Bars & Parties
‘Change their minds and change the world!’
Saturday’s AIDS Walk to feature Lynda Carter
Lynda Carter in her iconic role. (Photo courtesy of CBS)
Whitman-Walker Clinic has a little magic up its sleeve for this year’s AIDS Walk Washington this weekend. Lynda Carter — and does she really need an introduction? — is this year’s celebrity grand marshal.
“We felt that as a long-time D.C. resident and as someone who has had a substantial following in the LGBT community since the 1970s, Lynda Carter would be a great choice to lead this year’s Walk,” says Chip Lewis, Whitman-Walker’s director of communications. “And she has brought a tremendous amount of energy and excitement to this year’s event already.”
The Walk, in its 24th year, is Whitman-Walker’s biggest fundraiser of the year and typically accounts for about 5 percent of its total operating funds. Walkers and runners secure sponsors for their participation. Last year the Clinic set a $1 million goal and raised about $900,000 with 6,028 walkers, 1,108 runners, 484 teams and 450 volunteers. A thank-you ad that from Whitman-Walker that ran in the Blade the week after last year’s event mentioned the importance of the Walk.
Thanking participants, the Clinic’s director, Don Blanchon, and board chair, June Crenshaw, wrote, “You have brought more than just medical care to our patients. You have brought hope back to their lives.”
NBC Channel 4 anchor Craig Melvin will emcee. The Gay Men’s Chorus will perform the national anthem and gay singer Peter Fox will perform a new song, “Change the World,” that he’s selling to benefit the walk. The National Danish Performance Team and Kaution Dance Kru will perform after the walk. Registrations for runners will be taken until 1 p.m. online Friday. Walkers can register online until 8 p.m. Friday. After that, registrations will be taken at the Warner Building (12th and E, N.W.) beginning at 7 a.m. Saturday.
During an interview with the Blade, Carter talked about why she’s participating, her longtime popularity with gays and lesbians and, oh yeah, she also graciously indulged us with some behind-the-scenes details of a certain famous TV show she did back in the ’70s.
“I’m just a big believer in civil rights and you know, civil rights are civil rights and it’s really as simple as that,” the actress/singer says during a phone chat from the office of her Potomac, Md., home. “We are all what we are. I can’t ever make myself a small person. Unless I cut off my feet, I will never be under 5 feet. I have blue eyes. I will never have dark brown eyes. I am what I am and that’s that. I just think, ‘Get over yourselves.’ Not the gay and lesbian community, but the supposedly straight community — who are as kinky as all get out — I’m just astounded that [someone’s sexual orientation] matters to anybody. It’s such a non-issue in my own heart and mind … That’s part of who you are and it’s such a small part of your life. You’ve got family and friends, a job, dreams. You also happen to be gay. So what?”
Carter, who’s lent her name to everything from irritable bowel syndrome to breast cancer, says there are lots of reasons she agreed to participate this year — she considers the Washington area, where she’s lived for decades, home.
“Oh yeah, I’m definitely supporting my home territory,” she says. “One in 20 people in D.C. have HIV. That’s shocking. But it’s not exclusive to my feelings to D.C. If I can bring even one person to this event who would not have come to the table otherwise, then at least I’ve contributed something. But hopefully I’ll bring a lot more.”
She also says she’s been touched by the gay adulation and devotion she’s enjoyed for many years.
“The AIDS Walk, well, sadly, it has been so tied to the gay and lesbian community,” Carter says. “They’ve been so vilified and this vilification that’s been heaped upon them in connection with HIV has really led to the belief among many heterosexuals and many young people that it doesn’t apply to them. They think, ‘Oh, I don’t lead a dangerous life.’ But that’s really a great disservice. There are great strides being made in treating HIV, but there’s also a false sense that maybe it really isn’t a big deal anymore or even a certain degree of complacency.”
Carter says supporting AIDS and gay causes resonates with her because of her strong belief in equal rights for everyone.
