Local
DOJ investigators hear from community
Trans man claims he was ‘misgendered’ by police
‘Our goal is to work with the community, public officials and law enforcement alike to create a stronger, better Baltimore,” said Attorney General Loretta Lynch. (Photo by ibtimes.com; courtesy Wikimedia Commons)
Ken Jiretsu, a transgender man who has three special needs children, was in need of assistance from the Baltimore Police Department. One of his children, a 15-year-old son, had to be escorted to a hospital by police because of mental health issues. When police arrived at his Baltimore home last February, the contingent included one female officer and eight male officers.
The female officer “misgendered” Jiretsu, repeatedly calling him “ma’am.” He kept correcting her, explaining that he is a transgender man and should be referred to accordingly. The officer replied, “How am I supposed to know,” according to Jiretsu, while the other officers laughed.
He asked the first set of officers to leave since they could not help and called 911 again to request different officers. Some of the same officers returned with a few new ones and the same situation occurred. “Every time he would correct them they would continue to misgender him out of blatant disrespect,” said Jiretsu.
This is one of the experiences that members of the LGBT community shared with attorneys from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), which is in the midst of a civil investigation of the Baltimore Police Department “to see if there are broad systematic practices causing constitutional rights to be violated.” The investigators are looking into police stops, searches arrests, uses of force and discriminatory policies that may have violated the civil rights of citizens.
The DOJ investigation, which was launched on May 8 shortly after the unrest following the death of Freddie Gray who died from injuries sustained while in police custody in Baltimore, will include riding with the police, reviewing documents and files and speaking with citizens who have had encounters with police.
“Our goal is to work with the community, public officials and law enforcement alike to create a stronger, better Baltimore,” said Attorney General Loretta Lynch when announcing the investigation.
Lynch indicated that if violations are found, the investigation will result in a “court-enforceable agreement” to change the practices of the Baltimore Police Department.
More than 25 community members attended a meeting at the Chase Brexton Health Services Community Room on Aug. 6. There were introductory remarks given by the DOJ representatives, which included the distribution of an “Incident Information Form” that requests details pertaining to a negative encounter with the police—in the past or should an incident occur in the future—to be submitted to the DOJ.
The four DOJ attorneys present held separate one-on-one meetings with LGBT individuals who related their personal stories. The attorneys listened to these accounts and recorded notes. A report will be issued, but one of the attorneys, Mike Songer, cautioned that it could take up to a year and a half for the report to be released.
The meeting with DOJ was arranged by Bryanna A. Jenkins, founder of Baltimore Transgender United. “We’re creating a new narrative getting community members to tell their own stories so they can save themselves and the community,” Jenkins told the Blade.
Anyone with relevant information regarding the conduct of Baltimore Police Department officers is urged to contact DOJ by email at [email protected] or calling toll-free at 1-844-401-3733.
In addition, you may submit forms, which are being made available by community members on Facebook to: U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Special Litigation Section, 601 D Street NW, Rm. 5907A, Washington, D.C. 20004 Attn: DJ# 207-35
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Congratulations to Congresswoman Sarah McBride (D-Del.) on being honored with this year’s Stonewall Award from Whitman-Walker Health. Amy Nelson, senior director of Legal Services, said, “Congresswoman Sarah McBride is working to make healthcare accessible to all, and this award recognizes her support of healthcare as a human right. Our legal program supports families facing unprecedented challenges to stay healthy and safe – families that Congresswoman McBride champions with a deep understanding of the issues they face and the legislative expertise of how to support them.”
McBride, in a press release, said, “I am honored to accept this year’s Stonewall Award from Whitman-Walker Health — an organization that has spent 40 years doing vital work to ensure every person can access the dignity of care. In the wealthiest and most developed nation on earth, the ability to receive care should not be a matter of luck—it should be the law of the land. I am proud to be recognized as a partner in this work and to support Whitman-Walker Health in their mission to build a healthier society for all.”
Congratulations also to Wes Drummond who will join Clear Space Theatre Company in Rehoboth Beach, Del., as its third artistic director. Managing Director Joe Gfaller said, “This is an exciting moment of growth for Clear Space as we welcome Wes to join our remarkable team. I am confident he will be an excellent partner as we work with our entire staff, board, and committed team of volunteers, to ensure Clear Space can achieve its full potential in pursuit of our mission to unite and enrich our community through every production on stage, and every arts-based learning program we offer throughout our community.”
