Arts & Entertainment

Calendar: Aug. 26

Parties, concerts, meetings and more through Sept. 1

Published

15 years ago

August 29, 2011

Judy Taylor's 11-panel ‘History of Labor in the State of Maine,’ removed from the headquarters of Maine's Department of Labor by Governor LePage in March, will be on display at Kaplan Gallery (155 Gibbs St.) in Rockville starting Tuesday. (Image courtesy of the Kaplan)

TODAY (Friday)

The Lodge (21614 National Pike) in Boonsboro presents Araya Sparxx’s All American Drag Off with specials guests Jessica Jade and Patti Lovelace. Seven contestants will be competing for a prize package worth over $1,000 including six guaranteed bookings at The Lodge, promo photo shoot by RAB2 Imaging and $500 cash prize. For more information, visit thelodgeMD.com/dragoff.

Grap Luva is hosting the Michael Jackson birthday celebration tonight at 9:30 Club with DJ Dredd spinning and Robin Bell providing video. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online at 930.com. Door open at 9 p.m.

Gospel legends Maggie Ingram and the Ingramettes, a cappella group Naturally 7 and urban jazz harmonicist Frédéric Yonnet will be performing as part of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Celebration Concert at the Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.). This is a free performance but tickets are required. Reserved seating tickets will be distributed today starting at 4 p.m. in the Hall of Nations.

Beat City, a queer lounge night, is tonight at Chief Ike’s Mambo Room (1725 Columbia Rd., N.W.) from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. There is no cover for this 21-and-older event.

Busboys & Poets will be having an American Sign Language open mic night tonight at 11 p.m. in the Langston room at its 14th and V streets location (2021 14th St., N.W.). Anyone with sign language knowledge may sign up by e-mailing [email protected]. There is a $5 admission at the door.

Saturday, Aug. 27

Rams Head Promotions and 103.1 WRNR present Silopanna Music Festival featuring 20 acts on three different stages, including Matt and Kim, Pasadena and Tobias Russell. General admission tickets are $39.50 in advanced and $45 the day of show and V.I.P tickets are $195 in advanced and $225 the day of show. V.I.P tickets include complimentary drinks, a dinner buffet, private bathrooms and more. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit silopannafest.com.

Southwest Renaissance Development Corporation is hosting a panel discussion as at Westminster Presbyterian Church (400 I St., S.W.) today from 1 to 3 p.m. as part of its series, “Thinking About Jazz.” This month’s program will duscuss women such as Mary Lou Williams, Marian McPartland and Dinah Washington. Several members of the case of “Sistas Can Sang” will be discussing their own experiences.

Burgundy Crescent Volunteers seeks help as its members help the National Park Service paint park benches in Dupont Circle. Volunteers will meet up with NPS staff at 9 a.m. by the fountain in the circle, wearing clothes they don’t mind getting paint on and should plan on being there until noon. Interested volunteers should e-mail [email protected].

Will Eastman, Kid Color and Jerome Baker III will be at U Street Music Hall (1115 U St., N.W.) tonight at 10 p.m. with “Bliss.” Tickets are $10 and available online at ustreetmusichall.com. Attendees ages 18 to 20 must purchase tickets in advanced to gain entry. Pre-sale ends an hour before doors open.

Green Lantern (1335 Green Court, N.W.) hosts “Slippery When Wet” tonight from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. with prize packages and Manhunt giveaway. DJ Ace D.C. will be spinning.

Reportory Opera Theater of Washington has “A Grand Night of Opera” tonight at 8 at Immanuel Church on the Hill in Alexandria (3606 Seminary Road). Tickets are $15; $10 for ages 10-17 (under 10 free). Arias from operas by Mozart, Wagner, Gershwin and more will be performed. Visit repopera.org for details.

Sunday, Aug. 28

GLOE is having its sixth annual pool party “Tel Aviv (in D.C.) Beach Bash” today from 1 to 5 p.m. at the home of founder Stuart Kurlander and David Martin. Tickets are $5 and the exact address will be emailed upon registration. For more information, visit washingtondcjcc.org/gloe.

