Arts & Entertainment
Queery: Wayne Turner
The attorney and AIDS activist answers 20 gay questions
Wayne Turner (Blade photo by Michael Key)
Wayne Turner remembers crying on the first day of school — although it was law school at UDC David A. Clarke School of Law and he was 40 years old that day in 2005.
“The founding professor, Edgar Cahn, was there telling us in this big orientation that their mission was to take bad-ass activists and unleash them on the world,” Turner says. “He said, ‘You’re not just here alone, you’re on the shoulders of everyone who’s come through here before.’ It was about seven years since my partner had died and I thought, ‘Yes, I have found my home.’ The tears just started streaming down my face so there I was, crying on the first day of school.”
Turner and his late partner, Steve Michael, who died of AIDS at age 42 in 1998 (Turner took Michael’s body to the White House as a gesture of protest), had what Turner calls a “roller coaster” seven-year relationship in which they dedicated themselves solely to activism and lived “a very hand-to-mouth existence. We were always changing residences, changing phone numbers. We lived a very mission-focused life and it was just like, ‘We gotta do this stuff.’ It was an issue nobody wanted to deal with.” Turner was a founding member of the AIDS advocacy and protest group ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power).
Turner, a Culver City, Calif., native, went to college in Portland, spent time in Europe, then lived in Seattle for about five years where he met Michael. They moved to Washington in 1993 with the express goal of “keeping Bill Clinton accountable” for his AIDS-related campaign promises.
Turner, who remains HIV negative, says going to law school — he earned full scholarships and graduated with honors — was perfect for him.
“I think of it as activism on steroids,” he says. “You gain so much clarity of how things work and how things are supposed to work. I highly recommend it to anyone who is active and involved. It’s like opening up a clock and saying, ‘Oh, that’s how that works.’”
Turner says he now has “his dream job” as a staff attorney at the National Health Law Program focusing on health care quality and access for low-income and disabled individuals enrolled in Medicaid.
He’s single, lives on the H Street corridor in Northeast Washington and enjoys camping and hiking with his dog, Mister, in and around Shenandoah National Park. (Blade photo by Michael Key)
How long have you been out and who was the hardest person to tell?
After the first year of college, my high school friend Robert and I came out to each other. We were just stating what was plainly obvious to each of us (and everyone else), but we had never talked about it before.
Who’s your LGBT hero?
My late partner Steve and the other amazing frontline AIDS activists, living and dead, who struggle and sacrifice so that others might live.
What’s Washington’s best nightspot, past or present?
Otter Crossing at the DC Eagle.
Describe your dream wedding.
One where DOMA has been overturned by the Supreme Court so that same-sex marriages are legally recognized by the federal government and in all 50 states.
What non-LGBT issue are you most passionate about?
Single payer health care. It means getting better care for less money from cradle to grave — what’s not to like about that?
What historical outcome would you change?
I wish Mario Cuomo went to New Hampshire in 1992. He would have won the primary, won the Democratic nomination and won the White House. We wouldn’t have had the disaster known as the Clinton administration with DOMA, DADT and the HIV immigration ban and travel restrictions. We might even have seen a Manhattan Project for AIDS, and could very well have a cure by now.
What’s been the most memorable pop culture moment of your lifetime?
Probably when Tinky Winky came out. I mean, we all knew, what with that red purse and all.
On what do you insist?
Punctuality
What was your last Facebook post or Tweet?
“YES WE CAN!” celebrating the Supreme Court decision upholding Obamacare. It is a huge victory, particularly for people with HIV who can qualify for Medicaid without having to wait for an AIDS diagnosis, and can’t be denied health coverage because of a pre-existing condition.
If your life were a book, what would the title be?
“Fasten your seatbelts,” because it has been one bumpy ride.
If science discovered a way to change sexual orientation, what would you do?
Find Ben Cohen.
What do you believe in beyond the physical world?
There’s something besides the physical world? I’ll believe it when I see it.
What’s your advice for LGBT movement leaders?
Too many so-called leaders seem to mistake photo-ops and cocktail party receptions for actual accomplishments. On-the-ground activists are providing the real leadership. Look at marriage equality — activists in Massachusetts propelled that issue forward in 2001 with Goodridge v. Dept. of Public Health. The national groups have been playing catch up ever since.
What would you walk across hot coals for?
Nothing. I have nice feet.
