “Convo with the Visionary” session and Q&A led by Stephanie Stebich of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, on Thursday, April 25, at 6 p.m. Proceeds from sales go toward funding research at the Smithsonian’s 28 institutions, from its museums on the mall to the National Zoo. Thursday, April 25, from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., including a Friends Night Out after-hours event starting at 5 p.m. with snacks and a cash bar, Friday, April 26, through Saturday, April 27, from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Sunday, April 28, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW. Daily admission is $20, or $17 purchased online in advance; the Convo with the Visionary session is $45 and includes all day Thursday admission and one complimentary drink. Call 202-2722448 or visit www.smithsoniancraftshow.org. l

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FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH

Y VERY FIRST EXPERIENCE WITH YOUTH Pride was as a volunteer,” says Nikisha Carpenter, president of the Youth Pride Alliance. “I had some friends who were on the board at the time, and the experience was eye-opening.

“I was a lot younger, and a lot of the people who were at Youth Pride were close to my age, but just seeing the youth who were there speaking and telling their stories, and seeing how brave they were, was encouraging and inspiring to see. I left wanting to be a part of it, and that’s why I eventually joined the board.”

This year’s Youth Pride event will take place around the Dupont Circle Fountain on Saturday, May 4, and will feature live performances from singers, dancers, spoken word poets, and local drag kings and queens. The organization has put out an open call for performers and speakers, who are encouraged to share memories or stories about their first Pride experience or the coming out process. Those wishing to perform or speak should sign up for a spot at the Youth Pride Alliance website.

While a finalized list of activities has yet to be issued, the day will also feature local service and community organizations at tables handing out fliers, informational pamphlets, or swag to attendees. There will also be several speakers, including representatives from the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, D.C. Councilmember David Grosso (I-At-Large),

and representatives from organizations such as SMYAL, the Human Rights Campaign, and the Rainbow History Project.

“We’ve teamed up with Damien Ministries to produce the event that day,” says Carpenter. “They’ve been an amazing partner, literally and figuratively a godsend.”

An hour after the festival ends, there will be a Mardi Gras-themed dance at the Palomar Hotel, two blocks away. Carpenter is excited to see how youth respond to the dance, which is a new feature of this year’s celebration.

“The biggest thing that’s unique about Youth Pride is it’s targeted for people under age 24, whereas a lot of other Prides are geared more toward the older crowd or centered around the club scene and partying,” says Carpenter. “This event is definitely more for young folks, from high school age to young adults, giving them a chance to come out and celebrate Pride in a space where they can be themselves and feel comfortable.” l WARD MORRISON

M

Youth Pride returns for its annual celebration at Dupont Circle on Saturday, May 4. By John Riley

Youth Pride is on Saturday, May 4 from 12 to 5 p.m. at Dupont Circle NW. For more information, or to sign up as a performer or public speaker, visit www.youthpridealliance. org or email Nikisha Carpenter, NCarpenter@youthpridealliance.org. The Youth Pride Dance is at the Palomar Hotel, 2121 P St. NW, from 6 to 10 p.m. Aged 24 and under only.

A MONTH OF TRANS

S

“May Is? All About Trans” provides a month-long series of events celebrating transgender identity and pride. By John Riley

AVANNA WANZER IS SETTING A LOFTY BUT necessary goal: make May a month to focus on the needs and wants of D.C.’s transgender community. A founder of D.C.’s annual Trans Pride celebration, Wanzer has created We The People, a committee of activists and advocates who will plan events that uplift the larger transgender community. Under Wanzer’s guidance, We the People has organized “May Is? All About Trans,” the third iteration of a series of events focusing on the transgender and gender-nonconforming community.

“As a founder of Trans Pride, I can tell you we’ve only had about 45 minutes on the day of the celebration to talk about issues in our community,” says Wanzer. “So by creating ‘May Is? All About Trans’ we now have up to three

hours at each event to talk about an issue where we can get more accomplished.”

Deirdre Denise Gray, co-chair of the event alongside Wanzer, says that the goal of the month-long series of events is to highlight different aspects of the journey a transgender, nonbinary, or gender-nonconforming person goes through in their life and to provide advice and resources to those in the process of navigating their identity.

The month kicks off with a day-long summit on Wednesday, May 1, at Metropolitan Community Church of D.C., followed by a dinner at Busboys & Poets.

“At the summit, we’re looking to bring some great minds from the community,” says Gray. “We’re going to have legal presentations, medical presentations, spiritual presentations, APRIL 25, 2019 • METROWEEKLY

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JOHN RILEY

covering a whole variety of topics for those who are going to younger transgender people, but they’ve forgotten about be in that space. We’ll have different people from all different the older transgender women who paved the way,” says walks of life, who identify as trans, LGB, queer, allies, spiritual Thomas, who has been promoting the various events among advisors, all exchanging ideas and information so that we can her social circles. “I hope the older trans community can come out of it with what I call our ‘Points of Light.’” take away from these events that they’re not forgotten, that The “Points of Light” are specific action items, pro- they’re still part of the community, even though we don’t posed by members of the trans and gender-nonconforming go to the clubs anymore and do the things we used to do. community, that will serve as part of a policy agenda for We want them to know they’re still very much a part of the the greater D.C. area. Gray hopes that by identifying prior- community, very much welcome, and very much needed, ity items, the community can continue to highlight certain especially to mentor younger trans people.” issues over the course of the next year, and speak in a more Among the events planned for the month of May are united voice about the goals of the community. community discussions around issues such as addiction “We know some of the biggest (Sunday, May 4), PrEP and forms things are housing, employment, of HIV prevention (Wednesday, and access to medical care,” says May 15), and “Bridging the Gap,” Gray. “But we need to think about a conversation on Wednesday, what are the other things that we May 22 focusing on resolving the can look at as a community, and differences between the gay male say that when one of us has a cisgender community and the platform, to make sure we raise transgender community. this point or bring this topic to the “I feel like there are some misattention of those who we are in understandings between the gay front of.” community and the trans comAs part of “May Is,” Wanzer munity,” says David Moody, a has designated specific lieutenants straight man who serves as the in charge of outreach to specifOrganizers of “May Is? All About Trans.” From left to right: awards coordinator for “May Is?” ic communities. Alexa Rodriguez Deirdre Gray, Alexa Rodriguez, David Moody, Ginny Thomas, “There’s also misunderstandings and SaVanna Wanzer. between the two communities serves as a coordinator for Latinx and immigrant outreach, and aims to push for more inclu- about what each other represent, and whether they can sion of different voices and perspectives. work together to build each other up as opposed to trying to “It doesn’t matter what language we speak or where tear each other apart.” Moody notes that some people may we’re coming from, we are part of the community,” see the gay and trans community as competing for a limited Rodriguez says, adding that she hopes to inspire and create pool of resources. opportunities for leadership roles for people in the Latinx Amy Nelson, a legal advisor and queer lesbian represenand immigrant communities. tative, is hopeful that the variety of events held throughout “There’s a lot of barriers for undocumented immigrants the month — including an art showing and open mic night coming from the Latinx community, the language barrier on Saturday, May 11, and a Happy Hour at Denizens Brewing is really hard,” says Rodriguez. “D.C. is a sanctuary for all Co. on Sunday, May 12 — will attract people to attend, while communities, including the LGBT community, and for the also highlighting the community’s major priorities. trans community there are a lot of resources, like Whitman“I love that we have a mix of events with different Walker or La Clinica del Pueblo. But sometimes, if we don’t formats,” she says. “Some are strictly for entertainment have documentation that reflects our gender, it’s hard to purposes. Some are to socialize and have fun, and others seek out services because of the fear of being discriminated are educational panels. Then there are events targeting against or being misgendered. When we don’t have docu- particular demographics. It allows particular groups to have mentation, we cannot access health care. the unique opportunity to get together and interact in a “Housing is another issue we face as undocumented designated space.” trans women, because if we are homeless we cannot go to Above all else, Wanzer says an important aspect of “May the shelter for women because we don’t have documents Is? All About Trans” is that the events are safe spaces where that match our gender,” she adds. “And we cannot go to a all people can feel welcome. shelter for men because we are not men, so it’s hard. There “It’s about self-pride, self-respect, self-loving, honoring are a few programs like Casa Ruby and SMYAL or other yourself, loving yourself, being yourself, staying out and organizations who provide shelter, but they’re restricted by staying proud of who you the individual are,” she says. “But age. We, as trans people, often transition as adults, in our at certain locations you can't do that. So at all of our events, 20s or 30s, so it can be hard to find resources for us because we try to create an environment of love.” l there are no programs for people our age.”

