It's been 25 years since drag artist John Epperson introduced Lypsinka to Manhattan's then-edgy East Village scene where she was an instant hit at spots like the Pyramid Club. But little did Epperson know at the time that his flame-haired, manic creation would go on to make him a name, pay the bills and become what's turning out to be a lifelong companion.

Lypsinka is Epperson's homage to all the glamorous dames of stage, screen (large and small) and smoke-filled lounges whom he's idolized ever since he was a little gay boy growing up in Hazlehurst, Miss. A frenetic edge and a surplus of kinetic energy make Lypsinka the ideal conduit for Epperson's genius theatrical concept: 90 m ... ]]> http://washblade.com/2007/2-2/locallife/feature/9928.cfm Fri, 2 Feb 2007 05:00:00 EST Fighting an epidemic
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day seeks to stem rate of infection
By ZACK ROSEN
Friday, February 02, 2007

Coinciding with Black History Month, National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day carries a heightened significance in Washington, a city with one of the highest HIV infection rates in the nation. Falling on Feb. 7, for the seventh consecutive year, the day is designed to raise awareness, participation and support for HIV prevention within the black community.

In the District, 85 percent of HIV cases are among blacks, according to the city's AIDS office. The official website of the National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day states that the “primary goal of NBHAAD is to motivate African Americans to get tested and know their HIV status; get educated about the transmission modes of HIV/AI ... ]]> http://washblade.com/2007/2-2/locallife/feature/9940.cfm Fri, 2 Feb 2007 05:00:00 EST Hunting for gay nightlife
Small-town bars serve as watering holes, community centers
By KATHERINE VOLIN
Friday, January 26, 2007

The role of a gay bar in a small town can be a varied one. Crowds can be eclectic, the evening's activities differ and even the nights the bar is open are subject to change.

Scott Heflin, a manager at Stonewall Tavern in Winchester, Va., says the bar, the only one that draws a gay crowd in the town of about 25,000, serves as a safe place where a diverse crowd meets for karaoke, drinks and conversation.

“We're a bar that doesn't discriminate against anyone, so we have all kinds of people, gay men, lesbians, heterosexuals, bisexuals,” Heflin says.

The bar, which accommodates 50 people, hosts karaoke on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and sometimes the ... ]]> http://washblade.com/2007/1-26/locallife/feature/feature.cfm Fri, 26 Jan 2007 05:00:00 EST Roanoke's gay native son
Will Trinkle runs a successful business in rural Virginia, but a new anti-gay law istesting his hometown loyalty
By ELEANOR LEVINE
Friday, January 26, 2007

ROANOKE, Va. — This town is a verdant community in the Blue Ridge Mountains just one hour north of anti-gay point man Jerry Falwell's headquarters in Lynchburg. Roanoke also boasts upscale chewing tobacco, mouth-watering cheese grits, former plantation homes, seductive blue grass music and Will Trinkle — a third generation Roanoke resident who is also a successful gay businessman.

Trinkle and his partner of two years, Juan Granados, reside in the Star City (Roanoke's nickname for itself, referencing the 10,000-pound red, white and blue neon sign on local Mill Mountain). Granados, who is originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, is a creative director for an advertising ... ]]> http://washblade.com/2007/1-26/locallife/feature/will.cfm Fri, 26 Jan 2007 05:00:00 EST Historic theater wins reprieve
Last-minute grant from the city saves Lincoln Theatre, site of popular gay film festival
By KATHERINE VOLIN
Friday, January 19, 2007

A recent announcement that the historic Lincoln Theatre was in danger of closing alarmed local gay groups.

“Losing the Lincoln Theatre would definitely be a hardship for us,” says Margaret Murray, executive director of One in Ten, which operates D.C.'s annual gay film festival, Reel Affirmations. The film festival has used Lincoln Theatre as a screening venue for the past 12 years, Murray says.

Janice Hill, executive director of the theater, put out the call in a Washington Post article on Jan. 9 that the theater was in danger of going under due to lack of funds. Not willing to allow the historic black theater to fade on his watch, Mayor Adrian Fenty's administ ... ]]> http://washblade.com/2007/1-19/locallife/feature/feature.cfm Fri, 19 Jan 2007 05:00:00 EST Singing for dollars
Local HIV/AIDS group combines art and fundraising for benefit next week
By ZACK ROSEN
Friday, January 19, 2007

Though not the first organization to benefit from the age-old link between gays and musical theater, Arts in Action, a local non-profit, will again capitalize on that connection in a benefit to be held Tuesday, Jan. 23. Borrowing their model from national organization “Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS,” Arts in Action brings together thespians to perform in benefits that raise money for local HIV/AIDS organizations. The group's upcoming fundraiser will use more than a little local celebrity power to garner funds for a good cause.

