Out & About
Calendar: Sept. 13-19
Performances, parties and events in the week to come
Friday, Sept. 13
The D.C. Center Fall Reception is tonight from 7-10 p.m. at the Warner Building (1299 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.). Tickets start at $50. This is the Center’s signature fundraising event and contributions ensure programming continues for all the D.C. area LGBT community. The reception celebrates 15 years of service as well as a return to the rooftop space at the Warner building. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
The Alamo Drafthouse (15200 Potomac Town Place, Suite 100, Woodbridge, Va.) is screening “Friday the 13th (1980)” for 24 hours starting at 10 p.m. tonight. Return to Camp Crystal Lake, shuttered for over 20 years due to several vicious and unsolved murders, now home to a new owner with seven frisky, young counselors. Enjoy a prime Kevin Bacon, as counselors and staff re-open the camp despite warnings from the locals. What could go wrong? For tickets and a vintage trailer, visit drafthouse.com.
Saturday, Sept. 14
Arty Queers, D.C.’s LGBTQ Art Market, is open today from 11a.m.-5 p.m. at the D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W., suite no.105). This monthly indoor market features original artwork for sale including paintings, pottery, photography, jewelry and more. All art is created by local LGBT artisans and displayed in the heart of the U street corridor. Art space is available for $20 per table, and interested artists should visit thedccenter.org for more information.
Drag Picnic hosted by Brooklyn Heights is today from 12:30-3 p.m. at Pitchers D.C. The event is every second and fourth Saturday of the month and showtime is promptly at 1 p.m. Performances by Brooklyn Heights and other D.C. area favorites. Reservations can be made at pitchersdc.eventbrite.com.
The Harmonizers fall show “The Circle of Life” is tonight fro 4-6:30 p.m. at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center (4915 East Campus Drive, Alexandria, Va.). This annual event is a journey through Broadway hits, featuring 2015 Barbershop Harmony Society International Quartet Champions “Instant Classic” and the multi-award winning Sweet Adelines quartet, “GQ.” Prices are $35 for general admission tickets and $100 for premier seating. For more information, visit harmonizers.org.
The 2019 Baltimore Drag Festival hosted by Ryan Butler, Josh Kohn and Micah E. Wood starts tonight at 7 p.m. at the Creative Alliance (3134 Eastern Ave., Baltimore). Baltimore’s first-ever drag festival includes vendors, fun, community and drag performances. Headliners include Sabrina White, Karmella and Iyana Deschanel. General admission tickets are $15, $12 for members and $15-18 at the door. VIP tickets are $25, $22 for members. More information at creativealliance.org.
Rave Room featuring Tama Gucci, hosted by Friends with Benefits Radio, is tonight at 10 p.m. Tickets start at $13. Location to be sent by email shortly after purchase.Tama Gucci, a pioneer of R&B and drum and base fusion is the first featured artist of this event series featuring old-school rave, hardcore, breakbeat, hard techno and more. Tickets available at residentadvisor.net or $20 at the door.
Sunday, Sept. 15
The Maryland Renaissance Festival (1821 Crownsville Road, Annapolis, Md.) hosts a Celtic Celebration today from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tickets are $27 for ages 16-61 and $12 for 7-15. Today attendees can enjoy music and merriment with a Celtic flare as they enjoy entertainment throughout the village. For tickets and information, visit rennfest.com.
Monday, Sept. 16
La Ti Do presents Sarah Anne Sillers from 8-10 p.m. tonight at Le Mirch (1736 Connecticut Ave., N.W.). LTD, winner of the D.C. Metro theater arts special award and named Broadway World D.C.’s best cabaret, presents an evening of Jazz performances by Sara Anne Sillers and spotlight feature, Eric Brooks. Guest performers include Rebecca Cooley, Hannah Gilberstadt, Erin Granfield, Michael Santos Sandoval and more. Hosted by Don Michael Mendoza and Anya Randall Nebel. General admission is $20 at the door. More information available at brown paper tickets.com.
Tuesday, Sept. 17
The Sapphire Sapphos: 40 Years Later is tonight 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Shaw library (1630 7th St., N.W.). Founded in late 1979, this group was D.C.’s first ongoing political, social and cultural group for black lesbians. A panel discussion features past president Tania Abdulahad as she and former members reflect on the organization’s cultural and historical significance. The event is free and open to all but space is limited. Register on eventbrite.com.
The B-52s – 40th Anniversary Tour with guests Orchestral Manoevers in the Dark and Berlin starts at 8 p.m. tonight at The Anthem (901 Wharf St., S.W.). These three chart-topping ’80s bands will thrill fans with hits including the B-52’s “Love Shack,” OMD’s “If You leave” and Berlin’s “Take My Breath Away.” Tickets and information on ticketmaster.com.
Wednesday, Sept. 18
The DC9 (1940 9th St., N.W.) hosts Astronomy on Tap tonight. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Show starts at 8 and features professional astronomers giving short, engaging talks, prize giveaways and merchandise, including exclusive pint glasses and t-shirts, available for a small donation. Line up includes “How Stars Live and Die” by Liz Landau of the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, “Astronomy on a Rocket” by Nick Thomas of the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, “Jupiter Exposed” by Rahul Patel of CNA Corporation, space-inspired songs by Liz Landau, astronomy bingo, and rooftop stargazing, weather permitting. For more information, visit dc9.club.
Thursday, Sept. 19
LGBT! #ShowUp4DC is today from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Rayburn House Office Building, and is hosted by the D.C. Center, Capital Pride, DCHomos, Go Gay D.C., HRC and the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs. This event is to support H.R. 51, the D.C. Statehood Bill, scheduled for hearing today. Supporters state Congress made statehood an LGBT issue when blocking needle exchange programs and medical marijuana during the early days of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Current D.C. Council legislation facing possible Congressional interference include LGBT Older Americans and Older People with HIV Act and the Gay and Trans Panic Defense Bill. Visit showup4dc.com for more information.
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.
The Blade may receive commissions from qualifying purchases made via this post.
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.
Campaign launched to elect more LGBTQ candidates to ANC seats
Gay librarian to discuss new novel at Green Lantern
Calendar: July 10-16
Gay Fla. Democrat Elijah Manley sees opportunity in Trump’s second term
Ron Singer, owner of popular Mount Vernon gay bar Leon’s, dies
In Trump’s divided America, Michael Weinstein’s AHF responds
Turkish authorities refuse to allow gay cruise to dock in country
When a church fears the rainbow
PHOTOS: Crush Dance Bar
