The year in photos

From a pandemic to protests, 2020 is one for the history books

Published

5 years ago

December 30, 2020

Michael Key

From a pandemic to protests, 2020 is one for the history books.

**Monet Dupree** performs at Freddie’s Follies at Freddie’s Beach Bar and Gill on Jan. 13 at a time before the concept of ‘social distancing.’

**David Spivey** is named ‘Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather 2020’ on Jan. 17.

Members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington perform at the Brother, Help Thyself Foundation Grant Awards ceremony in the now-shuttered DC Eagle.

Virginia Gov. **Ralph Northam** attends an Equality Virginia event on Feb. 4 in Richmond celebrating the impending passage of the Virginia Values Act in the Virginia General Assembly.

The Washington Blade holds its annual Most Eligible LGBT Singles party at Duplex Diner on Feb. 14.

Mayor **Pete Buttigieg** makes a presidential campaign stop in Northern Virginia on Feb. 23.

Rep. **Mark Takano** (D-Calif.) speaks at a congressional hearing on LGBT rights on Feb. 27.

Gay Trump supporter **Brandon Straka** speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference on Feb. 28.

As life with COVID-19 became a new reality, someone erected a “HOPE” sign in Winchester, Va.

The streets and restaurants of the gayborhood were empty by March 17 as new COVID-19 restrictions were put in place.

**Ruby Corado** has her temperature checked before entering the Casa Ruby community center on May 8.

Riots broke out in the streets of D.C. on May 31 following the murder of George Floyd.

A peaceful Black Lives Matter protest was held at Black Lives Matter Plaza on June 6.

The activist group No Justice No Pride organized a ‘Defund MPD’ march and protest on June 13.

The No Justice No Pride ‘Defund MPD’ march ended in a protest in front of D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s home.

A makeshift memorial was created in front of the United States Supreme Court following the death of Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Signs mourning the loss of trans women of color were among those on the White House fence on election day, Nov. 3.

A ‘Make America Great Again’ pro-Trump mega rally was held on the streets of D.C. Protesters included Gays for Trump.

A series of new coronavirus restrictions threaten the future of LGBT businesses.

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New LGBTQ venue opens with dancing, performances

Published

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November 30, 2025

Michael Key

Druex Sidora performs at Rush's 'Preview Night' on Friday, Nov. 28. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The new LGBTQ venue Rush (2001 14th Street, N.W.) held a preview night on Friday, Nov. 28. Performers included Cake Pop!, Druex Sidora and Tiara Missou.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

PHOTOS: Remove the Regime rally and march

Dropkick Murphys, Earth to Eve perform on steps of Lincoln Memorial

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2 weeks ago

November 24, 2025

Michael Key

The Dropkick Murphys perform at the Remove the Regime rally outside of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, Nov. 22. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The Remove the Regime rally and march was held on Saturday, Nov. 22.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

PHOTOS: Transgender Day of Remembrance

Observance held at Metropolitan Community Church

Published

2 weeks ago

November 23, 2025

Michael Key

Transgender Day of Remembrance was observed at Metropolitan Community Church of Washington, D.C. on Nov. 20. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Transgender Day of Remembrance was observed at the Metropolitan Community Church of Washington, D.C. on Thursday, Nov. 20. The event was emceed by Rayceen Pendarvis and Dwight Venson. Musical selections were provided by Agape Praise and Dynamic Praise. Proclamations from the D.C. Council and the D.C. Office of the Mayor were presented. The Pouring of the Libation was conducted by Rev. Elder Akousa McCray and Rev. Paul Fulton-Woods of Unity Fellowship Church.

Remarks were given by trans survivors of violence. Family members of slain trans woman Dream Johnson were featured speakers. Prayers were given by Rev. Cathy Alexander and Rev. Dwayne Johnson of Metropolitan Community Church of Washington, D.C. Yael Shafritz gave a Jewish prayer through a video presentation. Closing remarks were given by community leader, Earline Budd.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)