PHOTOS: Our lost year

As D.C. inches toward normalcy, a look back at the year of COVID

Published

5 years ago

April 22, 2021

As COVID-19 became a new reality, someone erected a “HOPE” sign in a neighborhood in Virginia. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

In March of 2020, the nation went into lockdown with the COVID-19 pandemic. (Washington Blade photos by Michael K. Lavers and Michael Key)

Riots erupt near the White House following the death of George Floyd. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Peaceful protesters gather in Black Lives Matter Plaza to call for police reform. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Peaceful protests against police brutality are held throughout the nation following the murder of George Floyd. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Whitman-Walker Health erects a mural on 14th Street, N.W. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The lion statue at the National Zoo sports a rainbow tie-dye mask. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

No Justice No Pride holds a rally on June 13. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The No Justice No Pride-run ‘Pride2020 March’ is more of a protest than Pride events of the past few years. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

No Justice No Pride holds a protest in front of Mayor Muriel Bowser’s House calling for the ‘defunding’ of the Metropolitan Police Department. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Local restaurants convert to outdoor dining to comply with restrictions during the pandemic. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The far-right Proud Boys march in a ‘Stop the Steal’ rally after Donald Trump loses the presidential election. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Drag Queen Goldie Grigio serves to-go food at Duplex Diner. (Washington Blade photo by Michael K. Lavers)

Grocery stores across the country experience shortages on basic items early in the pandemic. (Washington Blade photo by Michael K. Lavers)

The streets of D.C. are empty and quiet during lockdown. (Washington Blade photo by Michael K. Lavers)

The Blade holds it’s singles issue again this year, though COVID restrictions make dating a challenge. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Ruby Corado has her temperature taken at the entrance to Casa Ruby LGBTQ Community Center. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi continues to give press briefings, though new restrictions involve social distancing and the use of masks. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Downtown D.C. goes on lockdown following the attack on the U.S. Capitol in January. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Restaurants and small businesses struggle with new restrictions during the pandemic. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Mikko, gay news, Washington Blade — **Mikko Kosonen** opened Mikko almost two years ago and has been getting creative while coping with COVID restrictions. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Supporters of Donald Trump march on the U.S. Capitol in a ‘Stop the Steal’ rally. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Thanksgiving in 2020 looks different for many families compared to family celebrations pre-COVID. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

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PHOTOS: ‘Studio 69’

Glitterati Productions hold party at Bunker

Published

4 days ago

May 11, 2026

Michael Key

'Studio 69' was held at Bunker on Friday. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Glitterati Productions held the “Studio 69” party at Bunker on Friday, May 8.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

PHOTOS: Miss Gay Western Maryland

Maria R. Posa crowned winner at Lodge pageant

Published

1 week ago

May 6, 2026

Michael Key

Maria R. Posa is crowned Miss Gay Western Maryland 2026 at The Lodge on Friday, May 1. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The Miss Gay Western Maryland pageant was held at The Lodge in Boonsboro, Md. on Friday, May 1. Maria R. Posa was crowned the winner with Aura Fixation named first alternate. Both winners are qualified to compete in the 2026 Miss Gay Maryland America pageant.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

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PHOTOS: 90’s Flashback Drag Brunch

Logan Stone leads new show at Red Bear Brewing

Published

2 weeks ago

April 29, 2026

Michael Key

The inaugural 90's Flahsback Drag Brunch was held at Red Bear Brewing Co. on Sunday, April 26. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The new monthly 90’s Flashback Drag Brunch premiered at Red Bear Brewing Co. on Sunday, April 26. Performers included Logan Stone, Tiffany D. Carter and Charlemagne Chateau.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)