Washington Blade
NAACP approves resolution endorsing marriage equality
(image courtesy NAACP)
The NAACP announced on Saturday its board has voted in a favor of resolution endorsing same-sex marriage on the basis that marriage rights for gay couples is consistent with equal protection under the U.S. Constitution.
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, founded 103 years ago to advocate for the civil rights of black Americans, made the resolution public after the board voted in favor of the measure. The vote tally wasn’t immediately available.
The resolution affirms the NAACP’s commitment to equal protection under the Fourteenth Amendment while at the same time states a commitment to religious freedom under the First Amendment.
“The NAACP Constitution affirmatively states our objective to ensure the ‘political, education, social and economic equality’ of all people,” the resolution states. “Therefore, the NAACP has opposed and will continue to oppose any national, state, local policy or legislative initiative that seeks to codify discrimination or hatred into the law or to remove the Constitutional rights of LGBT citizens. We support marriage equality consistent with equal protection under the law provided under the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution. Further, we strongly affirm the religious freedoms of all people as protected by the First Amendment.”
The endorsement from the Baltimore-based organization comes on the heels of President’s Obama’s announcement in support of same-sex marriage. Within the span of a couple weeks, the nation’s first black president and the country’s premier organization for civil rights of black Americans have come out in favor of same-sex marriage. Other prominent black Americans — actor Will Smith, rapper Jay-Z and House Assistant Democratic Leader Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) — have also followed Obama’s lead.
Leaders within the NAACP said support marriage equality is consistent with the organization’s advocacy for civil rights.
Roslyn Brock, board chair of the NAACP, said, “The mission of the NAACP has always been to ensure political, social and economic equality of all people. We have and will oppose efforts to codify discrimination into law.”
NAACP’s Benjamin Jealous (Photo courtesy NAACP)
NAACP President Benjamin Todd Jealous called civil marriage “a civil right and a matter of civil law.”“The NAACP’s support for marriage equality is deeply rooted in the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution and equal protection of all people,” Jealous said. “The well-funded right wing organizations who are attempting to split our communities are no friend to civil rights, and they will not succeed.”
Previously, the NAACP had no position on marriage equality. Julian Bond, chairman emeritus of the organization, has personally advocated for LGBT rights and same-sex marriage, saying the goals of the LGBT rights movement were consistent with the goals of the black civil rights movement.
Even though the NAACP had no official position in favor of marriage equality, the organization had advocated against legislative ban on same-sex marriage. Among these actions included stated opposition to the Defense of Marriage Act and constitutional bans on same-sex marriage in North Carolina and California.
LGBT rights groups hailed the NAACP’s announcement in support of marriage equality as a milestone in the pursuit of marriage rights for gay couples.
Evan Wolfson, president of Freedom to Marry, was among the LGBT advocates who had high praise for the organization.
“The NAACP has long been the nation’s conscience and champion for an America where all share equally in the promise of liberty and justice for all,” Wolfson said. “Today the NAACP resoundingly affirmed that the freedom to marry is a civil right and family value that belongs to all of us, and that discriminatory barriers to marriage must fall.”
Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign, said the vote is “another example of the traction marriage equality continues to gain in every community.”
“It’s time the shameful myth that the African-American community is somehow out of lockstep with the rest of the country on marriage equality is retired — once and for all,” Solmonese said. “The facts and clear momentum toward marriage speak for themselves.”
Black Americans have been seen as among the minorities within the country that are least supportive of marriage rights for gay couples. In November, a Washington Post-Kaiser Family Foundation poll found 58 percent of black Americans believe same-sex marriage was“unacceptable,” while 35 percent deemed it “acceptable.”
But views may be changing. Following the Obama’s endorsement of same-sex marriage, a Washington Post-ABC News poll published Tuesday found that 54 percent of black Americans had a favorable view of the president’s announcement, while 37 viewed it unfavorably.
Anti-gay groups have accused of trying to exploit racial tensions as part of efforts to oppose same-sex marriage. Internal documents from the National Organization for Marriage, obtained by the Human Rights Campaign and made public in March, reveal the organization tried to “drive a wedge between gays and blacks” as part of its strategy.
“The strategic goal of this project is to drive a wedge between gays and blacks—two key Democratic constituencies,” one documents reads. “Find, equip, energize and connect African American spokespeople for marriage, develop a media campaign around their objections to gay marriage as a civil right; provoke the gay marriage base into responding by denouncing these spokesmen and women as bigots.”
Solmonese said the NAACP’s endorsement of same-sex marriage demonstrates that NOM’s strategy to exploit the black community has failed.
“NOM has pursued ugly racial politics seeking to divide people, but what is becoming crystal clear is that its strategy is not working,” Solmonese said. “Americans from all walks of life are uniting to support love, commitment, and stronger families.”
NOM didn’t immediately respond to a request to comment on the NAACP’s endorsement.
One state with a significant black population could soon be deciding the issue of same-sex marriage. In Maryland, where opponents of same-sex marriage are seeking to place a referendum of the law on the ballot, an estimated 29 percent of the population is black.
Josh Levin, campaign manager for Marylanders for Marriage Equality, praised the NAACP for the endorsing marriage equality and said it demonstrates growing black support for same-sex marriage.
“We could not be more pleased with the NAACP board decision to support marriage equality,” Levin said. “It is yet again reflective of the growing momentum within the African-American community — like all communities — to support stronger families and protect children.”
Among the groups that have been working to preserve the Maryland same-sex marriage law, Levin said, is the Baltimore branch of the NAACP.
“The signs are clear: a majority of all Marylanders — people of all backgrounds — support making families stronger and protecting all children equally under the law,” Levin said.
Get ShareaholicHouse OKs defense bill with anti-gay provisions
The U.S. House on Friday passed major defense budget legislation aimed at authorizing funds for the Pentagon that was inclusive of language restricting LGBT rights.
By a vote of 299-120, the Republican-controlled House approved its version of the fiscal year 2013 defense authorization bill. The $642 billion package aims to provide funding for military programs and pay for service members, but includes anti-gay provisions that were adopted by the House Armed Services Committee during its markup of the legislation.
One provision in the bill, the “conscience protections,” is for military personnel and chaplains who object to homosexuality. Under the language, service members could harass gay colleagues and chaplains could discriminate against service members by religion, gender, sexual orientation or race.
Aubrey Sarvis, executive director of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, said he’s “disappointed” the language was included in the legislation passed by the House.
“The fact of the matter is, there are already in place adequate protections for chaplains and service members in this area,” Sarvis said. “This language weakens implementation of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ repeal, which Americans support and which our nation’s military leaders have said is being implementing smoothly.”
Another provision in the bill would prohibit same-sex couples from holding marriage ceremonies on Defense Department property. The Pentagon has previously issued guidance saying such facilities should be available on a sexual orientation neutral basis.
Sarvis also objected to this language in the legislation.
“This is yet another attempt by a few opponents of military equality who are looking to turn the clock back on progress and relegate gay and lesbian service members to second-class status,” Sarvis said.
The White House Office of Management & Budget issued a Statement of Administration Policy earlier this week objecting to the anti-gay provisions, calling language barring same-sex couples from marrying on military bases “potentially unconstitutional.” The White House issued a veto threat on the legislation based on certain provision in the bill, included provisions related to the detention of detainees, but stopped short of explicitly stating the anti-gay language merited a veto.
The Senate has yet to take action on its version of defense authorization legislation for the upcoming fiscal year. Next week, the Senate Armed Forces Committee will begin its markup. Differences between the House and Senate versions will be addressed in conference committee later this year.
Similar anti-gay language was included last year in the previous House version of the defense authorization bill. The language was ultimately removed in conference committee before each chamber voted again to approve the final version of the legislation.
