Out & About
Calendar: Feb. 21-27
Parties, concerts and events in the week to come

Friday, Feb. 21
Bear Happy Hour is tonight from 5-10 p.m. at UPROAR lounge (639 Florida Ave., N.W.). D.C. Bear Crue: Bear Happy Hour celebrates 20 years with this 21-and-up weekly event and no cover charge. For more information on this and other events, visit uproarlounge.com.
Stop Banning Us: Wheat Pasting to Challenge Muslim & African Ban hosted by Justice for Muslims Collective is tonight at 7 p.m. at the Rayburn House Office Building (45 Independence Ave., S.W.). The event begins at Capitol Hill and moves out from there. For more information, visit justiceformuslims.org.
The ALT-Queer Party at Mixers bar (6037 Belair Rd., Baltimore) is tonight at 9 p.m. All are welcome to celebrate diversity and body positivity while dancing the night away.Visit mixersbaltimore.com for more information on this and other events.
Rough House hosted by Lemz is tonight at 10 p.m. at the Green Lantern (1335 Green Ct., N.W.). This lights off, hands-on dance party features music by Lemz and DJ Sean Morris. Cover is $5 and includes clothes check. For more information, visit greenlanterndc.com.
Saturday, Feb. 22
Drag Queen Story Hour with the D.C. Public Library is today from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Adams Morgan Community Center at the LINE Hotel (1770 Euclid St., N.W.). Visit eventbrite.com to register for this free, family-friendly event.
The GenOUT youth chorus’ Youth Invasion concert sings songs to inspire and celebrate LGBTQ pride today at 3 p.m. at Live! At 10th and G (945 G St., N.W.). General admission tickets are $25 on gmcw.org.
The Mardi Gras Parade at The Wharf (760 Maine Ave., S.W.) is today from 4-7 p.m. This festive parade features floats, a dance party with live music on District Pier and a fireworks finale. There will also be activities and crafts for kids. Visit warfdc.com for more information.
The D.C. Queer Theatre Festival’s Reading Series closes tonight at 7 p.m. with a staged reading of “We All Fall Down” by Esther Rodriguez at the D.C. Center (2000 14th St., N.W., Suite 105). A reception and discussion with the playwright follow the reading. Tickets are $10 at thedccenter.org.
Marc Anthony’s “Opus Tour” hits Capital One Arena (601 F St., N.W.) tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $59 on Ticketmaster. This award-winning Puerto Rican entertainer is also a 2009 Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Lifetime Achievement Award winner. For tickets and information, visit Facebook Events.
JOX at the Green Lantern (1335 Green Ct., N.W.), hosted by Matt Black Productions and featuring music by DJ UltraPup, is tonight at 9 p.m. The $8 cover includes clothes check and all night drink specials. More information on this and other events is available at greenlanterndc.com.
Sunday, Feb. 23
The Disney Princex Drag Brunch is today from noon-3 p.m. at Taqueria Del Barrio (821 Upshur St., N.W.). $25 tickets include an entree and mimosa. The public is invited to sing-a-long to Disney tunes with host Vagenesis and a cast of drag stars. Visit taqueriadelbarrio.com for details.
HRC at Barry’s Bootcamp (1345 19th St., N.W.) is today from 1:20-2:20 p.m. Tickets are $35 with a Barry’s Bootcamp account and renews your HRC membership for another year. For tickets and information, visit barrys.com/register.
Monday, Feb. 24
Jacob Tobia and Casey McQuiston authors of “Sissy: A Coming-of-Gender Story” and “Red, White and Royal Blue” converse with Roswell Encina of the Library of Congress tonight at 6 p.m. at the Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.). The public is invited to this free event which will be livestreamed at kennedy-center.org.
Celine Dion’s “Courage World Tour” takes the stage in Royal Farms Arena (201 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore) tonight at 7:30 p.m. This event features Dion’s musical legacy which includes iconic songs such as “My Heart Will Go On” from the mega-hit film “Titanic.” Visit ticketmaster.com for tickets and information.
Singing with the Sisters is a weekly karaoke night at the Green Lantern (1335 Green Ct., N.W.) tonight at 9 p.m. The public is invited to grab a drink and enjoy a few tunes with the D.C. Sisters, a drag nun order. For more information, visit greenlanterndc.com.
Tuesday, Feb. 25
“Sagan” by Dianne Kurys screens tonight at 7 p.m. at the French Embassy (4101 Reservoir Rd., N.W.). This film features the life of French author Francoise Sagan whose hedonistic lifestyle was almost as famous as her 1958 novel “Bonjour Tristesse.” Free tickets are available on frenchculture.org.
Drag Bingo is tonight at 7 p.m. at Red Bear Brewing (209 M St., N.E.). Host Desiree Dik invites guests to dress up in their best Mardi Gra gear to win prizes. For more information, visit redbear.beer.
A Democratic Debate Watch Party hosted by the Woman’s National Democratic Club (1526 New Hampshire Ave., N.W.) is tonight at 8 p.m. Free tickets are available at events.constantcontact.com.
Wednesday, Feb. 26
Action to Demand an End to MPP hosted by Project Lifeline is today from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the U.S. Capitol (1st St., S.E.). The public is invited to join legal and medical professionals in signing and delivering to Congress an open letter calling for an end to the Migrant Protection Protocols also known as the “Remain in Mexico” policy. Visit actionnetwork.org for more information.
Jazz, Gender and Society with Terri Lyne Carrington is tonight at 7 p.m. at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (1400 Constitution Ave., N.W.). Carrington, a Grammy Award-winning drummer, composer and producer, discusses their work and activist music.Tickets are $30 at nmaahc.si.edu.
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. Call 202-841-0279 if you need a partner.
Thursday, Feb. 27
Reel Affirmations Xtra Presents “Unsettled: Seeking Refuge in America” at Landmark’s E Street Cinema (555 11th St., N.W.) tonight at 7 p.m. This documentary by Tom Shepard explores the stories of LGBT refugees and asylum seekers resettling despite increasing U.S. restrictions. For tickets and information, visit thedccenter.org.
Nashwa: Night of Middle East and North African Rhythms in D.C. presented by The Andalusian is tonight at 7:30 p.m. at La Pop D.C. (1847 Columbia Road, N.W.). Raqs Sharqi (belly dance) classes are followed by live music and open dancing. The cost is $10 and dancers are encouraged to bring a scarf to tie around their waists. Visit lapopdc.com and Facebook Events for details.
Metropolitan AME Church (1518 M St., N.W.) offers its conversation series The Family Room tonight at 6:30 p.m. when Dyllon Burnside (Ricky from “Pose”) will discuss the “expanding boundaries of blackness — the intersection of black and LGBT issues” with Darnell Moore, author of “No Ashes in the Fire.” Tickets are $40 on eventbrite.com. Deatils at thefamilyroomdc.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.
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