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Best of Gay D.C. XIII: Community

Winners from the Blade’s readers poll

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community, gay news, Washington Blade

To see the winners of the Washington Blade’s Best of Gay D.C. readers poll in other categories, click here.

Best House of Worship

Foundry United Methodist Church

Lou Ann Sandstrom, Kathleen Kutschenreuter, Foundry United Methodist Church, wedding, same-sex marriage, gay marriage, marriage equality, gay news, Washington Blade

Lou Ann Sandstrom, left, and Kathleen Kutschenreuter at their wedding recessional at Foundry United Methodist Church on Sept. 28, 2013. (Photo by Paul Morse Photography; courtesy the couple)

1500 16th St., N.W.

202-332-4010

foundryumc.org

Runner-up: Metropolitan Community Church of Washington

Best Home Furnishings

Miss Pixies Furnishings & Whatnot

community, gay news, Washington Blade

Miss Pixie’s (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

1626 14th St., N.W.

202-232-8171

misspixies.com

Runner-up: Room & Board

Best Hotel

W Hotel

Community, gay news, Washington Blade

W Hotel (Photo courtesy of the W Hotel Washington, D.C.)

515 15th St., N.W.

202-661-2400

wwashingtondc.com

Runner-up: Hotel Palomar

Best Art Gallery

Winner: Phillips Collection

community, gay news, Washington Blade

The Phillips Collection (Photo by Max Hirshfeld; courtesy Phillips Collection)

1600 21st St., N.W.

phillipscollection.org

202-387-2151

Runner-up: Corcoran

Best Non-Profit

Whitman-Walker Health

Don Blanchon, Whitman-Walker Health, gay news, Washington Blade

Whitman-Walker Health CEO Don Blanchon (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

1701 14th St. N.W.

2301 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. S.E.

202-745-7000

whitman-walker.org

Runner-up: SMYAL

Best Salon/Spa

Bang Salon

community, gay news, Washington Blade

Bang Salon (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

1612 U St., N.W.

202-299-0925

bangsalon.com

Runner-up: Logan 14 Aveda

Best Fitness or Workout Spot

Vida Fitness

community, gay news, Washington Blade

Vida Fitness (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Locations vary

vidafitness.com

Runner-up: CrossFit DC

Best Theater

Kennedy Center

Kennedy Center, culture, gay news, Washington Blade

The Kennedy Center (Photo by Steve via Wikimedia Commons)

2700 F St. N.W.

800-444-1324

kennedy-center.org

Runner-up: Studio Theatre

Best Theater Production

“Avenue Q” (Olney Theatre )

Runner-up: “The Lion King” – Kennedy Center

Avenue Q, gay news, Washington Blade

Jason Loewith, right, with Bobby Smith in rehearsal for ‘Avenue Q.’ (Photo by Sonie Mathew; courtesy Olney Theatre Center)

Often described as Sesame Street meets “Rent,” “Avenue Q” is an angsty, coming-of-age comedy set on a city block inhabited by slutty, shy, straight, gay, and monstrous Muppet-like puppets, and the grown up child actor Gary Coleman imagined as building super. Olney’s terrific take on the delightfully raunchy Tony Award-winning musical was helmed by out artistic director Jason Loewith and featured a top notch cast including Sam Ludwig, Rachel Zampelli, and Stephen Gregory Smith. (PF)

Olney Theatre Center

2001 Olney Sandy Spring Rd.

Olney, Md. 20832

olneytheatre.org

Best LGBT Sports Team

Washington Generals D.C. Gay Flag Football League

Runner-up: D.C. Front Runners

community, gay news, Washington Blade

Washington Generals (Photo courtesy Washington Generals)

Washington Generals, part of the D.C. Gay Flag Football League, made it to the Gay Bowl last year. They lost the championship but the team was welcomed back to this year’s Gay Bowl. The team includes both straight and gay members. (MC)

