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Rio judo Olympian comes out as gay

Rafaela Silva is now one of 48 out LGBT Olympic athletes this year

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(Screenshot via YouTube)

(Screenshot via YouTube)

Rafaela Silva, a Brazillian judo athlete, has publicly come out as gay becoming one of the record-breaking 48 openly LGBT athletes in Rio.

Silva, who became the first Brazilian to win a gold medal in women’s judo at Rio, came out during an interview with Globo Sports. She opened up about her relationship with her partner of three yearsĀ Thamara Cezar.

Silva, 24, told Globo Sports the pair own three dogs together and she is thankful for Cezar’s support while she trained for the Olympics.

“She was there every day and knew how I was feeling, when I was sick when I wasn’t,” Silva told Globo Sports. “Everything I needed, she was there to do it, so she is also very important in this victory.”

While Silva has never publicly declared her sexuality until now, her Instagram account is filled with pictures of the couple.

 

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Theater

D.C. holiday theater preview 2024

Need a little cheer? Weā€™ve got you covered

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The company of Step Afrika!'s ā€˜Magical Musical Holiday Step Showā€™ at Arena Stage. (Photo by Jati Lindsay)

In need of a little cheer? Fortunately, thereā€™s a fix. The DMV boasts a wealth of holiday-themed theater, music, and dance guaranteed to lift spirits and warm hearts. Hereā€™s a sliver of whatā€™s out there. 

Arena Stage invites audiences ā€œto step back into the holiday spirit with the joyful return of ā€˜Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Showā€™ (Dec. 13-22) where the rich tradition of African-American stepping blends with the magic of the season.ā€ DJ Nutcracker and his Arctic friends promise to amplify the festive atmosphere. Arenastage.orgĀ 

Looking for a new way to experience a Christmas favorite? With the Kennedy Centerā€™s ā€œElf in Concert: Film with Live Orchestraā€ (through Dec. 1), you can relive the endearing comedy on a giant screen as every note of John Debneyā€™s wonderful score is played live by the National Symphony Orchestra. 

Another Kennedy Center holiday treat is ā€œFinnā€ (through Dec. 22). From Chris Nee, the out creator of TVā€™s ā€œDoc McStuffinsā€ and ā€œVampirina,ā€ ā€œFinnā€ is filled with vibrant sea creatures and catchy tunes. Hilarious and heartening, this world premiere musical chronicles the coming-of-age journey of a young shark following his dreams. Kennedy-center.orgĀ 

For those in search of yuletide camaraderie and keyboards, thereā€™s the National Cathedral Christmas Day Organ Recital (Dec. 25), a tradition featuring festive music performed (at the Cathedral) by Cathedral organist Thomas Sheehan, and organ scholar Ariana Corbin. Tickets not required. Livestream available.Ā  Nationalcathedral.org

At Baltimore Center Stage, ArtsCentricā€™s production of ā€œBlack Nativityā€ (Nov. 30-December 22) uses a fusion of blues, soul, jazz, spirituals, dance, and the powerful words of gay poet Langston Hughes, to tell the Christmas story through a wide-ranging African-American lens. Centerstage.org

For one night only, the Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda presents ā€œA Swinginā€™ Little Christmas!ā€ (Dec. 4), a nostalgic, Christmas kitsch cabaret featuring out TV star Jane Lynch (ā€œGlee,ā€ ā€œThe Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”), alongside Kate Flannery (ā€œThe Officeā€), Tim Davis (ā€œGleeā€™s” vocal arranger), and The Tony Guerrero Quintet. 

