after hours with eboné bell
episode details
This podcast episode was video recorded and will be most enjoyable in that format! You can watch the video on our YouTube channel, here.
After Hours is a fun, historical debrief and game show, where we ask some of the most prominent Queer D.C. icons for their hottest gossip and wise advice. This episode, we are joined by Eboné Bell aka E-Cleff, local Queer advocate, speaker, founder of Tagg Magazine, and Drag King. Hear about Eboné’s favorite memories are of performing, her hot takes on D.C.'s Queer bars, her favorite venue to perform in, and so much more!
You can find a transcript for the episode below or in pdf format here.
If you want to learn more and stay up to date on all things Queering the District Podcast, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.
Have a story to share? Think we missed something? Give us a call, and bare it all after the beep at 202-753-6570.
Special thanks to the Rainbow History Project, the DC Public Library, and the countless other academics and historians, whether featured in these episodes or not, who helped inspire and guide us through this process.
Audio and video editing by Abby Stuckrath
Videography by Sam Joachim
transcript
Text in italics and parentheses indicates ambient sound, sound effects, and music integrated into the podcast, unless noted otherwise.
(Upbeat, groovy music with a synth piano and horns starts and then plays in the background)
ABBY: Hey folks, thanks for tuning in to Queering the District Podcast, where we learn about the history of Queer bar third places in Washington, D.C.! Season one is focused on the evolution of Queer bars, from prohibition to present day.
This season we’ve got two types of episodes: historical and after hours. Our historical episodes explore decades of Queer bar history through narrative-driven stories, while our After Hours episodes bring back favorite guests for gossip games, advice, and late-night chats.
This week is an After Hours episode, with the one, the only, Eboné Bell, aka Drag King E-Cleff.
This interview is also offered in two formats: audio or video. So if you’d like to see Eboné drink our nasty cocktails and giggle over her favorite performing memories, head to our YouTube channel to watch a video version of this episode. Either way, enjoy!
(Upbeat, groovy music with a synth piano and horns fades out)
EBONÉ: Being queer in DC helped me grow, gave me confidence, made me who I am today, and got me laid. (laughs)
ABBY: (laughs) That’s perfect.
EBONÉ: It's all true. It's all true.
ABBY: I love it.
(Upbeat, groovy music with a synth piano and horns starts playing and then fades into the background)
Well, hi everyone. Welcome to After Hours. It's a fun historical debrief and game show where we asked some of DC Queers for their hottest gossip and wise advice. And today we are joined by Eboné Bell, who was once member of the longest running Drag King troop in D.C., the DC Kings, founder of Tagg magazine, and just a local Queer activist and speaker.
Thank you for joining me today. I'm really excited for us to talk for people who don't know, Eboné was the first editor I ever had professionally as a journalist, so it's really heartwarming for her to join me today and talk with me, because this is just like, just a very beautiful thing for me as a journalist to have you here to do this with me.
EBONÉ: So one, I didn't know that, so that's so cool to know. I was, I was talking to my partner earlier, because I was saying a lot of the folks that I work with, we were virtual, so either zoom or phone calls, email, all of that. So I was like, this is the first time I'm going to really sit down and talk to you in person.
ABBY: Oh, right! This is the first time we’re meeting in person…
EBONÉ: I know! Exactly. So it's just really cool to have this full circle moment with you and people watching amazing writer, amazing, amazing, and I thank you for the work that you did for Tagg, like Tagg wouldn't have happened if it wasn't for all the people that put love and their work into it. So thank you for that. I would be remiss if I didn't say that
ABBY: No, Tagg magazine was the first place for me to ever be like published, and I'm glad that that's the first place I can say I was published, because it's everything that I want Queer journalism to all be about.
EBONÉ: Absolutely.
ABBY: But in our latest episode, our listeners got a glimpse into the DC kings into Chaos. But I'd like to start talking about your first Queer bar experience, because you grew up in the DMV. But I'd love to talk about what was that first Queer bar in D.C. like for you? And what was that night like?