CORRECTION: An initial version of this article incorrectly stated service members could opt out working gay colleagues under the “conscience protections” in the legislation. The Blade regrets the error.
Get ShareaholicVideo: Blade’s last interview with Donna Summer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_6MvChMtvM
The Blade’s Steve Fox interviews Donna Summer in 2010 when she was in town to play Wolf Trap. Summer passed away Thursday after battling cancer.
Get ShareaholicMaryland high court recognizes out-of-state gay marriages
The Maryland Court of Appeals on Friday unanimously ruled that same-sex couples who were legally married in other jurisdictions can get divorced in the state.
The 7-0 decision comes after Maryland resident Jessica Port and Virginia Anne Cowan of the District of Columbia appealed a Prince George’s County trial judge’s 2010 denial of their divorce petition. The women married in California in Oct. 2008, less than a month before the state’s voters approved Proposition 8 that banned nuptials for gays and lesbians. Port and Cowan separated eight months later and filed for divorce while they both lived in Maryland.
Attorney General Douglas Gansler opined in Feb. 2010 that the state could recognize same-sex marriages that were legally performed in the District of Columbia and other jurisdictions. Governor Martin O’Malley subsequently ordered state agencies to recognize such unions.
“A valid out-of-state same-sex marriage should be treated by Maryland courts as worthy of divorce, according to applicable statutes, reported cases and court rules of this state,” read the decision.
O’Malley welcomed the 21-page ruling.
“Today’s unanimous decision by the Maryland Court of Appeals confirms that the policy of recognizing out-of-state same-sex marriages that we have implemented in the Executive Branch is valid and consistent with the law,” he said in a statement. “To treat families differently under the law because they happen to be led by gay or lesbian couples is not right or just. Today’s decision is another step forward in our efforts to ensure that every child is protected equally under the law. As a free and diverse people, the way forward is always to be found through greater respect for the equal rights of all; for the human dignity of all.”
Michele Zavos, a lawyer with Zavos Juncker Law Group who represented Port, applauded the decision.
“We’re all enormously excited because this decision establishes marriages between same-sex couples that are valid in another jurisdiction are valid in Maryland,” she said.
The National Center for Lesbian Rights and Lambda Legal served as co-counsel on the case.
“The decision could not be better for our community,” said NCLR Legal Director Shannon Minter. “The court accepted all of the arguments we presented. Although the holding is specifically about divorce, the analysis would apply to any marital benefit or protection.”
The court’s ruling comes less than three months after O’Malley signed the state’s marriage equality bill into law.
Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee on Monday signed an executive order recognizing out-of-state same-sex marriages. Then-New York Gov. David Paterson in 2008 directed state agencies to recognize the nuptials of gays and lesbians who legally wed in other jurisdictions.
Maryland voters will likely vote on a referendum in November that would bar marriage for same-sex couples. Both the plaintiffs’ lawyers and legal observers noted that the ban on nuptials for gays and lesbians would not impact the court’s decision.
“One reason this decision is so important is that the court’s ruling will not be changed even if, in the worst case scenario, the new marriage equality law were to be repeated in a referendum vote,” said Minter. “Valid marriages from other state would still be recognized in Maryland. Because same-sex couples can marry right next door in D.C., this provides powerful protection.”
“Same-sex couples in Maryland can be married and can have their marriages recognized,” added Susan Sommer, director of constitutional litigation at Lambda Legal. “Marriage has come to stay in Maryland.”
Get ShareaholicProsecutor: fatal stabbing of Marine appears to be hate crime
Marine Barracks on Capitol Hill (Blade photo by Michael Key)
The April 21 fatal stabbing of a Marine across the street from the Marine Barracks on Capitol Hill took place minutes after another Marine accused of the stabbing saw the victim hugging a gay male friend outside a straight bar, according to the prosecutor in the case.Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Liebman told a D.C. Superior Court hearing on May 16 that the government considers the incident a hate crime. But a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s office said later that the government has not charged the case as a hate crime and that the case remains under investigation.
Liebman said defendant Pfc. Michael Poth, 20, shouted an anti-gay slur at Lance Cpl. Philip Bushong, 23, and Bushong’s gay friend, whom authorities have not identified.
Liebman told Judge Ronna L. Beck, who presided over a preliminary hearing, that the anti-gay slur came minutes before Poth and Bushong got into a verbal and physical altercation during which Poth allegedly plunged a pocket knife into Bushong’s upper chest, piercing his heart.
Bushong was pronounced dead a short time later at a hospital. D.C. police charged Poth with second-degree murder while armed. Police didn’t initially list the incident as a hate crime.
Liebman did not identify Bushong’s gay male friend, saying only that Poth saw Bushong and the friend hugging on the sidewalk outside Molly Malone’s bar and restaurant on the 700 block of 8th Street, S.E. The bar is located across the street from the Marine barracks at 8th and I Streets, S.E., where Poth had been stationed.
“This was a hate crime,” the Washington Post quoted Liebman as saying at the hearing. “The victim and his friend were embracing outside.”
Friends of Bushong have said he was straight. He had been stationed at the Marine Corps base at Camp Lejeune, N.C., and was visiting Washington, where he planned to move, friends and family members said. At the time of his death, Bushong was days away from being discharged honorably after having completed his term of enlistment.
Poth’s attorney, David Benowitz, argued at the hearing that Poth acted in self-defense. He pointed to one of several video surveillance tapes played at the hearing which showed Poth on the ground before getting back on his feet. Benowitz said Poth was on the ground because Bushong hit or pushed him.
Benowitz also noted at the hearing that a witness told police that Bushong was the first to initiate contact with Poth. At the time of his arrest, Poth told D.C. police homicide detectives that Bushong punched him in the face and head and he stabbed Bushong in self-defense.
According to accounts in the Post and the Washington Times, Benowitz argued that the facts in the case didn’t support a second-degree murder charge and that the charged should be reduced to manslaughter.
Court records show that Judge Beck denied the request to lower the charge and ruled that prosecutors established probable cause that Poth committed second-degree murder while armed. She scheduled a felony status hearing for the case on July 13.
Beck’s ruling came after D.C. Police homicide Det. Dwayne Partman testified at the hearing that a witness told police Poth shouted he was “going to stab somebody and cut their lungs out” just after he walked past Molly Malone’s bar. Partman testified that the witness said Poth made that remark while Bushong and his gay male friend along with other people were standing in front of Molly Malone’s, the Post reported.
The Post also reported that two members of the Marines dressed in civilian clothes entered the courtroom before the hearing began and informed the attorneys that the Marines had given Poth an other than honorable discharge based on poor conduct that occurred prior to Bushong’s murder.
Liebman stated at the hearing that Marine Corps officials informed prosecutors that Poth tested positive for using synthetic marijuana and he had “verbally assaulted other soldiers and had to be restrained,” the Post reported.
William Miller, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s office, said he could not provide further details on the case because it is pending in court and remains under investigation. However, Miller said that at the present time, the U.S. Attorney’s office has not charged the case in court as a hate crime.
Benowitz didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
Get ShareaholicDOJ finalizes rule to protect LGBT inmates against prison rape
The Justice Department made final a rule Thursday to prevent sexual abuse in federal prisons that included provisions aimed at providing better protection for LGBT inmates.
The rule, the first-ever federal effort to set standards at all jail facilities, is in accordance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003. It was first proposed last year.
According to a statement from the Justice Department, the standards require, among other things, that facilities try to prevent sexual violence in prison by incorporating the unique vulnerabilities of LGBT people as well as intersex and gender nonconforming inmates into training and screening protocols.
