Photos
PHOTOS: High Heel Race
36th annual drag event draws thousands to 17th Street
The 36th annual High Heel Race was held on 17th Street at Frank Kameny Way on Tuesday, Oct. 24. Thousands of spectators came to watch drag queens and other costumed contestants strut in a parade and run in a race. Rayceen Pendarvis served as the emcee and Karamo Brown was a special guest on the stage. Participant John Kim won the race for the third time.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, as she has for the high heel race in past years during her administration, greeted the crowd from a stage set up at 17th and R Streets before giving the official signal to start the race. She noted that this was the 36th year that the high heel race has been held in the Dupont Circle neighborhood and said it highlighted her view that D.C. is the nation’s “gayest” city.
The mayor was joined on stage by four members of the D.C. Council, who also welcomed the crowd with brief remarks. Among them were Council Chair Phil Mendelson (D-At-Large), and Council members Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2), Matthew Frumin (D-Ward 3), and Zachary Parker (D-Ward 5). Parker is the Council’s only gay member.
Also joining the mayor on stage was Japer Bowles, director of the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, and Acting D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith, who Bowser nominated to become chief earlier this year while naming her acting chief.
“This has been an amazing event,” Smith told the Washington Blade at the conclusion of the race. “This is my first year, and it is phenomenal, it’s unique and as the mayor said, we are the gayest city in the United States and I’m proud to be here to celebrate with my friends.”
Lou Chibbaro, Jr. contributed to this report.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
Covering the High Heel Race for @WashBlade . @shiqueeta performing. #drag #HighHeelRace pic.twitter.com/K9aXfdq3Az
— Michael Patrick Key (@MichaelKeyWB) October 24, 2023
Annual High Heel Race draws thousands of spectators. Covering for @WashBlade : pic.twitter.com/TdjAJ2VsFW
— Michael Patrick Key (@MichaelKeyWB) October 25, 2023
The fourth annual Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 17.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
The Washington Blade held its 18th annual Summer Kickoff Party in Rehoboth Beach, Del., on Friday, May 16. Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer spoke along with State Sen. Russ Huxtable, CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Kim Leisey, Blade Editor Kevin Naff, and Clear Space Theatre Managing Director Joe Gfaller. The event raises funds for the Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism, which was awarded to AU student Abigail Hatting.
(Washington Blade photos by Daniel Truitt)
Xunami Muse of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season 16 performed at the drag show Shook at Shakers on Saturday, May 10. Other performers included Crystal Edge, Tatianna, Aave Blue, Drew Friday and Jaybella Banks.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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