Arts & Entertainment
‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ has highest viewership in show’s history
the reality competition had a record-breaking finale
(Screenshot via YouTube.)
“RuPaul’s Drag Race” wrapped up season nine with a record-breaking finale that made the season the most watched in the show’s history.
Deadline reports 859,000 total viewers tuned in to watch Sasha Velour be crowned America’s Next Drag Superstar. It was the second most-watched episode of the season behind the premiere episode, which brought in 987,000 viewers. Overall, the season finale was up 218% from last year’s finale for viewers between the ages of 18 and 49. The entirety of season nine was up 122% in viewership from season eight.
The show was also the most talked about show on social media on Friday, trending on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
This was the first year “RuPaul’s Drag Race” moved its home network from LOGO to VH1.
LOGO will premiere “RuPaul’s Drag Race: Season 9 RuVealed,” a look back on season nine featuring never-before-seen moments and commentary from RuPaul, on Thursday at 8 p.m.
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.
PHOTOS: The Audacity Brunch
D.C. Council approves expanded grant funding for Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs
Congressional Cemetery hosts Gays & Graves
Baltimore Pride is here
Calendar: June 12-18
Hundreds of thousands expected to attend D.C. Pride events
PHOTOS: Pride Run
Queen Jean is Tony’s first transgender winner
David Archuleta, Monroe Alise named D.C. Pride parade marshals
