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: Victory Fund National Champagne Brunch

LGBTQ politicians gather for annual event

Published

on

Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Del.) speaks at the 2025 Victory Fund National Champagne Brunch. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The Victory Fund held its National Champagne Brunch at the Ritz-Carlton on Sunday, April 27. Speakers included Tim Gunn, Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Gov. Wes Moore (D-Md.), Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Del.), Rep. Chris Pappas (D-N.H.) and Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.).

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

Continue Reading

Music & Concerts

Tom Goss returns with ‘Bear Friends Furever Tour’

Out singer/songwriter to perform at Red Bear Brewing Co.

Published

on

Singer Tom Goss is back. (Photo by Dusti Cunningham)

Singer Tom Goss will bring his “Bear Friends Furever Tour” to D.C. on Sunday, June 8 at 8 p.m. at Red Bear Brewing Co. 

Among the songs he will perform will be “Bear Soup,” the fourth installment in his beloved bear song anthology series. Following fan favorites like “Bears,” “Round in All the Right Places,” and “Nerdy Bear,” this high-energy, bass-thumping banger celebrates body positivity, joyful indulgence, and the vibrant spirit of the bear subculture.

For more details, visit Tom Goss’s website.

Continue Reading

Calendar

Calendar: May 2-8

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

on

Friday, May 2

“Center Aging Friday Tea Time” will be at 2 p.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]

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at P.F. Chang’s. 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 3

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 Support Group 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 judgment free. There are all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more information and events for LGBTQ People of Color, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc

Sunday, May 4

“The Chateau Drag Brunch” will be at 12 p.m. at Chicatana. Enjoy fabulous Mexican food and cocktails while being entertained by a rotating cast of the DMV’s best drag performers. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased on Eventbrite

“The Bubble: Queer Brooklyn Comics in DC” will be at 5 p.m. at As You Are. Queer comedians Charlie Flynn, Evan Lazarus and Keara Sullivan are coming down from NYC for a night of fun as they split an hour of standup comedy. For more details, visit Eventbrite

Monday, May 5

“Center Aging Monday Coffee & 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 6

Universal Pride Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group seeks to support, educate, empower, and create change for people with disabilities. For more details, email [email protected]

Wednesday, May 7

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.

Center Aging Women’s Social and Discussion Group will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older queer women can meet and socialize with one another. We will have discussion, activities, and a chance for you to share what you want future events to include. For more details, email [email protected]

Thursday, May 8

The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. To be fair 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 Sarah M. will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breath work, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.

South Asian Support Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. The peer support group is an outlet for South Asian-identified LGBTQ individuals to come and talk about anything affecting them. It’s a secure, judgment-free environment to discuss relationships, sexuality, health, well-being, identity, culture, religion, or anything that is on your mind. For more details, email [email protected]

Continue Reading

Popular