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Meet D.C.’s most eligible LGBTQ singles

Find a date just in time for Valentine’s Day

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Valentine’s Day is approaching and if you’re single, there’s still time to find a date. Each year, the Blade highlights D.C.’s Most Eligible Singles with help from our readers. Here is this year’s list.

Antoinette C., 36, marketing executive

Antoinette C. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

How do you identify? Queer/she/her

What are you looking for in a mate? A kind long-term partner who is looking to have a plus 1 in exploring and venturing into new hobbies, interests, and ways of thinking. Someone who isn’t afraid to have hard and honest conversations and is comfortable with failing at them and trying again; a good communicator!

Biggest turn off: Irritable around children, waitstaff or any person in customer service, and too serious.

Biggest turn on: Great sense of humor, not afraid to be “emotional”, hobby/interest they love and are committed to, and they have established friends/friend groups.

Hobbies: I play with ChocCityCornhole and go to tournaments during the week. Presently learning ASL (slowly), attending Broadway shows, puzzles/Legos, interactive art exhibits

What’s your biggest goal for 2024? Kickstart one of the many business ideas I have locked up in my head. And, learn four recipes I can cook from memory and keep the taste consistent each time.

Pets, kids, neither? I have one dog. I love kids and would love to have kids in my life – whether that’s adopting, by surrogate, or simply fostering.

Would you date someone whose political views differ from your own? It depends.

Celebrity crush: Regina King and Florence Pugh

Name one obscure fact about yourself: Finding a job in finance in 2009 was rough. I did odd jobs with my roommates. One job was cleaning Whitney Houston’s house in Mendam, N.J.

Ashley Smith, 48, hotel management/community volunteer leader

Ashley Smith (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

How do you identify? Gay

What are you looking for in a mate? Someone who is personable, witty, charming, loving, driven, a visionary, who is motivated, possesses a great sense of humor, is adventurous, spontaneous, and a leader, who is considerate, passionate, and well rounded.

Biggest turn off: A lack of respect for one’s self and others, someone who lacks humility and is not driven.

Biggest turn on: A great smile, someone who is smart, physically active, able to hold thought-provoking conversations, and we enjoy each others’ company.

Hobbies: Working out, travel, reading, family time, movies, board games, theater, music, learning about wine, meeting new people and learning more of their experiences to know how we all can work to achieve goals, listener, motivator, and supporter.

What’s your biggest goal for 2024? In addition to continuing to work out, I would like to add more family time, visit three new countries, and devote more time to building an even better version of myself as I strive to make the most out of the journey of life.

Pets, kids, neither? None

Would you date someone whose political views differ from your own? Not typically.

Celebrity crush: Rege-Jean Page, just one of many different crushes!

Name one obscure fact about yourself: My passion is to make people smile and see the best they have to offer to the world. Always best to lift your family and friends up. And had the pleasure of singing in the Opening and Closing 1996 Olympic Ceremonies with the Morehouse College Glee Club.

Mark Stephens, 45, business development and marketing/advertising for iHeart Media

Mark Stephens (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

How do you identify? Most importantly, I identify as a human being, proudly southern born and bred. No one should be 100% defined by any self-imposed labels. I’ve always referred to myself as “just gay” – because that was the only label available when I was figuring myself out, but I have traits that align with both pansexual and demisexual identities. The most important being that physical attraction, for me, is only 20% of the equation. The other 80% is determined by personality, trust, and connection over time.

What are you looking for in a mate? “Am I LOOKING for a mate?” would be more accurate. Ultimately, yes, I’d love to find someone who is confident, self-sufficient, with a LARGE personality. They’ll need to have a very diverse set of interests, activities, and be willing to share them with me while they explore mine. They’d have to challenge and inspire me to be a better person and I would want to do the same for them.

Biggest turn off: Indifference

Biggest turn on: A caring, sincere personality and a GREAT (read as: dorky) sense of humor.

Hobbies: I’m equally comfortable walking a red carpet, sitting in a boardroom, climbing under a car or on top of a horse. I love the theater – spent years of my life performing professionally (acting, singing, dancing, stunt work) and enjoy all kinds of shows, from either side of the curtain. I love horses, horseback riding. I also enjoy diving elbow-deep into an engine, working on cars, and recently added boat engines to that list, too.

I am passionate about helping others. I serve on the board of directors for the Maryland STEM Festival, volunteer with Capital Pride, and fundraise for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

What’s your biggest goal for 2024? I’m in a rebuilding phase of sorts, so there are several. I’m looking forward to getting into my new house, then rebuilding my life after several really hard losses and changes over the past seven months. Details available, inquire within. Not what you came here to read.

