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EDITORIAL

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFRandy Shulman

ART DIRECTORTodd Franson

MANAGING EDITORRhuaridh Marr

SENIOR EDITORJohn Riley

CONTRIBUTING EDITORDoug Rule

SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERSWard Morrison, Julian Vankim

CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATORSScott G. Brooks, Christopher Cunetto

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSGordon Ashenhurst, Sean Bugg, Connor J. Hogan,

Troy Petenbrink, Kate Wingeld

WEBMASTERDavid Uy

PRODUCTION ASSISTANTJulian Vankim

SALES & MARKETING

PUBLISHERRandy Shulman

NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVERivendell Media Co.

212-242-6863

DISTRIBUTION MANAGERDennis Havrilla

PATRON SAINTLeslie Feinberg

COVER PHOTOGRAPHYBrian Davies

METRO WEEKLY1775 I St. NW, Suite 1150Washington, DC 20006

202-638-6830MetroWeekly.com

All material appearing in Metro Weekly is protected by federal copyright law and may not bereproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publishers. Metro Weekly assumes noresponsibility for unsolicited materials submitted for publication. All such submissions are subject to editing and will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope.Metro Weekly is supported by many ne advertisers, but we cannot accept responsibility for claimsmade by advertisers, nor can we accept responsibility for materials provided by advertisers or their agents. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles oradvertising in Metro Weekly is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation ofsuch person or organization.

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MARCH 3, 2016Volume 22 / Issue 43

NEWS 6 L AID O UT IN C OLOR by John Riley

8 V IRAL H ICCUP by John Riley & David Uy

COMMENTARY 9 L ANCING THE B OIL by Sean Bugg

10 C OMMUNITY C ALENDAR

SCENE 14 K HUSH DC’ S 2016 K ICK O FF H APPY H OUR AT L EVEL O NE

photography by

Ward Morrison

FEATURES 18 A YDIAN D OWLING Interview by John Riley

24 DC C OWBOYS R EUNION by Doug Rule photography by Julian Vankim

OUT ON THE TOWN

28

T HE R OAD L ESS T RAVELED

by Doug Rule

30 U NLIKELY S OURCE by Doug Rule

STAGE 34 O THELLO by Kate Wingeld

NIGHTLIFE 37 D ARK & S TORMY WITH DJ S HEA V AN H ORN AT

T HE B LACK C AT ’S B ACKSTAGE

photography by Ward Morrison

SCENE 44 T EAM DC’ S A NNUAL F ASHION S HOW AND M ODEL S EARCH AT T OWN

photography by Julian Vankim

46 L AST W ORD


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Laid Out in Color DCPS hopes its guidance on transgender students will serve as model resource

for other school systems

Bruce

I NTERACTING WITH AN LGBTQ STUDENT IS THEsame as interacting with all students,” says Tina Bradley,a teacher at Ballou STAY High School, an alternativeeducation program for 18- to 24-year-olds who wish toresume their education. “They’re people, they have the sameissues, desires, frustrations.”

Bradley, who is D.C. Public Schools’ (DCPS) designatedLGBTQ liaison for Ballou STAY, says people can think aboutLGBT issues in a clinical fashion, rather than a personal interac-

P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F D C P S

tion. Adults, whether parents, teachers, or members of the sur-rounding community, may not be well-versed on LGBT-relatedissues, or may carry personal prejudices. They may also strugglewith denitions and distinctions between gender identity, gen-der expression, biological sex and sexual orientation.

Such prejudices became apparent last year in nearby Fair faxCounty, when concerned parents and staff, with a well-organized push from conservative special interest groups,attacked the county’s school board over a change that added

L G B TNews Now online at MetroWeekly.comHillary Clinton Tops Scruff UsersSouth Dakota Governor Vetoes Anti-Trans Bill

by John Riley


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Testasexual orientation and gender identity to the Fairfax CountyPublic Schools nondiscrimination policy. Adults interrupted,booed, jeered and even threatened school board members foradopting the policy, based partly on whisper campaigns and

assertions made by some opposed to the policy that it wouldforce children to share bathrooms and other intimate spaceswith peers of the opposite gender or with transgender adults.Opponents even attempted to stage what proved to be a largelyunsuccessful campaign against the board’s incumbents in lastNovember’s elections.

Yet at the same time tensions were boiling over in FairfaxCounty, DCPS was nalizing and seeking to implement a policyguidance for teachers and administrators on how best to addressissues surrounding transgender and gender-nonconforming stu-dents. The guidance, which cobbles together best practices fromschool systems around the country, largely mirrors protectionsfor sexual orientation, gender identity and expression that exist

in the D.C. Human Rights Act, passed in 2005.Diana Bruce, director of health and wellness at DCPS, saysthe aim of issuing the guidance and putting it into print wasprecisely to avoid any ambiguity or confusion about the expec-tations for how DCPS administrators and staff are to interactwith gender-nonconforming students.

“I think we are charged with treating all of our studentsequally and fairly,” Bruce says. “The rst message that I like togive school staff when we do trainings is, ‘This is just part ofwhat we should be doing anyway,’ which is making sure we arecreating schools that are welcoming and safe for all children,regardless of their identity.”

Bruce hopes that DCPS’ guidance will become a go-toresource for educators from around the country who are look-ing for information on how to best meet the needs of transgen-der and gender-nonconforming students. She notes that the38-page guidance, posted online for public consumption, goesinto great detail with denitions of various terms relating tosexual orientation or gender identity, and hypothetical sce-narios ranging from how to deal with dress code infractions toaddressing a student or staff member’s transition. Its appendixcontains a “frequently asked questions” section, citations ofexisting nondiscrimination laws, sample form letters and a listof LGBT resources.

“I always say, ‘Read the guidance. That should answereverything. If you have questions, read the appendix. If youstill can’t nd the answer, call us,’” Bruce says, noting that the

guidance has contact information for both DCPS and DCPS’general counsel.

“Our number-one priority is our students, because we’re aschool district and that’s our purpose,” she continues. “But the

rights included in the guidance aren’t just limited to students.Our staff, parents, family members and visitors to our schoolhave these same rights.”

Another part of the guidance uses a colorful visual aid,called the “Genderbread Person,” to help simplify the conceptsof various terminology. Drawn in the shape of a gingerbreadperson, the aid connects the term “sexual orientation” to theheart, “gender identity” to the brain, and “gender expression”to exterior characteristics. The guide also notes that all genderor sex-related classications exist along a spectrum.

“That’s actually something we’ve gotten kudos for in ourguidance from other school districts across the country: ‘Wow,your guidance, it’s in color, it has pictures,’” Bruce says. “Usually

school districts publish these very boring, specic, black-and-white guidances. It’s usually pretty dry legal guidance thatcomes out. We chose the ‘Genderbread Person’ because it was avery clear way to get across those differences that we’re talkingabout, even if it’s not as detailed as some people would like. It’sa good introduction for a teacher or parent where this is newto them.”

Bradley says the DCPS guidance has answered some stu-dents’ and staff members’ questions and concerns.

“It’s been extremely helpful, because we have two or threeat this time that identify as transgender,” she says. “And we hadissues that staff and students were concerned about as far asbathrooms and addressing students’ names and pronouns. So thepolicy guidance itself ended up being a really great document.It’s really helped staff come around to understanding who thesestudents are, what their needs are, and how we can help.

“It’s important that we ensure that all students, regardlessof their gender identity or sexual orientation, feel safe andaccepted in our schools,” she says. “And as far as doing so, wecannot relegate any student to using one bathroom or another.Just like any [other] student, whether transgender or not, we donot want them to feel relegated to a separate space.”

Vin Testa, a ninth-grade algebra teacher at Eastern SeniorHigh School and the school’s designated LGBTQ Liaison, saysit’s frustrating when anti-transgender forces have seized on thebathroom issue as a way to divide the school community.

“The guidance we have in place in unbelievably compre-

P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F T E S T A


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hensive, and, unfortunately, most of the questions that areasked about this guidance and about this plan fall right on thebathroom issue,” Testa says. “And that’s sad that it gets boileddown to a bathroom when we’re really talking about a student’swell-being. We’re talking about where they should be directed,what sort of resources should be put in place if this student is solost and troubled that they’re ready to harm themselves. We’retalking about a student’s well-being, not just where they pee.”

Testa adds that part of the reason the guidance was devel-oped was to foster an environment where LGBT or questioningstudents would feel safe and comfortable. In doing so, teachersand administrators could help combat bullying, which, in turn,

would prevent LGBT students from dropping out of school orfailing to nish their education. And fostering a relationshipwith transgender or gender-nonconforming students can startwith some simple steps.

“I’ve been able to develop some good friendships, becauseI’ve kept in touch with a lot of the LGBT youth I’ve workedwith over the past ve years,” Testa says. “You can start off justby asking what name they prefer to go by. Your name, right offthe bat, is how you identify. For students who are transgenderand gender-nonconforming, they lose a lot of respect whena teacher or adult refuses to call them by the name they feelcomfortable with.” l

Viral Hiccup Man contracts rare PrEP-resistant form of HIV

ADVOCATES FOR PRE-EXPOSURE PROPHYLAX-is (PrEP) were dealt a shock after a 43-year-oldCanadian man who was taking PrEP daily becameHIV-positive, marking the rst known case of some-one seroconverting while on the medication.

The case of the patient in question was presented as partof a presentation, given by Dr. David C. Knox of the MapleLeaf Medical Clinic in Toronto at the annual Conferenceon Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI 2016).According to Knox, the man, who was engaging in sex withmen, seroconverted after being on PrEP for two years. Analysisof blood collected from the man showed he had levels of PrEPthat were consistent with his claims of regular adherence.

