CONTENTS

AUGUST 10, 2017 Volume 24 Issue 15

13 CHEAP EATS
Summer Restaurant Week returns with
menu-busting specials and a new charity campaign

By Doug Rule

TRAILBLAZER
Metal head. Journalist. Politician. Heres how
Danica Roem plans to oust Virginias most
anti-LGBTQ lawmaker.

Interview by John Riley | Photography by Julian Vankim

24
32 TALL TALES
Held together by a touching story and a charming lead,
Keegans Big Fish stays afloat but just barely.

By Andr Hereford

SPOTLIGHT: THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI p.7 OUT ON THE TOWN p.11
CHEAP EATS: SUMMER RESTAURANT WEEK p.13 SCENE: DIK BAR p.17
COMMUNITY CALENDAR p.19 WET HOT PRIDE: KINGS DOMINIONS PRIDE NIGHT p.19
PAGEANT OF PUNIMS: NICE JEWISH BOYS p.21 FORUM: BATTLE LINES p.23
COVER STORY: TRAILBLAZER p.24 GALLERY: JEFF EVERETT p.31 STAGE: BIG FISH p.32
NIGHTLIFE LISTINGS p.35 SCENE: SLEAZE AT WONDERLAND BALLROOM p.35
SCENE: OTTER CROSSING AT GREEN LANTERN p.44
LAST WORD p.46

Real LGBTQ News and Entertainment since 1994

Editorial Editor-in-Chief Randy Shulman Art Director Todd Franson Managing Editor Rhuaridh Marr Senior Editor John Riley Contributing Editor Doug Rule
Senior Photographers Ward Morrison, Julian Vankim Contributing Illustrator Scott G. Brooks Contributing Writers Andr Hereford,
Sean Maunier, Troy Petenbrink, Kate Wingfield Webmaster David Uy Production Assistant Julian Vankim
Sales & Marketing Publisher Randy Shulman National Advertising Representative Rivendell Media Co. 212-242-6863 Distribution Manager Dennis Havrilla
Patron Saint Anthony Oliveto Cover Photography Julian Vankim

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4 AUGUST 10, 2017 METROWEEKLY

 Spotlight

Killer Sleep
Local composer Tom Teasley crafts a unique, one-man score for the
silent masterpiece The Cabinet of Caligari

T
HE WORLDS FIRST TRUE HORROR FILM HAS
been given a digital makeover. We did some zooming
and a few other things like that to heighten the sus-
pense, says composer Tom Teasley. Also to bring out the
angularity of the sets a little bit more.
Teasley worked with Jim Robeson on his film edit
of Robert Weines 1920 masterpiece, The Cabinet of Dr.
Caligari, and this weekend, Constellation Theatre screens
the silent film, while Teasley performs, live, an original
score he penned for it.
The story of a tyrannical hypnotist who deploys a hapless
sleepwalker to commit murders, Caligari is regarded as one
of the preeminent examples of German Expressionist cine-
ma. According to Wikipedia, film historians have noted that
Caligari reflects a subconscious need in German society for a
tyrant, and it is an example of Germanys obedience to author-
ity and unwillingness to rebel against deranged authority.
And though it predated the Nazis by more than a decade, the
movie foreshadows the rise of Adolf Hitler.
The only live performer during the screenings, Teasley
attempts to give voice...to the action. He often finds himself
communicating with the screen.
What is so fascinating are the sets very angular and cub-
ist, almost Picasso-esque, he says, noting the funhouse mirror
of the films imagery, with everything slightly off and askew. I
find myself playing to the sets a lot. Doug Rule

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari featuring Tom Teasley runs Thursday, Aug. 10, and Friday, Aug. 11, at 8 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 12, at
3 and 8 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 13, at 3 p.m., at the Source Theatre, 1835 14th St. NW. Tickets are $25 to $55. Call 202-204-7741 or
visit constellationtheatre.org.

AUGUST 10, 2017 METROWEEKLY 7

 Spotlight
BEAUTY & THE BEAST
Disney gets a lot right in this sumptuously produced live-ac-
tion remake of the studios 1991 animated classic. Directed
by Bill Condon, a man who knows his way around a lavish
Hollywood musical, this Beast, which set a record with a
$170 million box office take in its opening weekend, is dark-
er in tone and brighter in wit, if not nearly as romantically
transporting as the Oscar-winning original. And now mere
months after a success at megaplexes, the film closes out the
screening season at the Capitol Riverfront. Thursday, Aug. 17.
Gates open at 6:30 p.m. with screening at sundown, approx-
imately 8:30 p.m. Canal Park at 2nd and I Streets SE. Visit
capitolriverfront.org. (Andre Hereford)

EMO PHILIPS
The kooky, lovable Philips has been standing
up for decades and has even earned plaudits
from the likes of Jay Leno as the best joke
writer in America. Even if you dont recog-
nize the quirky name, youve no doubt heard
Philipss distinctive voice in a ton of animat-
ed TV shows, including Slacker Cats, Doctor
Katz, and Adventure Time. Friday, Aug. 11, at
8 and 10 p.m., and Saturday, Aug. 12, at 7 and
9 p.m. Drafthouse Comedy, 1100 13th St. NW.
Tickets are $20. Call 202-750-6411 or visit
drafthousecomedy.com.

HOT AUGUST
MUSIC FESTIVAL
Old Crow Medicine Show, The Infamous
Stringdusters, Lettuce, Cabinet, and Turkuaz
headline this 25th annual folk and bluegrass
festival presented by Stages Music Arts. Other
groups set to perform across three stages include
the Dustbowl Revival, Baskery, Electric Love
Machine, John Mooney & Bluesiana, Lil Ed &
the Blues Imperials, Memphis Gold with spe-
cial guest Brett Wilson, Squaring the Circle and
Fried Prickin. Saturday, Aug. 19. Tickets are $66 in
advance or $79 on the day of. Want a VIP upgrade?
Thatll set you back $189 total. Oregon Ridge Park,
13401 Beaver Dam Rd. in Cockeysville, Md. Visit
hotaugustmusicfestival.com

8 AUGUST 10, 2017 METROWEEKLY

 Spotlight
ROOFERS UNION:
KICK THE KEG
CHARITY EVENT
Another event meant as an early toast to the
hoppy celebration known as DC Beer Week,
which starts Sunday, Aug. 20, this time a char-
ity benefit that doubles as a celebration of six
D.C. breweries. Each brewery 3 Stars, Atlas,
Bluejacket, DC Brau, Hellbender and Right
Proper will select its best draft to tap at $7 a
pour, and the first brewerys keg to kick wins the
honor of bragging rights as the peoples choice,
with proceeds donated to the brewers charity
of choice. While at Roofers Union, peruse all the
intriguing beer options in the Cellar, and consider
Chef Jenn Flynns seasonal Supper selections,
from the Spring Pea Ricotta Ravioli to the star
of the menu, the pan-roasted Alaskan Halibut
with black quinoa and leeks. Thursday, Aug. 17.
MARY GODIER

Roofers Union, 2446 18th St NW. Call 202-232-

7663 or visit roofersuniondc.com.

SUEDE
A mix of Adele, Diana Krall, and Bette Midler,
the lesbian cabaret artist has spent decades
wowing crowds with her rich contralto and
playful, charismatic stage presence. Suede
occasionally plays the trumpet, guitar, and
piano in her performances of jazz standards,
which also contains a smattering of pop and a
lot of blues. She returns for what has become
an annual engagement in Annapolis. Saturday,
Aug. 19, at 8 p.m. Rams Head On Stage, 33 West
St., Annapolis. Tickets are $30. Call 410-268-

CHERYL MAZAK
4545 or visit ramsheadonstage.com.

BOMBA ESTEREO
Literally translating as stereo bomb in English,
this bands name is said to refer to a badass
party in its native Colombia. The fun, festive
trio, founded by bassist Simon Mejia and led
by singer/rapper Liliana Saumet, is sure to live
up to its name when it appears at the 9:30
Club. Just try to stand still to the bands brand
of modern-day, Latin electro-pop. The aptly
named EDM gem Fiesta and especially the
wild, bilingual EDM remake of Technotronics
Pump Up The Jam re-christened Ponte
Bomb is sure to get the crowd jumping.
Thursday, Aug. 17. Doors at 7 p.m. 9:30 Club, 815
V St. NW. Tickets are $30. Call 202-265-0930 or
visit 930.com.

