a&e features
A milestone for faith
Ratification of Presbyterian vote brings marriage rights
Rev. Ashley Goff and Rev. Jeffrey Krehbiel at Church of the Pilgrims (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
Presbyterians in the D.C. area have for the most part welcomed their church’s decision to officially recognize same-sex marriages.
Rev. Jeffrey Krehbiel of Church of the Pilgrims near Dupont Circle said Monday he is “very pleased with the result” of the Presbyterian Church (USA) Office of the General Assembly’s March 17 approval of a change to language within the denomination’s constitution to describe marriage as what the Associated Press described as a “commitment between two people.”
The Presbyterian General Assembly, the church’s top legislative body, last year approved the redefinition of marriage within its constitution. The majority of the denominations’ 171 presbyteries, however, needed to ratify the proposal.
It will take effect on June 21.
“It’s been something we’ve been working on for several years,” Krehbiel says.
Alex McNeill, a transgender man who is president of More Light Presbyterians, a group for LGBT people in the church, also welcomed the recognition of same-sex marriages.
“We greeted the news on Tuesday joyfully,” McNeill, who lives in Hyattsville, Md.., says. “There are so many folks within our denominations who have been waiting decades for the church to recognize their marriages and their families.”
Rev. G. Wilson Gunn, Jr., general presbyter of the National Capital Presbytery, which oversees 108 churches in the D.C. metropolitan area, says there are “several pastors and elders who both supported the change in our church constitution to allow same-gender marriage and those who opposed the issue.”
“We include in our presbytery significant leaders on both sides of this issue,” he says.
A newspaper in Upstate New York on March 23 reported that a local church has begun to formally separate itself from the Presbyterian Church (USA) in response to the decision to accept same-sex marriages. The Associated Press noted that 428 churches either dissolved or entered more conservative denominations in the two years after the Presbyterians allowed gays and lesbians to become pastors.
Franklin Graham, son of Rev. Billy Graham, is among those who have criticized the church for redefining marriage.
“In his word, the Bible, God has already defined marriage, as well as sin, and we should obey that rather than looking for ways to redefine it according to the desires of our culture,” wrote the younger Graham on his Facebook page. “Marriage is defined as between a man and a woman — end of discussion. Anything else is a sin against God, and He will judge all sin one day.”
Jim Moseley, executive presbyter of the New Castle Presbytery, which includes congregations in Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore, says members of his presbytery earlier this month met and voted to support the redefinition of marriage.
Moseley, like Gunn, nevertheless acknowledged some within his presbytery — or regional district — do not support the decision to accept gay unions. The executive presbyter of the New Castle Presbytery told the Blade there are some within his jurisdiction who would possibly refuse to officiate same-sex weddings.
“Some sessions if pressed would stand on the ground that they are in opposition and would probably stand in opposition to having a same-sex marriage in their church,” Moseley says. “That would be their prerogative. No one has reported a case to me though.”
Craig N. Palmer, transitional general presbyter of the Presbytery of Baltimore, says the history of his group has been “generally in support” of changes to the church’s constitution with regard to marriage, ordination and other issues.
“We’re trying to stay engaged with everyone around this issue,” Palmer says. “I’m hopeful that as we move forward in our own journey as disciples of our Lord, that we can stay in conversation around these issues.”
Krehbiel said some members of his church have questioned what he calls “the hetero-normativity of the model of marriage.”
“There are some who are unsure whether marriage equality is the most important issue facing the LGBTQ community,” he says.
Decision to redefine marriage ‘joyous’ for LGBT Presbyterians
(Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
The Presbyterian Church (USA) since 2011 has allowed openly LGBT people to hold leadership positions within the denomination. The church last June effectively lifted its ban on pastors performing marriages in jurisdictions where it is legal.
The amendment to the denomination’s constitution contains a provision that states no clergy will be compelled to officiate a same-sex marriage.
Krehbiel was a commissioner of the church’s 2012 General Assembly that took place in Pittsburgh.
He says he was somewhat “surprised” the church moved so quickly on marriage, considering the reaction the issue received during the Pittsburgh meeting.
“The church was so afraid of taking this step,” Krehbiel says. “They were barely willing to have a full debate.”
Others with whom the Blade spoke said they were far less surprised.
“I imagine most people saw this decision coming,” Palmer says.
The Presbyterian Church is now the largest Protestant denomination in the world to recognize same-sex marriages and officially allow their clergy to perform them.