LGBTQ seniors are another underrepresented communi- “May Is? All About Trans” kicks off on Wednesday, May 1 ty that organizers hope to engage. with a Trans Summit from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Metropolitan “Older adults and seniors in the trans community are a Community Church, 474 Ridge St. NW, and a post-summit group that’s really been left out and forgotten,” says Gibby dinner from 6 to 9 p.m. at Busboys & Poets in Brookland, 625 Thomas, senior advisor for “May Is?” Monroe St. NE. For more information, and full list of events, “A lot of the programs they have are geared toward visit www.mayistransdc.com.

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APRIL 25, 2019 • METROWEEKLY

Community THURSDAY, April 25

a.m.-5 p.m. Decatur Center, 1400 Decatur St. NW. To arrange an appointment, call 202-291-4707, or visit www.andromedatransculturalhealth.org.

Join people from all over the D.C. metro area for an

LGBTQ SOCIAL IN THE CITY

Members of the LGBTQ community and the broader public are encouraged to testify at a CONFIRMATION PUBLIC ROUNDTABLE focusing on legislation to approve longtime local LGBTQ activist BEN DE GUZMAN as the director of the Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs. The Committee on Government Operations, which considers nominations, allows individuals 3 minutes to provide oral testimony. Additional written statements are encouraged and will be made part of the official record. Written statements may be submitted by email to GovernmentOperations@ dccouncil.us. 3-4:30 p.m.

Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Room 123. Those who wish to testify should contact Manny Geraldo, senior legislative counsel, at 202-724-6633 or mgeraldo@ dccouncil.us.

The DC Center holds a roundtable discussion as part of its

COMING OUT DISCUSSION GROUP on the second Tuesday and fourth Thursday of each month. This group is for those navigating issues associated with coming out and personal identity. 7-8:30 p.m. 2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105. For more information, visit www.thedccenter.org.

The DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA OFFICE OF AGING holds a BUDGET HEARING focusing on the budget needs of LGBTQ older adults. 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Room 500. People wishing to testify about agencies that provide services to the community are asked to contact Oscar Montiel at 202-724-8198 or omontiel@ dccouncil.us.

Weekly Events ANDROMEDA TRANSCULTURAL HEALTH

offers free HIV testing and HIV services (by appointment). 9

DC AQUATICS CLUB practice

session at Takoma Aquatic Center. 7:30-9 p.m. 300 Van Buren St. NW. For more information, visit www.swimdcac.org.

RANDY SHULMAN

at The Embassy Row Hotel’s Station Kitchen & Cocktails Lounge. Free to attend.

Everyone welcome. 7-9 p.m.

2015 Massachusetts Ave. NW. Dupont Circle Metro is two blocks away. For more information, visit www.meetup.com/ GoGayDC.

DC FRONT RUNNERS run-

ZOOBILEE!

From animal enrichments to an after-party, there’s no shortage of activities at the annual Gay Day at the Zoo.

T

HIS IS THE THIRD YEAR I’VE BEEN INVOLVED WITH Gay Day at the Zoo, and I’m just really happy how the event has grown over the years,” says Jonathan Gilad, co-chair of the annual event designed to raise money for The DC Center.

“This will also mark the second year in a row that the Smithsonian will officially recognize International Family Equality Day, which brings together people of all ages.”

This year’s event is Sunday, May 5, and the Smithsonian National Zoological Park will offer four hours of various family-friendly activities, including free concerts by Rainbow Rock Band, temporary tattoo stations, selfie booths (one inside the zoo, and another across the street from the zoo outside Baked by Yael) where participants can take pictures with a 6-foot tall inflatable unicorn. There will also be a free ice cream social around 2 p.m.

One of the trademark features of Gay Day at the Zoo and International Family Equality Day is a series of “animal enrichments,” where participants can watch various zoo occupants, including pandas, sea lions, seals and elephants eat rainbow ice treats or play with rainbow-colored toys.

“It’s a fun event, and it’s always great to see the different groups within the community come together,” says Gilad. “We typically get a lot of women, families, and youth who attend, and there’s always a significant trans population.”

While admission to the zoo is free, people can show financial support for The DC Center by purchasing and wearing Gay Day at the Zoo T-shirts, which will be sold online at The DC Center’s website, or at Number Nine, Trade, and Baked by Yael. This year’s T-shirt color is “red panda red.”

Trade will host an after-party at 5 p.m. featuring a drag performance by Madam Schewitz, a face painting booth where attendees can get painted as their “inner gay animal,” free food tasting by Galley Kitchen, and a specialty “Zebra” cocktail, with a portion of sales benefiting The DC Center.

“I love the idea of Gay Day at the Zoo,” says Trade co-owner Ed Bailey. “It’s a chance to see families in our community and give them the chance to find other LGBTQ families who can serve as a support group or a shoulder to lean on. And of course, there will be people who don’t have families who just want to keep the celebration going. So let’s get together and have some fun. And if you want to get a babysitter, put the kids to bed, and come out afterwards, you can do that as well.” —John Riley Gay Day at the Zoo is on Sunday, May 5, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the National Zoological Park, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW. The after-party starts at 5 p.m. at Trade, 1410 14th St. NW. For a full schedule of IFE Day animal enrichment activities, visit www.nationalzoo.si.edu.

ning/walking/social club welcomes runners of all ability levels for exercise in a fun and supportive environment, with socializing afterwards. Route distances vary. For meeting places and more information, visit www.dcfrontrunners.org.

DC LAMBDA SQUARES, D.C.’s

LGBTQ square-dancing group, features an opportunity to learn about and practice various forms of modern square dancing. No partner required. Please dress casually. 7:30-9:30 p.m.

National City Christian Church, 5 Thomas Circle NW. For more info, call 202-930-1058 or visit www.dclambdasquares.org.

DC SCANDALS RUGBY holds

practice. The team is always looking for new members.

All welcome. 7-9 p.m. Harry Thomas Recreation Center, 1743 Lincoln Rd. NE. For more information, visit www. scandalsrfc.org or dcscandals@ gmail.com.

THE DULLES TRIANGLES

Northern Virginia social group meets for happy hour at Sheraton in Reston. All welcome. 7-9 p.m. 11810 Sunrise Valley Drive, second-floor bar.

For more information, visit www.dullestriangles.com.

HIV TESTING at Whitman-

Walker Health. 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 2:30-5 p.m. at 1525 14th St. NW, and 9 a.m-12 p.m. and 2-5 p.m. at the Max Robinson Center, 2301 MLK Jr. Ave. SE. For an appointment, call 202-745-7000 or visit www.whitman-walker.org.

KARING WITH INDIVIDUALITY (K.I.) SERVICES, 20 S. Quaker Lane,

Suite 210, Alexandria, Va., offers $30 “rapid” HIV testing and counseling by appointment only. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Must schedule special appointment if seeking testing after 2 p.m. Call 703-823-4401.

METROHEALTH CENTER

offers free, rapid HIV testing.

Appointment needed. 1012 14th

APRIL 25, 2019 • METROWEEKLY

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St. NW, Suite 700. To arrange an appointment, call 202-849-8029.

1529 16th St. NW. For more information, visit www.betmish.org.

STI TESTING at Whitman-Walker

DC AQUATICS CLUB holds a prac-

Health. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 2-3 p.m. at both 1525 14th St. NW and the Max Robinson Center, 2301 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. SE. Testing is intended for those without symptoms. For an appointment call 202-745-7000 or visit www. whitman-walker.org.

US HELPING US hosts a Narcotics

Anonymous Meeting. The group is independent of UHU. 6:30-7:30 p.m., 3636 Georgia Ave. NW. For more information, call 202-446-1100.

FRIDAY, April 26 Join AGLA for “An Evening in the Land of Oz” as the organization hosts the ANNUAL MISS GAY ARLINGTON PAGEANT. The event will honor the current reigning Miss Gay Arlington Seeina B. Diamond, who will crown 2019’s winner. Contestants will compete in four categories: presentation (based upon a Wizard of Oz theme), talent, evening gown, and on-stage question. The winner will receive a prize package valued at $1,500 in cash and prizes, including $500 in cash ($250 upon crowning and $250 upon completion of the reign). 7-11:45 p.m. Freddie’s Beach Bar, 555 23rd St. S., Arlington, Va. For more information visit www. agla.org.

The DC Center holds its CENTER AGING MONTHLY LUNCH for members of D.C.’s senior community. Lunch will be provided before participants take part in a group arts and crafts project. 12-2 p.m.

2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105. For more information, visit www.thedccenter.org or call 202-682-2245.

The DC Center’s TRANS SUPPORT GROUP provides a space to talk for transgender people and those who identify outside of the gender binary. 7-9 p.m. 2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105. For more information, visit www.thedccenter.org.