AUGUST 10, 2017 METROWEEKLY 9


BRITTANY DR
QUEER YOUTH BLOCK PARTY
Before FiveSquares Development erects a multi-use complex all around Whitman-Walker Healths original Elizabeth Taylor
Medical Center, the site hosts a series of LGBTQ-friendly outdoor pop-up events, including the Lot at the Liz. The event,
wrapped in pink hues and murals by local artists organization the No Kings Collective, is an evening party and safe space for
LGBTQ youth featuring free food, music, games, vendor tables and performances. Saturday, Aug. 12, from 5 to 9 p.m. The Lot at
the Liz, 1701 14th St. NW. Visit lizlot.com.
Compiled by Doug Rule
FILM
A TALE OF TWO CITIES,
MADAME DU BARRY
The National Gallery of Art con-
cludes its month-long screening of
films interpreting the lavish culture
and complex history of 18th-Centu-
ry France, coinciding with its sum-
mer exhibition America Collects
18th-Century French Paintings.
On Friday, Aug. 11, at 2 p.m., Jack
Conways Oscar-nominated 1935
adaptation of the Charles Dickens
classic screens. This version stars
Ronald Colman as the disgraced
and downcast British barrister, with
Basil Rathbone stealing the show
as loathsome aristocrat Marquis
St. Evremonde. On Saturday, Aug.
12, at 12:30 p.m., the museum will
show William Dieterles 1934 film
starring Dolores del Rio in a comic
portrayal of erstwhile courtesan
and Louis XV consort Madame du
Barry. East Building Auditorium,
3rd Street at Constitution Avenue
NW. Free. Call 202-737-4215 or visit
nga.gov.
THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE
Over the next few weeks kids and
kids-at-heart in the suburbs will
be abuzz watching outdoors the
latest action-comedy to transport
everyones favorite interlocking
Out On The Town
INSTAGRAM @PETEFRANKLINCHANG
STAGE
toys from childhood to the big Crystal City or Vornado/Charles
screen, this time in service of the E. Smith], 1800 South Bell St.,
Arlington. Call 800-494-8497 or
classic comic caper. Will Arnett
is Batman, Michael Cera is Robin,
THE KING AND I visit synetictheater.org.
Rosario Dawson is Batgirl and Zach
From the opening strains of its lush THURGOOD
Galifianakis is The Joker in Chris
overture, The King and I announces George Stevens, Jr. wrote this play
McKays Lego Batman Movie. The
its commitment to pomp and pag- about the first African-American
film is screening at a number of
eantry. The Tony-winning reviv- Supreme Court Justice, portrayed
outdoor venues, including as part
al of Rodgers and Hammersteins by Brian Anthony Wilson. Walter
of the series Rosslyn Cinema + Pub
beloved musical is cast with greater Dallas directs Brian Anthony
in the Park in Gateway Park, 1300
sensitivity towards verisimilitude Wilson in a one-man show that
Lee Highway, Arlington on Friday,
than that original 1951 production. explores the long journey toward
August 11 (rosslynva.org) and on
Director Bartlett Shers sumptuous justice that began with Brown v.
Friday, Aug. 18, as part of the AFI
rendition is engineered to please Board of Education. To Aug. 20.
Silver Theatre Outdoor series in
both Rodgers & Hammerstein fans Mulitz-Gudelsky Theatre Lab
Veterans Plaza, Ellsworth Drive
and musical theater traditionalists, at Olney Theatre Center, 2001
and Fenton Street, Silver Spring
however it is not a destination for Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney,
(afi.com/silver). Youll have one last
the artistically adventurous. The Md. Call 301-924-3400 or visit
chance on Saturday, August 26, at
underlying musical is showing its olneytheatre.org.
Bethesdas Strathmore as part of
age. At the Kennedy Center Opera
its Comcast Xfinity Outdoor Film
House to Aug. 20. Tickets are $59 WIG OUT!
Festival (strathmore.org).
to $149. Call 202-467-4600, or visit Playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney,
kennedy-center.org. (AH) who wrote the work on which
THE ROCKY HORROR
the Oscar-winning Moonlight was
PICTURE SHOW
Landmarks E Street Cinema offers THE MARK OF CAIN based, updates an earlier work
Was Cain a criminal? Thats inspired by African-American drag
Richard OBriens camp classic,
the question hovering over this ball culture and its competitive
billed as the longest-running mid-
devised theatrical work from dance-offs. Kent Gash directs the
night movie in history. Landmarks
Synetic Theater, a neo-surreal- Studio X production, staged as an
showings come with a live shadow
ist distillation of human histo- underground pageant complete
cast from the Sonic Transducers,
ry. Paata Tsikurishvili directs a with catwalk, created couture, and
meaning its even more interac-
tive than usual. Friday, Aug. 11, large ensemble of Synetic veter- a cash bar. Jaysen Wright, Michael
ans including Ryan Sellers, Dallas Kevin Darnall and Alex Mills lead
and Saturday, Aug. 12, at midnight.
Tolentino, Philip Fletcher, Kathy the 11-person cast. Extended to
Landmarks E Street Cinema, 555
Gordon and Irina Kavsadze, plus August 20. Studio Theatre, 14th & P
11th St. NW. Call 202-452-7672 or
newcomer Megan Khaziran. Streets NW. Tickets are $45 to $55.
visit landmarktheatres.com.
Closes Sunday, Aug. 13. Theater at Call 202-332-3300 or visit studio-
theatre.org.
AUGUST 10, 2017 METROWEEKLY 11
MUSIC
DANI STOLLER
Creative Cauldrons summer caba-
ret series at ArtSpace Falls Church
continues with Everything Youve
Heard Is True by Dani Stoller,
a romp through favorite pop and
rock tunes by this musical theater
performer who describes herself in
vivacious terms as a perpetually
single, viciously comfortable, overly
talkative, terrifyingly anxious, total-
ly neurotic, somewhat-endearing
twenty-something. Friday, Aug. 11,
and Saturday, Aug. 12, at 8 p.m.
ArtSpace Falls Church, 410 South
Maple Ave. in Falls Church. Tickets
are $18 to $20 per show, or $55 for a
table for two with wine and $110 for
four with wine. Call 703-436-9948
or visit creativecauldron.org.
INTERNATIONAL YOUNG ARTIST
PIANO COMPETITION
Musical Arts International show-
cases six emerging young pianists
ages seven to 29 in the 32nd
annual competition started by pia-
nist Li-Ly Chang to promote cul-
tural exchange among artists of all
nationalities. The program features
a mix of pieces in styles from the
West and a new premiere from
the East. Sunday, Aug. 13, at 6 p.m.
Kennedy Center Millennium Stage.
Free. Call 202-467-4600 or visit
kennedy-center.org.
LADY ANTEBELLUM
Formed in 2006, the country trio
broke through the stratosphere
with its perfectly realized hit Need
You Now, which swept top pop
honors at the Grammys in 2011.
They reemerged earlier this year
with hit single You Look Good
and new album Heart Break. For
their latest summer tour, the group
enlisted support from Kelsea
Ballerini, whom Billboard has trum-
peted as Countrys Next Queen,
and up-and-coming Caliville
country crooner Brett Young.
Sunday, Aug. 13. Gates at 6 p.m.
Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475
Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia,
Md. Tickets are $56.76 to $199. Call
800-551-SEAT or visit merriweath-
ermusic.com.
COMEDY
DAMON WAYANS, JR.
The son of the famous In Living
Color sketch comic, Wayans makes
his debut at the DC Improv as part
of the venues toast to its first 25
years as well as those positioned
to be future stars over the next 25
years. From the big screen How
To Be Single to the small Foxs
New Girl, ABCs Happy Endings
the Wayans progeny is well on
his way to a huge career. Friday,
Aug. 18, and Saturday, Aug. 19, at
7:30 and 9:45 p.m., and Sunday,
Aug. 20, at 7:30 p.m. DC Improv,
12 AUGUST 10, 2017 METROWEEKLY
1140 Connecticut Ave. NW. Tickets
are $25, plus a two-item minimum.
Call 202-296-7008 or visit dcim-
prov.com.
JOE MANDE
A writer for NBCs The Good Place
and Parks and Recreation, where
he also occasionally appeared as
Pawnee resident Morris Lerpiss,
Mande has made a name for him-
self for contentious interactions
on Twitter with corporations
(La Croix Water) and celebrities,
including President and Barron
Trump. Mande drops by for a night
of stand-up. Saturday, Aug. 12,
at 8 p.m. Downstairs at Sixth & I
Historic Synagogue, 600 I St. NW.
Tickets are $15 in advance, or $18
day-of show. Call 202-408-3100 or
visit sixthandi.org.
THE SECOND CITY:
...DIVIDED WE STAND
The Kennedy Center welcomes
back famed comedy troupe The
Second City for an update to last
years popular Almost Accurate
Guide to America. The comedi-
ans Angela Alise, Ryan Asher,
Tyler Davis, Katie Kershaw,
Chucho Perez and Ross Taylor
have cooked up a new irreverent,
mocking look at America, from
the red states to the blue states to
our orange head of state. Closes
Sunday, Aug. 13. Kennedy Center
Theater Lab. Tickets are $49 to
$69. Call 202-467-4600 or visit
kennedy-center.org.
EXHIBITS
A SENSE OF RENEWAL
The Summer exhibition at the
Goldman Gallery at Rockvilles
Jewish Community Center, this
group show features nature-fo-
cused works by Pauline Jakobsberg,
Miguel Perez Lem, Felisa Federman,
Nancy Nesvet and Terry Svat. To
Aug. 13. The Goldman Gallery in
the Bender Jewish Community
Center of Greater Washington, 6125
Montrose Rd., Rockville. Call 301-
881-0100 or visit benderjccgw.org.
AI WEIWEI
Chinas most famous and provoc-
ative international artist returns
to the Hirshhorn with his newest
project, centered on the themes of
freedom and expression. The mas-
sive installation, on exhibit to Jan.
1, spans 700 feet around the entire-
ty of the museums second-floor
galleries and features 176 portraits,
each made of thousands of plastic
LEGO bricks, of individuals whom
he considers activists, prisoners
of conscience or advocates of free
speech. An accompanying graphic
wallpaper spans the gallerys entire
outer wall, transforming symbols
of surveillance equipment into an
intricate design. The seriousness
of the subject contrasts with the
playfulness of the material, creat-
ing a dichotomy that characterizes
the artists philosophy. In addition,
the museum offers a free screen-
ing of Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry, the
revealing 2012 film from journalist
Alison Klayman documenting the
persecution and abuse the indefat-
igable Weiwei has suffered over
the years by Chinese authorities.
The documentary screens as part of
the Summer Evenings@Hirshhorn
series on Thursday, Aug. 17, from 5
to 8:30 p.m. Independence Avenue
and Seventh Street SW. Call 202-
633-1000 or visit hirshhorn.si.edu.
INHOTIM: AT THE CROSSROADS
OF GLOBAL CHANGE
The relationship among art, cul-
ture and climate change is reflect-
ed in the first U.S. exhibition from
Inhotim, the Brazilian botanical
garden and contemporary art muse-
um. Presented in partnership with
the International Development
Bank, it features artworks from
the permanent collection by Luiz
Zerbini, Iran do Espirito Santo,
Olafur Eliasson and Vik Muniz plus
exclusive sound pieces by O Grivo.
The exhibit serves to introduce the
American public to the richness of
the institutes biodiversity as well as
the history and significance of this
landmark institution, established in
2006 in one of the worlds most
heavily mined regions. The larger
message is to stress the reality that
climate change is a real and present
danger and a drain on our collective
future. Now to Oct. 13. IDB Cultural
Center, 1300 New York Ave. NW.
Call 202-623-1000 or visit iadb.org/
exhibitions.
RONI HORN
Marylands modern art and archi-
tecture-focused Glenstone Museum
offers an exhibition of more than
30 works by Roni Horn, drawn
from the museums collection and
selected and installed by the artist
herself. Spanning four decades of
her career, works on view explore
wide-ranging topics including
nature, ecology, identity, landscape
and language. Glenstone, set on
200 acres of rolling pasture and
woodland in Montgomery County,
Md., also offers hourly guided out-
door sculpture tours of works by
Andy Goldsworthy, Felix Gonzalez-
Torres, Ellsworth Kelly, Jeff Koons,
Charles Ray, Julian Schnabel and
Richard Serra. Through Jan. 28,
2018. Glenstone Museum, 12002
Glen Road, Potomac, Md. Call 301-
983-5001 or visit glenstone.org.
ROSSLYNS PUBLIC ART
WALKING TOUR
Graham Coreil-Allen, one of
Arlington Countys Public Artists in
Residence, leads a WalkArlington
tour focused on sharing the sto-
ries behind several prominent
pieces of public art in Rosslyn.
Among works to be discussed on
the 90-minute tour, which will also
explore a robust network of hid-
den public spaces, are: the flying
chrome arrows, better known as
Cupids Garden, the huge con-
crete spheres aka Dark Star Park,
the Le Meridien overlook, and the
Bennett Park Atrium. Remaining
date is Saturday, Aug. 12, at 2 p.m.
Central Place Plaza, 1800 N. Lynn
St., Arlington. Free. Call or visit
rosslynva.org.
SPECTACULAR GEMS FROM
THE MERRIWEATHER POST
COLLECTION
Marjorie Merriweather Post had
one of the most remarkable collec-
tions of jewelry of the 20th century.
For its latest exhibition, her former
estate displays and shares stories
about more than 50 exquisite acces-
sories from the late cereal heiress
and the historic gems that went into
making them. Leading designers
Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry
Winston and Verdura are represent-
ed in the collection, which includes
pieces on loan from other museums
and private collections. Through
Jan. 1, 2018. Hillwood Estate, 4155
Linnean Ave. NW. Suggested dona-
tion is $18. Call 202-686-5807 or
visit HillwoodMuseum.org.
TRANSFORMER: HOMEGROWN
A summer exhibition showcasing
local art, agriculture and business
and examining what it means to
sustain a hyper-local lifestyle in
D.C. Works from more than 40
local artists from Transformers
FlatFile program will be featured in
this exhibition, a partnership with
Up Top Acres, a network of roof-
top farms, Miss Pixies and Logan
Hardware. Each week, Transformer
presents a different selection
of works in tandem with special
events, both at its gallery and in
locations around the city, highlight-
ing locally sourced and produced
food and creative products. To Aug.
19. 1404 P St. NW. Call 202-483-
1102 or visit transformerdc.org.
VOULKOS:
THE BREAKTHROUGH YEARS
The Renwick Gallery offers the
first exhibition to focus on the early
career of Peter Voulkos, from 1953
to 1968, when the potters radical
methods and ideas opened up the
possibilities for ceramics in ways
that are still being felt today. One
of the most influential cerami-
cists of the 20th century, Voulkos
defied mid-century craft dictums
to reinvent his medium, combining
wheel-throwing with slab-building,
traditional glazes with epoxy paint,
figuration with abstraction and
building large-scale ceramic struc-
tures with complex internal engi-
neering. Through Aug. 20. Renwick
Gallery, Pennsylvania Avenue at
17th Street NW. Free. Call 202-633-
1000 or visit renwick.americanart.
si.edu.
 GREG POWERS
Jaleo Crystal City

CHEAP EATS
Summer Restaurant Week returns with menu-busting specials and a new charity campaign

T
HERE HAVE BEEN A LOT OF DISCUSSIONS
and articles about the tipping point, Kathy
Hollinger says. Have we reached our pene-
tration point? Thrillist summed up the tenor best in
a headline from last December: Theres a Massive
Restaurant Industry Bubble, and Its About to Burst.
As president and CEO of the Restaurant
Association Metropolitan Washington, Hollinger
begs to differ, at least in light of the scene she rep-
resents. Many leading industry publications fell hard
for D.C. last year, designating it the 2016 Restaurant
City of the Year (Bon Appetit) and Hottest Food
City of 2016 (Zagat).
We still see growth, which is great, Hollinger
says. The reality is, as we have grown, what is amaz-
ing is that we have really preserved that homegrown,
independently operated and owned ratio [of] 96
SCOTT SUCHMAN
percent. And that is amazing. That is nowhere else
in the country.
As the industrys official booster, RAMW has
played a major role in helping set D.C. apart and, in
recent years, has launched specialized promotions Alta Strada Mosaic
expanding its reach, from the Spring Wine Fling and DC Cocktail
Week to this years first-ever BBQ & Grilling Week. at nearly 40 restaurants. The list includes Central Michel Richard,
But it was Restaurant Week that started it all nearly two decades Centrolina, Cork, Doi Moi, Kaz Sushi Bistro, Penn Commons, RPM
ago. Offered in both winter and summer, the promotions general Italian, RIS, and Roofers Union.
concept remains unchanged: restaurants offer prix-fixe deals generally Every dollar raised by these restaurants provides two full meals
more affordable than if similar items were ordered a la carte. Its $22 for someone in need, Hollinger says. In the nations capital,
for multiple courses at lunch and brunch, and $35 at dinner. people have a lot of various causes, but I dont think anyone can
Whats new this summer is RAMWs #DineOutGiveBack campaign, deny the cause of combating hunger and making sure food is
in which the Capital Area Food Bank will receive proceeds raised accessible to all across the region. Doug Rule

Summer Restaurant Week 2017 starts Monday, Aug. 14, and runs through Sunday, Aug. 20. For more information or to
make reservations, visit rwdmv.com.

