Arts & Entertainment
Queery: Paul Wharton
The local talk show host answers 20 gay questions
Paul Wharton (Blade file photo by Michael Key)
With Paul Wharton, it’s usually about the hair. He calls to answer a few follow-up questions from the salon. It comes up repeatedly in conversation and anytime you see him — in photos, on TV or in person — it’s obvious his abundant coiffure is never an afterthought.
So when did it become such a trademark? He says it started as an excuse when he was a kid.
“I’ve always said having a bad hair day should be a legitimate reason to miss school and it really started from me being bullied in school,” he says. “I actually want to turn this into a book I’ve been working on for a long time. It was never really about my hair. It was an excuse to try to get to stay home. She never bought it though. She’d say, ‘Your hair is fine, now get on out the door.’”
Wharton says he noticed it becoming part of his on-screen persona when he first went into professional TV with the MTV show “Made” in 2003.
“I kind of went from curly to straight to curly to straight but I think now I’ve straightened it so much, it won’t really go back to curly like it used to. I’ve had too many blow outs, too much coloring over the years. I try it now and it just gets tangled. I used to have these really great corkscrew curls but I’ve overblown it I guess.”
Wharton, a 34-year-old Cleveland native who mostly grew up in the D.C. area, spent several years in New York working on his career. After “Made,” he was a model coach on VH-1’s “The Agency” and also worked on TV Land’s “She’s Got the Look,” TV One’s “MakeoverManor,” BET’s “Who Wore What” and, of course, Bravo’s “Real Housewives of D.C.” Look for him now on Sundays at noon on Channel 50 with “Paul Wharton Style,” a new series he calls a “fashion, beauty and lifestyle talk show,” that debuted this month.
“It’s evolved into something with a little more of a reality aspect,” he says. “We started more by showing the party or whatever the segment was and we started finding the more interesting stuff was following people around getting ready for it. …We wanted a sense of what my real life is, so it’s evolved into more of a lifestyle show.”
Wharton spent about seven years in New York but was lured back to D.C. by family and a former relationship. He’s single now and lives downtown with his dog, Oscar. Wharton enjoys writing and relaxing with spiritual coaching, yoga, massages, spas and church. Find him online at paulwhartonstyle.com.
How long have you been out and who was the hardest person to tell?
I came out when I was 19. It was most difficult to tell my parents. They both needed some time and I gave them space. We’re all very close and they’re extremely supportive to this day.
Who’s your LGBT hero?
My LGBT heroes are the gay people I see strut down the street with over-the-top style, unafraid and unapologetic for being who they are. It takes a real man to pump down U Street on a Saturday night with skin-tight jeans, a face full of make-up and an attitude that says, “Don’t mess with me.”
What’s Washington’s best nightspot, past or present?
I like the bartenders and two-for-one drinks at Number 9 for happy hour, the eclectic crowd, old school music and dancing on the couches at Darnell’s Lounge on Fridays and the immensely entertaining Drag Show at Town on Saturday nights.
Describe your dream wedding.
My wedding would be officiated by my best friend Omarosa, she’d also give me spiritual counseling and advice on my pre-nuptial agreement (I joke!). I’d like all of my closest friends and family to surround us at the altar and for my godmother Rev. Marcia Dyson to bless our union and give my would-be husband the side eye so he knows not to mess up.
What non-LGBT issue are you most passionate about?
Hunger and health care. I’m the ambassador against hunger at Capital Area Food Bank (capitalareafoodbank.org).
What historical outcome would you change?
The assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
What’s been the most memorable pop culture moment of your lifetime?
I was 5 years old when Michael Jackson performed “Billie Jean” on Motown’s 25th anniversary show.
On what do you insist?
I insist on taking one day a week for myself without any obligations or a schedule to keep. No matter how crazed I get during the week, I know that I’ll have my day coming up soon.
What was your last Facebook post or Tweet?
Tweet “Rollin to get my hair done then a photo shoot with @drewxeron and intrvw with @washingtonblade.
If your life were a book, what would the title be?
“Bad Hair Days should be an Excused Absence from School”
If science discovered a way to change sexual orientation, what would you do?
I would break into the science lab late at night and pour the evil orientation-changing formula down the drain. God made me this way and I’m not changing.
What do you believe in beyond the physical world?
I believe in love and the healing power of love. I believe that we have a spiritual father that with our angels watch over us and guide us through our journey. I believe in faith because without it and all of my other beliefs, my life would seem pretty meaningless.
What’s your advice for LGBT movement leaders?
My message would be to not give up no matter how much you don’t feel heard or appreciated (even by your own LGBT community). Continue to stand for something and let your voice be heard on behalf of the people.
What would you walk across hot coals for?
That’s a long list. My family, my hair stylist, world peace, large sums of cash — we could be here all day.
