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Calendar through Feb. 21

Parties, dj sets, concerts, theater, support groups and more

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DJ Wayne G, gay news, Washington Blade
DJ Wayne G, gay news, Washington Blade

DJ Wayne G spins at Town Saturday night. (Photo courtesy of DJ Wayne G)

Friday, Feb. 15

George Mason University Sexual Assault Services sponsors the “Vagina Monologues” tonight at 8 p.m. and again on Saturday at 8 George Mason University’s Center for the Arts (4400 University Dr.). The show is full of laughter and tears as the actors share with the audience what it is like to inhabit and love their bodies along with taking a stand to stop violence against women. The show is part of 2013 V-Day initiative to raise awareness of the how violence against women and children affects everyone. Tickets are $25 and proceeds go toward the Mason Victims of Violence Fund. For more information, visit cfa.gmu.edu.

The Lodge (21614 National Pike, Boonsboro, Md.) hosts “The Queen of Hearts Pageant” tonight from 10-11:30 p.m. The evening includes performances by Shirley Goodness & Mercy, Araya Sparxx, Nicole James, Stephanie Micheals, Sasha Renee, Alyssa Mathews and other prior Queen of Hearts divas. Contestants will perform while competing for most creative Valentine’s costume and talent. There are cash and other prizes at stake. Cover is $5. For more information, visit thelodgemd.com.

Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) hosts Bear Happy Hour tonight from 6-11 p.m. This event is for people 21 and older. There is no cover charge. Later in the evening in honor of Valentine’s Day, Town hosts Valentine Message Board where attendees can send someone in the club a message or tell an ex how happy you are without them. The doors open at 10 and cover is $5 before 11 p.m. and $10 after. For more information, visit towndc.com.

Green Lantern (1335 Green Court, N.W.) hosts POZ D.C. happy hour event this evening 5-9 p.m. For more information, visit greenlanterndc.com.

The Code XXX party is tonight at 10 p.m. at the Crucible (16 M Street, NE). This men-only event requires a Crucible membership ($25 per year) plus a $25 event ticket. Guest options are available. The XXX party is described as “anything goes.” Find the event on Facebook for more information.

FUK!T holds outreach at Town (2009 8th St., NW) this evening from 6:30-8:30 p.m. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.

Omega Entertainment and the D.C. Elite Boyz have another “Elite Saturdays” event tonight at Layla Lounge (501 Morse Street, NE) from 10 p.m.-3 a.m. This party runs the first and third Saturday of each month and is a gay hip-hop event. Text “OmegaDC” to 99000 to get a free text pass. It’s a “21-and-up” event for “grown and sexy men.” Visit omegapartydc.com for more information.

The “A List Dom & Diva Show” is tonight at Remington’s (639 Penn. Ave., SE) at 11:30 p.m. Cover is $10. Tony Nelson and Maxine Blue host. This is a Lady Lenore and The eMpire event.

Saturday, Feb. 16

Team D.C. hosts Casino Night tonight featuring blackjack, poker and craps from 8 p.m.-midnight at Buffalo Billiards (1330 19th St., NW). There is no cover charge and attendees can buy $100 in chips for $10 or $250 in chips for $20. For more information, visit teamdcsports.com.

Chantry, a classical choral group with several gay members located in the Washington area, performs its concert “Miserere” tonight 7:30 p.m. at St. Bernadette (70 University Blvd. East, Silver Spring). The show features some of the most famous of the Penitential Psalms. General tickets are $27. For more information, visit chantrydc.com.

Burgundy Crescent, a gay volunteer organization, volunteers today for the Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation at Falls Church PetSmart (6100 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church, Va.) starting at 11:45 a.m. For more information, visit burgundycrescent.org.

Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) features DJ Wayne G tonight at 10 p.m., who made his debut at the infamous Red Heart party in London in 1996 and later had a residency at Heaven nightclub. A Valentine message board where attendees can send someone in the club a message, or tell an ex how happy he/she is without them. Cover is $5 before 11 p.m. and $10 after. For more information, visit towndc.com.

Sunday, Feb. 17

WTF presents “Fashion Haus” at Town (2009 8th St., NW) tonight bringing high fashion and the fashion police in full force. WTF will bring its fashion and attendees will bring theirs creating a “visual orgy.” Doors open at 10 p.m. and cover is $5. For more information, visit towndc.com.

Special Agent Galactica hosts her show “Across the River!” at Freddie’s Beach Bar (555 S. 23rd St., Crystal City) tonight from 7-9:30 p.m. The show begins in the era of gin and juke joints, Vaudeville and Sinatra, and ending with rock acts. Admission is free. For more information, visit pinkharedone.com.

Monday, Feb. 18

Bears do Yoga takes place this evening 6:30 p.m. as part of a series at the Green Lantern (1335 Green Court, NW). This is part of a basic yoga series that takes place every Monday and is open to people of varying body types and experience. There is no charge. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.

The D.C. Lambda Squares holds its new dance series starting tonight at 7:30 p.m. at National City Christian Church (5 Thomas Circle, NW). The only square dance club located in Washington, the group invites everybody to learn square dancing in just 16 Mondays. No special outfits, partner or prior dance experience is needed. The cost is $100. For more information or to register, visit dclambdasquares.org.

Tuesday, Feb. 19

Whitman-Walker (1701 14th St., NW) holds its group Starting Over for Women tonight at 7. The group is for women whose long-term relationship is with another woman. Registration is required and attendees must call 202-797-3580 or email [email protected]. For more information, visit whitman-walker.org.

