Photos
PHOTOS: Awesome Con
Annual fantasy, sci-fi convention features LGBTQ celebrities
The annual fantasy, comics and science fiction convention Awesome Con is held at Walter E. Washington Convention Center on June 3-5. Speakers at the event include LGBTQ ally Wil Wheaton and out actors Wilson Cruz and Anthony Rapp.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)





















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)



















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)













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)

















































