Bars & Parties
Queery: Ebone Bell
The local lesbian events promoter answers 20 gay questions
Ebone Bell (Blade photo by Michael Key)
Ebone Bell, 28, has vivid memories of her first performance. The lifelong Michael Jackson fan was prepping a routine for her pre-school talent show and worked out a routine aping Jackson’s moves — complete with crotch grabs — to “The Way You Make Me Feel.”
“My mother was horrified,” Bell recalls with a laugh. “She went to the other extreme and put me in a pink polka-dot dress with a bow in my hair, but it was still fun.”
Bell, who was born in Pittsburgh but since age 2 has been in the D.C. area, joined the D.C. Drag Kings in 2002 and formed her alter ego E-Cleff who lip syncs to songs by Usher, Justin Timberlake, and, of course, the late Mr. Jackson.
“I love the illusion,” she says. “I like it because first of all it’s fun, but I also like the idea of being very fluid about gender. I’m very comfortable as Ebone, but I also like another persona so instead of being nerdy, straight-laced Ebone, I can be E-Cleff, who’s a womanizer and very smooth. It’s really cool to be something you’re not.”
Bell started an eponymous marketing company in 2005 but changed it to B.O.I. Marketing & Promotions (“Bringing Out Ideas”) in 2006 with a business partner who eventually moved out of the area leaving it fully in her hands again. About 95 percent of her clients are from the LGBT community. And in March she plans the fifth anniversary of Capital Queer Prom, an event she began that’s become one of the District’s signature LGBT events each year.
She also does ladies’ night events at various bars (every Wednesday at Fab Lounge and the first Friday of each month at MOVA). She worked B.O.I. full time in 2008 but rougher financial waters since then have required supplemental income. She’s temping now doing marketing work for AARP. Bell met her partner Angell Garrigan three years ago at Rehab, a now-closed queer bar that was in Wheaton, Md. They relax by going to happy hours together a few times a week and going to the movies.
“We’re so boring,” she says. They live together in Alexandria, Va., and Bell enjoys dancing, writing and planning events in her spare time. “It’s hard for me to relax,” she says. “To truly relax, I have to go on vacation.”
How long have you been out and who was the hardest person to tell?
I’ve been out since I was 19. The hardest person to tell was my mother because I thought she would be disappointed in me.
Who’s your gay hero?
The young kids who come out in middle school and high school every day. It warms my heart to see so much courage and pride in our LGBT youth. I wish I had enough courage to come out earlier in high school like them. They are our future heroes!
What’s Washington’s best nightspot, past or present?
I think Chaos was a great nightspot, especially for the women’s community. It’s been hard to recreate that same vibe and sense of community.
What’s your dream gay wedding?
All-expense-paid wedding in Hawaii
What non-gay issue are you most passionate about?
Animal cruelty and domestic violence.
What historical outcome would you change?
Any celebrity or athlete who has gotten away with murder or rape because he or she is famous. I still can’t believe that we still allow these people to get away with anything and everything.
What’s been the most memorable pop culture moment of your lifetime?
The recent passing of Michael Jackson. His life and music has had a huge influence on my life.
On what do you insist?
Honesty and respect.
What was your last Facebook post or Tweet?
Eboné Bell is up and at ’em! Groceries, gym and cleaning.
If your life were a book, what would the title be?
“A Class by Myself”
If science discovered a way to change sexual orientation, what would you do?
Absolutely nothing. I love who I am and I’m proud of it!
What do you believe in beyond the physical world?
I believe in a higher power. I don’t believe in the God that religious organizations have changed through time. I believe in the God who loves all his people no matter what. I believe if you do right in this world, then that’s exactly what you’ll get back.
What’s your advice for LGBT movement leaders?
Continue to stay visible and vigilant. The best thing we can do to fight homophobia is continue to educate, be positive and be visible.
What would you walk across hot coals for?
My partner. She is not only my lover, but my number one supporter and best friend. She believes in me when I don’t believe in myself. I can’t imagine life without her.
What gay stereotype annoys you most?
That someone is the “boy” in the relationship and someone is the “girl.”
What’s your favorite gay movie?
“Boys Don’t Cry.” Though the story itself is very sad, this movie helped me with dealing with my identity and being comfortable in my own skin.
What’s the most overrated social custom?
Calling people ma’am or sir. I think people equate it with age so immediately people tell you not to call them that.
What trophy or prize do you most covet?
To be on “Oprah.” I love her!
What do you wish you’d known at 18?
I should have started saving money more wisely.
Why Washington?
I grew up in the area and I feel I still have a lot to offer the city.
Halloween weekend is here, and here’s a list of just some of the local events if you’re looking to have a spooky good time.
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Halloween Party” on Friday, Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar and Restaurant. This is an opportunity to mingle with LGBTQ folk and allies. Halloween costumes are encouraged or casual beach attire is fine. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Mixtape Sapphics will host “Bad Witch, Good Butch: A Sapphic Halloween Dream” on Saturday, Nov. 1 at 4 p.m. at Revolt DC. This is a halloween party for sapphics from the ages of 35 and above. There will be costumes, connection and dancing. Tickets are $13.26 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Taste Takeover will host “Abuela Halloween Party” on Friday, Oct. 31 at 8 p.m. at 639 Florida Ave., N.W. DJ Yani will play music and there will be a costume contest with prizes to be won. Tickets cost $17.85 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Metro Cabaret Club will host “Spookshow Spectacular: Dance Place After Dark Halloween Party” on Friday, Oct. 31 at 9 p.m. at Dance Place. This is D.C.’s Halloween nightlife and draglesque showcase, featuring live performances, creative marketplace, and costumed revelry. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit Eventbrite.