EBONÉ: Oof, so I went to University of Maryland College Park. And I had a friend, Noah. Noah Rex was their Drag King name, and we both went to University of Maryland College Park and started kind of getting into the Drag King scene. Like we had a couple Kings come out to the school and perform. I was like, this is kind of cool. And I wanted to, like, get my toe wet and be like, all right, you know, I'm fully out, because I didn't really come out until I was 19, I think, sophomore year of college. So I was like, let's go. It's time to get out. Like, everybody, I feel like everybody has a head start on me at this point, yeah.
So I was like, I wanted to know a little bit more about the Kings, wanted to get out, and I remember it was Badlands, that's what it was called at the time. And then, of course, they changed their name to Apex. But my friend was like, “come on, come with me.” I was a little hesitant as well, and maybe that was just nerves or whatever, but I was like, let me check this out. And I mean, I feel like I can picture it now, like if somebody did a movie scene, I'm like, okay, I could direct it right now if I wanted to.
But I remember walking in, and you kind of walk in, there's the ticket booth, you know, you pay, and you go to the left, and you go out, and there's a bar to your left, and there's a bar up a few flights of steps, not even flights, like, a few steps. And I remember walking in, the place was packed, and it was their Ladies Night, and there were Kings performing. And I didn't realize, like, how much people loved Drag Kings, but I remember literally stopping in my tracks and looking up at the bar, and it was Johnny Katz. I'll never forget it, who was the Drag King that was on the bar, because at the time, they didn't have a stage, so they literally performed on the bar where drinks were served.
And I remember just stopping in my tracks and being in awe of, like, the whole experience, not just Johnny Katz, but everything, like looking around and like finding my people, or looking at my people, like there are more people that are like me, who look like me, identify, you know, who are open and are experiencing this joy. Then also looking up at women who were, you know, Drag Kings, and immediately I was like, that, that's what I want to do. Like I knew it. As soon as I saw it, I was like, this is what I'm meant to do. So I took all of that in in just a few minutes, like the energy, the fact that we exist.
Because a lot of times I was also, you know, some of my friends were gay men, so I was kind of hanging out with the gay boys. And then it was, then I was like, all right, I think it's time to, you know, find some Queer women around here. And so, yeah, that was my first experience. I remember just hanging out and getting to meet new people and introducing myself to what Drag Kings are. And that's kind of how I started into the scene, but that's how I dip my toe in to the Queer women's community and Queer D.C.
ABBY: Well, that's such a good, like, little intro, because then it also just like, brought you into wanting to do, to be a Drag King,
EBONÉ: Yeah,
ABBY: and creating E-Cleff. And I know in our interview, we talked about how, like Michael Jackson influenced, Usher, but how did you go about sort of creating that persona?
EBONÉ: I think I kind of grew, grew into it, but I also feel like it was always in me. I always loved entertaining and singing and all of that. Like, you know, my mom will put me in plays and things like that, but I never felt comfortable in stereotypical girly clothes or girly roles. Like, I always just felt uncomfortable in those situations. Like, I even remember in high school, we had something called Rock and Roll Revival, and I was Diana Ross and, you know, because the singing part, but like, I'm in a dress, and I loved it because I loved the entertaining, but something was always missing. I never felt truly myself, but I always loved Michael Jackson and people like Usher and even like Justin Timberlake when he came out later, and even Motown things like that. And I grew up, my mom is from Gary, Indiana, home of Michael Jackson and Jackson Five. So I always joke and say like it was meant to be. I spent my summers there. I danced there, all of it.
So I think it was always in me, because I love to entertain. And finally, I got to do the numbers, the movements that I wanted to do. Like, I remember, and I love my mom, this is not a bad thing, but I remember when I was younger, I did a talent show. Like, I'll never forget it. It was in elementary school, and I did Michael Jackson, and I was doing all the moves, you know, how he does the crotch grab and all of that? And my mom was like, no, no, no, no, you can't do that. Put your hand here instead. And, you know. And then she put me in like a pink polka dot, little, cute outfit to do Michael Jackson, like, what? And so I feel like, again, it was always in me, but I never got to let it out. And so I think in that moment when I went to Badlands and I was like this, I know it's this.