Pets, kids, neither? In a weird & unexpected turn of events this past year, I now have both. My incredible nephew recently moved in with me, because the DMV is a much safer and friendlier place to pursue his gender transition than his home state of Alabama AND he brought his cat with him. It’s a really good thing I love my nephew, because his cat is not even trying to curry favor with me. It’s quite the opposite, actually. For context, the cat is appropriately named Hela after the Norse Goddess of Death and Destruction. The nephew’s name is Matt, just like the book of the Bible.

Would you date someone whose political views differ from your own? This answer depends on how MUCH they differ. Of course, there is a point where the opposing views might prove too much to handle, however, I’m not interested in being surrounded by people with the exact same views as me. We learn, grow, and evolve from those with whom we surround ourselves. Seeking out identical political views seems boring to me – make me challenge and defend my own views and I’ll do the same in return.

Celebrity crush: Sorry folks, but if Ricky Martin, Jason Momoa or Sandra Bullock come calling – I’m gonna carpe THAT diem!

Name one obscure fact about yourself: I’m severely allergic to ALL artificial sweeteners.

Ashanti Martinez, 27, Maryland state delegate

Ashanti Martinez (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

How do you identify? Gay

What are you looking for in a mate? Genuine partnership — I’ve been in situations where things weren’t evenly yoked, and it ultimately led to issues.

Biggest turn off: Poor personal hygiene and unnecessary rudeness to service workers.

Biggest turn on: A warm smile and inviting eyes.

Hobbies: Spending time with loved ones. I work often, so any free time I have I try to spend with the people I love.

What’s your biggest goal for 2024? My goal for this year is to do the most good for as many people as possible.

Pets, kids, neither? Yes to both.

Would you date someone whose political views differ from your own? It’d be difficult, especially because of my career.

Celebrity crush: Jeremy Pope, Keiynan Lonsdale and Omar Apollo

Name one obscure fact about yourself: If you’re into astrology well, I’m a Taurus who was raised by a Taurus and has multiple Taurus family members and best friends.

Molly Whitehorn, 30, campaign professional at the Human Rights Campaign

Molly Whitehorn (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

How do you identify? Bi

What are you looking for in a mate? Someone funny, smart, independent, and confident. I love meeting different types of people and experiencing new things; I’d love to find someone who is friendly and can easily adapt to different social situations.

Biggest turn off: Rudeness and folks who don’t pay attention to current events.

Biggest turn on: Kindness and a good sense of humor

Hobbies: Reading, barre, going to museums, pilates, thrifting, indoor cycling, volunteering, and watching horror movies.

What’s your biggest goal for 2024? I want to become an early morning workout person. It’s not going great so far.

Pets, kids, neither? You tell me.

Would you date someone whose political views differ from your own? Republicans need not apply.

Celebrity crush: Julien Baker, duh!

Name one obscure fact about yourself: I used to host a concert web series out of Elvis’s first home in Memphis.

DJ Heat, 44, DJ

DJ Heat (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

How do you identify? Lesbian

What are you looking for in a mate? Someone to share my world and have fun/laugh with. I picture us doing everything from going to concerts and sporting events, to strolling the cereal aisle, lol.

Biggest turn off: People who have constant negative energy and a pessimistic outlook. Rudeness and impatience toward others is also a big turn off, as well as the overuse of Snapchat filters.

Biggest turn on: A beautiful smile and intelligence. I’m also a sucker for a woman that can cook. I know that a lot of love goes into preparing a meal for a loved one, and I’m greatly appreciative of that.

Hobbies: I’m one of the few people that still loves going to the bookstore and purchasing books and magazines. When the weather is nice I love being outdoors, visiting parks, museums, etc. And of course going to live music and sporting events.

What’s your biggest goal for 2024? My two biggest goals are health and career related. I’m a firm believer though in working in silence and letting the success be the noise. So I will definitely share the accomplishments once they happen. Because they WILL happen.

Pets, kids, neither? I don’t have any pets or kids, but I LOVE dogs! I can’t wait to get one. I have my eyes set on a Shiba Inu.

Would you date someone whose political views differ from your own? It truly depends on what their views are. As a Black gay woman, it’s definitely a problem if you have views aligned with a politician that is against rights for Blacks, gays, and women.

Celebrity crush: Issa Rae and Janelle Monae. Whew!

Name one obscure fact about yourself: I’m currently on a journey to try as many different hot chocolates as possible.

