The chairwoman of a poverty relief charity interrupted and humiliated its chief executive because of his religiously motivated views on same-sex marriage, an employment tribunal was told.
Kenneth Ferguson, an elder and treasurer with the Free Church of Scotland, is suing the Robertson Trust for unfair dismissal, religious discrimination and religious harassment and is said to be seeking about £75,000.
He accuses Shonaig Macpherson, the chairwoman, of shunning and undermining him after learning that its conference venue had been booked by the Stirling Free Church, which opposes gay weddings.
The charity is the largest independent grant-making trust in Scotland, giving away about £20 million a year. It distributes dividends from its controlling stake in Edrington,which owns the whisky brands Macallan and the Famous Grouse.
Lil Nas X has insisted it’s “not [his] job” to be a good role model.
The 22-year-old rapper – whose real name is Montero Lamar Hill – shot to fame in 2019 when he released his hit single, ‘Old Town Road’, and has said that whilst he originally felt “a sense of responsibility” to be a role model for his fans, he now “doesn’t care”.
When asked about being a good role model, he said: “At first I felt a sense of responsibility. But now I kind of just don’t care. It’s not my job. Of course I want to spread good ideals, but I’m not nobody’s parents. At the end of the day, I’m just doing me, and hoping everybody else is following the lead, and doing themselves.
“Part of my plan is to make sure people know I’m going to do whatever the f*** I want, when I want to, and if you’re mad at it, I’m going to laugh in your face.”
Nas X recently released his latest single, ‘Montero (Call Me By Your Name)’, and accompanied it with a note written to his 14-year-old self, in which he reflected on coming out as gay two years ago.
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And now, the musician says he initially feared he would have to be “straight passing” if he wanted to continue his career.
Speaking to GQ Style magazine, he explained: “[I thought that I wouldn’t be] allowed to be really sensual or anything … like, I’m gay but I’m not ‘gay’ … like, I’m gay but I have to make sure you feel like I can be straight passing too.”
Nas X also reflected on his Christian upbringing, and admitted he “never wanted to be gay” when he was growing up because he thought it was “just a test” from God.
He added: “That was one of the main reasons why I never wanted to be gay; he says. ‘I even thought, “If I have these feelings, it’s just a test. A temporary test. It’s going to go away. God is just tempting me.’”
Lil Nas X has insisted it’s “not [his] job” to be a good role model.
The 22-year-old rapper – whose real name is Montero Lamar Hill – shot to fame in 2019 when he released his hit single, ‘Old Town Road’, and has said that whilst he originally felt “a sense of responsibility” to be a role model for his fans, he now “doesn’t care”.
When asked about being a good role model, he said: “At first I felt a sense of responsibility. But now I kind of just don’t care. It’s not my job. Of course I want to spread good ideals, but I’m not nobody’s parents. At the end of the day, I’m just doing me, and hoping everybody else is following the lead, and doing themselves.
“Part of my plan is to make sure people know I’m going to do whatever the f*** I want, when I want to, and if you’re mad at it, I’m going to laugh in your face.”
Nas X recently released his latest single, ‘Montero (Call Me By Your Name)’, and accompanied it with a note written to his 14-year-old self, in which he reflected on coming out as gay two years ago.
And now, the musician says he initially feared he would have to be “straight passing” if he wanted to continue his career.
Speaking to GQ Style magazine, he explained: “[I thought that I wouldn’t be] allowed to be really sensual or anything … like, I’m gay but I’m not ‘gay’ … like, I’m gay but I have to make sure you feel like I can be straight passing too.”
Nas X also reflected on his Christian upbringing, and admitted he “never wanted to be gay” when he was growing up because he thought it was “just a test” from God.
He added: “That was one of the main reasons why I never wanted to be gay; he says. ‘I even thought, “If I have these feelings, it’s just a test. A temporary test. It’s going to go away. God is just tempting me.’”
Lil Nas X has insisted it’s “not [his] job” to be a good role model.
The 22-year-old rapper – whose real name is Montero Lamar Hill – shot to fame in 2019 when he released his hit single, ‘Old Town Road’, and has said that whilst he originally felt “a sense of responsibility” to be a role model for his fans, he now “doesn’t care”.
When asked about being a good role model, he said: “At first I felt a sense of responsibility. But now I kind of just don’t care. It’s not my job. Of course I want to spread good ideals, but I’m not nobody’s parents. At the end of the day, I’m just doing me, and hoping everybody else is following the lead, and doing themselves.
“Part of my plan is to make sure people know I’m going to do whatever the f*** I want, when I want to, and if you’re mad at it, I’m going to laugh in your face.”
Nas X recently released his latest single, ‘Montero (Call Me By Your Name)’, and accompanied it with a note written to his 14-year-old self, in which he reflected on coming out as gay two years ago.
