Bars & Parties
Aiden Shaw on surviving porn, prostitution
To categorize Aiden Shaw as just a prostitute and porn star would be both lazy and obvious.
With more than 50 adult films to his name and years spent as a prostitute, he is approachable, intelligent and a survivor. Shaw was in Washington earlier this month to promote his newest book, “Sordid Truths: Selling My Innocence for a Taste of Stardom,” and appear at EFN Lounge/Motley Bar.
The owner of EFN Lounge, Bill Gray, said he asked Shaw to make an appearance at the establishment’s Friday night “Bearly CODE” happy hour.
“I didn’t want him to come and sign books,” Bill said. “I wanted him to just come and meet the guys of D.C., sign autographs — just socialize. He really fits in with the crowd that comes to Motley, so it really made sense.”
DC Agenda spoke with Aiden about his book, his time as a prostitute and more.
Agenda: In “Sordid Truths,” when describing the cross you’d made of “twigs and thorny red roses,” you make mention that you loved iconography and the passionate yet brutal imagery of Catholicism. Where do you believe this love stemmed from and do you still have it?
Shaw: I’ve always thought religious iconography was beautiful, even since I was a child. You see, to me it’s not about the beliefs behind it but the artistic beauty of the objects themselves.
Agenda: You say that while working as a prostitute, undressed, you felt less exposed, and that naked was your uniform. Were you always so comfortable in your skin? Were there ever instances where you were less sure?
Shaw: It’s funny about that. Some people think I may just walk around naked when I’m home, but you see when I’m by myself, I prefer to be clothed at all times — nearly to the point of showering in a bathing suit. But work is work, and being naked is the uniform for the job I was doing, and I was completely comfortable in that. Anyone who wears a uniform during the day for any job wants to change out of it as soon as the day is done, don’t they? I can say the same thing: That [after] being naked all day, it’s nice to just have the clothes back on while not working.
Agenda: There are some instances in the book where you discuss not knowing or sharing certain pieces of information about people in your life. Do you think this was done partly on a subconscious level to keep anyone from getting too close to you?
Shaw: I can see how it may seem like that there could be a great bit of sub context, however, unfortunately, it just wasn’t that deep. To be truthful, we never thought of things like that at the time. It’s just how things were at the time, due to all the drugs — not to mention information wasn’t available like it is now. Everyone has a cell phone now, when back then if you wanted to reach someone you needed to make an effort.
Agenda: You make reference to reading “The Happy Prince” by Oscar Wilde whenever you felt unsure of yourself. What part of the story do you identify most with? Is this something you still practice?
Shaw: Absolutely. It’s timeless and I believe it will always affect me. I always recommend everyone read it at least once.
Agenda: Towards the end of the book, you write, “Just say no to dealing drugs, not taking them.” You stated at your book signing that you are now sober. Has your opinion changed on this topic?
Shaw: “What the real problem is with most people is they become addicted. Addiction is the real problem, not necessarily the usage. Not that I’m condoning the usage, but the real problems begin when any addiction takes over.”
Agenda: When you tested positive for HIV, what was your reaction? How well did you handle it?
Shaw: I handled it as well as can be expected. It’s not like it was any big surprise to me, so I just carried on.
Agenda: Why did you decide to go public about your HIV status?
Shaw: I have never withheld the truth about anything, so this was no different. I was surrounded by supportive people, like Chi Chi LaRue, who all were incredible.
Agenda: Looking back on your film career, are there any that meant the most to you?
Shaw: I can’t really say any one film meant the most to me. Really, each film was just publicity, which is really what it’s all about. The more I got my name and face out there, the better off I was.
Agenda: What are your thoughts on today’s young gay guys in the adult film industry?
Shaw: I don’t really watch much of it, to be honest. Who is good and who isn’t is such a personal choice depending on what you find sexy. I find the demeanor of someone far more attractive, the way he looks at me, or holds his mouth in a particular way, than any one physical trait.
a&e features
Your guide to D.C.’s queer New Year’s Eve parties
Ring in 2026 with drag, leather, Champagne, and more
With Christmas in the rear view mirror, we can turn our attention to ringing in a much-anticipated New Year with a slew of local LGBTQ parties. Here’s what’s on tap.
Pitchers
This spacious Adams Morgan bar is hosting the “Pitchers’ Perfect New Year’s Eve.” There will be a midnight Champagne toast, the ball drop on the big screens, and no cover, all night long. The bar doesn’t close until 4 a.m., and the kitchen will be open late (though not until close). All five floors will be open for the party, and party favors are promised.
