THE OFFICIAL GUIDE TO CAPITAL PRIDE 2015

PRIDE IN THE NATIONS CAPITAL CELEBRATING 40

YEARS OF PRIDE

PRESENTED BY

RUBY PRESENTING PRESIDENTIAL VICE PRESIDENTIAL RAINBOW

SPONSOR
 RUBY PRESENTING SPONSOR

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Bernie Delia
ASSISTANT
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Martin Moeller
PRESIDENTIAL SPONSORS
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Al Pellenberg
RESEARCH MANAGER
Chip Lewis
OFFICAL GUIDE PHOTOGRAPHER
Denis Largeron
SALES TEAM
Capital Pride Alliance
Washington Blade

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

Martin Moeller, Contributing Writer

Sarah McBride, Contributing Writer

Mike Alexander, Development Director, Capital Pride

Ryan Bos, Executive Director, Capital Pride
Rob Corbett, Operations Director, Capital Pride

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VICE PRESIDENTIAL SPONSORS
Proud Supporter of 2015 Capital Pride

2015 Capital Pride Alliance, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Capital

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

2
 2015 SPONSORS
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3
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
40TH ANNUAL ON STAGE
CAPITALPRIDE 86 Festival Headliners

2 Masthead | Contributors 88 Festival Entertainment line up

3 2015 Capital Pride Sponsors

4 Table of Contents FLASHBACK
40 YEARS OF PRIDE
Welcome To Pride
IN THE NATIONS CAPITAL
7 Bernie Delia, President
26 OUR GAY CAPITAL:
9 Ryan Bos, Executive Director a tribute to dcs trailblazers
By Doug Rule
11 A Message from the 51 UNCONVERTED: sam brinton
President of the United States By Martin Moeller

80 MY STORY: your voices

13 Mayor Muriel Bowser Collected by Chip Miller

84 40 YEARS OF PRIDE
16 On The Record CHRONICLED IN THE WASHINGTON BLADE

21 Capital Pride Board 121 QUEER WOMENS PRIDE

By Ebon Bell and Katy Ray

22 2015 ProductionTeam & Staff 121 EMPOWERMENT IN NUMBERS

By Randy Shulman and Todd Franson
Pride Information
127 AN EQUAL UNION
35 2015 Paving The Way Award THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES

38 2015 Pride Heroes and Honorees 129 LGBT SPORTS

and the fIght for equality
58 Pride Parade Route Map By Kevin Majoros

60 Pride Survival Guide 137 FOUR DECADES WITH WHITMAN-WALKER

61 Pride Parade Contingents 143 MORE THAN HISTORY ON OUR SIDE
By Sarah McBride
82 Pennsylvania Avenue Festival Map
149 THE ECONOMICS
84 Festival Exhibitor List OF SAME SEX MARRIAGE
By Max Barger
94 Event Calendar
156 EQUAL UNDER THE LAW
105 Pride Partners By Aditi Hardikar

154 ON TIME: A TIME LINE

8 Decades DC Leads the Nation
Compiled by Chip Lewis, Al Pellenberg,
and The Rainbow History Project

168 SAVE THE DATE

4

A LL U P IN THE (STATION) KITCHE N
( & CO CKTA ILS) IN MY HEEL S :
DI N N ER TIME.
- BEY O NC

IN V E N T IV E S MA LL P LATES H O U SE- B OTTL E D CO CK TAIL S A S O CIAL D INING E X PE R I EN CE

6 2015 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, D.C.

embassyrowhotel.com
 WELCOME TO CAPITAL PRIDE
Denis Largeron Photography

GREETINGS!

On behalf of the Board of Directors of

Capital Pride, our staff, and volunteers,
I want to welcome you to the 40th
Celebration of Pride in the Nations Capital!
We arrive at this milestone thanks to the
hard work and dedication of countless
people over the last four decades. We are
grateful for their contributions and their
courage. Like them, each year we have
an opportunity to honor those who have
gone before us, recall what they were able to accomplish, celebrate where we are, and
prepare ourselves to meet the new challenges that lie ahead. BERNIE DELIA
PRESIDENT
By now everyone is likely familiar with the story of how we have grown from a small, OF THE
one-day street festival tucked away on a Washington, DC, side street, to a multi-day BOARD OF
event that culminates in front of the US Capitol and is attended by more than a quarter DIRECTORS
of a million people. But, over the course of these many years, it is not just about the CAPITAL PRIDE
difference in size, location, or venue. Those external markers have simply mirrored ALLIANCE
more profound and subtle changes that have taken place in ourselves, throughout our
nation, and around the world. And, they reflect the fact that attitudes have evolved and
changed both within the community and outside of it.

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

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

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

FLASHBACK 7
 WELCOME TO CAPITAL PRIDE
May 2015

Turning 40 is monumental. Its a time

when people look back to see where
theyve come from, contemplate the
struggles they have endured, and recall
their accomplishments. All of these events
have an influence over the experiences,
choices, and achievements to come.

The repeal of Dont Ask, Dont Tell and

the continued progress around marriage Denis Largeron Photography
RYAN BOS
equality have forced many LGBTA people to ask the questions, Whats next? and, Is EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
there still a need to celebrate Pride? Yes, we need to celebrate Pride now more than
ever to ensure we dont forget our history! It also encourages us to come together to
understand and rally around the challenges yet ahead.

As we celebrate 40 years of Pride in the Nations Capital, its important to glance

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

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

9
FLASHBACK
 THE
SHOW
ERICK

KANE
INTERN
ROSE
JOHN

DANNI

16
11
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FLASHBACK
13
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage is PROUD
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Please visit our booth at the Sunday Pride Festival!

Working with a Coldwell Banker agent to buy or sell

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2014 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker is a registered service mark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.
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RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE
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202.387.6180

Thank you for making Coldwell Banker Dupont DCs #1

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J JAMES BRAEU KERRY MULDOON JOHN PETERS

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 ON THE RECORD
ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON REA CAREY Phil Mendelson
House of Representatives Executive Director, Chairman,
United States Congress National LGBTQ Task Force Council of the District of Columbia

I am pleased to extend greetings to
all attending the 40th Annual Capital
Pride Celebration.
Started as a block party 40 years ago,
The Capital Pride Festival has grown
into one of the preeminent festivals in
the nations capital. This years theme
Flashback incorporates a model that
can live through every community in
our city.
Your organization is a great asset
not only to the District of Columbia
but across the nation as well. My
best wishes for a fantastic event and
continued future success.
The LGBTQ community has worked
hard over the decades-from Stonewall
to the Supreme Court-to become a
powerful and inspirational movement
and catalyst for long lasting
change. Now that we have had some
success in some areas, we have a moral
obligation to use our progress, our
visibility, and any relative privilege we
might have to drive broader change
beyond the LGBTQ community-and
to do our part for a changed and
just society. The LGBTQ movement
has momentum now and we cant
squander it, we cant silence it, and we
cannot deny our responsibility to use it
for greater good.
One of my greatest moments as a
councilmember was shepherding
Marriage Equality through the Council.
I recall that much of the opposition
grounded itself in religion.
Just as racial bigotry was grounded
in religion. We hear it today from
Congressional opponents of our efforts
to strengthen the D.C. Human Rights
Act, who claim there should be an
exemption based on religious beliefs.
The LGBT community has been a leader
in the fight against discrimination.
I am proud to work with you.
Happy Pride!

MARA KEISLING
Founding Executive Director,
National Center for Transgender Equality
Transgender communities have, over the last four decades, come together in one of
the most powerful displays of activism America has seen. From the Stonewall Inn
to Comptons Cafeteria, transgender people have propelled the modern gay rights
movement. In the time since, transgender people have refused any seat at the
margins of society despite persistent violence and discrimination.

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

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

16 FLASHBACK
JAY FISETTE
Member,
Arlington County Board
Congratulations to us! We have fought
for our freedom and have made
dramatic progress. We have come
out - told the truth - and our friends,
family, co-workers, and neighbors have
embraced our equality.
Like many others, I am now legally
married to my husband of 32 years.
And Arlington County, VIRGINIA, is
about as good as it gets!
JODY M. HUCKABY
Executive Director,
PFLAG National
PFLAG National recognizes that while civil
equality may be visible on the horizon for
some, for many others, the inequalities
that remain will require more passionate
commitment and hard work of families
and allies working together with
people who are LGBTQ. Together we are
changing attitudes and creating a truly
inclusive culture everywhere that we
live, learn, work, worship, and play. Learn
more about PFLAGs 350+ chapters and
how you can become involved in creating
and supporting that better future today
atPFLAG.org.
EARL FOWLKES
Board Secretary & Chief Executive OffIcer,
DC Black Pride
Washington, DC has made tremendous
strides in becoming a place of acceptance
for many members of the LGBTQ
community over the past 40 years. In
many ways, DCs progressive stance on
LGBTQ rights has made our capital city one
of the gay meccas in the United States.
There is work to be done with removing
barriers for our transgender community,
youth, especially youth of color, our seniors
and those among us who dont make six
figures a year. However, given the progress
we have made in DC over the past 40 years,
there is no reason not to believe we cannot
handle these issues.
ANNE R. KAISER
Delegate, District 14
Maryland House of Delegates
The State of Maryland has made
amazing strides over the past four
decades culminating in the legalization
(and voter approval) of marriage
equality and the greatly strengthened
protections for our transgender friends
and neighbors.
I am proud of the work that has been
done, but I know there is still more we
can, should and must do: I am ready
for those challenges.
CHAD GRIFFIN
President,
Human Rights Campaign
The LGBT community has made so
much progress together, but our work
is far from completefrom the steps
of the Supreme Court to the streets of
cities and towns where too many LGBT
people, particularly transgender people
of color, face violence and unequal
access to the constitutions promise of
equality. Weve got big struggles ahead
of us, but the Human Rights Campaign
and our more than 1.5 million members
and supporters arent slowing down for
a second. Well keep fighting until we
achieve full, federal equality, nothing
more, nothing less
AISHA MOODIE-MILLS
Executive Director,
Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund
Celebrating Pride is about visibility,
and nothing is more important than
being visible, authentic and honest
about who we are. Being out in politics,
in the media, in entertainment, in
sports--thats what has changed our
country over the past 40 years, and it
will continue to strengthen us for the
next 40.
FOR MORE QUOTES FROM LGBTA LEADERS
PLEASE VISIT OUT WEBSITE: CAPITALPRIDE.ORG
17
We take pride
in connecting
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Choice Hotels proudly welcomes the LGBT community.

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

Visit us at ChoiceHotels.com
 2015 PRIDE BOARD
Denis Largeron Photography

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

FLASHBACK 21
 2015 PRIDE
PRODUCTION TEAM & STAFF

Denis Largeron Photography

STAFF PRODUCERS Bryan Pruitt Kurt Graves Jami Vallesteros

Safety & Security
Michael Creason Bill Hopfer Jonathan Vasquez
Ryan Bos, Luke Lukens
Accessibility Achim Howard Jonathan Wille
Executive Director Social Media
Matt Gillette Juven Jacob Bill Huff David Williams
Mike Alexander Beverage Garden Management
Social Media Bianca Humady Rey Christopher Wingert
Development Director Chris Avery Chris Jones Lindsay Imon Pamela Yee
Conference Bidding
Special Events
Rob Corbett Jerry Houston Deonte Leach
Jason Clock Matt LeBlanc
Operations Director Entertainment
Sustainability
Vernon Wall Holly Goldmann Benny Llamas PRODUCTION PARTNERS
Al Pellenberg Entertainment
Creative/Art Director Trans Pride Angela Love Brightest Young Things
Joey Allen JaeLee Waldschmidt Patti Lovelace
Family Entertainment Busboys and Poets
Marlon John Trans Pride
Charles McWilliams
Aaron Fischbach Joshua Beeson Center Faith
Finance & Accounting Festival Jonathan Marcwille
Travel & Accommodations Cobalt
Devin Hansen Lisa Metrinko Chelsea Bland Xavier Moffett The Cherry Fund
Festival
Special Projects Volunteers Taylor Monson DC Bike Party
Chad Phillips James Leslie Bernard Mungin
Chip Lewis Festival
Volunteers
DC Front Runners
Communications Matt Kuder Dai Nguyen Human Rights Campaign
Hospitality Caleb Nixon Ladies of LURe
Jennifer Hall PRODUCTION TEAM Keenan Orr RJ Whyte Event Production
Logistics
Jana Alue Daniel Ostick Scandal DC
Richard Legg Benavides Tarik Pierce
Mr. & Miss Capital Pride Carol Beswick Stonewall Kickball
Patti Lovelace Shayna Blass Jack Rayburn TAGG Magazine
Mr. & Miss Capital Pride Jesus Chavez Barda Ree Bryant Team DC
William Cruttenden Ron Crognale Tim Rosenberger Uncivil Union
Music In The Night
Gene Cunningham Kyle Robertson
Joshua Morgan Lyn Royster
Music In The Night Bryan Davis
Alan Thompson Liz Dean Lynn Schmidtz
Operations Kisha DejaVu Allure Allen Sexton
Craig Cassey David Delewski Kevin Smith
Outreach
Lauralei Dorian Kirk Sobell
David Arwood Gabe Spears
Parade Megan Eimerman-Wallace FOR INFORMATION ON
Rick Deus Eric Enberg Kristin Streiff HOW YOU CAN GET
Parade Larry Evans Anna Sullivan INVOLVED VISIT:
Martin Moeller
Pride Guide
Ted Eytan Melvin Thomas CAPITALPRIDE.ORG
Siobhan Fisher Brock Thompson
22 Jerry Griswell Princessikea Thompson
Safety & Security Michael Graham
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is
proud to celebrate 40 years of pride in the nations capital!

Since 1988, AFGE has fought to include LGBT protections in

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

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

 OUR GAY
CAPITAL
A TRIBUTE TO DCS TRAILBLAZERS
BY DOUG RULE
Photos:
Wikipedia Creative Commons

The 1951 book Washington

Confidential included a fantastic
claim. Between the world wars,
Washington was the capital of
Fairyland, USA: More lavender lads
and lesbians worked there than
anyplace on Earth.
26
 That was exaggerated, of course. What else would you expect from a salacious
tabloid written by right-wingers? But it wasnt without basis in truth. While New York WERE HERE...
City, Chicago, and San Francisco were already established as meccas for those seeking
camaraderie with like-minded, same-sex-loving peoples, Washington was becoming WERE QUEER...
its own draw in the 1930s: A burgeoning federal city courtesy of the New Deal, with
five major universities to sweeten smarten the pot, as well as myriad nearby WE MARCH...
military facilities to reinforce it. By 1940, Washington had become the nations ninth It might seem obvious, even ordinary nowa
largest city and its Number One Boom Town, according to Constance McLaughlin half-century and many such events laterbut
Greens Washington, A History of the Capital, 1800-1950. By 1950, the metropolitan area Bayard Rustins work in organizing the first protest
had doubled in population from the 1930 census, to 1.4 million people. This process of many hundreds of thousands of people on the
of urbanization created the kind of social and economic base that is crucial to the National Mall was a radical idea in 1963.
development of gay and lesbian subcultures, according to author David K. Johnson. [People] thought there were going to be riots,
but here was a very solemn, peaceful, enormous
In his 2004 book The Lavender Scare, Johnson
congregation of people, gay activist Paul
notes that its impossible to determine if the nations
Kuntzler told Metro Weekly in 2013, in advance
capital or the federal government had a higher
of a 50th anniversary commemoration of the
percentage of gays and lesbians than other cities
March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
or employers in the mid-20th century as some have
At the time of the march, Kuntzler was on the
asserted. (One booster claimed that DCs gay subculture
board of the small, fledgling Mattachine Society
at the time was second only to that found in San
of Washington (MSW), which two years later
Francisco; another speculated that two-thirds of the
organized the first gay rights picket in front of
population was gay.) But reflections and reports from
the White Housealso now a rather routine
the era certainly paint it as a thriving gay town. As a
occurrence.
result, Johnson writes, there is a need to reassess the
still common assumption that gay men and lesbians led
isolated, lonely lives prior to World War II or even prior to
the 1960s.
It also suggests the need to put the riots at New Yorks Stonewall Inn in June
of 1969 in proper context. While that was indeed the most prominent spark of our
modern LGBT movement, the impetus came in the decades leading up to Stonewall
and most of the groundwork was laid in Washington. This is not meant to take away
from New York or San Francisco where the idea of an official gay pride celebration
started a year after, and in response to, Stonewall. After an initial attempt in 1972,
Washington didnt officially start an annual event to give its LGBT denizens hope and
cheer until 1975. Now attracting several hundreds of thousands every year, Capital Martin Luther King, Jr., gave his seminal I
Pride celebrates its 40th anniversary this year as one of the nations largest Pride Have A Dream speech on the steps of the
celebrations. Lincoln Memorial during the 1963 March on
Still, one fact is clear: Washington, DC, has long been filled with queer people Washington, cementing his role as leader of
working on behalf of the nation, with many drawn to the capital to make a difference the Civil Rights Movement. Most of the marches
in, or have an impact on, American society and politics. What follows is a review of key on the Mall in the decade that followed were
moments in Washingtons LGBT history, with a particular focus on the key players who protests against the Vietnam War. Despite
laid the movements groundwork. pickets organized by MSW at the White
House, the Pentagon, and the State Department,
THE PRE-LGBT ERA: it wouldnt be until October 14, 1979, that
FROM THE CIVIL WAR TO THE COLD WAR gays and lesbians would take to the Mall for
greater national visibility. As many as 125,000
Washingtons gay history didnt start during the New Deal or even in the people are estimated to have attended this
20th century. In fact, it dates back to at least the Civil War. first LGBT march, called the National March
Of course, 150 years ago there was nothing for an LGBT person to be out on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights.
about exactly; 19th-century America was a time when no one could even conceive of Subsequent marches, each larger than the one
something so positive as a gay community. Even the word homosexual didnt appear before, took place in 1987 and 1993. By the
in print until 1892. As a result, no famous figure from Civil War-era Washington is an out- time of the 2000 Millennium March, peaceful
and-out early gay hero there are historians who refute or downplay all such notions. gatherings for causes on the left and the right had
Most claims that Abraham Lincoln might have been gay, for example, have been become de rigeur on the Mall. The most recent
debunked by prominent, gay-friendly historians including Doris Kearns Goodwin,
who wrote in her 2005 Lincoln biography Team of Rivals that recent suggestions the
16th president might have been intimate with some of his close male friends reveal
more about our gay rights era than they do about Lincolns time. Back then, men often
shared cozy sleeping quarters for financial reasons, and it also wasnt unusual to carry
on intense same-sex friendships with romantic overtones.
Another Civil War-era figure suspected to be gay is Lincolns immediate
predecessor in the White House, James Buchanan. As Timothy Cwiek wrote in a 2011
article published by the Washington Blade through the Philadelphia-based national Gay
History Project, the 15th president was a lifelong bachelor. He also lived for several years

CONTINUED ON PAGE 29
with William Rufus King. The two were seen together so often that
wags at the time referred to them as the Siamese twins; another
prominent Democrat referred to King as Buchanans better half.
The relationship ended only with Kings death from tuberculosis
in 1853, three years before Buchanans election and only days
after King, a former member of Congress, had been sworn in as
the 13th US Vice President under President Franklin Pierce. The
case for Buchanan as Americas first gay president is not open-
and-shut, however, since theres no irrefutable evidence proving
it; Buchanans writings are rather circumspect. Volunteer guides
at Buchanans Wheatland estate in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, are
directed to take a neutral stance regarding sexual preference, its
director told Cwiek.
Theres more solid
evidence about Walt Whitman,
the famous American writer
who came to Washington to
volunteer at a hospital for
wounded warriors but then
became a federal clerk and
stayed in the capital for an
entire decade after the Civil
War. In fact, the New York
native only left the area due
to failing health. Theres good
reason why his surname was
combined with that of Civil
War-era surgeon Mary Walker
who reportedly boasted about
having once been arrested for
impersonating a man to denote Washingtons leading LGBT
and HIV/AIDS health organization, now known as Whitman-
Walker Health. Walt Whitman is widely accepted today as being
gay, writes Garrett Peck in his book published earlier this year, Walt
Whitman in Washington, D.C.: The Civil War and Americas Great
Poet. There are still some historians wary of making such a bold
assertion, but Peck gets specific. He began his longest romantic
relationship, with Peter Doyle, while cruising on a streetcar in early
1865, the local historian and tour guide writes, emphasizing the
obvious takeaway: [LGBT] people had ways of finding each other,
even then.
A half-century later, queer people were definitely finding
each other in Washington in federal or city parks, particularly
Lafayette Square in front of the White House, which was the citys
primary cruising spot until the 1950s; or at the local YMCA. Much
of what is known of gay life prior to the New Deal came from a
diary kept by a federal employee known by the pseudonym Jeb
Alexander, posthumously published by his niece Ina Russell in
1993 as Jeb and Dash: Diary of a Gay Life, 1918 - 1945. Alexander
lived for a time at the YMCA on G Street, NW, and he writes about
meeting other young same-sex-loving men while there. But he
met one primary lover in Lafayette Park, and recounted the first
evening they shared, when they ended up on the Ellipse. Nothing
disturbed us, and we lay in each others arms, my love and I, while
the moon beamed from a spacious sky and the cool night breeze
rustled our hair, reads one diary entry. We lay close together
and gazed at the stars above, becoming fast friends, exchanging
confidences. Ah, happiness!
Despite such blissful prose, life for gays and lesbians
during the New Deal wasnt all spacious skies and starlight.
For one thing, it was, as with the larger city and region, racially
segregated. For another, being openly gay was illegal. In his diary,
Alexander relates his fears of being under police surveillance as a
suspected deviant criminal. Certainly his was a love that dared
28
not speak its name. Alexander didnt talk about his sexuality or his
relationships openly, and internalized homophobia kept him and
his lover from having a storybook romance. Yet Alexanders friends
and co-workers did know of his sexuality and even teased him
about it good-naturedly, not ominously. Of course it helped that
many of his federal co-workers were gay or lesbian themselves.
Even if being gay wasnt exactly spoken of, it was certainly the talk
of the town. This used to be a gay city, friends told one man who
moved to Washington in 1951 and was interviewed by Johnson
in 2004. People would practically carry on on park benches
the agencies here were filled with gays. Nobody bothered them,
nobody careduntil this business with McCarthy started.
The business with Sen. Joseph McCarthy (R-Wisc.) started
shortly after World War II. The relatively gay life for gays in the
nations capital started spooking conservatives, who initiated
a campaign to chip away at the sizable gay federal workforce
starting with 91 homosexuals forced out at the State Department
and announced in early 1950. An offshoot of McCarthyism and
the Red Scare, this purge of sexual perverts became institutional
policy throughout the government and lasted for an entire
generation, well beyond the earliest days of the Cold War until a few
years after Stonewall. This Lavender Scare sparked a moral panic
within mainstream American culture and seriously curtailed
DCs once-burgeoning gay scene, a community under siege until
the 1970s. Thousands of suspected gay or lesbian government
employees and contractors lost their jobs, and thousands more
applicants were denied employment generally, as Johnson
writes, on the flimsiest of evidence to draw casual connections
between homosexuality and espionage. This antigay campaign
was all the more insidious because it went largely unnoticed and
still remains largely unknown. There was only limited opposition,
and few gay employees stood up and challenged their dismissals
until well into the 1960s.
Instead, even influential political appointees fled with
their tails between their legs, such as Arthur H. Vandenberg, Jr.,
who left the Eisenhower Administration on made-up grounds
of ill health and stomach ulcers in January 1953, and Walter
Jenkins, who was forced out as a top aide in the Johnson
Administration after an arrest for public sex with another man
became a campaign issue in the waning days of the 1964 election.
In fact, Lyndon Johnsons press secretary and attorney general
have both said history might have played out better if Jenkins
could have stayed in office. Jenkins was the single most effective
and trusted aide Johnson had, former Attorney General Ramsey
Clark told Out Magazine in 1999, adding: Walters counsel on
Vietnam might have been extremely helpful.
THE MATTACHINE SOCIETY
AND LGBT GRANDFATHER
FRANK KAMENY
For all the gay heartache and
havoc wreaked by the Lavender
Scare, there was a silver lining.
As David K. Johnson asserts, the
Lavender Scare helped gay men
and lesbians forge more of a
bond than they had previously
united in persecution and
it ultimately provided much of
the inspiration for what later
became todays LGBT movement.
The Lavender Scare inspired the
first sustained gay organization
in the US, as well as the most

