Out & About
Calendar: Jan. 15-21
Events in the week to come
Friday, Jan. 15
An MLK Shabbat Experience presented by Sixth & I and Turner Memorial is held online at sixthandi.org tonight at 7 p.m. This event commemorates the spirit and racial justice work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel with Rabbi Shira and Reverend Dr. D.K. Kearney of Turner memorial AME Church. Participants to the free event can virtually travel to Philadelphia and visit historically significant places to the Jewish and Black communities while enjoying AME choir music and an inspiring sermon by Rabbi Shira. Visit the organization’s website and Facebook event page for more information.
A Space for Grief: An OutWrite Reading During Pandemic Times is tonight at 7 p.m. and hosted by OutWrite and the DC Center. This virtual space for grieving those lost to the pandemic includes local writers Sunu Chandy, Chris Thomas and Keondra Freeman sharing their works of healing. RSVP for this free event at thedccenter.org.
Saturday, Jan. 16
The LGBTQ people of color support group is today at 1 p.m. via Zoom. This group is an outlet for LGBTQ people of color to talk and share in a safe space free of judgement. For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org.
Sunday, Jan. 17
Freddie’s Beach Bar (555 23rd St. S, Arlington, Va.) and Go Gay DC host brunch today at 11 a.m. Brunch is served on the patios, indoors or using curbside takeout. Patrons are encouraged to follow public health guidelines or call ahead with questions. For more information, visit freddiesbeachbar.com.
The DC Center and the Beta Kappa Chapter of the Beta Phi Omega Sorority host a peer-led support group for Black lesbians today at 1 p.m. via Zoom. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.
The First Ladies: Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery Livestream Art History Program is today at 11 a.m. on multiple platforms to include YouTube, Facebook Live and Instagram. This virtual tour of the Smitsonian’s First Ladies exhibit includes images of the nation’s influential women who have shaped American culture from Martha Washington, to Eleanor Roosevelt, to Michelle Obama and more. Free tickets are available at dchistoryandculture.eventbrite.com.
Monday, Jan. 18
The Presidential Inaugural Committee and Sasha Bruce Youthwork host a homeless youth virtual chat and service day today at 10 a.m. via mobilize.us. During this free workshop participants will hear from formerly homeless youth about their experience and how community members can help. Virtual service projects include creating hygiene kits, writing notes of encouragement for frontline workers, creating welcome kits for youth moving into new homes and more. For more information, visit sashabruce.org.
Tuesday, Jan. 19
Curating the Goddess: An Interview with Dr. Vidya Dehejia is at noon today and is hosted by the Smithsonian Asian Art Museum. This free online event discusses the goals, politics, and aesthetics behind the Devi: The Great Goddess exhibition of South Asian art. Visit si.edu for more information and to register.
Wednesday, Jan. 20
The Biden Inaugural Committee hosts a virtual presidential inauguration ceremony for the swearing in of Joseph R. Biden and Kamala Harris as the next U.S. president and vice president today at 12 p.m. on Facebook. More information is available at bideninaugural.org.
BookMen DC host an informal gay literature discussion group tonight at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Visitors to DC are welcome to drop in and join the discussion. For more information, visit bookmendc.blogspot.com.
Thursday, Jan. 21
Smithsonian Associates presents the webcast A Lab of One’s Own: Overcoming Sexism in Science tonight at 6:45 p.m. Visit si.edu for more information about this and other virtual museum events.
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.
The Baltimore Orioles will take on the Washington Nationals on Friday, June 26 at 7 p.m. for Pride Night at Oriole Park.
The first 15,000 fans will receive an exclusive Pride Night Orioles jersey. The Washington Blade is a media sponsor of this event.
To purchase tickets, visit Orioles.com/Tickets.
Out & About
Writers’ association hosts Capital Love LitFest
Inaugural literary salon scheduled for Sunday
The Washington Writers’ Publishing House (WWPH), the nation’s longest continuously operating cooperative nonprofit literary press, will present the inaugural “Capital Love LitFest” on Sunday, June 28 at 10 a.m. at The Writer’s Center in Bethesda, Md.
Designed as a full-day literary salon and cultural gathering, the event will feature more than 25 writers, nine workshops, and panel discussions, readings, and conversations centered on love, relationships, identity, healing, creativity, and connection in divisive times. Admission is pay-what-you-can, beginning at free.
The LitFest celebrates the release of “Capital Love,” WWPH’s new anthology featuring 55 writers from across the DMV, including contributors from Baltimore, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. The pocket-sized collectible anthology explores love in its many forms through poetry and prose and serves as a literary response to today’s social and political climate.
For more details, visit Washington Writers’ website.
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