Living
Plan now for summer camps
Local schools, centers welcome LGBT families for season’s activities

Summer may still be a few months away, but many area camps are already filling up. Here are a few LGBT-welcoming places to check out.
Adventure Theatre (7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo) has a summer camp for children ages 6 to 15. There are six sessions, including a mini session at the beginning of the summer. The mini session lasts a week, while the regular sessions last two weeks, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The sessions end in four full-scale productions with costumes and props on the theater’s main stage.
The mini session is $400 plus a $14 registration fee and the two-week sessions are $800 plus the registration fee. There is also before and after care available at an addition price.
For more information and to begin registration, visit adventuretheatre.org.
Silver Stars Gymnastics has two locations in the area in Silver Spring (2701 Pittman Drive) and Bowie (14201 Woodcliff Court) with summer camp programs for children ages 3 and a half to 15.
Silver Stars gives kids the opportunity to learn cartwheels, navigate the monkey bars and climb the ropes. There are also nine different trampolines for children to safely learn to jump, tuck, twist and flip.
Full days run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with half days running from 9 a.m. to noon. Sessions last a week and are $290 for full day and $220 for half day with the exception of the week of July 4, which is $220 full day and $160 full day.
Parents also have the option for extended mornings for an additional $25 a week and extended afternoons for an additional $50 a week.
For more information, visit gosilverstars.com.
CommuniKids Preschool and Children Language Center offers Spanish, French, Mandarin and Arabic Immersion summer camps for children ages 2 and a half to 6.
The D.C. location (4719 Wisconsin Ave., N.W.) offers a Spanish immersion camp for children ages 2 and a half to 6. The Falls Church location (510 N. Washington St.) offers Spanish and French for children ages 2 and a half to 6 and Arabic and Mandarin Chinese for children ages 3 to 6. Both locations offer morning and afternoon extended care.
Each session, starting July 16, runs a week, with half-day and full-day options. A full-day session, running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., ranges from $375 to $400 and a half-day session, running from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., is $250.00. Before care, starting at 8 a.m. is an additional $20 per session while after care, ending at 6 p.m., is an additional $50 per session.
For more information and to see multi-session discounts, visit communikids.com.
Georgetown Day School offers many different camps, including an option to design your own camp.
For children in pre-school up to fifth grade, there is a day camp that runs from June 18 to Aug. 17. There are also sports camps, including soccer from July 2 to 13, a multi-sports camp from July 16 to 27 and basketball camp from July 30 to Aug. 3. There’s a math camp from June 18 to 29, various music programs running throughout the summer and a typing program. Camps range from $165 to $395 a week with varying times.
Teens rising to sixth grade up to 12th grade have their own programs. There’s a dance camp from June 18 to 29 for different levels, theater camps focusing on acting, the technical side and playwriting from July 27 to Aug. 10, music camps throughout the summer, film and animation from Aug. 20 to 24 and a service learning camp.
For more information and to register, visit gds.org. Camp locations and prices vary based on program.
The YMCA in D.C. offers a variety of camps for kids of all ages.
There’s Camp Sampler, which allows campers to experience programs from other camps, Cooking Delight, where campers learn the basics of cooking and nutrition and Medieval Madness where campers learn about the Middles ages by building castles, moats and playing games.
There are also specialty camps such as Active Arcade where campers play interactive video games like Wii Sports and Dance Dance Revolution, Creative Writing for those future novelists and Harry Potter Wizardy where campers can practice Quidditch, get sorted into a house and more.
The YMCA also offers sports camps, dance camps, art camps and more.
Prices vary based on program and membership with the YMCA. For more information, visit ymcadc.org.
The Lowell School (1640 Kalmia Rd., N.W.) has camps for children ages 3 to 14 beginning June 18.
The summer program is divided into two three-week sessions where campers will be able to participate in several activities each day. Campers in third grade through sixth grade will choose two interest areas in the morning and will spend three weeks focusing on more specialized skills that pertain to that activity.
After a lunch and some free time, campers spend the afternoon by choosing from the “jamboree,” a selection of activities that dance daily. The afternoon activities could include playing kickball, baking brownies or learning to jump double dutch. Campers will also have access to the indoor pool.
There is an application fee of $65 per camper plus a $150 tuition deposit. Each three-week session ranges from $730 to $1,465. There additional charges for after care and other options.
The Green Acres School (11701 Danville Drive, Rockville) has three different camp programs.
