|
Friday, June 13, 2008
To commemorate this year’s Capital Pride celebration, we decided to look to the future of the gay scene in Washington. From activists to artists, we’ve compiled a list of 30 gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender area residents working to make a difference. And there are so many out young people making their mark that we’ve included a list of honorable mentions — people sure to figure prominently in the city’s gay scene for years to come.
 Washington, D.C.
Coalition Coordinator for Win Without War
I think my identification with a queer identity has definitely impacted my worldview and career choices. Growing up in Kansas, it would have been very easy for me as a middle-class white man to blindly accept privilege and develop a center-right perspective. Luckily, grappling with a queer identity forced me to engage in a debate with myself over justice and social responsibility that formed the bedrock of my progressive values and led to my career choices today.
In the buttoned-up, type-A world of D.C. power, it’s very easy and even tempting to assimilate and “fit in,” so I hope I bring a more queer sensibility to gay D.C. I hope to encourage the gay community, and really all of D.C., to engage in a more vigorous introspection about desire, difference and freedom that leads us toward a more just, progressive world. That, and a better taste in music.
Pride is very important to me. Beyond the celebration of parades and street fairs, it is also a commemoration of the riots at the Stonewall Inn. Certainly I’d like to see a little more recognition of the Latina transgender women who kick-started queer liberation at Stonewall. But at least for me, Pride will always represent one of the most daring, radically queer moments in our community’s history.
The greatest issue I see facing our community is transgender inclusivity, where the recent debate over ENDA serves to highlight a greater rift in our community. Whether our community defines itself narrowly or broadly — as one that serves only those who conform to rigid binaries or one that protects the self-expression of all Americans — is paramount to me.
As much as possible, I hope to facilitate a stronger connection between progressive ideas and the sites of power in America. I want to bring the greatest financial and organizational resources on the left to pursue a truly progressive agenda.
 Washington, D.C.
Executive Chef at Vegetate Restaurant
Struggle forces roots deeper into the soil. Overcoming bias and embracing my sexuality has enabled me to concentrate on a broader scope. That’s allowed my focus to move from an isolated and selfish view, to a more communal and evolutionary one. Having an understanding of isolation informs my work: regenerating our food systems from where they have digressed and bringing people together through the harvest, a universal tie.
A sense of liberation — by making out with my girlfriend in public places, as often as possible.
I remember being much younger and feeling completely secluded. Pride, as a mutual celebration, gave me the ability to move beyond feeling so selfish and depraved. Also, it opened my eyes to diversity, which allowed me to access a deeper personal identity. Finally, I bought pants that actually fit my ass — amazing things happened afterwards.
What do you think is the most important issue facing gay Americans?
I think the most important issues facing gay Americans are the same ones that face all Americans: safety, progress and true awareness of community.
I am hoping to achieve a solid routine of sharing dinner with my lover each night — as long as she cooks, too.
 Takoma Park, Md.
Advertising Manager and Event Planner/Promoter for B.O.I. Productions
Because B.O.I. Productions serves the lesbian and gay community, I think it gives me a lot of credibility with our clients and supporters.
As an advertising manager in a predominantly straight environment, I would like to think that I have had a positive impact on my employees and co-workers. I strive to abolish stereotypes and negative attitudes about the gay community.
I am very open at work and many people know about my continuous involvement in the gay community through events and performances. Many of my co-workers come out to support these events and have a genuinely good time in the process.
I hope to continue to provide events throughout the year that cater to the entire LGBT community. This community is so segregated by gender and race when it comes to social events and club nights. Though people have doubted it, we have already proven that there can be successful diverse events for everyone: Just look at our Capital Pride Maryland Party that had over 200 men and women from all different backgrounds!
Personally, and of course professionally, it is very important. I personally enjoy the chance to get to meet new and exciting people throughout the week whether they are locals or out-of-towners.
In my opinion, there are a few important issues, but right now between the media and California’s new ruling, gay marriage seems to be on the forefront. Personally, I don’t know if I would ever get married, but I obviously believe that every American should have the same rights as every human being in this country.
I would like for people to equate B.O.I. Productions as being the official event planners/promoters of the LGBT community.
On top of this we would like to strengthen the women’s community in D.C. There was a time that there were strong weekly and monthly events that we just don’t see anymore. With the help of other movers and shakers, we would love to be a part of the growth and longevity of the women’s community.
 Washington, D.C.