“I’m very outspoken and justice issues just get to me,” she says. “I’m for equal rights and AIDS and HIV is an equal opportunity disease. However people with AIDS are discriminated against even though AIDS itself doesn’t discriminate. It’ll get anybody.”
Looking back on ‘Wonder Woman’
Though it’s been more than 30 years since “Wonder Woman’s” original run, Carter embraces the show and its legion of gay fans. It’s so popular with gays, there was even a 2008 book (“The Q Guide to Wonder Woman”) by gay author Mike Pingel that explored the show’s queer appeal and sensitivities. Carter, still stunning at 59, talked at length with the Blade about the show, its legacy and how she remembers it now.
Lynda Carter (Photo by Karl Simone)
WASHINGTON BLADE: You did a few voiceovers and appeared in some of the “making of” featurettes when the show came out on DVD a few years ago. Did you watch it again?
LYNDA CARTER: No, I didn’t really. I tried to show my kids once in awhile and my niece and nephew, but I didn’t sit down and watch it myself, not that at all. I really love her and I really think she’s great and I particularly love the idea of her. So there’s so many things I like about it but I’m busy living my life now, so I don’t think about it a lot. It’s a little like something really outstanding in your life that everybody talks about and that is wonderful and you loved doing it, whether it was graduating at the top of your class or getting a big grant or winning the race or whatever and people admire it so much about you, but within yourself, even though you acknowledge it, you’re busy doing other things so you only really think about it when somebody else brings it up.
BLADE: Did you keep many of the dolls and TV Guide covers and that kind of stuff?
CARTER: I have a few things here in the house. A phone and I’m looking right now in my den at a pillow the cameraman’s wife hand stitched. It really doesn’t look like her, but it’s such a cool thing and I’ve kept it all these years. I’m trying to preserve some things for my children. They might want to look at them or sell them, but it certainly is a big piece of my life and continues to be.
BLADE: But a lot of it is in storage?
CARTER: Yes. I have hired some wonderful people who work for me and one of their jobs was to try to consolidate all the “Wonder Woman” memorabilia and get it all in one place. Some of the really valuable stuff, I have someplace else.
BLADE: So did you feel after three seasons the concept had run its course or would you have liked the show to have run longer? Were you ready to move on to other things after three seasons?
CARTER: No, no, no. We all thought it would go on a lot longer. It came as a big surprise because we were doing fine in the ratings. I only found this out later, many years ago, but I heard a CBS producer say he was tired of being teased and that they were calling it the “super hero” network so he canceled everything that was of that genre. I think there might have been three or four. I think the “Hulk” was the only one they kept. I think it was really an arbitrary decision.
BLADE: Your hair got quite a bit longer over the run. Did you intentionally grow it out?
CARTER: Oh yeah, that was on purpose. Your hair takes quite a beating, actually, on a show, so we also started putting pieces on. This was before the age of extensions but we used to have a wonderful wig maker, Renata, and she made specific pieces for specific things. So it saved me some time in the makeup chair.
BLADE: When did you realize the show had so many gay fans? During its run or later?
CARTER: It was quite a while ago. My children were small. There was this wonderful young woman. She was talking to me. Very enthused. She started calling up her girlfriends saying, ‘She doesn’t even know.’ We had a great laugh about it. I really had no idea for a long time. And also that it’s big with both gay men and lesbians, which I understand is somewhat unusual and I think that’s very cool as well. They’re just the most loyal people. Just great. And I totally get why they feel that way about the character. It’s the secret self. The part of them that no one understands. There’s this powerful person just waiting to get out, to be accepted and acknowledged.
BLADE: Watching the shows again on DVD, it’s obvious you played it straight, unlike the old “Batman” show where it was obviously played as camp. Was that a conscious decision you made right at the beginning?
CARTER: Oh absolutely. I believed in her. It was that simple. If I was making fun of her, no one would believe it. She was just a regular girl. She didn’t think all that much of it. But I just loved the character and I treated her with dignity.
