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Comings & Goings

Ronté Pierce new director of Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington’s Seasons of Love Ensemble

Published

4 years ago

February 24, 2023

Ronté Pierce

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].

The Comings & Goings column also invites LGBTQ college students to share their successes with us. If you have been elected to a student government position, gotten an exciting internship, or are graduating and beginning your career with a great job, let us know so we can share your success.

Congratulations to Ronté Pierce who joined GMCW as director of the Seasons of Love Ensemble. Seasons of Love is a 15-member outreach ensemble of the GMCW, with the mission to celebrate and promote social justice advocacy through soulful music that inspires, strengthens, and unites our community. Ronté said “I’m excited to lead such a talented and fun ensemble whose diversity is represented in its members and repertoire. The ensemble’s versatility in performing R&B, gospel, pop and other genres is truly amazing. I’m excited for the opportunity to contribute to the development of artistic, community and outreach programming with Thea Kano, GMCW’s Artistic Director.”

Ronté brings over 33 years of singing, performing and directing experience with faith-based, community, academic and choral vocal ensembles; as well as experience with musical theater and opera to his position as the director of the Seasons of Love Ensemble. Ronté currently serves as one of three music teachers at Jackson-Reed High School in D.C., where he directs a successful choir program.

Ronté has his Bachelor of Arts in Music from North Carolina Central University in Durham, N.C.; master’s in music, Boston University and Education Specialist degree from Grand Canyon University.

Congratulations also to Lucas Fox Schleusener on his new position as a lecturer at Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service. Lucas said “I’m thrilled at the opportunity to teach graduate students at Georgetown in a first-of-its-kind course on the history, political science and public policy that undergirds the relationship between the national security state and LGBTQIA+ Americans. Translating my research and lived experience in national security into scholarship to be shared widely fills me with immense pride.”

Lucas also announced the formation of an advisory board, a body of senior national security and foreign policy practitioners, and other subject matter experts and luminaries, to enhance and further the mission of Out in National Security (ONS), the non-profit he began and currently serves as CEO. The first two members of this new and growing body are Brian Hale and Jesse Salazar. Out in National Security, is a non-profit professional and advocacy association with more than 2000 members. Lucas helped place more than two dozen LGBTQIA+ presidential appointees at the highest level across the government. He previously served with QOMPLX in Reston, Va., as Director of Public Policy. Prior to that he served in the Department of Defense in D.C. as speechwriter to the Secretary of Defense. Lucas is a Term Member of the Council on Foreign Relations, 2021-2026; sponsor of the Naval Academy LGBT Spectrum Club; and was a Security Fellow for Truman National Security Project, Class of 2019.

Lucas has his B.A. in History and International Affairs from Wesleyan University and an M.A., Middle East Studies from the University of Chicago.

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Maryland

Md. groups receive state grants to fight hate crimes

Pride Center of Maryland among recipients

Published

12 hours 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.