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Calendar through April 18

A thought provoking play about Prop 8, film festivals, parties and more all week

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The Parade, gay news, Washington Blade

Gay-themed movie ‘The Parade,’ screens at Filmfest D.C. on Friday. The movie follows a gay rights organizer as he links up with a prejudiced former soldier that he hires for security (Photo courtesy of Global Film Initiative).

Friday, April 12

Equality UUCF presents a one-night only staged reading of “8,” a play about California’s Proposition 8, tonight at 8 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax (2709 Hunter Mill Rd., Oakton, Va.). Written by Academy Award-winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, who is responsible for “Milk” and “J. Edgar,” chronicles the landmark trial of Perry v. Schwarzenegger. The play pulls on actual court transcripts and first-hand interviews. Tickets are $10. Visit uucf.org for more information.

A trailer for the star-studded Hollywood reading of 8:

Special Agent Galactica returns with her happy hour show at the Black Fox Lounge (1723 Connecticut Ave., NW) with LaTiDo alum pianist Zack Ford, Heather Nadolny, Christopher Harris, Alan Gendreau and Elizabeth Hallacy this evening at 6 p.m. Music includes pieces by Pat Benatar, Judy Garland, Stevie Nicks, Nancy Sinatra and Ray Stevens. Admission is free. For more information, visit pinkhairedone.com.

Filmfest D.C. continues tonight with the screening of the “The Parade” at the Avalon Theatre (5612 Connecticut Ave., NW) at 9:15 p.m. The film follows a gay-rights march organizer and the prejudiced former soldier that he hires to provide security for one the events. The film recently won the Panorama Audience Award at the Berlin International Film Festival. Tickets for this individual screening is $12. Attendees of the festival can buy individual tickets at each location’s box office, or they can purchase the Director’s Package, which is 10 tickets for $95, or the Weekday Package, which is four tickets for $39. For show times, locations and more information about the films, visit filmfestdc.org.

A trailer for The Parade:

Sugarloaf Crafts Festival returns to the Montgomery County Fairgrounds (16 Chestnut St., Gathersburg) today at 10 a.m. The festival features artists from around the country with their most recent works. It also offers seasonal and gourmet foods, including candies, chocolates, soups, artisan breads, jams, dips, syrups and olive oils. The celebration lasts until Sunday evening. Admission is $8 online and $10 at the door, and is good for all three days of the festival. For more information, visit sugarloafcrafts.com.

POZ hosts its invasion meet and greet at the Green Lantern (1335 Green Court NW) tonight at 7 p.m. POZ is an event for men who are HIV positive and for those who without hang ups on dating someone with HIV. There will be drink specials all night. Visit greenlanterndc.com or visit the POZ’s Facebook event for more information.

Phase 1 (1415 22nd St., NW) hosts the opening party for Fuego, featuring DJ Flowers from “RuPaul Drag Race” tonight at 9 p.m. Cover is $15. For details, visit phase1dupont.com.

Saturday, April 13

Sampler #64 from MIXTAPEdc on 8tracks Radio.

The Junior League of Northern Virginia hosts its eighth annual Strides for Success 5K Race and 1K Family Fun Run/Walk today at 8:30 a.m. at the Fairfax Corner Shopping Center (11950 Grand Commons Ave., Fairfax, Va.). The proceeds will benefit the organization’s mission to fight obesity in kids and promote healthy eating habits. The run is $30 for adults and $20 for children under age 10. The walk is $15 per person. Visit jlnv.org for details.

Town (2009 8th St., NW) hosts the eclectic dance party “Mixtape” with DJs Shea Van Horn and Matt Bailer tonight at 10:30 p.m. Cover is $8 before 11 p.m. and $12 after. For details, visit towndc.com.

Burgundy Crescent volunteers this morning at Food and Friends (219 Riggs Rd., NE) at 8 a.m. Volunteers will help with food preparation and packing groceries. The shifts are limited to 10 per shift. For more information, visit burgundycrescent.org.

Sunday, April 14

Drag Salute to the Divas presents a drag performance of “The Color Purple Twisted,” a lip-synched play at the Howard Theatre (620 T Street, NW) at 8 p.m. Doors open at 6. The show is described as an “inspiring family saga that tells the unforgettable story of a women who, through love, finds the strength to triumph over adversity.” Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Visit thehowardtheatre.com for details.

The Arlington Philharmonic presents a free performance at the Washington-Lee Auditorium (1301 N. Stafford St.) this afternoon at 3 p.m. The performance will feature the “Overture to Iphigeneia” in Aulis by Wagner, Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No.2 in B-flat Major and the Brahms Symphony No.3 in F Major. For more information, visit arlingtonphilharmonic.org.

