Statement by Secretary Granholm on President Biden’s Nomination of Jeff Marootian

Jeff Marootian

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm issued the following statement on President Biden’s intent to nominate Jeff Marootian for Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at the U.S. Department of Energy: 

“Jeff Marootian has spent the last year and a half helping to build our team at the Department of Energy, and I am pleased that President Biden has now nominated him to serve as our new Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Throughout his impressive career in public service, Jeff has directed big teams executing challenging missions, making him a natural fit to lead the Department’s largest applied energy office. His experience developing and implementing sustainable transportation policy at the federal and local level will be particularly invaluable in our ongoing effort to decarbonize America’s transportation sector and meet our bold clean energy goals.” 

About Jeff Marootian 

Jeff Marootian currently serves as a Special Assistant to the President in the White House Office of Presidential Personnel. Prior to his service in the Biden-Harris Administration, he was a member of the Biden-Harris Transition Team. Marootian previously served in Washington D.C. government as the Director of the District Department of Transportation, where he piloted sustainable transportation technologies, oversaw the effort to electrify the city’s Circulator bus fleet, and led the city’s early adoption of the Transportation and Climate Initiative. Marootian oversaw the modernization of hundreds of miles of roads and sidewalks and advanced critical infrastructure projects, such as the reconstruction of the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge and expansion of dedicated bus and bike lanes.  

Marootian previously served in the Obama-Biden Administration as the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Chief Sustainability Officer at the U.S. Department of Transportation. He is an alumnus of The George Washington University where he has also taught as an adjunct faculty member in the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Administration. 

Measure to Establish Human Rights Sanctuary in District Introduced

Brianne Nadeau

In anticipation of a Supreme Court ruling that would criminalize rights long held by women and our LGBTQ community, today, Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau, along Chairman Phil Mendelson, Councilmembers Anita Bonds, Charles Allen, Vincent Gray, Christina Henderson, Janeese Lewis George, Elissa Silverman, Robert White, and Kenyan McDuffie, introduced the Human Rights Sanctuary Amendment Act of 2022.

“It is rare that we get a sneak peek into a court decision that will have such a devastating impact to our residents, and it’s clear from the draft opinion that even more than the right to abortion is at stake,” said Nadeau. “Under Samuel Alito’s regressive, political, results-oriented reading of the Constitution, all substantive due process and equal protection rights, such as the rights to marriage, non-procreative sexual conduct, and the use of contraception are under threat. With this legislation I am hoping we can solidify the rights of our own residents as well as those who may now be forced to travel here to preserve their own.”

Earlier this week, Politico circulated a draft opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization suggesting that the Supreme Court will eliminate the constitutional right to abortion later this year. At a press conference with other government representatives on Tuesday, Nadeau promised District residents that she would take legislative action to defend the rights protected by Roe v. Wade.

Nadeau has been involved with Planned Parenthood since high school, and recounted in the press conference Tuesday that it was the March for Women’s Lives of 2004 that inspired her to change her career focus to government and political work.

The proposed legislation would prevent the District from cooperating with investigations in furtherance of proceedings that seek to impose civil or criminal liability for the protected conduct identified in the statute. It also creates a private right of action against parties who successfully bring Texas-style bounty claims against others for engaging in protected conduct.

The bill is modeled, in part, on Connecticut’s recently passed Reproductive Freedom Defense Act.  It protects the rights of District residents to live with whom they please, love whom they love, and control their reproductive destinies. It makes the District a safe haven for trans youth who need gender-affirming care, LGBTQ+ individuals who need to preserve their families, and all people who need reproductive freedom to flourish as meaningful participants in American life.

“While I am hurt and horrified by the assault on human rights perpetrated by the Supreme Court,” Nadeau added, “I am resolved to do all that I can to protect women and other District residents whose liberties are endangered.”

Equality Caucus Welcomes Jordan Dashow as New Executive Director

Jordan Dashow

Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus Chair David N. Cicilline (RI-01) and the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus have announced Jordan Dashow as its new Executive Director. Dashow brings to this role a wealth of knowledge on the legislative process and a proven track record of advancing LGBTQ+ rights. As Executive Director, Dashow will help steer the Caucus’s work promoting LGBTQ+ equality, supporting members of Congress, and coordinating outreach to outside organizations.

