Local
Trans woman reports rape in D.C. shelter
19-year-old male resident of same group home arrested for assault
D.C. police on Nov. 26 arrested a 19-year-old male resident of a group home for abused and neglected youth for allegedly sexually assaulting a transgender woman of the same age who also lived in the home.
Records filed in D.C. Superior Court show that police charged James Cottom with first-degree sexual abuse against the transgender woman at the Saga Adventures group home at 2808 Pomeroy Rd., S.E.
A police arrest affidavit says the woman told police she was asleep in her bed in an upper floor bedroom when she was awakened by Cottom, who was “standing next to her bed looking at her and holding an orange condom wrapper and some lubricant.”
MORE IN THE BLADE: TRANS ACTIVISTS HOLD PROTEST OUTSIDE POLICE, US ATTORNEY OFFICES
The affidavit says the woman told him, “What are you doing in my room? Get out.” It says Cottom replied, “I want to fuck.”
According to the affidavit, the woman attempted to run out of the room but Cottom grabbed her, threw her onto the bed, and forced her to engage in receptive anal intercourse while she struggled to break free. It says Cottom, who wore a condom during the assault, fled the room after the woman managed to call another resident in the house for help on her phone.
The affidavit says the person whom the trans woman called for help called police a short time later. It says the woman “positively identified” Cottom as the person who assaulted her, and police arrested him on the scene.
Arnett Smith, administrator of the Saga Adventures house, confirmed that the incident occurred at the house. He said the D.C. Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA), which places children and youth at the house, transferred Cottom to another city-approved youth facility while he awaits trial.
The CFSA website says it serves as the city’s public child and youth welfare agency responsible for children and youth at risk of abuse and neglect in their homes. It says when the agency determines children and youth aren’t safe in their homes, it places them in foster care or facilities such as group homes.
D.C. transgender activist Earline Budd, an official with the local organization Transgender Health Empowerment, has expressed concern that transgender youth placed in city and private shelters and group homes have often encountered abuse and violence from other residents of the facilities.
Budd and other transgender activists have called on the city to take steps to protect transgender residents of shelters and group homes.
When asked if the group homes operated by Saga Adventures provide adequate security for LGBT residents, Smith said they do.
“You can rest assured that the people are safe there,” he said.
But when asked how his security arrangements enabled one resident of his group home to sexually assault another, he declined to comment, saying strict rules of confidentiality for the juvenile residents of the facility prevented him from discussing a specific case.
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.
PDAB: A mysterious acronym that could affect your health
I make more money than my partner and getting resentful
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
TRAITOR: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has blood on his hands
Potential Pope Francis successor views homosexuality as an ‘abomination’
Jacob Elordi rides high in ‘On Swift Horses’
Liberal Party wins Canadian election
