Local
Young Virginia Democrats endorse marriage equality
Resolution comes after lawmakers rejected gay prosecutor for judgeship
The Virginia Young Democrats pointed to what they described as President Barack Obama's leadership on marriage rights for same-sex couples in their resolution in support of the issue.
The Virginia Young Democrats on Tuesday announced that its Executive Committee passed a resolution in support of marriage rights for same-sex couples.
The statement refers to marriage as a “powerful and important affirmation of love and commitment” and “a source of social support and recognition” that provides “invaluable” legal protections to Virginia families. The resolution also specifically refers to the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1967 Loving v. Virginia decision that struck down the ban on interracial marriages.
It also calls upon the state Democratic Party to add marriage rights for same-sex couples to its 2012 platform.
“We should not live in a country or commonwealth that discriminates against someone or limits their rights because of who they are.” said VAYD President Isaac Sarver.
Gay state Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria) welcomed the group’s support of marriage rights for same-sex couples.
“I’m glad that it is on their radar,” he told the Blade.
The VAYD announced its support of marriage rights for same-sex couples three days after the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People’s National Board of Directors issued a similar endorsement during its quarterly meeting in Miami. Sarver told the Blade that his organization’s position follows what he described as the leadership that President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden showed when they publicly endorsed nuptials for gays and lesbians earlier this month.
He further stressed that the resolution could bolster efforts to overturn the constitutional amendment that defines marriage as between a man and a woman that Virginia voters approved in 2006.
“As more and more millennials are aging and starting to vote more frequently, the opinion is shifting,” said Sarver. “Our generation has stronger views on marriage equality than preceding generations so I do think this will be the start of a political shift.”
The VAYD resolution also comes against the backdrop of the ongoing controversy over the House of Delegates rejection of gay Richmond prosecutor Tracy Thorne-Begland’s nomination to the General District Court. Delegate Bob Marshall (R-Prince William County) said the former Navy pilot “misrepresented” himself by not disclosing his sexual orientation when he enlisted in 1992—the year before then-President Bill Clinton signed “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” into law.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported on Tuesday that the six Richmond Circuit Court judges could move to appoint Thorne-Begland on an interim basis because lawmakers did not fill the vacancy. State Sen. A. Donald McEachin (D-Henrico,) who sponsored Thorne-Begland’s nomination in the state Senate, told the Blade on Monday that the former Equality Virginia board member continues to decline to comment on the vote and the subsequent fallout.
When asked about whether the controversy played a role in the resolution, VAYD spokesperson James Lewis accused Marshall of essentially using Thorne-Begland’s military service against him to keep the prosecutor off the bench.
“He [Thorne-Begland] was in a position where he wasn’t ruling on significant constitutional matters,” he said.
District of Columbia
Blade welcomes fall intern
Alexis McLean is student at University of North Florida
The Washington Blade this week welcomed Alexis McLean as its fall intern.
Alexis is studying political science at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Fla. She is interning with the Blade as part of a continued partnership with the Washington Center.
“I am looking forward to spending my time in the fall with the Washington Blade, as this is a new experience for me,” said Alexis. “I have not experienced any journalist jobs in the past so this would be my first time, and I am excited to better my writing and communications skills with this internship.”
Alexis’s internship with the Blade ends in early December.
Rehoboth Beach
SUNFESTIVAL takes center stage as Rehoboth Beach closes out summer
Labor Day Weekend bustling with events, including David Archuleta performance
Labor Day Weekend marks the unofficial end of summer in Rehoboth Beach, but there will be no shortage of LGBTQ events, with CAMP Rehoboth’s annual SUNFESTIVAL taking over town this weekend.
Thursday (9/3)
Get your Labor Day Weekend started early Thursday night with happy hour from 5-7 p.m. at Diego’s Bar & Nightclub, followed by Naughtee Bingo hosted by Magnolia Applebottom at 8:30 p.m.
After bingo, the party continues with Dancing at Diego’s from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Aqua Bar & Grill will also kick off its Labor Day Weekend festivities Thursday with a DJ spinning from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Friday (9/4)
The weekend ramps up Friday night at Aqua, where DJ Matt Bailer will keep the dance floor moving from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Over at Diego’s, DJ Steve Sidewalk will then take over Diego’s for Freedom Friday from 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m.
Saturday (9/5)
The main event of the weekend arrives Saturday with the opening night of CAMP Rehoboth’s SUNFESTIVAL.
Billed as the ultimate party to close out the summer, SUNFESTIVAL has become one of Rehoboth’s signature Labor Day Weekend events. The annual celebration sells out each year, with proceeds benefiting CAMP Rehoboth.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with refreshments available at the cash bar while attendees are invited to socialize and find their seats.
Saturday night will feature local singer Ashley Williams as the opening performer, followed by headliner David Archuleta. The event will also feature a live auction.
Back across town Saturday, Aqua will continue its Labor Day Weekend DJ lineup from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Diego’s will also have plenty happening, with ‘Splash Party’ hosted by Magnolia Applebottom at 5 p.m., followed by a Saturday Dance Party with Brett Oosterhaus from 9 p.m.- 1:30 a.m.
The Blue Moon hosts its popular Legends Show at 9 p.m. It’s an all-live singing show by the Blue Moon cast of celebrity impersonators.
Etienne Pilon has taken Rehoboth by storm this summer. Check out the talented singer/pianist at The Pines from 7-10 p.m.
Sunday (9/6)
Sunday’s SUNFESTIVAL event will shift the focus to the dance floor, with globally renowned DJs Robbie Leslie and James Anthony scheduled to perform. Doors open at 7 p.m., with dancing continuing until 1 a.m.
On Sunday, Aqua will throw its annual White Party, with DJs spinning from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Guests are encouraged to dress in white for the holiday weekend celebration.
Diego’s will host its Sunday High T-Dance with Pamala Stanley at 5 p.m. Later that evening, DJ Tannr will be spinning at 9 p.m.
John Flynn is on the piano from 6-8 p.m. at the Blue Moon.
Monday (9/7)
The final day of Labor Day Weekend brings one last chance to hit the dance floor before summer officially winds down.
Aqua will close out its five-day Labor Day Weekend celebration with DJ Biff from 3-7 p.m.
Maryland
Anne Arundel schools now need parent permission to call trans students by preferred names
Conservative groups challenged system’s policy
By JESSICA CALEFATI | Anne Arundel County Public Schools staff cannot use transgender students’ preferred names if their parents oppose it, according to an internal document reviewed by the Banner, a change that comes after conservative groups challenged the school system’s approach to gender identity.
Teachers union president Kristina Korona told members in an Aug. 20 email that the new guidance undermines district policy on acceptance and inclusivity and “will begin harming affected students immediately.”
Previously, the district didn’t require parental permission to use a high school student’s chosen name and pronouns corresponding to their gender identity, the internal document says. Now it does. The change comes as parents challenge the suburban school system’s gender identity policy and regulation in court and the Trump-Vance administration threatens the district’s funding.
The rest of this article can be found on the Baltimore Banner’s website.
Markey’s primary win deemed success for LGBTQ activists
Top Bulgarian court rules government must legally recognize trans people
Lou Chibbaro Jr. documentary wins award from NLGJA
Beloved D.C. ‘Old Catholic’ Bishop Charles Braun dies at 86
Blade welcomes fall intern
E-INFOSOL leaders encourage youth to pursue tech careers
Milo Yiannopoulos deported to UK
New book examines Trump cuts to LGBTQ healthcare
Immersive ‘Nation-State’ imagines a society free of authoritarianism
