Arts & Entertainment
Queery: David Perez
The GLBT Latino History Project president answers 20 gay questions

Though David Perez is a few generations removed from the group that came to the U.S. — his great-grandparents on his father’s side immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico — he identifies strongly with his Latino roots and spends his career and volunteer hours working on community advocacy.
By day, he’s director of development at the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and last May he became president of the D.C.-based Latino GLBT History Project, which is planning an expanded edition of Latino Pride this year. Festivities kick off Sunday and run over four (non-consecutive) days. More details are on page 29 or at latinoglbthistory.org.
Perez, 28, says it’s important for Latino gays to have their own forum in which to gather.
“A lot of the issues are the same, but there are additional issues as well,” he says. “Some things like access to health care, immigration reform, there are some things that affect out community more so while we like to talk about the broad LGBT agenda too, there are Latino-specific issues that are different.”
Perez says last year’s event felt a bit hectic with serious discussion-type events and a dance party all crammed into one day. This year, organizers have spread things out and added elements, such as a church service on June 3.
“We’re really excited about it,” he says. “We’ve gotten a lot of feedback of people who have an interest in seeing Latino Pride grow.”
Perez grew up in Vista., Calif., near San Diego and went to a conservative Christian college near Los Angeles. He came to Washington in 2005 for an internship and went to graduate school at Georgetown University, then stayed. He joined LULAC in 2007. He and boyfriend Gary James have been together 11 months.
Perez lives in Dupont Circle and enjoys volunteering, recreational sports, watching TV and spending time with friends in his free time. (Blade photo by Michael Key)
How long have you been out and who was the hardest person to tell?
I came out in August of 2006 to my friends during my second year of graduate school in D.C. That was fairly simple with a lot of progressive friends. The next time I saw my parents was December 25, 2006 and I told my Mom, Dad, sister and brother because they are very close to me and I wanted to share my life with them. They have been great to me and have treated me no differently than before. The hardest folks to tell were my friends from my conservative evangelical university. However, my close circle of friends there were really great and we are still friends.
Who’s your LGBT hero?
There are so many influential folks in my life. One fellow gay Latino I look up to is Russell Roybal at the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. He has been involved in LGBT advocacy for many years and I admire is commitment to intersectional community organization to ensure LGBT advocacy includes mobilizing communities around racial and social justice issues as well. I witnessed this first hand at Creating Change this year in Baltimore.
What’s Washington’s best nightspot, past or present?
Rumba Latina at Cobalt is my favorite monthly party. The promoter Johnny Vasquez is hosting a special Latino dance party to raise funds for Latino Pride at Cobalt this Sunday at 10 p.m. Please join us!
Describe your dream wedding.
For my dream wedding, my husband and I would be surrounded by all our friends and families. I am sure it would be a decent size as I would want to invite all my tías and tíos (aunts and uncles). Definitely at a beautiful Episcopal Church.
What non-LGBT issue are you most passionate about?
Latino civil rights in the US. I spend my day-job fundraising for community and advocacy programs for the League of United Latino American Citizens. This is my passion. Fixing our broken immigration reform is a must! It should be LGBT inclusive compressive immigration reform. It’s hard to say if it’s just an LGBT or Latino issue. We need to be building coalitions to work together and support each other’s work.
What historical outcome would you change?
The way history has been written. So many amazing LGBTQ Latinas and Latinos have been left out of the history books. For example, Sylvia Rivera, a Latina Transgender activist, was at the front lines of the Stonewall riots. Latino involvement in LGBT advocacy is not a new thing. We have always been there. The purpose of the Latino GLBT History Project is to collect and preserve those stories and educate the public about the significant contributions of LBGT Latinos to the movement and society in general.
What’s been the most memorable pop culture moment of your lifetime?
Ricky Martin coming out. Though a long time coming, this is a very powerful statement for such a national and international figure to come out, especially for Latinos.
On what do you insist?
Doing your best to love your neighbor as yourself. It’s not always easy, but I feel we should treat all human beings with love and respect even if we disagree.
What was your last Facebook post or Tweet?
DC Latino Pride… Four days of Celebration: May 20th Royal Coronation at Cobalt, May 30th Panel Discussion & Community Resource Fair Human Rights Campaign, June 3rd Ecumenical Service St. Thomas’ Parish & Thursday, June 7th Official Latino Pride Dance Party at Town Danceboutique. Join the fun! www.LatinoGLBTHistory.org
If your life were a book, what would the title be?
“The Little Engine That Could.” I have so many mentors who have inspired me to achieve goals that I never even knew existed, like getting a graduate degree! I try to pass on the love and inspire others to dream big as well.
If science discovered a way to change sexual orientation, what would you do?
Nada (nothing). I love being gay.
What do you believe in beyond the physical world?
I believe in God who loves us all. I worship with my faith community regularly at St. Thomas’ Episcopal Parish Dupont Circle.
What’s your advice for LGBT movement leaders?
Build coalitions and work together. Commit yourself to diversity and inclusiveness. It might take a lot of work, but will be stronger partnerships for the long-term goals of the movement.
What would you walk across hot coals for?
My man, Gary
What LGBT stereotype annoys you most?
Assuming we always have to be the ones at the office to plan the party. Though I do love to plan parties.
What’s your favorite LGBT movie?
“The Broken Hearts Club.” I love softball and it’s an overall great movie.
What’s the most overrated social custom?
On Facebook, adding everyone who requests to be your “friend” even if you don’t know them.
What trophy or prize do you most covet?
I was really touched when the LULAC Youth gave me a medal after helping them paint murals in Latino neighborhoods of Chicago and north of Columbia Heights. It was totally unexpected and a project totally out of my normal duties. It was touching to see how much they enjoyed it.
What do you wish you’d known at 18?
College is expensive. Save up early!
Why Washington?
I first came to Washington, D.C. for an internship with my congressman. I loved politics and the West Wing. I came back for graduate school at Georgetown University. Stayed here working ever since. It is where I came out and is my current home.
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 them 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)

























