Washington Blade Local en-us http://washblade.com/rss Washington Blade Local 2008 - Washington Blade: The Gay and Lesbian News Source of Record - D.C. and National Gay News, Entertainment and Opinion Fri, 04 Jul 2008 05:00:00 EDT Fri, 04 Jul 2008 05:00:00 EDT editor@washblade.com New center for homeless gay youth to open New center for homeless gay youth to open
Wanda Alston House sparks concern among some Northeast neighbors
By LOU CHIBBARO JR
Friday, July 04, 2008
Workers this week were putting the finishing touches on the renovation of a three-story, eight-bedroom house in Northeast Washington that is scheduled to open on Monday as the area's first transitional housing facility for homeless gay and transgender youth.

The Wanda Alston House, named after a local lesbian leader who was murdered three years ago, will serve as a temporary home for up to eight gay male, lesbian, bisexual or transgender youth between the ages of 16 and 22.

“It's a transitional housing program, not a shelter,” said Sue Marshall, executive director of the local, non-profit group Community Partnership for the Prevention of Homelessness ... ]]> http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WashingtonBladeLocalNews/~3/326511963/12888.cfm Fri, 4 Jul 2008 05:00:00 EST http://washblade.com/2008/7-4/news/localnews/12888.cfm Murder of Md. lesbian shrouded in mystery Murder of Md. lesbian shrouded in mystery
Badly burned body found in Bowie house destroyed by fire
By LOU CHIBBARO JR
Friday, July 04, 2008
Investigators with the Prince George's County police and fire departments had yet to uncover a motive this week in the June 24 shooting death of a 46-year-old lesbian whose charred body was found in a fire that destroyed her house in a quiet, upscale subdivision in Bowie, Md.

Police said an autopsy revealed that Vilma Artis Butler, who lived in a two-story, single-family house on Jenkins Ridge Road, was murdered in an upper floor bedroom shortly before neighbors called 911 about 4:45 a.m. June 24 to report that her house was on fire. Neighbors also reported hearing loud popping noises that sounded like gunfire about an hour before they noticed the fire.

“T ... ]]> http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WashingtonBladeLocalNews/~3/326511964/12891.cfm Fri, 4 Jul 2008 05:00:00 EST http://washblade.com/2008/7-4/news/localnews/12891.cfm Gay group calls for legalizing prostitution in D.C. Gay group calls for legalizing prostitution in D.C.
GLAA says 'prohibition' creates more problems than it solves
By LOU CHIBBARO JR
Friday, June 27, 2008
The Gay & Lesbian Activists Alliance (GLAA), the local gay group credited with persuading the D.C. government to adopt far-reaching gay and transgender rights legislation since the 1970s, added to its 2008 election year agenda a call for legalizing prostitution in the District.

In a development likely to create a stir in local political circles, the group will include a question about legalized prostitution in its questionnaire for all candidates running this year for seats on D.C. City Council. The non-partisan GLAA uses responses it receives from questionnaires to formulate its widely publicized candidate ratings on gay issues.

“We know that we are b ... ]]> http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WashingtonBladeLocalNews/~3/321206081/12842.cfm Fri, 27 Jun 2008 05:00:00 EST http://washblade.com/2008/6-27/news/localnews/12842.cfm Food & Friends faces cuts Food & Friends faces cuts
Fuel costs, Ryan White reductions prompt waiting list as executive criticized for $334,551 compensation package
By LOU CHIBBARO JR
Friday, June 27, 2008
The Washington area's largest provider of food and nutritional services to homebound people with AIDS and other serious illnesses has announced a reduction in its services due to a cutback in government funding and skyrocketing costs for gasoline and food.

Food & Friends, a non-profit group founded 20 years ago in a church basement, says the city's HIV/AIDS Administration reduced its funding allocation from the federal Ryan White AIDS program by $303,000 in March, just as the group faced rising gas and food prices and a decline in private donations due to a sluggish economy.

“We are in a solid and stable financial position,” said Craig Shniderman ... ]]> http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WashingtonBladeLocalNews/~3/321206082/12853.cfm Fri, 27 Jun 2008 05:00:00 EST http://washblade.com/2008/6-27/news/localnews/12853.cfm Marion Barry announces support for gay marriage Marion Barry announces support for gay marriage
D.C. Council member breaks long silence on issue
By
Friday, June 27, 2008
D.C. Council Member Marion Barry said that he would vote for a bill legalizing same-sex marriage in the city, if such a measure is introduced.

