Arts & Entertainment
Queery: Michael Rawson
The local painter answers 20 gay questions
Longtime Dupont Circle resident Michael Rawson has always been interested in painting, but his retirement a few years ago has given him more time to get serious about it. And the dedication is paying off — the 64-year-old Quakertown, Pa., native has seven of his oil paintings in the new exhibit “Beyond Words: The Symbolic Language of Plants” which opens this weekend at the Delaware Art Museum in Wilmington and runs through April 8.
Rawson is a member of Studio 155, an artists group that formed after its 17 members took classes together at the Corcoran Gallery of Art and collaborated on the 2006 exhibition “Botanical Treasures of Lewis and Clark.” Together their work is featured in the large Delaware exhibit. They work “to realistically capture the natural world while expanding the boundaries of botanical art.”
“I always loved plants,” Rawson says. “My mother is a good gardener. … And trees are our tallest and biggest plants. They are what give us life — the air we breathe, the food we eat, the shelter, our clothes. So that was my inspiration.”
Rawson spent most of his career as a pre-school teacher and says he “always worked well with young children.”
He came to Washington in 1966 to attend George Washington University. He and partner Gordon Binder, a senior fellow at the World Wildlife Fund, have been together 38 years. They attribute the longevity of their pairing to “companionship, intimacy, friendship, common interests and enough differences to keep it lively.”
Rawson enjoys water aerobics, reading, watching TV, quiet evenings at home and, of course, painting, in his free time. Go to delart.org for more information on the exhibition. The museum is at 2301 Kentmere Parkway in Wilmington.
How long have you been out and who was the hardest person to tell?
In my head, since sixth grade. But in fact not until I met Gordon, and then we fell in love. My father. I learned how upset he was when he recognized that I was gay (I had left home by then). Years later, at Christmas, when Gordon gave me our paid mortgage in a box, my father said, “He’s a smart man,” and I knew he had embraced us both.
Who’s your LGBT hero?
Michelangelo. He made art that today we still stand in awe of.
What’s Washington’s best nightspot, past or present?
For my generation, few places could beat the exhilaration of entering the Lost and Found on a lively night.
Describe your dream wedding.
I had it, with my family and friends in July 2010 thanks to David Catania and the D.C. City Council. It surprised me how moving and affirming it was, and this after 38 years together.
What non-LGBT issue are you most passionate about?
Early childhood education, to give each child a chance to reach his or her potential.
What historical outcome would you change?
The assassination of Abraham Lincoln, in hope that, with malice toward none and charity toward all, our country’s racial history might have played out better.
What’s been the most memorable pop culture moment of your lifetime?
New York City. The Saint. 1983. 4 a.m. Betty Buckley singing “Memories” from “Cats.” The room is pulsating.
On what do you insist?
I’m a middle child and thus I can bend lots of ways.
What was your last Facebook post or Tweet?
Sorry, not quite there yet.
If your life were a book, what would the title be?
“Hard to Say No: The Life of Michael Rawson”
If science discovered a way to change sexual orientation, what would you do?
Nothing, though Gordon insists we would start a campaign to get Chord Overstreet to join our team.
What do you believe in beyond the physical world?
A life force that we share with all living things
What’s your advice for LGBT movement leaders?
Encourage our youth. From their ranks will come our future leaders and they may just be the generation that finally brings it home for us.
What would you walk across hot coals for?
If there’s good barbecue along the way.
What LGBT stereotype annoys you most?
Gay men are driven solely by sex, not that there’s anything wrong with that.
What’s your favorite LGBT movie?
“Maurice,” the Merchant-Ivory production.
What’s the most overrated social custom?
Celebrities Tweeting about every ordinary thing they do.
What trophy or prize do you most covet?
A place or two on the wall of the National Gallery of Art for my paintings.
What do you wish you’d known at 18?
It gets better, much better.
Why Washington?
I came to school in Washington, GW, in 1966. A few years later, I met Gordon when we were interns at the Council on Environmental Quality and a little over a year later we hooked up and we made our life together. We’ve lived in Dupont Circle, one of the great urban neighborhoods anywhere. We value the cultural scene, the lively street life, so many places to go and things to do, and of course the friends we have here.
