Connect with us

Living

YEAR IN REVIEW: Best quips and quotes

From classic lines to mammoth blunders, gay topics kept tongues wagging

Published

on

 

 

 

Ricky Martin at a book signing. (Photo courtesy of Socialite Life)

 

“I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man. I am very blessed to be who I am.”

ā€” Pop singer Ricky Martin, in a coming out message on his website which cited his two sons as his inspiration to speak out (Rickymartinmusic.com, March 29)

ā€œYou know if I could go back in time, I would lez it up 24 hours. Believe me, one thing I would not miss? Balls. Terrible little things.ā€

Betty White in the ā€œGingeyā€ skit, one of several with gay jokes that were part of her May 8 appearance as host of ā€œSaturday Night Live.ā€ (NBC.com, May 8)

ā€œTired Gay succumbs to Dix in 200 metersā€

Headline on a July 3 Reuters article about Walter Dix beating Tyson Gay in the 200 meters at the Prefontaine Classic Diamond League track meet. (Reuters.com, July 3)

ā€œPlease spare me the 40-minute dissertation on how fabulous ā€˜Gleeā€™ is. It’s 2010. You can just come right out and say you’re gay.ā€

Comedian Bill Maher in his ā€œNew Rules for Emmy,ā€ a humorous take on the Aug. 29 television awards broadcast (HollywoodReporter.com, Aug. 26)

ā€œWhen I sit here and I hear adulterers and womanizers and folks cheating on their wives and down-low brothers saying they are going to vote against this [civil unions] bill, it turns my stomach ā€¦ We know what you do at night!ā€

Illinois State Sen. Rickey Hendon (D-Chicago) as the Illinois Senate debated a bill to offer civil unions to gay couples, which passed Dec. 1. The governor has pledged to sign it into law. (Queerty.com, Dec. 1)

ā€œWhat I really meant was that the sound of the guitar is very happy.ā€

ā€”Former Guns Nā€™ Roses guitarist Slash, backtracking after initially saying the guitar hook on Michael Jacksonā€™s ā€œBlack or Whiteā€ was ā€œgay.ā€ (Spinner, March 15)

“I feel like the biggest weight is off my shoulders, Publicity stunt my ass, this is my life.”

Momentary lesbian Kim Zolciak on Twitter (TV Guide, March 24)

“I would not be surprised if Oprah is gay. If she is, she is. It certainly fits.”

Author Erica Jong, a friend of talk show maven Oprah Winfrey, as quoted in Kitty Kelleyā€™s new book, ā€œOprah: A Biography.ā€ (USA Today, April 11)

ā€œThere are half a million kids in foster care in America. To have public officials deem homosexuals unworthy of parenting is disastrous for the nation, for equality and for humanity and, Mike, for Christianity.”

Lesbian comedian and talk show host Rosie Oā€™Donnell in an April 24 chat with former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee on her Sirius radio show. Huckabee, who ran for president in 2008 and may run in 2012, criticized gay adoption last month by saying that ā€œchildren are not puppies.ā€ (New York Daily News, April 24)

“What I’m saying is that I think the ideal environment for children is in a relationship that has both a mother and a father.ā€

Mike Huckabee, attempting to explain his remarks to Rosie Oā€™Donnell. (New York Daily News, April 24)

“I prayed every day for God to change me and it was, ‘Dear God, please don’t let me be gay. I promise to be a good person.’ ā€¦ Young people in every corner of America are being told by their churches ā€¦ that they are damaged goods and they are not. I have to stand up. I’m in a unique position.”

Chely Wright on why she decided to come out publicly (Toronto Sun, May 19)

 

ā€œI promise you I did not kiss her and it is ridiculous that two entertainers can’t even rock out with each other without the media making it some type of story.ā€

Pop singer Miley Cyrus, 17, defending her recent performance on ā€œBritainā€™s Got Talent,ā€ in which the Daily Mail reported she simulated a kiss ā€” but did not actually touch lips ā€” with a female backup dancer. (Us Magazine, June 5)

“I think if two people love each other, then what the hell? I think that everyone should have the chance to be equally miserable, if they want.”

