Out & About
Calendar: Feb. 7-13
Parties, performances and events in the week to come
Friday, Feb. 7
Tonight is District 1st Friday: 80’s and 90’s Bash hosted by Davon Hamilton Events and the Green Lantern (1335 Green Ct., N.W.) at 10 p.m. This underwear dance party features music by DJ Honey, GoGo dancers and more. The $10 entry includes clothes check. For more information, visit greenlanterndc.com.
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performs tonight at 7 p.m. at the Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.). Tickets start at $49 for this show which is layered in African-American cultural history. The show runs until Feb. 9. For dates and other details, visit kennedy-center.org.
Go Gay D.C. hosts a First Friday Happy Hour Social tonight at 7 p.m. at The Commentary in Westin Arlington Gateway (801 N. Glebe Rd., Arlington, Va.). Everyone is welcome. For more information, visit meetup.com/gogaydc.
D.C. Center Womxn, a free monthly peer drop-in group to share, connect and build community among black lesbians, is tonight at 7 p.m. at the D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W., Suite 105). For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
Saturday, Feb. 8
“More than Friends: The Queer Chesapeak in the 18th, 19th and 20th Centuries,” a presentation by Dr. Christopher Mielke, is today at 10 a.m. at the Historic London Town Visitor Center in Edgewater (839 Londontown Rd., Edgewater, Md.). Visit rainbowhistory.org for more information.
Night of 100 Elviras is tonight at 7 p.m. at Ottobar (2549 N. Howard St., Baltimore). Halloween comes early to the home of the Ravens as guests are invited to don their little black dresses and big black wigs. The evening features music by cover bands A Date with Elvira and the Universal Donors. Tickets start at $10 on Eventbrite.
Freeballers hosted by DJ Back2back and the Green Lantern (1335 Green Ct., N.W.) is tonight at 10 p.m. Everyone is invited to wear their sweats, athletic shorts, jeans and other comfies to dance the night away. There is no cover and drink specials run all night. For more information, visit greenlanterndc.com.
Lights out, Barks out D.C. is tonight at 9 p.m. at The D.C. Eagle (3701 Benning Rd., N.E.). Cover is $5 in advance and $10 at the door. The event is hosted by LOBO D.C., an inclusive group encompassing the spectrum of gender, sexuality, race, age and kink communities. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.
Avalon Saturdays and D.C. Takeover present KINETIC with DJ Dan Slater tonight at 10 p.m. at Soundcheck (1420 K St., N.W.). Tickets are $25 on Eventbrite. This event features an opening set by TWiN and $4 Absolut drinks until midnight. A portion of door proceeds will be donated to The Cherry Fund which provides financial support for nonprofits serving the LGBTQ community. For details, visit soundcheckdc.com.
Sunday, Feb. 9
The 24th Annual Iranian Film Fest: An Abbas Kiarostami Retrospective is today at 1:30 p.m. at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art (1050 Independence Ave., S.W.). This traveling retrospective was organized by Janus Films and is co-presented with AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center and the National Gallery of Art. For more information, visit asia.si.edu.
Nonbinary Experiences, a discussion for transmasculine and nonbinary folks assigned female at birth hosted by the D.C.-area Transmasculine Society, is today at 5 p.m. at Whitman-Walker Health (1525 14th St., N.W.). A meeting for partners of nonbinary and transmasculine folks will be held at the same time and location, but in a neighboring room. Visit dcats.org and Facebook events for more information.
Queer/Trans Fusion Dance: Queer Artist and Anniversary Night is tonight at 6 p.m. at A League of Her Own (2319 18th St., N.W.). QT Fusion Dance celebrates their three-year anniversary with music by queer artists and lessions in Blues and West Coast Swing with queer instructor Jo-Nicole Pollard. Lessons are $10 or free to event volunteers. Visit Facebook events for details.
