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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 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)
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PHOTOS: ‘ICE Out For Good’ Sunday protests
Northern Virginia demonstrations among nationwide protest
“ICE Out For Good” demonstrations were held in the Northern Virginia municipalities of Haymarket, Annandale and Arlington, among others, on Sunday, Jan. 12.
Nearly 1,200 similar actions were scheduled nationwide over the weekend, according to a statement from organizers.
Demonstrations in D.C. against ICE included a protest march on Friday and a march around the White House on Saturday.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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A protest was held outside of the White House on Saturday following the killing of Renee Nicole Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Minneapolis. Across the Potomac, picketers held signs calling for “Justice for Renee” in Tysons, Va.
“ICE Out For Good” demonstrations were held in cities and towns across the country, according to multiple reports. A march was held yesterday in Washington, D.C., as the Blade reported. Further demonstrations are planned for tomorrow.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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