Out & About
SPRING ARTS PREVIEW: Events
Mostly virtual happenings in the months to come
MARCH
Free registration for The Petal Porch Parade runs from Feb. 15 to March 15 and is part of the mostly virtual festivities for this year’s National Cherry Blossom Festival. Participants who register and decorate their porch’s windows, yard and/or sidewalk will be added to the official Petal Porch Parade map and receive a free lawn sign to include in their display while supplies last. The Petal Porch Parade takes place from March 20 until April 11. Neighborhoods featuring more registered Petal Porches have a better chance for the Petal Procession to pass through on the weekend of April 10-11. To register and for more information, visit nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.
“Genderosity” from Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C., is a “glam rock spectacle celebrating self expression.” Songs include “Dancing Queen,” “Vogue,” “Born This Way,” “Changes,” “Home,” and “My Strongest Suit.” The Genderosity video will be available from March 13 at 7 p.m. until March 28 at 11:59 p.m. Tickets are $25; visit gmcw.org for details and tickets.
DC Gaymers hosts “Codenames,” a virtual interactive word game Tuesday, March 16 at 7 p.m. This event is free, open to the public and is part of the Gaymers ongoing activities every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Keep monitoring their Facebook page for more information on this and future events.
A virtual Transmasculine and Nonbinary Art Night hosted by the D.C.-area Transmasculine Society is Friday, March 19 at 7 p.m. Transmasculine and nonbinary folks as well as their friends, spouses and allies of any gender are welcome to join this virtual crafting circle. This free event is a chance to chat while working on new or ongoing craft projects, from coloring to more involved creations. Visit dcats.org for more information.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off with a livestream event Saturday, March 20 at 6 p.m. This annual event runs March 20 to April 11 and is co-presented by the Japan Foundation and co-hosted by Olympic Gold Medalist Kristi Yamaguchi and ABC 7’s Michelle Marsh. The virtual opening ceremony features 2.5-Dimensional Musical performances of Naruto, “My Hero Academia” and Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: The Musical; TAIKOPROJECT; tap artist Kazunori Kumagai and the Fukushima Youth Sinfonietta. Visit nationalcherryblossomfestival.org for information and to reserve access to this free event.
Stacey Abrams, founder of the voting rights organization Fair Fight, and Fair Fight Action’s CEO Lauren Groh-Wargo are guests of the Woman’s National Democratic Club Tuesday, March 23 at noon. This free virtual event features a discussion with Abrams and Groh-Wargo about their efforts to produce meaningful change in Georgia and on lessons moving forward. For updates and information, visit democraticwoman.org.
That Way Madness Lies hosted by P&P Live! is a virtual discussion of 15 of Shakespeare’s most notable works as reimagined by YA authors for a new generation. This free panel takes place Wednesday, March 24 at 7 p.m. and features nonbinary queer authors Anna-Marie McLemore, an award-winning Latinx author, and Mark Oshiro, a 2019 Lambda Literary Award finalist, as well as YA authors Lily Anderson, Austin Siegemund-Broka and Emily Wibberley. For tickets and information, visit the events page at politics-prose.com.
The Cherry Blossom Festival’s Pink Tie Party, sponsored by Events DC and Amazon, is Friday, March 26 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $100-$135 and include three-course carryout dinners from a choice of popular D.C., Maryland and Virginia restaurants. Party-goers are to wear their finest pink apparel while mingling and dining virtually with partygoers from around the world. Sake experts will be on hand to present the nuances and culture of Japan’s national drink. Tickets and information are available through nationalcherryblossomfestival.org and Eventbrite.
DC Queer Flix presents “Southwest of Salem” Friday, March 26 at 7 p.m. This film screening is part of the monthly discussion of LGBTQ cinema with the Mayor’s Office on LGBTQ Affairs and is shown in recognition of Women’s History Month. It is an award-winning documentary about the wrongful conviction of four Latina lesbians in Texas. Attendees will watch the film together and discuss it on Twitter using hashtags. For more information, visit lgbtq.dc.gov or the event pages on Facebook and Eventbrite.
