Local
Chesapeake Pride set for Aug. 2
Swimming, DJs, drag all on tap
Chesapeake Pride (Washington Blade file photo by Pete Exis)
The ninth annual Chesapeake Pride Festival will take place at picturesque Mayo Beach, right on the Chesapeake Bay on Aug. 2 from 12-6 p.m. rain or shine. Mayo Beach Park is located at 4150 Honeysuckle Dr., Edgewater, Md. It is the only annual Pride event held in Anne Arundel, St. Mary’s or Calvert counties.
Swimming in the bay, the beach, stage acts, drag shows, vendors from a variety of LGBT-friendly companies and organizations, food, beverages, including beer and wine are all part of the event. And for those who do not want too much sun, there are plenty of shaded areas to enjoy the day. Organizers are encouraging people to bring their kids to the festival as there is a playground in the park as well as the swimming opportunities.
“This year at Pride we’re mixing it up down on the beach with DJ Eric Patten, legendary Tracks D.C. DJ and host of ‘ElektrikCircuit Radio Show’ on ClubVibez Radio U.K. plus ElektrikCircuit Metro Radio D.C.,” Kim Hinken, chair of the Planning Committee told the Blade. “In the pavilion, Miss Stormy Vain has an incredible lineup in her fabulous drag show. This will be a great year to bring your family and friends out to the beach for some fun in the sun.”
Besides Stormy Vain, other entertainers include Mattie LaMar, Shawnna Alexander, Krystla Nova Blair, Marketta Buffet, Victoria Blair, Victoria Bohmore, Vegas Nova Buffet, and Mr. Capital Pride Carlton Stephens, among others.
Folks are free to bring beach blankets, chairs and umbrellas. Sunscreen is recommended. Park rules dictate that no bottles, cans, food or coolers are allowed outside your vehicle. No pets are permitted as well.
“We are anticipating another exciting festival this year,” said John Petrosillo, the festival’s publicity director. “There is so much to celebrate with the advances this year in marriage equality and other LGBT rights issues. We have improved our food options and will again be offering beer and wine for those over 21. Great vendors, music and a beach complete with swimming ensure something for everyone.”
Visit chesapeakepridefestival.org or facebook.com/chesapeakepride for more information.
World Pride 2025
D.C. liquor board extends drinking hours for WorldPride
Gay bars, other liquor-serving establishments can stay open 24 hours
D.C.’s Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Board, which regulates liquor sales for the city’s bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and other establishments licensed to serve alcoholic beverages, has approved extended hours for alcohol service and sales during the days when most WorldPride events will be held in the nation’s capital.
In a May 2 announcement, the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration, which works with the board, said the extended liquor serving and sales hours for WorldPride will take place beginning Friday, May 30, through 4 a.m. Monday, June 9.
Although the official schedule for WorldPride events shows the events will take place May 17-June 8, most of the large events, including a two-day Pride street festival, parade, and concert, were expected to take place between May 30 and June 8.
According to the ABCA announcement and an ABCA spokesperson, liquor servicing establishments with the appropriate license can stay open for 24 hours and serve alcoholic beverages from 6 a.m. through the day and evening until 4 a.m., with no liquor sales allowed from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. during the May 30-June 9 period.
The ABCA announcement says liquor serving establishments must apply for the extended hours option and pay a $100 registration fee by a deadline on May 27.
Sources familiar with the liquor board have said the board has for many years approved the extension of liquor serving and sales hours for important events and for certain holidays such as New Year’s Eve.
At the time it approved the extended hours for WorldPride the liquor board also approved extended hours during the time when games for a World Cup soccer tournament will be held in the city on June 18, June 22, and June 26.
It couldn’t immediately be determined how many of D.C.’s 22 LGBTQ bars plan to apply for the extended drinking hours. David Perruzza, owner of the Adams Morgan gay bar Pitchers and its adjoining lesbian bar A League of Her Own, said he will apply for the 4 a.m. extended hours option but he does not intend to keep the two bars open for the full 23 hours.
Under the city’s current alcoholic beverage regulations, licensed liquor serving establishments may serve alcoholic beverages until 2 a.m. on weekdays and 3 a.m. on weekends.
World Pride 2025
Episcopal bishop to speak at WorldPride human rights conference
Trump demanded apology from Mariann Edgar Budde over post-Inauguration sermon
The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde is among those who are scheduled to speak at the WorldPride 2025 Human Rights Conference that will take place from June 4-6.
Budde, who is the bishop of the Diocese of Washington, in January urged President Donald Trump “to have mercy” on LGBTQ people, immigrants, and others “who are scared right now” during a post-Inauguration service that he and Vice President JD Vance attended at the Washington National Cathedral. Trump criticized Budde’s comments and demanded an apology.
The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde speaks at the Washington National Cathedral on Jan. 21, 2025. (PBS NewsHour clip)
A press release the Washington Blade received notes Icelandic Industries Minister Hanna Katrín Friðriksson, UK Black Pride founder Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, and Bob the Drag Queen are among those who are also expected to participate in the conference.
The conference will take place at the JW Marriott (1331 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.) and registration is open here.
World Pride 2025
Pabllo Vittar to perform at WorldPride
Brazilian drag queen, singer, joined Madonna on stage in 2024 Rio concert
A Brazilian drag queen and singer who performed with Madonna at her 2024 concert on Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach will perform at WorldPride.
The Capital Pride Alliance on Thursday announced Pabllo Vittar will perform on the Main Stage of the main party that will take place on June 7 at DCBX (1235 W St., N.E.) in Northeast D.C.
Vittar and Anitta, a Brazilian pop star who is bisexual, on May 4, 2024, joined Madonna on stage at her free concert, which was the last one of her Celebration Tour. Authorities estimated 1.6 million people attended.
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