Arts & Entertainment
Ben Platt to perform at GLAAD Media Awards

Actor and singer Ben Platt will perform at the GLAAD Media Awards in New York City next month.
GLAAD announced on Wednesday that the Tony-winning “Dear Evan Hansen” actor and star of Netflix’s “The Politician” will be singing as part of the New York ceremony, which is the 31st annual presentation of the awards, taking place at the Hilton Midtown on Thursday, March 19.
Platt, in addition to his acting on stage and screen, is an Atlantic Records recording artist who released a critically acclaimed debut album (“Sing To Me Instead”) in March of 2019. He has been nominated for a Golden Globe for his role on Ryan Murphy’s “The Politician,” which is also nominated for a GLAAD Media Award this year. He is currently filming season two of the show.
The LGBTQ media advocacy organization also announced that comedian Jaboukie Young-White (“The Daily Show with Trevor Noah”), the cast of FX’s “Pose,” and actress Emily Hampshire (“Schitt’s Creek”) will be among the special guests for the evening.
As previously announced, GLAAD will honor award-winning actress, producer, and activist Judith Light with the Excellence in Media Award, and award-winning screenwriter, producer, and director Ryan Murphy will receive the Vito Russo Award. Lilly Singh, openly bisexual executive producer and host of NBC’s “A Little Late with Lilly Singh,” will host the ceremony.
In addition, the organization will be presenting Taylor Swift with its Vanguard Award, and Janet Mock with the Stephen F. Kolzak Award, at a second ceremony in Los Angeles on Thursday, April 16.
GLAAD also announced previously that Special Recognition honors will be bestowed to Netflix’s “Special,” and for pioneering LGBTQ journalists Mark Segal and the Blade’s own Karen Ocamb.
The GLAAD Media Awards honor media for fair, accurate, and inclusive representations of LGBTQ people and issues. This year, over 175 nominees will be competing in 30 categories, including the returning category for Outstanding Broadway Production.
For a full list of nominees for the 31st Annual GLAAD Media Awards, click here.
The LGBTQ organization Lambda Legal held its annual “Lambda Legal in the Pines” fundraiser on Saturday, July 25. The event was held at a house on Fire Island featured in Ryan Murphy’s 2014 HBO film, “The Normal Heart.”
Organizers say over $500,000 was raised to support Lambda Legal’s national litigation and advocacy work.
(Photos by Santiago Felipe)














Out & About
Come showcase your singing, poetry talent
Spark Social open mic night planned for Aug. 13
Spark Social will host “Open Mic Night” on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m.
Get ready to share your talent or just kick back and enjoy some great performances. This event is a fun, laid-back vibe where everyone’s welcome to take the stage. Sign-ups are first-come, first-served, but you can also DM Spark Social 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. More details are available on Eventbrite.
Friday, July 31
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at DIK Bar. 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.
Saturday, August 1
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.
Sunday, August 2
“Black Gay Flea: Summer Kickback” will be at 12 p.m. at Wunder Garten. This is a space created to celebrate Black LGBTQ+ creatives, artists, makers, entrepreneurs, and the community that shows up for them. Come spend the afternoon shopping with local vendors, discovering new brands, supporting small businesses, and connecting with people from across the DMV. More details are on Eventbrite.
Monday, August 3
“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” 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 information, contact Adam ([email protected]).
Tuesday, August 4
The DC Anti-Violence Project will host “Soul Centered” at 7 p.m. at Thurst Lounge. This is not a dating event in the traditional sense. It is a space to meet kindred spirits, future collaborators, mentors, friends, or maybe someone who reminds you of what’s possible. Romance may happen, but it’s not the expectation. For more details, visit DCAVP website.
Wednesday, August 5
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.
Center Aging Women’s Social & 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. To register, visit the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s website.
Thursday, August 6
The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the Center. 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 Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breath work 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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