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CONTENTS

JANUARY 11, 2018 Volume 24 Issue 35

14 PRECISION TUNED
Richard Thomas on the demanding natural language
of The Humans, his John-Boy Walton legacy,
and the monstrosity of It.

By Randy Shulman

THE SECRETS OF MAL


Centaur Patrick Grady on the growth, evolution
and brotherhood of MAL Weekend, and his role
as its longtime Chairman.

Interview by Randy Shulman


Photography by Todd Franson
28
41 TOUCH OF TABLOID
Michael Wolff’s Fire and Fury is a gripping, damning
telling of the chaos in Trump’s White House.

SPOTLIGHT: LATIN EXPLOSION p.7 OUT ON THE TOWN p.13


By Rhuaridh Marr

PRECISION TUNED: RICHARD THOMAS p.14 THE FEED p.21


COMMUNITY: FUNDING THE COMMUNITY: p.23 FORUM: CAN OPRAH WIN? p.27
COVER STORY: THE SECRETS OF MAL p.28 DANCE FOR THE AGES p.35 EVERYTHING MAL p.37
GALLERY: HOLIDAY STARKILLERS STRIKE BACK p.39
BOOKS: FIRE AND FURY p.41 FILM: PHANTOM THREAD p.43
NIGHTLIFE p.45 SCENE: GREEN LANTERN p.45 LISTINGS p.46
SCENE: JR.’S p.52 LAST WORD p.54
Real LGBTQ News and Entertainment since 1994
Editorial Editor-in-Chief Randy Shulman Art Director Todd Franson Managing Editor Rhuaridh Marr Senior Editor John Riley Contributing Editor Doug Rule
Senior Photographers Ward Morrison, Julian Vankim Contributing Illustrator Scott G. Brooks Contributing Writers André Hereford,
Sean Maunier, Troy Petenbrink, Kate Wingfield Webmaster David Uy Production Assistant Julian Vankim
Sales & Marketing Publisher Randy Shulman National Advertising Representative Rivendell Media Co. 212-242-6863 Distribution Manager Dennis Havrilla
Patron Saint John Hess Cover Photography Todd Franson

Metro Weekly 1775 I St. NW, Suite 1150 Washington, DC 20006 202-638-6830
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© 2017 Jansi LLC.

4 JANUARY 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


Spotlight
MATTHEW MURPHY

Latin Explosion
On Your Feet star Christie Prades captures the rhythm and passion of Gloria Estefan

A
HIGH-ENERGY LOCOMOTIVE HAS POWERED INTO floors worldwide. Still, Prades, who also performs a few famous
the Kennedy Center with the arrival of On Your Feet, the ballads in the show, credits the passion of Estefan’s songwriting
Tony-nominated Broadway musical about the life and for the amazing connection between Gloria, a recent Kennedy
music of Gloria Estefan. Center honoree, and her many fans.
While the show’s book, written by Academy Award-winner “She’s such an incredible songwriter, she and the whole team
Alexander Dinelaris (Birdman), charts the romance and fruitful of Miami Sound Machine,” she says. “It’s a storytelling kind of
partnership of Cuban immigrants Estefan and her husband Emilio, music that we don’t really hear nowadays. It’s just about living
the score celebrates the decades of hit songs they produced, main- and enjoying the music, enjoying rhythm, enjoying life.”
ly with their group the Miami Sound Machine. For star Christie Prades also respects the legacy pioneered by Latin music
Prades, who leads the conga-line through the Estefan songbook artists, like Celia Cruz, who came before the Estefans, as well
— from “Rhythm is Gonna Get You” to Spanish-language favorites as those who have come since Gloria first sang her way into the
like “Mi Tierra” — it’s a marathon performance. spotlight.
“I think I’m offstage for only two numbers,” says the Miami- “Her music is timeless, and it’s really interesting to bring [it]
born daughter of Cuban immigrants. “So when I am [offstage], I back to those who were huge fans of her in the ’80s and ’90s, and
take as many breaths as possible, because I have to go right back to also bring it to the new generation. That’s the brilliance of her
up and stay there until the end.” songwriting and her melody making. I think that they had that
Known for the infectious beat of their Latin crossover sound, gift, and that’s why it stays so, so relevant today.”
the Estefans created music that’s lit up stadiums and dance —André Hereford

On Your Feet runs to January 28 at the Kennedy Center Opera House. Tickets are $59 to $149.
Call 202-467-4600, or visit kennedy-center.org.

JANUARY 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 7


Spotlight
MARY LAMBERT
The beautifully voiced singer from Macklemore & Ryan
Lewis’ Grammy-nominated 2013 pop hit “Same Love
(She Keeps Me Warm)” returns for more stage therapy,
performing selections from her frank and vulnerable
repertoire — which includes spoken-word poetry as
well as songs — and basking in the love and shared
tears of her engaged and supportive fans. Designated
a safe space for all, the concert is presented by Live
Nation at Adams Morgan’s intimate subterranean venue
Songbyrd. Lambert tours in support of last year’s self-re-
leased EP Bold, along with folk/rock act Mal Blum.
Wednesday, Jan. 17. Doors at 7 p.m. Songbyrd Music
House, 2477 18th St. NW. Tickets are $20 to $22. Call
LIVE NATION

202-450-2917 or visit songbyrddc.com.

JANE FRANKLIN DANCE:


FORTY+ OR MINUS
Local youth as well as adults over age 40 will be mixed up
for a multi-generational exploration of what it means to be
of “your generation,” exploring technological concepts both
current and outdated, from VHS to MP4. Saturday, Jan. 13, at
7:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 18, at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 20,
at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, Jan. 27, at 7:30 p.m. Theatre on the
Run, 3700 South Four Mile Run Dr. Arlington. Tickets are $5
to $22. Call 703-933-1111 or visit janefranklin.com.

GAIL BINGHAM
CONCERTO FANTASY
FOR TWO TIMPANISTS
Baltimore-native composer Philip Glass’s rare clas-
sical showcase for kettledrum, the Concerto Fantasy
for Two Timpanists, is performed by the Baltimore
Symphony Orchestra’s James Wyman (pictured) and
NSO’s Jauvon Gilliam. And that’s just the headline
piece in a Marin Alsop-led program also featur-
ing Saint-Saëns’ enchanting Carnival of the Animals,
with added narration by Baltimore hip-hop artist
Wordsmith. All that, and Debussy’s La Mer and
Ravel’s La Valse, too. Thursday, Jan. 11, at 8 p.m.
Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral
St., Baltimore. Also Sunday, Jan. 14, at 3 p.m. Music
Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North
Bethesda. Call 410-783-8000 or visit bsomusic.org.
BSO

8 JANUARY 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


Spotlight
THE WAY OF THE WORLD
Theresa Rebeck (TV’s Smash) loosely
adapts William Congreve’s 17th-century
comedy of manners by exposing the foibles
of the one-percenters. Presented by Folger
Theatre as part of the Women’s Voices
Theatre Festival, The Way of the World is set
in modern-day Hamptons and stars noted
Broadway actress Kristine Nielsen (Vanya
and Sonia and Masha and Spike). To Feb. 11.
201 East Capitol St. SE. Call 202-544-7077

TERESA WOOD
or visit folger.edu.

SUSPICION
Joan Fontaine snagged the Best Actress Oscar for her
role in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1941 thriller, making her
the only person to win an acting Oscar in a Hitchcock-
helmed film. Fontaine marries charming playboy Cary
Grant and comes to regret it — and so did Hitchcock:
Suspicion is notorious for not ending the way the
director wanted. Though keep a close eye on the
glass of milk.... The film is the latest in Landmark’s
West End Cinema hump-day screening series Capital
Classics. Screenings are Wednesday, Jan. 17, at 1:30,
4:30, and 7:30 p.m., 2301 M St. NW. Happy hour from
4 to 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 to $12.50. Call 202-534-
1907 or visit landmarktheatres.com.

VERMEER AND THE MASTERS


OF GENRE PAINTING
A landmark exhibition examining the artistic exchanges among
Johannes Vermeer and his contemporaries in the 17th century,
when they reached the height of their technical ability and mastery
of depictions of daily life. Quiet scenes unfolding in private house-
holds and featuring elegant ladies and gentlemen were among the
most striking aspects of Dutch painting of this Golden Age, a time of
STAATLICHE MUSEEN ZU BERLIN

innovation and prosperity. In conjunction with the National Gallery


of Ireland and the Louvre in Paris, the exhibition features 70 works
by Vermeer, Gerard ter Borch, Gerrit Dou, Pieter de Hooch, Gabriël
Metsu, Frans van Mieris, Caspar Netscher and Jan Steen. Through
Jan. 21. West Building of National Gallery of Art, 4th Street and
Constitution Avenue NW. Call 202-842-6716 or visit nga.gov.

JANUARY 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 9


STEREO VISION
Out On The Town

LA BOUM
Launched seven years ago at L’Enfant Cafe, the incredibly popular boozy brunch/day party known as La Boum has only
gotten bigger and boum-ier in recent years — even earning a nod as one of Bravo TV’s “Top 5 Raging Brunches in the
U.S.” Having moved the party to larger, swankier digs south of Dupont Circle last year, organizers are kicking off 2018
this Saturday, Jan. 13, at yet another swanky spot in the Golden Triangle district, this one brand-spanking new to boot.
Speaking of spanking, the self-billed “revolutionary-style brunch” welcomes patrons of all genders and sexual orientations
for a multi-course dinner and four hours of drinking, dancing to a DJ, and doing “everything they weren’t allowed to do
under pure parental supervision as young adults.” Tickets remain only for the Sunday brunches on Jan. 14 and Jan. 21.
Sunday, Jan. 28., is the official 7th anniversary party. Abigail Room, 1230 M St. NW. Tickets are $32.50 to $35 per person,
plus 20-percent gratuity and drinks. Call 240-286-4286 or visit laboumbrunch.com.

Compiled by Doug Rule tary by Sam Pollard and featuring the woman who might or might ing a collision between five people
rapper-turned-actor Common as not have saved his grandfather in who cannot tell the truth from lies.
FILM narrator. Set in Mississippi in June
of 1964, aka the tense and violent
Nazi Germany. The journey into
an unexpected past, where reali-
To Feb. 4. Sprenger Theatre in Atlas
Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St.
Freedom Summer, the Washington ty collides with fiction, is brought NE. Tickets are $10 to $50. Call
THE ROCKY HORROR Jewish Music Festival screens the to life on stage with a cast featur- 202-399-7993 or visit atlasarts.org.
PICTURE SHOW work, with music by Gary Clark ing Alex Alferov, Billy Finn, Eric
Landmark’s E Street Cinema screens Jr. and others, in a co-presenta- Hissom, Daven Ralston, and Nancy QUEENS GIRL IN AFRICA
Richard O’Brien’s camp classic, tion with the March on Washington Robinette. Opens in previews Erika Rose plays a woman finding
billed as the longest-running mid- Film Festival. Tuesday, Jan. 16, at Thursday, Jan. 11. To Feb. 4. The her place in war-torn Nigeria in
night movie in history. Landmark’s 7:30 p.m. The Aaron and Cecile Aaron and Cecile Goldman Theater, this sequel from Caleen Sinnette
showings come with a live shadow Goldman Theater, Edlavitch Edlavitch DCJCC, 1529 16th St. Jennings to Queens Girl in the
cast from the Sonic Transducers, DCJCC, 1529 16th St. NW. Tickets NW. Tickets are $39 to $69. Call World, a New York Times-certified
meaning it’s even more inter- are $13.50. Call 202-777-3247 or 202-777-3247 or visit wjmf.org. hit from the first Women’s Voices
active than usual. Friday, Jan. 12, visit wjmf.org. Theatre Festival two years ago.
and Saturday, Jan. 13, at midnight GUILT Now part of the second iteration of
Landmark’s E Street Cinema, 555
STAGE SCENA Theatre presents a world the festival, Mosaic Theater pres-
11th St. NW. Call 202-452-7672 or premiere, based on historical ents a world premiere and its first
visit landmarktheatres.com. events, by John Shand. The story commission, becoming part of its
EVERYTHING IS ILLUMINATED of a charming and clever philander- series “Transformational Journeys:
TWO TRAINS RUNNING Aaron Posner directs a stage adap- ing priest in the 17th Century, the Inspired Singular Explorations.”
The search for two forgotten blues tation of Jonathan Safran Foer’s provocative drama delves into the Paige Hernandez directs. To Feb.
singers — Son House and Skip James best-selling debut novel about a intolerance, xenophobia and perse- 4. Lang Theatre in Atlas Performing
— is the focus of this 2016 documen- young man who sets out to find cution of the powers that be, depict-

JANUARY 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 13


Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. Call
202-399-7993 or visit mosaicthe-
ater.org.

RABBIT SUMMER
Playwright Tracey Conyer
Lee explores police brutality,
#BlackLivesMatter and American
ideals in a work that Ally Theatre
Company offers as its contribution
to the Women’s Voices Theater
Festival. Tamieka Chavis, Michelle
Rogers, and Jeremy Keith Hunter
star in the world-premiere produc-
tion, directed by KenYatta Rogers,
and focused on the core-rocking
consternation that befalls a black
JULIETA CERVANTES

police officer after a family friend


loses her husband to a trigger-hap-
py white officer. Opens Thursday,
Jan. 11. To Jan. 28. Joe’s Movement
Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Road,
Mount Rainier, Md. Tickets are $15
Thomas (L) to $25. Call 301-699-1819 or visit

PRECISION TUNED
alltheatrecompany.com.

