Delaware is considering amending its state Constitution to codify same-sex marriage. The bill, SB 100, will be heard in committee on Wednesday. 

SB 100 was introduced in April 2025 by Democratic Sen. Russ Huxtable of the sixth district of Delaware and is the first leg of an amendment to the Delaware Constitution. The act would “establish the right to marry as a fundamental right and that Delaware and its political subdivisions shall recognize marriages and issue marriage licenses to couples regardless of gender.”

“[SB 100] really came from the community that I represent and so that was the inspiration behind it, addressing concerns that my constituents have,” Huxtable told the Washington Blade. 

CAMP Rehoboth, an LGBTQ community center and advocacy organization based in Rehoboth Beach, sent a letter to members of the Senate Executive Committee in support of SB 100. 

“We applaud this proactive approach because it ensures that even if federal protections are weakened, same-sex couples in Delaware will retain their rights under Delaware law,” the letter reads. “We believe that doing so NOW is crucial for several reasons, particularly in the context of evolving legal landscapes and the erosion of civil rights long recognized in Federal law.”

CAMP Rehoboth Board President Leslie Ledogar is scheduled to testify at the Wednesday hearing on behalf of CAMP Rehoboth. She hopes to convey how personal this bill is for the organization. 

Ledogar said CAMP Rehoboth has an almost 35-year history of advocating on behalf of LGBTQ people in the state of Delaware. Past Board President Chris Beagle and his husband were among the first couples to be married in Sussex County after same-sex marriage was legalized in the state in 2013, with CAMP Rehoboth hosting the ceremony. 

The letter cited concerns with the possibility of Obergefell v. Hodges being overturned in the future, the landmark 2015 Supreme Court case that guaranteed the right to marry for same-sex couples. 

“We really feel that this is a proactive and protective measure that ensures long-term security for LGBTQ+ couples,” Ledogar said. “While we do have that [protection] now, it could be just that temporary and just that fleeting, and everything we’ve worked for and built could fall apart, not by our own initiative but because of the stroke of a pen.”

The letter details the positive impact that the bill would have on Delaware’s LGBTQ community, such as affirming equality and human dignity, preventing legal backsliding and creating legal certainty and reflecting public support. 

“[SB 100] would align the law with the values of a majority of Delawareans, ensuring that legal frameworks reflect contemporary societal norms and standards,” Ledogar said. 

In 2024, the Public Religion Research Institution found that 61% of Delawareans favor allowing same-sex couples to marry. 

Some critics of the bill cite religious concerns, though SB 100 explicitly protects clergy refusal, saying that “the right to marry regardless of gender does not infringe upon the right to freedom of religion because religious organizations and members of the clergy have the right to refuse to solemnize a marriage.” 

The bill requires a vote of two-thirds of the members elected to each house of the General Assembly to pass. If passed, the next General Assembly after the next general election also has to pass it. Delaware is the only state in the country that can amend its state Constitution without a vote of the people. Constituents can register to watch the hearing virtually here.

Other states such as California, Colorado, and Hawaii have introduced and passed similar bills to protect the right of all people of all genders to marry under state law. 

Huxtable said he hopes Delaware can send a message to other states that they can do the same thing and “don’t need to feel the threat from extremists.”  

“I think it’s showing that the General Assembly in Delaware in particular are advocating for good policy celebrating the individual … We’re governing by our values and not our fears.”  

With hundreds of events across D.C. for WorldPride, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go. From late night parties that turn into early morning dance floors to family friendly events, WorldPride has something for everyone. To help make the most of the events ahead, the Blade rounded up some of the most anticipated events on the calendar with each providing a unique way to celebrate LGBTQ pride, joy, and community.

