Arts & Entertainment
Capital Pride events
Friday, June 4, to Thursday, June 10
D.C. Cowboys Dance Company (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)
Friday, June 4
Taste of Pride at Annie’s Paramount Steakhouse, 1609 17th St., N.W., from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. A portion of the proceeds from 5-8 go to benefit Capital Pride.
Mr. & Miss Capital Pride at Town Dance Boutique, 2009 8th St., N.W. from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. $10 cover.
B.O.I. & The Ladies of LURe present Fuse – Capital Pride’s Official Women’s Kick-Off Party at Apex, 1415 22nd St., from 9 p.m. – 3 a.m. $12 cover. 18+ to enter.
Men’s Party at Mova, 1435 P St., N.W., from 9 p.m. with music by DJ Keith Hoffman. $10 suggested donation to Pride (includes free drink).
DC Leather Pride – Dungeon 101 at The Crucible, 1812 Half St., S.W., from 8 p.m. – 9 p.m., hosted by the Black Rose. 19+ to enter. Directly following will be an “Exploratorium” event from 9 p.m. – 11 p.m. Entry to the “Dungeon 101” hour is $10 if you’ve attended the previous Gateway (you will be given a card). Visit www.DCLeatherPride.com for more information.
Mr. & Ms. Capital Pride Leather Step-Down Party at Motley Bar of the EFN Lounge, 1318 9th St., N.W., from 9 p.m. – 11 p.m. Matt Bamford and Jackie Thompson step down.
Saturday, June 5
Taste of Pride at Comet Ping Pong, 5037 Connecticut Ave., N.W., from 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. A portion of the proceeds from 11 – 5 go to benefit Capital Pride.
Divas at GWU’s Lisner Auditorium, 730 21st St., N.W., at 8 p.m. produced by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington. Tickets go from $20-50, go to www.gmcw.org.
Pride Forum on Intimate Partner Violence focusing on LGBTQ Youth and Transgender Communities at DC Center, 1810 14th St., N.W., from 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. produced by the Rainbow Response Coalition and the DC Center.
DC Leather Pride 2010 Education Colloquy, a hands-on concurrent classes for beginners and experts to ensure safe, sane, and consensual encounters, at DC Center, 1810 14th St., N.W., from 10:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. produced by MTTA, Black Rose, and DC Leather Pride Committee. 18+ to enter. Visit www.DCLeatherPride.com for more information.
DC Leather Pride Code Party, a hands-on fetish and gear party with a strict dress code, guest appearances, and live entertainment, at Motley Bar of the EFN Lounge, 1318 9th St., N.W., from 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. 18+ to enter. Visit www.DCLeatherPride.com for more information.
CAB presents DC Leather Pride All Colors Night, a celebratory gathering of all Metro DC leather clubs, at DC Eagle, 639 New York Ave., N.W., from 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. Visit www.DCLeatherPride.com for more information.
Sunday, June 6
Pride in the Park at Six Flags America with special guest DC Cowboys! Tickets $26 at www.sixflags.com/america and use the promo code “CAPPRIDE” for discount.
Divas at GWU’s Lisner Auditorium, 730 21st St., N.W., at 3:00 PM present with ASL, produced by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington. Tickets $20-50, go to www.gmcw.org.
Kick-Off with Freddie’s at Freddie’s Beach Bar, 555 23rd St. St., Crystal City, at 9 p.m.
Taste of Pride – Nellie’s “Tea Dance” and/or BBQ (Post Six Flags) at Nellie’s Sports Bar, 900 U St., N.W., from 5pm – 9pm.
I Do! GLBT Wedding Expo at Hotel Palomar, 2121 P St., N.W., from 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. $10 at www.sayidoexpo.com.
Stonewall Regatta XVII at Potomac River at Thompson’s Boat Center in Georgetown from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Only rowers pay to participate. Visit www.dcstrokes.org for more information.
Taste of Pride at Comet Ping Pong, 5037 Connecticut Ave., N.W., from 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. A portion of the proceeds from 11 – 5 go to benefit Capital Pride.
Taste of Pride at Bucks Fishing & Camping, 5031 Connecticut Ave., N.W. from 5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. A portion of the proceeds from 5 – 9:30 to benefit Capital Pride.
DC Leather Pride 2010 Committee presents DC Leather Pride Street Festival and Fair at DC Eagle Parking Lot, 639 New York Ave., N.W., from 1 p.m. – 8 p.m. Visit www.DCLeatherPride.com for more information.
Defenders LLC presents Dignity Catholic Mass at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, 1820 Connecticut Ave., N.W. at 6 p.m.