Some gifts scream practical, others whisper luxury, and a few flat-out blur the lines. From cocoa that feels ceremonial to a cologne that linger like a suggestive smirk, this year’s ultimate gift picks prove that thoughtful (and occasionally naughty) presents don’t have to be prosaic. Welcome to your holiday cheat sheet for festive tangibles that get noticed, remembered, and maybe even result in a peck of gratitude planted under the mistletoe. Consensually, of course.
Amber Glass Champagne Flutes
Pop the champs – but make it vintage. These tulip-shaped stunners in amber-tinted glass bring all the Gatsby vibes without the Jazz-age drama. Whether you’re toasting a milestone or celebrating a Tuesday, their seven-ounce capacities and hand-wash-only care make ‘em as practical as they are pretty. Pair with a thoughtful bottle of bubs and gift with a glittering wink. $18, NantucketLooms.com
Disaster Playbook by Here Comes the Apocalypse
Because the end of the world shouldn’t be a solo act, this spiral-bound guide is your step-by-step roadmap to surviving and thriving when everything else goes sideways, which might be sooner than you think. Packed with checklists, drills, and a healthy dose of humor, it’s like a survival manual written by your most prepared (and slightly snarky) friend. Whether you’re prepping for a zombie apocalypse or, more realistically, REVOLUTION!, this playbook’s got your back. $40, HereComesTheApocalypse.com
Wickless Vulva Candles
Bold, luxurious, and completely flame-free, CTOAN’s wickless candles melt from beneath on a warmer, releasing subtle, sophisticated fragrances, like sandalwood or lavender. The vulva-shaped wax adds a playful, provocative element to any space –perfect for a bedroom, living room, or anywhere you want elegance with an edge. A gift that celebrates form, intimacy and self-expression, no fire required. $39, CTOANCO.com
Villeroy & Boch Royal Classic Christmas Collection
Every meal is a mini celebration – with whimsy at every place setting – in Villeroy & Boch’s Royal Classic festive dinnerware collection that hits all the right notes. Made from premium German porcelain, it features nostalgic little toys, nutcrackers, and rocking horses in delicate relief, giving your holiday spread a playful but refined twist. Dishwasher- and microwave-safe, it’s luxe without the fuss. Gift a piece to a special someone, or start a collection they’ll use (and show off) for years to come. $22-$363, Villeroy-Boch.com
Greenworks Electric Lawnmower
You a ’hood queen who considers lawn care performance art – or just wants to rule the cul-de-sac in quiet, emission-free glory? Greenworks’ zero-turn electric mower has the muscle of a 24-horsepower gas engine but none of the fumes, drama or maintenance. Six 60V batteries and a 42-inch deck mean you can mow up to two-and-a-half acres on a single charge – then plug in, recharge, and ride again. It’s whisper-quiet, slope-ready, and smooth enough to make you wonder why you ever pushed anything besides your queer agenda. The perfect gift for the homeowner who loves sustainability, symmetry, and showing off their freshly striped yard like that fresh fade you get on Fridays. $5,000, GreenworksTools.com
Molekule Air Purifier
For the friend who treats their space like a sanctuary (or just can’t stand sneezes), the Molekule Air Pro is magic in motion. Covering up to 1,000 square feet, it doesn’t just capture allergens, VOCs, and smoke – it destroys them, leaving your air feeling luxury-clean. FDA-cleared as a Class II medical device, it’s serious science disguised as modern design. Gift it to your city-dwelling, pet-loving, candle-burning friend who likes their living room as pristine as their Instagram feed. $1,015, Molekule.com
Cipriani Prosecco Gift Set
Effervescent with stone-fruit sweetness and a touch of Italian flair, the Cipriani Bellini & Prosecco gift set brings brunch-level glamour to any day of the week. The Bellini blends rich white-peach purée with sparkling wine, while the dry ’secco keeps things crisp and celebratory. Pop a bottle, pour a flute, and suddenly winter weeknights feel like a party – even with your pants off. $36, TotalWine.com
Woo(e)d Cologne
British GQ recently crowned Woo(e)d by ALTAIA the “Best Date Night Fragrance,” and honestly, they nailed it. Confident without being cocky – smoky gaïac and Atlas cedarwood grounds the room while supple leather and spicy cardamom do all the flirting – it’s a scent that lingers like good conversation and soft candlelight. Gift it to the one who always turns heads – or keep it for yourself and let them come to (and then on) you. $255, BeautyHabit.com
Lococo Cocoa Kit
Keep the run-of-the-mill mugs in the cabinet this Christmas and pull out Lococo’s handcrafted Oaxacan versions that demand you slow down and sip like it matters. Paired with a wooden scoop, rechargeable frother, and Lococo’s signature spice hot-chocolate blend (vegan, gluten-free, with adaptogenic mushrooms), this holiday kit turns Mexi-cocoa into a mini ritual you’ll look forward to. Perfect for anyone who loves a little indulgence with a side of ¡A huevo! energy.