WOMEN IN THEIR TWENTIES (AND THIRTIES), a social discus-

sion and activity group for queer women, meets at The DC Center on the second and fourth Friday of each month. Group social activity to follow the meeting. 8-9:30 p.m.

2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105. For more information, visit www.thedccenter.org.

Weekly Events BET MISHPACHAH, founded by

members of the LGBT community, holds Friday evening Shabbat services in the DC Jewish Community Center’s Community Room. 8 p.m.

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APRIL 25, 2019 • METROWEEKLY

tice session at Howard University.

6:30-8 p.m. Burr Gymnasium, 2400 6th St. NW. For more information, visit www.swimdcac.org.

PROJECT STRIPES hosts LGBT-

affirming social group for ages 11-24. 4-6 p.m. 1419 Columbia Road NW. Contact Tamara, 202-3190422, www.layc-dc.org.

SMYAL’S REC NIGHT provides a

social atmosphere for LGBT and questioning youth, featuring dance parties, vogue nights, movies and games. 4-7 p.m. For more info, email rebecca.york@smyal.org.

SATURDAY, April 27 AGLA hosts its monthly

AFTERNOON COFFEE SOCIAL

at Buzz. Come meet other LGBTQ folks from the Arlington/ Alexandria area for socializing and casual conversation. Organizer Eric will be wearing purple and gold Mardi Gras beads for easy identification. 2:30-3:30 p.m. 818 N. Quincy St., Arlington, Va. For more information, visit www.agla.org.

CHRYSALIS arts & culture group

visits the National Gallery of Art to see special exhibits on the Renaissance artist Tintoretto. Free to attend. Lunch in Cascades Cafe.

Meet at 11:30 a.m. inside the 6th and Constitution Avenue NW lobby of the Old (West) Building. For more information, contact Craig, 202-462-0535, or craighowell1@ verizon.net.

DC ROLLERGIRLS, D.C.’s

LGBTQ-friendly women’s roller derby team, holds a match kicking off its 13th season against the Charlottesville Derby Dames at the DC Armory. Tickets are available online before April 26 or at the door on game day. $15 per person for adults (ages 12 and up), $12 for those with military ID, and $6 for ages 3-11. Toddlers and babies free. Doors open at 3:30 p.m., game starts at 4:30 p.m. 2001 E. Capitol St. SE. For tickets, visit http:// store.dcrollergirls.com.

Join The DC Center as it volunteers for FOOD & FRIENDS, packing meals and groceries for people living with serious ailments.

10 a.m.-noon. 219 Riggs Rd. NE. Near the Fort Totten Metro. For a ride from the Metro, call the Food & Friends shuttle at 202-6696437. For more information, visit www.thedccenter.org or www. foodandfriends.org.

The DC Center hosts a monthly LGBT ASYLEES SUPPORT MEETING AND DINNER for LGBT

Scene

GLAA’s 48th Anniversary Awards Reception at Lost Society - Thursday, April 18 - Photography by Ward Morrison See and purchase more photos from this event at www.metroweekly.com/scene

APRIL 25, 2019 • METROWEEKLY

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refugees and asylum seekers. 5-7 p.m. 2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105.

For more information, visit www. thedccenter.org.

The DC Center hosts a meeting of its LGBTQ PEOPLE OF COLOR SUPPORT GROUP, facilitated by Dakia Davis. 1-3 p.m. 2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105. For more information, visit www.thedccenter.org.

SUNDAY, April 28 ADVENTURING outdoors group

sponsors a strenuous 7.5-mile hike with 1700 feet of elevation gain to the summit of Maryland Heights overlooking historic Harpers Ferry, W.V. Bring plenty of beverages, lunch, sturdy boots, bug spray, sunscreen, and about $15 for fees. Carpool at 9:30 a.m. from the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro Station. For more information, contact Jeff at 301-775-9660, or visit www.adventuring.org.

Sephora Capitol Hill holds a BOLD BEAUTY CLASS for trans* and gender-expansive community members on techniques and products to help inspire and empower participants’ beauty. The class will be taught by trans-sensitive instructors. Please register beforehand to reserve your spot. 9-10:30 a.m. 380 7th St. SE. For more information, contact Danny Mendoza at 202-682-2245 or danny.mendoza@ thedccenter.org.

Weekly Events DC AQUATICS CLUB holds a

practice session at Wilson Aquatic Center. 9:30-11 a.m. 4551 Fort Dr. NW. For more information, visit www.swimdcac.org.

DC FRONT RUNNERS running/

14th St. NW. For more information, call 202-682-2245 or visit www. thedccenter.org.

US HELPING US hosts a black gay

men’s evening affinity group for GBT black men. Light refreshments provided. 7-9 p.m. 3636 Georgia Ave. NW. 202-446-1100.

WASHINGTON WETSKINS WATER POLO TEAM practices 7-9

p.m. Newcomers with at least basic swimming ability always welcome.

Takoma Aquatic Center, 300 Van Buren St. NW. For more information, contact Tom, 703-299-0504 or secretary@wetskins.org, or visit www.wetskins.org.

WHITMAN-WALKER HEALTH HIV/AIDS SUPPORT GROUP

for newly diagnosed individuals, meets 7 p.m. Registration required.

202-939-7671, hivsupport@whitman-walker.org.

TUESDAY, April 30 Join the Community Advisory Board meeting of the GW HIV

PREVENTION TRIALS NETWORK,

dedicated to the discovery and development of new and innovative strategies to reduce acquisition or transmission of HIV. Advisory boards serve as a voice for the community and local HIV study participants. If you cannot join in person, a call line will be provided. RSVP

by Thursday, April 25. 12-1:30 p.m.

GW Milken Institute School of Public Health, 950 New Hampshire Ave. NW, 6th Floor Conference Room. For more information, visit www.hptn.org.

Weekly Events DC AQUATICS CLUB holds a

WEDNESDAY, May 1

MONDAY, April 29

practice session at Dunbar Aquatic Center. 7:30-9 p.m. 101 N St. NW. For more information, visit www. swimdcac.org.

DC’S DIFFERENT DRUMMERS

welcomes musicians of all abilities to join its Monday night rehearsals. The group hosts marching/color guard, concert, and jazz ensembles, with performances year round. Please contact Membership@DCDD.org to inquire about joining one of the ensembles or visit www.DCDD.org.

APRIL 25, 2019 • METROWEEKLY

DROP-IN FOR THE SENIOR LGBT COMMUNITY. 10 a.m.-noon. 2000

The Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs and Office of LGBTQ Affairs will host an LGBTQ VETERANS ROUNTABLE that is intended to serve as an informal discussion between D.C.’s LGBTQ community regarding veteran issues, initiatives, and special events. 12-2 p.m.

One Judiciary Square, 441 4th St. NW, Conference Room 1114. For more information, visit www.ova. dc.gov or www.lgbtq.dc.gov.

walking/social club welcomes runners of all ability levels for exercise in a fun and supportive environment, with socializing afterwards.

Route distances vary. For meeting places and more information, visit www.dcfrontrunners.org.

24

The DC Center hosts COFFEE

JOB CLUB, a weekly support pro-

gram for job entrants and seekers, holds a Small Business Discussion as part of its weekly meeting.

Join local LGBTQ small business owners who will answer questions about starting a small business in D.C. Please RSVP beforehand to reserve a spot. 6-7 p.m. 2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105. For more info, email centercareers@thedccenter. org or visit www.thedccenter.org/ careers. l

Scene

TeamDC’s Night of Champions at the Omni Shoreham - Saturday, April 13 - Photography by Ward Morrison See and purchase more photos from this event at www.metroweekly.com/scene

APRIL 25, 2019 • METROWEEKLY

25

The Pride of Awesome Con

ERIC GUERRERO (RAGE GEAR STUDIOS)

We asked the artists of Awesome Con’s “Pride Alley” what sets their LGBTQ work apart.

Edited by Rhuaridh Marr and Randy Shulman

APRIL 25, 2019 • METROWEEKLY

27

I

F YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN TO AWESOME CON, it is a magnificent, sprawling array of illustrators, artisans, geeks, cosplayers, science fiction, science fact, and oodles and oodles of celebrities from both the past and present.

The extent to which it has grown — indeed, exploded — over the past few years can be overwhelming, and it fills the Walter E. Washington Convention Center this Friday through Sunday with a glorious, imaginative buzz that dazzles the senses as fans collide with the very stuff from which fandom is forged.