The event is being held at the Harriman Mansion, the Georgetown home of Dr. James D'Orta, and will be catered by Italian restaurant Caf&eac ... ]]> http://washblade.com/2007/1-19/locallife/feature/singing.cfm Fri, 19 Jan 2007 05:00:00 EST Tanning your hide
Get out the leather chaps and jack boots— Mid-Atlantic Leather is back
By AMY CAVANAUGH
Friday, January 12, 2007

It's that time of year again — Martin Luther King weekend is the signal for scores of leather enthusiasts to break out their gear and convene at the annual Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend, the second largest leather gathering in North America.

This year's theme is “Come and Get It!” which Larry Barat, the promotions chair of MAL, says “means different things to different people … [MAL] is an opportunity to socialize and meet people, and it's about having a good time.”

If attendance over the past few years is any indication, a slew of leather fanatics will indeed come out and get it.

“We register about 1,000 to 1,200 [people] ... ]]> http://washblade.com/2007/1-12/locallife/feature/feature.cfm Fri, 12 Jan 2007 05:00:00 EST Fit for a King
Gay actor Andre De Shields prepares for the role of a lifetime in Folger's 'King Lear'
By ZACK ROSEN
Friday, January 12, 2007

Theater actor Andre De Shields first garnered attention for performing in an all-nude version of “Peter Pan” during his undergraduate years and, in the almost 40 intervening years, he hasn't abandoned his commitment to difficult roles. Currently starring in “King Lear” at the Folger Theatre, the openly gay performer is more than ready to tackle a role that he describes as “climbing Mount Everest.”
 
“It's complicated,” De Shields says, “but as I mature as a performer it feels very natural for me to move away, even if it's temporary, from musical comedy into serious drama, because it gives me an opportunity to bring ... ]]> http://washblade.com/2007/1-12/locallife/feature/king.cfm Fri, 12 Jan 2007 05:00:00 EST Still going strong
After losing a brother to AIDS, Cheryl Spector started fighting and 20 years later, her work continues
By KATHERINE VOLIN
Friday, January 05, 2007

When her brother committed suicide in 1985 following an AIDS diagnosis, Cheryl Ann Spector mourned for more than a year before deciding that she had to channel her grief into action. Still reeling from her loss in January of 1987, she walked into a Baltimore office space where the planning for the March On Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights was underway.

“It was one of the single most powerful moments of my entire life,” Spector, a lesbian, says about the march, which took place in October of that year, nearly two years to the day of her brother's death.

“I remember not sleeping at all,” she says. “I just remember standing on the Mall and c ... ]]> http://washblade.com/2007/1-5/locallife/feature/feature.cfm Fri, 5 Jan 2007 05:00:00 EST Taking their bows
Gay artists had a memorable year in D.C.'s theater scene
By PATRICK FOLLIARD
Friday, December 29, 2006

Since antiquity, an unceasing supply of gay artists has been vital in making theater happen. Naturally, the 2006 Washington-area theater scene was no exception. Were there room, we'd like to note each and every instance of queer effort. Instead, we'll opt to highlight the accomplishments of some of the gay standout theater professionals who have enjoyed a particularly good year.

No doubt, the stars were aligned for gay actor/composer Matt Conner in 2006. Last January, Signature Theatre mounted a world premiere production of “Nevermore,” Conner's debut musical work. Not only was the haunting retel ... ]]> http://washblade.com/2006/12-29/locallife/feature/bows.cfm Fri, 29 Dec 2006 05:00:00 EST Little woman with a big heart
Longtime Bachelor's Mill owner BB Gatch retires after three decades
By KATHERINE VOLIN
Friday, December 22, 2006

BB Gatch, the longtime owner of gay bar Bachelor's Mill, retired this month after 32 years of owning bars in D.C. Although she chalks up the bar's longevity to “good service and good drinks,” her longtime customers say the reason Gatch's business has lasted so long is because of her connection to the community she serves.

“The Bachelor's Mill became more than just a bar, but a community hub,” says longtime gay activist Phil Pannell. “So many events were held over the years. They were too numerous to count.”

In addition to the weekly shows, fundraisers and community events, the bar offered a welcoming spot to those who found themselves un ... ]]> http://washblade.com/2006/12-22/locallife/feature/feature.cfm Fri, 22 Dec 2006 05:00:00 EST A gay old time
Array of D.C. holiday events ensures that no one gets left out in the cold

By
Friday, December 15, 2006
Whether you're religious or irreverent, gay Washingtonians have a myriad of ways to celebrate the holidays this year — from religious ceremonies to spiritual events to ribald theatrics.

The least conventional of the holidays happenings is “Lobster Boy's Christmas Extravaganza.” A variety show of sorts, Lobster Boy will definitely be a breath of fresh air for those unimpressed by standard Radio City Music Hall fare.   

