Miscellaneous
Are you ready for some football?
Local gay flag league players model in benefit calendar

The D.C. Gay Flag Football League enlisted some of its hottest players to create its first 24-month calendar. The theme is Shirts & Skins, with many players exposing their well-defined chests, while other models dress in snazzy attire.
āThe calendar is not risquĆ©, no nudes, no underwear shots, just a great professional product,ā says William Waybourn, a volunteer photographer on the project. āSomething people can send home to their family and something people can be proud of.ā
At least half of the profits from the sales will go to LGBT projects, mostly scholarships for openly gay high school athletes. Brandon Waggoner, commissioner for the league and a model in the calendar, says the standards and selection process are still being determined but the league hopes to award the first scholarships in 2012.
āWe really want to help students,ā Waggoner says. āWe are determined to make this happen.ā
A launch party is planned for Tuesday from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Longview Art Gallery (1234 9th St., N.W.) with open bar and hors dāoeuvres. Sponsors include Nellieās Sports Bar, JR.ās Bar & Grill, Hugo Boss, Victory Fund, Washington Blade, Hollywood Tans and Blue Moon.
The league is a competitive flag football group that caters to the gay and lesbian community and its supporters.Ā When the 2010 fall season started, there were seven teams and 102 players. Interest has increased and now there are 12 teams with nearly 200 players.
āThe players are very dedicated to the sport and to their respected teams,ā says Jeff Spitko, the leagueās communications director and a calendar model. āSome travel long distances just to participate. We have one player, for example, that travels all the way from Richmond.ā
This dedication spilled over into the development of the calendar.
āMany people allocated a lot of time, energy and talent developing this calendar,ā says Tony Frye, a volunteer designer on the project. āIt was a five-month project, worth every second.ā
Frye says the calendar offers a stereotype-busting irony ā masculine men in a masculine sport, yet most of the models shown are gay.
āIt is commonly known that there is a stereotype that gay men are simply not masculine,ā Frye says. āI think this stereotype hinders people from coming out, especially teenagers, and especially high school athletes.ā Frye hopes when teens see the calendar, it shatters preconceived notions.
There are 36 players in the calendar and all are gay except one. Sean Bartel, a league board member and model, says, āThe straight model plays in the league because he enjoys the sport and to support his gay brother, who is also a player. That shows dedication to family and dedication to matters that are important to his gay brother.ā
The selection process for the models was difficult because many players tried out.
āAll had talent but unfortunately, not all could have been selected.ā Frye says.
āI was thrilled when I learned I was selected,ā Waggoner says, but he points out that being selected came with a personal sense of responsibility and burden.Ā Leading up to the shoots, many of the models ā all of whom were amateurs at modeling ā were anxious and many altered their normal routines.
āAs soon as I found out I was selected, I increased my workouts and went on a strict diet,ā Waggoner says. The day of the shoot, Waggoner had two glasses of wine prior to the shoot to help him relax, and after, celebrated the completion by going to one of his favorite places to eat and ordering macaroni and cheese.
āI was kind of relieved when it was all over,ā he says.
Like Waggoner, Bartel was also nervous.
āAfter talking several deep breaths, I kept telling myself these are just pictures,ā Bartel says.
Both say it was a fun experience and they were glad to be selected.
The idea to start a fundraiser came from the leagueās role in helping Team D.C. raise money for scholarships last year. Team D.C. is a charitable organization established to educate the LGBT community on the benefits of individuals and team sports participation.
The inspiration to use a calendar as a marketing tool to help raise money originated with the successful launch of a D.C. Strokes Rowing Club calendar. They made it a point, though, to not produce a copycat product.
āThe rowing calendar had hot pretty boys, the football calendar has hot muscular men,ā Frye says. He also wanted models who actually played football.
About 11,000 photographs were taken and only a small portion was used.
āI wish we had more pages to work with because there are several other good pictures that I would like to use,ā Frye says. A secondary product with some of the outtakes is being discussed but theyāre waiting to see how sales go on the calendar before divulging details.