Chapter Coordinator for the U.S. Green Building Council; Vice-Chair of the D.C. Chapter of the Log Cabin Republicans
It really has not affected me in any way and actually people have become more open to me about their own lives, and I really don’t see it as a disadvantage at all. I’ve worked with a lot of Republicans and people who are stereotyped as mean-spirited and homophobic, and I’ve never once dealt with anybody who treated me with less than respect.
I actually want to enhance the rights of domestic partnerships as well as tax benefits for gay couples.
It’s pretty important. It shows the diversity of our groups and it’s the time for all of us to get together and show one mission — which is gay rights and equality for all.
Two issues are very important to me. Number one is the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. I think it’s about time that gay Americans be able to serve openly and fight for our country, especially in a time of war. The other issue that I think is very important is how the economy faces gay people, which is through tax benefits and tax rights.
I’d love to hold political office and serve the community. I think I’d like to help change the idea that politicians are no longer public servants. In fact, if they are politicians, they are public servants.
 Washington, D.C.
Trainer/Advocate & Program Manager of GLBTQ Initiatives – Advocates For Youth
Being a person with many different “minority” identities I have an unambiguous perspective on how to shift the paradigm for how society perceives the lives of GLBTQ people, people of color and youth.
I believe that being lesbian-identified gives me a unique perspective on addressing homophobia, trans-phobia and other issues that are unique to our GLBTQ community.
I am a native of the District. I value the beauty of the city as well as understand the common struggles of its citizens. Being an advocate affords me access to individuals that can affect change; everyone from local gatekeepers to policy makers.
In addition to providing individuals with the tools needed to ensure that D.C. is a safer, healthier place for our young people, I like to think that I challenge people to be introspective in exploring their own personal values and beliefs around youth empowerment and how we are all agents to either to help or hinder our young people on their journeys. Additionally, I continue to contribute by being a role model for young gay D.C. on how to grow in the most dynamic ways possible by being the best activist, educator, sister, mentor and student that I know how to be.
D.C. Pride is huge for me. The summer I began to come out, D.C. Pride was an avenue to explore a new community that, up until that point, was hidden to me. My early participation at Prides gave me the opportunity to revel in the awesomeness that being “out and proud” could provide our community. Today, Pride also inspires me to remember and honor those that do not always have the freedom of “living out loud and proud.” In my moments of clarity, I am aware that Pride is a privilege, one that I am grateful to have.
Equal rights and justice. We have taken great strides on many fronts: the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA); recent advances in marriage/partner recognition; and more states enacting anti-bullying legislation. However, I believe we still have a long road ahead of us: more anti-bullying legislation along with intentional efforts to protect our students by school administration; decriminalizing sex work; trans inclusion in ENDA; police brutality; and addressing rogue policy makers such as state Rep. Sally Kern and principal Daphne Beasley.
I hope to save the world. Seriously, I look forward to continuing a message of community and not community in a vacuum, but community as a whole. I hope to become even more empowered to be able to draw connections for people on our commonalities and empower myself, along with others to move forward, in a manner that carries us all.
 Washington, D.C.
Press Secretary to Rep. Pete Stark (D-Calif.)
I found a lot of inner strength that I didn’t think I had because of having to come out and because of having to be gay.
I’ve noticed a lot of really great people who are part of the queer community in D.C. We’ve always felt most fulfilled when we’re able to bring good people together. To make people happier — and to set a good example in terms of what you can accomplish and how you act with other people.
I never really found a community like the community here. So Capital Pride [is important] in the way it’s a celebration of the togetherness of queer community in D.C.
What do you think is the most important issue facing gay Americans?
I’d say the fact that in many ways we’re a much looser-knit community than we were back in the days before I was born and the days when I was just a toddler. We still have struggles that range from attacks on marriage to HIV/AIDS to economic ones to making sure there’s employment non-discrimination — there’s a whole host of them.
I know that I love politics. I know that I love making people laugh and I know
I love really high-energy, high-pressure environments, so anything that involves being successful in anything that involves the three of those. I think it’s also important to do something that creates a positive influence on the community — whether that’s being a senator and pushing health care reform or being a social worker and helping keep families together.
 Washington, D.C.
Peer Education Coordinator for the D.C. Rape Crisis Center
Sexual abuse and sexual assault happens in the queer community, and I think it should be more visible and spoken about more. So I’m charged as a queer person of color to educate and inform all people, no matter what sexual or gender identity, of how to protect themselves and how to identify what is rape.
