Letter from the Director
Hello LGBTQ Friends and Allies,
During last year’s Pride, we had the opportunity to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, a pivotal moment in the modern queer rights movement. It was a time to look back at the progress and struggles of the movement led largely by trans women of color and re-assess where we are now. This year is no different.
The wave of demonstrations in our District and country sparked by the senseless murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Ahmaud Arbery, and Rayshard Brooks as well as the recent killings of two transgender women, Dominique “Rem’mie” Fells in Philadelphia, and Riah Milton in Ohio, reminds us particularly in pride that despite the progress, the struggle is not over. We must listen to and center voices of color. In that vein, this Pride we will be honoring the legacies of Bayard Rustin and James Baldwin, as well as future initiatives to highlight the leadership that queer people of color have provided for the community. I was heartened to see hundreds of DC residents recognizing the simple truths that yes, Black Lives Matter and Black Trans Lives Matter.
Nationally, this year has been a trying one for the LGBTQ community with its highs and lows. The higher rates of underlying conditions within the queer community worsened the impact of COVID-19. This comes at a time when national leaders refuse to recognize the rights LGBTQ people have to health care, free of discrimination. Still, earlier this month, we celebrated with the rest of the country as the Supreme Court ruled what DC had enshrined long ago, that no one should be discriminated at work because of who they are or who they love. Needless to say, while we celebrate today, we will not revel for very long in this victory because we know this is a marathon to justice and equity, not a sprint.
As Mayor Bowser said, “Pride is certainly one of our favorite times of the year in Washington, DC — an opportunity to uplift our LGBTQ community and celebrate our city’s progress as a leader in LGBTQ rights. Thank you to everyone who is helping us save lives by celebrating Pride at home. While events will certainly look different this year, our pride remains as strong as ever.”
I wish you a happy, healthy and safe Pride, and I look forward to marching with you all as soon as we can.
In Pride,
Sheila Alexander-Reid, Director
 Mayor Bowser Marks 50th Anniversary of Pride Month with Installation of Rainbow Artwork at Dupont Circle Intersection
Mayor Bowser announced that in honor of the 50th Anniversary of Pride Month, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will install rainbow-colored bands at an intersection in the Dupont Circle neighborhood.
Colors from Daniel Quasar’s Progress flag (pictured above), an updated design incorporating the representation of transgender and LGBTQ people of color, will be installed on Thursday, June 25, 2020, at 9 am, at the intersection of P Street and 17th Street, NW, weather permitting.
“The inclusive design of this art installation is a reflection of Mayor Bowser’s steadfast commitment to ensuring that all voices in our community are elevated,” said Sheila Alexander-Reid, Director of the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs.
Read more here.
 Supreme Court News
This week we are filled with queer joy as the Supreme Court recognizes what DC did long ago: LGBTQ+ Americans should be treated equally in the workplace. Read more here.
 Queer Women of Washington Awards
Congratulations to the Queer Women of Washington Award Winners! While our celebration of these fantastic women was postponed due to the health emergency, we still uplift their achievements and careers. See their names below and join us in celebration:
Meg Metcalf ♦ Alexis Grady ♦ Michele Zavos
D Magrini ♦ Elizabeth Birch ♦ Yvette Scorse
Tiera Craig ♦ Kisha Allure ♦ Sunu P. Chandy
Sheila Larson ♦ Cee Smith ♦ Jaime Wojdowski
Heidi Ellis ♦ Charlotte Cleveland ♦ Morgan Butler
Aditi Dussault ♦ Melissa DeShields ♦ Khadijah Tribble
Ashley Carothers ♦ Yvonne Smith ♦ Olivia O'Neal
Nikki Goldschein ♦ Jade Foster ♦ Adalphie Johnson
Robyn Decker ♦ Barbara Lewis
Congratulations to you all, we celebrate you and your sachievements!
 Friday, June 23rd: 7:30pm
Pride Watch Party Co-Hosted with DC Public Library!
Join as we watch this groundbreaking documentary about the black LGBTQ literary icon James Baldwin. The film will be available to watch free through the DC Public Library and we’ll have an engaging conversation over social media! Register and more information here.
 Saturday, June 27th: 3:30pm
Join the DC Center for a virtual Survivor ArtMake, with this month’s topic “PAIN. REBELLION. PRIDE. A Triptych.” LGBTQ+ folx are survivors of all kinds of violence, trauma and abuse. Expression through art is healing and powerful. Register here.
 Capital Pride Reimagined
Check out Capital Pride Alliance's complete roster of virtual and in-person events, including DC Latinx Pride 2020, here. Remember, #StillWePride.
 #RespectMeDC is Coming Back
#RespectMeDC is a campaign featuring actual members of the LGBTQ community and their lived experiences that focuses on promoting an environment of respect, solidarity, and safety for DC’s LGBTQ community. The campaign was developed with consultation from community members, advocates, and LGBTQ-serving organizations in response to a rise in reported hate crimes nationally and in the District. It will return to social media in the coming months. Watch some interviews and behind-the-scenes shots here.
 Congratulations to the newly sworn-in Advisory Committee members to the Mayor's Office of LGBTQ Affairs.
Our members represent the best of DC Values and help us serve the LGBTQ residents of the District. We (remotely) welcomed: (board members in bold)
Row 1: Bary Karas (Ward 2), MOTA Dir. Of Operations Booker Roary, Chris Schraeder (Ward 1), MOLGBTQA Director, Sheila Alexander Reid
- Row 2: Jordyn White (Ward 8), MOTA Assoc. Dir. Adanna Mbanugo, Charmaine Eccles (Ward 4), Pastor Aaron Wade (Ward 5)
- Row 3: Kent Boese (Ward 1), MOLGBTQA Program Analyst LeAndrea Gilliam, Sharita Gruberg (Ward 3), MOLGBTQA Program Support Specialist, Tyler Edge
 DC residents experiencing any COVID-19 symptom (fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, congestion, body aches, chills, runny nose) or with known exposure to COVID-19 should get a COVID-19 test. You DO NOT need a doctor's note for any of the walk-in sites.
For a complete list of testing sites in the District, including walk-up sites, please visit here.
Those Living or at Risk for HIV:
The impact of COVID-19 on people living with HIV is unknown. However, people who have undetectable viral loads, a CD4 count above 350, and who are taking HIV medication are unlikely to be more at risk for severe COVID-19 illness simply because of those factors.
DC Health and Wellness Center (HAHSTA) at 77 P Street, NE is offering limited services. People can call 202-741-7692 for appointments. Services include treatment for STD symptoms, starting Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, starting HIV treatment, getting Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for possible exposure to HIV, prescription refills, sexual health consultations, and contraceptive services.
For more information visit here
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