Arts & Entertainment
‘Queer Objectivity’ exhibit continues at UMD
Curator Kris Grey to give lecture Tuesday on ‘Queering the Body’
‘Censorship Protest Mask (David Wojnarowicz)” by L.J. Roberts, embroidery on cotton, a 2011 work that is part of the ‘Queer Objectivity’ exhibit. (Image courtesy the gallery)
Sometimes in art exhibits, it’s hard to pin down the sexual orientation of the artists. This happens in other fields as well — folks argue the art should speak for itself — but that sure ain’t the case with “Queer Objectivity,” an exhibition curated by Kris Grey at the Stamp Gallery at the University of Maryland at College Park.
“Queer Objectivity” is a curated exhibition that brings together 16 emerging and established artists diverse in their identities, experiences, materials and approaches. Some of the artwork exhibited addresses the body in relation to objects. Others may present the body as an object itself. Still further, some work presents objects as conduit for the body to another realm. There will be a range of artwork displayed including photography, sculpture, performance and new media.
“Recent scholarship in material studies and phenomenology has challenged the traditional notion that human bodies are stable entities divorced from other objects in the material world,” Grey writes in an introductory statement. “The elevation of queer theory to academic prominence and the emergence of new types of feminism have further complicated the separation between personal and political — bodies and objects. Materially, the human body is comprised of separate, interacting, individual elements and forces that are often reduced to being seen as one. So too, the intricacies of bodies and their relationship to other objects, animated or not, get flattened into a binaristic body/other dichotomy.”
Artists featured in this ambitious exhibition include AK Burns, Heather Cassils, Nicolaus Chaffin, Mary Coble, Lauren Denitzio, Brendan Fernandes, Kris Grey, Gordon Hall, Katie Hubbard, JJ McCracken, Cupid Ojala, LJ Roberts, Coral Short, Caitlin Rose Sweet, Tobaron Waxman and Jade Yumang.
The exhibit runs through Dec. 6. On Tuesday evening (Nov. 19), Grey, a genderqueer artist, will give a lecture on the exhibit at 6:30 p.m. in the Herman Maril Gallery in the Art/Soc Building.
The Stamp Gallery is on the first floor of the Adele H. Stamp Student Union-Center for Campus Life at the University of Maryland at College park. The gallery is free and open to the public Mondays through Thursdays from 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fridays from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, visit thestamp.mud.edu/gallery.
Friday, May 23
“Center Aging Monthly Luncheon and Yoga” will be at 12 p.m. in person at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. For more details, email [email protected].
Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity and/or expression. For more details, email [email protected].
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at DIK Bar. This event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, May 24
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar and 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.
Black Lesbian Mixer will be at 11 a.m. on Zoom. This is a support group dedicated to the joys of being a Black lesbian. For more details, email [email protected].
Sunday, May 25
“The Queen’s Table: A Women’s Empowerment Brunch” will be at 11 a.m. at Zooz. This event will celebrate queer women’s strength. For more details visit Eventbrite.
Monday, May 26
“Center Aging Monday Coffee and Conversation” 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 details, email [email protected].
Tuesday, May 27
Genderqueer DC will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a support group for people who identify outside of the gender binary. Whether you’re bigender, agender, genderfluid, or just know you’re not 100 percent cis — this is your group. For more details, visit genderqueerdc.org or Facebook.
Coming Out Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This support group is a safe space to share experiences about coming out and discuss topics as it relates to doing so. For more details, visit the group’s Facebook.
Wednesday, May 28
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. 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, May 29
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. To be fairer with who is receiving boxes, the program is moving to a lottery system. 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 with Charles M. will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breathwork, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.
Photos
PHOTOS: Helen Hayes Awards
Gay Men’s Chorus, local drag artists have featured performance at ceremony
The 41st Helen Hayes Awards were held at The Anthem on Monday, May 19. Felicia Curry and Mike Millan served as the hosts.
A performance featuring members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington and local drag artists was held at the end of the first act of the program to celebrate WorldPride 2025.
The annual awards ceremony honors achievement in D.C.-area theater productions and is produced by Theatre Washington.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
2025 D.C. Trans Pride was held at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library on Saturday, May 17. The day was filled with panel discussions, art, social events, speakers, a resource fair and the Engendered Spirit Awards. Awardees included Lyra McMillan, Pip Baitinger, Steph Niaupari and Hayden Gise. The keynote address was delivered by athlete and advocate Schuyler Bailar.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
Calendar: May 23-29
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