Miscellaneous
Queery: Garrett Peck
The local author and Prohibition expert answers 20 gay questions
Garrett Peck (Blade photo by Michael Key)
Author Garrett Peck had drastically different experiences writing his two Prohibition-themed books.
“The Prohibition Hangover: Alcohol in America from Demon Rum to Cult Cabernet,” his 2009 work, took six years. He wrote it first, then found a publisher. But the follow-up, “Prohibition in Washington, D.C.: How Dry We Weren’t,” was done in six weeks and came out in March. Obviously he had a good running start on the topic from the first book, but it was still a mammoth undertaking.
“There’s nothing like a deadline to focus you,” he says. “This was around last Thanksgiving, so there went my Christmas, but I’m actually really happy with the way it turned out.”
Look for him Tuesday at the National Press Club for its annual “Book Fair and Authors’ Night” on Tuesday when he and about 90 other authors will sell and sign their latest books. It’s at 5:30 p.m. in the ballroom. Tickets are $5 at the door and the public is welcome.
And yes, Peck enjoys drinking himself. His favorites vary by season and the meal at hand. It good be whisky, a Manhattan or beer.
“I couldn’t pick a favorite,” he says. “It’s like asking for my favorite ice cream or favorite song. I like too many to choose a favorite.”
The 43-year-old Sacramento, Calif., native works as a market analyst for Verizon by day, though he’d love to write full time if possible. He says the publishing industry is in too much flux for that to be realistic. For now, he’s happy to “just keep getting published.”
He came to the area for grad school 17 years ago and stayed. Peck is single and lives in Arlington. He enjoys traveling, hiking, yoga and cooking in his free time.
How long have you been out and who was the hardest person to tell?
I came out in 1995. My dad was the hardest to tell, being from the panhandle of Nebraska, but he took it pretty well. I had told the other members of my family first, so I knew where they all stood.
Who’s your LGBT hero?
Larry Slagle. Heās a dear friend of mine, and heās been out since the 1950s. He reminds me how important it is to maintain perspective ā that there was once a time when being out could be hazardous to oneās career or life, and how far weāve come in so short a time. The days when gays are fully inclusive in society truly cannot be far away ā we will live to see it. It will be a great day.
What’s Washington’s best nightspot, past or present?Ā
I tend to like places that are quality drinking establishments, where they make the cocktails by hand rather than the soda gun, and where the music isnāt too loud to talk. Iām awfully fond of The Passenger in Mount Vernon, as well as Bar Pilar on 14th Street. Nightclubs arenāt so much my thing ā I canāt seem to stay awake past 11. As for the most fun Iāve ever had at a nightspot, that was the short-lived event called āBent,ā which thrived for one year in 1996 at the Andalusian Dog at 14th and U. They played ’80s retro music, and when we danced, it felt like the floor would cave in.
Describe your dream wedding.
I honestly havenāt given this much thought. Iām single, and probably a little too comfortable with that status for my own good. So I donāt knowā¦maybe something fun and frugal, like a weekend in Provincetown with close friends.
What non-LGBT issue are you most passionate about?
History. Iāve got a long list of book topics Iād like to write, all historic non-fiction. I also lead this oddball historic tour called the Temperance Tour, which hits Prohibition-era sites in the nationās capital. We go places that most Washingtonians have walked past but never really noticed. Did you know we have a Temperance Fountain, right at 7th & Penn? (temperancetour.com)
What historical outcome would you change?
The assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Heās my favorite president, and for a man who had only served as a one-term congressman, he turned out to be a remarkable wartime leader with a real vision for the country. He held the Union together against pro-slavery forces that wanted to tear it apart. I really wish he could have lived and seen through his vision for Reconstruction.
What’s been the most memorable pop culture moment of your lifetime?
The fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989. I had spent the year before in Germany at a German armed forces officers college in Hamburg. I had traveled a number of times to East Germany and seen how oppressive the communist regime was. That the wall would come down through nonviolent resistance was simply stunning. It was the closest thing Iāve ever seen to a miracle.
On what do you insist?
That we be see the humanity in all of Godās children, including people you donāt really like or would even consider an enemy. When was the last time you acknowledged a homeless person or offered them a kind word? Their lives may be broken, but they are no less valuable as people than you and me.
What was your last Facebook post or Tweet?
“Reading a book ā one with pages. So anachronistic.ā
If your life were a book, what would the title be?
āThrowing Spaghetti at a Wall: My Life as a Writerā
If science discovered a way to change sexual orientation, what would you do?
No way. And miss the off-chance that Ricky Martin might need a step-father for his children?!
What do you believe in beyond the physical world?Ā
Is there an afterlife? I hope, but who honestly knows? Iām Christian (I go to Foundry UMC), but am increasingly agnostic the more I learn about the actual origins of the church. ā¦ But Iāve seen enough things in my life that I canāt quite explain, and while I have doubts, Iām willing to let God have the benefit of my doubts. And yeah, I see a book about this in my future.
What’s your advice for LGBT movement leaders?
Donāt despair, whatever setbacks come our way. Weāre going to win this.
What would you walk across hot coals for?
Publishing books is akin to walking across hot coals. Itās not something you do overnight or over a month, but over years. It is a struggle. But it is oh so totally worth it.
What LGBT stereotype annoys you most?
That all of us have toy dogs like pugs and coddle them like children. Some of us actually have cats that we coddle like children.
What’s your favorite LGBT movie?