APRIL
BookMen D.C. meets virtually Wednesday, April 7 and every first and third Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. Most members of this gay literature group live near D.C. but visitors to the area are welcome to join in the discussion. More information is available at bookmendc.blogspot.com and thedccenter.org.
Smut Slam D.C. presents an online open-mic event Friday, April 16 at 7:30 p.m. via Facebook. Femme-cee Diva Darling hosts a sexy night of virtual storytelling as open-mic participants share true stories of consensual erotic adventures gone wrong. The evening’s theme is “Womp Womp” and online audiences will hear real tales of epic fails during this queer-friendly, kink-friendly, body-positive event. For more information, visit dc.smutslam.com.
Depeche Mode 20th Anniversary Dance Party is live on Twitch Saturday, April 17 at 9 p.m. This free public event is hosted by FYM Productions and streamed live from the Black Cat D.C. main stage. Visit FYM Productions on Facebook and Twitch for details.
QT Fusion Dance D.C. hosts free, with donations suggested, LGBTQ partner dance social events featuring Bachata, blues, fusion and other partnered dance instruction and social mixers. Since the onset of the pandemic, these events have moved to the group’s Facebook and Twitch accounts. Visit twitch.tv/qtfusiondance, their Facebook page or email [email protected] for more information on upcoming events.
P&P Live! presents “Madame Speaker: Nancy Pelosi and the Lessons of Power,” a discussion with the book’s author Susan Page Monday, April 19 at 6 p.m. online. More information on this free event is available at politics-prose.com.
The GLSEN Day of Silence is Friday, April 23. This annual event is a national LGBTQ student and ally demonstration to protest the harmful effects of harassment and discrimination of LGBTQ people in schools. Every April, students go through the school day without speaking and end the day with Breaking the Silence rallies and events to share their experiences. The goal is to bring attention to the problem so schools and communities can discuss methods for inclusion. Visit glsen.org for information and ideas for participating during a pandemic.
The National Cryptologic Museum presents Queens of Code and Technology Wednesday, April 28 at 7 p.m. This free virtual event features historical stories of women working for the National Security Agency from the 1960s to the ‘80s. For more information, visit queensofcode.com.
MAY
DC Black Pride has been cancelled as an in-person event for 2021 due to the ongoing pandemic. But the Center for Black Equity has announced an ongoing campaign called “12 Months of Black Pride” that will consist of monthly virtual or hybrid events running until February 2022. For more information on planned community conversations, panels, parties and more, visit dcblackpride.org.
The theme is “Back in the day” for Smut Slam DC: Old School on Friday, May 21 at 7:30 p.m. via Facebook. This online open-mic event is a chance for participants to sign up and share true stories of consensual encounters from the days before a hanky was a cheap pandemic precaution. Join host Diva Darling for a socially distanced queer-friendly, kink-friendly and body-positive trip down memory lane. Visit dc.smutslam.com for details.
The DC-area Transmasculine Society hosts Transmasculine and Nonbinary Chat, Chill and Game on Monday, May 24 at 5 p.m. This free event takes place on the fourth Fridays of the month and is primarily for transmasculine and nonbinary folks, but friends, spouses and allies of any gender are welcome. For more information, visit dcats.org.
NOTE: An earlier version of this calendar erroneously included a listing for the National Cannabis Festival. That event was cancelled. The Blade regrets the error.
Friday, May 23
“Center Aging Monthly Luncheon and Yoga” will be at 12 p.m. in person at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. For more details, email [email protected].
Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity and/or expression. For more details, email [email protected].
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at DIK Bar. 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, May 24
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar and 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.
Black Lesbian Mixer will be at 11 a.m. on Zoom. This is a support group dedicated to the joys of being a Black lesbian. For more details, email [email protected].
Sunday, May 25
“The Queen’s Table: A Women’s Empowerment Brunch” will be at 11 a.m. at Zooz. This event will celebrate queer women’s strength. For more details visit Eventbrite.
