Out & About
Pride, Pride and more Pride with events running through mid-June
Heroes Gala, Interfaith Service, Latinx Pride, parade, festival and more planned

(Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
Pride Month kicks off with plenty of events in D.C., Maryland and Virginia throughout June.
Port City Brewing Company (3950 Wheeler Ave., Alexandria, Va.) hosts Priday Night with AGLA on Friday, June 1 from 3-11 p.m. DJ Laura Lopez will spin tracks. There will be outdoor games and activities. A portion of sales will be donated to AGLA. Admission is free. For more information, visit portcitybrewing.com/the-
Jackson 20 (480 King St., Alexandria, Va.) hosts Rainbow Doggy Happy Hour every Tuesday in June from 4-7 p.m. There will be pup-tinis and doggie treats for the dogs and happy hour cocktails for the owners. For more information, visit jackson20restaurant.com.
CrossFit Hierarchy Ivy City (1516 Okie St., N.E.) hosts OUTWOD D.C., a charity workout event, on Saturday, June 2 from 10-11:30 a.m. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. No experience necessary. Proceeds will benefit the OUT Foundation’s LGBTQ scholarship for young adults and trans athletes. Registration is $30. For more details, visit outwod.com/events/outdc18.
The first Reston Pride Festival takes place at the Unitarian Universalist Church (1625 Wiehle Ave., Reston, Va.) on Saturday, June 2 from 2-6 p.m. The family-friendly event will include 35 booths and exhibits, presentations from local political and faith leaders and performers. Mama Celeste will serve as emcee and also perform. For more information, visit uureston.org/reston-pride.
The Latino GLBT History Project hosts La Fe: Belleza Latinx as part of D.C. Latinx Pride at Metropolitan Community Church of Washington (474 Ridge St., N.W.) on Saturday, June 2 from 5-7 p.m. There will be a bilingual panel moderated by Jose Gutierrez, founder of Latino History Project and D.C. Latinx Pride. Panelists will include Alexa Rodriguez from TransLatina, Gia Martinez from NOVASalud, Paty Hernandez from Casa Ruby, Ale Moz from La Clinica del Pueblo and Jesse Martinez from LULAC Lambda. Rev. Dwayne Johnson; Rev. Cathy Alexander; Nancy Cañas, president of the project; Ryan Bos, executive director of the Capital Pride Alliance; Rev. Jorge Delgado; Rev. Alberto Jose Najera; and Mr. D.C. Latinx Pride 2018 Benicio Arena Rodriguez, will also make appearances. Free admission. For details, visit facebook.com/latinoglbthistory
Whitman Walker Health hosts the 2018 Pride Womxn Kickoff Celebration at Big Chief (2002 Fenwick St., N.E.) on Saturday, June 2 from 7-11 p.m. For details, visit whitman-walker/org/pride-
Tagg Magazine hosts its annual Pride Ladies Tea at Hank’s Oyster Bar (1624 Q St., N.W.) on Sunday, June 3 from 3-5 p.m. DJ Honey will play music. There will be happy hour drink specials, a special Pride Punch and food specials. No cover. For details, visit facebook.com/taggmagazine.
The Latino GLBT History Project hosts Latinx LGBTQ History Tour starting in Adams Morgan at the corner of Columbia Road and 18th St., N.W. on Sunday, June 3 from 3-5 p.m. Board member Jose Gutierrez will lead the bilingual, free walking tour. The tour will stop by El Faro, the first D.C. Latinx bar, Salud Inc., one of the first D.C. Latino HIV/AIDS organizations and more. For more information, visit facebook.com/latinoglbthistory
Team D.C. presents Night Out at the Nationals at Nationals Park (1500 S Capitol St., S.E.) on Tuesday, June 5 at 4 p.m. Pre-game ceremonies start at 6:30 p.m. followed by the game at 7:10 p.m. Ticket sales proceeds benefit Team D.C.’s student-athlete scholarships. For more information, visit teamdc.org.
