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Are you ready for some football?

Local gay flag league players model in benefit calendar

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(Photo by William Waybourn; courtesy D.C. Gay Flag Football League)

The D.C. Gay Flag Football League enlisted some of its hottest players to create its first 24-month calendar. The theme is Shirts & Skins, with many players exposing their well-defined chests, while other models dress in snazzy attire.

ā€œThe calendar is not risquĆ©, no nudes, no underwear shots, just a great professional product,ā€ says William Waybourn, a volunteer photographer on the project. ā€œSomething people can send home to their family and something people can be proud of.ā€

At least half of the profits from the sales will go to LGBT projects, mostly scholarships for openly gay high school athletes. Brandon Waggoner, commissioner for the league and a model in the calendar, says the standards and selection process are still being determined but the league hopes to award the first scholarships in 2012.

ā€œWe really want to help students,ā€ Waggoner says. ā€œWe are determined to make this happen.ā€

A launch party is planned for Tuesday from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Longview Art Gallery (1234 9th St., N.W.) with open bar and hors dā€™oeuvres. Sponsors include Nellieā€™s Sports Bar, JR.ā€™s Bar & Grill, Hugo Boss, Victory Fund, Washington Blade, Hollywood Tans and Blue Moon.

(Photo by William Waybourn; courtesy D.C. Gay Flag Football League)

The league is a competitive flag football group that caters to the gay and lesbian community and its supporters.Ā When the 2010 fall season started, there were seven teams and 102 players. Interest has increased and now there are 12 teams with nearly 200 players.

ā€œThe players are very dedicated to the sport and to their respected teams,ā€ says Jeff Spitko, the leagueā€™s communications director and a calendar model. ā€œSome travel long distances just to participate. We have one player, for example, that travels all the way from Richmond.ā€

This dedication spilled over into the development of the calendar.

ā€œMany people allocated a lot of time, energy and talent developing this calendar,ā€ says Tony Frye, a volunteer designer on the project. ā€œIt was a five-month project, worth every second.ā€

Frye says the calendar offers a stereotype-busting irony ā€” masculine men in a masculine sport, yet most of the models shown are gay.

ā€œIt is commonly known that there is a stereotype that gay men are simply not masculine,ā€ Frye says. ā€œI think this stereotype hinders people from coming out, especially teenagers, and especially high school athletes.ā€ Frye hopes when teens see the calendar, it shatters preconceived notions.

There are 36 players in the calendar and all are gay except one. Sean Bartel, a league board member and model, says, ā€œThe straight model plays in the league because he enjoys the sport and to support his gay brother, who is also a player. That shows dedication to family and dedication to matters that are important to his gay brother.ā€

The selection process for the models was difficult because many players tried out.

ā€œAll had talent but unfortunately, not all could have been selected.ā€ Frye says.

ā€œI was thrilled when I learned I was selected,ā€ Waggoner says, but he points out that being selected came with a personal sense of responsibility and burden.Ā  Leading up to the shoots, many of the models ā€” all of whom were amateurs at modeling ā€” were anxious and many altered their normal routines.

ā€œAs soon as I found out I was selected, I increased my workouts and went on a strict diet,ā€ Waggoner says. The day of the shoot, Waggoner had two glasses of wine prior to the shoot to help him relax, and after, celebrated the completion by going to one of his favorite places to eat and ordering macaroni and cheese.

ā€œI was kind of relieved when it was all over,ā€ he says.

Like Waggoner, Bartel was also nervous.

(Photo by William Waybourn; courtesy D.C. Gay Flag Football League)

ā€œAfter talking several deep breaths, I kept telling myself these are just pictures,ā€ Bartel says.

Both say it was a fun experience and they were glad to be selected.

The idea to start a fundraiser came from the leagueā€™s role in helping Team D.C. raise money for scholarships last year. Team D.C. is a charitable organization established to educate the LGBT community on the benefits of individuals and team sports participation.

The inspiration to use a calendar as a marketing tool to help raise money originated with the successful launch of a D.C. Strokes Rowing Club calendar. They made it a point, though, to not produce a copycat product.

ā€œThe rowing calendar had hot pretty boys, the football calendar has hot muscular men,ā€ Frye says. He also wanted models who actually played football.

About 11,000 photographs were taken and only a small portion was used.

ā€œI wish we had more pages to work with because there are several other good pictures that I would like to use,ā€ Frye says. A secondary product with some of the outtakes is being discussed but theyā€™re waiting to see how sales go on the calendar before divulging details.