And now, the musician says he initially feared he would have to be “straight passing” if he wanted to continue his career.
Speaking to GQ Style magazine, he explained: “[I thought that I wouldn’t be] allowed to be really sensual or anything … like, I’m gay but I’m not ‘gay’ … like, I’m gay but I have to make sure you feel like I can be straight passing too.”
Nas X also reflected on his Christian upbringing, and admitted he “never wanted to be gay” when he was growing up because he thought it was “just a test” from God.
He added: “That was one of the main reasons why I never wanted to be gay; he says. ‘I even thought, “If I have these feelings, it’s just a test. A temporary test. It’s going to go away. God is just tempting me.’”
Aubrey Plaza has had a special place in our dreams ever since the comedian and actress first appeared in Parks and Recreation as the cynical intern April Ludgate. Then with starring and supporting roles in movies like Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, Ingrid Goes West, and Safety Not Guaranteed, as well as a hilarious appearances on talk shows and hosting the Independent Spirit Awards, she cemented a place as one of every queer woman’s top crushes.
After her scene-stealing role in Happiest Season, where she plays the sexy doctor, and ex-girlfriend of Mackenzie Davis’ character, she lit up the internet becoming the biggest queer crush on the holiday season. With her dry sense of humor, offbeat taste, and hag powers, she’s one of our favorite queer women.
She recently got married (congratulations), but we’re still just as in love, and here are 13 photos of her showing exactly why.
Looking for a new self-love anthem for Pride Month? Elohim and Big Freedia fill that need with their collaborative tune “Strut.”
Any time Elohim is blasting through your speakers, you can expect to hear sounds that encapsulate different themes of the human experience. With an alternative flair, pop-heavy vocals, and a rough-around-the-edges feel, her signature style has gained a dedicated global fanbase. Songs like “Hallucinating,” “Buckets,” and “Connect” show off her diverse yet recognizable musical appeal, and beyond her music, she’s also become an advocate for speaking up about mental health.
Elohim has often stated in previous interviews about her struggles with anxiety, especially ahead of performances. But you might not be able to tell at first as her shows are exceptionally impressive featuring multiple instruments, immersive visuals, and frequent personal interactions with the audience. Just this past year, she’s retired the hidden look and now sports a full face, radiating with self-confidence in both her music style and personality. And her latest single, “Strut” showcases that in full with its unapologetic, upbeat vibe that will keep you dancing all night.
Strut is a daily reminder to all of us, myself included, that the power we hold within ourselves is infinite. It’s a story of self-discovery and I feel proud, excited, and empowered to share a record like this. I want to inspire others to own who they are, celebrate their uniqueness, and shine their wonderful light to the world!
Elohim
For the track, Elohim looked to the ‘Queen of New Orleans Bounce’ rap icon Big Freedia to spit a powerfully memorable verse that carries the theme of confidence, urging listeners to leave haters shook and for them to eat up the runway! Beyond her iconic, bold voice and glamorous looks, she’s also widely known as being an advocate for the LGBT community, making this the perfect anthem for Pride celebrations this year.
Elohim is something else. I was so excited to get to work with her. Strut is about owning your attitude, no matter who you are!
Big Freedia
Heavily inspired by high-fashion runway shows, “Strut” is all about owning who you are and going beyond with it. The video begins with Elohim’s signature LED stage, then switches between a dancefloor and a warehouse runway. She dotes the scene in several different high-end alternative looks, styled by herself and Shayla Lee. The title of the track pulsates to the deep warehouse beat, bouncing off of Elohim’s bold yet simple lyrics. Big Freedia enters in a dazzling jumpsuit, preaching the track’s message while telling listeners to “Leave ’em sick” and “Leave ’em shook.”
Last year left many of us feeling hopeless and facing our own mental health struggles, but 2021 has brought hope for new days and brighter futures. Anthems like “Strut” remind us that no matter what you go through, you can always come out shining and ready to own your personal runway.
Check out the music video on YouTube, stream or purchase “Strut” on your favorite platform, and let us know what your thoughts are in the comments!
WASHINGTON (AP) — The federal government will protect gay and transgender people against sex discrimination in health care, the Biden administration declared Monday, reversing a Trump-era policy that narrowed rights at the intersection of changing social mores and sensitive medical decisions.
It marked the latest step by President Joe Biden to advance the rights of gay and transgender people across society, from military service, to housing, to employment opportunities.
The policy announcement by the Department of Health and Human Services affirms that federal laws forbidding sex discrimination in health care also protect gay and transgender people. The Trump administration had defined “sex” to mean gender assigned at birth, thereby excluding transgender people from the law’s umbrella of protection.
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“Fear of discrimination can lead individuals to forgo care, which can have serious negative health consequences,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Everyone — including LGBTQ people — should be able to access health care, free from discrimination or interference, period.”
Both opponents and supporters of Biden’s action said it’s likely to lead to litigation.