The man, who presented no evidence of any sexually-trans-mitted infections and did not have a history of substance abuse,tested negative for HIV in February 2013, two months before hebegan taking PrEP. He then received seven more HIV tests thatcame back negative while on the medication, before receivinga positive result in May 2015. Knox added that the patient hadreportedly engaged in multiple acts of receptive, condomlesssex with different partners just prior to testing positive.

Knox said Maple Leaf Medical analyzed the patient’s phar-macy dispensing records, which appeared to support his claimsthat he was taking the medication regularly. But follow-upblood tests indicated that the man’s resistance had been “trans-mitted rather than acquired” through exposure to someonewho was not regularly adhering to Stribild, an HIV treatmentpill containing four medications, two of which comprise PrEP.As a result, Knox concluded, the man’s seroconversion was“likely due to the transmission of a PrEP-resistant, multi-classresistant strain of HIV-1.”

The patient in question has since been prescribed a com-bination of Prezcobix, Tivicay and Edurant, achieving viralsuppression within 21 days and remaining undetectable to date.

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), which has been pub-licly skeptical of some in the medical community and the media

who have portrayed PrEP as a “cure-all” of sorts for HIV to theexclusion of other prevention methods like condoms, released astatement in response.

“Due to issues surrounding medication adherence withPrEP, AHF has always been concerned about the potential foroverall spread of the virus as well as other STDs for which PrEPoffers no protection,” AHF president Michael Weinstein said ina statement. “Now, on the heels of this drug-resistant infectionfound in one individual who appeared to be adherent with thedrug portion of his PrEP regimen, a larger concern is about thepotential for a more drug-resistant strain of HIV entering thecommunity-at-large.”

Megan Coleman, a family nurse practitioner and directorof community research at Whitman-Walker Health, says thatwhile this case of seroconversion appears to be the rst of itskind, the particular form of resistant virus is quite uncommon.

“In medicine, we’ve learned never to say anything is 100percent,” Coleman says, referring to widely-trumpeted PrEPstudies where no person who was regularly adherent developedHIV. “This particular virus, which is very, very rare, had a lotof mutations and a very complicated interplay of mutations thatseemed to make it resistant to Truvada.”

Coleman also cautions against widespread panic — par-ticularly since the patient was infected with an already drug-resistant strain, as opposed to developing resistance to PrEPinternally — and says medical providers will continue to makescientically-based recommendations based on the best needsof their patients, which may include prescribing PrEP, as well asother HIV prevention strategies.

“When I counsel patients about Truvada for PrEP, my mes-sage won’t change,” Coleman says. “It’s to continue to encour-age people to take it daily.... We can say, with authority, thatPrEP is over 90 percent effective. And the other information,which is based on modeling data, ranges from 92 to 99 percenteffective. So one out of tens of thousands of individuals stilltranslates to 99 percent effective.” l

by John Riley and David Uy


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COMMENTARY

Lancing the BoilTrump’s Fabulous and Classy Roadshow is bringing lingering racism and

resentment to the surface

I’M NOT PARTICULARLY THRILLED TO BE WRIT-ing this column about Donald Trump. You’re probablynot all that thrilled to be reading it. But judging by webtrafc, ratings, and every other measure of media these

days that’s not stopping either of us.I was actually unable to follow the Super Tuesday results inreal time, so I got a lot of my news from NPR — there’s a phraseto shiver the spines of legions of Trump sup-porters — while driving home. One reportersummed it up as, to paraphrase, “We’reactually looking at a Trump versus Clintonpresidential election.”

This sent me into a ashback to my highschool Algebra I class, where one morningI experienced my rst-ever revelation: Thesudden, overwhelming, and terrifying real-ization that all of this around me would end,that I would soon be an actual adult. Theprospect of being grown-up stopped beingtheoretical and started being very tangible.

Luckily, I got snapped out of it by a ques-tion about the quadratic equation.

Anyway, I had the same pit-in-the-stom-ach feeling about Trump v. Clinton: Thatall of this was not just some fever-dream ofthe American reality television complex, but actually the highlylikely outcome of America’s once-vaunted democracy.

Unfortunately, I haven’t been snapped out of this one yet.I suppose I’ve mentally made the connection to my freshman

year — a time of zits and bullies and longing for the day I’d getmy driver’s license — because this year’s election has literallybeen as juvenile as a high school class election. Trump’s soar-ing performance as a shameless bully — mocking the disabled,irting with racism, being an all-around dick — has won himthe cafeteria vote.

Yes, I’m clutching my pearls about this along with everyother moderately sane person out there. My schadenfreudelevel, however, has been declining as Trump’s political fortuneshave been rising. That’s not because I suddenly have sympathyfor the Republican Party who created him — they’re the oneswho rode the tiger, unleashed the kraken, opened Pandora’sbox, and any number of other clichés applicable to peopleabout to be devoured by their own short-sighted hubris. Andit’s not just because of the fear of Trump being one Tuesday in

November away from the White House.It’s because listening to Trump supporters depresses me

about the failure of our politics and our not-so-civil society. I’mnot talking about the sniveling, white-supremacist twits who’ve

crawled out from their rocks to bask in Trump’s rhetoric — Istill feel plenty of schadenfreude that the past eight years ofracist-tinged politics have culminated in them suddenly feeling

back at home in a Republican primary. I’mtalking about the rural, blue-collar whiteswho haven’t been to college and who havebeen royally screwed by GOP policies thatprioritized the needs of the rich over any-thing and anyone else.

There’s an argument going on in theDemocratic party between progressives(generally white) who advocate looking ateconomic inequality through a mostly color-blind lens and progressives (generally black)who believe our historical racism is inextri-cable from that inequality. This shouldn’t bean argument because they’re both right.

There is a group of white people in theU.S. who are suffering economically andotherwise. They are easy to mock becausetheir anger, stoked for decades by politi-

cians who’ve pitted whites against minorities, is often at-outracist. That doesn’t make the underlying economic causes oftheir anger any less real. They want the return of an economythat hasn’t existed in decades. They want the safety net (albeitfor the so-called “deserving”) that their own political partyhas been actively destroying. They want an other to blame fortheir very real misfortunate. And Trump is just the con man topromise all of that.

It’s depressing that racial resentment has been powerfulenough for so many white people to vote against their interests.From the left, I wish we were making better progress takingthose interests seriously. To be clear, Democrats should nevergive an inch on their commitment to racial equality and civilrights. I’m lamenting that racism remains so powerful that itkeeps those who should be allies apart and fearful.

Maybe the Trump Fabulous and Classy Roadshow is what itfeels like to lance a political boil. You have raise it to the surfacebefore you get rid of it. I’m just afraid of the scar it’s going toleave behind. l

by Sean Bugg

“Trump’s soaring performance

being an all-around

dick has won him thecafeteria vote.”


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The DC Center hosts a meeting ofits TRANS SUPPORT GROUPfortransgender people and those whoidentify outside of the gender binary.7-9 p.m. 2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105.For more information, visit thedc-center.org.

WEEKLY EVENTS

ANDROMEDA TRANSCULTURALHEALTHoffers free HIV testing, 9-5p.m., and HIV services (by appoint-ment). 202-291-4707, andromeda-transculturalhealth.org.

DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC)practice session at Hains Point, 927Ohio Dr. SW. 6:30-8 p.m. Visitswimdcac.org.

HIV TESTINGat Whitman-WalkerHealth. At the Elizabeth TaylorMedical Center, 1701 14th St. NW,9 a.m.-5 p.m. At the Max Robinson

Center, 2301 MLK Jr. Ave. SE, 9a.m.-4:30 p.m. For an appointmentcall 202-745-7000. Visit whitman-walker.org.

METROHEALTH CENTER offersfree, rapid HIV testing. Appointmentneeded. 1012 14th St. NW, Suite 700.202-638-0750.

PROJECT STRIPES hosts LGBT-afrming social group for ages 11-24.4-6 p.m. 1419 Columbia Road NW.Contact Tamara, 202-319-0422,layc-dc.org.

SMYAL’S REC NIGHTprovidesa social atmosphere for GLBT andquestioning youth, featuring danceparties, vogue nights, movies andgames. More info, [email protected].

SMYAL offers free HIV Testing, 3-6p.m., by appointment and walk-in, for youth 21 and younger. Youth Center,410 7th St. SE. 202-567-3155, [email protected].

HIV TESTINGat Whitman-WalkerHealth. At the Elizabeth TaylorMedical Center, 1701 14th St. NW,9 a.m.-5 p.m. At the Max RobinsonCenter, 2301 MLK Jr. Ave. SE, 9a.m.-4:30 p.m. For an appointmentcall 202-745-7000. Visit whitman-walker.org.

IDENTITYoffers free and conden-tial HIV testing in Gaithersburg,414 East Diamond Ave., and inTakoma Park, 7676 New Hampshire Ave., Suite 411. Walk-ins 2-6 p.m.For appointments other hours, callGaithersburg, 301-300-9978, orTakoma Park, 301-422-2398.

METROHEALTH CENTERoffersfree, rapid HIV testing. Appointmentneeded. 1012 14th St. NW, Suite 700.202-638-0750.

SMYAL offers free HIV Testing, 3-5p.m., by appointment and walk-in, for youth 21 and younger. 202-567-3155or [email protected].

US HELPING US hosts a Narcotics Anonymous Meeting, 6:30-7:30 p.m.,3636 Georgia Ave. NW. The group isindependent of UHU. 202-446-1100.

WOMEN’S LEADERSHIPINSTITUTE for young LBTQ women,13-21, interested in leadership devel-opment. 5-6:30 p.m. SMYAL YouthCenter, 410 7th St. SE. 202-567-3163,[email protected].

FRIDAY, MARCH 4GAY DISTRICT, a group for GBTQQImen between the ages of 18-35, meetson the rst and third Fridays of eachmonth. 8:30-9:30 p.m. 2000 14th St.NW, Suite 105. For more information, visit gaydistrict.org.