“Sexual violence, against any victim, is an assault on human dignity and an affront to American values,” President Obama wrote in a memorandum accompanying the announcement. “The Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (PREA) was enacted with bipartisan support and established a ‘zero tolerance standard’ for rape in prisons in the United States.”
The standards include specialized training for prison staff and screenings in detention settings to determine if LGBT inmates are at higher risk for being targeted for sexual abuse. The new rule has particular impact on transgender inmates. Agencies must train security staff on respectful searches of transgender inmates; transgender people can’t be assigned to a male or female facility based solely on their anatomy; and transgender inmates will be given the opportunity to shower separately from other inmates.
LGBT advocates hailed the codification of the rule for extending new protections for LGBT inmates — who are seen as being more vulnerable to sexual violence while in prison. According to the National Center for Transgender Equality, one in three former transgender inmates report being sexually abused.
Rea Carey, executive director of the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force, said “no one — and I mean no one” should be subjected to the pain and indignity of rape — even individuals who are incarcerated.
“By adopting these national standards to prevent, detect and respond to prison rape, the federal government put its foot down and said ‘no more.’ LGBT people, often the targets of brutality in detention settings, stand much to gain,” Carey said. “Lives are literally on the line, and these historic standards will help combat this terrible epidemic and lift our common humanity.”
Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality, also called the finalization of the rule significant.
“We have an obligation as civilized people to protect the people we incarcerate,” Keisling said. “That has always been an American promise, but one we have barely tried to keep. These new standards, if fully implemented, have the potential to help us keep that promise at least in terms of sexual assault.”
The memorandum says that rule applies to facilities administered by agencies other than the Justice Department. Such facilities would likely include immigration detention facilities run by the private companies or the Department of Homeland Security. Agencies with federal confinement facilities not subject to the Justice Department’s final rule must propose within 120 days any rules or procedures necessary to satisfy the requirements of the law, and make final any such rules or procedures within 240 days of their proposal.
Peter Boogard, a DHS spokesperson, said his department “fully embraces” the law and looks forward to implementing the provisions under the new rule.
“The regulations will build on the substantial improvements we have made to agency policy and procedures to prevent, detect and respond to sexual abuse in immigration detention,” Boogard said. “DHS will move swiftly to promulgate these regulations and will work with the attorney general and others to ensure that the regulations satisfy the requirements of the statute.”
Mary Meg McCarthy, executive director of Heartland Alliance’s National Immigrant Justice Center, urged the Obama administration to monitor DHS closely to ensure the department implements the rule in a timely manner.
“The U.S. government has finally acknowledged that immigrant detainees must be protected from sexual violence while in immigration custody,” said McCarthy said. “We wish the regulations applied to immigration detention facilities immediately. Instead, DHS has another year to implement a law that has been on the books for nearly a decade. Some of the individual provisions announced today are evidence of the Obama administration’s commitment to protecting immigrants from abuse, particularly those who are vulnerable because of their sexual orientation or sexual identity.”
Get ShareaholicLesbian NYC Council speaker prepping for wedding
New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn (Blade file photo by Michael Key)
A giddy New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn shed some light on her May 19 wedding to her long-time partner during a lower Manhattan press conference on Thursday.
She and Kim Catullo will exchange vows at the Highline Stages in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District before New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, U.S. Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles Schumer, gay New York state Assemblyman Daniel O’Donnell (D-Manhattan) and nearly 300 other guests. The women’s fathers will escort them down the aisle.
The normally loquacious Quinn remained coy about whether Catullo will wear a dress for the wedding. She disclosed that the women will exchange rings, but they will not wear wedding veils. Quinn will use antique clips with two of her late mother’s enamel broaches to pin back her hair during the ceremony.
“She loved jewelry,” she said. “It’ll be nice to have her pins there with us.”
Quinn conceded to reporters who had gathered at City Hall for a press conference about the New York Police Department’s controversial stop and frisk policy that she remains nervous.
“I’m nervous that I’m going to trip on my heels; I’m nervous that the vows are going to stink; I’m nervous that you know Heather will make the dress too tight and I’m not going to be able to sit down and dance,” she said. “I’m nervous that you know we’re going to have seated somebody next to somebody who I didn’t know hated each other—there’s going to be a big drama.”
Quinn also said she will personally oversee wedding preparations until the very last minute.
“The people who are doing the flowers and stuff said; ‘so you’ll just go upstairs, you’ll put your dress on and then you’ll come in and see it for the first time,” she said. “I said, ‘you’ve never really worked with me before. There’s no room in my life I have ever walked into having left all the details to somebody else, so if you think on this day I’m not going to be here in the middle of the afternoon with a clipboard, you’re out of your mind people.’”
The presumptive 2013 mayoral candidate announced her engagement to Catullo, a lawyer, after Cuomo signed New York’s marriage equality bill into law last June.
She said that she and Catullo have received well-wishes from New Yorkers and others beyond the five boroughs who the couple doesn’t know. Quinn declined to say whether she and her soon-to-be-spouse would live in Gracie Mansion if she becomes mayor.
“The law being passed is nice; it’s made people happy,” she said in response to a question about President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden’s support of nuptials for gays and lesbians. “Times are tough and I just feel like it’s a thing—not me getting married per se, but that more people can get married—it just seems to be making people happy in a really sweet, sweet way. It’s so nice to see… I feel very touched by how many people have gone out of their way… to send us warm wishes and nice hugs.”
Get ShareaholicWashington Blade announces strategic partnership with the Task Force
WASHINGTON — The Washington Blade, the nation’s oldest and most acclaimed LGBT newspaper, today announced it has become a National Corporate Partner of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.
The Blade becomes the sixth National Corporate Partner of NGLTF and joins Grey Goose Vodka, Showtime, Southwest Airlines, Chili’s Restaurants and Wells Fargo as National Corporate Partners.
“We’re pleased to join in this partnership with the Washington Blade,” said Russell Roybal, deputy executive director of external relations of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. “We both have long histories in the LGBT rights movement and are excited about this opportunity to work together.”
“As a longtime supporter of the Task Force, I am excited to work with this important organization as a National Corporate Partner,” said Blade publisher Lynne Brown. “The Blade looks forward to furthering our mission of informing the LGBT community while supporting the Task Force’s work for full LGBT equality.”
The Blade will also sponsor the annual Pink & Purple Weekend in Washington, D.C., the National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change in Atlanta, and the Winter Party Festival in Miami. The Task Force events will be publicized through all of the Blade’s media outlets.
The Washington Blade was founded in 1969 and is known as the “newspaper of record” for the LGBT community both locally and nationally. The Washington Blade is the producer of the Official 2012 Capital Pride Guide. Visit washingtonblade.com for more information. National Gay and Lesbian Task Force builds grassroots political power of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Visit thetaskforce.org for information.
For more information contact Lynne Brown, publisher, Washington Blade lbrown@washblade.com, 202-486-0625.
Get ShareaholicDonna Summer dies
Donna Summer, the "Queen of Disco," succumbed to cancer at the age of 63. (Photo by Harry Wad via Wikimedia)
Beloved disco diva Donna Summer has passed away in Florida at 63 of complications from cancer, according to celebrity gossip website, TMZ.Summer rose to prominence in late 1975 when she stepped out of her career as a back-up singer for acts like Three Dog Night, and released her expansive erotic anthem “Love to Love You Baby,” helping generate enthusiasm for the “new sound” now called Disco, as well as popularize the 12″ single format.
Dubbed “The Queen of Disco” at the time, Summer helped popularize the dance genre popular at nightclubs and gay bars throughout the late 70s and early 80s known for its funk, soul and latin influence. Summer’s biggest disco hits include “Love On & On,” “I Feel Love,” “Heaven Knows,” “Dim All the Lights,” “On the Radio,” and “Last Dance.”
