Out & About

Pepco, Blade sponsoring LGBTQ ERG networking event

Oct. 26 program features Commerce Dept. official

Published

3 years ago

October 24, 2023

Pepco and the Blade are sponsoring an ERG networking event on Thursday.

Pepco and the Washington Blade announced plans for a jointly sponsored networking event for D.C.-area LGBTQ Employee Resource Groups to be held Thursday, Oct. 26, 6-8 p.m. at the Pepco Edison Place Gallery (702 8th St., N.W.).

The free event will offer a chance for local corporate ERG members to socialize and collaborate around the mission of creating safe and equitable workplaces. Federal government LGBTQ employee groups have also been invited to participate.

“This event allows visibility and partnership among other ERG leads and organizations,” said LaToya Harris, senior administrator of fleet operations for Pepco. “Networking is a great way to exchange and align initiatives with peers. This event creates a platform for Pepco to share a space with other ERG members from the DC Metro area. We can always learn, teach, and expand through partnership with others.”

In addition to networking opportunities, the event will feature keynote remarks from Jonathan Lovitz, senior adviser and director of public affairs at the U.S. Economic Development Administration in the U.S. Department of Commerce.

“At a time when some LGBTQ corporate allies have come under attack, it’s important to stand together and reaffirm our commitment to fostering affirming workplaces,” said Blade Editor Kevin Naff. “We are grateful to Pepco for organizing the event and to all of our guests for supporting this first-of-its-kind effort.”

“I believe a robust LGBTQ+ ERG is important at Pepco because it demonstrates a real commitment of allyship and testament of true belonging for all employees,” added Miller Harris. “It is one thing to allow an ERG to exist but it is when a company truly supports a full-bodied program that LGBTQ+ employees can experience full safety and support. Being fully “out” within the workplace can prove scary to some of us. We need an ERG presence that is more than talk. Strong allies within our leadership really sends a positive message.”

Members of local ERGs are welcome to attend Thursday’s event. To RSVP, email [email protected].

Out & About

Live music drag cabaret set for Shaw’s Tavern

Anja Dick hosts ‘Song Birds’ on Saturday

Published

6 days ago

August 14, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Anja Dick (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

Anja Dick will host “Song Birds – Live Music Drag Cabaret” on Saturday, Aug. 15 at 9 p.m. at Shaw’s Tavern.

This is an all live singing drag hit sensation. The event will debut performances from Breast Midler and Harri Balls.

Tickets start at $17.85 and are available on Eventbrite.

Calendar

Calendar: August 14-20

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

6 days ago

August 14, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Friday, August 14

Go Gay DC will host “First Friday LGBTQ+ Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar and Restaurant.This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Women in their Twenties and Thirties will meet at 8 p.m. on Zoom. This is a social discussion group for queer women in the Washington, D.C. area. For more details, visit Facebook.

Saturday, August 15

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

LGBTQ People of Color will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This peer support group is an outlet for LGBTQ people of color to come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space that strives to be safe and judgement free. There will be all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more details, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.

Sunday, August 16

“Nellie’s DC Drag Brunch” will be at 12 p.m. at Nellie’s Sports Bar. Come get served like a queen by a queen. Join Sapphire Blue, Deja Diamond and their team of amazing drag performers for the most fun you’ll have all weekend. Tickets are $58.51 and are available on Eventbrite.

Monday, August 17

“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).

Tuesday, August 18

“Self-Defense Class with Avi Rome” will be at 12:30 p.m. Rome is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and a full-time Martial Arts instructor with 25 years of teaching experience. He holds a 5th Degree Black Belt in Jhoon Rhee Tae Kwon Do and is the director of the studio’s Adaptive Tae Kwon Do program for students with special needs. He has also run numerous self-defense workshops for various groups and situations. For more details, visit the center’s website.

Center Bi+ Roundtable will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is an opportunity for people to gather in order to discuss issues related to bisexuality or as Bi individuals in a private setting.Visit Facebook or Meetup for more information.

Wednesday, August 19

Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.

The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will host “Movement for Healing” at 3 p.m. This trauma- and yoga therapy–informed class is designed to help guests gently reconnect with their body and their breath. Through mindful movement, somatic awareness, and grounding practices, guests will explore how to release tension, increase mobility, and cultivate a deeper sense of safety and ease within. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.

Thursday, August 20

The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the Center. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.

Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breath work and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.