Miscellaneous
Men, music and message
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington celebrates 30 years
The Gay Men's Chorus of Washington performs on Dec. 13, 1985. (Blade file photo by the late Doug Hinkle)
There are several ironies about the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, a nearly 300-member choir that is celebrating its 30th anniversary this month: it was started by a straight woman, its most dedicated member has never sung a note with the group and despite numerous classically trained musicians among its ranks and at its helm, it’s eschewed standard repertoire in recent years.
Despite a bounty of obstacles though — AIDS ravaged the membership roster well into the ‘90s and mainstream venues (including present home the Lisner) were skittish about renting to the group — the Chorus has thrived, is considered among the best of its kind in the U.S. and enjoys such a bounty of interest, the audition process has gotten tougher simply because there’s no room left to get many more bodies on stage or in the rehearsal hall.
“D.C. is absolutely at the top of its game,” says Tim Seelig, artistic director of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus and a 20-year veteran of the Turtle Creek Chorale, a well-respected gay male chorus in Dallas. “I hesitate to start naming names because I’ll certainly leave somebody out but Seattle, New York, Boston, Dallas, San Francisco, the cities that really have the stronger choruses within the movement, D.C. is absolutely at the top of its game. It’s not a competition, we don’t compete for audience or anything and it’s different in different cities, but the D.C. Chorus is absolutely one of the brightest stars.”
Seelig got insight into how good the Washington choir is during an unexpected moment. Many of the larger choirs of the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses (GALA) have done substantial recording over the years. Seelig has heard practically all the CDs and there are many hundreds. He’d picked up the D.C. choir’s “Songs of My Family” CD at a GALA gathering in Miami a few years before but didn’t get around to playing it for a year. He popped it in his car stereo and says he was blown away.
“It was so beautiful, I literally had to pull over,” he says. “It was the finest CD I’d ever heard by a GALA chorus quality wise and I’ve heard thousands of these things. The proof is pretty much there in the pudding. You can’t really fool microphones. You can adjust them a little but they pick up what they hear … they sing really well and they’ve crossed some really important bridges and boundaries. D.C. is absolutely in that top tier.”
The D.C. Chorus is a quasi-unofficial spin off of its San Francisco counterpart. During an early ‘80s national tour, the San Francisco group performed at Washington’s Kennedy Center and had a profound effect on local audiences. Marsha Pearson, a straight woman who lived in Dupont Circle at the time and enjoyed hanging out with gay men, was one such person.
“I couldn’t believe we didn’t have one of these,” she says during a phone chat this week from her home in the Philadelphia area. “I thought, ‘We’re the nation’s capital, how come we don’t have this?’”
She hand wrote fliers — four to a sheet — had her sister photocopy them at her office, cut them up by hand and passed them out at Capital Pride in 1981. Accounts vary about how many showed up to the first practice at the long-defunct gay community center (no connection to the D.C. Center) on Church Street. Pearson remembers about 30. Others say it was more like 15-ish. It was June 28, 1981 (30 years Tuesday), and, by all accounts, an innocuous beginning.
Pearson never sang with the group — it was exclusively a men’s chorus all along. She asked if anybody had any conducting experience. The late Jim Richardson did and became the first director.
“I still remember the first chord,” Pearson says. “It was just a simple thing, you know, like do, mi, so, do, but I just got goosebumps. I was just elated that even one note came out, I was so excited. I got those same goosebumps at the anniversary concert last weekend. I put their CDs on and I get the same thing, especially on certain things they sing. You just can’t believe it sounds so great.”
Steve Herman, who was also at the San Francisco group’s Kennedy Center performance, dropped his then-partner off at the first rehearsal, said hi but didn’t stay. At the second gathering, members told him they needed behind-the-scenes help. He became a non-singing member and is the only person who’s been continuously involved with the Chorus for its entire 30 years. He’s been incredibly active and been on the board most of those 30 years, even president for four.
Jennifer Holliday sings with the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington at its 30th anniversary concert on June 4 at the Lisner Auditorium. (Blade photo by Joey DiGuglielmo)
“I’m not a singer so I don’t have that experience, but I wouldn’t be there for 30 years if it wasn’t a major part of my life,” he says. “I wouldn’t have supported it so long if I didn’t think it was first rate.”
It was decided early on that the word gay would be the first word of the name. Members didn’t want any subtlety when it came to who they were and what they were about.
The first performance was in September at City Hall. The second was at the Eagle, then on 9th Street. Members stood on the steps between the first and second floors. One of the first songs performed was “This Train is Bound for Glory,” a gospel standard. The first ticketed show was at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church on Capitol Hill. By summer’s end, the group had swelled to about 80 members, a size it retained for several years.
“We weren’t that good, but the audience was unbelievably responsive,” Herman says. “We did three nights, two at St. Mark’s and one in Baltimore and it was packed.”
