Arts & Entertainment
Queery: Rod Glover
The Home Rule co-owner answers 20 gay questions
Rod Glover (Blade photo by Michael Key)
It started with a brainstorming session. In 2000, Home Rule (1807 14th St., N.W.; homerule.com) owners Rod Glover and his business partner Greg Link were brainstorming ideas for how to generate an influx of business in notoriously slow August so they could afford trips to retail shows at which they could order merchandise for fall.
They came up with the idea for a sidewalk sale and persuaded about seven of their neighbors to join them. It was a hit — they took all their merchandise, set it up out front and were soon on their way to the shows.
Though they’re not as involved in the planning of it now, the tradition continues. Look for the 13th annual MidCity Dog Days Sidewalk Sale this weekend from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday where about 70 businesses in the area around P and 14th (stretching up to U Street) bring their wares outdoors for the weekend (midcitydogdays.com).
“We just kind of take everything that’s been sitting on the shelf for the last nine months or been taken off the shelf, and move it out to the sidewalk at 50 percent off and it’s a big hit,” Glover says. “It’s very practical housewares stuff. Things people actually need.”
Glover, a 50-year-old Camp Hill, Pa., native, came to D.C. in 1987, his arm twisted by several friends who’d moved here and wanted him to join them. He worked in various retail shops and has always practiced his artwork on the side. He recently exhibited at Gallery Plan B with a show featuring sculpture and found wood he scorched with a propane torch. He and Link opened Home Rule on Labor Day weekend 1999. He says because of the growth in the neighborhood and a loyal customer base, it’s been successful even in the down economy.
Glover and his partner, lawyer Tom Mayes, live together in Dupont Circle. Glover enjoys creating art, cooking, entertaining, magazines and cookbooks in his free time. (Blade photo by Michael Key)
How long have you been out and who was the hardest person to tell?
I came out to my friends in college when I was 19, (and my painting professor) but didn’t come out to my parents until I was 30, on an Easter Sunday, just before I moved into a one bedroom with my partner. That was the hardest. My mother’s immediate response: “Mothers know these things. Is there anyone special?”
Who’s your LGBT hero?
I have two. My partner’s cousin, Mary Margaret “Peggy” Cleveland, because she came out to her North Carolina Presbyterian congregation in her 70s, after having been a missionary in Africa, during a big church debate on the role of LGBT people. And my friend Stephen Skinner, who founded Fairness WV, and who’s running this fall for the West Virginia House of Delegates. If elected, he would be the first openly gay delegate in West Virginia. Support his campaign.
What’s Washington’s best nightspot, past or present?
My apartment. Ask people.
Describe your dream wedding.
It would be just like our friend Jenny Allen’s Hootenanny — a big party with all of our friends, the Speakeasy Boys playing bluegrass, handsome bartenders, barbecue and the Potomac River as a backdrop.
What non-LGBT issue are you most passionate about?
Affordable higher education, affordable health care and the freedom to create.
What historical outcome would you change?
The long persistent influence of Puritanism, here and throughout the world.
What’s been the most memorable pop culture moment of your lifetime?
Three. Seeing Jackie Hoffman on Broadway in “Hairspray,” “Xanadu” and “The Addams Family.”
On what do you insist?
That my friends come to my house, eat my cooking and take leftovers home.
What was your last Facebook post or Tweet?
Katie Petix manages our Facebook for Home Rule. She beats me hands down in posting.
If your life were a book, what would the title be?
“La-Bas,” but it’s already taken.
If science discovered a way to change sexual orientation, what would you do?
Ignore it.
What do you believe in beyond the physical world?
The ghosts that inhabit my cabin in West Virginia. They party so much it keeps me awake.
What’s your advice for LGBT movement leaders?
I don’t really have much of an activist soul, but I deeply admire those who do: Keep at it and thank you.
What would you walk across hot coals for?
The last wedge of Parmigiano Reggiano. And my beautiful nieces.
What LGBT stereotype annoys you most?
Any assumption that prejudges me or others annoys me.
What’s your favorite LGBT movie?
“Trick.” Tori Spelling is fabulously nutty and the movie reminds me of myself and my friend Debbie.
What’s the most overrated social custom?
Being too polite to say you want more.
What trophy or prize do you most covet?
