Arts & Entertainment
Coming attractions
Gay themes in both indie and mainstream fall film fare
Nicole Kidman as Charlotte Bless in Lee Daniel’s steamy ‘The Paperboy.’ (Photo courtesy the Karpel Group)
The LGBT fall film calendar gets off to an exciting start with the D.C. release of “How to Survive A Plague” on Sept. 28.
The inspirational documentary by first–time filmmaker David France tells the story of two coalitions — ACT UP (the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) and TAG (the Treatment Action Group) — and how they changed medical and political history. France, a journalist who has been covering the AIDS crisis for 30 years, draws on archival footage, much of it shot by the activists themselves, to tell the stories of the brave men and women who banded together to fight the plague.
The film examines how they saved the lives of millions of people by battling apathetic government bureaucrats and politicians, developing shocking outreach strategies to spur a complacent media into action, exposing greedy pharmaceutical companies and educating a scared and ignorant populace.
Lee Daniels, the openly gay director of “Precious,” returns to the big screen with “The Paperboy.” Based on the novel by Pete Dexter and set in the swamplands of Florida in 1969, The Paperboy offers a provocative, sexually charged tale of desire, ambition, prejudice and crime.
The film centers on two brothers returning to their hometown. Jack Jansen (Zac Efron) has been kicked out of college and is now working as a paperboy for his father, the local newspaper publisher. Miami journalist Ward Jansen (Matthew McConaughey) comes home to prove the innocence of death row inmate Hillary Van Welter (John Cusack). Ward’s investigation reveals of tangled web of sexual tension, mixed motives and shadowy facts.
The cast is rounded out by Nicole Kidman as vampy death-row groupie Charlotte Bless, David Oyelowo as Ward’s hotshot writing partner Yardley Acheman, and Macy Gray as Anita, the family maid. The film’s producers hint that a central plot twist involves a character’s emerging sexuality, but are tight-lipped about which character comes out. They do, however, confirm the tabloid rumors that Zac Efron dances in his underwear and frequently appears shirtless. It opens Oct. 5.
On a lighter note, “For a Good Time, Call …,” helmed by openly gay director Jamie Travis, is a comic look at two Manhattan women who get involved in the phone sex industry. Estranged college friends Katie Steele (Ari Graynor) and Lauren Powell (Lauren Miller, who also co-wrote the script with Katie Anne Nayton) are reintroduced by their gay mutual friend Jesse (Justin Long) when both face a housing emergency.
Katie is initially shocked when she overhears her new roommate talking to one of her clients, but quickly sees dollar signs. The two establish their own company, and are quickly raking in the cash as they resume their friendship — and possibly more. The film includes cameos by Seth Rogan, Ken Marino and Kevin Smith as three clients. It’s in theaters now.
“Keep the Lights On” is a drama about a closeted lawyer (Zachary Booth) and a documentary filmmaker (Thure Lindhardt) and their mercurial relationship. It opens Sept. 21 in D.C. at West End Cinema.
“Diana Vreeland: the Eye Has to Travel” is a documentary about the former Vogue editor. It opens Sept. 21.
And speaking of documentaries, details are still be worked out, but former Log Cabin president-turned-documentarian Patrick Sammon is finalizing details for a screening of his first film about the life of Alan Turing (called “Codebreaker”), the gay World War II-era legend. It’s tentatively slated for an October opening and a November wider release in 20-30 U.S. cities.
Other LGBT releases expected this fall include:
- “Pitch Perfect,” a battle-of-the-sexes comedy about the rivalry between two college a cappella singing groups (Oct. 5).
- “Bear City 2,” a sequel to the popular movie that takes the cast of bears and chasers from their New York City lairs to the wilds of Provincetown. It will be screened as part of Reel Affirmations in D.C. on Nov. 4.
- “Gayby,” about the problems that ensue when frustrated single Jenn asks her gay best friend Matt to help her conceive a child the old-fashioned way. It’s also in Reel Affirmations. Look for it Nov. 3.
Speaking of Reel Affirmations, D.C.’s annual international LGBT film festival, the 21st festival is scheduled for Nov. 1-4 and the selection committee is currently hard at work finalizing the schedule. In the meantime, RA XTRA offers monthly film screenings. September’s screening, a double feature of “Cloudburst” and “Men To Kiss,” will be held on Sept. 20 at the Carnegie Institute for Science.
“Cloudburst” is a romantic road movie about two lesbians (played by Oscar winners Olympia Dukakis and Brenda Fricker) who flee their nursing home in Maine and drive to Nova Scotia in an attempt to be legally married. “Men To Kiss” is about Ernst and Tobias, a gay couple in Berlin whose lives are upset when Ernst’s old friend Uta draws them into her schemes.
