Miscellaneous
Queery: Michael Sainte-Andress
The local actors and AIDS activist answers 20 gay questions
Michael Sainte-Andress (Blade photo by Michael Key)
Long-time D.C. resident Michael Sainte-Andress has had almost as varied a life and career as you could imagine.
The 61-year-old Houston native, known as “Micci” (pronounced “Mickey”) to his friends, had a penchant for performing early on. He started singing in his family’s Pentecostal church at age 7. His mom was the choir director and got him spots in all the holiday pageants. He was always “a sissy” but his 10 siblings still loved him and never let him off the hook in helping with chores.
He studied dance and acting in high school in college, taught school for a year, then went into the Navy, which he says is one of the best decisions he ever made. Surprisingly he was able to continue his casually out m.o. during his four-year military stint.
“All my commanding officers knew I was gay but they also recognized that I was smart and had leadership potential,” he says. “It helped that I was a little older too. I didn’t enlist fresh out of high school so I wasn’t ‘just off the farm,’ so to speak. So I had a little edge on the other guys. I was about 22. They recognized that distinction so they were pretty good about giving me the spotlight and some opportunities to grow.”
By the mid-’70s, the gig was up, at least somewhat. Working for a phone company, Sainte-Andress got reprimanded for having his then-boyfriend’s photo on his desk and being unabashed about who it was. When he was fired shortly thereafter, although ostensibly for some other perceived infraction, he knew the likely true reason. But he didn’t let it sideline him for long.
“I was always kind of flaming and refused to tone it down,” he says. “Of course we weren’t quite that enlightened back in those days either.”
He enjoyed several years in what he says was then a thriving D.C. black theater scene and worked “fairly constantly.” Because he wasn’t afraid of getting typecast like many of his more career-minded peers — he was happy to play the comic relief gay characters — he stayed busy. But a crack epidemic took a major toll on that scene, he says. He bounced around for several years in retail, catering and “any number of things.” He says he was a popular party guest, became known as “a colorful character in D.C.” and was known for his impersonation of Bette Davis singing “The 12 Days of Christmas.”
By the ’80s, he was working as a claims adjuster for national phone companies. He tested positive for HIV in the summer of ’86 and after a long period of denial, depression and alcohol abuse, it ended up being a motivator of sorts. His friend Phil Pannell persuaded him to get involved with AIDS activism and thus began a lengthy period of work with the Inner City AIDS Network, the Max Robinson Center, Whitman-Walker, the Ryan White Council, the D.C. Health Consortium and many others. By early 1993, his T cell count was low enough to qualify him as having AIDS and he was on disability by 1994. He credits his overall health and luck with allowing him to live so long in the pre-anti-retroviral therapy years.
“Believe it or not, AIDS has come to be the least of my health worries,” he says. “I’ve been dealing with this for 25 years, I know how to handle it. Diabetes has been a much more serious thing for me in the last several years.”
Despite what he calls a “lackadaisical” approach to acting, he had a bit of a career resurgence in recent years, especially in an August Wilson play and doing some understudy work for the Folger Theater.
He admits he’s been tempted, at times, to turn back to alcohol, but says the many obstacles in his life have yielded an inner resolve within him.
“I still face challenges,” he says. “Why should I have any less of a challenge than anybody else? You either accept that challenge or you let it destroy you. That’s my decision and I tell you, I’ll be the last bitch standing honey.” (Blade photo by Michael Key)
How long have you been out and who was the hardest person to tell?
I have never been concealed and actually never had to tell anyone. Ever since I can remember it was just sort of understood that I was “that way.”
Who’s your LGBT hero?
I don’ t believe in heroes, but there are LGBT people that I admire and who have inspired me like my mentor, the late Joseph Meachem, my friends Philip Pannell, Alan Sharpe, Ernest Hopkins and the late D.C. HIV/AIDS champion Hank Carde.
What’s Washington’s best nightspot, past or present?
Tracks on the S.W. waterfront and Raymond Carter’s Club Encore in the N.E. warehouse district.
Describe your dream wedding.
I’m not personally interested in being married, but if I took the plunge, my ideal partner and I would tie the knot outside at sunset during late spring or early summer on a lush lanai or beautifully decorated veranda.
