Meet the Staff

Volunteer Spotlight: Marin

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DC LGBT Volunteers

Meet our volunteer Marin! Marin helps out with many duties at the front desk and helps keep the office running! You can catch Marin’s smiling face during our office hours throughout the week!  If you’re interested in volunteering at the support desk, join us for our next volunteer orientation.

Birthdate, Astro sign.

My birthday is November 22nd, and I’m a Sagittarius.

Where are you originally from?

I’m from northwestern New Jersey.

When and why did you start volunteering at the DC Center?

I started volunteering in March. I was between jobs at the time and looking for ways to connect with the community and build potential professional skills.

What has been your favorite part about volunteering with the DC Center so far?

Working the front desk has made me significantly more comfortable talking to people, especially on the phone.

What is your favorite event that the DC Center offers?

I love going to the Women in their Twenties and Thirties meetings, it’s been such a great way to meet new friends in my age group.

What is your favorite part about the LGBTQ+ community?

Our optimism and resilience. No matter what challenges we face, our community is ultimately founded on the concepts of love and self-determination, ensuring that we always celebrate ourselves and each other above all else.

Who do you look up to in the queer community?

My idol right now is Hayley Kiyoko. Her music and videography over the last few years has really chronicled her coming into her own as a lesbian and gaining the confidence to embrace that label proudly, a powerful mirror for my own journey.

What is your favorite spot in DC and what do you do there?

I absolutely love the United States Botanic Garden up near the Capitol. Just spending time among the greenery there is the best way to get a little taste of summer during the colder months.

What is your favorite queer movie?

Love, Simon. I’ve seen it three times, and each time it’s made me laugh and cry even harder than the last.

What clothing item is a staple in your wardrobe?

I have so many tank tops. They’re absolutely essential for summer wear and winter layering alike.

Who are you most inspired by?

There are so many amazing progressive leaders right now it’s hard to pick just one, but I have a tremendous admiration for Reverend William Barber. I had the privilege of hearing him speak at the Creating Change conference last year, and it has been amazing to see him continuing MLK’s legacy with the Poor People’s Campaign in 2018.

What is your favorite DC neighborhood?

Probably Brookland, the neighborhood I live in! I take walks there almost every day past the university and through the center of town, and I always enjoy exploring the various studios on the Arts Walk.

What is your go to restaurant and what do you order?

If there’s a Busboys and Poets nearby, you can bet on that as my go-to. Their burgers are fantastic, as are their many progressive books and activist events.

If you could live in any decade (past or future) which would it be and why?

I would love to live in the future, particularly in the age of widespread manned space travel. I’ve always been captivated by the idea of other habitable worlds and it would be amazing to be able to see them within my own lifetime.

Are you more of an early bird or a night owl?

Definitely a night owl! I work late into the evening so I’m glad my internal clock matches up with that schedule.

Meet the Staff – Zhengxu Jin

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Birthdate, Astro Sign
September 4, Virgo
Why did you start working at the DC Center?
As a member of the LGBT community myself, I’d love to make an impact and improve the conditions for other members of the community.
What is your music anthem?
Shake it off
What is your favorite part about the LGBTQ+ community?
It is very diverse community. People from different places, of different skin colors and ages united together to fight for a common goal. it is unbelievable.
What is your favorite spot in DC and what do you do there?
Georgetown for sure. I enjoy walking around in Georgetown when the weather is nice. I sit by the water, I go to get cupcake and ice cream, and sometimes I do some shopping too!
What do you think the LGBTQ+ community needs to improve on?
Cross acceptance. This means people need to focus more on their inner self than their appearance. It also means that we should look beyond one’s race, look, and mannerism (whether it is feminine or masculine.) We don’t deserve to be labelled and stereotyped as a superficial community.
What is your favorite Queer movie?
Love, Simon.
What has been your favorite moment while working in the DC Center?
The moment that I realized all my hard work will pay off because I am doing something for a good cause.
What clothing item is a staple in your wardrobe?
Vintage leather or jean jackets!
What color would you paint the White House, given the chance?
Rainbow!
Who do you most look up to in the queer community?
George Takei. He takes pride in being who he is and his posts are hilarious yet educating.

