Photos

PHOTOS: Capital Queer Prom

Dance held aboard the Spirit of Mount Vernon

Published

15 years ago

March 20, 2011

Shi-Queeta-Lee and Rocky were named Capital Queer Prom Queen and King. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The 2011 Capital Queer Prom was held on Saturday aboard the “Spirit of Mount Vernon.” Revelers of all ages enjoyed a night of dancing and socializing. Constance McMillen, the Mississippi high school student who challenged her school’s ban on same-sex dates to the prom, was honored as the “honorary prom queen.” Local drag performers Shi-Queeta-Lee and Rocky were voted prom queen and king.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

[Photo Editor’s note: Photo galleries from before 2015 are in the process of being added to the current site. If you are a researcher or interested party who would like for this particular gallery to be moved ahead in the queue to be added, email Michael Key at [email protected] with your request.]

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Drag

PHOTOS: Drag in rural Virginia

Performers face homophobia, find community

Published

1 week ago

February 8, 2026

Landon Shackelford

Four drag performers dance in front of an anti-LGBTQ protester outside the campus of James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va. (Blade photo by Landon Shackelford)

Drag artists perform for crowds in towns across Virginia. The photographer follows Gerryatrick, Shenandoah, Climaxx, Emerald Envy among others over eight months as they perform at venues in the Virginia towns of Staunton, Harrisonburg and Fredericksburg.

(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)

Photos

PHOTOS: SMYAL for the New Year

LGBTQ youth services organization holds annual fundraiser

Published

3 weeks ago

January 29, 2026

Michael Key

From left, SMYAL Executive Director Erin Whelan and journalist Ari Shapiro attend SMYAL for the New Year at Shakiki on Thursday, Jan. 22. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The LGBTQ youth services organization SMYAL held its annual fundraiser, ‘SMYAL for the New Year,’ at Shakiki (2012 9th Street, N.W.) on Thursday, Jan. 22.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

Photos

PHOTOS: Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather 2026

Gage Ryder wins annual competition

Published

4 weeks ago

January 19, 2026

Michael Key

Gage Ryder, center, wins the title of Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather 2026 in a competition at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, Jan. 18. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The 2026 Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather competition was held at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill on Sunday. Seven contestants vied for the title and Gage Ryder was named the winner.

(Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)