Connect with us

Arts & Entertainment

LGBT representation strong at 90th annual Academy Awards

Screenwriter James Ivory accepts ‘Call Me By Your Name’ award; ‘Fantastic Woman’ wins foreign language prize

Published

on

DANIELA VEGA at the Academy Awards Sunday night. (screen capture courtesy ABC)

Despite a bloated presentation that clocked in at almost four hours, the telecast of the 90thĀ Academy Awards had some spectacular moments, especially for LGBT movie fans.

The big moment came when ā€œA Fantastic Womanā€ won the award for Best Foreign Language Film, the first Oscar win for he country of Chile. Directed by SebastiĆ”n Leilo, the movie centers on Marina Vidal (Daniela Vega), a trans woman who is kicked out of her apartment when her boyfriend suddenly dies. Vegaā€™s moving performance marked a cinematic milestoneā€”a trans woman being payed by a trans actress in a mainstream movie.

The award was presented by veteran actress and LGBT icon Rita Moreno (now appearing in the Netflix reboot of the classic sitcom ā€œOne Day at a Timeā€ which now features a lesbian character and is set in a Cuban-American household). In the most fabulous entrance of the evening, Moreno strutted to the microphone wearing the same dress she wore to accept her Academy Award for ā€œWest Side Story.ā€

Vega made even more cinematic history when she became the first openly trans person to be a presenter on the Oscar stage (appropriately enough, she introduced Sufjan Stevenā€™s performance of his song ā€œThe Mystery of Loveā€ from ā€œCall Me By Your Nameā€). She acknowledged the importance of her appearance on the Oscar stage, saying, ā€œThank you so much for this moment.ā€ She also encouraged the audience to ā€œopen your heart to love.ā€

Sadly, the trans director Yance Ford did not win for his documentary ā€œStrong Island.ā€

Openly gay screenwriter James Ivory (ā€œMauriceā€) also made Oscar history when he accepted the prize for Best Adapted Screenplay for ā€œCall Me By Your Name,ā€ the only award for the film. The 89-year old Ivory became the oldest person to win an Academy Award. In a touching speech he mentioned his late collaborators Ismail Merchant (who was also his life partner) and Ruth Prawer Jhabvala.

In another noteworthy development, after Disneyā€™s ā€œCocoā€ won the award for Best Animated Feature, no one commented when two members of the creative team (producer Darla K. Anderson and co-writer and co-director Adrian Molina) thanked their same-sex spouses. In the past, such declarations of LGBT love would have made headlines.

In addition, ā€œCocoā€ director Lee Unkrich underscored a major theme of the evening when he said, “Marginalized people deserve to feel like they belong. Representation matters!”

Perhaps this means Tio Oscar and Tio Felipe were a gay couple after all.

ā€œCocoā€™sā€ lovely ballad ā€œRemember Meā€ took home the Oscar for Best Original Song, beating out the power ballad ā€œThis Is Meā€ from ā€œThe Greatest Showmanā€ written by the gay-straight duo of Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. During the ceremony, ā€œThis Is Meā€ (which will undoubtedly be performed at every Pride celebration this summer) was given a powerhouse performance by cast member Keala Settle. Settle also appeared in a commercial for Walmart that was actually part of the ceremony.

ā€œThe Shape of Water,ā€ a queer celebration of community and resistance, was nominated for 13 Oscars (the most nominations this year) and won four: Best Picture, Best Director (Guillermo del Toro), Best Score for Alexandre Desplat and Best Production Design. Richard Jenkins, who played the heroineā€™s next-door neighbor and gay best friend did not win, nor did his co-stars Octavia Spencer and Sally Hawkins.

