Local
Comings & Goings
Morash takes on media role at Task Force


The ‘Comings & Goings’ column chronicles important life changes of Blade readers.
The Comings & Goings column is about sharing the professional successes of our community. We want to recognize those landing new jobs, new clients for their business, joining boards of organizations and other achievements. Please share your successes with us at [email protected].

Alex Morash (Photo courtesy Morash)
Congratulations to Alex Morash who recently joined the National LGBTQ Task Force as Director of Media and Public Relations.
At the Task Force, Morash will be responsible for handling media relations, and assisting the communications director with the organization’s messaging, including working on the Task Force’s 2018 annual Creating Change Conference, that will be held next month from January 24-28 at the Marriott Wardman Park hotel in D.C.
When accepting the position, Morash said, “I am really excited to join an LGBTQ organization so committed to progressive values and bringing into focus the needs of LGBTQ people of color, those with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged LGBTQ people. This age of resistance is such an important time to be involved in the fight for LGBTQ equality, and I think the National LGBTQ Task Force will be one of the main LGBTQ organizations to lead this fight, which is why I feel honored to work with everyone here.”
Prior to joining the Task Force, Morash was at Media Matters where he wrote about economic policy. Before that he was with NGP VAN Inc., as a national account executive and Innovative Policy Solutions as a press and communications consultant. He earned his bachelor of arts in political science from Framingham State College and his master’s in political science from Northeastern University in Boston. Among other volunteer work, Morash is an officer in the Gertrude Stein Democratic Club.
Congratulations also to Brook Rose, owner of Brook Rose Development for winning an award from Delta Associates for Best Washington/Baltimore Boutique condominium community 2017 for his project The Helicopter Factory. Upon being notified of the award, Rose said, “I feel a great sense of gratitude to be recognized for helping create a special residential building that honors the property’s old history in a modern, yet timeless manner. It was a great team that made it happen.”
This isn’t the first award this project has won as it was named best condo project by Washingtonian in 2016. Rose has said about the project, “This exciting development includes extraordinary, industrial-inspired townhouse residences built within and adjacent to an early 20th century factory owned by the eminent inventor Emile Berliner.”
Berliner was best known for inventing an early sound recording device but he also invented and built an early version of the helicopter at his Gyro Motor Company on Girard Street. From 1907 to 1926, Berliner dedicated himself to improving the technologies of vertical flight through the development of a lightweight rotary engine.
Rose began designing and building luxury residential properties in Washington, D.C. in 2002. His goal was to intermix quality construction with exciting, timeless design. He says if you are committing time, effort and finances to building something, then you should put in the extra work and make it special. He has said, “A home, like a person, should have its own distinct personality and style, from top to bottom.”

Brook Rose (Photo courtesy Rose)
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.
-
U.S. Federal Courts5 days ago
Second federal lawsuit filed against White House passport policy
-
Opinions5 days ago
We must show up to WorldPride 2025 in D.C.
-
Opinions2 days ago
TRAITOR: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has blood on his hands
-
District of Columbia5 days ago
Ruby Corado sentencing postponed for third time