My job is with the Crisis Center, but my personal philosophy is being self-aware and progressing your community.
I think it is historically necessary to have that kind of media attention, to create an element of normalcy to the society at large, for queer people to be seen as who we are.
What do you think is the most important issue facing gay Americans?
I think the most important issue is stereotypes that follow the community. Even within and outside the community, there is still this element of either fostering the stereotypical behavior or even in media, how we’re seen, not just as things as loving individuals, and not creating a normal space for growth.
I hope to continue what I’m doing with performance and creating conscious, non-censored artistic expression, non-censored creative expression.
 Washington, D.C.
Policy Adviser to Rep. Mike Doyle (D-Pa.)
It’s made me more empathetic to the plight of others different from me, made me more sympathetic to underdogs, and given me a strong sense to seek out justice in every situation.
Tireless service to our community through my work and promoting alternative scenes for entertaining the LGBT community.
I was born on the same day as Stonewall and the Boy Scout decision at the Supreme Court, so I kind of came up and came out with it instilled in my heart.
Convincing Americans, and the LGBT community, to support civil unions for all, gay or straight — and religious marriage where the church permits.
Being able to witness or contribute to legislation for lesbian and gay equality passed by Congress and signed into law by the president.
Woodbridge, Va.
Media Marketer, Promoter of LURE, lesbian club night
It’s not an issue — everybody that I work with is very supportive.
Get as involved as possible, and let people know we’re just like everybody else.
Extremely important. I’m part of the Capital Pride committee, mainly with the parade committee.
Stop cattiness in the community and we need to come together.
Personally, I’d like to be an attorney, specifically for minority issues, gay and women’s rights and immigration. As far as community, I’m just hoping to bring everything together. With LURE, Mel and I have been promoting other women, trying to get lesbian promoters.
 Washington, D.C.
Director of Operations for the Woodhull Freedom Foundation, performer with the D.C. Kings
Being queer is what originally motivated me to care about LGBT civil rights and start performing as a drag king. As my consciousness has broadened, I’ve come to care about a lot of social justice issues like access to culturally competent health care; sex-positive, inclusive sexuality education; racial justice; and including transgender and gender-queer people in the LGBT movement.
I hope to make gay D.C. a more welcoming community, where you can just be who you are no matter your income, wealth, race, body type or gender. I hope to make it more inclusive of those who are already marginalized everywhere else, so our community doesn’t replicate oppressive structures and mentalities.
How is Pride to you?
Pride is important to me, but I am wary of how we are unlearning our own history. Pride started as a protest against oppressive forces denying us our ability to be queer, and I hope we don’t forget that, as I see our Prides morph into street festivals without a political agenda.
The most important issue facing gay Americans is our inability to question our own power and privilege. As those in our community with power and influence claim to speak on behalf of all of us, those who need the most are often left behind. I can think of no better example than HRC agreeing to leave the entire transgender community out of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, failing to realize so many LGBT people are gender non-conforming and need those protections as well.
I hope to get a law degree and work on broader social justice issues that impact a variety of marginalized communities, including the queer community. I also hope to someday perform drag outside of the U.S. and Canada, wherever that may be.
 Silver Spring, Md.
Program Associate at the Mautner Project
I think that it definitely provides me with direct experience to do the work that I’m doing, especially when you’re talking about doing outreach. It’s all about meeting people where you are, it helps to be queer when you’re outreaching to queer people.
A greater sense of pride, a greater sense of knowing we should all be taking care of ourselves and each other.
It’s a great time for a lot of different people to get together and share a meaning of community, whatever those might be.
Equal access to health care, especially for my trans sisters and brothers.
I hope that D.C. continues to be a central hub for lobbying for gay rights and I hope that I can play a part in that in some small way.
Washington, D.C.
Girls Rock! D.C. Organizer
Being queer has impacted my work no more than being a woman or being black. I tend not to separate my identity into parts that are more or less important to me and/or my work. I identify as a black, queer woman, and all those parts (and many more) have collectively shaped my experiences and outlook.
I hope to facilitate and encourage more community building. My experiences in the past six months have inspired me to create more safe spaces for queer people of color. In doing so, I have realized how many other people were looking for the same thing and had similar experiences. But overall, I most sincerely wish our community would have more dialogue that solicits critical thinking and understanding of each other. I’m working on doing that one person at a time.