influential early gay organization. In both cases, thats the Mattachine Society
the original chapter in southern California launched by the late Harry Hay in 1951,
and the Washington chapter in the 1960s from which the late Frank Kameny a
fired federal worker himself made his name.
Hay named Mattachine after the Italian Renaissances court jesters who,
while wearing masks, were free to speak the truth. Hay conceived of Mattachine
as a response to the government purges of gays, which was impacting his home
base of Los Angeles by virtue of the increasing number of contractors working
for the Defense Department in the region. Yet Hay kept Mattachine focused on
providing education, research, and social services, not political activism or legal
counsel. An early attempt to create an activist-oriented Washington chapter of
Mattachine by Buell Dwight Higgins failed, and it wasnt until Hays Mattachine
had collapsed that Kameny was able to make it the force that ultimately pushed
the federal government to stop its Lavender Scare purge. Under Kameny, the
Mattachine Society of Washington worked from a Gay is Good premise. The
organization developed pamphlets to help the accused with titles such as If
You Are Arrested and How to Handle a Federal Interrogation and provided 2003.) Another principal motivating factor for the
legal assistance to help them fight both the federal government and the DC
police and its notoriously aggressive pursuit of homosexuals, as Johnson put
it. Eventually, disgruntled city residents and federal employees starting winning
in the courts, and the local police and the federal government stopped targeting
gays.
Kamenys success in bettering life for gays and lesbians in Washington
was so significant and so instrumental that the late Steve Endean, who
founded the Human Rights Campaign Fund todays HRC has called him the
grandfather of the LGBT movement. Kamenyhas probably done more for
lesbian and gay Americans than any other person, Endean wrote in his 1993
memoir Into The Mainstream. Kameny also became the first openly gay candidate
for Congress when he unsuccessfully ran as DCs first nonvoting delegate to the
US House of Representatives in 1971. His campaign committee reorganized as the
Gay Activists Alliance now the Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance which helped
secure passage of the DC Human Rights Law in 1973, one of the nations first laws
banning discrimination against gays and lesbians. The next year then-Mayor
Walter Washington tapped Kameny for the citys Human Rights Commission,
making Kameny the first openly gay appointee in DC government.
BAYARD RUSTIN
AND THE MARCH ON WASHINGTON 1963
Frank Kameny had so much success
with Mattachine in the 1960s in large part
because he adapted tactics of the civil rights
movement such as building coalitions with
other groups and seeking publicity for its efforts
to suit the LGBT cause. Interestingly enough,
the civil rights movements initial success stems
from the work of its own gay leader: Bayard
Rustin. Martin Luther King, Jr. may be the
man most associated with the seminal 1963
March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom,
but this first mass march on the National Mall
succeeded because of Rustin. In my judgment,
Bayard Rustin was the only man who could have
organized the march, and I say that out of some
sense of history, Eleanor Holmes Norton told
Metro Weekly in 2013. Norton, DCs long-serving
representative to the US House, was a key figure
in the 1963 march, and it was because of her
efforts that President Barack Obama posthumously recognized Rustin with the
Presidential Medal of Freedom during festivities marking the 50th anniversary of
the march.
Rustin was also one of the first to gain national attention mostly
unfavorable as an openly gay man. Racism and homophobia have long clouded
the narrative of Rustins work, erasing him from our history books and stymieing
the proper celebration of his contributions to our country, Sharon J. Lettman-Hicks
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27
LGBT march on the Mall was in 2009. This
National Equality March, called for by activist
David Mixner in part to protest a voter-approved
ban on same-sex marriage in California, was
intentionally more of a grassroots and low-
key affair than its predecessors. It attracted
approximately 200,000 people.
The Second National March on Washington for
Lesbian and Gay Rights, held on October 11,
1987, has come to be known as the Great March.
It was a reaction in part to the Supreme Courts
ruling the previous year in Bowers v. Hardwick
that states could criminalize sodomy between two
consenting men, even in the privacy of a home.
(That decision, thankfully, was overturned in
Great March was the AIDS crisis, which triggered
intense political agitation and activism on the part
of the movement throughout the latter half of the
1980s and into the 90s. And a year later, it
inspired the first National Coming Out Day, now
held annually on October 11.
This was the era of ACT UP, or the AIDS Coalition
to Unleash Power, the formation of which was
inspired by Larry Kramer in New York in the
spring of 1987. The organization led protests that
generated great publicity and eventually helped
propel increased funding for AIDS research at the
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the
National Institutes of Health. Although it would
have been better if such protests werent needed
in the first place, both the LGBT movement and
society at large are still reaping rewards from ACT
UPs activism. Most significantly have been two
developments helping to curtail both the spread
and the severity of the disease: The rise in the
late 90s of the treatment known as combination
therapy, in which an HIV-positive person takes a
daily regimen of antiretroviral drugs effectively
preventing the development of AIDS; and the more
recent rise in pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP,
a daily pharmaceutical regimen that effectively
keeps HIV-negative people from seroconverting.
Within the next decade we may reap an even
bigger reward from ACT UPs pioneering push
for AIDS research: a vaccine against the disease.
Researchers in the field have reported getting
tantalizingly close to such a development. This
would be something to celebrate every bit as
much as other advances in the LGBT movement
since the advent of Capital Pride.
--Doug Rule
 of the National Black Justice Coalition wrote in the same issue of

Where
the local LGBT magazine. At the time of the march, Sen. Strom
Thurmond (R-S.C.) took to the Senate floor to attack Rustin for
being gay. Yet Norton says civil rights leaders rallied around Rustin

Size:
Insertion date:
Publication:
LaPlacaCohen
Fabulous at the time. It was certainly before sexual orientation was even
discussed. But we were young people and he was out very out.
There were some among us who tried to make sure he behaved

Lives
himself, because he was so precious to us.

212-675-4106
3.625" x 10" 4C MAG
MAY 13, 2014
CAPITAL PRIDE GUIDE
JACK NICHOLS
AND THE MATTACHINE SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON
Dazzling jewels Although the Mattachine
amidst a Society of Washingtons (MSW)
membership never exceeded 100
garden oasis people, there were certainly more
players involved than Frank Kameny.
One of its earliest and most influential
members was Jack Nichols, a native
of Chevy Chase, Maryland, who was
younger and more of a hippie than
Kameny. It was Nichols idea to picket
the White House on April 17, 1965,
in a protest linking treatment of
homosexuals in America to that of
the situation in Cuba, which at the
time had just instituted homosexual
labor camps. Russia, Cuba and the
United States Unite to Persecute
Homosexuals, read one of the MSW signs at the protest, which was
small only 10 participants but also successful enough that the group
soon organized similar pickets at other federal agencies at the Pentagon,
the State Department and again at the White House all of which were
well attended. In fact, Johnson writes that the pickets were seen as the
watershed moment in the gay rights struggle before Stonewall made its
mark.
Before he moved from Washington in 1969, Nichols had
also worked on MSWs efforts forging links with the National Council
of Churches, as well as its influential work in pushing the American
Psychiatric Association to remove homosexuality from its list of mental
illnesses which finally happened in 1973. He was also one of the first to
talk openly about his homosexuality on national television by appearing in
the 1967 documentary CBS Reports: The Homosexuals. Sadly, even though
he used the pseudonym Warren D. Adkins to protect his father, an FBI
agent, his employers recognized Nichols and fired his father the very next
day.
Coming Soon BRUCE PENNINGTON
Cartier: Marjorie AND THE GAY LIBERATION FRONT-DC
Merriweather Posts
Dazzling Gems By the summer of 1970, gay activists in the civil rights and
antiwar movements, including those involved in the Black Panthers,
Special exhibition opens June 7
saw a need for an organization on the radical left championing
gay causes. Members of the Gay Liberation Front-DC (GLF-DC) lived
together in a group house at 1620 S Street, NW, where they planned
zaps, or raucous public demonstrations intended to shame the
targets, at places as varied as Catholic University and the Georgetown
Where Fabulous Lives Grill.
As part of his work in establishing the Rainbow History
Project, Bruce Pennington recorded an oral history in which he credited
GLF-DC as the advance guard, the grandparents of ACT UP and Queer
Nation. The collective is also, in a sense, the grandparent of the Capital
Pride Alliance, since the GLF-DC helped organize DCs very first gay
pride the first week of May 1972, a small affair with events including
a program at Lafayette Park, an outdoor religious celebration, a dance,
For more information call 202.686.5807 or visit HillwoodMuseum.org
4155 Linnean Ave. NW, Washington DC Free parking and a drag show at George Washington University.

HIL-0024-CaptialPrideGuide_3.625x10_May5_v2.indd 1 5/5/14 4:47 PM

 JOAN E. BIREN Kameny, was also instrumental in helping the DC city government
AND THE FURIES COLLECTIVE and police department institute gay-friendly policies and curb
antigay practices.
Another short-lived gay
collective from the early 1970s CLEVE JONES
was even more influential than AND THE NAMES PROJECT AIDS MEMORIAL QUILT
the GLF-DC. Known as the all-
Its roots may be in San Francisco, but the worlds largest
women Furies Collective, this
piece of community folk art was first displayed and has had its
group had a profound effect
biggest impact while in Washington. The project that became
on lesbian feminism, according
known as the AIDS Memorial Quilt was originally conceived as a
to University of Maryland
tribute to San Franciscos assassinated gay rights leader Harvey
scholar Julie R. Enszer. Among its
Milk. Activist Cleve Jones, who co-founded the San Francisco AIDS
members were Rita Mae Brown,
Foundation, created the first panel of the quilt in honor of his
author of the seminal, explicit
friend Marvin Feldman. The quilt was first laid out on the National
1973 lesbian novel Rubyfruit
Mall in 1987 and last displayed there in full in 1996, though a
Jungle, and the major feminist
portion of it was returned in 2012 to coincide with the start of the
scholar Charlotte Bunch of
XIX International AIDS Conference hosted in Washington.
Rutgers University. Mary Farmer
of DCs former lesbian feminist Warehoused in Atlanta when not being displayed in
Lammas Bookstore was also portions around the world, the quilt now consists of more than
associated with the Furies, whose members lived together 48,000 panels representing over 94,000 people, and weighs in at
for a little over a year from 1971 to 1972 and contributed to the an estimated 54 tons. Each panel is three feet by six feet, roughly
nationally distributed Furies newspaper. They also helped push the the size of the average grave a nod to the fact that many people
National Organization for Women to accept lesbians, something who died of AIDS-related causes, particularly in the diseases
its founder and first president Betty Friedan who once called first decade or so, did not receive proper funerals because of
lesbian feminists the Lavender Menace was loath to do. social stigma as well as fears of contagion by funeral homes and
cemeteries. Serving as de facto memorials, complete with details
Another notable member was Joan E. Biren, who goes by
about the deceaseds personalities and hobbies, the quilt is a
her initials JEB. JEB taught herself to become a photographer while
quietly powerful and emotional testament to the size and variety
living in the collective, and went on to become the preeminent
of a whole generation of mostly gay or bisexual men, gone too
lesbian photographer/filmmaker of the LGBT movement. JEBs
soon.
1979 book Eye to Eye: Portraits of Lesbians is almost assuredly the
worlds first book of lesbian photography, one featuring only out BARNEY FRANK
and proud lesbians. I come from a time when pictures of gays and AND THE DAWN OF THE GAY INCUMBENT
lesbians were destroyed after you died, by families, JEB says.
Barney Frank may not
THE LGBT MOVEMENTS have set out to become Americas
FATHER: DEACON MACCUBBIN most prominent gay politician,
but thankfully he also didnt shy
As founder and owner from that role once he did come
of storied Lambda Rising Books, out in 1987, while in his fourth
L. Page Deacon Maccubbin term in Congress. A Democrat
literally put Washingtons representing the Boston suburbs
LGBT community on the map. of Massachusetts, Frank was
But he also helped shape the reelected by wide margins in
community and give it the kind of every subsequent election until he
presence and even prestige that retired in 2013. At the time this was
it had never had before, chiefly by a rather unprecedented feat for
establishing a Pride celebration in an openly gay politician, although
1975 building on but surpassing it was essentially matched by the
the one-off event held three years late Gerry Studds, Franks fellow
prior by the Gay Liberation Front- Massachusetts Democrat who in
DC, of which Maccubbin had 1983 became the first openly gay member of Congress. Studds
been a member. would serve another six terms until retiring in 1997.
In 1974, this US Army Known for his wit and humor, Frank ended his 32 years
veteran converted what was once in the House as one of the most powerful members of Congress,
a crafts and tobacco store in Dupont Circle into what became according to the New York Times, and one who played a key role
one of the nations largest and most successful gay bookstores. in shaping the governments response to the financial crisis of
Lambda Rising also became a meeting ground and launch pad the early 21st century. In the 1990s, he was one half with Herb
for many new and struggling community groups. In 1975, in Moses of what the Associated Press dubbed Washingtons most
addition to organizing DCs first official gay pride right in front of powerful and influential gay couple. He also became the first
the bookstore, then located at 1724 20th Street, NW, Maccubbin LGBT member of Congress to be married while in office when he
published Just Us, the first guide to DCs gay community, through married Jim Ready in 2012.
the auspices of the Washington Area Gay Community Council,
a group he founded and chaired. Through his activism and Frank left national office in 2013 as only one of a record
leadership, Maccubbin, often working in tandem with Frank eight LGBT members of Congress including Americas first LGBT

31
Senator, Tammy Baldwin, who, in a small but sure sign of progress,
was elected to represent the same state, Wisconsin, that not
quite a century earlier had given us Lavender Scare-monger Joe
McCarthy. Prior to the US Senate, Baldwin had been re-elected six
times to serve the 2nd Congressional District of Wisconsin in the
US House of Representatives and she was out as a lesbian from
her first run in 1998.
LESBIAN VISIBILITY
AT THE 1993 MARCH ON WASHINGTON
The 1993 March on
Washington for Lesbian, Gay and
Bi Equal Rights and Liberation
wasnt the movements first such
march, and isnt even regarded as
its greatest that would be the
predecessor in 1987. But this, the
third national LGBT march, was
the first to generate wide public
attention in some measure
thanks to filmmaker Joan E.
Biren, or JEB, who used advanced
technology to document the
activities on the National Mall.
It was the first time anybody
but the government had put
the large Jumbotron screens
on the Mall, so that what we were doing could be seen all over
the world, JEB says. The march was spearheaded by Urvashi Vaid
during the time she served as president of the National Gay and
Lesbian Task Force, and bisexual activist Lani Kaahumanu all-but
singlehandedly put the Bi in the event, right down to its title.
But women werent just behind the scenes at this
march, which took place on April 25, 1993, only a few months after
Bill Clinton was inaugurated as the 42nd President. In addition
to Clinton, you cant think of the gay 1990s without thinking of
rock star Melissa Etheridge. Despite fears that coming out would
jeopardize her career, Etheridge ended up breaking through to the
mainstream after coming out in 1993 the year she also released
her multiplatinum-selling fourth album, appropriately titled Yes I
Am, and had three of her biggest hit singles, the Grammy-winning
Come To My Window, Im The Only One, and If I Wanted To.
Etheridge performed at the march, giving every gay and lesbian
person in the country hope for a brighter future. Tennis legend
Martina Navratilova was another prominent speaker at the march,
which is also where the Lesbian Avengers launched its first Dyke
March, in which more than 20,000 women participated the day
before the big march.
REMOVING LGBT DISCRIMINATION
IN THE MILITARY, MARRIAGE
In September of 2011, after the US militarys ban on
openly gay and lesbian service members was finally repealed,
retired Col. Margaret Cammermeyer presciently told Metro
Weekly: I think that we end up having sort of a ripple effect. The
repeal of Dont Ask, Dont Tell will further justify the repeal of the
Defense of Marriage Act. That ripple did in fact happen, not quite
two years later. Of course, the roads to repeal of these inherently
antigay policies of President Bill Clinton known by their
acronyms DADT and DOMA were decades long. Cammermeyer
herself had been fighting for open military service since she was
discharged simply for coming out as a lesbian in 1992, the same
year Clinton campaigned for the White House promising to open
the military. A year later he capitulated to conservatives with
32
DADT. A truly gay-welcoming US
military wouldnt emerge until
the next Democratic President,
Barack Obama, assented to the
work of the many people and
organizations too many to cite
here all around the country
that led this progressive charge.
This summer, two years
since the US Supreme Court
struck down DOMA, the justices
will once again weigh in on
the issue of marriage equality,
deciding whether any one state
may refuse to license same-sex
marriages or to recognize same-
sex marriages from other jurisdictions. Even if they rule against
the principle of marriage equality, this cause has now essentially
won in the court of American public opinion, with a majority in
favor of allowing two men or two women to marry. And the pace
at which this progress has been achieved has been astounding.
The country was on Clintons side when he signed DOMA into
law in 1996, only coming around in recent years, effectively since
Obama took office in 2009.
In many ways, the success is a testament to the
perseverance of Evan Wolfson, who has been championing this
cause since he was merely a student at Harvard Law School over
three decades ago. First through Lambda Legal Defense and
Education Fund and more recently through the organization he
founded, Freedom to Marry, Wolfson has pushed the cause even
within the LGBT movement, where some thought marriage wasnt
worth fighting for, or at least not at the expense of other needs
they deemed more pressing, such as employment protections in
the private sector building on Kamenys work with Mattachine.
Another influential figure in the fight for marriage equality was
Washington-based writer Andrew Sullivan, who first laid out a
conservative case for same-sex marriage through a cover story in
The New Republic in 1989.
THE FUTURE IS NOW
The average LGBT person today lives a prideful life
unimaginable to our forebears, even those from just 40 years ago:
Most of us in the Greater Washington area can live, work and love
openly, honestly, and legally, without fear of discrimination, brutality,
or reprisal; without being labeled mentally ill, perverted, or unfit for
office, even in sensitive fields such as national politics or military
intelligence. Most of us also see ourselves reflected to varying
degrees in pop culture, from political leaders to TV celebrities. And
although its possible Washington was gayer in the period between
the two world wars, the city remains every bit as gay today as it has
been in most of our living memories.
And yet, even now its still not all spacious skies and
starlight. In a new book, Michelangelo Signorile warns against what
he calls victory blindness: the dangerous illusion that weve almost
won. Despite increasing tolerance and acceptance of LGBT people,
and despite the relatively rapid national successes in creating an
open military and advancing marriage equality, theres still much
to do, Signorile writes in Its Not Over: Getting Beyond Tolerance,
Defeating Homophobia, and Winning True Equality. This longtime
activist and journalist argues that our advances are causing even
early champions such as pop singer Madonna to prematurely
declare victory. At the same time, the advances are enraging
conservatives, who are scheming for new methods of attack.
 For example, one obvious unresolved issue is the
fact that private employers in many states are still allowed to
discriminate against LGBT people. Theres still nothing to show
for valiant efforts over the past two decades to pass through
Congress a federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act, or ENDA.
Such legislation would offer workplace protections in the private
sector building on what Frank Kameny and the Mattachine In love, at home
AND AT WORK.
Society of Washington helped achieve at the federal level.
In fact, the fight against discrimination in the workforce
and in business more generally may be getting more, not less,
|

SM
Stacey L. & John R. Capital One Associates
challenging, a result of conservative pushback against recent
LGBT gains. Several states, most prominently Indiana and capitalonecareers.com
Arkansas, have jumped on the religious liberty bandwagon,
passing laws that allow business owners to discriminate against
LGBT people by refusing service on religious grounds. As reported
by Metro Weekly in April, most of those in the current crop of
Republican nominees for president initially supported such
discriminatory legislation. While some of these frontrunners have
since joined fellow state leaders such as Indiana Gov. Mike Pence
in backtracking from their initial positions, the willingness even to
consider taking such an anti-gay stance suggests this debate over
LGBT rights and so-called religious freedom will continue apace,
at the very least as one factor in next years presidential race.

Many LGBT advocates hope that this flare-up ultimately

helps the cause, as the majority of Americans with a favorable
and supportive view of their LGBT siblings and friends see just
how hostile and retrograde conservatives can be by contrast. But
as ever, it will only happen if everyone, even everyday citizens far
from the movements leadership, stands strong and speaks up.
And there are plenty of things to speak up about and continue
to work on, from reducing hate crimes and violence against
LGBT people, to pushing for greater diversity in the movement
and greater racial equality in society. We also need to continue
addressing the menace of HIV/AIDS, as the epidemic still haunts
the community three decades after its first round of calamity
and devastation this time by virtue of haphazard attention,
support, and implementation of proven but costly treatment and
prevention strategies.
But perhaps nowhere is it more obvious that the fight for
full LGBT equality is far from won than in the area of transgender
rights. For one thing, the repeal of DADT didnt open the military
to transgender people. And despite support expressed in recent
months for lifting the trans ban from both President Obama and
Defense Secretary Ashton Carter, no formal review of the policy
has yet been ordered. For another, transgender people face far
more struggles than the rest of those in the movement through
discrimination in work and health care as well as violence and
suicide.
Fortunately, there are many dedicated advocates
working on these issues and more from Sheila Lettman-Hicks
of the National Black Justice Coalition to Mara Keisling of the
National Center for Transgender Equality to at the local level
Sheila Alexander-Reid, director of LGBT Affairs for DC Mayor
Muriel Bowser. Perhaps their names will be among those added to
a review of key moments and key players in the LGBT movement
such as this, but 40 years hence, when Capital Pride turns 80.
May the so-called capital of Fairyland, USA, continue to
set the pace and thrive.

DOUG RULE IS A FREELANCE WRITER COVERING

EEO Employer/Protected Veteran/Disabled
THE ARTS, CULTURE AND PHILANTHROPY
and a Contributing Editor to Metro Weekly.

JB20485_DC Pride Guide Ad_3.625x10.indd 1 4/22/15 9:16 AM

THE

PAVING THE WAY AWARD

2015 CAPITAL PRIDE
HONORABLE
ERIC H. HOLDER, JR.
FORMER ATTORNEY GENERAL
OF THE UNITED STATES

The Paving the Way award honors

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

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

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

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

FLASHBACK
35
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ON 40 YEARS OF PRIDE IN THE NATIONS CAPITAL!
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Located In The Carnegie Library At Mt. Vernon Square, The Historical Society Collections Include
Paintings And Photographs, Maps And Objects, Recordings And Other Collections About Washingtons Past,
Including The Archives From THE RAINBOW HISTORY PROJECT.

LEARN MORE AT DCHISTORY.ORG

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2015 CAPITAL PRIDE

HEROES

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

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

38
FLASHBACK
 PAUL KAWATA
Since 1989, Paul Akio Kawata has served as executive director of the National
Minority AIDS Council (NMAC), the premier organization dedicated to building
leadership in communities of color to address the challenges of HIV/AIDS. Under
Kawatas direction, NMAC implemented the first HIV treatment education
programs in the United States targeted to minorities, and increased its membership
from 300 to more than 3,000 agencies and groups.

