Volume 46, Issue 37, September 11, 2015

SEPTEMBER
11
2015
VOLUME 46
ISSUE 37
AMERICAS GAY NEWS SOURCE
U . S . C O N F E R E N C E O N A I D S I N D . C . T H I S W E E K E N D , PA G E 4
INSIDE: PROFILES OF D.C.S AIDS HEROES
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LO CA L N E W S
Largest U.S. AIDS conference convenes in D.C.

Activists, service providers
join policymakers
in panels, workshops
deputy director of the AIDS Institute,

a national HIV advocacy group, was
scheduled to speak on a panel about how
Ryan White Care Act programs continue
to be needed for HIV/AIDS treatment and
prevention programs in cities throughout
the nation.
According to the conference website, the
By LOU CHIBBARO JR.

lchibbaro@washblade.com
More than 1,000 people involved
in eorts to ght the AIDS epidemic,
including leaders of community-based
organizations and government ocials,
are convening in Washington from Sept.
10-13 for the 19th Annual United States
Conference on AIDS.
A wide range of events associated with
the conference, including exhibits, panel
sessions and workshops, are scheduled to
take place at the Marriott Marquis Hotel
in downtown Washington and the nearby
Walter Washington Convention Center.
The conference is organized by the
D.C.-based National Minority AIDS
Council, or NMAC.
USCA is the largest AIDS-related
gathering in the U.S., bringing together
thousands of workers from all fronts
of the HIV/AIDS epidemic from case
managers and physicians, to public health
workers and advocates, and people living
with HIV/AIDS to policymakers, according
to a statement released by the chair of
the conferences D.C. Host Committee,
Leo Rennie.
Rennie said that among other things,
the objectives of the annual conference
are to build national support networks,
exchange the latest information, and
learn cutting-edge tools to address the
challenges of HIV/AIDS.
U.S. House Minority Leader Nancy
Pelosi (D-Calif.) and National Institutes
of Health ocial Dr. Anthony Fauci are
among a number of congressional and
federal government ocials scheduled to
address various conference sessions.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser was
scheduled to welcome conference
participants at an opening reception
sponsored by the Host Committee at 7:30
p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at the Walter
Washington Convention Center.
Dr. Laura Cheever, administrator of
the U.S. Health Resources and Services
Administrations HIV/AIDS Bureau, was
to lead a panel on the future of the Ryan
White Care Act. Three former directors of
the White House Oce of National AIDS
Policy Sandy Thurman, Dr. Grant Colfax,
and Je Crowley are scheduled to
present a behind the scenes perspective
on federal AIDS policy-making and what
its going to take to end the HIV epidemic.
A conference session on the future
of HIV prevention in the U.S., including
eorts to curtail HIV transmission among
men who have sex with men, is to be
registration fee for attending conference

sessions is $815 for the general public and
$560 for federal government employees.
The site says people 25 years old or less
are eligible for a 50 percent discount on
the registration fee.
For more information on the
conference, visit 2015usca.org.
U.S. House Minority Leader NANCY PELOSI

(D-Calif.) is scheduled to address the U.S.
Conference on AIDS.
WASHINGTON BLADE FILE PHOTO BY MICHAEL KEY
led by Dr. Eugene McCray, director of

the U.S. Centers for Disease Control
and Preventions Division of HIV/AIDS
Prevention.
Speakers at other sessions include
Timothy Ray Brown, known as the Berlin
Patient who says HIV has been eectively
eliminated from his body through
eective drug treatment; Dr. Jeremy
Sugarman, an internationally known
expert on biomedical ethics; and Peter
Staley, a longtime AIDS and gay rights
advocate involved with ACT UP New
York and later one of the founders of the
Treatment Action Group (TAG).
USAC asked Peter to talk about the
history of HIV activism to ensure we never
forget our past, a write-up accompanying
the conferences online agenda says.
More importantly, weve asked him to
put activism into context that is relevant
today. What happened to the urgency
of our movement and how can we get it
back?
Michael Kharfen, Senior Deputy
Director of the HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis,
STD, and Tuberculosis Administration
at the D.C. Department of Health, was
scheduled to speak on a panel on how
the Obama administrations National HIV/
AIDS Strategy is impacting D.C., Maryland
and Virginia.
Shawn Jain, director of communication,
and Justin Goforth, director of community
relations, for D.C.s Whitman-Walker
Health, were scheduled to speak on
panels addressing local communitybased HIV/AIDS programs. Carl Schmid,
The Swell in Rehoboth is popular with local lesbian and gay residents.
PHOTO COURTESY OF FACEBOOK
Fire damages Rehoboth gay bar

REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. The Swell Tiki Bar and Grill, located on Rehoboth
Avenue Extended, suered re, smoke and water damage following a re in the
early morning hours of Sept. 4, just before the start of the Labor Day weekend,
traditionally one of the busiest of the year in Rehoboth Beach.
Located at the entrance of Rehoboth Beach, near where Route One intersects
Rehoboth Avenue, the Swell, on the site where Big Sissies used to be, had gained
a following among the lesbian crowd but served as well as the Tuesday evening
gathering place for many local gay men.
The re, which was conned to the roof, attic and ceiling of the newest LGBT
establishment in Rehoboth Beach, was caused by an electrical problem and
occurred after it closed its doors for the evening. There were no injuries.
According to Helen Fausnaught, owner of the establishment, the State Fire
Marshal felt that past track lighting under the insulation and connecting old and
new wiring in the past had caused the blaze. The building was constructed in
1978 and the part of the building where The Swell is located has had several
incarnations, including operating as two establishments with separate air and
heating units and entrances.
Although initial estimates were that damage was about $75,000, Fausnaught
indicated that because they were preparing for a busy weekend and stored their
food in the attic, that number may be low.
Fausnaught is hopeful she can get the establishment, which opened on May
11, to reopen within about a month.
Fausnaught and others felt that after a slow start the business was becoming
more popular and losing a holiday weekend and beyond would be a big blow to
its growth.
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NATIONAL NEWS
The Human Rights Campaign, which contributed more than $166,000 in support of the
2014 campaign, faced criticism for not supporting the pro-Ordinance 5781 eort.
I am really impressed to see our community come together after the divisive 119
ght and pass ordinance 5781, said Kyle Smith, chair of For Fayetteville, a group that
backed the ordinance, in a statement.
New Orleans hosts Southern Decadence

NEW ORLEANS More than 100,000 people turned out for Southern Decadence that
takes place every Labor Day weekend in New Orleans.
Roughly 100 events took place across the Crescent City to mark the 44th annual event
that began in 1972.
Tens of thousands of people lined the streets of the French Quarter on Sept. 6 for the
annual Southern Decadence parade.
The Associated Press reported the parade included the ag that was ying at the U.S.
Supreme Court when the justices announced their ruling in the Obergefell case that
extended marriage rights to same-sex couples in Louisiana and across the country.
Several of the marchers mocked Republican presidential candidates Donald Trump
and U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). One man carried a sign in support of U.S. Sen.
Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) that noted his support of LGBT-specic issues.
LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana, Louisiana Equality Foundation and PFLAG New
Orleans Scholarship Fund were named beneciaries of this years event. Rip Naquin,
an organizer of this years Southern Decadence who was also grand marshal, told the
Associated Press that the event raised roughly $30,000 for the three organizations.
This years Southern Decadence took place less than a week after the 10th anniversary
of the landfall of Hurricane Katrina, which ooded up to 80 percent of the city after
levees failed.
Kerry: U.S. working towards AIDS-free generation

Im a traditionalist, CAITLYN JENNER told Ellen DeGeneres in a discussion about
marriage rights.
PHOTO COURTESY OF NBC MEDIA VILLAGE
Jenner: Marriage views have changed

LOS ANGELES Caitlyn Jenner this week during an appearance on The Ellen
DeGeneres Show said she once opposed marriage rights for same-sex couples.
Im a traditionalist, said Jenner during the interview that aired on Sept. 8
during the talk shows season premiere. I kind of like tradition, and its always
been a man and a woman.
Jenner told DeGeneres that her position on the issue has evolved.
Like a lot of people on this issue, I have really changed my thinking here to,
I dont ever want to stand in front of anybodys happiness, said Jenner. If that
word marriage is really, really that important to you, I can go with it.
DeGeneres during an interview with The Howard Stern Show on Sirius XM
said Jenner still has a judgment about gay marriage.
We want the same thing as everybody, said DeGeneres.
Jenner in April came out as trans during an interview with Diane Sawyer that
aired on ABC.
The former Olympian, who is a Republican, this summer appeared in I
Am Cait, a reality show on E! that documents her life as a trans woman. The
programs season nale will air on the network on Sunday.
Arkansas city again approves LGBT ordinance

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. Voters in the Arkansas city of Fayetteville on Sept. 8 approved a
proposed ordinance that would add sexual orientation and gender identity to the local
anti-discrimination ordinance.
KFSM reported the Uniform Civil Rights Protection Ordinance 5781 passed by a 53-47
percent margin.
The Fayetteville City Council last August approved a similar ordinance by a 6-2 vote
margin.
Voters less than four months later repealed it.
Michelle Duggar of 19 Kids and Counting, a now-cancelled reality show that aired on
TLC, recorded a robo call that urged Fayetteville voters to vote against the ordinance.
Secretary of State John Kerry last week during a diplomatic reception at the State
Department reiterated the Obama administrations call for an AIDS free generation.
Thats our dream, he said. Thats what weve been working towards. And unlike
some dreams people grow up with or take on in the course of public life, which really
just get dashed against the bureaucratic resistance or the indierence of people in
various places, this is one where we have really been able to make a dierence.
U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator Deborah Birx, who oversees the Presidents Emergency
Plan for AIDS Relief, and gay U.S. Ambassador to the Dominican Republic James Wally
Brewster were among the ocials and diplomats who attended the reception that took
place in the Treaty Room. Tom Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, was also in attendance.
The reception took place just before the U.S. Conference on AIDS will convene in D.C.
on Sept. 10.
Kerry during his remarks noted PEPFAR is now providing antiretroviral treatment to
7.7 million men, women and children.
He did not specically mention the epidemics continued impact on men who have
sex with men, transgender people and other LGBT-specic populations that remain
particularly vulnerable to the epidemic. Kerry during his remarks noted that women and
girls account for nearly 60 percent of the people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa.
We absolutely can achieve this dream of an AIDS-free generation, said Kerry. We
can and we will defeat this horrible disease.
I can remember when talking about HIV/AIDS was talking about a death sentence,
he added. And all of you remember that too. And I remember a lot of friends of mine
who kept talking to me about how many funerals they were going to. How dierent life
was in this country.
PEPFAR money funds a number of initiatives around the world that seek to combat
the epidemic among LGBT-specic populations. These include the dissemination of
information on HIV testing, condom use and other safer-sex practices to men who
have sex with men in Central America through the Pan-American Social Marketing
Organization.
A second PEPFAR-funded program that uses social media to disseminate HIVprevention information reached an estimated 92 percent of gay and bisexual Ghanaian
men in 2012. The Center for Integrated Training and Research, an HIV/AIDS service
organization based in the Dominican capital of Santo Domingo, also receives PEPFAR
funding.
Uganda receives nearly $300 million each year through PEPFAR to ght the HIV/AIDS
epidemic in the African country. The U.S. last year did not renew a program with the
Ugandan Ministry of Health that helps fund Kampalas response to the virus in response
to the Anti-Homosexuality Act that President Yoweri Museveni signed into law.
MICHAEL K. LAVERS
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Will Kim Davis inspire Congress to act?

Pending bill may allow clerk
to continue discrimination
By CHRIS JOHNSON
cjohnson@washblade.com
Two seemingly unrelated events took
place this week that may have overlapping
consequences: Rowan County Clerk Kim
Davis was released from jail after being
found in contempt of court for refusing
to issue marriage licenses to same-sex
couples, and Congress gaveled back into
session after its August recess.
The high-prole nature of the Davis
case, which has attracted nationwide
attention,
raises
questions
about
whether legislative action will follow that
would make actions the Kentucky clerks
permissible under the law.
At a rally for Davis on Tuesday,
Republican presidential candidate Mike
Huckabee called for further action to
protect those who oppose same-sex
marriage although he didnt specify
legislation as the next step.
All of us need to ask: Whos next? Your
pastor? The head of a school? Whos
next? Huckabee said. My question as
we leave today: Will you be ready to take
the stand even at expense to yourself to
stand rm for your convictions for the
Constitution and for your faith, and will
not waiver, nor fall?
Davis had fewer words during therally,
standing with her arms raised and joining
hands with Huckabee and her attorney
Mat Staver as she thanked supporters. I
just want to give God the glory. His people
have rallied and you are a strong people,
she said.
Same-sex couples began marrying in
Rowan County by way of deputy clerks
after Davis was taken into custody by U.S.
marshals. Although Davis lawyers say the
couples marriage licenses are void, state
law andU.S. District Judge David Bunning
who found Davis in contempt of court
say the licenses are valid because they
were issued by a deputy.
One possible way Congress could
show solidarity with Davis is by passing
religious freedom legislation known as
the First Amendment Defense Act.
On its face, the bill introduced in
the U.S. House by Rep. Raul Labrador
(R-Idaho) and in the Senate by Sen. Mike
Lee (R-Utah) would prohibit the federal
government from taking action against
opponents of same-sex marriage, who
are dened broadly in the bill to include
non-prot and for-prot organizations.
Critics say the measure would enable
anti-LGBT discrimination, such as by
allowing employers to deny Family &
Medical Leave Act care to same-sex
couples or by permitting a federal
Former Gov. MIKE HUCKABEE (R-Ark.) and, third from left, clerk KIM DAVIS after her release
from prison this week.
PHOTO COURTESY OF FACEBOOK
employee to refuse to le tax and Social

Security forms for them.
In the aftermath of the Davis situation,
Lees oce is pushing back on the notion
the First Amendment Defense Act would
enable the clerk to continue withholding
marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
Conn Carroll, a Lee spokesperson, told
the Washington Blade the legislation
wouldnt impact Daviss situation.
If FADA were law it would not impact
Kim Davis in any way, Carroll said. This
bill would not protect her.
Its understandable why Lee, who has
made passage of the First Amendment
Defense Act a personal goal, might say
the legislation would have no impact
on Davis. After all, a Rasmussen poll
conducted while Davis was in jail found
just 26 percent of likely voters think an
elected ocial should be able to a ignore a
federal court ruling for religious reasons.
The poll also found 66 percent of voters
think the ocial should comply with the
law as the federal court has interpreted it.
But LGBT advocates arent so sure
Daviss attorneys wouldnt at least try to
make the case the clerk could continue
discriminating against same-sex couples
if the First Amendment Defense Act
became law.
Stephen Peters, a spokesperson for
the Human Rights Campaign, said the
broad language in the measure may
enable Davis to claim an exemption to
discriminate.
While Sen. Lee may now argue that
his sloppily drafted bill would not apply
to Kim Davis if it were law, there is no
doubt her anti-LGBT lawyers at the
Liberty Counsel would use it to bring
a claim in federal court, Peters said.
The plain language of the bill says that
the federal government cant take any

discriminatory action based on marriage
beliefs and denes discriminatory action
to be anything that would otherwise
discriminate against such person, which
could be construed incredibly broadly.
The federal government should respect
everyones marriage and not open the
door to discrimination against LGBT
couples and their families.
Ian
Thompson,
legislative
representative for the American Civil
Liberties Union, said the assertion the
First Amendment Defense Act wouldnt
apply to Davis is only partially correct.
That is true only in so far as FADA
is limited to the federal government,
Thompson said. At the same time, similar
Kim Davis-like examples could play out
across the federal government if FADA
were ever to become law. FADA would
permit federal employees to refuse to
(among many other areas) process tax
returns, visa applications or Social Security
checks for all married same-sex couples.
Asked to respond to claims the First
Amendment Defense Act would impact
Davis, Carroll replied, Her lawyers argued
a lot of untrue things. I nd it odd that
supposed LGBT activists are so willing to
lend her arguments credence.
Regardless of whether or not the
legislation would directly aect Davis, the
Republican-controlled Congress may see
t to move forward with the measure.
Neither House Speaker John Boehner
(R-Ohio) nor Senate Majority Leader
Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) would rule out
the possibility of votes on the legislation
following the U.S. Supreme Court decision
in favor of marriage equality nationwide.
Carroll said Lee has pushed the Senate
Judiciary Committee to hold a hearing on
the First Amendment Defense Act before

Kim Davis and he is still pushing for that
same hearing.
Other observers said movement on the
legislation at this time in Congress would
either be unlikely or unwise given the
potentially volatile nature of discussion
on the bill.
Thompson pointed to the media frenzy
that erupted in Indiana after Gov. Mike Pence
signed into law a religious freedom bill as a
reason for Congress to shelve the bill.
I think this situation has shown that a
majority of the American public believes
strongly that government ocials like
Kim Davis are not free to impose their
religious beliefs onto those they have a
duty to serve, denying individuals their
constitutional rights in the process,
Thompson said. The so-called First
Amendment Defense Act would open the
door to unprecedented, taxpayer-funded
discrimination against LGBT people,
single mothers, and unmarried couples.
Republican leadership smartly acted to
shelve this bill prior to the August recess.
To resurrect it now would demonstrate a
complete tone-deafness to what unfolded
earlier this year in Indiana.
In a piece for Slate, Mark Joseph Stern
writes the nature of Daviss discrimination
against same-sex couples may actually
serve to derail religious freedom legislation.
In that sense, Davis has done the
gay rights movement a huge favor,
Stern writes. Previously, religious
exemption advocates could use weeping,
wholesome bakers as mascots for their
cause, deecting questions about animus
and bigotry. But Davis lays bare the
prejudiced, discriminatory beliefs that
fuel the religious liberty re. She is the
monster conservatives created. And they
will not be able to disown her as easily as
they would like.
If Congress doesnt act, its possible
religious
freedom
measures
may
move at the state level. The majority of
religious freedom bills introduced in state
legislatures this year failed to become
law, but two of the measures that made
it to the nish line were crafted directly to
help clerks like Davis.
In Utah, the state passed legislation that
would enable a clerk to refuse marriage
licenses to same-sex couples, but the opt
out requires clerks not to facilitate any
marriages and someone must be present
in their oces to perform the duty.
In North Carolina, the state legislature
passed over Gov. Pat McCrorys veto a
bill that would enable ocials to decline
to issue marriage licenses to same-sex
couples, although invoking the opt out
would prohibit a clerk from facilitating any
marriage for a six-month period. Unlike
in Utah, the North Carolina measure was
opposed by LGBT advocates.
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Anticipation grows ahead of popes U.S. visit

Vatican has yet to
respond to meeting request
from LGBT Catholics
By MICHAEL K. LAVERS
mlavers@washblade.com
Anticipation over Pope Francis trip
to the United States later this month
continues to grow among LGBT Catholic
groups, despite the Vaticans opposition
to homosexuality and marriage rights for
same-sex couples.
Frank DeBernardo, executive director
of New Ways Ministry, a Maryland-based
group that ministers to LGBT Catholics, told
the Washington Blade that members of his
group are very excited by Francis visit.
Nobody is dreading this papal visit as
they did other ones where they just knew
it was going to be bad, said DeBernardo.
Nobodys dreading it that way. People
are optimistic that Francis is going to say
some good things.
Francis is scheduled to travel from
Cuba to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland
on Sept. 22.
The
Argentine-born
ponti
is
scheduled to meet with President Obama
at the White House, address Congress,
canonize Junipero Serra during a Mass
at the Basilica of the National Shrine of
the Immaculate Conception in Northeast
D.C. and meet with U.S. bishops in the
nations capital. Francis is also expected
to visit St. Patricks Catholic Church and
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of
Washington before traveling to New York
on Sept. 24.
Francis on Sept. 25 is scheduled to
address the U.N. General Assembly,
attend an interfaith religious service at
the 9/11 Memorial Museum and hold
Mass at Madison Square Garden.
The ponti on Sept. 26 is expected to
travel to Philadelphia, which is hosting
the World Meeting of Families. Francis
is scheduled to meet with organizers of
the triennial event, hold two Masses, visit
Independence Hall and a local jail before
returning to Rome on Sept. 27.
Marianne
Duddy-Burke,
executive
director of Dignity USA, a group for LGBT
Catholics, noted to the Blade that Francis
trip to the U.S. will take place roughly three
months after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled
same-sex couples have the constitutional
right to marry throughout the country.
Its an incredibly interesting time for
the pope to be coming to the U.S., said
Duddy-Burke, referring to implementation
of the Obergefell decision. The country is
still guring out how to react to national
same-sex marriage...he will have to
address LGBT family issues in some way
while hes here.
POPE FRANCIS is scheduled to arrive in D.C.

on Sept. 22.
PHOTO BY JEON HAN; COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA
Duddy-Burke in July wrote a letter

in which she, GLAAD President Sarah
Kate Ellis and more than two-dozen
other groups urged Francis to meet
with LGBT Catholics while in the U.S.
The Cuban Foundation for LGBTI Rights,
an independent advocacy group on the
Communist island, has also asked the
ponti to highlight LGBT-specic issues
while in the country.
Many LGBT people and family
members have experienced a resurgence
of hope for full acceptance in our church
as a result of your words and reports of
personal meetings with LGBT people,
reads Duddy-Burkes letter onto which
the Latino GLBT History Project and
other groups signed. We see your visit
to the U.S. as an opportunity for you to
hear from us how central our faith is to
our lives, and to work together towards
creating a church where all families know
that we are truly loved and welcomed.
The Vatican has yet to respond to the
request.
We are still waiting to hear about a
response, Duddy-Burke told the Blade.
DeBernardo conceded the excitement
surrounding Francis visit to the U.S. is
tempered a bit by a wish that he would
speak with LGBT Catholics and their
families at the World Meeting of Families
in Philadelphia.
You have to encounter people where
they really are, DeBernardo told the Blade.
LGBT Catholics
welcome moderate tone
New Ways Ministry and other LGBT
Catholic groups have welcomed the Vaticans
more moderate tone toward homosexuality
and marriage rights for same-sex couples
since he became pope in 2013.
The Argentine-born ponti in the
summer of 2013 told reporters that gay

men and lesbians should not be judged
or marginalized. Francis later told an
Italian Jesuit magazine the church has
grown obsessed with nuptials for gays
and lesbians, abortion and contraception.
Francis the former archbishop of
Buenos Aires who was then known as
Jorge Bergoglio during his ponticate
has met with several LGBT people. These
include a transgender man from Spain
who told him in a letter that some of his
fellow parishioners rejected him after
undergoing sex-reassignment surgery.
New Ways Ministry members in
February received VIP seats at a general
audience with Francis in St. Peters Square
that coincided with Ash Wednesday. Simn
Cazal, executive director of Somosgay, a
Paraguayan LGBT advocacy group, in July
was among the representatives of 1,600
civil society organizations who met with
the ponti during his trip to the South
American country.
The
Vatican
has
nevertheless
maintained its opposition to marriage
rights for same-sex couples.
Francis in January during his trip to
the Philippines repeatedly suggested
that same-sex marriage threatens the
family, arguing ideological colonization
seeks to destroy it. Catholic bishops
next month will vote to ratify a document
that, among other things, states there
is no basis whatsoever to assimilate
or establish analogies, even remote,
between homosexual unions and Gods
plan for marriage and the family.
The Vatican earlier this month said
that trans people are unable to become
godparents.
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia in
August announced that New Ways
Ministry could no longer hold a workshop
at a local church that had been scheduled
to take place on Sept. 26.
A Methodist congregation has agreed

to host the event.
His ministry and his leadership is
having a real impact on LGBT people and
families, Duddy-Burke told the Blade,
referring to Francis. Hes going to have
to say once and for all that the church
teaching that gay people are damaged or
inclined to evil is wrong and needs to be
reconsidered. It all comes down to that.
LGBT Federation of Argentina President
Esteban Pauln, who is a vocal critic of
Francis, on Tuesday described the pontis
trip to the U.S. and Cuba as one of the
most important geopolitical moments of
the year. The advocate nevertheless told
the Blade in an email that he does not
think Francis will champion LGBT-specic
issues while in the two countries.
There will neither be substantive
advances, nor the possibility that the
pope will include the issue in his agenda,
said Pauln.
Francisco Rodrguez Cruz, a gay Cuban
blogger and advocate, was equally
pessimistic.
He noted in an op-ed that he wrote
for Toque, a Dutch website, that Francis
in 2010 described eorts to extend
marriage rights to same-sex couples in
Argentina as the destructive aront to
Gods plan.
Rodrguez, like Pauln, concluded it is
unlikely that the ponti will meet with
LGBT rights advocates while in Cuba.
Since the beginning of his ponticate,
Bergoglio has attracted attention for his
innovative and progressive postures
around diverse social and political issues
of concern, wrote Rodrguez. But full
recognition of sexual diversity and all
types of families in a way that we as
lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender
and intersex people should have the
same rights as heterosexual people still
seems far away.
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WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
1 2 S EPTE MB ER 11, 2015
NATIONAL NEWS
HHS seeks to bar anti-trans bias in health care

Trans advocates hail
planned changes as
major breakthrough
By CHRIS JOHNSON
The Obama administration made ocial
on Thursday that it interprets the gender
non-discrimination provisions in the
Aordable Care Act to prohibit bias against
transgender people in health care.
In a 198-page proposed rule, the
Department of Health & Human Services
broadly seeks to advance health equity
and reduce disparities in health care.
Among the proposed changes spelled out
in Section 1557 of the health care reform
law is a prohibition on discrimination
based on gender identity.
Health & Human Services Secretary
Sylvia Burwell said in a statement the
proposed rule seeks to protect individuals
who have often been subject to
discrimination in our health care system.
This is another example of this
MARA KEISLING said the proposed HHS

rule has the potential to be life-saving for
transgender people.
WASHINGTON BLADE FILE PHOTO BY MICHAEL KEY
administrations commitment to giving

every American access to the health care
they deserve, she said.
LGBT advocates hailed the proposed
change as a major breakthrough for

transgender health and said it would
require plans to cover medications, gender
reassignment surgeries and other treatments
for transgender people if these plans cover
similar services to non-transgender people
with other medical conditions.
Mara Keisling, executive director for the
National Center for Transgender Equality,
said the proposed rule has the potential
to be life-saving for transgender people.
These rules will help nally make the
promise of the Aordable Care Act real
for transgender people that they can
nd aordable health insurance that
covers the essential care they need and
doesnt exclude care simply because of
who they are, Keisling said.
According to NCTE, the rule would apply
to health insurance plans sold on state or
federal health care exchanges, Medicaid,
the Childrens Health Insurance Program,
Medicare, the Indian Health Service and
any health care provider accepting federal
funds, such as hospitals and doctors oces
that accept Medicare or Medicaid. Some
private health insurance plans outside the
Marketplaces may not be covered.
Julie Gonen, policy director for the

National Center for Lesbian Rights, called
the proposed rule a major step in ensuring
transgender people have access to care.
The protections outlined in the
proposed regulations would ensure that
transgender people including youth
who are routinely denied this care
despite decades of clinical experience
and medical literature demonstrating its
medical necessity can get the healthcare
they need to live full, authentic, and
healthy lives, Gonen said.
HHS also announced in the proposed
change it supports a prohibition
on discrimination based on sexual
orientation. Although the U.S. Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission
has interpreted gender protections in civil
rights law to bar workplace discrimination
based on sexual orientation, some courts
have taken a dierent view. The proposal
requests comment on how a nal rule can
incorporate the most protections against
discrimination that would be supported
by the courts on an ongoing basis.
CONTINUES AT WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
Court nds trans Mexican immigrant eligible for relief in U.S.

Decision creates precedent
for those facing persecution
By CHRIS JOHNSON
A federal appeals court on Thursday
ruled a transgender woman who ed
Mexico to escape life-long persecution
is eligible for relief under laws granting
refuge for people who experience torture,
establishing a precedent that could aid
those eeing violence based on gender
identity in their home countries.
A three-judge panel on the U.S. Ninth
Circuit Court of Appeals determined Edin
Avendano-Hernandez, an undocumented
immigrant placed in holding in the process
for removal back to Mexico, can obtain relief
under Article 3 of the Convention Against
Torture. U.S. Circuit Judge Jacqueline
Nguyen, an Obama appointee, wrote the
20-page decision on behalf of the court.
The unique identities and vulnerabilities
of transgender individuals must be
considered in evaluating a transgender
applicants
asylum,
withholding
of
removal, or CAT claim, the decision says.
After allegedly enduring harassment,
rape and death threats growing up in rural
Mexico for her lack of gender conformity,
Avenando-Hernandez sought refuge in
2000 by unlawfully entering the United
States and living in Fresno, Calif., where

she began taking female hormones and
living as a woman.
Struggling
with
alcohol
abuse,
Avendano-Hernandez
was
twice
convicted of driving under the inuence.
In 2006, her second oense, which
resulted in a collision that injured another
person, led to a felony conviction, jail time
and removal to Mexico.
Back in Mexico, harassment and
violence against Avendano-Hernandez
continued. One evening, a group of four
uniformed ocers beat her, forced
her to perform oral sex and raped her,
according to the court decision. That
experience prompted her to ee Mexico
almost immediately.
Attempting to cross the border
with a group of migrants a few days
later, Avendano-Hernandezs troubles
continued when they encountered
Mexican military ocers.
Though the leaders of the migrant
group had asked Avendano-Hernandez
to dress dierently to avoid attracting
attention at the border, she was still
visibly transgender, as she wore her hair
in a ponytail and had been taking female
hormones for several years, the decision
says. Calling her a faggot, the ocers
separated Avendano-Hernandez from
the rest of her group. One of the ocers
forced her to perform oral sex on him,
while the rest of the group watched and

laughed. The ocer then told her to get
out of his sight.
After these trials, she returned to the
United States and Fresno in 2008, but was
arrested for violating the terms of her
probation for the 2006 the felony charge.
She was placed in holding and removal
proceedings began.
An immigration judge denied her
application on the basis of withholding
from removal and relief under Conventions
Against Torture a decision that was
upheld by the Board of Immigrations
Appeals. Although the Ninth Circuit upheld
the decision to deny withholding from
removal, the three-judge panel instructed
the agency to grant relief under the
Convention Against Torture.
The Ninth Circuit determined the
immigration judge and BIA was correct
in determining Avendano-Hernandez is
ineligible for withholding from removal.
Her attorney contended her felony wasnt
serious, but it resulted in injury to another
person. However, the appeals court
determined the harassment and violence
she endured constitutes torture, granting
her relief under this portion of her claim.
We reject the governments attempts
to characterize these police and military
ocers as merely rogue or corrupt
ocials, the decision says. The record
makes clear that both groups of ocers
encountered, and then assaulted,

Avendano-Hernandez while on the job
and in uniform. Avendano-Hernandez
was not required to show acquiescence
by a higher level member of the Mexican
government because an applicant for
CAT relief need not show that the entire
foreign government would consent to or
acquiesce in [her] torture. It is enough
for her to show that she was subject to
torture at the hands of local ocials.
Although the immigration judge denied
Avendano-Hernandez relief because of new
laws in Mexico against discrimination based
on sexual orientation, such the legalization
of same-sex marriage, the Ninth Circuit
determined these developments dont
aect transgender people, who reportedly
experience high rates of harassment
and violence in the country. According
to Immigration Equality, the immigration
judge handling Avendano-Hernandezs
case wrongly referred to her as a gay man
instead of a transgender woman.
Representing Avendano-Hernandez in
her case were the Santa Ana, Calif.-based
Public Law Center and the D.C.-based law
rm Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP.
Transgender advocates hailed the
decision for establishing precedent in
the Ninth Circuit that would benet
individuals seeking refuge in the United
States after they face discrimination
overseas on the basis of gender identity.
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1 4 S EPTE MB ER 11, 2015
I N T E RN A T I O N A L N E W S
China TV addresses LGBT rights in watershed program

State-run outlet reportedly
delayed broadcast
By PW MARCHANT
EDITORS NOTE: PW Marchant is a freelance
reporter in China writing for the Blade.
In any authoritarian country, controlling

the ow of information is always key to
the survival of the regime.
And in a month in which the news
agenda in China should have been
dominated by the twin disasters that were
the deadly Tianjin industrial explosion
and the stock market crash, its state
media did everything possible to stymie
any negative coverage of the events.
Yet, amid all this, state broadcaster China
Central Television (CCTV) transmitted a
half-hour discussion on LGBT rights in
China a topic, which even in quieter
months would not have been shown on
television since any discussion related to
human rights is banned in the country.
In a way then, the Aug. 23 edition of
Dialogue a regular 30-minute singletopic current aairs show on CCTV could
be regarded as something of a watershed
moment in Chinese broadcasting.
But before we get too far ahead of
ourselves, its worth pointing out that few
could actually watch or would have bothered
to watch that program here in China.
For a start, Dialogue is shown on the
English-language channel CCTV News,
which is unavailable through an aerial in
domestic Chinese homes.
Formerly known as CCTV English, its
aimed at an international audience and
is part of the Chinese governments plan
to promote its own viewpoint to counter
those oered by the Western media. Here
in China, its usually available only to those
sitting in an international hotel room or are
privy to an expensive cable subscription
that also includes CNN and the BBC.
And given the low level of trust in state
media by Chinese viewers, even those
who have access are unlikely to ever want
to watch any of its output online all
unblocked behind the Great Firewall of
China, of course.
The silver lining here is that this
lack of domestic audience does allow
the channel to occasionally push the
boundaries of censorship. In the case of
Dialogue, one well-informed insider tells
us the host, Yang Rui, is always keen to
push the boundaries as far as he can for
the sake of his own credibility.
The transmission of the program,
however, was initially cancelled then
postponed by a few weeks. Billed as a
discussion on Attitudes towards LGBT
rights, this particular edition of Dialogue
had originally been recorded a month
XIAOGANG WEI appears on Dialogue, a

current aairs program that airs on the
state-run China Central Television.
PHOTO COURTESY OF XIAOGANG WEI
earlier and, according to the guests on

the show, its original transmission date
was pulled from the schedules with a few
days notice in late July, with producers
citing objection and unease from higher
up in an internal email.
Another source close to the program
also revealed to the Washington Blade that
the program host had initially lobbied hard
for the topic in light of the U.S. Supreme
Court legalizing same-sex marriage, and
later objected strongly to management for
their decision before nally allowing the
show to air in late August.
Given the on-going drama behind the
scene, international viewers might nd
the show itself to be rather tame, with
human rights being eetingly discussed
at the start before the focus switched to
love and respect for the LGBT community.
But one of the guests, Xiaogang Wei,
founder and director at Queen Comrades
which is Chinas only non-prot LGBT
webcast told the Blade how the
discussion progressed wasnt hugely
important overall.
It wasnt a perfect show but its better
than talking about coming out or how to
be gay in Chinese society the usual
ways to talk about our community on
Chinese television.
It was great to use human rights
language, to talk about what rights LGBTs
want, discriminationall very important
content, said Wei, who was also fascinated
by the tussle to get the show to air.
Fellow panelist and activist Adam
Robbins, community editor at City
Weekend Beijing magazine, was surprised
to see human rights being mentioned at
the start of the show.
Yang Rui asked the question about
homosexuality being a human right in
China at the start in order to cover his

own back. Hed probably had to ght to
get his show on air because his bosses
wouldve shot him down for talking about
human rights.
But Robbins also thinks the way the
host used love and respect was the
most indirect way to tackle human rights
without explicitly mentioning it.
Yes, the discussion veered o topic
but Yang probably saw this as his way
to tackle Chinese family life head on by
comparing LGBT rights to what Chinese
families experience everyday.
He did that through everyday emotions
such as love which is a basic right of
each individual. And often, people do
change their views on certain issues once
you speak to their hearts rather than
talking about this or that kind of rights,
Robbins concluded.
With the show now done, has a
precedent been set for future discussions
of similar topics on the domestic Chinese
channels, with potential audiences of
hundreds of millions?
A former employee of CCTV News with
intimate knowledge on the workings of
editorials and decision-making and who
prefers to remain anonymous is adamant
about the future.
No. The department that controls the
media (State Administration of Press,
Publication, Radio, Film and Television or
SAPPRFT) would never allow a discussion
on human rights in any form.
Chinese journalist and current aairs
commentator Xu Qinduo agrees and nds
no reason why anyone would push for
more of these programs to air in China.
Television reaches almost every
household in China. Theres nothing to
gain and potentially a lot to lose.
One reason is that culturally, Chinese

society remains very conservative. The
majority of people view the purpose of
marriage as, partly at least, producing a
child to carry on the family line. In this
sense, gay marriage is even more of a
remote concept in China.
Robbins disagrees, however, and
is hopeful about China for the next
generation, They probably let the show
out due to self-interests as maybe there
are leaders high up in the Communist
Party who are in the closet.
This edition of Dialogue could now
give cover to do more shows on CCTV
English which could then give more
cover for similar shows on the Chinese
channels. Perhaps even editorials will
come out in favor of LGBT rights.
Wei strikes an even more optimistic note.
At least people can now use this show
as a reference and say CCTV talked about
LGBT rights and marriage equality so they
cant be accused of never talking about
the subject anymore.
Qinduo though sees the potential for
the Internet to further such discussions.
No doubt Chinese society is becoming
more tolerant toward the gay community.
Young people in urban China in particular
are increasingly accepting of friends
who are gay. So, you see much more of
presence of the gay community in social
and other forms of Internet-based media
than on newspapers and TV.
For now, that may indeed be true. But
with scores of human rights activists and
lawyers being rounded up, journalists
having to toe the line and restrictions on
the internet being policed more heavily
than ever, it could be an interesting battle
ahead for public discussions of LGBT rights
be it on the Internet or on television.
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WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
16 S E PT E M B E R 11, 201 5
BA LT I MO RE N E W S
New president aims to address centers problems

Jabari Lyles, the new president of
the board of directors for the Gay,
Lesbian Bisexual and Transgender
Community Center of Baltimore
and Central Maryland (GLCCB),
understands he has a challenge to
right the centers ship and restore
condence in the 38-year-old nonprot.
My No. 1 priority is identifying
appropriate, reliable and stable
leadership at all levels, Lyles, who
is a teacher and works with GLSEN
Baltimore, said in an interview.
Eective leadership will add value
and credibility to our organization, has
been sorely needed, and will begin
Its time for us to reboot, said
JABARI LYLES.
the process of mending the GLCCBs
PHOTO BY BOB FORD
relationship with the community.
Lyles became the fourth board
president in the past 10 months, and
combined with the fact there have been four executive directors in the past 16
months, there has been a growing concern regarding the GLCCBs stability. We
need to be much better at setting our leaders up for success so they are best
poised to lead, Lyles said. I feel the rst step is stepping back and clarifying and
perhaps recalibrating our mission and purpose. Its time for us to reboot.
Lyles acknowledges that there is a perception that the GLCCB historically
becomes less visible following the completion of the annual Pride events,
which are run by the center. He notes that the organization provides myriad
services and programs that are not widely known. We are hoping to expand our
programs and outreach strategies to better support the communitys needs and
to keep the community better informed, he said.
Addressing the nancial problems that have plagued the center for years, Lyles
says that a multifaceted approach is needed to repair the damage created by
the missteps of many people. Among the remedies Lyles believes is needed is
stronger nancial oversight and recordkeeping so that more scrutiny is directed
toward how much money is spent and why as well as who is appropriating the
funds.
As the rst African-American to hold this oce in decades, Lyles said that
he alone cannot improve race relations within the LGBT community. Yet he
intends to lead the GLCCB in a direction that visibly recognizes and works
against racism in all its forms, intentionally works to uplift those who are most
marginalized, encourages and eventually leads conversations about oppression,
intersectionality and authentically serving communities of color.
GLSEN 2015 Youth Summit on tap

The 2015 LGBTQ Youth Summit, sponsored by GLSEN Baltimore, will take
place on Sept. 19 at the Student Union Building at Towson University. The daylong event for LGBTQ high school students ages 13-19 and allies throughout
Maryland and the surrounding areas will feature numerous activities, educational
workshops, an opportunity to meet and network with peers and community
resources, free dinner and a dance to end the night.
Workshops include: Bisexuality, Coming Out, Racism in the LGBTQ Community,
Gender Theory, Trans Perspectives, Starting and Maintaining a GSA, Know your
Legal Rights, Voguing, Yoga in Your Toolbox and Craft Making, among others.
Our annual youth summit is easily our most anticipated and well-attended
event of the year, said Jabari Lyles, co-chair and education manager of GLSEN
Baltimore. Since we are simply more connected with more schools statewide,
we expect one of the largest turnouts ever for this years summit.
This year GLSEN added a special workshop track for teachers, according to
Lyles, which includes helpful, reective conversation about being a supportive
educator and features a mini-safe space training.
There is no charge for the event but reservations need to be made online.
STEVE CHARING
SE P T E MBE R 1 1 , 2 0 1 5 1 7
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WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
18 S E PT E M B E R 11, 201 5
H E A LT H N E W S
PrEP failsafe in study of 657 Calif. residents

NEW YORK The largest
private health insurer in San
Francisco announced last week
that not one of its 657 clients on
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis)
contracted HIV over a two-year
period, the New York Times
reports.
A study published in Clinical
Infectious Diseases found that
Bay Area residents on PrEP,
almost all of whom were gay men,
did use condoms less frequently
and contracted other venereal
diseases as a result, although
none got HIV, the article said.
This is very reassuring data,
said Dr. Jonathan E. Volk, an
epidemiologist for the insurer,
Kaiser Permanente of San Francisco, and the studys lead author. It tells us that
PrEP works even in a high-risk population.
Observational studies like this one are not considered as scientically rigorous
as randomized clinical trials in which some participants receive a placebo. But
Volk and his colleagues followed a large number of men engaged in very risky
behavior from mid-2012, when the Food and Drug Administration approved
the use of a two-drug combination called Truvada for prevention of HIV
infection, through February of this year. That amounts to 388 person years of
observation, the Times reports.
The newest study lls in a critical gap by showing that PrEP can prevent
infections in a real-world public health program, said Mitchell J. Warren, the
executive director of AVAC, an organization lobbying for AIDS prevention.
About a third of all San Franciscans with private health insurance use Kaiser
Permanente, which has its own hospitals, doctors and pharmacies and tracks all
of its patients in one electronic records system, the Times reports.
About a third of all San Franciscans on PrEP receive the drug through Kaiser,
and its doctors urge all their clients who are at risk to ask if PrEP is right for them,
Volk said, according to the Times article. All but four of the 657 participants
in the Kaiser study were gay men, and 84 percent of them reported multiple
sexual partners. After starting PrEP, half of them became infected with syphilis,
gonorrhea or chlamydia within a year, the New York Times article said.
After the participants had six months of PrEP use, Volks team surveyed
143 about their sexual behavior. More than 40 percent said that their use of
condoms had decreased. The vast majority, 74 percent, said that their number
of sexual partners had remained the same.
Ill. professor wins grant to study bi women

~
202.319.8541 www.lgbtc.com Se habla espanol
CHICAGO The National Institutes of Health has awarded a $371,538 grant

to Wendy Bostwick, associate professor in the School of Nursing and Health
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VIEWPOINT
VOLUME
46
ISSUE
37
ADDRESS
PO Box 53352
Washington DC 20009
Privilege by Gaslight
Our would-be masters
divide and conquer
RICHARD J. ROSENDALL is a writer and activist.

Reach him at rrosendall@starpower.net.
If you didnt know better, recent news

might have you thinking that anyone with
a Hispanic accent is an alien; that activists
protesting police violence are cop killers;
and that a government ocials religious
freedom entitles her to impose her beliefs on an entire county.
Enough of these brazen falsehoods
could drive a person crazy. This is called
gaslighting after Charles Boyers eorts
in the 1944 movie Gaslight to make Ingrid Bergman think she is losing her mind
so he can get her out of the way and steal
her aunts jewels.
When Univision news anchor Jorge Ramos challenged Donald Trumps promise
to deport 11 million undocumented workers, he was treated like an undocumented worker himself. Trump has slandered
Mexicans and used one murder to support

a media narrative about criminal hordes
ooding America that is entirely at odds
with the facts. Undocumented immigrants
in fact have a lower crime rate. Trump subsequently described Ramos as raving like
a madman. This is like describing women
who assert themselves as hysterical. When
Trump contemptuously ordered Ramos
removed, the other reporters should have
walked out. If tough questions are o-limits, we have a celebrity media availability,
not a press conference.
These crude tactics appeal to the
Trumpen Proletariat (a term coined by
conservative writer Jonah Goldberg): the
sort of people who vehemently opposed
Obamacare but now favor single payer
just because Trump is for it. Goodbye,
coherent politics. Hello, fearless leader
defended by a mob.
On the marriage equality front, we
learned last week that County Clerk Kim
Davis in Rowan County, Kentucky, jailed
for contempt after citing Gods authority in refusing to issue marriage licenses,
has divorced three times. While married
to her rst husband she conceived twins
by her third, which were adopted by her
second. You could get whiplash keeping
track of her adulteries, but somehow
gay couples are the ones destroying the
family. Encouragingly, groups seeking to
cash in on her alleged martyrdom have
encountered a roadblock, as GoFundMe
E DIT OR IA L C A R T OON
prohibits campaigns for anyone facing

formal charges or claims of serious violations of the law. And Jesus never said,
Blessed are the grifters.
Next we turn to public safety. James
Madison warned in 1787, The means of defense against foreign danger, have been always the instruments of tyranny at home.
Radley Balko observes in Rise of the Warrior Cop that todays police are driving
tanks and armored personnel carriers on
American streets, breaking into homes
and killing dogs over pot. Theyre subjecting homes and businesses to commando
raids for white-collar and even regulatory
oenses. Thus the problem goes beyond
police killings of unarmed black men.
Police are held immune from punishment for actions that would land ordinary
citizens in prison. The oending ocers
may be a minority, but police culture condones and covers up the abuse. Dismissing legitimate reform proposals by crying
All Lives Matter or Blue Lives Matter
amounts to telling the abused to shut up
and take it, or denying that disparate treatment occurs, or condoning it. Killings of police ocers are actually lower than in previous decades. A spike in murders in a few
cities does not constitute a national crime
wave, much less excuse brutality and lawlessness by public safety ocers.
Paramilitary policing and over-policing
undermine community trust, harming police eectiveness. Change will not occur
without public pressure, whether the victims are white families terrorized in midnight drug raids or black motorists dying
in police custody after missing a lanechange signal. If we take the bait when
Fox News and Ted Cruz blame Black Lives
Matter activists for an ocers murder
without evidence, opponents of accountability will divide and conquer, infringing
both our safety and our freedom.
Allowing ourselves to be gaslighted undermines everything from the evaluation
of candidates to the functions of a county
clerk to the safety of the public. We are
at our best when we refuse to be stampeded into defending the privileged or
scorning journalistic scrutiny or devaluing
civil liberties.
Treating members of a particular class
or profession as a rule unto themselves
undermines social cohesion and respect
for the law. Those who stand up to them
remind us that preserving our freedoms
requires self-respecting resistance to ofcial misconduct.
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I N SI D E LG BT W A SH I N G T O N
The next step in D.C. crime ght

Mayor should call citywide
meeting to address spree
PETER ROSENSTEIN is a D.C.-based LGBT rights

and Democratic Party activist. He writes regularly
for the Blade.
In response to the spike in homicides in the

District of Columbia, At-Large Council member
Anita Bonds brought together a diverse group
of city leaders to begin a discussion on what
the community thinks would be appropriate
solutions to deal with this crime spree and to
focus on strategies to accomplish them.
I submitted a number of questions to
Bonds oce including: Does she think this
meeting should have been a citywide meeting called by the mayor? Will she urge the
mayor to hold such a meeting? What does
she think of the mayors response to the
crime spree? And does she still have full condence in Chief Cathy Lanier? I received no
response to those questions.

Though there was little advance notice of
the meeting according to Bonds oce there
were more than 130 ANC commissioners and
civic leaders from every ward in attendance.
Also there were members of the mayors
cabinet and representatives from the MPPD
and the attorney generals oce. Participating were DCPS Chancellor Kaya Henderson,
Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Kevin Donahue, Assistant Chief of Police Diane Groomes,
Department of Employment Services Director
Deborah Carroll, DC Housing Authority Director Adrian Todman, Commander Robin Hoey,
Assistant Attorney General for Public Safety
Michael Aniton, and Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency Associate Director
Cedric Hendricks.
Bonds opened the meeting saying, We
all have an important role to play in our citys
safety. By working together with elected ofcials, civic leaders, residents, and business
owners and employees, we will have a unied
community approach to combat the rise in
community violence. D.C. Council Chair Phil
Mendelson and Council member Elissa Silverman also made remarks.
Attendees were asked to break into smaller
discussion groups in which ANC commissioners and community leaders shared their ideas
with other government ocials on a variety
of topics including: Building Positive Youth

Behavior; Safe Housing and Community;
Job Training, Placement and Mentoring; Law
Enforcement Strategies in Neighborhoods;
Legislative Initiatives; and Healthy Productive
Lifestyles (mental health, substance abuse
treatment, nutrition). After the small group
meetings each group presented their recommendations. Following the meeting, Bonds
said she would be compiling a report on all the
recommendations that came out of the meeting. The question we need to ask is: What will
happen with that report?
Bonds deserves our gratitude for calling this
meeting. She has spent many years working
on issues of importance to people in D.C. and
has turned into an activist Council member.
This meeting is a good beginning to getting
community input on what they believe needs
to be done to ght this crime spree. But one
question to which there is no answer yet is
why it was left to one Council member to call
such a meeting.
While I applaud the mayor for her eorts
and proposed new initiatives, the time has
come for the mayor, attorney general and
Council chair to cooperate and invest city
funds and the planning needed to hold a citywide town hall to create more synergy in response to the escalation of crime in the District.
We have had such citywide meetings at the
Convention Center in the past and thousands

have come together to share their thoughts
and set an agenda to work on a broad spectrum of issues. The time is right to host such
a meeting focusing on setting the community
agenda to respond to the current crime spree.
The broad range of issues brought up at the
Bonds meeting, and others not mentioned
there, deserve exploration and surely there
are more than 130 people with ideas who can
contribute to the discussion.
While we can look at statistics and know the
huge spike in homicides is focused in certain
parts of the District, the answers on how to deal
with the root issues of this crime spree must
come from every part of the District. We have a
collective responsibility to make the lives of every person who lives here better. When someone commits a heinous crime against someone else in our community they are committing
it against all of us. When one family mourns the
loss of a son, daughter, mother, father, or lover
we all mourn with them. After all, though the
District is made up of eight wards and countless
communities, we are one family and must take
responsibility for making life better for each and
every individual. We should look to the African
proverb It Takes a Village and accept for us in
the District of Columbia that village is 630,000
strong and encompasses every community
and all eight wards.
VIEWPOINT
Celebrating the multi-dimensional life of Oliver Sacks

Gay author and neurologist
wrote about his patients
KATHI WOLFE, a writer and poet, is a regular

contributor to the Blade. She was a 1998-1999
Rosalynn Carter Mental Health Journalism
Fellow.
At worst, one is in motion; and at best/

Reaching no absolute, in which to rest,/
One is always nearer by not keeping still,
the late gay poet Thom Gunn wrote in On
the Move.
No one was more on the move than
Oliver Sacks, the neurologist and acclaimed
author who died at 82 on Aug. 30 from cancer. Sacks, whose passions ranged from the
mysteries of the brain to piano playing to
motorcycle rides with the Hells Angels to savoring gelte sh, revealed that he was gay
in his 2015 memoir On the Move.

Gunn and Sacks were good friends. For
his autobiography, Sacks used the title of his
friends poem. I never knew or met Sacks.
Yet, Id bet that Gunns words resonate not
only for Sacks loved ones and colleagues
but for his many readers. Its hard to think
of anyone who was in more motion or kept
less still than Sacks.
Sacks was renowned not only for seeing
his patients as human beings rather than as
mere collections of symptoms, but for his
elegant, compelling writing of their stories
in numerous books from Awakenings to
The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat.
He spoke of these often spellbinding case
studies as neurological novels. Sacks tales
of his patients, modeled on the case histories and explorations of 19th doctors and
naturalists, were Chekhovian in their drama.
The story of Dr. P, who thinks his wifes
head is a hat because his brain keeps
him from knowing what hes seeing, is a
page-turner. The case study of Dr. P, The
Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat, was
made into a one-act chamber opera of the
same name.
Awakenings is a riveting account of how
Sacks in 1969 gave the drug L-dopa then
a new drug in the treatment of Parkinsons

disease to patients whod been catatonic
for decades from an atypical form of encephalitis, known as sleeping sickness. The
book vividly describes how the patients reacted when they emerged after years of being shut out from the world. Awakenings,
which brought Sacks fame, was made into
a 1990 movie starring Robin Williams and
Robert De Niro.
Sacks, who was born in London in 1933,
grew up in an Orthodox Jewish household
where his parents were both doctors. I was
encouraged from the start to interrogate, to
investigate, he wrote in Uncle Tungsten,
his memoir about how he became interested in science as a child.
His bar mitzvah was the end of his formal
Jewish practice, Sacks wrote in Sabbath,
an opinion piece he penned for the New
York Times just a few weeks before his
death. I did not embrace the ritual duties
of a Jewish adult ... and I gradually became
more indierent to the beliefs and habits of
my parents, he wrote, though there was no
particular point of rupture until I was 18.
Then, Sacks told his father that he liked
boys.
I havent done anything, I said, its just a
feeling but dont tell Ma, she wont be able

to take it, he wrote.
But his father ignored his instructions and
told his mother. After that, Sacks wrote, his
mother, shrieked at me: You are an abomination. I wish you had never been born.
When Sacks was a child during World
War II, he was evacuated from London. He
was sent to a boarding school where the
headmaster badly beat him. His interest in
medicine was partly prompted when one
of his brothers developed schizophrenia.
In his 20s, Sacks ew to America to escape
the oppressive treatment of LGBT people in
the U.K. I had a peculiar feeling of freedom.
I was no longer in London, no longer in Europe, this was the New World and within
limits I could do what I wanted, Sacks
wrote in On the Move about his stay at the
Y in San Francisco.
After several dicult experiences of unrequited love and 35 years of celibacy, Sacks
met the love of his life Billy Hayes in 2008.
We have a tranquil, many-dimensional
sharing of lives a great and unexpected gift
in old age, after a lifetime of keeping at a distance, Sacks wrote.
Thank you, Dr. Sacks, for your multi-dimensioned life and writing. R.I.P.
SE P T E MBE R 1 1 , 2 0 1 5 2 3
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WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
SEPTEMBER
11,
2015
25
Margaret goes psyCHO

Stand-up legend and LGBT
ally to play D.C. Oct. 9
really excited about doing it. Its a great

way to celebrate the marriage equality
decision by the Supreme Court so thats a
wonderful thing.
By JOEY DiGUGLIELMO
joeyd@washblade.com
BLADE: Where were you when the

decision came? How did you feel?
CHO: I was in San Francisco and it was
the very beginning of gay Pride weekend
and I had done an event that Thursday
night. Then on Friday, I was going to leave
and right before I was going I saw that
and I was so moved. Its just so moving
and really rewarding to see that you can
affect change. It takes a long time to make
it happen. Ive been working on marriage
equality since 2004, so its been a while
but its a real testament to everybody who
got involved and spoke up and made it
happen.
Margaret Cho is her usual busy self.

