the lgbtq community news source

washingtonblade.com • vol. 41, issue 52 • december 24, 2010 • Still sharp after 40 years

FULL COVERAGE BEGINS ON PAGE 11

Washington Blade photo by Michael Key

local national social

news news agenda
Bloggers urge D.C. Richard Socarides on Special Agent Galactica
police chief to enlist launch of new LGBT show is among picks
outside help in new probe media watchdog org, for things to do on
of Robert Wone’s murder. Equality Matters. New Year’s Eve.
PAGE 2 PAGE 7 PAGE 29
2 washingtonblade.com • december 24, 2010
LOCALNEWS
D.C. files Supreme Court brief
defending marriage law
D.C. Attorney General Peter Nickles and other city attor-
neys have urged the U.S. Supreme Court not to take a case
filed by a local minister seeking to overturn the city’s same-sex
marriage law.
In a 35-page legal
brief filed Dec. 17, the
city attorneys argue
that the D.C. Court of
Appeals ruled correctly
earlier this year that the
District has authority to
prohibit a voter initiative
or referendum seeking
to overturn the Religious
Freedom and Marriage
Equality
Act of 2009.
Amendment
“This case is not im-
Harry
Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key
Jackson
portant enough to merit
review” by the Supreme
Court because it “lacks national importance as it is confined
in effect to the District,” Nickles and the other attorneys said
in their brief.
The case, known as Jackson v. the D.C. Board of Elections
and Ethics, was initiated by Bishop Harry Jackson and other
local opponents of same-sex marriage earlier this year.
The city filed its brief on the last day such a brief could be
filed under Supreme Court rules.
Jackson and his allies are seeking to overturn separate rul-
ings by the city’s election board and the D.C. Superior Court
and Court of Appeals that the District’s initiative and referen-
dum law doesn’t allow ballot measures that would have the
effect of violating the city’s Human Rights Act. The act, among
other things, bans discrimination based on sexual orientation.
Most legal observers say the Supreme Court traditionally
defers to state appeals courts –- including the D.C. Court of
Appeals — in matters that don’t have national implications.
The observers, including local gay rights attorney Mark
Levine, have said the high court would be violating its own
precedent and possibly showing a sign of bias against same-
sex marriage should it rule in favor of Jackson’s petition.
The city’s brief also seeks to refute a claim by Jackson’s at-
torneys that the Supreme Court can take on a case without na-
tional significance if the lower court ruling is reached through
an “egregious error.”
“In fact, the appeals court decision is correct” and the
“egregious error” argument doesn’t apply, Nickles and his
team of city lawyers argue in the brief.
Jackson’s petition to the high court, known as a Petition for
a Writ of Certiorari,” calls for the court to take on the case and
involves a decision by the nine justices to accept or reject that
request. Should they accept the case, the justices would then
review it on its merits through oral and written arguments and
issue a separate ruling.
Arthur Spitzer, legal director of the ACLU’s D.C. area office,
said the Supreme Court is likely to decide whether to accept
or reject the Jackson case in January.
LOU CHIBBARO JR.
Mova closes temporarily;
Straits of Malaya to shut down
The Logan Circle gay bar Mova at 1435 P St., N.W., closed
its doors Sunday night following a weekend-long “moving
party” that owner Babak Movahedi said highlighted his plans
for reopening the bar in the spring of 2011 at an as-yet-undis-
closed location in D.C.
Meanwhile, the gay-owned restaurant Straits of Malaya,
which has operated at 1836 18th St., N.W., since 1989, will be
closing permanently following its New Year’s Eve dinner serv-
ings, according to owner Lawrence “Larry” Tan.
Tan and his partner, Ken Megill, will retain the adjoining gay
bar Larry’s Lounge, which they also own, while the two devote
most of their time operating a non-profit group they founded
Continues on page 5
Mayor-elect Vincent Gray this week named two gay officials to his administration.
Gray names two gay
officials to gov’t posts
Richardson, Collins to be
part of new administration
By LOU CHIBBARO JR.
lchibbaro@washblade.com
D.C. Mayor-elect Vincent Gray announced that
he is retaining gay television producer Eric Richard-
son, a Fenty administration appointee, as director
of the city’s Office of Cable Television.
At a news conference at his mayoral transition
team offices, Gray also announced he was naming
gay attorney Ronald Collins as director of the city’s
Office of Boards and Commissions, a post that Col-
lins held during the administration of former Mayor
Anthony Williams.
Richardson and Collins were among seven high-
level appointments that Gray announced at a news
conference last week. Others included the heads
of the city’s Department of Public Works, Depart-
ment of Motor Vehicles, Department of Consumer
and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Asian and Pacific
Islander Affairs, and Office of Planning.
“I am absolutely delighted to appoint these
seven District government employees,” Gray said.
“Residents can rest assured they will work with my
administration to bring new and innovative ideas,
projects, programs and improvements to respond
to the needs of those who live, work and do busi-
ness in the District of Columbia.”
Gray said he expects to announce his appointee
for the post of director of the Office of Gay, Lesbian,
Bisexual and Transgender Affairs next week.
Richardson had served as chair of the city’s
Black Pride festival, an LGBT event, prior to Mayor
Adrian Fenty’s decision to name him director of the
Office of Cable Television in 2007.
“Richardson has helped to make OCT an award-
winning government agency,” Gray said, noting
that the office regulates all cable TV providers in the
city and manages the city’s two municipal govern-
ment TV stations — Channels 13 and 16.
Richardson also directs OCT’s production de-
partment, which produces “human interest, history,
science, health, lifestyle, and news and public af-
fairs programming,” Gray said.
During the past four years, Collins has served as
assistant secretary of the D.C. City Council as a Gray
appointee during Gray’s tenure as Council Chair.
He has served as a city government official for
more than 20 years, working, among other places,
as senior policy officer in the area of contracting
Washington Blade photo by Michael Key
and procurement in the Departments of Health,
Fire and Emergency Medical Services, Human Ser-
vices, and Libraries and Recreation, according to
information released by Gray’s transition team.
Gray noted that many of the boards and com-
missions, which perform important city regulatory
functions, currently have vacancies that need im-
mediate attention.
“Mr. Collins’ extensive experience working for the
District government, demonstrated involvement in
community service, and his understanding of the im-
portant role that appointed commissioners play, make
him well-qualified to assist me in seating the right peo-
ple on city boards and commissions,” he said.
Richardson and Collins’ appointments came one
day after Gray announced he was retaining Cathy Lani-
er as the city’s police chief and named former D.C. Fire
and Emergency Medical Services deputy chief Ken-
neth Ellerbe as the new chief of Fire and EMS.
Some LGBT activists expressed concern over
the Ellerbe appointment, saying Gray broke a prom-
ise he made to the Gay & Lesbian Activists Alliance
during the election campaign that he would allow
the LGBT community to participate in the selection
process of a new Fire and EMS chief.
In past years, Fire and EMS workers have been
accused of refusing to provide treatment to injured
gay and transgender citizens allegedly on grounds
that they were fearful of contracting AIDS. The de-
partment later agreed to requests by LGBT groups
that it provide LGBT sensitivity training to all Fire
and EMS employees.
But relations between the department and the
LGBT community worsened a short time later when
lesbian Kenda Kirby, who had been hired by the
department to organize the sensitivity training, filed
a discrimination suit against the Fire and EMS De-
partment. Kirby charged that high-level officials
failed to properly investigate anti-gay harassment
against her among some co-workers. She said
some of the officials also questioned whether she
should be allowed to use the women’s bathroom at
the Fire and EMS headquarters where she worked.
Ellerbe, who worked in the department at the time,
could not be immediately reached to determine his
views on the case. The city eventually reached an
out-of-court settlement with Kirby during the admin-
istration of Mayor Anthony Williams. The terms of the
settlement were not publicly disclosed.
Fire and EMS officials subsequently created the
new department position of liaison to the LGBT com-
munity as activists continued to monitor the progress
of the department’s LGBT sensitivity training program.
 december 24, 2010 • washingtonblade.com 3

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4 washingtonblade.com • december 24, 2010

NATIONALNEWS
Target continues donations to anti-LGBT politicians
NEW YORK — According to documents filed with the Federal Election Com-
mission reported by the Awl, a New York-based web project, Target continued
donating to a bevy of anti-gay politicians even after its CEO apologized and com-
mitted to reforming the review
process for future political do-
nations. The donations includ-
ed some of the same anti-gay
politicians the company had
previously been criticized for
supporting.
In August, Target President
and CEO Gregg Steinhafel
said, “… later this fall, Target
will take a leadership role in
bringing together a group of
companies and partner or-
ganizations for a dialogue Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key

focused on diversity and in- Target apologized for giving money to anti-gay politicians
clusion in the workplace, in- but continued the practice after the brouhaha died down.
cluding LGBT issues.”
A Target spokesperson told
the Awl the company is involved in “ongoing dialogue” but didn’t give details.
After the August letter, Target’s Political Action Committee recorded $41,200
in federal election activity, $31,200 of which went to anti-gay rights politicians or
PACs supporting those candidates, the Awl reported. Kelly Ayotte, an anti-gay
U.S. senator-elect for New Hampshire, got $1,000 as did many other anti-gay poli-
ticians, such as U.S. Rep. David Camp (R-Mich.), U.S. Rep. Spencer Bachus (R-
Ala.), U.S. Sen. Michael Crapo (R-Idaho), U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert (R-Wash.) and
Rob Portman, U.S. senator-elect from Ohio, also an anti-gay Republican.
Two Minnesota congressmen — Republicans John Kline and Erik Paulsen
whose anti-gay voting records helped incite the July outrage — again received
Target money in September. Kline got the maximum donation allowed — $5,000.
Target also gave some money to LGBT rights supporters. Its PAC gave $1,000 Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key

to U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and $500 to Keith Ellison, a Minnesota con- Dan Choi said he’s considering reenlisting in the military once repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’
gressman. is final.
The Awl said Target did not respond to its request for explanations of its recent
donations.

N.C. court voids adoption involving state senator  Choi recuperating

after hospital stay
RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina’s highest court this week voided a state sena-
tor’s adoption of her former lesbian partner’s biological son, a move that appears
to close a method for same-sex couples to adopt unless the state legislature steps
in, the Associated Press reported Monday.
The state Supreme Court ruled 5-2 that the adoption of Melissa Jarrell’s son by
state Sen. Julia Boseman was invalid because a Durham County District Court
judge waived a requirement five years ago that Jarrell had to give up her parental
Gay Army vet suffering self treated,” he said. “And at first I didn’t
want it to be public… But I think it’s im-
rights in the process, the AP reported. from post-traumatic stress portant now, after having gone through
Under the adoption plan approved by the lower court, Boseman became an it, that publicizing this and the fact that I
adoptive parent while Jarrell retained full parental rights as well. By LOU CHIBBARO JR. did go and get help and that resources
However, Associate Justice Paul Newby wrote for the majority that the adop- lchibbaro@washblade.com are available – that this can be helpful to
tion never occurred in the eyes of the law because lawmakers have made clear others going through this.”
the biological parent must terminate a legal relationship with the child. That part Former Army Lt. and West Point grad- Choi’s hospitalization was widely re-
of the ruling favored Jarrell, who had sued to negate the adoption after the couple uate Dan Choi, who drew national media ported in blogs as well as mainline me-
separated, the AP report said. attention by chaining himself to the White dia outlets. News of his admission for
She and Boseman, North Carolina’s first openly gay member of the General As- House gate to protest ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t psychiatric treatment came about when
sembly, had been living together when Jarrell gave birth to Jacob in 2002. Tell,’ was recuperating this week at the Choi himself disclosed the information
Twenty-seven states permit second-parent adoption through state law or based home of friends in Cambridge, Mass., by e-mail to the blog Pam’s House Blend
on evidence in local courts. Republicans taking charge of the state Legislature after being released from a Veterans Ad- from his hospital bed.
next month are considering whether to vote on a constitutional amendment that ministration hospital in nearby Brockton. He said one of the contributing factors
would prohibit gay marriage. Choi told the Washington Blade in to his bout of anxiety was the initial failure
a telephone interview Monday that he by opponents of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
checked himself into the hospital’s psy- to overcome a Senate filibuster blocking
Neo-Nazi gets life in prison for murder of gay teen  chiatric ward after experiencing an anxi- a bill to repeal the law. But Choi said his
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A Florida neo-Nazi was sentenced to life in prison last ety attack related to post-traumatic stress spirits were lifted when the Senate voted
week for the stabbing death of a gay teenager four years ago, Reuters reported. disorder that he’s been suffering since again on the issue last Saturday, passing
John Ditullio, 24, was found guilty Dec. 15 of first degree murder in the death of returning from a combat tour in Iraq. the repeal measure by a vote of 65 to 31.
Kristofer King, 17, in New Port Richey, north of St. Petersburg, in 2006. Choi was discharged from the Army Choi said he’s still strongly considering
King was at the home of Patricia Wells, 49, who was also stabbed but survived. earlier this year under the “Don’t Ask, Don’t reenlisting in the Army once the repeal
King was a friend of Wells’ son, who was out at the time of the attack. Tell” law that Congress just overturned. He measure is fully implemented. But he said
Wells lived next door to a mobile home used as a headquarters for the American said the hospital converted his admission he would likely choose the reserves rather
Nazis. Wells, who is white, said she had been harassed by members of the group status to an involuntary commitment for a than an active duty enlistment.
because she had an African-American male friend who visited her and because few days to ensure that he received proper “I think I would be much happier being
her son was gay. and continuous treatment. a reservist – to go once a month – and still
The attacker wore a gas mask but prosecutors said blood from the crime scene “When I was in the hospital I was re- be an activist,” he said. “As I’ve said, it
was found on Ditullio’s boot. flecting a lot more and I said I probably makes me a better activist to be a soldier
do need to take some time and get my- and a better soldier to be an activist.”

