Photos

PHOTOS: Mardi Gras Parade

Celebration held at The Wharf

Published

3 years ago

February 18, 2023

A Mardi Gras Parade was held at The Wharf on Saturday. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The Wharf DC held a Mardi Gras Parade along the pedestrian Wharf Street on Saturday, Feb. 18. Marching contingents included the all-women Afro-Brazilian band Batalá Washington and Cheer DC. The Ladies of LURe and the Washington Blade joined drag performer Sasha Adams in throwing out beads to promote the upcoming Pride on the Pier in June.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

Covering the Mardi Gras Parade on the @TheWharfDC for @WashBlade . Float for Pride on the Pier: pic.twitter.com/gfyrINW67w
— Michael Patrick Key (@MichaelKeyWB) February 18, 2023

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Related Topics:Batala Cheer DC Ladies of Lure Mardi Gras Mardi Gras Parade The Wharf The Wharf DC Washington Blade

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PHOTOS: Drag in rural Virginia

Performers face homophobia, find community

Published

1 week ago

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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)

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(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)

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PHOTOS: SMYAL for the New Year

LGBTQ youth services organization holds annual fundraiser

Published

3 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)

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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)