Monday, June 7
Town Hall – Aging Proudly at DC Center, 1810 14th St., N.W. at 7:00 p.m. Growing older has its own challenges, especially for the LGBT community. Bills? Wills? Night chills? All of that, and more, will be discussed in this town hall meeting on the issues we face as we grow older. \Featuring panelists Joseph Kapp from SAGE DC, Imani Woody from AARP, Courtney Williams from the DC Office on Aging, and Dr. Ray Martins from the Whitman-Walker Clinic. Moderated by Washington Blade editor Kevin Naff.
Rouge at Omega, 2122 P St., N.W. (REAR). Show at 10:30 p.m. $5 cover.
Taste of Pride at Floriana, 1602 17th St., N.W., from 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. A portion of the proceeds between 5 – 7:30 p.m. go to benefit Capital Pride.
Seth Rudetsky’s Deconstructing Broadway [DC Premiere] at Jewish Community Center, 16th St. and Q St., N.W. at 8:00 p.m. $15; $12 for Members/Seniors/ Under 25; purchase tickets at www.washingtondcjcc.org/gloe.
Tuesday, June 8
Capital Trans Pride Happy Hour at Mova, 1435 P St., N.W., from 6 – 8 p.m. Suggested donation to Capital Trans Pride.
Capital Pride Interfaith Service at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 I St., S.W., at 7:30 p.m.
Capital Pride Underwear Fashion Show and Auction at JR.’s, 1519 17th St., N.W., at 10 p.m. Brought to you by JR’s and Universal Gear.
Twilight Tuesday at Donovan House, 1155 14th St., N.W., from 8 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Taste of Pride at Floriana, 1602 17th St., N.W., from 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. A portion of the proceeds between 5 – 7:30 p.m. go to benefit Capital Pride.
Queers in the Arts: A Panel Discussion Across Artistic Disciplines at The Fridge, Rear Alley, 516 8th St., S.E., from 7 – 9 p.m. Produced by Alt.DC.Pride
Wednesday, June 9
35th Anniversary Party at Donovan House, 1155 14th St., N.W., from 6:30 p.m. – 12 a.m. $10-20 Suggested Donation. Brought to you by Donovan House, Zentan Restaurant, Amtrak and Booz | Allen | Hamilton
Women’s Jello Wrestling at Phase I, 525 8th St., S.E., from 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. $10 Cover, 21+
Taste of Pride at Cabana’s Restaurant, 3050 K St., N.W., from 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. A portion of the proceeds from 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. go to benefit Capital Pride.
Capital Pride Champions of Equality Reception at 6:30 p.m. RSVP online at http://www.steindemocrats.org/events/2010capitalpride. $25 requested donation to The Gertrude Stein Club. Produced by the Gertrude Stein Democratic Club.
Thursday, June 10
Women’s Spoken Word at HRC Equality Forum, 1640 Rhode Island Ave., N.W., from 7 -9 p.m. Visit the calendar of activities at http://www.capitalpride.org/ to send in a submission.
Viva Equality Featuring Pop Icon Fangoria! at Town Dance Boutique, 2009 8th St., N.W., at 9:00 p.m. Produced by HRC. $10 at the door.
Taste of Pride – Burgers at Nellie’s at Nellie’s Sports Bar, 900 U St., N.W., from 5 – 9 p.m.
Homo Hotel Happy Hour from 6 – 9 p.m. Location to be determined.
Women’s Happy Hour at Black Squirrel, 2427 18th St., N.W., from 7:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Taste of Pride at Level One, 1639 R St., N.W., from 5 – 11 p.m. A portion of the proceeds from 5 – 11 p.m. go to benefit Capital Pride.
Panel Discussion with Obama’s LGBT Appointees at the National Press Club, 14th and F St., N.W., from 6:30 – 8 p.m. Hosted by the DC Chapter of the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association; sponsored by the Washington Blade.
June Networking Thursday at I. Gorman Jewelers Showroom, 1133 20th St., N.W., at 6:30 p.m. Produced by CAGLCC.
Latin@s En Accion Open House at DC Center, 1810 14th St., N.W., from 4 – 9 p.m.
Northern Virginia LGBT Pride Interfaith Service at MCC of Northern VA, 10383 Democracy Lane, Fairfax, VA, at 7:00 p.m.
