a&e features
Hope amid the holidays
Locals talk about escaping homelessness, overcoming family estrangement and surviving a major health scare
Reevs O’Neal says he was skeptical upon arriving at Casa Ruby but he now credits the center with helping him become self-sufficient. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
As the streets get darker and colder, there is a ray of warmth and light nestled in D.C. in the form of Casa Ruby, a local shelter and transitional housing center for LGBT youth.
Washington Blade staff was invited into Casa Ruby’s transitional housing center and ushered off the dimly lit street into the bright, warm entrance. In mid-December, the home was still waiting to receive its Christmas tree. But even without a tree, the cozy feeling of holiday cheer was present in the jokes and laughter echoing in the hallway between staff and residents and the comforting smiles passed along to one another. Holiday dinners are planned this year with help from the community including those who offer to cook meals and even those who offer to pay for catering.
The center feels like home and that’s because it is one. The staff’s warm and welcoming attitude has created a safe haven for its residents proving that traditional family roles aren’t the only way to create a family.
Casa Ruby, founded in 2012 by Ruby Corado, provides services for LGBT-identifying youth ages 18-24. Their services include a hypothermia center with 16 beds, an emergency shelter with 10 beds and transitional housing with 10 beds. More than 95 percent of the staff identify as transgender or gender non-conforming people of color. They work to provide housing and comfort to those in need with the goal of transitioning them back into jobs and apartments of their own.
Reevs O’Neal, 26, was kicked out of his home in North Carolina. The lack of resources for trans people in his area and his connection to friends in D.C. led him to the District where he connected with Casa Ruby. At first, O’Neal had reservations about the shelter.
“I was very skeptical of it because the continuing theme in my story has been finding somewhere that I thought was safe and it not actually being safe,” O’Neal says. “I sat down with Ruby and we had a really good one on one and it was the first time I had even met her. I was reassured instantly.”
After staying at Casa Ruby for six months, Corado was able to connect O’Neal with low-cost housing. O’Neal was also able to get a job as a house monitor in the emergency shelter. O’Neal says he loves his job because of the family atmosphere.
“We’re a very tight-knit, but open group,” O’Neal says. “I can come into work and it’s like I’m surrounded by people who I love and who I know love me like all the clients. We’re just all very accepting of each other. It’s just like the family aspect of it; it’s amazing.”
Interim Director Lourdes Ashely Hunter has a similar success story. Hunter arrived to D.C. homeless and unemployed with a master’s degree in public administration from Rutgers University. Despite her education, Hunter says her identity prevented her from succeeding.
“As a black, trans, indigenous woman, gender non-conforming person, it’s so challenging to find gainful employment that also affirms my identities and allows me to show up to work whole,” Hunter says. “What’s so magical about this place is that it’s run by the people that it serves. Everyone here has experienced something that our communities are living right now.”
Last Thanksgiving, Hunter joined the dinner as a client of Casa Ruby. This year, Hunter was present at the dinner as the interim director (Corado is taking extended leave in 2016 for health reasons). Hunter says she felt inspired by Corado’s position and understands the power her own leadership can have.
“So for me to now be in this role is so powerful … When I was homeless and didn’t have a job it took for me to see someone in a leadership role like Ruby Corado to say it’s possible,” Hunter says.
Current resident Chris, 22, has high hopes for his own success story. Chris arrived in D.C. seven months ago from Lincoln, Neb., after being kicked out of his home. He worked with the governor of Nebraska as a teenager and is interested in politics, particularly issues surrounding homelessness.
“Since living here, homelessness and youth homelessness is a big issue for me because without Casa Ruby, I wouldn’t be here and I’d probably be who knows where right now,” Chris says.
Chris is currently working on his GED. In his free time he enjoys hanging out with friends and lobbying on Capitol Hill. In the future, he hopes to run for elected office in D.C. The passion he has for his work is supported by Casa Ruby, something other housing programs may not be able to say.
“It takes a lot of compassion and understanding and passion. A lot of times for the shelters that are city run that’s not a requirement of the staff. That’s just the narrative that we’re trying to shift,” Hunter says.
Chris (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
An uphill journey
By Joey DiGuglielmo
Much has been written about the employment challenges facing trans people, income inequality, the exorbitant cost of living in an increasingly gentrified Washington, strained family relations for out folks and more. Benny Rodriguez has lived it all.
Rodriguez, a 24-year-old Virginia native who “hopped around a lot” between New York and Virginia, is 24 and has been out as a trans man for about two years.