Key: 

* Official Events

– Official Partner Events

+ Local Events 

Friday May 24

-International Choral Festival

Catch the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, GenOUT Youth Chorus, and Major Minors performing at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History (Constitution Ave NW between 12th and 14th Streets NW) for the International Choral Festival. The event is free and open to all. For more information, visit https://www.gmcw.org/world-pride-international-choral-festival/ 

Friday May 30 

-World Pride Welcome Party Benefiting Capital Cup (May 30-June 1st)

Get ready for an epic outdoor/indoor day into night celebration at BERHTA (1301 W St NE) during the Capital Cup Sports Festival, on May 30 & 31! This is where sports meet sound, and community meets celebration. Join a line up of fantastic LGBTQ DJ’s across two nights- including social media soprano Rebecca Black, groovy Gail Force One, local drag (and DJ star) Cake! Pop, and Fish House Funk to start Pride with a party. For tickets, and more information on the two night event at Berhta (1301 W St NE) visit  https://www.berhtaclub.com/

Saturday May 31

-Rock Creek Singers and National LGBTQIA+ Flute Choir

Join the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington at the Library of Congress at the Thomas Jefferson Building (10 1st St SE) for a stunning morning performance joined by the Rock Creek Singers and the National LGBTQIA+ Flute Choir. For tickets visit https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/46239010/rock-creek-singers-washington-events-from-the-library-of-congress 

*WorldPride Welcome Ceremony + Concert

Kick off WorldPride with Shakira and her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour as Washington starts its official WorldPride celebrations. The concert starts at 7:30 at Nationals Park (1500 South Capitol St SE) rain or shine. Get those hips ready to dance into WorldPride! Tickets and more information are available at  https://www.mlb.com/nationals/tickets/concerts/Shakira 

Sunday June 1

+World Pride Family Friendly Dance Party

Kick off WorldPride celebrations with a fun-filled, family-friendly dance party from 3 to 6 p.m. at the unique Dupont Underground (19 Dupont Cir NW) — right in the heart of the festivities! Bring your little dancers (and your own dancing shoes) for an afternoon packed with kid-friendly tunes that will have everyone moving and grooving. Get ready for a Bubble Bonanza, Sticker Mania, featuring a dazzling collection of stickers for kids and the young at heart to collect and decorate with, and plenty of open space to express yourself and bust a move. To RSVP visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/world-pride-family-friendly-dance-party-tickets-1353268385169?aff=oddtdtcreator&mc_cid=b0bb91e8b1&mc_eid=23fcedbf4d 

Tuesday June 3

-Trixie’s Solid Pink Disco: Blonde Edition

Join one of the most iconic—and wildly successful—drag queens to ever grace the RuPaul’s Drag Race stage as hundreds hit the dance floor with the incomparable Trixie Mattel. She’s serving bubblegum pop, high-glam drag, and big disco energy—just make sure you’re wearing pink. Throw on your best blonde wig and get ready to move. Join Trixie Mattel, Shea Coulee (DJ Set), Mateo Sagade, and Saba for a night dripping in pink Pride fun at Echostage (2135 Queens Chapel Rd NE)! For tickets, visit https://www.ticketmaster.com/trixies-solid-pink-disco-washington-district-of-columbia-06-03-2025/event/1500623BB97923EF 

Wednesday June 4

*WorldPride 2025 Human Rights Conference

Join the Capital Pride Alliance with leading organizations in the field of Human Rights for the WorldPride Human Rights Conference. This unique opportunity aims to advocate, educate, and activate the voices of those most marginalized. The conference will be held across three days  at the JW Marriott Washington, DC (1331 Pennsylvania Avenue) starting at noon. Tickets are required and available at https://tickets.capitalpride.org/e/wp-hrc/tickets 

Thursday June 5

*Capital Pride Honors

Every year, the Capital Pride Alliance acknowledges outstanding individuals, leaders, and activists in the National Capital Region who have furthered causes important to the LGBTQ+ community. This year’s celebration, like all of Capital Pride, is only getting bigger. To celebrate WorldPride DC 2025, this prestigious honor will go to outstanding members of the global InterPride family. This glamorous, red carpet-style gala will unfold at one of D.C.’s top-tier venues, the National Building Museum (401 F St NW) with live entertainment, incredible cuisine, and a formal awards presentation led by influential LGBTQ+ changemakers from around the world. For tickets visit https://tickets.capitalpride.org/f/world-pride-2025/capital-pride-honors 

