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Queery: Xion Lopez

The Transgender Day of Remembrance organizer answers 20 gay questions

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Xion Lopez, HIPS, Queery, gay news, Washington Blade
Xion Lopez, HIPS, Queery, gay news, Washington Blade

Xion Lopez (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Xion Lopez says Transgender Day of Remembrance is a bittersweet experience. As the names are called and candles lit, she says she feels, “so many mixed emotions — a lot of fabulous comes into my heart just hearing those names. I don’t forget any of them but to hear those names again is just a very emotional process.”

Lopez is co-planning this year’s event, slated for Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Metropolitan Community Church of Washington (474 Ridge Street, NW). As a young trans woman herself, Lopez says it’s important for the community to “remember those sisters who no longer have a voice — it’s a very important day for me.” Visit theindc.org for more information.

Lopez, 21, grew up in Washington. She previously worked at Transgender Health Empowerment but now volunteers there since she couldn’t be both a client and employee. She started earlier this year as an intern at HIPS (Helping Individual Prostitutes Survive) and this week became its interim office manager. She has family here but is not in contact with them.

Lopez is single and lives in Deanwood. In her free time, she enjoys movies, being social, activism, performing and “me time — no hair, no makeup and just being centered.”

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

I had to come out twice: at 13 as a gay male and 19 as a trans woman. The hardest person to tell both times was my mother.

Who’s your LGBT hero?

Debbie McMillian, the CRC specialist at Transgender Health Empowerment. For those of you who don’t know Debbie, make it a point to reach out and take in her awesomeness!

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

Town. To me, it feels like a different type of club — very loungey.

Describe your dream wedding.

Ceresville Mansion in Frederick, Md. Custom made dress. Candles. Flowers. And HIPS party favors (free dildos, anyone?). Private and small.

What non-LGBT issue are you most passionate about?

Domestic violence. Being a former victim of domestic violence, it’s an issue close to my heart.

What historical outcome would you change?

Lil’ Kim’s plastic surgery. She looked so much better before.

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

When people used to put slits in their jeans and wore two polos. Popped collars for life!

On what do you insist?

Respect

What was your last Facebook post or Tweet?

#ican’t take this weather.

Facebook: #girlslikeus (with a picture of me Kisha Allure)

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

Xionism

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

I wouldn’t do anything! It’s wrong and I’d be lying to myself. I like being different.

What do you believe in beyond the physical world? 

I believe in a higher power and centering myself. I want to be at peace.

What’s your advice for LGBT movement leaders?

Sometimes it’s best to get off the seat they hold and experience the lives of people on the ground — reminds them what they’re fighting for.

What would you walk across hot coals for?

Erykah Badu

What LGBT stereotype annoys you most?

That all trans women are sex workers.

What’s your favorite LGBT movie?

“Rent”

What’s the most overrated social custom?

I hate when people say, “I want to piggy back off of …”

What trophy or prize do you most covet?

A Grammy!

What do you wish you’d known at 18?

I wish I had known it could get better.

Why Washington?

Why not? It’s a place for equality.

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Photos

PHOTOS: Victory Fund National Champagne Brunch

LGBTQ politicians gather for annual event

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Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Del.) speaks at the 2025 Victory Fund National Champagne Brunch. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The Victory Fund held its National Champagne Brunch at the Ritz-Carlton on Sunday, April 27. Speakers included Tim Gunn, Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Gov. Wes Moore (D-Md.), Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Del.), Rep. Chris Pappas (D-N.H.) and Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.).

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

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Music & Concerts

Tom Goss returns with ‘Bear Friends Furever Tour’

Out singer/songwriter to perform at Red Bear Brewing Co.

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Singer Tom Goss is back. (Photo by Dusti Cunningham)

Singer Tom Goss will bring his “Bear Friends Furever Tour” to D.C. on Sunday, June 8 at 8 p.m. at Red Bear Brewing Co. 

Among the songs he will perform will be “Bear Soup,” the fourth installment in his beloved bear song anthology series. Following fan favorites like “Bears,” “Round in All the Right Places,” and “Nerdy Bear,” this high-energy, bass-thumping banger celebrates body positivity, joyful indulgence, and the vibrant spirit of the bear subculture.

For more details, visit Tom Goss’s website.

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Calendar

Calendar: May 2-8

LGBTQ events in the days to come

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Friday, May 2

“Center Aging Friday Tea Time” will be at 2 p.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more details, email [email protected]

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at P.F. Chang’s. 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, May 3

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.

LGBTQ People of Color Support Group 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 judgment 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

Sunday, May 4

“The Chateau Drag Brunch” will be at 12 p.m. at Chicatana. Enjoy fabulous Mexican food and cocktails while being entertained by a rotating cast of the DMV’s best drag performers. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased on Eventbrite

“The Bubble: Queer Brooklyn Comics in DC” will be at 5 p.m. at As You Are. Queer comedians Charlie Flynn, Evan Lazarus and Keara Sullivan are coming down from NYC for a night of fun as they split an hour of standup comedy. For more details, visit Eventbrite

Monday, May 5

“Center Aging Monday Coffee & Conversation” 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 details, email [email protected]

Tuesday, May 6

Universal Pride Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group seeks to support, educate, empower, and create change for people with disabilities. For more details, email [email protected]

Wednesday, May 7

Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. 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.

Center Aging Women’s Social and Discussion Group will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older queer women can meet and socialize with one another. We will have discussion, activities, and a chance for you to share what you want future events to include. For more details, email [email protected]

Thursday, May 8

The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. To be fair with who is receiving boxes, the program is moving to a lottery system. 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 with Sarah M. will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breath work, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.

South Asian Support Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. The peer support group is an outlet for South Asian-identified LGBTQ individuals to come and talk about anything affecting them. It’s a secure, judgment-free environment to discuss relationships, sexuality, health, well-being, identity, culture, religion, or anything that is on your mind. For more details, email [email protected]

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