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CONTENTS

JANUARY 18, 2018 Volume 24 Issue 36

19 LIFE SAVER
Whitman-Walker’s 40-year history is inextricably
linked to that of both the LGBTQ community
and the larger D.C. community.

By John Riley

PRIME CUTS: MAL 2018


We ventured into the heart of Mid-Atlantic Leather
Weekend to capture its best moments
of fun, fraternity, and flogging.

Photography by Ward Morrison

Text by André Hereford, John Riley,


30
43
Doug Rule, and Bailey Vogt

HUMANOID
Stephen Karam’s The Humans is a gritty,
affecting night to remember.

By Kate Wingfield

SPOTLIGHT: GREY MATTER p.7 OUT ON THE TOWN p.11


PERSONAL SOUNDS: JUSTIN TRAWICK p.12 LIFE SAVER: WHITMAN-WALKER p.19
COMMUNITY: MARCHING FOR CHANGE p.25 COMMUNITY CALENDAR p.25
COVER STORY: PRIME CUTS p.30 STAGE: ON YOUR FEET p.42 STAGE: THE HUMANS p.43
MUSIC: BØRNS p.45 NIGHTLIFE p.47 SCENE: MAL REVIVAL CLOSING PARTY p.47
NIGHTLIFE LISTINGS p.48 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 Dr. Mathilde Krim Cover Photography Ward Morrison

Metro Weekly 1775 I St. NW, Suite 1150 Washington, DC 20006 202-638-6830
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editing and will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Metro Weekly is supported by many fine advertisers, but we cannot accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers, nor can we accept responsibility for materials provided by advertisers or their
agents. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles or advertising in Metro Weekly is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such person or organization.
© 2017 Jansi LLC.

4 JANUARY 18, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


Spotlight
PHOTO COURTESY OF DJ X NAME

Grey Matter
C
AMILA GREY IS ALL ABOUT OPRAH. “LET’S TALK of LURe this Saturday at Cobalt.
about that speech she gave at the Golden Globes,” says “We build our sets into each other,” says Grey. “I’m the more
the 36-year-old musician. “She’s was so inspirational. ethereal, electronic, and I generally start the set off with really
The world needs someone like an Oprah, someone who’s going cool, off-beat, off-kilter electronic music like Dark Wave, New
to inspire and unite — all the things that Barack was trying to do. Wave, all that ‘80s stuff that we love. I build it into hip hop and
We need some next-level stuff to happen.” She laughs. “I was then Kate takes it. We have found — and this is market research
going to use an expletive there, but I won’t.” — that people really like hip hop at the end of the night.”
Grey is the former member of the now dormant Uh-Huh- The conversation soon drifts back to politics. “I’m going to
Her (“We’ll never say we’re over; we’re saying we’re on an get political for a second,” says Grey, noting that her upcoming
indefinite hiatus”) and is currently singing lead with Summer appearance in D.C. marks one year to the day of the massive
Moon, a “supergroup” featuring bassist Nicholai Frasier (The Women’s March on Washington. “Under the Obama administra-
Strokes), drummer Stephen Perkins (Jane’s Addiction) and tion, things felt like they were getting better. There was hope. He
guitarist Noah Harmon (Airborne Toxic Event). The band will was a human speaking to other humans. Now it feels as though
go out on tour with The Killers starting next week. But Grey’s we’re backpedaling back 100 years to this weird political ideology
sidegig is tag-team DJ-ing with friend Kate Moennig, one of the of keeping things dark and in the closet.... It’s going to be divisive
stars of The L Word and Ray Donovan, under the moniker DJ X for a while in the sense that there’s the old school and there’s
Names (“It’s pronounced DJ No Names”). The pair will head- going to be the new school. Rest-assured, I’ll be part of the new
line the 9th anniversary party of Bare, presented by The Ladies school. And so, like I said, Oprah for President.” —Randy Shulman

Bare’s 9th Anniversary Party is Saturday, Jan. 20 at Cobalt, 1639 R St. NW. The event will also feature the Miami-based DJ
Citizen Jane and DJ Eletr0x. The anti-smoking campaign This Free Life will raffle off a Google Home. General admission is
$40, or $75 for VIP admission including limited “Meet and Greet” Tickets. Call 202-232-4416 or visit cobaltdc.com.

JANUARY 18, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 7


Spotlight
HAMLET
Hamlet is a monumental role for any actor, and
a few years after personifying Barbra Streisand
in the one-man tour-de-force Buyer & Cellar,
Michael Urie returns to the Shakespeare Theatre
Company to take on the troubled Danish prince,
one of the hallmarks of Western literature. Yet if
anyone knows Urie is up to such a serious, dra-
matic challenge, it’s Michael Kahn, who directs his
former Julliard student directs Urie in a produc-
tion that includes Robert Joy, Madeleine Potter,
Keith Baxter, and Oyin Oladejo as Ophelia. In pre-
SCOTT SUCHMAN

views. Opens Monday, Jan. 22. Extended to March


4. Harman Hall, 610 F St. NW. Call 202-547-1122
or visit shakespearetheatre.org.

BABYFACE
WITH THE NSO POPS
In his first-ever collaboration with
a full orchestra, music mogul, R&B
songwriter extraordinaire, and ’90s
hitmaker Kenny Edmonds will per-
form from his rich repertoire as Tim
Davies leads the NSO Pops. The con-
cert opens with a half-hour medley of
songs made famous by Babyface and
performed by students from D.C.’s
renowned Duke Ellington School
of the Arts. Friday, Jan. 19, and
Saturday, Jan. 20, at 8 p.m. Kennedy
Center Concert Hall. Tickets are $24
to $119. Call 202-467-4600 or visit
kennedy-center.org.

THE INFAMOUS
STRINGDUSTERS
A five-piece bluegrass band that
originated nearly a decade ago in
Massachusetts among students at the
Berklee College of Music returns to
the area for another concert at the 9:30
Club. Presented by All Good, with an
opening set from Dangermuffin, the
savvy Stringdusters tour in support
of their widely appealing new set
Laws of Gravity. Saturday, Jan. 20.
Doors at 7 p.m. 815 V St. NW. Tickets
are $25. Call 202-265-0930 or visit
930.com.

8 JANUARY 18, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


Spotlight
RUFUS WAINWRIGHT
Sometime later this year, Toronto’s Canadian Opera
Company will premiere the gay-themed Roman tale
Hadrian, the second opera from Rufus Wainwright
after Prima Donna from 2012. But in the interim, the
gay singer-songwriter continues to tour in support of
his most recent studio set, 2016’s Take All My Loves: 9
Shakespeare Sonnets. His half-sister, Lucy Wainwright-
Roche joins him for a stop in Alexandria. Saturday, Jan.
20, at 7:30 p.m. The Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon
Ave. Tickets are $89.50. Call 703-549-7500 or visit
birchmere.com.
MATTHEW WELCH

POE & PUCK


Strathmore’s 27th annual juried exhibition called on artists to
submit works inspired by the romance, dreams, and mysterious
themes of Edgar Allan Poe and William Shakespeare. Participating
artists include Winifred Anthony, Ken Bachman, Vaughn Clay,
Nella Fischer, Rebecca Hirsh, Bruce Morgan, Hamid Nouri, Irina
Parshikova, and William Peirce. Opening reception is Thursday, Jan.
18, at 7 p.m. On display through March 4. The Mansion at Strathmore,
10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda. Call 301-581-5100 or visit
strathmore.org.
Prospero by Ruth Lozner

DC RESTAURANT WEEK
The winter edition of DC Restaurant Week
2018 kicks off Monday, Jan. 22 with 250
select restaurants offering three courses
for $22 at lunch or brunch, and $35 at
dinner. The price point makes many of the
more expensive restaurants in town a bit
more affordable and a more enticing way
for those restaurants to make a good first
impression with newcomers. Although the
promotion officially ends Sunday, Jan. 28,
a number of participating restaurants plan
to make it a two-week affair, continuing to
Sunday, Feb. 4. Visit ramw.org/restauran-
tweek for a full list, to book reservations,
and to enter for prizes including tickets,
gift cards, and cookbooks.

JANUARY 18, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 9


Out On The Town

THE WOLVES
Sarah DeLappe’s play follows a group of 16-year-old stars of a high school girls’ soccer team. The play is about the “contact
sport of adolescence” as told from the female perspective. “I wanted to see a portrait of teenage girls as human beings,”
says DeLappe, who was commissioned by Studio to write The Wolves as part of the Women’s Voices Theater Festival. “[I
wanted to see them] as complicated, nuanced, very idiosyncratic people who weren’t just girlfriends or sex objects or manic
pixie dream girls but who were athletes and daughters and students and scholars and people who were trying actively to
figure out who they were in this changing world around them.” Marti Lyons directs. To March 4. Studio Theatre, 14th & P
Streets NW. Call 202-332-3300 or visit studiotheatre.org.

Compiled by Doug Rule Jan. 19. Landmark’s Bethesda Row To Feb. 4. Sprenger Theatre in Atlas this bid for greater gender parity
Cinema, 7235 Woodmont Ave. Call Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. in American theater). McGrath, a
NE. Tickets are $10 to $50. Call directing fellow at the Shakespeare
FILM 301-652-7273 or visit landmarkthe-
atres.com. 202-399-7993 or visit atlasarts.org. Theatre Company, has reimagined
Shakespeare’s original adventure
12 STRONG THE FINAL YEAR HENRY VIII with Princess Imogen examining
Chris Hemsworth stars as a U.S. A riveting, uncompromising, Shakespeare’s history play literal- her expectations when the fairytale
Special Forces agent in Nicolai and unique insiders’ account of ly burned down the original Globe strays from the tried and true. Also,
Fuglsig’s drama, co-produced President Barack Obama’s foreign Theatre in 1613 as a result of a mis- because it’s from Pointless, you can
by Jerry Bruckheimer, set in policy team as they attempt to fired cannon shot from the stage. expect puppets. To Feb. 11. Dance
Afghanistan immediately after 9/11. “lock-in” policies aimed at promot- The Rude Mechanicals, known for Loft on 14 Theater, 4618 14th St.
Incredibly handsome Hemsworth ing diplomacy over large-scale mil- providing edgy spins on classical NW 2nd Floor. Tickets are $30, or
as a swoon-worthy soldier and war itary action. Opens Friday, Jan. 19. works, fire up their own production $50 for Opening Night Friday, Jan.
hero — need we say more? Opens Landmark’s E Street Cinema, 555 (with, thankfully, no live cannons) 19. Call 202-621-3670 or visit point-
Friday, Jan. 19. Area theaters. Visit 11th St. NW. Call 202-452-7672 or of what happens when a country lesstheatre.com.
fandango.com. visit landmarktheatres.com. gets swept up in its king’s love affair.
Friday, Jan. 19, and Saturday, Jan. LOVE IS A BLUE TICK HOUND
FILM STARS DON’T DIE IN 20, at 8 p.m. West Arundel Creative A collection of four 20-minute,
LIVERPOOL STAGE Arts, 1788 Dorsey Rd., Hanover, Md. one-act plays by Audrey Cefaly,
Annette Bening portrays eccen- Tickets are $12 to $15. Call or visit Love Is A Blue Tick Hound is the
tric Oscar-winning actress Gloria GUILT rudemechanicals.com. contribution to the Women’s
Grahame, who starred in a string SCENA Theatre presents a world Voices Theater Festival from Rapid
of hit films in the 1950s — including premiere, based on historical IMOGEN Lemon Productions, which will
Oklahoma! — but by the late ’70s had events, by John Shand. The story An adaptation of Shakespeare’s present the work in two different
become a washed-up stage actress of a charming and clever philander- Cymbeline by local artist Charlie locations, including a February run
in Liverpool. The movie is based on ing priest in the 17th Century, the Marie McGrath, Imogen is notewor- at the Capital Fringe complex in
Peter Turner’s memoir, in which provocative drama delves into the thy as one of the first productions of Trinidad. The show, offering four
he recounts his relationship with intolerance, xenophobia and perse- the second Women’s Voices Theater intimate duets bearing witness to
Grahame as a young actor. Jamie cution of the powers that be, depict- Festival (a total of 25 local produc- all the many facets of love, runs this
Bell, Julie Walters, and Vanessa ing a collision between five people tions by women playwrights will be weekend in Baltimore. To Jan. 21.
Redgrave co-star. Opens Friday, who cannot tell the truth from lies. presented through mid-February in Theatre Project, 45 West Preston St.

JANUARY 18, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 11


Baltimore. Tickets are $20. Call 410-
752-8558 or visit theatreproject.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 con-
sternation that befalls a black police
officer after a family friend loses her
husband to a trigger-happy white
officer. To Jan. 28. Joe’s Movement
Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Road,
Mount Rainier, Md. Tickets are $15
to $25. Call 301-699-1819 or visit
alltheatrecompany.com.
ELLI PAPAYANOPOULOS

SEE ROCK CITY


Having staged Last Train to Nibroc
last season, Washington Stage Guild
offers the second in Arlene Hutton’s
“Nibroc Trilogy,” following a cou-
ple in the aftermath of World War

PERSONAL SOUNDS
II and beyond. Lexi Langs and
Wood Van Meter return as May and
Raleigh, and we see them at home in
Kentucky with their very different
mothers, who have plenty of ideas
Local singer-songwriter Justin Trawick explores new routes for how they should proceed with
to make musical connections. their lives. Opens Thursday, Jan. 18.
To Feb. 11. Undercroft Theatre of

