Photos

PHOTOS: As You Are

New Capitol Hill LGBTQ venue open for business

Published

4 years ago

March 27, 2022

Owners Jo McDaniel and Rachel Pike at As You Are on Saturday, March 26. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

D.C.’s newest LGBTQ venue As You Are is open to patrons for its first Saturday night on March 26 following a soft opening on March 22. As You Are features a dining area, a dance floor and an art-filled lounge area and is located at 500 8th St., S.E.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

Related Topics:As You Are Bar Jo McDaniel LGBTQ nightlife Photos of As You Are Rachel Pike

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Drag

PHOTOS: Drag in rural Virginia

Performers face homophobia, find community

Published

6 days ago

February 8, 2026

Landon Shackelford

Four drag performers dance in front of an anti-LGBTQ protester outside the campus of James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va. (Blade photo by Landon Shackelford)

Drag artists perform for crowds in towns across Virginia. The photographer follows Gerryatrick, Shenandoah, Climaxx, Emerald Envy among others over eight months as they perform at venues in the Virginia towns of Staunton, Harrisonburg and Fredericksburg.

(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)

Photos

PHOTOS: SMYAL for the New Year

LGBTQ youth services organization holds annual fundraiser

Published

2 weeks ago

January 29, 2026

Michael Key

From left, SMYAL Executive Director Erin Whelan and journalist Ari Shapiro attend SMYAL for the New Year at Shakiki on Thursday, Jan. 22. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The LGBTQ youth services organization SMYAL held its annual fundraiser, ‘SMYAL for the New Year,’ at Shakiki (2012 9th Street, N.W.) on Thursday, Jan. 22.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

Photos

PHOTOS: Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather 2026

Gage Ryder wins annual competition

Published

4 weeks ago

January 19, 2026

Michael Key

Gage Ryder, center, wins the title of Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather 2026 in a competition at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, Jan. 18. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The 2026 Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather competition was held at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill on Sunday. Seven contestants vied for the title and Gage Ryder was named the winner.

(Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)