LGB PSYCHOTHERAPY GROUP foradults in Montgomery County offersa safe space to explore coming outand issues of identity. 10-11:30 a.m.16220 S. Frederick Rd., Suite 512,Gaithersburg, Md. For more informa-tion, visit thedccenter.org.

THURSDAY, MARCH 3GAMMA, a condential supportgroup for men who are gay, bisexual,questioning and who are marriedor involved with a woman, meetsin Frederick, Md., on the rstThursday of every month. GAMMA

also offers additional meetings inNorthern Virginia and Washington.6:30-8:30 p.m. Grace United Churchof Christ, 25 E. 2nd St., Frederick,Md. For more information, visitGAMMAinDC.org.

Rabbi Laurie Green hosts a springclass, “THE BOOK OF ESTHERFOR ADULTS: How to Survive as aMinority in a Topsy-Turvy, Scary,Gentile, Sexist, Homophobic andSometimes Very Funny DiasporaWorld.” Every Thursday, fromFeb. 25 to Mar. 17. Classes are freefor members of Bet Mishpachah.Suggested donation of $10 per classfor non-members. 7-8:45 p.m. DCJewish Community Center, 1529 16thSt. NW. For more information, visit betmish.org.

WEEKLY EVENTS

ANDROMEDA TRANSCULTURALHEALTHoffers free HIV testing, 9-5p.m., and HIV services (by appoint-ment). Call 202-291-4707, or visitandromedatransculturalhealth.org.

DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC)practice session at Takoma AquaticCenter, 300 Van Buren St. NW. 7:30-9

p.m. swimdcac.org.

DC LAMBDA SQUARES gay and lesbian square-dancing group featuresmainstream through advanced squaredancing at the National City ChristianChurch, 5 Thomas Circle NW, 7-9:30p.m. Casual dress. 301-257-0517,dclambdasquares.org.

The DULLES TRIANGLESNorthern Virginia social group meets for happyhour at Sheraton in Reston, 11810Sunrise Valley Drive, second-oor bar, 7-9 p.m. All welcome. dullestri-angles.com.

Metro Weekly’s Community Calendar highlights important events in the D.C.-areaLGBT community, from alternative social events to volunteer opportunities.Event information should be sent by email to [email protected] for inclusion is noon of the Friday before Thursday’s publication.Questions about the calendar may be directed to theMetro Weekly ofce at 202-638-6830 orthe calendar email address.

LGBTCommunityCalendarSATURDAY, MARCH 5ADVENTURING outdoors groupand Chrysalis arts & culture groupco-sponsor guided walking tour from Arlington Cemetery through DC’sMonumental Core to RFK Stadium,with lunch at Union Station. Easyone-way hike is about 5.5 miles long.

Bring beverages, lunch or snacks, and$ 2 trip fee. Meet at 10 a.m. inside Arlington Cemetery Metro near sta-tion attendant’s kiosk. Craig, 202-462-0535. adventuring.org.

BURGUNDY CRESCENT, a gay vol-unteer organization, volunteers todayfor Food & Friends and Lost Dogs& Cats Foundation at Falls ChurchPetSmart. To participate, visit burgun-dycrescent.org.

CENTER GLOBAL, a group focusingon various issues and anti-gay lawsaffecting the LGBT community acrossthe globe, holds its monthly meetingat The DC Center. 12-2 p.m. 2000 14thSt. NW, Suite 105. For more informa-tion, visit thedccenter.org.

LEADING WITH PRIDE’S 4THANNUAL GSA CONFERENCE brings together LGBTQ and ally stu-dents from D.C.’s public and charterschools and surrounding schools fromMaryland and Virginia. 11 a.m.-6:30p.m. Youth talent show from 6:30-8:30p.m. The School Without Walls atFrancis Stevens, 2425 N St. NW. Formore information, visit leadingwith-pride.tumblr.com or email Dominiqueat [email protected].

The Respect Yourself Project, LLC,hosts its annual concert/fundraisinggala, PROJECT R.E.D. (REALIZING,EVERY, DREAM) to help fund itswork around providing anti-stigmamessages and community organiz-ing around HIV/AIDS. 6-9 p.m. Joe’sMovement Emporium, 3309 BunkerHill Rd., Mt. Rainier, Md. For ticketsand more information, call 240-381-8899 or visit therespectyourselfpro- ject.org.

WEEKLY EVENTS

ANDROMEDA TRANSCULTURALHEALTHoffers free HIV testing, 9-5p.m., and HIV services (by appoint-ment). 202-291-4707 or andromeda-transculturalhealth.org.

BET MISHPACHAH, founded bymembers of the LGBT community,holds Saturday morning Shabbat services, 10 a.m., followed by Kiddushluncheon. Services in DCJCCCommunity Room, 1529 16th St. NW. betmish.org.


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BRAZILIAN GLBT GROUP, includ-ing others interested in Brazilian cul-ture, meets. For location/time, email [email protected]. DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC) prac-tice session at Hains Point, 972 OhioDr., SW. 8:30-10 a.m. Visitswimdcac.org. DC FRONT RUNNERS running/ walking/social club welcomes alllevels for exercise in a fun and sup-portive environment, socializingafterward. Meet 9:30 a.m., 23rd & PStreets NW, for a walk; or 10 a.m. forfun run. dcfrontrunners.org. DC SENTINELS basketball teammeets at Turkey Thicket RecreationCenter, 1100 Michigan Ave. NE, 2-4p.m. For players of all levels, gay orstraight. teamdcbasketball.org. DIGNITYUSA sponsors Mass forLGBT community, family andfriends. 6:30 p.m., Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill, 3606 Seminary Road, Alexandria. All welcome. For moreinfo, visit dignitynova.org.

GAY LANGUAGE CLUB discussescritical languages and foreign lan-guages. 7 p.m. Nellie’s, 900 U St. NW.RVSP preferred. [email protected].

IDENTITYoffers free and conden-tial HIV testing in Takoma Park,7676 New Hampshire Ave., Suite 411.Walk-ins 12-3 p.m. For appointmentsother hours, call 301-422-2398.

SUNDAY, MARCH 6WEEKLY EVENTS

LGBT-inclusive ALL SOULSMEMORIAL EPISCOPAL CHURCH celebrates Low Mass at 8:30 a.m.,High Mass at 11 a.m. 2300 Cathedral Ave. NW. 202-232-4244, allsoulsdc.org.

BETHEL CHURCH-DCprogressiveand radically inclusive church holdsservices at 11:30 a.m. 2217 Minnesota Ave. SE. 202-248-1895, betheldc.org.

DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC) prac-tice session at Hains Point, 972 OhioDr., SW. 9:30-11 a.m. Visitswimdcac.org.

DIGNITYUSAoffers Roman CatholicMass for the LGBT community. 6p.m., St. Margaret’s Church, 1820Connecticut Ave. NW. All welcome.Sign interpreted. For more info, visitdignitynova.org.

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UNITEDCHURCH OF CHRIST welcomes allto 10:30 a.m. service, 945 G St. NW.rstuccdc.org or 202-628-4317.

FRIENDS MEETING OFWASHINGTON meets for worship,10:30 a.m., 2111 Florida Ave. NW,Quaker House Living Room (next toMeeting House on Decatur Place),2nd oor. Special welcome to lesbiansand gays. Handicapped accessiblefrom Phelps Place gate. Hearing assis-tance. quakersdc.org.

HOPE UNITED CHURCH OFCHRISTwelcomes GLBT communityfor worship. 10:30 a.m., 6130 OldTelegraph Road, Alexandria.hopeucc.org.

HSV-2 SOCIAL AND SUPPORTGROUP for gay men living in the DCmetro area. This group will be meet-ing once a month. For information onlocation and time, visit H2gether.com.

INSTITUTE FOR SPIRITUALDEVELOPMENT, God-centered newage church & learning center. SundayServices and Workshops event. 5419Sherier Place NW. isd-dc.org.

Join LINCOLN CONGREGATIONALTEMPLE – UNITED CHURCH OFCHRISTfor an inclusive, loving andprogressive faith community everySunday. 11 a.m. 1701 11th Street NW,near R in Shaw/Logan neighborhood.lincolntemple.org.

LUTHERAN CHURCH OFREFORMATIONinvites all to Sundayworship at 8:30 or 11 a.m. Childcare isavailable at both services. WelcomingLGBT people for 25 years. 212 EastCapitol St. NE. reformationdc.org.

METROPOLITAN COMMUNITYCHURCH OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA services at 11 a.m., led by Rev. OnettaBrooks. Children’s Sunday School, 11a.m. 10383 Democracy Lane, Fairfax.703-691-0930, mccnova.com.

METROPOLITAN COMMUNITYCHURCH OF WASHINGTON, D.C. services at 9 a.m. (ASL interpreted)and 11 a.m. Children’s Sunday Schoolat 11 a.m. 474 Ridge St. NW. 202-638-7373, mccdc.com.

NATIONAL CITY CHRISTIANCHURCH, inclusive church withGLBT fellowship, offers gospel wor-

ship, 8:30 a.m., and traditional wor-ship, 11 a.m. 5 Thomas Circle NW.202-232-0323, nationalcitycc.org.

RIVERSIDE BAPTIST CHURCH,a Christ-centered, interracial, wel-coming-and-afrming church, offersservice at 10 a.m. 680 I St. SW. 202-554-4330, riversidedc.org.

ST. STEPHEN AND THEINCARNATION,an “interracial,multi-ethnic Christian Community”offers services in English, 8 a.m. and10:30 a.m., and in Spanish at 5:15 p.m.1525 Newton St. NW. 202-232-0900,saintstephensdc.org.


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14 SEE PHOTOS FROM THIS EVENT AT WWW.METROWEEKLY.COM/SCENE

scene

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KhushDC’s 2016Kick Off Happy Hourat Level OneFriday, February 26

P HOTOGRAPHY BY W ARD M ORRISON


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UNITARIAN CHURCH OFARLINGTON, an LGBTQ welcoming-and-afrming congregation, offersservices at 10 a.m. Virginia RainbowUU Ministry. 4444 Arlington Blvd.uucava.org.