I think Pride can be an invaluable tool in bringing people together, facilitating dialogue and creating awareness amongst the vast LGBTQI community. Only recently has Capital Pride included official events for transgender and bi communities. Who knows, maybe one day, there’ll be a polyamorous awareness rally!
Remembering history and its impact on current issues and relations. Pride is a great time to learn about and celebrate our frontrunners for equality. But I also think it’s important to remember and learn the history of D.C. (or wherever we live) throughout the year and how that influences relations with people outside of the LGBTQI community. I have a radio show on Radio CPR (Community Powered Radio) 97.5 FM that documents some of the many changes D.C. has gone through and how important this city is to so many movements and historical events.
I’ve been a gender performer since 2004, have recently started deejaying at community events and at Be Bar Wednesdays, and I am currently an organizer for Girls Rock! D.C., a rock camp for D.C. area girls 8-18 years old. Doing all of this has helped me envision a way for me to express my creativity, use my professional skills and work in a supportive and inclusive environment that I’m passionate about. This is Girls Rock! D.C.’s first year, and we are already looking to create year-round programming for girls and even a mini-women’s rock camp!
 Adams Morgan
Co-founder and Creative Director of Fashion Fights Poverty
I believe that the process of self-realization that underscores a person’s identification with being gay provides a heightened sensitivity to political, social and cultural issues that greatly impacts my work as a designer and social entrepreneur. When one is forced to question their identity and challenge social norms surrounding their identity, a person extends that inquiry to other aspects of the world — and in my case, when I see something wrong in society, I work to provide a creative solution for it.
A fresh perspective on how to approach an ever-evolving synergy between gay D.C. and “everyone else.” Having been brought up on three continents across a myriad of distinct cultures, I, along with many in the city, harbor different approaches to this notion of “gay D.C.,” one that doesn’t polarize the city into gay-straight dualities.
Is Pride the only time in the year when I celebrate gayness? Not if you examine my wardrobe, honey. Pride is something I exude on a daily basis — pride in my heritage, pride in my accomplishments, pride in my relationships. For me, pride isn’t a summertime festival — it’s a way of life.
Perennially bad “gay-themed” films, and the identity crisis that comes with becoming more mainstream.
I just started a new job as a senior creative director in a big government consulting firm in a field with a nebulous, somewhat reluctant relationship with design. Between this role and my continued co-leadership behind Fashion Fights Poverty, the city’s largest and longest-running ethical fashion show, my “new” goal is to show clients, consumers and citizens that good design is a strategic necessity, not a luxurious after thought. Whether in government or in the world of fighting global poverty, I hope to strengthen the role of creative art and design in changing the world.
Washington, D.C.
Singer, Dancer, Actor, Composer, Writer, Tarot Consultant and Receptionist
It is my greatest belief that the work of an artist is cultivated not only by the world vision of perfection or degradation, but by the experience that the artist brings with them. Look no further than the works I have written and you see at least one queer-spirited character within them, because with the research I have done, I have found we have always been a major part of history, thus we will always be a major part of the historical works I write. When I do cabarets with my band, I am myself and what is any queerer than a straight black woman with an outtie vagina running around in a dress with feathers in his hair, singing jazz songs and getting possessed.
With my work I hope to contribute the mirror of reflection, the flames of rejuvenation, the love of possibility and the caress of healing. I want to push our community to the next level — one found in the depths of real history, things we don’t learn in the classes, honey. Home, growth, freedom, the reality that we all were meant to inherit the earth.
Gay Pride the event, or gay pride the concept? The reasons for the event being important have changed as I have grown. Now that I am older and more aware of myself, I begin to see the event as a means to manifest the concept. I often speak about not forgetting why we have gay Pride — it is a tradition we continue that started as a revolutionary war cry in the face of those who hated us and wanted to silence our song.
One would think marriage. What is most important for me is restoring a sense of joy in the truth of who one is. We have too many in our community turning to unhealthy means of expression because many lack true support systems, a family, or self esteem that one needs to help recognize the beginnings of their true self. The issue of self is what is most important to me because my Mama taught me, “It is not what they call you that make you who you are, but the who that you know you are that changes the way you interpret their words!”
To find a rich husband, marry him, and adopt a whole rainbow coalition like Josephine Baker (do you know one of her husbands was gay? We’ll have so much in common then). To learn as much of my history as I can, and teach it to the ones who will come afterwards through the means I know best — song, dance, theater, words, music and magic.
