4 April 2006

The Washington Post style section has a story about the closing of several gay clubs/businesses in Southeast DC this weekend, to make way for the new Nationals Stadium. The story is HERE. (The story was on the front page of the Style section, complete with a big picture of drag queen "Ella Fitzgerald" -- see below--who's performed there for 20+ years and another picture of tearful gay boys watching. This is a BIG step for the POST who barely covers even the "High Heel Race" on 17th Street each fall in which thousands attend (including several TV stations and mayoral candidates.) We all knew the day would come--but I thought I'd have one more time to go and say goodbye. I've only been to Ziegfield's (and Wet) just a couple of times, so I wasn't a "regular" by any means...but I was glad those places were there. They were part of the gay history of this town --some have been there since the early 70s. They weren't the most wholesome of places, but I hope they can be re-located in an appropriate part of the city. Meanwhile, I hope the stadium really does revitalize that sorry section of town--adding business opportunities and jobs for the long-neglected residents there.

"So now you've done it, Washington. You've spurned the queens, and they are both heartbroken and livid."---Washington Post 4/406


Courtesy: Washington Post