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.
Out & About
Trans Unity Coalition celebrates Pride with march, workshops
Organization to host rally at U.S. Capitol
Trans Unity Coalition, a transgender non-profit registered in multiple states, will host a series of Pride events to celebrate the resilience, beauty, and fierceness of D.C.’s queer community.
On, Sunday, June 15, the organization will host “U.S. Capitol Rally & White House March for Transgender Unity” at 9:30 p.m. starting at the U.S. Capitol. There will be speakers to discuss hope, strength, joy, collective pride, and what America’s transgender community needs to do going forward.
From Monday, June 16 to Friday, June 20, there will be an advocacy workshop hosted virtually. This virtual workshop will teach members lessons in advocacy, and how to independently engage with their elected officials. This is free to all who wish to gain these skills.
On Monday, June 23, there will be an all-day “Congress Lobby Day” at the U.S. Capitol. This is not a demonstration, but rather pre-scheduled meetings with members of Congress. The goal is to discuss the ongoing and emerging needs of America’s transgender community, build more networks with lawmakers, and empower attendees to learn engagement tools they can take with them going forward.
For more details about all the events, visit Trans Unity Coalition’s website.
Friday, June 6
“Center Aging Friday Tea Time” will be at 12 p.m. in person at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. For more details, email [email protected].
Pizza Diversity will host “Sip & Pizza Night – A Class For the Culture” at 6 p.m. at Penn Randall Place. This event is no gimmicks, just great pizza, real connection, and community. Tickets cost $92.55 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Saturday, June 7
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.
“World Pride Women, Sapphics, LGBTQ Rooftop Party” will be at 9 p.m. at Baby Shank Rooftop Bar and Lounge. This will be an exciting women’s party at World Pride! Celebrate love, dance to amazing beats by some of the nation’s hottest LGBTQ DJs. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.
Dance With Pride will host “WorldPride Weekend: Ultimate Pregame” at 7 p.m. at Ultrabar. This will be the ultimate LGBTQ+ pre-game destination. Get ready to ignite your evening with infectious energy, dynamic beats, unforgettable performances, and an atmosphere that gets you ready for an unstoppable night of celebration and fun. Tickets start at $13.26 and can be purchased 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 the strives to be safe and judgment free. There are all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more details, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.
Sunday, June 8
Brandan Robertson will host a WorldPride book launch event for his book “Queer and Christian” at 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas Episcopal Church. This is a groundbreaking book exploring the intersection of queer identity and Christian faith. The event kicks off with Brandan Robertson preaching at the 10:30 a.m. service, followed by a dynamic discussion with Brandan, moderated by Rev. Thomas Bowen, former Senior Advisor for Public Engagement at the Biden White House, at 12 p.m. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, June 9
“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].
Tuesday, June 10
Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group 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].
Coming Out Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This support group is a safe space to share experiences about coming out and discuss topics as it relates to doing so. For more details, visit the group’s Facebook.
Thirst and Paint will host “Free Gay Sip and Paint” at 6:30 p.m. at Green Lantern. This is catered to the LGBTQ community. Allies are also welcome. Outlines and paint instructions will be provided as will the paint, canvas and brushes. Drinks are available from the private bar. With three hours of expressive painting, your night will be filled with creativity, sexiness and fun. Tickets cost $23.18 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Wednesday, June 11
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.
Thursday, June 12
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 Charles M. will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breath work, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.
Out & About
Justice-centered theater production comes to D.C.
Mexican Cultural Institute to host ‘La Golondrina’
The Mexican Cultural Institute will host “La Golondrina” on Friday, June 6 at 7:30 p.m. at its location on 2829 16th St. NW.
“La Golondrina” is a theater production that aims to elevate the conversation around hate crimes and the urgent need for dialogue and healing. It is also a powerful and deeply moving story that brings to the stage the emotional legacy of the Pulse nightclub shooting. The play explores that tragedy through an intimate encounter between two characters, Amelia (Luz Nicolás) and Ramón (Victor), whose connection unveils grief, love, and the enduring shadow of homophobia.
Tickets for this event are available on the Cultural Institute’s website.
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