Bars & Parties
HRC dinner slated for Saturday night
White House Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett announced as last-minute guest
Human Rights Campaign has once again done an impressive job of booking talent for its national dinner, set for Saturday in Washington, its highest profile annual event, with Pink, Bette Midler, Oscar winner Mo’Nique and the cast of ABC’s hilarious gay-inclusive sitcom “Modern Family” set to appear. HRC announced today that White House Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett will also speak.
“Valerie Jarrett is a tremendous addition to the event and we look forward to hearing from one of the President’s closest advisors,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese. “She and President Obama both care deeply about equality and are strong supporters of those of us fighting for LGBT rights.”
Those who don’t have tickets are likely out of luck. The black-tie event is sold out but a waiting list is available here for the $275 tickets. More than 3,000 are expected at the Washington Convention Center. HRC president Joe Solmonese echoes a recurring theme — it’s been “a remarkable year,” he says, “but there is much work left to be done.”
The program begins at 7 p.m. and includes a silent auction of many items, several of which are musically themed such as a child’s violin and case, inscribed “Stradivarius anno 1725,” and an antique, red and gold silk brocade grand piano cover. Also featured are a package of air travel and hotel accommodations to attend this year’s annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, two Delta Airlines round-trip tickets courtesy of ORBITZ, weekend stays at Kimpton hotels and more.
Every year since 1997, HRC has hosted a national dinner featuring high-profile speakers such as President Barack Obama last year and in past years President Bill Clinton and then-Sen. Hillary Clinton. The organization was founded in 1980 and is America’s largest LGBT advocacy group. In 2003, it opened its headquarters building in Washington and Solmonese became president in 2005.
Receiving HRC awards will be singer/songwriter Pink, receiving the Ally for Equality Award from presenter Bette Midler; and Lee Daniels, producer/director of the 2009 film “Precious,” receiving the Visibility Award from presenter Mo’Nique, who won an Oscar for her role in that film. The National Arts and Culture Award will go to three members of the cast of the hit TV sitcom “Modern family” — Eric Stonestreet, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Sonia Vergara.
HRC’s agenda is wide-ranging, including pressing for action on hate crimes and success was finally reached on this front in 2009 when President Obama signed into law — in the names of victims Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. — a hate crime amendment giving the U.S. Justice Department the power to investigate and prosecute bias-motivated violence. At the time, Solmonese called the law “an historic milestone” as “the first time that we as a nation have explicitly protected the LGBT community in the law.”
Other priorities include promoting steps to protect families through marriage equality and relationship recognition; fighting to end the military’s discrimination through the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law; and creating a fair and equal workplace through enactment of a federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), so that employees cannot be fired based on sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
In recent years, other LGBT-oriented groups have staged protests at the National Dinner, accusing HRC of neglecting to prioritize transgender rights issues, among other complaints. Obama’s presence last year made for a raucous, celebratory atmosphere. But with repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” one of the movement’s top priorities, in limbo, and Democrats facing dim midterm election prospects, partygoers may not be in such high spirits this weekend.
PHOTO: HRC President Joe Solmonese at the 2008 dinner. (Blade file photo by Henry Linser)
a&e features
Your guide to D.C.’s queer New Year’s Eve parties
Ring in 2026 with drag, leather, Champagne, and more
With Christmas in the rear view mirror, we can turn our attention to ringing in a much-anticipated New Year with a slew of local LGBTQ parties. Here’s what’s on tap.
Pitchers
This spacious Adams Morgan bar is hosting the “Pitchers’ Perfect New Year’s Eve.” There will be a midnight Champagne toast, the ball drop on the big screens, and no cover, all night long. The bar doesn’t close until 4 a.m., and the kitchen will be open late (though not until close). All five floors will be open for the party, and party favors are promised.
Trade
D.C.’s hottest bar/club combo is leaning into the Shark motif with its NYE party, “Feeding Frenzy.” The party is a “glitterati-infused Naughty-cal New Year’s Even in the Shark Tank, where the boats are churning and the sharks are circling.” Trade also boasts no cover charge, with doors opening at 5 p.m. and the aforementioned Shark Tank opening at 9 p.m.. Four DJs will be spread across the two spaces; midnight hostess is played by Vagenesis and the two sea sirens sensuously calling are Anathema and Justin Williams.
