Photos

The year in photos

Top LGBTQ news photos of 2023

Published

2 years ago

December 30, 2023

From left: U.S. Senator Laphonza Butler is sworn in at the U.S. Capitol; gay actors Jonathan Bailey and Matt Bomer attend the Human Rights Campaign National Dinner; Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi throws out the first pitch at the Night Out at the Nationals game; and "RuPaul's Drag Race" winner Sasha Colby performs at Pitchers DC. (Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

**Dan Bear** wins the title of Mr. Mid-Atlantic Leather on Jan. 15 at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill.

*President **Joe Biden** gives his State of the Union Address on Feb. 7 at the U.S. Capitol.*

*Cupid’s Undie Run, an annual fundraiser for neurofibromatosis (NF) research, is held at Union Stage at The Wharf DC on Feb. 11.*

*The 50th anniversary Scarlet’s Bake Sale is held at The Crucible on Feb. 12. Participants bid on baked goods and bottles of liquor to raise money for HIPS.*

*Drag personalities and local bar scene workers pay their respects for the legendary drag queen Ba’Naka, a.k.a. Dustin Michael Schaad, at a celebration of life event on Feb. 25 at Pitchers.*

*‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ season three contestant **Mariah Paris Balenciaga** performs at Kiki on March 5.*

*Hundreds of activists participated in the March for Queer & Trans Youth Autonomy from Union Station to the U.S. Capitol on March 31.*

*Television personality **Carson Kressley** emcees the RuPaul’s Drag Race Finale Viewing Party at Bunker on April 14.*

**Sasha Colby**, winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 15, performs at Pitchers on April 19.

Annie’s Paramount Steak House holds a 75th anniversary party complete with a block party, games and entertainment on April 29.

*The annual Gay Day at Zoo is held at the Smithsonian National Zoo on May 7.*

Us Helping Us holds the annual Black Pride in the Park at Fort Dupont Park on May 29.

*Gay D.C. Councilmember **Zachary Parker** speaks at a ceremony raising the Progress Flag over the D.C. Government’s Wilson Building at the beginning of Pride month on June 1.*

*Speaker Emerita **Nancy Pelosi** throws out the first pitch at Nationals Park for Night Out at the Nationals on June 6.*

**Evry Pleasure** leads a Barbie party at Red Bear Brewing on July 14.

*Students, educators and advocates march against the anti-trans policies of Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin in Falls Church, Va. on Aug. 15.*

Thousands participate in the 60th Anniversary March on Washington on Aug. 26.

*U.S. Sen. **Laphonza Butler** (D-Calif.) is sworn into office on Oct. 3. She is the first openly gay Black U.S. Senator to hold office.*

Gay actors **Jonathan Bailey** and **Matt Bomer** attend the Human Rights Campaign National Dinner at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on Oct. 14.

*D.C. Safe Haven organizes a Transgender Day of Remembrance rally at Freedom Plaza on Nov. 17.*

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Photos

PHOTOS: Rush preview night

New LGBTQ venue opens with dancing, performances

Published

5 days ago

November 30, 2025

Michael Key

Druex Sidora performs at Rush's 'Preview Night' on Friday, Nov. 28. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The new LGBTQ venue Rush (2001 14th Street, N.W.) held a preview night on Friday, Nov. 28. Performers included Cake Pop!, Druex Sidora and Tiara Missou.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

Photos

PHOTOS: Remove the Regime rally and march

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

Published

2 weeks ago

November 24, 2025

Michael Key

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)

Photos

PHOTOS: Transgender Day of Remembrance

Observance held at Metropolitan Community Church

Published

2 weeks ago

November 23, 2025

Michael Key

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)