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.
Out & About
‘How to Survive a Plague’ screens June 5
Commemorating 45th anniversary of first report of AIDS
June 5 marks the 45th anniversary of the first report of AIDS. To commemorate the occasion, Whitman-Walker Health is sponsoring a screening of the film “How to Survive a Plague” on June 5 at 5:30 p.m. at GWU Lisner Auditorium (730 21st St., N.W.).
The screening is free and you can register on Eventbrite. Other partners involved in the screening are the Center for Black Equity, Food & Friends, HIPS, and Us Helping Us.
After the film, attendees will head to Dupont Circle for a candlelight vigil at sunset.
The film reflects on lessons from the community-led response to the plague while honoring those lost to HIV and AIDS. It tells the story of activism and innovation about AIDS survival. Culled from a trove of archival footage, the film is epic and intimate, tracking a small group of people, most of them HIV-positive, in their nine-year-long battle to save their own lives, according to a statement from Whitman-Walker.
Katrina Campbell-Frazier will host “Black Queer Joy: Brunch and Day Party” on Saturday, May 23 at 12 p.m. at Mixxed Food and Drinks.
This event will bring together beautiful energy, music, games, and unforgettable moments — because joy like this deserves to be shared.
Guests can expect unlimited rainbow mimosa flights, a “Build Your Pride” cocktail bar, full food menu and music by DJ Kei-Note K69, among other things.
This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Friday, May 22
Center Aging Monthly Luncheon With Yoga will be at 12 p.m. at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. 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. on Zoom. This event 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, May 23
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 1 p.m. on Zoom. This is a peer-led support group devoted to the joys and challenges of being a Black Lesbian. For more details, email [email protected].
Sunday, May 24
Mobilizing Our Brothers Initiative will host “Sundae Tea: Legendary Community Talk-Back” at 6 p.m. at the Howard Theatre. This is a laid-back gathering where community vibes meet lively conversations. This legendary talk-back is your chance to share thoughts, hear stories, and connect with awesome people. Admission is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, May 25
Queer Book Club will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. The Queer Book Club meets on the fourth Monday of the month to discuss books by queer authors. This month’s reading is “To Shape a Dragon’s Breath” by Moniquill Blackgoose For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Tuesday, May 26
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, May 27
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, May 28
The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. 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 LGBTQ+ Community Center’s website.
-
Photos4 days agoPHOTOS: Black Pride Opening Reception
-
2026 Midterm Elections2 days agoBree Fram’s congressional campaign ends but her fight continues
-
a&e features2 days agoFrom Media Matters to massive queer ragers: the rise of Tara Dikhof
-
Celebrity News2 days agoPeppermint made her mark on ‘Drag Race.’ Now, her advocacy is front and center
