Metro Weekly - 02-06-14 - Janet Mock

2 FEBRUARY 6, 2014 METROWEEKLY.
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3 METROWEEKLY.COM FEBRUARY 6, 2014
4 FEBRUARY 6, 2014 METROWEEKLY.COM
Obama Under Pressure
State of the Union address returns attention to Obamas nondiscrimination promise
Obama
by Justin Snow
F
OLLOWING A STATE OF THE
Union address that made no
mention of workplace protec-
tions for LGBT Americans,
President Barack Obama and his White
House have found themselves having
to once again defend a strategy that
has puzzled and frustrated advocates
throughout his presidency.
Since April 2012, when White House
senior adviser Valerie Jarrett told lead-
ers of some of the nations largest LGBT-
rights organizations that Obama would
not sign an executive order prohibiting
federal contractors from discrimination
on the basis of sexual orientation or gen-
der identity, Obamas White House has
found itself assailed with criticism from
some of the presidents closest allies.
That criticism has increased in recent
weeks, particularly after Obama came
under re from LGBT-rights advocates
and supporters of the Employment Non-
Discrimination Act for his failure to so
much as allude to the bill, which would
prohibit most employers from discrimi-
nation on the basis of sexual orientation
and gender identity, during his State of
the Union address. ENDA received its
rst vote in the Senate since 1996 this
past November, where it was approved
with a bipartisan 64-32 vote. However,
the bill hit a wall in the Republican-con-
trolled House of Representatives, where
Speaker John Boehner indicated he is
unlikely to bring it up for a vote.
The Human Rights Campaign, Free-
dom to Work, Log Cabin Republicans
and others all blasted Obama for missing
an opportunity to call on Congress to
prohibit LGBT workplace discrimina-
tion before a national audience.
Obamas message failed to address
the needs of LGBT workers looking for
a fair shake in this economy, said HRC
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President Chad Grifn in a statement
after the speech. Not only was there no
call for the House to pass a federal law to
protect LGBT workers nationwide, Presi-
dent Obama also sidestepped his commit-
ment to take action where Congress has
left off, leaving out an order prohibiting
discrimination by federal contractors.
Indeed, it is that executive order that
has led LGBT-advocates to grow increas-
ingly frustrated with the White House.
While ENDA remains stalled in the House,
advocates insist Obama could act now to
protect more than 16 million workers from
LGBT workplace discrimination.
After vowing last month to take exec-
utive action on key issues if Congress
wont act, President Obama will sign an
executive order raising the minimum
wage to $10.10 for federal contractors.
While part of his broader push to
combat income inequality, the move
heightens attention on Obamas failure to
fulll a campaign promise he made while
running for president in 2008.
It was then that Obama lled out
a presidential-candidate questionnaire
for the Houston GLBT Political Caucus,
indicating that if he were elected presi-
dent he would sign an executive order
prohibiting federal contractors from dis-
crimination on the basis of sexual ori-
entation and gender identity. Six years
later, that promise has gone unlled as
the White House has backtracked on
Obamas promise and instead pushed for
comprehensive federal legislation in the
form of ENDA that would protect most
workers. Advocates have insisted it need
not be an either-or situation.
But Obamas new push for executive
action particularly when it concerns
federal contractors, as in the case of
the executive order announced late last
month has frustrated advocates who
have long been puzzled by the White
Houses decision to just push for ENDA
and not protect some workers from dis-
crimination today with only the ick of
the presidents pen.
President Obamas new execu-
tive order on the minimum wage does
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Obama Under Pressure
State of the Union address returns attention to Obamas nondiscrimination promise
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LGBTNews
increase our expectation that he will keep
his promise of taking executive action
for LGBT workplace protections, Tico
Almeida, founder and president of Free-
dom to Work, told Metro Weekly. Hes
vowed to deliver a year of action in 2014,
and of all of the possibilities on the table,
an LGBT executive order is among the
easiest and most politically popular.
During an interview with Bloomberg
TV, White House counselor John Pod-
esta, who is believed to be a primary
architect behind Obamas renewed push
on executive action, indicated that the
White House could be re-evaluating the
executive order pushed for by advo-
cates. According to Podesta, that order
is under consideration at the White
House. Were looking at that, he said.
Asked what argument there is for not
signing the executive order, Podesta simply
said, There is no real argument against
nondiscrimination in the workplace.
Weve been putting forward the effort
to try to get a comprehensive ENDA
through the Congress. Well see whether
thats possible, he continued. If its not,
I think well have to take a look at wheth-
er we do it in the federal workforce.
But while the White House may be
re-evaluating its position internally, its
giving no hints to LGBT advocates or the
press. During a recent press conference,
White House press secretary Jay Carney
referred to the executive order for federal
contractors as hypothetical and said he
had no updates.
The president strongly supports the
Employment Non-Discrimination Act. He
believes strongly and knows that its the
right thing to do. I would suggest that
there have been occasions when leaders in
the House have declared something wont
happen and it happens anyway. And we
certainly hope thats the case here, Carney
said. I dont think a lot of people predicted
it would pass the Senate, but it did. And one
persons opposition to it in the House does
not dissuade us from pressing for its pas-
sage and its arriving on the presidents desk
so we can sign it into law. l
by John Riley
T
HE VIRGINIA HOUSE OF
Delegates voted 65-32 Mon-
day, Feb. 3, to pass a bill to
amend the Code of Virginia to
allow the General Assembly as a whole,
either chamber of the Assembly, or any
current member of the General Assembly
to intervene as party to defend the consti-
tutionality of a law passed by the Legisla-
ture if the governor and attorney general
choose not to do so.
The impetus for the bill is a Jan. 23
announcement by Attorney General Mark
Herring that he will not defend the con-
stitutionality of Virginias same-sex mar-
riage ban, as established by both stat-
ute and a voter-approved constitutional
amendment in 2006 as the Marshall-
Newman Amendment. Herring said that
upon review he believes the ban which
prohibits not just marriage, but any sort
of legal recognition for same-sex partners
is unconstitutional and discriminates
against same-sex couples on the basis of
both sexual orientation and gender.
In refusing to defend the constitution-
ality of Virginias same-sex marriage ban,
Herrings ofce will clarify the states
new position in two federal court cases
challenging the ban: Bostic v. Rainey in
the Eastern District of Virginia, in which
arguments were presented Feb. 4; and
Harris v. McDonnell in the Western Dis-
trict of Virginia.
The plaintiffs in the Bostic case are
being represented by the American Foun-
dation for Equal Rights (AFER), as well as
Ted Olson and David Boies, the lawyers
who successfully argued for the over-
turn of Californias Proposition 8, which
banned same-sex marriage in that state.
Meanwhile, in the Harris case, a law-
suit led on behalf of two couples by the
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU),
the ACLU of Virginia, Lambda Legal and
the law rm Jenner and Block, was certi-
ed Jan. 31 as a class action suit, meaning
the attorneys for the plaintiffs will be
arguing on behalf of all same-sex couples
in the commonwealth, who are prohibited
from marrying or having their out-of-state
marriages recognized.
Of the Houses 67 Republicans, 59
signed on as co-patrons of to the bill to
amend the code. Many of those legislators
had also written to Gov. Terry McAuliffe
(D) asking him to appoint a special coun-
sel to defend the marriage amendment in
light of Herrings announcement. McAu-
liffe declined to do so.
The bill now heads to the Senate,
which Democrats control 20-20, with Lt.
Gov. Ralph Northam (D) acting as tie-
breaker. It is unclear whether it could
pass with the help of a few conservative
Democrats who have not yet endorsed
marriage equality, but it would most likely
face a McAuliffe veto if it did.
Debate over the measure in the House
was short. Del. Scott Surovell (D-Fairfax
Co.), in his personal remarks, invoked
the specter of former Gov. James Lindsay
Almond (D), a proponent of segregation
who eventually determined that he would
not resist federal laws ordering Virginia to
integrate its schools.
The world evolves, and the common-
wealth of Virginia evolves with it, Surov-
ell said. Resisting federal laws does not
reect well on it. l
Delegates Dig In
As governor and attorney general decline to defend
Virginias marriage ban, legislators counter
Virginia General Assembly
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LGBTNews
9
for anything constructive decreases with
every passing day.
Viacheslav Slava Revin, 31, is one of
those people. A gay, HIV-positive, politi-
cal activist targeted by Russian authori-
ties, hes been in the U.S. since July. In
D.C., he awaits word on his asylum appli-
cation. While that application may leave
his future uncertain, hes as condent as
Gessen that things are going to get worse
in Russia, particularly with the departure
of all the Olympics-related media.
So is Larry Poltavtsev, executive
director of Spectrum.
You always should expect things to
get worse in Russia, Poltavtev says with
bitter laugh. And especially after the
Olympics.
Notably, the buildup to the Olympics
has seen numerous LGBT-supportive
efforts. Americas largest LGBT-rights
organization, the Human Rights Cam-
paign, made its rst donation to the
Arcus Foundation-afliated Russian
Freedom Fund, $100,000. The global All
Out organization has organized several
petitions and FCKH8 sent gay-afrming
coloring books to Russia.
The Russian crackdown on the
LGBT community has certainly got-
ten the attention of American activists.
Still, some might wonder, Why Rus-
sia? There are countries with worse
records on treatment of LGBT people.
Even Revin began his political activism
by protesting Irans executions of gays at
that countrys embassy in Moscow.
Dont forget Kazakhstan, warns
Revin, before ticking through a list of
countries in Russias orbit. In Armenia,
in Ukraine, in Belarus, they want new
[anti-gay] criminalization. And Russia is
G-8. Jamaica? No.
W
ITH THE 2014 WINTER
Olympics upon us, all
eyes are on Russia. To an
arguably greater degree
than many of this years predecessors,
however, many of those eyes wont be as
concerned with gure skating and bob-
sleds. Instead, Russias moment in the
luge limelight is being colored by fears of
terrorism and the countrys crackdown
on human rights particularly against
the LGBT community.
Just last week, Vienna, Va.-based
Spectrum Human Rights shared news of
a Russian teenager being found guilty of
breaking the countrys vague law, passed
in June, banning propaganda of non-
traditional sexual relations to minors
because she disclosed her sexual orienta-
tion to classmates. Considering, in the
wake of the law, the photos and videos
coming out of Russia of gay people being
attacked, the conviction is not surprising.
Still, even with the stories like these
along with a mood exemplied by high-
prole Russian TV actor Ivan Okhlobys-
tin calling for gays to be burned alive for
the sake of protecting his children some
say the worst is yet to come.
In an interview published Jan. 18, for
example, lesbian journalist Masha Ges-
sen, who is Russian-American, told Can-
adas Mcleans magazine, I have come
pretty much full circle, from optimistic
to despairing. Ive sold my home and left
[Russia], which is a clear indication. I
expect things to go on as they are for a
long time and, the longer they go on, the
worse it will be when the Putin regime
nally ends. This kind of crackdown
on politics, on expression has specic
consequences: People leave the country,
sell out, or just give up, and the potential
Poltavtsev agrees with Revin that
Russia occupies a special position and
needs special attention.
In the words of Reagan I disagree
with Reagan on the nancial aspect
but trickle-down diplomacy, he urges.
When things are getting worse in Rus-
sia, it will bet a hundred-times worse in
Jamaica and Uganda. This is who theyre
looking up to. Theyre not looking up to
us; theyre looking up to Russia.
With that worldview one that nds
human-rights abuses fostered by Vladi-
mir Putins government leading to even
greater abuses elsewhere Poltavtsev
offers three strategies. Wed like the
State Department and the administra-
tion to authorize a blanket immigration
program for LGBT asylum seekers from
Russia, similar to what we had for Soviet
Jews, he says, granting that streamlined
immigration might be appropriate for
LGBT people from several other coun-
tries as well.
Next, he points to expanding the so-
called Magnitsky Act, which allows for
barring entry into the U.S. and banning
use of American banking systems, to
include the Russian politicians and oth-
ers behind the new anti-LGBT law: No
visas for human-rights violators.
Poltavtsevs third suggestion is rooted
in his information-technology training.
We have huge inuence over Rus-
sia, he insists. Its time to put our
foot down and tell them No! We dont
buy their gas and oil. We dont care.
But guess what? They are 100 percent
dependent the entire country, the
infrastructure on our information
technology hardware and software.
Their railroad system, their energy sys-
tem, even their military systems, from
the postal ofce to the pizza ofce,
are running on American hardware and
software. The software becomes obso-
lete even faster than the hardware. You
turn off the automatic updates here, and
they will slowly march toward the Stone
Age unless they talk to us.
For more about Spectrum Human Rights,
visit spectrum.org. Capital Pride, Gays
& Lesbians in Foreign Affairs Agencies
(GLIFAA), HRC, Pride House Interna-
tional and Team DC join Friday, Feb. 7,
at HRC, 1640 Rhode Island Ave. NW, 7 to
11:30 p.m., for an Olympics Opening Cer-
emony Event. Suggested donation of $10
benets the Russian LGBT Sports Federa-
tion. For more information, visit hrc.org. l
METROWEEKLY.COM FEBRUARY 6, 2014
Gay Gulag
Olympics put Russias anti-LGBT crackdown in the
spotlight for now
BY WILL OBRYAN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JULIAN VANKIM
Revin (L) and Poltavtsev
WEEKLY EVENTS
ANDROMEDA TRANSCULTURAL HEALTH
offers free HIV testing, 9-5 p.m., and HIV
services (by appointment). 202-291-4707 or
andromedatransculturalhealth.org.
BET MISHPACHAH, founded by members of the
LGBT community, holds Saturday morning Shabbat
services, 10 a.m., followed by kiddush luncheon.
Services in DCJCC Community Room, 1529 16th St.
NW. betmish.org.
BRAZILIAN GLBT GROUP, including others
interested in Brazilian culture, meets. For location/
