Arts & Entertainment

Queery: Bryce Romero

HRC consumer marketing specialist answers our 20 gay questions

Published

14 years ago

June 21, 2012

Bryce Romero, gay news, Washington Blade

Romero is single and lives in Columbia Heights. He enjoys reading, music, travel, food and shopping in his free time. (Blade photo by Michael Key)

Bryce Romero has an interesting spin on the merchandise that his employer — the Human Rights Campaign — hawks at its three shops (in Washington, Provincetown and San Francisco, the latter in Harvey Milk’s old Castro-based camera shop). In gay hubs, the T-shirts and stickers are a way to show LGBT support but elsewhere, the yellow-and-navy equal logos are sometimes a way for gays to be out to each other without necessarily being out to anyone else.

“In some cases, it’s like the secret handshake,” the 28-year-old Scottsdale, Ariz., native says. “Some people don’t have the liberty of being in a place like D.C. where it’s OK to be openly gay. In a number of places in the Midwest and in the South, wearing your HRC merchandise is a way of identifying yourself without being identifiable.”

Romero is HRC’s consumer marketing assistant and works at the agency’s main office in Washington where he’s lived for just more than a year. He guesses the group takes in about a million dollars each year in merchandise, the profits of which go back to the organization. In addition to the usual sweatshirts and key chains, the company sometimes makes collectible items such as Christopher Radko Christmas tree ornaments and Kenneth Cole-designed shirts.

His work with HRC — a bit different than what he studied getting an undergraduate degree in PR/advertising and a master’s in international communications — is a way to help the organization continue its work.

“I have an underlying passion for global change and effecting change and moving momentum forward,” he says.

How long have you been out and who was the hardest person to tell?

I’ve never been unofficially out of the closet. At the age of 5-6, I was already sporting Billy Idol hair and wearing the child equivalent of sorts. Officially, I’ve been out since about the age of 14. The most difficult person to tell was probably my college roommates in Texas. There’s always a bit of fear telling that to someone with whom you’re going to be sharing close quarters particularly at a Christian university in Texas.

Who’s your LGBT hero?

Do I have to pick just one? Truthfully, I’m inspired each and every day by our interns and those LGBT folk younger than me who wholeheartedly live their lives openly and honestly. Also, Sylvester because he worked those sequined dresses like a true DIVA!

What’s Washington’s best nightspot, past or present?

Cobalt? Anywhere on 17th Street to be honest as I always know I’ll run into a friend.

Describe your dream wedding.

It’d be an elegant sunset wedding surrounded by friends, family and loved ones in one of my absolute favorite places in the world— the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. There’s something uniquely special and incredibly magical about the game reserve — I couldn’t imagine getting married anywhere else.

What non-LGBT issue are you most passionate about?

Well I’m pretty much a professional homosexual so there’s not much time for much else, however I’ve got a huge soft spot for animals.

What historical outcome would you change?

Having just finished a book about James Garfield, I started thinking about this yesterday! Truthfully, history happens and changing it seems inauthentic to our progress as people.

What’s been the most memorable pop culture moment of your lifetime?

Ellen DeGeneres’ coming out. It’s terribly cliché but, to me, it put America on its current trajectory toward greater acceptance of LGBT Americans as well as starting a conversation about equality. That’s pretty damn cool.

On what do you insist?

Laughter, smiles and congeniality.

What was your last Facebook post or Tweet?

FB: “Bryce Romero would marry the night but there’s no morning-after pill.”

Twitter: “Link to the BuzzFeed picture of Hillary Clinton … and turn and work and serve hunnny”

If your life were a book, what would the title be?

“What Color Should I Wear To Bed?”

If science discovered a way to change sexual orientation, what would you do?

Heck no, I wouldn’t change. Somebody has to bring the glitter to the party.

What do you believe in beyond the physical world?

Oh I’m totally a firm believer in the paranormal and spirits.

What’s your advice for LGBT movement leaders?