Green Lantern (1335 Green Court, N.W.) hosts its Safer Sex Kit-packing program tonight from 7-10:30. The packing program is looking for more volunteers to help produce the kits because they say they are barely keeping up with demand. Admission is free and volunteers can just show up. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.   

Wednesday, Feb. 20

Whitman-Walker Health (1701 14th St., NW) holds its HIV+ Newly Diagnosed Support Group tonight at 7. It is a confidential support group for anyone recently diagnosed with HIV and the group welcomes all genders and sexual orientations. Registration is required and attendees must call 202-797-3580 or email [email protected]. For details, visit whitman-walker.org.

The Tom Davoren Social Bridge Club meets tonight at the Dignity Center (721 8th St., SE) at 7:30 p.m. for social bridge. Newcomers are welcome and no reservations are needed. For more information or if you need a partner, visit lambdabridge.com.

Thursday, Feb. 21

Whitman-Walker Health (1701 14th St., NW) holds its gay men over 50 support group this evening at 6:30 p.m. The group is for gay men entering a new phase of life. Registration is required to attend. Registration is required and attendees must call 202-797-3580 or email [email protected]. For more information, visit whitman-walker.org.

Tropicalia (2001 14th St., NW) hosts “Universal” with DJ Kostas tonight. This new party is being billed as a “polysexual shindig.” There is no cover. For more information, visit tropicaliadc.com.

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Sports

Jason Collins dies at 47

First openly gay man to actively play for major sports team battled brain cancer

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Jason Collins (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

Jason Collins, the first openly gay man to actively play for a major professional sports team, died on Tuesday after a battle with brain cancer. He was 47.

The California native had briefly played for the Washington Wizards in 2013 before coming out in a Sports Illustrated op-ed.

Collins in 2014 became the first openly gay man to play in a game for a major American professional sports league when he played 11 minutes during a Brooklyn Nets game. He wore jersey number 98 in honor of Matthew Shepard, a gay college student murdered outside of Laramie, Wyo., in 1998.

Collins told the Washington Blade in 2014 that his life was “exponentially better” since he came out. Collins the same year retired from the National Basketball Association after 13 seasons.

Collins married his husband, Brunson Green, in May 2025.

The NBA last September announced Collins had begun treatment for a brain tumor. Collins on Dec. 11, 2025, announced he had Stage 4 glioblastoma.

“We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle, has died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma,” said Collins’s family in a statement the NBA released. “Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar.  We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers over the past eight months and for the exceptional medical care Jason received from his doctors and nurses. Our family will miss him dearly.”

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said Collins’s “impact and influence extended far beyond basketball as he helped make the NBA, WNBA, and larger sports community more inclusive and welcoming for future generations.”  

“He exemplified outstanding leadership and professionalism throughout his 13-year NBA career and in his dedicated work as an NBA Cares Ambassador,” said Silver. “Jason will be remembered not only for breaking barriers, but also for the kindness and humanity that defined his life and touched so many others.”

“To call Jason Collins a groundbreaking figure for our community is simply inadequate. We truly lost a giant today,” added Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson in a statement. “He came out as gay — while still playing — at a time when men’s athletes simply did not do that. But as he powerfully demonstrated in his final years in the league and his post-NBA career, stepping forward as he did boldly changed the conversation.”

“He was and will always be a legend for the LGBTQ+ community, and we are heartbroken to hear of his passing at the young age of 47,” she said. “Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones. We will keep fighting on in his honor until the day everyone can be who they are on their terms.”

The Washington Blade will update this article with additional reaction when it becomes available.

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Photos

PHOTOS: ‘Studio 69’

Glitterati Productions hold party at Bunker

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'Studio 69' was held at Bunker on Friday. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Glitterati Productions held the “Studio 69” party at Bunker on Friday, May 8.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

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Arts & Entertainment

Washington Blade’s Pride on the Pier returns June 13 to kick off D.C. Pride week

Pride on the Pier officially launches Pride Week in D.C.

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The Washington Blade’s annual Pride on the Pier celebration returns to The Wharf on Saturday, June 13, 2026 from 4-9 p.m., bringing thousands of LGBTQ community members and allies together for an unforgettable waterfront celebration to kick off Pride week in Washington, D.C.

Now in its eighth year, Washington Blade Pride on the Pier extends the city’s annual celebration of LGBTQ visibility to the bustling Wharf waterfront with an exciting array of activities and entertainment for all ages. The District Pier will offer DJs, dancing, drag, and other entertainment. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase for those 21 and older.

“Pride on the Pier has become one of the signature moments of Pride in D.C.,” said Lynne Brown, publisher of the Washington Blade. “There’s nothing like watching our community come together on the waterfront with live music and incredible energy as we kick off Pride week.”

Pride on the Pier is free and open to the public, with VIP tickets available for exclusive pier access to the Dockmaster Building. To purchase VIP tickets visit www.prideonthepierdc.com/vip

Additional entertainment announcements, sponsor activations, and event details will be released in the coming weeks.

Event Details:

📍 Location: District Pier at The Wharf (101 District Sq SW, Washington, DC)
📅 Dates: Friday, 13, 2026 

⏱️ 4-9PM
🎟️ VIP Tickets: www.PrideOnThePierDC.com/VIP

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