time, email braziliangaygroup@yahoo.com.
DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC) practice session at
Marie Reed Aquatic Center, 2200 Champlain St.
NW. 8-9:30 a.m. swimdcac.org.
DC FRONT RUNNERS running/walking/social
club welcomes all levels for exercise in a fun and
supportive environment, socializing afterward.
Meet 9:30 a.m., 23rd & P Streets NW, for a walk; or
10 a.m. for fun run. dcfrontrunners.org.
DIGNITY NORTHERN VIRGINIA sponsors Mass
for LGBT community, family and friends. 6:30 p.m.,
Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill, 3606 Seminary
Road, Alexandria. All welcome. dignitynova.org.
DC SENTINELS basketball team meets at Turkey
Thicket Recreation Center, 1100 Michigan Ave. NE,
2-4 p.m. For players of all levels, gay or straight.
teamdcbasketball.org.
GAY LANGUAGE CLUB discusses critical
languages and foreign languages. 7 p.m. Nellies,
900 U St. NW. RVSP preferred. brendandarcy@
gmail.com.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9
CHRYSALIS arts & culture group visits NRA
Firearms Museum, Fairfax, for Teddy Roosevelt/
Sagamore Hill exhibit. Free admission; lunch in
museum caf. Carpool 11 a.m., East Falls Church
Metro Kiss & Ride lot. Finish early afternoon. Craig,
202-462-0535, craighowell1@verizon.net.
BURGUNDY CRESCENT gay volunteer
organization helps at DC Central Kitchen. To
participate, visit burgundycrescent.org.
43RD ANNUAL SCARLETS BAKE SALE benets
SMYAL. Cake donations, 2-4 p.m. Judging 4-5
p.m. Auction 5-8 p.m. Town, 2009 8th St. NW.
dcbearcrue.com.
WEEKLY EVENTS
DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC) practice session at
Takoma Aquatic Center, 300 Van Buren St. NW.
9-10:30 a.m. swimdcac.org.
BETHEL CHURCH-DC progressive and radically
inclusive church holds services at 11:30 a.m. 2217
Minnesota Ave. SE. 202-248-1895, betheldc.org.
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF
CHRIST welcomes all to 10:30 a.m. service, 945 G
St. NW. rstuccdc.org or 202-628-4317.
WEEKLY EVENTS
ANDROMEDA TRANSCULTURAL HEALTH
offers free HIV testing, 9-5 p.m., and HIV
services (by appointment). 202-291-4707,
andromedatransculturalhealth.org.
BET MISHPACHAH, founded by members of the
GLBT community, holds Friday night Shabbat
services followed by oneg social hour. 8-9:30 p.m.
Services in DCJCC Community Room, 1529 16th St.
NW. betmish.org.
GAY DISTRICT holds facilitated discussion for
GBTQ men, 18-35, rst and third Fridays. 8:30 p.m.
The DC Center, 1318 U St. NW. 202-682-2245,
gaydistrict.org.
GAY MARRIED MENS ASSOCIATION (GAMMA)
is a peer-support group that meets in Dupont Circle
every second and fourth Friday at 7:30 p.m. gay-
married.com or GAMMAinDC1@yahoo.com.
HIV TESTING at Whitman-Walker Health,
Elizabeth Taylor Medical Center, 1701 14th St. NW,
9 a.m.-5 p.m. 202-745-7000, whitman-walker.org.
PROJECT STRIPES hosts LGBT-afrming social
group for ages 11-24. 4-6 p.m. 1419 Columbia Road
NW. Tamara, 202-319-0422, layc-dc.org.
SMYALS REC NIGHT provides a social
atmosphere for GLBT and questioning youth,
featuring dance parties, vogue nights, movies and
games. catherine.chu@smyal.org.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8
ADVENTURING outdoors group hikes 7 moderate
miles, Black Hill Regional Park. Lunch in
Germantown, Md., follows. Bring beverages, snack,
winter-worthy boots, few dollars/fees. Carpool 9
a.m., Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro. Jeff, 301-775-
9660. adventuring.org.
Family, friends of DEONI JONES hold second
annual memorial to mark her passing. 4 p.m. St.
Lukes Roman Catholic Church, 4925 East Capitol
St. SE. 202-682-2245, thedccenter.org.
Annual FEAST OF THE RED DRAGON, fundraiser
for healing blood-borne diseases. 2-5 p.m.
Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 I St. SW.
202-682-2245, thedccenter.org.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6
SOCHI SENDOFF PARTY benets Russia Freedom
Fund. Prize for best Putin in drag. $10 suggested
donation. 7:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Madams Organ, 2461
18th St. NW. sochisendoff.eventbrite.com.
WEEKLY EVENTS
METROHEALTH CENTER offers free, rapid HIV
testing. Appointment needed. 1012 14th St. NW,
Suite 700. 202-638-0750.
DC LAMBDA SQUARES gay and lesbian square-
dancing group features mainstream through
advanced square dancing at the National City
Christian Church, 5 Thomas Circle NW, 7-9:30 p.m.
Casual dress. 301-257-0517, dclambdasquares.org.
The DULLES TRIANGLES Northern Virginia social
group meets for happy hour at Sheraton in Reston,
11810 Sunrise Valley Drive, second-oor bar, 7-9
p.m. All welcome. dullestriangles.com.
HIV TESTING at Whitman-Walker Health. The
9 a.m.-5 p.m. At the Max Robinson Center, 2301
MLK Jr. Ave. SE, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Call 202-745-
7000. Visit whitman-walker.org.
IDENTITY offers free and condential HIV testing
in Gaithersburg, 414 East Diamond Ave., and in
Takoma Park, 7676 New Hampshire Ave., Suite 411.
Walk-ins 2-6 p.m. For appointments other hours,
call Gaithersburg, 301-300-9978, or Takoma Park,
301-422-2398.
WOMENS LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE for young
LBTQ women, 13-21, interested in leadership
development. 5-6:30 p.m. SMYAL Youth Center, 410
7th St. SE. 202-567-3163, catherine.chu@smyal.org.
US HELPING US hosts a Narcotics Anonymous
Meeting, 6:30-7:30 p.m., 3636 Georgia Ave. NW.
The group is independent of UHU. 202-446-1100.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7
Capital Pride, Gays & Lesbians in Foreign Affairs
Agencies, HRC, Pride House International
and Team DC join for OLYMPICS OPENING
CEREMONY EVENT. $10 donation benets Russian
LGBT Sports Federation. 1640 Rhode Island Ave.
NW. 7-11:30 p.m. hrc.org.
Metro Weeklys Community Calendar highlights important events in
the D.C.-area LGBT community, from alternative social events to
volunteer opportunities. Event information should be sent by email to
calendar@MetroWeekly.com. Deadline for inclusion is noon
of the Friday before Thursdays publication. Questions about
the calendar may be directed to the Metro Weekly ofce at
202-638-6830 or the calendar email address.
LGBTCommunityCalendar
marketplace
HOPE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST welcomes
GLBT community for worship. 10:30 a.m., 6130 Old
Telegraph Road, Alexandria. hopeucc.org.
Join LINCOLN CONGREGATIONAL TEMPLE
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST for an inclusive,
loving and progressive faith community every
Sunday. 11 a.m. 1701 11th Street NW, near R in
Shaw/Logan neighborhood. lincolntemple.org.
LUTHERAN CHURCH OF REFORMATION invites
all to Sunday worship at 8:30 or 11 a.m. Childcare is
available at both services. Welcoming LGBT people for
25 years. 212 East Capitol St. NE. reformationdc.org
METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH OF
WASHINGTON, D.C. services at 9 a.m. (ASL
interpreted) and 11 a.m. Childrens Sunday School at
11 a.m. 474 Ridge St. NW. 202-638-7373, mccdc.com.
RIVERSIDE BAPTIST CHURCH, a Christ-centered,
interracial, welcoming-and-afrming church, offers
service at 10 a.m. 680 I St. SW. 202-554-4330,
riverside-dc.org.
UNITARIAN CHURCH OF ARLINGTON, an
LGBTQ welcoming-and-afrming congregation,
offers services at 10 a.m. Virginia Rainbow UU
Ministry. 4444 Arlington Blvd. uucava.org.
UNIVERSALIST NATIONAL MEMORIAL
CHURCH, a welcoming and inclusive church. GLBT
Interweave social/service group meets monthly.
Services at 11 a.m., Romanesque sanctuary. 1810 16th
St. NW. 202-387-3411, universalist.org.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10
WEEKLY EVENTS
The DC Center hosts COFFEE DROP-IN FOR THE
SENIOR LGBT COMMUNITY. 10 a.m.-noon. 2000
14th St. NW. 202-682-2245, thedccenter.org.
GETEQUAL meets 6:30-8 p.m. at Quaker House,
2111 Florida Ave. NW. getequal.wdc@gmail.com.
KARING WITH INDIVIDUALITY (K.I.) SERVICES,
3333 Duke St., Alexandria, offers free rapid HIV
testing and counseling, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 703-823-4401.
US HELPING US hosts a black gay mens evening
afnity group. 3636 Georgia Ave. NW.
202-446-1100.
WASHINGTON WETSKINS Water Polo Team
practices 7-9 p.m. Takoma Aquatic Center, 300
Van Buren St. NW. Newcomers with at least basic
swimming ability always welcome. Tom, 703-299-
0504, secretary@wetskins.org, wetskins.org.
Whitman-Walker Health HIV/AIDS SUPPORT
GROUP for newly diagnosed individuals, meets
7 p.m. Registration required. 202-939-7671,
hivsupport@whitman-walker.org.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11
GAY & LESBIAN ACTIVISTS ALLIANCE rates
candidates for April 1 primaries for mayor and D.C.
Council. 7 p.m. Room 120, John A. Wilson Building,
1350 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. 202-667-5139, glaa.org.
WEEKLY EVENTS
A COMPANY OF STRANGERS, a theater chorus,
meets 7:30-9:30 p.m. A GLBTA and SATB looking
for actors, singers, crew. Open Hearth Foundation,
1502 Massachusetts Ave. SE. Charles, 240-764-
5748. ecumenicon.org.
ASIANS AND FRIENDS weekly dinner in Dupont/
Logan Circle area, 6:30 p.m. afwash@aol.com,
afwashington.net.
THE GAY MENS HEALTH COLLABORATIVE
offers free HIV/STI screening every 2nd and 4th
Tuesday. 5-6:30 p.m. Rainbow Tuesday LGBT
Clinic, Alexandria Health Department, 4480 King
St. 703-321-2511, james.leslie@inova.org.
Whitman-Walker Healths GAY MENS HEALTH
AND WELLNESS/STD CLINIC opens at 6 p.m.,
1701 14th St. NW. Patients are seen on walk-in basis.
No-cost screening for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea and
chlamydia. Hepatitis and herpes testing available
for fee. whitman-walker.org.
THE HIV WORKING GROUP of THE DC CENTER
hosts Packing Party, where volunteers assemble
safe-sex kits of condoms and lube. 7 p.m., Green
Lantern, 1335 Green Court NW. thedccenter.org.
SUPPORT GROUP FOR LGBTQ YOUTH ages 13-21
meets at SMYAL, 410 7th St. SE, 5-6:30 p.m. Cathy
Chu, 202-567-3163, catherine.chu@smyal.org.
US HELPING US hosts a support group for black
gay men 40 and older. 7-9 p.m., 3636 Georgia Ave.
NW. 202-446-1100.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12
BIG GAY BOOK GROUP meets to discuss The
Days of Anna Madrigal by Armistead Maupin.
7 p.m. 1155 F St. NW, Suite 200. All welcome.
biggaybookgroup@hotmail.com.
THE LAMBDA BRIDGE CLUB meets for Duplicate
Bridge. No reservations needed, newcomers
welcome. 7:30 pm, Dignity Center, 721 8th St. SE.
Call 703-407-6540 for a partner.
WEEKLY EVENTS
AD LIB, a group for freestyle conversation, meets
about 7:45 p.m., covered-patio area of Cosi, 1647
marketplace
20th St. NW. All welcome. Jamie, 703-892-8567.
IDENTITY offers free and condential HIV testing
in Gaithersburg, 414 East Diamond Ave. Walk-
ins 2-7 p.m. For appointments other hours, call
Gaithersburg at 301-300-9978.
HIV TESTING at Whitman-Walker Health. D.C.:
9 a.m.-6 p.m. At the Max Robinson Center, 2301
MLK Jr. Ave. SE, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 202-745-7000,
whitman-walker.org.
PRIME TIMERS OF DC, social club for mature gay
men, hosts weekly happy hour/dinner. 6:30 p.m.,
Windows Bar above Dupont Italian Kitchen, 1637
17th St. NW. Carl, 703-573-8316; or Bill, 703-671-
2454.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13
BURGUNDY CRESCENT gay volunteer
organization helps at Food & Friends. To
participate, visit burgundycrescent.org.
JANET MOCK appears for discussion with
Alexis Pauline Gumbs, and reading and signing
of Redening Realness. 6-8 p.m. MLK Memorial
Library, 901 G St. NW. janetmock.com. l
FOR MORE CALENDAR LISTINGS
PLEASE VISIT
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FEBRUARY 6, 2014
VOLUME 20 / ISSUE 40
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17
UNSURPRISINGLY,
I could be a preco-
cious brat as a child
because I spent so
much energy not
wanting to be a
child. I hated being
relegated to the
kids table during
family holidays,
quietly resenting my teenage cousins
who had graduated to the grown-ups
table. When my parents had friends
over I would do my best to stay in the
living room with them, horning in on
their conversations and pretending to
be an adult.
One of lifes greatest ironies is
spending a childhood wishing to be
a grown-up only to get the wish and
realize, This is what I wanted? I take it
back! But you never would have been
able to explain that to my 10-year-old
self because I was a kid a well-read
and overly verbal kid, but still just a kid.
It was at that time, during the late
70s, that my tennis coach dropped by
for dinner at our house. Being a lit-
tle news junkie, but also being a little
unclear about a story that had been in
the news, I decided to join the dinner
conversation with a question.
What did Roman Polanski do?
Awkward. Though the look on my
coachs face was priceless. While my
parents were generally tolerant of my
wannabe antics, I could tell Id crossed
some line I didnt know existed. There
are things you dont talk about at the
dinner table, Dad said. It wasnt until
after dinner when company was gone
that he explained Polanski had had sex
with a girl not much older than me. That
made the line Id crossed crystal clear.
As youve likely guessed, I bring this
up because it bears some similarity with
the past weeks re-emergence of the
emotional Grand Guignol of Woody
Allen, Mia Farrow and their adopted
daughter, Dylan Farrow: a talented
lmmaker accused of sexual transgres-
sions and crimes, which decades later
are re-argued with every new lm or
award. But there is a big difference as
well. Polanski was charged and pled
guilty before eeing the county; Allen
was investigated and never charged.
I dont note the difference as a
defense of Allen. I have no idea if his
daughters allegations of sexual moles-
tation are true; theres no way I can
know. Without a public release of the
investigation, without a trial, with-
out a conviction or an acquittal, its
guesswork. Though that hasnt stopped
social media and news sites from ll-
ing up with righteous fury. Its like
were being pulled once again into a
brutal family battle and we think of
these celebrities as part of our family
because theyre on our movie screens,
our televisions, our computer monitors
where you have no choice but to pick
a monster from one side and a victim
from the other.
I believe in giving the benet of the
doubt to people who come forward
with claims of rape, abuse and molesta-
tion because not doing so reinforces the
shame and fear that enable predators
like Jerry Sandusky and cultures like
Steubenville. I also believe in the pre-
sumption of innocence because on rare
occasions, as in the 90s hysteria over
alleged satanic sex cults in daycare cen-
ters or the more recent Duke lacrosse
case, it happens to be true.
But faced with the choice between
Allen as a monstrous pedophile preying
on his family and Farrow as a villain-
ous harpy manipulating her daughter
for revenge, Ill instead choose to opt
out because there can only ever be pain
and sadness for everyone involved with
no way to ever know who deserves it.
Decades after I rst stumbled into a
conversation about sexual abuse, were
not much better at talking about it. Buy-
ing into the illusion that were all a part
of the Allen versus Farrow story wont
change that and likely just masks us
from the stories closer to home. l
All in the Family
So many people are eager to take sides in a Woody Allen v.
Mia Farrow battle even as the truth remains unknowable
LGBTOpinion
by Sean Bugg
J
INTERVIEW BY WILL OBRYAN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY AARON TREDWELL