Rapper Eminem, who has previously been criticized for anti-gay lyrics, supporting gay marriage in an interview with the New York Times Magazine (The Guardian, June 18)

ā€œPlease donā€™t tell me that God made Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve. If the Bible story is literally true, who did Cain marry?ā€

Cox newspapers columnist Cynthia Tucker, arguing that allowing same-sex couples to marry will not weaken heterosexual marriage (AJC.com, June 18)

“I think I’ve been in every gay club from New York to California. I would be in clubs with my recorders in my pocket, taping people talking. But at the end of the day, I drew more from my sisters and my mother. I’ve been mimicking them my whole life. They’re in my bones.”

Actor Nelsan Ellis, who is straight, on how he creates the character of Lafayette, the flamboyant gay Louisiana man he portrays on HBOā€™s vampire series ā€œTrue Blood.ā€ (Philadelphia Inquirer, July 4)

“Like maybe I’m having a clandestine affair with Ricky Martin. I know it’s really gonna upset a lot of gay men ā€” I’m sure hundreds of ’em are gonna be jumping offĀ the Golden Gate Bridge ā€” but I ain’t available. I ain’t gay. Sorry.”

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) responding in a New York Times interview to long-standing rumors about his sexual orientation (WLTX.com, July 1)

“To boost development, a city needs to be open to a full range of people, especially the innovative ones who break barriers, like people of the gay community.”

Houston Mayor Annise Parker, the first openly gay mayor of a major U.S. city, in remarks at the Shanghai World Expo. Parker led a 60-member Houston business delegation to the Chinese city. (Xinhua, Aug. 2)

ā€œYou have a rare opportunity to right a wrong and I pray to God that you will take it. As an African American you understand the ugliness of hate and the pain of discrimination. This is not a battle of heterosexual against homosexual, but a struggle of justice against injustice.ā€

Black LGBT activist C.D. Kirven in an open letter to Alveda King, niece of Martin Luther King Jr., requesting a meeting to discuss Kingā€™s claim that gay marriage is ā€œgenocideā€ at a recent anti-gay marriage rally in Atlanta (Cherrygrrl.com, Aug. 9)

ā€œI believe that Thomas Jefferson said: ā€˜If it neither breaks my leg nor picks my pocket what difference is it to me?ā€™ā€

Conservative talk show host Glenn Beck, when asked on ā€œThe Oā€™Reilly Factorā€ if he thinks gay marriage is ā€œgoing to harm the country.ā€ (Washingtonpost.com, Aug. 12)

“So, get this: David and I are expecting twins this fall. We’re super excited/nervous/thrilled.”

Actor Neil Patrick Harris, announcing via Twitter that he and his partner, David Burtka, will become parents via surrogacy. The babies were born in October. (USMagazine.com, Aug. 14)

“I always am confused why they don’t worry about shows that don’t have any gay characters on them. They should put some focus on them as well, but we’ll give the audience exactly what they need.”

Eric Stonestreet, who plays Cam on the ABC series ā€œModern Family,ā€ on how his character will finally kiss partner Mitchell on the hit show ā€“ but allegedly not because of a Facebook campaign and other critics clamoring for a gay kiss (E! Online, Aug. 23)

ā€œThis church asks me to be in the closet about my sexual orientation and about my faith. I am a Christian lesbian pastor who marries heterosexual couples and lesbian and gay couples; I cannot lie about either part of me nor would I ask any pastor to do this.ā€

Rev. Jane Spahr, during testimony in her Presbyterian Church trial for marrying same-sex couples. Spahr was found guilty and censured. (New York Times, Aug. 28)

“And thank you to all the gays for remaking this video over and over again.”

Lady Gaga, accepting the Video Music Award for Best Female Video for her song ā€œBad Romance.ā€ (MTV.com, Sept. 12)

“I think we should just try to make heterosexual divorce illegal.”