Monday, May 26
“Center Aging Monday Coffee and Conversation” 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].
Tuesday, May 27
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 you’re not 100 percent cis — this is your group. For more details, visit genderqueerdc.org or Facebook.
Coming Out Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This support group is a safe space to share experiences about coming out and discuss topics as it relates to doing so. For more details, visit the group’s Facebook.
Wednesday, May 28
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 thedccenter.org/careers.
Thursday, May 29
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. To be fairer with who is receiving boxes, the program is moving to a lottery system. 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.
Out & About
Documentary about Blade reporter to premiere this month
Panel discussion to follow ‘Lou’s Legacy’ screening
“Lou’s Legacy: A Reporter’s Life at the ‘Washington Blade’” will premiere on Thursday, May 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library.
This new documentary from Emmy-nominated D.C. filmmaker Patrick Sammon tells the story of the legendary Blade news reporter, Lou Chibbaro Jr., as he works on an article about the return of drag icon Donnell Robinson – also known as Ella Fitzgerald — to the Capital Pride stage.
The documentary follows Chibbaro as he works on a story about Ella’s triumphant return to the Pride stage after three years away because of COVID. Donnell and Chibbaro reflect on their careers and discuss the ongoing backlash against the LGBTQ community, including laws targeting drag performers.
After the screening, there will be a panel discussion moderated by D.C. journalist Rebekah Robinson and featuring Blade Publisher Lynne Brown. This event is free and more details are available at the DC Public Library website.
Friday, May 16
“Center Aging Friday Tea Time” will be at 2 p.m. in person at the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s new location at 1827 Wiltberger St. NW. 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 Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena. 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.
Trans Genderqueer Game Night will be at 6 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This will be a relaxing, laid-back evening of games and fun. All are welcome and there’ll be card and board games on hand. Feel free to bring your own games to share. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Saturday, May 17
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.
LGBTQ People of Color Support Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This peer support group is an outlet for LGBTQ People of Color to come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space that strives to be safe and judgement free. There are all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more information and events for LGBTQ People of Color, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.
Sunday, May 18
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Pride Kickoff FunDay Social” at 4 p.m. at Moxy. This event is ideal for making meaningful new connections and informal community building. Or just to unwind and enjoy the group happy hour. Fabulous people from all over the world are expected and nametags will be provided. This event is free to attend and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Art with Tosca will host “Queer Icons & Trailblazers: An Art Tour for World Pride DC 2025” at 2:00p.m. at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. This will be an unforgettable exploration of LGBTQ+ history, identity, and artistic expression at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery. Celebrate the vibrant history and culture of the LGBTQ+ community through compelling portraits and groundbreaking works that highlight the power of queer artistry. Tickets cost $48 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Monday, May 19
“Center Aging Monday Coffee & Conversation” 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].
“Pickets, Protests and Parades Exhibit Tour” will be at 7 p.m. at Freedom Plaza. This exhibition honors the courage, resistance, and resilience of D.C.’s LGBTQ+ community. Tickets start at $10 and are available on Eventbrite.
Tuesday, May 20
Center Bi+ Roundtable Discussion will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is an opportunity for people to gather in order to discuss issues related to bisexuality or as bi individuals in a private setting. For more details, visit Facebook or Meetup.
Wednesday, May 21
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 thedccenter.org/careers.
Center Aging Women’s Social and Discussion Group will be at 6 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, email [email protected].
Thursday, May 22
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 Sarah 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.
DC Anti-Violence Project Open Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. These are open meetings, and we would love to see anyone who is interested in learning more and getting involved in lessening violence both within and directed towards the LGBT communities. For more details, visit Facebook and Twitter.
Adams Morgan queer bar broken into and vandalized
‘Things Like This’ embraces formula and plus-size visibility
Calendar: May 23-29
Comings & Goings
New doc chronicles gay hero’s journey from rape to forgiveness
Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C
WorldPride events round-up
Wes Moore signs HIV decriminalization bill
Marjorie Taylor Greene’s bill to criminalize gender affirming care advances