J
ANET MOCKS MEMOIR, REDEFINING REALNESS: MY PATH TO
Womanhood, Identity, Love & So Much More, came out this month. As
for Mock, she came out as a transgender woman in 2011 in the pages
of Marie Claire, in an article titled, I Was Born a Boy. That, how-
ever, might show some mainstream cis identifying as the gender
one is assigned at birth bias, with the counterpoint being that Mock
was actually born a girl, but with physical traits that did not reect that reality.
Regardless, Mock says it was violence against transgender people, as well as
a relative absence of their voices from the national discourse, that moved her
to come out. Working as an editor at People.com, with a long-term boyfriend,
Aaron, living the New York City life shed long dreamed of, Mock might have
stayed in her comfortable closet. She chose otherwise.
In her memoir, Mock goes quite a bit further than stepping out of her closet,
as she did in Marie Claire. She writes about the necessity of sex work as a
teenager in Hawaii, working by night to pay for hormones and fund genital
reconstruction surgery in Thailand. She writes of sexual abuse and poverty,
and elaborates on her rst female identity, Keisha, a brief childhood persona
extinguished in a barbers chair.
With her media background, Mock also has the wherewithal to usher her
story out to the largest possible audience.
Thats the blessing, says Mock. Ive worked in it. I understand what people
want from me. There is a sense of performance with this, being a media-facing
person. But how can I use the access points that I have to hopefully critique the
conversation and push it forward and enlighten people? And inspire. Like young
trans girls, how do I inspire them to feel like they have agency over their lives?
That they can dare to dream bigger and that they dont have to think of life as a
tragedy?
One way shes doing just that is with her social-media hashtag platform,
#GirlsLikeUs.
Every day there are new entries, she says of that particular branding. Its
been on Tumblr, on Instagram. Now Facebook has hashtags and people are
using it there. It has its own life. Its this living organism of our lives as trans
women. It was kind of like a solidarity project, a visibility project. It started
during a very interesting time, March 2012. There was the Miss Universe thing
[with Jenna Talackova disqualied for being transgender], [transgender woman]
With her new memoir, Redefning Realness,
Janet Mock shares her journey as a
transgender woman with honesty,
eloquence and without apologies
Mighty Real
METRO WEEKLY: Was it difcult to get your story published, or was
it an easy sell?
JANET MOCK: It was all about strategy. There was a plan in place.
I knew when Marie Claire was coming out that agents would be
interested in guring out if there was a wider story. So, having
worked in magazine publishing and online publishing, I was
prepared. I knew there would be interest. And Id always wanted
to write a book. I didnt necessarily know it would be about my
life, but I felt there was more, that I was so limited by that Marie
Claire story.
We got a deal within a year, like eight months. Book publish-
ing is very slow. It took them a while to come around. I think
they realized, This young woman is becoming a voice in this
movement and we should probably gure out a way to publish
her. Im glad that Laverne [Cox] has gotten a book deal, too, that
theres going to be more out there.
MW: From the way you tell your story in Redening Realness, I
would think youd be very proud of your strength, your determina-
tion, your grit. But you seem more comfortable emphasizing humil-
ity. Is that a fair interpretation?
MOCK: For so long, I was steeped in silence, and trauma brought
on by silence. It took me a long time to get to the point of celebra-
tion. I just got nished copies of the book, and it wasnt until then
I started crying. It was the realization of this dream of mine as
a young person who wanted to be, one, myself, ghting hard to
be myself; two, move to New York City; and, three, be a writer.
And theres nothing that solidies your sense of writer identity
more than a book. Its all very new.
The pride, I think, is coming. I guess Im proud. [Laughs.] But
the pride is like, Oh, I can be present and say that this book is a
symbol of this childhood dream of mine being fullled. So, yes,
Im coming around to pride! [Laughs.] But I come from Hawaii,
where humility is huge. Its in the culture to be humble. Its hard
to, you know, say, Im so proud of myself! Its amazing what
Ive done!
MW: Theres also this sense of privilege you express through your
story. I was expecting to read that you came from some wealthy
family. But thats not the case at all. You were writing about privi-
lege, and I was reading about dysfunction and a broken home.
MOCK: When we talk about privilege, a lot of people get scared of
that. They get defensive. But we all have slices of privilege. The
more cognizant we are of that, the easier it is to understand and
relate to other people who may have bigger stacks against them,
bigger hurdles.
The one thing I often get
dismissed about is the way that
I look. Everyone just loves to
obsess a little bit about the way
that I look and how that has
granted me access to things,
made my life so much easier.
To a certain extent, I under-
stand that. I understand I have
a sense of privilege, that most
people who see me accept me
as a woman until I disclose
Im trans, and then they kind of
change a little bit. But it was an
exercise for me to say, yes, there
were some privileges in my life
that have helped me.
It may be the interaction of
having friends who got kicked out. When they were on the
streets, they werent just earning money for hormones and a
surgery fund. They were earning money for rent and food. I
didnt necessarily have to think about that too much. Yes, we got
to homelessness, we dealt with poverty, but my mom was able to
get a job eventually and get us set back up.
I was always cognizant that someone might have it not
worse, because I dont want to play Oppression Olympics
[Laughs.] but there is a sense of understanding that we have
different experiences of access and exile. The access I had
was a school environment. I thrived in school. My educational
privilege was just being naturally gifted, in a sense. The media
machine of Janet Mock says, Oh, look, this trans woman of
color can make it through, so its super possible for everyone to
do that! I wanted to break it down a little bit and say this is the
real story of my life. And it is possible, but it takes a lot of little
bitty steps to champion this child through, because there are
huge hurdles. Huge hurdles.
MW: Like, for some, being kicked out of their homes, as you men-
tioned, though you were not.
MOCK: Thats a big one. My parents were messy. My family was
messy. I think a lot us grow up in messy homes. [Laughs.] And
then were told to clean it up once you get a little big of class priv-
ilege, clean it up a little bit and present respectably and move on
with your life. I wanted to open those things up so people could
see it wasnt as ideal as people like to make it seem sometimes.
MW: But even when youre writing about what you had to go
through, the sex work, the illicit photo shoot, as a reader it comes
off as impressive. I didnt read privilege or seediness, just strength.
MOCK: When I can separate that girl in the book from my
30-year-old self who had to armor-up, suck it up and say, This
is what you need to do to get to the next step, I understand that
force thats propelling her through. But I can talk about her as a
character. Its like, Oh, yeah, that girl was brave. I can appreci-
ate that girl and what she had to do to get to the next step for
herself, to achieve her sense of freedom within herself and her
body. So, yes, there is pride there. I can see it in the sense of the
character, but when I see it as me it makes me feel kind of icky.
MW: Have you had any second thoughts about how forthcoming
you are in sharing your story?
MOCK: I went through all that in the writing process. This book
was three years in the making.
At rst, it was hard just telling myself the truth when I started
writing the book at 27. That was already a lot. Then, okay, how
CeCe McDonalds sentencing [for fatally stabbing a man who attacked her and her friends],
and there was a rash of murders of trans women of color. It was a point at which I thought
we needed a space to have these hard conversations with one another, to share resources,
a space for us to stake a claim. Thats what #GirlsLikeUs has been.
With the release of Redening Realness, Mock who also sits on the Arcus Founda-
tion board, and helped create programming for trans youth at New Yorks Hetrick-Martin
Institute is creating a new space for those conversations, though not just with the book.
Shes also launching a RedeningRealness.com site to allow others to tell their stories.
Its a space for readers to share their stories of authenticity, to declare their truth, to
state their identity, she explains. Its a space where people can tell their stories. In the
storytelling process, people want to tell me stuff, but Id rather them take it to a space
where they can share it with a collective of people who can share stories together.
Meanwhile, Mock continues sharing her own story, whether in the pages of Metro
Weekly, or later this month when she comes to Washington for a public appearance.
Theres just so much more to share.
do I make it understandable to a literary agent? And then shar-
ing it with him. Then choosing an editor and a publisher, then
going through the process of shaping what this book is going to
look like. Then sharing it with my rst readers, my inner circle,
my friends and all that. And then going to famous people to get
blurbs, then reviewers, then going to the media and then going to
the public. I had many different chances at disclosing and shar-
ing these truths these hard truths. It may seem like, Oh, my
God, its all just out there! But Ive had years to get comfortable
with that. Im still getting comfortable with that.
MW: Ive read stories of other transgender people, but getting the
perspective of a teenaged transgender girl in the 1990s was new
to me.
MOCK: That era, the sense of time and place, is important. I was
able to navigate a system that had already been built by other
trans women who were around and had done this. The medical
eld was there and it was available in such a way that poor trans
women could access it. I could access a doctor in Honolulu who
would give us medicine without prescription or without health
care, without insurance. So I got incredibly lucky in that the sys-
tem was built decades before me.
I also think that intersection of youth is important. Many of
the stories tend to be of older trans people. Navigating school sys-
tems, navigating so many different systems that push queer kids
and trans kids out, its hard. I dont know exactly what my resolve
was in the sense of saying, Im going to stay in
school, do well in school, and then also transition
and pick a scholarship and go to college.
In my reection on all that, I think it was
other peoples stories that propelled me through,
to think that was possible and also this sense
that I get to determine who I am. No one gets
to do that for me. Thats my right to self-dene
and realize myself. Its mine. No one gets to tell
me that I cant do that. That was something that
was very much ingrained in my mind as a very
young person. I think a lot of that had to do with
interactions with my parents, watching them as a young person
who had no agency. As a child, people can pick you up and put
you somewhere and you have no voice, no say in the matter. For
me, there was a point where I just couldnt.
MW: Some of what you shared from high school was particularly
chilling, in that it would seem an age where adults would begin to
respect your choices, educators especially.
MOCK: It was so hard for me, because I had this life in school and
then I had this life outside of school. It felt like a dual existence,
especially in high school. I had this nighttime life with these
trans women who I just observed like we say, gagged over. I
gagged over their beauty and their resilience and their wits and
determination and sexuality. Everything was like, Oh, my God,
I want to be like them, have a life like them without knowing
their lives were so limited.
Then, in school, I had never gotten in trouble except for
when I was being myself. When I decided to be myself, then the
friction came in. All of a sudden, my identity was making people
uncomfortable, which was being vocalized to me as a 14- and
15-year-old. Their internalized anti-trans bias, their internalized
homophobia, their internalized misogyny all of that the idea
of femininity being expressed in a body thats not supposed to
express it that way was so overpowering that they forgot that I
was even a child. What does it mean that youre telling me right
here in your ofce that I am wrong? That I shouldnt be here,
that I shouldnt do that? Instead of supporting me, instead of say-
ing that whats being said to me in class is traumatic and no child
should have to go through that?
Its still happening. Think about [15-year-old student fatally
shot at school] Larry King and that documentary, Valentine
Road. You saw one of the teachers who was like, Yeah, I under-
stand why that happened to Larry. Are you oblivious to this
being a 15-year-old child who was shot in class because of their
femininity? Because of their audacity to be seen and heard as
who they are? Thats what got me riled up. Thats what led me to
share my story, then to share my story in its totality in this book.
MW: Thats what led you to come out? You didnt have to.
MOCK: I felt like no one was talking about the violence that was
happening to trans women. Also, Larry King and the verdict. So
much was happening around that same time. The Larry King
story I was watching so closely also not being very vocal about
why it was so resonant for me, why it felt like a state of emer-
gency for me, why I knew that kid was trans. Because I was that
kid. I remember acting that exact same way in class. And I wasnt
hearing those conversations really being had in the mainstream.
Even within the trans community, if you can pass, you
ought to be silent and get on with your life and get what you
can get. And I did that from 18 to 27, when I made the decision
to step forth. When I made that decision, I was so frustrated
that I didnt feel the media had a story that reected my life and
the lives of the girls that I knew and grew up with. Instead of
constantly complaining about that frustration, I thought, Why
dont I step in and try to ll the void. Then I realized there was
just a hunger, and that I had these skills as a writer, as a journal-
ist, that I could probably help create something. Its just been
astounding that Ive been able to do the things I thought I would
never be able to do.
I always quote Alice Walker here saying she writes the things
that she shouldve been able to read growing up. I live by that
motto, that mantra, writing the things I shouldve been able
to read as a 14-, 15-, 16-year-old, nding myself, to know that
I wasnt alone and that nothing was bizarre about me and my
experience. Thats the common thread within this coming-out
process. Or, as my friend Darnell Moore says, the inviting-in
