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Best of Gay D.C. XIII: People

Winners from the Blade’s readers poll

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To see the winners of the Washington Blade’s Best of Gay D.C. readers poll in other categories, clickĀ here.

Best Singer or Band

Frankie & Betty

Runner-up: Wicked Jezabel

people, gay news, Washington Blade

Frankie and Betty (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Frankie & Betty are a queer acoustic rock duo comprised of Rachel Bauchman (vocals/bass/guitar) and Jessie Strick (lead guitar). Since forming in 2011, theyā€™ve played numerous events, including Roanoke Pride, Phasefest several times and more. They have shows planned at Tree house Lounge on Monday night and the Rock and Roll Hotel on Thursday. Look them up on Facebook to stay current. (JD)

Local Heroine

Ruby Corado

Runner-up: Ashliana Rowe

people, gay news, Washington Blade

Ruby Corado (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Long-time LGBT advocate Ruby Corado is the visionary behind Casa Ruby, a local bilingual, multicultural LGBT organization that works to create ā€œsuccess life storiesā€ among LGBT, gender queer and gender non-conforming residents in need. The recently wed Corado is a former Capital Pride Hero and has received many accolades for her work. (JD)

Casa Ruby

2822 Georgia Ave., N.W.

202-355-5155

casaruby.org

Local Hero

Sgt. Matthew Mahl

Runner-up: Ed Bailey

people, gay news, Washington Blade

Sgt. Matt Mahl (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Sgt. Matthew Mahl, who oversees six officers as part of the Gay & Lesbian Liaison Unit of the D.C. Metro Police Department, says itā€™s ā€œbeen a good year.ā€

ā€œI donā€™t want to say crime is up, but we have been busier,ā€ the 35-year-old Havana, Ohio, native says. ā€œWe have our hands in a lot of stuff.ā€

Mahl, a cop for 15 years and in Washington since 2001, joined the MPD in 2004 and the GLLU in 2012, having spent his entire previous career on patrol duty. He was forced out on the job during a 2007 incident in which his locker was vandalized but says thatā€™s the only bad experience heā€™s ever had on the force.

Although initially hesitant to join the GLLU, he says overall itā€™s been a great experience and he enjoys helping his fellow officers learn ā€œthe sensitivities and needs of the LGBT community.ā€ (JD)

Best Drag King

Avery Austin

Runner-up: Sebastian Katz

people, gay news, Washington Blade

Avery Austin (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Anna Wimpelberg works by day as an HIV researcher at Whitman-Walker Health but her drag alter ego Avery Austin was born about 11 years ago when the 36-year-old New Orleans native and lesbian saw a drag show in Boston, her then-home.

A veteran of various high school and college theater productions, she says she recognized ā€œimmediately that it was something I would love to do.ā€ She continued during an eight-year stint in Austin, Texas, and joined the D.C. Kings when she came to Washington about three years ago. She calls herself Ā ā€œthe theater nerd of the groupā€ and guesses she performs with them at Phase 1 and occasional other venues about four or five times per year, often recreating songs sheā€™s seen on ā€œGlee!ā€

Find more information on the Kings at dckings.com. (JD)

Best Realtor

Mark Rutstein

people, gay news, Washington Blade

Mark Rutstein (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

1606 17th St. N.W.

202-498-1198

iknowdc.com

Runner-up: Ray Gernhart

 

Best DJ

DJ Rosie

Runner-up: Shea Van Horn

people, gay news, Washington Blade

DJ Rosie (Washington Blade photo by Blake Bergen)

DJ Rosie Hicks has been spinning for about 13 years and spins regularly at the Hippo in her hometown Baltimore and also at LURe at Cobalt, Phase 1 and other area events in addition to a day job teaching special education.

Known for a mix of hip-hop, R&B, pop and more, she says she just all-around loves music. She also won this award in 2012.