While the creative team behind ā€œThe Shape of Waterā€ gathered the most statues, no movie dominated the evening. ā€œDunkirk,ā€ ā€œThe Darkest Hourā€ and ā€œBlade Runner 2049ā€ won several of the design awards (and Gary Oldman won Best Actor for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in ā€œThe Darkest Hourā€). Not surprisingly, Mark Bridges won Best Costume Design for his sumptuous couture designs in ā€œPhantom Thread.ā€

And in an unexpected moment, a very surprised Jordan Peele won Best Original Screenplay for his powerful horror film, ā€œGet Out.ā€

ARMIE HAMMER and TIMOTHEE CHALAMET at the Academy Awards Sunday night. (screen capture courtesy ABC)

ā€œThree Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouriā€ won acting honors for Frances McDormand (Best Actress) and Sam Rockwell (Best Supporting Actor). McDormandā€™s acceptance speech was a call to action. She asked all the women in the audience to stand and be recognized and she called on everyone to demand ā€œinclusion ridersā€ in their contracts. (Inclusion riders are clauses that require that film crews meet minimum diversity standards to retain the services of the artist.)

Several major movies surprisingly went home empty-handed, including: ā€œLady Bird,ā€ ā€œThe Postā€ and ā€œMudbound,ā€ which was directed by the ground-breaking Dee Rees, an out black lesbian.

In what may have been the funniest moment of the very long telecast filled with lame jokes, Mark Bridges (Best Costume Design) won the Jet Ski that host Jimmy Kimmel promised to the winner who gave the shortest acceptance speech, Bridges cam in at 38 seconds.

A full list of winners is here.

Advertisement
FUND LGBTQ JOURNALISM
SIGN UP FOR E-BLAST

Movies

LGBTQ Critics Society announces 16th annual Dorian Film Awards winners

They’re not the Academy Awards, but an Oscar is involved

Published

on

Justice Smith in ā€œI Saw the TV Glowā€ (Photo courtesy of A24)

Named for the title character in Oscar Wildeā€™s classic novel ā€œThe Picture of Dorian Gray,ā€ the Dorian Awards are presented annually by GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics, an organization comprised of 500+ entertainment critics, journalists, and media icons, in three separate categories: film, television, and Broadway, each announced at different times during the year. On Feb. 13, the society announced the winners of its 16th annual Dorian Film Awards, and the list of honorees ā€” perhaps unsurprisingly ā€” contains a number of picks that wonā€™t be sharing in the glory on Oscar night.

Reflecting a growing trend among a new generation of film reviewers to give genre films ā€” especially, perhaps, horror movies ā€” the same weight of artistic merit as the so-called ā€œprestigeā€ pictures that typically get all the kudos at mainstream award ceremonies, the champions for 2025ā€™s honors in several major categories were horror or fantasy films, most prominently writer-director Coralie Fargeatā€™s runaway hit satirical chiller ā€œThe Substance,ā€ which was crowned Film of the Year, along with four other Dorians in all, including one for star Demi Moore for Film Performance of the Year (an all-gender leading actor category with a single winner from a pool of nominees) and one for Fargeat as Film Director of the Year.

Moore herself scored twice, picking up the Doriansā€™ Timeless Star career achievement award, bestowed on entertainment artists with “an exemplary career marked by character, wisdom and wit,ā€ to join the ranks of former winners like Jodie Foster, Jane Fonda, Nathan Lane, John Waters, Rita Moreno, Jane Fonda, George Takei, and Sir Ian McKellen.

Horror was also the hook for another of the yearā€™s big winners, writer-director Jane Schoenbrunā€™s trans allegory ā€œI Saw the TV Glowā€ (the most nominated film in this yearā€™s Dorian roundup, with nods in 9 categories), which took the prizes for LGBTQ Film and LGBTQ Screenplay of the Year.

There were also some less scary choices with multiple wins: ā€œWill & Harper,ā€ the road-trip documentary about actor Will Ferrellā€™s longtime friendship with trans comedy writer Harper Steele, was named as both Documentary and LGBTQ Documentary of the Year; and director Luca Guadagninoā€™s homoerotic tennis-themed love triangle ā€œChallengersā€ took Screenplay of the Year for writer Justin Kuritzkes, with rock legends Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross earning Best Music for the movieā€™s techno score.

ā€œWickedā€ ā€“ nominated in several categories ā€“ snared a win in the all-gender Supporting Performance of the Year race for Ariana Grande, and while her co-stars may have missed out in their categories, Cynthia Erivo was recipient of this yearā€™s LGBTQIA+ Film Trailblazer award, meant for an artist who ā€œinspires empathy, truth and equity,ā€ with past recipients including honor Janelle MonĆ”e, Pedro AlmodĆ³var, Isabel Sandoval, and Colman Domingo.