Washington, D.C.
Acoustic Pop Musician
I think being gay has made me more compassionate. I think it’s hard sometimes to be compassionate when you’re quote-unquote normal. It’s our abnormalities that makes us understand that there’s a lot of people around us dealing with similar abnormalities or pains or whatever — and that we should be compassionate toward others instead of being judgmental toward others.
What I hope that I do contribute to gay community in D.C. is [to be] an example of an integrated, well-rounded gay man. I hope that being out there and performing — always sharing my message of what it means to love and what it means to accept and what it means to reconcile — because it tends to be what my music is about and taking things that are often negative and turning them into positive, or just learning from them and integrating them into your life.
All Pride events are important because it provides an outlet for people who don’t always feel accepted. D.C. in general is a pretty accepting place, and I think that Pride events in general are really great because there’s a lot of places around the country that aren’t.
I think that the most important issue facing gay Americans from outside the gay community is equal rights. And I think that goes well beyond the gay community and that’s something that the entire population deals with because everybody should have equal rights, and so I think politically, the right to marry and the right to have companionships — you can see your spouse if they’re in a coma, or any kind of tax or insurance benefits — that’s something that should be granted to all individuals.
I suppose I just want to continue to grow as a person and continue to grow as a gay man. I want to continue to grow in my relationship with my partner, [Mike Briggs], and to be able to be a conduit for others to do the same.
 Washington, D.C.
Co-director of Different Avenues (a non-profit serving homeless people, youth, and sex workers); Freelance Reporter
The work I do at Different Avenues came about because I sought services there as a client a number of years ago. I never imagined then that I would some day run the organization. As a reporter sometimes it has been hard being transgender, like reporting on Congress, but on the other hand I think it’s important for people to see that trans people can do anything.
I hope to make D.C. a place where everyone experiences justice and happiness, not only trans folks, but especially marginalized groups that are often denied happiness and social justice in this city.
Not very important. I do support that so many different communities are celebrating Pride though, and I definitely look up to the trans people, sex workers, homeless and others who were at the forefront of resistance to police brutality at Stonewall (and Compton’s Cafeteria before that) — Pride started as a commemoration of those events after all.
We are denied autonomy over our own bodies, whether through discrimination, lack of access to resources, criminalization or other means.
I would like to see success in our work to get the city to change its approach to sex work — from criminalization to a more rational approach. I would also like to see success in the work of the D.C. Trans Coalition to convince the Department of Corrections to stop housing trans people by their birth gender or in isolation — practices that violate human rights, safety and dignity. As a DJ and party hostess, I work with other folks to create more party spaces that are more inclusive and diverse — not just gays, a mix of race/ethnicity and genders, multi-generational, and without harassment or violence — so I hope we can accomplish more of that soon because you gotta have fun to sustain you in struggle!
 Washington, D.C.
Executive Director, National Stonewall Democrats
Working for National Stonewall Democrats means I get to work with our community and allies every day who are committed to electing pro-equality Democrats and advocating for LGBT issues within the Democratic Party. Being gay certainly gives me a personal connection to this work, but even if I wasn’t gay I believe all people deserve equal opportunity under the law and electing the good candidates is the best way to do that.
We have such an important election this year. Whether you’re lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender it’s important that we vote and that we do what we can to help pro-equality candidates win across the country. If I can help connect more of our community to politics, then I think that’s what I can contribute to LGBT D.C.
I’m from South Dakota and I understand the real impact just being “out” can have on changing people’s hearts and minds. Pride’s important to me because it’s an everyday act of making change.
The biggest issue facing LGBT Americans is who is appointed to the Supreme Court under the next president. If we don’t elect a president who will put progressives on the court, we’re going to face years of bad decisions against our community and our families.
Young people — this year more than ever — are changing the political world. Over the next few years I want to find ways to bring more of the incredible young talent in our community to the forefront.
Silver Spring, Md.
Communications Director for Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.); at-large board member for the D.C. chapter of the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association
It’s definitely helped my perspective on things. I don’t think that my beliefs or my positions would be any different otherwise. It’s been a positive aspect, I guess.
My focus has been on national issues, so I’ll be using that to see what we can do on the larger scale to have impact on the local communities.
