Out & About
Calendar: Nov. 15-21
Parties, events and the observation of Transgender Day of Remembrance among this week’s highlights
Friday, Nov. 15
LGBTQ Youth Friday is tonight from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Manassas Park Community Center (99 Adams St., Manassas Park, Va.). Facilitators lead queer and trans-centered programming and a chance for queer youth to meet in an affirming environment. Email program organizer Tony Thomas [email protected] for more information.
The Annual Womxn’s Party presented by The D.C. Center and Center Women is tonight from 7-10 p.m. at The Outrage (1722 14th St., N.W.). Standard admission is $25 and includes one drink ticket. Cash bar, complimentary food and a silent auction with proceeds to benefit support and social programming at The D.C. Center. All genders welcome. For tickets and information, visit thedccenter.org.
The 2019 International LGBTQ Leaders Conference presents Women Out to Win, a “party with a purpose,” tonight from 7-10 p.m. in the Living Room D.C. (1008 Vermont Ave., N.W.). Attendees can engage with women leaders who make up 40 percent of all LGBTQ elected officials serving nationwide. Tickets start at $50 and are available at secure.everyaction.com.
Trans and Genderqueer Game Night is tonight from 7-9 p.m. at the D.C. Center. The third Friday of the month is a time for a relaxing, laid-back evening of games and fun in an inclusive environment. All are welcome. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
Blowout Baltimore hosted by Bombalicious Eklaver is tonight at 9 p.m. at the Grand Central Nightclub (1001 North Charles St., Baltimore). Music by top local DJs, provocative drag performances and an all-inclusive dance environment. Visit Facebook events and grandcentralclub.com for more information.
Saturday, Nov. 16
Female DJ Herstory VI: A Celebration of Women and Girls Who Spin presented by TMF1 Productions kicks off from 3-9 p.m. today at the Bravo Bravo (1001 Connecticut Ave., N.W.). Cost is $5 until 4 p.m. and $10 after. A celebration of female DJs spinning their own styles. More information at facebook.com/bravobravohh.
Freedom: An Evening of LGBTQ Storytelling presented by FreeState Justice is tonight from 7-10 p.m. at Baltimore Center Stage (700 North Calvert St., Baltimore). Eight LGBTQ storytellers share a glimpse into their worlds following the theme of freedom. Preceded by a cocktail hour featuring live music. Tickets are $10 on eventbrite.com.
What’s Your Rising Sign: A Deep Lez Dance Party hosted by Night Shift LGBTQ and Clifton Pleasure Club is tonight at 7 p.m. at the Clifton Pleasure Club (1725 Ponca St., Baltimore). Featuring DJ ReEduk8, GoGo dancers and drag king performances. No cover before 9 p.m. $10 after. Visit Facebook events for more information.
The Peach Pit ‘90s Dance Party is at 10:30 p.m. tonight at the DC9 (1940 9th St., N.W.). DJ Matt Bailer spins a new playlist of Peach Pit-approved ‘90s hits each month. Cost is $5 before midnight and $8 after for this 21 and up event. Visit dc9.club for more information.
District Queer Comedy Festival After-Party is tonight at 11 p.m. at the 18th and U Duplex Diner (2004 18th St., N.W.). Guests are invited to eat, drink and be merry with festival comedians. Proceeds benefit Casa Ruby. RSVP at comedicpursuits.com.
Sunday, Nov. 17
Bingo with the Sisters is today from 1-4 p.m. at Red Bear Brewing (209 M St., N.E.). The D.C. Sisters begin their monthly bingo at 2 p.m. sharp. $20 for six rounds, each with a $100 cash prize. Event includes a raffle, food and beverages for purchase, a “TV Land” costume contest and more. Proceeds benefit HIPS. Visit dcsisters.org for more information.
God Loves LGBT Asians hosted by the D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W., Suite 105) is today from 2-4 p.m. A workshop on religious acceptance for LGBT Asian American, South Asian, Southeast Asian and Pacific Islander communities. Visit thedccenter.org for more information.
The D.C. Concert Orchestra presents a free concert today at 3 p.m. at the Church of the Epiphany (1317 G St., N.W.). Program includes Farrenc Overture No. 1, Brahms Symphony No. 3 and more. Donations accepted. RSVP at dccos.org/performances.