Speaking for the medical community, the American Medical Association said in a statement the Biden administration “did the right thing” by ending “a dismal chapter which a federal agency sought to remove civil rights protections.” But some conservatives warned that doctors could be forced to perform gender reassignment procedures against their professional judgement.
In a tweet at the time, then-President Donald Trump called the decision “horrible & politically charged.” Undeterred by the ruling, his administration proceeded to try to narrow protections against discrimination in health care. But Biden early on in his term directed government agencies to apply the Supreme Court’s reasoning to areas under their jurisdiction.
Monday’s action means that the HHS Office for Civil Rights will again investigate complaints of sex discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Hospitals, clinics and other medical providers can face denial of Medicare and Medicaid payments for violations of the law.
Since the Trump transgender rule had been blocked by a federal judge, the Biden administration action essentially restores a policy established during the Obama years. The Affordable Care Act prohibited sex discrimination in health care but did not use the term “gender identity.” The Obama administration interpreted the law as shielding gay and transgender people as well.
Conservative lawyer Roger Severino, who as a former HHS official oversaw the drafting of the Trump rules, said the Biden administration cut corners in issuing its new policy.
“This is inflaming the culture wars, especially when you are trying to circumvent the process,” said Severino, now at the Ethics and Public Policy Center think tank. Partly because of conflicting lower court rulings on the Trump and Obama policies, Becerra should have undertaken a formal rule-making, which can take months. “I expect lawsuits,” Severino added.
But civil rights advocates said the Supreme Court’s ruling on transgender protections essentially wiped the slate clean for Biden. “The Supreme Court has already laid out the reasoning that applies under all sex discrimination laws,” said Omar Gonzalez-Pagan, a lawyer for Lambda Legal. “They did so in an employment case but their reasoning applies equally in health care, in education, and in housing.”
In recent years the understanding of sex has broadened to acknowledge a person’s inner sense of being male, female, neither or a combination.
Behind the dispute over rights for transgender people is a medically recognized condition called “gender dysphoria” — discomfort or distress caused by a discrepancy between the gender that a person identifies as and the gender assigned at birth. Consequences can include severe depression. Treatment can range from gender confirmation surgery and hormones to people changing their outward appearance by adopting a different hairstyle or clothing.
Under the Obama-era rule, a hospital could be required to perform gender-transition procedures such as hysterectomies if the facility provided that kind of treatment for other medical conditions.
LGBTQ groups say explicit protections are needed for people seeking gender transition treatment, and even for transgender people who need care for illnesses such as diabetes or heart problems.
But Tony Perkins, president of the religious conservative Family Research Council, called sex “an objective biological reality” and said the Biden administration is promulgating “a nonsensical definition” of discrimination. “While this decision will advance America’s cultural psychosis, it will potentially put the physical well-being of individuals at grave risk,” Perkins said in a statement.
More than 1.5 million Americans identify as transgender, according to the Williams Institute, a think tank focusing on LGBT policy at the UCLA School of Law. A bigger number — 4.5% of the population— identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, according to Gallup.
HHS is a traditional battleground for conflicts over social issues. During the Trump administration the department bent to the will of conservatives. Other Trump policies applauded by the right restricted abortion referrals and broadened employers’ ability to opt out of providing birth control to women workers covered by their health plans. Under Biden, the policy pendulum has been swinging back in the opposite direction.
One of Biden’s first steps after taking office was a Jan. 20 executive order on combating discrimination on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation.
Biden quickly followed that up with another order reversing a Trump-era Pentagon policy that largely barred transgender individuals from serving in the military.
And earlier this spring, the Department of Housing and Urban Development withdrew a Trump policy that would have allowed taxpayer-funded homeless shelters to deny access to transgender people.
At HHS, Biden’s term has seen the Senate confirmation of Dr. Rachel Levine to be assistant secretary for health, a senior position that involves oversight of public health initiatives, HIV/AIDS, women’s health and minority health, as well as other areas including research protections. Levine, formerly Pennsylvania’s top health official, is the first openly transgender person to be confirmed by the Senate.
Following is a summary of current health news briefs.
New U.S. COVID weekly cases fall to lowest since September
New cases of COVID-19 in the United States fell for a fourth week in a row, dropping 17% last week to just under 290,000, the lowest weekly total since September, according to a Reuters analysis of state and county data. Deaths from COVID-19 fell 1.3% to 4,756 in the week ended May 9, the fewest deaths in a week since July.
Florida releases genetically modified mosquitoes in hopes to reduce spread of disease
Genetically modified mosquitoes have been released for the first time in the United States, taking flight in the Florida Keys in a pilot program intended to reduce the spread of deadly diseases such as dengue, yellow fever and the Zika virus. After an odyssey spanning more than a decade to secure regulatory approval, British-based biotechnology firm Oxitec, along with the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District (FKMCD)launched the project in hope of reducing the Aedes aegypti species that spread the diseases.
