Out & About
Calendar: Nov. 1-7
Parties, performances and events in the week to come
Friday, Nov. 1
The Arlington Gay and Lesbian Alliance First Friday Social is tonight from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Pinzimini (801 North Glebe Road, Arlington, Va.). LGBT and allies are welcome to enjoy cash bar drinks in a relaxing atmosphere. No cover charge. For more information, visit agla.org/social.
Going Underground hosted by Dupont Underground (19 Dupont Circle, N.W.) is tonight from 7-10 p.m. Guests are encouraged to wear culturally bright costumes in celebration of a “Day of the Dead” theme. Featuring music by Lucy Black Entertainment and DJ Tezrah, and an after party across the street at Doyle. Tickets start at $50 on eventbrite.com.
Desiree Dik’s Slay Them Dead! drag competition tonight from 9-11 p.m. at Red Bear Brewing (209 M St., N.E.). Everyone is invited to sign up for tonight’s “Day of the Dead” event. Winners receive $50 and a chance to co-host and perform in a future event with Desiree Dik at Red Bear. Top performers from each event to battle for the Slay Them crown and a cash prize. More information at redbear.beer.
Qrew: Halloqween starts tonight at 10 p.m. at Songbyrd music house and Record Cafe (2477-2475 18th St., N.W.). The event will feature costumes, dancing and music by Tezrah. Admission is free before 11 p.m. and $10 after for this 21-and-up event. Tickets and information at songbyrddc.com.
Fright Night: A Queer Pan-African Halloween Party is tonight at 10 p.m. at Black Cat (1811 14th St., N.W.). Tickets are $10 online at at the door. DJs include Kryptik, Muse(o)fire and Naiome. This event is celebrates queer black and brown identity as well as the spirit of Halloween with costumes and music. For information and tickets, visit eventbrite.com.
Saturday, Nov. 2
Cornhole for a Cause is today at 11 a.m. at JR.’s Bar (1519 17th St., N.W.). Hopefully JR.’s will have its licensing issues worked out by then. Rogue Sports and Stonewall Kickball are co-sponsors of this charity tournament to benefit SMYAL. Entry fee is $50 per team of two. Fee includes 15 percent off at Hank’s Oyster Bar, 15 raffle tickets and more. Proceeds support SMYAL’s services for local LGBT youth. More information at smyal.org/event/cornhole-for-cause.
“Kid Prince and Pablo,” a modern retelling of Mark Twain’s “The Prince and the Pauper,” will be performed today at 1:30 p.m. at the Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.). Tickets are $20 for this sensory-friendly performance that is welcoming to family members with autism or other sensory sensitivities. Following the show, children can ask talk one-on-one with performers. Tickets and information at kennedy-center.org.
“Rise Up: LGBTQ Rights, Then and Now” presented by the Georgetown University Gender and Justice Initiative and the Newseum is today from 2:30-4:30 p.m. at the Knight TV Studio (555 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.). It’s free to attend with a Newseum admission. A panel of experts including Sandy James, a FreeState Justice trans rights attorney, and Connor Cory, a Whitman-Walker Health LGBTQ immigration attorney, among others will discuss LGBT history and challenges with a focus on transgender rights. Visit newseum.org for more information.
World Stages: The Manganiyar Seduction will be performed today at 2 and 8 p.m. at the Eisenhower Theater of the Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.). Tickets start at $19. This show brings together singers and musicians from the Rajasthani deserts to perform traditional Manganiyar music in a “Hollywood Squares”-style visual format. Tickets and information are available at kennedy-center.org.
Tula’s Halloween Cabaret and Disco is tonight at 8 p.m.at the BlackRock Center for the Arts (12901 Town Commons Dr., Germantown, Md.). An evening of cabaret-style drag performances is followed by an all-night dance in the Grand Foyer Disco. Admission starts at $25. Disco-only tickets are $15. More information available at blackrockcenter.org.
