a&e features
QUEERY: Paul Kuntzler
The veteran LGBT rights pioneer answers 20 gay questions
Paul Kuntzler (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
Paul Kuntzler is in Philadelphia this weekend for the 50th anniversary of the Independence Hall protest he participated in with a handful of other early gay rights activists on July 4, 1965.
As one of few survivors at the original event, he’s an honored guest for the weekend’s festivities, which include services, concerts, parties, commemorations, a film screening and the main event, a ceremony Saturday afternoon at Independence Hall in which pioneers such as the late Frank Kameny and the late Barbara Gittings will be honored for their early bravery in an era when very few were out. Full details on the festivities at lgbt50th.org.
Kuntzler, a 73-year-old Michigan native, came to Washington in 1961 for the Kennedy inauguration. The next evening he met a group of young gay men and attended an apartment party on New Hampshire Avenue. About a year later in February 1962, Kuntzler met Kameny at the Chicken Hut (a gay bar) and became active with the Mattachine Society of Washington, part of a network of early gay rights groups that made up the East Coast Homophile Organization (ECHO), which staged the annual July 4th demonstrations yearly from 1965-1969.
Kuntzler says that initial group of activists (about 150 in the entire country) were primarily concerned with employability in federal and District government and having the American Psychiatric Association de-classify homosexuality as a mental illness.
“During the early to mid-1960s, most of us in the movement never understood that our community would eventually achieve its astonishing progress,” he wrote in a recent Blade op-ed. “Most of us never thought gays would be able to serve openly in both the government and in the military and that there would be laws protecting us against discrimination. And the idea of same-sex marriage was beyond our imagination.”
About a month after meeting Kameny, Kuntzler met his partner, Stephen Brent Miller. They were together 42 years until Miller’s death in 2004. Kuntzler is an avid reader and often goes to movies two or three times per week. He is also an avid traveler and has visited all 50 states and has been to Europe many times as well as Thailand, Hong Kong, China, Brazil, Mexico and other countries.
How long have you been out and who was the hardest person to tell?
On New Year’s Eve 1960, I came out as a gay man at the Scenic Bar, a gay establishment in downtown Toledo, Ohio. I was so enthusiastic about being gay that I had no trouble letting members of my large Catholic family and friends know about my sexual orientation.
Who’s your LGBT hero?
Dr. Franklin E. Kameny is my LGBT hero. I met Frank on Sunday evening, February 25, 1962 at the Chicken Hut. Frank was president of the Mattachine Society of Washington, the District’s first gay-rights group.
What’s Washington’s best nightspot, past or present?
Annie’s Paramount Steak House is my favorite nightspot. Stephen and I started having dinner at Annie’s during summer 1962 when the restaurant was located where JR.’s is now on 17th Street. The number one steak then was $1.25.
Describe your dream wedding.
Stephen and I became legally domestic partners in the District on Aug. 9, 2002. If Stephen were still living, we would be married.
What non-LGBT issue are you most passionate about?
The assassination of President John Kennedy on Nov. 22, 1963 in Daley Plaza in downtown Dallas. I was just 21 when I returned to my office from lunch at 1520 18th Street, N.W., to discover that JFK was dead. I can remember the details of that four-day weekend as if it were only yesterday.
What historical outcome would you change?
At 73, I am a member of the John F. Kennedy research community. I lecture, do research and consult on JFK’s assassination. I lectured last for the D.C. library at the Georgetown Library on R Street, N.W. on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014. JFK had six residences in Georgetown with the last at 3307 N St., N.W., until Friday morning, Jan. 20, 1961 when John and Jacqueline left for his inauguration and the White House. The course of both American and world history was profoundly changed as a result of JFK’s murder.
What’s been the most memorable pop culture moment of your lifetime?
When I saw Judy Garland in person at the Palace Theatre in New York on a Sunday afternoon in August 1967.
On what do you insist?
Air conditioning is the one quality-of-life convenience on which I most insist.
What was your last Facebook post or Tweet?