Biden revives LGBT protections against healthcare discrimination
Gay and transgender people will be protected against sex discrimination in healthcare, the U.S. health secretary said on Monday, as President Joe Biden’s administration reversed a policy put in place under his predecessor Donald Trump. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said the action restores protections under a provision of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, against sexual discrimination in healthcare. It was the latest in a series of steps the Democratic president has taken to bolster LGBT rights.
India COVID cases hold close to record highs as calls widen for national lockdown
Indian coronavirus infections and deaths held close to record daily highs on Monday, increasing calls for the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to lock down the world’s second-most populous country. The 366,161 new infections and 3,754 deaths reported by the health ministry were off a little from recent peaks, taking India’s tally to 22.66 million with 246,116 deaths as hospitals run out of oxygen and beds and morgues and crematoria overflow. (Graphic on global cases and deaths: https://graphics.reuters.com/world-coronavirus-tracker-and-maps/)
WHO classifies India variant as being of global concern
The World Health Organziation said on Monday that the coronavirus variant first identified in India last year was being classified as a variant of global concern, with some preliminary studies showing that it spreads more easily. The B.1.617 variant is the fourth variant to be designated as being of global concern and requiring heightened tracking and analysis. The others are those first detected in Britain, South Africa and Brazil.
New antibody drug helps patients breathe; virus may insert genetic fragments into genetic code
The following is a roundup of some of the latest scientific studies on the novel coronavirus and efforts to find treatments and vaccines for COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus. New drug helps COVID-19 patients breathe on their own
The U.S.State Department said on Monday it has eased travel advisory ratings for the United Kingdom and Israel after having raised both countries to its highest warning level last month. The State Department lowered the UK to a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” rating and lowered Israel to “Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution.” It was the second time the State Department had it reduced its advisory rating on level on Israel in recent weeks.
Inovio to start global late-stage COVID-19 vaccine trial this summer
Inovio Pharmaceuticals said on Monday it plans to start a global late-stage trial for its COVID-19 vaccine candidate, INO-4800, this summer. (https://refini.tv/3uAVRFV) The drug developer earlier in the day reported promising results from a mid-stage trial of its vaccine candidate.
France’s new daily COVID-19 cases fall to a 2021 low
The number of daily new COVID-19 infections in France fell to 3,292 on Monday, the lowest figure since the start of the year, while the tally of patients in intensive care for the disease was down for the seventh consecutive day. New cases always tend to dip on Mondays as fewer tests are conducted over the weekend, but the seven-day moving average of daily infections, which evens out reporting irregularities, fell to 17,767, a trough since Jan. 14, versus an April 14 peak of 42,225.
Argentina confirms first cases of COVID-19 variants from India, South Africa
Argentina’s Health Ministry on Monday confirmed its first cases of the more contagious COVID-19 variants discovered in India and South Africa in three travelers returning to the South American country from Europe. The Indian variant of the coronavirus was detected in two minors who returned from Paris, while the South African variant was found in a 58-year-old passenger returning from Spain, the ministry said in a statement.
As coronavirus restrictions ease in the nation’s capital, the Washington city government says sports stadiums can have spectators at full capacity as of June 11.
That will allow the Washington Nationals to let about 40,000 fans into its home games.
The Major League Baseball team said Monday it was granted a waiver by the city to expand its ticket distribution at Nationals Park to up to 36% of capacity as of Friday.
The Nationals currently are allowed 10,000 fans per game — about 25% of what their outdoor ballpark holds.
As of last month, the NHL’s Capitals and NBA’s Wizards have been allowed to host 10% of capacity at their indoor arena downtown, roughly 2,000 people. That will rise to 25%, about 5,000 spectators, on Friday.
Both of those teams would need to make progress through the playoffs in order to reach next month’s date for full crowds.
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New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Monday that Nassau Coliseum will have a fully vaccinated fan section when the New York Islanders open the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Half of the arena will be used as a fully vaccinated fan section with attendees spaced approximately 3 feet apart with an unoccupied seat between each party. Individuals seated in those sections will have to prove they’ve been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Young adults and children under age 16 not yet eligible for the vaccine may be seated with a vaccinated adult so long as they’ve received a recent negative COVID-19 test result.
Appropriate social distancing, masks and other health protocols will still apply throughout the Coliseum, which seats 14,500.
Entering this week, 66% of Long Island’s adults had received at least one vaccine dose and 53% had completed their vaccine series.
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New York Road Runners is planning to host races for thousands of runners as New York state eases coronavirus limits for large-scale outdoor event venues.
NYRR will more than double the runner field size of the field for the Mastercard New York Mini 10K on June 12 — from 1,200 to 3,000. The Front Runners LGBT Pride Run on June 26 and the Achilles Hope and Possibility 4M on July 10 will each have 4,250 runners.
