Arts & Entertainment
Where are they now? Blade singles class of 2016 checks in
Find out who found love and who’s still on the market
2016 Most Eligible LGBT Singles (Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
OLIVIA CONETTA
Olivia Conetta (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
What is your relationship status now, one year after being named a Blade Most Eligible Single?
Single.
How was the experience of being named a Blade Most Eligible Single — did it lead to any dates?
I don’t think it led to any dates, but it did lead to some lighthearted, affectionate teasing from friends.
Any advice to this year’s winners?
Take a great picture and enjoy cracking sarcastic jokes about how eligible you are.
SASANKA JINADASA
Sasanka Jinadasa (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
What is your relationship status now, one year after being named a Blade Most Eligible Single?
Still single!
How was the experience of being named a Blade Most Eligible Single — did it lead to any dates?
Yes — actually the very same night it was announced.
Any advice to this year’s winners?
Resist fascism and live your best life.
CHRIS JENNINGS
Chris Jennings (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
What is your relationship status now, one year after being named a Blade Most Eligible Single?
Engaged
Where/how did you meet?
We met a while ago but we were both in relationships at the time. Last year we were finally both single and now it’s a thing.
How was the experience of being named a Blade Most Eligible Single — did it lead to any dates?
It was fun, my fiancé tells her friends that I was one of the most eligible singles. It’s a conversation starter.
Any advice to this year’s winners?
Wear this title with pride and you never know what will happen in a year.
MARIO AUSTIN
Mario Austin (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
What is your relationship status now, one year after being named a Blade Most Eligible Single?
I’m currently still single but actively dating.
How was the experience of being named a Blade Most Eligible Single — did it lead to any dates?
It was a cool experience. I got to meet some amazing people and earn a few cool dates.
Any advice to this year’s winners?
Have fun! Enjoy every minute of the celebration.
ADAM SMITH
Adam Smith (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
What is your relationship status now, one year after being named a Blade Most Eligible Single?
I am still single.
How was the experience of being named a Blade Most Eligible Single — did it lead to any dates?
It was fun being chosen for this and I had a few people recognize me at the bars or random people I’m Facebook friends with send messages about it, though I’m not sure it led to any actual dates.
JOHN JACK GALLAGHER
John Jack Gallagher (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
What is your relationship status now, one year after being named a Blade Most Eligible Single?Â
“Alone Again, Naturally” Gilbert O’Sullivan.
How was the experience of being named a Blade Most Eligible Single — did it lead to any dates?
Mashup: Â “Protect Ya Neck” Wu Tang Clan, “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” Whitney Houston and “Precious & Few” Climax
Any advice to this year’s winners? Â
“Tears Dry On Their Own” Amy Winehouse
Celebrate the start of Pride month at the Queer Magic Dance Party at the Black Cat on Saturday, June 6. Doors open at 9 p.m.
There will be pole performances and demonstrations, a free photo booth with glitter bar, a queer vendor market, tarot readings by Skye Marinda Tarot, a drag performance by Sapphica, and dancing to a blend of smooth R&B, Afrobeats, hip-hop and pop by Slammer & Saba. Tickets are $20 at the door or $15 (plus fees) in advance, purchased here.
Local queer journalists will celebrate Pride this weekend at the annual NLGJA-DC Pride Happy Hour event at Trade (1410 14th St., N.W.) on Saturday, June 6, 3-5 p.m. Admission is free.Â
Out & About
DC Front Runners Pride Run 5K set for Saturday
Annual event held at historic Congressional Cemetery
The 14th annual DC Front Runners’ Pride 5K run/walk is set for Saturday, June 6 at historic Congressional Cemetery. The race starts and ends at the cemetery (1801 E St., S.E.) and passes through scenic D.C., along the Anacostia River trail and the fields at RFK campus. Registration ends Friday at 11:59 p.m.
Runners can pick up their race packets on Saturday from 7-8:30 a.m. at Congressional Cemetery; the race begins at 9 a.m.
The fee to run the 5K in person is $65 ($35 for those under age 20). Proceeds benefit local LGBTQ nonprofits, including Thrive DC, Wanda Alston Foundation, Blade Foundation, Ainsley’s Angels, SMYAL, and Team DC. Visit DCFrontRunners.org for more information.
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Queer Magic dance party planned
NLGJA-DC Pride happy hour at Trade
DC Front Runners Pride Run 5K set for Saturday
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