What LGBT stereotype annoys you most?
I’m most annoyed when I’m in a business meeting and a straight male executive starts talking in gay street slang usually, “Oh no she didn’t” or some other played-out saying while waving his neck from side to side. When it’s time to do business, I like to do business.
What’s your favorite LGBT movie?
“The Birdcage” is my favorite. I’ve seen it 50 times and still find it hilarious. I also liked “The Broken Hearts Club,” “Milk” and “Brokeback Mountain.”
What’s the most overrated social custom?
Saying goodbye to other guests at a social event is really overrated. I don’t think it’s necessary to work the room with 100 hellos shaking hands and kissing babies and then when you’re ready to leave, doing it all over again. When I’m ready to roll, I’m out.
What trophy or prize do you most covet?
My three awards from D.C. Child and Family Services acknowledging my work with the Foster Youth program.
What do you wish you’d known at 18?
I wish I had known to keep a journal. Every now and then I have a flash back to a party, person or amazing experience and I run over to my desk and write it down. I feel like I’ve had five lives and it’d be really mind blowing to be able to look back on them in full detail.
Why Washington?
I lived in New York for several years and still spend a lot of time there. New York is fabulous but there’s no place like home. I really do feel this city is beautiful and full of opportunities and endless possibilities. D.C. has been good to me and I’d always like to have a home here … and St. Tropez!
Movies
‘Things Like This’ embraces formula and plus-size visibility
Enjoyable queer romcom challenges conventions of the genre
There’s a strange feeling of irony about a spring movie season stacked with queer romcoms – a genre that has felt conspicuously absent on the big screen since the disappointing reception met by the much-hyped “Bros” in 2022 – at a time when pushback against LGBTQ visibility is stronger than it’s been for 40 years.
Sure, part of the reason is the extended timeline required for filmmaking, which tells us, logically, that the numerous queer love stories hitting theaters this year – including the latest, the Manhattan-set indie “Things Like This,” which opened in limited theaters last weekend – began production long before the rapid cultural shift that has taken place in America since a certain convicted fraudster’s return to the White House.
That does not, however, make them any less welcome; on the contrary, they’re a refreshing assertion of queer existence that serves to counter-balance the hateful, politicized rhetoric that continues to bombard our community every day. In fact, the word “refreshing” is an apt description of “Things Like This,” which not only celebrates the validity – and joy – of queer love but does so in a story that disregards “Hollywood” convention in favor of a more authentic form of inclusion than we’re ever likely to see in a mainstream film
Written, starring, and directed by Max Talisman and set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City, it’s the story of two gay men named Zack – Zack #1 (Talisman) is a plus-sized hopeful fantasy author with a plus-sized personality and a promising-but-unpublished first novel, and Zack #2 (Joey Pollari) an aspiring talent agent dead-ended as an assistant to his exploitative “queen-bee” boss (Cara Buono) – who meet at an event and are immediately attracted to each other. Though Zack #2 is resigned to his unsatisfying relationship with longtime partner Eric (Taylor Trensch), he impulsively agrees to a date the following night, beginning an on-again/off-again entanglement that causes both Zacks to re-examine the trajectories of their respective lives – and a lot of other heavy baggage – even as their tentative and unlikely romance feels more and more like the workings of fate.
Like most romcoms, it relies heavily on familiar tropes – adjusted for queerness, of course – and tends to balance its witty banter and starry-eyed sentiment with heart-tugging setbacks and crossed-wire conflicts, just to raise the stakes. The Zacks’ attempts at getting together are a series of “meet-cutes” that could almost be described as fractal, yet each of them seems to go painfully awry – mostly due to the very insecurities and self-doubts which make them perfect for each other. The main obstacle to their couplehood, however, doesn’t spring from these mishaps; it’s their own struggles with self-worth that stand in the way, somehow making theirs more of a quintessentially queer love story than the fact that both of them are men.
All that introspection – relatable as it may be – can be a downer without active energy to stir things up, but fortunately for “Things Like This,” there are the inevitable BFFs and extended circle of friends and family that can help to get the fun back on track. Each Zack has his own support team backing him up, from a feisty “work wife” (Jackie Cruz, “Orange is the New Black”) to a straight best friend (Charlie Tahan, “Ozark”) to a wise and loving grandma (veteran scene-stealer Barbara Barrie, “Breaking Away” and countless vintage TV shows) – that fuels the story throughout, providing the necessary catalysts to prod its two neurotic protagonists into taking action when they can’t quite get there themselves.