ā€œI love making people happy out there,ā€ the Baltimore native says. ā€œThe whole point of coming out to a bar or club to hear a DJ is to let go of worries and cares and enjoy it.ā€

Look her up on Facebook to stay current with her events. (JD)

Best Drag Queen

Baā€™Naka

Runner-up: Heidi Glum

people, gay news, Washington Blade

Ba’Naka (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

A flip-flop of last yearā€™s results when Glum won, Baā€™Naka (Dustin Michael Schaad) is on top again this year adding to her 2012, 2011 and 2010 prizes (a Blade record) in this category.

Baā€™Naka, who now does drag full-time and has positioned herself as the go-to gal for everything from hosting local Family Feud nights to getting you ready (for a fee of course!) for Miss Adams Morgan two weeks ago, she is widely known in the community for her outspoken Facebook comments, elaborate Disney routines (her Ursula is legendary) and consistent A-game delivery. And although it hasnā€™t happened yet, sheā€™s our best local hope for ā€œRuPaulā€™s Drag Race.ā€ (JD)

Hottest Stripper or Go-go Dancer

Steve Pena

Runner-up: Christian Lezzil

people, gay news, Washington Blade

Steve Pena (Photo courtesy Steve Pena)

Steve Pena got into dancing through his husband, Brent Everett, with whom he also runs a popular porn site (brenteverett.com). Heā€™s nonchalant about the work, which he does everyĀ FridayĀ night at Town when heā€™s in Washington and monthly at Latin Night at Cobalt.

ā€œItā€™s a way to have fun, stay in touch with friends and fans and meet future models for our website,ā€ the San Diego-born, Texas-reared Pena says.

In the region for about a year and a half, Pena, in an e-mail from Amsterdam where heā€™s traveling, says he appreciates the support.

ā€œI have the best and most loyal friends, fans and followers out there.ā€ (JD)

 

Best Burlesque Dancer

Private Tails

Runner-up: Glam Gamz

people, gay news, Washington Blade

Private Tails (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Private Tails (aka Ashliana Rowe) has been performing burlesque since 2005 and has drawn influence from classic burlesque, hip-hop, Broadway and more for what she calls ā€œthe art of the tease.ā€

As producer of Private Tease Productions, a monthly variety show she uses as an outlet for young performers she mentors, she says she ā€œenjoys the creative process of developing new numbers and looks forward to the opportunity to whip up a fresh new performance.ā€

Although she has several titles under her belt, this is a new category for Best Of and sheā€™s the inaugural winner.

Her next performance is at Phase 1 on Halloween. Keep up with her on Facebook or at privatetails.com. (JD)

Best Business Person

DC Allen

Runner Up: Ray Gernhart

DC Allen, Crew Club, gay news, Washington Blade

DC Allen (Washington Blade file photo by Pete Exis)

Businessman DC Allen has been credited with setting the pace for local gay-owned businesses to support the broader LGBT community.

Allen along with his husband Ken Flick owns the Crew Club, a D.C. health club and sauna that caters to gay men.

Last year Allen, 58, presented the D.C. Center for the LGBT Community with a $25,000Ā check to help the Center pay for renovation costs for its new space in the cityā€™s Reeves Center municipal building at 14th and U streets, N.W.

ā€œWe decided it was important for the center to be there for all of us in the community,ā€ Allen says.

Since opening the Crew Club at 1321 14th St., N.W., in the early 1990s, Allen has supported a number of local LGBT organizations and causes, including the Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance, which presented Allen with its Distinguished Service Award in 1998.

Under Allenā€™s direction, the Crew Club has also supported Whitman-Walker Health and Us Helping Us, two local community health organizations that provide services to the LGBT community, including AIDS education and prevention services.

In addition to providing financial support for the two groups, Allen has arranged for staff members of the groups to provide HIV testing on the Crew Clubā€™s premises. The Crew Club also serves as a major distribution point for HIV prevention literature and free condoms.

