EPIC Event - Be Bar @ 8pm TONIGHT

This interview was submitted by Katie, who invites you to attend the DC Queer Orientation to benefit Metro TeenAIDS. It's at BeBar on January 21st, at 8pm. Keep reading for details.

TNG readers Tate and Celia have created DC’s queerest new non-profit, EPIC. EPIC, which stands for “Entertain, Promote, Inspire, and Connect”, consists of a group of dedicated and passionate volunteers that develop, coordinate, and execute fundraisers for charitable, purpose-driven organizations in DC. DC Queer Welcome Wagon, an offshoot of EPIC, organized many 2008 events, including a house party fundraiser for Basic Rights Montgomery, a speed-dating event to benefit women’s shelter in DC, and a queer quiz night that benefited the Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League (SMYAL). EPIC’s goal is to inspire individuals, organizations, and businesses to work together and bridge divisions along racial, gender, orientation, ethnic, religious, and ability lines.

In exchange for a donation to the targeted organization, EPIC offers local businesses the opportunity to become a part of the Coupon Book Fundraiser (“Qpon Book”) and reach event participants through deals/savings offered in the book. This is an excellent opportunity for businesses to advertise products and services, and to affirm to new customers that their business is queer friendly. The launch date for the book is January 21st, and currently includes coupons from Phase 1, BeBar, Greater Goods, Results Gym, Sugar, Grand Central, and more. EPIC promotes businesses that support causes central to the queer community in DC.

The New Gay: How did you develop this organization? Where did the inspiration originate?

Tate: The inspiration originated from a series of life-changing events that occurred in the past year. On February 1st my father, who once was referred to as the Million Dollar Man for his physical prowess, had a stroke. In one night, he lost the ability to move the right half of his body, to speak coherently and to read and write. My geographical distance from him made coping with the aftermath of the stroke unbearable. I had always emulated my father growing up and even as an adult – adhering to his guidance and seeking his praise and approval. In the months that followed, my outlook on relationships and life shifted. I began seeking out opportunities to get involved in the community and found joy and solace in dedicating my energy to great causes. In June, I was approached by a friend to hold a house party for Basic Rights Montgomery. BRM was fighting to protect Bill 23-07, which prohibited discrimination on the basis of gender identity and was being challenged by the conservative organization, Citizens for a Responsible Government (CRG). As someone who is genderqueer and works in Montgomery County, MD, this issue was of particular importance to me, and with the help of a few friends I organized a party to support BRM. But the night before the event I got a phone call informing me that another person in my life had suffered a stroke. My brother’s wife who I’ve known for years and care for deeply had a stroke at 32. The force of the grief brought me to my knees. I was reliving the pain and desperation caused by my father’s stroke with an added concern for her, my brother, and their children. I became emotionally paralyzed, but with the support of my close friends the event went on and was successful. I am really grateful to have been a part of that effort. It helped to solidify my wavering belief in our ability to affect change.

The following month I organized an event at BeBar prior to one of the be:xx DC King & Gurly shows. It was the first DC Queer Orientation for newcomers to DC to meet new people and learn about queer spaces and events. The event was successful and motivated me to continue organizing. In November, Celia and I organized a speed-dating event that raised funds for a larger benefit for “My Sister’s Place”. In December, we put together a Qweer Qwiz night that benefited SMYAL and ended up being our most successful fundraiser thus far.

And we haven’t stopped yet.

TNG: I understand you are putting together a coupon book. How can local businesses get involved?

Tate: We’ve put together a Qpon Book for distribution at each event – connecting local businesses with new customers. We have a limited number of spaces in the book but will consider expanding the books in the months to come. The Qpon Book allows businesses that have a queer positive philosophy to reach our participants. Coupons run for six months in exchange for a tax deductable donation to the organization we are targeting. This is an unprecedented advertising opportunity and spaces are limited. This project is my pride and joy, and it’s been a pleasure to watch it develop into a product that is beneficial for all involved. DC Queer Orientation, held Wed Jan 21st, will jointly benefit Metro TeenAIDS and EPIC. We also have events in the works for Our Place, DC and Us Helping Us next month. Businesses can contact me directly at epicdcqww@gmail.com to learn how to advertise.

TNG: Can you tell us a little about the DC Queer Orientation? What will happen?

Tate: What will happen? People will have fun, mingle, network, and meet new friends. They will learn about queer hotspots and events and get the opportunity to win awesome prizes. DC has a lot to offer if you know where to look.

TNG: When will the next speed-dating event be?

Tate: Feb 4th and 11th. Speed dating events are really fun to put together. These events draw people who are adventurous and open to new experiences and they get really into it. I hosted the last event and got really great feedback. This time around we are pushing to bring in more participants, and align them based on common interests.

DC Queer Orientation on Jan 21st to benefit Metro TeenAIDS hosted by EPIC on Jan 21 at Be:Bar. Doors open at 8pm. $10.
Website: www.epicdc.com /Email: epicdcqww@gmail.com