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISTCHURCH OF SILVER SPRING invites LGBTQ families and individu-als of all creeds and cultures to jointhe church. Services 9:15 and 11:15a.m. 10309 New Hampshire Ave.uucss.org.

UNIVERSALIST NATIONALMEMORIAL CHURCH, a welcom-ing and inclusive church. GLBTInterweave social/service groupmeets monthly. Services at 11 a.m.,Romanesque sanctuary. 1810 16th St.NW. 202-387-3411, universalist.org.

MONDAY, MARCH 7BURGUNDY CRESCENT, a gay vol-unteer organization, volunteers todayfor Volunteer Night, the rst Mondayof every month at The DC Center.To participate, visit burgundycrescent.org.

The DC Center hosts a VOLUNTEERNIGHTfor community membersto lend a hand with various duties,including cleaning, keeping safe-sexkit inventory, and sorting through book donations. Pizza provided.6:30-8:30 p.m. 2000 14th St. NW,Suite 105. For more information, visitthedccenter.org.

WEEKLY EVENTSDC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC) prac-tice session at Hains Point, 927 OhioDr. SW. 7-8:30 p.m. Visitswimdcac.org.

DC SCANDALS RUGBY holdspractice, 6:30-8:30 p.m. GarrisonElementary, 1200 S St. NW. dcscan-dals.wordpress.com.

GETEQUALmeets 6:30-8 p.m. atQuaker House, 2111 Florida Ave. [email protected].

HIV Testing at WHITMAN-WALKERHEALTH. At the Elizabeth TaylorMedical Center, 1701 14th St. NW,9 a.m.-5 p.m. At the Max RobinsonCenter, 2301 MLK Jr. Ave. SE, 9a.m.-4:30 p.m. For an appointmentcall 202-745-7000. Visit whitman-walker.org.

KARING WITH INDIVIDUALITY(K.I.) SERVICES, 3333 Duke St., Alexandria, offers free “rapid” HIVtesting and counseling, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.703-823-4401.

METROHEALTH CENTERoffersfree, rapid HIV testing. No appoint-ment needed. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 1012 14thSt. NW, Suite 700. 202-638-0750.

NOVASALUDoffers free HIV testing.5-7 p.m. 2049 N. 15th St., Suite 200, Arlington. Appointments:703-789-4467.

SMYALoffers free HIV Testing, 3-5p.m., by appointment and walk-in, for youth 21 and younger. Youth Center,410 7th St. SE. 202-567-3155 [email protected].

THE DC CENTERhosts Coffee Drop-In for the Senior LGBT Community.10 a.m.-noon. 2000 14th St. NW. 202-682-2245, thedccenter.org.

US HELPING UShosts a black gaymen’s evening afnity group. 3636Georgia Ave. NW. 202-446-1100.

WASHINGTON WETSKINS WATERPOLO TEAMpractices 7-9 p.m.

Takoma Aquatic Center, 300 VanBuren St. NW. Newcomers with atleast basic swimming ability alwayswelcome. Tom, 703-299-0504, [email protected], wetskins.org.

WHITMAN-WALKER HEALTHHIV/AIDS Support Group for newlydiagnosed individuals, meets 7 p.m.Registration required. 202-939-7671,[email protected].

TUESDAY, MARCH 8The DC Center holds a meeting of itsCOMING OUT DISCUSSION GROUPfor those navigating issues associatedwith coming out and personal identity.7-8:30 p.m. 2000 14th St. NW, Suite105. For more information, visitthedccenter.org.

The DC Center hosts a meeting of itsTRANS SUPPORT GROUPfor trans-gender people and those who identifyoutside of the gender binary. 7-9 p.m.2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105. For moreinformation, visit thedccenter.org.

WEEKLY EVENTS


ASIANS AND FRIENDS weekly din-ner in Dupont/Logan Circle area, 6:30 p.m. [email protected], afwashington.net.

DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC)practice session at Takoma AquaticCenter, 300 Van Buren St. NW. 7:30-9p.m. swimdcac.org.

OralFixation

you canlisten o any s ory a

MetroWeekly.com jus look for he“speak” buton


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DC FRONT RUNNERS running/ walking/social club serving greaterD.C.’s LGBT community and allieshosts an evening run/walk.dcfrontrunners.org.

THE GAY MEN’S HEALTHCOLLABORATIVEoffers free HIVtesting and STI screening and treat-ment every Tuesday. 5-6:30 p.m.Rainbow Tuesday LGBT Clinic, Alexandria Health Department, 4480King St. 703-746-4986 or text 571-214-9617. [email protected].


THE HIV WORKING GROUPof THEDC CENTER hosts “Packing Party,”where volunteers assemble safe-sex

kits of condoms and lube. 7 p.m.,Green Lantern, 1335 Green CourtNW. thedccenter.org.

IDENTITYoffers free and conden-tial HIV testing in Gaithersburg,414 East Diamond Ave., and inTakoma Park, 7676 New Hampshire Ave., Suite 411. Walk-ins 2-6 p.m.For appointments other hours, callGaithersburg at 301-300-9978 orTakoma Park at 301-422-2398.

KARING WITH INDIVIDUALITY(K.I.) SERVICES, at 3333 Duke St., Alexandria, offers free “rapid” HIVtesting and counseling, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

703-823-4401.


OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS—LGBT focused meeting everyTuesday, 7 p.m. St. George’sEpiscopal Church, 915 Oakland Ave., Arlington, just steps from VirginiaSquare Metro. For more info. callDick, 703-521-1999. Handicappedaccessible. Newcomers [email protected].

SMYAL offers free HIV Testing, 3-5p.m., by appointment and walk-in, for youth 21 and younger. Youth Center,410 7th St. SE. 202-567-3155, [email protected].

SUPPORT GROUP FOR LGBTQ YOUTH ages 13-21 meets at SMYAL,410 7th St. SE, 5-6:30 p.m.Cathy Chu, 202-567-3163,[email protected].

US HELPING UShosts a supportgroup for black gay men 40 and older.7-9 p.m., 3636 Georgia Ave. NW.202-446-1100.

Whitman-Walker Health’s GAYMEN’S HEALTH AND WELLNESS/STD CLINIC opens at 6 p.m., 1701 14thSt. NW. Patients are seen on walk-in basis. No-cost screening for HIV,syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia.Hepatitis and herpes testing availablefor fee. whitman-walker.org.

WEDNESDAY, MARCHRAINBOW RESPONSE, a coali-tion dedicated to combating LGBTQintimate partner violence, holds itsmonthly meeting at The DC Centeron the second Wednesday of everymonth. 6-8 p.m. 2000 14th St. NW,Suite 105. For more information, visitrainbowresponse.org.

THE LAMBDA BRIDGE CLUB meetsfor Duplicate Bridge. 7:30 p.m. DignityCenter, 721 8th St SE (across fromMarine Barracks). No reservationsneeded. All welcome. Call 202-841-0279 if you need a partner.

WEEKLY EVENTS

AD LIB, a group for freestyle conversation, meets about 6:30-6 p.m.,Steam, 17th and R NW. All welcome.For more information, call FaustoFernandez, 703-732-5174.

ANDROMEDA TRANSCULTURALHEALTHoffers free HIV testing, 9-5

p.m., and HIV services (by appoint-ment). 202-291-4707, andromeda-transculturalhealth.org.

DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC) prac-tice session at Hains Point, 927 OhioDr. SW. 7-8:30 p.m. Visitswimdcac.org.

DC SCANDALS RUGBY holdspractice, 6:30-8:30 p.m. GarrisonElementary, 1200 S St. NW. dcscan-dals.wordpress.com.

HISTORIC CHRIST CHURCH offers Wednesday worship 7:15 a.m.and 12:05 p.m. All welcome. 118 N.

Washington St., Alexandria. 703-549-1450, historicchristchurch.org.

HIV TESTINGat Whitman-WalkerHealth. At the Elizabeth TaylorMedical Center, 1701 14th St. NW,9 a.m.-5 p.m. At the Max RobinsonCenter, 2301 MLK Jr. Ave. SE, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. For an appointment call202-745-7000. Visit whitman-walker.org.


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IDENTITYoffers free and conden-tial HIV testing in Gaithersburg, 414East Diamond Ave. Walk-ins 2-7 p.m.For appointments other hours, callGaithersburg at 301-300-9978.

JOB CLUB, a weekly support pro-gram for job entrants and seekers,meets at The DC Center. 6-7:30 p.m.2000 14th St. NW, Suite 105. Formore info, www.centercareers.org.

METROHEALTH CENTERoffersfree, rapid HIV testing. No appoint-ment needed. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 1012 14thSt. NW, Suite 700. 202-638-0750.

NOVASALUD offers free HIV testing.11 a.m.-2 p.m. 2049 N. 15th St., Suite200, Arlington. Appointments: 703-789-4467.

PRIME TIMERS OF DC, socialclub for mature gay men, hostsweekly happy hour/dinner. 6:30 p.m.,Windows Bar above Dupont ItalianKitchen, 1637 17th St. NW. Carl,703-573-8316.

THURSDAY, MARCH 10WEEKLY EVENTS

ANDROMEDA TRANSCULTURALHEALTHoffers free HIV testing, 9-5p.m., and HIV services (by appoint-ment). Call 202-291-4707, or visitandromedatransculturalhealth.org.

DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC)practice session at Takoma AquaticCenter, 300 Van Buren St. NW. 7:30-9

p.m. swimdcac.org.

DC LAMBDA SQUARES gay and lesbian square-dancing group featuresmainstream through advanced squaredancing at the National City ChristianChurch, 5 Thomas Circle NW, 7-9:30p.m. Casual dress. 301-257-0517,dclambdasquares.org.

