Photos

PHOTOS: 2019 High Heel Race

Annual event held on Frank Kameny Way

Published

6 years ago

October 30, 2019

Michael Key

On left, ‘Dump Truck’ came in first in the 2019 High Heel Race. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The 33rd annual High Heel Race was held along Frank Kameny Way on 17th Street on Tuesday, Oct. 29.

Mayor Muriel Bowser was on hand to kick things off.

“We are the most gay-friendly jurisdiction anywhere in the United States,” she said. “We are diverse. We stand for inclusivity. And we have to make sure that every person is safe in our community and we all have a role to play.

“We have to make sure that we continue focusing on housing and employment so that every person, gay and straight, trans and everyone, has real opportunities in Washington, D.C. So tonight we celebrate the High Heel Race. And tonight we celebrate D.C. values. And tonight we celebrate our wonderful city.” (Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

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1 day ago

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Michael Key

Tatianna and Crimsyn host the drag show, Clash. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Crimsyn and Tatianna hosted the new weekly drag show Clash at Trade (1410 14th Street, N.W.) on Feb. 14, 2026. Performers included Aave, Crimsyn, Desiree Dik, and Tatianna.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

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Performers face homophobia, find community

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2 weeks ago

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Landon Shackelford

Four drag performers dance in front of an anti-LGBTQ protester outside the campus of James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va. (Blade photo by Landon Shackelford)

Drag artists perform for crowds in towns across Virginia. The photographer follows Gerryatrick, Shenandoah, Climaxx, Emerald Envy among others over eight months as they perform at venues in the Virginia towns of Staunton, Harrisonburg and Fredericksburg.

(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)

Photos

PHOTOS: SMYAL for the New Year

LGBTQ youth services organization holds annual fundraiser

Published

3 weeks ago

January 29, 2026

Michael Key

From left, SMYAL Executive Director Erin Whelan and journalist Ari Shapiro attend SMYAL for the New Year at Shakiki on Thursday, Jan. 22. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The LGBTQ youth services organization SMYAL held its annual fundraiser, ‘SMYAL for the New Year,’ at Shakiki (2012 9th Street, N.W.) on Thursday, Jan. 22.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)