“It's a comedy kind of thing,” says Lobster Boy himself, Lucas Zarwell. “We've got some skilled talent and some unskilled talent, and we have a bunch of people onstage in different variety acts.& ... ]]> http://washblade.com/2006/12-15/locallife/feature/holiday.cfm Fri, 15 Dec 2006 05:00:00 EST Queen of queens
One of New York's finest dames in drag heads to the Warehouse for a cabaret show
By KATHERINE VOLIN
Friday, December 08, 2006

Ballerinas have long been the inspiration for little girls and boys who cannot help but admire their grace and beauty. The smooth figures were also an inspiration for one of New York City's most prominent drag queens, Edie.

Christopher Kenney, Edie's daytime personality, danced ballet professionally for 11 years prior to creating the Edie character as part of a Halloween costume one year. When he did bring the grand diva to life, his colleagues served as his models.

“I was in the ballet for 11 years, and I loved it,” says Kenney, who is gay. “I'd be dancing with all these wonderful dancers and be all sweaty and stuff.”

When the dancers had ... ]]> http://washblade.com/2006/12-8/locallife/feature/feature.cfm Fri, 8 Dec 2006 05:00:00 EST An award 10 years in the making
Washington Jewish Film Festival honors gay Israeli filmmaker, Eytan Fox
By ZACK ROSEN
Friday, December 01, 2006

Gay Israeli filmmaker Eytan Fox is well known internationally for his ability to make gay movies that have inherent mainstream appeal, and this year's 17th annual Washington Jewish Film Festival is honoring the director with its first-ever decade award, celebrating Fox's 10 years of creative output.

The WJFF has created the award to coincide with the 10-year anniversary of its permanent venue, D.C.'s Jewish Community Center at 16th and Q Streets. When the festival's directors began discussing candidates for the inaugural honor, Fox's name quickly came to the forefront.

“[Fox] certainly got a lot of attention for [2005 release] 'Walk On Water,' but I don't know if a ... ]]> http://washblade.com/2006/12-1/locallife/feature/feature.cfm Fri, 1 Dec 2006 05:00:00 EST 25 years into the pandemic
Local groups plan a range of events for World AIDS Day
By KATHERINE VOLIN
Friday, November 24, 2006

Us Helping Us, a local black gay AIDS organization, is heading to a Baptist church to commemorate World AIDS Day this year.  
 
The relationship between gay blacks and the Christian faith is tumultuous, but Covenant Baptist Church in Southwest D.C. has established itself as a place of acceptance for black gay men and lesbians. Beginning this year, Us Helping Us has held HIV/AIDS testing there each Thursday, so when straight married pastors of the church, Rev. Dennis and Christine Wiley, asked the group to participate in their World AIDS Day event, Us Helping Us didn't hesitate.
 
“It has been very affirming of African-American gay people,&r ... ]]> http://washblade.com/2006/11-24/locallife/feature/feature.cfm Fri, 24 Nov 2006 05:00:00 EST Baltimore's free for all
Free admission at two art museums boosts attendance and diversity
By KATHERINE VOLIN
Friday, November 17, 2006

Living in the District is a dream come true for art lovers. Not only are the museums world-class and diverse, but most of them are free. And now Baltimore is now taking a page from D.C.'s book.

Thanks in part to grants from Baltimore City and Baltimore County, the Baltimore Museum of Art and the Walters Art Museum, the city's best-known and largest museums, are now offering free admission.

Since Oct. 1, when the museums first abandoned admission fees, attendance has soared.

“It's two and a half times the attendance [of] the same period last year,” says Gary Vikan, director of the Walters. “I can't say that will continue and I doubt it will, but ... ]]> http://washblade.com/2006/11-17/locallife/feature/feature.cfm Fri, 17 Nov 2006 05:00:00 EST Sounds of 'Jubilation'
GWU Orchestra performspiece by gay composers part of fall concert
By AMY CAVANAUGH
Friday, November 17, 2006

Gay composer Brian Wilbur Grundstrom discards traditional methods of composing music and instead embraces innovation and technology.

“I don't write with a key signature,” says Grundstrom, who also composes on a computer, “I need to do something challenging that holds attention.”

This recipe for composition has succeeded, and Sunday, Nov. 19, marks the world premiere of Grundstrom's “Jubilation! Dance for Orchestra.” The piece is part of the George Washington University Orchestra's fall concert scheduled for 3 p.m. at Lisner Auditorium. The concert also includes Beethoven's Symphony Number 6 and Mozart's “Die Zauberflöte&rdquo ... ]]> http://washblade.com/2006/11-17/locallife/feature/jubilation.cfm Fri, 17 Nov 2006 05:00:00 EST