process, choosing to invite people into your life, to know you
more. Thats what Ive been steadily doing. The book is now
the biggest part of my invitation to the world to know about me
and hopefully know more about this very marginalized group of
women.
MW: With the perspective you might get through your involvement
with the Hetrick-Martin Institute, do you nd the behavior of
those adults in your youth even less acceptable? Does it give you
perspective to forgive them?
MOCK: It does, in a sense. I understand that theyre limited by
what they dont know. Theres a part of me that has compassion
When we talk about privilege, a lot
of people get scared of that. They get
defensive. But WE ALL HAVE SLICES
OF PRIVILEGE.
because I understand how limited they may be.
At the same time, I dont know how you can just other, how
you can dehumanize children who dont align with your ideals or
what you thought a child or a human being is supposed to be or
grow up into. So, part of me feels a slight bit of compassion, but
its mostly anger. Its anger and frustration, because I know how
a good teacher, a teacher who supports and afrms you, how
much of a difference that makes.
Although I had a few traumatic experiences with adults in
school, I do have those pivotal little bursts of light. Those people
who represented refuge for me at a time when I needed some-
one to talk to, who treated me as Janet, who called me she and
her, who gave me space to let me know I could be a leader,
that I could be a peer mediator, that I could help run a student-
support group, who pushed me to sign up for the scholarship.
There are also those great people, too, who made my existence
so much easier.
I think of places like Hetrick-Martin giving spaces to queer
and trans youth, letting them know, At home, in school, I know
you cant dress up or you cant wear your wigs because its not
safe for you, but here, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., you can be yourself.
Its safe for you to do that, and do it around other young people
like you, and just kind of kiki and be silly and be a kid. Thats so
vital to being a kid. Those hours can override all the other nega-
tivity in their lives. A little spot of sunshine.
MW: Do you think about becoming a mother yourself?
MOCK: I remember when I was a teenager talking with my moth-
er and my doctor, and he was talking about the risks of all these
things I wanted to do with my body. He brought up infertility
and I thought, I dont really want [children].
My brother Chad is having a baby in a couple weeks. Hes
having a baby, and I realize my book is my baby. That is just as
valuable. What we produce out of our art is just as valuable as
what we produce out of our bodies.
I dont know. Im 30. I dont know yet if thats what I want,
so [my dog] Cleo is fullling that for me. But I do have a family.
Aaron and me alone is a family, and thats just as viable as people
who have children too. For me, thats enough right now.
MW: In high school, when you began to better express yourself, you
chose the name Janet. I gured you wouldve used Keisha, that
name you gave yourself when you were much younger and briey
presenting as a little girl with your curls.
MOCK: Thats funny. [Laughs.] Keisha just popped up in my mind
on the phone. That was like my rst storytelling, as Keisha.
Thats when I thought, Oh, I guess Im a pretty good story-
teller. Id be on the phone just making up tall tales about what
my day was like at the mall with my girlfriends. I let Keisha go
because the haircut was so traumatic. It literally cut Keisha out
of me. It was a sharp ender. The Keisha chapter of my life was
over. She was someone who died with that haircut.
Then, in my adolescence, when I really started discovering
who I was, Janet was something that other trans women started
calling me. Oh, my God, Baby Janet. Theyd talk about my
smile and my cheekbones and how I looked like Janet Jackson.
And I was obsessed with Velvet Rope at the time, so it t.
MW: Was Janet Jackson a hero in the way you wrote that Beyonc
was a hero?
MOCK: It shows the intersection of how pop culture for me was
so vivid and vital to my understanding of self. At the time, she
was so open and raw. She was talking about her sexual uidity.
She was talking about access and elitism with the velvet rope,
who gets to come in, who doesnt. She was talking about domes-
tic violence. All of these things within this album. I think I was
in the 10th grade when it came out, and my mind was blown. I
couldnt believe someone was talking about all of these issues
that were paralleling my own life. I think the Beyonc album
came out a year and a half after that. So, luckily, I did not name
myself Beyonc. [Laughs.]
MW: While you made the choice to come out as a transgender
woman, youre also straight. What sort of kinship do you feel with
the L, G and B?
MOCK: There are so many similarities. Ive always put it together
as the idea of gender expectation. If youre assigned male at
birth, youre supposed to love women. If youre assigned
female at birth, youre supposed to love men. Were
all navigating this very rigid gender system. Thats why
I always see the commonality between it. Its also just
the right to determine what your life is going to be for
yourself.
Thats what I always talk about: the gender expecta-
tion that we all have. And, at the same time, the right
to realize what we want our lives to be and to dene it
for ourselves. It is a kinship for me. Also, when I was 13
I didnt know what trans was, but I knew what gay
was. That denition may have been limiting, but it also gave me
a sense of identity. I can understand where people get confused,
the conating of sexuality and gender identity. Thats where I
think LGBT, the brand, becomes a little confusing. But theres
so much relationship there. Theres not a need for me to separate
it at all. But even though we have this united acronym, we also
need to be cognizant that were not a monolith, that there are
different experiences within that.
MW: What about transgender men? Is that a different sort of
familiarity?
MOCK: In all of my work Ive been pretty unapologetic about the
fact that my story very much intersects with trans women. If we
break it down even more, its poor-raised trans women, or trans
women of color. I take this cue from women who were writing
in the 70s the queer women, the women of color, the Third
World women. They were very unapologetic about bringing the
margin to center, rooting their work in marginalized woman-
hood. Thats kind of where Im at.
I still think there are many trans men who are prominent
in academia and in various other elds who have been talking
about their lives, and have also been talking about trans women
of color, for a long time. I think its a major moment to have a
trans woman of color talking about trans women of color, or
poor-raised trans womens experiences. I dont make any apolo-
gies for not necessarily talking about trans mens lives, because
Ive never lived as a trans man. I know that they have very
unique issues and they should be the ones to talk about it, to
stake their claim on their struggles and triumphs.
MW: Another variation on that acronym is I see no shortage of
In school, I HAD NEVER GOTTEN IN
TROUBLE EXCEPT FOR WHEN I WAS
BEING MYSELF. When I decided to be
myself, then the friction came in.
transphobia in the gay and lesbian community.
MOCK: I dont believe transphobia alone exists.
I believe its very layered. Misogyny and sexism
within the LGBT community needs to be checked
as well. I think we tend to devalue the voices and
experiences of women, period.
Because women feel as if theyre not heard, that
theyve been gender-policed even more, they say,
Its a boys club. At the same time, when trans
women are given voice, Theyre not really real
women. Its this internalized misogyny and sex-
ism, and, yeah, anti-trans bias is very much in that
as well. I think a lot of cis gay folks feel that they
havent gotten all of their rights yet, so why are we
trying to bring this other stuff on thats going to
make us look like an even crazier bunch of people? I
think that goes back to the culture of respectability
and politics: In order for minorities to be heard and
seen and progress in our culture, we need to then
make sure theyre the most perfect model minority
that there is in order for us to change hearts and
minds of middle, moveable America.
I tend to not really believe in that system, but
I understand that Ive been able to be seen and
heard because Im the right kind of trans woman.
I look cis, Im perceived to be a cis woman. Im
attractive, media-facing [Laughs.] articulate,
educated all of these different things that allow
me to be seen and heard on such a major level. I
hope to use those access points to actually push
people to think differently, to muddy up their
thinking around this entire system weve built,
even within our movement.
The No. 1 question I get asked by cis gay and
lesbian people is, I dont understand why trans
people are within this. Then I have to back it up
and say, Because we were in this together from
the very beginning. When this became a move-
ment, we were together in this. Trans women,
street youth of color, sex workers. Everyone was
there ghting back that night at Stonewall. Even
at the Comptons Cafeteria riot. This was people
who were visibly different, people whose gender
identity was being policed in the law. If you wore
a certain kind of clothing, if you didnt have the right kind of
clothing, you were going to get jailed. I feel weve taken on a lot
of that policing of gender within our own movement.
It has to be dismantled and disrupted. I hope just being vocal
about my own life story and contextualizing those personal
experiences helps to start conversations and move other ones
forward.
MW: Aside from being an author, in a bigger sense youre a spokes-
woman. You must feel vulnerable.
MOCK: Youre absolutely right. [Laughs.] Representation is very
scary. But I also know many people because this book will be
so visible, all over the place, with not a little publisher but Simon
& Schuster will have access points with this book, people who
may not know anything about these issues at all. Most likely, I
will be the rst trans person or trans woman that people know,
even if its just an interaction with the book. Theres a lot of edu-
cation that has to go on with that.
I like to see myself as a bridge right now. My work is a bridge
between cis womanhood and trans womanhood, between LGB
people and trans people, between trans women and trans
women of color knowing that there are all these barriers that
push us apart.
Even though I highlight some of the shared experiences of
trans women, I know that theres no one universal womans
experience, that this is just one story out of untold thousands.
My story is not everyones story, and I understand the privilege
that is part of being able to tell my story. But I also know that its
work, and its pressure, and its a lot. One of my friends told me,
You need to let go of perfect. You cant be Americas perfect
trans girl. [Laughs.] Thats not what your job is. Your job is to
write the truth. Thats my job: to write the truth.
Janet Mock appears Thursday, Feb. 13, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Mar-
tin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW, for discussion
with Alexis Pauline Gumbs, and reading and signing of Redening
Realness. For more information, visit janetmock.com. l
FEBRUARY 6 - 13, 2014
SPOTLIGHT
ANN HAMPTON CALLAWAY
The Kennedy Centers main Valentines Day treat is
a romp through love songs from the Great American
Songbook and other clever, contemporary originals
by lesbian jazz singer-songwriter Ann Hampton
Callaway. Callaway has written songs for her
mentor, Barbra Streisand, and Callaway will perform
her medley of People/Being Alive from the recent
cabaret show The Streisand Songbook, as well as
another song Streisand sang at her own wedding and
written by Callaway, Ive Dreamed of You. Friday,
Feb. 14, at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Kennedy Center
Terrace Theater. Tickets are $30. Call 202-467-4600
or visit kennedy-center.org.
CHAISE LOUNGE
This D.C.-based jazz and swing band has been a
staple at hip martini bars around the area, along with
more storied venues such as the Kennedy Center
and Blues Alley. Theyve also performed with the
likes of Natalie Cole and Dizzy Gillespie and at the
Lilith Fair. They perform original tunes as well as
swing standards, including those from new album
Dot Dot Dot martini, which showcases the groups
sultry female vocalist Marilyn Older. They return to
the Barns at Wolf Trap for a special Valentines Day
show, Love and Kisses, Swings and Misses. Friday,
Feb. 14, at 8 p.m. The Barns at Wolf Trap, 1635 Trap
Road, Vienna. Tickets are $25. Call 877-WOLFTRAP
or visit wolftrap.org.
IMPOSSIBLE! A HAPPENSTANCE CIRCUS
Devised theater company troupe Happenstance
Theater offers its latest original production, billed
as a kaleidoscopic, theatrical homage to classic
circus characters and images, amusingly promising
everything from startling leaps of imagination
to ferocious acts of wonder. Closes this Sunday,
Feb. 9. Round House Theatre-Silver Spring, 8641
Colesville Road, Silver Spring. Tickets are $20 to
$25. Call 240-641-1100 or visit happenstancetheater.
com or roundhousetheatre.org.
MORMON BOY TRILOGY
The LGBT-focused theater company Richmond
Triangle Players presents a pre-New York run of plays
in repertory written and performed by Mormon-
reared gay playwright Steven Fales. The three
plays Confessions of a Mormon Boy, Missionary
Position and Prodigal Dad are presented as part
of the Richmond-wide The Acts of Faith Festival,
putting spirituality onstage. Closes this Sunday, Feb.
9. Richmond Triangle Players, 1300 Altamont Ave.,
Richmond. Tickets are $30 each, or $60 for all three
plays performed in a marathon every Saturday. Call
804-346-8113 or visit rtriangle.org.
STRANGERS ON A TRAIN
Capitol Hills The Hill Center offers a month-long
series screening lms from the master of suspense,
Alfred Hitchcock, with post-show discussion from
Hitchcock expert Tom Zaniello. The focus is on his
pre-Psycho dark side repertoire, concluding with
Strangers on a Train. Friday, Feb. 7, at 7 p.m. Hill
Center, Old Navy Hospital, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE.
Free. Call 202-549-4172 or visit HillCenterDC.org.
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FLUSH WITH CASH
Rosanne Cash revisits her country roots with her latest album
I
WROTE A SONG ABOUT A GAY COUPLE, SAYS ROSANNE CASH. ITS
called Jim and George. The song was a donation to the gay Church of St.
Luke in the Fields, with all proceeds from its sales beneting the Greenwich
Village parishs LGBT and HIV/AIDS outreach programs. On the churchs website,
Cash notes, Love is Love, and love doesnt contain itself within arbitrary borders
of gender, orientation, race, nationality, creed or age.
Indeed, the 58-year-old star has an extremely positive outlook toward gay and
lesbian rights and the role of the straight world in helping to advance those. You
know who John Stuart Mill was? she asks. He was one of the only 19th century
men who stood up for womens rights, who thought that women should vote. He
was vocal about it, and he was ridiculed and abused for it, yet he didnt stop. Ive
always thought that straight people were morally bound to do that for gay and les-
