Photos

PHOTOS: The year in pictures

Highlights of 2019: historic Buttigieg candidacy, House passage of Equality Act and National Trans Visibility March

Published

6 years ago

January 5, 2020

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

2019 was a year of milestones: from Mayor Pete Buttigieg’s historic presidential campaign to the passage of the Equality Act in the United States House of Representatives to the first National Trans Visibility March.

Here are some of the top photos in the Washington Blade archive from the past year.

A candlelight vigil is held for Vongell Lugo on Jan. 11. Lugo was stabbed to death in his apartment in Northwest D.C. on Jan. 6.

Emerson Aniceto is named ‘Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather 2019’ on Jan. 20.

The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington performs its show ‘Working’ at Atlas Performing Arts Center on Feb. 9.

The Washington Blade holds its ‘2019 Most Eligible LGBT Singles party at Soundcheck on Feb. 9.

A group of LGBT asylum-seekers from Central America meet with Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton at Casa Ruby on March 26.

Mayor Pete Buttigieg (D-South Bend, Ind.) holds a fundraiser and rally at City Winery on April 4.

Famed auteur John Waters meets with the Blade at his Baltimore home on May 2.

Rep. David Cicilline (D-R.I.) speaks at a press conference near the U.S. Capitol on May 17 about the reintroduction of the Equality Act.

The National Center for Transgender Equality holds a rally at the White House on May 29 calling for the preservation of transgender health protections in the Affordable Care Act.

The Blade holds its second annual ‘Pride on the Pier’ celebration on June 8 with a fireworks show sponsored by Compass.

The Blade holds a panel discussion for ‘LGBTQ Enterprising Women’ at Keegan Theatre on Aug. 21.

Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams celebrate their company’s 30 year anniversary on Sept. 12 at their 14th Street store in Washington, D.C.

New HRC President Alphoso David speaks with the Blade at the Human Rights Campaign Building on Sept. 24.

The National Trans Visibility March stretches along Pennsylvania Ave. on Sept. 28.

Out performer Ricky Martin speaks at the Human Rights Campaign National Dinner on Sept. 28.

Portions of the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt are unfurled at a ceremony at the Library of Congress on November 20.

Up Next

PHOTOS: Drag Bingo

Don't Miss

PHOTOS: Ten years in the LGBT movement

FUND LGBTQ JOURNALISM

Photos

PHOTOS: Black Pride Opening Reception

Durand Bernarr headlines program

Published

13 hours ago

May 24, 2026

Michael Key

Durand Bernarr performs at the 2026 DC Black Pride Opening Reception on Friday, May 22. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The DC Black Pride Opening Reception was held at the Westin DC Downtown on Friday, May 22. Grammy Award-winning artist Durand Bernarr was the headline performer. Comedian Anthony Oakes was the host. Speakers included Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson and Center For Black Equity President Kenya Hutton, as well as speakers from health organizations and sponsors. The event featured performances from Billy the Goat, Jay Columbus, Akeem Woods, Rue Pratt, Be Steadwell and Bennu Byrd.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

Photos

PHOTOS: Black Pride Pageant and Unity Ball

Back-to-back events held on first night of D.C. Black Pride

Published

1 day ago

May 23, 2026

Landon Shackelford

The 10th annual DC Black Pride Unity Ball was held at the Westin DC Downtown on Thursday, May 21. (Washington Blade photo by Landon Schackelford)

The Mr. and Miss DC Black Pride Pageant was held at the Westin DC Downtown on Thursday, May 21. Following the pageant, Black Pride events continued with the 10th annual DC Black Pride Unity Ball.

(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)