In 1979, Summer cooled to the disco sound and embraced a heavier rock sound, working with some of the recording industry’s biggest producers, most notably openly gay producer David Geffen and Quincy Jones, releasing hits “Bad Girls,” “Hot Stuff,” “This Time I Know its for Real,” and her last major hit in 1983, “She Works Hard for Her Money.”
Though known as a gay icon, Summer’s born-again-Christian status began alienating the diva from her gay fans, and in the mid-1980s, a false report that she’d called AIDS “the wrath of God” on gay people began circulating widely, an allegation she has flatly denied since. According to Jet Magazine, in 1989, she wrote to the New York chapter of ACT UP calling the entire thing a “terrible misunderstanding”
“I was unknowingly protected by those around me from the bad press and hate letters. …If I have caused you pain, forgive me.”
Summer is survived by her husband of 32 years, Bruce Sudano, and their two daughters, Brooklyn and Amanda Grace. She also has a third daughter, Mimi Sommer, from her first marriage.
Appropriately, here is “Last Dance.”
Get ShareaholicBigger is back
As Ellen might ask, “What’s with the sexy-daddy vibe?” There’s Pitt, Clooney, even silver-fox Anderson Cooper. Mix in some “Mad Men,” and it’s obvious that old school is cool again. Ditto for largish sedans, which took a backseat to fuel-sipping compacts the past few years. But with the economy chugging ahead, bigger is back.
Audi A8
$79,000
Mpg: 18 city/28 highway
0-to-60 mph: 5.2 seconds
The Audi A8
Yes, Don Draper has his dreamy Cadillac land yacht. But the A8 is a luxe-laden status symbol for our era. No, there aren’t any tailfins. But the sculpted design—simple yet sophisticated—is echoed brilliantly in a curved row of LED’s below each headlight. For day trips or weekend getaways, the A8 sails smoothly down the road—thanks to large wheels, adaptive air suspension and all-wheel drive. Sure, BMW and Mercedes are considered the class leaders. But today’s Audis offer superb build quality and an understated elegance—note the tasteful faux-suede headliner and aluminum accents. Perhaps the biggest drawback is the small trunk. But for $6,000 more, there’s a long-wheelbase version with power-closing doors, power-operated trunk and power sunshades on the rear windows. Add another $50,000 for the 12-cylinder model and you get a blistering 500 hp (0 to 60 in just 4.4. seconds), dual-pane acoustic windows and 22-way power seats that feature ventilation and massage functions. A night-vision camera even detects animals and pedestrians up to 1,000 feet away. The only thing missing was a martini shaker and a “Mad Men” DVD to slip into the rear-seat entertainment system.
BMW 528i
$47,000
Mpg: 23 city/34 highway
0-to-60 mph: 6.4 seconds
The BMW 528i
As Audi ups its cachet, BMW seems to be aiming down market. How else to explain a measly four-cylinder in a 5 Series? But BMW worked its engineering magic to create a turbo four that’s quicker and more fuel-efficient than the revered six-cylinder it replaces (an automatic stop/start function shuts down the engine when the car is stopped). And while there are half a dozen 5 Series models—including a virile V8 for $20,000 more—the handling on the base 528i is superb. This is a midsizer, but it feels surprisingly big inside. It’s also a bit softer, as BMW opts for cushier, more tush-friendly rides. Adjustable driving settings alter steering, suspension and gear shirting, and a stellar stability/traction control system really bolsters the braking. There’s nothing fancy going on in the cabin—a spartan dash is typical of button-down BMW—but you’ll find Bluetooth, iPod/USB interface and a decent sound system.
Hyundai Equus
$60,000
Mpg: 15 city/23 highway
0-to-60 mph: 5.5 seconds
Hyundai Equus
When Hyundai introduced the Genesis a few years ago, they had me at hello. There was that Mercedes-like front and Lexus-esque rear, with handling and performance to match. But with the all-new Equus, it’s been a slightly tougher sell. True, the Equus is glitzy, with a plush cabin where almost all luxury features come standard: heated/cooled front seats (with massage function for the driver), heated/reclining rear seats, rear sunshades and 17-speaker surround-sound stereo. For safety, there are blind-spot and lane-departure warning systems, adaptive cruise control, windshield wiper de-icer and front/rear parking sensors with rearview camera. The higher-end Ultimate edition adds a camera in front to see around corners, as well as a kind of La-Z-Boy power footrest in back and even a minibar/refrigerator. Despite all these goodies, I was a bit disappointed in the lackluster low-end acceleration and lackadaisical cornering—at least when compared with, say, a grippy Audi, BMW or Jag. Of course, the Equus costs half the price of those rivals.
Get ShareaholicA home away from home
A lazy Saturday on the Beach at Rehoboth last summer. (Blade file photo)
Hello there beach lovers. Are you ready for the first annual pilgrimage to your shoreline of choice over Memorial Day weekend? I know I am. In fact, I started preparing for it late last summer.
We are fortunate to be close enough to frequent many fun-in-the-sun destinations along the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay: Ocean City, Rehoboth, Lewes and various parts of the Virginia coast, to name a few. And if you don’t mind a driving a bit longer, you can even head to the Jersey Shore (just don’t forget to pack your Snooki).
I remember when vacations meant taking a week or two off to unwind from the stress of the five-day work week. Now, however, my schedule rarely permits such extravagance as a vacation (or a five-day work week, or even a weekend), so I substitute lengthy, pre-planned excursions with short forays to areas I can get to in about an hour when my mood and schedule coincide.
Last year I discovered the Twin Beaches overlooking the Chesapeake Bay: Chesapeake Beach in Calvert County, Md., and North Beach, located in northern Calvert County and running up into the southern tip of Anne Arundel.
The twins have a total year-round population of roughly 8,000 people, with a surprising amount of them commuting on a daily basis to the D.C. metropolitan area. With a median home price of about $260,000, I was delighted to find a little, one-bedroom cottage in need of some TLC for far less.
Destined to become my getaway, it was close to the boardwalk with its shops, restaurants and antique stores, and only a block from the bay. It had vaulted ceilings, a loft, a small back yard for my dogs and a big shade tree in the front. I christened it The Shady Lady.
On Aug. 27, 2011, five days before settlement, Hurricane Irene lifted the beautiful tree from the front yard and dumped it unceremoniously on the roof. Alas, The Shady Lady had become The Tattered Trollop overnight.
Undaunted, I found another cottage in a small Chesapeake Beach subdivision of only 18 homes with a tiny patch of sandy beach, a pier and a gorgeous view of the bay from my front windows and deck. I leased it with an option to buy next year.
Admittedly, this is a far more subdued area than many others, but there is still plenty to do and see during the summer season. Here are some of my favorites.
The Chesapeake Beach Resort & Spa, built in 2004, offers rooms with a view, two waterfront restaurants and a more casual café, a day spa and video lottery terminals (yes, they look like slot machines but they’re legal). You can purchase weekend getaway packages for accommodations, food and spa treatments online at chesapeakebeachresortspa.com.
Don’t miss the Water Park from May 26-Sept. 3, with a large lagoon, fountains, waterfalls and eight water slides (also open evenings on Fridays from July 6-Aug. 10). Take the children to meet Sponge Bob Square Pants (June 25), Dora the Explorer (July 23) and Elmo (Aug. 13) from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Tour the historic Railway Museum and attend an evening concert there on the second Thursday of the month from June through September.
Go antiquing and stop for a bite to eat or an ice cream cone along the boardwalk in North Beach, or charter a fishing boat and come home with a tall tale of the one that got away.