LOCALNEWS
Continued from page 2
to help underprivileged children and
senior citizens in need in Malaysia. An-
other restaurant with different owners
will soon open in the space currently
occupied by Straits of Malaya.
Tan and Megill announced the official
launch of their charitable group Hope
Peace Love Compassion Charity (HPLCC)
in last week’s Blade and in literature distrib-
uted at the restaurant and lounge. A de-
tailed description of the organization’s mis-
sion, including information on how to make
a donation to help it carry out its charitable
work, can be found at hplcc.org.
Tan, a native of Malaysia, immigrated
to Canada at age 22 and worked his way
through college, obtaining an undergradu-
ate degree and a master’s degree in busi-
ness administration before moving to Wash-
ington in 1984. He later opened Straits of
Malaya as one of the country’s first restau-
rants specializing in Malaysian cuisine.
“HPLCC will work directly with the
youth and seniors, many of whom are
housed in orphanages and other in-
stitutions, to provide opportunities for
these children and seniors that the
homes and families cannot provide,” a
statement on the group’s website says.
Mova’s parent company Logan
Circle Spectrum LLC, which filed for
Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier this
year, is now out of bankruptcy, Mova-
hedi told the Blade Monday.
“We are going to reopen — definite-
ly,” he said, adding that he might be
ready to announce Mova’s new loca-
tion “in a couple of months.”
LOU CHIBBARO JR.
Lanier urged to enlist
outside help in Wone
murder case
Three gay bloggers who have chron-
icled the Robert Wone murder case for
more than three years are urging D.C.
Police Chief Cathy Lanier to enlist the
services of an “elite group of the world’s
top criminologists, forensic experts and
investigators” to help solve the murder.
The Who Murdered Robert Wone blog-
gers want Lanier to invite the Philadelphia-
based Vidocq Society to review all of the
evidence gathered by D.C. homicide de-
tectives in the August 2006 Wone murder.
The bloggers say they are hopeful that the
society’s team of experts can shed new
light on a case that has confounded D.C.
police for more than six years.
According to a recent report on the
Vidocq Society by ABC’s “20/20” pro-
gram, the group’s members, who come
from 17 states and several foreign
countries, have solved as many as 90
percent of the 300 “cold case” murders
they have investigated.
D.C. police charged three gay
men, in whose house Wone was found
stabbed to death, with conspiracy and
evidence tampering in connection with
the case. But they have yet to charge
anyone with Wone’s murder.
And the three men – Joseph Price,
december 24, 2010 • washingtonblade.com 5
Victor Zaborsky, and Dylan Ward –
were found not guilty by a D.C. Supe-
rior Court judge, who said the evidence
presented by police and prosecutors
was insufficient for a conviction.
In a Nov. 24 letter to Lanier, Who Mur-
dered Robert Wone spokesperson Doug
Johnson said the eclectic members of the
Vidocq Society could provide the boost
D.C. police need to crack the case.
“We understand that this case is ex-
actly the sort that members of Vidocq
look for – a senseless homicide that
has gone ice-cold, and their pro bono
assistance to local law enforcement
can help resolve,” Johnson said. “It’s
our deep hope that you will take the
Society up on their offer to help.”
As of this week, Lanier has not re-
sponded to the bloggers’ letter.
LOU CHIBBARO JR.
Gray monitoring
alleged anti-trans
assault by cop
D.C. Mayor-elect Vincent Gray is
monitoring a police investigation into a
Dec. 1 incident in which a transgender
woman says she was assaulted by an
off-duty District police officer, according
to Gray spokesperson Doxie McCoy.
Chloe Alexander Moore has charged
that Officer Raphael Radon shoved
her after calling her anti-trans names
around 2 a.m. on Dec. 1 along the 1500
block of K St., N.W. Moore said she
squirted the officer -- who wore civilian
clothes -- in the face with pepper spray
in self-defense, out of fear that she was
in danger of being further assaulted.
Police charged Moore with simple as-
sault against Radon, who Moore said did
not reveal his identity as a police officer
until after the altercation began. Radon has
not been charged in the case. Moore said
that after she used the pepper spray and
attempted to flee, Radon chased her for
two blocks and knocked her to the ground,
causing her to suffer back and leg injuries.
Police Chief Cathy Lanier said she
ordered the police Internal Affairs Bu-
reau to investigate the incident.
“We’ve made inquires about the in-
cident in light of the issues raised,” Mc-
Coy said. “Mayor-elect Gray is sensitive
to the concerns of the GLBT community
and is fully committed to ending sexual
identity bias. MPD’s Internal Affairs has
assured us that there will be a thorough,
fair and impartial investigation, and as
their review is in the early stages, we will
await the findings,” McCoy said.
The D.C. Trans Coalition has said
police appear to have violated a gen-
eral police order pertaining to how
police should handle cases involving
transgender people.
“Medical attention was apparently
not provided promptly, and the use of
degrading, trans-phobic language is
expressly forbidden,” said Trans Coali-
tion attorney Alison Gill.
Moore is scheduled to appear in
court for a status hearing on her as-
sault case on Jan. 3.
LOU CHIBBARO JR.
6 washingtonblade.com • december 24, 2010

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NATIONALNEWS
Right-wing media watchdog project launched
Equality Matters
created by gay
ex-conservative
David Brock
By LOU CHIBBARO JR.
lchibbaro@washblade.com
Gay former conservative
strategist and author David
Brock, who changed sides in
2002 to become a champion of
LGBT equality and progressive
causes, announced the found-
ing this week of a new initiative
aimed at exposing “right-wing
bigotry and homophobia wher-
ever we find it.”
Brock said the new entity,
Equality Matters, would be an
arm of the progressive-leaning
media watchdog group he found-
ed in 2004 called Media Matters.
A statement released Monday
says New York gay attorney and
former Clinton administration of-
ficial Richard Socarides would
serve as president of Equality
Matters. Lesbian journalist and
Washington correspondent for
The Advocate, Kerry Eleveld,
was named editor of the proj-
ect’s website, EqualityMatters.
org, which organizers say will
provide “news, opinion, and
messaging” on LGBT-related is-
sues in the media.
“Despite huge progress in
gay rights in recent years, ex-
emplified by the historic vote
[on Dec. 18] finally striking
down the ban on gay men and
women from serving in the mili-
tary, we are now living through
a period of ferocious fundamen-
talism in the Republican Party
and the conservative move-
ment,” Brock said.
“Traditional conservatives
and the Tea Party movement are
united only in their contempt for
equal rights for all Americans
and a desire to return America
to a 19th century idyll,” he said.
“Equality Matters will not allow
these latter-day ‘clerics’ to gain
serious recognition by the me-
dia nor influence the policies
that affect the lives of every
American.”
A source familiar with Media
Matters said the group and an
affiliated entity, Media Matters
Action network, raised about
$23 million in 2010 in cash con-
tributions and “long term com-
mitments for 2011 and 2012.”
The New York Times report-
ed that much of Media Mat-
ters’ funding comes from large
contributions by wealthy liberal
donors, including gay philan-
Former Clinton administration official Richard Socarides will head the
newly created Equality Matters.
thropists.
The Blade source, who spoke
on condition of not being identi-
fied, said the two entities yield-
ed between $13 million and $14
in revenue this year. The 2010
figure disclosed by the source
represents a significant boost in
Media Matters’ revenue of $6.7
million in 2009 and $8.09 million
raised in 2008, according to
reports the group filed with the
IRS in 2008 and 2009.
Socarides told the Blade
Tuesday that Equality Matters
would not have a separate bud-
get and instead would operate
under the Media Matters bud-
get. He said Equality Matters,
which would be based in the
same offices as Media Matters
at 455 Massachusetts Ave.,
N.W., would operate initially with
a six-person staff, including him
and Eleveld.
“We will draw on the Media
Matters staff extensively,” he said.
“And there are just under 100
people who work there. So we’ll
Photo courtesy of Equality Matters
have six people dedicated to just
this and then parts of 95 others.”
According to Socarides,
Equality Matters will not be in-
volved in direct lobbying and
won’t make campaign contribu-
tions — unlike existing LGBT
groups like the Human Rights
Campaign and the National
Gay & Lesbian Task Force.
“Much like Media Matters
already does on a broad range
of issues, we will do news and
information media monitoring,”
he said. “And we’ll be a rapid
response to any homophobic
misinformation in the media or
in political discourse. So part of
our mission is to respond rap-
idly with smart and accurate
information when the right wing
— be it in media or politics —
puts out misinformation.”
At least two activists involved
with national LGBT groups said
the launching of Equality Matters
would likely trigger speculation
among LGBT movement insid-
ers about whether Brock and So-
december 24, 2010 • washingtonblade.com 7
carides were seeking to step into
the realm of other national LGBT
groups that came under some
criticism in the past year.
Expectations were high in
January 2009 for significant
progress on LGBT-related leg-
islation as President Obama
entered the White House and
Democrats were in control of
Congress, the two activists said.
Although Congress passed an
important hate crimes law last
year with protections for LGBT
people and last week repealed
“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” all other
important bills remain stalled in
committee. Among them is the
Employment Non-Discrimina-
tion Act, or ENDA, which calls
for banning employment dis-
crimination based on sexual
orientation and gender identity.
“The feeling among some of
us is the established groups
could have done more and
could have put more pressure
on the Democrats to do more,”
said one of the activists.
But others, including gay
U.S. Rep. Barney Frank (D-
Mass.), considered one of the
leading advocates for LGBT
rights in Congress, have said
there were not enough LGBT-
supportive votes in Congress to
advance the other bills. Frank
has said it is up to LGBT ad-
vocates to do the lobbying and
advocacy work in the sections
of the country, especially the
so-called “red states,” where
members of Congress oppose
LGBT equality and won’t vote
for pro-gay bills.
Socarides said he sees Equal-
ity Matters as a new force that will
work with the existing groups,
including the Human Rights
Campaign and Gay & Lesbian
Alliance Against Defamation
(GLAAD), which also specializes
in media-related initiatives.
One gay activist, who spoke
on condition of anonymity, ques-
tioned whether Equality Matters
would be replicating the work of
existing groups.
“Media Matters is fantastic at
pushing back at conservative
disinformation, and if they’re
ramping up that function in the
gay space, God bless,” the ac-
tivist said. “But if they’re doing
policy advocacy, plenty of peo-
ple with vastly more substantive
experience than Socarides are
doing that pretty well, as the
passage of DADT suggests. It’s
not clear this isn’t a completely
redundant vanity project, but I
guess we’ll see.”
GLAAD, which has a budget
of $7.95 million and a 48-mem-
ber staff located in New York
and Los Angeles, focuses on
the positive portrayal of LGBT
people in the media and in en-
tertainment, according to its
president, Jarrett Barrios.
“GLAAD fights defamation
in the media from major outlets
to small markets around the
country,” Barrios said. “Some
of GLAAD’s most visible work
is in Hollywood, but much of
our work is with journalists and
news organizations to ensure
accurate and responsible cov-
erage of LGBT peoples’ lives
and the issues that affect them.”
He said that unlike Equal-
ity Matters’ stated objective,
GLAAD steers clear of address-
ing specific political and policy-
making issues.
“I think our effort will be com-
plimentary rather than overlap-
ping with GLAAD,” said Socari-
des. “And in fact one of our core
missions at Media Matters and
at Equality Matters is to help
other progressive and LGBT
rights organizations fulfill their
own missions.”
Now that “Don’t Ask, Don’t
Tell” has been addressed legis-
latively, Socarides said Equality
Matters plans to devote much of
its resources to promoting same-
sex marriage equality, both on
the national and state level. He
said the group would jump into
the media fray as ballot mea-
sures seeking to ban same-sex
marriage surface in the states.
He said Equality Matters
would also push to advance
legislation stalled in Congress
to overturn the Defense of Mar-
riage Act, which defines mar-
riage under federal law as a
union only between a man and
a woman and bars all federal
programs — including Social
Security benefits — for same-
sex married couples.
“Despite our best efforts over
the years to stiffen the spines
of progressives in the face of
unrelenting smears from the
Republican attack machine,
fearful progressives continue to
cede the political field to right-
wingers who are waging war
against core American values,”
Brock said in a statement. “We
need to do more. Our new com-
munication war room for gay
equality, Equality Matters, will
expose right-wing bigotry and
homophobia wherever we find
it, show that the real political
vulnerability on these issues be-
longs to the GOP, provide des-
perately needed ballast in the
media, and trigger progressive
passion — so that our political
leaders act on their convictions
and fight for them,” he said.
8 washingtonblade.com • december 24, 2010
• EPZICOM, in combination with other antiretroviral agents, is
indicated for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults.
• EPZICOM is one of 3 medicines containing abacavir. Before
starting EPZICOM, your healthcare provider will review your
medical history in order to avoid the use of abacavir if you have
experienced an allergic reaction to abacavir in the past.
• In one study, more patients had a severe hypersensitivity
reaction in the abacavir once-daily group than in the abacavir
twice-daily group.
• EPZICOM should not be used as part of a triple-nucleoside
regimen.
• EPZICOM does not cure HIV infection/AIDS or prevent passing
HIV to others.
Important Safety Information
EPZICOM contains abacavir, which is also contained in ZIAGEN® (abacavir
sulfate) and TRIZIVIR® (abacavir sulfate, lamivudine, and zidovudine). Patients
taking abacavir may have a serious allergic reaction (hypersensitivity
reaction) that can cause death. Your risk of this allergic reaction is much
higher if you have a gene variation called HLA-B*5701 than if you do not. Your
healthcare provider can determine with a blood test if you have this gene
variation. If you get a symptom from 2 or more of the following groups
while taking EPZICOM, call your doctor right away to determine if you
should stop taking this medicine.
1. Fever
2. Rash
3. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal (stomach area) pain
4. Generally ill feeling, extreme tiredness, or achiness
5. Shortness of breath, cough, or sore throat
Carefully read the Warning Card that your pharmacist gives you and carry
it with you at all times.
If you stop EPZICOM because of an allergic reaction, NEVER take
EPZICOM or any other abacavir-containing medicine (ZIAGEN,
TRIZIVIR) again. If you take EPZICOM or any other abacavir-containing
medicine again after you have had an allergic reaction, WITHIN
HOURS you may get life-threatening symptoms that may include
very low blood pressure or death.
I’ve got the fight in me.
If you stop EPZICOM for any other reason, even for a few days, and
you are not allergic to EPZICOM, talk with your healthcare provider
before taking it again. Taking EPZICOM again can cause a serious
allergic or life-threatening reaction, even if you never had an
allergic reaction to it before. If your healthcare provider tells you that
you can take EPZICOM again, start taking it when you are around
medical help or people who can call a healthcare provider if you
need one.
A buildup of lactic acid in the blood and an enlarged liver, including fatal
cases, have been reported.
Do not take EPZICOM if your liver does not function normally.
Some patients infected with both hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HIV have
worsening of hepatitis after stopping lamivudine (a component of
EPZICOM). Discuss any change in treatment with your healthcare provider.
If you have both HBV and HIV and stop treatment with EPZICOM, you
should be closely monitored by your healthcare provider for at least
several months.
Worsening of liver disease (sometimes resulting in death) has occurred in
patients infected with both HIV and hepatitis C virus who are taking anti-
HIV medicines and are also being treated for hepatitis C with interferon with
or without ribavirin. If you are taking EPZICOM as well as interferon with or
without ribavirin and you experience side effects, be sure to tell your
healthcare provider.
When you start taking HIV medicines, your immune system may get stronger
and could begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body, such as
pneumonia, herpes virus, or tuberculosis. If you have new symptoms after
starting your HIV medicines, be sure to tell your healthcare provider.
Changes in body fat may occur in some patients taking antiretroviral
therapy. These changes may include an increased amount of fat in the
upper back and neck (“buffalo hump”), breast, and around the trunk. Loss
of fat from the legs, arms, and face may also occur. The cause and long-
term health effects of these conditions are not known at this time.
Some HIV medicines, including those containing abacavir (ZIAGEN,
EPZICOM, and TRIZIVIR), may increase your risk of heart attack. If you
have heart problems, smoke, or suffer from diseases that increase your
risk of heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or
diabetes, tell your healthcare provider.
The most common side effects seen with the drugs in EPZICOM dosed
once daily were allergic reaction, trouble sleeping, depression, headache,
tiredness, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, rash, fever, stomach pain, abnormal
dreams, and anxiety. Most of the side effects do not cause people to stop
taking EPZICOM.
By prescription only.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of
prescription drugs to the FDA.
Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Please see additional important information about EPZICOM, including
boxed warnings, on the adjacent pages.
Save on your medication!
Ask your doctor about the Patient Savings Card
or visit www.mysupportcard.com to learn how
to save on your out-of-pocket expenses.
Subject to eligibility. Restrictions apply.
 december 24, 2010 • washingtonblade.com 9

“ EVEN WITH HIV,

I NEVER
STOP FIGHTING.”

“When I was first diagnosed with HIV, I didn’t know what each day would
bring or how the virus would affect my body over time. But at some point,
I realized I had to take control. So I worked on my body. My mind. And my
attitude. Since then, I’ve dedicated my life to fighting HIV with everything
in me.
My meds help a lot. About a year ago, my doctor told me about EPZICOM.
In combination with other medications, it’s been shown to help keep HIV
from making more copies of itself and infecting healthy cells. 68% of
patients taking a regimen with EPZICOM had their viral load become
undetectable in less than one year. Plus, patients saw a 93% increase in
their T-cell counts.* So I started taking it as part of my combination therapy.
Turns out that was a good thing. My viral load is undetectable. And me?
I just keep fighting on.” †

†
Not an actual patient testimonial. Based on collection of real patient
experiences. Individual results may vary.
* HEAT study of 688 patients defines undetectable as a viral load less than
50 copies/mL. Baseline median T-cell count for patients receiving
EPZICOM was 214 cells/mm3 and at 48 weeks, patients saw a median
increase of 201 cells/mm3 in their T-cell count.

Ask your healthcare provider if EPZICOM is right for you.