The Kreative Kangaroo program is one six-week session from June 18 to July 27. Younger children are introduced to summer camp with a mix of indoor and outdoor activities including science, arts and crafts, swimming and more. These campers must be 4 by Sept. 1.
The Junior Camp Program is one six-week session, also from June 18 to July 27, divided into four units, Unit D acting as a bridge between Junior Camp and Senior Camp. In this program, campers can pursue a special interest and even develop a new one. Activities are chosen on a daily basis. Each unit has a Special Day, when the activities revolve around a particular theme and Units B and C stay late on campus.
The Senior Camp Program is two sessions, June 18 to July 6 and July 9 to July 27. This program is for campers entering fourth to seventh grade. They design their own schedules based on their interests. At least 10 different activities are offered for each of the afternoon workshop periods. They change daily and are chosen the day before. This program also includes day trips and overnights, including a weekly field trip for campers in Units G and H.
Tuition is $2,370 for the six-week sessions, $1,325 for the first senior camp session and $1,500 for the second senior camp session. There is also a $60 application fee, $225 tuition deposit and various other camp fees.
For more information, visit greenacres.org.
Real Estate
April showers bring May flowers in life — and in real estate
Third time’s the charm for buyer plagued with problems

Working in the real estate sector in D.C. can be as uniquely “D.C.” as the residents feel about their own city. On any given day, someone could be selling a home that their grandmother bought, passed on to the relatives, and the transfer of generational wealth continues. In that same transaction, the beginning steps of building of generational wealth could be taking place.
Across town, an international buyer could be looking for a condo with very specific characteristics that remind them of the way things are “back home.” Maybe they want to live in a building with a pool because they grew up by the sea. Maybe they want a large kitchen so they can cook grandma’s recipes. Maybe they will be on MSNBC once a month and need to have a home office fit for those Zoom sessions where they will be live on air, or recording their podcast. Perhaps they play the saxophone and want a building with thick walls so they can make a joyful noise without causing their neighbors to file a cease-and-desist order.
What I found fascinating was getting to know my buyers. Why were they purchasing their property? What did they want to do with it? Was this their grandmother’s dream that they would have a place of their own someday? Did they finally think they would write that award-winning play in the home office? What dreams were going to be fulfilled while taking part in this transaction?
Somedays, the muck and paperwork slog of navigating home inspection items and financing checklists could get to be distracting at best, and almost downright disheartening at worst.
One of my clients was under contract on THREE places before we finally closed on a home. One building was discovered to have financing issues, and the residents were not keeping up with their condo fees. Another building had an issue with the title to the unit, which meant the seller could not sell the home for at least another year until that legal snag was resolved. As the months rolled by, she was losing heart and feeling defeated. When we finally found the third home, everything seemed great – and then about two weeks before the settlement, the rains came down and the windows leaked into the bedrooms.
Another delay. (Our THIRD). This time, for several more weeks.
I think she wanted to pack a suitcase, go to the airport, get on a plane somewhere and never come back. What ultimately happened? The building repaired the windows, the seller’s insurance replaced the hardwood floors, and she bought her first condo, which she still enjoys to this day.
As Dolly Parton says, “If you want the rainbow, you’ve got to put up with a little rain.” And finally, after months of looking, waiting, and overcoming obstacles, the rainbow peeked out from behind the clouds.
Joseph Hudson is a referral agent with Metro Referrals. He can be reached at 703-587-0597 or [email protected].
Autos
Sporty sedans: BMW 530i xDrive, Mercedes AMG CLA 3
Tariffs are here and the result is financial chaos

It’s official: Tariffs are here, and the result is financial chaos.
So, what to do when purchasing a new vehicle? If you need one in the not-so-distant future, buy sooner (like yesterday) rather than later. Expect prices to rise quickly, as inventory dwindles, demand soars, and automaker incentives evaporate. Of course, if a new ride isn’t a priority for at least a year or three, then hold off until the dust settles.
But for those of you looking for new wheels now, I recently drove two sport sedans that were a pleasant reprieve from the usual plethora of pickups, minivans, and SUVs.
BMW 530i xDRIVE
$63,000
MPG: 28 city/35 highway
0 to 60 mph: 5.5 seconds
Cargo space: 18.4 cu. ft.
PROS: Rakish looks. Race-car vibe. Rock-star amenities.