Sunday, Nov. 3
ArtRave, an art and fashion collective in D.C., kicks off its 9th annual ensemble of emerging and established designers today from 11-5 p.m. (1514-1518 P St., NW). Also includes handmade crafts, farm fresh products and more. For more information, visit artravedc.com.
Drag Brunch Sundays hosted by RedRocks H Street (1348 H St., NE) is today starting at 11 a.m. Each show is an hour long and features different performers throughout the D.C. area. Visit redrockshstreet.com or Facebook events for more information.
Go Gay D.C. hosts “Speed Friending” today from 5-7 p.m. at the Embassy Row Hotel (2015 Massachusetts Ave., NW). At this platonic take on “speed dating,” attendees are paired up with strangers for multiple rounds of casual, friendly conversations. Attendance is free. More information and registration at eventbrite.com.
Sunday Cruise is every week at the D.C. Eagle (3701 Benning Rd., NE). Drink specials include $10 and $12 bottomless beer mugs and more. Guests are welcome to enjoy drinks and cigars on the patio. For more information, visit dceagle.com.
Monday, Nov. 4
2018 Beltway poetry Grand Slam Champion Jael Benjamin hosts open mic night tonight at Busboys and Poets (625 Monroe St., N.E.) at 9 p.m. $5 cover. Seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis. Performances by professional spoken word artists, open mic rookies, musicians and more. A different person hosts each week. Visit busboysandpoets.com for more information.
Tuesday, Nov. 5
Life, Time and People magazine photographer David Burnett delivers an artist’s talk tonight from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Smithsonian American Art Museum (8th and G St., N.W.). An award-winning photojournalist, Burnett has photographed every American president since Kennedy and has documented wars, revolutions and music icons. Meet and greet follows talk. Free tickets available at asmpdc.org.
Wednesday, Nov. 6
L Word Trivia is tonight from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Board Room (925 B Garfield St., Arlington, Va.). Hosted by Katie Sosa. Admission is $15 and a portion of the proceeds benefit SMYAL. Visit eventbrite.com for tickets and information. The New Pornographers and Lady Lamb perform tonight at 8 p.m. at the Lincoln Theater (1215 U St., N.W.). Audiences will experience both power-pop riffs and folksy ballads in an eclectic evening of music. Tickets are $40. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. For tickets and information, visit ticketfly.com or the lincolndc.com.
Beach Blanket Drag Bingo is tonight from 8-10 p.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar (555 23rd St., S, Arlington, Va.). Free entry and prizes. Karaoke following Bingo. Featuring performances by Ms. Regina Jozet Adams, Ophelia Bottoms and Ashlee Jozet Adams. More information available at freddiesbeachbar.com.
Bookmen D.C., an informal men’s gay literature group, meets tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Cleveland Park Libery (3310 Connecticut Ave., N.W.) to discuss Martin Duberman’s “has the Gay Movement Failed?” All welcome. Details at bookmendc.blogspot.com.
Thursday, Nov. 7
First Thursdays Open Mic is tonight at A League of Her Own (2319 18th St., N.W.) from 8-10 p.m. Sign-ups start at 7:30 p.m., show starts at 8. Event features a welcome space for all to showcase their music, spoken word, stand-up comedy or other creative talents. More information on this event and more on Facebook events.
Just in time for the holiday season, the National Symphony Orchestra performs the “Nutcracker Suite” as part of an evening of classical works connecting music and dance. Show starts at 7 p.m. at the Concert Hall of the Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.). Tickets start at $15. Tango, ballet and Viennese waltz music also featured. Visit kennedy-center.org for more information.
Queer Tango Taster is tonight from 7-8:30 p.m. at Bloombars (322 11th St., N.W.). Cost is $20 for a single class. Discounted rates available for attendees. This is an all-levels class free from traditional gender norms and binaries. All are invited to this role-switching class with a variety of partners. Visit tangomercurio.org/outreach for more information.
