Arts & Entertainment

Animal instinct

Rising star Sebastian Stan brings depth to gay role on Sigourney Weaver-helmed political family series

Published

14 years ago

July 20, 2012

T.J. Hammond, played by Sebastian Stan, raises a glass to his family of ‘Political Animals’ in the new USA Network series. (Photo courtesy USA Network)

Being the first openly gay child of the “First Family,” would be pressure enough, but “Political Animals’” T.J. Hammond still can’t find peace now that his mother is the Secretary of State, and divorcing his father, the former President of the United States.

“I don’t know this personally, but one of the things I’ve tried to research is the idea of how do you exist in the world as an individual when your parents’ persona is constantly an umbrella over your identity,” says Sebastian Stan, who plays T.J. in the new USA network political drama which premiered this week about a former First Family coping with change in the years after the White House (It airs Sunday nights at 10).

While many young LGBT people T.J.’s age face pressure and depression, and may experiment with drugs and alcohol like the character, most don’t do so under the microscope of the media, with a mother — former First Lady Elaine Barrish played by Sigourney Weaver, whom Stan calls a “sweet soul” — in the cabinet of the incoming President.

T.J. copes with the pressure by acting out and pushing the envelope, much like another set of first kids, the Bush twins, whom Stan says T.J. may be able to relate to.

“Its like someone handing you the same plate of breakfast every day,” Stan tells the Blade, saying he doesn’t know personally what it would be like to be under such a microscope, but has tried to research extensively this complicated character. “’Well this is now my life, and this is what I gotta do.’ And you get bored. Its like, ‘Why? I want more? I want something else. I don’t want to be pigeonholed.’ And I think that maybe … you want to branch out, you want to be different, you want to do your thing, you don’t want to constantly have to live in the shadow of your parents, which is unfortunately what these characters are living under.”

Stan says that the show from acclaimed producers Greg Berlanti and Laurence Mark, which also stars Ellen Burstyn and James Wolk who plays T.J.’s twin brother, attempts to pull back a curtain on the private lives of these very public people.

“When these people go home, and they sit down at dinner, what do they talk about?” Stan says. “How are they with themselves?”

The character differs greatly from another gay character he played in a political family on NBC’s “Kings,” because, while the young prince Jack Benjamin was strong-willed, driven and knew what he wants, T.J., Stan says, is much more fragile and lost and feels that he’s been pigeonholed in a way that does not fit him, and he’s searching for escape.

“Someone says to you, ‘Guess what? You’re going to live in this box.’ And how do you deal with that?” Stan says, saying T.J. and his straight twin Douglass deal with the pressure in vastly different ways. “T.J. deals with it by numbing, as an alcoholic and a drug addict.”

Though T.J. has strong allies in the family like his grandmother Margaret, played by Burstyn, and his powerful mother, unlike the “Kings” character, T.J. has little control over his life, and Stan, who’s straight, wonders what the young son raised in the spotlight might do with the freedom that a life of anonymity might lend.

“Ultimately he’s just a character that’s trying to find himself and trying to be heard that’s desperately wanting to be loved … Does he have a choice, and if he had a choice, what would he do with it.”

Stan says working with veteran actress Sigourney Weaver is “phenomenal,” and that he’s grateful to share a set with the “Alien” star.

“She’s an incredibly generous person, as well as an actress,” he says. “A powerhouse … The level of etiquette and discipline and commanding the set that she brought on was absolutely awesome. Made everyone feel very special … You always knew when she was going to walk in. You felt her presence.”

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Out & About

Love board games and looking for love?

Published

14 hours ago

January 16, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

(Image by VLADGRIN/Bigstock)

Quirk Events will host “Board Game Speed Dating for Gay Men” on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. at KBird DC.

Searching for a partner can be challenging. But board games are always fun. So what if you combined board games and finding a partner?

Picture this: You sit down for a night of games. A gaming concierge walks you through several games over the course of the night. You play classics you love and discover brand new games you’ve never heard of, playing each with a different group of fun singles. All while in a great establishment.

At the end of the night, you give your gaming concierge a list of the folks you met that you’d like to date and a list of those you met that you’d like to just hang out with as friends. If any two people put down the same name as each other in either column, then your gaming concierge will make sure you get each other’s e-mail address and you can coordinate a time to hang out.

Tickets cost $31.80 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Calendar

Calendar: January 16-22

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

14 hours ago

January 16, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Friday, January 16

Friday Tea Time will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Bring your beverage of choice. For more information, contact Mac ([email protected]).

Trans and Genderqueer Game Night will be at 7 p.m. at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. This is a relaxing, laid-back evening of games and fun. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena. This event is ideal for making new connections and community building or just to unwind and enjoy extended happy hour. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Saturday, January 17

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 LGBTQ+ Community Center and SMYAL will host a free film screening of “Mama Bears” celebrating queer youth, resilience, and the power of living authentically. Whether you’re a movie lover, looking to make new friends, or simply want a safe, affirming space to relax, this event is for you. Click this link to RSVP.

LGBTQ People of Color will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This peer support group is an outlet for LGBTQ people of color to come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space that strives to be safe and judgement free. There will be all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more details, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.

Sunday, January 18

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community and Conversation” at noon at As You Are. This event is for those looking to make more friends and meaningful connections in the LGBTQ+ community. Look for the Go Gay DC sign on the long table near the front window. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Monday, January 19

“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, January 20

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.

Tae Kwon Do 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, January 21

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.

Thursday, January 22

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 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 Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breathwork 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.

Sports

Capitals to host 10th annual Pride night

Pre-game block party planned at District E

Published

14 hours ago

January 16, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

(Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

The Washington Capitals will host Pride Night on Saturday, Jan. 17, when they host the Florida Panthers at Capital One Arena. A special ticket offer featuring a Pride-themed Capitals rainbow jersey is available at washcaps.com.

Fans are invited to a pre-game Block Party at District E beginning at 5 p.m. The event will feature a performance by the band NovaKane. Specialty happy hour food and beverages will be available, as well as giveaways. There will also be a presence by several local LGBTQ+ community organizations.