AUGUST 10, 2017 METROWEEKLY 13

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE HAMILTON

JUAN DE MARCOS & THE AFRO-CUBAN ALL STARS

A remarkable ensemble of expatriate Cuban musicians led by Juan de Marcos Gonzalez, the Afro-Cuban All Stars is devoted to the full
range of Cuban music. It is genuinely one of the best bands to see live, given the passion and quality to the musicianship, as document-
ed in the classic Wim Wenderss documentary Buena Vista Social Club. That film helped make stars out of some of the bands original
players, including the late Ruben Gonzalez and Ibrahim Ferrer. Saturday, Aug. 12, at 8 p.m. The Hamilton, 600 14th St. NW. Tickets are
$25 to $35. Call 202-787-1000 or visit thehamiltondc.com.

WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERA
PRESENTS RETNA
The Kennedy Center hosts an
exhibit of this graphic and street
artist whose work informs the sets
and costumes of the forthcom-
ing production of Aida. Inspired
by L.A.s mural culture, the artist
known simply as RETNA fuses fine
art with graffiti and the tradition-
al with the contemporary and has
worked on advertising campaigns
for Louis Vuittion and Nike, in
addition to exhibiting at galleries
around the world. Opens Monday,
Aug. 14. On exhibit through Sept.
24. Hall of Nations. Call 202-467-
4600 or visit kennedy-center.org.
FOOD & DRINK
HAY-ADAMS: OFF THE RECORD
LOBBY POP-UP
The Hay-Adams hotels famous
downstairs hideaway and water-
ing hole will be closed to undergo
renovations over the next month.
But never fear: Off The Records
collectable political coasters, state-
ly furnishings and classic cocktails
will pop up to the lobby level at
the hotel across Lafayette Square
from the White House. Sip the
Washington-original Lime Rickey
(gin with fresh lime juice and club
soda) or other classics, including a
Mint Julep or a Fill a Buster (gin,
ginger liqueur, cucumber, basil and
sparkling wine). In what was the
hotels original dining room and
popular bar, you can also enjoy
summer savory creations by exec-
utive chef Nicolas Legret from
OTR Sliders with crab cakes and
tartar sauce, to a Seafood Platter of
oysters, jumbo shrimp and lobster,
to a grilled black angus strip steak
with romaine, fries and Maitre
dHotel butter and desserts
including SMores Cheesecake,
Homemade Ice Cream and Hay-
Adams Baked Cookies from pastry
chef Josh Short. Now to Sept. 4.
The Hay-Adams Room, 800 16th
St. NW. Call 202-638-6600 or visit
hayadams.com.
HANKS ON THE HILL: BEER-B-Q
The Capitol Hill location helps
kick off DC Beer Week a day early
with its fourth annual all-you-can-
eat-and-drink-a-thon as look
as youre in the mood for grilled
meats and frosty brews from Atlas
Brew Works. Chef Jay will be filling
the grill with Baby Back Ribs and
Fried Chicken, in addition to serv-
ing Pimento Grilled Cheese Bites,
Mac & Cheese, Oysters on the Half
Shell, Watermelon Salad, Smoked
Cauliflower Fritters and Green
Beans with Smoked Coconut. For
dessert, try a tart and tangy Key
Lime Pie. Saturday, Aug. 19, from
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hanks on the Hill,
633 Pennsylvania Ave SE. Tickets
are $50. Call 202-733-1971 or visit
hanksoysterbar.com.
SUMMER RESTAURANT WEEK
Last year D.C. was deemed by vari-
ous publications as one of the coun-
trys best restaurant cities. Theres
no better time to branch out from
your usual haunts to see what all
the fuss is about than through
the popular bi-annual promotion
that the Restaurant Association
Metropolitan Washington started
16 years ago in a post-9/11 push for
business. A whopping 250 estab-
lishments across the region will
offer special three-course meals for
$22 at lunch and brunch or $35 at
dinner. Obviously, its more of a bar-
gain at some restaurants than oth-
ers, depending on their usual price
points, though even a few diners
and cafes participate by stepping up
their usual affordable game. Many
participants have also pledged to
donate proceeds during the promo-
tion to the Capital Area Food Bank.
Monday, Aug. 14, through Sunday,
Aug. 20, at various throughout
the area. For more information,
including exclusive deals on meals
through RAMWs Diner Rewards
Program, or to make reservations,
visit rwdmv.com.

14 AUGUST 10, 2017 METROWEEKLY

AARON FARRINGTON

MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER

Mary Chapin Carpenter makes her annual pilgrimage to Wolf Trap, one of my most treasured and favorite
places. She returns in a 30th anniversary toast to her acclaimed debut album Hometown Girl, with an opening
set by the phenomenal alt-country singer-songwriter, Lucinda Williams, who penned Carpenters first hit,
Passionate Kisses. Saturday, Aug. 12, at 7:30 p.m. The Filene Center at Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna.
Tickets are $28 to $60. Call 877-WOLFTRAP or visit wolftrap.org.

NIGHTLIFE TOWN: TOWN & COUNTRY

The DC Rawhides host an evening
the Vortex/Riptide water slide, which
plunges riders into 360-degree whirl-
LA-TI-DO: THE KING AND I
CHARITY BENEFIT
of social dancing every other week pools. Theres also a Happy Hour from Regie Cabico and Don Mike
MIXTAPE WITH TOMMY
at Town Danceboutique starting at 6 to 8 p.m. exclusively for Pride Splash Mendozas La-Ti-Do variety show
CORNELIUS AND KEENAN ORR
6:45 p.m. with lessons in two-step, & Ride ticket holders, with local drag features higher-quality singing than
Two of gay D.C.s best DJs take
line dancing and west coast swing, queens performing, followed by an most karaoke, often from profes-
turns behind the decks along with
followed by open dancing until 10:30 exclusive dance party with D.C.-area sional musical theater performers
Matt Bailer, co-founder of this
p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12. 2009 8th St. DJs that lasts until midnight. Those singing on their night off. Thats
popular long-running dance party
NW. Cover is $5 including lessons not in a dancing mood are guaran- truer than ever with the next iter-
as it makes its long-overdue debut
and all-night dancing. Call 202- teed extended access to the waters- ation, which will focus on members
at U Street Music Hall. Mixtape
234-TOWN or visit towndc.com. lides, whirlpools and lazy river. Due to of the touring production of The
has always been centered on the
storms on the original date, the event King and I currently at the Kennedy
eclectic dance/pop music that gets
was rescheduled to this Saturday, Aug.
ABOVE & BEYOND
played, or, to cite the promotion- Center, all as a benefit for Broadway
12, from 10:30 a.m. to midnight. Six Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Monday,
al language, Mixtape is about
Flags America and Hurricane Harbor, Aug. 14, at 8 p.m. Bistro Bistro, 1727
enjoying the music without any
PRIDE SPLASH AND RIDE 13710 Central Ave, Upper Marlboro, Connecticut Ave. NW. Tickets are
pretense. Saturday, Aug. 12, at 10
Now in its fifth year, Splash & Ride Md. Tickets, with proceeds benefit- $25, or $40 for VIP including a
p.m. at U Street Music Hall, 1115A
offers LGBTQ attendees reduced price ing the Capital Pride Alliance, NOVA pre-show reception with compa-
U St. NW. Free before 11 p.m., or
admission and access to all theme Pride and Baltimore Pride, are $42 ny members, preferred seating and
$10 after. Call 202-588-1880 or visit
park and water park rides at Six Flags in advance or $54 day of. Visit pride- light hors doeuvres. Call 202-328-
ustreetmusichall.com.
America from one of the areas splash.org. (John Riley) 1640 or visit LaTiDoProductions.
premiere coasters, Superman (now com. l
with an optional VR component), to

16 AUGUST 10, 2017 METROWEEKLY

Scene
DIK Bar - Friday, August 4
Photography by Ward Morrison
See and purchase more photos from this event at www.metroweekly.com/scene

AUGUST 10, 2017 METROWEEKLY 17

18 AUGUST 10, 2017 METROWEEKLY
 Community
THURSDAY, August 10

Weekly Events

ANDROMEDA
TRANSCULTURAL HEALTH
offers free HIV testing and HIV
services (by appointment). 9
a.m.-5 p.m. Decatur Center,
1400 Decatur St. NW. To
arrange an appointment, call
202-291-4707, or visit androm-
edatransculturalhealth.org.

DC AQUATICS CLUB practice

session at Takoma Aquatic
Center. 7:30-9 p.m. 300 Van
Buren St. NW. For more infor-
mation, visit swimdcac.org.

DC FRONT RUNNERS run-

ning/walking/social club
welcomes runners of all ability
levels for exercise in a fun and
supportive environment, with
socializing afterward. Route
WARD MORRISON

distance is 3-6 miles. Meet at

7 p.m. at 23rd & P Streets NW.
For more information, visit
dcfrontrunners.org.

DC LAMBDA SQUARES gay

WET, HOT PRIDE

and lesbian square-dancing
group features mainstream
through advanced square
dancing at the National City
Christian Church, 5 Thomas
BHTs Pride Night ramps up the coasters and turns on the spigots Circle NW, 7-9:30 p.m. Casual
dress. 301-257-0517, dclamb-
at Kings Dominion next weekend dasquares.org.

I
DC SCANDALS RUGBY holds
TS THE TIME OF THE YEAR FOR ROLLER COASTERS, DEATH DROPS, practice. The team is always
looking for new members. All
swings, water slides, and eating as much fried, smothered, and sugar-coated welcome. 7:30-9:30 p.m. King
food as you can stuff into your craw. And on Saturday, Aug. 19, the LGBTQ Greenleaf Recreation Center,
community can partake in these time-honored amusement park activities en masse 201 N St. SW. For more infor-
mation, visit scandalsrfc.org or
as part of Brother, Help Thyselfs annual Pride Night celebration.
dcscandals@gmail.com.
We know what youre thinking: Doesnt Pride Night usually take place in
September? Well, it turns out the park was booked solid, requiring an earlier date. The DULLES TRIANGLES
But there is a side benefit to an August Pride Night a very wet and wild one, as Northern Virginia social
group meets for happy hour at
it turns out. Sheraton in Reston. All wel-
We really wanted to have an event where our attendees could use the water come. 7-9 p.m. 11810 Sunrise
park, says Jim Slattery, president of BHT. But because the water park closes Valley Drive, second-floor bar.
For more information, visit
Labor Day weekend, that has never been an option. Now Kings Dominions leg-
dullestriangles.com.
endary Soak City is open to all attendees as well.
A special wristband granting admission to the amusement and water parks, HIV TESTING at Whitman-
starting at 3 p.m., is $41. Ticketholders will be given exclusive access to one wave Walker Health. 8 a.m.-8 p.m. at
1525 14th St. NW, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
pool from 6 to 8 p.m. and access to all rides in the parks Candy Apple Grove section at the Elizabeth Taylor Medical
from 10 to 11 p.m. Pride Night also features a dance party in Soak City, in front of Center, 1701 14th St. NW, and 8
Sharkys, from 9 p.m. to midnight, with music by DJ Kuhmeleon. a.m-5 p.m. at the Max Robinson
Center, 2301 MLK Jr. Ave.
Proceeds from the event support the general fund of BHT, an organization that
SE. For an appointment call
has provided more than $3 million to support local LGBTQ-related nonprofits. The 202-745-7000 or visit whit-
evening typically brings in upwards of $20,000. man-walker.org.
Im not a roller coaster person, says Slattery, so I really enjoy the water park.
IDENTITY offers free and
I also always look forward to the dance party, seeing everyone cut loose and have confidential HIV testing at
a good time there. John Riley two separate locations. Walk-
ins accepted from 2-6 p.m.,
by appointment for all other
BHTs Pride Night is Saturday, Aug. 19, from 3 p.m. to midnight at Kings Dominion,
hours. 414 East Diamond Ave.,
16000 Theme Park Way, in Doswell, Va. Visit brotherhelpthyself.net. Gaithersburg, Md. or 7676 New

