Arts & Entertainment
Queery: Abdur-Rahim Briggs
The Al Sura founder/director answers 20 gay questions
Abdur-Rahim Briggs, founder and president of Al Sura, Inc. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
Abdur-Rahim Briggs is the founder and president of Al Sura, Inc. (alsura.org), a social marketing and fundraising non-profit that provides mini grants and leadership training to individuals and organizations providing health care and HIV/AIDS support to people of color.
On Saturday, the organization has its Homecoming Fall Fundraiser Reception for Howard University alumni and any former D.C. resident. It runs from 7 to 11 p.m. For location and other details, RSVP to [email protected]. A $10 door donation is requested that will go to the organization to help it in its mission of erasing health disparities among people of color in the District. Organizers also hope to sign up people for volunteer opportunities with youth mentoring, voter registration and the Whitman-Walker AIDS Walk events (the AIDS Walk is Oct. 27).
Briggs, a 44-year-old Los Angeles native, came to Washington in 1994 and continued his community involvement work. He credits the late Roy Roberts, former executive director of the Watts/Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club, with inspiring his work.
He has won several awards for his work, including being honored at a recent Alston House benefit and reception last month.
Briggs lives in Congress Heights in Southeast Washington. He’s single and enjoys weight training, reading, meditating and socializing. He also likes movies, watching HGTV and listening to smooth jazz. (Blade photos by Michael Key)
How long have you been out and who was the hardest person to tell?
Well actually, I am “out to myself.” I tend to keep my personal life personal. However, I am out to my parents. The hardest person to tell was a straight guy I once had a crush on. We’re still friends today.
Who’s your LGBT hero?
The late Wanda L. Alston.
What’s Washington’s best nightspot, past or present?
Presently, it would be a bi-monthly party called Dark Fantasy hosted by The Kings Entertainment Group held every first and third Saturdays at the Warehouse Lofts. Hot brothers all over the place!
Describe your dream wedding.
That’s a tough one! My dream wedding would be a ceremony overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. I’m a big fan of scenic weddings.
What non-LGBT issue are you most passionate about?
The empowerment and providing positive mentorship for today’s urban youth. Many young people do not have positive role models to look to. That concerns me a great deal.
What historical outcome would you change?
The assassination of Malcolm X. He was killed at the age of 44, although he and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had philosophical differences, they both were profound visionaries and leveraged their religious faiths to move and inspire the African-American community during the Civil Rights Movement. It just would have been interesting to see what more Malcolm X could have accomplished if he had more time. He’s truly my hero.
What’s been the most memorable pop culture moment of your lifetime?
Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” He will forever be the greatest musical artist ever to walk the planet. I love you Michael!
On what do you insist?
Erasing health care disparities and increasing HIV awareness among minority communities, which is exactly why I founded Al Sura Inc.
What was your last Facebook post or Tweet?
My last Facebook post was Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2012. I was promoting an upcoming event. I have to admit it, I am a Facebook junkie.
If your life were a book, what would the title be?
“You Don’t Need a Title to Be a Leader”
If science discovered a way to change sexual orientation, what would you do?
You got me on that one! I would not change a thing about me. I love and accept who I am. I would not change a thing.
What do you believe in beyond the physical world?
I believe Allah has prepared a wonderful after-life for those who spread great deeds on this earth. Our time is limited.
What’s your advice for LGBT movement leaders?
Follow and trust what Allah has called you to do. If you are called to serve, do it and forget the haters. Follow your journey and leave a legacy behind so that when you are gone, your legacy will live on like my LGBT hero Wanda L. Alston.
What would you walk across hot coals for?
I would walk across hot coals for truth, honesty and integrity.
What LGBT stereotype annoys you most?
An LGBT stereotype that annoys me the most is that we are morally and spiritually bankrupt when in fact we actually pray to Allah (God) more than heterosexuals do. Another pet peeve I dislike is when people equate our sexuality with promiscuity.
What’s your favorite LGBT movie?
“Mommie Dearest”
What’s the most overrated social custom?
Being politically correct.
What trophy or prize do you most covet?
An Oscar!
What do you wish you’d known at 18?
I wish I’d known that it is OK to be and love myself.
Why Washington?
It’s the perfect place to become politically active and engaged through heightened community service and aggressive activism. This is the work that I and seven other board members currently do with Al Sura Inc. In fact our organization has a mini-grant program that assists D.C.-based LGBT and black-focused community non-profits in achieving their missions. Look for our other events next year — “Al Sura in Black” on Feb. 23 and the White Attire Affair on July 20.