I am not on Facebook and I do not Tweet.
If your life were a book, what would the title be?
“Optimism.” My mother, who was born in Toronto, Canada on March 9, 1916, was the most positive person I have ever known. She gave me the great gift of optimism.
If science discovered a way to change sexual orientation, what would you do?
Nothing
What do you believe in beyond the physical world?
Mostly community and that I have a responsibility for the welfare of others but also that there is something more than just what I can measure in physical terms.
What’s your advice for LGBT movement leaders?
Continue to be interested about everyone in society and to work to help resolve such issues as global warming.
What would you walk across hot coals for?
To have Stephen return to life. During May 27-28, I was in Statesville, N.C., to visit Stephen’s grave.
What LGBT stereotype annoys you most?
The use of the word queer. As someone who joined the gay rights movement at 20 in March 1962, we fought against gay people being called queers.
What’s your favorite LGBT movie?
“Brokeback Mountain”
What’s the most overrated social custom?
Cell phones and need of so many people to be constantly connected.
What trophy or prize do you most covet?
To finally break through the American media’s web of lies — as opposed to the foreign press — about what really happened to President Kennedy on that terrible day in November 1963 and to help bring the truth to the American people that JFK was murdered in a government-wide conspiracy.
What do you wish you’d known at 18?
That I would a have a successful life here in Washington and that I would have a partner for more than 42 years.
Why Washington?
John Fitzgerald Kennedy. I came for his inauguration and never left.
a&e features
Summer in the City: Free exhibits, movies, more fill D.C.’s calendar
America 250 celebrations continue
From late-night museum visits and outdoor jazz concerts to free movie screenings and America250 exhibitions, Washington’s summer calendar is packed with events that don’t charge admission. Here’s a look at some of the free activities happening across the District through September and beyond.
Museum exhibitions
The Renwick Gallery is presenting State Fairs: Growing American Craft, an exhibition that looks at unique and unconventional crafts from the 19th century to the present. It will run until Sept. 7, and admission is free.
The Arts and Industries Building, located next to the Smithsonian Castle, is presenting the exhibition Voices and Votes: Exploring Democracy Across America. The exhibition features the development of American independence and what that has meant over time, beginning with the Revolutionary War. Admission to the museum is free, and the exhibition runs until Sept. 7.
The National Gallery of Art presents Dear America, an exhibit featuring more than 100 pieces of work, including letters, photographs, and drawings that depict American landscapes and depictions of freedom. The exhibition will run until Sept. 20.
The National Museum of Women in the Arts is exhibiting Burnished: Pueblo Pottery until Sept. 27. The exhibit features pottery from the Southwest, and while most of the pottery belongs to women artists, a few also reflect those who have advocated for women.
Extending past this summer, the exhibition ¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa will be at the National Museum of the American Latino until July 2028. The exhibition shows how Afro-Cuban music has become a staple in the U.S. Admission is free.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library will feature the exhibition District Vibes / American Pride: How DC Changed American Culture, which will highlight all of the ways D.C. has impacted American life. The exhibit will run until Sept. 27.
At the Folger Shakespeare Library, the exhibit Imagining Shakespeare: Mythmaking and Storytelling in the Regency Era will be on view through Aug. 2. All the portraits on display come from the Boydell Shakespeare Gallery in London.
The United States Botanic Garden will be open until 8 p.m. on Aug. 20 and Sept. 17, as part of America’s State Flowers: An America250 Celebration. The evenings will include live music, mocktails, ice cream, and snacks.
The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden will have extended hours, staying open until 8 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday until Sept. 3.
Live performances
On Aug. 7, the postgame Nationals concert series will continue with Jordan Davis performing. To see the concert, guests just need to buy tickets to the Nationals game.
Jazz in the Garden will run each Friday until Aug. 14. The event has free admission, but those interested have to enter a lottery due to the high demand for the event.
From May to October, Capital Harvest Market occurs every Wednesday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. The market features fresh foods, crafts, and recipes for unique dishes. A full list of vendors is available on Capital Harvest’s website.