The Chesapeake Film Festival in nearby Easton and Oxford, Md., is Sept. 21-23 and includes two LGBT-themed films — “Trans” and “Queen of Country” (both screening Sept. 22 at the Academy Art Museum). Visit chesapeakefilmfestival.com for details.
The D.C. Shorts Film Festival continues through this weekend. It, too, has LGBT content in several films. Visit dcshorts.com for details.
The fall film season comes to a spectacular close with the much-anticipated release of the cinematic adaptation of the hit Broadway musical “Les Miserables” (Dec. 14). Based on the classic Victor Hugo novel with music by Claude-Michel Schonberg, lyrics by Alain Boublil and screenplay by William Nicholson, the epic movie traces the decades-long battle between escaped convict Jean Valjean and obsessed police inspector Javert. The all-star cast includes Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter.
Fairfax City Pride was held at the Sherwood Center (3740 Blenheim Blvd., Fairfax, Va.) on Saturday, June 6.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
a&e features
D.C. prepares to party as Pride celebrations kick off Saturday
Bars, clubs have busy lineups; Pride on the Pier returns
Capital Pride’s date change isn’t slowing down the festivities. Back in December, the Capital Pride Alliance shifted the calendar for Pride celebrations in the nation’s capital from the second weekend of June to two weeks later to the weekend of June 20-21 to not conflict with President Trump’s birthday and 250th anniversary of America celebrations, with the aim that “our community can gather safely and without unnecessary barriers… We are protecting our space and preserving Pride as a powerful act of visibility, solidarity, and resistance.”
On the heels of WorldPride last year, the city shows no sign of slowing down. Instead, restaurants, bars, clubs, and neighborhoods are taking the opportunity to be even more visible. The Blade has put together a (non-comprehensive) list of parties, activations, and activities across town:
Pride on the Pier returns on Saturday, June 13 to the Wharf on the Southwest waterfront. The event, sponsored and hosted by the Washington Blade, is free and runs from 4-9 p.m. There will be vendors, DJs, and drag performances all day. VIP tickets are $25 and come with air conditioned party room, private bathrooms, and free cocktail. More details at prideonthepierdc.com.
Capital Pride Official Opening Party: RIOT! is the official opening dance party of Capital Pride, taking place Friday June 19, 9 PM-3AM. The 2026 edition headlining performer is Myki Meeks, a finalist of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season 18; Bob The Drag Queen will perform a special set. DMV-area DJs and performers include: Bambi, Baphomette, Bumper, Cake Pop!, Connor, DJ Ed Bailey, DJ Diyanna Monet, Evry Pleasure, Jakknife Complex, Mari Con Carne, Pussy Noir, WessTheDJ. Trade owner Ed Bailey is producing the event.
Kinetic Presents brings the heat across the entirety of Pride weekend as well. It again is partnering with Capital Pride Alliance to produce four events over four days this Pride, including the Official Main Event on Saturday (the Friday official event is at Echostage). Kinetic’s parties are splayed across various D.C. venues, with special performances, massive productions, shirtless dancers, play zones, dance-forward audio and visuals, and international DJ talent. Thursday, June 18 at 10 PM at District Eagle is Lust, with music by Dan Slater and TOMI. Friday, June 19 at 10 PM is UNCUT XXL Heavy Load, at A.i. Warehouse in Union Market District, with music by Alex Acosta, Felipe Lira & Mitch Ferrino; the party is a “high-octane night of muscular house and tribal rhythms.” Saturday, June 20 at 10 PM brings that official main event, Kinetic Toy Land, at Echostage, with music by GSP & Matt Suave. Alaska Thunderfuck headlines. Sunday evening June 21 at 10 PM closes with discoVERS at SAX. A portion of tickets supports the DC LGBTQ+ community through Capital Pride Alliance.
9:30 Club always comes in clutch for the LGBTQ community. Already in June, it produced Kitty Kat Ball on June 7, and Kiesza performed on June 8. On June 20 at 10 PM, the famed Mixtape party hits the stage, care of gay DJs Shea van Horn and Matt Bailer, who have spun together for coming up on two decades. Mixtape has been held at several venues across the city over those years, and now settled on 9:30 Club for Pride. On June 25 at 7 PM, Big Freedia – the bounce artist from New Orleans – hits the 9:30 Club scene for the eighth time, as part of the Big Freedom Tour.
Crush: New this year from the 14th Street bar is the Pride Pop-Up, sitting pretty in the parking lot at 1820 14th St., N.W., at the corner of Swann Street by the start of the Pride Parade route. Hours are Friday from 2-10 PM and Saturday from 12-10 PM. Friday evening features Grizzly Bear Happy Hour, a DJ will set up shop on Saturday, and for those needing another layer, there’s a Crush merch store. Co-owner Mark Rutstein “has always wanted to throw a party in that parking lot, so he did,” said co-owner Stephen Rutgers. Note that Crush (the bar) will have a cover on Friday and Saturday.
