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
Blade Foundation to host fundraiser in Rehoboth on Sept. 12
Mayor-elect Stewart, state Rep. Snyder-Hall to give remarks
The Washington Blade Foundation will host a fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 12 in Rehoboth Beach featuring remarks from Rehoboth’s Mayor-elect Susan Stewart and Delaware state Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall.
The Foundation funds fellowships for aspiring queer journalists and enterprise journalism projects.
The event will be held at a private home in Rehoboth. Tickets are $100 and include open bar from Diego’s, catered appetizers from the Blue Moon, entertainment, guest speakers, and an auction. Tickets are available here.
Friday, September 4
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar and Restaurant.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.
Saturday, September 5
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.
Sunday, September 6
“Nellie’s DC Drag Brunch” will be at 12 p.m. at Nellie’s Sports Bar. Come get served like a queen by a queen. Join Sapphire Blue, Deja Diamond and their team of amazing drag performers for the most fun you’ll have all weekend. Tickets cost $58.51 and are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, September 7
Go Gay DC will host “Out in Rosslyn LGBTQ+ Community Social” at 6 p.m. at Hyatt Centric Arlington. We have been invited to visit Hyatt Centric Arlington, where we will gather in a reserved section of their lounge. Attendees will be greeted by members of the Go Gay DC Leadership Team & receive a name tag upon arrival. This event is ideal for meeting new folks, making new friends, community-building, or just to unwind and enjoy the atmosphere. Casual attire is perfectly fine. More details are available on Eventbrite.
Tuesday, September 8
Coming Out Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a safe space to share experiences about coming out and discuss topics as it relates to doing so — by sharing struggles and victories the group allows those newly coming out and who have been out for a while to learn from others. For more details, visit the group’s Facebook.
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].
Wednesday, September 9
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, September 10
The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. 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 LGBTQ+ Community Center’s website.
Out & About
Archuleta to host book signing in Rehoboth Beach
Entertainer to meet with fans at Browseabout Books
David Archuleta will chat with fans and sign his book “Devout: Losing My Faith to Find Myself” on Sunday, Sept. 6 at 2 p.m. at Browseabout Books in Rehoboth Beach.
The book is an inspirational account of his transformation from a closeted Mormon teen singer to a pop star who is comfortable with his queer identity. For additional information on this event, go to browseaboutbooks.com.
Archuleta will also be in Rehoboth Beach to headline the “Night of Entertainment” on Saturday, Sept. 5 for CAMP Rehoboth’s SUNFESTIVAL weekend, which includes the Night of Dance Sept. 6.
Visit camprehoboth.org for more information.
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