CONTENTS

MAY 24, 2018 Volume 25 Issue 1

23 PRIDEFUL CELEBRATION
A massive, weekend-long LGBTQ celebration,
DC Black Pride stresses empowerment, education,
and community.

By John Riley

ALL STAR
Robbed of her chance at the Drag Race crown,
Shangela is turning lemons to lemonade – and
conquering the world in the process.

Interview by André Hereford

30
39 SOLO BLIGHT
The latest Star Wars boasts messy action, a dozeworthy
plot, and a leading man with all the charisma
of a nerfherder.

By Randy Shulman

SPOTLIGHT: JUSSIE SMOLLETT p.7 OUT ON THE TOWN p.10

GOSPEL JOY: PAUL THORN p.12 TOMB RAIDERS: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC p.16
THE FEED p.19 SCENE: TRANS PRIDE p.21 COMMUNITY: PRIDEFUL CELEBRATION p.23
COVER STORY: SHANGELA p.30 BLACK PRIDE EVENTS p.35
SCENE: BLACK PRIDE AWARDS p.37 FILM: SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY p.39
STAGE: SAINT JOAN p.41 MUSIC: SNOW PATROL p.43 NIGHTLIFE p.45
SCENE: DIRTY GOOSE p.45 LISTINGS p.46 SCENE: NELLIE’S p.53 LAST WORD p.54

Real LGBTQ News and Entertainment since 1994

Editorial Editor-in-Chief Randy Shulman Art Director Todd Franson Online Editor at metroweekly.com Rhuaridh Marr Senior Editor John Riley
Contributing Editors André Hereford, Doug Rule Senior Photographers Ward Morrison, Julian Vankim Contributing Illustrator Scott G. Brooks
Contributing Writers Sean Maunier, Troy Petenbrink, Bailey Vogt, Kate Wingfield Webmaster David Uy Production Assistant Julian Vankim
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4 MAY 24, 2018 • METROWEEKLY

 Spotlight
SCHURE MEDIA GROUP
Jussie Smollett
J
USSIE SMOLLETT IS DEEPLY CONCERNED
about the state of our country.
“As Americans, we give ourselves way too much
credit,” says the gay musician and actor, known for his
critically-acclaimed portrayal of gay musician Jamal Lyon
in the Fox hit Empire. “We lie to ourselves about how won-
derful we are, when we are not. We are great people. We
are fierce, forceful, forthright, good people at our cores,
but this country has not reflected that. What we have
to remember is we had eight years of Obama, of feeling
inspired, of feeling like somehow things were going to be
okay, but during that period, we lost our ability to fight.
We got comfortable, we got complacent. That’s why we’re
in the situation that we’re in right now.
“Let us remember that Obama, for this country, is the
Jussie Smollett appears on Saturday, May 26, at the U Street Music Hall. Victory Boyd opens. Doors and show at 7 p.m.
General Admission tickets are $20. Meet and greet VIP tickets are $65. Visit 930.com/u-hall.
anomaly,” he points out. “Trump is actually not such a huge
misrepresentation of what our country in fact is. He’s what
our country was built on — lies, deceit, thievery, let’s be
honest.... This country is fucked up. It is. Point blank. Period.
There’s no getting around it. We’ve got to clean it up.”
Smollett, who on Saturday will perform songs off his lat-
est album, Sum of My Music, as well as several of his Empire
hits, at U Street Music Hall, is billed as the host of the 5,000
Men Supreme Fantasy Mega Party later that night.
“I ain’t hosting shit,” he laughs. “Hosting is so imper-
sonal, you know what I’m saying? I’m not going in to sit in
some VIP area. I’m going to party with the people. I’m get-
ting drunk with the people! I’m loving on the people! We’re
going to be dancing! We’re going to be drinking! We’re going
to be having a good time!” —Randy Shulman
MAY 24, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 7
 Spotlight
CAMELOT
Alan Paul, Shakespeare Theatre Company’s resident musi-
cal director, takes on Lerner and Loewe’s classic about the
powerful love triangle in King Arthur’s court. Ken Clark
plays the King, while Nick Fitzer is Lancelot du Lac, both
in love with Queen Guinevere, played by Broadway star
Alexandra Silber. Legends Ted van Griethuysen and Floyd
King are also featured in a show with choreography by
Michele Lynch, who won a Helen Hayes Award for her
work on STC’s Kiss Me, Kate. In previews. To July 1. Sidney
Harman Hall, Harman Center for the Arts, 610 F St. NW.
Call 202-547-1122 or visit shakespearetheatre.org.

NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT

Now in its 29th year, this concert on the U.S. Capitol grounds,
airing live on PBS, features the National Symphony Orchestra
led by Jack Everly performing patriotic classics. Joe Mantegna
(Criminal Minds) and Gary Sinise (CSI: New York) co-host for
the 13th year, and Colin Powell also returns for a special tribute

COURTESY OF CAPITAL CONCERTS

to our men and women in uniform. Other featured performers
this year include Charles Esten, Allison Janney, Leona Lewis,
Graham Greene, John Corbett, Mary McCormack, Brian Tee,
Cynthia Erivo, Charles Esten, Megan Hilty, Alfie Boe, and Gary
Sinise & the Lt. Dan Band. Sunday, May 27, at 8 p.m. U.S. Capitol
Building, West Lawn. Free. Call 202-467-4600 or visit pbs.org/
memorialdayconcert.

LIVE FROM HERE

Chris Thile replaced the retiring Garrison Keillor as host in the
fall of 2016, and then last December, the progressive bluegrass
musician (a member of Nickel Creek and Punch Brothers)
changed the name of the popular public radio variety show
known for decades as Prairie Home Companion. The show
definitely has a more youthful energy to it under the 37-year-
old Thile, but otherwise it’s still as folksy and familiar as ever
— and Thile has also continued the tradition of taping the
Memorial Day weekend episode from the Filene Center stage
at Wolf Trap. This year’s star attraction is country music’s
brightest young female star, the 29-year-old LGBTQ ally Kacey
Musgraves, with additional music from Americana singer/
mandolin player Sarah Jarosz, plus jokes from comedian Sheng
Wang (NBC’s Last Comic Standing). Saturday, May 26, at 5:45
p.m. 1645 Trap Rd., Vienna. Tickets are $45 to $125, or $30 for
NATE RYAN

the lawn. Call 703-255-1900 or visit wolftrap.org.

8 MAY 24, 2018 • METROWEEKLY

 Spotlight
MACY GRAY
Nearly 20 years since “I Try,” Gray is still recording
and performing her signature blend of R&B, pop, funk,
and jazz. She stops in the D.C. area over Black Pride
Weekend for two shows with a full band, offering a
sneak peek at Ruby, her 10th full-length album due this
fall. Gray says Ruby is “gritty and grimy and dirty,” and
follows up on her jazz covers set Stripped. Friday, May
25, and Saturday, May 26, at 8 p.m. Bethesda Blues &
Jazz Supper Club, 7719 Wisconsin Ave. Tickets are
$65 to $78, plus $10 minimum purchase per person.
Call 240-330-4500 or visit bethesdabluesjazz.com.
GUILIANO BEKOR

LISSIE
Singer-songwriter Lissie Maurus lives in Iowa, but got her start on
the Los Angeles coffeehouse circuit before opening for the likes of
Lenny Kravitz and Ray LaMontagne and appearing at the Lilith
Fair. Although she doesn’t channel Stevie Nicks quite as blatantly
on Castles as she did on 2016’s My Wild West, Lisie’s new fourth
studio album is every bit as steeped in the dramatic and folky rock/
pop style of her idol, with the biting “Love Blows” and the power
ballad “Meet Me In The Mystery” particular standouts. Saturday,
May 26. Doors at 8 p.m. 9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW. Tickets are $25.
Call 202-265-0930 or visit 930.com.

BOOKER T. JONES
The first to perform when the Pearl Street
Warehouse opened back in October, the
Grammy-winning soul pioneer and producer
returns to the DC Wharf’s hip, intimate venue.
Jones tours in support of his current album
Sound The Alarm, featuring collaborations with
Mayer Hawthorne, Anthony Hamilton, Estelle,
and Gary Clark Jr. But he’ll also play from his
vast repertoire, including hits with the legend-
ary Stax Records band Booker T & The MG’s, as
well as other more recent tunes with the Drive
By Truckers and the Roots. The sax-driven jazz/
funk machine the Ron Holloway Trio opens.
Friday, June 1. Doors at 7 p.m. 33 Pearl St. SW.
KAZ SASAHARA

Tickets are $50 to $75. Call 202-380-9620 or

visit pearlstreetwarehouse.com.

MAY 24, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 9

 Out On The Town

THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS

Joe Calarco directs Signature Theatre’s take on Kander & Ebb’s final musical collaboration, a breathtaking critique of a
true story of racism and injustice from 1931. Eight years after The Scottsboro Boys debuted on Broadway, the D.C. pre-
miere features an ensemble cast including Jonathan Adriel, Malik Akil, Christopher Bloch, Chaz Alexander Coffin, Felicia
Curry, C.K. Edwards, DeWitt Fleming Jr., Andre Hinds, Darrell Wayne Purcell, Aramie Payton, Lamont Walker II, Joseph
Monroe Webb, and Stephen Scott Wormley, with choreography by Jared Grimes. In previews. To July 1. MAX Theatre,
4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington. Call 703-820-9771 or visit sigtheatre.org.

Compiled by Doug Rule
FILM
LUST FOR LIFE
Kirk Douglas stars as Vincent Van
Gogh in the 1956 biopic direct-
ed by Vincente Minnelli, part of
the Capital Classics series at
Landmark’s West End Cinema.
Wednesday, May 30, at 1:30, 4:30,
and 7:30 p.m., 2301 M St. NW.
Happy hour from 4 to 6:30 p.m.
Tickets are $10 to $12.50. Call 202-
534-1907 or visit landmarktheatres.
com.
ON CHESIL BEACH
Celebrated English author Ian
McEwan adapted his 2007 novel-
la for a bittersweet indie screen
romance starring Saoirse Ronan
and Billy Howle (who also play
love interests in The Seagull).
British stage director Dominic
Cooke makes his film debut with
this well-acted tearjerker — a
refreshing, though sad, date-movie
alternative to the Disney/Marvel/
Lucasfilm blockbusters that come
out every week. Opens Friday, May
25, at Landmark’s E Street Cinema,
555 11th St. NW. Also Landmark’s
Bethesda Row Cinema, 7235
Woodmont Ave. Call 202-452-7672
or visit landmarktheatres.com.
(André Hereford)
UNION MARKET DRIVE-IN:
CLUELESS
A decade before Mean Girls, there
was this coming-of-age rom-com
written and directed by Amy
Heckerling as an updated version
of Jane Austen’s Emma. Alicia
Silverstone, Paul Rudd, and the late
Brittany Murphy starred in Clueless,
which is next up in the monthly
warm weather Drive-In Series at
Union Market. You don’t have to
have a car to take it all in — just grab
a viewing spot in the free picnic
area. Food and beer are available,
delivered to you or your car window
by the DC Rollergirls. Friday, June
1. Gates at 6 p.m., with the movie
starting after sunset at 8:45 p.m. In
the parking lot at 1305 5th St. NE.
Free for walk-ups or $10 per car.
Call 800-680-9095 or visit union-
marketdc.com.
STAGE
CHARLOTTE’S WEB
Virginia’s Creative Cauldron pres-
ents Charles Strouse’s beguiling
adaption of E.B. White’s classic tale,
with a book by Joseph Robinette.
Matt Conner directs a cast led by
Will Stevenson as Wilbur and Abby
Middleton as Charlotte. Opens
Saturday, May 26, at 7:30 p.m. To
June 17. ArtSpace Falls Church, 410
South Maple Ave. in Falls Church.
Call 703-436-9948 or visit creative-
cauldron.org.
GIRLFRIEND
In 1993, Matthew Sweet toured as
an opening act for newly out lesbian
rocker Melissa Etheridge. Sweet’s
power-pop tunes — including 1991
alt-rock album Girlfriend — contin-
ue their LGBTQ appeal and connec-
tion, soundtracking a gay coming-
of-age theatrical tale set in ’90s-era
small-town Nebraska. Lukas James
Miller and Jimmy Mavrikes star
as a college-bound jock and his
first boyfriend. Directed by Matt
Gardiner. To June 10. The Ark,
4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington. Call
703-820-9771 or visit sigtheatre.org.

10 MAY 24, 2018 • METROWEEKLY

 HOODED, OR BEING BLACK FOR
DUMMIES
Winner of the Charles MacArthur
Award for Outstanding Original
New Play at last week’s Helen
Hayes Awards, this irreverent com-
edy has been remounted by Mosaic
Theater Company after its origi-
nal sold-out run last year. All but
one of the cast members as well
as all of the designers return to
the show, a deft examination of
two young black teens from vast-
ly different circumstances. Metro
Weekly’s André Hereford praised
the voice of playwright Tearrance
Arvelle Chisholm as “authentic and
original,” further noting the “smart,
funny staging” of director Serge
Seiden. But he heaped the most
praise on lead actor Jeremy Keith
Hunter as “the engine that keeps
the show humming along.” To June
SAM WRIGHT

3. The Sprenger Theatre in the Atlas

Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St.
NE. Tickets are $20 to $65. Call
202-399-7993 or visit mosaicthe-
ater.org.

GOSPEL JOY
Americana rocker Paul Thorn got bit by the gospel bug
SOUL THE STAX MUSICAL
Kwame Kwei-Armah concludes
his tenure as artistic director of
Baltimore Center Stage with a
world-premiere musical about
and is on a mission to spread the musical joy. the storied Memphis-based label

F
Stax Records, which created the
very foundation of American
ROM HIS CHURCHGOING YOUTH, PAUL THORN HAD ALWAYS BEEN
Soul Music through its star ros-
drawn to the gospel sound. “My daddy was a Church of God Pentecostal preacher, ter. Stax launched the careers of
and I grew up singing in church,” he says. “When I was a kid, they had in our town Otis Redding, the Staple Singers,
where I lived — Tupelo, Mississippi — two types of churches. We had churches where Isaac Hayes, Wilson Pickett, and
Booker T & the MG’s. Matthew
the white folks attended, and we had the church where the black folks attended. But my Benjamin wrote the book for what
family, we would go visit the black church. We always loved to go over there and worship is essentially a jukebox musical
with them. The music was better than the music in the white churches.” featuring a huge 21-member cast.
Choreography by Chase Brock.
It wasn’t until the recently released Don’t Let the Devil Ride, however, that the grav-
To June 10. 700 North Calvert St.,
el-voiced roots rocker achieved his dream of producing a bonafide gospel blues album. Baltimore. Tickets are $20 to $79.
“I wanted to pay honor and tribute to black gospel,” says the 50-year-old, who brings Call 410-332-0033 or visit center-
his Mission Temple Fireworks Revival, with special guests The McCrary Sisters, to the stage.org.
Hamilton Live on Wednesday. THE REMAINS
Legends like The McCrary Sisters, the Blind Boys of Alabama, and the Preservation A comedy about the tragedy of lov-
Hall Jazz Horns give the album a rich, full-blooded authenticity. Most of the songs are ing starring Maulik Pancholy (30
Rock) as one half of a gay couple
covers of gospel “chestnuts” from the ’50s and ’60s. But the undeniable highlight is a
celebrating a 10th anniversary and
stirring cover of “Love Train,” the 1972, uptempo soul hit by The O’Jays. Thorn slows the revealing the truth of their seem-
song down, encases it in a 12/8 groove, and brings on the gospel. It becomes nothing short ingly perfect relationship. David
of a musical epiphany. Muse directs a world premiere by
Ken Urban. In previews. To June
“You think of ‘Love Train’ as a lightweight ditty, but it ain’t — it’s heavy man,” says 17. Studio Theatre, 14th & P Streets
Thorn. “I would put that song, lyrically, up against any other song as far as being import- NW. Call 202-332-3300 or visit stu-
ant.... It’s a song about all-inclusiveness, and everybody can get on the train. We’re diotheatre.org.
humans, we’re just here for a short time, why not love one another instead of hating one
THE UNDENIABLE SOUND
another?” OF RIGHT NOW
On that note, Thorn feels his home state gets unfairly maligned. “Mississippi gets a bad A hilarious and heartbreaking
rap, but there’s good and bad folks everywhere,” he says. “Pick a state, there’s hate and work by Laura Eason, the focus is
on a Chicago man trying to keep
prejudice and intolerance. It’s in all states. There is a lot of ignorance, that in my opinion, his legendary rock club afloat. Set
people need to be more informed on things. Personally, I don’t go around people that’s during the early 1990s, when grun-
against folks because of their color or their sexual preference. The people I run with, ge was popular but DJs and elec-
tronic/dance music were ascend-
we’re all-inclusive. I won’t waste my life being around people who aren’t like that.”
ing, Keegan’s production stars Chris
—Randy Shulman Stezin, Susan Marie Rhea, Josh
Sticklin, and Ryan Sellers. To May
27. 1742 Church St. NW. Tickets are
Paul Thorn’s Mission Temple Fireworks Revival tour, featuring The McCrary Sisters, is $35 to $45. Call 202-265-3768 or
Wednesday, May 30, at the Hamilton Live, 600 14th St. NW. Doors at 6:30, show at 8 p.m. visit keegantheatre.com.
Tickets are $24.75 to $59.75. Call 202-769-0122 or visit live.thehamiltondc.com.