SOVEREIGNTY
As its contribution to the Women’s
Voices Theater Festival, Arena
Richard Thomas on the demanding natural language of The Humans, Stage offers a world premiere of
his John-Boy Walton legacy, and the monstrosity of It. Mary Kathryn Nagle’s exploration

I
into the state of Native American
affairs. Focused particularly on
F YOU WANTED TO BE REALLY, REALLY STRICT ABOUT GENRE, IT’S CLEARLY A Washington’s historical treat-
comedy,” says Richard Thomas of Stephen Karam’s 2016 Tony-winning play, The Humans. ment of the Cherokee Nation and
“But that’s too thin a description. Because it’s heartbreaking, as well. It’s very touching. It has the present-day consequences, as
examined through the work of a
a lot of life stuff. I mean, it’s a picture of being human, really.” young Cherokee lawyer fighting for
Thomas stars alongside Pamela Reed, Daisy Eagan and Lauren Klein in the 97-minute, inter- her people while confronting the
missionless play, making a stop at the Kennedy Center through the end of this month. The action ghosts of her grandfathers. Opens
takes place at a family Thanksgiving dinner that becomes increasingly combative, as the kin grap- in previews Friday, Jan. 12. Runs to
Feb. 18. Mead Center for American
ple with issues ranging from aging and illness to religion and financial hardship. Theater, 1101 6th St. SW. Call 202-
“The ensemble writing is extraordinarily naturalistic and beautiful,” says the 66-year-old 488-3300 or visit arenastage.org.
Thomas, who entered the American cultural pantheon when he starred as John-Boy on the 1970s
TV classic, The Waltons. “[Our delivery] should look completely natural and effortless. In fact, the MUSIC
text is highly complicated, specific, very precise, and technically very demanding. It’s chamber
music for actors at a very high level in terms of overlaps and interjections and pauses. Nothing is BABYFACE WITH THE NSO POPS
In his first-ever collaboration with
left to chance, even though it looks like it.” a full orchestra, music mogul, R&B
This is not Thomas’ first trip to the Kennedy Center — or to D.C., for that matter. In 1985, he songwriter extraordinaire, and ’90s
was gripping in visionary director Peter Sellars’ astonishing, avant garde take on The Count of hitmaker Kenny Edmonds will per-
form from his rich repertoire as Tim
Monte Cristo. A portion of that production’s final act was played, famously, in total darkness. “It Davies leads the NSO Pops. The con-
was very effective,” recalls Thomas of the stunt dreamed up by Sellars. Eight years later, Thomas cert opens with a half-hour medley of
turned up at The Shakespeare Theatre as the lead in Michael Kahn’s memorable staging of songs made famous by Babyface and
Richard II. performed by students from D.C.’s
renowned Duke Ellington School
Still, he’ll always be John-Boy Walton to some, and the actor harbors no ill-will for being so of the Arts. Friday, Jan. 19, and
strongly associated with the character 40 years later. “It’s a good thing, because it was a huge Saturday, Jan. 20, at 8 p.m. Kennedy
success. It was something I was proud to do, and not some show that I’m embarrassed about. I Center Concert Hall. Tickets are $24
to $119. Call 202-467-4600 or visit
mean, it wasn’t My Mother, the Car,” he laughs. “It’s only a problem if it keeps you from getting kennedy-center.org.
other work. If you can’t move forward and do other work that you find personally satisfying, and
obviously for your livelihood, then it’s proven to be a problem. This was never the case for me, so ELENA & LOS FULANOS,
I don’t have any sort of unhappy or bitter feelings about it.” RUN COME SEE
A bilingual folk/rock band based in
Thomas is also well-known for starring, along with John Ritter, Dennis Christopher, and D.C., Elena & Los Fulanos is influ-
Annette O’Toole, in the original 1990 mini-series of Stephen King’s It. Though he has not seen the enced by its frontwoman’s experi-
remake, he’s gently philosophical about its existence. “You have to have one for every generation,” ence growing up in two cultures,
Nicaraguan and American. The
he says. “There’s no ownership in any of this stuff.” It doesn’t take much pressing to get Thomas group tours in support of its second
to weigh in about the original’s dreadful ending, with its cheesy climactic battle between “The album Volcán and on a double-bill
Losers” and a giant, stop-motion, spider-like creature. “You finally see this thing, and you think, with a new Americana act featur-
‘What the fuck?’ It’s like a bad order of crab rangoon.” — Randy Shulman ing local musicians Lauren Calve
on slide guitar and vocals, John
Figura on guitar and vocals, and
The Humans runs to Jan. 28 in the Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater. Tickets are $49 to $139. Tom Liddle on upright bass and
Call 202-467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org. vocals. The concert takes place in

14 JANUARY 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


Togetherness), a new work touted
as a breathtaking journey into the
influences that African dance and
culture has had on contemporary
dance styles. Led by the compa-
ny’s co-founder and artistic director
Assane Konte, the concert features
the senior and junior companies of
KanKouran as well as the children’s
company and the community class.
Saturday, Jan. 13, at 8 p.m., and
Sunday, Jan. 14, at 4 p.m. Dance
Place, 3225 8th St. NE. Tickets are
$25 in advance, or $30 at the door.
Call 202-269-1600 or visit dan-
ceplace.org.

ONOE KIKUNOJYO, ONOE


SCHOOL OF DANCE: DANCER
OF JAPAN
Japanese classical dancer and cho-
reographer Onoe Kikunojyo III
returns to the U.S. as the Grand
Master of the prestigious Onoe
School of Dance. A dance ensemble
of four performs a series of dra-
matic dance theater portrayals of
legendary events as a toast to the
newly renovated Terrace Theater
at the Kennedy Center with a nod
to the 1979 opening performance
of the original Terrace Theater by
KING: A FILMED RECORD...MONTGOMERY TO MEMPHIS the Grand Kabuki Troupe of Japan.
The American Film Institute celebrates MLK Day by screening a free documentary fea- Sunday, Jan. 14, at 2 p.m. Kennedy
Center Terrace Theater. Tickets are
turing footage of the civil rights legend. King: A Filmed Record...Montgomery to Memphis $25 to $100. Call 202-467-4600 or
includes his stirring “I Have A Dream” speech at the Lincoln Memorial, and features nar- visit kennedy-center.org.
ration and commentary from Sidney Poitier, James Earl Jones, Paul Newman, Charlton
Heston, Harry Belafonte, and Ruby Dee, among others. Sidney Lumet and Joseph L.
Mankiewicz co-directed and produced the 1970 film. Monday, Jan. 15, at 11 a.m. AFI Silver
READINGS AND
Theatre, 8633 Colesville Road, Silver Spring. Tickets are free, available at the box office DISCUSSIONS
starting at 10:30 a.m. day-of. Call 301-495-6720 or visit afi.com/Silver.
ED YONG: I CONTAIN
MULTITUDES
With humor and wit, the Atlantic
science writer offers a look into the
the intimate venue on the District GINA SOBEL at 6 p.m. Kennedy Center Concert microbes that live within and all
Wharf that doubles as a restaurant/ A series of concerts featuring the Hall. Free tickets will be given away around us, working in tandem to
cafe by day. Saturday, Jan. 13. Doors sonically diverse 2018 class of two per person on a first-come, make us who we are. A New York
at 7 p.m. Pearl Street Warehouse, 33 Artists in Residence at Strathmore first-served basis starting at 4:30 Times bestseller upon its hardover
Pearl St. SW. Tickets are $10. Call kicks off with a multi-instrumen- p.m. Call 202-467-4600 or visit ken- release in 2016, Yong drops by for
202-380-9620 or visit pearlstreet- talist who plays both flute and sax- nedy-center.org. a discussion and reading to further
warehouse.com. ophone and leads both a rock band delve into the multitudinous micro-
and a jazz quartet — when not per- VERONNEAU biome. Tuesday, Jan. 16, at 6:30 p.m.
FINE ARTS QUARTET, forming solo, that is. Wednesday, The globally inspired jazz band, Kramerbooks, 1517 Connecticut
ALON GOLDSTEIN Jan. 17, and Wednesday, Jan. led by Canadian vocalist Lynn Ave. NW. Call 202-387-1400 or visit
A leading chamber ensemble for 31, at 7:30 p.m. The Mansion at Veronneau and including her hus- kramers.com.
over over seven decades, local Fine Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, band guitarist Ken Avis, returns to
Arts Quartet performs a “Mozart North Bethesda. Tickets are $17. Blues Alley for a CD Release Party. EMILY DUFTON: GRASS ROOTS
& More” concert presented by the Call 301-581-5100 or visit strath- Violin virtuoso Dave Kline and leg- — THE RISE AND FALL AND RISE
Washington Conservatory of Music. more.org. endary D.C. bassist John Previti will OF MARIJUANA IN AMERICA
A swan song for departing mem- join as special guests. Tuesday, Jan. Lest you think legalized marijuana
bers cellist Robert Cohen and vio- VANESSA WILLIAMS IN LET 16, at 8 and 10 p.m. Blues Alley, 1073 is only a matter of when, not if,
list Juan-Miguel Hernandez, the FREEDOM RING! Wisconsin Ave. NW. Tickets are Dufton presents a comprehensive
concert features guest instrumen- The famous Grammy- and Tony- $26, plus $12 minimum purchase. history of the substance. The George
talist Alon Goldstein performing nominated performer leads this Call 202-337-4141 or visit bluesal- Washington University alum points
Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23 in A year’s free musical celebration ley.com. out that American society was in
Major as well as three piano sona- honoring Martin Luther King, Jr’s a similar place in the 1970s, when
DANCE
tas by Domenico Scarlatti. Friday, legacy, courtesy of the Kennedy a dozen states had decriminalized
Jan. 19, at 8 p.m. Westmoreland Center and Georgetown University. pot and more were in the offing.
Congregational Church, 1 Also on the bill is the Let Freedom And then the Reagans launched
Westmoreland Circle, Bethesda. Ring Choir with music director KANKOURAN WEST AFRICAN
the successful and multi-pronged
Tickets are free, donations wel- Rev. Nolan Williams Jr. The 16th DANCE COMPANY
War on Drugs campaign casting
come. Call 301-320-2770 or visit annual John Thompson Legacy of As part of its annual presentation
marijuana as a dangerous gateway
washingtonconservatory.org. a Dream Award will be presented celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr.,
drug. Despite increasing research
to Steve Park, executive director Day, Kankouran invites guests to
showing the drug’s medical bene-
and founder of D.C.’s Little Lights explore Africa in Bolo (Bridge of
fits, among other advances, Dufton
Urban Ministries. Monday, Jan. 15,

16 JANUARY 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


made it the best nest around.
The “Customer Appreciation
Celebration” will feature various
events and parties, a special appear-
ance by the woofy Paul Logan aka
Wolverine, and prizes and give-
aways, culminating in a $1,000
Drawing on Sunday, Jan. 21, at 5
p.m. Patrons will be automatically
entered into the drawing starting on
Friday, Jan. 19, at 2 p.m. Baltimore
Eagle, 2022 N. Charles St. Call 410-
200-9858 or visit thebaltimoreea-
gle.com.

GAY/BASH: GOTHNIGHT
Josh Vogelsong started his monthly
alternative drag-focused party more
than six years ago at the Black Cat,
but it wasn’t until it moved to Trade
a year ago that it became what he
had long envisioned it could be.
“It’s what I’ve always wanted:
People show up in looks, everybody
comes dressed up,” Vogelsong says.
LINDA HUGHES

“Everybody gets crazy during the


show. You can just spray beer on the
crowd, and they’d cheer and love it.
It’s wild.” The first Gay/Bash of
2018 is a dark and decidedly alter-
native affair, with performances in
SHOP MADE IN DC CAFE black from Vogelsong per his drag
Launched in October as a way to showcase local brands, this offshoot of the city’s Made alter-ego Donna Slash, Salvadora
in DC initiative offers a rotating crop of homegrown products in a range of categories, Dali, Jaxknife Complex, Jane Saw,
and Porcelain from Philadelphia,
from home goods to clothing to food and drink. In a Dupont Circle locale formerly home with the Barber Streisand supplying
to an outpost of national chain Baja Fresh, the city’s burgeoning local fast-casual scene is the edgy soundtrack. Saturday, Jan.
on prominent display all day, every day. The in-store cafe regularly serves Small Planes 20. Doors at 10 p.m., with shows at
11:30 p.m. and 1 a.m. Trade, 1410
coffee and Bullfrog Bagels breakfast sandwiches, with a drink lineup overseen by Greg 14th St. NW. Call 202-986-1094 or
Engert of Neighborhood Restaurant Group (Birch & Barley, Bluejacket). Throughout visit facebook.com/gaybashdc.
January, the cafe is also serving soup and smoothies from two women-owned business
enterprises, led by “Soup Ladies” Valerie Zweig and Taryn Pellicone. The Prescription
Chicken business partners and cousins are dishing out bowls of soup in varieties including ABOVE
Faux Pho, Creamy Old Bay Chicken, and their signature Bipartisan, a blend of matzah ball AND BEYOND
with chicken noodle. (They’re also testing out a sister concept, Gertie’s Yummy Yogurt
Bowls.) Meanwhile, you can also order organic cold-pressed juices and smoothies from SUPER ART FIGHT: 10 DAMN
YEARS - DC
Indira Ruiz and Theresa Weber’s line of Jinsei Juice, whether berry-rich Vitality or the Birthed a decade ago at Katsucon,
savory fruit/veggie blend The Hulk. Open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. the annual anime convention held
Saturdays. Shop Made in DC, 1330 19th St. NW. Visit shopmadeindc.com. at the Gaylord in National Harbor,
Super Art Fight is self-styled as
“the greatest live art competition in
the known universe.” Participating
suggests reality is more sobering sored by anti-war feminist group of first-generation Irish immigrants artists, most of them with a car-
and unpredictable. Thursday, Jan. CodePink. Thursday, Jan. 18, at 7 and the first Democrat elected to toonist bent, set out to one-up each
18, at 7 p.m. Politics and Prose, 5015 p.m. Busboys & Poets, Cullen Room, represent his Republican-leaning other through sheer force of charm
Connecticut Ave. NW. Call 202- 1025 5th St. NW. Call 202-789-2227 suburban district, and Deesha Dyer, and creativity, developing popular,
364-1919 or visit politics-prose.com. or visit busboysandpoets.com. the former Obama Administration outsized personas a la professional
Social Secretary and now head of wrestling while improvising sketch-
KRISTA SUH: DIY RULES FOR A WHEN TO JUMP: MIKE LEWIS, beGirl.world, focused on empow- es on a mural-sized canvas set up in
WTF WORLD U.S. REP BRENDAN BOYLE, ering teenage girls around the front of a live audience. The crowd
Almost one year ago, Krista Suh DEESHA DYER world. Thursday, Jan. 18, at 7 p.m. determines both the subjects to
helped fashion a “sea of pink” When to Jump is the title of a pod- Dupont Underground, 1500 19th St. be drawn, per a “Wheel of Death”
through the knitting of pink “pussy- cast and a new book — subtitled If NW. General admission is $15, or topic generator, and the ultimate
hats” during the Women’s March. the Job You Have Isn’t the Life You $30 with a copy of the book. Visit winner. Having grown well beyond
Now the creator of the Pussyhat Want — overseen by a young, Ivy dupontunderground.org. Katsucon to become an increasingly
Project has put forth the guide DIY League-educated investment man- national phenomenon, organizers
NIGHTLIFE
Rules for a WTF World: How to ager who jumped ship to become will kick off the 10th anniversary
Speak Up, Get Creative and Change a professional squash player, and season of events by helping chris-
the World. Suh shares her tips, in the process became a bestselling ten D.C.’s newest venue in the DC
experiences and knitting patterns as author and motivational speaker. BALTIMORE EAGLE: 1-YEAR
Wharf. Saturday, Jan. 13. Doors at
a way to try to inspire other women Kramerbooks co-presents a live ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND
8 p.m. Union Stage, 740 Water St.
to create their own path to joy, edition of the podcast with Lewis — It’s hard to believe it’s only been a
SW. Tickets are $15 to $25. Call 877-
success, and impact. She discusses not to be confused with Moneyball year, but the dramatically revived
987-6487 or visit unionstage.com. l
the manifesto in an event co-spon- author Michael Lewis — and guests Baltimore Eagle is going all out for a
U.S. Rep. Brendan F. Boyle, a son weekend-long toast to those who’ve

