Arts & Entertainment
Calendar through September 12
Ana Matronic, Blondie in town, parties on tap for weekend
Friday, September 6
Adodi, a same-gender-loving men’s group, hosts its bi-monthly potluck from 7-9 p.m. tonight at a member’s home in Burke, Va. For more information, email [email protected].
Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) hosts its monthly “So, You Think You’re A Drag Queen?” tonight at 10:30 p.m. The winner will earn $200 and is chosen by the audience. Cover is $10 all night for guests 18-20 and $5 for guests 21 and over before 11 p.m. For details, visit towndc.com.
OUT NVA hosts “Gay Night Out,”, a bar crawl on King Street for charity, starting at 6 p.m tonight. Begin the night at Rock-It Bar (1319 King St., Alexandria Va.) with a drag show and happy hour. Purchase a wristband for $10 to aid nurses going to Haiti and receive Purple Drink Specials at each bar. For more details, visit facebook.com/OUTNVa.
The District of Columbia Arts Center (2438 18th St., N.W.) hosts its annual “1460 Wallmountables” exhibition through Sunday. Almost 100 artists feature over 300 works on 2×2 foot spaces in a range of styles and media. For details, visit dcartscenter.org.
Whitman-Walker Health provides free HIV testing at Bachelor’s Mill (1104 8th St., S.E.) from 10 p.m.-12:30 a.m. tonight. For more information, visit whitman-walker.org.
Saturday, Sept. 7
Burgundy Crescent, a gay volunteer organization, volunteers today for a lost dog and cat rescue foundation at Falls Church PetSmart (6100 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church, Va.) from 11:45 a.m-3 p.m. today. For more details visit burgundycrescent.org.
Ana Matronic, Scissor Sister’s front woman and long time LGBT advocate, performs tonight at Town (2009 8th St., N.W.). Doors open at 10 p.m. and cover charge is $8 from 10-11 p.m. and $12 after 11 p.m. Admission is limited to guests 21 and over. For details, visit towndc.com.
Adventuring, an LGBT outdoors group, hosts a hike through Paw Paw Tunnel near Cumberland today. The group meets at the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro Station (10300 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, Md.) at 9 a.m., and then walks through the tunnel to the banks of the Potomac and back through the tunnel. Transportation and trip fees are $25. For more information, visit adventuring.org.
Phase 1 of Dupont (1415 22nd St., N.W.) hosts its weekly “Booty Beach Ladies Dance Party” tonight. 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. For more details, visit phase1dc.com.
Sunday, Sept. 8
Burgundy Crescent, a gay volunteer organization, volunteers today for the D.C. Central Kitchen (425 2nd St., N.W.) from 9 a.m.-noon. For more information, visit burgundycrescent.org.
Perry’s (1811 Columbia Rd., N.W.) hosts its weekly “Sunday Drag Brunch” today from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The cost is $24.95 for an all-you-can-eat buffet. For more details, visit perrysadamsmorgan.com.
The Arlington Gay & Lesbian Alliance (AGLA) hosts an ice cream social and firehouse tour at Aurora Highlands Community Center (735 18th St., South, Arlington, Va.) from 3-6 p.m. today. Free for AGLA members. Non-AGLA members suggested donation is $10. Firehouse tour is from 3-3:30 p.m. For details, visit agla.org.
Monday, Sept. 9
Blondie performs with X at the 9:30 Club (815 V St., N.W.) at 7 p.m. tonight. Tickets are $43 and include exclusive new music download codes from Blondie. For details, visit 930.com.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k20jR3FwEIU
The D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) hosts coffee drop-in hours this morning from 10 a.m.-noon for the senior LGBT community. Older LGBT adults can come and enjoy complimentary coffee and conversation with other community members. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
Nellie’s Sports Bar (900 U St., N.W.) hosts its weekly “Poker Face” poker game night at 8 p.m. Free to play. For details, visit nelliessportsbar.com.
Tuesday, Sept. 10
Whitman-Walker Health provides free HIV testing at Giant (1535 Alabama Ave., S.E.) from 7-9 p.m. tonight. For more information, visit whitman-walker.org.
Trans Legal and Whitman-Walker Health host a name and gender change clinic at Whitman-Walker Health Services (1701 14th St., N.W.) from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. tonight. Meet one on one with an attorney to complete name and/or gender change documents. Pizza is provided. For more information call 202-939-7627.
D.C. Bi Women hosts its monthly meeting at the Dupont Italian Kitchen Restaurant (1837 17th St., N.W.) in the upstairs room from 7-9 p.m. tonight. All women welcome regardless orientation, partner preference or relationship status. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
Wednesday, Sept. 11
Big Gay Book Group meets tonight at 7 p.m. at 1155 F St., N.W. Suite 200 to discuss “The Starboard Sea,” a powerful coming-of-age story by first-time novelist Amber Dermont. For details email [email protected].
The Lambda Bridge Club meets tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Dignity Center (721 8th St., S.E.) for duplicate bridge. No reservations required and newcomers welcome. If you need a partner, call 703-407-6540.
The D.C. Center and Pros in the City host speed dating for gay professionals at Chi-Cha Lounge (1624 U St., N.W.) from 7-9 p.m. tonight. Dating begins at 7:20 p.m. and there is a cash bar. Admission is limited to guests 21 and over. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
Us Helping Us (3636 Georgia Ave., N.W.) hosts a support group for black gay men living with HIV tonight from 7-9 p.m. For information, visit uhupil.org.
Thursday, Sept. 12
Burgundy Crescent, a gay volunteer organization, volunteers today from 6-8 p.m. for Food and Friends near the Fort Totten Metro Station (Red and Green line). Parking also available. For more information visit burgundycrescent.org.
SMYAL (410 7th St., S.E.) hosts “Women’s Leadership Institute” for LGBT women and their straight allies from 5-7 p.m. Discuss female sexuality, relationships and women’s rights. Ages 13-21. For details, visit smyal.org.
Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.) hosts its weekly “Ripped-Hot Body Contest” tonight from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Win up to $200 in prizes. $2 rail drinks from 9-11 p.m. Admission is 18 and up and is free.
Rude Boi Entertainment hosts “Tempted 2 Touch,” a ladies dance party, at Fab Lounge (2022 Florida Ave., N.W.). Doors open at 10 p.m. Drink specials $5 and vodka shots $3 all night. No cover charge. Admission limited to guests 21 and over. For more information, visit rudeboientertainment.wordpress.com.
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.

Friday, September 6