Alex Held, 34, small business manager

Alex Held (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

How do you identify? Gay male

What are you looking for in a mate? I’m looking for a companion someone to share life with and go on adventures together.

Biggest turn off: People who don’t vote. Especially in this political era.

Biggest turn on: Someone that takes care of their physical and mental health and is open and accepting of others.

Hobbies: I love staying active and I regularly box, lift, run, bike, or swim. In addition I love music festivals and EDM.

What’s your biggest goal for 2024? To help elect a Democratic majority in the House and Senate and defeat Donald Trump.

Pets, kids, neither? I love pets and have a Brittany named Mila. I also like cats and all other animals. I’m undecided on kids at this time, but I’m open to the idea.

Would you date someone whose political views differ from your own? Potentially; however, I can’t be down with a MAGA Republican.

Celebrity crush: Michael B. Jordan

Name one obscure fact about yourself: As a kid I grew up bottle feeding baby cows.

Nati Reyes, 35, cancer research

Nati Reyes (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

How do you identify? Queer  

What are you looking for in a mate? Looking for someone to be as silly and goofy as I am. Interested in traveling, even just for short trips. Has a decent personal or social life (ie. hobbies ). If you are a great communicator who has currently or recently been to therapy, is super hot to me. In general, a person who is queer, Sapphic, Trans or Non binary, who is interested in growing old together. ( compatibility and chemistry is important). Age isn’t too much of a deal breaker, but 28+ would be nice.

Biggest turn off: People who are mean spirited, send mixed signals, aren’t confident in who they are or what they want, and anyone who thinks they are always right.

Biggest turn on: A sense of humor, confidence, GREAT kisser, quality time and a sucker for a nice smile. ( Oh, did I mention therapy?)

Hobbies: I’m part of a trivia team, roller skate, in a band called 2 hit wonders, and I do a varied amount of community building and organizing from south Korea to NYC to DC. My passion is holding space of mutual care and support of marginalized groups.

What’s your biggest goal for 2024? My biggest goal in 2024 is to get more connected with meditation and the metaphysical world. Work on doing more creative work that I love and to rest.

Pets, kids, neither? I have a cat who I’m allergic to but I love her.

Would you date someone whose political views differ from your own? In 2024? No.

Celebrity crush: Surprisingly, I don’t have one. If I had to I’d say Aubrey Plaza and Rihanna.

Name one obscure fact about yourself: Maybe not that obscure but I really try to hide that I snort when I laugh.

Nicole Lohr, 41, attorney

Nicole Lohr (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

How do you identify? Gay

What are you looking for in a mate? Haha, uh, mate is such a weird word. I want to be with someone who is confident, driven, and authentic. But most importantly, someone who has a great sense of humor — who can make the whole room laugh. 

Biggest turn off: Insecurity, rudeness, and open-mouth chewing.

Biggest turn on: Intellectual, sporty, long-haired butches.

Hobbies: Playing pickleball, traveling, and watching “Jeopardy” and the Celtics.

What’s your biggest goal for 2024? Paint a wall in my house a fun color and start lifting weights so I can live longer.

Pets, kids, neither? I have a chunky orange cat named Lasagna.

Would you date someone whose political views differ from your own? Republican? No. Communist? Maybe.

Celebrity crush: Naomi McPherson, Tegan Quin, Kelley O’Hara, Elena Delle Donne, Kate McKinnon, and Towa Bird.

Name one obscure fact about yourself: I actually have wildly curly hair.

Sarah Pope, 32, nonprofit director

Sarah Pope (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

How do you identify? Nonbinary, queer

What are you looking for in a mate? Someone kind that strikes the balance between playful, curious, and motivated to change the world for the better. 

Biggest turn off: Being on your phone during a date, being rude to service workers, and putting down others, even if it’s a “joke.”

Biggest turn on: Flirty and witty banter, a great smile, and engaging body language.

Hobbies: The two p’s – pottery and plants. I can make you a vase and then put a clipping in it. I also watch way too much TV, but balance it out by reading a fair amount.

What’s your biggest goal for 2024? Continuing to build more community and trying more things that scare me.

Pets, kids, neither? A three-legged cat son named Birdie.

Would you date someone whose political views differ from your own? If it’s a political view akin to “I prefer tea over coffee,” I can work with that, but otherwise need to be aligned.

