PHOTOS: Our lost year

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

Published

1 year 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: Summer Kickoff Party

Washington Blade holds annual event at The Pines in Rehoboth Beach

Published

1 day ago

May 22, 2022

Daniel Truitt

Del. Lisa Blunt Rochester shares a laugh with Blade Editor Kevin Naff at the Summer Kickoff Party on Saturday. (Blade photo by Daniel Truitt)

The Washington Blade held its 15th annual Summer Kickoff Party at The Pines in Rehoboth Beach, Del. on Friday, May 20 with special guest Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.).

(Washington Blade photos by Daniel Truitt)

PHOTOS: Worthy Mentoring Pride Brunch

Carson Kressley serves as emcee for LGBTQ fundraiser

Published

1 day ago

May 22, 2022

Michael Key

Carson Kressley serves as the emcee for the Worthy Mentoring Pride Brunch. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Carson Kressley of “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” and “RuPaul’s Drag Race” served as the emcee for the Worthy Mentoring Pride Brunch at the Four Seasons Washington Hotel on Sunday, May 22. Worthy Mentoring is a nonprofit that connects mentors and mentees in the LGBTQ+ community through a mobile iOS and Android App.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

Photos

PHOTOS: Miss Freddie’s 2022

Brooklyn Heights wins the coveted crown

Published

2 days ago

May 21, 2022

Michael Key

Brooklyn Heights of Baltimore, Md. is crowned Miss Freddie's 2022. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The Miss Freddie’s drag pageant returned in-person this year to Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant in Arlington, Va. on Friday, May 20. Six contestants vied for the crown, but the “Pandemic Queen,” Tatiyanna Voche’ (Miss Freddie’s 2020 and 2021) passed on her crown to Brooklyn Heights of Baltimore, Md. following talent, beachwear, “Met Gala-inspired looks,” and on-stage question categories of competition. Chasity Vain and Deja Diamond Jemaceye placed second and third respectively.

Patti Lovelace was crowned Miss Freddie’s Emeritus as voted upon unanimously by the former Miss Freddies.

“First Lady of Freddie’s” and the Washington Blade’s Best of Gay D.C. “Best Drag Queen” of 2015 Destiny B. Childs served as emcee alongside former Miss Freddie’s Monet Dupree.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)