Arts & Entertainment
Capital Trans Pride returns this weekend
Day-long seminar, resource fair, social hour, film screening planned
Capital Trans Pride
shhhOUT: Past, Present & Proud
Free but registration encouraged
Look for the event on Facebook to register
Saturday, May 18
Workshops & Resource Fair
8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Eaton Workshop
1201 K St., N.W.
Capital Trans Pride Happy Hour
Saturday, May 18
5-8 p.m.
Studio Theatre
1501 14th St., N.W.
“The Garden Left Behind” movie screening
Sunday, May 19
5-9 p.m.
Studio Theatre
free
If intersectionality is a current buzzword when discussing LGBT and other issues, it’s one that’s explored dramatically in the movie “The Garden Left Behind,” which tells of Tina, a young trans woman, and Eliana, her grandmother, as they navigate Tina’s transition and struggle to build a life for themselves as undocumented immigrants in New York.
It will be screened this weekend as part of Capital Trans Pride on Sunday at 6 p.m. at Studio Theatre (1501 14th St., N.W.) as part of a weekend full of activities. Its theme is one that especially resonates with Trans Pride organizer Bianca Humady Rey, a native Filipino who came to the U.S. in ’98 and came out as trans in 2013.
“It really resonated with me personally,” Humady Rey says. “There’s a scene where she’s talking with her therapist to get those two letters required (for gender affirmation surgery) and it really connected with many of us when we previewed the film because these are also the challenges many of us in our community are facing.”
Humady Rey says the film skillfully captures what it’s like to be trans.
“It shows why it’s important for us to be visible, to fight the fight and make sure that everybody is aware that trans people are human. We’re being killed in high numbers yearly and that needs to stop. But it’s also about what the journey is like and the process. There’s a lot there that will resonate with our diverse community.”
Filmmakers will be on hand after the screening for a Q&A session.
That’s Sunday, but Saturday is the main day for Trans Pride programming. After battling rain last year, organizers have nixed the outdoor element that was part of the 2018 event when Trans Pride was at Foundry Church and Stead Park. This year, the main day of programming will be held at Eaton Workshop (1201 K St., N.W.) from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. for the workshop and resource fair. This year’s theme is “shhhOUT: Past, Present & Proud.” It’s free but registration is requested.
SaVanna Wanzer started Capital Trans Pride in 2007 and is now active with We the People, another local trans group in the midst of its May Is? All About Trans series of events.
Jamison Crowell, executive director of the D.C. Area Transmasculine Society, a queer trans man, is one of the Trans Pride session presenters along with the society’s program associate Jake Paiva.
Ann Murdoch will present a workshop called “Celebrating Trans and Gender Non-conforming Identities” at 10 a.m. in which “participants will gain an appreciation for how inspiring many people from all walks of life find our stories of overcoming shame, stigma and discrimination to live our authentic lives as well as explore of how our personal stories both shape and are shaped by our identities.”
Murdoch is a blogger, speaker and trainer who helps organizations harness the power of diversity and inclusion, teaches leadership, and “helps people be their best, most authentic selves,” according to Trans Pride promotional material. She is a retired U.S. Army officer who rose through the ranks from private to lieutenant colonel and now works for the federal government. After a long career representing as male, she transitioned in 2016.
Breakfast and lunch will be served at the event.
Other workshops planned throughout the day include “intro to Government Consulting,” “It’s Your Health: Understanding Insurance Maze & Filing Appeals,” “PrEP and Trans Bodies,” “Adult Allies for Transgender and Non-binary Youth” and many more.
Cecilia Gentili will be the keynote speaker at 1 p.m. in the Beverly Snow Room.
Attendance estimates are hard to determine, but Trans Pride organizers say between 400-600 attend throughout the weekend. RSVPs on social media are already higher this year than in previous years, organizers said.
Humady Rey says the resources Trans Pride offers are especially needed now in what some have called a hostile presidential administration in which trans rights — what few there are — are often first on the chopping block.
“I’m always thinking about medical access for myself and my trans brothers and sisters,” Humady Rey says. “I don’t understand how you can deny someone access to what they need to be their fully authentic self. It’s outrageous.”
Ultimately, though, she’s hopeful.