18 JANUARY 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


theFeed

THE PRICE OF HATE


New study finds that anti-LGBTQ laws are costing
homophobic states billions By Rhuaridh Marr

F
INALLY, WE CAN PUT A DOLLAR AMOUNT ON Daily Beast. “So we try to look at [the effects of] even nar-
Republican-led homophobia, and their push for rowing that gap.”
“bathroom bills” and “religious freedom” laws across The impact of LGBTQ discrimination can be seen else-
the country. A new study has revealed that states which where. Florida could save $224 million by cutting the dis-
enact anti-LGBTQ legislation are potentially losing billions parity in LGBTQ smoking rates by just 25%. If Georgia did
of dollars each year. It comes from the Williams Institute at the same, they’d save $80 million.
the UCLA School of Law, which found that by not creating And there’s costs the Williams Institute can’t estimate,
a supporting environment for LGBTQ people, states are such as those associated with the number of LGBTQ people
incurring millions in associated healthcare costs, as well as in foster care, or those youth waiting to be adopted who
lost business and tourism revenue. can’t be placed with same-sex couples due to discriminatory
Texas, for instance, has been pushing hard for an practices.
anti-transgender “bathroom bill” that would restrict the In addition, there’s also the effect on tourism revenue, or
public facilities trans people could use. It’s opposed by the revenue generated by travel involving officials from other
business community and anyone with common sense, but states. When Mississippi passed a law last year allowing reli-
loved by Republicans. But by not being more hospitable to gious government officials and businesses to discriminate
LGBTQ people, the state is racking up costs from the neg- against LGBTQ people, New York state banned all nones-
ative effects to mental health that comes from being cast as sential travel to the state.
second-class citizens. North Carolina came under pressure from states, tour-
If Texas reduced the disparity in depression rates ists, and the business, sports, and entertainment communi-
between LGBTQ people and the general population by just ties for its anti-transgender HB 2 “bathroom bill,” with the
25%, they’d save $290 million a year, for instance. If they estimated losses of around $5 billion. The city of Charlotte
could cut LGBTQ binge drinking, that’s $118 million saved. alone lost an estimated $285 million and 1,300 jobs thanks
Emergency shelters and Medicaid expenses incurred from to the law.
discrimination against transgender people? That would save And last year, Texas was estimated to lose anywhere
$1.6 million. from $3.3 billion to $8.5 billion in tourism revenue and other
“We’re not saying that the disparity is going to totally go costs, should Republicans successfully pass a “bathroom
away or that a certain law would completely close that gap, bill.”
but we do say that these health outcomes that have been Indeed, the party of “fiscal responsibility” is racking up
linked to minority stress do have a cause,” Williams Institute huge bills across the country by pushing it’s anti-LGBTQ
State and Local Policy Director Christy Mallory told The agenda. l

JUSTICE DEFERRED
Supreme Court refuses to hear challenge to Mississippi’s anti-LGBTQ
religious exemption law, allowing it to stand By John Riley

T
HE U.S. SUPREME COURT HAS REFUSED TO of Appeals, which earlier dismissed the lawsuit.
hear a challenge to a Mississippi law allowing people, That court found that the plaintiffs did not have standing
businesses and government employees to deny ser- to sue because they had not suffered injury from the law.
vice to LGBTQ people based on their religious beliefs. The law had previously been halted from going into
The court’s decision allows the law, HB 1523, to remain effect by a federal judge who ruled that it violated both the
intact, and bolsters a decision by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court First and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

JANUARY 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 21


theFeed
Following the 5th Circuit’s decision, the law went into effect ACLU of Mississippi, said her organization expects that
in October 2017. a narrower challenge to the law will move forward in the
What this means is that LGBTQ advocates can file anoth- courts. That lawsuit, filed on behalf of a same-sex couple
er lawsuit challenging the law in the future, but must find planning to marry in Mississippi, argues that the couple,
plaintiffs who can prove they were negatively affected by Nykolas Alford and Stephen Thomas, will be subject to a
the law’s provisions. different set of rules than heterosexuals seeking to marry,
As written, the law allows individuals, businesses, and as the law will now allow government employees to claim
even representatives of the state to refuse service to LGBTQ religious exemptions from issuing them a marriage license.
people so long as they claim their refusal is based on sin- The ACLU of Mississippi argues that the exemption runs
cerely held religious beliefs that marriage is an institution counter to the rationale behind the Obergefell v. Hodges
between one man and one woman, that sexual relations are Supreme Court case that legalize marriage equality, which held
“properly confined” to marriage, and that gender is fixed that states could not deny same-sex couples marriage licenses.
and determined by one’s physical sex at birth. “We are deeply disappointed in the Supreme Court’s
GLAAD decried the high court’s refusal to hear the case, refusal to hear challenges to HB 1523, the anti-LGBT law
arguing — as other LGBTQ advocates have — that a law that that allows religion to be used as a way to discriminate
will have negative effects on the community should not based on specific beliefs about gay marriage, transgender
have to take effect before it can be permanently halted or individuals, and sex before marriage,” Riley Collins said in a
overturned. statement. “This law very simply is a license to discriminate.
“This latest punt on LGBTQ rights by the nation’s While the right to one’s religious belief is fundamental, a
highest court promotes state-sanctioned discrimination by license to discriminate is not. Same-sex couples deserve to
upholding a law that allows hotels, ER doctors, business be treated with the same dignity and respect as anyone else.”
owners, and even pediatricians to legally deny services to She also urged people who have experienced other forms
hardworking LGBTQ families in Mississippi,” Sarah Kate of discrimination under HB 1523’s provisions to contact the
Ellis, president and CEO of GLAAD, said in a statement. ACLU, which is open to filing other lawsuits aimed at over-
“While freedom of religion is a fundamental right, it turning the law.
should never give people the right to impose their belief on “House Bill 1523 cannot trump the Constitution or other
others and openly discriminate against others in the name of federal anti-discrimination statutes,” Riley Collins said. “We
religious exemptions.” stand ready to ensure that those rights are enforced and that
Jennifer Riley Collins, the executive director of the all Mississippians are protected from discrimination.” l

22 JANUARY 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


Community
THURSDAY, Jan. 11 an appointment, call 202-638-
0750.
Weekly Events
SMYAL offers free HIV Testing,
DC AQUATICS CLUB practice 3-5 p.m., by appointment and
session at Takoma Aquatic walk-in, for youth 21 and
Center. 7:30-9 p.m. 300 Van younger. Youth Center, 410 7th
Buren St. NW. For more infor- St. SE. 202-567-3155 or test-
mation, visit swimdcac.org. ing@smyal.org.

STI TESTING at Whitman-

JOHN RILEY
DC FRONT RUNNERS run-
ning/walking/social club Walker Health. 10 a.m.-12:30
welcomes runners of all ability p.m. and 2-3 p.m. at both 1525
levels for exercise in a fun and 14th St. NW and the Max
Ron Simmons recieves the BHT Founders Award Robinson Center, 2301 Martin
supportive environment, with at the 2017 awards ceremony
socializing afterward. Route Luther King, Jr. Ave. SE.

FUNDING
distance is 3-6 miles. Meet at Testing is intended for those
7 p.m. at 23rd & P Streets NW. without symptoms. For an
For more information, visit appointment call 202-745-7000
dcfrontrunners.org. or visit whitman-walker.org.

DC LAMBDA SQUARES gay


and lesbian square-dancing
group features mainstream
through advanced square
dancing at the National City
THE COMMUNITY
Brother, Help Thyself will combat
US HELPING US hosts a
Narcotics Anonymous Meeting.
The group is independent of
UHU. 6:30-7:30 p.m., 3636
Georgia Ave. NW. For more
Christian Church, 5 Thomas Republican-funding cuts by granting information, call 202-446-1100.
Circle NW, 7-9:30 p.m. Casual $64,000 to local nonprofits WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP
dress. 301-257-0517, dclamb-

I
dasquares.org. INSTITUTE for young LBTQ
N A TIME OF REPUBLICAN DOMINANCE, SMALLER women, 13-21, interested in
DC SCANDALS RUGBY holds community organizations are finding that once reliable gov- leadership development. 5-6:30
practice. The team is always p.m. SMYAL Youth Center, 410
ernment funding streams are drying up. Luckily, for those
looking for new members. All 7th St. SE. For more informa-
in the D.C. and Baltimore areas, there’s Brother, Help Thyself, tion, call 202-567-3163, or email
welcome. 7:30-9:30 p.m. King an organization that provides thousands of dollars in grants to
Greenleaf Recreation Center, catherine.chu@smyal.org.
201 N St. SW. For more infor-
ensure nonprofits that serve the LGBTQ community and those
mation, visit scandalsrfc.org or living with HIV/AIDS don’t have to close their doors. FRIDAY, Jan. 12
dcscandals@gmail.com. “A lot of funding is being cut from government budgets and
health departments across the country,” says Andrew McCarty, GAMMA is a confidential,
THE DULLES TRIANGLES vice president of BHT. “So the community-based organizations voluntary peer-support group
Northern Virginia social are going to have to pick up the slack.” for men who are gay, bisexual,
group meets for happy hour at questioning and who are now
This year, Brother, Help Thyself will give out $64,000 in
Sheraton in Reston. All wel- or who have been in a relation-
come. 7-9 p.m. 11810 Sunrise
grants, bringing the total amount of money it has gifted since its ship with a woman. 7:30-9:30
Valley Drive, second-floor bar. inception to over $3 million. p.m. Luther Place Memorial
For more information, visit “We have nine new grantees this year,” says McCarty. “They Church, 1226 Vermont Ave
dullestriangles.com. range from theater-type organizations to LGBTQ organizations, NW. GAMMA meetings are
including a lot that deal with HIV and others that deal with also held in Vienna, Va., and in
HIV TESTING at Whitman- transgender issues.” Frederick, Md. For more infor-
Walker Health. 9 a.m.-12:30 mation, visit gammaindc.org.
Awardees and grant amounts will be announced at an awards
p.m. and from 2-5 p.m. at 1525
14th St. NW, and 9 a.m-12
ceremony at the Baltimore Eagle. The event will feature perfor- WOMEN IN THEIR TWENTIES
p.m. and 2-5 p.m. at the Max mances by the Baltimore Eagle’s in-house drag queens, as well as (AND THIRTIES), a social
Robinson Center, 2301 MLK Jr. remarks from Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh and Jeffrey Hitt, discussion and activity group
Ave. SE. For an appointment the director of the Infectious Disease Prevention and Health for queer women, meets at The
call 202-745-7000 or visit whit- Services Bureau of the Maryland Department of Health and DC Center on the second and
man-walker.org. Mental Hygiene. fourth Friday of each month.
Group social activity to follow
McCarty notes that the 2017-2018 grant cycle is the first year
IDENTITY offers free and the meeting. 8-9:30 p.m. 2000
confidential HIV testing at
that representatives from the LGBTQ community who aren’t 14th St. NW, Suite 105. For
two separate locations. Walk- affiliated with BHT’s member organizations have held seats on more information, visit thedc-
ins accepted from 2-6 p.m., the organization’s board. Their presence has helped bring in center.org.
by appointment for all other diverse viewpoints and suggestions about which organizations
hours. 414 East Diamond Ave., are most deserving of money, given the current needs of the Weekly Events
Gaithersburg, Md. or 7676 LGBTQ community.
New Hampshire Ave., Suite “What we have tried to do is look at the major needs of the ANDROMEDA
411, Takoma Park, Md. To set TRANSCULTURAL HEALTH
up an appointment or for more
community, and make sure everyone can get grant money,”
offers free HIV testing and HIV
information, call Gaithersburg, McCarty says. “We’ve really been strategically looking at the services (by appointment). 9
301-300-9978, or Takoma Park, need of the community and where that need is most felt.” a.m.-5 p.m. Decatur Center,
301-422-2398. —John Riley 1400 Decatur St. NW. To
arrange an appointment, call
METROHEALTH CENTER Brother, Help Thyself’s annual Grant Awards Reception 202-291-4707, or visit androm-
offers free, rapid HIV testing. is on Saturday, Jan. 20 from 2 to 5 p.m. at edatransculturalhealth.org.
Appointment needed. 1012 14th
St. NW, Suite 700. To arrange
The Baltimore Eagle, 2022 N. Charles St., Baltimore, Md.
For more information, visit brotherhelpthyself.net.

