Arts & Entertainment

Best of the books

LGBT themes liberally peppered through slated fall releases

Published

15 years ago

September 8, 2011

Books, much cheaper than movies or TV shows to produce, provide the most copious bounty of LGBT options. Among the highlights:

If you want something that’s going to last you most of the winter, try “Black Like Us: A Century of Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual African American Fiction,” compiled by Don Weise (Cleis Press, October). This brick of a book gathers the works several of your favorite authors, some of whom you might not know are gay. This is the kind of book you can get lost in and at 555 pages, you’ll be lost a while.

“The Unreal Life of Sergey Nabokov” by Paul Russell (Cleis Press, November) is based on the real life of the gay brother of Vladimir Nabokov and tells the fictional story of Sergey’s life, his contemporaries, his loves and his heartbreaking end in Berlin. You’ll also want to check out “History’s Passions: Stories of Sex Before Stonewall,” edited by Richard Labonte (Bold Strokes Books, November). This anthology, written by four award-winning authors, imagines the lives of loving men in various historical settings.

For young adult readers, check out “Swimming in Chicago” by David-Matthew Barnes (Bold Strokes Books, October). In this novel, a young man is dealing with his mother’s suicide with the help of his best girl friend and an intriguing new love.

Another book for teens is “Speaking Out: LGBTQ Youth Stand Up” by Steve Berman (Bold Strokes, September). In this book, young adults will read stories of adversity overcome, problems solved, issues brought forth, and what they can look forward to.

In “The Stranger’s Child” by Alan Hollinghurst (Knopf, October), it’s 1913 and a young man has brought a love interest home with him from boarding school, only to have his sister fall for the boy, too. But with a few innocent words in an autograph book, secrets are buried shallowly and the young man and his entire family are changed for several generations. This is one of those sweeping novels that you’ll want to save for a rainy weekend day.

“Tom of Finland – Life and Work of a Gay Hero” by F. Valentine Hooven III (Bruno Gmunder Verlag Gmbh, November), a compilation, looks at Tom’s drawings from the earliest to more current times, and includes a biography. And if photography is the art you love most, check out “Jim French Diaries: The Creator of Colt Studio” by Jim French (also from Bruno Gmunder Verlag Gmbh, October).

You’ll also love paging through “Gay in America,” portraits by Scott Pasfield (September, Welcome Books). In this gorgeously illustrated book, you’ll find intimate and personal photography of gay men from around the country, taken over three years.

“Christmas Remembered” by Tom Mendicino, Frank Anthony Polito, and Michael Salvatore (Kensington, September) is a three-story collection that brings back memories of holidays shared, holidays cherished and holidays best forgotten.

“Second You Sin” by Scott Sherman (Kensington, September) is a thriller-whodunit, in which part-time sleuth/call boy Kevin Connor must solve the murders of several New York City male prostitutes.

Another mystery you’ll love this fall is “Hell’s Highway” by Gerri Hill (Bella Books, December). Someone thinks California’s Mojave Desert is the perfect place to dispose of women’s bodies. On the case are FBI Agents Cameron Ross and Andrea Sullivan, two women who are more than just partners at work. Can their commitment to each other withstand the sand, the heat, and the mind of a diabolical killer?

One comic book that stands out is “Heroes with Hardons” by Patrick Fillion and others (Bruno Gmunder Verlag Gmbh, November). This book is packed with super-hunky superheroes ready to save your day any way they can. Yes, these are comics, but they’re nothing like the ones you spent Saturday afternoon reading when you were a kid.

“Model Men: Gay Erotic Stories” by Neil Plakcy (Cleis Press, November) imagines the lives and loves of models from Mr. May in the hunk calendar to the billboard hottie who almost makes you wreck the car.

“Riding the Rails: Locomotive Lust and Carnal Cabooses” by Jerry L. Wheeler (Bold Strokes, December) explores the carnality trains tend to inspire.

“The Gay Gospels: Good News for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered People” by Keith Sharpe (O Books, John Hunt, September) guides readers with a spiritual, faith-based (yet readable) look at the Bible, the arguments used against gays and why some feel these scriptures have been distorted.

“The Gay Men’s Guide to Timeless Manners and Proper Etiquette” by Corey Rosenberg (Chelsea Station Editions, September) explains what eating utensils to use, the difference between black tie and formal, what kind of hostess gift is mandatory and more.

“Best Gay Erotica 2012,” edited by Richard Labonte with a foreword by Larry Duplechan (Cleis Press, December) is an anthology that brings together the best of this years’ writers. Also look for “Best Lesbian Erotica 2012, edited by Kathleen Warnock, foreword by Sinclair Sexsmith, also from Cleis and out in December.

“69 Positions of Joyful Gay Sex” by Mischa Gawronski (Bruno Gmunder Verlag Gmbh, November) shows that, yes, indeed, there are lots of ways to do the deed.

