Arts & Entertainment
D.C. gay book club turns 20
Bookmen D.C. gathers twice monthly to discuss queer lit
Bookmen D.C. is celebrating its 20th anniversary this month and claims it’s the longest continuously operating gay book club in the region. The group first met on May 11, 1999.
In lieu of its regular book discussion, the group plans a 20th anniversary party on Wednesday, May 15 at the D.C. Center at 7:30 p.m.
The group started as the Potomac Gay Men’s Book Group under the leadership of first facilitator Bill Malone. The club was later known as BoysnBooks, and have been Bookmen D.C. since 2007.
The group meets the first Wednesday of each month at Cleveland Park Library (3310 Connecticut Ave., N.W.) to discuss books and the third Wednesday of each month at the D.C. Center (in the Reeves Building) where members discuss sections of anthologies or shorter works. Dinner often follows.
The group considers itself fairly relaxed. There’s no official roster or time commitment. Organizers say it “helps” to have read the book at hand in advance but there’s no policy against attending for those who have not or haven’t finished.
“We explicitly welcome guys who haven’t finished the book or even started it in some cases,” facilitator Steve Honley says. “That doesn’t usually inhibit the discussion since I warn them we’ll discuss the ending.”
Former facilitator Tim Walton helps current facilitator Honley come up with titles, which are nominated by members. A list of nearly 300 books the group has completed can be found here. Average attendance is six-eight per month. There have been meetings of nearly 20 in previous years although the group has never been large. The group is comprised of mostly gay men but some members over the years have been bi.
The group reads fiction, non-fiction, biography, poetry and other genres.
Previous facilitators Malone, Walton and Greg Farber will be at the party on May 15. Another, Tom Wischer, is unable to attend. Honley hopes former members will come for the anniversary event.
Upcoming books the group plans to read and discuss include novels such as “Julian” by Gore Vidal and “Leading Men” by Christopher Castellani, non-fiction classic “And the Band Played On” by Randy Shilts and presidential hopeful Pete Buttigieg’s memoir “Shortest Way Home.”
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Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates 45 years at annual gala
‘Sapphire & Sparkle’ Spring Affair held at the Ritz Carlton
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington held the annual Spring Affair gala at the Ritz Carlton Washington, D.C. on Saturday. The theme for this year’s fete was “Sapphire & Sparkle.” The chorus celebrated 45 years in D.C. with musical performances, food, entertainment, and an awards ceremony.
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington Executive Director Justin Fyala and Artistic Director Thea Kano gave welcoming speeches. Opening remarks were delivered by Spring Affair co-chairs Tracy Barlow and Tomeika Bowden. Uproariously funny comedian Murray Hill performed a stand-up set and served as the emcee.
There were performances by Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington groups Potomac Fever, 17th Street Dance, the Rock Creek Singers, Seasons of Love, and the GenOUT Youth Chorus.
Anjali Murthy, a member of the chorus and a graduate of the GenOUT Youth Chorus, addressed the attendees of the gala.
“The LGBTQ+ community isn’t bound by blood ties: we are brought together by shared experience,” Murthy said. “Being Gen Z, I grew up with Ellen [DeGeneres] telling me through the TV screen that it gets better: that one day, it’ll all be okay. The sentiment isn’t wrong, but it’s passive. What I’ve learned from GMCW is that our future is something we practice together. It exists because people like you continue to show up for it, to believe in the possibilities of what we’re still becoming”
The event concluded with the presentation of the annual Harmony Awards. This year’s awardees included local drag artist and activist Tara Hoot, the human rights organization Rainbow Railroad as well as Rocky Mountain Arts Association Executive Director, Dr. Chipper Dean.
(Washington Blade photos and videos by Michael Key)
Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 16.
(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)
Photos
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Ashley Biden accepts award for Beau Biden at annual Rehoboth fundraiser
The 19th annual Blade Foundation Summer Kickoff Party was held on Friday, May 15 at Diego’s in Rehoboth Beach, Del. An award presentation was held for former Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden. Ashley Biden accepted the award on her brother’s behalf and gave remarks. Other speakers included Delaware state Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall, CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Dr. Robin Brennan and Washington Blade Editor Kevin Naff. The event was a fundraiser for the Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism.
(Washington Blade photos by Daniel Truitt)
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PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
