Out & About
Calendar: July 19-25
Parties, shows and more in the week to come
Friday, July 19
The 9:30 club (815 V St., N.W.) hosts the “Beyonce vs. Rihanna” summer dance party tonight starting at 9 p.m. In an artist-for-artist, track-for-track music showdown, DJ Mills will be dropping Beyonce tracks while Craig B will be spinning Rihanna tunes. Tickets start at $15 and are limited to six per customer. For tickets and information, visit ticketfly.com.
The Chinatown Block Party “Words Beats & Life” continues tonight and every Friday from 5-8 p.m. through Aug. 9 in the Chinatown Park (I St. N.W.). Attendees can enjoy live performances while exploring a host of free activities including graffiti art, DJing, double dutch, mega chess, a dance workshop and more. The Chinatown Block Party is part of the Discover Chinatown Parks programming series supported jointly by the Downtown D.C. Business Improvement District and the Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs. For more information, visit eventbrite.com.
Saturday, July 20
The Kennedy Center (2700 F St. N.W.) presents “NSO Pops: Apollo 11: A 50th Anniversary – One Small Step, One Giant Leap” tonight starting at 9 p.m. In collaboration with NASA, the National Symphony Orchestra celebrates 50 years since the 1969 moon landing with a concert hosted by Meredith Vieira and Adam Savage. Emil de Cou conducts with performances and appearances by Pharrell Williams, LeVar Burton and more. The evening also includes a never-before-seen video of David Bowie performing “Space Oddity” live on his 50th birthday. Tickets start at $29. Visit kennedy-center.org for more information.
Red Bear Brewing Company (209 M St., N.E.) presents its Drag Show Extravaganza hosted by Desiree Dik tonight from 9 p.m. Performers include Leronica Vargas, Nadia Cole, CAKE and Bombalicious Eklaver. Desiree and Bombalicious also co-host Drag Bingo every second and fourth Tuesday at Red Bear Brewing, which is free to play and open to the public. Tonight’s performance starts at 9 sharp. Look for the event on Facebook for more information.
Sunday, July 21
Frederick County Public Schools hosts its annual LGBTQ and allies family picnic today from 4-7:30 p.m. at the Pavilion in Nottoway Park (9601 Courthouse Rd., Vienna, Va.). Bring your own meat or vegetables to grill and the district will provide the charcoal and two grills. Children are welcome to this family-friendly event, which includes volleyball for teens at 5 p.m. Look for the event on Facebook for more information.
The Miss Gay Maryland United States Icon yearly competition continues today from 4-11:59 p.m. when D’Marje hands her title over to the new winner. The event takes place at Baltimore Eagle Night Club and Bar (2022 N Charles St., Baltimore) and competition categories include presentation (non-judged), evening gown, Americana runway and talent. Look for the event on Facebook for more information.
Monday, July 22
Wicked Bloom Social Club (1540 North Capitol St., N.W.) presents “Wicked Bloom Mondays” this evening from 5-10 p.m., featuring entertainment by DJ Mim, whose repertoire includes an eclectic mix across multiple musical genres. The venue is a cozy bar serving craft cocktails and offering a globally inspired bar menu. For more information, visit wickedbloomdc.com.
Tuesday, July 23
The Latino GLBT History Project and Nellie’s Sports Bar (900 U St., N.W.) present Drag Bingo for D.C. Latinx Pride tonight at 7 p.m. The Latino GLBT History Project is a non-profit volunteer-led organization founded to respond to the critical need to preserve Latinx LGBTQ History and promote tolerance and acceptance of the community by the public. For more information, visit nelliessportsbar.com.
Wednesday, July 24
The Lambda Bridge Club meets tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Dignity Center (721 8th St., S.E.) across from Marine Barracks for duplicate bridge. No reservations are needed and newcomers are welcome. For more information or if you need a partner, phone 202-841-0279.
The Hate-Bias Task Force Meeting presented by the D.C. Anti-Violence Project and hosted by the D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W., Suite 105) takes place tonight from 7-8:15 p.m. The task force is a collaboration of agency and community partners in the District and focuses on addressing the needs of various affinity groups in the city in combating hate-bias crimes. The group facilitates the efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for D.C. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
Thursday, July 25
Reel Affirmations presents “Queer Japan” tonight from 7-9 p.m. at Landmark Theaters E Street Cinema (555 11th St., N.W.). This documentary explores the lives of LGBTQ people living in Japan to include activists, manga artists, drag queens, dancers, party planners and politicians. It shares their lives and stories in a world that frequently ignores them. “Queer Japan” offers an intimate look into the everyday triumphs and struggles of being a sexual minority in modern Japan. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
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.
Out & About
DJs to hold panel discussion on music, identity
Featured artists include DJ Chord, Tezrah and Jake Maxwell
Promethean Fundraising will host “Circuit Music: A LGBTQ+ Cultural Identifier,” an exclusive panel featuring influential LGBTQ DJs in the music industry, on Thursday, May 29 at 7 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBTQ Community (1828 Wiltberher St., N.W.).
The event will provide a unique opportunity for attendees to engage with these groundbreaking artists as they share their journeys, discuss the cultural significance of circuit music, and explore how music can serve as a platform for advocacy and empowerment within the LGBTQ+ community. The featured artists are DJ Chord, Tezrah and Jake Maxwell.
This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
New doc chronicles gay hero’s journey from rape to forgiveness
Murdered Israeli embassy officials were supporters of D.C.’s LGBTQ synagogue
US hate groups fuel anti-LGBTQ rights movement in Africa
Delaware marriage equality bill advances out of committee
PHOTOS: Helen Hayes Awards
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
