Local
A Welcome Lifeline
Paul Johnson went on a mini-vacation to Puerto Rico in April 2017. But his r&r was interrupted when his then-boyfriend noticed Paul’s feet, calves and thighs were extremely swollen. His feet barely fit in his shoes on the return flight to D.C.
In the next few months, Paul underwent several medical tests to determine what was wrong. Ultimately, he was diagnosed with a rare genetic autoimmune disorder. The news was bleak—Paul would need a kidney transplant if he had any chance of living a long life.
Paul, who rapidly gained 42 pounds of fluid and could hardly breathe at times, would receive overnight dialysis treatment several times a week so a machine could filter his blood to keep him alive. Despite his condition, Paul maintained his social life to stave off the depression. Unbeknownst to him, there was someone in his circle of friends paying extra close attention to Paul.
It was 2011 when Paul first met Ryan Maddock playing on opposing Stonewall Kickball teams. “There are certain people you meet, and right away you can tell they have a good heart. Ryan was one of those people,” said Paul.
When Paul grew ill, Ryan, a hospital social worker, knew something was up. During the next year or so, Ryan would check in with Paul and ask about his condition. “He didn’t just scratch the surface. Instead, he asked meaningful questions that brought me comfort. He was my lifeline.”
One day when the two were chatting on the sidelines, Ryan offered to be Paul’s kidney donor. Paul brushed him off because several friends had already started the process to see if they could be his donor, but each backed out. Paul figured Ryan would be no different.
In August 2019, Ryan pulled Paul aside for the fifth time and said, “I want to give you a kidney. I want to do this for you.”
Paul finally realized Ryan was serious and with his blessing, Ryan began the process to determine if his kidney was a match for Paul. Both were disappointed to learn that they were not a match. However, Ryan was determined to save Paul’s life so the two signed up to participate in a kidney swap. This meant Ryan would donate a kidney to someone else whom he matched with and in exchange Paul would receive a kidney from a matching donor.
On July 14, Paul and Ryan both went into surgery at Medstar Georgetown Transplant Institute. That morning, Ryan donated his kidney to an anonymous recipient in Boston. By evening, Paul received a new kidney from an anonymous donor in Cincinnati.
After Paul woke up from surgery, he had a visitor. It was Ryan, who needed to see for himself the relief on Paul’s face. “We are two good friends doing something extraordinary. We were always in this together.”
Both are recovering well after their surgeries and are already back to work. Paul plans to write a letter to show his gratitude to his kidney donor and hopes they can all meet someday.
“I don’t think there are words that are big enough to express my appreciation. This gift extended my life and changed everything for the better.”
Everyone can register to be an organ donor. Get the facts and register at BeADonor.org.
World Pride 2025
D.C. liquor board extends drinking hours for WorldPride
Gay bars, other liquor-serving establishments can stay open 24 hours
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.
World Pride 2025
Episcopal bishop to speak at WorldPride human rights conference
Trump demanded apology from Mariann Edgar Budde over post-Inauguration sermon
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.
World Pride 2025
Pabllo Vittar to perform at WorldPride
Brazilian drag queen, singer, joined Madonna on stage in 2024 Rio concert
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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