Arts & Entertainment
Calendar: Nov. 16-22, 2018
Eagle parties, drag brunches, yummy Michael Carbonaro and lots more for the week ahead

Magician Michael Carbonaro performs at MGM National Harbor this weekend. (Photo courtesy Trickster Productions)
Friday, Nov. 16
The D.C. Eagle (3701 Benning Rd., N.E.) kicks off its anniversary weekend tonight at 11:30 p.m. with an appearance by Willam at the Birds of Prey Drag Show. She will perform and serve as the judge for the Mr. Eagle D.C. 2019 contest and the inaugural Ms. D.C. Eagle contest. Willam meet-and-greet tickets are $30 and include entry to the Birds of Prey drag show. Tickets for the show are $15. For a complete list of the D.C. Eagle’s anniversary events, visit dceagle.com.
The D.C. Eagle (3701 Benning Rd., N.E.) hosts Woof Happy Hour and Porn Star Bingo today at 5 p.m. Eddie Danger hosts the party. There will be free pizza at 7:30 p.m. Drink specials include $4 rail drinks, $4 draft beers and more. For more details, visit dceagle.com.
Comedian Aziz Ansari performs at the MGM National Harbor (101 MGM National Ave., Oxon Hill, Md.) tonight at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $47-93. For more information, visit mgmnationalharbor.com.
Macy’s (1201 G St., N.W.) presents its Holiday Unveiling today from 5-7 p.m. Guests can meet singer Keri Hilson, drop by the men’s tailoring showroom featuring singer Sam Tsui and meet and greet with Santa. There will be holiday spirit tastings, cigar rolling, activities, giveaways, surprises and more.WPGC 95.5’s Sunni of the “Joe Clair Morning Show” will host. Admission is free.
Saturday, Nov. 17
Lesbian comedian Emma Willmann performs at Drafthouse Comedy Theatre (1100 13th St., N.W.) tonight with shows at 7 and 9 p.m. Tickets are $20.
Annapolis Pride presents Drag Brunch at Rams Head On Stage (3 West St., Annapolis, Md.) today at 12:30 p.m. Victoria Bohmore and Shawnna Alexander host the show. Ganivah C. Diamond, M’ara Diamond, Kandi Pop, Sarah Nade, Jazmen Diamond and Prynce Sephora will perform. Tickets are $20. Food and beverages are sold separately. Half the proceeds will benefit Annapolis Pride. Guests must be 18 and over. Doors open at 11:30 p.m .For more details, visit ramsheadonstage.com.
The LGBTQ People of Color Support Group meets at the D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) today from 1-3 p.m. The peer support group, facilitated by Dakia Davis, is a safe space for LGBT people of color to talk about a variety of topics. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
KhushDC hosts its South Asian LGBTQ Support Group at the D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) today at 1:30 p.m. The group is only open to people who identify as LGBT and have a family heritage from South Asia. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
Taqueria del Barrio (821 Upshur St., N.W.) hosts a no-shave drag brunch today from noon-3 p.m. Performers include Lilian Laurent, Tammy Kunte and Linda Lecter. Bearded queen and winner of D.C.’s Drag Wars Vagenessis will host the show. Ten percent of profits will benefit Whitman-Walker. For more details, visit facebook.com/delbarriodc.
Out magician Michael Carbonaro, known for his illusion TV series “The Carbonaro Effect,” performs at the MGM National Harbor (101 MGM National Ave., Oxon Hill, Md.) tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $44-71. For more information, visit mgmnationalharbor.com.
Sunday, Nov. 18
Murray & Peter present “A Drag Queen Christmas: The Naughty Tour” at the Warner Theatre (513 13th St., N.W.) tonight at 8 p.m.”RuPaul’s Drag Race” alumni will perform including Alyssa Edwards, Aja, Latrice Royale, Farrah Moan, Monet X Change, Trinity Taylor, Raja and Naomi Smalls. Miz Cracker hosts the show. This is an all-ages show. Doors open at 7 p.m. and show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $20-50.
Washington D.C. History & Culture, a non-profit community organization, will give a guided tour of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum (100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl., S.W.) today from 9:45 a.m.-noon. The tour will focus on the permanent exhibit and how it relates to the stories of Anne Frank and Oskar Schindler. Robert Kelleman, the founder of Washington D.C. History & Culture, will guide the tour. Then the group will have a lunch discussion in the museum cafe. For details, visit facebook.com/dchistoryandculture.
Monday, Nov. 19
The D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) hosts coffee drop-in hours for the senior LGBT community this morning from 10 a.m.-noon. Older LGBT adults can come and enjoy complimentary coffee and conversation with other community members. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
Tuesday, Nov. 20
The Metropolitan Community Church of Washington (474 Ridge St., N.W.) honors the 18th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance tonight from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Transgender Day of Remembrance evolved from the Remembering Our Dead web project and a San Francisco candlelight vigil in response to the unsolved 1998 murder of Rita Hester. ASL interpretation will be provided. The venue is also wheelchair accessible.
Wednesday, Nov. 21
The Tom Davoren Social Bridge Club meets tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Dignity Center (721 8th St., S.E.) for social bridge. No partner needed. For more information, call 301-345-1571.
