Arts & Entertainment
Arts briefs: April 13
Events of note for the region — Washington and Baltimore
Victory Fund to host annual brunch
The Victory Fund is having its National Champagne Brunch on Sunday at the Washington Hilton (1919 Connecticut Ave., N.W.) at 11 a.m. featuring Tammy Baldwin.
This year’s theme is “Strength in Numbers” and Victory Fund will be honoring the eight openly gay and lesbian members of the Maryland legislature: Luke Clippinger, Bonnie Cullison, Anne Kaiser, Richard Madaleno, Maggie McIntosh, Heather Mizeur, Peter Murphy and Mary Washington.
Individual tickets are $150 and a table with ten seats is $1,500.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit victoryfund.org.
Illumination time for Ward 8
Saturday marks the opening of a series of spaces opening in the commercial corridor of Historic Anacostia with Lumen8Anacostia, a 12-hour festival of light, art, music and more starting at noon.
Events begin at noon at Lightbox (2235 Shannon Place, S.E.) with opening remarks on the cargo bay stage and SHAM pop up shop and DJs on the main stage. Both stages will have various performers, the cargo bay stage closing at 6 p.m. and the main stage remaining busy until midnight.
There’s also the “Party Behind the Big Chair” (2020 Shannon Place, S.E.) with performers such as Yung Yeaga and Cee Love, starting at 4:15 p.m.
Part of a project by D.C.’s Office of Planning, vacant and underutilized storefronts and empty lots have been transformed into an artist showcase/village for three to six months.
This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit lumen8anacostia.com.
Scott Nevins (Photo courtesy MCC-DC)
Scott Nevins plays two shows at MCC-DC
Openly gay comedian, celebrity and television personality Scott Nevins will be appearing at Metropolitan Community Church (474 Ridge St., N.W.) tonight and Saturday at 8 p.m.
Nevins, who appears on truTV’s show, “The Smoking Gun Presents,” has worked with some of Hollywood’s biggest starts including Barry Manilow, Susan Lucci, Idina Menzel, Hal Sparks and more.
Nevins has been awarded an Out There award, was nominated for a HX Award and Glammy Award in 2004 and a MAC Award in 2007 and was chosen by “New York Magazine” in their “Best of New York” issue.
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at mccdc.com. Proceeds will benefit the outreach and service programs at MCC.
Gay Broadway star at the Birchmere Sunday
Original Broadway cast members of “Rent” Adam Pascal and openly gay Anthony Rapp play the Birchmere Music Hall (3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria) Sunday at 7:30 p.m.
Rapp, who came out when he was 18, originated the role of Mark Cohen, best friend and roommate of Pascal’s Roger Davis. He has also released a solo album, “Look Around,” and appeared in many theatre productions, TV shows and films including the film version of “Rent.”
Rapp has also written a memoir “Without You: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and the Musical Rent,” which was released in 2006 and premiered as a show at the Pittsburgh City Theatre in 2008.
Tickets are $39.50 and available online at ticketmaster.com.
BALTIMORE BRIEFS:
Ball, screening among Alliance offerings
The Creative Alliance at the Patterson (3134 Eastern Ave.) has two events coming up this week.
On Saturday, the Patterson will be transformed into Wonderland for its “Alice in Wonderland”-themed 2012 Marquee Ball.
The ball begins with a preview dinner at 6 p.m. to honor arts lawyer, Scott Johnson with the Golden Formstone Award and Terry Rubenstein for her family’s lifetime achievements in the arts. The dance party begins at 9 p.m.
Tickets are $40 in advance for the party, $35 for CA members and $185 for the dinner.
On Thursday, the Alliance is screening the film “From the Back of the Room,” by D.C.-based director, Amy Oden, about women’s involvement in DIY punk featuring interviews by women like Kathleen Hanna of Bikini Kill and Le Tigre, Allison Wolfe of Bratmobile and many more.
Tickets for the screening are $10, $5 for Alliance members. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. For more information on either events and to purchase tickets, visit creativealliance.org.
Fashion show tries alternate approach
The Maryland Institute College of Arts presents the 19th annual benefit fashion show Transcend on Saturday in the Brown Center in Falvey Hall (1301 W. Mount Royal Ave.) at 8 p.m.
The designers featured in the show were asked to go beyond the expected and their norm and audience members will be able to see the workings of their brains and the manifestations of their inner thoughts and aspirations.
After the show, everyone is invited to mix and mingle with the designers and view an exhibition of fashion-inspired photography, illustration and fiber arts, including fashion pictorials of the students’ designs captured by celebrity photographer Derek Blanks.
Tickets are $20 for general admission and $15 for students.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit mica.edu.
Gay group to hold tax program
The Maryland Corporate Council, a networking group for LGBT professionals, is hosting “Tax Wise,” an LGBT tax program for anyone who is or hopes to be partnered at the Inn at Henderson’s Wharf (1000 Fell St.) on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m.
The program will feature a short presentation covering tax implications of LGBT relationships including joint property ownership and obtaining and protecting deductions, from Denise Dodson, the executive director at Ernst & Young Tax Practice.
Registration is free for members and $15 for guests.
For more information and to register, visit marylandcoporate.org.