Number Nine
While Trade will have two DJs as part of one party, Number Nine will host two separate parties, one on each floor. The first floor is classic Number Nine, a more casual-style event with the countdown on TVs and a Champagne midnight toast. There will be no cover and doors open at 5 p.m. Upstairs will be hosted by Capital Sapphics for its second annual NYE gathering. Tickets (about $50) include a midnight Champagne toast, curated drink menu, sapphic DJ set by Rijak, and tarot readings by Yooji.
Crush
Crush will kick off NYE with a free drag bingo at 8 p.m. for the early birds. Post-bingo, there will be a cover for the rest of the evening, featuring two DJs. The cover ($20 limited pre-sale that includes line skip until 11 p.m.; $25 at the door after 9 p.m.) includes one free N/A or Crush, a Champagne toast, and party favors (“the legal kind”). More details on Eventbrite.
Bunker
This subterranean lair is hosting a NYE party entitled “Frosted & Fur: Aspen After Dark New Year’s Eve Celebration.” Arriety from Rupaul Season 15 is set to host, with International DJ Alex Lo. Doors open at 9 p.m. and close at 3 p.m.; there is a midnight Champagne toast. Cover is $25, plus an optional $99 all-you-can-drink package.
District Eagle
This leather-focused bar is hosting “Bulge” for its NYE party. Each District Eagle floor will have its own music and vibe. Doors run from 7 p.m.-3 a.m. and cover is $15. There will be a Champagne toast at midnight, as well as drink specials during the event.
Kiki, Shakiki
Kiki and its new sister bar program Shakiki (in the old Shakers space) will have the same type of party on New Year’s Eve. Both bars open their doors at 5 p.m. and stay open until closing time. Both will offer a Champagne toast at midnight. At Kiki, DJ Vodkatrina will play; at Shakiki, it’ll be DJ Alex Love. Kiki keeps the party going on New Year’s Day, opening at 2 p.m., to celebrate Kiki’s fourth anniversary. There will be a drag show at 6 p.m. and an early 2000s dance party 4-8 p.m.
Spark
This bar and its new menu of alcoholic and twin N/A drinks will host a NYE party with music by DJ Emerald Fox. Given this menu, there will be a complimentary toast at midnight, guests can choose either sparkling wine with or without alcohol. No cover, but Spark is also offering optional wristbands at the door for $35 open bar 11 p.m.-1 a.m. (mid-shelf liquor & all NA drinks).
Bars & Parties
Mixtape Sapphics hosts holiday party on Dec. 13
‘Sugar & Spice’ night planned for Saturday
Mixtape Sapphics will host “Sapphic Sugar & Spice: A Naughty-Nice Mixtape Holiday Party” on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. at Amsterdam Lounge.
This is a festive, grown holiday party for queer women and sapphics 35 and older at Revolt’s Christmas pop-up. There will be music, joy, and an optional White Elephant.
This is Mixtape Sapphics’ first-ever holiday party — a cozy, flirty, intentionally grounded night created just for queer women and sapphics 35+ who want real connection, festive joy, and a warm place to land at the end of the year.
Tickets start at $13.26 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Bars & Parties
Impulse Group DC to host fundraiser
Giving Tuesday and Happy Hour held at Thurst Lounge
Impulse Group DC, a local advocacy organization, will host “Giving Tuesday and Happy Hour” on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. at Thurst Lounge.
This event is a special happy hour fundraiser filled with good vibes, great food, and community connection. DJ Obie will be on deck keeping the energy high while you enjoy tacos, cocktails, and the kind of atmosphere only Thurst can deliver.
A portion of every signature cocktail sold goes directly toward supporting Impulse Group D.C.’s work in sexual health, mental health, harm reduction, and social justice for the D.C. community.
Admission is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Steny Hoyer, the longest-serving House Democrat, to retire from Congress
Just say no to the felon in the White House
‘Hedda’ brings queer visibility to Golden Globes
Colombians protest against Trump after he threatened country’s president
Kennedy Center renaming triggers backlash
The year in photos
Safer Ways to Pay for Online Performances and Queer Events
Two pioneering gay journalists to speak at Thursday event
Blade travels to Colombia after U.S. forces seize Maduro in Venezuela