The Latino GLBT History Project presents La Platica as part of D.C. Latinx Pride at Human Rights Campaign (1640 Rhode Island Ave., N.W.) on Tuesday, June 5 from 6-9 p.m. The event will have a panel of experts and resources for the older LGBT community on financial security, health and housing. There will be food and drinks. For more details, visit facebook.com/latinoglbthistory
Washington Blade and DC Brau host #PridePils Launch Yappy Hour at Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) on Wednesday, June 6 from 6-9 p.m. The event is the launch of the #PridePils beer can. For more information, visit PridePils.com
Taylor Gourmet (1908 14th St., N.W.) and Washington Blade present Drag Bingo Night, hosted by Bombalicious Eklaver and Ba’Naka, on Thursday, June 7 from 6-9 p.m. New games will begin every 45 minutes. There will be prizes and complimentary Taylor Gourmet salads and cocktails. For more details, visit Facebook event page HERE.
The Capital Pride Heroes Gala is at 880 P (880 P St., N.W.) on Thursday, June 7 at 7 p.m. Capital Pride Heroes include Gregory A. Cendana, Jesse Garcia, Patrick Grady, Jorge Hernandez and Samantha Master. Engendered Spirits honorees include Karen Kendra Holmes and Linda Roberts. Tickets range from $65-85. For more information, visit facebook.com/capitalpridedc.
The Latino GLBT History Project hosts D.C. Latinx Pride’s official dance party Bellez Latinx at Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) on Thursday, June 7 from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. DJ Joe El Especialista will play music. Cover is $10 in advance and $15 at the door. For details, visit facebook.com/latinoglbthistory
Washington Blade presents comedian Sandra Bernhard at Shakespeare Theatre on Friday, June 8 at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit washigntonblade.com/tickets
D.C. Front Runners hosts its sixth annual D.C. Pride Run 5K at Congressional Cemetery (1801 E St., S.E.) on Friday, June 8 at 7 p.m. After the race, there will be a Finish Line Party with beer for race participants, a live DJ, entertainment and awards for the race’s top performers. This year’s race benefits the Team D.C. Student-Athlete Scholarship, the Wanda Alston Foundation, Casa Ruby LGBT Community Center and SMYAL. For registration details, visit dcfrpriderun.com.
Bet Mishpachah holds its National Pride Shabbat on Friday, June 8 at Sixth & I Synagogue (600 I St., N.W.) starting with a happy hour at 6:15 p.m. The service starts at 7:15 p.m. Dinner, dessert and a stand-up set by Stacey Axler will follow starting at 8:30 p.m. Cost is $30 for the meal. Service is free to attend without meal if desired. Details at sixthandi.org.
Capital Pride hosts its Crack of Noon Pride Brunch at Human Rights Campaign (1630 Rhode Island Ave., N.W.) on Saturday, June 9 from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. There will be gourmet brunch tasting stations and complimentary mimosas and vodka drinks. Pride Parade grand marshals, Pride honorees and other Pride 2018 specials guests will attend. Tickets are $50. Guests must be 21 and over. For more information, visit facebook.com/capitalpridedc.
Washington Blade hosts Pride on the Pier at Wharf D.C. (1100 Main Ave., S.W.) on Saturday, June 9 from noon-3 p.m. The Pride Parade pre-party will feature specially-themed cocktails at a waterfront beer and wine garden and a live DJ. Admission is free. For more details, visit PrideOnThePierDC.com.
The Capital Pride Parade kicks off at P and 23rd Streets N.W. and runs through 14th and R Streets on Saturday, June 9 at 4:30 p.m. A family area will be located on Stead Field and a block party with a beverage garden and entertainment will take place adjacent to the parade route. For details, visit capitalpride.org/parade.
Washington Blade hosts Pride Parade Viewing Party at Studio Theatre on Saturday, June 9 from 4-7 p.m. For more details and tickets, visit BladeFoundation.org/pride.
D.C. Black Pride hosts a pool party at Penthouse Pool Club at the Yards (1212 4th St., S.E.) on Saturday, June 9 from 7-10 p.m. There will be cocktails and a DJ spinning tracks. Admission is $10. For more information, visit facebook.com/dcblkpride.