12 MAY 24, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


DON HARRIS
MOUTH PIECE/S
The African-American Collective Theater (ACT) returns with the latest in its ongoing
series of LGBTQ Theater Showcases presented to commemorate DC Black Pride, 26 years
after launching during the weekend celebration. This year the company offers a pair of
“Reader’s Theater”-style performances, with two different programs of short plays on
Sunday, May 27, at 4 and 8 p.m. First Congregational United Church of Christ, 945 G St.
NW. Call 202-628-4317 or visit a-act.org.
TITUS ANDRONICUS
Synetic founder Paata Tsikurishvili
tackles the revenge-driven tragedy
as the 13th entry in the company’s
celebrated “Silent Shakespeare”
series — meaning no words, all
fiery action, energy, and violence,
with choreography led by Irina
Tsikurishvili, who also portrays
Tamora. Philip Fletcher is Titus in
the large ensemble show including
Irina Kavsadze, Audrey Tchoukoua,
Dallas Tolentino, and Alex Mills.
To May 27. 1800 South Bell St.,
Arlington. Tickets are $15 to $55.
Call 800-494-8497 or visit synet-
ictheater.org.
WAITRESS
Based on the 2007 movie, Waitress
focuses on Jenna, a diner employee
with a passion for baking pies that
helps her cope with a loveless mar-
riage and the malaise of her small
town. Diane Paulus (Pippin) directs
a show with music and lyrics by Sara
Bareilles, book by Jessie Nelson,
and choreography by Lorin Latarro.
To June 3. National Theatre, 1321
Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Tickets are
$48 to $108. Call 202-628-6161 or
visit thenationaldc.org.
MUSIC
BALTIMORE SYMPHONY
ORCHESTRA, KIRILL GERSTEIN
Kirill Gerstein performs Gershwin’s
14 MAY 24, 2018 • METROWEEKLY
jazzy Piano Concerto as part of a
program led by the BSO’s Marin
Alsop, also featuring Stravinsky’s
dazzling Suite from The Firebird
and Schumann’s incredibly per-
sonal Symphony No. 2, expressing
the conductor’s triumph over dark-
ness. Thursday, March 31, at 8 p.m.
Music Center at Strathmore, 5301
Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda.
Also Friday, June 1, and Saturday,
June 2, at 8 p.m. Joseph Meyerhoff
Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St.,
Baltimore. Tickets are $30 to $99.
Call 410-783-8000 or visit bsomu-
sic.org.
BREANNA SINCLAIRÉ, GMCW:
TRANSAMERICA
After performing the Durufle
Requiem with the Gay Men’s Chorus
of Washington back in February,
the transgender opera singer, a
native of Baltimore who lives in San
Francisco, returns to close out the
organization’s 37th season. Frank
D. Shutts II directs a program cel-
ebrating all those who identify as
transgender, non-binary and gen-
derqueer, and featuring Vanessa
Ford, a board member of the
National Center for Transgender
Equality who is also the mother of a
seven-year-old transgender daugh-
ter. Artistic Director Thea Kano will
lead the full, 250-member-strong
chorus, its smaller ensembles, plus
the GenOUT Chorus, in perfor-
mances of songs including “What
A Wonderful World,” “Everyday
People,” “Somewhere” from West
Side Story, “Who Will Love Me As
I Am” from Side Show, and “This Is
Me” from The Greatest Showman.
Dancers will add to the fun, aided
by choreography from Craig
Cipollini and James Ellzy. In addi-
tion, Bishop Gene Robinson will
lead a panel discussion with guest
speakers prior to the first perfor-
mance on Saturday, June 1. Doors
at 7 p.m. Second performance is
Saturday, June 1, at 8 p.m., and
Sunday, June 2, at 3 p.m. Lincoln
Theatre, 1215 U St. NW. Tickets are
$25 to $65. Call 202-888-0050 or
visit gmcw.org.
FLIGHT FACILITIES
With intriguing percussive instru-
mentation, the Australian electronic
duo consisting of Hugo Gruzman
and Jimmy Lyell offers a nice blend
of chillout and progressive house
grooves. Thursday, May 31. Doors at
7 p.m. Nightclub 9:30, 815 V St. NW.
Tickets are $25. Call 202-265-0930
or visit 930.com.
GALANTIS
Pop-flavored off-kilter EDM is
exactly what you’d expect from a
Swedish duo whose collective pro-
duction pedigree includes quirky
dance acts Miike Snow (“Animal”),
Bloodshy & Avant (writers of
Britney Spears’ “Toxic”), and Style
of Eye (a co-writer of Icona Pop’s “I
Love It”). Teaming up as Galantis,
Christian “Bloodshy” Karlsson
and Linus “Style of Eye” Eklow
return to D.C. after a rousing live
show at last year’s All Things Go
Fall Classic, which found the two
attractive musicians full of kinetic
energy, moving around behind their
equipment, even jumping from the
stage. Galantis tours in support of
new single “Spaceship” featuring
singer Uffie, but the duo is sure
to play their crowd-pleasing EDM
hits, including “Runaway (You
& I)” and “No Money,” as part a
continuously mixed set with other
dance classics from their collective
repertoire, as well as others that
inspire them. Friday, June 1. Doors
at 9 p.m. Echostage, 2135 Queens
Chapel Rd. NE. Tickets are $40
to $50. Call 202-503-2330 or visit
echostage.com.
LEA MICHELE, DARREN CRISS
The Glee stars embark on their
first-ever co-headlining tour, per-
forming their own songs, as well
as others from Glee and Broadway.
Sunday, June 3, at 8 p.m. Kennedy
Center Concert Hall. Tickets are
$59 to $149, with multiple VIP Meet
& Greet Packages running $299 to
$499. Call 202-467-4600 or visit
kennedy-center.org.
RISING APPALACHIA
Led by harmonizing sisters Leah
and Chloe Smith accompanied
by percussionist Biko Casini and
bassist/guitarist David Brown,
Rising Appalachia is a global-
ly inspired American roots/folk
act with a social justice mission
— founders of what they call a
DIY-driven, independent-based
“Slow Music Movement.” A sen-
sitive, world-weary, thinking per-
son’s variation on Americana, the
New Orleans-based band is joined
by D.C.’s original folk- and hip-
hop-flavored “queer pop” artist
Steadwell, touring in support of her
strong, full-fledged studio debut
Queer Love Songs. Also on the bill
is Arouna, a singing griot from West
Africa and masterful string and key-
board instrumentalist. Friday, May
27. Doors at 7 p.m. 9:30 Club, 815 V
St. NW. Tickets are $20. Call 202-
265-0930 or visit 930.com.
STEVEN BLIER
The pleasures of the senses, the
glory of the human voice, and
the beauty of love are key themes
of this year’s recital, “The Art
of Pleasure.” Steven Blier of the
New York Festival of Song leads
the program and will be joined by
pianist Joseph Li in accompany-
ing soprano Laura Sanders, mez-
zo-soprano Zoie Reams, tenor Piotr
Buszewski, and baritone Johnathan
McCullough singing songs by
Piazzolla, Léhar, Bernstein, Strauss,
and Rachmaninoff. Thursday, May
31, at 2 p.m., and Friday, June 1, at
7:30 p.m. The Barns at Wolf Trap,
1635 Trap Road, Vienna. Tickets are
 $48. Call 877-WOLFTRAP or visit
wolftrap.org.

THE AIRMEN OF NOTE

Every Saturday night this summer,
National Harbor will host free con-
certs by military bands in a “Salute
the Sunset” series. On the Saturday
of Memorial Day Weekend comes
the first of three engagements fea-
turing the premier jazz ensemble of
the US Air Force. Saturday, May 26,
at 7 p.m. Plaza Stage, 150 National
Plaza, Oxon Hill, Md. Free. Call
877-628-5427 or visit nationalhar-
bor.com.

DANCE
BALLET NACIONAL DE CUBA:
DON QUIXOTE
Forty years after its Kennedy Center
REBECCA HALE

debut and seven years since its last

visit, this internationally renowned
company offers two programs fea-
turing evening-length signatures
choreographed by Artistic Director

TOMB RAIDERS
Alicia Alonso and performed with
the Kennedy Center Opera House
Orchestra. Presented as the con-
cluding program in the Artes de
Cuba series, the company kicks off
National Geographic offers an unprecedented immersive “tour” its week of performances with Don
of a holy Jerusalem shrine. Quixote, adapted from the choreog-

T
raphy of Marius Petipa. Tuesday,
May 29, through Thursday, May 31,
HE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MUSEUM IS OFFERING A VIRTUAL TOUR TO A at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $29 to $129.
Jerusalem shrine that almost beats the real thing. “When you go to Jerusalem’s Church of Call 202-467-4600 or visit kenne-
the Holy Sepulchre, it’s so crowded,” says the museum’s Lexie de los Santos. “You are liter- dy-center.org.
ally shoulder-to-shoulder with [the] many pilgrims that are trying to come through.” By contrast,
DANCE PLACE’S NEW RELEASES
only the museum’s installation “Tomb of Christ: The Church of the Holy Sepulchre Experience” CHOREOGRAPHERS SHOWCASE
only allows a maximum of 35 people in at a time, a limit that allows visitors to “take it all in.” Presented in partnership with
Incorporating 3D video and virtual-reality components, the technologically advanced, Dance Metro DC, this year’s annual
adjudicated showcase of new works
“immersive VR3D” experience offers an altogether unprecedented “tour” of the site where by established and emerging area
Jesus of Nazareth is said to have been crucified, buried, and resurrected. “It is the single most choreographers includes increased
important shrine for all of Christianity,” says curator Fredrik Hieber. “And you really feel like artist fees and $1,500 to be award-
ed to one of the selected works.
you are there.”
The performance program includes
Nothing about the installation was planned in advance. “This was really unexpected,” says works by Jamal Abrams, Ronya-Lee
Hieber, a field archaeologist and curator at NatGeo whose “normal day job” is serving as an Anderson, Gabriel Mata, and col-
expert on Greek and Egyptian antiquities. Two years ago a Greek colleague informed Hieber laborative duo Sylvana Christopher
and Maggie Lockhart. Saturday,
of a project “to renovate the shrine to the tomb of Jesus,” which he immediately seized on as May 26, at 8 p.m. Dance Place, 3225
a “not-to-be-missed opportunity.” Hieber and colleagues observed the historic efforts of con- Eighth St. NE. Tickets are $25 to
servators from the National Technical University of Athens, who took roughly nine months $30. Call 202-269-1600 or visit dan-
ceplace.org.
“to scan the shrine, restore it, solidify it, and clean it,” using radar and lidar laser equipment.
Hiebert trumpets the work as advanced “21st-century architectural conservation,” accom-
plished without needing to close the church and “without ever digging anything.” READINGS
The use of other state-of-the-art technologies, including thermographics and “optically EDWARD LEE:
stimulated luminescence,” gave conservators a “fire hydrant of information” that also helped BUTTERMILK GRAFFITI
them go beyond surface-level restoration — uncovering, for example, “inscriptions...and fres- Subtitled A Chef’s Journey to
Discover America’s New Melting-
coes underneath the soot.” Tomb of Christ documents their work and technological advances,
Pot Cuisine, this new book looks at
and also exhibits artifacts from the site. Yet it’s the interactive video and theatrical elements America’s evolving culinary land-
that take center stage. They’re also presented as key to future projects at the museum, enabling scape with a particular focus on
it to “transport the reader to someplace else,” says de los Santos. immigrant foods in 16 different cit-
ies — from Cambodian cuisine in
“This is what I think really inspired National Geographic to invest in this. Where in the Lowell, Mass., to Lebanese dishes
world do you want to go? To the top of Everest? Down to the Titanic?” says Hieber. “Next in Clarksdale, Miss., to on-the-go
February, I plan to flip a switch. Jesus will be gone and Nefertiti will be in there.” —Doug Rule Italian fare in West Virginia. Lee,
the chef behind three Asian-infused
Southern restaurants in Louisville
Tomb of Christ is on view through Jan. 2, 2019, at the National Geographic Museum, 1145 17th plus two Succotash establishments
in the D.C. area, also explores how
St. NW. Timed-entry tickets are $15. Call 202-857-7588 or visit ngmuseum.org. the different cuisines influence

16 MAY 24, 2018 • METROWEEKLY

each other. He’ll be in conversa-
tion with Susan Able, publisher
and editor of the magazine Edible
D.C. Wednesday, May 30, at 7 p.m.
Politics and Prose at the Wharf, 70
District Square SW. Call 202-488-
3867 or visit politics-prose.com.
SAM KLEINER WITH EVAN
THOMAS: FDR AND THE FLYING
TIGERS
The hidden, dramatic story of a
covert group of young American
men and women whose risky, hero-
ic actions changed the world — tak-
ing on the Japanese even before
Pearl Harbor, then in the disas-
ter’s aftermath becoming the first to
officially shoot down hundreds of
Japanese aircraft. Kleiner, a lawyer
based in New York whose writ-
ing has appeared in The Atlantic,
will be in conversation with vet-
eran Washington journalist Evan
Thomas, formerly of Newsweek.
Tuesday, May 22, at 6:30 p.m.
Kramerbooks, 1517 Connecticut
Ave. NW. Call 202-387-1400 or visit
kramers.com.
GALLERIES
AMANDA BURNHAM:
BLOCK WATCH
Photographs submitted by resi-
dents and drawings inspired by the
physical landscape and history of
Anacostia form the basis for the fifth
incarnation of CulturalDC’s year-
long Space4: Mobile Art Gallery,
a roving former 40-foot shipping
container. Through gestural acrylic
paintings and image collages, art-
ist Amanda Burnham has created
playful, abstracted representa-
tions of the neighborhood. To May
26. Parked outside Smithsonian’s
Anacostia Community Museum,
1901 Fort Place SE. Call 202-633-
4820 or visit culturaldc.org.
AMERICAN DEMOCRACY:
A GREAT LEAP OF FAITH
A display of prominent artifacts
highlighting the history of citizen
participation, debate and compro-
mise from the nation’s formation
to today. The American experi-
ment is still alive, if not altogeth-
er well at the moment, but it has
endured rough times before and
this exhibition, at the Smithsonian’s
American History Museum, high-
lights the various ways in which
leading figures have strived to
make the country “a more per-
fect union.” Objects include
Thomas Jefferson’s portable desk
he used to draft the Declaration
of Independence, the inkstand
Abraham Lincoln used to draft the
Emancipation Proclamation, and
the table on which Elizabeth Cady
Stanton wrote the Declaration of
Sentiments. Ongoing. 14th St. and
Constitution Ave. NW. Call 202-
633-1000 or visit americanhistory.
si.edu.
CONTEMPORARY PORTRAITS OF
THE BLACK EXPERIENCE
Elements That Define Us is a new
exhibition showcasing 21 art-
ists working in various medi-
ums and styles on display at the
Prince George’s African American
Museum and Cultural Center.
Tomora Wright curated this exhibi-
tion with works by regional artists,
among them Alonzo Davis, Gina
Marie Lewis, Taryn Harris, Ylysses
Marshall, James Terrell, Toni
Lane, Ronald Jackson, Elana Casey,
Shawn Lindsay, and Zsudayka
Nzinga Terrell. Through May 26.
4519 Rhode Island Ave. North
Brentwood, Md. Call 301-809-0440
or visit pgaamcc.org.
OUTBREAKS: EPIDEMICS IN A
CONNECTED WORLD
To mark the 100th anniversa-
ry of the Great Influenza, the
Smithsonian debuts an exhibi-
tion on epidemiology and human
health. From HIV to SARS to Ebola,
Outbreaks shows how viruses can
spread from animals to people, why
some infectious diseases become
MICHAEL CROSSETT: FAIR CARD VALUE
pandemics, and the collaborative
ways many have been stopped or For his first solo exhibition at Long View Gallery, the gay
curtailed. Today, pandemic diseases mixed-media artist has incorporated iconography from
remain one of the greatest threats
to individuals and society, due to the Metro system into his signature graffiti-inspired,
an increasingly interconnected, hand-pulled silkscreen prints, comprised of hundreds
increasingly mobile, increasing-
of layered portraits of D.C. landmarks and streetscapes.
ly urbanized and industrialized
global world. National Museum of
Some pieces take the shape of the now obsolete Metro
Natural History, 10th Street and fare card, with the familiar magnetic stripe running the
Constitution Avenue NW. Call 202- length of the ride side of the artwork. Others, focused on
633-1000 or visit mnh.si.edu.
prominent D.C. establishments including the Black Cat
THOM HALLER: and Dacha Beer Garden, are backdropped by the iconic,
PILLOWS AND PRINTS coffered architecture of Metro stations. And then there
Miss Pixie’s offers an exhibition of
are the images of Metro cars in motion running through
pillows and prints featuring quirky,
playful pop culture images, all dig-
the middle of many of his artworks, nodding to the
ital art collages made by a D.C.- speed at which the city is changing. Opening Reception
based artist who is in the process is Thursday, May 24, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. On display
of launching the site popnpillows. through July 1. Long View Gallery, 1234 9th St. NW. Call
com. In all, there are 47 artworks
— 25 pillows and 22 prints — and 202-232-4788 or visit longviewgallery.com.
all priced under $100. Opening
Reception, with light refreshments,
is Friday, June 1, from 5 to 8 p.m. On
display through June 30. 1626 14th
Reception is Sunday, June 3, from fourth iteration. Previews on offer
St. NW. Call 202-232-8171 or visit
6 to 8 p.m. On display through July at NKOTB 4.0: Call Your Mother,
misspixies.com.
1. 1st Floor of the Arcade Building, from the team behind Petworth’s
7300 MacArthur Blvd., Md. Call Timber Pizza, The Imperial, an off-
UNITED/DIVIDED 2: AN 301-634-2274 or visit glenechopho- shoot of Jack Rose Dining Saloon,
EXHIBITION OF PHOTOGRAPHY
toworks.org. Mama Chang from Peter Chang (Q
Robert Miller, deputy director of
by Peter Chang), Three Blacksmiths
photography at the Washington
Post, has juried the second install- FOOD AND DRINK from John MacPherson (Foster
Harris House), Shilling Canning
ment of an annual exhibition
Company from the Dabney veter-
in Glen Echo Park’s Photoworks NEW KITCHENS
an Reid Shilling, Chop Shop Taco
Gallery featuring works explor- ON THE BLOCK 4.0
from Ed McIntosh (Tortilladora),
ing the connections and divisions If you’re a foodie struggling to keep
Bandoola Bowl from the team
of the nation and in the nation’s your palate on the pulse of D.C.’s
behind Mandalay, and Cielo Rojo
capital. Represented photogra- burgeoning restaurant scene, you
from David Perez, among others.
phers include William Edwards, can’t do much better than Mess
And all can be washed down by
Robb Hill, Sumaiya Haque, Carol Hall. Throughout the year, the food
established local drinks purveyors
Balassa, Diane Charnov, David incubator in Northeast’s Edgewood
Flying Dog Brewery and distilleries
Heagy, Mercedes Jelinek, Morton neighborhood features the hottest
One Eight, New Columbia (makers
H. Friedman, Ray Alvareztorres, new and forthcoming restaurants
of Green Hat Gin), and Catoctin
Michael Jourdan, Geoff Livingston, in a festival environment. In addi-
Creek. Finally, local artist Veronica
Sasha Hull, and Brian Dailey, tion to the winter Ramen World,
Melendez will be displaying and
Opens Friday, May 25. Opening there’s this popular event, now in its selling her food-focused artworks.
MAY 24, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 17