The Mini 10K, a women-only road race, will be the first regularly scheduled and largest NYRR race to take place since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Comprehensive health and safety guidelines and procedures will be in place.
All events taking place in New York City’s Central Park will operate under NYRR’s return-to-racing guidelines. Those will include increased and staggered starts, self-hydration options, hand sanitation stations, and limited race amenities to uphold adherence to social distancing.
Nellie’s Sports Bar (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
John Guggenmos, co-owner of the D.C. gay bars Number 9 and Trade, says he and his business partners support Mayor Muriel Bowser’s efforts to keep people safe as the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 continues to rise in the city.
But Guggenmos and other gay bar owners say the mayor’s most recent order requiring bars and restaurants to stop serving alcoholic beverages after 10 p.m. has had a devastating impact on what had already been a major decline in business since the COVID restrictions were put in place earlier this year.
“We see hope on the horizon,” Guggenmos said. “But for many places it’s just going to be too late. It is sad because even if I am in a position that we can weather this storm better, if other places in the neighborhood don’t, then we all suffer.”
Exterior of Trade, which is working to serve customers amid new 10 p.m. cutoff for alcohol sales. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
David Perruzza, owner of the Adams Morgan gay sports bar Pitchers and its adjoining lesbian bar A League of Her Own, said gay bar customers traditionally come out to the clubs after 9 p.m. and often remain there several hours later.
Under the mayor’s current Phase II rules for addressing the COVID health emergency all restaurants and bars must close at midnight, two hours earlier than the pre-epidemic closing time of 2 a.m. during the week and three hours sooner than the normal 3 a.m. closing time on weekends. That restriction by itself has resulted in a significant drop in revenue for bars and nightclubs, including LGBTQ clubs, officials with the clubs have said.
The new restriction put in place last month banning liquor sales after 10 p.m. allows bars and restaurants to continue to stay open until midnight. But Guggenmos, Perruzza and other bar owners say few if any customers would likely come in to order non-alcoholic beverages. Thus they and nearly all of the city’s bar and restaurant owners have decided to close at 10 p.m. until the restrictions are lifted, a development that has further curtailed their businesses.
“I’ve had the worst two weekends of my life at the bar,” said Perruzza in referring to the weekends following the ban on liquor sales after 10 p.m. “I can’t sustain a business this way,” he said.
Pitchers (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
Dr. LaQuandra Nesbitt, director of the D.C. Department of Health, has said city inspectors have found that more violations of the COVID-related health restrictions at restaurants and bars, such as social distancing and mask wearing, were occurring after 10 p.m. as patrons consumed more alcohol. But nightlife advocates have disputed claims that riskier behavior occurs after 10 p.m. They say there are no studies or data to back up those claims.
Perruzza said he understands that while the mayor’s intention is to curtail the spread of the coronavirus he believes the 10 p.m. cutoff on alcohol service will result in large numbers of bar customers going to private parties in people’s homes where there will be fewer safeguards to curtail the virus.
“By her doing this she is going to push people to have more house parties,” Perruzza said. “At least if they’re in a restaurant or bar they’re in a controlled environment where they take their temperature. They make sure everything is sanitized after people leave,” Perruzza said. “People are not required to wear masks when they go to house parties.”
Prior to the start of the pandemic, D.C. was home to at least 15 gay bars or nightclubs in which the clientele was largely LGBTQ. A number of other D.C. bars and nightclubs are considered LGBTQ friendly, according to gay D.C. nightlife advocate Mark Lee, who said those additional establishments have a significant LGBTQ clientele.
In March, Bowser issued her initial emergency health order requiring all “non-essential” businesses, including bars and restaurants, to temporarily close their indoor operations to customers in an effort to curtail the spread of the coronavirus. Carryout food and drink orders were allowed, and some of the gay clubs joined other bars and restaurants in putting in place a take-out order business.
A short time later, the DC Eagle, the city’s longest continuously operating gay bar, announced it was permanently closing. The Eagle’s majority owner filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy following longstanding financial problems, but many of the Eagle’s customers believe the pandemic played some role in the permanent shutdown.
At the same time, the popular LGBTQ nightclub Ziegfeld’s-Secrets closed its doors indefinitely after the owner of the building where it was located in the city’s Buzzard’s Point area invoked its longstanding plan to demolish the building to make way for a new condominium and retail development. Ziegfeld’s-Secrets manager Steve Delurba said the club would like to reopen in a new location but efforts to reopen would have to wait until all COVID-19 restrictions on such establishments were lifted.
Among the city’s remaining 13 LGBTQ bars and clubs, all but one has reopened after the mayor put in place the city’s Phase II business reopening plan in June, which allowed bars, restaurants, and other businesses to resume limited indoor operations.
