Local

D.C. Cowboys announce final season

Published

14 years ago

October 13, 2011

The D.C. Cowboys’ final season is set for 2012 after an 18-year run. (Blade file photo by Michael Key)

The D.C. Cowboys, a local dance troupe for gay men, is closing after 18 years with a farewell tour. Kevin Platte, the group’s founder, said the group was conceived on a whim and having accomplished more than he ever thought possible, it’s time for its members to move on.

“I never thought this would be a group that just went on forever,” Platte said. “I’d been thinking as the leader when would be a good time to go out on top. In showbiz you always want to leave your audience wanting more, so I think 2012 will be a wonderful time to do that and is kind of our way of giving back to everyone who made us who we are, the audience, fans and supporters. This is our way to show our appreciation.”

Platte started the troupe in 1994 and imagined it would be a one-off for a performance at the Atlantic Stampede gay rodeo. But the group, a kind of gay Chippendales with country sensibilities and motifs, was popular enough that it became a regular outfit. The group became famous for its shirtless performances, its charity calendars and was a staple on the Capital Pride parade and festival main stage. Its fame rose in recent years as it toured internationally. Platte says performing on the nationally televised “America’s Got Talent” in 2008 and closing the Gay Games in Chicago in 2006 were two of the highlights for him.

“Those two are really big,” he says. “Just amazing moments.”

Platte, who always kept a day job working as a project manager for a computer company, guesses about 75 guys have been in the group altogether over the years. There are usually between 16 and 20 at a time. Platte is the only dancer to stay with it continuously. He hopes former members will join him for the farewell tour but he’s auditioning new members for the final year as well. Visit dccowboys.org for more information.

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District of Columbia

Wanda Alston Foundation launches culinary program for LGBTQ youth

Slay & Sauté campaign seeks to raise funds for cooking utensils

Published

7 hours ago

May 27, 2025

Lou Chibbaro Jr.

Wanda Alston Foundation Executive Director Cesar Toledo (Photo courtesy of the Wanda Alston Foundation)

The Wanda Alston Foundation, the D.C. nonprofit organization that has provided housing and support services for homeless LGBTQ youth since its founding in 2008, announced it has launched a campaign to raise $15,000 for a new culinary program to “equip our LGBTQ+ youth with cooking skills, kitchen gadgets, and a taste for joy,” according to its executive director, Cesar Toledo.

In a May 14 statement, Toledo said the Alston Foundation had been selected to receive food and shelter funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, “but due to the federal freeze, it’s unlikely those critical resources will reach us.”

He said the new program being launched is in partnership with the DC Front Runners Pride Run 5K organization, an LGBTQ runners group. The funds will be used to provide 20 Alston House residents “with air fryers, rice cookers, smoothie blenders, healthy food, and condiments,” Toledo said.

He said the campaign, which has been named Slay & Sauté, is offering donors a chance to win WorldPride concert tickets if they submit their donation before June 1. His announcement says among the concerts for which tickets could be won are Grace Jones and Janelle Monae, “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Werq the World, MIXTAPE Pride, and Betty Who.

“Thanks to supporters across the District, we’re able to continue providing not just shelter but comfort and joy to LGBTQ+ youth!” Toledo said in his statement.

Photos

PHOTOS: Black Pride Opening Reception

Special guests include Ts Madison, Kerri Colby

Published

2 days ago

May 25, 2025

Michael Key

Ts Madison entertains at the Black Pride Opening Ceremony on Friday, May 23 at the Capital Hilton. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The Opening Reception for the 34th annual D.C. Black Pride was held at the Capital Hilton on Friday, May 23. Presenters, speakers and entertainers included Ts Madison, Monroe Alise, Billy the Goat, Kerri Colby, Apple Brown Betty, Heather Mahogani, Lyrical Mar, Lolita Leopard, Ink, and Bang Garçon. Anthony Oakes was the host.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)