It's the first time the former mayor has publicly revealed his position on a marriage bill. His remarks came on June 18 at a meeting of the Gertrude Stein Democratic Club, Washington's largest gay political group,

Until the Stein Club's meeting last week, Barry had declined to say whether he would support legislation to legalize same-sex marriage.

In response to a question at the meeting, Barry said, “I don't think you should make that question a litmus test. But if a bill like that were to come up, ... ]]> http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WashingtonBladeLocalNews/~3/321206083/12844.cfm Fri, 27 Jun 2008 05:00:00 EST http://washblade.com/2008/6-27/news/localnews/12844.cfm D.C. playing politics with marriage? D.C. playing politics with marriage?
Former att'y general sees no legal reason to keep memo secret
By CHRIS JOHNSON
Friday, June 27, 2008
The author of a secret memo on whether D.C. should recognize same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions is disputing claims by the current city administration that the memo is outdated.

Former D.C. Attorney General Robert Spagnoletti told the Blade last week there is no legal justification for keeping the document's recommendations a secret, but the decision on whether to release the memo lies entirely with Mayor Adrian Fenty.

“I know nothing that has happened since I wrote the memo that would change my views therein,” he said. “The reasons that can be stated for holding it back are, in my opinion, political reasons — they're not ... ]]> http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WashingtonBladeLocalNews/~3/321206084/12839.cfm Fri, 27 Jun 2008 05:00:00 EST http://washblade.com/2008/6-27/news/localnews/12839.cfm New Pride event debuts in small-town Pa. New Pride event debuts in small-town Pa.

By CHRIS JOHNSON
Friday, June 27, 2008
Only about a half dozen protesters made an appearance at a new Pride event in Lancaster, Pa., despite a religious group's promise to disrupt the event.

In contrast to the handful of protesters from Repent America, about 1,900 attendees came to participate in the Pride festivities, which took place Sunday.

Mark Stoner, who is on the Lancaster Pride steering committee, said turnout exceeded expectations of organizers.

“We've been getting e-mails and stuff from vendors who participated that just said it was really well done,” Stoner said.

Organizers wanted to set up annual Pride events in Lancaster “to acknowledge the ... ]]> http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WashingtonBladeLocalNews/~3/321206085/12836.cfm Fri, 27 Jun 2008 05:00:00 EST http://washblade.com/2008/6-27/news/localnews/12836.cfm Obituaries Obituaries

By ZACK ROSEN
Friday, June 27, 2008
Jon Hansen, 47

Gay Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service telecommunications expert Jon Hansen died of colon cancer on Monday at his home in Arlington, Va.

Hansen was born in Silver Spring on Dec. 23, 1960, and lived in the Washington area his entire life. He had previously worked as a firefighter, winning a volunteer firefighter of the year award from the Hillandale Volunteer Fire Department in Silver Spring, but also held an instrumental role at the Pentagon following the 9-11 attacks.

Hansen spent the first 24 hours after the attack setting ... ]]> http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WashingtonBladeLocalNews/~3/321206086/12859.cfm Fri, 27 Jun 2008 05:00:00 EST http://washblade.com/2008/6-27/news/localnews/12859.cfm Whitman-Walker sells HQ building for $8 million Whitman-Walker sells HQ building for $8 million
Clinic to phase out food bank, 'restructure' lesbian services
By LOU CHIBBARO JR
Friday, June 20, 2008
The Whitman-Walker Clinic announced Tuesday that it has sold its headquarters building at 1407 S Street, N.W., to a real estate developer for $8 million and will use the proceeds to pay off “debt and other liabilities,” build a working capital reserves fund for future needs, and make “needed improvements to client services.”

Clinic officials said nearly all of the 30 employees who work in the headquarters building, including Whitman-Walker Chief Executive Officer Don Blanchon, will move into the Clinic's sprawling Elizabeth Taylor Medical Center located two blocks away at 1701 14th Street, N.W.

The sale of the headquarters building to dev ... ]]> http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WashingtonBladeLocalNews/~3/316099627/12787.cfm Fri, 20 Jun 2008 05:00:00 EST http://washblade.com/2008/6-20/news/localnews/12787.cfm Restaurant citations called 'attack' on gays Restaurant citations called 'attack' on gays
Complaints against Trio, Jack's followed '07 high heel race
By JOSHUA LYNSEN
Friday, June 20, 2008
A citation issued to Trio Restaurant alleging overcrowding on its patio nearly led to its closure during last week's Capital Pride parade.