The Fireplace, a gay bar at 2161 P St., N.W. near Dupont Circle, decided to remain closed rather than operate under the COVID restrictions but “definitely” plans to reopen, according Larry Ray, a longtime customer who said he spoke with one of the owners.
Among the other Phase II restrictions for bars, restaurants and nightclubs put in place by Bowser in the spring was the requirement that such establishments must operate at 50 percent of their normal indoor capacity, all patrons must be seated at tables spaced six feet apart, and at least three food items must be served that are prepared on the premises regardless of whether the establishment was exempt from serving food prior to the pandemic. The Phase II order also bans the establishments from offering live entertainment.
Two weeks ago, when the mayor issued her updated order banning the serving of alcoholic beverages after 10 p.m. at bars and restaurants, she also included in the order a reduction in the capacity of customers from 50 percent to 25 percent based on concern that the number of COVID-19 cases was rising in D.C. after the case number had gone down in the spring and summer.
Perruzza told the Blade that due to the Phase II social distancing requirements and the spacing of tables and the ban on allowing customers to stand except to walk in and out and go to the bathroom, Pitchers and his adjoining bar A League of Her Own were never able to reach a 50 percent capacity. At most, he said, he was able to reach a 33 percent capacity, which now must be reduced to 25 percent.
Meanwhile, the D.C. gay bar Dirty Goose at 913 U St., N.W. is among the establishments hit with a fine for allegedly violating the Phase II food serving requirement. According to a report in the Washington City Paper, an inspector from the city’s Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration on Nov. 27 cited Dirty Goose for serving only cookies as a food item, saying it failed to provide at least two other types of food such as popcorn or brownies instead of just cookies.
Co-owner Justin Parker told City Paper he plans to contest the citation on grounds that the establishment serves multiple types of cookies that are prepared on the premises and that the different types should be accepted as different food types. He said that ABRA inspectors came to Dirty Goose six or seven times in November prior to citing him for the food violation and found his establishment to be in full compliance with all of the COVID related requirements.
On its Facebook page the Dirty Goose announced on Nov. 10 that it had voluntarily closed its doors after one of its employees tested positive for COVID and out of caution it would remain closed until all remaining employees were tested. On Nov. 15 it announced “we have received all our employees test results and we are ready to reopen,” which happened less than a week later.
In a Nov. 25 Facebook message, Dirty Goose conveyed what appears to be the sentiment shared by the other LGBTQ bar owners and operators.
“First, we would like to thank all of our wonderful family of patrons who have kept us going since May,” the message says. “What a crazy 8 months it’s been!” After announcing the Dirty Goose would be closing at 10 p.m. each day due to the mayor’s order banning alcohol sales after that hour, the message added, “We look forward to continue serving all of you and please know we are continuously following the safety requirements set by the DOH and the safety of our staff and patrons remains our main priority.”
Dirty Goose was recently fined for allegedly violating rules about serving three kinds of food to remain open. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
Lee, the longtime D.C. nightlife advocate who served as director of the D.C. Nightlife Council before being furloughed, said the 10 p.m. cutoff for the sale of liquor at bars and restaurants will be especially harmful coming with all the other restrictions.
“The most maddening aspect of Mayor Bowser suddenly halting all alcohol consumption after 10 p.m. at local bars, restaurants, and nightclubs operating in full compliance with public safety protocols and highly restricted service limitations is that there is no actual data or evidence-based rationale for this financially devastating roll-back curfew,” Lee told the Blade.
“This arbitrary edict jeopardizes the survival of hospitality establishments by causing them to lose the major portion of revenue they had been able to generate,” he said. “We’re getting reports that this decision is costing operators up to 60 percent or more of the little money they were making, leaving most with no choice other than to shut down two hours earlier rather than attempt to now serve only food items and non-alcoholic beverages until midnight,” Lee said.
Lee noted that at a press conference on Dec. 7, Bowser acknowledged that nightlife establishments, including restaurants and bars, have done an exemplary job of complying with health requirements and providing a safe space for patrons and employees.
At that press conference the mayor also said she looks forward to being able to lift all restrictions on businesses once the COVID vaccine becomes widely available. But she said that with a resurgence of COVID cases in D.C. in recent weeks along with the rise in cases in the surrounding suburbs the city could be forced once again to order the complete shutdown of indoor operations of businesses like restaurants and bars if the local COVID situation worsens.
Perruzza, Guggenmos and Doug Schantz, owner of the gay sports bar Nellie’s at 900 U St., N.W., each said their establishments and others like them serve as a place where LGBTQ people can go to be themselves, which many are unable to do at work, school, or even at home in some situations.
“At some point safe human interactions are what people are craving,” said Guggenmos. “You see someone on the street and how they desperately just want that interaction again,” he said. “If we could do that safely, why not?”