He’s down to three part-time jobs now — a few days a week at an art store, part-time at an Indian restaurant and an on-call bartender at Phase 1. At one point he had four jobs and also worked at Busboys and Poets but gave it up because he says it wasn’t financially worthwhile. Combined he makes about $1,600 a month — enough to rent a room in a house with a family with two small children in Columbia Heights.
“There’s been no issue with me being trans and I preface that with the fact that I am two years now on hormones so I pass almost all the time,” Rodriguez says. “That makes it easier … and I can be more stealth than I used to be. When I first started (transitioning), I had to sort of convince people that I was really trans. I had to conceal a lot.”
Rodriguez formerly performed with the D.C. Kings but since that group folded earlier this year, he now does occasional shows with the D.C. Gurly Show “pretty regularly.”
In many ways, Rodriguez says, 2015 was a tough year.
“It’s definitely been up and down,” he says. “Certainly not the worst year I’ve ever had, but it was a year of growing.”
Family life is tough. He’s “definitely grateful my Mom still talks to me.” Other relatives are “kind of estranged.”
“I had to cut ties with them,” he says. “They were toxic and it was to the point where it was more harmful than helpful to be with them so I don’t really say much to many of them, my father especially. I want to say that my situation is unique, but I really don’t think it is. I think it’s pretty common for trans people in general to lose touch with their families. … It’s so hard for many people to wrap their head around.”
Rodriguez will spend Christmas with a friend’s mother whom he says is “kind of like a second mother who helped raise me.” He’s not a big Christmas or holidays person in general but does say he “quite enjoys” this time of year.
He’s excited about the top surgery he’s having in late February. Through decent D.C. health insurance and the services of Whitman-Walker, he won’t have to pay for it. He wishes his mom could be there with him but says he has a good network of friends who will help him recover.
Despite depression and constant reminders of life’s challenges, Rodriguez says he senses he’s been dealt this hand for a reason.
“Things get very hard to get through sometime but I feel very strongly that I have some sense of purpose,” he says. “Whether it’s just to talk to people or change lives or achieve some sort of human greatness, I’m not sure but I feel like I have a job to do and that job is not fulfilled. Knowing that kind of keeps me going.”
Benson Rodriguez say the holidays are tough when family relations are strained. (Photo courtesy Rodriguez)
A second chance
Robby Dean (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
By Joey DiGuglielmo
Robby Dean collapsed in the cafeteria at his job as a department specialist for Safeway in Lanham, Md., on Aug. 7.
It was a scary episode in which he recalls not being able to see, hear or breathe, yet still being conscious. His blood pressure plummeted and he was taken to Prince George’s Hospital Center where it was discovered that he had a “very large” saddlebag pulmonary embolism — essentially a blood clot of the lungs that was “saddle bagged” on both sides of his pulmonary artery.
It was difficult finding a place to have the clot removed but it was quickly deemed an emergency case. A doctor who’d seen his chart and tests said the life-threatening condition could not be delayed even a few hours.
His boyfriend of three years met him at the hospital. Doctors were able to go in through his neck, remove part of the clot and dissolve the rest through blood thinners.
“I had no idea what a pulmonary embolism was until after the surgery when I looked it up,” says the 48-year-old Gainesville, Ga., native. “The first statement said these are usually found during an autopsy.”
The only warning signs had been a few episodes of dizziness in the weeks prior. Except for some weight issues following a car accident a few years ago, Dean was in good health. Despite only being in the hospital for the weekend, it took him a month to recover sufficiently to return to work full time.
Singing the Sondheim song “Being Alive” in “The S Show” — he sings tenor in the Gay Men’s Chorus — took on added poignancy at their recent Home Cooked Cabaret events.
“It’s very emotional and hard to get through without crying,” Dean says. “It taught me to listen to my body more and not avoid the doctor and take better care of myself.”
He’s spending Christmas at home with his family in Georgia for the first time since he came to the Washington area six years ago. He says his health scare made him look at life differently.
“You have to cherish every moment you have with the ones you love,” he says. “You never know when it might be your last time seeing them. Going through something like this really reminds you how short life can be.”
a&e features
Queer highlights of the 2026 Critics Choice Awards: Aunt Gladys, that ‘Heated Rivalry’ shoutout and more
Amy Madigan’s win in the supporting actress category puts her in serious contention to win the Oscar for ‘Weapons’
From Chelsea Handler shouting out Heated Rivalry in her opening monologue to Amy Madigan proving that horror performances can (and should) be taken seriously, the Critics Choice Awards provided plenty of iconic moments for queer movie fans to celebrate on the long road to Oscar night.