Presbyterian leaders with whom the Blade spoke say the decision is a reflection of broader societal changes around the issue that have taken place over the last decade.
Gays and lesbians in Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina and more than a dozen other states have received marriage rights since the General Assembly last year endorsed the redefinition of marriage.
McNeill told the Blade that some Presbyterian clergy who decided to officiate civil unions and marriage ceremonies for same-sex couples “put their ordinations on the line.” He says the decision to acknowledge gay nuptials no longer puts them in that situation.
“For some of those clergy who put their ordinations on the line it really is a significant day,” McNeill says.
The Pittsburgh Presbytery charged Rev. Janet Edwards with violating Biblical teachings and the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church after she officiated the wedding of two women in 2005.
Edwards was acquitted of the charges in 2008, and she has subsequently lobbied the denomination to acknowledge same-sex marriage.
“Today, the words of Matthew 19:26 ring true for me: with You, all things are possible. Hallelujah,” wrote Edwards in a blog post for More Light Presbyterians after the church voted to acknowledge same-sex marriages. “What a privilege to be one of the cloud of witnesses rejoicing in this new day! Thank you for this awesome opportunity to participate in a moment of true reformation.”
Palmer says he thinks there are broader impacts of the church’s decision as well.
“My sense is that this a pretty joyous thing to have had happen,” he says. “As we’ve seen in other denominations, this has been a pretty challenging conversation for people of faith and for our denomination to make that shift. I would think that folks in our community of faith who are gay and lesbian would see as a welcome action.”
Krehbiel agrees.
“At least within gay-friendly congregations, it means the end of being the subject of debate,” he says. “I think that era is over.”
a&e features
Queery: Meet artist, performer John Levengood
Modern creative talks nightlife, coming out, and his personal queer heroes
John Levengood (he/him) describes himself as a modern creative with a wide‑ranging toolkit. He blends music, technology, civic duty, and a sharp sense of wit into a cohesive artistic identity. Known primarily as a recording artist and performer, he’s also a self‑taught music producer and software engineer who embodies a generation of creators who build their own lanes rather than wait for one to appear.
Levengood, 32, who is single and identifies as gay and queer, is best known as a recording artist who has performed at Pride festivals across the country, including the main stages of World Pride DC, Central Arkansas Pride, and Charlotte Pride.
“Locally in the DMV, I’m known for turning heads at nightlife venues with my eye-catching sense of style. When I go out, I don’t try to blend in. I hope I inspire people to be themselves and have the courage to stand out,” he says.
He’s also known for hosting karaoke at Freddie’s Beach Bar in Arlington, Va., on Thursday nights. “I like to create a space where people feel comfortable expressing themselves, building community, and showcasing their talents.”
He also creates social media content from my performances and do interviews at LGBTQ+ bars and theatres in the DMV. Follow the Arlington resident @johnlevengood.
How long have you been out and who was the hardest person to tell?
I have been fully out of the closet since 2019. My parents were the hardest people to tell because my family has always been my rock and at the time I couldn’t imagine a world without them. Their reactions were extremely positive and supportive so I had nothing to fear all along.
I remember sitting on the couch with my mom, dad, and sister in our hotel room in New Orleans during our winter vacation and being so nervous to tell them. After I finally mustered up the nerve and made the proclamation, I realized my dad had already fallen asleep on the couch. My mom promised to tell him when he woke up.
Who’s your LGBTQ hero?
My LGBTQ heroes are Harvey Milk for paving the way for gays in politics and Elton John for being a pioneer for the fabulous and authentic. My local heroes in the DMV are Howard Hicks, manager of Green Lantern, and Tony Rivenbark, manager of Freddie’s Beach Bar. Both of them are essential to creating spaces where I’ve felt welcome and safe since moving to the DMV.
What’s Washington’s best nightspot, past or present?
Trade tops the list for me because of the dance floor and outdoor space. It’s so nice to get a break from the music every once and a while to be able to have a conversation.
We live in challenging times. How do you cope?
I’m still figuring this out. What is working right now is writing music and spending time with family and friends. I’ve also been spending less time on social media going to the gym at least three times a week.
What streaming show are you binging?
After “Traitors” Season 4 ended, I was in a bit of a show hole, but “Stumble” has me in a laughing loop right now. The writing is so witty.
What do you wish you’d known at 18?