JONATHAN HSU
DANCEAFRICA DC: 31ST ANNIVERSARY
Dance Place hosts this annual celebration paying tribute to the vibrancy of African heri-
tage through dance, music, visual arts, food, clothing and crafts. The core of the event is an
African Marketplace, where vendors sell food and wares on the street in front of the venue
and local dance groups offer performances inside and out. Participants include Urban
Virtuosos, Soul in Motion Players, Coyaba Dance Theater, KanKouran West African
Dance Company, Sankofa Dance Theater, Ezibu Muntu African Dance and Cultural
Foundation, South Africa’s Usuthu Arts Production, Farafina Kan, African Heritage
Dancers & Drummers, and New York’s Bambara Drum and Dance Ensemble. DanceAfrica
also features a series of Master Classes launching with KanKouran on Tuesday, May 29,
at 6:30 p.m. Performances are Friday, June 1, at 8 p.m., and all afternoon Saturday, June
2, and Sunday, June 3. 3225 8th St. NE. Tickets for stage performances are $25 in advance
or $30 at the door, and $16 for Master Classes. Call 202-269-1600 or visit danceplace.org.
Ticketed in two-hour sessions, at 12
and 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 3. Mess
Hall, 703 Edgewood St. NE. Tickets
are $65, or $115 for VIP priority
access with swag bag. Visit nkotb4.
eventbrite.com.
ABOVE
AND BEYOND
FLIP FLOP: A MISCAST CABARET
The Millennial-focused theater
troupe Monumental, which just gar-
nered the 2018 Helen Hayes Award
for Outstanding Emerging Theatre
Company, presents its fourth annu-
al fundraiser, previously known as
Sex Swap: A Gender Bender Cabaret.
Jimmy Mavrikes and Michael
Windsor, two of Monumental’s
young co-founders, direct the
show hosted by Jade Jones (Ford’s
Theatre’s The Wiz) and featur-
ing young theater artists — Nigel
18 MAY 24, 2018 • METROWEEKLY
Rowe, Caroline Dubberly, Farrell
Parker, Tobias Young, Christian
Montgomery, Ricky Drummond,
and Rachel Barlaam — singing songs
celebrating love, diversity, gender
identity, and the LGBTQ communi-
ty. Warren Freeman serves as music
director. Monday, May 28, at 7:30
p.m. Penn Social, 801 E St. NW.
Tickets are $30, or $50 for VIP
seating. Call 202-697-4900 or visit
monumentaltheate.org.
INVOKE YOUR PRIDE: A NIGHT
AT THE AFRICAN ART MUSEUM
Smithsonian at 8, a younger, hip-
per event series organized by
Smithsonian Associates, offers a
notable Pride-pegged after-hours
event at the National Museum of
African Art. The focus is on the
museum’s recent acquisition of
two deeply personal and mesmer-
izing videos by Kenyan artist and
singer-songwriter Jim Chuchu.
Through Invocation: The Severance
of Ties and Invocation: Release,
Chuchu commemorates his jour-
ney of coming out as a gay African
man — and also envisions a more
inclusive African future — through
evocative imagery and pulsing
house beats composed by the artist
himself. The videos will be on dis-
play at the museum throughout the
month of Pride, but only on the first
Friday in June can you view them
as part of the Pride-focused eve-
ning affair offering access to other
exhibitions and installations as
well as curators’ talks, cocktails by
Tortoise and Hare, a photo booth by
OM Digital, and music and dancing
with DJ Alkimist — plus a playlist
created for the party by Chuchu.
Friday, June 1, from 8 to 11 p.m. 950
Independence Ave. SW. Tickets are
$30 to $35, or $50 to $60 for VIP
access with open bar and appetizers
from 7 to 8 p.m. Call 202-633-3030
or visit smithsonianat8.org.
ON OUR OWN, WE’RE FIERCE
TOO: A.P.I. CABARET
In honor of May being Asian
American Heritage Month, La
Ti Do Productions offers D.C.’s
first-ever all-Asian/Pacific Islander
cabaret, featuring talent from all
different genres, with a portion
of ticket revenue donated to the
National Asian Artists Project. The
lineup features Matthew Aninzo,
Isabella Basco, Linda Bard, Russwin
Francisco, Sam Hamashima, Sally
Horton, Christina McCann, Don
Michael Mendoza, Jordan Moral,
Chris Mueller, Sarah Anne Sillers,
Tara Trinity Villanueva, Chani
Wereley, and Daniel Westbrook.
Accompaniment by a band led by
Elisa Rosman. Wednesday, May
30, at 8 p.m. Keegan Theatre, 1742
Church St. NW. Tickets are $15,
with a porti. Call 202-265-3768 or
visit keegantheatre.com. l
 theFeed
JUSTICE PREVAILS
Judge in Gavin Grimm case rules transgender students
are protected by federal law. By John Riley
A
FEDERAL JUDGE IN VIRGINIA HAS DENIED
the Gloucester County School Board’s attempt to dis-
miss a discrimination lawsuit by transgender student
Gavin Grimm.
Grimm originally sued the school board in 2015 over a
policy that barred him from the boys’ restroom, forcing him
to use either the nurse’s office or converted broom closets.
He had previously used the boys’ restroom for a couple of
weeks without incident after coming out as transgender in
his sophomore year.
The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals had previous-
ly ruled that Grimm should be allowed to move forward
with his lawsuit against the school board, but that decision
was undermined when the Trump administration revoked
Obama-era guidance that trans students be treated accord-
ing to their gender identity. When Grimm eventually grad-
uated from high school, Gloucester County asked that the
case be dismissed, as it was no longer relevant.
In her order rejecting the school board’s motion, U.S. District
Judge Arenda L. Wright Allen ruled that Title IX — which bans
discrimination based on sex — and the Equal Protection Clause
of the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution protect trans-
gender students from discrimination.
“The Seventh Circuit concluded that a policy that requires
transgender students to use bathrooms not in conformity
with their gender identity subjects ‘a transgender student…
to different rules, sanctions, and treatment than non-trans-
gender students’ and amounts to discrimination on the basis
of transgender status in violation of Title IX,” Allen writes.
“This conclusion is sound. Furthermore, the provision of a
gender-neutral alternative is insufficient to relieve a school
board of liability, ‘as it is the policy itself which violates
[Title IX].’ Offering restroom alternatives that impose hard-
ships like unreasonable distances to a student’s classroom
and increased stigma on a student is inadequate.”
Allen also found that the school board’s policy should be
subject to strict scrutiny, finding that transgender individu-
DANCING KING
Adam Rippon becomes first openly gay winner
of Dancing with the Stars. By Bailey Vogt
A
DAM RIPPON DANCED HIS WAY TO VICTORY
on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars this week, becom-
ing the show’s first openly gay winner. Only a few
months after becoming one of the first openly gay medal
winners at the Winter Olympics, figure skater Rippon and
als constitute a “quasi-suspect class” who have been histori-
cally singled out for disparate treatment, and the fact that it
was based largely on sex stereotypes.
“The Policy classified Mr. Grimm differently on the basis
of his transgender status and, accordingly, subjected him to
sex stereotyping,” she writes. “The Equal Protection Clause
protects Mr. Grimm from impermissible sex stereotypes —
just as Title IX does.”
Allen also found that the restroom policy pushed by the
board was not necessary to achieve a particular government
interest — in this case, protecting the privacy rights of cis-
gender students — noting that there were “many other ways
to protect privacy interests in a non-discriminatory and
more effective manner than barring Mr. Grimm from using
the boys’ restrooms.”
The court has directed the board and Grimm’s lawyers to
schedule a settlement conference in the next 30 days. The
American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Virginia,
which are representing Grimm, are hailing Allen’s ruling as
a victory.
“The district court’s ruling vindicates what Gavin has
been saying from the beginning. Federal law protects Gavin
and other students who are transgender from being stigma-
tized and excluded from using the same common restrooms
that other boys and girls use,” Joshua Block, a senior staff
attorney with the ACLU’s LGBT & HIV Project, said in a
statement. “These sorts of discriminatory policies do noth-
ing to protect privacy and only serve to harm and humiliate
transgender students.”
Grimm said in a statement that he felt “an incredible
sense of relief” after hearing about Allen’s ruling.
“After fighting this policy since I was 15 years old, I
finally have a court decision saying that what the Gloucester
County School Board did to me was wrong and it was against
the law,” he said. “I was determined not to give up because
I didn’t want any other student to have to suffer the same
experience that I had to go through.” l
his partner Jenna Johnson won the Athletes edition of the
dance competition, beating former figure skater Tonya
Harding and NFL cornerback Josh Norman.
Being described as “the wonder twins of dance,” Rippon
and Johnson won with a jazz number to “Anything You Can
MAY 24, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 19
 theFeed
Do” from Annie Get Your Gun, and a contemporary dance to
“Scooby Doo Pa Pa” by DJ Kass.
“I never thought somebody like me would be accepted,”
Rippon said during the final, “but I really feel loved.”
A frontrunner throughout the special season of Dancing
with the Stars, Rippon was told by panelist Carrie Ann Inaba
that he was “born to do this show” after he and Johnson
performed to RuPaul’s “Sissy that Walk” during the first
episode.
Rippon is known for not only being a bronze medalist
in figure skating but also for his outspoken protest of the
Trump administration. Earlier this year he called out the
choice of Vice President Mike Pence to lead the U.S. Winter
Olympics delegation, decrying his alleged past support for
conversion therapy.
RATIFYING HATE
Kansas and Oklahoma governors sign anti-gay
adoption bills into law. By John Riley
R
EPUBLICAN GOVERNORS IN KANSAS
and Oklahoma have signed bills that grant
adoption agencies a “license to discriminate”
against LGBTQ people.
In Oklahoma, Gov. Mary Fallin approved a law
allowed adoption agencies to reject a prospective
parent or couple based on any characteristic that
would cause the agency to deem a parent’s lifestyle as
“immoral” — something particularly targeted at the
LGBTQ community.
Lawmakers fought over how far the bill would
reach, with Democrats demanding that any agency
which chooses to discriminate have its taxpayer
funding revoked, but ultimately it was the conser-
vative Republican draft — granting full license to
discriminate — that won out.
“While we are deeply disappointed that Governor
Fallin chose to sign discrimination into law, we are
more concerned about the children — desperately
looking for homes — that will be harmed by this dis-
graceful legislation,” Troy Stevenson, the executive
director of Freedom Oklahoma, said in response to
the bill’s passage. “Make no mistake, we will fight
for the most vulnerable Oklahomans targeted by this
law. Our message to Governor Fallin, and the law-
makers who championed this travesty is simple: we’ll
see you in court!”
In Kansas, Gov. Jeff Colyer approved a similar
law that allows foster care and adoption agencies
to discriminate against prospective parents based
on a host of characteristics, such as their age, reli-
gion, marital status, and sexual orientation or gender
20 MAY 24, 2018 • METROWEEKLY
“You mean Mike Pence, the same Mike Pence that
funded gay conversion therapy? I’m not buying it,” Rippon
told USA Today in response to the selection, adding, “I
would absolutely not go out of my way to meet somebody
who I felt has gone out of their way to not only show that
they aren’t a friend of a gay person, but that they think
that they’re sick.”
He also rejected an invitation to the White House fol-
lowing the Winter Olympics, joining other athletes such as
Gus Kenworthy, Chloe Kim, and Lindsey Vonn in refusing
to attend.
“Olympians from the 2018 Games have been invited to go
to the White House today,” Rippon said on Twitter. “I will
not be going. I will not stand with people who discriminate
against those that they perceive as different.” l
identity — if they find the parent or parents’ lifestyle
objectionable.
“Kansas lawmakers, from the legislature to the
governor, are clearly stating that it is more important
to them to discriminate against their own constit-
uents than it is to find loving homes for children in
need,” said JoDee Winterhof, senior vice president
of policy and political affairs at the Human Rights
Campaign. “Make no mistake: this law will harm the
kids, families and reputation of this state.”
Kansas and Oklahoma now join seven other states
that have similarly discriminatory adoption laws —
laws that advocates say only harm children and their
prospective parents.
“It is incredible and unconscionable that states
across the country would rather hurt foster kids
— children at their most vulnerable — by denying
them loving homes just because prospective foster
parents might be a same-sex couple, or Jewish, or
any number of other irrelevant and discriminatory
rationales,” Currey Cook, counsel and director of
Lambda Legal’s Youth in Out-of-Home Care Project,
said in a statement.
“And make no mistake: this is not simply about the
sexual orientation or gender identity of prospective
foster or adoptive parents,” Cook added. “In South
Carolina, a government-funded funded foster care
agency cited a Jewish family’s faith in rejecting their
involvement in the agency’s programming, and a
Catholic agency is suing the City of Philadelphia to
block enforcement of that city’s nondiscrimination
ordinance.” l
Scene
Capital Trans Pride - Saturday, May 19
Photography by Tom Donohue
See and purchase more photos from this event at www.metroweekly.com/scene

MAY 24, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 21

22 MAY 24, 2018 • METROWEEKLY
 Community
THURSDAY, May 24
Center Latinx, a program
of The DC Center, hosts a
FINANCE 101 WORKSHOP
teaching ways to maximize
your financial success, budget,
and reach important financial
goals for life. Low-income, peo-
ple with disabilities, femmes,
queer, transgender, intersex,
and people of color highly
encouraged to attend. No reg-
istration required. Snacks pro-
vided. 6-7:30 p.m. 2000 14th St.
NW, Suite 105. For more infor-
mation, visit thedccenter.org.
WARD MORRISON / FILE PHOTO

The DC ANTI-VIOLENCE
PROJECT, a group dedicated
to combating anti-LGBT hate
crimes, holds its monthly meet-
ing at The DC Center. 7-8:30
p.m. 2000 14th St. NW, Suite
105. For more information, visit
thedccenter.org.
DC Black Pride 2017
Weekly Events

PRIDEFUL CELEBRATION
A massive, weekend-long LGBTQ celebration, DC Black Pride stresses
ANDROMEDA
TRANSCULTURAL HEALTH
offers free HIV testing and HIV
services (by appointment). 9
a.m.-5 p.m. Decatur Center,
empowerment, education, and community. 1400 Decatur St. NW. To
arrange an appointment, call

T
202-291-4707, or visit androm-
HIS YEAR, WE’VE DRILLED DOWN A LITTLE BIT DEEPER, AND ARE BEING edatransculturalhealth.org.
more inclusive of the different parts of our community,” says Earl Fowlkes, one of
DC AQUATICS CLUB practice
the co-organizers of DC Black Pride, which will celebrate its 28th anniversary on session at Takoma Aquatic
Memorial Day Weekend. Center. 7:30-9 p.m. 300 Van
Black Pride kicks off with Thursday night events for the politically involved, including Buren St. NW. For more infor-
mation, visit swimdcac.org.
a forum on LGBTQ political engagement, a first-of-its-kind #SlaytheVote ball, and efforts
to encourage attendees to register to vote. DC FRONT RUNNERS run-
On Saturday, the Grand Hyatt Washington hosts men’s and women’s sexual health ning/walking/social club
forums, where attendees can anonymously pose questions about any concerns they have, welcomes runners of all ability
levels for exercise in a fun and
as well as a town hall meeting focusing on the concerns of both LGBTQ youth and the supportive environment, with
transgender community, a writer’s forum and poetry slam, a forum on LGBTQ aging, and socializing afterward. Route
the annual “Party with a Purpose,” a dance party for LGBTQ elders that will raise money distance is 3-6 miles. Meet at
7 p.m. at 23rd & P Streets NW.
for Mary’s House for Older Adults. Saturday also brings “Onyx U,” a day-long expo aimed For more information, visit
at introducing attendees to the ins-and-outs of the leather, BDSM, and kink lifestyles. On dcfrontrunners.org.
Monday, the weekend closes out with a day-long Health and Wellness Expo in Southeast
D.C.’s Fort Dupont Park, as well as live musical performances and a dance party. DC LAMBDA SQUARES, D.C.’s
gay and lesbian square-dancing
Organizers say they particularly want to stress the educational workshops and events group, features mainstream
at DC Black Pride, which have served as the core of the event dating back decades. through advanced square
“Black Pride didn’t start out as a bunch of parties,” says co-organizer Kenya Hutton. “It dancing at the National City
Christian Church. Please dress
had a specific focus, which was about getting together and celebrating us as a community casually. 7-9:30 p.m. 5 Thomas
— all those black and brown people who weren’t visible in the larger community Pride. Circle NW. 202-930-1058,
“Part of having these workshops, forums, and town halls is to start a conversation, so dclambdasquares.org.
you can take what you learned back to your local area,” he continues. “We try to weave
DC SCANDALS RUGBY holds
in some educational components so that people walk away enriched, enlightened, and practice. The team is always
empowered a little bit more than you were when you came in.” looking for new members.
But that doesn’t mean the nightlife aspect can be ignored. In recent years, the number All welcome. 7-9 p.m. Harry
Thomas Recreation Center,
of parties and club bookings has increased, slowly elevating Black Pride’s national profile 1743 Lincoln Rd. NE. For more
and attracting revelers from across the country. information, visit scandalsrfc.
“The host hotel sold out so fast it made my head spin,” says Daryl Wilson, the chief org or dcscandals@gmail.com.
party promoter at DC Black Pride. “And then on top of it, they got two ‘overflow’ hotels
THE DULLES TRIANGLES
that are sold out as well.” Northern Virginia social
Wilson is particularly proud of convincing popular male artists to perform at Black group meets for happy hour at

