Local

Grand opening for D.C. Center’s new space

Reeves Center location doubles size of facility

Published

13 years ago

November 20, 2013

Lou Chibbaro Jr.

The D.C. Center’s grand opening in the Reeves Center is set for Saturday. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray and other public officials are scheduled to attend the D.C. Center for the LGBT Community’s official grand opening ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 23, at its new space in the city’s Reeves Center municipal building at 14th and U streets, N.W.

The event, scheduled to take place from 12-4 p.m., represents an important step in the D.C. Center’s 11-year history, according to Center President Michael Sessa.

“The move into Reeves is a monumental milestone not only for this version of The D.C. Center, but for all prior attempts and versions of a ‘GLBT’ center in D.C. since the ‘80s,” Sessa said in a statement.

The new space is located on the ground floor of the Reeves Center, with entrances both on 14th Street and through the building’s seven-story tall atrium, which the Center plans to use for events too large to fit into its new offices.

D.C. Center Executive Director David Mariner points out that the new space is double the size of the space at the old offices less than two blocks away at 1318 U St., N.W. Mariner said that through generous donations from key supporters, including local businesses, the new space was designed as a community center and includes expanded amenities such as a large conference room and office space for at least two LGBT organizations that will share the new space.

“I think we’re one step closer to the community center that we’ve dreamed about,” Mariner said. “And with twice as much square footage we’re going to be able to do a lot more,” he said.

The city announced earlier this year that it plans to sell the Reeves Center to a private developer and that the sale would likely result in the building being demolished as soon as three years from now. But Gray and other city officials have promised to make sure the D.C. Center finds a suitable new home if and when it’s forced to leave the Reeves Center prior to the end of its 15-year lease.

Sessa, meanwhile, announced in a Nov. 14 statement that he will be stepping down as the Center’s president and CEO on Jan. 1 but will remain on the board. Sessa said Mariner is being promoted to a new post of executive director and CEO.

“My goal in serving as president and CEO was to ensure the long-term sustainability of a center, to get one established, as I always truly believed D.C. would be better served by a community center similar to how so many other cities across the nation and around the world have benefitted,” he said.

Sessa has played a lead role in transforming the Center from a fledgling start-up project with no permanent home in 2002 to a thriving LGBT organization, according Center board member and veteran lesbian activist Patricia Hawkins.

Up Next

Minister suspended over gay wedding

Don't Miss

Obama honors Rustin, Ride

FUND LGBTQ JOURNALISM

Maryland

Md. groups receive state grants to fight hate crimes

Pride Center of Maryland among recipients

Published

13 hours ago

September 9, 2026

Alexis McLean

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore speaks at the Human Rights Campaign's National Dinner in D.C. on Sept. 13, 2025. His administration in the 2027 fiscal year will give $10 million in grants to the Pride Center of Maryland and other groups that work to prevent hate crimes in Maryland. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy are awarding a total of $10 million in grants in the 2027 fiscal year to nonprofit organizations that work to prevent hate crimes in the state.

The funds will be used to support those who feel targeted or discriminated against because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability status.

The Pride Center of Maryland is among the recipients. Churches, synagogues, mosques, and LGBTQ organizations are all eligible to receive grants

“The safety and security of all Marylanders is my top priority, so we are drawing a hard line because we have no tolerance for hate,” said Moore, according to media reports. “We are committed to protecting and ensuring safe and sacred spaces stay that way by investing in non-profit organizations, houses of worship, and community centers to protect and honor every community that makes our state so diverse and special.”

“Protection Against Hate Crime funding has strengthened the Pride Center of Maryland’s ability to protect, educate, and support the communities we serve … at a time of heightened concern associated with the Trump administration’s anti-LGBTQ/SGL (same-gender-loving) policies and pressures,” Pride Center of Maryland CEO Cleo Manago said. “PAHC funding helps us do more than improve physical security — it strengthens our community’s knowledge, preparedness, connection to resources, and ability to respond to hate with greater awareness and support.”

Maryland’s hate crimes law includes both sexual orientation and gender identity. The state’s nondiscrimination statute is also LGBTQ-inclusive.

District of Columbia

Blade welcomes fall intern

Alexis McLean is student at University of North Florida

Published

1 week ago

September 2, 2026

Staff reports

Alexis McLean (Washington Blade photo by Michael K. Lavers)

The Washington Blade this week welcomed Alexis McLean as its fall intern.

Alexis is studying political science at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Fla. She is interning with the Blade as part of a continued partnership with the Washington Center.

“I am looking forward to spending my time in the fall with the Washington Blade, as this is a new experience for me,” said Alexis. “I have not experienced any journalist jobs in the past so this would be my first time, and I am excited to better my writing and communications skills with this internship.”

Alexis’s internship with the Blade ends in early December.

Rehoboth Beach

SUNFESTIVAL takes center stage as Rehoboth Beach closes out summer

Labor Day Weekend bustling with events, including David Archuleta performance

Published

1 week ago

September 1, 2026

Thomas Weaverling

David Archuleta headlines this year’s SUNFESTIVAL on Saturday in Rehoboth Beach. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Labor Day Weekend marks the unofficial end of summer in Rehoboth Beach, but there will be no shortage of LGBTQ events, with CAMP Rehoboth’s annual SUNFESTIVAL taking over town this weekend.

Thursday (9/3)

Get your Labor Day Weekend started early Thursday night with happy hour from 5-7 p.m. at Diego’s Bar & Nightclub, followed by Naughtee Bingo hosted by Magnolia Applebottom at 8:30 p.m.

After bingo, the party continues with Dancing at Diego’s from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Aqua Bar & Grill will also kick off its Labor Day Weekend festivities Thursday with a DJ spinning from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

Friday (9/4)

The weekend ramps up Friday night at Aqua, where DJ Matt Bailer will keep the dance floor moving from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

Over at Diego’s, DJ Steve Sidewalk will then take over Diego’s for Freedom Friday from 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m.

Saturday (9/5)

The main event of the weekend arrives Saturday with the opening night of CAMP Rehoboth’s SUNFESTIVAL.

Billed as the ultimate party to close out the summer, SUNFESTIVAL has become one of Rehoboth’s signature Labor Day Weekend events. The annual celebration sells out each year, with proceeds benefiting CAMP Rehoboth.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with refreshments available at the cash bar while attendees are invited to socialize and find their seats.

Saturday night will feature local singer Ashley Williams as the opening performer, followed by headliner David Archuleta. The event will also feature a live auction.

Back across town Saturday, Aqua will continue its Labor Day Weekend DJ lineup from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Diego’s will also have plenty happening, with ‘Splash Party’ hosted by Magnolia Applebottom at 5 p.m., followed by a Saturday Dance Party with Brett Oosterhaus from 9 p.m.- 1:30 a.m.

The Blue Moon hosts its popular Legends Show at 9 p.m. It’s an all-live singing show by the Blue Moon cast of celebrity impersonators.

Etienne Pilon has taken Rehoboth by storm this summer. Check out the talented singer/pianist at The Pines from 7-10 p.m.

Sunday (9/6)

Sunday’s SUNFESTIVAL event will shift the focus to the dance floor, with globally renowned DJs Robbie Leslie and James Anthony scheduled to perform. Doors open at 7 p.m., with dancing continuing until 1 a.m.

On Sunday, Aqua will throw its annual White Party, with DJs spinning from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Guests are encouraged to dress in white for the holiday weekend celebration.

Diego’s will host its Sunday High T-Dance with Pamala Stanley at 5 p.m. Later that evening, DJ Tannr will be spinning at 9 p.m.

John Flynn is on the piano from 6-8 p.m. at the Blue Moon.