I
Mount Vernon United Methodist
DREAM OF ONE DAY HAVING MY MUSIC PLAYED IN SAFEWAY,” JUSTIN TRAWICK Church, 900 Massachusetts Ave.
says. He’s only half-joking. After all, some of the acts that inspired the Northern Virginia-based NW. Tickets are $50 to $60. Call
240-582-0050 or visit stageguild.org.
singer-songwriter have become the soundtrack to shopping everywhere, from Safeway to CVS.
“It always seems like it’s grocery stores and convenience stores that Tracy Chapman is now played THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH
at,” he says, bolstering his point. Thornton Wilder’s other Pulitzer
Prize-winning play, less well-
Trawick’s musings on retail airplay come while discussing his latest release, Riverwash. The known than Our Town, is an epic
Americana-focused EP, from the four-piece band Justin Trawick and the Common Good, features saga, dating to 1943, that was far
guitar work from Adam Levy, who “was the guy that played the lead guitar part and electric guitar ahead of its time in mixing farce,
solo in ‘Give Me One Reason’ by Tracy Chapman.” burlesque, satire and absurdism.
Who better than Constellation
Trawick first met and performed with Levy in 2009 at a New York offshoot of the 9 Songwriter Theatre Company to bring that to
Series. Trawick developed the concept a decade ago as “The 9 at DC9,” a multi-artist show with life in the 21st century? Mary Hall
nine different acts randomly performing twice. “As an individual, lesser-known performer or band, Surface directs an ensemble cast
acting out the time-traveling tragi-
it’s hard to [get booked] at a respectable venue and fill it, because not as many people know you,” comedy about the Eternal Family,
he says. led by a couple who have been mar-
The 9:30 Club and the Kennedy Center are just two celebrated local venues that have repeated- ried 5,000 years, with a baby dino-
ly played host to the series, which has also featured Rachel Platten “back when no one really knew saur and a woolly mammoth saved
from extinction as family pets. Now
who she was,” well before “Fight Song” went double platinum in 2015. Trawick is diligently work- to Feb. 18. Source Theatre, 1835 14th
ing to expand the 9 Songwriter Series into a national touring production akin to the Moth storytell- St. NW. Tickets are $25 to $55. Call
ing showcase, to make it “more of a movement, rather than just another live show that I play in.” 202-204-7741 or visit constellation-
theatre.org.
For now, he’s focused on a headlining gig and album release party at Pearl Street Warehouse,
the intimate new venue on the D.C. Wharf. “It’s the first record that I’ve done that I feel really rep- THE WAY OF THE WORLD
resents me as a musician and us as a band,” he says. Trawick is less rock-oriented now than when Theresa Rebeck (TV’s Smash)
he made music his full-time pursuit over a decade ago, but however different in sound, the songs loosely adapts William Congreve’s
17th-century comedy of man-
on Riverwash are every bit as personal as his prior output. ners by exposing the foibles of
“The best part about this job is that you’re writing things that come from the heart, and often- the one-percenters. Presented
times you’re connecting with people based on the emotions that you’ve conveyed in a song,” he by Folger Theatre as part of the
Women’s Voices Theatre Festival,
says. “If you write something that people identify with, that’s when you make a fan forever. That’s The Way of the World is set in mod-
what I’m trying to do.” —Doug Rule ern-day Hamptons and stars noted
Broadway actress Kristine Nielsen
(Vanya and Sonia and Masha and
Justin Trawick and the Common Good perform Friday, Jan. 26, with doors at 7 p.m., at Pearl Street Spike). To Feb. 11. 201 East Capitol
Warehouse, 33 Pearl St. SW. Tickets are $12. Call 202-380-9620 or visit pearlstreetwarehouse.com. St. SE. Call 202-544-7077 or visit
folger.edu.

12 JANUARY 18, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


WICKED JEZABEL
Pauline Anson-Dross’ popular les-
bian all-covers party-rock band
Wicked Jezabel has been rocking —
as well as raising money for various
good causes — all over the region
for a decade now, originally under
the name The Outskirts of Town.
Saturday, Jan. 20, at 9 p.m. JV’s
Restaurant, 6666 Arlington Blvd.,
Falls Church. Call 703-241-9504 or
visit jvsrestaurant.com.

ZAC BROWN BAND


W/ONE REPUBLIC
Two bands that have headlined
Jiffy Lube Live in recent years have
joined forces for a Major League-
style summer show in D.C. proper.
The headliner is the eight-piece
band from Georgia that straddles
the Southern rock/country divide
and is led by its handsome name-
sake vocalist/guitarist. The Zac
Brown Band sets out on its Down
ALL THE PRESIDENT’S MEN The Rabbit Hole Live tour in sup-
As timely now as ever, Alan J. Pakula’s 1976 film documents the work of Washington port of its new return-to-roots
album Welcome Home. Meanwhile,
Post’s Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward in uncovering the Watergate scandal that led
the five-piece Colorado band
to Nixon’s resignation. Robert Redford is Woodward and Dustin Hoffman is Bernstein fronted by Ryan Tedder are first
in the acclaimed political thriller that Rotten Tomatoes sums up as “a taut, solidly acted at bat, performing their repertoire
paean to the benefits of a free press and the dangers of unchecked power.” The film, of home-run pop hits, from 2007’s
“Apologize” to 2013’s “Counting
which explores the inner-workings of a daily newspaper and the quest to not only get the Stars” to their most recent of
story, but to get it right, is the latest in Landmark’s West End Cinema hump-day series many single releases, the blissed-
Capital Classics. Screenings are Wednesday, Jan. 24, at 1:30, 4:30, and 7:30 p.m., 2301 M out country-tinged “Champagne
Supernova.” Tickets on sale Friday,
St. NW. Happy hour from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 to $12.50. Call 202-534-1907 or
Jan. 19, for concert Friday, July 27.
visit landmarktheatres.com. Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol
St. NE. Visit livenation.com.

MUSIC and Etta James. BSO Principal Pops


Conductor Jack Everly directs the
ern city folk,” and the New York-
based Kaplansky has collaborated DANCE
“Diva to Diva, From Ella to Adele” with Suzanne Vega, Shawn Colvin,
AARON TVEIT COMPANY|E: BERNSTEIN
program. Thursday, Jan. 25, at 8 and Dar Williams, among other con-
In 2010, he portrayed Peter INSPIRATIONS
p.m. Music Center at Strathmore, temporaries who, for one reason or
Orlovsky, the partner of poet Allen The D.C.-based contemporary
5301 Tuckerman Lane, North another, have had a tad more main-
Ginsberg (James Franco) in Rob dance group teams up with local
Bethesda. Also Friday, Jan. 26, and stream success than she. You might
Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman’s gay choreographer Robert J. Priore
Saturday, Jan. 27, at 8 p.m., and call her a folkie’s folkie, and certain-
Howl. Yet Aaron Tveit is far bet- as part of the Kennedy Center’s
Sunday, Jan. 28, at 3 p.m. Joseph ly she’s earned a following at Wolf
ter known for musical theater, on “Leonard Bernstein at 100” series.
Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Trap’s folk haven. Kaplansky returns
Broadway (Next to Normal, Catch I Never Dreamed It Could Be Like
Cathedral St., Baltimore. Tickets for another year at the Barns with
Me If You Can) and on screen This: Inspirations is an hour-long
are $33 to $99. Call 410-783-8000 an opening set from up-and-comer
(Danny Zuko in Fox’s Grease Live!). dance work bringing together cho-
or visit bsomusic.org. Heather Maloney. Saturday, Jan. 20,
Tveit returns for two evenings of reography by Priore with record-
at 8 p.m. The Barns at Wolf Trap,
cabaret at the Barns at Wolf Trap ed music and spoken word by
FINE ARTS QUARTET, 1635 Trap Road, Vienna. Tickets are
after making his debut last year. Bernstein intended to showcase his
ALON GOLDSTEIN $26 to $28. Call 877-WOLFTRAP or
Friday, Jan. 26, and Saturday, Jan. legacy as a composer, as a conduc-
A leading chamber ensemble for visit wolftrap.org.
27, at 8 p.m. The Barns at Wolf Trap, tor, and as a man. Friday, Jan. 19, at
over over seven decades, local Fine
1635 Trap Road, Vienna. Tickets are 8 p.m., and Saturday, Jan. 20, at 3
Arts Quartet performs a “Mozart WHITE FORD BRONCO
$40 to $55. Call 877-WOLFTRAP or and 8 p.m. Kennedy Center Theater
& More” concert presented by the What the Legwarmers are to the
visit wolftrap.org. Lab. Tickets are $25. Call 202-467-
Washington Conservatory of Music. ’80s, this party band is to the ’90s,
A swan song for departing mem- cheekily named after O.J. Simpson’s 4600 or visit kennedy-center.org.
DIVA TO DIVA
bers cellist Robert Cohen and vio- notorious failed getaway car.
Ann Hampton Callaway has writ- JANE FRANKLIN DANCE:
list Juan-Miguel Hernandez, the Playing through that decade’s song-
ten songs for her mentor Barbra FORTY+ OR MINUS
concert features guest instrumen- book in all styles of popular music is
Streisand — plus the theme song Local youth as well as adults over
talist Alon Goldstein performing a five-member ensemble consisting
to the old TV series The Nanny. age 40 will be mixed up for a
Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23 in A of singer/guitarist Diego Valencia,
But the lesbian jazz singer-song- multi-generational exploration of
Major as well as three piano sona- singer Gretchen Gustafson, guitar-
writer’s focus in the past few years what it means to be of “your gener-
tas by Domenico Scarlatti. Friday, ists Ken Sigmund and McNasty, and
has been on the classics — whether ation,” exploring technological con-
Jan. 19, at 8 p.m. Westmoreland drummer Max Shapiro. The group
love songs from the Great American cepts both current and outdated,
Congregational Church, 1 becomes one of the first to perform
Songbook to tributes to her idols from VHS to MP4. Remaining per-
Westmoreland Circle, Bethesda. at Union Stage, a small music club
Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald. formances are Saturday, Jan. 20, at
Tickets are free, donations wel- in the District Wharf created by the
The latter is the one of the tentpoles 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, Jan. 27, at
come. Call 301-320-2770 or visit owners of Virginia’s Jammin’ Java.
in a return engagement with the 7:30 p.m. Theatre on the Run, 3700
washingtonconservatory.org. Saturday, Jan. 20. Doors at 7 p.m.
Baltimore Symphony, as Calloway South Four Mile Run Dr. Arlington.
740 Water St. SW. Tickets are $25
performs songs by divas, also Tickets are $5 to $22. Call 703-933-
LUCY KAPLANSKY to $35. Call 877-987-6487 or visit
including Carly Simon, Carole King, 1111 or visit janefranklin.com.
The Boston Globe has touted her unionstage.com.
the “troubadour laureate of mod-

14 JANUARY 18, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


Langley Spurlock. Now to Jan. 27,
with an Artists’ Reception on Jan.
20. Studio Gallery, 2108 R St. NW.
Call 202-232-8734 or visit studio-
gallerydc.com.

FOOD & DRINK


CHEF’S TABLE WITH
GERARD PANGAUD
The man behind former D.C.
restaurant Gerard’s Place and
now chef at Malmaison on the
Georgetown Waterfront, Pangaud
was the youngest chef ever to
receive a two-star Michelin rating
PHOTO COURTESY OF ST REGIS HOTEL

(for his namesake French restau-


rant prior to moving to the U.S.).
At the Hill Center on Capitol Hill,
he offers an intimate, unique dining
experience for 12 focused on the
haute cuisine of his native land. The
four-course tasting menu, paired
with select French wines, includes
a starter of porcini mushrooms,
followed by Sauteed Scallops with
endives, roasted chestnuts, relish
of apples and capers with a soy and
BLOODY MARY MONTH AT THE ST. REGIS sherry vinegar sauce, an entree of
Braised Short Ribs in Red Wine
Although enjoyed all year round, January is officially Bloody Mary Month — who knew?
sauce with mashed potatoes and
In addition to its Sunday live jazz brunch ($59 per person) that includes a Bloody Mary glazed salsify, and ending with
Bar ($20 extra), D.C.’s St. Regis hotel bar is offering variations on the brunchy concoction Lentils “Preserved” with carmel-
as a special toast to the wide-held claim that the drink came to popularity by a bartender ized pineapple, passion fruit sorbet
and shaved coconut. Friday, Jan.
at the original St. Regis Hotel in New York in the 1930s. Patrons can order a Bloody Mary 26, at 7 p.m. Hill Center, Old Navy
flight for $34 with tastings of Red Snapper, or the original Mary with vodka, tomato Hospital, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE.
juice blend, and lemon wedge; Capital Mary, a D.C.-inspired version with gin, tomato Cost is $135. Call 202-549-4172 or
visit HillCenterDC.org.
and lemon juices, horseradish, tabasco and Worcestershire sauces, cracked pepper, and
Old Bay seasoning, plus shrimp and oyster crackers for garnish; Bloody Sunrise, a South
Florida creation with vodka, Clamato picante and tomato juices, key limes, celery salt, DRAG/SHOW
Worcestershire sauce, crushed red pepper, grated fresh horseradish root; and Spice Route
Mary, a spicy blend from Doha, Qatar, that starts with premium pepper vodka, tomato, V8
BRUNCHES
and fresh lime juices, and Worcestershire sauce, then adds in exotic ingredients including 18TH & U DUPLEX DINER: HAUTE
saffron oil, harissa paste, lemon salt, sumac and ginger powders, and ground cumin, with DISH DRAG BRUNCH
celery stalk for garnish. Available every day in January. The St. Regis Washington, D.C., A good time for a good cause, Haute
Dish is drag brunch with the kind
923 16th St. NW. Call 202-638-2626 or visit stregiswashingtondc.com. of twist you’d expect from the pop-
ular LGBTQ-owned and operat-
ed Duplex Diner. Food & Friends
gets proceeds as patrons get food,
READINGS AND EXHIBITS everyday life are the subject of these
mini-accordion books, featuring
drinks, favorite hits as spun by DJ
Wesley Della Volla, and lip-sync
DISCUSSIONS JD DEARDOURFF’S
interior layout and design by Fidel
Salvador Medrano. Closes Sunday,
entertainment for days: Kate Symes
from Washington Improv Theater
UNCANNY FANTASTIC
Jan. 21, with an artist talk and guest hosts a show featuring KC
STORY DISTRICT’S TOP SHELF This graphic artist is the latest to be
reception starting at 5 p.m. Nano B. Yonce’, Goldie Grigio, S’Vage
An annual best-of showcase featur- the focus of CulturalDC’s year-long
Gallery, 2438 18th St. NW. Call 202- Evergreen, Anne G. O’Plasty, Judy
ing some of the best tales told over Space4: Mobile Art Gallery, a roving
462-7833 or visit dcartscenter.org. from HR, Mindy Nao, Holly Cost,
the past year at this storytelling orga- former 40-foot shipping contain-
nization’s many events around town. er now set up at Union Market. Regyna, and Kiana (aka regular
WILLIAM CHRISTENBERRY: Diner DJ Adam Koussari-Amin).
Unlike other storytelling organiza- Coinciding with the release of
A LEGACY Saturday, Jan. 20, from 1 to 4 p.m.
tions, Story District is focused on Deardourff’s self-published comic
Best known for evocative pho- 18th and U Duplex Diner, 2004 18th
congenial camaraderie rather than book series, Uncanny Fantastic
tographs of his original home St. NW. Tickets are $45 and include
competition — no judged “Story transports viewers into an alternate
in Alabama, the late William one brunch entree and one cham-
Slams” here. Top Shelf is a curated reality through experimental mono
Christenberry was also a teacher pagne cocktail or glass of wine, with
group of eight storytellers, partially prints. To Feb. 23. Union Market,
and mentor for hundreds of stu- additional drink specials, including
winnowed down by a panel of inde- 1309 5th St. NE. Call 800-680-9095
dents at D.C.’s Corcoran College mimosa pitchers, available at extra
pendent judges. This year’s lineup or visit unionmarketdc.com.
of Art and Design — including 11 cost. Call 202-265-9599 or visit
includes Graham Campbell, Mike of the 38 members in the cooper-
Kane, Vijai Nathan, Anne Thomas, QUIQUE AVILES: EL ACORDEON duplexdiner.com.
ative Studio Gallery. To celebrate
John Tong, Amy Vance, Christopher A collection of 10 short poems writ-
his legacy, the gallery presents an LA BOUM
Wade, and Sakina Zaidi. Saturday, ten, folded, and bound by the El
exhibition of artworks that closely Launched seven years ago at
Jan. 20, at 8 p.m., and Sunday, Jan. Salvador-born D.C. poet and actor
reflect his mentoring from artists L’Enfant Cafe, the incredibly popu-
21, at 7:30 p.m. Lincoln Theatre, 1215 is the focus of a new exhibition
including Gordon Binder, Deborah lar boozy brunch/day party known
U St. NW. Tickets are $25 to $35. in the District of Columbia Arts
Addison Coburn, Pam Frederick, as La Boum has only gotten bigger
Call 202-328-6000 or visit thelin- Center. Identity, migration, the idea
Julie Koehler, Yvette Kraft, and and boum-ier in recent years — even
colndc.com. of belonging and the vagaries of

