Out & About
Calendar: August 23-29
Concerts, dance parties and family events coming soon
Friday, Aug. 23
Tonight is the National Trans Visibility March Benefit Concert from 7:30 – 9 p.m. at the Community Church of Washington D.C. (1405 15th St., N.W.). There will be musical groups, guest performers and members of the NTVM organizing team on hand to discuss this important event. Featured guests include the Seasons of Love ensemble of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington D.C., the Voices of the Community, the Levites and Devoted Alo Dance. For more information, visit the center.org.
The Birds of Prey Drag Show and Dance Party with DJ Honey is tonight starting at 10 p.m. at the DC Eagle (3701 Benning Road, N.E.). Compete in the amateur drag contest in the show for a chance at $50 and a future paid booking at the bar. Showtime is 10:30 p.m. The party is hosted by Brooklyn Heights and features performances by Sasha Adams Sanchez, Iyana Deschanel, Katrina Colby, Crystal Edge and more. Tickets start at $5 and are available on eventbrite.com.
Saturday, Aug. 24
End of Summer Eighties Mayhem Dance Party returns to Black Cat D.C. (1811 14th St., N.W.) tonight from 9 p.m.-2:15 a.m. Tickets start at $12. Dedicated to the music of the ’80s pop era, this event features DJ Steve EP, DC Missguided and Killa K. and is presented by FYM productions. Visit ticketfly.com for tickets and information.
Chef Mikko Catering (1636 R St., N.W.) celebrates the 17th Street Festival with a special menu featuring wine and beer specials and more. The festival has celebrated 17th Street and its diverse shops and restaurants since 2010 and runs today from noon-8 p.m. Visit Facebook events for more information.
Neverending Summer Drag Bingo is today from 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Orioles Nest 331 (1037 W. Patrick St., Suite A, Frederick, Md.). The event is presented by the Frederick Center and hosted by Miss Gay Maryland 2019, Chasity Vain and Chi Chi Ray Colby with music from DJ Sidekick. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and bingo begins at 1 p.m. Tickets are $35 in advance and $45 at the door. For more information about this 21 and up event, visit summerdragbingomatinee.eventbrite.com.
Annapolis Pride presents Summertime Drag Brunch at Rams Head on Stage (31 West St., Annapolis, Md.) today starting at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for this 16-and-over event. Annapolis Pride is a grassroots organization celebrating gay life by engaging local residents, businesses and groups to unite in welcoming and embracing diversity in Annapolis. Tickets and information are available at ticketfly.com.
The Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater (1101 Sixth St., S.W.) kicks off the 2019/20 season with a free 70th Anniversary Season Community Day and Props Sale today from 1-6 p.m. The event features a prop sale, performances from award-nominated tap dancer Leo Manzari and a behind-the-scenes Q&A with the Arena Stage production team. Also enjoy free activities for all ages, including live music, dance performances, face painting and more. For more information, visit arenastage.org/communityday.
A Night of Class with Dionne Warwick and special guests Peabo Bryson and Deniece Williams is tonight at 8 p.m. at DAR Constitution Hall (1776 D St., N.W.). Tickets start at $70. The entertainer famous for the AIDS benefit song “That’s What Friends Are For” will perform her career spanning catalogue during this special event. Tickets are available via ticketmaster.com.
Sunday, Aug. 25
FreeState Justice presents LGBT Family Day at the Maryland Zoo (1 Safari Place, Baltimore) today from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. LGBTQ-plus families, friends and allies are invited to meet at the Waterfowl Pavilion where there will be lawn games and other family-friendly activities, including a scavenger hunt and face painting. Proceeds benefit FreeState Justice’s services to Maryland’s LGBT community. For more information, visit FreeState-justice.org.
Gayborhood Night Piano Bar continues tonight from 5-8 p.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar (555 23rd St., S., Arlington, Va.). The event includes piano bar music with John Flynn, happy hour specials and a chance to meet LGBT neighbors and friends in a quiet atmosphere. Reserve a table online at opentable.com/freddies-beach-bar-and-restaurant.com.
Monday, Aug. 26
The touring companies of Disney’s “Aladdin” and “Dear Evan Hansen” invite guests to The Cast Party: a Fundraising Event tonight from 8-11 p.m. at Mr. Smith’s of Georgetown (3205 K St., N.W.). Throughout the event the cast of both shows will socialize with guests and perform some of their favorite songs. The one night only event is presented to raise money for Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS. Admission is a $10 suggested donation. For more information, visit mrsmiths.com.
Tuesday, Aug. 27
Sting, the Grammy-winning former lead singer of The Police, performs hits such as “Englishman in New York,” “Fields of Gold” and “Every Breath You Take” tonight at Wolf Trap (1551 Trap Road, Vienna, Va.) at 8 p.m. Sting is also a former headliner of 2017’s “Uprising of Love” concert benefiting LGBT rights worldwide. Tickets start at $55 and are available at wolftrap.org.
Wednesday, Aug. 28
The Big Gay Book Group meets tonight at 7 p.m. to discuss “Red, White and Royal Blue” by Casey McQuiston. This New York Times bestselling romance pairs the handsome First Son with the Prince of Wales as rivalry turns to friendship turns to something more. Book discussions take place at 1800 K street, suite 1000. RSVP to [email protected]. Newcomers welcome.
The Lambda Bridge Club meets tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Dignity Center (721 8th St., S.E.) for Duplicate Bridge. No reservations are needed and newcomers are welcome. Phone 202-841-0279 if you need a partner.