Don’t compromise but compromise. This isn’t a you-or-me issue but rather a you and me issue.

What would you walk across hot coals for?

A half-full glass of water. Or for the ability to keep my mother alive for as long as I live.

What LGBT stereotype annoys you most?

We’re liberal in all facets of our life.

What’s your favorite LGBT movie?

“Paris Is Burning” with “Prayers for Bobby” coming a very close second.

What’s the most overrated social custom?

Beating around the bush — just get to the point. Patience is not a virtue I’ve been known to possess — ever.

What trophy or prize do you most covet?

If I have to go to a black-tie reception to collect the trophy or prize, I wouldn’t want it. So maybe a “World’s Best Friend” award?

What do you wish you’d known at 18?

How to drive, how to love and how to shake off the past.

Why Washington?

Certainly not the weather, that’s for sure! There’s nowhere else quite like the swamp and I would be hard pressed to trade the passionate people, vibrant nightlife, cultural amenities and cheap booze for anywhere else. All kidding aside, Washington really embodies that notion of a cosmopolitan city — it’s everything!

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Photos

PHOTOS: ‘Studio 69’

Glitterati Productions hold party at Bunker

Published

7 hours ago

May 11, 2026

Michael Key

'Studio 69' was held at Bunker on Friday. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Glitterati Productions held the “Studio 69” party at Bunker on Friday, May 8.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

Arts & Entertainment

Washington Blade’s Pride on the Pier returns June 13 to kick off D.C. Pride week

Pride on the Pier officially launches Pride Week in D.C.

Published

13 hours ago

May 11, 2026

Staff reports

The Washington Blade’s annual Pride on the Pier celebration returns to The Wharf on Saturday, June 13, 2026 from 4-9 p.m., bringing thousands of LGBTQ community members and allies together for an unforgettable waterfront celebration to kick off Pride week in Washington, D.C.

Now in its eighth year, Washington Blade Pride on the Pier extends the city’s annual celebration of LGBTQ visibility to the bustling Wharf waterfront with an exciting array of activities and entertainment for all ages. The District Pier will offer DJs, dancing, drag, and other entertainment. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase for those 21 and older.

“Pride on the Pier has become one of the signature moments of Pride in D.C.,” said Lynne Brown, publisher of the Washington Blade. “There’s nothing like watching our community come together on the waterfront with live music and incredible energy as we kick off Pride week.”

Pride on the Pier is free and open to the public, with VIP tickets available for exclusive pier access to the Dockmaster Building. To purchase VIP tickets visit www.prideonthepierdc.com/vip.

Additional entertainment announcements, sponsor activations, and event details will be released in the coming weeks.

Event Details:

📍 Location: District Pier at The Wharf (101 District Sq SW, Washington, DC)
📅 Dates: Friday, 13, 2026

⏱️ 4-9PM
🎟️ VIP Tickets: www.PrideOnThePierDC.com/VIP

Theater

National tour of ‘Gatsby’ comes to National Theatre

Out actor Edward Staudenmayer talks playing the show’s gangster

Published

1 day ago

May 10, 2026

Patrick Folliard

Edward Staudenmayer plays Meyer Wolfsheim in ‘The Great Gatsby.’ (Photo courtesy National Theatre)

‘The Great Gatsby’
May 12-24
The National Theatre
1321 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
$59-$196
Thenationaldc.com

Often dubbed “The Great American Novel” for its depiction of ambition and self-invention alongside the reversals of success, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” says it all in a fast read.

Set against the excesses and energy of the Roaring Twenties, “The Great Gatsby,” novel and now the same-titled hit Broadway musical with a jazz/pop original score by Jason Howland and Nathan Tysen, tells the story of Nick Carraway and his friendship with Jay Gatsby, an enigmatic millionaire intent on reuniting with ex-lover, Daisy Buchanan.