Live! Concert Series on the Plaza will feature live performances at Woodrow Wilson Plaza until Sept. 25. The performances run Monday to Friday from 12-1 p.m. Admission is free to the performances.
DowntownDC Live! at Anthem Row is running until July 30, with free performances every Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The final performance will feature HUE and a vintage flea market hosted by Get Flee Marketplace.
Located in Adams Morgan, AdMo Vibe will present live performances every Thursday at 6 p.m. in Kalorama Park. Guests are encouraged to check out Adams Morgan before and after shows, and it is an event for all ages.
Other events
Union Market is hosting drive-in movies on Aug. 8, featuring “Monsters, Inc.”, and Sept. 12, featuring “Wicked.” On Aug. 8, the parking lot will open at 7:30 p.m., with the movie starting at 8:25 p.m. On Sept. 12, the parking lot will open at 6:35 p.m., and the movie will start at 7:30 p.m.
Sunset Cinema at the Wharf will also be available one day a month. On Aug. 12, “10 Things I Hate About You” will premiere, and on Aug. 26, “Project Hail Mary.” No tickets are necessary.
The Library of Congress will also show movies. On Aug. 6, guests are invited to watch “Apollo 13.” The movie will be shown at 8 p.m., with additional live performances beginning at 7 p.m.
For fans of Asian media, the Okaton convention will be at Walter E. Washington Convention Center from July 31-Aug. 2. Festivities will include cosplay contests, skits, live music, and panel discussions.
Washington Spirit’s season also begins in August. The Spirit is Washington’s National Women’s League, with matchups occurring between the San Diego Wave, the North Carolina Courage, the Orlando Pride, and the Bay FC.
a&e features
Summer in D.C. brings sports, Restaurant Week, festivals, and more
Summer in D.C. just hits different. Congress is out, school is out, the sun is out, thighs are out. With the skies clearing from Canadian smoke, here are a few ways to stay entertained.
Dining
Summer restaurant week: The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) is once again hosting Summer Restaurant Week, Aug. 18-24. This weeklong dining experience showcases the dynamic dining scene of the DMV, including 2026 RAMMY Award-winning favorites (the annual D.C. food awards show that took place June 29). Participating restaurants will offer three-course brunch and lunch selections for $25 or $35 per person, and three-course dinners for $40, $55 and $65 per person.
New Restaurants: A handful of new spots have opened, so the summer is a great time to check them out:
- Oribu: A new Mediterranean-Japanese restaurant in the Grand Hyatt hotel, which just underwent a remodeling effort. The sleek restaurant brings upscale charm, with dishes like Wagyu beef tartare with potato pavé and caviar.
- The Oak Room: A snazzy old-school American grill has just opened in Georgetown, alongside its sister upstairs supper club (Bernadette’s) restaurant, in the old El Centro space.
- Uchi: This showy Japanese sushi-forward chain has landed in Dupont with a chef’s tasting menu of favorites like fatty tuna.
- Kathmandu: Recalling the capital of Nepal, this warm, buzzy subterranean restaurant right in the heart of U Street brings spice, flair, and rare ingredients to its dishes (see: buffalo burgers) and drinks.
Sports
- Washington Spirit Pride Night OUT: On Sunday, Aug. 23, head to Audi Field for a massive, high-energy game following the exciting month of World Cup. The designated Pride Night OUT game promises boisterous crowds plus pre- and post-game community engagements.
- Washington Tennis Open – Now called the Mubadala DC Open, this annual tournament is only combined mens’ and womens’ 500-level tennis tournament in the world. The open is one of D.C.’s longest-standing sports traditions, and will take place at the Rock Creek Park Tennis Center July 25-Aug. 2. Naomi Osaka, Venus Williams, Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe, and others are expected to play.
Festivals
- Afro Plus Fest: This huge, three-day Afro-Caribbean Hip-Hop Festival brings together headliners Davido, Alkaline, and Wizkid, plus Tems and Ayra Starr. The event moves from RFK to the Northwest Stadium Complex for three days, Sept. 4-6.