The three day celebration of all things geek is an array of costume contests, gaming tournaments, kid-centric activities, an Awesome Con Short Film Fest, and talks with a galaxy of celebrities, comics artists, scientists, and science-fiction stars. This year’s highlights include appearances by Matt Smith (Doctor Who), Cary Elwes (The Princess Bride), Lou Ferrigno (The Incredible Hulk), Val Kilmer (Batman Forever), Ralph Macchio (The Karate Kid), John Barrowman (Doctor Who), Kate Flannery (The Office), Tom Payne (The Walking Dead), Milo Ventimiglia (This is Us, The Gilmore Girls), Mary McDonnell (Battlestar Galactica), Michael Biehn (The Terminator), Anthony Michael Hall (The Breakfast Club), Susan Egan (Disney’s Beauty and the Beast on Broadway), Brent Spiner (Star Trek), KJ Apa and Cole Sprouse (Riverdale), and Grammy-winning pop parodist par excellence “Weird Al” Yankovic.

A few years ago, Awesome Con’s organizers instituted Pride Alley, a corridor amongst the hundreds of artists present, dedicated specifically to the LGBTQ community and curated by Geeks OUT, organizers of New York’s LGBTQ-focused Flame Con. We approached this year’s Pride Alley participants and asked them a series of questions to learn more about their art, their lives, and why Awesome Con is so important to them. Their answers, in edited form, along with examples of their artwork, appear on the pages that follow.

but I finally knew enough of the LGBT+ pantheon to construct a multi-faceted identity for myself. And I was broke — too broke to go to FlameCon in New York. But in my vicarious life on Facebook, I followed Geeks Out, and they advertised a Pride Alley at a D.C. Convention. I thought to myself, what a great way to find the intersection of nerd, geek, and LGBT community. As luck would have it, it was an amazing time. I've been back every year since.

KRISTIN NOELL (Foxflight Studios), 29, Asexual/Lesbian: I love

the welcoming atmosphere, especially once I heard about Pride Alley! Any geeky space that strives from the outset for inclusivity is automatically going to draw me in.

LONDON ST. JUNIPER (Vicious Poodle PinUp), 30s, Queer,

D.C.: My wife and I are regular cosplayers, and sought out AwesomeCon as a venue for cosplaying. Our first experience was overwhelmingly positive, and it became our favorite local con.

SHELBY WOLF (Shelby Wolf Designs), 28, Asexual, New Jersey:

One of the things I love the most about Awesome Con is the wide breadth of spaces to showcase various groups — Pride Alley, obviously, but also the maker's market and Awesome Con Jr. Everyone and every interest has a place at the table.

Describe the kind of art or work you create.

ARZENO AND GUERRERO: Rage Gear Studios uses years of geek-

ing and arting to produce innovative images that appeal to fans of multiple genres. We aim to refresh the familiar so that it can be seen with new eyes — a queer lens — and in the process contemporize nostalgia.

What originally drew you to Awesome Con? REY ARZENO AND ERIC GUERRERO (Rage Gear Studios), 44/35,

Gay, New York: Eric Guerrero, co-founder of Rage Gear Studios, grew up in the D.C. area. When we learned that there was a convention that also meant seeing family, it was really good news.

Pride Alley was the cherry on top.

ERIN WHITT HILKER AND ERICA LOVE (BleedGeeks), 36/37, Queer,

Maryland: We loved that it was close and had a blend of fandoms.

One year they had gender-neutral bathrooms, which made us very happy, but the following year it was back to gender-exclusive bathrooms, which is perhaps our only disappointment.

DALE LAZAROV (Sticky Graphic Novels), 54, Gay, Chicago: After

five years of failing to place in a Chicago comics convention's Artists Alley as a writer and art director of gay erotic comics with, at the time, six hardcovers published through Bruno Gmünder, friends suggested I try booking in a coastal con before I gave up trying. Awesome Con was the first mainstream comics convention that booked me to exhibit. I wasn't planning to do more cons if the experience didn't merit the effort or expense, but I sold out of 80 hardcovers by Sunday afternoon! I'd never experienced such love from fans.

MORVIN MOELLER (Portfoli-Mo), 22, Queer, Virginia: I was newly

blooming with my identity. I had always figured I was queer, 28

APRIL 25, 2019 • METROWEEKLY

Morven Moeller

JOAN COOKE, 30, Bisexual, Delaware: I cre-

ate fantasy art with influences from surrealism and sequential art. I do commissions and draw people's D&D characters a lot.

HILKER AND LOVE: We make quality cloth

reusables in fun prints. Our specialty is our super comfy reusable cloth menstrual pads, but we carry other reusable things, too, and we're constantly expanding our collection.

LAZAROV: Sticky Graphic Novels are word-

less, gay character-based, sex-positive graphic novels for an international audience. Since 2006, I've collaborated on 16 hardcover Sticky Graphic Novels and 42 digital editions with distinctive and evocative gay comics artists from around the globe.

F.T. LUKENS, 39, Bisexual, North Carolina: I

write young adult sci-fi/fantasy novels that feature queer protagonists.

REL MNOP, 29, Queer, New Jersey: Rel likes

to make cute and funny art. She likes to make comics that make people laugh.

MOELLER: I tend to make pieces using

bright colors, bold lines, and sparkle, showcasing themes of positivity and acceptance.

I've even turned to using words as my medium, writing coming-of-age stories that explore what it means to be on the outside, on the inside, or simply confused.

NOELL: I make the work I wish I had when

I was a teenager. Primarily I'm working on the LGBT Armory, which is an affirming series for queer folks who love DnD and weaponry.

MILEENA OWEN (LovelyLadyArtist Studio), 24, Panromantic/

Asexual/Nonbinary, Virginia: My studio does a wide variety of art. I do primarily digital art, animations, and webcomics. My fiancé, Caitlin Hinson, does primarily illustrative traditional art but also dabbles in digital art. She also crochets while I sew so we do have some handcrafted items available for sale.

ST. JUNIPER: Vicious Poodle PinUp designs and creates "creepy

cheesecake" retro fashions for any human who thinks that comic aprons and coffin pockets are just what they need. The aesthetic is playful ("cheesecake"), and celebrates an intersection of identities between retro enthusiasts, geek culture, and horror fans ("creepy"). While femme in design, Vicious Poodle does not believe clothes should be gender-specific, and encourages everyone to don their fluffiest petticoats and twirl in a three-headed-poodle skirt.

YINZA VORIS, 32, Queer, Maryland: I love drawing people, with a

focus on celebrating sapphic relationships and female characters in general.

Yinza Voris

WOLF: I've always been drawn to fantasy, far off fantastical plac-

es where anything is possible. For my illustrative work I tend to channel that. Product wise, like my pins and patches, I tend to create products that I would like to see in the world. Whether it's fun, space-themed pride pins or witch merit patches.

What is it about your art that you believe speaks to people?

ARZENO AND GUERRERO: In one word: quality. We put our best

into every piece of art in our catalogue. Not just in terms of the visuals, but in narratives as well. There is a story to be read in the drawings. Our work invites people to decipher the elements of the combined genres — like puzzle pieces. When they get it, we can see it in their faces before they say a word. Most often with a big smile and eagerness to figure out the next one.

HILKER AND LOVE: Many people are looking for a way to leave

pointless trash and waste behind in their past, and this is it. It's a real upgrade, and a needed one. Surrounding ourselves with art and characters that affirm our own stories lets us see old friends where previously we just saw trash-in-progress.

APRIL 25, 2019 • METROWEEKLY

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LAZAROV: So many comics about gay relationships are desexu-

alized or rapey and/or dehumanizing, that showing gay erotic comics that smile is a radical act of resistance against both extremes of alienation. People want to see gay relationships that are not alienated from gay sexuality and want to see a diversity of romantic and recreational contexts for gay sex that they don't see in popular culture or gay porn. People also want to see different body types, ages and colors in their gay comics.

Earlier in April, at ICE CREAM [the Iowa City Expo for Comics and Real Eclectic Alternative Media], a con attendee told me, "Your work is important." This made me cry. I've received letters from folks who were inspired by Sticky Graphic Novels to go out and date again and then found love with another man, people who were stuck in companionate marriages who had forfeited on their sexuality in exchange for security. Knowing that our hard work is having the intended effect of causing gay liberation is spectacularly affirming.

LUKENS: I believe that every reader, especially young readers,

deserves to see a representation of themselves as a hero in media. Historically, queer characters in narratives are sidelined or sidekicks, only present to prop up the story line of the cis-het protagonist. Though this has changed significantly in the past few years, especially in young adult publishing, there is always room for growth, and for books that highlight queer characters as heroes that don't necessarily center a coming-out story. As an

author, I strive to write queer characters that are protagonists, the heroes, that have daring adventures then receive their happy ever after. I write the kind of stories with characters that I wanted and needed as a young adult.

MOELLER: I would love to say that I've hit peak Miyazaki, and

that I manage to convey the beauty in the mundane. Or that I've managed something akin to Jen Bartel's work, that anyone can slay, both literally and figuratively. But, in honesty, this question stumped me, so I asked my mom. She said that my artwork reminds her that there is beauty in being you, whoever that is.