The following night, Dave Koz and Friends celebrate the 27th anniversary edition of the longest running jazz-based Christmas tour at Strathmore on Dec. 5. Koz, a longtime out musician (primarily sax), has released eight holiday albums, including his most recent, ā€œChristmas Ballads.ā€ Strathmore.org

Round House Theatre presents the world premiere of ā€œA Hannukah Carolā€ (through Dec. 29). The family-friendly musical comedy tells the story of millennial influencer Chava Kanipshin who in pursuit of more followers, shuns family, friends, and holiday traditions. But on the first night of Hanukkah, Chava is visited by the ghost of deceased social media star Mimi Marley and other spirits who warn her to change her ways ā€” or live to regret it. Roundhousetheatre.org.Ā 

Historic Fordā€™s Theatre again presents ā€œA Christmas Carolā€ (through Dec. 31), a popular Washington tradition for decades. Conceived by Michael Baron, this dynamically staged take on the Dickensā€™ classic features Craig Wallace as the miserly Scrooge who after a night of ghostly visits, rediscovers Christmas joy. In case you havenā€™t seen it, do. Fords.orgĀ 

At Olney Theatre, award-winning out actor Michael Russotto is stepping into the shoes of Paul Morella to star in this year’s edition of Morella’s celebrated solo adaptation of ā€œA Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmasā€ (Dec. 29). Russotto portrays more than 50 characters, from the miserly Scrooge to the haunting spirits, to the entire Cratchit family, including, of course, Tiny Tim. Olneytheatre.org

The adage that music can transport you to another time with just a couple of notes proves true at the Folger Library where Folger Consort, the estimable early music ensemble-in-residence, marvelously upholds a glorious Washington holiday tradition with ā€œA Mass for Christmas Eve: Baroque Music for the Seasonā€ (Dec. 6-15). Folger.eduĀ 

In Falls Church, Creative Cauldron presents ā€œMadelineā€™s Christmasā€ (Dec. 6-22), a charming show based on the classic book by author and illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans. Itā€™s Christmas Eve and taking care of 11 flu infected little girls and Miss Clavel isnā€™t easy, but when Madeline finds help from a magical rug merchant, all thatā€™s miserable is brushed away, and the girls embark on an unforgettable Christmas journey. Matt Conner directs. Creativecauldron.org

The Washington Balletā€™s ā€œThe Nutcrackerā€ at the glittering, gilded Warner Theatre (through Dec. 30). Featuring Tchaikovskyā€™s instantly familiar music and splendid choreography by Septime Weber, this Georgetown circa 1882-set production features historical figures ranging from George Washington to King George III, along with the usual suspects like children, rats, fairies, and a mysterious godfather. Washingtonballet.org

The Gay Menā€™s Chorus of Washington is back with its annual holiday extravaganza ā€œThe Holiday Showā€ (Dec. 4, 14, and 15) at Lincoln Theatre. This yearā€™s uplifting lineup includes eclectic songs with exciting rhythms and beautiful harmonies, and features the high-kicking, bedazzled 17th Street Dance as well as small ensembles and the GenOUT Youth Chorus! Songs include ā€œSee Amid the Winterā€™s Snow,ā€ ā€œFeliz Navidad,ā€ ā€œLove is Christmas,ā€ and ā€œSilent Night.ā€ Gmcw.org

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Bars & Parties

Ring in 2025 with a World Pride party

Rainbow Masquerade to be held at Hook Hall

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(Photo by Masson/Bigstock)

Capital Pride/World Pride will host Rainbow Masquerade at Hook Hall,  a New Yearā€™s Eve party featuring drag shows, silk aerial acts, private lounges and the venueā€™s Hot Tub Cabana. According to Brandon Bayton, Capital Pride executive producer, “Step into the Fabric of Freedom and toast World Pride 2025 in styleā€”where every moment sparkles, every performance dazzles and every toast makes a difference. It’s going to be an amazing night!”

The party is Tuesday, Dec. 31, 10 p.m.-2 a.m. at Hook Hall, 3400 Georgia Ave., N.W. Proceeds benefit Capital Pride D.C. and tickets are available on Eventbrite.

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Out & About

Celebrate Thanksgiving weekend with drag

Charlemagne Chateau hosts brunch on Sunday

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(Screen capture from The Chateau Drag Brunch promotional video on Eventbrite)

Charlemagne Chateau will host ā€œChateau Drag Brunchā€ on Sunday, Dec. 1 at 12:00p.m. at Chicatana.Ā  Enjoy fabulous Mexican food and cocktails while being entertained by a rotating cast of the DMVā€™s best drag performers.

Tickets cost $10 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

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