Local
Gay Va. lawmaker pursues state Senate seat
Democratic primary set for August 23
Del. Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria) (Blade photo by Michael Key)
A gay four-term member of the Virginia State House last week declared his intention to pursue a seat in the General Assembly’s upper chamber.
Del. Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria), who’s served as a state House member since 2004, announced he would pursue the state Senate seat that Patsy Ticer (D-Alexandria) will vacate upon her retirement this year.
Ebbin said he’s interested in moving from the Republican-controlled House to the Democratic-controlled Senate to have a greater voice in speaking out for LGBT people and other minorities.
“I’ve tried to be a voice for the voiceless in the House,” Ebbin said. “I think I can be a loader voice in the Senate for GLBT people or religious minorities, for workers and others who are often left out.”
In the House, Ebbin has championed many LGBT bills, although many, such as a non-discrimination measure for state workers and anti-bullying legislation, were blocked in the Republican-controlled House and haven’t made it to the governor’s desk.
Ebbin noted that the Democratic-controlled Senate has succeeded in passing pro-LGBT measures and said he thinks he would have better success in moving forward on LGBT issues in the chamber.
“We’ve found the Senate to be more receptive, and I feel like if I can get things passed in the Senate and then bring them to the House, that they would get more weighed consideration,” Ebbin said.
Having planned the run for several months, Ebbin said he’s already hired a campaign manager and has rented out a campaign headquarters.
But other Democrats are also seeking the state Senate seat. Alexandria City Council member Rob Krupicka and Arlington School Board Chair Libby Garvey have also announced their intent to pursue the Democratic nomination.
Ebbin said he thinks his experience in the General Assembly puts him in a good position to win a Democratic primary, which would take place on Aug. 23.
“I’m the only one who’s served in the General Assembly and I think I’ve proven to be effective and the voters will find that appealing — to have experience at the state level and a proven record of effectiveness,” Ebbin said.
In the predominantly Democratic 30th district, the Democratic nominee would be favored to win against any other candidate in the general election. Still, a Republican, Alexandria businessman Michael Maibach, has reportedly expressed interest in the seat.
District of Columbia
Gay D.C. police lieutenant arrested on child porn charges
Matthew Mahl once served as head of LGBT Liaison Unit
D.C. police announced on April 14 that they have placed one of their lieutenants, Matthew Mahl, on administrative leave and revoked his police powers after receiving information that he was arrested in Maryland one day earlier.
Although the initial D.C. police announcement doesn’t disclose the reason for the arrest it refers to a statement by the Harford County, Md. Sheriff’s Office that discloses Mahl has been charged with sexual solicitation of a minor and child porn solicitation.
“On Tuesday, the Harford County Sheriff’s Office contacted MPD’s Internal Affairs Division shortly after arresting Lieutenant Matthew Mahl,” the D.C. police statement says.
“The allegations in this case are extremely disturbing, and in direct contrast to the values of the Metropolitan Police Department,” the statement continues. “MPD’s Internal Affairs Division will investigate violations of MPD policy once the criminal investigation concludes,” it says.
“MPD is not involved in the criminal investigation and was not aware of the investigation until yesterday,” the statement adds.
Mahl served as acting supervisor of the MPD’s then Gay & Lesbian Liaison Unit in 2013 when he held the rank of sergeant. D.C. police officials placed him on administrative leave and suspended his police powers that same year while investigating an undisclosed allegation.
A source familiar with the investigation said Mahl was cleared of any wrongdoing a short time later and resumed his police duties. Around the time he was promoted to lieutenant several years later Mahl took on the role as chairman of the D.C. Police Union, becoming the first known openly gay officer to hold that position.
NBC 4 reports that Mahl, 47, has served on the police force for 23 years and most recently was assigned to the department’s Special Operations Division.
Records related to Mahl’s arrest filed in Harford County District Court, show Sheriff’s Department investigators state in charging documents that he allegedly committed the offenses of Sexual Solicitation of a Minor and Child Porn Solicitation on Monday, April 13, one day before he was arrested on April 14.
The court records show he was held without bond during his first appearance in court on April 14. A decision on whether he would be released while awaiting trial or continue to be held without bond was scheduled to be determined during an April 15 bond hearing. The outcome of that hearing could not be immediately determined.
Maryland
Evan Glass is leaning on his record. Is that enough for Montgomery County’s top job?
Gay county executive candidate pushing for equitable pay, safer streets, and cleaner environment
By TALIA RICHMAN | During a meet-and-greet at Poolesville Memorial United Methodist Church, Evan Glass got his loudest applause of the night with a plan he acknowledged was decidedly unsexy.
“Day one, I’ll hire a director of permitting services,” the county executive candidate said.
Doing so, he added, is a step toward easing the regulatory burdens that can stifle small businesses in Montgomery County.
The only problem? At least one of his fiercest competitors is making a similar pledge.
The rest of this article can be read on the Baltimore Banner’s website.
District of Columbia
D.C. bar, LGBTQ+ Community Center to mark Lesbian Visibility Week
‘Ahead of the Curve’ documentary screening, ‘Queeroke’ among events
2026 Lesbian Visibility Week North America will take place from April 20-26.
This year marks the third annual Lesbian Visibility Week, run by the Curve Foundation. A host of events take place from April 20-26.
This year’s theme is Health and Wellness. For the Curve Foundation, the term “lesbian” serves as an umbrella term for a host of identities, including lesbians, bisexual and transgender women, and anyone else connected to the lesbian community.
The week kicks off with a flag-raising ceremony on April 19. It will take place in New York, but will be livestreamed for the public.
“Queeroke” is one of the events being held around the country. It will take place at various participating bars on April 23.
As You Are, an LGBTQ bar in Capitol Hill, is one of eight locations across the U.S. participating. Their event is free and 21+.
On April 24, the D.C. LGBTQ+ Community Center will hold a screening of “Ahead of the Curve,” a documentary about the founder of Curve, Franco Stevens. The event is free with an RSVP.
April 25, is Queer Women in Sports Day. And on April 26, several monuments in New York will be illuminated.
Virtual events ranging from health to sports will be made available to the public. Details will be released closer to the start of Lesbian Visibility Week. Featured events can be found on the official website.
Some ways for individuals to get involved are to use #LVW26 and tag the official Lesbian Visibility Week account on social media posts. People are encouraged to display their lesbian flags, and businesses can hand out pins and decorate. They can also reach out to local lawmakers to encourage them to issue an official Lesbian Visibility Week.
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