Meet the Staff: Danny Himes

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Danny Himes

Birthdate, Astro Sign

January 11, Capricorn

Why did you start working at The DC Center?

I started working at The DC Center because I want to give back to the community that gave back to me. It is always my dream to work at non-profit organization and it is the just beginning of my journey.

What is your music anthem?

Nothing since I am Deaf.

What is your favorite part about the LGBTQ+ community?

I love that we are open-minded and unique. We are not afraid to be who we are! It promotes safe space for all the people.

What is your favorite spot in DC and what do you do there?

My favorite spot in DC would be Rock Creek since I love nature and hiking. I always go there during Fall to see marvelous leaves color. Other than that, I go to Rock Creek to relieve stress.

What do you think the LGBTQ+ community needs to improve on?

I believe the LGBTQ+ community needs to focus on international equal rights more. Many countries do not have any protections for LGBT community. It is time to pay attention to what is going on around the world for this community and educate people to promote the equal rights. It is extremely important to ensure people are comfortable and safe anywhere in the world since we have only one home – earth.

What is your favorite Queer movie?

The Way He Looks. Too cute.

What has been your favorite moment while working in The DC Center?

I just started this week and my favorite moment is working with my team! They are friendly, and they make efforts to learn a bit of sign language to communicate with me. They are what make my internship great.

What clothing item is a staple in your wardrobe?

I am addicted to jackets! I can’t stop buying them like I am a vacuum sucking up the jackets. Jackets are my LIFE.

What color would you paint the White House, given the chance?

Rainbow. Spread the love.

Who do you most look up to in the queer community?

I look up to Miley Cyrus because she encourages people to express themselves and it is okay to change despite what people think. Also, she is a great activist and she does many things to show the care for animals and people. She is just a cool person! I would love to be her best friend.

Meet Dr. Zelaika Hepworth Clarke

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September 4,  Virgo

Dr. Clarke is a staff social worker at the Center. They provide counseling services for individuals, couples and groups. They also offer consulting and training services for the support groups held at the Center. They conduct social work assessment and check-ins for Center Global clients.

Dr. Clarke’s work is made possible with support from the Centerlink-Johnson Family Foundation Mental Health Initiative.

Why did you start working at The DC Center?

I am committed to serving communities that have historically been marginalized and face multiple oppressive forces. I specialize in human sexuality and gender diversity and am passionate about  improving the wellbeing for individuals, couples (& polycules), and families living their truth and loving despite heterosexism, homonegativitiy, patriarchy, bi-erasure, monosexism etc..

What is your  music anthem?

I enjoy listening to the radio as I like knowing that I am not the only one jamming to a specific song in the moment but sharing tunes with my community simultaneously.

What is your favorite part about the LGBTQ+ community?

I love the love. I love to see couples/lovers/polycules  love each other despite society telling them they should  not.

What is your favorite spot in DC and what do you do there?

I am still new to the area and have much to explore. I have been enjoying the aesthetic of the architecture and monuments as well as the river. I love watching planes fly by while overlooking the Potomac river at Gravelly Point Park.

What do you think the LGBTQ+ community needs to improve on?

There are still oppressive forces at work in the community. Eliminating racism, cissexism, monosexism, biphobia, transphobia etc both internally and within the community should be prioritized.  I would like to see more work on creating inclusive spaces and events. For example,  if bisexuals/pansexuals/omnisexuals/queer folks happen to have partner(s) of a different gender they can be excluded from some queer events. Also in spaces for all “women” or “men” it tends to leave out non-binary folks, genderqueers, two-spirit, intersex and people of trans experience. Dominant narratives of LGBT+ folks seem dominated by white cisgender mononormative representations; I would love to see more diverse representations of the community including in leadership positions.

What is your favorite Queer movie?

Some good ones that come to mind are: I am Not Your Negro, Stud Life, Pariah, Naz and Maalik, Blackbird, Still Black:A Portrait of Black Transman, 195 Lewis ….

What has been your favorite moment while working in The DC Center?

I love to transform people’s affect and inspire epiphanies, breakthroughs, and healing in my clients recovering from trauma committed to self-growth.

What clothing item is a staple in your wardrobe?

Stilettos and bowties – sometimes my femme or androgynous self likes to dress up.

