Out on the town with Kirby Dick

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Kirby Dick’s documentary Outrage is a dead-on depiction of the politics of outing. So the fact that Dick is not gay makes the feat–whether you agree with outing or not–all the more impressive. Dick accomplished this the old fashioned way, by spending hundreds of hours researching the topic and interviewing scores of gay activists. In fact, he found himself in more than one gay bar cajoling gay men to talk on-the-record about their sexual liaisons with prominent anti-gay politicians such as Idaho Sen. Larry Craig.

We asked Dick to tell us about the D.C. gay social & political scene and to review his favorite places in the nation’s capital. “Gays do seem to keep the place running, and yes, they do manage to have quite a bit of fun,” Dick told GayCities as he was boarding a plane for Japan. “As Andrew Sullivan says in the film, the wildest gay scene he’s ever seen was at the Republican Convention; so there seems to be quite a lively and fun gay scene in DC despite the less than welcoming political atmosphere. It was also interesting that because it is such a small city and such a company town, the community seemed to be very tight and interconnected.  They all seem either know each other or at least know of each other (in a six degrees type way), which I thought was rather unique for any city.”

Pizzeria Paradiso

Hands down, the best pizza in DC. The prices dip below reasonable. Why are you still reading this? Get down there and have a pie.

Hotel Helix

While not a fan of the decor, the Helix has everything one could want in terms of amenities. If leopard print robes are your thing, you’ll leave happy.

Duplex Diner

In what other gay bar can you also get mac and cheese like mom used to make? Highly recommended.

DC Eagle

I interviewed [interview subject] Michael Philips here and the staff were beyond amazing. The atmosphere is friendly and the drinks got the job done. If you’re into leather, this is your new home away from home.

Zaytinya Restaurant

Whenever we met with DC “insiders” while researching for my film Outrage, we always took them to Zaytinya. The food is outstanding and you can’t go wrong with any of the dishes. Pitchers of the Pom-Fili are a must.

Email filmmaker Kirby Dick on GayCities

More Washington, D.C.

[Full disclosure: GayCities editorial director Chris Bull has a bit part in the documentary]

Photo credit: Magnolia Pictures

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