As for Domingo, nominated in the Film Performance race for his work in ā€œSing Sing,ā€ though he likewise lost in his category, he was given another Dorians special prize ā€” ā€œWilde Artistā€ of the Year, a special accolade named in homage to Oscar Wilde reserved for ā€œa truly groundbreaking force in entertainment.ā€

Other Dorian winners this year included writer/director/star Julio Torresā€™ eccentric comedy ā€œProblemistaā€ and the trans-empowering Batman send-up ā€œThe Peopleā€™s Joker,ā€ named as Unsung Film and Unsung LGBTQ Film of the year, respectively; director RaMell Rossā€™s imaginatively conceived literary adaptation ā€œNickel Boysā€ was named Visually Striking Film of the Year, and the dazzlingly cinematic animal adventure ā€œFlowā€ beat out an impressive roster of competitors to win as Animated Film of the Year.

Brazilian protest drama ā€œIā€™m Still Hereā€ was given the Dorian for Non-English Language Film of the Year, and ā€œEmilia PĆ©rezā€ ā€“ despite the controversies that have emerged to plague the French trans-themed musical epic during the last legs of Awards Season, was nevertheless named as LGBTQ Non-English Language Film of the Year.

In announcing this yearā€™s Dorian winners, group President Walt Hicket said, ā€œIn our 16th year, GALECAā€™s members still have wicked fun toasting their favorites in film, both mainstream and LGBTQ-themed.ā€ Added Vice President Diane Anderson-Minshall, ā€œIā€™m certain even some ultra-conservatives who are out to erase all sorts of ā€˜wokeā€™ words and letters (not to mention history) are secretly taking note of our winners. Everyone appreciates the expert Q+ eye on entertainment.ā€

The complete list of nominees and winners is below. Winners are in boldface.

FILM OF THE YEAR

“Anora” (Neon)

“Challengers” (Amazon MGM Studios)

“I Saw the TV Glow” (A24)

“Nickel Boys” (Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM Studios)

“The Substance” (Mubi)

LGBTQ FILM OF THE YEAR

“Challengers” (Amazon MGM Studios)

“Emilia PĆ©rez” (Netflix)

“I Saw the TV Glow” (A24)

“Love Lies Bleeding” (A24)

“Queer” (A24)

DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR

Brady Corbet, “The Brutalist” (A24)

Coralie Fargeat, “The Substance” (Mubi)

Luca Guadagnino, “Challengers” (Amazon MGM Studios)

RaMell Ross, “Nickel Boys” (Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM Studios)

Jane Schoenbrun, “I Saw the TV Glow” (A24)

SCREENPLAY OF THE YEAR ā€“ Original or Adapted

Sean Baker, “Anora” (Neon)

Coralie Fargeat, “The Substance” (Mubi)

Justin Kuritzkes, “Challengers” (Amazon MGM Studios)

Jane Schoenbrun, “I Saw the TV Glow” (A24)

Peter Straughan, “Conclave” (Focus Features)

LGBTQ SCREENPLAY OF THE YEAR

Rose Glass and Weronika Tofilska, “Love Lies Bleeding” (A24)

Justin Kuritzkes, “Challengers” (Amazon MGM Studios)

Justin Kuritzkes, “Queer” (A24)

Jane Schoenbrun, “I Saw the TV Glow” (A24)

Julio Torres, “Problemista” (A24)

NON-ENGLISH LANGUAGE FILM OF THE YEAR

“All We Imagine as Light” (Sideshow / Janus Films)

“Emilia PĆ©rez” (Netflix)

“Flow” (Sideshow / Janus Films)

“Iā€™m Still Here” (Sony Pictures Classics)

“The Seed of the Sacred Fig” (Neon)

LGBTQ NON-ENGLISH FILM OF THE YEAR

“Crossing” (Mubi)

“Emilia PĆ©rez” (Netflix)

“Queendom” (Greenwich Entertainment)

