Arts & Entertainment
Beyonce’s surprise
Diva’s new ‘video album’ a risky game changer
Minimalist cover art of Beyonce’s new album. (Image courtesy Parkwood/Columbia)
To the surprise of her fans, Beyoncé Knowles released her fifth studio album on iTunes on Dec. 13 with no promotion. An intimate and powerful artistic step, the self-titled album “Beyoncé” could easily be a musical standard bearer for years to come.
The “video album,” as Knowles refers to it, contains 14 tracks and 17 music videos and was recorded mostly in secret. In July, Diplo revealed to the UK’s The Sun that he worked on two songs with Knowles that were ultimately scrapped, but details on the full album remained a mystery.
Fueled by the excitement of a surprise release, “Beyoncé” sold about 828,000 copies in just three days, breaking an iTunes record for most albums sold in the first week, previously held by Taylor Swift’s “Red.” The three-day sales figure also doubled the first week sales of her previous album “4” (2011).
Often deep and sometimes dark, “Beyoncé” is an exploration into life with her husband Jay-Z and their daughter. It’s also rife with feminist themes, not unusual for Knowles.
The album opens with “Pretty Hurts,” which addresses the physical and emotional trauma women endure while trying to adhere to impossible standards of beauty. While it may seem like Beyoncé is revisiting “girl power” themes from earlier hits like “Single Ladies” and “Run the World (Girls),” “Pretty Hurts” aims to inspire rather than excite young women by stressing the importance of happiness over beauty.
“***Flawless,” a Southern hip-hop track, samples a TEDxEuston speech by Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. The accompanying speech adds significance to Bey’s authoritative line “Bow down, bitches,” an assertion of her power as an independent woman, with a comment on the double standards women face.
The lead single “XO” is an uptempo pop tune and has all of the makings of a radio hit. Conversely, “Haunted” is not poised to enjoy the same success. It’s one of the more experimental songs and criticizes the record industry, but the vocals in the hook are ethereal. The accompanying video is artistic and creepy, complementing the song well.
A potential crossover hit is “Drunk In Love,” a duet with her husband Jay-Z. The song is one of several on the album depicting the sexual relationship music’s biggest power couple enjoys. Between her singing and his rapping, the song has potential for both the Top 40 and R&B charts.
“Blow” immediately follows the duet and is equally explicit. A mod- and funk-inspired dance track, it’s quickly and justifiably become a fan favorite. It’s fun, catchy and the bridge turns the song from a ‘70s throwback to a modern pop hit. The music video is a must see for, if no other reason, the impressively well-coordinated glow-in-the-dark dance sequence.
“Partition” is a tough hip-hop track that contains the hilariously sexual line “He Monica Lewinsky-ed all on my gown.” The song stays true to the album’s themes and includes a section in French defending female sexuality. It also seems to introduce a new alter-ego named Yoncé, a tougher figure to replace Sasha Fierce, a personality Beyoncé “killed” years ago.
In “Mine,” which features Drake, Beyoncé opens up about her postpartum depression and marital issues. Beyoncé and Drake’s vocals complement each other well in a back-and-forth that melds together in the hook.
The last two tracks are the most emotional. “Heaven” is a haunting and somber ballad about the death of a loved one. The song alludes to the miscarriage Beyoncé suffered during her first pregnancy, detailed in her HBO documentary “Life Is But a Dream” and referenced in the Jay-Z song “Glory.”
If “Heaven” tore listeners down, the final track, “Blue,” will bring on tears of joy. The song is an ode to her daughter Blue Ivy, and the vocal performance is incredible by even Bey’s standards. The song itself is an intimate expression of love, capturing a moment of pure joy Beyoncé experiences as she holds her daughter.
Overall, the album is deep, powerful, and a defining moment in Beyoncé’s career in the same way “Ray of Light” was for Madonna. Without sacrificing her mass appeal or playful rhythms, Beyoncé has created a mature, innovative opus. She ranges from light and bubbly to deep and soulful, and no moment feels out of place.
Sports
Blade, Pride House LA announce 2028 Olympics partnership
Media sponsorship to amplify stories of LGBTQ athletes
The Los Angeles Blade and Washington Blade on Friday announced a media partnership with the Out Athlete Fund, which will produce Pride House LA for the 2028 Summer Olympics.
