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Young and proud

20 youths reflect on coming out early and misconceptions about millennials

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LGBT Millennials, gay news, Washington Blade

(Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Youth Pride will be here soon. LGBT young people from all over the D.C. area will spend Saturday, May 2 from noon-5 p.m. in Dupont Circle enjoying performances, games, speakers, testimonials and more (details at youthpridealliance.org).

To celebrate this yearā€™s event, Washington Blade staff teamed up with SMYAL to profile 20 local youths 20 and under. Their perspectives encompass the full range of queer teen experience from bullying and harassment to acceptance and joy.

20 under 20, gay news, Washington Blade

Carolyn Kidd (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

NAME: Carolyn Kidd

 

AGE: 20

 

RESIDENCE: Maryland

 

ID AS: genderqueer/queer

 

CAME OUT: senior year of high school

1. What kind of reaction have you received being out at school?

The reaction of my peers has mostly been positive. However when I attended Duquesne University, a Catholic university in Pittsburgh, I experienced bigotry and ā€œaversionā€ to ā€œthe gay lifestyle.ā€ At St. Maryā€™s College of Maryland, I experienced a kind of gay euphoria and was accepted ā€¦ and was able to start a club for trans students.

2. How have your family, friends and community reacted?

My family and friends reacted positively, however my parents were concerned about how being out would impact my future.

3. Have there been any benefits/downsides to being out?

There have been no overt downsides to being out, but hearing people openly badmouth the LGBT community is hard.

4. Whatā€™s been the hardest or best part of being out?

The hardest is constantly being misgendered whether itā€™s being called ā€œsir,ā€ ā€œyoung ladyā€ or using the wrong pronouns.

5. Did you go to Youth Pride last year?

No

6. What is the biggest misconception LGBT Boomers and Gen Xers have about LGBT Millennials?

That trans people are cross dressers and confused. Trans folks are often excluded.

20 under 20, gay news, Washington Blade

Jason Adle (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

NAME: Jason Adle

 

AGE: 16

 

RESIDENCE: Gaithersburg, Md.

 

ID AS: gay

 

CAME OUT: 2010-ish

1. What kind of reaction have you received being out at school?

The reaction at school has been neutral at worst and encouraging at best. For the most part, encouraging and supportive.

2. How have your family, friends and community reacted?

By and large, supportive and positive.

3. Have there been any benefits/downsides to being out?

The main benefit is that there is no stress to not be yourself. You can be you to the Nth degree.

4. Whatā€™s been the hardest or best part of being out?

The worst part is having to deal with those who you did not want to know your identity at a certain time. But on the flip side, it is absolutely great not having to feel trapped in being something youā€™re not.

5. Did you go to Youth Pride last year?

I did. It was a great time to hang out with friends and meet new people and learn about/interact with organizations that were helping further the cause.

6. What is the biggest misconception LGBT Boomers and Gen Xers have about LGBT Millennials?

I think the biggest disconnect is how aware Millennials appear to be in regard to LGBT history. We may not have lived in certain parts of LGBT history, but we are well aware of the events that have led to today.

20 under 20, gay news, Washington Blade

Azariah Kurlantzick (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key.

NAME: Azariah Kurlantzick

 

AGE: 17

 

RESIDENCE: Potomac, Md.

 

ID AS: queer/trans boy

 

CAME OUT: May 2011 as bi (in seventh grade); summer 2012 as transgender, just before ninth grade

1. What kind of reaction have you received being out at school?

When I first came out as bi, I was attending a Jewish day school so it was sometimes weird for me when taking part in class discussions on whether homosexuality is a sin, but reactions were generally fine. I was still at that school when I came out as transgender and I did encounter some people who refused to use my new name and pronouns, but with the help of Keshet, a Jewish LGBT organization, I was met with support.

2. How have your family, friends and community reacted?

My family and friends have been very accepting and although my Jewish community had a bad reaction initially, it has become more positive. Now that Iā€™m attending public school for the first time in 11th grade, I hear a lot of homophobic slurs directed at me in class and in the halls, but whenever I talk to people, they seem accepting.

3. Have there been any benefits/downsides to being out?

A big benefit of being out is that I feel more comfortable now exploring my gender presentation. Before, I felt the need to present as very masculine so that people might read me as a girl. Now, though, I feel more comfortable doing things like dying my hair pink because I can assume that most people do not see me as a girl.

4. Whatā€™s been the hardest or best part of being out?

The best part is that I am now part of a wonderful community that I wouldnā€™t have access to were I still in the closet.

5. Did you go to Youth Pride last year?

It was a good event, but adults there kept referring to the trans people I was with as ladies.

6. What is the biggest misconception LGBT Boomers and Gen Xers have about LGBT Millennials?

That there are fewer of us than there actually are and that all of us are cisgender.

20 under 20, gay news, Washington Blade

Carly Carter (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

NAME: Carly Carter

 

AGE: 18

 

RESIDENCE: Herndon, Va.

 

ID AS: lesbian/queer

 

CAME OUT: March 26, 2014

1. What kind of reaction have you received being out at school?

Not a huge one. People were surprised but otherwise I didnā€™t get a lot of response. Occasionally, I hear a mean comment, but usually people are really supportive.

2. How have your family, friends and community reacted?

My friends are great! I could not have picked better friends. Most of us are queer actually, so that works out great. My mom and dad are still adjusting.Ā  ā€¦ they have overall been crazy supportive. Not a mean word has ever come out of their mouths.

3. Have there been any benefits/downsides to being out?

Getting to be more open and honest with people is a huge plus. Also meeting a bunch of queer friends whom I love being in touch with. I would never have met them had I not been out.

4. Whatā€™s been the hardest or best part of being out?

There are challenges with everything ā€” being out is not an exception.

5. Did you go to Youth Pride last year?

No, I didnā€™t know about it.

6. What is the biggest misconception LGBT Boomers and Gen Xers have about LGBT Millennials?

That we have it easy or that the hardships they had to face are gone now.

20 under 20, gay news, Washington Blade

Autumn Smith (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

NAME: Autumn Smith

 

AGE: 18

 

RESIDENCE: D.C.

 

ID AS: male

 

CAME OUT: 2013

1. What kind of reaction have you received being out at school?

That I was ā€œcool for being a gay guyā€ except when I wore womenā€™s jewelry.