Shes prepping a new album of music,
her second, for a late 2015 release. She
earned laughs for her critique of Miley
Cyrus at the VMAs while guesting on a
newly retooled Fashion Police on E! and
opened up in a Billboard interview last
week that she was sexually abused and
raped repeatedly while growing up in San
Francisco. She teased the new album by
playing one of her songs called I Want to
Kill My Rapist.
Cho, a long-time LGBT ally and activist,
has offered a block of 100 tickets for the
Oct. 9 D.C. date of her psyCHO Tour to
Brother Help Thyself, which she says she
is thrilled to do. A Marry Me Margaret
contest is underway in which couples can
enter a contest in each city. Cho will marry
one set of winners at each stop on her tour.
In March, she previewed the tour with a
performance at the Gramercy Theatre in
New York that will premiere on Showtime
on Sept. 25, just before the tour kicks off
in Michigan on Oct. 1. We caught up with
her by phone from her Los Angeles home.
BLADE: Is the tour going to be pretty

much the show you taped in New York or
was that something different?
CHO: There will be some things the
same and some things different. The
show is really about current events too
and that shifts over time so it winds up
being somewhat different each time its
performed. Thats just part of the kind of
work I do. Its always very live and so theres
a lot of option for turnover.
BLADE: Will you be singing on the tour
as well?
CHO: A little bit, yes. Maybe one or two
songs.
WASHINGTON BLADE: How did the

marriage contest come about? Is it only
open to LGBT couples?
MARGARET CHO: I urge LGBT couples
to come and be part of this. Its something
I was able to do at City Hall in 2006 when it
was legal in San Francisco. I got deputized
by Gavin Newsom to do it. Its a great honor
and now Im able to do it everywhere.
BLADE: How did the taping go back in

March?
CHO: It was great, really phenomenal.
I love performing there and I always love
doing these specials too. Its been a while.
I hadnt done one for a couple of years,
so it was really great to get back to it. I
have a whole bunch of them now and its
something I want to keep doing.
BLADE: The contest rules say

the entries may not be profane,
offensive, pornographic, defamatory or
inappropriate as determined by sponsor.
Hello? In a Margaret Cho contest?
CHO: (laughs) I wanted the entries to be
brief. If you had all those things, it could
get really wordy and long, so I just want
people to present a very brief entry about
why they think I should marry them and
then Ill pick one couple from each city. Im
BLADE: Tell me about this painting

made from your blood. Whats that about?
CHO: I have a friend who was on death
row, Damien Echols and through the
efforts of myself and many others, he was
CONTINUES ON PAGE 50
MARGARET CHO says shes thrilled a portion of the proceeds from her D.C. show will go to Brother
Help Thyself.
PHOTO BY AUSTIN YOUNG
QUEERY
James Fondle/Lee Winnike
26
SEPTEMBER
11,
2015
WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
Queery
James Fondle/Lee Winnike
PHOTO COURTESY OF WINNIKE
The local boylesque performer

answers 20 gay questions
By JOEY DiGUGLIELMO
joeyd@washblade.com
What does Lee Winnike do? It depends on which day you ask.
By day he studies social work at Gallaudet University. Hes also a boylesque performer
and is co-producing the upcoming show Basic Instinct on Oct. 17 at Phase 1 with
Pussy Noir to highlight boylesque, draglesque and other gender expressions through
entertainment. He also organizes an LGBT American Sign Language class at the DC
Center. And hes a sex educator at Lotus Blooms, an adult boutique in Alexandria, Va.
The 26-year-old Covington, Ky., native went to college in Dayton, Ohio, then came to
Washington four years ago because, as he puts it, compared to Dayton, Ohio, theres so
many more queers here.
Hes single and lives in Trinidad near the Gallaudet campus. Winnike enjoys Netix,
eating and lying in bed in his free time. Follow him as James Fondle on Facebook for
details of upcoming performances.
How long have you been out and who

was the hardest person to tell?
Ive been out as queer for six years and out
as transgender for three years. The hardest
people to tell were my grandma and
grandpa. I had some wild anxiety dreams
before telling them, but they ended up
being supportive in their own way.
Whos your LGBT hero?
Marsha P. Johnson
Whats Washingtons best

nightspot, past or present?
Overeasy, Makers Lab Events and my
friend is organizing a Gndrf*ck party Im
excited to check out.
Describe your dream wedding.

Outdoor on a beautiful spring day, full
of campy 1950s decorations and props,
and of course all of my favorite people
dressed to the nines.
What non-LGBT issue are you most

passionate about?
I think LGBTQ issues tie into all the issues
we face today because of the diversity
within the LGBTQ community.
What historical outcome

would you change?
You know in movies when people go
back in time, eat a potato chip, and then
it alters existence forever? Yeah, I am not
sure if I want to touch that one.
Whats been the most memorable pop

culture moment of your lifetime?
I will never forget when t.A.T.u. kissed on
stage because I was watching with my
mom. Painfully awkward conversations
ensued.
On what do you insist?
Please, for the love of the Goddess, tell
me if I have spinach in my teeth.
202.747.2077
What was your last

Facebook post or Tweet?
If you missed my Hedwig act, Im doing
it again tonight at the pinch! Tickets

often sell out so get yours in advance if
interested
If your life were a book,
what would the title be?
Where did my keys go?
If science discovered a way to change

sexual orientation, what would you do?
Iwouldnt change a thing.
What do you believe in
beyond the physical world?
I dont have many rm beliefs, but
I wouldnt necessarily be surprised
ifBeyonchad supernatural powers.
Whats your advice for
LGBT movement leaders?
Listen to the young change makers from
all movements; protect femmes of color.
What would you walk

across hot coals for?
My friends
What LGBT stereotype

annoys you most?
That we all t easily into one category. I
have identied with each of the LGBTQ
letters at one point in my life.
Whats your favorite LGBT movie?
I have to go with the classic, Paris is
Burning
Whats the most overrated social

custom?
The eight-hour work day.
What trophy or prize

do you most covet?
For the next two years it is any scholarship
I can nd.
What do you wish youd known at 18?

You are not as alone as you think you are.
Why Washington?
I love my community here.
fall season
SE P T E MBE R 1 1 , 2 0 1 5 2 7
THE FIX
WHATEVER IT TAKES TO WIN

Now through September 20
Pride Night: September 11
#SigFix
Cake Off
Only one will be standing
when the timer dings.
September 29 November 22
Pride Nights: October 16 and
November 6
#SigCakeOff
girlstar
How far is too far to be a star?

October 13 November 15
Pride Night: November 13
#SigGirlstar
WEST SIDE
STORY
The greatest musical
of all time
December 8 January 24
Pride Night: January 8
#SigWestSide
DANCE
28
SEPTEMBER
11,
2015
WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
Invitation to dance
STEP AFRIKA! performs at VelocityDCs Dance Festival in October.

PHOTO BY EDWARD C. JONES; COURTESY OF BUCKLESWEET MEDIA
Regional troupes explore

culture, collaboration
in fall offerings
By MARIAH COOPER
The fall brings an abundance of dance
performances from classical ballet and
contemporary dance to cultural dances
from India and Latin America.
Arena Stage at the Mead Center for
American Theater hosts a free Latin
America dance party on Sept. 13 at
the Catwalk Caf at the Mead Center for
American Theater (1101 6th St., S.W.)
following the 7:30 p.m. performance of the
play Destiny of Desire. Dance instructors
will teach the Cha Cha Ch, Rueda de
Casino,Afro-CubanRumbaand more. There
will also be cocktails. The dance party is free
with a ticket purchase to Dance of Desire.
For more information, visit arenastage.org.
VelocityDC holds its seventh annual
Dance Festival at Sidney Harman Hall
(610 F St., N.W.) on Oct. 15 at 8 p.m.,
Oct. 16 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 17 at 2 and 8
p.m. Performers include Step Afrika!, the
Washington Ballets Studio Company,
Shannon Dunne Dance, Malayaworks

Dance Theater, Footworks Percussive
Dance Ensemble and more. Tickets are
$18. For more details, visit velocitydc.org
Dakshina/Daniel Phoenix Singh holds
its 12th annual Fall Festival of Indian Arts at
Atlas Performing Arts Center (1333 H St.,
N.E.) this fall. On Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m., C. V.
Chandrasekhar gives a dance performance
in the Paul Sprenger Theatre. On Oct. 31at
7:30 p.m., Rama Vaidyanathan gives a
classical Indian dance performance. On
Nov. 1 at 4 p.m., Mallika Sarabhai also
performs. Tickets are $35 for general
admission and $20 for students. For more
information, visit dakshina.org.
Dissonance Dance Theatre presents
Dance
Noir,
dance
performances
accompanied with dark and dramatic
classical music scores, at the Joy of Motion
Dance Center (5207 Wisconsin Ave., N.W.)
on Oct. 17 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 18 at 7 p.m.
Tickets range from $15-18 online and are
$25 at the door. For more details, visit
ddtdc.org.
Dance Place (3225 8th St., N.E.)
presents an evening of Cuban dance
with dance company D.C. Casineros and
Ernesto Gato Gatell in tribute to Cuban
guitarist Ernesto Tamayo on Oct. 10 at 8

p.m. and Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. After the dance
performance, Gatell and his band will
perform Son, Mambo and Guaracha music
for the whole audience to dance along
with Yudisleidy Valdez Mena and member
of the D.C. Casineros dance company.
On Oct. 24 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 25 at 7
p.m., Dance Place presents 2 Decades
by Bowen McCauley Dance. The
performance will include excerpts from
Lucys Playlist and Bach Chaconne in D
Minor. The National Chamber Ensemble
will also play music as accompaniment
to the performances. General admission
advanced tickets for the Dance Place
performances are are $25. Advanced
tickets for Dance Place Members, seniors
and artists tickets are $20. Tickets for
college students and children under 17
years old are $15. Tickets at the door are
$30. For more details, visit danceplace.org.
The Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.)
holds many dance performances this fall.
Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance
Company presents Fluency in Four on
Sept. 19-20. The company will perform
Burgesss
works
Picasso
Dances,
Mandala, Conuence and his latest
work We Choose to Go to the Moon, a

collaboration with NASA. Tickets range
from $28-45.
Sivam Inc. presents Utsav: Celebrating
Indias Maestros of Music and Dance
on Oct. 2-4. The dance performances are
on Oct. 3 at 2 p.m. with Bharatanatyam
Ballet performing a dance, poetry, music
and theater version of the novel Don
Quixote by Miguel Cervantes. On Oct. 4
at 7 p.m. Odissi dancer Madhavi Mudgal
and her dancers perform classical Indian
dance. Tickets range from $40-50.
On Oct. 28-30 Ronald K. Brown/
Evidence and Jason Moran and the
Bandwagon perform Jason+ a mix of
dance and jazz. Performances include
Why You Follow, an Afro-Cuba dance,
One Shot, a dance interpretation of
Charles Tennie Harriss life and more.
Tickets range from $29-59.
Tony Award-Winning choreographer
Twyla Tharp celebrates ve decades
of her work on Nov. 11-14. Dancers will
perform her choreographed works that
span Broadway musicals, Hollywood lms,
television and modern and ballet dance
companies.Tickets range from $34-65.
For more details, visit kennedy-center.org.
SE P T E MBE R 1 1 , 2 0 1 5 2 9
SPECIAL REMOUNT
BAD JEWS
BY JOSHUA HARMON
DIRECTED BY SERGE SEIDEN
6
01
-2
15
20
DEC 3, 2015 - JAN 3, 2016
Joshua Harmons savage comedy about

family, faith, and legacy follows three
cousins and their verbal battle royale over
a family heirloom. The best-selling play in
Studios history returns for a holiday run.
CHIMERICA
An epic thriller that tracks two decades of

US-China relations as it considers political
change, personal responsibility, and lives forever
changed by the crosswinds of politics and history.
NS
TIO
IP
CR
BS
SU 0
AY $22
PL T
E- T A
FIV TAR
S
AI
NOW PLAYING
SE
RI
S a ra h M a r s h a l l
ES
G
OR
E.
TR
EA
TH
IO
UD
ST
BY LUCY KIRKWOOD
DIRECTED BY DAVID MUSE
US PREMIERE
THE APPLE
FAMILY CYCLE
BY RICHARD NELSON
DIRECTED BY SERGE SEIDEN
OCT 28 - DEC 13, 2015

Over meals and through conversation,
the Apples grapple with the changes
the years have wrought, both for
themselves and for America
in the final two plays of
Nelsons cycle.
BETWEEN RIVERSIDE
AND CRAZY
A boisterous and unflinching dark comedy about
the thorny nature of belonging, family relationships, and what it means to a call a place home.
Winner of the 2015 Pulitzer Prize.
BY DEIRDRE KINAHAN
DIRECTED BY ETHAN MCSWEENY
MAR 16 - APR 24, 2016

A long-absent son, an ailing mother,
and the long-simmering resentments of
two sisters collide in this intimate and
explosive family drama.
HEDDA GABLER
BY HENRIK IBSEN
IN A NEW VERSION BY
MARK OROWE
DIRECTED BY MATT TORNEY
MAY 11 - JUN 19, 2016

Mark ORowes stunning contemporary
adaptation is a mesmerizing study of
power, control, and self-deception,
offering a nuanced portrait of one
of the most fascinating figures
in modern drama.
DIRECTED BY
DAVID MUSE
FEB 10-MAR 6
2016
MOMENT
K a t e E a s t w o o d N o rr i s
JAN 13 - FEB 28, 2016
CONSTELLATIONS
BY STEPHEN ADLY GUIRGIS

DIRECTED BY BRIAN MACDEVITT
BY NICK PAYNE
ANIMAL
BY CLARE LIZZIMORE
DIRECTED BY
GAYE TAYLOR UPCHURCH
WORLD PREMIERE
SEP 30-OCT 25
2015
A darkly comic play about the underside of domesticity, the complexity

of the brain in chaos, and the thin line between sinking and survival.
Theoretical physicist meets beekeeper,

but the story branches off from there. An
intimate and imaginative romance that
plays out the infinite possibilities of a
single relationship.
CONCERTS
30
SEPTEMBER
11,
2015
WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
Diva trifecta
Kelly, Madonna and Diana

kick off fall D.C. concert blitz
By CHRIS GERARD
The fall concert season gets rolling with
a three big-time pop stars spanning three
generations all performing within days of
each other in September.
Vocal powerhouse Kelly Clarkson has
back-to-back nights at Wolf Trap (1551 Trap
Road, Vienna, Va.) on Sept. 12-13 at 7 p.m.
(wolftrap.org) Pop icon Madonna returns to
the Verizon Center (601 F St., N.W.) on Sept. 12
at 8 p.m. in support of her Rebel Heart album
(livenation.com or ticketmaster.com). Then if
that isnt enough diva power, the legendary
Diana Ross will be at the Strathmore (10701
Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, Md.) on Sept.
15 at 8 p.m. (strathmore.org) after a Sept. 13
show at Pier Six Pavilion (piersixpavilion.com)
in Baltimore.
Thats just the start of what is shaping
up to be an exciting concert season in
D.C. this fall. Perhaps the biggest event
is the Landmark Music Festival at West
Potomac Park (West Basin Drive, S.W.), a
a two-day event starting Saturday, Sept.
26 at noon and featuring an impressive
lineup including Drake, alt-J, The
Strokes, CHVRCHES, Chromeo, Ben
Howard, Band of Horses, fun. frontman
Nate Ruess and the War on Drugs. The
full line-up and more information is at
landmarkfestiva.org.
In addition to Madonna, the Verizon
Center has some real heavy hitters.
British pop sensation Ed Sheeran will
play two nights, Sept. 22-23 at 7:30 p.m.
R&B giant R. Kelly headlines on Sept. 26
at 8 p.m. Musical legend Stevie Wonder
performs on Oct. 3 at 8 p.m., and will play
his landmark album Songs of the Key of
Life in its entirety. A fantastic rock doublebill goes down on Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m., as
recent Hall of Fame inductees Joan Jett
and the Blackhearts open for the Who.
One of the hottest artists in the country,
pop/R&B sensation the Weeknd, takes the
MADONNA brings her Rebel Heart Tour to D.C. this weekend.

PHOTO BY PASCAL MANNAERTS; COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA
stage on Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m.

The 9:30 Club (815 V St. N.W.) as usual
has a host of top-notch talent slated for fall.
The reunited 90s shoegaze band Ride will
play on Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. Gay-fronted band
Years & Years play there Sept. 19 at 8 p.m.
Pop vocalist Tove Lo performs on Oct. 19 at
6 p.m., and the always-outrageous Peaches
returns on Oct. 26 at 7 p.m.. The highlight of
the season is the return of alternative-rock
legends Garbage, who will perform on Oct.
28-29 at 7 p.m. to celebrate 20th anniversary
of their debut album, which they will play in
its entirety. Details at 9:30.com.
Summer may be winding down, but
there are still some big shows upcoming
at Merriweather Post Pavilion (10475 Little
Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, Md.). Death
Cab for Cutie will take the stage on Sept.
13 at 7:30 p.m.. Fresh off a no. 1 album
with Sound & Color, Alabama Shakes
will perform on Sept. 18 at 8 p.m., and Of
Monsters and Men play Sept. 20 at 8 p.m.
Details at merriweathermusic.com.
If country music under the stars is your
idea of a perfect evening in September,
there are a couple big opportunities you
shouldnt miss at Jiffy Lube Live (7800
Cellar Door Drive, Bristow, Va.). Jason
Aldean will hit the stage on Sept. 12 at 7

p.m. while Brad Paisley will be there Sept.
26 at 7 p.m. Details at jiffylubelive.com.
If your thing is dancing, then Echostage
(2135 Queens Chapel Rd, N.E.) is the
place to be. Their fall line-up is highlighted
by British electronic duo Disclosure
supporting their new album Caracal
with shows on Oct. 21 (doors at 8 p.m.)
and Oct. 22 (opening at 9 p.m.) Dutch
electro/hip-hop star Stromae will perform
on Sept. 16 at 7 p.m. EDM hero Armin
van Buuren will have the place jumping
on Sept. 24, with doors opening at 9 p.m.
World-renowned DJ Kaskade will do the
same when he spins on Oct. 16. at 9 p.m.
Details at echostage.com.
The Birchmere, (3701 Mt. Vernon Ave.,
Alexandria, Va.), has an impressive lineup of talent on its calendar, highlighted
by Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell
performing together on Sept. 10 at 7:30
p.m. and the talented singer-songwriter
Patty Grifn on Sept. 29 at 7:30 p.m. The
renowned lesbian folk/rock duo Indigo
Girls perform on Nov. 2 at 7:30. Details at
birchmere.com.
The Howard Theatre (620 T St., N.W.)
hosts a CD party for the amazing Lizz
Wright on Sept. 11 at 8 p.m. Electronic

pioneers the Orb appear on Sept. 13 at
8 p.m. Lalah Hathaway will be there for
two nights on Sept. 26 and 28 at 8 p.m. For
more information and additional listings,
go to thehowardtheatre.com.
At the Lisner Auditorium at George
Washington University, (730 21st St., N.W),
Lucinda Williams will perform on Oct. 7
at 8 p.m., while Mavis Staples and Joan
Osborne bring their Solid Soul tour on
Oct. 31. at 8 p.m. (lisner.gwu.edu)
The Fillmore in Silver Spring (8656
Colesville Rd., Silver Spring, Md.) serves up
pop heartthrob Nick Jonas on Sept. 29 at
7:30 p.m. Details at llmoresilverspring.com.
Classical outt Seraphic Fire perform
Handels Coronation Anthems at St. Pauls
Episcopal Church (2430 K St., N.W.) on
Nov. 10. Theyll return in 2016 for two more
concerts there. Details at seraphicre.org.
Loretta Lynn plays Lincoln Theatre
(1215 U St., N.W.) on Sept. 27 at 6:30 p.m.
Other notable shows at the Lincoln include
FFS, an outstanding mashup of Sparks
and Franz Ferdinand, on Oct. 5 at 6:30
p.m., Kacey Musgraves for two nights
on Oct. 16-17 at 6:30 p.m., and Marina
and the Diamonds on Nov. 6 at 6:30 p.m.
Details at thelincolndc.com.
In addition to Kelly Clarkson, Wolf
Trap will host Broadway favorite Megan
Hilty on Oct. 9 at 7 and 9:30 p.m., iconic
lesbian vocalist Joan Armatrading for
two nights on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 at 7:30
p.m., Madeleine Peyroux on Nov. 17 at
8 p.m, Suzanne Vega with Duncan Sheik
on Nov. 18-19 at 8 p.m., and Rickie Lee
Jones on Nov. 20 at 8 p.m.. EagleBank
Arena (formerly the Patriot Center) will
host openly gay latin/pop superstar Ricky
Martin on Oct. 9 at 8 p.m. and Marc
Anthony on Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. Details at
eaglebankarena.com.
And three gay Strathmore dates to put
on your calendar for December Dave
Koz returns there on Dec. 4, the gayhelmed Philadelphia Orchestra will
perform on Dec. 7 and Michael Feinstein
is there Dec. 11. Details at strathmore.org.
SE P T E MBE R 1 1 , 2 0 1 5 3 1
PLUS
SAM BUSH 10/15
OCT 9
MEGAN HILTY
FOLK DANCES OF INDIA 10/17

OLD DOMINION 10/22
2 SHOWS!
2 SHOWS!
JONATHAN BISS, PIANO 10/23
CHAMBER MUSIC AT THE BARNS
WILLIE NILE 10/29

OCT 14
BENJAMIN CLEMENTINE
CATHERINE RUSSELL 10/30

JOAN ARMATRADING 10/31 + 11/1
MOUNTAIN HEART 11/8
PAUL THORN 11/10
OCT 16
CRYSTAL BOWERSOX
CALIFORNIA GUITAR TRIO 11/11

DEBBY BOONE 11/12
SETH GLIER
KUOK-WAI LIO, PIANO

ZOLTN FEJRVRI, PIANO 11/13
SISTER SPARROW
& THE DIRTY BIRDS
NOV 5
SONNY LANDRETH 11/21

JOHN EATON 11/27
WILD ADRIATIC
OVER THE RHINE 12/4

CALMUS 12/6
ON
SALE
NOW!
NOV 18 + 19
SUZANNE VEGA
DUNCAN SHEIK
NOV 20
RICKIE LEE JONES
AND MANY MORE!
GALLERIES
32
SEPTEMBER
11,
2015
WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
Layers of artistic expression

Touchstone multi-medium
exhibit among fall highlights
By MARIAH COOPER
The District receives a breath of fresh
air on the art scene with numerous gallery
exhibitions opening for fall viewing.
Touchstone Gallery (901 New York
Ave., N.W.) presents three exhibits
through Sept. 27. Layers is featured in
Gallery A with photography, paintings,
sculptures, hand-pulled prints, collages
and drawings focused on layers of color
on display. In Gallery B, Metropolis by
McCain McMurray, a series of art inspired
by cityscapes, is presented. Quarter
Sections by Janet Wheeler, artwork based
on oppositions, repetitions and variations
and more, is located in Gallery C. The
opening reception for these exhibits is on
Sept. 11 from 6-8:30 p.m. There will be
an encore reception on Sept. 26 from 2-4
p.m. and an artist talk at 3 p.m. For more
information, visit touchstonegallery.com.
Bethesda Gallery B (7700 Wisconsin
Ave., Bethesda, Md.) presents a group
exhibition of the eight nalists from the
Trawick Prize: Bethesda Contemporary Art
Awards through Sept. 26. Finalists include
Selin Balci, Lynn Cazabon, Catherine Day,
Jason Hughes, Tim Makepeace, Sebastian
Martorana, Jonathan Monaghan and Nara
Park. First place prize is for $10,000. The
opening reception is Sept. 11 from 6-9
p.m. For more details, visit Bethesda.org/
Bethesda/gallery-b-exhibitions.
Adah Rose Gallery (3766 Howard Ave.,
Kensington, Md.) presents Scott Hazard:
Memory Gardens from Sept.11-Oct. 31.
Hazards sculptures are created from torn
pieces of paper that are spaced apart and
aligned in wood to create a landscape
garden of words. This is Hazards rst
gallery show with Adah Rose Gallery. For
more details, visit adahrosegallery.com.
The National Portrait Gallery (8th and
F streets, N.W.) presents Dark Fields of the
Republic: Alexander Gardner Photographs
1859-1872 from Sept. 18-March 13.
Gardners photographs captured the Civil
War, post-Civil War, portraits of American
Indians and a rare portrait of Abraham Lincoln.
For more information, visit npg.si.edu.
Studio Gallery (2108 R St., N.W.)
presents Seeing Through the Minds Eye
by Deborah Addison Coburn through
Sept. 26. The exhibit is a combination of
oil and watercolor portraits created with
shapes and lines for a geometric take on
Belly Button Room Divider Prototype, a 1957 ceramic-and-metal rod work. Its on display at the
National Museum of Women in the Arts.
PHOTO BY BRENT BROLIN; COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WOMEN IN THE ARTS
faces. An artists reception will also be on

Sept. 19 at 3 p.m. For more information,
visit studiogallerydc.com.
Hillwood Museum (4155 Linnean Ave.,
N.W.) presents Ingenue to Icon: 70 Years
of Fashion from the Collection of Marjorie
Merriweather Post with summer fashions
showing through Sept. 27 and fall and
winter styles on display starting Oct. 1. The
collection spans Posts wardrobe from the

20th century and includes apper dresses
from the 1920s and gowns from the 1950s.
General admission tickets are $15, senior
tickets are $12, student tickets are $10 and
children 6-18 years old are $5. Members and
children under 6 years old are free. For more
information, visit hillwoodmuseum.org.
Transformer (1404 P St., N.W.) presents
The Temporary Art Repair Shop by Tobias

Sternberg from Oct. 3-30. Sternberg will
transform the space into a repair shop
and sculptors studio. The public is invited
to drop off their broken or ugly objects
and Sternberg will turn these objects into
works of art. If Sternberg chooses to use
the object, it will be on display until closing
day. The opening reception for the exhibit
is Oct. 3 from 6-8 p.m. For more details,
visit transformerdc.org.
The Phillips Collection (1600 21st
St., N.W.) presents Gauguin to Picasso:
Masterworks from Switzerland from Oct.
10-Jan 10. The exhibit pays tribute to
Rudolf Staechelin and Karl Im Obersteg
both from the city of Basel. They supported
Impressionist,
Post-Impressionist
and School of Paris artists. From their
collections, more than 60 paintings from
22 artists will be on display from the mid19th and 20th centuries. Adult tickets are
$12; student and senior tickets are $10.
Members and children under 18 years
old are free. For more information, visit
phillipscollection.org.
Freer and Sackler Galleries (1050
Independence
Ave.,
S.W.)
present
Statsu: Making Waves from Oct. 24-Jan.
31. The exhibit showcases more than 70
works from 17th century Japanese artist
Tawaraya Statsu. Works displayed include
Waves at Matsushima, Dragons and
Clouds as well as fans, paintings, hanging
scrolls and more. Admission is free. For
more details, visit asia.si.edu/exhibitions.
The National Museum of Women
in the Arts (1250 New York Ave., N.W.)
presents Pathmakers: Women in Art, Craft
and Design, Midcentury and Today from
Oct. 30-Feb. 28 featuring multi-media
work by Eva Zeisel, Vivianna Torun BulowHube, Rut Bryk, Vivian Beer and many
others. Details at nmwa.org.
The National Gallery of Art (6th and
Constitution Ave., N.W.) has multiple
exhibits coming on display this fall.
Woman in Blue Reading a Letter
by Johannes Vermeer, lent from the
Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, is on display
from Sept. 19-Dec. 1. The Serial Impulse
at Gemini will be on display from Oct.
4-Feb. 7. The exhibit showcases 17 artists
works produced at the Los Angeles print
workshop Gemini G.E.L. Celebrating
Photography at the National Gallery of
Art: Recent Gifts will be on display from
Nov. 1-March 27. These photographs were
all donated to the National Gallery of Art.
Admission is free for all exhibits. For more
information, visit nga.gov.
SE P T E MBE R 1 1 , 2 0 1 5 3 3
CELEBRATING THE SHOPS, SCHOOLS, RESTAURANTS, CLUBS, PARKS, ARTS AND FOLKS OF THE 17TH STREET CORRIDOR
9.12.15
The 17th Street Festival Is Produced By Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets
SPONSORED IN PART BY:
MUSIC
34
SEPTEMBER
11,
2015
WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
Triumphant returns?
DURAN DURAN returns Sept. 18 with its 14th studio album.

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE PISTEL
Janet, Adele, Beiber and

others prep fall releases
By CHRIS GERARD
Leading the pack for highly anticipated
new releases this fall is British songstress
Adele, who will reportedly release 25
in November. Shes been working with
hitmakers Danger Mouse, Max Martin,
Tobias Jesso Jr. and Ryan Tedder, so the
heavy guns are out to make sure its a
worthy follow-up to the mega-smash 21.
The other big pop releases this fall are due
from Justin Bieber, whose as-yet-untitled
album is expected sometime in November,
and dance/pop icon Janet Jackson, who
will release Unbreakable, her rst new
album in more than seven years, on Oct. 2.
In addition to these, there are plenty
of other new releases on the horizon that
should appeal to just about any taste.
Animal Collective is issuing a new live
album recorded in D.C. earlier this summer,
Live at 9:30, which is available for digital
download or in a limited edition vinyl set.
On Sept. 11, piano-rocker Ben Folds is
back with So There and acclaimed blues
guitarist Gary Clark Jr. returns with The
Story of Sonny Boy Slim, along with new
offerings by 90s folk-pop staple Jewel
and pop vocalist Leona Lewis. Norwegian
legends a-ha also returns ve years
after announcing their retirement with a
comeback album, Cast in Steel. Grammy-
winning UK singer/songwriter Jess Glynn

is out with her solo debut album I Cry
When I Laugh also on the 11th.
Sept. 18 is a big release date, with British
pop legends Duran Duran back with
their 14th studio album, Paper Gods.
The album is produced by Mark Ronson
and Nile Rodgers, and includes the rst
single Pressure Off, featuring a guest
appearance by Janelle Mone. Lana Del
Rey returns with her eagerly anticipated
third album Honeymoon, and Mac Miller
is back with Good A.M. Also due on the
18th is the latest by new wave revivalists
Metric, Pagans in Vega, and the latest
solo album by Pink Floyd guitarist David
Gilmour, Rattle That Lock. Speaking of
legendary guitarists, Keith Richards will
hit on the same date with his third solo
effort, Crosseyed Heart.
Sept. 25 is perhaps the biggest day of
the fall for big new releases. The British
electronic dance duo Disclosure will
follow-up its acclaimed debut Settle with
Caracal, and once again they feature
talented guest vocalists this time Sam
Smith is joined by Lorde, the Weeknd
and Miguel. The Scottish synth-pop group
Chvrches release their second album Every
Open Eye. The outrageous electro-punk
pioneer Peaches is back with Rub. New
Order returns with Music Complete, their
rst new studio album in a decade. New
albums by Kurt Vile, the Dears, Darkstar,
Los Lobos, Silversun Pickups, the Game,
the Dead Weather and Widespread Panic
are also expected Sept. 25.

EDM superstar Avicii will follow-up his
smash 2013 release Time with Stories,
due Oct. 2. Pop vocalist Matt Nathanson
also returns on Oct. 2 with Show Me Your
Fangs. 90s rockers Collective Soul hits
the same day with See What You Started
by Continuing, along with British postpunk revivalists Editors, In Dream and
songwriter John Grants latest Grey
Tickles, Black Pressure, the follow-up to
2013s acclaimed Pale Green Ghosts. Girls
Names, Children of Bodom, Autre Ne
Veut, Eagles of Death Metal and Wavves
also have new releases due on the 2nd.
Legendary songstress Tori Amos will
release the cast recording to the musical
she co-wrote with Samuel Adamson, The
Light Princess, on Oct. 9. Progressive
rockers Coheed and Cambria will release
their latest on the same date, The Color
Before the Sun. Also due that day are
new offerings by Toby Keith, Selena
Gomez, a live album by Edward Sharpe
& the Magnetic Zeros, and the latest
by electronic indie-pop group City and
Colour, If I Should Go Before You.
Later in the fall we can expect new albums
by Carrie Underwood, Storyteller, indie-folk
heroine Joanna Newsom, Vanessa Carlton,
Rod Stewart, the return of 90s R&B combo
SWV, the rst album by New Zealand rockers
the Chills in two decades, Puscifer, and Seal.
Also expected are big-name titles from Bloc
Party, Christina Aguilera, Crystal Castles,
Panic! At The Disco, Deftones, PJ Harvey,
Don Henley, Rihanna, Drake, Santigold,

Frank Ocean, Gwen Stefani, Incubus,
Haim, Tim McGraw, Grimes, Demi Lovato,
Gorillaz, Jennifer Nettles, Kanye West
(possibly 2016), M.I.A., Macklemore and
Ryan Lewis, T-Pain, T.I., Sharon Jones & the
Dap-Kings, TLC, Kings of Leon, GZA, James
Blake, Metronomy, and Cee Lo Green, none
of which have ofcial release dates yet.
Autumn is a great time for archival
releases, and this year is no exception.
Save up your funds for a couple big ticket
items coming in September. On the 25th,
British supergroup Queen will issue an 18LP set of all their albums on deluxe colored
vinyl called The Studio Collection, but be
prepared to pay about $450. The same
day, David Bowie will unleash the rst of a
series of lavish box sets: Five Years (1969
to 1973), which will included remastered
versions of all of his album releases during
that period as well as a two-disc set of
rarities and b-sides. Velvet Underground
will release a massive 45th anniversary
edition of Loaded on Oct. 30. A deluxe
two-disc 20th anniversary edition of Alanis
Morissettes iconic Jagged Little Pill is
set for release on Oct. 30 (yes, its been 20
years!). It will include a remastered version
of the original album plus a selection of
unreleased tracks selected personally by
Morissette from her archives. Garbage
will also celebrate the 20th anniversary of
their self-titled debut with a deluxe threeLP edition complete with a bonus disc
containing b-sides.
1
Our Heroes 2015
Exhibit on history of
AIDS in D.C. on display
One of the most important
collections related to the history
of HIV/AIDS in Washington,
D.C., will be on display at the
U.S. Conference on AIDS, being
held from Sept. 9-13.
The complete collection of the
Our Heroes exhibit includes
230 black and white portrait
photographs of individuals,
places, events and organizations
that have made an impact in the
war against AIDS in Washington,
D.C., over the past 32 years.
The installation of the
exhibit will be held on Friday,
Sept. 11 from 5-7 p.m. at the
U.S. Conference on AIDS at
the Walter E. Washington
Convention Center. A gallery
opening will be held at the DC
Center (2000 14th St., N.W., Suite
105) on Friday, Sept. 25 from 6-8
p.m. and will remain on display
from Oct. 1-31.
These portrait photographs

and stories will help archive the
history of AIDS and its impact
on Washington. These stories
will also share with the world
our journey and heroism in the
fight against HIV/AIDS.
This collection was displayed
at the Wilson Building in
2006 and has grown by an
additional 50 entries. It was
displayed at the MLK Library
from December 2013 until Jan.
5, 2014. After that time, the
complete collection was given
to the MLK Library.
(Local advocates
collaborating with the D.C.
Department of Health compiled
the list of Heroes that follows.
The Washington Blade is
publishing this compendium
of Heroes honorees but is not
responsible for its contents and
did not write the text.)
2004
and as the first Director of Public

Policy for NAPWA. Baker is
former president and fundraising
chairman of
Brother, Help
Thyself, the gay community
charitable giving campaign of
Washington and Baltimore.
Cornelius Baker
Michael Boteler
PHOTO BY GARY JONES
Cornelius Baker has been

one the AIDS communitys most
successful organization builders
and an effective advocate on behalf
of people with AIDS. He served as
Executive Director of the National
Association of People with AIDS
(NAPWA) beginning in 1996; he
served previously as WhitmanWalker Clinics executive director.
Baker has also served as a
member of the U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services
panel on clinical practices in
HIV treatment, the U.S. Public
Health Service/Infectious Disease
Society of Americas Working
Group on the Prevention of
Opportunistic Infections, and the
Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention Advisory Committee
on HIV/AIDS.
Baker has also served as aide
to Washington, D.C. Council
member Carol Schwartz; as a
member of the transition team
of President George Bush; as
Confidential Assistant to the
Assistant Secretary for Health at
the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services in the National
AIDS Program Office (NAPO)
under the Bush administration;
PHOTO BY KEVIN YANCEY KENNER
The following words are from

Michael Boteler:
I saw someone in the early
years in need; I did whatever I
could to make them feel loved and
cared for.
Even before I found out that I
had AIDS, I was not feeling well
for quite a while and I went to
the doctors, he drew blood, had
me come back in a week and said
to me You have GRID (AIDS)
you better get yourself together.
You will probably be dead in
about three weeks, and then
he turned around and left the
room never to come back. I was
devastated by this information,
immediately I felt like all of those
other expressions on those lonely,
fearful faces that I had seen of
so many times before. I gathered
so much strength from still
continuing in the early years with
Activism, sitting with those just
finding out, helping around the
house, taking them to the doctors
or hospitals, and sometimes not

bringing them back home with
me because they just didnt have
chance. I remember the fear, the
isolation, the discrimination, the
blame shifting and the hatred that
others had for us.
My journey through life has
been one that I would never ever
wish to give back. AIDS has been
a blessing in my life. I have been a
caregiver to those with HIV/AIDS
in both the hospital and hospice
setting. I have helped to arrange
funerals for those who have died of
AIDS, I have held the hands of their
children, consoled their parents
who did not know about them
being sick and I have also been
at memorial services of people
who were so very popular and
when they passed no one showed
up but a handful of people. In my
work today I am a coordinator for
Samaritan Ministry of Greater
Washington, as an openly HIVpositive man who is also in
recovery. I am the HIV Spiritual
Retreat Coordinator and Support
Group Facilitator for the Ministry
with a caseload of approximately
525 participants; we also do a
Burial Assistance Program for
those who pass with HIV/AIDS to
help the family give the deceased
a burial with dignity. The retreats
are held 7 times per year and I also
continue in my recovery process
sharing very often about my status
and how important it is to get
tested and remain safe. My life is
so very full and I am so grateful for
the disease of AIDS.
Peace and Blessings,
Michael J. Boteler
Bishop K.
Rainey Cheeks
The following is from Bishop

Kwabena Rainey Cheeks:
May 1975 was the opening of
the Clubhouse, a membership
dance club here in Washington,
D.C. It was quite unique every
Friday and Saturday night
between 800 to 1,200 people came
each night to dance the night
away. I was one of the managers
of the club; in the early 80s we
noticed we many of our members
and friends becoming ill it was
the beginning of what we know
to be the AIDS pandemic. I was
ordained as a minister in 1982;
little did I know this would be the
start of my ministry. We did not
understand what this was; we just
knew something was happening
that was affecting our community.
By 1984 it was devastating how
many of our friends were sick and
dying from this strange disease.
At first, we did not know what
to think or what to do about this
because it was hitting every one no
one was being left out as much as
it was being pushed as a gay white
disease. We knew better because
it was right in the midst of our
community. In the beginning
I found myself working with
people, trying to find ways to help
from raising money to help other

organizations, to pay someones
rent, buying medication. Everyone
involved in the early days did
whatever it took. At the Club
House we had many entertainers
to perform, the Weather Girls,
Nona Hendrix, and Sylvester were
just a few. After I got them to the
club, I would tell them I wanted
to use the limousine to go and
pick someone up that may be ill
to see the show as a way to uplift
their spirits. They were more than
willing to do this and they would
spend a little time to meet them in
the dressing room. In those days
we would come together to help
each other out by cooking dinner,
cleaning the home, or just sitting
with each other as needed. In one
month I hosted over 17 funerals
because most churches would
not host them or gave little help.
Thank God its different today.
In 1984, I started a support
group for HIV-positive people.
I knew Prem Deben was also
working as an herbalist and
therapist; we then formed a Holistic
health support group. In 1985, we
officially incorporated Us Helping
Us, People Into Living (UHU) as a
holistic organization to find ways to
improve ones health. It was a body,
mind, and spirit connection that we
knew we had to make. There were
support groups for men and women.
The training was two 12-week
sessions to study the use of herbs,
vitamins, diet and nutrition and
how to make an inner connection
to find ways to strengthen our lives.
We chose the name Us Helping
Us, People Into Living because we
truly believed we could live with
2
HIV/AIDS and one day we would
be focusing on other health issues.
In the beginning we worked totally
out of pocket. In 1993, I left UHU
to open Inner Light Ministries
and Dr. Ron Simmons became the
Executive Director. Today, UHU is
one Washington, D.C.s largest HIV/
AIDS service organizations. None
of us knew we would be still dealing
with the same issues today.
Alex Compagnet
Alex E. Compagnet, MA, was

born in Chile on May 20, 1949. He
came to the United States in 1976
after having spending two years
in a concentration camp under
the rule of a fascist dictatorship.
He learned to speak and write
English while studying for an
education degree at the National
College of Education in Chicago. In
1987, after two years working as a
counselor in D.C. General Hospital,
he founded SALUD Inc., the first
AIDS prevention and education
non-profit organization that aimed
to serve Latinos in the Washington
Metropolitan area. He was also
active in helping the first local
Latino Gay support organization
ENLACE. By 1994, SALUD Inc. had
been serving thousands within
the Latino community, regardless
of HIV status, in the areas of
housing, medical services, personal
counseling,
and
HIV/AIDS
prevention. It was at this time, at
the age of 45, that Alex suffered a
severe stroke that initially led to
his withdrawal from SALUD. Yet,
within two years, he fully recovered.
He now lives in Kensington,
Maryland with his two daughters
Taina and Marcela. He teaches at
Montgomery County Community
College and is in the process of
developing his own business. He
also remains a board member of
La Clinica del Pubelo, never having
failed with his commitment to the
Latino community.
Alex Compagnet says, I cant
just see people dying and suffering
and not do anything about it. In the
future, I want my children to see
me as a person who fought against
AIDS, one of the worst pandemics
of our time. It is not in me to just
watch from the outside, but to do
my part and help the only I know
how, which means to never stop.
DC CARE Consortium
The
DC
Comprehensive
AIDS Resources and Education

Consortium (DC CARE) was
created on June 19, 1991, in
response to Title II of the Ryan
White
Comprehensive
AIDS
Resources Emergency Act. Its first
task was to provide opportunities
for member organizations and
the community to exchange ideas
and strategies for delivering HIV/
AIDS services. This action was
driven by the Consortiums belief
that through community discourse
a diverse and changing HIV/AIDS
populace can learn from each
other and develop methods for
working collaboratively.
The Consortium, a non-profit
organization, provides services to
more than 65 HIV/AIDS agencies
that are its members. With the
support and leadership of the
CARE Consortium, these agencies
are able to give quality services
to people living with HIV/AIDS.
These services include: clinical
trials education and recruitment;
direct
financial
assistance
(eviction
prevention);
supply
water filters; and transportation
support. Since its inception,
DC CARE has made numerous
accomplishments,
including
being the first concerted effort in
Washington, D.C. to involve HIV/
AIDS service agencies working to
target federal funds for programs
to serve communities of color.
DC CARE is also developing
a media campaign targeting
under-served populations that
supports its outreach efforts to
increase participation in testing,
treatment, prevention, and safer
sex. The Consortium conducts
an annual Toy Drive that gives
toys to children either living with
HIV/AIDS or who are members
of families challenged with HIV/
AIDS. In October 199, DC CARE
sponsored the Gospel Against AIDS
Concert. More than 800 people
attended, with representatives
from the U.S. Congress, the
White
House,
HIV/AIDS
Pharmaceutical Corporations and
the Entertainment Industry. Mr.
Al Roker of NBCs Today show
served as Master of Ceremonies
for the concert.
Food & Friends
PHOTO BY GARY JONES
For people living with HIV/

AIDS, cancer and other lifechallenging illnesses, the battle
is far from over. Food & Friends
makes sure no one has to face it on
an empty stomach.
Along
with
nutrition
counseling, Food & Friends
prepares packages and delivers
meals and groceries to more
than 1,000 people living with
HIV/AIDS, cancer and other
life-challenging
illnesses
throughout the Washington, D.C.
metropolitan area. Since 1988,

Food & Friends has provided food
and companionship to our clients,
their loved ones and caregivers.
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.
Letitia Gomez
My
awareness
of
the
devastation of HIV/AIDS on our
community goes back to 1980
when I worked as a medical social
worker at M.D. Anderson Cancer
Hospital in Houston. The staff was
suddenly confronted with patients
who had Kaposis sarcoma,
happened to be gay white men, and
were dying. It wasnt until I came
to Washington, D.C., that I was
confronted with the death of long
time friends with HIV/AIDS. Most
were warriors against HIV/AIDS
and worked tirelessly to make
Latino and African Americans
visible in the battle. These losses
still hurt today, as does the
ignorance and denial that abounds
in our community and will mean
more unnecessary loss. Unless we
continue to tell our stories and
remain visible and vocal, THE
BATTLE CONTINUES.
Letitia Gomez has worked to
support many efforts to combat
HIV/AIDS locally and nationally
since 1987. She and many other
gay and lesbian Latino activists
of ENLACE, the Washington,
D.C. Metropolitan Latino Gay and
Lesbian organization worked with
SALUD, Inc. in the late 1980s to
bring attention to the epidemics
effects on the Latino community.
Letitia was one of the founding
board members of the D.C.
Womans Council on AIDS, and
LLEGO, the national LATINO/A
Lesbian and Gay Organization.
Currently she serves on the board
of Whitman-Walker Health and the
board of AIDS Action Foundation.
Jim Harvey
PHOTO BY GARY JONES
2006 marked my 20th year of

working in the HIV/AIDS field. My
background is in Public Health,
but something happened to me
in the mid 1980s that changed
the direction of my career and
my personal interests for all

the subsequent years. I found
myself standing on the sidelines,
watching my closest friends die
one after another until one day
I counted 38 friends in one year
who were now gone. I knew I had
to do something and thus began
my long journey along the road
to HIV prevention and care. In the
District I quickly became alarmed
at the reality of this disease
disproportionately affecting my
own people at alarming rates while
too few people in the AfricanAmerican community stepped up
to the challenge of fighting back.
I found a few determined friends
and colleagues who felt like I did
and together we went to the D.C.
Council and pressed them for
resources that would support our
bringing the fight against HIV/
AIDS to the African American
community. Our efforts lead to
the birth of Washington, D.C.s
first two African American-lead
organizations that to this day are
often remembered fondly as the
reason so many of us are still
in the struggle. Im glad I have
company in this fight.
Pat Hawkins
CMV, which could leave people

blind, paralyzed, and/or demented
before it claimed their lives.
But most of all, there was
fear of dying alone; and it
was this fear that galvanized
first the gay community, and
then others, to come together,
to volunteer, to organize, to
develop new programs, to design
new strategies, and to become
empowered activists like Hank
Carde. It was this widespread
activism that finally led us to
more effective treatments, and it is
those treatments that now keep so
many more people alive, and that
have brought us all the hope we all
share todaya hope that one day,
we will, once again, live in a world
without AIDS. We are not there
yetbut gay and straight, black
and white, men and women, we
are on the march, and we will let
nothing stand in our way.
As for those of us who survived
those early days of darkness and
despair, we have been forever
changed. I know that we will
always see life more vividly, hold
friends more closely, and keep
memories more precious, for we
have truly walked with heroes, and
I believe they walk with us still.
Charles Hicks
PHOTO BY GARY JONES
I believe that for most of us,

joining the fight against AIDS
became the defining experience of
our lives. I know that it was for me.
There was a pre-AIDS world,
and a post-AIDS world and
they were totally, dramatically,
and forever separate.
In the pre-AIDS world, sexual
freedom was a gift and a given,
and death was distant and rare
occurrence coming mostly to
those who had run the course
and had the time to face their own
mortality.
In the post-AIDS world,
sex was fraught with guilt and
conflict, and death came to young
people in the prime of their lives
to our best and brightest
leaving so many empty spaces, so
many uncompleted tasks, so many
unanswered questions, so much
promise unfulfilled. Dying became
an everyday experience, fear a
constant companion. During one
two-week period in 1992, I went to
10 funerals or memorial services.
That was not uncommon, as we
buried our clients, our colleagues,
our close friends, and there seemed
to be no end to the overwhelming
grief and loss.
And I remember the pervasive
fear fear of this unknown and
unpredictable virus; fear of being
outed by this disease and the
hate and discrimination that
followed (a fear shared by PWAs
and gay providers alike); fear of
dying a sudden death from PCP, or
a long and agonizing decline from
PHOTO BY GARY JONES
Charles Chuck Hicks is a man

actively involved in his community.
He is a graduate of Syracuse
University were he received his
bachelors and masters degrees.
He is employed at the Martin
Luther King branch of the
Washington, D.C. Public Library.
He is president of the Local
Union 1808, American Federation
of State, County and Municipal
Employees, which represents
librarians and technicians. He
has recently stepped down as citywide president of AFSCME DC 20,
which represents over 3,000 D.C.
government employees.
Chuck is considered one of
the pioneers of the HIV/AIDS
movement for African-Americans
in Washington, D.C. He began the
first black HIV/AIDS communitybased volunteer organization. His
major effort is with Bread-forthe-Soul an organization that
organizes special projects of toys
and food baskets for parents and/
or children living with HIV/AIDS
for the holidays. Chuck is also a
trustee of The Greater New Hope
Baptist Church and chair of its
historical committee.
Charles is founder of the
Washington, D.C. Black History
celebration committee and he has
chaired the Mayors HIV/AIDS
Advisory Board. Over the years,
Chuck has worked with various
HIV/AIDS
committees
and
organizations.
3
The Metropolitan
Community Church
of Washington, DC
The Metropolitan Community

Church of Washington, D.C.
(MCC-DC) began its ministry in
1971 and to this day serves as a
Christian church with a special
ministry to Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual,
Transgender and other spiritually
disenfranchised peoples. As an
evangelical,
biblically
based,
Christ-centered
congregation,
MCC-DC has sought to fulfill Gods
will by faithfully serving the people
of the D.C. Metropolitan area.
On May 24, 1985 MCC-DC lost its
first member to HIV/AIDS. That
member, James Vincent McCann,
had served as a deacon at MCCDC, and was very involved in the
music ministry of the church. On
June 24, 1986 the James Vincent
McCann Memorial Fund was
established to provide pastoral
care ministry to those infected and
affected by HIV/AIDS and to help
meet their basic human needs,
(i.e. food, shelter, transportation,
insurance premiums, utilities,
etc.). Since then, MCC-DC has
given over one hundred thousand
dollars to people outside the
congregation in an effort to fulfill
the ministry of Jesus Christ by
easing the suffering of others in
the midst of this pandemic.
Jacquelyn Pace
Coordinator at Damien Ministries

where she oversees all activities
pertaining to the metropolitan
area churches. She is responsible
for coordinating the activities
of the D.C. Faith-Based AIDS
Organizing Initiative.
Ms. Pace is credited with
implementing the AIDS Ministry
at her church, Our Lady Queen
of Peace Catholic Church in
Washington, DC. She planned
and organized healing and
prayer services, AIDS Awareness
Days, Thanksgiving Dinners and
Christmas Gifts for the Needy, as
well as solicited donations and
participated in the AIDS Walk and
Walk for life.
Ms. Pace currently serves as
Treasurer for the Far NE/SE
Ecumenical Outreach Ministry, a
spin off from the Balm-In-Gilead,
an organization instituted by
Pernessa Seele of New York.
Balm-In-Gilead is responsible for
instituting the well-known Black
Church Week of Prayer for the
Healing of AIDS.
She has been a Team Leader
with
Samaritan
Ministries
Spiritual Retreats since June
1998. She held the position of
Chairperson of the DC Catholic
AIDS Network from 2000 to 2003.
In this capacity she facilitated
meetings and workshops for
Catholic parishes on HIV/AIDS
education. She also served on the
National Conference Planning
Committee for the National
Catholic AIDS Network. She
participated in the Eucharistic
Congress facilitating workshops
to encourage other parishes to
establish HIV/AIDS ministries.
Jackie continues to deliver
immeasurable results as a devoted
advocate for HIV/AIDS programs
and initiatives.
Kevin Robinson
SPECTRUM Clifton
Allen Robinson and
Dwight Clarke
Ms. Jacquelyn H. Pace is truly

a role model for her commitment
to the AIDS program. Ms. Pace,
affectionately known as Jackie
Pace, became involved in the
AIDS program after her best
friend lost her daughter due to
the complications of AIDS. It
was Jackies fervent belief in
her own purpose that allowed
her to provide love, hope, and
encouragement to her best friend
and is what motivates her to do the
same for so many others affected
by HIV/AIDS.
Ms. Pace is a HIV/AIDS
certified peer counselor/educator.
She has also received training at
the US Conference of Mayors and
Whitman-Walker Clinic in the
Fundamentals of HIV Prevention
Counseling and Comprehensive
AIDS Training Initiative (CATI) at
Howard University.
Ms. Pace is the Faith-Based
all of my time at the faze me and

at the other side for the drag
shows, and become an activist. I
didnt do it for the recognition,
but I have to admit it is nice to be
acknowledged.
When my brother Dr. Stan
Spector committed suicide in New
York City on Oct.14, 1985 due to
having AIDS, President Reagan
and his band of homophobic
conservatives
wouldnt
do
anything. He couldnt bear to
put our family through what he
believed would be a tragic, long,
and drawn out death; something
inside of me started to burn.
I started quietly questioning
why a 34-year-old doctor with a
stunning future had to die. Where
was the government? Where was
the medical community? Where
was the support for him? No, he
shouldnt be quarantined on an
island. After I had time to grieve, I
decided I was going to try to make
change.
On Jan. 10, 1987, at the request
of my friend Judy Greenspan,
I went to the gay and lesbian
community center in Baltimore
to attend a regional meeting for
the 1987 March on Washington for
gay and lesbian rights. The rest is
history.
The energy, the anger, the
electricity and the power of
grassroots organizing had me.
From the point on Ive been
involved, I decided my brothers
death would never be in vain; I
think Ive made him proud.
Whether it was the march
in 1987 or 1993, OUT DC, ACTUP, Queer Nation, the Lesbian
Avengers, my contributions to
the Lesbian Services Board of
the Whitman-Walker Clinic or
my contributions to the Rainbow
History Project or my work with
the
transgender
community,
taking pictures or video, I did
what I could because I think it is
the right thing to do.
Kevin is a native Washingtonian.