Dashow most recently served as a professional staff member for the House Committee on the Judiciary where he worked on a range of topics including LGBTQ+ rights and equality, disability rights, voting rights, reproductive rights, racial justice, unlawful evictions, campaign finance, and church-state issues. Dashow worked closely with Judiciary Committee Chair Jerrold Nadler (NY-10) on the successful committee consideration of the Equality Act in both the 116th and 117th Congresses. Before his tenure with the House Judiciary Committee, Dashow worked for multiple years in advocacy at the Human Rights Campaign as a Policy Assistant, Policy Coordinator, and Federal Policy Manager.

“I am excited to welcome Jordan Dashow as the next Executive Director of the Equality Caucus. I have had the pleasure of working with Jordan in his previous role with the House Judiciary Committee where he was instrumental in the successful House passage of the Equality Act in both the 116th and 117th Congresses. Jordan’s experience both on the Hill and in advocacy make him the perfect fit to guide the Equality Caucus as we confront the onslaught of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation from conservative state legislatures across the country. I am looking forward to working with him in this new role to advance LGBTQ+ equality here in the United States and abroad,” said Congressman David N. Cicilline, Chair of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus.

“I also want to acknowledge our outgoing Executive Director, Shawn Gaylord, for his dedicated service to the LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus over the last 3 years. We thank Shawn for bringing his expertise on LGBTQ+ issues and advocacy to the Hill while navigating the Caucus through the peak of the COVID pandemic. With Shawn’s leadership, we welcomed the largest-ever class of membership and advanced some of the most pro-LGBTQ+ legislation in history, including the Pulse Nightclub Memorial Bill, which was signed into law by President Biden last year. We wish him all the best in his new role off the Hill.”

Founded in 2008, the mission of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus is to promote equality for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The Caucus, which is led by the nine openly LGBTQ+ members of the House of Representatives, is strongly committed to achieving the full enjoyment of human rights for LGBTQ+ people in the U.S. and around the world.

DC Gay Bars, Clubs, and Restaurants

Gay Bars, in Washington, DC

Green Lantern
Gay bar with lounge hosting special events such as live dancers & ’80s nights.
www.greenlanterndc.com

JR’s Bar
A popular happy hour, show-tune singalongs & other events draw crowds to this neighborhood gay bar.
jrsbar-dc.com

Trade
Narrow, no-nonsense gay bar offering typical drinks, including huge cocktails during happy hour. Inclusive space.
tradebardc.com

Number Nine
This upscale, bi-level gay bar offers inventive cocktails on both floors & a video bar upstairs.
www.numberninedc.com

Pitchers DC
Lively, sports-themed gay bar featuring pub grub, themed event nights & a patio area.
www.pitchersbardc.com

The Dirty Goose
Chic hangout with a rooftop bar for craft cocktails, signature martinis & a concise American menu.
thedirtygoosedc.com

The Fireplace
Lively gay bar draws a crowd of regulars to its clubby interior for drinks & VJ/DJs upstairs.
www.facebook.com/thefireplacedc

Annies Paramount Steakhouse
Steaks & American basics plus a popular weekend brunch served in a dining room or lively bar area.
www.anniesparamountdc.com

Uproar Lounge
Lively tri-level gay bar offering small plates & sushi in a relaxed atmosphere with a rooftop deck.
www.uproarlounge.com

Duplex Diner
Gay welcoming diner serves American fare from sandwiches & salads to steak & potatoes. Open late-night.
www.duplexdiner.com

Photograph by Ted Eytan

Saying Goodbye to the DC Center for the LGBT Community

Dear Friends

In 1999, the Cherry Fund and Whitman Walker Clinic formed an Ad Hoc Committee to create an LGBT Community Center in the District. That vision became a reality when the DC Center for the LGBT Community was incorporated in 2004 with signatories Patrick Menasco, Jeff Englar, Larry Stansbury, and Ed Craft.  

As we celebrate our 15th Anniversary this year, I hope we all take time to celebrate the many visionary board members, staff, volunteers, and community partners who have brought us to this point, including our past board chairs Michael Sessa and Michael Fowler, and our current board co-chairs Rehana Mohammed and Jonathan Gilad.

2019 also marks my 11th and final year at the DC Center.   September 30th will be my last day serving as Executive Director of this remarkable organization.  While I look forward to the opportunities in my future, the DC Center will always hold a very special place in my heart.

I will spend my remaining time here assuring a smooth and strategic transition.   2020 will be a year of growth for the DC Center with a significant increase in grant funding. This includes a groundbreaking grant from DC Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL).   This grant, which will help us better serve older LGBTQ adults, is the first grant ever given by DACL to an LGBT organization.

