Living
Queery: Stephen Key
The oboist and Britten fan answers 20 gay questions

Stephen Key (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
Stephen Key discovered the works of composer Benjamin Britten about 10 years ago when he and a group of colleagues in Oberlin, Ohio learned the interludes from the opera “Peter Grimes.” He says the music stayed with him.
“They’re very accessible … yet also diverse and challenging to the ear at the same time,” Key says. “He uses a lot of bitonality and interesting rhythms … there are two key centers going on — they just really spoke to me and then when I found out he wrote it for his partner, Peter Pears, that made me even happier that as a gay man, we actually do have some examples of long-term relationships in the early 20th century.”
There are a host of events going on in the region this fall to celebrate the centennial of Britten’s (1913-1976) birth. Friday night, Key will play several of Britten’s works for oboe at Shenandoah Conservatory (1460 University Dr., Winchester, Va.) in the Goodson Chapel Recital Hall at a free 7 p.m. concert. It’s about a 75-minute drive from D.C. Look up “Benjamin Britten: Works for Oboe” on Facebook for details.
Key, a 32-year-old Ada, Okla., native who also grew up in the D.C. area and returned here after a three-year stint in Texas in 2011, says Britten and Pears were “as out as they possibly could be” considering the time. He says Britten’s music holds up because it’s both “approachable and challenging.”
“Britten found that happy point in the middle where he was pushing the envelope of what was possible, but there’s still enough melody and harmonic structure there for you to latch onto,” he says.
Key lives in Fairfax but teaches two days a week at Shenandoah Conservatory. He also freelances with his instrument and hopes to secure more orchestral work.
He’s single and enjoys roller coasters, cooking, food and wine, video games, “pretentious/cerebral” movies, reading and travel in his free time.
How long have you been out and who was the hardest person to tell?
I came out as a 14-year-old freshman in high school, so I’ve been out for 18 years. The hardest person to tell was a friend who was already OK with gay people, so I was really embarrassed that it took me so long to tell her.
Who’s your LGBT hero?
Personally, my older brother, because he made it easier to accept who I am by coming out so brashly before I did. As to public figures, of course, Harvey Milk and the numbers of artists including Aaron Copeland, Benjamin Britten, Samuel Barber and (though closeted) Leonard Bernstein.
What’s Washington’s best nightspot, past or present?
I was a Velvet kid, so there will always be a special place in my heart for Nation.
Describe your dream wedding.
It would be a compromise between the desires of my future husband and myself.
What non-LGBT issue are you most passionate about?
I am passionate about many issues because I am from the political left, coming from Oberlin. These include universal health care, a desire to see socialized post-secondary education, prison reform and re-addressing drug laws, particularly marijuana.
What historical outcome would you change?
I would be reticent to change anything because, as an artist, I recognize that sometimes the most beautiful things in the world are exhumed out of the most devastating things.
What’s been the most memorable pop culture moment of your lifetime?
I don’t pay attention to pop culture, but if I did, I would say it is electing President Obama for the first time.
On what do you insist?
Good food and company.
What was your last Facebook post or Tweet?
It was about my upcoming Benjamin Britten recital.
If your life were a book, what would the title be?
“The Life of an Oboist, from Struggle to Acceptance”
If science discovered a way to change sexual orientation, what would you do?
Absolutely nothing, I’m happy the way I am. However, I would be interested to see how far we could go with genetics, epigenetics and genome therapy and how far that could go in helping to cure real problems.
What do you believe in beyond the physical world?
That’s hard for me to answer. I consider myself a struggling atheist. My default position is atheism, but many things in my life have caused me to question that.
What’s your advice for LGBT movement leaders?
Keep doing what you are doing. As a former activist who had to choose a career path, I admire the people who are doing the hard work that has generated so many positive results in the past decade. I look forward to seeing how much more will be done.
What would you walk across hot coals for?
A great career and a great marriage.
What LGBT stereotype annoys you most?
That we are all polyamorous.
What’s your favorite LGBT movie?
I know that this may sound silly, but, “Beautiful Thing” was a movie that I watched when I first came out and it was very approachable for a young gay teen; it made me feel happy to be who I am. I will always have a special place in my heart for that movie.
What’s the most overrated social custom?
Large weddings and Facebook baby posts.
What trophy or prize do you most covet?
Not a prize, but a job: principal oboe of one of the top orchestras in the United States.
What do you wish you’d known at 18?
That the path of the turtle is just as fulfilling, if not more so, than the path of the hare.
Why Washington?
My family is here and I’ve spent most of my life here, so it feels like home. Also, there are a number of good career opportunities for musicians. Also, it’s just a good city!

Stephen Key (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
Real Estate
New year, new housing landscape for D.C. landlords
Several developments expected to influence how rental housing operates
As 2026 begins, Washington, D.C.’s rental housing landscape continues to evolve in ways that matter to small landlords, tenants, and the communities they serve. At the center of many of these conversations is the Small Multifamily & Rental Owners Association (SMOA), a D.C.–based organization that advocates for small property owners and the preservation of the city’s naturally occurring affordable housing.
