Out & About
LGBT events calendar: July 13-19, 2018
Blade Sports Issue party, Hagerstown Pride among this week’s highlights


The Hagerstown Pride Festival is Saturday in Hagerstown, Md. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)
FRIDAY, JULY 13
The Blade’s Sports Issue Launch Party is tonight from 6-8 p.m. at Walters Sports Bar (1221 Van St. S.E.). There will be special giveaways. Admission is free. For more information, visit facebook.com/events.
GAMMA, a confidential support group for LGBT men, meets tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Luther Place Memorial Church (1226 Vermont Ave. N.W.). For more information, visit gammaindc.org.
Women in their 20s and 30s, a social discussion group for queer women, meets tonight at 8 p.m. at the D.C. Center (Reeves Building, 2000 14th St. N.W., Suite 105). All are welcome. For more information, visit gogaydc.org.
The Monumental Theatre Company, at Ainsle Arts Center (3900 W. Braddock Rd., Alexandria, Va.), performs “Pippin” tonight at 8 p.m. The theater company’s summer show is directed by Rebecca Wahls, musically directed by Leigh Delano and choreographed by Ahmad Maaty. The show is sponsored by Holly Hassett, Solomon Parker and Tiziano D’Affuso. Tickets are $30 at artful.ly. For more information, visit facebook.com/events.
The Hagerstown Pride Kick-off Show is tonight from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. at The Lodge (21614 National Pike, Boonsboro, Md.). DJ Sidekick will provide beats. Cover charge is $3 and $6 after 10 p.m.Guests must be 21 or older with a valid government ID. The main stage show begins at 10:45 p.m. and stars Chasity Vain, Maranda Rights, Madison St. Lawrence and Ivanna Rights. For more information, visit facebook.com/events.
The D.C. Eagle (3701 Benning Rd. N.E.) hosts Beer Bash tonight from 10 p.m.-3 a.m. All proceeds go to benefit the Imperial Court of Washington and its charities. For more information, visit facebook.com/events.
SATURDAY, JULY 14
Nellie’s Sports Bar (900 U St. N.W.) hosts Drag Brunch today at 10:30 a.m. Chanel Devereaux performs. The first mimosa or Bloody Mary purchased is free. Tickets are $45.21 and can be purchased at Eventbrite.com. For more information, visit facebook.com/events.
Hagerstown Pride Festival is today from noon-6 p.m. at the Central Lot and Elizabeth Hager Center Lot (14 N. Potomac St., Hagerstown, Md.) in downtown Hagerstown. Presented by Hagerstown Hopes, an LGBT nonprofit, this is the event’s seventh year. There will be live entertainment, vendors, speakers, and food. All are welcome and the event is family friendly. For more information, visit facebook.com/events.
Dakshina/Daniel Phoenix Singh Dance Company perform tonight and Sunday night at 8 p.m. and 7 p.m. respectively. The performance is at Dance Place (3225 8th St. N.E.). The dance performance features “Chakra,” a hybrid of Indian classical and modern style dance. Tickets range from $15-$30 and can be purchased at danceplace.com. For more information, visit facebook.com/events.
SUNDAY, JULY 15
The Mister Nice Jewish Boy Pageant is today from 2-4:30 p.m. at the U Street Music Hall (1115 U St. N.W.). The contestants are Jeremy Bauer-Wolf, Zach Levine, Michael Ramsey and Jeremy Sherman. Mr. Nice Jewish Boy 2017 Tony Cohn hosts. In conjunction with the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, all proceeds will be donated to Keshet to support their LGBT and ally Shabbaton. The event also features a raffle with prizes from local businesses. General admission is $15 and VIP admission is $30. VIPs receive one drink ticket, priority seating, two raffle tickets and a meet-and-greet with the contestants after the show. For tickets, go to ticketfly.com. For more information, visit facebook.com/events.
The Casa Ruby LGBT Community Center (2822 Georgia Ave. N.W.) hosts Volunteer at Casa Ruby alongside the D.C. Center tonight from 7-8 p.m. Once a month, the D.C. Center partners with Casa Ruby to provide a hot meal to current residents. Individuals or organizations can volunteer to provide meals. Any amount of food is appreciated and store-bought meals are allowed. For more information, visit gogaydc.org or casaruby.org.
Shania Twain brings her “Now” Tour tonight at 8 p.m. to Capital One Arena (601 F St. N.W.). Tickets range from $25-120 and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com.
The Imperial Court of Washington and Freddie’s Beach Bar (555 23rd St. S, Arlington, Va.) host Christmas in July tonight from 8-10 p.m. The suggested door donation is $5 and donations benefit the Court and Just a Hand non-profit. Guests can receive additional door prize tickets if they bring new school supplies to donate. For more information, visit facebook.com/events.
MONDAY, JULY 16
A Dupont Circle Walking Tour meets today from 1-3 p.m. at the south exit of the Dupont Circle Metro station (1350 Connecticut Ave. N.W.). The tour will view mansions and row houses from the early 1900s, a brewmaster’s castle and Corcoran Street. Tickets are $20 per person and kids 3 years or younger are free. There is a $5 discount with a military or federal government ID. Payment is accepted in advance as well as cash or credit upon arrival. For more information, visit washingtonwalks.com.
PFLAG’s monthly meeting is at the D.C. Center (2000 14th St. N.W., Suite 105) from 7-9 p.m. tonight. The meeting provides a confidential space to share and learn information on current LGBT events and issues. For more information, visit gogaydc.org.
A Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance meeting is tonight from 7-8:30 p.m. at the D.C. Center (2000 14th St. N.W., Suite 105). The group meets every third Monday of the month. For more information, visit glaa.org.
The D.C. Center also hosts the Center Faith monthly meeting tonight from 7:30-9 p.m. The interfaith networks meets every third Monday of the month. For more information, visit facebook.com/centerfaith.
TUESDAY, JULY 17
Inside Out LGBT Radio airs today from 2-3 p.m. at WPFW 89.3 FM. Listeners can call in and share comments. For more information, visit gogaydc.org.
Phone Bank for the HRC National Dinner is tonight at the Human Rights Campaign office (1640 Rhode Island Ave. N.W.) at 6:30 p.m. Participants join the phone banks to solicit items for the upcoming HRC National Dinner’s silent auction on Sept. 15. No experience is necessary; HRC staff will provide training and scripts. For more information, visit gogaydc.org or hrc.org.
A Bi Roundtable Discussion is tonight from 7-9 p.m. at the D.C. Center (2000 14th St. N.W.). The monthly roundtable discusses issues related to bisexuality in a private setting. For more information, visit gogaydc.org.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 18
The Tom Davoren Social Bridge Club meets tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Dignity Center (721 8th St. S.E.). No partner is needed to attend. For more information, call Tim Holtz at 301-345-1571.
Bookmen D.C., an informal men’s gay literature group, meets tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the D.C. Center (2000 14th St. N.W.). The group is discussing “From Macho to Mariposa: Gay Latino Fiction,” edited by Charles Rice-Gonzalez and Charlie Vasquez. All are welcome. For more information, visit bookmendc.blogspot.com.
THURSDAY, JULY 19
Vida Fitness (1612 U St. N.W.) hosts a Human Rights Campaign National Dinner Table Captain Reception tonight from 7-8:30 p.m. The evening of appreciation and thanks to the National Dinner Table Captains is meant to encourage ticket sales for the 22nd annual National Dinner on Sept. 15. To RSVP, visit act.hrc.org.
Out & About
Documentary about Blade reporter to premiere this month
Panel discussion to follow ‘Lou’s Legacy’ screening

