Arts & Entertainment
Queery: Lee Whitman
The local filmmaker answers 20 gay questions
Lee Whitman (Blade photo by Jonathan Ellis)
Lee Whitman has been making films almost as long as he can remember.
The 29-year-old Derby, Kan., native grew up using his father’s video camera to make shorts and all through high school and college (he studied broadcast journalism at Wichita State Universtiy) he continued.
His first feature-length project, “War Stories” was on the festival circuit in 2009 and is now out on DVD. It tells the story of a kid named Tim who grew up believing his father was killed in the Gulf War but discovers he may still be alive. Whitman says he recouped the $20,000 he put into the film and is now at work on another with the working title of “16 Days and Counting,” which he says will be an LGBT-themed “relationship thriller.”
He also makes shorts and hopes to post a new one, as yet untitled, on YouTube within a week or so. Visit uncheckablefilms.com or find him on YouTube under the name “aedude01” to see his work.
Whitman says he’s lucky his “day job” is also creative. He works as a government contractor writing and directing TV commercials and PSAs for the Department of Defense.
“I love it because not only is it a field I really enjoy, I get to learn a lot of techniques with the PSAs I’d never use in a feature film,” he says.
Whitman has won two regional Emmy Awards for his government work.
He and boyfriend Quang Nguyen have been dating about a year. In his free time, Whitman enjoys photography, working out, wine, writing, running, tennis, the beach and, of course, watching movies.
He came to D.C. about five years ago from Kansas after his father’s Air Force career gave him the chance to live in California, Arkansas, Colorado, Wyoming, Illinois, South Carolina, Virginia and, of course, Kansas.
Whitman lives on Capitol Hill. (Blade photo by Jonathan Ellis)
How long have you been out and who was the hardest person to tell?
I’ve been out for just over 11 years now and it hasn’t always been the easiest journey. I would say the hardest people to tell were my immediate family: my mom, dad and little brother. They’re conservative Christian and they didn’t take it too well though they’ve gotten much better as time has gone on and now my little brother is one of my biggest supporters.
Who’s your LGBT hero?
Probably Eric Alva or Dan Savage. Alva for showing those who had their doubts that LGBT people can serve in our nation’s military with dignity and honor; Savage for his work for bullied teens and gay rights in general.
What’s Washington’s best nightspot, past or present?
The Gibson, hands down. Great drinks, fun atmosphere, hot waitstaff.
Describe your dream wedding.
I have two: one is a quiet beach wedding with close friends. The other is a gigantic state-style wedding with all the trappings. In both scenarios my family puts aside their religious views and is there to support me.
What non-LGBT issue are you most passionate about?
Support for military families and for our veterans; I feel like both groups have been overlooked throughout our nation’s history. It’s only been in the past few years that people have started to notice that military families really serve too and that they need support! With Veterans there’s quite a bit more that we could and should be doing for them when it comes to health care, education, post-military job placement, etc.
What historical outcome would you change?
The election of George W. Bush and preventing 9-11 would be a good start.
What’s been the most memorable pop culture moment of your lifetime?
Either the Janet Jackson halftime nipple slip (and the following FCC court case) or the moment when the show “Battlestar Galactica” (2004) had the colonists arrive at earth midway through season four.
On what do you insist?
Integrity
What was your last Facebook post or Tweet?
FB: “A quick preview of what I’m working on … (Attached to an image from my upcoming short film debuting on YouTube next week.)”
If your life were a book, what would the title be?
“Swimming in Celluloid: The Lee Whitman Story”
If science discovered a way to change sexual orientation, what would you do?
Stay gay. My struggles with my orientation, and for acceptance because of my orientation, have made me into the strong-willed, extroverted individual I am today. Why would I want to change that?
What do you believe in beyond the physical world?
I believe in the basic tenets of Christianity, but I do not adhere to a specific church doctrine.
What’s your advice for LGBT movement leaders?
Focus on what’s important; The entire ordeal with Chick-fil-A was just silly. All that time and effort should have been focused on passing ENDA and repealing DOMA.
What would you walk across hot coals for?
A multi-picture film contract with a prominent film studio. Also my amazing boyfriend.
What LGBT stereotype annoys you most?
The bitchy queen
What’s your favorite LGBT movie?
“C.R.A.Z.Y.” — It’s a fun nostalgia trip and does a great job creating realistic characters that aren’t usually found in gay cinema.
What’s the most overrated social custom?
Passing greetings: When people walk by and say, “Hi how are you?”
and then past before you have a chance to answer them.
What trophy or prize do you most covet?
An Oscar
What do you wish you’d known at 18?
Most of the crap you worry about happening won’t come to pass, so
don’t waste your time stressing about it! Focus on today, not tomorrow.
Why Washington?
Why not? It’s a fantastic town! It has equal rights, fantastic
food, intelligent discourse, handsome men and interesting museums.
What’s not to love?
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.
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
‘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.
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