Iconic filmmaker John Waters on how gay and lesbian couples can achieve marriage equality. (Associated Press, Sept. 13)

ā€œAll women are lesbians except those that donā€™t know it yet.ā€

Lesbian feminist writer and cultural critic Jill Johnston, author of ā€œLesbian Nation,ā€ during a 1971 debate over feminism. Johnston died Sept. 18 at age 81. (New York Times, Sept. 21)

ā€œOne of the reasons I was interested in exploring this character is we donā€™t often see a guy my age gay on television, explored in an intelligent, dignified, funny, serious way. So I thought, when David approached me with it three years ago and said, what if Saulā€™s gay? I said, bring it on.ā€

Actor Ron Rifkin on Uncle Saul, the older, newly out, HIV-positive man he plays on the ABC series ā€œBrother and Sisters,ā€ which premiered its new season last week. (Advocate.com, Sept. 23)

“I know what it’s like to be bullied and teased every single day, and I know that it may seem like there is no chance of happiness left. But I promise you there is a world full of acceptance and love just waiting for you to find it.”

Actor Chris Colfer, who plays Kurt Hummel on “Glee,” in a PSA for The Trevor Project, a national 24-hour, toll-free confidential hotline for gay and questioning youth. (TrevorProject.org)

 

ā€œWith a voice like this, you know I got to be a New Yorker. But I’m also an American. And to me that means justice and equality and liberty for everyone.ā€

Actress Fran Drescher in a video for a new Human Rights Campaign ad series that urging New Yorkers to support gay marriage. (On Top Magazine, Oct. 21)

ā€œAfter a hurricane comes a rainbow.ā€

Lyric from ā€œFirework,ā€ the new Katy Perry song that includes two boys kissing in the music video. The New York Times noted the current string of gay-inclusive pop songs. (New York Times, Nov. 5)

ā€œIt will completely get rid of Gloria Gaynorā€™s ā€˜I Will Surviveā€™ as the gay anthem.ā€

Sir Elton John on the title track to Lady GaGaā€™s new album, ā€œBorn this Way,ā€ set to be released in early 2011. (Entertainment Weekly via the New York Times, Nov. 5)

“Death threats, and the now-worldwide controversy surrounding your election of me as bishop, have been a constant strain, not just on me, but on my beloved husband, Mark, who has faithfully stood with me every minute of the last seven years, and in some ways, you.ā€

U.S. Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson, who became the Anglican Communionā€™s first openly gay bishop in 2003, announcing his retirement seven years early (The Guardian, Nov. 7)

“I don’t think any gay person is going to be happy and bring joy to themselves and other people unless they can be honest about their sexuality, and if other people don’t like that honestly, that’s a comment on them and not on the person who is being honest.ā€

Actor Sir Ian McKellen, who came out in 1988, expressing his fear that some managers and agents continue to pressure gay actors not to come out. (Popeater.com, Nov. 5)

ā€œIn terms of a leading man, a heterosexual, playing a homosexual ā€¦ do you worry about your image as a leading man and a heterosexual?ā€

Talk show host David Letterman, stammering as he questioned actor Jim Carrey about his new film ā€œI Love You, Phillip Morris,ā€ in which Carrey plays a likable gay con artist. (ABC, Nov. 19)

“Boy, we haven’t grown at all, have we? We are still children in the schoolyard. For godā€™s sake, Dave, have you ever seen a gay man?”

Actor Jim Carrey, responding to David Lettermanā€™s questions. (ABC, Nov. 19)

“I don’t want to underplay this, because I understand it is very significant. But I don’t want to overplay it either. I don’t want people to think I am anything other than an associate municipal court judge.”

