Out & About
Calendar: July 12-18
Concerts, parties and events in the week to come

Friday, July 12
GAMMA meets tonight at Luther Place Memorial Church (1226 Vermont Ave., N.W.) at 7:30 p.m. It’s a peer support group for gay and bisexual men who have been or are currently in relationships with women. The group meets every second and fourth Friday of the month. They also have meetings in Vienna, Va., and Frederick, Md. For more information, visit gammaindc.org.
The Backstreet Boys play Capital One Arena (601 F St., N.W.) tonight at 8 p.m. With the iconic boy band reuniting back in 2012 and producing a new album, the “DNA World Tour” will feature new songs along with the classics like “I Want It That Way.” Baylee Littrel, son of country artist Brian Littrel, will open. Tickets start at $39.50. To purchase, visit ticketmaster.com.
Saturday, July 13
The D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) offers its monthly Arty Queers event today from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Every month the center provides local LGBTQ artists the opportunity to showcase and sell their artwork at the indoor market with items such as paintings, pottery, jewelry and clothing. It occurs every second Saturday until December. Art space is available to purchase for $20 per table. Any interested artists are encouraged to email [email protected].
The 9:30 Club (815 V St., N.W.) presents its LGBTQ dance party BENT tonight at 10 p.m. For the first time, a rapper will be featured by the name of DDm. He is a Baltimore native whose sound includes aggressive raps, animated beats and big personality. He’s opened for people such as Big Freedia and Cupcakke. Tickets are $20. To purchase, visit ticketfly.com.
Sunday, July 14
Channel Devereaux and her team of drag queens host a drag brunch today at 11 a.m at Nellie’s Sports Bar (900 U St. N.W.). Participants will enjoy an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet along with a free mimosa or bloody mary. Featured brunch items will include roast pork, vegetarian pasta, cheesy grits and seasonal fruit. Tickets are $41.91. Visit eventbrite.com to purchase tickets.
The D.C. Area Transmasculine Society (DCATS) is hosting a nonbinary transition meetingtoday at Whitman-Walker Health (1525 14th St., N.W.) at 5 p.m. Members will discuss AFAB (assigned female at birth) nonbinary social and medical transitioning. Along with the discussion there will be a binder exchange and a needle/syringe exchange. These meetings are “open to those who are AFAB but believe this is inaccurate or incomplete description of themselves.” For more information, visit dcats.org.
Monday, July 15
Sew Queer returns with its most popular class “My Gender Is Pockets” at the Lemon Collective (808 UpshurSt., N.W.) this evening at 6:30 p.m. This version of the class will focus on the inseam pocket which is particularly good for skirts. It’s a bring-your-own-skirt event but all other materials like sewing machines and fabric will be provided. This is a beginner level class and is open to all genders. Tickets are $30. Visit eventbrite.com to purchase.
The GenderPro Summit begins today at Norma Lee and Morton Funger Hall (2201 G St., N.W.) at George Washington University starting at 9 a.m. The Global Women’s Institute is in partnership with UNICEF to host the summit and will serve as the culmination of the GenderPro Capacity Building course. The week will include speakers and panelists from a variety of backgrounds and fields. This is a free event and all panels are open to the public. For more information, visit genderpro.gwu.edu.
Tuesday, July 16
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
The Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance (GLAA) of Washington has its monthly meeting at the D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) tonight at 7 p.m. Visit glaa.org for more details.
Wednesday, July 17
The legendary Puerto Rican artist Jennifer Lopez performs at Capital One Arena (601 F St., N.W.) tonight at 8 p.m. Fans can expect the“It’s My Party Tour” to be filled with “a nonstop party mix of Jennifer’s new and classic anthems, showstopping choreography and dancers, dazzling wardrobe” and more according to a press release.This will be her first North American tour in six years and will feature some of the World of Dance stars to open and provide workshops in exclusive packages. Tickets start at $49. For information and to purchase tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.
Bookmen D.C. meets at the D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W.) tonight at 7:30 p.m. The informal men’s gay literature group will discuss “The Gay Revolution: The Story of the Struggle” by Lillian Faderman. They meet every first and third Wednesday of the month. Participants do not have to commit to attending every meeting or reading each book the group reviews. For more information, visit bookmendc.blogspot.com.
Thursday, July 18
Thirst Trap Thursday’s are back tonight at Pitchers D.C. (2317 18th St., N.W.) from 11 p.m-12:30 a.m. Hostess Venus Valhalla picks local talent to be showcased each night. Shows are held every Thursday and alcohol is available for purchase. For more information, visit pitchersbardc.com.
Goethe-Institut Washington (1990 K St., N.W.) will present its Kino-Q series tonight at 6:30 p.m. The series includes showing films from Germany and North America that highlight aspects of queer rights movements followed by an expert-led discussion. Tonight they’ll be showing part one of “The AIDS Trilogy,” “Silence=Death” directed by Rosa von Praunheim. Joanne Sincero and Randy Pumphrey, long-time Whitman-Walker Health staffers, will answer questions. For more details, visit goeth.de/washington.
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.
