Local
Lawmakers weigh in on Md. marriage bill
Clippinger, one of eight openly gay or lesbian members of the Maryland Legislature, is optimistic the marriage bill will pass
Openly gay Md. lawmaker Luke Clippinger is optimistic. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)
Just as the 2012 Maryland General Assembly got underway, Senate President Thomas V. “Mike” Miller and House Speaker Michael Busch—both Democrats—appeared on the Marc Steiner radio show to discuss the chances of marriage equality passing during the session. Busch, who represents Anne Arundel County, sees same-sex marriage as inevitable. But he said, “You will have to convince about 10 people” who ostensibly favor civil unions but not marriage to change their position from last year.
For his part, Miller, who represents Calvert County, opposes same-sex marriage, calling himself a “traditionalist.” He would not stand in the way of a vote nor would he try to influence the outcome, he said. Miller conceded the 25-21 vote in the Senate last year to advance the measure would likely hold up again this time. However, he warned that if the legislation passes both houses and is signed into law it will likely be overturned through a referendum.
Miller predicted that “a coming together of Evangelicals, Catholics, African Americans” will oppose the measure. “If it goes to polls, the other side is more motivated, and I think they will get their voters out, and I think it goes down to defeat.”
Luke Clippinger, one of eight openly gay or lesbian members of the Maryland Legislature—the highest total of any state in the U.S.—is optimistic the marriage bill will pass.
“The establishment of Marylanders for Marriage Equality is a big step forward as we move forward on marriage equality legislation in the 2012 session,” Clippinger said. “The work that is being done now is laying down the foundation for defending the bill at referendum, if the legislation actually goes to referendum. The coalition has field organizers in key districts. The coalition also has the benefit of polling, of media advisers, of people with statewide political experience, and of a finance committee that has already raised a considerable amount of money. All of these things—field, polling, media, experience, finance—are essential parts of a successful campaign and they are already in place.” He added, “We are only hampered by those people who do nothing other than doubt that we can do this.”
Clippinger, an assistant state’s attorney from Anne Arundel County, is in his second year as a delegate. He represents the 46th District that encompasses such southeastern Baltimore neighborhoods as Canton, Little Italy, Federal Hill, Fells Point, Patterson Park and Locust Point.
Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Summer Kickoff Party set for May 15 with Ashley Biden
The Washington Blade’s 19th annual Summer Kickoff Party is scheduled for Friday, May 15 in Rehoboth Beach, Del.
Ashley Biden, daughter of President Joe Biden, has joined the list of speakers, the Blade announced. She will accept an award on behalf of her brother Beau Biden for his LGBTQ advocacy work as Delaware attorney general. (Her appearance was rescheduled from last year.)
The event, to be held this year at Diego’s (37298 Rehoboth Ave. Ext.) from 5-7 p.m., is a fundraiser for the Blade Foundation’s Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism, which funds a summer position reporting on LGBTQ news in Delaware. This year’s recipient will be introduced at the event.
The event will also feature remarks from state Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall. New CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Dr. Robin Brennan and Blade editor Kevin Naff will also speak. The event is generously sponsored by Realtor Justin Noble, The Avenue Inn & Spa, and Diego’s.
A suggested donation of $25 is partially tax deductible and includes a drink ticket and light appetizers. Tickets are available in advance at bladefoundation.org/rehoboth or at the door.
District of Columbia
Curve magazine honors Washington Blade publisher
Lynne Brown named to 2026 Power List
Washington Blade Publisher Lynne Brown has been named to the 2026 Curve Power List celebrating LGBTQ+ women and nonbinary individuals in North America who are blazing trails in their chosen fields.
“From sports and entertainment icons to corporate leaders and lawmakers, these individuals are breaking barriers, challenging norms, and shaping the future,” Curve Foundation/Curve magazine said in announcing this year’s list, which includes ABC newscaster Robin Roberts, comedian/actress Hannah Einbinder, and singer/actress Renee Rapp, among others.
Brown has worked for the Washington Blade for nearly 40 years. She was named publisher in 2007 before becoming a co-owner in 2010.
“I am honored to be recognized by Curve magazine during Lesbian Visibility Week,” Brown said. “Receiving this Curve honor is twofold. I was an early subscriber to Curve. I enjoy the product and know its history. Its journalism, layout and humorous features have inspired me.
“As an owner/publisher, receiving recognition from a similar source acknowledges my work and efforts, with a sincerity I truly appreciate. Franco Stevens, the publisher of Curve, is a business person of duration, experience, and purpose. The fact that they are in the media business, and honoring me and my publication makes it a tiny bit sweeter.”
Nominations for the Curve Power List come from the community: peers, mentors, fans, and employers.
Curve explained the significance of the list in its announcement: “An annual, publicly nominated list of impactful LGBTQ+ women and nonbinary changemakers is crucial in current times to counter discrimination, legislative rollbacks, hostility, and the invisibility of queer women within mainstream and marginal spaces and endeavors. Such a list also fosters encouragement and solidarity, and elevates voices and achievements—from high-profile roles to under appreciated areas of life.”
Rehoboth Beach
Auction of Rehoboth’s Blue Moon canceled
Details on sale of iconic bar, restaurant not disclosed
The Blue Moon in Rehoboth Beach, Del., has been an iconic presence in the local LGBTQ community for four decades but its status remains murky after a sheriff’s auction of the property was abruptly called off on Tuesday.
The property was listed for sale in December. At that time, owner Tim Ragan told the Blade that he is committed to preserving its legacy as a gay-friendly space.
“We had no idea the interest this would create,” Ragan said in December. “I guess I was a little naive about that.”
Ragan explained that he and longtime partner Randy Haney were separating the real estate from the business. The two buildings associated with the sale were listed by Carrie Lingo at 35 Baltimore Ave., and include an apartment, the front restaurant (6,600 square feet with three floors and a basement), and a secondary building (roughly 1,800 square feet on two floors). They were listed for $4.5 million.
The bar and restaurant business is being sold separately; the price was not publicly disclosed.
But then, earlier this year, the Blue Moon real estate listing turned up on the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office auction site. The auction was slated for Tuesday, April 21 but hours before the sale, the listing changed to “active under contract” indicating that a buyer has been found but the sale is not yet final. As of Wednesday morning, the listing has been removed from the sheriff’s auction site.
Ragan didn’t respond to Blade inquiries about the auction. Back in December, he told the Blade, “It’s time to look for the next people who can continue the history of the Moon and cultivate the next chapter,” noting that he turns 70 this year. “We’re not panicked; we separated the building from the business. Some buyers can’t afford both.”
The identity of the buyer was not disclosed, nor was the sale price.
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