Photos

PHOTOS: NOVA Pride 2018

Gov. Northam spoke at annual event

Published

7 years ago

September 29, 2018

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam speaks at NOVA Pride on Sept. 29. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The fifth annual Northern Virginia Pride Festival was held at the Bull Run Special Events Center in Centreville, Va. on Saturday, Sept. 29. Entertainment at NOVA Pride included Wicked Jezabel, Crys Matthews and Heather Mae. Speakers included advocate Karen K. Holmes, former Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D-Va.) and current Gov. Ralph Northam (D-Va.). Mix 107.3’s Jimmy Alexander served as the emcee of the event. (Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

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PHOTOS: Drag in rural Virginia

Performers face homophobia, find community

Published

2 hours ago

February 8, 2026

Landon Shackelford

Four drag performers dance in front of an anti-LGBTQ protester outside the campus of James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va. (Blade photo by Landon Shackelford)

Drag artists perform for crowds in towns across Virginia. The photographer follows Gerryatrick, Shenandoah, Climaxx, Emerald Envy among others over eight months as they perform at venues in the Virginia towns of Staunton, Harrisonburg and Fredericksburg.

(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)

Photos

PHOTOS: SMYAL for the New Year

LGBTQ youth services organization holds annual fundraiser

Published

1 week ago

January 29, 2026

Michael Key

From left, SMYAL Executive Director Erin Whelan and journalist Ari Shapiro attend SMYAL for the New Year at Shakiki on Thursday, Jan. 22. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The LGBTQ youth services organization SMYAL held its annual fundraiser, ‘SMYAL for the New Year,’ at Shakiki (2012 9th Street, N.W.) on Thursday, Jan. 22.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

Photos

PHOTOS: Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather 2026

Gage Ryder wins annual competition

Published

3 weeks ago

January 19, 2026

Michael Key

Gage Ryder, center, wins the title of Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather 2026 in a competition at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, Jan. 18. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The 2026 Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather competition was held at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill on Sunday. Seven contestants vied for the title and Gage Ryder was named the winner.

(Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)