Pretty Boi Drag Presents #SundayService tonight from 6-9 p.m. at Busboys and Poets, Brookland (625 Monroe St., N.E.). Tickets start at $20. This annual drag church event is a celebration of community through song, dance and performance, but not religion. Dress up and show out, but leave the Bibles at home. For more information, visit eventbrite.com.
Stomping Out Violence Against the LGBTQ Community is tonight from 6-9:30 p.m. at the Hyattsville Busboys and Poets (5331 Baltimore Ave., Hyattsville, Md.). This discussion presented by the Institute for the Prevention and Eradication of Violence and various agencies in the D.C.-area also features live entertainment, food and information sharing on violence prevention. Tickets are $25 on eventbrite.com.
Monday, Nov. 18
Singing with the Sisters weekly karaoke with the D.C. Sisters is at 9 p.m. tonight at the Green Lantern (1335 Green Ct., NW). Performances starts at 9:30 p.m. Happy hour prices run all night. Visit dcsisters.org for more information.
Tuesday, Nov. 19
The Queer Caucus Monthly Happy Hour hosted by the Metro D.C. Democratic Socialists of America is tonight from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Red Bear Brewing (209 M St., N.W.). Open to the public and membership is not required to socialize. For more information, visit mdcdsa.org.
Wednesday, Nov. 20
The Trans-Atlantic LGBT Business Dialogue is today from 3-5 p.m. at the Swiss Embassy (2900 K St., N.W.). A valid government ID is required for entry to this free event. The Scandinavian LGBT Chamber of Commerce, the Maryland LGBT Chamber of Commerce and the Equality Chamber of Commerce for the D.C. Metro Area host a joint panel talk with a networking reception at 5 p.m. Register at eventbrite.com.
The D.C. observation of the Transgender Day of Remembrance is tonight from 6-8:30 p.m. at Metropolitan Community Church of Washington (474 Ridge St., N.W.). This annual observation commemorates those who have been killed due to anti-transgender hatred and serves as a reminder that most anti-transgender murder cases remain unsolved. Visit thedccenter.org for more information.
Bookmen D.C., an informal men’s gay literature group, discusses Lillian Faderman’s “The Gay Revolution: The Story of the Struggle” tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W., Suite 105). All are welcome. More information at bookmendc.blogspot.com.
Thursday, Nov. 21
The Queer Book Club discusses “Destroy All Monsters” by Sam J. Miller tonight from 7-9 p.m. in the lounge of the D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W., Suite 105). Wine and snacks provided. For more information, look for the event on Facebook.
Opera Lafayette opens its 25th anniversary season tonight DETAILS with a performance of the 1683 work “Venus and Adonis,” a French-inspired chamber opera by composer John Blow and librettist Anne Kingsmill. It will be sung in English by leads Lea Desandre and Douglas Williams. Tickets range from $60-105. Details at operalafayette.com.
Out & About
A roundup of fall events not to be missed
Laverne Cox, Oktoberfest, arts celebrations, and more
Colder temperatures don’t mean you have to stay indoors — here’s a roundup of what to do this fall.
Laverne Cox will discuss her memoir, “Transcendent,” with Dr. Melanie Bryant on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. at Baltimore Book Fest. Cox will share her journey as a transgender woman in Hollywood, confronting childhood trauma, shame, gender identity, her transition, body image issues, her search for romantic love, deep-seated feelings of unworthiness, and ultimately, healing.
Dacha Beer Garden will launch its longest and loudest Oktoberfest yet on Friday, Sept. 18. This will be 17 consecutive days of Bavarian festivities across both locations — the original Shaw beer garden and the 800-person Navy Yard garden — running through Sunday, Oct. 4. On opening night, DC Brau will tap the ceremonial first keg and then Manuela Horn, the six-foot-two Austrian yodel queen, will trade sets with Johnny Koenig and his four-piece band in a live back-and-forth of yodeling, polka, and crowd games that can only be described as Oktoberfest ping pong.
Fay Jacobs will host “Aging Gracefully: 2nd Annual Farewell Tour” on Friday, Oct. 9 and Saturday, Oct. 10 at CAMP Rehoboth Community Center. This show will feature a new script with lots of new stories, and only a couple of “signature” tales.
Capital One Center will host its “Celebration of the Arts” starting on Saturday, Sept. 19 at its location in Tysons, Va. There will be art, music, food trucks, local vendors, and family-friendly outdoor entertainment. This curated experience invites you to engage with hands-on workshops, immersive art activations, and live performances. More details are available on Eventbrite.
