Local
‘Honor Our LGBT Elders Day’ a success
SAGECAP seeks to improve care for older residents
Nate Sweeney addressing National LGBT Elders Day attendees. (Photo by Aaron Cahall)
While some local LGBT organizations have focused their mission on LGBTQ youth, the LGBT Health Resource Center (LHRC) of Chase Brexton Health Care has recognized the need to address the rapidly aging LGBT population.
The organization launched a program last September called SAGECAP Baltimore to improve care for older LGBT individuals who often live alone. SAGECAP is an initiative that will provide resources, education and support for informal, unpaid LGBT caregivers in the community.
Most recently, LHRC decided to pay homage to LGBT elders by launching the first-ever National Honor Our LGBT Elders Day on May 17. The inaugural event, which featured multi-media tributes, including portraits of LGBT elders adorning the walls, took place in and around the community room at Chase Brexton where more than 70 attended.
The goal of this occasion was to acknowledge the lives of older LGBT adults who changed the tide in our society and hear their stories, said Nate Sweeney, executive director of LHRC, at a ceremony prior to unveiling portraits of two elder transgender individuals. Monica Stevens and Jean-Michel Brevelle were honored for their work in raising awareness of the plight of transgender individuals in Maryland.
In addition, several other elder LGBT individuals were honored through digital storytelling as a result of a partnership between LHRC and the University of Maryland Baltimore County who sought to record the life stories of older LGBT adults. Those featured included Louise Parker Kelley, Lou Hughes, Breezy Bishop, Ken Gault and Greg Grenier.
The presentations were followed by an LGBT Elder Day pinning ceremony where commemorative pins were given out to mark the event.
“We were absolutely thrilled that the LGBT Health Resource Center of Chase Brexton Health Care was able to launch National Honor Our LGBT Elders Day,” Sweeney told the Blade. “It is so easy to get caught up in all the work of LGBTQ equality and miss the chance to stop and think about all those who have worked in the years before us.”
Sweeney pointed out how LGBT elders paved the way for progress. “Some of our elders were at the forefront of the fight, and some quietly lived their truths, sharing their identity with friends, families and coworkers,” he said. “Both of these narratives have changed what life is like today, and we as a community need to show our gratitude by making sure those who came before us can live their truth in their elderhood.”
Community activist Merrick Moses agreed. “We have to celebrate our elders. Unfortunately, many young people don’t know the deep and rich history of Baltimore’s LGBTQ communities. Our elders deserve honor, love and respect.”
This celebration will occur every May 17.
Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Summer Kickoff Party set for May 15 with Ashley Biden
The Washington Blade’s 19th annual Summer Kickoff Party is scheduled for Friday, May 15 in Rehoboth Beach, Del.
Ashley Biden, daughter of President Joe Biden, has joined the list of speakers, the Blade announced. She will accept an award on behalf of her brother Beau Biden for his LGBTQ advocacy work as Delaware attorney general. (Her appearance was rescheduled from last year.)
The event, to be held this year at Diego’s (37298 Rehoboth Ave. Ext.) from 5-7 p.m., is a fundraiser for the Blade Foundation’s Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism, which funds a summer position reporting on LGBTQ news in Delaware. This year’s recipient will be introduced at the event.
The event will also feature remarks from state Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall. New CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Dr. Robin Brennan and Blade editor Kevin Naff will also speak. The event is generously sponsored by Realtor Justin Noble, The Avenue Inn & Spa, and Diego’s.
A suggested donation of $25 is partially tax deductible and includes a drink ticket and light appetizers. Tickets are available in advance at bladefoundation.org/rehoboth or at the door.
District of Columbia
Curve magazine honors Washington Blade publisher
Lynne Brown named to 2026 Power List
Washington Blade Publisher Lynne Brown has been named to the 2026 Curve Power List celebrating LGBTQ+ women and nonbinary individuals in North America who are blazing trails in their chosen fields.
“From sports and entertainment icons to corporate leaders and lawmakers, these individuals are breaking barriers, challenging norms, and shaping the future,” Curve Foundation/Curve magazine said in announcing this year’s list, which includes ABC newscaster Robin Roberts, comedian/actress Hannah Einbinder, and singer/actress Renee Rapp, among others.
Brown has worked for the Washington Blade for nearly 40 years. She was named publisher in 2007 before becoming a co-owner in 2010.
“I am honored to be recognized by Curve magazine during Lesbian Visibility Week,” Brown said. “Receiving this Curve honor is twofold. I was an early subscriber to Curve. I enjoy the product and know its history. Its journalism, layout and humorous features have inspired me.
“As an owner/publisher, receiving recognition from a similar source acknowledges my work and efforts, with a sincerity I truly appreciate. Franco Stevens, the publisher of Curve, is a business person of duration, experience, and purpose. The fact that they are in the media business, and honoring me and my publication makes it a tiny bit sweeter.”
Nominations for the Curve Power List come from the community: peers, mentors, fans, and employers.
Curve explained the significance of the list in its announcement: “An annual, publicly nominated list of impactful LGBTQ+ women and nonbinary changemakers is crucial in current times to counter discrimination, legislative rollbacks, hostility, and the invisibility of queer women within mainstream and marginal spaces and endeavors. Such a list also fosters encouragement and solidarity, and elevates voices and achievements—from high-profile roles to under appreciated areas of life.”
Rehoboth Beach
Auction of Rehoboth’s Blue Moon canceled
Details on sale of iconic bar, restaurant not disclosed
The Blue Moon in Rehoboth Beach, Del., has been an iconic presence in the local LGBTQ community for four decades but its status remains murky after a sheriff’s auction of the property was abruptly called off on Tuesday.
The property was listed for sale in December. At that time, owner Tim Ragan told the Blade that he is committed to preserving its legacy as a gay-friendly space.
“We had no idea the interest this would create,” Ragan said in December. “I guess I was a little naive about that.”
Ragan explained that he and longtime partner Randy Haney were separating the real estate from the business. The two buildings associated with the sale were listed by Carrie Lingo at 35 Baltimore Ave., and include an apartment, the front restaurant (6,600 square feet with three floors and a basement), and a secondary building (roughly 1,800 square feet on two floors). They were listed for $4.5 million.
The bar and restaurant business is being sold separately; the price was not publicly disclosed.
But then, earlier this year, the Blue Moon real estate listing turned up on the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office auction site. The auction was slated for Tuesday, April 21 but hours before the sale, the listing changed to “active under contract” indicating that a buyer has been found but the sale is not yet final. As of Wednesday morning, the listing has been removed from the sheriff’s auction site.
Ragan didn’t respond to Blade inquiries about the auction. Back in December, he told the Blade, “It’s time to look for the next people who can continue the history of the Moon and cultivate the next chapter,” noting that he turns 70 this year. “We’re not panicked; we separated the building from the business. Some buyers can’t afford both.”
The identity of the buyer was not disclosed, nor was the sale price.
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