And at least one local gay activist is raising accusations of anti-gay bias, saying the city is attacking Dupont-area businesses that are popular among gays.

Trio owner George Mallios, a longtime restaurateur, said the trouble began when an Alcoholic Beverage Control Board inspector counted the people standing on the Trio deck during last year's high heel race.

Viewed by thousands, the annual event along 17th Street in Dupont Circle features men racing while wearing high-heeled shoes.

Mallios, a ... ]]> http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WashingtonBladeLocalNews/~3/316099628/12788.cfm Fri, 20 Jun 2008 05:00:00 EST http://washblade.com/2008/6-20/news/localnews/12788.cfm City celebrates Capital Pride City celebrates Capital Pride
Sunny festival follows soggy parade; rival campaigns deny responsibility for anti-Schwartz posters
By CHRIS JOHNSON
Friday, June 20, 2008
Despite a storm that literally rained on the parade for last weekend's Capital Pride, organizers are calling the celebration a success.

Dave Mallory, Capital Pride director for Whitman-Walker Clinic, said all the events that took place during the week of Pride were well organized and attended.

“Even with the rain at the parade, the crowds were still huge and the contingents hung in there and were having a good time with it,” he said.

Mallory acknowledged that the rain “probably did deter some people” from viewing the parade, but said he was “still pleased with the numbers that turned out.” The director said earl ... ]]> http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WashingtonBladeLocalNews/~3/316099625/12810.cfm Fri, 20 Jun 2008 05:00:00 EST http://washblade.com/2008/6-20/news/localnews/12810.cfm More than 2,000 fans expected for gay baseball event More than 2,000 fans expected for gay baseball event
Fourth annual Night Out at the Nationals slated for Monday
By REBECCA ARMENDARIZ
Friday, June 20, 2008
Gay sports fans will storm the District's new ballpark for the fourth annual Night Out at the Nationals on Monday.

The event, which is sanctioned and co-sponsored by the team, attracted more than 2,400 gay fans last year, according to Chartese Burnett, vice president of communications for the team. The first year, 2005, brought 1,600 to RFK stadium. More than 1,700 have bought tickets so far for this year's event. Sponsors include Bud Lite and Nellie's Sports Bar.

The cheap seats (going for $10) have sold out, according to Team D.C. head Brent Minor. Team D.C. serves as the District gay community's umbrella sports organization.

The increase in a ... ]]> http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WashingtonBladeLocalNews/~3/316099626/12811.cfm Fri, 20 Jun 2008 05:00:00 EST http://washblade.com/2008/6-20/news/localnews/12811.cfm Obituaries Obituaries

By ZACK ROSEN
Friday, June 20, 2008
Jeffrey Koenreich, 54                                                                                                                          
                                            &n ... ]]> http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WashingtonBladeLocalNews/~3/316099629/12791.cfm Fri, 20 Jun 2008 05:00:00 EST http://washblade.com/2008/6-20/news/localnews/12791.cfm Local news in brief Local news in brief

By
Friday, June 20, 2008
Effort to preserve local trans law 'far from over'

Despite legal setbacks, two gay rights groups are still hoping to preserve Mont-gomery County's transgender rights law.

Lambda Legal and Equality Maryland were dealt a blow last week when Circuit Court Judge Robert Greenberg ruled the groups missed a key deadline to challenge many of the signatures collected to force a November referendum. He also rejected an argument that the petition's language was misleading.

But an attorney for Lambda Legal said the rulings do not end the case.

“This case is far from over,” said Natalie Chin, a Lambda Legal staff attorney. &ld ... ]]> http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WashingtonBladeLocalNews/~3/316099630/12789.cfm Fri, 20 Jun 2008 05:00:00 EST http://washblade.com/2008/6-20/news/localnews/12789.cfm 30 Under 30 30 Under 30
From artists to politicians, chefs to activists, these young people are the future movers and shakers of gay Washington
By
Friday, June 13, 2008

To commemorate this year's Capital Pride celebration, we decided to look to the future of the gay scene in Washington. From activists to artists, we've compiled a list of 30 gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender area residents working to make a difference. And there are so many out young people making their mark that we've included a list of honorable mentions — people sure to figure prominently in the city's gay scene for years to come.

