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.