Arts & Entertainment
Queery: Mikey Torres
The Glitterlust lead singer answers 20 gay questions
Mikey Torres (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
Mikey Torres and his boyfriend of five years Dan Sherwood are both into music, albeit of wildly different varieties — Torres is the front man of local band Glitterlust, a queer outfit he says is a cross between Marilyn Manson and Scissor Sisters. Sherwood is an opera singer.
“We don’t perform together or collaborate musically,” Torres says with a laugh. “He tries to educate me on things whereas I taught myself every instrument I know. He’s much more a musician. I see myself as an entertainer where it’s all about music, sets and costumes. In the band, we don’t take ourselves too seriously.”
Glitterlust, which formed last April and debuted at last year’s Phase Fest, is Torres, lesbian guitarist Liz Wooley and bi bassist Chris Roudiez. They perform mostly Torres’ originals but occasionally do covers. They have two upcoming appearances — look for them at Homopolitan at Velvet Lounge (915 U St., N.W.) on Feb. 18 where they’ll co-headline with burlesque outfit D.C. Gurley Show and lesbian R&B group the CooLots (Doors at 8, show at 9; $8 tickets available at the door, 21 and up). And on Thursday they’ll open ’80s night at Chief Ike’s Mambo Room (1725 Columbia Rd., N.W.) at 8 p.m.
Torres says he likes to explore the nuances of gay life, especially sex, from a queer perspective.
“I think it’s an artist’s job to question what’s put out there for us,” he says. “Ultimately art is not a statement, it’s a question mark. You can’t close everybody in the hetero-normative bubble.”
The band put out an EP last year called “Beautiful Noise” on Band Camp. They’re working on an indie album — tentatively called “Chaos Magic” — for release this year. All three members work day jobs — Torres is sous chef at Dupont Circle hotel The Beacon. They play in the region about three times per month.
“If success comes, we certainly won’t turn it down but I think we’re really lucky to live in a time when the record contract is not the ultimate goal,” he says.
Torres and Sherwood live together in Oxon Hill, Md. Torres enjoys music, cooking, sewing, crafts and “anything creative,” he says.
“I’m sort of a punk rock Martha Stewart.”
(Blade photos by Michael Key)
How long have you been out and who was the hardest person to tell?
I’ve been out pretty much my whole life, I wasn’t born, I sauntered out of the womb! The hardest person to tell was myself.
Who’s your LGBT hero?
Probably John Waters, while I love his sense of humor and creative quirkiness, he continues to be a pioneer and push the boundaries of American culture and cinema.
What’s Washington’s best nightspot, past or present?
Past, I’d say The Edge circa 2000-2002, I was a big raver back then and that club picked up where Tracks left off. Present, the 9:30 club, I’ve seen shows in there that have literally changed me as a person.
Describe your dream wedding.
I don’t really think I’ll ever get married, but if I did, it would be an 80’s-themed wedding with drag queen ushers dressed as ’80s icons like Molly Ringwald, ’80s Madonna and Boy George!
What non-LGBT issue are you most passionate about
Agriculture and food processing/labeling in America. I think we should tax junk food, soda and fast food and it should be illegal to sell those items in the public school system.
What historical outcome would you change?
The birth of Jesus. While I think all religions begin with the best intentions, as a gay person I also believe that religion has done far more harm than good to our community. I understand that most of the time it’s the extremists who are misinterpreting the context, however I think society as a whole would be far more evolved if we put our faith into science and art.
What’s been the most memorable pop culture moment of your lifetime?
The acquittal of Michael Jackson in 2005. I was working as a bartender at a chain restaurant at the time and all the TVs were on when it was announced. All the black people in the bar cheered while most of the white people protested and sneered. It was the first time I’d seen such direct and unapologetic racism.
On what do you insist?
Good manners and punctuality.
What was your last Facebook post or Tweet?
“Back from Vegas, I’d tell you all about it, but you know what they say!”
If your life were a book, what would the title be?
Larger than life is just the right size”
If science discovered a way to change sexual orientation, what would you do?
Feel pity for those not strong enough to endure their true nature.
What do you believe in beyond the physical world?
I believe that if there is a “God,” then it is an artist. I think to be creative is the closest you can get to really understanding God. I also believe that morality is a personal issue not a spiritual one. I don’t think any “spiritual” person has the right to tell you having sex or doing drugs is wrong.
What’s your advice for LGBT movement leaders?
To stop being afraid of offending some people. There are some great LGBT leaders out there, but most of them seem to be walking on political eggshells. We’re so worried about being seen as “normal,” the Human Rights Campaign wants the right wing to see us as heteronormative, monogamous white-picket fence-type families. I think it’s great that those types of gay families are out there, but we shouldn’t have to adapt to that ideal to get equal rights. There are plenty of successful non-monogamous couples, triads, open relationships, non-traditional families that are probably more “normal” and well adjusted than most straight families.
What would you walk across hot coals for?
The chance to go into space!
What LGBT stereotype annoys you most?