“Lou’s Legacy: A Reporter’s Life at the ‘Washington Blade’” will premiere on Thursday, May 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library.
This new documentary from Emmy-nominated D.C. filmmaker Patrick Sammon tells the story of the legendary Blade news reporter, Lou Chibbaro Jr., as he works on an article about the return of drag icon Donnell Robinson – also known as Ella Fitzgerald — to the Capital Pride stage.
The documentary follows Chibbaro as he works on a story about Ella’s triumphant return to the Pride stage after three years away because of COVID. Donnell and Chibbaro reflect on their careers and discuss the ongoing backlash against the LGBTQ community, including laws targeting drag performers.
After the screening, there will be a panel discussion moderated by D.C. journalist Rebekah Robinson and featuring Blade Publisher Lynne Brown. This event is free and more details are available at the DC Public Library website.

Friday, May 16
“Center Aging Friday Tea Time” will be at 2 p.m. in person at the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s new location at 1827 Wiltberger St. NW. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more details, email [email protected].
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena. This event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Trans Genderqueer Game Night will be at 6 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This will be a relaxing, laid-back evening of games and fun. All are welcome and there’ll be card and board games on hand. Feel free to bring your own games to share. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Saturday, May 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.
LGBTQ People of Color Support Group 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 are all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more information and events for LGBTQ People of Color, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.
Sunday, May 18
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Pride Kickoff FunDay Social” at 4 p.m. at Moxy. This event is ideal for making meaningful new connections and informal community building. Or just to unwind and enjoy the group happy hour. Fabulous people from all over the world are expected and nametags will be provided. This event is free to attend and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Art with Tosca will host “Queer Icons & Trailblazers: An Art Tour for World Pride DC 2025” at 2:00p.m. at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. This will be an unforgettable exploration of LGBTQ+ history, identity, and artistic expression at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery. Celebrate the vibrant history and culture of the LGBTQ+ community through compelling portraits and groundbreaking works that highlight the power of queer artistry. Tickets cost $48 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Monday, May 19
“Center Aging Monday Coffee & Conversation” 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 details, email [email protected].
“Pickets, Protests and Parades Exhibit Tour” will be at 7 p.m. at Freedom Plaza. This exhibition honors the courage, resistance, and resilience of D.C.’s LGBTQ+ community. Tickets start at $10 and are available on Eventbrite.
Tuesday, May 20
Center Bi+ Roundtable Discussion 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. For more details, visit Facebook or Meetup.
Wednesday, May 21
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. 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. We will have discussion, activities, and a chance for you to share what you want future events to include. For more details, email [email protected].
Thursday, May 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 with Sarah M. will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breathwork, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.
DC Anti-Violence Project Open Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. These are open meetings, and we would love to see anyone who is interested in learning more and getting involved in lessening violence both within and directed towards the LGBT communities. For more details, visit Facebook and Twitter.
Out & About
DJs to hold panel discussion on music, identity
Featured artists include DJ Chord, Tezrah and Jake Maxwell

Promethean Fundraising will host “Circuit Music: A LGBTQ+ Cultural Identifier,” an exclusive panel featuring influential LGBTQ DJs in the music industry, on Thursday, May 29 at 7 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBTQ Community (1828 Wiltberher St., N.W.).
The event will provide a unique opportunity for attendees to engage with these groundbreaking artists as they share their journeys, discuss the cultural significance of circuit music, and explore how music can serve as a platform for advocacy and empowerment within the LGBTQ+ community. The featured artists are DJ Chord, Tezrah and Jake Maxwell.
This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.