He tested HIV-positive in 1999; in
2000, he lost use of his left arm
and hand. When you talk to him,
you too will find that he refuses
to let his status keep him down.
Currently he is on meds with a
viral load of 700 and a T-cell count
of 465. He has high self-esteem and
cannot be discouraged. Theres no
stopping this D.C. Hero!
Cheryl Spector
When I decided to stop spending
In 1983, I attended a funeral

a week for friends who passed
from AIDS-related illnesses. As
president of the DC Coalition
of Black Lesbians and Gays, I
asked our members to provide
the community with HIV/AIDS
prevention information because
no one was reaching out to people
of color, particularly men who
had sex with other men. Lawrence
Washington, George Bellinger,
David Naylor, Thomas Gleaton and
myself went out several nights
a week to the bars in an attempt
to reach people with literature
information and condoms, but
the deaths became more frequent.

I lost more and more friends and
acquaintances.
In 1984, we held the first
national AIDS in the Black
Community Conference at the
Washington Convention Center.
People flew in from all over the
country for a one-day conference.
Thats when I found out no one
had any more information about
behavior modification than we
did. The following year, the city
awarded the DC Coalition first
contract ever issued for HIV
prevention outreach to people of
color. As National Treasurer, I
became the project coordinator
of SPECTRUM. I wanted to call
it SPECTRUM because of the
skin rainbow of people of color.
Dwight Clarke came to work for
us with little health education,
but a keen a sense of how to reach
people. He knew there had been
little outreach to people of color,
but he was willing to try to reach
them. Many of his interventions
have become national HIV/AIDS
prevention tools and models.
The sad part is that Dwight
Clarke, George Bellinger and I
are some of the few people still
in the prevention field, or, for that
matter, alive to see that we could
make a difference in 2004.
For the past 20 years, Sutson

has been a driving force in the
Best of Washington social club.
A founding member of one of the
most enduring organizations for
black gays in Washington, Sutson
has served the club in just about
every capacity imaginable, and
currently acts as its chairman
emeritus. He and some friends
started the Best of Washington
simply to have something to do.
Sutson and his friends began
organizing Sunday night tea
dances, which allowed black gay
men and lesbians to socialize
and connect with each other.
The group also hosted All-Night
Struts at various venues on
Saturday evenings that would
regularly attract hundreds of
people.
Sutson
has
also
worked
extensively
with
HIV/AIDS
populations. After retiring from
his first career, as a personnel
specialist with the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve,
where he worked for 25 years, he
decided he wasnt ready to settle
down just yet, and began working
at the Northern Virginia AIDS
Ministry.
2005
Otis Buddy Sutson Marion Barry, Jr.
PHOTO BY GARY JONES
The following text is from an

article that previously appeared
May 28, 2004 in the Washington
Blade. The article was written by
Bryan Anderton.
Otis Buddy Sutson has
dedicated much of his adult life
the last 30 years, in fact to
helping black gays and lesbians in
Washington. And in three decades,
he says hes noticed a dramatic
change.
Its grown tremendously, with
the increased visibility weve
received, Sutson says. Were
much more vocal as well. Were
more active in politics and in the
workings of the city. I think we
realized that we had to get involved
if we wanted to change it. If we
wanted to raise awareness of our
issues, we had to get involved.
Sutson, a native Washingtonian,
has
been
active
in
such
organizations as the Best of
Washington, a social group for
black gays, the D.C. Coalition,
a gay political organization,
Black Lesbian & Gay Pride
Day Inc., which was founded 14
years ago in part to help African
Americans affected by HIV/AIDS,
the Northern Virginia AIDS
Ministry and Damien Ministries,
which provides services to HIVpositive adults and children in
Washington.
PHOTO BY LEIGH MOSELEY
Marion Shepilov Barry, Jr.

served four terms as mayor of
Washington, D.C. from 1979 to 1991
and from 1995 to 1999. Since 1971,
when he was elected to the first city
school board, he has held several
other elected offices and late in
his career represented Ward 8,
which comprises Anacostia and
Congress Heights on the Council
of the District of Columbia.
In the 1960s, he joined the
American Civil Rights Movement
in an effort to eliminate racial
segregation of bus passengers,
and was elected the first chairman
of
the
Student
Nonviolent
Coordinating Committee (SNCC).
During his leading SNCC, Barry
heavily lobbied against racial
segregation and discrimination.
During his early days as mayor
of Washington, D.C., Marion
Barry reached out immediately
to the citys gay and lesbian
community. During his second
term, the AIDS epidemic began
its deadly assault on our city.
As a result of his leadership,
Washington, D.C. was one of
the first cities in the country to
publicly fund AIDS prevention
activities and, later, services to
help those who were sick.
Reginald Blaxton
Reggie was born in Washington,
4
PHOTO COMPLIMENTS THE FAMILY
D.C. on Jan. 6, 1953, to Lois and

Samuel Blaxton. He attended D.C.
public schools and graduated from
Western High School in 1970. A
gifted music autodidact, he served
as organist for the Church of
St. Stephen and the Incarnation
in Washington during his high
school years.
In the fall of 1970, Reggie left
Washington to attend Colby
College in Waterville, Maine.
He excelled academically and
graduated in 1974 with a degree
in philosophy and religion. He
the spent the 1972-73 academic
year abroad at the Manchester
college of Oxford University,
where his studies focused on the
theology of the Reformation and
contemporary Christology.
After college, he heeded a
call to the ministry and entered
Episcopal Divinity School in
Cambridge, Massachusetts in the
fall of 1975. Reggie was ordained to
the Diaconate and the Priesthood
in the Diocese of Chicago, and
he served as urban Associate in
the Episcopal Urban Center at
St. Barnabas Church in Chicago
from 1980 to 1981.
Upon his return to Washington,
Reggie became an assistant
pastor at St. Georges Episcopal
Church. In 1984, he was appointed
Special Assistant to the Mayor for
Religious Affairs, acting as official
liaison (with cabinet rank) to
religious community constituents,
organizations and institutions,
a position he held until 1991.
Among his many significant
achievements in this role was his
successful development of the
first church-based, governmentrun drug treatment center at DCs
First Rising Mount Zion Baptist
Church.
During this period, in the midst
of a growing AIDS epidemic,
and spurred by his anger and
frustration at what he saw as
clear failure on the part of the
church community to respond
adequately to the crisis, Reggie
began increasingly to speak out
on this issue. His deep-rooted
commitment to his faith and
his community, his superior
intellect and prophetic zeal,
and his thorough knowledge
of religious institutions in the
District all combined to make
him a much respected and highly
effective advocate for change. In
1988, he became a founding board
member of the Washington AIDS
Partnership. He was a pioneer
in the development of culturally
appropriate HIV/AIDS training
curricula and methods in religious
community settings.
Beyond his many professional
achievements, Reggies family,
friends, and colleagues remember
him most for his charismatic
presence, his unequivocal views,
his warmth and lightning wit, and

his genuine love for other people.
No one who knew him was left
untouched by the extraordinary
force of a truly extraordinary
personality.
Reginald
Glenn
Blaxton,
priest, activist and author, died
March 11, 2001 of AIDS-related
complications.
Melvin Boozer
Not much is written about black

gay activist Mel Boozer, but he
will be fondly remembered for his
nomination (and later withdrawal)
for Vice President of the United
States in 1980. He was also a
member of Black and White Men
Together, an organization dedicated
to harmony between gay men of
different ethnic groups. He ran
for vice president while serving
as president of the Gay Activists
Alliance of Washington, D.C.
Listed below are quotes from
his 1980 address to the Democratic
National Convention:
I rise in thankful recognition
of the citizens of the District of
Columbia who voted for me to
come here knowing that I am gay,
and who continue to labor and
live in a city which has no voice
in determining how it shall be
taxed and which has no power to
effect the decisions which affect the
quality of our lives.
And finally, Mr. Chairman
and members of the convention, I
rise in anguished recognition of
more than 20 million Americans
who love this country and who
long to serve this country in the
same freedom that others take for
granted, 20 million lesbian and
gay Americans whose lives are
blighted by a veil of ignorance and
misunderstanding
We come from towns and cities
where our friends are jailed and
beaten on the slightest pretext. We
come from churches, which have
been burned to the ground because
they admit us to worship. We come
from families, which have been torn
apart because we have lost our jobs,
and we have lost our good names,
which have been slandered by false
accusations, myths, and lies
Would you ask me how Id dare
to compare the civil rights struggle
with the struggle for lesbian and
gay rights? I can compare, and I
do compare them. I know what it
means to be called a nigger. I know
what it means to be called a faggot.
And I can sum up the difference in
one word: none.
Bigotry is bigotry. I have been
booed before. Discrimination is
discrimination. It hurts just as
much. It dishonors our way of
life just as much, and it betrays a
common lack of understanding,
fairness and compassion.
Brother Help
Thyself, Inc.
PHOTO COURTESY THE FAMILY
PHOTO COURTESY BHT
Brother Help Thyself, Inc.

(BHT) was founded in 1978 and
is one of the first organizations
in the United States to provide
funding for health, cultural,
and social services in the gay,
lesbian, bisexual, transgender,
and
questioning
(GLBTQ)
community. Over the past 28
years, BHT has raised over $1.8
million and distributed the funds
to more than 250 groups and
organizations. BHT disburses
direct and matching funds, acts
as a clearinghouse for donated
goods and services, and serves
and an information resource in
the GLBTQ community.
BHT
has
also
developed
programs that help in areas of
existing
community
services
including: the BHT hotline that
provides information, referrals,
and a non-judgmental ear to
its
callers;
Respect/Protect,
a programs that distributes
AIDS educational information,
condoms and lube to patrons of
local businesses; and Volunteer
Clearinghouse that organizes
volunteers to help BHT grantees
with their events and provides
support when grantees need
specialized skills.
BHT serves as a safety net for
the GLBTQ community. Gay nonprofits sometimes face financial
emergencies; for instance, antigay sentiment at the state and
federal levels has decreased HIV/
AIDS funding. In such situations,
BHT steps into the gap and
provides support. During 2005,
BHT made enormous strides to
keep funding levels high at a time
when many organizations were
in dire need of our assistance.
BHT continues to hold true
to its purpose and mission of
supporting all segments of the
community applying for financial
support.
Raymond Carter
Alan Cornelius Cephas, a

former professional super-model,
departed this life on Jan. 26, 2000
at the Washington Home and
Hospice of Washington, D.C. He
was 48 years old. Alan was born
on April 20, 1951 in Washington,
D.C. and lived in Northeast.
During his modeling career he
also in lived in Philadelphia and
New York City. Alan attended the
D.C. public schools of Carter G.
Woodson Junior High School and
McKinley Technical High School.
His love for drawing and design
intersected with his professional
interest in fashion.
With a self-developed portfolio,
Alan promoted his talents.
Affiliation with a Washington,
D.C. modeling school and agency
led him to a successful career
with Wilhelmina Models of New
York, a company that continues
to launch and manage the careers
of top models and superstars.
As a Wilhelmina Man, the
company represented Alan and
gave him national international
assignments and exposure. Alan
became a regular and featured
model for Ebony, Ebony Man,
Essence, and GQ magazines.
Before starting in the fashion
industry, he worked in a support
staff position at the Federal
Reserve Board and a designer for
point-of-purchase displays at a
local womens fashion store and a
major department store.
From designing sketches, store
displays to walking down runways,
Alan was featured in the former
Washington Star newspaper as one
of DCs promising professional
models. His career included
advertisements,
modeling
at
the annual Congressional Black
Caucus dinner and fashion
shows, and for several years
he modeled for internationally
known designer Bill Blass. When
he could no longer model, he
worked at educating throughout
the DC community about HIV
and AIDS. Within the last three
months of his life, it was Kaposis
sarcoma that became his greatest
challenge.
Alans
fun-loving
spirit,
debonair style, and unconditional
love will always be remembered.
a woman who has been active in

the Washington, D.C. black LGBT
community since 1980.
A resident of Washington,
D.C. since 1979, Carlene initially
joined several organizations to see
exactly who and what comprises
the community. She joined the DC
Coalition of LGBT persons in 1980
and served as member and leader
of the organization for 24 years. In
1983, she became the first African
American and woman coordinator
of the P Street Beach activities
that birthed D.C. Capital Pride. The
same year, she also co-coordinated
the first HIV/AIDS march on
Washington, D.C. Moreover, she
has also served as a founder,
coordinator and later president of
Washington, D.C.s Black Lesbian
and Gay Pride, Inc. from 1990-94.
She has also expressed interest in
HIV/AIDS issues as member of the
Ryan White HIV/AIDS Planning
Council.
Carlene has also worked
diligently to educate the gay
community (and the black gay
community in particular) on
the need to become involved
in politics. In recent years, she
has served in Mayor Anthony
Williams office, first as a director
of the office of the public advocate,
and then was the Mayors first
special assistant for gay and
lesbian affairs. Carlene has
received a number of awards for
her work in the community since
1983. She has been awarded by
Black Lesbian and Gay Pride, Inc.,
the Gertrude Stein Democratic
Club, the Passages Conference,
the National Museum for Women
in the Arts, and the Uncommon
Legacy Foundation. In 1997, she
received a Mayoral Proclamation
from the Council of the District of
Columbia.
As of 2004, Carlene is a special
assistant for the bureau of
program integrity in the mental
retardation and developmental
disabilities administration in the
Districts Department of Human
Services. She continues to inspire
younger gay people with her
spirit, her warming presence, and
her charm.
Barbara Ann Chinn
Carlene Cheatam
The Queen Mother
This young man was known

for parties and clubs that he
organized. He was always willing
to give money and support to HIV
education.
Alan Cephas
A kind and giving person and

a passionate leader are just a few
ways to describe Carlene Cheatam,
Barbara A. Chinn is director

of the Max Robinson Center
of
Whitman-Walker
Health.
In addition, Barbara serves as
the primary liaison with the
community East of the River
for
Whitman-Walkers
HIV/
AIDS education and outreach.
She has managed or served as
administrator for many of the
programs offered by WhitmanWalker
including
Schwartz
Housing
Services,
Sunny
Sherman
AIDS
Education
5
Services, and the Volunteer
Resources
Department
that
coordinates over 2,000 community
volunteers in their provision of
services to individuals affected
by HIV/AIDS. As Director of
the Max Robinson Center, in
addition to administration, she
ensures that primary medical
care and dental services, case
management services, mental
health and addictions counseling,
nutritional counseling and day
treatment services are integrated
and responsive to the needs of the
clients.
Barbara
is
a
native
Washingtonian, and attended
D.C. Public Schools and Howard
University.
She
has
served
on
numerous
boards
and
committees within WhitmanWalker and throughout the
Washington community. She is a
former member of the National
Episcopal AIDS Coalition Board
of Directors, the Glaxo-Wellcome
Community
Advisory
Board,
and is presently a member of the
Positive Words Editorial Advisory
Board. Barbara was most recently
appointed to the Mayors Gay and
Lesbian Task Force, and has been
recognized for her work with HIV/
AIDS and the LGBT communities.
Of greatest importance to
Barbara is the education of the
community she is serving and
that all understand the impact of
HIV disease, its prevention, and
its treatment.
Dwayne S. Brown
Foundation, Inc. (DBSF)
the treatment gap for those

requiring the necessary resources
to combat and/or live with HIV/
AIDS; disseminating information
and implementing a treatment
outcome monitoring system.
The concept for family-oriented
support services grew out of
the increasing need for burial
assistance. As late as the 1990s,
families in Washington, D.C. were
still struggling with the stigma
of a loved one succumbing to an
AIDS-related illness. Families
were not only devastated by losing
loved ones to AIDS, but they also
encountered barriers when trying
to arrange funerals for such
loved ones. This coupled with the
shame of a disease that would not
be openly discussed, economic
hardships and funeral directors
closing doors in their faces,
resulted in families turning to the
Foundation for financial support,
guidance and understanding.
In view of the growing numbers
of
HIV/AIDS-related
cases
reported for Washington, D.C., the
foundation has broadened its focus
to include HIV/AIDS intervention
workshops, providing outreach
through participation in numerous
health fairs, and working with
faith-based
organizations
to
educate parents about having gay
or lesbian children. These may be
the hallmarks of the organization,
but like other HIV/AIDS service
organizations, the Foundation
remains responsive to trends in
HIV/AIDS. This includes initiating
an analysis of the needs of senior
citizens living with HIV/AIDS.
Shurron Farmer

In June 1992, William Beale

co-founded the Dwayne s. Brown
Foundation, Inc. (DBSF) with his
son Dwayne S. Brown who died
of AIDS-related complications on
Dec. 27, 1994. The Foundation is
a 501 (3) nonprofit community
and family-based organization
initially developed to fill gaps in
services experience by people
living with HIV/AIDS.
The mission of the Foundation
is to promote effective, efficient
and
accessible
HIV/AIDS
intervention
and
treatment
services in Washington, D.C.,
ensuring
the
development
of
a system responsive to
emerging HIV/AIDS trends. The
Foundations primary objectives
are
providing
educational
information about intervention
and treatment of HIV/AIDS
and providing support services
to individuals and families of
persons living with HIV/AIDS.
Issues related to the Gay, Lesbian,
Bisexual
and
Transgender
community are also addressed,
including support and promotion
of HIV/AIDS education; reducing
My name is Dr. Shurron

Farmer, and I am much honored to
have been asked by Kevin Yancey
Kenner to be a subject of his
wonderful art as it relates to the
Our Heroes exhibit. Apart from the
AIDS quilt, Id never heard of such
an expression of the ramifications
of HIV/AIDS through art, music,
and poetry.
I grew up in Quincy, Fla., a
small town 22 miles north of
Tallahassee. After completing my
bachelors degree in mathematics
(summa cum laude) at Florida
A&M University in 1994, I moved
to Washington, D.C. to pursue
graduate studies in mathematics
at Howard University. I received a
masters degree in 1996 and later
the Ph.D. in 2001. Im currently
a mathematics professor and I
continue to live in Washington,
D.C. Since 1996, Ive been active in
the black gay community through
various
activities,
including
volunteer work with Brother
to Brother, Us Helping Us, AlSura, and Brothers Reaching Out
(B.R.O.), a group that promotes
fellowship through volleyball.

During my tenure as chairman
of B.R.O., a group of basketball
players was also formed. Ive
also tried to exemplify being
a Christian black man who is
also happy being single, nonheterosexual, and not willing to
live a gay lifestyle as opposed to
simply living. Its my belief that
while sexuality (as only a part of
who I am) has helped to determine
my choices in life, sexuality is
not my entire lifestyle. Jesus
Christ is the head of my life and
its through Him I recognize my
lifestyle as a tapestry of many
aspects, including my sexual
identity. It is my sincere hope Our
Heroes will touch the hearts of the
people it reaches. As the fight for a
cure for HIV continues, I continue
to try to make some contribution
of encouragement or impartation
of strength to someone who might
believe HIV = AIDS = death. We
must all remember HIV/AIDS is
no longer a death sentence and
that one can live with HIV happily
and healthy.
As with many friends and
colleagues, HIV/AIDS has made
a great impact on me personally.
Over the years, Ive lost an uncle,
cousins, and close friends to
AIDS-related illnesses. HIVs
impact on my life increased in
2001 as I was then diagnosed as
HIV-positive. Since that time,
Im even more determined to
live a good life of faith and
prosperity; I will not allow my
condition to deter me from
being happy as a Christian gay
person and encouraging others,
especially my brothers and
sisters in the LGBT community,
to be happy with who they are.
As Kevin Kenner and I became
friends in 2001, wed discuss
our mutual love of pictures
and photography, often joking
about my being an assistant to
a professional photographer.
Little did I know what began as
a joke between friends would
evolve into an artistic expression
linking friendship, a common
hobby, and a condition. Yes,
HIV/AIDS should make all of
us examine and re-evaluate the
true meanings of compassion,
sensitivity,
pride,
choice,
circumstance, and faith.
Friends Meeting House
Organized in 1930, the Friends

Meeting of Washington moved
into its meeting house at 2111
Florida Ave., N.W., near Dupont
Circle in 1931. Fifty years later, the
Meeting House recognized a gay
and lesbian weekly meeting group.
In 1986, the Friends Meeting
began its outreach and support
to persons with HIV and AIDS by
creating the Ad Hoc Committee

on AIDS. The following year, the
Meeting House began a weekly
coffeehouse for persons with AIDS
that continues to the present.
The
Friends
Meeting
of
Washington offered its premises
for
regular
meetings
of
Washington, D.C.s OUT! AIDS
activist group which met regularly
at the Decatur Street offices
adjoining the meeting house. The
Friends Meeting has also provided
regular meeting space for other
LGBT organizations, including
a black lesbian group. Friends
food programs have also been a
support for persons with AIDS in
the community.
Fred Garnett
Fred Garnett of Washington,

D.C. was a member of the first
Board of Directors of the National
Association of People with AIDS.
NAPWA advocates on behalf of
all people living with HIV and
AIDS to end the pandemic and the
human suffering caused by HIV/
AIDS. It was incorporated in 1987
through the contributions of Jay
Coburn, Paul Kawata and Stephen
Beck, its first executive director, to
be the voice of people with AIDS
at the center of power.
Thomas Gleaton
Thomas was widely known

throughout
the
community
for his kindness, compassion,
understanding,
commitment
and dedication. He was a lifelong
Washington resident and an
honors graduate from Cardozo
High School. Thomas attended
Dillard University in Louisiana
and returned to the Washington,
D.C. area to pursue a decadelong career in early childhood
education at Fillmore Day Care
Center. His commitment to
improving the quality of life for
lesbians and gay men motivated
Thomas to become very active
in the Black Lesbian and Gay
Movement and later propelled
him into the forefront of the
battle against HIV/AIDS. He
provided significant contributions
to the Black Lesbian and Gay
Community
in
Washington,
D.C. and the nation. Thomas
professional
career
included
being the Volunteer Coordinator
for Whitman-Walker Clinic and
the Executive Director of the
Inner City AIDS Network (ICAN).

Thomas
legacy
inspired
and influenced many. His civic
and spiritual accomplishments
included being a deacon at Faith
Temple, and a member of Inner
Light Unity Fellowship Church, Phi
Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and the
Civilian Review Complaint Board.
His affiliations in the Lesbian,
Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
(LGBT) community included being
President of the D.C. Coalition,
membership in the Black Male
Empowerment Group, Gays and
Lesbians Opposed to Violence
(GLOV), and the Black Lesbian
and Gay Pride, Inc. Committee.
He also contributed to HIV/AIDS
issues as a member of: the Ryan
White Planning Council, the HIV
Community Coalition, the HIV
Prevention Community Planning
Committee, the School Condom
Distribution Committee, and the
Lawrence Washington Memorial
Foundation. He also served as
a board member with Food and
Friends and Josephs House,
and he was a contributor to the
NAMES Project. Finally, Thomas
was the recipient of several
award and commemorations from
organizations
throughout
the
Washington metro area and the
nation.
Jim Graham
Jim Graham has worked in

both the public and private sectors
to improve and protect those
most vulnerable. A graduate of
Michigan State University, Jim
received a J.D. degree from the
University of Michigan Law School
and an L.L.M. from Georgetown
University Law Center. In his
past tenure as Whitman-Walker
Clinics
longtime
executive
director, Jim played a key role
in the development of the DC
metro areas response to the AIDS
epidemic. In consequence, people
with AIDS and HIV, their friends,
family, and colleagues were
well served by one of the most
sophisticated and comprehensive
community-based systems in the
nation. In 1999, Jim left WhitmanWalker to take his seat as the
Council member for Ward One.
As a Council member, he was
an advocate for all the residents
of the most diverse ward (Ward
One) in Washington, D.C., where
no single population group has
a majority. As an openly gay
man who is an immigrant and
naturalized citizen, Jim not only
appreciates the diversity of Ward
One, he also contributes to it.
Jim Graham has been a strong
advocate for our diverse interests.
The lives and livelihood of Latinos
have been enhanced due to his
efforts to strengthen the Office of
6
Latino Affairs and expand health
insurance coverage for immigrant
children. Economic development
initiatives throughout the Ward
have received much attention, and
are finally getting off the ground.
He is a friend of labor.
While in office, Jim devoted
major resources to constituent
services. He and his staff made
sure basic service needs were met.
In addition, Jim made a practice
of personally responding to 60
to 80 constituent e-mails each
weekday morning before work.
He took the lead on repairing
slum properties without evicting
tenants
and
rehabilitating
nuisance buildings. He was a
leader in preventing our children
from being poisoned by lead. He
fought for more police while also
strengthening substance abuse
programs, and he worked to
improve recreational parks.
without receiving his settlement.

His estate continues to pursue his
case.
While living in Washington,
James became a Certified Peer
Counselor for the Inner City AIDS
Network (ICAN). Sabrina Green,
AIDS activist and friend to Jim,
says, Jim will be remembered as
a fighter who was true to his belief.
Jim met the ravages of AIDS with
courage and dignity. He died
the day before he was scheduled
to testify and six days after the
Judge granted a request by the
Bank to remove his attorneys
who had pursued the case for over
three years on his behalf, said
Dale Edwin Sanders, Mr. Halls
attorney during the case.
James Hall died from AIDSrelated complications Thursday,
April 4, 1994 at the George
Washington University Hospital
in Washington, D.C.
James Michael
Layne Hall
Rebecca Helem
PHOTO COURTESY REBECCA HELEM

James M.L. Hall was born in

Denver on July 10, 1963. He graduated
from the University of Denver in
1987 with degrees in political science
and economics. He also served with
distinction as a Second Lieutenant,
U.S. Army Reserve, from 1984 to
1992. He was deeply interested in
politics as demonstrated by his
early involvement in Denver. He was
a Close Up Foundation Program
Instructor, delegate to the Colorado
Democratic Convention (1982-84),
and served as a judge for the Denver
Elections Commission. He served
as Chapter President of Pi Sigma
Alpha National Political Science
Honor Society and Student Senator
at the University of Colorado at
Denver from 1985 to 1987. He later
changed his political affiliation to
the Republican Party and was proud
to be one of the few young AfricanAmericans bringing a voice of
diversity to the Republican Party.
In 1988, he moved to Washington,
D.C. where he worked as a claims
examiner at the U.S. Office of
Personnel Management until 1989.
From December 1989 until June
1991, when he was fired, he was
employed by Adams National Bank
as a Financial Analyst. Mr. Hall
later sued the Bank for disability
discrimination. Mr. Halls valiant
three-year struggle with the Bank
was fueled by his determination
to see institutions become more
responsive and compassionate to
the needs of disabled employees
coming after him. The case was
settled in June 1994; however, the
Bank challenged the settlement
award based upon unfounded
allegations that he and his attorneys
leaked the settlement amount to the
media. Unfortunately, Mr. Hall died
Rebecca A. Helem is a longtime

activist, cultural organizer, poet,
program manager, and licensed
Social Worker. She is native
of Philadelphia and a vibrant
daughter of a long line of creative
and sagacious women. Rebecca
received her MSW in 1996 from the
University of Pennsylvania, and
has worked for over 20 years in an
array of non-profit settings. From
the late 80s to the late 90s, Rebecca
dedicated years of her life to the fight
against HIV/AIDS. She served as
a program manager and innovator
in various HIV/AIDS service
settings to include local and national
community based organizations,
a faith-based organization, a high
school, jails and prisons, and as
a volunteer AIDS buddy. In 1991,
she received and Emerging Leader
Award from the Philadelphia Gay
News for her work, and she has
conducted numerous workshops
throughout the United States.
In 2001, in recognition of her
volunteer and paid work in the
health and human services field,
she received a scholarship to
attend a National Training of
Trainers Workshop for Human
Rights Education from the Stanley
foundation and the University
of Minnesota Human Rights
Resource Center. Ms. Helem is
the founder and president of
RIVA, the Rights in View Alliance.
RIVAs mission is to foster
community building, via spiritual
and artistic activities, focusing
on the healing and wholeness of
African-American women.
In 2002, Rebecca received a
fellowship to attend a meditation
retreat for long-time activists of
color at the Vallecitos Mountain
Refuge in New Mexico. In 2004 she
received her Meditation Teacher
Training Certificate from the

Ananda Expanding Light Retreat
Center in California. Rebecca
brings a wealth of creativity,
knowledge, and commitment to
justice for our human family.
Robyn Holden
PHOTO COURTESY ROBYN HOLDEN
Robyn Holden has served

as a volunteer for DC Black
Pride, often co-organizing the
Monday festivals in the park at
Carter Baron Amphitheatre and
Kenilworth Park. Robyn brings
decades of broadcast experience,
media savvy and an intimate
knowledge
of
the
District
Government and its players to The
ANC and YOU, a weekly 30-minute
television program that centers on
issues related to the 8 wards and
sub-wards in Washington, DC. The
ANC and YOU concentrates on
providing up to date information
on city government, its managers
and how it affects the citizens, as
well as residents of Washington
D.C. As an integral part of the
local government, the Advisory
Neighborhood
Commissioners
are showcased for their grass
roots
efforts
in
providing
services for the citizens in the
District. In addition, The ANC
and YOU interviews citizens on
location with a cutting edge op-ed
commentary at the conclusion of
each program.
Greg Hutchings
PHOTO COURTESYGREG HUTCHINGS, SR.
Gregory Carl Hutchings, Sr.

began his life on July 30, 1955 as
the beloved first son of Irvin and
Dolly Phifer Hutchings. As an Air
Force brat, Greg spent much of
his childhood traveling, settling
and resettling with his family at
military bases around the world.
Baptized in Japan in 1969 at the
age of 14, Greg graduated from
high school two years later and
in the top 5% of his class. The
following year, Greg matriculated
to
Howard
University
in
Washington, D.C. as an accounting
major and graduated in 1977 with
a bachelors degree in business
administration. After these early
achievements, Greg became a loyal
and concerned family member, a
compassionate and dependable
friend,
and
a
committed
community activist. A dedicated
family man, Greg married his
high school sweetheart Shari
Howard Thomas in 1972. Together
they became the parents of three

children: Ishair, Gregory Jr. and
James.
Gregory specialized in the
fields
of
HIV/AIDS
issues
for more than 10 years and in
financial management for more
than 20 years. He served as the
executive director of Lifelink
and as the HIV Prevention
Coordinator for the District
of Columbia. He co-founded
the HIV Community Coalition
in 1993 and was also a former
board member of the Colours
Organization in Philadelphia
and of the Paul Anthony Dillard,
Jr. Memorial Foundation at the
Howard University School of
Divinity. Greg was also CEO of
GCH Management, and the former
financial advisor to: Us Helping
Us, Safehaven Ministries, D.C.
Womens Council, Josephs House
and Miriams House. An openly
HIV-identified person since 1990,
Greg was often featured in TV,
radio and print media.
Greg was granted eternal
rest at the age of 44 in 1999. He
dedicated his life to supporting
the dreams of his friends, family,
and community. He completed his
life journey triumphantly a life
filled with love and joy.
trying to preserve the history of

the African-American community
and bridge all the diverse
segments together. His endless
efforts
included
involvement
in the first Adams Morgan Day
Festival, D.C. Black Repertory
Company, Maya Gallery, Black
Lesbian and Gay Masquerade
Gala, publishing the Black Guide,
publishing the Black Lesbian
and Gay Pride Weekend souvenir
program, creation of Christmas
in My Soul AIDS fundraiser, and
countless other promotions of
political and civic fundraisers. His
life work also included a successful
career in printing and event
planning. Chauncey will always
be remembered as an individual
with a strong personality, coupled
with a distinct insistence of
doing it his way. Nonetheless, a
permanent contribution has been
made by Chauncey to the AfricanAmerican community, instilling
the need to network and bridge all
individuals toward the common
goal of a unified and respected
existence.
Chauncey H. Lyles, Jr., a
lifelong resident of Washington,
D.C., ended his courageous battles
against AIDS on Friday, June, 21,
1996 at the age of 40.
Kevin Yancey Kenner Sparkle Maharris
Im not hiding my face out of

shame or guilt, but because you
fear what you dont understand.
But yet I still live a full life in
spite of it all.
Being a survivor for 17 years, I
cover myself in pride and adorn
myself with hope.
Chauncey Lyles, Jr.
Chauncey H. Lyles, Jr. was born

on Oct. 8, 1955 to the late Chauncey
H. Lyles, Sr. and Ernestine Lyles.
He was educated in the D.C. school
system and attended McKinley
Tech High School. As a young
adult, he moved to Atlanta to
pursue his career. After 10 years
away, Chauncey returned to
Washington, D.C., to become
active in the community he loved
and remembered so much.
Chauncey was a local gay
activist and founder of the U
Street Festival that celebrates
the colorful history of one of the
most renowned African-American
cultural and arts centers in the
country. Chauncey spent his life
PHOTO COMPLIMENTS CHERYL SPECTOR

AND DAVID OTTOGALLI
Sparkle Maharris was a popular

statuesque
African-American
drag performer of the 1980s and
1990s who hosted and performed
in many clubs in the Washington,
D.C. metropolitan area. Her
popular impersonations were of
Patti LaBelle and Millie Jackson.
She could always be counted on to
lend her talents to various AIDSrelated and other community
causes.
Unfortunately, Sparkle was
violently taken from us in 1999.
Below are excerpts from an article
posted in The Drag Rag in 1999:
Sparkle Maharriss unexpected
death this past weekend has
left the DC drag community in
mourning just weeks after losing
Dana Terrell. Sparkle Maharriss
amateur night at the Frat House
and the Bachelors Mill gave many
many DC drag artists a start.
For Teena Marie Cromwell, who
just lost her mother, the death of
Sparkle, her drag mother, has been
an especially hard blow. Sparkle
was loved and she will be missed,
said Teena who added Sparkle
gave me my start at Rascals. Weve
been through a lot together. Teens
noted the most important thing
she had learned from Sparkle was
to just be myself and have fun.
She taught me to be real, dont be
fake and put on a front. And dont
sugar coat things
...JC Van Raine, hostess of
7
Viva Las Vegas at Omega has
known Sparkle for eight or nine
years since being in Sparkles
Amateur Night show at Rascals.
Ms. Maharris was a key to many
a drag career and friendship.
JC noted how many many drag
queens got their start through
Sparkle. She also remembers
how hard it was to understand
Sparkles voice in the morning.
You had to wait until about 1:00
in the afternoon for her voice to
be understandable. Sparkle had a
tiny little dog named Tiffany who
would sometimes fall over when
she barked
Lorraine Greco, who counts
Sparkle a dear friend for over
17 years, paid Ms. Maharris one
of the greatest compliments
in describing Sparkle as a true
friend. Once she was your friend,
it was for life. No matter what
happened. I will always remember
her and will never let people forget
her!
singers in enhancing their vocal

abilities.
A 1981 cum laude graduate
of Howard University, Myron
was a fervent Star Trek fan
and enjoyed traveling, reading,
viewing
movies,
gardening,
cooking, and listening to a variety
of music, particularly classical
and show tunes. Skilled in crossstitching, his framed works
adorn the homes of family and
friends. His room-brightening
smile, quirky sense of humor, and
willingness to lend a helping hand
endeared Myron to many.
W. Myron Maye
Founded
in
1988,
Metro
TeenAIDS has worked to prevent
new HIV infections among young
people and improve the quality
of life for young people living
with and affected by HIV. Metro
TeenAIDS currently serves young
people under the age of 25 in the
Washington, D.C. metropolitan
area.
Every day, Metro TeenAIDS
works to improve the spread
of this deadly disease through
outreach and education, as well to
identify and improve the lives of
those who are already infected.
Many of these problems can be
addressed by proactive educational
outreach coordinated by trained
professional and peers. Thats
where Metro TeenAIDS helps.
June 15, 1956 July 17, 2003

A renowned musician, Myron
was also a flight attendant for
12 years with U.S. Airways
and Director of Music for The
Metropolitan Community Church
of Washington, D.C. During the
80s, he was Director of Music for
the Evangelical Lutheran Church
of Our Redeemer in northeast
Washington and also directed
choral music at St. Andrews
Episcopal School in Rockville, Md.
Born in Washington, D.C.,
on June 15, 1956, Myrons vast
musical talents included his own
compositions that were performed
in local concerts and musical
productions.
He
performed
with the Nevilla Ottley Singers,
the Federal City Performing
Arts Association Male, and the
Gay Mens Chorus. In the late
70s he was a keyboardist and
instrumental
arranger
with
Howard Universitys Children
Theater Workshops. In 1996, he
helped found Brother to Brother
Sister to Sister United, Inc.
Some of his major compositions
include: Meditations on Light,
Love and Hope, An Advent
Cantata, Toda el mundo baile,
a chamber suite, Five Songs on
Friendship, Suite for Flute in
Four Movements, Three Prayers,
Behold, This Dreamer Cometh!,
Rumple,
Theres
Always
a
Rainbow, Black Fairy and The
Bad Children. His spirituality and
special relationship with God and
Jesus Christ is reflected in many of
these works. Not only was Myron
an accomplished performer and
composer, he was a gifted teacher
who guided a number of local
Metro TeenAIDS
Nineteenth Street
Baptist Church
Dr. Derrick Harkins,
Senior Pastor
as its passion and people as its

mission.
Derek Perkins
LOVE: An emotional and

physical commitment between
two people.
Which means trust, honesty,
and fidelity.
Unfortunately, for some that is
not the case.
HIV/AIDS does not know the
meaning of the word love.
However, people do.
So if you say you love someone,
MEAN IT !!!
SHOW IT !!!
PROTECT THEM !!!
Derek Martin Perkins, 2/23/05
The Nineteenth St. Baptist

Church has been blessed to be
part of the history and life of
Washington, D.C. for nearly 200
years. Originally a part of the
First Baptist Church of the City
of Washington, founded in 1802,
the church formed as a District
congregation in 1839 with Rev.
Sampson White as the first pastor.
Throughout the years, with varied
ministries and organizations,
the church has always sought to
make its worship of God relevant
in its service to others. Today the
church continues to seek new
ways to proclaim His goodness.
The Nineteenth Street Baptist
Church is a growing body of
believers boldly proclaiming God
Lawrence Washington
Max Robinson

PHOTO COURTESY MAX ROBINSON CENTER
Max Robinson was a pioneering

African-American journalist and
person with AIDS. On April 5, 1993,
at the official dedication of Max
Robinson Center of the WhitmanWalker Clinic, a friend of Maxs
was quoted: He wanted his death
to be the occasion for emphasizing
the importance, particularly to the
black community, of the education
about AIDS and the prevention of
AIDS. The other concern was that
everyone should emphasize the
urgency to develop treatment for
AIDS and the humane treatment
of people with AIDS.
Larry Uhrig
and bisexual men, Us Helping

Us, People Into Living, Inc.
(UHU) is a unique organization
with an extraordinary history.
Incorporated in 1988, when
its sole program was to teach
small groups of HIV-infected
black gay men how to live
longer using natural holistic
therapies involving the body,
mind and spirit, UHU has
grown into one of the largest
secular,
gay-identified
black
AIDS organizations in the nation
serving the black communities
of
the
Washington,
D.C.
metropolitan area and northeast
West Virginia. The mission of
UHU is to reduce HIV infection
in the black community. UHU
specializes in HIV education
and risk reduction interventions
for black gay and bisexual men,
and transgender persons. UHU
provides HIV counseling, testing
and referral services to black
men and women regardless of
sexual orientation.
In June of 1977, the Rev. Larry

J. Uhrig was elected pastor of
The Metropolitan Community
Church of Washington, D.C. and
continued to serve in this position
until the time of his death. During
his years as pastor, the church
grew in its community, visibility,
and commitment to service.
Us Helping Us, People

Into Living, Inc.
Founded in 1985 as a self-help

group for HIV-positive black gay
Lawrence
A.
Washington
was born April 28, 1944 as the
first child of the late Leroy
and Florine L. Washington
in Baltimore. Lawrence was
educated in the Baltimore City
Public Schools. In addition, he
received a bachelors degree
from Morgan State University
in 1969; a masters degree in
Social Work from the University
of Pennsylvania in 1975; and a
license for independent clinical
social work from the District of
Columbia in 1989.
Lawrence was baptized in the
Holy Temple Church of Truth
in Baltimore at the age of 18
and served as a Sunday school
teacher until 1969. During that
year, he entered the U.S. Army
and served in Germany until
his discharge in 1972. Upon
returning to Baltimore, he
became employed as a social
worker at City Hospital. In 1979,
Lawrence moved to Washington,
D.C. and was employed as a
medical social worker until the
time of his death.
During Lawrences residence
in Washington, he became a
community leader involved in
various political campaigns
and numerous organizations
within D.C.s Gay and Lesbian
community.
His
many
affiliations included President
and Vice President of the D.C.
Coalition of Black Lesbians
and Gays; Co-Chairman of the
National Coalition for Black
Lesbians and Gays; organizer
for the first D.C. city-wide
conference
for
Black
Gay
Men and Lesbians; founding
member
of
the
Langston
Hughes-Eleanor
Roosevelt
Democratic
Club;
member
of
Mel Boozer Leadership
Roundtable; member of Friends
of D.C.; D.C. Gay and Lesbian
Antiviolence Task Force; and
the Gay communitys official
liaison to the Washington,
D.C. Police Department. In the
political arena, Lawrence served
on Mayor Barrys budget and
finance advisory commission;
was the Mayors campaign
coordinator for Precinct 19 in
1982 and 1986; worked for Harry
Thomas campaign for city
council; and worked on the D.C.
campaign for Jesse Jackson in
1984.
Lawrence A. Washington
departed this life on Tuesday
morning, November 21 1989, at
the Veterans Administration
Medical Center. He was 45
years old.
2006
1987 March on
Washington
PWAs and PWArcs were out
in force during the October 1987
March on Washington. It was the
largest civil rights march since
the anti-Vietnam War era.
Academy of Washington
PHOTO BY CHERYL SPECTOR
Established
in
1961,
The
Academy of Washington, Inc. (also
known as the Academy) is one
of the oldest organizations of its
kind in the country. Its membership
includes drag queens, drag kings,
male and female impersonators in
the Washington, D.C. metropolitan
area who enjoy entertaining
and supporting each other. But
the Academy is not just a social
organization; it is a highly respected
member of the community. The
Academy and its members are
active in many civic and volunteer
organizations. The Washington
Academy is on the board of Brother
Help Thyself (BHT), and is involved
with the Rainbow History Project
and Pets DC. In addition to these
organizations, Academy members
are also associated with ASGRA,
the Centaur Motorcycle Club, and
other community organizations.
Over the years the Academy,
through
its
generosity,
has
contributed thousands of dollars
to AIDS service organizations and
AIDS-related charities. During the
years, every person associated with
the Academy has experienced the
far-reaching social gratification
of our group. Each person has
had their moments of glory, their
share of applause and social
8
recognition. The Academy honors
its members for contributions
to theatre, make-up, design, and
the gay community in general.
It welcomes individuality and
foster self-expression in all forms.
The Academy allows people to
occasionally make-believe and
continues to provide each of us with
a touch of glamour and elegance
that many would not otherwise
experience.
ACT UP
ACT UP is a LGBT civil rights
organization, with many chapters
in cities across the U.S. Always
on the front line, ACT UP has
participated in numerous efforts
including the 1987 March on
Washington for gay and lesbian
civil rights.
AIDS Quilt
Founded in 1987, The AIDS
Memorial Quilt is a poignant
memorial, a powerful tool for
use in preventing new HIV
infections, and the largest ongoing
community arts project in the
world.
Each block (or section) of The
AIDS Memorial Quilt measures
approximately 12 feet square, and
a typical block consists of eight
individual three-foot by six-foot
panels sewn together. Virtually
every one of the more than 40,000
colorful panels that make up the
Quilt memorializes the life of a
person lost to AIDS.
As the epidemic continues
claiming lives around the world
and here in the United States,
the Quilt continues to grow and
to reach more communities with
its messages of remembrance,
awareness and hope.
Paola Barahona
Paola Barahona has been

the
Executive
Director
of
PreventionWorks
for
over
seven
years.
As
Executive
Director, Ms. Barahona has
guided
Washington,
D.C.s
needle exchange organization
through
nine
Congressional
Appropriations cycles and has
risen over $2 million in private
grants,
contributions,
and
donations to fund harm reduction
and needle exchange in DC. Ms.
Barahonas proven commitment
to marginalized communities,
including
drug
users,
sex
workers,
and
transgender
persons, is evident in her efforts
to expand the services provided
by PreventionWorks and to
form referral networks with
organizations that serve these
populations. As an expert in HIV/
AIDS, substance abuse, viral

hepatitis, sexually transmitted
infections,
and
reproductive
health, Ms. Barahona has ensured
that PreventionWorks offers a full
menu of services, supplies, and
educational materials to address
these health issues.
Ms. Barahona is an active
member of the District of
Columbias
HIV
Prevention
Community
Planning
Group
(CPG), a member of the CPG
Executive Committee, and CoChair of the CPG EpiData/Needs
Assessment Subcommittee. She
is also a member of the Health
Disparities Committee of the
Metropolitan Washington Public
Health Association. Ms. Barahona
has a Masters Degree in Public
Health from the University of
Michigan and an Executive
Level Program Certificate from
the Columbia Business School
Institute
for
Not-for-Profit
Management. Ms. Barahona was
born in Washington, D.C.: her
mother is Australian and her
father is Chilean. She is bilingual
in Spanish and English.
Christopher Barnhill
The following are the words of

Chris Barnhill:
My name is Chris and I am an
HIV/AIDS Youth Advocate and
public speaker and I have been
HIV-positive for the past 19 years.
My story is unique I didnt know
my status for the whole 19 years,
I found out at 16 after taking a
random HIV test. After finding
out, I wasnt mad nor depressed
or angry at the world. Instead I
felt inspired to educate my peers
on HIV, to let them know that
HIV does affect and infect our age
population. I am truly blessed to
be here alive and apart of the fight
to eradicate HIV in D.C.
Inc., conducting a feasibility study

on the integration of STD, HIV,
and drug abuse services for a
proposed national demonstration
project. From 1997 through 1998
he served as interim Director
of the City of Philadelphia HIV
Commission.
From
1991
through
1997, Christopher was the
Executive Director of the D.C.
Comprehensive AIDS Resources
and CARE Consortium.
The
Consortium is an alliance
of
local organizations and
institutions that provide HIV/
AIDS services and education in
the District of Columbia. Before
1991, Christopher enjoyed a
successful 11 year career as
a program director and in
various management positions
with the District of Columbia
government.
Over the past 20 years, Mr.
Bates has served on numerous
national and local boards and
commissions.
Christopher is
a founding member of the DC
Primary Care Association.
He
also served as a member of
the Board of the Washington
Consortium of Agencies, a sixyear member of the Executive
Committee of the Metropolitan
Washington Ryan White Title
Planning Council, a member
of the Mayors Health Policy
Advisory Committee and past
chair of the Mayors AIDS
Advisory Committee. He is a
graduate of the University of
Michigan and earned an MPA
from Southeastern University.
Dan Bradley
PWA Dan Bradley, former head
of the Legal Services division
during the Carter administration,
getting arrested in front of the
White House at the June 1, 1987
demonstration. Dan was the
keynote speaker at the rally that
preceded the arrests.
Additionally they ride to raise

funds for Howard University
Parent
Support
Group
for
Children with Sickle Cell Disease,
the Black Womens Health Clinic,
the Omni Lambda Education
Foundation and the Max Robinson
Center Toy Drive.
Angela Brown
Angela Brown has worked in

medicine for six years and three
years exclusively in HIV/AIDS
issues. She received her Medical
Assistant/Phlebotomy
degree
from Applied Career in 2000.
Ms. Brown has also attended
HIV counseling training with
the Washington D.C. HIV/AIDS
administration. Ms. Brown is
adept at rapid HIV testing and
counseling, and she has a proven
track record for training and
mentoring new HIV prevention
and testing specialists.
Ms. Brown has facilitated
groups for youth and young
adults on the adverse effects of
alcohol and drugs use in relation
to STDs. She has also worked with
special populations including
inmates, the homeless, persons of
color and other minority groups,
and
economically
distressed
populations. Ms. Brown has
amassed years of experience
with outreach in nightclubs, sex
clubs, sex worker areas, homeless
shelters,
and
direct
street
surveillance. She is well known in
the HIV community and she prides
herself on getting people into
medical care. Ms. Browns cultural
sensitivity, approachability, and
warmth are a great asset as she
puts her clients at ease throughout
the process of testing, counseling,
and prevention.
Earline Budd
PHOTO COURTESY WALLACE CORBETT
In August 2002, Christopher

H. Bates was appointed Acting
Director for the Department of
Health and Human Services Office
of HIV/AIDS Policy. He is a Senior
Health Program Analyst, who also
served as the National Director for
a departmental initiative known
as the Rapid Assessment Response
and Evaluation (RARE). Before
joining the Office of HIV/AIDS
Policy, Christopher worked as a
consultant with the John Snow,
Brother to Brother
Sister to Sister United
Abdur-Rahim Briggs
Christopher H. Bates
PHOTO BY D. MAURICE TAYLOR
Entertainment.
Abdur-Rahim Briggs served
as a member of the 100 Black
Men of the Greater Washington,
D.C. Chapter where he served on
both the Health & Wellness and
the Annual Banquet Committees
and
elected
Professional
Development/Mentoring
CoChair during his tenure at Booz
Allen Hamilton, Inc.
In the summer of 1997, Rahims
identical twin brother disclosed
to him his HIV-positive diagnosis.
Over the next two years, as HIV
infection rates soared among
African
Americans,
Rahim
channeled his hurt and pain over
his brother into positive energy,
waging war against the HIV virus;
as a result, Rahim sowed the seeds
of the White Attire Affair (WAA).
The White Attire Affair began as
a series of backyard BBQs in the
homes of various friends; in 1999,
Rahim, Clyde Penn, Alvin King,
Garrick Good, and Shaun Jones
founded the Ummah Endowment
Fund to organize the White Attire
Affair (WAA) and launch a new
era in social marketing of HIV/
AIDS testing and prevention. In
recent years, Ummah reorganized
itself as the organization Al Sura.
Since 1999, WAA continues its
mission to raise awareness and
funds to help fight the HIV/AIDS
epidemic in the GLBT community.
He has a bachelor of arts in
Sociology with a Minor in Public
Administration from California
State University at Bakersfield.
Abdur-Rahims
professional
career has led him into the legal
industry with various positions at
law firms, local government and
consulting firms. He currently
serves as Manager, Records &
Information Management with
Oce` Business Services.
Abdur-Rahim
Briggs
is
no
stranger
to
community
involvement
and
non-profit
organizations.
His
love
for
volunteerism began at The Watts/
Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club in
Los Angeles, where he was named
Youth of the Year in 1986. His
volunteer work has continued
throughout his life including
work with Us Helping Us, Inc.
in Washington, D.C., where he
received the Marvin E. Young
Volunteer of the Year award in
2001. In 2005, he was recognized
by the Transgender Community
with the Spirit of Light
Award presented by Mascara
Brother to Brother Sister

to Sister United (BBSSU) is
the largest and only AfricanAmerican
cycling
team
to
participate in the AIDS Rides
presented by Tanqueray. Founded
by Wallace L. Corbett, Jr. an
African American gay male, the
predominantly heterosexual team
has raised nearly $1 million in the
fight against HIV/AIDS.
The members of BBSSU have
an obligation to educate their
families and friends about the
disease. We have to understand
what AIDS is doing, says Corbett,
a radiological referral assistant
from Washington, D.C.
The cycling group started with
five people and has grown to more
than 400 and has expanded to
Illinois, New York, and California.
PHOTO COURTESY EARLINE BUDD
Earline Budd is a transgender

woman who makes no secret
about HIV status. She is one of the
founding members of Transgender
Health Empowerment, Inc. (THE),
which was founded in 1996 and
today serves as one of the premier
transgender service providers in
the Washington, D.C. metropolitan
area and maybe around the
country. This program today has
two service areas: Supportive
Housing
and
a
Prevention
program serving transgender, gay,
lesbian, and bisexual individuals.
Earline still in her own unofficial
9
capacity works hard with THE
in assuring that people know its
purpose and meaning.
Earline began her work in HIV/
AIDS in 1989 with the Inner City
AIDS Network (ICAN) and has
never looked back. She is known
as a motivational and dynamic
speaker nationally and is a
dedicated advocate around issues
faced by her community while
remaining open to help all who
call on her.
Earline
is
a
native
Washingtonian
and
enjoys
dedicating her time to helping
others, especially in the area
of HIV/AIDS, substance abuse
and those who are homeless. She
serves on several boards in the
District of Columbia including,
the D.C. Care Consortium, Ryan
White Planning Council, HIV
Community Planning Group,
Superior Court LGBT Special
Population Group, Department of
Corrections Discharge Planning
Group. She extends herself to
many others when called upon.
when he chose to care for his life

partner who had become ill with
AIDS. After his partners death,
Hank dedicated himself to building
and improving AIDS services
in Washington, D.C. Despite
receiving a diagnosis of full-blown
AIDS in 1990, Hank worked for the
Whitman-Walker Clinic as the HIV
Home Care Coordinator, served a
grants and policy advisor, and was
later elected to the Clinics Board
of Directors. He was a founding
member of the HIV Community
Coalition and served actively
and with great enthusiasm on
other private and public boards,
councils,
commissions
and
advisory groups. Until his death
in 1998, Hank maintained a strong
sense of community among those
in AIDS issues through A Letter
to Friends which he researched,
wrote, published, and distributed
at his own cost.
Carl Vogel Center
Burgess Clinic
PHOTO BY ANDRE M. TAYLOR
WE ARE THE CHILDREN OF

