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Meet D.C.’s most eligible LGBTQ singles
Find a date just in time for Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is approaching and if you’re single, there’s still time to find a date. Each year, the Blade highlights D.C.’s Most Eligible Singles with help from our readers. Here is this year’s list.
Antoinette C., 36, marketing executive
How do you identify? Queer/she/her
What are you looking for in a mate? A kind long-term partner who is looking to have a plus 1 in exploring and venturing into new hobbies, interests, and ways of thinking. Someone who isn’t afraid to have hard and honest conversations and is comfortable with failing at them and trying again; a good communicator!
Biggest turn off: Irritable around children, waitstaff or any person in customer service, and too serious.
Biggest turn on: Great sense of humor, not afraid to be “emotional”, hobby/interest they love and are committed to, and they have established friends/friend groups.
Hobbies: I play with ChocCityCornhole and go to tournaments during the week. Presently learning ASL (slowly), attending Broadway shows, puzzles/Legos, interactive art exhibits
What’s your biggest goal for 2024? Kickstart one of the many business ideas I have locked up in my head. And, learn four recipes I can cook from memory and keep the taste consistent each time.
Pets, kids, neither? I have one dog. I love kids and would love to have kids in my life – whether that’s adopting, by surrogate, or simply fostering.
Would you date someone whose political views differ from your own? It depends.
Celebrity crush: Regina King and Florence Pugh
Name one obscure fact about yourself: Finding a job in finance in 2009 was rough. I did odd jobs with my roommates. One job was cleaning Whitney Houston’s house in Mendam, N.J.
Ashley Smith, 48, hotel management/community volunteer leader
How do you identify? Gay
What are you looking for in a mate? Someone who is personable, witty, charming, loving, driven, a visionary, who is motivated, possesses a great sense of humor, is adventurous, spontaneous, and a leader, who is considerate, passionate, and well rounded.
Biggest turn off: A lack of respect for one’s self and others, someone who lacks humility and is not driven.
Biggest turn on: A great smile, someone who is smart, physically active, able to hold thought-provoking conversations, and we enjoy each others’ company.
Hobbies: Working out, travel, reading, family time, movies, board games, theater, music, learning about wine, meeting new people and learning more of their experiences to know how we all can work to achieve goals, listener, motivator, and supporter.
What’s your biggest goal for 2024? In addition to continuing to work out, I would like to add more family time, visit three new countries, and devote more time to building an even better version of myself as I strive to make the most out of the journey of life.
Pets, kids, neither? None
Would you date someone whose political views differ from your own? Not typically.
Celebrity crush: Rege-Jean Page, just one of many different crushes!
Name one obscure fact about yourself: My passion is to make people smile and see the best they have to offer to the world. Always best to lift your family and friends up. And had the pleasure of singing in the Opening and Closing 1996 Olympic Ceremonies with the Morehouse College Glee Club.
Mark Stephens, 45, business development and marketing/advertising for iHeart Media
How do you identify? Most importantly, I identify as a human being, proudly southern born and bred. No one should be 100% defined by any self-imposed labels. I’ve always referred to myself as “just gay” – because that was the only label available when I was figuring myself out, but I have traits that align with both pansexual and demisexual identities. The most important being that physical attraction, for me, is only 20% of the equation. The other 80% is determined by personality, trust, and connection over time.
What are you looking for in a mate? “Am I LOOKING for a mate?” would be more accurate. Ultimately, yes, I’d love to find someone who is confident, self-sufficient, with a LARGE personality. They’ll need to have a very diverse set of interests, activities, and be willing to share them with me while they explore mine. They’d have to challenge and inspire me to be a better person and I would want to do the same for them.
Biggest turn off: Indifference
Biggest turn on: A caring, sincere personality and a GREAT (read as: dorky) sense of humor.
Hobbies: I’m equally comfortable walking a red carpet, sitting in a boardroom, climbing under a car or on top of a horse. I love the theater – spent years of my life performing professionally (acting, singing, dancing, stunt work) and enjoy all kinds of shows, from either side of the curtain. I love horses, horseback riding. I also enjoy diving elbow-deep into an engine, working on cars, and recently added boat engines to that list, too.
I am passionate about helping others. I serve on the board of directors for the Maryland STEM Festival, volunteer with Capital Pride, and fundraise for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
What’s your biggest goal for 2024? I’m in a rebuilding phase of sorts, so there are several. I’m looking forward to getting into my new house, then rebuilding my life after several really hard losses and changes over the past seven months. Details available, inquire within. Not what you came here to read.