Learn more at www.EpzicomForYou.com
10 washingtonblade.com • december 24, 2010
EPZICOM® (abacavir sulfate and lamivudine) Tablets
MEDICATION GUIDE
EPZICOM® (ep′ zih com) Tablets
Generic name: abacavir (uH-BACK-ah-veer) sulfate and lamivudine (la-MIV-yoo-deen)
Read the Medication Guide that comes with EPZICOM before you start taking it and each time you get a refill because there may
be new information. This information does not take the place of talking to your doctor about your medical condition or your
treatment. Be sure to carry your EPZICOM Warning Card with you at all times.
What is the most important information I should know about EPZICOM?
• Serious Allergic Reaction to Abacavir. EPZICOM contains abacavir (also contained in ZIAGEN® and TRIZIVIR®). Patients
taking EPZICOM may have a serious allergic reaction (hypersensitivity reaction) that can cause death. Your risk of this
allergic reaction is much higher if you have a gene variation called HLA-B*5701 than if you do not. Your doctor can
determine with a blood test if you have this gene variation. If you get a symptom from 2 or more of the following
groups while taking EPZICOM, call your doctor right away to determine if you should stop taking this medicine.
Symptom(s)
Group 1 Fever
Group 2 Rash
Group 3 Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal (stomach area) pain
Group 4 Generally ill feeling, extreme tiredness, or achiness
Group 5 Shortness of breath, cough, sore throat
A list of these symptoms is on the Warning Card your pharmacist gives you. Carry this Warning Card with you.
If you stop EPZICOM because of an allergic reaction, NEVER take EPZICOM (abacavir sulfate and lamivudine)
or any other abacavir-containing medicine (ZIAGEN and TRIZIVIR) again. If you take EPZICOM or any other
abacavir-containing medicine again after you have had an allergic reaction, WITHIN HOURS you may get life-
threatening symptoms that may include very low blood pressure or death.
If you stop EPZICOM for any other reason, even for a few days, and you are not allergic to EPZICOM, talk with
your doctor before taking it again. Taking EPZICOM again can cause a serious allergic or life-threatening
reaction, even if you never had an allergic reaction to it before. If your doctor tells you that you can take EPZICOM
again, start taking it when you are around medical help or people who can call a doctor if you need one.
• Lactic Acidosis. Some human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) medicines, including EPZICOM, can cause a rare but
serious condition called lactic acidosis with liver enlargement (hepatomegaly). Nausea and tiredness that don’t get
better may be symptoms of lactic acidosis. In some cases this condition can cause death. Women, overweight people, and
people who have taken HIV medicines like EPZICOM for a long time have a higher chance of getting lactic acidosis and liver
enlargement. Lactic acidosis is a medical emergency and must be treated in the hospital.
• Worsening of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Patients with HBV infection, who take EPZICOM and then stop it, may get
“flare-ups” of their hepatitis. “Flare-up” is when the disease suddenly returns in a worse way than before. If you have HBV
infection, your doctor should closely monitor your liver function for several months after stopping EPZICOM. You may need
to take anti-HBV medicines.
• Use with interferon- and ribavirin-based regimens. Worsening of liver disease (sometimes resulting in death) has
occurred in patients infected with both HIV and hepatitis C virus who are taking anti-HIV medicines and are also being treated
for hepatitis C with interferon with or without ribavirin. If you are taking EPZICOM as well as interferon with or without ribavirin
and you experience side effects, be sure to tell your doctor.
EPZICOM can have other serious side effects. Be sure to read the section below entitled “What are the possible side effects
of EPZICOM?”
What is EPZICOM?
EPZICOM is a prescription medicine used to treat HIV infection. EPZICOM includes 2 medicines: abacavir (ZIAGEN) and lamivudine
or 3TC (EPIVIR®). See the end of this Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients in EPZICOM. Both of these medicines
are called nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). When used together, they help lower the amount of HIV
in your blood. This helps to keep your immune system as healthy as possible so that it can help fight infection.
Different combinations of medicines are used to treat HIV infection. You and your doctor should discuss which combination of
medicines is best for you.
• EPZICOM does not cure HIV infection or AIDS. We do not know if EPZICOM will help you live longer or have fewer of the medical
problems that people get with HIV or AIDS. It is very important that you see your doctor regularly while you are taking EPZICOM.
• EPZICOM does not lower the risk of passing HIV to other people through sexual contact, sharing needles, or being
exposed to your blood. For your health and the health of others, it is important to always practice safe sex by using a latex
or polyurethane condom or other barrier method to lower the chance of sexual contact with semen, vaginal secretions, or
blood. Never use or share dirty needles.
Who should not take EPZICOM?
Do not take EPZICOM if you:
• have ever had a serious allergic reaction (a hypersensitivity reaction) to EPZICOM or any other medicine that has
abacavir as one of its ingredients (TRIZIVIR and ZIAGEN). See the end of this Medication Guide for a complete list
of ingredients in EPZICOM.
• have a liver that does not function properly.
• are less than 18 years of age.
Before starting EPZICOM tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
• have been tested and know whether or not you have a particular gene variation called HLA-B*5701.
• are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. We do not know if EPZICOM will harm your unborn child.
You and your doctor will need to decide if EPZICOM is right for you. If you use EPZICOM while you are pregnant, talk to your
doctor about how you can be on the Antiviral Pregnancy Registry for EPZICOM.
• are breastfeeding. Some of the ingredients in EPZICOM can be passed to your baby in your breast milk. It is not known if
they could harm your baby. Also, mothers with HIV should not breastfeed because HIV can be passed to the baby in the
breast milk.
• have liver problems including hepatitis B virus infection.
• have kidney problems.
• have heart problems, smoke, or suffer from diseases that increase your risk of heart disease such as high blood
pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and
herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you take any of the following medicines*:
• methadone
• HIVID® (zalcitabine, ddC)
• EPIVIR or EPIVIR-HBV® (lamivudine, 3TC), ZIAGEN (abacavir sulfate), COMBIVIR® (lamivudine and zidovudine), or
TRIZIVIR (abacavir sulfate, lamivudine, and zidovudine).
T:9.25”
How should I take EPZICOM?
• Take EPZICOM by mouth exactly as your doctor prescribes it. The usual dose is 1 tablet once a day. Do not skip
doses.
• You can take EPZICOM with or without food.
• If you miss a dose of EPZICOM, take the missed dose right away. Then, take the next dose at the usual time.
• Do not let your EPZICOM run out.
• Starting EPZICOM again can cause a serious allergic or life-threatening reaction, even if you never had an allergic
reaction to it before. If you run out of EPZICOM even for a few days, you must ask your doctor if you can start EPZICOM
again. If your doctor tells you that you can take EPZICOM again, start taking it when you are around medical help or people
who can call a doctor if you need one.
• If you stop your anti-HIV drugs, even for a short time, the amount of virus in your blood may increase and the virus
may become harder to treat.
• If you take too much EPZICOM, call your doctor or poison control center right away.
What should I avoid while taking EPZICOM?
• Do not take EPIVIR (lamivudine, 3TC), COMBIVIR (lamivudine and zidovudine), ZIAGEN (abacavir sulfate), or TRIZIVIR
(abacavir sulfate, lamivudine, and zidovudine) while taking EPZICOM. Some of these medicines are already in
EPZICOM.
• Do not take zalcitabine (HIVID, ddC) while taking EPZICOM.
Avoid doing things that can spread HIV infection, as EPZICOM does not stop you from passing the HIV infection to others.
• Do not share needles or other injection equipment.
• Do not share personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them, like toothbrushes and razor blades.
• Do not have any kind of sex without protection. Always practice safe sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom or
other barrier method to lower the chance of sexual contact with semen, vaginal secretions, or blood.
• Do not breastfeed. EPZICOM can be passed to babies in breast milk and could harm the baby. Also, mothers with HIV should
not breastfeed because HIV can be passed to the baby in the breast milk.
What are the possible side effects of EPZICOM?
EPZICOM can cause the following serious side effects:
• Serious allergic reaction that can cause death. (See “What is the most important information I should know about
EPZICOM?” at the beginning of this Medication Guide.)
• Lactic acidosis with liver enlargement (hepatomegaly) that can cause death. (See “What is the most important
information I should know about EPZICOM?” at the beginning of this Medication Guide.)
• Worsening of HBV infection. (See “What is the most important information I should know about EPZICOM?” at the beginning
of this Medication Guide.)
• Changes in immune system. When you start taking HIV medicines, your immune system may get stronger and could begin
to fight infections that have been hidden in your body, such as pneumonia, herpes virus, or tuberculosis. If you have new
symptoms after starting your HIV medicines, be sure to tell your doctor.
• Changes in body fat. These changes have happened in patients taking antiretroviral medicines like EPZICOM. The changes
may include an increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck (“buffalo hump”), breast, and around the back, chest,
and stomach area. Loss of fat from the legs, arms, and face may also happen. The cause and long-term health effects of
these conditions are not known.
T:10.275”
Some HIV medicines including EPZICOM may increase your risk of heart attack. If you have heart problems, smoke, or suffer from
diseases that increase your risk of heart disease such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, tell your doctor.
The most common side effects with EPZICOM are trouble sleeping, depression, headache, tiredness, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea,
rash, fever, stomach pain, abnormal dreams, and anxiety. Most of these side effects did not cause people to stop taking EPZICOM.
This list of side effects is not complete. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA
at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I store EPZICOM?
• Store EPZICOM at room temperature between 59º to 86ºF (15º to 30ºC).
• Keep EPZICOM and all medicines out of the reach of children.
General information for safe and effective use of EPZICOM
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for conditions that are not mentioned in Medication Guides. Do not use EPZICOM for a
condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give EPZICOM to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you
have. It may harm them.
This Medication Guide summarizes the most important information about EPZICOM. If you would like more information, talk with
your doctor. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for the information that is written for healthcare professionals or call
1-888-825-5249.
What are the ingredients in EPZICOM?
Active ingredients: abacavir sulfate and lamivudine
Inactive ingredients: Each film-coated EPZICOM Tablet contains the inactive ingredients magnesium stearate, microcrystalline
cellulose, and sodium starch glycolate. The tablets are coated with a film (OPADRY® orange YS-1-13065-A) that is made of FD&C
Yellow No. 6, hypromellose, polyethylene glycol 400, polysorbate 80, and titanium dioxide.
COMBIVIR, EPIVIR, EPZICOM, TRIZIVIR, and ZIAGEN are registered trademarks of GlaxoSmithKline.
*The brands listed are trademarks of their respective owners and are not trademarks of GlaxoSmithKline. The makers of these
brands are not affiliated with and do not endorse GlaxoSmithKline or its products.
This Medication Guide has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
Lamivudine is manufactured under agreement from Shire Pharmaceuticals Group plc, Basingstoke, UK
©2009, GlaxoSmithKline. All rights reserved.
March 2009 EPZ:2MG
©2010 ViiV Healthcare Group of Companies
All rights reserved. Printed in USA. ECM527R0 June 2010
 december 24, 2010 • washingtonblade.com 11

NATIONALNEWS

A day that will ‘go down in history’

Obama signs
‘Don’t Ask’ repeal
before cheering
crowd of activists,
service members
By CHRIS JOHNSON
cjohnson@washblade.com

The long fight to end

a 17-year-old law barring open
gays from serving in the U.S. mil-
itary culminated in a significant
milestone on Wednesday when
President Obama signed into
law a bill allowing for repeal of
“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”
Prior to the signing, Obama
said the legislation will strength-
en national security and “up-
hold the ideals that our fighting
men and women risk their lives
to defend.”
“No longer will our country be
denied the service of thousands
of patriotic Americans who are
forced to leave the military, re-
gardless of their skills, no mat-
ter their bravery or their zeal, no
matter their years of exemplary
performance because they hap-
pen to be gay,” Obama said.
During his remarks, the presi-
dent also seemed to address
those who have concerns about
openly gay and lesbian people
serving in the U.S. military to allay
worries about the change to come.
“Now, with any change,
there’s some apprehension,”
Obama said. “That’s natural.
But as commander-in-chief, I
am certain that we can affect
this transition in a way that only Washington Blade photo by Michael Key

strengthens our military readi-
ness; that people will look back
on this moment and wonder
why it was ever a source of con-
troversy in the first place.”
The president signed the leg-
islation in an auditorium at the
Department of Interior before an
audience of about 500 invitees
that included both gay rights
supporters and U.S. lawmakers
such as Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand
(D-N.Y.) and Mark Udall (D-Co-
lo.) as well as gay Reps. Barney
Frank (D-Mass.) and Jared Polis
(D-Colo.).
Flanking Obama during the
signing were gay former ser-
vice members — Marine Staff
Sgt. Eric Alva and Navy Cmdr.
Zoe Dunning — as well as law-
makers who worked to pass
the legislation, such as Rep.
Patrick Murphy (D-Pa.), Sen.
Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn.),
House Speaker Nancy Pe-
losi (D-Calif.), Senate Majority
President Obama, flanked by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, signed into law a measure that clears the way for repeal
of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’
Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and
Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine).
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs
of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen, who
has testified before Congress in
favor of open service, was also
behind the president during the
signing.
When he finished signing the
bill, Obama declared, “This is
done!” and embraced those who
were with him on stage as the au-
dience chanted, “U-S-A! U-S-A!”
Prior to the signing, Vice
President Joseph Biden told
the audience that the legisla-
tive repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t
Tell” marks the fulfillment of the
one of the promises to the LGBT
community on which he and
Obama campaigned in 2008.
“This fulfills an important
campaign promise the presi-
dent and I made, and many
here on this stage made, and
many of you have fought for,
for a long time, in repealing a
policy that actually weakens our
national security, diminished
our ability to have military readi-
ness, and violates the funda-
mental American principle of
fairness and equality — that ex-
act same set of principles that
brave gay men and women will
now be able to openly defend
around the world,” he said.
President Obama signed
the bill after the U.S. Senate on
Saturday voted to approve the
legislation, 65-31. All Demo-
crats who were present voted in
favor of the bill; Sen. Joe Man-
chin (D-W.Va.) didn’t vote. Eight
Republicans voted in favor of
the legislation: Collins, Sen.
Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), Sen.
Scott Brown (R-Mass.), Sen.
Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Sen.
Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), Sen. George
Voinovich (R-Ohio), Sen. John
Ensign (R-Nev.) and Richard
Burr (R-N.C.).
Gay service members dis-
charged under “Don’t Ask,
Don’t Tell” who were present in
the audience during the sign-
ing told the Washington Blade
that the occasion overwhelmed
them with joyous feelings.
Stacey Vasquez, an Army
paralegal who was discharged
under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” in
2003, said she was waiting for
the moment “for so many years”
and she couldn’t be happier.
“I had moments where I had
my doubts of whether we were
going to make it or not, but we
were on the Hill every single
day working on this,” Vasquez
said. “People were very respon-
sive to our stories about being
discharged and why the law
was unfair. It was just a matter
of getting past the politics.”
Maj. Margaret Witt, an Air
Force service member who last
month became the first gay per-
son discharged under “Don’t
Ask, Don’t Tell” to be reinstated
in the military by court order,
said the moment of the bill sign-
ing will “go down in history.”
“I’m really happy to be here
and hopefully carry the spirit of
all those who are out there serv-
ing today,” Witt said. “It took
years — years and years of re-
ally hard work and dedication.”
C. Dixon Osburn, who co-
founded Servicemembers Le-
gal Defense Network in 1993,
said he was feeling “euphoria”
Continues on page 12
12 washingtonblade.com • december 24, 2010

NATIONALNEWS

Activists celebrate repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’

