Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth drag protest fizzles as hundreds turn out to support Goolee’s Grille
‘A true celebration of community, love, and unity’
After a church group announced plans to protest a drag brunch at Goolee’s Grille in Rehoboth Beach on July 20, counter-protesters quickly mobilized to support the LGBTQ community.
The protest permit request was withdrawn the day before, according to Sussex Pride, one of the organizers of the counter-protest. The church, St. Ann’s of Bethany, posted a statement saying that the announcement of the rally was sponsored by an organization unaffiliated with the church and was “regretfully included” in the most recent bulletin.
“To be clear, while we wholeheartedly encourage the praying of the rosary, this rally is not endorsed by the Parish or Diocese,” the statement says. “As Catholic Christians, we recognize that all of us are made in the image and likeness of God and deserve to be treated with love and respect. We apologize for any divisiveness that this unfortunate situation has caused and pray that all may be united as brothers and sisters in Christ.”
Despite the cancellation, an estimated 300 counter-protesters supportive of the restaurant turned out on Sunday morning in an overwhelming show of support.
David Mariner, executive director of Sussex Pride, said he was thrilled that nobody ended up protesting the drag brunch and is grateful to all the people who came out to show support.
Several attendees said it was important to show up in big numbers to send a clear message that Rehoboth Beach is an LGBTQ-friendly town and that expressions of hate or intolerance will be met with stiff resistance.
The gay-owned restaurant has been hosting drag brunches for the past eight years. Owner George Stakias issued a statement on the restaurant’s website on Monday.
“Yesterday was a moment we’ll never forget,” the statement reads. “What was expected to be a day of protest became something far more powerful — a true celebration of community, love, and unity. We didn’t see signs of hate … From the bottom of my heart, thank you. After this weekend, it’s clearer than ever: it’s not just a show. It’s a symbol of what’s possible when people lead with love. We’re proud to be your neighborhood spot, and even prouder to be part of a community that lifts each other up.”
Goolee’s hosts drag brunches every third Sunday of the month. The restaurant opened in 2004 in Ocean City before moving to Rehoboth in 2014.
Rehoboth Beach
BLUF leather social set for April 10 in Rehoboth
Attendees encouraged to wear appropriate gear
Diego’s in Rehoboth Beach hosts a monthly leather happy hour. April’s edition is scheduled for Friday, April 10, 5-7 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to wear appropriate gear. The event is billed as an official event of BLUF, the free community group for men interested in leather. After happy hour, the attendees are encouraged to reconvene at Local Bootlegging Company for dinner, which allows cigar smoking. There’s no cover charge for either event.
Rehoboth Beach
Women’s FEST returns to Rehoboth Beach next week
Golf tournament, mini-concerts, meetups planned for silver anniversary festival
Women’s+ FEST 2026 will begin on Thursday, April 9 at CAMP Rehoboth Community Center.
The festival will celebrate a remarkable milestone in 2026: its silver anniversary. For 25 years, Women’s+ FEST has brought fun and entertainment for all those on the spectrum of the feminine spirit. There will be a variety of events including a golf tournament, mini-concerts and happy hour meetups.
For more information, visit Camp Rehoboth’s website.
Rehoboth Beach
CAMP Rehoboth hires new executive director
Dr. Robin Brennan’s background includes healthcare, fundraising roles
CAMP Rehoboth, the Delaware LGBTQ community center, on Monday announced Dr. Robin Brennan as the organization’s new executive director.
Brennan, who is relocating full time to Rehoboth Beach with her wife and daughter, will start on March 23. The position opened up following the retirement of Kim Leisey after more than two years in the role.
Brennan’s background is in health systems. At Nemours Children’s Health in Wilmington, Del., she held senior roles in evaluation, population health, and DEI education, according to a CAMP Rehoboth statement. Most recently, she served as vice president and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at Redeemer Health. Brennan is an experienced fundraiser, according to the statement.
“After conducting a comprehensive national search, the Board of Directors selected Robin because of her depth of leadership experience, her fundraising acumen and her overall joyful, focused approach,” said Leslie Ledogar, president of the CAMP Rehoboth board of directors and chair of the Executive Director Search Committee. “The fact that core to her leadership is her belief that community well-being is inseparable from access to health, culture, education and the arts – an approach that mirrors CAMP Rehoboth’s holistic mission – makes Robin the exact next person to lead CAMP Rehoboth today and into the future.”
“I am deeply honored to serve as CAMP Rehoboth’s executive director as we enter an exciting new chapter,” said Brennan. “I was drawn to CAMP Rehoboth because of its unwavering mission, deep roots in the community, and the meaningful role it plays in bringing people together. I look forward to meeting members of the community, listening to their stories, and building meaningful relationships with the many people who make CAMP Rehoboth such a vital community anchor.”
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