Due to Kawatas efforts, NMAC has developed a range of international linkages

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

A leading HIV/AIDS advocate, Kawata has represented NMAC in many of the

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

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

Denis Largeron Photography

FLASHBACK 39
Denis Largeron Photography

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

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

Alex graduated from James Madison University in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts.
A Northern Virginia native, she currently resides in Arlington, Virginia, with her
lovable shih-tzu, Mango.

40
FLASHBACK
 BISHOP GENE ROBINSON

2015 CAPITAL PRIDE

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

A native of Lexington, Kentucky, Gene grew up in a rural, fundamentalist

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

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

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

FLASHBACK 41
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42
HEATHER MIZEUR

2015 CAPITAL PRIDE

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

Her 15 years of experience in policy made her a progressive powerhouse in Annapolis,

where as a legislator she expanded health care to children, protected reproductive rights
for women, guaranteed civil rights for LGBT families, safeguarded the environment,
and brought new technology jobs to Maryland.
In 2006, Heather garnered the most votes in a seven-way primary and defeated two
incumbents to capture her seat in the House of Delegates and was re-elected to a
second four-year term in 2010. Heathers emotional floor speech during the same-sex
marriage debate helped swing key votes that made Maryland the eighth state to enact
marriage equality.
In 2014, Heather Mizeur made her first run at statewide office as a Democratic
candidate for governor. The first candidate in 20 years to opt into the states public
campaign finance system, Mizeur built a grassroots movement that was electrified
by her bold and thoughtful policy positions, her progressive vision for Maryland, and
her refusal to negatively attack the other candidates in the race. Though she was
outspent by 4:1 and 5:1 by the other candidates who had already amassed eight years
of statewide name recognition, Heather finished the race in a virtual second-place tie
and was praised by The Baltimore Sun as having run the most impressive campaign
Maryland had seen in generations.
Heathers father was a factory welder and UAW member his entire career. The time
spent on picket lines with her dad built the foundation of Heathers social justice
principles and the summers spent working the corn fields to pay for college cultivated
the strong character she demonstrates today.
Heather lives with her wife, Deborah, on Marylands Eastern Shore, where they are
converting their 34-acres of land to become an organic herbal medicine farm.
Denis Largeron Photography

WHITMAN-WALKER HEALTH
THE LARRY STANSBURY AWARD
FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO PRIDE
Whitman-Walker Health has long been a strong supporter of Pride in the Nations Capital. Long-
time Washingtonians may recall Pride events taking place behind Francis Junior High School,
and then the Freedom Festival (near Freedom Plaza), which was the immediate predecessor to
Capital Pride.
In 1997, when financial difficulties jeopardized the event, Whitman-Walker Clinic (as it was
formerly known) joined One In Ten, a community organization, to sponsor the event. They
renamed it Capital Pride and the festival was moved to Pennsylvania Avenue between 14th and
10th Streets NW in the heart of downtown Washington DC. Whitman-Walker provided a full-
time staff person as well as resources to grow the Capital Pride program.
When Whitman-Walker became the sole presenting sponsor of Capital Pride, it became part
of the organizations mission. Whitman-Walker moved the one-day parade and festival to
Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, between 4th and 7th Streets, NW, and the festivals main stage was
repositioned. For the first time, the United States Capitol building served as backdrop as the fight
for LGBT equality became an ever more important component of Capital Prides mission.
In 2004, Whitman-Walker moved the parade to early Saturday evening to provide an entire
weekend of pride activities. The change proved popular as the number of contingents reached
more than 200 for the first time. Attendance grew, with over 200,000 people celebrating over
the course of the weekend each year.
In late 2006 and early 2007, Whitman-Walker began discussions with the community about the
future of Capital Pride. In March 2008, after a series of community discussions, Whitman-Walker
awarded production rights for Capital Pride to the Capital Pride Alliance a group of volunteers
from the Capital Pride Planning Committee with support from various organizations. Whitman-
Walker helped produce Capital Pride through 2008 with the Capital Pride Alliance becoming
the sole producer of the event beginning in 2009. Since that time, Whitman-Walker Health has
remained a strong resource and top level sponsor of Capital Pride.

44 FLASHBACK
 HOLLY GOLDMANN

2015 CAPITAL PRIDE

HONOREES
THE BILL MILES AWARD FOR
OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER SERVICE
HollyGoldmannwas born in Baltimore and raised in New York Citys Gramercy Park. Shes an
award-winning graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT).

Holly moved to DC in the late 1990s, and became involved with the community in 2006.
She has served as the Capital Trans Pride coordinator for the past six years. She has done
extraordinary work overseeing all aspects of the event, sometimes doing so singlehandedly.In
addition, Holly has been extremely adept at negotiating the sometimes challenging issues
with which she has been presented.She has also served as an outstanding liaison between
Capital Pride and Capital Trans Pride.

Hollyhas served as a board member of the DC Center since 2012,and recently joined the board
of theCapital Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber ofCommerce.

FLASHBACK 45
 Denis Largeron Photography

2015 CAPITAL TRANS PRIDE
ENGENDERED SPIRITS
BOBBI STRANG
Bobbi Elaine Strang is a relative newcomer to the District, arriving in 2011, because,
in her words, I really like having rights. Starting immediately out of the gate,
she became engaged in the hope of improving the quality of life for members of
her community. Currently, she serves on the Executive Board of GLOV, the Board
of Directors for Metropolitan Community Church, and co-facilitates the Center
Careers Program at the DC LGBT Center. Additionally, she regularly volunteers
her services as a guitarist with the music ministry of Metropolitan Community
Services. In the past, she served as an officer of the Gertrude Stein Democratic
Club, a member of the Transgender Day of Remembrance planning committee,
and a volunteer with the DC Trans Coalition.

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

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

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

Denis Largeron Photography

46
FLASHBACK
 KAPRICE WILLIAMS
Kaprice Williamsis a native Washingtonian. She has been a full-time volunteer
at Casa Ruby since the facility opened its doors. She handles everything from
reception to programs and security. Kaprice genuinely cares about the safety of
transgender men and women. She escorts volunteers to events and many of the
clients home safely. Most of her work is with Casa Ruby. In addition, she is taking
on other roles as the Casa Ruby Drop-In Center expands into different entities.

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

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

FLASHBACK
47
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 An Interview
With
SamBy:Brinton
Martin Moeller
B:11.375
T:10.875
S:10

UNCONVERTED
Anyone meeting Sam Brinton for the first time is likely to be smiling, and perhaps laughing, within mere seconds.
He projects a warmth and ebullience that quickly put others at ease, paving the way for unaffected, free-flowing
conversation. His relaxed body language suggests that he is a person who is both comfortable with himself and eager
to connect with other people.

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

41 51
69
UNCONVERTED
In Brintons case, the attempted conversion clearly didnt
take. Having survived the abuse that was inflicted upon
him in the name of salvation, he is now a proud gay man
who retains his religious faith. He has become a prominent
spokesman for the untold numbers of people who have
suffered similar mistreatmentin fact, it was his testimony
that helped motivate the U.N. committee to address the
issue. Meanwhile, the 26-year-old Brinton recently moved
to DC, where he is pursuing a career in nuclear energy and
public policy.

Martin Moeller: What was your early childhood like,

before you or your parents had any inkling that you
were gay?
Sam Brinton: I am the son of Southern Baptist missionaries.
We spent a few years in the Amazon jungle. Early childhood
memories include being chased by my dad while he held
an anaconda. I traveled the country and the world with
my parents, sharing positivity, sharing good news. I moved
constantly, which means that a lot of my childhood was
spent making instant best friends, because I didnt know
how much longer Id get to know them. And thats helped
me a lot. If theres a way to think about my activism, its that
I just changed the missionary lifestyle from religion into the
issue I cared about the most.

MM: Describe the incident that directly led to your

hospitalization at the age of 12.
SB: Missionaries live in communes. Near this commune, me
and a few of my friends found a Playboy in the trash. I felt
myself so holy and righteous that it didnt affect me, so I
went and tattled on my friends to my parents. Then, in the
same conversation, because I told my parents everything, I
looked at my dad and said, Sometimes I have those feelings,
too, when I think about [my friend] Dale. And I said it
literally that matter-of-factly. I cant describe how pure and
innocent that first coming out was, because I didnt realize
I was doing it. I didnt know there was this fear that I was
supposed to have.

My fathers face fell, he came toward me and hit me. . . and

then I woke up in the emergency room. I had fallen down
the stairs, they said. I would fall down the stairs a few
more times in the coming months, and my mom would
finally say, This isnt working. [Sam] doesnt understand
why hes scared of youwe need to fix him, and that is
what led us to the conversion therapist.

MM: What were the qualiFIcations of this therapist and

what sorts of techniques did he use?
SB: Qualifications? Probably none. All of our therapy was
based in faith, rather than science, so my assumption is that
he was not a licensed therapist. I try not to address who he
was, but what he did.
I would sit on the couch and he would tell me that I was the
last gay person left in the world which sounds ridiculous,
but I had no reason to not believe him. Id never met
another gay person that I knew of. I was also told that the
government was looking for gay people to kill them,
53
which was terrifying. And I mean, Id lived in places where
this completely made sense. The government does come
through and kill people, so why wouldnt it come and kill
people like me who were apparently religiously bad?
A few weeks later the therapy turned to why the government
wanted to kill us all because we had brought AIDS into the
country. I was told that this was raging inside my own body,
and that I was going to die if I wasnt fixed. And because I
had AIDS, God hated me, and this was the death knell to me,
because the one thing that had been stable in my life had
been that God loved me. And now he didnt anymore, and
that was so painful. The first suicide attempt would occur
pretty much right after that
MM: How did the sessions develop from there?
SB: Then we moved into the aversion therapy. My hands
would be placed in ice and pictures of men touching other
men were shown, holding hands, just walking down the
street, something innocent, but I was supposed to associate
the pain, the cold, with what I was seeing. We would move
into heat. Wires would be wrapped around my hands and
heat would burn, not physically, but burn through my hands
while pictures of men touching men were shown, and
turned off when pictures of men touching women were
shown.
Then we would move into electro-shock, where electrodes
were placed on my fingers. Shocks were shoved into my
body of excruciating electricity while pornographic images
of men were shown to me. I dont understand how a mom
could sit in the other room while her child was screaming
for mercy and didnt stop it.
This happened over the course of months. I lost weight, I
cried constantly at night. My sister would later be told that I
had murdered someone and that my parents were trying to
help rehabilitate me.
and I took to that and said to myself that I deserved to know
as much as I could before I was gone. That was honestly
what I was thinking this sense that I want to know, I want
to understand, because maybe somewhere someone has
felt something like I did.
Also Ive heard of this concept the Golden Boy syndrome
that we want our parents to believe that somethings good
about us, and thats probably true. Most of that time that I
was valedictorian and doing well in college, my parents still
believed I was straight. So I was proving to them that it had
worked really well. Not only had I become straight, but I had
become [their] academic dream child.
MM: Talk about your emergence as an activist.
SB: I got to Boston, and I was out I was wearing rainbow
shirts, and went out every weekend to gay dance clubs.
I [soon] told my story to a publication there called Bay
Windows. This was the first time that it hit a large audience
really fast. And then the flood of media requests came in
and I wasnt ready. And I had another suicide attempt there
in Boston. Its when I learned I was still not strong enough. I
learned I needed real mental health support.
But I found passion, and thats something that every activist
dreams about. I started in academics, but I translated that
passion to [public] education. A lot of my conversion therapy
activism is not actual in-the-streets marching, its helping
people realize that this is a thing.
MM: There have been some major successes lately.
SB: There are 15-20 states right now working on [banning]
conversion therapy, whereas three years ago, we didnt have
anyone considering it, and everyone was concentrating
on this marriage issue. Marriage has been a great, great
moment, but its always been a fascinating subtext for me
because. . . well, if Im getting electrocuted for a few years
before that, Im never even going to make it to marriage.

MM: What fInally brought this to an end?
SB: [I felt that] suicide was a sin, but God would have to
forgive this, so I told my sister good-bye. She told my mom,
and my mom found me on the roof of our missionary
building. She said that she would love me again if I would
just change, and she gave me enough time to think that
if I fall and I dont die, this is going to hurt really bad. So
lying is a sin, but Im going to die of AIDS anyway, why dont
I just lie? So I turned around and said, He did it that God
had saved me and ran back into her arms. And it was like
nothing ever happened. We erased that part of my life.
MM: You went on to have an exceptional academic
career, becoming your high schools valedictorian,
then studying nuclear engineering and operaI love
that combinationat Kansas State University, where
you came out as gay, and fInally earning a fellowship
for graduate school at MIT. How did you negotiate that
successful path?
SB: A lot of it is the internal drive to prove to yourself that
youre not broken. My parents had pushed learning as an art
So [the California legislation] happened right when I got to
MIT. California was the very first bill to make it illegal for a
licensed therapist to practice conversion therapy on anyone
under 18. The next year, I started traveling and talking about
this, [and then] New Jersey passed a bill, and this past year,
DC.
I have a list of, like, 27 universities right now that want me to
come and visit them. This past week I got nominated to be
the grand marshal for Boston Pride. I received the Courage
Award from the National Center for Lesbian Rights, and I
was the very first conversion therapy survivor to address the
United Nations. Im kind of on this roll right now of powerful
stories. Its a story that helps me connect with people in so
many different ways.
MM: How do you deal with the continuing emotional
scars from your childhood?
SB: All of my future partners have to deal with the definition
of a broken person. Im beautiful, but Im broken. One of
the after-effects of the therapy is that every time I hug a

UNCONVERTED
person or shake their hands, I still feel the shocks. And thats
okay, because I have to live with that for the rest of my life.
I choose to bring it on because I hate it when people pull
back because theyre worried about hurting me, because
that means Im a leper.
MM: How would you rate LGBT organizations handling
of the issue of conversion therapy?
SB: I think it is beyond offensive that most major LGBT
organizations have not stepped up to the plate on this
because conversion therapy is the literal erasure of your
existence. Marriage is a space for us to join a community
that already exists. It helps us become relatable to others.
But with conversion therapy, its like, I hate you so much,
that I want you to no longer exist. Im not going to kill
you, Im just going to erase that part of you. That to me is
barbaric, and yet no one seems to talk about it. We know
that there are hundreds of centers that offer conversion
therapy. I estimate that there are thousands of survivors
every year.
MM: Do you think that fear is causing LGBT people to
overlook this issue, or is it just blissful ignorance?
SB: I tend to believe blissful ignorance. We are scared of
remembering a time when we werent comfortable with
who we were.
MM: Despite what you endured, you seem to be an
amazingly cheerful person. How do you avoid bitterness?
SB: I have found a home being out there. Im a Sister of
Perpetual Indulgence. . .
MM: Oh, really? Whats your name?
SB: [laughing] Ray Dee OActive. I joined the Sisters because I
found its this really beautiful place for me to be as out there
as I wanted, but it was a socially acceptable space for that
its like, oh, that groups allowed to be like that.
Im exploring exactly what works for me. I started wearing
heels because I wanted to be taller. I did the Mohawk
because it was a way for people to remember something
else about me other than the pain. Partly my image is a
conversation starterits okay to talk to me. Thats what a
Sister is. Were walking confessionals, because you can say
anything to a Sister!
Ive surrounded myself with a family. Im so extroverted
that Ive been able to do that with lots of people the [Gay
Mens] Chorus, the Sisters. Im the vice president of advocacy
for OSTEM, which is Out in Science, Technology, Engineering
and Mathematics LGBT nerds. I get to do so much stuff
partially because of the amazing people that surround me.
MM: How is your professional career shaping up?
SB: I am a clean energy fellow at Third Way, a centrist think
tank. I do a lot of advising and education on advanced
reactor physics. I also have a second job where I work as a
consultant at the Bipartisan Policy Center, another think
tank. I advise them on public communication in their
nuclear waste initiative.
I tell my boss about my leather weekends. I tell my family
members about my trips to the United Nations. Im so open
because theres nothing that you can hold against me.
This is my life: where can I take this next adventure? Because
as horrible as that experience was in my childhoodit
trained me that I was not worthy of livingnow I live life to
its fullest. I try to make sure that whether you see me at a
club dancing my heart out, or you see me in church praying,
or you see me at my desk crunching neutronics numbers, all
three of those are places where I get to let a little bit of Sam
out, and thats beautiful.
MARTIN MOELLER IS A CURATOR, WRITER, AND
EDITOR SPECIALIZING IN ARCHITECTURE AND
DESIGN.
HE IS THE ASSISTANT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF THE
2015 PRIDE GUIDE.
55

DEACON MACCUBBIN
Starting DCs annual Pride celebration 40 years ago would
be enough to make Deacon Maccubbin a local LGBTA
legend. But Deacons contributions go far beyond that.
Deacons Lambda Rising bookstore became a focal point
for DCs LGBT community and inspiration for LGBT people
around the country for 35 years. As Deacon said on his
retirement:
For 35 years, I went to work every day knowing that not
only was the work going to be fun, but it was going to
change lives for the better. There was evidence of that
all around me, in the faces of the people who crept
tentatively into the store for the first time, not quite
knowing what to expect, and in the more confident
strides of people returning for their umpteenth visit. In
the letters we received from young people, from their
parents, thanking us for offering a safe space where they
could be themselves or learn about their people. And
even through the harassment, the broken windows, the
things smeared on our store front, the constant barrage
of harassing phone calls, the bomb threats and blackmail
threats because you know you are being effective, your
work is worthwhile, when your opposition runs out of
arguments and resorts to violence.
Deacon was an active member of the Gay Liberation
Front and the Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance. In the
late 1980s, he founded the annual Lambda Literary
Awards to identify and celebrate the best lesbian,
gay, bisexual and transgender books of the year and
affirm that LGBTQ stories are part of the literature of
the world. He also played a pivotal role in the passage
of DCs Human Rights Law and marriage equality law.
GRAND MARSHALS
2015 PARADE
WILSON CRUZ
Wilson Cruz is known for playing Rickie Vasquez on My So-
Called Life and the recurring character Junito on Noahs Arc.
Puerto Rican by heritage, Cruz was born in New York City, the
eldest of three brothers. At the age of 10, his family moved
to San Bernardino, California, where he graduated from
Eisenhower High School. He then attended California State
University at San Bernardino, where he was pursuing a double
major in theater and English before he joined the cast of My
So-Called Life.
Cruz went on to play J. Edgar Hoovers servant Joaquin in
Oliver Stones film Nixon. He also appeared with David
Arquette as Mikey in Johns, about the day-to-day struggles of
male prostitutes. In 1998, he portrayed Angel in the Broadway
production of RENT and had a recurring role as Rafael de la
Cruz on the series, Raising the Bar. Other acting credits include
the films Joyride, Party Monster, Margaret Chos Bam Bam and
Celeste, Coffee Date, and Hes Just Not That Into You. In the
movie The People Ive Slept With, Cruz played the openly gay
best friend of a promiscuous woman who tries to find out
who got her pregnant so that she can get married.
Cruz works with and advocates on behalf of LGBT youth,
especially youth of color. He has volunteered his time as host
for the Youth Zone, an online community at Gay.com for LGBT
youth. In 2008, he was the keynote speaker at the University
of Illinois at Chicagos Lavender Graduation and Rainbow
Banquet honoring graduating LGBT students.
Cruz joined the board of directors of GLAAD in 1997 and joined
the staff of GLAAD in 2012 as a national spokesperson and the
organizations Strategic Giving Officer.
In his rare free time, Wilson finds relaxation in playing the
saxophone. Connect with Wilson via F/T/I @wcruz73
Empowering individuals.
Unlocking innovation.
Booz Allen is proud to support The Capital Pride Alliance and their work programming and stewarding
LGBT organizations and events that celebrate, motivate, and support diverse communities.

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

To find out more about our work, our people, and career opportunities, visit boozallen.com/careers.
60
FLASHBACK
FLASHBACK
2015 CAPITAL PRIDE

61
PARADE MAP & GROUPS
PRIDE SURVIVAL GUIDE
TO ENSURE ALL PARADE AND FESTIVAL ATTENDEES HAVE
A GREAT TIME, THE CAPITAL PRIDE TEAM SUGGESTS
PARTICIPANTS CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:

WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES.

WEAR SUNSCREEN.

DRINK PLENTY OF WATER AND NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES.

METRO POLICE:
Be advised, members of the Metropolitan Police Department
are responsible for enforcing all applicable laws and ordinances.
Such statutes include, but are not limited to: public decency,
alcohol, controlled substances, public safety, and standard vehicle
insurance requirements.
Please note, the recent relaxation of the Districts marijuana laws
does not extend to outdoor spaces.
ACCESS:
Some attendees are limited in their ability to walk long distances.
If you think you might need assistance, consider renting a
wheelchair or scooter.
RECYCLE
Capital Pride is committed to sustaining our planet. Do your part
and recycle or reuse.
PARKING WITH PRIDE
Driving to Capital Pride? Book discounted parking with SpotHero.
When you do, SpotHero will give you five percent off your parking
reservation and donate $5 to the Capital Pride Alliance. Promo
code: PARK4PRIDE upon checkout to start raising money. Visit
SpotHeros Website to access your Capital Pride Parking Pass
(www.spothero.com).

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

PARADE SURVIVAL GUIDE

KICKOFF:
The Parade kicks off on Saturday, June 13, at 4:30 p.m. from the
corner of 22nd and P Streets, NW.

REVIEW STAND VIEWING POINTS AND FINISH TIME

The Judges Review Stand, with emcee Brock Thompson, is located
on P Street just east of 15th Street.

The final float should pass the review stand around 7:15 p.m.
An announcement stand is located just past Dupont Circle on
New Hampshire Avenue and 18th Street.