MAY 24, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 23

 Pride. For years, agents of straight male performers would refuse to allow their clients to Weekly Events
perform at LGBTQ events. But Wilson has managed to wrangle in some big headliners,
including hip-hop and R&B stars Tank, Ginuwine, and Mario. DC AQUATICS CLUB holds a prac-
“When you think about where DC Black Pride started, and how it’s grown, we’ve tice session at Montgomery College
Aquatics Club. 8:30-10 a.m. 7600
come a long way,” he says. “We’re showcasing more male talent at some of the biggest Takoma Ave., Takoma, Md. For more
venues in D.C., and I’m excited to be able to pull in someone with name value in the information, visit swimdcac.org.
music industry, and has a great catalogue of music that is guaranteed to get the party
DC FRONT RUNNERS running/
jumping.” —John Riley walking/social club welcomes run-
ners of all ability levels for exercise
DC Black Pride runs from Friday, May 25 to Monday, May 28. The host hotel is the Grand in a fun and supportive environ-
Hyatt Washington, 1000 H St. NW. For a full schedule of events and parties, ment, with socializing afterward.
Route distance will be 3-6 miles.
visit dcblackpride.org or turn to page 35. Walker meet at 9:30 a.m. and run-
ners at 10 a.m. at 23rd & P Streets
NW. For more information, visit
dcfrontrunners.org.
Sheraton in Reston. All welcome. 567-3163, or email catherine.chu@ DC AQUATICS CLUB holds a prac-
7-9 p.m. 11810 Sunrise Valley Drive, smyal.org. tice session at Howard University. DIGNITYUSA sponsors Mass for
second-floor bar. For more infor- 6:30-8 p.m. Burr Gymnasium, 2400 LGBT community, family and
mation, visit dullestriangles.com. FRIDAY, May 25 6th St. NW. For more information, friends. 6:30 p.m., Immanuel
visit swimdcac.org. Church-on-the-Hill, 3606 Seminary
HIV TESTING at Whitman-Walker DC BLACK PRIDE takes place from Road, Alexandria. All welcome. For
Health. 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and from Friday, May 25 to Monday, May 28 PROJECT STRIPES hosts LGBT- more info, visit dignitynova.org.
2-5 p.m. at 1525 14th St. NW, and at the Grand Hyatt Washington. affirming social group for ages
9 a.m-12 p.m. and 2-5 p.m. at the Most educational and community 11-24. 4-6 p.m. 1419 Columbia Road SUNDAY, May 27
Max Robinson Center, 2301 MLK events occur at the host hotel, but NW. Contact Tamara, 202-319-
Jr. Ave. SE. For an appointment several parties happen off-site at 0422, layc-dc.org. ADVENTURING outdoors group
call 202-745-7000 or visit whit- various area clubs. Grand Hyatt hikes 7.2 moderately difficult miles
man-walker.org. Washington is located at 1000 H St. SMYAL’S REC NIGHT provides a to historic Rapidan Camp, the rus-
NW. For a full schedule of events, social atmosphere for LGBT and tic summer retreat for President
IDENTITY offers free and confi- visit dcblackpride.org or turn to questioning youth, featuring dance and Mrs. Herbert Hoover, in
dential HIV testing at two separate page 35 of this magazine. parties, vogue nights, movies and Shenandoah National Park. Bring
locations. Walk-ins accepted from games. For more info, email cather- plenty of beverages, lunch, bug
2-6 p.m., by appointment for all GAMMA is a confidential, volun- ine.chu@smyal.org. spray, sturdy boots, about $23 for
other hours. 414 East Diamond Ave., tary, peer-support group for men fees, and money for dinner on the
Gaithersburg, Md. or 7676 New who are gay, bisexual, questioning SATURDAY, May 26 way home. Carpool at 9 a.m. from
Hampshire Ave., Suite 411, Takoma and who are now or who have been the parking lot on Army-Navy
Park, Md. To set up an appoint- in a relationship with a woman. CHRYSALIS arts & culture group Drive across from the Pentagon
ment or for more information, call 7:30-9:30 p.m. Luther Place tours Fort McHenry and the near- City Mall. Contact Jerry, 571-241-
Gaithersburg, 301-300-9978, or Memorial Church, 1226 Vermont by Federal Hill neighborhood of 3787 or visit adventuring.org.
Takoma Park, 301-422-2398. Ave NW. GAMMA meetings are South Baltimore, focusing on Civil
also held in Vienna, Va., and in War events in those area. Picnic DC BLACK PRIDE’s main Sunday
METROHEALTH CENTER Frederick, Md. For more informa- on grounds of Fort McHenry Bring event takes place at the Bullpen at
offers free, rapid HIV testing. tion, visit gammaindc.org. beverages, picnic lunch, sunscreen, the Half Street Fairgrounds, 1201
Appointment needed. 1012 14th and about $20 for transportation Half St. SE. For a full schedule of
St. NW, Suite 700. To arrange an The DC Center holds its CENTER and admissions. Carpool at 9:30 events, visit dcblackpride.org or
appointment, call 202-638-0750. AGING MONTHLY LUNCH social a.m. from Forest Glen Metro Kiss turn to page 35 of this magazine.
for members of D.C.’s senior com- & Ride lot. Drivers needed. Contact
SMYAL offers free HIV Testing, 3-5 munity. Lunch is potluck — bring Craig, 202-462-0535 or craighow- Us Helping Us, the D.C.
p.m., by appointment and walk-in, your own dish to share. 12-2 p.m. ell1@verizon.net. Department of Health, Gilead and
for youth 21 and younger. Youth 2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105. For UChaps present PREP MEETS
Center, 410 7th St. SE. 202-567- more information, visit thedccen- DC BLACK PRIDE’s Saturday U=U, a provocative discussion
3155 or testing@smyal.org. ter.org or call 202-682-2245. events include a youth and trans- about getting to zero new HIV
gender town hall, a resume writing infections through the use of
STI TESTING at Whitman-Walker WOMEN IN THEIR TWENTIES and interview prep session, poetry PrEP and antiretroviral therapy to
Health. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 2-3 (AND THIRTIES), a social discus- readings, workshop, a women’s prevent the spread of the disease.
p.m. at both 1525 14th St. NW and sion and activity group for queer sexual health information session, Special guests include Laith Ashley,
the Max Robinson Center, 2301 women, meets at The DC Center and more. 1000 H St. NW. For Milan Christopher, and Isis King.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. SE. on the second and fourth Friday of a full schedule of events, visit Food and bottomless mimosas
Testing is intended for those with- each month. Group social activity dcblackpride.org or turn to page 35 will be served. Blind Whino, 700
out symptoms. For an appointment to follow the meeting. 8-9:30 p.m. of this magazine. Delaware Ave. SW. For tickets and
call 202-745-7000 or visit whit- 2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105. For more information, visit prepmeets-
man-walker.org. more information, visit thedccen- Join The DC Center as it vol- brunch.eventbrite.com.
ter.org. unteers for FOOD & FRIENDS,
US HELPING US hosts a Narcotics packing meals and groceries for Weekly Events
Anonymous Meeting. The group
Weekly Events people living with serious ailments.
is independent of UHU. 6:30-7:30 10 a.m.-noon. 219 Riggs Rd. NE. LGBT-inclusive ALL SOULS
p.m., 3636 Georgia Ave. NW. For
BET MISHPACHAH, founded by Near the Fort Totten Metro. For a MEMORIAL EPISCOPAL CHURCH
more information, call 202-446- ride from the Metro, call the Food
members of the LGBT community, celebrates Low Mass at 8:30
1100. & Friends shuttle at 202-669-6437.
holds Friday evening Shabbat ser- a.m., High Mass at 11 a.m. 2300
vices in the DC Jewish Community For more information, visit thedc- Cathedral Ave. NW. 202-232-4244,
WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP Center’s Community Room. 8 p.m. center.org or foodandfriends.org. allsoulsdc.org.
INSTITUTE for young LBTQ 1529 16th St. NW. For more infor-
women, 13-21, interested in lead-
mation, visit betmish.org. BETHEL CHURCH-DC progressive
ership development. 5-6:30 p.m.
and radically inclusive church
SMYAL Youth Center, 410 7th St.
holds services at 11:30 a.m. 2217
SE. For more information, call 202-
Minnesota Ave. SE. 202-248-1895,
betheldc.org.

24 MAY 24, 2018 • METROWEEKLY

 DC AQUATICS CLUB holds a
practice session at Wilson Aquatic
Center. 9:30-11 a.m. 4551 Fort Dr.
NW. For more information, visit
swimdcac.org.
DC FRONT RUNNERS running/
walking/social club welcomes run-
ners of all ability levels for exercise
in a fun and supportive environ-
ment, with socializing afterward.
Route will be a distance run of 8, 10
or 12 miles. Meet at 9 a.m. at 23rd
& P Streets NW. For more informa-
tion, visit dcfrontrunners.org.
DIGNITYUSA offers Roman
Catholic Mass for the LGBT
community. All welcome. Sign
interpreted. 6 p.m. St. Margaret’s
Church, 1820 Connecticut Ave.
NW. For more info, visit dignity-
washington.org.
FAIRLINGTON UNITED
METHODIST CHURCH is an open,
inclusive church. All welcome,
including the LGBTQ commu-
nity. Member of the Reconciling
Ministries Network. Services at
9:30 and 11:00 a.m. 3900 King
Street, Alexandria, Va. 703-671-
8557. For more info, visit fairling-
tonumc.org.
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
welcomes all to 10:30 a.m. service,
945 G St. NW. firstuccdc.org or
202-628-4317.
FRIENDS MEETING OF
WASHINGTON meets for worship,
10:30 a.m., 2111 Florida Ave. NW,
Quaker House Living Room (next
to Meeting House on Decatur
Place), 2nd floor. Special welcome
to lesbians and gays. Handicapped
accessible from Phelps Place gate.
Hearing assistance. quakersdc.org.
HOPE UNITED CHURCH OF
CHRIST welcomes GLBT commu-
nity for worship. 10:30 a.m., 6130
Old Telegraph Road, Alexandria.
hopeucc.org.
HSV-2 SOCIAL AND SUPPORT
GROUP for gay men living in the
DC metro area. This group will be
meeting once a month. For infor-
mation on location and time, visit
H2gether.com.
INSTITUTE FOR SPIRITUAL
DEVELOPMENT, God-centered
new age church & learning center.
Sunday Services and Workshops
event. 5419 Sherier Place NW. isd-
dc.org.
Join LINCOLN
CONGREGATIONAL TEMPLE –
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST for
an inclusive, loving and progressive
faith community every Sunday. 11
a.m. 1701 11th Street NW, near R in
Shaw/Logan neighborhood. lincol-
ntemple.org.
26 MAY 24, 2018 • METROWEEKLY
LUTHERAN CHURCH OF
REFORMATION invites all to
Sunday worship at 8:30 or 11 a.m.
Childcare is available at both ser-
vices. Welcoming LGBT people for
25 years. 212 East Capitol St. NE.
reformationdc.org.
METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY
CHURCH OF NORTHERN
VIRGINIA services at 11 a.m., led
by Rev. Emma Chattin. Children’s
Sunday School, 11 a.m. 10383
Democracy Lane, Fairfax. 703-691-
0930, mccnova.com.
METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY
CHURCH OF WASHINGTON, D.C.
services at 9 a.m. (ASL interpret-
ed) and 11 a.m. Children’s Sunday
School at 11 a.m. 474 Ridge St. NW.
202-638-7373, mccdc.com.
NATIONAL CITY CHRISTIAN
CHURCH, inclusive church with
GLBT fellowship, offers gospel wor-
ship, 8:30 a.m., and traditional wor-
ship, 11 a.m. 5 Thomas Circle NW.
202-232-0323, nationalcitycc.org.
RIVERSIDE BAPTIST CHURCH,
a Christ-centered, interracial,
welcoming-and-affirming church,
offers service at 10 a.m. 680 I St.
SW. 202-554-4330, riversidedc.org.
ST. STEPHEN AND THE
INCARNATION, an “interra-
cial, multi-ethnic Christian
Community” offers services in
English, 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., and
in Spanish at 5:15 p.m. 1525 Newton
St. NW. 202-232-0900, saintste-
phensdc.org.
UNITARIAN CHURCH OF
ARLINGTON, an LGBTQ welcom-
ing-and-affirming congregation,
offers services at 10 a.m. Virginia
Rainbow UU Ministry. 4444
Arlington Blvd. uucava.org.
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST
CHURCH OF SILVER SPRING
invites LGBTQ families and indi-
viduals of all creeds and cultures to
join the church. Services 9:15 and
11:15 a.m. 10309 New Hampshire
Ave. uucss.org.
UNIVERSALIST NATIONAL
MEMORIAL CHURCH, a welcom-
ing and inclusive church. GLBT
Interweave social/service group
meets monthly. Services at 11 a.m.,
Romanesque sanctuary. 1810 16th St.
NW. 202-387-3411, universalist.org.
MONDAY, May 28
DC BLACK PRIDE hosts a cultural
arts and wellness expo, along with
outdoor festival, at Fort Dupont
Park. 12-7 p.m. 3600 Minnesota
Ave. SE. For a full schedule of
events, visit dcblackpride.org or
turn to page 35 of this magazine.
Weekly Events
DC AQUATICS CLUB holds a
practice session at Dunbar Aquatic
Center. 7:30-9 p.m. 101 N St. NW.
For more information, visit swim-
dcac.org.
NOVASALUD offers free HIV test-
ing. 5-7 p.m. 2049 N. 15th St., Suite
200, Arlington. Appointments: 703-
789-4467.
STI TESTING at Whitman-Walker
Health. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at both 1525
14th St. NW and the Max Robinson
Center, 2301 Martin Luther King,
Jr. Ave. SE. Testing is intended for
those without symptoms. For an
appointment call 202-745-7000 or
visit whitman-walker.org.
The DC Center hosts COFFEE
DROP-IN FOR THE SENIOR LGBT
COMMUNITY. 10 a.m.-noon. 2000
14th St. NW. For more information,
call 202-682-2245 or visit thedc-
center.org.
US HELPING US hosts a black gay
men’s evening affinity group for
GBT black men. Light refreshments
provided. 7-9 p.m. 3636 Georgia
Ave. NW. 202-446-1100.
WASHINGTON WETSKINS
WATER POLO TEAM practices 7-9
p.m. Newcomers with at least basic
swimming ability always welcome.
Takoma Aquatic Center, 300 Van
Buren St. NW. For more informa-
tion, contact Tom, 703-299-0504
or secretary@wetskins.org, or visit
wetskins.org.
WHITMAN-WALKER HEALTH
HIV/AIDS SUPPORT GROUP
for newly diagnosed individuals,
meets 7 p.m. Registration required.
202-939-7671, hivsupport@whit-
man-walker.org.
TUESDAY, May 29
Weekly Events
DC SCANDALS RUGBY holds prac-
tice. The team is always looking
for new members. All welcome.
7-9 p.m. Harry Thomas Recreation
Center, 1743 Lincoln Rd. NE. For
more information, visit scandalsrfc.
org or dcscandals@gmail.com.
THE GAY MEN’S HEALTH
COLLABORATIVE offers free
HIV testing and STI screening
and treatment every Tuesday.
5-6:30 p.m. Rainbow Tuesday
LGBT Clinic, Alexandria Health
Department, 4480 King St. 703-
746-4986 or text 571-214-9617.
james.leslie@inova.org.
OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS
holds an LGBT-focused meet-
ing every Tuesday, 7 p.m. at St.
George’s Episcopal Church, 915
Oakland Ave., Arlington, just steps
from Virginia Square Metro. For
more info. call Dick, 703-521-
1999. Handicapped accessible.
Newcomers welcome. liveandletli-
veoa@gmail.com.
STI TESTING at Whitman-Walker
Health. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at both 1525
14th St. NW and the Max Robinson
Center, 2301 Martin Luther King,
Jr. Ave. SE. Testing is intended for
those without symptoms. For an
appointment call 202-745-7000 or
visit whitman-walker.org.
Support group for LGBTQ youth
ages 13-21 meets at SMYAL. 5-6:30
p.m. 410 7th St. SE. For more
information, contact Cathy Chu,
202-567-3163, or catherine.chu@
smyal.org.
Whitman-Walker Health holds its
weekly GAY MEN’S HEALTH AND
WELLNESS/STD CLINIC. Patients
are seen on walk-in basis. No-cost
screening for HIV, syphilis, gon-
orrhea and chlamydia. Hepatitis
and herpes testing available for fee.
Testing starts at 6 p.m, but should
arrive early to ensure a spot. 1525
14th St. NW. For more information,
visit whitman-walker.org.
WEDNESDAY, May 30
OUTWRITE WRITING
WORKSHOP SERIES presents
a lecture by John Copenhaver,
teacher and author of Dodging and
Burning, on structure, pacing, and
the use of white space when writ-
ing. 7-9 p.m. The DC Center, 2000
14th St. NW, Suite 105. For more
information, visit thedccenter.org/
outwrite.
The TOM DAVOREN SOCIAL
BRIDGE CLUB meets for Social
Bridge at the Dignity Center, across
from the Marine Barracks. No
partner needed. 7:30 p.m. 721 8th
St. SE. Call 301-345-1571 for more
information.
Weekly Events
AD LIB, a group for freestyle con-
versation, meets about 6-6:30 p.m.,
Steam, 17th and R NW. All wel-
come. For more information, call
Fausto Fernandez, 703-732-5174.
FREEDOM FROM SMOKING, a
group for LGBT people looking
to quit cigarettes and tobacco use,
holds a weekly support meeting at
The DC Center. 7-8 p.m. 2000 14th
St. NW, Suite 105. For more infor-
mation, visit thedccenter.org.
WASHINGTON WETSKINS
WATER POLO TEAM practices 7-9
p.m. Newcomers with at least basic
swimming ability always welcome.
Takoma Aquatic Center, 300 Van
Buren St. NW. For more informa-
tion, contact Tom, 703-299-0504
or secretary@wetskins.org, or visit
wetskins.org. l
 l l S t a r
A
Robbed of her chance at the
Drag Race crown, Shangela
is turning lemons to lem-
onade — and conquering
the world in the process.
Interview by André Hereford
30 MAY 24, 2018 • METROWEEKLY
S HANGELA LAQUIFA WADLEY FREQUENTLY
punctuates a point with a catchphrase — her signa-
ture “Halleloo” springs to mind, or an expressive “honey.” The
key to her success — and her enduring fame among RuPaul’s
Drag Race alumni — is that she delivers catchphrases with the
same warm good humor that defined the hard-working enter-
tainer as a true All Star among Rupaul’s queens.
The drag alter ego of Texas native D.J. Pierce, Shangela
made such an impression when she competed on Season 2 of the
reality TV hit — despite being the first to sashay away — that she
returned the following season for another go. Proving that you
can’t keep an audience favorite down, Shangela popped out of a
giant gift box to the shock of her Season 3 competitors.
She didn’t win that highly contentious season either, but
these days she’s winning in other ways. Releasing dance singles
and videos, performing stand-up, producing a drag world tour,
even appearing in films and on television — both in and out of
drag — Shangela exemplifies what it means to be a working
queen in an era of rampant opportunity for the stars of Drag
Race.
Hollywood in particular has helped her star rise. Since
moving to L.A. — where she initially worked as an assistant to
Black-ish actress Jenifer Lewis, now a close friend and mentor
— Shangela has landed roles in everything from Community
ERIKA WAGNER

