Living
Queery: Leon Hargraves/Chris Monroe
The Miss Gaye America contestant answers 20 gay questions


Chris Monroe (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
Performing as his drag alter ego Chris Monroe, Leon Hargraves, has won so many titles and awards in the Drag Academy of Washington, he eventually removed the engraved plates to keep and gave the trophies themselves back to Academy head Mame Dennis to recycle.
Best Actress in 2002, Miss Gaye Universe in 1998 are just a couple that Hargraves has won as an Academy Member since 1978. Miss Gaye America is one of the few contests he hasnāt won. Coming as close as first runner up in six previous tries, Monroe will try again Saturday. The contest will be held at Town at 4 p.m. (doors open at 3). Admission for Academy members is $15; $20 for guests. Details at thewashingtonacademy.com.
Despite his willingness to recycle, Hargraves says the awards are still special.
āItās wonderful because these titles arenāt just given out, you have to work and earn them,ā he says. āYou canāt just come into the Academy and sit there. Thereās a job to do and you have to get in line.ā
Hargraves started drag in 1970, like many, at Halloween.
āBefore I knew it, I was hooked,ā he says.
The Waycross, Ga., native came to Washington in 1977 after a 10-year Army career. He retired last year after 42 years working in the Department of Defense.
He now enjoys more free time and says itās refreshing not to have to āwatch the clock.ā Hargraves also performs in Tulaās Drag Show at Black Fox Lounge every Sunday night.
Hargraves is single and lives in Alexandria. He enjoys running, working out, movies and ā of course ā drag in his free time.
How long have you been out and who was the hardest person to tell?
Since 1970 and the hardest person to tell was my sister since my parents were both deceased.
Who’s your LGBT hero?
That one is easy ā my drag mother, Mame Dennis because she helped start the Academy almost 51 years ago.
What’s Washington’s best nightspot, past or present?Ā
Black Fox Lounge
Describe your dream wedding.
Place doesn’t really matter as long as my friends are there and thereās a groom.
What non-LGBT issue are you most passionate about?
Helping senior citizens get out of poverty andĀ immigration laws.
What historical outcome would you change?
The Citizens United ruling.
What’s been the most memorable pop culture moment of your lifetime?
Being able to do drag the way I want.
On what do you insist?
Treat old people with respect because we will all be there one day.
What was your last Facebook post or Tweet?
Not on Facebook ā too much drama.
If your life were a book, what would the title be?
āThe Ups and Downs of Chris Monroeā
If science discovered a way to change sexual orientation, what would you do?
Nothing
What do you believe in beyond the physical world?Ā
That there is life after death.
What’s your advice for LGBT movement leaders?
Continue to stress the importance of safe-sex practice among young gays because they are our future.
What would you walk across hot coals for?
My best friends as well as family.
What LGBT stereotype annoys you most?
How people describe gays in generalĀ and that weāre supposedly trying to convert young people into the gay lifestyle.
What’s your favorite LGBT movie?
āBrokeback Mountainā
What’s the most overrated social custom?
Feeling guilty for notĀ remembering dates in general and forgetting toĀ send birthday cards.
What trophy or prize do you most covet?
I have so many but the one that stands out the most is myĀ retirementĀ certificate for years of hard work and dedication.
What do you wish you’d known at 18?
To start saving more money toward retirement.
Why Washington?
Why not? Itās a beautiful city with so much to do and see.
Dining
Watch Pride parade from one of these bars, restaurants
Plenty of viewing options along route with drink, food specials

The Capital Pride Parade steps off from 14th and T streets, N.W. at 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 10. The parade tradition honors the cityās LGBTQ history and acknowledges the evolution of the LGBTQ neighborhoods in Washington, D.C., as the parade winds through the 14th Street, Logan Circle, and Dupont Circle neighborhoods. One of the best ways to watch: Settle down at one of the many bars and restaurants that line the route. From start to finish, check out a few select options below.
Nama Ko
Situated just north of the parade kickoff, Nama Ko (which recently replaced Tico, from the same owners), will be celebrating Pride this year with three cocktail options for bottomless brunch (during the parade weekend and all month long), and an extended happy hour from 3-7 p.m. The featured drink is a Lychee Saketini made with Titoās Vodka, Nigori sake, and lychee purĆ©e; the drinks will be offered to-go for $10. Nama Ko will also offer two soft-serve flavors to go: miso honey truffle with chocolate & caramel sauces, and a black sesame soft serve topped with date syrup, cherries, and candied walnuts. To the delight of marchers, the many windows that face 14th Street will be painted a vibrant rainbow, as Tico did each year as well.