16 JANUARY 18, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


earning a nod as one of Bravo TV’s drawing starting on Friday, Jan. 19,
“Top 5 Raging Brunches in the U.S.” at 2 p.m. Baltimore Eagle, 2022 N.
The self-billed “revolutionary-style Charles St. Call 410-200-9858 or visit
brunch” welcomes patrons of all thebaltimoreeagle.com.
genders and sexual orientations
for a multi-course dinner and four GAY/BASH: GOTHNIGHT
hours of drinking, dancing to a DJ, Josh Vogelsong started his monthly
and doing “everything they weren’t alternative drag-focused party more
allowed to do under pure paren- than six years ago at the Black Cat,
tal supervision as young adults.” but it wasn’t until it moved to Trade
Tickets remain for the noon a year ago that it became what he
brunches Sunday, Jan. 21, Saturday, had long envisioned it could be.
Jan. 27, and Sunday, Jan. 28., the “It’s what I’ve always wanted:
latter of which is the official 7th People show up in looks, everybody
anniversary party. Abigail Room, comes dressed up,” Vogelsong says.
1230 M St. NW. Tickets are $32.50 “Everybody gets crazy during the
to $35 per person, plus 20-percent show. You can just spray beer on the
gratuity and drinks. Call 240-286- crowd, and they’d cheer and love it.
4286 or visit laboumbrunch.com. It’s wild.” The first Gay/Bash of
2018 is a dark and decidedly alter-
SIR SUNDAYS AT SAX native affair, with performances in
Penn Quarter’s Moulin Rouge- black from Vogelsong per his drag
inspired restaurant Sax offers move- alter-ego Donna Slash, Salvadora
ment-based spectacles, including Dali, Jaxknife Complex, Jane Saw,
aerial stunts, hip-hop group rou- and Porcelain from Philadelphia,
tines, pole performances, and bur- with the Barber Streisand supplying
lesque, to add excitement beyond the edgy soundtrack. Saturday, Jan.
the food. And male burlesque is 20. Doors at 10 p.m., with shows at
the showcase every Sunday during 11:30 p.m. and 1 a.m. Trade, 1410
brunch, as a group of male pro- 14th St. NW. Call 202-986-1094 or
fessional dancers, aerialists, and visit facebook.com/gaybashdc.
bodybuilders perform full-length
shows, accompanied by unlimited COBALT: BARE’S 9TH
mimosas delivered by by table ser- ANNIVERSARY EVENT
vice studs. Sundays at 11 a.m. and 2 The Ladies of LURe, led by Karen
p.m. Sax Restaurant & Lounge, 734 Diehl, will celebrate nine years
11th St. NW. Tickets are $50 to $65 of throwing its popular month-
including appetizers and unlimited ly party at Cobalt with an event
mimosas. Call 202-737-0101 or visit featuring celebrity guests includ-
sirmaleburlesque.com. ing TV actress Kate Moennig from
The L Word and Ray Donovan,
TAQUERIA DEL BARRIO: also known from her side career as
DRAG BRUNCH DJ Kate - X Names, singer Camila
Petworth’s Mexican eatery from Grey of duo Uh Huh Her, DJs
the DC Empanadas crew pres- Citizen Jane and Eletr()x, and the
ents another round of its month- DystRucXion Dancers. There will
ly drag brunch. Desiree Dik hosts also be drink specials and a raffle at
a show featuring queens Kristina this part co-sponsored by anti-to-
Kelly, Bombalicious Eklaver, and bacco LGBTQ organization This
Sylvanna Duvel, who perform while Free Life. Saturday, Jan. 20. Doors
guests enjoy French toast, chilaq- at 9 p.m. 1639 R St. NW. General
uiles and Taqueria’s signature tacos, admission is $40, or $75 for VIP
among other dishes, all washed admission including limited Meet
down with mimosas, Bloody Marys and Greet Tickets. Call 202-232-
and Absolut vodka cocktails. Two 4416 or visit cobaltdc.com.
seatings Saturday, Jan. 27, at 10
a.m. and 1 p.m. 821 Upshur St. NW. ABOVE
Tickets are $25 and include one
brunch entree or three tacos and
one brunch cocktail. Call 202-723-
AND BEYOND
0200 or visit taqueriadelbarrio.com. PRETTY BOI DRAG: 2ND
ANNIVERSARY PARTY
NIGHTLIFE Two years ago former DC King
Pretty Rik E set out to revive the
BALTIMORE EAGLE: 1-YEAR art of drag kings in D.C. Since then,
ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND there have been over 20 Pretty Boi
It’s hard to believe it’s only been a Drag shows, over brunch or during
year, but the dramatically revived nighttime parties, featuring near-
Baltimore Eagle is going all out ly two dozen local drag kings. For
for a weekend-long toast to those the next event, a Sunday afternoon
who’ve made it the best nest around. anniversary party, patrons can win
The “Customer Appreciation tickets to future shows as well as
Celebration” will feature various “Pretty Boi Swag.” Sunday, Jan. 21,
events and parties, a special appear- from 2 to 5 p.m. Bier Baron Tavern,
ance by the woofy Paul Logan aka 1523 22nd St. NW. Tickets are $20
Wolverine, and prizes and giveaways, in advance, or $25 at the door. Call
culminating in a $1,000 Drawing on 202-293-1887 or visit prettyboidrag.
Sunday, Jan. 21, at 5 p.m. Patrons com. l
will be automatically entered into the

JANUARY 18, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 17


PHOTO COURTESY OF WWH

Life Saver
Whitman-Walker’s 40-year history is inextricably linked to that of both the LGBTQ community
and the larger D.C. community. By John Riley

“Whitman-Walker Health
is evidence of how any group of people, when they come togeth-
of the Washington Free Clinic, known as the Gay Men’s VD
Clinic, which operated out of the basement of Georgetown
Lutheran Church on Saturday mornings. Five years later, with a
er for a common purposes, can make a tremendous impact,” says new name and $15,000 in funding from the D.C. government, the
Joseph Izzo. Whitman-Walker Clinic rented a new facility on 17th Street NW,
Izzo, a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist at with its services emphasizing gay men’s sexual health. The clinic
the community health center has witnessed firsthand Whitman- would later move to 18th Street NW in Adams Morgan, where it
Walker’s ability to weather difficult times. He’s been with the would remain until 1987 before moving to the first of three sites
clinic since 1986 and, as such, is its longest-serving employee. along 14th Street NW.
Despite a series of boom-and-bust cycles that threatened its “The first 10 years was largely about Whitman-Walker being
financial solvency, and until 2006, frequent changes in manage- a safe space, a sanctuary, a gathering space for gay men and lesbi-
ment, Whitman-Walker has overcome a number of challenges ans,” says Don Blanchon, Whitman-Walker’s current executive
to continue operating crucial health care programs, including director. “There was less embracing or acceptance [of LGBTQ
LGBTQ-competent health services and HIV/AIDS care. people] in society, which meant that, particularly in urban areas,
Now in its 40th year, Whitman-Walker has long served as there were a lot of places like Whitman-Walker that basically
the anchor of the 14th Street corridor, and a go-to health center became a place where gay people could gather, beyond just the
for D.C.’s LGBTQ community, whose own history is inextricably club scene.”
intertwined with that of the organization. The clinic’s role as a community gathering place would
Whitman-Walker began in 1973 as an all-volunteer program change in 1981, when reports of a new form of cancer and pneu-

JANUARY 18, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 19


monia that seemed to be affecting gay and bisexual men began to a lot of us felt,” says Lewis, who currently works at the clinic as
emerge. It would prove to be the early days of an epidemic that a physician’s assistant. “As I saw more and more people coming
would drastically change the clinic’s mission. in sick in the emergency room...and seeing people dying and
getting sick…, I was really very moved by what was happening to
An Epidemic Begins gay men. I think other women were, too.”
Ironically, Lewis says the epidemic helped bring together the
AS HIV BEGAN to take its toll, Whitman-Walker, as one of gay and lesbian communities, who had previously operated in
the first-line responders, took a leadership role in educating separate yet parallel spheres. Lewis and dozens of other lesbian
the LGBTQ community about the disease. That year, the clinic volunteers donated their time to help test, counsel, and comfort
launched its AIDS Education Fund, an AIDS information hotline, their gay brethren infected with HIV. Due to their courageous
a prevention advertising campaign, efforts, the women earned spots on
and programs to help those living the Lesbian Honor Roll, a list of peo-
with AIDS, including a housing pro- “I can’t tell you the ple dedicated to curbing the spread
gram, food bank and legal services.
“Much like other cities, the gay
number of people who of the virus.

community responds, because the


gay community is dying from it, and
tell me, ‘Oh, you guys New Hope,
we are off to the races,” Blanchon must be rolling in it,’ and New Mission
says. “That second decade is about THE ADVENT OF antiretroviral
Larry Medley, Bill Cunningham, I’m laughing, going like, drugs to treat HIV brought new chal-
Sunnye Sherman, Jim Graham, Max
Robinson. It’s all these people who ‘YOU HAVE NO IDEA lenges. Instead of essentially helping
patients prepare for death, clinic staff
said, ‘Hey, this is happening. This is
real. We’ve got to have a community
HOW CHALLENGING found themselves supporting those
who were infected, ensuring they’d
response.’ THIS WORK IS.’” live and could suppress their viral load.
“I also give Marion Barry a lot of — Don Blanchon, Executive Director, That same success also led to
credit, because Marion was on the financial difficulties for the clinic, as
Whitman-Walker Health
forefront of some of this stuff as a it struggled to get enough money to
political leader,” Blanchon says of support its services, which had previ-
the former mayor. “He knew this was going to be really bad for ously been offered to most clients free of charge.
the city, and he put money into Whitman-Walker...because he Cornelius Baker, a Whitman-Walker board member during
wanted people to have the latest information.” the ’90s who served as executive director from 2000 to 2004,
Izzo, a former high school teacher and sex educator, spent his notes that there was a significant racial divide in public opinion
first years at Whitman-Walker doing outreach to high-risk pop- regarding the clinic and who it was perceived as serving —
ulations, including gay males, transgender females, intravenous namely, white gay men. While Baker says the perception was
drug users, and sex workers. not based on reality, to some in communities of color, partic-
“We were out at night time, on the streets with trained vol- ularly minority-led organizations or those residing across the
unteers,” Izzo recalls. “We distributed condoms, we distributed Anacostia River, it appeared that Whitman-Walker was being
information packets about HIV prevention, and about medical favored for government grants or city contracts to provide AIDS
services at Whitman-Walker. We basically tried to educate the services.
community as best we could not to get infected. “A lot of it was about money and who got city funding and
“The bad part of it, from ’86 to ’90, was the fact that people who didn’t,” Baker says. “A lot of it was about power, who had
were dying left, right, and center. They were dropping like flies. relationship to power. For example, in a city like Washington,
So I was going to lots of funerals during that time. That was D.C., with at that time still a 75 to 80 percent black population,
probably the hardest part of it. By 1988, I had already lost three with the epidemic of HIV, which was at that time...primarily
dozen people that I knew.” a black epidemic, the [executives] were all white, and a lot of
Despite medical advancements, the epidemic ravaged the the board leadership. I think we had a 42-member board when
LGBTQ community well into the mid-90s. I became the executive director, and the majority of members
“There really weren’t a lot of options for people in terms of were white.”
medication, so we really were helping people through the dying Baker’s tenure also saw consolidation and the closure of
process in a lot of ways,” recalls Wellness Coordinator Joanne Whitman-Walker’s housing and food bank programs, necessitat-
Sincero, who initially started as a volunteer before joining the ed by a drastic decline in fundraising due to a recession in early
clinic staff in 1994 to work for its HIV day treatment program. 2001, government budget cuts, and the 9/11 terrorist attacks,
“It wasn’t unusual to lose a person every week. Things became which impacted the annual AIDS Walk fundraiser. Despite diffi-
so normalized, like people on IV poles. At that time, 14th Street culties, Baker tried to reconfigure the clinic to meet the changing
had a few carry-outs, and we would go up the street with the IV needs of the community, including introducing sliding scale fees
poles and go to the carry-out. I mean, people just went outside so that more financially stable clients could contribute to their
and continued to live even though they were really sick.” own care.
Barbara Lewis started as a volunteer in 1979 with the clin- After repeated cycles of financial hardship and struggle,
ic’s Lesbian Health Center, where she provided gynecological Whitman-Walker’s board brought in Blanchon in 2006.
exams to women. As the epidemic began to take a toll, she shift- “Given the financial circumstances of where Whitman-
ed her focus to working on HIV/AIDS-related care. Walker was at that time in the mid to late 2000s, the board here
“I think the AIDS epidemic really had a major impact on how and many employees as well as community members knew that