The DULLES TRIANGLESNorthern Virginia social group meets for happyhour at Sheraton in Reston, 11810Sunrise Valley Drive, second-oor bar, 7-9 p.m. All welcome. dullestri-angles.com.


IDENTITYoffers free and conden-tial HIV testing in Gaithersburg,414 East Diamond Ave., and inTakoma Park, 7676 New Hampshire Ave., Suite 411. Walk-ins 2-6 p.m.For appointments other hours, callGaithersburg, 301-300-9978, orTakoma Park, 301-422-2398.


SMYAL offers free HIV Testing, 3-5p.m., by appointment and walk-in, for youth 21 and younger. 202-567-3155 [email protected].

US HELPING US hosts a Narcotics Anonymous Meeting, 6:30-7:30 p.m.,3636 Georgia Ave. NW. The group isindependent of UHU. 202-446-1100.

WOMEN’S LEADERSHIPINSTITUTE for young LBTQ women,13-21, interested in leadership devel-opment. 5-6:30 p.m. SMYAL YouthCenter, 410 7th St. SE. 202-567-3163,[email protected].

FRIDAY, MARCH 11WEEKLY EVENTS


DC AQUATICS CLUB (DCAC) prac-tice session at Hains Point, 927 OhioDr. SW. 6:30-8 p.m. Visitswimdcac.org.

HIV TESTINGat Whitman-WalkerHealth. At the Elizabeth TaylorMedical Center, 1701 14th St. NW,9 a.m.-5 p.m. At the Max RobinsonCenter, 2301 MLK Jr. Ave. SE, 9 a.m.-

4:30 p.m. For an appointmentcall 202-745-7000. Visit whitman-walker.org.

METROHEALTH CENTER offersfree, rapid HIV testing. Appointmentneeded. 1012 14th St. NW, Suite 700.202-638-0750.

PROJECT STRIPES hosts LGBT-afrming social group for ages 11-24.4-6 p.m. 1419 Columbia Road NW.Contact Tamara, 202-319-0422, layc-dc.org.

SMYAL’S REC NIGHTprovides asocial atmosphere for GLBT and ques-

tioning youth, featuring dance parties, vogue nights, movies and games. Moreinfo, [email protected].

SMYAL offers free HIV Testing, 3-6p.m., by appointment and walk-in, for youth 21 and younger. Youth Center,410 7th St. SE. 202-567-3155,[email protected]. l


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AS A CHILD, AYDIAN DOWLING RARELYascribed to gender norms. It continued wellinto his teenage years, to the consternationof his mother.

“When I was young,” says the transgen-der activist and YouTube video blogger, “I

used to ght my mother to the death when she wanted to dressme up for church and Christmas, and put me in these little dress-es and hats and gloves and bags, because I was her only girl.”

During adolescence, Dowling initially identied as a lesbian.But even after “coming out,” he still felt as though he had notfound his niche within the LGBT community. After some soulsearching (and Internet surng), Dowling realized he felt astrong connection to those who identied as transgender.

“Not only did I feel like I match with the physical,” he says,“but the emotional things they were talking about, the feelingsof not feeling good in your body. And not just because you wantto lose ve pounds or you want blond hair and you havebrown hair, but actually just disassociating from the bodythat you’re in, and feeling like you’re stuck in it. Feeling

like there’s another person in your brain, but this is thebody you have.”That’s not to say there weren’t setbacks when it

came to his transition. Regular courses of intramus-cular testosterone shots became a necessary evil forthe needle-phobic Dowling to move forward. Fora three-year period, he struggled with the problemof identifying and being viewed as a male while notyet having had top surgery. His fears of how he’d beperceived by others were so intense, he avoided goingto the beach or swimming, activities he normally enjoyed.His actions were made starker by the fact that he was living inSouth Florida at the time.

“When I was having a really tough day, I’d take a shower withthe lights off, in the dark, because it did too much to me mentallyto look at my body and not feel like it matched me. It was just toohard,” he says. “It was easier to take a shower in the dark, ignorethe mirror, take ve minutes, get dressed and be done.”

As his transition progressed, Dowling became enamouredwith bodybuilding. Although his rst foray was prompted by adesire to look more masculine, the success he enjoyed in takingcontrol of his own health and tness helped Dowling developa greater sense of condence. It was that same sense of self-assuredness that prompted Dowling to launch his own clothingcompany, Point 5cc.

Initially established as a way to help Dowling raise money forhis top surgery, Dowling turned the company into a resource for

Bodybuilding helped entrepreneur Aydian Dowling embrace his identity as a transgender male

Interview by John Riley

TOTALEMBODIMENT

B R I A N D A V I E S


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the transgender community. Proceeds from the T-shirts designedand sold by Point 5cc are used to assist other transgender peoplewith their own surgeries, and the company now has a binderexchange program where people can donate their used binders,which are then distributed free of charge with each T-shirt sold.

Meanwhile, on YouTube, the 28-year-old has cultivateda channel featuring videos documenting his transition andaddressing other transgender issues. He gained internationalattention for his appearance on the April 2015 cover of FTM Magazine , where he reenacted a photo rst made famousby Maroon 5 lead singer Adam Levine in Cosmopolitan UK .Dowling next embarked on a campaign to become the rst trans-gender male to appear on the cover of Men’s Health as part of themagazine’s contest to nd the “Ultimate Men’s Health Guy.” Hisentry led to a surge of online voting, earning him 72,000 votes —far ahead of the second-place nisher with 23,000 votes — andthe title of “Reader’s Choice.” He didn’t win, but the contestcaught the attention of the editor of Gay Times, a glossy Britishmagazine, which featured him on the cover last month, makinghim the rst transgender male to appear on the cover of an inter-national publication. It nudged the modest, unassuming youngman into an ever-widening spotlight, one that he seems excitedto proudly stand in.

METRO WEEKLY: Let’s start with your upbringing. What was your childhood like?

AYDIAN DOWLING: I was raised in Long Island, New York.I have two older brothers, and two step-siblings. Mymother and father were divorced by the time I wasthree. I lived with my mother full-time and I saw myfather every other weekend.

When I was really young, I was in dance from ages


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4 to 7. Once I hit 8, I started playing softball and soccer. I lovedbeing active. We were one of the lucky houses on the block thathad a pool. I was called a tomboy because I played a lot of sportsand was aggressive.MW: About how old were you when you realized you felt transgen-der, even if you didn’t have the words at that time to describe it?DOWLING: I recognized I identied more on the masculine spec-trum was I was 15. When I was a kid, I was identifying with littleboys, but you don’t think about gender too much when you’reyoung, unless it’s something that’s being forced on you. When Iwas 14 or 15, I started stealing my brothers’ clothes. And that wasprobably the rst time I identied on the masculine spectrummore than on the feminine.MW:Was there a reaction to that?DOWLING: I denitely remember one brother hated it, becausethey were his clothes. But I don’t think I really told my mom. I just hid it. I think my mom saw me become depressed at a reallyyoung age of 11, 12, 13, andrealized pretty quickly thatI was going to be a little dif-ferent.MW: You originally identiedas lesbianDOWLING: I had my rst of-cial girlfriend at sixteen. Ithink I actually started toidentify with being a lesbian,because once I left Catholicschool — I went into highschool in 11th grade in pub-lic school — I decided I was going to be out. This was my chanceto wear whatever I wanted, and to be out as a lesbian. Not thatthere weren’t other LGBT-plus people in my school, but I wasthe only one talking about it and being open about it.

So I found empowerment. I started going to Gay Pride inNew York City. I started seeing girls who would dress like me,

who had more of a masculine feel, who were identifying as butchand “dykes,” and I was like, “Oh, cool, that’s where I belong.” Ialways wondered why I was different. I just hadn’t found my lit-tle niche of people who share the same experience as me.” OnceI got out of high school and went to community college, I beganto realize that I didn’t quite identify exactly with the lesbianscene. I didn’t like always going out to the gay clubs, I couldn’tnd the group of people that I really, really identied with, and Ikind of identied with these lesbians, but not fully, so I just kindof distanced myself from the LGBT world for about a year.

Then I started dating this girl whose best friend’s cousinwas a transgender male. And after about a year, she asked meif I ever wanted to be a boy, if I ever thought that life would bebetter as a boy. And that’s what sparked my thought about beingtransgender.

We were coming back from the movies. I dropped her offand went home. I couldn’t get the question out of my mind. Itwas just rolling around in the back of my head. Just a bunch ofquestions like, “Why would she ask that? What does that evenmean?” Eight years ago, the only representation of “transgender”was really sort of drag queens and drag kings. And that wasn’teven the really true representation of being transgender, it was just the only thing that was really out there, being seen, whereone gender was taking on another gender. It was very strange tome. I didn’t understand. The word “transgender” wasn’t evenused, it was just, “Do you actually want to be a boy?”

So I started looking online. I went to Google and typed in

something along the lines of “How do girls become a man?” andthis Maury clip shows up. And Maury Povich is talking to thisgrown man, and the grown man is looking at a picture of a littlegirl on the big screen behind him, and he’s saying that was him.My mind was just blown. Like, “What are you saying? What areyou talking about?” I started clicking on some other videos, andthen other videos, and started realizing, “Whoa, there’s peopleout there who look like a dude and they were born a girl.” And Istarted following the same people who were putting their infor-mation on YouTube. There were more blogs than videos then,so I was reading blogs and looking online, going to forums, anddeveloping an identity through learning what that even meant.MW: When did you come to the conclusion that you were transgender?DOWLING: February, 2009. It was the rst time I looked in a mir-ror and said, “I’m transgender.” It was really hard when I rstdid it. I felt like it was hard enough being a lesbian. And it was

even harder being a lesbianwho “stood out” because Iwas a masculine lesbian. I just thought, “Oh my gosh,how is that going to work?How could you ever change

genders? Your whole lifewould just be totally differ-ent.” It just seemed unfath-omable to me. It was like afairytale of some kind.