Capital Trans Pride hosts its second annual Trans Pride Pool Party at Vida Fitness (1612 U St., N.W.) on Saturday, June 9 from 7:30-11 p.m. Taylor Lianne Chandler and Consuella Lopez will host the event. Light food will be provided. The first 100 attendees will receive a free drink ticket. Admission is free but tickets are required. For more details, visit facebook.com/capitaltranspride
LURe D.C. hosts Fuse, the Capital Pride main women’s event, at Biergarten Haus (1355 H St., N.E.) on Saturday, June 9 from 9 p.m.-3 a.m. DJ Jai Syncere and DJ Honey will play music. Drink specials run all night. Cover is $15. For more information, visit facebook.com/lurewdc.
The Capital Pride Festival takes place on Pennsylvania Avenue from 7th to 3rd Streets N.W. on Sunday, June 10 from noon-10 p.m. Exhibitors, including local community groups, businesses and organizations, will be on display from noon-7 p.m. Food and beverage vendors will be open from noon-9:30 p.m. Entertainment runs from noon-10 p.m. and includes headlining acts Troye Sivan, Alessia Cara, MAX, Keri Hilson, Kim Petras and Asia O’Hara. The concert will be followed by the Sunset Dance Party from 8-10 p.m. Concert is free. VIP tickets are available for $150 and include a private bar, complimentary beer and wine and more. VIP ticket proceeds benefit Capital Pride Alliance and LGBT partner organizations. For more information, visit capitalpride.org/events/
Center Faith hosts its 35th annual Capital Pride Interfaith Service at Metropolitan Community Church of Washington (474 Ridge St., N.W.) on Wednesday, June 13 at 7:30 p.m. The service’s theme will be “Looking Back, Looking Forward.” Speakers will include the founders of the service Joe Pomper, Allan Armus and Charles Kenner. The LOVE Gospel Choir and Interfaith Community Choir will perform. Event is free. For more information, visit thedccenter.org/events/
Brentwood Gay Pride Day is Thursday, June 14 at 6:30 p.m. at Bartlett Park (4300 39th Pl., Brentwood, Md.). There will be a picnic with hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and salsa and soft drinks. Guests are invited to bring a covered side dish to share. For more information, visit brentwoodmd.gov.
Out & About
Tyler Clementi Foundation to host fundraiser in Rehoboth
Special remarks to be given by Jane Clementi, Rep. McBride
To kick off National Coming Out Month, the Tyler Clementi Foundation will host a fundraiser on Thursday, Oct. 1 at 6 p.m. at CAMP Rehoboth in Delaware.
The event will feature special remarks by Jane Clementi and Rep. Sarah McBride. If you are unable to attend, please consider making a donation to support the work of the Tyler Clementi Foundation to end online and offline bullying and harassment in schools, workplaces, and faith communities.
For more details, visit the Tyler Clementi Foundation’s Facebook page.
Friday, September 25
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at DIK Bar. 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.
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, September 26
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, September 27
“Nellie’s DC Drag Brunch” will be at 12 p.m. at Nellie’s Sports Bar. Come get served like a queen by a queen. Join Sapphire Blue, Deja Diamond and their team of amazing drag performers for the most fun you’ll have all weekend. Tickets cost $58.51 and are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, September 28
“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. The Queer Book Club meets on the fourth Monday of the month to discuss queer books by queer authors. This month’s reading is “Happy Iceland” by Anne Marie Wells. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBTQ+ Community’s website.
Tuesday, September 29
The DC Center for the LGBTQ+ Community will host “Center Aging: Painting Class” at 1 p.m. This is a free watercolor painting workshop that will be held in the community room and led by Laya Monarez. All supplies and light snacks will be provided. This workshop involves paint, so please dress accordingly. Email Mac at [email protected] for more details.
Wednesday, September 30
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 www.thedccenter.org/careers.
Thursday, October 1
The DC Center for the LGBTQ+ Community’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the Center. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5:00 pm 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.