-Drag Is Not a Crime: A Pride Drag Show 

Join RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Nymphia Wind, Gottmik, and Ts Madison with Dragula winner Landon Cider as they show the world that drag is not a crime as queens from far and wide turn looks while making a statement. Local drag icon Cake! Pop will DJ this fierce and fabulous night at the Howard Theater (620 T Street NW). For tickets visit https://worldpridedc.org/event/drag-is-not-a-crime-w-nymphia-wind-gottmik-landon-cider-ts-madison/

-Grace Jones & Janelle Monáe 

Join two queer icons—Grace Jones and Janelle Monáe—as they bring an unforgettable night of music, power, and unapologetic expression to The Anthem at The Wharf (901 Wharf St SW). This dynamic duo will deliver a genre-defying, high-octane performance that celebrates queerness, creativity, and freedom in all its forms. The event kicks off at 8 p.m with tickets available now at https://theanthemdc.com/event/grace-jones-janelle-monae/

-World Pride Boots

With three levels of music, world-class sound, and a fiercely all-queer lineup, this event is sure to be one of the hottest dance floors in the district. The night, which is all hosted by Tatianna from RuPaul’s Drag Race, includes DJs Josh Harrison (Barcelona/London), DJ Minx (Detroit), Griffin Maxwell Brooks (NYC), Blue Rose Royalty (NYC), TOMI, and Not Yr Gf. This event begins at 9 p.m. and goes til 4 a.m. For tickets visit Flash (645 Florida Avenue NW) or their website at https://shotgun.live/en/events/world-pride-boots 

Friday June 6

+Grizzly Happy Hour

Grizzly Happy Hour at Crush (2007 14th St NW) is getting extra wild for WorldPride DC 2025 with a special edition of their beloved weekly event on Friday, June 6 from 4 to 8 p.m. Known for its laid-back vibes, sexy crowd, and unpretentious fun, this WorldPride edition will turn the dial up with go-go bears, special drink deals, and a curated playlist full of queer anthems, throwback bangers, and underground beats to keep the dance floor busy all night.

*17th Street Block Party

Join the worldwide LGBTQ community to celebrate, dance, and be merry at WorldPride DC’s official Block Party! Located along 17th Street in DC’s historic Dupont circle neighborhood, this annual party honors DC’s “Gayborhood”, and features local food, adult beverages, and various activities in celebration of Pride! The party starts at 5 p.m. and goes til 10 p.m.

-We Are Them: A WorldPride Drag Race Party

Join an iconic lineup of drag royalty — TS Madison, Alaska Thunderfuck, Angeria Paris VanMicheals, Brooke Lynn Hytes, Courtney Act, Denali, Envy Peru, Miz Cracker, Nicky Doll, Olivia Lux, Pangina Heals, Peppermint, Ra’Jah O’Hara, and Trinity the Tuck — for a night of unstoppable energy and fierce performances. With DJs CakePop! and Tezrah spinning all night, the beats will be as bold as the looks. This event takes place at the Anthem (901 Wharf St SW) with tickets available here https://theanthemdc.com/event/we-are-them-a-worldpride-drag-race-party/ 

*Full Bloom 

Come join the lilies, pansies, and blossoms as they dance from the garden to the nation’s capital for the WorldPride official event Full Bloom Dance Party! Queer DJs from across the east coast, The Carry Nation (NYC), Flower Factory (DC), Sweet Spot (BAL), DJ Ed Bailey (DC), WessTheDj (DC), Lemz (DC), and Fish House Funk (DC) will keep the energy high with electric music, sensational outfits, and floral performances in a venue with 100,000 sq ft of indoor-ourdoor dancing space! The party is 21+ and starts at 9 p.m. at 1235 W Street NE. Outfit participation is requested and tickets are required. https://tickets.capitalpride.org/f/world-pride-2025/full-bloom?utm_source=promoter&utm_name=World-Pride-Website&utm_campaign=World-Pride-Website&utm_id=67d37969f418408fb6e7003e0a1e60a9

