Local
Park Police seek help in identifying body
U.S. Park Police are asking the public for help in identifying the body of a man found in a wooded area off of Branch Avenue and the Suitland Parkway who was wearing four rings on his left hand and multiple necklaces.
Park Police spokesperson Sgt. David Schlosser said investigators have no specific information to indicate the man was gay or transgendered, but they have yet to confirm what his sexual orientation was.
The man’s body was found Feb. 6 near where Branch Avenue and the Suitland Parkway intersect in Oxon Hill, Md., just over the D.C.-Prince George’s County line, according to a police statement. He is described as a black male over the age of 45, with a light complexion. The Maryland State Medical Examiner’s office said an autopsy found no evidence of foul play and said the death appears to have been due to natural causes.
“He was wearing four rings on his left hand and multiple necklaces around his neck,” a Park Police statement says. “He may have been homeless and may have walked with a limp,” the statement says.
Photos of his jewelry are available on the Park Police website www.uspppressroom.blogspot.com. Anyone with information that might help authorities identify the man should contact Park Police Det. Freeman at 202-610-8760.
District of Columbia
Wanda Alston Foundation launches culinary program for LGBTQ youth
Slay & Sauté campaign seeks to raise funds for cooking utensils
The Wanda Alston Foundation, the D.C. nonprofit organization that has provided housing and support services for homeless LGBTQ youth since its founding in 2008, announced it has launched a campaign to raise $15,000 for a new culinary program to “equip our LGBTQ+ youth with cooking skills, kitchen gadgets, and a taste for joy,” according to its executive director, Cesar Toledo.
In a May 14 statement, Toledo said the Alston Foundation had been selected to receive food and shelter funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, “but due to the federal freeze, it’s unlikely those critical resources will reach us.”
He said the new program being launched is in partnership with the DC Front Runners Pride Run 5K organization, an LGBTQ runners group. The funds will be used to provide 20 Alston House residents “with air fryers, rice cookers, smoothie blenders, healthy food, and condiments,” Toledo said.
He said the campaign, which has been named Slay & Sauté, is offering donors a chance to win WorldPride concert tickets if they submit their donation before June 1. His announcement says among the concerts for which tickets could be won are Grace Jones and Janelle Monae, “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Werq the World, MIXTAPE Pride, and Betty Who.
“Thanks to supporters across the District, we’re able to continue providing not just shelter but comfort and joy to LGBTQ+ youth!” Toledo said in his statement.
The Opening Reception for the 34th annual D.C. Black Pride was held at the Capital Hilton on Friday, May 23. Presenters, speakers and entertainers included Ts Madison, Monroe Alise, Billy the Goat, Kerri Colby, Apple Brown Betty, Heather Mahogani, Lyrical Mar, Lolita Leopard, Ink, and Bang Garçon. Anthony Oakes was the host.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
The 2025 Silver Pride Resource Fair and Tea Dance was held at the Eaton Hotel on Wednesday, May 21.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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