Basics of Buddhism at SGI-USA Culture Center, 3417 Massachusetts Ave., N.W., 7 – 8:30 p.m. Produced by Rainbow Buddhas
Queers in the Media: A Panel Discussion at DC Center, 1810 14th St., N.W., from 7 – 9 p.m. Produced by Alt.DC.Pride
Out at Arena – R. Buckminster Fuller: THE HISTORY (and Mystery) OF THE UNIVERSE! at Arena Stage in Crystal City, 1800 S Bell St. Show Starts at 8 p.m. $31 Front Orchestra Seats! 50% off tickets! Visit http://www.arenastage.org to buy tickets. Use discount code BUCKYBALLS! After Party immediately following at Freddie’s Beach Bar, 555 S. 23rd St.
Meet Sahara Davenport at Macy’s Metro Center, Men’s Department on 2nd Floor, 1201 G St., N.W. from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Friday, March 27
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+ Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at Dupont Italian Kitchen. 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 p.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.
Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This event is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity/expression to join together in community and learn from one another. For more details, email [email protected].
Saturday, March 28
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.
Black Lesbian Support Group will be at 1 p.m. on Zoom. This is a peer-led support group devoted to the joys and challenges of being a Black Lesbian. For more details, email [email protected].
Monday, March 30
“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]).
“Tea Time! A Local DC Drag Comedy Show” will be at 3 p.m. at Spark Social. This is a live drag comedy show where drag legends TrevHER & Tiara Missou Sidora host spill all the tea in the DMV. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Tuesday, March 31
Visibili-TEA Party will be at 6 p.m. at Restoration Station. Guests are encouraged to come sip, celebrate, and shine together. This event is a Trans Day of Visibility celebration and a special collaboration between Auntie’s Home and Damien Ministries. This is a boozy tea party with intention and the dress code reflects the vibe. More details are available on Eventbrite.
Wednesday, March 1
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.
Thursday, April 2
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 p.m. 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, breathwork 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.
Unconventional Diner will host “Cherry Blossom Drag Bingo Party” on Friday, April 3, at 6:30 p.m.
Guests will be treated to an unforgettable night of drag performances, bingo, food and drink and prizes. Highlights of the evening include themed cocktails, drag performances and bingo prizes.
Tickets can be secured via Resy.
Sports
New IOC policy bans trans women from Olympics
New regulation to be in effect at 2028 summer games in Los Angeles
The International Olympic Committee on Thursday announced it will not allow transgender women from competing in female events at the Olympics.
“For all disciplines on the Sports Program of an IOC event, including individual and team sports, eligibility for any Female Category is limited to biological females,” reads the new policy.
The policy states “eligibility for the Female Category is to be determined in the first instance by SRY Gene screening to detect the absence or presence of the SRY Gene.”
“On the basis of the scientific evidence, the IOC considers that the SRY (sex-determining Region Y) Gene is fixed throughout life and represents highly accurate evidence that an athlete has experienced or will experience male sex development,” it reads. “Furthermore, the IOC considers that SRY Gene screening via saliva, cheek swab or blood sample is unintrusive compared to other possible methods. Athletes who screen negative for the SRY gene permanently satisfy this policy’s eligibility criteria for competition in the Female Category.”
The policy states the test “will be a once-in-a-lifetime test” unless “there is reason to believe a negative reading is in error.”
The new regulation will be in place for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
“I understand that this a very sensitive topic,” said IOC President Kirsty Coventry on Thursday in a video. “As a former athlete, I passionately believe in the rights of all Olympians to take part in fair competition.”
“The policy that we have announced is based on science and it has been led by medical experts with the best interests of athletes at its heart. The scientific evidence is very clear: male chromosomes give performance advances in sport that rely on strength, power, or endurance,” she added. “At the Olympic Games, even the smallest margins can be the difference between victory and defeat. So, it is absolutely clear that it would not be fair for biological males to compete in the female category. In addition, in some sports it would simply not be safe.”
(Video courtesy of the IOC)
Laurel Hubbard, a weightlifter from New Zealand, in 2021 became the first trans woman to compete at the Olympics.
Imane Khelif, an Algerian boxer, won a gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Khelif later sued JK Rowling and Elon Musk for cyberstalking after they questioned her gender identity.
Ellis Lundholm, a mogul skier from Sweden, this year became the first openly trans athlete to compete in any Winter Olympics when he participated in Milan Cortina Winter Olympics in Italy.
President Donald Trump in February 2025 issued an executive order that bans trans women and girls from female sports teams in the U.S.
The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee last July banned trans women from competing in female sporting events. Republican lawmakers have demanded the IOC ban trans athletes from women’s athletic competitions.
“I’m grateful the Olympics finally embraced the common sense policy that women’s sports are for women, not for men,” said U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) on X.
An IOC spokesperson on Thursday referred the Washington Blade to the press release that announced the new policy.
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