BLADE: What are your memories of working with Lyle Waggoner?
CARTER: Oh, he was great. Just a great guy. A wonderful person. Both he and his wife, Sharon. He was a pro. I having nothing but great things to say.
BLADE: Would he have stayed for a fourth season? It seems he was being phased out toward the end of the third season. As if maybe they were re-launching the show with another new setting.
CARTER: Yeah, I don’t really know what that was about. I wasn’t part of any of [those decisions]. That wasn’t anything I really knew about. You’re working so many long hours, there isn’t a lot of time to think about those things. I know it was tough and we were all in a state of shock [when it wasn’t renewed].
BLADE: Who was your favorite of the mothers? (Wonder Woman’s mother was played by Cloris Leachman, Carolyn Jones and Beatrice Straight at various times during the series’ run.) That was quite a group of actresses — two Academy Award winners.
CARTER: I think Cloris was my all-time favorite. And I also loved Red Buttons when he did the show.
BLADE: Was Cloris not available the second time they wrote her into the series?
CARTER: I think that was correct. She may have been doing Mary’s show or there was some reason she couldn’t do it.
BLADE: How about a trivia question?
CARTER: OK.
BLADE: Do you know who was the only actor who played a villain on both “Batman” and “Wonder Woman”?
CARTER: Hmmm. Not sure.
BLADE: Frank Gorshin. He was in your Christmas episode and also was the Riddler on “Batman.”
CARTER: Oh, interesting. I also did another film with him. Just a small little film that didn’t do anything. But he was a great guy.
BLADE: What do you think of Wonder Woman’s new look in the comics? Have you seen it?
CARTER: Yes, they showed it to me before it came out. You know, people don’t really like change but she was gonna get hip and put on a little jacket and leggings but not look like a Barbie doll. When we did our show, they had me jumping around in different outfits so it’s fine. She may stay in it or it may just be for the time being, but overall I take it with a very good attitude.
BLADE: Yes, and your costume changed significantly when it went from ABC to CBS.
CARTER: Right.
BLADE: It appears the years have been very kind to you. Just great genes or do you have a certain moisturizer you swear by or what?
CARTER: Thank you. It’s really smoke and mirrors. I’m always working on it and I try to keep my weight down and I’m kind of terrified of going under the knife. I’m not saying I never will but I just know so many amazing women who have all the money they could ever want and now they don’t even look like themselves. I don’t know why that is. Back in the early days there was this nose doctor in Hollywood and all of a sudden it seemed like everybody had the same nose. It was kind of scary.
BLADE: Are you planning more recording and singing?
CARTER: Yes. I’m already booked for the Jazz and Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center next year. And we have a new album in the can but we probably won’t release it till after the first of the year.
BLADE: Jazz standards, covers or what?
CARTER: Covers but they’re really trying to sing the music I’m attracted to with a different, unique approach. I have a great producer, Kyle Lehning, who brings a lot of imagination to it. It takes you awhile to realize you know the song. The feel might have changed, the tempo or it’s just got a different groove.
BLADE: Like you did with “Where Did Our Love Go,” that old Supremes song? It was a few lines before I realized I knew what you were singing.
CARTER: Right. Because otherwise what’s the point of even doing it?
Editor’s note: Carter’s album “At Last” is available here.
Bars & Parties
Top LGBTQ events this week
Pride month begins with Black Pride, Latinx Pride and more
Below are our picks for some of the most fun and creative things to do this week in the DMV that are of special interest to the LGBTQ community.
Pride By the River Super Sunday
Sunday, May 28
12-8 p.m.
Anacostia Roller Skating Pavilion
1500 Anacostia Drive, S.E.
Eventbrite
Viiv Healthcare, The Pride Center of Maryland, Gilead, DC Engage, and LIVE! Maryland Casinos +Hotels sponsor Pride by the River at Anacostia Roller Skating Pavilion today until 8 p.m.