Monday, Feb. 10
“Gay Like Me” author Richie Jackson will be at Politics and Prose at The Wharf (70 District Square S.W.) tonight at 7 p.m. Jackson’s book about the LGBTQ struggle is framed as a letter to his son who came out to him at 15. This event is free and seating is available on a first come, first served basis. For more information, visit politics-prose.com/wharf.
Songs for SMYAL: Broadway Karaoke for a Cause is tonight at 8 p.m. at Mr. Henry’s (601 Pennsylvania Ave., S.E.). Proceeds from this event, hosted by That’s Our Cue, benefit SMYAL which empowers D.C.-area LGBTQ youth. To make a donation, visit that-s-our-cue.secured.atpay.com.
Tuesday, Feb. 11
Beyond Gatsby: The Fabled Gardens of Long Island’s Gold Coast is today at 5:30 p.m. at the Hillwood Museum (4155 Linnean Ave., N.W.). Landscape architect CeCe Hadock delves into the history and landscape design of a spot that was once a favorite retreat of the rich and famous. For more information, visit hillwoodmuseum.org.
Valentine Drag Bingo is tonight at 7 p.m. at Red Bear Brewing (209 M St., N.E.). Desiree Dik hosts an evening of holiday drag entertainment and free bingo. Scheduled are four games in two hours with prizes each round and a drag performance. Visit Facebook Events and redbear.beer for more information.
Wednesday, Feb. 12
The Fallout Shelter Tour is today at 2:30 and 3:15 p.m. at Hillwood Museum (4155 Linnean Ave., N.W.). Built in the 1960s, Marjorie Post’s fallout shelters are on display for a public tour. For more information, visit hillwoodmuseum.org.
The D.C. Boys of Leather February Happy Hour is tonight at 6 p.m. at the Green Lantern (1335 Green Ct., N.W.). The D.C. Boys are getting friendly in a casual, low-pressure environment with an opportunity for newbies to meet members in a safe, inclusive and diverse environment. More information is available at greenlanterndc.com.
The Big Gay Book Group meets tonight at 7 p.m. at Trios Bistro (1537 17th St., N.W.) to discuss “The Fourth Courier” by Timothy Jay Smith. A straight, white FBI agent and a gay black CIA officer team up to solve a murder in this 1992 international thriller set in Poland. All are welcome. Email [email protected] to RSVP.
The Lambda Bridge Club meets tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Dignity Center (721 8th St., S.E.) for duplicate bridge. No reservations are needed and newcomers are welcome. Phone 202-841-0279 if you need a partner.
Thursday, Feb. 13
Preschool Series: Treasure Quest is today at 10:30 a.m. at the Hillwood Museum (4155 Linnean Ave., N.W.). Preschoolers and parents are invited to explore a new mansion room each week and discover hidden gems and treasures that glitter and sparkle. For more information, visit hillwoodmuseum.org.
Single Tingle: A Singles Happy Hour for LGBTQ Womxn hosted by LezLink Social Club is tonight at 6 p.m. at A League of Her Own (2319 18th St., N.W.). This event is a happy hour space dedicated to local LGBTQ womxn looking to mix and mingle. Visit Facebook events for free tickets and more information.
Migrant Justice Movie Night: United in Anger is tonight at 7 p.m. and is hosted by the Metro D.C. Democratic Socialists of America (2309 18th St., N.W.). The film is a history of activism during the height of the AIDS epidemic and was made by the people on the front lines. For more information, visit mdcdsa.org.
D.C. Lambda Squares holds its club night tonight (and every Thursday) at 7:30 p.m. at National City Christian Church (5 Thomas Circle). Details at dclambdasquares.org.
Out & About
Gay librarian to discuss new novel at Green Lantern
Gareth Carter to speak at ‘Cocktails, Chaos & Controversy’ fundraiser
Librarian, novelist, and advocate for intellectual freedom Gareth Carter will talk about his debut novel, “The Misadventures of Don Kee Dong & Phillip Mihol,” on Sunday, July 12 at 4 p.m. at Green Lantern Bar.
The event, titled “Cocktails, Chaos & Controversy” is a fundraiser for the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center Library and will celebrate queer storytelling, libraries, and Carter’s new novel.
