Arts & Entertainment
MOST ELIGIBLE SINGLES: Jenny Gowen
Meet D.C.’s top 20 LGBT bachelors and bachelorettes
Jenny Gowen (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
Name: Jenny Gowen
Age: 47
Occupation: Surgical devices sales rep, undercover activist.
Identify as: I fall somewhere between L and Q.
What are you looking for in a mate? Similarities, differences. Push and pull. A straight shooter.
I’m available for the kind of connection that creates fireworks and deep calm for both of us on multiple levels: intellectual, emotional, spiritual and physical. A perfectly imperfect partnership.
Biggest turn-off: Substance abuse. Disingenuousness. I work hard to keep becoming and I don’t want to be with people who are invested in staying stuck.
Biggest turn-on: Authenticity. Humility. Courage. A “still-waters-run-deep” type with a kinky private side or a bad ass with a tender underbelly. An invitation to that private side or underbelly.
Hobbies: Running, races, day trips, adventuring, lallygagging, exploring, meditation, giving back, being near water, baking, social justice, chasing fire flies, orchids, picnicking and sharing my life with people I love. I will gladly try almost anything once.
Describe your ideal first date: We find a local place to share a meal. This gives us a chance to talk and get to know more about each other. There’s an easy comfort, lots of laughter and undeniable sparks of chemistry.
Pets, kids or neither? I have a fabulous adult daughter who swings by from time to time on her way to or from her next adventure. I don’t have pets, but I love pets.
Would you date someone whose political views differ from yours? Sure, as long as their views and actions don’t involve marginalizing or oppressing other people and groups.
Celebrity crush: Nadia Bolz-Weber, Chris Mosier
One obscure fact about yourself: I grew up on a small farm on the rural Eastern Shore. I know what a chicken running around with it’s head cut off really looks like. (Bonus, though, I can chop wood, tend livestock, brew kombucha and I’m great at canning just about anything!)
a&e features
Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates 45 years at annual gala
‘Sapphire & Sparkle’ Spring Affair held at the Ritz Carlton
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington held the annual Spring Affair gala at the Ritz Carlton Washington, D.C. on Saturday. The theme for this year’s fete was “Sapphire & Sparkle.” The chorus celebrated 45 years in D.C. with musical performances, food, entertainment, and an awards ceremony.
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington Executive Director Justin Fyala and Artistic Director Thea Kano gave welcoming speeches. Opening remarks were delivered by Spring Affair co-chairs Tracy Barlow and Tomeika Bowden. Uproariously funny comedian Murray Hill performed a stand-up set and served as the emcee.
There were performances by Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington groups Potomac Fever, 17th Street Dance, the Rock Creek Singers, Seasons of Love, and the GenOUT Youth Chorus.
Anjali Murthy, a member of the chorus and a graduate of the GenOUT Youth Chorus, addressed the attendees of the gala.
“The LGBTQ+ community isn’t bound by blood ties: we are brought together by shared experience,” Murthy said. “Being Gen Z, I grew up with Ellen [DeGeneres] telling me through the TV screen that it gets better: that one day, it’ll all be okay. The sentiment isn’t wrong, but it’s passive. What I’ve learned from GMCW is that our future is something we practice together. It exists because people like you continue to show up for it, to believe in the possibilities of what we’re still becoming”
The event concluded with the presentation of the annual Harmony Awards. This year’s awardees included local drag artist and activist Tara Hoot, the human rights organization Rainbow Railroad as well as Rocky Mountain Arts Association Executive Director, Dr. Chipper Dean.
(Washington Blade photos and videos by Michael Key)
Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 16.
(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)
Photos
PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
Ashley Biden accepts award for Beau Biden at annual Rehoboth fundraiser
The 19th annual Blade Foundation Summer Kickoff Party was held on Friday, May 15 at Diego’s in Rehoboth Beach, Del. An award presentation was held for former Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden. Ashley Biden accepted the award on her brother’s behalf and gave remarks. Other speakers included Delaware state Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall, CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Dr. Robin Brennan and Washington Blade Editor Kevin Naff. The event was a fundraiser for the Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism.
(Washington Blade photos by Daniel Truitt)
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PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