The Capital Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce recently named Allen Business Leader of the Year. (LC)

Best Massage

Che Young

Runner-up: Eddie Weingart

people, gay news, Washington Blade

Che Young (Photo by Chris Jay Photography)

Relax the stress away with a massage by Che Young. Young provides deep tissue, Swedish, clinical and massage therapy. The Alexandra-based pro can be reached at 703-627-9090 or visit massagetherapy.com. (MC)

 

Best Visual Artist

Denis Largeron

Denis Largeron (Photo by Denis Largeron)

Denis Largeron (Photo by Denis Largeron)

1621 T St., N.W., Apt. 201

202-420-1030

demislargeron.com

Runner-up: Amy Martin

Best Personal Trainer

Gerard Burley

Runner-up: Bucky Mitchell

people, gay news, Washington Blade

Gerard Burley (Photo by Scott Henrichsen)

Gerard Burley shares fitness tips via his biweekly column in the Blade. He also makes appearances on Fox 5 and is known for his SweatDC fitness party. Find him via Facebook for regular updates and inspirational fitness-related posts.

(Editorā€™s note: Bucky Mitchell also writes a biweekly column in the Blade.)

Best TV Personality

Chuck Bell, NBC4

Runner-up: Wendy Rieger

people, gay news, Washington Blade

Chuck Bell (Washington Blade photo by Jonathan Ellis)

Best Actor

Mickey Daniel DaGuiso

Runner-up: Will Gartshore

people, gay news, Washington Blade

Mickey Daguiso, center (Photo courtesy The Landless Theatre Company)

Mickey Daniel DaGuiso grew up in the D.C. suburbs. He attended Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, mostly for the music program, and graduated from the University of Virginia where he majored in anthropology and philosophy.

Throughout school, he was involved in band (saxophone, piano) and chorus. It wasnā€™t until after college that DaGuiso started doing musicals. ā€œIt began as sort of a whim,ā€ he says, ā€œand then I was instantly hooked.ā€

Among the local companies where heā€™s worked, his favorites are Keegan Theatre (ā€œMan of La Manchaā€ and ā€œRentā€) and Landless Theatre where he played Kebab in ā€œPerez Hilton Saves the Universeā€ and the lead in ā€œSpidermusical,ā€ a spoof of Broadwayā€™s ā€œSpiderman,ā€ and many other roles. He has also served as musical director and accompanist for assorted Landless productions.

ā€œKeegan is such a friendly, supportive community yet the creativity and work involved is just superior. Landless is the most enjoyable both on stage and backstage, efficient and creative with time and space, with vision and little ego.ā€

Currently DaGuiso is taking a year away from theater to travel the world. (He responded to these interview questions via email from India where heā€™s embarking on a six-month walkabout.) While traveling heā€™s trying his hand at playwriting.

ā€œI’m keeping it very open-ended so just reading a lot, taking down inspiration whenever it comes and doing a daily writing practice. I do plan on continuing with acting in D.C. when I get back. But who knows what the future holds? I’m like the wind.ā€ (PF)

Best Actress

MaryBeth Wise

Runner-up: Holly Twyford

people, gay news, Washington Blade

MaryBeth Wise in ‘How to Write a New Book for the Bible.’ (Photo by Danisha Crosby)

MaryBeth Wise likens acting to a never-ending education. Currently sheā€™s taking a class for experienced actors at Studio Theatre.

ā€œI feel that itā€™s a good way to flex my muscles when Iā€™m not working,ā€ she says. ā€œAnd I get to do scenes that Iā€™ve always wanted to do by my favorite playwrights like Pinter, Beckett and Chekhov.

Wise advises young actors to see as much theater as possible. ā€œThe more you absorb, the better off youā€™ll be. The more youā€™ll have available in experience and imagination. After all, what else do we have?ā€

Typically cast as women of substance, Wiseā€™s more memorable roles include Anne Sullivan in Olney Theatreā€™s ā€œThe Miracle Worker,ā€ a New York psychiatrist in Studio Theatreā€™s ā€œFrozen,ā€ a newly out lesbian in ā€œBody Awarenessā€ at Theater J, and most recently the stalwart wife and mother married to Mitchell HĆ©bert in Round Houseā€™s ā€œHow to Write a New Book for the Bible,ā€ a part that called for her to age from 40 to 80 on a dime.

