Out & About
D.C. Black Pride returns
Annual Memorial Day event jam-packed with programming, parties

D.C. Black Pride returns for its annual celebration with plenty of programming, events and parties.
The 29th annual D.C. Black Pride Community Opening Reception is at the Renaissance Washington D.C. Hotel (999 Ninth St., N.W.) on Friday, May 24 from 7-9 p.m. featuring a performance by MarcWayne and local R&B artist Rinny. Admission is free but registration is requested. Admission includes two drink tickets and heavy hors d’oeuvres. For more information, visit dcblackpride.org.
Impulse D.C. hosts 50 Shades of Noir: Celebrating Pride in the District at Hard Rock Cafe (999 E St., N.W.) on Friday, May 24 from 8-11 p.m. DJ Honey will play music. Free open bar and free food. VIP tickets are $45 and include premium open bar, a gift bag and access to the VIP Lounge. Switch your current pharmacy to AHF and receive free VIP access. General admission is free and includes rail open bar. For more details, visit facebook.com/impulsegroupdc.
The 2019 D.C. Black Pride Awards Reception is at the Park at 14th (920 14th St., N.W.) on Tuesday, May 21 from 6-9 p.m. Bishop Allyson N. Abrams and Bishop Emeritus Diana Williams will receive the Welmore Cook Award. Other award recipients include Steven Wilson, Derrick Johnson, Shi-Queeta-Lee, among others. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Tickets are $10. For more information, search “D.C. Black Pride Awards Reception” on Eventbrite.
D.C. Black Pride Unity Ball is at the Renaissance Washington D.C. Downtown Hotel (999 Ninth St., N.W.) on Thursday, May 23 from 6 p.m.-midnight. LSS Legends Statement and Stars) begins at 6 p.m. The first category kicks off at 7 p.m. Free admission. Visit facebook.com/dcblkpride.com for details.
D.C. Black Pride hosts a Pride Praise Party at the Renaissance Washington D.C. Downtown Hotel (999 Ninth St., N.W.) on Saturday, May 26 from 9 a.m.-noon. Bishop Allyson Abrams, Bishop Kwabena Rainey Cheeks, Pastor Mark James, Pastor Darren Phelps, Rev. Dr. Aaron Wade and Rev. Dr. Robert Wise will give sermons. Diedre Gray and Love Gospel Choir will perform. New or gently used tennis shoes for the homeless are requested. For more details, visit dcblackpride.org.
Always Getting Attention Ent. hosts the Social Experiential, a D.C. Black Pride party, at Karma D.C. (2221 Adams Pl., N.E.) on Sunday, May 26 from 11 p.m.-4 a.m. DJ Obie and DJ Dave Thomm will spin tracks. There will be hookah, drink specials, VIP bottle service and more. General admission tickets are $30. VIP tickets are $40 and includes express entry and elevated VIP and stage access. For more information, visit pridesocialexperiential.eventbrite.com.
Us Helping Us presents Pride in the Park, a D.C. Black Pride celebration, at Fort Dupont Park (Minnesota Ave., S.E.) on Monday, May 27 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. There will be performances, games, prizes and more. Visit ushelpingus.org for details.
Friday, November 28
“Center Aging Friday Tea Time” will be at 12 p.m. in person at the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s new location at 1827 Wiltberger St., N.W. To RSVP, visit the DC Center’s website or email [email protected].
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at Dupont Italian Kitchen Bar. This event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, November 29
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 12 p.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.
Sunday, November 30
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Coffee and Conversation” at 12 p.m. at As You Are. Guests are encouraged to come and enjoy stimulating conversation. For more details, visit Eventbrite.
Monday, December 1
“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]).
“Soulfully Queer: LGBTQ+ Emotional Health and Spirituality Drop-In” will be at 3 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This group will meet weekly for eight weeks, providing a series of drop-in sessions designed to offer a safe, welcoming space for open and respectful conversation. Each session invites participants to explore themes of spirituality, identity, and belonging at their own pace, whether they attend regularly or drop in occasionally. For more details visit the DC Center’s website.
Tuesday, December 2
Universal Pride Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group seeks to support, educate, empower, and create change for people with disabilities. Email [email protected] with any questions.
Friends of Dorothy Cafe will host “Choose Our Blend” at 6 p.m. at Stardust Vintage & Gift. Guests are encouraged to come sip, sample, and vote on a lineup of custom coffee blends from Rustic Route Coffee Co., a DMV-based queer-owned roaster. Guests’ votes will help Rustic Route choose the café’s official signature roast. Event organizers will take donations, and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Wednesday, December 3
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. 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.
Center Aging Women’s Social Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older LGBTQ women can meet and socialize with one another. There will be discussion, activities, and a chance for guests to share what they want future events to include. For more details, email [email protected].
Thursday, December 4
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 is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breathwork, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.
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. For more details, email [email protected].
Out & About
Delaware beaches ring in holidays with tree lightings
Festivities in Rehoboth preceded by a sing-along
The Rehoboth Beach annual tree lighting at the bandstand will take place at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28. Festivities are preceded by a sing-along by Clear Space Theatre beginning at 6:30 p.m.
And if you’re not tired of tree lightings at the beach, check out the annual Dewey Beach tree lighting along Rt. 1 at Fifer’s market on Saturday, Nov. 29. Festivities start at 5:30 p.m. and include local businesses offering food and drinks along with the lighting.
Out & About
DC Center announces annual Thanksgiving program
‘Our food programs are about more than just meals’
The DC Center for the LGBT Community will launch its “Annual Thanksgiving Food Program” on Thursday, Nov. 27.
This program, alongside several ongoing initiatives, will ensure that D.C.’s queer community has nourishment, dignity, and connection year-round. Beyond the Thanksgiving holiday, the Center continues its commitment to food access through several vital programs.
The Free Food Pantry, supported by Wegmans Food Market, provides shelf-stable essentials, available to anyone in need. The Food Rescue Program, in partnership with Food Rescue DC, offers ready-to-eat meals while helping to prevent food waste. In collaboration with Hungry Harvest and MicroHabitat, the Fresh Produce Program distributes seasonal fruits and vegetables weekly through a simple lottery registration. Additionally, the Farmers Market Program, in partnership with Food For Health and AHF, brings locally sourced produce directly to the community each month, promoting healthy eating and supporting local growers.
“Our food programs are about more than just meals, they’re about nourishment, connection, and care,” said Kimberley Bush, executive director of the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. “In these uncertain times, we are proud to stand with our community and ensure that every person, regardless of circumstance, feels seen, supported, and fed, because everyone deserves a place at the table.”
For more information about the Thanksgiving Program or ongoing food initiatives, please visit thedccenter.org or email [email protected].
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