Dec 28, 2007  |  By: GREG MARZULLO  | COMMENTS     

After publishing Out in DC for nearly a year, there are certain cover articles that really stood out — and those pictured on the cover of this issue are definitely among them.

Of course, the premiere issue, Feb. 9, was a big deal. Editors and writers had talked for months about how to revamp the Blade’s local coverage, and after lots of adjustments, the staff came up with the format that’s in place today. With the gay twins from music group Nemesis Rising on the cover (and at the subsequent Out in DC launch party), we launched a section that focuses on local happenings, organizations and people.

An interview with the Scissor Sisters’ Ana Matronic graced the cover for the March 2 issue, in anticipation of the group’s appearance that weekend. Given the band’s modern disco glam feel, Matronic was a refreshingly thoughtful subject, talking about the ways her now-deceased gay father contributed to the person (and persona) she is today.

Local businessman David von Storch, founder of Capitol City Brewing Company and Vida Fitness, approached the Blade about doing an article on his perspective on HIV as an HIV-positive man, and we published the interview on March 23. His candor and incredible personal journey helped to make this cover one of the most talked about of the year, with readers e-mailing von Storch and the editors of the Blade in appreciation.

Washington has always had a heavy gay sports scene, and for the April 13 issue, we highlighted the upcoming summer happenings of Team D.C. and others. Brent Minor, the go-to guy of all things athletic, was the natural choice for a cover boy. The entire issue was devoted to celebrating gay men and women making their mark in sports.

The D.C. Drag Kings is an institution that has become almost legendary in the District’s drag scene, adding a constant breath of fresh air to nightlife in the area. In anticipation of the annual Great Big International Drag King Show, for the May 11 issue the Blade interviewed some of the kings, including Kendra Kuliga, about the meaning behind the performances. For many of the audience members and performers, the act isn’t just about alternate clothes — it’s about alternate viewpoints.

Who doesn’t love Patti LaBelle? The great diva was our cover for May 18 in anticipation of her first appearance at a Black Pride event. LaBelle spoke to the Blade about her support for same-sex marriage and the pride she felt at having received the GLAAD Excellence in Media Award. When asked about her appeal to gay people, she replied, “Maybe because I’m the original drag queen with the hair and the crazy costumes. Maybe it’s a way of people seeing that you can be yourself and be accepted. I’m sure not gay, but I’m out.”

Margaret Cho’s hosting of the True Colors Tour was inspiring and hilarious, so she talked to the Blade for the June 15 issue about her experiences with the big musical event. She’s known for a well-honed political consciousness even in her comedy, something she brought up during the interview. “[American gays] really need to protect themselves against this government.” Still, she happily gushed about sharing the road with Debbie Harry and Cyndi Lauper.

Trans-fronted band The Cliks seem ubiquitous in the gay press these days, and the Blade snagged an interview with front man Lucas Silveira for the July 20 issue. In a refreshing turn of events, Silveira spoke about her transition process as being key to the band getting picked up. “My music is so much better than it used to be because of the comfort I have in who I am.”

Legendary D.C. lesbian bar Phase One hosted its first queer music festival (to be followed in October by Ganymede Arts’ pan-arts festival), and well-loved local lesbian musician Mara Levi, interviewed for the Aug. 10 issue, was an intricate part of the planning process. From punk to hip-hop, Levi and the Phase brought together an incredible group of lesbian-power musicians intent on shaking up D.C.’s gay music scene.

The following week, Aug. 17, brought the Blade’s first-ever fashion issue, which featured the movers-and-shakers of Fashion Fights Poverty on the cover. The coverage focused on gay Washington designers, local shops with hot clothes for the season and national trends. It probably didn’t live up to Miranda Priestly’s exacting standards, but it was certainly a good start.

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