Estate planning for LGBT residents planned
FreeState Legal Project is hosting “Will-Power Party: Estate Planning for the Rest of Us,” a workshop and pro bono assistance event at the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Community Center of Baltimore (241 W. Chase St.) on Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m.
During the event, people in need of simple wills, powers of attorney and advance directives will be matched with attorneys and receive assistance in drafting their estate documents.
FreeState Legal Project is a group that advocates for the rights of low income LGBT individuals through direct legal services, education and community outreach in the Greater Baltimore region.
For more information, visit freestatelegal.org.
Friday, April 17
Center Aging Monthly Luncheon With Yoga will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. Email Mac at [email protected] if you require ASL interpreter assistance, have any dietary restrictions, or questions about this event.
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena. This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Trans and Genderqueer Game Night will be at 7:00p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This is a relaxing, laid-back evening of games and fun. All are welcome and there’ll be card and board games on hand. Feel free to bring your own games to share. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Saturday, April 18
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
The DC Center for the LGBT Community will host “Sunday Supper on Saturday” at 2 p.m. It’s more than just an event; it’s an opportunity to step away from the busyness of life and invest in something meaningful, and enjoy delicious food, genuine laughter, and conversations that spark connection and inspiration. For more details, visit the Center’s website.
Sunday, April 19
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Lunch” at 11 a.m. at Federico Ristorante Italiano. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, April 20
“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).
Tuesday, April 21
Center Bi+ Roundtable will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is an opportunity for people to gather in order to discuss issues related to bisexuality or as Bi individuals in a private setting.Visit Facebook or Meetup for more information.
Senior Self Defense Class with Avi Rome will be at 12:30 p.m. This inclusive and beginner-friendly class, led by Instructor Avi Rome, offers a light warm-up, stretching, and instruction in basic techniques, patterns, and striking padded targets. Each session is designed to be adaptable for all ability and mobility levels, creating a welcoming space for everyone to build strength, confidence, and community through martial arts. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Wednesday, April 22
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.
Asexual and Aromantic Group will meet at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a space where people who are questioning this aspect of their identity or those who identify as asexual and/or aromantic can come together, share stories and experiences, and discuss various topics. For more details, email [email protected].
Thursday, April 23
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5:00 pm if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.
Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breath work and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Out & About
Team DC’s annual gala set for this weekend
LGBTQ sports organization to hold annual ‘Night of Champions’
Team DC will host “Night of Champions Gala” on Saturday, April 18 at 6 p.m. at the Georgetown Marriott.
This will be an evening of celebration and inspiration as Team DC honors remarkable individuals and supports the next generation of LGBTQ student-athletes.
There will be opportunities to support Team DC through auctions. The Silent Auction items will offer an array of unique goods and experiences. Additionally, Team DC will feature an exclusive selection of live auction items for those looking to make a significant impact.
This year, Team DC will recognize six outstanding awardees who have made significant contributions to the LGBTQ community and sports:
- Trailblazer Award – Adam Peck, District Wrestling
- Most Valuable Person Award – Sean Bartel (posthumously)
- Champion Award – Dan Martin
- Clark Ray Horizon Award – Manuel Montelongo, aka Mari Con Carne
- Bernard Jude Delia Award – Dr. Sara Varghai
- Platinum All Star Award – Centaur Motorcycle Club
To purchase tickets, visit Team DC’s website.
Television
‘The Pitt’ stars discuss what season two gets right about queer representation
Noah Wyle and Taylor Dearden spoke with Blade in LA
As season two of “The Pitt” comes to a close this Thursday, stars Noah Wyle and Taylor Dearden are looking back on what this season got right about queer representation.
“There is some intentionality behind it, but it’s not necessarily for the representation to be anything other than human or ubiquitous to anyone that would come into an emergency room,” Noah Wyle, who plays Dr. Robby, told the Los Angeles Blade at PaleyFest event in Los Angeles on April 12. “I know that we’ve done some storylines with some gay couples, and we did a storyline in season 1 where a woman comes in who’s cut her arm, who’s trans. But in both of those storylines, that wasn’t the point.”
Wyle continues, “In doing it that way, and not making a point of orientation being part of the problem that brings you to the emergency room, we have been told in feedback that that has been extremely revolutionary, almost, and extremely appreciated. But that’s true whether we do storylines with any kind of minority or a person with a disability. We try to have a cosmology of cast and representation on the show that’s indicative of what you find in Pittsburgh.”
Dearden, who plays Dr. Mel King, echoed Wyle’s sentiment: “I think constantly battling tropes is always important. It’s not a show about romance; it’s a show about real life and a shift in the ER. The more we represent everyday people going through everyday life, they just happen to be queer, they just happen to be trans, and making it not the plot, is putting everyone on equal playing [field]. You don’t have to have a big coming out scene.”
Queer representation on “The Pitt” is also notable through the actual actors themselves, including openly queer actor Supriya Ganesh, who plays Dr. Samira Mohan (who didn’t attend PaleyFest after the news that she is not returning for season three), and Amielynn Abellera, who plays Perlah Alawi.
“Doctors don’t put value judgments on who they treat,” Wyle concludes. “That’s not a luxury extended to them, and so that’s not part of our storytelling.”
The season two finale will air Thursday, April 16, on HBO Max, while season three has already been confirmed and is currently being written.
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