La Loca: Memorial Day Edition
Sunday, May 28
7 p.m.-3 a.m.
Bunker
2001 14th Street, N.W.
Website
Enjoy Bunker’s LGBTQ Latinx night tonight.
Flashy Memorial Day Weekend
Sunday, May 28
10 p.m.
Flash
645 Florida Avenue, N.W.
$30
Facebook | Eventbrite
DJ Twin and Dean Sullivan bring the music for the Flashy Memorial Day Weekend edition tonight.
The PRIDE Sunday Night
Sunday, May 28
11 p.m.-4 a.m.
Space DC
1355 U Street, N.W.
Eventbrite
Have a night out at DC Black Pride’s main nightlife event at Space DC.
Pride in the Park
Monday, May 29
12-7 p.m.
Fort Dupont Park
Minnesota Avenue, S.E.
Free
Website
The annual cookout and festival at Fort Dupont Park will be held on Monday.
Reign Drag Variety Show
Monday, May 29
8:30 p.m.
Dupont Italian Kitchen Bar
1637 17th Street, N.W.
Second floor
Logan Stone hosts “Reign” at DIK Bar on Monday.
Roof Top Closeout Party
Monday, May 29
10 p.m.-2 a.m.
Public Bar Live
1214 18th Street, N.W.
Eventbrite
DC Black Pride ends with a party at Public Bar Live on Monday.
JR.’s Showtunes
Monday, May 29
9 p.m.-12 a.m.
JR.’s Bar
1519 17th Street, N.W.
Facebook
Belt out your favorite showtunes among friends at JR.’s on Monday.
Goldilocks Trivia
Tuesday, May 30
8 p.m.
JR.’s Bar
1519 17th Street, N.W.
Facebook
Hang out with friends with a game of trivia at JR.’s that isn’t too hard or too easy.
Daddy Issues
Wednesday, May 31
9 p.m.
Kiki
915 U Street, N.W.
No Cover
Instagram
Crystal Edge hosts a weekly drag show at Kiki on Wednesday.
DC Brau Pride Pils Launch Party
Thursday, June 1
6-8 p.m.
Red Bear Brewing Company
209 M Street, N.E.
Free
Eventbrite
The Washington Blade holds a party for the release of this year’s DC Brau Pride Pils at Red Bear Brewing on Thursday.
Inaugural Latinx Orgullo Reception
Thursday, June 1
7:30-9 p.m.
The REACH at the Kennedy Center
2700 F Street, N.W.
Free
Facebook | Tickets
The Latinx History Project presents the Latinx Orgullo Reception at the Kennedy Center on Thursday.
Latinx Pride Party
Thursday, June 1
10 p.m.
Bunker
2001 14th Street, N.W.
Facebook | Website
The Latinx History Project holds The DC Latinx Pride Party at Bunker on Thursday.
The Ground We Stand On: Past and Present DC LGBTQ Changemakers Exhibition
Friday, June 2
5-7 p.m.
Dupont Underground
19 Dupont Circle, N.W.
Free
Eventbrite
Dupont Underground and the Washington Blade cordially invite you to the opening of The Ground We Stand On: Past and Present DC LGBTQ Changemakers.
DC’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community stands as a testament to the unwavering spirit of countless individuals throughout the years. In recognition of their indomitable courage and resilience, an inspiring exhibition titled “The Ground We Stand On: Past and Present DC LGBTQ Changemakers” will showcase the remarkable journeys of both past and present changemakers who have left an indelible mark on the tapestry of Washington, DC.
Pride Painting with Goats
Friday, June 2
6-7 p.m.
Faith Lutheran Church
3313 Arlington Boulevard
Arlington, Va.
$45
Facebook | Eventbrite
Paint on a canvass alongside the herd from Walnut Creek Farm will attend to provide inspiration, pets, cuddles, snuggles, and love. A teacher will be present to guide you in your Pride painting.