“Vermiglio” (Sideshow / Janus Films)

“All Shall Be Well” (Strand Releasing)

UNSUNG FILM OF THE YEAR ā€“ to an exceptional movie worthy of greater attention

“Didi” (Focus Features)

“Hundreds of Beavers” (Cineverse, Vinegar Syndrome)

“My Old Ass” (Amazon MGM Studios)

“Problemista” (A24)

“Thelma” (Magnolia)

UNSUNG LGBTQ FILM OF THE YEAR ā€“ to an exceptional LGBTQ movie worthy of greater attention

“Femme” (Utopia)

“My Old Ass” (Amazon MGM Studios)

“National Anthem” (Variance, LD Entertainment)

“The Peopleā€™s Joker” (Altered Innocence)

“Problemista” (A24)

FILM PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR

Adrien Brody, “The Brutalist” (A24)

Daniel Craig, “Queer” (A24)

Colman Domingo, “Sing Sing” (A24)

Karla SofĆ­a GascĆ³n, “Emilia PĆ©rez” (Netflix)

Cynthia Erivo, “Wicked” (Universal)

Marianne Jean-Baptiste, “Hard Truths” (Bleecker Street)

Nicole Kidman, “Babygirl” (A24)

Mikey Madison, “Anora” (Neon)

Demi Moore, “The Substance” (Mubi)

Justice Smith, “I Saw the TV Glow” (A24)

SUPPORTING FILM PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR

Michele Austin, “Hard Truths” (Bleecker Street)

Yura Borisov, “Anora” (Neon)

Kieran Culkin, “A Real Pain” (Searchlight Pictures)

Ariana Grande, “Wicked” (Universal)

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, “Nickel Boys” (Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM Studios)

Jack Haven, “I Saw the TV Glow” (A24)

Clarence Maclin, “Sing Sing” (A24)

Guy Pearce, “The Brutalist” (A24)

Margaret Qualley, “The Substance” (Mubi)

Zoe SaldaƱa, “Emilia PĆ©rez” (Netflix)

DOCUMENTARY OF THE YEAR

“Dahomey” (Mubi)

“Daughters” (Netflix)

“The Remarkable Life of Ibelin” (Netflix)

“Sugarcane” (National Geographic)

“Will & Harper” (Netflix)

LGBTQ DOCUMENTARY OF THE YEAR

“Chasing Chasing Amy” (Level 33)

“Frida” (Amazon MGM Studios)

“Merchant Ivory” (Cohen Media Group)

“Queendom” (Greenwich Entertainment)

“Will & Harper” (Netflix)

ANIMATED FILM OF THE YEAR

“Flow” (Sideshow / Janus Films)

“Inside Out 2” (Disney)

“Memoir of a Snail” (IFC Films)

“Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl” (Netflix)

“The Wild Robot” (Universal, DreamWorks)

GENRE FILM OF THE YEAR – for excellence in science fiction, fantasy and horror

“Dune: Part Two” (Warner Bros.)

“I Saw the TV Glow” (A24)

“Nosferatu” (Focus Features)

“The Substance” (Mubi)

“Wicked” (Universal)

FILM MUSIC OF THE YEAR

Daniel Blumberg, “The Brutalist” (A24)

Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, “Challengers” (Amazon MGM Studios)

ClĆ©ment Ducol and Camille, “Emilia PĆ©rez” (Netflix)

Alex G, “I Saw the TV Glow” (A24)

John Powell and Stephen Schwartz, et al., “Wicked” (Universal)

VISUALLY STRIKING FILM OF THE YEAR

“The Brutalist” (A24)

“Dune: Part Two” (Warner Bros.)

“Nosferatu” (Focus Features)

“Nickel Boys” (Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM Studios)

“The Substance” (Mubi)

CAMPIEST FLICK

“Hundreds of Beavers” (Cineverse, Vinegar Syndrome)

“Madame Web” (Sony)

“Megalopolis” (Lionsgate)

“The” Substance” (Mubi)

“Trap” (Warner Bros.)

