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Uptown Pride keeps it hyper local

Live music, beer garden, drag story hour, and more set for June 15

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11 months ago

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This year’s Uptown Pride is set for June 15.

Uptown Pride is Saturday, June 15 from 2-7 p.m. at 5500 Colorado Ave., N.W. Washington, D.C.

We will have live music, a beer garden, drag story hour with Petworth’s own Tara Hoot, kids’ activities, musical performances, and a queer writers reading.

Can you share the origin story of Uptown Pride? What inspired its founding?

Uptown Pride was created when jointly (but mostly Max) came up to a gullible Justin after a few glasses of rosé and asked for his hand in planning. But for real – while the larger Pride is wonderful and should be attended, the smaller community-based Pride events are also important and vital for the nodes within D.C.’s vibrant communities to have our voices heard for our LGBTQ families, friends, and especially your young ones, and those that are perhaps not comfortable yet announcing themselves. 

We formed Uptown Pride to make a community-driven festival serving the greater ‘Uptown’ community of upper Petworth, Brightwood park areas of D.C. so that families in the area can participate in an event for the entire family — an event that uplifts and also gives back to a charitable organization.

What are some of the key events and activities organized by Uptown Pride?

With this being our second year of the event – we have our staple of Miss Tara Hoot – Petworth’s own Totter Queen. She has a Drag Story Hour for the children and it is well received and attended. Our community has lots of families so we pay close attention to incorporating children’s events like Tara, family yoga with Lighthouse Yoga, large yard games etc. We also have a crowd favorite 50/50 raffle that gives back to the community – the proceeds from this raffle 100% go toward our charity of choice for that year and 99.9% of the prizes come from businesses along Kennedy Street, upper 14th and Upshur Street, N.W. – truly supporting our community.

How can community members get involved with Uptown Pride as volunteers?

Community members can find out more info about volunteering or donating by visiting our website at UptownPrideDC.com

What impact has Uptown Pride had on the local LGBTQ community since its inception?

Each year we select a charity for our 50/50 raffle prizes, a portion of T-shirt sales and booth rentals to go toward. Last year it was the Trevor Project and we raised more than $4,000. Keep in mind that last year we began planning the festival with less than three months time from start to finish. This year we have chosen DMV-based SMYAL as our charity of choice.

How does Uptown Pride address the specific needs and challenges faced by the LGBTQ community in Upper Northwest DC?

This year we have a wider program planned. While we have the DJs planned, the vendors market and family yoga, we also have DC Scores young athlete poets scheduled to recite their works about their life in D.C. and beyond, coupled with performances by Sisterfire/Roadwork and a Queer Gay Writers Reading to speak to a more historical place within the  LGBTQ+ world.

How does Uptown Pride collaborate with other local organizations?

We reach out to local businesses, non-profits, and D.C.-based orgs to see how we can best help each other grow together. Each year we identify a charity to fund with proceeds from the event. The vendor booth rentals, raffle funds, and more are donated to the charity of choice. We also liaise with local businesses up and down our local business corridors to ensure they are aware of the charities we are working with — most businesses choose to provide a percentage donation each Pride month to the charity we have chosen. We firmly believe in our D.C. roots and keeping things hyper local.

In what ways can local businesses and individuals support Uptown Pride’s mission

The only way we are able to put on the event that we do is through donations and sponsorships from business owners, nonprofits and community members throughout D.C. with a special focus on the Uptown neighborhoods. Every year we put on this festival to create an inclusive space and raise funds to donate to a local charity. Without your support we would be unable to do this. 

Alternatively, volunteering and offering your time is also a huge help as we are a 100% volunteer-based event and planning committee so if you would live to give back and be involved in that way, we welcome you to reach out on our website.

What message would you like to share with the broader D.C. community about Uptown Pride and its mission?

Uptown Pride is unwavering in its commitment to creating a positive, supportive, and uplifting environment for the LGBTQ community in D.C. Through the collective efforts of our volunteers and the engagement of our community, we strive to be a beacon of acceptance, understanding, and pride in the heart of Uptown. We focus on our six pillars which are Community Unity, Inclusive Advocacy, Educational Initiatives, Educational Initiatives, Cultural Celebrations and Volunteerism and Service.

Justin Noble is a Realtor with Sotheby’s International Realty licensed in D.C., Maryland, and Delaware for your DMV and Delaware beach needs. Specializing in first-time homebuyers, development and new construction as well as estate sales, Justin provides white glove service at every price point. Reach him at 202-503-4243,  [email protected] or BurnsandNoble.com.

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Out & About

Taste of Point returns May 7

Annual reception honors LGBTQ student scholars

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7 days ago

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April 25, 2025

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A scene from last year’s Taste of Point reception. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

Point Foundation will host its annual “Taste of Point Reception” on Wednesday, May 7 at 6:30 p.m. at Room & Board. 

The popular event will take place on the top floor and outdoor terrace at Room & Board, featuring small plates from area restaurants, hand-crafted cocktails from local mixologists, and a speaking portion where guests will hear directly from Point Foundation scholars. This year, Point is supporting a record-breaking class of 755 scholars and guests’ support will allow Point to continue its mission. Point Foundation is the nation’s largest scholarship-granting organization for LGBTQ students of merit. 

