Local
Drag star Vicki Voxx dies at 53
Vincent Hill worked as makeup artist for Arena Stage
Vincent Hill, who performed under the stage name Vicki Voxx, died May 1 of cancer.
Vincent Hill, a highly regarded wig and makeup artist at D.C.’s Arena Stage Theater and a longtime local drag entertainer who used the stage name Vicki Voxx, died May 1 at George Washington University Hospital of complications associated with cancer. He was 53.
Friends and associates describe Hill as a loving and caring person who seamlessly carried out his dual role as a popular and sought after drag performer at D.C. gay bars since the 1980s and his work since 2010 in helping to enhance the appearance of cast members at Arena Stage.
“If you have seen almost any Arena Stage show in recent years, then you have seen his outstanding work as our Wig, Hair and Makeup Supervisor,” a statement posted on the Arena Stage website says.
“Everyone who knew him, had the privilege to work with him, or were blessed enough to call him a friend will miss him terribly,” the statement says. “Vincent was an important part of the Arena Stage family whose kindness, caring attention, and talent as an artist and performer were at the core of what makes Arena what it is.”
Jazz musician Aaron Myers, who met Hill about seven years ago shortly after moving to D.C., said Hill’s warm and friendly demeanor and sincere interest in those he knew made it easy for the two to become close friends.
Myers said Hill was born and raised in D.C. and attended the city’s H.D. Woodson High School.
He said he came to learn that Hill’s persona as Vicki Voxx had long ago become a legend in D.C.’s drag community. In addition to establishing close ties to fellow drag performers, including Ella Fitzgerald, Kristina Kelly, and the late Mame Dennis, Hill was among the drag performers who supported community causes.
“At the time of the ‘80s and early ‘90s it was the drag community that was helping to raise money for those who were dying of HIV/AIDS and who needed assistance,” Myers said. “And they would do these shows all over raising money for the cause when the federal government had not yet designed a system to offer assistance.”
Vicki Voxx played an important part in those fundraising efforts, Myers said.
Kelly said Hill became part of the D.C. area drag community more than 30 years ago.
“We became friends quite some time ago,” said Kelly. “You know, the drag family sometimes is the only family some people have. We latch onto each other because this world is sometimes very difficult,” she said.
“He was a very good person. He did hair and wigs for a lot of the people in our community,” Kelly said. “He helped everyone.”
Myers said he was moved by Hill’s positive attitude when he visited him in the hospital about a week before his passing.
“He was asking me how I was doing,” said Myers. “He told me that he was not afraid to die. He was fearless until the end.”
But Myers said Hill told him something a while ago while the two were watching a drag show that he’ll never forget. Myers noted Hill pointed out that the drag performers, who were considerably younger than him, were not moving within the spotlight that was directed onto the stage.
“He said they’re dancing but they’re not dancing in their light,” Myers recounted. “He said if you can follow where the light is you can really, really touch this entire room. He said they’re really all over the place but if they can get into that light they’ll be OK.”
Added Myers, “And I think that’s what he’s done now. He’s found a new light and he’s sticking with it. I’m seeing all of the outpouring of love on his Facebook page. I can only see how he’s affected and left a legacy of love that really spans the United States and the world.”
Friends said they expect information about a celebration of life or memorial service to be announced shortly.
District of Columbia
Campaign launched to elect more LGBTQ candidates to ANC seats
Capital Stonewall Democrats behind Queering ANCs effort
The Capital Stonewall Democrats, D.C.’s largest local LGBTQ political group, announced on July 7 it has launched a campaign to help elect large numbers of LGBTQ candidates to the city’s Advisory Neighborhood Commissions.
The D.C. local government is believed to be unique among U.S. cities in currently having 46 Advisory Neighborhood Commissions consisting of 345 single-member districts in neighborhoods throughout the city in which unpaid Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners are elected for two-year terms.
The commissions are charged with considering a wide range of policies and programs impacting their neighborhoods, including traffic, parking, recreation, street improvements, liquor licenses, zoning, economic development, police protection, sanitation and trash collection, and D.C.’s annual budget, according to the ANC website.
Although the ANCs do not have authority to set or reject policies or proposals, such as applications for liquor licenses, city agencies are required to give “great weight” to ANC recommendations, according to the law creating the ANCs.