JANUARY 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 23


BET MISHPACHAH, founded by Walker meet at 9:30 a.m. and run- accessible from Phelps Place gate. 2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105. For
members of the LGBT community, ners at 10 a.m. at 23rd & P Streets Hearing assistance. quakersdc.org. more information, visit thedccen-
holds Friday evening Shabbat ser- NW. For more information, visit ter.org.
vices in the DC Jewish Community dcfrontrunners.org. HSV-2 SOCIAL AND SUPPORT
Center’s Community Room. 8 p.m. GROUP for gay men living in the Weekly Events
1529 16th St. NW. For more infor- DIGNITYUSA sponsors Mass for DC metro area. This group will be
mation, visit betmish.org. LGBT community, family and meeting once a month. For infor- DC AQUATICS CLUB holds a
friends. 6:30 p.m., Immanuel mation on location and time, visit practice session at Dunbar Aquatic
DC AQUATICS CLUB holds a prac- Church-on-the-Hill, 3606 Seminary H2gether.com. Center. 7:30-9 p.m. 101 N St. NW.
tice session at Howard University. Road, Alexandria. All welcome. For For more information, visit swim-
6:30-8 p.m. Burr Gymnasium, 2400 more info, visit dignitynova.org. INSTITUTE FOR SPIRITUAL dcac.org.
6th St. NW. For more information, DEVELOPMENT, God-centered
visit swimdcac.org. IDENTITY offers free and confiden- new age church & learning center. GETEQUAL meets 6:30-8 p.m. at
tial HIV testing at its Takoma Park Sunday Services and Workshops Quaker House, 2111 Florida Ave.
HIV TESTING at Whitman-Walker location. Walk-ins accepted from event. 5419 Sherier Place NW. isd- NW. For more information, email
Health. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at 1525 12-3 p.m., by appointment for all dc.org. getequal.wdc@gmail.com.
14th St. NW. For an appointment other hours. 7676 New Hampshire
call 202-745-7000 or visit whit- Ave., Suite 411, Takoma Park, Md. LUTHERAN CHURCH OF NOVASALUD offers free HIV test-
man-walker.org. To set up an appointment or for REFORMATION invites all to ing. 5-7 p.m. 2049 N. 15th St., Suite
more information, call 301-422- Sunday worship at 8:30 or 11 a.m. 200, Arlington. Appointments: 703-
METROHEALTH CENTER 2398. Childcare is available at both ser- 789-4467.
offers free, rapid HIV testing. vices. Welcoming LGBT people for
Appointment needed. 1012 14th SUNDAY, Jan. 14 25 years. 212 East Capitol St. NE. STI TESTING at Whitman-Walker
St. NW, Suite 700. To arrange an reformationdc.org. Health. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at both 1525
appointment, call 202-638-0750. ADVENTURING outdoors club 14th St. NW and the Max Robinson
hikes several miles through METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY Center, 2301 Martin Luther King,
PROJECT STRIPES hosts LGBT- Greenbelt Park in suburban CHURCH OF WASHINGTON, D.C. Jr. Ave. SE. Testing is intended for
affirming social group for ages Maryland near the Beltway and the services at 9 a.m. (ASL interpret- those without symptoms. For an
11-24. 4-6 p.m. 1419 Columbia Road B-W Parkway. Bring beverages, ed) and 11 a.m. Children’s Sunday appointment call 202-745-7000 or
NW. Contact Tamara, 202-319- lunch, winter-worthy boots and the School at 11 a.m. 474 Ridge St. NW. visit whitman-walker.org.
0422, layc-dc.org. $2 Adventuring trip fee. Meet at 10 202-638-7373, mccdc.com.
a.m. inside the College Park Metro The DC Center hosts COFFEE
SMYAL’S REC NIGHT provides a Station near the station attendant’s RIVERSIDE BAPTIST CHURCH, DROP-IN FOR THE SENIOR LGBT
social atmosphere for LGBT and kiosk. For more information, call a Christ-centered, interracial, COMMUNITY. 10 a.m.-noon. 2000
questioning youth, featuring dance Jackson, 410-422-9257 or visit welcoming-and-affirming church, 14th St. NW. For more information,
parties, vogue nights, movies and adventuring.org. offers service at 10 a.m. 680 I St. call 202-682-2245 or visit thedc-
games. For more info, email cather- SW. 202-554-4330, riversidedc.org. center.org.
ine.chu@smyal.org. Weekly Events
UNITARIAN CHURCH OF US HELPING US hosts a black gay
SMYAL offers free HIV Testing, 3-6 BETHEL CHURCH-DC progressive ARLINGTON, an LGBTQ welcom- men’s evening affinity group for
p.m., by appointment and walk-in, ing-and-affirming congregation, GBT black men. Light refreshments
and radically inclusive church
for youth 21 and younger. Youth offers services at 10 a.m. Virginia provided. 7-9 p.m. 3636 Georgia
holds services at 11:30 a.m. 2217
Center, 410 7th St. SE. 202-567- Rainbow UU Ministry. 4444 Ave. NW. 202-446-1100.
Minnesota Ave. SE. 202-248-1895,
3155 or testing@smyal.org. Arlington Blvd. uucava.org.
betheldc.org.
WASHINGTON WETSKINS
SATURDAY, Jan. 13 DC AQUATICS CLUB holds a UNIVERSALIST NATIONAL WATER POLO TEAM practices 7-9
practice session at Wilson Aquatic
MEMORIAL CHURCH, a welcom- p.m. Newcomers with at least basic
The DC Center holds a meeting ing and inclusive church. GLBT swimming ability always welcome.
Center. 9:30-11 a.m. 4551 Fort Dr.
of its DC LGBTQIA DISABILITY Interweave social/service group Takoma Aquatic Center, 300 Van
NW. For more information, visit
GROUP to support, educate and meets monthly. Services at 11 a.m., Buren St. NW. For more informa-
swimdcac.org.
empower people with disabilities. Romanesque sanctuary. 1810 16th St. tion, contact Tom, 703-299-0504
NW. 202-387-3411, universalist.org. or secretary@wetskins.org, or visit
1-2:30 p.m. 2000 14th St. NW, Suite DC FRONT RUNNERS running/
105. For more information, contact walking/social club welcomes run- wetskins.org.
Andy Arias, andyarias09@gmail. ners of all ability levels for exercise MONDAY, Jan. 15
com. in a fun and supportive environ- WHITMAN-WALKER HEALTH
ment, with socializing afterward. Join The DC Center and the HIV/AIDS SUPPORT GROUP
Weekly Events Route will be a distance run of 8, 10 Capital Area Gay and Lesbian for newly diagnosed individuals,
or 12 miles. Meet at 9 a.m. at 23rd Chamber of Commerce as they meets 7 p.m. Registration required.
ANDROMEDA TRANSCULTURAL & P Streets NW. For more informa- march as part of an LGBTQ con- 202-939-7671, hivsupport@whit-
HEALTH offers free HIV testing tion, visit dcfrontrunners.org. tingent in D.C.’s annual MARTIN man-walker.org.
and HIV services (by appointment LUTHER KING, JR. DAY HOLIDAY
only). 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Decatur Center, FAIRLINGTON UNITED PARADE. The parade kicks off at TUESDAY, Jan. 16
1400 Decatur St. NW. To arrange METHODIST CHURCH is an open, noon from Good Hope Road near
an appointment, call 202-291-4707, inclusive church. All welcome, the Anacostia Park entrance and CENTER BI, a group of The DC
or visit andromedatranscultural- including the LGBTQ commu- continues along MLK Avenue to Center, hosts a monthly roundtable
health.org. nity. Member of the Reconciling Barry Farm Recreation Center, discussion around issues of bisex-
Ministries Network. Services at on Sumner Road, where the MLK uality. 7-8 p.m. 2000 14th St. NW,
DC AQUATICS CLUB holds a prac- 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. 3900 King HOLIDAY FESTIVAL AND HEALTH Suite 105. Visit thedccenter.org.
tice session at Montgomery College Street, Alexandria, Va. 703-671- FAIR is being held. Meet at 10 a.m.
Aquatics Club. 8:30-10 a.m. 7600 8557. For more info, visit fairling- near the Anacostia Park Entrance Queer-identifying women who
Takoma Ave., Takoma, Md. For more tonumc.org. in Southeast D.C. For more infor- have survived violent or traumatic
information, visit swimdcac.org. mation, call 202-682-2245 or visit experiences and are looking for
FRIENDS MEETING OF thedccenter.org/mlkparade. support are invited to take part
DC FRONT RUNNERS running/ WASHINGTON meets for worship, in a bi-weekly QUEER WOMEN
walking/social club welcomes run- 10:30 a.m., 2111 Florida Ave. NW, The Metro D.C. chapter of PFLAG, WORKING THROUGH TRAUMA
ners of all ability levels for exercise Quaker House Living Room (next a support group for parents, family GROUP at The DC Center.
in a fun and supportive environ- to Meeting House on Decatur members and allies of the LGBTQ Participants are encouraged to
ment, with socializing afterward. Place), 2nd floor. Special welcome community, holds its monthly do an intake assessment with
Route distance will be 3-6 miles. to lesbians and gays. Handicapped meeting at The DC Center. 7-9 p.m. moderator and social worker Sam

24 JANUARY 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


Goodwin. 6-7 p.m. 2000 14th St. 14th St. NW. For more information,
NW, Suite 105. For more infor- visit whitman-walker.org.
mation, email Sam at samantha@
thedccenter.org. WEDNESDAY, Jan. 17
THE HIV WORKING GROUP of BOOKMEN DC, an informal men’s
THE DC CENTER hosts a “Packing gay-literature group, discusses “A
Party,” where volunteers assemble History of Gay Male Literature” by
safe-sex kits of condoms and lube. Gregory Woods. All are welcome.
7-9 p.m. 2000 14th St. NW, Suite 7:30 p.m. The DC Center, 2000
105. Visit thedccenter.org. 14th St. NW, Suite 105. For more
information, visit bookmendc.blog-
Weekly Events spot.com.

DC AQUATICS CLUB practice The TOM DAVOREN SOCIAL


session at Takoma Aquatic Center. BRIDGE CLUB meets for Social
7:30-9 p.m. 300 Van Buren St. NW. Bridge at the Dignity Center, across
For more information, visit swim- from the Marine Barracks. No
dcac.org. partner needed. 7:30 p.m. 721 8th
St. SE. Call 301-345-1571 for more
DC FRONT RUNNERS running/ information.
walking/social club welcomes run-
ners of all ability levels for exercise Weekly Events
in a fun and supportive environment,
with socializing afterward. Route AD LIB, a group for freestyle con-
distance is 3-6 miles. Meet at 7 p.m. versation, meets about 6-6:30 p.m.,
at Union Station. For more informa- Steam, 17th and R NW. All wel-
tion, visit dcfrontrunners.org. come. For more information, call
Fausto Fernandez, 703-732-5174.
DC SCANDALS RUGBY holds prac-
tice. The team is always looking for DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC)
new members. All welcome. 7:30- holds a practice session at Dunbar
9:30 p.m. King Greenleaf Recreation Aquatic Center. 7:30-9 p.m. 101 N
Center, 201 N St. SW. For more St. NW. For more information, visit
information, visit scandalsrfc.org or swimdcac.org.
dcscandals@gmail.com.
FREEDOM FROM SMOKING, a
THE GAY MEN’S HEALTH group for LGBT people looking
COLLABORATIVE offers free to quit cigarettes and tobacco use,
HIV testing and STI screening holds a weekly support meeting at
and treatment every Tuesday. The DC Center. 7-8 p.m. 2000 14th
5-6:30 p.m. Rainbow Tuesday St. NW, Suite 105. For more infor-
LGBT Clinic, Alexandria Health mation, visit thedccenter.org.
Department, 4480 King St. 703-
746-4986 or text 571-214-9617. HISTORIC CHRIST CHURCH
james.leslie@inova.org. offers Wednesday worship 7:15 a.m.
and 12:05 p.m. All welcome. 118 N.
OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS Washington St., Alexandria. 703-
— LGBT focused meeting every 549-1450, historicchristchurch.org.
Tuesday, 7 p.m. St. George’s
Episcopal Church, 915 Oakland JOB CLUB, a weekly support pro-
Ave., Arlington, just steps from gram for job entrants and seekers,
Virginia Square Metro. For meets at The DC Center. 6-7:30
more info. call Dick, 703-521- p.m. 2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105.
1999. Handicapped accessible. For more info, centercareers.org.
Newcomers welcome. liveandletli-
veoa@gmail.com. NOVASALUD offers free HIV
testing. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 2049 N.
Support group for LGBTQ youth 15th St., Suite 200, Arlington.
ages 13-21 meets at SMYAL. 5-6:30 Appointments: 703-789-4467.
p.m. 410 7th St. SE. For more
information, contact Cathy Chu, STI TESTING at Whitman-Walker
202-567-3163, or catherine.chu@ Health. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at both 1525
smyal.org. 14th St. NW and the Max Robinson
Center, 2301 Martin Luther King,
US HELPING US hosts a support Jr. Ave. SE. Testing is intended for
group for black gay men 40 and those without symptoms. For an
older. 7-9 p.m., 3636 Georgia Ave. appointment call 202-745-7000 or
NW. 202-446-1100. visit whitman-walker.org.

Whitman-Walker Health holds its WASHINGTON WETSKINS


weekly GAY MEN’S HEALTH AND WATER POLO TEAM practices 7-9
WELLNESS/STD CLINIC. Patients p.m. Newcomers with at least basic
are seen on walk-in basis. No-cost swimming ability always welcome.
screening for HIV, syphilis, gon- Takoma Aquatic Center, 300 Van
orrhea and chlamydia. Hepatitis Buren St. NW. For more informa-
and herpes testing available for fee. tion, contact Tom, 703-299-0504
Testing starts at 6 p.m, but should or secretary@wetskins.org, or visit
arrive early to ensure a spot. 1525 wetskins.org. l

26 JANUARY 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


Forum
CAN OPRAH WIN?
Are we #WithHer? Why #Oprah2020 is a good idea.

By Norman Rozenberg

O
PRAH DELIVERED HER FIRST STATE OF THE Perhaps we have reached a point in the development
Union address at the 2018 Golden Globes. She of the American presidency where expertise is no longer
spoke of her humble beginnings in Milwaukee and valued in our leadership. Perhaps we have reached a point
the inspiration of seeing a Black man winning an Oscar. She where we need experts working behind-the-scenes while
spoke of the besieged press and its dedication to uncover- the president inspires Americans to do better, to be better.
ing truth. And she spoke of the importance of listening to Perhaps we have reached a point where we need a spiritual
women when they speak their own truth on sexual assault. leader and not a political one.
If you had asked me before last I believe we have reached this
year’s election whether a media moment. And we have an option

“With
mogul and billionaire without an for a president who will care about
ounce of political experience could, progressive ideals and giving those
let alone should, be president, I who have no voice the opportunity
would have laughed. Of course not. I
came of age under President Obama, Oprah, we to speak their truths.
The idea of President Oprah
arguably the greatest technocratic is not new. Shortly after Trump’s
president in modern American his-
tory, with an administration full of
will have a election, a flurry of speculations of
Oprah Winfrey’s presidential aspira-

president
policy wonks who cared about the tions hit the political Twitterverse.
most minute details of policy and After Oprah’s Golden Globes speech,
regulations. After President Obama, the rumors hit a tipping point.
I would have loved to see an equally
technocratic and savvy president: who reads.” Oprah’s odds of winning the
presidency in 2020 jumped in polit-
Clinton. I would have argued that ical betting sites. In the last week
we needed a president with the alone, Oprah jumped from the back
expertise to navigate the complicat- of the pack to second place. Bookies
ed political waters of Washington and the experience of are putting an Oprah administration at an 8.5 percent shot,
knowing how to get progressive policies through Congress. ahead of Mike Pence and liberal heavyweight Kamala
And yet, here we are, with the former host of The Harris.
Apprentice. Trump has made it easier to imagine an America under
The Trump Presidency is marred with eye-watering Oprah’s leadership. We will have a president who supports
levels of ineptitude. This is not an administration of policy gay rights, women’s rights, assault survivors’ rights, and the
wonks and dedicated civil servants. This is not the Obama voices of so many other marginalized people in this coun-
era, nor the future that Clinton’s campaign had promised. try. We will have a president who knows what it’s like to
We now have a disinterested and inept president with an experience systematic oppression and, in spite of the odds,
equally inept team. achieve so much. We will have a president who reads.
Trump’s entertainment background isn’t to blame. I have faith that President Oprah will listen to exper-
We’ve had other presidents who have made the jump tise in a way that President Trump never has and respect
from green screens to the White House. President Ronald the opinions of the policy wonks in the Democratic party.
Reagan, the Kim Il-Sung of the Republican Party, was an She will be listened to in the United Nations and lauded
actor, who happened to serve as governor of California. by American allies. Just picture President Oprah standing
Yet, his presidency is defined as the gold standard for the next to Prime Minister Trudeau for a photo op.
GOP. A Republican’s career is ruined if he does not swear I sat there, listening to Oprah’s acceptance of the Cecil
allegiance to the memory of President Reagan. Does lead- B. DeMille award, and I accepted #Oprah2020. l
ing the Screen Actors Guild prepare you for governorship
or the presidency? Does it prepare you for destroying the Norman Rozenberg is a writer based in Washington, D.C. He
lives of millions of gay men by limiting AIDS research can be reached at @_nprtweets.
during an epidemic? Does it prepare you for setting an eco-
nomic policy agenda that led to massive income inequality? The opinions expressed in Forum do not necessarily reflect
Apparently, it does. And no one in the Republican Party those of Metro Weekly or its employees. Add your voice to
batted an eye at the idea of President Gipper. Forum. Learn how at metroweekly.com/forum.