ABBY: Yeah
EBONÉ: That's when I knew that this is what I'm supposed to do. So, I think it was always there. Then I ran into Ken and he asked me, and for those wondering, when I say he, that's what we called ourselves as, just like Drag Queens, they'll be like girl/she, because that's the character, that's who you are.
ABBY: Right.
EBONÉ: And so we would call ourselves he, when we were in character, even out because we knew each other as Drag King. So I need to make sure I say that for any confusion. And of course, there were trans men too. But yeah, he was like, “We got to get you into Chaos, and we got to get you performing.” And I was like, “let's go!” Like, I was ready, because I knew I'd been itching. Something in me has been itching to do this for a while, and I'm so grateful to the DC Kings for giving me that platform. Because I had my first show at University of Maryland, but my official first D.C. Queer show was at Club Chaos doing Justin Timberlake, “Like I love You” in a like full, like a Kangol hat and one of those, like Adidas Red jumpsuits. I'll never forget it, but I had such a great time, and the crowd was so supportive. They loved it, and it was just amazing ever since then.
ABBY: Ken told me in our interview that he would make all of the other Kings, like, line up in the back so that y'all would watch each other and like, wanted people to be present, like you couldn't be talking with your friends, like you were present, watching them and making them feel supported. And to know that you came out when you were 19, and then, like, still, while you're in college, you're then launched into this, like, very loving and welcoming, welcoming community, like the Kings, how was that just for you? And like, developing your sense of self and like confidence as, like, a Queer person?
EBONÉ: Ooof and I was a baby. I think I can say this now, because no one will get in trouble, but Club Chaos was absolutely 21 and over, and I was absolutely not 21 and over.
ABBY: Yeah.
EBONÉ: And I remember saying to Ken, and I was like, “yeah, so I'm not 21,” and he was like, “we'll figure it out.” So we figured it out. I remember using my friend's ID as a backup, just in case, who we kind of looked alike but didn't, but it was really cool.
So when I say, when you asked me this question, like “you were young,” I was like, yes, I was a baby going into this. But to have such a diverse group of people who were so supportive was just amazing feeling it. I truly found my second family in the DC Kings. And I've always said this from day one, I love how everybody was so different. It wasn't a bunch of E-Cleffs, who can, you know, pop and lock and dance and do all of that, right? We had people who would do political numbers. We had people doing country, rock, like, you know, think pieces kind of, like all kinds of stuff. And I just thought that was the coolest thing. And no matter if you were into that or not, every one of us was paying attention. Because we really did get things, you know, like for me, even though I didn't, you know, maybe I didn't do political numbers or I didn't do country numbers, but I was always learning something from those performers and taking those things away, like, “oh, wow, I never thought you could do this.” Or maybe I should up my game with what I wear, because I do feel like at the beginning, I was lazy as hell with some of like, I was like, I was going to t-shirt and jeans, and then I was like, okay, maybe I should do a little bit more, because the audience has paid for this experience.
But I always felt like I learned something no matter who the performer was, which allowed me to grow as a better performer as well, if that makes any sense? So I'm grateful for that experience.
(90’s hip hop music starts to play in the background)
I'm grateful that the Kings were so loving and supportive of one another. When I tell you it didn't matter who you are, how you looked or identified. That's exactly what that looked like. God, and I wish that for the world. I really, really do. I wish that for the world, because it's such a great experience.
(90’s hip music swells then fades out as Abby starts to speak)
ABBY: In this next segment, we're going to be doing, confess or sip, where I'll be asking some juicy questions, and if Eboné does not want to answer it, we're going, she's gonna have to sip. And so in this stunning drink, we have tomato juice, pickle juice, hot sauce, and rum? Rum. So we're gonna take a sip so we can prove that it’s not pleasant.
