Arts & Entertainment
It takes balls to protest!
Trump inauguration inspires alternative soirees
There are several protest-type inauguration events planned.
On Friday, Jan. 20, Bar Pilar (1833 14th St., N.W.) will host “Thanks, Obama Send-off Party” at 11 a.m. with Chicago- and Hawaii-inspired cocktails. The kitchen will open at 3:30 p.m. with snacks followed by the regular dinner menu at 5 p.m.
Throughout the weekend, the restaurant will participate in the All in Service project by holding a raffle fundraiser Thursday-Sunday to raise funds for One D.C., N Street Village and Whitman-Walker Health.
On Friday during the party, guests who make a $15 donation will receive 1 raffle ticket and a door gift (Chicago-style popcorn mix from The Mad Popper & other goodies) while supplies last. Additional raffle tickets can be purchased for $10 each. Prizes include show tickets to the Black Cat, two tickets to DC Brau’s 6th anniversary show at 9:30 in April with some swag, a “key” to the Rock & Roll Hotel, plus other prizes from Meats & Foods, Two Birds One Stone, DC9 and more.
Several other local restaurants are also participating including Cafe Saint Ex (1847 14th St., N.W.), McClellan’s Retreat (2031 Florida Ave., N.W.) and El Camino (108 Rhode Island Ave., N.W.) with various specials. Details on Facebook.
“Thank You, Mr. President: And Still We Dance, a Dancefloor Journey” will be held on Thursday, Jan. 19 at the 9:30 Club (815 V St., N.W.) from 11:30 p.m.-5 a.m. Music by DJs Ultra Nate and James “DJ Dub” Graham. Proceeds will benefit the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund and the National Center for Transgender Equality. Details at 930.com or on Facebook.
“All Night Latin Ball: Forget Politics Let’s Party” is Jan. 19 at 8 p.m. at Las Chicas Locas D.C. (701 7th St., N.W., second floor). Details on Facebook.
“The Resistance Un-Ball” is Jan. 20 from 5-9 p.m. at Washington Ethical Society (7750 16th St., N.W.) and offers “love, support and resistance” to “launch to the social justice efforts of (the Society) in the coming years.” Details on Facebook.
“Inaugural Pall: It’s Mourning in America Again!” will be held on Jan. 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Velvet Lounge (915 U St., N.W.). Come dressed in your finest mourning attire to “lament the day’s atrocities and enter into a period of national grief with some dreamy, fuzzy, rock nihilism.” Sam Cooper & the Sleepwalkers will perform. Details on Facebook.
“Unity Ball: an Inauguration Weekend Dance Party” will be held on Jan. 21 at 8 p.m. at the District Architecture Center (421 7th Street, N.W.). Details at unityballdc.com.
Friday, May 23
“Center Aging Monthly Luncheon and Yoga” will be at 12 p.m. in person at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. For more details, email [email protected].
Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity and/or expression. For more details, email [email protected].
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at DIK Bar. 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 24
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar and 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.
Black Lesbian Mixer will be at 11 a.m. on Zoom. This is a support group dedicated to the joys of being a Black lesbian. For more details, email [email protected].
Sunday, May 25
“The Queen’s Table: A Women’s Empowerment Brunch” will be at 11 a.m. at Zooz. This event will celebrate queer women’s strength. For more details visit Eventbrite.
Monday, May 26
“Center Aging Monday Coffee and 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 27
Genderqueer DC will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a support group for people who identify outside of the gender binary. Whether you’re bigender, agender, genderfluid, or just know you’re not 100 percent cis — this is your group. For more details, visit genderqueerdc.org or Facebook.
Coming Out Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This support group is a safe space to share experiences about coming out and discuss topics as it relates to doing so. For more details, visit the group’s Facebook.
Wednesday, May 28
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.
Thursday, May 29
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. To be fairer 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 Charles M. will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breathwork, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.
Photos
PHOTOS: Helen Hayes Awards
Gay Men’s Chorus, local drag artists have featured performance at ceremony
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)
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)
Calendar: May 23-29
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