 

Ryan Anderson, 26

Washington, D.C.
Coalition Coordinator for Win Without War

Ho ... ]]> http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WashingtonBladeLocalNews/~3/311028294/12765.cfm Fri, 13 Jun 2008 05:00:00 EST http://washblade.com/2008/6-13/news/localnews/12765.cfm Gay activist heads Dupont Circle citizens group Gay activist heads Dupont Circle citizens group
Members say they want to avoid Adams Morgan-like congestion
By LOU CHIBBARO JR
Friday, June 13, 2008
Long-time residents and business owners in the Dupont Circle area looked on with interest last month when members of the highly influential Dupont Circle Citizens Association (DCCA) elected a gay activist and former Capitol Hill staffer as the group's new president.

Owners and patrons of gay bars and restaurants in Dupont Circle, especially those located along the popular business strip on 17th Street, N.W., have often joined non-gay businesses in accusing the DCCA of being hostile to nightlife activity and prone to promoting excessive restrictions on how the businesses operate.

“We don't want a Bourbon Street, but we want a vibrant street,” said Joe ... ]]> http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WashingtonBladeLocalNews/~3/311028293/12755.cfm Fri, 13 Jun 2008 05:00:00 EST http://washblade.com/2008/6-13/news/localnews/12755.cfm Campaign now underway to save trans law Campaign now underway to save trans law
Montgomery County voters to decide fate of measure in November
By JOSHUA LYNSEN
Friday, June 13, 2008
A campaign to preserve Mont-gomery County's transgender rights law has begun with backing from two national gay rights groups.

Basic Rights Montgomery aims to preserve the law that voters will either approve or reject in November. The campaign has drawn $20,000 donations each from the Human Rights Campaign and the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force.

“I think there's a universal recognition that what's happening in Montgomery County is of national importance,” said Dan Furmansky, a campaign leader and Equality Maryland's executive director.

“This is potentially the first time a standalone transgender civil rights law would have ... ]]> http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WashingtonBladeLocalNews/~3/311028292/12757.cfm Fri, 13 Jun 2008 05:00:00 EST http://washblade.com/2008/6-13/news/localnews/12757.cfm Fenty orders review of gay marriage options Fenty orders review of gay marriage options
Calif. ruling prompts city to analyze legal position
By LOU CHIBBARO JR
Friday, June 13, 2008

Mayor Adrian Fenty said he has directed his interim attorney general, Peter Nickles, to conduct a thorough review on what the city's legal options might be if same-sex couples in D.C. go to California to marry and ask the District government to recognize their marriages.

In response to a series of written questions from the Washington Blade, the mayor discussed a wide range of issues, including same-sex marriage, on the occasion of the city's Capital Pride celebration, set to take place this weekend. Fenty plans to march in the parade again this year.

The mayor said he wants Nickles to review same-sex marriage-related developments since former D.C. Attorney General Robert ... ]]> http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WashingtonBladeLocalNews/~3/311028291/12762.cfm Fri, 13 Jun 2008 05:00:00 EST http://washblade.com/2008/6-13/news/localnews/12762.cfm Blade wins three journalism awards Blade wins three journalism awards

By JOSHUA LYNSEN
Friday, June 13, 2008

The Washington Blade won three Dateline Awards this week from the D.C. chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.

Lou Chibbaro Jr., senior news reporter for the paper, won second place in the spot news-weekly category for, “Probe continues into deaths of two gay D.C. visitors.” The story broke news about the investigation into the mysterious deaths of two New York gay men who had traveled to Washington separately and whose bodies were found days apart in the same apartment.

Joey DiGuglielmo, the Blade's news editor, won first place in the arts-weekly category for “ http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WashingtonBladeLocalNews/~3/311028295/12760.cfm Fri, 13 Jun 2008 05:00:00 EST http://washblade.com/2008/6-13/news/localnews/12760.cfm Va. Supreme Court rules in favor of Vermont lesbian Va. Supreme Court rules in favor of Vermont lesbian
Contentious custody battle continues over 6-year-old daughter
By LISA KEEN
Friday, June 13, 2008
The Virginia Supreme Court last week unanimously upheld a decision that a woman living in Virginia with a child she had with another woman must comply with a visitation order from a court in Vermont, which recognized their civil union relationship.

It's the latest round of legal wrangling in a highly contentious case involving former partners Lisa Miller and Janet Jenkins and their daughter, Isabella, now 6.

Virginia enacted a law in 2004 that prohibits recognition of same-sex relationships from any other state and enacted a similar constitutional amendment in 2007.

Greg Nevins, senior staff attorney for the Atlanta office of Lambda Legal Defense ... ]]> http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WashingtonBladeLocalNews/~3/311028290/12761.cfm Fri, 13 Jun 2008 05:00:00 EST http://washblade.com/2008/6-13/news/localnews/12761.cfm