AUGUST 10, 2017 METROWEEKLY 19

 Hampshire Ave., Suite 411, Takoma
Park, Md. To set up an appoint-
ment or for more information, call
Gaithersburg, 301-300-9978, or
Takoma Park, 301-422-2398.
METROHEALTH CENTER
offers free, rapid HIV testing.
Appointment needed. 1012 14th
St. NW, Suite 700. To arrange an
appointment, call 202-638-0750.
SMYAL offers free HIV Testing, 3-5
p.m., by appointment and walk-in,
for youth 21 and younger. Youth
Center, 410 7th St. SE. 202-567-
3155 or testing@smyal.org.
Us Helping Us hosts a NARCOTICS
ANONYMOUS MEETING. The
group is independent of UHU.
6:30-7:30 p.m., 3636 Georgia Ave.
NW. For more information, call
202-446-1100.
WOMENS LEADERSHIP
INSTITUTE for young LBTQ
women, 13-21, interested in lead-
ership development. 5-6:30 p.m.
SMYAL Youth Center, 410 7th St.
SE. For more information, call 202-
567-3163, or email catherine.chu@
smyal.org.
FRIDAY, August 11
GAMMA is a confidential, volun-
tary, peer-support group for men
who are gay, bisexual, questioning
and who are now or who have been
in a relationship with a woman.
7:30-9:30 p.m. Luther Place
Memorial Church, 1226 Vermont
Ave NW. GAMMA meetings are
also held in Vienna, Va., and in
Frederick, Md. For more informa-
tion, visit gammaindc.org.
The DC Center holds a meeting
of its DC LGBTQIA DISABILITY
GROUP to support, educate and
empower people with disabilities.
8-9 p.m. 2000 14th St. NW, Suite
105. For more information, con-
tact Andy Arias, andyarias09@
gmail.com.
WOMEN IN THEIR TWENTIES
(AND THIRTIES), a social discus-
sion and activity group for queer
women, meets at The DC Center
on the second and fourth Fridays
of each month. Group social activ-
ity to follow the meeting. 8-9:30
p.m. 2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105.
For more information, visit thedc-
center.org.
SATURDAY, August 12
CHRYSALIS arts & culture
group visits Winterthur, one of
the DuPont family estates, near
Wilmington, Del. Drivers needed.
Carpool at 9:30 a.m. from Kiss &
Ride lot of Forest Glen Metro sta-
tion. Contact Kevin, 571-338-1433
or kgiles27@gmail.com.
20 AUGUST 10, 2017 METROWEEKLY
Weekly Events
DC AQUATICS CLUB holds a prac-
tice session at Montgomery College
Aquatics Club. 8:30-10 a.m. 7600
Takoma Ave., Takoma, Md. 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 distance will be 3-6 miles.
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.
DIGNITYUSA sponsors Mass for
LGBT community, family and
friends. 6:30 p.m., Immanuel
Church-on-the-Hill, 3606 Seminary
Road, Alexandria. All welcome. For
more info, visit dignitynova.org.
SUNDAY, August 13
ADVENTURING outdoors group
hikes 4 easy miles from Bethesda to
Silver Spring via the Georgetown
Branch Trail. Lunch in Silver
Spring on arrival, return via public
transit. Bring beverages, snack,
sunscreen, bug spray, $2 trip fee,
and lunch money. Meet at 10 a.m.
at the top of the Bethesda Metro
escalators at the intersection
of Wisconsin Avenue and Old
Georgetown Road. For more infor-
mation, contact David, 202-550-
7262 or visit adventuring.org.
Nice Jewish Boys and Nice Jewish
Girls present the 2017 MR. NICE
JEWISH BOY PAGEANT, featuring
four talented D.C.-area contestants,
at Town Danceboutique. Proceeds
from the event benefit The DC
Center and the GLOE program at the
Edlavitch DC Jewish Community
Center. 2-4 p.m. 2009 8th St. NW.
For tickets or more information, visit
washingtondcjcc.org.
MONDAY, August 14
The DC Center hosts a monthly
meeting of its YOUTH WORKING
GROUP to talk about upcoming
initiatives. 6-7:30 p.m. 2000 14th
St. NW, Suite 105. For more infor-
mation, visit thedccenter.org.
Weekly Events
GETEQUAL meets 6:30-8 p.m. at
Quaker House, 2111 Florida Ave.
NW. For more information, email
getequal.wdc@gmail.com.
KARING WITH INDIVIDUALITY
(K.I.) SERVICES, 3333 Duke St.,
Alexandria, offers free rapid HIV
testing and counseling, 9 a.m.-4
p.m. 703-823-4401.
NOVASALUD offers free HIV test-
ing. 5-7 p.m. 2049 N. 15th St., Suite
200, Arlington. Appointments: 703-
789-4467.
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
mens 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
Virginia Square Metro. For
more info. call Dick, 703-521-
1999. Handicapped accessible.
Newcomers welcome. liveandletli-
veoa@gmail.com.
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 cath- Jeremy Mike
erine.chu@smyal.org.
Whitman-Walker Health holds its
weekly GAY MENS 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. 1701
14th St. NW. For more information, Tony Sam
visit whitman-walker.org.

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.
PAGEANT OF PUNIMS
WEDNESDAY, August 16
BOOKMEN DC, an informal mens
gay-literature group, discusses A It doesnt take chutzpah to compete at Sundays
History of Gay Male Literature Mr. Nice Jewish Boy competition, but it may take
by Gregory Woods. 7:30 p.m. DC
Center, 2000 14th St. NW, Suite matzo balls

TUESDAY, August 15
CENTER BI, a group of The DC
Center, hosts a monthly roundtable
discussion around issues of bisex-
uality. 7-8 p.m. 2000 14th St. NW,
Suite 105. Visit thedccenter.org.
THE HIV WORKING GROUP of
THE DC CENTER hosts a Packing
Party, where volunteers assemble
safe-sex kits of condoms and lube.
7-9 p.m. 2000 14th St. NW, Suite
105. Visit thedccenter.org.
Weekly Events
ASIANS AND FRIENDS weekly
dinner in Dupont/Logan Circle
area, 6:30 p.m. For more informa-
tion, email afwash@aol.com, or
visit afwashington.net.
DC SCANDALS RUGBY holds prac-
tice. The team is always looking for
new members. All welcome. 7:30-
9:30 p.m. King Greenleaf Recreation
Center, 201 N St. SW. For more
information, visit scandalsrfc.org or
dcscandals@gmail.com.
THE GAY MENS 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
LGBT focused meeting every
Tuesday, 7 p.m. St. Georges
Episcopal Church, 915 Oakland
Ave., Arlington, just steps from
105. All welcome. bookmendc.
blogspot.com.
THE TOM DAVOREN SOCIAL
BRIDGE CLUB will meet for Social
Bridge. 7:30 p.m. Dignity Center,
721 8th St. SE (across from Marine
Barracks). No partner needed. 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.
JOB CLUB, a weekly support pro-
gram for job entrants and seekers,
meets at The DC Center. 6-7:30
p.m. 2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105.
For more info, centercareers.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
Submit your community event for
consideration at least 10 days prior
to the Thursday publication you
would like it to appear. Email to cal-
endar@metroweekly.com.
W
HEN WE DID THE MR. NICE JEWISH BOY
Pageant in 2013, it wasnt initially conceived as a
fundraiser, says Jonathan Gilad. It was just a fun
thing to do. But we saw so much enthusiasm for it, that we saw
an opportunity to give back to the broader community. So this
year, were trying to do both.
Held at Town Danceboutique, this Sunday, Aug. 13, the
pageant will feature four finalists performing a choreographed
dance, showing off their talents, and answering questions from
a panel of three judges, including a member of Nice Jewish
Boys, a Jewish mom, and Rabbi Gil Steinlauf. Event pro-
ceeds benefit The DC Center for the LGBT Community and
GLOE, the GLBTQ Outreach and Engagement program of the
Edlavitch DC Jewish Community Center.
While two-thirds of the winners total score comes from
the judges and ballots cast by those in attendance, the score
will be rounded up by the amount of likes each contestants
YouTube video receives. (The videos are online at youtube.
com/NiceJewishBoysDC.)
The pageant always takes some unexpected turns, says
Gilad, who serves as chair of the Nice Jewish Boys planning
committee.
Last time, the winners talent was making matzo ball soup.
As he was cooking, hed take off one article of clothing, until
all he had on was boxers and an apron, he says. Then he took
the apron, wore it like a cape, and started playing the guitar.
Everyone kind of swooned over that one.
Gilad also recalls a time that the Jewish mother asked a
contestant, What makes you a Nice Jewish Boy for my son?
The contestant said, Aside from being a great guy, I make a
mean brisket. The mother said, My son is a vegetarian. And
the contestant responded, I can make it vegetarian, but with
me, hell get all the meat hell ever need. John Riley
The 2017 Mr. Nice Jewish Boy Pageant is Sunday, Aug. 13, from 2 to
4 p.m. at Town Danceboutique, 2009 8th St. NW. Admission, which
includes one ballot, is $10. Visit washingtondcjcc.org.

AUGUST 10, 2017 METROWEEKLY 21

 Forum
BATTLE LINES
On Wednesday, July 26, 2017, we learned that our federal government has abandoned us.

By Omar Gonzalez-Pagan

A
FEW WEEKS AGO, PRESIDENT TRUMP AND are confident the courts will put a swift end to such a ban,
Attorney General Jeff Sessions made clear where just as they did with so many iterations of his Muslim ban.
they stand when it comes to the rights and equal Similarly, the so-called Department of Justices argu-
dignity of LGBTQ Americans. ments against protections for LGBTQ people under the
In what can only be described as an infamous day, Trump Civil Rights Act will also be rejected by the courts. Lambda
began July 26 by declaring that transgender members of our Legal has been a leader in ensuring that courts properly
Armed Forces and veterans are a disruption, no matter interpret the Civil Rights Acts prohibition on sex dis-
that transgender Americans have served our Armed Forces crimination to cover discrimination on the basis of sexual
with more dignity, honor, and integ- orientation and gender identity, fil-
rity than Trump ever will. ing amicus briefs and representing
Not wanting to be left behind, LGBTQ persons facing employment
Sessions closed out the day by fil- The legally dubious discrimination. This position was
ing an unsolicited and outrageous arguments espoused later adopted by the EEOC in 2015
brief arguing that the Civil Rights and 2012, respectively.
Act does not protect us from discrim- by the Trump As a result, a multitude of dis-
ination on the basis of sexual orien- administration are trict courts across the country have
tation (a form of sex discrimination). held that sexual orientation discrim-
This action ignores the fact that the
seemingly authored by ination is a form of sex discrimina-
Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission had already weighed
protagonists from tion. The conclusion was bolstered
in April 2017 when the Seventh
in arguing to the contrary, and the Mad Men Circuit Court of Appeals issued its
that no one solicited the Justice historic decision in Hively v. Ivy Tech
Departments views. So, on July 26, era. Community College, a case argued
the current administration went out by Lambda Legal. The full Second
of its way to harm LGBTQ people, Circuit Court of Appeals is now con-
just like it has tried to do with so many other minorities. sidering whether to join these other courts, and Lambda
Still, there is cause for hope. While Trump and Sessions Legal is getting ready to file a petition with the United States
may be hellbent on turning back the clock to the days Supreme Court asking them to resolve this very question.
where racism, misogyny, homophobia, and transphobia Sessions and his political appointees want to stop
were acceptable, the LGBTQ community, its advocates, LGBTQ people from being protected from discrimination,
and its allies will not cede one inch of the progress we have but we are confident the courts will reject their efforts. Not
so doggedly achieved through decades of struggle. Every only are the arguments espoused by the Trump administra-
discriminatory action, nomination or pronouncement by tion legally dubious, they seem to have been authored by
this administration will be met with a swift and resounding protagonists from the Mad Men era.
response. And when it comes to discriminatory laws or Wednesday, July 26, 2017 was a difficult day. We learned
policies, Trump and Sessions better be sure that we mean it that our federal government has abandoned us, and that
when we say, We will see you in court. Trump and his administration are more interested in scor-
Should it be enacted, Trumps purported ban of transgen- ing cheap political points than in protecting the most
der people from our military is not only incongruent with vulnerable among us. But even if Trump, Sessions and the
American values, it is also unconstitutional. Throughout administration have turned a blind eye on the equal rights
the past few decades, courts have come to realize that and dignity of LGBTQ people, we are confident that we will
governmental discrimination based on transgender status prevail.
violates our constitutional guarantee to equal protection Lambda Legal will not rest until we have achieved the
and is subject to the highest levels of scrutiny. Just ask full recognition of the civil rights of LGBTQ people and
Juliet Evancho, Elissa Ridenour and A.S., three transgender everyone living with HIV. We are confident that if the
students that successfully put an end to their schools dis- courts do their job, those days are not far ahead. l
criminatory treatment in lawsuit brought by Lambda Legal.
If the time comes when Trump enforces a ban on trans- Omar Gonzalez-Pagan is a staff attorney at Lambda Legal.
gender military service, Lambda Legal, and our sister organi- To learn more about Lambda Legal, visit lambdalegal.org or
zation OutServe-SLDN, will take immediate legal action. We call the Legal Help Desk 866-542-8336.

