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Additional victims sought in ‘date’ robberies

Suspects allegedly lured men via Grindr, Jack’d

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date robberies, gay news, Washington Blade

Suspects Matthew Austin Bauer, 21, and Paul William James Keve, 18, in Dundalk ‘date’ robberies. (Photos courtesy Baltimore County Police)

Baltimore County Police are asking that additional robbery victims who have been lured through the dating apps Grindr and/or Jack’d come forward after two suspects were charged on May 5. Other suspects are outstanding in what police are calling “date” robberies.

According to police, Matthew Austin Bauer, 21, and Paul William James Keve, 18 — both residents of the Dundalk community of Baltimore County — face charges that include armed robbery and misdemeanor theft after they robbed a 24-year-old man on March 31 in which they scheduled a meeting using the dating app Jack’d.

When the victim responded to a designated location in the 7500 block of Westfield Road in Dundalk, he was surrounded by Bauer and Keve, who threatened him with a knife and stole his cash and cell phone.

In an earlier case on March 2, police say a 22-year-old man was robbed and beaten when he set up a meeting with someone called “Josh” on Grindr. When the victim responded to the designated meeting place in the 1600 block of Four Georges Court in Dundalk, he was approached by a male suspect wearing dark clothing and a ski mask who demanded his money and cell phone.

When the victim attempted to flee he was surrounded by two other male suspects who began beating him. The three suspects fled with the victim’s cash and phone. Keve has been identified as one of these suspects and is also charged in that case.

In November, several robberies occurred in Northeast Baltimore in which victims were lured to a destination using Grindr. In those cases, two suspects have been charged.

Police request that anyone with information on either of these Dundalk incidents, a similar type of incident, or anyone who may have been victimized under similar circumstances by either Bauer or Keve is asked to contact police at 410-307-2020.

Anyone with information on this case can also submit a tip to Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP.

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World Pride 2025

D.C. liquor board extends drinking hours for WorldPride

Gay bars, other liquor-serving establishments can stay open 24 hours

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Sasha Colby performs at Pitchers in 2023. Liquor-serving establishments in D.C. will be able to remain open for 24 hours during WorldPride. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

D.C.’s Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Board, which regulates liquor sales for the city’s bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and other establishments licensed to serve alcoholic beverages, has approved extended hours for alcohol service and sales during the days when most WorldPride events will be held in the nation’s capital.

In a May 2 announcement, the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration, which works with the board, said the extended liquor serving and sales hours for WorldPride will take place beginning Friday, May 30, through 4 a.m. Monday, June 9.

Although the official schedule for WorldPride events shows the events will take place May 17-June 8, most of the large events, including a two-day Pride street festival, parade, and concert, were expected to take place between May 30 and June 8.

According to the ABCA announcement and an ABCA spokesperson, liquor servicing establishments with the appropriate license can stay open for 24 hours and serve alcoholic beverages from 6 a.m. through the day and evening until 4 a.m., with no liquor sales allowed from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. during the May 30-June 9 period.

The ABCA announcement says liquor serving establishments must apply for the extended hours option and pay a $100 registration fee by a deadline on May 27.

Sources familiar with the liquor board have said the board has for many years approved the extension of liquor serving and sales hours for important events and for certain holidays such as New Year’s Eve.

At the time it approved the extended hours for WorldPride the liquor board also approved extended hours during the time when games for a World Cup soccer tournament will be held in the city on June 18, June 22, and June 26.

It couldn’t immediately be determined how many of D.C.’s 22 LGBTQ bars plan to apply for the extended drinking hours. David Perruzza, owner of the Adams Morgan gay bar Pitchers and its adjoining lesbian bar A League of Her Own, said he will apply for the 4 a.m. extended hours option but he does not intend to keep the two bars open for the full 23 hours.

Under the city’s current alcoholic beverage regulations, licensed liquor serving establishments may serve alcoholic beverages until 2 a.m. on weekdays and 3 a.m. on weekends.

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World Pride 2025

Episcopal bishop to speak at WorldPride human rights conference

Trump demanded apology from Mariann Edgar Budde over post-Inauguration sermon

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The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde. (Screen capture via PBS NewsHour/YouTube)

The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde is among those who are scheduled to speak at the WorldPride 2025 Human Rights Conference that will take place from June 4-6.

Budde, who is the bishop of the Diocese of Washington, in January urged President Donald Trump “to have mercy” on LGBTQ people, immigrants, and others “who are scared right now” during a post-Inauguration service that he and Vice President JD Vance attended at the Washington National Cathedral. Trump criticized Budde’s comments and demanded an apology.

The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde speaks at the Washington National Cathedral on Jan. 21, 2025. (PBS NewsHour clip)

A press release the Washington Blade received notes Icelandic Industries Minister Hanna Katrín Friðriksson, UK Black Pride founder Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, and Bob the Drag Queen are among those who are also expected to participate in the conference.

The conference will take place at the JW Marriott (1331 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.) and registration is open here.

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World Pride 2025

Pabllo Vittar to perform at WorldPride

Brazilian drag queen, singer, joined Madonna on stage in 2024 Rio concert

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Pabllo Vittar (Screen capture via Pabllo Vittar/YouTube)

A Brazilian drag queen and singer who performed with Madonna at her 2024 concert on Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach will perform at WorldPride.

The Capital Pride Alliance on Thursday announced Pabllo Vittar will perform on the Main Stage of the main party that will take place on June 7 at DCBX (1235 W St., N.E.) in Northeast D.C.

Vittar and Anitta, a Brazilian pop star who is bisexual, on May 4, 2024, joined Madonna on stage at her free concert, which was the last one of her Celebration Tour. Authorities estimated 1.6 million people attended.

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