The stress of calendar sales is weighing heavily on a lot of minds.
āWe have to have strong sales for the first printing of 1,500 calendars,ā Waggoner says.
Although many volunteered to put the calendar together, producing it was not free.
āWe have the printing costs, promotional costs, launch party costs, security for the night of the event, and we have to pay the bartenders and servers, not to mention we have to make a profit in order to fulfill the goal of helping LGBT causes, including scholarships.ā
Waggoner, however, remains optimistic that sales will meet or exceed expectations and will require a second printing. Several media outlets have mentioned the project and orders are coming in from Europe and beyond. A German order for 50 copies was recently placed.
A fashion show will be held at the party with models wearing Hugo Boss fashions. Guests can meet the players/models there.
Launch party tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. A calendar can be reserved for $20. Those at the party can buy one for $15. Go to dcgffl.org for details.
āWhatās great about all this is it is for a great cause and it brings people closer together,ā Frye says.
Miscellaneous
Stephen Miller’s legal group sues Fairfax County schools
Lawsuit challenges policies for transgender, nonbinary students

Former Trump administration official Stephen Miller’s legal group on Tuesday filed a lawsuit against the Fairfax County School District over its policies for transgender and nonbinary students.
America First Legal in a press release notes it filed the lawsuit against the school district on behalf of a female, “practicing Roman Catholic” student “for allowing teenage boys to use the female restrooms and for forcing a radical, government-sponsored gender indoctrination and approved-speech scheme that discriminates against students on the basis of sex and religion and violates their free speech rights under the Virginia Constitution.”
The lawsuit was filed in Fairfax County Circuit Court.
The Virginia Department of Education last July announced new guidelines for trans and nonbinary students for which Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin asked. Equality Virginia and other advocacy groups claim they, among other things, would forcibly out trans and nonbinary students.
Fairfax County schools are among the school districts that have refused to implement the guidelines.
āFairfax County Public Schools appears to believe that its policies and regulations can override the Virginia Constitutionās protections for religious beliefs, speech and from government discrimination on the basis of sex and religious beliefs,” said America First legal Senior Advisor Ian Prior in a press release. “It is well past time for FCPS to stop sacrificing the constitutional rights of its students so that it can implement a state-sanctioned ideology that demands compliance in speech, beliefs and conduct.”Ā
FCPS Pride, a group that represents the Fairfax County School Districtās LGBTQ employees, described the lawsuit as “abhorrent.”
“We are confident that the school board and the superintendent will strongly and firmly oppose this specious suit and continue to support all students, including transgender and gender expansive students,” said the group in a press list.
Miscellaneous
More than a dozen LGBTQ candidates on the ballot in Va.
Control of the state Senate hangs in the balance

More than a dozen openly LGBTQ candidates are on the ballot in Virginia on Nov. 7.
State Del. Danica Roem (D-Manassas) is running against Republican Bill Woolf in the newly redistricted Senate District 30 that includes western Prince William County and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park.
Roem in 2018 became the first openly transgender person seated in a state legislature in the U.S. after she defeated then-state Del. Bob Marshall, a prominent LGBTQ rights opponent who co-wrote Virginiaās constitutional amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman. Roem would become Virginia’s first out trans state senator if she defeats Woolf.
Woolf supports a bill that would require school personnel to out trans students to their parents. The Republican Party of Virginia has highlighted this position in ads in support of Woolf.
āThank you for reminding me why I won three elections in this district in Prince William County, which is the most diverse county in all of Virginia and the 10th most nationally where we welcome everyone because of who they are, not despite it, no matter what you look like, where you come from, how you worship, if you do, or who you love because you should be able to thrive here because of who you are, never despite it,ā said Roem on Sept. 28 in response to a woman who heckled her during a debate with Woolf that took place at Metz Middle School in Manassas.
Gay state Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria) is running for re-election in Senate District 39. State Del. Mark Sickles (D-Fairfax County), who is also gay, is running for re-election in House District 43.