AUGUST 10, 2017 METROWEEKLY 23


Metal head.
Journalist.
Politician.
Heres how
DANICA ROEM
plans to oust Virginias most
anti-LGBTQ lawmaker.
INTERVIEW BY JOHN RILEY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JULIAN VANKIM
D
ANICA ROEM CANT SIT STAY STILL FOR LONG.
The Democratic nominee for the Virginia House of
Delegates 13th District is a bundle of nervous energy
who has always got to be doing something. Dressed
in her heavy metal rocker attire black dress, wristbands, black
leather boots Roem fidgets and tugs at a couple of handmade
charm bracelets that little girls have given her to wear as she
campaigns. During a photoshoot, she showcases a playful side,
strumming out melodies on her X-shaped guitar, tossing her
hair, grinning ear to ear as the photographer positions her to
catch the perfect rock-and-roll glamor shot.
Yet, sitting for extended periods of time isnt Roems style.
Three-quarters of the way through a two-hour interview, she
stands up and begins pacing back and forth, gesturing animated-
ly as she answers questions about her campaign, her personal
life, or societys latest political machinations.
Ive got to pace, she says. Thats definitely part of being
the extrovert. Yesterday, my phone battery was low, and my
charger only goes out like this far. She holds her palms a rul-
ers length apart. So I would charge it for a minute and walk in
circles, and then I would pull it out and start walking through
the house.
There is actually some science to that, by the way, she adds,
referencing a recent study comparing differences between the
brain chemistry of extroverts and introverts. Its weird.
Her personality is naturally energetic and upbeat, but Roem
cant ever be characterized as out of control, or, as Virginia
Republicans have attempted to characterize all of this years
Democratic challengers, a fringe extreme candidate.
Instead, the lifelong Manassas resident exhibits passion for
every subject shes riffing on, speaking enthusiastically, with
24 AUGUST 10, 2017 METROWEEKLY
emphasis in the right places, dropping zingers, one-liners, or
quotable sound bites a trait picked up from more than a
decade as a journalist for D.C. area newspapers that will make
an impression on her audience.
At heart, Roem is a policy wonk, able to wax eloquent on the
most technical aspects of everything from traffic calming mea-
sures to the importance of competitive teacher pay. She speaks
bluntly but earnestly, her eyes and voice reflecting the intensity
of her feelings.
Its okay to be emotional, she says. But its not okay to
let your emotions get the best of you so that youre not thinking
clearly. I want people to understand that I am thinking clearly,
the actions that Im taking are deliberate, they are well thought
out, and Im standing by what it is that Im about to say.
Roem made history in June when she became the first out
transgender person in Virginias history to win a major-party
primary. Should she be elected in November, she will become
the first openly transgender person in the entire country to serve
in a state legislature.
And yet, despite the historic nature of her candidacy, Roem
Trail
is fiercely protective of her family and loved ones, probably the
only instance in which she becomes tight-lipped and divulges
very little. I know that anti-transgender violence is real, she
says. And I want to shield my family from having to deal with
any blowback over it.
A member of the metal band Cab Ride Home, she also has an
anti-authoritarian streak, positioning her as the polar opposite
of Republican Delegate Bob Marshall, who she will face in the
November general election.
Its Marshall who is the most frequent target of Roems
verbal barbs, earning derision for his policy priorities, which
include divisive social legislation such as a now-defunct ban on
same-sex marriage, a proposed ban prohibiting LGBTQ people
from serving in the Virginia National Guard, and a bathroom
bill that would police which restrooms transgender people
could use.
She points out Marshalls failure to enlist even his fel-
low Republicans to support his bills. According to Virginias
Legislative Information System, 68 of the 71 bills Marshall has
introduced over the past two years have failed to become law,
with many killed in committee, even though Republicans control
the House of Delegates.
This is someone whose party has a 2-1 legislative majority,
who has 25 years of seniority, and who has no committee chair-
manships to show for it. He has the futility rating of a freshman
member of the minority party, Roem says.
She takes issue with Marshalls personal attacks on her,
including a deliberate misgendering of her when speaking to
both mainstream and right-wing media outlets.
The person Im running against has tri-gendered me this
year, she says. He sent me a letter in the mail that he addressed
blazer

AUGUST 10, 2017 METROWEEKLY 25

to Ms. Danica Roem. But then he misgendered me to The
Washington Post when he called me he. Then he sent out a let-
ter to his supporters calling me they. Pick one. By the way, the
one to pick is she and her. Thats whats on my drivers license,
thats whats on my passport. This is my 100 percent, full-time
lived gender. This is a fundamental part of who I am.
Roem isnt a naturally pugnacious person, but also isnt afraid
to fight back when shes attacked politically. And shes com-
pletely dedicated her efforts to pulling off an upset against the
battle-tested Marshall, even though she had to step down from
her job as a journalist and take a financial hit to do so.
Ive been living off my CDs since I started the campaign,
she says. Im literally mortgaging my future for this, because
those CDs were meant for my future mortgage. Im all in on
wanting this campaign I have to be, because when you run
against a 25-year incumbent, and youre trailblazing while you
do it, you dont have any other choice. Youve got to be all in. And
I am all in to win on November 7.

METRO WEEKLY: Why did you decide to run for public office?
DANICA ROEM: Because Im so sick and tired of Route 28. That
is the honest truth. I know it seems political, I know it seems
like, Oh, youre just talking about whats going to be the most
palatable for a transgender candidate to say to other people. But
Route 28 has been a disaster my whole life. My moms been com-
muting up and down Route 28 for more than 30 years, and I know
what its like as a kid to be sitting at All Saints Catholic School
and Extended Day in Manassas until 6:30, sometimes close to 7
oclock at night waiting for my mom to pick me up, because she
was stuck on 28. No one should have to go through that.
MW: Youve made fixing Route 28 one of your chief campaign
issues, and yet just today, you were delayed in coming here because
of traffic on Route 28.
ROEM: I was running late because of the traffic lights in
Centreville. I got stuck at the same traffic lights that, even on
a Saturday, our communities deal with every weekday. Every
working day, theyve got to start battling Route 28 northbound.
Theres this four-hour block of just perpetually backed-up traf-
fic, and its been like this for three decades.
Meanwhile, what did Delegate Marshall do this year? What
was his big bill that he decided to focus on, when the Route 28
corridor goes right through his district? The bathroom bill, HB
1612. Maybe if we put a public, multi-stall, unisex bathroom
somewhere in Centreville along Route 28, he might do some-
thing about it, but until then, we are going to be stuck in traffic
because our delegates legislative priorities are more concerned House of Delegates. There was news value on June 13 and 14 to
with where I go to the bathroom than how his constituents get becoming the first transgender person to ever win a party nom-
to work. I get tired of it. ination for office in Virginia, especially for General Assembly.
MW: How has the traditional, non-LGBTQ news media treated Thats a big deal. How about the other seven months?
your candidacy? Were talking about my Route 28 policy, and this week,
ROEM: They sensationalize it. Look at the headlines. Ive been WUSA Channel 9s first headline was Transgender candidate
featured in well over one hundred earned media stories. When runs for office. Then their second version of that headline was
you look at the news coverage of me, its almost always trans- Transgender candidate just wants to get rid of traffic. They
gender candidate or transgender journalist in the headline. could have also gone with Journalist, Democrat, Roem,
I can count on one hand how many times my actual name has Danica Roem wants to get rid of traffic lights, if you want to be
ended up in the headline. Like not the subhead, the actual head- really specific about it.
line, where it says Roem XYZ, right? Its the web editors, really, the headline writers. Once you get
MW: Obviously, were going to have to mention it in our own cov- into the story, the reporting, generally speaking, is good, neutral,
erage. disinterested, third-party observer based. Very, very few times
ROEM: Oh, I know you are. But heres the thing: Back on January have I seen something in a news story that caused me to be upset
3, there was a lot of news value to that. I was the first transgen- with the reporter. Its happened, but very few times.
der person to run for office in Virginia, that we can tell so far. One case was in The Washington Post. One of the few cases
Definitely, for sure, the first transgender person to run for the where I like was legitimately upset was when, during the pri-

26 AUGUST 10, 2017 METROWEEKLY

 mary, Steve Jansen whos now a good friend of mine
was identified in the story as Steve Jansen, a former
prosecutor from Wayne County, Michigan, who leads
the national organization, Prosecutors Against Gun
Violence. I was identified as Danica Roem, LGBT
activist, who would be the first transgender woman
elected to the General Assembly. Im sorry, but you
didnt say, Steve Jansen, cisgender heterosexual male,
wholl be the first former Wayne County prosecutor
elected to Virginia General Assembly.
Im a stepmom, a heavy metal vocalist, a vegetarian.
I have a lot of other identifiers, but
TWO WORDS TRANSGENDER
CANDIDATE HAVE DOMINATED
WHEN IT COMES TO MEDIA
COVERAGE.
When you cover non-LGBTQ people, you need to
cover LGBTQ people with the same deference, and the
same level of respect, and with the same credentials
that you cover anyone else. Danica Roem, former
Gainesville Times reporter, who would be the first trans-
gender person elected to the General Assembly.
I understand the news value of it. I dont have a
problem with my gender identity being included, but
you cant go and undermine my candidacy by basically
making me out to not have professional qualifications in
line with the job that I seek. Im a reporter. I covered my
home community for nine years, two months and two
weeks. I authored more than 2,500 news stories about
the greater Prince William County area. Thats my chief
qualification for office. Plus Im a lifelong 13th District
resident, Im a lifelong Manassas resident. Those are my
chief qualifications.
Im also a stepmom, a heavy metal vocalist, Im a
transgender woman, Im a road dog, Im a vegetarian, Im an ENFP personal-
ity type. Im a dedicated yogini I love practicing yoga. I have a lot of other
identifiers, but these two words, transgender candidate or transgender
journalist, have just dominated above all my other identifiers when it comes
to media coverage.
MW: Do you think voters who youre talking to are being swayed by that coverage?
ROEM: No. We won the primary by 12 percentage points, and when you look
at where did I perform the best, it was the Route 28 corridor. Go figure that in
Yorkshire, the heart of Route 28 and the 13th District, we pull in 53 percent of
the vote in a four-way primary. In my home precinct, Yates Ford, where most
of the people who live there either deal with Route 28 every day, or they deal
with Yates Ford Road because 28 is a mess, I got 54.5 percent of the vote, when
two of the other candidates sent out twice as many mail pieces as I did. I was
outspent by both of them by tens of thousands of dollars.
Thats the strength of the message plus thats the strength of knocking on
doors relentlessly, as well as my staff, my volunteers, and outside organizations
like Trans United Fund, and the Victory Fund, and the Progressive Change
Campaign Committee. We had 43 percent of the vote overall. Why? Because
of the message. Im out here saying, Heres my
plan, heres what its going to look like, heres
how Im going to pay for it, heres how much
its going to cost, heres how Im going to get it
done. You have that level of specificity and peo-
ple in the district say, You know what? I can get
behind this.
MW: Lets talk about your childhood.
ROEM: Im a lifelong Manassas resident from
Prince William County, a lifelong resident of
the 13th District. I went to Little Elves Academy
Preschool in 1988, and Loch Lomond Elementary
School from kindergarten to third grade. I wasnt
doing too well in public school in terms of tem-
perament, in terms of getting along. So my moth-
er sent me to All Saints Catholic School because
I was baptized Roman Catholic at All Saints
Catholic Church in Manassas. This is where
Delegate Marshall goes to church, by the way.
I went to All Saints from fourth grade to
eighth grade, then I had a 45-minute commute
every day to Paul VI Catholic High School in
Fairfax, from 1998 to 2002. I did not like being
there, just to be blunt about it. I did not enjoy my
time at Paul VI. I never fit in with any one partic-
ular niche, or any one particular clique well.
A lot of that is just being a contrarian as a
teenager, and another part of that was being a
really bad closet case, who was perceived as gay
even though I was actually trans. There was a lot
of that sort of rhetoric thrown at me. I know what
its like to be in the gym and be singled out, and to
have one person loudly ask, Are you gay? And
to be in the gym playing volleyball, and going to
make a dive and someone saying, Oh, youre on
your knees comments like that. And being in
wrestling, and, one of the guys on my wrestling
team saying, Aside from the fact that youre gay
and you like to roll on the mats with men, why
else do you take wrestling?
MW: When did you first realize that you were
transgender?
ROEM: I was fairly certain by fifth grade. By sev-
enth grade, there was no question. The stepping
stones were there the whole time. I remember
in kindergarten looking at the one boy who sat
AUGUST 10, 2017 METROWEEKLY 27