The American Society on Aging hosts “Understanding the Older LGBT Community and its Unique Needs” today from 1-2 p.m. at Rights at Home of Northern Virginia (8260 WillowOaks Corporate Dr., Suite 320, Fairfax, Va.). Learn the issues facing older LGBT populations and how they affect their ability to seek out services and report abuse. Sessions will describe the diversity of sexual orientations and gender identities and present findings from a recent needs assessment as well as identify actions to make care more LGBT-culturally competent. For more information visit asaging.org.
Thursday, Aug. 29
“Gone Fishin’” by Steve Langley opens tonight at 8 p.m. on the Silver Spring Stage (10145 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, Md.). A grieving father at his secluded fishing hole meets a stranger who forces him to face truths about a son he never really understood in an encounter that will change both of their lives forever. This performance is one of several one-act plays featured in the 2019 festival running until Sunday, Sept. 1. Tickets start at $22. For tickets and information, visit ssstage.org.
Out & About
Gay librarian to discuss new novel at Green Lantern
Gareth Carter to speak at ‘Cocktails, Chaos & Controversy’ fundraiser
Librarian, novelist, and advocate for intellectual freedom Gareth Carter will talk about his debut novel, “The Misadventures of Don Kee Dong & Phillip Mihol,” on Sunday, July 12 at 4 p.m. at Green Lantern Bar.
The event, titled “Cocktails, Chaos & Controversy” is a fundraiser for the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center Library and will celebrate queer storytelling, libraries, and Carter’s new novel.
The event will combine humor, conversation, and community. In addition to being on hand to sell and sign books, Carter will share his own journey from librarian to novelist, discuss the state of public libraries in an era of book banning, and his own challenges with one group, which served as the genesis for this novel, the first in his International Men of Mystery series.
For more details, visit Carter’s website.
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Friday, July 10
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 6 p.m. at Freddie’s. 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, July 11
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.
“Reel Affirmations XTRA: Washington DC’s International LGBTQ+ Monthly Film Series” will present “Bookends” at 11:30 a.m. at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. “Bookends” is a touching love story, free popcorn, soft drinks, and conversation with your community. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Sunday, July 12
“Duet: A Curated Sapphic Karaoke Dating Experience” will be at 5 p.m. at Muzette. This event is designed for single queer women and sapphics ages 35+ who are looking to meet potential romantic partners in a relaxed, low-pressure environment. For more details, visit Eventbrite.
Monday, July 13
“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]).
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 that you’re not 100% cis. For more details, visit genderqueerdc.org or Facebook.
Tuesday, July 14
Coming Out Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a safe space to share experiences about coming out and discuss topics as it relates to doing so — by sharing struggles and victories the group allows those newly coming out and who have been out for a while to learn from others. For more details, visit the group’s Facebook.
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].
Wednesday, July 15
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, July 16
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC LBTQ+ 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 Center’s website.
Friday, June 26
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].
DC Bird Alliance will host “Second Annual Ride for Pride” at 9 a.m. at the Yards Marina. This event is for celebrating community, belonging, and our shared connection to nature. Together, we’ll enjoy a guided one-hour boat ride departing from The Yards Marina, exploring the river’s wildlife, history, and ongoing restoration. Along the way, participants may spot Ospreys, herons, egrets, cormorants, Bald Eagles, turtles, and other species that call the Anacostia home. For more details, visit Eventbrite.
Saturday, June 27
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.
“Sunshine: A Sapphic Pride Day Party” will be at 1 p.m. at Spark Social. This is a patio party for queer women & sapphics 35+. For more details, visit Eventbrite.
Sunday, June 28
Trap Laughsss Pride Comedy Night will be at 7 p.m. at Sid’s Gold Request Room. This in-person event is where comedy meets Pride, bringing you hilarious performances that’ll have you rolling in the aisles. Whether you’re here to celebrate or just enjoy some fantastic jokes, this night is all about fun, community, and laughs. Don’t miss out on the best comedy bash around! More details are on Eventbrite.
Monday, June 29
“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]).
Tuesday, June 30
The DC Center for the LGBTQ+ Community will host a screening of “Swann Queen” at 7 p.m. This is a short film by Lcedeño Miller inspired by the true story of William Dorsey Swann – considered one of the world’s first drag queens. Billy Swann and their brother Dan are preparing to host their third masquerade ball. When the police raid the party, Billy must decide whether to run or resist. Swann Queen is a story about community, survival, and the legacy of LGBTQ+ resistance in Washington, D.C. Screening followed by conversation. For more details, visit the Center’s website.
Wednesday, July 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 www.thedccenter.org/careers.
Thursday, July 2
The DC Center for the LGBTQ+ Community’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the Center. 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, breath work and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the The DC Center for the LGBTQ+ Community’s website.
Political drama in Angie Craig’s Minn. Senate race heats up
Suzanne Goode wants efficient spending, better infrastructure for Rehoboth
Aparna Raj expected to become second LGBTQ member of D.C. Council
New book reveals what we can learn from animal sex
Who might replace Lindsey Graham? The contenders and their LGBTQ records
Egyptian authorities refuse to allow gay cruise to dock in country
Ron Singer, owner of popular Mount Vernon gay bar Leon’s, dies
Gay Fla. Democrat Elijah Manley sees opportunity in Trump’s second term
Calendar: July 10-16