2. How have your family, friends and community reacted?

My family doesnā€™t talk about it. Friends are cool and itā€™s all good until I wear a dress.

3. Have there been any benefits/downsides to being out?

Oh yes!

4. Whatā€™s been the hardest or best part of being out?

Harassment, weird looks.

5. Did you go to Youth Pride last year?

Yes! It was amazing as always.

6. What is the biggest misconception LGBT Boomers and Gen Xers have about LGBT Millennials?

That our struggles canā€™t compare with theirs.

20 under 20, gay news, Washington Blade

LC (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

NAME: LC (Lauren Collins)

 

AGE: 16

 

RESIDENCE: Herndon, Va.

 

ID AS: bisexual

 

CAME OUT: eighth grade

1. What kind of reaction have you received being out at school?

Mixed ā€” positive from close friends, but neutral to negative from the student body.

2. How have your family, friends and community reacted?

Mom has come around and is supportive now. Dad said a couple insensitive things but heā€™s always supported me. My church and community are pretty OK with it.

3. Have there been any benefits/downsides to being out?

Being able to interact with openly queer friends and being able to share my relationships publicly. Downsides are backlash at school and itā€™s harder to fly under the radar.

4. Whatā€™s been the hardest or best part of being out?

Feeling like a representative for all queer people.

5. Did you go to Youth Pride last year?

N/A

6. What is the biggest misconception LGBT Boomers and Gen Xers have about LGBT Millennials?

That weā€™re just ā€œconfusedā€ or saying weā€™re queer or trans just because itā€™s ā€œtrendy.ā€

20 under 20, gay news, Washington Blade

Katie Barack (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

NAME: Katie Barack

 

AGE: 19

 

RESIDENCE: McLean, Va.

 

ID AS: queer

 

CAME OUT: April 2013

1. What kind of reaction have you received being out at school?

Iā€™ve been accepted by the community as someone who could fall in love with someone of any gender. However, I go to a ā€œsame-sexā€ boarding school, so all of my gender questioning has been pretty private. Iā€™ve had to give a lot of advice to underclassmen. I love the leadership role and being the only out student has made me find an incredible community.

2. How have your family, friends and community reacted?

My family is very supportive. While my friends at school are supportive, my friends from home in the Midwest can be very ignorant and tend to make me feel ā€œother.ā€

3. Have there been any benefits/downsides to being out?

I feel excluded often and school dances are awkward. In my tux, Iā€™m called ā€œsharpā€ while all the other students in dresses are called ā€œgorgeous.ā€

4. Whatā€™s been the hardest or best part of being out?

Iā€™ve found a community I would never trade. I love finding other queer people. Questioning my gender is something Iā€™ve only recently come out about. It sucks that my high school diploma probably wonā€™t have the name I use on it. I wish I could use the right pronouns and name, but Iā€™m at an all-girls school. Iā€™ve had to work my ass off to get us to be aware of transgender students and the need for accommodating policies.

5. Did you go to Youth Pride last year?

No

6. What is the biggest misconception LGBT Boomers and Gen Xers have about LGBT Millennials?

Transgender people are viewed as outsiders of the community by the older generation. Cultural intersectionality is ignored.

20 under 20, gay news, Washington Blade

Lia Warner (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

NAME: Lia Warner

 

AGE: 16

 

RESIDENCE: Chesapeake, Va.

 

ID AS: lesbian

 

CAME OUT: 14

1. What kind of reaction have you received being out at school?

I was really lucky to be a member of a very accepting track and cross-country team, so in the locker room, I felt a lot safer than I anticipated. But I still heard homophobic slurs and comments elsewhere at school.

2. How have your family, friends and community reacted?

My parents have been overwhelmingly supportive as have my friends. Many members of the community as well, but thatā€™s not to say itā€™s been 100 percent positive.

3. Have there been any benefits/downsides to being out?

A benefit would be, of course, the ability to be myself and be true to my identity with those I love. The downside, where I live is overwhelmingly homophobic and discriminatory.

4. Whatā€™s been the hardest or best part of being out?

The hardest ā€” when people look at me in a different and negative light. The best ā€” my ability to be myself publicly and help others in my GSA.

5. Did you go to Youth Pride last year?

No, I did not know about SMYAL or that event. I did go to Hampton Roads Pride, which was fabulous.

6. What is the biggest misconception LGBT Boomers and Gen Xers have about LGBT Millennials?

They believe this is a phase or that weā€™re somehow a mistake.

20 under 20, gay news, Washington Blade

Rico Jones (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

NAME: Rico Jones

 

AGE: 15

 

RESIDENCE: none given

 

ID AS: bisexual

 

CAME OUT: This year

1. What kind of reaction have you received being out at school?

Mixed ā€” happiness from some who were proud of me, but also a lot of bullying most of the time. Iā€™ve been called a lot of names and picked on by many others.

2. How have your family, friends and community reacted?

My friends were all by my side and have wished me happiness and the best of luck.

3. Have there been any benefits/downsides to being out?

Benefits: happy to have found myself in so many ways, love and freedom. Downsides: bullying.

4. Whatā€™s been the hardest or best part of being out?

Bullying and the feeling that people think because youā€™re gay, you think you deserve special rights or treatment.

5. Did you go to Youth Pride last year?

No, I wish I had.

6. What is the biggest misconception LGBT Boomers and Gen Xers have about LGBT Millennials?

Being myself and being free and showing other people that we can be the change.

20 under 20, gay news, Washington Blade

Sasha Jarvis (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

NAME: Sasha Jarvis

 

AGE: 18

 

RESIDENCE: Derwood, Md.

 

ID AS: bisexual

 

CAME OUT: ninth grade

1. What kind of reaction have you received being out at school?

Neutral

2. How have your family, friends and community reacted?

Iā€™ve had a pretty positive reaction. The first person I came out to was my friend Kathryn and it felt so nice until she decided she had to tell her mom. So that was super uncomfortable because I wasnā€™t even out to my own parents. My favorite thing was when I casually dropped the word ā€œgirlfriendā€ without getting any kind of extreme response. That was affirming.

3. Have there been any benefits/downsides to being out?

I havenā€™t really felt any downsides personally but it is rewarding to not be sitting quietly and letting homophobes slide out of fear of judgment.