Pets, kids, neither? In a weird & unexpected turn of events this past year, I now have both. My incredible nephew recently moved in with me, because the DMV is a much safer and friendlier place to pursue his gender transition than his home state of Alabama AND he brought his cat with him. It’s a really good thing I love my nephew, because his cat is not even trying to curry favor with me. It’s quite the opposite, actually. For context, the cat is appropriately named Hela after the Norse Goddess of Death and Destruction. The nephew’s name is Matt, just like the book of the Bible.
Would you date someone whose political views differ from your own? This answer depends on how MUCH they differ. Of course, there is a point where the opposing views might prove too much to handle, however, I’m not interested in being surrounded by people with the exact same views as me. We learn, grow, and evolve from those with whom we surround ourselves. Seeking out identical political views seems boring to me – make me challenge and defend my own views and I’ll do the same in return.
Celebrity crush: Sorry folks, but if Ricky Martin, Jason Momoa or Sandra Bullock come calling – I’m gonna carpe THAT diem!
Name one obscure fact about yourself: I’m severely allergic to ALL artificial sweeteners.
Ashanti Martinez, 27, Maryland state delegate
How do you identify? Gay
What are you looking for in a mate? Genuine partnership — I’ve been in situations where things weren’t evenly yoked, and it ultimately led to issues.
Biggest turn off: Poor personal hygiene and unnecessary rudeness to service workers.
Biggest turn on: A warm smile and inviting eyes.
Hobbies: Spending time with loved ones. I work often, so any free time I have I try to spend with the people I love.
What’s your biggest goal for 2024? My goal for this year is to do the most good for as many people as possible.
Pets, kids, neither? Yes to both.
Would you date someone whose political views differ from your own? It’d be difficult, especially because of my career.
Celebrity crush: Jeremy Pope, Keiynan Lonsdale and Omar Apollo
Name one obscure fact about yourself: If you’re into astrology well, I’m a Taurus who was raised by a Taurus and has multiple Taurus family members and best friends.
Molly Whitehorn, 30, campaign professional at the Human Rights Campaign
How do you identify? Bi
What are you looking for in a mate? Someone funny, smart, independent, and confident. I love meeting different types of people and experiencing new things; I’d love to find someone who is friendly and can easily adapt to different social situations.
Biggest turn off: Rudeness and folks who don’t pay attention to current events.
Biggest turn on: Kindness and a good sense of humor
Hobbies: Reading, barre, going to museums, pilates, thrifting, indoor cycling, volunteering, and watching horror movies.
What’s your biggest goal for 2024? I want to become an early morning workout person. It’s not going great so far.
Pets, kids, neither? You tell me.
Would you date someone whose political views differ from your own? Republicans need not apply.
Celebrity crush: Julien Baker, duh!
Name one obscure fact about yourself: I used to host a concert web series out of Elvis’s first home in Memphis.
DJ Heat, 44, DJ
How do you identify? Lesbian
What are you looking for in a mate? Someone to share my world and have fun/laugh with. I picture us doing everything from going to concerts and sporting events, to strolling the cereal aisle, lol.
Biggest turn off: People who have constant negative energy and a pessimistic outlook. Rudeness and impatience toward others is also a big turn off, as well as the overuse of Snapchat filters.
Biggest turn on: A beautiful smile and intelligence. I’m also a sucker for a woman that can cook. I know that a lot of love goes into preparing a meal for a loved one, and I’m greatly appreciative of that.
Hobbies: I’m one of the few people that still loves going to the bookstore and purchasing books and magazines. When the weather is nice I love being outdoors, visiting parks, museums, etc. And of course going to live music and sporting events.
What’s your biggest goal for 2024? My two biggest goals are health and career related. I’m a firm believer though in working in silence and letting the success be the noise. So I will definitely share the accomplishments once they happen. Because they WILL happen.
Pets, kids, neither? I don’t have any pets or kids, but I LOVE dogs! I can’t wait to get one. I have my eyes set on a Shiba Inu.
Would you date someone whose political views differ from your own? It truly depends on what their views are. As a Black gay woman, it’s definitely a problem if you have views aligned with a politician that is against rights for Blacks, gays, and women.
Celebrity crush: Issa Rae and Janelle Monae. Whew!
