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Calendar: Dec. 16

Concerts, meetings, parties and more through Dec. 24

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The Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra plats the Mansion at Strathmore on Sunday. (Photo courtesy Strathmore)

TODAY (Friday)

The Stein Club is having its annual holiday celebration tonight at Mitchell Gold/Bob Williams (1502 14th St., N.W.) from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. There will be an open white cosmo-and-white wine bar as well as complimentary hors d’oeuvres. There is a suggested donation of $25 for this event.

Girls Rock! D.C. is having its holiday party tonight at Dollhouse (1429 Madison St., N.W.) from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. with DJs Alex D-B and Alpha Betts. This is a bring-your-own-beverages-booze-and-baked goods party. For more information, visit girlsrockdc.org.

Team D.C. presents its fourth annual Holiday Extravaganza for D.C. Gay Sports tonight at Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.) from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. There’s no cover, free food and happy hour drink prices. For more information, visit teamdc.org.

DJs Aaron Riggins, Della Volla and AVM will be spinning at Green Lantern (1335 Green Court, N.W.) tonight for “Pop Goes the World,” an international dance party starting at 10 p.m. There is a $5 cover.

Gay/Bash!, a “queer night of rock and pop gems” with DJs Joshua and Dean, is tonight at the Black Cat (1811 14th St., N.W.). Admission is $5 and doors open at 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 17

D.C. Leather Pride is holding a fundraiser tonight at Green Lantern (1335 Green Court, N.W.) from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. featuring Mr. D.C. Leather. There will be drink specials and raffle tickets for $1 each.

Youth are invited to the Stereo Chromatic GSA Youth Dance tonight from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Clarendon Presbyterian Church (1305 N. Jackson St.) in Arlington. There is a $2 entry fee and snacks will be provided.

Zoom Lesbian Excursions presents Christmas in Morocco, a seven-course Moroccan meal at Marrakesh Restaurant (617 New York Ave., N.W.) tonight at 6 p.m. Tickets are $30 to be paid at the venue. For more information, visit phatgirlchic.com/zoom/index.html.

Phase 1 (525 8th St., S.E.) is having a night of queer music tonight with The Lost Bois, SolRose and Angie Head from D.C. as well as Constance Sick and Eli Conley. Tickets are $10 and the show starts at 8 p.m.

Lure D.C. presents “Bare: How the Grinch Stole Bare” tonight at Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.) from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. featuring DJs Rosie and Keenan Orr. The best dressed Grinch look-a-like wins $100. For more information, visit Lure’s Facebook at facebook.com/lurewdc. Attendees must be 21 or older.

Will Eastman’s dance party “Bliss” returns to U Street Music Hall (1115 U St., N.W.) tonight with Chris Nitti and Richard Richard. There is a $10 cover and attendees who are 18 to 20 must purchase tickets in advance. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit ustreetmusichall.com.

Sunday, Dec. 18

SAGE Metro D.C. is co-sponsoring a workshop presents by AARP’s Legal Counsel for the Elderly on understanding the benefits of Medicare and Medicaid at the Metropolitan Community Church of Washington (474 Ridge St., N.W.) from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Phase 1 (525 8th St., S.E.) is having an open mic night tonight from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. All kinds of performers are welcomed. There is no cover to this event.

The National Symphony Orchestra presents Handel’s “Messiah” today at the Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.) at 1 p.m. Ticket range from $30 to $85 and can be purchased online at kennedy-center.org.

Busboys & Poets presents “Sunday Kind of Love,” an open mic night celebrating LGBT Jewish poetry featuring Yermiyahu Ahron Taub and readings from “Milk and Honey: A Celebration of Jewish Lesbian Poetry” with editor Julie R. Enszer and contributor, Eryca Kasse tonight at 5 p.m. in the Robeson room of its Shirlington location (4251 S Campbell Ave.) in Arlington. There is a $5 suggested donation.

Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra play “A Bohemian Christmas” today at the Mansion at Strathmore (10701 Rockville Pike) in North Bethesda at 8:30 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at strathmore.org.

Monday, Dec. 19

The Choral Arts Society of Washington presents “Christmas Music: Holiday Treasures from Russia” tonight at the Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.) at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $15 to $65 and can be purchased online at kennedy-center.org. There will be two other performances on Wednesday and Dec. 24.

Ledroit Park is having its holiday party at Nellie’s (900 U St., N.W.) tonight from 5 to 8 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 20

The Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.) presents its production of “Billy Elliot: The Musical” directed by Stephen Daldry and featuring music by Elton John, tonight at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $25 to $150 and can be purchased online at kennedy-center.org.

Join Burgundy Crescent Volunteers to help pack safer sex kits from 7 to 9 p.m. tonight at FUK!T’s packing location, Green Lantern, 1335 Green Ct., N.W.

Wednesday, Dec. 21

“A Very Faerie Yule 2011” is tonight at the Open Hearth Foundation (1502 Massachusetts Ave., S.E.) from 7 to 9 p.m. Hot and heavy hors d’oeuvres, desserts and beverages will be served. For more information, e-mail [email protected].

Radio one presents “Know Your Status” concert at 9:30 Club (815 V St., N.W.) tonight at 7 p.m. hosted by Wale and featuring Chuck Brown and more. Tickets are available for free when tested at one of the D.C. Department of Health’s participating testing sites. For a list of site and more details, visit dctakesonhiv.com.

Thursday, Dec. 22

Trixie and Monkey’s seventh annual “Holiday Spectac-U-Thon” is tonight at the Patterson at 8 p.m. The neo-burlesque show will feature acrobatic antics, trapeze and more. Tickets are $22 for general admission and $17 for Creative Alliance members. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit creativealliance.org.

The Washington Chorus presents “A Candlelight Christmas” tonight at the Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.) at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $15 to $65 and can be purchased online at kennedy-center.org.

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Calendar

Calendar: March 27-April 2

LGBTQ events in the days to come

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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.  

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Out & About

Celebrate cherry blossoms the drag way

Unconventional Diner hosts bingo party

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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.

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Sports

New IOC policy bans trans women from Olympics

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

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(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.

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