Continued from page 11
following the bill signing and
called the moment “the most
significant advance in LGBT
equality ever.”
“I think when you reduce it
down to its essential — the young
man and lesbian is not going to
have to call SLDN hiding, quiver-
ing, wondering if they’re going to
jail or if their career is going to be
over the next day,” Osburn said.
“America is now going to be with
them for the first time, and they
can serve with honor and integ-
rity. Multiply that by a million, and
that’s the significant change that
we have today.”
Even though Obama has
signed the legislation, repeal
won’t take effect immediately.
Language in the bill states that
open service won’t be imple-
mented until the president, the
defense secretary and the chair
of the Joint Chiefs certify that the
U.S. military is ready for repeal.
There is no set deadline for
when this certification must
happen. Defense Secretary
Robert Gates has said he wants
to first institute training to facili-
tate open service before issuing
certification.
After certification, an addi-
tional 60-day waiting period for
congressional review must pass
before “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” is
officially off the books and gays
can serve openly without fear of
discharge.
During his remarks, Obama
said he’s spoken with the mili-
tary service chiefs about imple-
menting the change and ex-
pects that it will be done quickly. Washington Blade photo by Michael Key
“I have spoken to every one
In addition to political leaders, several gay service members joined President Obama on stage for the signing of ‘Don’t Ask’ repeal, including Navy Cmdr. Zoe
of the service chiefs and they Dunning (left) and Marine Staff Sgt. Eric Alva
are all committed to implement-
ing this change swiftly and ef-
ficiently,” Obama said. “We are I think, our key role in 2011 — However, the amendment tor of Americablog, said repeal long time coming.”
not going to be dragging our and probably the following year was blocked on Tuesday af- of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” is but Dan Choi, an Iraq war vet-
feet to get this done.” — will be oversight. Oversight ter Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I- one item crossed off the list eran discharged under “Don’t
On Wednesday, White House of how the regulations are is- Conn.), the sponsor of repeal and other promises are still out- Ask, Don’t Tell” who has chained
Press Secretary Robert Gibbs sued [and] oversight on how legislation in the Senate, object- standing, such as repeal of the himself to the White House in
said during a news conference they are administrated.” ed to the measure. Defense of Marriage Act and protest over the law, also said
that the president believes im- Even though the president Sarvis said there is “room for passage of the Employment he wants more from Obama.
plementation of repeal of “Don’t has signed the bill into law, oppo- mischief” as long as certification Non-Discrimination Act. Asked by the Blade what his
Ask, Don’t Tell” would be “a nents of open service in the mili- is outstanding because oppo- “By now, I was expecting feelings were during the sign-
matter of months.” tary continue to pursue avenues nents of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” ENDA passed and [‘Don’t Ask, ing, Choi replied, “I want to get
Aubrey Sarvis, SLDN’s exec- to block “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal could continue to pro- Don’t Tell’] repealed, with a married — that’s my feeling,”
utive director, has been push- repeal before it’s implemented. pose similar amendments that promise to get to DOMA soon,” referencing Obama’s opposi-
ing for certification to happen On Tuesday, Senate Minor- would meddle with the process. Aravosis said.” We still have tion to same-sex marriage.
in a matter of weeks so that ity Leader Mitch McConnell “No one should be mis- to wait until next year to see “I think today is a day that we
open service can begin in the tried to attach an amendment taken that opponents will try to whether [‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’] can applaud him for signing it,
first quarter of next year. He to the fiscal year 2011 defense undo this before it gets off the is truly and fully repealed, and and I recognize that it wouldn’t
added that his organization will authorization bill pending be- ground,” Sarvis said. forget about ENDA and DOMA have been signed by his oppo-
be “looking closely” at the new fore the Senate to expand the Legislative repeal of “Don’t for years to come. I’m glad the nents, and I cheer for him and
regulations that the Pentagon certification responsibilities Ask, Don’t Tell” was one of Pres- [‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’] legisla- our hearts are with him,” Choi
issues on gays in the military to include the military service ident Obama’s major promises tion passed this weekend, and said. “This morning was his-
following certification. chiefs. Since many of the chiefs to the LGBT community, but a I’m glad the president finally got toric, but this afternoon we start
“The regulations will be criti- have expressed opposition to number of gay rights support- engaged. But we are at best planning on how to hold him ac-
cal,” he said. “We’ll be working open service at this time, such ers say they are expecting more getting one of the three big civil countable for all the other prom-
closely with [the Defense De- a measure could have delayed from him during his presidency. rights promises the president ises and all the other things that
partment] on that and at SLDN, implementation indefinitely. John Aravosis, the gay edi- made to us, and that’s it for a we deserve as citizens.”
 december 24, 2010 • washingtonblade.com 13

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14 washingtonblade.com • december 24, 2010
NATIONALNEWS
‘Don’t Ask’ repeal a tough act to follow
ENDA, marriage up
next — but how long
will they take?
By CHRIS JOHNSON
cjohnson@washblade.com
A precursor of more gay
rights advances to come? Or
the last victory that the LGBT
community will see for some
time as Republicans retake the
House in January?
Either way, LGBT rights
advocates agree the legisla-
tive repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t
Tell” was a major victory that will
send to the dustbin of history
a 17-year-old statute barring
open gay and lesbian Ameri-
cans from the armed forces.
On Tuesday, a number of
lawmakers said repeal of “Don’t
Ask, Don’t Tell” represents a
seismic change in how the
United States has come to view
LGBT people over the course of
the past 17 years. The remarks
were made during the enroll-
ment ceremony in which U.S.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi
(D-Calif.) signed the legislation
to send it to President Obama’s
desk. Obama signed the bill
into law on Wednesday.
Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Ca-
lif.) recalled that in 1993, as a
freshman member of the U.S.
Senate, she offered an amend-
ment to major defense budget
legislation containing “Don’t
Ask, Don’t Tell” to strip the bill
of the then-proposed gay ban
before it was implemented.
“I offered an amendment to
take it out 17 years ago, and I got
33 votes,” Boxer said. “Here’s the
amazing irony — wonderful irony
— is that on the procedural vote
… in the Senate this time, only
33 people said, “Let’s keep it in,”
and the rest said, ‘Get rid of it.’”
Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.),
the longest-serving openly gay
lawmaker in Congress, said the
repeal of the military’s gay ban
checks off an important outstand-
ing goal that LGBT advocates
had been seeking for some time.
Frank recalled that in 2006,
then-Rep. John Hostettler of
Indiana urged people in his
district not to vote for his Demo-
cratic opponent Brad Ellsworth
because his election would
lead to the advancement of
what Hostettler called the “radi-
cal homosexual agenda.”
“So let me own up to that
agenda: it’s to be protected
against violent crimes driven
by bigotry, it’s to be able to get
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi this week held an enrollment ceremony to officially send ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ repeal
to the president’s desk. It may be the last time pro-LGBT legislation passes Congress for the foreseeable future.
married, it’s to be able to get a
job and it’s to be able to fight for
our country,” Frank said. “Let
me put them on notice! Two
down, two to go!”
A number of LGBT advo-
cates are hoping that the win
with “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” will
generate momentum for other
victories such as relationship
recognition for same-sex cou-
ples and passage of an employ-
ment non-discrimination law.
Winnie Stachelberg, vice
president for external affairs
at the Center for American
Progress, said the conversa-
tions about gays in the military
will lead to further discussions
about other LGBT rights.
“The repeal of ‘Don’t Ask,
Don’t Tell’ is not just going to be
about the military,” Stachelberg
said. “It enables conversation
about workplace discrimina-
tion that we haven’t been able
to have. It will have implications
for state legislative battles and
other issues.”
A Senate Democratic aide,
who spoke to the Washington
Blade on condition of anonym-
ity, said “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
repeal will have a huge “psycho-
logical” impact on the Senate in
terms of passing pro-LGBT leg-
islation in the future because op-
ponents of ending the gay ban —
like Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.)
— failed in their efforts to stop
repeal despite their best efforts.
“John McCain was absolute-
ly neutered on this,” the aide
said. “You saw how angry and
vociferous he was on this, and
he saw the foundation crack
away under him. Republicans
are no longer going to be as
beholden to the arguments of
yesterday that get put forward
by people like McCain or [Sen.
James] Inhofe.”
Patrick Egan, a gay political
science professor at New York
University, said repeal of “Don’t
Ask, Don’t Tell” demonstrates
the “maturing” of the LGBT
community as a core constitu-
ency of the Democratic Party.
“This was no ‘flight by night’
effort by Obama,” Egan said. “It
was a carefully considered, de-
termined and well-planned, or-
chestrated effort by a Democratic
administration to follow through
on a campaign promise.”
Still, with a smaller Demo-
cratic majority in the Senate and
Republican control of the House
next year, most Capitol Hill ob-
servers see LGBT advances in
the 112th Congress – such as
passage of the Employment
Non-Discrimination Act or rela-
tionship recognition laws — as
difficult if not outright impos-
sible.
The Democratic aide said
the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t
Tell” helps build momentum in
the Senate for LGBT issues,
but the Republican-controlled
House will likely be “a big stum-
bling block.”
“In the next Congress, we’ll
probably see a reversed situ-
ation from what we saw in this
Congress,” the aide said. “In
this Congress, the House was
more amenable to the pro-gay
rights legislation, and the Sen-
ate was less amenable. With the
Republican House next Con-
gress, we’ll see that it’s the Sen-
ate that becomes more amena-
ble to pro-gay legislation.”
Egan also expressed pes-
simism about the passage of
Washington Blade photo by Michael Key
pro-LGBT bills in the next Con-
gress because of the ascent of
Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio) as
House speaker.
“When Republicans control
even just one chamber of the
legislature — as they’re going to
do with the House in 2011 and
2012 — gay people just never
win anything,” Egan said. “You
really need Democratic control
of legislatures — and typically
the executive branch — in order
for any significant movement on
gay rights to occur.”
Still, Egan said affirmative
votes on “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
repeal from senators like Jon
Tester (D-Mont.) and Richard
Burr (R-N.C.) could be a sign
that LGBT bills will be seen as
less partisan votes in the future.
“It indicates that legislators
are becoming less afraid of vot-
ing in favor of gay rights — even
on something as sensitive as
military policy,” Egan said.
Stachelberg acknowledged
that moving pro-gay legislation
in the next Congress will be a
“daunting task,” but said repeal
of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” will at
least enable conversations to
take place on issues such as
job discrimination.
“I don’t want to suggest
things will be easy because of
it,” Stachelberg said. “But it’s
a useful debate to have had
and as implementation moves
through the Pentagon, we’ll
continue to be talking about
workplace discrimination in a
helpful way.”
Stachelberg said those work-
ing on the passage of ENDA
“ought to learn” from the strat-
egy of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
repeal campaign, which made
those aggrieved by the status
quo the public faces of the re-
peal effort.
She noted that gay service
members outed under “Don’t
Ask, Don’t Tell” were visible in
the campaign and said it was
“terribly important” in the effort.
“From Mike Almy, to [Vic-
tor] Fehrenbach, to [Anthony]
Woods, to Stacey [Vasquez] to
all the members of the military
who suffered this discrimina-
tion coming forward telling their
stories — it’s essential that our
community tell the story of LGBT
workplace discrimination in an
equally powerful way,” she said.
Discussion has already
emerged about whether the leg-
islative repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t
Tell” would have an impact on the
issue of same-sex marriage or
lead to greater support for gay
nuptials among the public.
Stachelberg said open ser-
vice in the U.S. military and
same-sex marriage are “com-
pletely different issues,” but
maintained discussion of the
military’s gay ban could facilitate
greater visibility for marriage.
“We should acknowledge that
the path to LGBT equality, first of
all, is not linear,” she said. “This
‘Don’t Ask. Don’t Tell’ debate
helps because it provides a re-
ally great, clear discussion point
about what just happened, and
I think it will open up about mar-
riage equality.”
Egan said repeal of “Don’t
Ask, Don’t Tell” has already led
social conservatives to make a
distinction in their rhetoric be-
tween an end to the military’s gay
ban and same-sex marriage.
“They need to concede that
defeat and acknowledge that
this is more or less a permanent
change that reflects changing
attitudes in society about gay
people, but at the same time
make the case that their argu-
ment about marriage is differ-
ent,” Egan said.
Egan said he’s seen state-
ments from social conservatives
saying LGBT advocates through
the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t
Tell” weren’t seeking to change
the institution of the military, but
are seeking to change the insti-
tution of marriage by advancing
gay nuptials.
“It’s required a bit of a re-
calibration of the arguments
put forward by the anti-mar-
riage advocates to portray
themselves as not believing in
discrimination, not believing in
inequality, but instead trying to
defend a cherished social in-
stitution,” he said.
 december 24, 2010 • washingtonblade.com 15

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16 washingtonblade.com • december 24, 2010
VIEWPOINT
A momentous achievement
The process wasn’t
pretty, but ‘Don’t Ask,
Don’t Tell’ is history
By KEVIN NAFF
Dec. 18, 2010 will be re-
membered as the day the U.S.
Congress passed its first stand-
alone pro-LGBT piece of legis-
lation, repealing the discrimina-
tory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law
that has ruined thousands of
lives and careers during nearly
20 years on the books.
The progress on gay accep-
tance in those 17 years is truly
remarkable. In 1993, the images
in the mainstream media around
gays in the military were dominat-
ed by a homophobic Sen. Sam
Nunn, touring a cramped subma-
rine to dramatize just how closely
straight sailors would be forced
to bunk with their gay colleagues.
Fast forward to 2010 and
Nunn supports repeal and the
chief opponent of lifting the
ban — an increasingly irrelevant
FEEDBACK
The following were submitted
as letters to the editor or post-
ed as comments to our web-
site. Visit washingtonblade.
com to join the discussion.
Re: “How engaged is HRC
in ‘Don’t Ask’ fight?” (op-ed by
Lane Hudson, Dec. 17)
We were surprised to hear
of an op-ed in the Washington
Blade last week alleging that
Joe Solmonese, president of
HRC, had not been engaged
in the arduous fight to repeal
“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”
As the authors of the stand-
alone bill in the Senate, we can
tell you nothing is further from the
truth. Saturday’s historic 65 to 31
vote repealing this policy is tes-
tament to Joe’s leadership and
HRC’s role in this legislative battle.
— Joseph I. Lieberman
and Susan M. Collins,
United States Senators
Re: “It gets better gets an-
noying” (blog post by Kevin
Naff, Dec. 17)
It Gets Better is annoying? You
know what I find annoying? Lis-
tening to the news to hear about
another young gay kid killing
himself because he was bullied
so badly. I don’t care who partici-
pates in it, whether gay or straight,
Sen. John McCain — is widely
demonized in the media as
out-of-touch and bigoted. The
dominant images in the debate
this time around consist of brave
men and women cruelly kicked
out of the military who are merely
asking for their jobs back. What
a difference 17 years makes.
So many brave individuals
and hard-working organizations
deserve credit for this momen-
tous victory — from all the dis-
charged service members who
spoke out, to President Obama,
Sen. Harry Reid, SLDN, HRC,
GETEqual, Servicemembers
United, Palm Center and more.
This win took too long and
the 11th hour desperation of it
all raises serious doubts about
the viability of future pro-LGBT
legislation. If an issue backed
by nearly 80 percent of Ameri-
cans is this difficult, imagine the
fight over trans-inclusive ENDA
or relationship recognition.
For many LGBT Americans,
the past two years represented
a period of hope and optimism
after the dark days of President
Clinton or Bieber, as long as the
message gets out there, because
those kids need to know that just
because the other kids in their
schools are naive, not everyone
is, and that there are people that
they don’t even know that care
about them, and feel their loss
when they harm themselves.
—Frankie
Let’s not throw the baby out
with the bathwater here. IGB is
serving a need in the community
for people without support to see
a glimmer of hope, enough hope
not to commit suicide. This is life
and death for people. If you’re
frustrated by celebrities and politi-
cians leveraging a cause, I totally
understand. Keep in mind though
that celebrities and politicians are
constantly being reinforced with
the idea that their association to
a cause, in any form, matters. Not
as much as their money, and cer-
tainly nothing compared to any
actions they might take. Ultimate-
ly, though, that’s a problem with
people “buying the hype.”
—Paul
Your sentiment is shared by
a lot of us that feel It Gets Better
should choose its speakers with
more care. Nice post.
—Terence
George W. Bush’s administration,
which sought to enshrine anti-gay
discrimination in the U.S. Con-
stitution. After playing defense
for eight long years, President
Obama promised to be our “fierce
advocate.” He has now delivered
on two key legislative promises —
repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
and inclusion of sexual orientation
and gender identity in the federal
hate crimes law. It’s not a perfect
record and Obama and the Dem-
ocrats have been rightly criticized
for not moving faster and earlier
on LGBT priorities, given the short
window of opportunity to act.
As gay Rep. Barney Frank
told the Blade last month about
the prospects for pro-LGBT leg-
islation: “Next year there’s no
chance of anything happening,
there’s zero chance.” He add-
ed, “It will be a status quo. They
don’t have the votes to hurt us
but we don’t have the votes to
advance anything in the cause.”
It was humbling and an honor
to attend the “Don’t Ask, Don’t
Tell” bill signing this week. After
more than eight years editing
Re: “HISTORIC: Senate ap-
proves ‘Don’t Ask’ repeal”
(news, Dec. 18)
With the impending repeal of
“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” only one
federal anti-gay domino remains
standing: The 1996 Defense
of Marriage Act. With the new,
Republican-controlled House
unlikely to pass a DOMA repeal
measure, it’s going to take a Su-
preme Court ruling declaring
DOMA, California’s Proposition 8
and all other state laws banning
same-gender marriage unconsti-
tutional before LGBT Americans
will finally have full legal equality.
—Skeeter Sanders
Re: “Should HRC’s Solmo-
nese resign?” (blog post by
Kevin Naff, Dec. 17)
Right, gays are in the Demo-
crats’ pocket. The Republicans are
“allegedly” so much worse. Has
Kevin Naff been paying attention?
Hate crimes was passed with a
Democratic Congress and presi-
dent. The chairman of the Joint
Chiefs advocated for DADT repeal
under a Democratic administra-
tion. And from where are most of
the votes to repeal DADT coming:
Democrats. Without the need for a
cloture vote, a Democratic Senate
would have already passed this.
—BMF
this newspaper, I’ve met far too
many brave service members
whose careers and livelihoods
and dreams were dashed be-
cause of the discriminatory law.
We’ve written about many gay
and lesbian service members
who died in the closet because
of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”
So although we’re disappoint-
ed that ENDA, UAFA, domestic
partner benefits for federal work-
ers’ partners and other priorities
weren’t achieved in this Congress,
we celebrate this week’s victory.
And we remember all those brave
service members — like Maj. Alan
Rogers — who can’t be here to
share in this historic moment.
Kevin Naff is editor of Washington
Blade and can be reached at knaff@
washblade.com.
Given the choice between
HRC and the cabal of unac-
countable billionaires buying
up our movement — one org
and one blogger at a time — I’ll
pick HRC. I see what they have
achieved and when they screw
up I know where to call. But the
handful of major funders and
their shadowy operatives claim
credit but never step up to take
the blame when they screw up.
They own half the local, state
and national groups. I’m glad
HRC is big enough not to be
shoved around by them.
—Allen
HRC is not only not produc-
ing on a national level, its exis-
tence stifles the ability of local
and state level organizations to
marshal the resources needed
to mount effective campaigns for
equality where it really counts.
So-called HRC “local” groups
mimic the national organization’s
high-profile image with monthly
events and fundraisers, and the
obligatory “A-gay” oriented big
ticket annual dinner. Everyone
involved appears to feel good
about what they’re doing, but
very little political action ever
takes place and no real progress
ever seems to be made.
—Michael
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 december 24, 2010 • washingtonblade.com 17

