Arts & Entertainment
Calendar: Sept. 14
Parties, concerts, exhibits and more through Sept. 20
Along with Emperor Fidel I, seated, are (from left to right) Empress XXI of Corpus Christi, BeBe Evanson-Hughes; Empress XXVI of New York, Witti Repartee; and Absolute Empress XLVI of San Francisco, Saybeline Fernandez. The Imperial Court has a charity coronation event Saturday at Washington Mariott. (Photo courtesy Imperial Court)
TODAY
Special Agent Galactica performs at the Black Fox Lounge (723 Connecticut Avenue NW) from 6-9 p.m. tonight. Galactica will give a performance of live singing, lip sync, jazz, comedy and more to Friday nights. Known for her “Very-Sexy-Cute-Boy Combo,” Galactica will sing numbers ranging from Cy Coleman, Harold Arlen, and Irving Berlin to Quincy Jones, The Beatles and Prince. For more information, visit blackfoxlounge.com.
Bear Happy Hour Fridays are back at Town (2009 8th St NW) from 6-11 p.m. every Friday night. There is no cover charge, however, you must arrive by 9:30 p.m. to get inside for free. There will be free pizza at 7 p.m. and drink specials. For more information, visit dcbearcrue.com.
Cobalt (1639 R Street NW) is hosting its Free Vodka Fridays called “Boy’s Life” again tonight. You must be 21 and up to enter and there will be open bar from 11 p.m. until midnight. For more information, visit cobaltdc.com.
Saturday, Sept. 15
Ziegfeld’s DC (1824 Half Street SW) is hosting its Miss Ziegfeld’s 2013 competition tonight. Former title holder Patti Lovelace will be honored. Doors open at 7 p.m. The competition will begin at 8 p.m. For more information, visit ziegfelds.com.
Burgundy Cresent Volunteers will donate their time at the Falls Church PetSmart (Seven Corners, 6100 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church) from 11:45 a.m. until 3 p.m. today. Also, The Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation is looking for dog-handlers for their adoption events. For more information on this event, visit ldcrf.org. To volunteer, email [email protected].
The Imperial Court will crown Emperor I during a charity event today at “Coronation I: Gala of the Americas” at the Washington Marriott at Metro Center (12th St NW). Doors open at 6 p.m. with a cocktail and VIP reception. The Gala will begin at 7 p.m. The beneficiaries of this year’s event are: PFLAG-DC, The Mautner Project, and Grandma’s House. Tickets are available at imperialcourt.org.
Sunday, Sept. 16
The SpeakEasy presents the return of drag performer Joey Arias to L’Enfant Café (2000 18th St NW) along with Sherry Vine and Raven O! The Dinner Show begins at 7 p.m. and includes a three course dinner and show. The late night show starts at 10:30 p.m. with cocktails and a show. Both events are reservation only. For more information, visit laboumbrunch.com.
Phase 1 (525 8th St. SE) will hold its monthly open mic night tonight starting at 7:30 p.m. Drinks range from $2-$10 and all are welcome. Phase 1 has seen performances from singer-songwriters, spoken word artists, stand-up comics and live bands. For more information, visit phase1dc.com.
Monday, Sept. 17
The Arlington Central Library (1015 N Quincy St.) hosts a book talk with Garrett Peck, the gay author of “The Potomac River: A History and Guide” today on the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Antietam. Books will be available for sale and Peck will also be signing them. For more information, visit library.arlingtonva.us.
Tuesday, Sept. 18
Whitman-Walker Health Center (1701 14th St., NW) hosts its 10-week Coming Out Women’s discussion group tonight at 7 p.m. This group is for women who want to discuss their interest in women, sexuality, relationships and coming out. For more information, visit whitman-walker.org.
Wednesday, Sept. 19
The Tom Davoren Social Bridge Club meets tonight at 7:30 p.m., at the Dignity Center (721 8th St., SE) for social bridge. No partner needed. For more information, visit lambdabridge.com.
Human Rights Campaign staff and supporters meet tonight at 7 p.m. at HRC Headquarters (1640 Rhode Island Ave. NW) to increase its grassroots membership base. Visit hrc.org for more information.
Thursday, Sept. 20
Nellie’s Sports Bar (900 U Street NW) has its weekly “Beat the Clock Happy Hour” today. Discounts last from 5-8 p.m. with specials on bottles of Miller Lite and House Vodka drinks. From 5-6 p.m. drinks are $2. From 6-7 p.m., drinks are $3 and from 7-8 p.m. drinks are $4. For more information, visit nelliessportsbar.com.
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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