Local
Vatican official to speak at online LGBTQ event
April 3 webinar to address outreach to ‘marginalized and alienated’ Catholics
In what may be the first time a Vatican official will address an LGBTQ audience, the Mount Rainier, Md.-based LGBTQ Catholic group New Ways Ministry announced this week that a French nun who serves as the Undersecretary of the Vatican’s Synod of Bishops accepted an invitation to speak at an April 3 webinar organized by the group.
A statement released by New Ways Ministry says Sister Nathalie Becquart was scheduled to deliver a lecture at the webinar entitled, “Synodality: A Path of Reconciliation” beginning at noon eastern U.S. time through a Zoom broadcast of the event.
The Synod of Bishops, where Sister Becquart serves as Undersecretary, is an international deliberative and advisory body for the Catholic Church created by the Vatican in the 1960s. Church observers say Pope Francis has strengthened the Synod’s role in advising the church on sometimes controversial issues.
“The Synod of Bishops office at the Vatican is currently conducting a global consultation process with all Catholics, not just bishops and clergy,” the New Ways Ministry statement says. “Pope Francis has invited all people, even those who are marginalized and alienated from the church, to participate in the consultation,” the statement says.
Sister Becquart’s talk will focus on the “practical ways the Catholic Church can become a church which listens to all members” to determine the best ways to handle important issues, according to the statement.
“Sister Nathalie’s acceptance of our invitation is a strong sign that Pope Francis truly wants all people to be involved in the synod discussions taking place in our church today, including LGBTQ people who have too often felt excluded and unwelcome in Catholic spaces,” said Francis DeBernardo, New Ways Ministry’s executive director.
“For decades, LGBTQ people have tried to dialogue with Catholic leaders, and have been too often rebuffed,” said Sister Jeannine Gramick, one of New Ways Ministry’s co-founders. “Sister Nathalie’s encounter with LGBTQ people and their allies is hopefully only the beginning for rich, new dialogue talking root in the church,” Gramick said.
The New Way Ministry statement says Pope Francis appointed Sister Becquart to her position as the Vatican’s Undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops in February 2021, making her the first non-ordained person to hold the position. It says she also currently serves as a member of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication, which helps to establish church policies and oversees Church communications.
DeBernardo told the Washington Blade Sister Becquart will deliver her lecture in English. He said the April 3 webinar is open to the LGBTQ community and the public at large. Information about registering and gaining access to the online event can be obtained here.
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.
PDAB: A mysterious acronym that could affect your health
I make more money than my partner and getting resentful
D.C. liquor board extends drinking hours for WorldPride
PHOTOS: Victory Fund National Champagne Brunch
Executive director of LGBTQ Catholic group to travel to Rome for conclave
TRAITOR: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has blood on his hands
Potential Pope Francis successor views homosexuality as an ‘abomination’
Jacob Elordi rides high in ‘On Swift Horses’
Liberal Party wins Canadian election