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

THE FAMILY ZONE:

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

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

FLASHBACK
62
SPONSOR PRIDE PARTNER

AARP Erie Insurance PNC Bank

Adas Israel Congregation Facebook DC Pole Pressure
AFGE (American Federation of Government Employees) Flaggots Ohio Quakers for Equality
AHF-AIDS Healthcare Foundation Food & Friends Rachel Pearl
All Souls Memorial Episcopal Church Food Lion ReconcilingWorks

CONTINGENTS as of 5.6.15
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Foundation Angie Redfin
National Capital Area Freddies Beach Bar Rockville United Church
American Military Partner Association Friendship Hospital for Animals RUSA LGBT DC
Annapolis Best Twins Movers Gay Mens Chorus of Washington, DC Sally Kim
Ardiente Gentle Giant Moving Company Scandal DC
Arlington Gay & Lesbian Alliance (AGLA) George Mason University PD Scouts For Equality - Washington, DC Chapter
Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists Gertrude Stein Democratic Club Seabury Resources for Aging
Astroglide GIWC Seventh-day Adventist Kinship International
AtlasVet GLIFAA LGBT+ Pride in Foreign Affairs Agencies Smithsonian Institution GLOBE
BAE Systems Inc GLINT, World Bank GLOBE, Sodexo
Balance Gym and International Organizations in D.C [solidcore]
Barefoot Wine & Bubbly GLOE SMYAL
Bet Mishpachah GW LGBT Alumni Association St. Johns Episcopal Church of Chevy Chase
Big Bus Tours Heart to Hand St. Margarets Episcopal Church
Bobby McKeys Dueling Piano Bar Heineken Starbucks
Booz Allen Hamilton Hilton State Farm Insurance
Capital Area Food Bank Homeward Trails Animal Rescue Stoli

PARADE
Capital Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce HOT 99.5 Studio Theatre
Capital One Human Rights Campaign Studio V Private Musical Education
CareFirst ProPride Hyatt Hotels-Hypride SunTrust
Casa Ruby Inspired Teaching School Tagg Magazine
Celebrity Cruises Jose Contreras TD Bank
Centaur MC/ Leather Contingent Kaiser Permanente Team DC
Chesapeake and Potomac Softball (CAPS) KhushDC The Academy of Washington, Inc
Chipotle Kofi Nartey The British Embassy
Chocolate City Burlesque & Cabaret La Clinica del Pueblo/Empodrate! The DC Center for the LGBT Community
Choice Hotels International Youth Center The Embassy Row Hotel
ChurchesUnitedInPride Latino GLBT History Project The Field School
Citi Community Development (LGBT Employees) LGBT Mormons, Families and Friends The Lesbian & Gay
City Dogs Rescue Liberation - D.C. Big Apple Corps Marching Band
Cobalt Library of Congress GLOBE/ The Nature Conservancy
Councilmember Charles Allen - Ward 6 Senate GLASS/LGBT CSA The Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism
Councilmember Jack Evans Little River UCC The Trevor Project
CSC Live! Casino Uber
Dacha Beer Garden LivingSocial Unitarian Universalists of DC, Maryland, Virginia
and the Washington Ethical Society
DARCARS Lockheed Martin PRIDE
United Methodist Church
DC Brau Logan Circle Community Association
United States Armed Forces
DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson Marriott
(DoD Military, Civilians, and families)
DC Front Runners Melrose Georgetown Hotel
Vincent Orange, Councilmember At-Large,
DC Gurly Show and DC Kings Metro DC PFLAG Council of the District of Columbia
DC Habitat For Humanity Metro Weekly Washington Blade
DC Office of Human Rights Microsoft Washington National Cathedral
DC Public Library MPDC GLLU WeddingWire
DC Public Schools National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts WeJustCleanUp
DC Rawhides National LGBT Veterans Memorial Wells Fargo
DC Strokes Rowing Club Nellies Whitman-Walker Health
DCs Different Drummers Northrop Grumman WJLA
Denizens Brewing Co NOVA Pride Zipcar
Diageo Rainbow Network NovaSalud,Inc
Dignity/Washington Olde Towne Pet Resort
District of Columbia Aquatics Club (DCAC) One Love Massive
DORTCHDESIGNS One Medical Group
Dupont Circle ANC 2B Open Doors More Light Presbyterians
Dupont Circle Citizens Association (DCCA) OUT Riders Womens Motorcycle Club
Dupont Festival People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
Episcopal Church of the Ascension Planned Parenthood Action Fund

FLASHBACK
63
 Cant Hide
Our Pride.

Real Possibilities start with a dream and turn into a

lifelong achievement that everyone can celebrate.
AARP is glad to be a part of living your best life.

Visit aarp.org/pride to discover the difference being an

AARP member can make in your life. AARP is a
Proud Sponsor of 2015 Capital Pride.
Real Possibilities is a trademark of AARP.
 2015 Hilton Worldwide

Equality

Celebrating Pride 2015

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

Hilton.com/GoOut
washington blade file photo by michael key
 The Washington Blade Foundation is a non-profit entity to
preserve and make accessible the papers 46 years of archives.
washingtonbladefoundation
F OR L GB TQ
To make a tax-deductible donation, visit washingtonbladefoundation.org
ED U CATION AND R E SE AR CH

washingTon blade archive phoTo

WOMENS CELEBRATING 40
YEARS OF PRIDE

KICKOFF PARTY
PRESENTED BY
OFFICIAL
EVENT

Pride In The Sky 6.5

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

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

Tortilla Coast is a proud sponsor off

Pride in the Nations Capital and the LGBT community.

capitol hill | logan circle | tortillacoast.com | / tortillacoastlogancircle | @tortillacoast

 WHAT
HAVE
YOU
DONE
TODAY
TO
MAKE
YOU
FEEL
PROUD?

2101 L Street NW, Suite 440

Washington, DC 20037
202 393 5428

ackermanbrown.com

A D I F F E R E N T K I N D O F L AW F I R M
 SATURDAY NIGHT
FEVER:
A POOLSIDE
COCKTAIL PARTY
Saturday, June 6
8 p.m. 9 p.m. VIP Hour
9 p.m. General Admission
Penthouse Pool and Lounge
1612 U St., N.W.

Boogie your way right into Capital Pride Week with us at this funky rooftop party!
To purchase tickets visit www.hrc.org/saturdaynight.

FLASHBACK
PHOTO: JOHNJACK PHOTOGRPAHY

PRIDE IN THE NATIONS CAPITAL CELEBRATING 40

YEARS OF PRIDE

DAY IN THE
PRESENTED BY
OFFICIAL
EVENT

PARK
6.7

CELEBRATING 40
YEARS OF PRIDE

PRESENTED BY
OFFICIAL
EVENT

3PM-10PM
STEAD PARK
FAMILY TIME
DRAG-BALL
MOVIE NIGHT:
TO WONG FOO, THANKS FOR EVERYTIHNG,
- JULIE NEWMAR

FLASHBACK
40th CELEBRATION, JUNE 3 - 14, 2015
CELEBRATING 40
YEARS OF PRIDE
PRIDE IN THE NATIONS CAPITAL PRESENTED BY
OFFICIAL
EVENT

8PM
TOWN DANCEBOUTIQUE

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

FLASHBACK
 PRIDE IN THE NATIONS CAPITAL CELEBRATING 40
YEARS OF PRIDE

PRESENTED BY
OFFICIAL
EVENT

8:30PM PRODUCTION PARTNER:

BUSBOYS AND POETS

ALL SOULS CHURCH CELEBRATING 40

YEARS OF PRIDE

UNITARIAN PRESENTED BY
OFFICIAL
EVENT
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
1500 HARVARD ST NW, WASHINGTON, DC

FLASHBACK
 CELEBRATING 40
YEARS OF PRIDE
PRESENTED BY

OFFICIAL
EVENT

SCANDAL DC PRESENTS CAPITAL PRIDE

JELLO WRESTLING
WEDNESDAY JUNE 10TH @9PM

BECOME A FAN ON FACEBOOK HERE:

https://www.facebook.com/scandaldcparty
FLASHBACK
 Were
proud to
celebrate
pride.
Everywhere.
Every day.
Were with you.
From our Employees,
to our Customers, to our
community, we celebrate
pride with everyone.

#ForeverProud

FLASHBACK
 PRIDE IN THE NATIONS CAPITAL CELEBRATING 40
YEARS OF PRIDE

PRESENTED BY
OFFICIAL
EVENT

PRESENTED BY SPONSOR

THE EMBASSY ROW HOTEL

7-10PM
2015 MASSACHUETTS AVE NW
GET YOUR PRIDE WEEKEND
OFF TO A RUNNING START.

Photo: Shawn Lo
DC FRONT RUNNERS
PRIDE RUN 5K
Presented by and

JUNE 12, 2015, 7PM WASHINGTON, DC

Kick-start your Capital Pride celebration when this chip-timed, evening 5K run & walk returns on Friday, June 12.
The friendly competition will be followed by a Finish Line Party brought to you by JRs Bar, featuring beer for
race participants, a live DJ, entertainment, awards for the races top performers & random prize drawings. All
race registrants receive a Nike Dri-FIT race shirt. Funds raised support SMYAL, the Team DC LGBT Student-
Athlete Scholarship fund, and Capital Pride. Line up with friends and Flashback to the Start!

Register today!
Learn more at dcfrpriderun.com!

PRESENTING SPONSORS FINISH LINE PARTY CHARITY PARTNERS

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage is PROUD
to be a Bronze sponsor of Capital Pride 2015.
Please visit our booth at the Sunday Pride Festival!

Working with a Coldwell Banker agent to buy or sell

your home means you are working with someone who is
passionate about their pride in our community. Trust your
motivated, knowledgeable, and experienced agent with your
next transaction, and take pride in your choice to help the
community you love.
KEVIN MCDUFFIE Are you interested in an exciting career in real estate? Call
BRANCH VICE PRESIDENT
202.439.2435 me to discuss the advantages of working with Coldwell Banker.

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

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

ROB CLARK ADAM ARNOLD ERIK EVANS

240.460.0757 202.657.2577 202.731.3142
rob.clark@mortgagefamily.com www.aeresidentialgroup.com www.aeresidentialgroup.com

2014 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker is a registered service mark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.
 COLDWELL BANKER
RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE
DUPONT CIRCLE OFFICE
202.387.6180

Thank you for making Coldwell Banker Dupont DCs #1

office in both listings and sales three years in a row!
(2012-2014)

BO BILLUPS ATUL GARG CHRISTOPHER BULKA

202.431.4052 202.415.6413 202.420.8919
bbillups@cbmove.com atul@atulgarg.com christopher.bulka@cbmove.com

J JAMES BRAEU KERRY MULDOON JOHN PETERS

202.215.2240 202.436.1268 202.230.8791
james@jamesbraeu.com kerry.muldoon@cbmove.com john.peters@cbmove.com

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

80
 Forty years ago, DC saw the first
of what would become an annual
celebration of our citys LGBTA
community.

In the intervening four decades,

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

But Pride is about more than the

events and the statistics. Its about
the people who come for a sense of
community, a chance to have fun,
and to find a place where they feel
welcome.

This year, as always, will be someones

very first Pride. And thats one of the
main reasons why Pride is still so
important after 40 years.

We asked some members of our

community to share their favorite
Pride memories and stories. And we
cant wait to hear the stories that
come from this years Pride!
81
FLASHBACK
 Jeremy Flanigan
As a native Washingtonian, my first Capital Pride was in 1995
when I was 17 years old and closeted. After having lived away
from DC for 12 years and attending different Pride celebrations,
I returned to live in our nations capital and have established a
flourishing career in which I am out and proud.
Ken South
My first Gay Liberation Parade was in NYC, walking up 7th Avenue
in June 1972.
I was by myself, so I ended up in many different groups as we
walked along. The most memorable was the Gay Vietnam
Veterans Against the War group led by Dr. Benjamin Spock!
Angelique Hannah
The first time I laid eyes on what was about to be the love of my
life was at Capital Pride 2014. She brought her motorcycle to ride
with OUT Riders WMC [Womens Motorcycle Club], which I am a
member of. Over the last year she has since joined the club and
we were able to meet once again. Our love for motorcycles, our
love for supporting our community brought us together! This year
we will be riding side by side in what will be our one-year meeting
anniversary. Celebrating that day we met in style and in love!
Lauren Leopard
Two years ago after the Parade finished, two friends and I started
following the Parade as if we were a part of it.
Prince Vasquez
Two years ago, Pride saved my life by showing me [that] though
my friends dont accept me and my family is fighting to accept
me, the world does accept me and showed it to me. Last year I
volunteered for Pride and I met, saw, and experienced a lot. I love
this community.
Christina Carmon
I met my future wife last year at the parade. We met while
leading the parade in the OUT Riders Womens Motorcycle Club.
Im planning on proposing after the parade in front of our club!!!!
82
Jill McCrory
In 2004 three or four Baptists from two churches walked in the
parade with PFLAG. It was such an incredible experience that we
gathered more welcoming and affirming Baptist churches and
built our own contingent. Ten years later, in 2014, we had over 60
marchers, three vehicles and nine churches! People are always
amazed to see the Baptists in the Parade and we are honored to
show our Baptist Pride!
CJ Sidener
Pride is the most important to me because its a chance to be
myself around others who are just like me. This year, Flashback
will be my first-ever Capital Pride Festival, and I am super excited
to be marching on Saturday and taking part in the festivities.
Oscar (Osky) Lasso
DC Pride and its festival will always be part of my life. The two most
phenomenal moments were being on the parade advocating for
marriage equality in the District in 2005, before it was legal. Also,
seeing PFLAG parents marching with their sons and daughters
always gives me goosebumps.
Pride sends a message that we are human beings demanding
our human rights and that we will continue to host Pride until
everyone is treated equally.
I am celebrating that I met my husband at Pride eight years ago.
Michael LeVan
I enjoy Pride every year. It is like a part of heaven comes down and
I enjoy the awesome love I feel there from all the people. It is like
hugs from everyone. I stay strong all year long.
Rewanna Carter
Last year was my first Pride event. It meant so much to me to be
able to walk side by side with my daughter and daughter-in-law
to show my love and support of their love. It was a very emotional
experience and one that I hope to repeat in the future.
WANT TO SHARE YOUR FAVORITE PRIDE STORY?
VISIT US AT:
FACEBOOK/CAPITALPRIDEDC AND POST YOUR STORY!
We have
pride all
year round

Each person
Each person is unique
is unique and soand sohealth.
is your is your health.
Thats why we proudly
Thats
support why we proudly
the Capital Pride and support the Capital
Capital TransPride events.Pride
and Capital TransPride events.

Visit kp.org/pride to learn more.

Visit kp.org/pride to learn more.

Kaiser
ForFoundation Health Plan
more information of the
about Mid-Atlantic
Kaiser States,call
Permanente, Inc., 2101 East Jefferson
1-800-777-7904 or St.,
visitRockville, MD 20852
kp.org/pride.
150265_CapitalPride_A_ad 5/1/15-6/30/15
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Mid-Atlantic States, Inc., 2101 East Jefferson St., Rockville, MD, 20852

150265_CapitalPride_A_ad 5/1/2015-6/30/2015
 ADVERTORIAL

CHRONICLED IN THE WASHINGTON BLADE

By KEVIN NAFF
Editor, Washington Blade

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

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

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

The increased acceptance and visibility of the LGBT community

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

To celebrate and remember all that the community has been

through over the years, the Blade is publishing a glossy magazine
filled with photos from each of Prides 40 years. Check it out in
print on June 5 or online at washingtonblade.com.

Congratulations to Capital Pride for its success in continuing the

important traditions of celebrating Pride in D.C.

84
FLASHBACK
ORIGINAL BLADE COVERS
FROM THE FIRST GAY PRIDE
CELEBRATION IN 1975
 VISIT US | LOEWSHOTELS.coM | 800.23.loews

BROUGHT THEM TO THEIR FEE T.

AND LEF T HAND IN HAND.

ANNAPOLIS ATLANTA BOSTON CHICAGO CHICAGO OHARE HOLLYWOOD MIAMI BEACH MINNEAPOLIS MONTREAL NASHVILLE NEW ORLEANS
NEW YORK ORLANDO PHILADELPHIA SAN DIEGO SAN FRANCISCO (NOW OPEN) SANTA MONICA ST. PETE BEACH TUCSON WASHINGTON D.C.
FLASHBACK
FLASHBACK
2015 CAPITAL PRIDE
FESTIVAL MAP & BOOTHS
FESTIVAL SURVIVAL GUIDE SPONSOR PRIDE PARTNER
The Capital Pride Street Festival occurs along Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd
and 7th Streets on Sunday, June 14, between 12:00 noon and 7 p.m.; the Capitol
Stage Concert will continue on the Capitol Stage until 9:00 p.m. The United States 10 Billion Lives Tour
Capitol has served as the iconic backdrop to the Capitol Stage for hundreds of
performances from local and national entertainers, politicians, and activists for Abbvie Hepatitis C Community Education Program
19 years. Adas Israel Congregation
Advocates for Survivors of Torture and Trauma
The Festival is DCs largest annual one-day event with over 150,000 visitors, nearly Affirmation LGBT Mormons, Families & Friends
300 sponsor and vendor exhibits, three entertainment stages, three beverage AFGE (American Federation of Government Employees)
gardens, a family area, and numerous food vendors offering a huge selection of AHF-AIDS Healthcare Foundation
various cuisines. All Souls Memorial Episcopal Church
Amber Forever Amber
DONATIONS American Civil Liberties Union of the Nations Capital
Although the Festival is free, please consider supporting Capital Pride with a American Foundation for Suicide Prevention,
$5 - $20 donation as you enter the Festival site from 7th Street or 6th Street so we National Capital Area
can continue to keep it free for many years to come!
American Military Partner Association
FAMILY AND PET POLICY American University Pride Alumni Alliance
The Festival is family friendly. However, due to large crowds and very hot asphalt, Americans United for Separation of Church and State
we must insist that four-legged family members (pets) stay at home. Ameritech Construction
The Family Area and Kids Fun Zone has been expanded and moved to 4th Street. Amnesty International USA
Be sure to visit and enjoy the inflatable water slide, moon bounce, and other fun Amtrak
family activities. Annapolis Best Twins Movers
Arena Stage
INFORMATION AND CAPITAL PRIDE MERCHANDISE Arlington Gay & Lesbian Alliance (AGLA)
Visit the Festival information booth on Pennsylvania Avenue and 6th Street with Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists
any questions for Festival staff or to purchase official Capital Pride merchandise.
Astroglide
ACCESSIBLE PARKING AXIOS/DC
Limited accessible parking is available on Constitution Avenue (enter from 7th
Street). You will need to display your documentation to pass the police checkpoint. Bartered Threads
Bath Fitter
GENERAL PARKING/METRO Be You Fashion
Parking is extremely limited near the Festival site. We encourage participants to Beldon Home Solutions
take Metro using the following stations: Federal Triangle (Orange/Blue), Metro Ben & Jerrys Ice Cream
Center (Red/Orange/Blue), Gallery Place (Red/Yellow/Green) or Archives/Navy
Bet Mishpachah
Memorial (Yellow/Green ).
Blue Dog Boarding and Daycare Kensington
RESTOOMS Boeing
Restrooms are located north of Pennsylvania Avenue on 6th Street, north of Booz Allen Hamilton
Pennsylvania Avenue near 4th Street, and inside each Beverage Garden. BRO
ALCHOHOL POLICY Calvary Baptist Church
Alcoholic beverages are sold only at the Beverage Gardens within the Festival Cannabis Style
grounds. Beverages purchased inside the Gardens must be consumed inside Capital Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
the fenced area; Absolutely no beverages (including water) may be taken into or
Capital Area Rainbowlers Association
outside of the fenced area.
Capital One
RUBY ROAD Capital Splats Racquetball League
New for 2015 is Ruby Road: The 40th Celebration of Capital Pride. Ruby Road will Capital Tennis Association
feature a large-scale replica of the timeline that is included in this book. There will Casa Ruby
be plenty of photo opportunities and nostalgia to keep you entertained. During Celebrity Cruises
your visit, you will be able to enjoy cocktails, selections from the food court, and Central Intelligence Agency
performances at the Monument Stage. The area will have covered seating and
Chipotle
picnic tables. While Ruby Road is open to people of all ages, please be aware that
alcohol is being served, and therefore all beverages must stay within the fenced Choice Hotels International
area. Persons under 21 years of age who illegally consume alcohol are subject to Church of the Pilgrims
ticketing, prosecution, and removal from the Festival. ChurchesUnitedInPride
CIC Wealth
KEEP HYDRATED Citi Community Development (LGBT Employees)
Drink plenty of water and other non-alcoholic beverages to stay hydrated. Cleveland Park Congregational United Church of Christ
FIRST AID Closet America
First Aid is available on-site and qualified medical personnel will assist you. If you Coldwell Banker
are feeling ill or become injured, please seek help at one of these locations on 4th or Compassion Over Killing
6th Streets, NW; or ask any Pride volunteer in the bright staff shirts for assistance. CruiseOne (SmithPollin Group)
CSC
ATMS
ATMs are located throughout the Festival site. DARCARS
Darryl! Moch
PLEASE, NO PETS, NO GLASS, NO BOTTLES, AND NO LAWN CHAIRS. Thank You! DC Front Runners
DC Leather Pride
DC Office of Human Rights

FLASHBACK
90
 FESTIVAL EXHIBITORS
DC Public Library LPAC - the nations first and only Stoli
DC Rock Jocks Lesbian PAC SunTrust
DC Strokes Rowing Club
Machar, The Washington Congregation Tagg Magazine
DCRCC
for Secular Humanistic Judaism Taking Actions
DCs Different Drummers
Marriott Team DC
Deloitte
Mer+ge Apparel TEKsystems
Department of Energy
Metro DC PFLAG Temple Emanuel of Kensington, MD --
Dignity/Washington
Metro Weekly a Reform Jewish Congregation
District of Columbia Aquatics Club (DCAC)
MetroPCS Temple Shalom
Dog is Good
Mid-Atlantic Waterproofing Testing Makes Us Stronger
Donate Life - Be A Donor
Military Partners and Families Coalition The Change Project
Donor Sibling Registry
Mimi Evans The Cherry Fund
Dulles Triangles
More Light Presbyterians The DC Center for the LGBT Community
Eastern Womens Baseball Conference Morgan Stanley The District of Columbia
Edward Jones Investments MPDC GLLU Office on Aging
Episcopal Church of the Ascension The Embassy Row Hotel
N2N Bodywear
Erie Insurance The Fillmore Silver Spring
NARAL Pro-Choice America
Ernest Walker & The Warner Theatre
National City Christian Church
Eye Doctors of Washington The Intrepid Wendell
National Gay Pilots Association
The JBG Companies
Family & Youth Initiative National LGBT Veterans Memorial
The Kennedy Center
Family Equality Council National Organization of Gay and Lesbian
The Nature Conservancy
FCKH8 Scientists and Technical Professionals
The New York Times
Federal Bureau of Investigation Chesapeake Region
The Phillips Collection
Federal Triangles Soccer Club Neon Nation LLC
The PrEP Clinic at Andromeda
Food & Friends New York Life
The Trevor Project
Food Lion Nice Jewish Girls
Thompson Creek Windows
Friendship Hospital for Animals Northrop Grumman
Tifereth Israel Congregation
NOVA Pride
Gay Mens Chorus of Washington, DC Tish Mayne
NovaSalud,Inc
Gay Mens Health Collaborative Transgender Education
Gay Spirits Olde Towne Pet Resort Association (TGEA)
GLIFAA LGBT+ Pride in One Medical Group
Uber
Foreign Affairs Agencies one on one yoga class n candles
oils crystals and more U.S. Attorneys Office
GLOE
for the District of Columbia
Gold Key Resorts Paiges Promotions (for Wyndham) Union, Dupont & Palisades Veterinary Clinics
Habitat For Humanity DC PAL- People Animals Love Unitarian Universalists of DC, Maryland,
HAHSTA-Rubber Revolution People for the Ethical Virginia and the Washington Ethical Society
Hard Rock Cafe Treatment of Animals (PETA) United States Armed Forces
Heart to Hand Planned Parenthood Action Fund (DoD Military, Civilians, and families)
Heineken PNC Bank Unity of Fairfax
Helping Hands Affordable Power Home Remodeling Group US Census Bureau
Veterinary Surgery & Dental Care Prime Timers of DC USTA Mid-Atlantic Section
Hilton Punch
Verizon FiOS
Historical Society of Washington, D.C. Quakers for Equality Virginia Gay & Lesbian
Homeward Trails Animal Rescue Queer Asians United Chamber of Commerce
Hot 99.5
Viridian
Human Rights Campaign Rainbow Response Coalition
Hyatt Hotels-Hypride Ravensworth Baptist Church Walgreens
ReconcilingWorks Wanda Alston Foundation
Inova Juniper Program
Washington Animal Rescue League
Iona Senior Services Sally Kim
Washington Blade
Sapient PRIDE
Kaiser Permanente Washington Chiropractic
Seabury Resources for Aging
Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants Washington Humane Society
Seaplane Shirts
kofi Nartey Washington Renegades Rugby
Secular Coalition for America
Football Club
La Clinica del Pueblo/Empodrate! Shakespeare Theatre Company
Washington Scandals Rugby Football Club
Youth Center She Peppers
WeJustCleanUp
Lambda Pride: University of Sixth & I
Wells Fargo
Maryland Alumni SMYAL
Whitman-Walker Health
Lambda Sci-Fi sPACYcLOUd
Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
Latino GLBT History Project Sportrock Climbing Centers
LGBT Democrats of Virginia St. Georges Episcopal Church of Arlington Year Up National Capital Region
Live! Casino Starbucks
Star Financial Zipcar
Loews Madison Hotel
Log Cabin Republicans of DC State Farm Insurance