Dcgffl.org

Best LGBT-owned Business

EatWell Restaurants

Runner-up: City Dogs Daycare

Josh Hahn, David Winer, EatWellDC, gay news, Washington Blade

Josh Hahn and David Winer of EatWell (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

EatWell is a restaurant management company committed to providing quality food and exciting environments. The company owns and operates a private farm in La Plata, Md., that provides produce for the company’s five restaurants: Commissary, Grillfish, The Heights, Logan Tavern and The Pig. (SMH)

Eat Well Restaurants

202-332-3710

eatwelldc.com

Best Comedy Club

D.C. Improv

1140 Connecticut Ave., N.W.

202-296-7008

dcimprov.com

Runner-up: Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse

Best Rehoboth Business

Purple Parrot

Runner-up: Blue Moon

community, gay news, Washington Blade

Purple Parrot (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

It’s not easy to sustain bar and restaurant success over more than 15 years, but Purple Parrot owners Hugh Fuller and Troy Roberts have managed to do just that by continually reinventing the space and improving on an already good thing. Last year brought a smart renovation of the front bar. The newer Biergarten in back has grown more popular over the past couple years, with standing-room-only crowds in summer. In addition to the food and drinks, there’s entertainment, including drag shows, karaoke and performances during Jazz Fest Weekend and other special events. Jamie Romano and the rest of the staff work hard to keep customers happy and coming back year-round. (KN)

Purple Parrot

134 Rehoboth Ave.

302-226-1139

ppgrill.com

Best LGBT Social Group

Stonewall Sports

Runner-up: NOVA Pride

community, Stonewall Kickball, sports, JR's, Cobalt, gay news, Washington Blade, Stead Park

Stonewall Kickball All-Stars Game (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Stonewall Sports, an LGBT and ally sports organization, does more than just play. In addition to its leagues, which include bocce and kickball, Stonewall Sports also gives to charities like the DC Center and SMYAL. (MC)

Stonewallsports.leagueapps.com

Best Pet Business

City Dogs Daycare

Runner-up: City Paws Animal Hospital

community, gay news, Washington Blade

City Dogs Daycare (Photo courtesy of City Dogs Daycare)

Located between Dupont Circle and Adams Morgan, City Dogs Daycare provides daycare, boarding, training, and grooming for all dogs over 10 lbs. Staff keep the dogs in their care constantly engaged. Grooming services are new for City Dogs and began earlier this month. (SMH)

City Dogs Daycare

1832 18th Street, N.W.

202-234-WAGS

city-dogs.com

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Calendar

Calendar: April 17-23

LGBTQ events in the days to come

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Friday, April 17

Center Aging Monthly Luncheon With Yoga will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. Email Mac at [email protected] if you require ASL interpreter assistance, have any dietary restrictions, or questions about this event.

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena. This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite

Trans and Genderqueer Game Night will be at 7:00p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This is a relaxing, laid-back evening of games and fun. All are welcome and there’ll be card and board games on hand. Feel free to bring your own games to share. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website

Saturday, April 18

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation.  Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

The DC Center for the LGBT Community will host “Sunday Supper on Saturday” at 2 p.m. It’s more than just an event; it’s an opportunity to step away from the busyness of life and invest in something meaningful, and enjoy delicious food, genuine laughter, and conversations that spark connection and inspiration. For more details, visit the Center’s website.

Sunday, April 19

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Lunch” at 11 a.m. at Federico Ristorante Italiano. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation.  Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Monday, April 20

“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).

Tuesday, April 21

Center Bi+ Roundtable will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is an opportunity for people to gather in order to discuss issues related to bisexuality or as Bi individuals in a private setting.Visit Facebook or Meetup for more information.

Senior Self Defense Class with Avi Rome will be at 12:30 p.m. This inclusive and beginner-friendly class, led by Instructor Avi Rome, offers a light warm-up, stretching, and instruction in basic techniques, patterns, and striking padded targets. Each session is designed to be adaptable for all ability and mobility levels, creating a welcoming space for everyone to build strength, confidence, and community through martial arts. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website

Wednesday, April 22

Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.