The stress of calendar sales is weighing heavily on a lot of minds.

ā€œWe have to have strong sales for the first printing of 1,500 calendars,ā€ Waggoner says.

Although many volunteered to put the calendar together, producing it was not free.

ā€œWe have the printing costs, promotional costs, launch party costs, security for the night of the event, and we have to pay the bartenders and servers, not to mention we have to make a profit in order to fulfill the goal of helping LGBT causes, including scholarships.ā€

Waggoner, however, remains optimistic that sales will meet or exceed expectations and will require a second printing. Several media outlets have mentioned the project and orders are coming in from Europe and beyond. A German order for 50 copies was recently placed.

A fashion show will be held at the party with models wearing Hugo Boss fashions. Guests can meet the players/models there.

Launch party tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. A calendar can be reserved for $20. Those at the party can buy one for $15. Go to dcgffl.org for details.

ā€œWhatā€™s great about all this is it is for a great cause and it brings people closer together,ā€ Frye says.

 

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Miscellaneous

What it means to be an active ally to your LGBTQ+ co-workers TEST

Five easy tips to help you avoid common risks

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Be sure to install baby gates if you have stairs in your home with young children. (Photo by Kasia Bialasiewicz/Bigstock)

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 youā€™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 weā€™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 120Ā°F (49Ā°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 momentā€™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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Celebrity News

Lizzo makes $50K donation to Marsha P. Johnson Institute

Singer is vocal LGBTQ ally

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Lizzo at the 65th Grammy Awards (Screenshot from the Grammy Awards)

When Lizzo sings “If I’m shinin,’ everybody gonna shine,ā€ in her hit song, “Juice,” she means it. Proof of that came this week on Instagram when the LGBTQ ally announced the first winner of her annual Juneteenth Giveback Campaign is the Marsha P. Johnson Institute, a national nonprofit based in Richmond, Calif., dedicated to the protection and defense of Black transgender people. 

And she did so in song: ā€œOn the first day of Juneteenth, Lizzo gave to me,ā€ she sang in her video, posted Tuesday, as she revealed her $50,000 gift to MPJI.

ā€œThatā€™s right, we know who Marsha P. Johnson is. We know what Marsha P. Johnson has done for the LGBTQ, emphasis on that ā€˜T,ā€™ Q community,ā€ said Lizzo to her 13.5 million followers. ā€œThank you so much to the people at the Marsha P. Johnson Institute. You deserve this, and I hope this helps you so much as you help protect our Black trans family.ā€ 

ā€œWhat the Marsha P. Johnson Institute does is protects and defends the rights of Black transgender people. They do this by organizing community, advocating for the people, and creating an intentional healing community, developing transformative leadership and promoting collective power,ā€ she said. 

ā€œWe are overjoyed for the shoutout from Lizzo today, the generosity of her sharing her platform and the recognition of MPJI and its work,ā€ said Elle Moxley, MPJIā€™s executive director. ā€œThe resources from this campaign will ensure the protection and defense of Black transgender people continue at a time where it is so vitally needed. We are so grateful for the support of Lizzo and her fans.ā€

As one of Time Magazineā€™s Persons of the Year for 2019 and a 2023 Grammy winner, Lizzo is more than a pop star but an inspiration to millions of fans for her body-positive attitude, her self-confidence on stage and in her videos, her empowering music and her activism. Sheā€™s also the founder of her own clothing line, Yitty. In 2021, she made headlines when she publicly corrected a paparazzo for using ā€œshe/herā€ pronouns and misgendering Demi Levato.

As part of her campaign, now in its 4th year, Lizzo recognizes Black-led grassroots organizations and businesses and encourages her fans to join her in supporting each of the five organizations she highlights this week. Fans who take action by donating are  entered into a drawing for an all-expenses paid trip to see her perform at Fuji Rock in Japan later this year. 

This weekā€™s other nonprofits receiving gifts are: Black Girls Smile, Sphinx Music, the University of Houston and Save Our Sisters United.

Find out more about Lizzoā€™s 4th annual Juneteenth Giveback Campaign by clicking here.

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Celebrity News

Anne Heche dies after removal from life support

Actress dated Ellen DeGeneres in late 1990s

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(Screenshot/YouTube Inside Edition)

Actress Anne Heche died after she was removed from life support on Sunday, nearly two weeks after her Mini-Cooper crashed through a two-story house in Los Angelesā€™ Mar Vista neighborhood. Investigators with the Los Angeles Police Department believe she was intoxicated at the time.