You know, I must havewatched thousands of vid-

eos of trans men, trans women, watching their transition. I saythousands — what I really mean is I followed a few people andwatched all of their videos. Because I developed relationshipswith these ve, six people on YouTube, I started to feel a con-nection to them, and I started realizing it was okay to have thefeelings I was having. ... And that’s when I really started to take

on, “Yes, I’m transgender.” And that’s what I am.MW: What was the coming out process like for your family and friends?DOWLING: The rst person I came out to was my girlfriend. I hadthat conversation with her. We talked to her best friend, andthen I met the rst-ever transgender male I’d ever met in my life,in person. He’s one of my best friends now. I decided, “I’m goingto tell people. This has to happen now.” And so I told my twoolder brothers rst. We weren’t super close anyway, and theyalready knew I was stealing their clothes, so I gured, “I’m justgoing to tell them. That will be like my kind of tester.” My olderbrother was like, “Oh, I knew for years.”

And then I decided to come out to my mother. I just textedher in the beginning of the day. Because I knew that if I sent hera text, I wouldn’t be able to back away from it. You can’t tell yourmom you have something to talk about, and, three hours later,be like, “No, forget it.” So I talked to her, and I cried more thanshe did. She was very concerned. She’s been a nurse for 30 yearsin the hospitals. She was really more concerned for my safety,and for the medical aspect. She knew what being transgenderwas, but she knew more about the male-to-female side, and sheknew about the terrible things when someone comes in, in anemergency vehicle. So she didn’t have the best background withthe transgender community. But it was good, because she wasvery much there for the physical, getting blood work done andeverything like that.

And then I came out to my father. And because I didn’t havethe closest relationship with him, I took him out to eat at Panera

“The support I got

literally shut down the Men’s

Health website for athree-hour period,when everything was going crazy. That was a real

big moment: when you shut down a major website.”


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Bread and just kind of told him. First, I tried to explain that Idon’t feel comfortable in my body, and I talked about how goinginto the women’s bathroom makes me feel very uncomfortable,and he didn’t quite understand. So I just laid it out for him. “I’mtransgender, and I want to take the steps to becoming a man.”He had a hard time accepting it, for sure. But I feel very lucky,because he didn’t say, “I don’t ever want to see you again,” oranything like that. He did show a lot of concern for the family,and how people were going to take it, and how he was going toexplain that his daughter is now his son. So he did have a hardtime taking it, but luckily, now, our relationship is still growingand still getting better. And I feel that’s because I’ve become mytrue self, and we can actually get to know each other now.MW: When did you get into bodybuilding?DOWLING: When I rst started identifying as transgender, about2009-ish. I had no idea what I was doing. [ Laughs .] It took afairly long time to get hormone replacement therapy. And Iknew that wanted my body to look masculine and not feminine.I thought my body looked feminine, even in the masculine cloth-ing. So, I knew, right away, if I started going to the gym, I couldstart the transition before I got the hormones. If I start buildingup my shoulders, and start getting more of a masculine build, amasculine feel, I would potentially look more masculine. So that

was sort of the main drive.What I didn’t know was going to happen was I was going to

develop a relationship withmy body that I had neverhad before. When you workout, it’s kind of like a medi-tation. You have to breathe,you have to be in the move-ment. And it’s a repetition.And that’s what meditationis: it’s about clearing yourmind, it’s about repetition,it’s about being in your

breath, being in your move-ment or lack of movement.Plus, you have to stare at yourself in the mirror to make sureyou’re doing it correctly.MW: Did you have any issues using the locker room at the gym?DOWLING:It was hard to go to the gym pre-top surgery, feel-ing very feminine, identifying as a male but having to use thewomen’s locker room. That’s a really hard thing to do. It takessomething from you, it takes an energy away from you that needsto be there, a condence-builder, a pride.

One of the very rst times that I used a men’s restroom was atthe gym. And I saw all these other people who I would comparemyself to, and get down on myself. “You’re never going to be as bigas him, that’s why you don’t lift as much weight, because you’re agirl. What are you doing?” And I really had to ght those feelings.Sometimes I left early because I felt so down on myself. SometimesI wouldn’t go for a week. But I had to work through those feelings,and say, “No, I’m here to better myself. And, yeah, I don’t look likethat guy, but I’m not supposed to look like that guy.”

It’s a terrible thing we do as humans, compare ourselves toother humans as if we’re all on the same journey. A lot of usrealize, unfortunately, late in life, that everyone’s on their ownpath, and the reason someone didn’t see where you were goingis because it’s not their own path to be seen.MW: Have you resolved your internal conict with your body image?DOWLING: I still have struggles to this day with parts of my body.But I’ve found a new way to look at it, a reassuring way, a self-

condent way to love myself. And that came not only throughbodybuilding, but through my transition in general. I built a rela-tionship with a body I hated, and I learned that I could actuallychange it. That’s why I fell in love with it. I saw results.MW: Let’s talk about your career path.DOWLING: I went to community college right after high school. Iactually had gotten a scholarship to a private college. Not a fullscholarship, but a partial scholarship for softball, to a college inConnecticut. Something told me not to go. So I was in commu-nity college for two and a half years, and after the rst semester, Iwas on academic probation, because I just hated it. I wasn’t verygood. I wanted to be a writer, and I did great in all my artistic andcreative classes, and I failed out of all my science and math andall that stuff, because I just didn’t like it. I just didn’t show up,and when I did, my brain wasn’t there.

So I dropped out and convinced my parents to co-sign on aloan so that I could go to culinary school. Pastry arts, to be spe-cic. I had always loved to bake my whole life. My mom usedto let me take our and all different kinds of things, just mushit together, form something, and bake it. So I had this passion.When I nd one thing I love, I really dive into it and give it myall. That was pretty much where my life started to turn around,because I was in a program that I liked. I got a really good job,

and worked for this amazing cake decorator for a few years. AndI really felt great. I was doing what I loved to do. I met my wife

during that time period also.MW: How did you get from pastry chef to what you’redoing now?DOWLING: We were in Floridabecause my wife’s fatherwas sick — that was the onlyreason we had moved downthere. He passed away andthen we decided we shouldmove back home to New

York, because that’s whereour family was. We werehaving a hard time making ends meet. So we moved back toNew York.

I had started my company, Point 5cc, when I was in Floridato raise money for my surgery fund. I started that in Florida, andwhen we moved to New York, I told my wife, Jenilee, “I reallywant to take Point 5cc to the next level. What if I do a part-timecontracting deal instead of just working 9 to 5?” So I got a con-tracting deal, which pretty much means I was the main cakedecorator at this facility, and pretty much got to make my ownhours, and I just worked on the cakes when I came in. It was sortof like, “This is when it’s due. Get it done.”

So with that availability, that exibility, I still wasn’t makingenough funds, so I started driving a van for the LGBT center,and I was putting my all into the company to try and get it going.My wife got an opportunity, about a year-and-a-half after liv-ing in New York, to move to Oregon. And when we moved toOregon, I said, “This is it. I’m changing directions in my career.I really want Point 5cc to be a name for transgender people, forsupporters. I want it to be a big inspiration and an asset to thecommunity, something that is always there to provide for thecommunity and give back.”MW: How did Point 5cc’s mission evolve over time?DOWLING: I got my surgery in 2012. Four years ago, no insur-ances were covering anything that had to do with surgeries fortransgender people. Period. End of conversation. Actually, I was

“It was hard to go to the gym pre-top surgery,feeling very feminine, identifying as a male but

having to use the women’s locker room.

It takes an energy away fromyou that needs to be there, aconfidence-builder, a pride.”


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being denied coverage, because I called once and said, “Hey,I’m transgender. Would you cover this surgery?” And then Igot a notice, two weeks later, saying I was being denied cover-age because of a pre-existing condition, for being transgender.So I needed to raise funds. It was just getting popular to do theGoFundMes and all that stuff. So I started one of those, but I feltlike, “Why is someone going to give me money when they’re try-ing to save for their own surgery?”

So I came up with all these different ideas — tried to sell cup-cakes, tried to mail cupcakes and make money that way. I like towood-burn, so I tried to burn people’s names into cool wood piec-es and stuff. That didn’t quite work. I ended up working overtimeat my job I did have. And then I was asked to be with Jenilee onthe “It Gets Better” special. MTV and LOGO followed us throughthe “It Gets Better” campaign, followed us through our marriage,getting a license as a transgender male. They paid me $250 for thethree days they came. And I told my wife’s family, “I have to make$250 turn into $5,900, because that’s how much the surgery alonecost. Then one day I woke up and thought, “Oh my god, what if Imake T-shirts?” And so that’s what I did. I made this Supermanlogo with a “T” in it, and I just started selling it online through my YouTube channel. There was nothing out there for transgenderpeople, period, let alone something that was prideful and show-

ing that you’re proud of who you are. Not just another shirt thatsays, you know, “Gay is OK.” So it picked up, and a lot of peopleloved it. And between working extra hours, private donationswith my GoFundMe, and selling T-shirts, I raised the funds in sixmonths. It was awesome.

During that time period, I had a friend, Chris, from Atlanta.He gave me six [chest] binders. And I said, “Oh, man, what am Igoing to do with six binders?” And he said, “Well, why don’t you just give them away with the T-shirts, you know, get a T-shirt, geta binder.” And I thought, “What a great idea, thanks!” The nextthing I know, people were requesting binders from me. And thenpeople are mailing me their old binders, and all of a sudden, Ihave a binder program for Point 5cc, which is still going on today.

