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PHOTOS: High Heel Race

36th annual drag event draws thousands to 17th Street

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2 years ago

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John Kim, on left, wins the High Heel Race for the third time. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

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)

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PHOTOS: Freddie’s Follies

Queens perform at weekly Arlington show

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8 hours ago

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January 6, 2026

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The Freddie's Follies drag show was held at Freddie's Beach Bar in Arlington, Va. on Saturday. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The Freddie’s Follies drag show was held at Freddie’s Beach Bar in Arlington, Va. on Saturday, Jan. 3. Performers included Monet Dupree, Michelle Livigne, Shirley Naytch, Gigi Paris Couture and Shenandoah.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

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The year in photos

Top LGBTQ news photos of 2025

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4 days ago

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January 3, 2026

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(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

The 40th annual Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather competition is held on Jan. 12 at the Hyatt Regency Washington.
A drag dance protest is held outside the Kennedy Center on Jan. 13.
Activists gather for The People’s March on the Reflecting Pool near the Lincoln Memorial on Jan. 18.
The Transgender Unity Rally and March is held on March 1. Activists march from the U.S. Capitol to the White House.
President Donald Trump addresses the Joint Session of Congress on March 4.
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington performs “Passports” at Lincoln Theatre on March 14.
The American Civil Liberties Union displays a ‘Freedom to Be’ trans flag on the Mall on May 17.
Actress Ts Madison speaks at the Black Pride Opening Reception on May 23.
The WorldPride Parade moves through the streets of Washington, D.C. on June 7.
Doechii performs at the main stage of the WorldPride Festival on June 8.
Activist/performer Tara Hoot speaks at the D.C. Drag Awards at Trade on July 20.
Cast members from ‘Queer Eye’ speak at a CAA event at Crush Dance Bar on Aug. 4.
The National Guard is controversially deployed by President Trump into Washington, D.C. Military-style vehicles are parked in front of Union Station on Aug.14.
Activists march in a ‘Trump Must Go’ protest ending at the White House on Aug. 16.
Supporters of trans students attend a meeting of the Arlington School Board on Aug. 21 to counter a speech by anti-trans Virginia gubernatorial candidate, Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears.
Local governmental officials as well as volunteers and staff of MoCo Pride Center attend a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new LGBTQ community center in Bethesda, Md. on Aug. 30.
Activists protest cuts to PEPFAR funding outside of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on Sept. 2.
Ivanna Rights is crowned Miss Gay Maryland America 2025 at The Lodge in Boonsboro, Md. on Sept. 6.
Thousands join the We Are All D.C. March on Sept. 6.
A scene from the We Are All D.C. March on Sept. 6.
Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson speaks at the U.S. Conference on HIV/AIDS on Sept. 7.
Cake Pop! performs at the Washington Blade’s Best of LGBTQ D.C. party at Crush Dance Bar on Oct. 16.
A participant poses for the camera at the High Heel Race on 17th Street, N.W. on Oct. 28.
President Joe Biden speaks at the International LGBTQ Leaders Conference at the JW Marriott on Dec. 5.
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington perform ‘The Holiday Show’ at the Lincoln Theatre on Dec. 12.
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PHOTOS: 10’s Across the Board

Impulse Group DC holds anniversary celebration at Bravo Bravo

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3 weeks ago

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December 17, 2025

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Impulse Group DC's '10's Across the Board' party was held at Bravo Bravo on Sunday, Dec. 14. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Impulse Group DC held “10’s Across the Board: A Celebration of 10 Years” at Bravo Bravo (1001 Connecticut Ave., N.W.) on Sunday, Dec. 14. Impulse Group DC is a volunteer-led 501(c)(3) and affinity group of AIDS Healthcare Foundation dedicated “to engaging, supporting, and connecting gay men” through culturally relevant health and advocacy work.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

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