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LGBT Equality Caucus talks immigration reform & more
GMU retains anti-discrimination policies
Not even Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli’s own alma mater is siding with him on his push to overturn LGBT non-discrimination policies on public college campuses.
The George Mason University Board of Visitors adopted a resolution last week affirming the school’s existing policies banning discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
“[A] diverse and inclusive learning environment that respects and enhances the potential of all members of our community is vitally important to the mission of George Mason University to achieve excellence in teaching, research and service,” says a board statement.
Board members praised the “outstanding contributions” of LGBT faculty, students and staff and said all employees and students deserve statutory protections against discrimination.
The decision came March 24, one day after Cuccinelli returned to his former law school for a question-and-answer session with students. He was greeted by a protest of about 50 to 60 current and former George Mason law students opposed to his efforts to overturn the anti-discrimination policies.
Many public universities in Virginia are disregarding Cuccinelli’s March 4 letter, which advised that such policies were illegal, after Gov. Bob McDonnell issued an “executive directive” calling on public agencies to not discriminate against people based on their sexual orientation or other factors.
University of Virginia President John Casteen III praised the directive’s clarity and McDonnell’s “civility and decency” on the issue.
“As rightly alarmed as many of us and I, myself, were by [the] attorney general’s letter, I was struck through the week by the wisdom and dignity of the discussion that occurred,” he said in a statement. “Let us hope that the subsequent discussion will rise to the level of the model struck in the directive.”
HARLEY DENNETT
Activists playing defense in Maryland
Just one pro-LGBT bill remains in play in Maryland’s General Assembly for 2010, a year in which Equality Maryland has tallied more defensive than offensive wins.
House Bill 462, which would add LGBT non-discrimination protections for teachers in public schools, passed the House in advance of Monday’s crucial crossover deadline. Bills must pass at least one chamber before the deadline to advance this session.
The Senate Education, Health & Environmental Affairs Committee will next consider the bill. No hearing date was immediately scheduled.
Morgan Meneses-Sheets, Equality Maryland’s executive director, said her organization’s work this year focused on playing defense.
“There have been a half dozen bills introduced that would have rolled back rights and in addition we’ve had to watch out for bad amendments to our bills,” Meneses-Sheets said. “The thing about defense: It’s behind the scenes. We know we’ve had many successes by holding back these attacks, but in terms of proactively moving forward, this HB 462 [is a measure] we hope will pass this year.”
Equality Maryland is opposing another bill, Senate Bill 385, which would give public funds to private religious schools without requiring adherence to the state’s non-discrimination policy.
“We certainly respect that they’re looking for ways to support local schools, but at the end of the day, providing public money to a private religious school that refuses to uphold out state anti-discrimination laws is just inappropriate and unacceptable.”
The bill was scheduled for a hearing in the House Ways & Means Committee on April 1, after DC Agenda deadline.
HARLEY DENNETT
Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Summer Kickoff Party set for May 15 with Ashley Biden
The Washington Blade’s 19th annual Summer Kickoff Party is scheduled for Friday, May 15 in Rehoboth Beach, Del.
Ashley Biden, daughter of President Joe Biden, has joined the list of speakers, the Blade announced. She will accept an award on behalf of her brother Beau Biden for his LGBTQ advocacy work as Delaware attorney general. (Her appearance was rescheduled from last year.)
The event, to be held this year at Diego’s (37298 Rehoboth Ave. Ext.) from 5-7 p.m., is a fundraiser for the Blade Foundation’s Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism, which funds a summer position reporting on LGBTQ news in Delaware. This year’s recipient will be introduced at the event.
The event will also feature remarks from state Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall. New CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Dr. Robin Brennan and Blade editor Kevin Naff will also speak. The event is generously sponsored by Realtor Justin Noble, The Avenue Inn & Spa, and Diego’s.
A suggested donation of $25 is partially tax deductible and includes a drink ticket and light appetizers. Tickets are available in advance at bladefoundation.org/rehoboth or at the door.
District of Columbia
Curve magazine honors Washington Blade publisher
Lynne Brown named to 2026 Power List
Washington Blade Publisher Lynne Brown has been named to the 2026 Curve Power List celebrating LGBTQ+ women and nonbinary individuals in North America who are blazing trails in their chosen fields.
“From sports and entertainment icons to corporate leaders and lawmakers, these individuals are breaking barriers, challenging norms, and shaping the future,” Curve Foundation/Curve magazine said in announcing this year’s list, which includes ABC newscaster Robin Roberts, comedian/actress Hannah Einbinder, and singer/actress Renee Rapp, among others.
Brown has worked for the Washington Blade for nearly 40 years. She was named publisher in 2007 before becoming a co-owner in 2010.
“I am honored to be recognized by Curve magazine during Lesbian Visibility Week,” Brown said. “Receiving this Curve honor is twofold. I was an early subscriber to Curve. I enjoy the product and know its history. Its journalism, layout and humorous features have inspired me.
“As an owner/publisher, receiving recognition from a similar source acknowledges my work and efforts, with a sincerity I truly appreciate. Franco Stevens, the publisher of Curve, is a business person of duration, experience, and purpose. The fact that they are in the media business, and honoring me and my publication makes it a tiny bit sweeter.”
Nominations for the Curve Power List come from the community: peers, mentors, fans, and employers.
Curve explained the significance of the list in its announcement: “An annual, publicly nominated list of impactful LGBTQ+ women and nonbinary changemakers is crucial in current times to counter discrimination, legislative rollbacks, hostility, and the invisibility of queer women within mainstream and marginal spaces and endeavors. Such a list also fosters encouragement and solidarity, and elevates voices and achievements—from high-profile roles to under appreciated areas of life.”
Rehoboth Beach
Auction of Rehoboth’s Blue Moon canceled
Details on sale of iconic bar, restaurant not disclosed
The Blue Moon in Rehoboth Beach, Del., has been an iconic presence in the local LGBTQ community for four decades but its status remains murky after a sheriff’s auction of the property was abruptly called off on Tuesday.
The property was listed for sale in December. At that time, owner Tim Ragan told the Blade that he is committed to preserving its legacy as a gay-friendly space.
“We had no idea the interest this would create,” Ragan said in December. “I guess I was a little naive about that.”
Ragan explained that he and longtime partner Randy Haney were separating the real estate from the business. The two buildings associated with the sale were listed by Carrie Lingo at 35 Baltimore Ave., and include an apartment, the front restaurant (6,600 square feet with three floors and a basement), and a secondary building (roughly 1,800 square feet on two floors). They were listed for $4.5 million.
The bar and restaurant business is being sold separately; the price was not publicly disclosed.
But then, earlier this year, the Blue Moon real estate listing turned up on the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office auction site. The auction was slated for Tuesday, April 21 but hours before the sale, the listing changed to “active under contract” indicating that a buyer has been found but the sale is not yet final. As of Wednesday morning, the listing has been removed from the sheriff’s auction site.
Ragan didn’t respond to Blade inquiries about the auction. Back in December, he told the Blade, “It’s time to look for the next people who can continue the history of the Moon and cultivate the next chapter,” noting that he turns 70 this year. “We’re not panicked; we separated the building from the business. Some buyers can’t afford both.”
The identity of the buyer was not disclosed, nor was the sale price.
Rehoboth Summer Kickoff Party set for May 15 with Ashley Biden
Curve magazine honors Washington Blade publisher
Auction of Rehoboth’s Blue Moon canceled
Delaware school district remains supportive after Trump attacks on trans students
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