Local
Trans community ‘in crisis’
Activists alarmed after rash of shootings, mysterious death
A recent rash of shootings — and the mysterious death of a man dressed in women’s clothes — has the transgender community on edge, with at least one activist describing the situation as a “crisis.”
In the most recent incident, detectives with the D.C. police Homicide Branch have identified a man found dead early Saturday morning, Sept. 10, on the 2600 block of 11th Street, N.W. that investigators initially believed to be a transgender person.
Police on Tuesday identified the male decedent as 35-year-old Gaurav Gopalan of Northwest Washington but provided no further details about him. Gopalan worked as an aerospace engineer.
“The investigation is ongoing and the cause and manner of death are undetermined at this time,” police said in a news release.
The identification came one day after police released a photo of the then unidentified male taken by the city’s Medical Examiner’s office.
Police said he was dressed in women’s clothes, wearing some facial makeup, and carrying high heels at the time police arrived on the scene and found him unconscious on the sidewalk. A source familiar with the case said he was found in front of 2618 11th Street, N.W.
Assistant Police Chief Peter Newsham told reporters at a news conference Monday afternoon that preliminary autopsy findings showed no obvious signs of injuries or trauma on the decedent. He said a final determination of whether the death was a homicide or due to natural causes would have to wait for completion of toxicological tests by the Medical Examiner.
Transgender activists who viewed the photo said they believed the person may have been a man dressed in drag, possibly a gay man, rather than someone interested in changing his gender from male to female.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Det. William Covington at 202-727-9600 or the police Command Information Center at 202-727-9009.
Gopalan’s personal website lists him as president of The Fred Schmitz Group, an aeronautical engineering company based in his home at 2725 13th St., N.W., which is less than two blocks from where his body was found.
According to the website, he received his Ph.D. in aerospace engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2004. Gopalan is listed as the company’s only employee. The company lists as its areas of expertise “aeronautical acoustics, runway-independent aircraft, air traffic management,” and “rotor dynamics & aerodynamics.”
The type of “rotor” technology Gopalan has worked on is believed to have been used to suppress the noise of helicopters similar to the ones used in the U.S. Navy Seals operation that led to the capture and death of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan earlier this year.
The Blade was able to independently confirm that a Gaurav Gopalan indeed received a Ph.D. in 2004 from the University of Maryland, College Park in aerospace engineering.
D.C. police spokesperson Gwendolyn Crump said police were in contact with the Embassy of Nepal to establish contact with Gopalan’s family members who live in the South Asian country.
Shiva Subbaraman, director of Georgetown University’s LGBTQ Resource Center, said she has known Gopalan for many years through mutual friends in the South Asian community.
“I am in shock at this,” she said.
In another case, D.C. police arrested a 20-year-old man on a charge of assault with intent to kill for the shooting on Monday of a transgender woman in the 2300 block of Savannah Street, S.E.
Police said Darryl Willard of Northeast Washington surrendered on Tuesday at First District Police Headquarters and was charged in connection with an arrest warrant obtained by police, who said the victim knew Willard.
The victim, whom police have not identified, suffered a non-fatal gunshot wound to the neck about 2 a.m. Monday at the Savannah Street location and showed up at the Seventh District Police Headquarters to report the incident, police said. She was rushed to a nearby hospital and was in stable condition.
The incident was the fourth reported shooting of a transgender person in D.C. since July. The latest case prompted police officials to call a news conference Monday afternoon to discuss this and other transgender-related cases.
Transgender activists Earline Budd and Ruby Corado, who spoke at the news conference, said the latest shooting was among more than a dozen violent attacks against transgender women in D.C. this year.
“The transgender community is now in crisis,” Corado said.
That incident came after police arrested a suspect in a separate case on Sept. 10 in which the suspect, whom police have not identified, allegedly threatened three transgender women with a gun on the 4000 block of Minnesota Ave., S.E. None of the victims were injured. Police listed the incident as an anti-transgender hate crime.
D.C. Council member Jim Graham (D-Ward 1), who represents the area where the unidentified person’s body was found, said his office is closely monitoring the case. Graham, who is gay, said he is troubled over the large number of crimes against transgender women in the city in recent months.