Pride on the Porch Festival
Friday, June 2
6-9 p.m. / performances 7:30
Creative Suitland Arts Center
4719 Silver Hill Road
Suitland, Md.
Facebook | Eventbrite | Website
The Creative Suitland Arts Center presents Pride on the Porch in Suitland, Md. on Friday. The outdoor festival will feature live performances, a block party, a family and children’s activity area, vendors, resources, local businesses and more.
Kinky Bears
Friday, June 2
6-10 p.m.
UPROAR Lounge & Restaurant
639 Florida Avenue, N.W.
No cover
Facebook
Join the Kinky Bears at UPROAR for an evening with DJ Popperz and $18 bottomless Bud Light on tap.
LIYT Nights and Drag Duel
Friday, June 2
6:30 p.m.
Veterans Plaza
1 Veterans Place
Silver Spring, Md.
Free-$130
Facebook | Eventbrite
Enjoy a live entertainment event with comedy, music, dance and more.
Capital Pride Honors
Friday, June 2
7 p.m
Penn Social
801 E Street, N.W.
$25-$60
Facebook | Tickets
The Capital Pride Alliance holds its annual awards ceremony at Penn Social on Friday.
RuPaul’s Drag Race All-Stars Watch Party
Friday, June 2
8 p.m.
JR.’s Bar
1519 17th Street, N.W.
Facebook
Citrine hosts a RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 8 Viewing Party at JR.’s Bar on Friday.
RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 8 Viewing Party
Friday, June 2
8-11:59 p.m.
Red Bear Brewing Company
209 M Street, N.E.
Facebook
Desiree Dik hosts a RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 8 Viewing Party at Red Bear Brewing Company on Friday.
Capital Pride Womxn’s Kickoff Party
Friday, June 2
9 p.m.-3 a.m.
A League of Her Own
2317 18th Street, N.W.
21+ / Free
Facebook
Capital Pride has its official Pride Womxn’s Kickoff party at A League of Her Own on Friday.
LGBTQ+ Pride Kickoff Social
Friday, June 2
7 p.m.
The Commentary
801 North Glebe Road
Arlington, Va.
Eventbrite
Go Gay DC hosts a get-together at The Commentary in Arlington on Friday.
Drag Underground
Friday, June 2
8:30 p.m.
Dupont Underground
19 Dupont Circle, N.W.
$15-$20
Eventbrite
The popular Drag Underground show is held at Dupont Underground on Friday.
LGBTQ+ Pride Brunch
Saturday, June 3
10 a.m.
Freddie’s Beach Bar
555 23rd Street S
Arlington, Va.
Eventbrite
Go Gay DC holds a Pride Brunch at Freddie’s Beach Bar in Arlington, Va. on Saturday.
Wild N’ Wacky Drag Brunch
Saturday, June 3
11 a.m. and 1 p.m. seatings
Crazy Aunt Helen’s
713 7th Street, S.E.
$38
Eventbrite
Logan Stone leads a Wild N’ Wacky Drag Brunch at Crazy Aunt Helen’s on Saturday with two showings.
Journey to Josiah’s Drag Brunch
Saturday, June 3
11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. shows
The Eleanor DC
100 Florida Avenue, N.E.
$20
Eventbrite
Bombalicious Eklaver hosts a drag brunch fundraiser at The Eleanor DC on Saturday.
DC Drag Brunch
Saturday, June 3
12-5 p.m.
Lima Twist
1411 K Street, N.W.
21+ / $23
Eventbrite
The DC Drag Show has moved from Harlot DC to Lima Twist for an upscale drag experience every Saturday at noon.
Baltimore Trans Pride
Saturday, June 3
12-9 p.m.
2117 North Charles Street
Baltimore, Md.
Facebook
The Baltimore Trans Pride 2023 Grand March is to be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday along North Charles Street between 22nd and 23rd. The Block Party continues at 3 p.m. with performances beginning at 4 p.m.