What non-LGBT issue are you most passionate about?
The abuse and mistreatment of children (having been such a child).
What historical outcome would you change?
Probably Prohibition because I think it may have minimized the ensuing crime and public subjugation.
What’s been the most memorable pop culture moment of your lifetime?
The American resurrection of Eartha Kitt’s career in the Broadway musical “Timbuktu!” in l977.
On what do you insist?
Honesty, loyalty and respect from family and friends.
What was your last Facebook post or Tweet?
An update of my comings and goings over the last several months.
If your life were a book, what would the title be?
“An Unchartered but Purposeful Journey”
If science discovered a way to change sexual orientation, what would you do?
Reject it! I am quite happy and grateful to be blessed with all the gifts God has given me.
What do you believe in beyond the physical world?
Spiritual redemption through God’s grace and mercy.
What’s your advice for LGBT movement leaders?
To stay focused on the mission and the work and not to buy into the idea of themselves as “cultural icons.”
What would you walk across hot coals for?
To save the life of someone I loved.
What LGBT stereotype annoys you most?
That being effeminate or a “bottom” is without influence or power.
What’s your favorite LGBT movie?
Mart Crowley’s “The Boys in the Band.”
What’s the most overrated social custom?
The so-called “institution” of marriage. Hmmph!
What trophy or prize do you most covet?
I’d gladly accept my performance Oscar or Tony.
What do you wish you’d known at 18?
That I’d live to be happily middle-aged.
Why Washington?
I like the socially progressive atmosphere that mixes with some of the traditional Southern values that I cherish and its non-ending array of beautiful black men.
Miscellaneous
Stephen Miller’s legal group sues Fairfax County schools
Lawsuit challenges policies for transgender, nonbinary students
Former Trump administration official Stephen Miller’s legal group on Tuesday filed a lawsuit against the Fairfax County School District over its policies for transgender and nonbinary students.
America First Legal in a press release notes it filed the lawsuit against the school district on behalf of a female, “practicing Roman Catholic” student “for allowing teenage boys to use the female restrooms and for forcing a radical, government-sponsored gender indoctrination and approved-speech scheme that discriminates against students on the basis of sex and religion and violates their free speech rights under the Virginia Constitution.”
The lawsuit was filed in Fairfax County Circuit Court.
The Virginia Department of Education last July announced new guidelines for trans and nonbinary students for which Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin asked. Equality Virginia and other advocacy groups claim they, among other things, would forcibly out trans and nonbinary students.
Fairfax County schools are among the school districts that have refused to implement the guidelines.
“Fairfax County Public Schools appears to believe that its policies and regulations can override the Virginia Constitution’s protections for religious beliefs, speech and from government discrimination on the basis of sex and religious beliefs,” said America First legal Senior Advisor Ian Prior in a press release. “It is well past time for FCPS to stop sacrificing the constitutional rights of its students so that it can implement a state-sanctioned ideology that demands compliance in speech, beliefs and conduct.”
FCPS Pride, a group that represents the Fairfax County School District’s LGBTQ employees, described the lawsuit as “abhorrent.”
“We are confident that the school board and the superintendent will strongly and firmly oppose this specious suit and continue to support all students, including transgender and gender expansive students,” said the group in a press list.
Miscellaneous
More than a dozen LGBTQ candidates on the ballot in Va.
Control of the state Senate hangs in the balance
More than a dozen openly LGBTQ candidates are on the ballot in Virginia on Nov. 7.
State Del. Danica Roem (D-Manassas) is running against Republican Bill Woolf in the newly redistricted Senate District 30 that includes western Prince William County and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park.
Roem in 2018 became the first openly transgender person seated in a state legislature in the U.S. after she defeated then-state Del. Bob Marshall, a prominent LGBTQ rights opponent who co-wrote Virginia’s constitutional amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman. Roem would become Virginia’s first out trans state senator if she defeats Woolf.
Woolf supports a bill that would require school personnel to out trans students to their parents. The Republican Party of Virginia has highlighted this position in ads in support of Woolf.