r
to The X-Files, to a supporting turn opposite Lady Gaga and
Bradley Cooper in the upcoming remake of A Star Is Born.
(Sworn to secrecy, she teases: “I play a drag bar owner at a bar in
which Lady Gaga is also involved. I think that’s all I can say, but
this one, it’s gonna be so cool.”) And once her Werq the World
Tour concludes — a drag extravaganza she’s co-producing and
starring in alongside some of her Drag Race sisters — Hollywood
is where Shangela sees herself returning.
“My goal, ever since I was a kid in Paris, Texas, has been to
work as an actor in television and film,” she says. “As I come
back from touring, a little bit after the end of this year, I really
want to work in L.A. more, creating projects that put us in a
great light and tell our stories. Because especially in the black
gay community, we have so many stories. In the gay community,
we have so many stories that deserve to be told and expressed.”
If ever there was a signifier for Shangela’s enduring success
— and her ability to make lemonade from lemons — it came
during her run on the third season of Drag Race: All Stars.
There, she suffered at the hands of a bittersweet twist in the
final moments of the competition.
Most viewers (and the judges) seemed to agree that Shangela
and BenDeLaCreme were the season’s front-runners. Then,
BenDeLa suddenly bowed out of the race, the workroom vibe
was irreversibly shaken, Trixie Mattel rose in the competition,
and, in a dramatic and controversial decision, the eliminated
queens voted to determine the final two — Shangela was voted
out before the finals, and Trixie was ultimately crowned the
winner.
For Shangela, the third time was not the charm. But if any-
one thought she’d fade into the background, they were sorely
mistaken.
“Did that destroy me? No. Did it hurt my feelings? Yes. But
did it stop me? Hell no,” she says. “I’m Shangela. I keep it mov-
ing, and that’s what I’m continuing to do. I have my new song,
“Pay Me.” I’m on Todrick Hall’s new album Forbidden with a
song called “Doll Hairs.” I have a movie coming out this month
called Hurricane Bianca 2 with my friend, Bianca del Rio. And
this fall, in October, I’ll be in A Star Is Born. So, [Shangela] ain’t
going nowhere. She’s on a 150-city tour, getting ready to pack
up and leave for Europe next week. I am a professional, and
they knew it.”
And that’s without even mentioning her stop this Friday,
May 25, at DC Black Pride, where she will perform at the Rock
the Block Official D.C. Pride Event at Ziegfeld’s/Secrets. We
spoke with Shangela ahead of her trip to D.C. for the lowdown
on Werq the World, her Baptist upbringing, and to get all the
details on her shock All Stars loss — including how she really
feels about BenDeLaCreme’s dramatic exit.
METRO WEEKLY: How did you come up with the name Shangela
Laquifa Wadley?
SHANGELA: When I was doing my very first show, it was an
amateur night at an event, and I never expected it to go any-
where farther than that one-night show, so when I was on my
way to the event, my friends Ron and Brad called me, and they
were like, “Hey, they need to know what name to put down on
the lineup,” and I was like, “I don’t even have a name. Just put
something down. I’m doing Beyoncé in the show, so you can’t
put down Beyoncé, but just put down something.” My other
friend had worked in telemarketing, and a lady told him on the
phone, “Baby, this is my name, and don’t you ever forget it. It
is Shangela Laquifa Wadley. Repeat after me, Shangela Laquifa
Wadley.” So, he did, and he never forgot, and then I became
32 MAY 24, 2018 • METROWEEKLY
Shangela Laquifa Wadley.
MW: You’re currently rehearsing for Werq the World. What does
it involve?
SHANGELA: Werq the World is a tour I created with a friend
of mine, Brandon Voss of Voss Events, about a year ago now,
to showcase some of the greatest talents we think come from
RuPaul’s Drag Race, and to give them kind of a concert-feel tour
opportunity. This year it just continues to grow. We have four
dancers. We have eight queens and a host. We have a crew of
about 20 people that travel the world together, and we’ve now
done South America, and Mexico, Europe, Canada, the US. And
this week was our first set of rehearsals for Werq the World
Europe, our return to Europe with the tour — 24 cities. I do a
combination of my own original songs, incorporated into a con-
cert-style mix, and I’m really excited because for this European
tour, I’ll be hosting 16 of the 24 cities that we’re doing, in addi-
tion to performing.
MW: That’s a heavy load in addition to producing. Is it exhausting?
SHANGELA: Well, it’s definitely a tall order, but I’m Shangela
Laquifa Wadley, honey! I’m built for this, and I’ve been doing
it for a number of years, and I love this, I really do enjoy it. I
have a great time with it, so it doesn’t feel like as much work as
it actually is.
MW: How do your songs come together?
SHANGELA: I’ve always co-written all of my music, and worked
in the production studio putting it together. I don’t have a long
repertoire of songs, but I can say that every piece of music that
I’ve ever put out I stand by 100 percent and I love to perform
100 percent, because it comes from me. It speaks to Shangela.
I wrote “Werqin’ Girl” originally for a show called Dance
Moms that they featured it on, and it was originally called
“Ho-fessional,” and they were like, “I don’t know if that’s the
best thing for kids,” because it was the first season of the show,
but it was all about me because I am a working girl. At that time I
really was pushing to show people that I was a professional and
I had to pull myself up by the bootstraps. And when I rewrote
the song “Uptown Funk” to be “Uptown Fish,” I was feeling fish.
Recently, I wrote a song called “Pay Me,” currently available on
iTunes, that’s all about you deserve to get paid, and maybe not
always in money, but in applause, in adoration, in recognition.
Honey, you put in the work, you deserve to get paid.
MW: You’ve got a great joke in that song: “RuPaul, where’s my
hundred thousand dollars?” Have you heard from her about that?
SHANGELA: Oh, that’s a joke? I didn’t know it was a joke.
[Laughs.] No, I haven’t heard from Ru yet, but I’m just waiting
for the check to clear. I’m sure she’ll do an anonymous donation.
MW: How do Shangela and D.J. differ, other than in appearance?
SHANGELA: Honestly, there are a lot of similarities between
who I am on a day-to-day basis and my character, Shangela,
and that’s just because I don’t think that I put on necessarily
a huge character when I get in drag. I just have a heightened
sense of myself, and it’s a more feminine character, but definite-
ly I’m still loud, I think I’m still funny, I’m still kind, and I’m
still entertaining, and I’m that way in and out of drag, so there
are a lot of similarities. Differences, I mean, mostly it’s just the
appearance, and of course it’s a heightened state. It’s manner-
isms. I’m gonna open the door for myself if I’m not in drag, but
if I’m in drag, if someone’s standing there, I’ll be like, “Baby,
can you get that door for me?” I take on the full fantasy. I love
when I’m in drag to be the whole full, fish-feminine character
of Shangela, and the things that she does are things that I would
typically see my female role models doing, or exemplifying.
MW: You must hear all the time that you were robbed in All Stars having to lip sync and compete against someone, or just be in
3, at least of the opportunity to compete in the final two? that environment where we were competing. I think the com-
SHANGELA: I was not robbed, honey. I was BURGLARIZED, petition aspect of it was something that she just didn’t want to
okay? They came in, in the middle of the night, and took my engage in anymore, and I respect everyone’s decision. That was
shit. In that moment, when we filmed this, when the eliminated her decision, to go home.
queens came back and they said that they would be having a play Here’s the thing. In life, there is competition. In life, there
in who went from the final four to the final two, I knew. I said, are hard choices, and there are challenges, and I’ve always been
“Oh, I have a strong feeling it’s a wrap for me,” and that was very a person who wanted to represent for my fans, never give up
disappointing. It’s a very disappointing feeling to really push in the face of adversity. I mean, I’ve been sent home from Drag
so hard and do so well in the competition. I mean, I had won Race twice. I broke a leg onstage once. I have been through the
the most challenges. I had won gauntlet. They called me booger.
the most lip syncs. I thought They said I didn’t belong on cer-
that I’d made some memorable tain seasons, I belonged on other
moments on the runway. ones. I never gave up, and I just
I thought, “Okay, baby. I hope from my story, that’s what
have done my due diligence over I wanted to emulate, just don’t
here. Let’s get it to this final,” give up, whatever comes your
and when they said that was way. You can push through and
the twist, I was like, “Well, that be a winner.
sucks.” We filmed the whole MW: Social media has become a
season in about three weeks, so really large aspect of the Drag
when people had gone home, Race fanship, and sometimes
of course, on the show it looks there are pitfalls with that. How
like week to week, so it’s been are you handling social media?
like six weeks, eight, since this SHANGELA: Every Instagram,
person left, but really, it’s only every Tweet, every comment is
been like eight days. I knew that from me. I have my phone, I have
in that short amount of time, my account, I run my thing. I like
people had not resolved their when I talk to my fans for them
hurt or angry feelings about to know that’s coming directly
being sent home, and that’s the from me, and being involved in
name of the game. That’s All social media has its advantages. I
Stars. You have to send someone can connect with people around
home, no matter how great a the world in a matter of seconds.
friend or a performer they are. If I want feedback on something,
They got to go. I’d sent half of I can post it on my Instagram
the jury home that came back to and immediately get hundreds
vote. Well, that’s already three of comments back from people
votes, mama, so I said, “Well, that I need the feedback from.
that’s a wrap.” These are the people that are
When I didn’t get chosen to buying my shirts, or my music or
go on, yes, I was devastated in whatever, so that’s great. That’s
the moment. You can see it on my face. But I’ve always been the great part of it. We’re all connected.
a person that is like, you know what? I don’t have a control in The rougher part of it is you do get trolled at times. You’ll see
what other people are gonna do, but what I do have control some girls are clapback queens, honey. They will let you have
over, and what I do have a say in, is how I’m gonna react, how it on the internet. I’ve never been that person. Occasionally, I
I’m gonna keep my head up, how I’m gonna keep pushing for- would see a comment and be like, oh, I have to respond to this,
ward, and how I’m gonna remain a queen even without a crown, just to set the record straight, but I’ve learned that, like I said,
because that’s what I was when I came in the door. you can’t control what people are gonna say or do. You have to
MW: All Stars was heavily influenced by BenDeLaCreme’s decision find a place where you can ignore it, or understand in your head,
to withdraw from the competition. Have you and Ben talked any don’t let that comment dictate your behavior and your emo-
more about her decision? tions and your feelings today. You need to keep working. Keep
SHANGELA: Yeah. Well, we worked together filming something pushing. Keep doing your thing. That person, whoever wrote
for VH1, actually. I didn’t want to make her feel uncomfortable, that evil comment about you, probably went on about their day
but at the same time, we’re together in the dressing room, and after they wrote it, and is not sitting there dwelling on it the way
she started with me. She was like, “You know, I just want to let you probably will, so don’t. Don’t give them that power, girl. I
you know that I thought you were so amazing all season, and decided in my life, I need to focus more on the positive and not
when I came back...” on the negative, and that’s how I deal with social media drama.
Well, two things. One, when she left, I was shocked, but I MW: What was your first Pride celebration?
wasn’t super-shocked, because I knew that throughout the com- SHANGELA: Well, I’m from Paris, Texas, so the closest large city
petition, she was very — I don’t want to say rattled, but that’s the to us with a gay community was Dallas, and I remember my
only word that’s coming to mind — rattled by the competition first time celebrating Pride was being away at college at SMU in
aspect of it all, whether it was having to send people home, or Dallas. September is when Dallas celebrates their pride, so we