At 18, I wish I would have known how liberating it is to come out of the closet. It would have been nice to know some winning lottery numbers as well.
What are your friends messaging about in your most recent group chat?
We are planning our next trip to New York City. If you can believe it, I visited NYC for the first time in 2025 for Pride and I’ve been back every quarter since. Growing up in the country, I was subconsciously primed to be scared of the city. But my mind has been blown. I can’t wait to go back.
Why Washington?
It’s the closest metropolitan area to my family, but not too close. I love the museums, the diversity, the history, and the proximity to the beach and mountains. It’s also nice to live in a city with public transportation.
Aging RFK Stadium has come down, but the RFK grounds are still getting lit up. Welcome back to the stage Project GLOW, D.C.’s homegrown electronic festival, on May 30-31. Back for its fifth year on these musically inclined acres, Project GLOW returns with an even more diverse lineup, and one that continues to celebrate LGBTQ antecedents, attendees, and acts.
Project GLOW 2026 headliners include house and techno star Mau P, progressive house legend Eric Prydz, hard-techno favorite Sara Landry, and bass acts Excision b2b Sullivan King, among the lineup of trance, bass, house, techno, dubstep, and others for the fifth anniversary year.
President & CEO Pete Kalamoutsos — born and raised in D.C. — founded Club GLOW in 1999. In 2020, GLOW entered into a partnership with global entertainment company Insomniac Events to produce live events like Project GLOW, which kicked off in 2022.
As in past years, Project GLOW not only makes space, but is intentionally inclusive of the LGBTQ community, one of its most dedicated fan bases. The festival’s LGBTQ-focused Secret Garden stage blooms again — a more intimate dance area that stands on the strength of DJs and musicians who draw from the LGBTQ community. D.C.’s LGBTQ nightlife mastermind Ed Bailey is the creative mind behind Secret Garden again. He joined Project GLOW in 2023.
“Kalamoustos says that “he’s proud of his partnership with Ed Bailey, along with Capital Pride and [nightlife producer] Jake Resnikow. It’s amazing to collaborate with Bailey at the Secret Garden stage, especially after the curated lineup we worked on at Pride last year.”
The Secret Garden will be a bit different from other stages: Eternal (“At the Eternal stage, time stands still. Lose yourself in the dance of past, present, and future, surrendering to the eternal rhythm of the universe”) and Pulse (“Feel the rhythm of the beat pulse through your veins as the heartbeat of the crowd synchronizes into one. Here, every moment vibrates with life as it guides you through a new dimension of euphoria”). The Secret Garden stage is in the round, surrounded by 16 shipping containers. The containers play canvas to muralists from around the world, who are coming in to paint them in a vibrant garden-style vibe. “We gave this stage some extra love with this layout,” K says, “ we finally cracked the code.”
K says that this will be the biggest lineup yet for the Secret Garden, featuring Nicole Moudaber b2b Chasewest, Riordan b2b Bullet Tooth, Ranger Trucco, Cassian, Eli & Fur, Cosmic Gate and Hayla. The stage is also the largest yet, featuring an expanded dance floor and 360-degree viewing.
Across all stages, K says that his goal for the fifth anniversary is “More art and fan interactive experience, more like a festival, strive to be like a Tomorrowland, as budget grows to add more experience.” Last year’s Project GLOW alone drew 40,000 attendees over two days.
K, however, was not satisfied with one festival this spring. GLOW recently announced a “pop-up” one-day event. Teaming up with Black Book Records, GLOW is set to throw a first-of-its-kind dance-music takeover of Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., headlined by electronic music star Chris Lake. Set for April 18, this euphoric block party will feature bass and vibes blocks from the White House. Organizers expect as many as 10,000 fans to attend. Beyond music, there will be food, activations, and plenty of other activities taking place around 6th St and Pennsylvania Ave NW – a location familiar to many in the LGBTQ community, as this sits squarely inside the blocks of the Capital Pride party that takes place in DC every June.
Over the past two decades, Club GLOW has produced thousands of events, from club nights to large-scale festivals including Project GLOW, Moonrise Festival, and more. Club GLOW also operates Echostage.
a&e features
New book celebrates 1970s dance music icons
‘A Night at the Disco’ features interviews with Donna Summer, Debbie Harry, more
If you’re a fan of 1970s-era dance music, don’t miss the irresistible new book by Christian John Wikane and Alice Harris, “A Night at the Disco,” which revisits more than 90 interviews conducted with some of the biggest names in pop culture.