Handler kicked off the ceremony by recapping the biggest moments in pop culture last year, from Wicked: For Good to Sinners. She also made room to joke about the surprise hit TV sensation on everyone’s minds: “Shoutout to Heated Rivalry. Everyone loves it! Gay men love it, women love it, straight men who say they aren’t gay but work out at Equinox love it!”
The back-to-back wins for Jacob Elordi in Frankenstein and Amy Madigan in Weapons are notable, given the horror bias that awards voters typically have. Aunt Gladys instantly became a pop culture phenomenon within the LGBTQ+ community when Zach Cregger’s hit horror comedy released in August, but the thought that Madigan could be a serious awards contender for such a fun, out-there performance seemed improbable to most months ago. Now, considering the sheer amount of critics’ attention she’s received over the past month, there’s no denying she’s in the running for the Oscar.
“I really wasn’t expecting all of this because I thought people would like the movie, and I thought people would dig Gladys, but you love Gladys! I mean, it’s crazy,” Madigan said during her acceptance speech. “I get [sent] makeup tutorials and paintings. I even got one weird thing about how she’s a sex icon also, which I didn’t go too deep into that one.”
Over on the TV side, Rhea Seehorn won in the incredibly competitive best actress in a drama series category for her acclaimed performance as Carol in Pluribus, beating out the likes of Emmy winner Britt Lower for Severance, Carrie Coon for The White Lotus, and Bella Ramsey for The Last of Us. Pluribus, which was created by Breaking Bad’s showrunner Vince Gilligan, has been celebrated by audiences for its rich exploration of queer trauma and conversion therapy.
Jean Smart was Hack’s only win of the night, as Hannah Einbinder couldn’t repeat her Emmy victory in the supporting actress in a comedy series category against Janelle James, who nabbed a trophy for Abbott Elementary. Hacks lost the best comedy series award to The Studio, as it did at the Emmys in September. And in the limited series category, Erin Doherty repeated her Emmy success in supporting actress, joining in yet another Adolescence awards sweep.
As Oscar fans speculate on what these Critics Choice wins mean for future ceremonies, we have next week’s Golden Globes ceremony to look forward to on Jan. 11.
a&e features
Looking back at the 10 biggest A&E stories of 2025
‘Wicked,’ Lady Gaga’s new era, ‘Sexy’ Bailey and more
Although 2025 was a year marked by countless attacks on trans rights and political setbacks, the year also saw brilliant queer artists continuing to create art. From Cannes and Sundance Award winners now vying for Oscar consideration to pop icons entering new stages of their careers, queer people persevered to tell their stories through different media.
With the state of the world so uncertain, perhaps there’s no more vital time to celebrate our wins, as seen through some of this year’s top pop culture moments. While there’s no collection of 10 stories that fully encompass “the most important” news, here are some events that got the gays going:
10. ‘Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo’ wins big at Cannes
The Cannes Film Festival has become a crucial start for films hoping to make their way to the Oscars, and first-time director Diego Céspedes won the top Un Certain Regard prize for his intimate western “The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo.” The film is set in the ‘80s and is intended as an allegory for the AIDS epidemic. Seeing a film that unpacks vital queer history win one of the most coveted awards at Cannes has been a huge point of pride in the independent filmmaking community.
Since the film bowed at Cannes, it has been selected as Chile’s Oscar entry in the Best International Feature race. Speaking with The Blade during the film’s AFI Fest run in October, Céspedes said: At first, I was kind of scared to have this campaign position in the times that we’re living [in] here. But at the same time, I think the Oscars mean a huge platform — a huge platform for art and politics.”
9. ‘The Last of Us’ returns for an even gayer season 2
While the first season of The Last of Us gave us one of TV’s most heartbreaking queer love stories in the episode “Long, Long Time,” Season 2 doubled down on its commitment to queer storytelling with the blossoming relationship between Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and Dina (Isabela Merced). The show expanded on the pair’s relationship in the original video game, making it perhaps the central dynamic to the entire season. That unfortunately came with more homophobic backlash on the internet, but those who checked out all the episodes saw a tender relationship form amid the show’s post-apocalyptic, often violent backdrop. For their performance, Ramsey was once again nominated for an Emmy, but Merced deserved just as much awards attention.