FLASHBACK 91
CARLY RAE JEPSEN
Multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen
recently released her new single I Really Like You and unveiled the
accompanying music video, which has almost 30 million views and
features Tom Hanks and Jepsens labelmate Justin Bieber. Jepsen
wrote the track with J. Kash and the Cardigans Peter Svensson,
who also produced it. The 80s-inspired I Really Like You is the first
single from Jepsens upcoming second album, which will be released
by Schoolboy Records/Interscope this summer. Jepsen recently
debuted a new track titled All That on SNL during her musical guest
performance on April 4th accompanied by Dev Hynes and Ariel
Rechtshaid. She co-wrote the track with Hynes, who co-produced it
along with Rechtshaid.
Jepsen has been hard at work with such collaborators as Rami Yacoub
(One Direction, Nicki Minaj), Dev Hynes (Blood Orange), Jack Antonoff
(Fun., Taylor Swift), Ariel Rechtshaid (Charli XCX, Haim), Tegan and
Sara, Vampire Weekends Rostam Batmanglij, Greg Kurstin (Sia) and
2015 Grammy-winning Producer of the Year Max Martin, writing
and recording the songs that will appear on the follow-up to her US
debut album Kiss, which featured her blockbuster breakout hit Call
Me Maybe. That song climbed to No. 1 on the iTunes Singles charts
in over 47 countries and has sold over 17 million singles worldwide
to date. It earned Jepsen 2012 Grammy nominations for Best Pop
Solo Performance and Song of the Year. Kiss also spawned the follow
up hit Good Time, a duet with Owl City, which has been certified
double-platinum.
Jepsen spent much of 2014 starring in the Broadway production of
Rodgers & Hammersteins Cinderella, earning rave reviews.
92
EN VOGUE
Terry Ellis, Dawn Robison, Maxine Jones, Cindy Herron-Braggs
The groups name rings more than a bell. It evokes memories of a
long line of red-hot R&B and pop smashes recorded in the 1990s.
Songs like Hold On, My Lovin (Youre Never Gonna Get It), Giving
Him Something He Can Feel, Free Your Mind, and Whatta Man,
featuring Salt-N-Pepa, are just a sampling of the mega hits made
famous by the pop/R&B super group.
Fusing style, sophistication, sass, and sex appeal, the En Vogue
formula was magical and the group went on to sell over eight
million albums. In total, En Vogue recorded five albums: 1990s Born
To Sing; 1992s Funky Divas; 1997s EV3; 2000s Masterpiece
Theatre; and 2002s The Gift of Christmas. There have also been
several compilations released including 1999s Best of En Vogue
and 2001s The Very Best of En Vogue.
Since En Vogues 1990 debut, the ladies set a standard for female
R&B and pop acts like Destinys Child and the Pussycat Dolls. While
En Vogue may have been trendsetters for those who followed them,
the group itself began receiving comparisons to the Supremes,
especially after internal differences caused original member Dawn
Robinson to exit the group in 1997. Fellow member Maxine Jones
followed suit and left the group in 2001. But unlike the Supremes, En
Vogue has never disbanded. The remaining original members Cindy
Herron-Braggs and Terry decided to revamp En Vogue and added
new member Rhona Bennett.
Although they embarked on their musical journey nearly 20 years
ago, En Vogues appeal is greater than ever before. In 2012, the trio
(Cindy, Terry, and Rhona) toured worldwide and undertook some
film and television projects. Having grown musically, emotionally,
professionally, and creatively, the ladies believe each day is a living
affirmation. Hold on to your love, as these ladies love to singthey
have no plans to ever let go.
FLASHBACK
 2015 CAPITAL PRIDE
Please check at the festival for Individual performance times
HEADLINERS
WILSON PHILLIPS
As the 25th anniversary of their self-titled album approaches, Wilson Phillips has a lot to
celebrate. Since the beginning of their union in 1990, the group has won the Billboard Music
Award for Hot 100 Single of the Year for the now-iconic single Hold On, and has been
nominated for four Grammy Awards, as well as two American Music Awards.

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

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

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

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

FLASHBACK 93
AMBER
Born in the Netherlands, raised partially in Germany by a mother
who is a songwriter and piano teacher and a father who is an op-
era singer, Amber considers music a naturally given gift, genetically
passed on.
In 1995, after years of demos and small local performances, she re-
ceived an offer from a label in the US to produce her debut single
This is Your Night. She went on to amass an impassioned army of
fans with four full-length albums and a string of worldwide smash
hits that include: This is Your Night (1996); One More Night
(1997); If You Could Read My Mind (1998); Sexual (1999); The
Need to be Naked (2002); Voodoo (2005); No More Tears (2008),
with Zelma Davis; and I Dont Believe in Hate (2009).
Amber has racked up an impressive seven consecutive Number-1
dance singles and an additional six Top-10 dance hits. Her songs
have received many awards, been featured on countless compila-
tions, been licensed by motion pictures and TV series, and been cov-
ered by an array of artists. She co-wrote one track called Bless You
Child for Bette Midlers album release in 2000, and in 2004, Chers
rendition of Love One Another earned Amber a Grammy nomina-
tion as a writer.
Amber is now an independent artist with her own label, JMCA
Enterprises. With her first self-released album My Kind of World
(2004), she took her greatest risk to date by shining a light on the
deepest and sometimes the darkest parts of her heart and soul.
The result was a collection of literate, often brutally honest songs
that revealed Ambers renegade spirit.
I am in a happy place now, says Amber, and there is nothing like
owning your own music and masters and running your own show
and destiny. No longer do I have to live in anyone elses world or
dance to someone elses beat, she says.
As if she ever really did....
94
KATY TIZ
When Katy Tiz was growing up she wanted to be Jim Carrey. Or, rather,
the weird, estranged, comedic actress daughter of Jim Carrey. Which
is to say that the UK pop singer didnt slap on a pair of high heels
and stumble into music until her late teens. Since then, her goal has
always been to write relatable music. Personally, I search for songs
that comfort me and let me know Im not the only one who feels a
certain way, Katy says. If I help one person through what I was feel-
ing when I wrote a song, Ill be happy.
After Katys fiercely impassioned song Fire Fire caught the ear of
the music industry, she flew to LA and signed with Republic/Lava Re-
cords. Ironically, as they were releasing her single, Katy and Republic/
Lava parted ways in the summer of 2013. It was a low point, but Katy
stayed focused and stuck it out in LA.
In October of 2013, she went into Rock Mafias studio to record The
Big Bang, a boisterous pop number that was initially released in
2010. The song earned Katy the honor of being named Clear Chan-
nel/iHeartRadios On The Verge artist, a huge coup. Since then, the
single has entered the Hot 100 chart, iTunes Top Pop Songs chart,
and Shazams Top 100 USA. The songs success, as well as Katys un-
wavering, good-spirited determination, also scored her a new record
label deal with Atlantic, which will release her debut album later this
year.
For Katy, an outspoken, witty songwriter who has some cheeky Jim
Carrey behavior left in her still, the music begins with the inspira-
tions that have lingered since childhood, from reggae beats to soul
vocalists, from Stevie Wonder to Katy Perry. Music is everything to
me. Its my best friend, my worst enemy, my boyfriend and my ex
rolled into one. Im extremely dedicated, but never want one day to
go by without a good laugh.
FLASHBACK
 IS WITH YOU EVERYWHERE...

HOT995.COM
GINGER MINJ
Ginger has long reigned as The Comedy Queen of The South, with
the pageant titles, including Miss Gay United States 2013, Miss
National Comedy Queen 2012 and others, to prove it. Originally
from Leesburg, Florida a town so small they didnt even have
a McDonalds she now calls Orlando home. The self-professed
nicest bitch youll ever meet cites classic funny ladies Carol Burnett
and Lucille Ball as her idols.
Gingers future career goals, include breaking into a theatrical
comedy career similar to other current plus-sized comedians like
Melissa McCarthy and Rebel Wilson. Shes already got the acting
credits. Before becoming Ginger Minj, this talented performer
was a child actor starring in a series of Christian movies and books
on tape, and even won a Best Actor Award for the state of Florida
in 2002.
MOVE FORWARD
TO BUILD A BRIGHT FUTURE
HAPPY PRIDE FROM
www.VidaFitness.com f VidaFitness
96
VIOLET CHACHKI
Violet is a native of Atlanta, Georgia, but her persona reflects vintage
Hollywood Burlesque. An accomplished aerialist, she is known
for sophisticated and thrilling performances blending strip tease,
acrobatics and fetish art. Violet cites influences including Bettie
Page, Dita Von Teese, legendary model Dovima, Thierry Mugler, and
renowned DJ Lady Miss Kier. Her name is inspired by her love of
collecting bric-a-brac such as vintage Avon bottles, poodle statues,
and clown paraphernalia.
Though she can appear guarded at first glance, Violet describes
herself as an open book. Most people are initially afraid to approach,
but find me to be generally friendly when they do, she remarks.
However, I wear my heart on my sleeve and cant easily fake emotion,
so my true feelings always show. When not touring and traveling
domestically or internationally, Violet continues to call Atlanta, GA,
her home.
TODAY WE
l @VidaFitnessDC i @VidaFitnessDC
FLASHBACK
 DJ Jacq Jill DJ Sidekick DJ Lemz

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

BURRITO
DJ Rosie DJ Madscience

MONUMENT
FESTIVAL STAGE
National Anthem:
CURIOUS? Shadina Billy Winn The Glamazons

Billy Winn
DC Gurly Show
Garek
The Glamazons
DC Front Runners
Mana DC Front Runners Mana Pop

OUR BENEFITS MelJade

Mr. EOY (Matthew J. Kelly)
DONT DISCRIMINATE Mr. Cobalt (Brian J. Kelly)
Oasis Dance Company
Pride Idol Winner
We offer benets to our employees and their Ragin Love Meljade Ragin Love
partners, including full medical, dental and vision. Run Jenny
Plus free meals for every employee, every shift. Shadina
Join a company where youre rewarded Sheena & the Dreamers
Town & Country
for making those around you better. Wicked Jezabel
Drag Cabaret
Run Jenny Sheena & The Dreamers
APPLY TODAY AT DJ Deedub
DJ Teejay Johnson
jobs.chipotle.com DJ Andre Gutarra
DJ Vodkatrina

Wicked Jezabel DJ Deedub

DJ Teejay Johnson DJ Andre Gutarra DJ Vodkatrina

98
 CAPITOL STAGE
EMCEES:

2015 CAPITAL PRIDE

Please check at the festival for individual performance times
CONCERT LINEUPS
Jerry Houston
HOT 99.5 PRIDE Radio
Destiny B. Childs

CAPITOL STAGE HOUSE DJ:

DJ TWiN
Jerry Houston Destiny B. Childs

HEADLINING:
Carly Rae Jepsen
Wilson Phillips
En Vogue
Katy Tiz
DJ TWiN Carly Rae Jepsen Wilson Phillips Amber
Ginger Ming
Violet Chachki

Ella Fitzgerald &

Miss Ziegfelds 2015 Kristal Smith
En Vogue Katy Tiz EnKore Dance Company
Freddies Follies
Gay Mens
Chorus of Washington
Jessi Malay
Michelle Raymond Band
Night Runners
Ladies of Town
Amber Ginger Minj Violet Chachki
Sarah Peacock
Team Peaches

Ella Fitzgerald Gay Mens Chorus of Washington DC

Jessi Malay Michelle Raymond Band Night Runners

Mel Jade Sarah Peacock Team Peaches

FLASHBACK 99
Talk before you...

Protect yourself and your partner. Talk about testing, your status, condoms, and
new options like medicines that prevent and treat HIV. Get the facts and tips
on how to start the conversation at cdc.gov/ActAgainstAIDS/StartTalking.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3 AFFILIATED EVENTS
OFFICIAL EVENT Capturing Fire:
Heroes Gala Queer Spoken Word Summit & Slam
Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square 7:00 PM The DC Center for the LGBT Community
801 K St., NW, Washington, DC 6/05/2015 - 6/07/2015
Join us for an evening to honor the Capital Pride Heroes, Engendered 2000 14th St NW, Washington, DC
Spirit recipients, and other honorees for their dedication to the Capturing Fire is an international spoken word and poetry festival
LGBT community in the DC metro area. The Paving the Way award where queer-identified writers gather for a poetry slam after three
will be presented to former US Attorney General Eric Holder with a days of panels, workshops, and performances.
featured performance by Steve Grand.
Event Sponsors include: Celebrity Cruises, Wells Fargo, and Hilton.
www.capitalpride.org/heroes Where I Belong:
Finding Myself Under a Big Top
THURSDAY, JUNE 4 Sweet Spot Aerial Productions, Inc.
AFFILIATED EVENTS Atlas Performing Arts Center 8:30 PM
1333 H St., NE, Washington, DC
9th Annual DC Latino Pride: Against a backdrop of dazzling circus and aerial performances,
La Pltica Panel Discussion one man is dismayed to find himself in the afterlife surrounded
by the queers and sinners hed always believed were destined for
Latino GLBT History Project 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Hell. But as he travels through this new landscape, witnessing jaw-
Human Rights Campaign Equality Forum dropping aerial acts that shatter his perceptions of bigotry, gender,
1640 Rhode Island Ave., NW, Washington, DC friendship, and love, he discovers that where he ultimately belongs
Panel discussion about challenges faced by LGBT Latino youth is the last place he expected...under a big top.
and family acceptance during the coming out process. The www.sweetspotdc.org
evening will include a reception with appetizers and wine, a
community resource fair, free HIV testing, DC Mayors Latino Pride Womens Kick-Off After Party
Proclamation, and a historical HIV exhibit at the Human Rights
Campaign Equality Forum. Scandal DC
www.LatinoGLBTHistory.org/latinopride Comet Ping Pong 10:00 PM - 3:00 AM
5037 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, DC
Pride on the Rocks Scandal DC Presents Womens Pride Kick-Off After Party at Comet
Ping Pong. Get ready to dance, drink, and be entertained by DCs
NOVA Pride finest Drag Kings. Music provided by DJ Deedub & Lez Rage.
RedRocks Arlington 7:00 PM www.facebook.com/scandaldcparty
2501 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA
Pride on the Rocks with Team Trivia will be a great time for
everyone, with $12 flights of RedRocks great beer selection, but SATURDAY, JUNE 6
those who receive our NOVA Pride stamp will be getting even OFFICIAL EVENTS
better VIP deals.
www.novapride.org/rocks Volunteer Orientation
Hotel Palomar
2121 P St NW, Washington DC
FRIDAY, JUNE 5 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
OFFICIAL EVENT Mandatory orientation for all volunteers supporting the
Official Womens Kickoff Party: community during the 40th Celebration of Pride in the Nations
Capital, specifically the Pride Parade and Festival. Food and fun will
Pride in the Sky be provided to keep up the energy for an amazing week.
Presented by The Ladies of LURe and Tagg Magazine NEW VOLUNTEERS ARE WELCOME TO REGISTER AT THIS EVENT
Hosted by Ackerman Brown PLLC
7:00 PM - 11:00 PM Saturday Night Fever:
Rooftop at 2101 L Street, NW, Washington, DC A Poolside Cocktail Party
Featuring Music by DJ Civil | Drink Specials | Chances to win HRC, Capital Pride Alliance, and Vida Fitness
Washington Mystics Tickets
Tickets: $10 (Must be purchased prior to the event. All sales are Penthouse Pool and Lounge
final.) 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM VIP Hour
www.taggmagazine.com/tagg-swagg/pridekickoff 9:00 PM - General Admission
1612 U St., NW, Washington, DC
Time to get your groove on at the Saturday Night Fever Pool Party,
presented by Vida Fitness and Penthouse Pool & Lounge. Disco,
102
FLASHBACK
Funky 70s soul music, and hits from today will have you dancing all www.foundryumc.org
night. Take a dip in the pool and enjoy a special menu of delicious
tastings from the Penthouse menu. Plus two complimentary
22nd Annual

2015 CAPITAL PRIDE

cocktails with each ticket and a cash bar with Stoli specialty drinks
and other premium products. Plus plenty of juicy eye candy!
Rent a cabana for you and five guests before they sell out and enjoy
a VIP hour of complimentary hors doeuvres and one bottle of bottle
service. General admission ticket includes two complimentary
drinks. www.hrc.org/saturdaynight
Summer Pop Off & Volunteer Kick-Off
w/ DJ Chord
Town Danceboutique 10:00 PM
2009 8th St., NW, Washington, DC
Make your summer playlist pop with a night of music dedicated
to all the best sounds of 2015, plus flashbacks of summer jams
of the past. Capital Pride Volunteers, who attended the volunteer
orientation, will enjoy the night with free entry courtesy of Town.
AFFILIATED EVENT
Where I Belong:
Finding Myself Under a Big Top
Sweet Spot Aerial Productions, Inc.
Atlas Performing Arts Center 5:00 PM & 8:00 PM
1333 H St., NE, Washington, DC
Against a backdrop of dazzling circus and aerial performances,
one man is dismayed to find himself in the afterlife surrounded
by the queers and sinners hed always believed were destined for
Hell. But as he travels through this new landscape, witnessing jaw-
dropping aerial acts that shatter his perceptions of bigotry, gender,
friendship, and love, he discovers that where he ultimately belongs
is the last place he expected...under a big top.
www.sweetspotdc.org
SUNDAY, JUNE 7
OFFICIAL EVENT
Day in the Park:
5th Annual Drag Ball & Outdoor Movie
Stead Park 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM
1625 P St., NW, Washington, DC
A day of fun consisting of Stonewall Kickball players in drag and
DCs loveliest queens in kickball uniforms competing to determine
who the Queens of the Ball really are. After the game grab some
grub, a picnic basket and blanket and get ready to relax to an
outdoor movie under the stars: TO WONG FU.
AFFILIATED EVENTS
Foundry UMC
Opening Doors to Equality for 20 Years
Foundry United Methodist Church
9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM
1500 15th St., NW,
Foundry United Methodist Church (UMC) celebrates 30 years of
welcoming outreach and engagement with our LGBTQ neighbors and
the 20th anniversary of formally becoming a Reconciling Congregation.
For Updates and full listing visit capitapride.org
EVENT CALANDER
Stonewall Regatta
DC Strokes Rowing Club
Anacostia Community Boathouse
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
1900 M St., SE, Washington, DC
Hundreds of rowers from across the United
States will compete in a full day of racing.
Admission is free. For the best view of the
finish line and the pre- and post-race action
(along with concessions and bathrooms),
come to the boathouse (nearest Metro:
Potomac Avenue). For the best view of the
complete race, the Anacostia Trail pedestrian
bridge or Anacostia Park are good options.
The event is hosted by DC Strokes Rowing
Club, one of only a handful of independent
LGBT rowing clubs in the world.
www.stonewallregatta.org
MONDAY, JUNE 8
OFFICIAL EVENT
Music in the Night
Presented by Hilton Hotels
& Resorts
Town Danceboutique 8 - 11 PM
2009 8th St., NW,
A night of great musical theater continues
with the 4th Annual Music in the Night,
hosted by Joshua Morgan. Each year Capital
Pride spotlights our local theater talent
and community at this fun-filled evening
of music and cocktails. Performances by
Shayna Blass, Michael Mainwaring, Bobby
Smith, Grant Saunders, Brian McNally,
Bridget Lindsenmeyer, Harrison Smith, Bayla
Whitten, Farrell Parker, Dorea Schmidt, Jimmy
Mavrikes, Ines Nassara, and Potomac Fever
of the Gay Mens Chorus of Washington, DC.
www.capitalpride.org/music
TUESDAY, JUNE 9
OFFICIAL EVENTS
Capital Pride Interfaith Service
Center Faith
All Souls Church, Unitarian
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
1500 Harvard St., NW
THEME: Racial justice in LGBT communities
of faith
Featured speakers:
Rev. Cedric A. Harmon, Co-Director, Many Voices
Lisbeth Melendez-Rivera, Religion and Faith
Program Director of Latino and Catholic
Initiatives, Human Rights Campaign
103

Womens Spoken Word
Busboys & Poets
8:30PM-11:30 PM
5th & K, 1025 5th St., NW, Washington, DC
Join Busboys and Poets and Capital Pride for the annual Womens
Spoken Word. This year were taking it to the next level with a DJ,
live band, and burlesque. To accommodate as many beautiful folks
as we possibly can were making this a FULL-STORE event.
Spoken Word Host/MC: Shelly Bell
Performances by: Chocolate City Burlesque and Cabaret and
singer/songwriter Be Steadwell. For two hours the mic will be open
to women-identified folks of all backgrounds to share their stories
through words. Tickets: $10
www.capitalpride.org/spoken-word
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10
OFFICIAL EVENTS
DC Bike Party Pride Ride
Start: Dupont Circle Fountain 7:00 PM
Finish & After Party
Cobalt, 1639 R St., NW, Washington, DC
Join DC Bike Party and Capital Pride as we team up again for the
brightest DCBP ever. This years Capital Pride theme is Flashback,
so deck yourself and your bike out in your favorite decade style.
Outrageousness encouraged, if not required. The ride will end
along 17th Street with the official after-party at Cobalt.
Capital Pride Jello Wrestling
Scandal DC
Penn Social 9:00 PM - 2:00 AM
801 E St., NW, Washington, DC
Scandal DC Presents Capital Pride Jello Wrestling at Penn Social.
Come on out for a night of booze, merriment, and JELLO WRESTLING.
Come challenge a friend in our Jello Pit or just sit back and enjoy
the festivities with a boozy drink in hand.
www.facebook.com/scandaldcparty
THURSDAY, JUNE 11
OFFICIAL EVENTS
Rooftop Rally
The Embassy Row Hotel 7:00 PM 10:00 PM
2015 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC
Connect with volunteers, donors, and all supporters of Capital
Pride to enjoy an evening under the stars on the roof deck of the
Embassy Row Hotel. You can also bring your swimsuit to cool off in
the rooftop pool.
UNCIVIL UNION: Comedy for Equality
Howard Theater 8:00 PM
620 T St., NW, Washington, DC
Comedy for Equality is a special benefit concert for The Ally
Coalition and part of the 40th Celebration of Pride in the Nations
Capital. UNCIVIL UNION will bring together the artistic community
to raise awareness and funds to end discrimination against
LGBTQ people. Headlined by Wyatt Cenac, Bridget Everett, and a
104
host of special guests, the Capital Pride event will feature stand-
up comedy, music, special guests, and opportunities for fans to
engage in this important cause. THE ALLY COALITION was created
by Grammy-winning band FUN. and designer Rachel Antonoff,
whose mission is to inspire people to take action for LGBTQ people
through education, awareness, and advocacy. Featuring W. Kamau
Bell, Bridget Everett, Rachel Dratch, Chelsea Shorte, and Special
Guests TBA.
AFFILIATED EVENT
La Fiesta Dance Party
Latino GLBT History Project
Town Danceboutique 9:00 PM - 2:00 AM
2009 8th St., NW, Washington, DC
Latino Prides Official Dance Party will feature April Carrion from
RuPauls Drag Race Season 6, DCs top LGBT Latino drag kings &
queens, and an all-night Latino Pride dance party spinning DCs
best Latin beats from DJ Joel el Especialista of El Zol 107.9 FM.
www.LatinoGLBTHistory.org/latinopride
FRIDAY, JUNE 12
OFFICIAL EVENTS
DC Front Runners Pride Run 5K
Congressional Cemetery 7:00 PM
1801 E St., S.E, Washington, DC
This June 12th the DC Front Runners Pride Run 5K returns a race
of friendly competition, an evening of community and celebration,
and an Official Event of the 40th Celebration of Pride in the
Nations Capital. www.dcfrpriderun.com
Flashback Opening Dance Party
Presented by Capital Pride & BrightestYoungThings
Arena Stage 8:30 PM
1101 6th St., SW, Washington, DC
The BYT & Capital Pride partnership continues to bring you one
of the most amazing parties of the year. Flashback is this years
Official Pride Opening Party where you will enjoy a dance party
takeover of Arena Stage! Gonna make you sweat!
www.capitalpride.org/flashback
AFFILIATED EVENTS
National Pride Shabbat
Congregation Bet Mishpachah
6th and I Historic Synagogue 6:30 - 10:00 PM
600 I St., NW, Washington, DC
On the night before the Capital Pride Parade, Rabbi Shira of Sixth
& I, Rabbi Laurie Green of Bet Mishpachah, and members of GLOE
lead an inclusive service that celebrates the diversity of the DC
Jewish community, followed by dinner.
SATURDAY, JUNE 13
OFFICIAL EVENTS
Historic Gay DC Walking Tour
Dupont Circle Fountain 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
The tour sets off across the street from the Dupont Circle metro,
at Q and 20th Streets. In the 1960s, the Dupont Circle area was a
center of antiwar activism and the counterculture, an environment
FLASHBACK
 BRING
A FEW
FRIENDS TO PRIDE
GEORGE ABE ALEX ULYSSES BEN

HELP KEEP
CAPITAL PRIDE FREE!
THE
VODKA
ALWAYS
SERVED
WITH
PRIDE.

