What We Do
- Connect LGBTQ+ residents with the city services they may need.
- Advocate on behalf of programs and policies that benefit the lives of LGBTQ+ residents.
- Provide grants to community based organizations who serve the LGBTQ+ community and LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness.
- Host events that enrich, promote, and bring together the LGBTQ+ community of the District.
- Sign up here to receive our Newsletter.
- Complete our Intake Form.
Meet the Director
Japer proudly serves and advocates for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies as the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Affairs, in the Mayor Muriel E. Bowser administration. With a background as a former elected official and accomplished public affairs professional, Japer leads a dedicated team to serve the nation’s largest LGBTQIA+ community, per capita and over 300 LGBTQIA+ programs and organizations.
Since Japer's appointment, the office has become the largest LGBTQIA+ community affairs agency in the nation–tripling its budget, doubling its staff, and serving over 25,000 residents annually through the grants program. MOLGBTQA is also the largest local LGBTQIA+ dedicated funding organization in the DC region, administering more than $1,000,000 annually.
Before joining the Bowser Administration, Japer co-founded and led the DC LGBTQ+ Budget Coalition, securing over $10,000,000 in investments for the community, including the Trans workforce initiative, LGBTQIA+ low-barrier shelter, and the LGBTQIA+ Community Center. In the private sector at Stateside, he served as a Legislative Manager, providing counsel to Fortune 500 companies and the US Military on state legislative processes.
Japer's public service journey began in the Missouri General Assembly, where he served as the Legislative Assistant for the Chairman of the Special Committee on Urban Issues. His commitment to community service includes re-election as Commissioner of Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1C07, founding the ANC Rainbow Caucus, and holding positions in the DC Democratic State Committee. Beyond his professional life, Japer enjoys baking and cooking with his husband, Nick, and spending quality time with their two cats.
View the Mayor’s Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Affairs' organizational chart.
History
Mission
Contact Us
The Mayor’s Office on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Affairs
899 North Capitol Street, NE Suite 7200
Washington, DC 20002
Phone: (202) 727-9493
Email: lgbtq.dc@dc.gov
FOIA Information
If you cannot find the information you are looking for here or elsewhere on DC.gov you can submit a FOIA request online via the DC government Public FOIA Portal. Requests may also be submitted by mail, fax, or email. However, please note that FOIA requests submitted online will be easier to track and process.
To understand the process before making a request, please see foia.dc.gov.
Administrative Appeals
An administrative appeal is submitted to the Mayor. An administrative appeal may be submitted online via the DC government Public FOIA Portal. An appeal may also be submitted by mail or email. The appeal must include a copy of the original request as well as a copy of the public body's written denial letter issued to you, if any. In addition, the appeal must include a written statement of the arguments, circumstances, or reasons in support of the information sought by your request. The appeal letter must include "Freedom of Information Act Appeal" or "FOIA Appeal" in the subject line of the letter as well as marked on the outside of the envelope. You may direct a written appeal to:[email protected]
Or
Mayor’s Office of Legal Counsel
FOIA Appeal
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Suite 407
Washington, DC 20004
A copy of the appeal must be provided to the public body whose denial you are appealing. The appeal must be addressed to the public body’s FOIA Officer.
FOIA Officer
The FOIA Officer is the principal contact point within MOCA for advice and policy guidance on matters pertaining to the administration of the FOIA. All requests are handled professionally and expeditiously. MOCA’s FOIA Officer’s information is listed below.
Henry Johnson
Executive Office of the Mayor
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 300
Washington, DC 20004
[email protected]
Phone: (202) 727-3384
Click here to learn more about Open Government and FOIA Information.