Former state Del. Joshua Cole, who identifies as bisexual, is running against Republican Lee Peters in House District 65. State Del. Kelly Convirs-Fowler (D-Virginia Beach), who came out as bisexual last year at Hampton Roads Pride, will face Republican Mike Karslake and independent Nicholas Olenik.
State Del. Marcia “Cia” Price (D-Newport News), a Black woman who identifies as pansexual, is running for re-election in House District 85.
Adele McClure, a queer Democrat, is running to represent House District 2 that includes portions of Arlington County. Laura Jane Cohen, a bisexual woman who is a member of the Fairfax County School Board, is a House of Delegates candidate in House District 15.
Rozia Henson, a gay federal contractor who works for the Department of Homeland Security, is running in House District 19. Zach Coltrain, a gay Gen Zer, is running against state Del. Barry Knight (R-Virginia Beach) in House District 98.Ā
LPAC has endorsed Jade Harris, a Rockbridge County Democrat who is running to represent Senate District 3. Harris’ website notes trans rights are part of their platform.
“Protecting trans rights, repealing right to work, strengthening unions and supporting our farmers are just a few of my legislative priorities,” reads the website. “I am dedicated to addressing the revitalization of our state’s infrastructure, fostering a favorable environment for job creation, and supporting our public education system.”
Republicans currently control the House by a 51-46 margin, while Democrats have a 21-19 majority in the state Senate.
Senate Democrats have successfully blocked anti-LGBTQ bills that Republicans have introduced since Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin took office in January 2022.
The Virginia Department of Education in July released new guidelines for trans and nonbinary students that activists and their supporters have sharply criticized. They fear that Republicans will curtail LGBTQ rights in the state if they regain control of both houses of the General Assembly on Nov. 7.
“Time and time again, anti-equality lawmakers and the Youngkin administration have made it clear that they will continue to disrespect and disregard the lives and lived experience of LGBTQ+ people within Virginia,ā said Equality Virginia PAC Executive Director Narissa Rahaman in August when her organization and the Human Rights Campaign endorsed Roem, Ebbin and other “pro-equality champions.”
āWe must elect pro-equality champions who will secure and strengthen our freedoms,” added Rahaman. “We have that chance as the eyes of the nation are on us this November.”
The LGBTQ+ Victory Fund has endorsed Fairfax County School Board Vice Chair Karl Frisch and Fairfax County School Board candidates Robyn Lady and Kyle McDaniel, who identify as lesbian and bisexual respectively.
Michael Pruitt would become the first openly bisexual man elected to the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors if he were to win on Nov. 7. Blacksburg Town Councilman Michael Sutphin and Big Stone Gay Town Councilman Tyler Hughes, who are both gay, are running for re-election.
“Tyler will be a critical voice for equality as the only out LGBTQ+ person on the Big Stone Gap Town Council,” says the Victory Fund on its website.
Cal Benn contributed to this article.
Miscellaneous
What it means to be an active ally to your LGBTQ+ co-workers TEST
Five easy tips to help you avoid common risks

Your home is more than just a place to eat and sleep; it’s your safe haven. As much as you might cherish your home, you should probably also recognize the potential hazards within its familiar walls. Accidents can happen in an instant, yet with a little foresight and some simple adjustments, you can transform your house into a safer haven.
Accidents can happen anywhere, and with a few simple tweaks, you can lower risks in your space. Below youāll find five tips for each room in your home to help prevent injuries, falls, and other mishaps. In short, home safety.
This article was inspired by a shower in a rental we managed that began leaking through the kitchen ceiling below. If only the landlord had installed grab bars, right!? Below, we’ll guide you through the steps to fortify your bathroom, making it a place of relaxation without the fear of slips and falls. Then, we’ll venture into the room where the magic happens, where proper planning can ensure great nights and peaceful mornings. We’ll show you how to prevent accidents while you experiment becoming the next Gordon Ramsey. And weāll include a few surprising solutions for those other rooms that hold their own unique hazards, offering solutions to safeguard against unexpected mishaps.
