February 12, 2014
The D.C. City Council on Feb. 4 voted unanimously to give final approval to separate bills calling for services to homeless LGBT youth and for naming a street near Dupont Circle after Annie Kaylor, the beloved bartender and manager of Annie’s Paramount Steakhouse who died last July at the age of 86.
Mayor Vincent Gray has said he would sign both bills – the LGBTQ Homeless Youth Reform Amendment Act of 2013 and the Annie’s Way Designation Act of 2013. Gray introduced the Annie’s bill.
The homeless youth measure, among other things, allocates city funds for expanding existing homeless facilities, including shelters, to include additional beds for “youth who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning.” It also requires service providers to put in place “best practices for the culturally competent care of homeless youth” who identify as LGBT or questioning.
The Annie’s bill calls for naming a one-block section of Church Street, N.W., between 17th Street and Stead Park, as “Annie’s Way.” Annie’s Paramount Steakhouse first opened on that block more than 40 years ago and became a favorite eatery and gathering place for members of the LGBT community before moving to its current location two blocks away at 1609 17th St., N.W.
Kaylor and her family members who owned and operated the restaurant became longtime supporters of the LGBT community and participated in the city’s annual LGBT Pride festivities.
Both bills are expected to take effect in May following the requirement under the city’s charter that all city-approved legislation undergo a review by Congress.
Source: Washington Blade
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