Out & About
Calendar: May 3-9
Youth Pride Day and Gay Day at the Zoo among this week’s highlights
Friday, May 3
U Street Music Hall (1115A U St., N.W.) hosts Flaunt It Dance Party, sponsored by This Free Life, tonight from 10:30 p.m.-3 a.m. Special guests Imp Queen, Yuhua Hamasaki and FKA Twink will make appearances. Dee Dee Derèon, Venus Fastrada, Ariel Von Quinn, Washington Heights, Vagenesis and Desiree Dik will perform. DJ Honey will spin tracks. Doors open at 10:30 p.m. Show starts at 11:30 p.m. Free entry with RSVP. For details, visit tfl.events/dc.
Catharsis on the Mall, a three-day festival focused on art, dance and healing, kicks off on the National Mall (900 Ohio Dr., S.W.) today at noon through Sunday at noon. There will be large-scale art, workshops, music, activities and speakers. Admission is free. For more information, visit catharsisonthemall.com.
National Symphony Orchestra Pops welcome actress/singer Vanessa Williams for a performance at the Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.) tonight at 8 p.m. The performance will include pop, R&B and musical theater. Tickets range from $39-99. For more details, visit kennedy-center.org.
Saturday, May 4
“Glee” star Matthew Morrison and Broadway star Shoshana Bean headline Strathmore’s Annual Spring Gala at the Music Center at Strathmore (5301 Tuckerman Ln., North Bethesda, Md.) tonight at 9 p.m. The pair will sing a mix of Broadway hits and American songbook standards. Tickets range from $38-98. Patrons can also attend the Annual Spring Gala dinner with tickets starting at $500. For more details, visit strathmore.org.
Rainbow Families hosts its 2019 conference at Georgetown Day High School (4200 Davenport St., N.W.) today from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. This year’s theme is “Now More Than Ever.” There will be more than 30 workshops for LGBTQ families, prospective parents and allies including Talking with Children and Teens About Adoption, Setting Positive Limits with Preschoolers, Hair Ideas for Kids of Color and more. NBC 4’s Barbara Harrison will be the guest of honor. Trystan Angel Reese is the featured speaker. There will also be age-appropriate activities for children ages 2-and-a-half-16 years old including puzzles, stories, games, improv, outdoor time and more. Adult registration is $90. Breakfast and lunch are included. For more information, visit rainbowfamiliesdc.org.
Youth Pride Alliance and Damien Ministries hosts Youth Pride Day today from noon-5 p.m. in Dupont Circle. Rayceen Pendarvis and Private Tails hosts the event. There will be giveaways, performances, speakers and testimonials. LGBTQ youth 24 years old and younger and allies are welcome. For more information, visit facebook.com/youthpridealliance.
Youth Pride Alliance hosts Infatuation Dance at the Kimpton Hotel Palomar (2121 P St., N.W.) tonight from 6-10 p.m. There will be a DJ, food, drinks, face painting and mask making. The event is for LGBTQ youth 24 years old and under. For details, visit facebook.com/youthpridealliance.
Comedian Wanda Sykes brings her “Oh Well Tour” to the Warner Theatre (513 13th St., N.W.) tonight at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets range from $37.50-93. For more information, visit warnerthearedc.com.
La Ti Do performs on the Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.) tonight from 6-7 p.m. Rachel Hogan, Tiffany Lynn Royster, Michael Santos Sandoval and Ava Silva will perform with accompaniment by Leigh Delano. Don Michael Mendoza hosts the show. Free admission. For details, visit kennedy-center.org.
Sunday, May 5
Gay Day at the Zoo is at the Smithsonian National Zoo (3001 Connecticut Ave., N.W.) is today from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. There will be programming for families and youth. LGBTQ people, families and allies are welcome. Attendees can purchase a Gay Day at the Zoo T-shirt online with prices ranging from $10-20. For more information and to purchase a T-shirt, visit thedccenter.org/gayday2019.
Trade (1410 14th St., N.W.) hosts the Gay Day at the Zoo Afterparty this evening from 5-8 p.m. The bar will serve its signature cocktail in honor of the day, The Zeebra. A portion of the cocktail’s proceeds will be donated to the D.C. Center. High Heel Race winner Madame Chevitz will perform. Gallery Kitchen will provide free food. There will also be face painting and a chance to take a picture with Alex the Unicorn. For more details, visit facebook.com/tradebardc.