Stolichnaya Premium Vodka is honored to be the official sponsor

of Capital Pride and the 40th anniversary celebration of Pride
in the Nations Capital. #StoliPride
SAVOR STOLI RESPONSIBLY. Stolichnaya Premium Vodka. 40% Alc/Vol. (80 proof).
Distilled from Russian Grain. Stoli Group USA, LLC, New York, NY 2015 Spirits International, B.V.
in which many of the young gay and lesbian activists of the 1970s
learned the tactics of protest. In the 1970s and 80s, Dupont Circle
became the center of Washington, DC, gay life. Join in on this
walking tour highlighting bars, homes, and protest spots that
have played a significant role in the experiences of the lesbian,
gay, bisexual, and transgender communities of Washington, DC.
Guided tour hosted by Brock Thompson with information provided
by www.rainbowhistory.org.
Crack of Noon Parade Day Pride Brunch
Dupont Circle Hotel 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
1500 New Hampshire Ave., NW, Washington, DC
Ease your way into one of the best days of the year with a fantastic
meal, wonderful company, and general merriment before watching
the Capital Pride Parade. Join us for the first annual Crack of Noon
Parade Day Pride Brunch at the beautifully renovated Dupont
Circle Hotel.
Enjoy a delicious gourmet buffet, a complimentary mimosa, and
cash bar featuring specialty Stoli cocktails and other premium
products. Attendees will have meet & greet opportunities with
special guests and have access to view the Pride Parade outside on
the Dupont Circle patio following the brunch.
Seats are limited and will not be available for purchase at the door
the day of the event. Visit the website for more details.
www.capitalpride.org/brunch
Pride Parade presented by Marriott
4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Dupont and Logan Circle neighborhoods
Join tens of thousands of people to watch this landmark event and
one of Washington, DCs, favorite parades! The Capital Pride Parade
travels 1.5 miles through Dupont Circle and 17th Street and ends in
the Logan Circle neighborhood. The Parade will include more than
170 contingents-floats, vehicles, walkers, entertainment- consisting
of local businesses, Capital Pride Heroes and Engendered Spirit
awardees, politicians, community groups, drag queens, dogs, and
much more. www.capitalpride.org/parade
F.U.S.E. Womens Main Event
The Howard Theatre 9:00 PM - 3:00 AM
620 T St., NW, Washington, DC
The Ladies of LURe, Tagg Magazine, and Capital Pride continue to
team up to bring you the hottest womens event of the year.
Cherry Fund & Capital Pride Afterhours
Tropicalia 3:30 AM - 9:30 AM
2001 14th St., NW, Washington, DC
Capital Pride continues to partner with The Cherry Fund to bring
you another amazing after-hours event, featuring the tech and
house beats of DJs X Gonzalez and Sean Morris. With special wow
effects and decor, get ready to ROCK well into the early morning;
bar reopens at 8am. $35 advance, $40 door. 21+ See you there!
CHARITY DANCE EVENT: your support of Cherry and this event
contributes to the efforts of passionate health and social advocates
STAY HYDRATED
FLASHBACK
at the forefront of the GLBT community. Learn more about Cherry
Fund at www.cherryfund.org
AFFILIATED EVENTS
Queer & Now:
Youth Dance at Capital Pride
SMYAL 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
National City Christian Church
5 Thomas Cir., NW, Washington, DC
Once the Parade is over, come party at the only youth-exclusive
event over Capital Pride weekend - the Queer & Now dance! Join
us at National City Christian Church on Thomas Circle for FREE
dancing, food, and HIV testing - an evening to remember now and
always.
www.smyal.org
Asia After Dark: Peacockalypse
Hosted by the Silk Road Society 8:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Freer and Sackler Galleries
1050 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC
Don your finest feathers for the first Asia After Dark of 2015, the
thirteenth in this series of beloved after-hours parties. Flash back to the
gilded glamour of the Peacock Room and meet its alter ego Filthy Lucre,
an installation by contemporary artist Darren Waterston that reimagines
Whistlers famous work as a resplendent ruin. Strut through the galleries
sporting gold temporary tattoos, take offbeat tours, fashion your own
masterpiece, and make fun photo-booth memories. While sipping
specialty cocktails, shake a tail feather to music by activist pop rock trio
BETTY and repeat the Asia After Dark mantra: Art, Drink, and Be Happy!
Must be 21 years old with valid photo ID to attend.
@FreerSackler | #asiaafterdark | www.asia.si.edu/asiaafterdark
#UndergroundThrowdown
HIERARCHY 9:00 PM - 2:00 AM
1847 Columbia Rd., NW, Washington, DC
Scorpio Entertainment & Troyal Events present Capital Prides liveliest
dance partyUNDERGROUND! Enter a fantasy wonderland that warps
you through the past four decades of gay pop culture! DJ Edward Daniels
spins the biggest dance hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s, including
Disco and Motown, as well as EDM and current Top 100 pop! This 40th
anniversary multi-level celebration is not to be missed! RSVP online at
www.UndergroundThrowdown.com
#UndergroundThrowdown | 18 to enter. 21 to drink.
Mixtape
9:30 Club 11:00 PM
620 T St., NW, Washington, DC
MIXTAPE is a high-energy, alternative dance party hosted by award-
winning DJs Matt Bailer and Shea Van Horn. The duo are known for their
eclectic mix of alt-pop, indie rock, nu-disco, house, new wave, old school
jams, and anything else they think youll love dancing to. The MIXTAPE
party has been named DCs BEST MENS PARTY by The Washington
Blade (2015 and 2013), DCs BEST GAY DANCE PARTY by Washingtonian
magazine, and BEST MONTHLY GAY DANCE PARTY by BYTs Brightest
Young Gays. Tickets: $15, Ages 18+ www.MIXTAPEdc.com
107

OUR DIFFERENCE
IS OUR STRENGTH.
Boeing proudly supports those who
understand that by celebrating
our differences, we are truly able
to come together as one.
276879-057_CapitalPride_Hands.indd 1
5/1/2015 3:20:42 PM
108
SUNDAY, JUNE 14
OFFICIAL EVENTS
Pride Festival presented by Live! Casino
12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Pride Concert presented by Hot 99.5
1:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Pennsylvania Ave., NW, between 3rd and 7th Sts., NW
Join us on DCs historic Pennsylvania Avenue at the 40th Annual
Pride Festival! Come for a day full of entertainment, music, food,
drink, education, and celebration. The festival is open to everyone,
and there is no fee for entry; however donations are very much
encouraged and appreciated! The Festival is family-friendly. Due
to large crowds and very hot asphalt, we recommend that pets
stay at home. The Capital Pride Festival includes three stages of
national and local talent and will host 300 exhibitors including
local and community groups, national sponsors, local businesses,
food vendors, restaurants, and businesses looking to promote their
services to our community.
Free to the public. Please note there are a limited number of tickets
available for the Pit by the stage (Pit Passes) as well as the VIP
beverage garden and viewing area.
www.capitalpride.org/festival & www.capitalpride.org/concert
Flower Power: Official Closing Party
Cobalt 10:00 PM - 2:00 AM
1639 R St.,, NW, Washington, DC
Keep the celebration going and your dancing shoes on for the Official
Closing Party of the 40th Celebration of Pride in the Nations Capital.
Tickets: $5 - Ages 18+
AFFILIATED EVENTS
Ladies Tea
Scandal DC 4:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Penn Social 801 E St., NW, Washington DC
Close out Pride in style with a dance party of EPIC proportions at our
Ladies Tea Event. Steps from the Festival, our DJs will help you leave
your heart on the dance floor. www.facebook.com/scandaldcparty
JUNE 2015
Night OUT at the Nationals
Team DC 6/17/2015 5:00 PM Nationals Park
Annual LGBT Night with the Washington Nationals vs. the Tampa Bay
Rays. Gates open at 5:00 PM with DJ in the Scoreboard Pavilion. Be a
part of the Largest LGBT community event in professional sports!
Sylvester & Orphanos:
Our Odyssey and LGBT Publishing
Library of Congress 6/18/2015 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
James Madison Building, Montpelier Room (Sixth Floor)
101 Independence Ave., SE, Washington, DC
As part of the LGBT pride celebration in Washington, DC, the Library
of Congress is hosting a lecture by Stathis Orphanos of Sylvester &
Orphanos publishers of Los Angeles. Sylvester & Orphanos are Ralph
Sylvester and Stathis Orphanos, partners in life, as well as business.
From 1976 to 2005, they published 25 fine editions, culminating
with their landmark work: Tsarouchis, the Face of Modern Greece, a
FLASHBACK
JOIN US FOR THE 19TH NATIONAL DINNER

OCTOBER 3, 2015 | WWW.HRCNATIONALDINNER.ORG

Pioneering Change in the Federal Sector

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

She contested the discriminatory treatment she

experienced on the job.

AFGE members like Tamara stand up for justice and

equality for transgender employees in the workplace.

Read Tamaras story at www.afge.org/Fearless

tribute to the beloved Greek artist. Mr. Orphanos will talk about
his photography and how it led to a career in publishing fine Night OUT at the Kastles
editions of the works of some of the greatest modern authors. Team DC 7/16/2015 7:00 PM
A display from the Rare Book and Special Collections Division, Smith Center, George Washington University, 20th
featuring the works of Sylvester & Orphanos, materials from the
Sylvester & Orphanos Archive, as well as other rare and special and G Sts., NW, Washington, DC
titles, will accompany the talk. A panel discussion will follow Annual LGBT Community Night with the Washington Kastles of
with LGBT publishers, including Sibling Rivalry Press of Little Rock, World Team Tennis vs. the San Diego Aviators.
Manic D Press of San Francisco, and others.
The event is free and open to the public. Cosponsored by the AUGUST 2015
Library of Congress Poetry and Literature Center, the Rare Book
and Special Collections Division, and presented in partnership 2nd Annual Crab Feast
with Capital Pride. Capital Pride & DC Preservation League 8/29/2015
Washington Canoe Club, 3700 Water St., NW,
Night OUT at the Mystics Join the DC Preservation League and Capital Pride for the 2nd Annual
Crab Feast. Enjoy crabs, beer, and dessert alongside the Potomac at
Team DC 6/23/2015 6:00 PM the historic Washington Canoe Club (www.washingtoncanoeclub.
Verizon Center, 615 F St., NW, Washington, DC org), one of DCs most picturesque locations. For more information.
Annual LGBT Community Night with the Washington Mystics vs. www.dcpreservation.org | www.capitalpride.org
the Los Angeles Sparks. Womens professional basketball at its
finest!
SEPTEMBER 2015
8 by Dustin Lance Black United Night Out
District Arts Collaborative 6/26/2015 & 6/27/2015 Team DC 9/19/2015 3:00 PM
Cobalt 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM RFK Stadium, 2400 E. Capitol St., SE, Washington, DC
1639 R St., NW, Washington, DC Annual LGBT Community Night with DC United vs the Columbus
The District Arts Collaborative, with license from the American Crew. Major League Soccer at its finest and includes a pregame
Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER) and Broadway Impact, is proud Tailgate Party. Event hosted by the Federal Triangles Soccer Club.
to announce a two-night-only reading of 8, a play chronicling the
historic trial in the federal constitutional challenge to Californias Mautner Project Gala
Proposition 8. Written by Academy Award-winning screenwriter
and AFER Founding Board Member Dustin Lance Black, 8 had its Whitman-Walker Health 9/25/2015
much-heralded Broadway world premiere in September 2011 and The 25th Anniversary Celebration of Whitman-Walker Healths
its star-studded Los Angeles premiere in March 2012. Tickets $10 Mautner Project will be held this fall. Check out our website at www.
advance, $20 at the door whitman-walker.org for event details closer to the date.

JULY 2015 OCTOBER 2015

EXTRA Night OUT at the Nationals NOVA Pride 10/03/2015 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Team DC 7/03/2015 7:00 PM Nationals Park Bull Run Special Events Center
A second helping of the popular Night OUT at the Nationals to 7700 Bull Run Dr., Centreville, VA
welcome the participants of the MAGIC Softball Tournament. This free, family-friendly community event provides unforgettable
Come watch as the Nats take on the World Champion San entertainment, a forum for LGBTQ organizations to showcase their
Francisco Giants. activities, and the chance for businesses to showcase their support
for, and interaction with Northern Virginias LGBTQ community and
LGBT Health Forum its straight allies.
LGBT Health Policy & Practice Program
HRC National Dinner
at George Washington University 7/15/2015 7:00 PM
Human Rights Campaign10/03/2015 5PM - 10 PM
Jack Morton Auditorium,
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
801 21st Street, NW Washington DC
The annual LGBT Health Forum is a high profile public event that 801 Mt. Vernon Pl., NW, Washington, DC
shines a spotlight on vital health issues facing LGBT people in the The National Dinner brings together more than 3,000 HRC
United States and globally, including such topics as insurance members, friends, family and allies for an evening of celebration
reform, DOMA, human rights, and HIV/AIDS, among others, as and inspiration. Featuring a cocktail reception, an extensive silent
well as showcases the accomplishments of LGBT Health Policy auction, an elegant dinner, live entertainment, and thought-
and Practice students. The Forum features talks and a roundtable provoking speakers and guests, our HRC National Dinner attracts the
discussion with researchers, activists, and policy experts in the nations top figures in entertainment and politics and is consistently
area of focus. Participants take stock of progress and share ideas listed among the top events to attend in the DC area.
in person as well as through a simultaneous worldwide webcast www.hrcnationaldinner
of the event to those unable to attend in person.
www.lgbt.columbian.gwu.edu/2015-lgbt-health-forum
110
FLASHBACK
 Walk To End HIV
Whitman-Walker Health 10/24/2015
In its 29th year, The Walk to End HIV is a fundraising walk and 5K

NO AY
timed run benefiting and produced by Whitman-Walker Health,
a non-profit community-based health organization that provides

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dependable, high-quality, comprehensive, and accessible health
care to those infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS.

Pride Voyages 2015 Western Caribbean

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Celebrity Cruises,
Smith Pollin Group & Capital Pride Alliance
10/29/2015 - 11/5/2015
Embark In Ft. Lauderdale
Capital Pride is excited to partner with Celebrity Cruises and
SmithPollin Group to introduce Pride Voyages, LGBTA friendly
excursions that bring together a diverse community similar
to what you come to expect at annual Pride Celebrations. Our
maiden voyage is a seven-night Western Caribbean Halloween
Cruise that will embark on October 29, 2015.
www.capitalpride.org/voyages

NOVEMBER 2015
A Night of Champions
Team DC 11/7/2015 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
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112
 AHF-AIDS HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION
The AIDS Healthcare Foundation provides care regardless a community center for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender
of ability to pay. HIV Medical, Pharmacy and STD testing (LGBT) folks in Washington, DC. Our mission is to celebrate,
services are available on site.
ALL SOULS MEMORIAL EPISCOPAL CHURCH
The mission of All Souls Church is to be a Christ-centered
sanctuary where a diverse community worships and
serves. We live this mission through faithful celebration of
the Eucharist, Christian education, and loving nurture of both
members and neighbors.
AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR
SUICIDE PREVENTION
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is the
leader in the fight against suicide. We fund research, create
educational programs, advocate for public policy, and support
survivors of suicide loss. To fully achieve its mission, AFSP
engages in the following Five Core Strategies: Fund scientific
research Offer educational programs for professionals
Educate the public about mood disorders and suicide
prevention Promote policies and legislation that impact
suicide and prevention Provide programs and resources for
survivors of suicide loss and people at risk, and involve them in
the work of the Foundation
BET MISHPACHAH
Bet Mishpachah is a Jewish congregation for Gay,
Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Jews and all who
wish to participate in an inclusive, egalitarian, and mutually
supportive community. Our membership is comprised of singles,
couples, and families, and is open to everyone, regardless of
religious affiliation, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
CAPITAL AREA GAY AND LESBIAN
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Chamber, the Capital Areas LGBT Chamber of Commerce
is the nonprofit, nonpartisan, largely-volunteer network of 400
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) and Ally members
in addition to the nearly 5,000 LGBT supporters who own or
are employed by businesses, nonprofits, and government in
DC, Virginia, and Maryland. The Chamber is an affiliate of the
National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and Chamber
of the Year 2012. The Chamber is ranked 18 by Washington
Business Journal. The Chambers mission is to advocate,
promote and facilitate the success of LGBT businesses,
professionals and their allies in the Metro DC region.
CASA RUBY
Casa Ruby is a multicultural LGBT organization
providing educational, health, housing and social services to
individuals facing poverty in the nations capital. We focus on
the needs of transgender, queer and gender non conforming
gay, lesbian, bisexual as well as youth and LGBT immigrants.
THE CHERRY FUND
The Cherry Fund, established in 1997, and located in
Washington, DC, is an independent, all-volunteer, 501(c)3 non-
profit foundation, the purpose of which is to raise funds for the
HIV/AIDS service community via an annual charity dance event.
CHURCHESUNITEDINPRIDE
Metropolitan Community Churches from DC,
Maryland and Virginia are coming together to
celebrate Pride and faithfully proclaim Gods inclusive love
for all people. MCC has been on the forefront in the struggle
towards marriage equality and continues to be a powerful
voice in the LGBTQ movement. We celebrate together with The
Fellowship, a coalition of Christian churches with a mission
to become a resource agent for all who desire the radically
inclusive love of Jesus Christ. The Unity Fellowship Church
Movement is also part of our Pride celebrations, sharing their
message that God is love and love is for everyone!
FLASHBACK
THE DC CENTER FOR THE LGBT COMMUNITY
2015 CAPITAL PRIDE
PARTNERS
strengthen, and support community among the LGBT residents
and organizations of Metropolitan Washington, DC.
DCS DIFFERENT DRUMMERS
DCs Different Drummers is the Washington, DC
metropolitan areas music organization for the Lesbian,
Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, family and friends with several
performing groups including the Capitol Pride Symphonic
Band (CPSB), Capitol Pride Winds, DC Swing! big band, DCDD
Marching Band, Pep Band, and several small ensembles.
DIGNITY/WASHINGTON
Dignity/Washington is the local chapter of the
nationwide organization, DignityUSA. Dignity/Washington
celebrates the wholeness and holiness of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,
Transgendered, and Queer Catholics.
FOOD & FRIENDS
The mission of Food & Friends is to foster a community caring
for men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS, cancer and
other life-challenging illnesses by preparing and delivering
specialized meals and groceries in conjunction with nutrition
counseling.
GAY MENS CHORUS OF WASHINGTON, DC
Embarking on their 33rd season, the Gay Mens Chorus of
Washington delights audiences and champions gay equality
with robust artistry, fun and surprise. With 300 singing
members incorporating sets, costumes, dancers and two select
vocal ensembles, the Gay Mens Chorus of Washington is
praised as one of the finest gay mens choruses in the country,
presenting a subscription season, fall cabaret, monthly piano
bar open mic night and numerous community outreach
concerts throughout the year. Learn about Chorus auditions,
subscriptions and more at GMCW.org.
HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON, DC
The Historical Society of Washington, DC, is a community-
supported educational and research organization that collects,
interprets, and shares the history of our Nations Capital.
Founded in 1894, it serves a diverse audience through its
collections, public programs, exhibitions, and publications.
Washington is known throughout the world as a monumental
federal city. Less well-known are the stories of Washingtons
many diverse and vibrant communities. The Society helps make
this local history easily accessible to the public to promote
a sense of identity, place, and pride in Washington and to
preserve this heritage for future generations.
HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN
As the largest civil rights organization working to
achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender
Americans, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) represents
a force of more than 1.5 million members and supporters
nationwide all committed to making HRCs vision a reality.
Founded in 1980, HRC advocates on behalf of LGBT Americans,
mobilizes grassroots actions in diverse communities, invests
strategically to elect fair-minded individuals to office, and
educates the public about LGBT issues.
LATINO GLBT HISTORY PROJECT
The Latino GLBT History Project (LHP) is a 501 (c)(3)
non-profit volunteer-led organization founded in April 2000 to
investigate, collect, preserve and educate the public about the
history, culture, heritage, arts, social and rich contributions of
the Latino LGBT community in metropolitan Washington, DC
LHP creates educational exhibits from our historical archives
collection showcased at cultural events such as, a Womens
History Month Reception, a Hispanic LGBTQ Heritage Reception
and DC Latino Pride, educational presentations at local and
national conferences and through our online virtual museum.
113

proud sponsor of
Capital PRIDE
Building
Partnerships
for Stronger
Communities.
Northrop Grumman is a proud
sponsor of the Capital Pride
Alliance. We recognize your
profound commitment to
equality for all citizens and
stand with you today, and
throughout the year.
NATIONAL CITY CHRISTIAN CHURCH
National City Christian Church, the national church for the
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), welcomes all who are searching for
a spiritual home. Whether your interests are community outreach, mutual
support, worship, music, or just plain fun you are welcome to join us and
get to know the warm and caring people that are National City.
NATIONAL LGBT VETERANS MEMORIAL
Our mission is to raise funds and construct an LGBT Veterans
Memorial in our nations capital. The funds raised in support of this project
will be used to build a memorial at Historic Congressional Cemetery in
Washington, DC. This memorial will be a visible and lasting testament to
the contribution gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender service members
have made to the security of the United States.
NOVA PRIDE
Educate. Advocate. Celebrate. NOVA Pride, which holds an annual Northern
Virginia Pride Festival in October (2015 PrideFest: 10/3/2015), as well as
other activities throughout the year, is a 501c3 charitable organization
serving the LGBTQ Community of Northern Virginia. #703pride
RECONCILINGWORKS
ReconcilingWorks advocates for full inclusion of lesbian, gay,
bisexual, and transgender Lutherans in all aspects of the life
of their Church and congregations. We provide a place of comfort and
safety. We reach out to teach that Christs message, the Gospel, is for
everyone equally. We call for blessing of committed and covenanted
same-gender relationships, and for ordination of those called to minister.
ReconcilingWorks International Program offers support, collaboration and
liaison on LGBT issues internationally within the Lutheran communion
and its ecumenical and global partners. We are partnered with other faith
ministries and we follow a theological concept of accompaniment.
SMYAL
SMYAL supports and empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual,
transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth in the Washington,
DC metropolitan region. Through youth leadership, SMYAL creates
opportunities for LGBTQ youth to build self-confidence, develop critical
life skills, and engage their peers and community through service and
advocacy. Committed to social change, SMYAL builds, sustains, and
advocates for programs, policies, and services that LGBTQ youth need as
they grow into adulthood.
TEAM DC
Team DC is the association of LGBT sports teams in the greater
Washington, DC area representing over 3,000 participants in 26 different
clubs. They also produce the annual Night OUT Sports Series and the Team
DC College Scholarship Program for LGBT student-athletes.
WASHINGTON BLADE FOUNDATION
The mission of the Washington Blade Foundation is to
administer the archives of the Washington Blade newspaper from its
beginnings to the present day. Those archives chronicle the rich history
and vibrant stories of more than 40 years of the LGBTQ community in
Washington, DC, and across the nation.
WHITMAN-WALKER HEALTH
Our mission is to be the highest quality, culturally competent
community health center serving greater Washingtons diverse urban
community, including individuals who face barriers to accessing care, and
with a special expertise in LGBT and HIV care.
DC PRESERVATION LEAGUE (DCPL)
The DC Preservation League (DCPL), founded in 1971 as Dont Tear
It Down, is a nonprofit membership-supported organization dedicated to
preserving and enhancing Washingtons historic buildings and open spaces
for future generations. As Washingtons citywide preservation advocacy
organization, DCPL identifies significant buildings and neighborhoods
throughout the District, monitors threats to them, and increases public
awareness of historic resources.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF WASHINGTON, D.C.
To reduce poverty housing and homelessness in the nations
capital by building decent, affordable, energy-efficient homes for those
in need; DC Habitat is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International,
an organization that seeks to put Gods love into action, bringing people
together to build homes, communities and hope. 115
for the peace
for the pageantry
for the love of Christ