EBONÉ: All right, let's see. Cheers.
ABBY: Cheers. (glasses clink)
EBONÉ: Let's see, oh, oh! All right, so my goal, my goal is to answer every question. (Eboné and Abby laugh)
ABBY: That's not pleasant. (coughs) All right, okay, first question, did you ever hit on or flirt with strangers beyond just performing when in Drag?
EBONÉ: Yes.
ABBY: Did you ever use E-Cleff as a way to get ladies?
EBONÉ: Ooh, I think, I think it helped. I don't think I ever used it, but I knew that it was absolutely a tool when I got off stage to hit on to hit on people, for sure, for sure. And of course, yeah, I definitely would, you know, try my luck at random folks. I don't want to say random folks walking down the street, but sometimes I'm like, maybe they're Queer. Let's just see what happens. So absolutely, I think E-Cleff definitely helped me in that department.
ABBY: Mhmm. (Eboné laughs) You said E-Cleff was a ladies man.
EBONÉ: (exclaims) Yes, absolutely. And I think I like and what's so funny is like to know like me as Eboné versus E-Cleff. Like, you know, with my partner, I joke, and I'm like, I'm me. I'm like, this nerd. Like, I love to Lego, you know, and just chill, watch Netflix or whatever. And just, you know, I'm, yeah, I'm, like, somewhat of a homebody. But then when I'm E-Cleff, it's like I feel like, in my mind, I'm a superstar. Does that make sense?
ABBY: Yeah.
EBONÉ: Like I already know before I hit the stage, like the ladies are gonna love me, and that's like the persona that I take on. And I think I did a pretty good job of that persona with, you know how things went in my dating career and such.
ABBY: Perfection. Did you ever have a bar, whether it's open now or closed, that you thought was very overrated?
EBONÉ: Oooooh, I feel like, should I drink if I don't even know? Let me really think about this, a bar that I felt was overrated. Ummmmm, you know what? I don't know if I'm gonna get in trouble for this or not. Hmm. (Eboné and Abby laugh) I'm like, do I say this? Can I have an explanation? Can I tell you…
ABBY: Yes.
EBONÉ: the name, and then I can give you the explanation why?
ABBY: Yes. Yes.
EBONÉ: Okay, ohhh, please don't come for me, folks, but Hung Jury. Here's the reason why. It was, I know it was my experience. So I went with friends, and I was 20, and my partner at the time was of age, was 22, and then I went with my friend who was also 20, and it was fine. It was 18 and over. And then we went, we're like, yeah, we're finally going to go to Hung Jury. And it was like, nobody was basically there.
ABBY: Oh.
EBONÉ: It was real small. And we're like, what's going on, or whatever. And then we're sitting around, and next thing we know, the bartender is sending us drinks. The Queer woman bartender and then a gay man is sending us drinks over and they know we don't have our thing, so we're like, cool. This is the type of place this is, right? They're just sending us drinks. They know nobody's gonna say anything.
Fast forward, I'm in the restroom, and next thing I know, somebody is banging on the stall, and it's like, boom, boom, boom. (mimicking security) You need to get out of here. You and your friends are underage, and you've been drinking and da,da,da,da,da,da. And I was like, what y'all are the ones that have been sending us drinks? We were so confused, so they threw us out. But come to find out, the bartender that was sending us drinks, the security guard was her girlfriend, and I think she got jealous, and like thought that
ABBY: Hmmm…It was like a flirtatious drink
EBONÉ: I don't know something was going on, and so she got upset and threw us out. So I'm not saying Hung Jury, you know, but that was my experience.
ABBY: The experience.
EBONÉ: So I feel like one to show up and like nobody was there, and then also to have that experience, I'm like, boo, overrated. Boo.
ABBY: Boo.
EBONÉ: Sorry, Hung Jury, but that was my experience.
ABBY: That's okay.
EBONÉ: Yeah, ah, and I didn't take a drink. (Eboné and Abby laugh)
ABBY: A win, a win. Was there ever a bar that you were happy to see close?