“Thank you for reminding me why I won three elections in this district in Prince William County, which is the most diverse county in all of Virginia and the 10th most nationally where we welcome everyone because of who they are, not despite it, no matter what you look like, where you come from, how you worship, if you do, or who you love because you should be able to thrive here because of who you are, never despite it,” said Roem on Sept. 28 in response to a woman who heckled her during a debate with Woolf that took place at Metz Middle School in Manassas.
Gay state Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria) is running for re-election in Senate District 39. State Del. Mark Sickles (D-Fairfax County), who is also gay, is running for re-election in House District 43.
Former state Del. Joshua Cole, who identifies as bisexual, is running against Republican Lee Peters in House District 65. State Del. Kelly Convirs-Fowler (D-Virginia Beach), who came out as bisexual last year at Hampton Roads Pride, will face Republican Mike Karslake and independent Nicholas Olenik.
State Del. Marcia “Cia” Price (D-Newport News), a Black woman who identifies as pansexual, is running for re-election in House District 85.
Adele McClure, a queer Democrat, is running to represent House District 2 that includes portions of Arlington County. Laura Jane Cohen, a bisexual woman who is a member of the Fairfax County School Board, is a House of Delegates candidate in House District 15.
Rozia Henson, a gay federal contractor who works for the Department of Homeland Security, is running in House District 19. Zach Coltrain, a gay Gen Zer, is running against state Del. Barry Knight (R-Virginia Beach) in House District 98.
LPAC has endorsed Jade Harris, a Rockbridge County Democrat who is running to represent Senate District 3. Harris’ website notes trans rights are part of their platform.
“Protecting trans rights, repealing right to work, strengthening unions and supporting our farmers are just a few of my legislative priorities,” reads the website. “I am dedicated to addressing the revitalization of our state’s infrastructure, fostering a favorable environment for job creation, and supporting our public education system.”
Republicans currently control the House by a 51-46 margin, while Democrats have a 21-19 majority in the state Senate.
Senate Democrats have successfully blocked anti-LGBTQ bills that Republicans have introduced since Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin took office in January 2022.
The Virginia Department of Education in July released new guidelines for trans and nonbinary students that activists and their supporters have sharply criticized. They fear that Republicans will curtail LGBTQ rights in the state if they regain control of both houses of the General Assembly on Nov. 7.
“Time and time again, anti-equality lawmakers and the Youngkin administration have made it clear that they will continue to disrespect and disregard the lives and lived experience of LGBTQ+ people within Virginia,” said Equality Virginia PAC Executive Director Narissa Rahaman in August when her organization and the Human Rights Campaign endorsed Roem, Ebbin and other “pro-equality champions.”
“We must elect pro-equality champions who will secure and strengthen our freedoms,” added Rahaman. “We have that chance as the eyes of the nation are on us this November.”
The LGBTQ+ Victory Fund has endorsed Fairfax County School Board Vice Chair Karl Frisch and Fairfax County School Board candidates Robyn Lady and Kyle McDaniel, who identify as lesbian and bisexual respectively.
Michael Pruitt would become the first openly bisexual man elected to the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors if he were to win on Nov. 7. Blacksburg Town Councilman Michael Sutphin and Big Stone Gay Town Councilman Tyler Hughes, who are both gay, are running for re-election.
“Tyler will be a critical voice for equality as the only out LGBTQ+ person on the Big Stone Gap Town Council,” says the Victory Fund on its website.
Cal Benn contributed to this article.
Miscellaneous
What it means to be an active ally to your LGBTQ+ co-workers TEST
Five easy tips to help you avoid common risks
Your home is more than just a place to eat and sleep; it’s your safe haven. As much as you might cherish your home, you should probably also recognize the potential hazards within its familiar walls. Accidents can happen in an instant, yet with a little foresight and some simple adjustments, you can transform your house into a safer haven.
Accidents can happen anywhere, and with a few simple tweaks, you can lower risks in your space. Below you’ll find five tips for each room in your home to help prevent injuries, falls, and other mishaps. In short, home safety.
This article was inspired by a shower in a rental we managed that began leaking through the kitchen ceiling below. If only the landlord had installed grab bars, right!? Below, we’ll guide you through the steps to fortify your bathroom, making it a place of relaxation without the fear of slips and falls. Then, we’ll venture into the room where the magic happens, where proper planning can ensure great nights and peaceful mornings. We’ll show you how to prevent accidents while you experiment becoming the next Gordon Ramsey. And we’ll include a few surprising solutions for those other rooms that hold their own unique hazards, offering solutions to safeguard against unexpected mishaps.
