Out & About

Calendar: May 17-23

Concerts, parties and events in the week to come

Published

7 years ago

May 16, 2019

Mariah Cooper

gay events dc, gay news, Washington Blade — ‘Drag Race’ alum **Alexis Michelle** joins the American Pops Orchestra for a performance Saturday (photo courtesy APO)

Friday, May 17

Gay District Meeting is at the D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) tonight from 8:30-9:30 p.m. The meeting is for LGBTQ and intersex men between the ages of 18-35.The facilitated group discussions will discuss gay culture and personal identity. For more information, visit gaydistrict.org.

The D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) hosts its monthly game night tonight from 7-9 p.m. Card and board games will be available but feel free to bring your own games. All are welcome. For more details, visit thedccenter.org.

Saturday, May 18

American Pops Orchestra performs “I Am What I Am,” a musical tribute to theater legend Jerry Herman, at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater (1101 6th St., S.W.) tonight at 8 p.m.The group will perform music from “Hello, Dolly!” “Le Cage aux Folles,” “Mack and Mabel” and more. Performers include “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum Alexis Michelle, Kathy Najimy (“Sister Act”/”Hocus Pocus”) Paige Davis (TLC’s “Trading Spaces”), Mauricio Martinez (“On Your Feet!”), Tracy Lynn Olivera (“Ragtime”) and Paul Roeckell from APO’s NextGen competition. The Congressional Chorus and Congressional Chorus and Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington will also perform with piano accompaniment from Karen Walwyn, Scott Beard (an openly gay, West Virginia-based virtuoso) and Chris Urquiaga. Tickets range from $25-75. For more details, visit theamericanpops.org.

Capital Trans Pride is at Eaton D.C. (1201 K St., N.W.) today. The Workshop and Resource Fair is from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 25 organizations will offer services, information, employment opportunities and more. Educational workshops, seminars and panel discussions will run all day. The day ends with a happy hour with food, beverages and entertainment at Studio Theatre (1501 14th St., N.W.) from 5-8 p.m. Principal to Trans Equity Consulting Cecilia Gentil will give the keynote address. Registration is free. For more information, visit capitalpride.org/trans-pride-2019.

Tagg Magazine hosts Cookout Jam at the D.C. Eagle (3701 Benning Rd., N.E.) today from 1-5 p.m. There will be food, drink specials, music from DJ Electr0x and more. Admission is $10 and includes food. An after-party at a League of Her Own (2319 18th St., N.W.) follows. For details, visit facebook.com/taggmagazine.

Sunday, May 19

Capital Trans Pride screens “The Garden Left Behind” at Studio Theatre (1501 14th St., N.W.) tonight at 6 p.m. The film follows the relationships between Tina, a young transgender woman, and her grandmother, Eliana, as they juggle Tina’s transition and living as undocumented immigrants in New York City. After the screening, there will be a Q&A with some the cast and producers. Event is free. For details, visit facebook.com/capitaltranspride.

Alamo Drafthouse presents Champagne Cinema: “9 to 5” movie party today at 2 p.m. This is an interactive screening with quoting and singing along encouraged. Tickets are $14.30 and includes a themed “9 to 5” pen and “Cup of Ambition” mug. The party is at the Cinema One Loudon location (20626 Easthampton Plaza, Ashburn, Va.) and Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Woodbridge (15200 Potomac Town Pl., Woodbridge, Va.). For more information, visit drafthouse.com.

Monday, May 20

The Board Room VA (925 B Garfield St., Arlington, Va.) hosts drag bingo tonight from 9-11 p.m. Crystal Edge and Katrina Colby host. There will be games and performances. Prizes include free drinks, free shots, free good, gift cards and more. Drink specials include $5 local beers and other all night drink specials. Cover is $5. Reserve a spot on Eventbrite. Walk-ins also welcome. For details, visit facebook.com/theboardroomva.

The D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W..) hosts coffee drop-in hours this morning from 10 a.m.-noon for senior LGBT people. Older LGBT adults can come and enjoy complimentary coffee and conversation with other community members. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.

Tuesday, May 21

The D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) hosts its Packing Party from 7-9 p.m. tonight. Volunteers will assemble safer sex kits to distribute to the LGBT community. For more details, visit thedccenter.org.

The Center Bi monthly roundtable is tonight from 7-8 p.m. at the D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.). The group will discuss issues related to bisexuality. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.

Wednesday, May 22

The D.C. Eagle (3701 Benning Rd., N.E.) and D&K Sounds host karaoke tonight from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Drink specials include $3 rail cocktails and domestic drafts and $4 wines. For more information, visit facebook.com/dceagle.

Washington National Opera and Capital Pride present Pride Night Out for a performance of “Tosca” at the Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N..W) tonight at 7:30 p.m. The Puccini opera tells the story of a singer Tosca, who tries to protect her lover from the chief of police Scarpia. After the show, get a free drink at the post-performance Pride Night Out reception at the Kingbird bar at the Watergate Hotel (2650 Virginia Ave., N.W.). Tickets range from $35-300. For more details, visit facebook.com/washingtonnationalopera.

The Lambda Bridge Club meets at 7:30 p.m. tonight at the Dignity Center (721 8th St., S.E.) for duplicate bridge. No reservations required and new comers welcome. If you need a partner, call 703-407-6540.