Name one obscure fact about yourself: I’m currently on a journey to try as many different hot chocolates as possible.
Alex Held, 34, small business manager
How do you identify? Gay male
What are you looking for in a mate? I’m looking for a companion someone to share life with and go on adventures together.
Biggest turn off: People who don’t vote. Especially in this political era.
Biggest turn on: Someone that takes care of their physical and mental health and is open and accepting of others.
Hobbies: I love staying active and I regularly box, lift, run, bike, or swim. In addition I love music festivals and EDM.
What’s your biggest goal for 2024? To help elect a Democratic majority in the House and Senate and defeat Donald Trump.
Pets, kids, neither? I love pets and have a Brittany named Mila. I also like cats and all other animals. I’m undecided on kids at this time, but I’m open to the idea.
Would you date someone whose political views differ from your own? Potentially; however, I can’t be down with a MAGA Republican.
Celebrity crush: Michael B. Jordan
Name one obscure fact about yourself: As a kid I grew up bottle feeding baby cows.
Nati Reyes, 35, cancer research
How do you identify? Queer
What are you looking for in a mate? Looking for someone to be as silly and goofy as I am. Interested in traveling, even just for short trips. Has a decent personal or social life (ie. hobbies ). If you are a great communicator who has currently or recently been to therapy, is super hot to me. In general, a person who is queer, Sapphic, Trans or Non binary, who is interested in growing old together. ( compatibility and chemistry is important). Age isn’t too much of a deal breaker, but 28+ would be nice.
Biggest turn off: People who are mean spirited, send mixed signals, aren’t confident in who they are or what they want, and anyone who thinks they are always right.
Biggest turn on: A sense of humor, confidence, GREAT kisser, quality time and a sucker for a nice smile. ( Oh, did I mention therapy?)
Hobbies: I’m part of a trivia team, roller skate, in a band called 2 hit wonders, and I do a varied amount of community building and organizing from south Korea to NYC to DC. My passion is holding space of mutual care and support of marginalized groups.
What’s your biggest goal for 2024? My biggest goal in 2024 is to get more connected with meditation and the metaphysical world. Work on doing more creative work that I love and to rest.
Pets, kids, neither? I have a cat who I’m allergic to but I love her.
Would you date someone whose political views differ from your own? In 2024? No.
Celebrity crush: Surprisingly, I don’t have one. If I had to I’d say Aubrey Plaza and Rihanna.
Name one obscure fact about yourself: Maybe not that obscure but I really try to hide that I snort when I laugh.
Nicole Lohr, 41, attorney
How do you identify? Gay
What are you looking for in a mate? Haha, uh, mate is such a weird word. I want to be with someone who is confident, driven, and authentic. But most importantly, someone who has a great sense of humor — who can make the whole room laugh.
Biggest turn off: Insecurity, rudeness, and open-mouth chewing.
Biggest turn on: Intellectual, sporty, long-haired butches.
Hobbies: Playing pickleball, traveling, and watching “Jeopardy” and the Celtics.
What’s your biggest goal for 2024? Paint a wall in my house a fun color and start lifting weights so I can live longer.
Pets, kids, neither? I have a chunky orange cat named Lasagna.
Would you date someone whose political views differ from your own? Republican? No. Communist? Maybe.
Celebrity crush: Naomi McPherson, Tegan Quin, Kelley O’Hara, Elena Delle Donne, Kate McKinnon, and Towa Bird.
Name one obscure fact about yourself: I actually have wildly curly hair.
Sarah Pope, 32, nonprofit director
How do you identify? Nonbinary, queer
What are you looking for in a mate? Someone kind that strikes the balance between playful, curious, and motivated to change the world for the better.
Biggest turn off: Being on your phone during a date, being rude to service workers, and putting down others, even if it’s a “joke.”
Biggest turn on: Flirty and witty banter, a great smile, and engaging body language.
Hobbies: The two p’s – pottery and plants. I can make you a vase and then put a clipping in it. I also watch way too much TV, but balance it out by reading a fair amount.
What’s your biggest goal for 2024? Continuing to build more community and trying more things that scare me.
Pets, kids, neither? A three-legged cat son named Birdie.
Would you date someone whose political views differ from your own? If it’s a political view akin to “I prefer tea over coffee,” I can work with that, but otherwise need to be aligned.