4. Whatā€™s been the hardest or best part of being out?

Itā€™s annoying to hear hetero-normative language from people close to me. Like hearing my mom say my sisters and I should live alone or with a girlfriend (as in a female friend) before getting married. It hurts to not have my identity respected, even in small ways.

5. Did you go to Youth Pride last year?

Yes! I love being able to share my queer community life with my school friends.

6. What is the biggest misconception LGBT Boomers and Gen Xers have about LGBT Millennials?

I think the biggest misconception is that weā€™re all just following trends.

20 under 20, gay news, Washington Blade

Gavin Calvin (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

NAME: Gavin Calvin

 

AGE: 16

 

RESIDENCE: Clarksburg, Md.

 

ID AS: transgender

 

CAME OUT: 8th grade

1. What kind of reaction have you received being out at school?

Very supportive and loving.

2. How have your family, friends and community reacted?

They were not surprised and supported me fully.

3. Have there been any benefits/downsides to being out?

Strangers not understanding my choices and judging.

4. Whatā€™s been the hardest or best part of being out?

Iā€™m more comfortable around my peers and am happier living as who I truly am.

5. Did you go to Youth Pride last year?

No

6. What is the biggest misconception LGBT Boomers and Gen Xers have about LGBT Millennials?

(My generation) seems to think LGBT Boomers are reckless and carefree. My experience with Gen. Xers is that they think how we are is a choice and is wrong.

20 under 20, gay news, Washington Blade

Erika Johnson (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

NAME: Erika Johnson

 

AGE: 18

 

RESIDENCE: Clinton, Md.

 

ID AS: lesbian

 

CAME OUT: 9th grade

1. What kind of reaction have you received being out at school?

I received a pretty positive reaction from my friends and teachers. A lot of my friends were shocked and surprised but very supportive.

2. How have your family, friends and community reacted?

My family on the other hand, doesnā€™t really understand. Most of them donā€™t know Iā€™m out, but the few I trust fully support.

3. Have there been any benefits/downsides to being out?

The benefit of being out is that there are so many people I can relate to on a personal level. Being out has given me the spunk to go forth with my advocacy. The downside of being out is that not a lot of people fully understand my new points. Coming out in the ninth grade has been very stressful because I still feel like Iā€™m hiding.

4. Whatā€™s been the hardest or best part of being out?

The hardest part about being out is that it is hard trying to express myself in front of people. Iā€™m partially in the closet and partially not. The best part is that I can come to SMYAL and feel like the true me. SMYAL has made this process 100 percent easier. There are still some obstacles I have to get over, but I am a strong woman who can do anything.

5. Did you go to Youth Pride last year?

Yes! It was amazing. It was a pleasure meeting more SMYAL folks and getting to learn about queer youth experiences.

6. What is the biggest misconception LGBT Boomers and Gen Xers have about LGBT Millennials?

That we spend too much time ā€œcomplainingā€ about what we need when we are really just speaking the truth.

20 under 20, gay news, Washington Blade

Selvi Ulusan (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

NAME: Selvi Ulusan

 

AGE: 16

 

RESIDENCE: Bethesda, Md.

 

ID AS: queer/bi

 

CAME OUT: June 20, 2013

1. What kind of reaction have you received being out at school?

Surprise mostly. I donā€™t think everyone knows quite yet actually. I donā€™t tell everyone I meet automatically but if anyone asks, I tell them the truth.

2. How have your family, friends and community reacted?

My friends were very supportive. My family kind of already saw it coming but my little sister was great. So nice!

3. Have there been any benefits/downsides to being out?

Benefits: I am who I am and people knowing doesnā€™t change that, but they just know a little bit more about me. Downsides: there was a lot of ā€œare you sure?ā€ or just ā€œweirded outā€ reactions. Some people just didnā€™t believe me, but thatā€™s not my problem.

4. Whatā€™s been the hardest or best part of being out?

Hardest: That I feel like I have to keep coming out every time I tell someone else. Best is letting people know a little more of who I am.

5. Did you go to Youth Pride last year?

I have been to the Capital Pride parade and festival the last two years, but not Youth Pride. The first year I went to Pride, it was amazing. I met a girl who made all of my unanswered questions about myself incredibly clear.

6. What is the biggest misconception LGBT Boomers and Gen Xers have about LGBT Millennials?

That itā€™s just a choice or just how you feel and that you can only be attracted to one gender.

20 under 20, Washington Blade

Temitayo Wolff (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

NAME: Temitayo Wolff

 

AGE: 18

 

RESIDENCE: D.C.

 

ID AS: queer girl (panromantic, grey-asexual)

 

CAME OUT: beginning of 11th grade/end of 2013

1. What kind of reaction have you received being out at school?

Within a specific community, Iā€™ve received so much love and support. My friend group is super gay. I havenā€™t received much open hostility. Some people have a lot of questions.

2. How have your family, friends and community reacted?

My mom wishes I would stop saying words like ā€œpansexual,ā€ which she never heard. I think she accepts my identity even though it doesnā€™t make sense to her. My dad is also a little confused but he is supportive of my identity, activism and presentation. I have a much younger sister and I think coming out has made her more accepting and socially aware.

3. Have there been any benefits/downsides to being out?

Iā€™ve been really lucky to experience more benefits than downsides when I came out. Coming out provided me with a community of really supportive queer friends online and in D.C. The main downside is tension with my mother.

4. Whatā€™s been the hardest or best part of being out?

The best ā€” my queer-platonic partner and my girlfriend.

5. Did you go to Youth Pride last year?

I did attend and had a lot of fun. I appreciate Youth Pride as a space that doesnā€™t have alcohol and nearly as many people as Capital Pride. However a lot of my friends were consistently misgendered both by peers and by adults who were running the programs, which was disappointing that an event that is supposed to be safe for trans people makes assumptions about peopleā€™s gender and reinforces that non-existent binary.

6. What is the biggest misconception LGBT Boomers and Gen Xers have about LGBT Millennials?

I think older folks feel like we are undermining a lot of the work they did with our own activism. When we use social media as a platform for advocacy, they think we are being lazy or unproductive. When we reclaim ā€œqueerā€ as a self-identifier, they think we are disrespecting their struggle to eliminate the use of that word. When we advocate for lesser-known identities like asexuality, pansexuality and non-binary genders, they think we are just making up new words and new forms of oppression when they fought so hard just for basic recognition of the L, G, B and T. I think older LGBTQ folks need to recognize that queer young people of color exist.