Thursday, May 23

The 2019 Trans Equality Now Awards are at the Willard InterContinental (1401 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.) tonight from 6-9 p.m. There will be a reception, dinner, awards and after party honoring the leaders fighting for transgender equality. Nicole Maines will receive the Andy Cray Award for Health & Youth Advocacy; Earline Budd will be honored with he Community Builder Award; Masen Davis will receive the Julie Johnson Founder’s Award and Lush Cosmetics will be be honored with the Ally Award. VIP tickets are $175 in advance and $200 at the door. After party tickets (8:30-11 p.m.) are $75 in advance and $85 at the door. It includes admission to the after party only with dessert bar and two complimentary drink tickets. For more details, visit act.transequality.org.

Venus Valhalla hosts Thirst Trap Thursdays at Pitchers (2317 18th St., N.W.) tonight from 11 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Local drag talent will perform. For more information, visit facebook.com/pitchersdc.

GPMC hosts Am I Gay Enough?, a panel discussion for gay people of color, at Human Rights Campaign (1640 Rhode Island Ave., N.W.) this evening at 6 p.m. The discussion will focus on who gay people of color are and how they want to be viewed. There will be speakers from academia, law, medicine, non-profit and the media. A networking and affirmation reception takes place after the discussion. Free admission. For more details, visit facebook.com/gpmc.dc.

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Calendar

Calendar: February 13-19

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

4 days ago

February 13, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Friday, February 13

Center Aging Monthly Luncheon With Yoga will be at noon at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. Email Mac at [email protected] if you require ASL interpreter assistance, have any dietary restrictions, or questions about this event.

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour Meetup” 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.

Women in their Twenties and Thirties will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a social discussion group for queer women in the D.C. area. For more details, visit the group on Facebook.

Saturday, February 14

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 Center for the LGBT Community will host a screening of “Love and Pride” at 1:30 p.m. This event is a joy-filled global streaming celebration honoring queer courage, Pride, and the power of love. It’s a bold celebration of courage and community — a fearless reminder of what we’ve overcome, how love is what makes us unstoppable, and how we have always turned fear into fierce. For more details, visit the Center’s website.

Sunday, February 15

LGBTQ+ Community Coffee and Conversation will be at 12 p.m. at As You Are. This event is for people looking to make more friends and meaningful connections in the LGBTQ community. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Monday, February 16

Queer Book Club will be at 7:00p.m. on Zoom. This month’s read is “Faebound” by Saara El-Arifi. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.

“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, February 17

Center Bi+ 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, February 18

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, February 19

The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. To be fair 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 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 DC Center’s website.

Out & About

Celebrate Black History Month

LGBTQ+ Community Center to host series of events

Published

2 weeks ago

February 6, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

‘Paris is Burning’ is screening as part of Black History Month commemorations at the DC Center. (File photo courtesy of Reel Affirmations)

In honor of Black History Month, the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will host a series of events uplifting the histories, artistry, and resilience of Black LGBTQ+ communities through dialogue, film, and intentional gathering.

The series begins with “Ballroom Culture: Rhythms of Resilience,” a panel discussion on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026 at 7 p.m. Artists, activists, and leaders from the ballroom community will explore ballroom’s historical, cultural, and political significance as a site of resistance, kinship, creative expression, and social justice within Black, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ communities.

On Friday, Feb. 13 at 12:30 p.m., the Center will host a screening of the groundbreaking documentary “Paris is Burning,” which chronicles New York City’s ballroom scene and house culture while examining themes of race, class, identity, and survival through the voices of legendary performers including Willi Ninja, Pepper LaBeija, and Dorian Corey.

The month will conclude with “Soul Centered: A Black LGBTQ+ Gathering” on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. This free, RSVP-required event invites Black LGBTQ+ community members into a space of rest, connection, and reflection centered on love in all its forms. The gathering will feature a panel conversation with Black LGBTQ+ creatives, healers, and community members, followed by intentional speed connections and a closing social mixer.

For more details and to RSVP, visit the Center’s website.

Calendar

Calendar: February 6-12

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

2 weeks ago

February 6, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Friday, February 6

Center Aging Monthly Luncheon With Yoga will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. Email Mac at [email protected] if you require ASL interpreter assistance, have any dietary restrictions, or questions about this event.

Spark Social will host “RuPaul’s Drag Race Watch Party S18 Watch Party” at 8 p.m. Drag Entertainers TrevHER and Grey provide hilarious commentary and make live predictions on who’s staying and who’s going home. Stick around after the show for a live drag performance. The watch party takes place on our heated outdoor patio and cozy indoor space. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Go Gay DC will host “First Friday LGBTQ+ Community Social” at 7 p.m. at Silver Diner Ballston. 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, February 7

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.

LGBTQ People of Color will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This peer support group is an outlet for LGBTQ People of Color to come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space that strives to be safe and judgement free. There are all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more information and events, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.

Sunday, February 8

DMV Gay Dog Moms will host “Puppy Love” at 1 p.m. at Wunder Garten. This a Valentine’s pawty and market for dog lovers. Get gifts for your loved ones – both human & canine at this event. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Monday, February 9

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 that you’re not 100% cis. For more details, visit genderqueerdc.org or Facebook.

Tuesday, February 10

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 is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity or expression to join together in community and learn from one another. For more details, email [email protected].

Wednesday, February 11

Thursday, February 12

The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. To be more fair with who is receiving boxes, the program is moving to a lottery system. 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 Center’s website.