+WorldPride Music Festival

The WorldPride Music Festival, a monumental two-day celebration marking the 50th anniversary of Pride in the city, will have its first night with musical legends like Jennifer Lopez, Galantis, Betty Who, Trisha Paytas, and ZEDD. Taking place at the RFK Festival Grounds (2500 Independence Ave SE) from 1 to 11 p.m., this event promises an unparalleled fusion of music, art, and LGBTQ+ culture. For passes visit https://worldpride25.com/ 

*Pride on the Pier

Celebrate Pride at the Wharf (760 Maine Ave SW) with DJ, drag, dancing, and much more! Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase for those 21 and older. On Friday, the inaugural WorldPride Boat Parade will begin at 7 p.m. featuring 30 decorated boats cruising along the Washington Channel. The event is free to attend, but a VIP ticket is available with air-conditioned lounge, private bathroom, cash bar and complimentary drink. To buy tickets visit https://www.prideonthepierdc.com/vip 

-MIXTAPE Pride Party

Join DC DJs Matt Bailer and Shea Van Horn as they keep the night going with a mix of house, indie dance, nu-disco, electropop, and unexpected throwback gems at the 9:30 Club (815 V St NW). The event starts at 10 p.m. with tickets still available here https://www.930.com/e/mixtape-pride-party/ 

-LUSH: The DC Lesbian Nightclub Experience

Welcome to the third ever LUSH! DC’s lesbian nightclub experience. Join the “all-dyke DJ lineup” including Lady Lavender, Flotussin, Jacq Jill, and headliner Chrissy Chlapecka for a night of sapphic sensations. Music from across genres- from techno to hyperpop, this is one party the girls don’t wanna miss. The nightclub experience starts at 10 p.m. at 618 Cocktail and Whiskey Lounge (618 H St NW) in Chinatown. Tickets are available for people 21+ at https://ra.co/events/2134312 

-JUDY by Sasha Colby and Leland 

JUDY, a euphoric dance party curated by Sasha Colby and Leland — is dialed into the purest frequency of sweat, sound, and pop royalty at one of DC’s newest venues the Atlantis (2047 9th St NW) at 10 p.m. From Janet and Madonna to Charli, Troye, and Sylvester, JUDY is a full-throttle celebration of the queer icons who move us. This is more than a party — it’s a musical sanctuary for the divinely dramatic and unapologetically free. For tickets visit https://theatlantis.com/e/judy-by-sasha-colby-and-leland/ 

-UNCUT XXL

Get ready for the ultimate WorldPride after-dark experience at UNCUT XXL, the mega party that needs no introduction. Known for its raw energy and unapologetic vibes, this legendary men-centered event returns with one massive stage, nonstop beats from three world-class DJs, and XXL play zones and cruise spaces designed for uninhibited freedom and connection. Cool off in the outdoor chill zone under the stars. This event is 21+ and has limited tickets at the door. Location TBD.

*Woven Together: WorldPride Mega Party

At one of D.C.’s hottest spots, The Park at 14th (920 14th NW), the official WorldPride Mega Party for men will bring the heat with world-class entertainment, a dynamic crowd, and a space to celebrate Pride, community, and culture in true festive style. Special guests, including Steven G. Norfleet from Netflix’s BEAUTY IN BLACK will be there to dance the night away. The event starts at 10:30 p.m. for those 21 and up. For tickets visit https://tickets.capitalpride.org/f/world-pride-2025/friday-at-the-park-on-14th 

Saturday, June 7

*17th Street Block Party

Join the worldwide LGBTQ community to celebrate, dance, and be merry at WorldPride DC’s official Block Party. Located along 17th Street in DC’s historic Dupont circle neighborhood, this annual party honors DC’s “Gayborhood”, and features local food, adult beverages, and various activities in celebration of Pride! The party starts at 12 p.m. and goes til 10 p.m.

