Living

Queery: Stephen Key

The oboist and Britten fan answers 20 gay questions

Published

12 years ago

November 20, 2013

Joey DiGuglielmo

Stephen Key (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Stephen Key discovered the works of composer Benjamin Britten about 10 years ago when he and a group of colleagues in Oberlin, Ohio learned the interludes from the opera “Peter Grimes.” He says the music stayed with him.

“They’re very accessible … yet also diverse and challenging to the ear at the same time,” Key says. “He uses a lot of bitonality and interesting rhythms … there are two key centers going on — they just really spoke to me and then when I found out he wrote it for his partner, Peter Pears, that made me even happier that as a gay man, we actually do have some examples of long-term relationships in the early 20^th century.”

There are a host of events going on in the region this fall to celebrate the centennial of Britten’s (1913-1976) birth. Friday night, Key will play several of Britten’s works for oboe at Shenandoah Conservatory (1460 University Dr., Winchester, Va.) in the Goodson Chapel Recital Hall at a free 7 p.m. concert. It’s about a 75-minute drive from D.C. Look up “Benjamin Britten: Works for Oboe” on Facebook for details.

Key, a 32-year-old Ada, Okla., native who also grew up in the D.C. area and returned here after a three-year stint in Texas in 2011, says Britten and Pears were “as out as they possibly could be” considering the time. He says Britten’s music holds up because it’s both “approachable and challenging.”

“Britten found that happy point in the middle where he was pushing the envelope of what was possible, but there’s still enough melody and harmonic structure there for you to latch onto,” he says.

Key lives in Fairfax but teaches two days a week at Shenandoah Conservatory. He also freelances with his instrument and hopes to secure more orchestral work.

He’s single and enjoys roller coasters, cooking, food and wine, video games, “pretentious/cerebral” movies, reading and travel in his free time.

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

I came out as a 14-year-old freshman in high school, so I’ve been out for 18 years. The hardest person to tell was a friend who was already OK with gay people, so I was really embarrassed that it took me so long to tell her.

Who’s your LGBT hero?

Personally, my older brother, because he made it easier to accept who I am by coming out so brashly before I did. As to public figures, of course, Harvey Milk and the numbers of artists including Aaron Copeland, Benjamin Britten, Samuel Barber and (though closeted) Leonard Bernstein.

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

I was a Velvet kid, so there will always be a special place in my heart for Nation.

Describe your dream wedding.

It would be a compromise between the desires of my future husband and myself.

What non-LGBT issue are you most passionate about?

I am passionate about many issues because I am from the political left, coming from Oberlin. These include universal health care, a desire to see socialized post-secondary education, prison reform and re-addressing drug laws, particularly marijuana.

What historical outcome would you change?

I would be reticent to change anything because, as an artist, I recognize that sometimes the most beautiful things in the world are exhumed out of the most devastating things.

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

I don’t pay attention to pop culture, but if I did, I would say it is electing President Obama for the first time.

On what do you insist?

Good food and company.

What was your last Facebook post or Tweet?

It was about my upcoming Benjamin Britten recital.

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

“The Life of an Oboist, from Struggle to Acceptance”

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

Absolutely nothing, I’m happy the way I am. However, I would be interested to see how far we could go with genetics, epigenetics and genome therapy and how far that could go in helping to cure real problems.

What do you believe in beyond the physical world?

That’s hard for me to answer. I consider myself a struggling atheist. My default position is atheism, but many things in my life have caused me to question that.

What’s your advice for LGBT movement leaders?

Keep doing what you are doing. As a former activist who had to choose a career path, I admire the people who are doing the hard work that has generated so many positive results in the past decade. I look forward to seeing how much more will be done.

What would you walk across hot coals for?

A great career and a great marriage.

What LGBT stereotype annoys you most?

That we are all polyamorous.

What’s your favorite LGBT movie?

I know that this may sound silly, but, “Beautiful Thing” was a movie that I watched when I first came out and it was very approachable for a young gay teen; it made me feel happy to be who I am. I will always have a special place in my heart for that movie.

What’s the most overrated social custom?

Large weddings and Facebook baby posts.

What trophy or prize do you most covet?