Afterparties are scheduled at The Crown (1901 North Charles Street) and Ottobar (2549 North Howard Street). Baltimore Safe Haven also hosts a kickoff ball on Friday, June 2 at 2640 Saint Paul Street at 6 p.m.
Annapolis Pride Parade and Festival
Saturday, June 3
12-5 p.m.
Inner West Street
Annapolis, Md.
Facebook
Annapolis Pride holds its annual parade and festival on Saturday, June 3 from 12-5 p.m. on Inner West Street in Annapolis, Md.
Reston Pride Festival
Saturday, June 3
12-6 p.m.
1209 Washington Plaza
Lake Anne Plaza
Reston, Va.
Facebook
The 2023 Reston Pride Festival will be held at Lake Anne Plaza in Reston, Va. on Saturday.
Spirits & Beer Showcase with Republic Restoratives & DC Brau
Saturday, June 3
1-4 p.m.
Metrobar
640 Rhode Island Avenue, N.E.
$22
Eventbrite
Join the Washington Blade and guest DJ Chord to taste and learn about local offerings from DC-based distillery Republic Restoratives and brewery DC Brau.
Alexandria Pride
Saturday, June 3
2-5 p.m.
Alexandria City Hall
301 King Street
Website
The Alexandria LGBTQ Task Force presents the sixth annual Alexandria Pride at Alexandria City Hall in Market Square of Old Town Alexandria, Va. on Saturday.
Queering Sound
Saturday, June 3
2 p.m.
Rhizome DC
2969 Maple Street, N.W.
$10-$20
Facebook | Tickets
The QU23 music showcase features Afrofuturism, sonic deconstruction of 20th New Musik and experimental music by queer artists and allies on Saturday, June 3 at Rhizome DC.
Drag Story Hour w/D’Manda Martini
Saturday, June 3
3:30 p.m.
Red Bear Brewing Company
209 M Street, N.W.
Facebook
It’s Drag Story Hour at Red Bear Brewing on Saturday.
Art Out Loud: A Rooftop Pride Party
Saturday, June 3
6 p.m.
Selina Union Market
411 New York Avenue, N.E.
$25-$45
Facebook
District Fray presents the official Capital Pride event “Art Out Loud” Rooftop Pride Party at Selina on Saturday.
Tara Hoot’s Pride Bingo and a Show!
Saturday, June 3
6 p.m.
Crazy Aunt Helen’s
713 8th Street, N.W.
$10
Facebook
Tara Hoot hosts a game of bingo and a show alongside Shelita Ramen on Saturday.
DC Rawhides Country Western Dancing
Saturday, June 3
7-11 p.m.
Eastern Market
225 7th Street, S.E.
$5 donation
Facebook
Learn how to do some Country Western dancing at Eastern Market on Saturday with the DC Rawhides.
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington Present: “DOLLY!”
Saturday, June 3
8-9:30 p.m.
and
Sunday, June 4
3-4:30 p.m.
Lincoln Theatre
1215 U Street, N.W.
$20-$65
Facebook | Tickets
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington present a Dolly Parton-themed show at Lincoln Theatre on Saturday and Sunday.
Pride Night OUT at the Washington Spirit
Saturday, June 3
8 p.m.
Audi Field
100 Potomac Avenue, S.W.
Website
Team DC holds a Night OUT at Audi Field with the Washington Spirit on Saturday.
Pride Glitter Roll
Saturday, June 3
9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Hook Hall
3400 Georgia Avenue, N.W.
$15-$20
Facebook | Eventbrite
It’s time for a roller skating experience at Hook Hall. Enjoy the glitter and drink specials and bring your own skates.
Freddie’s Follies
Saturday, June 3
9 p.m.
Freddie’s Beach Bar
555 23rd Street S
Arlington, Va.
Facebook
The weekly drag show, consistently one of the best in the city, always draws a crowd.
Unity: A Call for Club Colors- A Highwaymen TNT Bar Nite
Saturday, June 3
9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.
