Out & About
No shortage of World AIDS Day commemoration options in D.C. this year
‘Buddies’ screening, Walk to End HIV and more slated for coming days
(Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)
Washington has several events planned around the 30th anniversary of World AIDS Day.
“Then, There & Now: World AIDS Day Celebration” is Friday, Nov. 30 from 6-10 p.m. at North Hall at Eastern Market (225 7th St., S.E.). Impulse D.C. presents the event and invites attendees to “join us as we look back through the decades of the ‘80s, ‘90s, ‘00s and today on how AIDS has affected the LGBT community.”
Billed as an “interactive art experience,” it will feature a celebrity guest speaker, “sip & paint,” dance, spoken word and drama. Admission is free and a two-hour sponsored bar will be available.
Impulse D.C. is dedicated to “sexual health education, advocacy and breaking the stigma for gay men both positive and negative. Supported by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. Look for the event on Facebook for details or visit impulsegrp.org.
“Stand With Us: the Walk/Run to End HIV” was bumped to Saturday, Dec. 1 because of bad October weather. It will be held from 7-11 a.m. at Freedom Plaza (14th St., N.W. and Pennsylvania Ave.).
The event, now in its 32nd year, is produced and benefits Whitman-Walker Health, a non-profit community health center providing “culturally inclusive and accessible care to all.” It’s Whitman-Walker’s signature fundraiser and typically raises thousands each year.
As of Blade press time Wednesday, top-generating teams for this year include Whitman-Walker’s own team (($66,821), the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington ($10,469) and Team Latham ($7,925). Randy Pumphrey ($9,200), Dave Kirkland ($6,875) and Kevin Waldorf-Cruz ($5,543) are the top individual generators. Details at walktoendhiv.org.
World AIDS Day: Rehoboth Beach is also Saturday, Dec. 1 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Rehoboth Beach Bandstand (229 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Del.). It’s a candlelight walk and service “of remembrance and hope.” Names of friends and family lost to AIDS will be read. To have the name of a loved one added to the list of names to be read, e-mail [email protected] or fill out an online form at camprehoboth.com or call 302-227-5620. The walk begins at 6:30 p.m. at the bandstand; the service is at 7 at All Saints Episcopal Church (18 Olive Ave.). Full details at camprehoboth.com.
An acknowledgement of World AIDS Day will also occur on Saturday, Dec. 1 at the Seasons of Love Christmas concert by the music ministry of Oaklands Presbyterian Church in Laurel, Md. Look for the event on Facebook for details.
“Buddies,” billed as the first dramatic film about HIV/AIDS, will be screened by Reel Affirmations on Thursday, Dec. 6 at HRC Headquarters (1640 Rhode Island Ave., N.W.). The 1985 film, shot on a shoestring budget, was partially filmed in Washington by director Arthur J. Bressan Jr. Co-star David Schachter will be present at the screening. Tickets are $12 or $25 VIP. Details at thedccenter.org.
The D.C. Sisters and Sister Allie Lewya will hold a World AIDS Day drag show and fundraiser on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 10 p.m. at TRADE (1410 14th St., N.W.). Proceeds will go to HIPS. Look for the event on Facebook for details.
Inner Lights Ministries UCC has a World AIDS Day recognition service on Sunday, Dec. 2 at 11 a.m. at the Anacostia Arts Center (1231 Good Hope Rd., S.E.) with special guest B. Jackson Caesar, who will perform songs from his new recording “Tis the Season.” Dancer G-Carlos will also perform. Look for the event on Facebook for details.
Gay-led Empowerment Liberation Cathedral has its World AIDS Sunday service at 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2 at 5301 N. Capitol St., N.E. Look for the event on Facebook for details.
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.
Out & About
‘How We Survived’ panel set for March 25
‘Living History’ discussion to be held at Spark Social
Friends of Dorothy Cafe will host “Part One, Living History: How We Survived,” will take place on Wednesday, March 25 at 7:30 p.m. at Spark Social House.
This event will be moderated by Abby Stuckrath, host of the “Queering the District” podcast. Panelists include: Earline Budd, activist, trans rights advocate; TJ Flavell of Go Gay DC; DC LGBTQ+ Center Board Member David Bissette; and Alexa Rodriguez, founder and executive director, Trans-Latinx DMV.
This event is part of a four-part storytelling series called “Living History,” which centers LGBTQ elders, activists, artists, and icons sharing their lived experiences and reflections with younger generations. The conversations explore themes like resilience, community organizing, chosen family, and the lessons earlier generations hope today’s LGBTQ+ and ally communities will carry forward.
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