Arts & Entertainment
Queery: David Chalfant
The Whitman-Walker staffer answers 20 gay questions
David Chalfant (Blade photo by Michael Key)
David Chalfant and his partner, Brian Hegedus, live in D.C. but sometimes feel they’re in a remote area — near the Fort Totten Metro station, they’re isolated enough that no Washington take-out spots will deliver to them and those in Takoma Park, Md., won’t cross the line.
“We’re kind of way out there,” he says.
It’s still close enough, though, that he can bike to work at Whitman-Walker Health where he’s director of development. Though relatively new in the position — he’s been there a year and a half — he believes fully in its mission.
“I heard a couple the other day say they come here not only to be healthy but to be whole,” he says. “There’s a great sense of pride that comes in helping make people’s lives better.”
There are a few tickets remaining for “Be the Care!,” the organization’s annual spring gala slated for Thursday at the Carnegie Institution for Science where the Partner for Life award will be given to U.S. Secretary of Health Kathleen Sebelius. It starts at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $150. Visit Whitman-walker.org for details.
Chalfant, a 47-year-old Suffern, N.Y., native, has spent most of his life in or near Washington with long stints in Arizona (1984-1991) and Los Angeles (1996-2004) and even a couple years in Shanghai. He’s worked in fundraising for several organizations and also worked in landscape architecture.
He and Hegedus have been together about two years. He enjoys restoring vintage cars and sharing dinners with his family in his free time.
How long have you been out and who was the hardest person to tell?
Over 20 years. My ex fiancé because I didn’t want her to think my love for her was not true.
Who’s your LGBT hero?
Elizabeth Birch
What’s Washington’s best nightspot, past or present?
The Kennedy Center
Describe your dream wedding.
Just the two of you, with an officiate and family on the beach in Oregon with no one else around for miles.
What non-LGBT issue are you most passionate about?
Conservation of our oceans
What historical outcome would you change?
Gore v Bush
What has been the most memorable pop culture moment of your lifetime?
When texting replaced a friendly voice on the phone.
On what do you insist?
That people in my life bring their A game and understand that it doesn’t cost anything extra to be kind.
What was your last Facebook post or Tweet?
My brother Mark and sister Julie are the finest people I know!
If your life were a book, what would the title be?
What’s Next?
If science discovered a way to change sexual orientation, what would you do?
Ask them to keep it to themselves.
What do you believe in beyond the physical world?
That we were all put here for a reason and that since there is no absolute proof of what is beyond the physical world — we better do our best job while we are here.
What’s your advice for LGBT movement leaders?
That LGBT issues are basic human rights issues and when we let opponents divide us with hate, everyone loses.
What would you walk across hot coals for?
A person in need.
What LGBT stereotype annoys you most?
The very fact that LGBT stereotypes exist.
What’s your favorite LGBT movie?
“Big Eden”
What’s the most overrated social custom?
“Let’s do lunch” — nobody ever means it.
What trophy or prize do you most covet?
A happy life.
What do you wish you’d known at 18?
That people are irreplaceable and that there is nothing two smart people can’t figure out together.
Why Washington?
Smart is sexy.
Out & About
Drag Underground returns
Indiana Bones, Bombalicious Eklaver, Shi-Queeta Lee, Cake Pop! to perform
Dupont Underground and the Washington Blade have teamed up to host “Drag Underground” on Friday, April 26 at 7:30 p.m. at Dupont Underground.
Performers include Indiana Bones, Bombalicious Eklaver, Shi-Queeta Lee and Cake Pop.
Tickets start at $15 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
The annual White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner is set for Saturday, April 27 at the Washington Hilton with Colin Jost serving as emcee.
President Biden is scheduled to speak and numerous celebrities are expected around D.C. all weekend for related parties and events.
The Washington Blade is the only LGBTQ outlet that is a member of the Association and is hosting a table of VIPs, including actor Billy Porter and Congressman Robert Garcia (D-Calif.).
“We look forward to the Dinner each year to celebrate our press freedoms and to thank a range of allies and supporters for their work on behalf of the LGBTQ movement,” said Blade Editor Kevin Naff.
Friday, April 26
Center Aging Monthly Luncheon with Yoga & Intergenerational Hangout will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. Chair yoga will be at noon. Lunch will be provided by the Gay Professional Men of Color at 1 p.m. Guests can bring a beverage of choice. For more information, email [email protected].
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at Courtyard by Marriott Dupont Circle. 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.
Trans Support Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group is intended to provide emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity/expression to join together in community and learn from one another. For more details, email [email protected].
Saturday, April 27
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Sunday, April 28
AfroCode DC will be at 4 p.m. at Decades DC. This event will be an experience of non-stop music, dancing, and good vibes and a crossover of genres and a fusion of cultures. Tickets cost $40 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Dinner” at 6:30 p.m. at Federico Ristorante Italiano. This event is ideal for making meaningful new connections and community building or just to unwind and enjoy extended happy hour. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, April 29
Center Aging: Monday Coffee & Conversation 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 their choice. For more details, email [email protected].
Tuesday, April 30
Pride on the Patio Events will host “LGBTQ Social Mixer” at 5:30 p.m. at Showroom. Dress is casual, fancy, or comfortable. Guests are encouraged to bring their most authentic self to chat, laugh, and get a little crazy. Admission is free and more details are on Eventbrite.
“5th Tuesdays Open Mic” will be at 8 p.m. at Busboys and Poets at 14th Street, N.W. For two hours, audiences can expect a diverse chorus of voices and a vast array of professional spoken word performers, open mic rookies, and musicians. The event will be hosted by Charity Blackwell. Tickets cost $8 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Wednesday, May 1
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. 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.
Thursday, May 2
Virtual Yoga with Charles M. will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breath work, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.
Drag Underground returns
White House Correspondents’ Dinner set for Saturday
Calendar: April 26-May 2
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