Arts & Entertainment

Calendar: events through Feb. 17

Concerts, plays, parties and more slated for coming week

Published

15 years ago

February 10, 2011

‘Fast Company Table’ is part of the Jens Praet exhibit, 'Fossilized' at Industry Gallery. Photo courtesy Violetta Markelou

Friday, Feb. 11

Metropolitan Community Church (474 Ridge St., N.W.) hosts neighborhood bingo tonight at 7 p.m. The doors open at 6:10 p.m. Free parking is available. Bring this announcement and play the early bird games for free. For more information, e-mail [email protected] or call 202-297-6884.

Tonight from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. is College Nite at Paradox (1310 Russell St.) in Baltimore featuring hip-hop, reggae, club and R&B music. The first 100 college students with ID enter free. A college or military ID will get a discunt. Attendees must be 18 or older.

Club Hippo (1 West Eager St.) in Baltimore presents “Funhouse” an official preliminary to Miss Gay Maryland America hosted by Josie Foster and Tatiyanna Voche. Doors open at 10 p.m.; the contest starts at 10:30. General admission is $8 and reserved seating is $9. For reservations or application information, contact Josie at 410-274-71118.

“Sunset Boulevard” will be performed tonight at 8 p.m. at Signature Theatre (4200 Campbell Ave.) in Arlington. Tickets are either $89.95 or $84.95 and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com or at the theater box office.

Jens Praet’s first solo U.S. exhibition, “Fossilized,” is on display at Industry Gallery (1358 Florida Ave., N.E.). Praet’s work is created from shredded magazines and documents. He used shredded and recycled copies of Art in America, Capitol File, Details, Fast Company and Robb Report mixed with clear resin to create his art. The gallery is open from noon to 6 p.m. For more information, visit industrygallerydc.com.

Saturday, Feb. 12

The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington will be performing “Let’s Hear It for the Boys” tonight with the Rock Creek Singers and special guest Major Mike Almy at the Chruch of the Epiphany (1317 G St., N.W.) at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. The Chorus will also be honoring the Servicemembers Legal Defence Network with the 2011 Harmony Award. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased online at gmcw.org.

Dupont Social Club and 18^th and U Duplex Diner present “Valentine’s is a Drag” tonight at 6 p.m. Duplex Diner will be open all night and will feature drag queen waitresses, bartenders and hostesses. All donations will go to SAGE Metro D.C.

D.C. Eagle (639 New York Ave., N.W.) hosts the 40^th anniversary Scarlett’s Bake Sale today from 4 to 8 p.m. A judged competition will begin prior to the auction of baked goods and the categories will be Best Individual Entry, Best Commercial Entry, Best Club Entry, Most Creative Entry and The Directors Award.

Homo/Sonic comes to the Black Cat (1811 14^th St., N.W.) with DJ Natty Boom’s “Birthday Explosion” tonight from 9:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. featuring DJs Natty Boom and Zack and Michael of The New Gay. Cover is $10.

The Lodge (21614 National Pike) in Boonsboro hosts “Cupid’s Ball: The Red Party” with DJ Ryan W tonight from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Cover is $5 before 11 p.m. and $8 after. There will be $5 XXL ReFresher, a super-sized cup, all night.

The Virginia Wine (and Food) Showcase begins today at 11 a.m. with the Grand Tasting Open. The Showcase is one of four Virginia wine events, sponsored by the Farm Wineries Council. There will be unlimited wine tastings of more than 300 world class Virginia wines. The goal is to offer wine lovers the opportunity to sample Virginia’s large variety of award-winning, locally grown wines. Tickets are $45 at the door, $36 online and $20 for non-drinkers. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit vawineshowcase.org.

Sunday, Feb. 13

The fourth annual Metro D.C. PFLAG “Bowling for Love Bowl-A-Thon” is today from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bowl America (6446 Edsall Rd.) in Alexandria. The bowlathon will be $25 a person including shoes and three games. Door prizes and raffle prizes will be given out.

The Human Rights Campaign presents HER HRC Washington D.C. tonight starting at 7 p.m. at Town (2009 8^th St., N.W.) with a special performance by DCypher Dance. Tickets are $10 and includes an annual HRC membership. Attendees must be 18 or older. For more information and to purchase tickets visit dc.hrc.org.