Offstage, Wiseā€™s partner is local actor Sarah Marshall. The talented pair got to know each other while working on Woolly Mammothā€™s production of Paula Vogelā€™s ā€œThe Mineola Twinsā€ in 2003. ā€œIt was a great time,ā€ Wise says. ā€œAnd the show was a lot fun. I played a man in the first act and a woman in the second.ā€

Wise grew up in Miami. She started acting while an undergraduate at Barry University. Initially she came to Washington to attend Catholic University where she earned a masterā€™s in acting.

ā€œThe D.C. theater scene is one of the best in the country,ā€ Wise says. ā€œWe have a variety of theaters doing interesting, cutting-edge work. Our audiences can handle thought-provoking theater. And the actors are supportive. Itā€™s great.ā€ (PF)

Best Hill Staffer

Kat Skiles

Runner-up: Kenneth Dowling

people, gay news, Washington Blade

Kat Skiles (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

As Hill staffers go, Kat Skiles has moved to the top. In July, she became digital director and senior adviser to House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). It’s the Utah native’s second consecutive year winning this award. (CJ)

Best Straight Ally

Leigh Ann Hendricks

Runner-up: Brett Johnson

people, gay news, Washington Blade

Leigh Ann Hendricks (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Leigh Ann Hendricks made a big change five years ago to manage Level One (in the basement of Cobalt) after 17 years just down the street at Annieā€™s Paramount Steakhouse.

Managing a staff of about 35 ā€” 90-95 percent of whom, she estimates, are LGBT ā€” she says was a logical change and one she made with no hard feelings toward Annieā€™s. Having grown up with a gay best friend, she says it simply never occurred to her to treat gay people any differently. She was also inspired by the example of Annieā€™s namesake, the late Annie Kaylor, whom she worked with for years.

ā€œShe was like our second mother,ā€ Hendricks says. ā€œHer attitude was, ā€˜They either like my gay friends or they donā€™t like me,ā€™ and thatā€™s been mine as well.ā€ (JD)

Level One

1639 R St. N.W.

202-745-0025

levelonedc.com

BestĀ Bartender

Dusty Martinez (Town Patio/Number 9)

Runner-up: Angela Lombardi (Phase 1)

people, gay news, Washington Blade

Dusty Martinez (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Baltimore native Dusty Martinez has been in the food and beverage industry for a decade and recently completed an in-house internship at the W Hotel. He recently moved from serving customers at Number 9 to operating the new Town Patio, and he is also the owner and director of D&D Cocktails, a private bartending company serving the D.C. area.

Dusty Martinez

202-765-7550

danddcocktails.squarespace.com

Best Rehoboth Bartender

Holly Lane, CafƩ Azafran

Runner-up: Matt Urban, Blue Moon

people, gay news, Washington Blade

Holly Lane (Washington Blade photo by Kevin Naff)

Holly Lane has lived in more places than most people have visited: Martinique, Greece, Bahamas, Paris, Chicago, Switzerland, the list goes on.

Sheā€™s a native Washingtonian who trained in dance at the Washington School of Ballet and later at a modern dance school in Bethesda. After school ā€” and a stint in Chicago with her then-husband ā€” Laneā€™s travels began in earnest. She left her husband and moved to the Bahamas at age 23 to dance at the Paradise Island resort. A Club Med gig led to more travel and finally a trip to Paris, where she auditioned for a dancing job and stayed for 15 years.

ā€œIt was nice to have a place to decorate,ā€ says Lane, sipping a coffee on an unseasonably warm October day in Rehoboth Beach, Del. ā€œI rented a furnished apartment and gradually replaced everything with my own finds at the Paris flea markets.ā€

After years of working as a professional dancer, it was in Paris at age 30 that Lane discovered she could also sing. She landed a job in a musical production and then at the Hollywood Savoy in the ā€˜80s, where the wait staff also served as the entertainment, singing and dancing for customers during dinner.

ā€œIt was a great place to learn,ā€ she says.