20 JANUARY 18, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


there was going to be significant changes,” says Blanchon, who this work is.’”
received a great deal of criticism from politicians, community Despite financial stresses, board member June Crenshaw
leaders, and even longtime donors, about some of the tough deci- says Whitman-Walker has been especially agile in adapting to
sions he was making. Yet he focused on trying to set the health meet the changing needs of the community over its history, and
center on stable footing and not take it personally. expects that it will continue to do so.
“Remember there was no guarantee at that time that if we “It’s not been easy,” she says. “It’s been really, really chal-
made this change, we were going to be okay financially,” he says. lenging and painful at times, trying to develop the mission and
“And then, to state the obvious, as a straight ally but someone the vision and how to accomplish those things. If there’s any
who’s not well-known in the gay or LGBTQ political establish- organization that’s not doing that on a regular basis, then they’re
ment, people were questioning my motives They had every right going to become obsolete pretty quickly. The great thing about
to do that.... People were wondering what I was trying to do.” Whitman-Walker has been that it’s been able to morph and
transform itself to meet the community’s needs as the commu-
An Eye Toward the Future nity has grown.”
Which doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement.
BLANCHON’S TENURE CAN uncategorically be declared a Crenshaw sees a need for better outreach and education around
success, though he is the first to admit that there’s far more to Whitman-Walker’s various services to all members of the com-
accomplish. He also notes that Whitman-Walker is still heavily munity, particularly in the Southeast. Both the rate of HIV
reliant on financial support from the community. and the number of people who have limited access to health
“In 2018, we need to raise $4 million,” he says. “Not $40 care, remain stubbornly high in that sector of the city, which is
thousand, not $400 thousand. That’s $4 million to keep the majority African-American. Crenshaw also says that Whitman-
lights on and do the things we need to do. If the community sup- Walker’s leadership needs to be more reflective of the com-
ports us and engages with us, we’ll be able to do more for youth. munities it serves by including more people of color, lesbians,
We’ll be able to do more for the trans community. We’ll be able and transgender people — something the board has previously
to do more for people who live on the east end of the city. We’ll discussed.
be able to do more for seniors. If they don’t, we’re going to have Nonetheless, Blanchon is amazed when he reflects on the 40
to fundraise just to keep our head above the water.” years of service that Whitman-Walker has provided to the D.C.
Over the past decade, Whitman-Walker has weathered anoth- community, and the amount of support that the health center
er recession, expanded services to include gynecology and psy- has received in return.
chiatry, and brought about a degree of financial security. In 2011, “I am in awe how much we have learned about the depth of
the clinic officially changed its name to Whitman-Walker Health, support, through all of the mistakes that we’ve made over 40
to better reflect its mission as a community health center. years, and the community still wants us to thrive,” he says. “It is
In 2013, Whitman-Walker absorbed The Mautner Project, a increasingly clear that our work around equality and social justice
women’s health collaborative, and hired its staff to provide com- through health isn’t done yet. Those things are really apparent,
prehensive health care services to lesbian, bi, and transgender whether it’s around the Affordable Care Act, whether it’s around
women. Two years later, it incorporated the programs of Metro the transgender community, whether it’s around fighting HIV,
TeenAIDS into its youth services offerings. That same year, you name it. There’s just so much more work still to be done.”
Whitman-Walker leased a state-of-the-art building at 1525 14th Baker says the larger LGBTQ community and the District
St. NW to house a number of its services and programs, part of owe a debt to Whitman-Walker for its pioneering spirit, its wis-
an effort to renovate the Elizabeth Taylor Medical site, at 1701 dom, foresight, and dedication to doing everything possible to
14th St. NW. save lives, particularly in the darkest days of the HIV epidemic.
The Elizabeth Taylor site will become a new six-story, “I think that what we should see when we look at Whitman-
mixed-use building, including retail stores, restaurants, under- Walker is just how bold, how noble, how visionary, how caring
ground parking, and rental apartments, with Whitman-Walker and how dignified that we have been over the last 40 years,” he
maintaining administrative offices and a community space for says, “and I think that what it should do more than anything else
meetings, gatherings, youth services, and yoga. By renting out is challenge us to think about who we are going forward, who
space in the building, Whitman-Walker will raise capital that we are as a people, who we are as a community, and how do we
can subsequently be used to help rehabilitate its Max Robinson honor that work as greatly as it has been given to us.”
Center in Southeast D.C., to better ensure clients living east of “Whitman-Walker is constantly reinventing itself,” adds
the Anacostia River have access to quality health services. Crenshaw, as she looks toward the future. “That has been an
However, because of the recent development of the 1525 and amazing process to witness and to be a part of. I feel as though
Elizabeth Taylor sites, some would-be donors have assumed that it’s been a place to really grow and have some real challenging
the health center is flush with cash. It isn’t. conversations about the direction and the importance and the
“This whole plan is a 10-year model that says, ‘Move Elizabeth value to the community, because this organization has saved a
Taylor to 1525, redevelop Elizabeth Taylor, get economic value lot of lives, both physically and emotionally.
over time from that to rebuild Max Robinson.’ If this was a hos- “It is so much needed, particularly in this current day and
pital, it would be one 10-year modernization project,” Blanchon time,” she concludes. “We need it more than ever. Its success is
says. “Instead, community members see it as, ‘Oh, you built a important to the community as a whole.” l
shiny building there.’ We don’t own 1525, we lease. We don’t
have the money to be able to do it on our own, and if we tried to Whitman-Walker will kick off its 40th anniversary year with
rebuild Max right now, we’d need $20 million. a dance party on Saturday, Jan. 20, from 8 to 11 p.m. at Town
“I can’t tell you the number of people who tell me, ‘Oh, you Danceboutique, 2009 8th St. NW. The suggested donation for entry
guys must be rolling in it. Look at you’re developing all this stuff,’ is $10, but all are welcome regardless of ability to pay. For more
and I’m laughing, going like, ‘You have no idea how challenging information, visit whitman-walker.org.

22 JANUARY 18, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


Community
THURSDAY, Jan. 18
IDENTITY offers free and
The DC Center holds a meet- confidential HIV testing at
ing of its POLY DISCUSSION two separate locations. Walk-
GROUP, for people interested ins accepted from 2-6 p.m.,
in polyamory, non-monogamy by appointment for all other
or other non-traditional rela- hours. 414 East Diamond Ave.,
tionships. 7-8 p.m. 2000 14th Gaithersburg, Md. or 7676
St. NW, Suite 105. Visit thedc- New Hampshire Ave., Suite
center.org. 411, Takoma Park, Md. To set
up an appointment or for more
Weekly Events information, call Gaithersburg,
301-300-9978, or Takoma Park,

WARD MORRISON
ANDROMEDA 301-422-2398.
TRANSCULTURAL HEALTH
offers free HIV testing and HIV METROHEALTH CENTER
services (by appointment). 9 offers free, rapid HIV testing.
a.m.-5 p.m. Decatur Center, Appointment needed. 1012 14th
1400 Decatur St. NW. To 2017 Women’s March on Washington St. NW, Suite 700. To arrange
arrange an appointment, call an appointment, call 202-638-

MARCHING
202-291-4707, or visit androm- 0750.
edatransculturalhealth.org.
SMYAL offers free HIV Testing,
DC AQUATICS CLUB practice 3-5 p.m., by appointment and

FOR CHANGE
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.

DC FRONT RUNNERS run-


The Women’s March returns to kick off a year-long STI TESTING at Whitman-
ning/walking/social club campaign against the Trump agenda Walker Health. 10 a.m.-12:30

A
welcomes runners of all ability p.m. and 2-3 p.m. at both 1525
levels for exercise in a fun and YEAR AGO, THE STREETS WERE JAMMED AS WOMEN 14th St. NW and the Max
supportive environment, with Robinson Center, 2301 Martin
and progressive allies flooded Washington, D.C. to protest Luther King, Jr. Ave. SE.
socializing afterward. Route the Trump administration and their political agenda. This
distance is 3-6 miles. Meet at Testing is intended for those
7 p.m. at 23rd & P Streets NW.
weekend, on the anniversary of the historic Women’s March on without symptoms. For an
For more information, visit Washington, a group from Virginia will return to the district to appointment call 202-745-7000
dcfrontrunners.org. once again encourage participation in the political process. or visit whitman-walker.org.
“The idea is to launch a year-long strategy, in which we will
DC LAMBDA SQUARES gay US HELPING US hosts a
eventually, for the midterms in 2018, march people to the polls Narcotics Anonymous Meeting.
and lesbian square-dancing
to vote,” says Vanessa Wruble, executive director of March On. The group is independent of
group features mainstream
through advanced square “We want to take the spirit of the Women’s March, the celebra- UHU. 6:30-7:30 p.m., 3636
dancing at the National City tory feeling of it, and point it at something that will push the Georgia Ave. NW. For more
Christian Church, 5 Thomas needle politically.” information, call 202-446-1100.
Circle NW, 7-9:30 p.m. Casual Various chapters of the Women’s March will host events
dress. 301-257-0517, dclamb- WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP
to rally people around progressive priorities. Locally, March INSTITUTE for young LBTQ
dasquares.org.
Forward Virginia will rally at the Lincoln Memorial before women, 13-21, interested in
DC SCANDALS RUGBY holds marching to the White House as a sign of rejection of the agenda leadership development. 5-6:30
practice. The team is always being pushed at both the federal and state levels. p.m. SMYAL Youth Center, 410
7th St. SE. For more informa-
looking for new members. All Emily Patton, press chair and co-organizer of the 2018
welcome. 7:30-9:30 p.m. King tion, call 202-567-3163, or email
Women’s March on Washington, says the primary objective of catherine.chu@smyal.org.
Greenleaf Recreation Center,
this year’s rally is to encourage women — especially those from
201 N St. SW. For more infor-
mation, visit scandalsrfc.org or diverse and intersectional communities — to run for office, as FRIDAY, Jan. 19
dcscandals@gmail.com. well as to increase voter registration and engagement so people
are able to vote in the 2018 midterms and future elections. GAY DISTRICT, a group for
THE DULLES TRIANGLES The rally will feature speakers from women’s groups, pro- GBTQQI men between the ages
Northern Virginia social gressive organizations, filmmakers, and politicians like U.S. Sen. of 18-35, meets on the first and
group meets for happy hour at third Fridays of each month.
Tim Kaine and Virginia Del. Kelly Convirs-Fowler (D-Virginia 8:30-9:30 p.m. 2000 14th St.
Sheraton in Reston. All wel-
come. 7-9 p.m. 11810 Sunrise Beach), who was inspired to run for office after last year’s NW, Suite 105. For more infor-
Valley Drive, second-floor bar. march. mation, visit gaydistrict.org.
For more information, visit “What the Women’s March did was help amplify the mes-
dullestriangles.com. sages that community groups were already focusing on,” says Join The DC Center for its
TRANS AND GENDERQUEER
Patton. “Over the past year, Virginians have become incredibly
HIV TESTING at Whitman- GAME NIGHT, featuring board
Walker Health. 9 a.m.-12:30
engaged. Public pressure has been kept up. The first march was and card games and a chance
p.m. and from 2-5 p.m. at 1525 the rallying cry, and this step is to push forward civic engage- to socialize with other people
14th St. NW, and 9 a.m-12 ment and restore and exercise our voting rights.” —John Riley from the LGBTQ community.
p.m. and 2-5 p.m. at the Max 7-9 p.m. 2000 14th St. NW,
Robinson Center, 2301 MLK Jr. The 2018 Women’s March on Washington, hosted by March Suite 105. Visit thedccenter.org.
Ave. SE. For an appointment Forward Virginia, takes place on Saturday, Jan. 20, from
call 202-745-7000 or visit whit- Join the Human Rights
man-walker.org.
11 a.m.-3 p.m. Marchers will meet at the reflecting pool alongside Campaign and The DC Center
the Lincoln Memorial. For more information, visit MarchDC.com.