API Queer Support Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a support group for the Asian and Pacific Islander queer community. The support group is co-sponsored by APIQS (Asian Pacific Islander Queer Society DC) and AQUA (Asian Queers United for Action). For more details, email [email protected].
Out & About
A roundup of fall events not to be missed
Laverne Cox, Oktoberfest, arts celebrations, and more
Colder temperatures don’t mean you have to stay indoors — here’s a roundup of what to do this fall.
Laverne Cox will discuss her memoir, “Transcendent,” with Dr. Melanie Bryant on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. at Baltimore Book Fest. Cox will share her journey as a transgender woman in Hollywood, confronting childhood trauma, shame, gender identity, her transition, body image issues, her search for romantic love, deep-seated feelings of unworthiness, and ultimately, healing.
Dacha Beer Garden will launch its longest and loudest Oktoberfest yet on Friday, Sept. 18. This will be 17 consecutive days of Bavarian festivities across both locations — the original Shaw beer garden and the 800-person Navy Yard garden — running through Sunday, Oct. 4. On opening night, DC Brau will tap the ceremonial first keg and then Manuela Horn, the six-foot-two Austrian yodel queen, will trade sets with Johnny Koenig and his four-piece band in a live back-and-forth of yodeling, polka, and crowd games that can only be described as Oktoberfest ping pong.
Fay Jacobs will host “Aging Gracefully: 2nd Annual Farewell Tour” on Friday, Oct. 9 and Saturday, Oct. 10 at CAMP Rehoboth Community Center. This show will feature a new script with lots of new stories, and only a couple of “signature” tales.
Capital One Center will host its “Celebration of the Arts” starting on Saturday, Sept. 19 at its location in Tysons, Va. There will be art, music, food trucks, local vendors, and family-friendly outdoor entertainment. This curated experience invites you to engage with hands-on workshops, immersive art activations, and live performances. More details are available on Eventbrite.
Spark Social will host “open Mic Night” on Thursday, Oct. 8 at 8 p.m. Get ready to share your talent or just kick back and enjoy some great performances at Spark Social. Sign Ups are first-come-first-serve,, but you can also message the venue on Instagram to reserve a performance spot. Whether you’re a singer, poet, or comedian, this is your chance to get on stage and share your art. Tickets are $13.26 and are available on Eventbrite.
Howard University’s School of Social Work will host “Intergenerational Trauma in the BIPOC Community and the Use of Art” on Thursday, Sept. 17 at 3 p.m. This in-person, interactive workshop explores the role of art as a creative and supportive tool for understanding and addressing intergenerational trauma. Participants will examine the meaning and impact of intergenerational trauma, with particular attention to its historical roots and ongoing effects within Black and other BIPOC communities. More details are available on Eventbrite.
9:30 Club will host “BERTHA: Grateful Drag” on Thursday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. The group has partnered with PLUS1 so that $1 from every ticket sold goes to SMYAL and their work supporting and empowering LGBTQ+ youth. Tickets are available on 9:30 Club’s website.
Steve Lacy’s “Oh Yeah?” tour is coming to The Anthem on Sunday, Oct. 18 at 6 p.m. Tickets are available on The Anthem’s website.
Rapper Cupcakke will perform at Howard Theatre on Sunday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. More details are available on the theater’s website.
Team DC will host “Open Play: A Celebration of LGBTQ+ Athletes and Sports Fans” on Saturday, Oct. 10 at 6 p.m. at Trade. Join Athlete Ally, Team DC and District Wrestling for a casual, in-person mixer as they celebrate LGBTQ+ sports fans and athletes at all levels of the game. Whether you’re part of an LGBTQ+ recreational league or just love watching sports, this is the place to connect, celebrate, and share the love of the game with other queer athletes, fans, business leaders, policymakers and more. Reserve a spot on Eventbrite.
The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will host “2026 LGBT Intergenerational Extravaganza” on Sunday, Sept. 20 at 12 p.m.This is an event to connect, build relationships, and have fun with LGBTQ folks from other generations, and it will include lunch, an intergenerational dialogue and breakout sessions. More details are available on Eventbrite.
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