EBONÉ: Oh, my God. (Eboné and Abby laugh) Oh, my God. (groans and reaches for drink)
ABBY: Oh, no! (Abby laughs)
EBONÉ: (takes a drink grimaces) Woof, next question.
ABBY: Okay, did you ever perform a song without ever really knowing the words?
EBONÉ: (Pause) Um, yes.
ABBY: Okay, do you remember what song?
EBONÉ: Yep, and I knew majority, but I did the old microphone trick. So it was the Encore song. (singing) Can I get an encore? Do you want more? So I did Jay Z's part, and the rap is, you know, it's a lot, it's a lot. And it was, I should have practiced maybe a little bit more, but I knew, I knew that I was stumbling. So I was like, “You know what? I was like, let me go ahead and get a mic. I think it will look more cool or whatever.” So when I didn't, like, know the parts you went, I went more like this (lifts imaginary microphone in front of her mouth to block her lips). And then when I did, they saw me like this (imaginary microphone held further from her face and not blocking lips). I was like, Yeah, you know, if I didn't, so absolutely!
But I will say I always prided myself on knowing my words, and that was the one time that I didn't, and I was performing it with someone, and I didn't want to let them down. So I was like, you know what? This is the best way for me to cover this up that. I mean, I think nobody knew, but who knows? You know? I'm sure there was somebody that was like she didn't know the words, you know, but absolutely, absolutely. I feel like every performer has had that moment.
ABBY: Yeah, yeah. What was your least favorite bar to perform at? And then you're also your favorite bar to perform at?
EBONÉ: Ooh, least favorite. (long groan)
ABBY: Whether that be for the venue that it provided the kind of vibe of the area.
EBONÉ: (groans) So I'm gonna drink to least favorite.
ABBY: (chuckling) Okay.
EBONÉ: Mmmmm, I'm gonna drink because people will come for me. And, favorite 9:30 Club.
ABBY: Really?
EBONÉ: There was something called the Great Big International Drag King Extravaganza, and it was in D.C., I think twice, Ken did a great job producing it. That was that did a great job producing it and all of that, and it was just so cool because it gave us that, that concert feeling. Does that make sense?
ABBY: Yeah.
EBONÉ: A lot of us will probably never experience something like that. You know, a lot of performers, we perform in the club and that, and trust me, it's amazing that we have any space at all to do that, but the 93:0 Club gave us that, like superstar feeling. Like Ken at the beginning of one number literally came down from the rafters. Like, where else do you do that in the Drag King show? Usually you cannot, because you're in a bar or a club, right?
(90’s hip hop music starts to play in the background)
So that was absolutely my favorite.
(90’s hip hop music swells then fades out)
ABBY: In our last segment, I'm going to say a name of a Queer bar, some that are closed, some that are open, and Eboné is going to describe them in three words. So first one, Chaos.
EBONÉ: Uh, Queer women madness.
ABBY: What was your favorite thing about Chaos?
EBONÉ: Queer women.
ABBY: Yeah, yeah. (Eboné and Abby laugh) Was it just that one night that they had? Or was it just always?
EBONÉ: No, Wednesday night was always Queer women's night. And so, I'm joking, but for me, remember I was telling you that,
ABBY: Yeah.
EBONÉ: You know, my first Queer friends were gay men. That's why I always joke and say I'm a gay man and trapped in a lesbian's body, like the way I'm like, I'm giving a little bit of gay man energy. Yeah, so when I say Queer women, like, I was just excited to be around people like me. You know what I mean? Like, as much as I'm joking about, like, oh, getting the ladies or whatever. Like, I didn't even care about that, just to be in the same space was absolutely amazing, because let's be real a lot of the stuff is, like, gay male heavy.
ABBY: Yeah.
EBONÉ: So to have a space cut out for us in general during that time was amazing.
ABBY: Hmm, okay, Badlands/Apex
EBONÉ: Oof: name changed a lot. (Eboné and Abby laugh)
ABBY: How about Phase One?