Not a prize, but a job: principal oboe of one of the top orchestras in the United States.

What do you wish you’d known at 18?

That the path of the turtle is just as fulfilling, if not more so, than the path of the hare.

Why Washington?

My family is here and I’ve spent most of my life here, so it feels like home. Also, there are a number of good career opportunities for musicians. Also, it’s just a good city!

Stephen Key (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

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Real Estate

2026: prices, pace, and winter weather

Lingering snow cover, sub-freezing temperatures have impacted area housing market

Published

2 days ago

February 22, 2026

Valerie Blake

17th Street in Dupont Circle on Jan. 26, 2026, after 7" inches of snow and sleet fell in D.C. (Washington Blade photo by Michael K. Lavers)

The D.C. metropolitan area’s housing market remains both pricey and complex. Buyers and sellers are navigating not only high costs and shifting buyer preferences, but also seasonal weather conditions that influence construction, inventory, showings, and marketing time.

Seasonality has long affected the housing market across the U.S. Activity typically peaks in spring and summer and dips in winter; however, January and February 2026 brought unusually cold spells to our area, with extended freezing conditions.

Persistent snow and ice-covered roads and sidewalks have gone for days, and in some cases weeks, before melting. While snow accumulation normally averages only a few inches this time of year, this winter saw below-normal temperatures and lingering snow cover that has significantly disrupted normal activity.

Rather than relying on neighborhood teenagers to shovel snow to make some extra money, the “snowcrete” has required ice picks, Bobcats, and snow removal professionals to clear streets and alleys, free our cars from their parking spaces, and restore availability of mass transit.

These winter conditions have had an adverse impact on the regional housing market in several ways.

Construction slowdown: New builds and exterior improvements often pause during extended cold, resulting in delayed housing starts when we need affordable housing in the worst way.
Listing preparation: Cleaning crews, sign installers, photographers, and stagers with trucks full of furniture may be unable to navigate roads and need to postpone service.
Showings and open houses: Simply put, buyers are less inclined to schedule visits in hazardous conditions. Sellers must ensure walkways and parking areas are clear and de-iced and be able to vacate the property while viewings are taking place.
Inspection and appraisal delays: Like buyers and sellers, ancillary professionals may be delayed by unfavorable weather, slowing timelines from contract to close.
Maintenance and repairs: Properties with winter damage (e.g., ice dams or frozen pipes) may experience repair delays due to contractor availability and supply chain schedules. Snow and cold can also affect properties with older and more delicate systems adversely, leading some sellers to delay listing until better conditions arrive.
Availability of labor: Increasingly, construction, landscaping, and domestic workers are reluctant to come into the District, not because of ice, but because of ICE.

Overall, the District has shown a notable increase in days on the market compared with past years. Homes that once sold in a week or less are now often listed for 30+ days before obtaining an offer, especially in the condominium and mid-range house segments. While part of this shift can be attributed to weather and climate, interest rates, uncertain employment, temporary furloughs, and general economic conditions play key roles.

Nonetheless, we continue to host some of the region’s most expensive residences. Historic estates, including a Georgetown mansion that sold for around $28 million, anchor the luxury segment and reflect ongoing demand for premium urban property.

But even in this high-end housing sector, marketing strategies are evolving based on seasonal realities. Price reductions on unique or niche properties, such as undersized or unconventional homes, reflect a broader market adjustment where competitive pricing can shorten selling time.

For example, a beautifully renovated, 4-story brick home with garage parking and multiple decks that overlook the Georgetown waterfront sold in early February for 90 percent of the list price after 50 days on the market.

At the other end of the spectrum, a 2-bedroom investor-special rowhouse in Anacostia only took eight days to sell for under $200,000, down 14 percent from its original list price. In addition, four D.C. homes took more than 250 days to sell, including an 8-bedroom rooming house that was on the market for 688 days and closed after a 23 percent downward price adjustment.

Some frustrated sellers are simply taking their homes off the market rather than dropping prices below their mortgage balances, although we are beginning to see the resurgence of short sales for those who must sell.