Attorney Phyllis Frye, on her appointment to the Houston bench, making her the first openly transgender judge in Texas. (Houston Chronicle, Nov. 22)

ā€œIn the light of this broad and profound vision of human sexuality and the problems it currently faces, the Pope reaffirms that ā€˜the Church does not of course consider condoms to be the authentic and moral solutionā€™ to the problem of AIDS.ā€

Statement from the Vatican after Pope Benedict said in an interview that condoms, which the Catholic Church bans, may be appropriate for HIV prevention in certain situations like male prostitutes. (NationalPost.com, Nov. 22)

“That means the next TSA official that gives you an enhanced pat-down could be a practicing homosexual secretly getting pleasure from your submission.ā€

Eugene Delgaudio, a member of the Loudoun County (Va.) Board of Supervisors and president of the conservative group Public Advocate of the United States, in an e-mail denouncing the TSAā€™s inclusive non-discrimination statement (WTOP, Nov. 30)

“It was like the pink elephant in the room that was never touched upon until it was the day to shoot. Then we just did it really quickly and called it a day.”

Actress Mila Kunis discussing her lesbian sex scene with Natalie Portman in the new movie ā€œBlack Swanā€; Kunis says she asked her father not to watch the scene. (MTV.com, Nov. 30)

Advertisement
FUND LGBTQ JOURNALISM
SIGN UP FOR E-BLAST

Real Estate

Surprising parallels between dating and house hunting

Both require patience, effort, and a clear idea of what you want

Published

on

Valentineā€™s Day is often associated with romance, but it can also be the perfect time to invest in real estate.

Valentineā€™s Day is often associated with romance, chocolates, and candlelit dinners. However, for eligible singles, this holiday can be about more than just relationshipsā€”it can also be the perfect time to invest in real estate. 

Anyone who has been in the dating scene long knows that finding ā€œthe oneā€ can be challenging. Whether youā€™re searching for love or the perfect home, there are surprising parallels between dating and house hunting. Both require patience, time, effort, and a clear idea of what you want.

Just like dating, home buying requires a well-thought-out list of must-haves and deal-breakers. Understanding your needs will help you find the perfect match, whether in love or real estate.

Are you looking for a cozy condo in the city, or do you prefer a suburban single-family home with a yard? Perhaps a renovated kitchen will spur you into cooking up the perfect recipe for love. 

Do you want a fixer-upper to mold into your own vision? (Note: Molding to your idea of perfection works better with houses than with potential life mates.) What about being a landlord with a rental unit that can help with mortgage payments? Or, if you prefer, keep it empty to house your beloved on the days you argue.

Does your taste run toward the bearded, Paul Bunyan look of a cabin in the woods surrounded by bears? Is the sleek, sophisticated high-rise more your style? And what about the Dad-bod style of a ā€™70s split level in the suburbs?

When dating, first impressions can be powerful, and so can the first look at a home. Curb appeal and initial feelings about a property are just as important as charm and chemistry in a relationship, but flaws may not be immediately noticeable.

Buying a home, like committing to a partner, is a long-term investment. Both require financial and emotional readiness. No one is perfect, and neither is any home. While you should aim for a place (or person) that meets most of your needs, be prepared to compromise.

Working with experts helps. Whether youā€™re seeking relationship advice from Patty Stanger or guidance from your favorite real estate agent or mortgage lender, professionals can make the process smoother and more successful.

Many people donā€™t realize that Valentineā€™s Day and the mid-winter in general can be an advantageous time to shop for real estate. Since many couples are preoccupied with romantic plans or skiing vacations, there are often fewer buyers in the market around this time. Less competition for buyers and higher motivation of sellers could give singles an edge in negotiations. You may find better prices or flexible terms.

Consider the value of financial and personal independence. Instead of waiting to be swept off your feet by Prince Charming, singles can take control of their future by investing in property independently and finding Home Charming instead. 

