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Gray, Evans receive top scores from GLAA

Group hails former mayor’s record

Published

10 years ago

on

GLAA ratings, gay news, Washington Blade
GLAA rating, gay news, Washington Blade

Ward 7 City Council candidate Vincent Gray received the highest possible rating on LGBT issues from GLAA. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Ward 7 City Council candidate and former D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray and longtime Council member Jack Evans (D-Ward 2) received ratings of +10 from the Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance, the highest possible rating given by the non-partisan group.

GLAA released its ratings on Wednesday for all candidates running for seats on the City Council in the June 14 Democratic, Republican and Statehood Green Party primaries. It rates candidates on a scale of -10, the lowest possible score, to +10, the highest rating based on candidates’ responses to a detailed questionnaire and on their records, if known, on LGBT-related issues.

In the Ward 7 Council race, incumbent Council member Yvette Alexander received a +5.5 rating. Two other Democrats challenging Alexander, Delmar Chesley and Grant Thompson, received an automatic rating of “0,” according to GLAA, because they failed to return the questionnaire and have no known record on LGBT issues.

In a statement accompanying the ratings, GLAA said Gray’s +10 rating was due to his extensive record of support on LGBT issues during his tenure as a past Ward 7 Council member, Council Chair and mayor. Among other things, the group said Gray’s record includes groundbreaking initiatives in support of the transgender community and his leadership helping to pass the city’s marriage equality law in 2009.

In the Ward 2 race, Evans, a longtime LGBT rights supporter, is running unopposed in the Democratic primary.

In the hotly contested race for the at-large Council seat, incumbent Vincent Orange (D) received a +4 rating compared to Democratic challenger Robert White, who received a +8.5 rating, the highest score among the at-large candidates.

GLAA assigned a 7.5 rating to Statehood-Green Party candidate G. Lee Aikin, who’s running for the at-large seat in the Statehood-Green Party’s separate primary on June 14

Gay former Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner David Garber, who’s running in the Democratic primary for the at-large seat, received a +6.5 rating.

In its statement, GLAA said Garber “agreed with GLAA on all issues and showed good substance in his questionnaire, but has a limited record on LGBT issues.”

GLAA said White, who received an 8.5 rating, also agreed with GLAA on all issues, offered “impressive substance in his questionnaire” and has a supportive record as an LGBT community ally in his role as a former staffer for Congressional Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton and D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine.

Republican at-large candidate Carolina Celnik received a “0” rating also for not returning the questionnaire and not having a known record on LGBT issues, GLAA said.

In the Ward 4 Council race, GLAA gave Democratic challenger Leon T. Andrews Jr. a +6 rating, one point higher than incumbent Democrat Brandon Todd, who received a +5. Democratic challengers Calvin Gurley and Ron Austin received ratings of +3.5 and “0” respectively. Austin did not return the questionnaire.

In the Ward 8 Council race, Democratic incumbent LaRuby May received a 7.5 rating. Democratic challenger Trayon White, who finished less than two points behind May in a special election for the seat last year, received a +4 rating. Democratic challenger Aaron Homes received a +2 rating and Democrats Maurice Dickens and Bonita Goode received “0” ratings for not submitting the questionnaire and not having known records on LGBT issues.

May “agreed with GLAA on all issues, showed significant substance in her questionnaire, and has been a reliable ally on the Council,” GLAA said in its statement. According to the statement, White also agreed with GLAA on issues outlined in the questionnaire “but offered little substance and has a limited record on LGBT issues.”

A detailed ratings breakdown for each of the candidates along with copies of their questionnaire responses can be obtained here.

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Maryland

Md. groups receive state grants to fight hate crimes

Pride Center of Maryland among recipients

Published

2 days ago

on

September 9, 2026

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Maryland Gov. Wes Moore speaks at the Human Rights Campaign's National Dinner in D.C. on Sept. 13, 2025. His administration in the 2027 fiscal year will give $10 million in grants to the Pride Center of Maryland and other groups that work to prevent hate crimes in Maryland. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy are awarding a total of $10 million in grants in the 2027 fiscal year to nonprofit organizations that work to prevent hate crimes in the state.

The funds will be used to support those who feel targeted or discriminated against because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability status.

The Pride Center of Maryland is among the recipients. Churches, synagogues, mosques, and LGBTQ organizations are all eligible to receive grants

“The safety and security of all Marylanders is my top priority, so we are drawing a hard line because we have no tolerance for hate,” said Moore, according to media reports. “We are committed to protecting and ensuring safe and sacred spaces stay that way by investing in non-profit organizations, houses of worship, and community centers to protect and honor every community that makes our state so diverse and special.” 