INSIDELGBTWASHINGTON

A new administration taking shape

Gray’s picks
inspire confidence
in mayor-elect
By PETER ROSENSTEIN
As a political junkie, I am
always fascinated at how new
administrations take shape.
Whether it is a president, gov-
ernor or mayor, the process is
similar. Some chief executives
are more public and float names
around to get a response, or
just to make people who were
never under consideration for a
position think they were. Others
work less publicly.
But whatever the process the
pundits who predicted a return
to the old days of Marion Barry in
D.C. are now eating their words.
Mayor-elect Vincent Gray is re-
maining true to his word to ap-
point only competent people to
his administration who will help
move the District forward.
First, it was Allen Lew as city
administrator. Lew is respected
across the District as a can-do
WashingtonBlade ROP 122410
administrator open to input from
the community. Since then Gray
has added to his administration
Cathy Lanier, who will continue
as chief of police; Irvin Nathan
the current general counsel to
the U.S. House of Representa-
tives, as the next attorney gen-
eral; and Paul A. Quander, Jr.,
the well respected head of the
Criminal Justice Coordinating
Council, as deputy mayor for
public safety. Gray will keep
Kaya Henderson as interim
schools chancellor and as the
administration is filled out we
will continue to see qualified
new people named. In addi-
tion, he is keeping the current
leadership at the Department of
Motor Vehicles, Department of
Public Works and Planning Of-
fice. By the time you read this
we should know most of the rest
of his administration.
Being a qualified person
doesn’t necessarily mean that
everyone will approve the ap-
pointment. There are those in
the LGBT community who have
had issues with Chief Lanier. But
it is important to recognize that
above all Chief Lanier is dedicat-
12/16/10
ed to all the2:13 PM of Page
people 1
the District
and the LGBT community has a
commitment from Mayor-elect
Gray to work with the Chief on is-
sues of concern to us.
Also of note is that in the
midst of preparing the budget
and appointing his administra-
tion, Gray took the time to have
his transition spokesperson is-
sue the following statement on
the charges against a police
officer accused of attacking
a member of the transgender
community: “We’ve made inqui-
ries about the incident, in light
of the serious issues raised.
Mayor-elect Gray is sensitive to
the concerns of the LGBT com-
munity and is fully committed to
ending sexual identity bias…”
In addition, Stephen Glaude,
the newly appointed director of
the Mayor’s Office of Community
Affairs in which the Mayor’s Of-
fice of GLBT Affairs is located,
was on top of this issue within
hours and has said that this ad-
ministration will be sensitive to
and committed to working with
all the diverse communities in
the District.
Ronald Collins, a gay sea-
soned administrator, will head
the Office of Boards and Com-
missions. This is an office he
ran successfully during the An-
thony Williams administration
when he helped to ensure that
qualified members of the LGBT
community were well represent-
ed on boards and commissions
in every area.
The District of Columbia is
facing tough economic times as
are all state and local govern-
ments. We must deal with the
reality that not every wish will be
granted — that when there is an
economic impact to the things
we ask for they will have to be
weighed against other needs.
But much of what our commu-
nity needs doesn’t have a cost
associated with it. As the Gray
administration begins on Jan. 2,
I am confident our community
will be heard and our unique
needs will be addressed.
As I write this column I have
one eye on the TV where the
United States Senate is debat-
ing repeal of DADT. As the vote
tally is announced my eyes are
welling with tears and I give si-
lent thanks to so many who have
fought for this over the years. I
take a moment to remember my
friends in the military today and
those brave gay and lesbian men
and women who have died for
our country without the right to be
open about who they really are.
I know that Congress would
not vote in favor of another is-
sue that is important to our
community: marriage equality.
We and our allies will have to be
vigilant over the next few years
to protect marriage equality in
the District of Columbia. I am
heartened that our next mayor
is a committed ally. He and his
administration will be standing
with us, on the battle lines if
necessary, to protect our rights
and to fight for the rights of all
the people of the District of Co-
lumbia for self-determination.
Peter Rosenstein is a D.C.-based LGBT
rights and Democratic Party activist. He
writes regularly for the Blade.

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Fear of buying
By Valerie M. Blake
Prudential Carruthers realTOrS®
In 1973, author Erica Jong
published her controversial
novel Fear of Flying. In it, her
protagonist, Isadora Wing, was
celebrated for freeing herself
from social norms and engag-
ing in sexual encounters without
emotional entanglement.
In 2010, we in the real estate
industry could write volumes
on Fear of Buying, where our
main characters are emotion-
ally entangled in a push-pull
that couples the desire to own
a home with the glut of negative
media attention surrounding the
national market downturn of re-
cent years.
From 2002 to as late as 2007,
the idea of home-as-profit-cen-
ter overtook the historical view
of a home as a place to enjoy
your life and express your inner
decorator. With properties ap-
preciating at 10% or more each
month, it was easy to join the
long line of people waiting to
buy. Today, buyers are consid-
ering their options more careful-
ly, making their decisions more
deliberately and asking several
important questions.
Is this the right time to buy?
Yes. And in case you didn’t hear
me, I’ll say it again. Yes. While
“the right time” is an extremely
The Realtors you refer
to your Friends & Family
The Gale Storm Team
571.236.9329 • info@gayrealtors.us.com
www.gayrealtors.us.com
Licensed in DC, MD & VA
washingtonblade.com • vol. 41, issue 52 • december 24, 2010 • Page 18
subjective concept, with inter-
est rates at historic lows, prices
at or below levels of five years
ago and FHA resurfacing as the
best avenue for low downpay-
ment loans, “the right time” may
simply be when you find the
home you love.
Is this a neighborhood I will
be happy in? Both newcom-
ers and local buyers need to
consider different neighbor-
hoods where home prices fit
within their budgets. So do
some homework. Get out and
tour our neighborhoods. Go to
open houses. Stop for lunch
at a local restaurant. Speak
with neighbors. If you invest
the time up front to ensure your
comfort level in a given area,
then you can be confident that
you will be happy there when
you find the home that meets
your needs.
Is this the right home for
me? Today’s buyer is often so
focused on what might come
on the market next that he fails
to appreciate what is available
today and misses a terrific op-
portunity. To this buyer, I say,
“No home is perfect. I will do
my best to find you most of what
is on your wish list, but you must
be willing to compromise on
some issues. Get to know me
and learn to trust me. And if it
feels good, do it.”
Am I over-paying for this
house? Our prices can some-
times make grown men and
women cry, but when your
agent prepares a market anal-
ysis for a home you like, you
can clearly see where the ask-
ing price lies in comparison to
other sales in the neighborhood
and determine whether it is fair.
If you are calculating the im-
pact of your monthly payment
on your vacation budget, talk
about alternative loan programs
with your lender and seek ad-
vice from your tax professional
or financial planner. Don’t set
your sights unreasonably high.
Conversely, don’t restrict your-
self so much that you will be
disappointed in all the homes
your agent shows you. goes down will come back up.
If I have to move, will I take If you can appreciate the posi-
a loss? If I knew the answer to tive aspects of owning a home
that then you would probably and are diligent in completing
have already seen me search- your pre-purchase financial,
ing for romance on The Mil- emotional and area “home-
lionaire Matchmaker, but in my work,” then all you need is an
opinion, we have hit bottom in agent you like and trust to help
the DC metropolitan area. Our you through the process. We’re
prices are inching back up even out here waiting for you.
as you read this article. In the
mean time, while being a land-
lord isn’t for everyone, in a down
market in an area like DC where Valerie M. Blake can be reached
rents can be high enough to at (202) 246-8602 or at Valerie@
DCHomeQuest.com. Prudential
cover your mortgage payments, Carruthers REALTORS® is an in-
renting your house to others can dependently owned and operated
be an excellent option while you member of Prudential Real Estate
wait for prices to improve. Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial
company. Equal Housing Opportu-
Remember that the world of nity.
real estate is cyclical and what
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 december 24, 2010 • washingtonblade.com 19

2 BEDROOM HOMES
any way yOu want it
the Christina

the north end - move in now financing programs with no down payment

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trevelyanHouseDC.com 202.306.3437

SaleS & marketing for Urban DeveloPerS UrbanPace.com 202.296.1203

20 washingtonblade.com • december 24, 2010

Happy Holidays
SEAT OF POWER CAPITOL HILL 131 D Street, SE from Dave Lloyd & Associates
Stunning 2 BR, 2BA townhome just steps to Metro, the Congressional SELLERS: Did you know that discounted/
House Office Building, shops and restaurants. Walls of windows, poor marketing is paid for out of your home
wonderful wood floors, luscious Living Room with bodacious built- equity? Let my proven full service marketing
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DAVE LLOYD & ASSOCIATES • 703-593-3204 • WWW.DAVELLOYD.NET

DUPONT CIRCLE GET OUT YOUR WISH LIST

and start checking it off. Super second floor corner condo unit in the
heart of Dupont Circle close to Metro, shops and restaurants. Extra
large open floor plan Living Room and Dining Room with a beautiful
bay window, fun fireplace and exposed brick walls, cozy kitchen
with loads of cabinet space, huge Master Bedroom, large second
Bedroom and a delightful Den. Just painted and floors refinished.
$525,000. 1737 Willard St, NW #5.
Call Hub Krack 202.550.2111

r Xmas Valerie M. Blake

Home fo
Associate Broker, GRI

I’ll be home for Christmas thanks to Valerie.

Mojitos and mistletoe are waiting there for me.
Christmas Eve will find us cuddling by the fire.
Oh, I’ll be home for Christmas
beside my heart’s desire.
Sung to the tune of: I’ll be Home for Christmas

202.246.8602
Valerie@DCHomeQuest.com
www.DCHomeQuest.com
Uptown DC Office 202.362.3400 Valerrealestate.blogspot.com

ADVERTISING
PROOF#1 ISSUE DATE: 12-10-10 SALES REPRESENTATIVE: BRIAN PITTS (bpitts@washblade.com)
“ R e m e m b e r , i n R e a l E s t a t e i t d o e s n ’ t c o s t m o r e t o w o r k w i t h t h e b e s t. ”
REVIEW AD FOR COPY AND DESIGN ACCURACY. Revisions must be submitted within 24 hours of the date of
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REVISIONS the date of proof. Revisions will not be accepted after 12:01 pm wednesday, the week of publication.Brown naff pitts
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REDESIGN
Pam Kristof TEXT REVISIONS
responsible for any legal liability arising out of or relating to the advertisement, and/or any material to which users
can link through the advertisement. Advertiser represents that its advertisement will not violate any criminal laws or
any rgihts of third parties, including, but not limited to, such violations as infringement or misapporpriation of any
202.253.2550 IMAGE/LOGO REVISIONS copyright, patent, trademark, trade secret, music, image, or other proprietary or propety right, false advertising, unfair
competition, defamation, invasion of privacy or rights of celebrity, violation of anti-discrimination law or regulation,
Pam@kristofgroup.com NO REVISIONS or any other right of any person or entity. Advertiser agrees to idemnify brown naff pitts omnimedia llc (dba the ADVERTISER SIGNATURE
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Joan Carmichael liability, loss, damages, claims, or causes of action, including reasonable legal fees and expenses that may be incurred
by brown naff pitts omnimedia llc, arising out of or related to advertiser’s breach of any of the foregoing representations
washington blade newspaper. This includes but is
payment and insertion schedule.

202.271.5198 and warranties.