bians and for their rights. I think its necessary.
The eldest daughter of country music legend Johnny Cash, her latest album, The
River and the Thread, combines roots-oriented music with a her trademarked lush-
ness. It was produced by her husband and frequent collaborator John Leventhal.
Somebody said that this record was the sound of a true marriage, she says. And
that really touched me deeply. John and I worked a long time to get to a place where
the sum is greater than the parts. Cash attributes the success of her 20-year mar-
riage to Leventhal in part to not playing the blame game.
I nd blame to be really damaging, she says. Its so easy to put all your shit out
onto another person and say its all their fault. And its so hard to own the things in
ourselves that are ugly and uncomfortable. So withdrawing the blame is really help-
ful. And if you have any opportunities to see the real essence of that person, that
can soften your heart and help you forgive anything. Im so lucky I get to work with
my husband and see him play music, because thats his real essence. It just washes
everything else away. Randy Shulman
WPAS presents Roseanne Cash on Friday, Feb. 14, at 8 p.m., at GWUs Lisner
Auditorium, 730 21st St. NW. For tickets, $35 to $55, call 202-994-6800 or visit
lisner.gwu.edu. Download Jim and George at stlukeintheelds.org/rosanne
FEBRUARY 6, 2014 METROWEEKLY.COM
SYNETIC THEATER:
TWELFTH NIGHT VALENTINES OFFERING
Movement-oriented Synetic Theater kicks off its
last weekend of its Twelfth Night production with
a Valentines Eve drinks-and-a-show special: An
hour before the production on Thursday, Feb. 13,
Synetic presents an Illyria Speakeasy with open
bar and guest mixologist offering signature cocktails.
Costumes are encouraged for the drink-fest and
show, the 10th installment in a silent Shakespeare
series. For Twelfth Night, the company twists this
tale of twins separated in a strange new land and
sets it in the roaring 1920s. Synetic co-founders
Paata and Irina Tsikurishvili co-direct and star in
the production. Illyria Speakeasy is Thursday, Feb.
13, at 7 p.m. Show runs to Feb. 16. Theater at Crystal
City, 1800 South Bell St., Arlington. Tickets are
$45 to $60 for the Speakeasy night, or $35 to $55
remaining performances. Call 800-494-8497 or visit
synetictheater.org.
TRACY LYNN OLIVERA
Signature Theatre kicks off its annual Winter Cabaret
Festival running most of February with a run of
concerts by one of its stable stars, Tracy Lynn Olivera,
most recently seen as one of the You Gotta Get a
Gimmick girls in the companys celebrated production
of Gypsy, and last year in a dazzling performance as
GAY CAT ART
Transformer presents J. Morrisons
humorous HomoCats series
I
WAS ACTUALLY KIND OF NERVOUS
when I rst made the zine because I thought
maybe people would be offended, says J.
Morrison on his artist series HomoCats: Fight
The Power. But cats are incredibly popular in our
increasingly gay-friendly Internet age. And, really,
only homophobes would take offense at Morrisons
images of cartoon cats with captions such as We
eat homophobes for dinner and Free butt sex.
I would say a HomoCat is the literal transla-
tion of a gay cat, Morrison describes, but more
of an outsider, someone on the fringe. The Ohio-
born, New York-based multidisciplinary artist took
inspiration for his series chiey from I Can Has
Cheezburger, one of todays most popular websites, featuring photos of cats with humorous captions submitted by readers.
Morrison narrows that focus by making every one of his images carry a pro-gay message, sometimes as subtly as drawing cats
with a rainbow ag or pink triangle in the background.
Over the next month, D.C.s Transformer Gallery will display the series, which includes digital prints, screen-print drawings,
artist books, zines even HomoCat wallpaper. Transformer has also created two related events: a Purrrformance Art Party,
with performances, including real cats on a catwalk, at the nearby 14th Street bar Black Whiskey, Friday, Feb. 8, starting at 9
p.m.; and a cat adoption day, with feline rescue and adoption organization Homeward Trails at Transformer on Saturday, Feb.
15, from noon to 3 p.m.
Im really excited about these other events because I feel like it takes it another step, which Im not able to do, Morrison
says. Of course, there are many ways to expand the HomoCats brand or, if you will, many ways to skin this cat. Perhaps a
cartoonist will make an animated HomoCats movie. Oh I think thatd be great, responds Morrison, who later scratches out
another idea for an offshoot.
I dont think HomoDogs would be as funny or interesting, the self-described cat lover says. The independent, sometimes
even catty, nature of felines just lends itself to the feisty humor of his series: Theres something about the cat and the sensibility
of the cat that I think is just funnier than all other animals. Doug Rule
J. Morrisons HomoCats opens with a reception Friday, Feb. 8, from 6 to 8 p.m., and is on view through March 15, at Transformer,
1404 P St. NW. Call 202-483-1102 or visit transformerdc.org.
the widowed hat shop owner Irene Milloy in Studios
co-production with Fords Theatre of Hello, Dolly. The
occasion is a release party for Oliveras new album
Because. Lenny Williams accompanies. Remaining
performances Thursday, Feb. 6, through Saturday, Feb.
8, at 8 p.m. Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave.,
Arlington. Tickets are $48.60. Call 703-820-9771 or visit
signature-theatre.org.
FILM
MONUMENTS MEN
George Clooney directs and acts in this action drama,
based on a true story of the greatest treasure hunt in
history: a daunting World War II mission launched
by President Roosevelt to rescue artistic masterpieces
from Nazi thieves, and led not by soldiers but by seven
academics and art curators. Matt Damon, Bill Murray
and John Goodman are part of the cast. Opens Friday,
Feb. 7. Area theaters. Visit fandango.com.
OSCAR-NOMINATED SHORT FILMS 2014:
ANIMATED, LIVE ACTION
Once again Landmarks E Street Cinema offers two
feature-length programs of the short lms nominated
at the 86th Annual Academy Awards, set for March 2:
a program with the animated shorts, and a program of
live action shorts. Now playing. Landmarks E Street
Cinema, 555 11th St. NW. Call 202-452-7672 or visit
landmarktheatres.com.
THE LEGO MOVIE
An ordinary Lego gurine becomes the unlikely
hero to save the day in this animated ick. Chris
Pratt plays the Lego Emmet, drafted to stop the
world-conquering plans of an evil tyrant, played
by Will Ferrell. Ferrell has essentially succeeded
at conquering the real world of mass-appeal
blockbusters, so good luck with that, Pratt. Opens
Friday, Feb. 7. Area theaters. Visit fandango.com.
VAMPIRE ACADEMY
Yes, another vampire ick, this one based on Richelle
Meads bestselling series, in which two teenage girls
attend a hidden boarding school for the bloodsucking
kind. Which are not I repeat, not real. Maybe
someday people will catch on and realize its all just a
hoax to scam more money. And, anyway, real people
can be even scarier and more fascinating. Opens
Friday, Feb. 7. Area theaters. Visit fandango.com.
SCAPIN
Constellation Theatre Company presents a fashionable, colorful production of
Scapin, a modern adaptation by Bill Irwin and Mark ODonnell of the classic
farce Scapins Deceit by Molire, known in the 17th century known as The King
of Laughter. A physical comedy sending up young love and featuring clowns,
Kathryn Chase Bryer directs an ensemble cast led by company favorite Michael
Glenn and Matthew McGee, who won the Helen Hayes Award for best actor for
his hilarious work in Constellations physical comedy from last season Taking
Steps. In addition, the show at Source features music composed and performed
live each night on a baby grand by Travis Ploeger, known for his work with
Washington Improv Theaters iMusical. To Feb. 16. Source, 1835 14th St. NW.
Tickets are $15 to $45. Call 202-204-7760 or visit constellationtheatre.org.
STOMP
Yes, the noisy rattle and hum troupe of eight percussionist returns to D.C., offering
another short run of a rather tedious show that somehow remains internationally
popular. Closes Sunday, Feb. 9. National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW.
Tickets are $43 to $63. Call 202-628-6161 or visit nationaltheatre.org.
STONES IN HIS POCKETS
Baltimores Center Stage presents Irish-born playwright/performer Marie
Joness Stones In His Pockets, focused on locals in a small Irish town who line up
to be extras in a big Hollywood lm, all part of their unrealistic high Hollywood
hopes. Derek Goldman of Georgetown University directs the tragicomedy, rst
staged in Dublin in 1996, that a New York Daily News critic called an uproarious,
joyful evening. Through Feb. 23. Center Stage, 700 North Calvert St., Baltimore.
Tickets are $10 to $64. Call 410-986-4000 or visit centerstage.org.
THE ADVENTURES OF ALVIN SPUTNIK:
DEEP SEA EXPLORER
Australian actor and comedian Sam Longley fuses animation, puppetry,
projections and music in a one-man show about Alvin Sputnik, an explorer lost
at sea in search of lost love. Billed by The New York Times as akin to a theatrical
Wall-E and winner of awards at various festivals, including as Outstanding Solo
Show at the New York Fringe Festival, this show was created by Tim Watts and
is presented by the Last Great Hunt of Australia. Thursday, Feb. 6, at 7:30 p.m.;
Friday, Feb. 7, at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 8, at 4 and 7:30 p.m.; and
Sunday, Feb. 9, at 2 p.m. The Dome Theatre at Artisphere, 1101 Wilson Blvd.,
Arlington. Tickets are $18. Call 703-875-1100 or visit artisphere.com.
STAGE
ELLA FITZGERALD: FIRST LADY OF SONG
A couple years after the stirring Josephine Tonight, Alexandrias MetroStage
offers another musical conceived, directed and choreographed by Maurice Hines
telling the tale of a music legend. With a book by Lee Summers, this go-round
the focus is on probably the biggest, best and most popular jazz singer of all time.
Freda Payne takes on the role of Ella Fitzgerald. Opens Thursday, Jan. 23, at 8
p.m. To March 16. MetroStage, 1201 North Royal St., Alexandria. Tickets are $55
to $60. Call 800-494-8497 or visit metrostage.org.
GLASSHEART
Rorschach Theatre presents Reina Hardys play, a fairy tale that sounds like a
warped, common-folk Beauty and the Beast and said to confront the universal
uncertainties of love, fate and free will. Lee Liebeskind directs a cast that includes
Andrew Keller as the Beast, plus Natalie Cutcher as Aoife, Lynette Rathnam as
the Witch and Megan Reichelt as Only. Aaron Bliden and Mark Halpern have
composed original music. To Feb. 17. Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St.
NE. Tickets are $20 to $30. Call 202-399-7993 or visit rorschachtheatre.com or
atlasarts.org.
MISS NELSON IS MISSING
Jennifer Nelson directs an Adventure Theatre MTC production of a musical
based on the popular childrens books by Harry Allard, with book, music and
lyrics by Joan Cushing. To March 9. Adventure Theatre MTC, 7300 MacArthur
Blvd., Glen Echo. Tickets are $19. Call 301-634-2270 or visit adventuretheatre-
mtc.org.
PETER AND THE STARCATCHER
Based on Dave Barry and Ridley Pearsons best-selling Disney-Hyperion novel,
Peter and the Starcatcher won ve Tony Awards in 2012. Now on a national tour,
this innovative and imaginative show, a grownups prequel to Peter Pan, offers
a hilarious, swashbuckling romp through the Neverland you never knew. To Feb.
16. Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater. Tickets are $55 to $135. Call 202-467-
4600 or visit kennedy-center.org.
THE BEST MAN
Keegan Theatre kicks off its new season with a production of Gore Vidals
popular political satire The Best Man. A play about power, ambition, secrets and
ruthlessness in the race for the presidency, Keegan taps Christina A. Coakley and
Timothy Lynch to direct a cast including artistic director Mark A. Rhea and his
wife Susan Marie Rhea, Kevin Adams, Sheri Herren and Michael Innocenti. To
Feb. 22 Andrew Keegan Theatre (formerly Church Street Theater), 1742 Church
St. NW. Tickets are $35. Call 703-892-0202 or visit keegantheatre.com.
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST
After directing Oscar Wildes An Ideal Husband at the Shakespeare Theatre
Company a few seasons ago, actor/director Keith Baxter returns to helm Wildes
extraordinarily witty satire, dubbed trivial comedy for serious people. Patricia
Conolly, Sian Phillips, Anthony Roach and Gregory Wooddell lead the cast.
Extended to March 9. Lansburgh Theatre, 450 7th St. NW. Tickets are $18 to
$106. Call 202-547-1122 or visit shakespearetheatre.org.
THE TALLEST TREE IN THE FOREST
Moiss Kaufman (33 Variations, The Laramie Project) directs Daniel Beatys
new play, steeped in soulful music and poetic storytelling, about the life
of Paul Robeson, once hailed as the best known black man in the world
before his performing career tanked on accusations of disloyalty to America. A
co-production among Arena Stage, the Kansas City Repertory Theatre and La
Jolla Playhouse, Beaty takes on more than 20 characters in the show. To Feb. 16.
The Kreeger Theater at the Mead Center for American Theater, 1101 6th St. SW.
Call 202-488-3300 or visit arenastage.org.
VIOLET
Fords Theatre offers Jeanine Tesori/Brian Crawleys musical, based on the
short story The Ugliest Pilgrim by Doris Betts, touching on televangelists and the
military, plus quick, supercial cosmetic correctives and the deeper and more
lasting power of inner strength. First staged off-Broadway in 1997, Violet features
an American roots score that veers from bluegrass to gospel to rock by Tesori
(Thoroughly Modern Millie) and lyrics and book by Brian Crawley (The Little
Princess). Jeff Calhoun, best known for writing the music for the Broadway hit
Newsies, returns to Fords to direct the production after his previous hits, 2005s
Big River and 2006s Shenandoah. Casting for this production is dominated by
staple performers at Signature Theatre: Erin Driscoll as the title character, plus
Nova Y. Peyton, James Gardiner, Bobby Smith, Chris Sizemore and Stephen
BERLIN PHILHARMONIC WIND QUINTET
Legendary Berlin Philharmonic director Herbert
von Karajan oversaw the founding of the Berlin
Philharmonic Wind Quintet over 25 years ago. In
a performance at University of Marylands Clarice
Smith Center, the quintet performs Mozarts Fantasy
for Mechanical Organ; Joseph Bohuslav Foersters
Quintet in D Major; and Kalevi Ahos Windquintet.
Saturday, Feb. 15, at 8 p.m. Clarice Smith Performing
Arts Centers Gildenhorn Recital Hall, University of
Maryland, University Boulevard and Stadium Drive,
College Park. Tickets are $40. Call 301-405-ARTS or
visit claricesmithcenter.umd.edu.
DAVE MATTHEWS BAND
Last year Rolling Stone put the Dave Matthews Band
on its list of the 50 Greatest Live Acts Right Now,
writing that the bluesy rock band originating from
Charlottesville, Va., still know how to surprise
their fans. This summer theyll do it again, with a
concert featuring two sets of songs from throughout
its two-decades-long career, ranging from electric
to acoustic and from powerful tunes featuring the
full band to more intimate numbers with acoustic
pairings as well as the possible surprise encounter
of a special guest or two. Tickets on sale Friday, Feb.
7, at 10 a.m., for Saturday, July 26, show at Jiffy Lube
Live, 7800 Cellar Door Drive, Bristow, Va. Call 703-
754-6400 or visit livenation.com.