Condominiums and cooperatives offer many opportunities for buyers and investors, with 1,100 of them currently on the market in D.C. alone. List prices run the gamut from $55,000 for a studio along the Southwest Waterfront to nearly $5 million for five bedrooms, four full baths, and 4,400 square feet at the Watergate.

So, while Washington metro area prices remain high, the pace of sales now reflects both seasonal and economic realities. Homes taking longer to sell, in part caused by elements of winter, signal a shifting market where buyers can take more time to decide which home to choose and have a better negotiating posture than in recent years.

Accordingly, sellers must continue to price strategically, primp and polish their homes, and prepare for additional adverse circumstances by reviewing fluctuating market conditions with their REALTOR® of choice.

Valerie M. Blake is a licensed Associate Broker in DC, MD & VA with RLAH @properties. Call or text her at (202) 246-8602, email her at [email protected] or follow her on Facebook at TheRealst8ofAffairs.

Autos

Going for gold: Ford Bronco Sport vs. Toyota RAV4

SUV world has share of bright lights, bold entrances, cut-throat competitors

Published

3 days ago

February 21, 2026

Joe Phillips

Ford Bronco Sport

Let the games begin! Just like the Winter Olympics this month, the SUV world has its share of bright lights, bold entrances, and cut-throat competitors.

Enter the Ford Bronco Sport and Toyota RAV4, both ready to claim the podium but each with a different routine. Think hiking boots versus minimalist trainers. Dirt trails versus perfectly paved roadways.

FORD BRONCO SPORT

$34,000

MPG: 25 city/30 highway

0 to 60 mph: 8.2 seconds

Cargo space: 32.5 cu. ft.

PROS: Boxy chic. Off-road ready. Easy-clean interior.

CONS: Meh gas mileage. Firm ride. Outside noise.

The Bronco Sport doesn’t try to blend in — and that’s the point. With an upright stance, squared lines and retro-rugged styling, this compact SUV looks ready for a backcountry photoshoot before you’ve even left the driveway.

Power comes from a three-cylinder turbo engine that handles daily driving with ease. Opt for the four-cylinder turbo, and the personality shifts from relaxed to assertive. Passing power improves. Highway merges are confident rather than cautious.

The standard 4×4 system sets the tone immediately. Traction is constant. Confidence is built in. Add the G.O.A.T. drive trains (in Ford cute-speak, this means “Goes Over Any Terrain”), and the Bronco Sport adapts to mud, sand, snow and rocks like a decathlete moving between events. Higher trims add skid plates, upgraded suspension and special hardware that makes rough territory feel less intimidating.

On pavement, the Bronco Sport is stable and composed, though the firm suspension can be ass-busting over deep potholes and such. And wind noise at highway speeds is kinda annoying, a tradeoff for the boxy profile.

Inside, durability meets thoughtful design. Rubberized surfaces and easy-clean materials welcome muddy boots, sandy paws or ambitious weekend projects. The cargo area features a flip-up rear window and adjustable floor, making it a breeze to load gear. Storage cubbies and nylon straps keep equipment organized without fuss.

Safety and other tech amenities are modern and practical. Wireless smartphone integration, cameras and driver-assistance gizmos such as adaptive cruise control make daily driving and long trips easier to manage.

What truly sets this SUV apart? In a sea of aerodynamic lemmings, the Bronco Sport feels like a free spirit. Rugged. Confident. A little rebellious.

And, like alpine skier Breezy Johnson, it looks particularly good with a bit of trail dust.

TOYOTA RAV4

$34,000

MPG: 47 city/40 highway

0 to 60 mph: 7.1 seconds

Cargo space: 37.8 cu. ft.

PROS: Fuel savvy. Spacious. Tech-laden features.

CONS: Less-sporty ride. Blasé base trim. Pricey options.

If the Bronco Sport is the adventurous wanderer, the Toyota RAV4 is the precision athlete who arrives early, stretches properly and performs effortlessly. Cue figure skaters Amber Glenn or Paul Poirier and you get the picture.

Fully redesigned for 2026, this compact SUV retains a formula that has made it one of the best-selling vehicles in America, blending efficiency, versatility and lots of tech features.