Bathroom Safety
Install Grab Bars: Adding grab bars near the shower and toilet can provide essential support for family members of all ages. Not only can they help with getting in and out, but they can help provide stability when washing. Make sure they are securely anchored to the wall.
Non-Slip Mats: Place non-slip mats inside the shower and bathtub to prevent slips. They’re a small investment that can save you from falls and head injuries.
Adjust Water Temperature: Ensure your hot water is set to a safe temperature to avoid scalding. The hot water heater should be set to around 120°F (49°C)l, the middle setting on many water heater settings.
Medicine Cabinet Locks: If you have young children, use childproof locks on your medicine cabinet to keep harmful substances out of reach.
Proper Lighting: Ensure there’s adequate lighting in the bathroom to avoid trips and falls during nighttime visits. Nightlights can be a simple and effective solution.
Bedroom Safety
Clear Pathways: Keep pathways in the bedroom clutter free to prevent tripping. Ensure there’s enough space to move around comfortably, particularly getting around the bed. Be aware where all furniture is when walking around to avoid stubbed toes, particularly at night.
Secure Rugs: If you have throw rugs, use rug grippers or double-sided tape to keep them from slipping. Loose rugs are a common trip hazard.
Bed Rails: For anyone at risk of falling out of bed, consider installing bed rails to provide extra support and prevent falls.
Nightstands with Drawers: Opt for nightstands with drawers to keep essential items. This reduces the need to get out of bed at night, minimizing the risk of falls, as you race to grab what you need and not lose a moment’s rest.
Fire Safety: Install battery-operated smoke detectors in the bedrooms if there are none. Make sure to install them 36 inches away from an air vent or the edge of a ceiling fan. Also six inches away from the joint between the wall and ceiling. And test smoke detectors regularly.
Kitchen Safety
Non-Slip Flooring: Choose slip-resistant rugs in the kitchen, especially in areas where spills are common. Mats near the sink and stove can also help and you can often buy them fairly cheaply at Costco.
Childproof Cabinets: If you have little ones, use childproof latches on cabinets and drawers to prevent them from accessing potentially hazardous items.
Anti-tip brackets: Install an anti-tip bracket behind the range. These are often used when children are in the home. Although they are less likely to open the oven door and use it as a step stool to get to the stove-top, adults can also benefit from installing these.
Adequate Lighting: Proper lighting is crucial in the kitchen to avoid accidents. Under-cabinet lighting can illuminate work areas effectively.
Secure Heavy Items: Ensure heavy pots and pans are stored at waist level to prevent straining or dropping them from high shelves.
Sharp Object Storage: Keep knives and other sharp objects in a secure drawer or block. And handle all sharp items with extreme care, even when washing and drying. These steps reduce the risk of accidental cuts.
Other Safety Tips
Furniture Anchors: Secure heavy furniture, like bookshelves and dressers, to the wall to prevent tip-overs, especially if you have young children.
Adequate Outlets: Check for damaged outlets and replace them promptly. Avoid overloading circuits with too many devices. Install placeholder plugs in outlets to prevent young curious fingers (or tongues?) from going inside an electrical outlet.
Stair Gates: If your home has stairs, install safety gates at the top and bottom to prevent falls, especially if you have toddlers or pets to keep them off of the stairs when you cannot monitor them.
Emergency Escape Plan: Develop and practice an emergency escape plan with your family, including a designated meeting place outside.
Carbon Monoxide Detector: If your home burns any fossil fuels for heating or appliances, install carbon monoxide detectors in common areas of your home to detect this odorless gas. The D.C. building codes require this if you use a fireplace or if you have an attached garage. In essence, if there is any potential source of carbon monoxide in the home, be sure to install these detectors.
Remember, a safer home not only prevents accidents but also provides peace of mind for you and your family. Implement these simple tips to create a secure environment in every room of your house.
With these practical tips and a few adjustments, you can significantly reduce the risk of injuries and falls in your home. Enjoy peace of mind in your now much safer haven.
Scott Bloom is owner and senior property manager of Columbia Property Management.
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