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PHOTOS: High Heel Race

36th annual drag event draws thousands to 17th Street

Published

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: Remove the Regime rally and march

Dropkick Murphys, Earth to Eve perform on steps of Lincoln Memorial

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4 days ago

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November 24, 2025

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The Dropkick Murphys perform at the Remove the Regime rally outside of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, Nov. 22. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The Remove the Regime rally and march was held on Saturday, Nov. 22.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

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PHOTOS: Transgender Day of Remembrance

Observance held at Metropolitan Community Church

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5 days ago

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November 23, 2025

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Transgender Day of Remembrance was observed at Metropolitan Community Church of Washington, D.C. on Nov. 20. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Transgender Day of Remembrance was observed at the Metropolitan Community Church of Washington, D.C. on Thursday, Nov. 20. The event was emceed by Rayceen Pendarvis and Dwight Venson. Musical selections were provided by Agape Praise and Dynamic Praise. Proclamations from the D.C. Council and the D.C. Office of the Mayor were presented. The Pouring of the Libation was conducted by Rev. Elder Akousa McCray and Rev. Paul Fulton-Woods of Unity Fellowship Church.

Remarks were given by trans survivors of violence. Family members of slain trans woman Dream Johnson were featured speakers. Prayers were given by Rev. Cathy Alexander and Rev. Dwayne Johnson of Metropolitan Community Church of Washington, D.C. Yael Shafritz gave a Jewish prayer through a video presentation. Closing remarks were given by community leader, Earline Budd.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

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PHOTOS: Cheers to Out Sports!

LGBTQ homeless youth services organization honors local leagues

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1 week ago

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November 17, 2025

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Wanda Alston Foundation Executive Director Cesar Toledo, on right, presents an award to the D.C. Front Runners at the 'Cheers to Out Sports!' event held at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center on Monday. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The Wanda Alston Foundation held a “Cheers to Out Sports!” event at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center on Monday, Nov. 17. The event was held by the LGBTQ homeless youth services organization to honor local LGBTQ sports leagues for their philanthropic support.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

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