JOHN EATON
The Barns at Wolf Trap hosts the second in this
years two-part series on American pop and jazz
standards led by the local jazz veteran and pianist
John Eaton. The Fabulous Forties features legendary
songs of that 70-year-old era, including big-band jazz
hits from Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington and Glenn
Miller. Saturday, Feb. 15, at 7:30 p.m. at The Barns
Midsummer Nights Dream, stages a production
of Eve Enslers Obie Award-winning, culturally
resonant play, directed by Lauren Breward and the
Rude Mechanicals artistic director Jaki Demarest.
Closes this Saturday, Feb. 8. Greenbelt Arts Center,
123 Centerway, Greenbelt, Md. Tickets are $17.
Call 301-441-8770 or visit greenbeltartscenter.org or
rudemechanicals.com.
MUSIC
1964 THE TRIBUTE
A four-piece band with a self-titled PBS special to
its credit and acclaim from Rolling Stone as the
best Beatles tribute ever, the popular 1964 The
Tribute returns for another area show, this time on
the very date 50 years ago of the Fab Fours rst live
U.S. performance in D.C. Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 8 p.m.
The Barns at Wolf Trap, 1635 Trap Road, Vienna.
Tickets are $38 to $42. Call 877-WOLFTRAP or visit
wolftrap.org.
AKUA ALLRICH
A D.C. native and Howard University alum, young
jazz vocalist and composer Akua Allrich is the star
attraction next weekend at Bohemian Caverns, when
she offers a Valentines Day-themed cabaret. An
AllAboutJazz.com critic praises Allrichs interest
and ease in blending traditional, modern and African
jazz styles, as well as possessing a stage presence
and vocal range rivaling many of todays divas.
Friday, Feb. 14, and Saturday, Feb. 15, at 8 and 10:30
p.m. Bohemian Caverns, 2001 11th St. NW. Tickets
are $30, or $70 with three-course prix-xe menu.
Call 202-299-0800 or visit bohemiancaverns.com.
Gregory Smith. To Feb. 23. Fords Theatre, 511 10th
St. NW. Tickets are $20 to $52. Call 800-982-2787 or
visit fordstheatre.org.
YELLOW FACE
Theater J presents the regional premiere of Yellow
Face, in which playwright David Henry Hwang leads
a community protest against the casting of a famous
white actor as the Eurasian pimp in the original
Broadway production of Miss Saigon and then
faces his own headache when he mistakenly casts a
white actor in his own new play. Natsu Onoda Power
directs the Theater J production of this Pulitzer Prize
nalist featuring a cast including Tony Beckman,
Mark Hairston, Stan Kang, Al Twanmo and Jacob
Yeh. To Feb. 23. The Aaron & Cecile Goldman
Theater, Washington, D.C.s Jewish Community
Center, 1529 16th St. NW. Tickets are $30 to $55. Call
202-518-9400 or visit washingtondcjcc.org.
COMMUNITY THEATER
45 SECONDS FROM BROADWAY
Mark T. Allen directs a Laurel Mill Playhouse
production of Neil Simons comedy, set at the Polish
Tea Room in New Yorks theater district, that serves
as his valentine to New York theater. The plays venue
offers an even playing eld, staging performances by
washed-up and on-the-rise Broadway personalities
alike. You can sense where the comedy lies. Closes
this Saturday, Feb. 8. Laurel Mill Playhouse, 508
Main St., Laurel, Md. Tickets are $15. Call 301-617-
9906 or visit laurelmillplayhouse.org.
THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES
Marylands Rude Mechanicals, whose name
derives from the beloved Shakespeare comedy A
at Wolf Trap, 1645 Trap Road, Vienna. Tickets are
$25 to $27. Call 703-255-1900 or visit wolf-trap.org.
JULIANNA BARWICK
Last year this Louisiana-born, Brooklyn-based
ambient musician opened for Sigur Ros. Now she
tours in support of her record Nepthene, which
showcases Barwicks ability to create rich, ambient
soundscapes using loops and wordless vocals.
Monday, Feb. 10, at 8 p.m. Sixth & I Historic
Synagogue, 600 I St. NW. Tickets are $12 in advance
or $15 day of show. Call 202-408-3100 or visit
sixthandi.org.
MARYLAND OPERA STUDIO
A free, Valentines Day gift from the University of
Maryland is this concert featuring partially staged
new works performed by rst-year Maryland Opera
Studio students. This New Works Reading Series
features the couple-focused Love/Hate by Jack Perla
and Rob Bailis, as well as Scalia/Ginsburg by Derrick
Wang, a comic opera inspired by Supreme Court
opinions and focused on the cosmic trials Justices
Ginsburg and Scalia have to pass through to secure
their freedom. Friday, Feb. 14, at 7:30 p.m. Clarice
Smith Performing Arts Centers Gildenhorn Recital
Hall, University of Maryland, University Boulevard
and Stadium Drive, College Park. Free. Call 301-405-
ARTS or visit claricesmithcenter.umd.edu.
NATIONAL CHAMBER ENSEMBLE
Led by gay musical director Leo Sushansky, this
ensemble offers a program of music by Franz
Schubert, the favorite chamber music composer by
noted classical music broadcast journalist, author
and pianist David Dubal. Dubal serves as guest
host and pianist for a Schubert and Champagne
program by this group, Artispheres Ensemble in
Residence. Saturday, Feb. 8, at 7:30 p.m. Artisphere,
1101 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. Tickets are $30. Call
703-875-1100 or visit artisphere.com.
SIMONE DINNERSTEIN
For a third year in a row, the Washington
Performing Arts Society presents a winter concert
with celebrated pianist Simone Dinnerstein. This
time, she performs her take on Bachs 15 Two-
Part Inventions, Crumbs Eine Kleine Mitternacht
Musik for amplied piano, Beethovens Piano
Sonata No. 32 in C minor and young, gay, avant-
garde composer Nico Muhlys You Cant Get There
From Here. Sunday, Feb. 9, at 4 p.m. Kennedy
Center Terrace Theater. Tickets are $25 to $85. Call
202-467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org.
VANESSA CARLTON
Vanessa Carltons piano-pop hit A Thousand Miles
may have been overplayed in 2002, but its still
charming 12 years later. Can you believe its been
that many miles and that many years? Thursday,
Feb. 6, at 7:30 p.m. The Birchmere, 3701 Mount
Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Tickets are $29.50. Call
703-549-7500 or visit birchmere.com.
YO MAMAS BIG FAT BOOTY BAND
Billed as a cheeky funk ve-piece band, Yo Mamas
features vocalist Mary Frances, who plays a keyvar,
or keyboard with a strap like a guitar. The Asheville,
N.C.-based quintet stops in town as part on what
theyre calling a Booty Show in the Snow. Friday,
Feb. 7, at 8:30 p.m. The Hamilton, 600 14th St. NW.
Tickets are $17 in advance or $19 day of show. Call
202-787-1000 or visit thehamiltondc.com.
WPAS,
CHORAL ARTS SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON
Martin Luther King Jr.s birthday and federal
holiday may have already passed, but you can sing
his praises any day of the year. And next Sunday
the Washington Performing Arts Society will do
just that, as it reprises last years sold out program,
Living the DreamSinging the Dream. Men, women
and children of the WPAS Gospel Choir team up
with the Choral Arts Society of Washington 300
voices strong to perform in honor of King Sunday,
Feb. 10, at 7 p.m. Kennedy Center Concert Hall.
Tickets are $25 to $45. Call 202-467-4600 or visit
kennedy-center.org.
DANCE
ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER
The appeal of this New York company is obvious
in this years repertory of programs at the Kennedy
Center, where this mostly modern-dance company
incorporates two pieces expressly written as ballets.
A New York Times dance critic recently raved that
Robert Battle, now in his third season, has injected
the company with new life. I really do want to echo
that this season is like no other, Battle tells Metro
Weekly. If you love the company; if you think you
love the company; if youre curious this is the time
to see the company. Remaining shows Friday, Feb.
7, at 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday, Feb. 8, at 1:30 and 7:30
p.m. Kennedy Center Opera House. Tickets are $30
to $140. Call 202-467-4600 or visit
kennedy-center.org. l
FOR MORE OUT ON THE TOWN LISTINGS
PLEASE VISIT
WWW.METROWEEKLY.COM
32
I
searched in vain to nd a
saving grace in Olney The-
atres new production of
How to Succeed in Business
Without Really Trying. Initially,
I thought it might come from
actress Sherri L. Edelen. After
all, I can still vividly recall her
thoroughly commanding perfor-
mance as Rose in Signature The-
atres just-wrapped production of
Gypsy, which deservedly earned
Edelen another Helen Hayes
Award nomination.
But theres only so much even
one great actor can do, even with
support from other great actors.
Even if Edelen who only has
a few scenes and sings solo in a
few group numbers playing head
secretary Miss Jones had been
in nearly every scene and sang in
most of the shows biggest num-
bers, it still wouldnt have ended
with everything coming up roses.
Plain and simple, this 1961
musical as written just hasnt aged
well. (As opposed to say Gypsy,
which in point-of-fact is two years
older.) This satirical story about
ofce politics is not simply old-
fashioned, it is seriously out of
date. In fact, I found it offensive
in its retrograde portrayal of a
large companys thoroughly sexist
culture, in which women will put
out to get ahead. And yet they only
ever inch ahead, and mostly stay
horizontal always remaining
subordinate secretaries passed
around from one male executive
to another.
Some 50 years ago this must
have registered as an amus-
ing caricature of the burgeoning
male-dominated, white-collar
culture. Back then many of the
shows cornpone jokes might
have been funny. And the audi-
ence also might have more readily
sympathized, even rooted for, the
shows lead protagonist, J. Pierre-
pont Finch. Finch quickly climbs
the corporate ladder by strate-
gically stepping on and pushing
aside his co-workers following
to a T a rulebook, which gives
the show its name. Abe Burrows,
Jack Weinstock and Willie Gil-
bert wrote the book based on the
bestseller by Shepherd Mead. Of
course its all meant to be tongue-
in-cheek, yet somehow the shows
gleeful attitude about a ruthless
corporate culture really got under
my skin. I just couldnt bring
myself to care for many of the
shows characters, most critically
Finch. It surely didnt help that
Sam Ludwig played the lead char-
acter a little too glib.
It also didnt help that Frank
Loessers music never real-
ly grabbed me, or even offer a
momentary escape of critical
relief. It must be said Christo-
pher Youstra did ne work mak-
ing the 10-piece orchestra sound
grand. Speaking of grand, James
Dardennes set and Seth Gilberts
costumes provided great visual
spectacle, stylish in a Mad Men
way. And while choreographer
Tommy Rapley offered some
additional delight during ofce
scenes in which the secretaries
typed and moved paper in sync,
his overall style was a bit too cute
for a show I found anything but.
How to Succeed in Business
without really Trying has been suc-
cessfully revived twice in the past
20 years without any chang-
es made to reect our changed
times. Under the direction of its
still new artistic director, Jason
Loewith, Olney has simply fol-
lowed suit. This may not faze
D.C.-area theatergoers, just as it
didnt those on the Great White
Way. But I cant make sense of its
puzzling popularity, just as I cant
recommend it.
VIOLET, THE LATEST PRODUC-
tion at Fords Theatre will touch
you in its unusual approach and
How to Succeed cant shake loose from its misogyny, while Violet pulls
something beautiful out of the mid-20th century
Bound by the Business book: Ludwig (L to R), Aileen Goldberg and Angela Miller
HOW TO
SUCCEED IN
BUSINESS
WITHOUT
REALLY TRYING
301-924-3400
olneytheatre.org
VIOLET
HHHHH
800-982-2787
fordstheatre.org
The Past
in Two Parts
DOUG RULE STAGE
S
T
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N