D.C.’s LGBTQ Bars/Restaurants
Nellie’s Sports Bar 900 U Street, N.W. 202-332-6355
Uproar 639 Florida Ave., N.W. 202-462-4464
The Dirty Goose 913 U Street, N.W.
JR.’s 1519 17th Street, N.W. 202-328-0090
Windows/DIK Bar Upper floor at Dupont Italian Kitchen 1637 17th Street, N.W. 202-328-0100
During the ceremony, Father Mönkebüscher walked around the nave, approaching couples who sat in pairs, socially distanced and masked. They rose as he placed a hand on their shoulders and spoke a blessing as they bowed their heads. After one lesbian couple had received their blessing, they dropped their masks and shared a kiss, wiping away tears.
Not everyone has been receptive of the initiative. One parish in Bavaria received threats from members of an arch-conservative Roman Catholic group and had to call the police to ensure the safety of participants at their ceremony.
The initiative is the latest strain between the Vatican and the Roman Catholic Church in Germany. Many parishioners in Germany have left the church, including those frustrated with what they see as an outdated approach to sexual morality and a failure to punish priests accused of abusing children.
According to official statistics, 272,771 people formally quit the Church in 2019, a record number that helped to galvanize efforts among the bishops to discuss with the church a series of issues they believe were contributing to the loss of members. Among them were the role of women in the church, its teachings on sexual morality, priestly celibacy and clerical power structures.
In 2019, they began a series of talks on these topics, discussions of which would be off-limits for the church in many other countries. The talks were to take place among the faithful and church leaders over the course of two years but were extended because of restrictions on gatherings that were introduced last year at the outbreak of the pandemic. They are now to continue into February 2022.
Among those leaving the Church in Germany are many same-sex couples, who are tired of feeling they are not accepted for who they are, said the Rev. Reinhard Kleinewiese, who held a blessing at the Church of St. Mary inthe western town of Ahlen on Sunday evening. Ten couples attend, all of them heterosexuals.
“We can’t ignore the fact that a lot of homosexual couples have already left the church. There are many who don’t come anymore,” Father Kleinewiese said. “Nevertheless, it is good and important for this situation and beyond that we make clear that we are not in agreement with Rome on certain issues and prohibitions.”
Gaia Pianigiani contributed reporting from Siena, Italy.
The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:
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New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Monday that Nassau Coliseum will have a fully vaccinated fan section when the New York Islanders open the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Half of the arena will be used as a fully vaccinated fan section with attendees spaced approximately 3 feet apart with an unoccupied seat between each party. Individuals seated in those sections will have to prove they’ve been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Young adults and children under age 16 not yet eligible for the vaccine may be seated with a vaccinated adult so long as they’ve received a recent negative COVID-19 test result.
Appropriate social distancing, masks and other health protocols will still apply throughout the Coliseum, which seats 14,500.
Entering this week, 66% of Long Island’s adults had received at least one vaccine dose and 53% had completed their vaccine series.
___
New York Road Runners is planning to host races for thousands of runners as New York state eases coronavirus limits for large-scale outdoor event venues.
NYRR will more than double the runner field size of the field for the Mastercard New York Mini 10K on June 12 — from 1,200 to 3,000. The Front Runners LGBT Pride Run on June 26 and the Achilles Hope and Possibility 4M on July 10 will each have 4,250 runners.
The Mini 10K, a women-only road race, will be the first regularly scheduled and largest NYRR race to take place since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Comprehensive health and safety guidelines and procedures will be in place.
All events taking place in New York City’s Central Park will operate under NYRR’s return-to-racing guidelines. Those will include increased and staggered starts, self-hydration options, hand sanitation stations, and limited race amenities to uphold adherence to social distancing.
___
More AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:
___
The Nashville Predators have reached an agreement that will allow for a crowd of 12,135 inside Bridgestone Arena for home games played during the upcoming Stanley Cup playoffs.
The Predators will face the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round, and all home games will see approximately 70% of Bridgestone Arena’s 17,159 seats filled.
The NHL has allowed the capacity increase based on a calibration of outside air flow requirements used uniformly throughout the league to determine venue capacities for the playoffs. To meet this requirement, Bridgestone Arena will supplement its existing HVAC system with three additional air conditioning units.
Additionally, in accordance with the city’s updated guidelines, future non-hockey events will be permitted to operate at full capacity.
___
As coronavirus restrictions ease in the nation’s capital, the Washington city government says sports stadiums can have spectators at full capacity as of June 11.
That will allow the Washington Nationals to let about 40,000 fans into its home games.
The Major League Baseball team said Monday it was granted a waiver by the city to expand its ticket distribution at Nationals Park to up to 36% of capacity as of Friday.
The Nationals currently are allowed 10,000 fans per game — about 25% of what their outdoor ballpark holds.
