 |
 |
Back row, left to right: Dane Figueroa Edidi, Shin Inouye, Angela Lombardi, Lisa Marie Thalhammer and Michael Dumlao; seated in front Aaron Riggins and Karen Diehl.
|
|
|
| | |
| |
|
|
| | |
HOME > NEWS > LOCAL
COMMENTS
 
To commemorate this year’s Capital Pride celebration, we decided to look to the future of the gay scene in Washington. From activists to artists, we’ve compiled a list of 30 gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender area residents working to make a difference. And there are so many out young people making their mark that we’ve included a list of honorable mentions — people sure to figure prominently in the city’s gay scene for years to come.
 Washington, D.C.
Coalition Coordinator for Win Without War
I think my identification with a queer identity has definitely impacted my worldview and career choices. Growing up in Kansas, it would have been very easy for me as a middle-class white man to blindly accept privilege and develop a center-right perspective. Luckily, grappling with a queer identity forced me to engage in a debate with myself over justice and social responsibility that formed the bedrock of my progressive values and led to my career choices today.
In the buttoned-up, type-A world of D.C. power, it’s very easy and even tempting to assimilate and “fit in,” so I hope I bring a more queer sensibility to gay D.C. I hope to encourage the gay community, and really all of D.C., to engage in a more vigorous introspection about desire, difference and freedom that leads us toward a more just, progressive world. That, and a better taste in music.
Pride is very important to me. Beyond the celebration of parades and street fairs, it is also a commemoration of the riots at the Stonewall Inn. Certainly I’d like to see a little more recognition of the Latina transgender women who kick-started queer liberation at Stonewall. But at least for me, Pride will always represent one of the most daring, radically queer moments in our community’s history.
The greatest issue I see facing our community is transgender inclusivity, where the recent debate over ENDA serves to highlight a greater rift in our community. Whether our community defines itself narrowly or broadly — as one that serves only those who conform to rigid binaries or one that protects the self-expression of all Americans — is paramount to me.
As much as possible, I hope to facilitate a stronger connection between progressive ideas and the sites of power in America. I want to bring the greatest financial and organizational resources on the left to pursue a truly progressive agenda.
 Washington, D.C.
Executive Chef at Vegetate Restaurant
Struggle forces roots deeper into the soil. Overcoming bias and embracing my sexuality has enabled me to concentrate on a broader scope. That’s allowed my focus to move from an isolated and selfish view, to a more communal and evolutionary one. Having an understanding of isolation informs my work: regenerating our food systems from where they have digressed and bringing people together through the harvest, a universal tie.
A sense of liberation — by making out with my girlfriend in public places, as often as possible.
I remember being much younger and feeling completely secluded. Pride, as a mutual celebration, gave me the ability to move beyond feeling so selfish and depraved. Also, it opened my eyes to diversity, which allowed me to access a deeper personal identity. Finally, I bought pants that actually fit my ass — amazing things happened afterwards.
What do you think is the most important issue facing gay Americans?
I think the most important issues facing gay Americans are the same ones that face all Americans: safety, progress and true awareness of community.
I am hoping to achieve a solid routine of sharing dinner with my lover each night — as long as she cooks, too.
 Takoma Park, Md.
Advertising Manager and Event Planner/Promoter for B.O.I. Productions
Because B.O.I. Productions serves the lesbian ...
| 
