Arts & Entertainment
Queery: David Perez
The GLBT Latino History Project president answers 20 gay questions
David Perez (Blade photo by Michael Key)
Though David Perez is a few generations removed from the group that came to the U.S. — his great-grandparents on his father’s side immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico — he identifies strongly with his Latino roots and spends his career and volunteer hours working on community advocacy.
By day, he’s director of development at the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and last May he became president of the D.C.-based Latino GLBT History Project, which is planning an expanded edition of Latino Pride this year. Festivities kick off Sunday and run over four (non-consecutive) days. More details are on page 29 or at latinoglbthistory.org.
Perez, 28, says it’s important for Latino gays to have their own forum in which to gather.
“A lot of the issues are the same, but there are additional issues as well,” he says. “Some things like access to health care, immigration reform, there are some things that affect out community more so while we like to talk about the broad LGBT agenda too, there are Latino-specific issues that are different.”
Perez says last year’s event felt a bit hectic with serious discussion-type events and a dance party all crammed into one day. This year, organizers have spread things out and added elements, such as a church service on June 3.
“We’re really excited about it,” he says. “We’ve gotten a lot of feedback of people who have an interest in seeing Latino Pride grow.”
Perez grew up in Vista., Calif., near San Diego and went to a conservative Christian college near Los Angeles. He came to Washington in 2005 for an internship and went to graduate school at Georgetown University, then stayed. He joined LULAC in 2007. He and boyfriend Gary James have been together 11 months.
Perez lives in Dupont Circle and enjoys volunteering, recreational sports, watching TV and spending time with friends in his free time. (Blade photo by Michael Key)
How long have you been out and who was the hardest person to tell?
I came out in August of 2006 to my friends during my second year of graduate school in D.C. That was fairly simple with a lot of progressive friends. The next time I saw my parents was December 25, 2006 and I told my Mom, Dad, sister and brother because they are very close to me and I wanted to share my life with them. They have been great to me and have treated me no differently than before. The hardest folks to tell were my friends from my conservative evangelical university. However, my close circle of friends there were really great and we are still friends.
Who’s your LGBT hero?
There are so many influential folks in my life. One fellow gay Latino I look up to is Russell Roybal at the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. He has been involved in LGBT advocacy for many years and I admire is commitment to intersectional community organization to ensure LGBT advocacy includes mobilizing communities around racial and social justice issues as well. I witnessed this first hand at Creating Change this year in Baltimore.
What’s Washington’s best nightspot, past or present?
Rumba Latina at Cobalt is my favorite monthly party. The promoter Johnny Vasquez is hosting a special Latino dance party to raise funds for Latino Pride at Cobalt this Sunday at 10 p.m. Please join us!
Describe your dream wedding.
For my dream wedding, my husband and I would be surrounded by all our friends and families. I am sure it would be a decent size as I would want to invite all my tías and tíos (aunts and uncles). Definitely at a beautiful Episcopal Church.
What non-LGBT issue are you most passionate about?
Latino civil rights in the US. I spend my day-job fundraising for community and advocacy programs for the League of United Latino American Citizens. This is my passion. Fixing our broken immigration reform is a must! It should be LGBT inclusive compressive immigration reform. It’s hard to say if it’s just an LGBT or Latino issue. We need to be building coalitions to work together and support each other’s work.
What historical outcome would you change?
The way history has been written. So many amazing LGBTQ Latinas and Latinos have been left out of the history books. For example, Sylvia Rivera, a Latina Transgender activist, was at the front lines of the Stonewall riots. Latino involvement in LGBT advocacy is not a new thing. We have always been there. The purpose of the Latino GLBT History Project is to collect and preserve those stories and educate the public about the significant contributions of LBGT Latinos to the movement and society in general.
What’s been the most memorable pop culture moment of your lifetime?
Ricky Martin coming out. Though a long time coming, this is a very powerful statement for such a national and international figure to come out, especially for Latinos.
On what do you insist?
Doing your best to love your neighbor as yourself. It’s not always easy, but I feel we should treat all human beings with love and respect even if we disagree.
What was your last Facebook post or Tweet?
DC Latino Pride… Four days of Celebration: May 20th Royal Coronation at Cobalt, May 30th Panel Discussion & Community Resource Fair Human Rights Campaign, June 3rd Ecumenical Service St. Thomas’ Parish & Thursday, June 7th Official Latino Pride Dance Party at Town Danceboutique. Join the fun! www.LatinoGLBTHistory.org
If your life were a book, what would the title be?
“The Little Engine That Could.” I have so many mentors who have inspired me to achieve goals that I never even knew existed, like getting a graduate degree! I try to pass on the love and inspire others to dream big as well.
If science discovered a way to change sexual orientation, what would you do?
Nada (nothing). I love being gay.
What do you believe in beyond the physical world?
I believe in God who loves us all. I worship with my faith community regularly at St. Thomas’ Episcopal Parish Dupont Circle.