B
A
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continues on page 35
V
OLKSWAGEN MUST BE FEELING PRETTY
reective right now. This year sees the 65th anni-
versary of the humble Beetles introduction to the
U.S. market, with the rst Type 1 Beetle brought to
these shores back in January 1949. It was imported by busi-
nessman Ben Pon Sr., the worlds rst ofcial Beetle import-
er. It found a market in the states, with sales of the Type 1
and another subsequent model slowly growing, leading to the
establishment of the Volkswagen of America headquarters in
New Jersey in 1955.
By the start of the swinging 60s, there were more than
300,000 VW Bugs on American roads, meshing perfectly with
the counter-culture of the decade. From custom paint jobs
to open-top dune buggy models, Beetles were becoming an
intrinsic part of American life. By 1968, Volkswagen was sell-
ing more than 420,000 per year. It lasted just nine years more,
however, with the last Type 1 model leaving the assembly line
in Germany in 1977. In its almost 30 years of sales, however,
the original, air-cooled, rear-engined model worked its way
into the hearts of many Americans. [It] preserved its repu-
tation of being more than just a car, but a symbol of unique-
ness and freedom, said president and CEO of Volkswagen
America, Michael Horn. The Beetle has become part of the
cultural fabric in America and we are proud that its rich heri-
tage continues to live with fans around the states.
Fans of the Type 1 were treated to a modern reinvention when
the New Beetle was introduced in 1998, featuring a fresh slant on
the originals iconic looks. This time around, however, the engine
was water-cooled, front-mounted and the cars underpinnings
were ripped straight from the Volkswagen Golf. With its retro
looks, a well-received convertible model and the iconic ower-
pot on the dashboard, the New Beetle was a hit. Its popularity
waned, especially with the launch of the BMW Mini, an arguably
better update of a classic small car.
For just the second time since the original models German
introduction in 1938, the Beetle was completely redesigned for
the 2012 model year, dropping the New moniker. Out went
the rounded, toy car appearance and in came a sleeker, longer,
sportier design that aimed to attract male buyers to the Beetle,
many of whom were turned off by the New Beetles slightly
cutesy image, while remaining true to the prole of the original
Type 1. The redesigned Beetle now sits as one of the most popu-
lar in Volkswagens current crop, selling 43,000 units in 2013.
Those gures add to Volkswagens increasing sales gures,
with 2013 representing the second straight year the marque
has managed sales over 400,000 in the U.S. the rst time
this milestone has been achieved since the 1970s. That, in turn,
Volkswagen and Land Rover are doing their best to keep up with demand as
the brands popularity revs wildly
Beetles, now and then
33
Axis of Autos
V
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K
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W
A
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continues on page 35
RHUARIDH MARR GEARS
34
T
HERE ARE THOSE WHO WONT TAKE NOTICE OF A PRODUCT CAT-
EGORY until Apple wades into it. The Cupertino, Calif.-based company is
famous for closely studying market trends and competitors before baking its
own fruity offerings, which consumers either didnt know they wanted or
hadnt realized could work in the way Apple thinks they should. Tablets existed long
before the iPad, but they were business-focused and had numerous drawbacks. MP3 play-
ers existed before the iPod, but Apple after a few revisions, it should be noted crafted
a winning combo in iPod with iTunes. The Mac pioneered the personal computer and,
while still in the shadow of a certain Microsoft competitor, continues to ourish.
And, of course, theres the iPhone. Regardless of personal proclivities, theres no argu-
ing the impact Apple had on the smartphone market. Out went the stylus, in came the
nger. Out went Windows Mobile and Blackberry, in came iOS. Out went rubbish propri-
etary software, in came the app store (and a tidal wave of all-too-easy-to-make charges to
our credit cards as we ate up apps and games). Apple innovates, renes and borrows ideas
like few other companies on Earth.
Its what makes the prospect of an Apple smartwatch a very curious thing indeed.
Smartwatches, yet again, arent a new thing. Theyve been around in varying degrees for a
number of years, but they really hit the public consciousness with products like Pebbles
e-ink watch and Samsungs Galaxy Gear which, if anything, has capitalized on an
emerging market in a very Apple-esque way. Mindshare and market share are very much
in the Gears favor at the moment, as Samsung bombards the world with images of the
Gear as a natural companion to its all-conquering Galaxy smartphone range.
Regardless of what is out there at the moment, there are those who will decry smart-
watches and staunchly refuse to try them until Apple releases its own. Rest assured,
RHUARIDH MARR
Tim Cooks company isnt sitting
out the smartwatch fad. Instead,
Apple is doing what Apple does
best and watching, researching,
borrowing concepts and improv-
ing ideas. The Apple smartwatch
or iWatch, as its very likely
to be called is becoming less
of a possibility and more of a
certainty.
Last year, Apple led for
the trademark iWatch in Tai-
wan, Mexico and Japan. A pat-
ent-application for a watch-like
device made the rounds, featuring
an AMOLED screen, slap brace-
let and end-detection user sen-
sor. Bloomberg suggested a year
ago that more than 100 employees
were working on a watch device
of some kind.
This is all bolstered by recent
moves at the rm. Jay Blahnik,
who consulted with Nike during
the development of its tness-
tracking Fuelband, joined Apple
last August in an unspecied role.
The Financial Times stated that
the company was aggressively
hiring to help it get the iWatch
ready for release. Apple met with
FDA regulators to discuss mobile
medical applications, which gives
strong nods toward health-mon-
itoring tech in any smartwatch
that is released.
That handily coincides with a
report from 9to5Mac that states
that a new app called Healthbook
will reach iOS 8, and monitor var-
ious tness stats like steps and
distance traveled and health met-
rics such as blood pressure and
heart rate. It also ties in with the
new M7 chip inside the iPhone 5S,
which utilizes the handsets vari-
ous sensors to constantly monitor
motion data. When paired with an
iWatch, its speculated that iOS 8
will monitor several other pieces
of health and tness data.
Really, though, there are two
things that guarantee Apple will
enter the smartwatch market.
The rst is obvious: money. As
the most valuable company on
Earth, Apple loves making money
offering yet another device that
fans of the company can queue for
and spend hundreds of dollars on
TECHNOCRAT
An iWatch is becoming more of a certainty, but shrouded in the same
secrecy as every product launched by Apple
Blogger Todd Hamiltons guess at an iWatch, online at toddham.com/blog/iwatch-concept/
Apples Tech Tease
T
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D
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H
A
M
I
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continued from page 32
is a relative no-brainer. The second is more competitive: Sam-
sung. The Korean manufacturer has locked horns with Apple in
every market that Apple competes in, and with a Samsung-made
smartwatch tempting consumers, Apple will be hungry to offer
their own product to stop any more money reaching the pockets
of its corporate nemesis.
Of course, as is Apples way, the company has refused to com-
ment on any questions regarding the development of an iWatch,
shrouding its wearables design in the same secrecy as every
product launched by the company. Some publications report
that well see a smartwatch from Apple by the end of this year,
but of course this is still very much part of the rumor mill. Large
pinches of salt all round, please. Theres no doubt that Apple will
be releasing a smartwatch with no denitive date, though, all
that those who are interested can do is wait for an announce-
ment, get ready to remortgage a limb and join a queue at their
closest Apple store. l
aids another major achievement: Including sales of Volkswagens
heavy-duty truck division, the German brand managed a claimed
9.73 million sales in 2013.
Impressive, yes, but that number is important for one reason.
It puts Volkswagen ahead of General Motors for global sales,
with the American marque mustering 9.71 million vehicle sales
and slipping in the rankings, from second to third. Out in front
with 9.98 million sales is Toyota, continuing to dominate, but
even Toyota could soon fall should Volkswagens bold predic-
tions ring true.
In 2011, Volkswagen foretold it would be the worlds No. 1
automaker by 2018, with global sales of more than 10 million per
year. Back then, the brand was a distant third, trailing GM and
Toyota by over 1 million vehicles sold per year fast forward to
today and the difference is reduced to just 250,000 vehicles, with
10 million sales in sight four years ahead of target. If VW can
GEARS
continued from page 33
its unexpected story line. The show, with music by Jeanine Tes-
ori and lyrics and book by Brian Crawley, follows the story of the
titular character, who we see as both a teenager in rural North
Carolina and as an adult traveling across the South, often at the
same time, in overlapping scenes. That director Jeff Calhoun,
ably assisted by Tobin Osts complicated, movable set and sharp
projection screens, pulls off this feat without it getting cluttered
or confusing is one thing. That Lauren Williams as Young Vi
and especially Erin Driscoll as Violet also regularly cross paths,
even cross dialogue in a couple scenes, without a hitch in actor
performance or audience comprehension is yet another stun-
ning accomplishment.
But Violet will move you most by virtue of that hopeful story,
adapted from Doris Bettss short story The Ugliest Pilgrim. The
story focuses on a young woman who wants to alter her physical
appearance chiey, to remove the scar she sustained on her
face from a wayward ax as a teenager. She travels cross-country
in 1964 in search of a miracle, but along the way she instead nds
herself as well as love and friendship, principally, shockingly,
with two male soldiers, one white and one black. The journey is
beautifully complemented by the strong, large company of local
performers Calhoun casted sing tunes that are mostly variants of
roots-based music, from bluegrass to the blues, gospel to coun-
try. Its all just as pretty as Violet. l
continue its current trajectory, its conceivable that it will meet
a goal many balked at back in 2011 ahead of schedule.
LUXURY SUV MAKER Land Rover is also aware of the joy of
rocketing sales. The British brand has experienced something of
a renaissance in the past few years, with its Range Rover driving
visibility around the globe. The Range Rover Evoque debuted a
21st century design direction, with its handsome, bold features
diluted into the full-fat Range Rover and its lithe sibling, the
Range Rover Sport.
Indeed, all three Range Rover models have been critical and
commercial hits, so much so that Land Rover is maxing out its
U.K.-based production plant to meet demand. Workers are craft-
ing the incredible off-roaders 24 hours a day, ve days a week,
with buyers interested in the Range Rover, and the smaller Sport
facing a wait of up to four months before their cars reach their
driveways. The brands VP, Kim McCullough, told Edmunds,
Depending on where you are in the country, I would say the
average is about a four-month wait right now for those products.
Sales exploded in 2013, jumping by 56 percent to 12,221 SUVs,
with overall Land Rover sales reaching more than 50,000 units. The
secret to Land Rovers current success, according to McCullough,
is buyer retention. It is amazing how many people have owned
ve, six, seven Range Rovers. That is a vehicle they consistently
have in their household eet. We have a lot of loyalty.
That loyalty is apparently part of what is driving such strong
demand, but wait times are expected to be reduced in the
coming months as production issues are solved and processes
streamlined. If youre on your sixth or seventh Range Rover,
however, were sure a few extra months wait in your current,
leather-lined land yacht is hardly a punishment. l
NIGHT
LIFE
37 METROWEEKLY.COM
M
THURS., 02.06.14
9 1/2
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on any
drink, 5-9pm Multiple
TVs showing movies,
shows, games, football on
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beer selection No cover
ANNIES/ANNIES
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4@4 Happy Hour,
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FREDDIES BEACH BAR
Crazy Hour, 4-7pm
Karaoke, 9pm
GREEN LANTERN
Shirtless Men Drink Free,
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Drag Bingo
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All male, nude dancers
Shirtless Thursday DJ
Tim E in Secrets 9pm
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For the Ladies DJ Rosie
Doors at 9pm 21+
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9855 Washington Blvd. N
Laurel, Md.
301-498-4840
Drag Show in lounge
Half-price burgers and
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4@4 Happy Hour, 4-7pm
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5-11pm
DC BEAR CRUE
@Town Bear Happy
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Free Pizza, 7pm Hosted
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FREDDIES BEACH BAR
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Doors open at 10pm For
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Karaoke in the lounge
Charity Bingo with Cash
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Skyy Vodka, $3 $5 cover
with $1 off coupons
FREDDIES BEACH BAR
Champagne Brunch
Buffet, 10am-3pm
Crazy Hour, 4-8pm
Drag Show hosted by
Destiny B. Childs featuring
performances by a rotating
cast, 9pm No cover
Karaoke follows show
JR.S
Sunday Funday Liquid
Brunch Doors open at
1pm $2 Coors Lights &
$3 Skyy (all favors), all
day and night
39
M
scene
scan this tag
with your
smartphone
for bonus scene
pics online!
Super Bowl at Nellies Sports Bar
Sunday, February 2
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
WARD MORRISON
NELLIES
Drag Brunch, hosted by
Shi-Queeta-Lee, 11am-3pm
$20 Brunch Buffet
House Rail Drinks, Zing
Zang Bloody Marys, Nellie
Beer and Mimosas, $4,
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MON., 02.10.14
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Showtunes Songs &
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DJ Jamez $3 Drafts
NELLIES SPORTS BAR
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(6-7pm), $4 (7-8pm)
Buckets of Beer $15
Poker Texas Holdem, 8pm
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PWS SPORTS BAR
Laurel, Md.
301-498-4840
Buzztime Trivia
competition 75 cents off
bottles and drafts
TUES., 02.11.14
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TVs showing movies,
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Happy Hour, 4-7pm $4
Stella Artois, $4 House
Wines, $4 Stolichnaya
Cocktails, $4 Manhattans
and Vodka Martinis
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Underground (Indie Pop/
Alt/Brit Rock), 9pm-close
DJ Wes Della Volla
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NELLIES SPORTS BAR
Hour $2 (5-6pm), $3
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Buckets of Beer $15
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NUMBER NINE
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PWS SPORTS BAR
Laurel, Md.
301-498-4840
75 cents off bottles and
drafts Movie Night
WED., 02.12.14
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Happy Hour, 4-7pm $4
Stella Artois, $4 House
Wines, $4 Stolichnaya
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Laurel, Md.
301-498-4840
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New Meat Wednesday DJ
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4@4 Happy Hour,
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Plates, $4 Stella Artois,
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Stolichnaya Cocktails, $4
Manhattans and Vodka
Martinis
FREDDIES BEACH BAR
Crazy Hour, 4-7pm
Karaoke, 9pm
GREEN LANTERN
Shirtless Men Drink Free,
10-11pm
JR.S
$3 Rail Vodka Highballs,
$2 JR.s drafts, 8pm to
close Top Pop Night
NELLIES SPORTS BAR
Hour $2 (5-6pm), $3
(6-7pm), $4 (7-8pm)
Buckets of Beer $15
Drag Bingo
NUMBER NINE
ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS
Shirtless Thursday DJ
Tim E in Secrets 9pm
Cover 21+
FRI., 02.14.14
9 1/2
Open at 5pm Happy
5-9pm Friday Night
Videos with resident
DJ Shea Van Horn VJ
Expanded craft beer
selection No cover
ANNIES
Martinis Upstairs open
5-11pm
DC BEAR CRUE
@Town Bear Happy
Hour, 6-11pm $3 Rail,
$3 Draft, $3 Bud Bottles
Free Pizza, 7pm Hosted
by Charger Stone No
cover before 9:30pm 21+
FREDDIES BEACH BAR
Crazy Hour, 4-7pm
Karaoke, 9pm
JR.S
Buy 1, Get 1,
11pm-midnight Happy
Hour: 2-for-1, 4-9pm $5
Coronas, $8 Vodka Red
Bulls, 9pm-close
NELLIES SPORTS BAR
DJ Matt Bailer Videos,
Dancing Beat The Clock
Happy Hour $2 (5-6pm),
$3 (6-7pm), $4 (7-8pm)
Buckets of Beer $15
NUMBER NINE
No Cover
PHASE 1
DJ Styalo Dancing
$5 cover
PHASE 1 OF DUPONT
1415 22nd St. NW
Doors at 9pm 21+
PWS SPORTS BAR
Laurel, Md.
301-498-4840
Drag Show in lounge
Half-price burgers and
fries
TOWN
Drag Show starts at
10:30pm Hosted by
Lena Lett and featuring
Tatianna, Shi-Queeta-
Lee, Jessica Spaulding
Deverreoux and BaNaka
Doors open at 10pm For
those 21 and over, $5 from
10-11pm and $10 after
11pm For those 18-20,
$10 all night 18+
ZIEGFELDS/SECRETS
Ladies of Illusion with
host Kristina Kelly, 9pm
Cover 21+ l
43 PURCHASE YOUR PHOTO AT WWW.METROWEEKLY.COM/SCENE/
co-based career was just tak-
ing off an early casualty of
AIDS. Still, hes regarded as a
pioneer in the now-mainstream
sound of electronic dance
music, or EDM. In the same
way that fellow Italian EDM
pioneer Moroder helped shape
Donna Summers success as
a gay disco diva, Cowley had
Sylvesters back, helping write
or produce the amboyant
artists biggest hits, including
You Make Me Feel (Mighty
Real) and Do You Wanna
Funk.
So chances are good youll
also hear a Sylvester hit at
Flash, when Sperber will
spin as DJ P-Play at a special
Honey Soundsystem party
also featuring a set by the
collectives Jason Kendig and
presented by the edgling D.C.
party The NeedlExchange.
This is the rst time that
Honeys really been show-
cased in D.C., Sperber says.
Last year organizers decided
to end the partys ve-year run
of weekly Sunday parties in
San Francisco, in part to give
them a chance to create more
national and international buzz
through touring.
The party is comparable
to the London-based traveling
gay party Horse Meat Disco
as well as D.C.s The Needl-
Exchange, which moves from
its usual Sunday night perch
at the Velvet Lounge for one
night only, presenting Honey
at the word-class club Flash.
I went there and was like, I
want to play there, Sperber
says about the sharp, small
nightclub that opened last year
in Shaw with top-notch audio-
visual equipment.
Sperber, who also helps
produce events for San Fran-
ciscos notorious Folsom
Street Fair, was just in D.C.
last month, for the roving party
Luthers Mid-Atlantic Leather
event at the Green Lantern.
The Los Angeles native mostly
performs these days every-
where as DJ P-Play, a moniker
he coined years ago while
sitting bored during a math
for artists class at the San
Francisco Art Institute.
I have denitely had peo-
ple who come up to me and
assume that I was the music
representation of an entire
fetish community, he says.
In reality, his goal was mostly
just to be linguistically playful:
It was just me coming up
with names that rhymed with
DJ.
Honey Soundsystem is
Sunday, Feb. 9, at 9 p.m.
Flash Nightclub, 645 Florida
Ave NW. Tickets are $15.
Call 202-588-1880 or visit
tnxandhny.eventbrite.com or
tnxdc.tumblr.com. l
B
Y