To be sure, Talisman’s movie – his feature film debut as a writer and director – doesn’t escape the usual pitfalls of the romcom genre. There’s an overall sense of “wish fulfillment fantasy” that makes some of its biggest moments seem a bit too good to be true, and there are probably two or three complications too many as it approaches its presumed happy ending; in addition, while it helps to drive the inner conflict for Zack #2’s character arc, throwing a homophobic and unsupportive dad (Eric Roberts) into the mix feels a bit tired, though it’s hard to deny that such family relationships continue to create dysfunction for queer people no matter how many times they’re called out in the movies – which means that it’s still necessary, regrettably, to include them in our stories.
And in truth, “calling out” toxic tropes – the ones that reflect society’s negative assumptions and perpetuate through imitation – is part of Talisman’s agenda in “Things Like This,” which devotes its very first scene to shutting down any objections from “fat shamers” who might decry the movie’s “opposites attract” scenario as unbelievable. Indeed, he has revealed in interviews that he developed the movie for himself because of the scarcity of meaningful roles for plus-sized actors, and his desire to erase such conventional prejudices extends in every direction within his big-hearted final product.
Even so, there’s no chip-on-the-shoulder attitude to sour the movie’s spirit; what helps us get over its sometimes excessive flourishes of idealized positivity is that it’s genuinely funny. The dialogue is loaded with zingers that keep the mood light, and even the tensest scenes are laced with humor, none of which feels forced. For this, kudos go to Talisman’s screenplay, of course, but also to the acting – including his own. He’s eminently likable onscreen, with wisecracks that land every time and an underlying good cheer that makes his appeal even more visible; crucially, his chemistry with Pollari – who also manages to maintain a lightness of being at his core no matter how far his Zack descends into uncertainty – isn’t just convincing; it’s enviable.
Cruz is the movie’s “ace in the hole” MVP as Zack #2’s under-appreciated but fiercely loyal bestie, and Buono’s hilariously icy turn as his “boss from hell” makes for some of the film’s most memorable scenes. Likewise, Tahan, along with Margaret Berkowitz and Danny Chavarriaga, flesh out Zack #1’s friend group with a real sense of camaraderie that should be recognizable to anyone who’s ever been part of an eclectic crew of misfits. Trensch’s comedic “ickiness” as Zack #2’s soon-to-be-ex makes his scenes a standout; and besides bigger-name “ringers” Roberts and Barrie (whose single scene is the emotional climax of the movie), there’s also a spotlight-grabbing turn by Diane Salinger (iconic as Francophile dreamer Simone in “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure”) as the owner of a queer bar where the Zacks go on one of their dates.
With all that enthusiasm and a momentum driven by a sense of DIY empowerment, it’s hard to be anything but appreciative of “Things Like This,” no matter how much some of us might cringe at its more unbelievable romcom devices. After all, it’s as much a “feel-good” movie as it is a love story, and the fact that we actually do feel good when the final credits role is more than enough to earn it our hearty recommendation.
Friday, May 23
“Center Aging Monthly Luncheon and Yoga” will be at 12 p.m. in person at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. For more details, email [email protected].
Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity and/or expression. For more details, email [email protected].
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at DIK Bar. This event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, May 24
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar and 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.
Black Lesbian Mixer will be at 11 a.m. on Zoom. This is a support group dedicated to the joys of being a Black lesbian. For more details, email [email protected].
Sunday, May 25
“The Queen’s Table: A Women’s Empowerment Brunch” will be at 11 a.m. at Zooz. This event will celebrate queer women’s strength. For more details visit Eventbrite.
Monday, May 26
“Center Aging Monday Coffee and 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 choice. For more details, email [email protected].
Tuesday, May 27
Genderqueer DC will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a support group for people who identify outside of the gender binary. Whether you’re bigender, agender, genderfluid, or just know you’re not 100 percent cis — this is your group. For more details, visit genderqueerdc.org or Facebook.
Coming Out Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This support group is a safe space to share experiences about coming out and discuss topics as it relates to doing so. For more details, visit the group’s Facebook.
Wednesday, May 28
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 29
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. To be fairer with who is receiving boxes, the program is moving to a lottery system. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. 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 with Charles M. will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breathwork, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.
Photos
PHOTOS: Helen Hayes Awards
Gay Men’s Chorus, local drag artists have featured performance at ceremony
The 41st Helen Hayes Awards were held at The Anthem on Monday, May 19. Felicia Curry and Mike Millan served as the hosts.
A performance featuring members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington and local drag artists was held at the end of the first act of the program to celebrate WorldPride 2025.
The annual awards ceremony honors achievement in D.C.-area theater productions and is produced by Theatre Washington.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
‘Things Like This’ embraces formula and plus-size visibility
Calendar: May 23-29
Comings & Goings
New doc chronicles gay hero’s journey from rape to forgiveness
Murdered Israeli embassy officials were supporters of D.C.’s LGBTQ synagogue
Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C
WorldPride events round-up
Pope Leo XIV: Family based on ‘stable union between a man and a woman’
Wes Moore signs HIV decriminalization bill