THE BURGESS CLINIC.
You dont know it even though
you see us everyday, day in and
day out, living a normal life
You dont know it by just
looking at our faces, because we
wear a smile to mask the pain
You dont know it because our
peers wouldnt understand; they
fear what they dont understand
You dont know it because
we choose to suffer all alone, in
reality though we are not alone
Our families tells us it will
be OK, even though some have
turned their backs on us
I have AIDShow would you
know?
Henry Carde III
PHOTO COURTESY CHERYL SPECTOR
Freeland Henry Hank Carde

III, a retired U.S. Navy officer and
twice awarded Bronze Star veteran
of the Vietnam War, was considered
one of Washington, D.C.s most
distinguished and effective AIDS
activists. During the last 10 years
of his life, Hank worked tirelessly
as an advocate for persons living
with AIDS (PWAs), constantly
challenging the system to make
it better and championing the
empowerment of all PWAs. Hank
ended an outstanding naval career
Carl Vogel Center (CVC) is

a nonprofit organization that
provides
multidisciplinary
and integrated health care that
responds to existing and emerging
needs of people with HIV and
AIDS (PWA). CVC educates and
empowers PWA to become full
partners and informed advocates
in the management of their care.
Sophia Carrero
Sophia Reyes, A.K.A Sophia

Carrero is a native from
Nicaragua. She was crowned the
very first Miss Gay Hispanic in
1991 and used her title to carry the
message of HIV/AIDS prevention
to the Latino Community in the
area. After she relinquished her
title she became co-president of
the Miss Gay Hispanic system,
also called beauty pageant with
a purpose since the focus was
on HIV prevention.
She has
worked in different community
based organizations, including
as a bilingual specialist educator
for Salud Inc. and Safe Haven
Outreach Ministry, Inc., for the
HIV 101-102, Dress for Success,
and for the Transgender Health
Empowerment as a transgender
outreach worker. She was also an
active member of the first Latino
transgender group in Washington
D.C. Creando Espacio.
As an
entertainer she uses the stage to
deliver prevention messages and

to distribute prevention materials
to the audiences.
She helped
link members of the transgender
community to different programs
and services available in the
community. Other titles she has
won include Miss Hippo in 1998
and Miss Maryland in 1999. She
is an advocate for the transgender
Latino
community.
Sophia
continues entertaining us in Club
Fuego and Perrys Restaurant
during Sunday brunches.
David Catania
As a member of the Council

of the District of Columbia,
David Catania was regarded
as a resourceful, hardworking
and valuable policymaker. First
elected as an At-Large Council
member in a 1997 special election,
Catania was re-elected to full
terms on the Council in 1998 and
2002.
Catania championed legislative
initiatives - now law - that focus
on improving healthcare for
uninsured
and
low-income
residents, expanding affordable
access to prescription drugs,
expanding
drug
treatment
options, minimizing property tax
burdens, providing incentives
for businesses to relocate to the
District, offering income tax parity
with neighboring jurisdictions,
increasing police deployment,
and
reforming
Advisory
Neighborhood Commissions.
In his role as a board member
for WMATA from 1999 to 2004,
Catania worked to create a light
rail line along the Anacostia River
and reverse commuter routes that
provide District residents access
to employment opportunities in
the Dulles Corridor.
Mr. Catania became involved in
District issues when he chaired
the Sheridan-Kalorama Advisory
Neighborhood Commission. As a
former Senior Counsel for Akin,
Gump, Strauss, Hauer and Feld,
he brings a wealth experience to
the Council. In the past he also
worked as a research assistant
for Dr. Madeleine Albright and
as an Attorney for the United
States Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission.
A
native
Missourian,
Councilmember Catania earned
a B.S. from the Georgetown
University School of Foreign
Service and a J.D. from the
Georgetown
University
Law
Center.
In addition to his public
service on the D.C. Council and
unsuccessful bid for mayor, Mr.
Catania dedicates resources to
cultural institutions such as the
Shakespeare Theatre, Summer
Opera Theatre Company, and
Cultural Tourism D.C., as well as

community health organizations
including the Mautner Project and
La Clinica del Pueblo.
The Clubhouse
The Clubhouse, at 1296 Upshur

St., N.W. in Washington, D.C.,
reigned as one of the hottest black
gay nightclubs on the East Coast
from 1975 to 1990. The Clubhouses
Childrens
Hour
celebration
helped establish Memorial Day
weekend as Black Gay Pride
Weekend in Washington, D.C.
The annual event drew AfricanAmerican GLBT persons from
around the country.
The Coffeehouse
Washington,
D.C.s
first
enduring African-American gay
political organization, the D.C.
Coalition (established in 1978)
helped create the ENIKALLEY
Coffeehouse at 816 I St., N.E.
The Coffeehouse was a crucial
performance spot for gay and
lesbian
poets,
writers,
and
musicians that generated a
second
African-American
gay renaissance in the city, 60
years after Georgia Douglas
Johnsons Saturday Nighters. At
the Coffeehouse, and later at dc
space, Essex Hemphill, Michelle
Parkerson, Garth Tate, Gideon
Ferebee, Wayson Jones and
others created new styles, media
and themes in GLBT music and
literature.
James Juicy Coleman
James Coleman is Program

Manager in the Health Promotion
and
Disease
Prevention
Department
of
WhitmanWalker Clinic. Popularly know
as Juicy, he is a nationally
recognized advocate for HIV
prevention services targeting
African-American
men
who
have sex with men (MSM), with
over 15 years of experience
designing
and
implementing
successful prevention programs.
At Whitman-Walker Clinic, he
has served in many capacities,
including many years as the
Associate Director of
their
Maryland office, and currently
oversees one of their most
successful projects, Suburban
Maryland AIDS Reduction Team
(SMART), a CDC funded project
targeting African-American MSM,

African-American women, and
African-American heterosexual
men living in suburban Maryland.
For many years, he chaired the
Suburban Maryland Ryan White
Planning
Councils
African
American
Committee,
and
currently chairs the Maryland
CPGs
suburban
Maryland
component (RWG) and also chairs
the Suburban Maryland HIV
Counseling and Testing Coalition.
Born in Washington, D.C. and
educated at Howard University,
he makes HIV prevention his
second career path, after working
for over 25 years in corporate
positions in computer operations,
programming and database design.
Through
consulting
opportunities, he also served
for many years as Maryland
Community Health Specialist for
Us Helping Us, People Into Living,
Inc., and most recently served as
Program Director for Transgender
Health Empowerment.
A 2001 graduate of the Centers
for Disease Controls Institute
for HIV Prevention Leadership
(IHPL), he currently serves as
vice president of the IHPLs
Alumni Association. Juicy is
also president of The Best of
Washington, D.C.s oldest AA
GLBT social organization.
Ronald Collins
Ronald Collins is director of

Office of Boards and Commissions
within the Executive Office of
the Mayor of Washington, D.C.
He has served in this capacity
since 2001. A lawyer by training,
Mr.
Collins
has
extensive
experience in municipal public
policy as it relates to contracting
and procurement, health and
human services, and systems
management.
Mr. Collins received his B.A.
degree from the University of
Scranton and in 1977 and his Juris
Doctor degree from the Dickinson
School of Law of the Pennsylvania
State University in 1980. He is a
native Washingtonian who resides
in Southwest Washington.
Prior to his appointment,
Mr. Collins served as the Senior
Policy Officer in the D.C. Office
of Contracting and procurement.
He has also served as the Agency
Chief
Contracting
Officer
for D.C. Fire and Emergency
Medical Services Department,
the Chief of Staff and Agency
Chief Contracting Office for
the D.C. Department of Health,
and the acting Deputy Director
and Chief of Staff for the D.C.
Department of Human Services.
Before joining the Department of
Human Services, Collins was the
Staff Director for the D.C. Council
10
Committee on Human Services
where he also served as Chief of
Staff to former Councilmember
H.R. Crawford.
Collins has been served in
many community organizations
including: the D.C. Democratic
State Committee, the Southwest
Neighborhood Assembly, the Ward
2 and Ward 6 Democrats, WhitmanWalker Clinic, the D.C. State
Health Planning and Development
Early Childhood Development
Coordinating Committee, and the
Ward 2 Redistricting Task Force.
Mr. Collins has received several
awards for his work, including the
Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance
Community Appreciation Award
and the Outstanding Public
Service Recognition Resolution
from the Council of the District
of Columbia for over 10 years of
public service.
Ruby Corado
Ruby Corado born in San

Savior, El Salvador, and has lived
in Washington, D.C. for more than
20 years.
She
has
supported
and
participated in many groups of
support with local organizations,
such as Whitman-Walker Health
and The Clinica del Pueblo. She
directed the organization Latin
Americans in Action, which
sought to fill the needs of the Latin
American LGBT community.
She has carried a message of
tolerance and respect for those
of different gender expressions,
sexual identities, and those
that live with HIV.
She has
collaborated with many national
organizations including LLEGO,
the
National
Gay
Lesbian,
Bisexual and Transgender Latino
Organization, the organizations
GLAAD, NGLTF, and the National
Center for Transgender Equality.
She currently operates Casa
Ruby to house and support LGBT
residents of D.C.
Wallace Corbett
I believe to follow Gods

word, we all must practice our
HUMANITIES to each other on a
daily bases. To gave and to help
anyone is to me GOD speaking
though and to its people.
I want to give and live each day
as though it was my last. I want
to travel this journey of life with
excitement and adventure. If I can
help others on their journey then
my day was not in vein.
To me, volunteering is not a
convenience but a mandatory
accountable to GOD. I love LIFE
and those that play apart in my
journey until the very END.
We all should look in a mirror
and ask ourselves DO I SEE GOD
IN MYSELF?
I would rather DIE FIGHTING
against HIV/AIDS than to die
from it.
One thing my mother thought
as a child and a MAN was to walk
with my head up and chest out
where ever I go for I am HER son
and a child of GOD.
END HIV/AIDS, for it is a part
of the body of CHRIST!
Covenant Baptist
Church
PHOTO BY KHALID NAJI-ALLAH
Affirming its African heritage,

the vision of Covenant Baptist
Church is to build an inclusive
body of biblical believers who
continue to grow in Christ as the
love, serve, and fellowship with
the community and each other.
As stated in the Church
Mission Statement, God calls
this church to be a progressive
witness for Jesus Christ a creative
model of Christian worship,
a loving example of Christian
fellowship, and a humble servant
to our sisters and brothers in the
community, the nation, and the
world we live. In word and deed, we
are committed to continue Jesus
ministry of spiritual and physical
liberation to the disadvantaged,
the weak, and the downtrodden.
We believe that our role is both
priestly and prophetic as we strive
to heal personal hurts and pains,
as well as challenge social dictates
and systems that oppress Gods
children from realizing their full
potential.
Billy Cox
The following words are from

Wallace Corbett:
Who is Wallace Corbett Jr.? Well,
he is the son of M. Cabbagestalk
(part American Indian) and W.
Corbett (grand child of African
Slave). I learn early in my life to
have pride in myself and those
that I surround myself with.
PHOTO COURTESY BILLY COX
Billy Cox has been a volunteer

with Whitman-Walker for more
than 14 years. He has worked in
the Clinics FoodBank, where

he had the opportunity to work
with clients, many of whom have
become friends and he has known
for years. Billy also served as
chair of the Whitman-Walker
Clinics board of directors for
two years (2004 and 2005), and as
vice chair for one year (2003). He
was on the board of directors for
several years.
On World AIDS Day, Billy sees
the need for all of us to recommit
ourselves to doing our part to
help end the AIDS epidemic. The
Washington, D.C. area has been
hit harder than most metropolitan
areas, especially among the
African-American and LGBT
communities.
The
increased
use of drugs, especially crystal
methamphetamine, has led to an
increase in HIV among blacks
and gay men, and Billy hopes this
issue will be addressed through
increased funding for programs
to help people with addictions
problems.
Billy
is
originally
from
Mississippi and works for the
federal government. He is also
HIV-positive.
Linda Cropp
Linda W. Cropp began her
career in public service more than
30 years ago in the classrooms of
the District of Columbia. After
receiving her bachelors and
masters degrees from Howard
University, Linda shared her
passion for education as a teacher
and guidance counselor. She later
went on to become the Ward 4
representative on the Board of
Education, where she served as
the vice president and president.
In 1990, Linda was elected as an
at-large member of the Council
of the District of Columbia. She
immediately
initiated
her
legislative agenda to improve
the quality of life for all District
residents. Linda also served as
the Councils representative on
the Board of the Washington
Metropolitan
Area
Transit
Authority. In that capacity, she
served as Chair of the Budget
Committee and played a major
role in the expansion of the Metro
Rail System.
In 1992, Linda was selected to
chair the Councils Committee
on Human Services. Under her
oversight, the Department of
Health was created. The reorganized agency focused on
Lindas
priorities,
including
controlling
substance
abuse,
reducing
infant
mortality,
eradicating tuberculosis, and
fighting HIV/AIDS. She continued
to chair the Committee after her
re-election in 1994. With a desire to
encourage self-sufficiency, Linda
introduced the Public Assistance
Self-Sufficiency
Program
Amendment Act of 1996. She
guided the act through the
legislative process and oversaw
the beginning of welfare reform
in the District. In addition, Linda
oversaw the movement toward a
comprehensive health care system

that began with the unification
of D.C. General Hospital and the
public health clinics.
In her private life, Linda Cropp
is married to Dr. Dwight S. Cropp,
Associate Professor of Public
Administration at The George
Washington
University.
They
have two adult children, Allison
and Christopher, and a grandson,
Christian Alexander Cropp.
Damien Ministries
Damien Ministries, Inc. is a nonprofit faith-based organization

committed to supporting those
abandoned or isolated in their
suffering
with
HIV/AIDS,
particularly the poorest of the
poor. Damien Ministries fulfills
its mission through dedication,
commitment to ministry and
mutual support. The organization
is unique in that it creates
community between those in
service and those in suffering in
body and spirit with the effects
of HIV/AIDS. Persons receiving
services from Damien Ministries
are served without reference
to religious or denominational
affiliation and without subjecting
clients to proselytizing efforts.
Damien Ministries is committed
to furthering its mission by
serving all persons regardless
of race, gender, creed, or sexual
orientation.
Damien Ministries was founded
on the principles of an incredible
story the history of a man who
gave his life to serve a group of
people who were quite literally
outcasts. Father Damien spent
years on the island of Molokai,
helping the individuals in the
leper colony build homes, schools,
hospitals; he taught and cared for
the sick, eventually contracting
leprosy himself and dying. It
was his compassion for others in
need that is the founding mission
of our organization in dealing
with the modern day leprosy
of HIV/AIDS. Since 1987, the
organization has grown from a
small, volunteer run endeavor
to one of the most respected and
well-known
organizations
in
the District of Columbia. All of
Damien Ministries programs
are designed with specific longterm goals in mind: Increased
life expectancy, stabilization and
increased quality of life, and
prevention education.
Lawrence J. DAngelo
Professor Lawrence J. DAngelo
has had a longstanding interest
in HIV infection in children
and adolescents. For the past 23
years, he has led regional and
national efforts to understand the

epidemiology and path physiology
of HIV infection in adolescents.
Dr. DAngelo has been a
D.C. Metro area pioneer in the
adolescent HIV field. He founded
the Burgess Clinic at Childrens
Hospital in 1988, one of the first
clinics in the country dedicated
to caring for HIV infected and
affected adolescents. That same
year, he and a group of community
leaders founded a community
based
organization,
which
ultimately grew into MetroTeen
AIDS.
The author of
over 100
articles and book chapters, Dr.
DAngelo
recently
co-edited
and wrote the first book to
address
the
comprehensive
experience of HIV infection in
adolescents, Teenagers and HIV/
AIDS: Insights from Youths Living
with the Virus.
Dr. DAngelo has also been
the principal investigator on
numerous research studies of
HIV infection in teenagers. Under
his current direction is one of
15 national Adolescent Trials
Network units funded by the
National Institute of Child Health
and Human Development. He
is the recipient of a special
NIAID award recognizing these
efforts. Dr. DAngel owas also
the first chair of the Adolescent
Scientific Committee of the AIDS
Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) of
the National Institute of Health
and has also chaired two protocol
teams for the first two adolescentspecific protocols being conducted
in the ACTG.
Throughout his career, Dr.
DAngelo has also served as
Professor of Pediatrics, Medicine,
Prevention
and
Community
Health and Epidemiology at The
George Washington University.
Family and Medical

Conseling Service,
Inc. Flora Terrell
Hamilton, Founder
A founder of Family and

Medical
Counseling
Service,
Inc. (FMCS), incorporated in
1976, Dr. Flora Hamilton has
been
its
executive
director
since 1981. She earned her B.S.
degree in psychology and her
Masters and Doctoral degrees
in Social Work from Howard
University. With vast experience
11
in social services as a practitioner,
administrator and educator, she
has successfully managed and led
numerous projects. She is also a
Licensed Independent Clinical
Social Worker in the District
of Columbia and Maryland. Dr.
Hamilton has run HIV prevention
and treatment programs, first
offender
pretrial
diversion
programs, mental health and
substance abuse prevention and
treatment programs for adults and
youth, and adolescent substance
abuse prevention and youth rites
projects. Under her direction
FMCSs HIV program evolved
into one of Washington, D.C.s
most comprehensive programs
with funding with Ryan White
Titles I-III, the Centers for Disease
Control, and the Substance Abuse
and Mental Health Services
Administration.
The
current
HIV program includes primary
medical care, case management,
discharge planning, substance
abuse treatment, mental health,
outreach
and
prevention
education, HIV counseling and
testing,
nutritional
support,
food bank, prevention case
management,
and
psychoeducational skills building. Dr.
Hamilton serves on the Boards
of the Districts Primary Care
Association and the DC CARE
Consortium since 1996.
Michael Felts
PHOTO COMPLIMENTS OF CHERYL SPECTOR
Mike Felts was the founder of

Deaf AIDS Action and Wayne
Turner had the honor of getting
arrested with him at the White
House in 1993 in a protest
demanding a real AIDS Czar.
Wayne Turner of ACT-UP (one of
our other honorees) spent many
hours together in a holding cell
at the Park Police headquarters,
and despite the obstacles in
communicating (since he doesnt
know ASL), they formed a
wonderful friendship. Michael
helped secure Ryan White funding
for ASL translators so that hearing
impaired persons with AIDS
(PWAs) could communicate with
their physicians and caseworkers.
Felts was born Aug. 20, 1956 in
England where he was stationed
with the U.S. Air Force. The
family relocated to Vancouver,
Washington so that Felts and his
sister could attend the Washington
School for the Deaf. After high
school, Felts came to Washington,
D.C. to attend Galludet University.
He moved several times, but
settled in Dallas, Texas in the
mid-1980s. It was there that Felts
co-founded one of the nations
first HIV prevention programs
for people who are deaf: the Deaf
AIDS Task Force, in conjunction
with the Dallas County Health
Department. For his activism,

Michael
earned
special
recognition award in 1991 from
then Texas Gov. Ann Richards (D).
Michael moved back to D.C.
in 1993 and in 1995 co-founded
Deaf AIDS Action and served as
the national organizations first
acting director. He had a passion
for theater and performed deaf
theater. He was also a member of
of Washington. He was a person
who always wanted to do and
be active and help people, said
his mother. Im real proud of
Michael and Im glad he was the
person he was.
Michael Felts passed away Nov.
16, 1996 at his home due to AIDSrelated complications.
as a staff consultant to the Senate

Labor and Human Resources
Committee from 1988-89 and as an
auditor/investigator with the U.S.
General Accounting Office from
1983-88.
Mr. Fisette and his partner, Bob
Rosen, have been residents of the
Ashton Heights neighborhood
since 1987. Jay has a Master
of Arts degree in Public and
International Affairs from the
University of Pittsburgh and
received his Bachelor of Arts
degree from Bucknell University.
Ella Fitzgerald
(Real Name: Donnell
Robinson)
Jay Fisette
PHOTO COMPLIMENTS OF DONNELL ROBINSON
Jay Fisette has been a resident

of Arlington since 1983. He
was elected to the Arlington
County Board in November
1997 and re-elected in 2001; he
served as chairman in 2001
and 2005. Mr. Fisette has been a
leader in expanding Arlingtons
e-government
capabilities,
including initiatives to improve
service delivery and bridge the
digital divide. Mr. Fisette has
worked diligently to refine and
implement the vision of Arlington
as an urban village. He promotes
smart growth principles, such as
the importance of linking land
use and transportation, sound
urban design and open spaces,
and pedestrian safety. He is an
avid environmentalist as well as
a strong voice for human rights
and increasing regionalism both
within Northern Virginia and the
greater Washington region.
Mr. Fisette is chair of the
Metropolitan
Washington
Council of Governments Board
of Directors, serving on that
organizations
Metropolitan
Development Policy Committee
and the Regional Emergency
Preparedness Council. He is a
member of the Northern Virginia
Transportation Commission, and
is vice president of the Executive
Committee of
the Virginia
Municipal League. Mr. Fisette
also represents Arlington on the
Greater Washington Initiative of
the Board of Trade.
Mr. Fisette serves on the
Board of Directors of Equality
Virginia, and the Washington
District Council of the Urban
Land Institute. He was appointed
by Governor Warner as a
Commissioner to the Board of the
Virginia Housing Development
Authority, now serving as the vice
chair. He served as the director
of the Whitman-Walker Clinic of
Northern Virginia from 1990-98,
Ella Fitzgerald has performed

in the nations capital for the
past 32 years. Starting full time
in 1980, she has raised thousands
of dollars for the gay community.
She has performed in hundreds
of shows supporting the gay
community and supporting her
drag sisters and friends that have
passed on. She has also performed
in many benefit shows with the
Academy of Washington for the
past 18 years.
Mickey Fleming
PHOTO COMPLIMENTS OF WAYNE A. YOUNG
Mickey Fleming is the author

of About Courage, one of the
first African-American accounts
of persons living with AIDS.
About Courage was written in
1988 and published in 1989.
Long before the comfort level
came to where it is now, Mickey
would openly talk about and
sell his book at traditional,
mainstream black events such
as the Black Memorabilia Show.
Mickey and his friend Wayne
Young would often note how
heterosexual people were more
comfortable
with
Mickeys
presence as opposed to people they
believed to be obviously gay. In
addition to telling to the story of
his being an orphan and his search
for his mother, Mickey also talks
in his book about his bisexuality
and down low men long before
such discussions became popular.
Many black publications wrote
about him and black bookstores
sold his book. He was a trailblazer
who helped open discussions
that are now more acceptable in
society.
Earl Fowlkes
community.
Grandmas House
Rev. Joan T. McCarley,
Co-Founder
In addition to his work with

Damien Ministries and D.C.
Care Consortium, Earl is a
former president of D.C. Black
Lesbian and Gay Pride, Inc.,
one of the nations earliest and
largest celebrations of LGBT/
SGL (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,
Transgender/Same
Gender
Loving) persons of
African
descent. Earl also helped to
establish
the
International
Federation of
Black Prides,
a coalition of Black Pride
organizers formed to promote a
multinational network of LGBT/
Prides and community-based
organizations.
Corrie Franks
PHOTO BY ANDRE M. TALOR
Corrie
Franks
has
been
advocate, educator, and community
liaison, employed with Family and
Medical Counseling Services in
the Anacostia neighborhood of
Washington, D.C.
Corrie, being HIV-positive since
1990, has coordinated extensive
HIV wellness education programs
for people living with HIV/AIDS,
substance abuse, and other life
altering situations.
Corrie has vast experience as a
public speaker in presentations,
print media, and television and
radio interviews. He has received
numerous accolades and award
for his continued commitment to
community service.
Carla Gorell
Reverend Carla Gorrell founded

Food & Friends in 1988 when a
friend, sick at home with AIDS,
needed something to eat. What
began as lunch for one became
three meals a day, for nearly 1,000
individuals, six days a week. Over
the past decade, the organization
moved from a cramped church
basement to its own state-of-theart kitchen and pantry facility
and initiated new programs to
meet the changing needs of people
living with HIV/AIDS in the
Washington, D.C., metropolitan
The Reverend Joan T. McCarley

is the Executive Director of
the
Temporary
Emergency
Residential Resource Institute for
Families in Crisis (TERRIFIC),
Inc., a private, non-profit housing
and human service organization.
Rev. McCarley and her sister
Rev. Debbie Tate co-founded
TERRIFIC,
Inc.s
Grandmas
House in 1987. The unique and
timely extensive need for a
Grandmas House contributed
to its immediate notoriety as an
internationally acclaimed, first-inthe-nation program prototype that
provided nurturing residential
care for abused, neglected infants
and children under the age of
13 who were living with HIV/
AIDS and other chronic health
and bio-psycho-social problems.
Today, hundreds of children and
their immediate and extended
families have found a new lease on
life through a Grandmas House
residential and HIV/AIDS support
services.
Joan
McCarleys
early
experiences
in
HIV/AIDS
began in New York State in 1983
when health professionals were
noticing a peculiar syndrome
developing among IV drug users
and homosexual men. In 1985,
McCarley accepted a position in
Prince Georges County Health
Department as the first director of
the AIDS Services Office. In 1986,
District of Columbia Government
representatives
encouraged
McCarley to accept a position in
the D.C. Commission of Public
Health Department as the first
head of a newly developing
HIV/AIDS Education Division.
During her tenure, McCarley
contributed to numerous AIDSrelated committees and councils,
including co-founding the D.C.
Womens Council on AIDS and
establishing the first HIV/AIDS
Education Committee. It was
also during this time that Rev.
McCarley began to recognize the
serious needs of children living
with HIV/AIDS and subsequently
co-founded Grandmas House.
Grandmas House has since
become an international beacon of
care, a diffuser of HIV ignorance
and a model for residential care
and education.
Rev. McCarleys commitments
to humanity and HIV/AIDS
causes have earned her numerous
professional
awards
and
recognition. She is a member
of the Ministerial Staff of
the The Peoples Community
12
Baptist Church in Silver Spring,
Maryland. She has over twentyseven years of
professional
training and experience planning
and developing creative ministries
for the community. She is the
proud mother of three children
and four grandchildren.
Joan T. McCarleys says its
a privilege to serve others and
know that her living is not in
vain. Her firm belief is that
ultimate measure of ones life is
in the living knowledge that she
has commitment to others as her
brother and sisters keeper.
Greater Washington
Urban League
The Greater Washington Urban

League (GWUL) has taken a
proactive role in informing the
general public and especially
minority communities about HIV/
AIDS prevention. Over the years,
through its various programs and
community exhibits it has shared
literature outlining facts and
truths, while dispelling myths and
unfounded fears. The GWUL is
a participant in World AIDS Day
activities.
For persons living with
HIV/AIDS, the GWUL offers
the
Tenant
Based
Rental
Assistance
Program
TBRA
through funding from the D.C.
Department of Health, HIV/
AIDS
Administration.
The
TBRA program is designed
to assist eligible individuals
and families by providing
rental assistance payments to
a participants landlord for an
approved property.
GWUL also provides Shortterm Rent, Mortgage, and Utility
Assistance (STRMU) for eligible
HIV/AIDS participants through
the D.C. Department of Health,
HIV/AIDS
Administration.
STRMU
is
an
emergency
homelessness prevention program
intended to assist persons with
HIV/AIDS who cannot meet
their monthly housing expenses
due to unexpected situations
related to their HIV/AIDS. This
is not continuous assistance, but
emergency funds.
The GWUL works tirelessly to
improve the lives of Washington
area residents whether in the
health arena, including HIV/AIDS,
or in education, employment and
training, housing and community
development, and aging services.
Founded in 1938, the Greater
Washington Urban League is a
nonprofit social service and civil
rights organization. GWUL is
one of more than 100 affiliates of
the National Urban League and a
member agency of the United Way
of the National Capital Area.
Jose Gutierrez
Journalist, poet, and activist

Jose Guiterrez was born in
Reynosa, Mexico. He is a
member of various progressive
artist collectives, including La
Academia Iberoamericana de
Poesia and Triangle Artist Group
(TAG) in Washington, D.C.
In 1996 the National Latina/o
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and
Transgender
Organization
(LLEGO) recognized him with
the Manuel Sandoval Award
for his multiple contributions
to the Latino community. He
was co-author and presenter
International
at
the
12th
AIDS Conference in Geneva,
Switzerland in 1998. His service
and volunteer activities include
the Scarlett Foundation, 12
Days of Christmas, LLEGO,
NAPWA, The National Coalition
for Sexual Freedom, and the
Leather Archives and Museum.
Jose has been walking the fine
line between art and community
activism for a long time. In March
2004, he published a bilingual
poetry book, AIDS in my letters
El SIDA de mis letras.
Currently,
Jose
writes
a
monthly column for the national
Latino GLBT magazine Adelante,
and he works for Whitman-Walker
Health in Northern Virginia. Mr.
Gutierrez has earned several
awards for his work, including
being selected as a DC Capital
Pride Hero and an award from
Latinos en Accion. Jose has also
served on the D.C. Mayors GLBT
Advisory Committee.
Essex Hemphill
Poet, essayist, activist Essex
Hemphill is best known for his
appearances in the films Black
Is/Black Aint and Tongues
Untied. His worked has been
published in numerous magazines
and
anthologies,
including
OUTWEEK, High Performance,
The Advocate, City Lights Review,
Ache, Callaloo, Tribe, The James
White Review, Essence, In the Life,
High Risk, Hometowns, the Road
Before Us, and Erotique Noire/
Black Erotica. He edited Brother
to Brother: New Writings by
Black Gay Men, and is author of
Ceremonies, a collection of verse
and commentary. The following
are the words of Essex Hemphill
from the essay Loyalty:
I speak for the thousands,
perhaps hundreds of thousands
of men who live and die in the
shadows of secrets, unable to speak
of the love that helps them endure
and contribute to the race
Their kisses of sweet spit and
loyalty are scrubbed away by the

propaganda makers of the race,
the Talented Tenth who would
just as soon have us believe Black
people can fly, rather than reveal
that Black men have been longing
to kiss one another, and have done
so, for centuries
But these sacred constructions of
silence are futile exercises in denial.
We are not going away with our issues
of sexuality. We are coming home.
Nestor Hernandez
2006, as an official event celebrating

Garys 100th Anniversary.
He was a member and past
president of FotoCraft Camera
Club, and was the 2001 recipient
of the Photographer of the Year
award, given by the Exposure
Group,
African
American
Photographers Association. In
2002, he received the Outstanding
Emerging Artist award, and in
2003 an Artist Fellowship Grant,
both from the D.C. Commission
on the Arts and Humanities.
In addition to photography,
Hernndez had many interests
including magic tricks, writing,
teaching, traveling and mentoring.
Derrick Hicks
PHOTO COMPLIMENTS OF WAYNE YOUNG
Nestor
Hernandez
was
a
Washington,
D.C.-based
photographer
of
Afro-Cuban
descent. He was introduced to
photography in high school
through the Urban Journalism
Workshop of the D.C. Public
Schools, and was on the staff of
the Capital Childrens Museum
as photographer-in-residence for
fifteen years. Hernndez was also
staff photographer for the D.C.
Public School system for seven
years, and is now a freelance
documentary photographer. He
was a staff photographer and
contributed to many publications,
including
the
Current
Newspapers, DC City Desk, the
Latin Trade Report, El Pregonero,
Brookings Review, The Metro
Herald, National Jurist Magazine
and The International Review of
African American Art.
His
other
major
photodocumentary
project
Cuba
Reflections:
A
Photographic
Journey, was the result of over
18 trips to the island nation since
1978. In 2001 and 2002, his trips to
Cuba concentrated on linking US
and Cuban photographers through
cultural exchange photography
projects and exhibitions. In 2003, he
directed an extensive collaborative
arts project, taking photography
and art teachers to the island to
work with Cuban children.
Hernndez
exhibited
his
photos regularly. His images were
included in shows throughout
Washington, D.C., in Wilmington,
Del.,
Springfield,
Mass.,
Greensboro,
N.C.,
Memphis,
Tenn., Havana, Cuba and Accra,
Ghana, and his photographs
were included in the permanent
collections of the Casa de Africa
museum and Galera de Arte
Ren Portocarrero in Cuba, Asafo
Gallery in Ghana, the Cuban
Art Space in New York and the
Smithsonian Anacostia Museum
in Washington, D.C.
With Port of Harlem, he
developed the Our Children,
Our World photography exhibit
featuring the works of children
from Ghana, Cuba, Washington,
DC and Gary, Indiana. After a
successful run in Washington, DC
the exhibit opens in Gary later in
PHOTO COMPLIMENTS OF JIM HARVEY
Although Derrick A. Hicks was

a native of Chicago, Washington,
D.C. is all the richer for the nearly
10 years he lived here. He was
always the activist who worked
to fill voids in our constant
struggle for growth, respect, and
for a fair and equitable place at
the proverbial table. During his
years in D.C., Derrick published
Diplomat Magazine, a vehicle that
excited African-American samegender loving (SGL) people with
news that ranged from gossip to
the best parties, to politics, and
important health news. People
went out of their way to find
Diplomat. He also co-founded the
Hughes-Roosevelt
Democratic
Club as a means of bridging the
gap between politically active
black and white gay activists.
Derrick was a tireless leader in
the fight against HIV/AIDS and
even after moving back to Chicago
in 1993, he remained deeply
involved in his community by
co-founding the Greater Chicago
Committee along with Jim Harvey.
He also became a central figure
in prevention planning which
lead to the first black SGL mens
organization in Chicago being
fully funded for AIDS prevention.
HIPS, Inc.
PHOTO COURTESY HIPS, INC.
The
mission
of
Helping
Individual Prostitutes Survive
(HIPS) is to assist female, male,
and transgender individuals sex
workers in Washington, D.C. in
leading healthy lives. Utilizing
a harm reduction model, HIPS
programs strive to address
the impact that HIV/AIDS,
sexually transmitted illnesses,
discrimination, poverty, violence

and drug use have on the lives of
individuals engaging in sex work.
HIPS was formed in 1993
by
community
and
police
representatives in response to the
recognized need for specialized
services for youth engaging in sex
for gain in Washington, D.C.
HIPS has worked to build
positive relationships with sex
workers on the street through
active
listening,
consistent
outreach
and
unconditional
support.
HIPS has also served street sex
workers through our counseling
and referral program, which
provides services ranging from
obtaining a legitimate ID card
to finding emergency shelter
for young people fleeing abusive
relationships.
HIPS
24-hour
hotline provides counseling
and referrals to anyone in or
affected by prostitution or sex
work. Hotline counselors can
answer health questions or
support parents whose sons
or daughters are engaged in
sex work. All of our services
provide
comprehensive,
unconditional support, utilizing
harm reduction models to assist
youth and adults on the street to
identify the skills they need or
already have to make healthier
life choices for themselves.
Theo Hodge
When Dr. Theo W. Hodge, Jr.

graduated from the University of
Virginias School of Medicine in
1987, he believed he would take
care of the world. He decided
immediately that he would focus
on caring for uninsured and
underserved patients with HIV or
AIDS.
He completed his residency in
internal medicine at Georgetown
University Hospital in 1990 and
then served in the Gulf War as
a U.S. Army captain. In 1995,
he completed a two-year postgraduate fellowship in infectious
diseases at the Washington
Hospital Center and the Veterans
Affairs Medical Center in D.C.,
where his patients were mostly
gay males and male intravenous
drug abusers.
Since beginning his practice
in 1996, Hodge has been trying
to realize his ideal of himself
as a physician. Many of his selfexpectations have been tempered
by the reality that his original ideal
did not allow him the ability to
maintain himself financially. The
experiences of not being able to
pay his mortgage, office expenses,
and staff salaries because of low
or late Medicaid reimbursements
have shown him the obstacles to
treating the community he most
13
wants to serve.
Inner Light Ministries

Rev. Dr. K. Rainey
Cheeks, Pastor
Inner Light Ministries (ILM)

is a Christ-centered all-inclusive
community and its motto is I see
the God in You. ILM has been
involved with HIV/AIDS from
its inception in 1993. Inner Light
Ministries response to HIV/AIDS
is from Jesus words Matthew 25:
40: I tell you the truth, whatever
you did for one of the least who
are a member of my family, you
did to me. Throughout the 1990s,
Inner Light Ministries sponsored
a one-day retreat entitled How I
got over for persons living with
AIDS and their caregivers.
Reverend Dr. Kwabena Rainey
Cheeks is a community leader and
has been an HIV/AIDS activist
for decades. In 1985 he founded Us
Helping Us People into Living,
the oldest black HIV/AIDS service
organization in the Washington,
D.C. Metropolitan Area. He is also
a member of Damien Ministries
Retreat team. He has presented at
three World Health Conferences on
holistic healing. He does seminars
and workshops throughout the
country on HIV/AIDS education
and prevention. Bishop Cheeks
has been HIV positive since 1984,
as he loves to say I have it, it does
not have ME!
Joseph Izzo
Joseph
A.
Izzo
is
a
psychotherapist, since August
1991, with Mental Health and
Addictions Treatment Services
of Whitman-Walker. He started
at the Clinic in 1986 after earning
his masters degree in Clinical
Social Work at Howard University.
He had been a volunteer peer
counselor with the Gay Mens
Counseling Collective from 1981 to
1994. Joseph is also certified (via
Catholic University) in pastoral
counseling.
Joseph has been a master trainer
in AIDS prevention education for
the National Institute on Drug
Abuse; for the American Red
Cross HIV Prevention Project for
the Homeless; and has conducted
numerous Training of Trainers
for the staffs of many agencies
in the Washington Metropolitan
Area as well as nationally. His
areas of clinical training include

substance
abuse
treatment,
geriatric social work, trauma
survival and gender identity
and sexual orientation issue.
In his private practice, Mr. Izzo
offers services for transgender
individuals who are in the process
of gender transition.
As an openly gay man, Joseph
is particularly sensitive to the
effects of societal oppression of
sexual minorities and its impact
on self-identity and self-esteem.
Additionally, Joe is a certified
practitioner of Eye Movement
Desensitization and Reprocessing,
receiving his Level II Training in
1999 and in 2000.
Janice Jirau
PHOTO COMPLIMENTS OF PAT HAWKINS
Janice Jirau was born Nov.

25, 1950 in Washington, D.C.
After graduating from high
school in 1968, Janice attended
Strayer College, the University
of the District of Columbia,
Southeastern University, and
the
Washington
School
for
Secretaries. Her education and
zest for life led to employment
with a number of organizations
throughout her life, including the
Office of Inspector General, D.C.
Department of Human Resources,
and Frantz and Company.
In 1985, Janice married Jimmy
Jirau (deceased); her husbands
diagnosis of being HIV-positive
in 1989 devastated her, but Janice
grasped hold of her faith, belief,
and love for God to move beyond
her pain and become an AIDS
advocate and educator. She spoke
extensively at many venues and
institutions on the impact of
AIDS on women, their families
and minorities. Janice also served
with numerous organizations,
including: American Red Cross,
Ryan White Planning Council,
Lifelink, Inc., D.C. office of AIDS
Activities, and D.C. Womens
Council on AIDS. She was
featured in nationally televised
interviews and videos, including
Fighting for Our Lives, Women
and
Children
Last,
Mental
Retardation in HIV, and Women
and AIDS in the Black Community.
Janice also contributed to The
National Commission on AIDSs
Final Report entitled AIDS: An
Expanding Tragedy, which was
published in June 1993. Janices
heartfelt
battles,
dedication
and loyalty for women and
underprivileged persons living
with HIV were surpassed only
by her determination to make
a difference, and she made a
difference.
Billy S. Jones
Billy S. Jones became involved
in HIV/AIDS work in 1984 in
to help ensure the Clinics longterm financial strength. His gift is

among the largest contributions
the clinic has ever received from
a single donor, according to clinic
officials.
San Francisco with the Stop

AIDS Project. Upon returning
to Washington, D.C. in 1985, in
partnership with Gil Gerald,
Craig Harris and Walter Dixon,
he worked with the National
Coalition of Black Lesbians and
Gays to convene the first National
AIDS in the Black Community
conference that was supported by
the U.S. Surgeon General and held
at the Washington Convention
Center.
In 1987, Jones became part
of AIDS Education Services
of
Whitman-Walker
Clinic.
In collaboration with Joseph
Izzo and George Swales, Jones
was instrumental in creating
innovative
HIV
prevention
programs targeting sex workers
(male, female and transgender),
injecting
drug
users,
and
incarcerated populations. Izzo
and Jones developed outreach and
education programs that were
suitable not only for at-risk street
populations, but also for persons
in shelters, half-way homes, gay
bars, St. Elizabeth Hospital, D. C.
Jail, Lorton facilities, and penal
facilities in Prince George and
Montgomery counties.
Jones is perhaps best known in
Washington for his volunteer work
as a trainer of peer counselors for
Inner City AIDS Network (ICAN)
that was directed by Andrea Scott.
Jones developed and facilitated
innovative and interactive AIDS
101 classes that produced dozens
of peer counselors, many of
whom are still involved in HIV/
AIDS work today.
In 1989, Jones became the
director of Minority Affairs
programs of National AIDS
Network and began expanding
his creativity for developing
HIV/AIDS education and service
programs on a national and
international level.
He also
served for several years as a
national trainer for Project HOPE
of the American Psychological
Association,
training
professionals in the mental health
profession. Jones joined the staff
of ORC Macro International in
1990 to manage a federal multisite demonstration HIV/AIDS
project targeting women and their
partners at-risk for HIV infection.
Jones
continues
his
involvement with HIV/AIDS by
managing and evaluating federal
contracts and grants that support
community
and
faith-based
organizations. He is on the board
of Helping Individual Prostitutes
Survive (HIPS).
Josephs House
The mission of
Josephs
House is to provide a home,
nursing services, and community
for formerly homeless men
and women in metropolitan
Washington,
D.C.
who
are
terminally ill and in the last weeks
or months of their illness. While
our primary mission is to those
with AIDS, as space is available
we also welcome men and women
with other terminal illnesses.
A continuum of care and
support is available to each
resident. Josephs House provides
nursing care, emotional support,
and
spiritual
nourishment,
including comprehensive case
management, 24-hour nursing
care,
addiction
recovery
support, personal care services,
transitional support for those who
regain their health, and end-oflife care for those who progress
through the final stages of life.
Above all, Josephs House offers
a caring human presence for men
and women who would otherwise
face a lonely, isolated death.
Dr. Richard Karpawich
PHOTO COURTESY JAY GANDY
Dr. Richard P. Karpawich was

born Nov. 19, 1937 in Worcester,
Mass.
He
graduated
from
Dartmouth College in 1959 and
from Georgetown University
Medical School in 1963. He
served as a medical officer in
the Army Reserve, D.C. National
Guard from 1964 to 1970. After
completing both his medical
internship and his residency in
radiology at area hospitals, he
managed a practice at Capitol
Hill Hospital from 1968 to 1981.
He then practiced radiology on
a consulting basis from 1981 to
1995 and was licensed to practice
in nearly 20 states.
Karpawich and Jay Gandy,
his longtime partner of nearly
30 years of Arlington, owned
several homes together in D.C.
between 1964 and 1992. Gandy
said Karpawich was an avid
gardener who loved to have fresh
flowers at the dining table and
frequently invited friends to
his home. He was a good and
decent person, unpretentious
and practical, with simple tastes,
and once you got to know him
he was a funny person, said
friend Jerry Fujimoto of D.C.
who says Karpawich will long be
remembered for his fabled New
Years Day feasts.
Dr. Karpawich died Nov. 7, 1996
at George Washington University
Medical Center in D.C. as a result
of throat cancer. He left a $2
million bequest to the WhitmanWalker Clinic for an endowment
La Clinica Del Pueblo
La Clinica Del Pubelo has

been providing health services
to the Latino community and
others in the Washington, D.C.
metropolitan area for over 30
years. Founded in 1983 to address
the needs of Central American
refugees arriving in the region,
the clinic began as a one-room
health clinic with a single doctor,
operating one night per week.
Since then, the clinic has grown
exponentially in staff, the range
of services it provides, and the
clients it serves.
La Clinica Del Pueblo is one
of the very few free, nonprofit
health clinics serving the needs
of uninsured and underinsured
Latino immigrants and others in
need. Located at the crossroads
of the Columbia Heights, Mount
Pleasant, and Adams Morgan
neighborhoods in Washington,
D.C., La Clinica fills many needs
in an area that, according to
the federal government, has a
physician shortage.
In 2005, La Clinica provided
more than 7,500 men, women,
and children with free culturally
appropriate health services in the
areas of clinical services, mental
health,
interpreter
services,
HIV/AIDS, community health
outreach, and social services.
Lambda Rising
The
Lambda
Rising
bookstore began serving the
gay and lesbian community in
1974 and was quickly recognized
as a leader in our literary,
political and social world. It
offered the finest in LGBT
literature and entertainment.
At the same time, it supported
non-profit groups, promoted
performers, celebrated authors,
helped
youth,
encouraged
communication,
and
fought
discrimination. Lambda Rising
always wore two hats as a
responsible business and a
dedicated community resource.
The store closed in 2010.
Lammas Bookstore
14
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following
text
is
paraphrased and is compliments
of RHP:
Judy Winsett and Leslie
Reeves founded Lammas as a
jewelry and craft shop in 1970
in the Capitol Hill area of
Washington, D.C. In the final
issue of Motive in 1972, Winsett
wrote, We work about fifty
hours a week. But its not like
real work, because we love it and
it is fun. By 1973, Lammas had
become the LGBT communitys
first bookstore and a lesbian
community center, sponsoring
and hosting various activities for
the lesbian community. In 1986,
Lammas opened a second store
in Dupont Circle, which offered
many of the same services as the
Capitol Hill store. Over the years
and due to various managers
and/or owners, a number of
celebrities have passed through
Lammas, including Sweet Honey
in the Rock, Norma McCorvey
(Jane Roe of Roe v. Wade), Alice
Walker, Gloria Steinem, and Lily
Tomlin. The store also provided
space for the Lesbian Avengers
meetings and held numerous
fundraisers
for
womens
organizations.
Lammas
sold
books and gifts at every feminist
and lesbian conference in DC for
years. Seven years later the store
moved to its final location at 1607
17th St NW before closing in
2001.The last owner was Sylvia
Colon. Lammas was one of the
first establishments to carry and
distribute safe sex information
and books about lesbian safe sex
and had always been committed
to womens health issues and
lesbian issues in particular.
The Leather Rack, a retailer

of fetish and casual fashion and
novelty, was peerless as a leader
among the BDSM and leather
community in D.C. The Leather
Rack defined healthy sensual and
sexual exploration for the greater
community and offered select
products that were sophisticated
and discerning in attitude,
sensibility and image.
Located
north
of
D.C.s
fashionable Dupont Circle, the
Leather Rack occupied two levels
of a turn of the century converted
row house. An unbelievable
collection of adult and specialty
films lined the basement level.
Owner
James
McGlade
is
regarded as a central figure in
the leather community. You can
always catch a glimpse of Jim as
a supporter and sometimes judge
in many leather events including
International
Mr.
Leather,
International Mr. Drummer, MidAtlantic Leather and Mid-Atlantic
Drummer.
Jims involvement extends
beyond the BDSM and leather
communities, he participates in
many volunteer organizations
such as D.C. Metropolitan Area
Professionals and Historic Dupont
Circle Main Streets.
Lost and Found
Maxwell Lawton
Maxwell Lawton painted the
first version of Man of Sorrows:
Christ With AIDS, remembering
earlier paintings of a suffering
Christ, including a famous
portrait of Jesus as a victim of the
bubonic plague, according to the
Washington Post. This gave me
the merit to continue. I also knew I
had to answer the fundamentalists
who were saying AIDS was Gods
judgment on gay people and drug
users, Lawton wrote on his Web
site, http://www.maxwelllawton.
com/.
Maxwell Lawton, 50, died of
metastasis malignant melanoma
in 2006 at the Washington Home.
As the Post reported, He was
working toward a masters degree
at Wesley Theological Seminary
when he exhibited the painting
at the seminarys gallery in 1994.
Several months later, Archbishop
Desmond Tutu and his new
ministry, Wola Nani-Embrace,
invited Lawton to Cape Town to
paint a version for the citys St.
Georges Cathedral. It has since
been seen by millions of visitors.
The Leather Rack
The Lost and Found opened in

the fall of 1971 and was almost
immediately picketed by the
newly formed Committee for Open
Gay Bars because of alleged racist
and sexist carding policies. The
original owners were Donn Culver
and Bill Bickford. Lost and Found
became one of the biggest discos
in town. Culver died in a fall from
the roof. Replaced by Quorum in
1991, the name was resurrected
in 1993 when Quorum changed
its name back to Lost and Found.
It was later replaced by the Edge.
There was a live band Sunday at
3 p.m. for the tea dance, no cover
except on Halloween and New
Years, and reservations were
definitely in order for dinner.
Men and women had separate bar
areas with different atmospheres,
but mingling was constant. Free
popcorn, old prices Tuesday
through Thursday nights and pool
tables were some special features.
Juan Carlos Lovelace
As the HIV epidemic in the

mid 1980s became more apparent
to be spreading to individuals
who were plagued with substance
abuse, Dr. Juan Carlos Lovelace
was at the forefront of advocacy
and outreach in the District of
Columbia for treatment and
prevention for those who were then
often ignored and dismissed in the
area health and mental health
service systems. As Executive
Director of the National Health
Plan, Inc, a multi-site outpatient
community health agency in
Northwest, Dr. Lovelace began to
raise the sensitive issues of access
and barriers to HIV treatment
patient, stigma and provider bias
against addicts needing primary
health care, mental health and
substance abuse treatment. In
1987 he joined the District of
Columbia Government within the
Commission on Public Health as
Bureau Chief of Drug Treatment
Services where he instituted
numerous major reforms in the
clinical service delivery system
for persons living with HIV to
educate providers and health care
managers about the need to have
quality care with dignity and
respect for substance abusers. In
1992, Director of the Department
of Human Services Vincent C.
Gray asked Juan to become the
Agency for HIV/AIDS (AHA)
first Deputy Director in charge
of day-to-day operations. He was
a key spokesperson and program
developer of the citys efforts to
make the government and the
community aware that HIV had
become a health emergency in the
District of Columbia for a broad
range of individuals, gay men of
color, substance users, commercial
sex workers and youth.
Mayor Sharon Pratt Kelly
appointed Dr. Lovelace in 1993 to
the Metropolitan Washington HIV
Health Services Planning Council
where he served for 11 years, the
longest tenured member of the
Planning Council. There he was
the first Chairperson of the Fiscal
Oversight Committee monitoring
funding over $20 million federal
dollars to the Washington EMA
under the Ryan White Care
Act. Dr. Lovelace also served
as Co- Chair of the Planning
Councils Nominations where
he and colleagues advocated for
more membership diversity and
ameliorated the nominations
process to the Planning Council.
In 2004 Mayor Williams appointed
Dr. Lovelace to the Mayors
Advisory Committee on AIDS.
Patsy Lynch
Patsy Lynch is a photojournalist
who has been documenting the
LGBT community for decades. A
native Washingtonian, she has

covered the changing face of the
community including the first
and largely forgotten First March
on Washington for GLBT rights,
where she was one of the four
official photographers.
She was given the Gay and
Lesbian Activists Alliance 2006
Distinguished Service Award for
her contributions to the LGBT
community.
To view her work, please go to:
www.patsylynchphotography.com
Metropolitan Baptist
Church
Dr. H. Beecher Hicks, Jr., the

Senior Servant of Metropolitan
Baptist Church, had the vision to
establish a ministry to address
the spiritual needs of those
living with HIV/AIDS and their
families. The AIDS Ministry
began in 1989 in response to the
increasing prevalence of the
disease in the community. As with
any inner city church, most have
experienced or have knowledge
of the devastation associated
with this disease. For this reason,
he felt it was important for the
church to respond to the needs of
the families as well as those living
with the disease with compassion
and understanding which is the
mandate of Jesus Christ our Lord.
The AIDS Ministry outreaches
in the community by volunteering
monthly at Food & Friends, an
organization that provides meals
and groceries to go to persons
living with HIV/AIDS.
In
addition, the AIDS Ministry and
their churchs Union Missionary
Council collects can goods on a
quarterly basis and distributes
them to those families in need who
are clients of the Whitman Walker
Clinic.
The
black
church
has
historically played a critical role
in addressing social concerns in
the African-American community.
Recognizing the critical role of
the black church in educating
the community about HIV/AIDS,
the AIDS Ministry participates
annually in the Black Church
Week of Prayer for the Healing
of AIDS during the first week
of March. This initiative is
sponsored by the Balm in Gilead,
a national organization dedicated
to working with churches to
raise their awareness of AIDS
by highlighting the role of the
church in addressing this crisis.