I think it’s very important. It’s the time of year when a lot of people come together. A lot of times you’ll see people at Pride events that you don’t normally see out at the other different gay events throughout the year. I’ve been here seven years and I’ve been going every year.
I can only pick one? You can’t make me choose! It’s a toss-up between ENDA and marriage equality. I think they’re both very important issues — they both impact a lot of people.
Other than winning the lottery? I like what I’m doing, so something along those lines.
Washington, D.C.
Phase 1 Bar Manager
Being gay is kind of what I do professionally. If I was straight I don’t think I would be able to enjoy all the glorious perks of managing a lesbian bar. Having the opportunity to merge my sexuality with my profession is a unique privilege.
I not only want to continue the institution that is Phase 1, but take it to the next level. The Phase is so much more than just a bar. It is a community center. It is a safe place. It is an open forum for queer artists and musicians. I hope to keep the Phase true to these traditions, but expand on them by bringing you events like Phasefest, which in its inaugural year became the biggest queer art and music festival on the East Coast. I also want to continue to use the Phase as a means to give back to the community by teaming up with organizations like DCATS, Whitman-Walker, D.C. Rape Crisis Center, Deaf AIDS Project, etc., and opening up the bar to these organizations to find new and creative ways to raise money.
Pride is definitely important to me as it is a time for us to celebrate who we are. I mean who doesn’t love dance re-mixes and half-naked dancing cowboys ... certainly not this girl.
I think the one major issue that we ought to be addressing is our terrible reliance on the rainbow flag as a symbol of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. I think we need a new, stronger, more whimsical symbol like the unicorn. A close second would have to be that whole equality thing. I mean the whole idea that we’re not human beings worthy of the same rights and privileges that are available to heterosexuals seems a little outdated. Kinda like wearing parachute pants, only much, much worse of course.
I hope to continue to be an integral part of lesbian nightlife in one way or another. I hope the Phase continues to be “base camp” for the lesbian community. The Phase has become who I am. The Phase has come to define me in the same way it has been an integral part of the lives of so many queer women lucky enough to experience it. With the amazing staff, from door girls to bar backs, there is not a doubt in my mind that anyone could come to the Phase and feel welcomed and have a rockin’ time.
 Washington, D.C.
Pastry Chef at Vinoteca
It has forced me to be a stronger individual, which is helpful in kitchens where it can be pretty homophobic and misogynist.
I hope I can contribute memorable experiences through my cooking.
When I was younger, Pride played a part in my coming-out experience. I saw other women who looked like me, more feminine, which made me feel like it was OK to be in this community just as I am. Now I see Pride ideally as a way to unite the various parts of our community and give us more visibility as a group.
Mental and physical health problems and the lack of health care and services available to treat these issues.
I would like to open my own bakery/ café that could also serve as a community center.
 Washington, D.C.
Environmental Protection Agency, swimmer with the District of Columbia Aquatics Club
Much of the work that I do professionally and in the D.C. community has limited lesbian representation, so I think my work impacts the group environment simply because the ever-important lesbian element, while not traditionally there, is present.
I hope my contribution to gay D.C. will be donating my time and energy to supporting locally based projects that have a long-standing history of having a positive influence in the D.C. community — many of which were started and maintained by our over-30 counterparts.
Pride is important to me because it is a reminder that there are so many others “like me” out there who are promoting visibility and building community partnerships.
I think the most important issue facing gay Americans today is developing collective identity in the post-’80s/’90s era in order to address current discrimination issues that gays still face.
Doesn’t every under-30 young lesbian dream of being an accomplished power lesbian?
 Washington, D.C.
Coordinates Homo Hotel Happy Hour, Saturgays in the Park Tourism Coordinator for Destination D.C.
I find being gay to be very empowering. I think this has motivated me to get more involved in the LGBT community.
To use social opportunities to showcase what a beautiful and powerful city and resource we have at our disposal.
Pride is a great opportunity for the LGBT community to come together to see its many faces and celebrate the progress we are making.
Discrimination, whether that be marriage and adoption rights, the subtle and not-so-subtle discrimination we encounter at our workplaces, in the media or in everyday settings. Also, gas prices!
I’d like to see the LGBT community in D.C. continue to diversify, integrate and progress. If I can be a part of that, then I will feel that I’ve accomplished something.
 Washington, D.C.
