Local
Ebbin backs gay candidate’s opponent in Va. delegate race
Levine running for 45th District seat
Mark Levine (Photo courtesy of Mark Levine)
State Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria), one of two openly gay members of the Virginia Legislature, has endorsed one of four candidates challenging gay rights attorney and talk show host Mark Levine, who’s running for a seat in the Virginia House of Delegates.
Levine, who served as legislative counsel to gay former U.S. Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.), is running for the 45th District seat in the House of Delegates, which includes parts of Alexandria and smaller sections of Arlington and Fairfax counties.
Ebbin said he decided to endorse Alexandria government official Craig Fifer in the June 9 Democratic primary because “he has the skills and experience to make a difference for LGBT people and all voters in the 45th District.”
The winner of the primary is expected to easily win in the November general election in the solidly Democratic district.
Levine has said during campaign appearances that his legislative experience in Congress working for Frank on a wide range of issues and his long record of support and advocacy for progressive causes makes him the best-qualified candidate for the seat.
“I respect Adam,” Levine told the Blade on Wednesday. “But I don’t think anyone could doubt that I have done far more for the LGBT community than anyone else in this race.”
Levine points to his work in representing groups pushing for marriage equality legislation in several states and jurisdictions, including California and D.C. Among other things, Levine represented D.C.’s Gertrude Stein Democratic Club in filing a court brief opposing an effort to place D.C.’s same-sex marriage law on the ballot in a voter referendum in 2010.
The 45th District seat became open earlier this year when incumbent Del. Rob Krupicka (D) announced he would not seek re-election. None of the five candidates running for the seat have widespread name recognition. Levine’s role as a talk show host on radio and cable TV and his unsuccessful run last year for a U.S. House seat in Northern Virginia gives him more name recognition most of his opponents, according to political observers.
The other candidates, in addition to Levine and Fifer, are considered progressive Democrats who support LGBT rights. They include Larry Altenburg, Julie Jakopic, and Clarence Tong. No Republican candidate had entered the race for the GOP nomination as of this week.
World Pride 2025
D.C. liquor board extends drinking hours for WorldPride
Gay bars, other liquor-serving establishments can stay open 24 hours
D.C.’s Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Board, which regulates liquor sales for the city’s bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and other establishments licensed to serve alcoholic beverages, has approved extended hours for alcohol service and sales during the days when most WorldPride events will be held in the nation’s capital.
In a May 2 announcement, the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration, which works with the board, said the extended liquor serving and sales hours for WorldPride will take place beginning Friday, May 30, through 4 a.m. Monday, June 9.
Although the official schedule for WorldPride events shows the events will take place May 17-June 8, most of the large events, including a two-day Pride street festival, parade, and concert, were expected to take place between May 30 and June 8.
According to the ABCA announcement and an ABCA spokesperson, liquor servicing establishments with the appropriate license can stay open for 24 hours and serve alcoholic beverages from 6 a.m. through the day and evening until 4 a.m., with no liquor sales allowed from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. during the May 30-June 9 period.
The ABCA announcement says liquor serving establishments must apply for the extended hours option and pay a $100 registration fee by a deadline on May 27.
Sources familiar with the liquor board have said the board has for many years approved the extension of liquor serving and sales hours for important events and for certain holidays such as New Year’s Eve.
At the time it approved the extended hours for WorldPride the liquor board also approved extended hours during the time when games for a World Cup soccer tournament will be held in the city on June 18, June 22, and June 26.
It couldn’t immediately be determined how many of D.C.’s 22 LGBTQ bars plan to apply for the extended drinking hours. David Perruzza, owner of the Adams Morgan gay bar Pitchers and its adjoining lesbian bar A League of Her Own, said he will apply for the 4 a.m. extended hours option but he does not intend to keep the two bars open for the full 23 hours.
Under the city’s current alcoholic beverage regulations, licensed liquor serving establishments may serve alcoholic beverages until 2 a.m. on weekdays and 3 a.m. on weekends.
World Pride 2025
Episcopal bishop to speak at WorldPride human rights conference
Trump demanded apology from Mariann Edgar Budde over post-Inauguration sermon
The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde is among those who are scheduled to speak at the WorldPride 2025 Human Rights Conference that will take place from June 4-6.
Budde, who is the bishop of the Diocese of Washington, in January urged President Donald Trump “to have mercy” on LGBTQ people, immigrants, and others “who are scared right now” during a post-Inauguration service that he and Vice President JD Vance attended at the Washington National Cathedral. Trump criticized Budde’s comments and demanded an apology.
The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde speaks at the Washington National Cathedral on Jan. 21, 2025. (PBS NewsHour clip)
A press release the Washington Blade received notes Icelandic Industries Minister Hanna Katrín Friðriksson, UK Black Pride founder Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, and Bob the Drag Queen are among those who are also expected to participate in the conference.
The conference will take place at the JW Marriott (1331 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.) and registration is open here.
World Pride 2025
Pabllo Vittar to perform at WorldPride
Brazilian drag queen, singer, joined Madonna on stage in 2024 Rio concert
A Brazilian drag queen and singer who performed with Madonna at her 2024 concert on Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach will perform at WorldPride.
The Capital Pride Alliance on Thursday announced Pabllo Vittar will perform on the Main Stage of the main party that will take place on June 7 at DCBX (1235 W St., N.E.) in Northeast D.C.
Vittar and Anitta, a Brazilian pop star who is bisexual, on May 4, 2024, joined Madonna on stage at her free concert, which was the last one of her Celebration Tour. Authorities estimated 1.6 million people attended.
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