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Starker, sparer Pride season — guide to 2020 Pride weekend parties, events

No Justice protest one of few non-virtual events planned

Published

5 years ago

on

Pride events, gay news, Washington Blade
The first Blade Pride Webchat was held last week featuring reflections on panelist’s first Pride experiences. (Screencapture courtesy Blade)

Not quite as many of the dozens of parties and events that always heavily pepper Pride weekend in Washington with near-24/7 options are happening virtually as you might expect. It’s a starker, sparer Pride season this year with Black Lives Matter issues occupying more head space than the usual floats, drag queens, thongs and glitter.

There are a few, however:

Capital Pride #StillWe launches a virtual series of streamed events June and beyond through a partnership with The D.C. Center.

Programs include monthly online town halls, expanded resources available through its websites and a shared community calendar. Pride 2020 Reimagined includes new Pride month programming as well as ongoing virtual versions of the D.C. Center’s Reel Affirmations film series, Outwrite Literary Festival and more.

For more information and a listing of events, visit the Capital Pride and D.C. Center websites.

A series of groups led by No Justice No Pride plans its own counter-Pride programming this year with the D.C. Pride2020 March+Caravan on Saturday, June 13 at 2:30 p.m. at the Takoma Metro (327 Cedar St., N.W.) station for a black- and trans-centered march.

“In response to the continued terror that Black People face in D.C. and the lack of integrity displayed by Capital Pride — three years after hundreds of No Justice No Pride activists shut down the 2017 Capital Pride parade demanding a Police free Pride — NJNP among a coalition of community groups rooted in abolition is rejecting Capital Pride Alliances failed leadership and returning Pride to its roots — a protest against police violence,” organizers wrote on Facebook.

Its demands are: defunding D.C.-MPD, police-free schools, decriminalization of sex work, charges against protestors dropped, an end to cash bail in Maryland, no new jails in Washington and abolish prisons, a ban on stop-and-frisk, community investment, ICE-free Washington. Groups joining No Justice are HIPS, DeCrim Now D.C., Showing Up for Racial Justice, D.C. Dyke March, Plantita Power and Black Lives Matter D.C.

The march will start at 3 p.m. A ball will be held at 4:30 at a TBD location.

Look for the event on Facebook for details via dccapitalpride.org.

National Pride Shabbat is tonight at 7 p.m. online hosted by Sixth & I. In solidarity with Pride 2020 “reimagined,” Rabbi Aaron, Rabbi Avi Strausberg of Hadar and Sixth & I members will “lend their voices to an inclusive service celebrating the diversity of D.C. Jewish life.” Details on Facebook.

The Hispanic Heritage Foundation has its “LGBTQ+ Charla” event online today at 4 p.m. to discuss Latinx LGBTQ experiences, perspectives and ideas. More at hhf.page.link/trza.

The Future is Queer is Saturday, June 13 at 5 p.m. hosted by Joie De Vivre. It’s a queer dance party showcase with DJs, dancers, spoken word, with multiple performers, rooms and more. Tickets are $20 through eventbrite.

Celebrate Pride: Berry Pride Shrub and Flick Night is Saturday at 7:15 online hosted by Yoga District. Tickets at clients.mindbodyonline.com.

Also, the Blade’s Pride content continues throughout the month. In the June 19 edition, the topic will be “reflections of Pride.” A related webchat will be on Thursday, June 18 at 4 p.m. EST. In the June 26 edition, we’ll examine “global virtual Pride.” A webchat will happen on Thursday, June 25 at 4 p.m. EST with officials from Capital Pride, L.A. Pride and others TBD.

Links to the webchats will be published each week on the Blade’s Facebook page.

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Music & Concerts

Berkshire Choral to commemorate Matthew Shepard’s life

Concert held at Washington National Cathedral

Published

5 days ago

on

June 27, 2025

By

Craig Hella Johnson’s fusion oratorio ‘Considering Matthew Shepard’ will be performed at the Washington National Cathedral. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

Berkshire Choral International will present a concert performance of composer Craig Hella Johnson’s fusion oratorio “Considering Matthew Shepard” on Friday, July 11, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. at the Washington National Cathedral. 

The program will be guest conducted by Dr. Jeffrey Benson, a native of the DMV who currently serves as Director of Choral Activities at San José State University. The concert is a partial benefit for the Matthew Shepard Foundation. Notably, Matthew’s remains are interred at the National Cathedral and his parents, Dennis and Judy, will give opening remarks at the performance.

Tickets are $20 – $65, and 50% of ticket proceeds will be donated to the Matthew Shepard Foundation. Tickets are only available online at berkshirechoral.org. 

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Calendar

Calendar: June 26-July 2

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

5 days ago

on

June 27, 2025

By

Friday, June 26

“Center Aging Monthly Luncheon and Bingo” will be at 2 p.m. in person at the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s new location at 1827 Wiltberger St., N.W. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more details, email [email protected]. 

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Pride Month Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at Dupont Italian Kitchen. This event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite. 

Saturday, June 27

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Pride Month 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.

Art Roving will host “Where Color Meets Spectrum: Blackness, Queerness & Tomorrow” at 200 I St., S.E. This is a panel discussion with Queer Art salon artists Nikki Brooks, Maps Glover & Chrys Seawood, moderated by artist and curator Brittany Mona’. The Queer Art Salon exhibition is on view from June 13 – August 1, 2025 and funded by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities’ Art Exhibition Grant program. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite. 

Baby Shank Rooftop Bar and Lounge will host “DC Drag brunch on Rooftop – Penthouse” at 12 p.m. Guests can enjoy delicious French cuisine. The event will be hosted by Miss Capital Pride. Tickets cost $30.65 and are available on Eventbrite. 

Sunday, June 28

Jonathan Van Ness will host a masterclass at 10 a.m. at Dupont Circle Hotel. Enjoy refreshments and community as Jonathan showcases styling techniques for a range of hair types—helping you create a gallery-worthy look that’s truly, beautifully yours. A portion of ticket sales will benefit SMYAL, a local nonprofit that has been supporting LGBTQ+ youth in D.C. for more than 40 years. Tickets are available 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 details, email [email protected]. 

Universal Pride Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group seeks to support, educate, empower, and create change for people with disabilities. For more information, email [email protected]. 

Tuesday, June 30

Center Aging Women’s Social and Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older LGBTQ+ women can meet and socialize with one another. We will have discussion, activities, and a chance for you to share what you want future events to include. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website. 

Wednesday, July 1

Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. 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’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. 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 with Charles M. will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breathwork, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.

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Out & About

Baltimore Orioles Pride Night set for June 25

First 15,000 fans to receive jersey

Published

2 weeks ago

on

June 20, 2025

By

(Washington Blade file photo by Kevin Majoros)

Baltimore Orioles Pride Night will be held on Wednesday, June 25 at 6:35 p.m. at Orioles Park at Camden Yards. 

Festivities include immersive Pride decorations, pregame music, crafts, face painting, Pride merchandise, and more. The first 15,000 fans will receive an Orioles Pride jersey. Tickets are available on the Orioles’ website. 

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