Arts & Entertainment
Calendar: April 27
Parties, support groups, concerts and more through May 3

Sunday is the last chance to see ‘Spirit and Engima’ featuring ceramic sculptures by Bill Mould including ‘Morning’ and ‘String theory’ featuring works by Elena Tchernomazova at Touchstone Gallery. (Photo courtesy Touchstone Gallery)
TODAY (Friday)
D.C. Women4Women presents “Tryst,” a monthly professional lesbian happy hour, tonight at Topaz Bar (1733 N St., N.W.) from 7 to 10 p.m. with exclusive food and drink specials from 7 to 9 p.m.
Positive Force D.C. presents Trophy Wife, War on Women, Fell Types and Fires in a benefit concert for D.C. Trans Coalition tonight at St. Stephen and the Incarnation Episcopal Church (1525 Newton St., N.W.) at 7 p.m. There is a $5 suggested donation. For more information, visit dctranscoalition.wordpress.com
Beat City, a queer lounge night, is tonight at Chief Ike’s Mambo Room (1725 Columbia Rd., N.W.) from 9:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.
Town’s (2009 8th St., N.W.) Bear Happy Hour presents “Bearaoke” tonight from 7 to 10 p.m. on the first floor, with mistress of ceremonies Tre. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Ted Leo and the Pharmacists play Black Cat (1811 14th St., N.W.) tonight at 9 p.m. with Mary Christ and The Tender Thrill. Tickets are $15 and available online atblackcatdc.com.
The Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.) presents “Come Fly Away,” Twyla Tharp’s Broadway musical featuring Frank Sinatra’s greatest hits. Tickets range from $69 to $125 and are available online at kennedy-center.org.
Tonight is LGBT Night at ArtSpring (7014B Westmoreland Ave., Takoma Park) from 7 to 9 p.m. For more information, visit artspringsilverspring.com.
Saturday, April 28
Girlyman with Edie Carey plays the Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria) tonight at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 and available online at birchmere.com.
Bill Cosby performs at the Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.) tonight at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $54.50 to $79.50 and are available online kennedy-center.org.
The D.C. Center Women present an evening at CulinAerie (1131 14th St., N.W.) tonight 6:30 p.m. Attendees will make warm asparagus salad, seared salmon with black pepper crust and a chocolate tart with espresso anglaise. Tickets are $85 each and $10 from each ticket goes to the D.C. Center. For more information, visit thedccenter.org orculinaerie.com.
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.
The stars of collegedudes.com, AJ Monroe and Devin Adams, perform live tonight as well as sign autographs and pose for photos at Town, (2009 8th St., N.W.). DJ Drew G will be spinning. Cover is $8 before 11 and $12 afterward. All attendees must be 21 or older. Doors open at 10 p.m.
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 “Living Conditions.” Doors open at 7 p.m.
Sunday, April 29
Suzanne Vega and Duncan Sheik play the Birchmere (3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria) tonight at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $45 and available online at birchmere.com.
Classically trained musicians Black Violin play the Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.) today at 1:30 and 4 p.m. Tickets are $18 and available online at kennedy-center.org.
Today’s the last day to see Touchstone Gallery’s (901 New York Ave., N.W.) exhibits “Spirit and Enigma” featuring ceramic sculptures by Bill Mould and “String theory” featuring works by Elena Tchernomazova. The gallery is open from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, visit touchstonegallery.com.
Monday, April 30
Nickelback plays Verizon Center (601 F St., N.W.) tonight with Bush, Seether and My Darkest Days at 6 p.m. Tickets range from $75 to $89.50 and are available online atticketmaster.com. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.
Whitman-Walker Health is having a series of Community Conversations this year and the next Conversation is “Improving Health of LGBT Elders” tonight at the D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) at 7 p.m. For more information and a complete list of the series conversations, visit whitman-walker.org.
Tuesday, May 1
The Chesapeake Squares, a gay square dancing group, is 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.
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, May 2
Riot Act Comedy Theater’s (801 E St., N.W.) monthly gay and gay-friendly comedy show “Gay-larious” returns tonight at 8 p.m. with Lori Sommer, Emma Willmann, Sampson McCormick and co-founders Chris Doucette and Zach Toczynski. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online at riotactcomedy.com.
Professionals in the City and the D.C. Center are hosting a speed dating event for lesbian and bisexual women at Chi-Cha Lounge (1624 U St., N.W.) from 7 to 9 p.m. tonight. Attendees will date for about an hour and then be able to mingle with everyone. After the event, matches can be made online. Tickets are $30. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
Thursday, May 3
Log Cabin Republicans holds its monthly happy hour at Nellie’s (900 U St., N.W.) tonight from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the roof deck featuring a new drink, The Pink Elephant.
Phase 1 of Dupont (1415 22nd St., N.W.) presents “Jock U” a men’s college night hosted by Secrets. Doors open at 9 p.m. No cover before 11 p.m. with college ID.
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.
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.
Sports
New IOC policy bans trans women from Olympics
New regulation to be in effect at 2028 summer games in Los Angeles
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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