‘WEā€™RE WILDE ABOUT YOU!’ RISING STAR AWARD

Jonathan Bailey

Vera Drew

Karla SofĆ­a GascĆ³n

Jack Haven

Mikey Madison

Katy Oā€™Brian

Drew Starkey

WILDE ARTIST AWARD

To a truly groundbreaking force in entertainment

Colman Domingo

Luca Guadagnino

Coralie Fargeat

Jane Schoenbrun

Tilda Swinton

GALECA LGBTQIA+ FILM TRAILBLAZER

For creating art that inspires empathy, truth and equity

Vera Drew

Cynthia Erivo

Luca Guadagnino

Jane Schoenbrun

Julio Torres

TIMELESS STAR (Career achievement award)

Honoring an exemplary career marked by character, wisdom and with Demi Moore

Continue Reading

Photos

PHOTOS: Ms. Dik’s B-Day Show

Drag artists celebrate at Red Bear Brewing

Published

on

Drag artists perform at Red Bear Brewing on Friday, Feb. 7. (Washington Blade photo by Giuseppe LoPiccolo)

Drag artist Desiree Dik hosted the program at ‘Ms. Dik’s B-Day Show!’ at Red Bear Brewing Co. on Friday. Performers included Auntie Heronie, Ana Mosity, Johnny Alucard and Millie Merengue.

(Washington Blade photos by Giuseppe LoPiccolo)

Continue Reading

a&e features

D.C.ā€™s most eligible queer singles

Itā€™s not too late to find a date for Valentineā€™s Day

Published

on

Each year, the Blade seeks our readersā€™ help in identifying the most eligible local queer singles. Here is this yearā€™s list.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)


Hallie Oā€™Rourke, 26, non-profit management, lesbian

What are you looking for in a mate? Iā€™m looking for someone who is kind, loyal, intelligent, funny, and who shares my interests while also introducing me to new things. Iā€™m looking for a long term partner who can make me laugh every day and who inspires me to be a better version of myself.

Biggest turn off: Flaky and indecisive people.

Biggest turn on: (Over) communication, taking initiative, making plans.

Hobbies: I enjoy reading and am always in search of the next great book. I also adore arts and crafts and collage frequently. I love experimenting with new mediums and exploring different art forms.

What is your biggest goal for 2025? My biggest goal is to be more outgoing and comfortable introducing myself to strangers. Iā€™d love to go on more solo trips and meet new people around the world.

Pets, kids, or neither? Neither at the moment, but I am looking to get a cat in the near future.

Would you date someone whose political views differ from yours? No, Iā€™d like to be with someone who shares my core political values and beliefs.

Celebrity crush? Ruby Cruz

Name one obscure fact about yourself? Iā€™m a huge fan of ā€œThe Roomā€ (AKA the worst movie of the 21st century) and have met two of the cast members, including the infamous Tommy Wiseau.


Danielle Pasekoff, 25, Democratic strategist and community organizer, lesbian/she/her

What are you looking for in a mate? A genuine partnership! A hopeless romantic, good listener, always down for an adventure and perpetually optimistic.

Biggest turn off: Poor communication, dishonesty, apathy, loud chewing 

Biggest turn on: NJGs (Nice Jewish Girls) 

Hobbies: Watching reality TV, running, singing in the shower, going to concerts, game nights with friends, shopping, running a community group for queer women and trans folks! Check out DC Gay Girls Plus! 

What is your biggest goal for 2025? Finally make a dent in my ever-growing TBR book stack. 

Pets, kids, or neither? Neither but ultimately want both. 

Would you date someone whose political views differ from yours? Not in 2025!

Celebrity crush? Caitlin Clark

Name one obscure fact about yourself? I have six tattoos


Mauricio Pita, 39, actor/producer, gay

What are you looking for in a mate? Confidence, authenticity, creativity, resiliency, kindness, humor, and attraction. The rest we can figure out. 

Biggest turn off: Shame 

Biggest turn on:  A well-executed wink.

Hobbies: I love stories (movies, theater, books, poetry, gaming, music, writing, etc.) both as a receiver and a giver, dancing like no one (or everyone) is watching, and exploring new spaces. 

What is your biggest goal for 2025? To see more of my family. 