Lambda Sci-Fi meets today at 1:30 p.m. at 1425 S St., NW for its monthly social meeting. Attendees are asked to bring snacks or drinks. For more information, visit lambdascifi.org.

Monday, April 15

The D.C. Chapter of the National Lesbian Gay Journalists Association and the Human Rights Campaign host a post-argument discussion about the two gay marriage cases recently in front of the U.S. Supreme Court tonight at 8 p.m. at the Human Rights Campaign, Equality Forum (1640 Rhode Island Ave., NW). Veteran attorneys with years of Supreme Court experience Walter Dellinger and Paul M. Smith will offer their insights while Jonathan Capehart of The Washington Post and MSNBC will moderate.

The D.C. Center (1318 U St., NW) holds coffee drop-in for the senior LGBT community today from 10 a.m.-noon. The Center will provide complimentary coffee and a community to chat with. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.

Bears do Yoga takes place this evening 6:30 p.m. as part of a series at the Green Lantern (1335 Green Court, NW). This is part of a basic yoga series that takes place every Monday and is open to people of varying body types and experience. There is no charge. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.

Tuesday, April 16

Green Lantern (1335 Green Court, N.W.) hosts its Safer Sex Kit-packing program tonight from 7-10:30. The packing program is looking for more volunteers to help produce the kits because they say they are barely keeping up with demand. Admission is free and volunteers can just show up. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.                     

Wednesday, April 17

Bookmen D.C., a men’s gay-literature group, meets tonight at 7:30 p.m. to discuss “The Lost Library: Gay Fiction Rediscovered” at the American Foreign Service Association (2101 E St., NW). All are welcome. For more information, visit bookmendc.blogspot.com.

The Tom Davoren Social Bridge Club meets tonight for social bridge at 7:30 p.m. at the Dignity Center (721 8th St., SE). No partner is needed. Visit lambdabridge.com, for more information.

Whitman-Walker Health (1701 14th St., NW) holds its HIV+ Newly Diagnosed Support Group tonight at 7. It is a confidential support group for anyone recently diagnosed with HIV and the group welcomes all genders and sexual orientations. Registration is required and attendees must call 202-797-3580 or email [email protected]. For details, visit whitman-walker.org.

Thursday, April 18

Whitman-Walker Health presents the annual Partner for Life to U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin at its annual spring event “Be the Care” this evening at 6:30 p.m. at the National Museum of Women in the Arts (1250 New York Ave., NW). The event marks the organization’s 20th year and raises fund for the large range of health care services provided. Tickets are $150. For details, visit whitman-walker.org.

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Movies

Nick Kroll and Andrew Rannells want to adopt baby in ‘I Don’t Understand You’

Film premiered at SXSW in Austin

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(Courtesy photo)

Editor’s note: Jack Morningstar attended SXSW in Austin, Texas.

“I Don’t Understand You” focuses on a couple whose romantic Italian getaway devolves into bloody chaos while they prepare to adopt their first child. 

The film, while veering into hilariously gruesome hijinks, tells the story of a gay couple who is willing to kill for a chance at fatherhood. It sheds light on the hurdles that same-sex couples often go through in the adoption process: Financial burdens, time constraints, fraud, and in this case, a rural Italian family.

The film premiered last weekend at SXSW in Austin and stars Nick Kroll and Andrew Rannells along with Nunzia Schiano, Morgan Spector and Eleonora Romandini. It was written and directed by Brian Crano and David Craig, who are married. They sourced inspiration from their own adoption struggles and an Italian vacay gone wrong. 

“We were about to leave for Italy when we found out that we had matched with a birth mother and our son would be born in about six weeks,” said Crano. 

According to Craig, the trip was tense and it culminated in their car getting stuck in a ditch on their way to an anniversary dinner.

“We ended up at an old lady’s house after she rescued us in her Fiat. Her family cooked us a meal and we stayed up drinking with them until 3 a.m., not understanding a word they were saying,” he said.

Without spoiling anything, the couple in the movie go to absurd lengths to ensure that their adoption goes through. Craig explained that the theme of the movie was “what would you do for your kid.” 

“We were three years into our own journey at the time and realized we would literally do anything to make that dream a reality. It’s really a love letter to our son,” he said.

The film is hard to relegate to a single genre. 

“When conceiving the story, we saw it as different parts — romantic comedy, horror movie, murder play — but I think by bringing in Nick and Andrew that blend actually became much more of an organic mix where the comedy sustained throughout. They elevated it in a more elegant fashion,” said Craig. 