8. ‘Emilia Pérez’ sparks controversy
Jacques Audiard’s genre-bending trans musical “Emilia Pérez” proved to be an awards season juggernaut this time last year, winning the Golden Globe for Best Musical/Comedy. But when the lead star Karla Sofia Gascón’s racist, sexist, and homophobic old tweets resurfaced, the film’s Oscar campaign became a tough sell, especially after Netflix had tried so hard to sell Emilia Pérez as the “progressive” film to vote for. Mind you, the film had already received significant backlash from LGBTQ+ audiences and the Mexican community for its stereotypical and reductive portrayals, but the Gascón controversy made what was originally just social media backlash impossible to ignore. The only person who seemed to come out of the whole debacle unscathed was Zoe Saldaña, who won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress over Ariana Grande.
7. ‘Sorry, Baby’ establishes Eva Victor as major talent
Back in January at the Sundance Film Festival, Eva Victor (known by many for her brand of sketch comedy) premiered their directorial debut “Sorry, Baby” to rave reviews, even winning the Waldo Salt Screening Award. Victor shadowed Jane Schoenbrun on the set of “I Saw the TV Glow,” and seeing Victor come into their own and establish such a strong voice immediately made them one of independent cinema’s most exciting new voices. A memorable scene in the film sees the main character, Agnes (played by Victor), struggling to check a box for male or female, just one example of how naturally queerness is woven into the fabric of the story.
Most recently, Victor was nominated for a Golden Globe for her performance in the film, and she’s represented in a category alongside Jennifer Lawrence (“Die My Love”), Jessie Buckley (“Hamnet”), Julia Roberts (“After the Hunt”), Renate Reinsve (“Sentimental Value”) and Tessa Thompson (“Hedda”). The film also received four Independent Spirit Award nominations overall.
6. Paul Reubens comes out in posthumous doc
While Paul Reubens never publicly came out as gay before passing away in 2023, the two-part documentary “Pee-wee as Himself” premiered back in May on HBO Max, giving the legendary comedian a chance to posthumously open up to the world. Directed by Matt Wolf, the documentary explores how Reubens found his alter ego Pee-Wee Herman and why he kept his private life private.
The documentary won an Emmy in the Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special category and remains one of the most critically acclaimed titles of the year with a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score. Also worth noting, the National Geographic documentary Sally told the posthumous coming out story of Sally Ride through the help of her long-time partner, Tam O’Shaughnessy.
5. Lady Gaga releases ‘Mayhem’
Lady Gaga entered a new phase of her musical career with the release of Mayhem, her seventh album to date. From the frenzy-inducing pop hit Abracadabra to the memorable Bruno Mars duet featured on “Die With a Smile,” seeing Gaga return to her roots and make an album for the most die-hard of fans was especially rewarding after the underwhelming film releases of “House of Gucci” and “Joker: Folie à Deux.” Gaga has been touring with The Mayhem Ball since July, her first arena tour since 2018. She even extended her tour into 2026 with more North American dates, so the party isn’t stopping anytime soon. And Gaga is even set to make an appearance next May in “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”
4. Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande perform at the Oscars
While “Wicked: For Good” didn’t quite reach the heights of the first film, we will forever have Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s breathtaking live performance that opened the 97th Academy Awards. The pair sang a rendition of “Over the Rainbow,” “Home,” and “Defying Gravity,” paying proper homage to the original 1939 “Wizard of Oz.” Even non-Wicked fans can’t deny how magical and brilliantly staged this performance was. With both Erivo and Grande up for acting Oscars last year, they’re hoping to repeat success and make history with consecutive nominations. Either way, let’s hope there’s another live performance in the making, especially with two new original songs (The Girl in the Bubble and No Place Like Home) in the mix.
3. Indya Moore speaks out against Ryan Murphy
Indya Moore has consistently used social media as a platform for activism, and in September, posted a 30-minute Instagram live speaking out against “Pose” co-creator Ryan Murphy. Moore claimed that Murphy wasn’t being a true activist for trans people. “Ryan Murphy, we need you to do more. You need to address the racism, the violence, and the targeting of people on your productions, Ryan Murphy. You do need to make sure trans people are paid equally. Yes, Janet did the right thing,” Moore said. Murphy was also back in the headlines this year for the critically panned “All’s Fair” and the controversial “Monster: The Ed Gein Story” starring Laurie Metcalf and Charlie Hunnam.
2. Cole Escola wins Tony for Best Leading Actor
Few pop culture moments this year brought us together more than Cole Escola winning a Tony award for “Oh, Mary!” the Broadway show they created, wrote and starred in (we love a triple threat!) Escola made history by becoming the first nonbinary person to win a Tony in the leading actor category, and seeing them excitedly rush to the stage wearing a Bernadette Peters-inspired gown instantly became a viral social media moment.