Tickets are tax deductible and can be purchased at Point’s website. 

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Calendar

Calendar: April 25-May 1

LGBTQ events in the days to come

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7 days ago

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April 25, 2025

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Friday, April 25

Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans* people and those who may be questioning their gender identity/expression to join together in community and learn from one another. For more details, email [email protected]. 

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at Uproar Lounge and Restaurant. This event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite. 

Saturday, April 26

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including Allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Black Lesbian Support Group will be at 11 a.m. on Zoom. This is a peer-led support group devoted to the joys and challenges of being a Black lesbian. You do not need to be a member of the Beta Kappa Chapter or the Beta Phi Omega Sorority in order to join, but they do ask that you either identify as a lesbian or are questioning that aspect of your identity. For more details, email [email protected]. 

Sunday, April 27

“Trans Open Mic and Author Talk with Jeanne Thornton” will be at 5 p.m. at Busboys and Poets 14th & V. It’s a difficult time for trans people in the USA, and Jeanne would like to extend the opportunity to local trans fiction writers to build community by coming on stage and sharing their work as part of an opening “open mic” to this event. There are spaces for up to 6-8 readers to share work of up to five minutes each. If you are interested in reading, please select the “Open Mic Ticket” and find Jeanne before the show at 4:30 p.m. The reading will be arranged on a first come, first served basis on the night of the event. For more details, visit Eventbrite.

Monday, April 28

“Center Aging Monday Coffee & Conversation” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more details, email [email protected]. 

Queer Book Club will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This month’s reading is “All Systems Red and Artificial Condition (The Murderbot Diaries Book 1 & 2)” by Martha Wells. For more details, email [email protected]. 

Tuesday, April 29

“OutPro Meaningful LGBTQ Networking” will be at 6 p.m. at Number Nine. Out Pro creates an environment that is welcoming to the full diversity of the LGBTQ community, as well as supportive allies. Guests are encouraged to embrace purposeful networking with the goal of helping connect people with opportunities. If you’re hiring, please come and meet motivated, aspiring LGBTQ professionals. As always, our events warmly welcome community allies. For more details, visit Eventbrite. 

Wednesday, April 30

Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.

Thursday, May 1

API Queer Support Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a support group for the Asian and Pacific Islander queer community. For more information, email [email protected]. 

Virtual Yoga with Charles M. will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breath work, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.

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Calendar: April 18-24

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

2 weeks ago

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April 18, 2025

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Friday, April 18

“Center Aging Friday Tea Time” will be at 2 p.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more details, email [email protected]. 

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena. This event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite. 

Trans and Genderqueer Game Night will be at 6 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This will be a relaxing, laid-back evening of games and fun. All are welcome and there’ll be card and board games on hand. Feel free to bring your own games to share. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website. 

Saturday, April 19

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including Allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

LGBTQ People of Color Support Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This peer support group is an outlet for LGBTQ People of Color to come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space that strives to be safe and judgement free. There are all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more information and events for LGBTQ People of Color, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc. 

“Spark Sapphic Social” will be at 8 p.m. at Spark Social House. This weekly sapphic social is an opportunity to mix and mingle with other sapphics in D.C.’s newest LGBTQ bar. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite. 

“DC Drag Brunch on Rooftop – Penthouse (Formerly at Lima Twist)” will be at 12 p.m. at Baby Shank Rooftop. Hosted by Miss Capital Pride, this is the ultimate drag brunch experience in Washington, D.C., featuring the fiercest queens around. Prepare to be entertained by glamorous drag queens and celebrated celebrity impersonators, including Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Britney Spears, Nicki Minaj, Ariana Grande, Whitney Houston, Cher and many more. Tickets cost $27 and are available on Eventbrite. 

Sunday, April 20

Queer Crayon Club will host “Queer Sketch Social” at 3 p.m. at Sinners and Saints. This is a fun event for LGBTQ+ adults to come together and color. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Monday, April 21

“Center Aging Monday Coffee & Conversation” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more details, email [email protected]. 

Tuesday, April 22

Genderqueer DC will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This support group is for people who identify outside of the gender binary. Whether you’re bigender, agender, genderfluid, or just know that you’re not 100% cis – this is your group. For more details, visit www.genderqueerdc.org or Facebook. 

Coming Out Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a peer-facilitated discussion group and a safe space to share experiences about coming out and discuss topics as it relates to doing so. For more details, visit the group’s Facebook. 

Wednesday, April 23

Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.

Asexual and Aromantic Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a space where people who are questioning this aspect of their identity or those who identify as asexual and/or aromantic can come together, share stories and experiences, and discuss various topics. For more details, email [email protected]. 

Thursday, April 24

Virtual Yoga with Sarah M. will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breath work, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.

DC Anti-Violence Project Open Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This meeting is open to anyone interested in learning more and getting involved in lessening violence both within and directed towards the LGBT communities. For more information, visit Facebook or Twitter.

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