Photos
PHOTOS: High Heel Race
‘Facts of Life’ cast, the Queen of Hearts, Lady Gaga, et. al. among this year’s costume inspirations
A large crowd of people lined Frank Kameny Way to watch the 24th annual High Heel Race on Tuesday. Participants donned elaborate costumes and stopped along the route before the race to pose for pictures for the hundreds of spectators. Brian Segal won the race wearing a black polka dot dress.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
[Photo Editor’s note: Photo galleries from before 2015 are in the process of being added to the current site. If you are a researcher or interested party who would like for this particular gallery to be moved ahead in the queue to be added, email Michael Key at [email protected] with your request.]
Drag artists perform for crowds in towns across Virginia. The photographer follows Gerryatrick, Shenandoah, Climaxx, Emerald Envy among others over eight months as they perform at venues in the Virginia towns of Staunton, Harrisonburg and Fredericksburg.
(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)



















The LGBTQ youth services organization SMYAL held its annual fundraiser, ‘SMYAL for the New Year,’ at Shakiki (2012 9th Street, N.W.) on Thursday, Jan. 22.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)













The 2026 Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather competition was held at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill on Sunday. Seven contestants vied for the title and Gage Ryder was named the winner.
(Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

















































