District of Columbia
SMYAL faces threats after hostile article by conservative publication
LGBTQ youth group falsely accused of encouraging children to become trans
The executive director and at least one staff member at the D.C.-based LGBTQ youth advocacy organization SMYAL reported the organization has received “threats to do bodily harm,” according to a D.C. police report, following the publication of an article in a conservative online publication that accuses SMYAL of placing prepubescent children “on a pathway to medical mutilation” through SMYAL’s transgender youth support programs.
The highly critical article was published Aug. 5 in the online publication Townhall.com, which states on its website that it is part of the conservative Salem Web Network that reaches out to “audiences interested in Christian and family themed content and conservative values.”
SMYAL spokesperson Hancie Stokes told the Washington Blade in a statement that SMYAL was not surprised to see “hateful rhetoric” in the publication’s comment section and posted on social media. “While there were no specific threats against our facility or personnel, out of an abundance of caution we alerted authorities to ensure safety of our staff and community,” the statement says.
The D.C. police report, which lists the incident as a hate crime, says that threats were reported on Aug. 7 by SMYAL Executive Director Erin Whelan, who is listed in the report as Respondent 1. “R-1 received threats that were directed toward her and her staff,” the report says. “R-1 felt threatened by these statements and was in fear for her and her staff’s safety,” it says.
The police report also identifies another SMYAL staff member as a victim of the threats. But the report does not disclose how the threats were made other than its reference to “statements” reported by Whelan.
The Townhall.com article, which is 25 pages long, among other things, raises concerns over a SMYAL program called Little SMYALs that is funded in part by a $50,000 grant from D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs for fiscal year 2024. The article notes that SMYAL documents state that the program provides services to school kids from kindergarten through eighth grade after school hours.
According to the article, Townhall.com obtained a copy of the grant application through a Freedom of Information Act request. It says the application shows SMYAL agreed to a grant requirement that its purpose in part is to end gun violence and to place “All Students on Pathways to Success.”
The article says that while applying for the grant, SMYAL argued that those two objectives were achievable through SMYAL creating “a safe space where youth can express themselves without fear of judgment or discrimination,” “celebrating identity,” “promoting self-acceptance,” and “developing a positive sense of self.”
In response to a request from the mayor’s office for SMYAL to describe in writing a “programmatic achievement” of the project in the second quarter of the grant period, the article quotes from SMYAL’s response and implies that SMYAL inappropriately encouraged an eight-year-old child to become transgender.
The article states that as an example of the program’s “efficacy,” SMYAL shared a “success story” of a “little girl whom SMYAL, using a made-up male alias, identified as ‘Daniel.” The article then asserts, “Evidently, the exalted eight-year-old, now a poster child for the program’s cause, was groomed into believing she’s a boy.”
The article states that SMYAL and the mayor’s office did not respond to Townhall’s requests for comment before the article was published.
In response to a request by the Washington Blade for comment from the mayor’s office on the article, mayoral spokesperson Daniel Gleick sent the Blade this brief response from the mayor’s office: “Washington, D.C. is proud to be a community that supports, welcomes, and loves our LGBTQ community. We’ll keep fighting for a safe and inclusive future for every Washingtonian, especially the next generation.”
In its own statement SMYAL strongly disputes the claims made by the Townhall.com article.
“It is important to understand that this is a heavily biased article from a notorious anti-LGBTQ outlet,” SMYAL spokesperson Stokes says in the statement. “Our community is unfortunately very used to these discriminatory and biased attacks. Rather than addressing their complete misrepresentation and mischaracterization of our work point by point, we remain steadfast in continuing to support our community with unwavering strength,” the statement says.
It adds, “To be clear, SMYAL adheres to all relevant laws and regulations governing youth organizations, and we have a rigorous vetting process in place for our staff to ensure the safety of our youth participants. We actively work to create a community and space where LGBTQ+ youth and their parents and caregivers can thrive through affirming programs and services to develop critical life skills, build community, and foster a sense of belonging…SMYAL believes and trusts that the work we do is lifesaving.”