UPROAR Lounge and Restaurant
639 Florida Avenue, N.W
$15
Facebook
The Highwaymen TNT invite you to don your leather, Levi’s, shorts, tanks and gear for a night of Pride fun.
BENT: Pride 2023
Saturday, June 3
10 p.m.
9:30 Club
815 V Street, N.W
$25
Facebook
The 9:30 Club’s Pride party is always epic.
LGBTQ+ Pride Coffee & Conversation
Sunday, June 4
12 p.m.
As You Are
500 8th Street, S.E.
Eventbrite
Go Gay DC holds a coffee and conversation gathering at As You Are on Sunday.
Sisters Bingo w/The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence
Sunday, June 4
1 p.m.
Red Bear Brewing Company
209 M Street, N.W.
$20
Facebook | Tickets
The DC Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence hold a bingo game at Red Bear Brewing on Sunday.
Bars & Parties
Music festival to celebrate house music DJ
Salute to Sam The Man Burns include performances from Oji, Tantra and more
Capital House Music Festival will host “Capital House Music Festival Salutes Sam The Man Burns” on Saturday, May 27 at 11 a.m. at Franklin Park D.C.
This ode to the legendary house music DJ will feature performers such as DJ Spen, Oji, Tantra, Sedrick and many others. There will also be opportunities for vendors.
This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Bars & Parties
25 LGBTQ events this week
Mr./Miss/Mx. Capital Pride, Trans Pride and Con Acento among highlights
Below are our picks for some of the most fun and creative things to do this week in the DMV that are of special interest to the LGBTQ community.
DC Boys of Leather May Happy Hour
Thursday, May 18
6-9 p.m.
Trade
1410 14th Street, N.W.
Facebook
The DC Boys of Leather hold its monthly happy hour at Trade tonight.
LIYT Nights and Drag Duels
Thursday, May 18
6:30-10 p.m.
Veterans Plaza
1 Veterans Place
Silver Spring, Md.
Facebook | Eventbrite
Catch a drag duel with “music, comedy performances, choreographed dance, and more” in Silver Spring tonight at Veterans Plaza.
Potomac Motorcycle Club Bar Night
Thursday, May 18
7-11 p.m.
The Green Lantern
1335 Green Court, N.W.
Facebook
The Potomac MC holds its bar night at the Green Lantern at 7 p.m. tonight.
Mr./Miss/Mx. Capital Pride Pageant
Thursday, May 18
7-11 p.m.
Penn Social
801 E Street, N.W.
$17.01+
Facebook | Tickets
The long tradition of a Capital Pride pageant returns after a few dormant years tonight at Penn Social.
LGBTQ+ Social at Puro Gusto
Friday, May 19
7 p.m.
Puro Gusto Cafe
1345 F Street, N.W.
Eventbrite
Go Gay DC welcomes you to a night out of conversation and dinner at Puro Gusto Cafe on Friday.
DTF
Friday, May 19
8 p.m.-3 a.m.
Bunker
2001 14th Street, N.W.
No cover before 10 p.m.
Website
Bunker holds a leather and pup happy hour with no cover from 8-10 on Friday, with a party featuring Boomer Banks into the morning.
“RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 8” Viewing Party
Friday, May 19
8-9:30 p.m.
JR.’s Bar
1519 17th Street, N.W.
Facebook
Watch “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 8” with other fans at JR.’s Bar on Friday at a show hosted by Citrine.
Dirty Dancin’
Friday, May 19
10 p.m.-2 a.m.
UPROAR Lounge and Restaurant
639 Florida Avenue, N.W.
No cover / 21+
Facebook
DJ Popperz brings the music to Dirty Dancin’ at UPROAR Lounge on Friday.
Trans Pride
Saturday, May 20
9:30 a.m.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library
901 G Street, N.W.
Facebook | Eventbrite | Website
There is a full day of workshops planned at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library on Saturday for Trans Pride.
LGBTQ+ Brunch
Saturday, May 20
10 a.m.