Pride House is the home for LGBTQ fans and athletes that will become a destination during the L.A. Summer Games in West Hollywood in partnership with the City of WeHo. This 17-day celebration for LGBTQ athletes and fans will include medal ceremonies for out athletes, interactive installations, speakers, concerts, and more.
The Los Angeles Blade will serve as the exclusive L.A.-area queer media sponsor for Pride House LA and the Washington Blade will support the efforts and amplify coverage of the 2028 Games.
The Blade will provide exclusive coverage of Pride House plans, including interviews with queer athletes and more. The parties will share content and social media posts raising awareness of the Blade and Out Athlete Fund. The Blade will have media credentials and VIP access for related events.
“We are excited to partner with the Washington Blade, the oldest LGBTQ newspaper in the United States and the Los Angeles Blade, already a strong supporter of Out Athlete Fund and Pride House LA/West Hollywood,” said Michael Ferrera, CEO of Pride House LA. “Our mission is about increasing the visibility of LGBTQ+ athletes and fans to challenge the historical hostility toward our community in the sports world. Visibility is what publications like the Washington and Los Angeles publications are all about. We know they will play a key part in our success.”
“LGBTQ visibility has never been more important and we are thrilled to work with Out Athlete Fund and Pride House LA to tell the stories of queer athletes and ensure the 2028 Summer Games are inclusive and affirming for everyone,” said Blade Editor Kevin Naff.
Out Athlete Fund is a 501(c)3 designed to raise money to offset the training cost of out LGBTQ athletes in need of funding for training. The Washington Blade is the nation’s oldest LGBTQ news outlet; the Los Angeles Blade is its sister publication founded nine years ago.
In honor of Black History Month, the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will host a series of events uplifting the histories, artistry, and resilience of Black LGBTQ+ communities through dialogue, film, and intentional gathering.
The series begins with “Ballroom Culture: Rhythms of Resilience,” a panel discussion on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026 at 7 p.m. Artists, activists, and leaders from the ballroom community will explore ballroom’s historical, cultural, and political significance as a site of resistance, kinship, creative expression, and social justice within Black, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ communities.
On Friday, Feb. 13 at 12:30 p.m., the Center will host a screening of the groundbreaking documentary “Paris is Burning,” which chronicles New York City’s ballroom scene and house culture while examining themes of race, class, identity, and survival through the voices of legendary performers including Willi Ninja, Pepper LaBeija, and Dorian Corey.
The month will conclude with “Soul Centered: A Black LGBTQ+ Gathering” on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. This free, RSVP-required event invites Black LGBTQ+ community members into a space of rest, connection, and reflection centered on love in all its forms. The gathering will feature a panel conversation with Black LGBTQ+ creatives, healers, and community members, followed by intentional speed connections and a closing social mixer.
For more details and to RSVP, visit the Center’s website.
Friday, February 6
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.
Spark Social will host “RuPaul’s Drag Race Watch Party S18 Watch Party” at 8 p.m. Drag Entertainers TrevHER and Grey provide hilarious commentary and make live predictions on who’s staying and who’s going home. Stick around after the show for a live drag performance. The watch party takes place on our heated outdoor patio and cozy indoor space. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Go Gay DC will host “First Friday LGBTQ+ Community Social” at 7 p.m. at Silver Diner Ballston. 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.
Saturday, February 7
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.
LGBTQ People of Color will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This peer support group is an outlet for LGBTQ People of Color to come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space that strives to be safe and judgement free. There are all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more information and events, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.
Sunday, February 8
DMV Gay Dog Moms will host “Puppy Love” at 1 p.m. at Wunder Garten. This a Valentine’s pawty and market for dog lovers. Get gifts for your loved ones – both human & canine at this event. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, February 9
“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]).
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 that you’re not 100% cis. For more details, visit genderqueerdc.org or Facebook.
Tuesday, February 10
Coming Out Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a safe space to share experiences about coming out and discuss topics as it relates to doing so — by sharing struggles and victories the group allows those newly coming out and who have been out for a while to learn from others. For more details, visit the group’s Facebook.
Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity or expression to join together in community and learn from one another. For more details, email [email protected].
Wednesday, February 11
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, February 12
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. To be more fair with who is receiving boxes, the program is moving to a lottery system. 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, 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.
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Blade, Pride House LA announce 2028 Olympics partnership
D.C. non-profits find creative ways to aid the unhoused amid funding cuts
Celebrate Black History Month
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