Regional Field Director-East Coast for Human Rights Campaign
I work at HRC so part of the time, being gay is the work I’m doing. The other part of the time, being gay gives me a strong sense of why I do this work. I always joke with my friends that I can’t get enough of the gays; I live in Logan Circle, I work at HRC, I row with D.C.’s GLBT rowing team (D.C. Strokes), I primarily hang out at gay bars, and I vacation at gay hotspots.
The chance to contribute to the future of the gay community. I have no doubt if even half of gay D.C. gets involved with this year’s elections, really involved, we would have a fair-minded president, 60 votes in the Senate and a wider majority in Congress come January. I really hope that my work can not only produce that result, but help others to find meaningful ways to contribute to the future of the GLBT community.
For me, Pride is very important. I love the chance to experience the culture and diversity of our community. Pride is also a chance to relax, be yourself and to focus all of your energy on having a gay ole’ time. No matter what part of Pride I’m involved with, I always have a great time and enjoy the fact that my neighborhood becomes a place where gays from around the region can come and play. I’ve definitely had the experience of being “over it,” but then I travel to some city or town that doesn’t have a large community like we do, or I hear about a place that bans Pride, and I find myself thinking how fortunate I am to live in gay D.C.
The single most important issue I hear from gay Americans is the opportunity to be who they are without judgment. Whether that judgment comes in the case of being fired from your job for bringing your partner to the company picnic or from being ridiculed in high school for not fitting into the right gender role or stereotype, all of us want to be accepted as we are, without judgment or condemnation.
In the immediate future, I hope to help elect Barack Obama! If there is anyone who does not understand what a hot mess John McCain would be for our country, please go to www.hrc.org immediately! I’m also excited about our potential to make huge gains in Congress for our community. From ENDA to dealing with the ban on gays in the military to some of the less sexy issues like tax equity and partner immigration issues, the potential exists for our community to take a giant step forward in having Congress acknowledge the rights of GLBT Americans as Americans. Outside of work, I’m planning to go to the 2009 OutGames in Copenhagen with the D.C. Strokes Rowing Club. I won my first gold medal this past month and have a taste for more. And the foreign accents don’t hurt either.
 Washington, D.C.
Director of Development for SMYAL
I’ve been working at various LGBT organizations since graduating college. Knowing first-hand of the challenges we face drives me to make the world a better place for us.
I think SMYAL is one of the most needed community organizations in the D.C. area. One of the reasons I went to work for SMYAL is that I knew how important it was for the local community to be supportive of our young people. They are the next generation of our community’s leaders, and it makes me so proud to see some of our SMYAL youth already making a big difference advocating for the issues important to them.
Pride is important to me because it is the one time of the year that the community comes together, raises visibility of the challenges we still have to overcome and celebrates the victories we have already achieved.
I do believe that marriage equality and the repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy are extremely important issues and should be at the forefront of our movement, but I think the most important issue we face as gay Americans is the sexism, racism and ageism within our community. Our community in its entirety faces discrimination — we shouldn’t be committing these same injustices against each other.
When I look back at the work I’m doing in the community, I hope to see the mark I made in our fight for full equality. And of course once we have that full equality, I’ll be moving on to my next passion — animal rights.
Washington, D.C.
Visual Artist
My drawings, installations and videos deal with notions of gender, identity and power. As a visual artist I draw from my everyday experiences when creating art. This makes it impossible for my personal relationships not to influence my work. This is evident in my current series of cut-paper stop motion videos and drawings entitled “Hypnotic Lusting,” currently on view in two different group exhibitions at Meat Market Gallery on 17th Street and at the Arlington Arts Center in Transformer’s flat file exhibition.
There are only a handful of D.C. artists, for example Mary Coble and A. B. Miner, who really challenge conventional notions of gender and identity in their art. Conveying different perspectives and giving small American subcultures visibility is part of my mission as a D.C. based visual artist.
Pride becomes more important to me every day. Expressing my sexuality is feminism. No matter if it’s in the art I make, the organizations I support or the Phase 1 Jell-O pit I wrestle in, expression is always something I think about.
Respecting and understanding cultural and sexual differences within our gay community is by far our greatest obstacle. We are not just gay, straight, bi or trans. We are not just black, white or brown. We transcend these boundary lines and make up a complete palette of queer colors. Understanding this is essential to winning the fight for equality, because without respect for these differences, we will never be able to unify and form one strong voice against oppression.
Challenging perspectives through visual art is a lifetime endeavor for me. The power visual images have to impact culture astounds me, and I will continue to use this language as a way to affect hearts and minds.