IN POLITICS,
YOU HAVE TO BE
LEVELHEADED
EVEN WHEN
YOURE BEING
DISCRIMINATED
AGAINST.
Its so that people
look at you and they
see you in leadership,
taking command
of the situation.
with the girls, wondering, How come the girls are okay talking
to him but not everyone else? He was probably gay. When you
come to think about it, it was like, Yeah, he probably was, thats
right. I remember being in Loch Lomond, and in my third grade
class, there was one boy who had long hair. I was fixated, just
like, He could grow his hair out. Thats really cool. He can have
long hair. When I was playing baseball, there was one girl on my
majors team, and the boys all had crushes on her. I was just like,
I just want to wear her scrunchie.
MW: Did you ever dress in girls clothes or play with toys that peo-
ple associated with girls when you were younger?
ROEM: That would not have even been an option. That would not
have been available to me. I immersed myself into baseball as my
great escape from everything. Baseball was a source of stability
at a time when I didnt always have stability. I come from a lot
of tragedy from the time I was a kid. Baseball was a bond that I
could have with my grandfather. I lived with my grandfather in
a house for 18 years after my dad died.
MW: Were you and your grandfather close?
ROEM: Yes. He died in 2008. He was 92. For his 90th birthday,
my senior thesis for college, I wrote his biography based on oral
history. The purpose of that was to prove the importance of oral
history, so I wrote this story about him and his family and how
his ancestors came from Italy.
On the seventh day of my campaign, I received a forwarded
email from a conversion therapy advocate, which she had previ-
ously sent to Bob Marshall. She said the reason Im transgender
is because my dad died when I was a kid and my grandfather was
an inadequate male role model. I cant tell you the level of fury
I had about that, but I flipped the script on it and raised money
28 AUGUST 10, 2017 METROWEEKLY
off of it and said, Im going to take your negative and turn it into
a positive. I know I raised money. One of my friends, as soon I
shared the email, donated $25 to me.
I was so upset because that person was reading the obituary
that I wrote about my grandfather to say that. I was just like,
You want to attack my family? How dare you. Dont even think
about it. One, youre factually wrong. Two, you have no idea
why someone is transgender, okay? I know a lot of transgender
people who come from stable houses with a mom and a dad, and
they are transgender. Why? Because thats part of who they are,
its part of their DNA.
MW: When did you come out to your mother and sister?
ROEM: I came out to them the same day, on my 30th birthday.
September 30, 2014.
MW: What is suffering with gender dysphoria like?
ROEM: Its like having this feeling of having a hand around your
neck that slowly, over time, begins to clench, and it eventually
gets to the point where you cant breathe anymore. I wasnt at
risk of killing myself, but I also want people to understand that
a transgender person shouldnt have to be at the point of suicide
for people to take gender dysphoria seriously. We shouldnt have
to get that far. So many people dont understand this.
This gets me really, really upset, the idea that, Oh, if you
werent gonna kill yourself, then you could have lived with it.
Youre out of your mind! You are absolutely out of your mind
to spew stuff like that. You shouldnt have to be on the brink
before you get the help that you need from a doctor who knows
how to deal with gender dysphoria, who knows how to deal with
transgender clients.
MW: How did you seek help?
ROEM: I tried to find a semi-local psychologist. I wanted that
person to be a woman. I wanted that person to be relatively
young, because I wanted to be able to relate to that person as
much as possible. I wanted that person to be a doctor. And I
wanted that person to be a psychologist, as opposed to just a
mental health worker. That allowed me to clear all my neuroses
going in. I found a therapist who likes Slayer I was like, Yes!
This is great. We were an instant fit. So, I called her, and she
practiced out of Fairfax. I wanted to make sure that the person
I picked was not working in Prince William County, because of
my job there. Too much risk. I was still closeted to a lot of people.
MW: Youve mentioned that gay clubs were instrumental to your
transition. How so?
ROEM: When I was 18, I started going to gay clubs in D.C. I would
go to Nation. I did Apex. There was an entire decade where I
felt the only safe place I could present myself as female, and not
have to worry about my life being at stake, was at gay clubs. And
at some industrial metal concerts. But I didnt go to that many
industrial shows. So gay clubs were the only salvation I had
where I felt safe, where I felt like I could do it. My girlfriends
would take me out, and for a couple hours once a quarter, just to
have that chance for expression meant the world. It meant, back
home, I would sit in front of a mirror for four-and-a-half to five-
and-a-half hours with a pair of tweezers pulling out every single
facial hair south of my eyebrows.
MW: Sounds painful.
ROEM: Just on my neck and my face. You know why? Because
the five oclock shadow would have come back. The smoothness
would never be there. Even with a blade, even a good one, its
still too dark. You pull all those out, it makes your face so red,
but I would rather go through the physical discomfort of literally
plucking out every single hair on my face with a tweezer than
have someone mistake me for male. Thats where I was at that
point. Because I could at least put makeup over that.
I had two different worlds that I was living in. I had this pub-
lic image in the metal world, which included being a journalist,
which explained the long hair, and being in a band, being all
of that. The transgender world was over here, but they did not
overlap. The more and more I was going to gay clubs, the more
and more I was presenting myself as female, the more and more
I wanted it to be 24/7, 365, all the time.
My first day on hormone replacement therapy was December
3, 2013. The month prior to that, my inner circle held a transition
party for me over at Town in D.C.
MW: Lets talk briefly about national politics. How did you feel
when you heard about President Trumps tweets about the trans-
gender military ban?
ROEM: I was in Annandale with a bunch of other Democratic
candidates for the House delegates. Were at a AFL-CIO presen-
tation, learning about labor union issues, and theres a break. So
Im having a very pleasant conversation with Kathy Tran, whos
our nominee in the 42nd District, and Delegate Mark Sickles
walks over to me and says, You heard that Donald Trump just
banned transgender people from serving in the military? I said,
Are you serious? I was not sure if he was joking or not, and hes
like, Yeah, seriously.
I paused, and I said, Excuse me, I need to go yell some
obscenities. Im going to leave the room. I got up. I closed the
door. I did exactly as I said I would. I walked back in the room
and sat down. I tried to continue my conversation, and then said,
Im sorry. I cant be here right now, and literally walked out
the door.
I got into my car, said some more obscenities, drove out to
Manassas, called my campaign and said, We need to meet as
There was
an entire decade
where I felt
THE ONLY SAFE
PLACE I COULD
PRESENT
MYSELF AS
FEMALE,
and not have
to worry about
my life being at stake,
was at gay clubs.
soon as I get back because right now, if I went on social media, I
would say something that would not go well.
We talked it out, and we decided were going to construct a
statement. And we start figuring out all the different points we
want to hit along the way. Being able to go through that process
with other people allowed me to still be passionate about it
without being a raging ball of fury. Thats important, because in
politics, you have to be levelheaded even when youre being dis-
criminated against. You have to be levelheaded in your response.
Its not just for perception. Its so that people look at you and
they see you in leadership, taking command of the situation.
I unloaded on Donald Trump for that, and I found a way to do
it. The phrase that I used was, Transgender military members,
like Staff Sergeant Logan Ireland and Corporal Laila Villanueva,
have done more to serve and protect their country than Donald
Trump ever will.
I stand by that. This is someone who had five deferments so
he wouldnt have to serve in Vietnam, someone who considered
his own self to be unfit to serve. He has demonstrated through
his actions and his inability to tell the truth in office that hes
unfit for the presidency. It costs more for him to spend a week-
end at Mar-a-Lago than it would be to treat every transgender
military member who needs hormone replacement therapy or
surgery.
So we sent out that statement, and then I said, Okay, Ive
said what I needed to say. Im going to go protest. I drove out
to D.C., parked down the street from Lafayette Square. I spoke
out. I literally took the bullhorn. I told people, I dont want to
be here right now. I dont want to have to do this. I want to just
be talking about Route 28 and all the local issues back home, but
Ill be damned if Im going to be silent when the President of the
United States discriminates against the people he was elected
to serve.
MW: Do you ever look forward to the day when the focus isnt on
your gender identity, and you just get lumped in with the rest of the
Democratic caucus in the Virginia House of Delegates?
ROEM: No. I intend to make sure that I stand out. But I want to
stand out and be effective. Delegate Marshall certainly stands
out, but when your own party kills 27 of your 30 bills in one year
and the governor vetoes another one, then youre not effective.
I have the idea here that I can stand out and say, You know
what? Yes. I am transgender. And it will be a defining moment
of history when I stand up on the floor of the House of Delegates
and say, Mr. Speaker, and its hopefully Dave Toscano, but if
its not Dave Toscano, itll be Kirk Cox.
The Speaker of the House will look to the left and say, The
gentlewoman from Manassas has the floor. That day will fun-
damentally change the conversation about LGBTQ rights in
Virginia and across the country, and when that happens, there
will be a 10-year-old transgender girl from Roanoke up in the
gallery, her names Clara. And there will be a 15 year old trans-
gender boy from Prince William County named Robbie. Theyll
be in the gallery. They will see me say, Thank you, Mr. Speaker,
and they will see, right in front of them, that no matter who it is
that they want to be, that no matter what their dreams are, they
can achieve their goals while proudly being who they are.
As St. Francis de Sales said, Be who you are and be that
well, and my job is going to be to be that well, for people in the
13th District, and for kids like Clara and Robbie. l
Virginias general election is on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2017. For more
information on Danica Roems candidacy, visit facebook.com/
danicafordelegate or danicaroem.ngpvanhost.com.
AUGUST 10, 2017 METROWEEKLY 29
 Gallery

Jeffrey Everett:
13 YEARS OF CONCERT POSTERS
I
N HIS OFFICIAL BIOGRAPHY, THE LOCAL VISUAL
artist notes that his work has been stapled on walls of
acclaimed rock clubs, inked into brave peoples skin, and
framed in high-end galleries around the world. Another, more
staid artist might at least reverse the order of that list, but it
fits Everett perfectly. Since the turn of the 21st century, the
graphic designer and illustrator has worked with some of the
biggest names in rock music, creating posters for upcoming
concerts at both national and local venues, including Sixth &
I and the Fillmore Silver Spring. The Foo Fighters, Dropkick
Murphys, Wilco, Lou Reed, the Raveonettes, the Decemberists,
and Childish Gambino are among the roster at Everett and
his company, Rockets are Red. But Everetts vividly designed
depictions stray beyond musical acts to include comics Patton
Oswalt and Nick Offerman and astrophysicist Neil de Grasse
Tyson. Doug Rule

Opening reception is Tuesday, Aug. 15, from 6 to 9 p.m. Closes Sept. 5. The Gallery at Lost Origin
Productions, 3110 Mt. Pleasant St. NW. Call 202-409-6211 or visit lostorigins.gallery.