It was during a four-month 2025 run in Seoul, South Korea, that out actor Edward Staudenmayer first played the show’s heavy, Meyer Wolfsheim, a gangster who helped Gatsby make his murkily acquired fortune. As Meyer, Staudenmayer opens the second act with, appropriately enough, “Shady.”

Now three months into a year-long North American tour, the show is poised to enjoy a brief run at Washington’s National Theatre (5/12-5/24).

While putting on his eyeliner prior to a recent Wednesday matinee at Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre, the upstate New York-based actor shared about Gatsby and a life in theater.

WASHINGTON BLADE: Despite your good looks and terrific voice, you’re rarely the leading the man. How is that?

EDWARD STAUDENMAYER: I’m definitely a character man. I’ve been painting lines on my face to play old men since I was in high school. I was the youngest freshman in college playing old Uncle Sorin [in Chekhov’s “The Seagull”].

There have been many villains. Some darker than others. Meyer Wolfsheim is a very bad guy, but he doesn’t haunt me once I’m offstage. I play a lot of pickleball.

BLADE: Is it true that like so many of Fitzgerald’s characters, Wolfsheim is famously based on someone the writer encountered in life.

STAUDENMEYER: That’s true, Wolfsheim is pretty much a direct portrayal of real-life mobster and 1919 World Series fixer [Arnold Rothstein].

BLADE: When did the 1925 novel first surface on your radar?

STAUDENMAYER: Like many of us, I was assigned “The Great Gatsby” in high school. It was short, and filled with sex and illicit activities. I thought it was great. Definitely wasn’t a Judy Blume novel.

Interestingly, the book wasn’t originally a huge a success for Fitzgerald, but because it was about war and having the girl at home, they gave it to GIs leaving for WWII. After returning, a lot of those guys went on the GI Bill and became English teachers. They assigned the book to their students.

BLADE The idea that the book’s first-person narrator, Nick Carraway, is gay and enamored with Jay Gatsby is long discussed among readers and scholars. Does the musical touch on that?

STAUDENMAYER: Yes, there’s conjecture about Jay and Nick, and it’s implied in our show. It’s also implied about Jordan Baker, Jay’s fleeting romantic interest. Ultimately, she’s a confirmed bachelor, and a professional golfer who only wears pants.

Our performers are really good. Josh Grasso who plays Nick is fantastic. I’ve had to stop watching him in his last scene; it’s not good for Meyer Wolfsheim to take his curtain call crying. Our Gatsby, Jake David Smith, is good too. He’s gorgeous like Superman and sings like an angel.

BLADE: Do you ever imagine backstory for your characters whose sexuality is undefined?

STAUDENMAYER: I do, but not with Wolfsheim. I don’t see it. I’m trying to be as butch as possible with this ruthless killer.

BLADE: Have you had to do that in your career?

STAUDENMAYER: For a long time, I wore a mask to hide my gayness. I worked hard on being believable, that I was into the girl or that I was a tough guy.

It’s a different world now, and it’s so refreshing to be around the younger actors today; they’re remarkably open and comfortable.

BLADE: What was your coming of age like?

STAUDENMAYER: I played high school football in Palm Springs [he chuckles, alluding to the arid gay mecca], and I was pretty good too. But much to the chagrin of my parents and coaches, I quit the team to act in our senior year play. My super butch dad played semi-pro football and he was an ex-cop. I’m named after him. While I didn’t become my dad, I’ve played him often on stage. He was a true Gaston [the bumptious rival in “Beauty and the Beast”]. And like Gaston, he used antlers in all his interior decorating.

BLADE: Did he live to see your success in theater?

STAUDENMAYER: He did. Life was challenging growing up but the last 10 years of his life we couldn’t get off the phone with each other [his voice catches with emotion]. He accepted me entirely, and we became very close.

BLADE: Looking ahead, is there a part you’d especially like to play?

STAUDENMAYER: Like all baritones I’d love to play Sondheim’s “Sweeney Todd.” I’ve come close but it hasn’t happened yet. There’s still time.