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.
Out & About
Tyler Clementi Foundation to host fundraiser in Rehoboth
Special remarks to be given by Jane Clementi, Rep. McBride
To kick off National Coming Out Month, the Tyler Clementi Foundation will host a fundraiser on Thursday, Oct. 1 at 6 p.m. at CAMP Rehoboth in Delaware.
The event will feature special remarks by Jane Clementi and Rep. Sarah McBride. If you are unable to attend, please consider making a donation to support the work of the Tyler Clementi Foundation to end online and offline bullying and harassment in schools, workplaces, and faith communities.
For more details, visit the Tyler Clementi Foundation’s Facebook page.
Friday, September 25
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at DIK Bar. 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 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, September 26
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.
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].
Sunday, September 27
“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 28
“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]).
Queer Book Club will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. The Queer Book Club meets on the fourth Monday of the month to discuss queer books by queer authors. This month’s reading is “Happy Iceland” by Anne Marie Wells. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBTQ+ Community’s website.
Tuesday, September 29
The DC Center for the LGBTQ+ Community will host “Center Aging: Painting Class” at 1 p.m. This is a free watercolor painting workshop that will be held in the community room and led by Laya Monarez. All supplies and light snacks will be provided. This workshop involves paint, so please dress accordingly. Email Mac at [email protected] for more details.
Wednesday, September 30
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, October 1
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 5:00 pm 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.
API Queer Support Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a support group for the Asian and Pacific Islander queer community. The support group is co-sponsored by APIQS (Asian Pacific Islander Queer Society DC) and AQUA (Asian Queers United for Action). For more details, email [email protected].
Out & About
A roundup of fall events not to be missed
Laverne Cox, Oktoberfest, arts celebrations, and more
Colder temperatures don’t mean you have to stay indoors — here’s a roundup of what to do this fall.
Laverne Cox will discuss her memoir, “Transcendent,” with Dr. Melanie Bryant on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. at Baltimore Book Fest. Cox will share her journey as a transgender woman in Hollywood, confronting childhood trauma, shame, gender identity, her transition, body image issues, her search for romantic love, deep-seated feelings of unworthiness, and ultimately, healing.
Dacha Beer Garden will launch its longest and loudest Oktoberfest yet on Friday, Sept. 18. This will be 17 consecutive days of Bavarian festivities across both locations — the original Shaw beer garden and the 800-person Navy Yard garden — running through Sunday, Oct. 4. On opening night, DC Brau will tap the ceremonial first keg and then Manuela Horn, the six-foot-two Austrian yodel queen, will trade sets with Johnny Koenig and his four-piece band in a live back-and-forth of yodeling, polka, and crowd games that can only be described as Oktoberfest ping pong.
Fay Jacobs will host “Aging Gracefully: 2nd Annual Farewell Tour” on Friday, Oct. 9 and Saturday, Oct. 10 at CAMP Rehoboth Community Center. This show will feature a new script with lots of new stories, and only a couple of “signature” tales.
Capital One Center will host its “Celebration of the Arts” starting on Saturday, Sept. 19 at its location in Tysons, Va. There will be art, music, food trucks, local vendors, and family-friendly outdoor entertainment. This curated experience invites you to engage with hands-on workshops, immersive art activations, and live performances. More details are available on Eventbrite.
Spark Social will host “open Mic Night” on Thursday, Oct. 8 at 8 p.m. Get ready to share your talent or just kick back and enjoy some great performances at Spark Social. Sign Ups are first-come-first-serve,, but you can also message the venue on Instagram to reserve a performance spot. Whether you’re a singer, poet, or comedian, this is your chance to get on stage and share your art. Tickets are $13.26 and are available on Eventbrite.
Howard University’s School of Social Work will host “Intergenerational Trauma in the BIPOC Community and the Use of Art” on Thursday, Sept. 17 at 3 p.m. This in-person, interactive workshop explores the role of art as a creative and supportive tool for understanding and addressing intergenerational trauma. Participants will examine the meaning and impact of intergenerational trauma, with particular attention to its historical roots and ongoing effects within Black and other BIPOC communities. More details are available on Eventbrite.
9:30 Club will host “BERTHA: Grateful Drag” on Thursday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. The group has partnered with PLUS1 so that $1 from every ticket sold goes to SMYAL and their work supporting and empowering LGBTQ+ youth. Tickets are available on 9:30 Club’s website.
Steve Lacy’s “Oh Yeah?” tour is coming to The Anthem on Sunday, Oct. 18 at 6 p.m. Tickets are available on The Anthem’s website.
Rapper Cupcakke will perform at Howard Theatre on Sunday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. More details are available on the theater’s website.
Team DC will host “Open Play: A Celebration of LGBTQ+ Athletes and Sports Fans” on Saturday, Oct. 10 at 6 p.m. at Trade. Join Athlete Ally, Team DC and District Wrestling for a casual, in-person mixer as they celebrate LGBTQ+ sports fans and athletes at all levels of the game. Whether you’re part of an LGBTQ+ recreational league or just love watching sports, this is the place to connect, celebrate, and share the love of the game with other queer athletes, fans, business leaders, policymakers and more. Reserve a spot on Eventbrite.
The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will host “2026 LGBT Intergenerational Extravaganza” on Sunday, Sept. 20 at 12 p.m.This is an event to connect, build relationships, and have fun with LGBTQ folks from other generations, and it will include lunch, an intergenerational dialogue and breakout sessions. More details are available on Eventbrite.
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