dc queer community champions sun safety at local beaches

The sun is blaring overhead at Douglas Park Beach, its harsh rays piercing through the clouds like a spotlight on a parade. Laughter and shouts of delight mingle with the sound of splashing water as queer beachgoers bask in the warmth, their skin tanned and glistening like polished mahogany. But beneath this carefree atmosphere lies a serious mission: to champion sun safety at local beaches. Why this matters is a question that cuts deep into the cultural fabric of Washington D.C.'s queer community. In a city where diversity is celebrated but sometimes overlooked in favor of more traditional forms of activism, sun safety stands as a beacon for inclusivity and health. As LGBTQ+ individuals often face higher rates of skin cancer due to societal pressures and limited access to healthcare, promoting safe tanning practices becomes not just a personal choice but a community-wide responsibility. Last Saturday, I joined the DC Queer Beach Patrol at their monthly Sun Safety Fair in Logan Circle, where local activists and volunteers set up booths offering free sunscreen, shade umbrellas, and educational pamphlets. Among them was Alex Johnson, a longtime advocate for queer health who spearheaded this initiative. “We need to make sure everyone leaves here with more than just tans,” he told me, his voice laced with urgency as he handed out SPF 50+ lotion samples. This community-driven approach underscores the importance of peer support in promoting healthier habits. However, there’s a complication lurking beneath these well-intentioned efforts. Not all queer individuals feel safe or welcome at local beaches. The Beach Patrol’s message of sun safety can sometimes fall on deaf ears when faced with discrimination and harassment, particularly from cisgender straight individuals who may not understand the nuances of the community’s needs. In fact, at a recent beach event in Anacostia Park, one participant complained to me about feeling unwelcome due to loud homophobic chants from other beachgoers. This stark contrast highlights how sun safety initiatives must go hand-in-hand with broader efforts to create inclusive spaces. Moreover, while the DC Queer Beach Patrol’s work is commendable, it’s also a reminder of the ongoing need for systemic change. The city’s beaches lack adequate infrastructure for shade and water access, making it difficult for everyone to stay cool and hydrated. For example, at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, there are no designated areas for changing or storing belongings, forcing many to either go without sunscreen or risk exposing themselves unnecessarily. So what can you do? Start by bringing your own sunscreen—most local beaches lack dispensers—and make sure to reapply every two hours. Seek out areas with natural shade, and if possible, support organizations like the DC Queer Beach Patrol that are working tirelessly to improve conditions at our favorite spots. Follow them on social media; they’re always sharing tips and updates. In this quest for sun safety, let’s remember: it’s about more than just preventing skin cancer. It’s about fostering a community where everyone feels seen, heard, and protected—under the hot, golden rays of D.C.’s summer sun. At the end of the Sun Safety Fair, I met Sarah, a 28-year-old artist from Adams Morgan who had recently been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma after years of neglecting her skin health. She shared her story with me, her eyes reflecting both concern and determination. “Skin cancer is not just a risk for those who tan excessively,” she said, gently applying sunscreen to her nose. “It can affect anyone, regardless of how many layers of SPF they wear.” Her journey had been challenging, involving multiple surgeries and a long period of uncertainty. “But being part of the DC Queer Beach Patrol has given me hope,” Sarah added. She had joined the group as a way to give back to her community and connect with others facing similar challenges. The following weekend, I attended another event at Shirley Gunter Park, just south of the Anacostia River. This beach was more secluded, surrounded by dense foliage and popular among families seeking a quieter setting. The DC Queer Beach Patrol had set up their usual array of booths, but this time, they brought along a guest speaker: Dr. Maria Rodriguez, an oncologist from George Washington University who specializes in skin cancer. Dr. Rodriguez shared alarming statistics about the rising incidence of skin cancers among LGBTQ+ individuals and emphasized the importance of early detection. She also talked about the psychological impact of living with these conditions, noting that many patients experience a sense of shame or fear of being stigmatized. Her words resonated deeply within the crowd, which included many young adults who were just beginning to understand their skin’s vulnerabilities. After her presentation, Dr. Rodriguez led a workshop on how to conduct self-examinations and recognize warning signs of skin cancer. She encouraged everyone to be proactive about checking for changes in their skin—anything from new moles to asymmetrical spots—and urged them to schedule regular dermatologist appointments. As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the beach, I struck up a conversation with Alex Johnson again. “We’re not just here to hand out free sunscreen,” he said, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “Our goal is to create a culture where everyone feels empowered to take care of themselves and each other.” The DC Queer Beach Patrol’s efforts were part of a larger movement towards creating more inclusive and health-conscious spaces within the community. By promoting sun safety and addressing the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, they hoped to bring about a shift in cultural attitudes toward self-care and well-being. Sarah nodded in agreement as she packed away her sunscreen bottle, ready for another day’s work at the beach. “We may not change everything overnight,” she said, “but every step we take brings us closer to a brighter future.”