JANUARY 18, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 25


for a screening of CATSKIN, a in a fun and supportive environ- HOPE UNITED CHURCH OF STI TESTING at Whitman-Walker
movie about a lesbian photogra- ment, with socializing afterward. CHRIST welcomes GLBT commu- Health. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at both 1525
pher’s coming-of-age story. Hosted Route distance will be 3-6 miles. nity for worship. 10:30 a.m., 6130 14th St. NW and the Max Robinson
by Rayceen Pendarvis. $12 General Walker meet at 9:30 a.m. and run- Old Telegraph Road, Alexandria. Center, 2301 Martin Luther King,
Admission Tickets. 7-9 p.m. 1640 ners at 10 a.m. at 23rd & P Streets hopeucc.org. Jr. Ave. SE. Testing is intended for
Rhode Island Ave. NW. For more NW. For more information, visit those without symptoms. For an
information, visit thedccenter.org/ dcfrontrunners.org. HSV-2 SOCIAL AND SUPPORT appointment call 202-745-7000 or
events/catskin. GROUP for gay men living in the visit whitman-walker.org.
DIGNITYUSA sponsors Mass for DC metro area. This group will be
Weekly Events LGBT community, family and meeting once a month. For infor- The DC Center hosts COFFEE
friends. 6:30 p.m., Immanuel mation on location and time, visit DROP-IN FOR THE SENIOR LGBT
BET MISHPACHAH, founded by Church-on-the-Hill, 3606 Seminary H2gether.com. COMMUNITY. 10 a.m.-noon. 2000
members of the LGBT community, Road, Alexandria. All welcome. For 14th St. NW. For more information,
holds Friday evening Shabbat ser- more info, visit dignitynova.org. Join LINCOLN call 202-682-2245 or visit thedc-
vices in the DC Jewish Community CONGREGATIONAL TEMPLE – center.org.
Center’s Community Room. 8 p.m. SUNDAY, Jan. 21 UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST for
1529 16th St. NW. For more infor- an inclusive, loving and progressive US HELPING US hosts a black gay
mation, visit betmish.org. ADVENTURING outdoors group faith community every Sunday. 11 men’s evening affinity group for
hikes five easy miles at Great Falls, a.m. 1701 11th Street NW, near R in GBT black men. Light refreshments
DC AQUATICS CLUB holds a prac- Md. Bring beverages, lunch, win- Shaw/Logan neighborhood. lincol- provided. 7-9 p.m. 3636 Georgia
tice session at Howard University. ter-worthy boots, and a few dollars ntemple.org. Ave. NW. 202-446-1100.
6:30-8 p.m. Burr Gymnasium, 2400 for fees. Carpool at 11 a.m. from
6th St. NW. For more information, Tenleytown Metro Station. Contact METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY WASHINGTON WETSKINS
visit swimdcac.org. Craig, 202-462-0535 or visit adven- CHURCH OF NORTHERN WATER POLO TEAM practices 7-9
turing.org. VIRGINIA services at 11 a.m., led p.m. Newcomers with at least basic
PROJECT STRIPES hosts LGBT- by Rev. Emma Chattin. Children’s swimming ability always welcome.
affirming social group for ages Volunteers are needed to help Sunday School, 11 a.m. 10383 Takoma Aquatic Center, 300 Van
11-24. 4-6 p.m. 1419 Columbia Road with CASA RUBY’S MONTHLY Democracy Lane, Fairfax. 703-691- Buren St. NW. For more informa-
NW. Contact Tamara, 202-319- DINNER. Held on the third Sunday 0930, mccnova.com. tion, contact Tom, 703-299-0504
0422, layc-dc.org. of each month, in conjunction with or secretary@wetskins.org, or visit
The DC Center, the event provides NATIONAL CITY CHRISTIAN wetskins.org.
SATURDAY, Jan. 20 a hot meal to those housed at Casa CHURCH, inclusive church with
Ruby. Homemade or store bought GLBT fellowship, offers gospel wor- WHITMAN-WALKER HEALTH
ADVENTURING outdoors group meals welcome. 7-8 p.m. Casa ship, 8:30 a.m., and traditional wor- HIV/AIDS SUPPORT GROUP
Ruby, 3530 Georgia Ave. NW. For ship, 11 a.m. 5 Thomas Circle NW. for newly diagnosed individuals,
hikes eight miles at the sit of the old
more information, contact lamar@ 202-232-0323, nationalcitycc.org. meets 7 p.m. Registration required.
Lorton Prison in southern Fairfax
thedccenter.org, jon@thedccenter. 202-939-7671, hivsupport@whit-
County and nearby Occoquan,
Va. Bring beverages, lunch, win- org, or visit casaruby.org. ST. STEPHEN AND THE man-walker.org.
ter-worthy boots, and a few dollars
INCARNATION, an “interra-
for fees. Carpool at 10 a.m. from Weekly Events cial, multi-ethnic Christian TUESDAY, Jan. 23
Community” offers services in
the Franconia-Springfield Metro
LGBT-inclusive ALL SOULS English, 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., and The DC Center’s GENDERQUEER
Station. For more information, con-
MEMORIAL EPISCOPAL CHURCH in Spanish at 5:15 p.m. 1525 Newton DC support and discussion group,
tact Theresa, 252-876=1469 or visit
celebrates Low Mass at 8:30 St. NW. 202-232-0900, saintste- for people who identify outside the
adventuring.org.
a.m., High Mass at 11 a.m. 2300 phensdc.org. gender binary, meets on the fourth
CHRYSALIS arts & culture group Cathedral Ave. NW. 202-232-4244, Tuesday of every month. 7-8:30
holds mid-winter social over allsoulsdc.org. UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST p.m. 2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105.
dinner at a Metro-accessible
CHURCH OF SILVER SPRING For more information, visit thedc-
DC AQUATICS CLUB holds a invites LGBTQ families and indi- center.org.
restaurant in Northern Virginia. 7
practice session at Wilson Aquatic viduals of all creeds and cultures to
p.m. For location and reservations,
join the church. Services 9:15 and
call Kevin, 571-338-1433 or email Center. 9:30-11 a.m. 4551 Fort Dr. Weekly Events
NW. For more information, visit 11:15 a.m. 10309 New Hampshire
kgiles27@gmail.com.
Ave. uucss.org.
swimdcac.org. DC AQUATICS CLUB practice
KHUSH DC, the group for LGBTQ session at Takoma Aquatic Center.
South Asians, hosts a monthly DC FRONT RUNNERS running/ MONDAY, Jan. 22 7:30-9 p.m. 300 Van Buren St. NW.
meeting at The DC Center. 1:30-3 walking/social club welcomes run- For more information, visit swim-
p.m. 2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105. ners of all ability levels for exercise Weekly Events dcac.org.
For more information, visit face- in a fun and supportive environ-
book.com/khushdc. ment, with socializing afterward. DC AQUATICS CLUB holds a DC FRONT RUNNERS running/
Route will be a distance run of 8, 10 practice session at Dunbar Aquatic walking/social club welcomes run-
The DC Center hosts a month- or 12 miles. Meet at 9 a.m. at 23rd Center. 7:30-9 p.m. 101 N St. NW. ners of all ability levels for exercise
ly LGBT ASYLEES SUPPORT & P Streets NW. For more informa- For more information, visit swim- in a fun and supportive environment,
MEETING AND DINNER for LGBT tion, visit dcfrontrunners.org. dcac.org. with socializing afterward. Route
refugees and asylum seekers. 5-7 distance is 3-6 miles. Meet at 7 p.m.
p.m. 2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105. DIGNITYUSA offers Roman GETEQUAL meets 6:30-8 p.m. at at Union Station. For more informa-
For more information, visit thedc- Catholic Mass for the LGBT Quaker House, 2111 Florida Ave. tion, visit dcfrontrunners.org.
center.org. community. All welcome. Sign NW. For more information, email
interpreted. 6 p.m. St. Margaret’s getequal.wdc@gmail.com. DC SCANDALS RUGBY holds prac-
Weekly Events Church, 1820 Connecticut Ave. tice. The team is always looking for
NW. For more info, visit dignity- NOVASALUD offers free HIV test- new members. All welcome. 7:30-
DC AQUATICS CLUB holds a prac- washington.org. ing. 5-7 p.m. 2049 N. 15th St., Suite 9:30 p.m. King Greenleaf Recreation
tice session at Montgomery College 200, Arlington. Appointments: 703- Center, 201 N St. SW. For more
Aquatics Club. 8:30-10 a.m. 7600 FIRST CONGREGATIONAL 789-4467. information, visit scandalsrfc.org or
Takoma Ave., Takoma, Md. For more UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST dcscandals@gmail.com.
information, visit swimdcac.org. welcomes all to 10:30 a.m. service, SMYAL offers free HIV Testing, 3-5
945 G St. NW. firstuccdc.org or p.m., by appointment and walk-in,
DC FRONT RUNNERS running/ 202-628-4317. for youth 21 and younger. Youth
walking/social club welcomes run- Center, 410 7th St. SE. 202-567-
ners of all ability levels for exercise 3155 or testing@smyal.org.

26 JANUARY 18, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


THE GAY MEN’S HEALTH DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC)
COLLABORATIVE offers free holds a practice session at Dunbar
HIV testing and STI screening Aquatic Center. 7:30-9 p.m. 101 N
and treatment every Tuesday. St. NW. For more information, visit
5-6:30 p.m. Rainbow Tuesday swimdcac.org.
LGBT Clinic, Alexandria Health
Department, 4480 King St. 703- FREEDOM FROM SMOKING, a
746-4986 or text 571-214-9617. group for LGBT people looking
james.leslie@inova.org. to quit cigarettes and tobacco use,
holds a weekly support meeting at
OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS The DC Center. 7-8 p.m. 2000 14th
— LGBT focused meeting every St. NW, Suite 105. For more infor-
Tuesday, 7 p.m. St. George’s mation, visit thedccenter.org.
Episcopal Church, 915 Oakland
Ave., Arlington, just steps from HISTORIC CHRIST CHURCH
Virginia Square Metro. For offers Wednesday worship 7:15 a.m.
more info. call Dick, 703-521- and 12:05 p.m. All welcome. 118 N.
1999. Handicapped accessible. Washington St., Alexandria. 703-
Newcomers welcome. liveandletli- 549-1450, historicchristchurch.org.
veoa@gmail.com.
HIV TESTING at Whitman-Walker
STI TESTING at Whitman-Walker Health. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at 1525 14th
Health. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at both 1525 St. NW, and 9 a.m-12 p.m. and 1-5
14th St. NW and the Max Robinson p.m. at the Max Robinson Center,
Center, 2301 Martin Luther King, 2301 MLK Jr. Ave. SE. For an
Jr. Ave. SE. Testing is intended for appointment call 202-745-7000 or
those without symptoms. For an visit whitman-walker.org.
appointment call 202-745-7000 or
visit whitman-walker.org. IDENTITY offers free and confiden-
tial HIV testing at its Gaithersburg
Support group for LGBTQ youth location. Walk-ins accepted from
ages 13-21 meets at SMYAL. 5-6:30 2-7 p.m., by appointment for all
p.m. 410 7th St. SE. For more other hours. 414 East Diamond
information, contact Cathy Chu, Ave., Gaithersburg, Md. To set up
202-567-3163, or catherine.chu@ an appointment or for more infor-
smyal.org. mation, call 301-300-9978.

US HELPING US hosts a support JOB CLUB, a weekly support pro-


group for black gay men 40 and gram for job entrants and seekers,
older. 7-9 p.m., 3636 Georgia Ave. meets at The DC Center. 6-7:30
NW. 202-446-1100. p.m. 2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105.
For more info, centercareers.org.
Whitman-Walker Health holds its
weekly GAY MEN’S HEALTH AND METROHEALTH CENTER offers
WELLNESS/STD CLINIC. Patients free, rapid HIV testing. No appoint-
are seen on walk-in basis. No-cost ment needed. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 1012
screening for HIV, syphilis, gon- 14th St. NW, Suite 700. For more
orrhea and chlamydia. Hepatitis information, call 202-638-0750.
and herpes testing available for fee.
Testing starts at 6 p.m, but should NOVASALUD offers free HIV
arrive early to ensure a spot. 1525 testing. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 2049 N.
14th St. NW. For more information, 15th St., Suite 200, Arlington.
visit whitman-walker.org. Appointments: 703-789-4467.

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 24 STI TESTING at Whitman-Walker


Health. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at both 1525
The DC Center hosts a monthly 14th St. NW and the Max Robinson
meeting of its HIV PREVENTION Center, 2301 Martin Luther King,
WORKING GROUP. 6-8 p.m. 2000 Jr. Ave. SE. Testing is intended for
14th St. NW, Suite 105. For more those without symptoms. For an
information, visit thedccenter.org. appointment call 202-745-7000 or
visit whitman-walker.org.
The LAMBDA BRIDGE CLUB meets
at the Dignity Center, across from WASHINGTON WETSKINS
the Marine Barracks, for Duplicate WATER POLO TEAM practices 7-9
Bridge. No reservations needed. p.m. Newcomers with at least basic
Newcomers welcome. 7:30 p.m. 721 swimming ability always welcome.
8th St. SE. Call 202-841-0279 if you Takoma Aquatic Center, 300 Van
need a partner. Buren St. NW. For more informa-
tion, contact Tom, 703-299-0504
or secretary@wetskins.org, or visit
Weekly Events
wetskins.org. l
AD LIB, a group for freestyle con-
versation, meets about 6-6:30 p.m.,
Steam, 17th and R NW. All wel-
come. For more information, call
Fausto Fernandez, 703-732-5174.

JANUARY 18, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 27


30 JANUARY 18, 2018 • METROWEEKLY
Prime Cuts: MAL 2018
We ventured into the heart of Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend to capture its best moments of fun,
fraternity, and flogging.

Photography by Ward Morrison


Text by André Hereford, John Riley, Doug Rule, and Bailey Vogt
Additional photography by Randy Shulman

COCKTAIL HOUR
Y OU NEVER FORGET your first time at Mid-
Atlantic Leather, even if you’ve been attend-
ing for decades.
“I happened to be in the middle of the crowd
for the national anthem, surrounded by hundreds
of gay men, and I got goosebumps,” says Bear
Man, co-founder and CEO of Ft. Lauderdale’s
Leatherwerks.
Obviously a lot has changed since Bear Man’s
first moment in 1994 during Leather Cocktails.
Hosted by local leather group Centaur MC, MAL
has grown in nearly every way, as have a number
of similar fetish events around the country where
Bear Man sells his wares. “I’m the only vendor
at this event who’s been here since it started
a vendor market,” he says. “MAL is one of my
favorite events because it’s no drama, no hassles.
The Centaurs are great people.” To this day, the
potent mix of brotherhood and patriotism on
display during Leather Cocktails remains a goose-
bump-inducing highlight for Bear Man.
The Saturday evening reception famously grew

JANUARY 18, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 31


out of a gathering over cocktails among a group
of leathermen in a New York hotel suite in 1976.
Its centerpiece moment is the dropping of a metal
cockring into a glass receptacle. This year, the
honors were done by Centaur Patrick Grady, who
has served as the volunteer-only event’s chairper-
son for years. Grady was so moved by the honor,
he wept, such is the profound emotional impact of
the signature moment.
Leather Cocktails is the heart of an overstuffed
weekend of activities and parties held mere blocks
from the U.S. Capitol at the Hyatt Regency on New
Jersey Avenue. Cocktails is known for attracting
the most passionate and established members of
the community and also includes an impressive
Parade of Colors, where representatives from
scores of leather groups from around the world
assemble on stage in a powerful show of unity.
Among those onstage this year was Joseph
Menick, the 2017 Mr. Providence Eagle, one
of many titleholders preparing to compete in
the leather community’s pinnacle contest, Mr.
International Leather, held in Chicago over
Memorial Day. The Rhode Island resident has
been hooked on the look of leather ever since he
first discovered Tom of Finland’s iconic, erotic
drawings. “I like how I feel in it, I like how I look
in it,” Menick says. “I’m comfortable in it and it’s
part of me.”
That was true across the board at Leather
Cocktails, where drinks were flowing from sta-
tions set up around the ballroom — but only for
those who adhered to a strict dress code. And
who better to enforce that than the D.C. Sisters
of Perpetual Indulgence? Don’t let their demean-
or or disguise fool you: The friendly and playful
group of frocked men with painted faces proved
as stern as real nuns, acting as security bouncers

32 JANUARY 18, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


standing atop the escalators down to the ballroom.
On the Sisters’ watch, you needed more than an
official wristband to gain entry — you needed full
leather regalia, or at least clothing that left a lot
more to the imagination than was seen elsewhere
over the weekend.
The policy suited Gary Wasdin, the new execu-
tive director of the Leather Archives and Museum
in Chicago. Wasdin attended Cocktails dressed in
leather from head to toe, including a hat similar
to one that helped spark his interest in leather 15
years ago while living in New York. “It was just
kind of a lonely time in my life and this kind of
became my expression of who I was,” he says. “I
started saving up and buying a piece of leather
here, a little piece there.”
Wasdin thinks of MAL as a “really giant fam-
ily reunion.” Even if you lose touch, you don’t
lose the connection, Wasdin discovered over
the weekend, while attending his first MAL in
seven years. “It’s been incredible to reconnect
with people and pick up where you left off.”
Last weekend also marked the return to MAL for
Lenny Broberg, a former titleholder who had not
attended for several years. Broberg was at MAL
specifically to serve as a Mr. MAL judge, but says
it’s not just the contest that makes MAL worth
visiting.
“It’s not without its faults, it’s not without its
dysfunctions,” Broberg says. “But I have met some
of the most generous, caring, and giving people in
the leather community as I have anywhere else.
And I always love coming back and getting to be a
part of something like this.” —Doug Rule