For a change of scenery, you can take the trolley north to Deale and attend the Farmer’s Market on Thursday afternoons or visit Shipwright Harbor and Harrington Harbor marinas and lunch at Calypso Bay or The Skipper’s Pier.
I don’t get to my cottage nearly as often as I would like, but each time I turn from Route 4 onto Maryland 260, I can feel my stress dissolve as I approach the bay. If you’re looking for a quiet spot to unwind, this is it. If not, I’ll meet you in Rehoboth next year.
Get ShareaholicA bi adventure
‘In One Person’
By John Irving
Simon & Schuster
$28/429 pages
When you look back over your life, you notice things that make you say, “Yes. That makes sense.”
You always wondered why you love certain foods, adore cozy smells, or have a way with words — until you learn that your mother loved those foods, your grandfather wore that scent, and your father was a writer once.
Billy Abbott sometimes wondered why he was drawn to certain people and not to others. But in the new novel “In One Person” by John Irving, everything falls into place when he discovers truths about his family.
It was almost fitting, really, that Billy’s stepfather, Richard, introduced Billy to Miss Frost, the librarian.
Richard thought he was ushering Billy into the riches of the library in First Sister, Vt. Richard thought he was doing something positive for the 13-year-old but the well-meaning introduction was inadvertently apt: Billy had had a mad crush on Richard and upon meeting Miss Frost, he crushed on her, too.
They were his first two “crushes on the wrong people.”
Billy wasn’t sure why, but his aunt and grandmother sneered when they spoke of Miss Frost. Grandpa Harry seemed to like her; maybe it was because he had an eye for the feminine. He was, after all, First Sister’s best-known actor, beloved for playing female parts in the community theater.
Aside from Miss Frost, Billy was oddly crazy about Kittredge, his school’s best wrestler. Kittredge could be cruel, but Billy wondered what it might be like to receive one of Kittredge’s wrestling holds. He also thought often about Mrs. Hadley, his best friend’s mother, imagining her in a training bra.
As the years passed and Billy fell in and out of love with both men and women, he was careful in bed but not in his heart. He lost so many of his friends and former lovers to AIDS; so many that he nearly lost track.
But one person kept track of Billy throughout his entire life. It was the one person who held the key to a memory that, for Billy, made so much sense…
Though it’s easy to slip into, and though the narrator of this story quickly becomes a friend, “In One Person” is a long book to read.
Author John Irving’s Billy is a storyteller, moving throughout his almost-70 years of remembrances of loves and losses, repeating, revealing and admitting that he’s getting ahead of himself. Despite that the dialogue is sometimes cumbersome, it’s also appealing because Irving writes the way people talk.
And talk his characters do: Billy is observant and funny, sometimes disturbing, often achingly sweet, and possessing a wit you’ll start to crave and heartbreak he doesn’t hide. Yes, this book felt long at times, but Irving’s Billy makes you stick around for every single page.
Much like other John Irving novels, “In One Person” is not a book you’ll want to race through. It demands your time and attention, but you won’t be sorry giving either. If you’re up for a book like that, reading it just makes sense.
Get ShareaholicExperts debate impact of Obama’s marriage support
President Obama’s endorsement of marriage equality last week has been heralded as a milestone that inspired and exhilarated LGBT people throughout the country. Now, the practical implications of his words are being analyzed and debated by supporters.
LGBT advocates and political observers have different views on the social, political and legal ramifications of the announcement as they agreed that Obama becoming the first president to support marriage equality was historic in nature.
Richard Socarides, a gay New York attorney who advised former President Clinton on LGBT issues, said the cultural implications of Obama’s endorsement of same-sex marriage are substantial because it marks “a very positive” turning point on LGBT rights.
“I think having the president on record in favor of this goal is very important, and I think it will help shape the discussion that we’re having as a country about this, and I think it’ll help it in a very positive direction,” Socarides said.
Jeff Krehely of the Center for American Progress (Blade photo by Michael Key)
Jeff Krehely, vice president for LGBT programs at the Center for American Progress, said the social implications of Obama’s announcement are huge because the endorsement triggered conversations and additional support for marriage equality that otherwise wouldn’t have happened.
“That has a huge impact on the country on the issue, and the lives of gay people, too, who hear something that is very clear and very reassuring and very welcomed,” Krehely said.
Krehely noted Obama’s announcement inspired other noteworthy people — ranging from Democratic leaders like Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) and Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) to celebrities like Will Smith and Jay-Z — to voice their support for marriage equality.
“The president’s leadership matters, and we’re seeing that now in the number of people from a wide variety of backgrounds who are now also coming out with their support of marriage,” Krehely said. “I think more than anything, it has completely mainstreamed the issue.”
Questions remain about how Obama’s endorsement will impact states that are deciding the issue. In as many as four states this fall — Minnesota, Maine, Washington and Maryland — residents will vote on ballot initiatives related to same-sex marriage.
Krehely said Obama’s endorsement should have a positive impact.
“I think the president’s leadership on the issue has definitely mainstreamed it, and created a conversation in a lot of quarters that might not be having this conversation, and, I think, at the end of the day, that’s very good for the state fights and for DOMA repeal in Congress as well,” Krehely said.
During the interview in which he announced his support for same-sex marriage, Obama maintained the issue should be left to the states, saying, “I continue to believe that this is an issue that is gonna be worked out at the local level, because historically, this has not been a federal issue, what’s recognized as a marriage.”
The Obama campaign has previously weighed in against anti-gay marriage ballot initiatives in states like North Carolina and Minnesota. That took place even before the announcement in favor of same-sex marriage because Obama’s previous position was that he was opposed to discriminatory efforts directed at gay couples.
Should the LGBT community expect more Obama involvement in state battles? Will the president’s support for marriage equality mean he’ll speak out for the pro-marriage equality side in Maine, Maryland and Washington State?
These questions aren’t restricted to ballot initiatives, but also future legislative fights on same-sex marriage. In a state like Illinois, which could advance same-sex marriage legislation next year, would the voice of a president who represented the state in the U.S. Senate be helpful?
Krehely said it should be up to state organizations running the campaigns to determine if they want Obama’s voice and reach out to the White House if they deem that helpful, but said it may not be beneficial in some circumstances if they don’t want the president to “parachute” into the fray.
“I think, smartly, the White House could be hugely helpful in those state fights, and they weighed in on a number of the ballot campaigns even before his announcement, so I’m assuming that their appetite for doing that kind of state level work remains, if it’s not growing stronger,” Krehely said.
Socarides said the president should focus on winning the election — as well as picking up Democratic seats in Congress.
“It’s going to fall to us and to organizations in those states to wage successful campaigns in each of those places,” Socarides said. “I suspect that what the president has already done will be helpful, and there may be things he can do along the way, but winning those battles is primarily going to be our responsibility.”
Last week, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney declined to say whether Obama would speak out on legislative and ballot fights over same-sex marriage when asked by a reporter during a press gaggle abroad Air Force One.
“I’m not going to speculate about what he may say or statements he might issue,” Carney said. “He has on occasion made his position known on actions by individual states, most recently in North Carolina, and I’m sure that continues to be the case. That will continue to be the case.”
Another lingering political question is whether Obama’s endorsement of same-sex marriage will benefit or jeopardize his chances for re-election when he goes up against presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, who opposes same-sex marriage.
Backing marriage rights for gay couples may energize progressive and LGBT voters, but it remains to be seen how it will play out in battleground states like Ohio, Pennsylvania and Colorado.
Larry Sabato, a political scientist at the University of Virginia, said he thinks the election will overwhelmingly be decided by the economy, but acknowledged some voters will factor same-sex marriage into their decision.