Theater
Don’t miss summer productions at Clear Space in Rehoboth Beach
‘Cher Show,’ ‘Pretty Woman’ among season’s standouts
“The Cher Show” at Clear Space Theatre is wonderful. I am always amazed at the talent they attract for their summer series. Kudos to Wes Drummond, the artistic director of the theater. “The Cher Show” is written by Rick Elice. Compliments to the talented director, James FitzSimmons, who brought to life this production. His immensely talented cast includes Shannen Hofheimer as Star, Breanna Lemerise as Lady, Abby Lynne as Babe, and Anya Kay, as young Cher. Each is a pleasure to both watch and listen to. They command the stage. Then more kudos to the entire cast and ensemble. Also, the creative team, which includes among so many who make this show a hit, choreographer Shondelle Graulich; scenic designer, David Chappell; lighting designer Brendan Smith; costume designer Valerie Beardsley; and the entire orchestra led by conductor, Jerry Birl.
But the actor who I was looking forward to seeing in the production, was a young actor I had written about, and reviewed, when I saw him at Clear Space two years ago. In this production he is Sonny Bono, and he definitely didn’t disappoint.
Let me introduce Caetano de Sá. I have written about him before, but his resume is worth repeating. It says; Height: 5’7 ½, Eyes: Brown, Voice part: Tenor G2 – C5, Build: Athletic. All true. Then you add to this he speaks Brazilian Portuguese, is certified in stage combat by the Society of American Fight Directors, and is a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo. Then as his resume of roles confirms, he can act, sing, and dance with the best. He does a great job as Sonny and is fun to watch on stage. Here he displays his talents as a singer and actor, and they are as good as I remembered them when I first met Caetano while he was still in school in 2024, and was starring as Frankie Valli in “Jersey Boys,” at Clear Space. At the time he was a rising senior at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee BFA Musical Theater program. I interviewed him, and Harry Sperduto, who played Tommy Devotee, after seeing them in the show, and being amazed by their talent. Since that time, I have followed their careers. When I heard Caetano was coming back to Clear Space for the summer, I reached out, and he agreed to sit down and chat, which we did. I knew Clear Space Theatre was planning a busy summer season. Their lineup of shows included “The Cher Show,” “Mean Girls,” and “Pretty Woman.” They always have talented casts, including the many college students who are getting their first chance to shine, which was the case for Caetano in 2024. Now he is back as a graduate, with more experience under his belt, a little more established. This season he was going to play Sonny in their production of “The Cher Show,” Martin/Coach Carr, in “Mean Girls,” and Mr. Hollister in “Pretty Woman,” and being a part of the ensemble. He told me he really enjoys being at Clear Space, and that his castmates are all talented. He is a lot more experienced than when he was here before, having performed in productions at the Prairie Repertory Theatre, the Emerald Coast Theatre Company, Firehouse Center for the Arts, and the Sullivan Rep, among others. In productions as diverse as “Oklahoma!,” “Mystic Pizza,” “Hairspray,” and “Rock of Ages.” He now lives in New York City and clearly New York is the perfect place for an aspiring actor. He has an agent at Bramante Artists, who is getting him gigs, like the one he had at 54 Below and even a TV commercial for AFLAC.
“The Cher Show” is the second show I have seen at Clear Space this summer. After our chat I got one of the last tickets available that evening for “Pretty Woman.” In that production he has a smaller role, and is part of the incredibly talented ensemble. It is also an entertaining show and its very talented stars, Abby McDonough as Vivian, and Jaiden Leo Riley as Edward, are a pleasure to watch. Kudos to the talented director, Ashley Williams, and the entire creative team.
For anyone living at the beach, or coming for a visit, I urge you to plan a night at Clear Space. You won’t regret it. But know tickets for all the shows, and Sunday evening cabaret nights, sell out fast. So, I suggest you see what’s available online and buy yours today.
The 2026 World Pride March was held on Saturday, Aug. 8 in Amsterdam. Tens of thousands of participants marched from Martin Luther Kingpark to the grounds of the Pride Village at Museumplein.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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The weekly drag show “Daddy Issues” was held at Kiki on Wednesday, Aug. 5. Performers included Evry Pleasure, Indiana Bones and Tiara Missou-Sidora.
(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)
Don’t miss summer productions at Clear Space in Rehoboth Beach
New LGBTQ visitor center slated for Wilmington, Del.
PHOTOS: World Pride March
Tens of thousands take part in World Pride March
PHOTOS: Daddy Issues at Kiki
Continue to engage in community after Pride month
D.C.’s Mary’s House For Older Adults names new executive director
Suzanne Goode is not good for Rehoboth Beach
Calendar: August 7-13