DOG SHOW
O N THE HUGE, neon blue mat in the middle of
the Hyatt Regency’s ballroom, chaos ensued.
Dozens of pups in brightly colored singlets, knee
pads, puppy masks, and tails, were frolicking on
all fours, biting and nipping at each other, wres-
tling and mounting each other. Squeaky toys and
brightly colored balls flew back and forth between
eager participants.
As the pups scampered about on the mat, an
organizer yelled “Squirrel!” and someone in a
giant squirrel costume dove into the middle of
the mosh, prompting all the pups to tackle the
creature. The pups eagerly tore off the squirrel’s
tail within a matter of seconds, showering rapt
onlookers with hundreds of wrapped Pez can-
dies. Immensely satisfied with themselves, the
pups began howling in unison, wagging their tails
furiously.
For the 10th year, Mid-Atlantic Leather
Weekend hosted Boy Tom’s Puppy Park, a mosh
where people into pup play can let loose. This
year’s mosh was co-hosted by Luna Grove Pack,
a bicoastal group with chapters in the Pacific
Northwest and the greater Philadelphia area.
“This is one of the larger moshes on the
East Coast,” says Ursus, a 29-year-old pup from

JANUARY 18, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 33


Southern New Jersey and one of the alpha-wolves
of Luna Grove Pack. “Because it’s such a larger
mosh, the pups feed off each other’s energy and
become very playful and energetic.”
Both Ursus and his Luna Grove compatriot,
35-year-old Ranger from Philadelphia, have been
able to find a community that embraces them. “It’s
helped me with depression and anxiety, because I
didn’t have to be myself, I could step out of myself,”
says Ranger.
“I was able to be more open, more free-thinking,
not having to worry about the cares of everyday
life,” adds Ursus. “But it’s not just a form of escap-
ism. I’ve always wanted to find a peer group that
I was able to relate to. Through the furry and pup
communities, especially, I feel I’ve found my broth-
ers and sisters.”
For Pup Cerberus, a 30-year-old from
Kalamazoo, Mich., who has been in the lifestyle for
two years, the pup community felt like a natural fit.
“I’ve actually been doing pup play and not
knowing I was doing it for about 15 years,” he says.
“I had dogs growing up, and I’d pick up on their
gestures and the noises they make, and I would do
that. I’d try to communicate with our family dogs
like that. I’d sleep and nap on the floor with our
dogs. I’d be on all fours and try to play with them.
“So everything I do now as a pup, I’ve done
before. It was both shocking and intriguing when I
first saw it, because I thought I was the only one.”
Cerberus says it can be hard to find moshes
where he lives in Michigan. “It was nice to be
around other pups,” he says. “When I’m in pup
mode, toys really get my attention, and I block out
everything else. Normally, if I wasn’t in pup mode,
it wouldn’t be interesting to bat a ball around. But
to be in pup mode and around other pups was an
entertaining, fun kind of thing.” —John Riley

34 JANUARY 18, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


KINKY CORNER
T HE CROWD IN the Hyatt Regency ballroom
surged forward, craning their necks to catch a
glimpse of the muscular young man. Clad in only
a small pair of red-and-white shorts, he leaned
forward against the frame of a St. Andrew’s cross
as another man, this one noticeably older, rhythmi-
cally flogged him with a single-tail whip, tapping
out a tune on the young man’s skin, which slowly
began to change from pale white to light red.
Nearby, a second man was suspended in the
air by a pulley connected to a series of ropes
criss-crossing his body and intertwined with a
chest harness. A third man lay restrained nearby
on a table, while demonstrators ran objects of
various textures across his body. A fourth stood
silently, an emotionless look on his face, as his
Master began wrapping him tightly with cello-
phane.
Such was the scene on Saturday afternoon at
Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend, as SigMa DC, a
private, all-male BDSM, kink and fetish club, put
on a two hour demonstration of how to engage
in various forms of kink play. The ballroom was
filled to capacity, as hundreds of MAL attendees,
many with cocktails in hand, circled the room,
watching as various demonstrators showcased
their skills.
“At SigMa, we offer two to three events per
week for anyone that is curious, or who is an
intermediate or an expert in kink, to come and
learn, meet other guys who are into the same
things,” says David Reece, the chair and president
of SigMa. “It’s designed to help people understand
how to be safe with all different kinks.
“The way we’re doing this today is that folks
have the opportunity to see someone who has

JANUARY 18, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 35


done it before do it first,” he continues. “Then, if
they have an interest, we can have them volunteer
to have it done to them or see it done to others.
We care to make sure that others know how to
do it right.”
Across the room, Mark, a 63-year-old from
Milwaukee, Wis., rested on a spanking bench,
clothes on, as a SigMa demonstrator guided
Mark’s partner’s hand and showed him the prop-
er techniques for spanking with various-sized
paddles and rods.
“It was nice to get training for my partner,
because he likes to do the spanking and the can-
ing,” says Mark. “He really gets off on that, so it
was good for him to get proper technique training.
“I do it more for his pleasure, as opposed to
a sexual gratification,” he adds, noting that his
partner was already eyeing some paddles he’d like
to buy. “I’m not sure how much I’ll enjoy it, but I
know he will.”
Duane, a 49-year-old SigMa member from
Reston, Va., served as one of the volunteers for
the erotic electrostimulation demonstration. With
electrodes connected to his stomach, legs, and gen-
itals, he writhed in a mixture of pleasure and pain
as a dominant cranked up the dials on an e-stim
machine. With each successive jolt of electricity,
the crowd surrounding Duane visibly winced, with
some even unconsciously crossing their legs, as
Duane groaned and jerked his muscles while the
dom restrained him in a partial bear hug.
“I’m sort of an exhibitionist, so I was inter-
preting the crowd’s reaction, giving them a little
bit of a show, if you will,” Duane said following
the demonstration. “I would recommend it, only
because it’s something different. A lot of times we
get into rhythms where we only do specific things,
and sometimes you just want to expand and find
other ways to heighten the sensations.”
For Nick, a 38-year-old transplant to D.C. from
Iowa attending his first MAL, walking around the
SigMa demonstrations was “very entertaining.”
Even though he’d seen similar kink demonstra-
tions online, in person they were a completely
different experience.
“It’s a learning experience,” he says. “It opens
up your mind to different aspects of your sexuality
and many other things. You really get to see a little
bit of everything here.” — John Riley

SEX SELLS
A S MID-ATLANTIC Leather has steadily
become one of the largest annual events in
D.C., a constant has remained: the marketplace
at its core. There, vendors arrive from across the
country to sell to and celebrate all manner of sex-
ual fetishes, transforming the Hyatt Regency into
a makeshift one-stop mall of leather jackets and
harnesses, puppy masks, gear, uniform, and many,
many toys.
For Jonathan Schroder, co-owner of Mr. S
Leather in San Francisco, MAL is an annual high-

36 JANUARY 18, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


light. “The vendors are very passionate about the
gear that they’re bringing,” says the lanky 44-year-
old. “The people are very much here to have a
good time.”
Bear Man, owner of the Ft. Lauderdale-based
brick and mortar Leatherworks and a partner in
Stomper Boots, has been a regular at MAL since
1994 and has witnessed firsthand the growth that
the event has gone through. “It’s gotten bigger,
it’s gotten more professional,” he says. “The cus-
tomers are wonderful. Many of these customers
I’ve been serving for 20-plus years, and it’s just a
special place.”
MAL provides a loyal customer base, enthusi-
asts who come back year after year for new leath-
er products. Bear Man believes it’s the personal
touch that helps his products sell.
“You can buy lube at Wal-Mart,” he says, “but
there’s nobody at Wal-Mart who can help you find
the correct lube for what you’re going to do. There’s
nobody at Wal-Mart who will help you find a vest
that really fits you. And if you’re a little bit of a dif-
ficult fit, we’ll make it. That’s who we are. If a boot
doesn’t fit right, I’ll make you a custom boot. Ain’t
nobody at Sears going to do that for you.”
“It’s a great opportunity for us to actually see
and speak to the people that like our brand,” says
Scott Montgomery, Marketing Manager of Fort
Troff. “It’s an opportunity for us to be a part of the
community, and reinforce what our brand is.” As
for that brand, Montgomery notes that Fort Troff
has become legendary for its online, explicit vid-
eos, instructing in the finer points of kinky play.
“If you look at our videos, there’s not a whole
lot of real sex,” he says. “It’s the fantasy, the titil-
lation that keeps people coming back. The videos
we shoot are in a play space that anyone wishes
that they had.... And there’s a message that’s inside
of each one of them, hidden seconds that are both
instructional and erotic.”
You can buy a dildo online and pretty much
know what you’re getting, but buying leather in
person, says Gary Wasdin, executive director of
the Leather Archives and Museum in Chicago, is
“irreplaceable.”
“You want to feel it and smell it and see it and
try it on,” he says. “It’s custom-fit to your body. I
know a lot of people come specifically [to MAL]
for this, because it’s their opportunity to see all of
these vendors in one place.”
People like Chad, who flew in with his husband
from Kansas City to browse the market and shop
for the year ahead, describing it as “going to the
mall for leather and fetish stuff.”
“We don’t have resources for leather makers
or anything like that where we live,” he says. “It’s
really nice to be able to go to an event and shop
and pick up things that you can use the rest of
the year.”
Amid all of the out-of-towners, one vendor at
MAL was repping the D.C. leather scene. Russwin
Francisco, owner of Bite the Fruit in Dupont
Circle, attends not only as a vendor, but has come

JANUARY 18, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 37


as a member of the leather community for over
fifteen years.
“From a leather enthusiast’s perspective,
where else would I be this weekend?” he said.
“This is my community, this is my group.”
In terms of trends, one of the big things Francisco
has noticed is the amount of creativity put into
crafting leatherwear. Take harnesses, for instance,
branching out from the traditional black leather to
include different materials, textures, and colors.
“Those [changes] are exciting, because I think
that brings younger people into the scene,” he says.
“A lot of folks that are in the leather community
now have been in the community for a long time.
We definitely need to bring in younger people.”
Ultimately, Francisco says it’s the diversity and
acceptance of the leather and kink communities
that makes MAL such a special event for both
vendors and attendees.
“The people that are attracted to this scene are
just more real, more authentic,” he says. “Here at
MAL, you see all kinds of body shapes and people
of all different ages. We’re all coming together and
are all celebrating this type of expression, this type
of kink.” — Bailey Vogt

BIG WIN
R EFRESH YOUR COCKTAILS, please stand
for “The Star-Spangled Banner” (and “O
Canada”), and welcome to the Mid-Atlantic
Leather Weekend’s crowning event, the 2018 Mr.
MAL Contest.
Open to any gay leatherman residing in North
America, 33rd annual edition of the competition
featured seven contestants competing for the cov-
eted title in three categories — bar wear, jock strap,
and formal leather. Many in the audience were
current and former title holders themselves, from
Mr. Queer Montreal and Mr. Israel Leather 2018,
to champions representing Kentucky, Louisiana,
Oklahoma, and Iowa.
More than three dozen title holders — includ-
ing a few reigning bootblacks and leatherwom-
en — entered in procession, during a ceremony
celebrating the leather community’s increasingly
diverse nature, as well as its robust history. The
Centaurs Motorcycle Club, the weekend’s hosts
and organizers, lit candles of remembrance, and
nine former Mr. MAL title holders were on hand
to help outgoing Mr. MAL 2017, Martel Brown,
pass the sash on to this year’s winner.
In addition to receiving a prize package that
includes thousands of dollars of leather gear and
a Fort Troff Rock Steady sling stand, the winner
gets to represent MAL at the upcoming 40th anni-
versary International Mr. Leather competition in
Chicago this May.
“There is no other contestant who is taken
care of as well at IML [as Mr. MAL],” says Brown,
who helped judge Sunday’s contest. “The support
system of the Centaurs and the entire Atlantic
Motorcycle Coordinating Council is unfathom-

38 JANUARY 18, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


able. You are loved by so many people before you
even arrive at IML.”
And what were Brown and his fellow judges
— who included the reigning Mr. IML, Mr. Eagle
NYC, Sister Tiny Bubbles, and Doc, a badass for-
mer American Leatherwoman — looking for in the
next Mr. MAL? “Comfort and confidence,” he says.
Doc, who won her first leather title on her first
try, says the title of Mr. MAL “is about having
somebody who is not only confident in who they
are as a Leatherman, but also somebody who is
able to reach out and engage those who are not yet
there in their leather journey. People who are new.
“I want this person to be somebody that is able
to be approachable and friendly,” she continues.
“Those are the two most important things, and I
don’t feel that there’s a bad apple in this bunch.
They’re all phenomenal men with something dif-
ferent to offer to the Centaurs and to our commu-
nity through this title.”
While most of the contestants talked about
giving back to the community through charity and
fundraising, each made their own distinct impres-
sion with the crowd.
Had a Mr. Congeniality been chosen, the honor
surely would have gone to Mr. Mayhem Leather,
also known as Joey from Baltimore. Joey had plen-
ty of fans — and even wielded his own, fabulously.
Joey was also one of many contestants who
compete in the corporate world in their non-leath-
er lives. That would also include David, a software
engineer and self-described “kinky geek” from
D.C., who’s been a runner-up for two prior leath-
er titles, including Mr. MAL 2015. Despite acing
the interview portion of the formal leather wear
category with his answer for a new cocktail he’d
create — the Screaming Twink — he was again
named runner-up.
The competition’s rules and parameters indi-
cate that the battle for Mr. MAL is much more
than a popularity contest, but there’s no doubt
that it was the crowd favorite who finally took the
title. Hailing from Gaithersburg, and representing
the Men of ONYX, the longest existing leath-
er club for people of color, Gerard Turner was
crowned Mr. MAL 2018.
An effervescent yet humble winner, Turner,
like contest judge Doc, won his first title on his first
try. He was motivated to compete for Mr. MAL by
his “need to give back” to the LGBTQ community.
“There are different fundraising events, but I
want to go to wherever the need is,” he says. “So
whoever wants some assistance, I’m going to try
to do my best to help them out.”
Echoing a sentiment expressed by many
attendees, from the contestants to the judges,
Turner stressed that Mr. MAL was about open-
ness and acceptance within the community as
much as it was about competing. “There’s some
big hearts in the leather community,” he says.
“Lots of giving, lots of sharing, lots of compassion.
And there’s some good sex.”
Looking ahead to International Mr. Leather,

JANUARY 18, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 39


Turner plans to stick with the attributes that
brought him to the winner’s circle here in the
capital. “I’m going to always be myself,” he says.
“Authentic is the best thing you can be.”
—André Hereford

For more information on next year’s Mid-Atlantic


Leather Weekend, visit leatherweekend.com.

For more information on Luna Grove Pack, visit


facebook.com/lunagrovepups.

For more information on the Mid-Atlantic Kennel


Korps, visit facebook.com/groups/MAKKorps.
For more information on SigMa DC and a schedule
of weekly play parties, visit sigmadc.org or email
sigmadc@sigmadc.org.

For more information about all the exhibitors on


hand at MAL 2018, visit leatherweekend.com/
exhibitors.

For details and ticket info for International Mr.


