Arts & Entertainment
Queery: Justin Croft
The MOVA general manager answers 20 gay questions
Justin Croft (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
Managing and bartending in various restaurants and bars has been conducive to Justin Croft’s bouncing around.
The 32-year-old New London, Pa. (near Philly) native went to college here at George Washington, moved to Los Angeles, returned here, went back to L.A., returned briefly to Philadelphia, then ended up here — at least for now — in May 2010.
He’d known the MOVA owner, Babak Movahedi, since Croft was in college and started bartending there shortly before MOVA moved from P Street (where Nine is now) to its current location at 2204 14th Street, N.W. (movalounge.com).
“I don’t know, it was kind of wanderlust — it was just my 20s, that’s mostly what I tell people,” Croft says. “I kind of moved back here for someone. … I just kind of went with the flow.”
So Los Angeles gay guys versus D.C.’s?
“Everybody says L.A. is pretentious but I think there are pretentious groups in every city,” he says. “I actually think L.A. guys might be a little more inviting at first. They’re more willing to get to know someone they don’t know there I think.”
MOVA has a New Year’s Eve party called “Countdown With the Divas” event planned with DJ Jason. There’s a $5 cover that will go to the D.C. Center. A pair of Lady Gaga tickets will be given away. Guests who RSVP at [email protected] get VIP entry and open bar from midnight to 1 a.m.
Croft says things are going well for the business though it has had a significant transition from its former location. Once some of the big construction projects near it wrap — which should be soon — he expects business to take off.
Croft is single and lives in Washington. He enjoys working out, music, movies and trying new restaurants with friends in his free time.
How long have you been out and who was the hardest person to tell?
Since I was 20, 12 years now. It was pretty easy. My family is very liberal. Looking back, coming to terms with myself was the most challenging.
Who’s your LGBT hero?
Adam Bouska and Jeff Parshley, the creators of the NOH8 campaign. They have done an amazing job at bringing together both straights and gays in a very creative way to foster acceptance
What’s Washington’s best nightspot, past or present?
Halo, which is now MOVA.
Describe your dream wedding.
Never really dreamed about it.
What non-LGBT issue are you most passionate about?
The environment — I am a bit of a tree-hugger at heart.
What historical outcome would you change?
Bush winning Florida in 2000.
What’s been the most memorable pop culture moment of your lifetime?
Being in Christina Aguilera’s “Beautiful” video back when I lived in L.A.
On what do you insist?
Clean hygiene. BO is not a welcome scent; deodorant goes a long way.
What was your last Facebook post or Tweet?
Something about MOVA.
If your life were a book, what would the title be?
“Now” because life is really all about living in the present.
If science discovered a way to change sexual orientation, what would you do?
Pass on it. I am proud to be gay.
What do you believe in beyond the physical world?
Karma and life after death.
What’s your advice for LGBT movement leaders?
Keep up the great work.
Who would you walk across hot coals for?
Those whom I care most about.
What LGBT stereotype annoys you most?
The ignorant assumption that all gay men are/must be feminine and lesbians are hyper-masculine.
What’s your favorite LGBT movie?
“Broken Hearts Club”
What’s the most overrated social custom?
Shaking hands
What trophy or prize do you most covet?
My swimming trophy. When I was 6, I swam in a competition but did not win. I was devastated and so my father went out and got me a trophy.
What do you wish you’d known at 18?
How much better life is when you’re honest with yourself and others about who you are.
Why Washington?
Washington is a great city — worldly, dynamic and just a few hours from my family.
Friday, April 17
Center Aging Monthly Luncheon With Yoga will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. Email Mac at [email protected] if you require ASL interpreter assistance, have any dietary restrictions, or questions about this event.
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena. This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Trans and Genderqueer Game Night will be at 7:00p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This is a relaxing, laid-back evening of games and fun. All are welcome and there’ll be card and board games on hand. Feel free to bring your own games to share. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Saturday, April 18
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
The DC Center for the LGBT Community will host “Sunday Supper on Saturday” at 2 p.m. It’s more than just an event; it’s an opportunity to step away from the busyness of life and invest in something meaningful, and enjoy delicious food, genuine laughter, and conversations that spark connection and inspiration. For more details, visit the Center’s website.
Sunday, April 19
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Lunch” at 11 a.m. at Federico Ristorante Italiano. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, April 20
“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).