What’s your advice for LGBT movement leaders?
Build coalitions and work together. Commit yourself to diversity and inclusiveness. It might take a lot of work, but will be stronger partnerships for the long-term goals of the movement.
What would you walk across hot coals for?
My man, Gary
What LGBT stereotype annoys you most?
Assuming we always have to be the ones at the office to plan the party. Though I do love to plan parties.
What’s your favorite LGBT movie?
“The Broken Hearts Club.” I love softball and it’s an overall great movie.
What’s the most overrated social custom?
On Facebook, adding everyone who requests to be your “friend” even if you don’t know them.
What trophy or prize do you most covet?
I was really touched when the LULAC Youth gave me a medal after helping them paint murals in Latino neighborhoods of Chicago and north of Columbia Heights. It was totally unexpected and a project totally out of my normal duties. It was touching to see how much they enjoyed it.
What do you wish you’d known at 18?
College is expensive. Save up early!
Why Washington?
I first came to Washington, D.C. for an internship with my congressman. I loved politics and the West Wing. I came back for graduate school at Georgetown University. Stayed here working ever since. It is where I came out and is my current home.
Fairfax City Pride was held at the Sherwood Center (3740 Blenheim Blvd., Fairfax, Va.) on Saturday, June 6.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
a&e features
D.C. prepares to party as Pride celebrations kick off Saturday
Bars, clubs have busy lineups; Pride on the Pier returns
Capital Pride’s date change isn’t slowing down the festivities. Back in December, the Capital Pride Alliance shifted the calendar for Pride celebrations in the nation’s capital from the second weekend of June to two weeks later to the weekend of June 20-21 to not conflict with President Trump’s birthday and 250th anniversary of America celebrations, with the aim that “our community can gather safely and without unnecessary barriers… We are protecting our space and preserving Pride as a powerful act of visibility, solidarity, and resistance.”
On the heels of WorldPride last year, the city shows no sign of slowing down. Instead, restaurants, bars, clubs, and neighborhoods are taking the opportunity to be even more visible. The Blade has put together a (non-comprehensive) list of parties, activations, and activities across town:
Pride on the Pier returns on Saturday, June 13 to the Wharf on the Southwest waterfront. The event, sponsored and hosted by the Washington Blade, is free and runs from 4-9 p.m. There will be vendors, DJs, and drag performances all day. VIP tickets are $25 and come with air conditioned party room, private bathrooms, and free cocktail. More details at prideonthepierdc.com.
Capital Pride Official Opening Party: RIOT! is the official opening dance party of Capital Pride, taking place Friday June 19, 9 PM-3AM. The 2026 edition headlining performer is Myki Meeks, a finalist of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season 18; Bob The Drag Queen will perform a special set. DMV-area DJs and performers include: Bambi, Baphomette, Bumper, Cake Pop!, Connor, DJ Ed Bailey, DJ Diyanna Monet, Evry Pleasure, Jakknife Complex, Mari Con Carne, Pussy Noir, WessTheDJ. Trade owner Ed Bailey is producing the event.
Kinetic Presents brings the heat across the entirety of Pride weekend as well. It again is partnering with Capital Pride Alliance to produce four events over four days this Pride, including the Official Main Event on Saturday (the Friday official event is at Echostage). Kinetic’s parties are splayed across various D.C. venues, with special performances, massive productions, shirtless dancers, play zones, dance-forward audio and visuals, and international DJ talent. Thursday, June 18 at 10 PM at District Eagle is Lust, with music by Dan Slater and TOMI. Friday, June 19 at 10 PM is UNCUT XXL Heavy Load, at A.i. Warehouse in Union Market District, with music by Alex Acosta, Felipe Lira & Mitch Ferrino; the party is a “high-octane night of muscular house and tribal rhythms.” Saturday, June 20 at 10 PM brings that official main event, Kinetic Toy Land, at Echostage, with music by GSP & Matt Suave. Alaska Thunderfuck headlines. Sunday evening June 21 at 10 PM closes with discoVERS at SAX. A portion of tickets supports the DC LGBTQ+ community through Capital Pride Alliance.
9:30 Club always comes in clutch for the LGBTQ community. Already in June, it produced Kitty Kat Ball on June 7, and Kiesza performed on June 8. On June 20 at 10 PM, the famed Mixtape party hits the stage, care of gay DJs Shea van Horn and Matt Bailer, who have spun together for coming up on two decades. Mixtape has been held at several venues across the city over those years, and now settled on 9:30 Club for Pride. On June 25 at 7 PM, Big Freedia – the bounce artist from New Orleans – hits the 9:30 Club scene for the eighth time, as part of the Big Freedom Tour.
