Local
Gray names 2 gays to gov’t posts
Head of GLBT Affairs Office said to be next
Eric Richardson
D.C. Mayor-elect Vincent Gray announced on Friday that he is retaining gay television producer Eric Richardson, a Fenty administration appointee, as director of the city’s Office of Cable Television.
At a news conference at his mayoral transition team offices, Gray also announced he was naming gay attorney Ronald Collins as director of the city’s Office of Boards and Commissions, a post that Collins held during the administration of former Mayor Anthony Williams.
Richardson and Collins were among seven high-level appointments that Gray announced at the news conference. Others included the heads of the city’s Department of Public Works, Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs, and Office of Planning.
“I am absolutely delighted to appoint these seven District government employees,” Gray said. “Residents can rest assured they will work with my administration to bring new and innovative ideas, projects, programs and improvements to respond to the needs of those who live, work and do business in the District of Columbia.”
Gray said he expects to announce his appointee for the post of director of the Office of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Affairs next week.
Richardson had served as chair of the city’s Black Pride festival, an LGBT event, prior to Mayor Adrian Fenty’s decision to name him director of the Office of Cable Television in 2007.
“Richardson has helped to make OCT an award-winning government agency,” Gray said, noting that the office regulates all cable TV providers in the city and manages the city’s two municipal government TV stations — Channels 13 and 16.
Richardson also directs OCT’s production department, which produces “human interest, history, science, health, lifestyle, and news and public affairs programming,” Gray said.
During the past four years, Collins has served as assistant secretary of the D.C. City Council as a Gray appointee during Gray’s tenure as Council Chair.
He has served as a city government official for more than 20 years, working, among other places, as senior policy officer in the area of contracting and procurement in the Departments of Health, Fire and Emergency Medical Services, Human Services, and Libraries and Recreation, according to information released by Gray’s transition team.
Gray noted that many of the boards and commissions, which perform important city regulatory functions, currently have vacancies that need immediate attention.
“Mr. Collins’ extensive experience working for the District government, demonstrated involvement in community service, and his understanding of the important role that appointed commissioners play, make him well-qualified to assist me in seating the right people on city boards and commissions,” he said.
World Pride 2025
D.C. liquor board extends drinking hours for WorldPride
Gay bars, other liquor-serving establishments can stay open 24 hours
D.C.’s Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Board, which regulates liquor sales for the city’s bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and other establishments licensed to serve alcoholic beverages, has approved extended hours for alcohol service and sales during the days when most WorldPride events will be held in the nation’s capital.
In a May 2 announcement, the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration, which works with the board, said the extended liquor serving and sales hours for WorldPride will take place beginning Friday, May 30, through 4 a.m. Monday, June 9.
Although the official schedule for WorldPride events shows the events will take place May 17-June 8, most of the large events, including a two-day Pride street festival, parade, and concert, were expected to take place between May 30 and June 8.
According to the ABCA announcement and an ABCA spokesperson, liquor servicing establishments with the appropriate license can stay open for 24 hours and serve alcoholic beverages from 6 a.m. through the day and evening until 4 a.m., with no liquor sales allowed from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. during the May 30-June 9 period.
The ABCA announcement says liquor serving establishments must apply for the extended hours option and pay a $100 registration fee by a deadline on May 27.
Sources familiar with the liquor board have said the board has for many years approved the extension of liquor serving and sales hours for important events and for certain holidays such as New Year’s Eve.
At the time it approved the extended hours for WorldPride the liquor board also approved extended hours during the time when games for a World Cup soccer tournament will be held in the city on June 18, June 22, and June 26.
It couldn’t immediately be determined how many of D.C.’s 22 LGBTQ bars plan to apply for the extended drinking hours. David Perruzza, owner of the Adams Morgan gay bar Pitchers and its adjoining lesbian bar A League of Her Own, said he will apply for the 4 a.m. extended hours option but he does not intend to keep the two bars open for the full 23 hours.
Under the city’s current alcoholic beverage regulations, licensed liquor serving establishments may serve alcoholic beverages until 2 a.m. on weekdays and 3 a.m. on weekends.
World Pride 2025
Episcopal bishop to speak at WorldPride human rights conference
Trump demanded apology from Mariann Edgar Budde over post-Inauguration sermon
The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde is among those who are scheduled to speak at the WorldPride 2025 Human Rights Conference that will take place from June 4-6.
Budde, who is the bishop of the Diocese of Washington, in January urged President Donald Trump “to have mercy” on LGBTQ people, immigrants, and others “who are scared right now” during a post-Inauguration service that he and Vice President JD Vance attended at the Washington National Cathedral. Trump criticized Budde’s comments and demanded an apology.
The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde speaks at the Washington National Cathedral on Jan. 21, 2025. (PBS NewsHour clip)
A press release the Washington Blade received notes Icelandic Industries Minister Hanna Katrín Friðriksson, UK Black Pride founder Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, and Bob the Drag Queen are among those who are also expected to participate in the conference.
The conference will take place at the JW Marriott (1331 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.) and registration is open here.
World Pride 2025
Pabllo Vittar to perform at WorldPride
Brazilian drag queen, singer, joined Madonna on stage in 2024 Rio concert
A Brazilian drag queen and singer who performed with Madonna at her 2024 concert on Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach will perform at WorldPride.
The Capital Pride Alliance on Thursday announced Pabllo Vittar will perform on the Main Stage of the main party that will take place on June 7 at DCBX (1235 W St., N.E.) in Northeast D.C.
Vittar and Anitta, a Brazilian pop star who is bisexual, on May 4, 2024, joined Madonna on stage at her free concert, which was the last one of her Celebration Tour. Authorities estimated 1.6 million people attended.
D.C. liquor board extends drinking hours for WorldPride
PHOTOS: Victory Fund National Champagne Brunch
Executive director of LGBTQ Catholic group to travel to Rome for conclave
Tom Goss returns with ‘Bear Friends Furever Tour’
Calendar: May 2-8
Second federal lawsuit filed against White House passport policy
TRAITOR: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has blood on his hands
Ruby Corado sentencing postponed for third time
Potential Pope Francis successor views homosexuality as an ‘abomination’
Jacob Elordi rides high in ‘On Swift Horses’
-
U.S. Federal Courts5 days agoSecond federal lawsuit filed against White House passport policy
-
Opinions2 days agoTRAITOR: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has blood on his hands
-
District of Columbia5 days agoRuby Corado sentencing postponed for third time
-
The Vatican3 days agoPotential Pope Francis successor views homosexuality as an ‘abomination’