Larry Cohen, a baritone who joined in 1986 shortly after he came out and moved to Washington, remembers a varied repertoire in those years with a mix of classical, show tunes and pop. He says the group didn’t start putting on theatrical productions until about 10 years ago.
“It used to be more of a show choir, you know, stand-on-the-risers-and-sing-kind of thing,” he says. “But in this age of multi-media technology, the audience has come to expect a lot of visuals, action and movement on stage so we mix it up and give them everything from a cappella close harmony to show-stopping production numbers.”
Jeff Burhman, artistic director since 2000, joined the Chorus first as a baritone in 1986. He says the evolution of the Chorus has entailed a number of factors from what other choral groups in the region offer, what arrangements and repertoire is, or was, available at any given time and what has proven successful at the box office.
“We’ve always had what I call the GTGs and the SMQs,” he says. “The ‘good time girls’ who enjoy the Broadway and pop stuff and want to have a good time, and the ‘serious music queens’ who want classical and traditional western stuff. When we were founded and even when I came on in ’86, we were still a novelty if you think about it. There wasn’t a lot of repertoire to be had so the choruses tended to be more traditional. They were doing a lot of college glee club repertoire and whateve we could find. When I joined we were singing German and French and traditional choral literature. That’s my background in classical music, so I was used to it and the audience accepted it. But then in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, it started to reflect what was going on in the gay community. You started to see the AIDS crisis, for instance, reflected in the music. We wanted to sing about things that resonated with us, not just AIDS, but what it was like growing up as a gay man, so there became less interest in the traditional stuff. This has happened with all the large (gay) men’s choruses. Some of the directors have come in with more of a classical bent, but it just doesn’t sell tickets.”
During the nine years that Buhrman was assistant director, he saw the shift.
“I clearly saw that when we did the shows with a more entertaining twist, we got a bigger audience,” he says. “We would do something with a lot of opera and the serious music queens would come and everybody else would stay home.”
In time, the Chorus became known for its commissions — there’ve been three so far that have explored modern gay themes — and its all-male productions of popular musicals like “Grease,” “The Wizard of Oz” and “Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.”
Jack Reiffer, who came out of a straight marriage and joined the Chorus in 1998 shortly after coming out, says the Chorus has exposed him to many musical styles that had previously been off his radar. As a first tenor — the Chorus uses barbershop harmonies (first tenor, second tenor, baritone and bass) but in a much different style — Reiffer quickly became a leader within the group, leading sectionals and mentoring new members.
“We prefer to talk about putting on shows now rather than giving concerts,” he says. “The word is out in a town like this that it’s great entertainment.”
Membership has tripled under Buhrman’s leadership and most involved agree the quality has improved dramatically over the years. Burhman is careful not to make the music too intimidating — the singers are volunteers and some don’t read music — while also expecting them to memorize their parts and rise to the occasion.
“It’s a catch 22 in a positive way,” he says. “By having a good Chorus, you attract good singers and by having good singers, you have a better Chorus.”
Cohen says the sense of family that exists has kept him involved along with the music and message.
“It’s an extended family in the truest sense of the word,” Cohen says. “You really form life-long friends and look out for one another and celebrate milestones together. And then you have the message on top of that, of hope, love, acceptance and tolerance. It really does change hearts and win people over in time. It’s affirming the value of our lives.”
Miscellaneous
Stephen Miller’s legal group sues Fairfax County schools
Lawsuit challenges policies for transgender, nonbinary students
Former Trump administration official Stephen Miller’s legal group on Tuesday filed a lawsuit against the Fairfax County School District over its policies for transgender and nonbinary students.
America First Legal in a press release notes it filed the lawsuit against the school district on behalf of a female, “practicing Roman Catholic” student “for allowing teenage boys to use the female restrooms and for forcing a radical, government-sponsored gender indoctrination and approved-speech scheme that discriminates against students on the basis of sex and religion and violates their free speech rights under the Virginia Constitution.”
The lawsuit was filed in Fairfax County Circuit Court.
The Virginia Department of Education last July announced new guidelines for trans and nonbinary students for which Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin asked. Equality Virginia and other advocacy groups claim they, among other things, would forcibly out trans and nonbinary students.
Fairfax County schools are among the school districts that have refused to implement the guidelines.
“Fairfax County Public Schools appears to believe that its policies and regulations can override the Virginia Constitution’s protections for religious beliefs, speech and from government discrimination on the basis of sex and religious beliefs,” said America First legal Senior Advisor Ian Prior in a press release. “It is well past time for FCPS to stop sacrificing the constitutional rights of its students so that it can implement a state-sanctioned ideology that demands compliance in speech, beliefs and conduct.”