Also, the ministry takes the lead
in organizing walkers from the
church to participate annually in
AIDS Walk Washington.
Unlike many other institutions
in our community dealing with
HIV/AIDS, our AIDS Ministry
uplifts the words of Jesus by being
a faith-based community advocate
for those who are either infected or
affected with HIV/AIDS. We host
quarterly fellowship dinners for
our church family and members
of the community, which includes
persons whose daily lives are
impacted by HIV and AIDS.
Metropolitan Baptist Church
AIDS Ministry is continuing
to provide a comprehensive
and compassionate ministry of
education and services to persons
who are either infected or affected
with HIV/AIDS in our church
and community and support their
families with the loving hand of
God. The ministrys purpose is to
help others move beyond healing
of the body to wholeness in Christ.
Dr. H. Beecher Hicks, Jr. Senior
Servant
Lafayette K. Smith, President
AIDS Ministry
Metropolitan Baptist Church
Don Michaels
The following text was taken

from an article originally
appearing June 11, 2004 in the
Washington Blade. The article
was written by Bryan Anderton.
When Don Michaels began
working for the Washington Blade
in 1977, it was as a volunteer
freelance writer. Later that same
year, he became the newspapers
first paid employee, when he was
hired as a part-time assistant to
answer phones and sort mail.
The Pittsburgh native also
dabbled in the Blades advertising
department,
and
delivered
newspapers to make extra money
on the side.
Basically, I was doing whatever
it took to bring some money in for
me and for the Blade, Michaels
says.
That dedication paid off in
various ways. When the Blade
was re-incorporated as a for-profit
venture, in 1980, Michaels was
named the newspapers publisher.
Over the course of the next two
decades, he helped establish it
as one of the largest and most
respected gay newspapers in the
country.
Michaels was honored in 2004
as a Capitol Pride hero. He had an
incredible vision that he made a
reality, says Robert York, director
of Capital Pride. And as a result,
I think we all have a very reliable
and
viable
communications
15
source that we wouldnt have had
otherwise without his dedication
and leadership over the years.
Lou Chibbaro Jr., who has been
writing for the Blade since 1976,
echoed York.
He always had a strong
commitment to the principles of
journalism the principles of not
being an advocacy organization,
but to being a fair, impartial,
independent newspaper, said
Chibbaro.
Before
arriving
in Washington, D.C. in 1976,
Michaels worked with a number
of gay and political organizations
in Buffalo, New York, where he
attended college and earned a
bachelors degree in political
science at the State University of
New York.
easier to access and more

responsive to the needs of people
living with HIV and AIDS. In
addition, Steve was a founding
member of the Stand Up for
Democracy in D.C. Coalition,
and fought for full democratic
rights for all D.C. residents. He
organized numerous protests
of the Financial Control Board,
demanding self-government and
full voting representation in
Congress for the people of the
District of Columbia. Steve died
of AIDS-related complications at
the Washington Hospital Center
on May 25, 1998, at the age of 42.
Greg Mimms
with AIDS by providing a home

filled with compassionate care that
says to them, you are important.
Miriams
House
was
awarded the 2003 Washington
Post Excellence in Non-profit
Management Award. Miriams
House was chosen as the bestmanaged organization out of 60
D.C. area non-profits competing
in the areas of
financial
management,
governance,
resource- and people-development,
planning, risk management and
use of technology.
Sean Mitchell
Steve Michael
Miriams House
PHOTO COMPLIMENTS OF WAYNE TURNER
Steve Michael was a fierce

and tireless advocate for people
living with HIV and AIDS. His
creative and innovative tactics
brought AIDS issues to the
forefront, when elected officials,
policy makers, and the media
failed to adequately address the
pandemic sweeping the globe.
In 1992, Steve and his partner
Wayne dogged candidates for
president with the ACT UP
Presidential Project, demanding
they address AIDS, from the
New Hampshire primary to
Little Rock, Arkansas.
Steve
challenged President George
Bush
in
the
Washington
State presidential primary to
highlight that administrations
poor performance on AIDS.
After moving to Washington,
D.C. in 1993, Steve continued to
push the Clinton Administration
to make good on its campaign
promises
to
fight
AIDS,
including federal funding for
clean needle exchange programs
and an all out research effort,
a Manhattan Project, to find
a cure for AIDS. Steve ran for
president again in 1996. His
explicit
and
controversial
television commercials aired
and were subsequently pulled
by WMUR, the ABC affiliate in
Manchester, New Hampshire.
The Steve Michael for President
Campaign
Committee
won
a landmark ruling from the
Federal
Communications
Commission protecting political
advertising
from
station
censorship.
Locally, Steve chaired the
Fiscal
Oversight
Committee
of D.C.s Ryan White Planning
Council,
and
spent
many
hours working to ensure that
federal AIDS funds were spent
efficiently. He also worked to
reform the AIDS bureaucracy
to help make essential services
Miriams
House
is
an
affirmation of life.
Founded in 1996, Miriams House
is firmly rooted in the belief that the
District of Columbias women and
children whose lives are affected by
AIDS are to be valued and respected.
They deserve safe, permanent
shelter. They deserve sustenance.
They deserve love, respect, and hope.
The mission of Miriams House
is to provide a dynamic residential
community for women living
with HIV disease that empowers
recovery
from
homelessness,
disease and addictions in an
environment
of
compassion,
integrity and accountability.
Some residents live many years
at Miriams House, benefiting
from the safety and security of a
clean and sober home and from
the expert care of staff. Some
residents enter Miriams House
as a last home, needing a place to
live in comfort and dignity the life
that is left to them. The hospicelike care extended to these women
makes this possible. Others
become healthy and stable, and
can move out into independent
living, staying connected to the
community through the extended
family program. For these, the
door is always open should they
need to return.
Miriams
House
provides
a home, a community, and a
continuum of services for its
residents. For the rest of us, it
provides a constant reminder of
the value of every single life, and
of our own humanness. During
its existence, Miriams House
has clearly defined its role in the
District of Columbia, filling a
special niche for women living
PHOTO COMPLIMENTS OF THE FAMILY
Sean Maurice Mitchell was

born June 15, 1967 and raised in
Tidewater, Va., and Cleveland.
Sean always loved and lifted up the
name of Jesus. He became saved
at an early age, and he rededicated
himself to Jesus in 1992. Sean
worked very hard as a missionary,
blessing many people. He was a very
caring person, and he shared all he
had with anyone. He was also active
in church both Tidewater and in
Rocky Mount, North Carolina.
Sean joined the Job Corp
in Laurel, Md., to advance his
cooking skills. He remained in the
D.C. metro area until his death in
1992. He became a licensed peer
counselor and educator with
ICAN, the Whitman-Walker Clinic
and did volunteer work for other
organizations.
Leigh Mosley
Leigh
Mosley
has
been
a
Washington,
D.C.-based
photographer and teacher for 40
years. Her work has been published
in numerous periodicals, books,
and newspapers including The
Washington Post, the Washington
Afro-American, the Los Angeles
Times newspapers, and Ms. and
Essence magazines. She has
taught photography and film
criticism in D.C. Public Schools at
the Duke Ellington School of the
Arts, Digital Art in Montgomery
County Public Schools and
Photojournalism at American
University. She has exhibited
her work in group shows at
the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology (MIT), the Kennedy
Center
and
the
Anacostia
Museum.
She
is
currently
working as a cinematographer
and DP in Digital Filmmaking.
She holds a B.A. in Psychology
from the University of the District

of Columbia, and a M.A. in Digital
Art from the Maryland Institute
College of Art.
Dr. Mahmood Mustafa
tunes, new age, modern rock....

and I am an avid Redskins Fan...
just to name a few of my interests.
Patricia Nalls

The following text is from

Mahmood Moody Mustafa:
I am a physician in private
practice, and I specialize in HIV
disease and Hematology. I am
double-board certified in Internal
Medicine and Hematology. I have
been in private practice for 17
years and now have one of the
largest HIV practices in the area.
Those that have been to my office
can attest to my claim that it is
probably the most interesting,
and definitely the coolest doctors
office anywhere. I feel very
fortunate in that I love my work
while providing a valuable service
for the community. I feel very close
to my patients, and I consider
most of them my friends.
Several years ago, I established
the Metropolis Fund, a 501(c)(3)
organization which raises funds
to support local and national
AIDS causes. With the support
of hundreds of friends and the
efforts of many volunteers, we
have contributed over $160,000
to a variety of organizations
including Whitman Walker Clinic,
Food and Friends, AMFAR, HIV
Community Coalition, Northern
Virginia
AIDS
Ministries,
Metro Teen AIDS, SMYAL, just
to name a few...as well as some
non-AIDS organizations such
as Big Brothers, The Arthritis
Foundation, Childrens Hospital,
NGLTF, and The Victory Fund.
With regards to my history with
photography, I have been seriously
taking photos for about 14 years.
The majority of my work has been
spontaneous rather than posed.
I have attempted to illustrate life
as it is, while highlighting the
more beautiful aspects of our
community. As I have often said,
there is so much beauty around
us which is so easy to overlook
because of the many problems
and stresses that we regularly
encounter. But with only a little bit
of effort, its easy to stop and take
a little bit of time to appreciate
some of what is beautiful around
us. Not only beautiful things, but
also people who are wonderful
in so many ways. I have tried to
illustrate my philosophy on life
through my photography.
I enjoy doing all kinds of
things. I am basically a pop
culture hound. I love all kinds of
Movies, and TV shows. I am a true
audiophile...I like everything from
the most progressive house/dance
music (Go Junior) to hard rock,
heavy metal, jazz, opera, show
Patricia Nalls is a mother of two

childrenAlana, age 26 and Shawn,
age 22and a community AIDS
activist, locally and nationally, for
the rights of women living with
HIV/AIDS and their families. She
was diagnosed with AIDS in 1986,
after the death of her husband and
three year-old. Patricia has been
a long-time activist for women in
the Washington, D.C. community.
After years of frustration and not
finding appropriate support for
women, she founded The Womens
Collective, an AIDS service
organization (ASO) dedicated to
empowering women living with
HIV/AIDS, with special emphasis
on women of color. The Womens
Collective
provides
service,
support, and most importantly
gives women and their families
the hope they need to live not to
die. Under her leadership what
began as a support group in her
home is now an organization with
a full-time staff of fifteen, and
twenty part-time peer educators
who currently serve over 600
women living with HIV/AIDS and
reaching and educating thousands
of other women on HIV/AIDS
primary and secondary prevention
strategies. The Womens Collective
program model has been shared
with women activists from Africa,
Ukraine, Guyana, Spain, Canada
and Brazil among other countries
as well as around the USA.
Patricia, over the years, has
been an outspoken advocate
for women and their families.
She served as a consultant on a
Health Resources and Services
Administration (HRSA) Special
Project of National Significance
(SPNS) that focused on bringing
women living with HIV/AIDS to
the policy table where decisions
were being made about their very
lives. She has organized dozens of
community focus groups, speak
outs, and information sharing
meetings as well as assisted
with the publication of various
research and policy documents
designed to target policy makers
to assist them in families at all
levels including policy forums
and with the Ryan White Title I
Planning Council where she has
made a difference in breaking
down many of the barriers that
women face in accessing services.
Patricia was the 1999 recipient of
the Courage Award from WhitmanWalker Clinic, which recognized her
outstanding leadership in the battle
against AIDS. Patricia received
the 1999 Award of Merit from
Solutions 2000 for her organizing
16
work. She is also the recipient of
the 2000 Linowes Leadership Award
from the Community Foundation
for the National Capital Region
in recognition of her tireless
commitment to improving the lives
of women living with HIV/AIDS;
the Thurlow Evans Tibbs Jr. Award
for championing HIV prevention
and support services in the AfricanAmerican community; the 2003
Caribbean Peoples International
Award for her HIV/AIDS work
in
the
Caribbean-American
community.
Also in 2003 she
received the Washington Free Clinic
Community Leadership Award and
the WJLA Channel 7 2003 Tribute
to Working Women Award for her
tireless work to stop the spread of
HIV/AIDS. In 2004 Pat received
the National Association of People
with AIDS (NAPWA) Certificate of
Recognition of efforts on behalf of
women living with HIV/AIDS in
DC and the National Association
for Advancement of Colored People
(NAACP) Youth Council of DCs
Outstanding Leadership Award in
Health 2004.
NAPWA
The National Association of
People with AIDS met in San
Francisco in 1986. Shown here,
(from upper left, then clockwise)
PWA Amy Sloan of Lafayette,
Indiana; Billy Burton of Houston,
Texas; Joseph Foulon of New
York, Bobby Reynolds and San
Turner of San Francisco; and
Luis Maura of Los Angeles.
National City Christian

Church Dr. Stephen
Gentle, Senior Pastor
The great pillars of our

ministry are calling for us to build
a greater work on the foundation
they provide. We celebrate our
ministry and we eagerly await
the work that lies ahead. In giving
expression to our vision for
ministry in the Nations Capital,
National City Christian Church is:
A place of a growing spirituality
A place of dedicated service
A place of genuine hospitality
A place of true diversity
A place of outstanding music
and the arts.
David Naylor
Susan Newman
PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN NEWMAN
The
Reverend
Dr.
Susan
Newman is the Director of the
Balm in Gileads Washington, D.C.
office. The Balm in Gilead is a nonprofit, faith-based organization
working with churches to provide
HIV/AIDS prevention and care
services through establishing
HIV/AIDS Ministries through
education, training, and advocacy.
She most recently served the
District of Columbia Government
as the Senior Advisor to the
Mayor for Religious Affairs, and
is an Adjunct Minister of Peoples
Congregational United Church
of Christ, Washington, DC, an
open and affirming congregation.
Hailed by Ebony magazine as one
of the Top Black Women Preachers
in America, she has a 30-year career
as a pastor, a community advocate,
a teacher, a chaplain, and author.
An ordained minister in the United
Church of Christ, Dr. Newman
has served as the Senior Pastor of
First Congregational Church, UCC,
in Atlanta, Georgia; the Religious
Coordinator for the Childrens Defense
Fund; Chaplain and Director of
Community Service at Hood College
in Frederick, Maryland, Adjunct
Professor at the United Theological
Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, where
she mentored Doctoral students in
The Wheeler-Newman Fellows; Dr.
Newman received a B.A. in Journalism
from George Washington University in
Washington, DC, a Master of Divinity
from Howard University School of
Divinity in Washington, DC, and a
Doctor of Ministry from the United
Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.
the summer of 1990 when several

members of the local direct
action group OUT! attended a
workshop on AIDS issues. There,
some women from San Francisco
discussed distributing safer sex
packets at lesbian bars.
Some of the women in the direct
action group were a little skeptical
about doing what seemed like a
job for a social service agency, but
they realized that nobody else was
going to do it. The groups message
is simple: In the age of AIDS, safer
sex is something lesbians should
think about.
Phillip Pannell
PHOTO COURTESY PATSY LYNCH
Philip Pannell became involved

in the AIDS struggle in 1982 and
worked with the United Black
Fund and the D.C. Coalition to
bring information and services to
the African-American community.
He was arrested in several AIDS
demonstrations, was the first to
do street outreach east of the
Anacostia River, served as a
care giver to dozens of PLWAs
and was among the first African
Americans to appear in the media
to discuss the pandemic. He was
involved with several HIV/AIDS
service organizations, received
several certifications as an AIDS
educator, served on several boards,
and raised funds for organizations
and individuals.
Pediatric AIDS
Care, Inc.
OUT DC
Safer Sex Sirens
The
following
biography
includes text from an article that
previously appeared December
14, 1990 in the Washington Blade.
Whenever theres a large group
of lesbians gathering, its a safe
bet that the Safer Sex Sirens will
be there, sounding an alarm.
Founded in 1990, the Safer Sex
Sirens distribute safer sex packets
at various womens events. The
group members are armed with
packets containing the latest
information about safer, as well
as some items that could be used
for lesbian safer sex: dental dams
and brightly colored plastic wrap
are provided. The group began in
Pediatric HIV/AIDS Care, Inc. is

a not-for-profit community-based
organization
providing
afterschool mental health and support
programs for HIV infected and
affected children ages 5-18 years
old. It offers services to children
with no restrictions as to religion,
race, ethnicity, HIV status, gender,
or ability to pay.
Its comprehensive after-school
program emphasizes creativity
within the modalities of individual
and group counseling; art, music,
and recreation therapy; as well
as a summer youth development
camp - all provided by licensed
and
qualified
professionals.
Pediatric AIDS goal is to provide
the children with the life skills
and supports necessary to make a
successful transition to adulthood,
often as someone orphaned
by a disease that continues to
disproportionately plague low-
income African-American
residents.
DC
Jeffrey Pendleton
(A.K.A. Odessa OHara)
Michael Petrelis reports stories

the mainstream media choose
to ignore. Michael has appeared
on The OReilly Factor, CNN,
ABC News, and National Public
Radio. He has been quoted by The
New York Times, The Wall Street
Journal, Raw Story, The Chicago
Tribune, The New Republic, and
Stars & Stripes.
Danielle Pleasant
The following text is taken

published in The Washington
Blade November 17, 1995.
Ubiquitous gay activist and
drag advocate Jeffrey Brent
Pendleton, whose stage name
was Odessa OHara, was born
May 6, 1967 in Takoma Park,
Maryland. He became interested
in drag at an early age; by age
17, he hitchhiked to Florida and
became increasingly involved in
the drag competition circuit while
attending cosmetology school.
Jeffrey returned to Washington,
D.C. in 1989 after a lover died of
AIDS-related complications. He
soon learned he was HIV-positive
and continued his organizing
work.
He
produced
many
drag shows and competitions,
including the 1993 Ms. Stonewall
Pride in New York. He also
organized
and
co-organized
groups addressing discrimination
of female impersonators. In 1991
and 1993, he formed Drags United
to protest such discrimination at
D.C.s Capitol Pride, and he was
a member of the Mid-Atlantic
organizing committee for the 1994
Stonewall 25 March on the United
Nations. In 1992 and 1993, Jeffrey
organized hundreds of people to
raise more than $10,000 for the
annual AIDSWALK, sponsored
by the Whitman-Walker Clinic. In
1994, he was honored at a White
House ceremony by First Lady
Hillary Clinton for his volunteer
work at the Whitman-Walker
Clinic.
Jeffrey
Pendleton
died
November 6, 1995 at age 28 of
AIDS-related
complications.
Jeffrey was a pissy, pushy drag
queen and he made a difference,
says Jeffreys friend Ralph Hoar.
That was the magic of Jeffrey
Pendleton. If people were more
concerned about commitment
than approval, the world would
be a different place. Thats how
Jeffrey lived his life.
Danielle Pleasant is a single

mother of five who has been HIVpositive since December 1992;
however, she was not diagnosed
until August 1993. Pleasant is an
advocate for all people, particularly
those living with HIV. She began
her advocacy in 1995 advocating
for women and children, when
her son was diagnosed with AIDS
and she herself was pregnant
with her fifth child. That year
was a hard one, as Ms. Pleasant
was not only HIV+ and pregnant,
but struggling with the disease of
addiction and homelessness.
Pleasant is the Community
Chair for the Metropolitan
Regional
Health
Services
Planning Council, which is where
she got her start. She has worked
as a consultant and volunteered
in several capacities including:
Support Groups at Family and
Medical Counseling Services,
Inc.; Case Manager at Howard
University
Hospitals
Family
Connections Program; Clinical
Trials and Treatment Education
Program Coordinator at DC CARE
Consortium; and Former and
current participant of the Ryan
White Title I Planning Council
and all of its standing committees
of which she is Co-Chair of four;
Co-Chair of the DC Delegation.
She has participated in media
outreach campaigns with the
following
agencies:
the
US
Information Services Agency,
the Womens Collective, KnightRidder, BBC, Washington AIDS
Partnership, MEE Productions,
the HIV Community Coalition,
the New York Times, the Informer,
the Afro-American and Black
Entertainment Television.
Bruce Rashbaum
Michael Petrelis
PHOTO COURTESY PATSY LYNCH
From San Francisco, co-founder

of
ACT-UP of
Washington,
D.C. and tireless AIDS activist

Bruce Rashbaum:
Being a 27-year survivor, yes, 27
years, is quite a sobering statistic.
17
But I use that all the time when I
give talks to others living with HIV.
It helps this physician connect
to patients when in general most
physicians have a difficult time.
I can talk the talk because I walk
the walk. It wasnt always easy. I
retired from practice in 1995 when
I thought the future was looking
very grim. I had lost over 1500
patients to HIV and my T cells
were 7 and they all had names.
My viral load was 2 1/2 million.
My partner was sick and dying. I
had lost most of my friends and
too many patients. It was a very
sad time. But the time away from
my work (8 months) was just the
recharging I needed. I was lucky
to be able to take advantage of
new drugs that were available in
expanded access and to adjust
my regimen as newer, easier and
safer drugs became available. I
can connect to my patients in a
way that most clinicians cannot.
I know how my patients feel. And,
more importantly, I know what it is
like to be on the brim of death and
to come back and thrive because
of the successes of HAART. So, I
share my story with anyone who
has a medical condition because
there is always a bright side to
everything and with HIV, the
future is here for all of us.
Regional Addiction
Prevention (RAP), Inc.
Founded in 1970, Regional

Addiction Prevention (RAP), Inc.
is a nonprofit organization that
offers residential substance abuse
treatment using the therapeutic
community (TC) modality.
In
addition we bring services to
persons living with HIV/AIDS and
conduct prevention/outreach to
increase community awareness of
substance abuse and HIV/AIDS.
RAP, Inc. has served the
Washington metropolitan area
since 1970. We base our treatment
approach on cultural values,
respecting
and
supporting
all
individuals
and
their
communities and recognizing that
a clients culture is an inseparable
part of his or her self-image.
Teaching
from
the
work
of giants such as Malcom X,
Frederick Douglass, and Maya
Angelou who are models of
recovery and overcoming abuse,
we motivate clients to embrace
the possibilities for their own
sobriety.
Our
mission
is
to empower individuals to choose
a productive life over addiction;
to
teach
the
behavioral
skills, attitudes and values
necessary to prosper physically,
emotionally, and spiritually; and
to reconnect clients to loved ones
Omar Reyes has been an

advocate
and
activist
for
vulnerable
communities,
especially immigrants in the
Latino community, in the fight
against HIV/AIDS for more that
16 years. He came to the United
States from Nicaragua in 1984 to
be reunited with his family, which
had moved to the States after the
civil war in his country in the mid70s, and to continue his education.
In the mid-80s, when the epidemic
struck the gay community, Omar
lost many of his friends to the
disease. Since then, he decided to
contribute in the fight against this
pandemic. Reyes has held different
positions in the HIV field in the
Washington Metropolitan area,
including: Outreach Coordinator
for the Inner City AIDS Network;
Outreach worker Specialist for
Whitman Walker Clinic, MD;
Case Manager for Community
Healthcare Inc.; and the HIV
Counseling & Testing Coordinator
for La Clinica del Pueblo, Inc. He
had used his position to promote
HIV awareness, link people to
the appropriate services and
empower them to defend their
rights as a human rights activist
and advocate for the Latino
community. He is the co-founder
of the Miss Gay Hispanic pageant,
which has as focus on HIV
prevention. He is also founder
of the first Latina Transgender
group in the metropolitan area,
Creando Espacio, now called
Grupo Mariposa, a program of
La Clinica del Pueblo. Omar also
created the illusion of Linda
Carrero, winning local and
national titles, including the
Miss Gay America 1999 pageant
for female impersonators, and
he used HIV prevention as his
platform.
who as dynamic ministers/pastors

witness through the devastation
of funerals, hospital visitation
and personal testimonials the
incredible need to arrest the
raving affect that the HIV/AID
pandemic was having in the
African American community and
especially East of the Anacostia
River. RIGHT is recognized as a
housing program that attempts
to improve the quality of life for
persons who are devastated by the
spiritual, emotional, and physical
damage of HIV and AIDS, and to
provide an opportunity to live with
dignity and self-determination.
This
is
accomplished
by
providing housing assistance
for persons who are HIV positive
and living with AIDS and their
families to prevent or minimize
homelessness; improving support
services to HIV consumers
through
case
management,
advocacy and linkage agreements;
and gaining participants trust.
This means that RIGHTs staff
commits more time in providing
quality
services,
addressing
consumer issues, and meeting
multiple needs of participants.
RIGHTs
mission
is
to
improve the quality of life
for persons impacted by the
spiritual, emotional and physical
challenges stemming from HIV/
AIDS as well as other health and
social concerns, and to promote
clients wellness, dignity and self
determination.
Additionally, RIGHT Inc. is the
first certified local partner of The
Balm in Gilead.
The
HIV/AIDS
outreach
programs includes the Balm In
Gilead Black Church Week of
prayer for the Healing of AIDS
and the Church Lights the Way
HIV Testing Campaign. These
outreach
programs
provide
information on the prevention and
treatment of HIV disease, AIDS
101 training sessions, advocacy,
referrals,
and
information
on other available HIV/AIDS
outreach programs in partnership
with Damien Ministries, Inc.,
The Far Northeast/Southeast
Ecumenical Outreach Ministry,
Prince Georges County Health
Department, Northern Virginia
AIDS Ministry, DC Balm In Gilead
Office and Churches throughout
the DC area.
RIGHT, Inc.
Olga Rodriguez
and to their community with

a new appreciation of self and
social responsibility.
Omar D. Reyes
Residing In Group Housing

Together (RIGHT, Inc.), a faithbased AIDS Service Organization
with 14 years of experience
serving
Washington
D.C.s
Anacostia
community,
was
established by a consortium of
four churches located in Southeast
Washington, DC. The pastors of
Allen Chapel A.M.E., Emmanuel
Baptist, Faith Tabernacle of
Prayer For All People, and Youngs
Memorial Church of Christ
Holiness Churches were the
visionaries for this organization.
The advent of the organization
was a result of two visionaries
to join the staff as a full-time

employee, in the dual capacities of
Case Manager and Support Group
Coordinator. Rodriguez worked
directly with clients to obtain
and coordinate a wide array
of services on their behalf. To
enhance the agencys services, she
used her many contacts with other
agencies and pharmaceutical
companies
to
arrange
for
presenters to come and provide
up-to-date information to clients
on topics of interest, such as
programs and services, new
medications, and coping with side
effects.
After a year at Salud, Inc.,
Rodriguez was promoted to
Case Management Department
Supervisor. In her new capacity she
supervised three case managers,
the food bank coordinator, and the
agencys interpreter, in addition
to carrying 35 clients of her own.
She held this position for two
years, until the agency was forced
to close due to funding problems.
In 1995, Rodriguez served as
Case Manager at La Clinica del
Pueblo. During her two-year
tenure at the agency, Rodriguez
provided many services to her
clients, which included setting
up
medical
appointments,
coordinating
social
services,
and arranging for mental health
services.
In order to work with a larger
number of clients in a bigger
clinical setting, Rodriguez joined
Whitman-Walker Clinic. As a
case manager, she has served
many clients with dual and triple
diagnoses. She has helped many
clients from the Latino community
overcome the language barrier
in order to more fully avail of
the services offered by the clinic.
She has accomplished this by
providing direct assistance to
clients, serving as contact person
at the clinic for Latino clients,
and by representing the Latino
community on a clinic-wide
committee. By informing clinic
leaders and decision-makers of
the unique issues and challenges
faced by her constituents, she has
helped to the clinic to minimize
gaps in services to its Latino
clients.
Olga Rodriguez has worked in

the field of HIV/AIDS since 1991.
She started volunteering at Salud,
Inc., assisting people with HIV/
AIDS in the Latino Community
by providing information on
the Bilingual AIDS Hotline.
After serving three months as a
volunteer, she accepted an offer
Hugo Salinas
Michael Sainte-Andress
living with HIV and a courageous

visionary in his involvement in
fighting for human rights and has
selflessly allowed his own journey
to be an inspiration to those who
witness his commitment to our
community.
Born in Seattle, Washington,
Micci grew up in Houston since
the age of six. He graduated from
Lincoln University in 1972 with
degrees in English and Sociology.
In his life, Micci has been an
educator, a professional triple
threat entertainer (i.e. he sang,
danced and acted), an awardwinning poet and writer, but
most importantly, he has been a
human being fully committed to
making the world a better place.
He honorably served in the U.S.
Navy and since 1975 has made
Washington, D.C. his home.
In 1983 he was a poster model
in the first promotional HIV ad
campaign that targeted AfricanAmerican gay and bisexual men.
Ironically, he was diagnosed as
HIV-positive three years later.
This
spurred
his
advocacy
and activism and he became a
certified HIV/AIDS Educator,
Peer Counselor, and Treatment
Education Specialist. He served
as a Mayoral appointee for two
consecutive
three-year
terms
(1993-99) on the Metropolitan
Washington Ryan White HIV
Health Services Planning Council.
Since 1995 Micci has also served
on the Community Advisory
Board (CAB) for HIV clinical
trials of the Wide-Reaching AIDS
Program (WRAP) of the Infectious
Diseases Clinic of the Veterans
Administration Medical Center.
As a performance artist, writer
and lecturer, he has used skills
and talent throughout the country
to educate, inform and empower
about the challenges of living
with HIV disease. He does this
with a commitment and sense
of purpose that is remarkable. A
good description of him is that of
a good soldier.
Michael
Micci
SainteAndress is truly an asset to the
Washington metropolitan area
and is highly respected among
local
government,
business,
education, HIV/AIDS, community,
and faith-based organizations. He
has championed such causes as
arts education in public schools,
adult literacy, voter registration,
and LGBT rights. He has also
been a tireless advocate for people
Hugo Salinas is an HIV

educator with many years of
experience providing outreach to
the community, particularly the
Latino community. He is a sales
representative with De Cerca
Media Group, Inc. His outreach
in HIV/AIDS has allowed him
to serve Ace of Hearts Imports,
Indochinese Community Center,
La Clinica Del Pueblo, GELAAM,
and SALUD, Inc.
Hugo has volunteered for the
Latin American Cultural Space
(LACS), the National Association
of Persons with AIDS (NAPWA),
and the American Red Cross.
He has also served on the HIV
18
Community Coalition Board.
Manuel Sandoval
PHOTO COURTESY OF JOSE GUTIERREZ
Manuel Sandoval was a Latino

Gay activist. He participated
in several community service
organizations: Alianza, Salud, La
Clinica del Pueblo and HCC. He
was born in September 7 1959 and
He died on March 1, 1995.
Daniel T. Schellhorn
Born Oct. 29, 1945, Dan was

raised in New Jersey; he came to
Washington, D.C. in 1963 to attend
George Washington University.
He started working in printing
and Direct Mail the next year and
eventually became part owner
and General Manager of Swift
Mailing Service and co-owner of
several business development and
investment newsletters. During
this period, Dan worked with Steve
Endean of Gay Rights National
Lobby to start and develop a direct
mail campaign and worked with
Steve on the initial development
of the Human Rights Campaign
Fund. He became active in the
(MCC) of Washington, D.C. in
1978, joining in 1979. Dan has
served on various MCC programs,
including the MCC lay Leadership
and Clergy Training Leadership
programs. He currently serves
on the Board of Directors for the
Northwest Settlement House.
After being diagnosed HIVpositive in 1989, he sold his
business and went back to school
to finish his undergraduate
degree, continuing on to get
a masters degree in Adult
Education. He manages his real
estate investments and is active
in MCC ministries, particularly
those involving HIV. He looks back
on the 80s and 90s as a time when
we as a community learned to
care for each other, when both as
individuals and as a community
we were all heroes for each other.
He hopes that MCC and the LGBT
community will continue to grow
in caring for each member of the
community, and will find new
ways to strengthen this caring
attitude that we began to learn
during the first 30 years of the
HIV/AIDS pandemic.
Carol Schwartz
In
1988, as
cities such
as
Washington, D.C. began feeling

the effects of the burgeoning
epidemic, Council member Carol
Schwartz joined the board of the
Whitman-Walker Clinic and the
fight against AIDS. Reflecting on
the events that led her to become
involved in helping those affected
by HIV/AIDS, Carol said that
she was simply responding to an
innate need to help.
Carol served on the D.C. Council
and recently ran unsuccessfully
for mayor. She has served on the
board of the Hattie M. Strong
Foundation, the Community and
Friends Board of the Kennedy
Center
for
the
Performing
Arts and was the first woman
president of the Metropolitan
Police Boys and Girls Clubs. She
has also been actively involved
on the boards of the Washington
Hebrew Congregation, St. Johns
Community Services, and the
Jewish Council for the Aging, as
well as on fundraising committees
for organizations such as the
National Museum of Women in
the Arts, the D.C. Republican
Party, the Lombardi Cancer Center
and the Gay & Lesbian Activists
Alliance. In 2002, she received the
National Capital Area Leadership
Award from the Human Rights
Campaign, and in 2004, she
received the Whitney M. Young
Award for Community Service
from the Greater Washington
Urban League. She has also been
selected multiple times by readers
of the Washington Blade as
Straight Ally of the Year.
Keith Selden
A. Keith Selden has worked

tirelessly as an advocate and
revolutionary for children, youth
and families for the many years.
Trained in social work and case
management, Keith has worked
for the past 15 years specifically
with adolescents and young adults
infected with HIV.
Keith
worked
exclusively
with adults while service as
a residential manager at a
community release center with
the
District
of
Columbias
Department of Corrections. At
that time, he began recognizing
many of his residents were being
infected with HIV. What surprised
him was that an overwhelming
majority of those infected African
American and female. This trend
alarmed him enough that he
felt compelled to begin working
to educate and inform others

about HIV within the Black
community, his community. After
working many years with the
Department of Corrections, he
became frustrated with the rate of
recidivism as he saw the revolving
door of incarceration for so many.
This lent a desire to work with a
younger population, where he
believed he could have more of
a positive influence. Through
discussions with a friend, he
was made aware of a job opening
at Childrens National Medical
Centers Burgess Clinic to case
manage young people who were
HIV-positive.
Keiths position grew and
he managed a program called
Youth Connections, where Care
Advocates are trained to identify
HIV-positive youth and link them
into medical care and other social
support services that addresses
issues all adolescents face:
identity, school, friends, pimples,
peer pressure, transportation,
money, family issues, to name a
few. After all, Keith understood
that all adolescents face the same
issues regardless of HIV status.
Shiloh Baptist Church
As the SHILOH BAPTIST

CHURCH, we are a part of the
Family of God - a vital entity in
the Shaw community - believing
in Jesus Christ, spreading the
Good News, worshiping, teaching,
growing,
caring,
sharing,
cultivating Christian lifestyles,
promoting justice, ministering
to the needy, the oppressed and
physically challenged and people
of all ages and nationalities,
locally, and internationally.
Shilohs overall purpose is to
build a village that represents
Gods Kingdom.
We do that
through
our
discipleship
ministries, which pick up on the
core purposes of the church. The
first core purpose, Loving God
with all our hearts, minds and
souls, is fulfilled through our
worship, where we express that
love by magnifying and glorifying
God. The second purpose, loving
our neighbors as ourselves is
fulfilled through our Outreach
Discipleship Group.
Through our outreach, we
continually express to the world
that we are vitally concerned
and connected with all of Gods
creation. The third purpose is
taken from the great commission
found in Matthew 28:19-20, to
go and make disciples, which
we fulfill through evangelism,
spreading the good news about
a loving God in every corner of
the world. The fourth purpose
is to baptize them, which we
do through the ministry of our
Stewardship Discipleship Group,

brining new members lovingly
in the fold. Finally, the Great
Commission tells us to teach all
nations, which we accomplish
through
our
Education
Discipleship Group, providing
training and instruction in the
ways that God commands.
Shiloh will be the anchor of
an urban village that focuses
its ministry on body, mind and
soul for persons of all cultures
and races from the cradle to the
grave.
It will encompass the
geographical
dimensions
of
P Street to Q, 9th to 10th. The
ministry offerings for children 6
to 18 will include a day care, after
school tutorial and mentoring
programs,
Saturday
movie,
entertainment and recreational
events and a residential facility
for children. Ministry for young
adults will include recreation
through basketball, gymnastics
and racquetball, as well as
relationship building through
singles and couples interaction
and fellowship.
Ministry to
middle adults will include senior
adult day care, child care and
need-based support groups such
as grief recovery and 12-step
programs. Ministry for seniors
will include daily fellowship,
healthy affordable meals, an
extended care living facility and
transportation services.
Worship
and
spiritual
formation
will
take
place
in the recently constructed
sanctuary.
Recreational and
educational events will occur
in the completely renovated
Family Life Center, which will
be retrofitted as a state-of-the-art
computer and communications
facility. The Village will also be
the site of health care and special
needs programs.
Buildings
will be renovated and designed
to accommodate the deaf, the
blind and those with varieties
of intellectual and emotional
challenges.
Space in these
buildings will also be utilized
for AIDS education as well as
prostate, sickle cell and other
health screening programs.
Text includes excerpts from
http://shilohbaptist.org .
Jane Silver, MPH
AIDS and immunology, human

rights and the performing arts.
Prior to joining the Fund, Silver
served as vice president for Public
Policy at the American Foundation
for AIDS Research (amfAR), and as
Associate Director for Programs
for the National Commission
on AIDS. She worked for the
District of Columbia Department
of Public Health, where she
established and was chief of the
District of Columbias first AIDS
office. Silver was also Senior
Program Analyst and Director of
the Fellows Program for the Drug
Abuse Council, Inc. She has been
a member of the American Public
Health Association since 1979.
Silver has served on the board of
directors of The Aaron Diamond
AIDS
Research
Center,
the
Human Rights Watch HIV/AIDS
Program Advisory Committee,
DC Developing Families Center
Advisory Council, and the New
York Choreographic Institute
Advisory Council. She also served
on the board of directors of
Whitman-Walker Clinic and on
the National Institutes of Health
Office of AIDS Research Advisory
Council. In 1987, she was honored
with The Gene Frey Award for
Public Service from the WhitmanWalker Clinic.
Michael Singerman
Michael Singerman was a

member of the direct action
groups ACT UP and OUT, and the
Condom Availability Coalition.
The Coalition assures the presence
of condoms in Washington, D.C.
schools and correctional facilities.
He distributed clean needles with
the Needle Exchange Coalition
on the streets of DC against DC
law. He conceived and brought to
fruition a legal, workable effective
Needle Exchange Program for
Washington, D.C. It authorizes
qualified
Community
Based
Organizations
to
administer
Needle Exchange Programs that
address the escalating rate of HIV
infection among the Districts
intravenous drug users.
Paul Smith
Jane Silver received her

masters degree in Public Health
from the Yale University School
of Epidemiology and Public
Health, and has devoted her
career to public health and public
policy issues affecting poor
and underserved communities.
Silver is president of The Irene
Diamond Fund, a New York Citybased foundation with interests in
medical research relating to HIV/
PHOTO COURTESY PAUL SMITH
Paul M Smith is a retired

Clinical Social Worker and
Psychotherapist who maintained
a private practice in downtown,
Washington, D.C. for more than
18 years. Paul graduated from the
19
National Catholic School of Social
Service at Catholic University in
the field of clinical Social Work in
1985. He spent his early years with
the Montgomery County (MD),
Department of Addictions, Victim
and Mental Health Services as
a staff therapist serving people,
and their families, who were in
recovery from substance abuse
and addictions.
In the mid-90s, Paul served
as clinical supervisor to HIV+
support
group
leaders
of
Northern Virginia, a volunteer
service
sponsored
by
the
Whitman-Walker Clinic of the
Washington Metropolitan area. He
also served as contract therapist
with Us Helping Us, PIL, Inc., a
local HIV/AIDS organization in
the African American community
in Washington, DC.
Paul is currently retired and
is now living in Hollywood,
Florida. He continues to serve
the HIV/AIDS community in
Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He
volunteers as a staff therapist
with Sunserve Counseling and
Psychotherapy Services, an LGBT
mental health program in South
Florida working with low income
and indigent populations many of
which are managing HIV/AIDS
complications.
Pauls
community
service
includes membership on the
Clinical
Advisory
Board,
Sunserve Inc., Sunshine Social
Services. He remains an active
member
with
the
Service
Members Legal Defense Network,
Emeritus Board. He has served
on the Diversity Committee of
the Broward County (FL) School
Board, an oversight function that
insures equity and fairness for
all students in Broward County,
Florida.
Stephen Smith
The following text is taken

published in The Washington
Blade November 20, 1998.
Stephen Smith, founder of the
Washington, D.C. chapter of the
AIDS protest group ACT UP/DC
and Gay direct action group Queer
Nation, was born Jan. 15, 1964 in
Franklin, Pa. In the mid-1980s
he moved to Washington, D.C.
and attended the University of
Maryland at College Park.
In 1989, during the height of the
D.C. gay communitys awakening
to the AIDS crisis, Smith began
organizing the D.C. chapter of
ACT UP. He and other members
of the organization distributed
condoms at public and private
high schools; protested the
National Institutes of Health over
its AIDS research; and called for a
boycott of Philip Morris after the

tobacco corporation gave money to
U.S. Senator Jesse Helms (R-N.C.),
known for his votes against
legislation that would positively
affect Gays and people with AIDS.
In 1991, Smith co-founded the
Washington, D.C. chapter of
Queer Nation. ACT UP worked
with Queer Nation and the
pre-existing OUT! (Oppression
Under Target!) on many actions,
including a Target Bush project
to document that then President
George Bush had failed to take
sufficient action on AIDS issues,
and a Roast the Real Pig protest
outside the Ronald Reagan
Republican Center, where Helmss
re-election campaign was holding
its own barbecue.
Stephens optimistic disposition
earned him the nickname Little
Stevie Sunshine. His friend
Cheryl Spector says, He taught
me what it was like to be a tireless,
fierce AIDS activist, and he was a
survivor. Smith was also a leader
in the medical marijuana and needle
exchange movements. Stephen was
a knowledge-keeper in our time,
said former ACT UP/DC and Queer
Nation member Tim McCarthy. He
was the first person that taught me
to live with this other life form that
he lived withhe was my first HIV
knowledge keeper.
SMYAL
The Sexual Minority Youth

Assistance League (SMYAL) is
the only Washington, D.C. metro
area service organization solely
dedicated to supporting lesbian,
gay, bisexual, transgender, and
questioning
(LGBTQ)
youth.
Founded in 1984, SMYAL is a 501
(c) (3) nonprofit organization.
Its mission is to promote and
support self-confident, healthy,
productive lives for LGBTQ
youth as they journey from
adolescence into adulthood. To
fulfill Its mission, SMYAL focuses
its commitment and energy on
five focus areas: (1) Life Skills
& Leadership Development, (2)
Counseling & Support, (3) Health &
Wellness Education, (4) Safe Social
Activities, and (5) Community
Outreach and Education.
S.O.M.E.
PHOTO COURTESY OF SOME
SOME (So Others Might Eat) is

an interfaith, community-based
organization that exists to help
the poor and homeless of our

nations capital. Started in 1970,
SOME meets the immediate daily
needs of the people it serves with
food, clothing, and health care.
SOME helps to break the cycle of
homelessness by offering services,
such as affordable housing, job
training, addiction treatment, and
counseling, to the poor, the elderly
and individuals with mental illness.
Many individuals infected with
HIV or AIDS choose to come to
SOME for any of its services,
though especially for medical or
dental care. Together, the clinics
serve an average of 40 high
risk patients each day. Many of
SOMEs HIV-positive patients
prefer the privacy of coming to
SOME since it serves a range of
clients, regardless of HIV status.
Each day, SOME is restoring hope
and dignity one person at a time.
A true stylist, Rodney was

the 2001 Golden Scissors Award
Recipient, Makeup Artist of the
Year and an outstanding male
stylist. His previous makeup
clients included international
music icons Sweet Honey in the
Rock, restaurant matriarch and
lifestyle expert B. Smith and
recording artist Rachelle Ferrell.
Rodney worked as a makeup artist
for BET Studios and NUE-TV (a
Quincy Jones Production).
Rodney was an active member
of Inner Light Unity Fellowship
Church and Inner Light Ministries
since 1998 where he sang in the
churchs Voices of Praise and
he founded the Dance Ministry.
Rodney made his transition
February 15, 2003 from AIDSrelated complications.
Precious Thomas
St. Augustine
Catholic Church
Saint Augustine Church is the

oldest black Catholic church in
the nations capital. As the Mother
Church of Black Catholics, Saint
Augustine
Church
continues
in the tradition in which it
was founded, as a strong Black
Catholic
institution,
which
witnesses in faith to the Living
God, His Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Saint Augustine will continue
to be a center that recognizes,
proclaims and preserves our Black
Roman Catholic Heritage. It will
expand and improve all activities
to advance the education of our
children; to continue work in
evangelization, liturgy, music, and
ecumenism and in efforts toward
the achievement of a spiritual,
economic and social development
of all people.
My name is Precious Thomas.

I am 15 years old and Im in
the 12th grade. I attend the Seed
Public Charter School located
in Washington, D.C. I am a
motivational speaker on the facts
about HIV/AIDS. I was also born
with HIV. I was adopted when I
was 2 weeks old. I have loving and
caring family. I have 3 sisters and
1 brother. I also have 2 beautiful
nieces and 1 handsome little
nephew. I have a wonderful best
friend and many, many aunts,
uncles, and cousins. I love my
family very much and they are
very supportive. I plan to have
many days where I spend plenty of
time with my family and friends
in the future. I also plan to go to
college and live a long, happy, and
healthy life.
Thurlow Tibbs, Jr.
Rodney Taylor
PHOTO COURTESY LOUIS HICKS
Rodney David Taylor was born

in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 6, 1965.
He attended Strayer University
and received a bachelors in
marketing. He graduated from
Bennett Beauty Institute of
Cosmetology in January 2002
and was salutatorian. Rodney
studied dance and performed in
many local shows. He studied and
performed with the legendary
Dance Theatre of Harlem. Rodney
became well known nationally
as a make-up artist and National
Trainer for Trish McEvoy, Ltd.
Artist Thurlow Tibbs, Jr. was

a prominent African-American
member of the art community.
In particular, Thurlow was
actively interested and involved
in the Corcoran Gallery of Art
in Washington, D.C. His generous
gift of paintings, sculptures,
prints, drawings, and photographs
in May 1996 greatly enriched the
permanent collection of American
art with outstanding examples by
major African-America artists
not previously represented in the
collection. His wisdom, judgment,
and
enthusiasm
contributed
toward the Corcoran Gallery
an important center for the
preservation and study of AfricanAmerican art. In recognition

of his work, Tibbs received the
William Wilson Corcoran Medal
in 1996.
Tibbs was enthusiastic and
knowledgeable about American
art, but he dedicated himself to
supporting and encouraging the
finest creative efforts of his fellow
African Americans. Born in 1952,
Thurlow Tibbs, Jr. passed away
Jan. 16, 1997.
Reed Tuckson
Dr. Reed Tuckson joined United
Health Group as senior vice
president of Consumer Health
and Medical Care Advancement,
where he worked with all business
groups to create new healthcare
systems,
enhance
patientphysician relationships, improve
medical care quality, and assist
individuals in maximizing their
health.
Prior to joining United Health
Group, Dr. Tuckson served
as Senior Vice President of
Professional Standards for the
American Medical Association
(AMA). He also had administrative
responsibility for the AMA with
the National Patient Safety
Foundation, the Accreditation
Council on Graduate Medical
Education, and the Accreditation
Council for Continuing Medical
Education. The former president
of the Charles R. Drew University
of Medicine and Science in Los
Angeles from 1991 to 1997, Dr.
Tuckson also served as Senior
Vice Presdient for programs of
the March of Dimes Births Defects
Foundation from 1990-91. From
1986 to 1990 Dr. Tuckson was the
Commissioner of Public Health
for the District of Columbia.
Dr. Tuckson has been a member
of several healthcare-related and
academic organizations, including
the Institute of Medicine of the
National Academy of Sciences.
In addition, he was recently
appointed to the Secretary of
Health and Human Services
Advisory Committee on Genetics,
Health and Society and has held a
number of federal appointments,
including cabinet level advisory
committees on health reform,
infant mortality, childrens health,
violence, and radiation testing.
Wayne Turner
Wayne
Turner
organized
numerous
demonstrations,
marches, and vigils in the fight
against AIDS as a member of
ACT UP in Washington, D.C. He
has been arrested multiple times
in non-violent civil disobedience,
including protesting the firing of
20
Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders,
and the lack of an AIDS Czar
with the power to effectively
combat the epidemic. Wayne and
his partner Steve were among
nine people arrested at the White
House when President Clinton
signed the Defense of Marriage
Act in 1996. In 1998, Wayne held
near constant vigil at the bedside
of his partner Steve, who spent
three and half weeks in intensive
care with multiple HIV-related
infections. When Steves condition
severely deteriorated, Wayne gave
the order to disconnect his partner
of seven years from life support.
Wayne then organized an historic
political funeral, as per Steves
request. Four hundred mourners
marched a coffin containing
Steves remains through the
streets of downtown Washington,
and held an open casket funeral
service on Pennsylvania Avenue
in front of the White House.
Wayne went on to lead the
successful Initiative 59 campaign
to protect seriously ill patients
who use medical marijuana.
Although the vote totals were
held up by Congress, a lawsuit
filed by the ACLU of the National
Capital Area won the release of
the election ballots, revealing
that the measure had passed by 69
percent, winning in all eight D.C.
wards, and every voter precinct.
Wayne continued the effort to
ensure that HIV/AIDS funds
are spent are spent effectively,
and drafted proposals requiring
random audits of AIDS service
organizations and addressing
conflict of
interest in the
allocation of federal funds, which
were incorporated into the Ryan
White CARE Act reauthorization
of 2000. His article documenting
funding abuses, entitled AIDS Inc.
was published as the cover story
in the April 2000 edition of the
Washington Monthly magazine.
Sonia Umanzur
Irma (Sonia) Umanzur was

born on Aug. 28, 1957 in Canton
Boquin, La Union, El Salvador.
She is one of seven children.
She lost her father when she
was one month of age and her
mother had to work to support
all the children. Her parents were
peasants. Sonia started working
when she was seven; she was a
good student,responsible, sensible
and was always looking out for
others. She married and has a
wonderful grown daughter who
she admires for her determination
and commitment to working with
the community.
She had to leave El Salvador in
August 1981 because it was difficult
for her to continue living with
persecution. After a transition to
the U.S., she moved to Washington,

D.C., where she has been residing
since about age 20. She started
working in maintenance at the
church Nuestra Reina de las
Americas, a short time after she
started volunteering at Carecen
with the Health Program and as
a result La Clinica del Pueblo
started and making Sonia one
of the founders of such an
important health agency.
She
worked there for 15 years. She
founded the Promotoras de Salud.
She developed and taught the
first group of participants. She
also assisted in founding and
promoting the program for HIV/
AIDS. She worked in this program
and was very committed to its
progress by providing quality care
to its participants.
Shes also worked at Marys
Center as a patient advocate.
Through her job, she lives the
mission of the clinic to build better
futures for families taking into
consideration health, education
and social services. Over the
years, Sonia has demonstrated her
commitment and leadership in the
Latino community and especially
in her very own Salvadorian
community involving herself with
the people and their concerns. Her
pleasant disposition and optimism
in addition to her modesty makes
her a natural born leader.
Ryan White
Ryan White died of AIDS. His

story follows.
On Dec. 6, 1971, Ryan Wayne
White was born. Three days
later, doctors told his parents
that he was a hemophiliac. That
means his blood does not clot the
way it is supposed to. Luckily,
there was a new product out that
contained the clotting agents
found in blood. This product was
called Factor VIII, and was made
from blood. Ryan grew up having
many hemorrhages, or bleeds, and
would get IVs of Factor VIII twice
a week.
While
he
was
battling
pneumonia, he had to have
surgery on Dec. 17, 1984, to
have two inches of his left lung
removed. Two hours after the
surgery, doctors told his mother
that he had contracted AIDS. He
was given six months to live. But
he was a fighter.
He was determined to continue
at his school and live life normally.
But in 1985, not many people knew
the truth about AIDS. Not very
much was known about AIDS.
Ryan faced a lot of discrimination,
mostly based on the unknown.
His school tried to keep him from
attending and the town in which
he lived was not very supportive,
to say the least.
After legal battles, Ryan and

his mother settled with the school
to have separate restrooms and
disposable silverware from the
cafeteria. But that didnt stop
much. Students vandalized his
locker with the word FAG and
restaurants threw his dishes away
after he left. A bullet was even
fired into his home.
After that, he and his family
moved to Cicero, Ind., and were
welcomed. People had been
educated and Ryan was happy
again. He had his learners
permit. He had friends, his family,
and he was turning an incurable
disease into a way to educate
America. There was a movie made
about him, titled The Ryan White
Story, that aired on ABC. Ryan
got to be an actor as he played his
friend Chad.
Ryan White was making a
difference. But on April 8, 1990,
the world lost a wonderful person.
He knew he was famous, took that,
and turned it into something that
everyone could learn from. He
knew his purpose in life.
Whitman-Walker Health
PHOTO COURTESY WWH
Whitman-Walker
Health
(formerly
Whitman-Walker
Clinic) provides comprehensive,
compassionate
services
that
address many of the health care
needs of the gay, lesbian, bisexual,
and transgender communities
and serves as the largest provider
of HIV/AIDS services in the
area.
Established in 1973, WhitmanWalker Health is a communitybased
organization
with
hundreds of volunteers who
provide millions of
dollars
worth of services annually. With
compassion and dedication, the
staff and volunteers enable the
thousands of clients who turn to
the clinic each year to receive vital
primary medical care and social
support services. Earlier this year,
Whitman-Walker opened a new,
multi-million dollar facility on
14th Street, expanding its services
to include a pharmacy, dental care
and many other primary care
health services for local residents.
Jessica M. Xavier, M.P.H.
PHOTO COURTESY JESSICA XAVIER
Jessica Xavier has worked

in the HIV/AIDS epidemic for
more than 20 years, and earned
her masters in Public Health at

the University of Maryland. She
was the data coordinator for the
first HIV clinical research trial
conducted in the District, at the
George Washington University
Medical Center, where she later
became
the
Administrative
Manager of the AIDS Clinical
Trials Unit. She has also consulted
with the Division of AIDS of
NIAID, the Health Resources
Services
Administration,
the
Leadership Campaign on AIDS,
and the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention. From
1998 to 2000, she was Principal
Investigator for the bilingual
Washington, D.C. Transgender
Needs Assessment Survey, one of
the largest studies of an urban
transgender population conducted
in the U.S. She was a contributor
to the HIV/AIDS chapter of the
Healthy People 2010 Companion
Document for LGBT Health, and
she also coordinated the first allday institute on HIV/AIDS in
transgender people at the 2002
U.S. Conference on AIDS. She
also served as the director of
Volunteer Resources for WhitmanWalker Clinic for nearly four
years and as a co-investigator of
the Virginia Transgender Health
Initiative Study, a statewide
qualitative/quantitative
survey
of the transgender population
of
Virginia,
implemented
by
the
Community
Health
Research Initiative of Virginia
Commonwealth University for the
Virginia Department of Health
and the Virginia HIV Community
Planning Committee.
Frank Yurrita
Frank Yurrita came to the

United States from Guatemala
in 1984. He was at the forefront
of HIV/AIDS prevention and
education movement during the
mid-1980s, before treatment of
the disease was available and
little was known about HIV/AIDS
prevention and education in the
Latino community.
Since the
beginning of the epidemic Yurrita
worked diligently to provide
HIV/AIDS
information
and
treatment to diverse populations.
In 1986, Yurrita joined the staff
at La Clinica del Pueblo where
he started the first HIV/AIDS
program for Latinos in the District
of Columbia.
In 1988, Yurrita moved to
Whitman-Walker
Clinic
and
started the Latino Services
Division. There Yurrita worked
hard to obtain funding from
various private and government
sources to provide many services
and programs to the gay Latino
population in D.C.
After serving as Interim
Director of the Mayors Office

on Latino affairs in 1999/2000,
Yurrita returned to WhitmanWalker as Associate Executive
Director for Health and Wellness.
There he served as liaison to the
Centers for Disease Control and
hosted numerous international
delegations seeking information
as to how to provide HIV/AIDS
services to developing countries.
Yurrita has been a strong
advocate for culturally competent
access to health care for diverse
populations and has designed and
implemented successful programs
for at-risk youth and gangs in the
Latino community.
2012
John-Manuel Andriote
John-Manuel Andriote began

reporting on the HIV epidemic in
1986, while he was working on a
masters degree in journalism at
Northwestern University. By then
he had already lost two friends
to AIDS, both of them in their
twenties, like himself. Bill Bailey,
a volunteer buddy for WhitmanWalker, encouraged Andriote to
focus on HIV/AIDS while the two
were a couple. Bailey himself
tested positive in 1986, and later
died from AIDS in 1994. That
year, Andriote began to work
on the book that became Victory
Deferred: How AIDS Changed Gay
Life in America. Published by the
University of Chicago Press in
1999, Victory Deferred chronicled
the stories of gay men and their
supporters who responded to
the epidemic with anger and
determination that no one should
suffer discrimination because
of their HIV status or sexual
orientation. Andriote himself was
diagnosed as HIV-positive in 2005,
and continues to report on the
epidemic.
In 2011, Andriote updated
Victory Deferred in a revised
and expanded second edition.
The many audiotape interviews
Andriote conducted with men
and women in gay communities
across the country, medical
experts,
activists,
family
members and others affected by
HIV/AIDS, are now part of the
John-Manuel Andriote Victory
Deferred Collection curated by the
Smithsonians National Museum
of American History.
George Bellinger, Jr.