“Overall, I think the ‘red’ states got redder and the ‘blue’ states got bluer,” Sabato said. “Many Democrats are more committed to Obama as a result, and many Republican evangelical voters, who were unexcited about Romney before this, are now 100 percent committed to him — if only to oust Obama.”
In part because of the marriage issue, Sabato said some states that were once considered battlegrounds — Missouri, North Carolina and Indiana — are now quite likely in Romney’s column, but the decision might help Obama in the battleground states of New Hampshire and Colorado.
But Sabato said he’s basing his calculations on evangelical populations in those states and the money that Obama will likely raise from his announcement in favor of same-sex marriage will benefit him in the election.
“Perhaps Obama’s decision helps him raise many millions more, which are then used for TV ads to persuade swing state voters on the economy,” Sabato said. “The calculus is more complicated than it seems.”
According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll published Tuesday, Obama’s support for marriage equality is helping him and hurting him in equal measure — much like the country’s nearly even split for and against same-sex marriage. Thirty-one percent of Americans have a higher opinion of Obama because of his support while 30 percent view him less favorably, according to the poll.
Richard Socarides (Blade file photo by Michael Key)
Socarides said the president’s endorsement of same-sex marriage will on the whole be positive because it fits well within Obama’s campaign theme of moving the country “forward.”
“He is a forward looking leader who, although deliberative, is willing to stake out policy positions that are forward leaning,” Socarides said. “I think to do otherwise would have really not been helpful. I think that you cannot position yourself as a forward-thinking leader when you have an extremely muddled position on one of the most important policy issues of the day.”
The impact of Obama’s endorsement will also likely be felt in the legal arena. The Justice Department stopped defending the Defense of Marriage Act against challenges in court last year, and Obama said last week that his support of same-sex marriage was his personal view without talking too much about legal implications.
Some legal observers believe Obama’s announcement in favor of same-sex marriage could lead the administration to intervene on behalf of federal marriage equality lawsuits — particularly if that litigation reaches the Supreme Court.
The most high-profile of these cases in support of same-sex marriage is the Perry v. Brown lawsuit challenging California’s Proposition 8 that is pending before the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Socarides expressed confidence that the Obama administration would intervene in a marriage equality case that reaches the Supreme Court, saying if the president supports same-sex marriage, it stands to reason marriage rights for gay couples are constitutionally protected.
“I’m optimistic that despite the president’s statement that he thinks the issue will be played out on the state level for a while, given everything that’s come before this, especially the Justice Department’s position in the DOMA cases, that the government will come into these cases at some point and being willing to assert a federal constitutional right to marriage equality,” Socarides said.
By this time next year, Socarides predicted the federal government would be on record in court that it believes the U.S. Constitution guarantees marriage equality and that the government will file friend-of-the-court briefs in those cases.
Douglas NeJaime, who’s gay and a law professor at Loyola Law School, said the Obama administration weighing in on a Supreme Court case wouldn’t necessarily have much impact.
“One could imagine that if a same-sex marriage case like Perry makes it up to the Supreme Court that the administration could weigh in,” NeJaime said. “That would be important, but there’s no reason that that would necessarily happen, nor that it would be particularly influential.”
NeJaime also said Obama’s support for same-sex marriage “has a huge rhetoric” that could influence the arguments of attorneys in court.
“It disables the anti same-sex marriage lawyers to some extent because they’ve been able to use what the president has said as a way to bolster the reasonableness of their position, and now that seems less plausible,” NeJaime said.
Get ShareaholicCalendar: May 18
‘Roots’ is one of the works by Kate McConnell currently on display on Touchstone Gallery. (Image courtesy Touchstone)
TODAY (Friday)
Green Lantern (1335 Green Court) hosts “Pop Goes the World: International Dance Party,” starting at 10 p.m. with DJs Aaron Riggins, Della Volla and AVM. Cover is $5. For more information, visit greenlanterndc.com.
The Black Keys play Merriweather Post Pavilion (10475 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia) tonight at 6:30 p.m. Tickets range from $40 to $55 and are available online at merriweathermusic.com.
The Lambda Divers are having their monthly happy hour tonight at Nellie’s (900 U St., N.W.) from 5 to 7 p.m.
The D.C. Gurly Show presents “Mayday! The USO Show!” tonight at Pase 1 (525 8th St., S.E.) at 9:30 p.m. There’s a $10 cover, or $5 with a military I.D. for this 21-and-older event.
The D.C. Queer Theatre Festival beings tonight at the D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) at 8 p.m. Tonight’s featured plays are “Fabulous Water Sports” by Roy Proctor and directed by Allison Clapp, “Redskins vs. Rockettes” by Michael Bobbitt and directed by George Grant; and “My Last Best Spouse” by Raoul D. Luna and directed by Jay Hardee. There will also be a panel, “Rooting for Our Voice: How Can We Grow Queer Theater in the D.C. Area.” There is a $10 suggested donation. The festival continues through Saturday. For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit thedccenter.org/dcqueertheatrefest.
Artomatic, which bills itself as the area’s biggest free creative arts market event, opens today at 1851 South Bell Street in Crystal City, Va., one block from the Crystal City Metro Station. The festival runs through June 23 and prides itself on transforming empty spaces into vibrant arts communities that “celebrate creativity.” This year’s space encompasses 380,000 square feet and art work on display is also for sale. Visit artomatic.org for more information.
Saturday, May 19
Busboys & Poets monthly youth-focused and -led open mic series is today at its 5th and K location (1025 5th St., N.W.) from 5 to 7 p.m. co-hosted by Jonathan Tucker and Nichita Mason. Wristbands are $4 and will be sold in the Global Exchange store beginning at 10 a.m. They are also available for purchase online at busboysandpoets.com starting at midnight before the event. For more information, email Tucker at jtucker@teachingforchange.org.
Black Cat (1811 14th St., N.W.) presents Hellmouth Happy Hour where every week an episode of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” will be screened and drink specials will be offered. This week the episode is “Beer Bad.” Doors open at 7 p.m.
Spunk-E Productions presents “Ink and Scruff” at Green Lantern (1335 Green Court, N.W.) tonight from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. featuring music by DJ T-one.
The Ladies of LURe present “Bare: Police Appreciation” at Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.) in honor of National Police Week. DJs Rosie and Keenan Orr will be spinning and Level One Restaurant will be open until 2 a.m.
Touchstone Gallery (901 New York Ave., N.W.) has two exhibits currently on display: “It’s My Nature” featuring works by Kate McConnell and “Vivid Horizon: Color and Light” featuring works by Colleen Sabo. The gallery is open from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, visit touchstonegallery.com.
Sunday, May 20
The 2012 Mr. Freddie’s Pageant at Freddie’s Beach Bar (555 South 23rd St., Crystal City) starts today at 8 p.m. For more information and an application, contact Destiny B. Childs on Facebook or at destinybchilds@hotmail.com. There’s a $10 cover.
Busboys & Poets presents “Borderlines: A Bilingual Spanish-English Open Mic” tonight at 5 p.m. in the Zinn room of its Hyattsville location (5331 Baltimore Ave., Suite 104) hosted by Henry Mills. The sign-up sheet opens at 4 p.m.
Schmekel, a transgender, Jewish schtick-rock group, plays Chief Ikes Mambo Room (1725 Columbia Rd., N.W.) tonight at 7 p.m. as part of the D.C. Jewish Community Center’s Music Festival. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online at washingtondcjcc.org.
Where the Girls Go and DJ vAnniety Kills present “OverEasy,” a ladies tea dance, today at Dodge City (917 U St., N.W.) from 2 to 7 p.m. There is no cover for this 21-and-older event.
