Arts & Entertainment
Antarctica is ‘The World’s First LGBT-Friendly Continent’
the continent was given the honor by Planting Peace
(Photo via Planting Peace)
Antarctica might be deathly cold, but it does have one reason it might be worth a visit. It’s been claimed to be “The World’s First LGBT-Friendly Continent” by non-profit organization Planting Peace.
The organization traveled across Antartica carrying a Pride flag to symbolize equality for LGBT people living in Antarctica as well as LGBT people living all over the world.
Aaron Jack, president of Planting Peace, spoke with The Huffington Post about how going to Antarctica was a symbol for the LGBT community.
“I traveled to Antarctica to play a role in spreading visibility for the need for basic human rights for the LGBT community,”Aaron Jackson, president of Planting Peace, told The Huffington Post. “It was an honor to carry the Pride flag throughout Antarctica, and Planting Peace will not stop fighting for LGBT rights until all sexual and gender minorities experience full, fundamental rights in every corner of the world.”
This isn’t the first grand gesture Planting Peace has made for LGBT rights. It also created the Rainbow Equality House next to the Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kan., and erected a billboard in Morehead, Ky. calling out Kim Davis’s homophobia.
The Capital Pride Alliance presented the 2026 Capital Pride Honors at “The Audacity Brunch: In Full Fuchsia” at the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, D.C. on Sunday, June 7.
(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)
Out & About
Congressional Cemetery hosts Gays & Graves
Daylong Pride celebration blends history, remembrance, art and community
Historic Congressional Cemetery will host the second annual “Gays & Graves: A Big Gay Festival” on Sunday, June 14 at 11 a.m.
The event will feature pioneering activist Randy Wicker, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, and new public art installations and programs celebrating LGBTQ+ history. Gays & Graves is an official partner event of Capital Pride 2026.
This event is a daylong Pride celebration blending history, remembrance, art and community. Visitors can shop from LGBTQ+ and allied artists and makers, experience performances and interactive installations, and engage with programs exploring LGBTQ+ history and lived experience.
For more details, visit the cemetery’s website.
Baltimore Pride is underway, taking place from June 8-14.
The Pride Parade will be on Saturday, June 13 at 12 p.m. at Charles Street & North Avenue, followed by the Pride Block Party at 1 p.m. at Druid Hill Park. And then the Pride Festival will be held on Sunday, June 14 at 12 p.m. at Druid Hill Park.
There will be an array of additional events including: a fashion show, a “Suits and Sneakers” reception and a 5k race, among many other events.
For more details, visit Baltimore Pride’s website.
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