And, perhaps that's the perfect mix of my lofty goals. To show people that they are indeed beautiful — their regular, unaltered, mundane selves are absolutely beautiful.

NOELL: People have come to me with extremely touching stories

about how much my work means to them, as LGBT folks and as geeks and dungeon masters and sometimes even ren faire reenactors and stage combat fighters. I love that my message of strength and solidarity comes across.

What does it mean for you to be able to express your sexuality/ gender identity through your art?

ARZENO AND GUERRERO: Being able to express our sexual

identity through our work means validation. Growing up as fan of comic books, we didn't see ourselves in the characters. The intersectionality was extremely limited then. Now, we can create worlds that do reflect on different aspects of each of us — as Latino Men and as gay men.

COOKE: It's important to me to be able

to express my sexuality through my art because it's part of who I am. It's part of humanity. All of my characters have their own relationships with their own sexuality and gender identity. I try to keep that in mind to create three dimensional characters and a diverse, interesting world.

HILKER AND LOVE: It's super important,

and has been at the forefront of our efforts from the beginning. Our primary product is reusable cloth menstrual pads, so on top of that intense collection of taboos, there is what one might call “aggressive gendering” in the mass market disposable options. A person with a uterus may or may not identify as a woman, or even as a ciswoman might be heartily tired of pink. Having options that are not only comfortable, but styled around who we are instead of what we've been assigned, is a huge relief. We're all about comfort, and comfort isn't just good design and pleasant materials. Comfort is being welcome to be unapologetically yourself. That's what we're here to give to our community, and we're totally dedicated to it.

Mileena Owen

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APRIL 25, 2019 • METROWEEKLY

LAZAROV: It was my way of owning my sex-

uality and aspirations. I was a comics nerd who thought sex happened to other people.

Now I am a comics nerd with a fiancé and fans that call me The Stan Lee of Gay. MOELLER: Interestingly enough, I take it for

granted. My parents always encouraged me to show my true colors in everything I did.

I am both extremely grateful for that and often confused by the struggle that others have to go through, not having the same accepting parents. It's put me in a position that allows me to reach out and help others in our community, a privilege that I wish more young LGBT persons could enjoy. As for my art, it means that I can display a true experience, that I can show young people that it will get better, that they are beautiful, that they are deserving of love, even if their current situation is neither beautiful nor loving.

NOELL: I started making my primary series

because I wanted something that represented me, specifically, and was something more than just a pride flag. It has been so incredibly special to share that journey with everyone in the community, and has made me feel so connected to people all over the world in really surprising ways.

ST. JUNIPER: Fashion is an amalgamation of

art and performance that expresses markers of identity in a lived space. Having clothes that accurately represent interests and self-identification is empowering, and allows people a greater sense of agency.

I think it's important to feel like yourself whenever you dress, and however that may shift on a daily basis. Fashion can be a wonderful tool for building and communicating a sense of self.

VORIS: With fanart for media that already represents me, it

allows me to express my love and appreciation, to connect with it on a deeper level. But, in a lot of other cases, it allows me to create space for myself, to show that I exist. There are a lot of things that I love, but unfortunately don't include characters or experiences that I can relate to, especially as an asexual creator.

Have you ever faced backlash for your art?

ARZENO AND GUERRERO: Yes. For years it has been the "norm"

at conventions to see art that celebrates, sexualizes or objectifies the female body. So much so that we're desensitized it. Plenty of heroines and villainesses fighting crime in swimsuits and stilettos. When the same is done to their male counterparts, people are surprised, taken aback or made uncomfortable. The most vocal opinions are expressed online. "This is too gay." "You've ruined Captain America for me." At the conventions, some point and laugh, others cover their children's eyes and rush by to the safe familiarity of an upshot of Supergirl's underwear.

Joan Cooke

HILKER AND LOVE: Oh, yes. We challenge habits, norms and

taboos, and while some people simply keep walking, others decide to share their issues and objections and can be quite rude.

Pride Alley keeps it to a minimum though, as many of those people just don't enter our row. It's nice, and lets us focus our attention on our community.

LAZAROV: Someone from the Comicsgate crowd — the racist,

misogynist, homophobic, xenophobic arm of comics fandom online — put out a video that deliberately ridiculed and defamed both the graphic novels and myself as a comics creator. But the fact that they noticed me means I am doing something right.

NOELL: Yes, because the Armory is so incredibly unapologetic

about being badass and gay, I've faced some online backlash, especially. Sometimes it comes from within the community. It just honestly fuels me to keep making more and more inclusive weapons and keep expanding.

Do you cosplay, and if so what character do you play?

COOKE: Yes, sometimes I'll cosplay as Marceline from Adventure APRIL 25, 2019 • METROWEEKLY

31

It has helped us immeasurably as parents to be able to show our children what it means to honor the uniqueness of themselves and each other. And cosplaying with our kids is a joy.

MOELLER: I do a lot more “cos-

tuming” than “cosplay,” wherein I dress Cyberpunk or Steampunk or Decora Kei, not as a specific character. As someone who identifies as transgender and who has been going through gender-affirming hormone therapy, I've become much more comfortable in my body, which has led to more costuming. I remember the last time I tried to cosplay, and it went very badly. At the time, one of my doctors was making a last stand to try to get my natural hormones to behave in a pattern acceptable to my assigned gender at birth, so they put me on sex-affirming hormone therapy. It sucked.

I don't really remember much of that month, only that I was miserable and an absolute asshole. So, because of that experience, cosplay hasn't been a huge priority for me, but we'll see what the future holds.

ST. JUNIPER: I am an enthusiastic

cosplayer and nerdlesque performer. Within the last year I've worn, or performed in, my Sally Jupiter Silk Spectre, Rule 63 Joker, the TF2 Pyro, a femme Frank from Donnie Darko, Maleficent, Mr. DNA, Dr. Alan Grant, the Grinch, Slenderman, Goatman, the Brain (Pinky and the Brain), and Adam West’s Batman.

What, if anything, do you think the major comics and graphic novel publishers are doing right in terms of LGBTQ representation? What could they do better?

Rel MNOP

Time and Death from Sandman.

HILKER AND LOVE: We do! We have several cosplays we enjoy,

but none so much as our Steven Universe cosplays! Erica cosplays Garnet, a powerful black-coded femme character who is the literal embodiment of queer love. Erin cosplays Rose Quartz, a fat bisexual mom and leader who trades privilege and power to defend Earth and freedom found there.

It's such a beautiful show with much needed representation, not just of queer people and queer love, but queer happiness.

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APRIL 25, 2019 • METROWEEKLY

ARZENO AND GUERRERO: Lately, there is so much more representation in comics and graphic novels. We love that more women are involved and showcased as artists and writers. There are many more LGBT characters in books. It used to be just the Canadian mutant, Northstar.

Now, we have books featuring the Iceman, a gay member of the X-Men, and America, starring a Queer Latinx heroine, written

by LGBT authors.

COOKE: I think comics publishers are improving in terms of

LGBT representation. There are small, vocal communities that resist it, but the representation is improving. I think there could

Caitlin Hinson

APRIL 25, 2019 • METROWEEKLY

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doing better is not killing them off or making them a plot device for the story to progress. We've also seen LGBT+ characters get their sexuality changed in an attempt to either add more diversity or to just erase their sexuality.

What is your favorite thing about Awesome Con having Pride Alley?

ARZENO AND GUERRERO: Our favorite part of having

Pride Alley at Awesome Con is not being alone. It's 2019 and we are still very much a minority in the comic convention circuit. In Pride Alley we have the support and companionship of our peers.

COOKE: Pride Alley is such a positive space. There is

a vibe of acceptance that encourages people to speak freely and be themselves.

HILKER AND LOVE: As members of multiple demograph-

ics that are often dismissed as being not truly present or profitable, having this big sign above us that proclaims that we're here is pleasantly affirming. Not only can we easily find each other, but we can't be erased.

MOELLER: Camaraderie. Community. “They/Them”

Kristin Noell

be more improvement in including LGBT characters who simply are who they are, and not using that identity as a plot device.

HILKER AND LOVE: One of the things that Steven Universe does

so well that I'd like to see elsewhere is not just LGBT representation, but a wealth of it. When there's multiple femmes, non binary folks and queer relationships, then no one of them has to stand in for their entire community. It allows a depth in each portrayal that you don't often see.

LAZAROV: It's safe for comics companies to have characters that

aren't fully heteronormative but not so much that aren't completely disruptive of norms. Given the history of LGBTQ content being excised out of superhero movies before they are released — the Black Panther movie was de-lesbianized — I am not holding my breath. I expect Hercules' bisexuality to be erased for his movie appearance because China is a big market for capey capers and they are not fond of non-conformity. This follows the recent declaration that Hercules will no longer be bisexual in the comics.