JANUARY 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 27


28 JANUARY 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY
The Centaur Patrick Grady on the growth, evolution
and brotherhood of MAL Weekend,

Secrets of
and his role as its longtime Chairman.

MAL
Interview by Randy Shulman
Photography by Todd Franson

Grady ensures the weekend is as close to perfect as it can get,


Patrick Grady used to be the “suit guy.” year after year.
It stands to reason, considering he’s spent much of his profes- It’s fitting then, that one year he was bequeathed a nickname
sional life in the hospitality field. But things changed for the gay by the late Mister Marcus — aka Marcus Hernandez — one of the
man from Peru, Indiana, in the late ’90s. leather world’s most venerable scribes, who for years penned a
It was while Grady was working as the Director of Catering at leather column for the Bay Area Reporter.
the city’s iconic Washington Plaza Hotel on Thomas Circle, that “He called me the Jewel in the Crown of the D.C. leather
the Centaurs came calling, wanting to use the hotel as their hub community,” says Grady. And the reason why? “I had done
for Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend. Grady, grey-suited, dapper, something nice for him. He left [something] in his room, and I
and ever-courteous, managed the event for the hotel. That first retrieved it and mailed it back to him in California.”
encounter was, for Grady, eye-opening, one that led him to bond Clearly, for Patrick Grady, it’s always been hospitality, first.
with the community — and the Centaurs, in particular — in ways
he never could have envisioned. Within two years, Grady was METRO WEEKLY: Let’s start with MAL Weekend. How did you get
invited to be an associate member of the fabled motorcycle club. involved?
“Being part of the Centaurs,” he says, “has allowed me to PATRICK GRADY: I got involved in 1997 when the event was at the
have an extended family, and be with people that I enjoy. Some Washington Plaza Hotel. I was working at the Plaza at the time,
I may only see once a month. Others I see more often. But it’s a and we hosted MAL Weekend. We didn’t know anything about
good group of people that have fun and enjoy life and enjoy each it. I thought it was going to be a lot of cordials and liquor and that
other.” sort of thing, not understanding the whole concept of people in
Asked if he even owns a motorcycle, Grady just laughs. leather and the fetishes and different uniforms.
“No, I do not. My brother, my family, my brother’s family all MW: What do you recall of that first weekend?
have motorcycles, but I don’t, no. However, I look good on the GRADY: I remember our registers couldn’t keep up with the
back of a motorcycle.” volume. I remember taking a nap in the dining room on a table
In 2003, Grady took the plunge and entered his first leather because we were so busy. I thought the guys dressed up in uni-
competition: The Mr. Double L Leather Contest at the historic forms were actual police. I said, “Officer, can I help you?” And
Double L bar in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. He took the title. then they looked at me and said, “No.” Then I noticed they were
He’s so proud of his win that, over fifteen years later, it’s still having cocktails. It was just kind of funny and they laughed.
incorporated in his personal email. It took me a few years to understand everything about the
At this point, the boyish 56-year-old with the mile-wide smile weekend — the history, the legacy, the contest, the brotherhood,
and dark, tousled hair is a familiar face to anyone who regularly coming to D.C. to visit with your friends. And treat the hotel bar
attends MAL. As the Chairman of the weekend, he’s in charge like your living room.
of making sure everything runs smoothly, and that the 3,000 MW: So it was quite an education for you.
attendees are well taken care of. Along with his 31 clubmates, GRADY: Yes, a big education. At that point, Mister Marcus,

JANUARY 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 29


may he rest in peace, was alive and Vern [Stewart] and Frank
[Nowicki] and Patty Brown, and Neil Alexander, may he rest in “I thought the guys dressed up
peace, were all part of the community. So working at that hotel,
I got to hear stories from them about the leather community as in uniforms were actual police.
a whole. And then meeting other attendees — you make friends
that I’m still friends with after all these years. I said, ‘Officer, can I help you?’
MW: When did you take the plunge and get into leather?
GRADY: I was known as a “suit guy” because I wore a suit all And then they looked
the time. Harold Phillips and Danny Linden gave me a piece of
leather — a vest. Mr. S gave me leather jeans, which I still have. at me and said, ‘No.’
The third year, when I had become an associate member of the
Centaurs, I went up on stage as we’re introduced to the crowd THEN I NOTICED THEY WERE
in just black jeans. And the members said, “No, Patrick. You
need leather.” So that’s when I started buying and accumulating HAVING COCKTAILS.”
leather.
MW: At that time, The Washington Plaza was still open for full
business, as I recall. You had other people — families, business- there quickly learned the gay market.
people — staying who weren’t part of MAL. It wasn’t closed to the MW: That lobby is fascinating in its own right. I encourage people
public. who aren’t into leather just to come sit in the lobby for an hour or
GRADY: Correct. so because it’s so rich with the camaraderie and brotherhood and
MW: Did that ever cause any problems? just the feel of leather. You also see so many different facets of the
GRADY: The only problem we had was that people from the far leather community converge into that one area, into one place. It’s
right — the religious people — would occasionally come into truly extraordinary.
the exhibit hall trying to get photographs [to use against the GRADY: Ours is a very accepting community. You make friends
LGBTQ community]. I remember one year PETA was outside for life. And the hotel is doing its best to help provide everyone a
protesting. We had an airline crew once at the hotel that week- safe, fun weekend — a place where no one is judged and people
end that we had to move to one of our sister properties. It was can just enjoy themselves with limits of decorum.
Pakistani Airlines, so that wasn’t a good fit for them at the hotel. MW: The weekend has grown just in the last few years into an
Eventually, we closed the hotel off to the public during that extraordinary showcase for all things leather — the marketplace,
weekend, and you had to buy a package to get a room. It wasn’t fetish demonstrations. There’s a huge puppy play event.
the huge numbers like we have now. In the old days, we used GRADY: The attendees — our guests — bring so much with their
Almas Temple for the contest and leather cocktails. The exhibit personalities and their interests. Tom Buckley with the puppy
space was in the hotel. play, and then the superhero thing that got off the ground last
MW: Was ever any feedback from upper management like “We year. You’ve got the gear for the young’uns, and the rubber
don’t want this here?” community. And we’re attracting a lot of Europeans. It’s an easy
GRADY: Oh, no. They loved it. The owner, Mr. Bernstein, liked it. flight over. It’s growing so quickly, and we’ve been very blessed
The whole crew. There are gay and lesbian people that work for to have a good group of club brothers and friends of the club that
that company still to this day. will help put on events at the hotel.
MW: Eventually the whole thing had to move over to the Hyatt MW: Could you have ever envisioned things getting this big?
Regency on Capitol Hill. GRADY: Oh, yes. But the point is we don’t want it too big. We
GRADY: Yeah, it just outgrew the Plaza. want MAL to be more intimate, more of a here’s your living
MW: How did you choose the Hyatt? room, I’m welcoming you to my home, new friends, old friends,
GRADY: We had to think about the hotel company itself. Was and just enjoy the weekend.
it gay friendly? Do they understand? Just because you host a MW: Last year coincided with the inauguration of President
gay event doesn’t mean that you understand what a leather Trump. Did you notice a difference in tone during the weekend?
fetish event is. We didn’t want to jump from 340 rooms to, GRADY: I think people were a little bit wary, but it was pretty
say, the Washington Hilton with 1,100 rooms. So we were much business as usual. Once you step through the hotel doors,
looking at a mid-sized venue. They actually approached us, the you leave the real world behind, because no one wants to deal
Hyatt Regency, only because we’d had former members of the with it.
Centaurs that had worked there years ago. MW: How many years have you been in charge of running the
MW: And how did it go, that first year at the Hyatt? weekend?
GRADY: The first year was rough because they didn’t understand. GRADY: I’ve been trying to think of that. Since we’ve been at the
They had another group in the hotel. Hyatt, I know that. The position — Chairman of Mid-Atlantic
MW: A non-gay, non-leather group? Leather Weekend — is appointed by the president of the club.
GRADY: Yeah — a non-gay, non-leather group. Even though the Danny Linden was chairman for a year. Larry Barat ran it. I
meeting planner was gay, he didn’t have a clue, idiot that he was. followed Larry many years ago. We’re back at the Hyatt for 2019
So the Hyatt had some complaints. And the letter to the guests and 2020, but other than that, no real plans can be made until we
that year was a little bit more, “You can’t do this, you can’t do have elections in January. The incoming elected President, he or
that. Cover your butts!” The Hyatt has that beautiful big space she would make up their minds on who would be appointed the
downstairs, but the guys and gals didn’t want to go downstairs. chair position.
They wanted to be seen in that lobby. So it was just a growing MW: I’d be surprised if it wasn’t you. You keep getting re-appoint-
curve for the hotel. They took care of it rather quickly because ed.
the next year we had the entire hotel to ourselves. And the team GRADY: [Laughs.] Because nobody else wants it. But I love it. I

30 JANUARY 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


love the weekend. I have a deep love of the Hyatt staff and the
people there. I just enjoy the weekend. But it’s not just me — all
“Leather is a fetish, but there’s
32 people in the Centaurs have input into the weekend. also a fashion side to it. It’s very
MW: I’ve watched you work the event. You’ve always busy with
something or another, but you never grandstand. expensive. And let me tell you,
GRADY: I’m not the face of leather weekend — our winners [of
the Mr. MAL Contest] are the face. The entire club is the face. YOU HAVE TO STAY A CERTAIN
But I do enjoy talking about MAL, working, planning, trying to
keep it fresh.
SIZE ONCE YOU GET A PIECE
MW: Speaking of the contest, how is it shaping up this year? OF LEATHER CLOTHING MADE,
GRADY: This year we’re so far at six contestants, but it could be
more. BECAUSE IF NOT,
MW: How much liquor do you go through over the weekend?
GRADY: [Laughs.] A lot. I know a minimum of fifty cases of vodka THERE IT GOES.”
alone will be consumed. Maybe between five and six hundred
cases of beer. And then cases of whiskey, gin, rum, scotch and MW: You’re the Cher of the leather community.
tequila, in that order. Jameson’s whiskey will be big this year — GRADY: [Laughs.] Yeah.
they’re making a big push into the gay community. So we’ll have MW: Is there a difference in what you wear throughout the day?
plenty of Jameson’s Irish Whiskey on the bars for MAL. Obviously, you’re going to wear something formal to Leather
MW: Does the club make money off the weekend? Cocktails.
GRADY: Not directly. No one is paid to do this for the club. But GRADY: I do jeans and shirts and vests, and then Rubio had
what we do take in, we give to charity. Last year we gave away these beautiful leather jeans. Then leather pants and one of my
$85,000 dollars to charities. We gave to Casa Ruby. We gave black and blue shirts, or light blue shirt, that sort of thing. I love
to the Leather Archives and Museum — a large donation. We gauntlets, too, which go on the wrist. They all call me “Wonder
donated to the Philadelphia Gay and Lesbian Center because we Woman” because I have large and small gauntlets. And boots.
had a title holder from that area. We try not to be political with I understand leather is a fetish, but there’s also a fashion
any donations. We’ve given to Team DC’s college scholarship. side to it. It’s very expensive. And let me tell you, you have to
We’ve given to Charlie’s Place over the years. HIPS is also an stay a certain size once you get a piece of leather clothing made,
organization that we have given donations to. It’s across the because if not, there it goes. But I love the feel that the energy,
board so to speak. the sexiness of leather. That, for me personally, is what I like
MW: Would you say the Hyatt, in your experience, is a gay friendly about it.
company? MW: What does the weekend mean to you personally?
GRADY: Oh, yes, extremely gay friendly. And long before it was GRADY: This weekend is very personal for me because, as most
novel to be that. Long before other hotels started jumping on the people know, I’ll be crying half the time.
bandwagon of “Oh, let me take the pink dollar.” MW: Why?
MW: What is the most challenging thing about running the week- GRADY: Missing some of our members that aren’t here with us
end? anymore, missing friends that unfortunately can’t make it, seeing
GRADY: Trying to make everybody happy. Trying to get people the former titleholders, because I know how much work they
just to be patient and understanding that, yes, there’s going to be put into competing and then becoming Mr. MAL, and repre-
maybe a line or two at the elevator. All of us in the club are striv- senting the club to the best that they can be. And just the work. I
ing to make it better each year and to make sure our guests are mean, it’s eight months worth of work that the club puts into it.
welcomed and enjoying themselves. It’s challenging to achieve And you can look around the room and everyone’s having a great
that, with things that we can control. time. The formal leather cocktails, which is the tradition from
There’s all these events at The DC Eagle, but we’re not spon- New York at the Waldorf, when you were personally invited, and
soring them because we can’t control it. But they’re still using hearing stories of people that actually were invited and went to
our name, MAL Weekend. There was a time years ago that that party is just the legacy tradition of the community. I’m a big
nobody cashed in on this weekend, but now the world’s changed. softy on that. I just enjoy that.
Everybody is cashing in on the weekend, which just gives our MW: How do you feel when it’s all over?
guests more opportunities to go to dance, to go to a play party, to GRADY: I’m relieved that it’s over — and happy that it’s success-
go to another bar to socialize there and to bring business to those ful, that people are happy, and that there’s a new title holder. I’m
venues as well, because some of the guests may be from a smaller excited for the winner.
town or small city that maybe has one gay bar or two gay bars, MW: How has leather changed your life?
but at least this weekend helps people to go visit our bars. That’s GRADY: Leather gave me the confidence that I needed to be
very important to us. Patrick, whether I’m in leather or out of leather. When I’m in
MW: Is Frank Nowicki hosting the contest again? leather, it’s a different persona. I’m still Patrick, but I’m not this
GRADY: Yes! Emcee extraordinaire. It’s his 25th anniversary as a wimpy suit-wearing guy. The kid wearing braces in school that
former Mr. MAL. At his 20th, we had Ella Fitzgerald perform as was picked on at times. Leather allows me to be myself, to be
a surprise, and then gave oxblood roses to him. It’s a week away, who I really am deep down inside. l
and I still don’t know what I’m doing for him. A pat on the back,
maybe. [Laughs.] For a full schedule of MAL and ancillary events, turn to our
MW: It’s rumored you bring a lot of your personal leather gear to resource guide on page 36 or check out the Nightlife section on page
the event. 45. For tickets and pricing, visit leatherweekend.com. For more
GRADY: Yes. I usually change three times a day at the hotel. information on the Centaur MC, visit centaurmc.org.

32 JANUARY 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


Dance for the Ages
DJs Quentin Harris and Michele Miruski will are primed to make
MAL’s official closing party the most memorable yet.

