Arts & Entertainment
Queery: Monique Hall
The Task Force board member answers 20 gay questions
Monique Hall (Blade photo by Michael Key)
When a friend invited Monique Hall to a National Gay & Lesbian Task Force event a few years ago, she was immediately impressed.
“I was just amazed,” she says. “OK, I do a lot of events around D.C., I know we all do. But I was just surprised at how many people of color there were. I love HRC, don’t get me wrong. I’m on their mailing list, I support them and the Victory Fund too. I don’t want this to come off as a slam to any of them, but whenever I go to their events it’s a lot of men and a lot of white men. That’s fine — I love all those organizations, but I just felt at home with the Task Force … they’re really at the crossroads of all the policy issues in D.C. but also giving grants to the states — it’s really inclusive to all segments of the LGBT community.”
It’s a big weekend for the organization — this year’s Pink & Purple Weekend kicks off Friday with Pink & Purple Sunset: A Women’s Event from 5:30 to 10 p.m. on the rooftop of the Capitol Hill Liaison Hotel. Then from 10 to 3 a.m., a dance will be held at Cobalt. An awards brunch is Sunday at 10:30 a.m. at the Mayflower Hotel honoring entrepreneurs Ingrid Duran and Catherine Pino and filmmaker Dee Rees. Visit thetaskforce.org for prices, tickets and more information.
“It’s really about the people and the community, not some elected official or all the usual pomp and circumstance of D.C. It’s about honoring people and causes that are important to the growth and structure of the LGBT community,” says Hall, who joined the Task Force board of directors in January.
She works by day as a communications consultant as vice president of the DCI Group, an independently owned public affairs group. After growing up and going to school in her home state of North Carolina, Hall, 30, came to D.C.
“I just knew I wasn’t a small-town girl,” she says.
Hall is single, travels a lot for work and lives in Arlington, Va. She enjoys watching sports in her free time. (Blade photo by Michael Key)
How long have you been out and who was the hardest person to tell?
Who said I was out? Guess I am now … just joking. Since 2005. The people I haven’t told.
Who’s your LGBT hero?
Although she never officially came out, Barbara Jordan and I love the courage of James Baldwin’s words.
What’s Washington’s best nightspot, past or present?
The Wet — damn you Nats’ park!
Describe your dream wedding.
Destination ceremony with a woman who is as passionate about politics as me.
What non-LGBT issue are you most passionate about?
It’s not an issue, but working to make sure President Obama is re-elected.
What historical outcome would you change?
The assassination of MLK, Jr.
What’s been the most memorable pop culture moment of your lifetime?
The rise of hip-hip and its transcendence into mainstream culture.
On what do you insist?
Acceptance and respect in spite of our differences.
What was your last Facebook post or Tweet?
A quoted Tweet re: potus and former president clinton campaigning together – i think president clinton will be an essential part of the president’s re-election campaign.
If your life were a book, what would the title be?
“Determined to Win”
If science discovered a way to change sexual orientation, what would you do?
I’d be open to the discovery.
What do you believe in beyond the physical world?
A spiritual world — heaven.
What’s your advice for LGBT movement leaders?
Think beyond marriage and be more inclusive.
What would you walk across hot coals for?
My family.
What LGBT stereotype annoys you most?
There are many, but the butch/femme roles we embrace — just be who you are.
What’s your favorite LGBT movie?
“Noah’s Arc: Jumping the Broom”
What’s the most overrated social custom?
The overuse of email, text, etc. in place of talking to someone.
What trophy or prize do you most covet?
I’m not that kind of person. I want to make a difference by working hard for the community. I don’t have to get an award for it.
What do you wish you’d known at 18?
That hard work will pay off.
Why Washington?
I love the political banter and all the pomp and circumstance of this town.
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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