Arts & Entertainment
Inauguration and more planned for MLK weekend
MLK Freedom Walk slated for Saturday, while Inauguration events galore pepper weekend calendar


2009 Presidential Inauguration Parade (Washington Blade file photo by Henry Linser)
Inauguration events galore planned for weekend
If youāre excited about the upcoming inauguration but have nowhere to go, here are a few parties happening over the weekend that will celebrate the inauguration in full LGBT fashion:
- Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League and the D.C. Center host the 2013 Youth Inaugural Ball tonight at 6 p.m. at THEARC Community Center (1901 Mississippi Ave., SE). The party includes free food and drinks, including Chipotle burritos, a photo booth, a DJ and exciting performances. There will also be free and confidential HIV testing. Attendees are asked to ādress to impress.ā The ball is open to youths between the ages 13-21. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
- Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) hosts DJ Hector Fonseca for the Inaugural Party Saturday night 10. Cover is $8 before 11 p.m. and $12 after. For more information, visit towndc.com.
- Human Rights Campaign hosts a cocktail reception for supporters and leaders in town for the inaugural events Sunday at 6 p.m. at Number Nine (1435 P St., NW). For more information, visit action.hrc.org.
- Bachelorās Mill (1104 8th St., S.E.) hosts āBarack Obashā presented by DW Promotions tonight at 10 p.m. There will be a special surprise guest. A free buffet will be provided. Cover is $10. For more information, visit bachelorsmill.com.
MLK Freedom Walk slated for Saturday
To celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr.ās birthday, Washington will host the 35th MLKās Peace and Freedom Walk Saturday morning beginning at 7:30 a.m.
The first walk is the Freedom Walk beginning at Lansburgh Park. Assemble time is 7:30 a.m. Departure time is 8:45 a.m. Attendees are encouraged to make signs reflecting āpeace.ā For more information, email [email protected].
The next site is the āPeace Walk,ā which begins at 2500 MLK Ave., SE. It departs at 10 a.m. Those who do not want to do the āFreedom Walkā can meet at this site at 8:30 a.m. For more information, visit [email protected].
The final destination is Shepard Park where the walkers will arrive at noon. Those who wonāt walk may arrive at 10:30 a.m. for the program agenda. For more information, visit mlkholidaydc.org.
Arts & Entertainment
Must-attend D.C. Pride events for 2023
Don’t miss out on these fun events during D.C. Pride

Pride Month has arrived, bringing along a vibrant array of events to explore throughout the month of June. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to participate in our favorite events over the upcoming weeks!

PRIDE ON THE PIER & FIREWORKS | JUNE 10TH
The Washington Blade, in partnership with LURe DC and The Wharf, is excited to announce the 4th annual Pride on the Pier and Fireworks show during DC Pride weekend on Saturday, June 10, 2023, from 2-9 p.m.
The event will include the annual Pride on the Pier Fireworks Show presented by the Leonard-Litz Foundation at 9 p.m.
3PM: Drag Show
4PM: Capital Pride Parade Viewing on the Big Screen
9PM: Fireworks Show presented by the Leonard-Litz Foundation
PRIDE PILS LAUNCH PARTY | JUNE 1ST
Once again we’re celebrating Pride in DC with the release of Pride Pils!
The 2023 design has been created and donated by the talented Chord Bezerra of District CO/OP.
Attendance is “FREE” but please RSVP via this Eventbrite or donating at the event to further support our non-profit partners SMYAL and The Blade Foundation. 100% will be donated. As always, DC Brau and Red Bear Brewing Co. will be donating all profit from the sale of this year’s Pride Pils to our non-profit partners.

‘THE GROUND WE STAND ON’ OPENING RECEPTION | JUNE 2ND
Dupont Underground, in partnership with the Washington Blade presents The Ground We Stand On: Past and Present DC LGBTQ Changemakers. DC’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community stands as a testament to the unwavering spirit of countless individuals throughout the years. In recognition of their indomitable courage and resilience, an inspiring exhibition titled “The Ground We Stand On: Past and Present DC LGBTQ Changemakers” will showcase the remarkable journeys of both past and present changemakers who have left an indelible mark on the tapestry of Washington, DC. The exhibit underscores the enduring legacy of these remarkable individuals, serving as an inspiration for present and future generations. By shining a light on their remarkable contributions, this exhibition aims to empower and encourage the continuous evolution of the DC LGBTQ+ community and its influence that transcends boundaries.

DRAG UNDERGROUND | JUNE 2ND
Join Dupont Underground and the Washington Blade every Friday for Drag Underground. Featuring some of the best Drag Queens in DC!
Performers include Destiny B Childs, Elecktra Gee, Jane Saw, and Shi-Queeta Lee

SPIRTS & BEER SHOWCASE | JUNE 3RD
metrobar prides itself on serving locally-produced beer, wine and spirits. As part of this mission, we are hosting a curated tasting event featuring Civic Vodka & Assembly Gin from local, woman-owned and operated distillery, Republic Restoratives. We will also have a selection of beers from DC Brau, including their annual Pride Pils for tasting.

DRAG UNDERGROUND | JUNE 9TH
Join Dupont Underground and the Washington Blade every Friday for Drag Underground. Featuring some of the best Drag Queens in DC!
Performers include Cake Pop, GiGI Paris Couture, Kabuki Bukkake, Delila B. Lee
Arts & Entertainment
Washington Blade, Dupont Underground spotlight D.C. LGBTQ Changemakers with new exhibit
‘The Ground We Stand On’ highlights 25 queer pioneers during Pride month

The Washington Blade and Dupont Underground present āThe Ground We Stand On: Past and Present DC LGBTQ Changemakers,ā a new exhibit that highlights D.C. LGBTQ pioneers.
The exhibit, featuring 25 changemakers will be on view beginning Friday, June 2, through Sunday, June 25.
The inspiring exhibition will showcase the remarkable journeys of both past and present changemakers who have left an indelible mark on the tapestry of Washington, D.C. The exhibit underscores the enduring legacy of these remarkable individuals, serving as an inspiration for present and future generations.
The exhibition opens on June 2 at 5 p.m., where all the living honorees will be present for the opening reception, followed by Drag Underground starting at 8:30 p.m., featuring some of the best Drag Queens in DC such as Shi-Queeta Lee, Cake Pop, Jane Saw, and Destiny B Childs.
āBy shining a light on their remarkable contributions, this exhibition aims to empower and encourage the continuous evolution of the D.C. LGBTQ+ community and its influence that transcends boundaries,ā said Stephen Rutgers, director of Sales and Marketing for the Washington Blade.
āWe are thrilled to highlight so many living changemakers who will visit us for opening night, and to honor the memories and work of those changemakers who are no longer with us,ā said Ana Harvey, Dupont Underground CEO.
For more information about Dupont Underground, visit www.dupontunderground.org.


Us Helping Us and DC Black Pride held the annual Pride in the Park at Fort Dupont Park on Monday, May 29.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)















Covering DC Black Pride Festival in the Park for @WashBlade . pic.twitter.com/amw66FZ7gs
ā Michael Patrick Key (@MichaelKeyWB) May 29, 2023
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