Connect with us

Arts & Entertainment

Best of Gay D.C. 2016: COMMUNITY

Blade readers voted for their community favorites

Published

on

community, gay news, Washington Blade

Best Art Gallery

Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum

1661 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.

renwick.americanart.si.edu

Runner-up: The Phillips Collection

Renwick Gallery (Photo public domain)

Renwick Gallery (Photo public domain)

Best Adult Store

Bite the Fruit

1723 Connecticut Ave., N.W.

bitethefruit.com

Runner-up: Trick Box

Bite the Fruit

Bite the Fruit

Best Car Dealership

BMW of Fairfax

8427 Lee Highway, Fairfax

Runner-up: Audi of Tysons

BMW of Fairfax (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

BMW of Fairfax (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Best Apartment/Condo Building

Atlantic Plumbing

2112 8th St., N.W.

Runner-up: The Shay

Atlantic Plumbing (Photo courtesy Atlantic Plumbing)

Atlantic Plumbing (Photo courtesy Atlantic Plumbing)

Best Doctor/Medical Provider

Ray Martins, Whitman-Walker Health

Runner-up: Dr. Robyn Zeiger

Best of Gay D.C.

Ray Martins (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Best Fitness or Workout Spot

VIDA Fitness

1517 15th St., N.W.

1612 U St., N.W.

999 9th St., N.W.

vidafitness.com

(A perennial favorite in this category)

Runner-up: YMCA

VIDA Fitness (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

VIDA Fitness (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Best Gayborhood

Shaw

Runner-up: Logan Circle

Shaw (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Shaw (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Best Hardware Store

Logan Hardware

Logan Hardware

1734 14th St., N.W.

acehardwaredc.com

Runner-up: Annie’s Ace Hardware

MidCity Dog Days, gay news, Washington Blade

Logan Hardware (Washington Blade photo by Antwan J. Thompson)

Best Home Furnishings

Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams

1526 14th St., N.W.

mgbwhome.com

Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams is featured on the 2016 Best of Gay DC cover.

Runner-up: Room & Board

Mitchell Gold, Bob Williams, furniture, design, home, gay news, Washington Blade

Mitchell Gold, on left, and business partner Bob Williams at their Washington store for an event in 2013. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

Best Home Improvement Service

The Organizing Agency

811 4th St., N.W., Suite1013

theorganizingagency.com

(Winner of last year’s Best LGBT-owned Business award)

Runner-up: Hourly Husbands

Organizing Agency founder Scott Roewer (Photo courtesy of the Organizing Agency)

Organizing Agency founder Scott Roewer (Photo courtesy of the Organizing Agency)

Best Hotel

The W

515 15th St., N.W.

wwashingtondc.com

(Second consecutive win in this category)

Runner-up: Donovan House

The W Hotel (Photo courtesy of the W)

The W Hotel (Photo courtesy of the W)

Best House of Worship

Empowerment Liberation Cathedral

633 Sligo Ave., Silver Spring

240-720-7605

empowermentliberationcathedral.org

(Second consecutive win in this category)

Runner-up: All Souls Unitarian

Bishop Allyson Abrams of the Empowerment Liberation Cathedral (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Bishop Allyson Abrams of the Empowerment Liberation Cathedral (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Best Lawyer

Peter Glazer

The Glazer Law Firm

Business attorney

glazerlawfirm.com

Runner-up: Amy Nelson

Peter Glazier (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Peter Glazier (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Best LGBT Social Group

Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington

Runner-up: D.C. Rawhides

The Gay Men's Chorus of Washington (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Best LGBT Support Group

SMYAL

Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders

410 7th St., S.E.

smyal.org

(Second consecutive win in this category)

Runner-up: HIPS

SMYAL (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

SMYAL (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Best LGBT Sports League

D.C. Rollergirls

Runner-up: Stonewall Kickball

Teammates on D.C. Rollergirls say the league feels like family.

Founded in 2006, D.C. Rollergirls is centered around the group’s love for roller derby. In addition to games, the team also prides itself on contributing to community service with organizations that promote female empowerment, physical fitness and awareness of issues women, children and families face in the D.C. area.

League president Dawn Sherman, also known by her team nickname Aurora Borey All-Ass, says what makes the team stand out is the diversity of its members.