Monday, May 21
The Washington, D.C. LGBT Aging Coalition holds a meeting today at the D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) at 6 p.m. For more information, contact Jennifer Berger at JBerger@aarp.org.
Busboys & Poets presents Monday Night Open Mic Poetry hosted by Rebecca Dupas in the Robeson Room of its Shirlington location (4251 S. Campbell Ave., Arlington) at 8 p.m. Wristbands are $4 and will be sold in the Global Exchange store beginning at 10 a.m. They are also available for purchase online at busboysandpoets.com starting at midnight before the event.
Tuesday, May 22
GLAA is having a membership meeting tonight in the second floor community room at the Reeves Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
The Connecting Rainbows Initiative is having its first LGBTQ Youth Rap Session: Let’s Talk! today at the Office of Youth Empowerment (3700 10th St., N.W.) from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Refreshments will be available starting at 4:30 p.m. For more information, email cfsa.lgbtq@dc.gov.
Wednesday, May 23
HIV Prevention Working Group is having a meeting today at the D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) at 7 p.m.
Busboys & Poets presents Sparkle Open Mic Poetry, a queer-friendly reading series hosted by Regie Cabico and Danielle Evennou in the Cullen room of its 5th and K location (1025 5th St., N.W.) at 9 p.m. Wristbands are available online at midnight prior to the event at busboysandpoets.com and will be sold in the Global Exchange store beginning at 10 a.m.
The Lambda Bridge Club meets tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Dignity Center (721 8th Street, SE) across from the Marine Barracks for duplicate bridge. No reservation is needed and newcomers are welcome. Visit lambdabridge.com if you need a partner.
Thursday, May 24
District Underground (2477 18th St., N.W.) presents “Flirt,” DJ India’s weekly nightlife party strictly for women starting at 9 p.m. There’s a $5 cover before 11 p.m.
The Lambda Sci-Fi Book Group meets today at 1425 S St., N.W. at 7 p.m. This month’s book is “Batwoman: Elegy” a graphic novel by Greg Rucka. Attendees are asked to bring a snack and/or non-alcoholic drink to share. For more information, email peter.p.knapp@gmail.com, robgatesdc@gmail.com or visit the group’s website lambdascifi.org.
Get ShareaholicTaking charge of your health
As is the case with all personal health care regardless of sexual orientation, the preponderance of evidence suggests that early diagnosis, prevention and making health care a priority are key elements for longevity.
Heart disease is the number one killer of all women and the most common cancers for all women are breast, lung, colon, uterine and ovarian. Other concerns may include depression and anxiety, sexually transmitted infections, alcohol and drug abuse, diabetes, stroke, domestic abuse and the list goes on.
As a personal trainer for almost 20 years, I can’t say it enough and most experts agree that making your health care a priority is critical and preventive measures are the most effective approach. If you don’t find the time to be well, you will need to make the time when you are sick. It is always better to avoid getting sick than in treating the sickness. Take a proactive approach to your health.
One of the first steps you can take is finding a qualified practitioner. As part of the preventive and treatment approach, find a doctor knowledgeable about LGBT health concerns. Choose a practitioner whom you feel comfortable discussing your needs and concerns remembering that full disclosure, trust and honesty in this practitioner is crucial to your health and in your best interest. They can’t treat what they don’t know.
Each of us must persevere in finding the best health care resources. Thankfully, several that specialize in LGBT health are available.
The Mayo Clinic (mayoclinic.com), which states that the most effective approach to health care is prevention and early detection, is a reputable resource.
I believe our local Whitman-Walker Health (Whitman-walker.org) with its main center located at 1701 14th Street, NW and with branches spread throughout the area, is a notable resource. I use Whitman-Walker for all my health care needs, including dental and mental health. Its staff has helped me tremendously and I have developed a profound personal allegiance to them.
Other reputable sources include the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association, which provides online health care referrals (glma.org). Also, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health has published an in-depth resource including links to additional resources (womenshealth.gov). These resources include the renowned nationally based Mautner Project.
Once you have someone on board to manage your health care needs, what else can be done in terms of prevention? Nutrition and exercise, something everyone on the planet should be doing. In a nutshell, get moving and eat well. It’s crucial that diet and exercise remain a consistent focus in your individual health strategy. And remember, eating well and exercise are life-long commitments, not short term fixes.
Your nutritional plan should include a variety of whole grain, fruits and vegetables, fiber and lean protein sources. Be aware of caloric consumption, drink alcohol in moderation, don’t smoke, avoid excess sugar, salt and saturated fats and get plenty of exercise. The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides extensive free nutritional and exercise resources and they are responsible for the U.S. Dietary Guidelines. (usda.gov).
My two favorite iPhone applications for nutrition, weight loss and exercise at your fingertips are loseit and myfitnesspal, both available for free at your app store.
If you are out of your comfort zone in regard to nutrition and exercise, seek out those who can help. If you belong to a gym, most gyms have both complimentary nutritional consultations and personal training as part of their membership package. If you do not belong to a gym, consider an outdoor group exercise class. Yoga is also effective and several Yoga studios in the area have begun offering less expensive classes.
If you are intimidated by the gym atmosphere and are looking for private attention, there are several reputable boutique-size personal training studios in Washington. There are also personal trainers who offer in-home personal training, partner training and small group training.
Your health may seem like a tall order and your additional health concerns particular within your community may further daunt you. Remember, make small incremental lifestyle changes. Moderation is a key to achieving your goals. The all-or-nothing approach does not work for most people.
Your health is a continuous journey and not a final destination.
Get Shareaholic
Liberating laughs
Everett Marroon (Photo courtesy the author)
By MALI KRANTZ
Everett Maroon, keynote speaker for Saturday’s Capital TransPride event, feels he has lived a colorful existence so far.
After an appearance on “Geraldo” in 1993, Maroon landed a radio gig in Upstate New York where he talked about “funny gay stuff on the radio,” once a month for five years.
“My life has always been a little unorthodox,” he says.
Now he has written a comedic memoir titled, “Bumbling Into Body Hair: A Transsexual’s Memoir,” which chronicles his transition through a series of humorous anecdotes.
Maroon is in town this weekend — look for him at Capital TransPride at Westminster Presbyterian Church (400 I Street, SW) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will have workshops, presentations and one-on-one opportunities to discuss safety and legal issues. Several non-profits and government groups will be on hand to answer questions. Admission is a suggested $10 donation. Capital TransPride is an official Capital Pride event so more information is at capitalpride.org. He’s also scheduled to give a reading and book signing at the MLK Library (901 G Street, NW) Friday at 4 p.m.
“My understanding is people’s eyes will glaze over around minute 45, so I’ll keep it to 44 minutes, something like that.”
Maroon is returning to D.C., his home for 11 years, after four years in Walla Walla, Wash.
“I actually lived [in D.C.] from Halloween 1997 until Aug. 13, 2008, and I can’t even explain why I know those dates, but I do.”
He went on his first date with his wife at Ella’s Wood Fired Pizza and lived near Eastern Market where he was a regular on Saturday mornings.
“So there are little pieces here and there that I’m sure will spark fond memories and heart pangs and all that,” he says.
Since the book came out in mid-March, Maroon has added touring and interviews to his already busy schedule as executive director of Blue Mountain Heart To Heart, an HIV advocacy and prevention non-profit. He is also working on a second book.
“And I have a 7-month-old,” he says. “So that’s also a job.”
When writing his book, he took a comedic approach to a subject that is often written about in a heavier tone.