CLITFest D.C. presents a pancake breakfast today from noon to 2 p.m. at Hole in the Sky (2110 5^th St., N.E.). There will be pancakes, orange juice, mimosas and board games. Admission is $5 and proceeds will go toward CLITFest D.C. 2011, Combating Latent Inequality Together, a three-day event in July.

Lace Lounge (2214 Rhode Island, Ave., N.E.) is celebrating Valentine’s Day with two events. First there will be a champagne brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with live music from saxophonist Sharon Thomas. Brunch is $15.95 per person, $20 with bottomless mimosas. The day continues with “Lover’s Cove,” a dinner for two with live music from John G. Lewis and the Band. A three course meal for two is $50. For more information, visit lacedc.com.

Drag City D.C. will be at Nellie’s (900 U St., N.W.) today for a Valentine’s Drag Brunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The brunch buffet is $20.

Pocket Gays present “Missed Connections Sunday School” tonight from 3 to 9 p.m. at Local 16 (1602 U St., N.W.). There will be games and special Valentine’s Day prizes. After sunset, The Metaphysical will be providing music inside.

Monday, Feb. 14

SpeakeasyDC and Two Pear Productions partnered up to present “Logic, Luck and Love” tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Atlas Performing Arts Center Lang Theatre (1333 H St., N.E.). Tickets are $22 and can be purchased online at speakeasydc.com.

Chris Chase presents “Heart On: A Singles Soiree” tonight at 7 p.m. at Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.) with DJ Jesse Jackson. No cover.

Secrets in Lave presents “Burlesque-A-Pades February Frolic” tonight from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Birchmere (3701 Mt. Vernon Ave.) in Alexandria. The Valentine’s inspired burlesque revue will sar Angie Pontani, Helen Pontani, Melody Sweets, MStickle, Deanna Danger, Tyler Fyre and hosted by Albert Cadabra

Tuesday, Feb. 15

The Shakespeare Theatre Company presents “Cymbeline,” directed by Rebecca Bayla Taichman, tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Lansburgh Theatre (450 7th St., N.W.). Tickets range from $37 to $70 and can be purchased online at shakespearetheatre.org.

The National Portrait Gallery is showing an exhibit that focuses on sexual differences in the making of modern American portraiture. “Hide/Seek: Difference and Desire in American Portraiture” is the first major museum exhibit of its kind. The museum is open from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and admission is free.

Wednesday, Feb. 16

D.C. Ice Breakers and the Federal Triangles Soccer Club will be hosting a free skate tonight from 8:15 to 9:15 p.m. at Kettler Capitals Iceplex ion top of the Ballston Common Mall parking garage (627 N. Glebe Rd.) in Arlington. The groups will go to a local bar afterward for a social hour. Skating is $8 and $3 for skate rentals. For more information, visit dcicebreakers.com.

The Fessenden Ensemble at the National City Christian Church (5 Thomas Circle, N.W.) will be performing Mozart favorites today at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 at the door. Students are free with an ID.

Thursday, Feb. 17

Touchstone Gallery’s (901 New York Ave., N.W.) newest exhibit is “Color of Love” featuring 50 artists. The gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the exhibit will be on display through Feb. 27.

Freddie’s Beach Bar and Restaurant (555 S. 23^rd St.) in Arlington presents the grand opening of Wild Thursdays tonight from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. There’s no cover.

Bars & Parties

Mixtape Sapphics hosts holiday party on Dec. 13

‘Sugar & Spice’ night planned for Saturday

Published

20 hours ago

December 12, 2025

Tinashe Chingarande

(Photo by New Africa/Bigstock)

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.

Calendar

Calendar: December 12-18

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

20 hours ago

December 12, 2025

Tinashe Chingarande

Friday, December 12

“Center Aging Friday Tea Time” will be at 12 p.m. in person at the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s new location at 1827 Wiltberger St., N.W. To RSVP, visit the DC Center’s website or email [email protected].

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar and Restaurant. This event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Women in Their Twenties and Thirties will be at 8 p.m. on Zoom. This is a social discussion group for queer women in the Washington, D.C. area. For more details, go to Facebook.