Leather, visit imrl.com.

40 JANUARY 18, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


MATTHEW MURPHY
Stage

and talent to back up his bluster, as he,

Viva Gloria!
Gloria, and their band become the Miami
Sound Machine.
Delivering his share of their famous
tunes, including a well-placed rendition of
With a cast that genuinely clicks, On Your Feet! pulsates to the beat “Don’t Wanna Lose You,” Martínez sings
of the Estefans’ hits. By André Hereford with an Aaron Neville-like tenor, and
offers a delightfully swaggering portray-

M
al of the determined bandleader. Emilio
OMENTS BEFORE THE CURTAIN ROSE IN THE KENNEDY CENTER swept into the lives of Gloria Fajardo,
Opera House for On Your Feet!, a buzz of excitement swept through the her nay-saying mother, also named Gloria
crowd. Gloria and Emilio Estefan, whose lives and music had inspired the (Nancy Ticotin), her supportive grand-
show, were in the house for opening night. mother, Consuelo (Alma Cuervo), and
Most of the audience rose to their feet, hundreds of heads craning for a glimpse, as younger sister, Rebecca (Claudia Yanez),
they made their way to their seats as swiftly as the thrilled public would allow. Before even if he didn’t sweep his future bride off
the lights had even been dimmed, everything the audience needed to know about the her feet right away.
warmth and nerve, savvy and showmanship of the Estefans was right there in that As Gloria, Prades does the subtle work
entrance, not grand but showstopping. of transitioning from the singer’s ini-
Thankfully, On Your Feet! The Emilio & Gloria Estefan Broadway Musical ( tial, shy resistance to a relationship with
) a touring production of the Broadway hit, lit up the Opera House with all Emilio, to confidently assuming a role in
the verve of its namesake couple. Directed by two-time Tony-winner Jerry Mitchell, their romantic and professional partner-
the exuberant jukebox crowd-pleaser finds its groove between current and cornball, ship. Prades walks a fine line of singing
while filling the house with vibrant musical numbers choreographed by another like Gloria while conveying her own inter-
Broadway vet, Sergio Trujillo. pretation of numbers like “Tradición” and
The book, by Alexander Dinelaris, who earned an Oscar for co-writing the 2014 film “Here We Are.” Her style veers at times
Birdman, zings with humor and a keen understanding of the immigrant experience. a bit showtune considering the show’s
Although the plotting doesn’t innovate on the romance and rise of Cuban immigrant otherwise Latin pop sensibility, but she
songwriter-musicians Emilio and Gloria Estefan (Mauricio Martínez and Christie sustains a command of the character and
Prades), there’s persuasive conviction in the storytelling. the stage.
A winning combination of Emilio’s brass and Gloria’s earnestness, the two leads That’s no small feat, as the constantly
generate scintillating chemistry, and lend heartfelt meaning to lines like, “This is what moving scenery flies around without really
an American looks like.” Martínez, a Mexican actor and recording artist, finds a strong providing much of a wow factor, although
comic voice for Emilio, rendered here as lovably full of himself, but with all the moxie continues on page 44

42 JANUARY 18, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


JULIETA_CERVANTES
Stage

is this beautifully conjured, wholly dismal,

Humanoid
space that lays so much bear. Away from
the trappings of the familiar, life feels
fragile, connections unsettled. Everything
is grittier in an unloved space with a dirty
Stephen Karam’s The Humans is a gritty, affecting night security door.
to remember. By Kate Wingfield But of all the vulnerabilities and old
wounds that surface, the plight of Fiona

A
Blake, aka “Momo,” the grandmother
FINELY CRAFTED “FLY ON THE WALL” VIEW OF A FAMILY’S THANKSGIVING with dementia, is by far the most poi-
dinner, Stephen Karam’s The Humans (HHHHH), now at the Kennedy Center gnant. Though Karam creates the possi-
Eisenhower Theater, is the kind of play that lets an audience settle in before the bilities, it is Lauren Klein’s portrayal that
fault lines begin to show. To his credit, Karam almost, if not completely, avoids over-egg- makes this lost soul phenomenally credible.
ing the batter. There are no crisis hotline topics here, just the slings and arrows of life Understated until she is finally gut-wrench-
in the mediocre middle lane. It is about the ache of arthritis, the drag of colitis, unfair ing, Klein’s volatile, nonsensical woman
layoffs and interminable interim jobs. The art here is in how stealthily close to the bone speaks to the shadow that lurks in every
Karam cuts. At the heart of this family’s personal fray are the truths that affect us all: the family. Grandparents, parents and, finally,
little frailties of body, spirit and mind that shape a life and how it ends. ourselves — all of us wonder how, when and
Yet as good as Karam’s exploration is, there is something just a tad — how else to put who will take care of us when our bodies
it — mechanical in his process that tempers the emotional power. Like the almost-per- and minds fail. Kama’s characters may joke,
fect humanoid robot, there is an unmistakable sense of the coding behind the eyes. It cajole, or tenderly wrap a blanket around
appears in the forced family sing-along, the revelations that come along like clockwork, the legs of a once loving and vital person,
and in the final inner crisis of the most emotionally reticent of his characters. If Karam’s but they are playing witness to a ruthless
dialogue is charmingly realistic with jumbled interruptions, these, too (and despite the cruelty no one can outrun. Klein delivers
casts’ mastery) feel ever-so-slightly calculated. this message without pretense, fanfare or
The play itself aside, the 2016 Tony-winning production, under the hand of director cliché — and the desolation is complete.
Joe Mantello, has an extraordinariness all its own. It’s not often that sets and sound For Erik Blake, her middle-aged son,
speak as loudly as the characters, but David Zinn’s evocation of a dingy basement caring for an ailing parent is just one of the
apartment in New York’s Chinatown and Fitz Patton’s evocation of the sounds of an old many pressures revealed over the evening
building are hauntingly authentic. Anyone who has spent a tense first night discovering and Karam does an artful job in building
the unfamiliar noises of neighbors and their activities will shudder with recognition. It the picture of this man who is not just

JANUARY 18, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 43


bly, Karam does not quite have an ear for the long-term mar-
riage — especially one that has hit a shoal. There isn’t enough
of the enduring connection, the emotional shorthand, or, for
want of a better word, the sheer resignation, that comes with
an entrenched relationship. And though Reed keeps Deidre just
the right side of cliched Catholic worrywart, she too suffers
from Kama’s technical precision. Forget her sudden interest in
molecules — she is the first and biggest victim of the bomb that
has gone off in Erik’s life. This woman is a talker — why isn’t she
talking to her girls?
As the two adult daughters, Daisy Eagan has a believable
JULIETA_CERVANTES

charisma as Brigid, but she is unsettled in the dynamic, and some


of this is again on Karam. When a parent and child snap at each
other, things don’t just pop back into cheerfulness, especially
when there are old wounds and resentments. As chronically
ill Aimee Blake, Therese Plaehn has several very affecting
financially, but spiritually underwater. Erik speaks to so much moments, especially when she calls her ex-girlfriend. But her
of modern life: Decades of toil that ends in near-poverty, dreams face at times reveals a sister and daughter who too easily trades
of a lifetime lost to the realities of bills, adult children who are allegiances. Family members have ulterior motives and long his-
beyond protection. Richard Thomas finds some real music in his tories, and to watch a family closely is to see such undercurrents
man, savoring the rhythm of the dialogue with its cacophonies played out in jibes, but also in faces. In a smaller but essential
and its silences, but in truth he never quite convinces as a janitor. role, Luis Vegas, as Brigid’s boyfriend Richard Saad, cutely cap-
In fact, when daughter Brigid jokingly calls this mentally fit man tures the agony of trying to please in-laws. He makes for a gentle
“detective,” it rings far truer. The other challenge is Karam’s and enduring presence, even if Karam has him say and do things
eleventh hour contrivance triggering Erik’s final, emotional that defy the law of social physics (a 38-year-old really would
crescendo. After so much subtlety, it feels forced and drawn out, not be trying to tell Brigid’s working-class parents his dreams).
despite Thomas’ skills. Just watching his mother decline is more Still, for whatever doesn’t quite fit here, between the sets, the
than enough. sounds, and Momo’s horrors, The Humans is a gritty, affecting
Although Pamela Reed paints Erik’s wife Deirdre memora- night to remember. l

The Humans runs to Jan. 28 at the Kennedy Center. Tickets are $49 to $139. Call 202-467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org.

continued from page 42


some of the projections of Havana
are transporting. Luckily, Mitchell
and Trujillo’s salsa-infused dances
— including a definitely wow-wor-
thy performance of “Mi Tierra,”
led by Ticotin’s Mama Gloria
— often work to cover the busy
maneuvering of the walls and
windows. A tight band, wonder-
ful comic timing by Cuervo, and
the impressive footwork of young
hoofer Kevin Tellez, as Young
Emilio also help to make up for
the distracting set design.
The cast as a whole transmits
the beats of the Estefans’ bio in a
soulful, expressive package that’s
MATTHEW MURPHY

smart and concise. Depicting


the couple’s early days shaking
their congas at bar mitzvahs and
weddings, followed by marriage,
parenthood, global superstardom,
and the devastating bus accident that nearly ended it all, the her and Emilio much success (and Gloria, recently, a Kennedy
ensemble maintains the same infectious energy and positivity Center Honor). The company of On Your Feet! clearly get, and
in the face of struggle that’s reflected in so much of the music. certainly communicate, the principal qualities that inspired
That earnestness in Gloria Estefan’s lyrics and delivery, her these artists who, in turn, inspired millions of fans and this
willingness to be direct and open-hearted, has helped bring entertaining take on their hit-making career. l

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

44 JANUARY 18, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


CHUCK GRANT
Music

start. Bringing Lana Del Rey onto “God


Save Our Young Blood” lends the track

Tepidly Glam
some star power, but not much else. It
flows awkwardly and inconsistently, not
sure whether it wants to be a breezy ear-
ly-hours track or something more festi-
BØRNS’ sophomore album plays to his strengths, but leaves plenty val-ready, and tonally is out of step with
of room for growth. By Sean Maunier the rest of the album. More than anything
else, it sounds like a Lana Del Rey single

D
with BØRNS providing the backing vocals
REAMY, SMALL-HOURS INDIE POP SEEMS TO COME NATURALLY and instrumentation. The problem here
to Garrett Clark Borns, better known as BØRNS. His 2015 debut Dopamine may be in pairing two artists with under-
showcased a unique style and a budding talent for ethereal yet catchy pop stated, downtempo styles who have very
hooks. Since then, BØRNS has been a force to be reckoned with, playing Coachella and little to play off, resulting in an awkward,
Bonnaroo and selling out most of his upcoming tour. listless and largely forgettable track. The
The Michigan-born artist brings that same synthy, glam-like and ever so slightly two might have seemed like a natural fit,
psychedelic pop finesse to Blue Madonna (HHHHH), a decent followup that rides but the problem may have been that they
on the strengths of Dopamine, with a moody, hazy edge to it. Nothing on the album were simply too similar.
quite matches the radio-ready pop hook of “Electric Love,” but there are a handful of Luckily, their odd, out-of-place duet
moments that come close. BØRNS avoids retreading the stomping, festival-ready sound does not set the tone for what’s to come.
of his first album, instead embracing a more laid-back, symphonic sound. BØRNS quickly redeems the album, fol-
While all this might set some high expectations, Blue Madonna gets off to a rough lowing the rocky start with “Faded Heart,”

JANUARY 18, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 45


a synthy, falsetto-heavy track that strengths of the album is his ability
recalls his many influences, ranging to build a dreamy, worry-free sound-
from Haim-adjacent indie to glam scape, but then again, it would be
rock to proto-punk. It ebbs and swells difficult to throw a rock at Coachella
between tightly crafted hooks that and not hit three other synth-pop
recall “Electric Love.” The album con- groups doing pretty much the same
tinues its stride on the hazy “Sweet thing. A moment of self-awareness
Dreams,” featuring a prowling bass comes with the final high point of Blue
line and a catchy chorus that, like Madonna, “Bye-bye Darling,” a closer
much of the record, invites compari- that seems intended to ease us back
sons with Tame Impala. to reality from the euphoric world
BØRNS is clearly adept at building BØRNS has spent the length of the
synthy dreampop worlds for his song- album building.
writing to inhabit, but a few tracks Blue Madonna is an enjoyable
in, it’s clear that the album has begun enough listen, but ultimately does lit-
to meander somewhat. Surprising tle to mark itself as especially unique,
moments like the theremin break- nor does it break away from the pop
out in “Supernatural” are exceptions, tropes it spends so much time indulg-
standouts in tracks that mostly cover ing. Between synthy, ethereal vocals
the same ground over and over again. The high point of the and the listless, vaguely melancholy lyrics, BØRNS has grown,
latter half of the album is “Tension,” a brief yet rich and anxious but does little to mark himself as particularly distinct in the
90-second interlude that brings a rawness present to a small synth-saturated world of modern dreampop. BØRNS is a talent-
degree in the breakup anthem “I Don’t Want U Back,” but oth- ed, confident and self-possessed artist, but while Blue Madonna
erwise lacking in the rest of the album. represents a step towards a more complex, refined sound, he
The album’s songwriting complements its easy, summery has not quite carved out a distinct niche for himself. More than
sound. BØRNS’ lyrics are underscored with a blithe, casu- anything, the album indicates that he is an artist with potential
al indifference, even when dealing with the romantic angst and much room to grow, and one who will be worth watching
around the beginnings and endings of relationships. One of the in the future. l

Blue Madonna is available now to purchase from Amazon.com and iTunes, and on streaming services.