“I Don’t Understand You”was produced by Pinky Promise, a women-led production company with the mission to elevate diverse voices in their storytelling. Kara Durrett, Pinky Promise’s current president was a champion of this script from the beginning. Founder Jessamine Burgum recounts that when Durrett was onboarding, she said “If you don’t get [“I Don’t Understand You”] I don’t know if this is going to work.” 

It ultimately became one of the first projects Burgum and Durrett collaborated on. 

Kroll and Rannells’ chemistry carried the film. 

“There was a desire to work with each of them because they had both separately been in such amazing comedian teams — like Andrew with Josh Gad and Nick with John Mulaney. Nick and Andrew’s characters are in almost every scene of the movie together, so they needed to be adept to basically doing a shared performance. There was no one more well-positioned to do this as naturally as possible,” said Crano. 

Their characters are easy to root for, yet also deeply flawed. 

“A big thing we wanted to do with this movie, and with all of our work in telling stories, is avoid telling a cliched gay trauma film. We’ve never ascribed to the idea that there is a subcategory to film that is LGBTQ, rather — movies are for everyone. We want to make a movie where gay characters are flawed, not for being gay, but because of who they are. They can be villains, but they are our protagonists,” said Craig. 

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Out & About

Celebrate spring with these D.C.-area events

Galas, Cherry Weekend, Pride, and more on tap

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The annual Pride on the Pier with fireworks show is set for Saturday, June. 8 at the Wharf. (Photo courtesy of The Wharf DC)

Temperatures outside are starting to rise and the sun is shining again. Here’s a list of upcoming D.C. events that can make enjoying the good weather even that much more thrilling.

Cherry Weekend Washington begins on Thursday, April 4. The Cherry weekend is a spectacular and joyous event held over four days featuring 16 world renowned DJs, nine different events and four fun daytime parties.

3rd Friday Night Open Mic will take place on Thursday, March 15 at 9 p.m. at the Bus Boys and Poets location in Brookland. This event will be hosted by Mariah Barber (they/she), a queer storyteller, consultant, spoken word artist, and activist who has been creating social justice-oriented art for the last 15 years. Tickets start at $5 and can be purchased on Eventbrite

RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 15 winner Sasha Colby will bring her Sasha Colby: Stripped Tour to the Howard Theatre on Wednesday, March 27 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased on the Howard Theatre’s website

Decades DC returns with Throwback Thursdays on Thursday, March 14 at 10 p.m. This event will have an open air rooftop and the first drink is on the house. Entry is free until midnight and more details are available on Eventbrite

Skin and Wellness Center will host Equinox Celebration on Tuesday, March 19 at 7 p.m. at 929 W. Broad St. This event will involve movement, breath work, meditation and community connection to celebrate the spring equinox and embrace energies of rebirth, fertility, creativity, balance, and expansive growth for mind, body, and spirit. Tickets cost $28.52 and can be purchased on Eventbrite

Models Inc. will host The Front Row! Fashion Show on Saturday, March 30 at 7 p.m. at the Silver Spring Black Box Theatre. This is the ultimate destination for designers seeking to showcase their talent and brand. This exclusive event provides a platform to promote artistry and visions, featuring various artists, creatives, fashion enthusiasts, models, stylists, and visionaries. Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased on Eventbrite

Spring Bling Adult Prom will be on Friday, April 26 at 8 p.m. at Graces Event Center. Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite spring colors and show up for a night of dancing, food and fun.Tickets cost $92.55 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

TSR Productions will host Spring Salsa Bash on Saturday, March 23 at 8 p.m. at The Salsa Room Tysons. This event will feature Hermanos Galvan and Orquesta live in concert playing the best salsa, bachata, and merengue. There will also be top DJs playing the best in Latin trap, urbana, reggaetton. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased on Eventbrite

We Will Survive Cancer will host Spring Fling Cocktail & Dance Party on Saturday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m. at Whino. This event will be hosted by DJ Steve. Tickets cost $25 and all proceeds are donated to cancer patients. More details are on Eventbrite.

Chase Brexton Health Care hosts its 2024 Gala at the Baltimore Museum of Art, with the theme centered around the NEW Roaring ‘20s on Saturday, March 30. Details at chasebrexton.org

CAMP Rehoboth’s annual Women’s FEST is scheduled for April 25-28. Lea DeLaria will headline with Crys Matthews opening. Visit camprehoboth.org for details.