MAY 24, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 33

had just gotten in school, and I remember going to the gay area,
because that was my first time going around a large community
of gays, and I was like, oh my god. I was blown away. Everyone
was out there just being themselves and living out loud, and I
was from a very small town where even if you were gay, it just
wasn’t something that you just walked around and were like,
“I’m gay. I’m gay. I’m gay.”
MW: Were you already out when you went to college?
SHANGELA: It was a journey for me. I came out my first year of
college, yes, and then later came out to my family, but around
my friends, I was sort of, “Okay, so I’m away from home now,
I can start over almost, and be more out and more gay,” and I
had a lot of friends who were in the dance department. They
were from New York and they were from L.A., and they were
like, “Oh, girl. Please,” and I was just like, oh, my god, they’re
so gay, and it was new to me. Being that open with your gender
and your sexuality and everything was like, “Oh.” And I was
from a Southern Baptist home. I’d grown up in the house of my
grandparents. But then it helped me to become more comfort-
able with being gay, and so people would ask me, “Are you gay,”
and I’d be like, “I don’t really define myself.” That was my first
segue into being gay. I just didn’t define myself. I was just in the
middle, and then I was like, “No, I’m gay. I’m totally gay. Oh,
yeah. I’m gay.”
MW: When did you first encounter Black Pride?
SHANGELA: Well, Dallas also had its own. Within Pride, there
were different black celebrations, and that was also great to me
because just to see black people coming together and not just to
be at the club, but also celebrating who we are. There was an
outdoor Pride gathering at the park, and my friend at the time
took me there, and I was just so excited, because again, being
from Paris, Texas, first of all, there weren’t that many black peo-
ple, so it was really cool to be around all my people and having a
fun, gay time. I was amazed, and I loved it so much.
MW: Did you know any gay black people in Paris?
SHANGELA: Yeah. At my church, there was a boy named Miss
Bud. Well, his name was Bud, but everybody called him Miss
Bud. He was unapologetically gay and established. Bud was
actually two years younger than me, but he was my friend, and
people assumed, oh, you’re Bud’s friend, you must be gay, and
sometimes I got uncomfortable about that. I wouldn’t say I was
gay, but I would say, “I am Bud’s friend. He’s my friend. We’ve
known each other for a long time. He goes to my church.”
He was, though, my hero at the time, because honey, Miss
Bud would carry a purse if she wanted to, and she would come
on up in church with it, not bothered. Because I wasn’t com-
fortable being myself at the time, he was my hero, and I lived
my life almost sometimes vicariously through Miss Bud, and he
would tell me all the stories about who was an undercover gay
in Paris, and I loved Miss Bud. It was so great to have him as my
friend, even though he was younger than me. I don’t even think
he knew it at the time, but he was my role model.
MW: What does it mean to you to perform during Black Pride
weekend?
SHANGELA: It’s a great honor to be invited, because it’s all about
a celebration of who we are as a community and a culture, and
what unique contributions we bring to the gay community. And
then also, I think it’s just amazing because we have such a great
set of queens of color who have been through RuPaul’s Drag
Race and who have won or made a great name for themselves.
I’m proud to be able to be a role model, hopefully, to black LGBT
kids, and also just people in our community as we continue to
move forward, to do even more.
34 MAY 24, 2018 • METROWEEKLY
MW: In terms of getting stories out that help people understand
the whole spectrum of the LGBTQ experience, the workroom ses-
sions on Drag Race really highlight the different facets of the com-
munity. How much are those sequences prompted by producers?
SHANGELA: Well, it’s a reality show, so there is an element of
reality there. There’s also an element of production to it. I agree
with you that those workroom sessions are important, because
it humanizes the characters. This isn’t just a clown show, and
it’s not a fashion show. No, this is a human show. These are peo-
ple who go through real experiences, who have real emotions,
that just happen to also be talented and fierce and fabulous, and
layer themselves with wigs and tuck their dicks behind their
bodies. That’s just what it is. But they’re also humans. They have
families. They have mothers. They have grandparents. They go
through situations regarding health issues. These are humans,
and I think that when people can see that the characters are
humans and they’re just like us, it makes them more accepting
and understanding of something that they may be foreign to.
How much is production? Not a huge amount. I mean, they
will come and say, “Hey, Shangela, go over there and ask Kennedy
about the picture that’s hanging on her wall,” and you’ll go over
there, “Oh, what’s this picture on your wall, girl?” and she’ll start
telling you about, “Oh, it’s my grandma. It’s her 82nd birthday.
She never accepted me,” then y’all have a real moment. You have
real conversation that’s not scripted, but the situation may have
been directed for you to start the conversation.
MW: Are you watching the current season of Drag Race, and do
you have any favorites in the competition?
SHANGELA: Oh, yes. [There are] definitely some front-runners
who I love. Monét X Change I think is hilarious. I’ve seen her
show in New York. I’ve known her for a couple years. She’s
funny to me, honey. Miss Monét is my kick it girl. We always
have a good time together. I love Asia O’Hara. First of all, she’s
a Texas doll. Second, I’ve known Asia also since I was like 19, 20,
because I used to dance backup for her as well in the pageants.
Not in drag. This was all before drag. So, it was awesome seeing
her now on the show because I’ve known Asia for a while. She’s
a great entertainer. I think that Aquaria is super fun and has
something unique to offer. She’s like a little gayby, and I remem-
ber when I went on Drag Race, I didn’t know nothing, and I was
in my mid-to-late 20s. This bitch is 21 and already knows how to
put everything on. I mean, that’s this generation, though. They
learn everything from YouTube. I had to go seek out people who
could teach me to do stuff, but it’s awesome. I love that. I love to
see so much talent at such a young age.
MW: Where do you see Shangela ten years from now?
SHANGELA: I’ve been working so hard. I’ve been on the move
for the last seven years. I have not sat down. So, 10 years from
now, really, I hope to continue to be just creating. I look up to
somebody like Jenifer Lewis who is now in her 60s and is work-
ing just as much as I do. She is still on the go and has been on
the go for the last 30 years. Do I see myself slowing down in the
next ten? Oh, no, honey. Uh-uh. Let’s continue building a great
drag empire. That’s what I want to continue doing, and creating
great projects that people can feel proud of and draw inspira-
tion from. I just want to keep creating and having a good time,
because I do have a good time. Trust me. Shangela has always
gotta have a good time. l
Shangela performs at Daryl Wilson Productions’ Rock the Block
Official D.C. Pride Event on Friday, May 25, at 10:30 p.m. at
Ziegfeld’s, 1824 Half St. SW. Tickets are $20 before midnight;
Free with a DWP Party Pass. Visit darylwilsondc.com.
 BLACK PRIDE GUIDE 2018
Your cheat sheet to all the major events taking place this weekend.
Compiled by Doug Rule
Thousands of visitors will descend on D.C. this weekend for DC Black Pride, and
with so much on offer we’ve compiled the main events to come, arranged by day.
Most educational and community events occur at the host hotel, the Grand
Hyatt Washington, 1000 H St. NW., including the vendors at the Pride Exhibit
Hall, which will be open Friday, May 25, from 12 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, May 26,
from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., on the Independence Level.
While some dance parties and social events take place at the hotel, the
majority are off-site, at clubs throughout the city.
For additional details and for events not listed here visit metroweekly.com or
dcblackpride.org/schedule.htm.
THURSDAY, May 24
HAPPY HOUR PRIDE KICKOFF: WELCOME TO DC
DJs Jai Syncere and Kidd Fresh ease you into the weekend with a party present-
ed by Unleashed DC. 5 to 10 p.m. MVP Lounge, 1015 7th St. NW. $5 before 7 p.m.,
$7 after. Visit unleasheddc.com.
PANEL: USING BLACK POLITICAL POWER TO END HIV
Broadcaster/author Keith Boykin, WPGC’s Poet Taylor, Rev. Keron Sadler of
the NAACP, and hair stylist Miss Lawrence participate in a conversation pre-
sented with Impulse DC and the Human Rights Campaign. 6 p.m., preceded by a
reception with complimentary bar and hors d’oeuvres at 5:30 p.m. Grand Hyatt
Independence Ballroom.
WELCOME 2 DC MIX’HER WITH MINI COMEDY SHOWCASE
A Mix-N-Mingle Happy Hour also featuring some of the DMV’s funniest come-
dians, including Nik Snow, Rudy Wilson, Patrice DeVeaux, Anthony Oakes,
D.Lo, Fernando Madrigal, Woo Woo, and Chelsea Shorte. DJ T-Juan will spin in
between jokes, for a party with drink specials and hookah. 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Pure
Lounge, 1326 U St. NW. Free before 8 p.m., $8 after.
#SLAYTHEVOTE BALL 2018
Charles Khan, Duante Balenciaga, and Twiggy Pucci Garcon co-present a ball
competition with prizes sponsored by Impulse Group DC and the Center for
Black Equity, part of a national campaign to register voters and also inspire
them to become more engaged in all levels of politics. Kirk Boom Balenciaga and
Snookie 007 serve as commentators, with music by DJ Tony Play. 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Grand Hyatt Independence Ballroom.
GENESIS CHAPTER X: PRIDE KICKOFF
The first of 10 Supreme Fantasy events presented by Omega Entertainment, K5,
and Xavier Entertainment, featuring two DJs, 10 male dancers, and an estimated
500 men. 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Barcode, 1101 17th St. NW. ($150) Visit omegaparty-
dc.com.
THE SET UP: WELCOME TO DC PARTY
Daryl Wilson Promotions (DWP) presents the first in the massive “Wet Dreamz
The Luxury Edition” party series. 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Club Elevate, 15 K St. NE. $10,
or free with the purchase of a DWP Party Pass ($150). Visit darylwilsondc.com.
FRIDAY, May 25
SEXUAL HEALTH SYMPOSIUM: “SEX, LIES & VIDEO TAPES”
A free, frank conversation about sex today presented by the D.C. Department of
Health. 4 to 6 p.m. Grand Hyatt Independence Ballroom E, D.
HIV/AIDS AND STI TESTING FOR BEYONCE AND JAY-Z TICKETS
Organized by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, everyone who takes a free one-min-
ute HIV test or survey is entered to win two tickets to Bae and Jay’s July 27 concert
at FedEx Field (a $470 value). 6 to 9 p.m. McPherson Square/Franklin Square. Free.
DC BLACK PRIDE OPENING RECEPTION: BLACK JOY EXPERIENCE
A free event co-presented by The Impulse Group DC and the AIDS Healthcare
Foundation. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Independence Ballroom.
THE IQ PROJECT WORKSHOP/PANEL DISCUSSION
Women in the Life Association, the National LGBTQ Task Force, and DC Black
Pride present this Intergenerationally Queer Project event in which black lesbian
and queer women advocates of all ages engage in a frank discussion. 9 to 11 p.m.
Independence Ballroom E, D. Free, but registration required.
WET AND SEXY LADIES PARTY
The ladies of Capitol-Doll-House host this Uncnzrd event with emcee Dnyce and
DJs L*Stackz and Kidd Fresh. 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Abigail DC, 1730 M St. NW.
THE 3,000 MEN BIG BANG MEGA PARTY W/KEYSHIA COLE
The R&B songstress and BET star is the featured performer at this Supreme
Fantasy event also featuring three DJs and 15 dancers. 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. Karma,
2221 Adams Pl. NE.
ROCK THE BLOCK ALL MALE SUPER PARTY W/SHANGELA, DREAMDOLL
Daryl Wilson Promotions presents RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars’ Shangela, as
well as female rapper Dreamdoll as part of a Wet Dreamz The Luxury Edition
party with all nude male dancers and music by DJs Sedrick and Maestro, and MC
Brandon Anthony. 10:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. Ziegfeld’s/Secrets, 1824 Half St. SW. $20
before midnight, or free with DWP Party Pass.
ALLURE ALL WHITE PARTY
Unleashed DC presents a party on two floors, with two bars, and DJs Jai Syncere
and Deluxx. 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. Bistro Bistro, 1727 Connecticut Ave. NW. $15 before
midnight, or $20 after.
AFTERHOURS “WAREHOUSE EDITION”
Almost everything about this event is secret or TBA, from the two DJs to the
venue with a “massive dance floor,” plus an estimate of 1,500 men, food, and a
“dark lounge area.” One of the few things we do know is the names of the party’s
professional eye candy: Leryia Lee and crazy4savi. Oh, and that this is the first
of three all-night parties. 2 to 7 a.m. Secret Warehouse. $30, or $45 for all three.
Visit IgniteDMV.com.
SATURDAY, May 26
GROWN FOLKS SPEAK OUT II: ELDERS WORLD CAFE
Mary’s House for Older Adults presents a discussion in which those in the older
generation share their personal struggles identifying as LGBTQ in a far less
understanding or welcoming era. 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Grand Hyatt Independence
Ballroom B. Free, including light breakfast and lunch.
HIP HOP & HEELS EXERCISE SESSION WITH LAWRENCE GOODMAN JR.
Learn the art of balance and vogue in a 45-minute cardio, toning, and dance class
all in one, led by a man known as the LJExperience. 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Lafayette
Park/Farragut Square. Free.
RESUME WRITING & INTERVIEW PREP WORKSHOP
Booz Allen Hamilton consultants coach participants in how to present them-
selves, what to say and what not to say, and other helpful tips on getting a job. 12
to 2 p.m. Independence Ballroom G. Free.
LITERARY CAFE: REMEMBERING JAMES BALDWIN
Author Marcel Emerson hosts a discussion with fellow authors Jamar Dunnigan,
Rashid Darden, Sophia Ellis, Jeanette Ferrell, Anthony Bernard Green, LaToya
Hankins, Margaret Irvin-Ferrell, Donovan James, Ronald Martin, Kasaundra
Owens, Monika Pickett, Michael Riggins, Warren Stewart, and Dwayne Vernon.
1 to 4 p.m. Lafayette Park. Free.
YOUTH SUMMIT
A panel of black LGBTQ youth will discuss issues affecting the community, fol-
lowed by a Q&A with the audience. 2 to 4 p.m. Franklin Square. Free.
TRANSGENDER TOWN HALL: MAY IS “ALL ABOUT TRANS”
The resilience and progress of the black transgender community is remarkable
considering the many obstacles its members have faced. This town hall allows
trans people and their allies to sound off on the issues in a safe-space environ-
ment. 2 to 4 p.m. Independence Ballroom G. Free, registration required.
“ASK THE DOC”: WOMEN’S SEXUAL HEALTH WORKSHOP
Gynecologist Dr. R. Jones facilitates an informative and non-biased symposium
of reproductive health care information, testing, and referrals for LBT women of
color. 2 to 4 p.m. Independence Ballroom F. Free.
BAEWATCH: LEGENDARY CHILL OUT DAY PARTY
Jeffrey J and Milan Christopher of Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood host this Daryl
MAY 24, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 35
Wilson Promotions’ Wet Dreams The Luxury Edition event. 2 to 9 p.m. The Park
at Fourteenth, 920 14th St. NW. $20 before 4 p.m., or free with DWP Party Pass.
CANDYLAND 6
MC Tuffy & B Monroe host “the hottest party in DC” with DJs Mim, Deluxx, Jai
Syncere, L Stackz, and Sammi Blendz. 3 to 10 p.m. Stadium Club, 2127 Queens
Chapel Rd. NE. $12 in advance, or $15 at the door.
6TH ANNUAL PARTY WITH A PURPOSE OLD SCHOOL DANCE PARTY
A benefit for the production of safe, affordable, and inclusive housing in D.C. and
presented by Mary’s House for Older Adults, Inc. The event features West Coast
swing dance, DJ Lady D, a silent auction and cash bar, plus a light buffet at 4 p.m.
3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Independence Ballroom C, D, E. $40 in advance, or $50 at the door.
ROYAL MEN IN WHITE SUPER PARTY W/KEKE WYATT
A “Kings & Rockstars Affair” featuring the R&B Divas: Atlanta alum performing
live, plus two DJs and 10 dancers, presented by Omega Entertainment, K5, and
Xavier Entertainment. 4 to 9:30 p.m. SAX Restaurant and Lounge, 734 11th St. NW.
POETRY SLAM
Mary Bowman hosts a first-come, first-serve program of poetry presented in
collaboration with Honey-Coated Nightlife. 7 to 9 p.m. Independence Ballroom
G,F. Free.
BLACK GIRL MAGIC: UNDERGROUND SOUL SATURDAY
Women in the Life Association returns for a party with soulful house DJ TMF
“taking you back in the day and into tomorrow.” 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Ballroom C, D, E.
$20. Visit facebook.com/witla.
LESBIAN MEGA PARTY
Dnyce emcees an Uncnzrd party featuring the sounds of DJs Mz Deluxx and Jai
Syncere. 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Power (XS) Nightclub,
2335 Bladensburg Rd. NE.
THE CULTURE: MEN N WHITE W/MARIO, TYSON BECKFORD, DAVID
MCINTOSH
Billed as “The World’s Largest Hip Hop Party,” this Daryl Wilson Promotions
event is hosted by the dreamy international supermodels plus a performance by
Baltimore’s smooth R&B crooner Mario. 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. Echostage, 2135 Queens
Chapel Rd. NE. $20 before midnight, or free with DWP Pass.
THE 5,000 MEN MEGA PARTY
Jussie Smollett, the gay star of Fox’s Empire, hosts a Supreme Fantasy party pre-
sented by Omega Entertainment featuring a performance by the R&B diva as well
as the girl group June’s Diary. Six DJs and 20 dancers on four floors. 10 p.m. to 4
a.m. Bliss Super Club, 2221 24th Pl. NE.
CHOCOLATE CITY INVASION: THE MEGA WOMEN’S PARTY
DJs Mim and Sammii Blendz spin for an Unleashed DC party also promising
“celebrity DJs and hosts TBA.” 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. Howard Theater, 620 T St. NW.
$20 in advance, $30 at the door, or $40 VIP.
AFTERHOURS “WAREHOUSE EDITION”
The second of three overnight parties promising a “massive dance floor,” 1500
men, food, and a “dark lounge area” in an undisclosed location — and dancers
Leryia Lee and crazy4savi. 2 to 7 a.m. Secret Warehouse. Cover is $30, or $45 for
all three. Visit IgniteDMV.com.
THE RED EYE AFTER HOURS
Omega Entertainment, K5, and Xavier Entertainment keep the Supreme Fantasy pro-
gramming going until after sunrise. 3 to 10 a.m. The DC Eagle, 3701 Benning Rd. NE.
SUNDAY, May 27
PRIDE PRAISE
An authentic Pride Praise Fest with exhortations given by Bishop Allyson
Abrams, Bishop Kwabena Rainey Cheeks, Pastor Mark James, Elder-elect Abena
McCray-Peters, Pastor Darren Phelps, and Rev. Dr. Aaron Wade. Featuring
Diedre Gray & Love Gospel Choir. 9 to 11 a.m. Independence Ballroom C, B. Free.
THE FINALE: LESBIAN BRUNCH AND DAY PARTY
Chef Sherardb will be on brunch duty while DJs Jai Syncere and L Stackz are on
beats for this two-in-one kind of party presented by Uncnzrd also including a full
bar with mimosas and hookah available — although best if you purchase advance
tickets to guarantee a spot at brunch. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for brunch, 4 to 10 p.m. for
the day party. 12 Twelve, 1210 H St. NE. $35 for both, or $10 for day party only.
PREP MEETS U=U BRUNCH
Us Helping Us, the D.C. Department of Health, Gilead, and UChaps present
a brunch with bottomless mimosas and a discussion about the real possibility
of getting to zero new HIV infections through the use of PrEP and antiretro-
36 MAY 24, 2018 • METROWEEKLY
viral therapy. Special guests include trans model and RuPaul’s Drag Race Pit
Crew member Laith Ashley, Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood actor/rapper Milan
Christopher, and America’s Next Top Model contestant and trans model Isis King.
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Blind Whino, 700 Delaware Ave. SW. $40. Visit prepmeets-
brunch.eventbrite.com.
DC BLACK PRIDE BRUNCH
Honey Coated Nightlyfe presents this Communities Building Communities
buffet-style brunch on the patio with mimosas and drink specials, and featuring
community leader and Councilwoman-at-large candidate Dionne Reeder, who
will get a portion of the brunch’s proceeds. Noon to 4 p.m. Cheers at the Big
Chair, 2122 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE. $40 to $50. Visit communitypride-
brunch.bpt.me.
EPIC LIVE DAY PARTY W/GINUWINE, BOBBY LYTES
R&B star Ginuwine performs with special guest Lytes as part of a star-studded
stage show presented by Daryl Wilson Promotions and hosted by The Prince of
Miami, with live DJ, food trucks, multiple bars, frozen drinks and more. 1 to 9
p.m. The Bullpen at Half Street Fairgrounds, 1201 Half St. SE. $20 before 3 p.m.,
or free with DWP Party Pass.
AFRICAN-AMERICAN COLLECTIVE THEATER: MOUTH PIECE/S
ACT returns with the latest in its ongoing series of LGBTQ Theater Showcases
presented to commemorate DC Black Pride, 26 years after launching during the
weekend celebration. This year the company offers a pair of “Reader’s Theater”-
style performances, with two different programs of short plays on Sunday, May
27, at 4 and 8 p.m. First Congregational United Church of Christ, 945 G St. NW.
$15 to $20.
THE ANNUAL MANHUNT MEGA DAY PARTY
Another Supreme Fantasy party presented by Omega Entertainment, K5, and
Xavier Entertainment, this one featuring 10 dancers, four DJs on four floors in
the heart of downtown. Ultrabar, 911 F St. NW. 4 to 9:30 p.m.
MEN N DEMAND SUPER PARTY
A Daryl Wilson Promotions’ Wet Dreamz The Luxury Edition event. 8 p.m. to 4
a.m. The Park at Fourteenth, 920 14th St. NW. $20 before 10 p.m., or free with
DWP Party Pass.
PRIDE FAREWELL: MELANIN MAGIC
Onyx Entertainment and Ooh Entertainment present a party with DJ Mim. Aqua
Nightclub & Lounge, 1818 New York Ave. NE. $10 before midnight, $15 after.
MATCH! THE NATIONAL TRAFFIC LIGHT HOOKUP PARTY
“Fellas grab your glow stick and assume your position” — with red indicating
top, yellow versatile, and green bottom. This Daryl Wilson party also features
four DJs, 15 dancers, on three floors with a rooftop, and promises a “national
recording artist performance TBA.” 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. Decades, 1219 Connecticut
Ave. NW.
AFTERHOURS “WAREHOUSE EDITION”
If you opt to stay up and hit this for a third night in a row, at least you’ll know
where the secret location is — but will there be any secrets left uncovered by
dancers Leryia Lee and crazy4savi? 2 to 7 a.m. Secret Warehouse. $30, or $45 for
all three. Visit IgniteDMV.com.
MONDAY, May 28
THE OUTDOOR FESTIVAL IN THE PARK
The signature DC Black Pride event, also known as the Cultural Arts & Wellness
Festival, is presented by Daryl Wilson with a stage show produced by Theresa
Beavers Jackson. This Day Party features food and vendors as well as performanc-
es. 12 to 7 p.m. Fort Dupont Park, 3600 Minnesota Ave. SE. Free and open to all.
THE ROOFTOP PARTY
The first of two Supreme Fantasy parties on Memorial Day alone from Omega
Entertainment, K5, and Xavier Entertainment. 4 to 9 p.m. Eden Lounge DC, 1716
I St. NW.
TAKE IT OFF STRIP SHOW AND DANCE PARTY
Gio, Synst3r, Mustang, Negro Bello, Mega Body, Ra Ra, and Devo are the featured
all nude dancers at Daryl Wilson’s closing Pride dance party. 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Secrets, 1824 Half St. SW. $10, or free with DWP Party Pass.
THE LEGENDARY MEATLOAF APOCALYPSE CHAPTER X
The last Supreme Fantasy hurrah, a party with two DJs and 15 dancers, and the
promise of “1,000+ Men.” 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Stadium Club, 2127 Queens Chapel
Rd. NE.
For additional details and for events not listed here visit metroweekly.com or
dcblackpride.org/schedule.htm. l
Scene
DC Black Pride Awards at The Park on 14th - Wednesday, May 22
Photography by Ward Morrison
See and purchase more photos from this event at www.metroweekly.com/scene

MAY 24, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 37

Movies

Solo differs from prior Star Wars mov-

Solo Blight
ies in that it’s the first to go fully linear
with its narrative. There’s no cross-cut-
ting from one environment to the next,
no scattering of characters so that they
The latest Star Wars boasts messy action, a dozeworthy plot, and a all predictably reunite in a rousing finale.
leading man with all the charisma of a nerfherder. By Randy Shulman It starts with Han, middles with Han,
ends with Han. The script, by Lawrence

T
Kasdan — who penned The Empire Strikes
HE FORCE DOESN’T HAVE TO BE WITH YOU TO SEE WHERE DISNEY Back, still the canon’s pinnacle — and
is headed with Solo: A Star Wars Story (HHHHH). The goal, publicly unspoken his son, Jonathan, who once wrote for
but likely whispered about in the company’s Sacred Halls of Avarice, is clearly Dawson’s Creek, is about as uninspired as
to create a spin-off series. For dozens of “Solo Stories” to come, we’ll watch, 3D glasses they come. The pair throw in just enough
firmly affixed, as Han and Chewbacca genially swindle their way across the galaxy, gen- twists, turns, and “OMG” reveals to make
erating mischief, saving and wooing random heroines, jetting about in the Millennium us think we’re seeing something enlight-
Falcon, and avoiding every brush with death until we get to the point where their paths ening and fresh, but we’re not. It’s all
cross with Luke, Leia, and Darth. smoke and mirrors, as the screenwriters
Frankly, if Disney is going to make Solo a lasting, endearing series, they’re going are forced to nudge the story toward a
to have to do a lot better than Han’s first solo outing, in which mediocrity triumphs specific, preordained endpoint.
over quality. Compared to nearly every other Star Wars film (save the horrid Phantom The movie plays like a checklist for
Menace), Solo is a nerf’s turd, polished until it gleams. superfans. Want to know how Han got
It’s hard to discern the blame for the mess. Original directors Phil Lord and Chris his last name? It’s in there. Want to know
Miller were abruptly fired mid-production over “creative difference,” and Ron Howard how he first met Chewie? It’s in there.
was ushered in to salvage the endeavor. Howard is a competent enough director, but Want to know at exactly what minute in
he’s way out of his league in blockbuster territory. Action is not his forte — Disney the film’s two hours and fifteen runtime
should have begged Spielberg to come aboard, or the Russo brothers, or, hell, Jordan Han wins the Millennium Falcon from
Peele. Howard proves himself nearly as inept as George Lucas at creating clear, unclut- Lando Calrissian? It’s all in there. Solo is
tered action sequences, whether it be a droid rebellion or the Millennium Falcon the Prego of Star Wars movies.
fending off a giant, tentacled space thingamajig. With the exception of an early train It’s also unforgivably dull, when it
sequence that is genuinely, spectacularly thrilling, everything else about the film’s should be positively electrifying. It doesn’t
action is a joyless shambles. help that the film arrives on the heels of

