Miscellaneous
Queery: Aaron Riggins
The local travel guru and Nine bartender answers 20 gay questions

Aaron Riggins wears a lot of gay hats. He tends bar at Number Nine, hosts the WTF parties at Town, coordinates the monthly Homo Hotel Happy Hour each month (itās usually the third Thursday) and is working on launching Floq Travel, an agency he hopes will give gay men travel opportunities to destinations they may not be as likely to visit on their own.
āItās for urban destinations theyāre not currently flocking to but should be because they have rich culture, history, nightlife, culinary scenes and so on,ā the 28-year-old Jacksonville, Fla., native says. āIām thinking of places like Mexico City, Istanbul, Tel Aviv. ā¦ I was in Mexico City for Pride last year and was completely blown away by the volume of people, the energy. It was a completely different experience from the Prides Iāve been to in the U.S.ā
Riggins, whoās worked in Washingtonās travel industry since he came here in 2006, hopes to launch his first trip in June to Mexico City. In the meantime, he tends bar three nights a week and enjoys planning his events. So is he a party animal by nature? Riggins says not especially.
āThereās a difference between hosting a party and making yourself vulnerable to someone,ā he says. āI think itās more the bringing people together I enjoy. I have the same insecurities as everyone else.ā
Heās launching a new party called Pop Goes the World on the third Friday of each month at Green Lantern. Heāll co-DJ and will feature pop music from around the world. It ties into the concept behind Floq as well.
āThe idea is that there are destinations that might seem a little daunting to do by yourself,ā he says. āItās so easy to just keep going back to Provincetown but I like the idea of us dispersing a little.ā
WTF happens three-to-four times per year and is always the night before a federal holiday. Visit homohotelhappyhour.com for information on all of Rigginsā activities.
Heās single and lives in the U Street corridor. He enjoys traveling, cooking and fitness in his free time. (Blade photos by Michael Key)
How long have you been out and who was the hardest person to tell?Ā
I first came out to friends at 15 when I was a sophomore in high school. The most difficult, but rewarding coming out experience was with my mother when I was 16. Ā Considering her conservative tendencies, the outcome continues to be much better than it could have been otherwise
Who’s your LGBT hero?
I have to cheat and choose two. There are quite a few heroic and courageous LGBT activists who have relentlessly fought for the rights we enjoy today. Even before there was a major motion picture about him, I had always admired Harvey Milkās courage and passion. On a more local and personal level, Shea Van Horn has been a hero for me. Like no one else, Shea has taught me to be myself, be diplomatic and to be a great friend.
What’s Washington’s best nightspot, past or present?Ā
Warning: Shameless self-promotion. Washingtonās best nightspot is my āWTFā party with Ed Bailey at Town Danceboutique on the day before any federal holiday. The energy and programming are always ridiculous and so much fun. The next one is Jan. 15.
Describe your dream wedding.
Strangely, I havenāt given this much thought. I suppose my dream wedding would be a relatively small destination wedding somewhere on the Mediterranean. I wouldnāt need much, just my future husband, my closest friends and my family.
What non-LGBT issue are you most passionate about?
Recently, Iāve been traveling to Mexico and Colombia quite a bit. Iāve met several people from these countries whose lives and families have been so adversely affected by the violence and death resulting from the war on drugs. I hope to see progress on that front very soon.
What historical outcome would you change? Ā
The series āSummer Heights Highā only airing one season.
What’s been the most memorable pop culture moment of your lifetime?
As clichĆ© and predictable as this now is, Iād have to say the rise of Lady Gaga. She is an amalgam and the epitome of everything pop culture over the last few decades. It seems she is trying to be a positive voice for the LGBT community.
On what do you insist?
People treating each other respectfully.
What was your last Facebook post or Tweet?
I think a song by Lana Del Ray, one of my favorite new artists.
If your life were a book, what would the title be?
A travel narrative with āWanderlustā somewhere in the title.
If science discovered a way to change sexual orientation, what would you do?
Find a way to make Rick Santorum gay, if he isnāt already.
What do you believe in beyond the physical world?Ā
Magic and unicorns
What’s your advice for LGBT movement leaders?
I donāt think LGBT movement leaders need any advice from me. Iād like to say thanks and just keep going!
What would you walk across hot coals for?
My friends.
What LGBT stereotype annoys you most?
See the American Family Association websiteās āHomosexual Agendaā section and take your pick.
What’s your favorite LGBT movie?
āLe Fate Ignorati.ā Itās an Italian film about a woman who discovers her suddenly deceased husband has been living a separate life with a male lover. While searching for the truth, she finds herself woven into his other life and becoming close with her husbandās friends. The film is a great example of the strength of the non-traditional family so often found in the LGBT community.
What’s the most overrated social custom?
I hate waiting until all of the food has arrived at the table to begin eating.
What trophy or prize do you most covet?
Global Services status on United Airlines.
What do you wish you’d known at 18?
That everything was going to be OK.
Why Washington?Ā
Washington, D.C. is a dynamic community of highly educated and ambitious individuals from all over the world. There are endless opportunities for culture and creativity. It keeps me engaged, on my toes and I canāt imagine myself living in many other cities in the U.S.
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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