Arts & Entertainment
Queery: David Chalfant
The Whitman-Walker staffer answers 20 gay questions
David Chalfant (Blade photo by Michael Key)
David Chalfant and his partner, Brian Hegedus, live in D.C. but sometimes feel they’re in a remote area — near the Fort Totten Metro station, they’re isolated enough that no Washington take-out spots will deliver to them and those in Takoma Park, Md., won’t cross the line.
“We’re kind of way out there,” he says.
It’s still close enough, though, that he can bike to work at Whitman-Walker Health where he’s director of development. Though relatively new in the position — he’s been there a year and a half — he believes fully in its mission.
“I heard a couple the other day say they come here not only to be healthy but to be whole,” he says. “There’s a great sense of pride that comes in helping make people’s lives better.”
There are a few tickets remaining for “Be the Care!,” the organization’s annual spring gala slated for Thursday at the Carnegie Institution for Science where the Partner for Life award will be given to U.S. Secretary of Health Kathleen Sebelius. It starts at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $150. Visit Whitman-walker.org for details.
Chalfant, a 47-year-old Suffern, N.Y., native, has spent most of his life in or near Washington with long stints in Arizona (1984-1991) and Los Angeles (1996-2004) and even a couple years in Shanghai. He’s worked in fundraising for several organizations and also worked in landscape architecture.
He and Hegedus have been together about two years. He enjoys restoring vintage cars and sharing dinners with his family in his free time.
How long have you been out and who was the hardest person to tell?
Over 20 years. My ex fiancé because I didn’t want her to think my love for her was not true.
Who’s your LGBT hero?
Elizabeth Birch
What’s Washington’s best nightspot, past or present?
The Kennedy Center
Describe your dream wedding.
Just the two of you, with an officiate and family on the beach in Oregon with no one else around for miles.
What non-LGBT issue are you most passionate about?
Conservation of our oceans
What historical outcome would you change?
Gore v Bush
What has been the most memorable pop culture moment of your lifetime?
When texting replaced a friendly voice on the phone.
On what do you insist?
That people in my life bring their A game and understand that it doesn’t cost anything extra to be kind.
What was your last Facebook post or Tweet?
My brother Mark and sister Julie are the finest people I know!
If your life were a book, what would the title be?
What’s Next?
If science discovered a way to change sexual orientation, what would you do?
Ask them to keep it to themselves.
What do you believe in beyond the physical world?
That we were all put here for a reason and that since there is no absolute proof of what is beyond the physical world — we better do our best job while we are here.
What’s your advice for LGBT movement leaders?
That LGBT issues are basic human rights issues and when we let opponents divide us with hate, everyone loses.
What would you walk across hot coals for?
A person in need.
What LGBT stereotype annoys you most?
The very fact that LGBT stereotypes exist.
What’s your favorite LGBT movie?
“Big Eden”
What’s the most overrated social custom?
“Let’s do lunch” — nobody ever means it.
What trophy or prize do you most covet?
A happy life.
What do you wish you’d known at 18?
That people are irreplaceable and that there is nothing two smart people can’t figure out together.
Why Washington?
Smart is sexy.
The LGBTQ organization Lambda Legal held its annual “Lambda Legal in the Pines” fundraiser on Saturday, July 25. The event was held at a house on Fire Island featured in Ryan Murphy’s 2014 HBO film, “The Normal Heart.”
Organizers say over $500,000 was raised to support Lambda Legal’s national litigation and advocacy work.
(Photos by Santiago Felipe)
Out & About
Come showcase your singing, poetry talent
Spark Social open mic night planned for Aug. 13
Spark Social will host “Open Mic Night” on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m.
Get ready to share your talent or just kick back and enjoy some great performances. This event is a fun, laid-back vibe where everyone’s welcome to take the stage. Sign-ups are first-come, first-served, but you can also DM Spark Social on Instagram to reserve a performance spot. Whether you’re a singer, poet, or comedian, this is your chance to get on stage and share your art. More details are available on Eventbrite.
Friday, July 31
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at DIK Bar. This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, August 1
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Sunday, August 2
“Black Gay Flea: Summer Kickback” will be at 12 p.m. at Wunder Garten. This is a space created to celebrate Black LGBTQ+ creatives, artists, makers, entrepreneurs, and the community that shows up for them. Come spend the afternoon shopping with local vendors, discovering new brands, supporting small businesses, and connecting with people from across the DMV. More details are on Eventbrite.
Monday, August 3
“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).
Tuesday, August 4
The DC Anti-Violence Project will host “Soul Centered” at 7 p.m. at Thurst Lounge. This is not a dating event in the traditional sense. It is a space to meet kindred spirits, future collaborators, mentors, friends, or maybe someone who reminds you of what’s possible. Romance may happen, but it’s not the expectation. For more details, visit DCAVP website.
Wednesday, August 5
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.
Center Aging Women’s Social & Discussion Group will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older LGBTQ+ women can meet and socialize with one another. To register, visit the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s website.
Thursday, August 6
The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the Center. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.
Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breath work and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s website.
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