Celebrity crush: To capture the spectrum: Mae Martin, Janelle Monae, Alexandra Hedison, Devendra Banhart
Name one obscure fact about yourself: I get really into the spoken portion of songs – think the part of “One of Your Girls,” when he goes “Look at you, skip the application, interview.” Big on a dramatic reading and any excuse to be a tiny bit theatrical.
Ralph Alston, 35, graphic designer
How do you identify? he/him/his
What are you looking for in a mate? Charm, a sense of humor, and an active lifestyle (physically or socially)
Biggest turn off: Gossip
Biggest turn on: Equal parts smiles and surprises.
Hobbies: Playing Just Dance, tending to my plants, hot tubs, league sports (darts, bocce, cornhole, trivia) and anything crafty.
What’s your biggest goal for 2024? This year, I really want to break out of my comfort zone and try something new. Maybe it’s hiking, maybe studying a new language. Something I don’t have to do on my own would be pretty great too!
Pets, kids, neither? I have my four-year-old Pug named Tofu. He’s soft, squishy, and easy to spoil, and a Sag just like dad.
Would you date someone whose political views differ from your own? I don’t think I could. (I’m a liberal, btw.)
Celebrity crush: Michael B. Jordan
Name one obscure fact about yourself: I love to cook, but I have the ability to recreate any dish I’ve ever eaten, without ever referring to a recipe.
Malachi J. Stewart, 35, public health analyst
How do you identify? Queer/gay
What are you looking for in a mate? Communicative, transparency, confidence and ambition.
Biggest turn off: Deception, manipulation, and elitism.
Biggest turn on: Empathy, vulnerability, and strong verbal communication skills.
Hobbies: Kickboxing/boxing, skating, bowling and museums.
What’s your biggest goal for 2024? Launching a college-based sexual health campaign.
Pets, kids, neither? I have a very possessive Shorkie, so I’m a dog lover! Kids are optional.
Would you date someone whose political views differ from your own? Of course. Let’s talk about it. Perhaps you can convince me?
Celebrity crush: Winston Duke
Name one obscure fact about yourself: As a kid, I was An ASL interpreter for my church.
Megan Green, 31, practice owner and psychotherapist
How do you identify? Lesbian
What are you looking for in a mate? In a mate I look for someone ideally my age, who is kind, confident. I am looking for someone who knows what is important to her and is living in accordance with that.
Biggest turn off: My biggest turn off is probably “negging”. I am a Leo and one of my love languages are words of affirmation. Words matter a lot to me.
Biggest turn on: I love watching someone’s face light up when they talk about something they are passionate about. Whatever it is you can’t get off your mind, I want to hear about.
Hobbies: I enjoy fitness, crafts, video games, cooking, reading and reality TV.
What’s your biggest goal for 2024? I am investing time and money into developing a plot of land into a rental property in eastern Georgia. So that is a goal I am actively working on and hoping to make a lot of progress with this year.
Pets, kids, neither? I have neither, I have no qualms about dating a pet parent. I am not sure that I am interested in children.
Would you date someone whose political views differ from your own? No.
Celebrity crush: Kristin Kreuk
Name one obscure fact about yourself: I can sing pretty well.
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Award-winning D.C. chef reaching new culinary heights
Anthony Jones of Marcus DC competing on ‘Top Chef’
In Anthony Jones’s kitchen, all sorts of flags fly, including his own. Executive chef at award-winning restaurant Marcus DC, Jones has reached culinary heights (James Beard Award semifinalist for Emerging Chef, anyone?), yet he’s just getting started.
Briefly stepping away from his award-winning station, Jones took a moment under a different set of lights. Recently, he temporarily gave up his post at the restaurant for a starring small-screen slot on the latest season of “Top Chef,” which debuted in March. (The show airs weekly on Bravo and Peacock).
Before his strategic slice-and-dice competition, however, Jones, who identifies as gay, draws from his deep DMV roots. In the years before “Top Chef” and the top chef spot at Marcus, he was born and raised in Sunderland, Md., in southern Maryland, near the Chesapeake.
Early memories were steeped in afternoons on boats with his dad bonding over fishing, and wandering the garden of his great-grandparents spread with fresh vegetables and a few hogs. “It was Southern, old-school ethics and upbringing,” he said. “Family and food went hand in hand.” Weekends meant grabbing bushels of crabs, dad and grandma would cook and crack them. Family members would host fish fries for extra cash. In this seafood-heavy youth, Jones managed time to sneak in episodes of the “OG” Japanese “Iron Chef” show, which helped inspire him to pursue a career in the kitchen.