Celebrity crush: To capture the spectrum: Mae Martin, Janelle Monae, Alexandra Hedison, Devendra Banhart

Name one obscure fact about yourself: I get really into the spoken portion of songs – think the part of “One of Your Girls,” when he goes “Look at you, skip the application, interview.” Big on a dramatic reading and any excuse to be a tiny bit theatrical.

Ralph Alston, 35, graphic designer

Ralph Alston (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

How do you identify? he/him/his

What are you looking for in a mate? Charm, a sense of humor, and an active lifestyle (physically or socially)

Biggest turn off: Gossip

Biggest turn on: Equal parts smiles and surprises.

Hobbies: Playing Just Dance, tending to my plants, hot tubs, league sports (darts, bocce, cornhole, trivia) and anything crafty.

What’s your biggest goal for 2024? This year, I really want to break out of my comfort zone and try something new. Maybe it’s hiking, maybe studying a new language. Something I don’t have to do on my own would be pretty great too! 

Pets, kids, neither? I have my four-year-old Pug named Tofu. He’s soft, squishy, and easy to spoil, and a Sag just like dad.

Would you date someone whose political views differ from your own? I don’t think I could. (I’m a liberal, btw.)

Celebrity crush: Michael B. Jordan

Name one obscure fact about yourself: I love to cook, but I have the ability to recreate any dish I’ve ever eaten, without ever referring to a recipe.

Malachi J. Stewart, 35, public health analyst

Malachi J. Stewart (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

How do you identify? Queer/gay  

What are you looking for in a mate? Communicative, transparency, confidence and ambition.  

Biggest turn off: Deception, manipulation, and elitism. 

Biggest turn on: Empathy, vulnerability, and strong verbal communication skills. 

Hobbies: Kickboxing/boxing, skating, bowling and museums. 

What’s your biggest goal for 2024? Launching a college-based sexual health campaign.  

Pets, kids, neither? I have a very possessive Shorkie, so I’m a dog lover! Kids are optional. 

Would you date someone whose political views differ from your own? Of course. Let’s talk about it. Perhaps you can convince me? 

Celebrity crush: Winston Duke 

Name one obscure fact about yourself: As a kid, I was An ASL interpreter for my church.  

Megan Green, 31, practice owner and psychotherapist

Megan Green (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

How do you identify? Lesbian 

What are you looking for in a mate? In a mate I look for someone ideally my age, who is kind, confident. I am looking for someone who knows what is important to her and is living in accordance with that. 

Biggest turn off: My biggest turn off is probably “negging”. I am a Leo and one of my love languages are words of affirmation. Words matter a lot to me. 

Biggest turn on: I love watching someone’s face light up when they talk about something they are passionate about. Whatever it is you can’t get off your mind, I want to hear about. 

Hobbies: I enjoy fitness, crafts, video games, cooking, reading and reality TV. 

What’s your biggest goal for 2024? I am investing time and money into developing a plot of land into a rental property in eastern Georgia. So that is a goal I am actively working on and hoping to make a lot of progress with this year.  

Pets, kids, neither? I have neither, I have no qualms about dating a pet parent. I am not sure that I am interested in children. 

Would you date someone whose political views differ from your own? No. 

Celebrity crush: Kristin Kreuk 

Name one obscure fact about yourself: I can sing pretty well. 

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Summer in the City: drag, dancing, and queer culture galore

Celebrate the season with these 13 LGBTQ events in D.C.

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See ‘The Greatest Showman’ under the stars at Stead Park on Aug. 9. (Photo courtesy of 20th Century Fox)

Looking for fun LGBTQ events this summer in D.C.? Comedy, drag, history—it’s all here.

Friday, July 18, 7 P.M. Lesbian Happy Hour @ Ven at Embassy Row (2015 Mass Ave NW). Are you a Lesbian looking for a group of sapphic friends or love? Look no further than the three-hour happy hour at the Ven Hotel. Enjoy specials on beer, canned cocktails, and select wine with karaoke in the gallery of the hotel. Take in the “Let’s Stand for Love” LGBTQ art exhibit while meeting other female-identifying women who love women and enjoy a drink. The event is free, but tickets are required. Tickets are available at Meetup.com.

Saturday, July 19, 11 A.M. LGBTQ+ Community Brunch @ Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant (555 23rd St. S, Arlington, Virginia 22202).
Join TJ Flavel and the Go Gay DC team as they support one of the longest running LGBTQ+ establishments in the DMV while meeting new LGBTQ community members and allies for brunch. Cost is free to attend, but food is pay for yourself. Tickets are required for a head count. Tickets are available at eventbrite.com.