“We have women from all different walks of life,” Sherman says. “We are an inclusive environment so we have cis-gender women and we are very open to LGBT women. The fact that we all come together for this crazy common sport that we love just makes it amazing.”

Women of all skill levels are welcome on the team especially beginners. JaeLee Waldschmidt, nicknamed Switch Please, says she stepped into the world of roller derby after a friend invited her to a match.

Waldschmidt admits she was clueless and outside her comfort zone.

“My friend was like, ‘You should come watch my team play.’ I was like, ‘Play what?’ ‘Roller derby,’” Waldschmidt says. “I was like, ‘What’s that?’ I watched one of their games and showed up to D.C. Armory like, ‘Where do I get in?’ and my friend was like, ‘The door. You go in through the door.’”

After attending roller derby boot camp Waldschmidt found herself competing on the team.

She encourages other women interested in trying something new to do the same. Try out sessions are open to anyone regardless of experience level. Each Sunday the team has a roller derby boot camp where anybody, with the appropriate safety gear, can learn the fundamentals of roller derby. The next try out date is Sunday, Oct. 23 at the DCRG Warehouse (5706 LaFayette Pl., Hyattsville, Md.) from 12:30-3:30 p.m. The team consists of about 40 players, including dozens of volunteers, beginner boot campers and retired derby members who still like to stay connected.

Another big part of being a D.C. Rollergirls team member is picking a nickname that suits you.

For Sherman the name was all about who she was as a person.

“I wanted to find something that kind of gave people a little glimpse into my life,” Sherman says. “My quirky sci-fi side. Kind of just being a general science geek and my physique. So my name is Aurora Borey All-Ass and that kind of encompasses all those things.”

Waldschmidt chose her name Switch Please, from the character Switch from “The Matrix.”

Feeling comfortable to share parts of themselves with their team is the best part about the league, Waldschmidt says.

“Being a trans woman, it’s kind of hard in this world trying to find a place that accepts you for who you are,” Waldschmidt says. “I mean there are pockets here and there but roller derby was like ‘Alright, cool.’ It was a really empowering opportunity to be authentic and not have to try to conform to people’s expectations of what a man or woman is, to be myself.” (Mariah Cooper)

DC Rollergirls (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

D.C. Rollergirls (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Best LGBT-Owned Business

Capital Center for Psychotherapy and Wellness

1330 U St., N.W.

capitalpsychotherapy.com

Runner-up: Town, Number Nine and Trade

Gregory Jones of Capital Center for Psychotherapy and Wellness (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Gregory Jones of Capital Area (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Most LGBT-Friendly Workplace

Human Rights Campaign

1640 Rhode Island Ave., N.W.

hrc.org

Runner-up: Whitman-Walker Health

Human Rights Campaign (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Human Rights Campaign (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Best Non-Profit

Whitman-Walker Health

whitman-walker.org

Runner-up: Capital Pride

Whitman Walker Health at the Walk to End HIV (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Whitman Walker Health at the Walk to End HIV (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Best Pet Business

Metro Mutts

508 H St., N.E.

metromuttsdc.com

Runner-up: City Dogs

dog_insert_by_bigstockBest Place to Buy Second-Hand Stuff

Miss Pixie’s Furnishings and Whatnot

1626 14th St., N.W.

misspixies.com

Runner-up: Buffalo Exchange

Miss Pixie's (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Miss Pixie’s (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Best Place to Take the Kids

Smithsonian’s National Zoo

3001 Connecticut Ave., N.W.

nationalzoo.si.edu

(Second consecutive win in this category)

Runner-up: Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum

panda bear, National Zoo, Last-minute gifts, holiday gift guide, Christmas, gay news, Washington Blade

(Photo courtesy of the National Zoo)

Best Rehoboth Business

Blue Moon

35 Baltimore Ave.

Rehoboth Beach, Del.

bluemoonrehoboth.com

(Also won Best Rehoboth Bar)

Runner-up: Purple Parrot

Blue Moon (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Blue Moon (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Best Salon/Spa

Logan 14 Aveda Salon & Spa

1314 14th St., N.W.

logan14salonspa.com

(Second consecutive win in this category)

Runner-up: Salon Quency

Michael Hodges of Logan 14 Aveda (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Michael Hodges of Logan 14 Aveda (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Best Reason to Go to Baltimore