Bathroom Safety
Install Grab Bars: Adding grab bars near the shower and toilet can provide essential support for family members of all ages. Not only can they help with getting in and out, but they can help provide stability when washing. Make sure they are securely anchored to the wall.
Non-Slip Mats: Place non-slip mats inside the shower and bathtub to prevent slips. They’re a small investment that can save you from falls and head injuries.
Adjust Water Temperature: Ensure your hot water is set to a safe temperature to avoid scalding. The hot water heater should be set to around 120Ā°F (49Ā°C)l, the middle setting on many water heater settings.
Medicine Cabinet Locks: If you have young children, use childproof locks on your medicine cabinet to keep harmful substances out of reach.
Proper Lighting: Ensure there’s adequate lighting in the bathroom to avoid trips and falls during nighttime visits. Nightlights can be a simple and effective solution.
Bedroom Safety
Clear Pathways: Keep pathways in the bedroom clutter free to prevent tripping. Ensure there’s enough space to move around comfortably, particularly getting around the bed. Be aware where all furniture is when walking around to avoid stubbed toes, particularly at night.
Secure Rugs: If you have throw rugs, use rug grippers or double-sided tape to keep them from slipping. Loose rugs are a common trip hazard.
Bed Rails: For anyone at risk of falling out of bed, consider installing bed rails to provide extra support and prevent falls.
Nightstands with Drawers: Opt for nightstands with drawers to keep essential items. This reduces the need to get out of bed at night, minimizing the risk of falls, as you race to grab what you need and not lose a momentās rest.
Fire Safety: Install battery-operated smoke detectors in the bedrooms if there are none. Make sure to install them 36 inches away from an air vent or the edge of a ceiling fan. Also six inches away from the joint between the wall and ceiling. And test smoke detectors regularly.
Kitchen Safety
Non-Slip Flooring: Choose slip-resistant rugs in the kitchen, especially in areas where spills are common. Mats near the sink and stove can also help and you can often buy them fairly cheaply at Costco.
Childproof Cabinets: If you have little ones, use childproof latches on cabinets and drawers to prevent them from accessing potentially hazardous items.
Anti-tip brackets: Install an anti-tip bracket behind the range. These are often used when children are in the home. Although they are less likely to open the oven door and use it as a step stool to get to the stove-top, adults can also benefit from installing these.
Adequate Lighting: Proper lighting is crucial in the kitchen to avoid accidents. Under-cabinet lighting can illuminate work areas effectively.
Secure Heavy Items: Ensure heavy pots and pans are stored at waist level to prevent straining or dropping them from high shelves.
Sharp Object Storage: Keep knives and other sharp objects in a secure drawer or block. And handle all sharp items with extreme care, even when washing and drying. These steps reduce the risk of accidental cuts.
Other Safety Tips
Furniture Anchors: Secure heavy furniture, like bookshelves and dressers, to the wall to prevent tip-overs, especially if you have young children.
Adequate Outlets: Check for damaged outlets and replace them promptly. Avoid overloading circuits with too many devices. Install placeholder plugs in outlets to prevent young curious fingers (or tongues?) from going inside an electrical outlet.
Stair Gates: If your home has stairs, install safety gates at the top and bottom to prevent falls, especially if you have toddlers or pets to keep them off of the stairs when you cannot monitor them.
Emergency Escape Plan: Develop and practice an emergency escape plan with your family, including a designated meeting place outside.
Carbon Monoxide Detector: If your home burns any fossil fuels for heating or appliances, install carbon monoxide detectors in common areas of your home to detect this odorless gas. The D.C. building codes require this if you use a fireplace or if you have an attached garage. In essence, if there is any potential source of carbon monoxide in the home, be sure to install these detectors.
Remember, a safer home not only prevents accidents but also provides peace of mind for you and your family. Implement these simple tips to create a secure environment in every room of your house.
With these practical tips and a few adjustments, you can significantly reduce the risk of injuries and falls in your home. Enjoy peace of mind in your now much safer haven.
Scott Bloom is owner and senior property manager of Columbia Property Management.
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