CONS: Rad-but-quirky infotainment system. Rich price.
IN A NUTSHELL: Classic good looks, from the iconic grille and swept-back headlights to chiseled side panels and a tasteful tush. For a gearhead like me, the BMW 530i xDrive — completely redesigned last year — is as rapturous as Michelangelo’s David. Everything here is in proportion, from the design to the drivetrain, which — along with a gutsy 255-hp turbo and all-wheel drive — helps deliver a divine experience behind the wheel. Even better, my test car came equipped with the heavenly M-Sport Package: 21-inch wheels, athletic suspension, and assorted styling upgrades.
A tech-laden cabin is outfitted with a sparkly 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. With the windshield head-up display and a slew of knobs and toggle switches in the center console and on the steering wheel, I wondered if this is how it feels to pilot the Space Shuttle. There is even a back-lit interaction bar with touch-sensitive controls to adjust vent direction and other climate control settings.
All this gadgetry takes some getting used to, but the overall effect is dazzling. While a 12-speaker Harman Kardon stereo comes standard, I was jammin’ to the 16-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio. Of course, such options add up quickly (on my test car, the extras totaled $13,000).
Just how fun is this car? In my favorite episode of “Hacks,” sassy Jean Smart drives a rockin’ Rolls Royce Wraith. Trust me, this four-door BMW is every bit the badass as that $300,000 super coupe.
MERCEDES AMG CLA 35

$58,000
MPG: 22 city/29 highway
0 to 60 mph: 4.8 seconds
Cargo space: 11.6 cu. ft.
PROS: Slick styling. Spiffy cabin. Sublime seats.
CONS: Smallish trunk. So-so rear headroom and legroom.
IN A NUTSHELL: Need a smaller sedan that’s just as marvy as the midsize BMW i530? Look no further than the compact Mercedes CLA-Class, which is 14 inches shorter. That’s a benefit when jockeying for parking or navigating rush hour.
Another plus: This is Mercedes’s least expensive sedan, available in three trim levels. All come with the same potent turbo but in varying power levels. The base model starts at $46,000, but I tested the first of two high-performance versions: the AMG CLA 35, which costs $12,000 more. You can open your wallet even further to snag the $67,000 AMG CLA 45.
But why bother? The AMG CLA 35 is plenty quick — faster than the BMW i530 — and boasts sport-tuned brakes, deft handling and a gritty-sounding exhaust system. The laundry list of standard features includes all-wheel drive, automated parking, gobs of the latest safety gizmos and even something called “safe-exit assist,” which prevents passengers from opening a door into traffic or speeding cyclists.
The interior is pure Mercedes, with top-notch materials, customizable ambient lighting and Burmester surround-sound audio. The overall layout—sleek and modern, but with elegant stitching in the seats and on the door panels and dashboard—is comfortable and user-friendly. Digital displays and touchscreens are similar to what’s in the BMW i530, just smaller.
Size matters, of course, which is why this vehicle’s shorter length can be a blessing but also a curse, especially when trying to squeeze passengers with longer legs into the backseats. And the dramatically sloped roofline, attractive from the outside, limits the amount of rear headroom and cargo space. Thank the automotive gods for panoramic sunroofs, which—at least for anyone in the front seats—makes this cabin feel surprisingly spacious.
Real Estate
Spring updates to sell your home for pride and profit
Consider new landscaping, power washing, creative staging

Selling a home is a big deal for anyone, but for members of the LGBTQ+ community, it comes with unique considerations—from finding affirming professionals to ensuring your home is represented in a way that reflects your values. Whether you’re a first-time gay home seller or a seasoned LGBTQ+ homeowner looking to move up, maximizing your home’s value is key to a successful and empowering sale.
Here’s how to prepare your home, your mindset, and your real estate strategy to get the most value—financially and emotionally—from your home sale.
1. Start with an LGBTQ+-Friendly Real Estate Agent
Before diving into renovations or staging, make sure your agent truly understands your needs. A gay-friendly or LGBTQ+-affirming real estate agent brings more than just market expertise—they bring cultural competence, safety awareness, and a network that supports you throughout the selling process.
At GayRealEstate.com, you can find experienced, vetted LGBTQ+ real estate agents who have been proudly serving the community for over 30 years. Working with someone who shares or supports your identity ensures your selling journey is respectful, inclusive, and effective.