If youā€™re ready to take the plunge, here are some key steps to ensure you find the right home:

  • Work with a Real Estate Agent ā€“ Interview agents. Ask friends for recommendations. Find someone you like and trust. An experienced agent can help you navigate the market, negotiate offers, and find a home that matches your needs.
  • Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage ā€“ Knowing how much home you can afford is crucial. Talk to a lender and secure a pre-approval before you start your search.
  • Narrow Down Your Location ā€“ Choose an area that fits your wallet and your lifestyle. Drive around. Get to know the area at night and on weekends. Check out nearby public transit and parking options. Try out your commute. Locate shopping areas, dining establishments, and other services you use regularly.
  • Consider Future Needs ā€“ You may be single now but think about the future. If you plan to start a family or need a yard for a pet, factor that into your home-buying decision.
  • Donā€™t Rush the Process ā€“ Just like finding the right partner, finding the right home takes time. Be patient and donā€™t settle for something that doesnā€™t feel right. Itā€™s better to take your time than to end up with buyerā€™s remorse or, in the case of a rushed romantic decision, divorce.

So, instead of focusing on flowers that wilt and chocolates that donā€™t last this Valentineā€™s Day, why not fall in love with a home? Diving into the real estate market is a smart, long-term decision that offers stability, financial security, and a place you can truly call your own, making it one of the best gifts you can give yourself and the start of an exciting new chapter in your life. 

You never know who youā€™ll meet at an open house.


Valerie M. Blake is a licensed Associate Broker in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia with RLAH @properties. Call or text her at 202-246-8602, email her via DCHomeQuest.com, or follow her on Facebook at TheRealst8ofAffairs.

Continue Reading

Advice

Navigating these uncertain times

You have no power over others, but you have a lot of power over yourself

Published

on

This Valentineā€™s Day brings a lot of extra stress; here are some principles to help you cope. (Photo by digitalista/Bigstock)

For Valentineā€™s Day, I was planning to write a column about shifts we can make in our attitudes and behaviors to strengthen our love relationships and deepen our connection with our partners.

Then, over the past few weeks, as Iā€™ve been listening to many of my clients express their concerns about the state of our country and our world, I realized that much of what is required to have a great relationship can also help us get through the difficult times we live in.

So here are some principles that I hope will help you to navigate both the challenges of being in a close relationship and the challenges of uncertain times. 

These principles overlap because they are all components of an approach to living that focuses on developing and maintaining agency over your life, and working to strengthen your resilience. The more solid you are, the better you can get through the hard stuff.

Strive to behave with integrity, in a way that you respect. You are likely to feel a lot better about yourself if you do what you believe is right, rather than betraying your values out of fear or to please others. The playwright Lillian Hellman, pressed to appear before the House Committee on Un-American Activities in 1952 and ā€œname names,ā€ said it well: ā€œI cannot and will not cut my conscience to suit this yearā€™s fashions.ā€ (Of course, only you can decide how to balance possible consequences with the importance of honoring your principles.)

Stand up for what you believe in. Being quiet out of fear or concern for what others will think leaves us feeling like helpless victims. And you cannot have an intimate relationship when you donā€™t let your partner know important parts of who you are. 

Strive to be non-reactive. Do your best to not let others (or circumstances) press your buttons so that you lash out, rather than responding thoughtfully and with deliberation, based on your values.

Strive to always soothe your anxiety. The philosopher Viktor Frankl wrote: ā€œBetween stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.ā€ When someone or something is starting to make us crazy, the best first move we can make is to quiet ourselves. Doing so allows us to think how to best respond.

Thereā€™s a great saying from Twelve Step programs: ā€œIf you want to have self-esteem, behave in esteemable ways.ā€ You are more likely to do so when you first calm yourself, rather than exploding with anxiety or rage.

Strive to tolerate discomfort: Sometimes we canā€™t do much about what is making us uncomfortable or causing us distress. Our partner may not change in ways we would like; our job situation may be rough; we may face hostility in the outside world. Identifying how we can deal with challenges and difficult circumstances in a way that helps us become stronger and more resilient can often help us to weather them a bit more easily. 