We’ve given over 300 free binders away. When you’re done withyour top surgery, or you decide to stop wearing a binder, and itstill works — at the time they were like $65, now they range from$30 to $60 — you give your binder to Point 5cc, which is a nicedonation thing to the community, and we mail them out. Whenanybody makes a purchase, you donate to the surgery fund.

It’s like a revolving door. You’re giving to the next person sothat you can receive. That was really important to me, becausethe only reason I got my surgery is because people supportedme. People who didn’t have funds for their own surgery bought ashirt, because they saw something in that image, or in that shirt,or in my video, or whatever the case may be. And to this day,the reason I have the surgery fund, the reason I have the binderexchange, is because even though I can’t singlehandedly giveback every single dollar to every single person who donated tome, I know that if I keep giving back, eventually I’ll be evened out.MW: How did you rst get on the cover of FTM Magazine , recreat-ing the Adam Levine Cosmo UK shoot?DOWLING: It was Christmas Eve, and I got a text message from thepublisher, Jason Robert Ballard, and he texts me, “Because youhave a clothing line, it’d be really cool to do some cool photos.”And I said, “Yeah, sounds great.” And he sends me this pictureof Adam Levine, naked, with some girl covering his junk, and Iwas like, “Whoa, that wasn’t exactly what I was thinking.” So heexplained the reasoning behind it, and was like, “Look, I just feellike when I took the pictures of you, and I look at you, I think ofthis Adam Levine shot. And he was supposed to be the hottest

man at the time. I want to show that trans men are hot, too. Iwant to show that we are around, that we exist, and that no bio-logical man is better just by looking.” And I said, “Yeah, I reallylove that message. I’m all for it.”

So that was what got everything started. He put that photoout right as the magazine came out, and it went viral. It wentcrazy. It was everywhere. Next thing I know, my news feed isblowing up, I can barely turn on my Facebook, everywhere Ilook there’s a naked photo of me. So it drew some attention. AndI started getting some interviews. But what really took off, whatreally got my story out there, was the Men’s Health contest. Imade a video to try and get the rst transgender male on thecover of Men’s Health , and it just went crazy. And that’s where itall began. All of a sudden, that goes viral.

It was crazy. The support I got literally shut down the Men’s Health website for a three-hour period, when everything wasgoing crazy. That was a real big moment: when you shut down amajor website. I didn’t vote for myself even once. It was all thesupport I had from everybody who is just sick of seeing the sameold thing, the stories. There were 21 other people in the contest.If you had teams and it was me versus all 21 other people, andyou added them up, I still had more votes than all the otherpeople combined.

Suddenly, Good Morning, America is calling me, and Yahoo! iscalling me, and I’m getting emails from all these online outlets.The Washington Post wants to do a story, they want to knowmore about me, they want to know what’s behind the photo andthe Men’s Health thing.MW: How did the Men’s Health contest work?DOWLING: Everybody enters for a two-month period and you canget people to vote for you. And the person who gets the mostvotes is going to be the Reader’s Choice. So the Reader’s Choicedid not guarantee you to be on the cover, but it did guarantee youto be in the top ten. And out of those ten people, they pick venalists. So all the votes got me to the top ten, but after the topten, they have seven or eight judges who pick the top ve.

MW: What did the judges ask you in the interview?DOWLING: They asked me about my story. A lot of people at thetime were asking, “What does it mean to be in the contest? Whatwould it mean for you? What would it mean for the commu-nity?” They were very interested in learning what it even meantto be transgender. They felt like their readers have never beenexposed to this before — their “average readers” — and so theywanted to get a basis of my story, and where I come from, andwhy it’s important for me to be in this contest, and what it wouldmean for me — and not just me, but an entire community — towin the contest and all of that.MW: How did you feel when you heard you didn’t win?DOWLING: Mixed emotions. I had met the others in the top ve.They’re all positive people, they all came from a hard time andchanged their life around. They all had a niche group that theywere really passionate about, and trying to show support for thatgroup, and have a face and be their support for that community.So it was 50 percent disappointment and 50 percent happy forwho won. Because I really got to know these guys over threedays. We shared every meal together. They made us spend alot of time together. And when you’re experiencing somethinglike that, that not a lot of people get to experience, you kind ofdevelop this extra special bond over this thing you did together.I was proud of all of us, honestly.

So I was excited, but there was also disappointment and afeeling of let down. There’s this sense of, you gave it 110 percent,and you still lost the race. I gave it my all. I gave it everything I


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could. It was personally hard to just lose, to say “You lost, andthere’s nothing you can do about it.”

But I just really felt a hardship for the community, everybodyreally banded together for me and for us. If I had won, it wouldhave been a groundbreaking kind of historic, over-the-top con-dence booster for transgender people — and honestly, I believe,for LGBT people all over. It would have been a really powerfulmoment. And not to downgrade the [special issue] cover of allve of us. It’s still history-making. It’s still awesome. Plenty ofpeople bought it, there’s a moment in that, too. We got on thecover, we still made history.All readers of Men’s Healthopened up to two pages ona transgender man. And onthe cover of the magazine,it says, “Real Guys, RealResults.” So that is prettymuch saying that transgen-der men are real men. Thatwas a really powerful state-ment for our community tohave in that magazine.MW: We’ve seen a lot of leg-

islation in states targetingtransgender people. What’s your take on some of theseanti-trans bills we are seeingcome through legislatures?DOWLING: It’s very angeringand sad and frightening. It’sscary to think that if I weregoing to go to Houston orCharlotte, or any of theseplaces, I wouldn’t be ableto use the restroom. Thatis scary to me. There’s this

instilled fear that transgen-der people are sexual predators, and we’re just not. There hasnot been one account of a transgender person sexually assaultingor abusing another person in a bathroom. Ever. It’s just neverbeen recorded, never been around. It doesn’t happen.

When you put up bills or ordinances like this, it’s reallyfrightening and scary for youth, because it’s one thing to saysomething to an adult, and have a debate between two grownadults. When you bring in a 12-year-old, a 9-year-old, a 15-year-old, now you’re bringing in the hormonal changes that our bod-ies go through in those years. Eighty percent of LGBT youthare depressed during those years. We’re literally talking about aspark that can turn into an entire ame and blow up the house. You have these young kids who don’t feel worthy to begin with,they’re confused as hell because they’re in a body that doesn’tmatch their gender expression, and now you’re going to tellthem that “You can’t even go pee.” Or, what we’re going to do isallow you to use a gender neutral restroom, but we’re only goingto have one, and it’s going to be in the nurse’s ofce, and you’renever going to be able to get to it, because your class is over hereand over here. So we’re pretty much setting these kids up to feelunworthy, and feel depressed, and suicidal.

Yes, we have marriage equality, but that’s only been around ayear. And then you can go to some states and they’ll argue withyou, like, “Oh, that doesn’t really count.” How are you supposedto encourage a community to ght for our rights when everyright we get, they say, “Oh, no, on paper that’s true, but in real

life, that’s not real?” It’s very important to our community thatwe show up and keep on speaking about these things.MW: What would you say to the people who blatantly championanti-transgender legislation?DOWLING: Those people who would vote for that segregation,they know they’re wrong. Whether they’re religious or not, orwhatever their reason is, they know that excluding someonefrom basic human rights is not fair or appropriate. It’s not howwe’re going to proceed to a better future for our children and ourchildren’s children. So I would just look them in the eye, and say,

“You know you’re wrong.It’s okay to admit it. Let’schange it.”MW: How effective hassocial media been in stopping anti-trans legisla-tion? I think of Michael Hughes’ #WeJustNeedtoPeecampaign, or the “Plett Put Me Here” sign from Brae Carnes in Canada.DOWLING:Social media de-nitely plays a role in our gov-

ernment. I think people are just becoming aware. Tenyears ago, you were eitherinto politics or not, youeither knew everyone whowas running, or you knewnothing. And now, peopleare realizing that they careabout things and want tochange things. And socialmedia is allowing people toshare their concerns withtheir friends and family, and

then those friends and fam-ily share those concerns with their friends and family.Maybe right now, we share a bunch of stuff and maybe noth-

ing changes. The anti-discrimination laws get pushed to the side,or whatever. But I really believe that in our future, there’s goingto be kids, teenagers, reading this stuff and getting involved at ayounger age. And that’s what’s going to change. Some kid willread an article about transgender people not being able to pee inCharlotte, and all of a sudden, they nd this passion, this drive.And years from now, they’re the next Harvey Milk. Obama’spresidency is a pure example of how social media can work. Ifeel like I’m a direct product of social media. And yes, Men’s Health isn’t a legislature, it has nothing to do with government,but it’s a very big piece.

I’m all about compassion. I really feel that people can feelcompassion for someone when they’re relatable. I try to alwaysrelate my story to anybody, because even though I’m trans-gender, that’s my obstacle. Everybody has an obstacle. I wouldtry to get them to picture themselves in our shoes. Or, what ifyour son wanted to use the restroom, but couldn’t, or had touse a certain one. It’s literally going back in time. We’re tryingto segregate people. We’re trying to say one person is betterthan another. And at the end of the day, that’s just not true. l

Aydian Dowling’s YouTube channel, A Lions Fears, can be foundat youtube.com/user/ALionsFears. For more information on Point5cc, or to purchase T-shirts, visit point5cc.com.PH

OTOCOURTESYOFAYDIANDOWLING

Jenilee and Dowling


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Despite retiring in 2012, the DC Cowboys couldn’t pass upan opportunity to perform with the Gay Men’s ChorusBy Doug Rule // Photography by Julian Vankim

Back Row (L-R): Kevin Platte, Craig Cipollini, Brandon Harwick, Enrique PerezFront Row (L-R): Augusto Tito Rivera, Jonathan Bascope, James Ellzy


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fter the DC Cowboysretired in 2012, the SmithsonianInstitution’s Museum of AmericanHistory requested costumes andother memorabilia from the groupfor its archived collection. At thetime, the leader Kevin Platte ofthe homespun dancing troupe hadhardly ruled out the notion of theCowboys ever performing again.“I thought there might be a possi-bility,” he says. “You always hopethat something will pop up.” YetPlatte also hardly planned forit. He retired most of his gearin 2013, giving it away as partof the group’s donation to theSmithsonian.