National Aquarium

501 E. Pratt St., Baltimore

aqua.org

(Second consecutive win in this category)

National Aquarium in Baltimore (Photo public domain)

National Aquarium in Baltimore (Photo public domain)

Best Theater

Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

2700 F St., N.W.

kennedy-center.org

(Second consecutive win in this category)

Runner-up: Arena Stage

Kennedy Center, culture, gay news, Washington Blade

The Kennedy Center (Photo by Steve via Wikimedia Commons)

Best Theater Production

“Kinky Boots” (Kennedy Center)

Runner-up: “La Cage Aux Folles” (Signature Theatre)

Kinky Boots, gay news, Washington Blade

(Photo courtesy Kennedy Center)

Best Vet

CityPaws Animal Hospital

1823 14th St., N.W.

citypawsanimalhospital.com

(Second consecutive win in this category)

Runner-up: Union Veterinary Clinic

City Paws (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

City Paws (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

To see winners in other categories in the Washington Blade’s Best of Gay D.C. 2016 Awards, click here.

Advertisement
FUND LGBTQ JOURNALISM
SIGN UP FOR E-BLAST

Theater

Trans performer, juggler premiering one-woman show

Published

on

Lucy Eden stars in ‘Circus of the Self’ at Spooky Action Theater.  (Photo courtesy of Spooky Action Theater)  

Circus of the Self
May 29-June 6
Spooky Action Theater
1810 16th St., N.W.
Pay-What-You-Can: May 2
All other performances: $35
Spookyaction.org

For Lucy Eden, tricks have proved a way into theater.

The Oakland, Calif.-based trans performer and juggler is premiering her one-woman show “Circus of the Self” at Spooky Action Theater in conjunction with WorldPride. 

Directed by Spooky Action’s artistic director Elizabeth Dinkova, the autobiographical busking show is a unique blend of circus and serious storytelling.   

Juggler first met director several years ago in Atlanta. Eden explains, “She was working at a theater down the street from the juggling club where I spent a lot of time. She needed people for a street fair. I agreed. Another collaboration soon followed.” 

Previously, Eden had worked mostly as a roaming performer at Atlanta corporate events and street style pre-game shows for the Braves: “Those environments were a good way to work on material, to learn what tricks make people stop their talking and turn their attention to me,” she says.

Now based in Oakland, Calif., Eden, 40, has created a 77-minute-long one-woman show infused with burlesque, expert juggling, and a personal, sometimes difficult, story.  

While she hesitates to say it’s the obligation of all trans people to tell their stories, she says, “In these times, if you get the opportunity, I believe you ought to take it.” 

Recently, she took a break from preparations, to talk life and showbiz.

BLADE: How exactly did you learn circus tricks? 

EDEN: I’m autodidactic. I taught myself to juggle in the last semester of college. Things had gone wrong and I was looking for distraction. So, when I found a “three ball learn to juggle” kit, I never looked back. That lead to advanced juggling, unicycling, and balancing objects on my face. 

Things began to look up. Today, I try to resist everything in my life going back to circus tricks, it almost always does. 

BLADE: It sounds almost preordained. 

EDEN: For sure. It changed everything. Circus skills force you to face your own failure. When you drop a ball, you can’t convince yourself or the audience that it didn’t happen. Performing, like life, forces you to develop capacities to deal with internal and external failures. 

It teaches us not take ourselves, societal rules, or the idea of what’s success too seriously. 

BLADE: Juggling at a cocktail party to baring your past before a rapt audience must be quite a stretch.

EDEN: It is, but rather than making a dramatic leap, I leveraged the fun and draw of circus to engage people in a more difficult conversation. 

BLADE: Spooky Action’s website warns about “frank discussions of transphobia and mental health.” 

EDEN: Well yeah, I grew up in rural Georgia in the 1990s. You can only imagine. Trans is integral to my identity, and a hot button term right now. I think everyone sees and hears a lot of things about trans people that don’t in fact come from actual trans people. 

A big part of why I wrote this show and brought it to D.C. is because I really want audiences to have as intimate and revealing look at me as a trans persona as I can give them. I think it’s only through knowing that we can get beyond all the noise, misinformation, and fear mongering.  

BLADE: Lately I hear a lot of artists bandying about the term “queer joy.” Woolly’s website uses the term in describing aspects of your show. What does it mean to you?