Crush: New this year from the 14th Street bar is the Pride Pop-Up, sitting pretty in the parking lot at 1820 14th St., N.W., at the corner of Swann Street by the start of the Pride Parade route. Hours are Friday from 2-10 PM and Saturday from 12-10 PM. Friday evening features Grizzly Bear Happy Hour, a DJ will set up shop on Saturday, and for those needing another layer, there’s a Crush merch store. Co-owner Mark Rutstein “has always wanted to throw a party in that parking lot, so he did,” said co-owner Stephen Rutgers. Note that Crush (the bar) will have a cover on Friday and Saturday.
Kiki: Over at Kiki, there’s a full slate of Pride-themed programming all week. Tuesday, June 16 at 9 PM brings karaoke; Wednesday, June 17 at 7:30 PM is trivia; Thursday June 18 at 9PM is “Night of 1000 Tatianna’s Drag Show”, and Friday June 19 at 9 PM brings the Juneteenth Serve Drag Show. Saturday, June 20 at 10 PM, post-parade, is a Pride Dance Party with DJ Lemz. Sunday daytime at 5 PM is the Father Figures Daddy Issues Special Drag Show; and after the festival at 8 PM, DJ Tezrah hits the tapes.
Jane Jane: Right along the parade route, gay-owned Jane Jane has transformed its space into a “No Kings, Yas Queens” activation in a direct response to the America 250th commemorations happening downtown, from the colorful window installation, to merch (including a custom bandana and tank) to disco wig installations. Events include industry night on Mondays, donations to LGBTQ charities, and to-go cocktails during the Pride Parade.
Shaw’s Tavern: Gay-owned Shaw’s Tavern on Florida Avenue celebrates Pride week with a full lineup of themed events, entertainment, and specials, including Pride trivia on Monday, June 15 at 7:30 PM, bingo on Tuesday, June 16 at 8 PM, a cabaret on Thursday, June 18 at 9 PM, Juneteenth Drag Brunch on Friday, June 19 at 12:30 PM, and both a pre-parade brunch (10 AM-4 PM) and post-parade party (5-9 PM) on Saturday, June 20. Sunday, June 21 at 7 PM brings Mama’s Sunday Supper & Drag Pride Show in the evening for anyone who is still awake.
Trade: This classic has a weekend of events, starting on Thursday, with Tiburon Pride Edition, a Latin Dance party in the Shark Tank. On Friday, the bar opens early (at 2 PM), with all-day happy hour and the Jx&Evry Show. On Saturday, the bar opens at noon, offering a prime parade viewing spot from its windows. There will be the CLASH drag show hosted by Tatianna and Crimsyn, and Sweet Spot party that night. On Sunday, the bar opens for normal hours at 2 PM, with DJs Adam K, Alex Love, and WESSTHEDJ.
Pitchers: The multi-level bar in Adams Morgan is hosting a Pride-themed show on Thursday, June 18 at 10 PM, with drawstring bag giveaways – the only kind of bag that will be allowed into the bar during Pride weekend. The show features drag queen Kyle Sonique Love.
Barrel House Cafe and Bar: Also by the parade route on 14th Street, Barrel House Cafe takes advantage of its large patio to have a slate of events during Pride week, including Schism, a drag and burlesque show on June 18 at 10 PM, as well as an all-day Pride party coinciding on parade day.
Bunker: Bunker again plays host to a series of afters. Friday night (Saturday 3:30 AM) is Unhinged, and Saturday night (Sunday 3:30AM) is Unholy. The regular Saturday night party (10 PM) brings in Venetian and Tiara Missou. All parties have cover charges.
District Eagle: Beyond the Kinetic party on Friday, June 19 brings Gear Night at 10 PM; Saturday, June 20 at 10 PM is LOBO presents PRISM, and Sunday, June 21 is Sundaze wit Papi at 6 PM.
African Art Museum: On Thursday, June 18 at 5 PM, this Smithsonian museum is hosting a free event with artists and curators celebrating its exhibit, “Here: Pride and Belonging in African Art,” “based on years of close collaboration and dialogue with African visual art practitioners who claim belonging in the LGBTQ+ community, however they define those terms,” according to the museum.
KNEAD Hospitality & Design: The gay-owned KNEAD restaurant group (including spots like Gatsby, Mi Vida, Succotash The Grill) is featuring the GLITTERATI cocktail, made with Tito’s, St-Germain Elderflower, Butterfly Flower, ginger, and yes, glitter. A portion of proceeds from every Glitterati cocktail sold will benefit The Trevor Project. The cocktail will be sold throughout June.
The Fountain Inn is partnering with Rhodium spirits (Rhode Island’s first LGBTQ+ owned distillery) all month, making cocktails like gimlets and espresso martinis featuring Rhodium’s liquors. Proceeds benefit SMYAL, an organization dedicated to empowering LGBTQ+ youth.
Hard Rock Cafe: Hard Rock DC is taking part in the chain’s annual “LOVE OUT LOUD” campaign, with Pride merch, specials on June 20, and a donation to The Trevor Project.
The D.C. Front Runners held the 14th annual 5K Pride Run at Congressional Cemetery on Saturday, June 6.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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