Ā
Mi Vida
Now one of three Mi Vida locations and part of the gay-owned Knead Restaurant Group, this colorful Mexican restaurant on 14th will have a special Pride cocktail, āPlus One,ā which includes Titoās Vodka, Chinola Passion Fruit, Aperol, Vanilla, Lime, Bubbles ($16). A portion of the proceeds will be donated to The Trevor Project. Guests who are coming to watch the parade can take their cocktail on the patio to get a front-row seat to the parade festivities.
Bresca
This upscale Parisian-style bistro graced with one Michelin star will join the party by opening up its bar area overlooking 14th Street for the parade.
Le Dip
To honor pride, Le Diplomate is highlighting Republic Restoratives spirits. Republic Restoratives, an LGBTQ-owned distillery located in Northeast, is a longtime supporter of LGBTQ rights in D.C. Le Diplomate will honor Republic in two cocktails June 9-11: the Romarin, using Civic Vodka, and the Tonic Trope, which will feature Assembly Gin. Le Diplomate has patio seating right on 14th Street and on Q Street.
Ā
Jane Jane
This throwback gay-owned cocktail lair with a patio on 14th Street is hosting a month-long Pride fundraiser in support of the ACLU Drag Defense Fund, During the month of June, the popular bar will donate 10 percent of sales from its Pride cocktail menu, and 50 percent of all T-shirt sales to the Drag Defense Fund. The bar will set up a stand for drinks outside during the parade, and will open up inside for the remainder of the evening.
Otherwise on 14th Street, check out patios at spots like Gypsy Kitchen, Garden District, Tedās Bulletin, Aslin Beer Company, Chicken + Whiskey, Pearl Dive Oyster Palace and more.
The parade route leaves 14th Street and turns west on Rhode Island Avenue. Two hotels right on the route are hosting Pride parties.
Ā
Viceroy Washington DC
The Capital Pride partner event Crack of Noon PRIDE Parade Brunch event is taking place at the Viceroyās Dovetail restaurant. Pregame for the parade with an all-you-can-eat brunch plus bubbly. Diners have the chance to meet the celebrated Pride Parade grand marshals, Pride 2023 Honorees, and other surprise special guests. Diners must be 21+. Brunch runs 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. for $60-$75.
Ā
Darcy Hotel
Just a block west, The Darcy Hotel will host a Pride event on the Gerrard Street Patio, complete with a DJ plus food and drink specials. The hotel is offering two specialty cocktails for the entire month of June: The No28 cocktail ($6.28) in honor of National Pride Day (6/28), and The Darcy Pride cocktail, with peach vodka and passionfruit.
From there, the parade turns north on 17th Street for one block, and back west on P Street.
Ā
DC Vegan
At the corner of 17th and P Streets, this vegan deli-restaurant-bar is hosting its annual Vegan Pride party again with a special menu, and extended 12 p.m.-12 a.m. service. The bar will serve sausages, sandwiches, loaded nachos, Pride cupcakes, and other street-friendly eaters. DC Vegan will open up not only its subterranean bar, but also an auxiliary bar in its parklet patio, serving beer, wine, and liquor right on P Street.
The parade finishes its route curving around Dupont Circle and ends at 21st Street, N.W. Bars and restaurants with patios there include Pizzeria Paradiso, Sura Thai, and Emissary.
And if the parade crowds are too daunting, watch the parade on the giant screen at Pride on the Pier at the Wharf. The festivities include drag shows, DJs, VIP sections, and the parade on the big screen. Admission to the pier is free; the party runs from 2-9 p.m. culminating in a fireworks display. Visit prideonthepierdc.com for more information.
Real Estate
Acquiring a down payment for your dream home
Unconventional strategies for finding the money you need

Purchasing a home is a significant milestone, but for many aspiring homeowners, the biggest hurdle is saving for a down payment. While traditional saving methods are widely known, exploring creative and unconventional strategies can provide alternative pathways to gather the necessary funds.
In this article, we will explore a range of innovative approaches to acquiring a down payment for your dream home. By thinking outside the box and considering unique options, you can turn your homeownership aspirations into reality.
1. Shared Equity and Co-Buying:
Consider exploring shared equity or co-buying arrangements with family members, friends, or trusted partners. Pooling resources can significantly boost your collective down payment savings, making homeownership more attainable. Whether it involves jointly purchasing a property or establishing an agreement to share ownership and expenses, this approach allows for shared financial responsibility and increased purchasing power.