“Protection Against Hate Crime funding has strengthened the Pride Center of Maryland’s ability to protect, educate, and support the communities we serve … at a time of heightened concern associated with the Trump administration’s anti-LGBTQ/SGL (same-gender-loving) policies and pressures,” Pride Center of Maryland CEO Cleo Manago said. “PAHC funding helps us do more than improve physical security — it strengthens our community’s knowledge, preparedness, connection to resources, and ability to respond to hate with greater awareness and support.”

Maryland’s hate crimes law includes both sexual orientation and gender identity. The state’s nondiscrimination statute is also LGBTQ-inclusive.

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District of Columbia

Blade welcomes fall intern

Alexis McLean is student at University of North Florida

Published

1 week ago

on

September 2, 2026

By

Alexis McLean (Washington Blade photo by Michael K. Lavers)

The Washington Blade this week welcomed Alexis McLean as its fall intern.

Alexis is studying political science at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Fla. She is interning with the Blade as part of a continued partnership with the Washington Center.

“I am looking forward to spending my time in the fall with the Washington Blade, as this is a new experience for me,” said Alexis. “I have not experienced any journalist jobs in the past so this would be my first time, and I am excited to better my writing and communications skills with this internship.”

Alexis’s internship with the Blade ends in early December.

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Rehoboth Beach

SUNFESTIVAL takes center stage as Rehoboth Beach closes out summer

Labor Day Weekend bustling with events, including David Archuleta performance

Published

1 week ago

on

September 1, 2026

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David Archuleta headlines this year’s SUNFESTIVAL on Saturday in Rehoboth Beach. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Labor Day Weekend marks the unofficial end of summer in Rehoboth Beach, but there will be no shortage of LGBTQ events, with CAMP Rehoboth’s annual SUNFESTIVAL taking over town this weekend.

Thursday (9/3)

Get your Labor Day Weekend started early Thursday night with happy hour from 5-7 p.m. at Diego’s Bar & Nightclub, followed by Naughtee Bingo hosted by Magnolia Applebottom at 8:30 p.m.

After bingo, the party continues with Dancing at Diego’s from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Aqua Bar & Grill will also kick off its Labor Day Weekend festivities Thursday with a DJ spinning from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

Friday (9/4)

The weekend ramps up Friday night at Aqua, where DJ Matt Bailer will keep the dance floor moving from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

Over at Diego’s, DJ Steve Sidewalk will then take over Diego’s for Freedom Friday from 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m.

Saturday (9/5)

The main event of the weekend arrives Saturday with the opening night of CAMP Rehoboth’s SUNFESTIVAL.

Billed as the ultimate party to close out the summer, SUNFESTIVAL has become one of Rehoboth’s signature Labor Day Weekend events. The annual celebration sells out each year, with proceeds benefiting CAMP Rehoboth.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with refreshments available at the cash bar while attendees are invited to socialize and find their seats.

Saturday night will feature local singer Ashley Williams as the opening performer, followed by headliner David Archuleta. The event will also feature a live auction.

Back across town Saturday, Aqua will continue its Labor Day Weekend DJ lineup from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Diego’s will also have plenty happening, with ‘Splash Party’ hosted by Magnolia Applebottom at 5 p.m., followed by a Saturday Dance Party with Brett Oosterhaus from 9 p.m.- 1:30 a.m.

The Blue Moon hosts its popular Legends Show at 9 p.m. It’s an all-live singing show by the Blue Moon cast of celebrity impersonators.

Etienne Pilon has taken Rehoboth by storm this summer. Check out the talented singer/pianist at The Pines from 7-10 p.m.

Sunday (9/6)

Sunday’s SUNFESTIVAL event will shift the focus to the dance floor, with globally renowned DJs Robbie Leslie and James Anthony scheduled to perform. Doors open at 7 p.m., with dancing continuing until 1 a.m.

On Sunday, Aqua will throw its annual White Party, with DJs spinning from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Guests are encouraged to dress in white for the holiday weekend celebration.

Diego’s will host its Sunday High T-Dance with Pamala Stanley at 5 p.m. Later that evening, DJ Tannr will be spinning at 9 p.m.

John Flynn is on the piano from 6-8 p.m. at the Blue Moon.

Monday (9/7)

The final day of Labor Day Weekend brings one last chance to hit the dance floor before summer officially winds down.

Aqua will close out its five-day Labor Day Weekend celebration with DJ Biff from 3-7 p.m.

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