Billy Wilderās āSome Like It Hotā was absolutely hilarious and way ahead of its time ā and it took place during Prohibition. Itās one of those movies you watch and fall off the couch laughing. Jack Lemmon seemed to honestly enjoy being in drag.
What’s the most overrated social custom?
Tipping. It would be nice if service were included in the price, just like in Europe. It would also be nice if bartenders and waiters earned a living wage, healthcare and retirement benefits ā most simply donāt, which is why itās a job (rather than a career) for the young.
What trophy or prize do you most covet?
The National Book Award, of course! (Thatās like winning the Oscar for Best Picture.)
What do you wish you’d known at 18?
That itās OK to come out. That people will still love you and accept you for who you are. And as difficult and worrisome as the process can be, it has a huge impact on all around you. Coming out is like dropping a rock in a pond: the ripples will carry you forward through your entire life.
Why Washington?
I came here for grad school and fell in love with the city in a week. Itās a great place to have a career, the gay community is sizable and integrated into the larger society, and we have so much culture ā much of it free. For us history dorks, it is ground zero. People are better educated here and have a greater awareness of our past than most other cities.
They ran like the wind, broke the tape at the finish line, and clutched their chest with the broadest smile on their face. Then Nikki Hiltz collapsed to the track, having set a new record in the 1,500-meter race at the U.S. Olympic track and field trials and earned a spot on Team USA.Ā
As the realization sank in that they would be representing the U.S. in Paris as an out transgender nonbinary athlete, what the Paris-bound Olympian did next was to scribble a message of LGBTQ representation on the last day of Pride Month, writing with a red marker upon the glass of the camera that records each athleteās signature on a whiteboard:
āI ā¤ļø the gays,ā they wrote, and above it, they signed their first name.
Hiltz, 29, finished the race on Sunday at the University of Oregonās Hayward Field in first-place with a final time of 3:55:33, breaking third-place finisher Elle St. Pierreās 2021 record of 3:58:03.
Hiltz credited St. Pierre, the top-finishing American and third-place finisher in the womenās 1,500 at the Tokyo Olympics, with motivated them and the other competitors to race faster. With a first lap time of 61 seconds, St. Pierre led the race for the majority of its duration. St. Pierre and Emily Mackay, who placed second, also both earned spots in the Paris Olympics.
āIf someone would have told me this morning that 3:56 doesnāt make the team, I donāt want to know that. Iām just in the race to run it and race it and thatās what I did,ā Hiltz said after the race. The Santa Cruz native who came out in 2021 as trans nonbinary told NBC Sports that the accomplishment is ābigger than just me.ā
āI wanted to run this for my community,ā Hiltz said, āAll of the LGBT folks, yeah, you guys brought me home that last hundred. I could just feel the love and support.ā
On Monday, Hiltz reflected on the race and how they became an Olympian in a post on Instagram.
āWoke up an Olympian. š„¹ Yesterday afternoon in Eugene Oregon a childhood dream of mine came true. Iām not sure when this will fully sink in ā¦ All I know is today Iām waking up just so grateful for my people, overwhelmed by all the love and support, and filled with joy that I get to race people I deeply love and respect around a track for a living. šā
Hiltz also shared a photo with their girlfriend, runner Emma Gee, and captioned it: āRemember in Inside Out 2 when Joy says āmaybe this is what happens when you grow up ā¦ you feel less joyā? Yeah I actually have no idea what sheās talking about. ššš¤ š¦ š„š«š·ā
They shared photos in their new Team USA garb, too.
While they will be the first out trans nonbinary member of the U.S. track and field team, Hiltz will not be the first nonbinary Olympian. That honor goes to Quinn, who played soccer for Canada in Tokyo and holds the record as the only nonbinary athlete to have won a gold medal. So far.
Many of the posts by Hiltz, Team USA and others have been trolled by bigots and ignoramuses who have mistaken them for a trans woman who was presumed to be male at birth and transitioned genders. Right-wing outlets and anti-trans activist Riley Gaines have commented on their victory and questioned their gender identity and decision to compete against cisgender women.
A female who identifies as trans earned a spot on the U.S. women’s Olympic team.
I wonder why she didn’t try out for the men’s team. It’s almost as if she understands she would never be able to compete or succeed at same level against the men.
Tellinghttps://t.co/M5Lj9G0aEi
ā Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) July 2, 2024
But in the spirit of the late Marsha P. Johnson, who famously said the āPā stood for āpay no mindā to the haters, Hiltz shared a photo of a handwritten motivational note to themself, which ends: āI saw a quote online the other week that said, ārespect everybody, fear nobody,ā and thatās exactly how Iām going to approach this final. I can do this.āĀ
And they did.Ā
Miscellaneous
What it means to be an active ally to your LGBTQ+ co-workers TEST
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 youāll 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 weāll 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 momentās 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.
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: āOn 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.
āThatās right, we know who Marsha P. Johnson is. We know what Marsha P. Johnson has done for the LGBTQ, emphasis on that āT,ā Q community,ā said Lizzo to her 13.5 million followers. āThank 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
āWhat 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.
āWe 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, MPJIās executive director. āThe 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 Magazineās 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. Sheās also the founder of her own clothing line, Yitty. In 2021, she made headlines when she publicly corrected a paparazzo for using āshe/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 weekās other nonprofits receiving gifts are: Black Girls Smile, Sphinx Music, the University of Houston and Save Our Sisters United.
Find out more about Lizzoās 4th annual Juneteenth Giveback Campaign by clicking here.
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