Realcarm@aol.com
Hub Krack
202.550.2111
Hub@kristofgroup.com

Allegiance 202.338.8900
KRISTOF REALTY GROUP
 december 24, 2010 • washingtonblade.com 21

exceeding e x p e c tat i o n s
contact us today for a free and confidential marketing analysis of your home or business

DA N I E L LU S K BR I A N S HO N G JERY D B E A M ER
202.412.8885 703.929.5764 703.929.5763
Daniel.Lus k@LNF.c om Br ian.Hong@LNF.c om Jer y.Be a mer@LNF.c om

hong, beamer & lusk www. hobelu.com

Convenience and privacy abound in this central

Fantastic top floor unit w/beautiful sunroom with
palladian windows, vaulted ceilings, large open
floor plan and kitchen, cozy fireplace, parking and
extra storage. Master bath w/dual vanity, separate
shower & soaking tub and walk-in closet. A great
value conveniently located moments from Kingstown
shopping, Fairfax Co. Pkwy, Belvoir, Coast Guard
Station, Franconia/VRE Station and Van Dorn Metro.
7709 Haynes Point Way #L
aLexandria, Va 22315
$305,000
Shirlington location. Traditional 2br/2ba plus den
w/1,492 sq. ft., 2 parking spaces and large storage
room. Separated bedrooms/baths, large open
center island kitchen, large entertaining space and
magnificent monument views. Spacious outfitted
closets, granite counters and separate laundry closet
with new front-loading side by side w/d. Building offers
staffed front desk, library, fitness center and outdoor
pool. Seconds to Harris Teeter, Signature Theatre,
Restaurants and Night Life!
2720 s. arLington MiLL dr. #904
arLington, Va 22206
$604,990

Historic exterior & contemporary interior. This property
is an A+ you will be delighted to see. The 2,500+ sq.
ft. floor plan is traditional and the kitchen & bathrooms
have all been renovated in a neutral & contemporary
style creating a warm and inviting residence filled w/
beautiful natural light. Located in the first block from
Wishing You a
Happy Holiday and
Sunny, well-located 1 BR condo in mid-rise bldg one
block from Braddock Rd metro in Old Town. HDWD
floors in LR; marble foyer; all new lighting fixtures
throughout. Custom drapery in LR. Full-size Whirlpool
Duet W/D; Bosch DW. Under cabinet lighting and new
paint in kitchen. New brushed steel fixtures in bathroom
w/ jack and jill doors, jacuzzi tub, new paint. All four
closets, including walk-in, fully outfitted with custom

Prosperous New Year!

the water, the central Old Town location offers great
water & park views! With 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths,, and
a private patio off of the dining room, this is a prefect
home for relaxing or entertaining.
112 gibbon street
aLexandria, Va 22314
$1,090,000
Elfa shelving for maximum storage. Sliding glass doors
to private balcony (grilling allowed). New carpet in
bedroom. Pool; hot-tub; sauna and exercise room.
Underground corner parking space. Low utilities.
1200 braddock PLace, unit 606
aLexandria, Va 22314
$292,000

2BR/2BA Exquisite TH in the heart of

for rent for sale or rent Old Town ALexandria. This
l u x u r y
building was gutted and totally
condo. renovated in 2000. Over
Tile foyer, 3000SF. LARGE Rooms.
c ar pet Situated in a quiet Mews with
no HOA, this home faces east
throughout and west. Glorious sunlight in
living/dining the morning and afternoon.
area & Large family room with built-ins
and gas FP. Billiard room with a
bedrooms. pool table,a wet bar and powder
Master BR room. French doors lead to a
w/coffered private 20X20 slate patio. ML
features a kitchen with granite
ceiling, large walk-in closet & lux bath w/soaking and SSA. LVRM and DR. Built-
bshong or jdbeamer or drlusk tub, sep shower & double sink vanity/granite counter ins and gas FP, powder room and coat closet. Upper 1 features
top. Great roommate layout w/2nd BR on other side the MBR with large closets, a HUGE MBA with jacuzzi & separate
shower. The 4th BR/office also has a LARGE walk in closet and
of unit. View of masonic temple. Full size stacked a hall linen closet. Upper 2 features 2 LARGE BRs with JackNJill
w/d. Balcony, basic cable incl, use of plasma tv, one BA between and the laundry. Each room has several closets. Attic
garage pkg space, storage unit. OWNER/AGENT. storage. Double hung insulated windows to conserve energy with
plantation shutters and silouette blinds. OWNER/AGENT.
525 fayette street n #406 328 n royaL street
aLexandria, Va 22314 aLexandria, Va 22314
$2,600 $5,500/$1,200,000

www. ho belu.com

OLD TOWN HI STORI C GEORGETOWN SALES

400 K ING STREET 1680 WI SC ONS IN AVENUE NW
ALEXANDRI A VA 22314 WASHINGTON DC 20007
703.683.0400 202.944.8400
22 washingtonblade.com • december 24, 2010
 december 24, 2010 • washingtonblade.com 23

Gay Owned & Operated

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A D V E RT I S I N G P R O O F
PROOF #1 ISSUE DATE: 10.29.10 SALES REPRESENTATIVE: PHIL ROCKSTROH (prockstroh@washblade.com)

REVIEW AD FOR COPY AND DESIGN ACCURACY. Revisions must be submitted within 24 hours of the date of proof.
Proof will be considered final and will be submitted for publication if revision is not submitted within 24 hours of the date
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llc (dba the washington blade) is not responsible for the content and/or design of your ad. Advertiser is responsible
REDESIGN for any legal liability arising out of or relating to the advertisement, and/or any material to which users can link through
the advertisement. Advertiser represents that its advertisement will not violate any criminal laws or any rgihts of third
TEXT REVISIONS parties, including, but not limited to, such violations as infringement or misapporpriation of any copyright, patent,
IMAGE/LOGO REVISIONS trademark, trade secret, music, image, or other proprietary or propety right, false advertising, unfair competition,
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NO REVISIONS of any person or entity. Advertiser agrees to idemnify brown naff pitts omnimedia llc (dba the washington blade) and ADVERTISER SIGNATURE
to hold brown naff pitts omnimedia llc (dba the washington blade) harmless from any and all liability, loss, damages, By signing this proof you are agreeing to your contract obligations with the
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omnimedia llc, arising out of or related to advertiser’s breach of any of the foregoing representations and warranties. payment and insertion schedule.
24 washingtonblade.com • december
687US10AB06411_AdSpd_9.75x11.5 11/19/10 6:4924,
PM 2010
Page 1

INDICATION: REYATAZ is a prescription medicine used in combination with other medicines

to treat people who are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). REYATAZ has
been studied in a 48-week trial in patients who have taken anti-HIV medicines and a 96-week
trial in patients who have never taken anti-HIV medicines.
On REYATAZ, h
REYATAZ does not cure HIV or lower your chance of passing HIV to others.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:
Wedn
Do not take REYATAZ if you are taking the following medicines due to potential for
serious, life-threatening side effects or death: Versed® (midazolam) when taken by mouth, esda y
Halcion® (triazolam), ergot medicines (dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, and
Ma ry
birthd ’s
methylergonovine such as Cafergot®, Migranal®, D.H.E. 45®, ergotrate maleate, Methergine®,
and others), Propulsid® (cisapride), or Orap® (pimozide).
Do not take REYATAZ with the following medicines due to potential for serious
side effects: Camptosar® (irinotecan), Crixivan® (indinavir), Mevacor® (lovastatin), ay
Zocor® (simvastatin), Uroxatral® (alfuzosin), or Revatio® (sildenafil).
Do not take REYATAZ with the following medicines as they may lower the amount of pa rty
REYATAZ in your blood, which may lead to increased HIV viral load and resistance to
REYATAZ or other anti-HIV medicines: rifampin (also known as Rimactane®, Rifadin®,
Rifater®, or Rifamate®), St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum)-containing products, or
Viramune® (nevirapine).
Serevent Diskus® (salmeterol) and Advair® (salmeterol with fluticasone) are not recommended

Thursda y
with REYATAZ.
Do not take Vfend® (voriconazole) if you are taking REYATAZ and Norvir® (ritonavir).
The above lists of medicines are not complete. Taking REYATAZ with some other medicines
may require your therapy to be monitored more closely or may require a change in dose
or dose schedule of REYATAZ or the other medicine. Discuss with your healthcare provider all 5:30
C h oi r e
prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamin and herbal supplements, or other health
preparations you are taking or plan to take.

practic
Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, breast-feeding, planning to become
pregnant or breast-feed, or if you have end-stage kidney disease managed with hemodialysis
or severe liver dysfunction.
Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any side effects, symptoms, or conditions,
including the following:
• Mild rash (redness and itching) without other symptoms sometimes occurs in patients taking
REYATAZ, most often in the first few weeks after the medicine is started, and usually goes away
within 2 weeks with no change in treatment.
Bu y new
• Severe rash has occurred in a small number of patients taking REYATAZ. This type of rash is
associated with other symptoms that could be serious and potentially cause death. If you
develop a rash with any of the following symptoms, stop using REYATAZ and call
shoes
your healthcare provider right away: for Latish
– Shortness of breath
– General ill-feeling or “flu-like”
– Conjunctivitis (red or inflamed eyes,
like “pink-eye”)
a
symptoms – Blisters
– Fever – Mouth sores
– Muscle or joint aches – Swelling of your face
• Yellowing of the skin and/or eyes may occur due to increases in bilirubin levels
in the blood (bilirubin is made by the liver).
• A change in the way your heart beats may occur. You may feel
dizzy or lightheaded. These could be symptoms of a heart problem.
• Diabetes and high blood sugar may occur in patients taking
protease inhibitor medicines like REYATAZ. Some patients
may need changes in their diabetes medicine.
• If you have liver disease, including hepatitis B or C, it may
get worse when you take anti-HIV medicines like REYATAZ.
• Kidney stones have been reported in patients taking REYATAZ.
Signs or symptoms of kidney stones include pain in your side,
blood in your urine, and pain when you urinate.
• Some patients with hemophilia have increased bleeding problems
with protease inhibitor medicines like REYATAZ.
• Changes in body fat have been seen in some patients taking anti-HIV medicines.
Fight HIV your way.
The cause and long-term effects are not known at this time.
• Gallbladder disorders (including gallstones and gallbladder inflammation) have been
reported in patients taking REYATAZ.
Other common side effects of REYATAZ taken with other anti-HIV medicines include: nausea;
headache; stomach pain; vomiting; diarrhea; depression; fever; dizziness; trouble sleeping;
numbness, tingling, or burning of hands or feet; and muscle pain.
You should take REYATAZ once daily with food (a meal or snack). Swallow the capsules whole; do
not open the capsules. You should take REYATAZ and your other anti-HIV medicines exactly as
instructed by your healthcare provider. Please see Important Patient Information
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. about REYATAZ on the adjacent pages.
Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

687US10AB06411_AdSpread Trim Size: 9.75" x 11.5" 280 D-Max

 december 24, 2010 • washingtonblade.com 25

AZ, how you spend your time is up to you.

Individual results may vary.

Once-daily REYATAZ can help fight your HIV.

REYATAZ, a protease inhibitor (PI), in HIV combination therapy:
◆ Can help lower your viral load and raise your T-cell (CD4+ cell) count
Find out if you can save on REYATAZ.
◆ Has a low chance of diarrhea (shown in clinical trials)
Call 1-888-281-8981 or visit
- REYATAZ in combination therapy had a 1%-3% rate of moderate-to-severe diarrhea in adults
ReyatazSavings.com for details.
◆ Is taken once a day with a snack or meal
Subject to terms and conditions. Restrictions apply.
REYATAZ is one of several treatment options your doctor may consider.
Do not take REYATAZ if you are allergic to REYATAZ or to any of its ingredients.
Ask your healthcare team about REYATAZ www.REYATAZ.com
REYATAZ does not cure HIV and has not been shown to reduce the risk of passing HIV to others.

REYATAZ is a registered trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners
and not of Bristol-Myers Squibb.
© 2010 Bristol-Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ 08543 U.S.A.
687US10AB06411 06/10

Pub:
26 washingtonblade.com • december
687US10AB06411_AdSpd_9.75x11.5 11/19/10 6:4924, 20103
PM Page
FDA-Approved Patient Labeling
Patient Information
REYATAZ® (RAY-ah-taz)
(generic name = atazanavir sulfate)
Capsules

UIF
EPTF

ALERT: Find out about medicines that should NOT be taken with REYATAZ.
Read the section “What important information should I know about taking REYATAZ
with other medicines?”
Read the Patient Information that comes with REYATAZ before you start using it
and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This leaflet provides

UIF
VTVBM

a summary about REYATAZ and does not include everything there is to know
about your medicine. This information does not take the place of talking with your
healthcare provider about your medical condition or treatment.
What is REYATAZ?
REYATAZ is a prescription medicine used with other anti-HIV medicines to treat
people who are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is the
virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). REYATAZ is a
type of anti-HIV medicine called a protease inhibitor. HIV infection destroys CD4+
(T) cells, which are important to the immune system. The immune system helps
fight infection. After a large number of (T) cells are destroyed, AIDS develops.
REYATAZ helps to block HIV protease, an enzyme that is needed for the HIV
virus to multiply. REYATAZ may lower the amount of HIV in your blood, help your
body keep its supply of CD4+ (T) cells, and reduce the risk of death and illness
associated with HIV.
Does REYATAZ cure HIV or AIDS?
REYATAZ does not cure HIV infection or AIDS. At present there is no cure for
HIV infection. People taking REYATAZ may still get opportunistic infections or other
conditions that happen with HIV infection. Opportunistic infections are infections
that develop because the immune system is weak. Some of these conditions are
pneumonia, herpes virus infections, and Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC)
infections. It is very important that you see your healthcare provider regularly
while taking REYATAZ.
REYATAZ does not lower your chance of passing HIV to other people through
sexual contact, sharing needles, or being exposed to your blood. For your
health and the health of others, it is important to always practice safer sex by
using a latex or polyurethane condom or other barrier to lower the chance of sexual
contact with semen, vaginal secretions, or blood. Never use or share dirty needles.
Who should not take REYATAZ?
Do not take REYATAZ if you:
t

are taking certain medicines. (See “What important information should I
know about taking REYATAZ with other medicines?”) Serious life-threatening
side effects or death may happen. Before you take REYATAZ, tell your
healthcare provider about all medicines you are taking or planning to take.
These include other prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins,
and herbal supplements.
t

are allergic to REYATAZ or to any of its ingredients. The active ingredient
is atazanavir sulfate. See the end of this leaflet for a complete list of
ingredients in REYATAZ. Tell your healthcare provider if you think you have
had an allergic reaction to any of these ingredients.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before I take REYATAZ?
Tell your healthcare provider:
t

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not known if
REYATAZ can harm your unborn baby. Pregnant women have experienced
serious side effects when taking REYATAZ with other HIV medicines called
nucleoside analogues. You and your healthcare provider will need to decide
if REYATAZ is right for you. If you use REYATAZ while you are pregnant, talk
to your healthcare provider about the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry.
t

If you are breast-feeding. You should not breast-feed if you are HIV-positive
because of the chance of passing HIV to your baby. Also, it is not known if
REYATAZ can pass into your breast milk and if it can harm your baby. If you
are a woman who has or will have a baby, talk with your healthcare provider
about the best way to feed your baby.
t
If you have liver problems or are infected with the hepatitis B or C virus.
See “What are the possible side effects of REYATAZ?”
t
If you have end stage kidney disease managed with hemodialysis.
t
If you have diabetes. See “What are the possible side effects of REYATAZ?”

