Photos

PHOTOS: Miss Gay Freestate

Raquel DeLorean crowned the winner at The Lodge

Published

2 years ago

September 9, 2023

Raquel DeLorean is crowned Miss Gay Freestate 2023 at The Lodge in Boonsboro, Md. on Friday, Sept. 8. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The Miss Gay Freestate pageant was held at the Lodge in Boonsboro, Md. on Friday, Sept. 8. Performers included Nicole James, Maranda Rights, Sasha Renee, Stormi Skyy, Ivanna Rights, Jalah Nicole, Frieda Poussay, Chi Chi Ray Colby and Amethyst Diamond. Raquel DeLorean was crowned the winner with Ashley Lynn named the first alternate. Both DeLorean and Lynn qualify to compete in the 2023 Miss Gay Maryland competition.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

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Drag

PHOTOS: Drag in rural Virginia

Performers face homophobia, find community

Published

1 week 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

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)

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)