Local
Librarian Maurice Lapierre dies at 85
Longtime supporter of Dignity Washington
Maurice Edmond Lapierre, a career librarian who taught library science at the university level and was a longtime member and supporter of the D.C. LGBTQ Catholic group Dignity Washington, died May 2 at the Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington from complications associated with COVID-19. He was 85.
A curriculum vitae outlining his educational background and work history shows Lapierre worked as a librarian, library sciences consultant, and adjunct associate professor teaching library science over a career that spanned the years of 1959 to 2000, when friends believe he retired.
According to the curriculum vitae, he served as a librarian, high-level official, or a consultant at six university libraries and libraries at private sector organizations throughout the United States, Canada, and the nation of Bahrain, where he served as Chief Medical Librarian for the Ministry of Health from July 1982 to June 1984.
His last position prior to his retirement was that of head of the collections management division at Marymount University in Arlington, Va., from March 1990 to August 2000, his career write-up says.
In addition to Marymount, he served in library positions at Ohio State University; McGill University in Montreal; New York University; the University of California at Los Angeles; and the University of Alabama.
He also served at the University of Alabama as Adjunct Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Library Service from 1978 to 1982. He served as an Assistant Professor at Ohio State University from 1965 to 1966, his curriculum vitae says.
His friend Tom Yates said Lapierre was born and raised in Rhode Island. His curriculum vitae says he served in the U.S. Naval Reserve from 1953 to 1955 and was stationed part of that time on the U.S.S. Hornet vessel as a Yeoman Third Class.
He received his bachelor’s degree in modern languages and philosophy at Boston College in 1959, his career write-up says. He received a master’s degree in library science with course work for a master’s in French at the University of California at Los Angeles.
In 1973, he received his doctorate in Library and Information Science and completed course work for another master’s degree in Public Management Science at Case Western Reserve University.
Yates said he believes Lapierre became involved with Dignity Washington in the late 1990s. Dignity Washington member Tom Hardy said Lapierre served as co-leader of the Dignity Book Club for more than 20 years and was a frequent participant in the organization’s weekly Catholic Mass, where he served as a reader.
“He traveled widely in his later years and enjoyed many Celebrity Mediterranean cruises, especially to Italy and the Greek islands,” said Hardy, who added that Lapierre also traveled frequently to the Caribbean islands.
“Maurice was a kind and generous friend, volunteering his time, talents, and treasure to both Dignity Washington and Dignity NOVA,” said Yates, who was referring to Dignity’s Northern Virginia chapter. Yates said Lapierre was also a music lover and an accomplished pianist.
Lapierre has two surviving brothers, Bertrand Lapierre of Fullerton, Calif.; and Rene Lapierre of Warden, Wash., Yates said. Others who knew Lapierre said he has many surviving friends.
Yates said a planned memorial service has been put on hold during the coronavirus restrictions until friends and family members can safely gather.
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.
D.C. liquor board extends drinking hours for WorldPride
PHOTOS: Victory Fund National Champagne Brunch
Executive director of LGBTQ Catholic group to travel to Rome for conclave
Tom Goss returns with ‘Bear Friends Furever Tour’
Calendar: May 2-8
Second federal lawsuit filed against White House passport policy
We must show up to WorldPride 2025 in D.C.
Ruby Corado sentencing postponed for third time
TRAITOR: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has blood on his hands
A room with Pride: D.C.’s LGBTQ history finds a new home at the Eaton
-
U.S. Federal Courts4 days agoSecond federal lawsuit filed against White House passport policy
-
Opinions5 days agoWe must show up to WorldPride 2025 in D.C.
-
District of Columbia4 days agoRuby Corado sentencing postponed for third time
-
Opinions2 days agoTRAITOR: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has blood on his hands