AUGUST 10, 2017 METROWEEKLY 31

 Stage
CAMERON WHITMAN

The fun, on the other hand, should be

Tall Tales
Held together by a touching story and a charming lead, Keegans
Big Fish stays afloat but just barely. By Andr Hereford
in seeing Eds crazy legends brought to life.
Born and raised in rural Alabama, he insists
repeatedly that as a teen he was shown,
not told, his future by a bayou witch. Thus,
this folk tale explicitly acknowledges an
emphasis on seeing is believing, while also

T
pointing out that theres more to any story
HE MUSICAL BIG FISH (HHHHH), BASED ON THE NOVEL BY DANIEL than what meets the eye.
Wallace and on the film adaptation directed by Tim Burton, came and went on That wizardly element made Tim
Broadway before many had a chance to see how the beloved father-son story Burton a good fit for visualizing the fantas-
translated to the stage. Boasting a book by the films screenwriter, John August, and tical world of Big Fish on film. Here, how-
music and lyrics by The Wild Party composer Andrew Lippa, the show is enjoying a ever, the onus rests on the shows co-di-
D.C. premiere with a diverting but not dazzling production at Keegan Theatre. rectors Mark A. Rhea and Colin Smith
Front and center is traveling salesman Edward Bloom (Daniel Van Why), husband, to realize the implausible characters and
father, and incorrigible teller of tall tales. For more than twenty years, Edward has filled feats that live, via Eds tales, in the fertile
his son Wills head with outlandish stories of daring escapades involving mermaids, imagination of young Will (Erik Peyton).
giants, and damsels in distress. Will (Ricky Drummond), now an adult embarking on The results are hit and miss.
marriage and fatherhood, cant decide if his dad is merely a master of hyperbole, some Scenic designer Matthew Keenans
kind of down-home fabulist, or just a liar. layers of screens, murals, and fabrics, lit
Hes compelled to know the truth behind Edwards amazing stories, particularly the warmly, and augmented by projections
romantic fable of how Edward met the love of his life, Sandra (Eleanor Todd), Wills designed by Patrick Lord, effective-
mom. In the process of distinguishing fact from fiction, Will hopes to gain a firmer ly evoke a twilit forest of enchantment.
grasp of where he comes from, and what sort of father he might be. Whether in backwoods Alabama, or in
Full of pithy asides, and genuine emotion, Augusts book smartly conveys Wills a circus tent, the story feels set within
journey of discovery. And Drummond, a strong singer, excels in playing Wills frustra- Edwards fairy tales, a delightfully misty
tion as he figures out what, if anything, his father has been trying to teach all these years place thats pierced only occasionally by
by telling such unmitigated whoppers. The arguments that arise between father and the light of cold, hard truth.
son well-acted by Drummond and Van Why come on swiftly, dark, and fleeting, But Debra Kim Sivignys costumes
like summer storms. More than the backstory romance between Wills parents, these and the visual concepts for many of these
familial tempests seem the real heart of the piece. larger-than-life characters dont really

32 AUGUST 10, 2017 METROWEEKLY

live up to what Ed or Will fantastic as the Witch.
might imagine. Dressing Emily Madden also con-
a fortune-telling bayou tributes excellent work as
witch in grandmas cardi- Jenny Hill, the hometown
gan, for instance, spoils the girl Edward left along the
effect of foreboding mys- way.
tery built up in Edwards Its not to this storys
tall tale of their encoun- overall benefit that the
ter. Throughout, the actors women are portrayed mere-
don an array of homely ly as girlfriends, witches,
sweaters, robes, and wigs or wives, the keepers of
that call attention to cos- mens secrets and none of
tume changes, rather than their own. But Big Fish does
CAMERON WHITMAN

disguise them. And, with offer moving insight into

the notable exception of
Edwards best road buddy,
Karl, an unassuming giant
played to utter endearment
by Grant Saunders, few of the supposedly fantastical figures look
all that fantastic.
The characters, in general, are better presented through song,
aided by Rachel Leigh Dolans versatile choreography. Although
the arrangements of Lippas score tend to be a bit cloying, theres
fine storytelling in the lyrics which the cast uniformly delivers
with sharp intent.
Todd sings and taps her way with aplomb through Little
Lamb from Alabama. And Katie McManus, buried under a
fright wig that resembles a dusty tuft of weeds, at least sounds
the dynamics of admiration
and competition that affect
relationships between
fathers and sons.
To that end, the productions catch of the day might be Van
Why, whose complicated, passionate performance finds strength
in Edwards vulnerability. He sells the shows heartwarming
message of dreaming big enough to create space for your whole
familys aspirations. Although his singing on Edwards ballads
might be shaky, and his Alabama accent occasionally veers north,
Van Why surmounts the technical issues with an assured pres-
ence, deft comic timing, and sheer emotional commitment. Even
while Edwards stories invite all sorts of doubt, in Van Whys able
hands, the essence of Edwards character remains true. l

Big Fish runs to September 9 at The Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church St. NW. Tickets are $45 to $55. Call 202-265-3767,
or visit KeeganTheatre.com.

AUGUST 10, 2017 METROWEEKLY 33

NightLife

AUGUST 10, 2017 METROWEEKLY 35

 Scene
Sleaze at Wonderland Ballroom - Thursday, August 3
Photography by Ward Morrison
See and purchase more photos from this event at www.metroweekly.com/scene

DrinksDragDJsEtc... GREEN LANTERN TRADE BALTIMORE EAGLE FREDDIES BEACH BAR

Happy Hour, 4-9pm 1410 14th St. NW Baltimore Bear Happy Crazy Hour, 4-7pm
Ladies Drink Free Power Doors open 5pm Huge Hour, 5-9pm, all liquors, Karaoke, 8pm
Hour, 4-5pm Shirtless Happy Hour: Any drink beers and wines up to 50%
Thursday, Beige Hip-Hop Dance Party
in the Nest, featuring DJ
Thursday, 10-11pm normally served in a cock- off Shigella Browns GREEN LANTERN
August 10 Waterzz, 10pm-close
Men in Underwear Drink
Free, 12-12:30am DJs
tail glass served in a huge
glass for the same price,
Bottom-more Review,
10pm $10 Cover in
Happy Hour, 4-9pm $5
Smirnoff, all flavors, all
thebaltimoreeagle.com
BacK2bACk 5-10pm Beer and wine advance, $12.50 at door night long Green Lantern
9 1/2
only $4 Bad Bears After Dark in the Goes Country, 10pm
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any COBALT/30 DEGREES
NELLIES SPORTS BAR Code Bar, 9pm $5 Cover No Cover
drink, 5-9pm Multiple Happy Hour: $6 Top Shelf,
Beat the Clock Happy Hour ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS Elyx Vodka and Any Red
TVs showing movies, $3 Rail, $3 Bud Light,
$2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm), All male, nude dancers Bull Flavor for $7 all day NELLIES SPORTS BAR
shows, sports Expanded 4-9pm Darts Finals and
$4 (7-8pm) Buckets of DJ 9pm Cover 21+ long thebaltimoreeagle. DJ Matt Bailer Videos,
craft beer selection Award Ceremony Locker
Beer $15 Drag Bingo com Dancing Beat the Clock
Music videos featuring Room Thursday Nights,
Happy Hour $2 (5-6pm),
DJ Wess 10pm-close $3 Rail
NUMBER NINE COBALT/30 DEGREES $3 (6-7pm), $4 (7-8pm)
Drinks, 10pm-midnight, $5
BALTIMORE EAGLE Red Bull and Frozen Virgin
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
drink, 5-9pm No Cover
Friday, All You Can Drink Happy
Hour $15 Rail and
Buckets of Beer $15
Happy Hour, 5-9pm, Drinks DJs Sean Morris
all liquors, beers and and MadScience Best
August 11 Domestic, $21 Call & NUMBER NINE
SHAWS TAVERN Imports, 6-9pm Fancy Open 5pm Happy Hour:
wines up to 50% off Package Contest at mid-
Happy Hour, 4-7pm $3 9 1/2 Ass Fridays, 10pm $6 2 for 1 on any drink, 5-9pm
$3 Well Drinks All Night night, hosted by BaNaka &
Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon, Open at 5pm Happy Grey Goose all night No Cover Friday Night
Underwear Night, Kristina Kelly $200 Cash
$5 Rails and House Wines Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink, Two 30-minute open bars Piano with Chris, 7:30pm
9pm-2am For men in Prize Doors open 10pm,
& Half-Priced Pizzas $4 5-9pm Friday Night featuring Grey Goose,
underwear, all well drinks 21+ $5 Cover or free
Heineken and Coronas, Videos, 9:30pm Rotating 11-11:30pm and 1-1:30am SHAWS TAVERN
$2, 9pm-12am Best with college ID
5pm-close DJs Expanded craft beer DJ MadScience Happy Hour, 4-7pm $3
Underwear Contest at
selection No Cover upstairs DJ Keenan Orr Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon,
Midnight Code enforced FREDDIES BEACH BAR
downstairs $10 cover $5 Rails and House Wines
in Code Bar after 9pm Crazy Hour, 4-7pm
10pm-close 21+ & Half-Priced Pizzas
House and Top 40 DJ in Karaoke, 8pm
the Tavern, 9pm-close

36 AUGUST 10, 2017 METROWEEKLY

TOWN ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS
Patio open 6pm DC Bear Men of Secrets, 9pm
Crue Happy Hour, 6-11pm Guest dancers Ladies
$3 Rail, $3 Draft, $3 Bud of Illusion Drag Show
Bottles Free Pizza, 7pm Doors at 9pm, Shows at
No cover before 9:30pm 11:30pm and 1:30am
21+ Drag Show starts DJ Don T. in Secrets
at 10:30pm Hosted by Cover 21+
Lena Lett and featuring
Miss Tatianna, Shi-
Queeta-Lee, Riley Knoxx
and BaNaka DJ Wess
upstairs, DJs BacK2bACk
Saturday,
downstairs following the August 12
show GoGo Boys after
11pm Doors open at 9 1/2
10pm For those 21 and Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
over, $12 For those drink, 2-9pm $5 Absolut
18-20, $15 Club: 18+ and $5 Bulleit Bourbon,
Patio: 21+ 9pm-close Expanded
craft beer selection
TRADE No Cover
Doors open 5pm Huge
Happy Hour: Any drink BALTIMORE EAGLE
normally served in a cock- $5 Drinks all day Mid-
tail glass served in a huge Atlantic States Send-Off
glass for the same price, Party, 9am Leather and
5-10pm Beer and wine Fetish Saturdays, Code Bar,
only $4 8pm-2am Code enforced