Out & About
Trans Unity Coalition celebrates Pride with march, workshops
Organization to host rally at U.S. Capitol
Trans Unity Coalition, a transgender non-profit registered in multiple states, will host a series of Pride events to celebrate the resilience, beauty, and fierceness of D.C.’s queer community.
On, Sunday, June 15, the organization will host “U.S. Capitol Rally & White House March for Transgender Unity” at 9:30 p.m. starting at the U.S. Capitol. There will be speakers to discuss hope, strength, joy, collective pride, and what America’s transgender community needs to do going forward.
From Monday, June 16 to Friday, June 20, there will be an advocacy workshop hosted virtually. This virtual workshop will teach members lessons in advocacy, and how to independently engage with their elected officials. This is free to all who wish to gain these skills.
On Monday, June 23, there will be an all-day “Congress Lobby Day” at the U.S. Capitol. This is not a demonstration, but rather pre-scheduled meetings with members of Congress. The goal is to discuss the ongoing and emerging needs of America’s transgender community, build more networks with lawmakers, and empower attendees to learn engagement tools they can take with them going forward.
For more details about all the events, visit Trans Unity Coalition’s website.
Friday, June 6
“Center Aging Friday Tea Time” will be at 12 p.m. in person at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. For more details, email [email protected].
Pizza Diversity will host “Sip & Pizza Night – A Class For the Culture” at 6 p.m. at Penn Randall Place. This event is no gimmicks, just great pizza, real connection, and community. Tickets cost $92.55 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Saturday, June 7
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.
“World Pride Women, Sapphics, LGBTQ Rooftop Party” will be at 9 p.m. at Baby Shank Rooftop Bar and Lounge. This will be an exciting women’s party at World Pride! Celebrate love, dance to amazing beats by some of the nation’s hottest LGBTQ DJs. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.
Dance With Pride will host “WorldPride Weekend: Ultimate Pregame” at 7 p.m. at Ultrabar. This will be the ultimate LGBTQ+ pre-game destination. Get ready to ignite your evening with infectious energy, dynamic beats, unforgettable performances, and an atmosphere that gets you ready for an unstoppable night of celebration and fun. Tickets start at $13.26 and can be purchased 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 the strives to be safe and judgment free. There are all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more details, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.
Sunday, June 8
Brandan Robertson will host a WorldPride book launch event for his book “Queer and Christian” at 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas Episcopal Church. This is a groundbreaking book exploring the intersection of queer identity and Christian faith. The event kicks off with Brandan Robertson preaching at the 10:30 a.m. service, followed by a dynamic discussion with Brandan, moderated by Rev. Thomas Bowen, former Senior Advisor for Public Engagement at the Biden White House, at 12 p.m. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, June 9
“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].
Tuesday, June 10
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/expression to join together in community and learn from one another. For more details, email [email protected].
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.
Thirst and Paint will host “Free Gay Sip and Paint” at 6:30 p.m. at Green Lantern. This is catered to the LGBTQ community. Allies are also welcome. Outlines and paint instructions will be provided as will the paint, canvas and brushes. Drinks are available from the private bar. With three hours of expressive painting, your night will be filled with creativity, sexiness and fun. Tickets cost $23.18 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Wednesday, June 11
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, June 12
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 Charles M. will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breath work, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.
Out & About
Justice-centered theater production comes to D.C.
Mexican Cultural Institute to host ‘La Golondrina’
The Mexican Cultural Institute will host “La Golondrina” on Friday, June 6 at 7:30 p.m. at its location on 2829 16th St. NW.
“La Golondrina” is a theater production that aims to elevate the conversation around hate crimes and the urgent need for dialogue and healing. It is also a powerful and deeply moving story that brings to the stage the emotional legacy of the Pulse nightclub shooting. The play explores that tragedy through an intimate encounter between two characters, Amelia (Luz Nicolás) and Ramón (Victor), whose connection unveils grief, love, and the enduring shadow of homophobia.
Tickets for this event are available on the Cultural Institute’s website.
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