Keep in mind that release dates are approximate and could change.

Calendar

Calendar: May 1-7

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

13 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Friday, May 1

Go Gay DC will host “First Friday LGBTQ+ Community Social” at 7 p.m. at Silver Diner Ballston. 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.

“Illusions The Drag Queen Show Washington, D.C.” will be at 7 p.m. at 2323 18th St., N.W. Come see this amazing D.C. drag show and laugh all night long while being amazed by the stellar performances in tribute to some of your old-time favorite classics as well as the latest pop favorites. Come see the likes of Madonna, Cher, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, Beyoncé, Pink, and many more. Tickets are $12.97 and are available on Eventbrite.

Saturday, May 2

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11:00a.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.

Drag Queen Sip and Paint Washington DC will be at 4 p.m. at Town Tavern DC. This event combines the joy of painting with the lively energy of a drag queen, offering an hour and a half of fun, creativity, and entertainment. Participants paint a canvas while enjoying cocktails, all under the guidance of a glamorous drag queen host. Tickets are $47.19 and are available on Eventbrite.

Monday, May 4

“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]).

Tuesday, May 5

Universal Pride Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group seeks to support, educate, empower, and create change for people with disabilities. For more details, email [email protected].

Wednesday, May 6

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.

Center Aging Women’s Social and Discussion Group will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older LGBTQ+ women can meet and socialize with one another. There will be discussion, activities, and a chance for guests to share what they want future events to include. For more information, email [email protected].

Thursday, May 7

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.

Photos

PHOTOS: 90’s Flashback Drag Brunch

Logan Stone leads new show at Red Bear Brewing

Published

3 days ago

April 29, 2026

Michael Key

The inaugural 90's Flahsback Drag Brunch was held at Red Bear Brewing Co. on Sunday, April 26. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The new monthly 90’s Flashback Drag Brunch premiered at Red Bear Brewing Co. on Sunday, April 26. Performers included Logan Stone, Tiffany D. Carter and Charlemagne Chateau.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

Celebrity News

Madonna makes rare club appearance in West Hollywood

Gay icon brought ‘Confessions II’ to The Abbey

Published

4 days ago

April 28, 2026

Alexander Rodriguez

Madonna takes the dance floor at The Abbey in West Hollywood, Calif., on April 25, 2026. (Los Angeles Blade photo)

A line of celebrities, “Drag Race” queens, influencers, media, and West Hollywood socialites lined the block around West Hollywood’s The Abbey, all clamoring to get into the invite-only celebration of owner Tristan Schukraft’s birthday. The rumor, which became verified gossip, was that Madonna, the Queen of Pop herself, would be taking the stage. Of course, the Blade had to be there.

With disco balls and Abbey statues covered in pink chiffon, it was clear. This party was a direct tie-in to Madonna’s much-anticipated “Confessions on A Dance Floor” album sequel, “Confessions II.” That night, the Abbey also unveiled its remodeled dance floor, a fitting collaboration.

The club was filled to capacity with a completely open bar, keeping the crowd liquored up. Go-go dancers in black leather collars and thongs lined the room, and celebrities that included Lilly Allen, Bebe Rexha, Tori Spelling, Julia Fox, Sam Asghari, Daniel Frenzese, Cynthia Bailey, Meredith Marks, Tom Daley, and more filled the VIP booths alongside World of Wonder personalities. It was a veritable who’s who of queer folk and allies.

The lights began to dim, the dance floor began to rumble, and Madonna graphics hit the screens. At around 1 am, it was time. Introduced by Addison Rae, Madonna grabbed the mic and started chanting, welcoming her “gays.” The venue resounded in thunderous chants of “freedom,” “mother,” and “bitch.”

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Madonna was not there to perform. She was there to dance. She took the stage for about 15 minutes, keeping the crowd going with her naughty and fun commentary. There is no list that needs to be provided on how Madonna’s career has become part of queer culture. Going back to her dance music roots and going back to her gay fans is smart.

Released in 2005 (yes, it has been that long), “Confessions on a Dance Floor” was an instant hit, with four singles from the album being released. The album’s lead single, “Hung Up,” topped the charts in 41 countries with Billboard calling it the most successful dance song of the decade. The album had hints of 60s and 70s flair, mixed in with dance music prevalent at that time. The music still dominates at queer clubs across the globe.

Madonna knows we need a little queer joy; she also knows that fans miss the Madonna we all knew and loved. With the nation in such turbulence, we all need some comfort, and going back to a time when we felt safer and had more to celebrate just feels good. For the new album release, she has even partnered with Grindr for a limited edition vinyl release and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

Her night at The Abbey presented snippets of her new music mixed in with some of her classics. The new material sounded good, sounded familiar in an exciting way, and shows that this diva has still got it.

“Confessions II” releases on July 3.