Arts & Entertainment
Countering holiday indulgences
Local LGBT sports teams can help you get moving

Adventuring Outdoors Group members on a recent jaunt. They hike in Maryland Sunday. (Photo courtesy Kevin Majoros)
It’s practically impossible not to gain weight over the holidays. But if you want to get back into your tight jeans, the local LGBT sports groups have plenty of opportunities to help you get moving.
The Adventuring Outdoors Group, whose focus is hiking and recreational biking, is hosting its 14th annual Sugarloaf Solstice/Poetry Hike on Sunday. It’s a moderate circuit hike of about 7 miles with a 1,700-feet elevation gain to a series of peaks on top of Sugarloaf Mountain near Frederick, Md. Members will stop at the scenic White Rocks overlook to enjoy the view, have lunch and share favorite poems in honor of the passing of another year. They will meet at 10 a.m. at the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro Station for carpooling or you can drive directly there. Bring a bag lunch, water, sturdy shoes and a few dollars for trip and transportation fees. Contact Chris at [email protected] for more details and directions.
On Jan. 1, the Adventuring Outdoors Group is hosting the Great Falls Hike. The starting point will be at the historic Great Falls Tavern where they will head downstream to the Falls Overlook and stop for lunch. They will head through the Gold Mine Loop and circle back to the Tavern area. Total length of the hike will be 5 miles over rolling and possibly muddy or icy terrain. They will meet at 11 a.m. at the Tenleytown Metro Station on the east side of Wisconsin Avenue for carpooling or you can drive directly there. Bring a bag lunch, water and a few dollars for trip and transportation fees. Same contact as above.
Lambda DanceSport is offering classes every Wednesday and Sunday at the Church of the Pilgrims Fellowship Hall near Dupont Circle. Work those pounds off with social ballroom, Latin, swing and two-step classes. Members are also hosting “Tango at Dupont Circle” Christmas Day and New Year’s Day milongas at the same location. The event runs from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 respectively with DJ Mark Sakowski. Cover is $10 and includes dancing, munchies, beverages and desserts. More information is at dancesportdupont.com.
Rainbow Climbing D.C. members can usually be found at the local indoor climbing venues on Tuesday and Thursday nights and sometimes on weekends. Check out its Facebook page under Rainbow Climbing to see if members will be at Earth Treks in Rockville or Sportrock in Alexandria.
The D.C. Front Runners continue with their Tuesday and Thursday evening runs along with their Saturday and Sunday morning runs. The group meets at 23rd and P streets except for Tuesdays when they meet at Union Station. The runners also host walks at the same locations on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings. Join them on Dec. 25 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. for the Holiday (Jingle Bell) Fun Run along the National Mall. They will meet at Union Station. The group can be found at dcfrontrunners.com.
The Capital Splats Racquetball League offers all levels of competition for men and women as well as recreational play, group meet-ups and skills clinics. Join its Facebook page at Capital Splats or meet up with members at their monthly happy hour at Nellie’s.
Charm City Volleyball is hosting Wednesday social play at the Mt. Royal Recreation Center in Baltimore every week from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Teams are formed by 7 and all skill levels are welcome. The cost is $3 per session. Players also host Sunday competitive and scrimmage play/clinics at the Volleyball House in Elkridge, Md., every week from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost is $7 per session and North American Gay Volleyball Association teams are welcome to play. Details are at volleybaltimore.com.
Ski-Bums have announced their 2012 event offerings for skiing and snowboarding. Upcoming trips include Salt Lake City, Beaver Creek, Sun Valley, Killington and more. Stay tuned for local trips coming in February. Details are at ski-bums.org.
Out & About
Love board games and looking for love?
Quirk Events will host “Board Game Speed Dating for Gay Men” on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. at KBird DC.
Searching for a partner can be challenging. But board games are always fun. So what if you combined board games and finding a partner?
Picture this: You sit down for a night of games. A gaming concierge walks you through several games over the course of the night. You play classics you love and discover brand new games you’ve never heard of, playing each with a different group of fun singles. All while in a great establishment.
At the end of the night, you give your gaming concierge a list of the folks you met that you’d like to date and a list of those you met that you’d like to just hang out with as friends. If any two people put down the same name as each other in either column, then your gaming concierge will make sure you get each other’s e-mail address and you can coordinate a time to hang out.
Tickets cost $31.80 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Friday, January 16
Friday Tea Time will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Bring your beverage of choice. For more information, contact Mac ([email protected]).
Trans and Genderqueer Game Night will be at 7 p.m. at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. This is a relaxing, laid-back evening of games and fun. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena. This event is ideal for making new connections and community building or just to unwind and enjoy extended happy hour. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, January 17
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 LGBTQ+ Community Center and SMYAL will host a free film screening of “Mama Bears” celebrating queer youth, resilience, and the power of living authentically. Whether you’re a movie lover, looking to make new friends, or simply want a safe, affirming space to relax, this event is for you. Click this link to RSVP.
LGBTQ People of Color will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This peer support group is an outlet for LGBTQ people of color to come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space that strives to be safe and judgement free. There will be all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more details, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.
Sunday, January 18
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community and Conversation” at noon at As You Are. This event is for those looking to make more friends and meaningful connections in the LGBTQ+ community. Look for the Go Gay DC sign on the long table near the front window. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, January 19
“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, January 20
Center Bi+ Roundtable will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is an opportunity for people to gather in order to discuss issues related to bisexuality or as Bi individuals in a private setting.Visit Facebook or Meetup for more information.
Tae Kwon Do Class with Avi Rome will be at 12:30 p.m. This inclusive and beginner-friendly class, led by Instructor Avi Rome, offers a light warm-up, stretching, and instruction in basic techniques, patterns, and striking padded targets. Each session is designed to be adaptable for all ability and mobility levels, creating a welcoming space for everyone to build strength, confidence, and community through martial arts. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Wednesday, January 21
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, January 22
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.
The Washington Capitals will host Pride Night on Saturday, Jan. 17, when they host the Florida Panthers at Capital One Arena. A special ticket offer featuring a Pride-themed Capitals rainbow jersey is available at washcaps.com.
Fans are invited to a pre-game Block Party at District E beginning at 5 p.m. The event will feature a performance by the band NovaKane. Specialty happy hour food and beverages will be available, as well as giveaways. There will also be a presence by several local LGBTQ+ community organizations.
-
U.S. Supreme Court3 days agoSupreme Court hears arguments in two critical cases on trans sports bans
-
Photos5 days agoPHOTOS: ‘ICE Out For Good’ Sunday protests
-
Virginia5 days agoMark Levine running in ‘firehouse’ Democratic primary to succeed Adam Ebbin
-
Arts & Entertainment4 days agoTeyana Taylor, Erin Doherty have big night at Golden Globes