 Alexandria, Va.
Communications Director for Log Cabin Republicans
It’s a great conversation starter. Most Republicans I talk to in D.C. don’t have a problem with someone being gay. Unfortunately, many gay people don’t react so kindly when they find out you’re a Republican.
Hopefully, I can show that most gay Republicans are good, decent people who can make an important contribution toward the fight for equality.
I can’t say it’s very important, but I like to attend. It’s fun and if it gets people motivated to take up a cause or get involved, that’s great.
Breaking the cycle of having one political party (Republicans) that doesn’t hear about issues important to LGBT Americans because we don’t engage them, while having another political party (Democrats) that says almost everything we want to hear, but doesn’t deliver much.
I hope the work I did with Log Cabin will one day help to return the GOP to what it used to be — less government interference in our private lives.
 Washington, D.C.
Director of Programs for Transgender Health Empowerment
I don’t know if I would really separate being gay from just being a person. The work I do is based on human rights, not based on sexuality or gender identity, but based on seeing a need in the community I’m a part of. I try my best to help out in whatever way I can.
I want to be able to help make a difference that is able to last for a while, through establishing a new program or working with youth who may grow up to make difference in the community. I want to do something that makes a long-lasting impression on the community.
Pride is very important. I think as a black male and black gay male, it is very important to remember where we came from as a gay people, and to honor that history and respect that history and be thankful for everything we’ve done and everything we’re doing in the community. I think that’s what makes us want to be better as people, having that honor and pride within ourselves
Discrimination amongst our own community. I think more than us worrying about the heterosexual community, we as gay males discriminate against transgender people, lesbians maybe against gay males, even the younger generation versus the older. We have to look at how we can love each other a little bit more, how to respect our own community a whole lot more, and then we can fight more for the rights as a whole GLBT community versus just a portion of our community.
We’ve made great strides in our community, but there are so many things I want to be a part of — having a mayor who is part of the GLBT community, or a transgender Council member — these are all things I would like to be a part of, showing that we as community can do anything and everything we want to do.
 Washington, D.C.
Publicist for the Black Cat, Founding Member of First Ladies DJ Collective
At the Black Cat, there is an expectation and comfort that I don’t have to explain myself. It isn’t a traditional place. We work to make it that way and in turn we have a lot of freedom to be who we are.
To keep creating spaces for people to be involved with music. The Black Cat is just one avenue for that. But through the First Ladies, doing nights at Phase 1 and Be Bar, etc., I’ve learned that you have to make community to have it. You meet amazing people and offer support and get it back.
Pride is like gay Christmas, people make their own traditions. This year, I’ll be deejaying the Friday night Women’s Party at the 9:30 club. I’ll probably hit up the Dyke March, too.
I just hope that Samantha will be able to make an honest woman out of Lindsay someday soon.
Paying off my student loans would be nice.
 Washington, D.C.
Information Systems and Correspondence Director for Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.), GLASS Caucus Steering Committee
Being gay and out at work has made me aware of the progress that we’ve made, but also reminds me that many people still are unable to work or serve openly.
I hope to contribute to a friendly sense of community and unity where we stand up and openly support one another.
Pride is an essential part of the dignity and respect that we all deserve. It’s important to have it within yourself so that you can recognize and appreciate it in others. Now is a great time to show and celebrate Pride, but you need it year-round and life-long.
Divisiveness. I think that we must find a way to come together as a fully inclusive community while still celebrating our differences.
I’d like to get my master’s degree in business and information systems. I’d also like to help advance LGBT equality and pride by being active and engaged in every community of which I’m a member.
Washington, D.C.
While living in Kosovo, he founded the Center for Social Emancipation, Kosovo’s first organization aimed at promoting gay rights. He moved to the United States in 2007 when his life was threatened and was granted asylum in February. Zuka is executive assistant to the chief executive officer of the Patient Access Network Foundation.
The fact that I was forced out of my country has been a challenge itself. The fact that I was chased has been a challenge. However, I will never — if they develop a cure that would change people straight, I would never do it. All these challenges have made me who I am today, so I would never do it.
I volunteer sometimes for different gay and lesbian organizations. That’s my contribution. My presence, sort of being out there, it’s also another day-to-day contribution to the gay community itself.
I think — not only for me but for everyone — just to show people that we’re here and we’re part of the society and something that should be embraced.
|