Trans Pride Washington, D.C. is scheduled for Saturday, May 18. The full day of conference activities will take place at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. Visit transpridewashingtondc.org for details.

The Blade’s 17th annual Summer Kickoff Party in Rehoboth Beach is scheduled for Friday, May 17; details to be announced soon.

D.C.’s 49th annual Pride celebration kicks off May 31-June 9, culminating with the parade and festival. Visit capitalpride.org for details. The annual Pride on the Pier with fireworks celebration is slated for Saturday, June 8, 2-9 p.m. at the Wharf. Visit prideonthepierdc.com for details.

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Travel

Gay hotel company brings luxury to Puerto Vallarta

Tryst Puerto Vallarta to open this spring

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Tryst Puerto Vallarta (Photo courtesy of Tristan Schukraft)

The Tryst Puerto Vallarta begins welcoming discerning gay guests this spring, just in time for the Mexican resort city’s Pride celebrations. 

The 55-room resort includes a penthouse suite featuring two terraces, three large suites with expansive living areas and terraces and several junior suites with unique features. A highly anticipated rooftop pool with a bar area and restaurant offering fine Mexican cuisine are just some of the highlights. 

“You can stay here and never leave the resort,” said Tristan Schukraft, the driving force behind Tryst Hotels, and self-described CEO of “everything gay.”

While he started out in his career working in the early days of electronic ticketing, Schukraft may be more known for his work with MISTR, a popular online source for PrEP. He also recently entered into an agreement to purchase the Abbey in West Hollywood, Calif.

With Tryst he promises “it’s a fun, exciting atmosphere.” 

“The idea is not just the guests are coming to the resort, but locals,” said Schukraft. “So, when you stay here it’s the way to mingle with the local gay community.”

To welcome and include both guests and locals, the resort will host drag brunches in the hotel restaurant. Weekend parties featuring DJs on the eighth floor pool and bar area also seeks to make this not just a place to stay, but one to celebrate with the community.

Schukraft hopes visitors will get to know guests or locals poolside, or in the restaurant, and make lifelong friendships. 

Or perhaps find a bit of romance: After all the hotel is set in the famed Zona Romántica.  

“Tryst Hotels are not merely luxury destinations; they are a celebration of gay culture, where every guest is embraced,” said Schukraft. “Our mission is to create spaces where luxury and identity flourish without compromise.”

Tryst Hotels CEO Tristan Schukraft. (Photo courtesy of Tristan Schukraft)

The D.C. Travel and Adventure Show took place last month in D.C., and LGBTQ-specific travel was among the topics the convention highlighted. The Washington Blade in its preview of the expo noted LGBTQ travelers may book a resort or vacation that promises “everyone is welcome,” but upon arrival feel uncomfortable by reactions of staff or other guests due to expressing their identity as queer people. 

Schukraft has experienced this. 

“I was at a hetero-friendly hotel Miami, but it was also marketed to gay men,” he explained. “So, you have two guys kissing at the pool and you have a straight couple looking over and wondering are they staying at a gay hotel. It’s sort of an awkward occurrence.” 

Everyone, therefore, is welcome at Tryst resorts, but it is not being marketed outside of the community. 

“My boyfriends and I have even experienced side-eye glances for our choice of swimwear,” Schukraft said. “You won’t find that at Tryst Hotels.”

Speaking of attire: Many luxury guesthouses, inns and hotels catering to gay men offer clothing-optional zones for guests. It’s an allure for some travelers. 

But, not at Tryst.

“Don’t get me wrong, clothing optional resorts are fun, but that’s not our concept. Our concept is a luxurious, inclusive resort,” Schukraft said with a touch of elan apropos for the “CEO of everything gay.” “Of course wear your thongs [and] Speedos.”

Tryst Puerto Vallarta and Tryst San Juan in Puerto Rico, which is slated to open in 2025, are being marketed as gay-owned, gay-focused resorts with luxurious offerings and amenities. Many resorts known to epitomize luxury may be seen as slightly conservative or “stuffy.” 

Luxury promises not to come only in the form of superior bedding, bathrobes, slippers and skincare products, but also in the stunning interiors. 

The Puerto Vallarta property engaged the same studio known for their acclaimed work at the Four Seasons Tamarindo. Designers from Estudio Esterlina bring a refined mix of minimalism, modernism and Mexican. 

“Why can’t you have fun and luxury in the same space? Here, you let your hair down by the pool, enjoy a pool party, a fine Mexican meal in our full-service restaurant, a drag brunch on weekends and socialize with new friends all while feeling safe,” Schukraft said. “Our goal is to show luxury doesn’t have to mean stuffy.”

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