MJLF
iQJOL
FZFw
t
If you have hemophilia. See “What are the possible side effects of
REYATAZ?”
t

About all the medicines you take including prescription and nonprescription
medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Keep a list of your medicines
with you to show your healthcare provider. For more information, see “What
important information should I know about taking REYATAZ with other
medicines?” and “Who should not take REYATAZ?” Some medicines can
cause serious side effects if taken with REYATAZ.
687US10AB06411_AdSpread Trim Size: 9.75" x 11.5"
REYATAZ® (atazanavir sulfate)
How should I take REYATAZ?
t

Take REYATAZ once every day exactly as instructed by your healthcare
provider. Your healthcare provider will prescribe the amount of REYATAZ
that is right for you.

t

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XIP
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UBLFO
BOUJ)*7
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is 300 mg once daily with 100 mg of NORVIR® (ritonavir) once daily
taken with food. For adults who are unable to tolerate ritonavir, 400 mg
(two 200-mg capsules) once daily (without NORVIR®) taken with food
is recommended.

t

'PS
BEVMUT
XIP
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dose is 300 mg plus 100 mg of NORVIR® (ritonavir) once daily taken
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medicines that you are taking. REYATAZ is always used with other anti-HIV
medicines. If you are taking REYATAZ with SUSTIVA® (efavirenz) or with
VIREAD® (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate), you should also be taking NORVIR®
(ritonavir).
t

Always take REYATAZ with food (a meal or snack) to help it work better.
Swallow the capsules whole. Do not open the capsules. Take REYATAZ at
the same time each day.
t
If you are taking antacids or didanosine (VIDEX® or VIDEX® EC), take
REYATAZ 2 hours before or 1 hour after these medicines.
t

If you are taking medicines for indigestion, heartburn, or ulcers
such as AXID® (nizatidine), PEPCID AC® (famotidine), TAGAMET®
(cimetidine), ZANTAC® (ranitidine), AcipHex® (rabeprazole), NEXIUM®
(esomeprazole), PREVACID® (lansoprazole), PRILOSEC® (omeprazole),
or PROTONIX® (pantoprazole), talk to your healthcare provider.
t

Do not change your dose or stop taking REYATAZ without first talking
with your healthcare provider. It is important to stay under a healthcare
provider’s care while taking REYATAZ.
t

When your supply of REYATAZ starts to run low, get more from your
healthcare provider or pharmacy. It is important not to run out of REYATAZ.
The amount of HIV in your blood may increase if the medicine is stopped for
even a short time.
t
If you miss a dose of REYATAZ, take it as soon as possible and then take
your next scheduled dose at its regular time. If, however, it is within 6 hours
of your next dose, do not take the missed dose. Wait and take the next dose
at the regular time. Do not double the next dose. It is important that you
do not miss any doses of REYATAZ or your other anti-HIV medicines.
t
If you take more than the prescribed dose of REYATAZ, call your
healthcare provider or poison control center right away.
Can children take REYATAZ?
Dosing recommendations are available for children 6 years of age and older for
REYATAZ Capsules. Dosing recommendations are not available for children from
3 months to less than 6 years of age. REYATAZ should not be used in babies under
the age of 3 months.
What are the possible side effects of REYATAZ?
The following list of side effects is not complete. Report any new or continuing
symptoms to your healthcare provider. If you have questions about side effects,
ask your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider may be able to help you
manage these side effects.
The following side effects have been reported with REYATAZ:
t

mild rash (redness and itching) without other symptoms sometimes occurs
in patients taking REYATAZ, most often in the first few weeks after the
medicine is started. Rashes usually go away within 2 weeks with no change
in treatment. Tell your healthcare provider if rash occurs.
t

severe rash: In a small number of patients, a rash can develop that is
associated with other symptoms which could be serious and potentially
cause death.
If you develop a rash with any of the following symptoms stop using
REYATAZ and call your healthcare provider right away:





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yellowing of the skin or eyes. These effects may be due to increases
in bilirubin levels in the blood (bilirubin is made by the liver). Call your
healthcare provider if your skin or the white part of your eyes turn yellow.
Although these effects may not be damaging to your liver, skin, or eyes, it is
important to tell your healthcare provider promptly if they occur.
280 D-Max
 december 24, 2010 • washingtonblade.com 27

REYATAZ® (atazanavir sulfate) REYATAZ® (atazanavir sulfate)

t
a
change in the way your heart beats (heart rhythm change). Call your t

FEJDJOFT
GPS
BCOPSNBM
IFBSU
SIZUIN
$03%"30/&® (amiodarone), lidocaine,
.
healthcare provider right away if you get dizzy or lightheaded. These could quinidine (also known as CARDIOQUIN®
26*/*%&9®, and others).
be symptoms of a heart problem. t
.:$0#65*/® (rifabutin, an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis).
t

diabetes and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) sometimes happen in t
#613&/&9®
46#65&9®
46#090/&®, (buprenorphine or buprenorphine/
patients taking protease inhibitor medicines like REYATAZ. Some patients naloxone, used to treat pain and addiction to narcotic painkillers).
had diabetes before taking protease inhibitors while others did not. Some t
7"4$03® (bepridil, used for chest pain).
patients may need changes in their diabetes medicine. t
$06."%*/® (warfarin).
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if you have liver disease including hepatitis B or C, your liver disease may t

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&-"7*-® (amitriptyline), NORPRAMIN®
get worse when you take anti-HIV medicines like REYATAZ. (desipramine), SINEQUAN® (doxepin), SURMONTIL® (trimipramine),
t

kidney stones have been reported in patients taking REYATAZ. If you TOFRANIL® (imipramine), or VIVACTIL® (protriptyline).
develop signs or symptoms of kidney stones (pain in your side, blood in your t

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UP
QSFWFOU
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4"/%*..6/&® or NEORAL®
urine, pain when you urinate) tell your healthcare provider promptly. (cyclosporin), RAPAMUNE® (sirolimus), or PROGRAF® (tacrolimus).
t

some patients with hemophilia have increased bleeding problems with t
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protease inhibitors like REYATAZ. t

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changes in body fat. These changes may include an increased amount of treat allergic symptoms or asthma. Your doctor may choose not to keep you
fat in the upper back and neck (“buffalo hump”), breast, and around the on fluticasone, especially if you are also taking NORVIR®.
trunk. Loss of fat from the legs, arms, and face may also happen. The cause t

$PMDIJDJOF
$0-$3:4®), used to prevent or treat gout or treat familial
and long-term health effects of these conditions are not known at this time. Mediterranean fever.
Other common side effects of REYATAZ taken with other anti-HIV medicines
include nausea; headache; stomach pain; vomiting; diarrhea; depression; fever; The following medicines may require a change in the dose or dose schedule
dizziness; trouble sleeping; numbness, tingling, or burning of hands or feet; and of either REYATAZ or the other medicine:
muscle pain. t
*/7*3"4&® (saquinavir).
Gallbladder disorders (which may include gallstones and gallbladder t
/037*3® (ritonavir).
inflammation) have been reported in patients taking REYATAZ. t
4645*7"® (efavirenz).
What important information should I know about taking REYATAZ with other t
"OUBDJET
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medicines? t
7*%&9® (didanosine).
Do not take REYATAZ if you take the following medicines (not all brands may t
7*3&"%® (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate).
be listed; tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take). t
.:$0#65*/® (rifabutin).
REYATAZ may cause serious, life-threatening side effects or death when t

$BMDJVN
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used with these medicines. COVERA-HS® or ISOPTIN SR® (verapamil) and others.
t
&
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FSHPOPWJOF
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#*"9*/® (clarithromycin).
methylergonovine such as CAFERGOT®, MIGRANAL®, D.H.E. 45®, ergotrate t

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JOEJHFTUJPO
IFBSUCVSO
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VMDFST
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"9*%® (nizatidine),
maleate, METHERGINE®, and others (used for migraine headaches). PEPCID AC® (famotidine), TAGAMET® (cimetidine), or ZANTAC® (ranitidine).
t
03"1® (pimozide, used for Tourette’s disorder). Talk to your healthcare provider about choosing an effective method of
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13016-4*%® (cisapride, used for certain stomach problems). contraception. REYATAZ may affect the safety and effectiveness of hormonal
t
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7&34&%® (used for sedation), when taken by contraceptives do not prevent the spread of HIV to others.
mouth. Remember:
Do not take the following medicines with REYATAZ because of possible 1. Know all the medicines you take.
serious side effects: 2. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take.
t
$".1504"3® (irinotecan, used for cancer). 3. Do not start a new medicine without talking to your healthcare provider.
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sometimes cause increased levels of bilirubin in the blood.
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6309"53"-® (alfuzosin, used to treat benign enlargement of the prostate). cabinet or near the kitchen sink.
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3&7"5*0® (sildenafil, used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension). t
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the amount of REYATAZ in your blood. This may lead to an increased HIV viral keep medicine that is out of date or that you no longer need. Dispose of
load. Resistance to REYATAZ or cross-resistance to other HIV medicines may unused medicines through community take-back disposal programs when
EFWFMPQ available or place REYATAZ in an unrecognizable, closed container in the
t

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used for tuberculosis). General information about REYATAZ
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7*3".6/&® (nevirapine, used for HIV infection). same symptoms you have. It may harm them. Keep REYATAZ and all medicines
The following medicines are not recommended with REYATAZ: out of the reach of children and pets.
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4&3&7&/5
%*4,64® (salmeterol) and ADVAIR® (salmeterol with fluticasone), This summary does not include everything there is to know about REYATAZ.
used to treat asthma, emphysema/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Medicines are sometimes prescribed for conditions that are not mentioned in
also known as COPD. patient information leaflets. Remember no written summary can replace careful
Do not take the following medicine if you are taking REYATAZ and NORVIR® discussion with your healthcare provider. If you would like more information, talk
together: XJUI
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7'&/%® (voriconazole). What are the ingredients in REYATAZ?
The following medicines may require your healthcare provider to monitor Active Ingredient: atazanavir sulfate
your therapy more closely (for some medicines a change in the dose or dose Inactive Ingredients: Crospovidone, lactose monohydrate (milk sugar),
schedule may be needed): magnesium stearate, gelatin, FD&C Blue #2, and titanium dioxide.
t

$*"-*4® (tadalafil), LEVITRA® (vardenafil), or VIAGRA® (sildenafil), used to
treat erectile dysfunction. REYATAZ may increase the chances of serious 7*%&9® and REYATAZ® are registered trademarks of Bristol-Myers Squibb
side effects that can happen with CIALIS, LEVITRA, or VIAGRA. Do not use Company. COUMADIN® and SUSTIVA® are registered trademarks of Bristol-Myers
CIALIS, LEVITRA, or VIAGRA while you are taking REYATAZ unless your Squibb Pharma Company. DESYREL®
JT
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healthcare provider tells you it is okay. and Company. Other brands listed are the trademarks of their respective owners
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"%$*3$"® (tadalafil) or TRACLEER® (bosentan), used to treat pulmonary and are not trademarks of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.
arterial hypertension.
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-*1*503® (atorvastatin) or CRESTOR® (rosuvastatin). There is an increased







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chance of serious side effects if you take REYATAZ with this cholesterol-
lowering medicine. 1246226A7 F1-B0001B-04-10 Rev April 2010

Pub:
28 washingtonblade.com • december 24, 2010

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 REV. DWAYNE JOHNSON ANSWERS 20 QUESTIONS
PAGE 30
arts & entertainment
washingtonblade.com • vol. 41, issue 52 • december 24, 2010 • Page 29

By JOEY DiGUGLIELMO

New Year’s Eve is the birthday of Special Agent Galactica, the performance art drag persona
of local gay actor Jeffrey Johnson. So despite logistical hurdles, she’s not letting the occasion
pass un-noted.
“The Only Gal in Town,” Galactica’s cabaret act with musical wiz Christopher Wingert, is Dec.
31 at 8 p.m. at Go Mama Go!, the 14th Street shop where Ganymede Arts, the region’s only
LGBT arts organization, hosted recent productions of “Falsettos” and “Edie Beale LIVE at
Reno Sweeney.”
Galactica, who was born four years ago as one of four drag characters who did a New Year’s
Eve show called “SEXE: the Floor Show,” has continued each year. But this year’s show is dif-
ferent in two major regards — Johnson, in a Galactica first, is doing
all the vocals live and it’s not a Ganymede production.
Johnson, who had 11 years of musical theater experi-
ence under his belt before moving to D.C. in 1997, found
his pipes reawakened when he played the lead in “Falset-
tos” in September. He’d been mostly directing and lip

undercover agent
syncing the last decade-plus.
“I can always do more (lip syncing) and I’m not done
with that at all, but I do kind of feel I just wanted to
try something different and I’ve been inspired by some
of the cabaret artists I’ve gotten to know so I thought, Creative restlessness,
‘This could be a lot of fun,’” Johnson says.
The original plan for “Falsettos” was for Johnson
logistics spur Ganymede’s
to only direct but an 11th-hour pass from a friend Jeffrey Johnson to
Johnson had tried to arm twist to play the new endeavors
lead resulted in Johnson playing main char-
acter Marvin. That production proved dou-
bly influential for the New Year’s Eve show
— it not only reawakened Johnson’s love of
singing, he found a kindred artistic spirit with
“Falsettos” musical director/pianist Christopher
Wingert, who’s sharing billing with Galac-
tica for next week’s show.
Wingert was an emer-
gency sub for a per-
formance of
Continues on page 42

Jeffrey Johnson as Special Agent Galactica with

pianist Christopher Wingert (Photos courtesy of Jeffrey Johnson)
30 washingtonblade.com • december 24, 2010

QUEERY: 20 Questions for Rev. Dwayne Johnson

By JOEY DiGUGLIELMO How long have you been out and who
joeyd@washblade.com was the hardest person to tell?
I came out when I was 24. It was
Christmas means family time for lots of people most difficult to tell my parents. They
but that will be especially true this year for Rev. immediately affirmed their love for me.
Dwayne Johnson. Mom and I were sitting in the front seat
His parents are both ministers (his sister is, of my car in Overland Park, Kansas. We
too) and they’ll be preaching throughout the talked for hours and there were tissues
holidays at Metropolitan Community Church of everywhere.
Washington, the mostly LGBT church where
Johnson took over as senior pastor in January. Who’s your gay hero?
Johnson’s father will preach on Christmas Eve, Rev. Troy Perry. He founded MCC be-
his mother the day after Christmas. fore Stonewall and he is still going strong
“My parents have faced some criticism for for human rights for all people.
their support,” Johnson says. “And I don’t know
that theologically we’re in full agreement but for Washington Blade photo by Michael Key
What’s Washington’s best nightspot,
them, and I can’t really speak for them, but I think past or present?
they made peace with the fact that there are things they just don’t understand.” Mr. Henry’s on Capitol Hill. I met friends
Johnson, a Lubbock, Texas, native who’s lived in several cities in Missouri, Cali- there my first night in Washington, D.C.
fornia, Kansas, Indiana, Texas and more, says Christmas is a time to remember in July of 1989 and now that I’m back in
God’s gifts to humanities, one of which is being queer. Washington, it still feels like home.
“It’s a gift, not a curse,” he says. “There are still some who would call it a curse,
but it’s actually one of God’s greatest gifts because queer people bring a different Describe your dream gay wedding.
perspective. It’s not a matter of being covered by grace and all that stuff. It’s not an First I need to meet the dream guy.
issue of sin. It’s part of God’s divine plan.” Then, the dream wedding would reflect
Johnson says his first year at MCC — he previously spent 13 years at a large our personalities as individuals and as
MCC church in Houston — has gone “amazingly fast.” He’s officiated 35 weddings, a couple without trying to meet anyone
a boom that surged when the District voted to allow same-sex marriage last De- else’s expectations.
cember.
Johnson worked as a pastoral assistant at the church from 1989 to 1992 upon What non-gay issue are you most
leaving his parents’ denomination thinking his ministry years were behind him. passionate about?
Johnson is single. He lost a former partner several years ago to AIDS. He almost There are no gay issues or straight is-
married a woman once and eventually officiated her marriage to someone else. sues — there are only human issues and
They’re still friends. Johnson lives in D.C.’s Mount Vernon Triangle neighborhood. we are all connected and it is about time
He enjoys baseball and talking with friends about “non-church stuff” in his free time. we figure that out.
What historical outcome would you
change?
The 1968 assassinations of King and
Kennedy. I can only imagine the positive im-
pact had they both lived long and full lives.
What’s been the most memorable pop
culture moment of your lifetime?
The release of the iPhone. I have
a love/hate relationship with it. I must
remember to control it to keep it from
controlling me. Sometimes I long for mo-
ments when nothing beeps or vibrates.
What’s your advice for LGBT move-
ment leaders?
It is not just about “us” — and who are
“we” anyway?
What would you walk across hot
coals for?
With the right footwear I would walk
across coals for a good cup of coffee.
What gay stereotype annoys you
most?
Beyond stereotypes, clichés and as-
sumptions there are real people with some
incredible stories to tell if we just listen.
What’s your favorite gay movie?
“On a Clear Day you Can See For-
ever.” I’ll never forget the wallpaper in
Daisy’s (Barbra Streisand) bedroom. I
had a boyfriend break up with me over
my fascination with this movie. His loss.
What’s the most overrated social custom?
Being “in style” whatever that means.
And who gets to decide that anyway?
What trophy or prize do you most covet?
The “Best Uncle Award” from my four niec-
es Savannah, Riley, Reagan and Sawyer.
What do you wish you’d known at 18?
Not to worry about what others think of
me and to remember I can survive peo-
ple being mad at me. People pleasing is
self-destructive.
Why Washington?
I’ve found something to love everywhere
I’ve lived. Washington feels like a conver-
gence of all the places I’ve ever lived and
all the people I’ve ever known. I’m grateful
that 2010 brought me home to Washington.