When someone thinks that because I’m gay I won’t fight back when you call me fag. I’m from P.G. County, I’m not afraid to stand up for myself.
What’s your favorite LGBT movie?
“The Trip.” I love how they weave in footage from critical moments in gay history.
What’s the most overrated social custom?
Saying “bless you” when someone sneezes. Just say “Shut up!”
What trophy or prize do you most covet?
Not really a prize, but I’d love to go on tour with my band and see the world while entertaining people.
What do you wish you’d known at 18?
Nothing. I think that everything happens for a reason and if you’re happy with where you are, you can’t bitch about how you got there!
Why Washington?
The more I travel, the more I realize how great D.C. is! We have so much history but also constantly evolving culture. In one day you can see the monuments, eat amazing Ethiopian food and see a great drag show! I love all the culture here, how you can meet people from all backgrounds and everyone has a story.
Books
‘Dogs of Venice’ looks at love lost and rediscovered
A solo holiday trip to Italy takes unexpected turn
‘The Dogs of Venice’
By Steven Crowley
c.2025, G.P. Putnam & Sons
$20/65 pages
One person.
Two, 12, 20, you can still feel alone in a crowded room if it’s a place you don’t want to be. People say, though, that that’s no way to do the holidays; you’re supposed to Make Merry, even when your heart’s not in it. You’re supposed to feel happy, no matter what – even when, as in “The Dogs of Venice” by Steven Rowley, the Christmas tinsel seems tarnished.
Right up until the plane door closed, Paul held hope that Darren would decide to come on the vacation they’d planned for and saved for, for months.
Alas, Darren was a no-show, which was not really a surprise. Three weeks before the departure, he’d announced that their marriage wasn’t working for him anymore, and that he wanted a divorce. Paul had said he was going on the vacation anyhow. Why waste a perfectly good flight, or an already-booked B&B? He was going to Venice.
Darren just rolled his eyes.
Was that a metaphor for their entire marriage? Darren had always accused Paul of wanting too much. He indicated now that he felt stifled. Still, Darren’s unhappiness hit Paul broadside and so there was Paul, alone in a romantic Italian city, fighting with an espresso machine in a loft owned by someone who looked like a frozen-food spokeswoman.
He couldn’t speak or understand Italian very well. He didn’t know his way around, and he got lost often. But he felt anchored by a dog.
The dog – he liked to call it his dog – was a random stray, like so many others wandering around Venice unleashed, but this dog’s confidence and insouciant manner inspired Paul. If a dog could be like that, well, why couldn’t he?
He knew he wasn’t unlovable but solo holidays stunk and he hated his situation. Maybe the dog had a lesson to teach him: could you live a wonderful life without someone to watch out for, pet, and care for you?
Pick up “The Dogs of Venice,” and you might think to yourself that it won’t take long to read. At under 100 pages, you’d be right – which just gives you time to turn around and read it again. Because you’ll want to.
In the same way that you poke your tongue at a sore tooth, author Steven Rowley makes you want to remember what it’s like to be the victim of a dead romance. You can do it here safely because you simply know that Paul is too nice for it to last too long. No spoilers, though, except to say that this novel is about love – gone, resurrected, misdirected – and it unfolds in exactly the way you hope it will. All in a neat evening’s worth of reading. Perfect.
One thing to note: the Christmas setting is incidental and could just as well be any season, which means that this book is timely, no matter when you want it. So grab “The Dogs of Venice,” enjoy it twice with your book group, with your love, or read it alone.
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a&e features
Local, last-minute holiday gift ideas
Celebrate the season while supporting area businesses
The DowntownDC Holiday Market is bustling. Union Station is decked out with its annual Christmas tree. Washingtonians have wrapped their houses and apartment balconies with festive lights and holiday decorations. The holiday season is here. And with stockings to fill and empty space under the tree, Washington’s local shops and artists have plenty to offer.
Show your LGBTQ and D.C. pride with the Washington Blade’s annual holiday gift guide.