Kent Boese, a gay former ANC commissioner, currently serves as executive director of the D.C. Office of ANCs.
“We are launching the most ambitious hyperlocal LGBTQ+ candidate pipeline initiative in the country,” said Stevie McCarty, the Capital Stonewall Democrats president, in a July 7 statement that announced the Queering ANCs campaign.
“As an ANC member, I know firsthand how these seats shape our neighborhoods, from housing and public safety to sanitation,” McCarty says in the statement. “I’m proud to lead this effort to ensure more LGBTQ+ Washingtonians see themselves as leaders in their communities,” he said.
The ANC Rainbow Caucus, which was created by LGBTQ ANC members, shows on its website that there are currently 38 caucus members consisting of elected LGBTQ ANC commissioners serving in the current 2025-2026 two-year term.
The website shows there are LGBTQ commissioners who are caucus members in each of the city’s eight wards, with six in Ward 1, eight in Ward 2, one in Ward 3, six in Ward 4, five in Ward 5, three in Ward 6, eight in Ward 7, and one in Ward 8.
The Washington Blade couldn’t immediately determine how many of them will be running for re-election in D.C.’s general election in November. But McCarty said Capital Stonewall Democrats hopes to recruit many more LGBTQ candidates to run for ANC seats.
The D.C. Board of Elections website shows the deadline for filing 25 required petition signatures to be placed on the ballot is Aug. 5.
A Queering ANCs website launched this week by Capital Stonewall Democrats provides details on how to run for an ANC seat and offers help for those interested in running.
“Think of someone in your building, neighborhood, friend group, community organization, or professional network who cares deeply about D.C. and would make a strong leader,” McCarty says in his statement. “Send them QueeringANCs.org and personally ask them to consider running,” he said.
The website can be accessed at QueeringANCs.org.
Baltimore
Ron Singer, owner of popular Mount Vernon gay bar Leon’s, dies
66-year-old’s funeral to take place Friday
By CAYLA HARRIS | Ron Singer, the owner of Baltimore’s popular gay bar Leon’s Backroom, died Tuesday, the venue announced in a social media post. He was 66.
“For more than 20 years, Ron made Leon’s a place so many people were proud to call home,” the post reads. “He will be deeply missed.”
The Mount Vernon bar, typically open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily, is still open Thursday, but doors will close at midnight so staff can attend his funeral Friday morning. Services are scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. at Sol Levinson’s Chapel.
The rest of this article can be read on the Baltimore Banner’s website.
District of Columbia
Mary’s House founder, CEO retires
Dr. Imani Woody played leading role in opening DC’s first home for LGBTQ seniors
The board of directors for Mary’s House for Older Adults, DC’s first official home dedicated to providing affordable housing for LGBTQ seniors, announced on July 7 that its founding president and CEO, Dr. Imani Woody, has retired.
Woody, who holds a PhD in Human Services, is credited with playing a leading role over many years in arranging both city and private funding needed to construct and operate the Mary’s House three-story building located at 401 Anacostia Road, S.E., in the city’s Fort Dupont neighborhood.
The house, which opened in March 2025, with a grand opening ceremony held in May 2025, includes 15 single-occupancy residential units and more than 5,000 square feet of shared communal living space.
“It is with profound gratitude and hearts full of celebration that the board of directors of Mary’s House for Older Adults, DC (MHFOA) announces the retirement of our visionary founder, Dr. Imani Woody, from her role as president and CEO,” the Mary’s House board says in a statement.
“Dr. Woody’s journey with Mary’s House began with her vision and a kitchen table gathering of women with a bold, urgent, and loving vision: to create safe, affirming, affordable housing for LGBTQ/SGL older adults in Washington, DC,” the statement says.
It adds, “What started as a dream has grown into DC’s first affordable LGBTQ+/SGL affirming communal living space for adults 60 and over, a 15-room community residence at 401 Anacostia Road in Southeast Washington.”
The statement says Woody will continue to serve on Mary’s House board.
“The board will be sharing information about the leadership transition process in the coming weeks,” the statement continues. “We are committed to honoring Dr. Woody’s legacy by ensuring Mary’s House continues to thrive and grow in faithful service to LGBTQ/SGL elders experiencing housing insecurity and isolation.”
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