Arts & Entertainment
Calendar through July 18
Film screenings, parties, social groups, concerts and events

Tchaikovsky from Nutcracker Suite’ by Aina Nergaard-Nammack is on display now at Touchstone Gallery, one of the many things to do this week on the LGBT events calendar. (Image courtesy Touchstone)
Friday, July 12
Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) hosts Bear Happy Hour tonight from 6-11 p.m. There is no cover charge, and admission is limited to guests 21 and over. For details, visit towndc.com.
The Black Cat (1811 14th St., N.W.) hosts its monthly “Gay/Bash!” party tonight at 10 p.m. DJs Joshua and Dean spin rock and pop favorites all night. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased the day of the party. For more information, visit blackcatdc.com.
Touchstone Gallery (901 New York Ave., N.W.) hosts an opening reception from 6-8:30 p.m. tonight for the “Fragments of Classical Music” exhibition by Aina Nergaard-Nammack, who creates each painting based on music by classical composers. For more information, visit touchstonegallery.com.
The D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) hosts a “women in their twenties” meeting tonight from 8-9:30 p.m. Visit thedccenter.org for more information.
Sheryl Crow performs tonight with special guest Tyler Toliver in Central Park in Fredericksburg, Va., (1541 Carl D Silver Pkwy., Fredericksburg, Va.). Gates open at 6 p.m., and the show starts at 7. Admission ranges from $22.50-100. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit celebratevirginialive.com.
Special Agent Galactica performs tonight at Black Fox Lounge (1723 Connecticut Ave., N.W.) from 6-9 p.m. Admission is free and limited to guests 21 and over. For details, visit blackfoxlounge.com.
Saturday, July 13
Phase 1 of Dupont (1415 22nd St., N.W.) hosts its weekly “Booty Beach Ladies Dance Party.” The winner of the party’s bikini and board shorts contest will receive cash and prizes. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and admission is $5. Visit phase1dc.com for more information.
Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.) hosts “Latin Evolution” tonight from 10 p.m.-3 a.m. DJ Willie and DJ k. Milko spin, and the party features performances by Tatianna from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” with the Divas of Evolution. Admission is limited to guests 21 and over. For details and to purchase tickets, visit cobaltdc.com.
The D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) provides free HIV testing today from 4-7 p.m. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
Indie rock trio Soundacity perform tonight at Black Fox Lounge from 9:30-10:45 p.m. Admission is $10. Visit blackfoxlounge.com for more details.
Sunday, July 14
Bachelor’s Mill (1104 8th St., S.E.) hosts karaoke tonight from 9 p.m.-midnight. Cover is $3, and there will also be pool, video gaming systems and cards. For more information, visit bachelorsmill.com.
Nellie’s Sports Bar (900 U St., N.W.) hosts its weekly Drag Brunch with Shi-Queeta Lee today at 11 a.m. The buffet is $24 including one free mimosa. For more information, visit nelliessportsbar.com.
The Lambda Sci-Fi group for LGBT science fiction, fantasy and horror fans meets this afternoon at 1:30 p.m. at 1425 S St., N.W. Attendants are encouraged to bring a snack and non-alcoholic drink to share. For more details, visit lambdascifi.org.
Hand Poured, an LGBT sketch comedy group, performs this evening at Black Fox Lounge (1723 Connecticut Ave., N.W.) from 6-9 p.m. There will be an extended happy hour, with $7 “Sketch-tinis.” Admission is free. For details, visit blackfoxlounge.com.
Monday, July 15
The Fort Reno Summer Music Series continues tonight at Fort Reno Park (Chesapeake St. and Nebraska Ave., N.W.) from 7:15-9:30 p.m. This week’s local bands include Thundermilk, The Obsessives and Joy Buttons. The concert is free and open to the public. For more information, visit fortreno.com.
Casa Ruby (2822 Georgia Ave., N.W.) provides a spanish-language career development workshop today from 4-6 p.m. Visit thedccenter.org for more information.
The AFI Silver screens footage of “La Sylphide,” performed by the world-famous Russian Bolshoi Ballet, today at 12:45 p.m. “La Sylphide” is one of the oldest surviving ballets from the Romantic period, dating back to August Bournonville’s 1836 original. Admission is $11.50. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit afi.com/silver.
Tuesday, July 16
The D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) hosts a genderqueer discussion group from 7-8 p.m. tonight for people who identify outside of the gender binary. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
Green Lantern (1335 Green Ct., N.W.) hosts a “FUK!T Packing Party” tonight from 7-9 p.m. Volunteers will help make FUK!T packets and TOOLK!Ts. For more details, visit thedccenter.org.
Wednesday, July 17
Heist (1802 Jefferson Pl., N.W.) hosts its weekly open bar party tonight from 10-11 p.m. There is no cover charge and admission is limited to guests 21 and over. For details, visit heistdc.com or the Heist D.C. Facebook page.
Bachelor’s Mill (1104 8th St., S.E.) hosts drag bingo during happy hour tonight from 5-7:30 p.m. All drinks are half price and there will also be pool, video gaming systems and cards. Admission is free. For details, visit bachelorsmill.com.
The Dupont Drawing Group meets tonight at 7 p.m. at The Church of the Pilgrims (2201 P St., N.W.) to draw from the live model. The session is self-directed with no formal instruction and no materials are provided. Drawing spots and easels are available on a first come first serve basis, so guests should arrive anytime after 6:45. No reservations are required and a modest fee to pay the model will be collected. For more information, visit paulreuther.com.
The Lambda Bridge Club meets at 7:30 p.m. tonight at the Dignity Center (721 8th St., S.E.) for social bridge. Participants do not need a partner. For more information, call 301-345-1571.
The D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) provides career development for LGBT individuals during its weekly “Job Club” event from 4-6 p.m. today. Visit thedccenter.org for more details.
Thursday, July 18
MOVA Lounge (2204 14th St., N.W.) hosts “GLBT College Night” this evening, with a vodka open bar for guests who have a college ID from 9-10 p.m. Admission is free and 18 and up. Visit movalounge.com for more details.
Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.) hosts its weekly “Ripped Hot Body Contest” tonight from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Lena Lett hosts the event and contestants can win up to $200 in prizes. $2 rail drinks will be served from 9-11 p.m. Admission is 18 and up and free. For details, visit cobaltdc.com.
The Fort Reno Summer Music Series continue tonight at Fort Reno Park (Chesapeake St. and Nebraska Ave., N.W.) from 7:15-9:30 p.m. This week’s local bands include Bearshark and Washington Bach Consort. The concert is free and open to the public. For more information, visit fortreno.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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