2. Enhance Curb Appeal—With a Welcoming Vibe
The outside of your home is the first impression a potential buyer gets. Make it count—especially for LGBTQ+ buyers looking for a home that feels safe and welcoming.
- Fresh landscaping: Add colorful flowers, neatly trimmed shrubs, or low-maintenance greenery to appeal to eco-conscious buyers.
- Update the entrance: A new front door, stylish lighting, or even a rainbow doormat can make your home feel like a safe space from the start.
- Clean and repair: Power wash the exterior, touch up paint, and make any necessary repairs to gutters, windows, or siding.
3. Stage with Intention and Inclusivity
Home staging can add thousands to your sale price. But beyond the usual decluttering and neutral palettes, think about how your space tells a story—and who it’s telling it to.
- Create a warm, inclusive feel: Subtle touches like LGBTQ+ art, books, or even coffee table magazines can show off your personality and affirm the space for queer buyers.
- Depersonalize—but don’t erase: You don’t need to hide your identity to appeal to buyers. Let your home feel lived in and loved—while still being a blank canvas others can imagine themselves in.
- Highlight multi-use areas: Home offices, gender-neutral nurseries, or flex spaces resonate with LGBTQ+ families and professionals.
4. Update Kitchens and Bathrooms Strategically
These rooms matter most to buyers—and even small updates can yield big returns.
- Kitchen: New cabinet hardware, a fresh backsplash, and modern lighting can elevate the entire room without a full remodel.
- Bathroom: Replace old fixtures, re-caulk tubs and sinks, and add plush towels and inclusive décor.
- Energy-efficient upgrades: Touchless faucets, smart appliances, or low-flow toilets are not only trendy—they signal sustainability, which matters to LGBTQ+ buyers.
5. Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
LGBTQ+ homebuyers often prioritize sustainability. These updates not only reduce energy bills but make your home more marketable.
- Install a smart thermostat (like Nest or Ecobee)
- Upgrade insulation or windows
- Consider solar panels (especially in sun-drenched regions like California or Florida)
Bonus: You may qualify for state or federal tax credits, which can be a great selling point.
6. Know and Advocate for LGBTQ+ Housing Rights
Although housing discrimination is illegal under the Fair Housing Act, it still happens. As an LGBTQ+ seller, be aware of your rights—and those of potential buyers.
- Avoid steering or bias: Even with good intentions, make sure you’re not inadvertently influencing who views or buys your home based on identity.
- Work with affirming professionals: From inspectors to lenders, choose partners who support inclusive practices.
- Report discrimination: If you or a buyer encounters bias, report it to HUD or your local housing authority.
7. Price Your Home Right—and Market It Smartly
Setting the right price is essential to maximizing value. Your LGBTQ+-friendly agent can run a comparative market analysis, considering current trends and buyer demographics.
- Leverage LGBTQ+ real estate networks: Promote your home through platforms like GayRealEstate.com to reach an audience that understands and values your space.
- Use inclusive language in listings: Avoid gendered terms or heteronormative assumptions. Instead of “his and hers closets,” use “dual walk-ins” or “double closets.”
- High-quality photos and video tours: Showcase your home with professional, visually inclusive marketing that appeals to diverse buyers.
8. Consider Timing and Local LGBTQ+ Trends
Selling during WorldPride or just before local LGBTQ+ events may boost visibility. Also consider if you’re in or near an LGBTQ+ friendly city or neighborhood.
Not sure which areas are top destinations? GayRelocation.com tracks and shares the best cities for LGBTQ+ homebuyers, helping you tap into motivated buyers.
Final Thought: Sell with Confidence—and Community
Selling your home isn’t just about getting top dollar—it’s about closing a chapter with pride and integrity. When you center your values, work with LGBTQ+ affirming experts, and prepare your home with purpose, you’re not just maximizing your home’s value—you’re creating an empowering experience for yourself and the next owner.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or both—GayRealEstate.com is your trusted partner in every step of your journey. With a nationwide network of gay and lesbian realtors, decades of experience, and deep community ties, we ensure your home transition is safe, smart, and full of pride.
GayRealEstate.com is the nation’s leading online platform connecting LGBTQ+ home buyers and sellers with LGBTQ+ friendly real estate agents, ensuring a safe and supportive experience.
Scott Helms is president of GayRealEstate.com. To find an agent or learn more, visit GayRealEstate.com, GayRelocation.com or call 1-888-420-MOVE.
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