Local
Gay man sworn in as D.C. Marshal
Hughes recommended to President Obama by Del. Holmes Norton


Michael Hughes was sworn in on Jan. 13 as U.S. Marshal for the D.C. Superior Court. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
With more than two dozen family members and friends looking on, veteran U.S. Marshal Service official Michael Hughes was sworn in on Jan. 13 as U.S. Marshal for the D.C. Superior Court, becoming the second out gay person to hold such a position.
D.C. Court of Appeals Chief Judge Eric Washington administered the oath of office for Hughes, 44, in a courtroom ceremony crowded with well-wishers, including D.C. congressional Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D).
Norton recommended Hughes for the appointment to President Barack Obama, who placed Hughes’ name in nomination for the post before the U.S. Senate last September. The Senate confirmed the appointment on Nov. 18.
“I am just so honored and privileged to be serving in this role,” Hughes told the Blade after the ceremony. “This is a fantastic opportunity for me and I’m just ecstatic at this moment for the opportunity that’s been afforded to me by the president and Congresswoman Norton and the whole community.”
Hughes’ appointment came nearly two years after Obama appointed and the Senate confirmed Minneapolis Assistant Police Chief Sharon Lubinski as the nation’s first openly gay U.S. Marshal. Lubinski also became Minnesota’s first female U.S. marshal.
Norton noted that Obama has granted her appointment recommendation privileges that presidents traditionally give to the senior U.S. senator of every state who is a member of the same political party as the president. Although presidents make the final decision on whom to appoint to key federal positions, they traditionally have given great weight to the recommendations of senators and, in this case, to Norton.
Hughes, a career U.S. Marshal Service official, will be in charge of overseeing the security at the D.C. Superior Court and D.C. Court of Appeals along with the safety and protection of judges. He’s also in charge of the transportation and housing of fugitives and the protection of witnesses.
He told the Blade he has been active in a program that provides support for LGBT partners and family members of local law enforcement officers, including D.C. police, who lose their lives in the line of duty.
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.
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