NAME: Lance M. Coates III (Lacyy Coates)

 

AGE: 20

 

RESIDENCE: D.C.

 

ID AS: trans woman, early transition stage

 

CAME OUT: 16

1. What kind of reaction have you received being out at school?

I have received mixed reactions at various schools.

2. How have your family, friends and community reacted?

My family and friends have been supportive while the community as a whole has been very hostile to the point of gay bashing.

3. Have there been any benefits/downsides to being out?

I have become more inspired to live my life openly by the girls at Casa Ruby.

4. Whatā€™s been the hardest or best part of being out?

Being able to be myself is the best part.

5. Did you go to Youth Pride last year?

Yes, it was a very happy experience.

6. What is the biggest misconception LGBT Boomers and Gen Xers have about LGBT Millennials?

They donā€™t really interact with us or teach us the ways.

20 under 20, gay news, Washington Blade

Ebony Rempson (Photo courtesy of Ebony Rempson)

NAME: Ebony Rempson

 

AGE: 20

 

RESIDENCE: D.C.

 

ID AS: queer

 

CAME OUT: 2009

1. What kind of reaction have you received being out at school?

In high school, it varied from shock and disgust to understanding.

2. How have your family, friends and community reacted?

I had problems with my family at first, especially since I was outed by a family member but things got better. My friends have always been loving. Communities that Iā€™ve found myself a part of have been great support systems and always served as places where I could seek validation.

3. Have there been any benefits/downsides to being out?

I wouldnā€™t have had a chance to grow the way I did and share my unique story with people had I not been out.

4. Whatā€™s been the hardest or best part of being out?

The hardest part about being out as queer has been knowing that there is a third strike against me in the heteronormative and patriarchal society, strikes one and two being black and a woman.

5. Did you go to Youth Pride last year?

Yes and itā€™s always positive. Thereā€™s nothing better than a sense of community.

6. What is the biggest misconception LGBT Boomers and Gen Xers have about LGBT Millennials?

That weā€™re lazy and self absorbed.

NAME: Shantel Jordan

 

AGE: 17

 

RESIDENCE: Arlington, Va.

 

ID AS: queer/trans

 

CAME OUT: 2013

1. What kind of reaction have you received being out at school?

My close friends were very supportive. Some other students didnā€™t understand and made some pretty harsh comments.

2. How have your family, friends and community reacted?

Family was mixed ā€” they were upset at first, but are now mostly supportive.

3. Have there been any benefits/downsides to being out?

The big benefit is being able to be myself. Itā€™s very refreshing not to have to hide.

4. Whatā€™s been the hardest or best part of being out?

Hearing from people that God doesnā€™t like gay people. That was hard.

5. Did you go to Youth Pride last year?

I did. I enjoyed it.

6. What is the biggest misconception LGBT Boomers and Gen Xers have about LGBT Millennials?

That we just want to play on our phones and arenā€™t really serious about anything.

NAME: James Rosenstein

 

AGE: 15

 

RESIDENCE: Arlington, Va.

 

ID AS: queer

 

CAME OUT: 2014

1. What kind of reaction have you received being out at school?

I had a number of people ask if I really thought I was gay or if it was a phase but most of my friends were great. They really accept me for me.

2. How have your family, friends and community reacted?

My family has been really great. They wanted to talk a lot when I first told them, but they have always been very supportive.

3. Have there been any benefits/downsides to being out?

I get some comments from other students from time to time, but Iā€™d still rather be out.

4. Whatā€™s been the hardest or best part of being out?

Being able to be honest with my friends and parents.

5. Did you go to Youth Pride last year?

I did. I liked it but I couldnā€™t stay for the entire thing.

6. What is the biggest misconception LGBT Boomers and Gen Xers have about LGBT Millennials?

That young people donā€™t want to be active in church. I am very active in my church but I understand that many LGBTQ young people donā€™t want to be.

NAME: Chance

 

AGE: 18

 

RESIDENCE: Arlington, Va.

 

ID AS: gender queer

 

CAME OUT: 2013

1. What kind of reaction have you received being out at school?

Some people said I was the first queer person they had met. Some said they werenā€™t sure what queer was so I had to spend some time talking to people in my school. I donā€™t know if everyone was OK with the answer but most people seemed to be open-minded.

2. How have your family, friends and community reacted?

Most of my family is OK with it. I know I have some people who donā€™t like the fact that Iā€™m not straight, but Iā€™m OK with that.

3. Have there been any benefits/downsides to being out?

The only downside has been hearing from friends that other people donā€™t want to hang out with me. That really sucks, but Iā€™m still glad I came out.

4. Whatā€™s been the hardest or best part of being out?

The best part has been my relationship with my girlfriend. I donā€™t think we would be together if I wasnā€™t out.

5. Did you go to Youth Pride last year?

I did not.

6. What is the biggest misconception LGBT Boomers and Gen Xers have about LGBT Millennials?

I would say that some older people donā€™t really understand LGBTQ young people. Iā€™ve had older people ask why I want to be called queer.

NAME: Maya Parker

 

AGE: 20

 

RESIDENCE: D.C.

 

ID AS: bisexual

 

CAME OUT: freshman year of high school

1. What kind of reaction have you received being out at school?

I wasnā€™t accepted at first as I was one of the first in my high school to come out. I got made fun of mainly by the boys. I figured they were jealous. It somehow was an inspiration to the other girls in the school as they began to come out as well.

2. How have your family, friends and community reacted?

My family pretty much thought of it as a phase. I guess they have swept it under the rug. My friends didnā€™t like it too well. They started acting uncomfortable around me and not wanting to get dressed in front of me. People heard bisexual and figured I was looking at every woman that would walk past me. My community didnā€™t react much as Iā€™m more on the feminine side. Iā€™ve only really gotten reaction by my community if I was seen with a more dominant female.

3. Have there been any benefits/downsides to being out?

I actually get to be myself. It gives me a sort of confidence where I can walk outside with my head high without feeling like I have a dark secret.

4. Whatā€™s been the hardest or best part of being out?

People thinking youā€™re ā€œplaying both sides of the fence.ā€ Itā€™s hard to get a woman to understand that youā€™re serious about her when she knows you like men and with men, they canā€™t seem to get the thought of two women and themselves out of their heads.