At their December “DC Housing Policy Summit,” city officials, housing researchers, lenders, attorneys, and housing providers gathered to discuss the policies and proposals shaping the future of rental housing in the District. The topics ranged from recent legislative changes to emerging ballot initiatives and understanding how today’s policy decisions will affect housing stability tomorrow.
Why Housing Policy Matters in 2026
If you are a landlord or a tenant, several developments now underway in D.C., are expected to influence how rental housing operates in the years ahead.
One of the most significant developments is the Rebalancing Expectations for Neighbors, Tenants and Landlords (RENTAL) Act of 2025, a sweeping piece of legislation passed last fall and effective December 31, 2025, which updates a range of housing laws. This broad housing reform law will modernize housing regulations and address long-standing court backlogs, and in a practical manner, assist landlords with shortened notice and filing requirements for lawsuits. The Act introduces changes to eviction procedures, adjusts pre-filing notice timelines, and modifies certain tenant protections under previous legislation, the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act.
At the same time, the District has expanded its Rent Registry, to have a better overview of licensed rental units in the city with updated technology that tracks rental units subject to and exempt from rent control and other related housing information. Designed to improve transparency and enforcement, Rent Registry makes it easier for all parties to verify rent control status and compliance.
Looking ahead to the 2026 election cycle, a proposed ballot initiative for a two-year rent freeze is generating significant conversation. If it qualifies for the ballot and is approved by voters, the measure would pause rent increases across the District for two years. While still in the proposal phase, it reflects the broader focus on tenant affordability that continues to shape housing policy debates.
What This Means for Rental Owners
Taken together, these changes underscore how closely policy and day-to-day operations are connected for small landlords. Staying informed about notice requirements, registration obligations, and evolving regulations isn’t just a legal necessity. It’s a key part of maintaining stable, compliant rental properties.
With discussions underway about rent stabilization, voucher policies, and potential rent freezes, long-term revenue projections will be influenced by regulatory shifts just as much as market conditions alone. Financial and strategic planning becomes even more important to protect your interests.
Preparing for the Changes
As the owner of a property management company here in the District, I’ve spent much of the past year thinking about how these changes translate from legislation into real-world operations.
The first priority has been updating our eviction and compliance workflows to align with the RENTAL Act of 2025. That means revising how delinquent rent cases are handled, adjusting notice procedures, and helping owners understand how revised timelines and court processes may affect the cost, timing, and strategy behind enforcement decisions.
Just as important, we’re shifting toward earlier, more proactive communication around compliance and regulatory risk. Rather than reacting after policies take effect, we’re working to flag potential exposure in advance, so owners can make informed decisions before small issues become costly problems.
A Bigger Picture for 2026
Housing policy in Washington, D.C., has always reflected the city’s values from protecting tenants to preserving affordability in rapidly changing neighborhoods. As those policies continue to evolve, the challenge will be finding the right balance between stability for renters and sustainability for the small property owners who provide much of the city’s housing.
The conversations happening now at policy summits, in Council chambers, and across neighborhood communities will shape how rental housing is regulated. For landlords, tenants, and legislators alike, 2026 represents an opportunity to engage thoughtfully, to ask hard questions, and to create a future where compliance, fairness, and long-term stability go hand-in-hand.
Real Estate
Unconventional homes becoming more popular
HGTV show shines spotlight on alternatives to cookie cutter
While stuck in the house surrounded by snow and ice, I developed a new guilty pleasure: watching “Ugliest House in America” on HGTV. For several hours a day, I looked at other people’s unfortunate houses. Some were victims of multiple additions, some took on the worst décor of the ‘70s, and one was even built in the shape of a boat.
In today’s world, the idea of what a house should look like has shifted dramatically. Gone are the days of cookie-cutter suburban homes with white picket fences. Instead, a new wave of architects, designers, and homeowners are pushing the boundaries of traditional housing to create unconventional and innovative spaces that challenge our perceptions of what a home can be.
One of the most popular forms of alternative housing is the tiny house. These pint-sized dwellings are typically fewer than 500 square feet and often are set on trailers to allow for mobility. Vans and buses can also be reconfigured as tiny homes for the vagabonds among us.
These small wonders offer an affordable and sustainable living option for those wishing to downsize and minimize their environmental footprint. With clever storage solutions, multipurpose furniture, and innovative design features, tiny homes have become a creative and functional housing solution for many, although my dogs draw the line at climbing Jacob’s Ladder-type steps.
Another unusual type of housing gaining popularity is the shipping container home. Made from repurposed shipping containers, these homes offer a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to create modern and sleek living spaces. With their industrial aesthetic and modular design, shipping container homes are a versatile option for those contemplating building a unique and often multi-level home.