The event will combine humor, conversation, and community. In addition to being on hand to sell and sign books, Carter will share his own journey from librarian to novelist, discuss the state of public libraries in an era of book banning, and his own challenges with one group, which served as the genesis for this novel, the first in his International Men of Mystery series.
For more details, visit Carter’s website.
The Blade may receive commissions from qualifying purchases made via this post.
Friday, July 10
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 6 p.m. at Freddie’s. 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, July 11
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.
“Reel Affirmations XTRA: Washington DC’s International LGBTQ+ Monthly Film Series” will present “Bookends” at 11:30 a.m. at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. “Bookends” is a touching love story, free popcorn, soft drinks, and conversation with your community. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Sunday, July 12
“Duet: A Curated Sapphic Karaoke Dating Experience” will be at 5 p.m. at Muzette. This event is designed for single queer women and sapphics ages 35+ who are looking to meet potential romantic partners in a relaxed, low-pressure environment. For more details, visit Eventbrite.
Monday, July 13
“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]).
Genderqueer DC will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a support group for people who identify outside of the gender binary, whether you’re bigender, agender, genderfluid, or just know that you’re not 100% cis. For more details, visit genderqueerdc.org or Facebook.
Tuesday, July 14
Coming Out Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a safe space to share experiences about coming out and discuss topics as it relates to doing so — by sharing struggles and victories the group allows those newly coming out and who have been out for a while to learn from others. For more details, visit the group’s Facebook.
Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This event 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].
Wednesday, July 15
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.
Thursday, July 16
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC LBTQ+ 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 Center’s website.
Friday, June 26
Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This event 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].
DC Bird Alliance will host “Second Annual Ride for Pride” at 9 a.m. at the Yards Marina. This event is for celebrating community, belonging, and our shared connection to nature. Together, we’ll enjoy a guided one-hour boat ride departing from The Yards Marina, exploring the river’s wildlife, history, and ongoing restoration. Along the way, participants may spot Ospreys, herons, egrets, cormorants, Bald Eagles, turtles, and other species that call the Anacostia home. For more details, visit Eventbrite.
Saturday, June 27
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.
“Sunshine: A Sapphic Pride Day Party” will be at 1 p.m. at Spark Social. This is a patio party for queer women & sapphics 35+. For more details, visit Eventbrite.
Sunday, June 28
Trap Laughsss Pride Comedy Night will be at 7 p.m. at Sid’s Gold Request Room. This in-person event is where comedy meets Pride, bringing you hilarious performances that’ll have you rolling in the aisles. Whether you’re here to celebrate or just enjoy some fantastic jokes, this night is all about fun, community, and laughs. Don’t miss out on the best comedy bash around! More details are on Eventbrite.
Monday, June 29
“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, June 30
The DC Center for the LGBTQ+ Community will host a screening of “Swann Queen” at 7 p.m. This is a short film by Lcedeño Miller inspired by the true story of William Dorsey Swann – considered one of the world’s first drag queens. Billy Swann and their brother Dan are preparing to host their third masquerade ball. When the police raid the party, Billy must decide whether to run or resist. Swann Queen is a story about community, survival, and the legacy of LGBTQ+ resistance in Washington, D.C. Screening followed by conversation. For more details, visit the Center’s website.
Wednesday, July 1
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 www.thedccenter.org/careers.
Thursday, July 2
The DC Center for the LGBTQ+ Community’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 The DC Center for the LGBTQ+ Community’s website.
Aparna Raj expected to become second LGBTQ member of D.C. Council
New book reveals what we can learn from animal sex
Who might replace Lindsey Graham? The contenders and their LGBTQ records
PHOTOS: Westminster Pride
Un terremoto también se vive desde el exilio
Egyptian authorities refuse to allow gay cruise to dock in country
Ron Singer, owner of popular Mount Vernon gay bar Leon’s, dies
Gay Fla. Democrat Elijah Manley sees opportunity in Trump’s second term
Calendar: July 10-16