5. Did you go to Youth Pride last year?

No

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D.C.ā€™s most eligible queer singles

Itā€™s not too late to find a date for Valentineā€™s Day

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Each year, the Blade seeks our readersā€™ help in identifying the most eligible local queer singles. Here is this yearā€™s list.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)


Hallie Oā€™Rourke, 26, non-profit management, lesbian

What are you looking for in a mate? Iā€™m looking for someone who is kind, loyal, intelligent, funny, and who shares my interests while also introducing me to new things. Iā€™m looking for a long term partner who can make me laugh every day and who inspires me to be a better version of myself.

Biggest turn off: Flaky and indecisive people.

Biggest turn on: (Over) communication, taking initiative, making plans.

Hobbies: I enjoy reading and am always in search of the next great book. I also adore arts and crafts and collage frequently. I love experimenting with new mediums and exploring different art forms.

What is your biggest goal for 2025? My biggest goal is to be more outgoing and comfortable introducing myself to strangers. Iā€™d love to go on more solo trips and meet new people around the world.

Pets, kids, or neither? Neither at the moment, but I am looking to get a cat in the near future.

Would you date someone whose political views differ from yours? No, Iā€™d like to be with someone who shares my core political values and beliefs.

Celebrity crush? Ruby Cruz

Name one obscure fact about yourself? Iā€™m a huge fan of ā€œThe Roomā€ (AKA the worst movie of the 21st century) and have met two of the cast members, including the infamous Tommy Wiseau.


Danielle Pasekoff, 25, Democratic strategist and community organizer, lesbian/she/her

What are you looking for in a mate? A genuine partnership! A hopeless romantic, good listener, always down for an adventure and perpetually optimistic.

Biggest turn off: Poor communication, dishonesty, apathy, loud chewing 

Biggest turn on: NJGs (Nice Jewish Girls) 

Hobbies: Watching reality TV, running, singing in the shower, going to concerts, game nights with friends, shopping, running a community group for queer women and trans folks! Check out DC Gay Girls Plus! 

What is your biggest goal for 2025? Finally make a dent in my ever-growing TBR book stack. 

Pets, kids, or neither? Neither but ultimately want both. 

Would you date someone whose political views differ from yours? Not in 2025!

Celebrity crush? Caitlin Clark

Name one obscure fact about yourself? I have six tattoos


Mauricio Pita, 39, actor/producer, gay

What are you looking for in a mate? Confidence, authenticity, creativity, resiliency, kindness, humor, and attraction. The rest we can figure out. 

Biggest turn off: Shame 

Biggest turn on:  A well-executed wink.

Hobbies: I love stories (movies, theater, books, poetry, gaming, music, writing, etc.) both as a receiver and a giver, dancing like no one (or everyone) is watching, and exploring new spaces. 

What is your biggest goal for 2025? To see more of my family. 

Pets, kids, or neither? I have the most chill Chihuahua, I’m open to all. 

Would you date someone whose political views differ from yours? It all depends, but we must agree on freedom. 

Celebrity crush? Right now, Drew Starkey from “Queer”

Name one obscure fact about yourself? My other career choices were Paleontology and Computer Science.


Portia McDaniels, 39, attorney, lesbian

What are you looking for in a mate? A thoughtful, kind monogamist woman to share life’s adventures. Willingness to laugh at my bad jokes is a plus. Find me on instagram @esqmasc 

Biggest turn off: Bad hygiene, rudeness especially to people in customer service, lateness without any warning

Biggest turn on: Effective communication, good sense of humor, loves fitness and staying active, a great signature scent 

Hobbies: Weightlifting, reading everything I’ve bought on Audible, trying new cocktail bars. During good weather, I enjoy kayaking and hiking. Soon to be: improving my Spanish and relearning Mandarin. 

What is your biggest goal for 2025? Hitting some new PRs in the gym, and being consistent with the gentle art (Brazilian jiu jitsu) 

Pets, kids, or neither? Neither right now, but I definitely want kids. Former dog mom who would love another pooch. Not opposed to cats, but they make me sneezy. 

Would you date someone whose political views differ from yours? It depends 

Celebrity crush? Janelle Monae, Zaynah Bear

Name one obscure fact about yourself? I was on NPR in college


Lily Kardell, 32, garden center manager, queer/lesbian/she/her

What are you looking for in a mate? A kind, confident soul who thrives on both independence and deep emotional connection. Theyā€™re creative and a great communicator. Their love languages are physical touch, words of affirmation, and quality time. 

Biggest turn off: Mean-spiritedness and arrogance. 

Biggest turn on: Empathy, passion, and a great sense of humor

Hobbies: I play weekly in a pool league (go Troublemakers!). I also enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and cycling in the summer. Ice skating, reading, fiber arts, and crafting are a few of my other favorite pastimes. 

What is your biggest goal for 2025? Iā€™m starting the next chapter of my career and Iā€™m determined to make it the best one yet! I also want to finish one of my many work in progress craft projects!  

Pets, kids, or neither? I’m all about that cool gay aunt life, but prefer to live as a pet and plant mom! I have an adorable, orange cat named Willow. Sheā€™s a rambunctious, little rescue and I love her like a daughter. 

Would you date someone whose political views differ from yours? In DC?!? No! Free Palestine, Black Lives Matter, trans rights are human rights!

Celebrity crush? This is such a fun question and was somehow the hardest for me to answer. I’d have to go with Sandra Oh, Niecey Nash, and weirdly even Jeff Goldblum!

Name one obscure fact about yourself? At age 11, I won first place in the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby Race (like the large ones that you can actually sit in). We raced down Constitution Avenue and finished right next to the Capitol.


David Draper, 32, early talent acquisition recruiter, gay

What are you looking for in a mate?  Iā€™m looking for someone who knows what he wants and is looking for someone who also knows what he wants. Iā€™d love to find a person who works on himself and is constantly striving to improve and be the best version of himself he can be (mentally, physically, emotionally). As someone who really enjoys ā€œdowntimeā€ and alone time Iā€™m looking for someone who I can be around and just ā€œbeā€ and enjoy each otherā€™s company. I enjoy nights out, but I have no problem calling it early-ish (like 12:30AM) and wouldnā€™t mind a person who likes to go out, but is also fine with leaving the bar/party early to go home and enjoy some downtime and hangout in a more peaceful environment.

