Out & About
Calendar: March 29-April 4
Parties, festivals and events in the week to come
Friday, March 29
The D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) hosts queer tango classes tonight at 7 p.m. Instructor Liz Sabatiuk of Tango Mercurio will lead the course. The class is intended for beginner students and will combine instruction on tango vocabulary and technique. There will also be a discussion on how assumptions about gender can affect dancing. Students will be invited to experiment with both gender roles during the class. Admission requires a $10 donation. For more details, visit thedccenter.org/events/queertangoclass.
Gay District hosts game night at the D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) tonight from 8-10 p.m. Board games will be provided but feel free to bring your own. Gay District is a community organization focused on building understanding of gay culture and personal identity. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
ONYX Mid-Atlantic presents Leather & Lace at the Green Lantern (1335 Green Ct., N.W.) tonight from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Dress code is leather and lace. Drink specials will include $5 Fireballs, $8 Long Islands and $5 margaritas. IcyFunk will spin tracks. Cover is $5. For more information, visit greenlanterndc.com.
D.C. Bear Crue hosts Bear Happy Hour at Uproar Lounge & Restaurant (639 Florida Ave., N.W.) today from 5-10 p.m. Drink specials include $5 rail cocktails and $5 32 oz. draft pithcers. Free appetizers will be handed out throughout the night. For more details, visit facebook.com/bearhappyhour.
Saturday, March 30
The 39th annual Capital Art Fair is at the Holiday Inn Rosslyn (1900 Fort Myer Dr., Arlington, Va.) today from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and tomorrow from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. About 21 art dealers will will have fine prints, drawings, photos and other works on paper for sale. Works range from the 15th century to present day and include American, European and Japanese art. Tickets are free. For more details, visit capitalartprintfair.com.
The D.C. Eagle (3701 Benning Rd., N.E.) hosts Code RED V: Stigma Can’t Stop Us, a red-themed masquerade ball supporting the fight against HIV/AIDS, tonight from 9 p.m.-3 a.m. DJ Vjuan Allure will spin tracks and recording artist Kevin Aviance will perform. Attendees are encouraged to wear masks and gear. The color red is suggested but not required. There will be giveaways, raffles, a silent auction and Code Red baked goods. Main event tickets are $25. Tickets for Code Red and the 9:30 p.m. drag and cabaret extravaganza are $30. For more information, visit dceagle.com.
Center Trans hosts its pot luck at the D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) today from noon-2 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring a dish to share. Center Trans’ mission is to be a safe space for transgender individuals to share their stories. Allies are asked to reach out to other groups for ally support. Admission is free. For more details, visit thedccenter.org.
DCATS hosts the Trans Visibility Community Festival at Spaces (1140 3rd St., N.E.) today from 1-5 p.m. Organizations that serve the transgender community and transgender artists and creatives will all exhibit their services and work. There will be an open mic, film screenings, art exhibitors and a raffle. All ages welcome. For more information, visit transvisibilityfestival.com.
CTRL hosts Qwerty, a queer dance party, at Trade (1410 14th St., N.W.) tonight from 10 p.m.-2:45 a.m. DJ Adam Koussari-Amin, DJ Dvonne and DJ Jeff Prior will spin tracks. Sippi will give a performance. No cover. For more details, visit facebook.com/ctrldc.
The Imperial Court of Washington hosts an underwear dance party at Green Lantern (1335 Green Ct., N.W.) tonight from 10 p.m.-3 a.m. DJ Alpha and DJ Omega will play music. Cover is $5 and will benefit the True Colors Fund. For more information, visit facebook.com/imperialcourtdc.
Sunday, March 31
Atlas Obscura Society D.C. hosts Wine, Spirits and Stories, a guided tour of LGBT icons, at the Congressional Cemetery (1801 E St., S.E.) today from 5-7 p.m. Jeff Rollins will guide the tour and focus on the “Gay Corner” of the cemetery. Tickets are $36 and include the tour, two drink tickets and light snacks. For more details, visit facebook.com/atlasobscura.
Mariah Carey brings her “Caution World Tour” to the MGM National Harbor (101 MGM National Ave., Oxon Hill, Md.) tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $200-624. For more information, visit ticketmaster.com.
Monday, April 1
The D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) hosts coffee drop-in hours this morning from 10 a.m.-noon for the senior LGBT community. Older LGBT adults can come and enjoy complimentary coffee and conversation with other community members. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
Tuesday, April 2
Artechouse (1238 Maryland Ave., S.W.) presents “In Peak Bloom,” an interactive and immersive digital art installation inspired by the cherry blossoms, through May 27. Artists Liza Park, Akiko Yamashita, Scenocosme and Sachiko Yamashita designed the exhibit. Sunday-Thursday daytime hours are from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and after hours are from 7-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday daytime hours are from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and after hours are from 5:30-11:30 p.m. After hours will include Augmented Reality Cocktails which will be sold separately. Attendees must be 21 and over to attend after hours. Daytime general admission tickets for adults are $16 online and $20 on-site. Student, senior and military ID holders tickets are $13 online and $15 on-site. Children ages 2-14 are $8 online and $10 on-site. After hours tickets are $16 online and $20 on-site. For more details, visit dc.artechouse.com.