D
O
U
G

R
U
L
E
Honey House
C
L
U
B
L
I
F
E
S
45
San Franciscos Honey Soundsystem introduces D.C. to its popular queer-focused dance party
A
T FLASH NIGHTCLUB
this Sunday, Feb. 9, you
can count on dancing to
music written specically for
70s-era gay porn.
Its really experimental,
almost jazzy at times, spacey
and futuristic, says Jacob
Sperber, describing the instru-
mental electronic tracks written
by the late Patrick Cowley and
re-issued together last year as
School Daze, a title from one
of the old lms. In many ways
the 29-year-old Sperber, part of
the San Francisco-based dance
party Honey Soundsystem, has
made it his mission to make
more people, particularly gay
people, aware of Cowley, who
has been called the American
Giorgio Moroder.
He made very, very explicit,
queer-themed music that was
widely accepted and played on
dance oors everywhere, Sper-
ber says about Cowley, who
died in 1982 as his San Francis-
In some ways,
its rather disappointing that Russia was actually chosen
as a host country.
Olympic diving champion GREG LOUGANIS discussing his views on Russias anti-LGBT law. Louganis, who is gay, previously
argued against boycotting the winter Olympics as it would hurt those athletes who had worked hard to attend the games.
(Hufngton Post)
We lmed these groups with their knowledge, and what I

found shocking afterwards was that only a few asked to have their faces disguised.
They all believe they are doing the right thing.
LIZ MACKEAN, an investigative journalist with the U.K.s Channel 4, commenting on lming the news piece Hunted, which
details Russian gangs attacks on LGBT people. The report aired Feb. 5 on Channel 4s Dispatches news show.
(The Guardian)
The suspects were arrested Friday for destruction of

property and causing injury. They wanted to clean their neighborhood, which they said was
infested with homosexuals.
MAMADOU FAYE, a police ofcial in the Senegalese city of Rusque, speaking about four men arrested on suspicion of injuring
ve gay men with sticks and batons. The arrests prompted a public outcry, with more than 100 people marching to
demand their release. The same day as the arrests, Jan. 31, a Senegalese judge sentenced
two men to six months in prison for homosexual conduct.
(Associated Press)
Its striking how

the transgender community has been left behind.
Its disturbing and upsetting to see that.

Barneys creative director DENNIS FREEMAN discussing the luxury retailers decision to use 17 transgender models in
its spring campaign. The campaign, Brothers, Sisters, Sons and Daughters, aims to
better acquaint people with the transgender community.
(Womens Wear Daily)
Now, Im not asking you to be best of friends;

however, it would mean the world to me if you could just not be so terried of her,
and treat her like a normal, dignied human being.
GIGI CHAO, daughter of high-prole Chinese tycoon Cecil Chao Sze-tsung, in an open letter to her father printed Jan. 28 in the
South China Morning Post and elsewhere. Chao and her wife, Sean Eav, married in a civil ceremony in France in 2012.
(South China Morning Post)

Metro Weekly - 02-06-14 - Janet Mock

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Metro Weekly - 02-06-14 - Janet Mock

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2 FEBRUARY 6, 2014 METROWEEKLY.

We lmed these groups with their knowledge, and what I

The suspects were arrested Friday for destruction of

Its striking how

Now, Im not asking you to be best of friends;

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