Arts & Entertainment
Calendar: Nov. 4
Concerts, parties, exhibits and more through Nov. 10
Lesbian singer Brandi Carlile plays the Birchmere next week. (Photo courtesy Columbia Records)
TODAY (Friday)
The D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) is holding its monthly open mic night tonight from 8 to 10 p.m., featuring guests Eryca Kasse, a Jewish lesbian, writer and social worker, and Jessica Genia Simon, who has been writing poetry since she was 7 and has been published in “New Voices: National Jewish Student Magazine.” The event is hosted by Mike Brazell.
Green Lantern (1335 Green Court, N.W.) presents Fahrenheit tonight from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. featuring music by DJ Joey-O. There’s a $5 cover after 10 p.m. and free rail vodka on the second floor from 10 to 11 p.m.
Busboys & Poets presents First Fridays: A Local Arts Exploration tonight at 5:30 p.m. in the Zinn room at its Hyattsville location (5331 Baltimore Ave., Suite 104). This event combines a reception, artist talk and the opportunity to meet other local artists, and see their work. This month’s presenters are Chanel Compton, Charles A. Sessoms, J.J. McCracken, Bensonn Anspach and Brooke Kidd.
Strathmore presents Friday Night Eclectic featuring D.C.-based world funk ensemble Funk Ark and special guest Fort Knox Five’s Mustafa Akbar, tonight at 8 p.m. at the Mansion (10701 Rockville Pike) in North Bethesda. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit strathmore.org.
Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) is having its weekly Bear Happy Hour tonight starting at 6 p.m. There is no cover for this 21 and older event.
Saturday, Nov. 5
Blowoff, a dance party featuring gay DJs Bob Mould and Richard Morel, will be at 9:30 club (815 V St., N.W.) tonight. Doors open at 11:30 p.m. Attendees must be 21 or older. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased at 930.com.
The Capital Pride Symphonic Band is having its fall concert Architects of Music tonight at the Columbia Heights Education Campus Auditorium (3101 16th St., N.W.) at 8 p.m. The concert will be emceed by Martin Moeller, author of the AIA Guide to the Architecture of Washington D.C., and conducted by Nancy Plantinga.3
Phase 1 (525 8th St., S.E.) is hosting a Deaf Women’s Happy Hour tonight from 7 to 10 p.m. There is a $5 cover and all proceeds will go toward the Deaf Abused Women’s Network. All attendees must be 21 or older.
Tayisha Busay, an electro-dance band from Brooklyn, will be at The Islander (1201 U St., N.W.) followed by a dance party. Tickets are $6 in advance, $10 at the door and $5 after midnight for the dance party only. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. and all attendees must be 21 or older.
Code has its monthly installment tonight at Green Lantern (1335 Green Court, N.W.). Gear, rubber, skin, uniform or leather dress code will be strictly enforced. Music provided by DJ Frank Wild. Admission is $10. All attendees must be 18 or older. There will be an open bar from 9 to 10 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 6
The Bet Mishpachah Education Committee is hosting a brunch today from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the DCJCC (1529 16th St., N.W.) featuring a screening of the 1977 film, “Word is Out: Stores of Some of Our Lives.” The film was the first feature-length documentary about gay and lesbian identity made by gay filmmakers. For more information and to RSVP, visit betmish.org.
Signature Theatre (4200 Campbell Ave.) in Arlington, is hosting a CD launch party for local gay composer Matt Conner from 5 to 7 p.m. to celebrate the release of his second Christmas CD, “Snow.” The wine and cheese reception will take place in the lobby and will feature Conner performing selections from his album, including classics as well as two original compositions. The party is free and open to the public.
Busboys & Poets presents Photoworks Photo SLAM tonight at 8 p.m. in the Langston Room at its 14th and V. streets location (2021 14th St., N.W.). The slam will feature photo artists projecting their portfolios in front of a panel of celebrity judges and the winner gets an exhibit at Photoworks gallery during FotoWeek 2012. This is a free event.