On accepting the position Drummond said, “I’m honored to join Clear Space Theatre Company as artistic director, and beyond excited for what we’re about to create together. Clear Space has established itself as a vital and vibrant part of the cultural life of coastal Delaware, and I feel incredibly fortunate to step into this next chapter alongside such a passionate and dedicated team. Rehoboth Beach is a place defined by creativity and community, and I look forward to listening, learning, and building meaningful relationships across the region in the months ahead. My vision is to help Clear Space continue to grow as a bold, forward-thinking, cultural force, that champions fearless storytelling.”
Drummond served in leadership roles at Duluth Playhouse in Duluth, Minn., from 2021 to 2026, including four years as executive director followed by one year as executive producing artistic director, guiding the organization through a period of significant transformation and stability in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a director, he has worked extensively in New York City, Chicago, and at regional theaters across the country, directing both musical theater and plays with a focus on storytelling that bridges classical works with contemporary perspectives. He has collaborated with leading figures in the industry, including Tony Award-winning director Matthew Warchus, and Tony-nominated director Michael Greif. He is an associate member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society.
Wes earned his MFA in directing, Penn State University, where he studied under Tony-nominated director, Susan H. Schulman.
Virginia
Va. Supreme Court invalidates Democrat-backed redistricting plan
Voters narrowly approved new congressional districts last month
The Virginia Supreme Court on Friday struck down a Democrat-backed redistricting plan that voters approved last month.
Ten of 11 of Virginia’s congressional districts favor Democrats in the plan that passed by a 51-48 vote margin in last month’s referendum.
The Human Rights Campaign PAC is among the groups that support it. The court by a 4-3 majority invalidated the referendum results.
District of Columbia
Maren Morris to headline Capital Pride Concert
Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter came out as bisexual in 2024
Capital Pride Alliance, the group that organizes D.C.’s annual LGBTQ Pride events, announced on May 7 that nationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Maren Morris, who identifies as bisexual, will be the headline performer at this year’s Capital Pride Concert scheduled for June 21.
The concert takes place as part of the annual Capital Pride Festival held on Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., usually between 3rd Street near the U.S. Capitol and 9th Street.
“Morris, known for her genre-blending sound and outspoken support of LGBTQ+ rights, will be joined by a standout lineup, including acclaimed queer rapper Leikeli47, pop icon Lisa Lisa, Juno-nominated producer and DJ from the ‘Heated Rivalry’ soundtrack, Harrison, and ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 18 winner Myki Meeks,” according to a statement released by Capital Pride.
“In a moment when LGBTQ+ people are being challenged across the country, the Capital Pride Concert is a space where our community is fully seen and heard,” Ryan Bos, the Capital Pride Alliance CEO and president, said in the statement. “Bringing Maren Morris to the stage reflects this year’s theme: Exist, Resist, Have the Audacity,” Bos said.
The statement notes that the concert takes place as part of the annual D.C. Pride Festival, which is open to the public free of charge, with tickets available for purchase for specific areas listed as the Capital Stage Pit Zone and the VIP Concert Zone.
It says the festival takes place from 12 –10 p.m. and points out that in addition to the music performed by multiple other performers on several stages, festival attendees “can explore hundreds of exhibitors, community organizations, and artisans, along with multiple food courts and beverage gardens throughout the festival footprint.”
Information on the Capital Pride Alliance website shows that the festival takes place one day after the annual Capital Pride Parade, scheduled for June 20 and which is expected to travel from 14th and T Streets, N.W., to Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., where it is expected to end at 9th Street.
The statement adds that following the stage performances during the June 21 festival, which are expected to conclude around 8 p.m., “the celebration will continue with the Capitol Sunset Dance Party, closing out the evening against the backdrop of the U.S. Capitol.”
The online publication Today, which is part of the NBC “Today” television show, reported that Morris came out as bisexual in a 2024 during Pride. It reports Morris “shared several images of herself holding a Pride flag to mark the occasion, writing, ‘Happy to be the B in LGBTQ+’”
Comings & Goings
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