I already have it — the senior art award at high school graduation. I always felt like such an outsider, and I didn’t know in advance, so it meant the world to me. I received the psychology award too — I’m still baffled by that one. My partner says he gets it.
What do you wish you’d known at 18?
How much fun life is.
Why Washington?
In 1987 my friends, who had already moved here, set me up with a job and an apartment. I have the best friends on the planet.
Friday, May 1
Go Gay DC will host “First Friday LGBTQ+ Community Social” at 7 p.m. at Silver Diner Ballston. 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.
“Illusions The Drag Queen Show Washington, D.C.” will be at 7 p.m. at 2323 18th St., N.W. Come see this amazing D.C. drag show and laugh all night long while being amazed by the stellar performances in tribute to some of your old-time favorite classics as well as the latest pop favorites. Come see the likes of Madonna, Cher, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, Beyoncé, Pink, and many more. Tickets are $12.97 and are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, May 2
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11:00a.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.
Drag Queen Sip and Paint Washington DC will be at 4 p.m. at Town Tavern DC. This event combines the joy of painting with the lively energy of a drag queen, offering an hour and a half of fun, creativity, and entertainment. Participants paint a canvas while enjoying cocktails, all under the guidance of a glamorous drag queen host. Tickets are $47.19 and are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, May 4
“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, May 5
Universal Pride Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group seeks to support, educate, empower, and create change for people with disabilities. For more details, email [email protected].
Wednesday, May 6
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 and 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. There will be discussion, activities, and a chance for guests to share what they want future events to include. For more information, email [email protected].
Thursday, May 7
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. 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 Center’s website.
The new monthly 90’s Flashback Drag Brunch premiered at Red Bear Brewing Co. on Sunday, April 26. Performers included Logan Stone, Tiffany D. Carter and Charlemagne Chateau.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
Celebrity News
Madonna makes rare club appearance in West Hollywood
Gay icon brought ‘Confessions II’ to The Abbey
A line of celebrities, “Drag Race” queens, influencers, media, and West Hollywood socialites lined the block around West Hollywood’s The Abbey, all clamoring to get into the invite-only celebration of owner Tristan Schukraft’s birthday. The rumor, which became verified gossip, was that Madonna, the Queen of Pop herself, would be taking the stage. Of course, the Blade had to be there.
With disco balls and Abbey statues covered in pink chiffon, it was clear. This party was a direct tie-in to Madonna’s much-anticipated “Confessions on A Dance Floor” album sequel, “Confessions II.” That night, the Abbey also unveiled its remodeled dance floor, a fitting collaboration.
The club was filled to capacity with a completely open bar, keeping the crowd liquored up. Go-go dancers in black leather collars and thongs lined the room, and celebrities that included Lilly Allen, Bebe Rexha, Tori Spelling, Julia Fox, Sam Asghari, Daniel Frenzese, Cynthia Bailey, Meredith Marks, Tom Daley, and more filled the VIP booths alongside World of Wonder personalities. It was a veritable who’s who of queer folk and allies.
The lights began to dim, the dance floor began to rumble, and Madonna graphics hit the screens. At around 1 am, it was time. Introduced by Addison Rae, Madonna grabbed the mic and started chanting, welcoming her “gays.” The venue resounded in thunderous chants of “freedom,” “mother,” and “bitch.”
Madonna was not there to perform. She was there to dance. She took the stage for about 15 minutes, keeping the crowd going with her naughty and fun commentary. There is no list that needs to be provided on how Madonna’s career has become part of queer culture. Going back to her dance music roots and going back to her gay fans is smart.
Released in 2005 (yes, it has been that long), “Confessions on a Dance Floor” was an instant hit, with four singles from the album being released. The album’s lead single, “Hung Up,” topped the charts in 41 countries with Billboard calling it the most successful dance song of the decade. The album had hints of 60s and 70s flair, mixed in with dance music prevalent at that time. The music still dominates at queer clubs across the globe.
Madonna knows we need a little queer joy; she also knows that fans miss the Madonna we all knew and loved. With the nation in such turbulence, we all need some comfort, and going back to a time when we felt safer and had more to celebrate just feels good. For the new album release, she has even partnered with Grindr for a limited edition vinyl release and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
Her night at The Abbey presented snippets of her new music mixed in with some of her classics. The new material sounded good, sounded familiar in an exciting way, and shows that this diva has still got it.
“Confessions II” releases on July 3.
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