For those looking to connect with nature, treehouses are a whimsical and eccentric housing option. Nestled high up in the trees, these homes offer a sense of seclusion and tranquility that is hard to find in traditional housing. With their distinctive architecture and stunning views, treehouses can be a magical retreat for those seeking a closer connection to the natural world.
For a truly off-the-grid living experience, consider an Earthship home. These self-sustaining homes use recycled construction materials and rely on renewable energy sources like solar power and rainwater harvesting. With their passive solar design and natural ventilation systems, Earthship homes are a model of environmentally friendly living.
For those with a taste for the bizarre, consider a converted silo home. These cylindrical structures provide an atypical canvas for architects and designers to create modern and minimalist living spaces. With curved walls and soaring ceilings, silo homes offer a one-of-a-kind living experience that is sure to leave an impression.
Barn homes have gained popularity in recent years. These dwellings take the rustic charm of a traditional barn and transform it into a modern and stylish living space. With their open, flexible floor plans, lofty ceilings, and exposed wooden beams, barn homes offer a blend of traditional and contemporary design elements that create a warm and inviting atmosphere, while being tailored to the needs and preferences of the homeowner.
In addition to their unique character, barn homes also offer a sense of history and charm that is hard to find in traditional housing. Many of them have a rich and storied past, with some dating back decades or even centuries.
If you relish life on the high seas (or at a marina on the bay), consider a floating home. These aquatic abodes differ from houseboats in that they remain on the dock rather than traverse the waterways. While most popular on the West Coast (remember “Sleepless in Seattle”?), you sometimes see them in Florida, with a few rentals available in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and infrequent sales at our own D.C. Wharf. Along with the sense of community found in marinas, floating homes offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.
From tiny homes on wheels to treehouses in the sky or homes that float, these distinctive dwellings offer a fresh perspective on how we live and modify traditional thoughts on what a house should be. Sadly, most of these homes rely on appropriate zoning for building and placement, which can limit their use in urban or suburban areas.
Nonetheless, whether you’re looking for a sustainable and eco-friendly living option or a whimsical retreat, there is sure to be an unconventional housing option that speaks to your sense of adventure and creativity. So, why settle for a run-of-the-mill ranch or a typical townhouse when you can live in a unique and intriguing space that reflects your personality and lifestyle?
Valerie M. Blake is a licensed Associate Broker in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia with RLAH @properties. Call or text her at 202-246-8602, email her at [email protected] or follow her on Facebook at TheRealst8ofAffairs.
Real Estate
Convert rent check into an automatic investment, Marjorie!
Basic math shows benefits of owning vs. renting
Suppose people go out for dinner and everyone is talking about how they are investing their money. Some are having fun with a few new apps they downloaded – where one can round up purchases and then bundle that money into a weekly or monthly investment that grows over time, which is a smart thing to do. The more automatic one can make the investments, the less is required to “think about it” and the more it just happens. It becomes a habit and a habit becomes a reward over time.
Another habit one can get into is just making that rent check an investment. One must live somewhere, correct? And in many larger U.S. cities like New York, Chicago, D.C., Los Angeles, Miami, Charlotte, Atlanta, Dallas, Nashville, Austin, or even most mid-market cities, rents can creep up towards $2,000 a month (or more) with ease.
Well, do the math. At $2,000 per month over one year, that’s $24,000. If someone stays in that apartment (with no rent increases) for even three years, that amount triples to $72,000. According to Rentcafe.com, the average rent in the United States at the end of 2025 was around $1,700 a month. Even that amount of rent can total between $60,000 and $80,000 over 3-4 years.
What if that money was going into an investment each month? Now, yes, the argument is that most mortgage payments, in the early years, are more toward the interest than the principal. However, at least a portion of each payment is going toward the principal.
What about closing costs and then selling costs? If a home is owned for three years, and then one pays out of pocket to close on that home (usually around 2-3% of the sales price), does owning it for even three years make it worth it? It could be argued that owning that home for only three years is not enough time to recoup the costs of mostly paying the interest plus paying the closing costs.
Let’s look at some math:
A $300,000 condo – at 3% is $9,000 for closing costs.
One can also put as little as 3 or 3.5% down on a home – so that is also around $9,000.
If a buyer uses D.C. Opens Doors or a similar program – a down payment can be provided and paid back later when the property is sold so that takes care of some of the upfront costs. Knowledgeable lenders can often discuss other useful down payment assistance programs to help a buyer “find the money.”
Another useful tactic many agents use is to ask for a credit from the seller. If a property has sat on the market for weeks, the seller may be willing to give a closing cost credit. That amount can vary. New construction sellers may also offer these closing cost credits as well.
And that, Marjorie, just so you will know, and your children will someday know, is THE NIGHT THE RENT CHECK WENT INTO AN INVESTMENT ACCOUNT ON GEORGIA AVENUE!
Joseph Hudson is a referral agent with Metro Referrals. Reach him at 703-587-0597 or [email protected].
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