The fourth annual Summer Games with Shearon Van Riggins (Shea Van Horn and Aaron Riggins) and officiated by drag queen Summer Camp, is today from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at Meridian Hill Park and the theme this year is skin. Teams of four will compete in events for gold, silver or bronze metals. Events include all-you-can-eat bananas, Sharpie pen fencing and more. The games will be followed by the official after party at Nellie’s (900 U St., N.W.)

Camp Rehoboth and the Seashore Striders are holding the second annual “Sundance 5k: Run Walk or Sashay!” today in Rehoboth Beach, Del., with registration beginning at 6 a.m. The race kicks off at 7:30 a.m. General registration and sleepwalker registration is $25. For more information, visit camprehoboth.com.

Monday, Aug. 29

D.C. Different Drummers Capitol Pride Symphonic Band will rehearse tonight from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Reformation Lutheran Church, Capitol Hill (212 East Capitol St.). For more information, contact [email protected] or visit dcdd.org.

Brightest Young Things is having its happy hour tonight at the Black Cat (1811 14th St., N.W.) at 8 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 30

Federal Triangles Soccer Club Summer of Freedom league is having its closing party tonight at Nellie’s (900 U St., N.W.) starting at 6:30 p.m.

VisArts presents the work of Maine artist Judy Taylor whose 11-panel “History of Labor in the State of Maine” was removed from the headquarters of Maine’s Department of Labor by Govnernor LePage in March. The exhibition opens today at Kaplan Gallery (155 Gibbs St.) in Rockville, on the second floor. An opening reception and other events are scheduled for September. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit visartsatrockville.org.

Wednesday, Aug. 31

The Lambda Bridge Club will meet at 7:30 p.m. at the Dignity Center (721 8th St., S.E.) across from Marine Barracks for duplicate bridge. No reservations are needed and newcomers are welcome. If a partner is needed, visit lambdabridge.com.

D.C. Different Drummer’s D.C. Swing! group will rehearse tonight from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Reformation Lutheran Church, Capitol Hill (212 East Capitol St.). For more information, contact [email protected] or visit dcdd.org.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is tonight at Little Miss Whiskey’s Golden Dollar (1101 H St., N.E.) with The Machine and special guest DJs spinning alternative music and obscure dance tracks from the ‘80s tonight from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Attendees must be 21 or older for this cover-free event.

Thursday, Sept. 1

“Shear Madness,” a comedy whodunit, will be performed tonight at the Kennedy Center Theater Lab (2700 F St., N.W.) at 8 p.m. “Madness” takes place in present-day Georgetown, in the Shear Madness Hair Styling Salon. Tickets are $42. Visit kennedy-center.org for more information and to purchase tickets.

Guttermouth, a punk band from California, will be performing at the Black Cat (1811 14th St., N.W.) tonight with The New Threat and Bumpin Uglies. Tickets are $13 and doors open at 8 p.m. For more information, visit blackcatdc.com.

Calendar

Calendar: March 27-April 2

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

16 hours ago

March 27, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Friday, March 27

Center Aging Monthly Luncheon With Yoga will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. Email Mac at [email protected] if you require ASL interpreter assistance, have any dietary restrictions, or questions about this event.

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at Dupont Italian Kitchen. This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Trans and Genderqueer Game Night will be at 7 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This is a relaxing, laid-back evening of games and fun. All are welcome and there’ll be card and board games on hand. Feel free to bring your own games to share. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.

Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This event is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity/expression to join together in community and learn from one another. For more details, email [email protected].

Saturday, March 28

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.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. It’s more than just an event; it’s an opportunity to step away from the busyness of life and invest in something meaningful, and enjoy delicious food, genuine laughter, and conversations that spark connection and inspiration. For more details, visit the Center’s website.

Black Lesbian Support Group will be at 1 p.m. on Zoom. This is a peer-led support group devoted to the joys and challenges of being a Black Lesbian. For more details, email [email protected].