EDEN: It’s an important thingfor us all to be focused on right now, but we’re in a place where joy is hard to access. So, to me, it’s complex; it’s an important yet nuanced pursuit. 

BLADE: As a part of the vast and promising WorldPride (through June 8) entertainment lineup, what makes your show stand out?

EDEN: It’s fun. I wrote “Circus of the Self” with a queer audience in mind. I spend a lot of time and creative energy performing for a general audience. I want this to be different. As far as I know, there’s nothing quite like my show out there. 

There are a lot of shows that are a combination of storytelling and circus parts but they tend to be surface level entertainment. I think of this as more standup with circus layered on; it’s modeled after queer comedians like Hannah Gadsby and Tig Notaro whose work is driven more by personality than jokes. 

I have tried to write a show for a queer audience. It has all the things I need to see for myself but never have.

Continue Reading

Movies

‘Things Like This’ embraces formula and plus-size visibility

Enjoyable queer romcom challenges conventions of the genre

Published

on

Max Talisman and Joey Pollari star in 'Things Like That.' (Image courtesy of MPX Releasing/Big Picture Collective)

There’s a strange feeling of irony about a spring movie season stacked with queer romcoms – a genre that has felt conspicuously absent on the big screen since the disappointing reception met by the much-hyped “Bros” in 2022 – at a time when pushback against LGBTQ visibility is stronger than it’s been for 40 years.

Sure, part of the reason is the extended timeline required for filmmaking, which tells us, logically, that the numerous queer love stories hitting theaters this year – including the latest, the Manhattan-set indie “Things Like This,” which opened in limited theaters last weekend – began production long before the rapid cultural shift that has taken place in America since a certain convicted fraudster’s return to the White House. 

That does not, however, make them any less welcome; on the contrary, they’re a refreshing assertion of queer existence that serves to counter-balance the hateful, politicized rhetoric that continues to bombard our community every day. In fact, the word “refreshing” is an apt description of “Things Like This,” which not only celebrates the validity – and joy – of queer love but does so in a story that disregards “Hollywood” convention in favor of a more authentic form of inclusion than we’re ever likely to see in a mainstream film

Written, starring, and directed by Max Talisman and set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City, it’s the story of two gay men named Zack – Zack #1 (Talisman) is a plus-sized hopeful fantasy author with a plus-sized personality and a promising-but-unpublished first novel, and Zack #2 (Joey Pollari) an aspiring talent agent dead-ended as an assistant to his exploitative “queen-bee” boss (Cara Buono) – who meet at an event and are immediately attracted to each other. Though Zack #2 is resigned to his unsatisfying relationship with longtime partner Eric (Taylor Trensch), he impulsively agrees to a date the following night, beginning an on-again/off-again entanglement that causes both Zacks to re-examine the trajectories of their respective lives – and a lot of other heavy baggage – even as their tentative and unlikely romance feels more and more like the workings of fate.

Like most romcoms, it relies heavily on familiar tropes – adjusted for queerness, of course – and tends to balance its witty banter and starry-eyed sentiment with heart-tugging setbacks and crossed-wire conflicts, just to raise the stakes. The Zacks’ attempts at getting together are a series of “meet-cutes” that could almost be described as fractal, yet each of them seems to go painfully awry – mostly due to the very insecurities and self-doubts which make them perfect for each other. The main obstacle to their couplehood, however, doesn’t spring from these mishaps; it’s their own struggles with self-worth that stand in the way, somehow making theirs more of a quintessentially queer love story than the fact that both of them are men.

All that introspection – relatable as it may be – can be a downer without active energy to stir things up, but fortunately for “Things Like This,” there are the inevitable BFFs and extended circle of friends and family that can help to get the fun back on track. Each Zack has his own support team backing him up, from a feisty “work wife” (Jackie Cruz, “Orange is the New Black”) to a straight best friend (Charlie Tahan, “Ozark”) to a wise and loving grandma (veteran scene-stealer Barbara Barrie, “Breaking Away” and countless vintage TV shows) – that fuels the story throughout, providing the necessary catalysts to prod its two neurotic protagonists into taking action when they can’t quite get there themselves.

