Arts & Entertainment
SPRING ARTS 2018 EVENTS: D.C. jamboree LGBT potpourri
Standup acts, D.C.-based LGBT group events, benefits, ‘Ask Rayceen’ and more


Many upcoming events don’t fit in our regular spring arts categories. Here’s the catch all arranged chronologically.
“Haters Roast: the Shady Tour 2019” with “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alums is Friday, March 8 at Warner Theatre (513 13th St., N.W.). It’s sold out.
MIM Entertainment presents VAMP: an Exclusive Event for Her on Saturday, March 9 at 10 p.m. at XX+ Crostino (1926 9th St., N.W.). Tickets are $10 at eventbee.com.
Ladies of LURe’s BARE Military Appreciation Night is Saturday, March 9 at 10 p.m. at Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.). Admission is $7 before midnight or $10 after. Details on Facebook.
The Imperial Court of Washington presents Royal Mardi Gras Monte Carlo Casino Night on Saturday, March 9 at 8 p.m. at The Sphinx on K (1315 K St., N.W.). Its Imperial Crown Prince and Princess Ball is Saturday, March 23. A Little Bit Country Easter Show is Sunday, April 21 at 8 p.m. at Freddie’s (555 23rd St., Arlington, Va.). Awwooo Fest is Saturday, May 11 at 4 p.m. at the Eagle (3701 Benning Rd. N.E.). Event prices vary. Details at imperialcourtdc.org.
Family Pride Weekend celebrates the opening of “Rise Up” is March 9-10 at The Newseum (555 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.). Look for the event on Facebook for details.
Night OUT at the Wizards is Wednesday, March 13 at 7 p.m. at Capital One Arena (601 F St., N.W.). Tickets are $45. Details at teamdc.org.
Michelle Wolf plays The D.C. Improv Comedy Club (1140 Connecticut Ave., N.W.) March 14-17. Tickets are almost sold out for the entire run. Details at dcimprov-com.
Dappho presents Sunday Sessions: an (LGBT) Open Mic Night at XX+ Crostino (1926 9th St., N.W.) on Sunday, March 17 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $8 at eventbrite.com.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival runs with many events March 21-April 14. Details at nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.
GLOE (GLBT Outreach & Engagement at the Edlavitch D.C.-JCC) will host Pride of Purim: GLOE Masquerade Party Saturday, March 23 at 7 p.m. at Mission Dupont (1606 20th St., N.W.). Its 12th annual National Rainbow Seder is Sunday, April 14 at 5:45 p.m. at HRC Headquarters (1640 Rhode Island Ave., N.W.). Details at thejdc.convio.net.
The fifth annual Code Red V: Stigma Can’t Stop, an HIV benefit “with a fetishistic twist,” is Saturday, March 30 at 9 p.m. at the D.C. Eagle (3701 Benning Rd., N.E.). Tickets are $15-20. Link is at the event’s Facebook page.
DCATS’ Trans Visibility Community Festival is Saturday, March 30 at 1 p.m. at Spaces (1140 3rd St., N.E.) with open mic, raffle, film screenings and art. Details at transvisibilityfestival.com.
“The Ask Rayceen Show” continues throughout spring with installments March 6 (season premiere), April 3 (mini ball) and May 1 (community forum) at 7 p.m. at HRC Equality Center (1640 Rhode Island Ave., N.W.). They’re free. Look for the event on Facebook for details.
Queer-helmed Church Night has its fifth anniversary event on Friday, April 5 at 9 p.m. at the Black Cat (1811 14th St., N.W.). Look for the event on Facebook for details.
Capital Area Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce usually holds its annual LGBT Mega Networking mixer in early April but members say they’re “on a delayed schedule” this year in search of a new venue since Town closed. An announcement is expected soon.
“BENT,” a new LGBT dance party is Saturday, April 6 at 11:30 p.m. at the 9:30 Club (815 V St., N.W.). Tickets are $15 at ticketfly.com.
Distrkt C Golden with DJ Paulo is Saturday, April 6 at 10 p.m. at Karma D.C. (2221 Adams Place N.E.). Tickets are $40 at distrktc.com.