Tuesday, April 21
Center Bi+ Roundtable will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is an opportunity for people to gather in order to discuss issues related to bisexuality or as Bi individuals in a private setting.Visit Facebook or Meetup for more information.
Senior Self Defense Class with Avi Rome will be at 12:30 p.m. This inclusive and beginner-friendly class, led by Instructor Avi Rome, offers a light warm-up, stretching, and instruction in basic techniques, patterns, and striking padded targets. Each session is designed to be adaptable for all ability and mobility levels, creating a welcoming space for everyone to build strength, confidence, and community through martial arts. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Wednesday, April 22
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.
Asexual and Aromantic Group will meet at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a space where people who are questioning this aspect of their identity or those who identify as asexual and/or aromantic can come together, share stories and experiences, and discuss various topics. For more details, email [email protected].
Thursday, April 23
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5:00 pm if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.
Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breath work and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Out & About
Team DC’s annual gala set for this weekend
LGBTQ sports organization to hold annual ‘Night of Champions’
Team DC will host “Night of Champions Gala” on Saturday, April 18 at 6 p.m. at the Georgetown Marriott.
This will be an evening of celebration and inspiration as Team DC honors remarkable individuals and supports the next generation of LGBTQ student-athletes.
There will be opportunities to support Team DC through auctions. The Silent Auction items will offer an array of unique goods and experiences. Additionally, Team DC will feature an exclusive selection of live auction items for those looking to make a significant impact.
This year, Team DC will recognize six outstanding awardees who have made significant contributions to the LGBTQ community and sports:
- Trailblazer Award – Adam Peck, District Wrestling
- Most Valuable Person Award – Sean Bartel (posthumously)
- Champion Award – Dan Martin
- Clark Ray Horizon Award – Manuel Montelongo, aka Mari Con Carne
- Bernard Jude Delia Award – Dr. Sara Varghai
- Platinum All Star Award – Centaur Motorcycle Club
To purchase tickets, visit Team DC’s website.
Television
‘The Pitt’ stars discuss what season two gets right about queer representation
Noah Wyle and Taylor Dearden spoke with Blade in LA
As season two of “The Pitt” comes to a close this Thursday, stars Noah Wyle and Taylor Dearden are looking back on what this season got right about queer representation.
“There is some intentionality behind it, but it’s not necessarily for the representation to be anything other than human or ubiquitous to anyone that would come into an emergency room,” Noah Wyle, who plays Dr. Robby, told the Los Angeles Blade at PaleyFest event in Los Angeles on April 12. “I know that we’ve done some storylines with some gay couples, and we did a storyline in season 1 where a woman comes in who’s cut her arm, who’s trans. But in both of those storylines, that wasn’t the point.”
Wyle continues, “In doing it that way, and not making a point of orientation being part of the problem that brings you to the emergency room, we have been told in feedback that that has been extremely revolutionary, almost, and extremely appreciated. But that’s true whether we do storylines with any kind of minority or a person with a disability. We try to have a cosmology of cast and representation on the show that’s indicative of what you find in Pittsburgh.”
Dearden, who plays Dr. Mel King, echoed Wyle’s sentiment: “I think constantly battling tropes is always important. It’s not a show about romance; it’s a show about real life and a shift in the ER. The more we represent everyday people going through everyday life, they just happen to be queer, they just happen to be trans, and making it not the plot, is putting everyone on equal playing [field]. You don’t have to have a big coming out scene.”
Queer representation on “The Pitt” is also notable through the actual actors themselves, including openly queer actor Supriya Ganesh, who plays Dr. Samira Mohan (who didn’t attend PaleyFest after the news that she is not returning for season three), and Amielynn Abellera, who plays Perlah Alawi.
“Doctors don’t put value judgments on who they treat,” Wyle concludes. “That’s not a luxury extended to them, and so that’s not part of our storytelling.”
The season two finale will air Thursday, April 16, on HBO Max, while season three has already been confirmed and is currently being written.
Judge rescinds stay-away order in Capital Pride anti-stalking case
The latest Supreme Court case erasing LGBTQ identity
Calendar: April 17-23
Team DC’s annual gala set for this weekend
LGBTQ Catholic groups slam Trump over pope criticism
Sri Lankan government withdraws support for LGBTQ tourism initiative
Court orders Pride flag to return to Stonewall
La X vuelve al tribunal
Lebanese LGBTQ group responds to latest war