“I like to laugh my way through my anxiety,” he says. “I had some trouble for a while finding a publisher … the publishing industry folks were expecting it to be angsty, or depressing … I wrote it as a humor book because I kept seeing so many ludicrous things happening as I was thinking about, and then as I was transitioning. The way they market products to trans people, the way that people would come up with names for body parts because they weren’t comfortable with their own bodies.”
Maroon says the best experience he’s had since publishing the book was a reading he did for a high school gay-straight alliance in Washington State.
“That was really an amazing experience, because viscerally I had those kids in mind when I was writing,” he says.
Get ShareaholicBush pollster recommends about-face on marriage
Bush pollster, Jan van Lohuizen's leaked memo warns GOP strategists the party will find itself growing irrelevant should it continue to combat same-sex marriage. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)
WASHINGTON — A leaked memo shows a top Republican pollster behind the 2004 Bush/Cheney campaign that pushed constitutional amendments barring same-sex marriage in 11 states, now warns that without a dramatic turn-around on the issue, the GOP could quickly find itself alienating mainstream voters.
Jan van Lohuizen’s memo, according to the Daily Beast, warns research shows “the increase in support [for same-sex marriage] is taking place among all partisan groups,” and that most Republicans polled now agree with extending basic protections to same-sex couples.
“As people who promote personal responsibility, family values, commitment and stability, and emphasize freedom and limited government we have to recognize that freedom means freedom for everyone,” the memo concludes.
Get ShareaholicFDA panel approves preventative HIV drug
Testing has shown promise with high-risk patients in preventing HIV infection when taking Truveda daily. (Photo by Dvortygirl via Wikimedia)
WASHINGTON — The Antiviral Drugs Advisory Committee of the Food and Drug Administration recommended the agency approve for preventative use Gilead’s AIDS treatment drug Truvada, according to MSNBC.
Testing has shown promise with high-risk patients in preventing HIV infection when taking the drug daily. Though concerns have been raised over the drug’s cost ($1,200 per month), the possibility for creating drug-resistant strains of the virus and side effects like nausea, HIV prevention specialists welcome the decision as part of a comprehensive toolkit to reducing new infections.
“Existing interventions have not reduced the number of new infections annually and new measures are needed,” Dr. John Mellors, chief of the infectious diseases division at the University of Pittsburgh, told MSNBC.
Get ShareaholicHere comes the Pride
Pride season is here and with it brings events, concerts and festivals for everyone.
The sixth annual Latino Pride starts Sunday and this year’s theme is “History, Celebration, Diversity and Identity.” This is the first year Latino Pride is spread over multiple days.
Latino Pride begins with La Corona, the royal coronation and dance party at Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.) from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. hosted by Jocelyn Carrillo. There’s a $5 donation for this 21-and-older event.
“La Plática” is May 30 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Human Rights Campaign (1640 Rhode Island Ave., N.W.) and features several components including a panel discussion and networking, a historical exhibition and community resource fair. Panelists include Gustavo Velasquez, director of D.C. Office of Human Rights, and Jack Harrison of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. HIV testing will also be available during this event.
A bilingual ecumenical service, “La Misa,” with Rev. Joseph Palacios is June 3 at St. Thomas’ Parish Dupont Circle (1772 Church St., N.W.) from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
“This will be the first time we have this,” says David Perez, president of Latino GLBT History Project. “We’re partnering with [St. Thomas’ and Palacios] … and we’re also partnering with the Dignity group … focusing on a call to action of how we celebrate pride by giving back to others.”
Latino Pride ends with the official Latino Pride dance party “La Fiesta” at Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) on June 7 from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. There is a $5 donation for this 18-and-older event.
For more information on Latino Pride, visit latinoglbthistory.org.
Black Pride starts Thursday and runs through May 27.
D.C. Black Pride starts with a wine-and-spirits reception on Thursday at Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum (1001 F St., N.W.) from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Admission is $10.
The festivities continue on May 25 at the Hyatt Regency (400 New Jersey Ave., N.W.) with a hospitality suite open from noon to 9 p.m. and a game room open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. The opening reception is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. including a book signing for “King Peggy.” RainbowConnects will be running a speed dating event from 7 to 9 p.m.
Also on May 25 is a performance of “She’Baltimore” at The Warehouse Theater (1071 7th St., N.W.) at 8 p.m. Tickets to this performance are $25.
The hospitality suite is also open on May 26 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., but there are other events happening that day as well.
At 11 a.m. there is “Why Do You Write/Read and How Do You Succeed?” a panel sponsored by Fire & Ink featuring Rashid Darden, LaToya Hankins, J. Renee LaCour, Spectra Speaks, Red Summer and Dwayne Vernon. There are also various workshops running from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hyatt.
At 12:30 p.m., Angela Harvey presents “The Key to the Perfect Orgasm” at the Hyatt.
At 2 p.m. is a film festival also at the Hyatt. Admission to the festival is $15. Also at 2 p.m. is a reading of “The Four of Us” at Mead Lab Theater (916 G St., N.W.). Admission to the reading is $20 and includes a small reception.
Buttafly Soul is hosting a poetry slam at the Hyatt from 5 to 8 p.m. and from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. is the Soul Train Dance Party. Admission is $15 to both events.
Black Pride ends May 27 with a faith service organized by Courtney Williams, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Hyatt. At noon, “It’s a Family Affair,” the D.C. Black Pride Health and Wellness Expo begins. The expo will be held at Francis-Stevens Educational Campus (23 and O streets) featuring food, community vendors, children’s play area, DJ and entertainment honoring Etta James, Whitney Houston and Vesta Williams.
For more information on Black Pride, visit dcblackpride.org.
Also starting Thursday is Chocolate City Pride with “The Genesis” at Layla Lounge (501 Morse St., N.E.) on Thursday. Cover is $5 before midnight and $10 after.
On May 25, Omega Entertainment presents “5000 Men Pride Mega Party” at Fur Nightclub (33 Patterson St., N.E.) featuring R&B singer Ashanti. Doors open at 9 p.m.
May 26 brings the “Tropical Heat Rooftop Party” at Ibiza (1222 1st St., N.E.) from 3 to 8 p.m. Admission is $10. That night is the annual Manhunt party at Layla Lounge from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. featuring a surprise celebrity performance.
May 27 starts with the “Insomniac After-Party” at Lace Nightclub (2214 Rhode Island Ave., N.E.) from 3:30 to 7:30 a.m. Then there’s the annual “Island Inferno Pool Party” at Cameron Run Regional Park (4001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria) from 3 to 8 p.m. Admission is $10 but the first 500 get in free. The day ends with the “Klimax Mega Party” at Love (1350 Okie St., N.E.) from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m.
The last day of Chocolate City Pride is May 28 and starts with a cookout for all pass holders at Fort Dupont Park (3600 F St., S.E.) from noon until 7 p.m. That night is “The Apocalypse” at Layla Lounge from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Admission is $10.
For more information and to purchase passes, visit omegapartydc.net.
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Bloomberg blasts N.C.’s Amendment One
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg offered a strong defense of same-sex marriage in his commencement address at UNC, days after voters in North Carolina approved a constitutional ban on same-sex relationship recognition. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)
CHAPEL HILL — New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg used his University of North Carolina graduation commencement address Saturday to blast the anti-gay amendment passed just days earlier in that state.
“Each and every generation has removed some barrier to full participation in the American dream,” Bloomberg, a vocal marriage equality supporter, told the graduating class, according to the New York Times. “I would argue last week’s referendum banning same-sex marriage shows just how much more work needs to be done to ensure freedom and equality for all people.”
Despite a spirited and well-funded opposition to it, North Carolina overwhelmingly passed the sweeping ballot measure last week, barring constitutionally recognition of any relationship other than that of a man and a woman.
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