By Doug Rule
TODD FRANSON

S
IX MONTHS AGO, MICHELE MIRUSKI GOT “I have been feverishly preparing for this,” Harris says,
a call from Danny Linden, longtime organizer of adding with a laugh, “I feel like I’m in school and I’m having an
Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend’s official closing exam.” This is Harris’s third time playing the party. “I’m very
dance party. “He asked me if I was interested in honored and glad and humbled and pleased that I was asked
‘coming home’ and playing for the party,” Miruski back for a third time,” he says. “I don’t [often] get a chance to
says. Miruski was at one time one of the most prom- play and really go all the places I want to go musically. The
inent DJs in Washington. She was the Saturday night resident DJ [MAL] crowd is always very receptive to what I do, and it’s a
at Tracks and later Velvet Nation, but in 2002, she moved away rarity that I get that.”
to be closer to her parents in Oklahoma City. “For many people, So where might Miruski and Harris take the crowd at
she was Tracks,” Linden says. “For those of us who were in D.C. Revival? What songs will they play? To a certain extent, they
during the ’90s, Michele is synonymous with club dance music.” don’t know themselves. They would also prefer, understandably,
Miruski was the obvious choice, then, for the rebranded clos- to leave some things open to surprise. “I don’t want to give too
ing party, now called Revival. “I think we ran our course with much away,” Miruski says, “but my opening song will pay hom-
Reaction,” he says of the party’s former name. “Revival often age to Martin Luther King, Jr. And naturally, I couldn’t play a
is thought of in this [churchy] kind of way, of people with their night like this without throwing in some River Ocean featuring
hands praising. It’s a Sunday night, and for us, it’s kind of like India, ‘Love & Happiness.’ The rest will be a surprise.”
going back to church. And I think that you’re going to see and Harris relishes the opportunity accorded by Revival to spin
feel that revival-like spirit.” for several hours, as opposed to a shorter, hour-long set on a
Miruski will help partygoers get in the spirit by spinning a bill with a handful of DJs. The added time allows Harris to mix
set of house classics. She almost couldn’t believe her ears when together tracks of varying tempo, tone, and genre in a progres-
Linden proposed this on the phone. “He said he wanted me to sion often referred to as a metaphorical journey, but one he
play to my strengths, to play stuff that worked well for me back compares to having a conversation. “I love playing around with
when I was at Tracks and at Nation during the ’90s. That just tempo. When you have a conversation with somebody, you don’t
sounded like a dream gig to me. And I’ve been bouncing off the speak in the same cadence or tempo. I feel like it’s a conversation
walls with excitement ever since.” that I’m having communicated through the music.”
“It’s when house, at least for me, peaked, that period of time,” That musical conversation will touch on his sharp remix and
Linden adds. He conceived of the entire evening as a revival of production work, particularly with soulful deep house. But he
that era and of house music in general — deep and sultry soul will also mix it up by including some of the hard-to-classify soul/
house in particular. And few DJs epitomize or carry on that jazz/electronic tracks resulting from the multi-instrumentalist’s
style’s legacy more than Quentin Harris, who will take to the long-gestating collaboration with singer Ultra Naté. Originally
decks after Miruski. called Super Black Bass, the duo released a self-titled full-length

JANUARY 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 35


debut as Black Stereo Faith last year. In a couple of weeks they caring, kind, and beautiful partner,” she says, “and our eight-
will start rehearsing for a forthcoming mini-tour with a backing year anniversary is that night — at midnight.” Her partner was
band and veteran club vocalists including Inaya Day, former gay also present the last time Miruski played in D.C., at the Tracks
porn star Colton Ford, and Jason Walker. Harris assures the tour Reunion party at Town in 2013.
will include stops in D.C. and Baltimore. That reunion was the kind of party that doesn’t happen all
Naté, of course, is a known quantity to MAL partygoers, the time, a special event to honor fading memories that also
having DJ’ed the last two closing parties. “She was nervous, like managed to spark new ones. Linden aims for something similar
I had been,” Harris says, recalling a phone conversation with to occur on Sunday — especially for people of a certain age.
Naté before her debut in 2016. “I told her, ‘Trust me, you’re “Anyone and everyone who hasn’t been out in a long time,
going to love it. They’re going to love you.’ I said, ‘Just do what and says that they don’t do it the way they used to. Well, why
you do and amp it up a little bit.’ When the party was over, she don’t they?” he says, winding up his pitch. “They have no excuse,
was on my phone, she couldn’t stop talking about what a great because we have Michele and Quentin on the same bill. And it
time she had, what records that she played that she couldn’t play would be a crime to sit at home on a Sunday night, on a three-day
[elsewhere].” Although she may not be spinning this year, Harris weekend, and miss this.” l
teases that Naté may make a cameo as his guest at Revival.
Meanwhile, Miruski will bring a special guest of her own — Revival is Sunday, Jan. 14, from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., at the 9:30 Club,
and the night will mark a special occasion, beyond her momen- 815 V St. NW. Tickets are $35 in advance, or $45 at the door. Call
tous return to DJ’ing and D.C. “I have the most wonderful, 202-265-0930 or visit 930.com or leatherweekend.com.

Everything MAL
Details on Every Official and Unofficial 2018 MAL Event
FURBALL DC WEEKEND KICK OFF
PARTY
Joe Fiore presents DJs Jack Chang
and Mike Babbitt
GoGo Bear Dancers: Mike Chapman,
Brut Torres, and Juan Manuel
Hosts: Daddy Ersin Winokur, Matty &

O
Vinny Parrello and Joe Tresh
10 p.m. till late
UTSIDE OF CAPITAL PRIDE, NO OTHER inspired, fetish-oriented function over the long weekend, DC Eagle
weekend in D.C. comes close to being as which culminates in the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
alternatively affirming and fantastically fun as All are within easy access to and from the Hyatt via MEAT LOCKER: LEATHER &
Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend. And nothing Metro, Uber, Lyft, taxi and shuttles. JOCKSTRAPS
compares to the transformation of host hotel the Hyatt The following list of events includes official, MAL- Davon Hamilton Events presents DJ
Regency Capitol Hill into Grand Leather Central. For ticketed events for weekend pass holders — designated Mo Money
this weekend’s 48th edition of MAL, over 3,000 people with an asterisk. Admission to the Exhibitor Hall and 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.
will descend on the Hyatt, to partake in a host of official other events on the Hyatt’s lower levels are available Green Lantern
and affiliated events — from the 33rd annual Mr. MAL for $15 for one-day entry Friday and Sunday, $20 for meatlocker.eventbrite.com
contest, to the Exhibitor Hall of leather gear and goods Saturday only, or $30 for all three days. A limited number
for sale, to puppy play, leather club receptions, and more. of Full Weekend Packages, costing $250, will be available
But MAL isn’t confined to the Hyatt. Many gay at the Hyatt. Visit leatherweekend.com for more details. SATURDAY, JAN. 13
and gay-friendly clubs citywide host at least one MAL- — Doug Rule
MAL REGISTRATION
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Capitol A and B
Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill
THURSDAY, JANUARY 11 SLEAZE: LEATHER EDITION DC BËAR CRÜE: LEATHER BEAR &
DJs The Carry Nation, Keenan Orr CIGAR PARTY
and Lemz 6 to 11 p.m. BOOTBLACKS ON DUTY
DC LEATHER PRIDE: WELCOME
Host: Jane Saw Town Danceboutique 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
TO DC
9 p.m. to 2 a.m. 2009 8th St. NW Lower Level
DJ Barber Streisand, plus porn star
Wonderland Ballroom facebook.com/BearHappyHour 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Rocco Steele help welcome past and
1101 Kenyon St. NW. Lobby Level
present leather titleholders
sleazeparty.com MISTER INTERNATIONAL RUBBER Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill
9 p.m. to 3 a.m.
DC Eagle WEEKEND OPENER RUBBER
SOCIAL EXHIBITOR HALL
3700 Benning Rd. NE FRIDAY, JAN. 12 7 to 9 p.m. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
DCEagle.com
Congressional A&B Lower Level
MAL REGISTRATION Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill
SHIRTLESS MEN DRINK FREE Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill
3 to 10 p.m.
10 to 11 p.m. & 12:30 to 1 a.m. facebook.com/MIRubb/
Capitol Rooms A and B PUPPY PARK X
Green Lantern Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill
HIGHWAYMEN TNT PARTY: IMPACT A puppy mosh co-hosted by boy tom
1335 Green Ct. NW
MENAGE A TROIS DANCE PARTY and Luna Grove Pack
greenlanterndc.com BOOTBLACKS ON DUTY
DJ Lemz 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Benefitting Leather Heart Foundation Regency B, C and D
DOLLHOUSE MAL EDITION 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.
3 p.m. to Midnight Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill
DJ Ryan Doubleyou with the Regency Ballroom B
Lobby Level facebook.com/lunagrovepups/
Dollhouse Girls and guest Betty Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill
4 to 10 p.m.
O’Hellno Lower Level
HONCHO: MAL WEEKEND INTERNATIONAL MR. LEATHER
Hosts: Bombalicious Eklaver, Desiree Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill
DJs Mike Servito and Justin Cudmore 2018 JUDGES ANNOUNCEMENT
Dik, and Jasmine Tea
10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Noon to 1 p.m.
Living Room DC EXHIBITOR HALL
U Street Music Hall Thornton Room
1008 Vermont Ave. NW 4 to 10 p.m.
1115 U St. NW imrl.com
dollhousethursday.eventbrite.com Lower Level
ustreetmusichall.com
Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill

36 JANUARY 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


TODD FRANSON

SIGMA BDSM DEMONSTRATIONS DISTRKTC: MASTERS, BOYS & PIGS EXHIBITOR HALL REVIVAL: THE OFFICIAL MAL
2 to 4 p.m. DJs Morabito & Barney Philly 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. CLOSING DANCE
Regency B, C and D 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Lower Level Def Mix DJ Quentin Harris and DJ
Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill DC Eagle Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill Michele Miruski
distrktc.com 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
ONYX COCKTAIL PARTY & GEAR MR. MID-ATLANTIC LEATHER 2018 Non-pass-holder tickets $35 or $45
SHOW TNX LEATHER WEEKEND: HORSE CONTEST* day-of
Fetish Auction to benefit Community MEAT DISCO 1 to 4 p.m. 9:30 Club
Cares Project DJs Horse Meat Disco, Juana Non-pass-holder tickets are $25 815 V St. NW
2 to 6 p.m. (Discwoman), and the Needlexchange: Regency A, B, C & D 930.com
Congressional A Lisa Frank, Baronhawk, Bil Todd, and Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill
Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill Tommy Cornelis DC2: RED LIGHT DISTRKT
onyxmen.com 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. DC LEATHER PRIDE: BLUF:DC DJs Abel and X Gonzalez
Undisclosed Location TBA DJ Barber Streisand 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.
WIG OUT PARTY: LEATHER facebook.com/tnxdc/ Bootblacks: boy John Urso, Ryan DC Eagle
WEEKEND Garner-Carpenter distrktc.com
“Leather is an accessory but the wig is
a necessity”
SUNDAY, JANUARY 14 Cigar social and drink specials
4 to 9 p.m. HYBRIDNINE LIMITS: MAL
DJ Hansell Leyva
MAL BRUNCH* DC Eagle WEEKEND
1 to 7 p.m. dcleatherpride.org/bluf/ DJs Ryan Doubleyou and Scott
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Living Room DC Howard
Capitol A and B, Congressional A & B
lafantasyproductions.ticketleap.com
Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill
ROAR: SUNDAY BEER BUST (MAL Go Go Dancers: Grant, Jacob, and Will
EDITION) 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.
LEATHER COCKTAILS* MAL REGISTRATION DJ Mike Babbitt Green Lantern
7 to 9 p.m. 4 to 8 p.m. facebook.com/HybridNineEvents
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Regency Ballroom Uproar Lounge & Restaurant
Capitol Room Foyer
Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill 639 Florida Ave. NW For more, see the Nightlife section on
Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill
facebook.com/uproarloungedc/ page 45 or visit metroweekly.com.
BEARS CAN DANCE: BEARS IN BOOTBLACKS ON DUTY
LEATHERS & JOCKS 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
OTTER DEN: LAST CHANCE TEA
495 Bears Presents DJ Jeffrey Eletto
Lobby and Lower Levels
DANCE
and special performances by Kristina DJs Jeffrey Sfire and StrikeStone!
Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill
Kelly 5 to 10 p.m.
9 p.m. to 3 a.m. Town Danceboutique
Green Lantern facebook.com/OtterDenDC/
facebook.com/bearscanparty/

JANUARY 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 37


Gallery

X-Wing (Poe) [Top] and X-Wing (Luke) [Bottom] by Chris Bishop

Starkillers Helmet by Scott Brooks

Starkillers Helmet by Jared Davis We Have No Time For Our Sorrows by Chris Bishop

Holiday Starkillers
Strike Back
T
WO YEARS AGO, LOCAL PAINTER AND MIXED- mixed-media sculptures by artists including Metro Weekly
media artist Andrew Wodzianski curated an exhibi- contributor Scott G. Brooks, Gregory Ferrand Artist, Chris
tion of playful works from fellow Star Wars-inspired Bishop, Jared Davis, J.D. Deardourff, and Steve Strawn. All
artists and pegged to the release of The Force Awakens. Now artwork is for sale, as are hand-painted ornaments displayed
that the sci-fi juggernaut is back in theaters with The Last on a Christmas tree with an X-wing Starfighter topper. To
Jedi, Wodzianski has once again assembled another related Jan. 20. Anacostia Arts Center, 1231 Good Hope Road SE. Call
“futuristic grandeur” show of paintings, photographs, and 202-631-6291 or visit anacostiaartscenter.com.