Despite the excitement and adventure of living and working abroad, Lane said a voice kept telling her it was time to go home and so in 1995, she returned to D.C.

ā€œIā€™m glad I did all the things I did when I did them,ā€ she says. ā€œI just found my passport and realized I havenā€™t been abroad since 2007.ā€

After the death of a boyfriend, Lane went to visit her parents at their home in Rehoboth Beach, which theyā€™ve owned since 1977 and stayed. Sheā€™s lived full time in the popular beach resort town since 2000 and spent about 10 years in a jazz band performing around the state. Her parents, now 93, still live there. Lane says her father sold the family home in D.C. through a real estate ad in the Washington Blade a few years ago and relocated full-time to Rehoboth.

In summer of 2010, the owner of CafĆ© Azafran was opening a new location in Rehoboth and offered Lane a bartending job. Sheā€™s worked there since. You can find her tending bar Thursday-Sunday evenings but Thursday is the night when sheā€™s joined by fellow Rehoboth entertainer John Flynn, who plays the keyboard while Lane sings into her wireless headset while making drinks.

ā€œI enjoy multi-tasking,ā€ she says.

CafƩ Azafran attracts a mixed crowd and Lane treats customers like they are guests in her home rather than patrons at a bar. She always finds room at the large granite bar for another stool and makes sure to introduce newcomers to the rest of the crowd.

Lane, 62, is ā€œhappily singleā€ and lives with her dog JuJuBee, a ā€œcheagle,ā€ a Chihuahua and Beagle mix. In addition to her duties at Azafran, Lane sings at private parties and functions. (KN)

CafƩ Azafran

18 Baltimore Ave.

302-227-8100

cafeazafran.com

Most Committed Activist

David Mariner

Runner-up: Josh Deese

people, gay news, Washington Blade

David Mariner (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

In Washington since 1997, David Mariner, a Corning, N.Y., native, started volunteering at the DC Center in 2008 and became its first full-time executive director a year later.

Under his leadership, the once-fledgling Center has begun to flourish and now has a broad activity schedule and is a hub for LGBT-themed events such as the OutWrite LGBT Book Festival, Reel Affirmations and much more.

ā€œWorking at the DC LGBT Center has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,ā€ Mariner says. ā€œI am so proud of the work we do in the community and am profoundly grateful to the staff and the many volunteers and supporters who make this work possible.ā€ (JD)

The DC Center

2000 14th St., N.W. No. 105

202-682-2245

thedccenter.org

Best Gay Politician

David Catania

David Catania, gay news, Washington Blade

David CataniaĀ (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

davidcatania.com

Runner-up: Tammy Baldwin

Best Trans Advocate

Thomas Coughlin (see Queery)

Runner-up: Ruby Corado

Thomas Coughlin, gay news, Washington Blade

Thomas Coughlin (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Best Amateur Athlete

Matt Simeon

Runner-up: Eddie Valentine

people, gay news, Washington Blade

Matt Simeon (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Matt Simeon, who currently plays for the Washington Generals, has been a member of the D.C. Gay Flag Football League since 2010. Simeon was also named most valuable player of the league for the 2014 spring season. (MC)

BestĀ Stylist

Michael Hodges

Runner-up: Barry Smythers

people, gay news, Washington Blade

Michael Hodges (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Michael Hodges has been sharpening his techniques in the Washington area for 25 years and is the owner and master Stylist of Logan 14. With a keen eye for current trends in menā€™s hair cuts and womenā€™s styling, Michael and his team are making a powerful impact in the Logan Circle area. (SMH)

Michael Hodges

1314 B 14th St., N.W

202-506-6868

logan14salonspa.com

Best Clergy

Rev. David Lett

David Lett, Lena Lett, gay news, Washington Blade

Rev. David Lett (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

This is Father Lettā€™s second consecutive win in this category. He also won the best drag queen prize as Lena Lett in 2001 and 2002. (JD)

revdlett.com

Runner-up: Rev. Kirsten Blom-Westbrook

Best Republican Advocate

Ted Olson

David Boies, Ted Olson, gay marriage, same-sex marriage, marriage equality, gay news, Washington Blade