SMYAL Executive Director Whelan added in the statement, “SMYAL proudly stands by our 40-year history of providing care and support to LGBTQ+ youth.” According to Whelan, “When you work with the LGBTQ+ community you know there are extremists who seek to spread misinformation and politicize our work. SMYAL is aware of our detractors, and we’re committed more than ever to providing inclusive and affirmative support for LGBTQ+ youth and their parents and caregivers.”
District of Columbia
Curve magazine honors Washington Blade publisher
Lynne Brown named to 2026 Power List
Washington Blade Publisher Lynne Brown has been named to the 2026 Curve Power List celebrating LGBTQ+ women and nonbinary individuals in North America who are blazing trails in their chosen fields.
“From sports and entertainment icons to corporate leaders and lawmakers, these individuals are breaking barriers, challenging norms, and shaping the future,” Curve Foundation/Curve magazine said in announcing this year’s list, which includes ABC newscaster Robin Roberts, comedian/actress Hannah Einbinder, and singer/actress Renee Rapp, among others.
Brown has worked for the Washington Blade for nearly 40 years. She was named publisher in 2007 before becoming a co-owner in 2010.
“I am honored to be recognized by Curve magazine during Lesbian Visibility Week,” Brown said. “Receiving this Curve honor is twofold. I was an early subscriber to Curve. I enjoy the product and know its history. Its journalism, layout and humorous features have inspired me.
“As an owner/publisher, receiving recognition from a similar source acknowledges my work and efforts, with a sincerity I truly appreciate. Franco Stevens, the publisher of Curve, is a business person of duration, experience, and purpose. The fact that they are in the media business, and honoring me and my publication makes it a tiny bit sweeter.”
Nominations for the Curve Power List come from the community: peers, mentors, fans, and employers.
Curve explained the significance of the list in its announcement: “An annual, publicly nominated list of impactful LGBTQ+ women and nonbinary changemakers is crucial in current times to counter discrimination, legislative rollbacks, hostility, and the invisibility of queer women within mainstream and marginal spaces and endeavors. Such a list also fosters encouragement and solidarity, and elevates voices and achievements—from high-profile roles to under appreciated areas of life.”
District of Columbia
Judge rescinds stay-away order in Capital Pride anti-stalking case
Evidence hearing to determine if order should be reinstated against Darren Pasha
A D.C. Superior Court judge on April 17 rescinded an anti-stalking order he approved in February at the request of Capital Pride Alliance against local LGBTQ activist Darren Pasha.
In a ruling at a court status hearing, Judge Robert D. Okun agreed with defendant Darren Pasha’s stated concern that the initial order was too broad and did not specify who specifically he must stay at least 100 feet away from, as called for in the order.
Okun ruled on April 17 that the initial order, which he noted was oral rather than written, would be suspended until an evidentiary hearing takes place in which Capital Pride will need to present evidence justifying the need for such an order.
“I’m fine with scheduling a hearing at which the plaintiff can present evidence, and the defendant can present evidence,” Okun said. “But I’m not fine with just continuing this oral TRO [Temporary Restraining Order] that Mr. Pasha really doesn’t even have notice of. That seems unfair,” he said.
After asking both Pasha and Capital Pride Alliance Attorney Nick Harrison when they would be available for the evidence hearing, Okun set the date for April 29 at 11 a.m. in Superior Court.
The case began when Capital Pride Alliance, the D.C.-based LGBTQ group that organizes the city’s annual Pride events, filed a Civil Complaint on Oct. 27, 2025, against Pasha, accusing him of engaging in a year-long effort to harass, intimidate, and stalk Capital Pride’s staff, board members, and volunteers.
The complaint was accompanied by a separate motion seeking a restraining order, preliminary injunction, and anti-stalking order prohibiting Pasha from “any further contact, harassment, intimidation, or interference with the Plaintiff, its staff, board members, volunteers, and affiliates.”