Jones moved to D.C. after graduating from college, ending up at lauded Restaurant Eve, and met famed chef Marcus Samuelson, who brought him to Miami to be part of the opening team for Red Rooster Overtown. After three years, Jones moved back to D.C., where he ran Dirty Habit, reinventing and reimagining the menu, integrating West African flavors and ingredients.
Samuelson, however, wouldn’t let a talent like Jones stay away for too long. Pulling Jones back into his orbit, Samuelson elevated Jones to help him open his namesake restaurant Marcus DC, which has been named a top-five restaurant by the Washington Post. Since then, Jones has been nominated as a semifinalist for the RAMMYs Rising Culinary Star in 2026 and won the Eater DC’s Rising Chef award in 2025.
Samuelson’s Marcus is a tour de force interpreting the Black Diaspora on the plate, from the American South to West Africa, along with his signature “Swedopian” touches. Yet it’s Jones who has deeply informed the plate, elevating his own story to date. Marcus DC is primarily a seafood restaurant, which serves Jones well.
“Where I’m from is seafood heavy, and as I’ve progressed in my career, I’ve moved away from meat.” Veggies and fish are hero dishes. His own dish, Mel’s Crab Rice, was not only lauded by the Washington Post, but is framed by his youth carrying home the crustaceans from Mel’s crab truck. It’s a bowl of Carolina rice, layered with pickled okra, uni béarnaise, and crab. Jones also points to a dish on the opening menu, rockfish and brassica, paying respect to a landmark D.C. institution, Ben’s Chili Bowl. Jones reverse engineered a favorite bowl of chili that’s seafood instead of meat forward, leveraging octopus and rockfish along with different riffs of cauliflower: showing his intellectual, creative, and cultural sides.
While “Top Chef” is showing Jones’s spotlight side, he also lets his identity show at work. “In the kitchen, I make sure we’re inclusive. We don’t tolerate discrimination. Everyone that’s here should feel confident to express themselves. There are so many different flags in the kitchen.”
Jones says that he didn’t fully express his gay identity until fairly recently. He felt reluctant coming out to certain family members, “you’re scared to tell them about being different,” he says, and while that anxiety ate at him, “I’m lucky and fortunate to have unconditional love and that weight off my shoulders.”
Today, “I’m me all the time, Monday to Sunday. I’m honest with people, and my staff is honest with me.”
“Being a chef is hard,” he says, “and being a chef of color is even more difficult.”
Yet his LGBTQ identity is a juggling act, he says. “I need to keep that balance, because once someone finds out something about you, their opinion can change, whether you want it or not.”
Being on a whole season of TV cooking competition, however, might mean millions more might have an opinion of him (Jones has appeared on TV already, on an episode of “Chopped”). To prepare, he says, “I’ve just kept a level head. It’s just an honor to be on top chef with amazing people happy to be there.”
Plus, this season is set in the Carolinas, and Jones attended Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, N.C. “It’s a full story of my life, now a monumental moment for me.”
Jones also recently was nominated for a James Beard Foundation Award. “JBF has been a north star, a dream for so long. I always had this goal on my wall.”
Being at the top spot at Marcus DC, making waves through his accolades, and cooking on Bravo means that Jones is highly visible. “I think that if someone has a similar background to me, and can see our story, trajectory, and success, they can have more ability to be themselves. This is my goal.”
Back at Marcus, Jones has plenty up his chef’s white’s sleeves. A new spring menu is in the works. He’ll be launching a new tasting menu “dining experience,” he says, and has plans to work on more events and collaborations with chefs and friends to bring in new talent and share the culinary wealth.
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Introducing the Torchbearers Awards honoring queer, trans women and nonbinary people
Meet the Legends and Illuminators lighting new paths
The Torchbearers Awards are more than recognition—they are a continuation of legacy. They honor the quiet architects of progress in our community: those who organize, advocate, build, and protect, often without fanfare but always with purpose. Rooted in a belief in intentional recognition, this honor names those who carry our movements forward—those who make room for others, who remind us that change is both generational and generative. In a time marked by uncertainty and challenge, these leaders push forward with courage, clarity, and an unwavering commitment to expanding opportunity and equity.