Monday, March 30

“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]).

“Tea Time! A Local DC Drag Comedy Show” will be at 3 p.m. at Spark Social. This is a live drag comedy show where drag legends TrevHER & Tiara Missou Sidora host spill all the tea in the DMV. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Tuesday, March 31

Visibili-TEA Party will be at 6 p.m. at Restoration Station. Guests are encouraged to come sip, celebrate, and shine together. This event is a Trans Day of Visibility celebration and a special collaboration between Auntie’s Home and Damien Ministries. This is a boozy tea party with intention and the dress code reflects the vibe. More details are available on Eventbrite.

Wednesday, March 1

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.

Thursday, April 2

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, breathwork 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.

Out & About

Celebrate cherry blossoms the drag way

Unconventional Diner hosts bingo party

Published

16 hours ago

March 27, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

The cherry blossoms are here. Celebrate at a unique event hosted by Unconventional Diner. (Washington Blade photo by Michael K. Lavers)

Unconventional Diner will host “Cherry Blossom Drag Bingo Party” on Friday, April 3, at 6:30 p.m.

Guests will be treated to an unforgettable night of drag performances, bingo, food and drink and prizes. Highlights of the evening include themed cocktails, drag performances and bingo prizes.

Tickets can be secured via Resy.

Sports

New IOC policy bans trans women from Olympics

New regulation to be in effect at 2028 summer games in Los Angeles

Published

2 days ago

March 26, 2026

Michael K. Lavers

(Photo by Greg Martin; courtesy IOC)

The International Olympic Committee on Thursday announced it will not allow transgender women from competing in female events at the Olympics.

“For all disciplines on the Sports Program of an IOC event, including individual and team sports, eligibility for any Female Category is limited to biological females,” reads the new policy.

The policy states “eligibility for the Female Category is to be determined in the first instance by SRY Gene screening to detect the absence or presence of the SRY Gene.”

“On the basis of the scientific evidence, the IOC considers that the SRY (sex-determining Region Y) Gene is fixed throughout life and represents highly accurate evidence that an athlete has experienced or will experience male sex development,” it reads. “Furthermore, the IOC considers that SRY Gene screening via saliva, cheek swab or blood sample is unintrusive compared to other possible methods. Athletes who screen negative for the SRY gene permanently satisfy this policy’s eligibility criteria for competition in the Female Category.”

The policy states the test “will be a once-in-a-lifetime test” unless “there is reason to believe a negative reading is in error.”

The new regulation will be in place for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

“I understand that this a very sensitive topic,” said IOC President Kirsty Coventry on Thursday in a video. “As a former athlete, I passionately believe in the rights of all Olympians to take part in fair competition.”

“The policy that we have announced is based on science and it has been led by medical experts with the best interests of athletes at its heart. The scientific evidence is very clear: male chromosomes give performance advances in sport that rely on strength, power, or endurance,” she added. “At the Olympic Games, even the smallest margins can be the difference between victory and defeat. So, it is absolutely clear that it would not be fair for biological males to compete in the female category. In addition, in some sports it would simply not be safe.”

(Video courtesy of the IOC)

Laurel Hubbard, a weightlifter from New Zealand, in 2021 became the first trans woman to compete at the Olympics.

Imane Khelif, an Algerian boxer, won a gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Khelif later sued JK Rowling and Elon Musk for cyberstalking after they questioned her gender identity.

Ellis Lundholm, a mogul skier from Sweden, this year became the first openly trans athlete to compete in any Winter Olympics when he participated in Milan Cortina Winter Olympics in Italy.

President Donald Trump in February 2025 issued an executive order that bans trans women and girls from female sports teams in the U.S.

The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee last July banned trans women from competing in female sporting events. Republican lawmakers have demanded the IOC ban trans athletes from women’s athletic competitions.

“I’m grateful the Olympics finally embraced the common sense policy that women’s sports are for women, not for men,” said U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) on X.

An IOC spokesperson on Thursday referred the Washington Blade to the press release that announced the new policy.