Asexual and Aromantic Group will meet at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a space where people who are questioning this aspect of their identity or those who identify as asexual and/or aromantic can come together, share stories and experiences, and discuss various topics. For more details, email [email protected]

Thursday, April 23

The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5:00 pm if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245. 

Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breath work and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.  

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Out & About

Team DC’s annual gala set for this weekend

LGBTQ sports organization to hold annual ‘Night of Champions’

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(Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Team DC will host “Night of Champions Gala” on Saturday, April 18 at 6 p.m. at the Georgetown Marriott.

This will be an evening of celebration and inspiration as Team DC honors remarkable individuals and supports the next generation of LGBTQ student-athletes.

There will be opportunities to support Team DC through auctions. The Silent Auction items will offer an array of unique goods and experiences. Additionally, Team DC will feature an exclusive selection of live auction items for those looking to make a significant impact.

This year, Team DC will recognize six outstanding awardees who have made significant contributions to the LGBTQ community and sports:

  • Trailblazer Award – Adam Peck, District Wrestling
  • Most Valuable Person Award – Sean Bartel (posthumously)
  • Champion Award – Dan Martin
  • Clark Ray Horizon Award – Manuel Montelongo, aka Mari Con Carne
  • Bernard Jude Delia Award – Dr. Sara Varghai
  • Platinum All Star Award – Centaur Motorcycle Club

To purchase tickets, visit Team DC’s website

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Television

‘The Pitt’ stars discuss what season two gets right about queer representation

Noah Wyle and Taylor Dearden spoke with Blade in LA

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From left: Executive Producer R. Scott Gimmell, Noah Wyle, and Katherine LaNasa at PaleyFest LA 2026 honoring "The Pitt," presented by the Paley Center for Media, at the DOLBY THEATRE on April 12, 2026, in Hollywood, Calif. (Photo by Brian To)

As season two of “The Pitt” comes to a close this Thursday, stars Noah Wyle and Taylor Dearden are looking back on what this season got right about queer representation.

“There is some intentionality behind it, but it’s not necessarily for the representation to be anything other than human or ubiquitous to anyone that would come into an emergency room,” Noah Wyle, who plays Dr. Robby, told the Los Angeles Blade at PaleyFest event in Los Angeles on April 12. “I know that we’ve done some storylines with some gay couples, and we did a storyline in season 1 where a woman comes in who’s cut her arm, who’s trans. But in both of those storylines, that wasn’t the point.”

Wyle continues, “In doing it that way, and not making a point of orientation being part of the problem that brings you to the emergency room, we have been told in feedback that that has been extremely revolutionary, almost, and extremely appreciated. But that’s true whether we do storylines with any kind of minority or a person with a disability. We try to have a cosmology of cast and representation on the show that’s indicative of what you find in Pittsburgh.”

Dearden, who plays Dr. Mel King, echoed Wyle’s sentiment: “I think constantly battling tropes is always important. It’s not a show about romance; it’s a show about real life and a shift in the ER. The more we represent everyday people going through everyday life, they just happen to be queer, they just happen to be trans, and making it not the plot, is putting everyone on equal playing [field]. You don’t have to have a big coming out scene.”

Queer representation on “The Pitt” is also notable through the actual actors themselves, including openly queer actor Supriya Ganesh, who plays Dr. Samira Mohan (who didn’t attend PaleyFest after the news that she is not returning for season three), and Amielynn Abellera, who plays Perlah Alawi.

“Doctors don’t put value judgments on who they treat,” Wyle concludes. “That’s not a luxury extended to them, and so that’s not part of our storytelling.”

The season two finale will air Thursday, April 16, on HBO Max, while season three has already been confirmed and is currently being written.

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