EBONÉ: Oh, how do I, this one is a hard one for good reasons. A beautiful, safe space.
ABBY: What about Phase One was kind of so special?
EBONÉ: You know, women, really, Queer folks in general, couldn't be as out. I don't know if people realize that not having windows was on purpose so people felt safe, and people couldn't peer in, or, you know, throw bricks through, or whatever the case might be. Like all of that, the style of when you walk in, and you still have that barrier that was done on purpose. So I think, in a way, they knew they had to create a safe space.
So I think they've always done that for women. And looking at pictures past and, of course, present, what I really liked, it was, it was a good, diverse group of folks. Because a lot of times what, from what I understand, a lot of these bars that they would be like, “Oh, it was so mixed. Women, you know, men, trans folks, you know, however you looked. It was all of us.” Because sometimes, we didn't have, they didn't have a choice. You know what? I mean, we can't be like, Oh, I don't like this. Bears are there, or, you know, the twinks are here, or whatever the case might be, they didn't have that privilege.
They were like, they just wanted to meet people. And so for Phase One, to create a space specifically for lesbians and Queer women, I think that's what it's always been but for different reasons. Obviously, early 2000s and on, you know, the world is a lot different, but I think it still, I think Archer, who was the manager back then, did a really great job of listening to the audience and the needs and created fun nights and events. So there were folks who could geek out at karaoke, and, you know, have a great time. And then later on, they did jell-o wrestling. Because why not? Why do, you know, the bros always have to get the jell-o wrestling girls. Why can't we have it? You know, like so Phase Fest, we had talked about off-camera, but all kinds of things. And so I think they did a really good job of listening and creating that safe space. And I think they were, it was always safe, just safe for different reasons.
ABBY: What did you kind of, how did it feel when you learned that it was like, officially, officially closing, like it wouldn't come back? I think at that time, that was the last Queer establishment that was on that block, what used to be known as the “Gay Way,” until, As You Are, Little District opened. But for a while that was the only Queer business there, and then it closed. And because it meant so much to like the Queer the Queer Women community, what did that feel like?
EBONÉ: In full transparency, sad, I was sad and I was angry. I was angry because I think it was a lost opportunity to sell it within our community and continue to have that space for, you know, whatever reason that didn't happen, and it's always sad to see that, because it's a part of your history. It's, you know, it's kind of like when people get sad when their parents sell their childhood home.
ABBY: Yeah.
EBONÉ: You know what I mean? They're like, damn, I grew up there, and it's a little different, right, than your childhood home, but it's kind of that same feeling of, this is where we grew up. This is where I met my best friend. This is where, you know, I met my partner, or, you know, the homies I still hang out with, or this is where I really found myself. And so to see something like that close is really, really hard to see. And, but unfortunately, these things do happen. You know, D.C. is not the only place that it happens. Unfortunately, it's all across the country.
ABBY: Yeah, okay, Wet. Our viewers learned a little bit about Wet in our last episode. But what was, how would you describe that in three words? Yeah, Wet or Edge. I think was Wet/Edge.
EBONÉ: Yeah, yeah, yeah. What, my three words: naked boys socks. (Eboné and Abby laugh) It's true, it’s true, and that was my experience. I don't know what whoever talked about Wet I mean, I can kind of explain. I feel like people can probably, whatever you had to put the money somewhere. Yeah, and socks was a great place to do it. (Eboné and Abby laugh)
ABBY: As You Are?
EBONÉ: Ugh, they have a special place in my heart: diversity embraced fully. I think they've done a very good job of that.
ABBY: They've done a brilliant job in creating a very safe Queer welcoming.
EBONÉ: Yeah.
ABBY: Place, just the cafe, like, sort of downstairs,
EBONÉ: Yes!
ABBY: Yeah, going upstairs. I think that's, I think that's one of the first bars that, like, Ellie and I really went to in D.C., and were like, wow, this is like, like, our Queer space.