2. Down Payment Assistance Programs:
Research and explore various down payment assistance programs offered by government agencies, non-profit organizations, or local housing authorities. These programs provide financial aid or grants to eligible homebuyers, assisting them in meeting the down payment requirements. Each program has specific criteria and limitations, so it is essential to understand the options available in your area.
3. Creative Financing Options:
Investigate alternative financing options such as seller financing, lease-to-own arrangements, or rent-to-own programs. These arrangements often provide more flexibility in acquiring a down payment and transitioning into homeownership. Seller financing allows buyers to negotiate terms directly with the seller, while lease-to-own or rent-to-own agreements provide an opportunity to build equity over time while renting.
4. Crowdfunding and Community Support:
Tap into the power of crowdfunding platforms and community support to gather funds for your down payment. Share your homeownership goals with family, friends, and social networks, and consider launching a crowdfunding campaign to garner financial contributions. Additionally, some employers offer matching programs for down payment savings, so explore potential workplace assistance programs or incentives.
5. Homebuyer Grants and Loans:
Research available homebuyer grants or loans specifically designed to assist first-time buyers or those with limited financial resources. These grants and loans can provide a substantial boost to your down payment savings. Government agencies, local housing authorities, and non-profit organizations often administer these programs, offering various terms and conditions to support homebuyers.
6. Income-Generating Assets:
Explore income-generating opportunities to supplement your savings. Consider renting out a spare room, starting a small business or freelancing, or investing in income-generating assets such as rental properties or dividend-paying stocks. Generating additional income can accelerate your down payment savings, bringing you closer to homeownership faster.
7. Negotiating with Sellers:
When making an offer on a property, explore the possibility of negotiating a lower down payment requirement with the seller. In some cases, sellers may be open to more flexible terms, especially if it expedites the sale or helps them achieve their own financial goals. Engage in open and honest communication during the negotiation process to explore mutually beneficial solutions.
8. Downsize or Liquidate Assets:
Consider downsizing your current living situation or liquidating assets that are not essential to free up funds for a down payment. This could involve selling a car, downsizing to a smaller rental, or parting with belongings that hold significant value. Evaluate your current financial situation and identify areas where you can make temporary sacrifices to prioritize homeownership.
9. Savings and Budgeting Strategies:
Implement creative savings and budgeting strategies to accelerate your down payment savings. Explore the possibility of living with roommates, cutting back on discretionary expenses, or negotiating lower interest rates on existing debts. Every dollar saved brings you closer to your down payment goal, so diligently review your budget and identify areas where you can reduce expenses and allocate more funds towards your down payment savings.
10. Employer Assistance Programs:
Check if your employer offers any homeownership assistance programs or benefits. Some companies provide down payment matching programs, low-interest loans, or financial counseling services to help employees achieve homeownership. Take advantage of these resources and explore how your employer can support you in reaching your down payment goals.
Persistence and creativity are key when it comes to acquiring a down payment. Stay focused on your goal, be open to alternative methods, and adapt your approach as needed. With determination, resourcefulness, and a willingness to explore new avenues, you can overcome financial barriers and achieve your dream of homeownership. Start exploring these unconventional strategies today and take a step closer to making your dream home a reality.
Jeff Hammerberg is the founder of GayRealEstate.com, the largest and longest-running gay real estate agent referral service in the nation, boasting more than 3,500 LGBTQ Realtors who operate in cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. For more than 25 years, he has been a prolific writer, coach, and author.
Real Estate
Thinking of renting your place short-term in D.C.?
Here are some key factors to consider

Summer is coming, and in D.C., many homeowners turn their attention to generating revenue from their primary D.C. residence while they are away for the summer. Due to the way some D.C. employers enable staff to work remotely and permit longer vacation schedules in the summer months, many owners can find extra income annually by considering short-term rentals. Here are a few key things you should know before getting started.
In 2021 the D.C. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs announced it was āfinally ready to start implementing and enforcing ā a law passed three years earlier for short-term rentals (AirBnB, VRBO, etc.). According to DCist, the agency started accepting license applications for short-term rentals on Jan. 10 last year and started enforcing the law’s provisions in April 2022.
According to Martin Austermuhleās āD.C. to Start Restricting Airbnb and Other Short-Term Rentalsā he wrote for DCist, āThe law applies specifically to short-term rentals, those lasting less than 30 days at a time. Under the new law, any D.C. homeowner who wants to rent out a bedroom, basement, or entire home on Airbnb or any other platform has to get a short-term rental license from DCRA. (The two-year license costs $104.50.)ā
Charlotte Perry, owner of LUXbnb, a property manager specializing in furnished short-term rentals in D.C. for more than 15 years, is a trusted partner to Columbia Property Management. She shared her expertise and guidance with me on short-term rentals. Her business, LUXbnb, punches above its weight in the D.C. area, bringing owners greater opportunity to realize the gains they hope to make. She brings deep insight into what you can expect if you were to go down this path with your property.