I am grateful to be able to leave the DC Center in the hands of very capable board members and staff,   It is the right time to make way for new leadership, ideas, and vision.   I look forward to seeing where we go from here.

Please make plans to join me at the DC Center Fall Reception on Friday September 13th at the Warner Building celebrate our 15th Anniversary.   Purchase your tickets now at: thedccenter.org/events/fifteen

Best Regards,

David Mariner

NCAVP Mourns the Death of Ashanti Carmon

Ashanti Carmon

NCAVP mourns the death of Ashanti Carmon, a 27-year-old black trans woman in Washington D.C. According to media reports, Ashanti was died of gun shot wounds last Saturday on the eve of Transgender Day of Visibility. Carmon’s fiancé, Phillip Williams, told NBC News that they had been on a movie date the day before she was found dead.

“Until I leave this Earth, I’m going to continue on loving her in my heart, body, and soul,” Williams said. “She did not deserve to leave this Earth so early, especially in the way that she went out. She did not deserve that.”

NCAVP’s latest report, issued earlier this year, Hate Violence and Intimate Partner Violence in LGBTQ and HIV-affected Communities highlights the disproportionate risk for severe and fatal violence faced by trans women of color, like Ashanti. Local community held a vigil on April 2 to honor Ashanti’s memory

It can be hard to read these reports of violence against our communities. If you need support in these difficult times, you can always reach out to your local NCAVP member. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, you can reach our free bilingual national hotline at 212-714-1141 or report onlinefor support.

NCAVP works to prevent, respond to, and end all forms of violence against and within lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) and HIV-affected communities. NCAVP is a national coalition of local member programs and affiliate organizations who create systemic and social change. NCAVP is a program of the New York City Anti-Violence Project.

DC Prep Campaign Partners with Trans Latinx Community

Trans Latinx Prep Campaign

According to a 2017 report by the DC Department of Health (DOH) HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD and TB Administration (HAHSTA), 12,964 people residing in Washington D. C. live with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

For that reason, HAHSTA is launching the “Pledge to be PrEPared” campaign this month to educate the transgender community living in Washington D. C. about the importance of taking Preexposure Prophylaxis or PrEP.

PrEP is a pill taken once a day, and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that can prevent the HIV infection. Taken daily, PrEP is safe and over 90% effective at preventing HIV.

This unique campaign was created with the close participation of the Latin transgender community in Washington D. C. and Alexa Rodriguez, the Director of Trans-Latin@ DMV. It was developed based on HAHSTA’s ability to recognize the way the transgender community has been perceived in the past. The transgender representation is important to allow this community to communicate their values, their role in society, as well as their needs.

The transgender community participation in the campaign took place from the strategic planning and focus groups to the inclusion of real transgender Latina women in the promotional materials. This resulted in trusted messages in hopes of building trust among this community when deciding to take PrEP, as well as understanding its benefits.

“It’s important to educate the transgender community, as well as to break barriers and taboos about taking PrEP, and understand the real benefits of taking it, especially to prevent HIV,” Alexa said. She added that “the DC Department of Health’s efforts to benefit the transgender community are a big step, but there is still a lot to be done.

Michael Kharfen, HAHSTA’s Senior Deputy Director, agreed with Alexa’s statement, adding: “At DOH we are pleased to introduce this campaign created in collaboration with the transgender community, but we understand these are just the first steps, and that there is more to do in order to fulfill our commitment and dedication to supporting this significant community residing in Washington D. C.”

To participate in this important campaign and get more information, visit #PrEPpledge, PrEPpledge.com or cdc.gov/hiv/risk/prep/index.html.

Hired and Transgender

Hired and Transgender: Self-Testing for Hiring Bias against Transgender Applicants

The District of Columbia Office of Human Rights has released a new resource for employers entitled Hired and Transgender: Self-Testing for Hiring Bias against Transgender Applicants.  The report is is a part of ongoing work in the District of Columbia to reduce employment discrimination against transgender and gender non-conforming job applicants. It provides step-by-step instructions for employers, human resources professionals, and hiring managers to evaluate their hiring practices for discrimination based on gender identity and make changes as needed.