Capt. Edward Delgado, director of the police Special Liaison Division, was the first to disclose the shooting of the trans woman on Savannah Street, S.E., on Monday in an early morning e-mail to LGBT activists.
“This morning a member of the transgender community walked into the Seventh District Station to report that she sustained a gunshot wound to the neck,” said Delgado, whose division oversees the department’s Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit.
“The female was transported to a local hospital and is in stable condition. The Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit responded to the scene to aid the detectives in their investigation in hope to bring this case to closure,” he said.
The incident came less than two months after 23-year-old Lashai Mclean, a transgender woman, was shot to death shortly before 5 a.m. on July 20 on the 6100 block of Dix Street, N.E.
According to police, a transgender woman who was with Mclean at the time of the shooting told investigators two men approached Mclean and asked her a question. Before Mclean could answer them one of the two men fatally shot Mclean with a semiautomatic handgun, police said. The case remains unsolved.
Eleven days later, on July 31, an unidentified male suspect fired a handgun at a transgender woman along the 6200 block of Dix Street, N.E., just one block from where Mclean was shot. The shot missed hitting the victim, police said.
In a statement following the second shooting, police said they were looking into the possibility of a “potential emerging pattern” between the two incidents. No suspects have been identified in the case.
At Monday’s news conference, D.C. Police Homicide Branch Capt. Michael Farish said police chose not to release a composite drawing of the unknown suspect who shot Mclean because the witness was unable to provide enough details about the suspect’s appearance.
In a separate incident on Aug. 26, an off-duty D.C. police officer was arrested on a charge of assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly firing his approved off-duty service revolver at three transgender women and two male friends who were sitting in a car in Northwest Washington.
Two of the transgender women and one of the male friends suffered non-life threatening gunshot wounds in the incident. The victims told police the incident began when words were exchanged between one of the male friends and 21-year veteran D.C. police Officer Kenneth Furr after Furr allegedly propositioned one of the trans women for sex inside a CVS drugstore about 4:40 a.m. that morning.
Transgender activists who know the victims said one of the transgender women involved in the case said Furr became angry when she turned down his request that the two have a sexual encounter.
During Monday’s police news conference, Budd and Corado said they were pleased with the response to the latest cases by police officials but expressed concern that at least some rank and file officers continue to show a bias against members of the LGBT community, especially against transgender women.
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.
Rehoboth Beach
Ashley Biden to speak at Blade’s Summer Kickoff Party in Rehoboth Beach
May 16 event to honor Beau Biden, feature speech from Gov. Matt Meyer
The Washington Blade’s 18th annual Summer Kickoff Party is scheduled for today in Rehoboth Beach, Del.
Ashley Biden, daughter of President Joe Biden, has joined the list of speakers, the Blade announced on Friday. She will accept an award on behalf of her brother Beau Biden for his LGBTQ advocacy work as Delaware attorney general.
Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer has also joined the list of speakers.
The event, held at the Blue Moon (35 Rehoboth Ave.) from 5-7 p.m., is a fundraiser for the Blade Foundation’s Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism, which funds a summer position reporting on LGBTQ news in Delaware. This year’s recipient will be introduced at the event.
The event will also feature remarks from state Sen. Russ Huxtable, who recently introduced a state constitutional amendment to codify the right of same-sex couples to marry. CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Kim Leisey and Blade editor Kevin Naff will also speak. The event is generously sponsored by Realtor Justin Noble, The Avenue Inn & Spa, and Blue Moon.
A suggested donation of $20 is partially tax deductible and includes drink tickets and light appetizers. Tickets are available in advance at bladefoundation.org/rehoboth or at the door.
El Salvador conmemora el 17M bajo un clima de miedo y retroceso en derechos LGBTQ
WorldPride events round-up
PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
Trump travels to Middle East countries with death penalty for homosexuality
Pope Leo XIV: Family based on ‘stable union between a man and a woman’
Ashley Biden to speak at Blade’s Summer Kickoff Party in Rehoboth Beach
Down to shuck!
Virginia 2025 GOP ticket gives DEI a bad name
In stressful times, escape to Rehoboth Beach