To be sure, Talisman’s movie – his feature film debut as a writer and director – doesn’t escape the usual pitfalls of the romcom genre. There’s an overall sense of “wish fulfillment fantasy” that makes some of its biggest moments seem a bit too good to be true, and there are probably two or three complications too many as it approaches its presumed happy ending; in addition, while it helps to drive the inner conflict for Zack #2’s character arc, throwing a homophobic and unsupportive dad (Eric Roberts) into the mix feels a bit tired, though it’s hard to deny that such family relationships continue to create dysfunction for queer people no matter how many times they’re called out in the movies – which means that it’s still necessary, regrettably, to include them in our stories.

And in truth, “calling out” toxic tropes – the ones that reflect society’s negative assumptions and perpetuate them through imitation – is part of Talisman’s agenda in “Things Like This,” which devotes its very first scene to shutting down any objections from “fat shamers” who might decry the movie’s “opposites attract” scenario as unbelievable. Indeed, he has revealed in interviews that he developed the movie for himself because of the scarcity of meaningful roles for plus-sized actors, and his desire to erase such conventional prejudices extends in every direction within his big-hearted final product.

Even so, there’s no chip-on-the-shoulder attitude to sour the movie’s spirit; what helps us get over its sometimes excessive flourishes of idealized positivity is that it’s genuinely funny. The dialogue is loaded with zingers that keep the mood light, and even the tensest scenes are laced with humor, none of which feels forced. For this, kudos go to Talisman’s screenplay, of course, but also to the acting – including his own. He’s eminently likable onscreen, with wisecracks that land every time and an underlying good cheer that makes his appeal even more visible; crucially, his chemistry with Pollari – who also manages to maintain a lightness of being at his core no matter how far his Zack descends into uncertainty – isn’t just convincing; it’s enviable.

Cruz is the movie’s “ace in the hole” MVP as Zack #2’s under-appreciated but fiercely loyal bestie, and Buono’s hilariously icy turn as his “boss from hell” makes for some of the film’s most memorable scenes. Likewise, Tahan, along with Margaret Berkowitz and Danny Chavarriaga, flesh out Zack #1’s friend group with a real sense of camaraderie that should be recognizable to anyone who’s ever been part of an eclectic crew of misfits. Trensch’s comedic “ickiness” as Zack #2’s soon-to-be-ex makes his scenes a standout; and besides bigger-name “ringers” Roberts and Barrie (whose single scene is the emotional climax of the movie), there’s also a spotlight-grabbing turn by Diane Salinger (iconic as Francophile dreamer Simone in “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure”) as the owner of a queer bar where the Zacks go on one of their dates.

With all that enthusiasm and a momentum driven by a sense of DIY empowerment, it’s hard to be anything but appreciative of “Things Like This,” no matter how much some of us might cringe at its more unbelievable romcom devices. After all, it’s as much a “feel-good” movie as it is a love story, and the fact that we actually do feel good when the final credits role is more than enough to earn it our hearty recommendation.

Continue Reading

Calendar

Calendar: May 23-29

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

on

Friday, May 23

“Center Aging Monthly Luncheon and Yoga” will be at 12 p.m. in person at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. For more details, email [email protected]

Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity and/or expression. For more details, email [email protected]

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at DIK Bar. This event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite

Saturday, May 24

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar and Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ community, including Allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Black Lesbian Mixer will be at 11 a.m. on Zoom. This is a support group dedicated to the joys of being a Black lesbian. For more details, email [email protected]

Sunday, May 25

“The Queen’s Table: A Women’s Empowerment Brunch” will be at 11 a.m. at Zooz. This event will celebrate queer women’s strength. For more details visit Eventbrite

Monday, May 26

“Center Aging Monday Coffee and Conversation” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more details, email [email protected]

Tuesday, May 27

Genderqueer DC will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a support group for people who identify outside of the gender binary. Whether you’re bigender, agender, genderfluid, or just know you’re not 100 percent cis — this is your group. For more details, visit genderqueerdc.org or Facebook

Coming Out Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This support group is a safe space to share experiences about coming out and discuss topics as it relates to doing so. For more details, visit the group’s Facebook

Wednesday, May 28

Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.

Thursday, May 29

The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. To be fairer with who is receiving boxes, the program is moving to a lottery system. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245. 

Virtual Yoga with Charles M. will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breathwork, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.

Continue Reading

Popular