Manta Sleep Mask
Total blackout, zero pressure on the eyes, and Bluetooth speakers built right into the straps, this ain’t your mama’s sleep mask — but it could be. The Manta SOUND sleep mask features C-shaped eye cups that block every hint of light while ultra-thin speakers deliver your favorite white noise, meditation, or late-night playlist straight to your ears. With 24-hour battery life, breathable fabric, and easy-to-adjust sound, it turns any bed (or airplane seat) into a five-star sleep suite. Perfect for anyone who treats shut-eye like an art form (or just wants to escape their roommate’s late-night bingin’ and/or bangin’). $159, MantaSleep.com
Shacklelock Necklace
Turn the industrial-chic vibe of a shackle into a sleek statement. Mi Tesoro’s platinum-plated stainless-steel necklace sits on an 18-inch wheat chain, featuring a shackle-style latch pendant that’s waterproof, tarnish-free, and totally fuss-les. Beyond style, it nods to a classic gesture in the queer leather community: replacing a traditional Master lock with something elegant to quietly signal belonging to someone special. Wear it solo for a minimalist edge or layer it like you mean it; either way this piece locks in both your look and your intentions. $90, MiTesoroJewelry.com
Parkside Flask Mojave Edition
Wine nights get a desert glow-up with Parkside’s limited-edition 750-milliliter all-in-one flask draped in sun-washed bronze and badland hues like sage, sand, and terracotta – with magnetic stemless tumblers that snap on for effortless shareability. It keeps your vino chilled for 24 hours, pours without drips (no tears for spilled rosé, please), and even lets you laser-engrave your own mantra or inside joke. Perfect for picnics, surprise rooftop clinks, or gifting to your favorite wine (or desert) rat. $149, HighCampFlasks.com
Mikey Rox is an award-winning journalist and LGBT lifestyle expert whose work has published in more than 100 outlets across the world. Connect with him on Instagram @mikeyroxtravels.
Team DC will host its annual holiday party on Monday, Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. at Trade. This event will celebrate Team DC’s sports community, athletes, and Team DC’s accomplishments this past year. Food will be catered by Seasons, and there will be a clothing drive to benefit the DC Center for the LGBT Community.
To RSVP, visit Team DC’s Instagram page.
Music & Concerts
Washington chorale kicks off Christmas with vibrant program
‘Thine Own Sweet Light’ concerts planned
The full Washington Master Chorale will return for its annual holiday concert tradition with “Thine Own Sweet Light” on Friday, Dec. 19 and Sunday, Dec. 21 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church (D.C.) and Church of the Epiphany (D.C.).
The concert will feature the rich sounds of the 50-voice, a cappella chorus performing lush, seasonal choral music inspired by the theme of light. Highlights include Edvard Grieg’s “Ave Maris Stella,” Eric Whitacre’s “Lux Aurumque,” and Christopher Hoh’s “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God of Hosts.” The program will also present a new work by Barcelona composer Josep Ollé i Sabaté, along with charming holiday folk songs and seasonal favorites.
For more details, visit the Washington Master Chorale website.
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