Out & About
MAL Weekend is Jan. 12-14
Annual gay leather/BDSM event back with signature events

Martel Brown, Jr. won the title of Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather 2017. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend runs Jan. 12-14 at the Hyatt Regency on Capital Hill (400 New Jersey Ave., N.W.).
On Friday, Jan. 12 registration begins at 3 p.m. with the exhibitor hall open from 4-10 p.m. From 10 p.m.-3 a.m. the Highwaymen TNT hosts its Impact dance party. On Saturday, Jan. 13 the exhibit hall is open from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Other events include Puppy Park from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and the Onyx cocktail party and gear show from 2-6 p.m. On Sunday, Jan. 14 brunch is from 10 a.m.-noon. The exhibitor hall is open from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather Contest is from 1-4 p.m. followed by the Revival closing dance party from 10 p.m.-4 a.m.
Weekend admission pass is $30. Friday passes are $15, Saturday passes are $20 and Sunday passes are $15. For more details and a complete list of events, visit leatherweekend.com.
There are also various events throughout D.C. celebrating MAL weekend.
D.C. Leather Pride gets the festivities started with a Welcome to D.C. party at the D.C. Eagle (7301 Benning Rd., N.E.) on Thursday, Jan. 11 from 9 p.m.-3 a.m. DJ Barber Streisand will spin tracks. Local leather titleholders will host the event. For details, visit facebook.com/dcleatherpride.
Mr. Intentional Rubber hosts a Rubber Meet and Greet at the Hyatt Regency (400 New Jersey Ave., N.W.) on Friday, Jan. 12 from 7-9 p.m. There will be a cash bar. Gear is encouraged with rubber preferred. For more information, visit facebook.com/mirubb.
Honcho hosts a MAL party at U Street Music Hall (1115 U St., N.W.) on Friday, Jan. 12 from 10 p.m.-4 a.m. Mike Servito, Justin Cudmore, the Bunker NY, d’Ahemar and Clark Price will play music. This event is for ages 18 and up. Guests 18-20 admitted by advance ticket only. There will be a full clothes check for $2. Tickets are $12 in advance and $20 at the door. For details, visit facebook.com/honchopgh.
Lesbifriends Travel will host “Queer Night Out: DC Power FC Game” on Wednesday May 6 at 7 p.m. at Audi Field.
This will be a fun night out as DC Power FC takes the field at Audi Field, kicking off with a happy hour meetup in Navy Yard before the group walks to the stadium together. Lesbifriends and Travel group will be seated together in the stands, making it easy to connect, cheer, and enjoy the game with people who just feel like your people.
More details are available on Eventbrite.
Friday, May 1
Go Gay DC will host “First Friday LGBTQ+ Community Social” at 7 p.m. at Silver Diner Ballston. This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
“Illusions The Drag Queen Show Washington, D.C.” will be at 7 p.m. at 2323 18th St., N.W. Come see this amazing D.C. drag show and laugh all night long while being amazed by the stellar performances in tribute to some of your old-time favorite classics as well as the latest pop favorites. Come see the likes of Madonna, Cher, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, Beyoncé, Pink, and many more. Tickets are $12.97 and are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, May 2
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11:00a.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.
Drag Queen Sip and Paint Washington DC will be at 4 p.m. at Town Tavern DC. This event combines the joy of painting with the lively energy of a drag queen, offering an hour and a half of fun, creativity, and entertainment. Participants paint a canvas while enjoying cocktails, all under the guidance of a glamorous drag queen host. Tickets are $47.19 and are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, May 4
“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, May 5
Universal Pride Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group seeks to support, educate, empower, and create change for people with disabilities. For more details, email [email protected].
Wednesday, May 6
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.
Center Aging Women’s Social and Discussion Group will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older LGBTQ+ women can meet and socialize with one another. There will be discussion, activities, and a chance for guests to share what they want future events to include. For more information, email [email protected].
Thursday, May 7
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, 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.
The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center is marking a milestone year in its new home with a vibrant birthday celebration, inviting the community, allies, and media to join the festivities on Saturday, April 25 at 1 p.m.
Since opening its doors in Shaw, The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center has become a hub of support, advocacy, and celebration for LGBTQ+ residents across the District.
The birthday bash promises a day of programming including Yoga (Center Wellness), Micro Bouquet Making (Center Social), Zine Making (Center Arts), and so much more. Guests can also enjoy tours of the Center’s expanded facilities, showcasing spaces for programs, services, and community events.
Since relocating, the Center has expanded its programs, providing critical services. The birthday bash underscores the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s commitment to creating an inclusive space where everyone regardless of identity, age, or background can find community and empowerment.
For more details, contact Paul Marengo at 202-705-2890.
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