Biggest turn off: My biggest turn off is assuming someone is feeling another way when they told you they were feeling one way (i.e. ā€œAre you upset?ā€ ā€œNo Iā€™m not upset.ā€ ā€œWell you see upset.ā€). Another big turn off is ā€œone upping.ā€ This applies to both positive things as well as negative things. And when people lack empathy.

Biggest turn on: My biggest non-physical turn on is emotional intelligence, a sense of humor/quick wit, and an appreciation of sarcasm. 

Hobbies: I’m a certified Bravoholic and consider watching The Real Housewives a hobby. I also have a Peloton bike and enjoy running, so staying active is important to me. I also attend a lot of concerts and Broadway shows, so my Ticketmaster app always has at least 2-3 tickets for upcoming events at various concert venues in and around D.C. 

What is your biggest goal for 2025? My biggest goal for 2025 is to continue prioritizing my physical, mental, and emotional health. Toward the end of 2024, I started a journey to develop better habits around working out, eating, drinking, and sleeping. This year, Iā€™m looking forward to maintaining and building on these healthier habits. A big milestone for me will be running my first marathon at the 2025 Chicago Marathon this fall. 

Pets, kids, or neither? Iā€™m a proud Cat Dad to Linus and Louie. 

Would you date someone whose political views differ from yours? Typically no. By no means would I expect to agree with everything, but would we need to agree on the fundamentals especially on social issues. 

Celebrity crush? Some combination of Chris Mazdzer, Jonathan Bailey, and/or Patrick (from Schittā€™s Creek)

Name one obscure fact about yourself? When I was 5, I refused to re-wear pairs of socks and ā€œdemandedā€ to my mom that I have a new pair every dayā€¦ that didnā€™t last. I guess you could say I was “particular.”


Finn Vigeland, 32, transportation planner, gay

What are you looking for in a mate? In no particular order: a guy who fits right in with my friends and family, whose intellect and hobbies charm me, who’s professionally motivated and loves what he does, who wants to travel with me, and who makes me laugh. 

Biggest turn off: Laziness/unprofessionalism, being uninterested in new adventures, disrespect to waitstaff, over dependence on cars 

Biggest turn on: Good dancer, takes the bus, is smart but loves a stupid joke, becomes friends with my friends in his own right 

Hobbies: Biking, board games, dance parties with friends, hosting Survivor watch parties, kickball, nerding out about transit, constructing crossword puzzles for the New York Times 

What is your biggest goal for 2025? tbh, find a boyfriend! 

Pets, kids, or neither? Neither currently, open to both 

Would you date someone whose political views differ from yours? Political views are a reflection of our values. If we aren’t aligned on values, we’re not a match. 

Celebrity crush? Jonathan Bailey but for at least the last 10 years! I’ve been on the bandwagon!

Name one obscure fact about yourself? In college I often gave celebrities and their kids campus tours. The coolest was Rob Lowe, the most random was a Korean R&B legend who brought a camera crew; I wound up on Korean TV in a reality series about her life.


SC Nealy, 35, mental health therapist, author, business owner, queer/gender fluid

What are you looking for in a mate? Emotional intelligence, strong communication, loyalty, honesty, and a whole lot of humor 

Biggest turn off: Cannot stand the smell of weed or cigarettes. It’s just not for me to be around! 

Biggest turn on: Gentleness, passion, thoughtfulness, and quiet strength 

Hobbies: I crochet little toy animals for friends and children, and I love to write. I also love socializing with my friends and being in community. 

What is your biggest goal for 2025? Continue to expand my business LGBT+ Counseling Collaborative and bring accessible, queer-celebratory mental health services to the DMV area. 

Pets, kids, or neither? I have two young daughters, and a dog and a cat. I accept people’s lives as they are and whatever comes with them. 

Would you date someone whose political views differ from yours? No, I would not. My political views are based in human dignity and equality. If that’s not something you can agree with or if money comes before people, I have no interest in exposing myself to your viewpoints.

Celebrity crush? Ruby Rose

Name one obscure fact about yourself? I won the 2024 Humanitarian of the Year Award from the Virginia Counselors Association.


Logan Dulski, 25, graphic designer, non-binary pansexual

What are you looking for in a mate? I’m looking for someone whoā€™s kind, funny, and more than a little nerdy ā€” someone who can commit to the bit. Bonus points if they have a solid karaoke go-to and appreciate the magic of a well-organized notion board. 

Biggest turn off: All the basic turn-offs like being rude to waitstaff or poor hygiene, but throw in being overly nonchalant. 

Biggest turn on: Someone witty, considerate, and knows what they want 

Hobbies: Playing Dungeons & Dragons (or any other ttrpgs), crochet, ballet, reading, playing video games, and tarot 

What is your biggest goal for 2025? My biggest goal for 2025 is to get my tarot deck, the Community & Connection Pocket Tarot, fully funded and printed by the end of the year. 

Pets, kids, or neither? Yes to pets. Hard no to kids. 

Would you date someone whose political views differ from yours? Absolutely not, especially if their views coincide with whether or not I should have basic human rights. 

Celebrity crush? Rhea Ripley, Pedro Pascal, and all of the band Sleep Token

Name one obscure fact about yourself? I took over 9 years of Mandarin lessons as a kid and still don’t know a lick of Mandarin.


Tristan Gess, 26, consultant, gay

What are you looking for in a mate? Iā€™m looking for someone whoā€™s ambitious and passionate about what they doā€”someone whoā€™s always chasing their goals and excited about whatā€™s next. I love going to workout classes, trying new coffee spots, and traveling, so itā€™d be great to have someone whoā€™s up for all of that too. And most importantly, I need someone who can handle a little friendly teasing but isnā€™t afraid to give it back. 

Biggest turn off: A big turn-off for me is when someone doesnā€™t take care of themselves or prioritize good hygiene. Itā€™s not about being perfect, but Iā€™m really drawn to people who put effort into their well-being and take pride in feeling their best. 

Biggest turn on: My biggest turn-on is someone whoā€™s confident but also charismatic. Thereā€™s something really attractive about a person who knows their worth, carries themselves well, and can effortlessly connect with people. Confidence without arrogance and a natural charm go a long way. 

Hobbies: My hobbies include going to Barryā€™s and Solidcore, spending time with my family at the lake, and staying up to date with energy and sustainability initiatives around the world. I love a good workout, quality time with the people who matter most, and keeping up with ways to make a positive impact on the planet. 