Ted Olson (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Runner-up: Sen. Susan Collins

Best First Responder

Justin Markiewicz

Runner-up: Kate Fitzgerald

Justin Markiewicz (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Justin Markiewicz (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Officer Justin Markiewicz has been serving as a part-time member of the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Departmentā€™s Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit since 2010. Markiewicz hails from Delaware and came to the District to attend Catholic University. After graduation he attended the police academy and was assigned to the 6th District. (MC)

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Movies

Nick Kroll and Andrew Rannells want to adopt baby in ‘I Don’t Understand You’

Film premiered at SXSW in Austin

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(Courtesy photo)

Editor’s note: Jack Morningstar attended SXSW in Austin, Texas.

“I Don’t Understand You” focuses on a couple whose romantic Italian getaway devolves into bloody chaos while they prepare to adopt their first child.Ā 

The film, while veering into hilariously gruesome hijinks, tells the story of a gay couple who is willing to kill for a chance at fatherhood. It sheds light on the hurdles that same-sex couples often go through in the adoption process: Financial burdens, time constraints, fraud, and in this case, a rural Italian family.

The film premiered last weekend at SXSW in Austin and stars Nick Kroll and Andrew Rannells along with Nunzia Schiano, Morgan Spector and Eleonora Romandini. It was written and directed by Brian Crano and David Craig, who are married. They sourced inspiration from their own adoption struggles and an Italian vacay gone wrong. 

ā€œWe were about to leave for Italy when we found out that we had matched with a birth mother and our son would be born in about six weeks,ā€ said Crano. 

According to Craig, the trip was tense and it culminated in their car getting stuck in a ditch on their way to an anniversary dinner.

ā€œWe ended up at an old ladyā€™s house after she rescued us in her Fiat. Her family cooked us a meal and we stayed up drinking with them until 3 a.m., not understanding a word they were saying,ā€ he said.

Without spoiling anything, the couple in the movie go to absurd lengths to ensure that their adoption goes through. Craig explained that the theme of the movie was “what would you do for your kid.”Ā 

“We were three years into our own journey at the time and realized we would literally do anything to make that dream a reality. Itā€™s really a love letter to our son,ā€ he said.

The film is hard to relegate to a single genre. 

ā€œWhen conceiving the story, we saw it as different parts ā€” romantic comedy, horror movie, murder play ā€” but I think by bringing in Nick and Andrew that blend actually became much more of an organic mix where the comedy sustained throughout. They elevated it in a more elegant fashion,ā€ said Craig. 

“I Donā€™t Understand You”was produced by Pinky Promise, a women-led production company with the mission to elevate diverse voices in their storytelling. Kara Durrett, Pinky Promiseā€™s current president was a champion of this script from the beginning. Founder Jessamine Burgum recounts that when Durrett was onboarding, she said ā€œIf you donā€™t get [“I Donā€™t Understand You”] I donā€™t know if this is going to work.ā€ 

It ultimately became one of the first projects Burgum and Durrett collaborated on.Ā 

Kroll and Rannellsā€™ chemistry carried the film. 

ā€œThere was a desire to work with each of them because they had both separately been in such amazing comedian teams ā€” like Andrew with Josh Gad and Nick with John Mulaney. Nick and Andrewā€™s characters are in almost every scene of the movie together, so they needed to be adept to basically doing a shared performance. There was no one more well-positioned to do this as naturally as possible,ā€ said Crano. 

Their characters are easy to root for, yet also deeply flawed. 

ā€œA big thing we wanted to do with this movie, and with all of our work in telling stories, is avoid telling a cliched gay trauma film. Weā€™ve never ascribed to the idea that there is a subcategory to film that is LGBTQ, rather ā€” movies are for everyone. We want to make a movie where gay characters are flawed, not for being gay, but because of who they are. They can be villains, but they are our protagonists,ā€ said Craig. 