The Victory Fund’s National Champagne Brunch is Sunday, April 7 at 11 a.m. at J.W. Marriott (1331 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.). No ticket prices available at victoryfund.org as of this writing.
The National Association of Gay & Lesbian Real Estate Professionals has its LGBT Housing Policy Summit April 10-11 at HRC Headquarters (1640 Rhode Island Ave., N.W.). Details at naglrep.com.
Pretty Boi Drag presents #OpenKingNight on Thursday, April 11 at 8 p.m. at Bier Baron Tavern (1523 22nd St., N.W.). Tickets are $10. Details on Facebook.
Equality Virginia’s 15th annual Commonwealth Dinner is Saturday, April 13 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Details at equalityvirginia.org.
CAMP Rehoboth Women’s Fest is April 11-14 in Delaware. Details at camprehoboth.com.
The Cherry Fund presents Cherrypop Weekend April 11-15 at various locations. Tickets are $20-289 at eventbrite.com.
GLSEN’s National Day of Silence is Friday, April 12. Details at dayofsilence.org.
The Team D.C. Night of Champions Awards Dinner is Saturday, April 13 at Omni Shoreham Hotel (2500 Calvert St., N.W.) at 6 p.m. Tickets are $125 at eventbrite.com.
Food & Friends’ Dining Out for Life is Thursday, April 14. Find participating restaurants at diningoutforlife.com.
GLAA usually has its Distinguished Service Awards and 48th anniversary the third week in April but no details have been announced yet.
“Trans Issues are not Trans Issues” with Ava Pipitone, a discussion event, is Tuesday, April 16 at noon at Impact Hub Baltimore (10 E. North Ave., Baltimore). It’s free and open to the public. Look for the event on Facebook for details.
Awesome Con is April 26-28 at 801 Mt. Vernon Pl., N.W. Pride Alley returns. Tickets are available in many packages at showclix.com.
Bill and Hill join up for “An Evening With the Clintons” on Saturday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m. at DAR Constitution Hall (1776 D St., N.W.). Tickets are $99-250 at Ticketmaster.
We the People and Us Helping Us are joining forces for a month-long series of events in the region devoted to “May Is? All About Trans: 31 Days Celebrating, Being, Living & Loving Transgender People” including a trans summit, trans awards dinner, mini ball for youth and more. Look for the group on Facebook for details.
Randy Rainbow plays Warner Theatre (513 13th St., N.W.) on Friday, May 3. Tickets are $35.50-45 through eventticketscenter.com.
Rainbow Families has its 2018 Family Conference & Gathering on Saturday, May 4 at 9 a.m. at Georgetown Day High School (4200 Davenport St., N.W.). Details at rainbowfamilies.org.
Gay Day at the Zoo is Sunday, May 5 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Smithsonian National Zoo (3001 Conncticut Ave., N.W.). Details at thedccenter.org.
“AC2: an Intimate Evening with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen” is Saturday, May 11 at the Hippodrome (12 N. Eutaw St.). Tickets are $93.50-137.50 at Ticketmaster.
CopCaks for a Cause 9 is Sunday, May 12 at 3 p.m. at UPROAR Lounge (639 Florida Ave., N.W.) for COPS (Concerns of Police Survivors) and the LGBT Fallen Heroes Fund. Tickets are $25 (wine/soda) or $40 (dessert, wine, soda and T-shirt). Details at Facebook.
The 35th annual Helen Hayes Awards for Washington theater is Monday, May 13 at The Anthem (901 Wharf St., S.W.). Details at theatrewashington.org.
Whitman-Walker Health’s Going the Extra Mile benefit is Wednesday, May 15 at City Winery (1350 Okie St., N.E.). Details at whitman-walker.org.
Capital Trans Pride is May 17-19. Details at capitalpride.org.
API Pride (Asian/Pacific Islanders) is also May 17-19. No further details available. Check later at capitalpride.org for more.
D.C. Black Pride is, as always, Memorial Day Weekend and runs May 24-27. This year’s theme is Our Truths in Harmony. Details at dcblackpride.org. Omega Entertainment runs events concurrently with Black Pride. Details at omegapartydc.com.