Sunday, July 20, 8 P.M. 2025 DC Drag Awards @ Trade (1410 14th St NW).
Join some of D.C.’s most revered drag performers as they put on the third annual D.C. Drag Awards. Watch as Evry Pleasure, Crystal Edge, and Cake Pop! Host a night dedicated to honoring all things LGBTQ nightlife. From the best DJs, Drag Queens (and Kings!), and much more. The event is 21+ with tickets $10 available online at sickening.events or at the door day of.

Wednesday, July 23, 7 P.M. LGBTQ+ Womens History Walking Tour @ Logan Circle. Take a one-hour guided tour focusing on the accomplishments and history of LGBTQ women in the Logan Circle neighborhood, including the queer women poets and scholars of D.C.’s Black Renaissance, the historic Sisterspace bookstore, and much more. The tour will be given by a Rainbow History Project researcher and will cover the west side of Logan Circle to 14th Street. Tickets are pay-what-you-can at eventbrite.com.

Thursday, July 24, 6:30 P.M. LGBTQ+ Museum After Hours @ Capital Jewish Museum (575 3rd St., N.W.). Looking for a fabulous way to celebrate queer Jewish history in D.C.? Head to the Capital Jewish Museum for LGBT Jews in the Federal City After Hours—a night of storytelling, cocktails, and glittering drag, Explore the museum’s powerful exhibition with curator spotlight talks, lavender gin and tonics from the cash bar, make your own Pride button, and catch electrifying drag performances by ANDi EROGENOUS, Druex Sidora, and many more. Catalyst Hot Dogs Food Truck will be on site (with veggie and vegan options). Tickets include access to all exhibitions and cost $10 for members and $15 for general admission. Must be 21+ with valid ID. Tickets available at capitaljewishmuseum.org.

Friday, July 25, 10 P.M. Broke Gay Boys @ BUNKER (2001 14th St NW)
Summer’s been hot—but your bank account? Not so much. Enter Broke Gay Boys, BUNKER’s monthly recession-friendly rager for the fabulous and financially unstable. There’s no cover all night with $6 drinks until midnight and a whole lot of sweaty, stress-free dancing. This month features the return of NYC DJ Autogyro, spinning high-energy house and techno to help you forget about that Fire Island impulse trip or your mounting brunch debt. Come party like your rent’s not due. 21+ only.

Saturday, July 26, 9 P.M. JOX: Underwear Party @ The Green Lantern (1335 Green Ct NW). Strip down and gear up for JOX, the original Green Lantern underwear party. This monthly bash invites you to show off your best jocks, briefs, or boxers on a packed dance floor fueled by beats from DJ Jake Maxwell. All genders are welcome with a $5 cover at the door- that includes complimentary clothes check. The party starts at 9PM and goes late. 21+ only.

Sunday, July 27, 1:30 P.M. Gaymers Tabletop Sunday @ MLK Jr. Library (901 G St NW) room 401-G. Join DC’s LGBTQ board game group DC Gaymers as they play classic and new board games with fellow LGBTQ board game enthusiasts. For more information, visit the DC Gaymers’ instagram at dc.gaymers.

Monday, July 28, 8 P.M. CLOCKED Comedy x SqueakyFest 25 @ As You Are (500 8th St SE). In honor of Disability Pride Month, CLOCKED Comedy is teaming up with nonprofit The Squeaky Wheel SqueakyFest ’25—the first-ever national disability comedy festival. Catch hysterical sets from disabled DMV superstars including Brian Beddoe, Lee Swanson, host Ryan Schaefer, and headliner Jenny Cavallero. Expect wit, unapologetic humor, and a lineup that proves laughter is the best medicine—especially when healthcare isn’t accessible. Tickets benefit Squeaky Wheel Media. Tickets are $15 and available at As You Are’s linktree (linktr.ee/ayadc).

Wednesday, July 30, 7 P.M. LGBTQ+ History Walking Tour @ Dupont Circle.
Take a one-hour guided tour of the west side of Dupont and the P Street corridor. The tour will be given by a Rainbow History Project researcher and will a multitude of topics and events including the Gay Liberation Front of the 1970s, Queer spaces like Badlands and Apex, how Lesbians swallowed fire at the First Dyke March, and how P Street beach became one of the cruising spots in the city. Tickets are pay-what-you-can at eventbrite.com.

