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Comings & Goings
Mitchell Gold’s work highlighted by Washington Post
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].
GLASS Caucus Board (Photo courtesy GLASS Caucus)
Congratulations to the new officers of the Gay, Lesbian and Allies Senate staff Caucus. GLASS caucus is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization open to all. Its purpose is to raise awareness of issues affecting the LGBTQ community, increase visibility and promote the welfare and dignity of LGBTQ employees of the United States Senate by providing a safe environment for social interaction and professional development.
The new officers are: Co-chair: Robert Curis (Sen. Debbie Stabenow); Co-chair: Tré Easton (Sen. Patty Murray); Treasurer: Peter Narby (Sen. Jeff Merkley); Secretary: Trelaine Ito (Sen. Brian Schatz); Social Engagement Director: Hans Hansen (Senate Sergeant at Arms); Membership Engagement Director: Russell Page (Sen. Martin Heinrich); Communications Director: Wyatt Larkin (Sen. Mark Warner).
The new leadership team was elected by a vote of GLASS Caucus members. GLASS Caucus co-chairs Robert Curis and Tré Easton released the following statement. “We look forward to a productive year of enhancing membership engagement, creating new opportunities for our members, and serving as a resource to make the Senate a more affirming and inclusive workplace.” They added “To that end, the GLASS Caucus will make it a priority to improve the representation of LGBTQ staffers — of queer women and people of color, in particular — on Capitol Hill. Many offices on both sides of the aisle can and should do more to make their staffs more representative of their constituencies, and we stand ready to help in those important efforts.”
The GLASS Caucus currently has two vacancies on the Steering Committee. In an effort to provide inclusive and representative leadership, GLASS encourages LGBTQ women, Republicans, staffers of color, and other underrepresented staff to apply. Staff interested in becoming involved with the GLASS Caucus can visit glasscaucus.org or email [email protected].
Congratulations also to Michael J. Heenan who not long ago joined Quorum as a Business Development Account Executive. Quorum bills itself “as the most comprehensive database of legislative information.” This is clearly information both for-profit and non-profit organizations in the DC area will find very useful. Their clients range from Walmart to the National Restaurant Association.
Michael brings a wealth of experience to his position. Most recently he worked for the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) as Assistant Director, Communications. He was their key media lead on legislative and political issues related to higher education, infrastucture, pensions, immigration and healthcare. He has also had experience working at Burson Marsteller, and Microsoft, Inc. He worked on the Hill working as Office Administrator for Congressman Eric J.J. Massa (NY-29) and was Assistant to the Iowa Field Director Hillary Clinton for President Campaign 2008. Michael has his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science & International Affairs from The George Washington University, Washington, DC. Michael told me Quorum is hiring so if you are in the job market take a look.
Michael Heenan (Photo courtesy of Heenan)
Congratulations also to one of our community’s icons Mitchell Gold. What a great surprise to get the Washington Post magazine this past weekend and see him on the cover. It’s great to see Mitchell‘s work receiving the recognition it deserves in a mainstream media publication in such a big way. Many in the D.C. community know Mitchell from his store Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams on 14th Street and many have been at one of the countless events he hosts for numerous non-profit organizations. His generosity is legendary. Others know him from the stores in their communities. But this magazine article illuminated all he does in the community of Alexander County, N.C., where he manufactures his furniture and near the place he makes his home.
We know Mitchell has made a lifelong commitment to get religious groups to understand, accept and welcome the LGBTQ+ community. He believes until they do we will never receive cultural equity no matter what the law says. Recently the organization Mitchell founded, Faith in America has joined with the Tyler Clementi Foundation to end religious-based bullying.
Mitchell Gold was featured on the cover of the Washington Post Magazine last weekend. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
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.
Blade welcomes fall intern
PHOTOS: Miss Gay Old Bay
SUNFESTIVAL takes center stage as Rehoboth Beach closes out summer
Anne Arundel schools now need parent permission to call trans students by preferred names
Shooting outside gay bar in Ariz. leaves three dead
San Francisco, long a queer safe haven, remains competitive for homebuyers
Calendar: August 28-September 3
‘Teenage Sex and Death’ has never been more entertaining
Actor Tim Curry dies at 80