MNOP: I think that they are trying somewhat, which is better

than not trying at all. I think the best way for major publishers to move forward is to make sure to hire a truly diverse team of artists, writers, editors, and other creatives.

MOELLER: Well, I don't really read the “major” publishers for

that reason. What the major publishers need to do is hire LGBT writers and artists to write and draw LGBT stories.

OWEN: One great thing is that they are including more in terms of

character numbers and in the spectrum of LGBT+. By also allowing LGBT+ authors and artists to create and work with these characters, we get more genuine interactions between them, other characters, and their environment. What they could be 34

APRIL 25, 2019 • METROWEEKLY

and Pronoun Write-In name tags. The artwork. The colors. The swag. The merch. The networking. I just love all of it. I get to meet people who are accepting or passionate about the community and hear their experiences. And, honestly, I feel like I have some back-up if someone decides to say something cruel or nasty about the imagery in my artwork.

Of course, I also find lots of camaraderie and community outside of Pride Alley too. Shout out to DreamPunk Press (O-12) and A Steampunked Life (1643), who always foster loving and judgement-free atmospheres at conventions.

NOELL: I like that there's a visible attempt at inclusion! Especially

since mainstream comics spaces can sometimes feel unwelcoming to queer folk, it's so awesome that there's a visible space for us.

OWEN: It allows more celebration of the LGBT+ community, as

opposed to fetishization which can be seen with most fanartists.

ST. JUNIPER: Representation matters, and making space for

queer artists normalizes identities and gives queer art a platform to share and engage with audiences. l Awesome Con is Friday, April 26, from 12 to 8 p.m., Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, April 28, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. At the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place NW. Tickets are $40 to $55 for a single-day entry or $80 for a three-day pass. VIP passes range from $150 to $574.99 are also available. You can find all of the artists (and more) represented in this article at Pride Alley presented by Geeks Out. All works reprinted in this issue with permission of the artists.

Metro Weekly’s Andre Hereford will be moderating an hour-long Q&A discussion with Lou Ferrigno, the original Incredible Hulk, on Friday, April 26, at 2:30 p.m.

For more information on Awesome Con, call 202-249-3000 or visit www.awesome-con.com.

MARVEL

Movies

Game, Set, Match S

Sweeping from grim defeat to giddy excitement, Avengers: Endgame covers all MCU bases, and then some.

Our spoiler-free review. By André Hereford

TANDING SHOULDER TO SHOULDER, OR ALL ON THEIR OWN, MARVEL’S Avengers have gotten a lot done in the eleven years, and 21 films, that delivered us to Avengers: Endgame. Yet, one of the juiciest unspoiled mysteries remaining to be solved in this film was whether the superheroes could undo the calamitous results of the snap heard ’round the universe in their last outing, Infinity War. Endgame (HHHHH) emphatically resolves that mystery, and myriad other quandaries surrounding the MCU — while, of course, planting a few new ones. It’s an epic franchise finale that cuts straight to the heart of what it means to rise from the ashes of defeat.

Whether or not those heroes who survived Infinity War are somehow able to restore life to the unfortunate billions, including their fallen comrades, who were snapped out of existence by titanic foe Thanos (Josh Brolin), one can rest assured that the Avengers left standing will devise a plan to get back what they lost. Or will they?

Subverting expectations of a quick rematch, Endgame lingers for more than a moment in the despairing aftermath of the battle that wiped out half the MCU. Survivors Captain America (Chris Evans), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), and Bruce Banner/ Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) grieve their substantial losses, and struggle alongside other survivors to regain the clarity and the confidence to figure out how to move on.

Directors Joe and Anthony Russo, who have helmed some of the strongest entries in the Marvel canon, including Infinity War and Captain America: Winter Soldier, layer the sci-fi fantasy of reality-bending gemstones and a wisecracking, gun-toting space raccoon with thoughtfully written and well-acted human emotion. Composer Alan Silvestri’s score occasionally underlines the angst too heavily, but, for the most part, the pathos feels earned. Before these wounded souls can harbor any real hope for renewal, each one is forced to stomach the bitter taste of failure.

And failure goes down especially hard for Thor (Chris Hemsworth). Although, in a winning subplot, the God of Thunder’s post-Thanos malaise is cleverly played for

laughs, allowing Hemsworth to prove, yet again, to be the most reliable comedian in a crew that also includes Robert Downey, Jr. as Tony Stark/Iron Man. Much of the snarky, deprecating humor here, and throughout the series, works for the same reason that the heartfelt drama works — because of the actors’ easy rapport in depicting characters who treat each other like family. And audiences have invested a decade of interest, and billions of box office dollars, in following this mighty, makeshift family to the end of their spectacular journey.

Ultimately, after guilt and remorse have been paid their due, when thunderous spectacle finally does arrive, the ecstatic rush of super-powered action feels earned as well.

There will be a battle royale to determine whether it’s the Avengers or Thanos who are dealt the most resounding defeat.

Continuing his brilliant turn as the mad, blue Titan, Brolin imbues the CGI creation with presence and even heart, making Thanos the most fully realized motion-capture character this side of Andy Serkis. An impressive achievement by the same Weta Digital f/x masters responsible for Gollum in the Rings films and Caesar in the Planet of the Apes movies, Thanos is every inch a formidable foil for the intrepid Avengers. He is, in fact, a problem the whole universe must solve, referring to himself as “inevitable.” He’s right: some evil is inevitable.

Thanos definitely seems insurmount-

APRIL 25, 2019 • METROWEEKLY

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MARVEL

able, which casts reasonable doubt that the heroes will eventually succeed. That doubt is a welcome rarity in a superhero blockbuster, an element of suspense that Endgame pulls off exceedingly well — among other tiny suspenseful moments, and large-scale showdown setpieces. Uncertainty looms large over the Avengers’ last stand. As they and fellow survivors struggle to restore balance, their efforts constantly are put in jeopardy by

their emotional ties, both to one another, and to the fallen. But the heroes can only save humanity by relying on their own, so they’ll need compassion.

Whatever becomes of the Avengers and their fight, their pain is inspiring, their resolve is triumphant, and the movie is exhilarating. But all good things, like films, do come to an end, and note that this three-hour film ends without a post-credit coda. l

Avengers: Endgame is rated PG-13, and is now playing everywhere. Visit www.fandango.com.

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NightLife Photography by Ward Morrison

APRIL 25, 2019 • METROWEEKLY

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Scene

Miz Cracker at Pitchers - Thursday, April 18 - Photography by Ward Morrison See and purchase more photos from this event at www.metroweekly.com/scene

DrinksDragDJsEtc...

Thursday, April 25 A LEAGUE OF HER OWN Open 5pm-2am • Happy Hour: $2 off everything until 9pm • Video Games • Live televised sports FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR Crazy Hour, 4-8pm • Karaoke, 9pm GREEN LANTERN Happy Hour, 4-9pm • Shirtless Thursday, 10-11pm • Men in Underwear Drink Free, 12-12:30am • DJs BacK2bACk

NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR Beat the Clock Happy Hour — $2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm), $4 (7-8pm) • $15 Buckets of Bud Products all night • Sports Leagues Night NUMBER NINE Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink, 5-9pm • No Cover PITCHERS Open 5pm-2am • Happy Hour: $2 off everything until 9pm • Video Games • Foosball • Live televised sports • Full dining menu till 9pm • Special Late Night menu till 11pm • Thirst Trap Thursdays, hosted by Venus Valhalla, 11pm-12:30am • Featuring a Rotating Cast of Drag Performers • Dancing until 1:30am

SHAW’S TAVERN Happy Hour, 4-7pm • $3 Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon, $5 House Wines, $5 Rail Drinks • Half-Priced Pizzas and Select Appetizers • Half-Priced Bottles of Wine, 5pm-close TRADE Doors open 5pm • Huge Happy Hour: Any drink normally served in a cocktail glass served in a huge glass for the same price, 5-10pm • Beer and wine only $4 ZIEGFELD’S/SECRETS All male, nude dancers, 9pm-close • “New Meat” Open Dancers Audition • Music by DJ Don T. • Cover 21+

Destinations A LEAGUE OF HER OWN 2317 18th St. NW 202-733-2568 www.facebook.com/alohodc AVALON SATURDAYS Soundcheck 1420 K St. NW 202-789-5429 www.facebook.com/ AvalonSaturdaysDC 38

APRIL 25, 2019 • METROWEEKLY

Friday, April 26

Dance Party, with Nellie’s DJs spinning bubbly pop music all night

A LEAGUE OF HER OWN Open 5pm-3am • Happy Hour: $2 off everything until 9pm • Video Games • Live televised sports

