Jul 24, 2009  |  By: Staff & Wire Reports  | COMMENTS     

Babak Movahedi always wanted to own a bar, so five years ago he opened the gay bar Halo on the bustling Logan Circle section of P Street between 14th and 15th streets, N.W. A five-year anniversary party is slated for Sunday at 8 p.m. featuring DJ Lydia Prim and hosted by JD Ordonez of MTV’s “Real World: Brooklyn” fame (there’s no cover). Halo D.C., which underwent an extensive renovation last summer, was successful enough to spawn a sister bar in Miami, which opened in 2007. Movahedi is also planning a Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Halo but it’s still in the planning stages.

He retired from his career as an attorney in international and real estate law last year to focus on Halo. “The real estate market was down and you can’t really be a jack of all trades,” Movahedi says. “So I focused on running the bars. They’re less stressful and more fun.”

Movahedi splits his time between Washington and Miami. Since 2007, he’s spent most of his time in Florida but keeps an apartment in Washington and is here at least once a month. The Tehran, Iran, native left his home country at age 9 to study in England. His family left the country a few years later when Movahedi was 17 (his parents and sisters are all in Washington now). He came to the U.S. in 1978 and to the District in 1983, where he eventually became an ANC Commissioner from 2004 to 2006. The 48-year-old enjoys reading, politics, working out and traveling. To relax, he enjoys quiet dinners accompanied by Cabernet.

How long have you been out and who was the hardest person to tell? Fifteen years — my father.

Who’s your gay hero? Harvey Milk

What is Washington’s best nightspot, past or present? Nation and, of course, Halo.

If gay marriage were legal, would you tie the knot? Yes

What non-gay issue are you most passionate about? Health care reform.

What historical outcome would you change? Prop 8 in California and Amendment 2.

What has been the most memorable pop culture moment of your lifetime? Hanging out with the roommates of “Real World: Brooklyn” in New York and being on “House Hunters” on HGTV.

On what reality TV show would you fare best? “Amazing Race”

What item of clothing has been in your closet since high school? The tie from my high school uniform.

If your life were a book, what would the title be? “Move Ahead with Movahedi”

If science discovered a way to change sexual orientation, what would you do? I like who I am and wouldn’t change.

What do you believe in beyond the physical world? I believe there is one God for all.

What would you order for your last meal? Filet mignon with a baked potato and sour cream.

What would you walk across hot coals for? Love

What gay stereotype annoys you most? That there is no such thing as a committed long-term relationship in the gay world.

What is the best gay film ever made? “Milk”

What is the most overrated social custom? I believe in good etiquette — the British taught me well at my British boarding school. I actually think we don't do enough of that in the States.

What trophy or prize do you most covet? Outstanding attorney of the year — Whitman Walker Clinic.

What’s your advice for gay teens? Set high goals and stay focused on achieving them. Don’t get sidetracked on the social scene.

Why Washington? It’s the most powerful and influential city in the world.