Strive to tolerate uncertainty: There really are no guarantees about anything important in life. Thatā€™s the way it goes. We canā€™t know how things will turn out ā€”neither our relationships nor our lives nor the fate of humanity. So if we are to construct a meaningful life, we have no choice other than to keep putting one foot in front of the other, doing our best to respond thoughtfully and to have an impact when and where we can, without knowing the outcome.

Strive to stay anchored in reality, not lost in feelings.  When we let our feelings run the show, itā€™s easy to get spun up and reactive. While our feelings are a source of information, they are not reality. All sorts of thingsā€”our pasts, the distortions of social media, what people around us are doing and sayingā€”can contribute to how we feel about a situation. 

Yes, itā€™s always a good idea to be aware of our feelings. But before acting on them, calm yourself, get some clarity about why you may be feeling what youā€™re feeling, and think about how reality lines up (or doesnā€™t line up) with what youā€™re feeling. In other words, aim to keep the big picture in mind.

Remember that you cannot change others, but you may at times be able to influence them. For example, when I first became vegetarian, I wanted to push my friends to adopt a vegetarian diet by ā€œenlighteningā€ them about the misery of factory farms and the environmental cost of raising animals for food. I soon realized that lectures and judgment are not a great way to change minds. Serving delicious vegetarian food for a dinner is more helpful. So think about how you can reach out to someone or to others with different views, in a way that they are more likely to hear you. 

Obviously, there are limits to this approach. There may be times when you arenā€™t going to be heard, no matter how you say what you have to say.  The point at which we shift from reaching out to someone to taking a ā€œdonā€™t tread on meā€ stance can be tricky to discern, and the decision to make that shift should be taken thoughtfully and with appreciation of possible consequences.

Keep your focus mainly on what you can do about a situation. Focus less on what the other person is doing wrong, or not doing. While you have little or no power over others, you have a lot of power over yourself.  Thinking about what you can do to effect at least some of the change you would like, in your relationship or your community or our world, is an antidote to feeling powerless.

Michael Radkowsky, Psy.D. is a licensed psychologist who works with couples and individuals in D.C. He can be found online atĀ michaelradkowsky.com. All identifying information has been changed for reasons of confidentiality. Have a question? Send it toĀ [email protected].)

Continue Reading

Real Estate

Loving where you rent in D.C.

Creating a home you can adore in the nationā€™s capital

Published

on

D.C. offers a vibrant lifestyle, but it can pose challenges for renters. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

As Valentine’s Day approaches, our thoughts often turn to love. While we may think of candlelit dinners or romantic gestures, love extends beyond relationshipsā€”itā€™s about the spaces we inhabit and how we nurture our connection to them. Loving where you live can have a profound impact on your well-being, and for renters in Washington, D.C., transforming an apartment into a cherished home is not only possible, but also can feel essential.

Washington, D.C., offers a vibrant lifestyle, but it can also pose challenges for renters. High costs, stressful work environments, limited space, and the very nature of urban living might make it harder to settle in. However, with some thoughtful adjustments, you can turn your rental into a space you love. Letā€™s explore how to create a home thatā€™s a sanctuary, not just a stopover.

Personalize Your Space

One of the first steps to loving where you live is making it feel uniquely yours. Although renting may come with restrictions, there are plenty of ways to customize your apartment:

  • Add Color: Use removable wallpaper or peel-and-stick decals to introduce vibrant or calming hues. Area rugs are another excellent way to bring warmth and character to any room.
  • Display Your Story: Showcase meaningful art, family photos, or souvenirs from your travels. Gallery walls can make even a small space feel personal.
  • Lighting Matters: Replace harsh overhead lighting with floor or table lamps to create a cozy ambiance. Use LED bulbs to save energy and customize brightness levels.