Toyota nixed the traditional gas engine for the RAV4, but that’s just fine. All models are now either standard hybrids, with fuel economy in the mid-40 mpg range, or plug-in hybrids, which can go up to 50 miles on battery power alone. The result: Vehicles that can handle daily commutes in near silence while retaining long-distance flexibility that would make an Olympic coach proud.

Acceleration is smooth and responsive, particularly in the plug-in hybrid, which is surprisingly quick. The transition between electric and gas power is seamless, though heavy throttle inputs mean the engine sometimes sounds strained. Handling is more predictable than sporty, so this was a minor deduction on the RAV4’s scorecard … at least from me.

But overall comfort is outstanding. The suspension absorbs potholes and uneven pavement with ease, and cabin noise remains impressively low at highway speeds. Long road trips feel relaxed rather than fatiguing — less triathlon grind, more victory lap.

Toyota’s Safety Sense offers adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, enhanced collision avoidance and other systems that operate smoothly without seeming intrusive.

Inside, the revamped cabin is user-friendly. Materials are more refined than before, especially in mid- and upper-level trims. A large, high-resolution touchscreen supports the latest apps, voice commands and over-the-air updates. Such a layout is intuitive instead of flashy — stylish athleisure rather than couture.

Passenger space is generous, and cargo capacity remains among the most practical in this segment. The wide opening is especially helpful when tossing in luggage, sports equipment or an overly optimistic warehouse haul.

For drivers like me who are quick to judge efficiency, reliability and daily usability, the RAV4 delivered a gold-medal performance.

Real Estate

Home is where the heart is

Tying Valentine’s Day to LGBTQ buyers and sellers

Published

1 week ago

February 16, 2026

Scott Helms

(Photo by sundaemorning/Bigstock)

Valentine’s Day is often portrayed as a celebration of romantic love — flowers, chocolates, and candlelit dinners. But for many LGBTQ+ individuals and couples, Valentine’s Day can also be a moment to reflect on something deeper: the love that creates a safe, welcoming home.

For LGBTQ+ home buyers and sellers, homeownership is more than a financial milestone—it is an act of belonging, resilience, and pride. Owning a home can mean finally having a place where you can hold hands with your partner on the front porch, decorate with your authentic style, and build a life free from judgment. In this way, buying or selling a home is one of the most meaningful love stories many LGBTQ+ people will ever write.

This Valentine’s Day, whether you’re a first-time gay home buyer, a same-sex couple upgrading your space, or an LGBTQ+ seller moving on to your next chapter, it’s worth thinking about how love, identity, and real estate intersect—and how to navigate that journey with confidence, protection, and the right support.

Love, Identity, and the Meaning of ‘Home’

For generations, LGBTQ+ people were denied equal access to housing, homeownership, and legal protections. Even today, many LGBTQ+ home buyers still face subtle bias, uncomfortable interactions, or outright discrimination in the real estate process.

That’s why finding LGBTQ+ friendly real estate and an affirming gay friendly realtor or lesbian realtor matters so much. A home isn’t just a building—it’s a personal sanctuary. Working with LGBTQ+ real estate agents who understand your lived experience can make all the difference between a stressful transaction and a joyful one.

For over 30 years, GayRealEstate.com has been the leading gay real estate network, connecting LGBTQ+ home buyers and sellers with gay real estate agents, lesbian real estate agents, and LGBTQ+ friendly realtors who truly “get it.” Their mission has always been simple yet powerful: to ensure that every LGBTQ+ person has access to safe, respectful, and inclusive real estate services.

Finding Your Match: Choosing the Right LGBTQ+ Friendly Realtor

Much like dating, finding the right real estate agent is about compatibility, trust, and communication. Here are some key tips for choosing the best LGBTQ+ real estate representation:

Look for experience with LGBTQ+ clients. Search for a gay realtor near me or lesbian realtor near me through GayRealEstate.com, where agents are vetted for cultural competency and community commitment.
Ask about their experience with same-sex couple home buying. A strong agent should understand issues like joint ownership, legal protections, and financing considerations.
Choose someone who listens. You should feel safe sharing your priorities—whether that includes proximity to LGBTQ+ nightlife, affirming schools, or lesbian-friendly neighborhoods.
Prioritize respect and transparency. Your agent should advocate for you, not just push a quick sale.