Wednesday, July 30, 8 P.M. LGBTQ+ Self-Defense Seminar @ VIDA Fitness – U Street (1612 U St NW). Looking to feel safer, stronger, and more supported? Join the DC LGBTQ Community Center and the Wanda Alston Foundation for a free Jiu-Jitsu self-defense seminar designed specifically for LGBTQ+ survivors of partner violence. Held at VIDA Fitness on U Street, this empowering evening will cover practical techniques to boost confidence, foster safety, and connect you with affirming resources. The seminar is free, but space is limited — and a signed waiver is required to participate. Must be 21+ with valid photo ID. RSVP is available at wandaalstonfoundation.org.

Thursday, July 31, 9 P.M. Deep Cvnt: CVNTRY Mini Ball Deluxe @ Crush (2007 14th St NW). Giddy up, glam fam! Deep Cvnt is back for another wild ride with a CVNTRY Mini Ball Deluxe—a queer rodeo hoedown like no other. Throw on your cowboy hat, dust off your chaps, and head to Crush for a night of high-energy ballroom, fashion, and fierce competition. Join the stacked panel of judges including Bombshell Monroe, Tonka Garcon, Aphrodite, Bang 500, and Girliepop! Expect a rodeo chitlin circuit with a whole lot of cvnt. 21+ only.

Thursday, July 31, 2025 5 P.M. Live at the Library @ The Library of Congress (101 Independence Ave SE). Step into the Library of Congress for one of the coolest happy hours in the city. Immersing yourself in the library’s exhibits, collections and programs with drinks and food (available for purchase) in some of the most stunning spaces in the District. Tickets are free but required. They are available at loc.gov.

Saturday, August 9, 8:30 P.M. – Movie in the Park: The Greatest Showman” @ Stead Park (1625 P St NW). Join the community for an enchanting outdoor screening of “The Greatest Showman” under the stars at Stead Park. Celebrate individuality, inclusion, and the magic of being unapologetically yourself with the help of Zendaya, Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, and Michelle Williams. Bring a blanket, some snacks, and your chosen family—no tickets required.

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From Prohibition to Pride: Queering the District podcast reveals local LGBTQ history

The new podcast explores the hidden history and enduring impact of queer spaces in Washington, D.C.

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From left, Ellie Stuckrath and Abby Stuckrath (Photo courtesy of Queering the District Podcast)

On June 25, as Pride month inched toward its end, three queer creators launched an ambitious project to honor the spaces that built D.C.’s LGBTQ community—and connect them to today’s queer life. The first episode of their podcast, Queering the District, hit streaming platforms that day, aiming to spotlight what host and co-creator Abby Stuckrath calls “third places”: bars, clubs, and gathering spots that have served as hubs for queer life across the city.

Each episode of the 10-part series delves into a different piece of D.C.’s queer past—from landmark clubs to untold personal stories—told through the voices of drag legends, activists, DJs, historians, and patrons who lived it. The show also threads together personal experiences from today’s community, bringing the listener on an auditory journey from Prohibition-era speakeasies to contemporary nights out at places like As You Are or Saints & Sinners.

Abby Stuckrath, alongside her sibling Ellie Stuckrath, and producer Mads Reagan, make up the podcast’s creative team. A recent journalism graduate of American University, Abby told the Blade that her passion for queer storytelling began during college—and that D.C. itself played a defining role in shaping her queer identity.

“I went to American University. I graduated last year and studied journalism. When I was in school, I always wanted to focus on queer stories – especially in D.C., because I’m from Denver, Colorado, I’ve never lived in a place like this before. D.C. has always just kind of been a place I call home when it comes to my queer identity.”

But breaking into the media to tell those stories wasn’t easy. Stuckrath quickly learned that editorial support—and funding—for queer-focused projects is limited. So she decided to do it her own way.

“I kind of found out that if you want to tell stories, you kind of have to do it on your own– especially when it comes to queer stories. There’s not a lot of people begging for us to talk about queer people and to pay you for it. So I was like, ‘Okay, let’s just do it on my own.’”

The idea for the podcast first took root in conversations with Ellie, Abby’s sibling and biggest supporter. Ellie had also moved to D.C. to find more space to explore and express their queer and gender identities. Together, the two began shaping a vision that would combine storytelling, sound design, and grassroots community input.

“I was like, ‘I don’t know what exactly I want to do yet, but I want it to be queer, and I want it to be about D.C., and it’s going to be called Queering the District, and we’re going to find out what that means.’ And Ellie is my biggest supporter, and my best friend. And they were like, ‘Hell yeah. Like, let’s do this.’ And so we decided to just do it together.”

The name stuck—and so did the mission. The team began researching queer D.C. history and found a city overflowing with stories that had rarely been documented, especially in mainstream archives.