A new gay-welcoming Catholic church, St. Hedwig’s Old Catholic Church, has Mass today at 9 a.m. The church meets each Sunday morning at Palisades Community Church (5200 Cathedral Ave., N.W.) in Washington. The church, not affiliated with the Vatican, describes itself as one with “progressive Catholic values” that welcomes those “disaffected by mainstream traditions” and what some consider “politically distorted teachings of Christ” in other faith traditions. Bishop Michael Seneco, who’s gay, is the pastor. Visit sainthedwigs.org for more information. All are welcome.
Monday, Nov. 7
The D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) is having its monthly volunteer night tonight from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tonight’s activities could range from sorting through book donations, cleaning up around the center and taking inventory for Fuk!ts, as well as socializing. Pizza will provided.
Green Lantern (1335 Green Court, N.W.) hosts Bears Do Yoga from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. upstairs followed by Queer Pong hosted by Andy from 8 p.m. to midnight.
Tuesday, Nov. 8
D.C. Bi Women will have its monthly dinner at Dupont Italian Kitchen (1637 17th St., N.W.) tonight from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Today is Digital Capital Week’s Fashion Day at the Washington Economic Partnership (1495 F St., N.W.) with three panels discussing the different aspects of life in the fashion industry in D.C. starting at 1 p.m. The first panel will include Daniella Kallmeyer, winner of Bravo’s “The Fashion Show,” discussing the role of technology in creativity and design. The second panel will be about business and retail development, while the third panel will focus on the role of social media. The day will end with a fashion show held at Bloomingdales. This is a free event. To RSVP, visit dcweekfashionday.eventbrite.com.
Nellie’s (900 U St., N.W.) is hosting a City Dogs Rescue fundraiser during Drag Bingo this week from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. with $1 from every Nellie beer sold going to City Dogs, an organization formed to rescue adoptable dogs in high-kill shelters where resources are limited. For more information on the organization, visit citydogsrescue.org.
Wednesday, Nov. 9
Rainbow Response is holding its monthly meeting tonight at the D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) from 7 to 8 p.m.
Green Lantern (1331 Green Court, N.W.) will host the weekly Poz D.C. happy hour upstairs from 8 p.m. to midnight.
Bet Mishpachah, GLO, Nice Jewish Girls, Nice Jewish Boys and Gayyim join up at a free happy hour tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Dirty Martini (1223 Connecticut Ave., N.W.) to celebrate Mautner Project. RSVP at freehappyhourmautner.eventbrite.com.
Brandi Carlile plays the Birchmere (3701 Mt. Vernon Ave.) in Alexandria tonight at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com.
Thursday, Nov. 10
Helping Our Brothers and Sisters is holding its annual fundraiser dinner tonight at the Eatonville Restaurant (2121 14th St., N.W.) at 6 p.m. with a social hour followed by the dinner and program at 7:30 p.m. The event will also celebrate the life of Frank Kameny. Tickets are $150 and can be purchased online at helpingourbrothersandsisters.com.
Bars & Parties
Mixtape Sapphics hosts holiday party on Dec. 13
‘Sugar & Spice’ night planned for Saturday
Mixtape Sapphics will host “Sapphic Sugar & Spice: A Naughty-Nice Mixtape Holiday Party” on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. at Amsterdam Lounge.
This is a festive, grown holiday party for queer women and sapphics 35 and older at Revolt’s Christmas pop-up. There will be music, joy, and an optional White Elephant.
This is Mixtape Sapphics’ first-ever holiday party — a cozy, flirty, intentionally grounded night created just for queer women and sapphics 35+ who want real connection, festive joy, and a warm place to land at the end of the year.
Tickets start at $13.26 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Friday, December 12
“Center Aging Friday Tea Time” will be at 12 p.m. in person at the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s new location at 1827 Wiltberger St., N.W. To RSVP, visit the DC Center’s website or email [email protected].
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar and Restaurant. This event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Women in Their Twenties and Thirties will be at 8 p.m. on Zoom. This is a social discussion group for queer women in the Washington, D.C. area. For more details, go to Facebook.
Saturday, December 13
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 12 p.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. D.C.’s queer community will gather for good food, laughter, and community. For more information, email [email protected].