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Out & About

Celebrate spring with these D.C.-area events

Galas, Cherry Weekend, Pride, and more on tap

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The annual Pride on the Pier with fireworks show is set for Saturday, June. 8 at the Wharf. (Photo courtesy of The Wharf DC)

Temperatures outside are starting to rise and the sun is shining again. Hereā€™s a list of upcoming D.C. events that can make enjoying the good weather even that much more thrilling.

Cherry Weekend Washington begins on Thursday, April 4. The Cherry weekend is a spectacular and joyous event held over four days featuring 16 world renowned DJs, nine different events and four fun daytime parties.

3rd Friday Night Open Mic will take place on Thursday, March 15 at 9 p.m. at the Bus Boys and Poets location in Brookland. This event will be hosted by Mariah Barber (they/she), a queer storyteller, consultant, spoken word artist, and activist who has been creating social justice-oriented art for the last 15 years. Tickets start at $5 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.Ā 

RuPaulā€™s Drag Race Season 15 winner Sasha Colby will bring her Sasha Colby: Stripped Tour to the Howard Theatre on Wednesday, March 27 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased on the Howard Theatreā€™s website.Ā 

Decades DC returns with Throwback Thursdays on Thursday, March 14 at 10 p.m. This event will have an open air rooftop and the first drink is on the house. Entry is free until midnight and more details are available on Eventbrite.Ā 

Skin and Wellness Center will host Equinox Celebration on Tuesday, March 19 at 7 p.m. at 929 W. Broad St. This event will involve movement, breath work, meditation and community connection to celebrate the spring equinox and embrace energies of rebirth, fertility, creativity, balance, and expansive growth for mind, body, and spirit. Tickets cost $28.52 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.Ā 

Models Inc. will host The Front Row! Fashion Show on Saturday, March 30 at 7 p.m. at the Silver Spring Black Box Theatre. This is the ultimate destination for designers seeking to showcase their talent and brand. This exclusive event provides a platform to promote artistry and visions, featuring various artists, creatives, fashion enthusiasts, models, stylists, and visionaries. Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.Ā 

Spring Bling Adult Prom will be on Friday, April 26 at 8 p.m. at Graces Event Center. Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite spring colors and show up for a night of dancing, food and fun.Tickets cost $92.55 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

TSR Productions will host Spring Salsa Bash on Saturday, March 23 at 8 p.m. at The Salsa Room Tysons. This event will feature Hermanos Galvan and Orquesta live in concert playing the best salsa, bachata, and merengue. There will also be top DJs playing the best in Latin trap, urbana, reggaetton. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.Ā 

We Will Survive Cancer will host Spring Fling Cocktail & Dance Party on Saturday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m. at Whino. This event will be hosted by DJ Steve. Tickets cost $25 and all proceeds are donated to cancer patients. More details are on Eventbrite.

Chase Brexton Health Care hosts its 2024 Gala at the Baltimore Museum of Art, with the theme centered around the NEW Roaring ā€˜20s on Saturday, March 30. Details at chasebrexton.org.Ā 

CAMP Rehobothā€™s annual Womenā€™s FEST is scheduled for April 25-28. Lea DeLaria will headline with Crys Matthews opening. Visit camprehoboth.org for details.

Trans Pride Washington, D.C. is scheduled for Saturday, May 18. The full day of conference activities will take place at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. Visit transpridewashingtondc.org for details.

The Bladeā€™s 17th annual Summer Kickoff Party in Rehoboth Beach is scheduled for Friday, May 17; details to be announced soon.

D.C.ā€™s 49th annual Pride celebration kicks off May 31-June 9, culminating with the parade and festival. Visit capitalpride.org for details. The annual Pride on the Pier with fireworks celebration is slated for Saturday, June 8, 2-9 p.m. at the Wharf. Visit prideonthepierdc.com for details.

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Travel

Gay hotel company brings luxury to Puerto Vallarta

Tryst Puerto Vallarta to open this spring

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Tryst Puerto Vallarta (Photo courtesy of Tristan Schukraft)

The Tryst Puerto Vallarta begins welcoming discerning gay guests this spring, just in time for the Mexican resort city’s Pride celebrations. 