“We started looking up the history of queer culture in D.C., and it kind of just clicked from there,” Stuckrath said. “I did not know anything about how rich our history is in the city until one Google search, and then I just kept learning more and more. I was kind of pissed because I studied gender studies in school in D.C. and didn’t learn shit about this.”

Season one focuses on the role of third places—non-work, non-home spaces where queer people could gather, exist fully, and build community.

“Third places have always been the epicenter of queer life… places outside of just your own personal home, because sometimes that isn’t a safe place. And of course, the work most commonly in the past and still today, isn’t a safe place for queer people to be full of themselves. So like, bars were the first place for queer people to really thrive and meet each other.”

To make the show participatory, Queering the District includes a twist: a voicemail line where anyone can call in and share a memory or question. The team calls the phone “Fifi”—a nod to the kind of retro guestbooks often used at weddings, but reimagined for queer nightlife and history.

“We wanted to find a way for people to share their stories with us anonymously… so even though we start in Prohibition, we wanted to connect it to now—like, those people who were singing jazz to each other in a white queer bar are connected to you singing karaoke on a Sunday night at your favorite gay bar. We’re all interconnected by this third place of queer bars in D.C.”

Those connections are emotional as well as historical. While building the series, one realization hit Stuckrath particularly hard: the immense loss of queer spaces in D.C., especially in neighborhoods that have since been heavily redeveloped.

“Every time I go to a Nats game, I think about, well, this just replaced five gay bars that used to be here. It used to be the home of Ziegfeld’s… Tracks, which was almost 2,000 square feet, with a volleyball court in the back, a fire pit, and iconic light show. I just didn’t know that we had that, and it made me sad for the queer elders that are in our city now who walk the streets and don’t see all those places they used to call home.”

That sense of loss—alongside the joy and resilience of queer community—is what the show aims to capture. As the podcast continues, Abby hopes it serves as both a celebration and an educational tool, especially for young LGBTQ people arriving in D.C. without realizing the queer foundations they’re walking on.

“D.C. is a unique city, and specifically young queer people who are hoping to move to the city—to know that you’ve got to know your history to be here. I hope this serves as an easier way for you to consume and learn about queer history, because queer history defines how we move in life.”

And for all the voices still left out, Abby is clear: this podcast is an open door, not a final word.

“This is a perfectly imperfect podcast. We should just be a starting point. We shouldn’t be the ending point.”

New episodes of Queering the District drop every Wednesday on all major platforms.

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Doug Spearman takes his chance

‘Noah’s Arc: The Movie’ debuted on Paramount+ last month

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(Photo courtesy of Paramount+)

There’s no question that when Patrik-Ian Polk’s series “Noah’s Arc” premiered on Logo 20 years ago, it was a groundbreaking creation. The story of a group of Black gay men and their wonderful friendship. The titular arc was that of the cute main character, Noah (Darryl Stephens), and his close-knit circle of friends, including Chance played by gay actor Doug Spearman. This compelling and loving fraternity may, in fact, be what brought viewers back repeatedly, including a 2008 movie, “Noah’s Arc: Jumping the Broom,” as well as the 2020 “Noah’s Arc” short, and now, a new full-length feature “Noah’s Arc: The Movie,” debuting on Paramount+ on June 20. In the movie, filled with equal measures of laughs and tears, Chance, who has faced a devastating loss, finds his dependable friends there, ready to support and comfort him at a moment’s notice. I had the pleasure of speaking with Spearman the morning of the streaming premiere of “Noah’s Arc: The Movie.”

WASHINGTON BLADE: Doug, since the early 2000s, when the “Noah’s Arc” series premiered on Logo, you have been playing the character of Chance, including in the latest installment, “Noah’s Arc: The Movie.” What was it about Chance that appealed to you as an actor?

SPEARMAN: When Patrik (-Ian Polk) called me to ask me to play him (Chance), I was at JFK airport in the baggage claim, waiting for a suitcase. He explained what the part was. The thing that stuck out to me was the fact that Chance was in a long-term relationship with another Black man. And, they had a child; they had a 4-year-old daughter named Kenya. I had never seen two Black gay men raise a child on TV before. I thought it was the most revolutionary thing I’d ever seen. I immediately thought I’ve got to do this because that was something nobody had seen. I thought it was incredibly important to take the part.

BLADE: “Noah’s Arc: The Movie” was, once again, written and directed by Patrik-Ian Polk, who you just mentioned, is the creator of the entire franchise. What’s the secret to your long-standing working relationship?

