Local

Comings & Goings

Billups joins Sotheby’s; Shipley takes new role at EJF

Published

8 years ago

December 14, 2018

Peter Rosenstein

Barbara Kinney, gay news, Washington Blade

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].

Adam Ouanes

Congratulations to Adam Ouanes on his position as a Transplant Social Work Intern at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Ouanes said, “As part of the Kidney Transplant’s multidisciplinary team, I conduct psychosocial assessments for potential patients and living donors and participate in the decision making process regarding patient candidacy for transplant or donation.”

Previously, he worked as a hospice volunteer with the Visiting Nurse Association of Philadelphia, and is still working as a peer counselor with the William Way LGBT Community Center in Philadelphia. Before deciding to go back to school and embark on his current career, Ouanes worked in retail for Bloomingdale’s, and as supervisor at Diesel in Washington, D.C.

He has his BFA in acting from the Ira Blind School of Theater Arts, University of the Arts, in Philadelphia, and expects his master’s in social service in May of 2020 from Bryn Mawr College.

Congratulations also to Bo Billups who has joined TTR Sotheby’s International Realty Downtown D.C. brokerage. Billups is a veteran Realtor and long-time resident of Washington, D.C. He was named to Washingtonian Magazine’s 2017 list of the 100 Best Real Estate Agents and has experience as a residential loan officer and real estate investor. His insights into residential real estate have been the subject of appearances on HGTV and News Channel 8. As an advocate for stronger communities, Billups worked hand-in-hand with members of D.C.’s local government to help establish a free ID program for homeless residents.

He said, “I’m thrilled to have joined TTR Sotheby’s International Realty for this next chapter in my real estate career. The company’s sincere commitment to community service reflects my own passion for volunteerism and community building.” He remains an active volunteer with Toastmasters International and has served as its club president. He is also a member of the Shakespeare Theater Company’s Artistic Circle.

Previously, Billups worked with Coldwell Banker and APEX home loans. He has his bachelor’s in government and international relations from the University of Virginia.

Bo Billups

Congratulations also to Lloyd E. Shipley on his new position as a resident manager with EJF Real Estate Services. “I am pleased to be continuing my career in this way and looking forward to managing multiple buildings for such a great company,” Shipley said.

Over the years, he has been active in real estate and worked for a number of companies including Tilton Bernstein Walsh Real Estate. His experience there included everything from coordinating property closings to assisting clients with staging their homes for sale. He also worked for them as a property manager. Shipley attended the University of Maryland University College studying business management and paralegal studies.

Lloyd E. Shipley

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Maryland

Md. groups receive state grants to fight hate crimes

Pride Center of Maryland among recipients

Published

1 day ago

September 9, 2026

Alexis McLean

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore speaks at the Human Rights Campaign's National Dinner in D.C. on Sept. 13, 2025. His administration in the 2027 fiscal year will give $10 million in grants to the Pride Center of Maryland and other groups that work to prevent hate crimes in Maryland. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy are awarding a total of $10 million in grants in the 2027 fiscal year to nonprofit organizations that work to prevent hate crimes in the state.

The funds will be used to support those who feel targeted or discriminated against because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability status.

The Pride Center of Maryland is among the recipients. Churches, synagogues, mosques, and LGBTQ organizations are all eligible to receive grants

“The safety and security of all Marylanders is my top priority, so we are drawing a hard line because we have no tolerance for hate,” said Moore, according to media reports. “We are committed to protecting and ensuring safe and sacred spaces stay that way by investing in non-profit organizations, houses of worship, and community centers to protect and honor every community that makes our state so diverse and special.”

“Protection Against Hate Crime funding has strengthened the Pride Center of Maryland’s ability to protect, educate, and support the communities we serve … at a time of heightened concern associated with the Trump administration’s anti-LGBTQ/SGL (same-gender-loving) policies and pressures,” Pride Center of Maryland CEO Cleo Manago said. “PAHC funding helps us do more than improve physical security — it strengthens our community’s knowledge, preparedness, connection to resources, and ability to respond to hate with greater awareness and support.”