In his initial ruling in February, Okun issued an order requiring Pasha to stay at least 100 feet away from Capital Pride staff, board members, and volunteers until the April 17 status hearing. He reduced the stay-away distance from the 200 yards requested by Capital Pride.
Pasha, who has so far represented himself in court without an attorney, has argued in multiple court filings and motions that the Capital Pride stalking allegations are untrue. In his initial 16-page response to the complaint, Pasha said it appears to be a form of retaliation against him for a dispute he has had with Capital Pride and its former board president, Ashley Smith, who has since resigned from the board.
“It is evident that the document is replete with false, misleading, and unsubstantiated assertions,” Pasha’s court response states.
At the April 17 hearing, Okun also ruled that, as standard procedure for civil complaints such as this one, he has ordered both parties to enter into court-supervised mediation to attempt to reach a settlement rather than go to trial.
In an earlier ruling Okun denied Pasha’s request for a jury trial, stating that civil cases such as this must undergo a trial with the judge determining the verdict under existing civil court statutes.
The April 17 court hearing was held in a courtroom at the courthouse, but as allowed under current court rules, Capital Pride attorney Harrison and Capital Pride official June Crenshaw participated virtually through a video connection. Pasha attended the hearing in the courtroom.
“This matter is proceeding through the court in the normal course,” Capital Pride released in a statement. “We look forward to presenting the relevant evidence at the scheduled hearing. Capital Pride Alliance remains committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for our staff, volunteers, and community, and to addressing concerns through appropriate channels.”
“This is clearly a case of retaliation,” Pasha told the Blade after the hearing. “Today the judge removed the stay-away order and asked Capital Pride Alliance to present enough evidence and examples to see if a stay-away order should be granted,” he said. “Because Pride is coming up in June, we need to see where this is going.”
District of Columbia
Gay D.C. police lieutenant arrested on child porn charges
Matthew Mahl once served as head of LGBT Liaison Unit
D.C. police announced on April 14 that they have placed one of their lieutenants, Matthew Mahl, on administrative leave and revoked his police powers after receiving information that he was arrested in Maryland one day earlier.
Although the initial D.C. police announcement doesn’t disclose the reason for the arrest it refers to a statement by the Harford County, Md. Sheriff’s Office that discloses Mahl has been charged with sexual solicitation of a minor and child porn solicitation.
“On Tuesday, the Harford County Sheriff’s Office contacted MPD’s Internal Affairs Division shortly after arresting Lieutenant Matthew Mahl,” the D.C. police statement says.
“The allegations in this case are extremely disturbing, and in direct contrast to the values of the Metropolitan Police Department,” the statement continues. “MPD’s Internal Affairs Division will investigate violations of MPD policy once the criminal investigation concludes,” it says.
“MPD is not involved in the criminal investigation and was not aware of the investigation until yesterday,” the statement adds.
Mahl served as acting supervisor of the MPD’s then Gay & Lesbian Liaison Unit in 2013 when he held the rank of sergeant. D.C. police officials placed him on administrative leave and suspended his police powers that same year while investigating an undisclosed allegation.
A source familiar with the investigation said Mahl was cleared of any wrongdoing a short time later and resumed his police duties. Around the time he was promoted to lieutenant several years later Mahl took on the role as chairman of the D.C. Police Union, becoming the first known openly gay officer to hold that position.
NBC 4 reports that Mahl, 47, has served on the police force for 23 years and most recently was assigned to the department’s Special Operations Division.
Records related to Mahl’s arrest filed in Harford County District Court, show Sheriff’s Department investigators state in charging documents that he allegedly committed the offenses of Sexual Solicitation of a Minor and Child Porn Solicitation on Monday, April 13, one day before he was arrested on April 14.
The court records show he was held without bond during his first appearance in court on April 14. A decision on whether he would be released while awaiting trial or continue to be held without bond was scheduled to be determined during an April 15 bond hearing. The outcome of that hearing could not be immediately determined.
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