George Bellinger, Jr. has been
working in the AIDS industry since
1982 and with LGBT communities
before that time. He has served in
various capacities from outreach
21
worker and community organizer

to
Executive
Director
and
consultant. He started his activism
and community involvement in
Washington, DC with Whitman
Walker, when it was just a gay
mens clinic as a buddy, assisting
those who were impacted by AIDS
and needed human contact and
support. Those skills took him to
become the Program Coordinator
for Spectrum, one of the early
organizations dedicated to the
Black community.
Most recently he provided
strategic planning for the Black
Gay Leadership Council of
Philadelphia and served as a
research assistant for Dr. J. Battle
at the CUNY Graduate Center on
health disparities of communities
of color and D. P Wheeler of
Hunter College on a multi-site
study looking at behavioral
and sexual aspects of Black
men who have sex with men.
He came back to Washington,
DC and served as the Associate
Executive Director for Policy and
Community Development for the
AIDS Action Council, and one
of the faculty members for the
African American HIV University
of the Black AIDS Institute in Los
Angeles, CA.
Mr. Bellinger is an accomplished
trainer and facilitator and has
worked throughout the United
States as well as internationally,
focusing on areas of self-awareness,
empowerment,
love
&
sex,
relationships, identity. A renowned
prevention specialist, George is
proficient in policy issues, coalition
building and addressing the needs
of
underserved
communities.
George is often requested as a
keynote speaker to address the
concerns of people of color who are
at-risk and providing strategies and
empowerment to those populations.
He is currently a management
consultant working with non-forprofit agencies developing their
boards, programs and productivity.
A native New Yorker, he dedicates
his work to the people who coming
up while honoring those who went
before him.
Donald Birch III
I wonder if I had not tested

HIV+ in August of 1985 at home in
Detroit, would I have done as much
in the HIV/AIDS world. When I
moved to DC in 1986, I dont know
if I would have worked, supported,
participated and/or volunteered
with Inner City AIDS Network,

Whitman Walker Clinic, IMPACTDC, the DC AIDS Office, LIfelink,
NAPWA, Us Helping Us and other
groups that Ive worked for. Im
not even sure if I would have
eventually become a social worker.
Id like to think I would have been
magnanimous, sacrificial and hard
working for the good of others.
However, knowing myself as well as
I do, I probably wouldnt have. The
truth is also that Im thankful that
Ive been part of the HIV community,
for my sake as well as on the behalf
of others. It has given me friends,
purpose, life enrichment and fun.
And if being HIV positive for more
than half my life has made me do
this work then I guess Im kind of
thankful for that at well.
AHF Blair Underwood

Center
PHOTO BY JULIUS PRINCE
A part of the AIDS Healthcare

Foundation (AHF), the AHF Blair
Underwood Healthcare Center is
located in Washington, D.C. and
named after Blair Underwood,
a popular and award-winning
Hollywood actor whose activism
and advocacy on HIV/AIDS
blossomed after he visited the
hard hit country of South Africa
many years ago. He is a founding
member of the advocacy group,
Artists for a New South Africa,
and has previously been featured
in several AHF media campaigns,
most notably AHFs highlyeffective Man Up HIV testing
media campaign. The center is a
state-of-the-art, full-service HIV/
AIDS treatment clinic as well as
an on-site AHF Pharmacy. The
facility is known popularly as the
AHF Blair Underwood Clinic.
AHF
Healthcare
Centers
provide advanced medical care
designed specifically for HIVpositive clients. AHF healthcare
providers are knowledgeable of
up-to-the-minute
developments
in HIV medical care. In addition,
AHF Healthcare Centers are often
part of the research teams testing
new medications to fight HIV. AHF
Healthcare Centers provide clients
with access to the additional
specialists,
medications
and
services they need to be as healthy
as possible.
By locating our clinic inside
the District and not far from
George Washington University
Hospital, where we will admit
some of those HIV/AIDS patients
who may need hospital care, our
AHF Blair Underwood Clinic will
be in a unique position to better
serve a high-risk, largely minority
population, said Roxanne CoxIyamu, M.D., Medical Director for
the AHF Blair Underwood Clinic.
Larry Bryant
Larry Bryant could have

pursued a career in professional
football if hed wanted to, HIV or
no HIV. But he decided to take his
life in another direction: helping
improve the lives of others. A
20-year survivor of HIV, Larry
now presses palms for the AIDS
advocacy group Housing Works
instead of pressing pigskin on
the football field. As an activist in
Washington, D.C., Larry regularly
meets with politicians and political
staff members to push for better
funding and greater support for
HIV-positive people throughout
the country. But although he may
be rubbing shoulders with some
of the countrys most powerful
people, Larry always keeps it real:
I will never be as important as the
people I work for, he says.
William Anthony
Burns

William A. Burns:
I thought I would have been
dead by now. Friday, July 13, 1990
was when this journey officially
began for me. Though I do suspect,
it was probably a year or two
before then. I have lost so many
friends and loved ones to this
epidemic. I have come to believe,
that which does not kill us can
make us stronger. God has been
so good to me. People have been
kind, loving, and supportive of
me. That has truly been amazing,
given the past and current stigma
still attached, to people living with
HIV/AIDS.
Life is precious. Love is
precious. I live my life now on
purpose, on purpose with all its
challenges
and
complexities.
HIV/AIDS has not killed me, and
surprisingly, and gratefully, it has
also helped to make me stronger.
Live Life on Purpose.
Abby Charles
Jeffrey Crowley
Jeffrey S.
Distinguished
Crowley
Scholar
is
a
and
PHOTO BY TOMMIE ADAMS
Program Director of the National

HIV/AIDS Initiative at the ONeill
Institute for National and Global
Health Law at Georgetown Law. He
is an internationally recognized
expert on HIV/AIDS and disability
policy, having worked at top levels
of government, academia, and
advocacy organizations.
From
2009 to 2011, he served as the
Director of the White House
Office of National AIDS Policy
and Senior Advisor on Disability
Policy for President Barack
Obama. As the Presidents chief
HIV/AIDS advisor, Mr. Crowley
developed the first comprehensive
National
HIV/AIDS
Strategy
for the United States, focused on
lowering the number of new HIV
infections, increasing access to
care, and reducing HIV-related
health disparities.
Mr. Crowley has dedicated his
professional career to advancing
approaches and solutions to the
nations most pressing social policy
challenges. From 2000 to 2009, he
was a Senior Research Scholar at
Georgetown Universitys Health
Policy Institute and subsequent to
its founding he had a concurrent
appointment as a Senior Scholar at
the Universitys ONeill Institute. His
work focused on improving health
care for people with disabilities
and chronic conditions through
improvements to Medicaid and
Medicare. Mr. Crowley is a respected
leader among people affected by the
HIV/AIDS pandemic, having served
in senior positions at the National
Association for People with AIDS
from 1994 to 2000. He has worked
with domestic and international
advocates and policymakers to
advance more responsive and
humane policies regarding HIV
treatment, prevention, and research.
Ron Daniels
An award-winning public health

advocate and addictions counselor,
Ronald Daniels has worked on HIV/
AIDS and substance abuse issues in
the District of Columbia for 15 years.
Throughout those years, Ron has
tirelessly worked at the grassroots
level to ensure people suffering
from HIV and chemical dependency
receive the essential continuum of
care services they needed to recover
from the scourge of addiction and
to survive living with HIV/AIDS.
Through numerous community based
and major health care organizations,
Daniels has spread the gospel of harm
reduction and shepherded hundreds
of marginalized people into the

quality care, treatment and support
they deserve.
A founder and co-founder
of several programs in care
advocacy, syringe access, and harm
reduction education during his
eight-year tenure at Prevention
Works, Daniels quickly established
himself as the go-to advocate in
the District for access to those
struggling with the hardened
realities of drug addiction and
the co-occurring disorders of HIV,
mental illness, and Hepatitis C.
Through his frontline service for
clients who trust him to help them
navigate DCs sprawling health
and social service systems, Daniels
provides more than the hope of
receiving high quality services
for indigent populations; he helps
make sure its delivered.
Since
leaving
Prevention
Works in 2008, Daniels work has
continued unabated. As the Needle
Exchange Coordinator for Family
and Medical Counseling Services
(FMCS), Daniels is helping DCs
leading minority health service
provider, in their first foray into
comprehensive needle exchange
programming for active users
through a mobile unit program
that takes point-of-entry health
care access directly to the people,
within their own neighborhoods.
Ron
Daniels
counsels
underserved drug-users in how to
obtain key supports on their road to
recovery. A life-long human rights
activist, Daniels continues to partner
with marginalized communities in
Washington struggling to justifiably
receive the quality, competent, and
non-judgmental care all human
beings deserve.
DC Community
Coalition
The DC Community Coalition

(DCC) is a broad cross-section of
peopleliving with and affected
by HIV and AIDS throughout
the Washington DCMetropolitan
Area, working together to serve as
the Local Citizens Host Committee
for the 19th International AIDS
Conference (AIDS 2012) to be held
in Washington, DC, July 22-27,
2012.
Members of the 2012 DC
Community
Coalition
come
from various sectorsof
the
community and are focused
on ensuring that the District
of Columbia is an effective
and powerful host to the AIDS
2012 conference and its global,
national, and local stakeholderattendees. The DCC will utilize
AIDS 2012 as an opportunity for
increased accountability by all DC
Metropolitan Area leaders.
22
Geno Dunnington
PHOTO BY PEPO SUBIRANAS
Geno Dunnington is currently

the President and CEO of Positive
Effects Inc. in Washington,
DC, which provides technical
assistance to community-based
organizations
and
agencies
that serve hard to reach target
populations. Since 1977, Geno
has specialized in the access of
treatment and care for the HIV/
AIDS, Substance Usage, and
Mental
Health
communities.
In 2001 he earned his Certified
Addictions Counselor Training
through the Training Resource
Associates at Howard University.
He is certified in several strategies
and techniques in Harm Reduction.
In 2003 through the Department
of Mental Health he is a certified
Peer Recovery Specialist. In 2007
he completed certification as a
Trainer and Group Facilitator
to teach mental health recovery
skills including Wellness Recovery
Action Planning (W.R.A.P.) to
people experience psychiatric
symptoms, their family members,
and health care providers. He has
served as board member for DC
Care Consortium, a member of the
Mayors Office of GLBT Affairs, and
many other committees including
the
Metropolitan
Washington
Regional Health Planning Council
and DC PWA (co-chair). Geno
Dunnington is the Program
Director of the National Media
Consortium Inc. which produces
the ANC and YOU, Carols Corner,
Silent View, and One on One with
The Congressional Black Caucus;
he is also the host of HIV/AIDS the
Nation and The World which are
broadcasted on Comcast TV in the
Washington, DC metropolitan area
reaching over one million viewers.
Ruth Eisenberg
Ruth is a partner at the
Washington, DC law firm of
Harmon, Curran, Spielberg &
Eisenberg LLP, which is widely
recognized as one of the premier
boutique firms in the country
specializing
in
representing
nonprofit
organizations
concerned with civil rights,
promotion of health, education,
elimination of poverty, and other
social justice causes.
Ruth advises organizations on
almost every aspect of employment
law,
including
development,
review and implementation of
workplace
policies;
effective
hiring
procedures;
employee
relations;
wage
and
hour
compliance;
counseling
and
disciplinary actions; compliance
with federal and state antidiscrimination laws; family and
medical leave act compliance;
performance
evaluation
and
review process; implementation

of policies to avoid workplace
harassment;
investigations
resulting
from
allegations
of
harassment;
executive
compensation and employment
agreements; and defense of
wrongful termination claims.
She advises also organizations
on corporate governance, federal
tax law compliance, contracts,
leases and intellectual property,
and represents employees in
employment
discrimination
and other employment-related
matters.
Before joining Harmon, Curran
in 1996, Ruth litigated disability
rights cases at the National
Veterans Legal Services Program
and represented people with HIV
as Director of Legal Services
at the Whitman-Walker Clinic.
Ruth has served on the Boards of
Directors of Lambda Legal and
the National Gay & Lesbian Task
Force Foundation. She is the coauthor of The Rights of People
Who are HIV Positi
Mark Fischer
Mark Fischer is currently

serving his third term as a
member of the Metropolitan
Washington Regional Ryan White
Planning Council where he is
on the Executive Committee
and chairs the Bylaws, Policies
and Procedures Committee. He
has played a leading role in
ensuring that the Planning
Council has appropriate policies
and procedures to guide its work
and that accurate, substantive
consumer input from people
living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA)
is incorporated into the Councils
planning and decision-making.
From 2008 to 2012, Mark was
senior vice president (pro bono)
of Back to the Basics Please
(BTTBP), a 501(c)-3 non-profit
whose mission is to serve and
embrace all communities by
assisting individuals in living
their most physically healthy and
emotionally fulfilling lives. BTTBP
strives to create resources and
connect individuals in rural or
remote areas of the country to
services at the same level as those
generally found in urban centers.
For more than 25 years, Mark held
executive management positions
in the private sector. Prior to that,
he dedicated a decade as a teacher
and administrator who developed
innovative
public
education
programs to reach students
from economically and socially
challenged backgrounds. Mark
holds B.A. and in English and an
M.A. in English Education from
Duke University. A native of St.
Petersburg, Florida and a resident
of the District of Columbia since
1978, Mark is a person living with

HIV for over 26 years.
Dr. Lisa Fitzpatrick

Dr. Lisa Fitzpatrick was born

in St. Louis, Missouri. She earned
a BA/MD, a six-year accelerated
program at the University of
Missouri-Kansas City and a
Masters in Public Health from the
University of California-Berkeley
School of Public Health. She is a
board-certified infectious diseases
physician
and
CDC-trained
medical epidemiologist who has
made significant contributions in
HIV/AIDS nationally and globally.
Currently, she is an Associate
Professor of Medicine at Howard
University.
Dr. Fitzpatrick began her career
as a medical epidemiologist at the
nations premier public health
agency, the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) in
1998. Throughout her tenure at the
CDC, Dr. Fitzpatrick held several
leadership positions. She served
as team leader on landmark HIVrelated epidemiological studies
including
HIV
transmission
among black college students
and among black women. In 2005,
Dr. Fitzpatrick also led a multidisciplinary team to conduct the
CDCs first ever investigation
of HIV infection among prison
inmates. She established the
CDCs
first
Minority
AIDS
Research
Initiative
which
provided opportunities for junior
researchers of color to become
independent HIV researchers
Her personal desire to ensure
her expertise and professional
experiences would directly benefit
underserved
communities
of
color led her to accept her current
position at Howard. In addition
to her role as clinician and
educator at Howard University, Dr.
Fitzpatrick is working to establish
a two-site community/academic
infectious disease research center
and has started collaboration
between the Howard University
Division of Infectious Diseases
and the United Medical Center,
where she is the Director of HIV/
AIDS services. She also pens health
literacy articles for a variety
of publications as she believes
informed citizens make healthier
citizens. As a researcher, clinician,
infectious disease expert, and
patient advocate, Dr. Fitzpatrick
has demonstrated unwavering
commitment and dedication to
improving public health.
Tiffany Chester
Gilliard
Tiffany Chester Gilliard has
more than 20 years of diverse and
extensive experience in strategic

planning, direct sales, market
positioning, stakeholder relations,
and new business development.
In her current role as the Head
of the Local Secretariat of the
landmark XIX International AIDS
Conference (a biennial global
conference that attracts more than
22,000 delegates including more
than 2,000 journalists from up to
200 countries), Ms. Gilliard serves
as the primary liaison to the
conference secretariat in Geneva,
facilitates
relationships
with
national and local government
agencies, including the White
House Office of National AIDS
Policy, National Institutes of
Health, Executive Office of the
Mayor of Washington, D.C., and
the Department of Health.
Prior to her work with the XIX
International AIDS Conference,
Ms. Gilliard was the Director
of Sales for Destination DC,
the official convention and
visitors bureau for Washington,
D.C. Throughout her career,
Gilliard has also exceled in
sales and marketing at some of
the nations leading companies
including Gaylord Palms Resort
& Convention Center, the Walt
Disney Company, Marriott, and
the Convention and Visitors
Bureaus of Dallas and Greater
Boston.
Dedicated to education of
tomorrows
leaders,
Tiffany
was an adjunct professor in
the
Hospitality
Management
Program at Howard University
and works with Hospitality
High School in Washington,
DC. In addition she is an active
participant in community affairs
through her memberships in
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
and the Metropolitan Baptist
Church. Ms. Gilliard holds a
B.A. in mass communications
from Hampton University; a
M.B.A. from the University of
MarylandUniversity
College;
and an International Business
Certificate from the University of
Antwerpen. A native of Miami,
Florida, she has been a long-time
resident of Washington, D.C. and
resides there with her husband.
D. Paul Gordon
D. Paul Gordon was born and

raised in Portsmouth, Virginia.
He graduated from Hampton
University in 1992 with a B.A.
in Business Management and a
minor in Accounting. He earned

his M.B.A. from Saint Leo College
in 1992. In 1997, he earned an
Associate Degree in Paralegal
Studies from the John Marshall
School of Law.
Since his HIV diagnosis in
January 1989, Mr. Gordon has work
with several HIV/AIDS- related
organizations. From 1996 to 2002,
he volunteered with AIDS Atlanta;
since 2008 he has volunteered for
AIDS Walk in Washington, DC.
Presently, Mr. Gordon works with
the Bayard Rustin Project for the
National Association of People
with AIDS (NAPWA).
D. Paul is very active in the
community and knows the
importance of telling his story so
that others wont experience the
things he has through in life. His
motto is Psalms 118:17 I shall
not die but live and declare the
work of the LORD.
Mayor Vincent Gray
Vincent C. Gray is serving

as the seventh Mayor of the
District of Columbia. Prior to his
inauguration as mayor in January
2011, Gray served as Chairman
of the Council of the District of
Columbia and as Councilmember
for Ward 7. In the 1990s he also
served as director of the DC
Department of Human Services.
Mayor Gray earned a B.A. in
Psychology at George Washington
University. Gray began his
political career with the D.C.
Association for Retarded Citizens,
where he successfully advocated
for innovative public policy
initiatives on behalf of people
with mental retardation. In 1991,
then Mayor Sharon Pratt Kelly
appointed Gray to the post of
Director of the DC Department of
Human Services.
Gray became the founding
executive director of Covenant
House Washington in December
1994. Over a decade, Gray grew
the agency from a van outreach
program to a multisite agency
serving homeless youth in the
Districts Southeast and Northeast
communities.
In 2008, Gray successfully
led his Council colleagues in
passing the Pre-K Enhancement
and Expansion Act of 2008, a
program to provide universal prekindergarten to every three- and
four-year-old in the District of
Columbia by 2014, to increase early
intervention and enhancement
services for student success.
Greater Mt. Calvary

Holy Church
of
God has blessed the ministry

Greater Mt. Calvary Holy
23
Church through the vision of

Archbishop Alfred A. Owens, Jr.
D.Min., Founder and Pastor. The
church was established under
his leadership in 1966. Since that
time, God has richly added to the
ministry. Pastors Archbishop
Alfred A. Owens and International
First Lady Susie Owens now
pastor a flock of almost 8,000
members and because of their
faithfulness; thousands of lives
have been touched, changed and
delivered.
Jesus is being lifted up and
exalted through messages that
teach the people of God three
things: to hate sin, to love God and
one another, and to understand
and appreciate the principle of
giving. Souls are being saved
as the word of God is preached
through Gods anointed man and
woman of God. Hands are raised
when people come week after
week to acknowledge Christ as
Lord and Savior of their lives.
Greater Mt. Calvary Holy
Church is a church where
everybody is somebody; a church
ordained by God where His
children gather to worship and
to be inspired by the preaching
and teaching of His Word. We
believe that the Bible is the
inspired, infallible, authoritative
Word of God. Our primary goal
is to present the full Gospel
of Jesus Christ. We believe in
prayer, fasting, healing and great
deliverances. When you enter
the sanctuary, come expecting a
miracle. It is with pleasure that we
extend to you a cordial invitation
to join us in worship services.
May the Lord God bless you real
good!
Leon Hampton, Jr.
PHOTO COURTESY MCC-DC
A native of Louis, Kentucky,

Leon received his undergraduate
degree in Political Science from
Western Kentucky University. He
then enrolled in The University
of Louisvilles Law School while
working under Judge Executives,
Marlow Cook and E.P. Sawyer.
When drafted into the U.S.
Army, Leon reported to Ft. Know,
Kentucky, where he would meet
and serve along with Louisvilles
longest-serving
Mayor,
Jerry
Abramson. After Leon received the
American Spirit Honor Award,
he returned to Washington, DC
where he worked in the office of
Kentuckys U.S. Senator Marlow
Cook and went on to graduate
from
American
Universitys
Washington College of Law.
During his professional career,
Leon worked alongside Diane
Sawyer, Dora Jean Lewis Malachi,
Raoul Cunningham, as well
Kentuckys U.S. Representative
John Yarmuth. He also worked for
SBA, Department of Commerce
and before retiring from EPA,
taught business law class at
Howard University.
A person of deep and abiding
faith since formative years,
Leon was an active member of
the Metropolitan Community
Church (MCC) of Washington, DC
where he served as a lay leader
in many capacities. He also once
served as president of the Board
of Pensions for MCC, USA. Leon
completed work in the USA and in
other countries. Leon passed from
his earthly labors to his eternal
rewards on September 30, 2010.
Veronica Jenkins
Humanitarianism seems to
have been the basis of my life.
My parents were everyones
parents and no one would be sent
out of our doors without a kind
word, a hug or a great meal. As a
result, I began my lifes journey
as a teacher and became a doctor
to ensure that learning was not
hampered by poor health.
I
learned that the mind and body
were
intricately
connected
and that neglect of either was
detrimental to the other.
The patients struggle during
the HIV/AIDS epidemic embodies
every aspect of our meager
attempts to live well and happy.
Clients were faced with adversity
and either learned to overcome
or succumbed to the dregs of the
worse medical problem of my life
time. Fortunately, the science has
allowed us to turn the tide and
see the positive outcomes that can
be achieved through treatment,
adherence, and education.
It has been a tumultuous ride
but we are coasting, I believe,
towards a smooth finish. We
must not fail each other. We must
continue to support research,
social change, equitable medical
services and injustices to all
people who have been touched
by this disease- both infected and
affected.
The road of my life has been
paved by the harmony of many
lives; therefore, I sing a good song
of our future and my destiny.
Venton Jones
Venton Jones represents a new
generation of national leaders
committed to advancing public
health and social justice for the
African American and GLBT

communities. Currently, Mr. Jones
resides in Washington, DC as
Communications and Education
Manager at The National Black
Gay Mens Advocacy Coalition
(NBGMAC).
Prior to joining NBGMAC, Mr.
Jones worked with the University
of California, San Francisco
Center for AIDS Prevention
Studies as the Team Leader/
Social Networking Coordinator
for United Black Ellument (an
HIV
prevention
intervention
adaptation for young Black gay &
bi-sexual men) in his hometown of
Dallas, Texas.
Mr. Jones remains a strong
advocate in Dallas, Texas, with
an extensive record of leadership,
including
President/Founder
of the non-profit organization,
Dallas/Fort
Worth
Pride
Movement.
Being in the domestic epicenter
of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, Mr.
Jones work has lead him to
serve as an expert consultant
for a number of agencies and
government entities in Dallas,
the State of Texas and throughout
the country, including the White
House. Venton Jones is a recipient
of the National Association of
People with AIDS (NAPWA),
Positive Leadership Award and
National AIDS Education and
Services for Minorities (NAESM)
Harold Dean Philpot Leadership
Award for Excellence in Support
for HIV/AIDS and Community
Service. He received his B.S. in
Community Health from Texas
A&M University and his M.S.
in Health Care Administration
from The University of Texas
at Arlington. Using his public
health background and work as
a community activist, Mr. Jones
has committed his career to HIV
prevention and awareness in the
African American community
(particularly youth), advocating
for GLBT equality and promoting
positive
public
health
and
socioeconomic outcomes.
Carolina
Central
University
in Durham, North Carolina in
1982 and his Masters Degree in
Public Administration from The
University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill in 1990.
In 1985, he moved to the
Washington, DC metro area
to accept a position with
Prince William Government in
Woodbridge, Virginia. Since then,
he has worked for Fairfax County
Government; he currently works
for the U.S. Department of Labor
where hes been for the past 20
years.
His community service started
in 1990 where hosted a fundraiser
for HIV/AIDS. This event became
known as his annual Spring Has
Sprung Fundraiser. For over 22
years this even raised more than
$20,000 for various communitybased organizations dealing with
HIV/AIDS, Homeless, Cancer,
Multiple
Sclerosis,
Domestic
Violence,
and
Disadvantaged
Youth in the Washington, DC
metro area.
The successes of this fundraiser
lead Curtis to begin hosting other
fundraisers throughout the year
including, Fall Has Fallen,
End of Summer, Birthday
Bash, Outdoor Movie Night, Fat
Tuesday Celebrations, Toy Drives,
and Midnight Fish Fries.
His dedication to community
service is credited to mother who
is 93 years of age and taught him
at a very early age it is much
better to give than it is to receive
and the more you give the more
blessings you will receive.
From
Curtis
Massey:
I
am blessed to have friends,
associates, and others who have
supported my fundraisers for
over 22 years and for that I
THANK YOU!!!
Mayors Host
Committee
George Kerr
Rev. Dyan McCray

Curtis T. Massey
Curtis was born and raised
in Petersburg, Virginia where
he graduated from Petersburg
High School in 1978. He earned
his Bachelors degree in Public
Administration
from
North
Reverend Dyan Abena McCray

is the founding pastor of Unity
Fellowship Church Washington,
DC and lives a life committed
to social justice. She worked

tirelessly and ecumenically with
her fellow clergy colleagues
for
marriage
equality
in
Washington, DC, and has also
served on the board of directors
for: DC Black Gay and Lesbian
Pride;
Transgender
Health
Empowerment; and The Mautner
Project.
Unity Fellowship strives to
be a faith-based Congregation
that nurtures-proclaims mutual
respect and the sacredness of
all life. The church works to
confidently proclaim, teach, and
empower members of the GLBT
and
heterosexual
affirming
communities through scriptures
and
other
sacred
writings.
Through social action, Unity
Fellowship will empower, educate
and stand for those that have been
oppressed and rejected.
As
Pastor,
Rev.
McCray
introduces to some, affirms to
others, and enhances for all the
validity of GOD in all life.
Ronald E. Morgan
A native Washingtonian, Ronald

E. Morgan attended the University
of the District of Columbia and has
earned certificates from various
organizations, including UDC, Us
Helping Us, Inc., the Department
of Healths Comprehensive AIDS
Training Initiative, Unity Health
Care, and the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention.
Since his HIV diagnosis in 1984,
Mr. Morgan has gained a better
understanding of his condition
through various fieldworks in
the HIV/AIDS community. His
involvement includes the National
Association of People with AIDS
(NAPWA), AIDS Walk, Whitman
Walker Clinic, Akoma Project,
Us Helping Us, Inc., and Regional
Addiction Prevention (RAP), Inc.
Ronald educates the community
and
Federal
and
District
Government organizations on his
life experiences. He speaks of his
previous drug addiction and as a
result of his diagnosis, his long
road of recovery and the daily
physical, emotional and mental
challenges he faced. Despite his
HIV diagnosis and additionally
being diagnosed with anal cancer
in 2010, Ronald continues to serve
and uplift his family friends, and
the community.
Mr. Morgan believes he has
the obligation the moral right
to inform and educate the
community about HIV/AIDS. He
advocates for the rights of those
infected with HIV to receive
services and believes people with
HIV/AIDS can live a long and
healthy lifestyle with assistance
and knowledge of the community
resources available to them.
24
Rayceen Pendarvis
As a native Washingtonian who

has been working in the area of
activism for over 30 years, in that
time I have lent my voice and time
to raise awareness in the fight
against HIV. I have been given the
opportunity to work with various
groups such as Capital Pride, DC
Black Pride, Transgender Heath
Empowerment and Us Helping Us
along with so many others. I have
been an openly gay elected official
as well, allowing my voice to be
heard to raise thousands of dollars
for those making a difference in
the cause. I have always used the
stage as a chance to mix humor
with a social message; this has
opened the door for me to work
with a number of celebrity
legends. To name a few, they
include Grammy award-winning
divas such as Patti Labelle, Chaka
Khan, and Jennifer Holiday. I live
by this: the greatest gift from God
is to be in service!!!!!!!!!
Bob Ray
I attended a fund raiser for the

Whitman Walker Clinic in the
early 1990s at the home of some
close friends. Jim Graham, the
Executive Director, approached
and asked if I would be interested
in joining the Board of the Clinic.
Actually, the thought had never
occurred to me. I did not see
myself as an activist. However, at
the time, lots of my friends were
getting sick and some were dying.
I felt it was time to get off the side
lines and get into the battle. I was
already seeing patients who were
abandoned by other orthodontist
because they were HIV positive.
I joined the Board and soon after
I discovered my friend had AIDS.
Less than two years later he was
gone. I became Chairman of the
Board of Directors. In the next few
years more than half of my friends
passed away. It was good being in
a very supportive environment
like the Whitman Walker Clinic
during some very difficult times.
After thirteen years, I separated
from the clinic and became
more involved in my profession.
Eventually I became Chairman
of the DC Board of Dentistry. We
updated the regulations to put
a dentists license to practice in
jeopardy if he or she refused to
treat HIV positive patients. The
Dental Board tried to encourage

dentist to do HIV testing in their
dental offices.
It is interesting with all the
efforts of so many people for so
many years here in DC, young
gay African American men are
still getting infected at a very
alarming rate. We cannot let our
guard down. We still have a lot of
work to do.
Rev. Korlos Saleib
PHOTO BY D. GREG BARTON
The name Kerolos is of

Macedonian origin and means
Lord of the People. (Kero comes
from the Greek word Kirie which
means Lord and Los means a
mass of people.) Though I was
born in Egypt, my family moved
to Montreal, Canada when I was
3 years old seeking safety from
religious persecution.
In 2005, I earned a Bachelor of
Arts in Multidisciplinary studies
at York University in Toronto,
Canada. My university studies
included a heavy emphasis on
theology. In 2007, I was ordained as
a Deacon in Toronto. I continued
my service with a strong heart
and ambition, knowing that I
was getting closer to my calling.
As a few years passed by serving
as a Deacon, I decided to take my
talents and pursue my calling.
In September 2010 I went to
Nairobi, Kenya as a missionary.
After my first two weeks, I
was asked to help in a nearby
orphanage for street kids and
also kids living with HIV. As
an individual living with HIV,
this was something very dear
to my heart. The directors at
the moment were very happy to
have me join them. Eventually
they asked me to take over the
orphanage, because they had to
return to Canada. I prayed long
and hard about this, since it was a
big responsibility, and ultimately
accepted. God led me to use my
talents in ways I never thought of
before. I expanded the orphanage
and converted it into an informal
education and training program
that would help the kids not only
with their rehabilitation, but to
prepare them for college and to
sustain themselves financially
and expanded the program in
Tanzania.
In April 2011, some changes
were happening and I was asked
to return to Canada. I was sad,
but knew God didnt want me
to stay there for good; He had
another plan for me. During my
stay in Africa, I met my husband
Jim, who was visiting from
Washington, DC, and he asked
me to come and stay with him.
My family wasnt and still isnt
accepting of my being gay, so I had
no place to stay. However my love
for Jim was the main reason why I

wanted to be here.
In January 7th, 2012 I was
ordained a Priest in the Old
Catholic Church, and was made
Pastor of Saint Damien of
Molokai Parish in DC, under the
care of the Old Catholic Apostolic
Church of the Americas and his
grace Archbishop Julius L. Licata.
As a priest, I wanted to use my
God given talents and skills to
help and address a need here in
DC. During my first few months
in DC I learned about the stigma
on HIV here, especially within
the LGBT community. This tore
my heart apart and I knew I had
to do something about it. That is
when I founded and started The
Blessed Mother Teresa Center
for Hope. A center that provides
support to those who have been
rejected due to their sexual
orientation and/or HIV status,
with a special support group for
the North African and Middle
Eastern Community. The Blessed
mother Teresa Center for Hope is
mobile. Therefore making it more
accessible to people. It allows me
to go visit people. I do one- on-one
and group spiritual counseling,
teaching the importance of what
the role of spirituality, prayer and
meditation play in the healing
process Physically, mentally
and emotionally. This is a center
that is open to everyone, all
denominations, genders, races,
ages and sexual orientation.
Justin B. TerrySmith
the title of Mr. Maryland Leather,

a title he used to raise monies for
the Elizabeth Glazier Pediatric
AIDS Foundation. In 2011 Justin
became a published Author of
the childrens HIV themed book
called, I Have A Secret, under
the pen name JB. Terry-Smith.
Justin also used his book to help
with the protest of the Milton
Hershey School in Penn., who
was denied a student entry
because he was HIV positive. In
February of 2012 Justin was asked
to be an Advice Columnist for
A&U Americas AIDS Magazine.
Justins column is called, Just*in
Time, it is where people e-mail
questions about HIV and Justin
answers them back each monthly.
Since then he has started his own
HIV Campaign in collaboration
with thebody.com called, Write
A Letter to HIV Campaign. This
Campaign is one of the most read
and e-mailed submissions on
thebody.com, which also includes
Justins husband, Dr. Philip B
Terry-Smiths submission, to
whom he has been married to
since August 7th, 2009. In 2012
Justin joined the Maryland
Defense Force as a 1st Lieutenant.
The Maryland Defense Force
is a volunteer uniformed state
military agency and one of the
four components of the Maryland
Military Department.
Justin B. Terry-Smith has been
fighting the good fight since 1999.
Hes garnered recognition and
awards for his work, but hes more
concerned about looking for new
ways to transform society for the
better than resting on his laurels.
Visit his main Web site at www.
justinbsmith.com.
Bobbie Smith
Justin B Terry-Smith first

started in an activist role when
he helped organize the group
S.O.B.B.
(Students
Against
Brutality in Burma) in 2000.
The organization was formed of
students thats one mission was
to send students to Burma to take
pictures and expose the injustices
there. Justin served in the United
States Air Force from 1999 to 2003,
leaving honorably with awards
and decorations, he then moved to
Washington DC where you landed
a job with Us Helping Us, People
Into Living Inc. After discovering
his HIV-positive status and began
taking medications, Justin probed
the internet looking for African
American gay men who had
documented their lives with HIV;
sadly he found none. So in May
2008 Justin founded Justins HIV
Journal, a blog showing what his
life with HIV is actually like. In
his blog he shows Doctors visits,
Medication Specialist visits, and
interviews; it gives inspiration
and aspiration to many around
the world.
In November of 2009 Justin won
These are words of Bobbie

Smith, Im a whistle blower.
Catalina Sol
Catalina Sol is the Chief

Programs Officer at La Clinica
del Pueblo, and led La Clinicas
HIV/AIDS
Department
from
1998 through 2009. La Clinica
del Pueblo is a non-for-profit,
community
clinic
serving
uninsured
and
low-income
persons in the metropolitan area,
targeting immigrant Latinos for
quality health care. La Clinicas
HIV/AIDS
services
include
direct services for persons living
with HIV, including primary

medical care, case management,
mental
health
services,
linguistic services, and support
groups. In addition, La Clinica
provides a range of peer-based
prevention services, including
HIV counseling and testing, and
comprehensive HIV prevention
interventions for at-risk Latino
groups. A hallmark of La Clinicas
work in HIV is its commitment to
developing programs by and for
the communities most affected
and vulnerable to the HIV
epidemic.
Ms. Sol has worked for the
past twenty years in health care
settings
serving
immigrant,
uninsured
Latinos
in
the
Washington Metropolitan. She
holds a Masters Degree in Public
Health from John Hopkins
University, and is from El Salvador.
Ron Swanda
Ron Swanda came out while

served as an Air Force pilot
from 1969 to 1980. After being
honorably discharged, he moved
to Washington, D.C. in 1982. At
that time, HIV was a mysterious
malady, often called the gay
cancer, primarily affecting men
in New York and San Francisco.
In 1986, as a Board member
of the Metropolitan Community
Church of Washington, D.C. (MCCDC), working closely with Rev.
Larry Uhrig, Ron planned and
coordinated the Churchs transition
from renting church space at 10th
and G St. NW, to buying a town
house-style church near 4th and M
St. NW. When MCC-DC outgrew
that space, Ron organized and
led a fund raising campaign that
allowed MCC-DC to construct an
award-winning building on Ridge
St. NW; the first GLBT organization
in D.C. to do so. Rev. Uhrigs vision,
combined with Rons leadership
and organizational skills, helped
prepare MCC-DC for a crucial and
unique role in the AIDS crisis.
From 1984 until 1996, during the
height of the AIDS crisis, MCC-DC
became a physical and spiritual
respite for HIV-infected men. It was
often the only venue available for
funerals and memorial services for
residents who died of AIDS.
Additionally, in 1994 Ron
founded, organized and led the
all-volunteer National Gay Pilots
Association (NGPA). One of his
primary accomplishments was
to help convince the Federal
Aviation Administration that HIVinfected pilots could continue to
safely fly. Because of Ron and the
NGPA, pilots today know they are
not the only one.
After retiring in 2007, Ron
realized that many D.C. seniors,
especially heterosexuals, did not
25
have ready access to HIV prevention
materials or educational programs.
Ron helped organize a seniors and
HIV workshop, and soon became
the voice of seniors and HIV
in D.C. At Rons urging, the D.C.
Dept. of Health implemented
an innovative HIV prevention
program that primarily targeted
older heterosexuals of color in D.C.
In July, 2011, IONA senior
Services recognized Ron for his
volunteer activism. He is a member
of the AARP-DC advocacy team, an
AARP Ambassador and serves
on D.C.s HIV Prevention Planning
Group. D.C. Mayor Gray named
Ron the Districts HIV Activist of
the year in 2011, and appointed him
to the D.C. Commission on Aging,
the Ryan White Planning Council
and the GLBT Advisory Committee.
David is an entrepreneur
right here in Washington, D.C,
opening businesses ranging from
nightclubs to the very popular
Vida Fitness clubs. Contracting
HIV in 1988, he has devoted his
life to keeping a positive outlook
while maintaining a healthy
lifestyle. Many in the D.C. metro
area respect David as a successful
businessman as well as a devoted
advocate of HIV/AIDS causes.
Supporting
various
causes
including but not limited to the
Human Rights Campaign and the
Ryan White Act, he believes in the
equality these initiatives strive
for. He spends his days keeping
busy via investing in various ways
to improve on the D.C metro area
healthy lifestyles and night life.
Billie Tyler
Earnest Walker
Billie Tyler earned her B.S. in

Nursing from the Catholic University
of America and has has worked
with not-for-profit organizations
committed to advancing community
health, progressive social change,
and empowerment for over 12
years. Much of her career has been
focusing on HIV/STD prevention
and HIV services in vulnerable
and underserved populations in
Washington, DC. She has a depth
of Harm Reduction experience that
includes providing frontline care to
the DC opioid dependent population,
to facilitating Harm Reduction
education to needle exchanges. She
has taken an active leadership role
in the community and enjoys the
challenge of working with folks who
often fall through the cracks of an
imperfect system of care. Currently,
she is the Nurse Case Manager at
AHS Blair Underwood Healthcare
Center.
As an HIV/AIDS prevention
program advocate, Ms. Tylers
nursing background coupled with
street knowledge enabled her to be
the conduit for information between
the marginalized sex worker
community in Washington, D.C. and
the organization. She also served as
a member of the crisis intervention
team providing health and risk
reduction counseling.
Prior to this position, Ms. Tyler
was the Systems Administrator
of Prevention Works! (syringe
exchange) in Washington, DC,
charged with decreasing the harms
associated with intravenous drug use,
and increasing access to substance
abuse treatment for injection
drug users. Her career began as a
volunteer for Prevention Works! and
as an HIV/AIDS activist despite the
federal ban on syringe exchange in
the District of Columbia.
David von Storch
PHOTO BY KEVIN AARON BAUM
Marlene M. Walker
Marlene Walker is presently

and for over 17 years the Office
Manager of the Max Robinson
Center of Whitman Walker (MRC/
WWH). She has worked on many
projects during her tenure and
has many achievements, but she
said that of her greatest were the
MRC/WWH Holiday Food Baskets
and Toy Drive. Marlene began
this initiative in 1997 with the
help of staff and volunteers; it
provides food and toys to children
throughout
the
Washington,
D.C. Metropolitan Area who
have been affected by HIV/AIDS.
Additionally, Marlene and her
husband have been foster parents
to children with special needs for
over 16 years.
Of greatest importance to
Marlene is the education of
the community she serves,
that all understand the impact,
prevention, and treatment of
HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, High Blood
Pressure and Diabetes.
Dr. Douglas Ward
I attended a fund raiser for the

Whitman Walker Clinic in the
early 1990s at the home of some
close friends. Jim Graham, the

Executive Director, approached
and asked if I would be interested
in joining the Board of the Clinic.
Actually, the thought had never
occurred to me. I did not see
myself as an activist. However, at
the time, lots of my friends were
getting sick and some were dying.
I felt it was time to get off the side
lines and get into the battle. I was
already seeing patients who were
abandoned by other orthodontist
because they were HIV positive.
I joined the Board and soon after
I discovered my friend had AIDS.
Less than two years later he was
gone. I became Chairman of the
Board of Directors. In the next few
years more than half of my friends
passed away. It was good being in a
very supportive environment like
the Whitman Walker Clinic during
some very difficult times. After
thirteen years, I separated from the
clinic and became more involved
in my profession. Eventually
I became Chairman of the DC
Board of Dentistry. We updated
the regulations to put a dentists
license to practice in jeopardy if he
or she refused to treat HIV positive
patients. The Dental Board tried to
encourage dentist to do HIV testing
in their dental offices.
It is interesting with all the
efforts of so many people for so
many years here in DC, young
gay African American men are
still getting infected at a very
alarming rate. We cannot let our
guard down. We still have a lot of
work to do.
Miranda Ward
Washington Blade
The Washington Blade, the

oldest and most acclaimed LGBT
newspaper inthe United States, has
covered the HIV/AIDS epidemic
since its earliest days. From the
first mention of a gay cancer
in 1981, to countless pages of
obituaries chronicling the lives
of D.C. residents who succumbed
to the disease, to the advent of
antiretroviral drugs, to the present
day, the Blade has been a consistent
source of news, information and
even inspiration to local readers.
Pictured here is the 2012
Washington Blade staff at the
companys offices on 14th Street.
We accept this honor on behalf of
the hundreds of Blade employees
who came before us, many of
whom were lost to AIDS.
Washington Posts 1st

AIDS-related Article
T.J. Ortenzi wrote the text
below in a blog on December 1,
2011 regarding the Washington
Posts first mention of the disease:
It appeared on page A10 on July
4, 1981, as a digest item in a roundup
of other national stories. The Post
mentioned the mysterious medical
cases at least three more times in
1981. According to archives, the
term Acquired Immune Deficiency
Syndrome first appeared in The
Post on Friday, Dec. 10, 1982. It
was a front page story with the
headline, Immune Disease Linked
to Blood in Transfusion.
Cancer Linked to Gays
ATLANTA A rare form of
cancer has been found at an
unusually high rate among
homosexual men in New York and
California, the national Centers
for Disease Control reports.
During the past 30 months, 20
homosexual men in New York City
and six in California were found
to have Kaposis sarcoma, an often
fatal form of cancer, the center
said. Eight of the victims died
within two years of the diagnosis.
The
nationwide
incidence
of Kaposis sarcoma has been
estimate by the CDC to be about
two cases in every 3 million
people annually. The disease in
the United States primarily affects
men over 50, but the recent cases
among homosexuals occurred in
younger men, the center said.
The cancer has been thought
usually to appear first in spots on the
legs then progress slowly over about
10 years. In the recent cases, however,
the disease first appeared as one or
more violet-colored spots or lumps in
various locations on the body.
Bryan Watson
Brian Watson, a native of

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, has
been a vocal and visible activist in
the areas of social justice, youth,
LGBT issues, and HIV/AIDS.
Brian currently serves as the
President of the D.C. Coalition of
Black Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and
Transgender Men and Women,
the oldest Black non-profit in the
United States. Since becoming
President Brian has worked on the
revitalization of the coalition and
established a website, and new
logo, held numerous community
events such as the annual Labor
Day picnic, Kwanzaa celebration,
town hall meetings, and worked
with other agencies to co-sponsor
community
events.
Before
becoming president he was

involved with the coalition by
organizing the annual Kwanzaa
celebration in 2005 and helping
with the Million More Movement
Unity Weekend. He also is a
former board member of Youth
Pride Alliance and the DC Center
and a member of many other
groups such as the Gertrude Stein
Democratic Club, Gay and Lesbian
Activist Alliance, the Greater
Washington Urban League, as
well as former COO of the Black
National Pageantry System and a
formervolunteer with D.C. Black
Pride.
Brian continues his community
involvement in his employment
also at Transgender Health
Empowerment where he serves
as Director of Programs. In
September 2008 he started the
Wanda Alston House, the 1st and
only GLBTQ youth homeless
transitional program in the
area. He also works with many
other community organizations
as a consultant, volunteer, and
speaker.
Westminster
Presbyterian Church
Westminster is a community
of co-creators with God, seeking
to be and build up the Beloved
Community.
To do that, Westminster must
be accepting, caring, and risktakingopen to the message of
God in people and places that are
too often neglected or ignored.
Westminster continues to be
a mission-center in Southwest
Washington, D.C. where the
congregation was started in 1853.
The form of the mission has
changed. The commitment to the
mission has not.
What might be possible if you
were involved in this mission of
co-creators? Come and see.
What gifts do you have yet to
share with the world? Come and
be an inspiration to others.
Westminster was started by
some risk-taking people back
in 1853 and God is continually
reinventing
our
church
culture, keeping it open to an
always changing community.
Westminster
understands
that the Church must change or
die. We are committed to being
transformed as an institution in
order to more authentically and
powerfully serve a new world.
Thats why we say, Were not just
a church.
Tim Westmoreland
Mr. Tim Westmoreland is a
well-respected figure in the HIV/
26
and advocating for new solutions
in HIV prevention, services, and
education.
2013
PHOTO COURTESY TIM WESTMORELAND
AIDS community, with his focus

concerning public health policy
and AIDS advocacy. Currently
a professor of public policy and
law at Georgetown University, he
has an extensive background in
the field of medicine, and more
specifically, AIDS treatment and
policy. In 1999, Mr. Westmoreland
was appointed the director of the
Medicaid program. For nearly
ten years, he has been advocating
Medicaid to include those who
are in the early stages of the
HIV disease. Mr. Westmoreland
believes that AIDS care coverage
by Medicare, Medicaid, and
private insurance has improved
over the last twenty years, but
is a long way off from where he
believes it should be. He continues
to work for a more accepting and
inclusive coverage program for
those living with HIV/AIDS.
Courtney Williams
Mr. Williams is currently

the community Planner for the
DC Office on Aging. Beyond his
regular duties at the Office on
Aging, he spearheaded efforts
to look into and address the
growing numbers of older adults
and seniors infected/affected by
HIV. This has lead him to be more
involved in this issue and since
the mid-1990s, hes been active in
educating and advocating for HIS
programs and services targeting
seniors and older adults. Through
his efforts, for the first time aging
and AIDS organizations began to
look at seniors as an underserved
population.
He has spearheaded several
policy and other changes that
affected HIV education and
services
for
Older
Adults.
Through his efforts our senior
wellness center and other senior
programs now have ongoing HIV
sessions. He is currently part of
a community workgroup that is
working with the DC Department
of Health that is developing
educational materials along with
a citywide campaign targeting
older adults.
He has served on the National
Board of HIV over Fifty, Inc. (all
volunteer nonprofit) since its
inception and was the national
conference chair for the Phoenix
Conference in 2004. Courtney
has received several awards for
his work, including the 1997
Unsung Hero Award, the 2004
Solutions Inc. Award for finding
Guy Anthony
research in Washington, DC.Aim

2Promote
the
development
of junior, minority, and new
HIV/AIDS
investigators
in
Washington, DC.Aim 3Increase
connectivity and collaboration
among HIV/AIDS investigators in
Washington, DC through funding,
professional networking, and
scientific leadership.
Dr. Ron Simmons

PHOTO BY D. SEAN HOWARD
Guy Anthony is a respected

HIV/Aids activist, community
leader and author. Diagnosed with
HIV as a teen, Guy has dedicated
his adult life to the pursuit of
neutralizing global HIV/Aids
related stigmas. He served as a
member of Atlantas black gay
Community
Advisory
Board
(CAB) from 2010-2013 and in 2011
co-created the hit online webseries, MR. (http://mrtvseries.
blogspot.com/) named in honor
of black gay rights activist and
filmmaker, Marlon Riggs. His
book (POS)+tively Beautiful: A
Book of Affirmations, Advocacy &
Advice (http://www.pozbeautiful.
com/) is a collection of inspiring
narratives, raw imagery, and
affirming anecdotes released in
December 2012. After releasing his
book of affirmations for people
living with HIV, Guy was selected
as a National Spokesperson and
Ambassador for National Black
HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in 2013
and since then has spoken with
various MPowerment groups in
Atlanta, New York, Tennessee,
Washington, D.C., and Texas. His
book was named #10 on MUSED
Magazines list of books every
black gay man should read along
with some of the most influential
LGBT authors of the 21st century.
He now works as a Treatment
Adherence Counselor at Us
Helping Us, Inc. in Washington,
DC. He strongly believes his
visibility will help other HIVpositive young men recognize
their own beauty and self-worth.
DC D-CFAR
The District of Columbia
Developmental Center for AIDS
Research (DC D-CFAR) aims to
provide scientific leadership and
institutional infrastructure to
promote HIV/AIDS research and
to develop the next generation
of HIV/AIDS investigators in
Washington, D.C.
Mission
The mission of the DC D-CFAR
is to provide scientific leadership
and institutional infrastructure
to promote HIV/AIDS research
and to develop the next generation
of HIV/AIDS investigators in
Washington, DC. The goals of the
DC D-CFAR include: Aim 1Provide
leadership to advance HIV/AIDS
Ron Simmons, Ph.D., is the