Pets, kids, or neither? I have the most chill Chihuahua, I’m open to all. 

Would you date someone whose political views differ from yours? It all depends, but we must agree on freedom. 

Celebrity crush? Right now, Drew Starkey from “Queer”

Name one obscure fact about yourself? My other career choices were Paleontology and Computer Science.


Portia McDaniels, 39, attorney, lesbian

What are you looking for in a mate? A thoughtful, kind monogamist woman to share life’s adventures. Willingness to laugh at my bad jokes is a plus. Find me on instagram @esqmasc 

Biggest turn off: Bad hygiene, rudeness especially to people in customer service, lateness without any warning

Biggest turn on: Effective communication, good sense of humor, loves fitness and staying active, a great signature scent 

Hobbies: Weightlifting, reading everything I’ve bought on Audible, trying new cocktail bars. During good weather, I enjoy kayaking and hiking. Soon to be: improving my Spanish and relearning Mandarin. 

What is your biggest goal for 2025? Hitting some new PRs in the gym, and being consistent with the gentle art (Brazilian jiu jitsu) 

Pets, kids, or neither? Neither right now, but I definitely want kids. Former dog mom who would love another pooch. Not opposed to cats, but they make me sneezy. 

Would you date someone whose political views differ from yours? It depends 

Celebrity crush? Janelle Monae, Zaynah Bear

Name one obscure fact about yourself? I was on NPR in college


Lily Kardell, 32, garden center manager, queer/lesbian/she/her

What are you looking for in a mate? A kind, confident soul who thrives on both independence and deep emotional connection. Theyā€™re creative and a great communicator. Their love languages are physical touch, words of affirmation, and quality time. 

Biggest turn off: Mean-spiritedness and arrogance. 

Biggest turn on: Empathy, passion, and a great sense of humor

Hobbies: I play weekly in a pool league (go Troublemakers!). I also enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and cycling in the summer. Ice skating, reading, fiber arts, and crafting are a few of my other favorite pastimes. 

What is your biggest goal for 2025? Iā€™m starting the next chapter of my career and Iā€™m determined to make it the best one yet! I also want to finish one of my many work in progress craft projects!  

Pets, kids, or neither? I’m all about that cool gay aunt life, but prefer to live as a pet and plant mom! I have an adorable, orange cat named Willow. Sheā€™s a rambunctious, little rescue and I love her like a daughter. 

Would you date someone whose political views differ from yours? In DC?!? No! Free Palestine, Black Lives Matter, trans rights are human rights!

Celebrity crush? This is such a fun question and was somehow the hardest for me to answer. I’d have to go with Sandra Oh, Niecey Nash, and weirdly even Jeff Goldblum!

Name one obscure fact about yourself? At age 11, I won first place in the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby Race (like the large ones that you can actually sit in). We raced down Constitution Avenue and finished right next to the Capitol.


David Draper, 32, early talent acquisition recruiter, gay

What are you looking for in a mate?  Iā€™m looking for someone who knows what he wants and is looking for someone who also knows what he wants. Iā€™d love to find a person who works on himself and is constantly striving to improve and be the best version of himself he can be (mentally, physically, emotionally). As someone who really enjoys ā€œdowntimeā€ and alone time Iā€™m looking for someone who I can be around and just ā€œbeā€ and enjoy each otherā€™s company. I enjoy nights out, but I have no problem calling it early-ish (like 12:30AM) and wouldnā€™t mind a person who likes to go out, but is also fine with leaving the bar/party early to go home and enjoy some downtime and hangout in a more peaceful environment.

Biggest turn off: My biggest turn off is assuming someone is feeling another way when they told you they were feeling one way (i.e. ā€œAre you upset?ā€ ā€œNo Iā€™m not upset.ā€ ā€œWell you see upset.ā€). Another big turn off is ā€œone upping.ā€ This applies to both positive things as well as negative things. And when people lack empathy.

Biggest turn on: My biggest non-physical turn on is emotional intelligence, a sense of humor/quick wit, and an appreciation of sarcasm. 