Bookmen D.C., an informal gay men’s literature group, discusses “From Macho to Mariposa: Gay Latino Fiction” edited by Charles Rice-Gonzalez and Charlie Vasquez at the D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) tonight at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome. For more information, visit bookmendc.blogspot.com.
Vida Fitness hosts a free Thanksgiving Eve pre-burn open house at all locations today from 5 a.m.-11 p.m. Attendees can use Vida’s fitness equipment and cardio machines or drop by for a Zumba, cycling or HIIT class. Admission is free. RSVP at vidafitness.com/thanksgiving.
Thursday, Nov. 22
The D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) hosts Thanksgiving dinner today from 1-5 p.m. The dinner is welcome to all but especially for Center Global and Center Aging members who do not have Thanksgiving plans. Guests are invited to bring their favorite music, board games or holiday traditions to share with the group. Doors open at 1 p.m. Dinner starts at 2 p.m. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
Friday, March 27
Center Aging Monthly Luncheon With Yoga will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. Email Mac at [email protected] if you require ASL interpreter assistance, have any dietary restrictions, or questions about this event.
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at Dupont Italian Kitchen. 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 and Genderqueer Game Night will be at 7 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This is 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.
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, March 28
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.
The DC Center for the LGBT Community will host “Sunday Supper on Saturday” at 2 p.m. It’s more than just an event; it’s an opportunity to step away from the busyness of life and invest in something meaningful, and enjoy delicious food, genuine laughter, and conversations that spark connection and inspiration. For more details, visit the Center’s website.
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].
Monday, March 30
“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]).
“Tea Time! A Local DC Drag Comedy Show” will be at 3 p.m. at Spark Social. This is a live drag comedy show where drag legends TrevHER & Tiara Missou Sidora host spill all the tea in the DMV. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Tuesday, March 31
Visibili-TEA Party will be at 6 p.m. at Restoration Station. Guests are encouraged to come sip, celebrate, and shine together. This event is a Trans Day of Visibility celebration and a special collaboration between Auntie’s Home and Damien Ministries. This is a boozy tea party with intention and the dress code reflects the vibe. More details are available on Eventbrite.
Wednesday, March 1
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, April 2
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, breathwork 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.
Unconventional Diner will host “Cherry Blossom Drag Bingo Party” on Friday, April 3, at 6:30 p.m.
Guests will be treated to an unforgettable night of drag performances, bingo, food and drink and prizes. Highlights of the evening include themed cocktails, drag performances and bingo prizes.
Tickets can be secured via Resy.
Sports
New IOC policy bans trans women from Olympics
New regulation to be in effect at 2028 summer games in Los Angeles
The International Olympic Committee on Thursday announced it will not allow transgender women from competing in female events at the Olympics.
“For all disciplines on the Sports Program of an IOC event, including individual and team sports, eligibility for any Female Category is limited to biological females,” reads the new policy.
The policy states “eligibility for the Female Category is to be determined in the first instance by SRY Gene screening to detect the absence or presence of the SRY Gene.”
“On the basis of the scientific evidence, the IOC considers that the SRY (sex-determining Region Y) Gene is fixed throughout life and represents highly accurate evidence that an athlete has experienced or will experience male sex development,” it reads. “Furthermore, the IOC considers that SRY Gene screening via saliva, cheek swab or blood sample is unintrusive compared to other possible methods. Athletes who screen negative for the SRY gene permanently satisfy this policy’s eligibility criteria for competition in the Female Category.”
The policy states the test “will be a once-in-a-lifetime test” unless “there is reason to believe a negative reading is in error.”
The new regulation will be in place for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
“I understand that this a very sensitive topic,” said IOC President Kirsty Coventry on Thursday in a video. “As a former athlete, I passionately believe in the rights of all Olympians to take part in fair competition.”
“The policy that we have announced is based on science and it has been led by medical experts with the best interests of athletes at its heart. The scientific evidence is very clear: male chromosomes give performance advances in sport that rely on strength, power, or endurance,” she added. “At the Olympic Games, even the smallest margins can be the difference between victory and defeat. So, it is absolutely clear that it would not be fair for biological males to compete in the female category. In addition, in some sports it would simply not be safe.”
(Video courtesy of the IOC)
Laurel Hubbard, a weightlifter from New Zealand, in 2021 became the first trans woman to compete at the Olympics.
Imane Khelif, an Algerian boxer, won a gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Khelif later sued JK Rowling and Elon Musk for cyberstalking after they questioned her gender identity.
Ellis Lundholm, a mogul skier from Sweden, this year became the first openly trans athlete to compete in any Winter Olympics when he participated in Milan Cortina Winter Olympics in Italy.
President Donald Trump in February 2025 issued an executive order that bans trans women and girls from female sports teams in the U.S.
The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee last July banned trans women from competing in female sporting events. Republican lawmakers have demanded the IOC ban trans athletes from women’s athletic competitions.
“I’m grateful the Olympics finally embraced the common sense policy that women’s sports are for women, not for men,” said U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) on X.
An IOC spokesperson on Thursday referred the Washington Blade to the press release that announced the new policy.
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