Arts & Entertainment
Calendar: March 23
Parties, exhibits, concerts and more through March 29
Evolve Urban Arts Project is hosting an opening reception on Thursday for its newest exhibit featuring the work of Dilip Sheth, including this painting. The show runs through May 4. (Image courtesy Evolve)
TODAY (Friday)
The Lodge (21614 National Pike, Boonsboro) and the Mason Dixon Roller Vixens presents a ladies’ night “Anything But Clothes” tonight hosted by Lucretia McEvil and co-host Scruff with beats provided by DJ Joey-O. Games and a fashion show begin at 10 p.m. There’s a $3 suggested donation.
Gay District is hosting “Pre-Mature Spring Fling” tonight at Bread and Brew D.C. (1247 20th St., N.W.) from 8 to 10:30 p.m. The night will feature games, happy hour prices and drink specials. There is a required $5 donation.
D.C. Women4Women presents “Tryst,” a monthly professional lesbian happy hour at Topaz Bar (1733 N St., N.W.) tonight from 7 to 10 p.m.
Destino Final, a night of freestyle, upbeat R&B, early house and more, is tonight at Dodge City D.C. (917 U St., N.W.) from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. featuring Alex DB and FLEG from Baltimore.
Pants vs. Pumps is taking over the original Phase 1 (525 8th St., S.E.) tonight at 7:30 p.m. for “Trouble,” a pre-game event with drink specials and games including flip cup and beer pong. There is a $5 cover with the mention of PvP.
Saturday, March 24
The 2012 Visions in Feminism conference is today at American University (4400 Massachusetts Ave.) in the Ward Building. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and ranges from $10 to $15. A.U. students get in free with student ID. Jeanne Flavin, a professor of sociology at Fordham University, will be the keynote speaker. For more information, look for the Facebook event page.
Tom From Prague brings “Tainted Love: An International ‘80s Dance Party” at Green Lantern (1335 Green Court, N.W.) tonight from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. There is a $5 cover.
Grammy nominee Katie Herzig plays Red Palace (1212 H St., N.E.) tonight at 9 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance at $15 day of the show. Doors open at 8 p.m.
Cocker Productions presents Miss Gay D.C. America pageant tonight at Town (2009 8th Street, N.W.), honoring Kirby Kolby, Miss Gay D.C. America 2011 and Miss Gay America 2012. Admission is $10. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Also tonight, Chad Michaels of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” will perform. Doors open at 10 p.m. for this event (those who attend the pageant can stay all evening and don’t have to pay the regular Town cover). Admission is $8 before 11 p.m. and $12 after. Attendees must be 21 or older.
Black Cat (1811 14th St., N.W.) presents Hellmouth Happy Hour where every week an episode of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” will be screened and drink specials will be offered. This week the episode is “Choices.” Doors open at 7 p.m. The Black Cat is also hosting “Disco in the Dark” with Mr. Bonkerz, DJ Remote CTRL and Sneakers in the Dryer. Doors open at 9:30 for this and tickets are $5.
Sunday, March 25
The Black Men’s XChange D.C. is having a brunch at the Howard University Blackburn Center honoring the “same gender-loving” elder community today at the Howard University Blackburn Center (2397 6th St., N.W.) from noon to 3:30 p.m. There is a $4 suggested donation.
Studio Theatre (1501 14th St., N.W.) presents “Sucker Punch,” a play by Roy Williams, directed by Leah C. Gardiner, today at 2 and 7 p.m. The play follows two British teenagers and their rise from “would-be vandals” to boxing champions. Tickets range from $46 to $59 and can be purchased online at studiotheatre.org. The show runs through April 8.
Monday, March 26
Nellie’s (900 U St., N.W.) presents a “RuPaul’s Drag Race” watch party tonight at 9 p.m.
The D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) will be holding an information session about the Mobile Homecoming Project, an initiative to promote intergenerational dialogue in the community, tonight from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Following the presentational will be a mixer at Mova (2204 14th St., N.W.) from 7 to 9 p.m. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
Tuesday, March 27
GLAA is having a membership meeting tonight in the second floor community room at the Reeves Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
The Chesapeake Squares, a gay square dancing group, are having a mainstream-through-advanced club night tonight at the Waxter Center (1000 Cathedral St.) in Baltimore from 8 to 10 p.m. For more information, visit chesapeakesquares.org.
Wednesday, March 28
Secrets (1824 Half St., S.W.) is holdings its monthly amateur dance contest hosted by LaTroya Nichole tonight beginning at 11 p.m. Contests must sign up at the main bar starting at 10 p.m.