Hobbies: I’m a certified Bravoholic and consider watching The Real Housewives a hobby. I also have a Peloton bike and enjoy running, so staying active is important to me. I also attend a lot of concerts and Broadway shows, so my Ticketmaster app always has at least 2-3 tickets for upcoming events at various concert venues in and around D.C. 

What is your biggest goal for 2025? My biggest goal for 2025 is to continue prioritizing my physical, mental, and emotional health. Toward the end of 2024, I started a journey to develop better habits around working out, eating, drinking, and sleeping. This year, Iā€™m looking forward to maintaining and building on these healthier habits. A big milestone for me will be running my first marathon at the 2025 Chicago Marathon this fall. 

Pets, kids, or neither? Iā€™m a proud Cat Dad to Linus and Louie. 

Would you date someone whose political views differ from yours? Typically no. By no means would I expect to agree with everything, but would we need to agree on the fundamentals especially on social issues. 

Celebrity crush? Some combination of Chris Mazdzer, Jonathan Bailey, and/or Patrick (from Schittā€™s Creek)

Name one obscure fact about yourself? When I was 5, I refused to re-wear pairs of socks and ā€œdemandedā€ to my mom that I have a new pair every dayā€¦ that didnā€™t last. I guess you could say I was “particular.”


Finn Vigeland, 32, transportation planner, gay

What are you looking for in a mate? In no particular order: a guy who fits right in with my friends and family, whose intellect and hobbies charm me, who’s professionally motivated and loves what he does, who wants to travel with me, and who makes me laugh. 

Biggest turn off: Laziness/unprofessionalism, being uninterested in new adventures, disrespect to waitstaff, over dependence on cars 

Biggest turn on: Good dancer, takes the bus, is smart but loves a stupid joke, becomes friends with my friends in his own right 

Hobbies: Biking, board games, dance parties with friends, hosting Survivor watch parties, kickball, nerding out about transit, constructing crossword puzzles for the New York Times 

What is your biggest goal for 2025? tbh, find a boyfriend! 

Pets, kids, or neither? Neither currently, open to both 

Would you date someone whose political views differ from yours? Political views are a reflection of our values. If we aren’t aligned on values, we’re not a match. 

Celebrity crush? Jonathan Bailey but for at least the last 10 years! I’ve been on the bandwagon!

Name one obscure fact about yourself? In college I often gave celebrities and their kids campus tours. The coolest was Rob Lowe, the most random was a Korean R&B legend who brought a camera crew; I wound up on Korean TV in a reality series about her life.


SC Nealy, 35, mental health therapist, author, business owner, queer/gender fluid

What are you looking for in a mate? Emotional intelligence, strong communication, loyalty, honesty, and a whole lot of humor 

Biggest turn off: Cannot stand the smell of weed or cigarettes. It’s just not for me to be around! 

Biggest turn on: Gentleness, passion, thoughtfulness, and quiet strength 

Hobbies: I crochet little toy animals for friends and children, and I love to write. I also love socializing with my friends and being in community. 

What is your biggest goal for 2025? Continue to expand my business LGBT+ Counseling Collaborative and bring accessible, queer-celebratory mental health services to the DMV area. 

Pets, kids, or neither? I have two young daughters, and a dog and a cat. I accept people’s lives as they are and whatever comes with them. 

Would you date someone whose political views differ from yours? No, I would not. My political views are based in human dignity and equality. If that’s not something you can agree with or if money comes before people, I have no interest in exposing myself to your viewpoints.

Celebrity crush? Ruby Rose

Name one obscure fact about yourself? I won the 2024 Humanitarian of the Year Award from the Virginia Counselors Association.


Logan Dulski, 25, graphic designer, non-binary pansexual

What are you looking for in a mate? I’m looking for someone whoā€™s kind, funny, and more than a little nerdy ā€” someone who can commit to the bit. Bonus points if they have a solid karaoke go-to and appreciate the magic of a well-organized notion board. 

Biggest turn off: All the basic turn-offs like being rude to waitstaff or poor hygiene, but throw in being overly nonchalant. 