The right gay friendly real estate agent isn’t just helping you buy a house—they’re helping you find a place to build your life.

Best Cities for LGBTQ+ Home Buyers

If love is your compass, location is your map. Some of the best cities for LGBTQ+ home buyers consistently offer strong community presence, legal protections, and welcoming neighborhoods:

Wilton Manors, Florida – A hub for LGBTQ+ culture with thriving LGBTQ+ real estate opportunities
Palm Springs, California – A long-standing LGBTQ+ retirement and second-home destination
Provincetown, Massachusetts – Historic LGBTQ+ community with progressive housing protections
Asheville, North Carolina – Growing market with inclusive real estate services
Fort Lauderdale, Florida – Diverse, welcoming, and highly sought-after for LGBTQ+ home ownership

Working with GayRealEstate.com allows you to connect with local LGBTQ+ real estate experts who know these markets inside and out.

Navigating Legal Protections in LGBTQ+ Real Estate

Love is universal—but legal protections are not always consistent. Understanding your rights is essential when buying or selling a home as an LGBTQ+ person.

Key protections include:

Fair Housing Act (FHA): Prohibits discrimination based on sex, which courts have increasingly interpreted to include sexual orientation and gender identity.
State and local protections: Many cities and states offer additional safeguards against LGBTQ+ housing discrimination.
Same-sex couple legal considerations: If you are married, joint ownership is typically straightforward. If not, consult an attorney about co-ownership agreements.

A knowledgeable LGBTQ+ friendly realtor from GayRealEstate.com can help guide you through these complexities and connect you with trusted legal professionals when needed.

Buying a Home as an LGBTQ+ Person: Practical Tips

If you’re embarking on your home-buying journey this Valentine’s season, here are smart, practical steps to take:

Clarify your priorities. Do you want a vibrant LGBTQ+ neighborhood, quiet suburbs, or access to queer community spaces?
Get pre-approved for a mortgage. This strengthens your position in competitive markets.
Work with an LGBTQ+ real estate agent. Searching “finding a gay real estate agent” or “finding a lesbian real estate agent” through GayRealEstate.com is a great first step.
Research inclusive communities. Some neighborhoods are more welcoming than others.
Know your rights. If you experience bias, document it and seek legal guidance.

Buying a home is an act of self-love—and community love.

Selling a Home as an LGBTQ+ Person

Selling can be just as emotional as buying, especially if your home represents years of memories with your partner, friends, or chosen family.

When selling a home as an LGBTQ+ person, consider:

Working with a gay friendly realtor who will market your home inclusively
Highlighting LGBTQ+ community appeal in listings
Being prepared for potential buyer bias (and knowing how to respond)
Leaning on GayRealEstate.com’s LGBTQ+ real estate services for trusted guidance

Your story—and your home—deserve respect.

Real Estate for LGBTQ+ Families

More LGBTQ+ couples are raising children, fostering, or building blended families. This makes homeownership even more meaningful.

When searching for real estate for LGBTQ+ families, consider:

LGBTQ+ affirming school districts
Family-friendly queer communities
Safe neighborhoods with inclusive values
Access to LGBTQ+ resources and social networks

GayRealEstate.com specializes in helping LGBTQ+ families find homes that truly fit their lives.

Love, Pride, and Homeownership

At its core, Valentine’s Day is about connection. For LGBTQ+ people, homeownership can be one of the most profound expressions of love—love for yourself, your partner, your family, and your future.

Whether you are a first-time gay home buyer, a same-sex couple relocating, or an LGBTQ+ seller moving forward, you deserve an experience rooted in dignity, fairness, and celebration.

For over three decades, GayRealEstate.com has stood as the leading source for LGBTQ+ real estate, gay real estate, lesbian real estate, and LGBTQ+ home buying and selling representation. Their nationwide network of gay real estate agents, lesbian-friendly real estate agents, and LGBTQ+ friendly realtors ensures that your real estate journey is guided by professionals who understand your heart—and your home.

This Valentine’s Day, let your next chapter be written in a place where you can truly belong. Because when love leads the way, home is never far behind.

Scott Helms is president and owner of Gayrealestate.com.