Out & About
SPRING ARTS 2017 EVENTS: Dances, dinners, drag & drama
Mega Networking, GLAA awards, Women’s Fest among spring events

Ba’Naka (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
Some events don’t fit in our other spring arts categories. Here are a few to note:
Rainbow Families has a family dance on Saturday, March 4 at Washington Ethical Society (7750 16th St., N.W.). Details at rainbowfamilies.org.
The Coven and GLOE present “Pride of Purim: a Queer Masquerade” on Saturday, March 11 at 10 p.m. at Ten Tigers Parlour (3813 Georgia Ave., N.W.). Tickets at thejdc.convio.net.
Ba’Naka’s “Bigg Gurrl Birthday Bash” with Darienne Lake (of “Drag Race” fame) is Saturday, March 11 at Town at 10 p.m. Details at towndc.com.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival has its Pink Tie Party at the Reagan Building (1300 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.) on Thursday, March 16 from 7-11 p.m. Tickets at nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.

(Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)
FIST 2017 — the Fighting Improv Smackdown Tournament is March 16-April 15 at Source (1835 14th St., N.W.). Details at witdc.org.
The Imperial Court of Washington has its Black & Blue Ball on Saturday, March 18 from 6-9:30 p.m. at the D.C. Eagle (3701 Benning Rd., N.E.). Details at imperialcourtdc.org.
The “Queen of the Night” drag competition is Saturday, March 18 at Town. Details at towndc.com.
BARE Military Style by the Ladies of LURe is Saturday, March 18 from 10 p.m.-3 a.m. at Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.). Details on the event’s Facebook page.
The Capital Area Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce has its ninth annual Mega Networking and Social Event on Wednesday, March 22 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Town (2009 8th St., N.W.). Details at caglcc.org.

CAGLCC Mega Networking Event. (Washington Blade file photo by Joe Tresh)
OutWrite presents Warrior Poets, Speaking as Resistance on Wednesday, March 22 from 7-9 p.m. at Petworth Citizen (829 U St., N.W.) featuring readings from Taylor Johnson, Danielle Reed and PeaceJah.
The third annual ONYX Mid-Atlantic Code Red fundraiser is Saturday, March 25 from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. at the Green Lantern (1335 Green Ct., N.W.) and is a benefit for local LGBT non-profits. Details on the event’s Facebook page.
Meat Market, a night of “hot tracks and old-school leather” is Saturday, March 25 at 9 p.m. at the D.C. Eagle (3701 Benning Rd., N.E.). Details at dceagle.com.
Light City Baltimore, a “festival of light, music and innovation” is March 31-April 8 at the Baltimore Inner Harbor. Tickets and details at lightcity.org.
The 14th annual Equality Virginia Commonwealth Dinner is Saturday, April 1 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center (403 N. 3rd St., Richmond, Va.). Details at equalityvirginia.org.
The Cherry Blossom Wine & Beer Festival is April 1-2 at the Yards Park (255 Water St., S.E.). Tickets at cherryblossombeerandwine.com.
The Family Equality Council will have a “family building session” on Saturday, April 1 from 3-6 p.m. at the D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.). Tickets at familyequalitycouncil.com.
“The Ask Rayceen Show” continues with installments April 5 and May 10 at the HRC Equality Center (1640 Rhode Island Ave., N.W.). Details on the event’s Facebook page.
The Pancakes & Booze Art Show is at Penn Social (801 E St., N.W.) on Thursday, April 6 from 7 p.m.-2 a.m. It’s billed as D.C.’s “largest underground art show” featuring body painting, DJs, a pancake bar and more. Details at pancakesandbooze.com/washingtondc.
The CAMP Rehoboth Women’s Fest is April 6-9. Details at camprehoboth.com.
Dining Out for Life, an annual Food & Friends benefit, is Thursday, April 6. Details at foodandfriends.org.
The D.C. Rawhides have their Town & Country anniversary dance on Saturday, April 15 at 6 p.m. at Union Market D.C. (1309 5th St., N.E.). Details here.
Team D.C.’s “A Night of Champions” is Saturday, April 15 at the Washington Hilton (1919 Connecticut Ave., N.W.). Tickets are $100 at teamdc.org/champions.
Todrick Hall returns to Washington with his “Straight Outta Oz Tour” April 18-19 at the Howard Theatre (620 T St., N.W.). Details at todrickhall.com.
GLAA has its 2017 Distinguished Service Awards on Thursday, April 20 at 6:30 p.m. at Policy Restaurant & Lounge (1904 14th St., N.W.). Details at glaa.org.
The 16th annual Georgetown Day is Friday, April 28 at 8 a.m. at Copley Lawn. Details on the event’s Facebook page.
The 2017 Mister & Miss Gay Arlington Pageant is Friday, April 28 at Freddie’s Beach Bar (555 S. 23rd St., Arlington, Va.). Details at freddiesbeachbar.com or search for the event on Facebook.
The D.C. Chocolate Festival is Saturday, April 29 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Washington Marriott Wardman Park (2660 Woodley Road, N.W.). Tickets at dcchocolatefestival.com.
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington has its spring affair “A Night at the Moulin Rouge” on Saturday, May 6 at the Mayflower Hotel (1127 Connecticut Ave., N.W.). Details at gmcw.org.
The AIDS Walk & Run Baltimore is Sunday, May 7 at the Maryland Zoo. Details at chasebrexton.org.
The Capital Pride Heroes Gala is early this year — it will be Saturday, May 13 from 7-11 p.m. at the Carnegie Library (801 K St., N.W.). Details at capitalpride.org.
The Helen Hayes Awards for local theater are Monday, May 14 at the Lincoln Theatre (1215 U St., N.W.). Details at theatrewashington.org.

(Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)
A Night Out for Trevor, a benefit for the Trevor Project, is Friday, May 19 from 7-10 p.m. at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco (700 F St., N.W.). Details at capitalpride.org.
Trans Pride is Saturday, May 20 at Studio Theatre (1501 14th St., N.W.). Details at capitalpride.org/events/capital-trans-pride.

Capital Trans Pride (Washington Blade photo by Tyler Grigsby)
The Victory Fund National Champagne Brunch is Sunday, May 21 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel (2500 Calvert St., N.W.) at 11 a.m. Details at victoryfund.org.
JFK Centennial Week is May 23-29 (various events) at the Kennedy Center. Details at jfkc.org.
Black Planet: a Black Pride Celebration is Sunday, May 28 from 4-8 p.m. at Tropicalia (2001 14th St., N.W.). Tickets at blackplanet.splashthat.com.
D.C. Black Pride is Memorial Day weekend (May 26-29) with many events. Details at dcblackpride.org.
No word as of Blade press time on 2017 installments of Gay Day at the Zoo, Youth Pride or the Charm City LGBT Film Festival, events usually held in May.
Friday, January 23
Center Aging Monthly Luncheon With Yoga will be at noon at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. Email Mac at [email protected] if you require ASL interpreter assistance, have any dietary restrictions, or questions about this event.
Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. This group is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity/expression to join together in community and learn from one another. For more details, email [email protected].
Saturday, January 24
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.
Black Lesbian Support Group will be at 11 a.m. on Zoom. This is a peer-led support group devoted to the joys and challenges of being a Black lesbian. You do not need to be a member of the Beta Kappa Chapter or the Beta Phi Omega Sorority in order to join, but they do ask that you either identify as a lesbian or are questioning that aspect of your identity. For more details, email [email protected].
Monday, January 26
“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]).
Queer Book Club will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This month’s books are “The Nightmare Before Kissmas” by Sara Raasch and “Transgender History” by Susan Stryker. For more details, email [email protected].
Tuesday, January 27
Coming Out Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a safe space to share experiences about coming out and discuss topics as it relates to doing so — by sharing struggles and victories the group allows those newly coming out and who have been out for a while to learn from others. For more details, visit the group’s Facebook.
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 that you’re not 100% cis. For more details, visit genderqueerdc.org or Facebook.
Wednesday, January 28
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 be 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. Currently, this group is a meeting place for both identities, but we realize that as time passes, the groups may choose to host individual meetings.For more details, email [email protected].
Thursday, January 29
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
Love board games and looking for love?
Quirk Events will host “Board Game Speed Dating for Gay Men” on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. at KBird DC.
Searching for a partner can be challenging. But board games are always fun. So what if you combined board games and finding a partner?
Picture this: You sit down for a night of games. A gaming concierge walks you through several games over the course of the night. You play classics you love and discover brand new games you’ve never heard of, playing each with a different group of fun singles. All while in a great establishment.
At the end of the night, you give your gaming concierge a list of the folks you met that you’d like to date and a list of those you met that you’d like to just hang out with as friends. If any two people put down the same name as each other in either column, then your gaming concierge will make sure you get each other’s e-mail address and you can coordinate a time to hang out.
Tickets cost $31.80 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Friday, January 16
Friday Tea Time will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Bring your beverage of choice. For more information, contact Mac ([email protected]).
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.
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena. This event is ideal for making new connections and community building or just to unwind and enjoy extended happy hour. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, January 17
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 and SMYAL will host a free film screening of “Mama Bears” celebrating queer youth, resilience, and the power of living authentically. Whether you’re a movie lover, looking to make new friends, or simply want a safe, affirming space to relax, this event is for you. Click this link to RSVP.
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, January 18
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community and Conversation” at noon at As You Are. This event is for those looking to make more friends and meaningful connections in the LGBTQ+ community. Look for the Go Gay DC sign on the long table near the front window. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, January 19
“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, January 20
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.
Tae Kwon Do Class with Avi Rome will be at 12:30 p.m. This inclusive and beginner-friendly class, led by Instructor Avi Rome, offers a light warm-up, stretching, and instruction in basic techniques, patterns, and striking padded targets. Each session is designed to be adaptable for all ability and mobility levels, creating a welcoming space for everyone to build strength, confidence, and community through martial arts. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Wednesday, January 21
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.
Thursday, January 22
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. 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, breathwork 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.
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