Arts & Entertainment
Queery: Brian Crane
The ‘Country Girl’ actor answers 20 gay questions

Brian Crane did some acting in high school and college but largely set it aside for several years while he pursued career and academia.
Since 2004 heās been acting on a semi-pro level in various productions with American Century Theater, Washington Shakespeare Company and other local outfits. He opens tonight in a production of Clifford Odetsā āThe Country Girl,ā the play that was adapted into the film version that won Grace Kelly an Oscar in the title role, at American (meeting at the Gunston Arts Center Theater II, 2700 South Lang St. in Arlington) ā visit americancentury.org for details).
Crane says his role, Frank, is an artistic challenge.
āItās a very emotional part,ā he says. āFrank goes through these really big swings and itās got some interesting challenges. Itās harsh and thereās plenty not to like about Frank but you have to make him lovable or the play doesnāt work. Thereās something lovable and vulnerable about this man I could identify with. He lies, he manipulates but at the same time he has this disarming charm, like a grown-up kid.ā
Crane, a 47-year-old Pittsburgh native, came to Washington in 1992 to do a pre-doctoral fellowship in anthropology at the Smithsonian. Heād been in Philadelphia for college (grad and undergrad) for 10 years before that. By day, heās director of Cultural Resources Division at Versar, a global project management company based in Springfield, Va.
Crane and his partner, Murray Scheel, an attorney, live together in Foggy Bottom and have been together for 16 years. Crane enjoys theater, backpacking and photography in his free time. He also loves to squeeze in Saturday afternoon naps when he can.
How long have you been out and who was the hardest person to tell?
I’ve been out since graduate school, about 25 years. My mom was the hardest to tell because she and my dad took my brother’s coming out so hard.
Who’s your LGBT hero?
I’m not sure, maybe Walt Whitman, or Oscar Wilde for being so wonderfully flamboyant in their art. Among the living, maybe Stephen Fry; he has such a charming and gentle wit, and he had the guts to give Shakespeare in Klingon a try.
What’s Washington’s best nightspot, past or present?
I still have fond memories of Tracks: that was the first place I ever went dancing in D.C.
Describe your dream wedding.
I’m not sure Murray is the marrying type, but if we did, I would want it in our home church, St. Thomas Parish, with all our friends and family with us.
What non-LGBT issue are you most passionate about?
The environment
What historical outcome would you change?
That’s hard. There are so many awful things, how could I choose? But in my own lifetime, the election of 2000 was such a rotten turning point for this country, and it left us so divided.
What’s been the most memorable pop culture moment of your lifetime?
I guess the advent of social media. It’s brought me back in touch with so many people that I had lost contact with.
On what do you insist?
Not nearly enough, I’m not very assertive. But I always make sure I get breakfast, a meal before shows and rehearsals, and a nap when I can get away with it. I get really grumpy if I don’t eat right. Just ask Murray.
What was your last Facebook post or Tweet?
“Roosevelt was right when he said, “There is nothing to fear but fear itself.” We have paid dearly for our paranoia.” It was about an article on slate.com about the true costs of 9-11.
If your life were a book, what would the title be?
āThe Trials and Tribulations of Living Small in a Big Worldā
If science discovered a way to change sexual orientation, what would you do?
Not a thing. “I was born this way” (thank you Lady Gaga)
What do you believe in beyond the physical world?
That death does not have the last word, and that at the end of things, there will be wonderful surprises.
What’s your advice for LGBT movement leaders?
I miss ACT-UP.
What would you walk across hot coals for?
To see my father again.
What LGBT stereotype annoys you most?
Can’t think of one.
What’s your favorite LGBT movie?
āParting Glancesā made a big impression on me coming out. So did āTorch Song Trilogy,ā but that was because I had a big crush on Matthew Broderick.
What’s the most overrated social custom?
Valentines
What trophy or prize do you most covet?
I really admire the work of those actors I know who have won the Helen Hayes award.
What do you wish you’d known at 18?
That it gets better.
Why Washington?
I came here to work at the Smithsonian as a pre-doctoral fellow, and just stayed. And I love the theater scene here.
Celebrity News
Is Karla SofĆa GascĆ³n’s apology too little, too late?
Netflix has removed transgender actress from Oscars campaign