JANUARY 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 39


BANNON BY GAGE SKIDMORE
Books

cient in his understanding of complex

Touch of Tabloid
issues, his ability to retain information,
and the way he processes relationships
with people. Katie Walsh, who served as
Trump’s Deputy Chief of Staff for just
Michael Wolff’s Fire and Fury is a gripping, damning telling of the two months until she couldn’t take the
chaos in Trump’s White House. By Rhuaridh Marr disarray any longer, described trying to
work out Trump’s policy agenda as “like

M
trying to figure out what a child wants.”
ICHAEL WOLFF CONTENDS THAT THE REASON FOR HIS BOOK, Further questioning his mental state,
THE explosive tell-all Fire and Fury, which documents the election cam- Trump’s “rambling and alarming repeti-
paign and first ten months of the Trump presidency, “could not be more tions” had, by September 2017, “signifi-
obvious.” For Wolff, the book’s sources and interviews, observations and informa- cantly increased,” Wolff writes, such that
tion-gathering, all told in contemporaneous fashion, are intended to be something “his ability to stay focused, never great,
world-changing. In both his author’s note and in subsequent press interviews, he has had notably declined.”
spoken of the importance of the revelations contained within, of its glimpse into the And the blows keep coming. Trump
Trump White House, and of its rigorous journalism. But in practice, across 336 pages, doesn’t read, doesn’t even skim — he’s
it’s less convincing. only “semiliterate,” according to some
However, while Fire and Fury ( ) may not bring down the presidency, it — and gains all of his knowledge from
is still damning, horrifying even, in its portrayal of a President and his staff knowing- television. He retreats to his bedroom,
ly — even willfully — ill-equipped to lead the most powerful nation on earth. It raises which he doesn’t share with First Lady
numerous questions about Trump, his fitness for office, and the staff and advisers he Melania Trump, to watch three televi-
has surrounded himself with. And it constantly reiterates the same points to remind us sions all streaming cable news, while eat-
that this is the president we’re talking about, and yes, things are this bad. ing a cheeseburger. He desperately craves
Take Donald Trump himself, who is dealt most of the scathing blows in Fire and respect and attention, despite being the
Fury. The title itself is an excerpt from a speech he gave threatening a response of “fire most powerful man in the world. He
and fury” should North Korea continue provocations in the region. Trump is, in Wolff’s instructed the White House’s cleaning
telling, a complete buffoon, a man utterly unprepared for the power of the office he staff to not touch anything, his paranoia
holds, who runs the White House with the same unstructured style of his ramshackle leading him to strip his own bed.
business organization. Those around him — family, friends, employees — think he is a One thing LGBTQ readers will note is
“moron,” “dumb as shit,” a “fucking idiot,” and “stupid.” The opening days of the pres- a lack of mention of the Trump adminis-
idency — and the opening moments of the book — feature Trump’s bewildered staff, tration’s attitudes towards LGBTQ rights.
shocked that he actually won the election, assuring themselves that, “We can make Trump’s transgender military ban, one of
this work.” Or, as Wolf writes, “at the very least this could possibly work.” Some three his most controversial actions in his first
hundred pages later, it’s doubtful anyone would believe that mantra now. twelve months, is used merely to highlight
Under particular scrutiny is Trump’s mental health. He is, by most accounts, defi- a point about Trump’s impulsive nature.

JANUARY 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 41


Trump was presented with four different options related to the Of everyone in the book, Melania Trump is perhaps its most
military’s trans policy. “The presentation was meant to frame an sympathetic character. Depicted as the big loser in all of this,
ongoing discussion,” Wolff writes, “but ten minutes after receiv- she was a woman happy with her life in New York, shielded
ing the discussion points, and without further consultation, in a golden tower from Trump’s extended family, from her
Trump tweeted his transgender ban.” humble Soviet Russia upbringing, and from the less desirable
Behind the scenes, the White House is described as a chaotic moments of her past. Donald Trump, an absentee father, was
place, where staffers vie for attention, Bannon drove most of the allegedly constantly unfaithful to her, but also bragged about her
initial policy decisions, Kushner tried to learn statesmanship, looks — often while she stood next to him. She worried that his
and everyone else waited for the next political shitstorm to presidential ambitions would “destroy her carefully sheltered
hit. Wolff could easily be called tabloid for the way his book is life.” When images of a nude Melania Trump leaked during the
written, but its fly-on-the-wall nature also lends it a compulsive campaign, she was “inconsolable,” Wolff says. The kicker? It
quality. Contemporaneous style means that we’re in the conver- was “a leak that everybody other than Melania assumed could
sations, the discussions, the meetings. Aides bitch about Trump, be traced back to Trump himself.” On election night, as Trump’s
trusted advisers question him, Trump himself goes on lengthy ill-prepared campaign realized he’d won, Melania “was in tears
diatribes about his employees, often negative. Questions remain — and not of joy.”
about just how accurate all of this is — the White House has, Fire and Fury, essentially, is a book about palace intrigue.
of course, denied everything — and Wolff knowingly includes Wolff, by inserting himself into the campaign, the White House,
contradictory statements, “allowing the reader to judge them.” and conducting extensive interviews, has painted a narrative that
Rigorous and principled journalism this isn’t. not only corroborates much of the negative reporting that sur-
But it is utterly fascinating, and what makes it all the more rounds the Trump presidency, but expands upon it. It is 330 pages
compelling is that, amid all of the questions, the suppositions, of constant, never-ending criticism and scandal. Whether it’s the
the conversations that Wolff tells as if he was there, the reader inadequacies of the people running our country, the decreasing
can easily believe all — or even most — of it. That’s the making of mental state of the man at the top, or the sheer “How the fuck
Trump’s presidency: When we’re told that his daughter laughs did this even happen?” nature of Trump’s election win, Fire and
about his combover, we believe it. When we’re told that his men- Fury is as damning as a book of this nature can be. It won’t win
tal health is deteriorating, to the point that his staff won’t let him prizes, and it’s highly unlikely it’ll change the minds of Trump’s
do an unscripted interview, we believe it. When Wolff suggests supporters, but for anyone seeking to confirm their suspicions of
Trump serially cheats on Melania, we believe it. life inside the Trump White House, it’s a gripping read. l

Fire and Fury, published by Henry Holt and Company, is available now in hardback, e-book and audiobook
from Amazon.com and other retailers.

42 JANUARY 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


FOCUE FEATURES
Movies

that can make a woman feel perfectly at

Thread Count
ease. But neither Cyril nor Reynolds are
prepared for Alma.
From the moment she enters the House
of Woodcock, Alma promises to be dif-
Satin, lace, and tension fill Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest ferent from the other lovers or muses the
auteur-driven drama Phantom Thread By André Hereford designer has, in succession, embraced then
discarded. He just happens to reveal in her

P
a nearly consuming need to be loved, or to
LEASE DON’T LEAVE US THIS WAY, DANIEL DAY-LEWIS. IF THE THREE- hold onto her own beloved. She wants to
time Oscar-winner indeed has retired from acting on the big screen, as he’s be the one who stays.
asserted will be the case, then he makes his exit with a typically fine perfor- The movie teases out the couple’s ten-
mance, as controlling couturier Reynolds Woodcock in Phantom Thread (HHHHH). der, yet intense, romance in a crescen-
However, as his swan song, the film — written and directed by Paul Thomas doing series of vignettes that character-
Anderson (There Will Be Blood, for which Day-Lewis won an Oscar) — leaves a ize the constant shifts of power between
somewhat bitter taste. Joining a few recent A-list films — most prominently, Darren Woodcock, Alma, and third-wheel Cyril.
Aronofsky’s Mother! — Phantom Thread is yet another auteur treat that turns into a Anderson reaches for the provocative,
trick at the very end. Anderson’s movie shares with Aronofsky’s cataclysmic thriller particularly in these sensitive times, by
a darkly skeptical view of romance and domesticity, despite appearing on the surface portraying Alma as a young woman who
heavily invested in a depiction of the joys and exhilaration of courtship. initially is charmed by Woodcock’s bossy
Woodcock is one of 1950s London’s preeminent dressmakers, in demand by society nature and his need to control her and
big-spenders and royalty alike, when he meets shy Alma (Vicky Krieps), a humble every other aspect of his environment.
waitress who will become his latest muse. He invites Alma into his rarefied world of One question hangs over their interac-
fashion, glamour, commerce, and celebrity, all of it micromanaged to his exacting dic- tions: Is she a doe-eyed victim, or a know-
tates by his dutiful older sister, Cyril (Lesley Manville). ingly pliant conniver? Or is she just a very
Entrusted to care for him like no other, Cyril alone gets away with occasionally put- determined masochist?
ting Woodcock in his place. Manville, who’s wonderful throughout, is especially good Fortunately, Krieps gradually makes it
at delivering the off-hand cheek of a woman utterly assured of her position. Tenacious clear in her multifaceted performance just
in her execution of Woodcock’s every whim, Cyril supports her brother’s artistic vision how much Alma is willing to be told what
like a true believer, both in his exceptionality and in his talent for creating garments to do. In impressively contained fashion,

JANUARY 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 43


happy. No amount of money,
love, sex, acclaim or celebrity
could prevent an unmitigated
perfectionist from finding some
reason to be displeased, always.
If taken as a purely personal
statement from the filmmaker,
this stands as fair warning to
his famous partner, and to his
collaborators.
That said, Anderson’s crew
turn in fantastic work with every
visual detail, from the sumptu-
ous Woodcock gowns to the
hats, hairstyles and set deco-
FOCUE FEATURES

ration, beautifully bringing his


vision of high society to glamor-
ous life. Acting as his own cine-
matographer, Anderson covers
she reveals the iron will that Alma quietly wields, yet manages to the characters in elegantly unfolding long takes, edited with
keep the audience guessing about what she’ll do next. delicate cuts and tasteful dissolves, abetted by a moving score by
The tone shifts subtly towards suspense, as the bloom falls off Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood.
the rose of new love, and Woodcock starts to lament that domes- Phantom Thread is extremely well made — it’s a rich confec-
ticity with Alma (or with anyone) brings the “air of quiet death” tion, salty and sweet — but it has an ending many will outright
to a relationship. His outlook would seem to draw a dark curtain despise. And if Reynolds Woodcock is the last character we see
over the possibility of happily ever after. Daniel Day-Lewis play on screen, then at least he’s going out as
The most incisive comment of all might be that no one one of the more memorable assholes the actor has portrayed in
as demanding as Reynolds Woodcock could ever be truly an exemplary career of playing memorable assholes. l

Phantom Thread is rated R, and opens in theaters everywhere on Friday, January 12. For tickets, visit fandango.com.

44 JANUARY 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


NightLife Photography by
Ward Morrison

JANUARY 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 45


Scene
Green Lantern - Thursday, January 4
Photography by Ward Morrison
See and purchase more photos from this event at www.metroweekly.com/scene

DrinksDragDJsEtc... GREEN LANTERN SHAW’S TAVERN Friday, Dark in the Code Bar, 9pm
Happy Hour, 4-9pm Happy Hour, 4-7pm • $3 • $5 Cover • DJ Ryan W
• Shirtless Thursday, Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon, January 12 in the Tavern, 9pm-2am •
10-11pm • Men in $5 Rails and House Wines Shigella Brown’s Bottom-
Thursday, Night, 9pm-2am • For
men in underwear, all well
Underwear Drink Free, & Half-Priced Pizzas 2018 MAL EVENTS more Review in the Nest,
January 11 drinks $2, 9pm-12am •
12-12:30am • DJs
BacK2bACk SLEAZE
@Hyatt Regency on
Capitol Hill
10-11:30pm • Cover is
$10 in advance, $12.50 at
Best Underwear Contest at
@Wonderland Ballroom Exhibitor Hall Open, door • Elyx Vodka and Any
9 1/2 Midnight • Code enforced
LIVING ROOM DC Leather Edition, 9pm-2am 4-10pm • Highwaymen Red Bull Flavor for $7 all
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any in Code Bar after 9pm •
1008 Vermont Ave. NW • DJs The Carry Nation, TNT presents IMPACT day long
drink, 5-9pm • Multiple EDM: Life College Night
Dollhouse MAL Edition, Keenan Orr and LEMZ • Dance Party in Regency
TVs showing movies, Thursdays, 10pm-2am
9pm-2am • Featuring Host: Jane Saw B, 10pm-3am • Music by FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR
shows, sports • Expanded • Free admission to the
DJ Ryan Doubleyou with DJ LEMZ • $10 Cover • Crazy Hour, 4-8pm •
craft beer selection • Tavern • Admission to the
the Dollhouse Girls and TRADE leatherweekend.com Karaoke, 9pm
Music videos featuring Nest is free until 10:30pm
Betty O’Hellno • Hosts: Doors open 5pm • Huge
DJ Wess • After 10:30pm, $5 Cover
Bombalicious Eklaver, Happy Hour: Any drink 9 1/2 FURBALL
for 21 and up, $10 Cover
Desiree Dik, and Jasmine normally served in a cock- Open at 5pm • Happy @DC Eagle
BALTIMORE EAGLE for 18-21 • thebalti-
Tea • No Cover tail glass served in a huge Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink, Leather Weekend Kick
Happy Hour, 3-9pm, all moreeagle.com
glass for the same price, 5-9pm • Friday Night Off Party, 10pm-close •
liquors, beers and wines up
NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR 5-10pm • Beer and wine Videos, 9:30pm • Rotating DJs Jack Chang and Mike
to 50% off • $5 Pitchers DC EAGLE
Beat the Clock Happy Hour only $4 DJs • Expanded craft beer Babbitt • GoGo Bear
of Miller Lite all night long DC Leather Pride’s
— $2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm), selection • No Cover Dancers: Mike Chapman,
• $3 Well Drinks until Welcome to DC, 9pm-3am
$4 (7-8pm) • Buckets of ZIEGFELD’S/SECRETS Brut Torres, and Juan
11pm • Thrifty Thursdays • DJ Barber Streisand,
Beer $15 • Drag Bingo All male, nude dancers • BALTIMORE EAGLE Manuel • Hosts: Daddy
Drag Show, hosted by porn star Rocco Steele,
DJ • 9pm • Cover 21+ 2022 N. Charles St. Ersin Winokur, Matty &
Whimsey Thrift and and past and present
NUMBER NINE Baltimore, Md. Vinny Parrello and Joe
Shaunda Leer, 8-9:30pm leather titleholders
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any Baltimore Bear Happy Tresh • $15 Cover in
in the Nest — First well
drink, 5-9pm • No Cover Hour, 3-9pm, all liquors, advance, $20 at door •
or domestic drink is on FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR
beers and wines up to Presented by Joe Fiore •
us! • $5 Cover at door for Crazy Hour, 4-8pm •
50% off • Bad Bears After DCEagle.com
Drag Show • Underwear Karaoke, 9pm

46 JANUARY 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


GREEN LANTERN NUMBER NINE
Happy Hour, 4-9pm • Open 5pm • Happy Hour:
$5 Smirnoff, all flavors, 2 for 1 on any drink, 5-9pm
all night long • Davon • No Cover • Friday Night
Hamilton Events presents Piano with Chris, 7:30pm
Meat Locker: Leather and
Jockstraps, 10pm-3am • SHAW’S TAVERN
Clothes Check provided • Happy Hour, 4-7pm • $3
Music by DJ Mo Money • Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon,
$10 entry before 1am, $15 $5 Rails and House Wines
after • For Free Entry Text & Half-Priced Pizzas • Live
DHEVENTS to 64600 or Music with Luke James
visit meatlocker.eventbrite. Shaffer, 9pm
com • 21+
TOWN
HONCHO Patio open 6pm • DC Bear
@U Street Music Hall Crue Happy Hour: Leather
1115 U Street NW Bear & Cigar Party, 6-11pm
DJs Mike Servito and • $3 Rail, $3 Draft, $3 Bud
Justin Cudmore, 10pm-3am Bottles • Free Pizza, 7pm
• $12 Cover in advance, • No cover before 9:30pm
$20 at door • 21+ • Drag Show starts
at 10:30pm • Hosted by
NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR Lena Lett and featuring
DJ Matt Bailer • Videos, Miss Tatianna, Shi-
Dancing • Beat the Clock Queeta-Lee, Riley Knoxx
Happy Hour — $2 (5-6pm), and Ba’Naka • DJ Wess
$3 (6-7pm), $4 (7-8pm) • upstairs, DJs BacK2bACk
Buckets of Beer $15 downstairs following the
show • GoGo Boys after