On what do you insist?

Finding humor, grace and beauty on
even the most difficult days.

What was your last Facebook post or

Tweet?
At 2 p.m. on Dec. 19: “MCCDC Toy
Drive to bring joy to 300 children & youth
affected or effected by HIV/AIDS. Thanks
to all who helped bring joy to this corner
of the world!” The post included a pic of
some of the toys arranged around our al-
tar in the MCCDC sanctuary.

If your life were a book, what would

the title be?
“SHATTERED ASSUMPTIONS: Sur-
prised by God the Adventurous Lover”
KidsPeace is seeking foster parents for children who have
self identified as gay, lesbian, transgender, or questioning. If science discovered a way to change
sexual orientation, what would you do?
KidsPeace takes extra care in placing the right kids into the right homes. We will provide I would marvel at the ingenuity of sci-
you with special training and professional, round-the-clock support. You don’t need to be ence then pray nobody would use it.
wealthy or married. You don’t need to have kids of your own or a Ph.D. in child psychology.
What you do need is a desire to provide a safe, nurturing environment to a child. What do you believe in beyond the
physical world?
Call us today between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. M–F at 866-4-KIDSPEACE (866-454-3773) The physical world is the small but
or visit kidspeace.org. glorious tip of an unfathomable and even
more glorious iceberg. Washington Blade photo by Michael Key
 december 24, 2010 • washingtonblade.com 31

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1500 New Hampshire Avenue, NW • Washington, DC 20034
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32 washingtonblade.com • december 24, 2010
CALENDARCUTLINE: The Roches, a sister act from New Jersey, play the Birchmere Dec. 17. (Photo courtesy of the Roches)
The late Anne Bancroft in her immortal role as Mrs. Robinson in ‘The Graduate.’ The film will be screened Wednesday at
American City Diner.
TODAY
The Beltway Brass Quintet will
be giving a free performance at the
Kennedy Center today at noon. The
group will play holiday favorites
from their CD, “Holiday Drive.”
Santa’s Helper Night is tonight
at Ultrabar (911 F St., N.W.) from 8
p.m. to 3 a.m. Ladies dressed as
Santa or one of his helpers drink
free. The event is free for all 21
and older and free before 11 p.m.
for 18 to 20. Doors open at 9 p.m.
The Lodge (21614 National
Pike) in Boonesboro presents
“O’Holy Diva Christmas Eve” to-
night from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. featuring
the music of Tina Turner, Madonna,
Lady Gaga and more with DJ Ryan
W. There is no cover for this event.
Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.) will
have “Twas the Night Before
Christmas” tonight with Keenan.
Saturday, Dec. 25
Apex (1415 22nd St., N.W.) is
open tonight with doors opening
at 9 p.m. with an open bar from
10 to 11 p.m. for rail and domestic
beer. Kristina Kelly and her “Girls
of Glamour” will be performing at
11 p.m. From midnight to dawn,
there will be two DJs on two dance
floors with DJ Joey O in the main
hall and DJ Michael Brandon in
the east wing dance lounge.
The Kennedy Center (2700
F St., N.W.) presents an All-Star
Christmas Day Jazz Jam tonight
at 6 p.m. with James King, Chuck
Redd, Robert Redd, Lenny Rob-
inson and Tom and Delores King
Williams. This is a free event.
Bet Mischpachah is doing
dinner and a movie today after
Shabbat. The group will be see-
ing “True Grit” and have Chinese
food for dinner. Send an e-mail
to Jack and Charlie at jmhcss@
verizon.net if interested. For more
information, visit betmish.org.
Nellie’s (900 U St., N.W.) will
be having a Christmas party with
DJ Wesley D tonight with pop and
dance music upstairs and music vid-
eos downstairs. The bar opens at 5
p.m. with $3 happy hour until 8 p.m.
Secret Weapon Entertain-
ment and Lace Lounge (2214
Rhode Island Ave., N.E.) present
“Red, Green and Lace” tonight
from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m with drink
specials all night and Gucci gift
card giveaways. For more infor-
mation, visit lacedc.com.
Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) will
be open tonight at 10 p.m. and
the first drink is free. There will be
$3 rail drinks from 10 to 11 p.m.
The drag show starts at 10:30.
The cover is $8 before 11 p.m.
and $12 after.
Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.) will
be open tonight from 7 p.m. to 2
a.m. with no cover.
The Choral Arts Society of
Washington presents “Christ-
mas Music: the Treasured Holiday
Tradition” at the Kennedy Center
concert hall (2700 F St., N.W.) to-
day at 1 p.m. Tickets range from
$15 to $65 and can be purchased
at kennedy-center.org.
Sunday, Dec. 26
The Lincoln Center Theater
presents Rodgers and Hammer-
stein’s “South Pacific” today at
the Kennedy Center opera house
(2700 F St., N.W.) with two show-
ings at 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets
range from $39 to $150 and can be
purchased at kennedy-center.org.
Cajun cellist Sean Grissom
hosts an evening of holiday
vaudeville tonight at 6 p.m. at
the Kennedy Center (2700 F St.,
N.W.) featuring a comedian, jug-
gler and yo-yo performer. There
will be a second performance
Monday night at the same time.
Monday, Dec. 27
The Capital Area Rainbowl-
ers Association will have a night
of social bowling tonight from 8
to 10 p.m. at the AMF Annandale
Lanes (4245 Markham Lane) in
Still courtesy of Embassy Pictures Corp.
Annandale. Games are 99 cents
each and shoe rental is a $1.
Tuesday, Dec. 28
The Beltway Poetry Slam is to-
night at the Fridge (156 8th St., S.E.).
Doors open and poet sign up is at
7:30 p.m. The event starts at 8. This
is a $5 cover charge at the door.
Join Burgundy Crescent Vol-
unteers to help pack safer sex kits
from 7 to 9 p.m. tonight at FUK!T’s
new packing location Green Lan-
tern, 1335 Green Ct., N.W.
Wednesday, Dec. 29
The American City Diner
(5532 Connecticut Ave., N.W.) will
be showing the film “The Gradu-
ate” starring Dustin Hoffman and
the late Anne Bancroft tonight.
The movie starts at 8 p.m. The full
menu will be available. Admission
is free. For more information, visit
americancitydiner.com.
The Kinsey Sicks will be per-
forming “Oy Vey in a Manger” to-
night at 7:30 p.m. at the Theater J
in the Washington DCJCC’s Aaron
and Cecile Goldman Theater (1529
16th St., N.W.). Tickets range from
$35 to $60 and can be purchased
by calling 800-494-TIXS or visiting
boxofficetickets.com.
Thursday, Dec. 30
The Philips Collection (1600
21st St., N.W.) presents “Masters
of Photography: Edward Stei-
chen” at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. The
documentary was filmed when
Steichen was 86 and reflects on
his achievements from his early
commercial successes to his aer-
ial photography during World War
II. The film is included in admis-
sion to a special exhibition and
free for members.
WWE presents RAW World
Tour tonight at the Verizon Center
(601 F St., N.W.) at 7 p.m. Tickets
range from $20 to $75 and can be
purchased at ticketmaster.com.
Christmas Eve
The River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation
(6301 River Rd.) in Bethesda will be holding two candlelight
services today. The first service will be at 5 p.m. with a fam-
ily candle lighting service, carols and the traditional River
Road Christmas Eve Pageant and the second service will
be at 8 p.m. and is for adults and older children and will
feature songs, choral music, readings and an original story.
Foundry United Methodist Church (16th and P streets,
N.W.) has a family-oriented service ideal for families with
young children at 6:30 tonight. Then at 8, a half-hour con-
cert featuring the church’s soloists will serve as a prelude to
an 8:30 p.m. candlelight “lessons and carols” service. The
choir will perform at the latter. A reception will follow each
service. Foundry is an LGBT-friendly “open and affirming”
congregation.
The United Church, a union congregation of the United
Church of Christ and the United Methodist Church, has a
bilingual candlelight service today at 5 p.m. The church is
at 1920 G Street, N.W. Visit www.theunitedchurch.org for
more information.
All Souls Memorial Episcopal Church (2300 Cathe-
dral Ave., N.W.) has a children’s Mass and blessing of the
creche (nativity) today at 4. Carols and preludes for Mid-
night Mass start at 10:30 p.m. Midnight Mass starts at 11
p.m. A low Mass will be said at 10 a.m. on Christmas Day.
Lessons and Carols are at 11 a.m. on Dec. 26. Visit www.
allsoulsdc.org for more information.
Metropolitan Community Church of Washington (474
Ridge St., N.W.) will be holding Christmas Eve worship tonight
at 8. MCC-D.C. is the region’s largest mostly LGBT church.
Washington National Cathedral (3101 Wisconsin Ave.,
N.W.) will have its Christmas Eve Festival Holy Eucharist at
6 and 10 p.m.
Covenant Baptist Church (3845 S. Capitol St.) will be
holding its Christmas Eve Service at 7 p.m. tonight.
National City Christian Church (5 Thomas Circle, N.W.)
will be holding its Christmas Eve service today at 7 p.m.,
starting with a festive prelude followed by a candlelight
communion.
The Christ Church on Capitol Hill (620 G St., S.E.) will
be holding a Christmas Pageant and Holy Eucharist at 5:30
p.m. It will also have a choral prelude at 10 p.m., the Holy
Eucharist at 10:30 followed by coffee hour.
Saint John’s Episcopal Church (3240 O St., N.W.) will
be holding its Holy Eucharist along with a Christmas Pag-
eant at 4 p.m. A Feast of Carols and Noels will begin at 8:30,
followed by the Festival Holy Eucharist at 9 p.m.
Seekers Church (276 Carroll St., N.W.) will be holding its
Christmas Eve worship tonight at 7.
First Trinity Lutheran Church (309 E St., N.W.) will have
its Christmas Eve service at 7:30 p.m. following a pre-ser-
vice of Christmas music that starts at 7 p.m.
Church of the Pilgrims (2201 P St., N.W.) will have its
Christmas Eve service tonight at 7 p.m.
Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle (1725 Rhode Is-
land Ave., N.W.) will be holding a vigil at 4:30 p.m. follow-
ing a prelude at 4, Vigilia at 6:30 p.m. following a concerto
at 6, and the main service at 10 p.m. with Cardinal Wuerl
presiding.
Christmas Day
Washington National Cathedral (3101 Wisconsin Ave.,
N.W.) will have its Christmas Day Festival Holy Eucharist
at 9 a.m. today. Its Christmas Day Holy Eucharist, Rite II
will start at noon. There will also be a Christmas Day organ
recital at 5:15 p.m.
Christ Church on Capitol Hill (620 G St., S.E.) will be
holding its Holy Eucharist today at 10 a.m.
Saint John’s Episcopal Church (3240 O St., N.W.) will be
holding its Holy Eucharist with traditional carols today at 10 a.m.
Dignity Washington will hold its Christmas Mass tonight at
6 p.m. at St. Margaret’s Church (1820 Connecticut Ave., N.W.)
Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle (1725 Rhode Is-
land Ave., N.W.) will have multiple services today starting at
8:30 a.m. The other services are at 10 and 11:30 a.m. and a
service in Spanish at 1 p.m.

MUSICAGENDA
A promo still of singer tom Goss with actor Ben Horen who plays his partner in the concept
video ‘Lover.’
Making musical memories
Singer/songwriters Goss,
Curtis experiencing
career highs
By Juliette eBner
Two indie gay singer/songwriters are
making memorable career strides. D.C.
resident Tom Goss pulled out all the stops
for his current video for the song “Lover”
while Boston native Catie Curtis gave a
two hour White House concert last week.
From his 2009 “Back to Love” album,
Goss’s “Lover” has been 18 months in
the making. It’s his fourth concept video.
“People have wanted a video for this
song,” Goss says. “The song is so big
and tells such a story, that I didn’t really
want to do it. If I was going to do this vid-
eo, I really had to do it right.”
“Lover” tells the story of the loss expe-
rienced by partners of gay servicemem-
bers killed in battle.
The video was inspired by a friend tell-
ing Goss about his screenplay, quoting
songs from his album, especially “Lover.”
“I called him back ... and I said ‘Sor-
ry, I’m stealing your idea,’” Goss says,
laughing. “As it progressed, it became
this thing that was so much bigger than
the people involved.”
The video flashes from Goss singing in
his house, to medics trying to help his part-
ner, to moments between the two of them.
In the end, Goss is left in his living
room, holding the crumpled picture of
the two of them one of the medics pulled
out of his partner’s pocket.
“Loved ones don’t know anything. If
they’re partner dies, the U.S. government
doesn’t show up at their house with a flag
to tell them,” Goss says. “This person
doesn’t exist to them.”
The video features three former ser-
vicemembers, Mike Almy, David Hall and
Danny Hernandez, who were discharged
under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” and played
the medics.
“We wanted them to be in the video,
but we also wanted to be really sensitive
to their experiences and their desire to
still be in the military,” Goss says. “Luck-
ily when I asked them, they were really
excited about it.”
december 24, 2010 • washingtonblade.com 33
Photo by Michael Key
Some of the scenes between Goss and
the soldier were filmed in Goss’s home.
“It was more than just me making out
with some other guy,” Goss says about the
intimate scenes between him and actor Ben
Horen, who played the soldier. “I kicked
(new husband) Mike out of my house and
then transformed it from a place where we
have our life and our love into a place where
I have this other life and this other love.”
The video can be found on YouTube
and has been picked up by many news
organizations and blogs including the
Advocate, AfterElton.com, Towleroad
and more. It will be on Logo next month.
Lesbian Curtis has released 10 al-
bums in the past 15 years and performed
we are now
at the White House Dec. 13.
“It’s surreal,” Curtis says about per-
forming at the White House. “There is an
available in
energy [there] ... during the holiday sea-
son, when everything is so festive.”
The show came about because Cur-
tis has a few fans working for the Obama
administration and a performance had
been in talks for a while.
The show consisted of holiday songs
BALTIMORE
and some of Curtis’s own work. She per-
formed with other musicians John Jen-
nings, Ingrid Graudins and Elana Arian.
“One of the cool things about playing
at the White House is recognizing that for
all the disappointments of the last few
years of a democratic presidency, there
are some things that are certainly differ-
ent,” Curtis says. “And one of them is
having an out lesbian invited to perform
at the White House and playing Christ-
mas songs with a Jewish fiddler who had
never played Christmas music before.”
While rehearsing the night before, Cur-
tis and the band playing with her were so
into the holiday spirit, that they rushed to
a recording studio in Virginia at 10 p.m.
and laid down a few tracks in three hours.
“I think on Dec. 20 ... we are going to
offer five songs online ... called ‘Twas the
Night Before the White House,’” Curtis says.
“Usually people make these CDs in March
and release them in November, but we were
totally in the spirit, practicing these songs.”
Curtis plans to announce when and
where the tracks will be available on her
website and Facebook page.
Curtis will begin work recording a new
album next month.
 34 washingtonblade.com • december 24, 2010

THEATERAGENDA
We don’t sing
“O Come Some of Ye Faithful.”
God invites all. So do we.
The United Church Christmas Eve
a union congregation of the Friday, December 24
United Church of Christ & United Methodist Church Bilingual German & English
1920 G Street NW + Washington, DC 20006 Candlelight Service @ 5pm
www.theunitedchurch.org

Celebrate the Holidays

Photo by Peter Coombs

Anderson Davis and Sumie Maeda in ‘South Pacific,’ playing now at the Kennedy Center.
with First Trinity Lutheran Church!
Christmas Eve
Candlelight Service
Christmas Service
With Readings and Carols
‘Pacific’ overtures dazzle
Friday, December 24 Sunday, December 26
Service At 7:30 p.m. At 10:30 a.m. Touring company mind the liberal authors’ themes of racial
inequality. His direction calls for the three
New Year’s Service reminds of work’s African-American sailors in the company
Sunday, January 2