Companies like hers function like any other property manager might. LUXbnb collects the rents, āhotelā taxes, security deposits, departure cleaning, and any other applicable feeds on behalf of the owner. They manage turnover between guests including cleaning and any needed repairs. And at the end of each month, they release the rental income earned less the management fee and any repair costs or new purchases.
In the District, if the owner resides at the house during the rental, s/he can host short-term renters all year long with no consequence. However, if, like many of Charlotteās clients, the owner is renting their property while they are gone during the summer or while on assignment for, say, the World Bank, those owners can only do so for a total of 90 days for the entire year. Owners like these will want to consider that under the new law, you cannot rent out your second home as an Airbnb/VRBO short term rental, and so knowing the regulations can save you a lot of headaches.
Registration Requirements
Did you know all short-term rental hosts in D.C. are required to obtain a Short-term Rental License?
According to the Office of Short-term Rental Licensing, āIn order to operate a short-term or vacation rental in the District, the property must be owned by an individual, and serve as a homeownerās primary residence ā with the owner being eligible to receive the Homestead Tax Deduction. ā
To be eligible for such a license the home must be your primary residence and owner-occupied. You will need to provide DCās Office of Short-term Rental Licensing (DLCP) the following:
Specify whether you currently have a Homestead Exemption on the property.
Proof of your liability insurance with a minimum of $250,000 in coverage. (See below for more details).
A Certificate of Clean Hands issued within the last 30 days in the property owners name must be obtained from the Office of Tax and Revenue.
The owner, or āhost,ā must attest to the habitability of the property.
If the rental is a co-op, condo, or if the property is in a community where there is a homeownersā association, the owner must attest that the bylaws, house rules, or other governing documents of the homeowner/condo/ cooperative governing board or association allow short-term and/or vacation rentals, do not prohibit owners from operating short-term rentals and/or vacation rentals, or that they have received written permission from the association to operate a short-term and/or vacation rental at the address.
Once you have successfully registered with DLCP, you will be provided with a license. You will then upload this Short-term Rental License number into your property profile in both Airbnb and VRBO. Those sites will then provide bookings for āunder-31-nightsā on your property.
By working with an experienced rental property manager specializing in furnished temporary stays, you can ensure that you’re operating your short-term rental legally and safely. Better yet, you can avoid any penalties or fines that could result from non-compliance with District regulations.
Some factors you might want to consider on your journey to short-term rental success:
Cleaning Fee and Preparation Service
Perhaps youāll want to have a cleaning service at-the-ready in case your renters have a slight disaster while theyāre there. Or maybe youāll want a service to clean prior to arrivals and directly after departures, so you can quickly turnaround the property for further rental.
Pets
Do you want pets in your home while youāre away? If so, you might want to add in an automatic post-stay pet cleaning fee to cover the expense of hair and other less pleasant odor removal.
Insurance/Accidental Damage
Charlotteās company takes out a $3,000 accidental damage insurance policy on every stay in lieu of holding a damage deposit. The cost to the guest is $39 per rental. This insurance is a safe-guard for the guest, property owner and her company, of course. This insurance policy āallows for the equitable transfer of the risk of a loss, from one entity to another ā in this case the insurance company. It is a simple way for all parties involved to mitigate risk, and most importantly, provides peace-of-mind.ā
Liability Insurance
As you saw above, the District requires all owners to possess a liability insurance policy with a minimum of $250,000 in coverage to gain a license in the District. A variety of companies can help, according to the Motley Foolās āThe Ascentā newsletter, but some do this faster and better than others. And they even recommend ones that are best for Airbnb and VRBO rental owners. The Ascent’s best homeowners insurance for short-term rentals include the following:
Allstate Insurance: Best for possessing a large network of agents
Proper Insurance: Best for Airbnb and VRBO owners
Nationwide Insurance : Best for bundling policies
Farmers Insurance : Best for vacation rentals
Steadily Insurance: Best for getting coverage quickly
Safely Insurance: Best for fast claims processing
Should you have further questions or seek to explore the option of short or mid-term rentals, do not hesitate to contact Charlotte Perry directly at 202-341-8799 or [email protected].Ā
Scott Bloom is senior property manager and owner of Columbia Property Management.Ā
For more information and resources, visit ColumbiaPM.com.
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