The latest in the scandal involving “Emilia PerĆ©z”ās trans star and Best Actress nominee Karla SofĆa GascĆ³n is Netflix deciding to part ways with her even after her public apology and statement regarding not withdrawing from the nomination.
āI have been labeled a racist and I need to be clear that I am not. I feel like Iāve been judged, sentenced, crucified, and stoned without a fair trial and without an option to defend myself,ā said GascĆ³n in an interview with CNN en EspaƱol.Ā
According to Variety and the Hollywood Reporter, Netflix has cut GascĆ³n out of the campaign for the Oscars. This move comes even after GascĆ³n issued an apology through a statement on her social media and in an interview with CNN en EspaƱol. On Thursday she was set to be seated with co-star Selena Gomez, Zoe SaldaƱa and the filmās writer-director, Jacques Audiard for the AFI Awards luncheon ā a gathering at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills. On Friday, she was set to attend the Critics Choice Awards. On Saturday, she was set to serve as presenter at the Producers Guild Awards, which happen to be going on at the same time as the Directors Guild Awards. According to THR, she will not be attending the events.
The Spaniard actress found herself at the center of controversy surrounding the Netflix original being nominated for 13 Oscars after freelance culture writer Sarah Hagi uncovered the actress’s stream of consciousness on display on X, formerly Twitter. Hagi found tweets from as far back as 2020, revealing GascĆ³n’s views on Muslims, George Floyd, China, and vaccines.
In her hour-long interview with CNN en EspaƱol, she defended her position on the issue stating that she feels that she was unfairly targeted, while not being given the opportunity to defend the position she stood behind while writing those tweets.
She goes on to say that she āsupports the Black Lives Matter movement obviouslyā and that the tweets about George Floyd āwere taken out of context.ā In the interview, she goes on to say she was highlighting the hypocrisy of humanity in that moment in history. According to GascĆ³n, what she noticed during that time was that only after Floydās death did people care about him, but prior to his death, they did not help him or care about his struggles.
āI do not identify with any political party and I have my own opinions about issues that might have been one thing in the past, but have now shifted because I have learned many things about respect, love and with the spiritual practice of Buddhism,ā said GascĆ³n.
In the interview, she also pulls the “I have a friend whoās Black, so Iām not racist,ā card by saying she has a very close family friend who is Muslim, in response to the line of questioning about her being Islamophobic and only through very heavy discussions with her, has GascĆ³n truly come to understand the implications of her words against the culture and religion, as well as theĀ differences between the cultures.Ā
“Emilia PerĆ©z” was already facing an upward battle to gain popularity, as it was a French production about MĆ©xico. Audiences criticized the film for various reasons and yet, it was still nominated for Best Picture, Critics Choice Award for Best Picture, Academy Award for Best Directing, and many others.
GascĆ³n deleted her X account shortly after the tweets were discovered and is now facing the cold shoulder from Netflix. Variety and THR, reported that the streaming giant is no longer directly communicating with GascĆ³n ā only through representatives.
Whether or not this is a witch hunt for a trans actress at the height of her career, GascĆ³n now has first-hand experience in dealing with what it means to misuse a platform by sharing her views on issues she said herself, she did not understand.
Out & About
Camp Rehoboth Theatre Company kicks off new season
Poetry jam to be followed by ‘5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche’

CAMP Rehoboth Theatre Company will kick off its 2025 season with its first-ever poetry jam followed by a full-stage production of ā5 Lesbians Eating a Quicheā on Friday, Feb. 21 at 5 p.m. at CAMP Rehoboth’s Elkins-Archibald Atrium.
CAMP Rehoboth Poetry Jam Poets / Performers include: Debbie Bricker, Kari Ebert, Shelley Blue Grabel, Lavance John, Vanita Leatherwood, Syd Linders, Ellie Maher, Jane Miller, Gwen Osborne, Coco Silveira, Guillermo Silverira, Laura Unruh, Paul Unruh, and Sherri Wright.
ā5 Lesbians Eating A Quiche,ā which will run from March 7-9 debuted at CAMP Rehoboth in fall of 2022, and features returning cast members Karen Laitman, Kelly Sheridan, Gwen Osborne, Darcy Vollero, and Shelley Kingsbury, and is directed by Teri Seaton. The absurdist comedy follows the Susan B. Anthony Society for the Sisters of Gertrude Stein having their annual quiche breakfast in 1956. Winner of the 2012 NYC International Fringe Festival as Best Overall Production, ā5 Lesbians Eating A Quicheā is a tasty recipe of hysterical laughs, sexual innuendos, unsuccessful repressions, and delicious discoveries. For more information, visit CAMP Rehobothās website.

Friday, February 7
āCenter Aging Friday Tea Timeā will be at 2 p.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more details, email [email protected].Ā
Go Gay DC will host āFirst Friday LGBTQ+ Community Social in the Cityā at 7 p.m. at P.F. Changs. This event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, February 8
Go Gay DC will host āLGBTQ+ Community Brunchā at 11 a.m. at Freddieās Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
āFashion Freewayā will be at 11 a.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. Guests will have the opportunity to check out the clothing closet. Clothes, shoes, accessories, and other items will be available. For more details, email [email protected].Ā
Sunday, February 9
Go Gay DC will host āLGBTQ+ Community Dinnerā at 6:30 p.m. at Federico Ristorante Italiano. Guests are encouraged to come enjoy an evening of Italian-style dining and conversation with other LGBTQ folk. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Go Gay DC will host āLGBTQ+ Coffee and Conversationā at 12 p.m. at As You Are. This event is ideal for making meaningful new connections and informal community building. Or just to unwind and enjoy the group happy hour. Fabulous people from all over the world are expected. Nametags will be provided. This event is free to attend and more details are available on Eventbrite.Ā
Monday, February 10
āCenter Aging Monday Coffee & Conversationā will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more details, email [email protected].Ā
Genderqueer DC will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a support group for people who identify outside of the gender binary. Whether youāre bigender, agender, genderfluid, or just know that youāre not 100% cis. For more details, visit genderqueerdc.org or Facebook.Ā
Tuesday, February 11
Coming Out Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a safe space to share experiences about coming out and discuss topics as it relates to doing so. By sharing struggles and victories the group allows those newly coming out and who have been out for a while to learn from others. For more details, email [email protected].Ā
Trans Support Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group is intended to provide emotionally and physically safe space for trans* people and those who may be questioning their gender identity/expression to join together in community and learn from one another.Ā For more details, email [email protected].Ā
Wednesday, February 12
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking ā allowing participants to move away from being merely āapplicantsā toward being ācandidates.ā For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.
Thursday, February 13
The DC Centerās Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.Ā
Virtual Yoga with Charles M. will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breath work, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Communityās website.
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