Arts & Entertainment
Calendar through May 30
parties, events and concerts for the end of May

‘Drag Salute to the Divas’ returns to the Howard Sunday night. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)
Friday, May 24
The Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity hosts a retreat for LGBT Muslims and their partners starting today and lasting until Monday. The weekend will include workshops, art, talent show, plenaries, community building, prayer, politics and spirituality. The goal of this retreat is to reconnect with the community while creating a dialogue with one another. Costs for the retreat is $100. For more information, visit lgbtmuslimretreat.com.
“A Prairie Home Companion” with Garrison Keillor will be presenting a live broadcast in the Filene Center at Wolf Trap (1551 Trap Rd.,Vienna) tonight at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 5:45 p.m. Ticket prices for the event ranges from $25-$60. For more information visit walftrap.org.
Mystery Dinner Playhouse (located inside the Courtyard by Marriot Crystal City, 2899 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, Va.) presents its new show “The Spy Who Killed Me” tonight and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Attendees can enjoy this comedic butler convention murder mystery during a four-course dinner. The show runs until Nov. 24, every Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. The group is also available for private events. Tickets are $53. Visit mysterydinner.com for more information.
Special Agent Galactica returns with her happy hour show at the Black Fox Lounge (1723 Connecticut Ave., NW) with repeat guest Nora Palka, who will be back to share her amazing vocals this evening at 6 p.m. Locals may know Palka from her performance in “Spring Awakening” at Keegan Theatre, “Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” at Signature, and “Pygmalion” at the Washington Stage Guild. Admission is free. For more information, visit pinkhairedone.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, Town hosts DJ Mad Science on the main floor tonight at 10 p.m. The cover is $8 before 11 p.m. and $12. The drag show begins at 10:30 p.m. Visit towndc.com for more information.
Cobalt (1639 R St., NW) hosts its second annual “Mthr Fckn Pop Off!” where people can vote tournament style on the perfect song for summer. Voters can go on the Facebook event page to vote. That night, the club offers free rail vodka from 11 p.m-midnight. Cover is $10. For details, visit cobaltdc.com.
Saturday, May 25
Cobalt (1639 R St., NW) hosts “CTRL: Tank-Tacular Summer Kick-Off” tonight at 10 p.m. Cover is $5. Drink specials include $3 PBR Tallboys, $5 Rail and $4 Jameson shots. Visit cobaltdc.com for more information.
Burgundy Crescent volunteers this morning at Food and Friends (219 Riggs Rd., NE) at 8 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. Volunteers will help with food preparation and packing groceries. The shifts are limited to 10 per shift. For more information, visit burgundycrescent.org.
Sunday, May 26
The D.C. Center needs volunteers with the demolition of the new space today at 10 a.m. at the Reeves Center (2000 14th St., NW). This will be the new permanent home of the Center, but they need help renovating.Volunteers are not required to bring supplies, just appropriate footwear and clothes that can get messy. They are also encouraged to bring water and snacks since there will be no formal lunch break. Visit thedccenter.org for more information.
The Howard Theatre (620 T St., NW) presents “A Drag Salute to the Divas” in honor of D.C. Black Pride tonight at 7 p.m. The show is lead by Shi-Queeta-Lee and several other of D.C.’s top illusionists as they bring Whitney Houston, Beyonce, Missy Elliott and many more to the stage. Tickets are $20. For more information, visit thehowardtheatre.com.
Monday, May 27
The Bachelor’s Mill (1104 8th St., S.E.) hosts its annual Memorial Day Cookout with free food from the grill starting at 5:30 p.m. There will also be a pool, video gaming systems and cards. Karaoke starts at 6 p.m. and goes until 10 p.m. DJ Alchemy begins the party at 10 p.m. For more information, visit bachelorsmill.com.
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.
Tuesday, May 28
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, May 29
The Lambda Bridge Club meets at 7:30 p.m. tonight at the Dignity Center (721 8th St., SE) for Duplicate Bridge. Reservations are not needed and newcomers are welcome. Attendees can call 703-407-6540 if they need a partner. Visit lambdadc.org for more information.
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.
