Out & About
Calendar: June 21-27
Events in the week to come
Friday, June 21
The 18th Street Singers will close their season with“Ties that Bind: Music Traditions from Around the World” tonight at the National City Christian Church (5 Thomas Circle, N.W.) at 8 p.m. In this spring concert series, singers will “highlight classical and folk traditions to explore musical cross-currents that infuse and connect us all.” The group is a classical chorus that seeks to redefine the genre by performing a diverse selection to draw in a younger and wider audience. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit eventbrite.com.
Queer Girl Movie Night is hosting its June screening tonight at Republic Restoratives (1369 New York Ave., N.E.) tonight from 7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. The selected film will focus on the representation of queer womxn in film although the title has not been revealed yet. This is a monthly event featuring different films and seeks to create established inclusive places for queer womxn. It’s free and open to all ages.
Saturday, June 22
Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs will host its second annual District of Pride event at the Lincoln Theatre (1215 U St., N.W.) tonight at 7 p.m. The event will consist of queer artists from the area along with a special appearance by Rayceen Pendarvis, the Empress of Pride and the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington. The office advises the Mayor and D.C. government on the needs of the LGBTQ residents through technical assistance and training. The event is free but registration is required. For more information and to register, visit districtofpride2019.eventbrite.com.
The D.C. Reunion Project presents Thriving with HIV today at the Milken Institute (950 New Hampshire Ave., N.W.) from 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. The event is “a local experience for long-term survivors” living anywhere in the D.C. Metropolitan area and includes a continental breakfast and lunch. The Reunion Project “hosts one-day summits around the country, and is led by a National Steering Committee made up of people living with HIV.” Registration is free and confidential. For more information and to register, visit dcreunionproject2019.eventbrite.com.
Sunday, June 23
Geek Nite Out will host a “Getting Buzzed at Drag Brunch” event at St. Arnold’s Cleveland & The Abbey (3433 Connecticut Ave., N.W.) today at 11 a.m. Before going to see “Toy Story 4,” attendees can enjoy a “one of a kind drag brunch.” The show starts at 12:30 p.m. but the group will leave around 1:10 p.m. to see the movie at the AMC Loews Uptown 1 (3426 Connecticut Ave., N.W.). Geek Nite Out is a group for people looking to meet new people and sometimes do “extremely geeky things.” For reservations, visit starnoldsmussel.com.
Dragon’s Breath Yoga (3423 14th St., N.W.) will start its Queer Yoga and Snacks event today from 2-4:30 p.m. The event will consist of 90 minutes of yoga followed with time to meet new people and build connections. Coordinators would like the event to be reccuring every fourth Sunday afternoon and are willing to expand. Tickets are $10 and participants are advised to bring snacks to share. To purchase tickets, visit clients.mindbodyonline.com.
Monday, June 24
The Songbyrd Music House & Record Cafe (2477 18th St., N.W.) will host an Autostraddle Meetup with queer trivia tonight at 7 p.m. Autostraddle is an online community for lesbian, bisexual and queer women that’s the “most popular lesbian website.” Donations are being accepted and will go to Sylvia Rivera Law Center. To make a donation, visit eventbrite.com.
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton is celebrating pride at Red Bear Brewing (209 M St., N.E.) tonight from 7-8 p.m. She’ll be there to discuss issues concerning the LGBTQ and D.C. community. Congresswoman Norton is a strong supporter of the Equality Act and has recently introduced a bill to ban discrimination of LGBTQ jurors in local D.C. court. To register, visit eventbrite.com.
Tuesday, June 25
A “POSE” viewing party will be held at the D.C. Eagle (3701 Benning Rd., N.E.) tonight at 10 p.m. This is a weekly event that allows attendees to watch the hit show with two flatscreens. “POSE” is a drama spotlighting the legends, icons and ferocious house mothers of New York’s underground ball culture, a movement that first gained notice in the 1980s. The show was also recently renewed for a third season. To RSVP, visit eventbrite.com
Desiree Dik will host drag bingo tonight at 7 p.m. at Red Bear Brewing (209 M St., N.E.). Four games will be played for prizes followed by a drag show. Its free to play and games are held every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. For more information, visit redbear.beer.
Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo will play tonight at the Wolf Trap (1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, Va.) at 7 p.m. The concert will open with Liz Phair and Melissa Etheridge performing their own hits like “I’m The Only One” and “Why Can’t I?” Other songs that will be performed are “Hit Me with Your Best Shot” and “Love Is a Battlefield.” Tickets start at $35 and doors open at 5:30 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit wolftrap.com.
UFCW Outreach and NOVA Pride at Work present their Pride movie night event tonight with a screening of “Milk” at 6 p.m. at NOVA Labor (4536 John Marr Dr., Annandale, Va.). “Milk” is a biopic of slain elected official Harvey Milk. For more information, call Frank at 571-278-6186.
Wednesday, June 26
United Night Out 2019 will be hosted by Federal Triangles Soccer Club tonight from 6-10 p.m. at Audi Field (100 Potomac Ave., S.W.). D.C. United is celebrating its ninth annual Pride Night and a portion of ticket sales supports the club and Team D.C. The first 500 people to purchase tickets through its website will receive a D.C. United pride themed koozie. Gates open at 5 p.m. and tickets are $30. To purchase tickets, visit offer.fevo.com.
The Lambda Bridge Club meets at the Dignity Center (721 8th St., S.E.) tonight at 7:30 p.m. The club will be playing duplicate bridge games and newcomers are welcomed. The group hosts games every first and third Wednesday of the month and serves gay bridge players. No reservation is required. To find a partner, call 202-841-0279.
