News
Nat’l trans group launches political arm for impact on elections
Danica Roem among endorsed candidates for new action fund
The National Center for Transgender Equality has endorsed Danica Roem upon its debut. (Photo courtesy of Danica Roem)
A leading national transgender group has launched a political arm aimed at electing candidates to advance transgender rights.
The National Center for Transgender Equality, which has existed since 2003 as 501(c)(3) lobbying group, announced its new 501(c)(4) at an event Tuesday evening at the D.C.-based law firm of Squire, Patton, Boggs.
Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality Action Fund, said during the event the new political arm will foster a new direction for the organization.
“We’re really here to serve to trans people, we’re here to take action, to get things done, hold people accountable and move the ball forward,” Keisling said. “Things are scary right now, trans people and our children are being attacked everywhere, but I promise you we have not come this far to only come this far. We’re still moving forward.”
Already the organization has made three endorsements upon its debut. One is Danica Roem, a Virginia transgender journalist seeking to replace anti-LGBT Del. Bob Marshall in his seat representing the state’s 13th district in the House of Delegates. Roem could be the first openly transgender person to be elected and serve in a state legislature.
The other two candidates are running for Minneapolis City Council. One is Andrea Jenkins, running to represent Ward 8 on the city council, and the other is Phillipe Cunningham, who’s running to represent Ward 4. Both candidates could be the first openly transgender people elected to city council in a major U.S. city and Cunningham would be the first openly transgender man to hold public office anywhere nationwide.
Additionally, the organization launched two new initiatives aimed at enhancing the voices of transgender people. One is “Voices for Trans Equality,” which seeks to train trans people to be better advocates for trans rights. The other is “Families for Trans Equality,” which seeks to work with families with trans youth.
The organization also launched the National Council of Advisors, which seeks to solicit input from local transgender leaders across the nation.
Raffi Freedman-Gurspan, director of external relations for the National Center for Transgender Equality, said the new efforts will “amplify the voices of trans people.”
“We’re going to send out our storytellers so they can help change the narrative that’s out there,” Freedman-Gurspan said.
Maryland
‘Girlfriends’ wanted for murder in Silver Spring, Md.
Montgomery County police say two charged with killing mother of one of them
The Montgomery County, Md., Department of Police announced on June 4 that it is seeking the public’s help in locating two women, who they identify as a couple, who are charged with first-degree murder for allegedly killing the mother of one of them.
In a statement police identified the two women as Vanessa Tjongarero-Henderson of Clarksburg, Md., and her girlfriend Samantha Raebel of Phoenix, Ariz. The statement says the two are charged with the murder of Hilde Henderson, 67, the mother of Vanessa.
According to the statement, officers with the department’s 3rd District found Hilde Henderson deceased on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at her home at the Charter House apartments in the 1300 block of Fenwick Lane in Silver Spring after being called to check on the resident’s welfare.
“Henderson was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, where an autopsy was conducted,” the statement says. “The cause of death was ruled a homicide.”
It adds, “Through the course of the investigation, detectives identified Henderson’s daughter, Vanessa Tjongarero-Henderson and Vanessa’s girlfriend, Raeble, as the suspects.” It says detectives obtained an arrest warrant against the two women, charging both with first-degree murder.
“Anyone with information regarding the location of these suspects or this crime is asked to call 911 or to visit the Crime Solvers of Montgomery County, Md. website at crimesolversmcmd.org,” the statement says, or to call the tip line at 1-866-411-8477.
“Tips with information leading to an arrest may be eligible for a reward from $250 up to $10,000,” it says, adding that tips may remain anonymous.
A spokesperson for Montgomery County police didn’t immediately respond to a request from the Washington Blade for information not disclosed in the police statement, including the physical-medical cause of death for Hilde Henderson and whether detectives have determined a motive for the murder.
National
Madonna turns Times Square into massive dance floor
Pop icon celebrates Pride month with surprise performance
Pop icon Madonna celebrated Pride month with a pop-up performance in New York City’s Times Square on Thursday to the delight of 50,000 fans.
She performed for about 15 minutes high above street level, including several songs from her new album “Confessions II” due on July 3, along with a trio of songs from the first “Confessions on a Dance Floor.”
In addition to the brand new “Love Sensation,” she performed “I Feel So Free” and “Bring Your Love,” plus “Hung Up,” “Get Together” and “I Love New York.” She wished the crowd a happy Pride season; the event was shared with audiences through Grindr’s first-ever livestream.
The Washington Blade this week welcomed Emma LaPointe as its summer intern.
Emma is studying journalism, political science, and German studies at the University of Arizona. She is from Tucson, Ariz., and is interning with the Blade as part of a continued partnership with the Washington Center.
“I am super excited to spend my summer with the Washington Blade and to learn more about D.C.,” said Emma. “I have loved reporting on the LGBTQ+ community back in Tucson, and I am excited to continue the work here.”
Emma’s internship will end on July 31.
‘Girlfriends’ wanted for murder in Silver Spring, Md.
Queer Magic dance party planned
NLGJA-DC Pride happy hour at Trade
DC Front Runners Pride Run 5K set for Saturday
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