NUMBER NINE Open 5pm • Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink, 5-9pm • No Cover • Friday Night Piano with Chris, 7:30pm • Rotating DJs, 9:30pm

TRADE Doors open 5pm • Huge Happy Hour: Any drink normally served in a cocktail glass served in a huge glass for the same price, 5-10pm • Beer and wine only $4 • Otter Happy Hour with guest DJs, 5-11pm

PITCHERS Open 5pm-3am • Happy Hour: $2 off everything until 9pm • Video Games • Foosball • Live televised sports • Full dining menu till 9pm • Special Late Night menu till 2am

ZIEGFELD’S/SECRETS Men of Secrets, 9pm • Guest dancers • Rotating DJs • Kristina Kelly’s Diva Fev-ah Drag Show • Doors at 9pm, Shows at 11:45pm • Music by DJ Jeff Eletto • Cover 21+

FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR Crazy Hour, 4-8pm • Karaoke, 9pm GREEN LANTERN Happy Hour, 4-9pm • $3 Rail and Domestic • $5 Svedka, all flavors all night long • Blush: House and Techno, 10pm-close • Featuring DJ Keenan Orr • $5 Cover (includes coat and clothes check) NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR Open 3pm • Beat the Clock Happy Hour — $2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm), $4 (7-8pm) • Buckets of Beer, $15 • Weekend Kickoff

FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR 555 23rd St. S. Arlington, Va. 703-685-0555 www.freddiesbeachbar.com GREEN LANTERN 1335 Green Ct. NW 202-347-4533 www.greenlanterndc.com

SHAW’S TAVERN Happy Hour, 4-7pm • $3 Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon, $5 House Wines, $5 Rail Drinks • Half-Priced Pizzas and Select Appetizers

Saturday, April 27 A LEAGUE OF HER OWN Open 2pm-3am • Video Games • Live televised sports

NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR 900 U St. NW 202-332-6355 www.nelliessportsbar.com NUMBER NINE 1435 P St. NW 202-986-0999 www.numberninedc.com PITCHERS 2317 18th St. NW 202-733-2568 www.pitchersbardc.com

NIGHTLIFE HIGHLIGHTS Compiled by Doug Rule

AVALON SATURDAYS & CHORUS DC: LIGHTS OUT Dougie Meyer, the former general manager of Town, has helped to soften the blow from last year’s loss of that LGBTQ nightclub on Saturday nights at the well-designed, boutique-sized downtown nightclub Soundcheck. Meyer presents the popular LGBTQ party Avalon in the venue, offering a different spin on the concept week in and week out. Lights Out is the theme for the next go-round, co-presented by Chorus DC and Fruity Boi Productions, and featuring New York drag queen Chaka Khanvict offering to apply UV body paint for free on interested patrons, who are encouraged to wear neon, white, and anything reflective. The party this Saturday, April 27, starts at 10 p.m., but things don’t truly light up until midnight, when thousands of glow sticks and glow paint will light the way on the dance floor, where the focus will be on high-energy vocal-driven dance-pop/EDM from DJs Drew G and Paulo Fragoso. Open bar on Tito’s Vodka and Jameson Whiskey from 11 p.m. to midnight.

Soundcheck is at 1420 K St. NW. Tickets are $20 at the door. Call 202-789-5429 or visit www.dougiemeyerpresents.com.

AVALON SATURDAYS Avalon Saturdays & Chorus DC present Lights Out, 10pm-close • Featuring DJs Drew G and Paulo Fragoso • $20 admission at door • Wear Neon, White, or Reflective Material • Drag Show, 10:30-11:30pm, hosted by Ba’Naka and featuring Kristina Kelly, Deja Diamond, and Anastasia Dior • Special Guest: NYC Drag Queen Chaka Khanvict • Open Bar on Tito’s and Jameson, 11pm-midnight • Birthdays/VIP/Bottle Service Requests: info@ dougie.tv • Visit www. dougiemeyerpresents.com FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR Saturday Breakfast Buffet, 10am-3pm • $14.99 with one glass of champagne or coffee, soda or juice • Additional champagne $2 per glass • Crazy Hour,

4-8pm • Freddie’s Follies Drag Show, hosted by Miss Destiny B. Childs, 8-10pm • Karaoke, 10pm-close GREEN LANTERN Happy Hour, 4-9pm • $5 Bacardi, all flavors, all night long • JOX: The GL Underwear Party, 9pm-close • Music by DJs Chaim, Ultrapup, and Pup Phoenix • $5 Cover (clothes check available) NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR Drag Brunch, hosted

by Chanel Devereaux, 10:30am-12:30pm and 1-3pm • Tickets on sale at nelliessportsbar.com • House Rail Drinks, Zing Zang Bloody Marys, Nellie Beer and Mimosas, $4, 11am-3am • Buckets of Beer, $15 • Guest DJs playing pop music all night

SHAW’S TAVERN 520 Florida Ave. NW 202-518-4092 www.shawstavern.com TRADE 1410 14th St. NW 202-986-1094 www.tradebardc.com ZIEGFELD’S/SECRETS 1824 Half St. SW 202-863-0670 www.ziegfelds.com

JOX: THE GREEN LANTERN UNDERWEAR PARTY It’s not the only recurring underwear party at the Green Lantern, but the monthly Jox event has been a popular stripdown staple for years at the bar, tucked away in a Scott Circle alley. Certainly few others can claim to have enticed as many men to strip to their skivvies as David Merrill, the veteran local DJ who runs Jox. DJs Ultrapup and Pup Phoenix will assist in pumping up the party’s sexy musical vibe. Saturday, April 27, starting at 9 p.m. Upstairs at the Green Lantern, 1335 Green Court NW. Cover is $5, including free clothes check. Call 202-347-4533 or visit www.facebook.com/ GreenLanternDC. SUNGAY ROOFTOP W/DJS GRIND, TWIN On Sunday, April 28, La Fantasy Productions offers a party for those who would like some nightlife during the day as well as outside the club — and all as a toast to spring. This special Sungay party takes flight on the rooftop deck of the sprawling, multi-level downtown club Eden. Clubgoers are advised to bring their shades — not to mention sunscreen — the better to see the party’s go-go dancers, lights, and LED walls. Meanwhile, the party’s music will come courtesy of D.C.’s own DJ TWiN, who will beat the afternoon heat starting at 4 p.m., followed by California’s DJ Grind, who will spin into the sunset and until 10 p.m. Eden Lounge DC is at 1716 I St. NW. Remaining tickets are $27 plus fees. Call 202-905-9300 or visit www.tinyurl.com/sungaydc.

OVEREASY TEA DANCE Starting at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 28, @WhereTheGirlsGo presents OverEasy, a party to “celebrate the dawn of summer with your favorite grrlz, boiz, friendz, and neighbz.” Wander from the venue’s patio to the back deck if you prefer to party sunny side up.

Otherwise, DJs Alex DB, V-Nice, and Wolfblister will heat things up on the dance floor by scrambling the hits with classic jams. The new, monthly, 21-and-up party is designed to be “a trans-positive, all-gender-inclusive, anti-racist, pro-makeout space.” No cover.

Dodge City is located at 917 U St. NW. Call 202-588-9080 or visit www.facebook.com/DodgeCityDC. l APRIL 25, 2019 • METROWEEKLY

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NUMBER NINE Doors open 2pm • Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink, 2-9pm • $5 Absolut and $5 Bulleit Bourbon, 9pm-close • Jawbreaker: Music of the ’90s and 2000s, featuring DJs BacK2bACk, 9:30pm PITCHERS Open Noon-3am • Video Games • Foosball • Live televised sports • Full dining menu till 9pm • Special Late Night menu till 2am SHAW’S TAVERN Brunch with $15 Bottomless Mimosas, 10am-3pm • Homme Brunch, 12pm, Second Floor • Happy Hour, 5-7pm • $3 Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon, $5 House Wines, $5 Rail Drinks • HalfPriced Pizzas and Select Appetizers

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TRADE Doors open 2pm • Huge Happy Hour: Any drink normally served in a cocktail glass served in a huge glass for the same price, 2-10pm • Beer and wine only $4 ZIEGFELD’S/SECRETS Men of Secrets upstairs, 9pm-close • Guest dancers • Ladies of Illusion Drag Show with host Ella Fitzgerald in Ziegfeld’s • Doors open at 9pm, Show at 11:45pm • Music by DJs Keith Hoffman and Don T. • Cover 21+