46 JANUARY 18, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


NightLife Photography by
Ward Morrison

JANUARY 18, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 47


Scene
Revival: The Leather Weekend Closing Dance at 9:30 Club
Sunday, January 14 • Photography by Ward Morrison
See and purchase more photos from this event at www.metroweekly.com/scene

DrinksDragDJsEtc... NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR Friday, Isabelle Epoque, Dainty SHAW’S TAVERN
Beat the Clock Happy Hour Dandridge, Maria Bella, Happy Hour, 4-7pm • $3
— $2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm), January 19 Ruby Spruce, Cherie Nuit, Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon,
$4 (7-8pm) • Buckets of and Misty Wilde • Cover: $5 Rails and House Wines
Thursday, Night, 9pm-2am • For
men in underwear, all well
Beer $15 • Drag Bingo 9 1/2 $12 in advance, $15 at & Half-Priced Pizzas •
January 18 drinks $2, 9pm-12am •
NUMBER NINE
Open at 5pm • Happy
Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink,
door • Elyx Vodka and Any
Red Bull Flavor for $7 all
Comedy Show, Second
Floor, 7:30pm
Best Underwear Contest at
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any 5-9pm • Friday Night day long • thebaltimoreea-
9 1/2 Midnight • Code enforced
drink, 5-9pm • No Cover Videos, 9:30pm • Rotating gle.com TOWN
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any in Code Bar after 9pm •
DJs • Expanded craft beer Patio open 6pm • DC Bear
drink, 5-9pm • Multiple EDM: Life College Night
SHAW’S TAVERN selection • No Cover FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR Crue Happy Hour, 6-11pm
TVs showing movies, Thursdays, 10pm-2am
Happy Hour, 4-7pm • $3 Crazy Hour, 4-8pm • • $3 Rail, $3 Draft, $3 Bud
shows, sports • Expanded • Free admission to the
Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon, BALTIMORE EAGLE Karaoke, 9pm Bottles • Free Pizza, 7pm
craft beer selection • Tavern • Admission to the
$5 Rails and House Wines Baltimore Bear Happy • No cover before 9:30pm
Music videos featuring Nest is free until 10:30pm
& Half-Priced Pizzas • Hour, 3-9pm, all liquors, GREEN LANTERN • 21+ • Drag Show starts
DJ Wess • After 10:30pm, $5 Cover
Paint Night, Second Floor, beers and wines up to Happy Hour, 4-9pm • $5 at 10:30pm • Hosted by
for 21 and up, $10 Cover
7:30pm 50% off • Bad Bears After Smirnoff, all flavors, all Lena Lett and featuring
BALTIMORE EAGLE for 18-21 • thebalti-
Dark in the Code Bar, 9pm night long Miss Tatianna, Shi-
Happy Hour, 3-9pm, all moreeagle.com
TRADE • $5 Cover • DJ Ryan W Queeta-Lee, Riley Knoxx
liquors, beers and wines up
Doors open 5pm • Huge in the Tavern, 9pm-2am NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR and Ba’Naka • DJ Wess
to 50% off • $5 Pitchers FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR
Happy Hour: Any drink • Baltimore Eagle 1-Year DJ Matt Bailer • Videos, upstairs, DJs BacK2bACk
of Miller Lite all night long Crazy Hour, 4-8pm •
normally served in a cock- Anniversary and Customer Dancing • Beat the Clock downstairs following the
• $3 Well Drinks until Karaoke, 9pm
tail glass served in a huge Appreciation Celebration Happy Hour — $2 (5-6pm), show • GoGo Boys after
11pm • Thrifty Thursdays
glass for the same price, • $5 Cover after 2pm • $3 (6-7pm), $4 (7-8pm) • 11pm • Doors open at
Drag Show, hosted GREEN LANTERN
5-10pm • Beer and wine Womanhouse: Tribute, A Buckets of Beer $15 10pm • For those 21 and
by Whimsy Thrift and Happy Hour, 4-9pm
only $4 Feminist Burlesque Revue, over, $12 • For those
Shaunda Leer, 8-9:30pm • Shirtless Thursday, NUMBER NINE
10pm-2am • Featuring 18-20, $15 • Club: 18+ •
in the Nest — First well 10-11pm • Men in Open 5pm • Happy Hour:
ZIEGFELD’S/SECRETS Fancy Feast, Fem Appeal, Patio: 21+
or domestic drink is on Underwear Drink Free, 2 for 1 on any drink, 5-9pm
All male, nude dancers • Dr. Ginger Snapz, Ophelia
us! • $5 Cover at door for 12-12:30am • DJs • No Cover • Friday Night
DJ • 9pm • Cover 21+ Zayna Hart, Karina Labido,
Drag Show • Underwear BacK2bACk Piano with Chris, 7:30pm

48 JANUARY 18, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


TRADE BALTIMORE EAGLE
Doors open 5pm • Huge Happy Hour, 3-9pm
Happy Hour: Any drink • Leather and Fetish
normally served in a cock- Saturdays, Code Bar,
tail glass served in a huge 8pm-2am • Code enforced
glass for the same price, after 9pm in the Code Bar
5-10pm • Beer and wine • Command MC Bar Night,
only $4 9pm-close • Baltimore
Eagle 1-Year Anniversary
ZIEGFELD’S/SECRETS and Customer Appreciation
Men of Secrets, 9pm • Celebration • $10 Cover
Guest dancers • Rotating starting at 9:30pm •
DJs • Ladies of Illusion Special Appearance by
Drag Show • Doors at Paul Logan, aka Wolverine
9pm, Shows at 11:30pm • 3 DJs, Prizes and
and 1:30am • DJ Don T. in Giveaways • thebalti-
Ziegfeld’s • Cover 21+ moreeagle.com

FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR


Saturday Breakfast Buffet,
Saturday, 10am-3pm • $14.99 with
one glass of champagne
January 20 or coffee, soda or juice •
Additional champagne $2
9 1/2 per glass • Crazy Hour,
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any 4-8pm • Freddie’s Follies
drink, 2-9pm • $5 Absolut Drag Show, hosted by Miss
and $5 Bulleit Bourbon, Destiny B. Childs, 8-10pm
9pm-close • Expanded • Karaoke, 10pm-close
craft beer selection •
No Cover

JANUARY 18, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 49


GREEN LANTERN TOWN at 11:30pm and 1:30am suggested and can be NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR TRADE
Happy Hour, 4-9pm • $5 Temptation: Beach Please, • DJ Don T. in Ziegfeld’s made online beforehand Drag Brunch, hosted Doors open 2pm • Huge
Bacardi, all flavors, all 10pm-close • Upstairs: • DJ Steve Henderson in • Baltimore Eagle 1-Year by Shi-Queeta-Lee, Happy Hour: Any drink
night long • Bears Can DJ TWIN • Downstairs: Secrets • Cover 21+ Anniversary and Customer 10:30am-12:30pm and normally served in a cock-
Dance, 9pm-close • NO Music and video by DJ Appreciation Celebration • 1-3pm • House Rail Drinks, tail glass served in a huge
COVER Wess • Drag Show starts No Cover until 5pm • DJ Zing Zang Bloody Marys, glass for the same price,
at 10:30pm • Hosted by Vince Christopher in the Nellie Beer and Mimosas, 2-10pm • Beer and wine
NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR
Guest DJs • Zing Zang
Lena Lett and featuring
Tatianna, Shi-Queeta-Lee, Sunday, Tavern, 4-9pm • T-Dance
Sundays, 4-9pm • Buy a
$4, 11am-close • Buckets
of Beer, $15
only $4

Bloody Marys, Nellie Beer, Riley Knoxx and Ba’Naka January 21 cup for $5 and fill it with
House Rail Drinks and • Doors open 10pm • $15 any Absolut Flavor and NUMBER NINE
Mimosas, $4, 11am-5pm •
Buckets of Beer, $15
Cover from 10pm-12am •
$12 after midnight • 21+
9 1/2
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
Mixer for $3 each time
(excluding energy drink
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on
any drink, 2-9pm • $5
Monday,
drink, 2-9pm • $5 Absolut mixers) • thebaltimoreea- Absolut and $5 Bulleit January 22
NUMBER NINE TRADE and $5 Bulleit Bourbon, gle.com Bourbon, 9pm-close • Pop
Doors open 2pm • Happy Doors open 2pm • Huge 9pm-close • Multiple TVs Goes the World with Wes 9 1/2
Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink, Happy Hour: Any drink showing movies, shows, FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR Della Volla at 9:30pm • Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
2-9pm • $5 Absolut and $5 normally served in a cock- sports • Expanded craft Champagne Brunch Buffet, No Cover drink, 5-9pm • Multiple
Bulleit Bourbon, 9pm-close tail glass served in a huge beer selection • No Cover 10am-3pm • $24.99 with TVs showing movies,
• THIRSTY, featuring DJ glass for the same price, four glasses of champagne SHAW’S TAVERN shows, sports • Expanded
Chord Bezerra, 9:30pm 2-10pm • Beer and wine BALTIMORE EAGLE or mimosas, 1 Bloody Brunch with Bottomless craft beer selection •
only $4 Lizzie Beaumont and Mary, or coffee, soda or Mimosas, 10am-3pm • No Cover
SHAW’S TAVERN Betty Whitecastle present juice • Crazy Hour, 4-8pm Stoli Sundays: $5 Stoli
Brunch with Bottomless ZIEGFELD’S/SECRETS Queens Who Brunch, • Karaoke, 9pm-close Specials with DJ, 3:30pm BALTIMORE EAGLE
Mimosas, 10am-3pm • Men of Secrets, 9pm-4am 12-2pm • $34 per person • Happy Hour, 5-7pm • $3 Happy Hour, 3-9pm, all
Happy Hour, 5-7pm • $3 • Guest dancers • Ladies includes All You Can GREEN LANTERN Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon, liquors, beers and wines up
Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon, of Illusion Drag Show Eat • Free pitcher of Happy Hour, 4-9pm • $5 Rails and House Wines to 50% off • Micro Brew
$5 Rails and House Wines with host Ella Fitzgerald Mimosas per 4 admissions Karaoke with Kevin down- & Half-Priced Pizzas Draft/Bottle Mondays —
& Half-Priced Pizzas • Doors at 9pm, Shows • Reservations highly stairs, 9:30pm-close $4 all day • SIN: Service

50 JANUARY 18, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


JANUARY 18, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 51
Industry Night, 11pm-2am SHAW’S TAVERN BALTIMORE EAGLE SHAW’S TAVERN BALTIMORE EAGLE NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR
• First Well Drink or Happy Hour, 4-7pm • $3 Happy Hour, 3-9pm, all Half-Priced Burgers and Happy Hour, 3-9pm, SmartAss Trivia Night, 8pm
Domestic Beer Free • 10% Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon, liquors, beers and wines Pizzas, 5-10pm • $5 House all liquors, beers and and 9pm • Prizes include
off your Food Order all day $5 Rails and House Wines up to 50% off • $6 Any Wines and $5 Sam Adams wines up to 50% off • bar tabs and tickets to
• thebaltimoreeagle.com and Half-Priced Pizzas • Flavor Martinis and $7 • Drag Bingo with Kristina Domestic Bottles are shows at the 9:30 Club •
Shaw Nuff Trivia, with Manhattans (call liquors) Kelly, 8:30pm $3 all day • Fetlife: The $15 Buckets of Beer for
FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR Jeremy, 7:30pm • Tavern Tally presents Next Generation Happy SmartAss Teams only •
Crazy Hour, 4-8pm • Family Feud Game Show TRADE Hour, 8pm • Team Trivia, Bring a new team member
Singles Night • Half-Priced TRADE Night, 8pm • thebalti- Doors open 5pm • Huge 8-10pm • thebaltimoreea- and each get a free $10
Pasta Dishes • Karaoke, Doors open 5pm • Huge moreeagle.com Happy Hour: Any drink gle.com Dinner
9pm Happy Hour: Any drink normally served in a cock-
normally served in a cock- FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR tail glass served in a huge FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR NUMBER NINE
GREEN LANTERN tail glass served in a huge Crazy Hour, 4-8pm • Taco glass for the same price, Crazy Hour, 4-8pm • $6 Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
Happy Hour all night glass for the same price, Tuesday • Karaoke, 9pm 5-10pm • Beer and wine Burgers • Drag Bingo drink, 5-9pm • No Cover
long • Singing with the 5-10pm • Beer and wine only $4 Night, hosted by Ms.
Sisters: Open Mic Karaoke only $4 GREEN LANTERN Regina Jozet Adams, 8pm SHAW’S TAVERN
Night with the Sisters Happy Hour all night long, • Bingo prizes • Karaoke, Happy Hour, 4-7pm • $3
of Perpetual Indulgence, 4pm-close 10pm-1am Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon,
9:30pm-close
Wednesday, $5 Rails and House Wines

NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR


Tuesday, NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR
Beat the Clock Happy Hour January 24
GREEN LANTERN
Happy Hour all night
and Half-Priced Pizzas •
Piano Bar with Jill, 8pm
Beat the Clock Happy Hour January 23 — $2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm), long, 4pm-close • Bear
— $2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm), $4 (7-8pm) • Buckets of 9 1/2 Yoga with Greg Leo, 6:30- TRADE
$4 (7-8pm) • Buckets of 9 1/2 Beer $15 • Karaoke and Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any 7:30pm • $10 per class Doors open 5pm • Huge
Beer $15 • Texas Hold’em Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any Drag Bingo drink, 5-9pm • Multiple • Upstairs opens 9pm • Happy Hour: Any drink
Poker, 8pm • Dart Boards drink, 5-9pm • Multiple TVs showing movies, Lantern GoGo Dancers, normally served in a cock-
TVs showing movies, NUMBER NINE shows, sports • Expanded 10pm-2am tail glass served in a huge
NUMBER NINE shows, sports • Expanded Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any craft beer selection • glass for the same price,
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any craft beer selection • drink, 5-9pm • No Cover No Cover 5-10pm • Beer and wine
drink, 5-9pm • No Cover No Cover only $4 l

52 JANUARY 18, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


JANUARY 18, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 53
LastWord.
People say the queerest things

“The President of the United States is racist....


This is a man who today complained about immigrants who, quote, ‘are from shithole countries.’
Tonight, a White House official told CNN that they’re not worried, they think this is good for them,
and the president’s comments will actually resonate with his base. Jesus....
How many examples do you need of this? [He] is a racist.

— Part of DON LEMON’s compelling opening statement on the Jan. 11 edition of CNN Tonight. Lemon’s comments came
after President Trump reportedly described Haiti, El Salvador, and African nations as “shithole countries” during
a White House meeting. “Why are we having all these people from shithole countries come here?”
Trump reportedly said, according to a Washington Post article.

“One of the great warriors against AIDS,


a woman who battled
stupidity and fear and bigotry
from the beginning.”

— HARVEY FIERSTEIN, in a tweet paying homage to Dr. Mathilde Krim, a pioneering AIDS researcher, activist,
and co-founder of amFAR, who died this week aged 91. Fierstein called Krim “a true American hero,”
while an amFAR spokesperson called her the “the heart and soul of the organization.”

“Bigotry is bigotry is bigotry.”


— REVEREND ED BACON, who served 21 years as rector of All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena, California, speaking to
Freedom For All Americans about the importance of faith leaders speaking up in support of the LGBTQ community.
“You cannot discriminate and be a practitioner of bigotry if you call yourself a Christian,” he said, adding,
“To distort or contort religion to justify one’s discriminatory practices is a hijacking of that religion.”

“God, that final scene devastated me.


His whole performance is so real and true and profound.

— SUFJAN STEVENS, speaking to Vulture about Timothée Chalamet’s performance in Call Me By Your Name,
which Stevens contributed three songs to. “The nuances, the features of his face and how they change
from scene to scene is incredible. I still don’t know how he did that.”

54 JANUARY 18, 2018 • METROWEEKLY

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