St. Thomas Episcopal Church consecrates its new building on Thursday, May 30 at 7 p.m.1517 18th St., N.W. with Bishop Mariann Budde, and Bishop Gene Robinson. Look for the event on Facebook for details.
Women’s Spoken Word FULL-STORE is Monday, June 3 at 7:30 p.m. at Busboys and Poets (location not specified). Check later at capitalpride.org for details.
The AIDS Walk & Run Baltimore is Sunday, June 9 (a month later this year) at 7 a.m. Details at chasebrexton.org.
Movies
‘Things Like This’ embraces formula and plus-size visibility
Enjoyable queer romcom challenges conventions of the genre

There’s a strange feeling of irony about a spring movie season stacked with queer romcoms – a genre that has felt conspicuously absent on the big screen since the disappointing reception met by the much-hyped “Bros” in 2022 – at a time when pushback against LGBTQ visibility is stronger than it’s been for 40 years.
Sure, part of the reason is the extended timeline required for filmmaking, which tells us, logically, that the numerous queer love stories hitting theaters this year – including the latest, the Manhattan-set indie “Things Like This,” which opened in limited theaters last weekend – began production long before the rapid cultural shift that has taken place in America since a certain convicted fraudster’s return to the White House.
That does not, however, make them any less welcome; on the contrary, they’re a refreshing assertion of queer existence that serves to counter-balance the hateful, politicized rhetoric that continues to bombard our community every day. In fact, the word “refreshing” is an apt description of “Things Like This,” which not only celebrates the validity – and joy – of queer love but does so in a story that disregards “Hollywood” convention in favor of a more authentic form of inclusion than we’re ever likely to see in a mainstream film
Written, starring, and directed by Max Talisman and set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City, it’s the story of two gay men named Zack – Zack #1 (Talisman) is a plus-sized hopeful fantasy author with a plus-sized personality and a promising-but-unpublished first novel, and Zack #2 (Joey Pollari) an aspiring talent agent dead-ended as an assistant to his exploitative “queen-bee” boss (Cara Buono) – who meet at an event and are immediately attracted to each other. Though Zack #2 is resigned to his unsatisfying relationship with longtime partner Eric (Taylor Trensch), he impulsively agrees to a date the following night, beginning an on-again/off-again entanglement that causes both Zacks to re-examine the trajectories of their respective lives – and a lot of other heavy baggage – even as their tentative and unlikely romance feels more and more like the workings of fate.
Like most romcoms, it relies heavily on familiar tropes – adjusted for queerness, of course – and tends to balance its witty banter and starry-eyed sentiment with heart-tugging setbacks and crossed-wire conflicts, just to raise the stakes. The Zacks’ attempts at getting together are a series of “meet-cutes” that could almost be described as fractal, yet each of them seems to go painfully awry – mostly due to the very insecurities and self-doubts which make them perfect for each other. The main obstacle to their couplehood, however, doesn’t spring from these mishaps; it’s their own struggles with self-worth that stand in the way, somehow making theirs more of a quintessentially queer love story than the fact that both of them are men.
All that introspection – relatable as it may be – can be a downer without active energy to stir things up, but fortunately for “Things Like This,” there are the inevitable BFFs and extended circle of friends and family that can help to get the fun back on track. Each Zack has his own support team backing him up, from a feisty “work wife” (Jackie Cruz, “Orange is the New Black”) to a straight best friend (Charlie Tahan, “Ozark”) to a wise and loving grandma (veteran scene-stealer Barbara Barrie, “Breaking Away” and countless vintage TV shows) – that fuels the story throughout, providing the necessary catalysts to prod its two neurotic protagonists into taking action when they can’t quite get there themselves.
To be sure, Talisman’s movie – his feature film debut as a writer and director – doesn’t escape the usual pitfalls of the romcom genre. There’s an overall sense of “wish fulfillment fantasy” that makes some of its biggest moments seem a bit too good to be true, and there are probably two or three complications too many as it approaches its presumed happy ending; in addition, while it helps to drive the inner conflict for Zack #2’s character arc, throwing a homophobic and unsupportive dad (Eric Roberts) into the mix feels a bit tired, though it’s hard to deny that such family relationships continue to create dysfunction for queer people no matter how many times they’re called out in the movies – which means that it’s still necessary, regrettably, to include them in our stories.