*WorldPride Parade

Starting in the vibrant Logan Circle neighborhood and winding its way down 14th Street, the parade transforms Pennsylvania Avenue into a colorful corridor of queer joy and celebration. The parade starts at 1 p.m. at the intersection of 14th and T St and will end after a 1.8 mile walk through downtown, ending at Pennsylvania Avenue and 9th St. The Parade is anticipated to end by 8 p.m. it is free to attend, but grandstand tickets are available at https://worldpridedc.org/events/parade/ 

*WorldPride Street Festival and Concert

From noon to 10 p.m. enjoy hundreds of vibrant exhibitors, skilled artisans, delicious food, and beverage gardens in addition to multiple stages showcasing an array of multicultural and multilingual performances. And once the Pride Parade wraps, prepare for a night that defies gravity. Cynthia Erivo, joined by David Archuleta, CeCe Peniston, and Kristine W, will light up the district with a show-stopping celebration you won’t want to miss. To purchase tickets, visit https://worldpridedc.org/events/concerts/ 

+WorldPride Music Festival

The WorldPride Music Festival, a monumental two-day celebration marking the 50th anniversary of Pride in the city, will have its second night with a slew of queer musical legends like Troye Sivan, Kim Petras, RuPaul, Purple Disco Machine, and Slayyyter. Taking place at the RFK Festival Grounds (2500 Independence Ave SE) from 1 to 11 p.m., this event promises an unparalleled fusion of music, art, and LGBTQ+ culture. For passes visit https://worldpride25.com/ 

-Perfume Genius Concert

Join the hauntingly beautiful and emotionally raw sounds of Perfume Genius, as they perform live at the 9:30 Club (815 V St NW) as part of the WorldPride weekend lineup. Known for their genre-defying sound and deeply vulnerable performances, Perfume Genius will deliver a set that’s both intimate and electrifying — a perfect prelude to a night of celebration. The concert begins at 6 p.m. with tickets available at https://www.930.com/e/perfume-genius/ 

*Pride on the Pier and Fireworks Display

Celebrate Pride at the Wharf (760 Maine Ave SW) with DJ, drag, dancing, and much more! Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase for those 21 and older. On Saturday night after a long day of celebrating the LGBTQ community, watch the only Pride Fireworks Show, presented by the Leonard-Litz LGBTQ Foundation, at 9 p.m. The event is free to attend, but does offer two groups of VIP tickets that include access to a cash bar, bathrooms, and a better view of the fireworks. To buy tickets visit https://www.prideonthepierdc.com/vip 

*UNRAVELED – The Official Women’s Party for World Pride DC

Get ready to unleash your wild, free, and unapologetically fabulous self at UNRAVELED, the ultimate WorldPride celebration for HER.With 4 floors, 5 bars, and 1 patio, celebrate with over 5,000 queer women, femmes, trans and non-binary baddies & theydies to coming together to identity, joy, and community. An all-female DJ lineup will keep the energy high, spinning everything from hip-hop to house all night long. This 21+ event will be at The Park at 14th (920 14th NW), with tickets available here https://tickets.capitalpride.org/f/world-pride-2025/unraveled-the-official-womens-party-for-world-pride-dc

*Fabric of Freedom

Unite with thousands of LGBTQ+ partygoers in the nation’s capital for the largest nighttime Pride event in DC history! With 3 stages, over 100,000+ sq. ft. of dance floor, and an iconic performance by Brazilian drag (and musical) superstar Pabllo Vittar. This is one dance event that is sure to be the hot spot on Saturday night. The party begins at 10 p.m. at 1235 W Street NE for those 21 and up, with tickets available at https://tickets.capitalpride.org/f/world-pride-2025/kinetic-and-capital-pride-present-fabric-of-freedom-world-pride-main-event