Biggest turn on: Someone witty, considerate, and knows what they want 

Hobbies: Playing Dungeons & Dragons (or any other ttrpgs), crochet, ballet, reading, playing video games, and tarot 

What is your biggest goal for 2025? My biggest goal for 2025 is to get my tarot deck, the Community & Connection Pocket Tarot, fully funded and printed by the end of the year. 

Pets, kids, or neither? Yes to pets. Hard no to kids. 

Would you date someone whose political views differ from yours? Absolutely not, especially if their views coincide with whether or not I should have basic human rights. 

Celebrity crush? Rhea Ripley, Pedro Pascal, and all of the band Sleep Token

Name one obscure fact about yourself? I took over 9 years of Mandarin lessons as a kid and still don’t know a lick of Mandarin.


Tristan Gess, 26, consultant, gay

What are you looking for in a mate? Iā€™m looking for someone whoā€™s ambitious and passionate about what they doā€”someone whoā€™s always chasing their goals and excited about whatā€™s next. I love going to workout classes, trying new coffee spots, and traveling, so itā€™d be great to have someone whoā€™s up for all of that too. And most importantly, I need someone who can handle a little friendly teasing but isnā€™t afraid to give it back. 

Biggest turn off: A big turn-off for me is when someone doesnā€™t take care of themselves or prioritize good hygiene. Itā€™s not about being perfect, but Iā€™m really drawn to people who put effort into their well-being and take pride in feeling their best. 

Biggest turn on: My biggest turn-on is someone whoā€™s confident but also charismatic. Thereā€™s something really attractive about a person who knows their worth, carries themselves well, and can effortlessly connect with people. Confidence without arrogance and a natural charm go a long way. 

Hobbies: My hobbies include going to Barryā€™s and Solidcore, spending time with my family at the lake, and staying up to date with energy and sustainability initiatives around the world. I love a good workout, quality time with the people who matter most, and keeping up with ways to make a positive impact on the planet. 

What is your biggest goal for 2025? My goal for 2025 is to be more mindful and present in every moment. I want to trust the process, knowing that just because one door closes doesnā€™t mean another isnā€™t opening. Itā€™s about staying grounded, making bold choices with confidence, and being open to whatever opportunities come my way. 

Pets, kids, or neither? Neither 

Would you date someone whose political views differ from yours? I feel pretty grounded and educated in my own political views, and while Iā€™m always open to hearing new perspectives and having thoughtful discussions, I do think thereā€™s a fine line when it comes to politics. Healthy conversations are great, but at a certain point, fundamental differences can become a deal breaker. 

Celebrity crush? Jonathan Bailey

Name one obscure fact about yourself? I fell off the lower deck of a cruise ship in Turkey once!


Sisi Reid, 32, actor/dancer/theater artist/educator, Black Queer Sensual Femme, Pansexual 

What are you looking for in a mate? Compassionate and thoughtful, playful, affectionate, practices wellness (physical, spiritual, emotional, mental), loves travel, values growth and self accountability, loves traveling together, open to navigating travel and distance in our relationship (I travel for work and solo travel), a willingness to co-design a committed relationship that is non escalator/unique to us, and values peace of mind and peace in home. 

Biggest turn off: Mean/unkind, unwillingness to listen/learn something new/be curious, lack of follow up with actions, and arrogance 

Biggest turn on:  Joy/your own sense of what nourishes your joy and practices you enjoy in your alone time, whole body listening, remembering and reflecting back to me (in your own way) things I do/say, someone who has dreams and goals for themselves

Hobbies: Dancing, being in nature, traveling locally and internationally, watching tv/movies, coloring/sketching, and exploring local arts events, festivals, museums. 

What is your biggest goal for 2025? To center my physical wellness, so my mind has more peace and to make and perform my solo dance performances on international stages. 

Pets, kids, or neither? Neither 

Would you date someone whose political views differ from yours? Yes, but if the views aren’t rooted in Black liberation, in justice, and a radical reimagining of these current systems, nah I don’t want that. 

Celebrity crush? Rutina Wesley

Name one obscure fact about yourself? My spirituality is nature, magical, kinky, and fueled by my imagination.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Advertisement

Sign Up for Weekly E-Blast

Follow Us @washblade

Advertisement

Popular