JANUARY 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 47


11pm • Doors open at
10pm • For those 21 and
Cares Project • MAL
Leather Cocktails, 7-9pm
• Karaoke, 10pm-close TNX LEATHER
WEEKEND
Sunday, BLUF:DC
@DC Eagle
over, $12 • For those GREEN LANTERN @NE Warehouse Location January 14 Boots, Leather, Uniform
18-20, $15 • Club: 18+ • 9 1/2 Happy Hour, 4-9pm • $5 TBA Fetish Party, 4-9pm •
Patio: 21+ Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any Bacardi, all flavors, all TNX Leather Weekend: 2018 MAL EVENTS Bootblacks Boy John Urso
drink, 2-9pm • $5 Absolut night long • Bears Can Horse Meat Disco, @Hyatt Regency on and Ryan Garner-Carpenter
TRADE and $5 Bulleit Bourbon, Dance: Bears in Leather 10pm-6am • Featuring DJs Capitol Hill • Music by DJ Barber
Doors open 5pm • Huge 9pm-close • Expanded and Jocks, 9pm-close • Horse Meat Disco, Juana Brunch in Capitol A and B Streisand • Cigar Social
Happy Hour: Any drink craft beer selection • Special performance by (Discwoman), and the and Congressional A and and Drink Specials
normally served in a cock- No Cover Kristina Kelly • No Cover Needlexchange: Lisa Frank, B, 10am-12pm • Exhibitor
tail glass served in a huge Baronhawk, Bil Todd, and Hall Open, 11am-5pm • DISTRKT C
glass for the same price, BALTIMORE EAGLE Tommy Cornelis • $30 Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather @DC Eagle
5-10pm • Beer and wine Happy Hour, 3-9pm LIVING ROOM DC Cover • 21+ • bit.do/ Contest, 1-4pm DC 2: Red Light Distrkt,
only $4 • Leather and Fetish Leather Weekend Wig Out TNXLEATHER 10pm-8am • DJs Abel and
Saturdays, Code Bar, Party, 1-7pm • DJ Hansell 9 1/2 X Gonzalez • $65 Tickets
ZIEGFELD’S/SECRETS 8pm-2am • Code enforced Leyva • Tickets available TOWN Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any • distrktc.com
Men of Secrets, 9pm • after 9pm in the Code at lafantasyproductions. DJ Drew G, 10pm-close drink, 2-9pm • $5 Absolut
Guest dancers • Rotating Bar • All Out of State ticketleap.com • Music and video by DJ and $5 Bulleit Bourbon, FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR
DJs • Ladies of Illusion Residents with a valid ID Wess • Drag Show starts 9pm-close • Multiple TVs Champagne Brunch Buffet,
Drag Show • Doors at get in free to Tavern (does NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR at 10:30pm • Hosted by showing movies, shows, 10am-3pm • $24.99 with
9pm, Shows at 11:30pm not include access to the Guest DJs • Zing Zang Lena Lett and featuring sports • Expanded craft four glasses of champagne
and 1:30am • DJ Don T. in Nest) • DJ Scott Howard Bloody Marys, Nellie Beer, Tatianna, Shi-Queeta-Lee, beer selection • No Cover or mimosas, 1 Bloody
Ziegfeld’s • Cover 21+ in the Tavern, 9pm-2am • House Rail Drinks and Riley Knoxx and Ba’Naka Mary, or coffee, soda or
Dance Party in the Nest, Mimosas, $4, 11am-5pm • • Doors open 10pm • $15 BALTIMORE EAGLE juice • Crazy Hour, 4-8pm
9:30pm-close • Long Buckets of Beer, $15 Cover from 10pm-12am • Lizzie Beaumont and • Karaoke, 9pm-close
Island Leather Saturdays $12 after midnight • 21+ Betty Whitecastle present
Saturday, — $5 Long Islands all day
• thebaltimoreeagle.com
NUMBER NINE
Doors open 2pm • Happy TRADE
Queens Who Brunch,
12-2pm • $34 per person
GREEN LANTERN
Happy Hour, 4-9pm •
January 13 Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink, Doors open 2pm • Huge includes All You Can Eat HybridNine: Limits, Green
DISTRKT C 2-9pm • $5 Absolut and $5 Happy Hour: Any drink • Free pitcher of Mimosas Lantern Leather Weekend
2018 MAL EVENTS @DC Eagle Bulleit Bourbon, 9pm-close normally served in a cock- per 4 admissions • Closing Party, 9:30pm-close
@Hyatt Regency on Masters, Boys & Pigs, • Pop Tarts, with DJs tail glass served in a huge Reservations highly sug- • GoGo Dancers • DJ
Capitol Hill 10pm-6am • DJs Morabito BacK2bACk, 9:30pm glass for the same price, gested and can be made Scott Howard and Ryan
Boy Tom’s Puppy Park and Barney Philly • $65 2-10pm • Beer and wine online beforehand • DJ Doubleyou • $5 Cover
10-Year Anniversary Tickets • distrktc.com SHAW’S TAVERN only $4 Kuhmeleon in the Tavern,
Celebration, in Regency Brunch with Bottomless 4-9pm • T-Dance Sundays,
B, C, and D, 11am-1pm FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR Mimosas, 10am-3pm • ZIEGFELD’S/SECRETS 4-9pm • Buy a cup for
• Exhibitor Hall Open, Saturday Breakfast Buffet, Happy Hour, 5-7pm • $3 Men of Secrets, 9pm-4am $5 and fill it with any NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR
11am-6pm • SigMa 10am-3pm • $14.99 with Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon, • Guest dancers • Ladies Absolut Flavor and Mixer Drag Brunch, hosted
Demonstrations, in one glass of champagne $5 Rails and House Wines of Illusion Drag Show for $3 each time (excluding by Shi-Queeta-Lee,
Regency B, C, and D, or coffee, soda or juice • & Half-Priced Pizzas with host Ella Fitzgerald energy drink mixers) • 10:30am-12:30pm and
2-4pm • ONYX Leather Additional champagne $2 • Doors at 9pm, Shows thebaltimoreeagle.com 1-3pm • House Rail Drinks,
Cocktails, 2-6pm in per glass • Crazy Hour, at 11:30pm and 1:30am Zing Zang Bloody Marys,
Congressional Room A, 4-8pm • Freddie’s Follies • DJ Don T. in Ziegfeld’s Nellie Beer and Mimosas,
featuring a Fetish Auction Drag Show, hosted by Miss • DJ Steve Henderson in $4, 11am-close • Buckets
benefiting the Community Destiny B. Childs, 8-10pm Secrets • Cover 21+ of Beer, $15

48 JANUARY 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


NUMBER NINE
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on
UPROAR LOUNGE &
RESTAURANT
GREEN LANTERN
Happy Hour all night
Tuesday, TRADE
Doors open 5pm • Huge
GREEN LANTERN
Happy Hour all night
any drink, 2-9pm • $5 Sunday Beer Bust: MAL long • Singing with the January 16 Happy Hour: Any drink long, 4pm-close • Bear
Absolut and $5 Bulleit Edition, 4-8pm • DJ Mike Sisters: Open Mic Karaoke normally served in a cock- Yoga with Greg Leo, 6:30-
Bourbon, 9pm-close • Pop Babbitt • $17 Bottomless Night with the Sisters 9 1/2 tail glass served in a huge 7:30pm • $10 per class
Goes the World with Wes Bud Light on Tap • Free of Perpetual Indulgence, Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any glass for the same price, • Upstairs opens 9pm •
Della Volla at 9:30pm • Captain Morgan Shot to 9:30pm-close drink, 5-9pm • Multiple 5-10pm • Beer and wine Lantern GoGo Dancers,
No Cover Shirtless Men • No Cover TVs showing movies, only $4 10pm-2am
NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR shows, sports • Expanded
REVIVAL Beat the Clock Happy Hour craft beer selection • NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR
@9:30 Club — $2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm), No Cover SmartAss Trivia Night, 8pm
815 V St. NW
Revival: A Different Kind
Monday, $4 (7-8pm) • Buckets of
Beer $15 • Texas Hold’em BALTIMORE EAGLE Wednesday, and 9pm • Prizes include
bar tabs and tickets to
of Cross, the Official Mid- January 15 Poker, 8pm • Dart Boards Happy Hour, 3-9pm, all January 17 shows at the 9:30 Club •
Atlantic Leather Weekend liquors, beers and wines up $15 Buckets of Beer for
Closing Party, 10pm-4am 9 1/2 NUMBER NINE to 50% off • Well Bomb 9 1/2 SmartAss Teams only •
• Featuring Def Mix DJ Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any Shots $4 all Day • Tavern Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any Bring a new team member
Quentin Harris and DJ drink, 5-9pm • Multiple drink, 5-9pm • No Cover Tally presents Family Feud drink, 5-9pm • Multiple and each get a free $10
Michele Miruski • $35 in TVs showing movies, Game Show Night, 8pm • TVs showing movies, Dinner
advance, $45 at door shows, sports • Expanded SHAW’S TAVERN thebaltimoreeagle.com shows, sports • Expanded
craft beer selection • MLK Day Brunch with craft beer selection • NUMBER NINE
SHAW’S TAVERN No Cover Bottomless Mimosas, FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR No Cover Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
Brunch with Bottomless 11am-3pm • Happy Hour, Crazy Hour, 4-8pm • Taco drink, 5-9pm • No Cover
Mimosas, 10am-3pm • BALTIMORE EAGLE 5-7pm • $3 Miller Lite, Tuesday • Karaoke, 9pm BALTIMORE EAGLE
Stoli Sundays: $5 Stoli Happy Hour, 3-9pm, all $4 Blue Moon, $5 Rails Happy Hour, 3-9pm, all SHAW’S TAVERN
Specials with DJ, 3:30pm liquors, beers and wines up and House Wines and GREEN LANTERN liquors, beers and wines Happy Hour, 4-7pm • $3
• Happy Hour, 5-7pm • $3 to 50% off • Micro Brew Half-Priced Pizzas • Shaw Happy Hour all night long, up to 50% off • Domestic Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon,
Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon, Draft/Bottle Mondays — Nuff Trivia, with Jeremy, 4pm-close Bottles are $3 all day • $5 Rails and House Wines
$5 Rails and House Wines $4 all day • SIN: Service 7:30pm Team Trivia, 8-10pm • and Half-Priced Pizzas •
& Half-Priced Pizzas Industry Night, 11pm-2am NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR thebaltimoreeagle.com Piano Bar with Jill, 8pm
• First Well Drink or TRADE Beat the Clock Happy Hour
TOWN Domestic Beer Free • 10% Doors open 5pm • Huge — $2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm), FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR TRADE
Otter Den presents MAL off your Food Order all day Happy Hour: Any drink $4 (7-8pm) • Buckets of Crazy Hour, 4-8pm • $6 Doors open 5pm • Huge
Weekend Last Chance • thebaltimoreeagle.com normally served in a cock- Beer $15 • Karaoke and Burgers • Drag Bingo Happy Hour: Any drink
Tea Dance, 5pm-close • tail glass served in a huge Drag Bingo Night, hosted by Ms. normally served in a cock-
Featuring DJ Jeffrey Sfire FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR glass for the same price, Regina Jozet Adams, 8pm tail glass served in a huge
and DJ Strikestone! • Crazy Hour, 4-8pm • 5-10pm • Beer and wine NUMBER NINE • Bingo prizes • Karaoke, glass for the same price,
GoGo Dancers • $8 Cover Singles Night • Half-Priced only $4 Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any 10pm-1am 5-10pm • Beer and wine
Pasta Dishes • Karaoke, drink, 5-9pm • No Cover only $4 l
TRADE 9pm
Doors open 2pm • Huge SHAW’S TAVERN
Happy Hour: Any drink Half-Priced Burgers and
normally served in a cock- Pizzas, 5-10pm • $5 House
tail glass served in a huge Wines and $5 Sam Adams
glass for the same price,
2-10pm • Beer and wine
only $4

50 JANUARY 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


Scene
JR.’s - Saturday, January 6
Photography by Ward Morrison
See and purchase more photos from this event at www.metroweekly.com/scene

52 JANUARY 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


LastWord.
People say the queerest things

“It’s time for this administration to


prioritize issues related to HIV and AIDS.”
— GLAAD, in a tweet, slamming the White House for avoiding questions regarding President Trump firing the Presidential Advisory
Council on HIV/AIDS. Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders was asked if Trump would refill the positions on the council.
“We’re looking at the different options and we’ll keep you posted if we have an announcement on that front,” she responded.
“It’s time to stop being dismissive of questions about the firing of members of the
Presidential Advisory Council on HIV and AIDS,” GLAAD said.

“We took [the book] as an inspiration, and then I really felt like
I needed to make it my own story.”
— JASON KATIMS, executive producer of new NBC drama Rise, justifying a decision to make the lead character straight. Rise is
based on the story of gay theater teacher Lou Volpe, who spent forty years as a high school teacher and whose life was the subject
of the book Drama High by Michael Sokolove — the inspiration for Rise. “With Lou’s family life and Lou’s family itself, there’s a
lot of reimagination. Not just in terms of gay or straight, but in terms of the family structure,” Katims added.

“Throughout their history, American


public libraries have been on the front lines
of the fight to dispel ignorance,
intolerance, and bigotry.

— BROOME COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY, in a Facebook post responding to homophobic commenters who had decried the New York state
library’s upcoming “Drag Queen Story Time” event. After advertising the event, commenters labeled it “filth,” “sick,” and “such
depravity.” The library refused to cancel the event, however, instead responding, “Libraries stand for values of freedom, intellect,
openness, tolerance, and the opportunity to freely explore the entirety of the world in which we live.”

“‘I was sexually abused and physically growing up


from the day I can remember till I was 14.

— BELLA THORNE, in an Instagram post detailing the abuse she endured as a child. The actress, who came out as bisexual in 2016,
posted in response to the Time’s Up movement to end sexual harassment against women. “Over and over
I waited for it to stop and finally it did. But some of us aren’t as lucky to get out alive.
Please today stand up for every soul Mistreated,” Thorne continued.

“[A] boy put a car tire around my neck and


poured petrol over my body, ready to burn me.”
— PEARL, a 30-year-old woman in Ghana, detailing the extreme abuse she suffered at the hands of a mob of people because she is
lesbian. Her account is part of a Human Rights Watch report into how LGBTQ people in Ghana have “second-class citizenship.”
She added: “Everybody started to beat me. They took me outside, dragging me and beating me at the same time….
The pastor said I should confess everything before I die.”

54 JANUARY 11, 2018 • METROWEEKLY

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