FCPS Pride, a group that represents the Fairfax County School District’s LGBTQ employees, described the lawsuit as “abhorrent.”
“We are confident that the school board and the superintendent will strongly and firmly oppose this specious suit and continue to support all students, including transgender and gender expansive students,” said the group in a press list.
Miscellaneous
More than a dozen LGBTQ candidates on the ballot in Va.
Control of the state Senate hangs in the balance
More than a dozen openly LGBTQ candidates are on the ballot in Virginia on Nov. 7.
State Del. Danica Roem (D-Manassas) is running against Republican Bill Woolf in the newly redistricted Senate District 30 that includes western Prince William County and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park.
Roem in 2018 became the first openly transgender person seated in a state legislature in the U.S. after she defeated then-state Del. Bob Marshall, a prominent LGBTQ rights opponent who co-wrote Virginia’s constitutional amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman. Roem would become Virginia’s first out trans state senator if she defeats Woolf.
Woolf supports a bill that would require school personnel to out trans students to their parents. The Republican Party of Virginia has highlighted this position in ads in support of Woolf.
“Thank you for reminding me why I won three elections in this district in Prince William County, which is the most diverse county in all of Virginia and the 10th most nationally where we welcome everyone because of who they are, not despite it, no matter what you look like, where you come from, how you worship, if you do, or who you love because you should be able to thrive here because of who you are, never despite it,” said Roem on Sept. 28 in response to a woman who heckled her during a debate with Woolf that took place at Metz Middle School in Manassas.
Gay state Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria) is running for re-election in Senate District 39. State Del. Mark Sickles (D-Fairfax County), who is also gay, is running for re-election in House District 43.
Former state Del. Joshua Cole, who identifies as bisexual, is running against Republican Lee Peters in House District 65. State Del. Kelly Convirs-Fowler (D-Virginia Beach), who came out as bisexual last year at Hampton Roads Pride, will face Republican Mike Karslake and independent Nicholas Olenik.
State Del. Marcia “Cia” Price (D-Newport News), a Black woman who identifies as pansexual, is running for re-election in House District 85.
Adele McClure, a queer Democrat, is running to represent House District 2 that includes portions of Arlington County. Laura Jane Cohen, a bisexual woman who is a member of the Fairfax County School Board, is a House of Delegates candidate in House District 15.
Rozia Henson, a gay federal contractor who works for the Department of Homeland Security, is running in House District 19. Zach Coltrain, a gay Gen Zer, is running against state Del. Barry Knight (R-Virginia Beach) in House District 98.
LPAC has endorsed Jade Harris, a Rockbridge County Democrat who is running to represent Senate District 3. Harris’ website notes trans rights are part of their platform.
“Protecting trans rights, repealing right to work, strengthening unions and supporting our farmers are just a few of my legislative priorities,” reads the website. “I am dedicated to addressing the revitalization of our state’s infrastructure, fostering a favorable environment for job creation, and supporting our public education system.”
Republicans currently control the House by a 51-46 margin, while Democrats have a 21-19 majority in the state Senate.
Senate Democrats have successfully blocked anti-LGBTQ bills that Republicans have introduced since Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin took office in January 2022.
The Virginia Department of Education in July released new guidelines for trans and nonbinary students that activists and their supporters have sharply criticized. They fear that Republicans will curtail LGBTQ rights in the state if they regain control of both houses of the General Assembly on Nov. 7.
“Time and time again, anti-equality lawmakers and the Youngkin administration have made it clear that they will continue to disrespect and disregard the lives and lived experience of LGBTQ+ people within Virginia,” said Equality Virginia PAC Executive Director Narissa Rahaman in August when her organization and the Human Rights Campaign endorsed Roem, Ebbin and other “pro-equality champions.”
“We must elect pro-equality champions who will secure and strengthen our freedoms,” added Rahaman. “We have that chance as the eyes of the nation are on us this November.”
The LGBTQ+ Victory Fund has endorsed Fairfax County School Board Vice Chair Karl Frisch and Fairfax County School Board candidates Robyn Lady and Kyle McDaniel, who identify as lesbian and bisexual respectively.
Michael Pruitt would become the first openly bisexual man elected to the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors if he were to win on Nov. 7. Blacksburg Town Councilman Michael Sutphin and Big Stone Gay Town Councilman Tyler Hughes, who are both gay, are running for re-election.
“Tyler will be a critical voice for equality as the only out LGBTQ+ person on the Big Stone Gap Town Council,” says the Victory Fund on its website.
Cal Benn contributed to this article.
Miscellaneous
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Five easy tips to help you avoid common risks
Your home is more than just a place to eat and sleep; it’s your safe haven. As much as you might cherish your home, you should probably also recognize the potential hazards within its familiar walls. Accidents can happen in an instant, yet with a little foresight and some simple adjustments, you can transform your house into a safer haven.