She sustained a severe anoxic brain injury along with severe burns and was being treated at the Grossman Burn Center at West Hills Hospital, near Chatsworth in the San Fernando Valley.

The 53-year-old actress who was a star of films likeĀ “Donnie Brasco,” the political satireĀ “Wag the Dog”Ā and the 1998 remake ofĀ “Psycho,” had been declared legally dead under California law on Friday, however, her family kept her alive long enough to be an organ donor.

In a statement Friday, the LAPD announced that: ā€œAs of today, there will be no further investigative efforts made in this case. Any information or records that have been requested prior to this turn of events will still be collected as they arrive as a matter of formalities and included in the overall case. When a person suspected of a crime expires, we do not present for filing consideration.ā€ LAPD detectives had previously made public that investigators into the crash found narcotics in a blood sample taken from Heche.

The actress’s family released a statement on Friday:

“Today we lost a bright light, a kind and most joyful soul, a loving mother, and a loyal friend. Anne will be deeply missed but she lives on through her beautiful sons, her iconic body of work, and her passionate advocacy. Her bravery for always standing in her truth, spreading her message of love and acceptance, will continue to have a lasting impact,” the statement added.

Heche was married to camera operator Coleman Laffoon from 2001 to 2009. The two had a son, Homer, together. She had another son, named Atlas, during a relationship with actor James Tupper, her co-star on the TV series ā€œMen In Trees.ā€

Laffoon left a moving tribute on an Instagram reel in which he also gave an update on how their 20-year-old son Homer Laffoon is coping with the loss of his mother.

“I loved her and I miss her, and I’m always going to,” he said adding: “Homer is okay. He’s grieving, of course, and it’s rough. It’s really rough, as probably anybody can imagine. But he’s surrounded by family and he’s strong, and he’s gonna be okay.”

“Rest In Peace, Mom, I love you, Homer,ā€ the actor’s 20-year-old son, Homer, said in a statement after Heche was declared legally dead on Friday.ā€œ My brother Atlas and I lost our Mom,ā€ read the statement. ā€œAfter six days of almost unbelievable emotional swings, I am left with a deep, wordless sadness. Hopefully, my mom is free from pain and beginning to explore what I like to imagine as her eternal freedom. Over those six days, thousands of friends, family, and fans made their hearts known to me. I am grateful for their love, as I am for the support of my Dad, Coley, and my stepmom Alexi who continue to be my rock during this time. Rest In Peace Mom, I love you, Homer.ā€

Tupper, a Canadian actor who starred alongside Heche in “Men in Trees,” had a 13-year-old son,Ā Atlas, withĀ her. “Love you forever,” Tupper, 57, wrote on his Instagram post’s caption with a broken heart emoji, which shared an image of the actress from Men in Trees.

Between 1997 and 2000, Heche was also in a relationship with talk show host Ellen DeGeneres.

“This is a sad day,” DeGeneres posted on Twitter. “I’m sending Anne’s children, family and friends all of my love.” The year after her break-up with the comedian, in September 2001, Heche recounted in her memoir “Call Me Crazy,ā€ about her lifelong struggles with mental health and a childhood of abuse.

KTLA’s entertainment reporter Sam Rubin noted that over the past two decades, Hecheā€™s career pivoted several times. In 2017, she hosted a weekly radio show on SiriusXM with Jason Ellis called ā€œLove and Heche.ā€

In 2020, Heche made her way into the podcast world. She launched ā€œBetter Togetherā€ which she cohosted alongside Heather Duffy Boylston. The show was described as a way to celebrate friendship. 

She also worked in smaller films, on Broadway, and on TV shows. She recently had recurring roles on the network series ā€œChicago P.D.,ā€ and ā€œAll Riseā€ and was a contestant on ā€œDancing with the Stars.ā€

People magazine reported that several of Hecheā€™s acting projects are expected to be released posthumously.

These includeĀ “Girl in Room 13,” expected to be released on Lifetime in September,Ā “What Remains,” scheduled to be released in 2023, and HBO Max TV seriesĀ “The Idol,” created by Abel Tesfaye (The Weeknd) and Euphoria creator Sam Levinson.

In her Instagram post from earlier this year Heche stands between her sons Atlas, 13 and Homer, 20.

From KTLA:

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