- Capital Fringe Festival: Running from July 11-21, this massive celebration features dozens of live theater, comedy, dance, and boundary-pushing nighttime performances across multiple DC neighborhoods.
- The National Book Festival returns, with headliners like Cynthia Erivo, and Martin Scorsese. The one-day festival, Saturday, Aug. 22, brings together bookworms and word nerds under the theme “America 250: It’s Your Story.” There are talks, workshops, musical sessions and more.
- All Things Go: A three-day festival Sept. 25-27 at Merriweather Post Pavilion featuring Mitski, Hayley Williams, Brandi Carlile, MUNA, Zara Larsson, Ethel Cain, and many, many more artists. There are single-day and three-day tickets. Featuring and highlighting female artists, the festival has turned into a must-see for many LGBTQ audience members.
- Fuchsia Fest: The inaugural Fuchsia Fest is a new multi-day celebration created to celebrate LGBTQ community and expression, bringing together a mix of community gatherings, entertainment, and nightlife. The event takes place Sept. 18-20 and is hosted by Capital Pride.
Art and Music
- United We Dance: A high-energy rave with house, techno, bass, and festival music, on Aug. 1 at the 9:30 Club.
- The Fray. On Aug. 14, this American rock band famous for How To Save A Life is at Merriweather Post Pavilion.
- Kesha: Kesha’s high-energy The Freedom Tour comes to the D.C. area on Aug. 14 at Jiffy Lube Live.
- ALOK: On Sept. 3 at Lincoln Theater, ALOK (they/them) performs. The poet, comedian, and actor is putting on a new comedy show.
- 2charm, the emerging Australian electronic club-pop duo popular with the queer community, which blends hyperpop and dance music, comes to the Atlantis.
- Sapphic Dance Party: a vibrant, inclusive nightlife and social event designed specifically for queer women, lesbians, bisexuals, trans individuals, and nonbinary folks, at Atlantis on Aug. 21.
- Jazz in the Garden: The most quintessential of D.C. activities returns Friday evenings through Aug. 14. This season’s theme, “American Sounds,” is a nod to the nation’s 250th anniversary. Tunes themes range from Appalachian and Americana to Creole jazz, Hill Country blues, contemporary jazz, and more. Tickets are available through a lottery system a week before each event.
a&e features
Tickets on sale for chef Patrick O’Connell’s book launch event
Sept. 18 kickoff to feature José Andrés, Tom Sietsema
Acclaimed chef Patrick O’Connell is preparing to publish his new memoir, “Main, Middle & Gay” in September and he’s launching the book with an event on Sept. 18 at 6 p.m. at Lisner Auditorium featuring Chef José Andrés and former Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema.
Tickets for the event go on sale Tuesday, July 21 at Ticketmaster; prices start at $55.
O’Connell, who’s gay, is the pioneering Michelin-starred chef and longtime proprietor of the Inn at Little Washington. He spoke with the Blade about the September event and the launch of his first memoir.
“I’ve known [Andrés and Sietsema] for more than 25 years and I have great respect for them,” O’Connell said. “I felt that it would allow us to add a different dimension rather than just have an interviewer. The chemistry will be fun and lively and unpredictable and exciting. I think we’re all different personalities and we’ll compliment each other.”
O’Connell has published cookbooks but this is his first memoir. The event will feature a short film that will highlight his work and the Inn.
“What I hope to do with the event is bring the book to life visually,” he said. “So we’re producing a short film that will be part of it. Most of the audience will not have read the book so it’ll give them a visual flavor of the book. It parallels the evolution of American cuisine over 50 years. It’s a rare perspective to be in the trenches for that long.”
The book’s title refers to the location of the garage on the corner of Main, Middle, and Gay streets in Washington, Va., where he launched his restaurant that became an international culinary destination.
The Blade will publish the rest of its wide-ranging interview with O’Connell in September in conjunction with the book’s release.
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