Freddie’s Beach Bar
555 23rd Street S
Arlington, Va.
Eventbrite
Hang out with friends new and old at a brunch in Arlington, Va. on Saturday.
Class Act Brunch
Saturday, May 20
Doors 11:30 a.m. / Show 12:30 a.m.
Sign of the Whale
1525 M Street, N.W.
Eventbrite
Tiffany D. Carter hosts the Class Act Drag Brunch at Sign of the Whale on Saturday and Sunday.
PrEP for Pride
Saturday, May 20
12-7 p.m.
4545 Crain Highway
White Plains, Md.
Eventbrite
Head out to Charles County for a day of Pride activities.
Team DC Night OUT at Washington Prodigy Women’s Football
Saturday, May 20
6 p.m.
Anacostia Senior High School
1601 16th Street, N.W.
$10-$15
Tickets
Catch the Washington Prodigy vs. the Tennessee Trojans at a Team DC Night OUT game on Saturday.
The Mx. Tater Tot Pageant
Saturday, May 20
6 p.m.
Crazy Aunt Helen’s
713 8th Street, S.E.
Webstite
DJ Phil Reese spins the tunes as Logan Stone and Tara Hoot find a new Mx. Tater Tot.
Trans Pride After Party
Saturday, May 20
6:30-8:30 p.m.
As You Are
500 8th Street, S.E.
Facebook | Eventbrite
Trans Pride finishes up with an afterparty on Saturday at As You Are.
Freddie’s Follies
Saturday, May 20
9 p.m.
Freddie’s Beach Bar
555 23rd Street S
Arlington, Va.
Facebook
The weekly drag show, consistently one of the best in the city, always draws a crowd.
The Bear Cave
Saturday, May 20
9 p.m.-2 a.m.
The Green Lantern
1335 Green Court, N.W.
No cover
Facebook
The Bear Cave features DJ Popperz and dancers Kobra, Ricardo and Marshall on Saturday.
Con Acento
Saturday, May 20
9:30 p.m.
JR.’s Bar
1519 17th Street, N.W.
Facebook
Evry Pleasure leads a drag show celebrating hispanic heritage with Domingo, Labianna and Osiris Romanov on Saturday.
Elevate Drag Brunch
Sunday, May 21
11 a.m.
Officina at the Wharf
1120 Maine Avenue, S.W.
$25
Facebook
Chanel Belladonna hosts a drag brunch with Druex Sidora, Citrine and Jasmine Blue at Officina at the Wharf on Sunday.
Equality Prince William Pride
Sunday, May 21
12-4 p.m.
Harris Pavilion
9027 Center Street
Manassas, Va.
Facebook
Meet at Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. for Equality Prince William Pride 2023 on Sunday.
The Nail Salon
Sunday, May 21
4:30 p.m. lounge / 6 p.m. curtain
St. Vincent Wine
3212 Georgia Avenue, N.W.
$15
Instagram
Check out an evening of queer cabaret at St. Vincent Wine on Sunday.
LGBTQ+ Dinner and Conversation
Sunday, May 21
7-11 p.m.
Federico Ristorante Italiano
219 23rd Street S
Arlington, Va.
Eventbrite
The folks at Go Gay DC invite everyone to meet up at Federico for an evening of dinner and conversation.
DC Rawhides: Country Western Dancing
Sunday, May 21
7-11 p.m.
Eastern Market
225 7th Street, S.E.
Facebook
Practice your country line dancing skills at Eastern Market on Sunday.
Drag Show for Charity
Sunday, May 21
8 p.m.
Freddie’s Beach Bar
555 23rd Street S
Arlington, Va.
Eventbrite
Join up with others to give money to charity at a drag show at Freddie’s on Sunday.
Reign Drag Variety Show
Monday, May 22
8:30 p.m.
Dupont Italian Kitchen Bar
1637 17th Street, N.W.
Second floor
Logan Stone hosts “Reign” at DIK Bar on Monday.
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