Connect with us

Arts & Entertainment

Best of Gay D.C. XIII: Community

Winners from the Blade’s readers poll

Published

on

community, gay news, Washington Blade

To see the winners of the Washington Blade’s Best of Gay D.C. readers poll in other categories, click here.

Best House of Worship

Foundry United Methodist Church

Lou Ann Sandstrom, Kathleen Kutschenreuter, Foundry United Methodist Church, wedding, same-sex marriage, gay marriage, marriage equality, gay news, Washington Blade

Lou Ann Sandstrom, left, and Kathleen Kutschenreuter at their wedding recessional at Foundry United Methodist Church on Sept. 28, 2013. (Photo by Paul Morse Photography; courtesy the couple)

1500 16th St., N.W.

202-332-4010

foundryumc.org

Runner-up: Metropolitan Community Church of Washington

Best Home Furnishings

Miss Pixies Furnishings & Whatnot

community, gay news, Washington Blade

Miss Pixie’s (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

1626 14th St., N.W.

202-232-8171

misspixies.com

Runner-up: Room & Board

Best Hotel

W Hotel

Community, gay news, Washington Blade

W Hotel (Photo courtesy of the W Hotel Washington, D.C.)

515 15th St., N.W.

202-661-2400

wwashingtondc.com

Runner-up: Hotel Palomar

Best Art Gallery

Winner: Phillips Collection

community, gay news, Washington Blade

The Phillips Collection (Photo by Max Hirshfeld; courtesy Phillips Collection)

1600 21st St., N.W.

phillipscollection.org

202-387-2151

Runner-up: Corcoran

Best Non-Profit

Whitman-Walker Health

Don Blanchon, Whitman-Walker Health, gay news, Washington Blade

Whitman-Walker Health CEO Don Blanchon (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

1701 14th St. N.W.

2301 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. S.E.

202-745-7000

whitman-walker.org

Runner-up: SMYAL

Best Salon/Spa

Bang Salon

community, gay news, Washington Blade

Bang Salon (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

1612 U St., N.W.

202-299-0925

bangsalon.com

Runner-up: Logan 14 Aveda

Best Fitness or Workout Spot

Vida Fitness

community, gay news, Washington Blade

Vida Fitness (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Locations vary

vidafitness.com

Runner-up: CrossFit DC

Best Theater

Kennedy Center

Kennedy Center, culture, gay news, Washington Blade

The Kennedy Center (Photo by Steve via Wikimedia Commons)

2700 F St. N.W.

800-444-1324

kennedy-center.org

Runner-up: Studio Theatre

Best Theater Production

“Avenue Q” (Olney Theatre )

Runner-up: “The Lion King” – Kennedy Center

Avenue Q, gay news, Washington Blade

Jason Loewith, right, with Bobby Smith in rehearsal for ‘Avenue Q.’ (Photo by Sonie Mathew; courtesy Olney Theatre Center)

Often described as Sesame Street meets “Rent,” “Avenue Q” is an angsty, coming-of-age comedy set on a city block inhabited by slutty, shy, straight, gay, and monstrous Muppet-like puppets, and the grown up child actor Gary Coleman imagined as building super. Olney’s terrific take on the delightfully raunchy Tony Award-winning musical was helmed by out artistic director Jason Loewith and featured a top notch cast including Sam Ludwig, Rachel Zampelli, and Stephen Gregory Smith. (PF)

Olney Theatre Center

2001 Olney Sandy Spring Rd.

Olney, Md. 20832

olneytheatre.org

Best LGBT Sports Team

Washington Generals D.C. Gay Flag Football League

Runner-up: D.C. Front Runners

community, gay news, Washington Blade

Washington Generals (Photo courtesy Washington Generals)

Washington Generals, part of the D.C. Gay Flag Football League, made it to the Gay Bowl last year. They lost the championship but the team was welcomed back to this year’s Gay Bowl. The team includes both straight and gay members. (MC)

Dcgffl.org

Best LGBT-owned Business

EatWell Restaurants

Runner-up: City Dogs Daycare

Josh Hahn, David Winer, EatWellDC, gay news, Washington Blade

Josh Hahn and David Winer of EatWell (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

EatWell is a restaurant management company committed to providing quality food and exciting environments. The company owns and operates a private farm in La Plata, Md., that provides produce for the company’s five restaurants: Commissary, Grillfish, The Heights, Logan Tavern and The Pig. (SMH)

Eat Well Restaurants

202-332-3710

eatwelldc.com

Best Comedy Club

D.C. Improv

1140 Connecticut Ave., N.W.

202-296-7008

dcimprov.com

Runner-up: Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse

Best Rehoboth Business

Purple Parrot

Runner-up: Blue Moon

community, gay news, Washington Blade

Purple Parrot (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

It’s not easy to sustain bar and restaurant success over more than 15 years, but Purple Parrot owners Hugh Fuller and Troy Roberts have managed to do just that by continually reinventing the space and improving on an already good thing. Last year brought a smart renovation of the front bar. The newer Biergarten in back has grown more popular over the past couple years, with standing-room-only crowds in summer. In addition to the food and drinks, there’s entertainment, including drag shows, karaoke and performances during Jazz Fest Weekend and other special events. Jamie Romano and the rest of the staff work hard to keep customers happy and coming back year-round. (KN)