EBONÉ: Yeah, yeah, and to see the different folks there, and then the different nights that they've created, you know? And I, this might be an old event, I'm not even quite sure, because they've done so many new things, but I know at some point they had a knitting club there and things like that. And I'm like, what a great idea, because so much of our nightlife is somewhat ageist as well. Can be transphobic, can be racist.
You know, there are tons of stories out there, and I feel like they've done a great job, where I can see people of all ages and backgrounds and races in there because they've created spaces that are more than just, let's drink and party.
ABBY: Right.
EBONÉ: It's like, Hey, you everybody here is into the graphic novels. Great. Let's do a Queer graphic novel club. You know what I mean. Let's, you know, talk about it, and it gets all kinds of different people out. So I applaud them for everything that they've done and everything they'll continue to do.
ABBY: Okay? Ziegfelds.
EBONÉ: (chuckles) I feel like I've used this one before, but it's, it's the exact same: naked boys dancing.
ABBY: (laughs) Yeah. (Eboné and Abby laugh)
EBONÉ: It is, well, it wasn't the exact same. The other one was had socks, but this one was just naked boys dancing,
ABBY: Yeah, yeah. No socks.
EBONÉ: Yeah. I have to tell you this story. So I feel like, definitely when I was younger, and I always joke about, you know, like having, being a gay boy trapped in like a lesbian's body, and I've always, been like masculine of center or whatever. And one night I was there, and this guy approaches me, and he's, and this is not the first time this happened, this guy approaches me, he's like, “Hey, when are you getting on stage?” And I'm like, “what?” He's like, “Yeah, when are you getting on stage?” And then I realized he thought I was a gay man and a dancer. So I said, “first and foremost, thank you.” (Eboné and Abby laugh)
ABBY: That is actually such a compliment.
EBONÉ: I said, “First and foremost, thank you for thinking that I can get up there and dance. Because what a huge compliment. Second I am a woman,” and he was like, “Ohhhh,”
ABBY: Like, man, like this keeps happening to me (laughs).
EBONÉ: Absolutely amazing. It was great, it was a compliment to me. So anyway, that's why I say naked boys dancing, because every time I went, that's what was happening.
(90’s hip hop music swells and plays for a few seconds then ends)
ABBY: Thank you so much for being here. It was so fun to talk with you. So to send us home, Eboné is going to leave a voicemail on our landline, phi-phi, talking about her favorite memory in D.C.
EBONÉ: Hey, so my favorite memory is the people. This is just an amazing reminder to you to don't forget the people that came before you. Know your Queer history, whether that is tuning into Queering the District Podcast, Rainbow History Project, or just sitting down and getting to know your community, there are amazing people that came before you, and we should always honor them. Love you.
(Upbeat, groovy music with a synth piano and horns starts and then plays in the background)
ABBY: Hey baby… we’re so glad you’re here, and thanks for listening until the end of the episode.
Don’t worry, we promise we won’t leave you hanging for too long. Next week, we’ll pick right back up on the history of bars starting in the mid 2000s with the closing of many beloved Queer spaces in Southeast and new bars trying to fill the gaps left behind by the spaces lost. We’ll have another After Hours episode in two weeks time.
We want to thank the Rainbow History Project, the DC Public Library, and the countless other academics and historians, whether featured in these episodes or not, who helped inspire and guide us through this process.
And shout out to the rest of the QTDP team, Ellie, Mads, and Sam for making this podcast happen.
You can find a transcript for this, and every episode, on our website at queeringthedistrictpodcast.com and linked below in the episode notes.
If you want to learn more and stay up to date on all things Queering the District Podcast, follow our social media pages @queeringthedistrictpodcast! You won’t want to miss exclusive interview clips, juicy voicemails, and bi-weekly spotlights.
Have a story to share? Think we missed something? Give us a call, and bare it all after the beep at 202-753-6570.
See you next time!
(Upbeat, groovy music with a synth piano and horns slowly fades out)