38 MAY 24, 2018 • METROWEEKLY


two brilliant summer movie offerings — the poignant and thrill-
ing Avengers: Infinity Wars, and the deliriously entertaining
Deadpool 2. Everything might have been different if it weren’t
for Solo’s biggest flaw of all — the imploding star at its center:
Alden Ehrenreich, who might as well be the black hole of acting.
Whatever executive had the notion that Ehrenreich could
remotely begin to match the charisma and roguish charm of
Harrison Ford should be relegated to producing My Little Pony
movies for the rest of their career. Where Ford brought depth,
humor, sex appeal, and depth to Han Solo, Ehrenreich brings an
arched eyebrow, an idiot’s grin, the sex appeal of seaweed, and
the ability to recite dialogue as convincingly as soggy cardboard.
Ford was a true movie star. Ehrenreich is in a movie.
There are some scattered good points. We get a lot of
Solo, rated PG-13, opens Friday, May 25, at area theaters.
40 MAY 24, 2018 • METROWEEKLY
Chewbacca, which is never a bad
thing. Donald Glover absolutely
nails Lando — he’s got the suave and
likeable slipperiness that Billy Dee
Williams coined a long time ago, in
a movie theater far, far away. And
there’s a captivating new droid,
L3-37 (sarcastically voiced by Phoebe
Waller-Bridge), hellbent on free-
ing all of droid-dom from servitude.
(You wonder if she shouldn’t make
the time-space jump over to the
Terminator series.)
Han has a pre-Leia love interest
— Qi’Ra, played by Emilia Clarke as
a bland mashup of the latest trilogy’s Daisy Ridley and Rogue
One’s Felicity Jones. A middling Woody Harrelson, an excellent
Thandie Newton, and a blase Paul Bettany round out the cast.
Bettany, so good as Vision in the Avengers films, plays Dryden
Vos, the ruthless head of the notorious Crimson Syndicate, as
though he’s auditioning for a musical parody of Scarface. The
performance isn’t merely appalling — it’s shameful.
“I’m an outlaw,” insists Han to Qi’Ra, who smiles and fires
back, “I may be the only person in the galaxy who knows who
you really are — the good guy.” Indeed, the movie bears this out
in its one genuinely clever moment — a moment that points, with
unsubtle irony, to Han’s eventual destiny. We can only hope that
Disney stops the madness now and leaves Solo as just that: a solo
outing. We don’t need another hero. l
TERESA WOOD
Stage

visionary behind last season’s phenome-

Beneath
nal Sense and Sensibility, choreographs it
boldly for tongue-in-cheek bravado — and
it is often mildly entertaining — but the

the Smoke
Bedlam’s Saint Joan is lovingly produced but demands
the patience of a saint. By Kate Wingfield
comic sensibility is too varied among the
players. Some are subtle, others are not.
Everyone seems to be operating more
or less in their own bubble of what con-
stitutes funny, which thwarts cohesion.
And showcasing such chops comes with
another price — what is crafty, isn’t always

F
convincing. After a fashion, it all begins to
IRST THE GOOD NEWS. FOR FANS OF GEORGE BERNARD SHAW, SEEING feel rather too much like an endless party
Saint Joan (HHHHH) performed live in the intimate surrounds of the Folger trick.
Theatre is sure to be an exciting prospect. What better way to savor his con- Larding the play with humor causes
templation of the rise and then shocking fall of the Maid of Orleans, or to consider his another side effect: if the fun helps miti-
enduring comments on church versus state, nationalism, zealotry, gender roles and gate Shaw’s often dry and expository-lad-
even sanity. en language, it also distracts and argues
And if the play is talky, the events simply sketched, this Bedlam production brings an against the (already diffuse) preparations
engaging, immersive energy, innovative for its fun and informality. Indeed, it suggests for pathos. Although this Joan brings
the lively vibe of a dramatic reading more than the fully-staged performance, and it the near-final scene into some emotion-
feels fresh and loved, as if the ensemble couldn’t be happier in sharing what they have al focus, one’s innermost thermostat has
discovered. That counts for a lot. been too-long set at “light-hearted” and
But for anyone not mad for Shaw, at more than three hours there is a point at which it is too late to re-calibrate to “tragic.” It’s
even good intentions are not quite enough. It is not just the sitting for long periods in not that humor can’t travel with tragedy
the Folger’s enthusiastic aircon, it is the challenge of turning Shaw’s wordy, cerebral — of course it can — it’s just that it doesn’t
script, with its innumerable characters and pontifications, into something compelling work here, perhaps because too much of it
and cathartic. has been grafted.
The problem here begins with the tiny cast, who must by necessity take on multiple The final challenge is the play’s length.
roles. With just four actors (one of whom stays as Joan), there is a near-constant flip- If there is honor in accuracy, there is
ping in and around of characters (at least until the final act). Director Eric Tucker, the mercy in adaptation. Put another way,

MAY 24, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 41


anything coming in at operatic length must deliver: there must
be something deeply beautiful, enduringly funny, powerfully
insightful or gut-wrenchingly tragic in the offing. Anything less
should be edited into the realm of human tolerance. As interest-
ing, amusing and skillfully-executed as this Joan may be — and
with all due respect to Shaw — there simply isn’t the heft, and
the evening rapidly becomes a marathon (even with breaks).
Indeed, some of the greatest pathos here must be for the handful
of audience members who find themselves seated on stage. Talk
about a captive audience.
Saint Joan runs to June 10 at the Folger Theatre, 201 East Capitol Street SE. Tickets are $35 to $79.
Call 202-544-7077 or visit folger.edu.
42 MAY 24, 2018 • METROWEEKLY
All this said, the ensemble couldn’t be more com-
mitted and they are no doubt more aware than anyone
of the hurdles in bringing this to life. For sheer earnest
endeavor, Dria Brown as Joan deserves accolade. This
is a tough gig: Joan is at once innocent, certain, zeal-
ous, charming, and then strangely movable in her final
moments. Shaw does annoyingly little to explain her
other than to proclaim that she isn’t crazy. But even if,
with 21st-century eyes, it’s hard not to see her as delu-
sional, Brown makes her highly likeable, delivering
her large, sparkling and “in the moment.” If she fails
to blend fully with the other moods in play, it is due
to the varying sensibilities that never quite coalesce.
The other standout here is Tucker in his various
roles, trying hard for some Cleese-like humor and
then doing a tremendous impression of an English
aristo in his Warwick. Each works in itself, even if he
functions somewhat in a vacuum, often playing more
to the audience than the other characters. Offering an
intriguingly complicated charisma, Sam Massaro is nicely ver-
satile in his roles (save for an English accent that could curdle
milk) and somehow commands a room and a monologue with
zero pretension. Finally, Edmund Lewis is the crowd-pleaser
here with some less-than-subtle stock humor, but he finds some
genuine emotion in the final act.
In the grand scheme, it’s hard not to admire Tucker’s skill in
conceptualizing this Joan with such a drop-cloth kind of verve,
(and such a small ensemble). That alone is reason to see it. Just
bring some warm socks and the patience of a saint. l
 Music

than just writer’s block. He has been open

Renewed Calm
in the past about his personal circumstanc-
es, some of which are confronted more
directly on the album. The album’s most
devastating emotional punch is delivered
After a seven-year break, Snow Patrol have once again on the guitar and piano ballad “Soon,” a
learned to play to their strengths.By Sean Maunier genuinely heartbreaking meditation on his
father’s dementia.

S
That these heavy emotions land
EVEN YEARS AFTER THE FRENETIC MASH-UP OF STYLES THAT MARKED so effectively probably owes much to
their last album, Snow Patrol appears to have come off their unofficial hiatus with longtime producer Jacknife Lee’s more
a renewed sense of calm. It is worth remembering that 2011’s dubstep-inflected restrained approach on this album. The
Fallen Empires was itself the product of roughly three years of writer’s block, the appar- plaintive, piano-driven “What If This Is
ent message being that Snow Patrol seems to work best outside of the spotlight. This All The Love You Ever Get” seems like
time they have decided to abandon the tepidly-received electronic elements of their it’s ready to swell to the size of a stadium
last album, which, if we’re being honest, were somewhat gimmicky at the time and any minute, but does not. Instead, it builds
have not aged well. Wildness (HHHHH) has more in common with the swelling indie up slowly, Lightbody’s voice noticeably
anthems and ballads that they are known for, and feels like a return to form — albeit restrained as it invites some unnamed
with a few innovations. person to share some unnamed pain with
Although Wildness gets off to a strong start with “Life on Earth,” it is slightly worry- him. Deep emotional cuts are a definite
ing that from the beginning Gary Lightbody seems to be making a case for this album’s strength of the album, but Snow Patrol has
very existence. “This is something else,” the lyric he repeats over and over, may on its some fun with their songwriting as well.
face be referencing some nameless infatuation, but it can’t help sounding a little defen- “Heal Me” makes great use of a fun, buzz-
sive. By the time he gets to “This shouldn’t be so fucking hard,” we have to wonder who ing guitar riff that is echoed in the warm,
exactly he is trying to convince. nostalgic drone underpinning “Youth on
Throughout the album, we return to thinly-veiled references to difficulties expe- Fire.” “Dark Switch,” another highlight of
rienced over the past few years, and to be fair, Lightbody has been dealing with more the album, is a more dramatic take on their

MAY 24, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 43

usual indie anthems, with tense, — a difficult thing for any art-
halting guitars and strings that ist to reckon with. Inevitably,
bring a level of melodrama that the time gap will come under
makes this one of the album’s scrutiny, especially if it was
most fun tracks. unannounced. Fans and casu-
Despite a few innovations, al observers alike will want to
Snow Patrol is very much the know what was being done in
same stadium-filling indie the intervening time and judge
rock band whose sound has the finished product according-
been described for decades as ly. In other words, did the band
“anthemic.” Wildness large- deserve this time off?
ly plays to their well-estab- Snow Patrol must have
lished strengths, the trade-off known that Wildness would
being that much of it ends up come under this magnifying lens
sounding somewhat forget- as well, but in the end we are
table. There is very little that not left with a satisfying answer
doesn’t work, with the notable to the question. Wildness is
exception of the second single not exactly a sharp left turn or
“Empress.” This song stands phoenix-like rebirth, but rather
out as an odd choice for a sin- a decent album with no real
gle, with whomping backing clunkers, a couple of standouts,
vocals that sound out of place, and nothing that rivals their
both on the song and the album. best work. They seem to have
Snow Patrol is not a band known for rich, literary songwriting, shown some modest growth, apparently learning some lessons
and it would be unfair to judge them as such, but “We’re all just from Fallen Empires about what has worked and what has not.
human in the end/This is so damn simple” still rings as a hollow When we hear this slightly more refined but not markedly dif-
platitude. ferent Snow Patrol, maybe the best response is to enjoy the good
A multi-year hiatus sets up a certain weight of expectation parts and trust that they benefited from their time away. l

Wilderness is available to buy now on Amazon.com and from iTunes, and on streaming services.