Maryland’s hate crimes law includes both sexual orientation and gender identity. The state’s nondiscrimination statute is also LGBTQ-inclusive.

District of Columbia

Blade welcomes fall intern

Alexis McLean is student at University of North Florida

Published

1 week ago

September 2, 2026

Staff reports

Alexis McLean (Washington Blade photo by Michael K. Lavers)

The Washington Blade this week welcomed Alexis McLean as its fall intern.

Alexis is studying political science at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Fla. She is interning with the Blade as part of a continued partnership with the Washington Center.

“I am looking forward to spending my time in the fall with the Washington Blade, as this is a new experience for me,” said Alexis. “I have not experienced any journalist jobs in the past so this would be my first time, and I am excited to better my writing and communications skills with this internship.”

Alexis’s internship with the Blade ends in early December.

Rehoboth Beach

SUNFESTIVAL takes center stage as Rehoboth Beach closes out summer

Labor Day Weekend bustling with events, including David Archuleta performance

Published

1 week ago

September 1, 2026

Thomas Weaverling

David Archuleta headlines this year’s SUNFESTIVAL on Saturday in Rehoboth Beach. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Labor Day Weekend marks the unofficial end of summer in Rehoboth Beach, but there will be no shortage of LGBTQ events, with CAMP Rehoboth’s annual SUNFESTIVAL taking over town this weekend.

Thursday (9/3)

Get your Labor Day Weekend started early Thursday night with happy hour from 5-7 p.m. at Diego’s Bar & Nightclub, followed by Naughtee Bingo hosted by Magnolia Applebottom at 8:30 p.m.

After bingo, the party continues with Dancing at Diego’s from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Aqua Bar & Grill will also kick off its Labor Day Weekend festivities Thursday with a DJ spinning from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

Friday (9/4)

The weekend ramps up Friday night at Aqua, where DJ Matt Bailer will keep the dance floor moving from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

Over at Diego’s, DJ Steve Sidewalk will then take over Diego’s for Freedom Friday from 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m.

Saturday (9/5)

The main event of the weekend arrives Saturday with the opening night of CAMP Rehoboth’s SUNFESTIVAL.

Billed as the ultimate party to close out the summer, SUNFESTIVAL has become one of Rehoboth’s signature Labor Day Weekend events. The annual celebration sells out each year, with proceeds benefiting CAMP Rehoboth.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with refreshments available at the cash bar while attendees are invited to socialize and find their seats.

Saturday night will feature local singer Ashley Williams as the opening performer, followed by headliner David Archuleta. The event will also feature a live auction.

Back across town Saturday, Aqua will continue its Labor Day Weekend DJ lineup from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Diego’s will also have plenty happening, with ‘Splash Party’ hosted by Magnolia Applebottom at 5 p.m., followed by a Saturday Dance Party with Brett Oosterhaus from 9 p.m.- 1:30 a.m.

The Blue Moon hosts its popular Legends Show at 9 p.m. It’s an all-live singing show by the Blue Moon cast of celebrity impersonators.

Etienne Pilon has taken Rehoboth by storm this summer. Check out the talented singer/pianist at The Pines from 7-10 p.m.

Sunday (9/6)

Sunday’s SUNFESTIVAL event will shift the focus to the dance floor, with globally renowned DJs Robbie Leslie and James Anthony scheduled to perform. Doors open at 7 p.m., with dancing continuing until 1 a.m.

On Sunday, Aqua will throw its annual White Party, with DJs spinning from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Guests are encouraged to dress in white for the holiday weekend celebration.

Diego’s will host its Sunday High T-Dance with Pamala Stanley at 5 p.m. Later that evening, DJ Tannr will be spinning at 9 p.m.

John Flynn is on the piano from 6-8 p.m. at the Blue Moon.