This year’s honorees reflect the full breadth of our community, spanning generations, backgrounds, identities, and industries. From Legends, with decades of leadership and having created pathways for others, to Illuminators, who are lighting new paths with creativity and innovation, each Torchbearer represents the power of intergenerational leadership and the strength found in our diversity. They are organizers, advocates, artists, policy leaders, healers, and changemakers whose lived experiences shape a shared vision for equity and liberation.
This award is our love letter to queer and trans women and nonbinary people who carry the flame when it would be easier to let it dim. To those who consistently show up, who use their voice and visibility and stand firm, often without recognition, so that others may live more freely and fully. The Torchbearers Awards celebrates not just what has been done, but the enduring spirit, responsibility, and collective care that ensure the work continues, and that the flame is always passed forward.
Co-Creators of the Torchbearers Awards: Shannon Alston, June Crenshaw, Heidi Ellis
Torchbearers Awards Advisory Board: Aditi Hardikar, Lesley Bryant, Jasmine Wilson-Bryant, Stephen Rutgers
ILLUMINATOR AWARDEES
- Representative Sharice Davids (she/her), (D, KS-03)
— U.S. House of Representatives - Greisa Martinez Rosas (she/her/ella)
— Executive Director, United We Dream - Paola Ramos (she/her)
— Journalist & Correspondent - Meagan A. Fitzgerald (she/her)
— Journalist & Correspondent - Jessica L. Lewis (she/her)
— Founder / Producer, Play Play DC - Savannah Wade (she/her)
— Founder, OAR Agency - Suhad Babaa (she/her)
— Filmmaker/ Former Executive Director of Just Vision - Ashlee Davis (she/her)
— Global Head of Inclusive Outcomes, Ancestry - Jazmine Hughes (she/her)
— Journalist and Former Editor at New York Times Magazine - Queen Adesuyi (they/she)
— Policy Advisor & Organizer, ReFrame Health & Justice - Michele Rayner, Esq. (she/her)
— Civil Rights Attorney, State Representative (Florida House of Representatives) - Gaby Vincent (she/her)
— Sports/Cultural Commentator and Community Leader - Jenny Nguyen (she/her)
— Founder & Owner, The Sports Bra - Denice Frohman (she/her)
— Independent Artist, Poet / Performer - Vida Rangel (she/her)
— Founder, Our Trans Capital - Roxanne Anderson (they/them)
— Executive Director, Our Space - Ann Marie Gothard (she/her)
— Co-Founder & President, Pride Live (Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center) - Diana Rodriquez (she/her)
— Co-Founder & CEO, Pride Live (Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center) - Wendi Cooper (she/her)
— Founder / Executive Director, Transcending Women - Toya Matthews (she/her)
— City of San Antonio, Texas - Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones (she/her)
— Sports/Cultural Commentator and Community Leader - Charity Blackwell (she/her)
— Poet, LGBTQ Advocate & Community Leader - Wilhelmina Indermaur (she/her)
— Director of Communications, Tyler Clementi Foundation - Em Chadwick (she/her)
— CMO, For Them & Autostraddle - Kylo Freeman (they/he)
— CEO, For Them & Autostraddle
LEGEND AWARDEES
- Sheila Alexander-Reid (she/her)
— Executive Director, PHL Diversity, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau - Cassandra Cantave Burton (she/her)
— Interim Director of Thought Leadership & Senior Research Advisor, AARP - leigh h. mosley (she/her)
— Photographer / Educator, PhotoFlo Photography - Jenn M. Jackson, PhD (they/them)
— Assistant Professor of Political Science; Author & Columnist, Syracuse University - Jordyn White (she/her)
— COO, Washington Prodigy / VP of Leadership Development & Research, HRC Foundation - AJ Hikes (they/them)
— Deputy Executive Director, ACLU - RaeShanda Lias (she/her)
— Digital Creator, RL Lockhart - Donna Payne-Hardy (she/her)
— Educator, EEO Specialist, Founder of NBJC, Former Leader at the Human Rights Campaign - Courtney R. Snowden (she/her)
— Principal, Blueprint Strategy Group - Gaye Adegbalola (she/her)
— Musician & Activist, Musician / Inductee of the Blues Hall of Fame - Cheryl A. Head (she/her)
— Independent Author, Novelist (Crime Fiction) - Letitia Gomez (she/her)
— The American LGBTQ+ Museum, Board Chair - Lynne Brown (she/her)
— Publisher, Washington Blade - Shay Franco-Clausen (She/Her/Ella/Queen)
— Political Strategist and Organizer - Melissa L. Bradley (she/her)
— Founder & Managing Partner, New Majority Ventures - Meghann Burke (she/her)
— Executive Director, NWSL Players Association - Victoria Kirby York, MPA (she/they)
— Director of Public Policy & Programs, National Black Justice Collective - Joli Angel Robinson (she/her)
— CEO, Center on Halsted - Jeannine Frisby LaRue (she/her)
— CEO, Moxie Strategies - Alice Wu (she/her)
— Film Director (Saving Face, The Half of It) / Screenwriter - Storme Webber (she/her)
— Interdisciplinary Artist / Educator, University of Washington - Kim Stone
— CEO of the Washington Spirit, Washington Spirit - Mickalene Thomas
— American Visual Artist, Mickalene Thomas Studio - Erika Lorshbough (any/they/she)
— Executive Director, interACT - J. Gia Loving (she/ella)
— Co-Executive Director, GSA Network
a&e features
D.C. springs back to life with new, returning events
Cherry blossoms, Rehoboth season kickoff, and more on tap
Longer and warmer days are back meaning: It’s time to get out of the house and enjoy Washington D.C.’s many events. Below are a few to check out this spring.