President/CEO of Us Helping Us,
People Into Living, Inc. (UHU),
a nonprofit agency dedicated to
reducing HIV infection in the
African-American
community.
UHU specializes in HIV prevention
for black gay/bisexual men. UHU
began as a self-help group for HIVinfected black gay men who would
meet in their living rooms. Under
Dr. Simmons leadership, UHU has
become one of the largest black
AIDS organizations in the country
serving
gay/bisexual
men,
heterosexual men and women,
transgender persons, and youth.
For 11 years, Dr. Simmons was
a member of the Washington,
D.C. Board of Medicine. His
educational accolades include a
B.A. in Afro-American Studies, a
M.A. in African History, and a M.S.
in Educational Communications
from the State University of New
York at Albany. He received his
Ph.D. in Mass Communications
from Howard University and
served on the faculty of the
Howard University School of
Communications for 12 years. He
was selected in December 2010
by POZ magazine as one of the
POZ 100 most influential AIDS
activists.
2015
Sheila Alexander-Reid
Sheila
Alexander-Reid
has
been a vital part of the LGBT
community for well over 20 years.
She started as a party promoter
back in the late 80s/early 90s
with two other friends and
called themselves VTR. In 1992,
Sheila ventured out on her own
and starting throwing womens
parties. Filling up local party
venues such as Tracks and Hung
Jury to capacity, the popularity
of her parties quickly gained
momentum in the community. A
stickler for quality and details,

Sheila
developed
a
strong
following thats still present to
this day.
Moved by the death of her
close friend and LGBT activist
Wanda Alston in 2002, she started
a nonprofit organization, the
Women in the Life Association.
Sheila now wanted to use the
same resources and drive she
used to pack parties to address
social justice issues for Lesbians
in DC. She did this with cultural
programs such as the popular
Open Mic series, empowering
movies screenings, and the
Wandas Will Project, which
helped raise awareness about
the importance of having a
written will, specifically, if youre
in a long-term relationship.
Sheila has always worked hard
to bring both visibility and
awareness to the issues facing
the LGBT community including
transphobia, the stigma of HIV/
AIDS, the isolation of older
LGBT adults, and the impact of
youth homelessness. From her
printed magazine in the 1990s,
to her position as producer/ host
of WPFWs Inside Out, the only
LGBT FM radio show in DC, to
her current position as Director
of the Mayors Muriel Bowsers
Office on LGBTQ Affairs, shes
become a prominent and vocal
change agent for our community.
Cedric Alan Burgess
PHOTO COURTESY OF CEDRIC BURGESS
Currently at the age of 63,

native Washington Cedric Alan
Burgess has spent most of his
life volunteering for various
HIV/AIDS service organizations,
including those organizations
disseminating information on
being a gay elder, health care,
housing, city programs, free
events, savings programs and
more. Cedric gives comfort and
prayer via phone calls or visits
ill persons he knows. Cedric first
stared in the fight and education
of HIV/AIDS in 1989 when he
attended a support group for
those HIV+ with Group Health.
There he learned of the Inner
City AIDS Network (ICAN)
and took a class to became an
educator with the class #4 in
1990. From there, he volunteered
for many years with Food and
Friends and Whitman Walker
Clinic.
An HIV survivor for over 30
years,
Cedrics
volunteering
efforts include: DC Office on
Aging, the DC Center, the Equal
Rights Center & National AIDS
Housing Coalition, Us Helping
Us, Inc., SAGE Metro, the DC
Rainbow History Project, and the
Ombudsman Program of AARP.
Robert Cooke
Robert Cooke, Jr. is originally

from the Hampton Roads, VA area.
Before moving to Washington,
DC he volunteered for the
Transformation
Retreat
in
people living with HIV/AIDS,
based in Richmond, VA. After
moving to Washington, DC
he became involved with the
Ryan White Planning Council,
serving on numerous committees
representing the citizens of the
District.
He currently serves as a
member of the Manna Inc.
Board and is currently involved
in advocating and spreading
the
word
about
affordable
homeownership.
Dee Curry
Dee Curry is a passionate

social justice and minority health
advocate working for and with
individuals
experiencing
the
challenges associated with HIV,
mental illness, homelessness,
trauma, and incarceration. Ms.
Curry has recently worked as the
Assistant Director of Education
and Programming at the First Stop
Recovery Resource and Wellness
Center where she provides peer
advocate training and support.
Ms. Curry has been actively
engaged in efforts to address and
end chronic homelessness in DC
through her participation in a
featured article with Sojourners
Magazine and as a guest speaker
at the Washington Interfaith
Network Inaugural Action Event
with Mayor Bowser. She has
collaborated extensively with the
Ryan White Planning Council
to address issues of community
health in DC. In her free time, Ms.
Curry loves to spend time with
friends and is quickly becoming
a social butterfly through online
media forums.
Amanda Davis
The words below are those of
Amanda Davis,
My name is Amanda Davis.
I am a native New Yorker that
relocated to DC to fight the war
on HIV/AIDS in 2012. My first
experience with the virus was
the loss of a cousin when I was
younger. It was hard to understand
how this could have happened
27
because at the time there were
treatments that were available.
After I worked in the field for some
time and hearing so many stories
of survival I know that stigma
prevented them from accessing
care was very bothersome.
My most recent position is as
a Woman Services Coordinator
for an organization that provides
services for those that are HIV
positive. Being able to create
programs that allow the women
to become informed about this
virus and how to navigate through
the services available to them is
very rewarding. I aspire to inspire
women to become informed
advocates for themselves and
other peers that are affected by
this virus.
The DC Center for the

LGBT Community
The
DC
LGBT
Center
empowers,
celebrates,
and
connects the lesbian, gay, bisexual,
and transgender communities. To
fulfill its mission, the DC Center
focuses on four core areas: health
and wellness, arts & culture, social
& support services, and advocacy
and community building.
The DC Center envisions
communities where LGBT people
feel healthy, safe, and affirmed.
D.E.N.I.M.
PHOTO COURTESY DENIM
Developing & Empowering

New Images of Men (D.E.N.I.M.)
is a community center for 18 to
29-year-old gay, bisexual, and same
gender loving men of color. The
project serves a mobilizing and
empowering function with the
community as young men take
ownership of the project rather
than having the project carried
out for them. It is essential to
build a community where men
support each other about sexual
risk reduction and obtaining HIV
testing, where the social norms
and expectations support HIV
prevention, and where men help
each other in coping with the
stresses of being gay/bisexual.
D.E.N.I.M.s mission is to engage,
educate and empower members of
the gay community, particularly
young gay men of color. The
program provides interventions
and programing on self-esteem,
interpersonal
and
cultural
issues, internalized homophobia,
community norms, and many
other factors that influence young

mens risk behavior. Operated
by Us Helping Us, People Into
Living Inc., D.E.N.I.M. is a youth
empowerment center that houses
The Mpowerment Project (MP),
a
community-level
HIV/STD
prevention intervention funded
by the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention.
Jamil Fletcher
PHOTO BY DON HARRIS
Jamil A. Fletcher is an
entrepreneur,
publisher,
community
activist,
and
philanthropist. A proud native
of Wilmington, Delaware and an
even prouder graduate of both
Howard University (86 B.S.,
Electrical Engineering) and Clark
Atlanta University (95 MBA,
Marketing), Jamil has always
been active in support of all his
communities. He continues to
support a number of charities
like Us Helping Us, the Black
AIDS Institute, and the Dance
Institute of Washington as well
as his beloved Howard University.
Mr. Fletcher has also worked as a
fundraiser for organizations such
as Childrens National Medical
Center, Whitman-Walker Clinic,
UNCF, and the National Minority
AIDS Council.
In 2008, Jamil A. Fletcher
launched
SWERV
Magazine
with the design of celebrating
the Culture and Community of
Black LGBT people everywhere.
Since that time SWERV has
evolved into the most widely
distributed periodical targeting
this unique population. Whether
through sharing stories of the
extraordinary work being done
by AIDS Service Organizations
around the country, relaying
words of wisdom from AIDS
activists,
or
by
providing
information on the latest medical
treatments, and being a media
partner for a number of HIV/
AIDS related fundraising events,
SWERV maintains committed to
the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Gay Mens Chorus

of Washington, DC
Led by Artistic Director Thea
Kano, the Gay Mens Chorus of
Washington, DC is now entering
its 35th season with a dynamic
and socially relevant mission: to
delight audiences and champion
gay equality with robust artistry,
fun and surprise. GMCW has
more than 250 singing members,
two select vocal ensembles, 100
support volunteers, more than
450 subscribers, 500 donors and
an annual audience of more
than
10,000
people.
Among
their numerous local, national,
and international performing

credits, GMCW has performed
for Presidents Bill Clinton and
Barack Obama, and for Vice
President Joe Biden.
Since 2001, the Chorus has
maintained GenOUT, a robust
youth outreach program offering
on-school-time programs and free
tickets to high school students,
staff, and parents. Additionally,
the Chorus demonstrates its
commitment
to
community
outreach by participating in
the Whitman Walker Walk to
End HIV, holiday caroling at the
National Institute of Health, and
volunteering at Food & Friends.
GMCW is a proud member of
the Gay and Lesbian Association
of Choruses (GALA Choruses)
and the Cultural Alliance of
Washington.
Justin Goforth
Justin Goforth is a registered
nurse with a record of over 20
years of treatment and service
to the HIV/AIDS community.
In 2013, Justin was elected
to as community co-chair of
the Metropolitan Washington
Regional Ryan White Planning
Council. During the same year
he was named to POZ magazines
POZ 100 a list of HIV-positive
individuals making significant
contributions to the fight against
HIV/AIDS. At the Whitman
Walker Clinic, Justin has served as
director of the Gay Mens Health
and Wellness Clinic, Whitman
Walkers
longest
running
program. Hes also credited with
co-creating Whitman Walkers
Red Carpet program, giving
newly diagnosed HIV patients an
opportunity to meet their entire
care team during their first visit
to Whitman Walker.
Justins experience, passion,
and advocacy has earned a voice
on national media, including CNN
and PBS. In his 2015 interview
with PBS (the interview also
featured
U.S.
Global
AIDS
coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx)
Justin states, But getting them
(people who test HIV-positive) into
care and on treatment actually
doesnt just keep that person
healthy and well for a life span; it
also prevents them from infecting
other individuals. Thats an
historic marriage of two public
health prevention and treatment
all coming together at the same
time. And having a manageable
treatment was necessary to get to
the point that we could use this as
prevention. And so thats what, I
think, is really see were seeing
a turnaround in the numbers in
all of our urban centers in the
United States, but particularly
here in D.C., where we used to be
seen as the worst of the worst.
Thats not the case actually more
with our new numbers.
Dr. Robin HalprinHawkins
PHOTO COURTESY DR. R. HALPRIN-HAWKINS
The words below are by Dr.

Robin Halprin-Hawkins:
I treated my first patient living
with HIV/AIDS (aka GRID,
at that time) as a pre-doctoral
interne at Crownesville Hospital
Center, a (now closed) MD State
Psychiatric Hospital, in 1983...
the same year I learned that my
best friend from high school had
died of HIV/AIDS at St. Vincents
Hospital in NYC. The dread
among the general public -- and
that of my medical colleagues,
who would not eat lunch with me
for fear of contagion -- sealed my
commitment to make a difference
in the lives of PLWHIV/AIDS,
the great majority of whom, in
those early years of the epidemic,
we were helping to die well.
The early and middle years of
the AIDS Epidemic -- prior to the
Beltway Bandits and AIDS as an
industry -- were the crucible that
forged my fervor for social justice,
LGBT rights, and universal
medical care. How could it have
been otherwise?
As a clinical psychologist,
I
subsequently
worked
as
a
Volunteer
Therapist
and
Grants Writer at the WhitmanWalker Clinic; designed and
presented formal training in the
psychosocial issues re: HIV/AIDS
for the DC DMH staff; and was
appointed by the DMH Director
to represent the Department on
the Ryan White Planning Council
Mental Health and Substance
Abuse Committee. With my spouse
Dr. Patricia Hawkins, I presented
the first professional research
on HIV Caregiver Burnout and
Prevention at the APA Annual
Convention.
Achim Howard
Achim Howard is a black

transgender man who strongly
advocates for the Transgender and
HIV communities. In 2006, Achim
fell into an unhealthy relationship
with domestic violence, which led
to depression and homelessness.
Living in the N Street Shelter,
Achim decided that he had to start
living for himself in order to be
happy. At that time Achim started
his transition and started to put
the pieces of his life back together.
In 2008 Achim graduated from the
Washington Area Women In the
Trades program and was accepted
to a Local 891 apprentice program
as a cement mason, and was the
first trans man to graduate from

that program. Achim started
working with Capital Paving,
and started his transition on the
job and is now the first and only
transgender employee.
He educates others on HIV,
Domestic Violence and Trans
Issues through his everyday life,
social media as well as workshops
and groups. Achim serves with
various organizations, including
Whitman Walkers Board of
Directors, the Name and Gender
Legal Clinic and Community
Health, and Trans Legal Advocates
of Washington (TransLaw). He
believes everything happens for a
reason. He also believes that his
purpose is to speak and fight for
those who cant for themselves;
to give courage for those to those
who want to speak and live life
but cant. Achim says, I tell my
story not to gain sympathy but in
hopes that others will can courage
others and to educate those who
dont know and change the minds
of those who choose not to know
or accept that Transgender are
neither crazy nor confused. We are
just as normal as the next person.
Education is always the key.
Aisha Jackson
PHOTO BY COURTESY AISHA JACKSON
Twanda M. Jackson, aka

AISHA THE ARTIST is a native
Washingtonian who jumped
out at age 50. Previously, Aisha
worked at GSA Furniture
Department in Northern VA
and at the Navy Annex while
in college at the University
of the District of Columbia.
A mother of one son and is
a proud grandmother of six,
Aisha
founded
Positivity
Production was founded in the
early 1990s as a way to address
HIV/AIDS in particularly the
Black Community. Positivity
Productions objective is to
provide a forum and movement
of networking, and sharing
knowledge,
experience
and
ideas of initiatives to reduce
the impact of HIV/AIDS in the
Black Community Diaspora.
As
a
Communications
Productions, and Public Relations
Company, Positivity Production is
an ARTS Movement Organization
dedicated to promote creative
political and social change
through mass media, music, film
production and Fine Arts. Its plan
is to use these tools, promotions,
public relations, communications,
marketing and mass media
productions to communicate their
services.
Dwayne Lawson-Brown
A
native
Washingtonian,
28
Dwayne
Lawson-Brown
is
currently the Youth Health
Educator for Social Mobilization
at Whitman-Walker Health. For
over 15 years, Dwayne has been
involved in the fight against for
comprehensive
reproductive
health for over 15 years. At 15
years old, he stumbled across
Metro TeenAIDS Freestyle Youth
Center, where he would soon
become a peer educator. As a New
School Activist, Dwayne used his
love for spoken word and hip-hop
to promote safer sex messages
and healthy decision making.
With Metro TeenAIDS transition
into the Whitman-Walker Health
family, Dwayne has taken greater
responsibility in planning and
implementing HIV testing events
throughout
the
Washington
DC area while continuing to
run a myriad of programs in
RealTalkDC
Freestyle
Peer
Educator Center.
His work has led to recognition
in the forms of awards and
press
coverage
including
DC Department of
Healths
Outstanding
Peer
Educator
Award, WETAs Hometown Hero
Award,
Mayors
Community
Service Award, a feature segment
on BBCAmericas World News
America, a profile by Washington
Post Columnist John Kelly, and
the Emerging Leader Award from
The Congressional Black Caucus
Foundation. Dwayne has served
as a spokesperson and model for
youth who aspire to transform
their
communities
through
service.
MLK Library Staff
of the first narrative fiction web

series by an African-American
artist screened on the internet.
During the early 1990s Sharpe
learned that he himself was
HIV-positive,
triggering
even
more artistic exploration of the
subject. Among his many other
plays addressing the issue are:
HeartBeats , Auld Lang Syne,
Family Business, Prick, Good
News/Bad News, Conversations,
Chance of a Lifetime and Raw
Deal. Beyond HIV/ADS, his work
over the decades has explored a
wide range of issues including:
homophobia,
discrimination,
self-esteem, aging and ageism,
political activism, pornography,
serodiscordant
(mixed
HIV
status)
relationships,
adult
and teen suicide, coming out,
gay marriage, the sex industry,
loneliness, sex abuse, love and
romantic relationships, bullying,
homophobic harassment, hate
crimes and violence, class issues,
depression,
parenting
and
family life all from an AfricanAmerican, LGBTQ, perspective.
Riley Temple
Riley Temple,
I was appointed to the Board
of Directors of the WhitmanWalker Clinic in 1984, and became
its President in 1986 and again
in 1989. During that time I was
instrumental in the establishment
of the Max Robinson Center
east of the river. I resigned from
the Board in 1991 to accept the
Mayoral appointment to Chair the
Ryan White Planning Council.
Kermit Turner
Alan Sharpe
PHOTO BY DON HARRIS
Alan Sharpe is founding artistic

director of
African-American
Collective Theater (ACT).
He
began creating LGBTQ-themed
projects in 1970 as a freshman film
student at Boston University. An
on-campus theater company he cofounded there with a close friend,
evolved into African-American
Collective Theater after his
move to Washington, DC in 1976.
Since that time, he has written
and directed over seventy-five
plays and films, all showcasing
contemporary Black gay and
lesbian life and culture. He also
wrote and directed the serial
drama, Chump ChangeS -- one
Kermit Turner is a Washington,

DC Ward 1 resident since 1978.
Upon arriving in Washington
he embarked on careers in
information management and
community organization with the
American Production & Inventory
Control Society (APICS), and the
AARP.
In 2009, he organized his
fellow tenants in his Columbia
Heights
apartment
building
to take advantage of
the
Tenants Right of First Refusal:
opportunity, pursuant to the
citys Tenants Option to Purchase
Act (TOPA). Kermit also serves
on the Executive Board and the
Community Advisory Board of
Metro Health. Over the years, he
has participated in numerous
training sessions improving HIV
care. His advocacy has earned him
profiles in the online magazine
Urban Turf and Metro Weekly.
R. Fenner Urquhart
PHOTO COURTESY PAT HAWKINS
R. Fenner Urquhart died on

March 10, 2015, of AIDS-related
complications. He had been one
of the longest-living PWAs in the
Washington, DC, area. A devout
Catholic, Fenner credited God,
working through the hands of
his doctors and caregivers, for
miraculously sustaining him for
32 years. Fenner was initially
diagnosed with AIDS in 1983.
Shortly thereafter, he left the
practice of law to volunteer with
The
Whitman-Walker
Clinic,
where he was eventually employed
as Director of the Food Bank. In
the mid-1990s, he was promoted
to Assistant Director of Schwartz
Housing Services, overseeing the
Clinics Housing and Food Bank
programs. He also participated as
an early volunteer with Damien
Ministries and with Mother
Theresas Gift of Peace hospice.
Following his illness-related
retirement from The WhitmanWalker
Clinic,
Fenner
led
various
recovery
programs,
speaking with conviction on
the importance of love and
forgiveness in reconciling lifes
challenges and disappointments.
Although he endured daunting
medical challenges, Fenner lived
a remarkable life of advocacy and
service to others, distinguishing
himself with almost superhuman
resilience as an ambassador of
hope to all those he touched. No
one who ever knew Fenner will
ever forget the quickness of his
intellect, the sparkle in his eyes,
the brightness of his smile, and
the warmth of his heart.
Robert Michael
Vanzant
1986, he became the Treasurer of

Best Friends of DC, the first HIV/
AIDS persons of color service
organization in the District of
Columbia. As he grew in ministry
at Faith Temple Church, DCs
oldest and continued church with
a special ministry to primarily
people of color in the LGBT
community, his duties grew from
just distribution of funds; but
also, visitations, and ministry to
the infected as well as the affected
at whatever their whereabouts. In
recent years, Pastor Vanzant has
worked with the DC Department
of
Health
in
developing
information and strategies for
servicing mature adults in HIV/
AIDS. Today, Pastor Vanzant,
though officially the Treasurer
of Bread for the Soul, a grassroots
charity to those infected and
affected by HIV/AIDS, is still
aware of, attentive to, and
available for the many needs of
HIV/AIDS care and ministry.
The Wanda Alston

House
The Wanda Alston House
honors the life and work of Wanda
Alston, an LGBT activist, mayoral
appointee, and dedicated resident
of
Washington, D.C. whose
untimely death in her home in
2005, shortened her mission to
empower and strengthen the
GLBT community. The Wanda
Alston House seeks to carry on her
work and empower young people
while providing them a safe place
to live free from harm and danger.
The Wanda Alston House
is the first and only housing
program in Washington D.C. that
is solely dedicated to offering preindependent living services to
homeless GLBTQ youth ages 1624. Each young person is assigned
a life skills counselor who works
each day on issues related to
employment/vocational training,
housing, and other issues as
needed. Each young person is
housed in their own room and
reside in a house with an advocate
with extensive experience with
housing and GLBTQ youth issues.
SaVanna Wanzer
Pastor
Robert
Michael
Vanzant moved to Washington,
DC in July, 1974. Coming
from a very loving and giving
environment, he soon became
known
for
his
kindness
and generosity. Because of this
knowledge, at the very advent of
the AIDS epidemic, he was called
upon for the care of those infected
by visiting them in their homes,
hospitals, hospices and nursing
homes. As things progressed,
he was further called upon
to open up his home to those
concerned and/or help with rent
and payment of utilities from his
personal coffers.
I n
PHOTO COURTESY SAVANNA WANZER

SaVanna Wanzer,
For more than 20 years I
have volunteered with WhitmanWalker in some kind of way. In
the early years of the epidemic
a team of us would that friends
who needed medical care would
be picked up, sat with, and be
seen by a Doctor. Our community
was hit so hard by our friends
passing that sometimes we attend
2 or more funerals services a

week.
W h i t m a n - Wa l ke r
also supervised Capital Pride,
I went to ReGina Newkirk the
Director of Events if we could
have a day that just focused on
the Transgender Community
and medical care. She approve it I
worked with Dave Mallory and in
2007 I founded the first ever Trans
Pride. A day that just focused
on
education,
surgery
and
workshops designed just for our
Transgender community.
Being older now I just volunteer
once a month with the Trans
Law Clinic. That helps out with
Gender identity legal documents.
It has and still is a pleasure to
serve my community with LOVE.
Jannette Williams
Longtime LGBT community
advocate
Jannette
Williams,
who served nearly 25 years as
a volunteer and adviser for
Whitman-Walker Health and three
years as Chair of the WhitmanWalker Board, passed away June
28, 2015 at the age of 65.
Jannette
was
a
lifelong
Washingtonian who worked for
the U.S. Postal service and later
at the Department of Justice,
where she retired after 34 years
of service. She had strong ties
to the Washington, DC lesbian
community; the Mautner Project
for Lesbian Health, which later
became a program of Whitman
Walker; and the Whitman Walkers
Black Lesbian Support Group.
Among her other community
involvements, Williams was a
longtime supporter and volunteer
for DC Black Pride and Whitman
Walkers annual AIDS Walk.
Dan
Blanchon,
Whitman
Walkers
Executive
Director
credits Williams leadership on
the Whitman Walker Board to be
of particular impact during the
Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, a
period when fundraising efforts
for non-profit organizations were
adversely impacted. To quote
Blanchon, She was impactful on
peoples lives because she did it
relationship to relationshipAnd
she did it one person at a time.
SE P T E MBE R 1 1 , 2 0 1 5 3 5
ARTS & CULTURE

36
SEPTEMBER
11,
2015
Hot Hits
& Hidden Jewels
From CultureCapital.com
Your Link to the Arts in Metro DC
Women Laughing Alone With Salad

Thru Oct 4. Woolly Mammoth.
202-393-3939. woollymammoth.net.
Award-winning playwright Sheila Callaghan serves up a world premiere on a bed of
bawdy language in a gender-bending comedy vinaigrette, inviting everyone to savor this
complex recipe of desire and shame.
Finding a Line: Skateboarding, Music, and Media
Thru Sep 13. Kennedy Center.
800-444-1324. kennedy-center.org.
Celebrating an exciting and inuential part of American culture, the festival features daily
free Open Skate sessions with live music at the outdoor bowl and ramps created especially
for Finding a Line, exhibits on skate art and culture, and two ticketed performances by
Jason Moran and The Bandwagon with top skaters.
Queer Fiction
Sep 17. The Writers Center.
301-654-8664. writer.org.
This 6-session workshop class will focus on LGBT issues and literature providing a strong
community for LGBT writers and allies. Participants in this workshop can expect to learn
and rene their storytelling abilities while in an accepting LGBT environment in contrast to
traditional heteronormative class settings.
The Orb
Sep 13. Howard Theatre.
202-803-2899. thehowardtheatre.com.
The Orb is an English electronic music group known for spawning the genre of ambient
house. Founded in 1988 by Alex Paterson and KLF member Jimmy Cauty, The Orb began
as ambient and dub DJs in London.
PHOTO COURTESY OF WOOLLY MAMMOTH THEATRE COMPANY
Buy
Discount Tickets
ticketPLAce.org
WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
THEATRE
The Fix. Thru Sep 20. Pride Night. Sep
11. Signature Theatre. 703-820-9771.
signature-theatre.org.
Chimerica. Thru Oct 18. Studio Theatre.
202-332-3300. studiotheatre.org.
Queens Girl in the World: Womens
Voices Theater Festival. Sep 16-Oct 11.
Theater J. 202-518-9400. theaterj.org.
Ironbound: Womens Voices
Theater Festival. Thru Oct 4. Round
House Theatre. 240-644-1100.
roundhousetheatre.org.
Hay Fever. Thru Sep 27. Olney Theatre.
301-924-3400. olneytheatre.org.
YERMA (Barren). Thru Oct 4. GALA
Hispanic Theatre. 202-234-7174.
galatheatre.org.
Jay Cameron presents The Church
Maa. Sep 12. Warner Theatre.
202-783-4000. warnertheatredc.com.
Point Break Live! Sep 12. Howard
Theatre. 202-803-2899.
thehowardtheatre.com.
Shear Madness. Ongoing. Kennedy
Center. 800-444-1324.
shearmadness.com.
Dogght. Thru Sep 19. Keegan Theatre.
202-265-3767. keegantheatre.com.
Friendship Betrayed. Thru Oct 11. WSC
Avant Bard. Gunston Theatre Two.
703-418-4808. wscavantbard.org.
The Importance of Being Earnest.
Thru Sep 13. SCENA Theatre. Atlas.
202-399-7993. scenatheater.org.
MUSIC
Peter & Will Anderson Trio. Sep 17.
Strathmore. 301-581-5100.
strathmore.org.
Troker - Rosslyn Jazz Festival Kickoff
Party. Sep 11. Arlington Cultural Affairs.
1812 North Moore Street. 25th Annual
Rosslyn Jazz Festival. Sep 12. Gateway
Park. 703-228-1850. arlingtonarts.org.
Concert: Kruger Brothers. Sep 13.
National Gallery of Art. 202-737-4215.
nga.gov.
Ethiopian New Year with Mahmoud
Ahmed. Sep 11. Benyamin Live in
Concert. Sep 12. PAZ - Festival of Inner
Peace. Sep 13. GW Lisner Auditorium.
202-994-6800. lisner.gwu.edu.
The Nighthawks. Sep 11. Matt
Schoeld. Sep 12. AMP. 301-581-5100.
ampbystrathmore.com.
Lizz Wright. Sep 11. Reverend Horton
Heat & The Adicts. Sep 14. Saxon &
Armored Saint. Sep 15. Howard Theatre.
202-803-2899. thehowardtheatre.com.
Be in Brookland: DC Casineros. Sep 11.
Dance Place. 202-269-1600.
danceplace.org.
Donal Fox: Inventions in Blue. Sep 13.
Reston Community Center. CenterStage.
703-476-4500.
restoncommunitycenter.com.
Jackson Browne. Sep 11. Kelly Clarkson
with Pentatonix & Eric Hutchinson.
Sep 12-Sep 13. Wolf Trap. 877-965-3872.
wolftrap.org.
Lana Trotovek, violin; Anna Shelest,
piano. Sep 11. The Embassy Series.
Embassy of Slovenia. 202-625-2361.
embassyseries.org.
MUSEUMS
National Gallery of Art. The Memory of
Time. Thru Sep 13. Italian Renaissance
Prints: Ideals Made Flesh. Thru Oct 4.
Gustave Caillebotte: The Painters Eye.
Thru Oct 4. Pleasure and Piety: The Art of
Joachim Wtewael (15661638). Thru Oct
4. 202-737-4215. nga.gov.
National Archives. Spirited Republic:
Alcohol in American History. Thru Jan 10.
202-357-5000. archivesfoundation.org.
Museum of Women in the Arts. Super
Natural. Thru Sep 13. Organic Matters.
Thru Sep 13. Vanessa Bells Hogarth Press
Designs. Thru Nov 13. 202-783-5000.
nmwa.org.
Smithsonian Anacostia Community
Museum. How the Civil War Changed
Washington. Thru Nov 15. The Life and
Legacy of the Plummer Family. Thru Dec
27. 202-633-4820. anacostia.si.edu.
National Geographic. Monster Fish. Thru
Oct 11. Indiana Jones. Thru Jan 3. 202857-7000. nglive.org.
Prince Georges African American
Museum and Cultural Center. Patented
Ingenuity: The Art of African American
Inventors. Thru Sep 12. 301-809-0440.
pgaamcc.org.
Sandy Spring Museum. Two for One.
Thru Oct 25. Weaving Community.
Thru Dec 30. 301-774-0022.
sandyspringmuseum.org.
GALLERIES
Strathmore. Women Chefs: Artists in
the Kitchen. Thru Nov 8. 301-581-5100.
strathmore.org.
BlackRock. Jenny Wu. Thru Sep 12. Susan
Feller & Janet Wheeler. Thru Sep 12. 301528-2260. blackrockcenter.org.
The Art League Gallery. Wijati
Soemantoro. Thru Oct 5. 703-683-1780.
theartleague.org.
Arts Club of Washington. September Art
Exhibition. Thru Sep 26. 202-331-7282.
artsclubofwashington.org.
District Architecture Center. Nature in
the Walkable City. Thru Oct 3. 202-3479403. aiadac.com.
WPA. Lobby Project: David Bellard. Thru
Nov 27. 202-234-7103. wpadc.org.
SE P T E MBE R 1 1 , 2 0 1 5 3 7
Get Out More!
CultureCapital.com links you to Theatre, Dance and Music performances, Museum and Gallery exhibitions, Classes
in Dance, Acting and Art, Book Talks, Foodie Events and so much more! Explore by interest, by date, by location.
With nearly 300 Arts Presenters in CultureCapital.com to choose from, we can help you to Get Out More!
Washington Performing Arts National Gallery of Art Signature Theatre Howard Theatre Brentwood Arts Exchange Strathmore Capital
Fringe Neptune Fine Art Writers Center WSC Avant Bard Arts Club of Washington Friday Morning Music Club National Geographic
Washington National Opera George Mason Universitys Center for the Arts Goethe-Institut Washington Environmental Film Festival in the
Nations Capital Washington Project for the Arts DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities AMP by Strathmore Dominion Stage
Woolly Mammoth Theatre First Draft Childrens Chorus of Washington (CCW) Warner Theatre Taffety Punk Theatre Company Dance Place
UrbanArias Cathedral Choral Society Studio Theatre Capital City Symphony Washington Stage Guild Folger Theatre Shear Madness
Gallery Neptune & Brown Teatro de la Luna Metropolitan Chorus SCENA Theatre Educational Theatre Company (ETC) GALA Hispanic
Theatre Arlington Philharmonic Carmen de Vicente Spanish Dance Academy Chamber Dance Project National Chamber Ensemble Fisher
Art Gallery Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center Pen/Faulkner Washington Balalaika Society ACW Dances Reston Community
Center Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center Indian Dance Educators Association Adventure Theatre The Jackson Art Center
Montpelier Mansion Encore Stage & Studio Virginia Ballet Company and School Halau O Aulani Bangladesh Center for Community Development
IDB Staff Association Art Gallery (ISAAG) Arlington Cultural Affairs Synetic Theater Potomac Harmony Chorus Prince Georges African
American Museum and Cultural Center Tudor Place Historic House and Garden Jane Franklin Dance Spooky Action Theater Billingsley
Historic House Museum
Mead Theatre Lab: Cultural
DC Peters Alley
Theatre Productions
Joan Hisaoka Healing
Arts Gallery at Smith Center
Arlington Arts Center
Womens Voices Theater
Festival District Archi-
tecture Center Abraham
Hall Kreeger Museum Constellation Theatre Company Montpelier Arts Center Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum Oxon Hill Manor
National Philharmonic Workhouse Arts Center The Alden Prelude: The Arlington Youth Orchestral Program Reston Community Center at Lake
Anne Arlington Artists Academy The Smithsonian Associates The Puppet Co. Playhouse Greenbelt Community Center Rorschach Theatre
Embassy Series DC Youth Orchestra Program Cambodian-American Heritage, Inc. Folger Theatre Shear Madness Gallery Neptune &
Brown Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center College Park Aviation Museum Atlas Performing Arts Center National Cherry Blossom Festival
Olney Theatre Center for the Arts Glen Echo Park Pointless Theatre Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia (JCCNV) Reston Community
Players Robert Brown Gallery Castleton Festival Theater J Fords Theatre Center for Education at Wolf Trap Gunston Theatre Two
National Archives Experience Rainbow Theatre Project National Symphony Orchestra Folger Shakespeare Library Target Gallery National
Museum of Women in the Arts Hylton Performing Arts Center DC Jazz Festival Sandy Spring Museum Bowen McCauley Dance Source Festival
Surratt House Museum Arlington Artists Alliance Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington DC THEARC Folger Consort Filene Center
at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts Patuxent Rural Life Museums The Art League Filmfest DC Lubber Run Keegan Theatre
Prince Georges Publick Playhouse for the Performing Arts Flashpoint Gallery: Cultural DC GW Lisner Auditorium Kirov Academy of Ballet
Dissonance Dance Theatre Zenith Gallery Pan American Symphony Orchestra Festival Argentino Capitol Hill Chorale BalletNova Center for
Dance DCAC-DC Arts Center Darnalls Chance House Museum DC Cabaret Network Gunston Arts Center Torpedo Factory Art Center
Joy of Motion In Series Arlingtones Barbershop Chorus Ambassador Theater Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission
Theatre Lab School of the Dramatic Arts Old Dominion Cloggers Atlas INTERSECTIONS Festival Los Quetzales Mexican Dance Ensemble
Signature Theatre VisArts at Rockville The Barns at Wolf Trap Step Afrika! Riversdale House Museum Arts/Harmony Hall Regional Center
BlackRock Center for the Arts Round House Theatre Choral Arts Society of Washington John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
This is a partial list of CultureCapital.com participants.
BOOKS
38
SEPTEMBER
11,
2015
WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
Gay lives matter
The Gay Revolution is a hefty tome that examines in detail gay rights from the 50s on.
IMAGE COURTESY SIMON & SCHUSTER
The DOMA case, an LGBT

history book for kids and
plenty of ction among
seasons highlights
By TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER
For the historian, The Gay Revolution
by Lillian Faderman (Simon & Schuster,
out Sept. 8) is a big brick of a book that
chronicles the struggle, starting in the
1950s and moving forward to practically
yesterday. Faderman doesnt skip a thing,
pulling in history for every spectrum on
the LGBT rainbow. This is one of those lastyou-a-long-time books that may also teach
you a thing or two.
For the reader who craves a little of this
and a little of that, look for QDA: A Queer
Disability, edited by Raymond Luczak.
Theres poetry in this book, plus ction and
non-ction, articles of different lengths and
interests, all on being gay and disabled.
Look for this book in November. Blade
contributor Kathi Wolfes poetry is included.
Mystery lovers will drool over the latest
installment of the Jane Lawless whodunit
series. The Grave Soul by Ellen Hart
(Minotaur, Oct. 6) begins with someone
seeking out Private Eye Lawless because

his girlfriend is having strange dreams of
murder. That makes no sense to anyone
involved, but is it really just a dream? Or
is there something else, something more
malevolent afoot? Jane will know. Leave it
to Lawless to learn.
The LGBT teen will love reading
What We Left Behind by Robin
Talley (October, Harlequin Teen), a
romance about two girls, high-school
sweethearts, who decide to try a longdistance relationship when they head off
to different colleges. Of course, things get
complicated in this book about growing,
learning who you really are, loving and
trying to t the three together.
For the romantic who wants more than
uff, look for Then Comes Marriage:
United States v. Windsor and the Defeat
of DOMA by Robbie Kaplan (W.W.
Norton, Oct. 5). Its the story of Edie Windsor
and Thea Spyer, two women whod been
together for decades and were married
in 2007 in Canada. Two years later, when
one of them fell ill, the U.S. government
refused to recognize that union. Kaplan is
the lawyer who fought for their rights and
she includes some of her own personal life
inside this historic account.
What if the country was in danger from
a machine thats terrorizing every citizen

here including your crush? In Willful
Machines by Tim Floreen (Oct. 20,
Simon Pulse), thats what happens to the
teenage son of the president, whos gay
but closeted. He may be able to save
himself and the boy he likes (a lot!) but
its not going to be easy. This sciencection-y book is meant for teens, but how
can any adult resist?
For your niece, your nephew, the kid
next door, or for your own children,
Gay and Lesbian History for Kids: The
Century-Long Struggle for LGBT Rights
by Jerome Pohlen (October, Chicago
Review Press) could be just the right book
at the right time. Meant for young readers
ages 7 or 8 and up, this book includes
21 hands-on activities to help children
understand more about lesbian and gay
history, activism and equality. Its also a
sensitive, kid-friendly way to teach and to
spark conversations.
And nally, whats fall without a Bruno
Gmnder book, eh? You cant go any
further in life until youve paged through
Lap of Luxury, a book of photos from
Mark Henderson (October). Here you get
160 pages of photos and not a lot of words
but then, you dont want words in a book
this gorgeous, do you? Really?
Other releases of note:
Becoming
Nicole:
the
Transformation of an American Family
is the true story of a trans girl, her identical
twin brother and a familys journey to
understand her plight. Its by Amy Ellis
Nutt, the Pulitzer-winning Washington Post
science reporter. (Oct. 20)
In A Taste for Brown Bodies: Gay
Modernity and Cosmopolitan Desire,
Hiram Perez explores the role of race in
the modern gay subject through three
archetypes: the sailor, the soldier and the
cowboy. He explores how each has been
desired for their heroic masculinity while
also being used to expand U.S. borders
and ideals. (Oct. 30)
In Out of the Firing Line Into the
Foyer: My Remarkable Life Story,
war hero Bruce Copp remembers his
life as a young gay soldier and how
male relationships persisted despite the
homophobic climate. (Nov. 1)
A revised edition of The Gay and
Lesbian Literary Heritage is slated for
a fall release with 400 articles from 175
literary scholars. (Nov. 3)
Gay rugby player Garreth Thomas
shares his story in Proud: My
Autobiography. (Dec. 1)
SE P T E MBE R 1 1 , 2 0 1 5 3 9
DC F15- WA Blade Series_Layout 1 9/9/15 10:13 AM Page 1
HIGHLIGHTS FROM
O U R FA L L S E A S O N !
More info and events at natgeolive.org/dc
Oct 15 WHEN TOUGH MEETS TECH:
Thu 7:30 PM
TALK
EXPLORATIONS NEW FRONTIER
Mike Libeckione of the worlds most

adventurous menis on a quest to
conquer the worlds last unclimbed peaks.
Nov 12-14 TELLURIDE

Thu-Sat 7 PM
FILM + DISCUSSION
Event made possible with support from Dell.
Oct 22 THE DEFENDERS:
Thu 7:30 PM
TALK
INSIDE THE WILDLIFE TRADE
Get an insiders look at National Geographics

new Special Investigations Unit combating the
illegal wildlife trade with investigative reporter
Bryan Christy.
Nov 4 BUILDING THE PHOTO ARK
Wed 7:30 PM
TALK +
BOOK SIGNING
Photographer Joel Sartore shares endearing

encounters, comical mishaps, and personal
stories from his work capturing portraits of
the worlds species.
Nov 11 ITS WHAT I DO:
Wed 7:30 PM
TALK +
BOOK SIGNING
Nov 19 PRISTINE SEAS
Thu 7:30 PM
TALK +
BOOK SIGNING
TALK +
DVD SIGNING
17th & M Streets

Metros: Farragut N & W
Go behind the scenes with renowned climber

Jimmy Chin and filmmaker Chai Vasarhelyi
to experience the thrills and challenges faced in
the quest to summit Mount Meru.
Dec 3 THE SCIENCE OF DELICIOUS
Thu 7:30 PM
TASTING
Savor a deliciously delightful evening celebrating and learning the scienceand artbehind
what tastes good, what tastes bad, and why we
even taste at all.
Dec 8 RHINOS, RICKSHAWS &
Tue 7:30 PM
TALK
Ticketts
star
at $25
Travel with Dr. Enric Sala on his journey to save

the last untouched places in our oceans.
Dec 1 THE MAKING OF MERU
Tue 7:30 PM
A PHOTOGRAPHERS
LIFE OF LOVE & WAR
Go on assignment to the worlds most

dangerous conflict zones with Pulitzer Prizewinning photojournalist Lynsey Addario.
MOUNTAINFILM
Enjoy a celebration of indomitable spirit seen

through the eyes of world-class filmmakers,
athletes, changemakers, and visionary artists.
Visit natgeolive.org/telluride for a list of films.
202.857.7700
REVOLUTIONS
Travel with Ami Vitale on her personal

odyssey through the images and adventures
that have made her a celebrated global
photojournalist.
| natgeolive.org/dc
KEITH LADZINSKI
@NatGeoLive
facebook.com/natgeolive
THEATER
40
SEPTEMBER
11,
2015
WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
Something old, something new
From left are NAOMI JACOBSON, AMY MCWILLIAMS, HOLLY TWYFORD, ALYSSA WILMOTH
KEEGAN and EMILY TOWNLEY in Bad Dog at Olney Theatre.
PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER MUELLER; COURTESY OF OLNEY THEATRE
Contemporary works,
classic musicals among
seasons offerings
By PATRICK FOLLIARD
This year, a huge part of D.C.s fall
theater lineup is the much anticipated
Womens
Voices
Theater
Festival
(womensvoicestheaterfestival.org).
To
spotlight the scope of new plays being
written by women and the range of
professional theater being produced in
the area, more than 50 local professional
companies are presenting at least one world
premiere of a play by a female playwright
throughout all of September and October.
For the festival, Shakespeare Theatre
Company (shakespearetheatre.org) is doing
Salom (Oct. 6-Nov. 8), adapted and
directed by the internationally acclaimed
Yal Farber. The companys website says
Farber infuses this raw New Testament
tale with evocative sound and physicality,
drawing on ancient biblical and pagan texts,
as well as Oscar Wildes landmark mystery
play, to spin a tale as provocative as the
Dance of the Seven Veils.
Olney
Theatres
(olneytheatre.org)
contribution is Bad Dog (Sept. 30-Oct.
25) by out playwright and TV writer (Nurse
Jackie) Jennifer Hoppe-House. Bad Dog is
the story of Molly Drexler (played by out actor
Holly Twyford) who after 10 years clean and
sober drives a Prius through her living room.
An intervention ensues. The terric Alyssa
Wilmoth Keegan plays Abby, Mollys wife.
And at Arena Stage (arenastage.org)

its Destiny of Desire (Sept. 11-Oct.
18), a new telenovela-inspired comedy
by Karen Zacaras featuring talented out
actor Nicholas Rodriquez who made his
Broadway debut playing the title role in
Disneys Tarzan.
Also as part of the Womens Voices
Theater Festival, the Highwood Theatre
(thehighwoodtheatre.org) in Silver Spring
is presenting The Long Way Around
(Oct. 9-25) by young playwright Julia Starr.
This new play explores the sometimes
nebulous line between friendship and
romance in female relationships.
The fall theater season is chockfull of
musicals, mostly familiar but some new.
Here are a few.
On the Southwest Waterfront, out
director Molly Smith is staging her 30th
production as artistic director of Arena
Stage (arenastage.org) with a reimagined
production of Oliver!(Oct. 30-Jan. 3). This
will be a new in-the-round staging infusing
a modern edge to the beloved musical
based on Dickens classic novel, blending
the chaotic worlds of 19th-century Victorian
London with 2015 London.
At Signature Theatre (sigtheatre.org), out
artistic director Eric Schaeffer is helming
Girlstar (Oct. 13-Nov.15), a new musical
by Anton Dudley and Brian Feinstein billed
as a fantastical fairytale, brimming with
magic, darkness and blinding ambition.
Local actor Donna Migliaccio stars as
legendary record producer Daniella Espere
who in searching for the next international
sensation nds her long lost niece.
Also at Signature out director Matthew
Gardiner is staging the companys rst

ever stab at West Side Story (Dec. 8-Jan.
24), the legendary Broadway musical by
gay dream creative team Arthur Laurents
(book), Leonard Bernstein (music) and
Stephen Sondheim (lyrics). West Side
Story reimagines Romeo and Juliet set
against (what was then) the mean streets
of Manhattan with lots of balletic rumbles
and a genius score featuring songs like
Somethings Coming, Tonight, I Feel
Pretty and America.
Shakespeare will present Kiss Me,
Kate, (Nov. 17-Jan. 3), that classical
musical tribute to the Bard by the late
great gay composer Cole Porter. The
theaters out associate artistic director Alan
Paul directs.
Murder and chaos meet love and
virtue when the Young Artists of America
Youth Orchestra and Vocal Ensemble
(performing
alongside
professional
mentors) present Jekyll & Hyde
(Nov. 14) in Concert at the Clarice Smith
Performing Arts Center at University of
Maryland (youngartistsamerica.org). The
popular Broadway musical is slated to be
performed by some of the most talented
high school aged students in our area.
For two nights only at Cobalt nightclub,
local actor Jeffrey Johnson is reprising his
celebrated turn as outrageous Little Edie
of Grey Gardens fame in Edie Beale
Live at Reno Sweeney (Oct. 6-7).
At Studio Theatre (studiotheatre.org)
out director Serge Seiden is staging the
nal two plays of Richard Nelsons quartet
about American life, The Apple Family
Cycle (Oct. 28-Dec.13). The cast includes
local out actor Sarah Marshall.

Gala Theatres (galatheatre.org) season
opener is Yerma (though Oct. 4), a
contemporary adaptation of gay Spanish
playwright Federico Garca Lorcas classic
tale about a childless Spanish peasants
rage against the oppression of a loveless
marriage and repressive society.
Rorschach Theatre (rorschactheatre.
com) presents Truth & Beauty Bombs:
A Softer World (through Oct. 4). A
project directed and conceived by Jenny
McConnell Frederick based on the popular
web series A Softer World features
scenes by different authors including out
playwright Norman Allen.
Highbrow meets Hollywood at the
Kennedy Center (kennedy-center.org) with
movie star Juliette Binoche playing the title
role in a contemporary take on Sophocles
Greek tragedy, Antigone (Oct. 22-25).
Downtowns busy and buzzy National
Theater (thenationaldc.org) is hosting
family friendly fare with the national
tour of Broadways hit Rodgers
+ Hammersteins (Nov. 18-29), a
reimagined take on the original with a
new book by witty gay playwright Douglas
Carter Beane who puts a girl positive twist
on the age-old tale.
Beautiful: the Carole King Musical
will be at the Kennedy Center Opera
House Oct. 6-25.
McDaniel College (2 College Hill,
Westminster, Md.) presents The Laramie
Project Sept. 30-Oct. 3. Details at
mcdaniel.edu/theatre.
CONTINUES AT WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
CLASSIC COMEDY
SE P T E MBE R 1 1 , 2 0 1 5 4 1
ROLLING WORLD PREMIERE
GOLDEN AGE MUSICAL COMEDY
HAY BAD GUYS

AND
FEVER DOG DOLLS
BY NOL COWARD
DIRECTED BY ELEANOR HOLDRIDGE
BY JENNIFER HOPPE-HOUSE
DIRECTED BY JEREMY B. COHEN
O L N E Y T H E AT R E C E N T E R
BE PART
OF OUR
BOOK BY JO SWERLING AND ABE BURROWS

MUSIC AND LYRICS BY FRANK LOESSER
CHOREOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL BOBBITT
DIRECTED BY JERRY WHIDDON
THE NATIONS CAPITAL FALL 2015
For Tickets/Info:
CALL 301.924.3400
OR VISIT
olneytheatre.org
NOW PLAYING!
SEPTEMBER 30
OCTOBER 25
WERE CLOSE BY! Just 10 mins. from the ICC,

30 mins. from DC, 15 mins. from Rockville
and Columbia, and 40 mins. from Baltimore!
NOVEMBER 11
DECEMBER 27
2401 Foxhall Road, NW Washington, DC 20007

kreegermuseum.org
THE KREEGER MUSEUM OPEN HOUSE

Saturday, September 12, 2015 10am - 4pm FREE
WHOLE MAINE
LOBSTER
Photo by Erich Keel
Join Us to Celebrate Art, Music, and Nature

Live Jazz, Storytelling and Outdoor Art Activities for Children, Drum Circle, Sculpture Garden
and Gallery Art Talks. Treat yourself to lunch at food trucks and enjoy beer provided by
local breweries. Water donated by DrinkMore Water. CANCELED IN THE EVENT OF RAIN.
19.95
SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER

WHILE SUPPLIES LAST
www.clydes.com
AVAIL ABLE AT ALL CLYDES LO CATIONS,

OLD EBBIT T GRILL, THE TOMBS AND THE TOMATO PAL ACE
Sponsored by
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Our thanks to
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Right Proper Brewing Company, Street Cream
TELEVISION
42
SEPTEMBER
11,
2015
WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
Small screen spectrum
A scene from Netixs Sense8, one of the most LGBT-inclusive current series around.
IMAGE COURTESY NETFLIX
Queer TV actors, characters

abundant for fall
By SANTIAGO MELLI-HUBER
As NPRs Linda Holmes reports, with
more than 400 original English-language
series in primetime in 2015, its impossible
to catch up with everything, even if you
binge-watched one show in its entirely each
day of the year. If you choose to take on the
challenge, here are a few places to start.
Cookies back to get whats hers.
Season two of Empire returns to Fox on
Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 9 p.m. The Lee
Daniels show is inspired by Shakespeares
King Lear and includes a number of gay
characters including Jamal Lyon, played
by openly gay actor Jussie Smollett.
Season one of the Wachowskis Sense8
is streaming on Netix. The science ction
drama does not shy away from addressing
gender, sexuality and AIDS through its gay,
lesbian and trans characters. The series was
renewed for a second season.
Tig Notaro cannot be stopped. Her
special, Boyish Girl Interrupted, is now
on HBOgo, and her two documentaries,
Tig and Knock Knock, Its Tig Notaro
are on Netix and Showtime, respectively.
The openly gay comedian has made
waves in the past few years for turning
her mothers passing and her own cancer
diagnosis into comedy gold.

Faking It is currently in its second
season and airs Mondays at 9:30 p.m. on
MTV. The show takes place in a high school
and includes gay, lesbian and intersex
characters as well as a main character who
fakes being a lesbian.
Jane Lynch and Maggie Lawson will star
in Angel from Hell beginning Thursday,
Nov. 5 at 9:30 p.m. on CBS. The show is a
single-camera fantasy sitcom with Lynch
playing Lawsons eccentric guardian angel.
Difcult People stars Billy Eichner and
Julie Klausner as two misanthropic comedians.
New episodes of the show, created by Amy
Poehler, are released Wednesdays on Hulu.
Guest stars include Kate McKinnon, Amy
Sedaris, and Debbie Harry.
Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra stars
in Quantico as an FBI recruit training at
the academy. Tate Ellington co-stars as an
openly gay recruit, and Rick Cosnett plays
a gay FBI analyst. The show airs Sundays at
10 p.m. on ABC beginning Sept. 27.
John Stamos stars in a new show
Grandfathered premiering Tuesday,
Sept. 29 at 8 p.m. on Fox. Stamos plays a
man who recently discovers he has a son
and a granddaughter. It sounds terrible
but will ll the Stamos-sized hole in our
lives until he reprises the role of Uncle
Jesse in Fuller House next year.
Rob Lowe stars in The Grinder which
is unfortunately not about what I hoped it
would be about. Fred Savage co-stars in

the show, premiering Tuesday, Sept. 29 at
8:30 p.m. on Fox.
Ryan Murphys latest series premieres
Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 9 p.m. on Fox. Scream
Queens stars Emma Roberts, Lea
Michele, and Jamie Lee Curtis and focuses
on a series of murders connected with a
college sorority. As a Ryan Murphy show,
it will no doubt feature queer characters.
Supergirl premieres on CBS on
Monday, Nov. 2 at 8 p.m. The show stars
Glees Melissa Benoist as the title hero.
The series was developed by openly gay
producers Greg Berlanti and Allison Adler.
Todrick is an MTV docuseries following
former American Idol contestant and
YouTube star Todrick Hall. Hall and his
troupe produce elaborate weekly videos
while working side jobs to pay the bills. The
show is currently airing Mondays at 10 p.m.
Best Time Ever with Neil Patrick
Harris premieres Tuesday, September
15 at 10 p.m. on NBC. The variety series
is hosted by Harris and is the American
adaptation on the British series Ant &
Decs Saturday Night Takeaway.
Shondaland Thursdays returns to ABC
on Sept. 24 with Greys Anatomy,
Scandal, and How To Get away With
Murder at 8, 9 and 10 p.m., respectively.
All three shows feature a wide array of
LGBT actors and characters.
Openly gay director Paris Barclay serves
as an executive producer on The Bastard

Executioner, premiering Tuesday, Sept.
15 on FX. The Kurt Sutter series follows
a 14th century knight and stars True
Bloods Stephen Moyer. Openly gay actor
and model Matthieu Charneau plays a
small role in the series.
Marcia Gay Harden stars as an ER doctor
in Code Black. Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Executive Producer Marti Noxon will serve
the same role on Code Black, premiering
Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 10 p.m. on CBS.
Scream is based on the lm of the
same name by the late Wes Craven and
features a lesbian couple, one half of which
is a main character. Scream wrapped its
rst season on Sept. 1 but was renewed for
a second, which will air in 2016.
Krysten Ritter and David Tennant will star
in Jessica Jones on Netix. The show is the
second (following Daredevil) of Netixs four
planned series in the Marvel Universe that will
serve as a lead-up to a Defenders crossover
miniseries. While an air date has not been
announced, the show will be available on
Netix at some point in late 2015.
Young and Hungry continues
its second season on ABC Family
Wednesdays at 8 p.m. The sitcom follows
the life of a personal chef in San Francisco.
Openly gay actor Rex Lee has a supporting
role on the series, and comedian Bryan
Sa, who is also gay, has a recurring role
as Lees nance.
SE P T E MBE R 1 1 , 2 0 1 5 4 3
LaPlacaCohen
Publication:
Insertion date:
Size:
212-675-4106
WASHINGTON BLADE
SEPTEMBER 11, 2015
4.75 x 11.5" 4C NP
2015-2016 SEASON
A Vocal Tapestry
On view now
STARRING
JESSICA PRATT
VIVICA GENAUX
TAYLOR STAYTON
ANTONY WALKER, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR/CONDUCTOR
CONCERTOPERA.ORG | 202-364-5826
Last chance to see Marjorie Posts spring and

summer wear, through September 27. Fall and
winter styles begin October 1.
Sponsored by
Now open every Sunday Hours: Tues Sun 10am 5pm

HillwoodMuseum.org 4155 Linnean Ave. NW, Washington DC Free parking
HIL-0030_Blade_4.75x11.5_Sept11_4CNP_v2.indd 1
9/9/15 10:50 AM
FILM
44
SEPTEMBER
11,
2015
WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
Flicker of fall screens
EISENSTEIN IN GUANAJUANTO will be screened at the Latin American Film Festival at the AFI
Silver.
IMAGE COURTESY STRAND RELEASING
Stonewall, Legend, Carol

among falls gayest titles
By BRIAN T. CARNEY
The fall lm season season gets off to a
blazing start with the Latin American Film
Festival at AFI Silver in downtown Silver
Spring (a.com/silver/laff).
Now celebrating its 26th year, the
festival showcases the best in lmmaking
from Latin America. Running Sept. 17-Oct.
7, this years selections include more than
40 lms ranging from international festival
favorites and award winners to debut
works from gifted new talents.
The festival opens with Sand Dollars
(Dlares de arena) from the Dominican
Republic. The lm features a stunning
performance by Geraldine Chaplin
(Doctor Zhivago) as a French expat
visiting the seaside town of Las Terrences.
She falls head over heels for the much
younger Noeli, but things get complicated
when Noeli tells the older woman that
her boyfriend is really her brother. The
gala opening night screening on Sept. 17
will include a Q&A with lmmaker Laura
Amelia Guzmn and Jean-Nol Pancrazi
who wrote the novel on which the movie is
based, as well as a reception sponsored by
the Embassy of the Dominican Republic.
The movie is in English, French and
Spanish with English subtitles.