Saturday, December 13

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 12 p.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. D.C.’s queer community will gather for good food, laughter, and community. For more information, email [email protected].

Sunday, December 14

SADBrunch will host “HokiSlay Drag Brunch” at 12 p.m. at Throw Social. This festive affair brings fierce performances, over-the-top holiday looks, and more sparkle than a tinsel explosion. Expect powerhouse lip-syncs, laughter, and cheer hotter than your spiked cocoa. Cake Pop will host the event. Tickets cost $28.52 and are available on Eventbrite.

Monday, December 15

“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]).

Genderqueer DC will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a support group for people who identify outside of the gender binary, whether you’re bigender, agender, genderfluid, or just know that you’re not 100% cis. For more details, visit genderqueerdc.org or Facebook.

Tuesday, December 16

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

The DC Center for the LGBT Community will host “Self-Defense Class with Avi Rome” at 12:30 p.m. Rome is a proud member of the LGBTQ community and a full-time martial arts instructor with 25 years of teaching experience. He holds a Fifth Degree Black Belt in Jhoon Rhee Tae Kwon Do and is the director of the studio’s Adaptive Tae Kwon Do program for students with special needs. He has also run numerous self-defense workshops for various groups and situations. For more details, visit the center’s website.

Wednesday, December 17

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 be 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, December 18

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, 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.

Egypt

Iran, Egypt object to playing in Seattle World Cup ‘Pride Match’

Game to take place on June 26

Published

2 days ago

December 11, 2025

Michael K. Lavers

(Photo by fifg/Bigstock)

Iran and Egypt have objected to playing in a “Pride Match” that will take place in Seattle during the 2026 World Cup.

The Egyptian Football Association on Tuesday said it told FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström in a letter that “it categorically rejects holding any activities related to supporting (homosexuality) during the match between the Egyptian national team and Iran, scheduled to be held in Seattle, USA, on June 26, 2026, in the third round of the group stage of the 2026 World Cup.” Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran President Mehdi Taj told ISNA, a semi-official Iranian news agency that both his country and Egypt “protested this issue.”

The 2026 World Cup will take place in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The draw took place at the Kennedy Center on Dec. 5.

Iran is among the handful of countries in which consensual same-sex sexual relations remain punishable by death.

The State Department’s 2023 human rights report notes that while Egyptian law “did not explicitly criminalize consensual same-sex sexual activity, authorities regularly arrested and prosecuted LGBTQI+ persons on charges including ‘debauchery,’ prostitution, and ‘violating family values.’” Egyptian authorities “also reportedly prosecuted LGBTQI+ individuals for ‘misuse of social media.’”

“This resulted in de facto criminalization of same-sex conduct and identity,” notes the report.

The 2024 human rights report the State Department released earlier this year did not include LGBTQ-specific references.

Soccer has ‘unique power to unite people across borders, cultures, and beliefs’

The June 26 match between Iran and Egypt coincides with Seattle Pride. The Washington Post reported the Seattle FIFA World Cup 2026 Local Organizing Committee decided to hold the “Pride Match” before last week’s draw.

“As the Local Organizing Committee, SeattleFWC26’s role is to prepare our city to host the matches and manage the city experience outside of Seattle Stadium,” said SeattleFWC26 Vice President of Communications Hana Tadesse in a statement the committee sent to the Washington Blade on Wednesday. “SeattleFWC26 is moving forward as planned with our community programming outside the stadium during Pride weekend and throughout the tournament, partnering with LGBTQ+ leaders, artists, and business owners to elevate existing Pride celebrations across Washington.”

“Football has a unique power to unite people across borders, cultures, and beliefs,” added Tadeese. “The Pacific Northwest is home to one of the nation’s largest Iranian-American communities, a thriving Egyptian diaspora, and rich communities representing all nations we’re hosting in Seattle. We’re committed to ensuring all residents and visitors experience the warmth, respect, and dignity that defines our region.”

The 2034 World Cup will take place in Saudi Arabia.

Consensual same-sex sexual relations remain punishable by death in the country. The 2022 World Cup took place in neighboring Qatar, despite concerns over the country’s anti-LGBTQ rights record.