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

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

WOMENS
PRIDE
SHOWING ACTION AND VISIBILITY WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY

BY EBON F. BELL
KATY RAY
Tagg Magazine

Almost four years ago, the first issue of Tagg Magazine hit stands all across the area in
Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia, and Rehoboth Beach. Since its inception, we have
been met with warm regards from readers, community organizations, and leaders; but
more often than not, we are asked, Why a queer womens publication?
And our response is always the same: Because we matter.
OUR COMMUNITY
As seen with many of todays current events, media outlets tend to sensationalize. They
tend to write articles and spin stories that always seem to privilege the majority. At
Tagg, we take the opportunity to highlight the incredible lesbian, bisexual, transgender,
and queer people who are taking great strides to make our communities stronger. The
stories we write are done with our voices and cover our events.
After all, the womens community is thriving, but often overlooked. We dont see
ourselves at local and national LGBTQ events and we frequently hear that women
are not represented in various LGBTQ organizations and events. Many feel that these
organizations are not supportive of the queer womens community. And because of this,
some of us accept this as the norm.
The only way to be represented is to be involved, visible, and present. To take a note from
Gandhi, we have to be the change we want to see.
We admire the women who dont get discouraged at the lack of women (and people of
color) represented in certain spaces, but instead ask themselves, How can I be part of
the solution?
We cannot wait to be invited to the table. We should make our own table.
CAPITAL PRIDE
Every year, Capital Pride offers a variety of womens events and programs throughout
the week, from a womens poetry night to the Pride in the Sky rooftop party. There are
opportunities for queer women of all ages to connect in safe and familiar spaces.
Capital Pride is one of the largest pride celebrations in the country, and its so important
for women to be a part DCs LGBTQ history. Year after year, we have personally seen
more women involved with the weeklong celebration. It gives us great pride to see
queer women hosting pride events, volunteering, participating, and being a part of the
conversation.
Whether its Capital Pride or other LGBTQ events, we encourage you to continue to be
visible. Stand tall and stand proud. Our voices and stories will continue to make a mark
on our queer historybecause we matter!
117
FLASHBACK
The Ladies of LURe & Tagg Magazine Present:

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The Howard Theatre
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Doors 9PM | 21+ W/ID

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Capitalpride.org | LureWDC@gmail.com | TaggMagazine.com
 Congratulations
Cherry Fund Board and volunteers
for another stunning event,
see you next year!

CHERRY 2016
APRIL 14-17
cherryfund.org
photos: Denis Largeron Photographie

THE MUSIC CONTINUES AFTERHOURS

June 14, 3:30-9:30 AM, with DJs X Gonzalez and Sean Morris
Charity Dance Event for HIV Awareness
2001 14th Street, NW
$35 advance, $40 door
www.cherryfund.org
 There is nothing quite like the sight of 150,000 people fIlling Pennsylvania Avenue. The mass of
bodies would be impressive enough on its own, but when you consider that those bodies mostly consist
of members of the LGBT community, the sight takes on an entirely different meaning.
It becomes empowering.
Each year, we gather on Pennsylvania Avenue to celebrate, to demonstrate, to make our voices heard,
to make ourselves seen. Forty years of Pride in DC, not to mention the various celebrations around the
world throughout June, cumulatively have made a huge difference. Need proof? Its currently at the
steps of the Supreme Court. We are here. In droves. And its our arrival that has allowed straight America
to see us for who we are: people, just like them, with the same wants, the same needs, the same desires,
dreams, and values. Yes, values. For although there are those who would say our values do not match
theirs, its not ours that are askew, its theirs. Were not in the wrong. We have never been in the wrong.

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

The common refrain is to say that our work isnt over and we have a long way to go. The common
response to that should be, Duh. But just look at how far weve come in 40 years. From a tiny block party
to a massive annual event where we joyously celebrate the deep, profound, extraordinary camaraderie
shared by all of us who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender.

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

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

EMPOWERMENT
IN
NUMBERS BY RANDY SHULMAN
Metro Weekly
Photograph by
TODD FRANSON
Metro Weekly

said of the same-sex marriage movement in a recent interview in Metro Weekly. Because everybody
knows its time. Everybody is on some level in touch with the yang and yin inside of them. A comment
that didnt make it into the final interview is even more revealing: Its a little bit more about money than
were saying.

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

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

Our one day of Pride -- in DC, across the nation, around the globe -- has made an enormous difference.
As a result we are, bit by bit, gaining our rights and, bit by bit, taking our rightful place in society. And
society, bit by bit, seems thrilled -- some might say, relieved -- to have us finally out of the closet and
along for the ride. Shame, hiding, and hate take a lot of effort. But love? Love takes no effort at all.

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

FLASHBACK
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 THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON,
D.C.S ANNUAL MAKING D.C. HISTORY AWARDS
HONORING THE PEOPLE AND PLACES THAT

CREATE, DEFINE, AND PRESERVE OUR CITYS HERITAGE.

IN PAST YEARS, THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY HAS HONORED MANY PEOPLE AND INSTITUTIONS,
INCLUDING THE WASHINGTON BLADE IN 2014, WHICH CELEBRATED ITS 45-YEAR MILESTONE.

THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE

THE MAKING D.C. HISTORY AWARDS 2015 HONOREES:

CLYDES RESTAURANT GROUP
Distinction in Corporate Achievement

HILLCREST CHILDREN & FAMILY CENTER

Distinction in Historic Social Service

ASSOCIATION FOR THE STUDY OF AFRICAN AMERICAN LIFE & HISTORY

Distinction in Historic Achievement

WAGNER ROOFING
Distinction in Historic Preservation

OURISMAN FAMILY
Family Legacy Award

CASSELL FAMILY
Family Legacy Award

Join us to celebrate all the honorees and support the Historical Societys programs at

the Making D.C. History Awards presentation

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5.
TICKETS AND EVENT INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT DCHISTORY.ORG
 AN
ADVERTORIAL

EQUAL
UNION
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is proud to be a Rainbow Sponsor of the
40th Celebration of Pride in the Nations Capital. As the nations largest labor union representing
federal and DC government workers, AFGE uplifts, affirms, and protects the workplace rights of the
lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community.

The federations advocacy for workplace rights runs deep. AFGE takes seriously the responsibility
to help provide good government services while ensuring that government workers are treated
fairly and with dignity. The union supports a meaningful transformation of the federal workplace to
improve the way services and benefits are delivered to the American public.

AFGE represents government workers who are vital threads of the fabric in American life.
Government employees inspect the food we eat and the places we work, care for our nations
veterans, serve as a vital link to Social Security recipients, maintain the District of Columbias
infrastructure, keep the national defense systems prepared for any danger, and much more. AFGE
members are proud to make America work.

The representation of hardworking government employees means challenging broken systems and
ensuring all worksites are safe and inclusive. Since 1988, AFGE has fought to include LGBT protections
in collective bargaining agreements oftentimes the only protection an LGBT worker has against
discrimination. That work began with AFGEs Council 222 representing Department of Housing
and Urban Development (HUD) employees. The councils bargaining team fought to include anti-
discrimination protections based on sexual orientation at a time when it wasnt recognized by the
EEOC and expand the definition of family to include individuals related by affinity. The contract
was ratified in 1990 and was the first nationwide contract between AFGE and a federal agency to
include such protections and inclusions.

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

Through these departments the union has also developed a model policy on ensuring that
government worksites are inclusive and safe for transgender, gender-non-conforming, and
transitioning employees. This guidance can be used by AFGE locals as they strive to make changes
at the bargaining table and on the workroom floor.

AFGEs advancement on these critical issues has always been fueled by its membership. Outspoken
leaders like Virginia Hemingway, who pushed for the union to be more inclusive; Carolyn Federoff,
who found affirmation at the local level and brought concerns to the national level; Francis Nichols,
who has become a fierce advocate for young workers; and Tamara Lusardi, who fought back against
workplace discrimination and stood up for transgender rights, continue to move AFGE forward.
Through its members and its mission, AFGE continues to build solidarity with pride.

To learn more about how AFGE supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender government
employees, visit www.afge.org/PRIDE.

FLASHBACK 127
PARADE OVER TO DARCARS
FOR GREAT SAVINGS.

DARCARS is a proud to be the Vice Presidential Sponsor

of the Capital Pride Parade.

DARCARS.com
 LGBT
SPORTS
AND THE
FIGHT
FOR
EQUALITY
By KEVIN MAJOROS
Washington Blade

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

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

Team sports have long been considered an unfriendly environment for

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

FLASHBACK
129

ABOVE: HUDSON TAYLOR
In the early part of this decade, groups such as Athlete Ally, GLSENs
Changing the Game, Athlete Ally, and You Can Play began grabbing
national headlines for their bold work. What was noteworthy about
their approach, especially for Athlete Ally and You Can Play, is that
they aligned themselves with famous American and international
straight athletes who supported their missions.
PEOPLE BEGAN PAYING ATTENTION.
The general public may be unaware, however, that these ally
groups are also quietly working behind the scenes at a grassroots
level to change the culture and climate of the sports community.
They are traveling to K-12 schools, universities, and professional
sports teams to educate them about safe and inclusive sports
environments. In some cases, they are even drafting the language
that will be used to create resource guides for athletes, coaches,
administrators, fans, and parents.
The other factor that is facilitating the momentum of the LGBT
sports movement is the emergence of the Millennial generation,
which is marked by a high level of social acceptance that is blurring
ethnic, racial, sexual-identity, and gender-identity lines.
Hudson Taylor, who co-founded Athlete Ally with his wife Lia,
points to members of the younger generation as agents of change.
Todays youth are coming out at a younger age, says Taylor. In for the most part the committee is actively going out to the local
1990, the average age for a person coming out was 26; today that
average age is 16. I was at a middle school recently and a 7th grader
asked me if we were going to address pansexuality. Its clear that
the younger audience is in a very different place than the college
athletes or even the professional athletes. That being said, I still
think there is a strong bias based on geography. For our LGBT youth,
the situation is much better for those in the northeast as opposed
to other places in the country where it hasnt gotten much better.
The LGBT sports movement is also challenging the stereotype that
members of the community do not play sports or even that they
dont have what it takes to be athletic. In the past, athletes who
130
tossed out anti-LGBT slurs in the locker room or on the playing field
probably didnt realize that, in many cases, they were speaking
directly to members of that community.
I think that LGBT athletes have been playing all along and they
will continue to be active participants in sports, says Taylor. The
only thing that is changing is our awareness and the visibility of
the LGBT community in athletics. I would wager that there are
certain sports where LGBT athletes dont remain in the sport
because of the culture. If you are on a team where every athlete
is actively using anti-LGBT language or sexist language, a member
of the LGBT community may not want to continue in that sport.
Taylor adds, Overt hostility towards the LGBT community is
not acceptable and I think that is understood now by sports
communities at a younger age. The old rule was that it was not
a welcoming space and as a result you had [fewer] LGBT people
participating in sports. With the culture changing, younger
athletes are going to stay in sports longer.
In March 2015, during the media frenzy related to the signing of
Indianas Religious Freedom Restoration Act, Athlete Ally traveled
to that state and held a #final4fairness press conference alluding
to the NCAAs Final Four basketball tournament in conjunction
with Lambda Legal to comment on the events and to promote the
continued role of sports in the advancement of LGBT rights.
Coming up, Athlete Ally intends to focus on a few issues that the
organization feels need attention.
We are focusing on two things going forward, Taylor says.
We will be looking at providing education for communities in
geographic regions where the sports culture has not improved as
it has in other parts of the country. Also, we will be actively trying to
create programming for coaches. Todays athletes are tomorrows
coaches. . . . If we dont start educating the coaches, the cycle of
transphobic, homophobic, and sexist language will likely continue.
We are working with the US Soccer Foundation and the Aspen
Institute on creating some sort of replicable coaches training that
can be implemented across various youth sports leagues.
DCS VIBRANT SPORTS COMMUNITY
As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Capital Pride, it is
important to note that Washington, DC, is home to one of the
largest and most organized LGBT sports communities in the world.
Team DC, the information clearinghouse for roughly 35 LGBT sports
groups, formed a precedent-setting college scholarship fund for
openly gay local student-athletes in 2008 and continues to set the
standards for LGBT sports communities.
In the early years of the Team DC College Scholarship program,
the group struggled to find applicants who were willing to step
forward and be recognized.
This is our eighth year of the program and it has certainly gotten
better, but it is still a challenge to find applicants, says Bud Rorison,
scholarship chair. There are some kids applying on their own, but
schools and promoting the scholarship.
Rorison says that there are a few pipeline schools such as
Montgomery Blair High School and Wilson High School, where the
Gay-Straight Alliance network is strong. They produce the most
applicants.
He also says that applicants from the mainstream sports tend to
produce the fewest applicants, but that also seems to be changing.
Part of the process for applying for the scholarship is to write an
essay and most of the applicants point to their family and their
teammates as their biggest supporters.
FLASHBACK
Recently a student newspaper wrote an article on LGBT athletes
and we were pretty amazed by that, Rorison says. The ultimate
goal is [to] no longer need this LGBT category. For now, we want to
reinforce and recognize these brave kids [who] are competing as
openly gay athletes.
Colin Ward is a past Team DC college scholarship winner and
he represented exactly how much things have changed when
he showed up at the awards reception with his family and his
boyfriend.
Ward graduated from the University of North Carolina in 2014 and
was a member of the rowing team during his four years at the
school. He was out to his teammates from the first semester of his
freshman year.
It came up during meals at the dining hall and it was a very
natural process, says Ward. It never came up during practice.
Ward says his college sports experience was a positive one and that
it included bringing his college boyfriend to rowing social events.
All of my memories of rowing in college are related to racing, not
my sexuality, Ward says. Nothing is better than being in your
stroke seat during a race and seeing the people you are beating.
Ward, who attended high school at Montgomery Blair, is back in
DC and not currently rowing as he adjusts to his travel schedule
working in health care consulting.
Jocelyn Williams received the Team DC college scholarship in 2014
and just completed her freshman year at Bowie State University.
She grew up playing multiple sports including basketball, volleyball,
softball, and tennis.
Williams was a basketball redshirt meaning that she did not
actively participate in the sport this past year as she wanted
time to acclimate to her college schedule. To stay in shape, she
went out for the Washington Prodigy, a full-tackle football team,
but discovered that was also conflicting with her college schedule.
She has good memories of her sports experience at Wilson High
School and found acceptance in the environment. My coach was
very approving, says Williams. He always stood up for me and my
teammates and welcomed anyone who wanted to play sports.
ABOVE: COLIN WARD ABOVE RIGHT: JOCELYN WILLIAMS photos : washington blade
FLASHBACK
Williams is looking forward to being a member of the womens
basketball team in her sophomore year. I went through a few
practices with the team this past year, Williams says. They seem
very welcoming.
UNIQUE CHALLENGES
OF TRANSGENDER ATHLETES
One component of the LGBT sports community that is still
facing an uphill battle is transgender athletes. The rules for their
participation in sports are often confusing, and for K-12 athletes,
vary by state. The NCAA has adopted protocols that arent always
followed and the professional teams are still in the process of
setting up standardized rules.
Recently, a short film was released called Raising Ryland, which
featured a five-year-old boy who had already transitioned. The
film shows him playing soccer, but raises the question of whether
he will be allowed to compete going forward.
Pat Griffin, an LGBT sports advocate and the founding director of
GLSENs Changing the Game, believes that Ryland should have a
clear path to play sports because he transitioned at such a young
age.
Ryland should be able to play all the way through with no
problem, especially since he is transitioning so early and he lives
in California which has good legal protections for trans students
and policies for trans inclusion in sports for girls and boys, says
Griffin. Each state is different for high schools. Some are great,
like California or Massachusetts and some are horrible, like
Virginia or North Carolina or Florida. So it really depends where
you live, unfortunately. Plus, there is quite a backlash developing
in several states that are scaring state athletic associations
from making good inclusive policies for high school. Anti-trans
inclusion groups are spreading misinformation and stereotypes
to scare parents and state athletic association decision-makers
into adopting policies [that] actually prevent trans girls and boys
from participating on teams according to their affirmed gender
identity by requiring them to participate according to their gender
assigned at birth or by what their official identity documents
say. They also enable athletic directors to make a case-by-case
decision.
Griffin adds, As for college, the NCAA has published some good
guidelines for member schools to adopt governing trans inclusion
on college teams, but very few schools have actually adopted
these policies. I think they are sticking their heads in the sand
until they have a trans student knocking at the athletic directors
door. That is problematic because most trans students do not
131
ABOVE: SAVANNAH BURTON AND ENZA ANDERSON PRACTICE BELOW: JAZZ JENNINGS, 14 YEAR OLD TRANS ATHLETE
want to be pioneers, they just want to play, so they just give up
rather than be the poster child for trans-inclusion at their school.
The high school problem recently received some attention in
Minnesota as Jazz Jennings, a 14-year-old transgender athlete, came
forward with her story about her fight for the right to play soccer.
After being banned from the girls travel soccer team, she and her
family fought for two years to be allowed to play on the team. The
United States Soccer Federation finally stepped in and created a
trans-inclusive policy for soccer players of all ages. (Jennings will
have her own show this summer on the TLC network.)
One country that seems to be ahead of the curve with regard to
participation by transgender people in sports is Canada. Recently,
Savannah Burton, a trans athlete, was named to the Canadian
national team for the World Dodgeball Championships to be held
August 15-16, 2015, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
132
Before she transitioned, Burton competed for Team Canada in 2012
where the mens team came in second behind Hong Kong at the
world championships. She stepped away from sports for 16 months
during her transition process. Burtons return to sports came at the
Canadian Sculling Marathon in 2014 where she was a rower in a
quad sculls with coxswain in a 21K race. Her team included another
trans athlete, Enza Anderson, and their participation marked the
first time in Canadian history that a trans-inclusive rowing team
competed in a sanctioned regatta.
Following that accomplishment, she found her way back to
dodgeball and competed in the GTA Sports league in Toronto.
After her team won the league championships, she decided to try
out for the womens national dodgeball team. She is one of eight
women who were selected.
I challenge athletes from any sport to play dodgeball for an hour
and see how they feel, says Burton. Besides the physical aspects,
it involves technique, strategy, and team work.
Burton says she hopes her presence is forcing the Canadian sports
governing bodies to make decisions on what works for transgender
athletes. Leading up to the world championships, Burton will be
filmed for a documentary called The Transgender Project.
Burton realizes the value of what she is doing by competing as a
transgender athlete. She says that if her visibility can help even one
person, she would be happy. I think the world is slowly changing
and becoming more accepting, but there is still so much more
work to do. Perseverance will lead to good things.
Burton sums up the forward progression of the LGBT sports
movement in those two short sentences. We have come very far
and we have very far to go, but sports will continue to be a major
vehicle for advancing LGBT rights.
KEVIN MAJOROS IS THE SPORTS WRITER FOR THE WASHINGTON BLADE
AND THE HOST OF CAPITAL SPORTS TV ON THE CCE SPORTS NETWORK.
HE IS AN EIGHT-TIME GAY GAMES MEDALIST.
 DUPONT CIRCLE OFFICE
202-243-7700

DUPONT CIRCLE OFFICE

202-243-7700

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 ADVERTORIAL

photos : witman-walker health

136
 JUSTIN GOFORTH, RN,
Director of Community Relations
This years Capital Pride reminds us that in order to know where were going, we have
to remember where weve been. With all of the progress weve made around marriage
equality and anti-discrimination legislation, as well as advances in HIV treatment and
prevention, this is an ideal moment to flashback, the theme of the 40th anniversary of
Capital Pride. How times have changed. In 1975, Gerald Ford was president. Thank God Im
a Country Boy, by John Denver was Billboards number one single. Capital Pride was a one-
day block party for a few hundred people in DuPont Circle. And no one had ever heard of
HIV or AIDS.
Whitman-Walker Health had just been founded. We began our life as the Gay Mens VD
Clinic in 1973, operating out of the basement of the Georgetown Lutheran Church, where
we provided culturally competent STD testing and treatment to a community of gay men
who had nowhere else to turn. And then the 1980s happened and HIV changed everything
for the LGBT community. It also changed everything for Whitman-Walker. We quickly began
adding services to provide desperately needed care and support for the Washington DC
community that was being devastated by AIDS. We opened our first evaluation unit in 1984
and just kept building and building: case management, transportation and interpretation
services, Spanish-speaking doctors, dental care, needle exchange, mobile testing, services
for the transgender community. The list goes on and on.
And now here we are in 2015, celebrating 40 years of Capital Pride. This years festivities
features a multitude of events including the parade, parties, concerts, races and other
activities that will be attended by hundreds of thousands of people. What an incredible
evolution over the course of 40 years!
We are just as proud of how far Whitman-Walker has come over these four decades.With HIV
no longer a death sentence, we have transformed to serve the broader needs of the entire
LGBT community and beyond. Our evolution from that basement clinic in Georgetown has
been profound. We now aim to be the highest quality, culturally competent community
health center serving greater Washingtons diverse urban community including individuals
who face barriers to accessing care, and with a special expertise in LGBT and HIV care.
We are thrilled that the opening of our new facility coincides with the 40th anniversary of
Capital Pride. Our beautiful, 43,000 square foot, state-of-the-art medical center gives us the
tools we need to respond to the ever-changing health care needs of our community. This
vibrant new space is designed around the fundamental values of affirmation, dignity, and
respect. And it offers the latest in technological advances, the highest quality and most
compassionate providers, and an ongoing commitment to always improve and provide
cutting-edge healthcare to the LGBT community.
Capital Pride is a wonderful celebration of how far our community has come over the past
40 years. Come visit the new Whitman-Walker Health medical home at 1525 14th St., NW to
see how far our organization has come. We have been honored to serve the community for
all of these decades and are proud to be a beacon within the LGBT community for the high-
quality, compassionate care that we all deserve.