Thursday, May 30
Rainbow Response Coalition kicks off its fundraiser for the D.C. Capital Pride season this evening at Annie’s Paramount Steakhouse (1609 17th St., NW). The organization is committed to raise awareness and provide education on intimate partner violence in the LGBT community and hopes to broaden its network of dedicated members. Annie’s has offered to donate a portion of the proceeds for the night. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
The D.C. Center’s newest initiative, Center Global, a frank discussion on the challenges facing LGBT asylum seekers, takes place tonight at 7 p.m. Asylees, current asylum seekers and legal experts will talk about the difficult process LGBT asylum seekers face. The location is to be announced. Visit thedccenter.org for more information.
Friday, March 27
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+ Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at Dupont Italian Kitchen. 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 p.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.
Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This event is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity/expression to join together in community and learn from one another. For more details, email [email protected].
Saturday, March 28
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.
Black Lesbian Support Group will be at 1 p.m. on Zoom. This is a peer-led support group devoted to the joys and challenges of being a Black Lesbian. For more details, email [email protected].
Monday, March 30
“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]).
“Tea Time! A Local DC Drag Comedy Show” will be at 3 p.m. at Spark Social. This is a live drag comedy show where drag legends TrevHER & Tiara Missou Sidora host spill all the tea in the DMV. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Tuesday, March 31
Visibili-TEA Party will be at 6 p.m. at Restoration Station. Guests are encouraged to come sip, celebrate, and shine together. This event is a Trans Day of Visibility celebration and a special collaboration between Auntie’s Home and Damien Ministries. This is a boozy tea party with intention and the dress code reflects the vibe. More details are available on Eventbrite.
Wednesday, March 1
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.
Thursday, April 2
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 p.m. 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, breathwork 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.
Unconventional Diner will host “Cherry Blossom Drag Bingo Party” on Friday, April 3, at 6:30 p.m.
Guests will be treated to an unforgettable night of drag performances, bingo, food and drink and prizes. Highlights of the evening include themed cocktails, drag performances and bingo prizes.
Tickets can be secured via Resy.
Sports
New IOC policy bans trans women from Olympics
New regulation to be in effect at 2028 summer games in Los Angeles
The International Olympic Committee on Thursday announced it will not allow transgender women from competing in female events at the Olympics.
“For all disciplines on the Sports Program of an IOC event, including individual and team sports, eligibility for any Female Category is limited to biological females,” reads the new policy.
The policy states “eligibility for the Female Category is to be determined in the first instance by SRY Gene screening to detect the absence or presence of the SRY Gene.”
“On the basis of the scientific evidence, the IOC considers that the SRY (sex-determining Region Y) Gene is fixed throughout life and represents highly accurate evidence that an athlete has experienced or will experience male sex development,” it reads. “Furthermore, the IOC considers that SRY Gene screening via saliva, cheek swab or blood sample is unintrusive compared to other possible methods. Athletes who screen negative for the SRY gene permanently satisfy this policy’s eligibility criteria for competition in the Female Category.”
The policy states the test “will be a once-in-a-lifetime test” unless “there is reason to believe a negative reading is in error.”
The new regulation will be in place for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
“I understand that this a very sensitive topic,” said IOC President Kirsty Coventry on Thursday in a video. “As a former athlete, I passionately believe in the rights of all Olympians to take part in fair competition.”
“The policy that we have announced is based on science and it has been led by medical experts with the best interests of athletes at its heart. The scientific evidence is very clear: male chromosomes give performance advances in sport that rely on strength, power, or endurance,” she added. “At the Olympic Games, even the smallest margins can be the difference between victory and defeat. So, it is absolutely clear that it would not be fair for biological males to compete in the female category. In addition, in some sports it would simply not be safe.”
(Video courtesy of the IOC)
Laurel Hubbard, a weightlifter from New Zealand, in 2021 became the first trans woman to compete at the Olympics.
Imane Khelif, an Algerian boxer, won a gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Khelif later sued JK Rowling and Elon Musk for cyberstalking after they questioned her gender identity.
Ellis Lundholm, a mogul skier from Sweden, this year became the first openly trans athlete to compete in any Winter Olympics when he participated in Milan Cortina Winter Olympics in Italy.
President Donald Trump in February 2025 issued an executive order that bans trans women and girls from female sports teams in the U.S.
The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee last July banned trans women from competing in female sporting events. Republican lawmakers have demanded the IOC ban trans athletes from women’s athletic competitions.
“I’m grateful the Olympics finally embraced the common sense policy that women’s sports are for women, not for men,” said U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) on X.
An IOC spokesperson on Thursday referred the Washington Blade to the press release that announced the new policy.
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