Monday, May 6
Twisted Dinner Show, a drag dinner show, is at Spaceylounge D.C. (2309 18th St., N.W.) tonight from 8-11 p.m. Desiree Dik hosts the show. Bombalicious Eklaver, Bratworst, Bellatrix Foxx and Emma Zon Prime will perform. Admission is $30 and includes your choice of vegetarian pizza quesadilla or cauliflower chicken wings. Ticket price includes unlimited hemp-o-mosas. Seating is at 7 p.m. Show starts at 8 p.m. For more information, visit facebook.com/spaceyloungedc.
Tuesday, May 7
Gay for Good D.C. hosts a fundraiser at Dacha Beer Garden (1600 7th St., N.W.) today from 4-8 p.m. A wristband is $10 and gives access to an extended happy hour until 8 p.m. All proceeds will support Gay for Good D.C. Extra donations welcome. Gay for Good’s mission is to bring together the LGBTQ community through social welfare and environmental service projects. For more information, visit facebook.com/gayforgooddc.
Wednesday, May 8
Dr. Lane holds a lecture on Black LGBTQ Pride and Black Queer Life in D.C. at Redrocks (1348 H St., N.E.) this evening at 6 p.m. Open discussion starts at 6 p.m. followed by the lecture at 7 p.m. Admission is $20 for the class. Visit facebook.com/thedoctorlane for more details.
D.C. Fray hosts men seeking men speed dating at Nellie’s Sports Bar (900 U St., N.W.) tonight from 7-10 p.m. The event is for men in their 20s and 30s. Tickets are $25. For more information, visit dcfray.com/events.
Thursday, May 9
The 2019 Center Global Annual Reception is at Room and Board (1840 14th St., N.W.) tonight from 6-9 p.m. There will be music, drinks, hors d’oeuvres and more. Rayceen Pendarvis emcees the event. Funds raised from ticket sales will go towards supporting Center Global’s work supporting LGBT asylum seekers, asylees and refugees. Tickets range from $25-1000. For details, visit thedccenter.org.
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.
Out & About
LGBTQ Military Happy Hour set for Sept. 15
In-person gathering to be held at Tom’s Watch Bar
Modern Military Association of America will host “Pride in Service: An LGBTQ+ Military Happy Hour” on Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 4 p.m. at Tom’s Watch Bar.
This in-person gathering is the perfect chance to connect, share stories, and celebrate the diversity within the military community. Come relax, meet fellow LGBTQ+ service members and allies, and enjoy a fun, supportive atmosphere. Don’t miss out on an evening full of pride, camaraderie, and good vibes. Visit Eventbrite for more details.
Friday, September 11
Go Gay DC will host “Out in DC LGBTQ+ Community Social” at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena.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.
Women in their Twenties and Thirties will meet at 8 p.m. on Zoom. This is a social discussion group for queer women in the Washington, D.C. area. For more details, visit Facebook.
Saturday, September 12
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.
The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will host screenings of “Princess Sparkles” and “Kiloran Bay” at 1:30 p.m. “Kiloran Bay” is a 13-minute musical short set amid the wild beauty of the Scottish Hebrides and the fierce joy of a wedding cèilidh. “Princess Sparkles” is about a girl who accidentally signs up to pet-sit a princess only to discover she’s actually a nippy, Fox News-watching pig. More details are available on the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s website.
Sunday, September 13
“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 are $58.51 and are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, September 14
“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10:00a.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, September 15
Center Bi Pan+ Roundtable will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is an opportunity for people to gather in order to discuss issues related to bisexuality or as Bi individuals in a private setting. Visit Facebook or Meetup for more information.
Wednesday, September 16
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.
The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will host “Movement for Healing” at 3 p.m. This trauma- and yoga therapy–informed class is designed to help guests gently reconnect with their body and their breath. Through mindful movement, somatic awareness, and grounding practices, guests will explore how to release tension, increase mobility, and cultivate a deeper sense of safety and ease within. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Thursday, September 17
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC LGBTQ+ Community 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.
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.
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A roundup of fall events not to be missed