Purple Parrot

134 Rehoboth Ave.

302-226-1139

ppgrill.com

Best LGBT Social Group

Stonewall Sports

Runner-up: NOVA Pride

community, Stonewall Kickball, sports, JR's, Cobalt, gay news, Washington Blade, Stead Park

Stonewall Kickball All-Stars Game (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Stonewall Sports, an LGBT and ally sports organization, does more than just play. In addition to its leagues, which include bocce and kickball, Stonewall Sports also gives to charities like the DC Center and SMYAL. (MC)

Stonewallsports.leagueapps.com

Best Pet Business

City Dogs Daycare

Runner-up: City Paws Animal Hospital

community, gay news, Washington Blade

City Dogs Daycare (Photo courtesy of City Dogs Daycare)

Located between Dupont Circle and Adams Morgan, City Dogs Daycare provides daycare, boarding, training, and grooming for all dogs over 10 lbs. Staff keep the dogs in their care constantly engaged. Grooming services are new for City Dogs and began earlier this month. (SMH)

City Dogs Daycare

1832 18th Street, N.W.

202-234-WAGS

city-dogs.com

Advertisement
FUND LGBTQ JOURNALISM
SIGN UP FOR E-BLAST

Photos

PHOTOS: Helen Hayes Awards

Gay Men’s Chorus, local drag artists have featured performance at ceremony

Published

on

Members of the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington as well as local drag artists joined hosts Mike Millan and Felicia Curry with other performers for a WorldPride dance number at the Helen Hayes Awards on Monday. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

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)

Continue Reading

Photos

PHOTOS: D.C. Trans Pride

Schuyler Bailar gives keynote address

Published

on

D.C. Trans Pride 2025 was held at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library on May 17. (Washington Blade photo 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)

Continue Reading

a&e features

Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C

Washington Blade’s unique archives chronicle highs, lows of our movement

Published

on

Gay Pride Day 1976 (Washington Blade archive photo)

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of LGBTQ Pride in Washington, D.C., the Washington Blade team combed our archives and put together a glossy magazine showcasing five decades of celebrations in the city. Below is a sampling of images from the magazine but be sure to find a print copy starting this week.

D.C.’s Different Drummers march in the 2006 Capital Pride Parade. (Washington Blade archive photo by Adam Cuthbert)

The magazine is being distributed now and is complimentary. You can find copies at LGBTQ bars and restaurants across the city. Or visit the Blade booth at the Pride festival on June 7 and 8 where we will distribute copies. 

Thank you to our advertisers and sponsors, whose support has enabled us to distribute the magazine free of charge. And thanks to our dedicated team at the Blade, especially Photo Editor Michael Key, who spent many hours searching the archives for the best images, many of which are unique to the Blade and cannot be found elsewhere. And thanks to our dynamic production team of Meaghan Juba, who designed the magazine, and Phil Rockstroh who managed the process. Stephen Rutgers and Brian Pitts handled sales and marketing and staff writers Lou Chibbaro Jr., Christopher Kane, Michael K. Lavers, Joe Reberkenny along with freelancer and former Blade staffer Joey DiGuglielmo wrote the essays. 

The 1995 Lesbian and Gay Freedom Festival was held on Freedom Plaza on June 18. (Washington Blade archive photo by Clint Steib)

The magazine represents more than 50 years of hard work by countless reporters, editors, advertising sales reps, photographers, and other media professionals who have brought you the Washington Blade since 1969.

We hope you enjoy the magazine and keep it as a reminder of all the many ups and downs our local LGBTQ community has experienced over the past 50 years.

I hope you will consider supporting our vital mission by becoming a Blade member today. At a time when reliable, accurate LGBTQ news is more essential than ever, your contribution helps make it possible. With a monthly gift starting at just $7, you’ll ensure that the Blade remains a trusted, free resource for the community — now and for years to come. Click here to help fund LGBTQ journalism.

The D.C. Black Gay Men & Women’s Community Conference table at Gay Pride Day in 1978. (Washington Blade archive photo by Jim Marks)
A scene from 1985 Gay and Lesbian Pride Day. (Washington Blade archive photo by Doug Hinckle)
A scene from the 1988 Gay and Lesbian Pride Day. (Washington Blade archive photo by Doug Hinckle)
A scene from the Capital Pride Block Party in 2018. (Washington Blade photo by Daniel Truitt)
Keke Palmer performs at the 2024 Capital Pride Festival. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
Continue Reading

Popular