Spark Social will host “open Mic Night” on Thursday, Oct. 8 at 8 p.m. Get ready to share your talent or just kick back and enjoy some great performances at Spark Social. Sign Ups are first-come-first-serve,, but you can also message the venue on Instagram to reserve a performance spot. Whether you’re a singer, poet, or comedian, this is your chance to get on stage and share your art. Tickets are $13.26 and are available on Eventbrite.
Howard University’s School of Social Work will host “Intergenerational Trauma in the BIPOC Community and the Use of Art” on Thursday, Sept. 17 at 3 p.m. This in-person, interactive workshop explores the role of art as a creative and supportive tool for understanding and addressing intergenerational trauma. Participants will examine the meaning and impact of intergenerational trauma, with particular attention to its historical roots and ongoing effects within Black and other BIPOC communities. More details are available on Eventbrite.
9:30 Club will host “BERTHA: Grateful Drag” on Thursday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. The group has partnered with PLUS1 so that $1 from every ticket sold goes to SMYAL and their work supporting and empowering LGBTQ+ youth. Tickets are available on 9:30 Club’s website.
Steve Lacy’s “Oh Yeah?” tour is coming to The Anthem on Sunday, Oct. 18 at 6 p.m. Tickets are available on The Anthem’s website.
Rapper Cupcakke will perform at Howard Theatre on Sunday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. More details are available on the theater’s website.
Team DC will host “Open Play: A Celebration of LGBTQ+ Athletes and Sports Fans” on Saturday, Oct. 10 at 6 p.m. at Trade. Join Athlete Ally, Team DC and District Wrestling for a casual, in-person mixer as they celebrate LGBTQ+ sports fans and athletes at all levels of the game. Whether you’re part of an LGBTQ+ recreational league or just love watching sports, this is the place to connect, celebrate, and share the love of the game with other queer athletes, fans, business leaders, policymakers and more. Reserve a spot on Eventbrite.
The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will host “2026 LGBT Intergenerational Extravaganza” on Sunday, Sept. 20 at 12 p.m.This is an event to connect, build relationships, and have fun with LGBTQ folks from other generations, and it will include lunch, an intergenerational dialogue and breakout sessions. More details are available on Eventbrite.
Out & About
LGBTQ Military Happy Hour set for Sept. 15
In-person gathering to be held at Tom’s Watch Bar
Modern Military Association of America will host “Pride in Service: An LGBTQ+ Military Happy Hour” on Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 4 p.m. at Tom’s Watch Bar.
This in-person gathering is the perfect chance to connect, share stories, and celebrate the diversity within the military community. Come relax, meet fellow LGBTQ+ service members and allies, and enjoy a fun, supportive atmosphere. Don’t miss out on an evening full of pride, camaraderie, and good vibes. Visit Eventbrite for more details.
Friday, September 11
Go Gay DC will host “Out in DC LGBTQ+ Community Social” at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena.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, September 12
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.
The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will host screenings of “Princess Sparkles” and “Kiloran Bay” at 1:30 p.m. “Kiloran Bay” is a 13-minute musical short set amid the wild beauty of the Scottish Hebrides and the fierce joy of a wedding cèilidh. “Princess Sparkles” is about a girl who accidentally signs up to pet-sit a princess only to discover she’s actually a nippy, Fox News-watching pig. More details are available on the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s website.
Sunday, September 13
“Nellie’s DC Drag Brunch” will be at 12 p.m. at Nellie’s Sports Bar. Come get served like a queen by a queen. Join Sapphire Blue, Deja Diamond and their team of amazing drag performers for the most fun you’ll have all weekend. Tickets are $58.51 and are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, September 14
“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10:00a.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, September 15
Center Bi Pan+ Roundtable 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. Visit Facebook or Meetup for more information.
Wednesday, September 16
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.
The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will host “Movement for Healing” at 3 p.m. This trauma- and yoga therapy–informed class is designed to help guests gently reconnect with their body and their breath. Through mindful movement, somatic awareness, and grounding practices, guests will explore how to release tension, increase mobility, and cultivate a deeper sense of safety and ease within. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Thursday, September 17
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC LGBTQ+ 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 LGBTQ+ Community Center’s website.
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