Local

D.C. rally against same-sex marriage set for Sunday

LGBT groups plan counter protest at Freedom Plaza

Published

16 years ago

August 10, 2010

Several local and national LGBT civil rights groups are sponsoring a rally Sunday in Freedom Plaza to counter a separate rally at the U.S. Capitol where the National Organization for Marriage will speak out against same-sex marriage.

NOM’s event, scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday on the East Lawn of the Capitol, is being billed as the finale for the group’s summer-long series of “One Man, One Woman” marriage rallies in more than a dozen cites. The rallies have been sparsely attended, according to media reports, but NOM organizers have highlighted what they have called attempts by LGBT activists to disrupt the rallies and “intimidate” participants.

The group’s president, Brian Brown, has said the rallies are aimed at building opposition to same-sex marriage bills pending in several state legislatures.

Since a federal judge in California ruled last week that the state’s ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, NOM has used its latest two rallies in Orlando, Fla., and Raleigh, N.C., to call on the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the decision.

LGBT organizers of the D.C. counter protest, which is being called the “Big Commit,” initially announced their event would take place on the West Lawn of the Capitol, raising the possibility of a confrontation between participants in opposing events.

But following a conference call, the pro-LGBT rally organizers decided Monday to drop the Capitol location and hold their rally at Freedom Plaza, located on Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., between 13th and 14th streets.

“[T]he founders of the Big Commit have always been clear that our vision for a counter protest is a peaceful gathering of LGBTQI organizations, activists, and allies, together with members of open and affirming faith communities in close proximity to the National Organization for Marriage,” said Aiyi’nah Ford, a spokesperson for the event. “Our mission clearly states that this provides the opportunity to appeal to the hearts and minds of our prospective allies nationwide.”

Some local D.C. groups, including the Gay & Lesbian Activists Alliance, called for a festive counter event that stresses D.C.’s success in passing a same-sex marriage law despite the opposition of groups such as NOM.

In an announcement on its website, NOM said the speakers at its rally at the Capitol would include Brown; Maggie Gallagher, the group’s founding chairperson; Bishop Harry Jackson, a minister who has led efforts to oppose same-sex marriage in D.C.; Rev. Walter Fauntroy, D.C.’s former delegate to Congress and a leading opponent of same-sex marriage; and Alveda King, niece of slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and an outspoken opponent of same-sex marriage.

The event at Freedom Plaza is sponsored by the LGBT groups Equality Across America, Full Equality Now! D.C., and Talk About Equality. It’s scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. Sunday.

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District of Columbia

Blade welcomes fall intern

Alexis McLean is student at University of North Florida

Published

7 hours ago

September 2, 2026

Staff reports

Alexis McLean (Washington Blade photo by Michael K. Lavers)

The Washington Blade this week welcomed Alexis McLean as its fall intern.

Alexis is studying political science at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Fla. She is interning with the Blade as part of a continued partnership with the Washington Center.

“I am looking forward to spending my time in the fall with the Washington Blade, as this is a new experience for me,” said Alexis. “I have not experienced any journalist jobs in the past so this would be my first time, and I am excited to better my writing and communications skills with this internship.”

Alexis’s internship with the Blade ends in early December.

Rehoboth Beach

SUNFESTIVAL takes center stage as Rehoboth Beach closes out summer

Labor Day Weekend bustling with events, including David Archuleta performance

Published

21 hours ago

September 1, 2026

Thomas Weaverling

David Archuleta headlines this year’s SUNFESTIVAL on Saturday in Rehoboth Beach. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Labor Day Weekend marks the unofficial end of summer in Rehoboth Beach, but there will be no shortage of LGBTQ events, with CAMP Rehoboth’s annual SUNFESTIVAL taking over town this weekend.

Thursday (9/3)

Get your Labor Day Weekend started early Thursday night with happy hour from 5-7 p.m. at Diego’s Bar & Nightclub, followed by Naughtee Bingo hosted by Magnolia Applebottom at 8:30 p.m.

After bingo, the party continues with Dancing at Diego’s from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Aqua Bar & Grill will also kick off its Labor Day Weekend festivities Thursday with a DJ spinning from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

Friday (9/4)

The weekend ramps up Friday night at Aqua, where DJ Matt Bailer will keep the dance floor moving from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

Over at Diego’s, DJ Steve Sidewalk will then take over Diego’s for Freedom Friday from 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m.

Saturday (9/5)

The main event of the weekend arrives Saturday with the opening night of CAMP Rehoboth’s SUNFESTIVAL.

Billed as the ultimate party to close out the summer, SUNFESTIVAL has become one of Rehoboth’s signature Labor Day Weekend events. The annual celebration sells out each year, with proceeds benefiting CAMP Rehoboth.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with refreshments available at the cash bar while attendees are invited to socialize and find their seats.

Saturday night will feature local singer Ashley Williams as the opening performer, followed by headliner David Archuleta. The event will also feature a live auction.

Back across town Saturday, Aqua will continue its Labor Day Weekend DJ lineup from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Diego’s will also have plenty happening, with ‘Splash Party’ hosted by Magnolia Applebottom at 5 p.m., followed by a Saturday Dance Party with Brett Oosterhaus from 9 p.m.- 1:30 a.m.

The Blue Moon hosts its popular Legends Show at 9 p.m. It’s an all-live singing show by the Blue Moon cast of celebrity impersonators.

Etienne Pilon has taken Rehoboth by storm this summer. Check out the talented singer/pianist at The Pines from 7-10 p.m.

Sunday (9/6)

Sunday’s SUNFESTIVAL event will shift the focus to the dance floor, with globally renowned DJs Robbie Leslie and James Anthony scheduled to perform. Doors open at 7 p.m., with dancing continuing until 1 a.m.

On Sunday, Aqua will throw its annual White Party, with DJs spinning from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Guests are encouraged to dress in white for the holiday weekend celebration.

Diego’s will host its Sunday High T-Dance with Pamala Stanley at 5 p.m. Later that evening, DJ Tannr will be spinning at 9 p.m.

John Flynn is on the piano from 6-8 p.m. at the Blue Moon.

Monday (9/7)

The final day of Labor Day Weekend brings one last chance to hit the dance floor before summer officially winds down.

Aqua will close out its five-day Labor Day Weekend celebration with DJ Biff from 3-7 p.m.

Maryland

Anne Arundel schools now need parent permission to call trans students by preferred names

Conservative groups challenged system’s policy

Published

22 hours ago

September 1, 2026

Baltimore Banner

Anne Arundel County Public Schools has issued new internal guidance for students who ask to be addressed by gender-affirming names and pronouns. (Photo by Eric Thompson for the Baltimore Banner)

By JESSICA CALEFATI | Anne Arundel County Public Schools staff cannot use transgender students’ preferred names if their parents oppose it, according to an internal document reviewed by the Banner, a change that comes after conservative groups challenged the school system’s approach to gender identity.

Teachers union president Kristina Korona told members in an Aug. 20 email that the new guidance undermines district policy on acceptance and inclusivity and “will begin harming affected students immediately.”

Previously, the district didn’t require parental permission to use a high school student’s chosen name and pronouns corresponding to their gender identity, the internal document says. Now it does. The change comes as parents challenge the suburban school system’s gender identity policy and regulation in court and the Trump-Vance administration threatens the district’s funding.

The rest of this article can be found on the Baltimore Banner’s website.