Punch Bowl Social will host “Halloween Bash” on Friday. Oct 31 at 9 p.m. at Punch Bowl Social Arlington. This will be a night of hauntingly good times with a killer DJ, vendors, and a costume contest. Tickets cost $12.09 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Thrust Lounge will host “Nightmare on 14th St.” on Friday, Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. DJ Tryfe will play music, and there’ll also be a costume contest with prizes. For more details, visit Thurst’s Instagram.
Nellie’s Sports Bar will host “Halloween Scariest Costume Contest” on Friday, Oct. 31 at 10 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring their scariest, creepiest, most haunting look for a Halloween night they won’t forget — fueled by Casamigos and Nellie’s signature spooky fun. For more details, visit Nellie’s website.
Kiki DC will host “Kiki’s Halloween Costume Contest” on Friday, Oct. 31 at 10 p.m. This event will be hosted by Pirouette and there’ll be prizes for the top three costumes. For more details, visit Kiki’s Instagram.
Sinners and Saints will host “Heaven’s On Fire (Queer Pop Dance Party)” on Friday, Oct. 31 at 9 p.m. There will be two floors and music by Sonali Dawar, DJ Noons and Aria McIntosh. There will also be drink specials all night.
Crush Dance Bar will host a Halloween costume contest on Friday, Oct. 31 at 11 p.m. Drag queens Empress Lena and Sasha Adams will host the event. For more details, visit Crush’s Instagram.
Arts & Entertainment
D.C. bars step up to offer discounts for fed’l employees
Deals, freebies, events, and happy hours galore
(Editor’s note: This list was compiled on Wednesday afternoon and is not meant to be comprehensive. If you would like to add your bar’s specials, please email [email protected].)
As the federal government comes to a standstill, the DMV restaurant and bar community has come to the aid of furloughed workers, who suddenly have plenty of time on their hands. More than a handful of spots are offering deals, discounts, freebies, events, and more. Many do require an identification to validate employment status. Plus, this shutdown looks like it’s here to stay for some time, so take advantage.
Franklin Hall: This sports bar on Florida Avenue is kicking off the shutdown hard: offering $6 Mixed Drinks, Canned Beers, and “furloughed Shooters” – as well as a free food buffet 4PM-6PM.
Carmine’s, located downtown, is offering steep discounts – $5 meatball sliders, and $8 cocktails: “Here We Go Again” and “The Essential Worker.” Carmine’s specifically noted that the specials are open to all, not just affected workers.
Compass Coffee is offering a free pastry with a drink purchase.
Cork Wine Bar and Market on 14th Street is offering a long happy hour – from 3 p.m. to close with wine specials, plus discounted fries and snacks.
Union Pub is providing steeply cheap beer ($3), alongside discounted hot dogs.
Two locations of Hank’s Oyster Bar are serving up all-day happy hour at the bar, along with $2.50 oysters and a percent off checks for federal workers.
Boqueria DC is giving federal workers with ID happy hour pricing all day long: meaning cheaper sangria, wine, beer, and lots of tapas.
Osteria Morini in D.C. is offering a “Federal Employee Appreciation Special” with $15 pastas for federal employees; Cucina Morini has $10 “primi pastas.”
Duke’s Grocery is offering a complimentary drink: A free shot of bourbon or a glass of house wine when you buy any burger or entrée. Plus, there are $5 select beers.
Thompson Restaurants is offering all government employees 20% off their bill by showing a valid government ID. The offer spans 11 of Thompson’s restaurant brands and more than 65 locations across the DMV, including Matchbox, Makers Union, Wiseguy Pizza, Big Buns, and more.
Shaw’s Tavern: $5 beers, $6 wine, $7 Deep Eddy, $10 burger and pizza, with ID.
LGBTQ BARS
Crush: This bar is offering a “Pouring it forward” event with a free vodka hour, 10-11 p.m. this Friday.
Number Nine is offering $9 cocktails all night after 9 p.m.
Bunker has free entry for anyone with government, contractor, military IDs this weekend.
District Eagle offers 30% off drinks for anyone with government, contractor, or military IDs this weekend.
Kiki has free Deep Eddy happy hour 8-9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1.
Her Diner offers all-night drink specials with ID.
Bars & Parties
Blade’s 18th annual Summer Kickoff Party set for May 16
Rehoboth Beach event to feature politicos, journalists, special guests
The Washington Blade’s 18th annual Summer Kickoff Party is scheduled for Friday, May 16 in Rehoboth Beach, Del.
The event, held at the Blue Moon (35 Rehoboth Ave.) 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 is Abigail Hatting, a rising senior at American University.
This year’s event will feature remarks from state Sen. Russ Huxtable, who recently introduced a state constitutional amendment to codify the right of same-sex couples to marry. CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Kim Leisey and Blade editor Kevin Naff will also speak, in addition to surprise guests. The event is generously sponsored by Realtor Justin Noble, The Avenue Inn & Spa, and Blue Moon.
A suggested donation of $20 is partially tax deductible and includes drink tickets and light appetizers. Tickets are available in advance at bladefoundation.org/rehoboth or at the door.
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