Arts & Entertainment
Trials and tribulations
No other medium absorbs LGBT angst quite like the printed page
How’s that for eye-catching art? ‘Gorgeous Gallery,’ a coffee table book featuring the work of contemporary gay artists, is out this fall from Bruno Gmuender. The lavish, 160-page book was compiled by David Leddick. (Photo courtesy Bruno Gmuender)
There’s a lot less money on the line with a book than with a movie or TV show. Which is why the printed page is always one of the best places to find LGBT content. This fall is no exception.
If the summer saw you with new bling-er on your finger, then you’ll want to grab “From the Closet to the Altar: Courts, Backlash and the Struggle for Same-Sex Marriage” by Michael J. Klarman.
As a legal expert, Klarman has excellent insight into litigation and the fight for same-sex marriage. In this book, he looks at the politics, legal wrangling, personal stories, fallout and triumphs in the movement toward equality in marriage.
Speaking of marriage, you might also like “My Husband and My Wives: A Gay Man’s Odyssey” by Charles Rowan Beye. On one hand, this is the story of one man’s realization that he’s attracted to men. On the other hand, it’s about his marriages to women — not once, but twice — and then his marriage to the love of his life.
Look for Cyndi Lauper’s autobiography “Cyndi Lauper: A Memoir” Tuesday from Simon & Schuster.
For something a little more somber, look for “October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard” by Leslea Newman. Written as a novel in verse form, this work of fiction allows voices from various points of view to come forth in remembrance of the day Shepard died so violently. This is a quick book to read, which is good: you’ll have time to read it again and again. Also look for “Letters to My Bully” written and/or edited by Azaan Kamau, Ifalade Ta-Shia Asanti, Kergan Edwards-Stout and Robert LaSardo. It’s a book that lets victims of bullying speak up and be heard, written by a host of contributors who are mad and won’t sit down and shut up anymore.
On a lighter note, what makes you gay? In “Born This Way: Real Stories of Growing Up Gay” by Paul Vitagliano, you’ll get a look at personal stories, memories and childhood pictures of real people who’ve embraced their LGBT lives, who’ve known it since they were kids and who celebrate it with pride. Yes, this book is based on the blog of the same name and yes, the book is equally fun to read.
“How to Be Gay” by David M. Halperin could also be fun but it could incite argument, too, because it’s filled with thought-provoking ideas and hypotheses. Halperin doesn’t shy away from controversy here, nor does he bow to stereotypes, which means that this is a book you might finish and then share with your straight friends.
Discuss.
Lesbian writer (and Lambda Literary Award winner) Emma Donoghue is back with “Astray,” a new collection of short stories that’s slated for Oct. 30.
Of course, maybe you’ve got a busy fall, a jam-packed schedule and you’re overloaded with things to do and when you’re busy, who has time to read, right?
Well surely you’ve got time for some eye-popping art like “Gorgeous Gallery” by David Leddick. This huge collection of erotic artwork features some old favorite artists and lots of new talent that could quickly become your new fave. This book is from Bruno Gmüender, as is “Bel Ami Rebels” by photographer Joan Crisal, a look at European porn stars who are willing to show their naughty and nice sides.
Bruno Gmuender, by the way, also has a new Tom of Findland book due this fall, as well as a new superhero comic art book by Iceman Blue.
Sports
Blade, Pride House LA announce 2028 Olympics partnership
Media sponsorship to amplify stories of LGBTQ athletes
The Los Angeles Blade and Washington Blade on Friday announced a media partnership with the Out Athlete Fund, which will produce Pride House LA for the 2028 Summer Olympics.
Pride House is the home for LGBTQ fans and athletes that will become a destination during the L.A. Summer Games in West Hollywood in partnership with the City of WeHo. This 17-day celebration for LGBTQ athletes and fans will include medal ceremonies for out athletes, interactive installations, speakers, concerts, and more.