What color would you paint the White House, given the chance?

I think it would be fun to feature different  artist’s  work be displayed (murals, mosaics, paintings etc.) on the outside every month.  

Who do you most look up to in the queer community?

I admire the queer people who inhabitat nations with compulsory heterosexuality and where laws deny their right(s) to love, safety and respect. There are still many areas where it is extremely dangerous for people to exist and live their truth. I admire those who risk death simply by being authentically themselves.  

 

Meet Juan

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This is a weekly newsletter to put a face to the staff at the DC Center. Every week we will be featuring a staff member. This week, meet Juan! Juan is our Development Intern.

Juan

Aquarius

Why did you start working at The DC Center?

I’m apart of a program that takes university students from the west coast, and places them in washington D.C.. Part of the program having a local internship, and I knew I wanted to work in a field that deals with LGBT folks. It doesn’t more in the queer field than a community center!

What is music anthem?

Not to be too young, but Be Alright by Ms. Ariana Grande and Pillowtalk by Zayn Malik

What is your favorite part about the LGBTQ+ community?

Honestly, the resilience I see in the folks of our community is one my favorite traits. I love seeing a queer or gender non-conforming individual simply daring to exist in spaces that dont want use to be there. Also, the humor a lot of the members in our community poses is one of my favorite things to indulge in. It’s cathartic being able to laugh at shared pain and experiences with strangers.

What is your favorite spot in DC and what do you do there?

I’ve recently relocated to the D.C. area, so I don’t know too much about anything here. BUT, there is a cute little ramen shop I’ve been to a few times that I love to go to.

What do you think the LGBTQ+ community needs to improve on?

Oh man. Alright, coming from the perspective of cisgendered gay Mexican man I notice the violence against womxn does not differ from our straight male peers. Gay men love to utilize feminine culture as part of our lives and humor, yet are quick to harm non-male identifying individuals.

What is your favorite Queer movie?

Road to El Derado.

What has been your favorite moment while working in The DC Center?

Beginning to understand how important the center is. With of all of its’ branches and programs offered, the folks here at the center are honestly dedicated to doing important work needed in our community. I also love heading back home everyday and telling my housemates how gay my day was.

What clothing item is a staple in your wardrobe?

I wear the same brand of shoes everyday like a cartoon character who never changes outfits. Plus, my beautiful smile.

What color would you paint the White House, given the chance?

My favorite color is baby pink and orange, so I’d paint it a nice forest green.

Who do you most look up to in the queer community?

Every single one of my queer friends. Like I said before, daring to exist and be is a brave and beautiful thing to accomplish everyday.

Meet Lamar

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This is a weekly newsletter to put a face to the staff at the DC Center. Every week we will be featuring a staff member. This week, meet Lamar! Lamar is our Outgoing Support Desk. He assists ALL office administrative efforts, including cutting the checks, making bank deposits, responding to emails, updating the website, ordering office supplies, working closely with the Director, and so much more.

Lamar Trowers

June 10, Gemini

 

Why did you start working at The DC Center?

 

I started working at the DC Center as a volunteer, then moved to be on staff, I had recently moved from Jamaica, and the DC Center had a program called Center Global that assists refugees and asylum seekers, they assisted me and I decided to give my time to an organization that is dedicated to the betterment of the LGBT Community.

 

What is music anthem?

August Alsina feat Nicki Minaj – No Love

 

What is your favorite part about the LGBTQ+ community?

I love the fact that the DC community is very supportive of our community center. I also love the fact that no matter what we can come together in times of need.

 

What is your favorite spot in DC and what do you do there?

I don’t really have a spot, my favorite thing to do in DC is riding my bike all around the city, I love love how DC is getting even more bike friendly.

 

What do you think the LGBTQ+ community needs to improve on?

The LGBT Community could help in some ways with homelessness LGBT population ( young and seniors)

 

What is your favorite Queer movie?

Milk ( Harvey Milk )

 

What has been your favorite moment while working in The DC Center?

I loved working at the DC Center because I feel like I am the bridge of information to people who may need information about a center service in the area. I also enjoyed the sex positive environment in our work space. The management of the center allows us to be our true self and let us take on roles we never dreamt of taking on.