To embrace the holiday buzz: The Blanco Nwèl cocktail from Alchy Cocktails. This Caribbean eggnog is one of Alchy Cocktail’s seasonal holiday cocktails. The flavor profile is similar to coquito, a traditional Puerto Rican Christmas drink with a coconut base. As a queer and Caribbean-owned business, Alchy Cocktails has been based out of Washington since 2021. Blanco Nwèl is available in both cocktail ($24) and mocktail ($12) online and at a variety of holiday markets, including the Tingey Plaza Holiday Market, the Flea Market at Eastern Market, Union Station’s Main Hall Holiday Market, and more. ($24)
A spicy bite: Gordy’s Cajun Okra from Salt and Sundry. These spicy, tangy pickles pull on Southern Cajun-style flavors, packing a punch with paprika, cayenne, and more. Gordy’s is an LGBTQ-owned and Washington-based brand, making this gift an opportunity to support a local LGBTQ business straight from the jar. This pantry staple is available on Salt & Sundry’s website and at its locations in Union Market, Logan Circle, and its Georgetown holiday pop-up store. ($14)
To celebrate Washington pride: The DC Landmark Tote Bag from The Neighborgoods. Native Washingtonians, visitors, friends and family alike will find something to love about this Washington-themed tote bag. Food trucks, the 9:30 Club, the Metro logo and pandas from the National Zoo are just some of the city’s landmarks depicted across the tote in a red, white, and blue color palette. The tote is a part of the DC Landmarks collection, which donates 10 percent of its sales to the American Civil Liberties Union. The Neighborgoods itself is a local, woman-owned business built out of a passion for screen-printing in 2013. The 100 percent cotton canvas tote is for sale online or at the DowntownDC Holiday Market. ($22)
To give friends and family their flowers: The Flowers Bandana from All Very Goods. This 100 percent cotton bandana was designed in Washington and hand printed in India. Its uniqueness comes in being covered with the faces of Black women, representing a “love letter to all women but especially Black women,” according to All Very Goods. The Black woman-owned and operated business, based out of Northwest Washington, has a mission to celebrate diversity and representation through its products. The bandana intends to give Black women their “flowers.” The Flowers bandana is available for purchase online. ($24)
To unlock culinary creativity: The Curious Chef Gift Collection from Each Peach Market. This customizable collection of kitchen oddities — ranging from tinned fish to chili oil — is a quirky gift for the most inventive chefs. The collection is available in a Standard Santa, Extra Goodies and Super Holiday Size for up to $165. The Washington-based market, founded in 2013, permits customers to make the collection special by specifying what unique ingredients are packaged, including products made by local or LGBTQ brands. Each Peach Market offers assembly and pick up in-person at its Mount Pleasant shop and also offers local delivery and nationwide shipping via its website. ($85)
To give a touch of sweetness: The DC Landmark Chocolate Covered Oreo Holiday Cookies from Capital Candy Jar. Wrapped in a festive red bow, this box of nine cookies embraces love for Washington and the holiday season in one. Among the dark and milk chocolate covered cookies are images of the U.S. Capitol, the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial and festive hollies. The treat, packaged in a Hill East facility just a few blocks from the Capitol, is available for purchase online and at the DowntownDC Holiday Market. ($23.95)
To celebrate queer gaming: Thirsty Sword Lesbians from Labyrinth Games & Puzzles. This roleplaying game embraces lesbian culture by unlocking a world of swords, romance, and battle. Ideal for group settings, the book presents a system of world building and character identities that are best brought to life by creative minds. Labyrinth, which has been a local Washington business for more than 15 years, celebrates non-digital fun through games and puzzles that connect the community. This gift is offered online and at Labyrinth’s Capitol Hill location. ($29.99)
To make a bold statement: The “Resist” T-shirt from Propper Topper. This locally screen-printed black tee features the Washington flag designed within a raised fist, symbolizing both Washington pride, and political resistance. The shirt is made exclusively by Propper Topper, a local Washington business that evolved from a hat shop to a gift store since opening in 1990. The tri-blend unisex shirt is available both for pickup at Propper Topper’s Cathedral Heights location and shipping via the online site. ($32)
To keep it c(g)lassy: The Glass Ball earrings from Blue Moon Aquarius. Gifting can rarely go wrong when it comes to a new pair of earrings. The unique statement earrings — made of polymer clay, glass, and 18k gold plating over surgical steel — are hand cut, sanded and assembled in Washington, meaning each set is unique. Blue Moon Aquarius, a local brand, is known for its small batch jewelry and home decor designed with clay materials. Available in oxblood, hunter green, lavender, and bluestone color palettes, these earrings are available for purchase on Blue Moon Aquarius’ website and at the DowntownDC Holiday Market. ($48)
To elevate a holiday tea or charcuterie party: The Honey Flight: Tea Lover’s Selection from BannerBee. This local honey company presents the ideal gift to make cozying up with a cup of tea slightly more special. The Honey Flight contains three types of raw wildflower honey infused with fair trade Ugandan vanilla bean, chai spices, and locally sourced lemon thyme herb. The gift is also an opportunity to uplift a family company based in the Mid-Atlantic that offers all-natural, sustainable products. The flight is available online, at the DowntownDC Holiday Market or at the Arlington Courthouse and Dupont Farmers’ Markets. ($36)
For Baltimore shoppers: If you’re in Charm City, don’t miss Balston Mercantile, opened by a gay couple in June. Their gorgeous shop in the Hampden neighborhood offers an array of unique, upscale finds, from barware and artwork to cookbooks and home decor and more. (849 W. 36th St.)
Impulse Group DC held “10’s Across the Board: A Celebration of 10 Years” at Bravo Bravo (1001 Connecticut Ave., N.W.) on Sunday, Dec. 14. Impulse Group DC is a volunteer-led 501(c)(3) and affinity group of AIDS Healthcare Foundation dedicated “to engaging, supporting, and connecting gay men” through culturally relevant health and advocacy work.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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