As a continuation of OHR’s groundbreaking report “Qualified and Transgender:
A Report on Results of Resume Testing for Employment Discrimination Based on Gender Identity
,” this resource offers guidance on how to address potential discrimination, and points employers to resources such as he guide recently released by OHR and the National LGBTQ Taskforce, “Valuing Transgender Applicants & Employees: A Best Practice Guide for Employers,” which provides in-depth best practices intended to help employers across the nation create a genuinely inclusive and welcoming workplace environment for transgender people.

 

Hired and Transgender: Self-Testing for Hiring Bias against Transgender Applicants
Hired and Transgender:
Self-Testing for Hiring Bias against Transgender Applicants

Homeless LGBT Youth in the District of Columbia

Homeless LGBT Youth in the District of Columbia

District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser released the results of the 2015 Homeless Youth Census at a press conference held at Casa Ruby on Wednesday, January 13th.  The Census is now required to be conducted every five years due to the passage of The LGBTQ Homeless Youth Reform Act; legislation introduced by Councilmember Mary Cheh and Mayor Muriel Bowser (when she served on the Council).

The Homeless Youth Census, which used the social media hashtag #youthcountdc, took place over a nine day period in August of 2015.  The census counted youth 24 years of age and younger who were either homeless or had unstable, unsafe, or temporary housing.

The results were consistent with what has been seen in other parts of the country.  Of the 318 youth surveyed, 43% of the youth identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender.  15% of those referenced a conflict with their family due to their sexual orientation or gender identity/expression as a contributing factor to their homelessness.

Mayor Bowser and the Office of LGBTQ Affairs announced five mini-grants to local organizations working to support and advocate for homeless LGBT Youth.  In addition, Mario Acosta-Velez, Director of State and Government Affairs for Verizon, announced a $20,000 grant to the Wanda Alston Foundation and a $25,000 grant to SMYAL from the Verizon Foundation..

The District of Columbia is fortunate to have dedicated beds for homeless LGBT Youth at both Casa Ruby and the Wanda Alston Foundation.  The census data clearly demonstrates, however, that more work can be done.  There are currently at least 100 more homeless LGBT youth than there are beds.  The current waiting list at Casa Ruby serves as further evidence to this fact.

Read the entire fact sheet here

HOmeless LGBT Youth

 

New Campaign Puts AAPI LGBT Community in the Spotlight

DC AAPI Visibility Project

A new visibility campaign in the District of Columbia aims to highlight our local Asian American and Pacific Islander community. The DC AAPI Visibility Project is a partnership between the D.C. Maryors office of Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs, (MOAPIA), API Queers United for Action (AQUA DC) and KhushDC. It is a celebration of the intersectionality of AAPI ethnicities and sexual orientation or gender identity.

The District residents featured in the campaign, many of whom are activists in the community, put a name and face on the diversity within our movement.

As the Project states: “We want to let people in the greater D.C. area know that we exist, and that we are not ashamed of who we are. For those who are still struggling to reconcile their identity as both LGBTQ and AAPI, we hope this project will be a resource and support for them. This collection of portraits will also showcase to our neighbors in both the LGBTQ and AAPI community at large that we are an integral part of the community.”

Check out the campaign photos below and visit their website at: www.thedcaapiproject.com.

DC AAPIR Visibility Campaign: Campbell

Campbell: I am a transgender queer-identified Korean-American and D.C. is my home.

The DC AAPI Visibility Campaign
Cynthia: I am a queer 2.5 generation Chinese American. I am an analyst in financial services, am passionate about building radical Asian and Pacific Islander Community …. and D.C. is my home.

The DC AAPI Visibility Campaign
David: I learned Vietnamese as my first language and was an English language learner (ELL) when attending public school … and D.C. is my home.

The DC AAPI Visibility Project
James: I am a gay male, chamorro and my family hails from The U.S. Territory of Guam … and D.C. is my home.

DC AAPI LGBT Visibility Project
Nicholas: I am an educator, administrator, and cusultant, agender, queer, and a person of color from a binational Japanese and U.S. background … and D.C. is my home.

DC AAPI LGBT Visibility Project
Rupen: I am a gay male from Mumbai, India. I am our and proud … and D.C. is my home.

DC AAPI Visibility Project
Sassanka: I am a page poet, justice advocate, and hard femme .. and D.C. is my home.

Vincent: I am a 1.5 generation Taiwanese American from California. I am also the co-chair of Aqua DC, have a very DC-y day job in the think tank world ... and D.C. is my home.
Vincent: I am a 1.5 generation Taiwanese American from California. I am also the co-chair of Aqua DC, have a very DC-y day job in the think tank world … and D.C. is my home.