The festival closes Oct. 7 with Trash,
directed by openly gay British director
Steven Daldry (The Hours and Billy
Elliot). Featuring supporting performances
by Martin Sheen and Rooney Mara, the lm
explores what happens after three best
friends from a Rio favela discover a wallet
full of cash. (In English and Portuguese
with English subtitles.)
The festival also includes the highly
anticipated
Washington
premieres
of Nasty Baby and Eisenstein in
Guanajuato. Written and directed by
openly gay Chilean lmmaker Sebastin
Silva, Nasty Baby is a provocative satire
that stars Kristen Wiig as a women in
Brooklyn having a baby with a gay couple.
The lm won the Teddy Award at the 2015
Berlin Film Festival and was an Ofcial
Selection for 2015 Sundance Film Festival.
(In English and Spanish with English
subtitles.)
Written and director by controversial
British
director
Peter
Greenaway,
Eisenstein has already been denounced
by Vladimir Putin. It tells the story of
the famous Russian lm directors lifechanging trip to Mexico. Fleeing the
constraints of both Stalin and Hollywood,
the frustrated director has a passionate
affair with his tour guide and nally
confronts his sexuality. (In English and
Spanish with English subtitles.)

This fall also marks the 40th anniversary
of the gender-bending, tap-dancing,
stereotype-smashing, time-warping queer
classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
The Landmark E Street Cinema offers a
monthly midnight screening complete with
live performers and audience participation.
Details at landmarktheatres.com.
After the successful return of the featurelength Film Festival, Reel Afrmations
(reelafrmations.org) returns with the
monthly XTRA series. On Sept. 25, the
festival partners with Team Rayceen to
celebrate the 25th anniversary of the
legendary movie Paris Is Burning.
For Halloween, theres Lyle, a sinister
homage to Rosemarys Baby with a
lesbian protagonist. And, on Nov.13, it
offers (subtitle alert!) Fall for Foreign
Films, a collection of foreign short lms.
The third annual Middleburg Film
Festival (middleburglm.org) offers great
lms in a stunning setting. Running Oct. 2225, this years festival will honor composer
Carter Burwell and cinematographer Dante
Spinotti. In addition to panel discussions
and audience Q&As with award-winning
lmmakers, farm-to-table meals featuring
local food and wine, master classes and
fabulous parties, the festival will feature
regional premieres and audience favorites.
Conrmed titles include I Saw The
Light, the Hank Williams biopic featuring

Spinottis camera work, and Carol, the
period lesbian romance directed by gay
auteur Todd Haynes and starring Cate
Blanchet, with a ravishing score by Burwell.
The 12th annual D.C. Shorts Film
Festival is already underway. The exciting
LGBT shorts program will be screened
Sept. 17 at the Landmark E Street Cinema.
This fall, D.C. Shorts will also partner with
Story District (formerly known as Speakeasy
D.C.) for Reel to Reel, an innovative
program that pairs area storytellers
with local lmmakers. On Nov. 13, the
lmmakers will meet their storytellers and
on Nov. 21 they will premiere their new
lms. Details can be found at D.C. Shorts
(dcshorts.com).
Coming soon to D.C. theaters are:
The New Girlfriend (Sept. 18).
Based on a Ruth Rendell novel, openly gay
French director Franois Ozon is about
the unexpected changes a young man
undergoes after the death of his wife.
About Ray (Sept. 18). Elle Fanning
plays a transgender teen with Naomi Watts
as her mother and Susan Sarandon as her
lesbian grandmother.
Stonewall (Sept. 25). Already
controversial, the lm by gay director
Roland Emmerich and gay screenwriter
Jon Robin Baitz reexamine the historic riots
through the eyes of a recent transplant
from the Midwest.
SE P T E MBE R 1 1 , 2 0 1 5 4 5
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35t
h Anniversary
202-293-1548
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EVENTS
46
SEPTEMBER
11,
2015
WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
Fabulously full fall
The 17th Street Festival returns this weekend. Its one of many local events slated for the coming
months.
WASHINGTON BLADE FILE PHOTO BY PETE EXIS
Season packed with tours,

parties, fundraisers and more
By JOEY DiGUGLIELMO
joeyd@washblade.com
Some events dont t in our other fall
arts categories. Here are a few to note.
Saturday, Sept. 12 is the sixth annual 17th
Street Festival from noon-6 p.m. It runs on
17th N.W. from Riggs Place to P Street. Details
at 17thstreetfestival.org or on Facebook.
Also on the 12th is the Imperial Court of
Washingtons Coronation IV: Gala of the
Americas A Reel to Real Celebration
at 7 p.m. at the Marriott Metro Center (775
12th St., N.W.) Tickets are $150. Details at
imperialcourtdc.org.
No word on Gay Day at Hillwood Estate
(4155 Linnean Ave., N.W.) this year but on
Sunday, Sept. 13 (the weekend in which
Gay Day was traditionally held), the estate
is having a family picnic in partnership
with Rainbow Families D.C. Adult tickets
are $5 in advance of $18 at the gate. Kids
free. Visit hillwoodmuseum.org for details.
The National Black Justice Coalition
has its sixth annual OUT on the Hill Black
LGBT Leadership Summit Sept. 16-20.
Details at nbjc.org.
Saturday, Sept. 19 is the annual
Farewell to Summer Family Picnic of
the Eastern Panhandle LGBTQ Alliance of
West Virginia at Moulton Park in Charles

Town, W.Va., from 3-6 p.m. Find the group
on Facebook for details.
Rainbow History Project has its
Queering Capitol Hill tour on Saturday,
Sept. 19; Thursday, Sept. 24; and Sunday,
Sept. 27. Historic LGBT Dupont Circle
Walking Tours are on Sunday, Sept. 20
and Friday, Sept. 25. Times vary. The tours
are free but reservations are requested.
Visit rainbowhistory.org for details.
Friday, Sept. 18 is the D.C. Center fall
reception at 6 p.m. at the Warner Building
(1299 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.). Tickets are
$75 in advance or $100 at the door. Visit
thedccenter.org for details.
Saturday, Sept. 19 is United Night
OUT at RFK Stadium with D.C. United vs.
Columbus Crew (soccer). Tailgating at 4
p.m., gates at 6 and game at 7. Tickets are
$25. Visit teamdc.org for details.
Tuesday, Sept. 22 is Bisexual Pride Day. A
reception will be held at 6:30 p.m. at Human
Rights Campaign (1640 Rhode Island Ave.,
N.W.). Details at thedccenter.org.
Friday, Sept. 26 is the opening of the Our
Heroes exhibit, a collection of 200 black-andwhite photos documenting the history of HIV/
AIDS, at 6 p.m. at the D.C. Center (2000 14th
St., N.W.). Details at thedccenter.org.
Sunday, Sept. 27 is National Gay Mens
HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Details are at
cdc.gov or aids.gov/awareness-days.
Saturday, Oct. 3 is the Northern Virginia

Pride Festival from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. at Bull
Run Special Events Center in Centreville,
Va. Details at novapride.org.
Also on the 3rd is the 19th annual
Human Rights Campaign national
dinner at the Convention Center (801 Mt.
Vernon P., N.W.). Its sold out but a waiting
list is available at hrcnationaldinner.org.
Saturday, Oct. 10 is Love Love Love:
a Celebration of Mame Dennis at 4
p.m. at Town Danceboutique (2009 8th
St., N.W.). The Academy has many events,
including the Golden Boy Review (Sept.
27), the Zodiac Show (Oct. 4), Miss Gaye
Turnabout (Oct. 25), Miss Gay America
(Nov. 8) and Mr. and Miss Gaye USA (Nov.
22), planned throughout fall. Details at
theacademyofwashingtoninc.com.
Sunday, Oct. 11 is National Coming Out
Day. Theres a Facebook page devoted to it.
Thursday, Oct. 15 is National Latino
HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Details are at
aids.gov/awareness-days.
Saturday, Oct. 17 is the fall casino night
for Team D.C. at Buffalo Billiards (1330
19th St., N.W.). Details at teamdc.org.
Also on the 17th, Drag Race runner-up
Pearl will be at Town (2009 8th St., N.W.)
where shell perform tracks from her debut
album Pleasure. Details at towndc.com.
Tuesday, Oct. 20 is the fourth annual
Chefs for Equality event at the Ritz-
Carlton, West End (1150 22nd St., N.W.)

at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $200. Details at
chefsforequality.org.
The Gertrude Stein Democratic
Club has its 39th anniversary Leadership
Awards Reception tentatively slated for
Wednesday, Oct. 21. Details pending.
Check later at steindemocrats.org for
more information.
Thursday, Oct. 22 is the Blades Best of
Gay D.C. party/awards reception. Details
pending.
Saturday, Oct. 24 is AIDS Walk
Washington. Visit aidswalkwashington.
org for details or to register.
Tuesday, Oct. 27 is the High Heel Race on
17th Street, N.W. A Facebook page has details.
Saturday, Nov. 7 is the Team D.C. eighth
annual Champions Awards, a benet
for the Team D.C. College Scholarship
Program, at 6 p.m. at the Washington
Hilton (1919 Connecticut Ave.). Tickets are
$100. Details at teamdc.org/champions.
On Saturday, Nov. 14, Us Helping Us
has its 27th anniversary awards event
A Passion for Livingat Long View Gallery
(1234 Ninth Street, N.W.) at 6 p.m. Tickets
are $50 general admission and $125 VIP.
Thursday, Nov. 19 is the fourth annual
Center Women Beaujolais Nouveau, a
celebration of French red wine, at 7 p.m.
Details pending at thedccenter.org.
Friday, Nov. 20 is Transgender Day of
Remembrance. Details pending.
SE P T E MBE R 1 1 , 2 0 1 5 4 7
SEASON
HOPE GARDEN
CHILDRENS BALLET THEATRE
PRESENTS
2015
2016
NEW SHOWS
JUST ANNOUNCED!
Photo Paolo Galli
Tickets On Sale September 23. Strathmore Stars are Buying

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KRISTIN CHENOWETH
COMING HOME TOUR
Sponsored by Joel and Elizabeth Helke
Fri, Jan 29
ALAN CUMMING
SINGS SAPPY SONGS
Sun, Feb 14
An original ballet
by Artistic
Director and
choreographer
Fran Ichijo
THE PEKING ACROBATS
November 28, 2015
1:30 pm matine
7 pm evening performance
F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, Rockville
Adults $22 Youth/Seniors/Military $19
HGCBT is supported in part by funding from the Montgomery County government and
the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County. HGCBT is a charitable non-profit
organization as defined by 501(c)(3) of the internal revenue code.
To purchase tickets or for more information visit www.hgcbtstore.org.
30TH ANNIVERSARY
NORTH AMERICAN TOUR
Thu, March 24
JOHNNY MATHIS
THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY

CONCERT TOUR
Wed, April 6
PATTI LaBELLE
Thu & Fri, April 7 & 8
LAUGHTER AND REFLECTION

WITH CAROL BURNETT
ACROSS FROM THE DUPONT CIRCLE METRO
Fri & Sat, April 15 & 16

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I AM ANNE HUTCHINSON/
I AM HARVEY MILK
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Sat & Sun, April 23 & 24
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Wed, April 27
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from top: Kristin Chenoweth, Alan Cumming by Steve Trumon Gray, Patti LaBelle,
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301.581.5100 | STRATHMORE.ORG
5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852
SPORTS
48
SEPTEMBER
11,
2015
WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
Local sports leagues ready to play
Larrys Lounge wins the Summer of Freedom League championships.

PHOTO BY GLENN AUVE
Triangles, CAPS, Wetskins

and more up and running
By KEVIN MAJOROS
The competitive and club LGBT sports
teams of Washington have had a successful
summer season and are lined up for plenty
of action in the coming fall months.
The Summer of Freedom Soccer League,
hosted by the Federal Triangles Soccer
Club, wrapped up in August with Larrys
Lounge winning the championship match.
Also last month, the Triangles sent two
teams to the 2015 IGLFA North American
Championship II in Verona, Wis., and and
won in the championship match.
On Sept. 19, the Triangles along with
Team D.C., will host United Night OUT
at RFK Stadium as D.C. United takes on
Columbus Crew. Tickets are $25 and are
available at teamdc.org.
Chesapeake and Potomac Softball
sent four teams to the 2015 Gay Softball
World Series in August and the D.C.

Union took third place in the B Division.
This month, the D.C. Party Animals are
competing in the Gotham Softball Classic
in New York and the D.C. Raptors are
taking on the Midwest Invitational Softball
Classic in Cleveland.
D.C. Pride Volleyball hosted the
inaugural
Rehoboth
Beach
Open
Volleyball Tournament on the sands of
Rehoboth Beach last month. Twenty teams
from the Mid-Atlantic States competed in
the event. This month they kicked off the
second season of their competitive league.
Washington Wetskins water polo
captured fth place in the competitive
division at the 2015 EuroGames in
Stockholm last month. Also last month,
its womens team, the WCAPS, grabbed
second place at the Midwest Open Water
Polo Tournament in Chicago. On Oct. 1011, they will host teams from the eastern
seaboard at the 2015 Wetskins Columbus
Classic at Takoma Aquatic Center.
Last month, the Capital Tennis

Association won the 2015 Atlantic Cup in
New York just nipping Boston in the nal
match. This month they kick off their fall
league and on Sept. 12-14 they will host
the Capital Classic XXIII at Rock Creek
and East Potomac Park. The event will be
broadcast live on the CCE Sports Network.
Washington Scandals RFC has just
wrapped up its three summer rookie
camps and will be begin the fall season
with a home rugby match against the
Charlotte Royals on Saturday, Sept.12.
D.C. Sentinels basketball will be
sending two teams to Dallas in October to
compete in the Dallas Showcase Classic
2015 tournament. Its Washington D.C. Gay
Basketball League registration will also open
in October and play will begin in January.
The D.C. Gay Flag Football League is
ring up its 11th season with 270 players
on 20 teams. Play begins on Sunday, Sept.
13 at the Carter Barron elds.
The District of Columbia Aquatics Club
had a successful trip to the 2015 Stockholm

EuroGames in August winning 125 medals.
On Oct. 10, they will host teams from the
region at the 2015 Columbus Day Classic
at the Wilson Aquatic Center.
Eighteen teams from the D.C. Strokes
Rowing Club traveled to the U.S. Rowing
Masters National Championships in
Camden, N.J., last month and won a silver
medal in the Mens Open 8-plus. This
fall they will continue to compete in the
longer distance head races throughout
the region.
Capital Area Rainbowlers Association
began its fall season this month offering
nine different leagues throughout the
metro area.
Stonewall Kickball, Stonewall Darts
and Stonewall Bocce all begin league
action in September with Stonewall
Dodgeball beginning its next season in
January.
To look into all of the LGBT sports
options in Washington, go to teamdc.org.
SE P T E MBE R 1 1 , 2 0 1 5 4 9
50
SEPTEMBER
11,
2015
WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
Cho credits Williams, Rivers

for early inspiration
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25
innocent and we got him exonerated.
He introduced me to his friend Vincent
Castiglia who is a painter who paints in
human blood. Hed only painted in his
own blood before, but I wanted a portrait
of myself, so I gave him some of my blood.
I thought it would be weird if he did a
portrait of me in his blood, so this was the
rst time hed ever worked with someone
elses blood. So I gave him this really small
amount, not even a pint. Maybe half a
pint and he made this beautiful painting
and thats on the drum head of my band
setup. So its special and amazing and in
my house right now. He did an incredible
thing. Its much in the style of Da Vinci or
something. Hes actually a very classical
painter but he uses blood instead of paint.
BLADE: You say the show is about the
anger you feel associated with police
brutality, violence against women and how
insane those issues make you feel. How do
you spin themes like that into something
funny?
CHO: You have to really remember that
youre an entertainer. Thats the rst thing.
I denitely care about politics and I do
talk about them but you always want to
make sure you remember your purpose.
Im a comedian rst, so thats what I try to
emphasize and thats never far from what
Im doing.
BLADE: Youve spoken of how saddened
you were by the deaths of Robin Williams
and Joan Rivers. How did you feel when
theyd come see you perform?
CHO: I was always nervous, always
freaked out. Robin was really there in the
very beginning of my career. I knew him as
a teenager and he would always come in
and bump me so Id have to go on after
him and thats really when I sort of learned
how to be a comedian was from following
him.
BLADE: How about Joan?
CHO: She would come in disguise. She
had a subtle, kind of stealth way about
her. I just adored her so much and when I
would see her shows, you could never go
see her before the show and she wouldnt
want to see you in the audience. It was
always after the show because she would
have my own designer weed and Netix.

Thats all I need.
BLADE: What do you think of Kim Davis?
CHO: Oh gosh, I think she has an
inated sense of her ofce and what shes
supposed to do. Shes not making these
decisions. The decision has been made
and its legal for gay people to get married
in this country. Her job is clerical. You cant
enforce your biases and prejudices in a
government ofce.
MARGARET CHO hopes her new music album will be out by years end.
PHOTO BY EDWARD C. JONES; COURTESY OF BUCKLESWEET MEDIA
get too nervous if she knew you were there

before. I dont really know why, but she
was always very nervous before a show.
BLADE: Do you greet people before or
after yourself?
CHO: Either. Im not as formal that way.
If I have friends there, they can come back
anytime.
BLADE: Theres always been a shock
element to your show. Is it harder to shock
people than it used to be?
CHO: Its more about trying to be smart,
not shocking so much. There has to be a
reason why you bring something shocking
up. There has to be a purpose to it. Theres
nothing gratuitously shocking.
BLADE: You got divorced last year and
have been through a lot in your personal
life it sounds like. How are you doing?
CHO: Im doing great.
BLADE: You seem like youre always
charging ahead on career stuff. Was that
hard to keep going when you were going
through personal stuff?
CHO: So much of my life is my work so
thats what I always have to look forward
to. Its a great social and fun thing for me.
I really enjoy working and its just been so
busy, I havent had time to worry too much
about my personal life.

BLADE: Will we see you more on
Fashion Police?
CHO: Ill be back next week. I guess
well see. I would love to be a regular and
I think its a good t. Its something I really
enjoy doing. I love being there for Melissa
(Rivers). Its a great, fun show.
BLADE: Hows Melissa doing?
CHO: Shes doing great, really great. I
think everybodys really excited to be back
and I love that.
BLADE: I know in general you like more
outr stuff. What do you bring to the show
thats different?
CHO: I think I have a different
perspective on fashion. I denitely favor
something thats more avant garde and
edgier. Different designers, different kinds
of looks. I think the oddball should be
celebrated and the red carpet is a theater
where people can really be dramatic or
over the top. I look forward to encouraging
that point of view.
BLADE: What do you do when you veg
out?
CHO: Oh, I just smoke my own line of
pot. I have my own line coming out that Im
really proud of. I got a lot of it for free so I
BLADE: Tell us about your album and

what else you have coming up.
CHO: I have some music videos that will
be coming out in the next few months that
my album will be out at either the end of
this year or the beginning of next. Im also
doing some TV stuff with some shows that
are just in the early stages of development
but Ill be doing some different things with
writing and producing too.
BLADE: How is the album shaping up
musically?
CHO: Its comedic and fun, but its not
just parody songs. I really want it to sound
beautiful. I really enjoy music and singing
and playing. Its a wonderful expression.
Sometimes I do a little in my shows but Im
still primarily a comedian.
BLADE: A bit like Sandra Bernhard?
CHO: Sure, yeah, although shes much
more of a singer than I am. I have more of
a country sort of voice.
BLADE: There are a lot of issues youre
pissed off about and riff about in the show
but overall are things getting better?
CHO: Absolutely. We are in a better
place than we have ever been and its
going to continue to get better. Its
wonderful. Were teaching the world
about how to treat human beings. Were
teaching humanity through our humanity.
MARGARET CHO
The psyCHO Tour
Friday, Oct. 9
Warner Theatre
513 13th St., N.W.
$27.50-57.50
concerts.livenation.com
margaretcho.com
Tickets are also available for $87.50 that are being
offered as a benet for Brother Help Thyself. They
include a meet-and-greet and photo with Cho.
Details at brotherhelpthyself.net.
SE P T E MBE R 1 1 , 2 0 1 5 5 1
W W W.BEY ER AUTO.COM
THE
NO PRESSURE & HASSLE FREE
THE WAY IT SHOULD BE.
BEAUTY AS BRIGHT AS A ROSE.

PASSION AS SHARP AS A KNIFE.
Photo by Matthew Karas
GEORGES BIZET / HENRI MEILHAC & LUDOVIC HALVY
Sep. 19Oct. 3 | Opera House

KENNEDY-CENTER.ORG (202) 467-4600
Tickets also available at the Box Office. Groups call (202) 416-8400.
Francesca Zambello, Artistic Director

Major support for WNO is provided by Jacqueline Badger Mars.
David and Alice Rubenstein are the Presenting Underwriters of WNO.
WNO acknowledges the longstanding generosity of Life Chairman Mrs. Eugene B. Casey.
General Dynamics is the Presenting Sponsor of WNOs 2015-2016 Season.
WNOs season is presented with the support of Daniel and Gayle DAniello.
Support for Carmen is provided by the Dallas Morse Coors Foundation for the Performing Arts.
WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
5 2 SEPTE MB ER 11, 2015
CA LE N D A R
conversations. For details, visit uhupil.org.
Nellies Sports Bar (900 U St., N.W.)
hosts Poker Face tonight at 8 p.m. Play
Texas Hold Em Poker for free. There
will be prizes. For more details, visit
nelliessportsbar.com.
E-mail calendar items to calendars@washblade.

com two weeks prior to your event. Space is limited so priority is given to LGBT-specic events
or those with LGBT participants. Recurring
events must be re-submitted each time.
TODAY
TUESDAY, SEPT. 15
Bear Nonsense hosts a Bear Happy

Hour at Rock and Roll Hotel (1353 H St.,
N.E.) from 5-10 p.m. D.C. Brau will provide
premium local beer for the night. D.C.
DjS TNX will spin tracks for the party.
There will also be a rae to benet the
Wanda Alston Foundation. There is no
cover charge. For more information, visit
facebook.com/bearnonsense.
D.C. Bear Crue hosts Leather Invasion
at Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) tonight
from 6-10 p.m. Drink specials will be $8
pitchers, $4 rail drinks and free pizza at
7 p.m. For more details, visit facebook.
com/dcleatherpride.
A LGB support group meets today
from 10-11:30 a.m. at 16220 S. Frederick
Rd., Gaithersburg, Md. for individuals
in Montgomery County. The group
will discuss coming out of marriage,
homophobia, parenting issues, nding
intimate relationships, LGB resources
in the suburbs and more. For more
information, visit thedccenter.org.
Women in Their 20s, a social discussion
group for lesbian, bisexual, transgender
and all women interested in women,
meets today at the D.C. Center (2000 14th
St., N.W.) from 8-9:30 p.m. All welcome to
join. For details, visit thedccenter.org.
Legendary singer Diana Ross performs

at Music Center at Strathmore (10701
Rockville Pk., North Bethesda, Md.)
tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets range from
$69-249. For more information and to
purchase tickets, visit Strathmore.org.
Green Lantern (1335 Green Ct., N.W.)
hosts its weekly FUK!T Packing Party
from 7-9 p.m. tonight. For more details, visit
thedccenter.org or greenlanterndc.com.
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 16
SATURDAY, SEPT. 12
Imperial Court of D.C. hosts Gala of
the Americas tonight from 7-11p.m. The
Reining Emperor Manuel Diego Dennis
Alicia and Empress Natasha Jewel Dennis
Carrington will pass along their reign to
DP Carrington and Muy Blake Stephyns.
Awards will also be presented for Best
Male in Theme, Best Female in Theme
and Best Court Entrance in Theme.
Tickets are $150. For more information,
visit imperialcourtdc.org.
Virginia Pride hosts its PrideFest on
Browns Island (7th and Tredegar streets,
Richmond, Va.) today from noon-8 p.m.
Performers include Voo Doo Dolls,
Rayvon Owen, Dumblonde, the Hi-Steps
and many more. There will also be a RVA
Youth Pride Village with entertainers
including Rachel Leyco and Queer Rocket.
There will also be a drag show and dance
party. For more details, visit vapride.org.
Madonna brings her Rebel Heart
Tour to the Verizon Center (601 F St.,
N.W.) tonight at 8 p.m. The tour is in
promotion of her latest album Rebel
Heart. The nation-wide tour will visit 35
cities. Tickets range from $55-200. For
more information, visit verizoncenter.
monumentalnetwork.com.
D.C. Shorts Film Festival continues
with a screening of Barrio Boy at
PHOTO COURTESY OF STRATHMORE
DIANA ROSS brings her hits-packed In the Name of Love Tour to the region twice in the coming
days. She plays Baltimore on Sunday, Sept. 13 and Bethesda, Md., on Tuesday, Sept. 15.
Landmark E Street Cinema (555 11th St.,

N.W.) tonight at 10 p.m. The lm, directed
by Dennis Shiners, follows a Latino barber
as he gradually falls in love with a stranger
while giving him a haircut The lm will be
shown along with a group of other short
lms. Tickets are $12. For more details,
visit festival.dcshorts.com.
Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind
hosts its fth annual Light the Way 5K
Fun Walk and Run at Nationals Park (1500
Capitol St., S.E.) today at 9 a.m. Registration
as an individual is $10. Participants can
also register as a team or for the Kids Race.
Gates open at 8 a.m. For more information
and to register, visit clb.org.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 13
Perrys (1811 Columbia Rd., N.W.) hosts
its weekly Sunday Drag Brunch today
from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The cost is $24.95
for an all-you-can-eat buet. For more
details, visit perrysadamsmorgan.com.

Nellies Sports Bar (900 U St., N.W.)
hosts a drag brunch today with shows at
10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Brunch buet
is $26 and the rst mimosa or Bloody
Mary is free. For more information and to
purchase tickets, visit nelliesdragbrunch.
eventbrite.com.
MONDAY, SEPT. 14
The D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W..)
hosts coee drop-in hours this morning
from 10 a.m.-noon for the senior LGBT
community. Older LGBT adults can
come and enjoy complimentary coee
and conversation with other community
members. For more information, visit
thedccenter.org.
Us Helping Us (3636 Georgia Ave.,
N.W.) holds a support group for gay black
men to discuss topics that aect them,
share perspectives and have meaningful
The National Black Justice Coalition

hosts its sixth annual Out on the Hill
Black LGBT Leadership Summit today
through Sept. 20. This years theme is
We are Family: Building Stronger Roots
Together, focusing on the black family
construct with health care, spirituality,
economics and social justice. There will
be workshops, networking sessions and
more focused on these topics. Tickets
range from $25-150. For more details,
visit nbjc.org.
Bookmen D.C., an informal mens
gay literature group, discusses Eminent
Outlaws: The Gay Writers Who Changed
America by Christopher Bram at the
D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) tonight
at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome. For details,
visit bookmendc.blogspot.com.
The Tom Davoren Social Bridge
Club meets tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the
Dignity Center (721 8th St., S.E.) for social
bridge. No partner needed. For more
information, call 301-345-1571.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 17
Team D.C. hosts a Multi Sport Mixer at
Nellies Sports Bar (900 U St., N.W.) today
from 6:30-9:30 p.m. There will be various
LGBT athletes from dierent clubs and
teams. There will also be a discount on
food when wearing your teams apparel.
For more details, visit facebook.com/
pages/team-dc.
The D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.)
hosts its monthly Poly Discussion
Group at 7 p.m. People of all dierent
stages are invited to discuss polyamory
and other consensual non-monogamous
relationships. This event is for new comers,
established polyamorous relationships
and open to all sexual orientations. For
details, visit thedccenter.org.
SMYAL (410 7th St., S.E.) hosts
Womens Leadership Institute, a group
for LBT women and their straight allies
ages 13-21 to discuss female sexuality,
relationships and womens rights today
from 5-7 p.m. For more information, visit
smyal.org.
SE P T E MBE R 1 1 , 2 0 1 5 5 3
COMMUNITY CLUBHOUSES | FITNESS FACILITY | SWIMMING POOL | NEAR SHOPPING AND DINING
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Sales Counselors: Greg Koehler & Kara Gooden | (301) 210-2785
Bring this ad in to receive up to $10,000 toward closing costs*
Learn more at ryland.com

*In the Washington Division at Brick Yard Station buyer eligible to receive up to $10k in closing costs; offer not applicable at all communities and amount varies by community and plan. This limited time offer may end or change without notice. This
offer not valid with any other promotional offer. Information shown believed to be accurate but not warranted. See Sales Counselor for details on available promotions, restrictions and offer limitations. Buyer must finance through RMC Mortgage
Corporation and close with Ryland Title Company to receive promotions, and incentives. Buyer may finance via any other qualified lender, but may not be eligible for all Ryland incentive and promotional offers. Promotion deductions taken at time
of purchase agreement only. RMC Mortgage Corporation is located at 14280 Park Meadow Drive, Suite 108, Chantilly, Virginia 20151 tel: (703) 449-6500 and is a Licensed Lender, license
number MC-5716 in Alpharetta, GA and branch licenses in Chantilly, VA and Scottsdale, AZ. RMC Mortgage Corporation, NMLS ID #203897 www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. Any rate of interest
advertised by RMC Mortgage Corporation may change or not be available at the time of loan commitment or lock-in. In the Washington, D.C. division, prices, plans, elevations and specifications
are subject to change without notice. Inventory homes are subject to prior sale. Photographs and/or renderings are for illustrative purposes only. Square footage shown is approximate. See Sales
Counselor for a complete list of Houseworks features. See Sales Counselor for details on available promotions, restrictions and offer limitations. 2015 The Ryland Group, Inc. MHBR #128.
LIVE
WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
54 SEPT E M B E R 11, 2015
O U T & A BO U T
UPCOMING PERFORMANCES
COREY
SMITH
THURSDAY SEPT
the
2 NIGHTS!
10
FAB
By MARIAH COOPER
FAUX
FRI & SAT
SEPT 11 & 12
THURS, SEPT 17
SHAMROCKFEST PRESENTS:
HALF WAY TO ST. PATRICKS DAY

FT: THE FIGHTING JAMESONS
FRI, SEPT 18
JOHN HAMMOND
SUN, SEPT 20
THE NIGHTOWLS W/ FALLS

TUES, SEPT 22
PHOTO BY JUREK WAJDOWICZ; COURTESY OF BEACON PRESS
JACKIE GREENE
LGBT teachers
to discuss work
W/ LAUREN SHERA
WED, SEPT 23
SPIRIT FAMILY REUNION

W/ MAIL THE HORSE
WASHINGTON BLADE FILE PHOTO BY JON WOOTEN
17th Street Festival slated for Saturday

THEHAMILTONDC.COM
The sixth annual 17th Street Festival, running along the 17th Street corridor
from R Street to P Street N.W., is on Saturday, Sept. 12 from noon-6 p.m.
Entertainment includes VIDA Fitness Zumba, Kristina Kelly and the Ladies of
Cobalt, Sub Radio and Drag City Divas. There will also be an art show and sale
between P Street and Riggs Place featuring art on display and for sale by local
artists. A kid zone, specically for kid-friendly fun, will also be at the festival.
For more information, visit 17thstreetfestival.org.
Author and educator Kevin Jennings

discusses his new book One Teacher
in Ten in the New Millennium: LGBT
Educators Speak Out About Whats
Gotten Better and What Hasnt at
the D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) on
Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 7 p.m.
The book is a collection of stories
from LGBT educators. Included are
transgender instructors, international
teachers and educators of dierent
ethnic backgrounds. Jennings edited the
collection of stories. Admission is free.
For more details, visit thedccenter.org.
PHOTO COURTESY OF HOFFMAN
Gay author to read

from new novel
Oktoberfest Menu
AVAILABLE SEPT. 19-OCT. 31

SEPT. 19-OCT. 31: EVERY SAT. @ NOON
Spanferkel
Roast suckling pig, two sides,

apfelstrudel & 1L of Oktoberfest bier
M-Th 11:30aM-10pM F-SaT 11:30aM-11pM

Sun. brunch 11aM-3pM / dinner 3-10pM
322 MaSS. ave. ne 202.543.7656
caFeberlin-dc.coM
PHOTO BY DAVE CLAYPOOL
Mixtape back for seventh anniversary

Mixtape, a gay dance party, celebrates its seventh anniversary with a party at
the 9:30 Club (815 V St., N.W.) on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 11 p.m.
DJ Shea Van Horn and DJ Matt Bailer will spin. Limited edition T-shirts will also
be on sale to commemorate the event. The party is open to guests of all ages.
Admission is $15.
For more details, visit mixtapedc.com.
Gay author Wayne Homan holds a

book reading for his book An Older Man
at the D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) on
Saturday, Sept. 12 at 2 p.m.
An Older Man is the sequel to
Homans previous book Hard. The
book tells the story of an older gay man
who attends Bear Week in Provincetown
while looking for love and sex. D.C. Bear
Crue will sponsor the book reading.
For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
A D V I CE
Everythings great for lesbian

couple except the closet
MICHAEL RADKOWSKY, Psy.D. is a licensed

psychologist who works with gay individuals
and couples in D.C. He can be found online
at personalgrowthzone.com. All identifying
information has been changed for reasons
of condentiality. Have a question? Send it to
Michael@personalgrowthzone.com.
HI MICHAEL,
Nora and I have been together for
three years and I love her. Were both in
our mid 20s, working in D.C. and also are
getting our masters degrees part-time.
Were super-busy, have a lot of friends
and t a lot of great cultural activities into
our lives. We even share a puppy.
Everything is great but one really big,
crazy thing. I am a secret to Noras devout
Muslim family. None of them know I exist
not her parents or siblings here in the
area, not any of her cousins overseas
to whom she is extremely close. She is
afraid her family will reject her or worse
if they nd out shes a lesbian.
I cant see how this is resolvable
unless she is willing to take a stand. We
daydream about the future with our own
home, kids, stu like that, but how are we
going to get there? The best answer I get
is, trust me, I will work this out.
I want to be hopeful that Nora will keep
her word but am starting to wonder if I am
delusional. And I wonder what I might be
able to do to help her stand up to her family.
MICHAEL REPLIES:
Heres what I know: you cant get Nora
to come out to her family. Only she can
decide if her familys rejection is worth
S E PT E M B E R 11, 2015 55
the life she says she wants with you.

She might eventually decide to be
open with her family so that she can live
a more honest life, but she has to make
that move when she is ready to deal with
signicant fallout. It sounds like right now
is not the time.
You can decide to stay with Nora
indenitely, holding the hope that one
day she will stop hiding her relationship
with you. You can decide that you are
willing to tolerate the status quo for some
limited amount of time, and leave Nora
at the end of that period if she hasnt yet
come out to her family. Or you can leave
now, if you dont want to wait any longer.
I caution you against making any sort
of threat to leave Nora unless she comes
out. Moves like that are never successful
and usually create more hostility and
resentment. Only tell her youre leaving if
its your solid decision that this situation is
no longer for you, rather than an attempt
to twist her arm.
You might suggest to Nora that she
look for support from others who are or
have been in similar family and religious
situations (for example, there are online
groups for LGBT Muslims and even
support groups in the D.C. area). This
might be helpful to her, though of course
it would be her decision to pursue outside
support or not.
One last thought for you: Youve been
with Nora for three years, saying you
want a closer relationship. How have you
tolerated this situation for so long?
When one person in a relationship
is on the fence about getting close, it
makes it easy for the other partner to
feel as if she wholeheartedly wants a
deeper commitment, whether this is
accurate or not.
Perhaps Nora is not the only one here
who is hesitant to commit. Consider the
possibility that you have some reason to
have chosen a woman who is keeping you at
arms length. It may be that as long as Nora
says no, you dont have to say it yourself.
PLACE YOUR FREE AD ONLINE

WASHINGTONBLADE.COM/CLASSIFIEDS
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5 6 S EPTE MB ER 11, 2015
P H O T O S BY MI CH A E L KE Y
Brother Help Thyself held its annual Pride Day at Kings Dominion in Doswell, Va. on Sept. 5.
SE P T E MBE R 1 1 , 2 0 1 5 5 7
Sparkling New Home
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703.790.9090
Alexandria, VA 22314
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6 0 S EPTE MB ER 11, 2015
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A D V E RT I S I N G
PROOF #1
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P R O O F
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REVIEW AD FOR COPY AND DESIGN ACCURACY. Revisions must be submitted within 24 hours of the date of proof.
Proof will be considered final and will be submitted for publication if revision is not submitted within 24 hours of the date
of proof. Revisions will not be accepted after 12:01 pm wednesday, the week of publication.Brown naff pitts omnimedia
llc (dba the washington blade) is not responsible for the content and/or design of your ad. Advertiser is responsible
for any legal liability arising out of or relating to the advertisement, and/or any material to which users can link through
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omnimedia llc, arising out of or related to advertisers breach of any of the foregoing representations and warranties.
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Irene Xenos
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WA SH I N GTO NB LADE.C OM
SE P T E MBE R 1 1 , 2 0 1 5 6 1
REALESTATE
Refresher on exterior maintenance

Clean gutters, drain pipes and
inspect wooden trim now
By JOSH BAKER
With the summer winding down and the
weather starting to get cooler, many homeowners main focus is: Am I doing enough
to keep my home safe from the outdoor
elements? Our experience over the past
27 years has proven that there are certain
exterior maintenance items that are critical to the long-term health of the home. All
too often, we nd that when serious issues
arise they are directly or indirectly due to
maintenance basics. The following baseline
preventative maintenance steps should
help to ensure that your homes exterior
can handle the elements.
Trim, Windows and Shutters: Wooden
trim, windows and shutters need annual
maintenance and inspection to ensure the
life of the wood, and to prevent unwanted
water from entering the interior of the
house. Even the best weather barrier in the
world would not be sucient if a steady
supply of water is allowed to get behind
the trim or windows. Caulking is the product used to prevent water inltration and
rot where trim and windows meet the primary exterior surface (siding, stone, stucco,
etc.), as well as at the joints of shutters. The
life span of caulking varies depending on
the amount of exposure to the weather,
and for this reason all windows, trim and
shutters should be inspected annually and
touched up as necessary to prevent any
premature rot or water inltration.
Some basic maintenance will keep your

house from developing problems in the
winter.
Maintenance Recommendation: Annual

inspection, and caulking and paint touch
up as necessary.
Gutters and Downspouts: When gutters and/or downspouts get blocked there
is a greater risk that water will get into the
home or cause damage to trim and/or the
fascia boards to which they are mounted.
Depending on the amount of trees around

the home, gutters will need cleaning four or
more times per year. Just as important as
cleaning the gutters, is testing downspouts
to ensure they are not blocked. It is not
uncommon to have a downspout blocked
near the bottom, and when this happens
gutters will ll with water and leak over the
front and the back of the gutter. If gutters
and downspouts are not consistently maintained, they can eventually pull away from
the house due to the weight burden of the
standing water. Also, when cleaning gutters
it is a good time to also clear debris from
valleys and low-pitched roofs.
Maintenance Recommendation: Clean
four times a year to ensure ow.
Underground Drainage: Many people
have a oor or grate drain at the bottom of
an exterior stairwell and/or underground
drains connected to downspouts that take
the water away from the house. Keeping
these drains free and clear is as important as
keeping your gutters and downspouts clean.
In heavy rains, oor and grate drains can get
clogged with debris, allowing water to build
up and get into the house below an exterior
door. Keeping these free and clear will minimize the risk of unwanted water inltration.
Maintenance Recommendation: Four
times a year based on location and monitor during heavy rains. Drains must remain
clear to ensure water ow.
Exterior Grade: Standing water and poor
drainage raise the risk of water inltration.
Because of that, it is critical to keep water
away from the home by providing and maintaining a sloped grade away from the house.
Along with gutters, downspouts and drains,
the grading around the exterior of the home

plays a critical role in keeping water and excess moisture away from the structure. Also,
when dirt is disturbed during construction or
landscaping it often settles in unexplainable
ways. Inspecting the exterior of the home
twice a year to maintain positive drainage is
critical to keeping things dry.
Maintenance Recommendation: Inspect
twice a year.
Hose Bibs: Hose bibs are the water faucets
to which gardening hoses attach. Every year,
basements become ooded because water
is allowed to remain inside the pipes through
the freezing winter months, which can cause
pipes to burst. When spring rolls around,
these busted pipesthaw and begin to leak. If
not identied right away, this can lead to excessive water damage. All hose bibs, including those that are Frost Free should be shut
o and drained during the winter months to
prevent this from happening.
Maintenance Recommendation: Turn
o and drain hose bibs in the fall, and turn
back on in the spring.
With these maintenance steps, youll ensure that your home is prepared for the fall
and winter months ahead. Also, keeping a
regular schedule of home maintenance is
critical to safeguarding your home for you
and your family all year long.
JOSH BAKER is founder and co-chair of BOWA,
an award-winning design and construction
company specializing in luxury renovations,
additions and condominium remodels in the
greater Washington, D.C. area. BOWA has more
than 27 years of experience and has been honored with 170 local and national awards. For
more information, visit bowa.com, or call 703734-9050.
Sid Binks, PhD, ABPP-CN

Board Certified in Clinical Neuropsychology
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Individual & Couples Therapy

for the LGBTQ Community
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3000 Connecticut Ave. NW 202.255.5187 SidBinks@aol.com
LGBTC.com/html/sid_binks.html
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62 S E PT E M B E R 11, 201 5
Stress-less at MiR Yoga

Svaroopa studio in
Kensington focuses on
relaxation, wellbeing
By MARK LEE
Michle Gordon understands rsthand the intrinsic benets of her MiR

Yoga business located in her hometown
of Kensington, Md. Gordon opened the
practice in 2014 following more than a
decade as a Svaroopa Yoga instructor in
Rehoboth Beach, Del.
Previously a 25-year special education
teacher on the eastern shore of Delaware, her demanding occupation caused
her to seek remedies for physical relaxation and relief of stress. Driving by The
Yoga Studio in Rehoboth Beach on a regular basis, a blue sign displaying the traditional Om meditative chant had always
Place your housing to share ad on www.washingtonblade.com
caught her eye. Gordons curiosity about
and the ads print free in the paper and online!
the practice of yoga was piqued, leading
(25 words or less prints free - anything more it is $1.00 per word)
her to sign up for a class in 2001.
She quickly learned how an easily
learned disciplined style of movement
could help her achieve her goals of ridding her body of the cumulative tension
and anxiety common to anyone experiencing the normal bustle of modern life.
Gordon would eventually become
JusT LIsTed! 5515 LITTLe fALLs ROAd
an instructor of Svaroopa Yoga at the
Rehoboth studio, learning from promiThis stately Colonial with 2 car garage is nestled on a gorgeous
nent practitioners from the Master Yoga
10,022 square foot lot in the picturesque Country Club Estates
Foundation in Philadelphia who had also
neighborhood. Enjoy 4,350 finished square feet of space, 5
bedrooms, high-end remodeled baths, an open concept island
trained across the globe. She continues
kitchen & dining room opening onto a large family room addition,
to teach a monthly class in Rehoboth in
master with bath ensuite, a fabulous skylight screened-in porch,
addition to conducting classes in Kenswrap around decking, a fully finished daylight lower level complete
ington, just north of Chevy Chase in
with rec room, 2 bedrooms and full bath, and a finished attic with Open Sunday 1-4pM
D.C.-neighboring Montgomery County.
bonus room and tons of storage space. WOW!
Gordon oers her classes at Allay Yoga
studio in the historic Kensington Antique
Village, at 10419 Armory Ave. near How4701 Old Dominion Drive Arlington, VA 22207
ard and Connecticut avenues.
Gordon, now a Certied Svaroopa
703-593-3204 WWW.dAVeLOyd.NeT
Yoga Teacher (CSYT) and Registered Yoga
ADVERTISING PROOF
Teacher with more than 500 hours of
ISSUE DATE
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training (RYT-500) certied by the Yoga
Alliance, jokes that her extensive training
proof. Proof will be considered final and will be submitted for publication if revision is not submitted within 24 hours of
cost me more than my masters degree
Broker, GRI
the date of proof. Revisions will not be accepted after 12:01 pm wednesday, the week of publication.Brown naffAssociate
pitts
NS
IGN
at GW in D.C. Svaroopa Yoga instructors
can link through the advertisement. Advertiser represents that its advertisement will not violate any criminal laws or
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typically spend more hours training than
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competition, defamation, invasion of privacy or rights of celebrity, violation of anti-discrimination law or regulation,
any other style of yoga, she notes.
SIONS
washington blade newspaper. This includes
but is not
limited to placement,
The
poses
are deceptively easy, Gorby brown naff pitts omnimedia llc, arising out of or related to advertisers breach of any of the foregoing representations
Her
father
was
a
Stalker
and
and warranties.
don emphasizes in describing the hatha
her mother was a Hoarder, so
style of yoga, but create deep and profound change. Focused on releasing
she moved out to get herself
spinal tension, the process all begins at
a sense of Law and Order.
the tailbone, she explains, from tail-totop at the back of the neck in a series of
sequenced poses. She strives for maximizing individualized attention through
small class sizes, enabling instruction in
Dupont Circle Office 202.243.7700 (o)
correctly aligned poses for the greatest
202.246.8602 (c) Valerie@DCHomeQuest.com
physical benet.
www.DCHomeQuest.com
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Valerie M. Blake
WASHINGTON BLADE PHOTO BY MICHAEL KEY
The poses are deceptively easy, MICHLE

GORDON says, in describing the hatha style
of yoga, but create deep and profound
change.
All symptoms and ailments are related

to the tailbone area, Gordon asserts.
Noting that the practice is not exercise
in the traditional sense, poses are designed to promote core opening allowing a release of tension from the muscles
adjoining the spine and creating a state of
bliss and relaxation.
The purpose is to release deep core
muscle tension, Gordon says, utilizing
a slow and restful process to attain a
restorative state. Stacked blankets are
used to prop the body and support the
spine during poses designed to open the
entire length of the spine. These are always undertaken in the same order, such
as the Magic Four series that decompresses the spine.
In my classes we also concentrate on
full breathing techniques, Gordon says,
calling it more important than the poses, and benecial for reducing sleeplessness.
Gordon also oers in-home sessions
for both individuals and couples, and
has partnered with area tness centers.
Yoga can help reduce muscle tightening
for gym enthusiasts and bicyclists, also
improving form.
Attitudes about yoga are changing,
Gordon says, as more people become
acquainted with the techniques and learn
how incredibly benecial it can be to
ones physical wellbeing. The denition of
yoga is the healing of the mind and body,
she adds, allowing them both to re-set.
She encourages anyone interested to
sign up for a complementary class. Gordon knows how much she has beneted
and is eager to share that opportunity
with others.
Additional information on MiR Yoga,
Svaroopa Yoga techniques, and class
schedules and pricing are available at
MireYoga.com.
MARK LEE is a long-time entrepreneur and
community business advocate. Follow on Twitter: @MarkLeeDC. Reach him at OurBusinessMatters@gmail.com.
SE P T E MBE R 1 1 , 2 0 1 5 6 3
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a 2013 & 2014
american graphic
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6 4 S EPTE MB ER 11, 2015
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Therapy Guild. Call 202-483-2660.
washingtontherapyguild.com.
LGBTQ AFFIRMING THERAPY at
Dupont Circle Individuals, couples,
LGBTQI2-S Affirmative Therapy Downtown Silver Spring. Group,

couples & individual. Warm,
supportive & interactive. Blue Cross
PPO/Out-of-Network/Sliding Fee
Scale. Jonathan Lebolt, PhD, DCSW,
CGP, Therapy@Doctor-Jon.com, www.
Doctor-Jon.com, 240-507-7696.
EMPLOYMENT
LOCKER ROOM ATTENDANTS
NEEDED! The Crew Club, a gay mens
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scrub toilets & do heavy cleaning. You
must be physically able to handle the
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Please call Richard at (202) 319-1333.
from 9-5pm, to schedule an interview.
LEGAL SERVICES
FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM
Representing the GLBT community
for over 30 years. Family adoptions,
estate planning, immigration,
employment. (301) 891-2200.Silber,
Perlman, Sigman & Tilev, P.A. www.
SP-Law. com.
ADOPTION & ASSISTED
REPRODUCTIVE Law Attorney Jennifer
Fairfax represents clients in Maryland
& D.C. interested in adoption or ART
matters.301-221-9651,JFairfax@
jenniferfairfax.com.
families, adolescents. Over 15

years serving the community. Mike
Giordano, LICSW. 202/460-6384
mike.giordano.msw@gmail.com.
www.WhatIHearYouSaying.com.
COUNSELING FOR GAY MEN.
Individual/couple counseling w/
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202-580-8861. gaymenscounseling.
org. No fees, donation requested.
SHARE ADS
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Place your
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HEATING / COOLING
PHOTOGRAPHY
STEVE OTOOLE
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portraits, weddings &
dating photos
for the internet.
Call (703) 532-3031.
www.
steveotoolephotography.
com.
CLEANING
MOVERS
OUR GUYS AROUND TOWN
MOVERS. Professional Moving &
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TOO NEAT GUYS INC. Residential

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REAL ESTATE AGENTS
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WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
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SEPTEMBER

AMERICAS GAY NEWS SOURCE

0 2 S EPTE MB ER 11, 2015

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0 4 S EPTE MB ER 11, 2015

Largest U.S. AIDS conference convenes in D.C.

deputy director of the AIDS Institute,

By LOU CHIBBARO JR.

registration fee for attending conference

U.S. House Minority Leader NANCY PELOSI

led by Dr. Eugene McCray, director of

Fire damages Rehoboth gay bar

W A SH I N GTO NB LAD E.C OM

Designed for everyone.

0 6 S EPTE MB ER 11, 2015

New Orleans hosts Southern Decadence

Kerry: U.S. working towards AIDS-free generation

Jenner: Marriage views have changed

Arkansas city again approves LGBT ordinance

W A SH I N GTO NB LAD E.C OM

0 8 S EPTE MB ER 11, 2015

Will Kim Davis inspire Congress to act?

employee to refuse to le tax and Social

the federal government cant take any

the First Amendment Defense Act before

W A SH I N GTO NB LAD E.C OM

1 0 S EPTE MB ER 11, 2015

Anticipation grows ahead of popes U.S. visit

POPE FRANCIS is scheduled to arrive in D.C.

Duddy-Burke in July wrote a letter

summer of 2013 told reporters that gay

A Methodist congregation has agreed

W A SH I N GTO NB LAD E.C OM

Ask your doctor if a medicine made by Gilead is right for you.

1 2 S EPTE MB ER 11, 2015

HHS seeks to bar anti-trans bias in health care

MARA KEISLING said the proposed HHS

administrations commitment to giving

change as a major breakthrough for

Julie Gonen, policy director for the

Court nds trans Mexican immigrant eligible for relief in U.S.

States and living in Fresno, Calif., where

while the rest of the group watched and

encountered, and then assaulted,

W A SH I N GTO NB LAD E.C OM

WALK WITH US TO HELP

1 4 S EPTE MB ER 11, 2015

China TV addresses LGBT rights in watershed program

In any authoritarian country, controlling

XIAOGANG WEI appears on Dialogue, a

earlier and, according to the guests on

China at the start in order to cover his

One reason is that culturally, Chinese

W A SH I N GTO NB LAD E.C OM

Keep your promise to protect each other.

Wills & Trusts

(240) 778-2330 (703) 536-0220

Serving the LGBT Community

SERVING OUR COMMUNITY

2141 P STREET NW SUITE 103

Serving Our COmmunity fOr 31 yearS

ISSUE DATE: 10.26.12

SALES REPRESENTATIVE: BRIAN PITTS (bpitts@washblade.com)