And in truth, “calling out” toxic tropes – the ones that reflect society’s negative assumptions and perpetuate them through imitation – is part of Talisman’s agenda in “Things Like This,” which devotes its very first scene to shutting down any objections from “fat shamers” who might decry the movie’s “opposites attract” scenario as unbelievable. Indeed, he has revealed in interviews that he developed the movie for himself because of the scarcity of meaningful roles for plus-sized actors, and his desire to erase such conventional prejudices extends in every direction within his big-hearted final product.
Even so, there’s no chip-on-the-shoulder attitude to sour the movie’s spirit; what helps us get over its sometimes excessive flourishes of idealized positivity is that it’s genuinely funny. The dialogue is loaded with zingers that keep the mood light, and even the tensest scenes are laced with humor, none of which feels forced. For this, kudos go to Talisman’s screenplay, of course, but also to the acting – including his own. He’s eminently likable onscreen, with wisecracks that land every time and an underlying good cheer that makes his appeal even more visible; crucially, his chemistry with Pollari – who also manages to maintain a lightness of being at his core no matter how far his Zack descends into uncertainty – isn’t just convincing; it’s enviable.
Cruz is the movie’s “ace in the hole” MVP as Zack #2’s under-appreciated but fiercely loyal bestie, and Buono’s hilariously icy turn as his “boss from hell” makes for some of the film’s most memorable scenes. Likewise, Tahan, along with Margaret Berkowitz and Danny Chavarriaga, flesh out Zack #1’s friend group with a real sense of camaraderie that should be recognizable to anyone who’s ever been part of an eclectic crew of misfits. Trensch’s comedic “ickiness” as Zack #2’s soon-to-be-ex makes his scenes a standout; and besides bigger-name “ringers” Roberts and Barrie (whose single scene is the emotional climax of the movie), there’s also a spotlight-grabbing turn by Diane Salinger (iconic as Francophile dreamer Simone in “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure”) as the owner of a queer bar where the Zacks go on one of their dates.
With all that enthusiasm and a momentum driven by a sense of DIY empowerment, it’s hard to be anything but appreciative of “Things Like This,” no matter how much some of us might cringe at its more unbelievable romcom devices. After all, it’s as much a “feel-good” movie as it is a love story, and the fact that we actually do feel good when the final credits role is more than enough to earn it our hearty recommendation.

Friday, May 23
“Center Aging Monthly Luncheon and Yoga” will be at 12 p.m. in person at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. For more details, email [email protected].
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 and/or expression. For more details, email [email protected].
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at DIK Bar. This event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, May 24
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar and 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.
Black Lesbian Mixer will be at 11 a.m. on Zoom. This is a support group dedicated to the joys of being a Black lesbian. For more details, email [email protected].
Sunday, May 25
“The Queen’s Table: A Women’s Empowerment Brunch” will be at 11 a.m. at Zooz. This event will celebrate queer women’s strength. For more details visit Eventbrite.
Monday, May 26
“Center Aging Monday Coffee and 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, May 27
Genderqueer DC will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a support group for people who identify outside of the gender binary. Whether you’re bigender, agender, genderfluid, or just know you’re not 100 percent cis — this is your group. For more details, visit genderqueerdc.org or Facebook.
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.
Wednesday, May 28
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, May 29
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. To be fairer with who is receiving boxes, the program is moving to a lottery system. 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, breathwork, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.
Photos
PHOTOS: Helen Hayes Awards
Gay Men’s Chorus, local drag artists have featured performance at ceremony

The 41st Helen Hayes Awards were held at The Anthem on Monday, May 19. Felicia Curry and Mike Millan served as the hosts.
A performance featuring members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington and local drag artists was held at the end of the first act of the program to celebrate WorldPride 2025.
The annual awards ceremony honors achievement in D.C.-area theater productions and is produced by Theatre Washington.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

