Embrace Multifunctional Furniture

City living can impose limited square footage and multifunctional furniture is your best friend. Look for pieces that serve dual purposes:

  • A storage ottoman can double as seating.
  • Fold-out tables save space while offering dining or work surfaces when you need them.
  • A quality sofa bed is perfect for accommodating guestsĀ 

Incorporate Plants and Greenery

Bringing nature indoors can instantly uplift your mood and enhance your living space:

  • Low-Maintenance Options: Snake plants, pothos, and succulents thrive with minimal care.
  • Vertical Gardens: If floor space is limited, consider wall-mounted planters.
  • Window Sills: Herbs like basil or mint not only look and smell good, they are useful for cooking.

Create Comfortable Zones

Think about how you use your apartment and design dedicated areas:

  • Work Corner: With remote work becoming increasingly common, invest in a comfortable chair, desk, and good lighting.
  • Relaxation Spot: A corner with a plush chair, blanket, and books can be your go-to for unwinding.
  • Entertaining Area: Even small spaces can shine with the right setup for hosting, such as a stylish bar cart or foldable chairs.

Maintain and Refresh Regularly

A clutter-free and clean apartment naturally feels more inviting:

  • De-clutter quarterly, donating or discarding items you no longer use.
  • Use storage systems to stash things away you do not need regularlyĀ 
  • Add seasonal touches like new cushions or throws to keep your space feeling fresh.
  • Invest in quality cleaning tools to make upkeep easier.

Discovering the Loveable Side of D.C.

Beyond your apartment, Washington, D.C., is a city rich in experiences that make life here unique. Embracing the D.C. lifestyle can deepen your connection to where you live. Here are a few affordable and distinctly D.C. activities to enjoy this Valentineā€™s Day month:

Loving Life in D.C.

1. Explore Hidden Gems:

  • The United States Botanical Garden: Even though it is the middle of winter, the Conservatory on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol is a wonderful place to get out of the cold.Ā  And a bonus – it is the time of year when orchids are in bloom. Enjoy a touch of a tropical environment right in downtown DC.
  • Kennedy Centerā€™s Millennium Stage: Enjoy free performances showcasing local and international talent. Every day, usually at 6 p.m., you can see artists from around the world in the central hall at the Kennedy Center. And all you have to do is get there in time! Check out the entire program here:Ā  https://www.kennedy-center.org/whats-on/millennium-stageĀ 

2. Taste D.C.’s Diverse Cuisine:

  • Sample global flavors at Union Market. https://unionmarketdc.comĀ 
  • Grab a half-smoke from Benā€™s Chili Bowl, a true local original, on U Street, H Street, and other locations citywide.

3. Embrace the Outdoors:

  • Walk or bike the Mount Vernon Trail along the Potomac River; the Capitol Crescent Trail on the west side, and the newer trail, the Metropolitan Branch Trail that runs from Union Station to Silver Spring.
  • Visit Malcolm X Park (also known as Meridian Hill Park) for its cascading fountains, lively drum circles, snow ball fights, and more! Ā 

4. Dive Into History:

  • Tour the lesser-known exhibits at the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum, the National Museums of Asian or African Art, and the incredible Renwick Gallery of American Art opposite the White House.
  • Explore the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site for a deeper understanding of D.C.’s role in history.Ā  https://www.nps.gov/frdo/index.htmĀ 

5. Enjoy Affordable Culture:

  • Attend pay-what-you-can nights at local theaters like Studio Theatre, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, or Theatre J located in the Jewish Community Center at 16th Street and Q Streets, NW.
  • Take advantage of free museum access year-round, from the National Gallery of Art to the Hirshhorn Museum.

Building a Life You Love

Loving where you live isnā€™t just about the walls that surround youā€”itā€™s about the life you create within them. By personalizing your apartment and immersing yourself in the unique experiences D.C. offers, youā€™ll better foster a personal sense of belonging and joy. This Valentineā€™s Day, remember to nurture not only your relationships, but also your relationship with your home and your city. After all, love begins at home.


Scott Bloom is owner and senior property manager of Columbia Property Management. For more information and resources, go to ColumbiaPM.com

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Advertisement

Sign Up for Weekly E-Blast

Follow Us @washblade

Advertisement

Popular