The Los Angeles Blade will serve as the exclusive L.A.-area queer media sponsor for Pride House LA and the Washington Blade will support the efforts and amplify coverage of the 2028 Games.
The Blade will provide exclusive coverage of Pride House plans, including interviews with queer athletes and more. The parties will share content and social media posts raising awareness of the Blade and Out Athlete Fund. The Blade will have media credentials and VIP access for related events.
“We are excited to partner with the Washington Blade, the oldest LGBTQ newspaper in the United States and the Los Angeles Blade, already a strong supporter of Out Athlete Fund and Pride House LA/West Hollywood,” said Michael Ferrera, CEO of Pride House LA. “Our mission is about increasing the visibility of LGBTQ+ athletes and fans to challenge the historical hostility toward our community in the sports world. Visibility is what publications like the Washington and Los Angeles publications are all about. We know they will play a key part in our success.”
“LGBTQ visibility has never been more important and we are thrilled to work with Out Athlete Fund and Pride House LA to tell the stories of queer athletes and ensure the 2028 Summer Games are inclusive and affirming for everyone,” said Blade Editor Kevin Naff.
Out Athlete Fund is a 501(c)3 designed to raise money to offset the training cost of out LGBTQ athletes in need of funding for training. The Washington Blade is the nation’s oldest LGBTQ news outlet; the Los Angeles Blade is its sister publication founded nine years ago.
In honor of Black History Month, the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will host a series of events uplifting the histories, artistry, and resilience of Black LGBTQ+ communities through dialogue, film, and intentional gathering.
The series begins with “Ballroom Culture: Rhythms of Resilience,” a panel discussion on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026 at 7 p.m. Artists, activists, and leaders from the ballroom community will explore ballroom’s historical, cultural, and political significance as a site of resistance, kinship, creative expression, and social justice within Black, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ communities.
On Friday, Feb. 13 at 12:30 p.m., the Center will host a screening of the groundbreaking documentary “Paris is Burning,” which chronicles New York City’s ballroom scene and house culture while examining themes of race, class, identity, and survival through the voices of legendary performers including Willi Ninja, Pepper LaBeija, and Dorian Corey.
The month will conclude with “Soul Centered: A Black LGBTQ+ Gathering” on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. This free, RSVP-required event invites Black LGBTQ+ community members into a space of rest, connection, and reflection centered on love in all its forms. The gathering will feature a panel conversation with Black LGBTQ+ creatives, healers, and community members, followed by intentional speed connections and a closing social mixer.
For more details and to RSVP, visit the Center’s website.
Friday, February 6
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.
Spark Social will host “RuPaul’s Drag Race Watch Party S18 Watch Party” at 8 p.m. Drag Entertainers TrevHER and Grey provide hilarious commentary and make live predictions on who’s staying and who’s going home. Stick around after the show for a live drag performance. The watch party takes place on our heated outdoor patio and cozy indoor space. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Go Gay DC will host “First Friday LGBTQ+ Community Social” at 7 p.m. at Silver Diner Ballston. 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.
Saturday, February 7
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.
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 are all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more information and events, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.
Sunday, February 8
DMV Gay Dog Moms will host “Puppy Love” at 1 p.m. at Wunder Garten. This a Valentine’s pawty and market for dog lovers. Get gifts for your loved ones – both human & canine at this event. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, February 9
“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]).
Genderqueer DC will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a support group for people who identify outside of the gender binary, whether you’re bigender, agender, genderfluid, or just know that you’re not 100% cis. For more details, visit genderqueerdc.org or Facebook.
Tuesday, February 10
Coming Out Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a safe space to share experiences about coming out and discuss topics as it relates to doing so — by sharing struggles and victories the group allows those newly coming out and who have been out for a while to learn from others. For more details, visit the group’s Facebook.
Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity or expression to join together in community and learn from one another. For more details, email [email protected].
Wednesday, February 11
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, February 12
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. To be more fair with who is receiving boxes, the program is moving to a lottery system. 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, 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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