FLASHBACK 137
 Love,
hope,
Celebrating the Pride
success,
family, of the Entire Community
security.

Timothy D. LaCasse, Agent Some things we all

617 Pennsylvania Avenue SE have in common.
Washington, DC 20003
over
125
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Like a good neighbor, years
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Its a teenagers first Pride . . . its the family looking to connect with gay-friendly organizations and businesses . . . its the group of friends
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141
ABOVE: SARAH MCBRIDE SPEAKS ON THE OCCASION OF DELAWARE GOVERNOR JACK MARKELL'S SIGNING OF THE STATE'S GENDER IDENTITY NON-DISCRIMINATION ACT IN 2013.
When I came out as transgender just three years ago there
seemed to be little visibility, few media stories, and even fewer positive
developments for transgender people. Like many LGBT Americans, when
I came out, I worried that my dreams and my identity were mutually
exclusive.
Three years later in the midst of what TIME magazine has
referred to as the transgender tipping point the landscape has changed
dramatically. Transgender visibility is on the rise. Public possibility
models like Laverne Cox are inspiring transgender youth across the
country. Media portrayals, while still imperfect and incomplete, are
finally treating transgender people with compassion, decency, and as the
complex, multidimensional humans that we are. Court and administrative
rulings have expanded paths for redress for transgender people who face
discrimination in the workplace or at school. More states have passed
explicit gender identity non-discrimination protections, including my
home state of Delaware. And elected officials, like President Obama in this
years State of the Union address, are finally acknowledging us as essential
components of our countrys rich diversity.
142
We know, however, that our progress is not always shared.
Transgender women, particularly transgender women of color, still face high
rates of violence and harassment for merely existing. Transgender men are
too often erased or ignored in popular culture and media. Anti-equality
advocates and legislators across the country have introduced measures to
criminalize restroom use by transgender people, including students. Health
insurance frequently denies our medically necessary care, serving as a
barrier to health and authentic lives for many transgender Americans. And
like our gay, lesbian, and bisexual siblings, a majority of U.S. states and the
federal government still lack explicit non-discrimination protections for our
community in the workplace, housing, and the public square.
Today, though, we meet those continued challenges with more
than history on our side. The progress of the last three years, and our future
advancements, build on the tireless work and quiet courage of transgender
people throughout history. This struggle is nothing new and it has been
inextricably linked to the fight for lesbian, gay, and bisexual rights since
before our community stood together at Stonewall to spark the modern
LGBT rights movement.
 MORE
THAN
HISTORY
ON
OUR
SIDE
MOVING PAST THE
TRANSGENDER TIPPING POINT
By Sarah McBride

Many have observed that transgender Americans are where gay
Americans were two decades ago. On the surface, that is true. It seems that
our country is finally ready to open our minds and hearts to transgender
identities. But that observation separates and glosses over our united
history as a community. Our countrys advancements on gay rights have
helped propel transgender rights and our nations progress on trans rights
has helped push forward gay rights. These changes have not occurred in
a vacuum. Every child who comes out whether as gay or transgender
shatters gender stereotypes and helps clear paths for others to live full and
authentic lives.
Our community rests on common experiences and shared
challenges. With all of the progress of the last few years, we must continue
to acknowledge the enduring and fundamental truth that no one is
completely equal until everyone is treated with dignity and fairness. We
must never forget that despite being different letters in the LGBT acronym,
the prejudices we face and the burdens we bear are built on the same bias:
the notion that one fact at birth should dictate who you are, whom you love,
or how you act.
Our country is finally realizing this and our community is living
it. We have a long way to go and cannot mistake progress for victory. But
transgender Americans are finally winning those hearts and minds. We
have the wind at our backs, more allies than ever, and many tangible
protections as our voices grow louder.
We are, indeed, at a tipping point. The country has tuned in
and is willing to listen and learn. Its our job to make sure that we speak
for the voiceless. As we celebrate Pride, we should be proud of where
weve come as a community, but should also remember those who have
never seen a Pride parade or a rainbow flag. We should march for the
young trans girl who has never met another person like her. And we
can rededicate ourselves to ensuring that the hope we now know is felt
between the coasts, outside of big cities, and in every home.
Three years after coming out, I now know that my dreams and
identity are not mutually exclusive. Its past time we make that a reality
for all people, regardless of whom they love or, finally, the gender they
identify with.
143
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 THE ECONOMICS OF
SAME SEX MARRIAGE By Max Barger

Forty years ago most people couldnt

imagine two men being married, or
two women raising a child together
as a family. Be assured, we (the LGBT
community) are winning the battle
for marriage equality. However, now
that we have the ability to marry
and secure many if not all of the
benefits of marriage offered by federal
and state laws, is marriage a good
financial idea?
The proposition of marriage is a
different question for gay and lesbian
couples who have successfully
managed life together for years
without the formal institution
of marriage. For those couples,
there may be underlying economic
disadvantages to saying I do that
could deter them from marrying.
Here are some things to consider.
PAYING TAXES
Filing your taxes is not generally a novel event. However,
filing a 1040 jointly with a spouse became a novelty for
many same-sex couples this year. Married same-sex
couples now must file their tax returns as married. But
at what cost?
For some couples, marriage can help reduce their tax
burden. Whether marriage saves money or results in
higher taxes depends on factors including the individuals
income levels, what deductions they are able to take, and
whether the married couple files jointly or as married
filing separately.
For example, if Heather, a high-income earner, and
Michelle, a low-income earner, marry and file their taxes
jointly, Heather may find herself in a lower tax bracket
thanks to Michelles lower income. That situation may
reduce the couples overall tax burden as compared to
their filing as unmarried, single individuals.
While a couple with disparate incomes may benefit from
marriage, the venture may be a costly for a couple when
both members have similar incomes. The problem is
known as the marriage penalty.

FLASHBACK 149
Jake and Sam each have annual taxable incomes of $120,000. If they
were filing as single individuals (in 2015), they would each be in the
28 percent tax bracket. Now required to file as married, they are in
the 33 percent bracket since they are effectively required to combine
their household income. As a married couple if they choose to file
separately, the problem still exists.
Although Congress has greatly reduced the marriage-penalty
problem, couples finding themselves in that trap may pay more for
being married.
PROTECTING PROPERTY
One of the most important but least understood benefits of marriage
is the ability to protect your assets from future creditors. In some
states and the District of Columbia, married couples may take title
to assets such as their home in a way that prevents creditors from
taking those specially titled assets. This is particularly helpful when,
for example, one member of the couple has to file for bankruptcy
because of an illness, a failed business, or being upside-down in a big
mortgage.
This special titling is called Tenants by the Entirety (TBE). Once a
couple is married, they may title some or all their assets as TBE. The
creditors of either member of the couple individually cannot take the
assets titled as TBE to the married couple. If the couple owned the
assets simply in a joint tenancy, a creditor of either may be able to
take some or all of the jointly titled property.
YOUR STUFF, MY STUFF, OUR STUFF
While a married couple may be able to protect assets from some
creditors, you may not be able to protect assets from each other.
Marriage is a contract, and the laws of your state of residence
determine your responsibilities to each other.
For example, unless you have a valid prenuptial agreement, saying
I do is like giving away half of your property. Many states require
Equitable Distribution, meaning generally that your marital
assets are divided in half upon a divorce. Additionally, in certain
circumstances even with a prenuptial agreement, a divorced spouse
may automatically receive a portion of your retirement assets, such
as a federal pension. This could be both a surprising and a costly
result of marriage.
A benefit of marital responsibility comes with control when one
member of a couple is sick or dies. Where same-sex marriage is
recognized, gay and lesbian couples enjoy the peace of mind that
they are in charge of making decisions for a sick spouse and will be in
control of the spouses estate at death, absent other arrangements.
However, because marriage equality is not universal, there is no
substitute for creating a financial and estate plan getting your
documents in order even if you are married.
EMPLOYMENT, BENEFITS, AND STATE LAW
Your residence may determine what benefits marriage brings to
you and your same-sex spouse. While the majority of states now
recognize marriage equality, laws still remain on the books that
may be detrimental to same-sex couples. The benefits afforded to
married couples and the costs of those benefits vary widely from
state to state.
For example, although you may be able to get married, your state may
not protect you from getting fired for being gay. Public nuptials may
have consequences in states where local laws are still discriminatory.
Thankfully, champions of marriage equality have cases pending in
courts throughout the land to change these and other archaic laws.
If your employer recognizes same-sex marriages and offers spousal
benefits such as health insurance, same-sex couples may be able
150
to benefit shop to find the best healthcare and other benefits
and not pay income taxes on those benefits. The advantage of
marriage in this situation is that the value of those benefits (paid
by the employer on behalf of the employee) is not taxable income.
For unmarried domestic partners who receive the same employee
benefits (if the employer offers them to domestic partners), the value
of the benefits is taxable income to the employee.
However, if the same-sex married couple lives in a state without
marriage equality, those benefits may be taxable at the state level.
A negative by-product of marriage equality is that some employers
may be less likely to recognize non-marital relationships now. In
the past, since our relationships were not recognized, progressive
employers allowed same-sex couples to declare their economic
dependence in a simple affidavit, qualifying them for certain
benefits. Today, however, some employers have become stricter,
not offering benefits to non-marital relationships where a legally
recognized status exists.
RETIREMENT AND SOCIAL SECURITY
In retirement, there are several benefits to marriage. For example,
while planning for retirement, you may be able to contribute to your
spouses Individual Retirement Account (IRA) even if he or she has
little or no taxable compensation. This is helpful, for example, if one
spouse stays at home to care for other family members.
As the primary beneficiary of an IRA, a surviving spouse may roll
over the account into his or her own IRA. This allows the spouse to
withdraw the assets based on his or her own life-expectancy (thus
possibly delaying some income tax liability). Additionally, the IRA is
protected from most creditors of the surviving spouse. Unmarried
partners cannot avail themselves of these advantages.
A same-sex couple may also consider the potential Medicare and
Social Security benefits available with marriage and where they
choose to retire. Even now, this area of the law is not entirely settled
and could change quickly with a definitive ruling on marriage
equality laws from the United States Supreme Court this year. Even
the Social Security Administrations own advice is vague, but they
encourage all who are in a same-sex marriage or a non-marital legal
relationship to apply for benefits right away, even if you are not
sure that you qualify.
What is certain is that a married same-sex couple living in a
marriage equality state will receive all marital benefits, such as a
spousal increase in Social Security benefits when a spouse dies. For
some couples marriage could mean more financial security when
a spouse dies.
On the other hand, for those receiving Supplemental Security
Income (SSI), a spouses income and resources will be counted, so
being married may affect eligibility.
GET ADVICE
Planning is simply knowing all the facts before making the decision.
With the opportunity to marry later in life or after amassing personal
wealth, gay and lesbian couples may find themselves more concerned
with the economics of marriage than picking out china patterns.
While one cannot reduce the emotional decision to marry to a frigid
economic analysis, it is better to know what lies ahead financially
when making a life-changing decision. One thing is certain: there is
wisdom in getting good, coordinated advice from your legal, tax, and
financial advisors.
Max Barger is a Senior Wealth Planner at PNC Wealth Management and
serves on the Planning for Same-Sex Couples National Practice Group.
Before joining PNC, he practiced law for 18 years, focusing on estate
planning, administration, and taxation. He is a board member of the Gay
Mens Chorus of Washington. Bargers views should not be construed to be
the position of PNC Bank or its affiliates.
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EQUAL UND

For the past six years, the Administration has operated

under the guiding principle that people should be treated
equally regardless of who they are and whom they love. From
employment and economic opportunity, to access to health
care, to family and intimate partner violence, LGBT Americans
face a range of complex and often interlocking issues. We
have made it a priority to use all the tools at our disposal to
address these challenges. In order to continue to find ways
to expand the rights and equality for LGBT people, the White
House has convened community organizers, policy advocates,
non-profit leaders, and officials from across the Administration.
And weve traveled to communities here at home and abroad
to better understand the unique challenges LGBT people face.
In our meetings, summits, and roundtables, we have sought to recognize
diversity within diversity and elevate the experiences of segments of the LGBT
community that are all too often left out. In March, we met with a group of
transgender women of color leaders at the White House for the first time
to discuss the challenges that this community faces. That same month, we
welcomed nearly 100 Black LGBTQ Emerging Leaders from across the country
to discuss leadership and public service. These moments were an opportunity
to reflect on the historic steps this Administration has taken to expand
protections for some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
In December, Attorney General Eric Holder announced the Department of
Justices position that the protections against sex discrimination under Title
VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 extend to claims of discrimination based
on gender identity, including transgender status. On April 3, the Department
of Justice filed a statement of interest in the Middle District of Georgia in
150
DER THE LAW
LGBT PROGRESS AND THE OBAMA PRESIDENCY
Diamond v. Owens, et al. arguing that the Constitution requires
individualized assessment and care for gender dysphoria for
incarcerated individuals. Finally, the Presidents Task Force on 21st
Century Policing included LGBT-specific recommendations in its
March 2015 interim report following a listening session between
task force members and members of the LGBT community who
have had contact with the police and criminal justice system.
The Administration has also sought to ensure all Americans,
including LGBT Americans, have access to affordable and quality
health care through the Affordable Care Act. This year, LGBT
navigators and four LGBT beneficiaries met with Surgeon General
Vivek Murthy at the Department of Health and Human Services
to discuss the successes of the ACA in the LGBT community, and
identify opportunities for improvement. We also continue to visit
LGBT communities across the country to discuss the importance
of access to affordable health care for LGBT Americans, and will
continue to do so during Pride month.
We are also taking steps to ensure LGBT Americans are protected at
work and in the home. On July 21, 2014, President Obama signed an
Executive Order to prohibit federal contractors and subcontractors
from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation and gender
identity. On April 8, 2015, this executive order went into law,
extending protections against discrimination to an estimated 1.5
million Americans in the workplace. The President also came out
against conversion therapy for LGBT young people the following
week in response to a White House petition that garnered over
120,000 signatures. California, New Jersey, and the District of
Columbia have all banned licensed professionals from using
conversion therapy on minors, and lawmakers in 18 other states
have introduced similar measures. While a national law banning
BY ADITI HARDIKAR
Associate Director,
White House Office of Public Engagement
LGBT & AAPI Liaison to the White House
licensed professionals from using conversion therapy on minors
would require Congressional action, we hope that the clarity of the
evidence combined with the actions taken by these states will lead
to broader action on this issue. These are only a few examples of
the Presidents commitment to ensuring LGBT Americans are seated
squarely in the fabric of American society.
Finally, the Administration has been a champion in the fight for
marriage equality. The President has repeatedly expressed his belief
that loving and committed same-sex couples should be able to get
married. Following the Supreme Courts landmark decision in 2013
that Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act was unconstitutional,
the Administration extended a broad array of benefits to Federal
employees in same-sex marriages. More recently, the Department of
Justice filed a friend of the court brief in the Supreme Court that
affirmed the Administrations view that state restrictions on same-
sex marriage should be invalidated, and urged the Supreme Court to
make marriage equality a reality for all Americans.
While the Administration has made historic steps forward on
numerous fronts for LGBT Americans, our efforts are far from finished.
Our frank conversations with community leaders and advocates shine
a light on work that is left to be done to ensure that equality under the
law truly applies to all Americans. From employment protections, to
ending bias-motivated violence, to supporting the most marginalized
members of our community, this Administration will continue
fighting to advance equality for all Americans.
TO STAY UPDATED ON WHITE HOUSE INITIATIVES AND ACTIONS
RELATED TO THE LGBT COMMUNITY,
PLEASE VISIT: HTTPS://WWW.WHITEHOUSE.GOV/LGBT
 ON
Arthur L Miller Senator who drafted the legistraion
1

TIME
The history of DCs LGBTA community didnt start
with the 1975 Pride. It didnt even start with Stonewall.
2 Our history likely goes all the way back to our citys
founding. But it wasnt until the middle of the 20th
century that our community became visible and our
history was finally documented.

1940s
Late 1940s - US Park Police launch Pervert Elimination
Campaign to arrest, investigate, and prosecute gay men cruising
the citys parks

1948- Congress passes sodomy law for DC.

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

1950s
1950- Employment of Homosexuals and Other
2 Perverts in Government, Senate report. This report
allowed job discrimination and denial of security clearances
and launched a lengthy campaign to clean the perverts out of
3 government employment.

1950-State Department announces purge of 91

President D Eisenhower Sen. Joseph McCarthy (R-WI) and Roy Cohn Lead THE LAVENDAR SCARE at the State Department
3 homosexuals, the start of a government - wide campaign that
would claim more than 10,000 careers - and some lives. Becomes
known as The Lavender Scare.
4
1953- President Eisenhower signs executive order that
4 allows firing of federal employees for sexual perversion.

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

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

1957- Nob Hill opens. Nob Hill became the longest

continuously operating gay club in DC and one of the oldest black
158 gay clubs in the US. It closed in 2004.
 A LOOK AT
8 DECADES
IN OUR FIGHT
FOR EQUALITY
AND JUSTICE
1

Complied by Chip Lewis, Al Pellenberg

and The Rainbow History Project

1960s
1960- Mattachine Society of Washington DC formed.
The first DC gay activist group, Mattachine fought for civil rights
1 on security clearances and job discrimination. Founded by Dr.
Franklin E. Kameny with Paul Kuntzler, Eva Freund, Jack Nichols,
Lilli Vincenz, and others.

1961- Oscars/Academy Awards of Washington formed.

Liz Taylorstarted the first safe haven for female impersonators
in the DC area.

1963 - Openly gay Bayard Rustin organizes the 1963 March

on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, a seminal event in the civil
rights movement.

2 1965- First gay picketing of White House.

1965- Plus One opens. DCs first gay disco drew mixed male
and female crowds. Its opening was the first opportunity for
same-sex dancing in DC. 3

3 1966- The Homosexual Citizen, the first local civil rights

magazine, published by the Mattachine Society.

4 1969 - Washington Gay Blade (later renamed the

Washington Blade) founded. 4

FLASHBACK 159
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 1970s
1970- Phase 1 opens. Phase 1 is the oldest continually operating
lesbian bar in the US and the oldest operating LGBT bar in DC.

1971- Kameny for Congress. Franklin Kameny was the first

openly gay man to run in a political campaign in DC (for DC
1 Delegate to Congress).

1 1971- Gay Activists Alliance DC founded. GAA (later GLAA)

is the oldest continuously active gay activist group in DC.

1971- Earthworks opens. Deacon Maccubbin opened the first

openly gay non-bar business in DC, site of first gay hotline and
2 first gay bookstore.

1971- DC Eagle opens.

1971- Metropolitan Community Church formed.
1972- Dignity/Washington-DC chapter organized.
1972- DC School Board resolution bans discrimination.
In a landmark decision, the School Board extended the first civil
rights protection to homosexuals.

1972-First Gay Pride celebrated in DC but does not

become an annual event.

1973- Gay Mens VD Clinic begins at Washington Free Clinic

The first gay and lesbian community medical support organiza-
tion began in the basement of Georgetown Lutheran Church.

1973- Title 34 rights protection adopted. This first

citywide human rights ordinance provided protection to gays,
lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender men and women.

2 1974- Lambda Rising opens. Lambda Rising became the

leading gay bookstore in DC.
1974- Lammas Womens Bookstore & More opens.
Lammas catered to the womens community until it closed in
2000.
1975- Establishment of annual gay pride. Organized in
June by Deacon Maccubbin and held on 20th Street between
R and S, NW.
3 1975- Bet Mishpachah founded.
1976- Gertrude Stein Democratic Club formed.
From 1980 to 1987, Whitman-Walker Clinic was located at 2335 18th Street
1977- Cinema Follies fire. The fire at a gay adult theater
killedand outednine men.
1978- Walt Whitman Republican Club formed. One of the
4 first gay Republican groups in the nation; became the Capital
Area Log Cabin Club.
1978- Brother, Help Thyself organized. BHT funds many
fledgling community groups, AIDS support organizations and
community institutions.

3
1978-Whitman-Walker Clinic founded. The earliest and
most widely based LGBT health organization opens. In 2011, it
would change its name to Whitman-Walker Health.

4 1979-First March on Washington.

162
 1980s
1981- Gay Mens Chorus of Washington formed

1 1981- First HIV/AIDS support services offered at Whitman-Walker.

1981- Arlington Gay and Lesbian Alliance founded.

1
1981- DC decriminalizes sodomy. Congress overrules the
City Council and keeps the law.

1981- First report of AIDS case in DC.

1983- Major AIDS Forum held at Lisner Auditorium. This 2

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

1983- Alexandria Gay and Lesbian Community

Association organized.

1984- Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League

founded.

1984- AIDS Evaluation Unit opened at Whitman-Walker.

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

1985- Us Helping Us formed.

2 1986- First High Heel Drag Race.

1986- JRs Bar & Grill opens.

3 1987- First AIDS Quilt display on the National Mall.

1987- Second March on Washington.

1987- 1st DC AIDS Walk.

1988- Metro Teen AIDS formed to provide education and

support to youth on HIV issues; it merged with Whitman-Walker
in 2015.
3
4 1989- Mautner Project formed. The medical and social
support group was formed in honor of Mary-Helen Mautner to
help lesbians living with cancer. It merged with Whitman-Walker
in 2013.

1989- BiWomens and BiMens Network founded. 4

FLASHBACK 163
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 ON
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1
1990s
1990- ACT UP demonstrations at NIH. ACT UP organized
protests over AIDS research priorities at NIH; more than 1,000
2
demonstrators participated.

1991- First DC Black Pride held.

1993- Third March on Washington.

2 1993- Dont Ask, Dont Tell policy for LGBT military

personnel becomes law.

1993- DC Council legalizes private consensual

sodomy.

1994- MetroWeekly magazine debuts. Photography by Jason Pier @ www.jasonpier.com

3 1995- Tyra Hunter death sparks protests. Tyra Hunter,

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

1996- Transgender Health Empowerment opens.

1996- Defense of Marriage Act becomes law.

1997- David Catania elected first openly gay

DC Council member .

1997- Jay Fisette first openly gay elected official

in Virginia. 3

4 1999- Gay Muslim group Al-Fatihah organized .

FLASHBACK 165
 ON
1
TIME
2000s
2000- MPD Gay & Lesbian Liaison Unit formed.
1

2 2000- Millennium March (Fourth March on Washington).

2001- DC domestic partnership benefits finally began.

2003- Supreme Court overturns state sodomy laws.

2003- National Center for Transgender Equality

founded.

2005- Gender identity protections added

2 to DC Human Rights Act by DC City Council.

2009- Matthew Shepard and James C. Byrd Hate

Crimes Law passes.

2009- National Equality March

(Fifth March on Washington).

3 2009- DC Marriage Equality law passes, signed into law.

2010s
2011- Dont Ask, Dont Tell law repealed. LGB people can
4
serve openly in military.

3
2012 - Tagg magazine launched to serve lesbians, bisexual
women and the transgender community.

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

2012 - Casa Ruby opens

4
2013- Defense of Marriage Act partly overturned by the
Supreme Court.

166
FLASHBACK
DONT

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 PHOTOGRAPHY: FREE AKINS

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169
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