Trade
D.C.’s hottest bar/club combo is leaning into the Shark motif with its NYE party, “Feeding Frenzy.” The party is a “glitterati-infused Naughty-cal New Year’s Even in the Shark Tank, where the boats are churning and the sharks are circling.” Trade also boasts no cover charge, with doors opening at 5 p.m. and the aforementioned Shark Tank opening at 9 p.m.. Four DJs will be spread across the two spaces; midnight hostess is played by Vagenesis and the two sea sirens sensuously calling are Anathema and Justin Williams.
Number Nine
While Trade will have two DJs as part of one party, Number Nine will host two separate parties, one on each floor. The first floor is classic Number Nine, a more casual-style event with the countdown on TVs and a Champagne midnight toast. There will be no cover and doors open at 5 p.m. Upstairs will be hosted by Capital Sapphics for its second annual NYE gathering. Tickets (about $50) include a midnight Champagne toast, curated drink menu, sapphic DJ set by Rijak, and tarot readings by Yooji.
Crush
Crush will kick off NYE with a free drag bingo at 8 p.m. for the early birds. Post-bingo, there will be a cover for the rest of the evening, featuring two DJs. The cover ($20 limited pre-sale that includes line skip until 11 p.m.; $25 at the door after 9 p.m.) includes one free N/A or Crush, a Champagne toast, and party favors (“the legal kind”). More details on Eventbrite.
Bunker
This subterranean lair is hosting a NYE party entitled “Frosted & Fur: Aspen After Dark New Year’s Eve Celebration.” Arriety from Rupaul Season 15 is set to host, with International DJ Alex Lo. Doors open at 9 p.m. and close at 3 p.m.; there is a midnight Champagne toast. Cover is $25, plus an optional $99 all-you-can-drink package.
District Eagle
This leather-focused bar is hosting “Bulge” for its NYE party. Each District Eagle floor will have its own music and vibe. Doors run from 7 p.m.-3 a.m. and cover is $15. There will be a Champagne toast at midnight, as well as drink specials during the event.
Kiki, Shakiki
Kiki and its new sister bar program Shakiki (in the old Shakers space) will have the same type of party on New Year’s Eve. Both bars open their doors at 5 p.m. and stay open until closing time. Both will offer a Champagne toast at midnight. At Kiki, DJ Vodkatrina will play; at Shakiki, it’ll be DJ Alex Love. Kiki keeps the party going on New Year’s Day, opening at 2 p.m., to celebrate Kiki’s fourth anniversary. There will be a drag show at 6 p.m. and an early 2000s dance party 4-8 p.m.
Spark
This bar and its new menu of alcoholic and twin N/A drinks will host a NYE party with music by DJ Emerald Fox. Given this menu, there will be a complimentary toast at midnight, guests can choose either sparkling wine with or without alcohol. No cover, but Spark is also offering optional wristbands at the door for $35 open bar 11 p.m.-1 a.m. (mid-shelf liquor & all NA drinks).
Bars & Parties
Mixtape Sapphics hosts holiday party on Dec. 13
‘Sugar & Spice’ night planned for Saturday
Mixtape Sapphics will host “Sapphic Sugar & Spice: A Naughty-Nice Mixtape Holiday Party” on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. at Amsterdam Lounge.
This is a festive, grown holiday party for queer women and sapphics 35 and older at Revolt’s Christmas pop-up. There will be music, joy, and an optional White Elephant.
This is Mixtape Sapphics’ first-ever holiday party — a cozy, flirty, intentionally grounded night created just for queer women and sapphics 35+ who want real connection, festive joy, and a warm place to land at the end of the year.
Tickets start at $13.26 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Bars & Parties
Impulse Group DC to host fundraiser
Giving Tuesday and Happy Hour held at Thurst Lounge
Impulse Group DC, a local advocacy organization, will host “Giving Tuesday and Happy Hour” on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. at Thurst Lounge.
This event is a special happy hour fundraiser filled with good vibes, great food, and community connection. DJ Obie will be on deck keeping the energy high while you enjoy tacos, cocktails, and the kind of atmosphere only Thurst can deliver.
A portion of every signature cocktail sold goes directly toward supporting Impulse Group D.C.’s work in sexual health, mental health, harm reduction, and social justice for the D.C. community.
Admission is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