What LGBT stereotype annoys you most?
Victimhood. It perpetuates the perception that we are weak. Pity is no substitute for demanding respect and dignity.
What’s your favorite LGBT movie?
“Carrie,” the original with Sissy Spacek and Piper Laurie. It shows us that the best way to deal with high school bullies is to turn a fire hose on them.
What’s the most overrated social custom?
Saying “bless you” when someone sneezes. (See “physical world” response above).
What trophy or prize do you most covet?
Raphael Nadal.
What do you wish you’d known at 18?
That Apple stock would have been a really good idea.
Why Washington?
Sometimes at night I walk the dog around the Capitol. I’ll sit on the West steps and look out over the city, with stars and the moon and the Mall and the monuments and the glistening city lights, and I think “this view, at this moment almost makes up for the excruciating summer heat and humidity.” Almost. Actually, I really love D.C. I just wish I had a couple of senators and a representative.
Theater
‘The Inheritance’ is most-nominated at this year’s Helen Hayes Awards
42nd annual celebration of excellence in local theater set for May 18
Helen Hayes Awards 2026
May 18, 2026
For tickets go to theatrewashington.org
Last year, when out director Tom Story took on the daunting task of directing Round House Theatre’s production of “The Inheritance, Parts One and Two,” he knew that casting would be important, maybe even paramount, to the endeavor’s success. So, Story didn’t mess around.
Penned by queer playwright Matthew López, “The Inheritance” (inspired by E.M. Forster’s 1910 novel “Howards End”) is based on gay culture in the wake of the AIDS crisis.
Story looked at actors he knew, and some he didn’t. He wanted low drama and maybe players who could relate to the LGBTQ experience. In the end, the production’s 13-person cast was entirely queer except for brilliant local favorite Nancy Robinette as Margaret, the wise housekeeper.
Clearly, Story’s vision resonated with audiences. Round House’s production of “The Inheritance” is the most-nominated work of this year’s Helen Hayes Awards, earning 14 nominations. It’s also one of Round House’s highest grossing popular successes ever.
The queer cast members whose ages ranged from about 22 to 60, worked hard and enjoyed the process, and along the way garnered an Outstanding Ensemble in a Play (Hayes) nomination for their efforts.
The ensemble included Jamar Jones as Tristan, a brilliant doctor who leaves New York for Canada after deciding there’s no place for a gay, HIV-positive Black man in America. For the experienced actor, being part of “The Inheritance” was profound: “I think it was a divinely orchestrated production.”
He adds “I really feel that it’s so rare that you get to work on a show of that magnitude…size, time, where virtual strangers genuinely fell into rhythm. We became a cohort. I never felt a sense of unease, or reluctance to try things. I could be as big or bold as I wanted to be; or I could be small. Fail, mess up, try again. I didn’t feel judged.”
Jones considers Richmond his home, but says “I’m based where the work is.” Currently, he’s back at Round House rehearsing “Sally & Tom” (May 27-June28), a play within a play/meta exploration of the relationship between Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings by Suzan-Lori Parks.
Jones plays both a contemporary violinist and an enslaved fiddler, parts that have required him to learn to “air fiddle.” He’s all over it: “I want to represent the art and to be as precise as possible. Taught by an instructor, I’ve made strides with movement of the bow; next up is finger placement.”
Will he leave the play a violinist? “I’ll report back on closing night. Maybe I will have added something to the special skills list on my resume.”
For about a decade, Jones worked in living history, interpreting, performing, and writing pieces about the enslaved people of Colonial Virginia. Among the many historical characters he portrayed was Jupiter (Thomas Jefferson’s longtime enslaved manservant), an experience that’s proved a connection and preparation for his current role.
The 42nd Helen Hayes Awards celebration recognizing excellence in professional theater in the DMV will be held on Monday, May 18, 2026 at The Anthem on the District Wharf in Washington, D.C. Named for Helen Hayes, the legendary first lady of Broadway, the program consists of the awards presentation hosted by Felicia Curry, Awa Sal Secka, and Derrick Truby, followed by an after-party at nearby Whitlow’s.
With works selected from 149 eligible productions presented in the 2025 calendar year, nominations were made in 41 categories and grouped as either “Helen” (non-Equity/small Equity presence) or “Hayes” (Equity-heavy).
