Arts & Entertainment
Queery: Walter Lundy
The toy drive organizer answers 20 gay questions
Walter Lundy (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
Walter Lundy says handing out donated toys to needy Washington-area kids has become the Christmas-related activity he most looks forward to.
It started modestly last year with what he calls his “Red-Themed Toy Drive Party.” He hosted last year’s event out of his Bloomingdale home. Guests wore red and brought gifts to his house the weekend before Christmas. On Christmas Eve, he and a group of friends delivered about 100 toys to about 40 children in seven or so families.
This year, the Dec. 22 party, which Lundy held at Halstead Tower in Alexandria, yielded about 250 guests/toys that were delivered to about 100 kids in 10 local families and a local group home. Lundy worked with the D.C. Department of Human Services and its “Strong Families” program, the Greater Urban League of Washington, the Hubbard Place and the Williams Life Center of Greenbelt, Md., to identify needy families.
“It’s a very gratifying experience and it’s become the complete focus of my holiday experience,” the Petersburg, Va., native says. “I feel like this is the proper way to end the calendar year for me and I intend to do it every year.”
Lundy hosted the event with his friend JoVone Pender. They paid for the party themselves and Lundy says it’s an important component of the event.
“I guess I’m just a party type-of guy,” he says. “I love the toy part of it, of course, but it’s also rewarding to give something to the community as well. We deserve it.”
Though not a gay-specific event, Lundy guesses “about 90 percent” of the friends who help him deliver the gifts are also black gay men, not all of whom are out. He says they’re just friends he knows “from all over — just guys I know in the same-gender-loving male community.”
Lundy works for the D.C. government but declines to give specifics. He’s also in a relationship but says, “We’ll just leave it at that.”
Lundy lived in Ohio for much of the ‘90s, but settled in Washington in 2003. He lives in Bloomingdale in the fifth Ward and enjoys tennis, NASCAR, exercising, writing, cooking and socializing in his free time.
How long have you been out and who was the hardest person to tell?
Not fully out but I guess I am now. But my family has known for about 14 years and my mother was the most difficult person to tell.
Who’s your LGBT hero?
Don’t really have a hero, but I admire all professional and college athletes who come out.
What’s Washington’s best nightspot, past or present?
The Park at 14th — great food, amazing drinks and awesome people. I love that place — it’s a place where everyone can go to have a great time.
Describe your dream wedding.
Going to the Caribbean with a small group of friends and family and getting married on the beach, walking in the sand with the blessing of the powerful waves in the background.
What non-LGBT issue are you most passionate about?
Getting Hillary Clinton elected president in 2016.
What historical outcome would you change?
I would erase the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. The Haitian government reported that an estimated 316,000 people died, 300,000 had been injured and 1 million made homeless. The greatest catastrophe of my life time. I break down and cry every time I think about it.
What’s been the most memorable pop culture moment of your lifetime?
How appropriate — I remember when I first when to New York and partied in Times Square for News Year’s Eve. Something that I had always seen on TV as a child, I was now finally experiencing live as an adult and it was the most amazing and electrifying experience. It’s an American tradition that everyone should do at least once.
On what do you insist?
I insist that people in my circle of friends treat all people the same regardless of their education or social economic status.
What was your last Facebook post or Tweet?
I don’t Tweet but I did post a link to a gospel sermon by Bishop Noel Jones talking about how “God Grows You” and that one has to have an enormous challenge in order to have an enormous outcome. I thought this was a powerful word heading into the new year.
If your life were a book, what would the title be?
“Shattered Dreams”
If science discovered a way to change sexual orientation, what would you do?
I wouldn’t take advantage of the discovery because I am finally happy with myself, but I would certainly understand and respect those who took advantage of the science.
What do you believe in beyond the physical world?
I believe in God and that there is a heaven. I also believes that the universe is a powerful force that influences our physical presence. I know it sounds silly but I believe that the universe is a surrogate power of God and has his blessings to influence our physical lives. I have so much respect and admiration for the power of the universe.
What’s your advice for LGBT movement leaders?
Educate the youth and teach them about life and being independent and responsible. The value of an education, a career and life goals — we get so caught up in trying to affirm them that we forget to hold them accountable to being successful and independent human beings. We can’t baby them — we have to demand excellence and high standards.
What would you walk across hot coals for?
To save the life of my baby sister.
What LGBT stereotype annoys you most?
Some of the most educated, family oriented, financially stable men in our community are GBT, especially in the black community, yet we are often not viewed as real men when we are usually the backbone to a fragmented and unstable family structure. We endure and take on so much emotional hardship that it’s amazing that more of us are not suicidal.
What’s your favorite LGBT movie?
“The 24th Day”
What’s the most overrated social custom?
Celebrating birthdays. Eight years ago I had unexpected life-threatening heart surgery and I now have a strong appreciation for life every single day. So for me, every day is a day to celebrate.
What trophy or prize do you most covet?
I covet the acceptance of my Lord and Savior into his Kingdom.
What do you wish you’d known at 18?
I wish I had known my parents were going to die at a young age. I would have spent more time fostering a more meaningful and lasting adult relationship that I can forever cherish. I was so busy on my education and career grind that I lost track of time. I now regret that choice.
Why Washington?
I am from Virginia and need to be close to my siblings as I am their primary caregiver and provider.
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)
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