As of last month, the NHL’s Capitals and NBA’s Wizards have been allowed to host 10% of capacity at their indoor arena downtown, roughly 2,000 people. That will rise to 25%, about 5,000 spectators, on Friday.
Both of those teams would need to make progress through the playoffs in order to reach next month’s date for full crowds.
___
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Monday that Nassau Coliseum will have a fully vaccinated fan section when the New York Islanders open the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Half of the arena will be used as a fully vaccinated fan section with attendees spaced approximately 3 feet apart with an unoccupied seat between each party. Individuals seated in those sections will have to prove they’ve been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Young adults and children under age 16 not yet eligible for the vaccine may be seated with a vaccinated adult so long as they’ve received a recent negative COVID-19 test result.
Appropriate social distancing, masks and other health protocols will still apply throughout the Coliseum, which seats 14,500.
Entering this week, 66% of Long Island’s adults had received at least one vaccine dose and 53% had completed their vaccine series.
___
New York Road Runners is planning to host races for thousands of runners as New York state eases coronavirus limits for large-scale outdoor event venues.
NYRR will more than double the runner field size of the field for the Mastercard New York Mini 10K on June 12 — from 1,200 to 3,000. The Front Runners LGBT Pride Run on June 26 and the Achilles Hope and Possibility 4M on July 10 will each have 4,250 runners.
The Mini 10K, a women-only road race, will be the first regularly scheduled and largest NYRR race to take place since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Comprehensive health and safety guidelines and procedures will be in place.
All events taking place in New York City’s Central Park will operate under NYRR’s return-to-racing guidelines. Those will include increased and staggered starts, self-hydration options, hand sanitation stations, and limited race amenities to uphold adherence to social distancing.
___
More AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:
___
The Nashville Predators have reached an agreement that will allow for a crowd of 12,135 inside Bridgestone Arena for home games played during the upcoming Stanley Cup playoffs.
The Predators will face the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round, and all home games will see approximately 70% of Bridgestone Arena’s 17,159 seats filled.
The NHL has allowed the capacity increase based on a calibration of outside air flow requirements used uniformly throughout the league to determine venue capacities for the playoffs. To meet this requirement, Bridgestone Arena will supplement its existing HVAC system with three additional air conditioning units.
Additionally, in accordance with the city’s updated guidelines, future non-hockey events will be permitted to operate at full capacity.
___
As coronavirus restrictions ease in the nation’s capital, the Washington city government says sports stadiums can have spectators at full capacity as of June 11.
That will allow the Washington Nationals to let about 40,000 fans into its home games.
The Major League Baseball team said Monday it was granted a waiver by the city to expand its ticket distribution at Nationals Park to up to 36% of capacity as of Friday.
The Nationals currently are allowed 10,000 fans per game — about 25% of what their outdoor ballpark holds.
As of last month, the NHL’s Capitals and NBA’s Wizards have been allowed to host 10% of capacity at their indoor arena downtown, roughly 2,000 people. That will rise to 25%, about 5,000 spectators, on Friday.
Both of those teams would need to make progress through the playoffs in order to reach next month’s date for full crowds.
___
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Monday that Nassau Coliseum will have a fully vaccinated fan section when the New York Islanders open the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Half of the arena will be used as a fully vaccinated fan section with attendees spaced approximately 3 feet apart with an unoccupied seat between each party. Individuals seated in those sections will have to prove they’ve been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Young adults and children under age 16 not yet eligible for the vaccine may be seated with a vaccinated adult so long as they’ve received a recent negative COVID-19 test result.
Appropriate social distancing, masks and other health protocols will still apply throughout the Coliseum, which seats 14,500.
Entering this week, 66% of Long Island’s adults had received at least one vaccine dose and 53% had completed their vaccine series.
___
New York Road Runners is planning to host races for thousands of runners as New York state eases coronavirus limits for large-scale outdoor event venues.
NYRR will more than double the runner field size of the field for the Mastercard New York Mini 10K on June 12 — from 1,200 to 3,000. The Front Runners LGBT Pride Run on June 26 and the Achilles Hope and Possibility 4M on July 10 will each have 4,250 runners.
The Mini 10K, a women-only road race, will be the first regularly scheduled and largest NYRR race to take place since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Comprehensive health and safety guidelines and procedures will be in place.
All events taking place in New York City’s Central Park will operate under NYRR’s return-to-racing guidelines. Those will include increased and staggered starts, self-hydration options, hand sanitation stations, and limited race amenities to uphold adherence to social distancing.
___
More AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
On Saturday, June 19 there will be a street festival with vendors and live music starting at 3 p.m. on a blocked-off Wilton Drive. Then there will be a parade starting at 7 p.m., just as the sun is setting so participants can use glow sticks, battery-powered candles and other kinds of lighting to fit in with the theme this year: Out of the Darkness, Into the Light. Admission to the festival is $5 and you can pre-pay online at TicketTailor.com.
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