44 MAY 24, 2018 • METROWEEKLY

NightLife
Photography by
Ward Morrison

MAY 24, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 45


DrinksDragDJsEtc...
Thursday
May 24
9 1/2
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
drink, 5-9pm • Multiple
TVs showing movies,
shows, sports • Expanded
craft beer selection •
Music videos featuring
DJ Wess
BALTIMORE EAGLE
Happy Hour, 3-9pm, all
liquors, beers and wines up
to 50% off • $5 Pitchers
of Miller Lite all night long
• $3 Well Drinks in Nest
until 11pm, $3 in Tavern
all day • RuPaul’s Drag
Race Viewing, hosted
by Washington Heights,
Whimsy Thrift and Anita
Minute, 7-10pm, in the
Nest • Underwear Night,
9pm-2am • For men in
46 MAY 24, 2018 • METROWEEKLY
Scene
Dirty Goose - Sunday, May 20
Photography by Ward Morrison
See and purchase more photos from this event at www.metroweekly.com/scene
DC BLACK PRIDE DC BLACK PRIDE Beer $15 • All Leagues Friday,
@Pure Lounge @Barcode Night
1326 U St. NW 1101 17th St. NW May 25
Welcome 2 DC Mix’her: Genesis: Chapter X Party, NUMBER NINE
underwear, all well drinks
$2, 9pm-12am • Best
Women’s Party, 7pm-1am 9:30pm-2am Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any 9 1/2
Underwear Contest at
• Free before 8pm, $8
afterward • Happy Hour DC BLACK PRIDE
drink, 5-9pm • No Cover Open at 5pm • Happy
Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink,
Midnight • Code enforced
featuring comedians @Club Elevate SHAW’S TAVERN 5-9pm • Friday Night
in Code Bar after 9pm •
Nik Snow, Rudy Wilson, 15 K St. NE Happy Hour, 4-7pm • $3 Videos, 9:30pm • Rotating
College Night Thursdays,
Patrice DeVeaux, Anthony The Set Up: Welcome Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon, DJs • Expanded craft beer
9pm-2am • EDM Dance
Oakes, D.Lo, Fernando to DC Party, 10pm-2am $5 House Wines, $5 Rail selection • No Cover
Party, 10pm-2am • Free
Madrigal, Woo Woo, and • Early Bird Pass Pickup Drinks • Half-Priced Pizzas
admission to the Tavern •
Chelsea Shorte • Music by Party • $10 Cover and Select Appetizers BALTIMORE EAGLE
Admission to the Nest is
DJ T-Juan • All-You-Can-Eat Ribs, Doors open at noon •
free until 10:30pm • After
FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR $24.95, 5-10pm • $4 Baltimore Bear Happy
10:30pm, $5 Cover for
DC BLACK PRIDE Crazy Hour, 4-8pm • Heineken and Corona Hour, 3-9pm, all liquors,
21 and up, $10 Cover for
@Grand Hyatt Washington Karaoke, 9pm all night beers and wines up to 50%
18-20 • thebaltimoreea-
1000 H St. NW off • Bad Bears After Dark
gle.com
#SlaytheVote Ball 2018, GREEN LANTERN TRADE in the Code Bar, 9pm • $5
8pm-1am • Sponsored by Happy Hour, 4-9pm • DC Doors open 5pm • Huge Cover • Elyx Vodka and
DC BLACK PRIDE
Impulse Group DC and the Leather Pride Opening Happy Hour: Any drink Any Red Bull Flavor for $7
@MVP Lounge
Center for Black Equity • Party, 9pm-2am • Shirtless normally served in a cock- all day long • thebalti-
1015 7th St. NW
Commentators Snookie 007 Thursday, 10-11pm • tail glass served in a huge moreeagle.com
Welcome to DC Unleashed
and Kirk Boom Balenciaga Men in Underwear Drink glass for the same price,
Happy Hour, 5-10pm •
• Featuring Icon Charles Free, 12-12:30am • DJs 5-10pm • Beer and wine DC BLACK PRIDE
Music by DJs Jai Sincere
Khan, Duante Balenciaga BacK2bACk only $4 • RuPaul’s Drag @Grand Hyatt Washington
and Kidd Fresh • $5 before
and Twiggy Pucci • Music Race Viewing Party 1000 H St. NW
7pm, $7 afterward
by DJ Tony Play NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR Meet and Greet Happy
Beat the Clock Happy Hour ZIEGFELD’S/SECRETS Hour, 3-9pm • Official
— $2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm), All male, nude dancers • Pass Pickup Party • DC
$4 (7-8pm) • Buckets of DJ • 9pm • Cover 21+
Pride Opening Reception:
Black Joy Experience, pre-
sented by Impulse Group
DC, 6:30-8:30pm
DC BLACK PRIDE
@Ziegfeld’s/Secrets
Rock the Block All Male
Super Party, 10pm-4am •
Female rapper Dreamdoll
performs live • Special
guest Shangela from
RuPaul’s Drag Race • DJs
Sedrick, Maestro, and
Brandon Anthony • $20
Cover before midnight
• 21+
DC BLACK PRIDE
@Abigail DC
1730 M St. NW
Wet and Sexy Ladies Party,
10pm-3am • Hosted by the
Ladies of the Capitol-Doll-
House • Emcee DNyce
• DJs L*Stackz and Kidd
Fresh
DC BLACK PRIDE
@Karma
2221 Adams Pl. NE
The 3,000 Men Big Bang
Mega Party, 10pm-4am •
Featuring Keyshia Cole • 3
DJs, 15 Dancers
DC BLACK PRIDE
@BistroBistro
1727 Connecticut Ave. NW
Allure All White Party,
11pm-3am • Multiple DJs
• $15 in advance, $20
at door
DC BLACK PRIDE
@TBA (Secret Location)
Afterhours “Warehouse
Edition,” 2am-7am • $30-
$45 Cover • Two DJs •
Visit IgniteDMV.com for
more info
FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR
Crazy Hour, 4-8pm •
Karaoke, 9pm
MAY 24, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 47
GREEN LANTERN
Happy Hour, 4-9pm • $5
Svedka, all flavors, all
night long • 50 Shades
of Black: Black Pride Kick-
Off Party • Featuring DJ
Jerrbear • Co-hosted by
Onyx Mid-Atlantic • $5
Cover after 11pm
NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR
Open 3pm • Guest DJs •
Beat the Clock Happy Hour
— $2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm),
$4 (7-8pm) • Buckets of
Beer $15
NUMBER NINE
Open 5pm • Happy Hour:
2 for 1 on any drink, 5-9pm
• No Cover • Friday Night
Piano with Chris, 7:30pm
SHAW’S TAVERN
Happy Hour, 4-7pm • $3
Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon,
$5 House Wines, $5 Rail
Drinks • Half-Priced Pizzas
and Select Appetizers •
Comedy Show, Second
Floor, 8pm
TOWN
Patio open 6pm • DC Bear
Crue Happy Hour, 6-11pm
• $3 Rail, $3 Draft, $3 Bud
Bottles • Free Pizza, 7pm
• No cover before 9:30pm
• 21+ • Drag Show starts
at 10:30pm • Hosted by
Lena Lett and featuring
Tatianna, Shi-Queeta-Lee,
Riley Knoxx and Ba’Naka
• DJ Wess upstairs, DJs
BacK2bACk downstairs
following the show •
GoGo Boys after 11pm •
Doors open at 10pm • For
those 21 and over, $12 •
For those 18-20, $15
TRADE
Doors open 5pm • Huge
Happy Hour: Any drink
normally served in a cock-
tail glass served in a huge
glass for the same price,
5-10pm • Beer and wine
only $4
ZIEGFELD’S/SECRETS
Rock the Block All Male
Super Party, 10pm-4am •
Female rapper Dreamdoll
48 MAY 24, 2018 • METROWEEKLY
performs live • Special
guest Shangela from
RuPaul’s Drag Race • DJs
Sedrick, Maestro, and
Brandon Anthony • $20
Cover before midnight
• 21+
Saturday,
May 26
9 1/2
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
drink, 2-9pm • $5 Absolut
and $5 Bulleit Bourbon,
9pm-close • Expanded
craft beer selection •
No Cover
BALTIMORE EAGLE
Doors open at noon
• Happy Hour, 3-9pm
• Leather and Fetish
Saturdays, Code Bar,
8pm-2am • Code enforced
after 9pm in the Code
Bar • Retro Saturdays
Dance Party in the Nest,
9:30pm-2am • $5 Cover
• Drink Specials in the
Nest • Long Island Leather
Saturdays — $5 Long
Islands all day • thebalti-
moreeagle.com
DC BLACK PRIDE
@The Park at Fourteenth
920 14th St. NW
Baewatch: The Legendary
Chill-Out Day Party, 2-9pm
• Hosted by Jeffrey J and
Milan Christopher • $20
Cover before 4pm • Free
with DWP Party Pass
DC BLACK PRIDE
@Stadium Nightclub
2127 Queens Chapel
Rd. NE
Candyland, 3-10pm •
Multiple DJs • $12 in
advance, $15 at door
DC BLACK PRIDE
@SAX Restaurant and
Lounge
734 11th St. NW
Royal Men in White
Super Party, 4-9:30pm •
Featuring live performance
by KeKe Watt • 2 DJs, 10
Dancers
DC BLACK PRIDE
@Grand Hyatt Washington
1000 H St. NW
Underground Soul
Saturday, 9pm-1am • Old
School Dance Party, fea-
turing DJ TMF • Presented
by Women in the Life
Association
DC BLACK PRIDE
@Echostage
2135 Queens Chapel
Rd. NE
The Culture: Men N White
— The World’s Largest
Hip-Hop Party, 10pm-4am
• Mario performs live •
Hosted by Tyson Beckford
and David McIntosh • $20
Cover before midnight •
Free with DWP Party Pass
DC BLACK PRIDE
@Power Nightclub
2335 Bladensburg Rd. NE
DC Pride Lesbian Mega
Party, 10pm-3am • Emcee
DNyce on the mic •
Featuring DJ Deluxx and
DJ Jai Syncere • Hookah,
table specials, 2 full bars
DC BLACK PRIDE
@Bliss Super Club
2221 24th Pl. NE
The 5,000 Men Supreme
Fantasy Mega Party,
10pm-4am • Hosted by
Jussie Smollett with
special guest June’s Diary,
and R&B star Jazmine
Sullivan • DJs and
Dancers
DC BLACK PRIDE
@Howard Theater
620 T St. NW
Chocolate City Invasion:
The Mega Women’s Party,
11pm-4am • DJ Mim and
Sammii Blendz • $20 in
advance, $30 at the door,
$40 VIP
DC BLACK PRIDE
@TBA (Secret Location)
Afterhours “Warehouse
Edition,” 2am-7am • $30-
$45 Cover • Two DJs •
Visit IgniteDMV.com for
more info
DC BLACK PRIDE
@The DC Eagle
3701 Benning Rd. NE
Supreme Fantasy presents
The Red Eye After Hours
Party, 3am-10am
FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR
Saturday Breakfast Buffet,
10am-3pm • $14.99 with
one glass of champagne
or coffee, soda or juice •
Additional champagne $2
per glass • World Tavern
Poker Tournament, 1-3pm
• Crazy Hour, 4-8pm •
Freddie’s Follies Drag
Show, hosted by Miss
Destiny B. Childs, 8-10pm
• Karaoke, 10pm-close
GREEN LANTERN
Happy Hour, 4-9pm • $5
Bacardi, all flavors, all
night long • JOX: The
GL Underwear Party,
9pm-close • $5 Cover
(includes clothes check)
NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR
Drag Brunch, hosted
by Chanel Devereaux,
10:30am-12:30pm and
1-3pm • House Rail Drinks,
Zing Zang Bloody Marys,
Nellie Beer and Mimosas,
$4, 11am-close • Buckets
of Beer, $15 • Guest DJs
NUMBER NINE
Doors open 2pm • Happy
Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink,
2-9pm • $5 Absolut and $5
Bulleit Bourbon, 9pm-close
• Jawbreaker: Music of
the ‘90s, featuring DJs
BaCk2bACk, 9:30pm
SHAW’S TAVERN
$15 Bottomless Mimosas,
10am-3pm • Happy Hour,
5-7pm • $3 Miller Lite,
$4 Blue Moon, $5 House
Wines, $5 Rail Drinks •
Half-Priced Pizzas and
Select Appetizers
TOWN
Doors open 10pm • CTRL
DC Dance Party, 11pm
• Featuring DJs Adam
Koussari-Amin, Devon
Trotter and Jeff Prior •
Downstairs: Music and
video by DJ Wess • Drag
Show starts at 10:30pm
• Drag Show starts at
10:30pm • Hosted by
Lena Lett and featuring
Tatianna, Shi-Queeta-Lee,
Riley Knoxx and Ba’Naka •
$15 Cover from 10pm-mid-
night, $12 after midnight •
Visit TownDC.com • 21+
TRADE
Doors open 2pm • Huge
Happy Hour: Any drink
normally served in a cock-
tail glass served in a huge
glass for the same price,
2-10pm • Beer and wine
only $4
ZIEGFELD’S/SECRETS
Men of Secrets, 9pm-4am
• Guest dancers • Ladies
of Illusion Drag Show
with host Ella Fitzgerald
• Doors at 9pm, Shows
at 11:30pm and 1:30am
• DJ Don T. in Ziegfeld’s
• DJ Steve Henderson in
Secrets • Cover 21+
Sunday,
May 27
9 1/2
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
drink, 2-9pm • $5 Absolut
and $5 Bulleit Bourbon,
9pm-close • Multiple TVs
showing movies, shows,
sports • Expanded craft
beer selection • No Cover
BALTIMORE EAGLE
Lizzie Beaumont and
Betty Whitecastle present
Queens Who Brunch,
12-2pm • $34 per person
includes All You Can
Eat • Free pitcher of
Mimosas per 4 admissions
• Reservations highly
suggested and can be
made online beforehand
• Sunday Fun-Day, 4-9pm
• From 2-8pm, buy a cup
for $5 and fill it with any
Absolut Flavor and Mixer
for $3 each time (excluding
energy drink mixers) •
thebaltimoreeagle.com
DC BLACK PRIDE
@Decades DC
1219 Connecticut Ave. NW
Match! The National
Traffic Light Hookup Party,
10am-4pm • National
recording artists to be
announced • 4 Dance
floors with 4 DJS
DC BLACK PRIDE MAIN
EVENT
@The Bullpen at Half
Street Fairgrounds
1201 Half St. SE
Epic Live: Wet Dreamz,
the Luxury Edition, 1-9pm
• Featuring Ginuwine and
Bobby Lytes • Hosted by
the Prince of Miami •
Multiple DJs • $20 Cover
before 3 pm • Free with
DWP Party Pass
DC BLACK PRIDE
@Avery’s Bar and Lounge
1370 H St. NE
Unleashed DC presents
The Finale: Pride Closeout
Rooftop Day Party, 4-10pm
• Music by DJs Deluxx
and Mim • $10 Cover
DC BLACK PRIDE
@Twelve
1210 H St. NE
The Finale: DC Pride
Lesbian Brunch and Day
Party, 10am-midnight •
Brunch: 10am-6pm, Day
Party: 4pm-midnight •
Advance tickets required
• Hookah and mimosas
available • Full bar •
Brunch entry guarantees
full-day access
DC BLACK PRIDE
@Ultrabar
911 F St. NW
The Annual Manhunt Day
Party, 4-9:30pm • Multiple
DJs and Dancers
DC BLACK PRIDE
@The Park at Fourteenth
920 14th St. NW
Daryl Wilson presents Men
N Demand Super Party,
8pm-4am • $20 before
10pm • Free with DWP
Party Pass
MAY 24, 2018 • METROWEEKLY 49
 DC BLACK PRIDE
@Aqua Club and Lounge
1818 New York Ave. NE
Melanin Magic, 10pm-3am
• DJ Mim • $10 Cover
before midnight, $15
afterward
FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR
Champagne Brunch Buffet,
10am-3pm • $24.99 with
four glasses of champagne
or mimosas, 1 Bloody
Mary, or coffee, soda or
juice • Crazy Hour, 4-8pm
• Monthly Gayborhood
Night Piano Bar, 4:30-8pm
• Karaoke, 9pm-close
GREEN LANTERN
Happy Hour, 4-9pm •
Karaoke with Kevin down-
stairs, 9:30pm-close
NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR
Drag Brunch, hosted
by Chanel Devereaux,
10:30am-12:30pm and
1-3pm • House Rail Drinks,
Zing Zang Bloody Marys,
Nellie Beer and Mimosas,
$4, 11am-close • Buckets
of Beer, $15
NUMBER NINE
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on
any drink, 2-9pm • $5
Absolut and $5 Bulleit
Bourbon, 9pm-close • Pop
Goes the World with Wes
Della Volla at 9:30pm •
No Cover
SHAW’S TAVERN
Brunch with Bottomless
Mimosas, 10am-3pm •
Happy Hour, 5-7pm • $3
Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon,
$5 House Wines, $5 Rail
Drinks • Half-Priced Pizzas
and Select Appetizers
• Dinner-n-Drag, with
Miss Kristina Kelly, 7pm
• For reservations, email
shawsdinnerdragshow@
gmail.com
50 MAY 24, 2018 • METROWEEKLY
TRADE
Doors open 2pm • Huge
Happy Hour: Any drink
normally served in a cock-
tail glass served in a huge
glass for the same price,
2-10pm • Beer and wine
only $4
Monday,
May 28
9 1/2
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
drink, 5-9pm • Multiple
TVs showing movies,
shows, sports • Expanded
craft beer selection •
No Cover
BALTIMORE EAGLE
Happy Hour, 3-9pm, all
liquors, beers and wines up
to 50% off • Micro Brew
Draft/Bottle Mondays —
$4 all day • SIN: Service
Industry Night, 11pm-2am
• First Well Drink or
Domestic Beer Free • 10%
off your Food Order all day
• thebaltimoreeagle.com
DC BLACK PRIDE
@Fort Dupont Park
3600 Minnesota Ave. SE
Daryl Wilson presents The
Outdoor Festival in the
Park, Noon to 7 p.m. •
Stage Show produced by
Theresa Beavers Jackson
• Food, vendors and more
FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR
Crazy Hour, 4-8pm •
Singles Night • Half-Priced
Pasta Dishes • Poker Night
— 7pm and 9pm games •
Karaoke, 9pm
GREEN LANTERN
Happy Hour, 4-9pm •
$3 rail cocktails and
domestic beers all night
long • Singing with the
Sisters: Open Mic Karaoke
Night with the Sisters
of Perpetual Indulgence,
9:30pm-close
NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR
Beat the Clock Happy Hour
— $2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm),
$4 (7-8pm) • Buckets of
Beer $15 • Texas Hold’em
Poker, 8pm • Dart Boards
• Paint Nite, 7pm • Two
Ping-Pong Tables
NUMBER NINE
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
drink, 5-9pm • No Cover
SHAW’S TAVERN
Happy Hour, 4-7pm • $3
Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon,
$5 House Wines, $5 Rail
Drinks • Half-Priced Pizzas
and Select Appetizers •
Shaw ’Nuff Trivia, with
Jeremy, 7:30pm
TRADE
Doors open 5pm • Huge
Happy Hour: Any drink
normally served in a cock-
tail glass served in a huge
glass for the same price,
5-10pm • Beer and wine
only $4
ZIEGFELD’S/SECRETS
Black Pride Take It Off
Dance Party, 8pm-2am •
$10 Cover all night • Free
with DWP Party Pass
Tuesday,
May 29
9 1/2
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
drink, 5-9pm • Multiple
TVs showing movies,
shows, sports • Expanded
craft beer selection •
No Cover
BALTIMORE EAGLE
Happy Hour, 3-9pm, all
liquors, beers and wines
up to 50% off • Fibbage
Tuesdays, 8pm — How
good are you at fibbing?
• Free to play with your
smartphone • $6 Any
Flavor Martinis and $7
Manhattans (call liquors) •
thebaltimoreeagle.com
FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR
Crazy Hour, 4-8pm • Taco
Tuesday • Poker Night —
7pm and 9pm games •
Karaoke, 9pm
GREEN LANTERN
Happy Hour, 4pm-9pm
• $3 rail cocktails and
domestic beers all night
long
NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR
Beat the Clock Happy Hour
— $2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm),
$4 (7-8pm) • Buckets of
Beer $15 • Karaoke and
Drag Bingo
NUMBER NINE
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
drink, 5-9pm • No Cover
SHAW’S TAVERN
Happy Hour, 4-7pm • $3
Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon,
$5 House Wines, $5 Rail
Drinks • Half-Priced Pizzas
and Select Appetizers •
Half-Priced Burgers and
Pizzas all night with $5
House Wines and $5 Sam
Adams
TRADE
Doors open 5pm • Huge
Happy Hour: Any drink
normally served in a cock-
tail glass served in a huge
glass for the same price,
5-10pm • Beer and wine
only $4
Wednesday,
May 30
9 1/2
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
drink, 5-9pm • Multiple
TVs showing movies,
shows, sports • Expanded
craft beer selection •
No Cover
BALTIMORE EAGLE
Happy Hour, 3-9pm, all
liquors, beers and wines
up to 50% off • Domestic
Bottles are $3 all day •
Team Trivia, 8-10pm •
thebaltimoreeagle.com
FREDDIE’S BEACH BAR
Crazy Hour, 4-8pm • $6
Burgers • Beach Blanket
Drag Bingo Night, hosted
by Ms. Regina Jozet
Adams, 8pm • Bingo prizes
• Karaoke, 10pm-1am
GREEN LANTERN
Happy Hour, 4pm-9pm •
Bear Yoga with Greg Leo,
6:30-7:30pm • $10 per
class • Upstairs opens
9pm • Lantern GoGo
Dancers, 10pm-2am • $3
rail cocktails and domestic
beers all night long
NELLIE’S SPORTS BAR
SmartAss Trivia Night,
8pm and 9pm • Prizes
include bar tabs and
tickets to shows at the
9:30 Club • $15 Buckets of
Beer for SmartAss Teams
only • Snatched Drag
Show, hosted by Brooklyn
Heights, 9pm
NUMBER NINE
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
drink, 5-9pm • No Cover
SHAW’S TAVERN
Happy Hour, 4-7pm • $3
Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon,
$5 House Wines, $5 Rail
Drinks • Half-Priced Pizzas
and Select Appetizers •
Paint Nite, Second Floor,
7pm • Piano Bar with
Jill, 8pm
TRADE
Doors open 5pm • Huge
Happy Hour: Any drink
normally served in a cock-
tail glass served in a huge
glass for the same price,
5-10pm • Beer and wine
only $4 l
 Scene
Nellie’s - Sunday, May 20
Photography by Ward Morrison
See and purchase more photos from this event at www.metroweekly.com/scene

52 MAY 24, 2018 • METROWEEKLY

 LastWord.
People say the queerest things

“I don’t care about you being gay.

God made you that way and loves you as you are and I don’t mind. The pope loves you as you are,
you have to be happy with who you are.
”
— POPE FRANCIS to Juan Carlos Cruz, a Chilean man who was a victim of sexual abuse from Catholic priests. Cruz told Spanish
newspaper El Pais that Pope Francis made the comments during a visit to the Vatican to discuss his abuse. The Vatican declined
to confirm whether or not Francis had made the comments.

“Braden was preying on my inexperience

in the drag scene
to satisfy his sexual fetish to the point that I felt personally obligated to go through with it.
”
— KYLE AYOTTE, a drag queen in Philadelphia, speaking to Philadelphia Magazine about being sexually harassed by RuPaul’s Drag
Race star Mimi Imfurst — real name Braden Chapman. Ethan Hunter Raysor also detailed harassment from Chapman, namely
unwanted sexual chatting, and both men said they came forward after hearing others had endured the same. Chapman issued a
statement saying he was “incredibly sorry” and “would have stopped” if he thought the conversations were not wanted.

“As an athlete, you work your whole entire life for this scholarship.
I felt like the only option was to just take my life.”
— Basketball player LAYANA WHITE, speaking in new documentary Alone in the Game, which details the experiences
of LGBTQ people in different sports communities. “It was a don’t ask, don’t tell environment,” White added.
“It just put you further in the closet.”

“I stand amazed by the outpouring of support

”
for our campaign by both those in Rowan County and by those across the country.

— DAVID ERMOLD, in a Tweet after losing the Democratic primary for Rowan County clerk in Kentucky. Ermold, a gay man,
had hoped to stand against Republican incumbent Kim Davis, who gained national notoriety for refusing
to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples — including Ermold and his partner.

“ We now have evidence that [shows]

functional brain characteristics that are typical
of their desired gender.”
— Belgian neurologist JULIE BAKKER, in a statement after a University of Liege study found that transgender people’s brain activity
matches with their gender identity, not their assigned sex at birth. Bakker found that a transgender woman’s brain matches that
of a cisgender woman, while trans men matched cisgender men.

54 MAY 24, 2018 • METROWEEKLY