NLGJA-D.C., a local LGBT journalism group, has a Pride happy hour tonight at 6 p.m. at Nellie’s (900 U St., N.W.). Members are non-members are welcome. Look for the event page on eventbrite.com for details.
Thursday, June 27
Reel Affirmations XTRA presents “Rafiki” at Landmark’s E Street Cinema (555 11th St., N.W.) tonight at 9 p.m. Rafiki is a movie about the love story between two young women in a country that still criminalizes homosexuality and forces them to choose happiness or safety. Reel Affirmations XTRA is The D.C. Center’s monthly film series that “keeps LGBTQ images and life stories on the foreground of the Arts and Culture scene.” Tickets are $14. To purchase, visit dccenter.org/events/rafiki.
Peak Unlimited LLC is hosting an Evaluate & Elevate Business Forum today from 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn Fairfax (3950 Fair Ridge Dr., Fairfax, Va.). The event will feature panelists who will evaluate issues within businesses and provide recommendations for elevation. Peak Unlimited LLC provides “exceptional practical training, brand and business audits. Tickets start at $50. To purchase, visit eventbrite.com.
Friday, May 23
“Center Aging Monthly Luncheon and Yoga” will be at 12 p.m. in person at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. For more details, email [email protected].
Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity and/or expression. For more details, email [email protected].
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at DIK 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, May 24
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar and 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 Mixer will be at 11 a.m. on Zoom. This is a support group dedicated to the joys of being a Black lesbian. For more details, email [email protected].
Sunday, May 25
“The Queen’s Table: A Women’s Empowerment Brunch” will be at 11 a.m. at Zooz. This event will celebrate queer women’s strength. For more details visit Eventbrite.
Monday, May 26
“Center Aging Monday Coffee and Conversation” 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 details, email [email protected].
Tuesday, May 27
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 you’re not 100 percent cis — this is your group. For more details, visit genderqueerdc.org or Facebook.
Coming Out Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This support group is a safe space to share experiences about coming out and discuss topics as it relates to doing so. For more details, visit the group’s Facebook.
Wednesday, May 28
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 thedccenter.org/careers.
Thursday, May 29
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. To be fairer 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 with Charles M. 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.
Out & About
Documentary about Blade reporter to premiere this month
Panel discussion to follow ‘Lou’s Legacy’ screening
“Lou’s Legacy: A Reporter’s Life at the ‘Washington Blade’” will premiere on Thursday, May 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library.
This new documentary from Emmy-nominated D.C. filmmaker Patrick Sammon tells the story of the legendary Blade news reporter, Lou Chibbaro Jr., as he works on an article about the return of drag icon Donnell Robinson – also known as Ella Fitzgerald — to the Capital Pride stage.
The documentary follows Chibbaro as he works on a story about Ella’s triumphant return to the Pride stage after three years away because of COVID. Donnell and Chibbaro reflect on their careers and discuss the ongoing backlash against the LGBTQ community, including laws targeting drag performers.
After the screening, there will be a panel discussion moderated by D.C. journalist Rebekah Robinson and featuring Blade Publisher Lynne Brown. This event is free and more details are available at the DC Public Library website.
Friday, May 16
“Center Aging Friday Tea Time” will be at 2 p.m. in person at the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s new location at 1827 Wiltberger St. NW. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more details, email [email protected].
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena. 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.
Trans Genderqueer Game Night will be at 6 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This will be 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.
Saturday, May 17
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 Support Group 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 for LGBTQ People of Color, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.
Sunday, May 18
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Pride Kickoff FunDay Social” at 4 p.m. at Moxy. This event is ideal for making meaningful new connections and informal community building. Or just to unwind and enjoy the group happy hour. Fabulous people from all over the world are expected and nametags will be provided. This event is free to attend and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Art with Tosca will host “Queer Icons & Trailblazers: An Art Tour for World Pride DC 2025” at 2:00p.m. at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. This will be an unforgettable exploration of LGBTQ+ history, identity, and artistic expression at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery. Celebrate the vibrant history and culture of the LGBTQ+ community through compelling portraits and groundbreaking works that highlight the power of queer artistry. Tickets cost $48 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Monday, May 19
“Center Aging Monday Coffee & Conversation” 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 details, email [email protected].
“Pickets, Protests and Parades Exhibit Tour” will be at 7 p.m. at Freedom Plaza. This exhibition honors the courage, resistance, and resilience of D.C.’s LGBTQ+ community. Tickets start at $10 and are available on Eventbrite.
Tuesday, May 20
Center Bi+ Roundtable Discussion 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. For more details, visit Facebook or Meetup.
Wednesday, May 21
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 thedccenter.org/careers.
Center Aging Women’s Social and Discussion Group will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older LGBTQ+ women can meet and socialize with one another. We will have discussion, activities, and a chance for you to share what you want future events to include. For more details, email [email protected].
Thursday, May 22
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 with Sarah M. 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.
DC Anti-Violence Project Open Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. These are open meetings, and we would love to see anyone who is interested in learning more and getting involved in lessening violence both within and directed towards the LGBT communities. For more details, visit Facebook and Twitter.
‘Things Like This’ embraces formula and plus-size visibility
Calendar: May 23-29
Comings & Goings
New doc chronicles gay hero’s journey from rape to forgiveness
Murdered Israeli embassy officials were supporters of D.C.’s LGBTQ synagogue
Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C
WorldPride events round-up
Pope Leo XIV: Family based on ‘stable union between a man and a woman’
Wes Moore signs HIV decriminalization bill
