Out & About
Calendar: Oct. 18-24
Parties, shows and events in the week to come
Friday, Oct. 18
The Washington Blade 50th Birthday Gala is tonight from 6-10 p.m. at the InterContinental D.C., The Wharf (801 Wharf St., S.W.). The public is invited to join the Blade in celebrating five decades of LGBTQ journalism. Cocktails served at 6 p.m. Dinner and program begins at 7. Proceeds benefit the Blade Foundation’s charitable community work. For tickets and information visit blade50th.com.
AEG presents Bianca Del Rio’s 2019 “It’s Jester Joke” Tour tonight at 6:30 p.m. at the Lincoln Theatre (1215 U St., N.W.). Tickets start at $39.50. Doors open at 6:30, and the show starts at 8. Tickets and information are available at ticketfly.com.
LaFantasy Productions hosts its Superhero Underwear Party with Eliad Cohen tonight beginning at 10 p.m. at Saint Yves (1220 Connecticut Ave., N.W.). Tickets are $35 for this 21-and-up event. Featuring guest DJ Alex Acosta and warm up entertainment by Guy Lewis. Tickets and details at seetickets.us.
Tonight starting at 10 p.m. the Green Lantern (1335 Green Ct., N.W.) hosts Rough House, a lights off, hands on dance party. $5 cover includes clothes check. Guest DJs Lemz and The Barber Streisand. For more information visit greenlanterndc.com.
Saturday, Oct. 19
The D.C. Chamber Musicians present a free concert today at 3 p.m. at the Western Presbyterian Church (2501 Virginia Ave., N.W.). Concert preceded by master classes at 2 p.m. which are open to the public. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Visit dccos.org for more information.
Tonight from 9-11 p.m. is Desiree Dik’s Horror Show at Red Bear Brewing (209 M St., N.E.). Featuring Bombalicious Eklaver, Magic Dyke, Skip Squealia Gilmour and special guest Rupaul’s drag race contestant Dax Exclamationpoint. More information at redbear.beer.
HER DC: The LockHer Room presented by HER App and Tagg Magazine is today from 2-6 p.m. at A League of Her Own (2319 18th St., N.W.). Tickets start at $15. This sports-themed dance party featuring DJ Mim is open to those identifying as cisgender lesbians, nonbinary and their trans brothers and sisters. Allies can purchase an ally ticket. Visit eventbrite.com for tickets and information.
Tasting Tour of Delaware is tonight from 6:30-8 p.m. at Cooter Brown’s Twisted Southern Kitchen and bourbon Bar (70 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Del.). Guests are invited to meet at a new spot each month to sample regional foods and drinks with new friends. More information at delawarepride.org.
Pride Bowling is 7-9 p.m. at Bowlerama (3031 New Castle Ave., New Castle, Del.). Cost is $14 per bowler with two hours of bowling and free shoe rental included. Pay the Delaware Pride rep. for special pricing. For more information, visit delawarepride.org.
Sunday, Oct. 20
The 2019 SMYAL Fall Brunch is today from 10:30 a.m to 2 p.m. at D.C.’s Marriott Marquis (901 Massachusetts Ave., N.W.). SMYAL’s premier fundraising event includes a cocktail reception, silent auction, three-course brunch and a chance to hear from LGBT community leaders. Tickets available at one.bidpal.net.
Bingo with the D.C. Sisters is today from 1-4 p.m. at Red Bear Brewing (209 M St., N.E.). Tickets are $20 for this 18-and-up event fundraiser for Casa Ruby. Price includes six rounds of bingo, each with a $100 cash prize, and a chance for a door prize. Other activities include a raffle, costume contest and more. Tickets and information at dcsisters.org.
Freddie’s Follies Drag Show is tonight at 8 p.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar and Restaurant (555 23rd St., Arlington, Va.). $5 cover. Showtime is 8 p.m. sharp. For more information, visit freddiesbeachbar.com.
Monday, Oct. 21
LGBTQ Affirming / Safe Space Yoga is tonight from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Norfolk LGBT Life Center (248 W 24th St., Norfolk, Va.). All body types and all yoga levels, including beginners, are welcome. For more information, visit lgbtlifecenter.org.
It’s Pride Monday tonight at The Underground (408 W Main St., Lansdale, Pa.) starting at 7 p.m. Admission is free to this dance party to kick off the week. More information available at Philadelphia.eventful.com.
Tuesday, Oct. 22
Tonight is Game Night from 6-8 p.m. at the Norfolk LGBT Life Center (248 W 24th St., Norfolk, Va.). The community is invited to a night of fun and friendly competition in an affirming space. For more information, visit lgbtlifecenter.org.
The newly formed Loudoun Chapter of PFLAG invites the lgbt community and allies to participate in a monthly community group meeting every 4th Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. at the Crossroads United Methodists Church (43454 Crossroads Dr., Ashburn, Va.). Meetings are free. Register at eventbrite.com.
Wednesday, Oct. 23
The Virginia Film Festival begins today throughout Charlottesville and includes numerous LGBT films as part of the lineup. Venues include Common House (206 West Market St.), Culbreth Theater (University of Virginia drama building, 109 Culbreth Rd.), Jefferson School African-American Heritage Center (233 4th St., N.W.) and more. For tickets and a film list, visit virginiafilmfestival.org.
Lesbians Got Talent! FABS Open Mic Night is tonight from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at XX+ Crostino (1926 9th St., N.W.). Guests are invited to sing, play an instrument, perform poetry, share a story or otherwise showcase their talent in a supportive environment. More information at facebook.com/xxcrostino.
Thursday, Oct. 24
The Rocky Horror Show LGBTQ+ Night Out is tonight from 6-10 p.m. at the Bucks County Playhouse (70 south Main St., New Hope Pa.). Pre-show party at The Mansion Inn Bar (9 South Main St., New Hope, Pa.) at 6 p.m. serving cocktails and light fare. Live show starts at 7:30 at the playhouse. More information at newhopecelebrates.com.
Book Talk: Friends of Dorothy hosted by the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center (522 W. Maple St., Barnard Rustin Way, Allentown, Pa.) tonight from 6-8 p.m. A book signing by author Dee Michel and a dessert reception will follow. Visit bradburysullivancenter.org for more information.
AfroQueer — Black LGBTQ Immigrants in America hosted by Rayceen Pendarvis is tonight from 7-9:30 p.m. at the Human Rights Campaign (1640 Rhode Island Ave., N.W.). This exploration of the intersections of culture, sexuality and gender is free and open to the public. Register at teamrayceen.eventbrite.com.
Thirst Trap Thursdays Drag Show continues tonight at 11 p.m. with host Venus Valhalla at Pitchers D.C. (2317 18th St., N.W.). Every Thursday guests can enjoy a cocktail and queer entertainment starting at 11 sharp. More information at pitchersbardc.com.
Live Your Life Thursdays hosted by Derek Delequa is tonight from 10-11 p.m. at Pure Flavor Hookah Lounge (228 W 9th St., Wilmington, Del.). Tickets start at $10. A Delaware Pride sponsored event. Visit delequashow.com for more information.
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.
Adams Morgan queer bar broken into and vandalized
‘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
Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C
WorldPride events round-up
Wes Moore signs HIV decriminalization bill
Marjorie Taylor Greene’s bill to criminalize gender affirming care advances