AUGUST 10, 2017 METROWEEKLY 37

 after 9pm in the Code Bar
Otter Crossing in the
GREEN LANTERN
Happy Hour, 4-9pm
Nest, 9pm Music by $5 Bacardi, all flavors,
DJ Lemz and Strikestone all night long TGP
Nest Dance Party, Productions presents
9:30pm-close thebalti- Daddys House, 10pm-close
moreeagle.com Music by DJ Theo Storm
$5 Cover
COBALT/30 DEGREES
Drag Yourself to Brunch at NELLIES SPORTS BAR
Level One, 11am-2pm and Guest DJs Zing Zang
2-4pm Featuring Kristina Bloody Marys, Nellie Beer,
Kelly and the Ladies of House Rail Drinks and
Illusion Bottomless Mimosas, $4, 11am-5pm
Mimosas and Bloody Buckets of Beer, $15
Marys Happy Hour:
Tops Down $6 Top Shelf, NUMBER NINE
Bottoms Up $3 Rail, $3
Bud Light, 4-9pm NYC
Doors open 2pm Happy
Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink,
Takes Over DC, 10pm 2-9pm $5 Absolut and $5
Doors open 10pm $5 Bulleit Bourbon, 9pm-close
Cover 21+ Time Machine and
Power Hour with DJ Jack
FREDDIES BEACH BAR Rayburn, 9:30pm
Drag Queen Broadway
Brunch, 10am-3pm SHAWS TAVERN
Starring Freddies Brunch with Bottomless
Broadway Babes Crazy Mimosas, 10am-3pm
Hour, 4-7pm Freddies Happy Hour, 5-7pm $3
Follies Drag Show, hosted Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon,
by Miss Destiny B. Childs, $5 Rails and House Wines
8-10pm Karaoke, & Half-Priced Pizzas
10pm-close
TOWN
DC Rawhides host Town
& Country: Two-Step, Line
Dancing, Waltz and West
Coast Swing, $5 Cover to
38 AUGUST 10, 2017 METROWEEKLY
stay all night Doors open
6:30pm, Lessons 7-8pm,
Sunday, GREEN LANTERN
Happy Hour, 4-9pm
TRADE
Doors open 12pm Huge
Open dance 8-10:30pm August 13 Open Mic Night Karaoke Happy Hour: Any drink
Funkytown: Music of with Kevin downstairs, normally served in a cock-
the 70s, 80s, and 90s, 9 1/2 9:30pm-close tail glass served in a huge
10pm-close Music Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any glass for the same price,
upstairs by DJ Ed Bailey drink, 2-9pm Multiple NELLIES SPORTS BAR 12-10pm Beer and wine
Music and video down- TVs showing movies, Drag Brunch, hosted by only $4
stairs by DJ Wess Drag shows, sports Expanded Shi-Queeta-Lee, 11am-3pm
Show starts at 10:30pm craft beer selection $20 Brunch Buffet ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS
Hosted by Lena Lett and No Cover House Rail Drinks, Zing All male, nude dancers
featuring Tatianna, Shi- Zang Bloody Marys, Nellie Decades of Dance DJ
Queeta-Lee, Riley Knoxx BALTIMORE EAGLE Beer and Mimosas, $4, Tim-e in Secrets Doors
and BaNaka Cover $15 T-Dance Sundays, 4-9pm 11am-close Buckets of 9pm Cover 21+
from 10pm-midnight and Buy a cup for $5 and fill Beer, $15
$12 after midnight 21+ it with any Absolut Flavor
and Mixer for $3 each time NUMBER NINE
TRADE
Doors open 12pm Huge
(excluding energy drink
mixers) thebaltimoreea-
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on
any drink, 2-9pm $5
Monday,
Happy Hour: Any drink gle.com Absolut and $5 Bulleit August 14
normally served in a cock- Bourbon, 9pm-close Pop
tail glass served in a huge COBALT/30 DEGREES Goes the World with Wes 9 1/2
glass for the same price, Happy Hour: $6 Top Shelf, Della Volla at 9:30pm Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
12-10pm Beer and wine $3 Rail, $3 Bud Light, No Cover drink, 5-9pm Multiple
only $4 4-9pm $4 Stoli, Stoli TVs showing movies,
Flavors and Bud Light SHAWS TAVERN shows, sports Expanded
ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS all night Homowood Brunch with Bottomless craft beer selection
Men of Secrets, 9pm-4am Karaoke, hosted by Robert Mimosas, 10am-3pm No Cover
Guest dancers Ladies Bise, 10pm-close Stoli Sundays: $5 Stoli
of Illusion Drag Show Specials with DJ, 3:30pm BALTIMORE EAGLE
with host Ella Fitzgerald FREDDIES BEACH BAR Happy Hour, 5-7pm $3 Happy Hour, 5-9pm, all
Doors at 9pm, Shows Champagne Brunch Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon, liquors, beers and wines up
at 11:30pm and 1:30am Buffet, 10am-3pm Crazy $5 Rails and House Wines to 50% off Micro Brew
DJ Don T. in Ziegfelds Hour, 4-7pm Karaoke, & Half-Priced Pizzas Draft/Bottle Mondays
DJ Steve Henderson in 8pm-1am $4 all day SIN: Service
Secrets Cover 21+ Industry Night, 11pm-2am
First Well Drink or
Domestic Beer Free 10%
AUGUST 10, 2017 METROWEEKLY 39
off your Food Order all day
thebaltimoreeagle.com
NELLIES SPORTS BAR
Beat the Clock Happy Hour
$2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm),
COBALT/30 DEGREES $4 (7-8pm) Buckets of
Happy Hour: $6 Top Shelf, Beer $15 Texas Holdem
$3 Rail, $3 Bud Light, Poker, 8pm Dart Boards
4-9pm Monday Nights
A Drag, featuring Miss NUMBER NINE
Kristina Kelly Doors open Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
at 10pm Showtime at drink, 5-9pm No Cover
11:30pm Doors open at
10pm No Cover 21+ SHAWS TAVERN
Happy Hour, 4-7pm $3
FREDDIES BEACH BAR Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon,
Crazy Hour, 4-7pm $5 Rails and House Wines
Singles Night Karaoke, and Half-Priced Pizzas
8pm Trivia with Jeremy, 7:30pm
GREEN LANTERN TRADE
Happy Hour all night Doors open 5pm Huge
long Singing with the Happy Hour: Any drink
Sisters: Open Mic Karaoke normally served in a cock-
Night with the Sisters tail glass served in a huge
of Perpetual Indulgence, glass for the same price,
9:30pm-close 5-10pm Patio open until
11pm Beer and wine
only $4
40 AUGUST 10, 2017 METROWEEKLY
Tuesday, GREEN LANTERN
Happy Hour all night long,
August 15 4pm-close
9 1/2 NELLIES SPORTS BAR
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any Beat the Clock Happy Hour
drink, 5-9pm Multiple $2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm), drink, 5-9pm Multiple
TVs showing movies, $4 (7-8pm) Buckets of
shows, sports Expanded Beer $15 Karaoke and
craft beer selection Drag Bingo
No Cover
NUMBER NINE
BALTIMORE EAGLE Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
Happy Hour, 5-9pm, all drink, 5-9pm No Cover
liquors, beers and wines
up to 50% off Well SHAWS TAVERN up to 50% off Domestic
Bomb Shots $4 all Day Half-Priced Burgers and
thebaltimoreeagle.com Pizzas, 5-10pm $5 House
Wines and $5 Sam Adams
COBALT/30 DEGREES
Happy Hour all night: $6 TRADE
Top Shelf, $3 Rail, $3 Doors open 5pm Huge
Bud Light SIN Service Happy Hour: Any drink
Industry Night, 10pm-close normally served in a cock-
tail glass served in a huge
FREDDIES BEACH BAR glass for the same price,
Crazy Hour, 4-7pm 5-10pm Beer and wine
Karaoke, 8pm only $4
Wednesday, FREDDIES BEACH BAR
Crazy Hour, 4-7pm $6
August 16 Burgers Drag Bingo
Night, hosted by Ms.
9 1/2 Regina Jozet Adams, 8pm
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any Bingo prizes Karaoke,
10pm-1am
TVs showing movies,
shows, sports Expanded GREEN LANTERN
craft beer selection Happy Hour all night
No Cover long, 4pm-close Bear
Yoga with Greg Leo, 6:30-
BALTIMORE EAGLE 7:30pm $10 per class
Happy Hour, 5-9pm, all
liquors, beers and wines NELLIES SPORTS BAR
SmartAss Trivia Night, 8pm
Bottles are $3 all day and 9pm Prizes include
thebaltimoreeagle.com bar tabs and tickets to
shows at the 9:30 Club
COBALT/30 DEGREES $15 Buckets of Beer for
Happy Hour: $6 Top Shelf, SmartAss Teams only
$3 Rail, $3 Bud Light, Bring a new team member
4-9pm $4 Stoli and Stoli and each get a free $10
Flavors and Miller Lite Dinner
all night Wednesday
Night Karaoke, hosted NUMBER NINE
by India Larelle Houston, Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
10pm-close No Cover drink, 5-9pm No Cover
21+
AUGUST 10, 2017 METROWEEKLY 41
 SHAWS TAVERN
Happy Hour, 4-7pm $3
$2, 9pm-12am Best
Underwear Contest at
NELLIES SPORTS BAR
Beat the Clock Happy Hour
Friday, downstairs $10 cover
10pm-close 21+
TOWN
Patio open 6pm DC Bear
Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon, Midnight Code enforced $2 (5-6pm), $3 (6-7pm), August 18 Crue Happy Hour, 6-11pm
$5 Rails and House Wines in Code Bar after 9pm $4 (7-8pm) Buckets of FREDDIES BEACH BAR $3 Rail, $3 Draft, $3 Bud
and Half-Priced Pizzas House and Top 40 DJ in Beer $15 Drag Bingo 9 1/2 Crazy Hour, 4-7pm Bottles Free Pizza, 7pm
Piano Bar with Jill, 8pm the Tavern, 9pm-close Open at 5pm Happy Karaoke, 8pm No cover before 9:30pm
Beige Hip-Hop Dance Party NUMBER NINE Hour: 2 for 1 on any drink, 21+ Drag Show starts
TRADE in the Nest, featuring DJ Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any 5-9pm Friday Night GREEN LANTERN at 10:30pm Hosted by
Doors open 5pm Huge Waterzz, 10pm-close drink, 5-9pm No Cover Videos, 9:30pm Rotating Happy Hour, 4-9pm $5 Lena Lett and featuring
Happy Hour: Any drink thebaltimoreeagle.com DJs Expanded craft beer Smirnoff, all flavors, all Miss Tatianna, Shi-
normally served in a cock- SHAWS TAVERN selection No Cover night long Hustle: Disco Queeta-Lee, Riley Knoxx
tail glass served in a huge COBALT/30 DEGREES Happy Hour, 4-7pm $3 Dance Party, featuring DJ and BaNaka DJ Wess
glass for the same price, Happy Hour: $6 Top Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon, BALTIMORE EAGLE LEMZ, 9:30pm upstairs, DJs BacK2bACk
5-10pm Beer and wine Shelf, $3 Rail, $3 Bud $5 Rails and House Wines Baltimore Bear Happy downstairs following the
only $4 Light, 4-9pm Locker & Half-Priced Pizzas Hour, 5-9pm, all liquors, NELLIES SPORTS BAR show GoGo Boys after
Room Thursday Nights, Paint Nite, Second Floor, beers and wines up to 50% DJ Matt Bailer Videos, 11pm Doors open at
10pm-close $3 Rail 7pm off Bad Bears After Dark Dancing Beat the Clock 10pm For those 21 and
Drinks, 10pm-midnight, $5 in the Code Bar, 9pm $5 Happy Hour $2 (5-6pm), over, $12 For those
Thursday, Red Bull and Frozen Virgin
Drinks DJs Sean Morris
TRADE
Doors open 5pm Huge
Cover Bounce Rubber
Night, 9pm $5 Cover
$3 (6-7pm), $4 (7-8pm)
Buckets of Beer $15
18-20, $15 Club: 18+
Patio: 21+
August 17 and MadScience Best Happy Hour: Any drink Bearlesque, 10pm
Package Contest at mid- normally served in a cock- $12.50 Cover at the door NUMBER NINE TRADE
9 1/2 night, hosted by BaNaka & tail glass served in a huge Elyx Vodka and Any Red Open 5pm Happy Hour: Doors open 5pm Huge
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any Kristina Kelly $200 Cash glass for the same price, Bull Flavor for $7 all day 2 for 1 on any drink, 5-9pm Happy Hour: Any drink
drink, 5-9pm Multiple Prize Doors open 10pm, 5-10pm Beer and wine long thebaltimoreeagle. No Cover Friday Night normally served in a cock-
TVs showing movies, 21+ $5 Cover or free only $4 com Piano with Chris, 7:30pm tail glass served in a huge
shows, sports Expanded with college ID glass for the same price,
craft beer selection ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS COBALT/30 DEGREES SHAWS TAVERN 5-10pm Beer and wine
FREDDIES BEACH BAR All male, nude dancers All You Can Drink Happy Happy Hour, 4-7pm $3 only $4
Music videos featuring
Crazy Hour, 4-7pm DJ 9pm Cover 21+ Hour $15 Rail and Miller Lite, $4 Blue Moon,
DJ Wess
Karaoke, 8pm Domestic, $21 Call & $5 Rails and House Wines ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS
BALTIMORE EAGLE GREEN LANTERN Imports, 6-9pm Fancy & Half-Priced Pizzas Men of Secrets, 9pm
Happy Hour, 5-9pm, Happy Hour, 4-9pm Ass Fridays, 10pm $6 Comedy Show, Second Guest dancers Rotating
all liquors, beers and Ladies Drink Free Power Grey Goose all night Floor, 8pm DJs Ladies of Illusion
wines up to 50% off Hour, 4-5pm Shirtless Two 30-minute open bars Drag Show Doors at
$3 Well Drinks All Night Thursday, 10-11pm featuring Grey Goose, 9pm, Shows at 11:30pm
Underwear Night, Men in Underwear Drink 11-11:30pm and 1-1:30am and 1:30am DJ Don T. in
9pm-2am For men in Free, 12-12:30am DJs DJ MadScience Ziegfelds Cover 21+ l
underwear, all well drinks BacK2bACk upstairs DJ Keenan Orr

42 AUGUST 10, 2017 METROWEEKLY

 Scene
Otter Crossing at Green Lantern - Friday, August 4
Photography by Ward Morrison
See and purchase more photos from this event at www.metroweekly.com/scene

44 AUGUST 10, 2017 METROWEEKLY

AUGUST 10, 2017 METROWEEKLY 45
 LastWord.
People say the queerest things

I have other calls on my time as prime minister, but

I will certainly support a yes vote.
Australian Prime Minister MALCOLM TURNBULL, explaining that Parliament could legalize marriage equality this year
if the voters of his country approve it in a plebiscite on Nov. 25. Turnbull said he expects marriage equality to pass,
and promised to personally campaign for passage.

LGBTQ women candidate outperform all other candidates because

we are typically better prepared
and more qualified.
Victory Fund President and CEO AISHA MOODIE-MILLS, explaining why a recent analysis by the Victory Institute finds that
LGBTQ women candidates tend to win campaigns at higher rates than men. This is despite the fact queer women
seek public office less frequently than their male counterparts.

I am beyond sorry for the inappropriate language

that I used and understand and agree that those words should NEVER come out of someones mouth
no matter the situation.

Oakland Athletics outfielder MATT JOYCE, in an apology he issued after an altercation with a fan on whom he used a gay slur.
Joyce was suspended for two games.

In light of the Trump administrations inaction on taking a stand against trans individuals...
this is a terribly important case.
MARK ROSENBAUM, director of the pro bono Public Counsel Opportunity Under Law, which is representing an 8-year-old
transgender girl who is suing her former private school for discriminating against her and violating Californias civil rights law.

When Rep. Vicky Hartzler pointed out that a service member becomes nondeployable for 210 to 238 workdays,
that doesnt make her a bigot.
JAMIE SHUPE, a transgender Army veteran, in an op-ed for The Daily Signal, arguing in support of not allowing transgender
individuals to serve in the military. Of Hartzler, Shupe added that the harsh truth is shes simply being a good custodian
of the nations tax dollars and making sure our military is combat-ready at all times.

46 AUGUST 10, 2017 METROWEEKLY