Sunday, December 14
SADBrunch will host “HokiSlay Drag Brunch” at 12 p.m. at Throw Social. This festive affair brings fierce performances, over-the-top holiday looks, and more sparkle than a tinsel explosion. Expect powerhouse lip-syncs, laughter, and cheer hotter than your spiked cocoa. Cake Pop will host the event. Tickets cost $28.52 and are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, December 15
“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]).
Genderqueer DC will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a support group for people who identify outside of the gender binary, whether you’re bigender, agender, genderfluid, or just know that you’re not 100% cis. For more details, visit genderqueerdc.org or Facebook.
Tuesday, December 16
Center Bi+ Roundtable will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is an opportunity for people to gather and discuss issues related to bisexuality or as Bi individuals in a private setting. Visit Facebook or Meetup for more information.
The DC Center for the LGBT Community will host “Self-Defense Class with Avi Rome” at 12:30 p.m. Rome is a proud member of the LGBTQ community and a full-time martial arts instructor with 25 years of teaching experience. He holds a Fifth Degree Black Belt in Jhoon Rhee Tae Kwon Do and is the director of the studio’s Adaptive Tae Kwon Do program for students with special needs. He has also run numerous self-defense workshops for various groups and situations. For more details, visit the center’s website.
Wednesday, December 17
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.
Asexual and Aromantic Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a space where people who are questioning this aspect of their identity or those who identify as asexual and/or aromantic can come together, share stories and experiences, and discuss various topics. For more details, email [email protected].
Thursday, December 18
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.
Egypt
Iran, Egypt object to playing in Seattle World Cup ‘Pride Match’
Game to take place on June 26
Iran and Egypt have objected to playing in a “Pride Match” that will take place in Seattle during the 2026 World Cup.
The Egyptian Football Association on Tuesday said it told FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström in a letter that “it categorically rejects holding any activities related to supporting (homosexuality) during the match between the Egyptian national team and Iran, scheduled to be held in Seattle, USA, on June 26, 2026, in the third round of the group stage of the 2026 World Cup.” Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran President Mehdi Taj told ISNA, a semi-official Iranian news agency that both his country and Egypt “protested this issue.”
The 2026 World Cup will take place in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The draw took place at the Kennedy Center on Dec. 5.
Iran is among the handful of countries in which consensual same-sex sexual relations remain punishable by death.
The State Department’s 2023 human rights report notes that while Egyptian law “did not explicitly criminalize consensual same-sex sexual activity, authorities regularly arrested and prosecuted LGBTQI+ persons on charges including ‘debauchery,’ prostitution, and ‘violating family values.’” Egyptian authorities “also reportedly prosecuted LGBTQI+ individuals for ‘misuse of social media.’”
“This resulted in de facto criminalization of same-sex conduct and identity,” notes the report.
The 2024 human rights report the State Department released earlier this year did not include LGBTQ-specific references.
Soccer has ‘unique power to unite people across borders, cultures, and beliefs’
The June 26 match between Iran and Egypt coincides with Seattle Pride. The Washington Post reported the Seattle FIFA World Cup 2026 Local Organizing Committee decided to hold the “Pride Match” before last week’s draw.
“As the Local Organizing Committee, SeattleFWC26’s role is to prepare our city to host the matches and manage the city experience outside of Seattle Stadium,” said SeattleFWC26 Vice President of Communications Hana Tadesse in a statement the committee sent to the Washington Blade on Wednesday. “SeattleFWC26 is moving forward as planned with our community programming outside the stadium during Pride weekend and throughout the tournament, partnering with LGBTQ+ leaders, artists, and business owners to elevate existing Pride celebrations across Washington.”
“Football has a unique power to unite people across borders, cultures, and beliefs,” added Tadeese. “The Pacific Northwest is home to one of the nation’s largest Iranian-American communities, a thriving Egyptian diaspora, and rich communities representing all nations we’re hosting in Seattle. We’re committed to ensuring all residents and visitors experience the warmth, respect, and dignity that defines our region.”
The 2034 World Cup will take place in Saudi Arabia.
Consensual same-sex sexual relations remain punishable by death in the country. The 2022 World Cup took place in neighboring Qatar, despite concerns over the country’s anti-LGBTQ rights record.
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