The many nominations are the result of 49 vetted judges considering 1,997 pieces of work, such as design, direction, choreography, performances, and more. The productions under consideration included 42 musicals, 107 plays, and 33 world premieres.
The following are more of this year’s queer nominees.
A past Helen Hayes Award recipient and nominee, Fran Tapia is competing against herself this year in the Outstanding Lead Performer in a Musical (Helen) category. Nominated for her memorable turn as the diva barkeep in GALA Theatre’s “Columbia Heights Bolero Bar,” an immersive musical centered on songs of longing and immigration set in a diverse neighborhood on the eve of a divisive presidential election
“It was a challenging time, because a lot of what was happening in the show was happening in the neighborhood,” says Tapia who lives in Columbia Heights just eight minutes from GALA.
Based in D.C. since 2019, Tapia says “Being recognized in a country that is not my homeland but where I’m building my artistic home, is deeply meaningful. And the variety of roles I have been able to play speaks to the richness of DC theater and the collaborators who trusted me with these roles.”
Her other individual nomination is for the title role in Spooky Action Theater’s “Professor Woland’s Black Magic Rock Show,” a passionately comedic political satire. She approached the mysterious central character as nonbinary.
Tapia (“Chilean, Latina, queer and proud immigrant”) says while very different, both performances involved particularly strong characters. She’s grateful audiences responded positively to her work.
Stanley Bahorek, who moved to D.C. with his husband four years ago, is best known as an accomplished actor with a long list of Broadway and regional credits (including playing Carl, the gay son in Studio Theatre’s recent production of “The Mother Play”). Now, he is nominated for Outstanding Music Direction (Helen) for his work on “A Strange Loop,” a production of D.C.’s Visionaries of the Creative Arts (VOCA) in collaboration with Deaf Austin Theatre. He shares this nomination with Walter “Bobby” McCoy.
Michael R. Jackson’s Tony and Pulitzer wining play “A Strange Loop,” is the story of Usher, a Black, queer theater usher trying to write a musical. VOCA’s take on the work is seen through a deaf BIPOC lens with a deaf Usher played by a deaf actor (out actor Gabriel Silva). Invited by director and longtime friend Alexandria Wailes (who is deaf), Bahorek (who is hearing) joined the creative team as a sort of hybrid associate director/ music supervisor.
“I’m fluent in conversational American Sign Language (ASL),” he says. “I sort of functioned as a sherpa between the hearing and deaf and hard-of-hearing creatives. It’s been a great thrill to be a part of VOCA’s biggest production to date.”
If he and McCoy take home the prize, who makes the acceptance speech? Bahorek takes a beat before replying “That’s something we still need to talk about. And soon.”
A full list of award recipients will be available at theatrewashington.org on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
Anthony Oakes will host “DC Black Pride Comedy Show” on Thursday, May 21 at 7 p.m.
Oakes will workshop his new hour about addiction, incarceration, recovery, and redemption with special guests.
This event will be hosted by the hilarious Apple Brown Betty with TJ So Silly, Howl Cooper, and featuring Patrice Deveaux. DJ Art.is will be spinning on the 1’s & 2’s. Libations will be provided by Drink Alchy. Images by RGF ENT. Tickets are $28.52 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Out & About
United Night Out set for Saturday
Team DC hosts evening of soccer, Pride, music, drag and community
On Saturday, May 16, Team DC is taking over Audi Field for United Night OUT as D.C. United faces St. Louis SC.
Come out for an evening of soccer, Pride, music, drag, and community. The night kicks off with pre-game fun featuring DC Different Drummers, DJ Heat, and a Pride Night OUT Party at the Heineken Rooftop. Then get ready for a 7:30 p.m. match, including the National Anthem sung by Dana Nearing and a halftime drag performance.
After the match, the celebration continues at the Post-Game Rooftop Party with DJ Heat and the After Party at Dacha Navy Yard. Game tickets and after party tickets are available now through Zeffy. After party tickets are $20 and include one drink.
Honey, have we been priced out of gay paradise?
Comings & Goings
IDAHOBiT a reminder we all must stand up against transphobia
Disillusioned about democracy? Think of it as a community garden
‘The Inheritance’ is most-nominated at this year’s Helen Hayes Awards
Jason Collins dies at 47
Polish government to recognize same-sex marriages from EU countries
European Commission says all EU countries should ban conversion therapy
Pride faith services in Washington, D.C.
