Out & About
Explosive ways to get your 4th on
Independence Day festivities scheduled all weekend
(Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
Numerous events will be happening all over the local area to celebrate the Fourth of July this weekend from fireworks displays to patriotic-themed club parties.
Girl Code D.C. hosts a Fourth of July ladies dance party at Vita Lounge (1318 9th St., N.W.) on Friday at 10 p.m. The party also celebrates the Supreme Court’s nationwide legalization of LGBT marriage. There will be $5 Ciroc shots and hookah will also be available. For details, visit facebook.com/girlcodedc.
National Archives (700 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.) hosts a reading of the Declaration of Independence by performers dressed as Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Ned Hector on Saturday from 10-11 a.m. From noon-4 p.m., enjoy family activities such as story time and crafts. There will also be the chance to meet Revolutionary figures like Abigail and John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, George Washington and more. For details, visit archives.org.
The city of Takoma Park holds its firework display at Takoma Park Middle School (7611 Piney Branch Rd., Md.) Saturday at approximately 9:30 p.m. There will be multiple vendors selling food, drinks, T-shirts and other novelties. For more information, visit takomapark4th.org.
Town Danceboutique hosts “BombPop!” with DJ Randy White Saturday night at 10 p.m. Details at towndc.com.
Downtown Rehoboth Beach presents its fireworks display on Rehoboth Beach Main Street (28 Lake Ave., Rehoboth Beach, De.) on Sunday at 9:15 p.m. Live entertainment will be performed before and after the fireworks. For more information, visit downtownrb.com.
The annual “A Capitol Fourth Concert” begins from 8-9:30 p.m. on Saturday night on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Performers will include Barry Manilow, Alabama, Nicole Scherzinger, Hunter Hayes, Meghan Linsey, KC and the Sunshine Band and more. Following the concert, the fireworks display begins at 9:15 p.m. Both the show and fireworks display are free and open to the public. For more details, visit pbs.org/a-capitol-fourth/
Out & About
Whitman-Walker to host legal services workshop
Event held virtually and in-person at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center
Whitman Walker Health Center will host a legal services workshop on Tuesday, July 21 at 3 p.m. virtually and in-person at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center.
Attorneys from WWH will give an overview of the free legal services they offer and discuss recent challenges. WWH meets clients where they are to address the issues they are facing, such as:
- Immigration relief based on LGBTQ+/HIV status
- Public benefits, including Social Security Disability denials
- Appealing health insurance denials of Gender Affirming Care
- Name changes and ID Document update
Register online to attend virtually. To attend in person, no registration is required.
Friday, July 17
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena. 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.
Trans and Genderqueer Game Night will be at 7 p.m. at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. This is a relaxing, laid-back evening of games and fun. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Saturday, July 18
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.
The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will host “Sunday Supper on Saturday” at 2 p.m. It’s an opportunity to step away from the busyness of life and invest in something meaningful, and enjoy delicious food, genuine laughter, and conversations that spark connection and inspiration. For more details, visit the Center’s website.
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 will be all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more details, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.
Sunday, July 19
“Nellie’s DC Drag Brunch” will be at 12 p.m. at Nellie’s Sports Bar. Come get served like a queen by a queen. Join Sapphire Blue, Deja Diamond and their team of amazing drag performers for the most fun you’ll have all weekend. Tickets are $58.51 and are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, July 20
“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]).
Tuesday, July 21
Center Bi+ Roundtable will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is an opportunity for people to gather in order to discuss issues related to bisexuality or as bi individuals in a private setting. Visit Facebook or Meetup for more information.
Wednesday, July 22
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.
Asexual and Aromantic Group will meet at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a space where people who are questioning this aspect of their identity or those who identify as asexual and/or aromantic can come together, share stories and experiences, and discuss various topics. For more details, email [email protected].
Thursday, July 23
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. 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 Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breath work 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.
Out & About
Rehoboth’s Aqua to celebrate 20th anniversary Sunday
Event marks culmination of Pride weekend in beach community
Aqua Bar & Grill in Rehoboth Beach will celebrate its 20th anniversary on Sunday, July 19 from 2-7 p.m. DJ Biff will entertain the crowd; there will be complimentary birthday cake and surprise guests.
The event marks the culmination of Pride weekend in Rehoboth Beach, which runs all weekend with panel discussions, parties, and more.
Remembering Victoria Cruz, Stonewall veteran and beloved trans activist
Wanda Alston Foundation announces passing of founding executive director Brian Watson
Beloved local master gardener Frank Asher dies at 69
DOJ seeks to dismiss some claims in gay FBI employee’s bias lawsuit
The government pressured USA Rugby to ban transgender women. A Baltimore team refused to comply.
Lindsey Graham has passed away. Do LGBTQ people have a right to celebrate his death?
Literature is my companion
Calendar: July 17-23
Whitman-Walker to host legal services workshop
