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Chesapeake Pride set for Aug. 4

‘We take pride in having something for everyone, including a protected area for swimming and a play area for families with kids’

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Chesapeake Pride, Edgewater, Maryland, gay news, Washington Blade

‘We take pride in having something for everyone, including a protected area for swimming and a play area for families with kids.’ (Washington Blade photo by Pete Exis)

The Chesapeake Pride Festival will take place at picturesque Mayo Beach on the Chesapeake Bay in Edgewater on Aug. 4 from 12-6 p.m., rain or shine.

Swimming in the bay, the beach, stage acts, drag shows, vendors from a variety of LGBT/friendly companies and organizations, food, beverages, including beer and wine are all part of a planned day of fun in the sun and pride. And for those who do not want too much sun, there are plenty of shaded areas to enjoy the day.

Among the attractions, the Straight Eights-Lambda Car Club, an LGBT group, will feature its collection of vintage classic automobiles at the festival, which is a must-see for classic car enthusiasts.

“This year’s entertainment will be as fabulous as last year,” said Stormy Vain who organizes the drag acts. “We are adding a lip-sync contest for the entertainers to enter as well as the first-ever Drag Queen Potato Sack Race that will be held on the beach after the drag show.”

The line-up includes Stormy Vain, Gracie Freebush, Marketta Minett, Shawanna Alexander, Veronyka Wynters, Marshall Roberts, Ada Buffet, Chanel van Cartier Couture, and Mattie Lamar.

“2012 will be our best Pride yet! As always we’ll have great music and a fab drag show plus a few surprises,” said Kim Hinken, chair of the planning committee. “With this being a historic year for LGBT equality and a huge election year, community events like Chesapeake Pride Festival are more important than ever before. The planning committee has worked very hard to put together a Pride festival like no other. We hope everyone will join us as we celebrate Pride in the community.”

John Petrosillo, the festival’s advertising chair agreed. “This year’s festival brings the usual great selection of vendors, live entertainment, food, beverages and fun. Among others, we are pleased to have sponsors Bud Light and Barefoot Wine returning this year. Our drag show will be better than ever, concluding with none other than a potato sack race on the beach.

“Our main stage will feature both new artists this year as well as some popular returning favorites. We take pride in having something for everyone, including a protected area for swimming and a play area for families with kids. Mayo Beach is a beautiful setting and we are thrilled to be there again this year.”

Park rules dictate that no bottles, cans, food or coolers are allowed outside your vehicle. Pets are not permitted.

Visit chesapeakepridefestival.org or facebook.com/ChesapeakePride for more information.

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World Pride 2025

D.C. liquor board extends drinking hours for WorldPride

Gay bars, other liquor-serving establishments can stay open 24 hours

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Sasha Colby performs at Pitchers in 2023. Liquor-serving establishments in D.C. will be able to remain open for 24 hours during WorldPride. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

D.C.’s Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Board, which regulates liquor sales for the city’s bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and other establishments licensed to serve alcoholic beverages, has approved extended hours for alcohol service and sales during the days when most WorldPride events will be held in the nation’s capital.

In a May 2 announcement, the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration, which works with the board, said the extended liquor serving and sales hours for WorldPride will take place beginning Friday, May 30, through 4 a.m. Monday, June 9.

Although the official schedule for WorldPride events shows the events will take place May 17-June 8, most of the large events, including a two-day Pride street festival, parade, and concert, were expected to take place between May 30 and June 8.

According to the ABCA announcement and an ABCA spokesperson, liquor servicing establishments with the appropriate license can stay open for 24 hours and serve alcoholic beverages from 6 a.m. through the day and evening until 4 a.m., with no liquor sales allowed from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. during the May 30-June 9 period.

The ABCA announcement says liquor serving establishments must apply for the extended hours option and pay a $100 registration fee by a deadline on May 27.

Sources familiar with the liquor board have said the board has for many years approved the extension of liquor serving and sales hours for important events and for certain holidays such as New Year’s Eve.

At the time it approved the extended hours for WorldPride the liquor board also approved extended hours during the time when games for a World Cup soccer tournament will be held in the city on June 18, June 22, and June 26.

It couldn’t immediately be determined how many of D.C.’s 22 LGBTQ bars plan to apply for the extended drinking hours. David Perruzza, owner of the Adams Morgan gay bar Pitchers and its adjoining lesbian bar A League of Her Own, said he will apply for the 4 a.m. extended hours option but he does not intend to keep the two bars open for the full 23 hours.

Under the city’s current alcoholic beverage regulations, licensed liquor serving establishments may serve alcoholic beverages until 2 a.m. on weekdays and 3 a.m. on weekends.

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World Pride 2025

Episcopal bishop to speak at WorldPride human rights conference

Trump demanded apology from Mariann Edgar Budde over post-Inauguration sermon

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The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde. (Screen capture via PBS NewsHour/YouTube)

The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde is among those who are scheduled to speak at the WorldPride 2025 Human Rights Conference that will take place from June 4-6.

Budde, who is the bishop of the Diocese of Washington, in January urged President Donald Trump “to have mercy” on LGBTQ people, immigrants, and others “who are scared right now” during a post-Inauguration service that he and Vice President JD Vance attended at the Washington National Cathedral. Trump criticized Budde’s comments and demanded an apology.

The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde speaks at the Washington National Cathedral on Jan. 21, 2025. (PBS NewsHour clip)

A press release the Washington Blade received notes Icelandic Industries Minister Hanna Katrín Friðriksson, UK Black Pride founder Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, and Bob the Drag Queen are among those who are also expected to participate in the conference.

The conference will take place at the JW Marriott (1331 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.) and registration is open here.

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World Pride 2025

Pabllo Vittar to perform at WorldPride

Brazilian drag queen, singer, joined Madonna on stage in 2024 Rio concert

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Pabllo Vittar (Screen capture via Pabllo Vittar/YouTube)

A Brazilian drag queen and singer who performed with Madonna at her 2024 concert on Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach will perform at WorldPride.

The Capital Pride Alliance on Thursday announced Pabllo Vittar will perform on the Main Stage of the main party that will take place on June 7 at DCBX (1235 W St., N.E.) in Northeast D.C.

Vittar and Anitta, a Brazilian pop star who is bisexual, on May 4, 2024, joined Madonna on stage at her free concert, which was the last one of her Celebration Tour. Authorities estimated 1.6 million people attended.

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