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No other medium absorbs LGBT angst quite like the printed page

Published

13 years ago

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How’s that for eye-catching art? ‘Gorgeous Gallery,’ a coffee table book featuring the work of contemporary gay artists, is out this fall from Bruno Gmuender. The lavish, 160-page book was compiled by David Leddick. (Photo courtesy Bruno Gmuender)

There’s a lot less money on the line with a book than with a movie or TV show. Which is why the printed page is always one of the best places to find LGBT content. This fall is no exception.

If the summer saw you with new bling-er on your finger, then you’ll want to grab “From the Closet to the Altar: Courts, Backlash and the Struggle for Same-Sex Marriage” by Michael J. Klarman.

As a legal expert, Klarman has excellent insight into litigation and the fight for same-sex marriage. In this book, he looks at the politics, legal wrangling, personal stories, fallout and triumphs in the movement toward equality in marriage.

Speaking of marriage, you might also like “My Husband and My Wives: A Gay Man’s Odyssey” by Charles Rowan Beye. On one hand, this is the story of one man’s realization that he’s attracted to men. On the other hand, it’s about his marriages to women — not once, but twice — and then his marriage to the love of his life.

Look for Cyndi Lauper’s autobiography “Cyndi Lauper: A Memoir” Tuesday from Simon & Schuster.

For something a little more somber, look for “October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard” by Leslea Newman. Written as a novel in verse form, this work of fiction allows voices from various points of view to come forth in remembrance of the day Shepard died so violently. This is a quick book to read, which is good: you’ll have time to read it again and again. Also look for “Letters to My Bully” written and/or edited by Azaan Kamau, Ifalade Ta-Shia Asanti, Kergan Edwards-Stout and Robert LaSardo. It’s a book that lets victims of bullying speak up and be heard, written by a host of contributors who are mad and won’t sit down and shut up anymore.

On a lighter note, what makes you gay? In “Born This Way: Real Stories of Growing Up Gay” by Paul Vitagliano, you’ll get a look at personal stories, memories and childhood pictures of real people who’ve embraced their LGBT lives, who’ve known it since they were kids and who celebrate it with pride. Yes, this book is based on the blog of the same name and yes, the book is equally fun to read.

“How to Be Gay” by David M. Halperin could also be fun but it could incite argument, too, because it’s filled with thought-provoking ideas and hypotheses. Halperin doesn’t shy away from controversy here, nor does he bow to stereotypes, which means that this is a book you might finish and then share with your straight friends.

Discuss.

Lesbian writer (and Lambda Literary Award winner) Emma Donoghue is back with “Astray,” a new collection of short stories that’s slated for Oct. 30.

Of course, maybe you’ve got a busy fall, a jam-packed schedule and you’re overloaded with things to do and when you’re busy, who has time to read, right?

Well surely you’ve got time for some eye-popping art like “Gorgeous Gallery” by David Leddick. This huge collection of erotic artwork features some old favorite artists and lots of new talent that could quickly become your new fave. This book is from Bruno Gmüender, as is “Bel Ami Rebels” by photographer Joan Crisal, a look at European porn stars who are willing to show their naughty and nice sides.

Bruno Gmuender, by the way, also has a new Tom of Findland book due this fall, as well as a new superhero comic art book by Iceman Blue.

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Out & About

Team DC’s holiday party set for Dec. 8

Local LGBTQ sports community celebrates at Trade

Published

20 hours ago

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December 5, 2025

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Team DC’s holiday party will be held Monday. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

Team DC will host its annual holiday party on Monday, Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. at Trade. This event will celebrate Team DC’s sports community, athletes, and Team DC’s accomplishments this past year. Food will be catered by Seasons, and there will be a clothing drive to benefit the DC Center for the LGBT Community. 

To RSVP, visit Team DC’s Instagram page.

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Music & Concerts

Washington chorale kicks off Christmas with vibrant program

‘Thine Own Sweet Light’ concerts planned

Published

20 hours ago

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December 5, 2025

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(Photo by orson/Bigstock)

The full Washington Master Chorale will return for its annual holiday concert tradition with “Thine Own Sweet Light” on Friday, Dec. 19 and Sunday, Dec. 21 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church (D.C.) and Church of the Epiphany (D.C.).

The concert will feature the rich sounds of the 50-voice, a cappella chorus performing lush, seasonal choral music inspired by the theme of light. Highlights include Edvard Grieg’s “Ave Maris Stella,” Eric Whitacre’s “Lux Aurumque,” and Christopher Hoh’s “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God of Hosts.” The program will also present a new work by Barcelona composer Josep Ollé i Sabaté, along with charming holiday folk songs and seasonal favorites. 

For more details, visit the Washington Master Chorale website.

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Calendar

Calendar: December 5-11

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

21 hours ago

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December 5, 2025

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Friday, December 5

“Center Aging Friday Tea Time” will be at 12 p.m. in person at the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s new location at 1827 Wiltberger St., N.W. To RSVP, visit the DC Center’s website or email [email protected]. 

The DC Anti-Violence Project at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will host its second annual open mic event, “Queer Voices: Unwavering” at 7 p.m. This event aims to create a space that allows the LGBTQ community to honor queer siblings of all communities, mourn those lost, and celebrate the power and love in our community. If you are interested in attending or performing, visit this link.

Go Gay DC will host “First Friday LGBTQ+ Community Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at Silver Diner Ballston. 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, December 6

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 12 p.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for food and conversation.  Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

The DC Center for the LGBT Community will host “Fueling Our Future” at 7 p.m. This will be a night of purpose, community, and impact and an evening filled with good food, great music, and even better company. Guests will get to enjoy a delicious menu from Right Proper Brewing Company, sip your favorite drinks at the open bar, and enjoy live performances by the amazing Preston Hawes, Tetyana Royzman, Dan Zhang, and Susanna Mendlow. Tickets cost $110 and are available on the DC Center’s website. Funds raised will support the DC Center’s Social and Human Services. 

LGBTQ People of Color Support Group will be at 7 p.m. in person at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. 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 are all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more information and events for LGBTQ People of Color, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.

Monday, December 8

“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]).

“Soulfully Queer: LGBTQ+ Emotional Health and Spirituality Drop-In” will be at 3 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This group will meet weekly for eight weeks, providing a series of drop-in sessions designed to offer a safe, welcoming space for open and respectful conversation. Each session invites participants to explore themes of spirituality, identity, and belonging at their own pace, whether they attend regularly or drop in occasionally. For more details visit the DC Center’s website.

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 that you’re not 100% cis. For more details, visit genderqueerdc.org or Facebook.

Tuesday, December 9

Coming Out Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a safe space to share experiences about coming out and discuss topics as it relates to doing so — by sharing struggles and victories the group allows those newly coming out and who have been out for a while to learn from others. For more details, visit the group’s Facebook. 

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/expression to join together in community and learn from one another. For more details, email [email protected]. 

Wednesday, December 10

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.

“Movement for Healing with Felicia Taliaferro” will be at 3 p.m. This is a space for nervous system nourishment and embodied restoration. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website. 

Thursday, December 11 

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.  

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