SPEARMAN: [Laughs] the whole team, all of us, are like a band of brothers. We fight like brothers, we come together like brothers, we hash things out, we talk, because we’re all very different from our characters. I think the challenge of playing these guys and then uplifting these men, playing a part, especially something written by Patrik, is like solving a math equation. There’s always a challenge that’s enjoyable for me as an actor: to try to find out what it is that Patrik wants, and then how do I do it.

BLADE: I think you do a very good job of it.

SPEARMAN: Thank you very much

BLADE: In the years between “Jumping the Broom” and the new full-length movie, many changes have occurred, and the story addresses some of them, including gay widowhood, which is something that the aging community is now confronting, as well as mental health issues. Please say a few words about how you approached those subjects in the new movie.

SPEARMAN: I had a lot of loss in my life, right before we started shooting. Two months before we started shooting the first series, my mother died. I was going through the grief process through that whole first season. Since then, I’ve lost a lot of people in my life. In fact, when we started shooting the second season, the second week we were shooting, my ex died of a heart attack. I was having to fold that into what I was doing with my life on the set and off the set. You’ve got to show up and you’ve got to do your work. The first two seasons of “Noah’s Arc” are always tinged with the memory of grief. So, when I had to deal with the death that Chance faces (in the new movie), which is a significant death in his life, it wasn’t that hard to reach back, especially the scene in the graveyard. It was something that I unfortunately could pull from personal experience.

BLADE: Shifting gears, the movie features delightful cast surprises, including Jasmine Guy and TS Madison. Did you have a chance to interact with either or both when they were on set?

SPEARMAN: No, I didn’t have any scenes with Jasmine, and I missed her. I wish I had gotten to see her because I actually got to direct Jasmine for a CBS promo shoot for “Queen,” back in the early ‘90s. I had a huge crush on her when she was on “A Different World.” So, I really would have liked to reconnect. But TS and I got to see each other every day because I was in all her scenes. It was extraordinary being around somebody like that. That is one outspoken woman!

BLADE: Even though Beyoncé never makes an appearance in the movie, there’s a lot of talk about her. Would you say you are a Beyoncé fan?

SPEARMAN: Yes! I’m breathing! Yes, I’m a Beyoncé fan. I actually got the chance to meet her. I knew her mom. Her mom was extraordinary to me. She is in the second movie I directed. She also gave us a wedding gown to use in the very first scene of the movie. That family is extraordinarily important to me. Not only just to be a fan, but to be somebody who’s gotten to know them and work with them and see how hard they work. I don’t think anybody works as hard as Tina or Beyoncé.

BLADE: There was a recent news item about gay actor Benito Skinner of the Amazon Prime series “Overcompensating” being told not to bother auditioning for straight roles. As an out actor yourself, how important do you think it is for queer characters to be portrayed by queer actors, and vice versa?

SPEARMAN: Being queer is a multifaceted identity. There’s no one kind of queer person. I think finding the best actor that’s your first circle of casting. I think one of the joys about being an actor is that you get to play different parts. I play straight guys all the time. Dads and husbands and things like that. I think a lot of people are told not to do it. In fact, I wouldn’t be Chance if the actor who was originally cast as Chance hadn’t been pulled out of the series by his agents because they didn’t want him to play a gay character.

BLADE: That’s amazing! Thank you for sharing that. Without giving away too much, the ending of the movie is a little ambiguous, even ending with a question mark. If there was a “Noah’s Arc: The Movie” sequel, would you come back for that?

SPEARMAN: Yeah! A lot of it would depend on what Chance’s journey is going to be like. Patrik and I have conversations like that all the time. He’s very interested and supportive of input. I hope I would be, as we all would be, part of the creative growth with these characters. They live in Patrik’s head, and he writes them, but we’re the ones who have to flesh them out. It’s a conversation, it’s always a conversation.

BLADE: You are currently performing in Molière’s “The Imaginary Invalid” as part of the New Orleans Shakespeare Festival at Tulane. What has this experience been like for you?

SPEARMAN: It’s extraordinary! I started on stage when I was seven. There’s nothing like working with a live audience and having that immediacy. I’m working with an extraordinarily talented cast in a really great play, and I have some of the best scene partners I could ever want.

BLADE: Are there any upcoming film or TV projects you’d like to mention?

SPEARMAN: I’m still a writer, and I’m still a director, and I’ve still got scripts that I would like to make. I have a little something that’s a cross between “Treme” and “Bridgerton” that I want to do. I’m always trying to figure out what the next thing is.

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