Local
Comings & Goings
Beeker joins Church in Bethesda; Fyala takes over at GMCW
The ‘Comings & Goings’ column chronicles important life changes of Blade readers.
The Comings & Goings column is about sharing the professional successes of our community. We want to recognize those landing new jobs, new clients for their business, joining boards of organizations and other achievements. Please share your successes with us at [email protected].
Congratulations to Rev. Jefferson C. Beeker who has begun his new ministry at Church in Bethesda. According to Beeker, “the church stands as a beacon of light for new hope and possibility that through Christ’s welcoming, unconditional and inclusive embrace we can all experience a deep and meaningful relationship with Spirit/God, as well as with one another. An open and affirming congregation, all are welcome to join in this amazing ministry.”
Rev. Jefferson C. Beeker
Beeker was born and raised in D.C., growing up with a keen interest in theater, government and a passion for American history. Prior to going into the ministry he worked in the entertainment industry in D.C., New York and Los Angeles. Growing up in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) his family members have been part of the denomination for six generations.
Beeker received his master’s in divinity degree from San Francisco Theological Seminary in Pasadena.
“I am gay, single and excited to be living again in Washington, D.C.,” he said. “To me, it is one of the most thrilling cities I have ever lived in. Growing up gay I never thought a life in ministry would be possible.”
Congratulations to Justin Fyala, who was named the new executive director of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C. (GMCW) effective Aug. 15. Fyala joins the Chorus with more than 12 years of nonprofit management experience. He spent the past five years leading the Windy City Gay Chorus and Treble Quire, The Youth Choral Theater of Chicago, and Bella Voce, focusing on fundraising and organizational growth. Rob Hall, chair of the GMCW board said, “We are delighted to have found someone with such a full complement of talents. Justin’s work in Chicago with a great LGBTQ chorus, an impressive youth group and other choirs impressed the selection committee and board leaders.”
Justin Fyala
“Choral singing has been a part of my life every day since I was 10 years old,” Fyala said. “My voice changed early and my teacher didn’t know what to do with me, so she made me the narrator. Instead of being ruffled by the experience, I began to devour recordings and books to learn all I could about this magical art form. I am deeply honored to bring my experiences to the GMCW family and to work with some of the most inspiring choral artists in the nation.”
Fyala holds a master’s in arts management from Carnegie Mellon University, studied voice at the University of North Texas, and has a bachelor’s in choral music education from the Pennsylvania State University.
And finally, congratulations are also due to Joseph Poduslo, who was recently promoted to senior vice president at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty. Poduslo has earned a reputation as a leader with a genuinely caring and personal approach and has more than 12 years of experience in the D.C. Metro real estate market. Poduslo is also a 10-time top producer and is ranked one of the top real estate professionals nationwide.
When Poduslo is not working, you might find him at one of the many charities he is involved with. He enjoys golf, tennis, sailing and music.
Joseph Poduslo
District of Columbia
Blade welcomes fall intern
Alexis McLean is student at University of North Florida
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.
Rehoboth Beach
SUNFESTIVAL takes center stage as Rehoboth Beach closes out summer
Labor Day Weekend bustling with events, including David Archuleta performance
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.
Maryland
Anne Arundel schools now need parent permission to call trans students by preferred names
Conservative groups challenged system’s policy
By JESSICA CALEFATI | Anne Arundel County Public Schools staff cannot use transgender students’ preferred names if their parents oppose it, according to an internal document reviewed by the Banner, a change that comes after conservative groups challenged the school system’s approach to gender identity.
Teachers union president Kristina Korona told members in an Aug. 20 email that the new guidance undermines district policy on acceptance and inclusivity and “will begin harming affected students immediately.”
Previously, the district didn’t require parental permission to use a high school student’s chosen name and pronouns corresponding to their gender identity, the internal document says. Now it does. The change comes as parents challenge the suburban school system’s gender identity policy and regulation in court and the Trump-Vance administration threatens the district’s funding.
The rest of this article can be found on the Baltimore Banner’s website.
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