 

What clothing item is a staple in your wardrobe?

Lol, I worked at a strip club as a waiter and I have lots of underwear “lots”. I buy them weekly.

 

What color would you paint the White House, given the chance?

I think the white house is fine the way it is.

 

Who do you most look up to in the queer community?

I am fascinated with Rupaul , I mean she brought a drag show right into the homes of everyone. She gave those “weird” people a spotlight to shine and show that they are more than drag queens, they are humans and talented at that.

Meet Chris

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This is a weekly newsletter to put a face to the staff at the DC Center. Every week we will be featuring a staff member. This week, meet Chris! Chris is our Office Administrator. He is in charge of the administrative and office support activities , making updates to the DC Center website, and disseminating information through our social media sites, including Facebook and Twitter.

Chris Rothermel

June 4, Gemini

Why did you start working at The DC Center?

I started working at the DC Center to get involved and support the local LGBTQ+ community. I knew the DC Center did a lot of different things, and I wanted to help organize.  

 

What is music anthem?

Rhiannon by Stevie Nicks or Xanadu by Olivia Newton John would be my anthem.

 

What is your favorite part about the LGBTQ+ community?

My favorite part of the LGBTQ+ community is that it is constantly growing and evolving.

 

What is your favorite spot in DC and what do you do there?

My favorite spot in DC is my home with my cats.  I like to play video games and nap. A close tie for second place would be Cusbah or Sticky Rice on H St. NE, I like to eat there.  

 

What do you think the LGBTQ+ community needs to improve on?

I think the LGBTQ+ community needs to be better about being inclusive and supporting each other. I also think the community could use its collective power to create systemic change better.

 

What is your favorite Queer movie?

My favorite Queer movie is Better than Chocolate.

 

What has been your favorite moment while working in The DC Center?

My favorite moment working at the DC Center is when I learn something new.

 

What clothing item is a staple in your wardrobe?

I like to wear expensive ties and underwear that I didn’t pay full price for.

 

What color would you paint the White House, given the chance?

I think I would like a Blue House instead.

 

Who do you most look up to in the queer community?

I look up to everyone that has the courage to devote their lives to standing up for people who don’t have a voice in society at the expense of their own safety and comfort. Charles King, JD Davids, Aryka Chapman, Ruby Corado, David Mariner, Kaytee Ray-Reik, and Michael Rajner are the first few people that come to the forefront of my mind.

Meet Ping-Hsuan

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This is a weekly newsletter to put a face to the staff at the DC Center. Every week we will be featuring a staff member. This week, meet Ping! Ping is our general intern. This summer Ping has been working with Shareese on End Violence Against Sex Workers and with Dee Curry on Solutions to Wellness Conference and Awards Banquet.

Ping-Hsuan Wang

July 12, Cancer
Why did you start working at The DC Center?

I started out volunteering and soon I grew to love the feeling of being part of the community by participating in the events. I wanted to do a little bit more by joining the team and helping organize some of the events, where I get to interact with awesome people in real life.

What is music anthem?

Jie Mei (姊妹) by A-Mei (1996). It’s the anthem for many gay men in Taiwan, I believe. The heartwarming message unites us.

What is your favorite part about the LGBTQ+ community?

The activism. Every time I look back on the progress we’ve made over time, I feel pumped to go even further. The energy coming from all of us as a community even in times of setbacks keeps me motivated. This collective endeavor to make lives better continues to inspire me.

What is your favorite spot in DC and what do you do there?

Roosevelt Island. It’s on Potomac River but it’s still part of DC. It’s a great place for a walk to escape the city, even when it’s pouring. I love taking a walk or jogging or simply sitting on a bench somewhere to enjoy the time alone.

What do you think the LGBTQ+ community needs to improve on?

Communication. We have such diversity within the community that sometimes there are misunderstandings that stands in the way of accomplishing great work. I think communication is the key to having all the different voices being heard, from which we can start to address the different needs and concerns our members have to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment. 

What is your favorite Queer movie?

Somewhere I Have Never Travelled/帶我去遠方 (2009). I didn’t know it was a Queer movie when I went to the cinema but I was bawling when I left as the sense of loss and not fitting in resonated so much.