“I didn’t want to go thereand ask to check out some ofmy stuff,” says Platte, jokingabout his need for Cowboyscostuming for the rst timesince making the donation. So


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instead, Platte will be sporting new boots andhat when the troupe reunites this month aspart of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington’sSpring concert.

The Cowboys will perform a few favoriteroutines plus some new ones choreographedby Craig Cipollini, a longtime member of theCowboys who also serves as GMCW’s direc-tor of marketing. Thea Kano, artistic directorof the chorus, credits Cipollini for helpingorchestrate the Cowboys reunion as part ofthe country and western-themed show, Boots,Class & Sass . The Cowboys will put the bootsand much of the sass into the show, includinga dance-off number with a group of dancingchorus members.

Platte corralled a total of eight Cowboys toreturn — that’s a third of the troupe’s size at itspeak and two-thirds the number of memberspresent when the group retired. “The stageis rather small at the Lincoln Theatre,” Plattesays, “so I think eight is the perfect size.” Healso calls reuniting with the chorus the “perfect

opportunity,” since the two groups have per-formed together several times over the years,and there’s long been an overlap in member-ship. “That’s just the way it’s been in the arts— sometimes they sing and dance,” says Platte.

“ Boots, Class and Sass is one of my favoriteshows we’ve done so far,” says Kano, notingthe show’s range. There’s the expected revelry,with covers of hits by everyone from PatsyCline to Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash to SteveGrand. But there’s also a serious side to theprogram. Kano is especially enamored by theuplifting themes in much of classic country. “I

think it’s going to be a really moving show,” shesays. “I think people will be surprised by that.”Platte is pleased with how the reunion is

forming, noting that getting back into linedancing hasn’t been a challenge at all. “It’s likeriding a bike,” he says. “It really has been mucheasier than I thought to get back into the swingof things.”

It’s an open question when, or if, the troupewill perform again. Although performanceopportunities have begun trickling in sincethe reunion was announced, Platte is not surehe, much less the other guys, are interested infully revving up again. “It takes a lot of time andeffort to put things like this together,” he says.

Still, he notes that everyone is looking for-ward to the reunion: “The guys are really,really excited about coming back and perform-ing again.” l

The DC Cowboys will perform with the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington on Saturday, March 12, at 8 p.m., Saturday, March 19, at 3and 8 p.m., and Sunday, March 20, at 3 p.m., atthe Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U St. NW. Tickets are$25 to $63. Call 202-888-0050 or visit thelin-colndc.com.


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MARCH 3 - 10, 2016SPOTLIGHT ADAM LAMBERT, ALEX NEWELLLast summer, Adam Lambert releasedThe Original High, one of the better,most accomplished pop albums of the year and certainly his best work todate. Now the one-time American Idolrunner-up is set to perform from theset in what is sure to be one of thestandout concerts of this season. Andhe’s enlisted fellow singer Alex Newellas support. Though best known asthe transgender teen Unique on Glee,Newell has been making some waves

in the clubs with several neo-discogems in which he belts like the discodivas who inspire him. Newell toursin support of his stirring new debutEP Power . Saturday, March 5. Doorsat 6:30 p.m. Lincoln Theatre, 1215 USt. NW. Tickets are $55. Call 202-328-6000 or visit thelincolndc.com.

AUSTIN LOUNGE LIZARDS A kind of alt-country “Weird Al” Yankovic that bills itself as the “mostlaughable band in show business,”the Austin Lounge Lizards offer Americana, bluegrass and rock songswith pointedly satirical lyrics. The35-year-old Austin-based touring band

performs parodies such as the TSA-inspired “Thank You for TouchingMe There” and last decade’s nancialcollapse-inspired “Too Big to Fail.”Thursday, March 10, at 8 p.m. TheBarns at Wolf Trap, 1645 Trap Road, Vienna. Tickets are $25 to $27. Call703-255-1900 or visit wolftrap.org.

CAROLHHHHHThe sixth feature from Todd Haynes,has the feel of a career pinnacle, asthough every other lm in his canonwas building to this masterpiece.Based on the novel The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith, the movie is

the lesbian equivalent of Ang Lee’s Brokeback Mountain . But Carol isarguably more emotionally satisfyingthan Lee’s lm, in part because ofthe way Highsmith, herself a clos-eted lesbian, crafted the story of a young shopgirl (Rooney Mara) whofalls in love with an older woman(Cate Blanchett) and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Despite thelack of a suspense-driven narrative, iteffortlessly evokes the spirit of AlfredHitchcock; Carol could be a distantcousin to Vertigo . It’s the way moviesused to be made, an instant-born clas-sic, with Blanchett and Mara givingthe kinds of performances that Oscars

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Compiled by Doug Rule

M A R G O T S C H U L M A N

MARCH 3, 2016 METROWEEKLY.COM

The RoadLess Traveled

Signature Theatre’s Road Show is worth the journey only for die-hardSondheim fans

IT HASN’T BEEN AN EASY ROAD FOR ROAD SHOW , THE LATEST, HARDLY GREATEST WORK

from Stephen Sondheim. Even now, 17 years after the show rst came to life as Wise Guys and aftermultiple, extensive changes, the current Signature Theatre production will prove worth the journeyonly for die-hard Sondheim fans.

It’s hard to get into this jazzy/folk-y musical tale, also known to Washington audiences as Bounce fromits one and only previous local run, as part of the Kennedy Center’s 2003 Sondheim Celebration. Road Show( HH ) is the embellished story of two real-life brothers who traveled the world in search of fame and fortunenearly a century ago — but ended up with only eeting success and a whole lot of bad karma as a resultof various scams, concocted by eldest brother Wilson Mizner (Noah Racey). Naturally, the more-honestAddison (Josh Lamon) had more success, and he becomes the chief protagonist here.

Addison is also gay, though that’s something you might not pick up on until the show’s best song, “TheBest Thing That Ever Has Happened.” Addison sings this kiss-ending ballad with Hollis Bessemer (MatthewSchleigh), who, aside from a little initial irting, we previously only know as Addison’s partner in business,not romance. That’s just one of several spots where John Weidman’s book feels underdeveloped, leavingus uninterested in the action. From the outset, we get a little dizzy hop-scotching around the world withthe Mizner brothers in a span of just a few minutes. And so it goes: Road Show would rather keep pursuing

adventure and possibility than slow down to explore love and relationships in the here and now.Even director Gary Grifn’s strong cast — with most actors taking on several roles — seems at a loss hereand there. Sherri L. Edelen, for example, is over-sentimental in her portrayal of Mama Mizner, as if to coverup the fact that the character doesn’t seem to really know her own sons. Lamon also plays up the sad-sack,spine-less schmuckiness of Addison, adding to the challenge of mustering much enthusiasm for the show.

Also not helping the cause is the low-key, small-budget way Signature has staged the one-act, intermis-sion-less show. A few members of the ensemble pick up instruments every now and then, but Jacob Kidderis the only full-time musician utilized, playing piano right from the thrust stage. In their letter in the pro-gram, Signature’s Eric Schaeffer and Maggie Boland invite comparisons between Road Show and West SideStory , the last Sondheim show staged in its Max Theatre. No one going to see Road Show expects to see thekind of spectacle and showstopping stagecraft, complete with 17-piece orchestra, that went into putting onone of the greatest musicals ever made — which also became the largest in Signature’s history. Yet in light ofthat, you certainly can’t help but wish for more. — Doug Rule

Road Show runs to March 13 at Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington. Call 703-820-9771 or visitsignature-theatre.org.


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at least used to be made for. (At leastthey did get nominated for the work.)Playing one more week at Landmark’sWest End Cinema, 2301 M St. NW.Call 202-534-1907 or visit landmark-theatres.com. (Randy Shulman)

JOAN BAEZFolk music luminary Joan Baez helpedinspire the American roots revival ofthe early 1960s, most notably by intro-ducing Bob Dylan to the world. She’ll

no doubt reminisce about her accom-plishments as well as sing through herstraightforward, sentimental reper-toire in a rare performance in the far-thest reaches of suburban Maryland.Wednesday, March 9, at 7:30 p.m.Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W.Patrick St. Frederick, Md. Tickets are$45 to $58.50. Call 301-600-2828 or visit weinbergcenter.org.

LAURIE ANDERSON: LANGUAGEOF THE FUTURE: LETTERSTO JACK As part of its World Stages series, theKennedy Center presents the newestchapter in pioneering performanceartist Laurie Anderson’s ongoing mul-timedia exploration of the Americannarrative and how it’s told. Cellist/ composer Rubin Kodheli will sharethe stage to help Anderson explore sto-ries and songs about love and power,her childhood correspondence withJFK and a few of her classic stories.Friday, March 4, and Saturday, March5, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, March 6, at 2p.m. Kennedy Center Terrace Theater.Tickets are $36 to $49. Call 202-467-4600 or visit kennedy-center.org.

MISS PIXIE’S 12X12 ART SHOWPixie Windsor has curated a showin the Capital Fringe building featur-ing local artists who created mixed-media, music-inspired works on can- vases the size of a record album. GlynnRomero, Lisa Marie Thalhammer,Ellagwynn Niles, David Amoroso,Maryanne Pollock, Willie Doyle andMatt Herring are among the 17 artistsrepresented. Capital Fringe will get20 percent of all art sales. Openingnight, featuring both recorded and livemusic, is Thursday, March 10, from 7to 11 p.m. On display through April 10.Logan Fringe Arts Space, 1358 Florida Ave. NE. Call 202-733-6321 or visitcapital

metro weekly - 03-03-16 - aydian dowling

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