The Lambda Bridge Club meets tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Dignity Center (721 8th St., SE — across from Marine Barracks) for duplicate bridge. No reservations needed; newcomers welcome. Visit lambdabridge.com if you need a partner.
Busboys & Poets presents Sparkle Open Mic Poetry, a queer-friendly reading series hosted by Regie Cabico and Danielle Evennou in the Cullen room of its 5th and K location (1025 5th St., N.W.) at 9 p.m. Wristbands are $4 and will be sold in the Global Exchange store beginning at 11 a.m.
Thursday, March 29
Evolve Urban Arts Projects (1375 Maryland Ave., N.E.) is having an opening reception tonight from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. for its newest exhibit “The Moon and Landscapes, etc.” featuring the work of local artist, Dilip Sheth.
KHUSH D.C. and OutWrite present “God Loves Pavement: Two Brown Authors Hit the Road” tonight at the D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) at 7 p.m. Farzana Doctor, a Toronto-based author and recipient of the Writers’ Trust of Canada’s Dayne Ogilvie Grant for emerging gay Canadian author in 2011 and Vivek Shraya, a Toronto-based artists, arts educator and author, will be at this joint book reading.
Friday, April 17
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+ Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena. 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 7:00p.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.
Saturday, April 18
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.
Sunday, April 19
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Lunch” at 11 a.m. at Federico Ristorante Italiano. 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.
Monday, April 20
“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, April 21
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.
Senior Self Defense 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, April 22
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 meet 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, April 23
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 5:00 pm 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.
Out & About
Team DC’s annual gala set for this weekend
LGBTQ sports organization to hold annual ‘Night of Champions’
Team DC will host “Night of Champions Gala” on Saturday, April 18 at 6 p.m. at the Georgetown Marriott.
This will be an evening of celebration and inspiration as Team DC honors remarkable individuals and supports the next generation of LGBTQ student-athletes.
There will be opportunities to support Team DC through auctions. The Silent Auction items will offer an array of unique goods and experiences. Additionally, Team DC will feature an exclusive selection of live auction items for those looking to make a significant impact.
This year, Team DC will recognize six outstanding awardees who have made significant contributions to the LGBTQ community and sports:
- Trailblazer Award – Adam Peck, District Wrestling
- Most Valuable Person Award – Sean Bartel (posthumously)
- Champion Award – Dan Martin
- Clark Ray Horizon Award – Manuel Montelongo, aka Mari Con Carne
- Bernard Jude Delia Award – Dr. Sara Varghai
- Platinum All Star Award – Centaur Motorcycle Club
To purchase tickets, visit Team DC’s website.
Television
‘The Pitt’ stars discuss what season two gets right about queer representation
Noah Wyle and Taylor Dearden spoke with Blade in LA
As season two of “The Pitt” comes to a close this Thursday, stars Noah Wyle and Taylor Dearden are looking back on what this season got right about queer representation.
“There is some intentionality behind it, but it’s not necessarily for the representation to be anything other than human or ubiquitous to anyone that would come into an emergency room,” Noah Wyle, who plays Dr. Robby, told the Los Angeles Blade at PaleyFest event in Los Angeles on April 12. “I know that we’ve done some storylines with some gay couples, and we did a storyline in season 1 where a woman comes in who’s cut her arm, who’s trans. But in both of those storylines, that wasn’t the point.”
Wyle continues, “In doing it that way, and not making a point of orientation being part of the problem that brings you to the emergency room, we have been told in feedback that that has been extremely revolutionary, almost, and extremely appreciated. But that’s true whether we do storylines with any kind of minority or a person with a disability. We try to have a cosmology of cast and representation on the show that’s indicative of what you find in Pittsburgh.”
Dearden, who plays Dr. Mel King, echoed Wyle’s sentiment: “I think constantly battling tropes is always important. It’s not a show about romance; it’s a show about real life and a shift in the ER. The more we represent everyday people going through everyday life, they just happen to be queer, they just happen to be trans, and making it not the plot, is putting everyone on equal playing [field]. You don’t have to have a big coming out scene.”
Queer representation on “The Pitt” is also notable through the actual actors themselves, including openly queer actor Supriya Ganesh, who plays Dr. Samira Mohan (who didn’t attend PaleyFest after the news that she is not returning for season three), and Amielynn Abellera, who plays Perlah Alawi.
“Doctors don’t put value judgments on who they treat,” Wyle concludes. “That’s not a luxury extended to them, and so that’s not part of our storytelling.”
The season two finale will air Thursday, April 16, on HBO Max, while season three has already been confirmed and is currently being written.
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