What is your biggest goal for 2025? My goal for 2025 is to be more mindful and present in every moment. I want to trust the process, knowing that just because one door closes doesnā€™t mean another isnā€™t opening. Itā€™s about staying grounded, making bold choices with confidence, and being open to whatever opportunities come my way. 

Pets, kids, or neither? Neither 

Would you date someone whose political views differ from yours? I feel pretty grounded and educated in my own political views, and while Iā€™m always open to hearing new perspectives and having thoughtful discussions, I do think thereā€™s a fine line when it comes to politics. Healthy conversations are great, but at a certain point, fundamental differences can become a deal breaker. 

Celebrity crush? Jonathan Bailey

Name one obscure fact about yourself? I fell off the lower deck of a cruise ship in Turkey once!


Sisi Reid, 32, actor/dancer/theater artist/educator, Black Queer Sensual Femme, Pansexual 

What are you looking for in a mate? Compassionate and thoughtful, playful, affectionate, practices wellness (physical, spiritual, emotional, mental), loves travel, values growth and self accountability, loves traveling together, open to navigating travel and distance in our relationship (I travel for work and solo travel), a willingness to co-design a committed relationship that is non escalator/unique to us, and values peace of mind and peace in home. 

Biggest turn off: Mean/unkind, unwillingness to listen/learn something new/be curious, lack of follow up with actions, and arrogance 

Biggest turn on:  Joy/your own sense of what nourishes your joy and practices you enjoy in your alone time, whole body listening, remembering and reflecting back to me (in your own way) things I do/say, someone who has dreams and goals for themselves

Hobbies: Dancing, being in nature, traveling locally and internationally, watching tv/movies, coloring/sketching, and exploring local arts events, festivals, museums. 

What is your biggest goal for 2025? To center my physical wellness, so my mind has more peace and to make and perform my solo dance performances on international stages. 

Pets, kids, or neither? Neither 

Would you date someone whose political views differ from yours? Yes, but if the views aren’t rooted in Black liberation, in justice, and a radical reimagining of these current systems, nah I don’t want that. 

Celebrity crush? Rutina Wesley

Name one obscure fact about yourself? My spirituality is nature, magical, kinky, and fueled by my imagination.

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a&e features

Valentineā€™s gifts for the queers you love

Fragrances, X-rated sweet treats, candles, and more

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Put a little love in your heart. Thatā€™s what Jackie DeShannon encouraged with her 1969 hit song of the same name, and itā€™s never been more appropriate than in the context of our current state of affairs. Mute the vitriol this Valentineā€™s Day and concentrate on what really matters ā€“ those you love and who love you back. 

Gucci Guilty Love Edition

Sniffies? Youā€™ll put the site on hold after a whiff of Gucci Guilty Love Edition on the nape of his neck ā€“ featuring captivating notes of juniper oil, orange flower absolute and aphrodisiatic Ambrofix ā€“ which one review claims to ā€œmake your brain sparkle like a fine Champagne.ā€ Cheers to that. $25-$133, FragranceNet.com

Hunky Burning Love Pillow

Sweet dreams are on the docket when you rest your head on the Hunky Burning Love faux-suede square pillow printed with illustrations of shirtless himbos pining for your affection. An exercise in fantasy more than reality, but it beats sitting alone at a bar getting no attention at all. $30, ThePillowTopShop.com

Love Deck

Whatā€™s in the cards for your love life in 2025? Fuck around and find out with astrologist Lisa Stardustā€™s 70-card Love Deck, a tarot set of short spells, meditations and rituals designed to conjure enough love, passion, clarity and confidence to make Potion No. 9 jealous. $13, Amazon.com 

ā€˜Making the Case for Equalityā€™

Weā€™ll continue to fight the good fight over the next four years and beyond ā€“ perhaps harder than ever ā€“ and Lambda Legalā€™s ā€œMaking the Case for Equality,ā€ a detailed half-century history of our hard-won judicial victories, is a solid reminder of how far weā€™ve come in the war for LGBTQ+ rights. $45, Amazon.com

Lola Blankets

Schedule an at-home streaming marathon of this yearā€™s Best Picture noms before the big night ā€“ thereā€™s a lot to love in 2024ā€™s Oscar picks ā€“ and the coziest way to settle in is all snuggled up in the squishiest Lola blankets, reminiscent of the adorable ripples of the cutest Shar Pei. Pick up a couple for the cuddle puddle. $109-$299, LolaBlankets.com

Asa Akira x Cake Life Cookies

Cue the collaboration you didnā€™t see coming: Adult film star Asa Akira teams up with award-winning trans-owned bakery Cake Life Bake Shop for its sweet-and-spicy Conversation Heart Sugar Cookies, featuring Akiraā€™s XXX-tra special curated box decorated with NFSW phrases like ā€œCowgirl,ā€ ā€œCream Pie,ā€ and the ever-subtle ā€œAnalā€ ā€“ that are sure to leave mouths agog at your Gaylentineā€™s get-together. $19-$21, CakeLifeBakeShop.square.site

Mind Games Candles

Since the late 1990s, the Backstreet Boys have implored us to quit playinā€™ games with our loversā€™ hearts, which is probably why we play mind games instead ā€“ and now they come in luxury scents like Jasmine Milk, Tobacco Tonka Bean and Cherry Sandalwood, so you can enjoy mood lighting with your gaslighting. $135, MindGamesFragrance.com

Delysia Chocolates

Inspired by Greek Goddess-of-Love Aphrodite, Delysia Chocolatierā€™s 16-piece, limited-edition truffle collection includes four each of symbolic Passion (almond-honey-fig), Adoration (raspberry-rose petal-hibiscus), Unity (pomegranate-strawberry), and Love (spiced wine-berry) bite-size chocolates rich enough for savoring and abundant enough for sharing. $60, Delysia.com

DIY Whiskey Hot Sauce

Variety is the spice of life in Thoughtfully Gourmetā€™s Whiskey-Infused DIY Hot Sauce Kit that combines your favorite cereal spirit with high-quality global ingredients, like Mexican hot peppers, to create sophisticated flavor experiences of varying Scoville heat levels, handsomely housed in fancy decanters. Recipe book, spices and seasonings included; alcohol and antacids are not. $20, Amazon.com

Mikey Rox is an award-winning journalist and LGBTQ lifestyle expert whose work has been published in more than 100 outlets around the world. Connect with Mikey on Instagram @mikeyroxtravels.