Kiki: Over at Kiki, there’s a full slate of Pride-themed programming all week. Tuesday, June 16 at 9 PM brings karaoke; Wednesday, June 17 at 7:30 PM is trivia; Thursday June 18 at 9PM is “Night of 1000 Tatianna’s Drag Show”, and Friday June 19 at 9 PM brings the Juneteenth Serve Drag Show. Saturday, June 20 at 10 PM, post-parade, is a Pride Dance Party with DJ Lemz. Sunday daytime at 5 PM is the Father Figures Daddy Issues Special Drag Show; and after the festival at 8 PM, DJ Tezrah hits the tapes.
Jane Jane: Right along the parade route, gay-owned Jane Jane has transformed its space into a “No Kings, Yas Queens” activation in a direct response to the America 250th commemorations happening downtown, from the colorful window installation, to merch (including a custom bandana and tank) to disco wig installations. Events include industry night on Mondays, donations to LGBTQ charities, and to-go cocktails during the Pride Parade.
Shaw’s Tavern: Gay-owned Shaw’s Tavern on Florida Avenue celebrates Pride week with a full lineup of themed events, entertainment, and specials, including Pride trivia on Monday, June 15 at 7:30 PM, bingo on Tuesday, June 16 at 8 PM, a cabaret on Thursday, June 18 at 9 PM, Juneteenth Drag Brunch on Friday, June 19 at 12:30 PM, and both a pre-parade brunch (10 AM-4 PM) and post-parade party (5-9 PM) on Saturday, June 20. Sunday, June 21 at 7 PM brings Mama’s Sunday Supper & Drag Pride Show in the evening for anyone who is still awake.
Trade: This classic has a weekend of events, starting on Thursday, with Tiburon Pride Edition, a Latin Dance party in the Shark Tank. On Friday, the bar opens early (at 2 PM), with all-day happy hour and the Jx&Evry Show. On Saturday, the bar opens at noon, offering a prime parade viewing spot from its windows. There will be the CLASH drag show hosted by Tatianna and Crimsyn, and Sweet Spot party that night. On Sunday, the bar opens for normal hours at 2 PM, with DJs Adam K, Alex Love, and WESSTHEDJ.
Pitchers: The multi-level bar in Adams Morgan is hosting a Pride-themed show on Thursday, June 18 at 10 PM, with drawstring bag giveaways – the only kind of bag that will be allowed into the bar during Pride weekend. The show features drag queen Kyle Sonique Love.
Barrel House Cafe and Bar: Also by the parade route on 14th Street, Barrel House Cafe takes advantage of its large patio to have a slate of events during Pride week, including Schism, a drag and burlesque show on June 18 at 10 PM, as well as an all-day Pride party coinciding on parade day.
Bunker: Bunker again plays host to a series of afters. Friday night (Saturday 3:30 AM) is Unhinged, and Saturday night (Sunday 3:30AM) is Unholy. The regular Saturday night party (10 PM) brings in Venetian and Tiara Missou. All parties have cover charges.
District Eagle: Beyond the Kinetic party on Friday, June 19 brings Gear Night at 10 PM; Saturday, June 20 at 10 PM is LOBO presents PRISM, and Sunday, June 21 is Sundaze wit Papi at 6 PM.
African Art Museum: On Thursday, June 18 at 5 PM, this Smithsonian museum is hosting a free event with artists and curators celebrating its exhibit, “Here: Pride and Belonging in African Art,” “based on years of close collaboration and dialogue with African visual art practitioners who claim belonging in the LGBTQ+ community, however they define those terms,” according to the museum.
KNEAD Hospitality & Design: The gay-owned KNEAD restaurant group (including spots like Gatsby, Mi Vida, Succotash The Grill) is featuring the GLITTERATI cocktail, made with Tito’s, St-Germain Elderflower, Butterfly Flower, ginger, and yes, glitter. A portion of proceeds from every Glitterati cocktail sold will benefit The Trevor Project. The cocktail will be sold throughout June.
The Fountain Inn is partnering with Rhodium spirits (Rhode Island’s first LGBTQ+ owned distillery) all month, making cocktails like gimlets and espresso martinis featuring Rhodium’s liquors. Proceeds benefit SMYAL, an organization dedicated to empowering LGBTQ+ youth.
Hard Rock Cafe: Hard Rock DC is taking part in the chain’s annual “LOVE OUT LOUD” campaign, with Pride merch, specials on June 20, and a donation to The Trevor Project.
The D.C. Front Runners held the 14th annual 5K Pride Run at Congressional Cemetery on Saturday, June 6.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
View on Threads
PHOTOS: Fairfax City Pride
EXCLUSIVE: Pelosi reflects on four decades of LGBTQ advocacy
D.C. prepares to party as Pride celebrations kick off Saturday
David Archuleta, Monroe Alise named D.C. Pride parade marshals