-Betty Who Concert

Pop powerhouse Betty Who will bring her signature anthems and magnetic stage presence to the he 9:30 Club (815 V St NW) at 10 p.m. Known for turning every show into a joyful, high-energy celebration of queer love and liberation, Betty’s performance promises a setlist packed with synth-pop hits and heartfelt singalongs. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering her infectious sound, this is a can’t-miss moment of WorldPride weekend. For tickets visit https://www.930.com/e/betty-who/ 

-UNCUT: Fully Loaded

Back by popular demand, UNCUT: Fully Loaded storms into Saturday, June 7, bringing a second night of untamed WorldPride energy to the same legendary venue. This men-centered mega event is a explosion of music, sweat, and raw connection—featuring Paulo Fragoso and DJ Paulo keeping the dance floor alive with nonstop, world-class beats. Expect XXL play zones and a relaxed outdoor chill space. The location is TBD. Tickets are still available for this 21+ event at https://www.kineticpresents.com/event/uncut-fully-loaded-with-djs-paulo-and-paulo-fragoso/ 

Sunday June 8

-Flashy World Pride Afters

Join DJs Kitty Glitter and Shane Marcus as they keep the night going with their special edition of Flashy at Flash(645 Florida Ave NW)! If you still wanna keep those feet moving after a WorldPride weekend, then this is the place. Starting at 4 a.m. and going until 8, this is the place to rise with the sun and dance the morning away. Tickets are available here https://www.flashdc.com/e/Fu4k42Ekie

-World Pride Drag Brunch w/ Alyssa Edwards

Kick off your WorldPride Sunday with glitz, glam, and a whole lot of charisma at the official WorldPride Drag Brunch, starring none other than Alyssa Edwards, winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race Global All Stars. Hosted by Minneapolis legend Sasha Cassadine, this star-studded brunch lineup also features Utica, Mercedes Iman Diamond, D.C. favorites Crimsyn and Druex Sidora, and will take place at Dirty Habit (555 8th St NW) inside Hotel Monaco on Sunday, June 8. Tickets include a brunch buffet two drinks, and admission to the show.  VIP tickets include a pre-show meet and greet with Alyssa and reserved seating. This 21+ event still has tickets available at https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/74184188/world-pride-drag-brunch-walyssa-edwards-washington-dirty-habit 

*WorldPride Street Festival and Concert

Then, as WorldPride DC 2025 comes to a fierce finale, get ready for a closing concert that bites back. Headlined by the unstoppable Doechii—fresh off her raw and fearless Alligator Bites Never Heal—this explosive night of music will be anything but ordinary. With powerhouse performances by Khalid, Brooke Eden, 2AM Ricky, Parker Matthews, and MkX, Sunday’s grand finale will leave you healed, hyped, and hungry for more. To purchase tickets, visit https://worldpridedc.org/events/concerts/ 

+FLOWER FACTORY WORLD PRIDE 2025 feat. DEEP CVNT MINI BALL DELUXE

Close out WorldPride 2025 in style with an iconic Sunday soirée hosted by Flower Factory and DEEP CVNT on June 8 from 3–9:30 p.m. at Zebbie’s Garden (1223 Connecticut Ave NW). This multi-floor celebration will feature superstar DJs, legendary performances, and pure queer radiance. Upstairs, dance to sets by Sekucci (NYC), Flotussin (Baltimore), and the Flower Factory crew. Downstairs, Deep Cvnt Mini Ball Deluxe takes over with music from ballroom legend and Renaissance producer Mike Q, plus a set from local favorite Znorthy, all presented by Girliepop. Come dressed to impress for floral-themed categories like Runway, Best Dressed, Performance, and Sex Siren. For tickets visit https://sickening.events/e/flower-factory-world-pride-2025 

-RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17 Extravaganza

Celebrate WorldPride with the stars of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17 at the 9:30 Club (815 V St NW) for an electrifying night of drag, music, and pure queer joy. This high-energy event features dazzling performances by the top 5 queens of season 17, Sasha Cassadine and Mercedes Iman Diamond, with beats by D.C.’s own Cake Pop! keeping the party going all night long. Whether you’re a die-hard Drag Race fan or just here for the vibes, this is your chance to cheer on your favorite queens and revel in the art of drag at its fiercest. The event starts at 9 p.m. with tickets still available https://www.930.com/e/rupauls-drag-race-season-17-top-5-world-pride-closing-party/ 

-Horse Meat Disco: World Pride 2025

Join DJs Horse Meat Disco, Dangerous Rose, and Coach Chris as they end the WorldPride celebrations with their special edition of Horse Meat Disco. Beginning at 10 p.m. at 530 Penn Street NE, the genre defying DJs will play disco to soul, funk to house & beyond as Sunday slips away. For tickets visit https://shotgun.live/en/events/horse-meat-disco-world-pride-2025?uid=4386617

The Comings & Goings column is about sharing the professional successes of our community. We want to recognize those landing new jobs, new clients for their business, joining boards of organizations and other achievements. Please share your successes with us at [email protected]. 

Congratulations to Jamie Leeds, chef extraordinaire, on celebrating the 20th anniversary of Hank’s Oyster Bar in Dupont Circle. Leeds said, “I am feeling grateful that Hanks has been in such a supportive and friendly neighborhood for 20 years.”

Leeds is a pioneering and tenacious entrepreneur who has spent her career foster­ing community, mentoring other female business owners and culinary professionals, and supporting sustainable practices across her restaurants and the seafood industry at large.

 She has 40 years of experience, from kitchens in Europe, to the D.C.-Maryland-Virginia-ar­ea. A self-taught chef, she began her career in New York in the early 1980s at Danny Meyer’s famed Union Square Cafe, working her way up from potato peeler to sous chef. With Meyer’s encouragement, she moved to France in 1991, where she spent a year honing her skills before returning stateside to work for Rich Melman, of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, in Chicago. 

From the moment she appeared on the D.C. culinary scene, Leeds garnered positive reviews and accolades, earning nominations in 2003 as a “Rising Culinary Star” in the Restau­rant Association of Metropolitan Washington’s Capital Restaurant & Hospitality Awards, and a “Rising Star Chef” by Starchefs’ local awards program. 

I met Leeds in early 2005 as she was trying to open Hank’s in D.C.’s Dupont Circle, serving what she coined “urban beach food.” The restaurant was named for her father, whom she credits as her inspiration for becoming a chef. It debuted to wide acclaim. A few of us joined with Jamie to fight some local neighborhood residents who were trying to stop her opening for a host of invalid reasons. Thankfully, they lost, and the neighborhood, and people of D.C., won. Now celebrated for its range of proprietary oysters and other locally sourced seafood, Hank’s Oyster Bar continues to draw recognition as a D.C. institution and industry stalwart, recently winning “Best Raw Bar” in Washingtonian’s Best of Washington Readers’ Poll 2019, “Best Bloody Mary” and “Best Chef-Jamie Leeds” (a second consecutive win) from Washington Blade’s Best of Gay D.C. in 2019, 2020, and 2021 among numerous other accolades. Leeds now has a Hank’s Oyster Bar in Old Town Alexandria, Va., and her largest location, Hank’s on the Wharf, which opened in October 2017.

In June of 2021 she was recognized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for inspiring LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs in the DMV area, and her approach to sustainable and inclusive business practices. A resident of North Chevy Chase, Md., when she’s not busy at the helm of her burgeoning restaurant empire, she enjoys spending time with her wife, Tina, and two children, Hayden and Hazel.