The National Museum of Women in the Arts will host “Making their Mark: Works from the Shah Garg Collection” until Sunday, July 26. This exhibition illustrates women artists’ vital role in abstraction, considers historical contributions, formal and material breakthroughs and intergenerational relationships among women artists over the last eight decades. For more details, visit. NMWA’s website.
Art in the Attic will host a pop-up on Saturday, March 14 at 6 p.m. at 1012 Madison St., Alexandria, Va. There will be a variety of vendors selling products across different modes of art. For more details, visit Eventbrite.
Play Play will host “Indoor Recess – The art of play” on Sunday, March 15 at 2 p.m. This event will embody classic recess energy, including opportunities to build and experience community and connections through games, movement, art stations, and creative freedom. Tickets are $12.51 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Spark Social will host “Gay Bar Crawl on U Street” on Friday, March 20 at 7:30 p.m. This will be a fun night out in gay D.C. with other gay people, whether you’re visiting D.C., new to the area, or just looking to expand your social circle. Many crawlers have formed lasting friendships and even romantic relationships after just one night out. Tickets are $35.88 and are available on Eventbrite.
Creative Suitland Arts Center will host “EFFERVESCENT: House of Swann” on Saturday, May 30 at 7 p.m. This will be a gay, good time where we will celebrate love, joy, wellness, and visibility for the LGBTQIA+ community. Tickets start at $17.85 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
SWAG Works DC will host “Unapologetically Her” on Saturday, March 14 at 2 p.m. at 701 E St., S.E. This event is a powerful celebration of womanhood, resilience, creativity, and self-expression in honor of Women’s History Month. This all-women exhibition highlights the diverse voices, stories, and artistic perspectives of women who create boldly, live authentically, and stand confidently in their truth. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
9:30 Club will host “Gimme Gimme Disco: A Dance Party Inspired by ABBA” on Saturday, March 14 at 6 p.m. There will also be a “Donna Summer Power Hour – The Queen of Disco” segment during this event. It’ll be one hour of music with no skips. Tickets are available on 9:30 Club’s website.
Harder Better Faster Stronger will host “Heated Rivalry Rave” on Friday, March 20 at 9 p.m. at Howard Theatre. This event is open to all ages. Tickets are available on the theater’s website.
CAMP Rehoboth hosts its 25th annual Women’s+ FEST, April 9-12 in Rehoboth Beach, Del. Entertainers include headliner Mina Hartong, a comedian, storyteller, and founder of Lez Out Loud; and singer Yoli Mayor. There are dances, dinners, pickleball, and much more. Details and tickets at camprehoboth.org.
Also in Rehoboth Beach, the Washington Blade’s 19th annual Summer Kickoff Party is set for Friday, May 15 featuring Ashley Biden, who will accept an award on behalf of her brother Beau. State Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall will also speak. More speakers and the venue to be announced soon.
The annual D.C. Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off March 21 at DAR Constitution Hall and culminates with Petalpalooza on April 4, the day-long, outdoor street party with music and art, stretching across Navy Yard, and ending with fireworks over the Anacostia River.
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