Wednesday, April 3
“The Ask Rayceen Show” hosts its annual #AskRayceen Mini Ball at Human Rights Campaign (1640 Rhode Island Ave., N.W.) tonight from 6-9 p.m. This live monthly variety program and community festival will feature vendors, exhibitors, food, a cash bar and a raffle. Rayceen Pendarvis and Anthony Oakes host the show. DJ Vjuan Allure will play music. Doors open at 6 p.m. Show starts at 7 p.m. For more details, visit facebook.com/teamrayceen.
Bookmen D.C., an informal gay men’s literature group, discusses “Don’t Call Us Dead” by Danez Smith at the Cleveland Park Library (3310 Connecticut Ave., N.W.) tonight at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome. For more information, visit bookmendc.blogspot.com.
Thursday, April 4
A support group for the Asian and Pacific Islander Queer Community meets at the D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) tonight from 7-8 p.m. The group is co-sponsored by the Asian Pacific Islander Queer Society D.C. and Asian Queers United for Action. For more details, visit thedccenter.org.
Friday, June 26
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].
DC Bird Alliance will host “Second Annual Ride for Pride” at 9 a.m. at the Yards Marina. This event is for celebrating community, belonging, and our shared connection to nature. Together, we’ll enjoy a guided one-hour boat ride departing from The Yards Marina, exploring the river’s wildlife, history, and ongoing restoration. Along the way, participants may spot Ospreys, herons, egrets, cormorants, Bald Eagles, turtles, and other species that call the Anacostia home. For more details, visit Eventbrite.
Saturday, June 27
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.
“Sunshine: A Sapphic Pride Day Party” will be at 1 p.m. at Spark Social. This is a patio party for queer women & sapphics 35+. For more details, visit Eventbrite.
Sunday, June 28
Trap Laughsss Pride Comedy Night will be at 7 p.m. at Sid’s Gold Request Room. This in-person event is where comedy meets Pride, bringing you hilarious performances that’ll have you rolling in the aisles. Whether you’re here to celebrate or just enjoy some fantastic jokes, this night is all about fun, community, and laughs. Don’t miss out on the best comedy bash around! More details are on Eventbrite.
Monday, June 29
“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]).
Tuesday, June 30
The DC Center for the LGBTQ+ Community will host a screening of “Swann Queen” at 7 p.m. This is a short film by Lcedeño Miller inspired by the true story of William Dorsey Swann – considered one of the world’s first drag queens. Billy Swann and their brother Dan are preparing to host their third masquerade ball. When the police raid the party, Billy must decide whether to run or resist. Swann Queen is a story about community, survival, and the legacy of LGBTQ+ resistance in Washington, D.C. Screening followed by conversation. For more details, visit the Center’s website.
Wednesday, July 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 www.thedccenter.org/careers.
Thursday, July 2
The DC Center for the LGBTQ+ Community’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the 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, breath work and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the The DC Center for the LGBTQ+ Community’s website.
The Baltimore Orioles will take on the Washington Nationals on Friday, June 26 at 7 p.m. for Pride Night at Oriole Park.
The first 15,000 fans will receive an exclusive Pride Night Orioles jersey. The Washington Blade is a media sponsor of this event.
To purchase tickets, visit Orioles.com/Tickets.
Out & About
Writers’ association hosts Capital Love LitFest
Inaugural literary salon scheduled for Sunday
The Washington Writers’ Publishing House (WWPH), the nation’s longest continuously operating cooperative nonprofit literary press, will present the inaugural “Capital Love LitFest” on Sunday, June 28 at 10 a.m. at The Writer’s Center in Bethesda, Md.
Designed as a full-day literary salon and cultural gathering, the event will feature more than 25 writers, nine workshops, and panel discussions, readings, and conversations centered on love, relationships, identity, healing, creativity, and connection in divisive times. Admission is pay-what-you-can, beginning at free.
The LitFest celebrates the release of “Capital Love,” WWPH’s new anthology featuring 55 writers from across the DMV, including contributors from Baltimore, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. The pocket-sized collectible anthology explores love in its many forms through poetry and prose and serves as a literary response to today’s social and political climate.
For more details, visit Washington Writers’ website.
Comings & Goings
‘Leviticus’ demonizes homophobia for gripping queer horror yarn
Calendar: June 26-July 2
Orioles take on Nats for Pride Night
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Abelardo de la Espriella elected Colombia’s next president
Capital Pride draws tens of thousands to D.C.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to resign
PHOTOS: Capital Pride Festival and Concert