The cherry on top of Escola’s major moment is the recent news that they are writing a Miss Piggy movie with Jennifer Lawrence and Emma Stone producing — news that also broke the internet for the better. We cannot wait!
1. Jonathan Bailey makes gay history as ‘Sexiest Man Alive’
The same year as his on-screen roles in blockbusters “Jurassic World Rebirth” and “Wicked: For Good,” Jonathan Bailey made history as the first openly gay man to be named People magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive.” The fact that it took 40 years for an openly gay man to earn the title is a signifier of how far we still have to go with queer representation, and seeing Bailey celebrated is just one small step in the right direction.
“There’s so many people that want to do brilliant stuff who feel like they can’t,” he told PEOPLE, “and I know the LGBT sector is under immense threat at the moment. So it’s been amazing to meet people who have the expertise and see potential that I could have only dreamed of.” In 2024, Bailey founded the charity titled The Shameless Fund, which raises money for LGBTQ+ organizations.
a&e features
Your guide to D.C.’s queer New Year’s Eve parties
Ring in 2026 with drag, leather, Champagne, and more
With Christmas in the rear view mirror, we can turn our attention to ringing in a much-anticipated New Year with a slew of local LGBTQ parties. Here’s what’s on tap.
Pitchers
This spacious Adams Morgan bar is hosting the “Pitchers’ Perfect New Year’s Eve.” There will be a midnight Champagne toast, the ball drop on the big screens, and no cover, all night long. The bar doesn’t close until 4 a.m., and the kitchen will be open late (though not until close). All five floors will be open for the party, and party favors are promised.
Trade
D.C.’s hottest bar/club combo is leaning into the Shark motif with its NYE party, “Feeding Frenzy.” The party is a “glitterati-infused Naughty-cal New Year’s Even in the Shark Tank, where the boats are churning and the sharks are circling.” Trade also boasts no cover charge, with doors opening at 5 p.m. and the aforementioned Shark Tank opening at 9 p.m.. Four DJs will be spread across the two spaces; midnight hostess is played by Vagenesis and the two sea sirens sensuously calling are Anathema and Justin Williams.
Number Nine
While Trade will have two DJs as part of one party, Number Nine will host two separate parties, one on each floor. The first floor is classic Number Nine, a more casual-style event with the countdown on TVs and a Champagne midnight toast. There will be no cover and doors open at 5 p.m. Upstairs will be hosted by Capital Sapphics for its second annual NYE gathering. Tickets (about $50) include a midnight Champagne toast, curated drink menu, sapphic DJ set by Rijak, and tarot readings by Yooji.
Crush
Crush will kick off NYE with a free drag bingo at 8 p.m. for the early birds. Post-bingo, there will be a cover for the rest of the evening, featuring two DJs. The cover ($20 limited pre-sale that includes line skip until 11 p.m.; $25 at the door after 9 p.m.) includes one free N/A or Crush, a Champagne toast, and party favors (“the legal kind”). More details on Eventbrite.
Bunker
This subterranean lair is hosting a NYE party entitled “Frosted & Fur: Aspen After Dark New Year’s Eve Celebration.” Arriety from Rupaul Season 15 is set to host, with International DJ Alex Lo. Doors open at 9 p.m. and close at 3 p.m.; there is a midnight Champagne toast. Cover is $25, plus an optional $99 all-you-can-drink package.
District Eagle
This leather-focused bar is hosting “Bulge” for its NYE party. Each District Eagle floor will have its own music and vibe. Doors run from 7 p.m.-3 a.m. and cover is $15. There will be a Champagne toast at midnight, as well as drink specials during the event.
Kiki, Shakiki
Kiki and its new sister bar program Shakiki (in the old Shakers space) will have the same type of party on New Year’s Eve. Both bars open their doors at 5 p.m. and stay open until closing time. Both will offer a Champagne toast at midnight. At Kiki, DJ Vodkatrina will play; at Shakiki, it’ll be DJ Alex Love. Kiki keeps the party going on New Year’s Day, opening at 2 p.m., to celebrate Kiki’s fourth anniversary. There will be a drag show at 6 p.m. and an early 2000s dance party 4-8 p.m.
Spark
This bar and its new menu of alcoholic and twin N/A drinks will host a NYE party with music by DJ Emerald Fox. Given this menu, there will be a complimentary toast at midnight, guests can choose either sparkling wine with or without alcohol. No cover, but Spark is also offering optional wristbands at the door for $35 open bar 11 p.m.-1 a.m. (mid-shelf liquor & all NA drinks).
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