What has been your favorite moment while working in The DC Center?

That moment when someone from Alaska visited the Center and I showed her around and provided some resources she was looking for, I felt how directly impactful the work we are doing is on people’s lives.

What clothing item is a staple in your wardrobe?

I love layers. If I have to pick just one item, it’d be vests. They’re versatile; casual yet professional. I also love the feeling of being hugged tightly around my waist (by a vest).

What color would you paint the White House, given the chance?

Navy blue. I just love that color.

Who do you most look up to in the queer community?

My professors at National Central University, including Fifi Ding and Hans Huang, who are as actively involved and outspoken in the classroom as they are on the street as activists.

 

Meet the Staff: Meet Stacey

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This is a weekly newsletter to put a face to the staff at the DC Center. Every week we will be featuring a staff member. This week, meet Stacey! Stacey is our Health & Wellness intern. This summer Stacey has been working with Shareese to help run our weekly packing parties, as well as help found The DC Center’s new yoga program.

Stacey Mannuel

July 18, Cancer
Why did you start working at The DC Center?

I was taking classes part time and I thought pairing that with part time work at an LGBT organization would be fun too.

What is your music anthem?

Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin

What is your favorite part about the LGBTQ+ community?

I love that if you are looking for a home you can find it in our community.

What is your favorite spot in DC and what do you do there?

I like the phallic Washington monument and the tidal basin. When I’m there I typically go for festivals or just a nightly stroll

What do you think the LGBTQ+ community needs to improve on?

We need to work on trans inclusion and media representation of Queer people of color, specifically bisexual members of the community. A lot of media representation of bisexual people involve cheating, manipulation or experimentation… and hardly anyone ever comes out as bisexual!

What is your favorite Queer movie?

Blue is the Warmest Color because it’s the first Queer film I ever saw. I also like Paris is Burning and Tongues Untied because it showed me a new perspective on certain parts of the Queer Community.

What has been your favorite moment while working in The DC Center?

My favorite part while working at The DC Center was meeting another queer Indonesian

What clothing item is a staple in your wardrobe?

Earrings, rings, and bandanas

What color would you paint the White House, given the chance?

I would paint it with murals of the people of color who constructed the house.

Who do you most look up to in the queer community?

Alison Bechdel because I’m in love with her work, Dykes to Look Out For and Fun Home

The DC Center: Meet Matt

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This is a weekly newsletter to put a face to the staff at the DC Center. Every week we will be featuring a staff member. This week, meet Matt! Matt is our social Development Intern here at the center. Primarily Matt works with fundraising for The DC Center but during his time here he has been concentrating on raising money for the OutWrite book festival and Center Arts.

Matt McFaul

June 12, Gemini
Why did you start working at The DC Center?
While interning at the HRC I discovered I had a passion for LGBTQ issues and wanted to continue working for the community. When I heard about The DC Center I jumped at the opportunity to work with them and support the local community that I’ve been so lucky to be apart of for the last couple of years.

What is your music anthem?

Gypsy by Fleetwood Mac. Stevie Nicks is a goddess!

What is your favorite part about the LGBTQ+ community?

I really love how diverse the community is. Coming from a boarding school where I was the only openly gay student, the DC queer community has allowed me to meet so many strong and unique individuals that I have been able to learn from.

What is your favorite spot in DC and what do you do there?

The back of the Lincoln Memorial facing Arlington Memorial Bridge. I could spend all night watching the cars leave the city and watching JFK’s eternal flame. For anyone interested it’s a great place to cry and not be seen as well make out with someone.

What do you think the LGBTQ+ community needs to improve on?

We need to have a greater acceptance of body types.

What is your favorite Queer movie?

Blue is the Warmest Color. I love how it accurately depicts the failing of what seems like a perfect relationship.

What has been your favorite moment while working in The DC Center?

I definitely would say walking in the Pride Parade for the first time.

What clothing item is a staple in your wardrobe?

Searsucker anything!

What color would you paint the White House, given the chance?

I want to make it glass so I can see that rat of a president running around his cage.

Who do you most look up to in the queer community?

Harvey Milk. He was the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California. He showed great tenacity by continuing to run for office after his many failed attempts.