Local

DC Black Pride to wrap up this weekend

May proclaimed International Black Pride Month in nation’s capital

Published

5 years ago

May 26, 2021

Black Pride in D.C. this year is more special than previous years.

Given the backdrop of the events that happened in 2020 including the COVID pandemic and the amplification of the Black Lives Matter movement, there is every reason for D.C.’s Black LGBTQ community to show up and show out for this year’s Pride. It has become an imperative that the community takes time to look back on and celebrate its strength, resilience, and unshaken tenacity.

Mayor Muriel Bowser this year declared May 2021 as International Black Pride Month. Hence, the Center for Black Equity has curated a lineup of entertainment-filled events to commemorate this monumental recognition.

To round out the last week of May, the Center for Black Equity will be hosting DC Black Pride which includes events:

Unity Ball hosted by the Legendary Twiggy Pucci Garcon, Legendary Domo Khan, Legendary Duante Balenciaga and Icon Charles West in partnership with the Center for Black Equity Black Pride and the Capitol Ballroom Council on Thursday at 7 p.m. The event will be livestreamed on Facebook and Youtube, will be MC’d by Icon Jack Mizrahi Gucci of FX’s “Pose” with DJ Tony Play providing the music. Sponsors include Damien Ministries, Xfinity, and the Center for Black Equity.

Contestants will be able to compete in eight different categories that include Vogue Fem, Female Figure Face and Sex Siren and can win up to $1,000. The event will seek to highlight awareness and liberation of LGBTQ, Black and Brown communities.

Adult Trans Folk Townhall in collaboration with May is All About Trans will take place on Saturday, May 29, from 4-5:30 p.m.

The LGBTQ+ Theater Virtual Showcase Festival will be hosted in collaboration with African-American Collective Theater on Sunday, May 30. More details about the event to follow soon.

Related Topics:D.C. Black Pride featured

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Virginia

VIDEO: LGBTQ groups march in Va. inaugural parade

Abigail Spanberger took office on Saturday

Published

6 hours ago

January 17, 2026

Michael Key

Diversity Richmond and the Virginia Pride project of Diversity Richmond march in the 2026 Inauguration Parade on the grounds of the state capitol in Richmond, Va. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The inaugural ceremonies for Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger were held in Richmond, Va. on Saturday. Among the groups marching in the parade were Diversity Richmond and the Virginia Pride project of Diversity Richmond.

View on Threads

*The LGBTQ contingent in the inaugural parade in Richmond, Va. pass by the review stand on Jan. 17, 2026. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)*

Virginia

Va. Senate approves referendum to repeal marriage amendment

Outgoing state Sen. Adam Ebbin introduced SJ3

Published

14 hours ago

January 17, 2026

Staff reports

(Bigstock photo)

The Virginia Senate on Friday by a 26-13 vote margin approved a resolution that seeks to repeal a state constitutional amendment that defines marriage as between a man and a woman.

Outgoing state Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria) introduced SJ3. The Senate Privileges and Elections Committee on Wednesday approved it by a 10-4 vote margin.

Same-sex couples have been able to legally marry in Virginia since 2014. Outgoing Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin in 2024 signed a bill that codified marriage equality in state law.

A resolution that seeks to repeal the Marshall-Newman Amendment passed in the General Assembly in 2021. The resolution passed again in 2025.

Two successive legislatures must approve the resolution before it can go to the ballot. Democrats in the Virginia House of Delegates have said the resolution’s passage is among their 2026 legislative priorities.

“It’s time for Virginia’s Constitution to reflect the law of the land and the values of today,” said Ebbin after Friday’s vote. “This amendment, if approved by voters, would affirm the dignity of all committed couples and protects marriage equality for future generations.”

Maryland

Layoffs and confusion at Pride Center of Maryland after federal grants cut, reinstated

Trump administration move panicked addiction and mental health programs

Published

2 days ago

January 16, 2026

Baltimore Banner

Merrick Moses, a violence prevention coordinator, works at the Pride Center of Maryland in Baltimore. (Photo by Ulysses Muñoz for the Baltimore Banner)

By ALISSA ZHU | After learning it had abruptly lost $2 million in federal funding, the Pride Center of Maryland moved to lay off a dozen employees, or about a third of its workforce, the Baltimore nonprofit’s leader said Thursday.

The group is one of thousands nationwide that reportedly received letters late Tuesday from the Trump administration. Their mental health and addiction grants had been terminated, effective immediately, the letters said.

By Wednesday night, federal officials moved to reverse the funding cuts by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, estimated to total $2 billion, according to national media reports. But the Pride Center of Maryland’s CEO Cleo Manago said as of Thursday morning he had not heard anything from the federal government confirming those reports.

The rest of this article can be read on the Baltimore Banner’s website.