Sunday, April 28 A LEAGUE OF HER OWN Open 2pm-12am • $4 Smirnoff and Domestic Cans • Video Games • Live televised sports FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR Ella’s Sunday Drag Brunch, 10am-3pm • $24.99 with four glasses of champagne or mimosas, 1 Bloody Mary, or coffee, soda or juice • Crazy Hour, 4-8pm • Gayborhood Night Piano Bar, 5-8pm • Free Door Prize Raffle, 7pm • Karaoke, 9pm-close GREEN LANTERN Happy Hour, 4-9pm • Karaoke with Kevin downstairs, 9:30pm-close

APRIL 25, 2019 • METROWEEKLY

NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR Drag Brunch, hosted

by Chanel Devereaux, 10:30am-12:30pm and 1-3pm • Tickets on sale at nelliessportsbar.com • House Rail Drinks, Zing Zang Bloody Marys, Nellie Beer and Mimosas, $4, 11am-1am • Buckets of Beer, $15 • Guest DJs NUMBER NINE Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink, 2-9pm • $5 Absolut and $5 Bulleit Bourbon, 9pm-close • Multiple TVs showing movies, shows, sports • Expanded craft beer selection • Pop Goes the World with Wes Della Volla at 9:30pm • No Cover PITCHERS Open Noon-2am • $4 Smirnoff, includes flavored, $4 Coors Light or $4 Miller Lites, 2-9pm • Video

Games • Foosball • Live televised sports • Full dining menu till 9pm

Monday, April 29

SHAW’S TAVERN Happy Hour, 5-7pm • $3 Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon, $5 House Wines, $5 Rail Drinks • Half-Priced Pizzas and Select Appetizers • Dinner and Drag with Miss Kristina Kelly, 8pm • For reservations, email shawsdinnerdragshow@ gmail.com

FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR Crazy Hour, 4-8pm • Singles Night • Half-Priced Pasta Dishes • Karaoke, 9pm

TRADE Doors open 2pm • Huge Happy Hour: Any drink normally served in a cocktail glass served in a huge glass for the same price, 2-10pm • Beer and wine only $4

GREEN LANTERN Happy Hour, 4-9pm • $3 rail cocktails and domestic beers all night long • Singing with the Sisters: Open Mic Karaoke Night with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, 9:30pm-close NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR Beat the Clock Happy Hour — $2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm), $4 (7-8pm) • Buckets of Beer, $15 • Half-Priced Burgers • Paint Nite, 7pm • PokerFace Poker, 8pm • Dart Boards • Ping Pong Madness, featuring 2 PingPong Tables

APRIL 25, 2019 • METROWEEKLY

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NUMBER NINE Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink, 5-9pm • No Cover

Tuesday, April 30

SHAW’S TAVERN Happy Hour, 5-7pm • $3 Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon, $5 House Wines, $5 Rail Drinks • Half-Priced Pizzas and Select Appetizers • Shaw ’Nuff Trivia, with Jeremy, 7:30pm

A LEAGUE OF HER OWN Open 5pm-12am • Happy Hour: $2 off everything until 9pm • Video Games • Live televised sports

TRADE Doors open 5pm • Huge Happy Hour: Any drink normally served in a cocktail glass served in a huge glass for the same price, 5-10pm • Beer and wine only $4

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FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR Crazy Hour, 4-8pm • Taco Tuesday • Karaoke, 9pm GREEN LANTERN Happy Hour, 4-9pm • $3 rail cocktails and domestic beers all night long NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR Beat the Clock Happy Hour — $2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm), $4 (7-8pm) • Buckets of Beer $15 • Drag Bingo with Sasha Adams and Brooklyn Heights, 7-9pm • Karaoke, 9pm-close

NUMBER NINE Open at 5pm • Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink, 5-9pm • No Cover PITCHERS Open 5pm-12am • Happy Hour: $2 off everything until 9pm • Video Games • Foosball • Live televised sports • Full dining menu till 9pm • Special Late Night menu till 11pm SHAW’S TAVERN Happy Hour, 4-7pm • $3 Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon, $5 House Wines, $5 Rail Drinks • Half-Priced Pizzas and Select Appetizers • Half-Priced Burgers and Pizzas, 5-10pm

APRIL 25, 2019 • METROWEEKLY

TRADE Doors open 5pm • Huge Happy Hour: Any drink normally served in a cocktail glass served in a huge glass for the same price, 5-10pm • Beer and wine only $4

Wednesday, May 1 A LEAGUE OF HER OWN Open 5pm-12am • Happy Hour: $2 off everything until 9pm • Video Games • Live televised sports FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR Crazy Hour, 4-8pm • $6 Burgers • Beach Blanket Drag Bingo Night, hosted

by Ms. Regina Jozet Adams, 8pm • Bingo prizes • Karaoke, 10pm-1am

GREEN LANTERN Happy Hour, 4pm-9pm • Bear Yoga with Greg Leo, 6:30-7:30pm • $10 per class • $3 rail cocktails and domestic beers all night long NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR SmartAss Trivia Night, 8-10pm • Prizes include bar tabs and tickets to shows at the 9:30 Club • $15 Buckets of Beer for SmartAss Teams only • Absolutely Snatched Drag Show, hosted by Brooklyn Heights, 9pm • Tickets available at www.nelliessportsbar.com NUMBER NINE Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink, 5-9pm • No Cover

PITCHERS Open 5pm-12am • Happy Hour: $2 off everything until 9pm • Video Games • Foosball • Live televised sports • Full dining menu till 9pm • Special Late Night menu till 11pm SHAW’S TAVERN Happy Hour, 4-7pm • $3 Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon, $5 House Wines, $5 Rail Drinks • Half-Priced Pizzas and Select Appetizers • Piano Bar with Jill, 8pm TRADE Doors open 5pm • Huge Happy Hour: Any drink normally served in a cocktail glass served in a huge glass for the same price, 5-10pm • Beer and wine only $4 l

Scene

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Freddie’s Easter Bonnet Brunch - Sunday, April 21 - Photography by Ward Morrison See and purchase more photos from this event at www.metroweekly.com/scene

APRIL 25, 2019 • METROWEEKLY

APRIL 25, 2019 • METROWEEKLY

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LastWord.

People say the queerest things

“I’m not a master fisherman, but I know bait when I see it, and I’m not gonna take it. ” — Mayor PETE BUTTIGIEG, during a CNN town hall with Anderson Cooper, responding to an attack from Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell. Grenell, who was appointed by Trump and is gay, slammed Buttigieg during an interview with Fox News, claiming the South Bend Mayor was pushing a “hate hoax” against Vice President Mike Pence by calling out Pence’s religion-fueled homophobia.

“God’s Word defines homosexuality as sin, something to be repentant of, not something to be flaunted, praised, or politicized. ” — Evangelical preacher FRANKLIN GRAHAM, in a Facebook post criticizing Mayor Pete Buttigieg for speaking about both his sexuality and his Christian faith during a CNN town hall. Graham, who preached at Donald Trump’s inauguration and has a history of antiLBTQ animus, objected to Buttigieg saying, “It can be challenging to be a person of faith who’s also part of the LGBTQ community and yet, to me, the core of faith is regard for one another — and part of God’s love is experienced, according to my faith tradition, in the way that we support one another and, in particular, support the least among us.”

“It wasn’t a sexual relationship.

It was much more of an ‘abusement’ relationship.”

— R&B singer AVEON FALSTAR, speaking about an alleged relationship with daytime host Wendy Williams’ husband Kevin Hunter while he was signed to Hunter’s management company. Charlamagne The God, host of The Breakfast Club podcast, played a clip of an interview in which Falstar made the accusations. “It was much more of a put me down and keep me as your boy toy relationship,” Falstar, who is now married to a woman, said. “We did [have sex]…

He came over and practically raped me at 3 o’clock in the morning.”

“No shame in this game.

Just Pride. ” — Pennsylvania State Rep. BRIAN SIMS, in an Instagram post announcing that he uses Truvada as PrEP. “Starting this day off smart, proactive, and in control!” Sims wrote. “Think this is an invite to talk about my sex life? It’s not. Think it’s an invite to shame me or anyone else? Grow up. ‘Stigma’ is the thing our enemies want us to be stunted by. It literally kills us.

It’s stupid and we control our own fate. No shame in this game. Just Pride.”

“In the canon, yeah, she is bisexual.

You see her with both women and men, so that was my intention in playing her.

”

— TESSA THOMPSON, telling Variety that she played her character Valkyrie as bisexual in Thor: Ragnarok and Avengers: Endgame, even though Valkyrie’s sexuality wasn’t explicitly noted. (A scene that would have shown the character’s sexuality was reportedly cut from Ragnarok.) Thompson added that she could see Valkyrie in a polyamorous relationship with Thor and Captain America: “I think a communal spoon — just a spoon between friends that are hardworking — it could be polyamorous.

Why not? A throuple, with Thor as the baby spoon.”

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APRIL 25, 2019 • METROWEEKLY