Local
Panel tackles ‘Aging with Pride’
problems facing older LGBT people include autonomy, independence, and freedom
Dr. Imani Woody (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
A topic that few LGBT folks care to talk about was presented by two panelists at a meeting of PFLAG-Howard County on April 9. Dr. Ann Christine Frankowski, an anthropologist (and associate director) from UMBC’s Center for Aging, who has submitted a grant to study issues related to LGBT aging, and Dr. Imani Woody, representing D.C.-based SAGE (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders), discussed the problems facing older LGBT people.
Frankowski’s grant encompasses autonomy, independence and freedom for older adults but is focused on minorities, especially sexual minorities. Acknowledging that older adults in general prefer to remain in their homes, Frankowski pointed out that health and safety concerns that are inherent in aging render such independence unfeasible. For example, the extent of care needed, finances and a lack of family members to help care for older adults contribute to the need to live elsewhere.
Some may choose to live in 55 and older communities, but Dr. Frankowski pointed out “with independent living facilities, there is oversight, meals, activities, but they are not medical facilities.”
For these reasons, many older adults must seek assisted living or nursing homes. They usually provide personal services such as bathing, meals, dispensing medications but could cost $3,000 per month. Some pricey facilities charge $7,500.
For older LGBT adults, there are other issues that must be confronted. An estimated 1.4 to 3.8 million LGBT people in the U.S. are over the age of 65 with the number expected to double by 2030. In pursuing her research, Frankowski found that “there is no discussion of sexuality, no talk about sex. People are treated asexually, and the question of sexual orientation is totally ignored.” In addition, staff members, with whom there is a high turnover rate, do not respect individual choices, and supervision of these staff members is inadequate.
As a result, many LGBT older adults are forced to return to the closet to remain safe. Woody from SAGE recommended the documentary “Gen Silent,” which follows six LGBT seniors who must choose if they will hide their sexuality just to survive in the long-term health care system. Woody said that when she requested from directors of the nursing homes the opportunity to speak with LGBT residents, “they all said there are none.” She pointed out that 80 percent of LGBT seniors do not have partners as opposed to 40 percent of the general population—contributing to loneliness and isolation.
To deal with these challenges, there are a number of excellent resources available for LGBT older adults to consult. Among them is The National Research Center of LGBT Aging (lgbtagingcenter.org), SAGE-Metro D.C. (thedccenter.org/programs_sagemetrodc.html) and SAGE (sageusa.org).
World Pride 2025
D.C. liquor board extends drinking hours for WorldPride
Gay bars, other liquor-serving establishments can stay open 24 hours
D.C.’s Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Board, which regulates liquor sales for the city’s bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and other establishments licensed to serve alcoholic beverages, has approved extended hours for alcohol service and sales during the days when most WorldPride events will be held in the nation’s capital.
In a May 2 announcement, the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration, which works with the board, said the extended liquor serving and sales hours for WorldPride will take place beginning Friday, May 30, through 4 a.m. Monday, June 9.
Although the official schedule for WorldPride events shows the events will take place May 17-June 8, most of the large events, including a two-day Pride street festival, parade, and concert, were expected to take place between May 30 and June 8.
According to the ABCA announcement and an ABCA spokesperson, liquor servicing establishments with the appropriate license can stay open for 24 hours and serve alcoholic beverages from 6 a.m. through the day and evening until 4 a.m., with no liquor sales allowed from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. during the May 30-June 9 period.
The ABCA announcement says liquor serving establishments must apply for the extended hours option and pay a $100 registration fee by a deadline on May 27.
Sources familiar with the liquor board have said the board has for many years approved the extension of liquor serving and sales hours for important events and for certain holidays such as New Year’s Eve.
At the time it approved the extended hours for WorldPride the liquor board also approved extended hours during the time when games for a World Cup soccer tournament will be held in the city on June 18, June 22, and June 26.
It couldn’t immediately be determined how many of D.C.’s 22 LGBTQ bars plan to apply for the extended drinking hours. David Perruzza, owner of the Adams Morgan gay bar Pitchers and its adjoining lesbian bar A League of Her Own, said he will apply for the 4 a.m. extended hours option but he does not intend to keep the two bars open for the full 23 hours.
Under the city’s current alcoholic beverage regulations, licensed liquor serving establishments may serve alcoholic beverages until 2 a.m. on weekdays and 3 a.m. on weekends.
World Pride 2025
Episcopal bishop to speak at WorldPride human rights conference
Trump demanded apology from Mariann Edgar Budde over post-Inauguration sermon
The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde is among those who are scheduled to speak at the WorldPride 2025 Human Rights Conference that will take place from June 4-6.
Budde, who is the bishop of the Diocese of Washington, in January urged President Donald Trump “to have mercy” on LGBTQ people, immigrants, and others “who are scared right now” during a post-Inauguration service that he and Vice President JD Vance attended at the Washington National Cathedral. Trump criticized Budde’s comments and demanded an apology.
The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde speaks at the Washington National Cathedral on Jan. 21, 2025. (PBS NewsHour clip)
A press release the Washington Blade received notes Icelandic Industries Minister Hanna Katrín Friðriksson, UK Black Pride founder Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, and Bob the Drag Queen are among those who are also expected to participate in the conference.
The conference will take place at the JW Marriott (1331 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.) and registration is open here.
World Pride 2025
Pabllo Vittar to perform at WorldPride
Brazilian drag queen, singer, joined Madonna on stage in 2024 Rio concert
A Brazilian drag queen and singer who performed with Madonna at her 2024 concert on Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach will perform at WorldPride.
The Capital Pride Alliance on Thursday announced Pabllo Vittar will perform on the Main Stage of the main party that will take place on June 7 at DCBX (1235 W St., N.E.) in Northeast D.C.
Vittar and Anitta, a Brazilian pop star who is bisexual, on May 4, 2024, joined Madonna on stage at her free concert, which was the last one of her Celebration Tour. Authorities estimated 1.6 million people attended.
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