The 55-room resort includes a penthouse suite featuring two terraces, three large suites with expansive living areas and terraces and several junior suites with unique features. A highly anticipated rooftop pool with a bar area and restaurant offering fine Mexican cuisine are just some of the highlights. 

ā€œYou can stay here and never leave the resort,ā€ said Tristan Schukraft, the driving force behind Tryst Hotels, and self-described CEO of “everything gay.”

While he started out in his career working in the early days of electronic ticketing, Schukraft may be more known for his work with MISTR, a popular online source for PrEP. He also recently entered into an agreement to purchase the Abbey in West Hollywood, Calif.

With Tryst he promises “itā€™s a fun, exciting atmosphere.” 

“The idea is not just the guests are coming to the resort, but locals,” said Schukraft. “So, when you stay here itā€™s the way to mingle with the local gay community.ā€

To welcome and include both guests and locals, the resort will host drag brunches in the hotel restaurant. Weekend parties featuring DJs on the eighth floor pool and bar area also seeks to make this not just a place to stay, but one to celebrate with the community.

Schukraft hopes visitors will get to know guests or locals poolside, or in the restaurant, and make lifelong friendships. 

Or perhaps find a bit of romance: After all the hotel is set in the famed Zona RomĆ”ntica.  

ā€œTryst Hotels are not merely luxury destinations; they are a celebration of gay culture, where every guest is embraced,” said Schukraft. “Our mission is to create spaces where luxury and identity flourish without compromise.ā€

Tryst Hotels CEO Tristan Schukraft. (Photo courtesy of Tristan Schukraft)

The D.C. Travel and Adventure Show took place last month in D.C., and LGBTQ-specific travel was among the topics the convention highlighted. The Washington Blade in its preview of the expo noted LGBTQ travelers may book a resort or vacation that promises “everyone is welcome,” but upon arrival feel uncomfortable by reactions of staff or other guests due to expressing their identity as queer people. 

Schukraft has experienced this. 

ā€œI was at a hetero-friendly hotel Miami, but it was also marketed to gay men,” he explained. “So, you have two guys kissing at the pool and you have a straight couple looking over and wondering are they staying at a gay hotel. Itā€™s sort of an awkward occurrence.ā€ 

Everyone, therefore, is welcome at Tryst resorts, but it is not being marketed outside of the community. 

ā€œMy boyfriends and I have even experienced side-eye glances for our choice of swimwear,” Schukraft said. “You wonā€™t find that at Tryst Hotels.ā€

Speaking of attire: Many luxury guesthouses, inns and hotels catering to gay men offer clothing-optional zones for guests. Itā€™s an allure for some travelers. 

But, not at Tryst.

ā€œDonā€™t get me wrong, clothing optional resorts are fun, but thatā€™s not our concept. Our concept is a luxurious, inclusive resort,ā€ Schukraft said with a touch of elan apropos for the “CEO of everything gay.” ā€œOf course wear your thongs [and] Speedos.ā€

Tryst Puerto Vallarta and Tryst San Juan in Puerto Rico, which is slated to open in 2025, are being marketed as gay-owned, gay-focused resorts with luxurious offerings and amenities. Many resorts known to epitomize luxury may be seen as slightly conservative or ā€œstuffy.ā€ 

Luxury promises not to come only in the form of superior bedding, bathrobes, slippers and skincare products, but also in the stunning interiors. 

The Puerto Vallarta property engaged the same studio known for their acclaimed work at the Four Seasons Tamarindo. Designers from Estudio Esterlina bring a refined mix of minimalism, modernism and Mexican.Ā 

ā€œWhy canā€™t you have fun and luxury in the same space? Here, you let your hair down by the pool, enjoy a pool party, a fine Mexican meal in our full-service restaurant, a drag brunch on weekends and socialize with new friends all while feeling safe,” Schukraft said. “Our goal is to show luxury doesnā€™t have to mean stuffy.ā€

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