“I live a very optimistic life,” she says. “There’s a light coming at the end of the tunnel. In the meantime, we need to really start educating people in power and our allies and even people who are not our allies, to hear our stories. That’s what really makes an impact.”
Friday, March 27
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.
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at Dupont Italian Kitchen. 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 and Genderqueer Game Night will be at 7 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This is a relaxing, laid-back evening of games and fun. All are welcome and there’ll be card and board games on hand. Feel free to bring your own games to share. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
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, March 28
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 “Sunday Supper on Saturday” at 2 p.m. It’s more than just an event; it’s an opportunity to step away from the busyness of life and invest in something meaningful, and enjoy delicious food, genuine laughter, and conversations that spark connection and inspiration. For more details, visit the Center’s website.
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].
Monday, March 30
“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]).
“Tea Time! A Local DC Drag Comedy Show” will be at 3 p.m. at Spark Social. This is a live drag comedy show where drag legends TrevHER & Tiara Missou Sidora host spill all the tea in the DMV. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Tuesday, March 31
Visibili-TEA Party will be at 6 p.m. at Restoration Station. Guests are encouraged to come sip, celebrate, and shine together. This event is a Trans Day of Visibility celebration and a special collaboration between Auntie’s Home and Damien Ministries. This is a boozy tea party with intention and the dress code reflects the vibe. More details are available on Eventbrite.
Wednesday, March 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 thedccenter.org/careers.
Thursday, April 2
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. 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, 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.
Unconventional Diner will host “Cherry Blossom Drag Bingo Party” on Friday, April 3, at 6:30 p.m.
Guests will be treated to an unforgettable night of drag performances, bingo, food and drink and prizes. Highlights of the evening include themed cocktails, drag performances and bingo prizes.
Tickets can be secured via Resy.
Sports
New IOC policy bans trans women from Olympics
New regulation to be in effect at 2028 summer games in Los Angeles
The International Olympic Committee on Thursday announced it will not allow transgender women from competing in female events at the Olympics.
“For all disciplines on the Sports Program of an IOC event, including individual and team sports, eligibility for any Female Category is limited to biological females,” reads the new policy.
The policy states “eligibility for the Female Category is to be determined in the first instance by SRY Gene screening to detect the absence or presence of the SRY Gene.”
“On the basis of the scientific evidence, the IOC considers that the SRY (sex-determining Region Y) Gene is fixed throughout life and represents highly accurate evidence that an athlete has experienced or will experience male sex development,” it reads. “Furthermore, the IOC considers that SRY Gene screening via saliva, cheek swab or blood sample is unintrusive compared to other possible methods. Athletes who screen negative for the SRY gene permanently satisfy this policy’s eligibility criteria for competition in the Female Category.”
The policy states the test “will be a once-in-a-lifetime test” unless “there is reason to believe a negative reading is in error.”
The new regulation will be in place for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
“I understand that this a very sensitive topic,” said IOC President Kirsty Coventry on Thursday in a video. “As a former athlete, I passionately believe in the rights of all Olympians to take part in fair competition.”
“The policy that we have announced is based on science and it has been led by medical experts with the best interests of athletes at its heart. The scientific evidence is very clear: male chromosomes give performance advances in sport that rely on strength, power, or endurance,” she added. “At the Olympic Games, even the smallest margins can be the difference between victory and defeat. So, it is absolutely clear that it would not be fair for biological males to compete in the female category. In addition, in some sports it would simply not be safe.”
(Video courtesy of the IOC)
Laurel Hubbard, a weightlifter from New Zealand, in 2021 became the first trans woman to compete at the Olympics.
Imane Khelif, an Algerian boxer, won a gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Khelif later sued JK Rowling and Elon Musk for cyberstalking after they questioned her gender identity.
Ellis Lundholm, a mogul skier from Sweden, this year became the first openly trans athlete to compete in any Winter Olympics when he participated in Milan Cortina Winter Olympics in Italy.
President Donald Trump in February 2025 issued an executive order that bans trans women and girls from female sports teams in the U.S.
The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee last July banned trans women from competing in female sporting events. Republican lawmakers have demanded the IOC ban trans athletes from women’s athletic competitions.
“I’m grateful the Olympics finally embraced the common sense policy that women’s sports are for women, not for men,” said U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) on X.
An IOC spokesperson on Thursday referred the Washington Blade to the press release that announced the new policy.
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