Arts & Entertainment
Calendar: events through Nov. 8
Ba’Naka (Dustin Schaad), this year’s winner for the third consecutive year in the Blade’s annual Best of Gay D.C. contest, is shown getting ready for a performance at Town in this photo from Michael Lang. It’s part of his exhibit ‘Drag Illusion’ on display at Touchstone Gallery all month. (Photo by Michael Lang, courtesy of Touchstone Gallery)
TODAY (Friday)
The opening reception of The Drag Illusion is at 6 p.m. today at Touchstone Gallery (901 New York Ave., NW). The exhibit features a photo essay about drag queens and the illusion they create. It will run through Nov. 25. For details, visit touchstonegallery.com.
Phase 1 (528 8th St. SE) has its weekly dance party with DJ Jay Von Teese tonight starting at 7:30 p.m. Cover is $10. For more information, visit phase1dc.com.
Happy hour at Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.) is from 11-midnight tonight. Vodka is free for that hour. Visit cobaltdc.com for more information.
The Bachelor’s Mill (1104 8th St., S.E.) is having its happy hour this evening starting at 5 p.m. All drinks are half off until 7:30 p.m. After 11 p.m., admission is $5. For details, visit thebachelorsmill.com.
Saturday, Nov. 3
The D.C./Maryland/Virginia Gay-Straight Alliance & LGBTQA Youth Conference is in School Without Walls Senior High School (2130 G St NW) today from 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. The conference is for Gay-Straight Alliance club members and advisors.
The D.C. Center (1318 U St NW) is holding its first Center Global Meeting at noon today. The meetings focus on international LGBT issues, including the difficulties facing binational LGBT couples and how to help LGBT asylum seekers in the area. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
Reel Affirmations Film Festival is having a two-for-one ticket deal today for the films “Welcome to New York” and “Gayby.” Tickets are $10. The films will be shown at the Goethe Institut (812 7th St NW) at 9 p.m. For more information, visit reelaffirmations.org.
The first Saturday of every month is Rumba night at Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.). The night starts at 10 p.m. and features special performances, themes and gogo dancers. For more information, visit cobaltdc.com.
Willam, Detox and Vicky Vox, the drag queens behind the Chick-fil-A inspired song “Chow Down,” perform at Town Danceboutique (2009 8th St NW) tonight at 10:30 p.m. Cover is $8 before 11 p.m. and $12 after. For more information, visit towndc.com.
Sunday, Nov. 4
The Reel Affirmations Film Festival is showing two trans-themed films back-to-back today, “Trans” and “Mathi(eu),” at the Carnegie Institution for Science (1530 P St NW) at 1 p.m. Tickets are $10. For more information, visit reelaffirmations.org.
In the spirit of Halloween, the Washington Ballet’s final performance of “Dracula” is at 1:30 p.m. today at the Kennedy Center (2700 F St NW). Tickets start at $25. For more information, visit kennedy-center.org.
Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.) holds its weekly Martini Sundays and Homowood Karaoke tonight. Karaoke starts at 10 p.m. and there is no charge for admission. For details, visit cobaltdc.com.
Monday, Nov. 5
The first Monday of every month is volunteer night at the D.C. Center (1318 U St NW). Socialize and enjoy pizza and a raffle while helping the community from 6:30-8:30 p.m. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
Justin Bieber plays the Verizon Center (601 F St NW) at 7 p.m. tonight. For tickets and information, visit ticketmaster.com.
Martini Monday at Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.) includes no cover and $5 martinis, starting at 10 p.m. tonight. Visit cobaltdc.com for more details.
Tuesday, Nov. 6
Election Day features races for president, 33 senate seats and all House seats as well as several gubernatorial and state legislature races, making this an important election year. Additionally, four states, including Maryland, have same-sex marriage initiatives on the ballot. If approved, Maryland’s Question 6 would give gay and lesbian couples the right to marry there. Polls are open in D.C. and Maryland from 7 a.m.-8 p.m and in Virginia from 6 a.m.-7 p.m.
Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W) is hosting its weekly Flashback night with music from the ‘70s, ‘80 and the early ‘90s, starting at 10 p.m. There is no cover charge. For more details, visit cobaltdc.com.
Wednesday, Nov. 7
Smart Ass at Nellie’s Sports Bar (900 U St NW) features two trivia games starting at 8 and 9 p.m. Teams compete for reduced tabs and other prizes. For details, visit smartassdc.com.
Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W) holds its weekly Wednesday Karaoke night tonight.No cover. The night begins at 10 p.m. The nightly special is $5 Absolute and flavored Smirnoff. For more details, visit cobaltdc.com.
Lambda Bridge Club meets tonight at 7:30 at the Dignity Center (721 8th St., SE) for social bridge. Newcomers are welcome. For more information, visit lambdabridge.com.
The Bachelor’s Mill (1104 8th St., S.E.) is hosting drag bingo starring Jasmine from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. tonight. Admission is free. For more information, visit bachelorsmill.com.
Thursday, Nov. 8
Outserve Military Night at Nellie’s Sports Bar (900 U St NW) has drink specials from 8 p.m. until closing with a military ID. For more information, visit nelliessportsbar.com.
The Dupont Circle branch of EagleBank (1228 Connecticut Ave NW) is sponsoring a networking event for the Capital Area Gay & Lesbian Camber of Commerce (CAGLCC). The event is free for CAGLCC members and $25 for non-members. For information and to pre-register, visit caglcc.org
Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W) is hosting its weekly Best Package Contest tonight at 9 p.m. There is a $3 cover and there are $2 vodka drinks. Participants in the contest can win $200 in cash prizes. The event is hosted by Lena Lett and music by DJ Chord, DJ Madscience, and DJ Sean Morris. For details, visit cobaltdc.com.
The “freak folk” group CocoRosie plays the 9:30 Club (815 V St NW) at 10 p.m. Tickets are $20. For tickets and information, visit ticketfly.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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