“A Night at the Disco” (ACC Art Books) was published on March 24, and distributed by Simon & Schuster. It celebrates more than 100 artists who sparked a phenomenon in dance music from 1970-1979 and features excerpts from interviews with everyone from Donna Summer to Debbie Harry.
Lost City Books (2467 18th St., N.W.) will welcome author Christian John Wikane for a book signing and conversation about “A Night at the Disco” on Thursday, April 16 at 6 p.m. Details at lostcitybookstore.com. Bird in Hand Coffee & Books in Baltimore (11 E. 33rd St.) )will also host a Q&A with the author on Wednesday, April 15 at 6 p.m. Details at theivybookshop.com.
Below is an excerpt from “A Night at the Disco.”
“I’ll let in anyone who looks like they’ll make things fun.” Steve Rubell is guiding a New York Times reporter through Studio 54 as resident DJ Richie Kaczor dazzles the crowd with records by CHIC, Odyssey, and T-Connection. “Disco, that’s where the happy people go,” The Trammps sing as dancers spin and twirl underneath tubes of flashing lights. Seven months since Rubell and co-owner Ian Schrager opened Studio 54 in April 1977, it’s welcomed untold numbers of “happy people” … at least those lucky enough to pass through the doors.
“We were part of the chosen few,” says André De Shields, who immortalized the title role in The Wiz on Broadway at the time. “We could show up at Studio 54 and the doorman at the velvet stanchion would look over everyone and point to us from The Wiz to come in, that kind of thing.” As the lead vocalist in the GRAMMY-nominated Dr. Buzzard’s Original Savannah Band, whose debut modernized big band sophistication for the discothèques, Cory Daye had carte blanche in the club. “The energy was like a New Year’s Eve party every night,” she says. “I would go up to the mezzanine and watch the mechanical light pillars go up and down, metallic confetti falling from the ceiling, the spoon and the moon. I was so fascinated and enamored by it.
“When a certain song came on, the people would just rush to the dance floor. There was no contact dancing — the hustle was pretty much on its way out — but it was just an amazing experience to see all the cultures together. It was a fusion of cultures, which described my life and my band, so I was right at home there.”
“Studio 54 was the place,” adds Linda Clifford. “Crazy parties. If you could think it, you would see it. It was like a circus. Just an amazing place to be. I worked 54 so many times. It was like a second home to me. The people there treated me so well. The crowd always seemed to enjoy my show. I always had a good time with them. That was the most important thing: making sure that they had fun.”
Well before Studio 54 opened, disco had become a business juggernaut. “A four billion dollar market and still growing,” Billboard announced in February 1977, with dance music offering more variety than ever. “There is no longer a single, readily identifiable disco beat, but a kaleidoscope of sounds that are melodic and danceable,” Tom Moulton told the magazine. In the clubs, records by veteran artists like Stevie Wonder and the Bee Gees were mixed in with a range of new acts like Grace Jones, Boney M., and The Ritchie Family, while everyone from ABBA to Marvin Gaye scored number one pop hits with songs that had club-centric storylines.
Beyond the charts, disco itself remained as idiosyncratic as ever, especially on several productions by Laurin Rinder and W. Michael Lewis, whose studio creations, El Coco (“Let’s Get It Together,” “Cocomotion”) and Le Pamplemousse (“Le Spank”), joined their own “Lust” from Seven Deadly Sins (1977) among the most tantalizing releases on AVI Records. Rinder & Lewis also produced acts for the newly hatched Butterfly Records in Los Angeles, where Saint Tropez (“On a Rien à Perdre”) and Tuxedo Junction (“Moonlight Serenade”) reflected the duo’s high gloss sound, spanning everything from European sophistication to a more literal translation of the ’40s sensibilities popularized by Dr. Buzzard’s Original Savannah Band.
12-inch singles had also grown as the preferred format to approximate the club music experience at home. Nearly a year after Atlantic Records introduced its series of promotional 12-inch singles for DJs, New York-based Salsoul Records released the industry’s first commercially available 12-inch single, “Ten Percent” by Double Exposure, in May 1976. A year later, T.K. Records was the first label to certify a gold record for a 12-inch single when Peter Brown’s “Do You Wanna Get Funky With Me” tallied one million sales.— Christian John Wikane
(From “A Night at the Disco” by Alice Harris & Christian John Wikane. Published by ACC Art Books.)
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