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Boomer Banks brings beats to MAL Weekend

From porn to the DJ booth, ā€™I’m the happiest I’ve ever beenā€™

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Boomer Banks (Photo by Greg Endries)

If you enjoy gay adult films, there is a high likelihood you have seen or at least heard of Boomer Banks. His tattoos, muscles, masculine presence, and thick mustache have made him one of the most recognizable ā€” and awarded ā€” Latinx gay adult performers in the industry. This weekend, Banks heads to the nationā€™s capital to partake in Mid-Atlantic Leather weekend.

 As D.C. polishes its leather gay apparel for the annual MAL weekend, Banks, alongside a slew of other gay adult performers and leather lovers, is getting ready to make adult content, meet fans, buy some new leather goods, and perform in the name of sexual expression.

This year will be different for Banks compared to his past MAL weekends, though. He will still be go-go dancing as he has in years past, but this year he has a new hat on ā€” headlining DJ. The Blade sat down with the 44-year-old performer to discuss his sex work career, the changing industry, and his passion for DJing.

On Friday night, Banks is one of three headlining DJs for the main dance event of the night, UNCUT XL. He explained that his love for music has always been there, but since the death of his best friend, with whom he connected on a shared love of music, his sets mean more than ever to him now. 

ā€œI loved music for my whole life,ā€ Banks told the Blade when asked about how he got started in music. ā€œMy proximity to legendary New York DJs has always been there. I lost my best friend and brother over two years ago, and it just caused a lot of changes [for me]. We both loved music so much … I was talking to one of my DJ friends [about this connection to music], and they were talking to me, and all of a sudden I’m at their studio, playing around with the controller and all that, and it just happened. Here we are, two years later, and now I’m headlining at MAL with some legendary DJs that I have been a fan of since I was young.ā€

Banks went on to explain that this connection and newfound passion for DJing is what has made his career shift from studio porn to a solo career easier. He also said the continued support from his house music fans has made him want to work even harder on creating memorable sets.

And create memorable sets he has. Banks has headlined events all across the country over the past two years ā€” from Provincetown to Rehoboth Beach and even headlining Folsom, which is the biggest leather event of the year. He explained that he has one overwhelming emotion ā€”gratitude.

ā€œI’m really grateful that Zach [RenovatĆ©s] and everybody at Kinetic and Bunker have really taken a liking to my storytelling through music, because that’s what it is for me,ā€ Banks said. ā€œI like taking people on a journey. It’s usually my journey. But I read the crowd, I read energy, and I’m always smiling, and that’s the only place that I do smile. I feel like people often categorize me as intimidating, and a lot of times that’s what I got in the porn industry. But with DJing, the people are always like, ā€˜You’re so happy up there. You’re smiling all the time.ā€™ And, yeah, I’m the happiest I’ve ever been, and it’s exciting. I love doing it, and I’m grateful and very humbled that people are seeing that this isn’t just a gimmick.ā€

He went on to explain that this happiness wasnā€™t always at the base of his work ā€”especially when he was involved with the studio porn system with CockyBoys and Raging Stallion. Various factors, including race, he shared with the Blade, were why it was less than enjoyable at times. But it provided a platform in which he was able to grow and gave him an opportunity to help newcomers in the industry.

ā€œWhen I got into porn, other brown men were not nice to me; other people of color [were not nice to me]. I thought that it would have been different. So when I was established, I made sure not to do that. I have a few little Banks boys that I nurtured into the industry, and, not to claim them, but it’s just so that they had someone to talk to because I didn’t have that.ā€

Despite some structural problems within the industry, Banks felt he was able to get what he needed from the career, including a paycheck and a platform.

ā€œPorn did work out for me,ā€ he said. ā€œI was very fucking successful, and I was not white. I did the work, but I just couldn’t keep doing it any more. It wasn’t good for my mental health, and so I knew how to bow out. Who knows? It [studio porn days] might happen again. I don’t know, but I know for today, I love music. It’s my heart. I’m grateful for the platform that sex work gave me because it’s given me a heads up with the music.ā€

That music has kept him going. More specifically, New York house-style music has kept him going. Banksā€™s ability to take in the music he loves has made him a stronger DJ, he said. 

ā€œ’Iā€™m a New York house DJ,ā€ he said. ā€œThat’s the style that I bring. The craziest it gets is like tech house and maybe some early 2000s mid-2000s circuit music. It’s what I grew up with and what I love and what I like to put out there. I’m really grateful that I was not only showing up to these gigs, but I was absorbing the art that is music in a way that it seeped into my pores and my soul, that now I can share how I feel about music, and that’s exciting.ā€

 He touched on how although many people can be fans of DJ music, it takes more to become a successful DJ.

ā€œThe thing about music is you can’t fake music tastes. You can learn all the knobs and the technical parts of DJing, but if you’re not playing good music, and if the room isn’t vibing, it doesn’t matter.ā€

When asked about the current political climateā€”seeing as the host hotel for MAL weekend is a mere half mile from the Capitol buildingā€”Banks reflected on the importance of weekends like this for the LGBTQ community, which is increasingly facing the backlash of conservative politicians.

 ā€œWe are in uncertain times,ā€ he said. ā€œThese are the weekends where we’re able to be who we are. And it’s unfortunate that we have to still have these events to express ourselves. Because a lot of these guys, they wait their whole year for this weekend to be able to express themselves. With what’s going on with the world, they’re basically being told that these are the only places they can. I know that in New York we live in a bubble. I know in D.C., we live in a bubble. But I want to show people that are coming from the middle of nowhere that they can have a good time, and even if it is for this weekend, they can rely on us. I want our community to know that I am here for them.”

You can find Boomer Banks headlining Fridayā€™s main dance event UNCUT XL from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. at REPUBLIQ Hall (2122 24th Pl NE) and go-go dancing during Saturdayā€™s PERVERT XXL party at A.I. Warehouse (530 Penn St., N.E.) from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. as well as on X @Boomer_Banks and on Instagram @baconlvr.

For more information about MAL events visit leatherweekend.com or kineticpresents.com.

Boomer Banks (Photo by Greg Endries)
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