Accidents can happen anywhere, and with a few simple tweaks, you can lower risks in your space. Below you’ll find five tips for each room in your home to help prevent injuries, falls, and other mishaps. In short, home safety.
This article was inspired by a shower in a rental we managed that began leaking through the kitchen ceiling below. If only the landlord had installed grab bars, right!? Below, we’ll guide you through the steps to fortify your bathroom, making it a place of relaxation without the fear of slips and falls. Then, we’ll venture into the room where the magic happens, where proper planning can ensure great nights and peaceful mornings. We’ll show you how to prevent accidents while you experiment becoming the next Gordon Ramsey. And we’ll include a few surprising solutions for those other rooms that hold their own unique hazards, offering solutions to safeguard against unexpected mishaps.
Bathroom Safety
Install Grab Bars: Adding grab bars near the shower and toilet can provide essential support for family members of all ages. Not only can they help with getting in and out, but they can help provide stability when washing. Make sure they are securely anchored to the wall.
Non-Slip Mats: Place non-slip mats inside the shower and bathtub to prevent slips. They’re a small investment that can save you from falls and head injuries.
Adjust Water Temperature: Ensure your hot water is set to a safe temperature to avoid scalding. The hot water heater should be set to around 120°F (49°C)l, the middle setting on many water heater settings.
Medicine Cabinet Locks: If you have young children, use childproof locks on your medicine cabinet to keep harmful substances out of reach.
Proper Lighting: Ensure there’s adequate lighting in the bathroom to avoid trips and falls during nighttime visits. Nightlights can be a simple and effective solution.
Bedroom Safety
Clear Pathways: Keep pathways in the bedroom clutter free to prevent tripping. Ensure there’s enough space to move around comfortably, particularly getting around the bed. Be aware where all furniture is when walking around to avoid stubbed toes, particularly at night.
Secure Rugs: If you have throw rugs, use rug grippers or double-sided tape to keep them from slipping. Loose rugs are a common trip hazard.
Bed Rails: For anyone at risk of falling out of bed, consider installing bed rails to provide extra support and prevent falls.
Nightstands with Drawers: Opt for nightstands with drawers to keep essential items. This reduces the need to get out of bed at night, minimizing the risk of falls, as you race to grab what you need and not lose a moment’s rest.
Fire Safety: Install battery-operated smoke detectors in the bedrooms if there are none. Make sure to install them 36 inches away from an air vent or the edge of a ceiling fan. Also six inches away from the joint between the wall and ceiling. And test smoke detectors regularly.
Kitchen Safety
Non-Slip Flooring: Choose slip-resistant rugs in the kitchen, especially in areas where spills are common. Mats near the sink and stove can also help and you can often buy them fairly cheaply at Costco.
Childproof Cabinets: If you have little ones, use childproof latches on cabinets and drawers to prevent them from accessing potentially hazardous items.
Anti-tip brackets: Install an anti-tip bracket behind the range. These are often used when children are in the home. Although they are less likely to open the oven door and use it as a step stool to get to the stove-top, adults can also benefit from installing these.
Adequate Lighting: Proper lighting is crucial in the kitchen to avoid accidents. Under-cabinet lighting can illuminate work areas effectively.
Secure Heavy Items: Ensure heavy pots and pans are stored at waist level to prevent straining or dropping them from high shelves.
Sharp Object Storage: Keep knives and other sharp objects in a secure drawer or block. And handle all sharp items with extreme care, even when washing and drying. These steps reduce the risk of accidental cuts.
Other Safety Tips
Furniture Anchors: Secure heavy furniture, like bookshelves and dressers, to the wall to prevent tip-overs, especially if you have young children.
Adequate Outlets: Check for damaged outlets and replace them promptly. Avoid overloading circuits with too many devices. Install placeholder plugs in outlets to prevent young curious fingers (or tongues?) from going inside an electrical outlet.
Stair Gates: If your home has stairs, install safety gates at the top and bottom to prevent falls, especially if you have toddlers or pets to keep them off of the stairs when you cannot monitor them.
Emergency Escape Plan: Develop and practice an emergency escape plan with your family, including a designated meeting place outside.
Carbon Monoxide Detector: If your home burns any fossil fuels for heating or appliances, install carbon monoxide detectors in common areas of your home to detect this odorless gas. The D.C. building codes require this if you use a fireplace or if you have an attached garage. In essence, if there is any potential source of carbon monoxide in the home, be sure to install these detectors.
Remember, a safer home not only prevents accidents but also provides peace of mind for you and your family. Implement these simple tips to create a secure environment in every room of your house.
With these practical tips and a few adjustments, you can significantly reduce the risk of injuries and falls in your home. Enjoy peace of mind in your now much safer haven.
Scott Bloom is owner and senior property manager of Columbia Property Management.
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